Friday's Fave 5 & Saturday 9

It is Friday night and it has been a nice week. Our granddaughter sang at our satellite church and we went to hear her and the message. Afterwards we out to Red Lobster for lunch. Thankful that we can for to hear her and the young pastor who happens to be the son of the senior pastor at the main church.

We were supposed to go to Disneyland but moved it to Friday. I was glad, because then hubby and I got to see the men's hockey game and the closing ceremony for the Olympics.

Thankful for a day of rest on Monday. It was nice hearing the birds singing and working on my Bible journaling. It felt weird not watching the Olympics. The Volleyball teams will be playing about 30 minutes from us when it comes to Los Angeles. We might go see them. My grandson in currently playing volleyball for his high school.

On Tuesday our grandson got an award and we went to his school to see him. He is a senior and ASB vice president. He isn't able to do his volunteer work at the hospital right now because of it, but the hospital will let him come back when it is over. He is also working on the weekends. He doesn't like missing church, but he can only work on the weekends right now. He has received several acceptance letters from the 4 year state colleges he applied for. He is still waiting for a few more. He is an honor student and we hope he gets financial aid. I sure hope he smiles after he gets his braces off!

Thankful for another great meeting with our senior life group. Several couples were missing which gave more of our smaller group to speak. Also happy to watch Survivor Season 50!

Thankful for a fun day at Disneyland with my grands. Even though it was in the low 90's. we still had a fun time. We go to go on several rides and find the cool spots. We went to the animation academy and learned how to sketch Eeyore from scratch. Thankful that my husband could drop us off. Thankful that we had a fun time in spite of the heat. Thankful that my son could join us after his work and that we could get on a few rides, have dinner and see the Paint the Night Parade!

Saturday 9: Farewell, Amanda (1949)

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

 

1) The record begins with a long instrumental interlude, and when the lyrics kick in at about the 1:00 mark, they bid Amanda "farewell, adios, addio, adieu." Of course you recognize "farewell" as English. Without looking it up, can you identify the other languages? Spanish,  Italian and  French, 

 

2) Can you say "goodbye" in a language not represented in question #1? Yes, Hebrew-Shalom, a hui hou in Hawaiian and I can it in German, but I can't spell it.

3) The lyrics reference a night full of stars. When did you last take a moment to check out the night sky?

Friday night.

 

4) This song was written for Adam's Rib, a comedy starring Spencer Tracy and Katharine Hepburn. The movie is about husband-and-wife lawyers who square off against one another in court. Have you ever served on a jury? Yes, a couple of times. I am 70 now and it is optional.

 

5) "Farewell, Amanda" was composed by Noel Coward. Though best known as a playwright, he also wrote more than a thousand songs and was a director and an actor. His epitaph reads, "A talent to amuse." How would you like to be remembered? A woman who loved the Lord and her Bible and Bibe journaling. A woman who loved her family.

 

6) There's even a book of Noel Coward paintings. It was published after his death, in part because Coward considered himself only an amateur painter. When did you last pick up a paintbrush? I picked up a paintbrush at the beginning of February.

 

7) In 1949, when audiences first heard "Farewell, Amanda," Americans began playing Clue. What's the last board game you played? I play Scrabble on my cell phone. Words with Friends- the Classic version.

 

8) The best-selling novel of 1949 was Point of No Return by John P. Marquand. Tell us about the last book you finished. The Harbinger by Jonathan Cahn. Christianbook.com states this: NYT fiction bestseller, The Harbinger is taking the nation by storm with prophesies and signs from 9/11 and beyond, that parallel Isaiah 9. Omens from Isaiah 9 show God's anger with the people of Israel; and now, we as a nation, defy God again. How does this correlate with our future? Don't miss this extraordinary book!

I found this book at the used bookstore shop at the library. There is a sequel and I may look for it. 

 

9) Random question: Growing up, did you share a bedroom? Yes, I shared a room with my younger sister. 

