Friday's Fave 5 and Satruday 9

Thankful for a slower pace and getting rest. I don't always sleep well because of the issues with lower back and neck. When I do feel well, I tend to do too much and end up hurting. I am using a heating pad as I write this. If I feel better later, I will go shopping. Meanwhile, I am happy to be in AC while it is 100 outside and reading and working on my crafts and studies.

Thankful for the things I am learning as I prepare my lesson for next month's Bible study. I have been going over places Jesus visited. Last year I was going over names of Jesus and Beloved came up as Jesus was baptized. Now my focus was on the place he was baptized. I looked through several of my Bibles and took notes. I also checked Bible Hub online. Some Bible translations say that Jesus was baptized in Bethany, beyond the Jordan. But other translations say Bethabara. or house of crossing. This location is different from Bethany that was near Jerusalem, the home of Lazarus, Mary and Martha. What is interesting about Bethabara is this location is where Joshua led the people into the Promise land by crossing over.  It is also the place where Elijah stepped into the Jordan and was taken up to Heaven. The main thing is that it is a place of crossing over, or a new beginning, physically and spiritually.

Thankful that my grands are all doing well. My grandson Eddie is working two part-time jobs before he starts college in the fall. One job is at a local amusement park. The other is at Tilly's a popular clothing store and he gets discounts. He is still volunteering at the local hospital 4 hours a week. When he has time, he is putting together a shed for us. His sister is enjoying her summer and only had to go to 2 practices for sports medicine. That group goes to all the football games and provides care to the athletes. She tried to do this last year, but cheer took more practice time, and she could not do both. She gave up cheer. She decided to do what was more important for her during her last year. Most of her classes in her senior year are also transferrable to college. She has been getting lots of college invites and wants to go to school outside of California. My other granddaughter just came back from youth camp and had a great time. She is the one that is on the worship team, and also sings at her youth group. The 12-year-old grandson is enjoying doing nothing but playing games with his friends. 

I am thankful that I got a shorter layered haircut that is much cooler for the summer. Also much easier to color. Thankful for good insurance. I met with one ophthalmologist and will meet with another and decide who will do my cataract surgery. It won't happen until the fall, after my trip to Israel if we still go. I am still hopeful, but the ongoing war just makes it less likely.

Thankful that Minnie is still holding her own, though I do see when she is hurting because of her panting. It doesn't happen often, but we are keeping an eye on her. She still wants to eat all the time and we make sure she is getting enough water. There is no more blood in her poops and that is good and she is pretty regular with the help of the stool softeners. All depends on how quickly the mass grows. Meanwhile, she is getting lots of love and attention. Thanks to those of you who are leaving well wishes and prayers.

Saturday 9: This Is A Very Special Day (1953)

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

1) In this song, Peggy sings that she feels good enough to climb a hill. Will you be doing anything athletic today? Yes, I do strength training everyday.

2) However she was also tempted to climb back in bed. Is a nap in your plans for today? No

3) She tells us that she looked in the mirror and told herself it was time to "lose the blues." Do you ever speak out loud to yourself? Yes

4) Peggy wrote this song for the 1953 remake of The Jazz Singer. She performs it in the movie, too. In the 1950s, female singer-songwriters were unusual, but not so today. Can you think of another woman who not only sings but writes her own material? Carole King.

5) Her co-star in the film was Danny Thomas. Today he is best remembered as a philanthropist and founder of St. Jude's Children's Research Hospital, but he was quite a star in his day. He appeared in nightclubs and movie musicals and, from 1954 to 1963, had his own sitcom. Do you know the show?

No, but I remember his daughter, Marlo Thomas.

6) When Peggy Lee was trying to break into show business, she supported herself as a short order cook. She was required to turn orders around quickly. Are you fast and efficient in the kitchen? For the most part.

7) Just when her career started to take off, Peggy had to take a break when she had her tonsils removed. Do you still have your tonsils? No, I had them removed when I was 5. I still remember the pain and the popsicles. 

8) In 1953, when this record was released, Matchbox Cars were introduced and they remain popular today. Did you ever play with Matchbox Cars? Yes, with my sons and grandsons. There are probably a few left on the ottoman.

