Friday's Fave Five & Saturday 9

Thankful for so many things. My trip is in 3 days and I am asking for prayer. I have a cold again and I am hoping it does not get worse. I am resting, taking fluid, Tylenol decongestants and eating chicken soup. I am almost packed and I have broken in my shoes. I have a few last minute things coming in from Amazon. I got a scale, so I will weigh my luggage by tomorrow. I spent a lot of time looking for shoes and I think I burned more calories shopping and I lost weight because I was not eating enough. So I am adding protein drinks too. I am trusting in God to get me through this so I can enjoy my trip.

Thankful that I am going with several of my close friends and there are around 50 of us going led by our pastor who has taken 3 groups already. 

I am thankful I found a backpack that meets the size requirements of Lufthansa airlines. Thankful that I was able to break in my Brooks shoes and Sketchers that I will use for the airport. I am taking one other lightweight pair of Sketchers if I need them.

The black is what I was going to use.

I am thankful that you have been thinking about me and praying. I hope to post a few pictures here. Now that I have a new phone, I can access Blogger. I could not with my old phone.

I am thankful that my husband can cook and he will be fine when I am gone. Minnie will keep him company like she always does. The grands are here during the week before school and my daughter will check in on him. 

Eastbound and Down (1977)

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

1) This week's song was featured in the movie Smokey and the Bandit, the surprise box office hit of 1977. Have you seen it? No

2) Though not well received by critics, Smokey and the Bandit had one very famous fan: Alfred Hitchcock. The classic film director enjoyed re-watching the movie on video at home, often while having dinner. Do you ever watch TV with your meal? Yes, quite often now that it is just the two of us. If family comes over, we eat at the table.

3) Jerry Reed not only wrote and performed the movie's theme, he appeared in the movie as truck driver Cledus "Snowman" Snow. Have you ever driven, or ridden in, a big rig? No

4) He sings, "We've got a long way to go and a short time to get there." Have you recently felt rushed? These past couple of weeks have felt like that.

5) Director Hal Needham asked Jerry Reed for a song that explained the plot of the movie. He wrote this overnight and always considered it a happy accident. Can you think of a time when something turned out better than you expected? Yes, but I am too tired to think of something.

6) Reed was born in Atlanta and, coincidentally, he mentions Atlanta in the lyrics. Has your hometown been immortalized in song? I don't think so.

7) Jerry met Priscilla Mitchell at Capitol Records, where Jerry was a session musician and Priscilla was backup singer. Though she was only 18 when they wed, it seems their union was a happy one and they were together until his death almost 50 years later. If a newly engaged 18-year-old asked you for advice, what would you say? Don't rush into it and get pre marriage counseling.

8) In 1977, when "Eastbound and Down" was on the radio, nostalgia for the 1950s topped the TV ratings. The two most popular shows that year were Laverne & Shirley and Happy Days. If you magically transported back to the 1950s, what do you think you'd like about it? What do you think you'd miss about your life in 2026? Time with the grands.

9) Random question: Were you ever afraid of monsters in your closet or under your bed? I think so.

Not sure if I will be back soon so bye for now.

Friday's Fave 5 & Saturday 9

A week ago we were at my granddaughter's Senior night. So thankful that we could be there for her.

My son Daniel got there after the presentation because 

he had to work. So we took a second picture. 

There are around 800 seniors and they are acknowledged 

throughout the year at various programs 

they are involved in and accompanied by family.

Jazzy left Song/cheer to be on Sports Medicine that she loved.

So thankful for my family!

Thankful that I was able to go shoe shopping on Saturday and found some Brooks. I also found some pants in my size and a hat on clearance. Sunday I greeted at church, went to the market and then rested the rest of the day and caught up with some of our shows. 

