Friday Faves 5 & Saturday 9

Thankful that in spite of the AC going out, we have had a place to stay with our kids.

Thankful for the fun day with my friends on Saturday. We took a train ride from our city to San Juan Capistrano which is about 40 miles away. We only had to pay$5.00 roundtrip because we are seniors. San Juan Capistrano has a mission, and we were last there in 2018 when we took the grands to see the mission. But we did not go to the mission. We did take a trolly ride around a part of the city. Some out of state people were there and one man had a little to much to drink and was happing and joking the whole time and a few things were not to nice, but we offered grace, and his friends got him off the trolley as soon as they could. I painted the tunnel on the picture below and found a train for the tunnel. I did these pages for my Crafty August book.

Thankful that we could go to the early church service this Sunday. Then we picked up Minnie and headed to my daughter's home. They went to Disneyland for the day. Thankful to have a cool place to hang out. We spent Monday with our son during the day and my granddaughter and I went shopping. Then we went to my daughter's home and spent the night. Wednesday-Saturday here at my son's. Dogs are happy they are with us as my son and his family are at the beach. 

Thankful that we are credit union members and were able to get the $ to get our new AC Unit. It is supposed to get installed on Sunday.

Thankful that my face biopsy is almost healed and looks a lot better. 

Saturday 9: It's So Nice to Be Nice  (to Your Neighbor) – 1947

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

 

1) In this song, Monica Lewis encourages us to greet our neighbors with a smile and a hello. Tell us about one of your neighbors. One of my best friends lives down the street. She lets me take my grands swimming at her house. she is a great listener and very generous. She is a craft person like me and can really paint nice things. We met at church over 25 years ago.

 

2) She reminds us that it's "nice to be nice." Who has recently shown you kindness? Our kids who have let us stay at their home since we lost our AC where the temps are in the 90's daily!

 

3) Monica Lewis was born in Chicago, where her mother performed with the Chicago Opera Company. Have you ever been to the opera? Phantom of the Opera on Broadway 2008 and at the Venetian in Las Vegas in 2007

My parents waiting for the show to start. It was about 30 minutes longer that the Vegas show.

 

4) Her family moved to New York City, where she attended college by day and worked at radio station WMCA in the evenings to help support her family. Which do you listen to more: the radio or podcasts?

The Radio.

5) In the 1940s she appeared all around New York – in nightclubs, on Broadway, and on radio shows. It was then that she got her best-known and longest-running role: the voice of Chiquita Banana. For decades she was heard singing the jingle, "I'm Chiquita Banana and I'm here to say ..." Do you have any bananas in your kitchen now? Yes, there are some here at my son's house.

 

6) Around 1950 she moved to Hollywood. She had recently divorced and wanted a fresh start. There she dated an actor who was also newly divorced: Ronald Reagan. Obviously she never had to ask, "Whatever became of him?" Who is the last former romance, classmate or coworker that you looked up on the internet? I don't remember, but it was someone from my class that I did not know well. Someone posted a link that keeps classmates updated.

 

7) In 1947, when this song was popular, actor Ted Danson was born. He's best known as Sam Malone, the bartender at Cheers, "where everybody knows your name." Is there a bar or restaurant where you are recognized on sight? No.

 

8) The 1947 Studebaker Champion was one of the first cars to have an adjustable driver's seat designed to accommodate motorists of various heights. When you're driving someone else's car, do you usually adjust the seat? All the time. I have short legs.

 

9) Random question: When someone takes advantage of you, are you angrier at them for doing it, or at yourself for letting it happen? Just depends on the situation though it does not happen very often.

I am writing this Friday night and I have to go to bed early because the grand dogs are tired.

Friday Faves 5 & Saturday 9

Another week has flown by. Here are my answers to Friday Faves 5 & Saturday 9. Thanks to Susanne and Sam for the memes and the links are on the left.

