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 Five & Saturday 9

It is late Friday, and I had a great week. Joining Susanne for the Friday's Fave Five

Went to a baby shower for my niece on Sunday.  I stayed the night with my sister, and my husband picked me up on Monday. I felt off and got my things packed for my Bible journaling class and went to bed early.  I woke up at 3 am sick.

Thankful that my husband could take the things to my friend's house. Thankful that my friend who host our group went over the instructions I gave her. The women really enjoyed the craft I had for them.

Thankful that I was only sick for 24 hours and could go to the store and get some things for Thanksgiving. Thankful that our grandson could get out all our Christmas trees.

Thankful that I could go to my son's house who made breakfast for diner. We were getting up early for our Disney visit.

Thankful for the fun day we had at Disneyland. It rained in the morning, and the park was not so busy. We got to go on several rides and we left early. We are going back next month. My grandkids football team won their playoff game and are going to Rosebowl next Friday for the final division game. I missed the game because of Disneyland.

Saturday 9: The Lady in Red (1986)

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

1) Is red a color you often wear? Mostly around Christmas and Valentine's Day.

 

2) In this song, Chris De Burgh is thrilled to be dancing with the woman he loves. Do you recall what was playing the last time you stepped onto the dance floor? No

 

3) Chris says he wrote this song about the first time he saw his future wife, who wore a red dress when she came to see his band perform. Tell us about a memorable concert going experience.

The last concert I went to was in February 2025. We saw Cece Wynans. I went with my granddaughter who is on the praise team at church, her mom and grandma. It was great!

 

4) Chris' father worked as a diplomat for the United Kingdom. Former US ambassador Robert D. Blackwill believes a diplomat should possess strong writing/speaking skills, meticulous attention to detail, historical knowledge, and stamina. Do you have any of those attributes? Attention to detail.

 

5) Chris' family owns Bargy Castle, a 15th century fortress in County Wexford, Ireland. Bargy Castle has been converted into a hotel. What's the last hotel you stayed in? Does a floating hotel count? We went on a cruise in January 2025. We stayed in a Marriott in San Deigo back in 2024.

 

6) Chris is a wine connoisseur who sold a collection of vintage reds for over $500,000. If you suddenly came into $500,000, what would you do with it? Pay off our house, give some to church and give some to our kids.

 

7) In 1986, when this song was popular, singer/actress Lady Gaga was born in Manhattan. Have you been to New York City? Yes, back in 2008  Waiting to see Phantom of the Opera with my parents and sister. We were there before leaving on our New England cruise.

 

8) Also in 1986, NHL Hall of Famer Jacques Plante died. Are you a hockey fan? I played field hockey in high school and loved it.  I don't watch it now except for the Winter Olympics.

 

9) Random question – You just slid behind the wheel and are about to embark on a long road trip. 

Which of these famous Williams would you choose as your navigator: Willie Nelson, Bill Murray, or William, Prince of Wales? The Prince of Wales.

Friday Faves 5 & Saturday 9

1. Thankful that my granddaughter checked the Disney schedule and found a Friday reservation for this month. It was closed when I looked earlier and it is closed again.

2. Thankful that we could pick up our grands from school on Tuesday and bring them to our house. Thankful to take this picture and think of all God has created.

3, Thankful that my grandson Eddie is enjoying his "field trip to see universities in California. He was really impressed with University of Santa Cruz and the town. He loved all the pine trees and more country like atmosphere. He also got to visit Berkeley, Stanford, UC Davis, Pepperdine and a few others. He first said he wanted to go to University at Irvine in Orange County where I went. They have a really good medical school. He is really smart, and I know he will be accepted at many schools. It will depend on what kind of financial aid he gets. I would love for him to get the experience of living on campus. I was a commuter student. There are California State and California Universities.

Eddie and his girlfriend who is also a senior.

I wish he would smile, but he does not like to show his braces.

4. Thankful to be getting things done around the house that needed to be done. Thankful that I can still do some things. Eddie cleaned my cabinets before he left and he will clean the floors when he comes back. He is really excited about his friends coming over for his birthday/movie/sleep over. The hottest day of the week in on his birthday which will be nice when they come over. They will be camping in the backyard.

5. Thankful for a great worship night that was opened to all 3 campuses. There was a time of prayer at the alter and my son, granddaughter and I all went up for prayer.  The pharmacy had called to see if I needed to refill my prescription and I told them I was not taking them because they messed up my stomach. Later I got a call from my doctor's office because my doctor wants to see me. I see my doctor on Monday to discuss my cholesterol and loss of weight. I am thankful that I have Kaiser medical insurance. I am praying our rates do not go up to drastically.

Saturday 9: That Funny Feeling (1965)

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

 

1) In this song, Bobby Darin admits he cares more for the girl than he should. What's something you have recently overdone (eaten too many potato chips, stayed up too late, etc.)? Staying up late is my downfall. 

