Friday's Fave 5 & Saturday 9

This has been a good week! 

I got to greet at church this past Sunday and it was good to talk to some of the ladies that are going to Israel with me. We are all hopeful. It was good to hear the Pator's son speak and he is working on his master's in theological degree. We like to hear him at the Riverside campus. After Audrina was through playing the keyboards for 3rd service we left and got lunch. I took her home and we ate lunch. Then I went shopping at Kohls. I found some shoes I like, but they were big. I bought them with my sales and coupons. Then I went home and ordered the size smaller. The sales guy said to bring both in and I would get the same sales price. I also ordered another pair. I got them all on Friday. Now I will return what does not fit. I hope to take them to Israel, but I will also wear now. I don't spend a lot on clothes, but I have got a few things to wear now and on the trip. I don't buy anything unless it is on sale.

I slept in on Monday hubby and I loaded up the car with more things to give away. It gets easier to do and I know it makes hubby happy! 

Tuesday I met several friends for lunch. We had a nice time catching up while our groups are on summer break. I sat next to one of the girls that is going to Israel and we were talking about needing to get a special visa to go to Israel. We both have Kaiser Insurance and we have phone appointments with a person that will go over international travel.  After lunch I was able to get several errands done close by. Hubby was thankful I brought him back some soup. 

The younger grands came over Wednesday with their dogs. We got pizza for dinner and they had fruit and popcorn for snacks. I made them breakfast Thursday late morning. Then their friend's mom picked them up to go swimming. The dogs were sad, but they liked it when hubby and I went out to the backyard with them for awhile. Thankfully the temperature dropped a little. Minnie was happy to see everyone!

Thankful to get my errands over before it gets hot. Supposed to get 105 this weekend! I got Minnie''s medicine and she gets refills until November and then she has to see the vet. I bought some groceries today and noticed some more prices going up. I put one thing back because it was not a food item. Thankful that I can make wise choices!

Minnie being scratched by Audrina in the sun.

Saturday 9: Coconut (1971)

Unfamiliar with this week's tune? Hear it here.

This month Saturday 9 will be tasty, featuring songs with food in the title.

1) This song is about a woman who complains of a belly ache. How's your tummy this morning? Good!

2) She responds to this malady by calling the doctor. What if you chose to address the problem yourself? Are there currently any OTC digestive aids in your medicine chest? Pepto Bismal is my go too if my tummy hurts and feels off.

3) Coconut was once a popular ice cream flavor, but no more. It's not on the list of top sellers at Baskin Robbins or Cold Stone. When you last had ice cream, what flavor was it? Pineapple coconut when we were in Las Vegas at the Venetian.

4) Coconut remains popular in baking. It's easy to find recipes for coconut pie, coconut cheesecake, coconut cookies ... you get the idea. Have you recently tried a new recipe? If yes, how did it turn out?

I like to make coconut body scrubs and I need to get some sugar. I mix coconut, sugar and essential oil. Adding lemon or lavender smells so good. Adding Peppermint makes the skin feel tingly.

5) This week's featured artist, Harry Nilsson, was a well known free spirit. He liked to party and had a reputation for not adhering to a schedule. Therefore it's a little surprising that one of his first jobs was in the conservative atmosphere of a small bank. Do you prefer a more structured workplace? When I was working at the Post office, it was very structured.

6) Harry met Micky Dolenz when The Monkees recorded his song, "Cuddly Toy" and they became fast and life-long friends. Can you think of someone you met and quickly "clicked" with? Yes, my friends Linda and Carole. Also my friend Cynthia. I don't see Cynthia often, but when we do meet up, we can just pick up like the old days. Linda and Carole are going to Israel with me.

7) In 1971, when this song was on the radio, detective shows were popular on TV. Mannix, Ironside and Cannon were all in the Top 20. Do you think you'd make a good private investigator? I don't know. I do like to do research. I do not like to be in harm's way. 

8) England's Princess Anne turned 21 in 1971, and the occasion was commemorated with an official portrait taken by fashion photographer Norman Parkinson. Who took the most recent photo of you? My granddaughter.

9) Random question: You can redecorate any one room in your home, money is no object. But only one room. Which room do you pick? The kitchen. I would paint the cabinets white and get new hardware, get a new rangehood, get a new stove and finally, new flooring which would extend to the whole house.

