Saturday 9 - So Into You

Saturday 9: So Into You (1977)

Unfamiliar with this week's tune? Hear it here. 
I'm  unfamiliar with this tune and as far as I remember have never heard it.  Not sure how I missed it but........

1) The singer says that he noticed the lady in question as soon as she walked into the room. Tell us about someone who made a powerful first impression on you.
There have been many who have made powerful impressions on me over the years and I can't recall the most recent.  But, I do believe the old adage that says, "a first impression is a lasting impression."
2) He sings that he's so into her, he can't think about other, more mundane things. Do you find you get easily distracted from your daily tasks? Or do you enjoy seeing your everyday chores through completion?
Oh, I'm not distracted in the least because I LOVE seeing them through to completion.  It is so satisfying!

3) The band took their name from Georgia's biggest city. Have you ever been to Atlanta?
I've been to Atlanta many times.  Hubby has two sisters that live in suburbs of Atlanta.  I enjoy the Atlanta area but I absolutely despise the traffic, it's horrible!

4) The Atlanta Rhythm Section once played the White House. President Carter's son, Chip, was a big fan and invited them to play at his 28th birthday party. How did you celebrate your last birthday?

I had a great birthday the end of July.  It started with a lovely dinner out with dear friends and ended with my daughter and me going to Pawhuska, Ok. to do "all things Pioneer Woman."  

5) Studio One, where the band made all their recordings, was torn down and replaced by a parking lot. Can you think of a structure that you missed, after it met with a wrecking ball?
Several years ago International Paper Company pulled out of our town and they completely and totally took down the facility.  It was such a huge loss economically for our town and I'm not sure we will ever completely recover.  It was very sad to watch it be torn down. 

6) This song hit #7 on the US pop charts. 7 is the number most often chosen as "a lucky number." How about you? Do you have a lucky number?
I do not and don't put too much stock in "a lucky number."

7) Today the Atlanta Rhythm Section reunites with to play at classic rock concerts. What oldies band would you love to see again?

There's several but I'd love to see The Beach Boys or The Righteous Brothers.  Love both of their music.
 
8) In 1977, the star of NBC's Chico and the Man, Freddie Prinze, took his own life. Is there a celebrity death you found shocking?
I don't keep up with celebrities enough to be shocked by anything they might do but I was pretty shocked over Kate Spade.

9) Random question: What word do you always misspell? 

I have a difficult time with a few words but interpret gives me fits.  I always spell it interrupt.

Have a wonderful weekend!

Lea's Favorites and Reviews

It's been a few weeks since I've had a "favorite" post but I do have a few items I want to share with you today.  All of this weeks favorites could help to make your life easier and isn't that what we all want.

Okay, can I just tell you that these little jewels will "make you slap your pappy."  They are so, so quick and easy!  I saw them over in the refrigerated section of the store where biscuits, and other brands of prepared cookie dough is located.  These are scored for easy breaking apart or cutting apart, place on a cookie sheet and bake.  I love to have items like this in the freezer for those times that either we are wanting something or I need to take cookies to an event.  These fit the bill and I think they come in a couple of other choices but caramel, pecans and chocolate can hardly be beat.

And, since we're on the subject of baking cookies............these have been around for a while but if you have not seen them, you need to grab a box.  These pre-cut parchment papers fit a standard size cookie sheet perfectly.  And, you will not even have to wash your cookie sheets if you use these.  They are so handy!

I'm a big fan of Marie Callender products. I saw this in the frozen food section at the grocery store a couple of weeks ago and decided to give it a try.  There are some days that something like this is real handy to have to pull out for dinner.  It has microwave instructions as well as conventional.  I baked it in a conventional oven and we did enjoy it.  Was it as good as homemade?  No, it was not but it was good and again, nice to have in the freezer for a quick meal.





Do you have a clothes steamer?  If you don't then you probably need to get one and this one is TOPS! This is the second steamer I have ever had and while I liked the first one I had, I love this one.  It has such great steam and works like a charm.  I have never owned one of the large, takes up a lot of space, is on rollers, kind of steamers.  They just take up way too much space so I never bought one.  But, when the handheld steamers came out I got one.  And, this comes in a travel size as well, very easy to fit in your luggage with a handy travel bag.  And, yes, it is available on Amazon.

