Friday Faves Five & Saturday 9

Thankful to host the birthday for my grandson on Monday-Tuesday. His friends love the food. My grandson wanted tacos. So hubby cooked a roast in the crockpot and added spices. Then he shredded. He and my daughter decided to buy pre marinated chicken to barbecue. and it was really good! There was also rice and beans, fruit, chips and salsa.

Thankful that we could all go out the next day because Eddie also wanted to celebrate with his family and he selected a Mexican taco shop with a Disney theme. Afterwards we went to Downtown Disney for beignets. 

Thankful to have a day of rest where I did not have to go anywhere during the day. I did work on the craft prep for my Bible journaling group when meet on the 18th. My friend Coreen is making the title and she sent me her sample. 

Thankful that Coreen could take me to our final book study group that started back in June.

Thankful that in spite of the rain, we went to our grandkids football game. Our team is in the semi finals. It rained a lot and everyone was wearing ponchos. We got wet, but I stayed warm. They won and go to the next level next Friday.

Saturday 9: Rings (1971)

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

 

1) This song is about a young man who is happy to hear his phone ring. How about you? How do you feel when your phone rings? (Excited, annoyed, surprised, etc.) Happy when it is someone I know. Annoyed with spam call.

 

2) He's got James Taylor on the stereo. Are you a James Taylor fan? Yes and I love You've Got a Friend.

 

3) He tells his girl he's been hanging with his buddies, Tony and Mario, but they're no substitute for her. What friend did you recently spend time with? What did you do? My friend Correen. We were crafting one day this past week and then we went to our Women's book study Wed. night.

 

4) Tony and Mario were real people. They ran a restaurant frequented by the songwriters. Did you dine out this past week? Yes, we went out for our grandson's birthday at a Tacos place near Disneyland. The whole place was decorated with Disney collectibles.

 

5) "Rings" is the only hit for the band Cymarron, who hailed from Memphis, a town known for classic southern comfort foods like biscuits and gravy, cornbread and mashed potatoes. What's on the menu at your home this weekend? Nothing planned for Saturday yet. Sunday I a going to a baby shower and they will serve soup salad, bread and appetizers.

 

6)  The boys in Cymarron took their name from their favorite TV show, the Western Cimarron Strip. What TV show are you currently enjoying? Maybe your fellow Sat9ers would like it, too. I have been watching Grey s Anatomy and General Hospital for years. I like the new show called Doc. There are so many shows that hubby and I like to watch together. Dances with the Stars, Tracker, the FBI's the NCIS, Chicago Fire,  Law and Order, SVU, Organized Crime. Boston Blue, 911 LA and Nashville and Brillant Minds. We are retired so we have the time. Thank Goodness for recordings!

 

7) In 1971, when this song was popular, the US Mint introduced the Eisenhower Silver Dollar. Is there any change in your wallet or pocket right now? Not in my pocket, but I know I have some.

 

8) Also in 1971, Mattel introduced Malibu Barbie, the doll with a tan. Have you ever used a tanning bed? No and I was just had surgery for skin cancer on my face. So no tanning for me.

 

9) Random question – If we were to ask your friends, which of these qualities would they say they like best about you: your warmth, your sense of humor, or your intelligence? I would say my warmth.

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

Friday Faves 5 & Saturday 9

Thankful for Facebook memories. Fall Bible journaling day.2022

I miss those days, but they are all doing well!

Thankful that my granddaughter does well in Song and is an honor student. The Covid shutdown was hard for kids, but in spite of it, she and her brother excelled.

She is also an honor student.

She and her brother had to be at school at 5:30 for Homecoming celebrations. Cheer team had to be at the assembly. Grandson is ASB(Associated Student Body-Student Gov. & activities) and is spite of being sick he has been involved with classes and HC activities. Thankful that they are both doing well in High School!

Thankful for the beautiful moon that lights our sky, reminding me that God is above all things!

Thankful for my friend Lucia who made us chicken enchiladas!

Thankful for our Retired Group that started back up on Thursday.

It was the first day I had been out in two weeks.

