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.

Tuesday 4 & Wednesday Hodgepodge

I am posting early because we are going to our 

grandson's school to watch him get an award.

1. Where do you like to buy your groceries and do you buy by the day, week or month? I like to shop at Aldis for everyday things like milk, eggs and produce. I go as needed. My husband will get paper goods and water from Sam's. 

2. What foods would we always find in your kitchen? Dairy, eggs, veggies, fruits, peanut butter, quinoa and beans.

3.Do you buy anything online and if so what kinds of things are you most likely to buy there? I buy some craft things. I bought scar tape that my dermatologist recommended. I just bought a light short backpack from Amazon for my future trip. I ordered two and am returning one.

4. Do you shop with a list on paper, on your phone or do you just shop without a list and maybe come home with things you never planned to buy? Yes to all.

Bonus question:  What will you be cooking in the coming week? Veggies and hubby does the meat.

He cooked citrus marinated chicken and I cooked a cabbage/carrot slaw with onions and tomatoes. He cooks chicken for our dog every week and I use the broth and use it to make quinoa and lentils 

1. America celebrates turning 250 years old this year. Primary cities set to lead the celebrations on July 4th are Boston, Philadelphia, New York, and Washington D.C. Other significant locations for celebrating will be Charleston SC and the 'historic triangle' which includes Jamestown-Willimasburg-Yorktown Virginia. Of the cities listed how many have you seen in person? Of the cities listed which would you most like to visit this year? Any plans to do so? What's one place in America you think everyone should see? If you're not American what's one place in the US you'd like to see? 

I have been to New York and Boston in 2008 while on a cruise. We got to explore the Freedom Trail and the Old North Church. I would like to go back to Hawaii with my family again. I am going to Israel in October with friends from church.

Boston 2008

New York, Top of the Rock 2008

Hawaii 2018

2. Three sounds you love to hear? Laughter, especially my families. My granddaughter leading worship, and ocean waves.

3. Three sounds you hate to hear? The ringing in my ear when it is louder than the fan. Crickets, the sound of a car crashing.

 

4. February 24th is/was National Tortilla Chip Day. Are you a fan? With salsa, guacamole, queso, or just plain please? Do you like nachos? With what on top? Is there anything (besides nachos) you make that calls for tortilla chips? Homemade tortilla chips are the best! We will fry them whole and then drain on a napkin. Then we can add shredded cheese and microwave for 12-15 seconds. One large nacho! It is also ready to be used at a tostada. We like On the Border chips to use for quick nachos. Cheese is okay, but I like to add shredded chicken, diced tomatoes, shredded cheese and salad. It is like a tostada, but no beans. I love to add Trappey's hot sauce which is not hot at all.

5. We March into March with next week's Hodgepodge...what's one thing on your March calendar that makes you smile? Bible journaling on the 17th, daughter in love's birthday on the 18th. A day at Disneyland.

6. Insert your own random thought here. It was cold last week with crazy rain and wind. We will be in the 80's the rest of the week. The hottest day will be 86 when we are at Disneyland.

Friday Fave 5 & Saturday 9

Hello! Another week has flown bye. Life has been busy and I am thankful for that.

Last weekend was nice though cold and cloudy. We went to a family baby shower at a park and they had a taco man. The food was so good! Church was good on Sunday and I was a greeter again. We met up with our son and granddaughter for lunch at In and Out Burger. I was really tired on Monday and thankful to sleep in. Monday evening I went to the Women's Bible study, and they provided burritos, chips and salsa since it was Cinco de Mayo. 

Once I got home I found out that my grandson got into the volunteer program at the local hospital. Over 100 kids applied and only 20 made it. He was really happy because last year he missed it by one day. He wants to be a doctor and this is a good way to start getting experience in the medical field. His volleyball team has made the playoffs too!

Tuesday morning, I went to my lifegroup and took sandwiches. There is always lots of food. Our last meeting is June 10th and then we break until mid-August. It is really nice to fellowship. Later I went to my PT and the massage on my back really felt good after all the exercises they put me through.  I am always thankful to have good insurance to cover it, and they have approved my back therapy again for a 3rd time. I plan to make my other appointments next week. 

Thankful for a good night sleep and I woke up refreshed on Wednesday. Then we went to our grandkids school to see the science experiment my grandson did along with other classmates. I am thankful that we could go see him and show our support. Later hubby dropped me off at Staples so I could look at printers. My printer died and I need another one. I hope to go back and get one this weekend. 

