MelaniePenelope

Saturday 9: Cool Night

Hi everyone. I've had a tragic, heartbreaking week, and am left a devasted, broken soul. Rather than judge me as uncaring about what happened - when/if you find out - realize this is a distraction to take my mind off of it for a little while.

If you want to join us and play "Cool Night" on Saturday 9, make sure to link up here. And lets get to it:

Saturday 9: Cool Night (1981)

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

1) In this song, Paul Davis invites his old girlfriend to "come on over tonight." Have you more recently extended or received an invitation?

Extended I suppose. Kinda... yeah.

2) He tells her she doesn't have to commit to any plans. Do you like having a schedule ahead of you with things to do delineated? Or do you prefer to see how your days naturally unfold?

I always have a schedule, and check it frequently. If things don't go as planned, depending on the "things," I tend to get upset about it, but sometimes I can be spontaneous and go with the flow.

3) He wants them to cuddle by the fire. Will tonight be a cool night where you are?

No, it's going to be 70ºF to 73ºF, depending on the weather. I still that's warm enough, right?

4) A quiet night in front of the fireplace is likely how Paul Davis spent many evenings. When he died in 2008, his best friend remembered him as a quiet man, "a homebody" who liked staying up late into the night enjoying conversation and music with friends. Describe your perfect evening.

I can't right now. I'm sorry. Things are so far from perfect that right now I can't even begin to think of what *my* perfection might look like.

5) Mr. Davis also enjoyed playing pool and golf. Do you have a liking for either of those games?

Not golf, and I am horrible at pool.

6) When he retired from music, Paul Davis returned to Meridian, MS, the town where he was born and grew up. Since we Americans can be a nomadic lot, let's find out: Is the town where you were born the same place where you spent most of your growing up years?

No. I was born, technically, in Goshen, New York, but raised until aged 6½ in nearby Monroe. After that, we moved to Baldwinsville (outside of Syracuse) for the rest of my formative years.

7) In 1981, when Paul Davis was a hit, so were The Rolling Stones with "Start Me Up." What's your favorite Rolling Stones' song?

Right now, it's probably "Paint it Black," since it's about grief and being despondent during that whole stage after experience the death of a loved one.

8) Also in 1981, Snoopy was all the rage, with kids and adults alike. You could buy Snoopy magnets, pencils, pencil sharpeners, note pads ... even a Snoopy bulletin board. If today we went shopping for office supplies, what would you pick up?

Well, I love good pens, that write easily and smoothly, every time, so if we were at Office Depot, I'd get the 14-pack of TuL pens. I'd probably check out what else new TuL has come out with, because I'm basically their groupie at this point.

9) Random question: In a biopic of your life, who would play your mom and dad?

Dad, maybe Burt Reynolds (I don't care that he's gone; bring him back!) and my mom..??? Oh maybe a young Suzanne Somers. And that is that.

Fin.

Saturday 9: Drive To You

Howdy-hey, pardners. I'm excited about this week's offerings featuring one of my favorite artists from way back, Jewel! I've been listening to Jewel for over 25 years, since my college years. My BFF introduced us. Are you a fan?

I took a long nap this afternoon/evening and now I'm worried about being able to sleep tonight. But I have to, because the Maryland Folk Festival is this weekend, all weekend, and I don't want to miss a drop! With that said, link up here if you're playing along this weekend, and I'm going to jump right in!

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Saturday 9: Drive to You (2006)

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

1) In this song, Jewel sings that she can't sleep and is staring at the ceiling. Did you fall asleep easily last night?

Yes, and no. I couldn't stay asleep. I woke up at least three times, and finally, on the last time, I went out to my office to work on some Cricut projects. Hopefully I didn't wake any of the others.

2) She concludes that the only thing to do is drive to her lover's side. Last time you got behind the wheel, where were you headed?

I'm pretty sure I went to pick up Chloë, our eldest, and bring her to work or bring her to our house from work.

3) Jewel grew up in Alaska. Have you ever visited our largest state?

Not yet. My husband really wants to go, so I can see us going in the future sometime.

4) She once performed at the Sydney Opera House, which is more than 7,300 miles away from Anchorage. There are no direct commercial flights between those two cities. Given your choice, would you rather spend less on travel but have to change flights, or spend more and fly non-stop to your destination?

Given the choice, I would always save money and have multiple flights.

5) Actor Sean Penn developed a crush on Jewel after seeing her perform on TV and attended many of her concerts during her 1995 tour. What's the best concert you ever saw?

There have been lots of cool concerts, but seeing Blue Man Group was absolutely one of the most memorable.

6) She married Ty Murray, a successful rodeo cowboy. Have you ever attended a rodeo?

Not a chance. Animal welfare reasons top the list of why not.

7) In 2006, the year "Drive to You" was released, Al Lewis died. He was best known as Grandpa on The Munsters. It's time for you to declare where you stand on this issue: do you prefer The Munsters or The Addams Family?

I think The Munsters take the edge for me, just a wee bit. I just got a bigger kick out of them.

8) 2006 was a very good one for tennis pro Roger Federer. He reached the finals in all four Grand Slam tournaments, and won three. What's the last game you won? (Yes, Wordle counts.)

I've been really into the game Connections from The New York Times. It's fun, it's quick, it's challenging. Very fun.

9) Random question: Using one word, how would you describe 2024 so far?

FLYING! I can't believe I've started my Christmas shopping already! That's wild. It was just literally Christmas 6½ minutes ago, I swear. Insane. This year is FLYING by. Amirite?

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Y'all take care and have a wonderful weekend!

Fin.

Saturday 9: Minute By Minute

Hello, my friends! Here it is, 9:30 AM on Saturday. I had planned on playing Friday afternoon, but the day got away from me. The day always gets away from me! Does that happen to you often, too?

By the way, I was listening to the main song just now, on YouTube as directed, and then went into more Doobie Brothers songs, and apparently one chonky porky Tapioca puppy didn't appreciate my choice in music. Too bad, Sis! Do you see that side-eye? LOL.

Make sure you're linking up here if you're playing with us this weekend! It's a blast, you'll love it.

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Saturday 9: Minute by Minute (1979)

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

1) It's easier to keep track of the minutes if your timepiece has a second hand. As you answer these questions, are you wearing a watch or can you see a clock that has a second hand?

I don't wear a watch, because I usually get ridiculous contact dermatitis whenever my skin and an object get wet and are held together for a length time, ie., from handwashing. I couldn't wear my wedding rings for a long time. So I mostly look at my phone. Sometimes I'll ask Alexa. The clock on my shelf needs new batteries. I do have a dive watch exactly like the picture, good ol' Seiko, but I don't do a lot of SCUBA diving these days. I should just get it out and wear it sometimes anyways.

2) In this song, Michael McDonald admits he knows his girl has lied to him. Do you suspect any one of your friends/family has fibbed to you recently?

I do suspect it. And I suspect it - such a big lie of major importance - so strongly that I have unfriended, unfollowed, blocked, booted, and otherwise abandoned our friendship in every available way that I can think of thus far.

3) McDonald's big break came in 1973 when he joined Steely Dan's touring band. What do you consider your first professional success?

Well, that's hard to say, since I left marine science academia so long ago and became "Mom." Hm, so first professional success there? Oh, I don't know. I got it - all three kids said "mama" before "dada," even though the latter is easier and therefore usually first to be said. Hee.

4) In 1975 he joined The Doobie Brothers. He was originally supposed to be a temporary replacement for Tom Johnston, but he ended up working with the band uninterrupted for seven years. Tell us about something that's happened to you that turned out better than you anticipated.

(can't get the other one to load)

We recently took in my friend's two bigger dogs - and, briefly, my friend - while she searches for new digs for herself. Rob jokingly wants to rename the dogs "chaos" and "mayhem," but they're sweet, and even our autistic son who was all "hell no" about them coming is having a blast bonding with them. So it's going okay, thankfully.