Thankful for those who visit my blog!

Saturday 9: Mambo No. 5 (1999)

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

 

1) Lou Bega namechecks a lot of women in this song. Is there an Angela, Pamela, Sandra, Rita, Monica, Erica, Tina, Mary, or Jessica in your life? My daughter in law's mom is named Jessica. I know a Pamela from blogging. 

 

2) Can you think of a song that includes your first name? Wake up Little Susie

 

3) Lou sings that flirting is like a sport. Do you enjoy flirting? No

 

4) While Lou Bega's recording became a big hit worldwide, it enjoyed great popularity, where it was used during televised cricket matches. Do you know anything about the game of cricket? No

 

5) When Lou was riding high with "Mambo No. 5," Cher invited him to open for her on her 1999-2000 tour. Cher has more than 50 hit records, two television series, a Broadway show and an Oscar under her belt. Can you think of another performer who has succeeded in so many areas of entertainment?

Rita Moreno, Barbara Streisand, Jennifer Hudson, Whoopi Goldberg.

 

6) Lou turned 50 in April of this year. Are you soon celebrating a big birthday (one that ends in a 0 or 5)? I just turned 70 this past August.

 

7) In 1999, when "Mambo No. 5" was on the radio, the movie American Pie premiered and was so popular it inspired three sequels. Have you seen any of the American Pie films? The first one.

 

8) Also in 1999, Walmart opened its first store in the UK. Do you often shop at Walmart? Maybe once a month.

 

9) Random question – Have you recently fallen asleep somewhere other than your bed? If yes, where did you doze off? On the couch.

Update, my incision is almost healed and I finished my meds. Now I can go outside and enjoy my backyard. I still have to be our of direct sunlight while the scar heals.

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

Friday Faves Five & Saturday 9

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

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

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

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

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

Saturday 9: That's So True (2024)

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

 

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

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

 

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

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

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

 

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

 

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Thankful that in spite of the AC going out, we have had a place to stay with our kids.

Thankful for the fun day with my friends on Saturday. We took a train ride from our city to San Juan Capistrano which is about 40 miles away. We only had to pay$5.00 roundtrip because we are seniors. San Juan Capistrano has a mission, and we were last there in 2018 when we took the grands to see the mission. But we did not go to the mission. We did take a trolly ride around a part of the city. Some out of state people were there and one man had a little to much to drink and was happing and joking the whole time and a few things were not to nice, but we offered grace, and his friends got him off the trolley as soon as they could. I painted the tunnel on the picture below and found a train for the tunnel. I did these pages for my Crafty August book.

Thankful that we could go to the early church service this Sunday. Then we picked up Minnie and headed to my daughter's home. They went to Disneyland for the day. Thankful to have a cool place to hang out. We spent Monday with our son during the day and my granddaughter and I went shopping. Then we went to my daughter's home and spent the night. Wednesday-Saturday here at my son's. Dogs are happy they are with us as my son and his family are at the beach. 

Thankful that we are credit union members and were able to get the $ to get our new AC Unit. It is supposed to get installed on Sunday.

Thankful that my face biopsy is almost healed and looks a lot better. 

Saturday 9: It's So Nice to Be Nice  (to Your Neighbor) – 1947

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

 

1) In this song, Monica Lewis encourages us to greet our neighbors with a smile and a hello. Tell us about one of your neighbors. One of my best friends lives down the street. She lets me take my grands swimming at her house. she is a great listener and very generous. She is a craft person like me and can really paint nice things. We met at church over 25 years ago.

 

2) She reminds us that it's "nice to be nice." Who has recently shown you kindness? Our kids who have let us stay at their home since we lost our AC where the temps are in the 90's daily!

 

3) Monica Lewis was born in Chicago, where her mother performed with the Chicago Opera Company. Have you ever been to the opera? Phantom of the Opera on Broadway 2008 and at the Venetian in Las Vegas in 2007

My parents waiting for the show to start. It was about 30 minutes longer that the Vegas show.