9) Random question: You're walking past a filthy puddle. Floating on top you see a dead bug, a cigarette butt, and a $1 bill. Would you bend over and rescue the dollar? I might have at one time, but not now.

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

Tuesday 4 & Wednesday Hodgepodge

1. What brand of shampoo do you think works best for you and what does it do for you?

I use Trader Joe's Tea Tree Tingle Shampoo with Peppermint, Tea Tree and Eucalyptus Botanicals. I like how it makes my scalp feel and it cleans my hair well. I like that it has natural essential oils and doesn't bother my allergies. They also have a body wash that is nice!

2. Do you use cosmetics and if so what do you use? I don't wear a lot of makeup unless I am going to church or out with friends. I wear mascara and use a brow mascara for my greys. I like to wear a light plum color lipstick from Avon and Burts Bee products. I wear CeraVe moisturizer with a SPF 30 and CeraVe Night moisturizer as recommended by my dermatologist.

3. Do you use a washcloth on your face? Sometimes.

4. Do you have an all-time favorite perfume or scent that you wear? If you don't wear perfumes, is there a scent that you love in general? I can't wear fragrances, but I can wear essential oils. I like one called Stress Away by Young Living. It has lime, lavender and vanilla. 

1. Do your goals and dreams energize or exhaust you? Elaborate. There is only one goal, dream I have right now and that is to go to Israel. I am praying this war will end, but so far it only gets worse!

2. July 23rd is national lemon day. Are you a fan of this flavor? What's a favorite dish or beverage you enjoy that calls for lemons? I do love lemons and we have a Mayer lemon tree in our backyard. We mostly cut up lemons to put in our water. Sometimes we add it to certain dished like lemon piccata. 

3. "When life gives you lemons, make lemonade"...is this something you're pretty good at managing? Have you had to do this recently? If so tell us about it. There are some things that are pretty sour like the news, so I limit my time on the news. So I try to stay off it and work on my studies, crafts or declutter process. I am doing good on that. 

4. Something you love that is lemon yellow in color? I just got a shirt that has yellow in it and I really like it. I like a mellow yellow color and like to use it when I am crafting.

5. How would you describe your attention to detail? I am a very detailed person. When I look back to certain committee's I was on, I always liked to add things to make it special. Friends said they could tell I took the time to make is special. I am the same way with my Bible journaling. 

6. Insert your own random thought here. Minnie is holding her own but is still always hungry. We know she is blind in one eye and bumps into things and can't see things we put in front of her. We wonder if she also has a bit of dementia. Yesterday morning, she just laid in my arms and did not even get up when hubby went to bbq some hotdogs. Then later she was acting like she was catching flies like she use to, but there were no flies and she can't see really well. She wants to go out but then stands there. She paws at the door and forget she has a doggy door. Most of the time she follows us and then plops down on her side which is a new everyday behavior. So we have stayed home a lot. We have not gone out together since the last time we took her to the vet. She wants to be close to my husband who is her alpha and I am second. She still gets happy to see the grands and that is good. We are cutting back on her steroids and so far it seems okay. If she seems to be in pain, we will call the vet up.

Fridays Fave 5 & Saturday 9

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Tuesday 4 & Wednesday Hodgepodge

Tuesday 4 What do you call it?
1. In New Jersey you put your groceries in a paper bag or plastic bag.  In Athens, Ohio where I went to

university, you put them in a paper sack. Is it bag, sack or something else where you live? Bag.

2. Though no one seems to wear them anymore, NJ says  Stockings.  Athens, Ohio used to call them "hose" and in Britain they are tights. What about where you live? We called them nylons.

3.Soda, Pop, Coke? Hero, sub, grinder, hoagie? Soda, sub.

 

4. Shopping cart or trolley. buggy? What do you call it? Cart or basket.

1. What's something you enjoy now that your younger self would never have appreciated? Time

2. What was peaceful about today? 

3. It's National Blueberry Day (July 8). Will you celebrate?  You can have one of the following right now-a slice of blueberry pie, a warm blueberry muffin, or a stack of blueberry pancakes...which do you choose? Pie.