 

2) Bobby wrote this as the theme song for a movie he starred in with his wife, Sandra Dee. That Funny Feeling (the movie) turned a profit at the box office and "That Funny Feeling" (the record) made the Billboard Top 40. Can you think of another movie and song that were both popular?  Sound of Music, Star Wars, Titanic, Grease, not just a song, but a whole soundtrack! I just watched The Way We Were this past weekend. It made me sad. Just hearing the song reminded me of my parents. My mom loved Barbra Streisand. There will be Miracles from the movie called Prince of Egypt. The song was made even more popular when it hit mainstream radio with Mariah Cary and Whitney Houston.

3) While Bobby had a successful movie career and earned an Oscar nomination, he didn't get the part he wanted most: Tony in West Side Story. While he could sing and dance very well, producers didn't think Bobby looked like a romantic leading man. What actor or actress makes your heart skip a beat? When I was a teen, I had a poster of Clark Gable-Rhett Butler from Gone with the Wind. I think George Clooney has aged well. Robert Redford too since I have been watching a lot of his movies.

 

4) Elvis enjoyed watching Bobby perform, but understood that if he sat in the audience, he would be a distraction. So, Elvis always watched Bobby from the wings. Think about the last thing you saw in a theater (concert, movie, play). Were you distracted by another audience member? Was anyone crinkling paper, checking their phone, whispering, etc.? Yes, crinkling paper and it was my husband. Years ago we took our teen sons to the movies. I was sitting down with a bucket of buttery popcorn, and I accidentally spilled it on top of him. Both the man and my sons moved to other seats. We still laugh about it.

 

5) When the editor of a teen magazine asked if he could cook, Bobby not only said yes, but he also offered up his manicotti recipe. What's your favorite pasta dish? (To eat, not necessarily to whip up in your kitchen.) My son makes a good manicotti. I do like the shrimp scampi at Olive Garden with the slivers if asparagus.

 

6) In addition to cooking, Bobby's friends recall he loved talking about classic cars and baseball. Which of those three would you be most comfortable discussing? I know about baseball thank classic cars.

 

7) In 1965, when Americans were listening to "That Funny Feeling," aspirin was the top over-the-counter pain reliever. You could get a bottle of 200 tablets for just $1. Is there aspirin in your medicine chest right now? No, there is Tylenol and Motrin.

 

8) Also in 1965, I Dream of Jeannie premiered. The sitcom about a beautiful genie living in the suburbs was developed to compete with Bewitched, about a beautiful witch living in the suburbs. Which show do like better? I liked them both. I guess I Dream of Jeannie.

 

9) Random question: After a friend leaves your home, you spot a small, bound book on the floor next to your sofa. You flip through it and see that her journal fell out of her purse. It's mostly shopping lists and appointments but also includes personal observations, once you realize what it is, do you close it and keep it closed until you can return it to her? Or do you continue reading? I would close it and call her and let her know about it.

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

Friday's Fave 5 & Saturday 9

1. Thankful for another week of blessings! The older grands celebrated homecoming last Saturday. My grandson got ready at our house and then his Mon took him to his girlfriend's house. He mom took them for pictures before the homecoming. My daughter took my granddaughter to homecoming. She was going to meet up with friends there. So glad kids don't have to have dates to go. 

Jazzy and her brother Eddie and Daniela with Eddie.

2. Thankful that I could be at church to greet. I am to old to worry about having a bandage on my face. 

3. Thankful for another successful Bible Journaling Day. I gave the girls two kits. One for October. Then the other is for November. They will work on a little 30 day gratitude journal. I got the little journals after Vacation Bible school ended. I found a graphic online and printed out a lot of graphics. I also included a 30 day Bible reading program for November. The gratitude journal is something I have done with Illustrated Faith for years. Here are some of the pages the ladies did.

4 Thankful that the dermatologist/surgeon was able to check on my incision. He said I am healing well. He removed a couple of stitches. He said to continue doing what I was doing. I still have a bit of pain at the top of the scar, but that is to be expected.

5. Thankful to be able to go to another football game to support our granddaughter. Eddie drove me and my son, and his family were able to go to the game too. My daughter met up there too.

Do You Know the Way to San Jose

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

 

1) In this song, someone moves to Los Angeles looking for "fame and fortune" but ends up with a job "pumping gas." Today, the majority of service stations are self-serve, so very few people pump gas for a living. Can you think of another job that used to be common but doesn't exist anymore? We used to have a milkman that delivered to our home back in the late 70's. 

 

2) The San Jose travel bureau advertises "300 days of sunshine" every year. How is the weather where you are today? Sunny and 83 today. It will be 86 on Thursday when I am at Disneyland. It is 26 miles from me.

