Tuesday 4 & Wednesday Hodgepodge

Here is another of Tuesday 4 invented by Toni Taddeo and kept alive in her memory.  While June is the month of roses, they do bloom all summer long and well past September in many places. 

1. What is your favorite color of roses? Do you have a favorite kind of rose? My favorite is Double Delight, pretty color and almost fruity scent. I have a Mister Lincoln and it has a deep rich rose smell. The two Double Delight are on the right of the picture below.

2. Do you ever buy flowers for your home? Rarely, because I have roses and plumerias.

3. Are there any roses in your yard or neighborhood? 

Yes, I have about 12 rose bushes. I also grow plumerias. . If not what kind of things grow around you? The rest of our plants are succulents and a cactus plant that blooms once a year.

4. What do you see when you look out your front door? Our big pepper tree and the neighbor's house. How about out your kitchen window? Looks out to the neighbor's kitchen window. So we planted a bush and the white jasmine on the ground grew on it. So now I see the white jasmine and it blocks the neighbor's window. We don't have a back door, we have French doors. We look out to the patio. We can see the birds at the birdbath. 

From our bedroom.

1. Do you feel older or younger than your age? Elaborate.  

Depends on how I feel each day. I find it really hard to believe I am going to be 69! My mind feels younger, but my body reminds me that I am not. I have been told that I look younger than I do. But there have been changes the past few years that reminds me I have aged. I have lost a lot of muscle and last year I gained weight in my middle. I am skinny-fat.

2. What's one thing you should toss right now, but just can't? Lots of clothes. papers in the garage. I actually just through out 2 bags and am on a roll!

3. Have you visited many of the 63 National Parks in the US of A? You'll find a list here. Do you have a favorite?  Yosemite, Sequoia, Kings Canyon, Redwood all in California.  Grand Canyon and Petrified Forest in Arizona.  Mesa Verde in Colorado. Bryce and Zion in Utah. Hubbard Glacier-Wrangell-St. Elias National Park in Alaska. Crater Lake, Oregon. Love all of them!

What National Park that you haven't seen do you most want to see? Yellowstone, Joshua Tree.

4. How often do you get take out? What's your favorite? 1-2 times a week. Miguel's and In and Out.

5. Do you have many (or any) subscriptions? Not necessarily magazines, but thinking more along the lines of boxes or products that companies offer, and you can sign up to receive on a regular basis. Could be weekly, monthly, quarterly, even daily. Tell us about them. No subscriptions.

6. Insert your own random thought here. I had a busy 4th weekend. Thursday we went to my brother's  and I posted pictures in my previous post. On Friday the grands came over and we went to the movies and they spent the night. Saturday we went with my son's in-laws for another 4th party. Sunday we went to church and my granddaughter sang the National Athem. Then we went out to eat with our married group and to Newport Beach sunset cruise. It end up being a dolphin show as several pods were swimming and jumping around our boat. It was amazing!

Tuesday 4 & Wednesday Hodgepodge 4th

Welcome to Toni Taddeo's Tuesday 4 

July is here and summer is underway.  

Let's talk about what July will bring for you.

1. What are you doing for the 4th of July holiday? If you don't celebrate, what plans do you have that day? This year we are going to my brother's home. He is making carne asada and everyone is bringing sides. Hubby is making homemade salsa, and we are taking chips. I am going to cook some zucchini with tomatoes with a light chili sauce and serve it with melted grated cheese. One sister is taking beans and potato salad. My other sister is taking fruit and a desert dip. I plan to spend a lot of time of the pool and I need to take ear plugs. We will have to leave before the fireworks because the doggies get so scared and need us.

2. Are you planning a holiday, get away or just day trips this summer? Where will you go?  What will you do? Hubby and I are going away a few days for our 50th anniversary in August. We had to move our cruise to January. We plan to go to the beach a few times this year. The grands will be over a few times starting on the 5. Our married group is going on a bay cruise on July 7. My life group is having a pool party on July 16.

3. Do you like to go out for ice cream in summer or do you just eat it at home? What flavor and what brand gets your endorsement? We don't eat ice cream very often because of the high sugar. We buy popsicles for the grands. On occasion, we will share a treat, and that is usually when out.