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

Tuesday 4 & Wednesday Hodgepodge

I am posting early because we are going to our 

grandson's school to watch him get an award.

1. Where do you like to buy your groceries and do you buy by the day, week or month? I like to shop at Aldis for everyday things like milk, eggs and produce. I go as needed. My husband will get paper goods and water from Sam's. 

2. What foods would we always find in your kitchen? Dairy, eggs, veggies, fruits, peanut butter, quinoa and beans.

3.Do you buy anything online and if so what kinds of things are you most likely to buy there? I buy some craft things. I bought scar tape that my dermatologist recommended. I just bought a light short backpack from Amazon for my future trip. I ordered two and am returning one.

4. Do you shop with a list on paper, on your phone or do you just shop without a list and maybe come home with things you never planned to buy? Yes to all.

Bonus question:  What will you be cooking in the coming week? Veggies and hubby does the meat.

He cooked citrus marinated chicken and I cooked a cabbage/carrot slaw with onions and tomatoes. He cooks chicken for our dog every week and I use the broth and use it to make quinoa and lentils 

1. America celebrates turning 250 years old this year. Primary cities set to lead the celebrations on July 4th are Boston, Philadelphia, New York, and Washington D.C. Other significant locations for celebrating will be Charleston SC and the 'historic triangle' which includes Jamestown-Willimasburg-Yorktown Virginia. Of the cities listed how many have you seen in person? Of the cities listed which would you most like to visit this year? Any plans to do so? What's one place in America you think everyone should see? If you're not American what's one place in the US you'd like to see? 

I have been to New York and Boston in 2008 while on a cruise. We got to explore the Freedom Trail and the Old North Church. I would like to go back to Hawaii with my family again. I am going to Israel in October with friends from church.

Boston 2008

New York, Top of the Rock 2008

Hawaii 2018

2. Three sounds you love to hear? Laughter, especially my families. My granddaughter leading worship, and ocean waves.

3. Three sounds you hate to hear? The ringing in my ear when it is louder than the fan. Crickets, the sound of a car crashing.

 

4. February 24th is/was National Tortilla Chip Day. Are you a fan? With salsa, guacamole, queso, or just plain please? Do you like nachos? With what on top? Is there anything (besides nachos) you make that calls for tortilla chips? Homemade tortilla chips are the best! We will fry them whole and then drain on a napkin. Then we can add shredded cheese and microwave for 12-15 seconds. One large nacho! It is also ready to be used at a tostada. We like On the Border chips to use for quick nachos. Cheese is okay, but I like to add shredded chicken, diced tomatoes, shredded cheese and salad. It is like a tostada, but no beans. I love to add Trappey's hot sauce which is not hot at all.

5. We March into March with next week's Hodgepodge...what's one thing on your March calendar that makes you smile? Bible journaling on the 17th, daughter in love's birthday on the 18th. A day at Disneyland.

6. Insert your own random thought here. It was cold last week with crazy rain and wind. We will be in the 80's the rest of the week. The hottest day will be 86 when we are at Disneyland.

Fridays' Faves 5 & Saturday 9

Linking with Susanne for the Blessings for the week,

Thankful that we could use a gift card to celebrate Valentine's at one of our favorite places. Event though the place was super busy, we still had great service and great food! 

Thankful for another successful Bible journaling meetup. We were missing 4 girls so we all fit at one table. I shared about

That is a heart shaped brownie on the right.

Thankful for another great meetup with our marriage group! After our study, we had a great potluck lunch. Lots of great food! Loved the new things they had. A flour tortilla filled with peaches. A flour tortilla quesadilla filled with cream cheese and blueberries. We all talked about the crazy storm we experienced. Thankful for the much-needed rain. We are not used to crazy wet weather with wind, thunder and lightning. Our water tables and reservoirs are filling and lots of snow in the mountains.

