







9) Random question: Do you play Wordle?
Hey, folks!
It's been a loooong week for me here; how 'bout you? I hope better than mine.
I confess, I don't know Michael Johnson (other than my estranged brother-in-law) or this song, but the sound is dead on my laptop, so I'll have to give it a listen on my phone or desktop later.
Let's get to it, shall we? Link up here if you're playing along with Saturday 9ers this weekend!
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Saturday 9: This Night Won't Last Forever (1979)
Hey, party people! What's the haps? It saddens me to say that this will be our last meeting of Summer 2022. It's Bike Fest weekend down at the beach right now; some 100,000+ motorcycles are deafening the wildlife in Ocean City right now, so I'll have to wait until that's over to attempt one last summer beach trip down there. Cross your fingers for me?
One thing I feel like I must address: some of you may have noticed some "off" comments on some of my posts. I'm being cyberstalked, cyberbullied, harrassed, you name it, all of the above. I don't know who the person is, but on many other platforms as well as this one, they are leaving unkind, often lewd messages for me. I unpublish them as soon as I see them, but please don't pay them any mind. I do not know who the person is, and I don't want to give them any more attention than I have to. Thanks!
Moving forward, let's get to today's song, which I just listened to for the first time. Link up here if you're playing along, too!
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Saturday 9: In and Out of Love (1967)
Hey everyone! I'm just back from a whirlwind 3-day trip to Philadelphia with my birthday sorta-twin, my eldest kiddo, Chloë. She turned 21, so yes, there was alcohol. She wanted more cocktails, but that will come in due time, I'm quite sure. Meanwhile, she's 4'9", so I gave her plenty of information on how to make sure she stayed safe while drinking!
I love this week's song and have since it came out. Perhaps because I identify, perhaps the beat, perhaps Merton's voice alone? Maybe everything. I think everything. Link up here if you're joining us today!
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No Roots (2017)
Unfamiliar with this week's tune? Hear it here.
1) This song is about a woman who has moved a lot and is always packing boxes. Do you have packing materials (boxes, bubble wrap, packing tape, etc.) in your home right now? Do you have them on hand to ship things, or are you preparing for a move?
Yes to all of that: boxes, bubble wrap, and packing tape (bonus points for wadded-up newspaper?). Also yes to ship things, but mainly these items were from a move. No, moves. Probably at least three: Virginia to Florida, Florida to Idaho, Idaho to Maryland. There will be NO more moves.
2) She sings that she moves from place to place, collecting memories. Would you rather travel light and travel often, or put down roots?
YES.
3) She can recall all the gates and house numbers of all the places she's lived. Does your current residence have a fence and gate? Did your previous one?
The previous one did; the current one does not - yet. It was just built; finishing touches were still being put on it as we completed our final walk-through before moving in as the ink dried a year ago. Can we put in one like this, honey?? ("No." - HOA)
4) This week's artist, Alice Merton, moved often as a child as her father's job took the family from Germany to the US to Canada to England back to Germany ... She wrote this song to help her deal with feelings of loneliness and longing. When you're feeling overwhelmed, how do you work through the feelings?
They must've been Army. Relatable. We're Navy (were?).
Feelings. Well, I had a horribly traumatic upbringing with no healthy outlet for feelings, so I have severe mental illnesses (medicated well) like Bipolar 1 Disorder and C-PTSD, etc, and will be in therapy for the rest of my life. Inwardly I cry a lot, so I'd say that's how I work through my feelings, but my meds prevent the crying. So I try to use humor as much as possible. I write, I talk and tell funny stories and try to pester my people as little - or maybe as much - as possible with them, and... I'll be in therapy for probably the rest of my life.
I hope for a better outcome for my kids, but I also know bipolar disorder can be heritable and that trauma can change one's DNA.
5) Alice is still on the move. Soon she'll be performing throughout Europe. Have you ever had a job that required you to travel? If yes, did you enjoy it?
Yes, I did. I mystery shopped my way from hotel to hotel, resort to resort, high-end restaurant to high-end restaurant (and everywhere in between), in multiple states, back when the kids were much younger. It's tricky navigating that sort of job with three littles, pets, and a husband who usually who has to stay at home, but I did it and was really sought after until I got sick. I love traveling, whether by car, ship, or plane, so I think handling the kid end of things was easier on me.
6) "No Roots" is a favorite of Kelly Clarkson's, who has performed it on tour and on TV. When you think of Kelly, is at as a singer, a judge on The Voice, or as a talk show host?
I think of her - and love her! - in that order. I watched her win that first American Idol, so it seems natural that way.
7) In 2017, when this song was popular, Faye Dunaway made Oscar history by announcing the wrong winner for the biggest award of the night, Best Picture. It wasn't her fault as she was given the wrong envelope, but she's one who made the on-screen flub seen around the world. Have you recently had an embarrassing moment?
Wait a minute, how come I never heard about that, but I heard plenty about that time a similar thing happened to Steve Harvey, and that was just a beauty pageant? Sketchy.
Anyway.