4. What activities are most enjoyable for you in the summertime? travel?  reading? movies? gardening? beach time?  We are retired, so most days are the same. I am currently going to physical therapy and that will be twice a week for 9 weeks. I enjoy reading, and Bible journaling. Our grands were here for a few hours and will be back on Friday. I may take them to my friend's pool on Friday when it will be 103!

If you are reading, do you have some books chosen? I just started the first book of Call the Midwife. There are 3 books in the series. I am thinking of getting the Chosen Novels. They are written by the same author of the Left Behind series. The director of The Chosen is the son of the one of the Left Behind writers.

1. It's a big week in the US of A as we celebrate Independence Day. Do you have any special plans? How will you mark the day? BBQ? pool-lake-beach time? fireworks? homemade ice cream? If you're not an American you can tell us what's happening in your corner of the world on Thursday. 

Family BBQ and swimming at my brothers as mentioned above. We are also going to a holiday BBQ on Saturday at my son's in-laws. There will be lots of food and we are taking a dessert.

2. What's your favorite 'All-American' dessert? A fruit salad.

3. Does that patriotic feeling come easily to you, or are you having to work for it more these days?

I am a bit discouraged with so much division. 

What's something that makes you proud to be a citizen of your country?  I will always be grateful to live here. Our flags are up and my house is decorated with patriotic decor.

Here is one of my Bible journaling pages I did.

4. Your favorite 'patriotic' movie? Favorite patriotic song? God Bless America

5. One simple pleasure on your July 'bucket list'? I am looking forward to the things I mentioned above. But for two days this week, I have been soaking in my spa. So relaxing, enjoying the view of the birds in the birdbath, and the butterflies in the garden. Sometimes I just need to be still. Here is a page I did for my crafty group project a couple of years ago.

6. Insert your own random thought here. 

Saturday 9 Back in the USA

SATURDAY 9: BACK IN THE USA (1978)

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

From the archives, with some tweaks

1) This song lists seven cities -- New York, Los Angeles, Detroit, Chicago, Chattanooga, Baton Rouge and St. Louis -- that Linda just loves. How many have you visited? Los Angeles and New York.

2) The lyrics refer to hamburgers sizzling on the grill. What toppings do you believe make a perfect burger? Lettuce, tomato, pickles, mayonnaise, mustard and ketchup.

3) The original recording of this song by Chuck Berry has always been one of Linda Ronstadt's favorites, one she used to enjoy singing along with in the car. What's the most recent song you sang?

It was an oldies from the Spinners. I can't remember because it was several days ago.

4) Linda performed The National Anthem at Game 3 of the 1977 World Series. The New York Yankees won both that game and the series. How is your baseball team doing this season? I really don't know. The last team I saw play was the Angels.

 5) On the sleeve for this record, Linda was photographed on roller skates. Emergency rooms report a spike in wrist injuries, with people falling off skates and skateboards and jamming their wrists catching softballs. Have you recently been to the Emergency Room or Urgent Care? No 

 

6) It's July, so summer is in full swing. Bug bites are a big summer annoyance. Are you itching and scratching this morning? I have eczema in my ears, and it was bothering me. We have had those awful ankle biter mosquitoes that came with Covid.

Since this is our last Saturday 9 before Independence Day, let's ask some questions related to the holiday. 

 

6) The Pennsylvania Evening Post was the first newspaper to print the Declaration of Independence. What's the most recent printed media you have read (newspaper, magazine, newsletter, etc.)? Several travel magazines about Lake Tahoe and lakes in California.

7) In high school, Sam was crazy about American history and got good grades. Science was her worst subject. In high school, where did you shine? In what subject were your grades not so hot? I did well in anatomy and physiology and bombed chemistry. I loved science, but not math. I loved history and

and competitive athletics.

8) The first 4th of July parade each year is held at 12:01 AM in Gatlinburg, TN. Will you attend a parade or fireworks to celebrate the 4th?  We normally go to the city parade which goes down MainStreet which we live off of. We can see the fireworks from our house that are fired at the park near us.