5) In 1986 he guest starred on an episode of The Young and The Restless. Have you ever been hooked on a daytime drama?

When I was a kid I watched whatever my older sisters watched, so yeah. The main one was Guiding Light. IYKYK

6) Michael and wife Amy raised their family near Nashville, where they had their own pond and a garden they lovingly tended. Do you enjoy yard work?

NO! I spent too many of my childhood days picking up rotten apples (we lived on an old orchard that had been divvied up) and leaves and pine cones and pine straws (shoving them all into plastic trash bags, no less, which of course I now would never do and am horrified I had to), weeding like nobody's business - still don't hate dandelions like my dad does - tending to the veggie garden and occasionally the flowers, pruning, etc. Which is fine and all, but that doesn't mean I liked it! We're hoping soon to break ground in our backyard for a fruit/veggie/flower garden (gotta think of those pollinators), so I'm hoping to turn this black thumb green. Still testing it out on the succulents indoors.

7) In 1979, when "Minute by Minute" was popular, movie star John Wayne died. In 2004, the US Postal Service honored him with a stamp. What was in the last envelope you stamped and dropped in a mailbox?

It was actually a postcard for Postcrossing, with $1.65 in all different denominations of stamps, bound for China. I have international stamps, but some people request different ones than those and now I'm well equipped. It may have been one of the popular Blue Cat cards by Irina Zeniuk; I send out a lot of those.

8) In 1979, the most popular new car was the Oldsmobile Cutlass. Ads promised drivers the Cutlass could make it easy to get in and out of tight parking spots. Are you good at parallel parking?

Umm... In theory I am. I mean, I get the concepts. I'm just really horrible at driving in reverse and also at judging my proximity to the curb. Now that I have three - no, four? - back-up cameras on my spaceship, that does make it a lot easier. However, I hardly ever have to do it, since they don't make a lot of "handicapable" people park that way.

9) Random question: Did you know your great-grandparents?

No, of all the grands and greats, I only knew my mother's parents, and they have been gone for a number of years now. Here are the kids heading back from when we went up to New Jersey for my grandpa's funeral, stopping to eat Carvel ice cream. This was Grandpa's favorite treat, before he was told no more ice cream! and switched to TCBY, so we had to stop and have some Carvel in a hat tip to that dear, departed gent, the finest in the world. Grandma had died roughly a decade earlier and also loved Carvel. ♥ I loved and miss them so incredibly much.

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Fin.

Saturday 9: Morning Train

Hello, loves! I see I'm the caboose of this train again, haha. That's fine with me, it's my spot I guess. I'm not feeling well, so this will probably take me awhile and be rife with mistakes. Bear with me?

If you're joining up with us this weekend, be sure to join up with Crazy Sam and the rest of us here.

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Morning Train (1981) 

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

1) In this song, Sheena Easton sings about her lover, who takes a train to and from work each day. When is the last time you took public transportation? Where did you go?

We took a water taxi from one end of Fort Lauderdale, Florida, to the fine dining and shopping area of another. It was for a mystery shop, probably circa 2016. We had a good time. The taxi was fun and we did fine-dine!

2) His workday begins at 9 and ends at 5. Do your days stick to a predictable schedule?

As someone who is chronically ill on, as luck would have it, several levels, my day is pretty predictable. And now I have double pneumonia again. It makes me feel even shittier about it when I read someone complain about prioritizing work over sleep and family and instead and work on their next creative project, and they are go, go, go, and oh! How will I survive? And I'm sitting here in boring bed, day after day, thinking, "Dude. I'd give anything to be able to have a job."

3) In the evening she sings that they may go to a movie, a restaurant or slow dancing ... whatever she wants. Which of those would you choose?

I told Hubs that for my birthday (September 8th), I want to see Beetlejuice 2, if it's out yet. Is it out yet? I should check... okay, I'm good, it will have just come out. I haven't been to the movies in some years, and I'm a big Jenna Ortega fan, so I'm excited to see her in it.

4) As a little girl, Sheena Easton performed at family gatherings, not just because she was talented but because she could be a bit of a ham. When you were a kid, were more often shy or outgoing?

I'm this ^^^ person to a "T." Exactly this person. Painfully shy and then, when we're friends, you can't shut me up.

5) In the late 1980s she was the spokeswoman for Bally's health clubs. Do you have a gym membership?

Nyet. I have a hypermobility disorder, Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome, so my joints are constantly dislocating. I'm on the "do what I can do at home" plan.

6) In 1987 she played Sonny Crockett's love interest on Miami Vice. Were you a fan of the show?

Hmm. I remember seeing on TV sometimes, but I wouldn't say I really paid attention to it. I was still in elementary school then. I remember the blazers.

7) This weekend is a good reason to have a picnic or barbecue. The best-selling barbecue sauce flavors are sweet, spicy, and smoky. What's your favorite?

Sorry, none for me. I've liked any barbecue sauce, and I don't eat anything with it on there. I'll take the fruit or potato salad, please!

8) Labor Day weekend may offer a golden opportunity for napping and sleeping in. Do you snore?

Now that I've lost a bunch of weight (again), Hubs reports I rarely do and not loudly. When I've been heavier, then yeah.

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

I think so. I really need to get some new jeans at least; my other two pairs fall down on me now. Will it be one of these styles? I doubt it, but I do rather like that fringe-y Diesel coat on the right!

I have some clothes in an online cart somewhere, but now I can't remember where! 

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Y'all have a good Labor Day weekend! I hope you get time to rest and relax. Please send me healthy vibes!!

Fin.

Saturday 9: Sh-Boom Sh-Boom

Hey, folks. It's going to be of a late entry from me here today. I had it mostly written yesterday, actually, but I scrolled up through what I'd written to re-check something, and the page rebooted. Typepad is supposed to automatically save that stuff, but it didn't. None of it.

So I got frustrated and put the post away.

But I'm back, a bit after 10 AM on Saturday, to finish what I started. If y'all out there, all my 1 fans, are wanting to play along today with me and Crazy Sam and The Crew Cuts and the gang today, just head here to Saturday 9 and then link up here when you're finished. Easy peasy!

I'll leave you to it.

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Saturday 9: Sh-Boom (1954)
Unfamiliar with this week's tune? Hear it here.

1) 70 years ago this month, the Crew Cuts were singing that life could be a dream. When you awaken, can you recall your dreams?

Yes, I usually can, and sometimes I remember multiple ones. This morning, I woke up with dreaming that I'd taken my youngest baby, Rowan, to the pediatrician to have their very first shots. And when Rowan sneezed in the middle of it, the tech or nurse was horrified and started crying, explaining, "I've barbed them, I can't get it out!" And I learned that she'd used a fish hook instead of a regular needle to innoculate my child! I was upset when I woke up, even! Now, it's funny.

2) The lead singer refers to his girl as "darling," "sweetheart" and "baby." Have you used an affectionate endearment lately? If yes, who were you speaking to?

Oh, it could've been any of the kids or Rob. I'm always making up new, ridiculously silly epithets for them, often with "punkin," "pickle," or "peanut" involved.

3) Two members of this Canadian quartet are brothers, born 15 months apart. Do you have siblings? If yes, how close in age are you?

-- pass --

4) A hit in Toronto, the Crew Cuts traveled by car to appear on TV in New York. How are your wheels? Would you give your vehicle a tune up before embarking on a 1,000 mile (500 miles each way) road trip?

I just had my van in to have the air pressure checked, because they were reading a little bit wonky, and they were tapped up. We have a compressor at home, too, that works well enough to charge up Rob's Toyota pick-up. But they didn't rotate my tires (I don't believe my '21 Honda Odyssey ever has had the tires rotated, but I drive it very few miles per year), I might ask to check those and the oil before we go. That's about it. Where are we going?

5) In 54 and 55, they had five Top 10 hits. Then the Crew Cuts fell off the charts. Founding member Rudi Maugeri suspects it's because they were a "teen act" and teenage music tastes can change fast. Who did you listen to when you were in high school?

