Friday's Fave 5 & Saturday 9

My Blogger Friends feed is not updating as of this morning.

On my previous post I talked about my thoughts from 911. I am watching the tribute ceremony as I write this. It made me think of when I met a Holocaust survivor and he told us, "Never forget" Never forget the times that help us remember that life is precious. That we grow strong if we can focus on the good.

Thankful for the wonderful time we had celebrating at our granddaughter's Sweet 16 birthday party last Saturday. Our son and his wife also celebrated their birthday's last week.

Thankful for the rain we got on Sunday and Monday because we need it. Not used to the humidity we got with it, but it came from a tropical storm coming up from Mexico. We have been in the 100's this week so thankful for air conditioning!

Thankful for another fun time at our Senior Fellowship. There is always lots of food because it is a potluck. The games are always fun. Thankful that my friend Linda could take me.

Thankful that my friends and I could get together on Thursday to work on the travel journal kits I made them for our upcoming trip to Israel. We will get our travel information kits on Sunday. I have received certain things I ordered for the trip. I am just waiting for my shoes to come in. I will use some of them when I go with some friends on a 4 day get away on Monday. Thankful that the weather will come down.

Thankful that I have learned so much from Bible journaling. 

Saturday 9: Devil in the Bottle (1974)

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

1) This song begins with T. G. Sheppard taking off his shoes to slip into the house with disturbing his sleeping wife. Are you wearing shoes as you answer these questions? No

2) His wife hears him anyway. Are you a light sleeper? Yes

 

3) This is the first of 22 consecutive #1 hits for T. G. Sheppard. Not bad for a high school dropout. What's the last year of education that you completed? Bachelors in Social Ecology, University of CA at Irvine. Also took 2 years of courses I liked at the local junior college while waiting to get pregnant.

 

4) He was born William Browder and chose the stage name T. G. Sheppard just because he liked the sound of it. He says "T. G." doesn't stand for anything, and he gets a kick out of fans who insist there's some secret meaning behind the initials. Since most of us didn't choose our names: Is there a story behind your name? Did your parents tell you why they chose it? (If you did choose your name, share what influenced your decision.) I was named after two people, my grandfather and Susan Hayward.

 

5) It was after hours at a Memphis roller rink when he first met Elvis and his entourage. As T. G. was leaving, Elvis was entering and asked if he wanted to stay and skate longer. T. G. was confused because he knew the place was closing for the night. "Not for me," Elvis replied and T. G. skated with Elvis and his buddies until dawn. Are you good on roller skates? I was when I was younger. I would dare not try it now or I would break if I fell.

6) T. G. loves NASCAR and was an associate sponsor of the Folgers Chevrolet. He enjoyed the collaboration with the coffee company and has performed the familiar jingle – "the best part of waking up is Folgers in your cup" – in concert. Are you loyal to a particular coffee brand? Hubby and I drink Folger's Half-Caff.

 

7) T. G. understands the lifestyle of his fans. That's why he named his live country music venue Guitars and Cadillacs. If you were going to name a business after two of your favorite things, what would you call it? Susan's Garden of Friendship. It's the name of my website. I used to love to garden, http://www.garden4mylord.com/  I was combining both physical and spiritual. My website has over 200 pages. One of the pages is linked to the candle on the top.

 

8) In 1974, when this week's song was on the country charts, Linda Ronstadt was getting a lot of radio airplay with "You're No Good." That song is about a real cad. Let's turn that around: Who is the nicest person you know? I know many nice people. My cousin Joanie, several of my friends and my granddaughter, Audrina.

 

9) Random question: Have you ever had your palm read? No, and I would not.

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

Tuesday 4 & Wednesday Hodgepodge

1. How do you observe Labor Day and were you aware of the background of it? We don't do anything special. Everyone just relaxes that day. Grandson will be working because the school is closed and the amusement park is opened.

2. Many holidays become just a day off rather than a real commemoration of an event.  

How do you propose we can remedy that? Not sure. I am retired. Two of my kids were off and relaxed at home after a busy weekend. One son works at Kroger's and he had to work since he was off for the weekend. 

