Currently

I am...

Reading... Muddled Through: A Maine Clambake Mystery by Barbara Ross 

Watching... Christmas Vacation. Yeah, I know, but it's steaming on Frndly and nothing else was appealing. 

Listening to... Daisy yapping every time Megan or the kids walk in...and they are walking in a lot as Cody started the demo on their only bathroom today to prepare it for remodeling while he's off work this week.

Loving... that the pool is ready for use and looks so nice with the new liner. The kids did convince us to get in for a bit today, but we didn't last long. The water was only 74 degrees. Brrrr!

Thinking... about tomorrow and wondering if I will get pulled from the shredding floor to cover someone I know is going to be off in ATF. I'm hoping so. My ankle has been bothering me all weekend as it is.

Also, that maybe I will be getting a 12 week break from shredding. One of my coworkers told me on Friday that she will be having back surgery on July 12 and will be off at least that long. Praying they pull me in on Tuesdays to pick up the slack.

Feeling... mellow. 

Celebrating... Memorial Day, sort of. I try to remember and give thanks for those who have fought and died to preserve our freedoms and we did have a picnic today. The picnic was not the best and I was feeling just about over family celebrations. 

Tim is not feeling well, but put pressure on himself to get the pool deck done today. It didn't have to be finished and ultimately, it didn't get finished but it is usable. But the not feeling well and telling himself he HAD to do that and being the one to do the grilling had him in a really nasty mood this morning. Then I don't know if the kids were up late or awake early, but they were soooooo whiney today. Finally, my mother, who has always been judgemental but has gotten even more so and has absolutely no filter these days managed to tick just about everyone off.

Yep, good times.

Grateful... to have the Lord Jesus Christ in my life to lean on when humans fail (and eventually we all fail someone) and the world seems out of control. It's hard to get too depressed about it when I know who wins in the end.

Enjoying... the new Cirkul peach iced tea cartridge I got. It's very good!

Weather... it was sunny off and on today and around 80 degrees. It's still 74 at 9:15. This week's forecast is dry, mostly to partly cloudy, and hot. By Friday we'll be staring 90 degrees in the eye. I'm glad the pool is ready to go!

Giggles...

Have a great week!

 

Sunday Stealing

This week's questions were stolen borrowed from Kwizgiver via Bev's efforts.

1. Do you go in at a fast food place or just hit the drive through?  Most of the time I just go through the drive through, but I do occasionally go inside.

2. Have you ever lost anything down a toilet?  Not that I can remember.

3. Do you have a dog?  Yes, Daisy is a diva of a Toy Poodle.

4.  Ever go camping?  Many times, but not any time recently. 

5. Have you met anyone famous?  Toby Keith and several of the Pittsburgh Steelers from back in the 70's and 80's who are now in the football hall of fame.

6. Any plans today?  I'm doing this Saturday evening so things could change, but as of right now the only plans for Sunday are going to church and doing household chores, including helping get the pool ready to go for Monday.

7. Are you happy?  Yes, I am.

8. Where are you right now?  Sitting in the recliner in the living room.

9. Biggest annoyance in your life right now?  That the tree guy didn't get here to cut down the tree that overhangs the pool before the pool company came and put in the new liner. That means when he does come we'll have to temporarily cover the pool to keep the mess out.

10. Last song listened to?  I don't know. Whatever was on the radio in the car.

11. Last movie you saw?  We watched Disney's Tangled at work Friday afternoon.

12. Are you allergic to anything?  A couple of antibiotics and something in the air...testing said it wasn't one of the 50 most common allergies, but the allergist didn't test beyond that.

13. Favorite pair of shoes you wear all the time?  My Vionic flipflops and a cheap pair of "crocs" I found at Walmart. I am all about comfort when it comes to footwear. I wish I could choose shoes based on style, but those days are gone.

14. What do you think of when you think of Australia?  My daughter's trip there the summer before her senior year of high school.

