Saturday 9: Venus in Blue Jeans

Happy to be back joining Sam and others for this week's

Saturday 9

In 1962 when this song was made, I was a senior in high school.

I wore little to no makeup, teased hair with a flip and dresses I and my mother made, and I did not own a pair of blue jeans.

Homecoming was a big event in our rural school and I was honored to be chosen as queen and escorted by my good friend, Danny.

1962 was a very good year to be a teenager!

Venus in Blue Jeans

Saturday 9: Venus in Blue Jeans (1962)

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

1) Like the dream girl described in this song, Sam is wearing jeans as she composes this Saturday 9. Is there a lot of denim in your wardrobe?

Not a lot, but I do have several pairs of jeans in varying shades of denim.  I also have a couple jackets that I rarely wear but don't want to get rid of.

2) Jimmy Clanton likens this girl to the Venus de Milo, the ancient Greek sculpture made of marble and now on display at the Louvre. Is there any marble in your home?

Only faux

3) He refers to his girl as "Mona Lisa with a pony tail." The Mona Lisa is also at the Louvre. What's the last museum you visited?

I guess it was when we visited Mackinac Island in the Upper Peninsula back in 2017. 

  
4) This girl is so awesome, she's the 8th Wonder of the World! Without looking it up, could you name the other 7?

source

The Pyramid of Giza is memorable because I actually saw it many years ago.  The other I remember is the Hanging Gardens of Babylon, but none of the remaining 6 still exists.

Some say that the 8th wonder is the Mackinac Bridge which we traveled over and under in 2017.

This amazing 26,372-foot-long bridge is the world's 22nd-longest main span and the longest suspension bridge between anchorages in the Western Hemisphere.

5) Jimmy Clanton spent his entire professional life behind a microphone. After he quit selling records, he began spinning them as a DJ. Do you consider the sound of your voice one of your better qualities?

I used to but I can't sing any longer.  I do think I have a nice speaking voice if you don't mind a little southern slang.

6) At age 80, Mr. Clanton still performs. He averaged an appearance/month in 2018. Some of his fans were surprised that he has let his pompadour go completely white. Do you color your hair?

Unashamedly on an every 4-week basis!

7) In 1962, when this song was popular, Americans were reading about 5-year-old First Daughter, Caroline Kennedy, and her pony, Macaroni. Tell us about a pet you had when you were very young.

We had a big black lab named Beebo.  He was my daddy's shadow and such a loving and gentle dog.

8) Decades later, Caroline Kennedy was the first woman to serve as US Ambassador to Japan. Have you ever been to Asia?

No I haven't but Hubby has been to Korea and parts of China.

9) Random question: When talking among themselves, who do you think is more open and honest about sex -- men or women?

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Taking Stock of Things Friday

Since I didn't get a post for today prepared ahead of time, I thought I would pull up an idea from several years ago.  It's never too late to take stock of what's going on in one's life.

Making :  Meal plans for tonight's dinner

Cooking :  I am not currently cooking anything, but I did have a delicious scrambled egg and sausage breakfast and we will be grilling a rack of ribs for dinner later today.
 
Drinking :  Advocare Spark and gallons of water

Reading :  I heard a book review on this book several weeks ago and wanted to read it.  I just started it and find it totally captivating.  I have also watched a documentary so know the story well.  I recommend this book if you enjoy wartime nonfiction.

 

Wanting:  Time with my whole family (this answer never changes)
 
Looking:  Backward to our good visit with son and family in Indiana and forward to visiting with other family and friends in the weeks and days ahead.
 
Playing:  I have several games on my iPad that I enjoy playing when I'm just sitting and not wanting to think about much.  I rediscovered Angry Birds the other day and am enjoying the challenge it offers, but usually play some sort of Solitare game.  I am enjoying the mental and dexterity challenges these little silly games offer.


Wasting:  Time doing those less than important things
 
Sewing:  Haven't actually sewn in years but did repair a pocket tear for Grandson last week.
 
Wishing:  I could become inspired to do another painting
 
Enjoying:  Spending time at home and sitting on the screened-in back porch when the temperatures permit.  I am also enjoying my pretty plants both inside and outside.
 
Waiting:  I guess life can be full of waiting for something; however, I prefer to think of it as anticipating instead.  I am anticipating next weekend when we will join three long-time couple friends for a most enjoyable weekend together.
 
Liking:  That I actually lost a couple lbs while on vacation.  How does that happen?
 
Wondering:  Whether I can stand the upcoming election year
 
Loving:  Being in a routine that involves a regular workout, time at home by myself and time with Dick the rest of the day.
 
Hoping:  That our granddaughter, Mary-Elizabeth's graduation party tomorrow is over the moon fun and exciting for her and that it goes without a hitch and/or rain.
 