Thankful to be able to sleep in on Monday. I was so tired from a busy week, and I am still getting over the cold I got the previous week. We took Minnie to the vets for a well check and were there a couple of hours because they had an emergency. The doctor was surprised to see how well Minnie was doing. She gained weight and the doctor does not want her gaining anymore. She is blind in one eye and has loss of vision in the other. The bad eye had a cut on it and she was prescribed antibiotics. Then I told them to look at her ear, and she had an infection in that too. So, she had it cultured and a spray medication was put on it. I can relate because I have had ear infections too. In fact, I have an appointment next week to have my ears looked at it and if I am still stuffy I will bring it up. I want to make sure my ears are okay before I fly. Minnie also had her nails clipped. Toward the end of the appointment, she was barking at the vet. The vet left and we put Minnie down and she pooped on the floor. Minnie must have really had to go, probably because she was scared. She has only had one accident in her almost 10 years. That was when she was sick. She will have to stay on the stool softeners and steroids because of the mass. We left after one so we decided to get some In and Out hamburgers and got a no salt patty so she could have a little bit. 

Women's Bible study that night was great!

Thankful that I had canceled my Bible Journaling group for Tuesday and our marriage group was canceled too. I was able to get a lot of things done as I prepare for Isreal. I am thankful that I can order things from Amazon and one thing got delivered the same day. Thankful that when I have to return things I can go to Kohls and they give me $10 off if I shop at the store. Thankful that my new backpack for Isreal holds what I need. I wrote about this in my previous entry.

Saturday 9: Don't Take Your Love from Me (1956)

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

1) In this song, Doris Day sings about what happens when you take a petal from a rose. When did you last get or give flowers as a gift? My husband had flowers for me when I came back from my girl's get away last week.

 

2) This song is about a woman who fears losing her love. What's the most recent thing you lost? (Hopefully it's not as consequential as a great love. It could be as small or unimportant as the back of one of your pierced earrings.) I have lost a lot of time trying on shoes.

 

3) Doris was known as The All-American Girl Next Door. Who lives next door to you? Rosalie, a 86 year old spry lady that loves to talk. I hope I can be as spry as her when I am her age!

 

4) As a young girl, Doris Day was passionate about dance. She recalled that concentrating on her lessons helped distract her from the pain and embarrassment of her parents' divorce. When you want to escape from what's troubling you, what do you do? Listen to music, pray, read.

5) The maitre d' at one of Doris' favorite restaurants wanted to ask her out. Knowing how she loved her dogs, he impressed her by handing her a bag of meat scraps and bones to take home. They began dating and, in 1976, he became her last husband. What's the best way to your heart? Saying something nice.

 

6) Over her long career, Doris received Golden Globe and Grammy Awards and the Presidential Medal of Freedom. She was also inducted into the Ohio Women's Hall of Fame, honored for being one of the most celebrated women to have been born there. Name a famous person born in your home state. Diane Keaton. She was born in Los Angeles and moved to Santa Ana and graduated from Santa Ana High in 1963. I graduated from that same high school in 1973 and my mom graduated from SAHS is 1953. She was in the drama club and also acted at Santa Ana College.  

 

7) She was frank about her financial difficulties, yet some people are uncomfortable discussing money. Are you one of those people? I discuss it with family. Sometimes with close friends.

8) In 1956, when Doris released this song, The Wizard of Oz was shown on network TV for the first time. What movie have you seen multiple times? Gone with the Wind. Fiddler on the Roof. The Ten Commandments.

9) Random question: Would you rather have a chef or a chauffeur? Chef!

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.

Friday's Fave 5 & Saturday 9

It's Friday evening and I am just getting to sit down with my laptop.  

Another busy week! Now for Friday's Fave Five

1. Thankful that I could make it to church and hear my granddaughter sing. The message was good and pastor talked about his new book. It will be on Amazon on Saturday and it is called Cycle Breaker. I plan to get one for me and one to gift. After my granddaughter was through singing at 3rd service, we left and we got some lunch and then went to her house. Then I went shopping before going home. Then hubby and I watched some more of the When Calls the Heart series that I recorded last year. Thankful that hubby wants to watch this with me and we can free up recording space on our Direct TV list.

2. Another great Bible study on Monday. Thankful to be able to trust in God for my night driving.

I got home and was able to work on band exercise. I had breakfast with the girls I am taking a road trip with in two weeks. Most of us have been on road trips before. I may get to the beach after all.