Thanks to Susanne and Sam for hosting our memes.

Tuesday 4 & Wednesday Hodgepodge

1 A movie theme song will play every time you walk in the room. what is it? (consider asking family or friends) That is a hard question, because it would depend on my mood. I have been thinking of my cousin that I have not seen in a while. We used to do everything before she moved away. Our song was, You've Got a Friend. Carole wrote it for her Tapestry album in 1971.( I still have my album) James Taylor also sang it. They both won Emmy's for that song in 1972! 

2. What movie are you eager to see... what book are you eager to read... what TV program are you interested in most? I want to see Moana and Oddysey. I miss going to the movies with my husband. We don't like to leave Minnie alone right now. I have been reading more and I am on the 6th book of the AD Chronicles, that takes place around the time of Jesus. Hubby and I are watching Dancing with the Stars, Next Pro. We have been watching some things on the Disney + Channel. We have also been watching I Love Lucy.

3. Is there a book/movie/TV program you often think about or that affects you in some way? We watched a live on YouTube on Sunday about The Chosen. They talked about how the movies came about and then it ended with a tease from Season 6 that will be about the Crucifixion of Jesus. They showed a scene where Jesus talks to the Women at the Well and is one of my favorite Bible Stories. I think I want to watch the series before I go to Israel.

4. OK friend, it's your turn to organize our Blogger Movie Night where we get together as a group for snacks and movies!  What movies have you planned for us tonight and what snacks are we going to have? Popcorn of course, smores, and maybe some candy. This makes me think of the Covid Lockdown. We had the grands over a lot and we would show movies and give them snacks. We watched the animated Prince of Egypt and the Greatest Showman. I miss the days when we could do things with all the grands. It is so different now. Several of us all went to see The Mandalorian. 

1. What was the last thing you celebrated? My grandson's high school graduation and his party.

2 July 29th is International Day of the Tiger. Besides the wild animal itself, when you hear the word tiger what's the first person-place-thing-whatever that comes to mind? Song, Eye of the Tiger-Survivor and the movie Rocky 3, Eye of the Tiger.

3. The expression 'eye of the tiger' describes someone with intense focus, determination, and the drive to succeed. What area of your life are you currently bringing that kind of energy to? Decluttering a lot of old things, mostly paper things, books and craft items. I have emptied several boxes and have several bags of books to go to the library.  

4. What was the last meal you cooked? My husband cooks chicken every few days for Minnie. She gets plain chicken. I plan to make some pasta and veggies. I miss eating salads.  

5. Describe your July using exactly five words. Expensive, productive, patriotic, hot and quiet. (because all my groups are on vacation right now.

6. Insert your own random thought here. My back and neck are feeling better this week. I have disc budges in both areas and sometimes they flare up enough to have to slow down to use ice and heat. Thanks for the well wishes. Minnie has her good and down moments too. She is totally okay when it comes to eating and I know it is because of the steroids. Or maybe her body knows it needs the extra food to help fight what is happening in her body, sometimes she pants and that is a sign of pain. It is not all the time, and I try to just pet her and talk to her softly. I bought whole carrots and peeled them, cut them up and cooked them. She loved eating raw carrots. She was happy to get some after I made them. Okay, need to make pasta for hubby!

Thanks to Anne and Joyce for the memes.

My Website is at Susan's Garden of Friendship The link is to the left that says Susan's Webhome. Lots of inspirational pages too. I hope to see you there!

Friday's Fave 5 and Satruday 9

Thankful for a slower pace and getting rest. I don't always sleep well because of the issues with lower back and neck. When I do feel well, I tend to do too much and end up hurting. I am using a heating pad as I write this. If I feel better later, I will go shopping. Meanwhile, I am happy to be in AC while it is 100 outside and reading and working on my crafts and studies.

