Friday Faves 5 & Saturday 9

1. Thankful that my family could get together on Sunday and celebrate the September birthdays. We had lunch and then headed to my son's home for dessert and play games. It is harder to get all the grands together at the same time. So, it was a great time to get a picture.

2. Thankful to get all my errands done and my Bible journaling kits finished. Hubby and I finished one Robert Redford movie and started another one. After Friday, I will be home recovering and hubby and I have more movies to watch and the new season series will begin. We both like to watch Dances with the Stars and Survivor. So thankful I have a husband that likes some of the things I do.

3. Thankful for my Crafty Me craft group. I like learning new things. Here is a project I did while following the prompts our instructor gave us. Make a bookcase. Add books, add a clock, plants, globe, cup, globe and frame. This was all freehand. Since I had to do a frame, I decided to add a picture of me!

4. Thankful that my Bible journal met up was a success. Lots of food and fellowship!

5. Thankful that the AC is working great and so is the new water heater.  Today I change my sheets and enjoy my hot shower. Nice to be able to appreciate the things we take for granted. Today I will pack a bag for my procedure tomorrow. They said I would be there for up to 6 hours. So thankful I have a pillow I can sit on, my small Bible craft bag, and my cellphone and back up battery so I can listen to

music.

The Entertainer (The Theme from The Sting) 1973

Unfamiliar with this week's song. Hear it here.

Chosen in memory of Robert Redford: Aug. 18, 1936 - Sept. 16, 2025

1) The Sting marked the second teaming of Robert Redford and Paul Newman. The two enjoyed almost 40 years of friendship. One passion they shared was sports cars. Newman raced Porsches professionally and Redford was deft behind the wheel of a classic Karmann Ghia convertible. Think about one of your longest friendships. What did you two first bond over? First day of junior high-7th grade.

2) During their first movie together – Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid – Redford was late so often that Newman joked they should change the title to, "Waiting for Lefty." Do you have a friend who is perpetually tardy? Or are you that friend? Yes, my cousin is my best friend, and she is always late.

 

3) Back in 1936, when Redford was born, baseball's Hall of Fame opened in Cooperstown. Coincidentally, two members of his high school class of 1954 are represented in the Hall: Redford, with memorabilia from his baseball film, The Natural, and his teammate on the Van Nuys Wolves, Don Drysdale. "Big D" was inducted for his stellar Dodger pitching career. Have you recently spoken to, or corresponded with, one of your high school classmates? I had lunch with my friend Anita and her husband in August. We met in 10th grade. I also have been chatting with my friend Lissette. We met in 7th grade. We had no classes in high school except GAA, competitive sprots for girls. She was in my wedding. I met Mary Beth in high school and she was my maid of honor. We keep in touch through Facebook.

4) Redford admitted he had a few run ins with law enforcement during his teen years. He specifically recalled being picked up for breaking into the neighbors' back yard and swimming in their pool. Were you a mischievous kid? I had a few moments of tomboy independence. I had permission to ride my bike to the school park and had done it many times. This time I packed a large lunch but rode to a bigger park much further away. I loved riding my bike. Things were much safer back then. Less cars and no fear.

5) Redford went on to CU Boulder. He confessed to being a distracted student and only lasted a year and a half. While not good in class, he was popular with his coworkers at his after school job, mopping floors and cleaning bathrooms at a restaurant called The Sink. The restaurant is still thriving, and Redford returned whenever he was in Boulder. He wore a Sink t-shirt during a national press conference in 2018 and when asked what The Sink was, he was happy to plug his former employer. Do you often wear graphic tees, decorated with a favorite band, restaurant logo, team mascot, vacation destination, etc.? I have a lot of Christian t-shirts.

6) When he was a struggling New York actor, he and his wife lost their first child to crib death. Redford told AARP magazine that he blamed himself, and said it's a wound that never healed. Tell us about a time you felt guilty but shouldn't have. Not spending enough time with my mom to learn things about her and me. Life happens.

7) Legendary costume designer Edith Head said she liked putting Redford in hats because they balanced his strong, square jaw. Do you take your figure flaws into consideration when you choose your clothes?

I usually don't have issues when I wear dresses. I am small on the rear, so I have to make sure the pants I wear don't look like they are falling down.

8) Forever fit, Redford credited his physique on exercise and genes, not diet. He said, "Healthy food is good for the conscience, but Oreos taste a helluva lot better." What's the last cookie, candy or treat you indulged in? My friend brought pumpkin cake to our Bible journaling group.

 

9) Random question: Do you prefer to bathe or shower first thing in the morning, after work, or before bed? Depends. I sleep better when I shower at night. I shower in the morning if I am going out. When our AC went out I took 2-3 showers a day. I will have to use the handheld shower head after my surgery. I prefer the over the head rain shower. 