Marveling:  That two of our granddaughters are such world travelers and are so comfortable with it.  I am also so proud that they are.  Chandler and husband Brad are currently loving their time in Soller, a small town in the mountains of Mallorca, Spain.

Needing:  Inspiration to pick up the paint brushes
 
Smelling:   Some homemade Lavender potpourri that I bought at an outdoor market in South Harbor, MI last week.

Listening:  To the A/C churning to keep the house cool in this 105 heat index climate

Wearing:  My workout clothes.  We go to the gym at 5:30 and I return to do busy stuff in the house and yard, and just haven't showered and dressed yet.
 
Following:  Several new bloggers I have found recently.


Noticing:  That the weeds in the flower beds are more healthy than the plants
 
Knowing:  Jesus Christ as my Lord and Savior is the most important thing in my life
 
Thinking:  That I need to get off this computer and get ready to do something a bit more constructive - refer to the Wasting answer above.

Feeling:  Grateful for every new day
 
Bookmarking:  Nothing right now but do plan to refer to some old ones for painting ideas.
 
Opening:  My heart to where God is moving and how He wants me to be involved
 
Giggling:  I don't giggle, but did have a lose-your-breath laughing moment with grandchildren last week.
 
Feeling:  Very grateful for my life, my husband, my family and where I am right now.  

"Yours, Lord, is the greatness and the power and the glory and the splendor and the majesty, for everything in the heavens and on earth belongs to You.  Yours, Lord, is the kingdom, and You are exalted as head over all."

1 Chronicles 29:11 

A Kitty Cat Medley

It may be Garfield's National Day, but it is always an Ellie Day at my sister's house.

Thank you Terri for today's questions.

Join us by clicking this link.

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NATIONAL GARFIELD THE CAT DAY – June 19

1.  If you have ever followed the Garfield comic strip, you know Garfield loves lasagna.  What is your favorite Italian food?  Do you over-indulge when it comes to pasta?

I do like lasagna but rarely eat it.  We aren't eating pasta now at all, so no over-indulging.

2.  Tell us about your very first pet.  If you have never had a pet, can you tell us about an animal that touched your life in some way?

There were always pets at our house because my dad was an animal lover.  Mother?  Not so much, but she did later in life allow a sweet dog to share their house with them.

After we got married, I had a cat named "Neiko" that I loved dearly and we had a dog, Muffin who was our children's favorite.  When she died, there were no more pets at our house.

3.  Garfield sleeps his day away, only waking to eat or sweet talk his girlfriend Arleen.  How many hours sleep do you normally get each night?  How much sleep do you really need?

Sleep is often a challenge for me.  Based on my FitBit report, I average about 6.5 hours a night.  At least 50% of that time is spent in light sleep; 10-20% REM; 15-20% in deep sleep.  There are always long periods of being awake.

I suppose this is about all I need although I would love to get more.  I do not nap during the day and am in bed by 9:30 p.m. and up at 5:30 a.m.

4.  Garfield lets the mice in the house have their way.  When was the last time you had to chase out a little varmint?  

Oh heavens, thankfully many years ago.  We do not co-exist!!

5.  Garfield also loves his teddy bear Pooky. Did you have a favorite stuffed animal when you were young (or now!)?  If you didn't or don't, what about someone you know?

Frankly, I don't recall ever having a stuffed animal as a child, and certainly not as an adult.  My children had their favorites and so did my grandchildren; however, I think they are all long gone.

6.  Please tell us something about your week, so far!

After being gone for two weeks to visit our son and his family in Northern Indiana, we got back Monday night.  It was a great trip and I will be blogging about it in the near future.

Within an hour of getting home, we had the car unloaded, all suitcases unpacked and put away, clothes sorted for washing, mail gone through and either filed or disposed of and outdoor plants checked on.

After 2 days and 15 hours on the road, it is good to be home. We bring back many great memories and lots of loving.

Before we got on the road Sunday, we attended church and enjoyed a Father's Day and Michelle's birthday lunch together.

We are always grateful for time with family and for God's protection while we travel.

Saturday 9: I'm Moving On

Welcome to this week's edition of Saturday 9.  I happen to be joining in 1,000 miles from home.  We are in the very top part of Central Indiana, only a few miles from the beautiful campus of Notre Dame where our granddaughter will march and receive her High School diploma tonight.

It's hard to believe 18 years have passed so quickly.

Our feature song is from 1965 - the year of my wedding - and a song that I am not familiar with at all.  Neither do I remember the artist, Chyvonne Scott.  Since she was best known as a soul singer from NYC fame, my not knowing about her is understandable.

Thank you Sam for the questions today.  Join us by clicking HERE.