 

4) Her family moved to New York City, where she attended college by day and worked at radio station WMCA in the evenings to help support her family. Which do you listen to more: the radio or podcasts?

The Radio.

5) In the 1940s she appeared all around New York – in nightclubs, on Broadway, and on radio shows. It was then that she got her best-known and longest-running role: the voice of Chiquita Banana. For decades she was heard singing the jingle, "I'm Chiquita Banana and I'm here to say ..." Do you have any bananas in your kitchen now? Yes, there are some here at my son's house.

 

6) Around 1950 she moved to Hollywood. She had recently divorced and wanted a fresh start. There she dated an actor who was also newly divorced: Ronald Reagan. Obviously she never had to ask, "Whatever became of him?" Who is the last former romance, classmate or coworker that you looked up on the internet? I don't remember, but it was someone from my class that I did not know well. Someone posted a link that keeps classmates updated.

 

7) In 1947, when this song was popular, actor Ted Danson was born. He's best known as Sam Malone, the bartender at Cheers, "where everybody knows your name." Is there a bar or restaurant where you are recognized on sight? No.

 

8) The 1947 Studebaker Champion was one of the first cars to have an adjustable driver's seat designed to accommodate motorists of various heights. When you're driving someone else's car, do you usually adjust the seat? All the time. I have short legs.

 

9) Random question: When someone takes advantage of you, are you angrier at them for doing it, or at yourself for letting it happen? Just depends on the situation though it does not happen very often.

I am writing this Friday night and I have to go to bed early because the grand dogs are tired.

Currently, Tuesday 4 & Saturday 9

I have not had much time to be on the computer this past week. Our AC went out on August 23, and it is still out and hard when we are at 90-100 weather. Our Daughter in law's brother came out to check it the next day and said it was not repairable. It was a great unit when put in, but who knows how old. So, we got an estimate and new we had to get financing for it. Because of our good credit, we qualified for a special energy credit program that gives us a 5.8% Loan. But the program required more paperwork. We were hoping to get the unit in on Sept 7, but that may not happen for another week. We are lucky we have our kids close by, so we have been staying with them. So, in spite of the inconveniences, we are still blessed! Our new unit will be more efficient and save us money.

My biopsy is healing well. But then I will have to have the MOHS surgery in a few weeks, and I will have to start all over with the wound care. This surgery preserves as much skin as it can and thankfully my skin heals well. I am thankful it is not the deadly skin cancer.

I took a train adventure with my friends on Saturday. I will write about it on Friday Fave 5.

Here is my brief version of Tuesday 4

1. I started drinking coffee after age 30 to help wake me up. I think I am mostly conditioned to have a cup in the morning for the same reason. But half the amount of caffeine.

2. If I opened up a shop, it would be a combo coffee shop and bookstore. Susan's Book and Brew.

3. I am not super particular about my coffee.

4. I drink Folgers Half Calf and like a sweet cream creamer. If I go to Starbucks, I drink a half-caff latte with sugar free vanilla syrup, whip cream and sprinkled with cinnamon. 

Manic Monday (1985)

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

1) In this song, Bangles lead singer Susannah Hoffs sings that "it's 6:00 already." What time did you wake up this morning? 8am

2) She's running late for work and she wishes her bed was already made so she wouldn't have to spend time doing it. Do you ever leave the house without making your bed? I have when in a hurry. I don't make my bed right away anymore. I heard it was healthier to let it air out for a while.

3) She sings that it would take an airplane to get her to work on time. Are you usually early, on time, or late? I like to be early.

4) Since Monday is the start of her hectic workweek, she wishes it was Sunday because that's her "fun day." What's your favorite day of the week? Sunday when I go to church. 

5) "Manic Monday" was written by Prince. What's your favorite Prince song? Let's Go Crazy

6) In 1985, when this song was a hit, Sears promoted sleepwear with characters on them in their children's department. GI Joe pajamas were popular. When you were a kid, did you have a favorite pair of pjs? I don't remember.

7) A fashion tradition dating back to the early 1900s states that you should put your white slacks, shoes, jackets and belts away after Labor Day. Do you follow that rule? No. Especially since our summer weather last until mid October.