9) Americans love to celebrate our independence. In fact, there are more than 30 towns all across the US called Independence. There are two in MN alone (one outside Duluth, the other west of Minneapolis). Please google it and let us know: does your state have an Independence?

Yes, it does, and we drove through it while on our vacation. It is near several likes, and the Eastern Sierra Neveda Mountains. It is in Central California, part of the high desert. It is the country seat for Inyo County.

Independence is about 15 miles from Lone Pine on this map. It is by the tall tree. I live by the lower left by the Disney Ears. We went up to Lake Tahoe which is about 3/4 up on the map. It took us 10 hours to get to Lake Tahoe with several stops.

1. Just your weekly mid-week reminder that it's fall y'all and it's my favorite. I love nearly all the flavors of fall but let's weigh in with an either or today...pumpkin or cranberry? hot apple cider or pumpkin spice latte? cinnamon or maple? apple or pear? ginger or sage?  carrot or butternut squash? Yes you have to choose. What's a favorite dish made with one of the flavors listed here? 

~Cranberry Raspberry JELL-O Dessert~

1(6 oz.) JELL-O Raspberry Flavor Gelatin

2 cups boiled water

1 can  (16 oz.) whole berry cranberry sauce

1 can  (20 oz.) DOLE crushed pineapple, un-drained

1 (11 oz.) can of mandarin oranges in light syrup, drained.

1 apple, chopped in small pieces.

2/3 cup  walnuts

Mix Jello with boiling water. Let it cool. Add the pineapple and cranberries.

Put it in the fridge for a few hours, mixing occasionally.

Peel and dice the apple.  Take out Jello from the fridge, add apple and walnuts.

3- Refrigerate overnight or until firm.

I remember my mom making this in a beautiful mold. She would place some pretty dark green lettuce down on a plate and then turn the mold over the lettuce. It was so pretty!

2. Do you miss traveling? In this season of almost no travel do you think you've grown anxious or fearful about traveling again? Or has all this staying home not going anywhere made you restless to get out and see the world? What book have you read or what movie have you watched that has inspired you to travel? We were suppose to go back to Lake Tahoe this fall, but decided to wait. We were there last year this time. We spent a few days there and then two days in Yosemite and one day at Pismo Beach. My husband and I took a virtual tour of South Caroling this summer. I even made a travel journal for a crafting assignment. It was fun to watch YouTube videos on So Carolina. Since it was virtual, we could choose a hotel and restaurants with not budget. 

Yosemite October 21, 2019

 

 

 

3. A time you felt like you were 'flying by the seat of your pants'? Explain. I think we are doing that now by living with Covid.

4. Do you struggle with road rage or are you more of a 'Sunday driver'? Do you like to be 'in the driver's seat (literally and/or figuratively speaking) ? I don't drive as much as I use to in the past few years. My husband and I are retired and we take a few day trips and he goes all the driving. I don't struggle with road rage

5. Something you've recently 'put the brakes on'? Spending money! I don't go out as much as I use to. When I do, I really thing twice before spending my money.

6. Insert your own random thought here. I wore my heart monitor for the required 72 hours  and of course my palpitations were minimal. But the day after I took it off I had some fast beats and a little labored breathing. I feel better today. Don't know what is going on. But I do know all the signs of a heart attack. The advise nurse will call me back tomorrow. Of course if it was really bad, the fire department is a minute away.

 

Saturday 9 4th of July

1) The flag we currently fly, with 50 stars and 13 stripes, was designed by a high school student. When Alaska and Hawaii were added, President Eisenhower invited Americans to submit designs for how best to incorporate the two new states. Ike chose 17-year-old Robert G. Heft's submission from more than 1500 entries. Tell us about a contest you entered and won. (Or really hoped to win.) I won an Instagram contest last month and got a cute bookmark made with crystals and beads. I won the Betty Crocker Award when I was a high school Sr. But the biggest accomplishment was being the first person in my family to get a degree from the University of Calif. Irvine. I was just thinking about that today and remembering how proud my grandparents and parents were.

