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.

Saturday 9: This Is A Very Special Day

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

1) In this song, Peggy sings that she feels good enough to climb a hill. Will you be doing anything athletic today?  Does tackling the mess in the house count? If so, then, yes.

2) However she was also tempted to climb back in bed. Is a nap in your plans for today?  While not in my plans, it will no doubt happen at some point.

3) She tells us that she looked in the mirror and told herself it was time to "lose the blues." Do you ever speak out loud to yourself?  Not as often as I used to. When I was younger I talked to myself all the time.

4) Peggy wrote this song for the 1953 remake of The Jazz Singer. She performs it in the movie, too. In the 1950s, female singer-songwriters were unusual, but not so today. Can you think of another woman who not only sings but writes her own material?  Stevie Nicks and Dolly?

5) Her co-star in the film was Danny Thomas. Today he is best remembered as a philanthropist and founder of St. Jude's Children's Research Hospital, but he was quite a star in his day. He appeared in nightclubs and movie musicals and, from 1954 to 1963, had his own sitcom. Do you know the show?  I think I must have seen it in reruns a long time ago, but I don't remember the name or anything about it.

6) When Peggy Lee was trying to break into show business, she supported herself as a short order cook. She was required to turn orders around quickly. Are you fast and efficient in the kitchen?  Efficient? Yes. Fast? Not so much these days.

7) Just when her career started to take off, Peggy had to take a break when she had her tonsils removed. Do you still have your tonsils?  I do. I was supposed to have them removed when I was 12, but we ended up moving and I've never had a doctor since who thought it should be done. Fortunately, I finally grew out of yearly bouts of tonsilitis.

8) In 1953, when this record was released, Matchbox Cars were introduced and they remain popular today. Did you ever play with Matchbox Cars?  Only with my son and grandson.

9) Random question: You're walking past a filthy puddle. Floating on top you see a dead bug, a cigarette butt, and a $1 bill. Would you bend over and rescue the dollar?  No.

Saturday 9: Accidentally in Love

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

1) In the video for this song, a young man dances alone in the kitchen while making breakfast for his lady love. When no one's looking, do you often bust a move?  I do. I also, thanks to my job, daily (Monday - Friday) bust a move in front of others. Just yesterday one of my consumers jumped up at the nursing home we were visiting to demonstrate the Chicken Dance to the residents and pulled me up to help her out. 

2) "Accidentally in Love" was featured in the animated movie Shrek 2.  In this video, a plushie from the movie is shown on their bed. Do you have any plush toys in your bedroom?  Yes, the grandchildren have gifted us with a few and they stand guard in the bedroom.

3) The lyrics liken falling in love to strawberry ice cream that he just can't resist. What sweet treat would hit the spot right now?  I wouldn't say no to a slice of the bumbleberry pie I bought the other day...with a scoop of vanilla ice cream.

4) He sings about lightening. Astraphobia is the fear of thunderstorms. Have you ever suffered from astraphobia?  Nope. Thanks to my grandmother who made them fun for me. When I was a small child she'd set up a card table in the living room, throw blankets over it, and let me drag all manner of stuff inside my "tent" and I'd happily spend the day "camping." When I was older we'd often sit on her front porch talking and drinking tea while watching storms roll by. 

5) This song is about falling in love when he wasn't looking for it. Has this ever happened to you? Or have you usually found romance while actively seeking a partner (dating sites, blind dates, etc.)?  It's been a long time but I don't think I ever actively sought out love. I'd just meet guys in the course of living my life and whatever happened, happened.

6) This week's artists, The Counting Crows, got their start in San Francisco. A famous quote, often attributed to Mark Twain, says, "The coldest winter I ever spent was a summer in San Francisco." How has the summer weather been where you are?  All over the place! First, it was cooler than usual with lots of rain. Lately, it's been quite hot and humid with lots of rain. Next week we should see more normal temperatures for this time of year (mid to upper 70s), but still some rain and storms.

7) In 2004, when this song was popular, Mark Zuckerberg launched Facebook. Have you checked Facebook today?  Yes. I still check Facebook every day, though I don't know why. My feed has become so clogged up with ads, reels, and posts from people/groups I don't know because FB's algorithms think I'd be interested that I have to go hunting for friends and family to find out what's going on with them. It's rather bothersome.

8) Also in 2004, we lost President Ronald Reagan. Before entering politics, he had a decades-long career in Hollywood and appeared in 53 films. Have you ever seen a Ronald Reagan movie?  I feel like I probably have, but it would have been years ago and I can't tell you which one.

