Friday Faves Five & Saturday 9

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

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

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

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

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

Saturday 9: Ja-Da (1918)

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

 

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

 

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

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

Friday Faves 5 & Saturday 9

Thankful for Facebook memories. Fall Bible journaling day.2022

I miss those days, but they are all doing well!

Thankful that my granddaughter does well in Song and is an honor student. The Covid shutdown was hard for kids, but in spite of it, she and her brother excelled.

She is also an honor student.

She and her brother had to be at school at 5:30 for Homecoming celebrations. Cheer team had to be at the assembly. Grandson is ASB(Associated Student Body-Student Gov. & activities) and is spite of being sick he has been involved with classes and HC activities. Thankful that they are both doing well in High School!

Thankful for the beautiful moon that lights our sky, reminding me that God is above all things!

Thankful for my friend Lucia who made us chicken enchiladas!

Thankful for our Retired Group that started back up on Thursday.

It was the first day I had been out in two weeks.

Thankful for those who visit my blog!

Saturday 9: Mambo No. 5 (1999)

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

 

1) Lou Bega namechecks a lot of women in this song. Is there an Angela, Pamela, Sandra, Rita, Monica, Erica, Tina, Mary, or Jessica in your life? My daughter in law's mom is named Jessica. I know a Pamela from blogging. 

 

2) Can you think of a song that includes your first name? Wake up Little Susie

 

3) Lou sings that flirting is like a sport. Do you enjoy flirting? No

 

4) While Lou Bega's recording became a big hit worldwide, it enjoyed great popularity, where it was used during televised cricket matches. Do you know anything about the game of cricket? No

 

5) When Lou was riding high with "Mambo No. 5," Cher invited him to open for her on her 1999-2000 tour. Cher has more than 50 hit records, two television series, a Broadway show and an Oscar under her belt. Can you think of another performer who has succeeded in so many areas of entertainment?

Rita Moreno, Barbara Streisand, Jennifer Hudson, Whoopi Goldberg.

 

6) Lou turned 50 in April of this year. Are you soon celebrating a big birthday (one that ends in a 0 or 5)? I just turned 70 this past August.

 

7) In 1999, when "Mambo No. 5" was on the radio, the movie American Pie premiered and was so popular it inspired three sequels. Have you seen any of the American Pie films? The first one.

 

8) Also in 1999, Walmart opened its first store in the UK. Do you often shop at Walmart? Maybe once a month.

 

9) Random question – Have you recently fallen asleep somewhere other than your bed? If yes, where did you doze off? On the couch.

Update, my incision is almost healed and I finished my meds. Now I can go outside and enjoy my backyard. I still have to be our of direct sunlight while the scar heals.

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

Friday Faves 5 & Saturday 9

Another week has flown by. Here are my answers to Friday Faves 5 & Saturday 9. Thanks to Susanne and Sam for the memes and the links are on the left.

So thankful that Hubby and I went to the beach on Sunday after church. We found parking facing the water. Then we walked a few blocks to eat at our favorite restaurant there called The Crab Cooker. We have been going there since we were dating back in 1973. After we ate, we walked back to our car to get our chairs, umbrella and beach bag. We found a spot close to the water. Then I went to the bathroom to change. I put plenty of sunblock on my face and wore my hat. I wanted to really enjoy my time knowing I had to go for my biopsy on Monday. My husband took pictures of me on the beach to celebrate me turning 70 and feeling good to enjoy my time there. I only got my feet wet but it was great!

Thankful for insurance. I know I say that a lot.  I got my statement for July and they had the itemized break down of my blood work and ultrasound of my abdomen. That was over $2000 and I only paid $10.00 Thank You Lord!

Thankful for the birthday lunch with friends and Bible study on Tuesday night. We are in the book of Revelation, chapter 3 and we do a lot of cross referencing. 

