Saturday 9: Blueberry Hill

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

This month Saturday 9 will be tasty, featuring songs with food in the title.

1) Fats Domino sings about a hill named for blueberries. According to the Old Farmers Almanac, blueberries can grow just about anywhere in North America, as long as they have plenty of direct sunlight. Do you have a garden?  My dad always had a HUGE garden that working in was a required part of growing up. I wasn't a fan, but as an adult I have either had a garden or some raised beds or pots of vegetables each summer. I have given it up completely the last couple of years.

2) Blueberries are low in calories and rich in fiber. Are they a regular part of your diet?  Not as big a part as they used to be. My stepdad had quite a few bushes that produced an amazing quantity of berries every summer, but they have begun to die off. 

3) They also have a high moisture content. Staying hydrated is important to human health. Do you drink the standard recommended 8 glasses of water every day?  No, but I'm doing much better since I discovered The Loaded Tea Shop. They have the most delicious flavors and they are healthy. You can also choose between regular and caffeine-free.

4) Fats originally had a big hit with "Blueberry Hill" in 1956, and then enjoyed the record's renewed popularity in the mid-70s, when "Blueberry Hill" was often referenced as Richie Cunningham's favorite song. Without looking it up, do you remember what show Richie Cunningham was on? (Extra non-existent Saturday 9 points if you can also name the actor who played Richie.)  Of course I know! That would be Ron Howard on Happy Days.

5) Born Antoine Domino, he took the name "Fats" not just because of his physique. Growing up, jazz pianist Fats Waller was one of his heroes. If you were to adopt the first name of someone you admire, what would we call you?  Frank...as in Frank Siller, founder of the Tunnels to Towers Foundation.

6) Despite his warm and friendly stage persona, Fats was shy around strangers and hated giving interviews. Tell us about something you did only because it was part of your job, not because you enjoyed it.  I can't think of anything right now. I'm sure there's something, but the brain's got nothing tonight.

7) In 1956, when this record was topping the charts, the Olympics were held in Melbourne. Have you ever been to the land down under?  Nope. We raised the money to send our daughter for a 3-week tour with People to People as a student ambassador. She got to do so much and even at student rates it was EXPENSIVE. I doubt I'll ever have the funds to go and do half of what she did.

8)  The star of the 1956 Olympics was Austrian Toni Sailer, who won all three gold medals in Alpine skiing. Do you prefer snow skiing, water skiing, or just watching other people ski?  When I was young I was willing to give water skiing a try now and then, but I've never had any desire to strap on skis and fly down a mountain. These days I'll just watch, thanks.

9) Random question: Do you believe everyone has a jealous streak?  I don't know about a "jealous streak" but I do believe we all feel a bit envious once in a while.