3. What is the most labor intensive job or activity you have done? Childbirth! My husband worked in the cement business with his family for a few years and he said it was hard work.

   

4. If your income was cut by 30%, could you still survive?  What would you do? Yes, we could survive, but we would have to cut back some things. I try to live within my means now. My trip to Israel, certain things needed for it and my new phone were paid by the sale of my mom's ring to my brother. I have savings for emergencies. The biggest expense besides utilities is gas for the car.  

1. ARE YOU READY FOR SOME FOOTBALL?  On a scale of 1-10 how much of a fan are you? (10 is never miss a game and 1 is I'm just here for the snacks). Who's your team? If you're playing along today, but live outside the US feel free to sub your feelings about futbol for the more American sport of football. I am not really into football. I will go to my son's family to watch a super bowl game/party

2. What's something you currently have a game plan for managing? Going over my accounts with my daughter before I go to Israel. I just got my ETA-Israel, Electronic Travel Authorization online. It is like a visa, but all electronic and no paperwork. No stamping of the passport which is sad.

3. Do you like chicken wings? Hot, mild, or some other flavor? What's a must have food for you on a tailgate menu? I know tailgating isn't as big of a thing outside the US of A as it is inside the US of A, but you can also answer the question this way-what's a must have food for you at a sporting event viewing party? I do like chicken wings and my son makes them for us and they are really good. I found some sauce at Aldi's we like to go with it. Chips and dip, fresh fruit, dessert.

4. Teams typically have strict playbooks they follow. What is one unwritten rule or piece of advice in your 'life playbook' you think everyone should know? Life happens, sometimes good and sometimes bad. How you handle it is up to you. Look at the bright side. Ask for help when you need it.

5. This is the week we remember and mourn all that was lost and changed on September 11, 2001. I always include a spot for bloggers to share anything they'd like to share about 9/11. Share as much or as little as you like. I don't think I could ever forget that day. Hubby and were getting in the car that morning around 5am and listening to the news, We could not believe what we were hearing. We both worked at the post office, him at a station and me at a main facility. Our office went up to a higher security alert. I remember how anxious my husband was with the mail poison mail alerts. It was a sad time. I went to NY in 2008 and they were just starting the foundation for the new structure. I liked how people came together and churches filled up. I did this tribute page back then. It is here. 

My grands were there in December of 2021 and saw the Freedom Tower.

6.Insert your own random thought here. My granddaughter had her Sweet 16th party this past weekend and it was a lot of fun. We took a lot of pictures. They had a taco man and DJ. They had a photo booth and photographer. They had a dessert stand where they made ice creams sundaes with lots of different toppings. Hubby left after this picture to be with the dogs.

 

Tuesday 4 & Wednesday Hodgepodge

1. Why is tradition important to you? It is one generation passing on a part of family history to the next generation. It gives comfort as it passes on family familiarity. 

2. Have family traditions helped to shape who you are? Yes, it has, especially the traditions started and now we see our kids and grandkids enjoying it.

3. Do you believe that tradition helps a community or shapes the unity of family and community? Yes, it can. For the community, the tradition of a parade and family event brings families in the community together. Traditions hold a family together in some ways. 

4. Are there any traditions you would like to bring back and why? My husband's family always made tamales for Christmas eve. My in-laws had their kids help, later the grandkids. My brother-in-law carried on that tradition, but my husband only did a couple of times. I would like my grands to experience it at least once.

Hubby, Sons and Grandpa Smiley

I am a bit behind in Tuesday 4 because I was busy getting a new phone!

1. What's something you wanted to do this summer that you never got around to doing? I never made it to the beach. We pretty much stayed home because we needed to be by our dog.

2. Were you the student who sat in the front row or hid in the back of the class? If you could go back and take one high school class again just for fun, which would it be? Closer to the front. Competitive sports because my friends from my Jr, High were there. Most of my regular classes were college prep and most of the students in there came from the other Jr. high.