Of course, not just these three -- I got into the 90s rap some, so Salt 'n' Pepa, Queen Latifah, DeLaSoul, Kid n Play, LLCoolJ, and yes, the Fresh Prince.

6) A well-maintained crew cut should be trimmed every 2-4 weeks. Is there an appointment with a hairstylist on your calendar?

I just recently had one, but I'm not satisfied. I think I didn't go short enough. My hair is very fine, and it is now thinner than ever. It has been falling out in clumps and more clumps. So much so that my husband offered to grow out his hair to make me a wig, and then grow it out again so we match, haha. It's awfully sweet. But I am thinking of going back to the salon.

Let's look at the summer of 1954:

7) 70 years ago, Chicago Bears great Walter Payton was born. Today more than 1200 students are enrolled in Chicago's Walter Payton College Preparatory High School. Was your high school named after anyone?

I attended Charles W. Baker High School in Baldwinsville, New York. We had a number of notable athlete alumni, but it irks me that those are the only kind found "notable." IJS. Jason Grilli and I were in the same graduating class. It's been a bit fun following his baseball career.

8) J.R.R. Tolkien's Fellowship of the Rings was published. It's the first of three volumes in the Lord of the Rings trilogy. Have you read the books and/or seen the movies?

No, I haven't. I could never get into it; Sci-Fi just isn't my genre. (And if you didn't just try to pronounce that like Alex Trebek, well, can we even still be friends?)

9) Sports Illustrated was first published. As a special promotion, the premier issue included baseball cards. With the introduction of online communities and trading apps, collecting baseball cards continues to grow in popularity. Are there any card collectors in your life?

I believe Hubs still has the collection he inherited from his father (?), but he doesn't continue collecting them. I don't know what his plans are for those. I'm not sure he does, either.

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Welp, looks like my beach was bumped until tomorrow. I've got to sit on the nebulizer and take another crack at this crazy thing called breathing. You guys should do plenty of it, too!

Fin.

Saturday 9: I Get Around

Good morning, everyone! Not for much longer here on the East Coast (it's 11:45 EDT), but morning nonetheless. Between weather and migraine days, I've been trying and failing to get to the beach all week.

So the Beach Boys are a welcome addition to my week, and the blahg, after all that nonsense. Link up here if you're playing along with us!

And away we go...

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Saturday 9: I Get Around (1964)
Unfamiliar with this week's tune? Hear it here.

1) 60 years ago this month, the Beach Boys were singing that having a cool car and helped them get girls. In your teen years, what did you drive?

That's a bit of a sting. In my senior year of high school, which was '93-'94, I had bought myself a red '91 Ford Escort wagon. But then no one was available or, according to my dad, allowed to teach me how to drive, so I didn't get my license. Therefore, I wasn't allowed to take my car to college with me, and my dad kept it with him -- and drove it, and neglected to get the required oil change(s) and other maintenance, and seized it up.

2) They are searching for a new place to party. This weekend, will you be visiting any bars, theaters or restaurants?

No partying here. If the clouds and storms let up, we may finally try to visit a new-to-us beach, Roaring Point, on the Nanticoke River.

3) When Brian Wilson was forming the group, he turned to his friend Al Jardine, his brothers Dennis and Carl, and his cousin, Mike Love. Though most of their songs were about cars, beaches and surf, only one of those founding members was a surfer: Dennis. Do you enjoy the beach? Are you good on a surfboard?

I've never been on a surfboard, though I can tell you right now that I'd never be able to stand let alone catch a wave. I am pretty good at, and fond of, hitting up a beach. (That's the kids and me on Christmas 2013 in Miami.)

4) They were originally from Hawthorne, California. Hawthorne was the early childhood home of Marilyn Monroe. Since Marilyn was one of the most iconic women of the 20th century, we know you recognize her image. Have you seen any of her movies?

No, I never have.

5) "I Get Around" is included in Endless Summer, the greatest hits compilation released in 1974. Influential music critic Robert Christgau said Endless Summer should be part of any basic record library. What's one of your favorite CDs?

I haven't had any CDs for a long time, but I'm going to go old-school and say that two of my favorites were movie soundtracks: Sleepless in Seattle & Waiting to Exhale both had wonderful ones!

Let's look at the summer of 1964.

6) The #1 film of the summer of 1964 was Walt Disney's Mary Poppins. Have you seen it?

I have many times, because I love it. It's "practically perfect in every way."

7) President Lyndon Johnson accepted the Democratic party's nomination at the August 1964 convention in Atlantic City, NJ. Atlantic City is known for casinos and gambling. Do you often play the lottery, bingo, or any other game of chance?

No, I never do. The closest I get is buying a bunch of scratch-offs for Hubs for his birthday and sometimes Christmas. He has fun scratching them and maybe winning a few bucks here and there.

8) Billionaire Amazon founder Jeff Bezos was still a baby in the summer of 1964. What was in your most recent Amazon delivery?

There were some new pots, some pebbles, and some cactus & succulent potting soil, for the latest crop of succulents I've added. These are not those.

9) Another little one born in '64 is Mariska Hargitay. The star of Law & Order: SVU is the daughter of a well-known movie star. Without looking it up, do you know who her mother was?

Eeeeeeeeshhhh, I'm thinking really hard, I know I don't know the actress but have read it numerous times in Mariska's bio. hmm. I think I have all the letters, but not in the right order. I have to look it up. Ahh, right. Jayne Mansfield; I got close to the last name, but I was trying to put an "r" in there.

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All right! Thanks as usual for the fun questions, "Crazy Sam," and now I've got to get some volunteer work under my belt. May you all have a good week!

Fin.

Saturday 9: Annie's Song

Howdy-Ho, neighbors! I've missed you, since I was absent last week. I hope you've all been doing well. Feeling a bit out of sorts myself, but I'm hoping this will soon pass.

I can't remember which one of you said the previous font and size were too hard to read, so I'll take feedback on this post, whether it's an improvement or not.

You've come here for some Saturday 9, and that's what you're gonna get. Link up here if you're going to play along with us this week!

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Saturday 9: Annie's Song (1974)

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

1) 50 years ago this month, we were all listening to John Denver rhapsodize about nature. He singles out walking in the rain as a particularly lovely experience. Do you enjoy walking in the rain?

I used to, and puddle jumping, even before I had kids to do it with! But I don't have the health for it now, so I'll just enjoy other people's fun with that.

2) Denver wrote this song on a ski lift in Aspen. He clearly relished the ride, but ski lifts are problematic for those who suffer from acrophobia, or a fear of heights. Acrophobia plagues approximately 5% of Americans. Are you one of them?

You bet your sweet patoot I am!

3) John Denver recalled that this song just came to him as he looked down on the beauty of nature. Can you recall a time when something you saw in nature touched your heart?

(video shared from Manta Trust)

I think I've told the story of the manta ray breaching, right? Stop me if I have, 47 times before. I'm twenty years old. As I was sitting on the beach in Key Biscayne, crying, searching for answers about what to do with my life, if I was making the right choices continuing on with fish, particularly elasmobranchs - the sharks, skates, and rays - this enormous ray completely breached the water and flew above it a piece before slowly making its way back in again at a low, nearly horizontal angle. I couldn't believe what I'd just seen. It was beautiful; I cried 10 times harder than I had before, over the shocking beauty of it!

4) Wildly successful here in The States, John Denver's popularity didn't extend to the United Kingdom. In fact, "Annie's Song" was his only major hit. But it was a big one. Denver's version reached #1 in 1974 and then in 1978 James Galway hit #1 on the UK charts with an instrumental version. Do you have a favorite instrumental recording?

There are probably some instrumental songs I like, but I can't think of them right now. I'm a singer, I want to sing! I don't know what to do with an instrumental - are you supposed to stand aside and clap politely, are you allowed to get in there and sing along to it if you want? I'm so ridiculous; I don't even know the rules here... BUT! I do love classical music. I just don't categorize that as "instrumental." Right?