Thursday our married lifegroup drove to San Juan Capistrano for lunch. We were a block from the mission but did not go. We ate at a place called the Adobe restaurant and is a historical building. One part being build in 1797 and the other part in 1812. The bottom of one building once held the jail. It was converted to a wine cellar and not it is a private dining room. Another underground place was a stop off for the stagecoach, until 1888 when the trains started coming through. I love the local history. While on our way to the place which is an hour away, we heard that new Pope was selected and is American. I am not Catholic, but I was happy about it. We took a long way back home through the hills and it was a really nice drive. 

Happy Mother's Day in Heaven to my beautiful mom!

Saturday 9: Mama Liked the Roses (1970)

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

1) In this song, Elvis tells us his mother loved tending the roses in the garden. Do you have a green thumb?  A little bit. I do grow roses and plumerias. I have also been taking cuttings from succulents and make new little pots to give to my BJ group.

2) Mama would put the roses in a vase in the living room. Do you have cut flowers in your home right now? Yes, my roses are blooming.

 

3) Elvis sings that he found Mama's rose petals pressed in the family Bible.  Have you ever pressed petals in a book? If yes, what occasion were you commemorating? Yes I have. My grandmothers and parents.

4) OK, so now we know Mama liked roses. What about you? Would you prefer white, pink, yellow or red roses? I love them all. My favorite is the double delight because it smells so good!

5) Elvis' own mother, Gladys Presley, had a major impact on pop culture. When her son was 11, he asked for either a rifle or a bicycle for his birthday. She deemed the rifle too dangerous and the bike too expensive, and so he chose a guitar instead. The rest is history. Tell us about a special birthday gift from your youth. Getting a big girls 2 speed bike for my 10th birthday and a big surprise party.

 

6) Abraham Lincoln credited his stepmother, Sarah, for her lasting influence on his life, saying she ignited his love of reading and learning. Tell us about a woman -- mother, stepmother, grandmother, aunt, Godmother, teacher, neighbor -- who changed your life for the better. I was lucky to have many woman that had a positive influence in my life. My mom, my grandmother's and aunts. Also my youth counselor from church and later a supervisor at my work. 

7) Mother's Day is almost upon us. According to the National Restaurant Association, we like to eat out on this holiday, with revenue up more than 80% on Mother's Day weekend. When did you last dine at a restaurant? Was it a special occasion? We went out to El Adobe restaurant in San Juan Capistrano, a block from the mission. We were with friend from our married group celebrating 4 birthdays.

8) Candles are a big seller for Mother's Day, too. What's your favorite candle scent? I don't burn candles because of my allergies. I diffuse essential oils. I like lavender and peppermint.

9) Sam is celebrating Mother's Day with her mother's favorite, Hershey Bars. Would you prefer classic milk chocolate, dark chocolate or chocolate with almonds? Dark chocolate with almonds.

I loved playing Farmville and designing my farm with lots of flowers!  I sure miss the game.

 

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

Friday Favs 5 & Saturday 9

Thankful for another week of life! Here are my Friday Faves Five hosted by Susanne

1. Thankful to find a calendar on clearance at Hobby Lobby. Also came with a digital download!

2. Thankful for great Sunday at church and Superbowl party at my son's house.

We took shredded chicken, beans and the toppings for tostadas.

Beans on the right, chicken on the left.

lettuce, tomato, cheese and salsa. Yum!

3. Marriage group meeting and lunch afterwards. 

4. Thankful for a nice lunch today with hubby at Outback steakhouse and we used a gift card!

5. Thankful for......

Day 4 of our cruise is posted now, linked above.

Saturday 9: Cupid (1961)

 

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

1) In this song, Sam Cooke enlists the help of Cupid, the Roman god of love, to help him get a girl. In Greek mythology, the god of love and lust has a different name. Do you know what it? Eros.

 

2) Sam Cooke was inducted as a charter member into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. The museum and hall are located in Cleveland, OH. Cleveland is proud of the six major museums featured on its website. When did you most recently visit a museum? The Museum of Tolerance in Los Angeles. We got to meet a Holocaust Survivor. Kobe Bryant died that same day. January 26, 2020

3) Sam went to Wendall Phillips Academy, the same Chicago high school Nat King Cole attended. Can your high school claim any noteworthy alums? Bill Medley-one of the Righteous Brothers,  Diane Keaton-actress, Chuck Smith-founder of Calvary Chapel, Gerald Carr-Astronaut, Greg Louganis-Olympic medal swimmer. I did this page for my crafty group school project a few years ago.

