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

Thankful for a much cooler weather for the week. It was in the  80's here at home and it was in the 70's while I was on vacation.

Thankful to get many things done before my friends get away. After church on Sunday, I picked up my trip information and itinerary travel pack. Then I went to the Good Feet Store and the Riverside Plaza and found some really comfy shoes by Brooks. But the Good Feed store only carries whole sizes. Tomorrow I will go to back to REI to return my white shoes I got and get some black Brooks.

Thankful that my friend Stephanies' car was so comfortable for the ride to San Luis Obispo. We stopped at a placed in Summerland for breakfast. I rarely eat bacon, but I sure did enjoy it. After we left, I noticed my throat was hurting more. I thought it was just my nose spray, but it felt worse. Thankful that I did not feel sick. We got to The Apple Farm Inn around 3 and got settled in our rooms which were very nice. Later we took a drive to Avila Beach and then found a place for dinner. Though the beds were comfortable, I had a hard time sleeping. I took a Motrin and had some Vicks for my nose that helped a bit. Thankful that I had brought those with me!

Tuesday morning and I still had a sore throat. Thankful that I did not feel achy or have a headache, but I had sinus breakfast. I can't remember if it was before or after breakfast, but we did stop by to CVS and I got some throat lozenges and Tylenol decongestant. We had breakfast at the Madonna Inn. The food was good and we enjoyed the eclectic atmosphere.

After we left the Madona Drive to took a drive to two other cities that we had been to before. Both were quiet beach cities. We enjoyed the quiet town, the great weather and big ocean. We then went out to eat at a really nice place for dinner.

The next morning we ate at the Apple Tree Inn Restaurant. My friend Carole and I share a breakfast with home fried potatoes and chicken sausage along with eggs and toast. After that we left to Pismo Beach.

After breakfast we went to the San Luis Obispo Mission

We had dinner at Pismo and some of us stayed and some of us went back to the room. The lobby always provided coffee, tea and hot apple cider. They gave us warm cookies too. We left by 9am the next morning at we got home around 2. Thankful for a fun, safe friends road trip.

Finally, I am thankful that our family got to walk Jazzy on the field for Senior night. There was a photographer there and I hope to get the family picture. Here is the picture of us with her. We took this during halftime when they were presenting the senior football pictures. It was weird to be at a game and not seeing her cheering. But she chose Sports Medicine over cheer that will look better on her college admissions. She has more time to work on her dual classes which are transferrable to college.

During her presentation, she had on her varsity jacket, and a sash and crown.

Clown (1965)

SATURDAY 9 Unfamiliar with this week's tune? Hear it here.

1) Not everyone loves clowns. "Coulrophobia" is the irrational fear of clowns. Do you have any fears or phobias? I don't like snakes, but I can't say I have any phobias.

2) This week's featured artist, Gary Lewis, sings that he jokes a lot at parties. In social settings, are you more a talker or a listener? Talker

3) He's dreaming of a special girl. Do you often daydream? I get ideas for Bible journaling.

4) Gary named his band The Playboys because they were always late to rehearsals and Gary joked that they would rather play than work. Do you tend to be early, late, or exactly on time? On time.

5) Gary Lewis had first-hand knowledge of clowns. His father was famous funny man Jerry Lewis. Who always makes you laugh? My son Daniel and my grandson Elijah.

6) In 2017, Gary was in the news when it became known that Jerry disinherited all six of his sons from his will. Have you ever attended the reading of a will? No.

7) This past summer found Gary Lewis on The My Generation Tour, performing with other acts from the mid-1960s, like The Lovin' Spoonful, The Hollies, and Mitch Ryder and the Detroit Wheels. Do you enjoy listening to "the oldies?" Yes and I am an oldie. I liked music from 40's-70's because it reminds me of my parents. 70's was our music. I love music! I mostly listen to Christian music.

8) In 1965, when this song was popular, Muhammad Ali defeated Sonny Liston to become the heavyweight champion of the world. Have you ever attended a boxing match? No.

9) Random question: What color is your toothbrush? Pink

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 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.