Thankful for the things I am learning as I prepare my lesson for next month's Bible study. I have been going over places Jesus visited. Last year I was going over names of Jesus and Beloved came up as Jesus was baptized. Now my focus was on the place he was baptized. I looked through several of my Bibles and took notes. I also checked Bible Hub online. Some Bible translations say that Jesus was baptized in Bethany, beyond the Jordan. But other translations say Bethabara. or house of crossing. This location is different from Bethany that was near Jerusalem, the home of Lazarus, Mary and Martha. What is interesting about Bethabara is this location is where Joshua led the people into the Promise land by crossing over.  It is also the place where Elijah stepped into the Jordan and was taken up to Heaven. The main thing is that it is a place of crossing over, or a new beginning, physically and spiritually.

Thankful that my grands are all doing well. My grandson Eddie is working two part-time jobs before he starts college in the fall. One job is at a local amusement park. The other is at Tilly's a popular clothing store and he gets discounts. He is still volunteering at the local hospital 4 hours a week. When he has time, he is putting together a shed for us. His sister is enjoying her summer and only had to go to 2 practices for sports medicine. That group goes to all the football games and provides care to the athletes. She tried to do this last year, but cheer took more practice time, and she could not do both. She gave up cheer. She decided to do what was more important for her during her last year. Most of her classes in her senior year are also transferrable to college. She has been getting lots of college invites and wants to go to school outside of California. My other granddaughter just came back from youth camp and had a great time. She is the one that is on the worship team, and also sings at her youth group. The 12-year-old grandson is enjoying doing nothing but playing games with his friends. 

I am thankful that I got a shorter layered haircut that is much cooler for the summer. Also much easier to color. Thankful for good insurance. I met with one ophthalmologist and will meet with another and decide who will do my cataract surgery. It won't happen until the fall, after my trip to Israel if we still go. I am still hopeful, but the ongoing war just makes it less likely.

Thankful that Minnie is still holding her own, though I do see when she is hurting because of her panting. It doesn't happen often, but we are keeping an eye on her. She still wants to eat all the time and we make sure she is getting enough water. There is no more blood in her poops and that is good and she is pretty regular with the help of the stool softeners. All depends on how quickly the mass grows. Meanwhile, she is getting lots of love and attention. Thanks to those of you who are leaving well wishes and prayers.

Saturday 9: This Is A Very Special Day (1953)

Unfamiliar with this week's tune? Hear it here.

1) In this song, Peggy sings that she feels good enough to climb a hill. Will you be doing anything athletic today? Yes, I do strength training everyday.

2) However she was also tempted to climb back in bed. Is a nap in your plans for today? No

3) She tells us that she looked in the mirror and told herself it was time to "lose the blues." Do you ever speak out loud to yourself? Yes

4) Peggy wrote this song for the 1953 remake of The Jazz Singer. She performs it in the movie, too. In the 1950s, female singer-songwriters were unusual, but not so today. Can you think of another woman who not only sings but writes her own material? Carole King.

5) Her co-star in the film was Danny Thomas. Today he is best remembered as a philanthropist and founder of St. Jude's Children's Research Hospital, but he was quite a star in his day. He appeared in nightclubs and movie musicals and, from 1954 to 1963, had his own sitcom. Do you know the show?

No, but I remember his daughter, Marlo Thomas.

6) When Peggy Lee was trying to break into show business, she supported herself as a short order cook. She was required to turn orders around quickly. Are you fast and efficient in the kitchen? For the most part.

7) Just when her career started to take off, Peggy had to take a break when she had her tonsils removed. Do you still have your tonsils? No, I had them removed when I was 5. I still remember the pain and the popsicles. 

8) In 1953, when this record was released, Matchbox Cars were introduced and they remain popular today. Did you ever play with Matchbox Cars? Yes, with my sons and grandsons. There are probably a few left on the ottoman.

9) Random question: You're walking past a filthy puddle. Floating on top you see a dead bug, a cigarette butt, and a $1 bill. Would you bend over and rescue the dollar? I might have at one time, but not now.

Thanks to Susanne and Sam for the memes, links are on the left.

Tuesday 4 & Wednesday Hodgepodge

1. What brand of shampoo do you think works best for you and what does it do for you?

I use Trader Joe's Tea Tree Tingle Shampoo with Peppermint, Tea Tree and Eucalyptus Botanicals. I like how it makes my scalp feel and it cleans my hair well. I like that it has natural essential oils and doesn't bother my allergies. They also have a body wash that is nice!