5) John Denver's first-ever guitar, a gift from his grandmother, was displayed at the Musical Instrument Museum in Phoenix. Have you visited a museum yet this summer? If not, do you have plans to?

I have not.

I do not.

And I will not.

haha Just kidding, now I will be making it a point to go to one before the summer's out, and will let you know, by golly.

{And I've been listening to a mostly-strings and piano instrumental playlist of Top-40 pop music covers, and it's kinda relaxing!}

6) In addition to the guitar, Denver also played the violin (or "the fiddle," as he called it). If a genie appeared to magically enable you to play the instrument of your choice, which would you choose?

My best bet would be Wintergatan's Marble Machine. Look at that thing! I was going to cello or a harp, but then I found this thing, with this description: "...is a hand-cranked music box loaded with instruments including a circuit of 2,000 cascading steel marbles. As the devices cycles it activates a vibraphone, bass, kick drum, cymbal and other instruments that play a score programmed into a 32 bar loop comprised of LEGO technic parts. The marbles are moved internally through the machine using funnels, pulleys, and tubes." The video is fun to watch; give it a couple of minutes of your eyeballs!

Let's look at the summer of 1974.

7) Elizabeth Berkeley was born. She's best known as Jesse on the Saturday morning teen sitcom, Saved by the Bell. What Saturday morning TV shows do you remember fondly?

I remember a lot! But the Smurfs were the ones we'd fight over the best chair for. 

And there was "Peewee's Playhouse," which we had an absolute blast watching, and imitating, as well.

8) Hall of Fame pitcher and Cardinal great Dizzy Dean died. How is your baseball team doing this summer?

Honestly, I really don't follow much baseball anymore. If Rob tell me his late mom's Cubbies are playing well, then I'm happy for everybody involved.

9) The biggest summer movie was The Longest Yard starring Burt Reynolds. What's your favorite Burt Reynolds movie?

Hmm, upon looking over Burt Reynolds movies I've seen, I'd have to say Boogie Nights tops my list. Great role, great cast, great flick! 

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Well here we are at 10AM on Saturday, so I'm sure I'll be dead last - but I'm okay with that as it's not a contest. I hope you joy and laughter this weekend!

Fin.

Saturday 9: Nevertheless (I'm in Love with You) 1969

Hello again! I'm forgetting which of you said the font was too tiny last time - sorry! - but I heard you and so hopefully this time will be much better. Please let me know.

As far as life goes this past week since I last wrote, It's been... fine. Still no time at the beach, which makes me sad. Lots of rain preventing that, though. And I did a soft launch of a slight switch up I'm going to be doing in my Instagram account, which is also going to start being reflected here on the blog. You can see that here. 

If you're going to play Saturday 9, please join the rest of us by linking up here. We'd love to have you! Now let's begin:

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Saturday 9: Nevertheless (I'm in Love with You) 1969

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

1) In this song, Liza Minnelli acknowledges that she may be "taking a terrible chance." Have you done anything risky lately?

Well, I'm in the kind of in the middle of one thing, with planning this big trip to Japan for next year. Being in a wheelchair, with Japan not being the most accessible country, it's a little chancy.

2) In 1969, when Liza recorded this song, she was 23 and her career was really beginning to take off. She was a sought-after guest on TV talk and variety shows and received her first Oscar nomination. Give us a quick overview of your life at 23.

I had just taken a step back from my PhD program in Biology, studying fishes (particularly the feeding ecomorphology of sharks), was taking a semester towards a Master's in Science Ed for middle and high school students, and was courted back to St. Petersburg from Tampa to be the legal secretary where'd I'd previously done so. They helped pay the deposit for my and my boyfriend's apartment, and then I kicked him out for pushing me into a bookshelf and breaking my teeth.

3) Also in 1969, the first Gap store was opened in San Francisco. What have you recently added to your wardrobe? If yes, where did you buy it?

I recently bought these Lilac & London black pajamas & a coordinating L&L robe for myself, from Kohl's. They are so heavenly; I could live in them, every day, all day. Actually, I'm wearing the robe right now.

4) Liza says she always has apple juice in her refrigerator. What's something you're certain to have in your fridge?

We are a big cereal family, so there's usually a jug of milk in the refrigerator. And sometimes there's vegan milk for me.

5) Liza's favorite card game is poker. What's yours?

I used to play gin rummy all the time with my grandmother as a kid. I loved her and I loved the game. We played Uno, Skip-bo and a handful of other games I've really never played with anyone else since Grandma. But currently...

...this honor goes to Cards Against Humanity. It's terrible and awful and hilarious fun. We need to get more expansion packs. Have you played it yet?

6) Though Liza recorded the song in 1969, "Nevertheless (I'm in Love with You)" was written way back in 1931. It has been recorded more than 50 times by artists as diverse as Bing Crosby, Andy Gibb and Bob Dylan. Before today, had you heard it?

No, I must say. But I did take a listen.

7) "Nevertheless (I'm in Love with You)" is credited to Bert Kalmer and his partner, Harry Ruby. Another one of their hits was "Who's Sorry Now?" Do you owe anyone an apology?

I'm pretty quick with the apology when I'm cognizant that I owe one 30,000. I'm definitely an over-apologizer, and it's annoying for all parties. But I DO NOT apologize where I don't feel I owe one; I can think of a few people who probably think I owe them one, but they're wrong, and it's not coming. C'est la vie. 🤷‍♀️

8) Together they also wrote "Hooray for Captain Spaulding," sung onscreen by Groucho Marx in the movie Animal Crackers. There were five Marx Brothers in all. How many can you name?

Uhhh, Groucho...Karl (just kidding)... Harpo's one, right? That's all I can think of without looking them up. (I missed Chico, Gummo, and Zeppo. I never would've gotten those, even under extreme torture.)

9) Random question: Do you believe talking to plants helps them grow?

I know there have been studies that have shown this to be fact, so yes, I believe this to be so! Of course!

~*~*~*~*~

Okay! Fun times, once again. Thank you, Crazy Sam! I plan to visit as many of you as I can tomorrow, provided this migraine that is knocking around upstairs can be kept under control. Wish me luck on getting to the beach this weekend, maybe? And I'll wish you well in all your weekend plans, too.

Fin.

Saturday 9: Disco Duck

Hello, ladies and gents! I'm on a Friday morning, hoping to get this "Saturday" post up before I give up on it on Sunday afternoon. This is the first time I've ever heard this duck song, and it is silly fun!

Make sure you link up here if you're joining us this weekend. Have your own silly fun, and let us come read it!

Away we go:

~*~*~*~*~

Saturday 9: Disco Duck (1976)

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

1) In this song, Rick Dees begins by describing a party where he can't resist that disco beat. What's the last party you attended? Was there dancing?

(© Napoleon Dynamite movie)

I can't remember the last time I went to a party. Doesn't mean I haven't been; just means I deal with memory loss. Maybe both, ha!

2) While this record was a massive international hit in 1976, it got off to an inauspicious start. Rick Dees said it took him less than a day to write the song, and more than three months to convince anyone to let him record it. Tell us about a time you were tempted to give up, but were glad you didn't.

(© www.slanecartoon.com)

Lots of times. For instance, when I was taking Geology in college, we had a paper to wrote. I went to my dorm's computer lab with my notes, my interviews (I worked hard and interviewed geologists), all the research I had done, and struggled - but found a way - to cohesively write what turned out to be a 12-page paper. I sent it to print. Did not print. On my way back from checking the printer, the power went out. DID NOT SAVE. Gahhhh$%^!!&%. I was tempted to give up, because there was only about an hour left for the lab to be open that night. But I sat there and rewrote it with my materials and my then-working memory. And I got the A.

3) In the hit movie Saturday Night Fever, students are briefly seen learning to dance to "Disco Duck." Can you name another song from Saturday Night Fever?