Thankful for lunch with my friend Alice on Wednesday. We spent 3 hours catching up with life. Before I left, I got a phone call message and I had to call the doctor back up. I have basal skin cancer on my left cheek. It is not malignant and I am thanking God for that. Now I just need his peace for the next step. I have to let the biopsy heal and I will see an oncologist that specialized on surgeries for skin cancer that is the least evasive. It is called a MOHRS procedure. Thankful for the prayers of my family and friends. My kids all called me for the details and say they were praying for me. Thankful that I could still go to my Book study at church later. 

Thankful for a great worship night at church Thursday night. Our pastor prayed over people and I went up for prayer. I love seeing my granddaughter leading in worship. She really has a gift and stays humble about it. Thankful that her and her parents and brother are going to a resort at the beach for a few days. My son left Thursday to set things up for the work conference. Thankful that my daughter and her kids are doing most of the dog sitting. 

Thankful to get to see our granddaughter perform at the first football game of the season tonight. And for our granddogs along with our Minnie who love me.

She will be standing on this box set up at the game.

Saturday 9: We Belong Together (2005)

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

This month we're going to recall Summer Songs. These will all be records that topped the charts during August.

1) Number 1 on the charts in August 20 years ago, "We Belong Together" is about the end of this romantic relationship. Mariah sings that now she won't have anyone to talk to on the phone until the sun comes up. That was then. Today many people prefer to text than to talk on the phone. Are you one of those people? Texts are okay for short messages or when you know they can't be on the phone but they can check a quick message. I had two conversations by phone this week and both were over an hour long. Then I had 3 shorter conversations that were about 15 minutes long.

2) The video for this song features an elaborate wedding. Tell us about the last wedding you attended.

It was about a year ago, September. My Brother in law's daughter got married at a relative's winery.

3) Mariah believes she inherited her musical gifts from her mom, who was an opera singer and vocal coach. When things were hectic in their household, Mariah recalls that music helped bring her and her mom closer together. Share a happy childhood memory featuring you and one of your parents.

4) After graduating from high school in Long Island, Mariah Carey went to Manhattan in search of stardom. While waiting for her big break, she enrolled in beauty school and waited tables. Both stylists and servers receive gratuities for their services. Do you consider yourself a good tipper? I usually tip 20%. Sometimes I will pay more if the service is really good.

5) The Fresh Air Fund operates six camps in the New York area to provide kids with a chance to learn and explore outdoors. They named Camp Mariah in Ms. Carey's honor to thank her for her support. Here's your chance to toot your own horn. Tell us about an honor you received. (Anything from a major award to a handmade drawing that says "World's Best Mom" counts. We want to hear about it.) I got a several awards in high school. I got a few cash awards at work. The funniest award was the one I got at the servants banquet at church for 12 step computer geek or something like that. I have a picture somewhere and I know that trophy is around somewhere too. I think it was in the later 90's and pastor and others knew I worked on a computer at work and then would be on it writing the women's newsletter and other computer things. 

6) Mariah has mentioned she enjoys pizza and red wine. Will you be enjoying either pizza or red wine this weekend? No.

Let's look at the summer of 2005.

7) The biggest news story that summer was Hurricane Katrina. This deadly and destructive storm killed over 1,000 people and did more than $100 billion in damage. Have you ever endured a natural disaster (such as hurricane, flood, landslide, tornado, blizzard, wildfire)? Thankfully, no.

8) Popular that summer was Kingda Ka, the new roller coaster at Six Flags Great America in Jackson, NJ. At the time, it was the tallest and fastest roller coaster in the world. Have you been to any fairs or amusement parks this summer? No and I miss Disneyland. The last time I was there was December 2022, and I rode several roller coaster rides.

9) Award-winning American figure skater Alysa Liu was born in August of 2005. NBC Sports and their Peacock network report that figure skating events get high ratings. What's your favorite sport to watch on TV? Figure skating and gymnastics.

I shared my senior picture on the previous post along with my grandson's kinder/senior picture.

