Saturday 9: St Patty Day Song

Molly Malone

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

1) Are you of Irish descent?

 28% Ireland/Scotland/Wales

2) Legend has it that the heroine of this week's Irish ballad was a real lass. 17th century birth and burial records confirm that a woman with that name lived in Dublin. Can you think of another song about a real historic figure?

Neil Diamond sang "Done Too Soon" about a host of people who lived, contributed and died too soon.

Done Too Soon

3) Molly sold fish from a cart that she wheeled through the streets. What's the last seafood you ate?

We had salmon on Sunday and cod on Tuesday

4) The lyrics tell us that, after her death, her ghost continues to wander the streets of Dublin with her wheel barrow. Do you believe in ghosts?

No

5) This week's featured band, The Dubliners, are obviously from Dublin. They were introduced to American audiences on The Ed Sullivan Show. Today, Stephen Colbert tapes his show in The Ed Sullivan Theater. Who hosted the last talk show you watched? 

Jay Leno

I obviously do not watch late night talk shows and can't stand the day-time ones.

6) Corned beef and cabbage is a traditional St. Patrick's Day dish. Is it a favorite of yours?

Not at all, although I do like cabbage

7) According to Irish legend, leprechauns earned the gold in the pot they guard by repairing shoes. Crazy Sam can't remember the last time she got a pair of shoes repaired. When the heels wear away, she discards the shoes and buys new ones. What about you? Do you get your shoes fixed (either by leprechauns or just by ordinary repairmen)?

I'm with Crazy Sam and can't remember when I would have had a pair of shoes repaired.  Hubby on the other hand did have a pair repaired only a few months ago.  Men are just different that way.

8) Do you look good in green, the signature color of St. Patrick's Day?

No, but I do wear olive green

9) Random question: Did you more recently sneeze or cough?

It's a toss up because with the pollen it could be either/or, or both.

Happily joining Crazy Sam for this week's questions for

Thursday 13: What's On Your Frig?

What Is On Your Frig?

With the current trend of stainless steel appliances, there are fewer decorated refrigerators.

Mine is the exception.  I know it's not in style, but I still like having my photo gallery where I can see it.

Here is what I have and why.

1.  This picture of us with our son and daughter was taken at our granddaughter's wedding almost 4 years ago in Dallas. I treasure it.

2.  And this was the bride and groom.  I never tire of seeing their happy faces and remembering this joyous occasion.

3.  I also keep our families Christmas cards all year long.  Just because!

4.  This was taken at one of our Christmas parties this past year.  It's not our best picture, but I just like seeing us together.

5.  Our son and his family always have their picture made for the card and I love comparing them each year.  We added a new member to the group this year.

6.  This is a notepad that our Indiana granddaughters wrote on several years ago when they were elementary and middle-schoolers.  They actually wrote on 7 pages "so you won't forget us when we leave."  They always bring a smile to my face.

7.  Ava Grace wrote this little note when she was just a preschooler.  "I love you more than the stars big."  These little sentiments still mean so much to us even after all these years.

8/9.  Our daughter's Christmas card encompassed each daughter's big event for the year.  Brad and Chandler added a pup baby to their family, Cassidy graduated from UT and Emily got engaged.

The school picture of Ava Grace is considered part of the 13 by the way.

10.  We look forward to the next upcoming wedding and adding to our sons-in-law.

11.  I keep our Rwandan sponsor child's picture where I can see it and be continually reminded to pray for our little Fionah.  She is holding the shoes I gave her for Christmas.

12.  I keep this picture sent by Cassidy from when she lived and studied in Barcelona her senior year.  It is a reminder of God's grace in her life.

13.  This is the only visible calendar I have other than the monthly calendar with appointments that I keep on the back door.

I love the saying on this card.

"Things should be beautiful,
they should be unusual,
and they should last forever."

The many memories and special people in our lives represented on our frig are things of beauty, somewhat unusual and definitely will last forever in my heart.



Linking up with:
Colleen
CountryDew

Wednesday Medley: Good Samaritan Day

Thank you Terri for this week's medley of questions.