This was me in our hotel in Philly. It's called the Ritz-Carlton, you know it? Well, because of my illness, I usually take baths and not showers. I have issues with balance and fatigue among other things, so it's better for me to do that stuff sort of lying down. Well, my hair is freshly colored, and this brand tends to wash out and wash out until it's just time to dye it again. So I have to take a bath. In that. Which isn't great, but there it is. And then the tub. won't. drain. And we had to have an engineer come to the room and fix the now-pink bathtub. And because of my autoimmune/thyroid issues, I lose a lot of pink hair, too, so how much was in the drain? I don't even know. That wasn't the reason that it wouldn't drain, though, because Chloë and I tried to drain some multiple times before I even got in (it was too hot). Cringe!
8) Wonder Woman was 2017's most popular movie. She was originally introduced in a 1941 DC comic book. Comic books remain a big business. Have you ever been to a comic book store?
I actually have not, except as, y'know, transported there in shows such as The Big Bang Theory and other such gems we all ate up over the years. I should, if only because my oldest and youngest are both into manga, but I get most of what I buy for them on the used online book store, Thriftbooks. Check it out, you won't be disappointed. Everything is always in much better condition than I'd even hoped.
9) Random question: Is your skin itchy this morning?
My, that is random, Crazy Sam! No, it's not, but I'll be sure and report back if that status changes!
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Take care and have a lovely Saturday on purpose, y'all!
Fin.Phil
Here we are, September now. Can you even?
September has historically always been my favorite month: August just ended, which means we just - just - celebrated my hubs' 50th birthday(!!). Which means in four days, we're going to celebrate our eldest's 21st(!!) birthday and school is restarting, which means we're going to celebrate my birthday the day after that. Then comes all the rest of the year and next thing you know it, the ball drops. Crazy.
I don't want to say too much more in case it ends up being the answer to a question! Haha... so let's get to it.
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Blue Collar Man by the Styx (1978)
Unfamiliar with this week's tune? Hear it here.
1) In this week's song, we hear a job equated with security. Tell us something that gives you a sense of security.
This is going to sound anti-feminist, but it's really not, because I know what I need, and I'm holding onto it. My answer: my husband. My partner in life. I used to charge through life alone, gettin' it done, whatever "it" was that I wanted. I wanted that undergrad program? I went for it and I got it. That internship? Got it. That grad program? Got it. That job? Got. It. Then I eloped, and I can't imagine my life having turned out ANY other way. Especially now that I am so sick and often spend full days, sometimes several in a row, in bed. He hasn't ditched me, he's doubled-down to take care of me. In every way. Financially, with his time, with his energy. This now, to me, is security.
2) Lead singer Tommy Shaw hopes someone will make him an offer he can't refuse. That's a reference to a famous movie quote. Without looking it up, can you name the film?
Of course, that's The Godfather. I finally watched those movies when we lived on Guam, while I was pregnant with our twins and there wasn't much else to do. I went to the AFB library and rented whatever I could!
3) Shaw recalls that this song was inspired by a friend of his, a blue collar worker who had been laid off and was frustrated by the process of job hunting. His friend wanted to work, not fill out forms and job applications and wait days for a response! Do you quickly become impatient?
Oh, most definitely. That's my trademark personality flaw, I think.
4) The name "Styx" wasn't the top choice of anyone in the band. As founding member Denis DeYoung recalled, "It was the only name none of us hated." Tell us about a recent compromise you made (which TV show to watch, toppings on your pizza, etc.).
(Was this a recent question or did I vividly dream it, #1?)
For Hubs' birthday, I usually get him a bunch of scratch-off tickets. This year, I sent Chloë (the 20yo) out to get them, a lot of them, but she came back with instant lottery tickets. I know Hubs loves the literal scratching-off part of the tickets, so when she presented them to me on the way to dinner, at a stop when he was out of the car, and they were NOT what he likes, I actually gasped and needed "a minute to take a moment," as we say. I thought it through and decided for this year, we would just do something different for him. So I put Chloë's tickets in his card and he went through them at home later, after dinner. He seemed to enjoy himself, and he won $35. Phew.
5) Labor Day was introduced to celebrate the achievements of the American worker. How many different employers have you had?
Oh, I don't know. Over a dozen, many of which were various grocery stores. I have to say, with all my education in marine biology, working in grocery was still one of my favorite things to do. I loved interacting with the people, I loved the work... it really brought out a different persona for me that I enjoyed. Very different for this normally-introvert!
6) The first Waffle House was opened on Labor Day, 1955. What's your preference: waffles or pancakes?
(Was this a recent question or did I vividly dream it, #2?)
#TeamWaffles here.
7) Labor Day mattress sales are a big business. Experts tells us we can expect to spend $1,000 for a good-quality queen-sized mattress. Will you be buying a new one -- or perhaps making another big ticket purchase for your home -- before year end?
Probably not, we bought our mattresses last year, and I'm committed to putting as much pre-loved furniture in this house as possible if we can't use what we already have. (Moving a lot sure takes a beating on some pieces!) I'm going to try and get some trees in the ground this fall if possible, though. Anyone have some advice for that?
8) Will you be attending a Labor Day picnic or barbecue?
I'd love to go to a picnic, but it's highligh unlikely as we don't really know anyone! Still Maryland orphans at this point. (The parents, that is. The kids all have friends.)
9) Labor Day is the unofficial start of fall. Have you had any pumpkin spice yet?
Nope. None of the madness for me. Yet. So far. No plans. Probably at Thanksgiving. Thanks for checking in. Hee!