So thankful that Hubby and I went to the beach on Sunday after church. We found parking facing the water. Then we walked a few blocks to eat at our favorite restaurant there called The Crab Cooker. We have been going there since we were dating back in 1973. After we ate, we walked back to our car to get our chairs, umbrella and beach bag. We found a spot close to the water. Then I went to the bathroom to change. I put plenty of sunblock on my face and wore my hat. I wanted to really enjoy my time knowing I had to go for my biopsy on Monday. My husband took pictures of me on the beach to celebrate me turning 70 and feeling good to enjoy my time there. I only got my feet wet but it was great!

Thankful for insurance. I know I say that a lot.  I got my statement for July and they had the itemized break down of my blood work and ultrasound of my abdomen. That was over $2000 and I only paid $10.00 Thank You Lord!

Thankful for the birthday lunch with friends and Bible study on Tuesday night. We are in the book of Revelation, chapter 3 and we do a lot of cross referencing. 

Thankful for lunch with my friend Alice on Wednesday. We spent 3 hours catching up with life. Before I left, I got a phone call message and I had to call the doctor back up. I have basal skin cancer on my left cheek. It is not malignant and I am thanking God for that. Now I just need his peace for the next step. I have to let the biopsy heal and I will see an oncologist that specialized on surgeries for skin cancer that is the least evasive. It is called a MOHRS procedure. Thankful for the prayers of my family and friends. My kids all called me for the details and say they were praying for me. Thankful that I could still go to my Book study at church later. 

Thankful for a great worship night at church Thursday night. Our pastor prayed over people and I went up for prayer. I love seeing my granddaughter leading in worship. She really has a gift and stays humble about it. Thankful that her and her parents and brother are going to a resort at the beach for a few days. My son left Thursday to set things up for the work conference. Thankful that my daughter and her kids are doing most of the dog sitting. 

Thankful to get to see our granddaughter perform at the first football game of the season tonight. And for our granddogs along with our Minnie who love me.

She will be standing on this box set up at the game.

Saturday 9: We Belong Together (2005)

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

This month we're going to recall Summer Songs. These will all be records that topped the charts during August.

1) Number 1 on the charts in August 20 years ago, "We Belong Together" is about the end of this romantic relationship. Mariah sings that now she won't have anyone to talk to on the phone until the sun comes up. That was then. Today many people prefer to text than to talk on the phone. Are you one of those people? Texts are okay for short messages or when you know they can't be on the phone but they can check a quick message. I had two conversations by phone this week and both were over an hour long. Then I had 3 shorter conversations that were about 15 minutes long.

2) The video for this song features an elaborate wedding. Tell us about the last wedding you attended.

It was about a year ago, September. My Brother in law's daughter got married at a relative's winery.

3) Mariah believes she inherited her musical gifts from her mom, who was an opera singer and vocal coach. When things were hectic in their household, Mariah recalls that music helped bring her and her mom closer together. Share a happy childhood memory featuring you and one of your parents.

4) After graduating from high school in Long Island, Mariah Carey went to Manhattan in search of stardom. While waiting for her big break, she enrolled in beauty school and waited tables. Both stylists and servers receive gratuities for their services. Do you consider yourself a good tipper? I usually tip 20%. Sometimes I will pay more if the service is really good.

5) The Fresh Air Fund operates six camps in the New York area to provide kids with a chance to learn and explore outdoors. They named Camp Mariah in Ms. Carey's honor to thank her for her support. Here's your chance to toot your own horn. Tell us about an honor you received. (Anything from a major award to a handmade drawing that says "World's Best Mom" counts. We want to hear about it.) I got a several awards in high school. I got a few cash awards at work. The funniest award was the one I got at the servants banquet at church for 12 step computer geek or something like that. I have a picture somewhere and I know that trophy is around somewhere too. I think it was in the later 90's and pastor and others knew I worked on a computer at work and then would be on it writing the women's newsletter and other computer things. 

6) Mariah has mentioned she enjoys pizza and red wine. Will you be enjoying either pizza or red wine this weekend? No.

Let's look at the summer of 2005.