Your Friend From Florida

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NATIONAL GOOD SAMARITAN DAY – March 13

NATIONAL GOOD SAMARITAN DAY

National Good Samaritan Day is observed on March 13th.  This day is also known as Good Samaritan Involvement Day. This is a day for unselfish actions to help those in need and to celebrate kindness.

The term “good Samaritan” comes from the Bible parable where a Samaritan helped a stranger who had been robbed and beaten and left to die by the side of the road.  The Samaritan not only cleaned the man’s wounds and clothed him, but took him to an inn where he paid for the man’s care.

The term is used today to describe those who perform acts of kindness for those in need, especially those who are strangers.

HOW TO OBSERVE

Make an effort to help someone who is struggling or having a problem. Use #GoodSamaritanDay to post on social media.

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1.  When did someone come to your rescue and can you tell us about it?

Last Wednesday morning as I getting ready for an appointment, I received an alert that there had been possible fraudulent charges on my business CC.  The only time I had ever used this card other than for product ordering online, was two days earlier when I erroneously used it to get gas.  There had to have been a reader on the gas tank.  No other way would my card number be accessible.

I immediately called the bank and found out that only a day earlier someone had charged over $800 for AirB&B's in California.  With the bank person's help, I closed the account and ordered a new card.

A few minutes later, I discovered that I had lost my actual checking account CC at some point the same day.  Again, I immediately called the bank customer service and we ordered another new card.  Thankfully no fraudulent charges had been made.

These two people definitely came to my rescue and I quickly got accounts closed and replacement cards in the mail.

ALERT:  Always check for hidden cameras and test the card reader on the gas tank before inserting your card!

2.  When did you help someone out of a jam and can you tell us about it?

This question is a bit harder to answer.  I don't recall actually helping anyone other than to have helped a dear, sweet friend who is in assisted living during a recent visit.  I got her walker and helped her to stand and get her balance before walking.  I also picked up some things off the floor that she had dropped.  This is so minor, but it is what she needed at the time.

3.  What are your thoughts on being a good Samaritan?  Some states (like Florida) have even passed Good Samaritan laws so you don't get into trouble with the law for trying to help someone.

The Bible teaches that we are to serve and help meet the needs of others.  In today's skeptical society, these acts of kindness can be misunderstood and judged wrongly.  However, I do not believe that this absolves us of the responsibility and obligation to show kindness to our fellowman.  We as Christians are called to be Christ's example to a very hurting world, and how best to do that than be possibly the only Jesus someone may see.

4.  Thursday is National Pi Day.  It's a fun play on the date 3.14.  Will you have some pie to celebrate?

No, no pie in this house, but I am looking forward to having some of our "oldest" friends visit with us on Thursday.

Bill and Velta were friends of Dick's before he and I ever met.  In fact, it was in their house in Kentwood, LA, that Dick proposed to me in 1965.  They now live in Lancaster, SC so we don't see each other very often.  With friendships like this, there is no starting over, only picking up where we left off.  They are so dear to us and we can't wait to see them.

5.  Did you know that Pi is the most studied number in mathematics?  Are you good with numbers?

Does this answer your question?

6.  Tell us something random about your week.

My Week in Pictures

Rain and more rain

Morning workouts

Laundry

Wednesday rehearsals

Routine cleaning

Time with my sweetie

"Come Unto Me"

After several years in the planning and development, last year we dedicated the Columbarium at our church, First Baptist in Shreveport, LA.

A Columbarium is an area that contains structures of vaults for cinerary urns.  Dick and I were thrilled with this means of handling our remains after death.

This area is named for the family who provided the funds, The Woods Memorial Garden

Yesterday, we dedicated a beautiful bronze statue which was placed in the center of the garden.

The funds for this statue were given by a family in our church and friends of the sculptor.

Titled "Come Unto Me", the sculpture was created by nationally recognized sculptor, Rosalind Cook.  You can read more about her HERE.

Rosalind was in our service to be part of the dedication and gave her testimony.  She explained the meaning behind this particular sculpture and why she named it "Come Unto Me."

Jesus's arms are always open to receive us and we can find rest in those arms of love.

We, like this little one can find comfort, rest, and strength as we lay all our cares and concerns on Him

All we have to do is seek Him and He will receive us and hold us.  I love the sweet hand of the little girl resting confidently on the lap of Jesus, knowing she can trust Him.