9) Random question: Describe your favorite pajamas.  In the summer it's a silky tank and bicycle shorts. In the winter it's a t-shirt and leggings.

Saturday 9: Drive My Car

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

 

1) Who would you allow, without hesitation, to drive your car?  My husband and... yeah, nobody else.

2) When you're riding in the backseat, do you use your seatbelt?  Yes, I do, but I don't ride in the back very often. I get sleepy when I do. 

 

3) In this song, a young girl tells her boyfriend she wants to be a movie star. What were your aspirations when you were in your late teens/early 20's? Did you realize them?  I was in college studying journalism and dreaming of being a globe-trotting reporter. I didn't realize that dream as I ended up getting married rather than finishing my degree. As it turns out, I'm not all that disappointed. I loathe what the news media has turned into.

 
4) The song was reportedly inspired in part by the relationship between popular British singer Cilla Black and her future husband. Cilla wanted him on the record label's payroll, so he became her road manager and driver. Have you ever worked for, or with, someone with whom you were romantically involved?  My husband and I met at work. Workplace romances are kind of weird because everyone is watching to see how it turns out.

 

5) Although this Beatles song is credited to Lennon-McCartney, it was written mostly by Paul. He recalls showing up at John Lennon's house with the tune ready to go, and lyrics they both agreed were "crap." John gave Paul the car theme, and he took it from there. When has someone recently helped you out of a jam?  I don't think I've been in any jams recently.

 

6) Paul also handles the lead vocals. When you hear a Beatles record, can you tell which band member is singing lead?  I think so. They had pretty distinct voices.

7) When it was first released, this record got a lot of attention for the intricate guitar work by Paul and George Harrison. It's got a lot of percussion on it, too, including cowbell and tambourine. Have you ever played either cowbell or tambourine? (Do you think it sounds like fun?)  I've not played either one. It might be fun. All I can think of since you mentioned cowbells is this...

8) Lava lamps were already popular in England but they weren't introduced to the United States until 1965. Today Walmart carries more than 20 different lava lamps. Have you ever owned one?  No, which is kind of surprising since I had infinity lights, disco lights, black lights and everything else in my teenage lair.

 
9) Random question: Do you have a recurring dream?  Not that I'm aware of. I rarely remember my dreams so I suppose it's possible.

Thanks to Sam for the questions and music.

Play along here.

 

Saturday 9: London Town

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

1) Have you ever visited London?   No, never.

2) In this song, Paul sings of encountering a London street musician playing the flute. Are there street musicians in your town?  No. My town isn't that big. We have plenty of places to go hear local musicians, but not on the street.

3) It's raining as he wanders around London. How is the weather where you are today?  Well, it's Friday night as I'm answering and the thunder is booming outside. I believe it's supposed to move out by tomorrow.

4) "London Town" is one of a handful of songs credited to Paul McCartney and Denny Laine, his bandmate in Wings from 1971 to 1981. They became fast friends in the mid-60s when Denny was with The Moody Blues, the band who opened for The Beatles on their final UK concert tour. Paul has acknowledged Denny's outstanding vocals and guitar playing, as well as his humor and generosity. Share the good qualities of one of your close friends.  Loyal, supportive, funny, and always willing to get up to shenanigans.

5) Wings broke up in 1981 when Paul decided he was weary of touring. His kids were in school, his Beatle bandmate John Lennon had been murdered, and he simply felt more comfortable staying put and working in the studio, rather than performing live. Denny believed this would mean his role, and his financial compensation, would diminish so he quit Wings. Tell us about why you left one of your jobs.  I had a completely miserable boss who treated everyone poorly, but seemed to especially dislike me.

6) Linda McCartney also wrote and performed with Wings. In addition to music, she is known for her photography and cookbooks. Of these three – music, photography and cooking – which do you enjoy most?  I love listening to music and can't imagine life without it, but I have zero talent for it. I used to enjoy photography with a 35mm camera and later with a digital one...not so much with my phone. I still like cooking and am pretty good at it, but I'm usually tired and don't want to.

7) Paul's first car was a 1964 Aston Martin DB5. He selected it himself before The Beatles went off on their first world tour and it was waiting for him when he got home to London. He drove it when he shouldn't have, as he didn't get his license until spring of 1965. When did you get your driver's license?  I didn't get my license until I was 23 or 24. My son was in his car seat while I took my test. The state trooper giving me the test was younger than I was. My mom always jokes that he gave me a pity pass.