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Y'all have a great extended weekend, if you're getting one (hope so). Chloë and I are headed to Philly for a couple of days to celebrate our birthdays, lord willing. We tried once before and I had to cancel. This time I feel much more ready.
Same time, next week? Yes.
Fin.
Hellew, everyone. I hope you are well. Missed you last week.
Nothing new in my neck of the woods (same ills, same story), so nothing worth reporting. My younger two kids are enjoying the summer visiting friends, with the youngest having a flurry of sleepovers there, here, there, here, so much we've forgotten whether she's coming or going. And our oldest, out in the world, has gotten herself a promotion to crew trainer, and a nice raise. We're so proud of her:
So without further ado, let's jump in:
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August will be devoted to story songs. Here's the first.
Big, Bad John (1961)
Unfamiliar with this week's tune? Hear it here.
1) This song tells the story of a stern, enigmatic miner. None of the other miners knew much about him. When people first meet you, do you think they see you more as mysterious or straightforward?
Haha, well, just like here, I'm an open book. Since I have a number piercings above the neck, the biggest mystery for people seems to be whether I have any more.
2) During a serious accident, many of the miners panicked. But not John. Think of your family, friends and acquaintances. Who would be the most dependable in a crisis?
Oh, definitely Rob (Hubs). He's cool and level-headed for that, whereas I am tailor-made to go into full-blown panic mode every.time. Plus, he's extremely well trained for crisis and survival, so if something were to happen, I would absolutely look to him to lead us through it.
3) His heroism allowed 20 miners to escape, but cost John his life. According to the lyrics, there's a marble slab on site of mine that honors him. Is there a memorial to a local hero in your town?
Oh, I'm sure there are other memorials here in our newish-adopted home town, but the one I'll mention here is a historical marker put up last year to memorialize three young Black men who were victims of lynching in the 1900s. It was time history paid them their due notice, although one of them is "uknown," sadly.
4) This song was written and performed by Jimmy Dean. He began composing it on a flight from New York to Nashville. How do you amuse yourself while traveling?
Well, it partly depends on how long the flight is, partly on where I'm going and with whom, and partly on what I'm going there to do. Sometimes I'll read a book or magazine. Sometimes I'll watch the in-flight movie. But you know what often entertains me? Reading the Sky magazine (or whichever, whatever) in the back of the seat in front of me. I freakin' love Hammacher Schlemmer!
5) Jimmy Dean hosted a long-running variety show on CBS, which is best-remembered today for introducing Jim Henson's puppets -- especially Rowlf, a dog who sang and told jokes. While Rowlf didn't make it to Sesame Street, he was a recurring character on the Muppet Show. Are you a Muppet fan?
I was a little kid watching the Muppet Show, and I was a huge, huge fan, along with my sister. And then as a young mom, it was fun to see them revived while my kids were little. But now, they've done so many iterations of the show and movies, I feel like it's time for them to step back and take a deep breath.
6) Jimmy found success in business with The Jimmy Dean Sausage Company. He sold the company to Sara Lee in 1984 for $80 million. Today Jimmy Dean breakfast products are still popular in grocery stores all over the country. What's your favorite breakfast?
Hard to say. I eat to keep my blood sugar level more often than not. Sometimes I'll eat frozen waffles with sliced strawberries on them. Sometimes I'll eat Special K Vanilla Almond cereal, with extra sliced almonds and almond milk. Usually it's one of those.
7) In 1961, when this song was popular, Vogue asked if fashion sense is inborn or if could a woman could learn to be chic. What do you think? Do you think style is either something you have, or you don't?
I think one (any gender, any sex) is born with a gene that, if turned on, enables one to learn to be fashionable. It's not really about fashion sense being genetic, though, is it? An eye for color, for texture, for patterns, and so on. I myself do not possess this gene, just so you know.
8) Also in 1961, Ernest Hemingway took his own life. Did you read Hemingway in English class? Can you recall any other novels you read for school?
I'm horrified to report that I never read any Hemingway novels in school, although I did read An Old Man and the Sea in my last semester as an undergrad. I'll have to rectify that. (I have, however, visited Hemingway house at least three times, been back and forth past it at least a dozen or two times and am intimately familiar with the six-toed cats there, and tossed back a drink in Sloppy Joes with Hubs in Key West. Plus, we moved to Idaho. See? This all counts, right?) I can remember countless novels and short stories. No one ever seems to remember reading a short story by Eudora Welty. I think the story was about a path, in the woods? But I'll have to go back later and look this up. My favorite short story, of course, is "The Lottery," by Shirley Jackson. Good stuff. Heh.
But of course, you asked for novels. We definitely read To Kill a Mockingbird. More than once, at least. Night, by Elie Wiesel. (I own that book now; he was a professor at University of South Florida in St. Petersburg, while I lived there and was attending USF, but in Tampa, before he died. I never got to meet him but would have loved to have met this hero.) Lots of Tennessee Williams and Shakespeare, but again, novels, not plays. Let me get back to you! Ha.
Edit: I also own To Kill a Mockingbird. Didn't want Harper Lee over there feeling left out.
9) Random question: Think about the last "white lie" you told. Was it to make your own day easier or spare someone's feelings?
Maybe it was both? I don't know?? My short-term memory is pretty obliterated as a result of everything I've got going on, so I have an extremely hard time remembering day-to-day conversations. Maybe I can find something in a text. Stay put...
