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Saturday 9: Some Gave All

Billy Ray Cyrus - Some Gave All - YouTube

Hey everyone. I'm grateful that our own Crazy Sam recognizes the somber meaning behind this weekend's holiday, whilst some are merely drinking, heading to the beach, or having picnics in the park. (Not that there's any wrong with those things, if one takes some time to remember the fallen this weekend, too.)

It is weird that we're celebrating the 'unofficial start to summer" already when it hasn't been super warm where we are. We got up to 84ºF once, in early March, but otherwise it's been high 60s and low 70s. I shan't complain!

I'm going to jump into it. Link up here if you're playing along this weekend, too. Here goes:

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Saturday 9: Some Gave All (1992)

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

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

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

Yes. My husband served 20 years Active-Duty in the US Navy. Hard to believe he's been retired TEN years now!! My dad did some time (two years?) in the Coast guard, and my grandpa was in the Navy as well, during WWII.

2) Memorial Day has its own flag etiquette. In the morning, the American flag should be flown at half staff in memory of those we have lost. Then, at noon, it should be raised briskly to full staff, in honor of all who have served. Where is the nearest flag flying from where you sit right now?

Flag Etiquette | Flagpole FAQ | Flags.com

Oh, there are soooo many flag rules. Umpteen dozens. Hubs served on the Honor Guard while in the Navy, so he frequently told me stories about this. I'm still finding a new rule or two that I didn't know!

3) Since 1988, motorcycle riders have participated in Rolling Thunder. In events all over the country, including Washington DC, bikers "Roll Together" to draw attention to service members still missing and raise awareness of mental health issues our veterans cope with each day. When have you most recently ridden a motorcycle? A scooter? A bicycle?

It's probably been since 2012 or 2013 since I was on the back of Rob's motorcycle. Ever since his brain tumor & surgery, no more motorcycle. I've never been on a scooter, but I would LOVE a Vespa. I haven't been on a bike since 2015 or 2016, when I first got sick.

4) This week's song is the title track of Billy Ray Cyrus' best-selling album. Named for this patriotic song, the album also included Billy Ray's signature song, "Achy Breaky Heart." "Achy Breaky Heart" is a popular choice on karaoke nights. Do you know it well enough to sing along?

Absolutely!

5) Sandy Kane, the hero of "Some Gave All," is based on a real Vietnam vet Billy Ray Cyrus met and spoke to about his sacrifice for his country. Can you think of another song based on a real person?

So are you saying yes or no to "Ghostbusters"?

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

I never really do that, actually. 

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

05272023 Honeywell FanYes, there is, and I'm about to turn it off - I'm freezing, but only in the fingers!

8) Memorial Day is also a holiday for retailers. Ads promise great prices on everything from grills to lawn decorations to high tech gear and gadgets. Will you be shopping any sales this weekend?

Not this weekend-before-payday, no, sadly. It always seems to hit that way, too. Eh.

9) Random question: When is the last time you felt like a kid?

Oh, there are moments in time here and there. Like how giddy I felt from being so spoiled on Mother's Day by Rob and the kids. Or like how silly and downright childlike I can get with Noah, when we just get to laughing breathlessly and... can't... stop...! Or like when I'm standing next to our high bed at night, and my shortness becomes apparent once again (it'd never stopped), and I hop up to have Rob rub lotion on my feet (which he's done nightly since we were married), and my legs barely jut out an inch from my body... Different things make me feel like a kid all the time. Some small and insignificant, some larger and, I can only hope, more fun.

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I hope you all (in the USA) will take a moment to remember the reason for the holiday - and then go have a great time! Just come back in one piece, please!

Fin.


Saturday 9: Pass Me By

Peggy Lee - Legendary Jazz Singer | uDiscover Music

Hey ho, ho hey! You, there! What are you doing here, in my tiny corner of the Interwebs? Whatever it is that's brought you here, I'm glad you've arrived. Sit a minute, read, and I'll get you a wee cup of tea.