This or that-blueberries or raspberries? blueberries or strawberries? 

4. Do you need a break? From what? A break from back problems. 

5. What has surprised you most about getting older? How quickly the days/years go by. 

6. Insert your own random thought here. I still can't believe I am almost 71. My mind does not feel that age, but my body reminds me. My youngest grand is a pre teen at 12. My oldest is 18, has two jobs and starts the university in the fall. He still hangs out here, so I guess I won't be getting my craft room back. But I am okay with that. Someday it will change. When we were busy raising kids and working, our parents were doing things with their friends. Then we were doing things with our church. When I look back and see why my parents worked into their late 60's. They had a successful real estate business. They enjoyed having the family over on weekend. Then mom got Alzheimer's. She was 75 when she died. For a few years I had this mental clock running that was working off that 75. But a verse in the Bible reminded me that only God knows our time. I can live life to the fullest for as long as I can. If it is safe, I will be going to Israel in October. I really want to go, but I don't, I will plan something else. Taking care of my health is important. Wednesday is senior fellowship and I plan to go. Socialization is important.

Minnie update. She is holding steady right now. She is always hungry because of the steroids and because we have to feed her smaller amounts. So we feed her 4 times a day. The stool softeners are really helping. she doesn't walk slow like she is hurting. She bumps into things. We looked into her left eye and you can see that the pupil look bad. She is content for now. A couple of weeks ago we thought we were going to lose her. Thanks for your prayers. We will enjoy each day as we can. All my grands and grand dogs are here as I write this and they are still asleep at 10 am. Thanking God for family.

Fridays Fave Five & Saturday 9

Every Friday I stop to list things I am thankful for from the week and link with Susanne

I am thankful that the medicine has helped our sweet Minnie. She is walking better now and has even started barking again. Now that the stool softener is working, she is not struggling as much to potty. I am sure the steroids have helped with pain. For those that have not read my last few blog post, she has a mass blacking her lower bowels. The specialist and regular vet both suspect she has cancer and that her time is limited. We are determined to make her as comfortable as possible. She is always hungry, probably from the steroids. We have to give her smaller amounts of food, but we feed her about 4 times a day instead of two. I can tell she has lost weight, but her past increased weight might be from the mass.

I am thankful to those of you have read my blog and shown your concern.

I am thankful that our life is slow right now so we can take care of our Minnie. My husband's family reunion was a success and all our kids and grands went. I stayed home with Minnie. He will stay home this weekend so I can go to church and maybe do some shopping.

Thankful that I can have time to work on my crafts and Bible study/journal. I did this spread in 2020 and want to do it again in my Faith workbook. 

Thankful for the beautiful weather we have been having. 70's and 80's is great but we are heading to the 90's next week. That is still okay. We do get several days of 100 and thankful for air conditioning!

Thankful for my family and that they are all believers. Thankful to be a part of the USA!

SATURDAY 9: God Bless America 

Unfamiliar with Connie Francis' version of this song? Hear it here.

1) Irving Berlin's lyrics celebrate our mountains, prairies, and oceans. Which of these geographical features is nearest your home? The beach is about 35 miles from me. The mountains are about 50 miles. The desert is about 50 miles in another direction.

2) Berlin donated his royalties from "God Bless America" to the Girl Scouts and Boy Scouts of America. Were you ever a Scout? Yes, I was a Girl Scout. 

 

3) While this week's song has been recorded many times, we're concentrating on Connie Francis' 1959 version. It was never intended to be a hit, released as the B-side to her popular "Among My Souvenirs." But it took off when it was played at school rallies and patriotic events. Do you know all the lyrics to "God Bless America?" Could you sing along with Connie? Yes, I learned it in Elementary school. 

4) After she wrote her autobiography, Connie said she wanted Valerie Bertinelli to play her in the movie. Even though Valerie isn't known for her singing, Connie liked that they were both Italian-American and 5'5". If we made a movie of your life, who should play you ??? I am only 5 feet tall!