 

3) Lyricist Hal David became fond of San Jose when he was stationed there while in the Navy. Tell us about a place you visited that you have affection for. Hawaii! Here were are at the Disney Aulani in 2018 for the character breakfast. We stayed close to it at the Marriott Resort.

  

4) Composer Burt Bacharach grew up and worked primarily in New York until his marriage to actress Angie Dickinson. She had to live in Los Angeles for her career, so he relocated and remained a Californian for the rest of his life. Where do you feel most at home? (It doesn't have to be a city. It could be your favorite chair.) My home, either in my dad's chair in the family room or the bedroom where my desk is. I journal there and I enjoy the view in the backyard.

5) Dionne Warwick thinks this week's song is "dumb." She won her first Grammy for "Do You Know the Way to San Jose?" and, decades later, still sings it in concert, but she has not changed her opinion of the song. What is something everyone else seems to like but you just don't get?

 

6) Now in her 80s, with more than 60 years in show business, Dionne still enjoys performing. She told a reporter that she loves looking out into the audience and seeing an arm go around a shoulder, or a couple begin holding hands, when they hear her sing "their song." What song reminds you of a special romance? There are lots of songs, but I will go with Just my Imagination by the Temptations.

 

7) In 1968, when this song was popular, The Doris Day Show premiered. The show was, initially, a surprise to its star. Her manager/husband died suddenly without telling her he had committed her to a weekly sitcom. She was not pleased but honored the contract. Think of the last time you were surprised. Was it a happy or sad surprise? My cousin made it to my 70th birthday. I had not seen here since the previous November.

 

8) According to the Social Security Administration, the most popular baby names of 1968 were Lisa and Michael. Are there any Lisas or Michaels in your life? I have a cousin Lisa and my sister-in-law is named Elizabeth but called Lisa. I have a nephew named Michael.

 

9) Random question: What are you looking forward to this week? My husband's birthday on Saturday. Pumpkin Bash in the evening. Turning in our operation Christmas Child Boxes. Going to Disneyland on Thursday!

Previous entry had Homecoming game pictures.

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

Friday Faves 5 & Saturday 9

Joining Susanne for Friday's Fave Five and listing 5 things that blessed me this past week.

1. Hubby and I were able to go to another football game with our daughter. Our granddaughter cheers and it was homecoming. Half time had a Wizard of Oz theme. Eddie's girlfriend was Dorothy. The cheer/song teams had to wear special outfits. During the beginning of the game, Jazzy's zipper broke and she had to leave the field. Luckily a mom sewed her dress back up and she got back on the field in time for the halftime show. Their team won 62 -14! Thankful for my seat pad too!

2. Thankful I was able to go to church on Sunday. We got our Operation Christmas Child boxes this Sunday too. I did get to watch it online last week and got this picture of Audrina singing. After church we went out to eat at In and Out Burger. Later my grandson videoed us to show us his new "big boy' haircut. He is 11 now. 

3. Thankful that the shows my husband and I like are back for a new season. We have been watching Survivor for 25 years! We like to watch the the FBI and NCIS shows. I also like Chicago Med. 

4. Thankful for another great Retired married group. We took Harvest bagels, cream cheese and a Cheese plate to share and a few others brought things too. We talked about a scribe who asked Jesus what good he could do to gain eternal life. He followed the commandments, Jesus tol him to sell his possessions and give it to the poor. Then he would have treasures in heaven and He could follow Jesus. And the scribe walked away sad because he had great wealth. (Matthew 19: 16-22) It was great to her the group discussion and agreed that money could be a great downfall when not used properly. We need to give back to God, help others and God will provide us with what we need. The main thing is to follow Jesus and his teachings.

5. Thankful to have lunch with our son and his wife. They treated us to lunch for an early Father's Day. They told us about their plans to go to Japan next spring. We are excited for them, They don't have any kids and are planning several trips. They hope to go to NY in the fall of 2026. 

Saturday 9: Into the Groove (1985) 

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

 

1) Madonna begins this song by telling us, "I'm waiting." What's something you're waiting for today?

I am waiting for my incision to completely heal. A few sutures are still there and I think they are hindering the healing. I emailed my doctor this morning and he wants to see my next week.

 

2) She sings that dancing gives her a feeling so good she hopes it will never end. What reliably lifts your spirits? Dancing was something I enjoyed. I do like this Madonna song for the beat. It opens with "Susan" It really is good exercise! Now I craft or Bible journal and listen to music. Taking a walk in nature with trees and birds lifts my spirit.

 

3) As a school girl in Michigan, Madonna was a good student but could be disruptive. Classmates recall her doing cartwheels in the halls between classes. Can you do a cartwheel? NO, I would not even try. But I sure did when I was a kid, backflips to and even flipping back out on the swings.