2. Do you use cosmetics and if so what do you use? I don't wear a lot of makeup unless I am going to church or out with friends. I wear mascara and use a brow mascara for my greys. I like to wear a light plum color lipstick from Avon and Burts Bee products. I wear CeraVe moisturizer with a SPF 30 and CeraVe Night moisturizer as recommended by my dermatologist.

3. Do you use a washcloth on your face? Sometimes.

4. Do you have an all-time favorite perfume or scent that you wear? If you don't wear perfumes, is there a scent that you love in general? I can't wear fragrances, but I can wear essential oils. I like one called Stress Away by Young Living. It has lime, lavender and vanilla. 

1. Do your goals and dreams energize or exhaust you? Elaborate. There is only one goal, dream I have right now and that is to go to Israel. I am praying this war will end, but so far it only gets worse!

2. July 23rd is national lemon day. Are you a fan of this flavor? What's a favorite dish or beverage you enjoy that calls for lemons? I do love lemons and we have a Mayer lemon tree in our backyard. We mostly cut up lemons to put in our water. Sometimes we add it to certain dished like lemon piccata. 

3. "When life gives you lemons, make lemonade"...is this something you're pretty good at managing? Have you had to do this recently? If so tell us about it. There are some things that are pretty sour like the news, so I limit my time on the news. So I try to stay off it and work on my studies, crafts or declutter process. I am doing good on that. 

4. Something you love that is lemon yellow in color? I just got a shirt that has yellow in it and I really like it. I like a mellow yellow color and like to use it when I am crafting.

5. How would you describe your attention to detail? I am a very detailed person. When I look back to certain committee's I was on, I always liked to add things to make it special. Friends said they could tell I took the time to make is special. I am the same way with my Bible journaling. 

6. Insert your own random thought here. Minnie is holding her own but is still always hungry. We know she is blind in one eye and bumps into things and can't see things we put in front of her. We wonder if she also has a bit of dementia. Yesterday morning, she just laid in my arms and did not even get up when hubby went to bbq some hotdogs. Then later she was acting like she was catching flies like she use to, but there were no flies and she can't see really well. She wants to go out but then stands there. She paws at the door and forget she has a doggy door. Most of the time she follows us and then plops down on her side which is a new everyday behavior. So we have stayed home a lot. We have not gone out together since the last time we took her to the vet. She wants to be close to my husband who is her alpha and I am second. She still gets happy to see the grands and that is good. We are cutting back on her steroids and so far it seems okay. If she seems to be in pain, we will call the vet up.

Saturday 9

Saturday 9: Kung Fu Fighting (1974)

Unfamiliar with this week's tune? Hear it here.

1) Have you ever taken a martial arts class? No

2) In this song, Carl Edwards sings about funky Chinatown. Many cities – including San Francisco, New York, Los Angeles, Chicago, Vancouver, London and Antwerp – have a Chinatown. Have you ever visited Chinatown? Yes, I have been to Chinatown in San Francisco, Los Angeles, San Diego, and Hawaii.

3) Many Chinese restaurants give out fortune cookies. Can you recall one of your fortunes? No

4) This week's featured artist, Carl Edwards, was born in Jamaica, spent his childhood in the US, and relocated to England. Have you ever lived abroad? No

5) In 1974 he became the first Jamaican to have a #1 hit in the US with this song. Have you been to Jamaica? No

6) When this week's song was on the charts, ABC TV had a hit with the show Kung Fu. Today it's available to stream. Were you a fan? No

7) Also in 1974, the FIFA World Cup was played in West Germany. Have you been following the FIFA World Cup this year? Yes.

8) Two of 1974's most popular toys were popular with adults, too. Would you prefer a Rubik's Cube or a Magic 8 Ball? Rubik's Cube.

9) Random question: Have you ever cut someone else's hair? Yes, my daughters. My dog's hair too!

Tuesday 4 & Wednesday Hodgepodge

Welcome to Toni Taddeo's Tuesday 4...Summer time is upon us. 

1. What special memories do you have about summer when you were younger? So many fun memories! Playing in my grandparent's backyard, swimming, skating, playing with the neighborhood kids, riding my bike to the local park and playing tether ball and carrom's. We would have ice cream/popsicles and play in the sprinklers. One year we went to Yosemite and camped by the river. I remember dunking our Sees hard candy pops in the cold water and popping it in our mouths. I really enjoyed the end of the summer church camp and more. 