...I couldn't discover anything of this nature, and Rob was no help in telling me what was the last white lie I told. Imagine. I'm going to go out on a limb and say it was probably to easy-on-up my own day. Those are rough enough, and I probably needed it. But don't get me wrong, I'm a strong empath and would do what I could for someone's feelings in a New York Minute.
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Well, I got done here right on the dot of noon o'clock. Taking out all the pictures and illustrations was definitely faster, but also -- weird! I miss it.
Raining cats and dogs here, folks; how's by you?
Fin.
Hey, y'all! I'm hopeful I'll get this post all done and on time this week. So many times, last week included, I'll start the post well in advance, get two or three answers written, and then need a nap. By the time I have the energy to come back, Saturday's all but over. Last week, and many times, it's a pain or migraine issue, but more and more lately it's straight-up fatigue.
Anyway, I can't wait to see what questions Rihanna and Crazy Sam have for us. Link up here if you're playing along with us this week.
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Saturday 9: Diamonds (2012)
Hi everyone!
Oh, my gosh, I almost forgot to post and it's about to be noon any second! What a slacker!
I'm not going to ask about Independence Day, because what freedom?
I'd better just get into it, huh? Link up here with the rest of us and give Crazy Sam a run for her money. ☺
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Oh, I made a mildly crude joke to my husband about the smell of the deposit that Sophia's cat made in her litterbox, to Hubs. He thrives on crude, though, so I got a laugh.
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Well, now it's time to check the mail. Thanks, Sam and friends!
Fin.
Hey, y'all! Can you even believe that half the year is gone now? I cannot. I think this whole last year of my last baby's childhood, I'm going to be trying to snatch the days back like money flying in the wind.
Typically, Independence Day is my favorite holiday. But, like I read recently online (I know, I know), I think every American woman and girl should take a knee whenever the national anthem is played right now. So sad. I still like those fireworks though, can't lie.
I'm supposed to be working on my grocery list right now, but until Hubs comes back to check my printer's paper jam for me, I'm doing this, haha. Join us over here at Saturday 9 to get in on the action.
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Hey kids of all ages, what's the haps? My body, right now, is giving me the evil eye, but I'm going to have rally by tomorrow afternoon when it's time to attend Pride Salisbury with my two LGBTQIA+ kiddos (and whomever else wants to come). I'm already exhausted. There's supposed to be a luau a few towns over tonight (unrelated to Pride), and I have always hada a luau on my Bucket List, but if it's not in Hawai'i, does it really count?
Phew, that was a lot of words! Join the rest of S9ers right here!
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I just heard that the Supreme Court overturned Roe v. Wade, and I am crushed and also furious.
Will there come a day when they will rue the destructionn of Roe?
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Well hello, everyone! I trust you've been well. I just learned that my email (yahoo)'s been tricky about the way it's showing me my messages, and I didn't know several of you had responded to my previous posts. I'm going to try and get around to those after this message tonight. Sorry about that!
If you're looking to join this group of fun Saturday bloggers, look no further than right here.
Gonna jump right in here.
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Saturday 9: Yesterday (1965)
Unfamiliar with this week's song? Hear it here.
{Chosen because June 18 is Paul McCartney's 80th birthday.}
1) Paul McCartney sings that yesterday all his troubles seemed so far away. Can you recall a time when your life seemed carefree?
I can say there were pockets of time here and there, or even pockets of time each day where things seemed fancy-free... but I'm not so sure I could claim there were any long stretches.
2) He has always insisted the melody to "Yesterday" came to him in a dream. Did you dream last night?
Yes, I dreamt for the umpteenth time about all these big birds I didn't know I had suddently flying away from me. It's very disconcerting!
3) The lyrics were inspired, in part, by the death of Paul's mother when he was 14. Thirteen years later, he named his daughter Mary after her. Are you named after anyone? If you're a parent, did you name your children in honor of anyone?
No, I was almost named Eleanor after my dad's mother, but while he out of the room, she grabbed the birth certificate paperwork and put in the name I have. We did name our son, Robert Wiliam's, first name after my husband, Rob. My father, another Robert, thought it was for him, but no, man, c'mon with that. That was just a terrible coincidence! William was not for Rob but rather for his late friend, Bill Rose, who was a mentor in fly-fishing and in life. Sadly, that's the kidlet that we lost.
4) Over the years, Paul has performed on bass, acoustic and electric guitars, keyboards and drums, but not the first instrument he owned: the trumpet. A present from his dad for his 14th birthday, he exchanged the trumpet for a guitar because, "you can't sing while playing the trumpet." Have you more recently a) exchanged a gift, b) donated a gift you didn't want to charity or c) regifted?
Gosh, I really can't remember doing any of those lately!
5) Paul grew up seeing how much his dad enjoyed placing a bet and then listening to the horse race from his favorite armchair in the living room, so he took his salary from making the film A Hard Day's Night and surprised his father with a racehorse. After father and son proudly watched Drake's Drum win at Liverpool's Aintree Racecourse, the horse retired to Paul's farm in Scotland. If money were no object, what gift would you give a loved one?