Thankful for a day of rest on Thursday. I was able to work on my Bible journaling, faith journaling and Lent reading. I am trying to get through my Bible reading plan too. I was also able to take some of the Valentine decorations. Thankful to be able to enjoy the Olympics. The US women's hockey team won! They all sang along with the National anthem, and I sang along with them too. Happy that US won a gold and the two Japanese girls were so good. I like how Alysa Liu was so friendly with the other skaters. 

Thankful for family! My sister is giving my grandson a desk and bookcase that belonged to my dad. I am going to a Galentine party tonight hosted by my daughter in law. It should be fun. I am taking chicken egg rolls. 

Thankful for this Facebook memory. I started my Bible journaling with my cousin, 10 years ago today!

Saturday 9: With or Without You (1987) 

 

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

 

1) "With or Without You" is about the pain of love. What song reminds you of an old romance? Is it about the joy of love or the pain? Never Can Say Goodbye by the Jackson Five. Tell me Have you seen her(him) by the Chi-Lites. Both songs make me think back to two of my boyfriends. When I hear them, they make the teenage in me a little sad. One is alive and one passed away from diabetes. 

 

2) U2 lead singer Bono has admitted that, when the group recorded this song in the 1980s, he was wrestling with his real-life commitment issues. He was trying to resolve the responsibilities of being a husband with the demands of his career. He worked it through, and decades later both his marriage and his career are still going strong. Do you feel you have been more successful in your personal or professional relationships? I am retired now, but I felt I had a good relationship with most of my co-workers and bosses. I think I have good personal relationships with my family and friends.

 

3) Bono credits his wife Ali with helping him through a tough period of writer's block, saying she put the pen in his hand each morning. What time of day finds you the most energized, productive or creative? I am a night own. I "wake up" in the afternoon and evening.

 

4) Bono likes to pedal around town when he's not onstage. What do you do for exercise? I do strength training exercises to build muscle. I can't afford to lose any weight.

 

5) Bono is U2's lead singer, backed by three very talented bandmates: The Edge, Larry Mullen, Jr., and Adam Clayton. Bruce Springsteen is a big fan of U2's concert performances. If Saturday 9 were to bestow upon you a free ticket to any see any band or performer live, who would you choose? Chris Tomlin is coming to Los Angeles in September. I would like to see him again. Does that include lodging?

 

6) U2 got together 50 years ago, when they were school boys in Dublin. Have you ever visited Ireland? If not, would you like to go? Never been and not in my plans. I am going to Israel in October.

 

7) In 1987, the year this song was popular, Cher won the Academy Award for Best Actress. Her most famous line was, "Snap out of it!" Without looking it up, can you name the movie that made her an Oscar winner? Moonstruck?

 

8) Also in 1987, the first Starbucks opened. What's your standard Starbucks order? Cafe Latte, decaf or half caff, add whip cream and cinnamon.

 

9) Random question – Which self-help book would you be more likely to pick up, the one designed to improve your body or your mind? One to improve my body. To be healthier.

Tuesday 4

Love those sports!

1. Do you enjoy any of the sports from the Olympics either Summer or Winter? Would you tell us about it? I have always enjoyed the Olympics and try to watch as much as possible. I have met 3 Olympic winners- Dr, Sammy Lee, Greg Louganis and a swimmer from Huntington Beach that later worked for the postal service. I helped with the torch run in 1984 in Orange Country. We went to the Anaheim convention center to watch the wrestlers come to the stadium.

2. What sports have you taken part in and what good did you get out of participating? If not, was there one you wish you had taken part in? Did sports help you in life? I was a very active child and played sports in Jr high and High School. I was on the GAA teams which was competitive. I loved playing hockey, basketball and baseball. I took one sports class in college and was run by an ex-military guy. I dropped that class in no time! I sure wish I would have stayed more active throughout the years. Now I have to do strength training exercises to build muscle.