8) Traditionally Labor Day marks the moment when fans turn their attention to the NFL and NCAA football. Will you be rooting for a particular football team this season? No.

9) According to the auto insurance industry, the average American spends 52 minutes (26 each way) behind the wheel every day traveling to and from work. How do you while away the time when you're stuck in traffic? My husband does most of the driving so I craft. I enjoy listening to music.

Friday Faves 5 & Saturday 9

1.Thankful to be able to watch church from home so hubby could go to church. I stayed with Minnie as she is recovering from her surgery. She likes to jump on the furniture.

Thankful for the nice Father's Day celebration at my son's house. We took Minnie but watched her closely. Daisy was not happy that Minnie could not play. Thankfully, we took Minnie's crate.

2.Thankful for a quiet Monday to work on my Acts study. I am enjoying digging deeper into the book of Acts and combining graphics and verses. This study runs through July. There are notes behind the word study page. I used a number of older graphics and stamps on this page.

3. Thankful to be able to help out with Vacation Bible School/Kids Con. It began on Tuesday and runs through Friday. I am a leader for my grandson's group, 4-6th grade. There is the main leader, 7 adult leaders and 4-5 youth helpers. There is praise and worship in the beginning and my granddaughter is helping with that. She also comes to help in our group.

4. Thankful that I have already started preparing for my next Bible journaling meet up that doesn't begin until August 5. I am praying for guidance on the October verses.

5. Thankful to drop my grandson off his first volunteer day at the hospital. They have assigned him to the OR room. Not sure what he will do. They gave him a shirt and he has to wear white pants and shoes. He will work until the first week of August. They have a few weeks off when school starts and then they can go back and volunteer during the year. He will get a letter of recommendation for colleges.

Saturday 9: I Fall in Love Too Easily (1945)

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

1) In this song, Dinah Shore admits that her impetuous romances don't work out. Do you consider yourself impulsive? I can be at times, especially with ADHD.

2) The songwriting team of Sammy Cahn and Jule Styne composed this in a single evening. Since the song is rather short Sammy considered adding another verse, but Jule thought better of it, saying, "No. That's it." Are you more like Sammy and keep revising, tinkering and tweaking? Or, like Jule, do you find it easy to leave well enough alone? Depends on what it is. I am when I work on my Bible journaling lessons.

 

3) The song was introduced in Anchors Aweigh, a movie about two sailors who find love during a two-day leave in New York. Have you ever enjoyed a romance while on holiday? When I was a teen.

 

4) Though Frank Sinatra sang the song in the movie, Dinah's version was also popular. Her record sales in the 1940s were boosted by concerts, radio appearances and performances for the troops. What singer who is no longer with us do you wish you could have seen in concert? The younger me wanted to see Marvyn Gaye. 

5) Dinah was shy with new people but discovered as a high school cheerleader that she was good in front of a crowd. Give us one of your high school cheers. First in 10, do it again, we like it, we like it!

6) She loved golf and was so good at it, she became the first woman admitted as a member to the prestigious Hillcrest Country Club in Los Angeles. What's your best sport? When I was in high school,  played competitive sports. I was on the senior team in Basketball, Baseball and field hockey. I enjoyed field hockey the best. I enjoy watching baseball, especially since the Angels and Dodgers are in my state. I got hurt at the post office in my early 20's and I have not really been very active in sports since. I am doing strength training now and feeling better.

7) Dinah found her greatest success in television. She was so popular for so long that she was able to afford a luxury home, built to her specifications, in Palm Springs. Leonardo DiCaprio now owns it. Do you know who lived in your home before you moved in? A young couple with a baby.

 

8) In 1945, when this song was popular, Abbott and Costello appeared in the movie The Naughty Nineties, which featured their famous "Who's On First" routine. Do you know it? I have seen it.

 

9) Random question – Fill in the blank: After all these years, I still miss parents. Mom has been gone 15 years and dad 12.

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

Longest day of the year and first day of summer!