7) The biggest news story that summer was Hurricane Katrina. This deadly and destructive storm killed over 1,000 people and did more than $100 billion in damage. Have you ever endured a natural disaster (such as hurricane, flood, landslide, tornado, blizzard, wildfire)? Thankfully, no.

8) Popular that summer was Kingda Ka, the new roller coaster at Six Flags Great America in Jackson, NJ. At the time, it was the tallest and fastest roller coaster in the world. Have you been to any fairs or amusement parks this summer? No and I miss Disneyland. The last time I was there was December 2022, and I rode several roller coaster rides.

9) Award-winning American figure skater Alysa Liu was born in August of 2005. NBC Sports and their Peacock network report that figure skating events get high ratings. What's your favorite sport to watch on TV? Figure skating and gymnastics.

I shared my senior picture on the previous post along with my grandson's kinder/senior picture.

Friday Faves 5 & Saturday 9

Joining Susanne to share 5 things I am thankful for from this week.

Joining Sam for the Saturday 9, both links on the left.

Thankful for church on Sunday. I have shared pictures of my granddaughter singing at church. This Sunday she spoke before singing the song called Centered. She spoke of Mary sitting at the feet of Jesus. She said it came to her after learning the song at practice. She asked the worship leader if she could speak and He said yes. Another time the Holy Spirit has touched her heart. 

Thankful for a women's worship night. Audrina was played the keyboards that night. I still remember putting her on my lap to play my piano. So thankful that she could play and sing in worship. I sang in school and church choir, but I could never play because of performance anxiety. A part of my walk has been letting go, in many areas. So, when they asked people to freely worship and even go forward, I did.

Thankful for my Bible journaling meet up on Tuesday. Several girls were missing for various reasons. So I got to sit on the main table and share about the kits and how the HS lead to a theme on Word and Jesus's baptism, I have been using names of Jesus each month. I shared how at Sunday's service, pastor read two of the verses I used, confirming my topics.

Thankful for time with the younger grands on Wednesday and my book study in the evening. and first day of school for the older grands on Thursday. Eddie is a senior and VP ASB. He has shorter hours this year, and will go back to his volunteer job once he is settled with his AP classes. Jazzy has a busy schedule with AP classes, Song leader and Sports health medicine. So thankful that all our grands are doing well! 

Thankful to have lunch with my middle son and his wife. They told us about their vacation to the Napa wine area of California. They also told me how the plans were coming along for the family birthday party this Saturday for me turning 70, my granddaughter Jazzy turning 16 and my grandnephew turning 10. The main thing is the whole family being together! 

Saturday 9: Shout (1985)

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

This month we're going to recall Summer Songs. These will all be records that topped the charts during August.

1) Number 1 on the charts in August 40 years ago, the lyrics to "Shout" encourage us to "let it all out." When is the last time you raised your voice? A week ago.

2) This week's featured artists, Tears for Fears, were a duo -- Roland Orzabal and Curt Smith -- who met as teenagers in Bath, the largest city in Somerset, England. Bath has been named one of The Great Spa Towns of Europe. Popular spa treatments include massages, facials, body scrubs and wraps, mineral baths, manicures and pedicures.  If you could treat yourself to a spa treatment today, which would you choose? A facial.

3) When they first met, one of the things Roland and Curt bonded over was that they were both raised by single mothers. Who was your best friend during your teen years? What did you two bond over? I had a few friends. Some were from church. I met my friend Lissette in 7th grade. She sat in front of me in math. She had just come from Cuba. I befriended her with my broken Spanish. She helped me with my math. We didn't have a lot of classes together, but always had GAA which was last period. We took that class through high school. We had lunch a couple of years ago. I also  met my friend Anita at school in 19th grade because she heard a conversation I had about my old boyfriend and his brother Tony. I met her at Christmas, and we had lunch together last year. We also keep in touch on FB. My other friend was Mary Beth and she was my maid of honor. We keep in touch on Facebook.