15. Do you use smiley faces on the computer a lot?  Not too much. My phone is another story.

Saturday 9: Some Gave All

Saturday 9: Some Gave All (1992)

*My favorite Billy Ray Cyrus song and a touching tribute to our fallen heroes.

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.  Many of them have from my long ago ancestors during the Revolutionary War to the current generation. They have worn the uniforms of the Army, Navy, Marines, National Guard, and Sea Bees. I know of only one who "gave all," my 3x great grandfather died on the battlefield at Shiloh...something I learned only after meeting my biologic father. Seeing his photo was rather shocking. My son is a dead ringer for him.

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?  In our front yard. We are patriotic around here.

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?  Other than my exercise bike it has been years.

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?  Not that I would, but yes. I was a Billy Ray Cyrus fan back in the day.

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?  Elton John's Candle in the Wind was about Marilyn Monroe.

6) Memorial Day is the traditional kick off of the summer season. Have you packed away your winter clothes yet?  Actually, I did that last weekend. I'm pretty impressed with myself.

7) As you answer these questions, is there a fan or an air conditioner cooling your room?  Yes. I would be okay without it, but Tim thinks it's "roasting" hot in here.

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?  Probably not unless it's something for the pool.

9) Random question: When is the last time you felt like a kid?  I'm going to say it was this past Wednesday. Another staff member and I took a few people out in the community to water the flowers in the shopping district (something we are committed to doing all summer as a way of getting our people out in the community and getting the community comfortable with them) and then to a picnic in the park. We had so much fun and laughed like I haven't laughed in a while.

Thanks, Sam, for the music and questions.

Play along here.

A Daybook

Outside my window...

It's currently dark at 9:45 p.m., but the temperature is still a balmy 66 degrees. The crew we hired to install the new pool liner finally came yesterday and they finished today. While it isn't completely filled yet, the pool looks soooo inviting. The grandchildren are anxious to jump in...let's hope the weather cooperates and they can do just that very soon.

We bought two rose bushes on Sunday. One a beautiful yellow climber that smells divine. The other has huge double petal blooms in a coral color. The double rose will go near the pool deck when Tim finishes working on it. The climber will be trained to trail along two sections of garden fence we also purchased just for that purpose.

On my mind...

I don't hate those who live as part of the LGBT+ community. Jesus commanded that we love our neighbors...meaning all of them, not just those who are just like us. That doesn't mean, however, that I have to agree with the lifestyle or just blindly accept everything. I'm sorry, but as the world gears up for Pride Month in June the rush of retailers to prove themselves accepting and inclusive has crossed a line. 

One major retailer has taken a lot of flack for its decision to sell LGBT+ clothing and items in its children's department...some even in the toddler section. I just can't agree with that. Children should be allowed to be children and innocent in that. They should not be bombarded with any kind of sexual message. 

My money will no longer go to the above retailer...and that stinks because they were one of my favorites. 

These children...

My two youngest grandchildren...(there is possibly one who is younger, but we were not told of the birth and can't confirm it...our daughter found out on Instagram)...just make my heart happy. They are what little kids should be...happy, carefree, loving, and a little bit ornery.

Country kids at heart!

Little Miss Sassy!

Just a boy and his truck helping with yard work.

I have a thing for...

Vintage figural planters...especially ones that depict dogs. My daughter thinks it's a weird collection. Pfffftt.

Wanting...

Either one (or both!) of these beautiful kitties from our local shelter. I've been watching and both have been there for a while now. Tim is totally against it, though. Sigh.

Looking forward to...

• Going out with a group of clients tomorrow to water the flower planters in the downtown area of the community the Blind Assoc. is located in...and then having lunch at a park.
• Getting my hair cut after work tomorrow.
• Getting my first pedicure since before Covid after work on Thursday.
• The 3-day holiday weekend, complete with great weather!

And now I really need to let Daisy out and then say goodnight or I am not going to want to get up in the morning. I hope you're all enjoying a wonderful week!

