Tuesday 4 & Wednesday Hodgepodge

1. Do you celebrate with family, friends or by yourself? I celebrate with my family. Sometimes we go to my son and daughter in laws and have a combined gathering with her parents and siblings and our family. This year I am hosting my family here in my home. My daughter in law will have her family over on Friday.

2.  Do you watch the Thanksgiving Day parade from Macy's in New York City?  The appearance of Santa at the end signals the start of the Christmas season.  What does the day hold for you? We usually watch the parade in the morning. I make my sweet potatoes the day before. I cut up the veggies for my stuffing the day before also but I out it together on Thanksgiving morning, so it just has to be baked. Everyone comes around 3. My son makes the mash potatoes and my daughter in law is bringing a dessert. My daughter is bringing macaroni and cheese and a rice Krispies treat. My other son has to work half day and then he and his wife are going with her parents. Once everyone is there, we take pictures with the grands for our Christmas card, I pass out a new ornament to each grandchild. We have an early dinner and then we watch Christmas movies and have dessert.

3. What foods are the hit of Thanksgiving Day for you? My husband is cooking the turkey and ham. I am making the my mom's recipe for stuffing, and sweet potatoes and a salad. My husband also makes the gravy, green bean casserole and cranberry sauce. I am so thankful he cooks. I clean the house, set the table with candles and I use fall chargers with paper plates. I would rather use real China, but my husband doesn't want me to be in the kitchen to long after we eat because we want to get to the movies and do some online shopping. 

4.  We say grace before and after meals. Is grace a part of your Thanksgiving meal? Yes, always pray before we ear. We also go around the table and say what we are thankful for while we are eating.

Whatever your Thanksgiving traditions, I pray that the day is meaningful and filled with love for you whether with family, friends or alone. May God shine his blessing love down on you and yours and make us all truly thankful this year.

1. Do you feel like you have a 'full plate' at the moment? In what way? We have all that we need. A home, food to eat, and we are all healthy and doing well. I have a busy holiday schedule planned.

2. How did you learn to cook? If you have children, did you teach or encourage them to cook? Yes, we taught all our kids to cook. I had the boys in the kitchen with me when they were young. My husband came from a family where the dad cooked his specialties. My daughter did not like learning, but she did and is a pretty good cook. My older son makes most of the dinners and his wife cleans up. My younger son cooks too, but can't as often with his schedule so his wife does most of the cooking. The grandsons are cooking too now. Do you like to follow a recipe or is your cooking style more 'let's wing it'.  I am a wing it person for most things.

3. Last time you bit off more than you could chew? Elaborate. Doing too many crafts at once this past month.

4. When did you last say 'the more the merrier' and mean it? I have not said that in awhile. 

5. Write an acrostic using the word T-H-A-N-K-S. 

T-Thanksgiving

H-Heartfelt

A-Affirmation

N-Nurturing

K-Kindness 

S-Selflessness

6. Insert your own random thought here. Our older two grandkid's high school football team won the playoffs. They will be in the final CIF championship game on Friday, after Thanksgiving. My granddaughter in a song leader and they and the football team will take buses to the Rose Bowl for the game. My daughter and I along with her son and his girlfriend will be driving up. It is about 47 miles away. We plan to leave early to find good parking. I just ordered 2 stadium clear bags to take my seat cushion, a light blanket and water. The other bag is for my daughter. We also have a clear backpack that my grandson will use.

Previous Entry has our Disneyland day.

Thanks to Annie and Joyce for the memes.

Link are on the left.

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.

Tuesday 4 & Wednesday Hodgepodge

Happy Birthday to my grandson Eddie!!(Nov.10)

The time has flown. This is the guy that made me Mema and also gave this name.

1. What kind of weather and temperatures make you feel most comfortable, most healthy? Fall and spring weather, low 70's to low 80's. 

2.  Do you like the colors associated with Autumn. Clothing wise do they look good on you? I love the colors of fall. I can wear fall colors, but don't have many. I love decorating my home with those colors since we don't see a lot of it outside where I live.

3. Would you rather:… 

… get lost in a corn maze or go on a hayride? Hayride

… visit an apple orchard or a pumpkin patch? Apple orchard

… eat a caramel apple or a candy apple?  I love them both!

… have some cinnamon buns or Pumpkin muffins? Pumpkin muffins

4. There are 7,500 varieties of apple.  What is your favorite, and do you regularly eat apples?   What fruits do you keep on hand? I love Envy apples. I eat an apple almost everyday with peanut butter.

