Friday Faves Five & Saturday 9

1. Thankful for sleep! I am blessed to have a comfortable bed with lots of pillows. My only problem is me getting to bed before 12 and staying asleep. If I can get 6 straight hours, I am good. I am a night owl and get more done in the later part of the day. I drag in the morning. But every morning, I thank the Lord for another day of life!

2. Thankful to get a quick doctor's appointment this past Monday. I had a later appointment and the clinic was not as crowded as usual. I have had this growth under my right eye at the eyelash line where I put eyeliner. I thought it was a clogged follicle and may be. It doesn't hurt like a sty or look red. I told the doctor about my basal skin cancer on my cheek and showed her the location. She said because of that, she was referring me to ophthalmology and said dermatology won't touch the area around the eye. So my appointment is on the 19th. The local clinic I go to is 7 minutes away. The medical center is about 25 minutes away and that is where most off the specialty departments are. I am thankful for great medical insurance, and I am praying the cost don't go up in the new year.

3. Enjoying the Christmas season and thankful my grands can help with the decorating. I have been busier than usual, and I have a busy week next starting on Sunday. I do have ADD, and managing my time can be a problem. I sewed 2 mini pillowcases out of flannel with a buffalo plaid check material for hubby's couch pillows. They match the rest of the blankets for the season. I did get my kitchen all decorated with gingerbread. The younger grands found the Shepherd on the Search gifts. Audrina got a new stocking and Elijah got Grinch material. Now he wants me to make a stocking. I told him it would be ready for Christmas.

4. Thankful that hubby helped put away the outdoor fall decor and bring out the Christmas decor. It felt good to be out in the sun for a short time. Our night's are in the mid 40's and days are low 70's. I can't complain. We usually don't turn the heat on until January. We can use the fireplace is we need to. Otherwise, we wear shirt shirts and use blankets.

5. Thankful that most of my Christmas shopping is done. I will start wrapping tomorrow while watching Christmas movies. I like the old Christmas classics and Hallmark. I also like Elf. Next week. I am also working on m Advent study with Illustrated Faith.

Saturday 9: Ja-Da (1918)

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

 

1) The lyrics tell us the melody is soothing. What calms you when you're upset or anxious? Music!

 

2) There was a lot going on in 1918 – like WWI and the Spanish flu pandemic – that left people upset and anxious. In those days, radio wasn't yet a staple in American homes so people received their news through newspapers. Today with podcasts and 24 hour cable news and social media and other news outlets available, do you ever feel like taking a break from current events? I have to really limit the news because it is so depressing.

3) In addition to newspapers, magazines were a big deal in 1918. Women turned to publications like Ladies Home Journal and McCall's for trends and tips about fashion and housekeeping. Do you have any printed magazines in your home now? Yes, I have some craft magazines.

 

4) Today schoolchildren often learn "Ja-Da" because it's easy to sing and play. Was music part of your grade school curriculum? Yes, there was music and art.

 

5) Composer Bob Carleton published more than 500 songs in his career. He had no songwriting partner, handling the words and lyrics himself. What's your favorite song? Was it written by a single composer or a songwriting team? That is a really hard question to answer! I like so many.

 

6) Bob got his start in his hometown of St. Louis, playing piano in his parents' saloon. When you think of St. Louis, what comes to mind? The movie called Meet Me in Saint Louis with Judy Garland singing Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas.

 

7) In 1918, Americans were buying more cars and Studebakers were a familiar sight on the streets and highways. Today that name is mostly forgotten. Can you think of a brand that used to popular but has disappeared? Not at the moment.

 

8) During WWI, Americans were familiar with "Meatless Days." Back then we were encouraged to cut back on the consumption of meat as a patriotic gesture to help the American and Allied troops. Today "Meatless Monday" highlights health and the environment. Think about your diet. Do you try to eat more grains, fruits and vegetables? Yes, I have an apple every evening with peanut butter. I have veggies twice a day. I don't eat many grains. I did find some high fiber, high protein bread.

 

9) Random question: Where did you get the shirt you are wearing right now? At Kohl's.

Friday Fave 5 & Saturday 9

The week flew by and I got a lot done! 

Hard to believe a week ago I was at Disneyland in the rain. Well part of the day and then it end up being a beautiful day. We go back in December. 

Thankful that I did not have to go anywhere this week and I got a lot of Christmas decorating done.

Thankful that the younger grands came to stay for Wednesday-Thursday to help decorate.

Thankful for a beautiful Thanksgiving!

Thankful to get some shopping done without a lot of crowds and good sales.

We are on are way to the Rosebowl!

Saturday 9: Thank You Girl (1964)

 

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

1) Who were you talking to the last time you said, "thank you?" My daughter.

2) Paul McCartney recalls that "Thank You Girl" was inspired by all the female fans who had written them fan letters, pledging undying love. Have you ever written a fan letter? If yes, did you receive a response? No, I have not.