 

4) It's not surprising that a girl from the Detroit area would love cars. Madonna's car collection is valued at more than $2 million. The one she seems to drive most often is a 2022 Cadillac Escalade ESV. Insurance industry data tells us Americans typically keep their cars for 8 years. How long have you had your current vehicle? We have had it 8 years and have no plans to get another one until we have to.

 

5) She has referred to Nancy Sinatra as one of her idols, saying "These Boots Were Made for Walking" and its accompanying video impressed her when she was a little girl. What pop song brings back memories from your childhood? I remember Those Boots Were Made for Walking. The Twist reminds me of dancing with my aunt and sister. I think we saw him on American Bandstand. I think was about 7

 

6) Madonna suffers from brontophobia, or the fear of thunder and lightning. Are you afraid of storms?

We don't get many storms here in, So CA. I remember a quick storm came through while on vacation in Arizona in 1982. It rained so hard that we had to pull off the road. Then lightening broke right in front of our car and shook the car. It was so scarry!

 

7) In 1985, when this song was popular, the Titanic wreckage was discovered. There have been at least a dozen movies about that ill-fated ship. Have you seen any of them? I have seen one with Matt Damon and Kate Winslet in 1997. It was so sad, and I could not watch it again.

 

8) Also in 1985, Bruce Willis became a star with a hit show about a detective agency. Can you name it? (Extra non-existent points if you can recall the agency's name.) No because I did not watch it.

 

9) Random question: Describe your perfect ice cream sundae. Real Vanilla ice cream, hot fudge, banana slices, nuts and whip cream. It makes me think of the times we went to Bob's Big Boy after football games. This was in 1972-72. Watching my granddaughter cheer at games also makes me think of the after games. I also like to get hot fudge sundaes when I was pregnant. I rarely eat ice cream now because of the high sugar content.

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

My Website is at Susan's Garden of Friendship The link is to the left. Lots of inspirational pages too. I hope to see you there!

Friday Faves Five & Saturday 9

Thankful for insurance. I know I have said that so many times, but I only pay $10.0 for most things. Then I get the itemized statement and see what the cost would be without insurance. I am thankful that I am covered under my husband's family plan. He is worried about the increase that is supposed to happen. 

Thankful that my incision is healing. I had to send in pictures today to the surgeon. One area look a little less healed than the rest. I have to clean the incision daily and cover it with Aquaphor. Then bandage it up. Thankful that I will finish my antibiotics today.

Thankful that my husband cooks and he made a great chicken soup this week. Thankful for my friends and family checking in on me.

Thankful to have crafts and Bible journaling and reading to do.

Thankful for the beautiful weather we have had this week. Sunny and in the 70's and low 80's. We normally in the high 80's and 90's this time of the year. 

Saturday 9: That's So True (2024)

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

 

1) In this song, Gracie Abrams can't stop thinking about her ex. Who is on your mind this morning?

Did I get enough sleep? How is my face doing.

 

2) She wonders if she should warn his new girl about him. Think of the last time someone offered you advice. Did you take it? Yes

3) She concludes her old boyfriend wasn't worthy of her love and attention and now sees him as "just another dude." What is something you regret spending time on? (It doesn't have to be a romance.) 

I can't think of anything specific. I know I waste time. I get sidetracked a lot because of my ADD. 

 

4) On July 31, Gracie Abrams performed at Lollapalooza in Chicago. More than 100,000 attended the first day of the outdoor festival. It was sunny and 79º. Describe your perfect day (weatherwise). This week we have had weather in the 70's and sunny. perfect, but I can't go out in the sun. Skin is healing and the medication I am taking says stay out of the sun.

 

5) Gracie's father is J.J. Abrams, perhaps best known for directing the 2009 Star Trek movie and Star Wars: The Force Awakens. Would you rather watch Star Trek or Star Wars? Star Wars

6) She is very much a 21st century artist in that she doesn't rely on radio to introduce her music to her fans, often sharing demos on TikTok. Do you watch, or create content for, TikTok? No TokTok

7) In 2024, when "That's So True" was released, Madonna set a record. Her free concert in Brazil drew the largest audience (1.6 million) ever. What's your favorite Madonna song? Into the Groove, Papa Don't Preach. I remember watching MTV after having my second son. I would dance along with the music as a form of exercise. Most of her videos were risqué, but she had stories behind the videos. I switched to mostly Christian music at the end of the 80's.  

8) Also in 2024, former President Jimmy Carter died. In addition to his work in politics and philanthropy, Mr. Carter wrote more than 30 books. Who wrote the last book you finished? Tim La Haye and Jerry Jenkins who wrote 16 books of the Left Behind series about the Biblical end times. I plan to read them again. Jerry Jenkin's son Dallas is the producer of the Chosen movies.

9) Random question: What sound stresses you out? A loud cricket under my window and politics.

I had to come back and add the ringing in my ears known as tinnitus. It comes and goes.

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