I'd probably gift each of my three kiddos with a car that befits them. Sophie can probably enjoy anything, but for the older - and also much smaller - two, I would need to give them a car made for or adaptable for very short folks. Reaching the pedals, sitting back in the seat while not clinging desperately to the steering wheel, and being able to see out the windshield, are just the beginning goals for them!
6) Paul is considered one of the world's wealthiest entertainers, worth an estimated $1.2 billion. This month, as he approaches his 80th birthday, he is winding up a 16-city North American tour, during which he performs 30+ songs in a 2 hour, 40 minute show. If you had all the money you needed, would you continue to work? Or would you kick back and relax?
Dude, I wish I could work!! I'm not even reliable for working from home or self-employment anymore. I'm sad and it sucks and what was the question, again?
7) Paul first joined the Beatles when he was recruited into the band by John Lennon. They met as teenagers when Paul showed up at a church picnic where John's band was performing. Paul recalls pedaling over on his bike to hear them, his guitar flung over this back. When did you most recently ride a bike?
That's me, and according to my records, it was May 29, 2014 - before the world (my good health) came crashing down.
8) Paul met his first wife, Linda, at a London club and then again four days later when she was a photographer at a press party for Sgt. Pepper's Lonely Heart's Club Band. Think about one of your romances. Where did you meet?
After having several classes together, J and I were not partners, but my partner and I were linked across the table with him and his partner, so we all did a lot of chit-chatting together. Mostly me. We got to know each other better, so sometimes that chattering, between him and me, turned flirtatious. Eventually, he asked to walk me back to my dorm, and... I'm going to stop right there. Heh.
9) TV journalist Barbara Walters played matchmaker for Paul and his current wife, Nancy. During the summer of 2007, when Paul was vacationing in The Hamptons, Barbara repeatedly and intentionally invited them to the same parties and picnics. Have you had any success in a matchmaking scenario -- as either the matchmaker or one of the dates?
Not that I'm aware of, I can't think of anything I've done or benefited from in that regard!
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Okay, I'm out. Y'all have a fantastic weekend!
☼
Hi, everyone! How are you doing? I hope all are well.
Guess what? After nearly two years of living on Maryland's Eastern Shore, I was finally able to get not just to the beach, but down to the water yesterday! I had my husband and my daughter's assistance, along with that of my new four-footed cane that I bought specifically for the sand, and took rests when I needed to. And then Hubs found this information about free beach wheelchairs posted:
So I probably got up to my knees or so. I would've gone much farther (let's face it, I would've let it envelop me and pull me all the way back to my mermaid family, haha), but the water was too cold for Rob and I wouldn't have wanted to make him have to rescue me in it! So other than being exhausted after, I was elated!
Anyway, let's do it:
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Saturday 9: Let Me Love You Tonight (1980)
Hey there, y'all. How are you doing?
I'm experiencing a laundry list of different health issues of mine flaring right now, which isn't fun, but it's also the month of Pride, which IS fun. Two of my kids are in the LGBTQIA+ community, and I fervently support them, which makes me an Ally. Are any of you celebrating Pride this month?
Let's get to it. Link up here if you're playing along this week!
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Saturday 9: Cinderella Rockefella (1968)
Hello, friends. Well, a sad week is upon us S-9ers, that's for sure. I bet I'm not the only one who could say I grew up with the Judds on the TV now and then. RIP, Naomi.
I've battled this same demon for years and years myself, and so far, I've won every battle. Fingers are crossed I'll win every single one to come, and if any of you are along in the same boat, you'll win yours, too.
If you need help:
NATIONAL SUICIDE PREVENTION HOTLINE: 800.273.8255
or text "STRENGTH" TO 741-741
or visit suicidepreventionlifeline.org
Let's do this. Link up here if you're yakking along with us this week:
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Saturday 9: Give a Little Love (1988)
Oh, you know I was - at least twice over! So funny. I haven't thought about that in years!
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Have you guys watched "Bling Empire" on Netflix? I'm watching it now - it's great! Totally binge-worthy. Check it out.
Fin.
Howdy, folks! Glad to see you and be with you all again, if we manage to meet. I'm late to the party again, but at least I'm trying to drop off my "gift." Haha.
Link up with all the rest of S9ers - and Crazy Sam - here, if you want to play along this weekend.
Saturday 9: Your Mother Should Know (1967)
Hey, hey, lovely ladies and gents, how ye be?
I'm all right, it's been a rough week for me on my memory, but can't complain too much otherwise. I have my family to lean on, and they are always helpful. I'm so thankful for them. ♥
Let's get into this week's questionnaire! Link up here!
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Saturday 9: As Time Goes By (1958)
Good Saturday morning, everyone! I hope you feel cheery - or, I hope you feel how you want to feel.
It's been three weeks since my last post. I've been mostly in bed again, after having been able to venture out into my office for a while. Also, our "baby" turned 17, which means there's only one more year of childhood left in this family. Shh, don't make me cry. And our son Jack had to have an emergency appendectomy a week ago. His stomach was really hurting, and - the biggest clue that going to the ER was the right thing to do - he was crying. Very unusual for him at 19 years old. So he's missed a full week of school and working at his job.
It's always something!
Let's get into it. Linkage is here.
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Saturday 9: Dancing in the Moonlight (1972)
I would have to say jealousy. I mean, I'm sure there's a fair bit in my composition, but being greedy and lazy are essential parts of my make-up.