2) The government also has another of Mr. Heft's designs waiting: one that incorporates a 51st star if another state is added. When you were in school, did you memorize the states and their capitals? Yes we had to learn that in 5th grade.

3) Six American flags have been planted on the surface of the moon. Those are undoubtedly the flags farthest from you this morning. Where is an American flag flying near you today? Out in the front yard and a few small ones in the backyard and several small ones in the house.

4) This version of the song was performed by James Cagney in the 1942 classic, Yankee Doodle Dandy. Have you ever seen it? Yes , back in the 60's with my mom.

5) In that film, Cagney portrayed George M. Cohan, the composer of this week's song. In 1940, Cohan was honored by with a Congressional Gold Medal. In presenting him with the award, President Roosevelt specifically thanked Cohan for "You're a Grand Old Flag," "Yankee Doodle Dandy," and "Over There." What's your favorite patriotic song? God Bless America, America The beautiful and God Bless the USA by Lee Greenwood.

6) Though a performer his entire life, Cohan disliked listening to recordings of his own voice. How about you? Do you like your singing and/or speaking voice?I love to sing, and I have been in a few choirs at school and church. Yes I like my voice.

7) James Cagney won the Oscar for Best Actor his performance as George M. Cohan. Also nominated that year was Gary Cooper, who portrayed Lou Gehrig in Pride of the Yankees. Tell us about another movie about a great American. I have seen several movies but I just saw Hamilton on Disney Plus and enjoyed it because it was a musical about Alexander Hamilton, also George Washington, James Madison, and Thomas Jefferson.

8) As a teen, Cagney juggled high school with a variety of jobs, including bell hop and delivery boy, and gave all his earnings to his family. Looking back, Cagney was grateful that he had to begin work early, saying, "I feel sorry for the kid who has too cushy a time of it. Suddenly he has to come face-to-face with the realities of life without his mama and papa to do his thinking for him." Do you agree? Yes I think that all kids should have age appropriate responsibilities. We taught all our kids to cook and clean. They all had to pay rent once they graduated from high school based on what they were making. It was not a lot, but enough to teach them that nothing is free. They all thanked us for teaching them. It was the way we were raised.

9) Cagney had a rebellious streak. His boss, studio head Jack Warner, nicknamed Cagney, "The Professional Againster." Cagney joked that he enjoyed earning the title. What about you? Are you rebellious? I am more of a peace maker. I was raise to be kind and considerate. But would defend my self I had to and Mama bear in me could be ready if needed.

Tuesday 4

Welcome to Tuesday 4 in honor or Toni Taddeo.
Today's topic is Being Sociable
1. Do you bring a gift when you are invited to someone's home? Yes sometimes I do. I like giving gifts.

2.You've invited other bloggers for an old fashioned tea party. What are you serving for tea? I enjoy tea parties and I have everything needed for one. I have organized and hosted many tea parties at my church. So what would I have? I would make several types of sandwiches. Cucumber and cream cheese, chicken salad and tuna and place them on one of my tiered plate servers. I would have a salad for those that are vegetarians. I would have a scones, lemon ,almond and maybe blueberry. I would have something with chocolate and something that has a cream cheese filling. I have several teapots and I would serve a fruited tea, an English tea and a spiced tea. I would also have iced sweet tea. I have an assortment of teacups too. I would also make some sort of favor that each woman could take home with her.

My lifegroup friends went to a tea house last spring. We also went to one at Christmas time. We were going to have a garden teaparty on March 27th, but it was cancelled because of Covid19.

3. Do you enjoy entertaining company in your home? My home is small so I can only have a small group of women of 8. I would like to do more, but my husband is not a social person like me. He is okay with our immediate family, but we can't have all my family here.

4. The 4th of July national celebration will be in South Dakota at Mount Rushmore. How will you celebrate America's birthday? I love to celebrate on the 4th. We usually go to our city's 4th of July parade but I am not sure they will have it this year. We have a BBQ for my family and they go in the spa. Later they go to a large park to see the fireworks show the city puts on. Not sure they will have that either this year. I have a lot of patriotic themed bandanas I used on a wreath last year. I might have to make mask with them!