Friday Fav Five & Saturday 9

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

Thankful to be seen by an ENT doctor this past Monday. You can read about the ruptured eardrum on my previous post. I have a secondary sinus infection but the antibiotics should help that too. The doctor was so nice. Hopefully my hearing will improve soon.

Thankful that my husband was able to drive me to my appointment. It was raining heavy the day of my appointment. I treated him to some hot soup at El Torito after the appointment.

Thankful that the antibiotics have not made me sick. So thankful for good insurance! The last time I went to ENT I paid $45 for my appointment. This time it was $10.00.  I got two prescriptions and some Vicks Vapor Rub all for under $30.00. 

Thankful for memes. They are great at bringing up memories. In my previous post, there was a question on grandparents and I added some pictures of them a day after I posted. I was blessed to have great grandparents. Grat parents too. Dad passed 11 years ago the 8th. Mom will be gone 14 years. I miss them both and know I will see them someday. Thankful for pictures, those in print, digital and in my heard.

Thankful for the rain. California needs the rain even though it does cause problems in certain areas that have had fire damage or for houses build on hills. Our doxie, Minnie does not like the rain and hubby spoils her with the umbrella. He has towels by the back door to dry off her feet too.

Saturday 9: At Last (1960)

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

 

1) Etta James sings that "life is like a song." What song reflects how you feel about life these days? 

Sunrise, Sunset. It was on Fiddler on the Roof and was played at our wedding. They days go by so much faster now. Every day is a new day, a gift from God.

2) She is delighted to have found the love she has always dreamed of. Have you found true love to be the way you imagined it would be? Or has it surprised you? Love changes over time. True love allows for change and growth. True love is a commitment to one another in spite of life's ups and downs. We will be married 50 years this summer.

 

3) Etta's mother encouraged her to not just sing but perform a song, telling her daughter, "Even if a song has been done a thousand times, you can still bring something of your own to it." Is there a singer whose performances often touch your heart? Carole King and Amy Grant. I have seen them both in concert. I think they are both talented women. I loved the tribute concert I went to for Carole King and one of her songs was sung by Amy Grant!

 

4) As a teen, she was considered a gospel prodigy and churches all around Los Angeles requested she "guest" at their services. Do you have a favorite religious song?

I have lots of them. One of them is Shout to the Lord. I am including the video from the Women of Faith Conference I went to in the 90's in Anaheim California.

5) "At Last" is one of the most often requested songs for the newlywed's first dance at the reception. What song reminds you of a sweetheart? Color My World, by Chicago played at out wedding.

This is the last Saturday 9 before Valentine's Day and so this morning we shall focus on the upcoming holiday.

 

6) It's been reported that millions of roses are grown specifically for Valentine's Day each year. What's your favorite flower? I love roses and grow them in my yard. I also love plumerias and have a few of those plants too.

 

7) The earliest recorded celebration of Valentine's Day was in Paris in the year 1400. Obviously you weren't around for that one. What do you remember from one of your earliest, childhood Valentine's Day celebrations? Valentine's card exchanges.

 

8) About 20% of pet owners say they give their dogs, cats, birds or bunnies a Valentine. Is your pet getting something special on February 14? We usually get Minnie something.

9) Of all the professions, teachers are #1 when it comes to receiving Valentine cards. Did you ever have a crush on a teacher? Yes I did. It was my 9th grade biology teacher, Mr. Early. He had reddish blonde hair, green eyes and a pretty smile. I think he had a moustache too. 

Tuesday 4 and Wednesday Hodgepodge

Welcome, welcome to Toni Taddeo's Tuesday 4 where we sometimes like to be very silly. December is a fun month filled with expectation and hope.  We should be light hearted and thankful as the month progresses. What do you think?

Let's be lighthearted today and ask some not so serious questions, shall we?

1. What is the dumbest rule you've ever had to follow? The first thing that came to my mind was the phrase "because I said so!"

2. What is the weirdest or funniest thing a guest ever did/ said in your home? My cousin was spending a few days with me. On the first night she was in the shower, and she started yelling at me. The water was not draining and something was coming up from the drain. I went to hand her something and as she grabbed the towel, I told her she looked great for her age. She looked up at me and we both started laughing for few seconds. We both laugh when we recall the drain story. Hubby had to get that drain fixed after that episode. He thinks that the people that put in the new shower tile let it rinse down the drain and hair clogged things up. We have hair catchers in all the drains now!

3. If you had a warning label what would it say? Squirrel! My thoughts just jump around.

4. What is the first thing you must do in case of a Snoopy/Charlie Brown Apocalypse?  Who is the first person you call for advice when that happens? My husband is the first person, but mostly to just share how I feel. Then he feels he has to fix me. So I share with a friend or two and get the social support, emotional support that women are good at.

1. What's one fun thing on your December calendar? Next week our life group is having a Christmas tea party and craft. I am in charge of the craft. I will be painting the heads today.

2. Sherwin William's Color of the Year for 2024 is Upward, described as 'a hint of silver lining', 'a breezy blissful blue'.