One can't ignore all the work on the album by the Bee Gees: "Stayin' Alive," of course, but also "You Should Be Dancin'," "How Deep is Your Love?" "Night Fever, "More Than a Woman".... but I've just now discovered "A Fifth of Beethoven" by Walter Murphy, and I love it! It's funky.

4) Dees was already a top disc jockey in Memphis when "Disco Duck" was released. With the record's success, his radio career soared and he got a better job reaching a greater audience at a radio station in Los Angeles. Are there any disc jockeys you loyally listened to every day?

Back in the day? Sure, as my sisters and I got ready for school every day, we listened to the hosts on 93Q in Syracuse, and also Z89 there, when it came out. I'm having a hard time remembering any individual DJs, though; names are mixing with latter parts of my life.

5) After more than 20 years, Rick lost his regular radio slot to Ryan Seacrest. But he still shares "the hottest music on the planet" through the Rick Dees Hit Music app (available at the Apple App Store or Google Play). What app have you recently downloaded to your phone?

I just redownloaded the Peacock app so that I can watch the Olympics on my phone. Still have to see how to do it on my TV (it's a Roku - it should be free, right?). I've always loved the Olympics so I'm kinda geeked out about it.

6) He used his favorite radio format to create a cookbook called Rick Dees All-Time Top 40 Greatest Desserts. If you could finish a delicious meal with the dessert of your choice, anything at all, what would you order?

(original cheesecake photo © Once Upon A Chef) // Key Lime Pie photo © 2CookinMamas)

Real New York-style strawberry (or cherry, or if it must be, plain) cheesecake. Absent that, real Key Lime pie.

7) In 1976, when "Disco Duck" was a hit, "The Bionic Woman" premiered on ABC. Because of her "bionic parts," Jamie Summers could run super fast, had super-sensitive hearing, and super-human strength. If you could have one of those qualities enhanced -- speed, hearing or strength -- which would you choose?

I think I would choose to have super-human strength, because I haven't been very physically strong in these latter years, and it would be nice to be able to be strong for myself again, let alone anyone who might need my help.

8) Also in 1976, like this year, the world got together for The Summer Olympics. Will you be following the international competition?

YES!

9) Random question: You're bone tired, exhausted, and you have an early day tomorrow. As you wash your face and brush your teeth before bed, one of the two bulbs in the bathroom fixture goes out. Do you 1) change the bulb before bed or 2) promise yourself to do it in a hurry tomorrow as you're rushing around in the morning or 3) decide you can live with one bulb for a while, go to bed, and replace the burned-out bulb when you get around it?

3)

"Spoon theory is a metaphor that describes the limited energy resources and increased energy expenditure of people with chronic illnesses, disabilities, or chronic pain. In the theory, spoons represent both the mental and physical energy required to complete tasks. Healthy people may have an unlimited supply of spoons, but people with chronic illnesses may have to ration them to get through the day. For example, someone with lupus may need to decide which activities to spend their limited spoons on. 

"Writer Christine Miserandino, who has lupus, is credited with creating the theory after using spoons at a diner to explain her illness to a friend. Spoon theory can also be used to describe the challenges of mental health issues

like anxiety or depression, or the exhaustion of caring for a newborn baby."

Definitely three these days. As a spoonie these days, things like that only get done when there are the spoons to do them as the time presents itself; I can't go out of my way do them if I'm going to need the spoons for later. Although Spoon Theory is not my favorite. I forget which one is at the moment, though! I think it's Ticket Theory, but now my head is throbbing and I've got to wrap this up.

~*~*~*~*~

Hope you all have a great weekend Stayin' Alive in this heat!

Fin.

Saturday 9: I'll Never Get Out of This World Alive

Hey, everybody! Welcome back to another week of Saturday 9, this time with Hank Williams.

But first, let me say that I enjoyed the Nancy/Frank Sinatra song so much last week that I've had Nancy Sinatra songs loaded in my Spotify all week, most of which have been added to my playlist. Fun stuff. So thanks for that, Crazy Sam.

It's been a busy week. It'll be interesting to see what shakes out in this week's questions. Ready to join us? Link up here. Let's get into it.

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Saturday 9: I'll Never Get Out of This World Alive (1952)

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

1) In this song, Hank Williams sings that his fishing pole is broke and the creek is full of sand. OK, so he can't spend his Saturday fishing. What are your Saturday plans?

We were supposed to go to the beach yesterday (Friday), but my husband had to take our son to confer with the hand surgeon. Perhaps we'll make it today? We haven't actually been to the water yet this season, only the boardwalk three times. Must rectify that pronto!

2) He regrets how shabby his shoes are. Do you shop for shoes online, or do you prefer going to the store and trying them on?

I hate trying things on in store and generally half a good idea how big my feet are for a brand. I usually buy online, except for the Rainbow Checkerboard Vans fiasco. These Vans, which I REALLY want, come in kids' sizes but not women's sizes. Fortunately, I have tiny feet, so I calculated what size kids' shoes I should buy, but when they came from Kohl's, they were just a hair - a literal hair - too small. As in, my daughter Chloë basically wears the same size shoes as me, but they fit her and she eventually went home with her after I could not take them back to Kohl's and find the ½-size larger pair for months and months and months. She was happy. I'm still pouting. Life is hard, y'all.

3) This was the last Hank Williams song to be released during his lifetime. Though he was only 29 when he died, he left an enduring mark on American music and is considered one of country music's greatest singer/songwriters. Who is your favorite country music performer?

I don't normally listen to much Country, but I was just doing that last night, shocking the shit out of both Rob and especially myself, the long-avowed Country-hater. Especially since I now have a rudimentary Country playlist started on my Spotify. Life is also weird, y'all. BUT, to answer the question, I really enjoyed every Christ Stapleton song that bubbled up.

4) Elvis was a big fan and his favorite Hank Williams song was "I'm So Lonesome I Could Cry." What's your favorite Elvis song?

Oh, gosh. That's a HARD one for me. My dad has always loved Elvis, I mean LOVED, so I have heard all of his songs all of my life. There are very few with which I'm not familiar and, I must say, I like most of them. Dad also liked to perform them (maybe he still does, I don't know; he'll be 82 in a month) and even had an Elvis-like jumpsuit and scarf for a while!

The toss-up for me came down to "Hound Dog," "Jailhouse Rock," and "Burning Love." I ended up giving it to the dog because of my own love for singing it.

5) Johnny Cash was a big Hank Williams fan, too. He performed Hank's gospel song, "I Saw the Light" often in concert and during his guest starring role in a 1974 episode of Columbo. Did you watch Columbo, or do you stream it or catch it in reruns?

I don't watch it now, but I used to watch it with my grandfather, here in 2007 with my husband and kids on campus with me at the University of Miami. He was a big fan.

6) Hank was a prolific songwriter, composing songs on his guitar and then printing the lyrics by hand on notepaper. He never learned to read music. Can you read music?

Sort of. Not well. I've been taught to sight-read for both organ/piano and voice, over many, many years. There's just one undeniable fact: I suck at sight-reading!

7) When he was a teen, Hank sang and played his guitar on the sidewalk in front of a local radio station, making a little money and hoping to be discovered. His plan worked and he was occasionally invited in to play with the radio station's house band. Were you a hard-working teen?

I was always hard-working, yes. I busted my ass in school, babysat wherever I was asked and then, when I was 15, I started working as much I as I humanly could (or was legally allowed, take your pick) at the Big M in Baldwinsville, New York, to get away from my house. My dad's office was across the street, and he often "employed" me (gratis, naturally) there, and of course I was always responsible for cleaning the house.

8) Hank suffered from a congenital spinal condition and began self-medicating with alcohol during his teen years. He was warned against this early on by country superstar Ray Acuff, but Hank was unable to deal with the pain without liquor. Can you recall wise advise you wish you'd taken, but didn't?