Some Music, Some Thanks

As seems to be the case more often than not these days, there just weren't enough hours in the day to get a Thankful Thursday post up yesterday. So, with apologies to Sam at Saturday 9, I'm going to combine the two this week.

There is much to be thankful for this week, but here are just a few things.

** The privilege of living in a country where, yes, there is crime...but I can, for the most part, go about my day...go to work, go shopping, be entertained, worship my God, speak my mind...and not be worried every moment about my safety. The chances of my coming home at the end of the day safe and sound are greater than the chance that I will not.

** The unconditional love and joy I get from the dear ones I work with and the fullness of my heart in the blessing of being able to bring something positive to their lives.

** New challenges that keep my mind from growing stagnant. 

** A lovely Mother's Day dinner with the family.

** Being able to watch a video of Leah's end of year program with her even though I was unable to be there.

** The pool people called and they are installing the new liner on Monday.

And now some fun with the Saturday 9. Thanks, Sam, for the music and questions!

Saturday 9: Mirrors (2013)

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

1) Is there a mirror in the room you're in now?  No. I don't have one in the living room.

 

2) In this song, Justin Timberlake tells his lover he just can't wait till they're together. What are you eagerly looking forward to today?  I'm doing this before bed on Friday, but I'll go ahead and say it's going to be taking out a client on Saturday.

 

3) Justin Timberlake is known as a sharp dresser who is always on trend. What item have you recently added to your wardrobe?  Nothing that qualifies as "sharp." I bought a bunch of t-shirts and shorts for the hot summer months at work.

4) Justin was an accomplished child performer who appeared on the entertainment competition show Star Search when he was just 11. When Crazy Sam was 11, her only job was loading and unloading the dishwasher, for which she received an allowance from her dad. Did you have chores when you were a kid?  I had a LOT of chores. Many more than any of my friends...and my dad punished me if they were not done to his strict standards.

 

5) He says he tries never to miss breakfast, even on the road, and his favorite is peanut butter banana pancakes. Given the choice, do you prefer pancakes, french toast, or waffles?  French toast

6) When they were still in their teens, Justin Timberlake and Britney Spears were sweethearts. Obviously it's been easy for him to keep up with her successes and problems over the years. Do you wonder what one of your exes is up to?  No. I know what a couple of them are up to. As for the rest, I really couldn't care less.

 

7) In 2013, when this song was popular, Pope Benedict resigned. Thinking of your working life, have you felt greater stress on your first day at a job, or your last?  Usually the first, but my last day at the nursing home (with the horrid boss) I was worried all day that somehow my boss would find out that I planned to walk away and never return at the end of my shift and confront me about it.

8) Also in 2013, the NHL owners reached an agreement with the players union and avoided a strike. Have you ever belonged to a union?  I was in a union when I worked at the nursing home. It was the only nursing home around that was unionized.

9) Random question: When was one of the first times when you felt like an adult?  I'd have to say it was flying alone with a newborn when we moved back to PA from Florida...even though everyone from the flight attendants to the business men sitting near me took me under their wings and watched out for and took care of us.

Currently

I am...

Reading... Death, Taxes, and Sweet Potato Fries: A Tara Holloway Novel by Diane Kelly. I picked it up at a used book sale not knowing it's part of a series and pretty far into it. It stands alone, though, and I'm enjoying it so that's another series I'll be scouting for.

Listening to... the A/C running. Yep, it's that hot today.

Loving... quiet time at home after work.

Thinking... about the patriotic crafts I'm going to make here and at work out of the trunk load of stuff I just bought at Dollar Tree.

Feeling... worn out. We took some of the clients at work on an outing today...mini golf and a picnic. Taking an entire group of people who have intellectual disabilities (and some behavior issues) to play mini golf was maybe not one of my better ideas from the staff's perspective, but the clients had a great time!