3. Thankful that I was able to finally get a new iPhone. They were able to do a phone to phone transfer of my everything and I had a lot! I started playing with and did not like how it felt so much smaller because it was not a plus the larger size I had before. My old phone was an 8 from 2018. My hip was really hurting and I think I over did a couple of exercises. Luckily I was able to get an appointment the next morning, but we missed married group. Dr. said I overdid my exercises and to not push to hard. We went over the history of my back and neck issues. We also went over things for my flight to Israel. I got my compression socks and she said to stand up every hour if possible, walk if possible and move my feet while sitting. Thankful that I have good insurance and a got good advise.

4. Thankful that I followed my feeling of not being happy with my phone and took it back and got the bigger phone. Yes, it was more money, but I plan to have it a long while and I had set aside the money for it knowing I would need a long lasting battery with good picture quality for my trip. Also thankful to celebrate my granddaughter's 16th birthday at a restaurant of her choice. Her party is Saturday.

5. Thankful that all my information from the small new phone to the bigger one finally completed. It's amazing that things go to the "cloud" and then come back down to the newer phone. I have a lot to learn, but I love the speed and how long the battery last. Thankful for my friend Linda that I nice enough to drive me places that we are both going to.

Working in the Coal Mine (1966)

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

1) In this song, Lee Dorsey sings that at 5:00 he's already on the job. What were you doing this morning at 5:00 AM? Sleeping

2) He's worked so hard all week that he's too tired to enjoy his weekend. What are you doing for fun this holiday weekend? Going to my granddaughter's Sweet 16 party. 

3) Lee Dorsey was raised in Portland Oregon, home of the Portland Trailblazers. The NBA season kicks off next month. Do you have a favorite basketball team? Lakers.

 

4) This song was written by Allen Toussaint, who had a long career as a composer and producer. He produced Fats Domino in the late 1950s and worked with Elvis Costello and Paul McCartney into the new millennium. What job have you held the longest? I worked for the postal service for 36 years.

 

5) In 1966, the year this song was popular, celebrity chef Gordon Ramsey was born. Are you a good cook? I am descent. I did more varied cooking when I was first married. Once we had kids, I did more limited cooking. I did most of the cooking the first 19 year when was home during the day. When I started working the same shift as hubby, we cooked together. When he retired, he took over most of the cooking. He makes most of the meats and I make most of the sides. We each have our specialties. 

6) 1966 was the year when more Americans purchased color TVs and black and white sets. When you were a kid, did your family have a black and white TV? Yes, when I think I remember back to when I was 4 or 5 and I remember getting a color tv, and the neighborhood kids coming to our house to see the Wizard of OZ in color.

7) Labor Day is a big weekend for mattress sales. Do you plan on buying a new mattress before the year is out? No, maybe a pillow.

8) Though kids go back to class earlier these days, store aisles are still full of school supplies. When she was a little girl, Sam was crazy about her big box of 96 Crayola Crayons with a sharpener in the back. Share one of your back-to-school memories. First day of school around 1965.

New clothes was always a fun thing.

 I actually liked pants better, but girls had to wear dresses!

9) Labor Day weekend is the unofficial beginning of fall. Have you had any pumpkin spice yet? No

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

Friday's Fave 5 & Satruday 9

It's good to look back during the week to see the blessings with Friday's Fave Five.

My son's family was on vacation, and I would have gone to my daughter's church, but I was greeting at our church. Then I headed to a REI store several miles away to look at shoes.  Later in the day my daughter posted pictures of her kids, our grands participating in their church. I would have loved to have been there.

So thankful to go home and relax in air conditioning.  A year ago our AC went out and we were having to spend the days at our kids' homes. Though it cost a lot, it has really made a difference, the air is colder and the electric is still lower because it is a efficient unit. We had to get a new water heater too the day after the AC was up and running. Gas bill is lower too. Maybe these unit manage electrical use better!

Thankful I was able to pick up my younger grands from school and take them to their music lessons. Thankful to get past my fear of driving at night. When I leave to our Women's Bible study on Monday nights. the sun is still out. I only have to drive home, and I take the side streets. Hopefully this will be resolved after my cataract surgery. Thankful that my friends told me there was a spot open for a girl's getaway next month. Thankful that we "girls" 60+ still like adventures.

