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!

Sunday Stealing Questions and Answers

I've enjoyed participating in the Saturday 9 and the Sunday Stealing these past few weeks.  It certainly helps to get my sometimes feeble brain in gear and it gives my readers a chance to learn just a little bit more about me. ~since I know they want to~ 

What is one thing that you would change about yourself if you could?
Well, what an interesting question.........I have always wished that I had gone to college, so I'd say I wish that I were a college graduate.  I don't know if my life would have been a bit different if I had gone to college but I still wish I had.

Name three exotic countries you would like to visit:
If I could just snap my fingers and be there I'd like to visit, China, India and Greece

What do you think the secret to life is?
No doubt about it, it is knowing Jesus Christ as my personal Savior and knowing that HE is  always be with me, no matter what.  And, having the assurance of spending eternity with HIM.

Best concert:
I would have to say George Strait.  It was many years ago but he gave a first class concert and I love all of his songs.  It was a most enjoyable evening.

Song you can listen to over and over and not get tired of:
I Can Only Imagine by Mercy Me   I know every word and loved it the first time I ever heard it many years ago and now that I've seen the movie, I love it even more.

Worst movie music soundtrack or score:
I have no idea

A song you wish wouldn't get stuck in your head but always does:
I really don't get songs stuck in my head or haven't in a very long time.

Who was your FIRST date?
My husband

Do you still talk to your FIRST love?
Every day - I married him.

What was your FIRST alcoholic drink?
I am a teetotaler.  All alcoholics started with a JUST one drink.  I have seen alcohol ruin lives and families and  I made the decision a very, very long time ago that I would not drink in any shape, form or fashion. 

What was your FIRST job?
Other than babysitting (I earned 50 cents an hour back in the day) I worked at a local department store gift wrapping.

What was your FIRST car?
Oh, I didn't have a car until I was married.  I drove our family car after I got my license.  Our first car after we married was a red  Pontiac Firebird.  We were a one car family for quite some time and then Hubby went to work for a company that provided him a company car so the Firebird became "my" car.

Where did you go on your FIRST ride on an airplane?
I flew from Virginia to Louisiana to see my husband to be.  I was scared too death but that was the first of many, many flights for me.

Who was your FIRST best friend and do you still talk?
Oh, yes indeed.  It was a girl named Lynette and we became friends in the 8th grade and although for most of our friendship we have lived many miles apart, we stay in touch and visit each other when we can.  She has lived in Florida for 30+ years but she is from here in Louisiana where I live.

Whose wedding did you attend the FIRST time?
I do not recall as I started going to weddings a very long time ago.

Tell us about your FIRST roommate.
I did have a brief stent with college and my roommate and I had nothing in common.  We were just roommates and nothing more.  I wish it had been different as I really looked forward to having a roommate.  

If you had one wish, what would it be (other than more wishes)?
That my Grans would make wise and good decisions as they grow up and never have to live with consequences of bad decisions.

What is something you would learn if you had the chance?
Hummmm, just not sure.

Did you marry the FIRST person you were in love with?
Yes, I did.

What were the first lessons you ever took and why?
I started taking piano lessons when I was around 8 or 9 and took for 7-8 years.  I took because my Mom wanted me to learn to play the piano but I never had my heart in it.  I did learn but really never enjoyed it.  I regret that today.

What is the first thing you do when you get home? 
I take my rings off and put them in a little gold lidded box that sets on my key drop.  I cannot stand to wear my rings while I'm at home.  They are the first thing I put on when I leave the first thing I take off when I get home. 

See you back tomorrow for more questions with The Blended Blog Gals.

Saturday 9 - She Works Hard for the Money

She Works Hard for the Money (1983) 

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

1) This song is about a woman who works hard as a waitress. What's the hardest job you've ever had?
Soon after hubby and I married I went to work for a large insurance company in one of their regional offices.  I started in files.  That was way before paperless work and there were papers, papers and more papers and myself and about 6 other gals had the job of filing papers all day long.  It was up and down and all around all day long. Thankfully I was young!

2) The lyrics tell us she has worked at this job for 28 years. What's the longest you stayed with one employer?

Well, I'll answer this with "tongue in cheek"............I have been CFO of my husbands insurance agency for over 35 years.  He did all the payroll, bill paying and other financial business himself in the early years and then turned it all over to me.  When I started it was all done by hand and now, of course, it's all done on the computer and online. 

3) Donna Summer was inspired to write this song during an awards show. She ducked into the bathroom and met the elderly ladies' room attendant, whose job it was to make sure the room the spotless, the complimentary hairspray and moisturizer was abundant, and there was a hot towel for every celebrity who used the facilities. "Wow," Donna thought, "she works hard for those tips." Who is the last person you tipped?