Some teachers made us sit in alphabetical order. In Jr high, I preferred sitting closer to the front. When I got to high school, there were kids from the other Jr high. I was in a lot of classes geared to college and none of my friends were there. So being a little out of place, I preferred the back. Eventually I moved closer. By my junior year, was up by the front. Probably physiology because I really learned a lot and I had to pass that class to get into the university. My favorite class was Competitive girls' athletics because a lot of my friends from my Jr high were in it.

3. What characteristics do you think are essential in a good teacher (this can be applied to anyone who teaches, not just classroom teachers)? Having a positive attitude and affirming personality.

4.  September 2nd is National Grits Day. Have you ever eaten grits? Are you a fan? If so how do you like yours? Would people describe you as 'having grit'? I have only had it a couple of times. I think I would like butter and honey.

5. What's something you're never too old or too young to enjoy? Family. Spending time with them and also accepting the change in family dynamics as they age. Friendships are important too. Finally, my personal relationship with the Lord.

6. Insert your own random thought here. “Children are the world's most valuable resource and its best hope for the future.” John F. Kennedy

Family Tamale Day, 2007

Friday's Fave 5 & Saturday 9

I am having problems with Blogger not staying up to date with posting.

My friends and I were talking about how busy we are and we are all retired! Some of us help with grandkids. Most of us are in various groups at church. We all agree that we try to be there for our family.

Sometimes we just need down time. We are all blessed.

I am thankful for my family. They all got together and gave me and my granddaughter a nice birthday dinner on Sunday. It was perfect because we did not have to worry about leaving Minnie because she went with us. The food was great! I always share pictures of my grands so here are my kids and DIL's.

Thankful that my granddaughter got to sing at church too! 

Monday was a rest day. I worked on my Bible journaling kits. I went to sign up for the Women's Bible study on Jonah but it was full. But the Pastor of Women's studies called me and said they had a spot open for a facilitator and so I was in. They usually don't close the study, but they had to have materials copied and ready. Pastor Jim was leading the study. After the study we broke into small group. It was great! Thankful that God made a way for me to be there.

Wednesday, I met my friend for our annual birthday lunch. She made me a really nice planter. Two hours went by fast. She is also in my Monday night group and she said it went really well. While we were there, I found out my cousin was on her way to the Kaiser hospital by us to have her infusion. After lunch I met up with my cousin for a short while and it was so good to see her! She is moving back by us, so we will plan another lunch. So happy for planned and unplanned events!

Thankful that all my grands are doing well in school. My grandson starts college next month. My granddaughter is a senior and enjoying it so far. She keeps getting invites to colleges. My younger grands are busy too and there family went away for the weekend by the beach. I miss doing things with them when they were younger. I sure like my Facebook Memories! August 2016

Thankful for lunch with a bunch of friends from church. We are meeting once a month. I did not go shopping as planned because my back is acting up again. I lifted something to heavy again. Thankful for heating pads. Tomorrow my middle son and his wife are meeting us for lunch. We will leave Minnie for under 2 hours and we have a monitor to watch her.

Saturday 9: Shoo Fly Pie (and Apple Pan Dowdy) – 1946

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

This month Saturday 9 will be tasty, featuring songs with food in the title.

1) Shoo fly pie got its name from Shoo Fly the Boxing Mule. After the Civil War, the mule who could box was such a popular circus attraction that a molasses manufacturer started featuring him on their packaging. Since molasses is the key ingredient of this pie recipe, homemakers just began referring to it as "shoo fly pie." If we looked, would we find molasses in your kitchen? No

2) Apple pan dowdy is another uniquely American recipe from the 19th century. It's like apple pie, except it only has a top crust, which is broken up. Apples are a good source of fiber, Vitamin C and antioxidants. Do you consider nutrition when choosing a dessert? Or are you just all about how it tastes? I don't usually eat desserts because they are so high in sugar. I usually have an apple with peanut butter for an after dinner snack. I do like to make apple Betty in the fall.