First one that comes to mind is my dad constantly haranguing me as a kid about becoming more financially savvy. It didn't interest me much - money, amassing wealth, etc. - because it seemed that women and wealth were all that interested him. No thanks! But - don't tell him or Elvis - I've been trying to learn.

9) Random question: What's your favorite Mexican food?

I love the vegetarian platters you'll find at any Mexican restaurant. Y'know, a bean and cheese burrito, more beans and cheese on the side, rice and beans, some guac... Mmm. Rob's favorite cuisine is Mexican. Maybe we'll have to try out one of the restaurants we haven't been to yet here in town, like the one this photo came from La Tolteca.

~*~*~*~*~

Welp, y'all, thanks for stopping in. It's been a fun week. I'm going to start peeping in on some of you, but I'm starving so I don't know how long I'll last!

Fin. 

 

Saturday 9: Wait Till You See Him

Hello, friends! If you're here, thank you, and I'm glad. I'm trying to be here more often but lately, I just haven't had enough energy to do much besides eat and breathe. I'm working on it!

Today, Crazy Sam brings us a little ditty by Nancy Sinatra in honor of Father's Day. This'll be interesting. I can't wait to read and answer these questions!

Shall we?

~*~*~*~*~

Saturday 9: Wait Till You See Him (1967)

Hear it here.

1) This is Nancy Sinatra's celebration of her father, Frank. She singles out the sound of his laugh as something special. Do you know anyone who has a great laugh?

She disagrees, but I think my daughter Chloë has always had a fun, infectious laugh.

2) Frank Sinatra recorded this song himself a decade earlier. It was one of more then 1,400 recordings he made over his career. When you think of him, what song comes to mind?

As a born and bred New Yorker, of course I've got to pick "New York, New York." If it weren't for that, I'd have gone for "My Way."

3) Nancy always called her famous father "Daddy," while her younger sister Tina referred to him as "Pop." How did/do you call your father?

I mostly call him "Dad," but I call him all the things.

4) Nancy went on to have two daughters of her own. The girls recall that their grandfather was loving and supportive, even when they went through a punk rock phase with spiky hair, lots of leather, and studs. Frank defended their extreme choices as a healthy means of self-expression. Did you have arguments with your parents over your clothes or hair? If you're a parent yourself, have you always approved of your kids' fashion choices?

(I'd love to have rainbow underlights like these, here, but my baby fine hair won't support it. Maybe I can just try something like these clip-ins from Etsy?  )

What I wanted to wear was always "normal," but was still met with a fair amount of yelling from my stepmonster, just 'cuz. Must've been a Tuesday, as they say. Jack doesn't ever wear anything divergent from norms, but the other two kids have pushed the boundaries some. I may have pushed backs slightly here and there, but I like to think that for the most part both Rob and I have let them wear what they want to wear and do what they wanted to to their hair. Those are their bodies, and we wanted them to make the decisions concerning them to the extent where safety wasn't an issue.

5) Back when our own Crazy Sam was in high school, her father gave her driving lessons. What grade would you give your driving today?

Probably a B-. I'm not driving anywhere NEARLY as much these days, so I'm very rusty.

6) For family barbecues, Sam's dad dons his "Kiss the Chef" apron and mans the Weber. What's the last thing you grilled?

I probably have not personally done the grilling since I first started cooking en papillote (but really, in foil, in my case), way back in Spring-Summer 2001. I was pregnant with Chloë then. We used to take our packets of foil, briquets, lighter fluid and whatever else, grilling tools, and head over to the park for some free "dates." I'm writing a book of free or cheap dates just for him and me; I'll have to put that one back in it just like the olden days! Anyway, we'd grill on the park grills, slide down the slides, walk hand in hand, and two hours later when our food was FINALLY ready, dine. You know these guys, right?

7) Because he takes his grilling so seriously, Sam once invested in a pair of forged steel tongs for Father's Day. Does anyone on your gift list have a passion that makes them easy to shop for?

NO!

I mean yes, there are passions to shop for, but no, they are generally not within a budget I can afford! I do pick away at what I can, however.

8) Traditionally the most popular Father's Day gift have been ties, wallets and belts. However experiences -- like tickets to a concert or a sporting event -- are gaining in popularity. Which would you prefer to receive: something to own and hold or an experience to remember?

I mean, there are some things that might make my eyes bug out of their face if you dangled them against the experience options, but almost every time, if I like you, I'd prefer the experience.

9) Random question: Have you recently mistakenly called someone by the wrong name?

Yup. Our trans son has tried several names on for size, and I'm still mixing up his current one and his previous one. It just won't get outta my head!

~*~*~*~*~

Thanks for the quiz, Samantha. Happy Father's Day, y'all!

Fin.

Saturday 9: (God Must Have Spent) A Little More Time on You

Hi, my friends. At least, I hope we're still friends. I know it's been about three months since I participated - or even wrote in my blog at all. Things have been rough for me healthwise, and that's really all I want to say about that right now. I miss y'all, and Saturday 9, and even though it's after 10:30 AM, I thought I'd give it a go to have a little fun. 

If you're new here and/or to Saturday 9, link up here to join in this weekend. Onward!

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Saturday 9: (God Must Have Spent) A Little More Time on You (1998)

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

1) In this song, a boy celebrates the life of love he's received from his mother, saying it's more precious than any diamond or pearl. Do you have a piece of jewelry that means a great deal to you? 

 

Yes, except I mean, apart from of course my wedding and engagement rings, which I cherish, I would have to point to a group of jewelry that I think of all together instead of just one thing:

 

Excluding the druzy necklace and big, dangly earrings, the rest of that lot are important to me. The bracelet maybe isn't super valuable, but it's sentimental because Rob and I got it on our European cruise (he absolutely spoils me, if you didn't know). For the rest of the jewelry there: the ring, the two necklaces and the pendant, and the two earrings, we sourced the loose sapphires together, and he took them to a jeweler to have them set for me for one of our early anniversaries. I love them!

 

2) NSYNC licensed their name and likenesses for use on a variety of products, and their official key ring was a big seller. Tell us about your key ring.

 

Mine is nothing but a University of Miami (alma mater) lanyard with my "boop-boop," as I call it, to my van, and the spare aka "my" boop-boop to his truck.

3) NSYNC's lead singer, Justin Timberlake, is now a parent himself with two sons. He enjoys sitting on the floor so they can play Legos together. Today Lego sets for adults and adult coloring books are popular. As a grown up, do you enjoy coloring books or Legos?

 

Sometimes. I've done some of both. I just have to be in the mood for it.

 

4) In 1998, when this song was popular, Seinfeld ended its 9-season run. Were you a fan?

 

 

I was, but man, that finale was a letdown!

 
5) This week's song was chosen in honor of Mother's Day. Some mothers will find themselves treated to breakfast in bed this weekend. Is that a luxury you would appreciate, or would you worry about spilling food on the sheets?

 

Sure, I would enjoy that.

 

6) Garrett's Popcorn offers a special tin for Mother's Day (the "O" in MOM is a daisy). When did you most recently have popcorn?

 

 

Oh, gosh, it's been a long time. I don't eat it anymore.

 

7) Florists see a spike in sales for Mother's Day, too. Would you rather receive a plant or a bouquet of flowers?

 

 

I love getting flowers, but nowadays I'd really love to receive plants. I don't have the greenest thumb, and I'd like to work on that.

 

8) Crazy Sam's own mother is big on couponing, while Sam thinks coupons simply aren't worth the effort. Are you more like mother or daughter?

 

I gotta hand it to Mom.

 

9) Sam is celebrating Mother's Day with her mother's favorite, Hershey Bars. Would you prefer classic milk chocolate, dark chocolate or chocolate with almonds?

I'd normally prefer the chocolate with almonds; I'd still enjoy the milk chocolate, and I'd make do with the dark chocolate, thank you!

~*~*~*~*~

Fin.

Saturday 9: Poor Little Fool

Well, hi there! If you even remember me, thank you, and I'm touched. I haven't ever let a S9 go by without feeling wistfully that I wish I had been able to join in amongst you all! 