 

5) Connie had a passionate romance with Bobby Darin, and their relationship is included in the Broadway show about Bobby's life, Just In Time. While Connie expressed her support for the production, she never saw the show because hip problems made flying difficult. How about you? Are you dealing with any aches or pains today? Yes, I have disc issues in my neck, mid back and lower back. I use my heating pad a lot. I can't pick up anything more than 8 pounds. I take Motrin when I have to. I have a cavity that is bothering me and it will get fixed in a week.

 

6) The Fourth of July means we're in the middle of summer. Are you careful about applying sunscreen? Yes, I have too. I got skin cancer on my face last year. Sadly, most skin cancer from today is from sun exposure in the past.

7) More beer is purchased for the 4th of July than any other holiday. What beverage will be served with your July 4th meal? Ice water with fruit and a touch of Snapple diet peach tea.

 

8) Emergency rooms expect an increase over the July 4th holiday. The most common causes are sports injuries (like jammed wrists and wrenched knees) and the unwise use of home fireworks. Have you  been to the ER or Urgent Care during 2026? No, thank God! But my precious Minnie has a few times.

9) New York is home to Nathan's Hot Dog Eating Contest every year on the 4th. Will hot dogs be consumed in your household this weekend? Hubby made some last week, and I would prefer a hamburger for this weekend.

Previous entry has my 4th decorations.

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

Friday's Fave Fives & Saturday 9

This week has been hard. As I mentioned in my previous post, our Minnie is sick, she has a mass in her colon that was diagnosed this past Tuesday. We have to give her medicines at specific times and take h er out frequently. I have had some anxious moments, and I have to pray for peace. I had the same feeling when my dad was dying, and I have to do what I can to cope. Minnie is getting a lot of attention because she needs a lot of attention. 

I am thankful for my husband who has the night shift. 

Also Minnie's love and trust as we care for her.

Thankful that family is visiting her because it makes Minnie happy.

Thankful for the meds that are helping her right now. I get those ready.

Thankful for this computer and so I can ask for prayers and keep my mind busy.

Thankful for music that ministers to me.

Saturday 9: Cadillac Ranch (1981)

Unfamiliar tune? Hear it here.

1) In this song, Bruce Springsteen sings about taking his father and his aunt to see The Cadillac Ranch. Have you recently taken a road trip? If yes, where did you go? We have not taken one in a couple of years. Hubby and I took a trip to Lake Tahoe and Yosemite in 2019 and it was a long but fun trip. We have taken a few since then, but this was a favorite.

2) The Cadillac Ranch is real. It's an outdoor art installation in Amarillo, TX. Tell us about a statue, mural, or other piece of outdoor art in your community. Our city was known for its' races and the city has a street that goes in a circle and has the nickname as Crown Town.

3) Not only is Bruce singing about a real place, he mentions three real people. The first is "James Dean in his Mercury 49." That refers to the 1949 Mercury driven by James Dean in his first starring role, Rebel Without a Cause. Though he remains a legendary star, Dean made only three movies before his death at age 24. Have you seen any of his films? Yes, Rebel, East of Eden and Giant.

4) The second is "Junior Johnson runnin' through the woods of Caroline." Junior Johnson was a folk hero, famous as a NASCAR driver and notorious for running moonshine through North Carolina. He was the inspiration for "Midnite Moon," an animated old Ford in the 2017 Disney movie Cars 3. What Disney movie did you enjoy when you were growing up?Too many of them to mention. But I really enjoyed Fantasia because of the music and of Leopold Stokowski. I played Walz of the Flowers for one of my piano recitals. I also enjoyed, Dumbo.

5) The third man Bruce sings about is "Burt Reynolds and his black Trans Am." This is a reference to Burt's biggest hit, 1977's Smokey and the Bandit. Burt also had success as a restaurateur. He co-owned Burt and Jack's, a popular steakhouse at Port Everglades, right on the water. Tell us about a restaurant that offered both good food and a memorable view. In 2022, we went to Salinas for my husband's brother's 60th birthday. Salinas and the surrounding cities produce many veggies and fruits for the state and export it other states. We had some fresh picked artichokes that we had just seen on our way to Monterey Bay. This area was a theme of a Steinbeck book. The restaurant we at was just a block away from Cannery Row, a title to one of his books along with East of Eden and Grapes of Wrath

Great seafood at Scales

6) For decades, Cadillac was the gold standard of luxury. For example, an eatery referred to as "the Cadillac of restaurants" would be best or most prestigious. Think about your neighborhood. Tell us about a restaurant, hotel or business that is "the Cadillac" of your community. Miguel's overlooking a lake. We usually eat at their fast food chains. 