4) Curt's wife, Frances Pennington, has had a long career in marketing, beginning in the record business and transitioning to fashion. Which industry do you think you'd enjoy more -- music or fashion? Music!

5) Roland married his childhood sweetheart, Caroline Johnston. They were together for 35 years, until her death. Do you know whatever became of your childhood sweetheart? My first real boyfriend was Oscar in 7-8th grade. We mostly saw each other at church youth group. I ran into his sister about 15 years ago. Shee said that Oscar was a Fire captain in San Diego. I told her to say hi and that is the last time I heard from her.

Let's look at the summer of 1985.

6) That summer, Chicago teenager Balu Natarajan won the National Spelling Bee. Are you a good speller? I would say average.

7) Tinker Bell took her first nightly flight at Walt Disney World in Florida. Do you recall which Disney movie introduced us to Tinker Bell? Peter Pan.

8) Derek Hough was a baby in the summer of 1985. In 2007 he became a regular on Dancing with the Stars, acclaimed for his ballroom dancing. Are you good on the dance floor? I don't know about good, but I did like to dance. It is harder now because of my lower back disc problem.

9) In 1985, Michael J. Fox became the first actor to have the #1 movie at the box office and the #1 TV show in the ratings. The movie was Back to the Future and the TV show was Family Ties. Have you seen the movie? Were you a fan of the show? My husband and I both saw the movie at the show.

It was okay. My husband liked it more than I did. I did like to watch Family Ties.

Friday Faves 5 & Saturday 9

Another week has flown by! Joining Susanne and Sam for the following memes. Links on the left.

Thankful for my iPhone. I can refer back to it for pictures that help me remember events. The calendar on the IP helps too! I still use a pocket calendar too. 

Thankful for a nice lunch after church this pass Sunday! Also for going to my son's house later for dinner where my other grands were also there. They don't like to take pictures.

Thankful for Facebook Memories! This was from Farmville 2010. I loved playing this game. It started with the home farm. By 2020 when it ended, I had about 30 farms! It really appealed to the creative me. I was sad when it ended. I made friends from all over. I learned a lot about crops and trees from around the word. The Hawaii Farm was my favorite! Especially since I was playing it in 2012 when we sent to Hawaii. My dad would watch me play when I stayed with him after my mom passed.

Thankful for a week that I didn't have to go anywhere except Monday. I was able to get my kits ready for my next Bible journaling meet up on the 5th. 

Thankful for mild weather for July, mostly in the mid 80's. Not happy about the earthquake we had today(Thursday) Thankful that is was not nearby, but still to close at 31 miles away.  It was a 4.4 and I could feel my bed shaking. My husband was in the other room and he said the crystal in my China hutch was making noise. So glad I am not in a two story. I am from So CA and I have experienced many earthquakes, but you never get used to them. 

Saturday 9: Jive Talkin' (1975)

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

This month we're going to recall Summer Songs. 

These will all be records that topped the charts during August.

1) Number 1 on the charts in August 50 years ago, "Jive Talkin'" was originally called "Drive Talkin',"

 because it was inspired by the "chunka-chunka" sound the Bee Gees' car made as it rolled over the bridge from Biscayne Bay to Miami every morning. Tell us about a drive you make regularly. What do you love, or hate, about it? My husband takes one route to church, and I take another. His route has a long light and a big dip in the street. I am usually putting on makeup in the car at that time and that bump gets me every time! The driver chooses the route so I will just have to bump along.

2) Barry, Maurice and Robin Gibb always enjoyed singing together and as kids, practiced their harmonies in the bathroom because that's where the acoustics were best. Do you sing in the shower?

Sometimes, but mostly at my desk when I am Bible journaling and listening to music.

3) Early in their career, the brothers wrote and recorded a radio jingle for Coca Cola. If we were to peer into your refrigerator right now, would we find any carbonated beverages? No, we don't buy them.

4) Though their sound depended on tight harmonies, all three Bee Gees were heavy smokers, which is bad for the throat. Do you smoke? Are there smokers/vapers in your life? No and no!