Fridays Fave 5 & Saturday 9

I am thankful that Minnie is holding steady. Hubby stayed home with her on Sunday, and I was able to go to church after missing it or two weeks. I was able to see my granddaughter sing the National Anthem I am thankful that I can watch service online when I can't be at church. but I do like to see my friends and family there. 

Thankful that the younger grads came down on Monday and on Monday night I had all 4 grands here. It is rare to get pictures with all of them now. The younger grads were supposed to be here through Thursday along with the grand dogs, Plans were changed because of Minnie and their other grandma picked them up on Tuesday. She was able to see Minnie and Minnie was happy to see her too Thankful that our grands have their grandparents to help out. Here are Coco and Daisy.

Thankful to do some shopping on Wednesday after Senior Fellowship. I found a pair of pants and a top I can wear them now and when I go to Israel in October. I was talking to my 3 friends that are going to Israel too. We all want to go know things are in God's hand. But since the US attacked Iran, things have gotten worse. The travel agency says tours are still happening and we will know more as we get closer to October. If is not safe to go. the travel agency will let the Pastor know. Will we be sad? Yes, but like I said, it is in God's hands. I will get my money back and maybe I will get new flooring. But for now, I am still hoping and praying. 

Thankful that we can have dreams and also be realistic when life happens.

Thankful for a better night's rest. I have been turning the tv off and reading before bed. Thankful that I have the AD series of books in my library. I read them back in the early 2000's there was a lot I had forgotten. The series is by Brock and Bodie Thoen. It follows the people that lived during the year of Jesus. It brings Bible people back to life like the bling man that Jesus heals. The character is named Peniel/Penuel which means face of God or to see the face of God or to turn toward the face of God. Many of the correct names of characters are used. Biblical references are also listed. Jacob is from Genesis 32 and wrestled with God and named the place Penuel. Jacob then is known as Israel, one of Biblical hierarchs and the son of Abraham It also gives the historical perspective during that time. The emphasis is on the people that were healed by Jesus. I love historical Christian fiction!  

Saturday 9: There'll Be Some Changes Made (1962)

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

1) In this song, Ann-Margret sings that she's going to change her way of living. If you could simply snap your fingers and change something in your life, what would it be? Better health, good eyesight and increase in muscle mass.

2) She tells us she's going to change her name. Have you ever changed your name, or asked people to refer to you differently? (Example: "Don't call me Betty anymore. I want to be Elizabeth.") I go by Susan or Susie. but do not like Sue. My mom called me Susan and my dad called me Susie. My sisters call me Susie and my brother calls me Susan

3) Ann-Margret was born Ann-Margret Olsson in Sweden and when was 5, her family moved to Winnetka, Illinois. She is fluent in both Swedish and English. When did you last converse in a language other than English? My granddaughter was sharing what she is learning in her Spanish class. We exchanged a few words.

4) Olivia Newton-John was a big Ann-Margret fan. When she was cast in the movie Grease, Olivia asked that her character's name be changed from "Sandy Dumbrowski" to "Sandy Olsson" in tribute. Grease is one of the most profitable movies ever made. Have you seen it more than once? Yes

5) Ann-Margret celebrated her 85th birthday earlier this year. Back in 2024, Ann-Margret told a reporter that she planned to celebrate her 83rd birthday with a spin on her motorcycle, a lavender Harley-Davidson. "I love speed," she explained. Do you always observe the speed limit? Or have you been known to zip along a little faster? I have gone faster in the pass on an open road.

6) This week's song was written in 1921 and over the last 100+ years it's been recorded more than 400 times. Before today, had you heard it? No

7) The lyrics were written by William Weldon Higgins, who was better known as vaudeville comic Billy Higgins. When did you most recently laugh out loud? At Senior Fellowship this past Wednesday. Pastor decided to pop in for a game of Bingo and won!

8) The music was composed by William Overstreet. In addition to writing music, he was a respected director at Chicago's Grand Theater. When did you last see a live performance (concert, play, etc.)?

January 25, several shows on our cruise ship. I saw Cece Winans in concert February of 25 with my granddaughter. My granddaughter and I are going to a musical play on July 11.

9) Random question: Do you have more or less than $20 cash in your wallet right now? Yes, $22

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

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.