 

Thanks to Susanne and Sam for hosting 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

Another week has passed and I am joining Susanne at Living to tell the Story for the

Friday Faves 5 and Sam for the Saturday 9. The links are at the left.

I am thankful that I have a cell phone that lets me take pictures so I can remember what I have done each week. Pictures have date stamps and that is a great thing along with the calendar feature.

1. Thankful we were able to watch our younger grands Friday-Sunday while their parents were celebrating their 20th anniversary weekend away near the beach. I was happy we could Bible journal. Also that I could greet for 3rd service since she had to sing for all 3 services.  Hubby to her to church at 6:30. He stayed with Eljah and the doggies while we were gone.

2. Thankful to be able to see our granddaughter perform the National Anthem at our cities Memorial Day ceremony on Monday. She sang acapella and then sang again with two of her friends. It was a nice ceremony and we got to meet a couple of Korean veterans there. I have one uncle that served in Korea that is still alive. The rest of the day I worked on the final additions of the Bible Journaling packs.

3. Thankful for another Bible journaling day with my group. Now we will break until August. I will work on the next project over the next few weeks. I look for graphics and put them together with the verse I am covering. We covered two names of Jesus, Name above all names and The Anointed One. We also talked about Acts 2, when the Holy Spirit came to the disciples and friends while they were gathering for the feast of Shavuot, the feast of weeks and celebration of the Torah. There are 50 days from Passover to Shavuot and Pentecost is Greek for 50. Here is Audrina's page she had done with me.

4. Thankful to be able to go to breakfast with our marriage life group. We won't have any more formal meeting until September. We will continue to volunteer at the food panty prep day.

5.Thankful to be able to go with Eddie for his orientation meeting at the local hospital. Out of over 100 applicants. he was part of the 24 selected and one of two boys. The average GPA is 4.2! Eddie was missing a day at an amusement park with his ASB friends because he had to be at this meeting. Mom was at work, so I went. He has to have a physical and TB test that the Hospital pays for. Eddie will also have to leave ASB camp early to be at the 10-4 training day on June 12. The last day of his camp was a day at Disneyland. I feel bad for him, but he realizes that his future in medicine starts here. The kids that start this program and continue in the school year will get a letter of recommendation to the colleges they apply for. All the students are doing into the medical field. Eddie wants to be as surgeon. 

Prior to this appointment, we took our Minnie to the vet and she has to have some dental work and a surgery to remove a lipoma on her chest. I am not thankful for the cost. But she needs it.

Saturday 9: Too Shy (1983)

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

1) This song laments vulnerability and self-consciousness in a social settings. Are you often "too shy?" Or are social gatherings easy for you? I am an extrovert and can talk to most anyone in a small group. I would rather not have to get up in front of a large group now, but I have in the past. I think the biggest group I spoke in front of was near 200 women.

 

2) In the lyrics, a girl self-censors, telling herself, "hush hush." Have you more recently shushed someone, or were you shushed? I shushed my husband in a nice way when we were watching a movie and he was trying to share an experience.

 

3) Band member Nick Beggs recalls that they called themselves Kajagoogoo because it sounded like something that would make a baby laugh. It is fun to say. Can you think of another word that you just enjoy saying? "your so shilly" along with a tickle.

 

4) This was the only US hit for the British band, earning Kajagoogoo the title "One Hit Wonder." Can you think of another artist or band who had one really popular song and then just kind of disappeared?

One of my favorite songs back when I was a teen. 

5) Though fame was fleeting here, Kajagoogoo remained popular in England. Lead singer Limahl recalls the adulation as "overwhelming," and he was shocked when he stepped on stage in Cornwall to see row after row of fans wearing their hair like he did. Have you ever handed a photo to a stylist and said, "Make my hair look like this?" Yes, back in January before the cruise.

 

6) In 1983, when this song was popular, the Lotus 1-2-3 program made it easier for PC users to make spreadsheets. Are you answering these questions on a Mac or PC? Laptop, phone or tablet? on a laptop.

7) 1983 saw Abbey Road Studios open their doors for the first time for public tours. During the first two months, 22,000 tickets were sold to fans who wanted to see where the Beatles made their magic. What's the last ticket you purchased? I bought the tickets in Nov, 2024 to hear Cece Winans at her concert in our town in February. 

 

8) Also in 1983, McDonald's introduced Chicken McNuggets. When was chicken most recently on the menu at your home? How was it prepared? Chicken soft taco.

 

9) Random question: Have you ever forgotten where you left your car in a parking lot? Yes!

Friday Faves 5 & Saturday 9

Hello! Life has been busy but good and I seem to be a once a week blogger at the moment. 