Saturday 9: I'm Moving On (1965)

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


1) In this song, Chyvonne Scott sings that she's sick of her lover's "conniving." Tell us about a time you felt deceived. (It doesn't have to involve romance.)

The only thing I can think of is back in 2002 when I  started a new job, feeling that I had been deceived regarding the salary I would receive.  It wasn't at all what I had been led to believe it would be.

2) She realizes it's time to move on to another love. What's your favorite love song? Is it about a relationship that's running smoothly? Or is it like "I'm Moving On," about an unhappy love affair?

I wish I had a favorite love song, but I really don't.

There is a song, "There's a Place for Us" from West Side Story,

 that has special meaning for me.  It is a song of hope and longing, looking to a future the lovers hope is peaceful and secure.

3) Though Chyvonne Scott enjoyed only limited success as a recording artist, she was very popular in New York clubs. When did you most recently listen to music performed live?

Every Sunday in church.  Now, if you mean in a concert setting, it was a couple weeks ago when we heard a world-renowned pianist play with the Shreveport Symphony Orchestra.

4) In 2017, this song appeared on a Samsung commercial that poked fun at rival iPhone. Is your cell phone an Apple or Android? How did you choose your phone?

It is an Apple.  We chose it because we liked it better than the Android and have not been disappointed.

5) Chyvonne is an unusual name. In 1965, when this song was first released, the most popular baby names in the US were Michael and Lisa. Do you have any Michaels or Lisas in your life?

I have a 1st cousin named Michael and my daughter-in-law has a sister named Lisa.

6) Also in 1965, Winston Churchill died. In researching this week's Sat. 9, Sam discovered a Churchill quote that's new to her: "I am always ready to learn although I do not always like being taught." Share something interesting that you recently learned.

I learned this week that it is a sad commentary not only on our country but the faith based community when a pastor has to explain to his congregation and answer for why he prayed for the leader of our country.

7) In 1965, one of the most successful movies ever made, The Sound of Music, was released. Have you ever seen it?

Many times!

8) Lava lamps were already popular in England and Brussels, but in 1965 they were introduced in the US. Do you think lava lamps are cool? 

They are fascinating to look at for a short time, but I've never had one or wanted one.

9) Random question -- You have to buy something very personal that you find embarrassing. Would you rather pay cash for it, so your identity would be unknown but you'd have to face the cashier? Or order it online, where you could avoid looking anyone in the eye, but you have to share your name and address?

Oh gracious, this is a hard one.  First, I've tried to imagine wanting something so personal that I would be faced with this dilemma.  Second, I can't think of a thing.  So, I'm going with order it and let my info be floating out there with everything else.

  

Wednesday Medley: Cheese, Cheese and More Cheese

Happy Belated National Cheese Day!

Thank you Terri for giving us our Wednesday Medley questions each week.  Come join us on her website, Your Friend From Florida for today's questions.

1.  National Cheese Day is Tuesday, rather than Wednesday, but I think we should celebrate cheese this week!!  Let's start by sharing your favorite cheese with us.  Which one is always in your fridge?

This is our favorite brand and my favorite cheese.  We keep Parmesan, Mozzarella, and Feta in the frig as well.

2.  What is your preference? Mild, Sharp, or Extra Sharp?  How do you use cheese most often?

I prefer Sharp Cheddar but will also use the Extra Sharp.

3.  Cheesecake?  New York style or what other flavors would you rather have?

Cheesecake Factory Chicago Picture Source

I am not a big cheesecake eater.  There is just something about the texture that doesn't appeal to me.  However, when we went to the Cheesecake Factory in Chicago, I found all sorts of samples that I could delight in.

4.  When you do grilled cheese sandwiches, which cheese do you prefer to use and what condiments do you use, if any?

My first choice of cheese is always the Sharp Cheddar sliced thin and layered.

Several years ago, we used Hello Fresh for prepared meal ingredients.  One of the dishes was grilled cheese with a mild fig preserve on the bread.  It was delicious, so I have continued to do this occasionally.  The jelly/preserve adds a light sweet flavor that is different and so good.

I will eat grilled cheese alone, but prefer it with soup or chicken salad.

5.  Number 5 on June 5th... Say happy birthday to my sister, Tammy!!

Happy Birthday Sister Tammy!

6.  Share something with us about your week. If it includes using cheese in a recipe, please also share that with us too!!

Sunday afternoon we drove up to Little Rock to spend the night with our nephew.  I had a Monday 8 a.m. appointment with him who by the way was voted best cosmetic dentist in Little Rock, as well as being named in America’s Best Dentists 2017.

Smile Arkansas

Sunday night following a delicious dinner prepared by Jacqueline, we drove down to see the over-flowing Arkansas River.