Celebrating... nothing today, but the whole family did go out to Rizzo's, the area's most popular Italian restuarant, for Mother's Day. Wow, was that place crowded. They were seating people in both the original restaurant and in their event facility! The food was excellent as always. I couldn't make up my mind so I had the Italian sampler...and then had the leftovers for dinner later on. Megan and I each gave Mom a huge hanging basket and gave one to each other. Ha! Great minds think alike. We even gave each other the same color of flowers. Purple.

Grateful for... Tim is stopping on his way home to pick up Chinese take-out.

Enjoying... feeling valued and good at my job.

Weather... sunny and 77 degrees at 6 p.m.

A giggle to share...

Sunday Stealing

Thanks to Bev for finding the questions.
This week's questions were "stolen" from Kwizgiver

1. What is in the back seat of your car right now?  One car seat, one booster seat, an umbrella, a jacket, a case of homemade CDs (yes, I still listen to CDs), and probably some garbage left behind by the grands.

2. When was the last time you threw up?  I don't know. It's been a while because I pretty much have to be at death's door if I'm throwing up.

3. What's your favorite word or phrase?  I'm sure there are others, but right now all I can think of is "Really?" uttered in sarcastic disbelief when someone does something you KNOW they know better than to do.

4. Name 3 people who made you smile today?  My husband, my grandson, and my granddaughter.

5. What were you doing at 8 am this morning?  Commenting on Saturday 9 posts.

6. What were you doing 30 minutes ago?  Playing with my grandson.

7. What would constitute the perfect evening for you?  A good meal and great conversation with friends and maybe a game of cards or some other game after dinner.

8. Have you ever been to a strip club?  No

9. What is the last thing you said aloud?  "Bye, I love you." Said to the grandboy when he left.

10. What is the best ice cream flavor?  White House Cherry 

11. What was the last thing you had to drink?  Diet Coke

12. What are you wearing right now?  Jeggings and a royal purple tunic. I went with comfy because I went to an active shooter training at church today (Saturday).

13. What was the last thing you ate?  A burrito of sorts. It was my own creation from a few days ago. I mixed Jack Daniels barbecue pulled pork with some sauteed onions and peppers and stirred in some Mexican rice then rolled it all up in a tortilla with some cheese. It was pretty good.

14. Have you bought any new clothing items this week?  Yes, I ordered a couple of items, including a swimsuit, online and they actually arrived today.

15. When was the last time you ran?  I don't know. 1985? It was probably more recent than that, but not much. 

Saturday 9: Mama Said

Saturday 9: Mama Said (1961)

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

1) This week's song is about a girl who remembers wise advice she received from her mother. Tell us about someone who advised you years ago and to this day you think, "They were right!"  I had a difficult relationship with my adoptive father. My mom once described us as a train wreck looking for a place to happen. He was strict and controlling and in his mind the only correct way to do something was his way. He had many sayings that drove me to eye-rolling. As I have lived and grown older and (hopefully) gained wisdom I've come to see that many of those sayings were good advice. Among those are: "If you can't say something nice about someone, don't say anything at all."; "A job worth doing is a job worth doing well."; and "Family is family. You always take care of family and do your duty by them."

2) She sings about hearing chapel bells. Can you hear church bells ringing from your home?  The Catholic church on the hill above my neighborhood got a very expensive and elaborate electronic bell system when I was a teenager. It made the front page of the local paper when they purchased it because rather than just ringing bells, it actually played complete songs. Back then the bells rang at 9 a.m., noon, 6 p.m., and for all holidays. Now they rarely ring. I think it's only on Sunday mornings and a few bigger holidays. I don't hear them often because they've turned the volume down considerably. I miss waking up on July 4th to the bells playing Hooray for the Red, White, and Blue.

 
3) This week's featured artists are the Shirelles, a group formed in New Jersey in 1957. They are credited for beginning the girl group genre. Name another popular girl group.  The Supremes, Spice Girls, The Bangles...