Thankful for my Bible journaling group. The teacher in me wants to learn everything about the subjects I am teaching. This year I have been talking about the cities that Jesus was at. Last year we talked about Jesus getting baptized and all 4 Gospels talk about it. I focused on the book of John and read the different versions.  This year we focused on the Jordan river. I provided a few different versions on the handout. I also provided a map. One bible version say, Bethany, east of the Jordan. That first through me off when I was studying because Bethany was walking distance from Jerusalem, home of Mary, Marth and Lazarus. By looking at the different version, one said Bethabara instead of Bethany. This might sounds confusing, but it made sense. When I worked for the post office in the damaged/undeliverable section, I got a letter going to Louisville, no state. So I had to go through several manuals to look up that city in 14 states! Then I had to look for the street address for each state. I finally found the right match. The Bible will give up references too, but sometimes you have to find it somewhere else in the Bible.

I enjoy learning like this. Pastor says that is the teacher in me. If all goes well, I will be getting baptized in the Jordan river! 

Thankful that hubby and I were able to meet up with our married group for lunch at Chilis. We went over the schedule through December. We all enjoyed a great, affordable lunch. Thankful that our grandson stayed with Minnie!

Thankful to be able to go shoe shopping on Thursday and I have narrowed it down. Certain shoes seemed to have aggravated my hip a bit. Lower back is feeling better. I really need to work on my exercises to build strength. It's hard to eat when I am not hungry. We went to our son's home and DIL gave us food for lunch and to take home. Minnie was happy to be there too! I love my family!

Oh, we decided not to go to Disneyland today. Too hot and with humidity that we normally don't get.

Saturday 9: Animal Crackers in My Soup (1935)

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

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

1) Do you eat soup all year round, or do you consider it a seasonal dish? I like to eat it when I go out to eat. I like to make it when the weather becomes cooler. I always have a few cans of soup on hand for sick days or nothing else to eat day.

2) Gazpacho is a popular cold soup. Made with water-rich tomatoes, cucumbers and bell peppers, it's considered a good choice for hot weather because it's hydrating. What are your favorite summertime foods? Normally it would be salads, but I have cut back on them. I love to eat more fruit and fresh corn on the cob.

3) This week, Shirley Temple sings of the delights of having crackers in her soup. How often do you add crackers to your soup: always, sometimes, never? I rarely add them because of the carbs that I don't need. I buy the crackers for my hubby who does like to add them.

4) "Animal Crackers in My Soup" was the big musical number in the 1935 movie Curly Top. Shirley played Elizabeth, who helps her older sister find love with a handsome millionaire. Have you ever played matchmaker? If yes, were your efforts successful? No

5) Gertrude Temple, Shirley's mother, was her daughter's onset hairstylist, creating the famous "curly top" with pin curls. What's your hair care regimen? In the summer, it is mostly wash and wear. I do add extra conditioning cream. I might add a curl enhancer and since I got more defined layers, my hair does well on it's own except the bangs. I have to blow dry them or use a flat iron. I just colored my hair on Wednesday night. The next time will be a few days before my Israel trip.

6) Bartenders are still called upon to create the non-alcoholic Shirley Temple, made with ginger ale, lemon-lime soda, and grenadine. What's the most recent alcoholic beverage you drank? I rarely drink, and most of my family does not either. I know we tried a few wines with our meals on our cruise back in January 2025.

7) In 1935, when this song was popular, Amelia Earhart flew from Honolulu to Oakland, California. Are you a nervous flyer? I used to be afraid to fly and did not fly until my 40's. I always pray, and I have taken my travel bible since my first flight in 2000. It will be going with me to Israel. My first flight was to Las Vegas and under an hour.

8) Also in 1935, The Hoover Dam was dedicated. Today it's a popular tourist attraction, with more than 7 million visitors each year. Have you ever been to Las Vegas? I have been to the Hoover Dam, and I have been to Las Vegas several times since my son owns a time share there. We were there in May.

This was taken in the Venetian. We wanted pastries and gelato.

I chose the pineapple passion fruit flavor, yummy!