Friday Faves 5 & Saturday 9

Joining Susanne to share 5 things I am thankful for from this week.

Joining Sam for the Saturday 9, both links on the left.

Thankful for church on Sunday. I have shared pictures of my granddaughter singing at church. This Sunday she spoke before singing the song called Centered. She spoke of Mary sitting at the feet of Jesus. She said it came to her after learning the song at practice. She asked the worship leader if she could speak and He said yes. Another time the Holy Spirit has touched her heart. 

Thankful for a women's worship night. Audrina was played the keyboards that night. I still remember putting her on my lap to play my piano. So thankful that she could play and sing in worship. I sang in school and church choir, but I could never play because of performance anxiety. A part of my walk has been letting go, in many areas. So, when they asked people to freely worship and even go forward, I did.

Thankful for my Bible journaling meet up on Tuesday. Several girls were missing for various reasons. So I got to sit on the main table and share about the kits and how the HS lead to a theme on Word and Jesus's baptism, I have been using names of Jesus each month. I shared how at Sunday's service, pastor read two of the verses I used, confirming my topics.

Thankful for time with the younger grands on Wednesday and my book study in the evening. and first day of school for the older grands on Thursday. Eddie is a senior and VP ASB. He has shorter hours this year, and will go back to his volunteer job once he is settled with his AP classes. Jazzy has a busy schedule with AP classes, Song leader and Sports health medicine. So thankful that all our grands are doing well! 

Thankful to have lunch with my middle son and his wife. They told us about their vacation to the Napa wine area of California. They also told me how the plans were coming along for the family birthday party this Saturday for me turning 70, my granddaughter Jazzy turning 16 and my grandnephew turning 10. The main thing is the whole family being together! 

Saturday 9: Shout (1985)

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

This month we're going to recall Summer Songs. These will all be records that topped the charts during August.

1) Number 1 on the charts in August 40 years ago, the lyrics to "Shout" encourage us to "let it all out." When is the last time you raised your voice? A week ago.

2) This week's featured artists, Tears for Fears, were a duo -- Roland Orzabal and Curt Smith -- who met as teenagers in Bath, the largest city in Somerset, England. Bath has been named one of The Great Spa Towns of Europe. Popular spa treatments include massages, facials, body scrubs and wraps, mineral baths, manicures and pedicures.  If you could treat yourself to a spa treatment today, which would you choose? A facial.

3) When they first met, one of the things Roland and Curt bonded over was that they were both raised by single mothers. Who was your best friend during your teen years? What did you two bond over? I had a few friends. Some were from church. I met my friend Lissette in 7th grade. She sat in front of me in math. She had just come from Cuba. I befriended her with my broken Spanish. She helped me with my math. We didn't have a lot of classes together, but always had GAA which was last period. We took that class through high school. We had lunch a couple of years ago. I also  met my friend Anita at school in 19th grade because she heard a conversation I had about my old boyfriend and his brother Tony. I met her at Christmas, and we had lunch together last year. We also keep in touch on FB. My other friend was Mary Beth and she was my maid of honor. We keep in touch on Facebook.

4) Curt's wife, Frances Pennington, has had a long career in marketing, beginning in the record business and transitioning to fashion. Which industry do you think you'd enjoy more -- music or fashion? Music!

5) Roland married his childhood sweetheart, Caroline Johnston. They were together for 35 years, until her death. Do you know whatever became of your childhood sweetheart? My first real boyfriend was Oscar in 7-8th grade. We mostly saw each other at church youth group. I ran into his sister about 15 years ago. Shee said that Oscar was a Fire captain in San Diego. I told her to say hi and that is the last time I heard from her.

Let's look at the summer of 1985.

6) That summer, Chicago teenager Balu Natarajan won the National Spelling Bee. Are you a good speller? I would say average.