Some of the main roads and streets nearest the river are now under water.  Since more rain is expected this week, the flooding conditions will continue to worsen.

It is disconcerting to be this close to such a large, mighty river.

The sunset was amazing.  I wanted to just study the layers of color and formations that only the great Creator can display.

I couldn't help wondering from where this interesting log might have come.

We drove downtown and were able to get another view of the mighty river outside it's normal boundaries encroaching parts of the city where it doesn't belong.

We saw the Clinton Library which extends over the river.  It is said to be the most expensive "trailer house" ever built.

Lee owns a beautiful 8th floor condo in down town Little Rock.  He took us up to get this beautiful nighttime view of the skyline.

After a long 11 hour drive to Northern Indiana, where we will spend the next two weeks, this was my respite spot first thing Tuesday morning.

Other than a daily chance of rain, we are looking forward to the predicted mid 70 degree weather ahead.

As for having eating cheese, we nibbled on cheese cubes and grapes on the trip and had a sprinkling of grated cheese on delicious Taco Soup for lunch on this National Cheese Day.

Saturday 9: It's Late

It is Saturday, so I am again joining the Saturday 9 bloggers to answer questions related to a song that Samantha gives us to ponder.

Click HERE to join us and possibly answer the questions yourself.

I well remember Ricky Nelson and the song we are featuring today - 

"It's Late"!

Ricky Nelson was definitely a "teen idol" when I was growing up.  And what home in the 50's didn't wait for the "Ozzie and Harriet Show" to come on each week.

Okay, let's see what questions we have to answer this week.

It's Late (1959)

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


1) Ricky Nelson laments that he should have been home hours ago. When is the last time you stayed up later than you should have? What were you doing?

It could be most any night when I can't sleep.  A couple nights this week I was getting back in bed at 2:30 a.m. after being up a couple hours or so.  The alarm goes off at 5:30 so I didn't get much sleep those nights.

I wish I could be as sleepy at 11:00 p.m. as I am in church some Sundays.

I do different things when I can no longer stay in bed and fight sleep that seems ever evasive, but usually I walk around the house; do stretches; read or do something on the computer.

2) Compounding Ricky's problem is that he's nearly out of gas. How is your gas tank right now? When did you most recently fill 'er up?

It's on half a tank and I filled up over a week ago.  It will be filled up today in readiness for a long trip next week.

3) It gets worse! He can't call home because he doesn't have a dime for the pay phone. Have you recently been in a situation where you've been glad you had your cell phone handy?

Any time I'm on the road, I'm grateful to have a cell phone.  I haven't had a crisis, thankfully, but I do use my phone for WAZE directions and road hazards ahead.  That has come in handy several times.

4) The video for this song is from an episode of The Adventures of Ozzie and Harriet. Ozzie Nelson, Ricky's father, was in charge of the show and made the rules. One was that no one was allowed to smoke on the set ... except his wife, Harriet. Do you smoke? Have you ever lived with a smoker?

I do not smoke and other than experimenting as a young teenager, have never smoked.  My dad was a smoker for many years until he stopped "cold turkey."

5) Life magazine coined the phrase "teen idol" to describe Ricky's popularity. According to Tiger Beat, today's teen idols include Johnny Orlando and Ruby Jay. Johnny was born in 2003, Ruby in 2004. Sam admits that before today, she had no idea who these young people are. How about you?

No, they are new to me, so I looked them up.  Cute kids with fairly nice voices, so I can see the appeal to the younger generation.

6) While Paul McCartney and Bob Dylan have posthumously praised Ricky Nelson's music, 1950's music critics dismissed him as a lightweight. What's the last review you read? Was it written by a professional critic, or was it contributed by a consumer to a site like Amazon or Yelp?

I read several reviews on a book I was thinking about reading.  The reviews were written by other authors as well as folks who had read the book.

7) At the height of his popularity, Ricky tried his hand at movies, appearing in the western Rio Bravo with John Wayne. He turned 18 during the filming, and Wayne celebrated by playfully throwing Ricky into a sack of horse manure. Do you think pranks and practical jokes are funny?

I am not a prankster and do not normally appreciate when someone else is pranked.  I just don't find that sort of thing funny as a rule.

8) In 1959, when this song was popular, the St. Lawrence Seaway was completed. It connects Canada to our Great Lakes. Without looking it up, can you name all 5 Great Lakes?

Following the rules and not cheating, I can only name a couple - Lake Michigan and Lake Erie.  I have seen both up close and personal.

9) Random question – You drive past a local motel and see the car of a very married friend right there in the lot. Would you ask her about it?

I would not recognize a friend's car in the first place.  Secondly, I would not ask her about it because at my age all my fellow friends would have a justifiable, albeit interesting reason for being there.