And, Clancy won the Showmanship Award this past Saturday at the first show of the season.  Clancy has 3 sheep this year and definitely off to a  great start and certainly a favorite of his CiCi's. And, I can hardly believe that this little guy will be 10 years old next Tuesday.

The Saturday 9

 

Saturday 9: Listen, People (1966)
 
Unfamiliar with this week's tune? Hear it here.
Oh, talk about memories, I'm betting there are a few reading this post and that have never heard of Herman's Hermits.  But, I remember them well and really enjoyed their songs.


1) Basically Herman is telling us that we each both break hearts and have our hearts broken during our lifetime. Do you agree? 
Hummm.....I suppose that we all do have our hearts broken in some fashion over a lifetime.  Obviously, many heartbreaks are a huge deal when they happen but after a while or even a few years, we see that it really wasn't all that bad. ~smile~

2) He implores us to take his advice. Have you more recently given or received advice?
Just this past week I was assisting someone with ordering some things for her new business and on a few of the items I advised her to go another route.  After we both investigated further, she agreed that my advice was better than the route she had originally planned.  She's young enough to be my daughter and a very wise young woman but I've  lived long enough to have had a few more experiences than she has had.  I was thrilled she asked for my advice.  

3) Herman's real name is Peter Noone. He was popular with girls because of his bright, toothy smile. How's your oral health? When are you due to go to the dentist?
I'm pretty sure it's good right now but, let me assure, I have had my share and several other folks share of dental issues over my lifetime.  I have pretty much had every tooth in my head filled, I've had 12 root canals, which means I've had 12 crowns.  And, I have two implants.  Yep! a boatload!  I see my dentist religiously every 6 months and I do believe I'm due to go in Oct.  I cross my fingers every time I go that he will NOT find any new issues.

4) Peter/Herman got married on his 21st birthday. That's one way to make sure you don't forget your anniversary. Do you have a good memory for anniversaries and birthdays?
Well, I don't know so much that it's my memory, but I have kept those type of dates on a wall calendar for years and now they are on my Outlook calendar and I have them set to remind me.  There's hardly any reason for anyone to forget dates for anything anymore.

5) Between 1965 and 1971, the Hermits worked very hard. They appeared on all the major TV shows of the day, recorded albums, made a movie and then criss-crossed the United States and the United Kingdom, performing live. After those six years, Peter decided he'd had enough and left the group. Have you ever felt burned out and ready for a change?
The only thing that I can think of is about 15 years ago I had 3 booths at a local vendor venue.  I had always wanted to have a gift shop and this was the easiest way for me to do it.  All I had to do was to keep the booths filled with items (most were decor or gift items).  I rented the booth space and the folks I rented from charged a percentage of each sale.  But, the beautiful thing was that I never had to be there other to just stock my booth.  They had someone run the entire business and then they paid us our earnings at the end of each month.  I had such a good time for about 5 years and then it became work.  I had other things vying for my time and knew that the time had come to close it down.  It is a fond memory of mine but I've never regretted my decision to close it down and move on.

6) In 1966, when this song was popular, the miniskirt took the fashion world by storm. What's the most recent piece of clothing you added to your wardrobe? 
I ordered a couple of really cute ponte knit tunic tops for fall and winter about a month ago.  I have not worn them as it is still wayyyyy tooooo hotttttt here!

7) In 1966, TVs were expensive pieces of furniture. A set with a 16" screen and a wood console sold for $250, which is $1,950 in today's dollars. Tell us about your TV. How big is it? Where did you buy it? 
We have a 60" smart TV in the area where Hubby and I are most evenings. I'm not sure, but I think we ordered it from Amazon when we moved in our new house.  We really are TV poor, we almost have a TV in every room of our house and all but one are wall mounted.  

8) David Schwimmer, aka Ross on Friends, was born in 1966. Who was your favorite Friend?
Well, the world stopped with our two children (who were in high school) when Friends was on.  I was not near as "into" the show as they were but Rachel was one of my favorite.

9) Random question -- Describe your dream car.

