Tuesday 4 & Wednesday Hodgepodge

Welcome to Toni Taddeo's Tuesday 4...Summer time is upon us. 

1. What special memories do you have about summer when you were younger? So many fun memories! Playing in my grandparent's backyard, swimming, skating, playing with the neighborhood kids, riding my bike to the local park and playing tether ball and carrom's. We would have ice cream/popsicles and play in the sprinklers. One year we went to Yosemite and camped by the river. I remember dunking our Sees hard candy pops in the cold water and popping it in our mouths. I really enjoyed the end of the summer church camp and more. 

My birthday is in August, so we would celebrate at the park.

My tablecloth says Happy Birthday from Disneyland.

Newport Beach around 1960.

This was either 1965 or 1966 at Camp Colby.

We slept in the cabin with our parents. 

Once we hit jr. high, we could sleep with the girls our own age.

2. What is the highest temperature you've experienced in summer?  What about so far this summer? How do you weather the heat or humidity? We will hit 99 on Wednesday. We don't get humidity very often though we did this past Sunday. I think one summer it got up to 115! We have air, so we survive. Last year our AC went out and we had to stay with family for a couple of weeks. So happy that we got a new system because it works so much better!

3. What's been on your menu so far this summer? I started out eating salads. But with this parasite making people sick, I am going to forgo salads for a while. I am eating cooked veggies to get my greens in, I need to buy some frozen veggies and fruit. 

4.  What is on your reading list this summer... anything to recommend to us?  What's on your TV this summer. Any music you're liking this summer? I am reading the 5th book of the AD Chronicles. I have mentioned it several times. I listen to mostly Christian music either on my phone or on YouTube on my laptop. I do have a few oldie stations and that would be anytime from 50's-2000's.

1. "Deep summer is when laziness finds respectability." Sam Keen

Do you feel less guilty relaxing in July than you do in January? Elaborate. I am retired and can experience days of laziness. My groups are on summer break right now, so things are quiet. I don't feel guilty except when I don't manage my time well. For instance, being on the computer too long when I know I have my garage project to work on. Because it is hot, I am spending time in the late morning and late evening to go through things. Hubby took another trip to the second hand store. I always make time to do things with the grands, but that is not as often as it used to be when they were younger. I do spend more time in the spa.

2. What's a telltale sign you're upset? I don't get upset often, but my husband knows when I am because I will complain to him. If I am upset with him, I take a time out for me to "cool my jets" I put on my music and ask the Lord for peace.

3. July 16th is National AI Day. What are your general thoughts and/or experiences with AI? Have you purposely used it? Does it excite you, scare you, or worry you? What do you see as a benefit? How about something relating to AI you see as a negative? I think like anything new, I am hesitant to jump in. I want to know more about it. So far, I have not used any new features like Cat GBT. I like to use SIRI on my iPhone. Like many things, it has the potential to help and hurt someone.

4. You're invited to a summer potluck and are asked to bring an appetizer, salad/side, or dessert. Which category do you go for and what are you bringing? I usually bring fresh fruit. That would be hard to do right now. Maybe I would take guacamole and chips instead.

5. It wouldn't be summer without a trip to the beach. 

6. Insert your own random thought here. My Israel trip is 3 months away. I am trying to stay positive about it. I am making 3 of my friends travel journals. Minnie is holding her own. She is happy to have family around. We have but back on the steroids but she still wants to eat all the time. She does bump into things, so we keep a close watch on her. 

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. 

Tuesday 4 & Wednesday Hodgepodge

The party was a success! More pictures on the bottom.

Summertime means travel time for many people. Let's talk about travel and holidays.

1. Will you be traveling this summer at all? We just took a vacation at Vegas. We might spend a few nights in San Diego. I hope to go to Israel in October as long as it is safe to go.

2. Will there be day trips in store for you? visits to the beach, evenings out? We do plan to go to the beach which is about 35 miles away. I am blocked from Disney until the 2nd week of August. We will do something with the grands. My husband and his brothers have planned a family reunion the last weekend of June. I mostly need to get in shape for Israel.