5) Robin Gibb agreed to perform on the CD Sesame Street Fever so his kids could meet Cookie Monster. Who is your favorite Muppet? Elmo.

6) In addition to younger brother Andy, who also scored hit records, the Bee Gees have a sister, Lesley. Unlike her siblings, she didn't go into show business. Instead she became a dog breeder. Tell us about a dog who holds a special place in your heart. First there is my current dog Minnie. Then my grand doggies, Coca and Daisy. Dogs in my life that have crossed the Rainbow Bridge. My Reina, and Missy. Grand doggies Rey and Pepper. Family doxie Mandy Belle. This is us with Missy in 1975.

Missy passed in 1992 and Reina in 2010. Minnie will be our last dog.

Reina

Let's look at the summer of 1975.

7) That summer, producer Lorne Michaels was auditioning talent for the Not Ready for Prime Time Players. This band of comedic performers would premiere that October in a new show called Saturday Night Live. In the days before DVRs and streaming, Saturday Night Live was considered "appointment television," a show you wanted to catch when it aired so you made sure you were in front of a TV to hear "Live from New York, it's Saturday Night!" Is there a show you go out of your way to watch when it airs? Or is most of your viewing either recorded or streamed? Hubby and I try to be home when Survivor is on. But we do record our favorite shows to see them if we are out or they are on too late. We each like our own shows, so those are recorded to see when we are ready to see them.

8) The top movie at the box office that summer was Jaws. Have you seen it? Oh yes, we went the week it came out and we had to wait a long time. It scared me for sure and I did not go out far in the beach after watching it. Later, in the 80's we took our boys to Universal Studios and we saw the Jaws exhibit.

My middle son and his wife went in a shark cage in Oahu's Shark Cove while on their honeymoon. That was back in August 2016. In 2012, my sister and I went on a boat called Pride of Maui to Molokini Crater, about 2 miles from the shore. We went snorkeling and it was fun. If we got to far from the boat, a spotter would have us go back towards the boat. The next day we went on the Road to Hana tour. The tour guide told us they have people that feel sharks early in the morning  so they don't go hunting later. There were also people hired around the perimeter to spot for sharks. I am glad I did not know that until after the snorkeling event!

9) In 1975, Jim Palmer of the Baltimore Orioles was having a career season and won the second of his three Cy Young Awards. In 2012 he put all three trophies up for auction. As proud as he was of the awards, he said, "My priorities have changed," and the money would help pay for college for his grandchildren. Think about your belongings. Is there anything you would never part with at any price? There are things I have that mean a lot to me. But I can't take them when I leave to my eternal home. I plan to give things away starting next year now that I am turning 70. Most are thing that were from my parents or grandparents. My granddaughters have already asked for my teapots and teacups. My older grandson wants my Disney Castle and Characters I got for the 60th Disney Birthday. I have some stamp sets that I will give my son to son. The grands can pick out ornaments. I would like each of my grands to have one of my Bibles as well as my kids. Yes I have several study Bibles and I am about to start my 3rd journaling Bible in January. 

Friday 5 & Saturday 9

Thankful for another great week!

Church was great! I started greeting again and it was nice because I could hear my granddaughter sing twice. Later in the day we went to my son's house for dinner. Minnie is trying to play with Daisy now.

I got to sleep in on Monday and then worked on my Bible journaling kits. I was able to get them all done by dinner. I did have to stop to go to PT. I feel like I am gaining strength and I got a new exercise to do.

My Bible journaling class went so well. I always have a song to play based on our theme. My host played the Potters Wheel from Hillsong. I did a little shopping after the group. After I got home, I went to the backyard and listened to my Bible through the year reading on my iPhone. Then I played some music and watered a few plants. It was so peaceful out there. I watched a few birds fly around and I know some are in the process of nesting. I water colored these pages.

Hubby and I were going to drive to a Stationery store in Orange Country, but I was so tired that I decided to sleep in and relax. I finished some of my Bible journaling pages and my Crafty book.