I do not care at all for any of the "so called" dream cars.  I may think they are pretty but my dream car is one that is above average in comfort, roomy and good cargo or trunk storage. AND, it must have heated seats! ~I love them~  I presently drive a Tahoe and am pretty much satisfied with it. 

Enjoy your Saturday!!!!

Virginia sweet Virginia

I was born in Newport News, Virginia many years ago.~smile~   It was home to my Mom when my Dad met her while he was in the Navy.  He was stationed in Norfolk not far from Newport News.  My Dad's home was Ft. Smith, Arkansas and soon after I was born that is where we moved.  But, we returned to Virginia every year since that was where my Mom's Mother lived and her siblings.  Visiting our Virginia family was something that I always looked forward to.

Over the years I have continued to go back to Virginia for occasional visits and this year Hubby decided that he would join me.  We made our plans about 3 months ago and of course, never dreamed that a hurricane would be brewing and heading straight to the East Coast.  We found ourselves going back and forth about whether we should go or not. We finally decided that we had put so much planning into the trip and we would just take our chances and go.  We all know that hurricanes have a mind of their own and can change their courses in a minutes notice.  AND, that's exactly what Florence did, she left us alone and we had wonderful weather and only experienced a sprinkling of rain one day.  

I only have one Aunt left and I love her  dearly and am so thankful that I got to have this special time with her.  I also have 5-6 cousins in the area and it was sooooo much fun getting to see them. My two girl cousins and I spent a day with Aunt Mary.  We talked and laughed the entire time. 

I have one cousin who lives in Virginia Beach and we spent a morning with her and her husband enjoying the beauty there.  I had not been to Virginia Beach in many years and I could hardly believe how much it had changed.  Quite a thriving city! 

Another cousin owns a 42' cabin cruiser and we enjoyed seeing it and area where it is housed.  He and his wife go out on the boat for weeks at a time and have done this for years and years.  Nothing about it sounds like fun to me.  I cannot even imagine living on a boat and it is very nice with bedroom, kitchen, living area, TV's, etc.  I think I would just always be concerned about the weather or needing assistance and the list goes on and on.  But, they absolutely love every minute they are on the boat and if I were to go out for an extended stay I would want to go with them.  They are well experienced and take no chances.  But, think I'll just settle for an occasional boat ride. 

Right across from the marina where their boat was docked was this house.  I looked up and saw this window in the chimney and had to scratch my head.  I've never, never seen such and cannot imagine what purpose it serves. 

One afternoon Hubby and I went over to walk around historic Williamsburg.  Even though it was the historic district, they did have many of the popular stores and shops.  I had to chuckle when I saw the Chico's store as Chico's style is so far from what the colonial ladies wore.  

Later that evening we met some of my cousins for dinner at a neat little restaurant called Food for Thought.  One thing for sure, the Tidewater area of Virginia is NOT lacking in great eating establishments.  My cousins all made sure that we dined at many of them while we were there and we enjoyed them all. 

We drove over to Smithfield one morning.  We took the ferry part of the way and then drove through beautiful countryside for the rest of the trip.  When I was 14 years old our family returned to Virginia.  My Dad had entered the ministry when I was 6 years old and a church not far from Smithfield called him to be their pastor.  It was great to be back near my Mom's family. I attended Smithfield High School for 3 1/2 years.

I have not been back to the Smithfield area for probably 45 years and I hardly recognized it.  It has grown by leaps and bounds and many of the old homes have been beautifully restored.  Smithfield is known for it's meat packing plant.  Perhaps you have had a Smithfield ham before, if so, this is where it is processed.

Battery Park is where the church was located that my Dad pastored and just a few miles from Smithfield.  It is just a small quaint little village and when we lived there was known for it's fishing and the local oyster house was located there.  It is quite run down and in need of a whole lot of tender loving care and it really made me sad to see it in such a deteriorated state.  But, that is what often happens when folks move from an area and no one moves in to replace them.  I have the fondest memories of  the time we lived there. 

Our last morning there we drove over to Jamestown and toured the area.  It is so full of history and we could have spent an entire day seeing the outside and inside exhibits.