3. Is there a sport you still engage in or one you enjoy watching a lot? I got hurt at work when I was 21 and hit my lower back. I had to take it easy for a while. I had a few more injuries and was unable to play sports after that because of neck and shoulder injuries. I like to watch gymnastics and all the ice skating performances. I try to watch a little of everything to learn about the sport. Hubby and I been watching the curling teams this year. I have watched the women's bobsledding too. I am happy the USA got first place in the single bobsleds and the winner was 41, has won several times but got the gold too. I like when they show the back stories. Alana Taylors Mayers story shows tenacity and strength. She is a mom to two special needs children who they showed after she won the metal.  US got bronze too and she is also a new mom. All the athletes have worked hard to get to the Olympics. Being a citizen of the US does make me partial to our teams, but I do appreciate the performances and back stories of the other team players.

4. Have you any favorite teams you cheer on? I like the Angels and Dodgers and have been to some Angel games. Or perhaps a favorite sports figure? How about both?? None that I can think of in base ball but I can name a few in the Olympics like Krisy Yamaguchi and Simone Biles. Olga Korbut and Mary Lou Retton.

Here is a bonus question for this week:

What's the most memorable comeback or turn around you've ever seen in a sports game, 

and what made it so special? I don't watch much regular sports. I only catch the highlights.

The Dodgers have played well. I am not a football fan, but we like to be with family for the Superbowl game. 

I decided to go back to a winter theme since our temps dropped and we are getting rain and while we are watching the Olympics. The weather will be nice by the weekend, in time for Disneyland!

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Friday's Fave 5 & Saturday 9

I am thankful for being able to enjoy all my grands and support them in what they like. The younger grands came over Saturday with the grand dogs. Audrina and I were able to do some Bible journaling while Elijah played with his games. Grandson Eddie has been busy with his working at a local amusement park, volunteering at the local hospital, ASB meeting and volleyball. Thank goodness he drives now. Jazzy left Monday morning for a 3 day field trip to visit colleges in California. She visited quite a few including Berkely which is about 7 hours away, over 400 miles. She liked UC Santa Cruz because of all the great pines trees, yet not to long of a drive to the coast. She missed a few cheer practices, but that is okay. I thank God our grands are all doing well!

2, Thankful for Senior fellowship. Our church holds a monthly potluck, bingo gathering that is always nice. Our marriage group meets on Wednesdays, so we can all go to the senior fellowship too. I am an extrovert and I like to go to fun things. Hubby is an extrovert and a big homebody.  I thank God that he is willing to go to these events with me.

3. Thankful that my friend Virigina loves to do crafts and she likes to show us. She had a Galentine's craft party and it was great. We had a salad bar and lots of desserts. I got most of my project done. I will finish it this week. I need to add more beads, then I will place it on decorative paper in the frame.

4. Thankful for the help I had with an online friend. We are in the same crafting group online. We were able to meet at a craft camp in the summer of 2022. Thankful for the internet that lets us connect to other people. Thankful to all the graphic artist and creators that make crafting fun.

Saturday 9: Won't You Be My Valentine? (1961)

 

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

 

1) Dore Alpert sings that while he considered asking others to be his Valentine, he's sure that this is the girl he wants to love "forever more." What do you think is the secret of a long-lasting romantic relationship? 

2) Dore is better known as Herb Alpert. He used the name "Dore" early in his career because he thought it was more befitting a teen idol than "Herb." Who made you swoon when you were a teenager? No one made me swoon. The Beatles were exciting in late grade school(64-44) Franki Valli and the 4 Season.  I liked Michael Jackson's brother Jermaine. Anything Motown. There was usually a song that made I attached with a boyfriend.

 

3) Herb found he was a better trumpeter than singer. Between 1962 and 1969, Herb Alpert and the Tijuana Brass, had 12 consecutive gold albums. They were so popular that in 1966, they sold more records than Frank Sinatra, Dean Martin, The Beatles and the Rolling Stones. Of those artists (Frank Sinatra, Dean Martin, The Beatles and the Rolling Stones), which is your favorite? The Beatles. But I know my parents had Herb Alpert albums.