My birthday is in August, so we would celebrate at the park.

My tablecloth says Happy Birthday from Disneyland.

Newport Beach around 1960.

This was either 1965 or 1966 at Camp Colby.

We slept in the cabin with our parents. 

Once we hit jr. high, we could sleep with the girls our own age.

2. What is the highest temperature you've experienced in summer?  What about so far this summer? How do you weather the heat or humidity? We will hit 99 on Wednesday. We don't get humidity very often though we did this past Sunday. I think one summer it got up to 115! We have air, so we survive. Last year our AC went out and we had to stay with family for a couple of weeks. So happy that we got a new system because it works so much better!

3. What's been on your menu so far this summer? I started out eating salads. But with this parasite making people sick, I am going to forgo salads for a while. I am eating cooked veggies to get my greens in, I need to buy some frozen veggies and fruit. 

4.  What is on your reading list this summer... anything to recommend to us?  What's on your TV this summer. Any music you're liking this summer? I am reading the 5th book of the AD Chronicles. I have mentioned it several times. I listen to mostly Christian music either on my phone or on YouTube on my laptop. I do have a few oldie stations and that would be anytime from 50's-2000's.

1. "Deep summer is when laziness finds respectability." Sam Keen

Do you feel less guilty relaxing in July than you do in January? Elaborate. I am retired and can experience days of laziness. My groups are on summer break right now, so things are quiet. I don't feel guilty except when I don't manage my time well. For instance, being on the computer too long when I know I have my garage project to work on. Because it is hot, I am spending time in the late morning and late evening to go through things. Hubby took another trip to the second hand store. I always make time to do things with the grands, but that is not as often as it used to be when they were younger. I do spend more time in the spa.

2. What's a telltale sign you're upset? I don't get upset often, but my husband knows when I am because I will complain to him. If I am upset with him, I take a time out for me to "cool my jets" I put on my music and ask the Lord for peace.

3. July 16th is National AI Day. What are your general thoughts and/or experiences with AI? Have you purposely used it? Does it excite you, scare you, or worry you? What do you see as a benefit? How about something relating to AI you see as a negative? I think like anything new, I am hesitant to jump in. I want to know more about it. So far, I have not used any new features like Cat GBT. I like to use SIRI on my iPhone. Like many things, it has the potential to help and hurt someone.

4. You're invited to a summer potluck and are asked to bring an appetizer, salad/side, or dessert. Which category do you go for and what are you bringing? I usually bring fresh fruit. That would be hard to do right now. Maybe I would take guacamole and chips instead.

5. It wouldn't be summer without a trip to the beach. 

6. Insert your own random thought here. My Israel trip is 3 months away. I am trying to stay positive about it. I am making 3 of my friends travel journals. Minnie is holding her own. She is happy to have family around. We have but back on the steroids but she still wants to eat all the time. She does bump into things, so we keep a close watch on her. 

Fridays Fave 5 & Saturday 9

I am thankful that Minnie is holding steady. Hubby stayed home with her on Sunday, and I was able to go to church after missing it or two weeks. I was able to see my granddaughter sing the National Anthem I am thankful that I can watch service online when I can't be at church. but I do like to see my friends and family there. 

Thankful that the younger grads came down on Monday and on Monday night I had all 4 grands here. It is rare to get pictures with all of them now. The younger grads were supposed to be here through Thursday along with the grand dogs, Plans were changed because of Minnie and their other grandma picked them up on Tuesday. She was able to see Minnie and Minnie was happy to see her too Thankful that our grands have their grandparents to help out. Here are Coco and Daisy.

Thankful to do some shopping on Wednesday after Senior Fellowship. I found a pair of pants and a top I can wear them now and when I go to Israel in October. I was talking to my 3 friends that are going to Israel too. We all want to go know things are in God's hand. But since the US attacked Iran, things have gotten worse. The travel agency says tours are still happening and we will know more as we get closer to October. If is not safe to go. the travel agency will let the Pastor know. Will we be sad? Yes, but like I said, it is in God's hands. I will get my money back and maybe I will get new flooring. But for now, I am still hoping and praying. 