1. What does patriotism mean to you? It means living in the land of free. and loving your country. I remember learning about the constitution in school and learning the preamble. I take pride knowing  that my grandparents became citizens and gave their kids and grandkids a better life in a better place. It is appreciating all that we have blessed with. I am thankful for the relatives that served their country including my dad and aunt. 

2. September-October-November...your favorite fall month? Tell us why. If you live in the southern hemisphere use these months but sub spring for the word fall. It is mid-November, and fall is finally here!

3. A song you love with the word thanks (or some form of that word) in the title or lyrics? Thanks for the Memory.

4. November is National Peanut Butter Month. Are you a fan? What's the last peanut butter bite you had? Fill in the blank: peanut butter and apples that I have a snack almost every night. 

Oh, and you can't say jelly. 

5. This week's gratitude question-What event from this past year are you most grateful for? I would say our Mexican Riviera cruise in January to celebrate 50 years of marriage. 

6. Insert your own random thought here. I am thankful for how close my family is. 

Friday Fave Five & Saturday 9

Joining Susanne for the Friday Fave Five and Sam for Saturday 9

Last Sunday was Grandparents Day. I am thankful everyday for my 4 grands! I love all the fun times we have had together. I miss the days when they were young and they would all be here playing together. Now they are 11, 15, 16 and 17. They are into their own world and though I miss the younger them, I am thankful they are all healthy and doing well!

Thankful for the lunch and shopping I had with Audrina. It is what she wanted for her birthday. He cousin had the same choice but just wanted the money to shop on Amazon. Audrina likes to take pictures and Jazzy doesn't. I have to respect their choices. My biopsy scar is hidden by my glasses frame. 

Thankful that after a hot week, this week has cooled down to the low 80's. But it will go back up this weekend and hopefully we are getting our AC, because we had to wait for a part.

Thankful for my friend Linda, who took me to Bible study Tuesday night and to Sr. Fellowship on Wednesday morning. There is always lots of food and fun. Young people can't understand that though our body ages, our mind is still young. It was a sports theme.

Thankful that my friend Kelli works in dermatology. She called to tell me she was making my appointment with her favorite doctor for my MOHS surgery. She asked me lots of questions and then said I would get instructions on my online medical record. I printed it out and it was 7 pages! I am praying they don't have to take a lot out. My current biopsy site is healed though I still have a red spot that needs time, but it won't matter since they will be cutting over it. My appointment is Sept. 26.

Praying for our country and all the evil that is around. But even so, I will trust in God!

Saturday 9: A Little in Love (1980)

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

 

1) Do you believe you can be a little in love? Or is romance an all-or-nothing proposition for you? I think it starts slowly. I have been married 51 years. By todays standards, it was fast for us. From the time we dated to the time we got married, it was only 18 months. But that was normal back then. We were married 61/2 years before we had our first baby and that was love at first sight!

 

2) Cliff Richard sings that he knows it's been a long time since you had fun. Is that true? When have you recently had a really good time? What were you doing? Senior Fellowship was fun.

 

3) Cliff was born in India when it was still part of the UK. When he was 8, his family relocated to Tilbury, an English port town. Have you ever lived near the sea? Not close. I did live about 15 miles, and now I am 30 miles.

 

4) In 1958, Cliff became a star in England. He was so influential that young John Lennon said he dreamed someday the Beatles would be as big as Cliff Richard. Yet for some reason, he was never as popular here in the US. Before today, had you ever heard of Cliff Richard? No

 

5) 1980 was Cliff's most successful year stateside. Both "A Little in Love" and his duet with Olivia Newton-John, "Suddenly," made the Top 10. Do you have a favorite Olivia Newton-John song? Let's Get Physical.

 

6) Cliff was once "a little in love" himself. He had a high-profile romance with British pro tennis player Sue Barker. They contemplated marriage, but in his memoir, Cliff admitted he wasn't ready to commit the rest of his life to her. Cliff never married but Sue went on to wed landscape gardener Lance Tankard. Have you ever employed a gardener? Or do you handle all the yard work yourself? My husband has a gardener. But he just mows the lawn. My grandpa was a real gardener. He would have been known as a landscape artist. He raised a family of 5 and bought a nice house with his earnings. Most of his clients loved on the rich side of town. He actually had to turn down some request. He did more than just mow lawns. He made people's yards pretty and in the summer, I could go with him. I learned the names of many plants and flowers. I liked going to the dump with him. When he was 80, he walked a few blocks to my house with a wheelbarrow and dug up some of my roses and took them to his house to plant in his yard. He wanted my grandma to have flowers. He didn't have to be told when a sprinkler was out or if the grass needed food. Now days they charge you for everything!