4) He found his greatest success as an executive. Herb and partner Jerry Moss founded A&M Records and signed an array of talented artists including Cheech and Chong, The Carpenters, and Cat Stevens. Herb was happy to step away from performing and run the record label. Are you comfortable in front of an audience or crowd? Or would you prefer to be behind the scenes? I can go in front when I have to. Now that I am older, I prefer to be in the background in a large group. There are about 20 people in our married group and I am okay speaking there. At one time when I was the leader of our Women's Ministry, I could speak in front of 200 women. I am happy with my small Bible journaling group of 10 women. I still have my Carpenters' Greatest Hits album and several of their songs were sung at our wedding.

5) Karen admitted that when The Carpenters were first signed by A&M, she had a crush on Herb and liked his aftershave lotion. Do you usually wear a fragrance? I have allergies, so no fragrances.

This is our Valentine's Day Saturday 9 and so this morning we shall focus on the holiday. 

6) The holiday is also known as The Feast of St. Valentine. Do you have a special meal planned for February 14? We are going out to lunch at the Cheesecake factory. We are having pot-roast later for dinner.

7) Thames River Cruises offers special dinner cruises for Valentine's Day that give lovers a view of London. Some cruises offer live jazz, others classical music. Which would you prefer: jazz or classical? I would prefer classical. I played classical music on the piano for many years.

 

8) Women buy and send more Valentines than men do. Who received the last greeting card you sent?

I am writing this Friday, and I will give my husband a Valentine on Saturday. 

9) Men buy and send more roses at Valentine's Day than women do. What's your favorite flower?

I love roses and have several rose bushes. I also love plumerias. Here are some from my garden.

Thanks to Susanne and Sam for the memes. Links on the left.

Tuesday 4 & Wednesday Hodgepodge

It's time again for Toni Taddeo's Tuesday 4 and I hope you are in the mood for it. Television has become part of life for many. Let's talk about Television, okay?

1. Do you own a TV or do you have more than one? Is it old fashioned or one of the new wide screens?

We have 4 wide screens. The large one is in the living room. My grandson's room has one for gaming. Master room has one which is great when hubby wants to see one of his programs in the living room. There is one in his office too.

2. Which programs do you like to watch? I like to see anything medical. I like Brillant Minds, Chicago Med, Grey's Anatomy and Call the Midwife. Hubby and like to see NCIS, FBI, Law and Order, Special Victims Unit, Chicago Fire, Chicago PD and Boston Blue. We have been watching Survivor for over 20 years. Right now I am watching the Olympics.

3. Were you ever a soap opera or serial fan and if so what series or soaps were your favorite? I like to watch General Hospital.

4. Is there a TV character that stands out in your mind and if so what makes them special or noteworthy? I think each character performs well. I remember George Clooney from ER and how that show really made him.

1. What's something recent that had you 'tickled pink'? My crafty group. Pink is the main color in the group. I really wasn't into pink until this group. Here is something I made with pink.

2. A bed of roses, everything's coming up roses, every rose has it's thorn, stop and smell the roses, rose-colored glasses, a rose among thorns...which rosy expression might currently be applied to your life in some way? Stop and smell the roses. Life goes by so quickly and there we are bombarded with so much negativity. I try to look at the positive sides of things as much as I can.

3. What makes you feel loved and appreciated? My kid and grandkids. Their hugs mean the most.

4. A box of chocolates or a bouquet of fresh flowers-what's your pleasure?  Any special plans for Valentine's Day? We usually go out for lunch on Valentine's. It is not as busy and we prefer to be home in the evening. Though I enjoy chocolates and flowers, I still have tons of chocolate from Christmas, so I don't need anymore. I don't need flowers, but we have some roses still blooming and hubby will probably cut some along with some ferns. That is good enough for me. Maybe I will suggest he take me the craft store.

5. Share a favorite quote, scripture, or song lyric relating to love. I did this page 2/14/17.

6. Insert your own random thought here. 

Thanks to Annie and Joyce for the memes. Links are on the left.