Thankful that we can have dreams and also be realistic when life happens.

Thankful for a better night's rest. I have been turning the tv off and reading before bed. Thankful that I have the AD series of books in my library. I read them back in the early 2000's there was a lot I had forgotten. The series is by Brock and Bodie Thoen. It follows the people that lived during the year of Jesus. It brings Bible people back to life like the bling man that Jesus heals. The character is named Peniel/Penuel which means face of God or to see the face of God or to turn toward the face of God. Many of the correct names of characters are used. Biblical references are also listed. Jacob is from Genesis 32 and wrestled with God and named the place Penuel. Jacob then is known as Israel, one of Biblical hierarchs and the son of Abraham It also gives the historical perspective during that time. The emphasis is on the people that were healed by Jesus. I love historical Christian fiction!  

Saturday 9: There'll Be Some Changes Made (1962)

Unfamiliar with this week's tune? Hear it here.

1) In this song, Ann-Margret sings that she's going to change her way of living. If you could simply snap your fingers and change something in your life, what would it be? Better health, good eyesight and increase in muscle mass.

2) She tells us she's going to change her name. Have you ever changed your name, or asked people to refer to you differently? (Example: "Don't call me Betty anymore. I want to be Elizabeth.") I go by Susan or Susie. but do not like Sue. My mom called me Susan and my dad called me Susie. My sisters call me Susie and my brother calls me Susan

3) Ann-Margret was born Ann-Margret Olsson in Sweden and when was 5, her family moved to Winnetka, Illinois. She is fluent in both Swedish and English. When did you last converse in a language other than English? My granddaughter was sharing what she is learning in her Spanish class. We exchanged a few words.

4) Olivia Newton-John was a big Ann-Margret fan. When she was cast in the movie Grease, Olivia asked that her character's name be changed from "Sandy Dumbrowski" to "Sandy Olsson" in tribute. Grease is one of the most profitable movies ever made. Have you seen it more than once? Yes

5) Ann-Margret celebrated her 85th birthday earlier this year. Back in 2024, Ann-Margret told a reporter that she planned to celebrate her 83rd birthday with a spin on her motorcycle, a lavender Harley-Davidson. "I love speed," she explained. Do you always observe the speed limit? Or have you been known to zip along a little faster? I have gone faster in the pass on an open road.

6) This week's song was written in 1921 and over the last 100+ years it's been recorded more than 400 times. Before today, had you heard it? No

7) The lyrics were written by William Weldon Higgins, who was better known as vaudeville comic Billy Higgins. When did you most recently laugh out loud? At Senior Fellowship this past Wednesday. Pastor decided to pop in for a game of Bingo and won!

8) The music was composed by William Overstreet. In addition to writing music, he was a respected director at Chicago's Grand Theater. When did you last see a live performance (concert, play, etc.)?

January 25, several shows on our cruise ship. I saw Cece Winans in concert February of 25 with my granddaughter. My granddaughter and I are going to a musical play on July 11.

9) Random question: Do you have more or less than $20 cash in your wallet right now? Yes, $22

Thanks to Susanne and Sam for the memes. They are linked on the left. 

Tuesday 4 & Wednesday Hodgepodge

Tuesday 4 What do you call it?
1. In New Jersey you put your groceries in a paper bag or plastic bag.  In Athens, Ohio where I went to

university, you put them in a paper sack. Is it bag, sack or something else where you live? Bag.

2. Though no one seems to wear them anymore, NJ says  Stockings.  Athens, Ohio used to call them "hose" and in Britain they are tights. What about where you live? We called them nylons.

3.Soda, Pop, Coke? Hero, sub, grinder, hoagie? Soda, sub.

 

4. Shopping cart or trolley. buggy? What do you call it? Cart or basket.

1. What's something you enjoy now that your younger self would never have appreciated? Time

2. What was peaceful about today? 

3. It's National Blueberry Day (July 8). Will you celebrate?  You can have one of the following right now-a slice of blueberry pie, a warm blueberry muffin, or a stack of blueberry pancakes...which do you choose? Pie.

This or that-blueberries or raspberries? blueberries or strawberries? 