7) Since he's been singing about America and cars for decades, it should come as no surprise that Bruce Springsteen has a collection of classic American cars. For the cover of his autobiography he chose a photo of himself leaning on his favorite, a 1960 Corvette convertible. Think about your favorite photo of yourself. What are you doing? Any photo with my grands is a favorite. This photo was taken June 26, 2022 at Mammoth. This waterfall could be seen across the lakes.

8) In 1981, when Bruce released this recording, Dolly Parton had a hit with "9 to 5." What's your favorite Dolly Parton song? Her duet with Zach Williams, There is Jesus. I am not a country music fan, but I like Dolly and this song really ministers to me,

9) Random question: When did you last DIY and fix something around your home or yard? I am not fixing anything right now. I am going through a decluttering process right now and making progress. I have a few plumerias that need to be planted.

Wednesday Hodgepodge & Prayer Request

1. Summer's here!  In the northern hemisphere anyway. If you're in the southern hemisphere substitute winter for the word summer. What do you love most about summer? What's your biggest summer pet peeve? Since I am retired summer days are just another day. I do enjoy the down time from all my groups to catch up on projects. I do not like the super hot days we get in July-mid October. We seem to get more days in the 100's but at least we rarely get humidity. The worst thing is the mosquitos! The rest of the year is mild since we live in So Calif. We were more active when the grands were younger. Now they all want to do their own things. We still get to see the grands often and will be here more to help with Minnie.

2. What song always reminds you of summer? Anything Beach Boys

3. What's something you remember about your childhood summers? Do you think kids today get to enjoy summer the way you did as a child? Elaborate.

I have a lot of good memories of summers as a child. Most of them are playing outside. Playing in the sprinklers on a hot summer day. We loved the Slip N Slide. Swimming at the community plunge, beach days, riding our bikes in the evening with playing cards on the spokes. Lots of outside time, sunshine and friends. I don't thinks kids of today get the same experience that we did when life was simpler. Electronic takes more time. Neighborhoods are not the same anymore. Kids not can't just roam the streets in safety. One thing that is true, kids love to be out of school! 

4. We celebrate Father's Day on June 21st. Do you favor your dad in looks or temperament? Tell us something about your dad. Or your husband as a dad. Or a son/son-in-law as a dad. Or your grandpa.

I favor my dad, both in looks and temperament when it comes to the social aspects. We both like to be around people. Dad passed in 2013 and I still miss him so much. I shared pictures of him in my last post.  My husband and son Andrew are good dads and they both cook too!

For those of you who read my last post, I am the girl on the left.

 A summer memory taken outside my dad,

 

5. Let's wrap up with a summer this or that-

flip flops or sandals~sandals

beach or pool~beach

watermelon or peaches~peaches

shorts or sundress~shorts

iced coffee or ice cold lemonade~iced cold peach tea

amusement park or water park~water park for sure...Waterpark and Disneyland! 

6. Insert your own random thought here. I mentioned in my previous post that we were taking Minnie to a specialist. She has a large mass in her colon. We discussed options and surgery would be over $10000 and that does not include medications and chemo. Because the mass is big, they suspect that it probably has metastasized. So, we are going with the second option of making her comfortable, loving her and then helping her when her times comes to cross that Rainbow bridge and join her mom and other family dogs. I would appreciate prayers during this hard time. 

Friday Fave Five & Saturday 9

Thanks to Susanne and Sam for the questions, links on the right.