By the way, I wasn't really familiar with Ricky Nelson - just his parents' and his names, truly - but in high school, I was a fan of his twin boys, Gunnar and Matthew, who performed as the band Nelson. I still have a song of theirs frequently on my lips, actually. They looked way different then, though! Check 'em out on Instagram here.

I should really get this thing started before I make an entire post and none of it is the quizzionnaire. Link up here if you're playing along this weekend!

~*~*~*~*~

Saturday 9: Poor Little Fool (1958)

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

1) Ricky Nelson sings of a girl with "carefree devil eyes." Are your eyes your best feature? If not, what is?

 

I would say that they are at least one of my best features, yes. Two?

2) "Poor Little Fool" literally arrived at Ricky's doorstep. A pretty girl knocked on his front door, and played and sang her original composition for him. Who has most recently knocked on your front door (or rung the bell)?

Pretty much no one except delivery folks, and even then, not too much. I usually write in the notes that I want a no-noise, contact-less delivery, because our dogs will go crazy. Or if I'm feeling feisty, I'll say our baby is sleeping.

3) That girl was Sharon Sheeley. A teen model in Los Angeles during the 1950s, she met many of the early rock stars at promotional events. Elvis encouraged her to follow her heart and start writing songs, so she did. Who have you advised recently? Did they take your advice?

I don't think I've advised anyone lately except any of my own kids, and no, come to think of it, they haven't taken my advice! hmmph! LOL

4) With the success of "Poor Little Fool," Sharon gave up modeling and concentrated on music. Her songs were recorded by singers such as Richie Valens, Glen Campbell and Johnny Rivers. How many different occupations have you tried? Which was your favorite?

[click to embiggerate]

Let's see... I've cashiered at multiple grocery stores; worked for a dive shop as soon as I got certified; worked off and on as a legal secretary in an estate planning law office; interned (for pay! don't hate) in Fisheries Biology in a world-renowned marine lab & aquarium; filled every manner of waffle cones and created all sorts of frozen concoctions at a gourmet ice cream shop; moonlighted at a gas station and please trust me when I say that will not be the answer to the second question; was provided tutelage as a new Ph.D. Biology student while, in the same period of time, providing tutelage to incoming Freshman students from all walks of life. I've been babysitter, I've been Wife, Mother, Homeschooling teacher, too, but I'm not going to count these. So I'm going to say, unequivocally, that of all those jobs, my favorite was always being a cashier at grocery stories. I loved interacting with the customers! ♥

5) Ricky Nelson was the son of Ozzie and Harriet and brother of David Nelson. They began performing together as a family with their radio program "The Adventures of Ozzie and Harriet." They took the show to television in 1952, where they were referred to as "The Most Famous Family in America." What TV family would you like to hang around with?

I think I'd like hanging out with the Drummonds from "Diff'rent Strokes," - and not because they're wealthy! I loved those folks forever and still repeat certain lines... And obviously I mean the characters and not the actors, who have had as many or more, and maybe worse, problems as the rest of us schmoes.

6) While Ricky eventually became the audience favorite, he wasn't initially a likely candidate for stardom. A producer described him as "an odd little kid," shy and small for his age. In those early days, big brother David was more outgoing and considered a natural actor. Thinking back to your preteen years, were you more like David or Rick?

Definitely like Ricky, but sadly, I don't have a handy picture to show you.

7) Ricky never got over his shyness. He often closed his eyes as he sang on camera or before an audience because it helped him battle his nerves and concentrate on the music. Fan magazine oohed and aahed over his beautiful long lashes and young girls fantasized about Ricky closing his eyes before leaning in for a kiss. Who was your big pre-teen crush?

Oh, gosh. So we're getting the embarrassing one of the year out of the way early, huh? Hahaha! My big crush was Ralph Macchio from the Karate Kid movies.

8) In 1958, when "Poor Little Fool" was #1, American women were shopping for Italian-inspired footwear. Heels were lower, and the leather was textured and less shiny that the popular patent leather of years gone by. If you were to go shoe shopping today, what would you be looking for? 

Most assuredly, they would be Crocs. Now, don't hate me, don't hate me! Hear me out... Now that I'm in a wheelchair almost all the time that I leave the house, except for transferring from house to car and car to chair, etc., I need to have some slip-proof shoes. I'm a huge klutz (Chloë gets that from me), and my various pairs of Crocs (12 or so?) have saved my face, hands, knees, from numerous trips and falls. Plus, I no longer buy the regular clogs. I'm not even sure I still have any. I prefer Crocs that other people reeeeeaaally have to stare at for a long time before they guess these are Crocs. For example:

I might get these Crocs' "Brooklyn Flips" from the Clearance racks if I were truly shopping for shoes. (But when isn't one?) Normally priced $54.99, these "Bone"-colored sandals - which hit the mark for all my needs - are marked down 40% to land in clearance. But that's not all! They take another 30% off clearance items right now, which, for me, means these $55 would come to me for $23.1o before shipping and tax! I like that price - and if you're looking for this same pair in black, they've got that, too.

Or I might choose these Classic Flips, 2.0 in "Apricrush":

...for a lower profile foot bed (is it called that? Well, today it is) which, at full price, are only $29.99. I live near the shore and know I would be there every warm day if I could, despite the huge challenge that presents to me, personally. And for all full-price items, Crocs gives ID.me members a 25% off those items. I know that doesn't help everyone, but if it doesn't help you, make sure you sign in with the link at the bottom of the page before you check out. For me, the code brings this purchase down to $22.49 before S/H, or $30.48 including.  Any order over $49.99 gets free shipping; under that costs $7.99.

Plus, everyone can get 15% off if they sign up for the Crocs Club (near the bottom).

And finally, you can get back 3% each (and these two can stack) from Swagbucks and MyPoints for a total of 6% back, or 4% from Ibotta.

Apparently, I can talk Crocs all day! Can I just do that?

9) Random question -- Which of these parties sounds like the most fun: a) one you host yourself; b) one at a friend's home; c) a surprise party in your honor?

Definitely (c)! I just asked Hubs if he would throw one for my 50^th birthday in a few years. I got no real response. Typical! I've never had a surprise party and  would love one! So many ideas here! 

~*~*~*~*~

Oh, gosh, it's after 2 PM. I knew it would take me this long to finish this! ::head smack:: If you read all this, thank you. Brownie points for commenting. Y'all are the best. ♥

Fin.

 

Saturday 9: Hotel California

Hello friends, silver and gold!

Ayayay, I missed two weeks - two of the best weeks! I'm sure things here were great, but I haven't yet had even a moment to poke my head in.  I wait to dive in and see what's happening with the Eagles, though, so if you're like-minded, link up here! And away we go!

~*~*~*~*~

Saturday 9: Hotel California (1977)

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

 
1) In this song, Don Henley called the hotel's front desk and asked, "Please bring me my wine." He was told they haven't had wine since 1969. When did you last have a glass of wine?

 

I hardly ever drink any alcohol these days, so when we decided to have some bubbly for our anniversary on January 2^nd, and I drank a little bit, they were surprised.

2) The lyrics refer to wine as a "spirit." That is incorrect. Wines are fermented, not distilled, and have a lower alcohol content than spirits. When "Hotel California" was popular, listeners who were into wine called radio stations to let them know about the mistake. Are you a wine aficionado? Are any of your friends or family knowledgeable about wine?

I am NOT knowledgeable about vino at all. Every time I've gone out for a nice dinner "on the company dime,"   I tend to have long, ridiculous conversations with the sommelier. It's possible of my in-laws are knowledgeable thusly, and a few of my friends, but they don't go out of their way to talk about it. It's cool, though; I wouldn't mind.

 

3) In the song, Henley sings about looking for the door that will take him "back to the place I was before." Don says that refers to a loss of innocence and a longing for a simpler time. When you think about "the good old days," where does your mind wander to?