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All righty, I've got to go take a nap. A good weekend to all!
Fin.
Hello, everyone. Well, it's April 2nd, 2022. Am I the only one in shock that we can be writing that date as today's date? C'mon, let me see those hands up.
The last few weeks have been eventful. Our son turned 19, so it's time to turn the planning to our youngest who will turn 17 very soon as well as a trip to Philadelphia with our 20-year-old immediately after that.
Oh, and I was diagnosed with undeniable, severe lupus.
So let's get into it! Make sure you tag in with Crazy Sam and the gang here if you're playing along this weekend!
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I'm a fan of this song - are you? I haven't always been a fan of Selena Gomez', but when I like her, I like her.
Link up here with Crazy Sam and the rest of us if you want to share your feelings on this Saturday, too.
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Saturday 9: Good for You (2015)
Welcome, welcome, one and all! (all two of you)
I guess I'll just be popping in and out irregularly. Miss y'all, though.
I don't know why I don't know much the music of Jim Croce. I mean, is this the era of James Taylor, Joan Baez, and Carole King, et al.? And if I do know a song, I wouldn't necessarily know to attribute it to him. I'm not even sure how to pronounce his surname. Is it "CRO-chee"?
Anyway, let's go:
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Saturday 9: Rapid Roy (The Stock Car Boy) 1972
I think I'd prefer to be among their ranks. Ten out of ten times.
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Well, that was fun. Thanks, Sam! Thanks to all who might stop by!
Fin.
Hello, weekend friends. I deserted you again, yes, for health reasons. Ugh. Let's jump right in. For 9 interesting questions jumping off from Elvis' "Moody Blue," link up with Saturday 9 HERE.
And here we go:
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Saturday 9: Moody Blue (1977)
Unfamiliar with this week's tune? Hear it here.
1) This song was recorded in the special studio Elvis had built in the Jungle Room of Graceland. During the pandemic, have you made like Elvis and worked from home?
No longer applicable to me. I used to do various things to have multiple streams of income, but my health has depleted my ability to do any of that now.
2) Elvis sings that his girl is completely unpredictable. Which quality to you find more attractive: spontaneity or dependability?
Oddly enough, I find myself choosing "dependability." I suppose that was always what the answer was all along, but with me being Bipolar 1, when mania struck, I've always begged for a bit of spontaneity from everyone else, too. What, it's 4 in the morning? So? And?
3) He only performed the song once in concert. In February 1977, shortly after the record was released, Elvis sang "Moody Blue" live in Charlotte, NC, but had to rely on lyric sheet. Crazy Sam can sympathize because she seems to forget passwords as soon as she sets them. Do you often struggle with your memory?
I do, and it's killing me. I never did struggle, but now I seem to have no memory at all. Even what should be important things are lost in the ether. When I'm able to pull something out of my memory, even just a word, we cheer.
4) "Moody Blue" was the final hit of Elvis' lifetime, only getting to #31 in the US but reaching #3 in the UK. What's your favorite Elvis song?
Oh, man. That's a HARD one for me. I grew up with a dad who absolutely idolized Elvis. I have several and am finding it impossible to narrow down to one. May I please have two? My dad was always singing "Jailhouse Rock," so that must be a finalist.
And I'm sure "Hound Dog" must have been one of the first songs I learned to sing. With inflection and charisma and all that, even. But not with the hips and other dancing, like my dad.
5) We're focusing on Elvis this week because January 8 would be his 87th birthday. He enjoyed celebrating his birthday by renting the Memphis movie theater and watching the latest movie with an invited group of friends. What's your favorite way to celebrate your birthday?
On my birthdays, four months earlier than Elvis', I love at least dipping my toes in the water - even if it has to happen this way.
8) For his 11th birthday, young Elvis asked for a rifle or a bicycle. His mother deemed the gun too dangerous and the bike too expensive and instead gave her son his first guitar. Tell us about a memorable birthday from your youth.
I actually can't.
7) Elvis loved horses and kept them in the stable at Graceland. His favorite was a palomino named Rising Sun. To honor both horse and rider, Elvis' daughter has always kept a palomino in the stable whose name includes "sun." The current resident is Tuscan Sun. Known as "Tucky," he's lived at Graceland for more than 20 years now and is a favorite of Alene Alexander, who maintains the stable and reports he has "attitude and knows he's prettier than everybody else." Tell us about an animal who holds a place in your heart.
Shortly after we bought our house in Idaho, we adopted our kitten and named her Periwinkle. She loved to play and have fun with the other, grown, cats, but she had such a serious expression all the time! We used to say, "Serious kitten is a serious kitten." Well, as it turns out now that Peri has grown up a bit, "Serious kitten is a serious adult!" But she's sooo soft and sleek, with her extra-large frame and tail to match. Her outer shell is velvety gray, but her inner shell is quite white.
8) Throughout his life, Elvis had trouble sleeping. As a preteen, he was a sleepwalker. As an adult, he battled insomnia. Is sleep an issue for you?
It absolutely is. Has always been.
9) Random question: Do you wear your shoes inside your house?
Nope! We have a chest by the front door called the "shoe box," which somehow never actually gets used these days, but no one comes further inside the house than that with their shoes on.
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Hey, look at that! May be ten minutes 'til four (PM), but I finished! Let's have a party.
Have a good week! Get that shot, y'all!