3. Do you eat out more in summer... do you go for ice cream or treats more? I don't think we go out more often. We usually go out on Sunday's after church. After a busy week with graduation, we will take it easy until Father's Day. I don't eat ice cream to often. It has too much sugar!

4. What is your favorite place to visit and what is the most exotic place you've been to? I love to go to Disneyland! My favorite exotic place is Hawaii and it all goes well, we might go one more time.

1.  How would you define 'the good life'? My relationship with Jesus. My kids are saved and doing well. My extended family are doing well and we all get along. We have all that we need. A steady retirement income, a home, good church and friends.

2.  What's the most used app on your phone (and are you proud of that)? I check my email first. I check messages next and I take a lot of pictures! I like to play Words with Friends and use Facebook and Instagram.

3. 'Every rose has it's thorn', 'everything's coming up roses', 'looking through rose-colored glasses', 'it's no bed of roses' or 'stop and smell the roses'...which rose idiom best relates to something in your life currently. Explain. Stop and smell the roses is a good one. I want to take in everything now and relish it. I will be 71 in a couple of months. Each day is a gift from God. I will try to be positive and see the good in my life, even when things don't always look too good.

4. How do you feel about floral flavorings in food or drink (rose, hibiscus, elderflower, lavender)? I don't mind it in teas. I just tried Starbuck's new drink because I had a gift card. It is called the Tropical Butterfly Refresher. A visually striking drink with layers of guava and passionfruit flavors, mango-pineapple popping pearls, and a butterfly pea flower infusion. I added the coconut milk and it was so good. I added water because it was so sweet and only drank about a third of it.

5. Over the course of your life what have you probably spent more time pondering than anything else? 

My life as a believer of Jesus Christ.  Growing up in church, not going often for several years after being married and then rededication and walk over the past 35 years.

6. Insert your own random thought here. I have been resting for a few days after having survived my grandson's graduation and party. My daughter did a lot to make it special and I was so proud of my family and how they all made the day so special! my husband made shredded beef and it was so good! He cooked a chuck roast for hours after marinating it. My younger son and his wife made the marinated chicken and the rice. We got beans from a favorite place in town. I made the guacamole and bought the chips to go with it at a market that has the best home made tasting chips. Hubby made the salsa too! One of my sisters brought salads and my other sister and her son brought all the fixings for the tacos. My oldest son made quesedillas and "crispers" fried tortillas that are topped with cheese and then zapped in the mocrowave oven. The boys ate them like that with salsa. Some added beans and meat to make tostadas. My older son had everyone come in and he prayed for the boys and the food.

There was a whole dessert table that was a hit after the food and games. The best part for the boys was a giant jumper! That is what Eddie wanted. The boys spent several hours is it. My sister who is a marriage and family counselor said that was the best thing they could do after going through the trials of finals and all the senior things. My son has gone to school with some of these boys since kindergarten!

All these boys are off to college.

My sisters, I am the oldest and Ann on the right is the younget.

She did not stay long because she had to get back to her grandson's grad party!

My brother Scott and his wife Cindy and sister Terry.

Scott and Cindy were off to my nephew's party after ours.

My brother is the baby of the family.

Thanks to my son and his wife for hosting the party!

My beautiful grands. The youngest grandson was playing video games upstairs.

Jazzy graduates next year. She doesn't want a party. 

She wants the family to go to Disneyland!

Previous post has grad pictures.

Thanks to Annie and Jocye 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.

Tuesday 4 & Wednesday Hodgepodge

1. Do you think that you handle problems well over all? Just depends on that the situation is.

I used to want to control everything, either with action, or just in my head. I try to look at the

big picture. I take things to God more instead of doing things myself.

2. What kinds of problems send you into a tizzy or downright scare you? Maybe some just exasperate you? Yes some things exasperate me. I have to remember what I can and cannot do. You can't change another person or situation just because it bothers you. Sometimes I have to let it go or take a break. Something require action. I am going to physical therapy for the numbing I was having in my arms and legs. It is helping. I can't control my genes and how it affects my physical body. I can try the best I can to eat well. I just have to stick with it and not get discourage.