Later hubby and I watched Survivor. We have been watching it almost from the beginning. 

Thursday was another rest day. I did a little gardening and took picture of my roses. Later I was doing some printing and changed the ink. But I was not able to get the printer to work. I knew this was going to eventually happen. I have been looking online for another Cannon Printer. I have some Amazon gift cards I have not used, so what I have should cover most of the price. So thankful for that.

I had another good night of sleep which was a great thing for me. Somedays my sleep is disturbed, and it is really hard to function without good sleep. Hubby and I went shopping and I found some pants and a shirt to wear for Mother's Day. He got a couple pairs of shorts. So thankful to find some nice things at a good price. We stopped at Michael's crafts so I could use my coupon. I was really sad to see that the item I wanted increased in price by $3.00! So I decided not to get it. I did find something else. Then hubby and I went to Chilis for lunch. We shared the $10.99 hamburger lunch. We also got free chips and salsa.

Saturday we are going to a family baby shower and there will be a taco man there. Thankful for a great week! Everyone have a nice weekend!

Saturday 9: Georgia on My Mind (1978)

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

1) These lyrics refer to "an old sweet song." What old sweet song is a favorite of yours?

Jesus Loves Me. It is one of the first songs I learned as a small child. The next thing that came to me was the Tapestry album from 1971. My mom bought me the album, and I still have it. Lots of really good songs!

 

2) Composer Hoagy Carmichael said he was inspired by saxophonist Frankie Trumbauer to write a song about Georgia. In those days, bands traveled by bus and Frankie enjoyed rolling through Georgia. Hoagy recalled that Frankie even volunteered the first two words, "Georgia, Georgia ..." If we were to organize a Saturday 9 bus trip, where would you recommend, we go for lovely scenery? 

A drive to Temecula. The poppy's are blooming and they look so pretty on the green hills. There is lots to do in Temecula.

 

3) This version of "Georgia on My Mind" was controversial before it was even recorded. Willie Nelson's label, Columbia, didn't see the point of their outlaw country star singing an old standard that was associated with Ray Charles and Ella Fitzgerald. Willie had the last laugh. This record was a hit and Willie won a Grammy. Tell us about a time when you were a success despite opposition. ?

 

4) While it's at odds with his "outlaw" image, Willie was a popular and active high school student. He played three sports and was a member of Future Farmers of America. What school activities did you participate in during your teen years? I was in a youth group at my church from 7th -12th grade. We did a lot of activities. We went to summer and winter camp. We had fundraisers to fun those activities. We visited convalescent homes and went Christmas caroling. I was pretty active with school groups too. I played competitive sports in high school. I liked riding on a bus to play at other schools. I liked participating in the groups I was a part of. I was VP of our Girls League group and we planned the mother-daughter tea. We planned carnation day at school. We did service projects in that group and the other group I was in. I was also on the student relations group. I was also a candy striper one summer and traveled to Mexico for one summer and had a great learning experience. I also helped my parents when they were politically involved. I shared all these experiences on my college application. 

 

5) Willie once worked as a tree trimmer, so clearly he didn't suffer from acrophobia. How about you? Do you have a fear of heights? No. I think it is exciting.

 

6) He wrote the lyrics to one of his biggest hits, "On the Road Again," during a flight, using the airplane barf bag as scrap paper. That was back in 1980. In 2025, do you handwrite onto note paper, or do you make all your "notes to self" digitally? I do both and have used a barf bag as a crafting piece.

7) In 1978, when Willie was singing "Georgia on My Mind," audiences were flocking to see the movie Grease. What's your favorite song from Grease? Hopelessly Devoted by You.

8) Also in 1978, Karina Smirnoff was born. After spending her early years in the Ukraine, she came to America and found success on Dancing with the Stars. Are you a DWTS fan? 

Yes, I have watched it for years.

 

9) Random question: Do you ever carry a backpack? Yes, I took one when I went on the cruise and all other vacations.

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