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,

Friday's Fave Fives & Saturday 9

This week has been hard. As I mentioned in my previous post, our Minnie is sick, she has a mass in her colon that was diagnosed this past Tuesday. We have to give her medicines at specific times and take h er out frequently. I have had some anxious moments, and I have to pray for peace. I had the same feeling when my dad was dying, and I have to do what I can to cope. Minnie is getting a lot of attention because she needs a lot of attention. 

I am thankful for my husband who has the night shift. 

Also Minnie's love and trust as we care for her.

Thankful that family is visiting her because it makes Minnie happy.

Thankful for the meds that are helping her right now. I get those ready.

Thankful for this computer and so I can ask for prayers and keep my mind busy.

Thankful for music that ministers to me.

Saturday 9: Cadillac Ranch (1981)

Unfamiliar tune? Hear it here.

1) In this song, Bruce Springsteen sings about taking his father and his aunt to see The Cadillac Ranch. Have you recently taken a road trip? If yes, where did you go? We have not taken one in a couple of years. Hubby and I took a trip to Lake Tahoe and Yosemite in 2019 and it was a long but fun trip. We have taken a few since then, but this was a favorite.

2) The Cadillac Ranch is real. It's an outdoor art installation in Amarillo, TX. Tell us about a statue, mural, or other piece of outdoor art in your community. Our city was known for its' races and the city has a street that goes in a circle and has the nickname as Crown Town.

3) Not only is Bruce singing about a real place, he mentions three real people. The first is "James Dean in his Mercury 49." That refers to the 1949 Mercury driven by James Dean in his first starring role, Rebel Without a Cause. Though he remains a legendary star, Dean made only three movies before his death at age 24. Have you seen any of his films? Yes, Rebel, East of Eden and Giant.

4) The second is "Junior Johnson runnin' through the woods of Caroline." Junior Johnson was a folk hero, famous as a NASCAR driver and notorious for running moonshine through North Carolina. He was the inspiration for "Midnite Moon," an animated old Ford in the 2017 Disney movie Cars 3. What Disney movie did you enjoy when you were growing up?Too many of them to mention. But I really enjoyed Fantasia because of the music and of Leopold Stokowski. I played Walz of the Flowers for one of my piano recitals. I also enjoyed, Dumbo.

5) The third man Bruce sings about is "Burt Reynolds and his black Trans Am." This is a reference to Burt's biggest hit, 1977's Smokey and the Bandit. Burt also had success as a restaurateur. He co-owned Burt and Jack's, a popular steakhouse at Port Everglades, right on the water. Tell us about a restaurant that offered both good food and a memorable view. In 2022, we went to Salinas for my husband's brother's 60th birthday. Salinas and the surrounding cities produce many veggies and fruits for the state and export it other states. We had some fresh picked artichokes that we had just seen on our way to Monterey Bay. This area was a theme of a Steinbeck book. The restaurant we at was just a block away from Cannery Row, a title to one of his books along with East of Eden and Grapes of Wrath

Great seafood at Scales

6) For decades, Cadillac was the gold standard of luxury. For example, an eatery referred to as "the Cadillac of restaurants" would be best or most prestigious. Think about your neighborhood. Tell us about a restaurant, hotel or business that is "the Cadillac" of your community. Miguel's overlooking a lake. We usually eat at their fast food chains. 

7) Since he's been singing about America and cars for decades, it should come as no surprise that Bruce Springsteen has a collection of classic American cars. For the cover of his autobiography he chose a photo of himself leaning on his favorite, a 1960 Corvette convertible. Think about your favorite photo of yourself. What are you doing? Any photo with my grands is a favorite. This photo was taken June 26, 2022 at Mammoth. This waterfall could be seen across the lakes.

8) In 1981, when Bruce released this recording, Dolly Parton had a hit with "9 to 5." What's your favorite Dolly Parton song? Her duet with Zach Williams, There is Jesus. I am not a country music fan, but I like Dolly and this song really ministers to me,

9) Random question: When did you last DIY and fix something around your home or yard? I am not fixing anything right now. I am going through a decluttering process right now and making progress. I have a few plumerias that need to be planted.