It was such a awesome trip and I especially the treasure the special time I had with my Aunt Mary.  She was married to my Mom's brother but my Mom (and her sisters) always felt like Mary was their blood sister.  She's more fun than a barrel of monkeys and I'd give anything if I could just run by and see her anytime I wanted to.  She spends the majority of her days cozied up inside her little house and really seems quite content and happy.  I pray the Lord will continue to bless her with good enough health that she can remain in her house all the days of her life.

My heart is full of sweet, sweet memories and I know it would make my Mom so very happy if she knew that I had been back to her "home" to see and visit with her/our remaining family members. 

It's All About Food from Sunday Stealing

It's 30 questions about food and what I like or dislike. Always interesting little tidbits to know about someone. ~don't you agree~

1.   Ever had ramen noodles? How do you fix yours? Do you add anything to them? 
Well, believe it or not, I have NEVER had ramen noodles.  I have almost bought them a few times and feel like I would probably like them, but can't say for sure.
  
2.   Do you like spicy foods?
Indeed I do, it almost can't get too spicy for this gal.

3.   Crispy or grilled chicken on your salad?
I prefer crispy on my salad.  But, I will gladly eat grilled chicken for a meal.

4.   Do you like corn on the cob?
Oh, I love corn on the cob but all my dental work over the years will not allow me to eat it off the cob.  So, I just cut it off the cob and eat away.

5.   Pumpkin or apple pie?
It would be pumpkin, even though I do like apple pie, I love all things pumpkin.

6.   Dinner rolls or crescent rolls?
I'll gladly take either one but rarely eat either unless we are eating out and then I will indulge in one.

7.   How do you like your eggs?
It would be scrambled with cheese and cooked well done.  I'm picky about my eggs not being gooey, must be cooked through and through.

8.   Most expensive meal you have ever eaten?
I cannot remember, but we have eaten some meals with shocking prices for sure.

9.   Do you like stir fry?
Yes, I do and I use to even do it myself once in a while.  Now, I only eat it if I get it when we are eating out

10.  What kind of pots and pans do you use?
I use stainless steel and they are very old but are still in excellent condition.  I'm a fanatic about cleaning my pans.  I can't stand nasty looking pans. ~chuckle~

11.   Do you like Brussel sprouts?
I do like brussel sprouts and buy them in the frozen packages and have been know to eat a package for lunch and nothing else. 

12.   Canned or fresh tomatoes?
I do not eat tomatoes in any shape form or fashion.  I will use  diced or chopped tomatoes in soup but that's it.  I do like the flavor of tomatoes so I use tomato sauce and I love salsa but I do not like the texture of tomatos.

13.   BBQ Chicken or Ribs?
Chicken, not sure I've ever eaten ribs, they are too messy for me. ~grin~

14.   Do you like coffee?
I LOVE, LOVE coffee!!!  It's the first thing I grab when I get out of the bed.

15.   Cupcakes or ice cream cake?
I'll take a cupcake and maybe a little dip of vanilla ice cream on the side.

16.   Hot dogs or polish sausage?
Definitely a hot dog with mustard, onions, chili and grated cheese on top.

17.   Do you like cinnamon toast?
I love cinnamon toast but rarely eat it.

18.   Do you eat dinner at the table or in front of the TV?
It would probably be about half and half.  I never saw myself eating in front of the TV but it happened and I really sort of enjoy eating and watching the evening news.

19.   Do you like to BBQ?
No, I do grill but I leave the BBQ to someone else.  It's too messy too.

20.   Do you like cold cuts?
Yes, I like several of the cold cuts and like mixing 2-3 of the meats on a sandwich.  I love a smoked turkey and pepperoni sandwich.  Yummy!

21.   Do you like rice?
Yes, I pretty much like rice any way it can be fixed.

22.   Macaroni and cheese?
As long as it is creamy but I never fix it.  Our son loved it when he was growing up and I made it all the time.  But, not so much now.

23.   Key Lime Pie?
Indeed with a cup of hot coffee

24.   Favorite Fair/Carnival Food?
I think it's called "Tater on a Stick."  It's a spiraled potato on a stick, fried to a nice crispness, and salted.  It is so good.

25.   What kind of gravy do you like?
Just a brown medium thick gravy.

26.   Jalapeno Poppers?
Oh, my, I love them!!! Pioneer Women has the best recipe for these.

27.   Broccoli/Chicken Alfredo?
I've never had it but I know I would love it. I love broccoli, I like chicken and I like alfredo sauce.