1.Thankful for a nice lunch with my son and my grands on Saturday. We ate at Chilis and then went shopping at Daiso, a Japanese based store, similar to the Dollar Tree, but nicer. Then I went to a few stores to look for something to wear but end up wearing something I already had.

2.Thankful to go to our church for first service. They gave all the woman a long stem rose and a light weight canvas bag. my granddaughter was one of several people that went up to read a thankful letter to their mom. Afterwards, Audrina came back to sit with us. After first service, the rest of her family got to church and we were able to take some pictures. Then hubby and I left to my daughter's church. It is a much bigger church with more upbeat music and we enjoyed the message. They gave all the women a lip gloss after service we got in line to take pictures. After that we went out to lunch at Olive Garden.

3.We were able to go to the cemetery on Monday and then we went to the antique store. I found a bookcase for $25.00 because the space was closing out. Then we went to one of our favorite restaurants for lunch. It once was a church. The weather was so nice in the low 70's after having been at 102 on Saturday. We had plenty of leftovers to eat for dinner. We caught up on tv shows and Hubby and I watched American Idol. 

4. Thankful to be able to go to my women's lifegroup, physical therapy and Bible study on Tuesday. It was a busy day, but I new I could rest a bit on Wednesday. Pastor Jim started Revelation, and I did not want to miss the first night. I hope to go to this as long as we have light. Then I will go back to watching it on YouTube.

5.Thankful to be able to go to the lunch with my other son at Sizzler. He had to work on Mother's Day and so I got to eat out 4 times this week!

After we got home, I was able to set up my new printer.

6.Today I will be going to Walmart to get a new crockpot with the money I got for Mother's Day. I will get a few other things. I plan to get extra printer paper before the prices go up again. Maybe a few other things since Walmart said they were raising prices because of the tariffs. Thankful that I am still getting my retirement income on a regular basis.

Saturday 9: Nothing's Gonna Stop Us Now (1987)

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

1) In this song, Gracie Slick challenges, "Let them say we're crazy!" Tell us about something you're glad you did, even though your friends or family may have advised you against it. 

I got a tattoo in Maui in 2012. I thought about it for a few years. You can find the story here.

 

2) Slick is the lead singer of Jefferson Starship. This band got its start in 1965 as Jefferson Airplane but updated their name in 1974. Part of their reasoning was that by the 1970s, airplane travel was commonplace. In 2023, an estimated 820 million Americans flew domestically. When was your most recent flight? When is your next one? 

I flew to Oregon back in August 2023. If things work out, we will fly to Hawaii in the spring

 

3) Songwriter Albert Hammond said the song was inspired by his divorce. After years of legal wrangling, he was finally free to marry his long-time, long-suffering girlfriend. They're still married today. What is something you waited a long time for? Was it worth the wait? Having a child. We were married 6 1/2 years before we had a baby.

4) Albert Hammond is perhaps best known as the one-hit wonder who sang, "It Never Rains in Southern California." Is rain expected where you are today? There is a 20% chance.

 

5) He co-wrote the song with Diane Warren. In January, she lost her home to the Los Angeles fires. When a friend is confronted by heartache or tragedy, what can you say or do for them? What shouldn't you say or do? I am not pressing her to do anything.  I just send her texts to say I love her and inspirational things. Grief is very personal and it can't be rushed.

6) "Nothing's Gonna Stop Us Now" was the love theme to the romantic fantasy Mannequin. In that movie, a department store mannequin comes to life and falls for a struggling artist. While it was a moderate success at the box office, the gritty Vietnam drama Platoon was a much bigger hit. When you sit down to watch a movie, what genre would you prefer (fantasy, romance, comedy, drama, etc.)? 

I did see Platoon and never hear of Mannequin. I can only see a war movie once because of the sadness. I like fantasy like Star Wars, romance and drama, I love historical movies. Comedy is usually the last on my list and nothing scarry!

 

7) In 1987, when this song was popular, Aretha Franklin became the first woman inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. Aretha was proud of her Detroit roots. Have you been to Michigan? If yes, where did you go? I have not been to Michigan.

  

8) In 1987, the Chevy Corvette made news by adding a low tire pressure light to its dashboard. When you're driving and a yellow warning light comes on, do you handle the issue promptly? Or is it something you'll get to when you get around to it? Depends on how close I am to the intersection and if it is safe to go through.

9) Random question: A magic mirror reflects your appearance five years from today. Would you look at it? More wrinkles, thinner and maybe gray if I stop coloring my hair. I am working hard to stay fit and healthy, but I could eat better.

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

Friday Fave 5 & Saturday 9

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Saturday 9: Mama Liked the Roses (1970)

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

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

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

 

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

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

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

 

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

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

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

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

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

 

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