Wednesday Hodgepodge & Prayer Request

1. Summer's here!  In the northern hemisphere anyway. If you're in the southern hemisphere substitute winter for the word summer. What do you love most about summer? What's your biggest summer pet peeve? Since I am retired summer days are just another day. I do enjoy the down time from all my groups to catch up on projects. I do not like the super hot days we get in July-mid October. We seem to get more days in the 100's but at least we rarely get humidity. The worst thing is the mosquitos! The rest of the year is mild since we live in So Calif. We were more active when the grands were younger. Now they all want to do their own things. We still get to see the grands often and will be here more to help with Minnie.

2. What song always reminds you of summer? Anything Beach Boys

3. What's something you remember about your childhood summers? Do you think kids today get to enjoy summer the way you did as a child? Elaborate.

I have a lot of good memories of summers as a child. Most of them are playing outside. Playing in the sprinklers on a hot summer day. We loved the Slip N Slide. Swimming at the community plunge, beach days, riding our bikes in the evening with playing cards on the spokes. Lots of outside time, sunshine and friends. I don't thinks kids of today get the same experience that we did when life was simpler. Electronic takes more time. Neighborhoods are not the same anymore. Kids not can't just roam the streets in safety. One thing that is true, kids love to be out of school! 

4. We celebrate Father's Day on June 21st. Do you favor your dad in looks or temperament? Tell us something about your dad. Or your husband as a dad. Or a son/son-in-law as a dad. Or your grandpa.

I favor my dad, both in looks and temperament when it comes to the social aspects. We both like to be around people. Dad passed in 2013 and I still miss him so much. I shared pictures of him in my last post.  My husband and son Andrew are good dads and they both cook too!

For those of you who read my last post, I am the girl on the left.

 A summer memory taken outside my dad,

 

5. Let's wrap up with a summer this or that-

flip flops or sandals~sandals

beach or pool~beach

watermelon or peaches~peaches

shorts or sundress~shorts

iced coffee or ice cold lemonade~iced cold peach tea

amusement park or water park~water park for sure...Waterpark and Disneyland! 

6. Insert your own random thought here. I mentioned in my previous post that we were taking Minnie to a specialist. She has a large mass in her colon. We discussed options and surgery would be over $10000 and that does not include medications and chemo. Because the mass is big, they suspect that it probably has metastasized. So, we are going with the second option of making her comfortable, loving her and then helping her when her times comes to cross that Rainbow bridge and join her mom and other family dogs. I would appreciate prayers during this hard time. 

Friday Faves 5 & Saturday 9

It is Saturday, after dinner and still light outside. I finally get some computer time.

Thankful for vets, doctors, nurses and medical workers. It has been a busy week with Minnie our doxie. She has been sick for over a week. She was not good last week, better yesterday and the vet was happy, but she is not good today. We might have to take her back to the vet. No insurance for her so I am thankful I have a dedicated credit card for her. I had my eye appointment and they dilated my eyes. My consult for cataract surgery is next week. Hubby had a nurses visit today too. Thankful for our insurance.

We watched church online this past Sunday. We had grands here Through Wednesday. Our oldest grand still stays here when he works. We are thankful we can see our grands often.

Thankful that my hair grows fast. I had a haircut and she cut too much off. I did want it shorter and define the layers, but I would not consider it a medium cut. It does feel much better-cooler.

Thankful that all my groups are on summer break. We can spend time with Minnie and get things done around the house. I have had time to put out my patriotic decor and watch shows that we like.

Thankful that I had a great dad. I sure miss him! He has been in Heaven since 2013. Thankful that he and my husband got along well. 

Hawaii 2012

Pearl Harbor, 2012  Jr. and Sam.

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

Chosen for Father's Day.

1) In this song, a father shares the story of his daughter's life through first the boys, then the men, she brought home. The first is Rod, a little kid who wants to play in the backyard. Who were your playmates when you were young? Did you find it more fun to have them over to your home, or to go to theirs? As a preschooler and through first grade, most of my friends were boys. When I moved half way through first grade, I started making friends with girls from my class that lived in my neighborhood. So you know which one is me?

2) Then his daughter asked if Lee could carry her books on the walk to/from school. During your junior high years, how did you travel to school (bus, bicycle, car pool, shoe leather)?We walked. It was only about 10 blocks away.