Benjamin Moore's Color of the Year for 2024 is Blue Nova, where 'violet and blue come together in a sumptuous hue'. Valspar's Color of the Year for 2024 is Renew Blue, a balanced blue with a touch of grayed sea -green'. 

Seems like the design world is keen on the color blue for the new year. Do you have a lot of blue in your home decor currently? What shade? Of the three colors listed which one's your favorite? Do you need to paint? How likely is it you'd select one of these shades for your home? Which one?  

I liked the Renew blue. I have no plans to paint. Our master bedroom has light grey walls.  The rest of the house if an off white. Then I can change decor according to the seasons and not worry about matching the walls.

3. Do you struggle with 'the seasonal blues'? What are some things you do to try to beat the blues? 

I do need to get out of the house. I like to get out with my friends at least once a week plus I go to church. Our church has a once a month senior fellowship that I like to go to. My Bible journal group meets once a month. I go to Hobby Lobby at least once a week to browse the isles and enjoy the music.

4. Blue jeans...love 'em or no? How many pair do you own? Are you married to a particular brand? 

 I have 2 pairs of jeans, one is Levis. The other two are more of a soft, stretchy pull on.

5. In terms of holiday preparation (baking, shopping, wrapping, mailing, meal planning, etc) how far along are you? 1=haven't given it a second thought, 10=nothing left to do but wait.

 I am around a 5.

6. Insert your own random thought here. 

I used to be ahead of the schedule, getting my Christmas shopping done cards out by December 1st, I still get some out, but not as many. As social media use has increased, card writing has decreases. I don't think the younger generation understand the value is receiving cards in the mail. I plan to order my pictures today and hope to get my cards out by the end of the week. I know it will make a few aunts happy since they are not on social media. 

I started a new Advent journaling project on December 1 on the songs of Christmas. One of the songs is Hallelujah by Pentatonix. I love that group, but was not crazy for the lyrics of the song. Hallelujah means praise the Lord!  I found a Christmas version of it on YouTube that I love.  

Great news and Friday Fave Five Tues.4

Linking with Susanne for today's post.

(Tuesday 4 below FFF)

I can't believe that a whole week has passed since I was last here. Life has been busy and lots to be thankful for that I might have more than 5 things. 

1.So thankful because last Sunday my youngest grand got baptized! He made the decision himself after seeing his uncle get baptized last month. Elijah is 9 and amazes me with the deep questions he ask me when it is just the two of us. He usually ask about heaven. I answer his questions as best as I can, sharing about hope, faith and what the bible says. His sister was playing the keyboards.

 

2. Thankful for family that was there to support him. My daughter and her kids came to see him. Really nice since they go to another church. My other son had to work. His grandma and Nana had already committed to an event but came for lunch.

3. Thankful for music!!! I have spent a lot more time listening to music. I mostly listen to Christian music, especially when I am Bible journaling. I also downloaded an 2 albums that I really enjoy from the 90's. I do like to listen to oldies not and then, especially if I am doing general crafting.

4. Thankful for the beautiful weather we have been having, low 70's and gentle breezes. It has been a worse allergy season because of all the rain, but we needed it.

5.Thankful for my family, husband kids, grands and furbaby.

6. Thankful for my lifegroup that meets once a week to go over the sermon and sharing life experiences. We enjoy food and someone shares a song. We start and end with a pray. Many of the women in this group are also in my Bible journaling group which is smaller.

7. Thankful for the Lord's leading with the topics I present to the women. Thankful for the graphic artist and the internet for the artwork used for my handouts. The theme for June will be wedding/Bride of Christ. The women are sending me their wedding pictures to print out for a verse in the Song of Solomon. This is one of the graphics I plant to use.

Questions about your life........

1. What makes you tired? Not getting enough sleep makes me tired. I have good nights and some bad night. Thankful that I am retired!

2. That things do you value in life? My faith in God and a relationship with Jesus. My family, friends and health.

3.How do you want others to see you. To see the real me. A woman who cares, a good wife, mom and grandma(Mema) To see that I enjoy life and in spite of trials, I continue to live life.

4.What do you do the most and what do you enjoy. I think I answered that in my list above.

Tuesday 4

Time flies and weeks just seem to fall by the wayside faster and faster.    We all have time on our hands at some point and we all find that time gets away from us at other times.  It takes a lot of work to manage your time because it seems to be at odds with freedom and creativity in some ways.  

Perhaps we might talk about time and how we use it.

1.  Early to bed, early to rise?  Do you have usual times to go to bed and get up in the morning? How do they work out for you?

 I am a night owl. I have more energy and attention in the later hours of the day and night than the morning.

2. Ecclesiastes says "To everything there is a season and a time to every purpose under heaven."

How much time is devoted to work, housework, hobbies? What about religious pursuits like study, prayer, services? In other words, how is your time apportioned?