3. We always have God in our corner but besides him do you have a reliable back up system to go 

to for help with car trouble, home repairs and maintenance, or any troubles that may arise for you?

I rely on my husband for most of these things. If he wasn't around, I would ask for help or learn.

4 I love the idea that a lovely cupcake can fix anything at all.  "Oh, you are sick? Just eat a dozen of these delicious cupcakes and you will be right as rain!" What foods, places, music or whatever can make a problem seem easier to handle? I guess we are talking about what brings you comfort in the way of material things. Music, Bible journaling, time with good friends, soaking in my spa. Reading and watching things that are encouraging. Food rarely comforts me. My hubby makes a good chicken soup that he makes and that is comforting, especially when I am sick.

1. What is an adult problem nobody prepared you for? 

Aging. I totally understand what my 80 year old grandma told me once. It is hard when you mind tells you that you are young, but your body tells you otherwise. It is frustrating to want to do things but you can't because you are not physically able to. I wish I would have known how important exercise and eating enough protein was important. I wish I had known that the medicines I took in my 40's and 50's would cause problems of today.

2. Without mentioning any tech, what's your most prized possession? 

The ring my mom gave me and my Journaling Bibles. I also have my grandmother's Bibles.

3. It's National Peach Ice Cream Day (July 17th). Will you be celebrating? Do you like peaches? Given a choice would you prefer peach ice cream, peach pie, peach cobbler, or just hand me a peach? Do you own anything that is peach in color? 

I like peach cobbler. Fresh peaches remind me of my Grandpa David. He would take them off his tree, hose them down and give us one. I ate some peaches last month that my son gave us from his tree. I do own a couple of shirts that have that color in them.

4. What makes a friendship successful? 

Sharing a common interest. Making time to spend time with each other both in person and through text. I have a few close friends. My sister and my cousin are my closest friends. I can tell them anything without judgement. We share the same interest. We can speak truth and feel safe and loved. We can go days without talking/texting and pick up where we left off. I think it is the same even online. If you blog and your readers respond and you respond, there is a mutual friendship made.

I once read that friendship is like playing tennis. Both parties have to hit the ball over the net. Sure, things can keep it from going across, but you pick the ball up and try again. Once that stops, the game is over. Blogging is more than making friends. It is about writing out your thoughts and being able to go back and look at them. I still refer to my original blog for lots of info I use on current memes. The blogging community I was in before Facebook was fun and caring. But life happens and I moved from my old blog to this one and made new friends!

5. Let's give our brains a rest and do a little summertime this or that...

beach or pool? ice cream or snow cone? amusement park or camping?* like both, but hubby doesn't life camping anymore) burger or hot dog? watermelon or strawberries? get up early or sleep in late? sunrise or sunset? 

I do love the beach and have only been once this summer. I may go next week.

I did have a nice time with my grands at my sisters house over the weekend.

6. Insert your own random thought here. I am thankful for the people that host the memes and encourage participation and take the time to visit your blog.

My previous post had a long story about my summer in Mexico as a teen.

Thanks to Annie and Joyce for the mems. Their links are on the left.

Saturday 9 and Sunday Stealing

Saturday 9: Those Lazy-Hazy-Crazy Days of Summer (1963)

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

1) In this song, Nat King Cole sings about enjoying "soda and pretzels and beer." Which of those three would we find in your kitchen right now?

 I think the grands have pretzels in their drawer. We don't buy sodas or beer. We have some Snapple diet peach tea that I add to water sometimes.

2) The lyrics mention a romantic movie. Which movie couple do you believe had onscreen chemistry?

Only thing that came to my mind was Gone with the Wind. Rhett Butler and Scarlet O'hara. Clark Gable and Vivian Leigh)I know there are many more, but my mind is tired after a busy couple of days with the grands.

3) He wishes "summer could always be here." How has your summer been so far? It has been nice so far. I am taking the grands swimming at my sisters today as I write this on Friday and we come back Saturday. My sister lives about 45 minutes away.

