Saturday9 Sad Song

Memorial Day is the federal holiday designated to honor American service people who died in battle. 

1) Memorial Day was introduced after the Civil War. War memorials, as well as graves of veterans, are to be decorated with flags and flowers this weekend in a show appreciation. Is there a war memorial in your neighborhood?

It is not in my neighborhood, but it’s not too far from me in the downtown area of our city. I remember when I was 13, my dad took our family there to attend a Memorial Day service. I was too young to really appreciate the highly significant meaning that day. My dad had served in World War II, so it was very meaningful to him and he wanted to share that with us. 

Closer to home is a War Memorial dedicated to the veterans of WWI. It is located in a cemetery.

2) Here at Saturday 9, we regard everyone who served -- veterans and active military -- as heroes. Have you, or has anyone in your family, worn the uniform of our armed forces? We want to hear about them.

My dad served in the armed forces, both of my late husbands served, an uncle died in World War II, and both of my nephews have served. One of my nephews was an army ranger, in special forces, and a Green Beret. My other nephew was just promoted to major in the Army. I am proud and thankful for all of them and their willingness to serve.

This is from several years ago.

3) Similarly, we're grateful to those who served on the front lines during the Covid 19 pandemic. Tell us about anyone you know who was an essential worker, a first responder or administered vaccines. They deserve a shout out, too!

 

Yes, they certainly do. My niece and a couple of my cousins are registered nurses, and our son is a firefighter/paramedic. They all have served throughout the pandemic and I am proud of them also.

I like this pic of Jason. 

He's a happy guy when he's serving!

4) Memorial Day is the traditional kick off of the summer season. Have you packed away your winter clothes yet? 

My closet is roomy enough that it holds both my winter and summer and transitional clothes.

5) What's your favorite picnic food? 

Probably fried chicken.

6) As you answer these questions, is there a fan or an air conditioner cooling your room? 

Air conditioner; I seldom turn on the ceiling fans.

7) This week's song is about a heartbreaking situation. The lyrics are a letter from a soldier to his family, which was only to be sent in the event of his death. What's the saddest song you have ever heard?

That’s a tough one, and there are several songs that are sad, but I can’t think of what would be the very saddest one I ever heard. Three that come to mind are: I Will Always Love You by Dolly Parton, He Stopped Loving Her Today sung by George Jones, and Silver Wings, sung by Merle Haggard. The song featured today is truly a very sad song and so true for so many. It is heartbreaking.

8) This week's featured artist, Tim McGraw, has a star on Hollywood Walk of Fame. It's near those honoring William Shatner and Julie Andrews. If you could have lunch with one of those luminaries -- Tim McGraw, William Shatner or Julie Andrews -- which would you choose? 

Probably Tim McGraw. I think I could probably relate to him better than either of the other two, although having lunch with Julie Andrews might be nice. The Sound of Music was one of my favorite movies and we took a Sound of Music tour through Austria and Germany several years ago.

9) Random Question: Think of the last thing you bought. Was it a wise purchase? 

The last thing I bought was two dwarf Alberta Spruces, a yew shrub and two crape myrtle bushes. Yes, I do believe it was a wise purchase as I need the shrubberies. They will all be planted tomorrow, along with a couple of rosebushes I bought.

The Way You Look Tonight

 

The Way You Look Tonight

The Way You Look Tonight (1936)

1) The lyrics tell us that no matter how low the singer feels, it will raise his spirits to recall the way his lover looks tonight. Share a special moment in your life that brings a smile to your lips, no matter what.

The evening of November 7, 1987, dancing with my DH two months after having met, the dance we danced and looks we exchanged as we both realized we were "in love!"

2) This song was introduced by Fred Astaire in the 1936 movie, Swing Time. It won the Oscar for Best Song. What's your favorite movie song? There are so many wonderful movie songs, it is hard to pick one. But Exodus! is a great one! And Anthony Burger is FANTASTIC! with it.

3) Though today Fred is revered as a Hollywood legend, producers had to be convinced to give him a shot. The initial notes on his screen test were: "Can't act. Slightly bald. Also dances." Tell us about a time when someone underestimated you.

That's a tough one. I may not be able to answer it, but the first thing that comes to mind was my God-given strength to do what needed to be done after the initial shock of my husband's death had worn off. And second, when I surprised the kids with my water skiing at age 70. Woo-hoo! It had been many years since I had water-skied, but I guess you don't forget that.

4) Fred's legion of fans includes Jackie Chan. The martial arts star says Astaire's movies influenced the way he choreographed the Kung Fu fight sequences in his films. Mr. Chan is one of the most popular film stars in the world. Have you seen any of his movies? NO!