4) In 1961, when this song was popular, Jacqueline Kennedy appeared on the cover of Ladies Home Journal three times. Is there a printed magazine in your home right now? If so, who is on the cover?  There are magazines, but none with people on the cover. They are all cooking or decorating magazines.

5) This song was chosen in celebration of Mother's Day. More phone calls are made on Mother's Day than any other day of the year. Who was your last phone call from?  My daughter.

 

6) Salons see a bump in appointments around Mother's Day every year. Partly because moms want to look good for their day, but also because hair, spa and nail services are a popular Mother's Day gift. When did you most recently go to a salon, and was it for your hair, complexion, or nails?  I went a little over two weeks ago to have my nails done. I got my first set of tips ever.

7) Similarly, restaurants experience a spike in reservations on Mother's Day. Where did you last dine out? Was a reservation required?  Tim and I ate out last night. No reservation was required. It was at a little neighborhood place that has been around since the 40's or 50's. We are going tomorrow to the area's most popular Italian restaurant. Tim made reservations for the whole family for Mother's Day.

 
8) The most popular Mother's Day gift is still the greeting card. Where do you card shop: drugstore, bookstore, card shop, etc.?  I'm not against buying them in all of those places, but for convenience I usually end up getting them at Walmart.

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

Thanks to Sam for the music and questions.

Play along here.

Currently

I am

Reading... I just finished reading Same Beach, Next Year by Dorothea Benton Franks about an hour ago so I haven't started another book yet. It was very good. I was hooked from the beginning and kept reading like crazy because I HAD to know how it all worked out.

Listening to... I took a client out after work and she discovered the book of homemade CD's I have stashed in the car. I can't remember the last time I actually listened to any of them so it was fun to hear some of them today. Most of them were made the summer my daughter was 14 going on 15...she's 30 going on 31 now.

Watching... Pawn Stars on the History Channel.

Loving... Colton and Leah meeting me nearly every day as I pull into the driveway after work, them coming in and hanging out for a bit to visit and have a snack.

Thinking... there aren't enough hours in a day right now. I've been so busy lately that I'm awfully behind on laundry and cleaning and it's driving me nuts. (Obviously, not nuts enough to be working on it at 9:30 p.m.)

Feeling... happy, content...life is full and life is good.

Celebrating... Mother's Day, of course. Tim made reservations for the whole family (us, our daughter's family, and my mom and stepdad) at the area's most popular Italian restaurant for Sunday. I will get Mom and our daughter cards and hanging baskets.

Grateful for... the life I have. I know it sounds a bit trite, but I was listening to the news driving to work and hearing all the awful things going on....it just slammed me how absolutely good I have it in this life. I hope to never take any of it for granted.

Enjoying... meats cooked on the grill and an increasing variety of fresh fruits and veggies.

Weather... Mostly clear and 59 degrees. Tomorrow is to be sunny and 80.

A funny I want to share... (with apologies to those of you who love all things about the Royals)

Sunday Stealing: Songs

1. A song with a food name.  Cheeseburger in Paradise by Jimmy Buffet

2. A song with an animal in it.  A Horse with No Name by America

3. A song about a bird.  Fly Like an Eagle by Steve Miller Band

4. A song about a dog.  Feed Jake by Pirates of the Mississippi (one of the saddest songs ever)

5. A song mentioning a cat.  Year of the Cat by Al Stewart

6. A song listing a character from Wizard of Oz.  Tin Man by America

7. A late night driving song.  Dancing in the Moonlight by King Harvest

8. A song from a movie.  Lost in the Woods from Frozen II (it has all the feels of an 80's power ballad)

9. A guilty pleasure song.  Y.M.C.A. by The Village People

10. A song about friends.  You've Got a Friend by James Taylor

11. A song that is about summertime.  All Summer Long by Kid Rock

12. A song that needs to be played more on the radio.  Pretty much anything by Hootie and the Blowfish or Smash Mouth

13. A song about drugs or alcohol.  Hotel California by The Eagles

14. A song you would sing at karaoke.  There is no song I'd sing at karaoke. Ever.

15. A song from year you were born in.  Twist and Shout by The Beatles 

Thanks to Bev for the questions!