28.   Do you like cottage cheese?
NO, NO, NO, but I do use it in one of the lasagne's I make and I never even know it's in it.

29.   Do you like lasagna?
I do and I have two good recipes that I use.

30.   Do you like hard boiled eggs?

Not by themselves but it's fine if they are in a dish. 

Well, this really is my last post until I return home from Virginia.
See you when I return.

Saturday 9

Saturday 9: Gotta Travel On (1959)




Another Saturday, 9 more questions and answers.
Unfamiliar with this week's tune? Hear it here.
I can't believe this song is just 7 years younger than me.  Goodness, that is old!😅
I well remember this song.

1) In this song, the Billy Grammer sings that "summer's almost gone, winter's coming on." When you look out your window, do you see any evidence that the seasons are changing?
Well, I'm sad to say, no.  Our yard and landscape is still in beautiful bloom.

2) He admits he has laid around and played around for too long. Do you consider lazy days to be wasted days? 
I can't remember the last lazy day I had, but I do not think they are wasted days. Well, as long as you don't have to many of them and ignore the work at hand.  I'm just much happier being busy, not too busy, just the right amount of busy. ~grin~

3) Billy relaxed by fishing. Tell us about a visit you made to a pier, or a ride you took on a boat, this past year. (Bonus points if you went fishing!)
Well, I'm afraid that I have done absolutely none of the above. Now, we live on a beautiful pond, just steps from our back porch.  I have sat out by the pond and watched the Grans and other family members enjoy fishing this year, but, I was not a participant.

4) Born in 1925, Mr. Grammer was the eldest of 13 children. He and his wife Ruth were childless. What do you think is the ideal size for a family? 
I think the size of one's family is a personal decision but for us, it was 4.  We had a son and a daughter and I never desired more, so we were a happy family of 4.

5) This song was very popular on juke boxes back in 1959. When were you last in a bar or restaurant that had a juke box? Did you play it?
I know there are still places that have juke boxes but I can't remember the last time I was in a place that had one.  It's been a long time ago.

6) In 1959, movie tickets zoomed up in price to $1.00 and Ben Hur was the big blockbuster. What's the last movie you saw in a theater? Do you remember how much the ticket cost?
The last movie we went to was Momma Mia 2 - Here We Go Again. I believe the tickets were $8 because we went to the matinee showing.  Between the cost of the tickets and any concessions you may want, I truly do not know how young families can afford to go.

7) Huckleberry Hound was a hit with the younger audience in 1959. What cartoon did you enjoy as a kid? 
No doubt about it, Bugs Bunny.
8) In 1959, continuing dramas (soap operas) were still broadcast each day on the radio. When you turn on the radio, do you listen for talk, news, or music?
The radio in my vehicle stays on XM station 68, Escape.  It is an easy listening instrumental station and I so enjoy it - so relaxing.  I use to listen to talk radio and sometimes news, but they are both just a bunch of noise now and I  simply cannot stand it. 
 
9) Random question -- Which competition would you rather judge: The Pillsbury Bake Off, The Miss America Pageant, or Dancing with the Stars? 