4. Do you need a break? From what? A break from back problems. 

5. What has surprised you most about getting older? How quickly the days/years go by. 

6. Insert your own random thought here. I still can't believe I am almost 71. My mind does not feel that age, but my body reminds me. My youngest grand is a pre teen at 12. My oldest is 18, has two jobs and starts the university in the fall. He still hangs out here, so I guess I won't be getting my craft room back. But I am okay with that. Someday it will change. When we were busy raising kids and working, our parents were doing things with their friends. Then we were doing things with our church. When I look back and see why my parents worked into their late 60's. They had a successful real estate business. They enjoyed having the family over on weekend. Then mom got Alzheimer's. She was 75 when she died. For a few years I had this mental clock running that was working off that 75. But a verse in the Bible reminded me that only God knows our time. I can live life to the fullest for as long as I can. If it is safe, I will be going to Israel in October. I really want to go, but I don't, I will plan something else. Taking care of my health is important. Wednesday is senior fellowship and I plan to go. Socialization is important.

Minnie update. She is holding steady right now. She is always hungry because of the steroids and because we have to feed her smaller amounts. So we feed her 4 times a day. The stool softeners are really helping. she doesn't walk slow like she is hurting. She bumps into things. We looked into her left eye and you can see that the pupil look bad. She is content for now. A couple of weeks ago we thought we were going to lose her. Thanks for your prayers. We will enjoy each day as we can. All my grands and grand dogs are here as I write this and they are still asleep at 10 am. Thanking God for family.

Fridays Fave Five & Saturday 9

Every Friday I stop to list things I am thankful for from the week and link with Susanne

I am thankful that the medicine has helped our sweet Minnie. She is walking better now and has even started barking again. Now that the stool softener is working, she is not struggling as much to potty. I am sure the steroids have helped with pain. For those that have not read my last few blog post, she has a mass blacking her lower bowels. The specialist and regular vet both suspect she has cancer and that her time is limited. We are determined to make her as comfortable as possible. She is always hungry, probably from the steroids. We have to give her smaller amounts of food, but we feed her about 4 times a day instead of two. I can tell she has lost weight, but her past increased weight might be from the mass.

I am thankful to those of you have read my blog and shown your concern.

I am thankful that our life is slow right now so we can take care of our Minnie. My husband's family reunion was a success and all our kids and grands went. I stayed home with Minnie. He will stay home this weekend so I can go to church and maybe do some shopping.

Thankful that I can have time to work on my crafts and Bible study/journal. I did this spread in 2020 and want to do it again in my Faith workbook. 

Thankful for the beautiful weather we have been having. 70's and 80's is great but we are heading to the 90's next week. That is still okay. We do get several days of 100 and thankful for air conditioning!

Thankful for my family and that they are all believers. Thankful to be a part of the USA!

SATURDAY 9: God Bless America 

Unfamiliar with Connie Francis' version of this song? Hear it here.

1) Irving Berlin's lyrics celebrate our mountains, prairies, and oceans. Which of these geographical features is nearest your home? The beach is about 35 miles from me. The mountains are about 50 miles. The desert is about 50 miles in another direction.

2) Berlin donated his royalties from "God Bless America" to the Girl Scouts and Boy Scouts of America. Were you ever a Scout? Yes, I was a Girl Scout. 

 

3) While this week's song has been recorded many times, we're concentrating on Connie Francis' 1959 version. It was never intended to be a hit, released as the B-side to her popular "Among My Souvenirs." But it took off when it was played at school rallies and patriotic events. Do you know all the lyrics to "God Bless America?" Could you sing along with Connie? Yes, I learned it in Elementary school. 

4) After she wrote her autobiography, Connie said she wanted Valerie Bertinelli to play her in the movie. Even though Valerie isn't known for her singing, Connie liked that they were both Italian-American and 5'5". If we made a movie of your life, who should play you ??? I am only 5 feet tall!

 

5) Connie had a passionate romance with Bobby Darin, and their relationship is included in the Broadway show about Bobby's life, Just In Time. While Connie expressed her support for the production, she never saw the show because hip problems made flying difficult. How about you? Are you dealing with any aches or pains today? Yes, I have disc issues in my neck, mid back and lower back. I use my heating pad a lot. I can't pick up anything more than 8 pounds. I take Motrin when I have to. I have a cavity that is bothering me and it will get fixed in a week.