I drove through Sonic yesterday for a drink and tipped the gal at the window.  I figure those folks rarely get a tip so I try to always give them one.

4) Early in her career, Donna was in the touring company of the musical Hair. It played in Munich for so long that she became fluent in German. What's the longest you have ever lived away from home?

  7 years ago my Dad was very sick and hospitalized for most of that summer in a hospital about 100 miles from here.  I lived in a Hampton Inn most of the days he was hospitalized.  It was a very long summer! 

5) Sam's dad is naturally outgoing and enjoys striking up conversations with waitresses, librarians, the checker at the supermarket, etc. Sam is always polite but more private. Are you more like father or daughter?

I am very outgoing and do enjoy conversing with folks but I don't strike up conversations with every one I run into when I am out and about.

6) A little more than 10% of the American workforce is self-employed. Have you ever been your own boss?
Well, since being the CFO of my hubby's business ~chuckle~  I have been.  I have no one to report to or answer to. I have a job to do and I do it and it works.

7) Labor Day weekend may offer a golden opportunity for napping and sleeping in. Do you snore?
Hubby has said that I snored a couple of times but, no, I do not snore 99% of the time.

8) Will you be attending a Labor Day picnic or barbecue? 
Yes, we will join friends for a bar-b-que buffet.  It will be a fun time with good food and fellowship.

9) Labor Day traditionally marks the beginning of the fall. Will you be adding any new fall clothes to your wardrobe?

I have bought a few items but I do NOT need any more clothes.  That doesn't mean I don't love clothes but trying to be more conscious of need rather than want. ~smile~

Have a wonderful Labor Day weekend!!!!

Tales of the Traveling Totes

Yes, it's that time, time to share Miss Scarlett's travels.  The travels this quarter were not all that exciting as compared to last quarter, but we still enjoyed the two trips we took.

If we travel by car then Scarlett always travels between the two back seats holding all of our snacks.  She does such a good job with that and is, without a doubt, the most attractive "snack holder" on the planet. 

Our first trip this quarter was to the area of Atlanta, Ga.  Hubby has two sisters that live in that area and we went to spend a few days with them.  Here Scarlett is perched in the casual living area of one of his sister's new house.  They had just moved into a very nice golfing community and we had never been to their new home. 

And, this day found her enjoying the more formal living area of their home.  Scarlett really didn't leave their house on this trip, mainly because I forgot her.  I know, how could I do such, especially as cute as she is. ~chuckle~

Our next trip was back to Oklahoma where my daughter and I enjoyed celebrating  my birthday in Pawhuska, Ok. doing all things Pioneer Woman.  Bridget only lives about 2 hours from Pawhuska, so it was a pretty quick drive. 

We stayed at the lovely Boarding House.

Miss Scarlett and I climbed the pretty stair case up to our beautiful room on the 3rd floor.  There are only 8 rooms at The Boarding House so we felt very special that we were able to book one of the rooms. 

The building that is now The Boarding House was a drug store at one time and before the Boarding House it was a JC Penney's.  

We stayed in the Prairie Room and it was perfection down to every detail.  We felt like two Queens. 

Pawhuska is a very small historic town and here Miss Scarlett and I are standing in front of a monument on Main Street.

There were some cute shops and who could resist going into a shop with the name the Buckin' Flamingo?  Not us for sure.

I did find a couple of things that I could not live without.  I mean this was my birthday trip!

And, Miss Scarlett got plum excited when we met up with Ladd Drummond (Pioneer Woman's husband) in the Mercantile Restaurant.  He was such a nice guy.

We enjoyed browsing through The Mercantile.  There was just about anything and everything in the door and all with Pioneer Woman's flair.

We ended our stay by going to The Lodge where Pioneer Woman films her cooking show.

Before leaving we enjoyed a few minutes out on the deck on the back of the lodge.  It looks out on to pasture and ranch land .

And, that wraps up this quarter's travels with Miss Scarlett.  She already has a big trip planned for this new quarter.  We'll be leaving on the 10th for the great state, Virginia, my birthplace.





You can visit around with all of the TT gals and you can even register for the giveaway over at Life and Linda by leaving her a comment.  It's the cute set of McKenzie Childs guest towels.  

Debbie with Miss Aurora @ Mountain Breaths 

Emily with Miss Courtney Childs@ The French Hutch

 Patti with Miss Kenzie @ Pandora's Box

Linda P with Miss Lola @ Life and Linda

Rita with Miss Luna C @ Panoply 

Sarah with Miss Merri Mac @ Hyacinths for the Soul

Jackie and Miss Madi K @ Purple Chocolat Home

Ricki Jill and Countess De Monet @ The Sketchy Reader

Lea and Miss Scarlett @ Cici's Corner