4) "Cupid" was released in 1961. One of the major news stories of that year was the death of Ernest Hemingway. Have you read any of his works? Yes The Old Man and the Sea.

  

Since February 14 was Valentine's Day...

 

5) Sweethearts, those small heart-shaped candies printed with messages like "Be Mine" and "Kiss Me," are top sellers this time of year. Did you enjoy them as a child? Do you enjoy them now?

I did enjoy them as a child! I don't eat them anymore. I prefer chocolates.

 6) While Valentine's Day is popular in Mexico, it's celebrated a bit differently than it is here. For our neighbors to the south, it's a day for love and friendship, with no distinction between romantic, familial or platonic love. Do you tell your friends you love them? Or do you reserve "I love you" for your partner and family? I do say it to some of my friends.

7) In Poland, Valentine's Day, or Walentynki, is often celebrated with a gift of "tea and sweets" -- a tin of black tea paired with candy. Do you more often drink tea or coffee?

I drink a cup of coffee in the morning. I drink a cup of tea in the afternoon.

 

8) One of London's top accounting firms did a study and reports that in England, Valentine's Day is a 52%/48% affair. 52% of the participants planned on buying at least one card or gift, while 48% did not expect to spend anything on Valentine's Day. This year, were you one of the 52% or the 48%?

52%

9) A similar study in Rome showed that today's young lovers would prefer to share a romantic experience on Valentine's Day – a stroll through the gardens of Villa Borghese was a popular choice – than exchange gifts. Would you rather do something memorable for Valentine's Day or receive something you can retain as a keepsake? 

We always go out for a nice meal. As long as I get a card, I am happy!

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

Tuesday 4 & Wednesday Hodgepodge

1.  If you were or are married, did or do you enjoy being married?  If you are not married are you content and happy in that life? I will be married 50 years this coming Saturday. Yes, I am happy to be married. My parents were married for 57 years until my mom passed. My in-laws were married about 51 years. 

2. What are the best parts of your life today? Our family and extended family being close. We went to our family get together at my sister's house and it was so much fun. We plan to meet again at the end of September.  What were the best things about your life in the past? Doing fun things with my family, The fun things my husband and I did before we had kids. The special memories with our kids. Having my faith in the Lord has always been important, but even more now.

3.  What more could you add to your life to make it better, or conversely, what could you remove to make it better for you? Better physical health would make things better.  

4. If you work... are you really pleased in your job or would you like something better?  If you are retired is it all you hoped it would be and how could it be better for you? My husband and I are both happily retired.

1. What's a task you do on a regular (or semi-regular basis) that feels like it should be an Olympic event? Exercise, strength training with elastic bands.

2. What's in the trunk of your car right now? A small ice chest.

3. Summer foods vs. fall foods...which do you prefer? I like both, but if I had to pick one, it would be fall food. Summer food is easier to put together, but I like the heartiness of fall/winter food.

Would you rather-watermelon or caramel apple? iced coffee or pumpkin spiced latte? potato salad and sweet potato casserole? barbecued ribs and roast turkey? ice cream sandwich or apple pie? corn on the cob or candy corn? I like it all!

4. August 7th is National Lighthouse Day. Have you visited any lighthouses? Do you have a favorite? Is a lighthouse something you seek out if you're visiting an area known for theirs? I have been to a few.

The last time was last August while we were in Oregon. We visited the Yaquina Head lighthouse in Newport Oregon. We came here after speeding down the Rogue River in Grants Pass Oregon.

Sailing away from Portland Oregon  2008

I took this picture of my parents at Peggy's Cove, 

Nova Scotia Cananda. 2008

5. Light at the end of the tunnel, out like a light, give the green light, a lightbulb moment, in a new light, in the limelight...of the 'light' idioms listed which applies in some way to your life lately? Explain. 

Give the Green light. This questions really made me think. Though I am dealing with the loss of a lot of muscle, I choose to keep going. I have to give myself a mental green light and go. Looking past, I have lots of times that I did not stop when the going got rough. I pushed through it. I know a day will come when I can't, but until then, I will keep going. I did a page on Lighthouses at my website. You can find it here.

6. Insert your own random thought here. Happy 8th Anniversary to my son Daniel and his wife Melinda. They are spending a week at Disneyworld. He proposed to her at Disneyland. We went to Disneyland with them after they came back from their Honeymoon in Hawaii. I am happy for them!