 

3) Throughout this song, the father recalls that his daughter alternately called him "Daddy," "Dad," "Popsie," "Pop" and "Father." How did/do you address your father? Daddy as a little child, Dad as high schooler on. Then daddy as he neared the end of his life.

 

4) The song ends with the daughter asking her father to babysit. When did you last look after someone else's child? I watched my grands this past week.

 

5) This record was a Top 10 hit in the US and it made the Top 20 in Canada.  Much of its success was attributed to Mike Douglas' TV popularity. From 1965 to 1981, he hosted a daytime talk show. Do you watch much daytime TV? I watch a few soaps. A talk show once in a while.

 

6) Mike Douglas was a father himself. He had three daughters, including twins.  Are there twins in your family? No

 

Now about Father's Day ... 

 

7) Retail chains like O'Reilly Auto Parts, Auto Zone and Jiffy Lube are all promoting gift cards  and car-related gifts for Father's Day. If you got a gift card from one of those stores, how would you upgrade your ride? New car mats and phone holder.

 

8) Dick's Sporting Goods also enjoys a spike in gift card sales around Father's Day. Have you more recently given or received a gift card? I gave gift cards to a few graduates.

9) In days gone by, ties were the #1 Father's Day gift. But as today's workplace has become more casual, fragrance has taken over the top spot. Dove Men+Care offers  gift sets with shampoo/conditioner, body wash and antiperspirant. Think about your shower routine. Are your shampoo, body wash and antiperspirant all the same brand or the same scent? No, they are not. But they are either essential oils or fragrance free.

A Tribute to my dad.

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

Wednesday Hodgepodge

1. June 17th, 1994 was the day of the infamous O.J. Simpson car chase. What were you doing in 1994? I'm guessing somebody is going to tell me they weren't born yet but that's part of the fun of the Hodgepodge. Lots of generations are represented here. I remember watching some of it on tv. I don't remember anything else. That was the year I went from working nights to days. 

2. What's your favorite summer salad that isn't the traditional tossed green lettuce kind of salad? Do you like fresh fruit in a salad (other than in a fruit salad of course)?Mediterranean salad, Lettuce, olives, feta cheese, chicken, tomatoes, chickpeas, avocado and balsamic vinegar and olive oil.

3. Is chivalry dead? Should it be? I found this in the description (the combination of qualities expected of an ideal knight, namely courage, honour, courtesy, justice, and a readiness to help the weak:)

 I think those are all great things but I can sum it up: be kind and be honest.

4. Would you rather spend a week of your summer vacation in Hawaii or Alaska? Have you ever been to either? Are they two places you really would like to see? How do you feel about 'Hawaiian pizza' aka pineapple on a pizza? Have you ever eaten Baked Alaska?  I have been to both. I was in Hawaii in 2000 with my sister, cousin and aunt. I went in 2009 with my husband for our 35th anniversary. We went in 2012 for a family wedding. We first went to Oahu for 7 days and then joined the rest of the family in Maui. We last went in 2018 with our grands. Hubby and I went on a cruise to Alaska in 2006 and we had a great time. We went with a bunch of people from church. We got to see the Northern Lights while on the ship. I like pineapple on my pizza and I have eaten a baked Alaska while on the cruise. I need to add Hawaii 2018. Maybe I will add it here. I hope to go back one more time if things all work out for next year and if oil and gas prices come back down.

2012

So glad we took this trip. We lost our dad 8 months later.

5. World Cup play is happening now...are you interested? Watching any matches? Did you or your children play soccer/futbol? There are eleven US cities hosting matches-I have only caught bits of it. My grandson played a season of soccer. Baseball was more important.

-Atlanta, Boston, Dallas, Houston, Kansas City, Los Angeles, Miami, New York with the stadium in NJ, Philadelphia, San Francisco, and Seattle along with  three cities in Mexico (Guadalajara, Mexico City and Monterrey)and two in Canada (Toronto and Vancouver)-

You get free tickets to one of these matches. Which city do you choose? Tell us why. I would like to go Philadelphia because I have not been there.  I visited Guadalajara and Mexico City with my friend when I was 15. I was there for 6 weeks while they prepared for the sister's wedding. It is a trip I have always had fond memories. I have been to Boston, Houston, Los Angeles, San Francisco, New York and New Jersey. I would like to see Atlanta too. I read about it when I read Gone with the Wind. I know a lot of movies are filmed there.