To me, the eagerness and openness of this sweet child is exemplified by the tip-toes and outstretched hand.

And this is why she is so trusting and willing to be vulnerable.  The strong hand of Jesus is holding her securely and supporting her from losing her balance.  We often forget about that hand keeping us from falling, don't we.

Rosaland explained that Jesus has His eye on the child who seeks Him and is happy and ready to receive that one.  I love the sweet, tender, compelling expression on his face.

There is such great detail in this work of art.

Rosalind Cook has other commissioned works all over the world including the Vatican in Rome.  Other locations include the headquarters of World Vision in Washington, Compassion International in Colorado Springs, Cancer Treatment Centers of America, and the US Open 2001.  Her works are also in hospitals, churches, museums, and parks throughout the US.

We are so grateful to have this beautiful place not only as a quiet garden in which to meditate but as a final resting place for us and many others in our church.

"As I sculpted this seven-foot figure of Jesus, I endeavored to project his compassion, his strength, and his great love for us as children of God. I love the fact that Jesus is giving his full attention to the young girl reaching up to him either with her needs or in adoration and gratitude. He meets us on an individual basis no matter where we are in life. The other child is sleeping with secure confidence in his arms."

Rosalind Cook

Saturday 9: On the Roof

Linking up with Samantha for this week's

Up on the Roof

Saturday 9: Up on the Roof (1979)

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

1) JT sings that, when the world gets him down, he goes up on the roof to find peace. When you're "feeling tired and beat," what do you do to cheer yourself up?

It depends on the season.  In winter I love sitting on the sofa in front of the fire with a book and a cup of hot Chia, or in my recliner in the office watching a Hallmark movie.  It may not be long before I'm curled up with a faux fur throw and napping.

When it's warmer, you will find me on my back porch with a good book, listening to music and drinking something fresh.  This is always my happy place whether beat or upbeat.

2) He sings that, at night, the stars put on a show for free. Are you economizing, or sticking to a budget?

We are retired and living on a somewhat fixed income.  Although we aren't either economizing or sticking to a budget, we are very conscious of what we spend.  We want to enjoy life and the years we have left, but neither do we live frivolously.  We plan to spend every penny we have.

3) In addition to recording this song for his album, Flag, James Taylor surprised the song's composer, and his good friend. Carole King by performing it the night she received her Kennedy Center Honor (see link above). Tell us about a good turn a friend has done for you recently.

I volunteer to answer phones at our church every other Monday.  The friend who works opposite weeks with me reminded me that I was supposed to work this past Monday.  I strongly assured her that I had worked the previous week and it was her turn.  Although she knew very well that I was wrong, she went ahead and worked in my place.

Needless to say, when I realized my mistake, I was not only very embarrassed and apologetic but also very grateful for her sweet spirit.

4) James Taylor and Carole King have been good friends for decades, but they have never been romantically involved. Do you have platonic friends of the opposite sex?

Not really.  My best male platonic friend died a few years ago.  We had known each other since middle school, went to college together, and maintained a close friendship until his death.

5) James was born in the Boston hospital where his father worked as a resident physician. Are there any doctors or nurses in your family?

Both my son and daughter have BSN degrees but neither has worked as a nurse for many years.  My son is in hospital administration and daughter does case management.  I have two nephews who are doctors; one of them's wife and all four children are also doctors.

6) When James was young, his family moved to Chapel Hill, NC. James has vivid memories of how beautiful the area was in all four seasons. What's your favorite time of year?

Actually, I love winter but fall is my second favorite.

7) In 1979, when this recording was popular, ESPN launched. Do you often watch that cable sports channel?

Only for football

Geaux Tigers!

8)  Also in 1979, the Voyager spacecraft sent photos back to earth that revealed Jupiter's rings. Without looking it up, can you name all the planets in our solar system?

I cannot!

9) Random question: Our Saturday 9 Wizards give you a choice -- you can be 20 years old and gorgeous, 30 years old and brilliant, or 40 years old and rich. Which do you choose?

Honestly?  I am all those at 74!
Seriously, I wouldn't go back a single day to be either gorgeous, brilliant or rich.  I am perfectly content with where I am right now.  74, not too bad looking, still remembering my name, and not broke is good for me, thank you.