 

6) The Fourth of July means we're in the middle of summer. Are you careful about applying sunscreen? Yes, I have too. I got skin cancer on my face last year. Sadly, most skin cancer from today is from sun exposure in the past.

7) More beer is purchased for the 4th of July than any other holiday. What beverage will be served with your July 4th meal? Ice water with fruit and a touch of Snapple diet peach tea.

 

8) Emergency rooms expect an increase over the July 4th holiday. The most common causes are sports injuries (like jammed wrists and wrenched knees) and the unwise use of home fireworks. Have you  been to the ER or Urgent Care during 2026? No, thank God! But my precious Minnie has a few times.

9) New York is home to Nathan's Hot Dog Eating Contest every year on the 4th. Will hot dogs be consumed in your household this weekend? Hubby made some last week, and I would prefer a hamburger for this weekend.

Previous entry has my 4th decorations.

Thanks to Susanne and Sam for the meme questions, links on left.

Tuesday 4 & Wednesday Hodgepodge

It's time again for Toni Taddeo's Tuesday 4 and this week our friend Susan suggested the topic of decorating our homes for the holidays, especially for the 4th of July as it is the USA's 250th birthday.  So, lets do that. On July 4, 1776 we declared our independence from the British Empire and King George III  when the First Continental Congress set forth the Declaration of Independence. We became a free and sovereign, independent nation on September 3, 1783 

1. Will or have you decorated for the holiday? Yes, all US holidays are celebrated, and I have decorations for seasons too. If you don't reside in the USA, do you have a special holiday you decorate for on the outside of your home? Yes outside too.

I put flags in the front yard too.

2. What special little touches do you add to the outside of your home? I like to put out my seasonal garden flags. I have yard signs and scarecrows for fall. Do you enjoy puttering around in your yard? I used to, but I have to stay out of the sun for the most part because of skin cancer. My neck and back can't handle anything heavy.

3. Are plants and shrubs an important part of your house decor? I used to really enjoy gardening. I love looking out at my palm trees in the backyard and the plumerias in the front yard.

4.  On which holidays do you spend time decorating either inside, outside or both? Christmas, Fall and Easter and the 4th. inside and out. 

This is my seasonal tree. The grandfather clock was a gift from my parents.

I made this valence after cutting a bunch of strips. 

I like to make things when I can. I am working on a wreath right now.

I had left over material from making the valence, so I made the decoration below.

1. What do you love most about your country? Our country has a lot to offer. I can go to the church I want. My kids have all done well in schools and have good jobs. Grands are all doing well. I don't think they youngest generation-grands really understand true freedom . It is something not to take for granted.  

2. Your favorite patriotic song? God Bless America & American the Beautiful.

3. Red, white, or blue? Stars or stripes? Something you own besides a US flag with some combination of those colors or decorations as part of its design? Lots of things are out in my house now, see above.

4. What's one thing you want more of this summer: fun, rest, adventure, connection, quiet, or confidence? Elaborate. My dog is sick right now and things revolve around her. We don't know how long she has with her mass in her colon. Things will be on the quiet side this year. Summer weather goes till October here. I am going to Israel in October with my church if it is safe to do so.

5. What was your ultimate, go-to summer activity when you were a kid? Do you still do any version of that today? If you answered yes, does participating in this activity as an adult make you feel like a kid?  

Just being out of school for 10 weeks was great and I know kids still feel the same. Days at the beach, swimming, bike riding and hanging with friends. At the end of the summer, my family went to church camp. It was more special when we graduated to the Jr High and High school cabins. 

The last time I went, my boyfriend went to and stayed with the boys. One of the boys I had like before him was in that cabin, but all was cool. Oh, I also enjoy the beach parties with my youth group.

6. Insert your own random thought here. I had some dental work done on Monday and my cataract consult on Tuesday morning. I am always thankful for health insurance. I will be having my cataract surgery after I come back from Israel in October. I can see pretty well in the daylight. With Minnie being sick, it is probably best. Enjoy the 4th of July!

Thanks to Annie and Joyce for the memes this week,