9) Random question: You get a spur-of-the-moment invitation to a meal with your best friend. Could you go wearing what you have on right now? No, loose jean shorts and a tank top are not what I would wear. But it would not take long to change.

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

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 Fav 5 & Saturday 9

I always say how fast the week goes by and it does! If it wasn't for my calendar and photos on my iPhone, I would not remember everything! So, onto the

On Saturday, my grandson took me to downtown Disney to see what was left of the 70th birthday celebration merchandise. It was nice to spend time with him. He did this after he worked. He has been working as many hours as he can, because both jobs were seasonal. His hours will cut back now that school is over. He starts the university in September.

Monday was our 52nd anniversary. Our grandaughter was able to stay with our dog, Minnie. We had a nice lunch at Longhorn Steakhouse. We also did a few errands, and one was for her. We had to get her backpack for school which was the next day. So it worked out great! 

Wednesday was my granddaughter's birthday, and she shares it with me. We got a picture together before she left. My friend picked me up and we went to Senior Fellowship. My friends said Happy Birthday. My pastor did too and said his spiritual birthday was on my birthday from 40+ years ago. I told him I did not feel 71 and he said he didn't either. Our bodies age, but our minds don't. Thankful for another year!

Enjoying my free birthday drink,

Matcha green tea with orange cream foam!

Thankful to be able to get to the gym Thursday. The strength training is helping. I can tell my muscle are getting stronger. My rear is not as flat as it was a few months ago. Thankful that I get a free membership with my insurance. Thankful that I am doing better! Thankful for the hydro massage. 

Thankful for health insurance! I had another dentist appointment. I am done until next year! I just need to make an ear appointment. Minnie is doing okay. She is always hungry because of the meds. She is pooping fairly regular. I know that sounds weird. But when we did not know she had the mass, she could not pass hard poop and she was struggling and in pain and it was a mess. It made her very sick. So for now, she is doing okay. Thankful that hubby gets up with her at night. I do all the med prep.

Saturday 9: Blueberry Hill (1956)

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

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

1) Fats Domino sings about a hill named for blueberries. According to the Old Farmers Almanac, blueberries can grow just about anywhere in North America, as long as they have plenty of direct sunlight. Do you have a garden? No, but I just got some tomatoes from my neighbor's garden.

2) Blueberries are low in calories and rich in fiber. Are they a regular part of your diet? I eat them on occasion. I have some frozen ones in the freezer.

3) They also have a high moisture content. Staying hydrated is important to human health. Do you drink the standard recommended 8 glasses of water every day? No, but I try to drink as much as I can. I also drink 2 glasses of milk a day.

4) Fats originally had a big hit with "Blueberry Hill" in 1956, and then enjoyed the record's renewed popularity in the mid-70s, when "Blueberry Hill" was often referenced as Richie Cunningham's favorite song. Without looking it up, do you remember what show Richie Cunningham was on? (Extra non-existent Saturday 9 points if you can also name the actor who played Richie.) Happy Days, Ronnie Howard. 

5) Born Antoine Domino, he took the name "Fats" not just because of his physique. Growing up, jazz pianist Fats Waller was one of his heroes. If you were to adopt the first name of someone you admire, what would we call you? Madeline, my mom.

6) Despite his warm and friendly stage persona, Fats was shy around strangers and hated giving interviews. Tell us about something you did only because it was part of your job, not because you enjoyed it. Talking on the phone to Postmasters when I had to give them information that meant they had to do something regarding the vending program I was the coordinator for.

7) In 1956, when this record was topping the charts, the Olympics were held in Melbourne. Have you ever been to the land down under? No

8)  The star of the 1956 Olympics was Austrian Toni Sailer, who won all three gold medals in Alpine skiing. Do you prefer snow skiing, water skiing, or just watching other people ski? I like to watch. I had my first injury to my lower back when I was 21. That kept me away from many sports.

9) Random question: Do you believe everyone has a jealous streak? Yes, to some extent.

Previous post has our anniversary pictures and they food we had.

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

Friday's Fave 5 & Saturday 9

This has been a good week! 