3) Recording engineer Geoff Emerick remembered that John Lennon was easily winded while recording this song. John had a bad cold and went back to bed when they were done for the day. We're in cold/flu season right now. How are you feeling? I feel fine as I write this. The Santa Ana winds were here this past week and brought warmer, dry weather that messed with my sinuses. I felt better by Thanksgiving. 

4) "Thank You Girl" is this week's song because November 27 was Thanksgiving. What are you thankful for this year? My faith in Jesus, my family and my friends. Also, for good health insurance!

5) While the big meal is referred to as Thanksgiving dinner, most Americans enjoy it earlier than they usually serve dinner. 3:00 PM is the most popular time for the holiday feast. When did you have dinner on Thursday? 5pm

6) Cranberry sauce has been a Thanksgiving staple since the late 1800s. Was it on your menu this year? My hubby forgot to make it. He likes it but nobody asked for it.

7) The Thanksgiving Turducken is said to have originated in New Orleans. Chef Paul Prudhomme is often cited as the first to stuff a deboned chicken into a deboned duck into a deboned turkey. Prudhomme's recipe has more than 85 individual steps and takes a full day to prepare. Did you face any challenges while cooking your Thursday dinner? Everything turned out great!

8) Leftovers are popular after Thanksgiving, especially turkey sandwiches. Some cooks recommend serving cold, sliced turkey on wheat bread, but white bread, pitas and flatbread are also popular. When you head into the kitchen to make a sandwich, what's your go-to bread? Sourdough. But we have left over Hawaiian roles that we will use for sandwiches.

9) The day after Thanksgiving is known as Black Friday, the unofficial start of the holiday shopping season and sales. Black Friday got its name in Philadelphia back in the 1950s to describe the traffic clogging both highways and side streets as consumers raced out in search of bargains. When is the last time you were stuck in traffic? On our way to Disneyland on the 11th.

Friday Faves Five & Saturday 9

It is late Friday, and I had a great week. Joining Susanne for the Friday's Fave Five

Went to a baby shower for my niece on Sunday.  I stayed the night with my sister, and my husband picked me up on Monday. I felt off and got my things packed for my Bible journaling class and went to bed early.  I woke up at 3 am sick.

Thankful that my husband could take the things to my friend's house. Thankful that my friend who host our group went over the instructions I gave her. The women really enjoyed the craft I had for them.

Thankful that I was only sick for 24 hours and could go to the store and get some things for Thanksgiving. Thankful that our grandson could get out all our Christmas trees.

Thankful that I could go to my son's house who made breakfast for diner. We were getting up early for our Disney visit.

Thankful for the fun day we had at Disneyland. It rained in the morning, and the park was not so busy. We got to go on several rides and we left early. We are going back next month. My grandkids football team won their playoff game and are going to Rosebowl next Friday for the final division game. I missed the game because of Disneyland.

Saturday 9: The Lady in Red (1986)

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

1) Is red a color you often wear? Mostly around Christmas and Valentine's Day.

 

2) In this song, Chris De Burgh is thrilled to be dancing with the woman he loves. Do you recall what was playing the last time you stepped onto the dance floor? No

 

3) Chris says he wrote this song about the first time he saw his future wife, who wore a red dress when she came to see his band perform. Tell us about a memorable concert going experience.

The last concert I went to was in February 2025. We saw Cece Wynans. I went with my granddaughter who is on the praise team at church, her mom and grandma. It was great!

 

4) Chris' father worked as a diplomat for the United Kingdom. Former US ambassador Robert D. Blackwill believes a diplomat should possess strong writing/speaking skills, meticulous attention to detail, historical knowledge, and stamina. Do you have any of those attributes? Attention to detail.

 

5) Chris' family owns Bargy Castle, a 15th century fortress in County Wexford, Ireland. Bargy Castle has been converted into a hotel. What's the last hotel you stayed in? Does a floating hotel count? We went on a cruise in January 2025. We stayed in a Marriott in San Deigo back in 2024.

 

6) Chris is a wine connoisseur who sold a collection of vintage reds for over $500,000. If you suddenly came into $500,000, what would you do with it? Pay off our house, give some to church and give some to our kids.

 

7) In 1986, when this song was popular, singer/actress Lady Gaga was born in Manhattan. Have you been to New York City? Yes, back in 2008  Waiting to see Phantom of the Opera with my parents and sister. We were there before leaving on our New England cruise.

 

8) Also in 1986, NHL Hall of Famer Jacques Plante died. Are you a hockey fan? I played field hockey in high school and loved it.  I don't watch it now except for the Winter Olympics.

 

9) Random question – You just slid behind the wheel and are about to embark on a long road trip. 

Which of these famous Williams would you choose as your navigator: Willie Nelson, Bill Murray, or William, Prince of Wales? The Prince of Wales.