6. Insert your own random thought here. I am looking forward to my trip to Israel if it is safe to go. It's planned for October 5-14 and I am going with about 60 people from our church and the pastor is leading it. He has been there 5 times.

My Website is at Susan's Garden of Friendship The link is to the right. Lots of inspirational pages too. 

My vacations are listed at the Site Map

Thanks to Joyce for hosting this meme. 

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Fridays Fave 5 & Saturday 9

I am thankful for my family! I love how everyone came together to give Eddie a wonderful Graduation party! I am thankful that my boys like to cook. I let them play in the kitchen when they were young and they watched their dad and grandpa cool, along with the women. I am glad my daughter was able to make all the decorations look so nice. I did the same for years with church events and she helped me then and I could help where I could. Thankful to my daughter in laws too!

I am glad I did not have a busy week this week. I really needed the rest.  As tired as I was in Sunday, I still made it to church and Audrina was singing Then I went home and had leftovers. During the week I was able to hem Eddie's church that he wore to Disneyland on Tuesday. I was able finally sleep in. All our group are on summer break, and I can continue with my declutter project and crafting.

Thankful that the grands are enjoying their summer break. Jazzy gets to stay home with her rabbit and read as much as she wants. She is also looking at all the college information she is getting in the mail.

She wants to go to school outside of California. She just completed a few dual admission courses. She did that, cheered, and was a part of Sprots health. She is pretty quiet and I found out she was the head of her ASL club. I did not know that she could take that class-hand signing as an alternative to a foreign language. She will be more than ready for college. Eddie is working part time at a local amusement park and still volunteering at the local hospital. Thankful that all my grands are doing well!

Thankful for a good vet. Minnie has been having lots of stomach issues, and we have had to make several trips to the vet. They are really good with her going over everything and then checking in with us with text messages and phone call. I sure wish we had pet insurance, but you have to start it when they are babies. Thankful for my Care Credit card, just for her expenses.

Speaking of insurance. I am thankful for dental insurance. I delayed my last appointment and that was a mistake! I have gum disease and it was doing well at my last visit, but not so much this time. So after my free checkup today, the x-rays showed one cavity, and I need a deep gum cleaning and some other things. So, I will pay $400 instead of $3000! Thankful that my back is feeling better! The exercises are really helping. Hopefully I can get back to the gym next week!

Saturday 9: Accidentally in Love (2004)

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

1) In the video for this song, a young man dances alone in the kitchen while making 

breakfast for his lady love. When no one's looking, do you often bust a move? I have at times.

2) "Accidentally in Love" was featured in the animated movie Shrek 2.  In this video, 

a plushie from the movie is shown on their bed. Do you have any plush toys in your bedroom? 

Yes, I have several Mickey and Minnies. I have some Winnie dogs too. Some were my moms.

3) The lyrics liken falling in love to strawberry ice cream that he just can't resist. What sweet treat would hit the spot right now? Iced peach tea with fruit.

4) He sings about lightening. Astraphobia is the fear of thunderstorms. 

Have you ever suffered from astraphobia? No, because we do not get them very often.

5) This song is about falling in love when he wasn't looking for it. Has this ever happened to you? Yes, I didn't plan on falling in love with my husband when I was so young. I planned on going to college first. I finished college before our 93rd anniversary. Going on 52 years this August.

6) This week's artists, The Counting Crows, got their start in San Francisco. A famous quote, often attributed to Mark Twain, says, "The coldest winter I ever spent was a summer in San Francisco." 

How has the summer weather been where you are? Mid 80's to mid 90's. No humidity, slight breeze.

7) In 2004, when this song was popular, Mark Zuckerberg launched Facebook. Have you checked Facebook today? Yes, I check it daily. I love the memories that pop up.

8) Also in 2004, we lost President Ronald Reagan. Before entering politics, he had a decades-long career in Hollywood and appeared in 53 films. Have you ever seen a Ronald Reagan movie? I think I have seen a couple, but long ago. He became president when I was taking my firstborn home from the hospital, around 45 years ago!

9) Random question: Describe your favorite pajamas. I have several pair of soft short sleeve and shorts sets that I wear all year long. I do have warm pajamas I wear before bed and in the morning during the cold months, but I get too warm at night, so I wear the short ones to bed. If I had to choose one, it would be the one with dogs on it. 