3) The lyrics describe these two desserts as the ultimate comfort foods, able to make "the sun come out when the heavens are cloudy." Do you find that the foods you crave change with your mood? Yes.

4) Singer June Christy pleads with her mama to whip up this "wonderful stuff." Did your mother have a dish you often requested? Her tacos, beef stew, beef stroganoff and tapioca pudding.

5) June was born in Springfield, Illinois' capital. Have you been to your state's capital city? Yes.

6) June spent years singing with Stan Kenton's Orchestra. At one point, she gave 38 performances in 35 towns in 35 days. That's a busy schedule! Do you thrive on activity? Or do you find yourself rejuvenated by quiet time? Both, I like being at church and with my friends. I do need my quiet time at home.

7) In 1946, when this record was popular, bikinis were first seen in Paris fashion shows. How often have you worn your swimsuit this summer? Just once this summer. It is too hot and we have not been to the beach this summer because we are staying home with Minnie.

8) Also in 1946, Elias Tupper invented Tupperware, a plastic container with an airtight top that's great for preserving leftovers. Are there any leftovers in your refrigerator right now? Yes, we enjoy leftovers.

9) Random question: Is there a day of the week that goes by faster than the others? We are retired, so it just depends what we have planned each week. It is hot so we mostly stay in with the A.C.

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

Friday's Fave 5 & Saturday 9

Thankful that all my family could get together for lunch at my son's and DIL's new place. Eddie had to work and we missed him. Minnie was happy to go though she did keep bumping into things.

Thankful that my cataract surgery consult went well and I really like the doctor! I won't have it done until after my trip. I will get single vision and still wear glasses for reading. I like wearing glasses so I don't mind. Thankful for my online appointment with the Travel RN who went over the health things regarding my trip to Israel. I need a couple of shots and I will get a prescription in case I get the stomach flu. Any emergency trips to a hospital will be reimbursed if I save my receipts. I need to go to the pharmacy and get small prescription bottles for traveling. Thankful for my Kaiser Insurance!

Thankful that there is still hope in going to Israel. I received the study guide from the travel agency in PDF format. It talks about the regions in Israel we will be in and the highlights at each location. We will get an actual paper guide one month before we go along with the rest of the information we need.

Thankful to be reading a good book before bed that talks about certain people that would have been with Jesus his last year. I love reading historical fiction. I like the authors that research world history so that we have the big picture of that time period.

Thankful that I was finally able to get back to the gym. I walked 40 minutes on the treadmill and then I relaxed on the heated hydro massage. Also thankful for the invite to my son's home and we took Minnie. She was so happy to be there to visit family. She spent a lot of time with Marina, her first human mommy. We had dinner and brought food home. 

I am thankful I was able to go shopping today. I found a new pair of walking shoes that I liked. I went to the Sketchers store and they had a whole section of wide width shoes. My current shoes are about 3 years old and they are still comfortable. I walked around the store looking at other shoes.  Though I saw some I liked better, they did not fit. I had to go for comfort over style. I already bought a pair of Sketchers black slip on that will be great for the airport. I sill plan to take my old ones just in case.

I bought a couple of more shirts that were on sale but not for the trip. Thankful for the new things that I will use whether I go to Israel or not. I will just consider that they are birthday gifts to me! My granddaughter and I share a birthday that will be on the 12th. Our 52nd anniversary is on the 10th.

Saturday 9: Sugar, Sugar (1969)

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

This month Saturday 9 will be tasty, featuring songs with food in the title.

1) This week's song is credited to The Archies, a band that never actually existed. The song is performed by singer Ron Dante and studio musicians and backup singers hired on behalf of the five members of the popular Saturday morning Archie Show. Were you a fan of this animated series? I watched it a few times and won the album and youth group.

2) Archie was Archibald Andrews, a character first introduced in the 1941 comic strip. Archie was the linchpin, the leader of the band, and the center of his social group. Tell us about one of the popular kids from your school days. That was over 52 years ago. There was a guy named Desni Scott who was popular and fun. At the senior talent show, a girl was singing Carly Simon's song, You're so Vain and he came strutting out. It was so funny and he played is part well.