Tuesday 4 & Wednesday Hodgepodge

Happy Birthday to my grandson Eddie!!(Nov.10)

The time has flown. This is the guy that made me Mema and also gave this name.

1. What kind of weather and temperatures make you feel most comfortable, most healthy? Fall and spring weather, low 70's to low 80's. 

2.  Do you like the colors associated with Autumn. Clothing wise do they look good on you? I love the colors of fall. I can wear fall colors, but don't have many. I love decorating my home with those colors since we don't see a lot of it outside where I live.

3. Would you rather:… 

… get lost in a corn maze or go on a hayride? Hayride

… visit an apple orchard or a pumpkin patch? Apple orchard

… eat a caramel apple or a candy apple?  I love them both!

… have some cinnamon buns or Pumpkin muffins? Pumpkin muffins

4. There are 7,500 varieties of apple.  What is your favorite, and do you regularly eat apples?   What fruits do you keep on hand? I love Envy apples. I eat an apple almost everyday with peanut butter.

1. What does patriotism mean to you? It means living in the land of free. and loving your country. I remember learning about the constitution in school and learning the preamble. I take pride knowing  that my grandparents became citizens and gave their kids and grandkids a better life in a better place. It is appreciating all that we have blessed with. I am thankful for the relatives that served their country including my dad and aunt. 

2. September-October-November...your favorite fall month? Tell us why. If you live in the southern hemisphere use these months but sub spring for the word fall. It is mid-November, and fall is finally here!

3. A song you love with the word thanks (or some form of that word) in the title or lyrics? Thanks for the Memory.

4. November is National Peanut Butter Month. Are you a fan? What's the last peanut butter bite you had? Fill in the blank: peanut butter and apples that I have a snack almost every night. 

Oh, and you can't say jelly. 

5. This week's gratitude question-What event from this past year are you most grateful for? I would say our Mexican Riviera cruise in January to celebrate 50 years of marriage. 

6. Insert your own random thought here. I am thankful for how close my family is. 

Friday's Fave 5 & Saturday 9

Another week has flown by! The days just seem to go faster and faster. I thought retirement was a time to slow down. It may for some, but it has been busy for me. But there is always something to be thankful for. I am joining Susanne for the meme.

I am thankful for this laptop that lets me connect to others. I am thankful for the digital artist that provide content for my Bible journaling and crafting. I am thankful for free programs like Blogger.

I am thankful for the Facebook memories that pop up that bring smiles to my face.

Lake Tahoe October 2019

October 2019

October 2021

October 31, 2020

Thankful that my scar is healing and I can now wear the scar tape.

Thankful to be able to go to Disneyland on Thursday. I had not been since December of 2022. Hubby and I had lunch at Downtown Disney and walked around. I got a few ornaments. Then he left and I headed to California adventure. I got to go on The Guardians of the Galaxy ride and Grizzley Rapids where I got soak and wet. The wait was about 45 minutes. I got to talk to a young couple from Mexico and a group of 4 college age kids that were very nice to me and helped me in and out of the ride. After getting out of that ride, my son and granddaughter met me. We got to go on the Cars ride and see the Coco/Familia section. We went to the Disneyland side and had a great dinner. Then we went on the Pirates of the Caribbean  and Star Tours. We left before it closed to avoid the traffic. 

This is the ornament I got since I turned 70 three weeks after Disney did.

Thankful to be able to sleep in and lounge around and watch tv with husband and get some things done on my laptop. I start my Gratitude  Documented 30 day devotional study with Illustrated Faith.

Saturday 9: Angie Baby (1974)

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

 

1) This week's song is a spooky one about a young man who breaks into the bedroom of a troubled girl named Angie. Their encounter doesn't go well and he's never seen again. Though there's been gossip, no one knows for sure what happened to him. Does your town have any scary legends that have been passed down through the decades? No

 

2) Songwriter Alan O'Day said he drew upon aspects of his own childhood to come up with "Angie Baby." He was an only child who often stayed home sick from school, with only Top 40 radio for company. What do you recall when you think about sick days as a kid?  I don't remember me being sick often but my sister was because of her asthma. Grandmas were always there and that was a blessing for us and our parents. But in 1968, I got the Hong Kong flu and I was so sick. Both my parents took care of me. I remember that I missed the youth group Caroling Event and that made me sad. 

 

3) Helen Reddy said she enjoyed hearing what her fans thought happened in "Angie Baby." Can you think of another song that is open to interpretation? Not at the moment.

 

4) When Helen and her husband/manager Jeff Wald heard "Angie Baby" the first time, they immediately agreed she should record it. She went into the studio that afternoon and in less than 10 days, disc jockeys were playing it and "Angie Baby" became an international hit. When were you glad you acted on impulse? Getting Minnie, our third doxie.