I would enjoy judging the Pillsbury Bake Off, at least it would taste a whole lot better than the other two choices.  I am not totally on board with the Miss America Pageant and I sure don't know enough about dancing to be a judge.   ~that's the truth~
~~~~~~

Alrighty, I'll be outta here and enjoying some time in Virginia next week.  I'll catch up with you when I return.  And, hey, please pray that Virginia can avoid being hit by any of the hurricane or the results of it.  Ugh, could put a real "damper" on our trip.

Fall and Other Things

In case you haven't heard, I am anxiously awaiting Fall.  I love fall, cooler temps, pumpkins, fall foliage, sweaters, and booties. The first official day of fall isn't until Sept. 23rd. So, it's still about 3 weeks away.  But, I am ready!

This past weekend I put out my fall pillows on the front porch.  I love these pillows from Plow and Hearth.

And, I also put a few fall touches out inside the house.  I've really simplified my seasonal decor in recent years but I really like the decor I have.

I now have beaded runners from Pier 1 for all the holidays and season and I especially like this one with the pumpkins.  And, I love my copper pumpkins.  Yes, I'm ready and waiting for fall to make it's grand appearance.

This little guy turned 3 years old last Friday, August 31st.  He is our youngest Gran and he is one more happy little boy and he was beside himself over his birthday.  You can tell from his expressions that he was about to "pop a button."

Stop by tomorrow for The Saturday 9 and have a great Friday and here's wishing for some fall like weather.  

The Wednesday Hodgepodge

Joyce took the summer off from the HP but she's back for today.  She will let us know her future plans in due time. 

1. What has been the highlight of your summer so far? (It's still summer people!)

Hands down, when my daughter and I went to Pawhuska, Ok to visit all things Pioneer Woman

2. What do you wish you'd done more of this summer? Less of?
I was pretty content with my summer and not sure I'd change a thing.

3. Something you're looking forward to on your September calendar?
Hubby and I will fly out this coming Monday morning for Virginia.  We will be visiting some of my cousins and my only surviving Aunt on my Mom's side of the family.  I've been looking forward to this visit for months.

4. Best/favorite book you've read this summer?


I have not done a whole lot of reading this summer but I did read this book and I highly recommend it to anyone who is caring for or overseeing the care of their aging parent. It is full of encouragement and if you have ever cared for a parent then you know that it can be a tough, tough job.  Yes, the rewards can be great , but you often grow weary and worn.  I have been overseeing the care of my Dad for almost 8 years.  Thankfully he is still able to live in an assisted living facility and I pray will live out his days there.

5. Share something positive, encouraging, or uplifting here.
No matter how dark and dreary our day may be, no matter how distressing the news may be and on and on, God is still on His throne and He is in control.  Obviously the world is full of folks that do not know this and they have missed the mark for sure.  I'm so thankful that I am His and He is mine.

6. Insert your own random thought here.

Our Princess spent the afternoon with us this past Sunday.  After she had left I found these two notes that she had written to us.  These are one of the many rewards of Grandparenting.  And, she used such creativity. I was pretty impressed for an 8 year old.

How Do You Cozy - TBB Asks

It's the first Monday of September and that means it's time for The Blended Blog gals to ask us their questions.  It's always such fun to join these gals.

1. Slippers: YES or NO?
Yes, indeed, slippers, not house shoes.  I want to just slip my feet into them, thus slippers.

2. What is your favorite Blanket?
I bought a Peacock Alley blanket a few years ago that is by far my favorite blanket.  It is soft but has a lot of body to it, not flimsy and holds it's shape very well.  I am not sure of the fabric content but it's awesome.  I got it at Tuesday Morning for less than half of what it cost.

3. Thin or Thick Pillow?
Neither, I have used a contour pillow for about 10 years.  I started using it for neck issues and have just kept using it.  My favorite is the one from Brookstones.  Contour pillows are NOT all created equal!

4. Favorite Warm Beverage?
Well, I don't do warm, but rather HOT coffee every morning of my life.  I love coffee, especially in the mornings.  Coffee with my morning devotional is the perfect way to start my day.

5. Robe: YES or NO?
NO, I cannot stand robes!!! I wear Soma lounging tops and pants for my robe.  Robes get in my way.

6. Favorite Comfort Snack Food(s)?
Hummm....it would be popcorn or peanut M and M's.  I love the salt of the popcorn and the crunch of the M and M's.

7. Movies or TV Series Binge?
The only series I have ever binge watched was Longmier. One of the best shows I've ever seen.  I'm currently watching The Queen but not binge watching, I just watch it every morning while I'm on my elliptical.

8. Actual PJ’s or Leggings? 
I don't do PJ's in any shape, form or fashion.  I love soft,soft night shirts.

9. Do you cozy up on the couch or a chair?
I rarely sit down during the day but in the evenings I can hardly wait to get to my recliner and cozy up with my favorite afghan.

10. Hoodie, T-shirt or Sweater?

I'm not much of a hoodie or t-shirt kind of gal, so it would be a sweater.  I do have a couple of hoodies that I occasionally wear and I only wear a t-shirt to work out on my elliptical.  But, I love sweaters!