7) Tinker Bell took her first nightly flight at Walt Disney World in Florida. Do you recall which Disney movie introduced us to Tinker Bell? Peter Pan.

8) Derek Hough was a baby in the summer of 1985. In 2007 he became a regular on Dancing with the Stars, acclaimed for his ballroom dancing. Are you good on the dance floor? I don't know about good, but I did like to dance. It is harder now because of my lower back disc problem.

9) In 1985, Michael J. Fox became the first actor to have the #1 movie at the box office and the #1 TV show in the ratings. The movie was Back to the Future and the TV show was Family Ties. Have you seen the movie? Were you a fan of the show? My husband and I both saw the movie at the show.

It was okay. My husband liked it more than I did. I did like to watch Family Ties.

Friday Faves 5 & Saturday 9

I am joining Susanne at Living to Tell the Story 

and Sam at Saturday 9 for this weekend's memes. 

Another week has flown bye!

Looking back over the week, I am thankful for many things. Here are 5.

Having all the grands here last Friday. My crafty club has a theme every month and it is strawberries for the month of June. So, I made an easy quick dessert for them.

Thankful for my new printer! I print a lot of graphics for my crafty club and Bible journaling. I have always used Cannon, but I end up getting an Epson and so far, I am happy with my choice. I saved money by getting an older version that doesn't have the touch buttons.

Thankful for a good eye appointment and no cost. I also only have to replace my lens. The frames are good and fit my face perfectly. I did get a prescription for computer glasses that will wait because we have to take Minnie to the vets next week for her procedures and there is no insurance. Please keep her in prayer.

Thankful to be able to take my grandson to his physical for his volunteer job at the hospital. I drove there and he drove back to the Crossing shopping center. He is meeting his friends to see The Karate Kid. Yesterday was the last day of school. Jazzy went home last week and left her room nice and neat. I go in there when I need to sew.

Thankful for the progress I am making when the decluttering in the garage. The weather will be great next week, and I will be busy in there. But I am only there for short periods of time and figure it to be exercise. I have now started my newest study on the book of Acts. Every year Illustrated Faith has 2 months of lessons with a camp theme. I decorate my crafty corner throughout the year. Decorating done, time for the camping journey on the study of Acts.

Saturday 9: Hold On (1990)

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

 

1) This song gives encouragement to someone who is enduring heartache. Have you more recently given support, or received it? Given it.

 

2) "Hold On" is featured prominently in the 2011 movie Bridesmaids. It's an anthem for the friends in the film and they love to sing it together. Is there a song that reminds you of good times with a good friend? Girls Just want to have fun.

 

3) The video for this song finds Wilson Phillips outdoors on a snowy mountainside and then on a sandy beach. What's the view outside your window? My backyard. Plants on the shelf, palm trees, a birdbath and sometimes birds.

 

4) The mountain segments were filmed in California's San Gabriel Mountains. The girls were flown to the set by helicopter. Have you ever been in a helicopter? No.

 

5) The members of Wilson Phillips are authentic "California Girls." Wendy and Carnie Wilson's father is Brian Wilson, who wrote the Beach Boys hit. Chynna Phillips is the daughter of John and Michelle Phillips of the Mamas and the Papas, who sang "California Dreamin'." Have you been to California? If yes, where did you visit? I have lived here all my life, almost 70 years.

 

6) Another generation of the Wilson family has entered the music business. Carnie's daughter/Brian Wilson's granddaughter, Lola Bonfiglio, participated in the current season of American Idol. Has a family member followed you in your chosen profession? No. But my granddaughter likes to create things like I do.

 

7) In 1990, when this song was popular, satellite radio was in its infancy and streaming was unheard of. 

Our cars gave us a choice of AM/FM and maybe CD player/tape deck. When you're driving and a favorite song comes on, are you more likely to sing along if you're alone? Or don't you care if anyone hears you?  I will sing if I know the song.