 

Questions inspired by Halloween .... 

5) Though best known as a recording artist, Helen Reddy also acted on occasion and appeared as a singing nun in Airport 1975. A nun's habit is a popular Halloween costume. Will you/did you dress up this year? No

6) In 2024, more Americans than ever dressed their dogs up for Halloween. Have you ever taken your pup with you trick-or-treating? No.... well not our current dog. She does not like to be out in public. Our previous dog did not mind. Eddie with Reina, 2009.

7) According to the Guinness Book of Records, the award for highest number of jack-o-lanterns in one place went to Keene, NH, where in 2013 there were 30,581. Did you carve a pumpkin for Halloween this year? No

 

8) In years gone by, the Irish celebrated Halloween not with pumpkins but by carving turnips, potatoes and beets. Are any of those foods in your kitchen right now? Potatoes.
 

9) Some Elvis fans insist his ghost hovers in the trees over Graceland. Have you ever seen a ghost? No.

October, around 1964. 

Friday's Fave 5 & Saturday 9

1. Thankful for another week of blessings! The older grands celebrated homecoming last Saturday. My grandson got ready at our house and then his Mon took him to his girlfriend's house. He mom took them for pictures before the homecoming. My daughter took my granddaughter to homecoming. She was going to meet up with friends there. So glad kids don't have to have dates to go. 

Jazzy and her brother Eddie and Daniela with Eddie.

2. Thankful that I could be at church to greet. I am to old to worry about having a bandage on my face. 

3. Thankful for another successful Bible Journaling Day. I gave the girls two kits. One for October. Then the other is for November. They will work on a little 30 day gratitude journal. I got the little journals after Vacation Bible school ended. I found a graphic online and printed out a lot of graphics. I also included a 30 day Bible reading program for November. The gratitude journal is something I have done with Illustrated Faith for years. Here are some of the pages the ladies did.

4 Thankful that the dermatologist/surgeon was able to check on my incision. He said I am healing well. He removed a couple of stitches. He said to continue doing what I was doing. I still have a bit of pain at the top of the scar, but that is to be expected.

5. Thankful to be able to go to another football game to support our granddaughter. Eddie drove me and my son, and his family were able to go to the game too. My daughter met up there too.

Do You Know the Way to San Jose

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

 

1) In this song, someone moves to Los Angeles looking for "fame and fortune" but ends up with a job "pumping gas." Today, the majority of service stations are self-serve, so very few people pump gas for a living. Can you think of another job that used to be common but doesn't exist anymore? We used to have a milkman that delivered to our home back in the late 70's. 

 

2) The San Jose travel bureau advertises "300 days of sunshine" every year. How is the weather where you are today? Sunny and 83 today. It will be 86 on Thursday when I am at Disneyland. It is 26 miles from me.

 

3) Lyricist Hal David became fond of San Jose when he was stationed there while in the Navy. Tell us about a place you visited that you have affection for. Hawaii! Here were are at the Disney Aulani in 2018 for the character breakfast. We stayed close to it at the Marriott Resort.

  

4) Composer Burt Bacharach grew up and worked primarily in New York until his marriage to actress Angie Dickinson. She had to live in Los Angeles for her career, so he relocated and remained a Californian for the rest of his life. Where do you feel most at home? (It doesn't have to be a city. It could be your favorite chair.) My home, either in my dad's chair in the family room or the bedroom where my desk is. I journal there and I enjoy the view in the backyard.

5) Dionne Warwick thinks this week's song is "dumb." She won her first Grammy for "Do You Know the Way to San Jose?" and, decades later, still sings it in concert, but she has not changed her opinion of the song. What is something everyone else seems to like but you just don't get?

 

6) Now in her 80s, with more than 60 years in show business, Dionne still enjoys performing. She told a reporter that she loves looking out into the audience and seeing an arm go around a shoulder, or a couple begin holding hands, when they hear her sing "their song." What song reminds you of a special romance? There are lots of songs, but I will go with Just my Imagination by the Temptations.

 

7) In 1968, when this song was popular, The Doris Day Show premiered. The show was, initially, a surprise to its star. Her manager/husband died suddenly without telling her he had committed her to a weekly sitcom. She was not pleased but honored the contract. Think of the last time you were surprised. Was it a happy or sad surprise? My cousin made it to my 70th birthday. I had not seen here since the previous November.

 

8) According to the Social Security Administration, the most popular baby names of 1968 were Lisa and Michael. Are there any Lisas or Michaels in your life? I have a cousin Lisa and my sister-in-law is named Elizabeth but called Lisa. I have a nephew named Michael.

 

9) Random question: What are you looking forward to this week? My husband's birthday on Saturday. Pumpkin Bash in the evening. Turning in our operation Christmas Child Boxes. Going to Disneyland on Thursday!

Previous entry had Homecoming game pictures.

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