 I do what I have to do to keep my house tidy. I am not a neat freak anymore. I am blessed to have a hubby that now does most of the cooking. We both clean. I love to read my Bible and work on my Bible journaling. I enjoy my craft group. I spend time preparing for my Bible journaling group. If I have fussy cutting, I will do it while I watch tv with my hubby, or while he is driving. I pray in the morning and evening and during the day as I feel led to or get a prayer request.  I get to most Sunday church services and watch online when I can't. Same with Tuesday night Bible study too. Tonight, we start the book of Daniel. I was supposed to go to Senior fellowship on Wednesday, but our grandson is sick, and I will go stay with him. Good to be able to adjust when needed.

A Time for Everything Ecclesiastes 3:

1. There is a time for everything,

    and a season for every activity under the heavens:

2     a time to be born and a time to die,

    a time to plant and a time to uproot,

3     a time to kill and a time to heal,

    a time to tear down and a time to build,

4     a time to weep and a time to laugh,

    a time to mourn and a time to dance,

5     a time to scatter stones and a time to gather them,

    a time to embrace and a time to refrain from embracing,

6     a time to search and a time to give up,

    a time to keep and a time to throw away,

7     a time to tear and a time to mend,

    a time to be silent and a time to speak,

8     a time to love and a time to hate,

    a time for war and a time for peace.

3. Do you think you manage your time well or would you like to improve? How would you improve?

I am not good at managing my time. My ADD always gets in the way. Sometimes I don't go to bed when I need to and it can throw me off. I was up late finishing my things for my class. That is why I am just getting this page done now. But I am doing better. If I don't feel I can relate to a meme, I won't do it. I used to try to blog every day and I would be up late. So, if I have to choose a study over a meme, that is what I have to do. Sometimes I just need to rest. I am a work in progress!

4. Do you think time travel is possible? Why or why not? 

I doubt it. My time travel will happen when I get to heaven and live for eternity.

Susan

Sat.9 I'll Always Love My Mama

Saturday 9: I'll Always Love My Mama (1973)
Mom and I in 1973 at the Girls League Mother Daughter Banquet. I said the prayer that night.

1) This week's featured artists, The Intruders, sing that they don't know how their mama made it through the week without ever getting a good night's sleep. How did you sleep last night? I slept well, but did not get enough sleep. My problem is not getting to bed early enough. Then something woke me up so I had less than 6 hours sleep.

2) The Intruders performed this song on Soul Train, a syndicated show that ran for more than 3 decades. What show do you try never to miss? There are lots of shows I like, mostly medical/fire/police. I watched Soul Train for several years. We had neighborhood friends that came over and we would dance. Somewhere I have a picture of me dancing in a soul train line dance with kids from my youth group. We saw the Jacksons and Gladys Night and the Pips and so many other great Motown performers on Soul Train. When I got married in 1974, we had a Soul Train line that was super long. It was lots of fun. So many fun good memories! We also watched American Bandstand. I remember my aunt dancing with us around 1962. I love music!

3) On Soul Train, the Intruders wore solid black shirts beneath their brightly colored jackets. Black, white, khaki, navy and gray are considered neutral colors, because they go with everything. If we were to check your closet, which would we find you wear most often: black, white, khaki, navy or gray? I would say black.

4) Especially for Mother's Day: Access Hollywood named Carol Brady of The Brady Bunch TV's #1 mom. Who is your favorite TV mom? I liked Carol Brady too.

5) Mother Winters always gave Sam peppermint tea to calm her stomach. Do you have any tried-and-true home remedies to share? I use to drink a lot of peppermint tea for a stomach tea, but I had to stop because it aggravated my esophagus and I got really bad heartburn. I like to use honey for various things. I buy it at our local farmers market. I also use essential oils. I mix coconut oil and essential oils to make my own face cream and lotions. I have a lotion I use for sore muscles. I make my own sugar scrubs for the bath. I drink Chamomile tea with honey to sleep.

6) Sam's mother always tips 15% in restaurants. Sam has worked in food service and is more judgmental, tipping between 10% and 25%, depending on the quality of the service. What's your tipping policy? Are you more like Sam or her mother? How do you handle tips for carry out or delivery during this Covid-19 crisis? When we use to each out we would tip between 15 and 20% depending on the place and the service. We have only had one food delivery and we gave him $5.00

7) When the tip of her shoelace becomes frayed, Sam's mother snips off the end and then paints the tip with clear nail polish. Good as new! Sam thinks that's crazy because you can just buy new laces for less than $2. Are you more frugal like mother or spendthrift like daughter? I try to do things myself. Sometimes I am frugal and other times I am not. I color my own hair and forgo the nail salon so that I have money for my crafts. My crafts have kept me and the grands busy during this stay at home time.

8) Mother Winters loves how french vanilla smells and burns her Yankee Candles all year around. Do you use scented candles or air fresheners? I have allergies so I use essential oils. I put oil in a diffuser. I have different scents that I use at different times of the years. I have some I use when I am not feeling well. I use Young Living oils and they have special oils

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?I like dark chocolate with almonds. But I had to give up chocolate when I got acid reflux. I do have a new page listed above called Fun Things, and there is a funny about chocolate.

Mom and I in 2007, she passed in May of 2010. I sure miss her!

A tribute page to her is Here.