1. Thankful to be able to see my granddaughter perform at her Color Guard competition. Her division had 10 schools and they won first place! We took her and her mom out to Olive Garden afterwards. She has practice 10 hours a week and even had practice during spring break. I had no idea they used multiple flags and the wooden rifle. I know she has lost a lot of weight since last summer. I thought they were more into marching styles. But there is gymnastics and ballet in it too! She does this and is several honors classes too. She also tutors grade school kids at the library. She does not like to take pictures.

2. Thankful for my being able to be in a few groups through my church. I took tuna salad to share . We take turns brining goodies. Many of the women is this group are also in my Bible journaling group.

3. Thankful for the beautiful weather this week. Sunny and in the high 70's.  Rain is coming in on the weekend, but that is okay, the rain makes everything green. The roses are looking really good and the plumerias are budding too. Lots of flowers on our Meyers lemon tree too! I also enjoy sitting out and watching the birds chirping away. Now of the mosquitoes would just stay away, that would be great!

4. Thankful that I could watch my grandson play on his Volleyball team.  He is really good too. I know I sound like the biased Mema, but I could hear the people around me say how good # 8 was.

5. Thankful for being able to read the Left Behind Series again and she how they used Bible prophesy to see what will happen in the future. I am on book 8 now and that doesn't count the 3 prequals I also read. I also have my two books I am reading for my classes. I am also thankful for being able to order my new glasses so I can see better! I am spending less time on the computer now that I am reading more.

6. Since it was National Pet Day on the 11th, I will say I am thankful for my dog!

Saturday 9: She'd Rather Be with Me (1967)

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

1) In this week's song we learn that this particular girl would rather be spending time with her lover. Instead of answering these 9 questions, what would you rather be doing? 

Enjoying a day at the beach.

2) Lead singer Howard Kaylan was a very good student. First he won a Bank of America Fine Arts Award, then he was the valedictorian of his graduating class, and was awarded a scholarship to UCLA. 

Tell us about something that distinguished your high school career. I was happy when I made the senior teams in competitive athletics. When I won the Betty Crocker Award for my school. When I made VP of Girls League and getting accepted to UC Irvine.

3) Howard Kaylan formed this week's group, The Turtles, with Mark Volman. They met while performing in their high school choir and continued working together for 55 years. Are you still in touch with old friends from high school?  

Yes I am. I also went to my 50-year class reunion last summer.

4) First Daughter Tricia Nixon was a big Turtles fan and brought them to the White House to perform for a private party. They almost didn't go. When the engraved invitation came, tied with ribbon, the boys thought it was an elaborate practical joke. Have you ever successfully pulled off a practical joke? 

No, I am not a joker.

5) The Turtles' bass player was Chip Douglas. He left the band in 1967 to produce The Monkees. It's Chip that Davy Jones refers to at the beginning of "Daydream Believer" ("What number is this Chip?" "7A!"). What's your favorite Monkees song?  I'm a Believer. I was in 7th grade in 1967.

 You can hear their album here.

6) The Turtles broke up in 1970. Pressure from their record label to do more and do it cheaper was just too much of a hassle. But Howard and Mark continued to work together, renaming themselves Flo and Eddie. They sang backup on records by Frank Zappa, Alice Cooper and Bruce Springsteen and on children's TV shows like The Care Bears. Backup work provided less money but more fun. Given the choice, would you rather do a job that paid well that you didn't enjoy, or a job you liked that earned you a smaller paycheck? My job for the Postal service was that job.

7) In 1967, when this song was popular, the RMS Queen Mary was retired after 31 years of service. Now docked in Long Beach, the ship has been refurbished with state-of-the-art wifi, satellite hookups, and projection screens and is a popular choice for conventions and annual business meetings. When were you most recently on a boat or ship?

I took a cruise in 2006 Alaska & 2008 New England. I have been on the Queen Mary for a Sunday brunch as it was great! We also spent the night on the Queen Mary in 1992. They had a Queen Tribute concert going on the night we were there. 

8) Also in 1967, Elvis married Priscilla. You don't need last names to know who we're talking about, do you? Can you think of another couple with whom the world is on a first-name basis? Sonny and Cher.

9) Random question: If your phone were to ring right now, who do you think would be calling?

 My granddaughter Audrina. There is a video of her singing in the previous post.