 

7) In 1980, when we were enjoying "A Little in Love" on the radio, Macaulay Culkin was born. He became famous for the Home Alone franchise. Have you seen any Home Alone movies? Yes, two of them. We watch them every year.

 

8) 1980 also gave us the Post-It Note. Today they are available in a variety of sizes and colors, but the original 4"x4" canary yellow Post-Its are still the best seller. Would we find Post-Its in your home or office right now? Yes, I have them at my desk and in the kitchen pen/scissor/letter opener and more door. 

 

9) Random question – You're having a crummy day. Nothing is going right. You run into a casual friend in the grocery store aisle. As you chat, do you think your mood would be obvious? Or could you successfully put on a happy face? I think seeing a friend would make my mood better.

Tuesday 4 & Wednesday Hodgepodge

1. Where have you traveled and what is the furthest you've been from home? I have traveled to Mexico City and Acapulco in 1970  Novia Scotia, Canada, while on a New England Cruise. Juneau Alaska while on a cruise and Puerto Vallarta Mexico while on a cruise. Hawaii, 2000, 2009, 2012 and 2018. The Mexican Riviera Cruise is listed above. I need to finish a couple of more days.

2. Is there a location other than where you are, that you think would be a nice place to live? Hawaii!

3. Do you have a photo or story from a favorite place to visit? I have photos and whole links to the pages I did at my Website. I linked a few at my last post. My website is linked on the left under the memes link. Ifo you go there and click on Site Map, it will take you to a page that list 100's of pages. The vacations are on the lower middle section.

4. What dream destination do you have tucked away in your heart? Do you think you'll be able to visit them one day or are plans in the making? Israel, Spain, Italy. I don't think I will go there physically, but there is a lot to see online. I am just traveling through. My final place is Heaven and one place I know I will get to in God's timing. I hope I smell plumerias there!

Waikiki

1. When does time pass slowly for you? When does time past quickly for you? The days just fly by now. I like to be busy for the most part. The day drags when I don't have anything to do.

2. Do you have a favorite beach? What's your favorite 'beach' activity? Tell us what we'd find in your beach bag. There are several beaches I like that are about 30 miles away from me. Takes about and hour to get there because of traffic. If I had to pick one that is local, I would say Corona Del Mar. I would go there while I was attending the University of Irvine. We would go in between classes or just miss a class because we could. It was a wonderful break from school and the reality that childhood was over. It is the beach we took our kids too. The water is a bit more calmer. We also went there with the grands.

Corona Del Mar

Huntington Beach

Balboa is another beach. Our kids liked walking the pier and playing in the water. Then we would leave the parking lot, what across the street, and head to the bay. There was a Ferris wheel at the boardwalk. We would get corndogs, pizza and Balboa bars, a favorite of mine. Sometimes we would drive our car to the ferry and go across to Balboa Island. We were last there with our married group in October. We took a bay cruise, but the captain took us out further towards a pod of dolphins which he estimated 200-300 dolphins. 

It was great! But my most favorite place is Hanauma Bay in Oahu Hawaii. I haven snorkeled there 3 times and loved it. Clear water, and lots of fish. The time with my husband in August of 2009 was the best. The water was warm compared to our Pacific Caost Beaches that are cold.

The grands are older and now the family goes to Newport and Huntington Beach. The piers are busy, and there are a lot of shops. And of course a lot of surfers! It's a lot harder to get a family day for the beach with everyone's schedule. When I go, I take one of several beach bags I have. I always take the basics like sunscreen, sunglasses, towel and water. The past few years I take a journal or travel Bible so I can watercolor in it. Hubby usually packs everything else. 

3. Your favorite book or movie with a beach setting? South Pacific comes to my mind along with From Here to Eternity.  I have seen the Halona beach cove from the love scene in that movie. This picture was taken in 2009 when we were on an Island your of Oahu.