Fin.
Hello, all you ghosts and goblins - or is that your kids and grandkids and nieces and nephews this weekend?
My three kids want to go trick-or-treating this year, all as ghosts. Mind you, they are 16, 18, and 20 years old! I'm hands-off on this one. Other things to worry about and stuff. Actually I'm pretty happy that they're getting along enough to do that together at their ages!
Let's get to it.
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Stolen from madame writer blog
1) Have you ever played with a Ouija Board?
I have been present when one has been used/played with. I don't recall be2ing part of the game or whatever you call it.
2) Favorite horror monster or villain?
I'm going to flip it on you a little bit, I think, and say Edward Scissorhands.
3) If you were dared to spend the night in a “haunted house”, would you do it?
No, I don't take dares. Like, ever. If I'm going to do something, I'm going to do it anyway and don't need a dare to propel. The converse is also true.
4) Are you superstitious?
Nah, not really. I'll knock wood, but it's more as a habit than any particular belief system that it's going to do anything.
5) Do you ever see figures in your peripheral vision?
What does this question have to do to with anything?
6) Ever made a potion of any sort?
I mean, when I was in my full-on Young Living days, I made what I called potions and concoctions all the time. But nothing like what I imagine this is referring to.
7) Do you get scared easily?
Oh, yeah. Scream, jump, the whole nine.
8) Have you ever played Bloody Mary?
No. I'd never even heard of that until my daughter Chloë, the one who is now 20, came home from Kindergarten or First or Second grade (sorry I can't remember precisely, honey!) at 6 or 7 years old (?), completely traumatized by it. And she still is to this day, even hearing the name of it. So I don't ever mention it.
9) Would you ever go to a graveyard at night?
Sure, and I have. I find them peaceful and restful. Not this one, though; I believe it's in Istanbul. (Hubs has been in Turkey, but I have not!)
10) Would you rather go to a Halloween party or go trick or treating?
If Rob could rig up this costume for me in my wheelchair, I'd totally go around the neighborhood. Shoot, what time is it???
11) Whilst watching scary movies, are you the person who yells at the characters, the person with their eyes covered the whole time, or the person who falls asleep?
I don't know, I told you I refuse to watch 'em!
12) Favorite scary book?
I remember in college, I started to read The Shining. But when I realized I was closing my eyes at all the really scary parts, I tossed it aside. I've never picked up it (or watched it) since. I did read a lot of Dean Koontz back in the day. Best I can do, I think.
13) How old were you when you saw your first horror movie?
Heh. Well.
The last movie I saw with my mother before she died was Yentl, at the theater, just the two of us. Mama passed away in April 1984, when I was a little girl. Not too scary, right?
Shortly after Mom died, within a month, Dad put Children of the Corn on HBO one night, for the three of us (my big sister, too) to watch during whatever dinner was. I couldn't leave. I had no choice but to sit there and try not to watch and just keep my head down while I ate. I was seven and sufficiently horrified.
And then... well, let me back up and say that if you told me my dad waited two full months after my mom was put in the ground to start dating, I probably wouldn't believe you. So by the time the first Nightmare on Elm Street came out in July or August 1984, he was already dating his 3rd or 4th woman at least - and the one who unfortunately would become my stepmother. So her two daughters (my future older stepsisters) and my sister and I were sent to the theater to watch Freddy do his thing. I was still seven, mind you. I think that was the movie where Mindy (my oldest future stepsis) put her arm in front of my face for the whole movie, or gave me her hoodie, or something, knowing I was terrified. (See, this is all one big reason why I choose not to scare myself on purpose.)
Okay, I know Porky's II isn't a horror movie (or is it?), but hear me out. Same year. I'm still seven. (!!!) Steps are over at our house. Everyone wants pizza except my father, so that's ordered, and then future stepma starts the process of making him fried chicken. Then they queue up Porky's II on HBO because, again, watching age-appropriate television was totally a huge value for my dad. So they go back and forth between dinner prep and Porky's II. Eventually, they become completely transfixed by Porky's and forget to go back to chicken. Soon, a grease fire starts. Pro tip: If you ever have a grease fire, you should throw baking soda on it, NOT flour. Dad threw a ton of flour on it, which blew it up into huge flames.
Seeing those flames licking the kitchen cabinets and the ceiling (right above which was my bed, my room), Dad panicked and grabbed that pan to take it outside. Instead of sanely going out the front door, he went through the garage side door, to go out through the garage. But the pan handle started to get too hot for him to hold, and he was afraid that if he dropped it, he might get some of that burning hot grease on his precious classic cars in that garage. So what did Dad do? He turned around and came back in. He made it about three steps before the handle became unbearably hot for him, and then he dropped it. Right where Mindy and I were sitting. (The other two girls managed to escape the worst of it.)
I'll skip the rest of that story for now except to say that I still have the scars from that night. Some are physical.
14) What was your first Halloween costume?
I'm pretty sure I was an old lady. With the curlers. And maybe a cane.
15) If you could have a spooky Halloween pet (black cat, owl, bat, rat, wolf), what would you pick?
Hello, hello, meme-blogging fam! Every time I can't join you guys, I miss you all, and I feel like I am missing out (especially on Crazy Sam's expert questioning) -- but trust me, it's not for lack of trying or desire to play!