 

8) Also in 1990, actor Alan Hale Jr. died. He was "the skipper" on Gilligan's Island. Without looking it up, can you name the other six castaways? (If not the actors, then their characters.) 

The millionaire and his wife. The Professor, Mary Ann and Ginger and Gilligan.

 

9) Random question: What superhero would you like to have as your best friend? Wonder Woman.

Friday Faves 5-Good Friday & Sat9

Today is Good Friday and I am thinking about this day and the past week

I am thankful that our Minnie accepted the new puppy Daisy. We took her over last Saturday and though she did a low growl at first when the baby went up to her, she finally accepted her. 

Thankful to celebrate the Passover that started Saturday evening and ends this Saturday.  

"Passover, also called Pesach, is a major Jewish holiday and one of the Three Pilgrimage Festivals. It celebrates the Exodus of the Israelites from slavery in Egypt. According to the Book of Exodus, God commanded Moses to tell the Israelites to slaughter a lamb and mark their doorframes with its blood, in addition to instructions for consuming the lamb that night. For that night, God would send the Angel of Death to bring about the tenth plague, in which he would smite all the firstborn in Egypt. But when the angel saw the blood on the Israelites' doorframes, he would pass over their homes so that the plague should not enter. The story is part of the broader Exodus story"

My grape juice and Matzoh- unleavened bread.

Jesus celebrated the Passover at the Last Supper with His disciples. He was the Lamb of God to take away the sins of the world. At the Last Supper, Jesus gave them wine and unleavened bread. It represented the body and the blood that Jesus would give. Today it is practiced by the Christians today to remember that Jesus died on the cross for our sins. We do it in reembrace of Jesus and His death for us.

Thankful to have lunch with friends on Tuesday. Fellowship is always nice!

Thankful to be able to see the Chosen 5 part 3 on Wednesday. It was so interesting the way the share to Gospels and scenes from the Bible that are interwoven in it.

Also thankful to celebrate our daughter and grandson's birthday.

Thankful for our Marriage group. We went over the verses about the trial of Jesus. Then we had communion. We have food before and after the meeting. Next week we will participate in the Community Market prep. In May we are going to San Juan Capistrano for lunch.

Thankful for Bible journaling that brings the Word to life! Tonight we will go to the Good Friday Service. Saturday I will be fixing Easter bags for the grands. Hubby will fill eggs with money.

Saturday 9: Here Comes Peter Cottontail (from the archives)

1) Which do you prefer: colored hard-boiled eggs, chocolate marshmallow eggs, or plastic eggs with coins inside? I used to love to color eggs with the grands, but with the price of eggs, it is now a no. We do fill plastic eggs with coins for the grands for the egg hunt after church.

2) What's your favorite color of Peeps (yellow, purple, or pink)? Pink

3) All this talk of sweets is making Sam hungry. What's for lunch? Not sure, maybe leftovers.

4) This song was introduced by country singer Gene Autry and it's still a favorite. Please share some of the lyrics. (And you're on your own; Sam didn't include a link to the song this week.) I don't know the lyrics. Most of the songs I know are Christian based.

5) Gene Autry was so popular that a town in Oklahoma named itself for him. Have you ever been to Oklahoma? No.

6) He and his horse Champion also had a TV show. Can you name another famous horse? Trigger, the horse of Roy Rogers show.

7) Gene Autry also recorded "Rudolph, The Red Nosed Reindeer," and it was, of course, wildly popular, too. Who is your favorite recording artist? I have so many, but I always go with Amy Grant and Carole King.

8) In 1950, the year Autry recorded this song, Diner's Club issued the first credit card. Think of the last thing you purchased. Did you use cash, a credit card, a debit card, an e-wallet service (Visa Checkout, Paypal, Google Pay, Apple Pay ...) or a check? Debit Card

9) Easter is recognized as the start of the spring season. What are you looking forward to this spring?

Gardening, birds, family and friends events and of course, Easter. Jesus is the reason for all seasons! 

 

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