5) Fred was always fascinated by new things. In the 1970s, when he was in his late 70s, he took up skateboarding and became so good at it he was awarded life membership in the National Skateboard Society. Have you been skateboarding? No, but I did attempt the hover board and stayed on long enough to know it's not my thing. If not, is it something you're tempted to try? I am no longer interested in anything that might cause a fall or broken bone. Still waiting for my wrist to be back to normal.

6) Fred's friends were amused by his passion for daytime soap operas. In the days before video recording, he would call home from the club house at the golf course and ask his maid what had happened that day on his favorite "story," As the World Turns. Is there a show you try not to miss?

Call the Midwife ... or just about any BBC or Masterpiece series.

7) In 1936, the year this song was popular, the US patent office issued a patent for the Zippo lighter. Beginning in WWII and for decades after, Zippo lighters were issued to our soldiers. During the Vietnam War, troops had their lighters engraved with personal mottos. What's something you have had engraved or personalized?

My Bible has my name on it. What did it say? When I was cleaning and uncluttering to get ready for my move, I found my Grandad's Zippo lighter which had his name engraved on it. Our grandson, Noah, thought it was very cool and asked if he could have it. There was no fluid in it and his Mom said fine, so I gave it to him.

8) Also in 1936, a killer tornado struck Tupelo, MS. Have you ever been in a tornado? No, but they have come close. How about a hurricane or an earthquake? No, and I hope I never do.

9) Random question -- We're creating an action figure of YOU. What two accessories should we be sure to include in the box? Hmmmm! A Bible and a journal with pen!

Friday Fotos

I hope this finds everyone finding joy in this day! My week has been filled with it and so looking forward to what today and the weekend might bring. 

Sunday's joy was the enJOYment we experienced as we sang for the residents at a local assisted living/nursing home. My sister-in-law, Susan, my brother Phil, a friend MaryBeth and I sang to the group as we were accompanied by another member of the uke group, who played piano. The songs were lively, old staples that we are all familiar with, such as Standing on the Promises, Leaning on the Everlasting Arms, and others. The residents' expressions of their enjoyment was evident on their faces and they all asked us to please come back again. They told us of their experience being "held prisoner" in their rooms during Covid. What a pleasure it was for them to be "let loose!" They were so excited to be "set free" that even a ride around town in the van was a vacation for them.

In between Sunday and yesterday were times of learning and playing a new card game called Hand and Foot, a visit to the doctor's office, running errands, buying groceries, and so forth. Thursday was busy with exercise, a senior fellowship time of playing games and pot luck luncheon. Our speaker was the lady, a/k/a Master Gardener, who has helped me with my yard work. She is such a sweet and helpful lady and very knowledgeable.

Then, following our senior luncheon at church, our T-Town Uke Group was invited to go visit a very sweet lady named Marian. Marian is a woman of long time residency among us as she will be 101 in August! Marian may be bound to her chair due to recent knee surgery, but her spirit is lively and we sang for her enjoyment for over an hour. She wasn't ready for us to leave, but we did after promising to return to sing again for her. What fun we had and it made me tear up as I watched her face and thinking of all the myriad life experiences she has had since her birth in 1921! And, after having had knee surgery and being placed in a rehab facility, she contracted Covid and survived!!! WOW!! As my DH would say, "what a woman!!" Here are a few pics from yesterday.

And after waiting all week and tracking my package, it finally arrived last evening. Then, I had a heck of a time getting it through the door and out of the box. Actually, after giving up last night, I finally was able to get it out this morning and set it up. I've read the instructions and look forward to cooking my dinner this evening in my new:

I guess I will take the old, gently used, Air Fryer, and the even older, much used toaster oven to the thrift shop with me on Monday!

Hope everyone has a wonderful weekend!!

A Wishful Hodgepodge

1. Realist, idealist, optimist, pessimist...which one are you? Elaborate.

I think I am all of these things at different times depending upon which topic or situation we’re dealing with. Overall, I think I’m a realist and see things the way they are, but I’m always optimistic that they could change.

2. What's something currently on your wish list?

Large pots to put my roses in. And more flowers. 

3. Three things on this week's shopping list? 

A new hose, a shovel, and flower pots.

4. According to Trip Advisor here's a list of the top ten things to do in the US this summer-
Chicago Architecture River Cruise, Skip the Line Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island Tour, New York In A Day guided sightseeing tour, Charleston's Old South Historic Horse and Carriage tour, Grand Canyon helicopter tour, Full day iconic sights of LA, Beverly Hills, Beaches and more, D.C. at Dusk guided night tour, Beneath the Streets Underground History tour (Seattle), New Orleans Swamp and Bayou Boat tour, Gangsters and Ghosts tour in Chicago...read more about each excursion in the link here.