So, although I'm late, let me join. You too, right here:
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Hey, hey, ladies and gents! Happy Saturday! Thank you, Hostess Sam, for bringing us these questions.
I'm excited for this week. Ricky Martin and Livin' La Vida Loca were a huuuuge part of the space between my college years and the doctorate. I loved it and always blasted it in the car. I didn't know Enrique Martín Morales during his Menudo days, but I've loved him ever since La Vida. ♥
Let's go.
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Saturday 9: Cardigan, by Taylor Swift
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Well hello there, S9 family! It's been a while, you could say. Months, and months, and again more months, and months. Actually, we just got into our house on August 13th. It took so long that I just kind of shut down after a while, mentally and physically, so that's why I took such a long break from things here and elsewhere after a while, until now. I'm just now getting back to life, and it feels quite nice!
So I'm just going to get into it! I do hope you are all safe and well!
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Saturday 9: Cardigan (2020)
Unfamiliar with this week's tune? Hear it here.
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1) When she's feeling low, Taylor Swift compares herself to an old cardigan, forgotten under the bed. Do you store anything under your bed? Or do you try to keep that area clear (except for dust bunnies)?
We don't have our new bed set up yet (well, because the headboard hasn't arrived), but I generally do not store anything under my half of the bed. I'm kind of an out of sight, out of mind type. My husband, on the other hand, will put anything and everything under there (including my things!), extending past his half of our king-size bed, often. So I think I'm going to invest in some under-bed storage ideas for him.
2) The lyrics begin with a reference to a new phone. Do you foresee yourself getting a new phone before 2021 ends? Or are you happy with the one you've got?
Arghhhh. I already did, very recently. My Samsung Galaxy S20 recently just stopped working - completely - so Hubs and I decided I should get the S21. I did NOT want to. I was extremely resistant; my S20 was only a year old, for Pete's sake! I had tons of data on it (and the micro SD card within, and on the cloud), and I was still getting to know its capabilities. So I wasn't happy to have to switch it out. I suppose I could've just made a lateral move, but Hubs encouraged the upgrade, so I took the damn upgrade. LOL.
3) She sings that her lover haunts all of her "what if's." Have you recently wondered, "what if?" What were you musing about?
I have been musing, yeah. You know, I lament having had to leave Florida for the various reasons I/we did, but look at the political climate and utter chaos and nonsense going on there now. Even in Miami, geez! And then Idaho... Boise was okay, but then bought the house out in the middle of Nowheresville, an hour away, and that sealed the deal. I had to go. And look, now all the anti-trans & anti-LGBT bills, and anti-womens' healthcare and everything else, shocking no one since... it's Idaho. So while I regret fleeing the state for Maryland so quickly and without much of a plan, I sort of... don't. What if I hadn't?
4) Taylor Swift admits that she rewinds after concerts by watching Friends reruns. What do you do to relax?
Well, I really, really want to be doing a lot of work around the house, fixing it up, decorating and furnishing, painting, etc. and I am dying to start knitting again at night to relax, but my shoulder is constantly, painfully dislocated these days (including right now). I'm having shoulder in a few weeks. I might do a little knitting anyway, but it'll frustrate me if I get started only to have to stop! So I've basically been just on my phone a lot, with a million different apps open (like my mind works), with 90 alternative things going at once.
5) Thinking of TV shows, Taylor appeared on a 2009 episode of CSI. That series was about crime-scene investigators who use forensics to solve murders. Do you enjoy crime shows?
l
I do! I love Dexter, in fact. I'm so excited it's back this year, though I haven't watched it yet. Must start soon! (I don't think our TV is unpacked yet, though!)
6) Taylor grew up on an 11-acre tree farm where she learned to ride. Her mother was a horsewoman and hoped riding was a passion they could share. When she was 12, Taylor admitted to her mother that she really wasn't that into it and wished she could spend more time on her music. Her mother was supportive. Tell us about a tough conversation you've had that turned out well.
Our youngest child, Sophia, is an equestrian, too. But first and foremost, she is a horse lover. And she recently had a talk with me, wherein she said she wanted to step back from taking English riding lessons and wanted to just do some casual trailriding instead. Why? Because she doesn't agree with the use of spurs, whips, and crops, digging one's heels into the horse's ribs to make them go, and so on. And yes, I completely support that. (Though I will miss seeing her jump!)
7) She enjoys good, old-fashioned mysteries, especially those by Agatha Christie. Are you currently reading a book?
Yes, I've got the Kindle e-book version (not audio as pictured) of A Conspiracy of Mothers by Colleen van Niekerk about varoius ways mothers are protecting their children during apartheid in South Africa, and it's a great read. It was one of the free Amazon.com First Reads choices for September, and I'm really enjoying it.
8) In 2020, the year this song was released, Jeopardy host Alex Trebek died. The search for a new host has caused interest and even controversy. Would you enjoy the job?
No, I definitely wouldn't, for many reasons but especially because I could never begin to fill Alex's shoes.
9) Random question: Of Superman's three superpowers -- tremendous strength, the ability to fly, and x-ray vision -- which would you choose?
I've always wanted to fly. Ten times out of 10, that is what I'd choose!
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It's great to be back. I've missed y'all! Have a great weekend.
Fin.
Testing, 1...2...3...
Testing, 1...2...3...
Is this thing on?