 

 

I really struggled to answer this. There were supershort periods in my childhood when I might be able to say that, but because they were short, the weren't real. And there were several periods after this I could say, so Im to go ahead and name the first period in my life that I can say that, since it seems the most genuinely real: College Life. I was completely responsible for myself; I didn't have to check in with anyone else. What a freeing feeling after the choking feeling I'd had up 'til then. Yes, very freeing.

 

4) With five #1 singles, six #1 albums, and six Grammy awards, it's generally agreed that the Eagles were one of the most popular groups of the 1970s. Which decade produced most of your favorite songs?

 

 

 

... and many more!

 

I'm definitely an 80s baby!

 

5) The Eagles were formed in 1971 when four of them happened to find themselves hired to play back up for Linda Ronstadt. The men found they really hit off and wanted to keep working together when the gig with Linda was up. Tell us about how you met someone important in your life.

 

 

Well, I mentioned that Rob and I just had an anniversary: our 23rd.  I had just non-amicably split with my last boyfriend (fiance, really) and was lonely for someone to talk to, be a housemate, etc. I wasn't looking for a new relationship so soon, but my good friend from college, Victor, kept encouraging me to put a profile on the above website. I kept dismissing him, brushing him off, saying I wasn't ready, I didn't think it was my style, you name it. Nevertheless, he persisted.

 

Finally I put "my profile" on the site, but on it, I listed all of my faults and negative qualities. Just everything I could think of went in the profile. I was terribly amused with myself. Then the responses started coming in. There was a dentist who wanted to see pictures of my teeth, one was a Greek man who was upfront about wanting to know if I could help him get his green card. There were several "dirtier" respondents in amongst these rather tame ones. I just rolled my eyes and their emails. And then I got the one from a Navy guy who rode motorcycles and had tattoos, who appreciated the humor in my profile and was able to smart and funny in his own right. By the time I read to the end of that first message from Rob, I knew right away and I said out loud: "I'm going to marry that guy!"

 

♥  And two months later, that's exactly what we did.  ♥

 

6) The Eagles are still on the road, filling big arenas for their Long Goodbye tour. One explanation for their enduring popularity is that their music spans genres. They scored hits on the rock, pop and country charts. Other popular categories of music include classical, gospel, jazz, Latin, reggae, New Age, and rap. Which do you listen to most often? Which did you listen to most recently?

 

 

According to Spotify, at least for 2023, I listened to Broadway musical hits often. I know I listened to a lot of Hamilton, but of course there were others as well, of course. On the days my voice returned, I could be heard belting out "Suddenly Seymour!" along with Little Shop of Horrors.

 

I mentioned that there were others, and surely mom can't live on Broadway alone. So I listen to a lot of current pop, and also ohhh who am kidding? Pop all the way from about 1980 to now is my  jam! I do like some classic rock, even though I don't always know all the words. I just turn up the music and sing nonsense at a much lower volume. There, covered!

 

7) In 1976, when "Hotel California" was topping the charts, the trend in home decor was vibrant. Intense copper, bright pink and vivid avocado were among the popular colors for bath towels, mats and shower curtains that year. If we were to peek into your 2024 bathroom(s), what colors would we find?

 

Our main bathroom will (hopefully) be turned into a scene ocean waves, with blues and deeper blues and light blues, mostly reflected in the floor mats and bath towels. When we paint - which I'm hoping to do  in 2024 - There's going to be a tiny glimpse of yellow sinking down in one corner of the shower, We haven't decided on curtains for in there. There's only one large window. Maybe a roman shade but other than that... Older kid wanted all gray his bathroom, and younger kid wanted all purple. So they pretty much got what they wanted.

 

8) Handbags were big in 1976. Not just in popularity but in size. Purses routinely had compartments on the inside and pockets on the outside. When you leave the house, do you travel light? Or do you prefer to carry a lot with you?

 

 

I would prefer to travel light, but ever since motherhood, I think, I need pockets, and snaps, zippies - all of that, in multiples, both interior and exterior. But it's my wallet, my umbrella, my lotion, my lip balm(s); those are non-negotiables. And they're all I'm using in the Kate Spade, because she's a pretty open bucket, and I don't want to lose my things.

 

9) Random question -- How different is your life today than it was a year ago: (a) a lot; (b) a little); (c) not at all?

(b) a little worse off these days, physiologically and neurobiologically. I wasn't having so many problems in that regard, plus our finances were a little more lax, so we didn't have to be so careful about the odd purchase.

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                                                                                                                    Belated Happy New Year, everyone!                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        

Saturday 9: Happy Holidays

Hello, fellow friends of Samantha and beyond! Seems like, for those of us who celebrate it, Christmas is nearly upon us. I'm excited this year - haven't always been, but this should be a fun one. However you celebrate whatever you celebrate, if anything, I hope it's as happy and merry and joyful as it could possibly be. 🎄

Now getting down to brass tacks. Crazy Sam has brought us back to some holiday-themed questions of yore. Like to answer with the rest of us? Link up here. Now let's do the thing:

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SATURDAY 9: HAPPY HOLIDAYS

(From the archives)

1 As you can see, when Sam Winters was a little girl, she loved giving her annual wish list to Santa. If you could ask Santa for anything at all, right now, what would it be?

Honestly, right now? It would be a re-gain of the huge loss of income we experienced earlier this year, through no fault of our own. It hurts.

2 Are you currently on the Naughty or Nice list? How did you get there?

I think I'm currently on the Nice list, because I'm basically the Happiness Manager around here, and I'm pretty sure everyone's going to have a good Christmas. And I'm really just too ill right now to be anything else! I'm sure someone(s) out there would beg to differ, though. I have a pretty nasty breed of internet stalker/harasser/bullier/whatever/UGH!

3 Are you traveling this Christmas? If so, are you going by car, plane or train?

NOPE! Staying home, just like we pretty much always do! Although a destination Christmas sounds fun...

4 Did you ship any gifts to friends and family this year? If yes, which one traveled the farthest?

We shipped a couple of gifts to my dad and his new wife (number six!) in South Carolina; they'll get there today and tomorrow. If we'd shipped them directly from us instead of, erm, Amazon, they'd have traveled just 583 miles. (The above is not one we ended up giving them.)

5 Did you buy yourself a gift this year?

Well, yeah, how else would Rob know what to give me?

 

I'm pretty sure there is something socked away that he bought me himself, but otherwise, when I see a hot deal for one of us - myself included - that we'll like, I pretty much grab it!

 

6 Which do you prefer: candy canes or gingerbread?

 

 

I'm not terribly fond of either!

7 Close your eyes and tell us the first carol that comes to mind.

 

"The First Noël"

8 What's your favorite winter beverage?

 

 

Definitely hot cocoa! Oh, WAIT! Darn it, I spent all this time looking for a hot cocoa buffet photo that I wanted to borrow, I forgot all about mulled apple cider. Eh, it's a toss-up. I love them both.

9 Share a memory from last Christmas.

 

 

It was a rave, y'all! You know, without all the street drugs and police raids, and stuff. And yes, that is our dog Tapioca. So, the second - I swear, THE. SECOND. - it's 12.01 AM on Christmas Day, our kids have historically been on us like white on rice to open presents. We always do our stockings on Christmas Eve, so you'd think that would hold them, but no. The problem is, we parents also feed into the excitement and want to get in there and see them unwrapping, too, so I don't think a year has gone by when we've ever been able to make them wait.

 

 

Part of the goodies I packed into their stockings and under their tree included Silly String, these funny water guns, and a whole lotta glow-in-the-dark stuff. Can you imagine, in the middle of the night, hyping your kids up on purpose? Ha. Nah, but they're grown. We can go to bed and they'll be fine... right?

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 If you're not celebrating anything for the rest of the year, or if you observe something else, I wish you and yours well! If you do celebrate this one, Merry Christmas to all, and to all a good night!

 

Fin.