Of the ten attractions listed which do you find most appealing? Have you already experienced anything on this list?

We did the Statue of Liberty and Ellis island tour and New York in a day back in 2003. It was really fun and very moving. (And now I'm puzzled wondering where those pictures have gotten off to.)

We also did the DC at dusk guided night tour in 2015, which was very moving to see the memorials just before sundown. 

I’m also pretty sure we did the Beneath the Streets Underground history tour in Seattle back in 1987. Events from that period of time or a little bit of a blur, but I am 99% positive that we did that.

I think of all the things on that list I would be interested in doing the Charleston horse and carriage historic tour. When we were there, we did a walking tour.

5. Besides home and work where do you spend the most time?

Well, I’m not working at this time, so my guess is I am spending more time at our church. I do get to spend a good deal of time with others, so being at home alone is not so bad. There is always somebody to talk to.

6. Insert your own random thought here.

Due to Covid, and my broken wrist, I’ve spent a lot of time at home and am a little embarrassed to say I have watched too much TV. I don’t watch Netflix, I love PBS, Amazon prime, and BritBox. BritBox may be my favorite as there are so many good series there. One interesting thing I’ve noticed in a series called The Royal is that several of their plot lines I have seen dealt with in Call the Midwife over the years. I love Call the Midwife, and both the series take place in England during the 1960s. They are both dealing with medical issues of those times. I am really enjoying The Royal because it has humor, drama and lots of 60s music. It's also fun to listen to their British accent.

Happy to have finally gotten some of the shrubs planted and there are some day lilies blooming. I love roses and Costco had some petite knockouts, so I picked those up to put in pots out back where I can enjoy them and they will get lots of sun!

Grow little shrubs, grow.

The roses are indeed petite.

I love these!

And more to come!

Friday Fotos

I remember in the past linking with someone for Friday Fotos, but if I remember correctly, it was discontinued. Anyway, I am posting photos today of the house that I moved into back in September. There have been many events happen between then and now, and I still haven't finished doing the things I should be doing, but life is happening and who really cares if I get all the pictures hung? Right? But Pamela asked me to share some photos of my house so this morning I went through quickly and took pics. I don't know how those photographers who style homes for sale get such amazing pictures ... it certainly isn't possible with an iPhone!

I posted a couple of pictures last week of my living room. When you first enter my house, the dining room is to the left.

The doorway you see in the pic above leads to my little kitchen and breakfast area.

It also leads to my library/office. 

This is the downstairs guest bedroom.

and guest bath

This is the upstairs guest bedroom.

It also has a full size bath, but I didn't take a pic of it.

It's very nice, though.

This is a large walk-in attic from the 

upstairs bedroom. The other walk-in attic has

the AC unit and hot water heater, insulation,

ducts, etc. all that necessary stuff.

This is my bedroom.

The entertainment center in the bedroom is housing

my printer and supplies are in the drawers.

My large and somewhat messy closet.

The guest bedroom also has a closet like this.

My brother says he has "closet envy."

This hallway leads from my bedroom to the guest room and back

to the living room. The door on the left is a half bath

and to the right of the picture at the end is the closet

under the staircase.

This is the patio room looking out at the back deck.

Large garage which also has a storm cellar below.

Front of the house.

I didn't include pics of the stairs, hall and laundry room. Pamela, I hope you enjoyed seeing where Annie and I live now. We really like it here, have wonderful neighbors and it's convenient to just about everything we need ... that is, except Texas.

Where the Living is Easy

Today I thought I would be linking with a new friend, Lisa, for All Around the House. But I came too late for the party. I'm posting anyway! Lisa, I hope you see this.

Do you love this space in your house?

This is my living room. Yes, I do love this space because it’s just the right size for me, it has lots of light and it opens up to my kitchen, dining room and another small living area. The situation of the windows makes it possible for me to keep an eye on the front and back views outside.

2) If you could change one thing in this room, what would it be?

I’m happy with the room, but I am changing out the windows to be rid of the grids that are in the windows now.

3) What is your favorite item in this room?

My recliner back in the corner.

4) Tell us about your favorite event that happens in this room – is it movie night? Is it game night? Is it simply lying around and watching TV?

Since my husband passed away, I downsized to this house which is perfect for me. So this room is where I go first thing each morning for coffee and reading my Bible. When I’m home, I spend a good deal of time here with my dog Annie on my lap. I read, do my Bible studies, eat my dinner, and watch too much TV. Britbox is my favorite.