Friday Faves 5 & Saturday 9

I am thankful to live in a state that has good weather most of the year. We do have some hot months, and I am thankful for the air conditioning I can use when I need it.

I am thankful that I am slowly getting rid of things I don't use. It is a slow process, but it is getting easier to let go. 

Thankful that I was able to get egg sandwiches made and delivered to our friends for our married group. We could not go because we stayed with your grandson was recovering from a bad cold. I was able to get a lot of crafting done while we watched him. I only had to give him food. He played on his phone while we were there. We also got to watch the making of Disneyland and Sounds of Music.

Thankful for all the great things I find on the internet that help me put my Bible journaling kits together. Each month I will cover a town in Israel that Jesus visited. I like doing my research before I meet with the group. I am also thankful to watch the midweek Bible study on YouTube. We are in the book of Revelation. 

Saturday 9: You Make Me Feel So Young (1956)

 

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

1) This morning, do you feel younger or older than your years? My mind feels younger, but my body tells me I am not.

 

2) In this song, Frank Sinatra tells us that every time he sees his lover's grin, he's happy. What's something you can reliably count on to lift your spirits? My morning greeting from fur baby, Minnie.

 

3) The lyrics mention hide-and-seek. What games did you play when you were young? Hide and seek, dodge ball, bike racing, red light green light. Hop scotch and skip tape.

4) Frank Sinatra was a fan of Campbell's chicken and rice soup, believing it helped his throat feel better after an evening of performing. Is Campbell's soup in your kitchen right now? I have tomato and chicken with rice.

 

5) Frank's favorite dessert was a slice of lemon ricotta torte. He believed every meal should include "a final flourish." Do you more often indulge in or skip dessert? I have sliced apples and no sugar peanut butter for my snack a few hours after dinner.

 

6) At Sinatra's home in Palm Springs, CA, you'd find a less sophisticated dessert. He always kept Entenmann's Crumb Cake on hand for his young granddaughters. Share a memory of your grandparents. I have so many good memories with my grandparents. My grandma Louisa making and giving us home made tortillas. We would spread homemade butter on the warm tortillas, and it was sooooo good! She was a great cook and always had beans and other things to eat. She was also a great seamstress and made lots of our dresses when we were little. My grandpa Susano would show me things from his garden and give me sunflower seeds to eat. Though he knew English, he would talk to me in Spanish so I can learn it. I understand it more than I can speak it and I wish I was fluent. My grandma Chona would talk to Jesus about me. She loved her birds and had three aviaries that my grandpa made her. She taught me how to embroider. They loved their chihuahua Micky Do. She liked to go to the ladies social groups at church.

Grandpa David, Grandma Louisa, Grandma Chona, Grandpa David & Micky Do

My grandpa David was a gardener and today he would be a landscape artist. Most of his clients were well off and he made their yards beautiful. He knew a lot about plants and landscaping. He even had a client wait list.  I liked going to the dump with my grandfather. There were always great find there. Many things that were in great condition. The smell of roasted chilis reminds me of him. We both read a lot of the same books in his later years. He always gave me verses to read from the Bible. He also blessed each of the grandbabies that were born.

7) In 1956, when this song was popular, Frank was tooling around Southern California in a blue Continental Mark II. That model was known for its interior of hand-stitched of imported Scottish leather. 70 years later, Scottish leather is still used in luxury cars because it's both soft and durable and the production methods minimize environmental impact. If you could splurge on something right now, what would it be? A luxury car, jewelry, travel, clothes, something else? (No responsible answers allowed!) I would like to get new flooring, but I am going to Israel in the fall and the floor will have to wait. It is still in good condition, but it is too dark.

 

8) Also in 1956, The Invasion of the Body Snatchers and Forbidden Planet were popular at the box office. Do you have a favorite sci-fi movie? I liked watching the older Star Trek movies and Rod Sterling and the Twilight Zone. Update, I read this wrong, so I change it to STAR WARS!

 

9) Random question: What were you doing three hours ago? Sleeping.

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