3) The Archies' drummer was Jughead Jones. He was smart, funny, and had a fondness for headwear. Do you often wear hats or caps? Yes, I do when I am going to be outside for a while, especially because I have had skin cancer on my face. 

4) Reggie was the lead singer and bass player. He was a gifted athlete who liked to come in first. If he couldn't win with his natural talents, he was not above cheating. Have you ever cheated in a friendly game? I probably fudged a bit as a child.

5) Blonde Betty Cooper was on the tambourine. Her hobbies include playing baseball, caring for her cat, and helping Archie work on his car. Tell us three of your favorite pastimes. Reading, Bible journaling crafting and listening to music. Right now I am watching a lot of YouTube videos of Israel.

6) Raven-haired Veronica Lodge was the keyboardist and joined Betty for backup vocals. She was a fashion plate, known and loved by Riverdale store owners because of her willingness to spend big bucks to stay on trend. What's the latest thing you've added to your wardrobe? 1 pair of shoes, 3 shirts and a wire free sports bra.

7) The biggest news story of 1969 was one of the biggest stories in history. On July 21, man first stepped onto the moon. Without looking it up, do you remember the astronaut's name? Armstrong and Aldrin.  I was at youth group, and we all watched it on a tiny television that someone brought.

8) Also in 1969, Triple H was born and today he's in the WWE Hall of Fame. Do you follow professional wrestling? No.

9) Random question – Would you prefer to be: a) super successful in business or b) a politician elected to an influential office or c) a champion athlete? A.

BONUS #10: Mister Linky has become extremely hard to navigate and no one is home at the Help Desk. How do you feel about leaving your link in the comments? I guess that would work.

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

Wednesday Hodgepodge

Linking with Joyce for the

1. What's something on your August calendar you're looking forward to? Or dreading if that's easier to answer. On Monday I had a cataract consult with an ophthalmologist I met last year and I really like him. It will happen in the fall. Wednesday, I have a phone appointment with the Kaiser travel specialist. Our 52nd anniversary in on the 10th and my birthday is the 12th and I share it with my granddaughter. Lunch with friends on the 21st. My Bible journaling group meets on the 25. Disneyland is the 28th which is the thing I am looking forward to the most.

I am wearing pearls for this picture. My mom also gave me

a small diamond cross that day for my birthday that I am wearing.

2. August 5th is National Oyster Day...do you partake? How do you feel about pearls? I do not like raw oysters. I do like Oysters Rockefeller and first had them while in Seattle in 2006 at Elliots Oyster House on the pier. They were so good! They were expensive too! I have several sets of pears that were my moms.

3. Tell us about a time when you felt like 'the world was your oyster'. We got married at 21 and 22, I was 23 and my husband was 24 and we bought our first home. We had our first child when I was 25. Those were the early times of thinking we had it all. Material things were more important. I am going to be 71 and not simple things like having the basic comforts of life, health and family are the oyster in the shell. Lots of pearls have been collected over the years!

4. Trip Advisor lists seven islands in the US that require no passport (for US citizens). 

If you're answering today from outside the US you'll still need to produce yours. An-y-way, have you been to any of the seven? Let's pretend you get an all expense paid trip to one this month...which one do you choose and why? 

Catalina Island California~Martha's Vineyard Massachusetts~Mackinac Island Michigan~Key West Florida~South Padre Island Texas~or Kauai Hawaii. I have been to Catalina and Hawaii(Oahu & Maui)

I would like to go to Kaui because love Hawaii and the warm climate. It is the most lush of the islands and not as busy.

Catalina August 1999

5. Sylvia Plath is credited with the following- "August rain: the best of the summer gone, and the new fall not yet born. The odd uneven time." Agree or disagree? In other words, how do you feel about this month? No rain in August, just hot!

6. Insert your own random thought here. Not sure what we are doing for our anniversary this year. We normally go to the beach for lunch and spend a couple of hours by the water. But we are not letting Minnie be by herself. The grands are going back to school. We usually go out for my birthday too. Senior fellowship lands on my birthday and I can go to that and hubby will stay with Minne. We are just trying to keep her safe and comfortable.