I got to greet at church this past Sunday and it was good to talk to some of the ladies that are going to Israel with me. We are all hopeful. It was good to hear the Pator's son speak and he is working on his master's in theological degree. We like to hear him at the Riverside campus. After Audrina was through playing the keyboards for 3rd service we left and got lunch. I took her home and we ate lunch. Then I went shopping at Kohls. I found some shoes I like, but they were big. I bought them with my sales and coupons. Then I went home and ordered the size smaller. The sales guy said to bring both in and I would get the same sales price. I also ordered another pair. I got them all on Friday. Now I will return what does not fit. I hope to take them to Israel, but I will also wear now. I don't spend a lot on clothes, but I have got a few things to wear now and on the trip. I don't buy anything unless it is on sale.

I slept in on Monday hubby and I loaded up the car with more things to give away. It gets easier to do and I know it makes hubby happy! 

Tuesday I met several friends for lunch. We had a nice time catching up while our groups are on summer break. I sat next to one of the girls that is going to Israel and we were talking about needing to get a special visa to go to Israel. We both have Kaiser Insurance and we have phone appointments with a person that will go over international travel.  After lunch I was able to get several errands done close by. Hubby was thankful I brought him back some soup. 

The younger grands came over Wednesday with their dogs. We got pizza for dinner and they had fruit and popcorn for snacks. I made them breakfast Thursday late morning. Then their friend's mom picked them up to go swimming. The dogs were sad, but they liked it when hubby and I went out to the backyard with them for awhile. Thankfully the temperature dropped a little. Minnie was happy to see everyone!

Thankful to get my errands over before it gets hot. Supposed to get 105 this weekend! I got Minnie''s medicine and she gets refills until November and then she has to see the vet. I bought some groceries today and noticed some more prices going up. I put one thing back because it was not a food item. Thankful that I can make wise choices!

Minnie being scratched by Audrina in the sun.

Saturday 9: Coconut (1971)

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 song is about a woman who complains of a belly ache. How's your tummy this morning? Good!

2) She responds to this malady by calling the doctor. What if you chose to address the problem yourself? Are there currently any OTC digestive aids in your medicine chest? Pepto Bismal is my go too if my tummy hurts and feels off.

3) Coconut was once a popular ice cream flavor, but no more. It's not on the list of top sellers at Baskin Robbins or Cold Stone. When you last had ice cream, what flavor was it? Pineapple coconut when we were in Las Vegas at the Venetian.

4) Coconut remains popular in baking. It's easy to find recipes for coconut pie, coconut cheesecake, coconut cookies ... you get the idea. Have you recently tried a new recipe? If yes, how did it turn out?

I like to make coconut body scrubs and I need to get some sugar. I mix coconut, sugar and essential oil. Adding lemon or lavender smells so good. Adding Peppermint makes the skin feel tingly.

5) This week's featured artist, Harry Nilsson, was a well known free spirit. He liked to party and had a reputation for not adhering to a schedule. Therefore it's a little surprising that one of his first jobs was in the conservative atmosphere of a small bank. Do you prefer a more structured workplace? When I was working at the Post office, it was very structured.

6) Harry met Micky Dolenz when The Monkees recorded his song, "Cuddly Toy" and they became fast and life-long friends. Can you think of someone you met and quickly "clicked" with? Yes, my friends Linda and Carole. Also my friend Cynthia. I don't see Cynthia often, but when we do meet up, we can just pick up like the old days. Linda and Carole are going to Israel with me.

7) In 1971, when this song was on the radio, detective shows were popular on TV. Mannix, Ironside and Cannon were all in the Top 20. Do you think you'd make a good private investigator? I don't know. I do like to do research. I do not like to be in harm's way. 

8) England's Princess Anne turned 21 in 1971, and the occasion was commemorated with an official portrait taken by fashion photographer Norman Parkinson. Who took the most recent photo of you? My granddaughter.

9) Random question: You can redecorate any one room in your home, money is no object. But only one room. Which room do you pick? The kitchen. I would paint the cabinets white and get new hardware, get a new rangehood, get a new stove and finally, new flooring which would extend to the whole house.

Thanks to Susanne and Sam for hosting our memes.