Play along here.

Saturday 9: Come On-A My House

Saturday 9: Come On-A My House (1951)

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

1) In this week's song, Rosemary Clooney offers us candy, peaches, pears, grapes, cake, etc. What tasty treat are you craving this morning?  I will be on my way to a used book sale by 8:00 tomorrow morning so I'm doing this Friday evening. I can tell you, though, that I will have enjoyed one of my favorite asiago cheese bagels for breakfast. I stopped at Giant Eagle this week and picked up a few because I was craving them. I enjoy one toasted to perfection, spread with butter, and sprinkled with pizza seasoning.

 

2) The song was co-written by a pair of cousins more famous for their other jobs. William Saroyan was a Pulitzer Prize winning author and Ross Bagdasarian created Alvin and the Chipmunks. Tell us about one of your cousins.  I have mentioned my cousin, Luke Laird, before. Our grandfathers were brothers, but while I know his mother I never really had the chance to know him (or my other cousins from that branch of the family) as we moved away. He is a very well known song writer in Nashville. Click the link and you will be surprised how many of his songs you've probably heard or at least heard of.

3) The song was inspired by the cousins' recollection of their Armenian relatives encouraging friends and family to visit by promising lots of food. Who most recently invited you to their home? What was the occasion?  It was our daughter. No occasion. She just invited us for dinner.

 

4) This was a big hit for Rosemary Clooney. She got her start singing live on Cincinnati's WLW radio station. Today WLW is an all-news station. When you were a kid, what radio station did you tune into for the hits and new music?  A station known as 96 KX (pronounced kicks). I can't remember if it was 96.1 or 96.4 and a search online didn't help. The station has changed hands and formats several times and I can't remember the full call letters. It played the top 40 pop and rock songs of the day as well as carrying Casey Kasem every weekend.

5) Rosemary was also an actress, appearing in motion pictures and made-for-TV movies. The most famous is 1954's White Christmas. Have you seen it?  Many times. It is a favorite of mine.

5) Yes, Rosemary Clooney is related George Clooney. She was his aunt. She appeared with him on ER and received an Emmy Award nomination. Do you enjoy doctor shows?  Not particularly. 

7) In 1951, when this song was #1, Yankees superstar Joe DiMaggio retired from baseball. He remained in the public eye, endorsing products and acting as Major League Baseball's ambassador around the world. His second marriage, a few years after his retirement, was almost as legendary as his baseball career. Without looking it up, do you know who his bride was?  Marilyn Monroe, I think.

 

8) Also in 1951, I Love Lucy premiered and has never been off the air since. That's right: for 72 years, without interruption, viewers have been entertained by the Ricardos and Mertzes. When you think of I Love Lucy, what's the first thing that comes to mind?  Lucy and Ethel's misadventures.

9) Random question -- You're playing roulette and suddenly doubled your winnings. Do you walk away when you're ahead, or do you stay at the table to play your winning streak?  I walk away while ahead.

Thanks to Crazy Sam for the music and questions!

Play along here.

Currently

I am...

Reading... Sealed Off: Maine Clambake Mystery #8 by Barbara Ross

Listening to... rain, rain, and more rain.

Watching... Home Town on Discovery+

Loving... Colton came over to hangout with Pappy tonight.

Thinking... What on earth did the dog eat today?? (She is stinking me out. Whew!)

Feeling... accomplished after a busy weekend and content and mellow.

Celebrating... the success of the special needs prom and a success with one of my clients at work.

Grateful for... a cozy evening at home in my pj's and fuzzy socks, curled up in the recliner with a fleecy blanket and my pup.

Enjoying... the longer daylight hours.

Weather... 40 degrees and rain. Earlier we had some hail and tomorrow we could see some snow flurries.

A quote I want to share...