Previous post, 35 questions about me from Sunday Stealing

Fridays Fave Five & Saturday 9

Every Friday I stop to list things I am thankful for from the week and link with Susanne

I am thankful that the medicine has helped our sweet Minnie. She is walking better now and has even started barking again. Now that the stool softener is working, she is not struggling as much to potty. I am sure the steroids have helped with pain. For those that have not read my last few blog post, she has a mass blacking her lower bowels. The specialist and regular vet both suspect she has cancer and that her time is limited. We are determined to make her as comfortable as possible. She is always hungry, probably from the steroids. We have to give her smaller amounts of food, but we feed her about 4 times a day instead of two. I can tell she has lost weight, but her past increased weight might be from the mass.

I am thankful to those of you have read my blog and shown your concern.

I am thankful that our life is slow right now so we can take care of our Minnie. My husband's family reunion was a success and all our kids and grands went. I stayed home with Minnie. He will stay home this weekend so I can go to church and maybe do some shopping.

Thankful that I can have time to work on my crafts and Bible study/journal. I did this spread in 2020 and want to do it again in my Faith workbook. 

Thankful for the beautiful weather we have been having. 70's and 80's is great but we are heading to the 90's next week. That is still okay. We do get several days of 100 and thankful for air conditioning!

Thankful for my family and that they are all believers. Thankful to be a part of the USA!

SATURDAY 9: God Bless America 

Unfamiliar with Connie Francis' version of this song? Hear it here.

1) Irving Berlin's lyrics celebrate our mountains, prairies, and oceans. Which of these geographical features is nearest your home? The beach is about 35 miles from me. The mountains are about 50 miles. The desert is about 50 miles in another direction.

2) Berlin donated his royalties from "God Bless America" to the Girl Scouts and Boy Scouts of America. Were you ever a Scout? Yes, I was a Girl Scout. 

 

3) While this week's song has been recorded many times, we're concentrating on Connie Francis' 1959 version. It was never intended to be a hit, released as the B-side to her popular "Among My Souvenirs." But it took off when it was played at school rallies and patriotic events. Do you know all the lyrics to "God Bless America?" Could you sing along with Connie? Yes, I learned it in Elementary school. 

4) After she wrote her autobiography, Connie said she wanted Valerie Bertinelli to play her in the movie. Even though Valerie isn't known for her singing, Connie liked that they were both Italian-American and 5'5". If we made a movie of your life, who should play you ??? I am only 5 feet tall!

 

5) Connie had a passionate romance with Bobby Darin, and their relationship is included in the Broadway show about Bobby's life, Just In Time. While Connie expressed her support for the production, she never saw the show because hip problems made flying difficult. How about you? Are you dealing with any aches or pains today? Yes, I have disc issues in my neck, mid back and lower back. I use my heating pad a lot. I can't pick up anything more than 8 pounds. I take Motrin when I have to. I have a cavity that is bothering me and it will get fixed in a week.

 

6) The Fourth of July means we're in the middle of summer. Are you careful about applying sunscreen? Yes, I have too. I got skin cancer on my face last year. Sadly, most skin cancer from today is from sun exposure in the past.

7) More beer is purchased for the 4th of July than any other holiday. What beverage will be served with your July 4th meal? Ice water with fruit and a touch of Snapple diet peach tea.

 

8) Emergency rooms expect an increase over the July 4th holiday. The most common causes are sports injuries (like jammed wrists and wrenched knees) and the unwise use of home fireworks. Have you  been to the ER or Urgent Care during 2026? No, thank God! But my precious Minnie has a few times.

9) New York is home to Nathan's Hot Dog Eating Contest every year on the 4th. Will hot dogs be consumed in your household this weekend? Hubby made some last week, and I would prefer a hamburger for this weekend.

Previous entry has my 4th decorations.

Thanks to Susanne and Sam for the meme questions, links on left.

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.