4. What's a food you love, but find it's a pain to eat? Is it worth it? Pomegranates.

5.  Do you like roller coasters? What's the best (or worst) roller coaster you've been on? Yes, I do like roller coasters. I like to go on them at Disneyland. The tallest one was Magic Mountain. I think it was called the Colossus. The last one I went on was the Incredicoaster at Disney's California Adventure. It goes upside down and I liked the feeling. It actually made my neck feel better!

6. Insert your own random thought here. I love to be at the beach. The sounds and smell of the ocean are the best. I like to collect shells. I do not like the drive and hard to find parking. Hubby does not care for the beach for the same reason. I usually ask to go there for our anniversary. which is August 10 or for my birthday which is August 12. My family is giving me a pool n all party on the 9th. I will see how we feel on the 10th!

Hawaii 2009     Hawaii 2012

Thanks to Annie and Joyce for the Memes, links are on the left.

Friday Faves 5 & Saturday 9

Five things I am thankful for from this past week.

1. Thankful for Senior fellowship this past Wednesday. Lot of fun, food, testimonies, prayer and bingo.

2.Thankful for my friend Coreen who lets me take my grandkids to her house for swimming.

3. Thankful for the study I am doing on the book of Acts and the beginning of the church.

Thankful for simple things like birds at the birdbath and butterflies in the yard. Being able to take cuttings to create new pots of beauty. God has provided all these things for us to enjoy!

4. Thankful for People who put inspiration and positive things on social media. 

5. Thankful for the Word of God and the things that Jesus taught. Love one another.

Saturday 9: Since U Been Gone (2005)

Unfamiliar with this week's tune? Hear it here. I got that CD for my daughter when it came out.

1) In this song, Kelly Clarkson is dissatisfied with her relationship and she's moving on. What's something you've moved on from lately? It could be anything from a romance to the laundry detergent you've been using for years.I would say stuff in the garage. I am going through boxes that have paper and other products. It is slow going but satisfying. 

 

2) She sings that she can now breathe. Studies have shown that July can be a good month for allergy sufferers because trees and grasses are no longer pollinating. How are your eyes, ears, nose and throat this morning? I have dry eyes and it bothers me all year. My sinuses are a bit dry, but nothing serious. Ears and throat are doing well. I miss swimming under water because I can't get my ears wet.

 

3) Kelly complains that their romance reminds her of a "stupid love song." Let's be more positive: what love song do you associate with positive memories? So many songs to mention. The first would be Jesus Love Me. I learned it as a little child. I sang it to my kids and grandkids. Romantically speaking, there are lots of songs. A few remind me of old boyfriends, but more remind me of the dating and early days with my husband. Just My Imagination by the Temptations. Let's Stay Together by Al Green, Can't Take My Eyes off You by Franki Valli and the Four Seasons. You Make Me Feel Brand New by the Stylistics and Close to You by The Carpenters.

4) While Kelly's first love is music, she's established herself as a TV personality. In addition to her daytime talk show, she's been a judge on The Voice and hosted an awards show. Have you ever been on TV?  I have only been to tapings of shows. American Idol and America's Got Talent.

5) She has confessed a weakness for Doritos. Would we find salty snacks in your kitchen right now? 

Yes, Lays potato chips and pretzels.

 

6) Kelly has found her weight the source of public debate. Are you like Kelly, whose weight fluctuates? Or does it stay stable? Yes, it has fluctuated these past few years. Losing or gaining 5 pounds is a big deal for me. It is the difference between a size 4 and 6. I need the wait for my rear, but it wants to stay on my middle. I am short waisted so when I put weight on my middle, I feel uncomfortable. 

 

7) In 2005, when this song was popular, a motorist made news in Texas when he was ticketed for driving over 200 mph in a 75-mph zone. Have you ever been pulled over by the police? Yes, for making a lane change over a solid. Another time when I went through an intersection on an orange and it turned red. I was not going to argue with the officer. I paid my tickets and went to traffic school to  keep it off my record. Twice in 54 years is not too bad.

 

8) Also in 2005, Tom Cruise had a pop culture moment when he famously jumped on a sofa. Do you remember where he did this? I can picture this scene in my head but can't remember the name. I want to go see his new movie and will check if it is still in the movies. Oh, is it Risky Business?

 

9) Random question: Tell us about a photo you wish you'd taken, but didn't. I always say " I should have taken a picture of that or them or us. After we went swimming at my friends house, I realized I did not get a picture of the older grands in the pool. But we will go back and I will get one.

Thanks to Susanne and Sam for hosting the following memes. 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.