Previous entry is full of our grandson's graduation party!

Thanks to Susanne and Sam for the blogs. Have a great weekend!

Tuesday 4 & Wednesday Hodgepodge

The party was a success! More pictures on the bottom.

Summertime means travel time for many people. Let's talk about travel and holidays.

1. Will you be traveling this summer at all? We just took a vacation at Vegas. We might spend a few nights in San Diego. I hope to go to Israel in October as long as it is safe to go.

2. Will there be day trips in store for you? visits to the beach, evenings out? We do plan to go to the beach which is about 35 miles away. I am blocked from Disney until the 2nd week of August. We will do something with the grands. My husband and his brothers have planned a family reunion the last weekend of June. I mostly need to get in shape for Israel.

3. Do you eat out more in summer... do you go for ice cream or treats more? I don't think we go out more often. We usually go out on Sunday's after church. After a busy week with graduation, we will take it easy until Father's Day. I don't eat ice cream to often. It has too much sugar!

4. What is your favorite place to visit and what is the most exotic place you've been to? I love to go to Disneyland! My favorite exotic place is Hawaii and it all goes well, we might go one more time.

1.  How would you define 'the good life'? My relationship with Jesus. My kids are saved and doing well. My extended family are doing well and we all get along. We have all that we need. A steady retirement income, a home, good church and friends.

2.  What's the most used app on your phone (and are you proud of that)? I check my email first. I check messages next and I take a lot of pictures! I like to play Words with Friends and use Facebook and Instagram.

3. 'Every rose has it's thorn', 'everything's coming up roses', 'looking through rose-colored glasses', 'it's no bed of roses' or 'stop and smell the roses'...which rose idiom best relates to something in your life currently. Explain. Stop and smell the roses is a good one. I want to take in everything now and relish it. I will be 71 in a couple of months. Each day is a gift from God. I will try to be positive and see the good in my life, even when things don't always look too good.

4. How do you feel about floral flavorings in food or drink (rose, hibiscus, elderflower, lavender)? I don't mind it in teas. I just tried Starbuck's new drink because I had a gift card. It is called the Tropical Butterfly Refresher. A visually striking drink with layers of guava and passionfruit flavors, mango-pineapple popping pearls, and a butterfly pea flower infusion. I added the coconut milk and it was so good. I added water because it was so sweet and only drank about a third of it.

5. Over the course of your life what have you probably spent more time pondering than anything else? 

My life as a believer of Jesus Christ.  Growing up in church, not going often for several years after being married and then rededication and walk over the past 35 years.

6. Insert your own random thought here. I have been resting for a few days after having survived my grandson's graduation and party. My daughter did a lot to make it special and I was so proud of my family and how they all made the day so special! my husband made shredded beef and it was so good! He cooked a chuck roast for hours after marinating it. My younger son and his wife made the marinated chicken and the rice. We got beans from a favorite place in town. I made the guacamole and bought the chips to go with it at a market that has the best home made tasting chips. Hubby made the salsa too! One of my sisters brought salads and my other sister and her son brought all the fixings for the tacos. My oldest son made quesedillas and "crispers" fried tortillas that are topped with cheese and then zapped in the mocrowave oven. The boys ate them like that with salsa. Some added beans and meat to make tostadas. My older son had everyone come in and he prayed for the boys and the food.

There was a whole dessert table that was a hit after the food and games. The best part for the boys was a giant jumper! That is what Eddie wanted. The boys spent several hours is it. My sister who is a marriage and family counselor said that was the best thing they could do after going through the trials of finals and all the senior things. My son has gone to school with some of these boys since kindergarten!

All these boys are off to college.

My sisters, I am the oldest and Ann on the right is the younget.

She did not stay long because she had to get back to her grandson's grad party!

My brother Scott and his wife Cindy and sister Terry.

Scott and Cindy were off to my nephew's party after ours.

My brother is the baby of the family.

Thanks to my son and his wife for hosting the party!

My beautiful grands. The youngest grandson was playing video games upstairs.

Jazzy graduates next year. She doesn't want a party. 

She wants the family to go to Disneyland!

Previous post has grad pictures.

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