I hope you've had a good week. It's been a rough one for me, since painfully dislocating my right shoulder, but I'm muddling through it. That's the only word that fits. In the meantime, I've been having lots of colorful, strange dreams that disappear the moment I awake, so I'm just repeatedly left with this feeling of, "Whoa! What was that?"

Anyway. Link up here if you're playing along with us today!

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Pass Me By (album) - Wikipedia

Saturday 9: Pass Me By (1965)

Unfamiliar with this week's tune? Hear it here.
 
1) In this song, Peggy Lee tells us she wiggles her toes in the sand. Have you been to the beach yet in 2023? Do you expect to wiggle your toes in the sand when you're on vacation this year?
 
10 Awesome Quotes to Get You In the Topsail Island State of Mind
 
Not yet, but the year is young! I'm counting down the days. I plan to get my toes in the sand as often as possible, which should be multiple times since it's just a short distance away!
 
2) She also sings that contemplating nature can be fascinating. What flora and fauna can you see from your window as you answer these questions?
 
Why Is My Neighbor's Lawn Better Than Mine? - Green Lawn Fertilizing
 
Not much! I can see my neighbors' lawns (this is not actually them) and... my own dogs. 'Bout it. Ask me in about two weeks and that'll probably be a lot more exciting of an answer.
 
3) With this song, she's telling everyone to take her as she is or leave her be. Does that reflect your attitude? Or are you a "people pleaser" who worries what others think of you?
 
The People-Pleaser's Guide to Pleasing People
 
I'm definitely a people-pleaser, but I'm actively trying to stop.
 
4) These lyrics were written by Carolyn Leigh. She began her career as an advertising copywriter but, since she showed a flair for poetry and rhymes, she was urged by a music publisher to write lyrics. Have you ever tried your hand at poetry?
 
Poetry anthology - YouTube
 
I used to write a lot of poetry. Then in my freshman year of college, I entered a poetry challenge. I placed 2nd or 3rd, I forget, and I won a cash price as well as received mention in the opening of the book where my poem was published. It was broken down and its meaning was discussed. I was so proud of that.
 
5) This song was composed for the 1964 movie Father Goose, starring Cary Grant. Are you a fan? Do you just vaguely know the name? Or are you wondering what a Cary Grant is?
 
I know his name, but I doubt I'd be able to pick him out of a line-up.
 
6) This was a top-20 hit for Peggy Lee. As a girl in North Dakota during the 1930s, Peggy lived above the train station where her father was depot agent. Today that depot is home to a museum which features a Peggy Lee Exhibit. Have you recently visited a museum?
 
No, it's been a couple years since the last time I can remember. I'll have to put one on my 2023 "Bucket List."
 
7) Designer Bonnie Erickson was also grew up in North Dakota and used her girlhood idol as the inspiration for her most famous creation: Miss Piggy. A diva with flowing blonde hair and jewelry, the puppet was originally called Miss Piggy Lee. As the character gained in fame with The Muppets, the name was shortened to Miss Piggy because Bonnie didn't want to offend Peggy Lee, whom she genuinely admired. Tell us something you have done recently to spare someone's feelings.
 
Oh, the main thing I can think of lately is lowering our voices and shelving a conversation until later, so that others who didn't need to know a thing, didn't find out a thing. You know?
 
8) While Peggy Lee often changed her hairstyle with the times, she was always a blonde. She considered those lustrous locks her trademark. Are you having a good hair day today?
 
How llamas conquered the world
 
No, not very much, really.

9) Random question: What's the perfect way to spend a lazy afternoon?
 
Ohh, in my opinion, see #1, followed by a leisurely afternoon nap. Bonus points if there's a hammock right at the beach so you don't even have to drive home tired, or risk sand in your sheets!
 
NATIONAL BEACH DAY - August 30, 2023 - National Today
 
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And that's the end. Thank you guys for the visit!
 
I've got some planting to do with Rob, and with Chloë, who'll soon be over visiting today and helping us plant some flowers and if they arrive yet, our trees. We've got some big empty pots waiting for their new inhabitants and I'm tired of looking at them empty. Hope you all have a delightful week!
 
Fin.