That's all. Maybe next round I will make it on time.

Spring: A Welcome Time of Year

1. It's like my mama always said, "_________________".

My Mama said it many times. “Pretty is as pretty does. She was right. She said many things that were right.

2. May 11th is National Eat What You Want Day. What will you be having by way of celebration? 

I wish I had known, because I would’ve made something special for my dinner. Since I was going to BSF Tuesday evening, I just had a quick burger. Otherwise, I think it would have been nice to have some fried chicken with mashed potatoes and gravy, corn on the cob, rolls, and brownies with ice cream. 

This past Saturday our Sunday School class had a little going away cookout for one of the couples in our class. There was so much deliciousness there with grilled burgers and chicken, macaroni salad, pea salad, and potatoes au gratin. Since my sister-in-law cannot eat what she wants due to celiac, I made a flourless chocolate cake and served it with fresh strawberries and ice cream. It makes an 8 inch cake, but is very rich and everybody enjoyed it.

 3. Describe your idea of a perfect spring day. 

Perfect spring day to me is sunny, light breeze, just a feeling of well being, the day feels like a warm caress. There are trees in bloom, a variety of color from all the flowers blossoming, and maybe enjoying a meal outdoors with friends. Oh wait! We did that Saturday afternoon at our SS party!

 4. Success, fulfillment, growth, achievement...pick one and tell us how it relates to your life in some way, either currently or in days gone by. 

Maybe achievement. This past year has been a lot of work to make possible my move to another state, taking care of the business attendant thereto, and bringing up to date a lot of my affairs in order in case of any emergency. In general, my moving on in life.

 5. I saw this going around on various social media sites and thought it would be fun to answer here. The last thing you bought on Amazon is your weapon in battle. How will you wield it?  (if you're not an Amazon shopper, then the last thing you bought online anywhere) 

That would be an athletic workout shirt to wear with my yoga pants on Tuesday and Thursday when I attend what is known as Move 1 and Move 2, exercise programs at my church. Wouldn’t it be fantastic if wearing that top would enable me to wield extraordinary feats in my exercise routine? It truly would because of my current limitations with my right arm still healing from the broken wrist.

 6. Insert your own random thought here.

I’m going to go here with your “what’s happening on Tuesday” blog. A little bit of catch-up. I had a nice Mother’s Day in spite of the fact that I was not with the kids or grandkids. However, I served in children’s church, and my brother and sister-in-law and I had a nice dinner after church. After dinner, I had a nap and then pulled out a couple of my old blog books to look at the photos and what I had written in the past about the kids; kind of a sentimental journey.   Jason and Amy sent beautiful roses for Mother’s Day, and I received many cards and phone calls for my birthday and Mother’s Day.

This one is my favorite!

I’ve begun volunteering on Mondays at a thrift shop which raises money for children at a local hospital and so Monday was filled with working with a group of wonderful ladies. We take a 30 minute morning break, which is nice as I’m getting to know all the other volunteers.

Tuesday was another kind of perfect spring day in which it was cloudy and cool with thunderstorms which I really enjoy, especially when I don’t have to get out in it. It was nice of the rain to stop before I had to go to BSF.  

You can't tell by this pic, but t's very wet out there.

The snow storms this past February ruined many of the shrubs in my yard (and everybody else's). That was all right with me, because I was already planning to get rid of some of the landscaping here. One of the problems is that this misfortune happened to many people and so landscape companies are overwhelmed with work backlogs. One of my old high school classmates offered the use of a couple of the guys who do work for him and a lady from my church who is a “master gardener” offered her help. What blessings these offers of help are turning out to be. This job will get done! Today I will be shopping at the nursery for more shrubs and flowers for my front yard.

Thursday our ukulele group will meet for practice. It is possible that this Sunday we may get to play and sing before an audience. And this Friday I will be meeting with my Texas book club group on Zoom. Last Wednesday three friends from my past life here in Tulsa came over after lunch for snacks and a little girl talk … they stayed until 8:00 pm! I promise you, during that entire time, there was never a lull in the conversation. We all had a lot of catching up to do. 

A little funny here: On Sunday in children's church, one of the little boys had a watch which he fiddled with the entire time. It was never on his wrist. At one point, he had it dangling from his mouth between his teeth and the lead teacher asked him to take it out of his mouth as that is not where we wear a watch. It struck me funny as I told the teacher it was a picture of a verse we all need to pay attention to:

“Set a watch, O LORD, before my mouth; keep the door of my lips.”