4) According to the song, a great warm weather meal includes sandwiches and wieners. Tell us about your perfect sandwich or, if you prefer, what you believe is the ideal way to dress a hot dog. 

The last sandwich I had had was made of turkey, avocado, Havarti cheese, lettuce and tomato with mayonnaise. I like my hot dog grilled and the bun slightly warmed. Mustard and ketchup. Sometimes with dill pickles.

5) Nat was a big baseball fan. Growing up in Chicago he played sandlot games and listened to Cubs games on the radio. As an adult he was a season ticket holder at Dodger Stadium in Los Angeles. 

Do you enjoy playing/watching baseball or softball? I have gone to a few Angel games. I watch the World series.

6) The lyrics of this week's song were written by Charlie Tobias, who wanted to create a sense of nostalgia for summers gone by. Share one of your special summer memories. In 1971 when I was 15, I went to Mexico City with my friend and her family. Her sister was getting married. The station wagon was loaded with people and the top stacked with luggage. We left early in the morning to get through the hot desert. I got to see so many places like Mazatlan, Guadalajara, and Acapulco. We stayed with family in Mexico City. The family was very nice and I learned some new customs. My Spanish was limited, but they were all so helpful. The boys were cute. One boy's name was Cuahtemoc Anderson and had the prettiest green eyes. I enjoyed sitting at the dinner table eating white rice and black beans with a particular roll. We ate red (Mexican rice and pinto beans at home with tortillas) After the wedding, they took me to Acapulco to see the Clift divers. I ate a lot of good food and fresh seafood. We stopped at a huge open air market in Guadalajara that was huge. The family was careful with what I ate and drank. I never got sick. We went a place and spent the night at a where the Olympic divers had stayed. Each hotel room had its own mini pool/hot tub. Mexico had hosted the Olympics back in 1968. I remember taking a book to read on the long stretches of driving. 1834 miles from Los Angles to Mexico City.

When I got home, my mom had decorated my room and bought me Carole King's Tapestry. I also had a nice birthday party with my friends for my 16th birthday. It was a very exciting and fun summer! Alejandro is the boy standing behind me in the white shirt.

7) In 1963, one of the best-selling books was Happiness Is a Warm Puppy by Charles Schultz. The cover showed Lucy giving Snoopy a big hug. Name another character from the Peanuts comic strip. 

Lucy, Charlie Brown, Linus and Peppermint Patty.

8) Also in 1963, men were wearing thin, solid-color ties. Later in the decade, ties would become wider, patterned and more colorful. Where do you turn to keep up with fashion trends? I tend to get what I need. I found some pants I liked at TJ Max. I got two shirts at Kohls in the Jr. section. I am more into comfort and how it fits than style. I ordered some bathing suits too.

9) Random question: Would you rather be a cowboy or a pirate? Cowboy.

1. What is the hottest temperature you've seen this summer so far? 102

2. What is your favorite summer beverage? Ice water with fruit.

3. Have you seen any fireflies/lightning bugs yet? Cicadas? no

4. What are the last 3 things you bought online? a book, charms and essential oil glass containers. 

5. Where do locals go to cool off? Pools and the beach.

6. Where did you buy your last postcard and what was on the pc? When I was in Oregon last summer.

It had a lighthouse we visited.

7. What's your favorite summertime scent? my plumerias.

8. What kind of a/c do you have - central, room, fans only, chillers, none and what temperature do you set it to?  Central

9. Do you have a summer vacation planned and if so, where are you really going??We are spending a few days at the beach four anniversary and may go whale watching. We moved our cruise to January.

10. What are your favorite summer activities? Pool, beach and family gatherings.

11.  What's your favorite summertime food? BBQ burgers and chicken.

12. Did you ever go to summer school? Yes, once in elementary school. Once in Jr high to take typing twice in high school to take drivers education and behind the wheel training and government and economics.

13. What's your favorite summertime memory? See #6 above.

14. Do you like fireworks? Not as much anymore.

15. How do you feel about the longer days of summer? I like them. I like the extended light and I can drive in the early evening.