8) Speaking of driver's licenses ... Last year someone bought one of Paul's expired driver's licenses at auction for $20,000. When you get a new license, passport, or state issued ID, what do you do with the old one?  Cut it up and throw it away.

9) Random question – Which do you have more of: dirty dishes in the sink or dirty clothes in the hamper?  Dirty clothes in the hamper. For the last 3 weeks I've been off work to take care of my grandchildren and I've done very little laundry...just enough to keep my husband in work clothes and maybe an emergency load once or twice for me. To say the laundry is taking over is no exaggeration.

I'm Looking Over a Four-Leaf Clover

Selected in honor of St. Patrick's Day. Unfamiliar with this week's song? Hear it here.

Play along here.

1) This is one of the songs included in Willie Nelson's Rainbow Connection album. He named it after his daughter Amy's favorite song when she was a little girl. She'd been asking him to record "The Rainbow Connection" for 20 years and finally, in 2001, he came through for her. Think of something you had to wait for. Was it worth the wait?  I think it can go both ways. Sometimes when you have to wait you build a thing up so much in your mind that the real thing can't live up to your expectations. But sometimes, life surprises you and the thing is all you thought it would be and maybe more. My first trip to Chincoteague Island was like that. I read Misty of Chincoteague in 4th grade and dreamed of going to the island until I was in my late 20's. It didn't disappoint and it has become my happy place. I used to feel that way about Disney World, too, back before the crowds got to be so huge.

2) Willie can trace his family tree back to the Revolutionary War. Are you interested in genealogy?  Yes. I'm lucky in that all the branches of my family have valued roots and kept amazing records. I know my roots all the way back to when my ancestors first arrive in America (all were before the Revolution).

3) Today Willie is legendary performer, but as a child, he was very uncomfortable in front of crowds. He recalled that during his school days, reciting in front of his class made him so uncomfortable he suffered nose bleeds. When did you most recently have a bloody nose?  I don't think I've had one since I was a kid.

4) During the 1990s, Willie had problems with the IRS. His management team set up illegal tax shelters and he ended up owing millions in back taxes and penalties. This year's IRS filing deadline is Wednesday, April 15. Will you be early, on time, or will you need an extension?  On time.  

5) In "I'm Looking Over a Four Leaf Clover," Willie sings about appreciating something he has previously overlooked. Is there anything positive in your life you feel you may take for granted?  I don't think so. I'm very aware that what is here today may very well be gone tomorrow. 

6) Four leaf clovers and shamrocks are considered good luck. Do you have a lucky charm?  No 

7) "The wearing o' the green" is one way to celebrate St. Patrick's Day. Will you wear something green in honor of the day?  Yes. I have a pair of leggings with shamrocks down the legs and a matching shirt covered with shamrocks.

8) According to Irish folklore, if you catch a leprechaun he must either give you his pot o' gold or grant you three wishes. Would you choose the gold or the wishes?  I would take the wishes. I could use two for important things and with the third ask for my own pot of gold.

   

9) Traditional Irish stew is made with mutton or lamb, though here in the US beef is also very popular. What's your favorite soup/stew?  Plain, old, vegetable beef stew or for soup I'd choose ham, cabbage, and potato.

A brief update for those who have been following the rough patch my family is experiencing at this time:

Our son-in-law is going tomorrow (Saturday) to see our daughter at the facility she's been at for the past 2 weeks. They have to meet with her therapist for a joint session. Their marriage may hinge on this meeting. I will be keeping the grands so Mom and Dad will have more freedom to talk.

As for my stepdad, nothing is changed. He is still in ICU. He's on ventilator because they have him heavily sedated to keep him still. He did not wake up at all today (Friday). No word yet if the surgery saved his leg.

Please continue to pray.

Saturday 9: Linger

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

1) In this song, Dolores O'Riordan of the Cranberries sings that her lover has her wrapped around his finger. Do you feel that anyone has you wrapped around their finger?  I'd like to say no, but my daughter has always been able to get me to give in to what she wants (unless it's truly something harmful).

2) This was one of the first songs Delores and Noel Hogan wrote together. They performed it often live and perfected it before going into the studio to record it approximately two years later. Because they had polished the performance and arrangement, it's not a surprise that it was the biggest hit off their debut album. Tell us about a time when your preparation paid off.  The only thing I can think of right now is our vacations. I'm a planner. I always spend a lot of time researching and looking into the place we are going and find the best places and deals.

3) The Cranberries believed the moody black-and-white video (linked above) playing on MTV contributed to the song's popularity. MTV and VH1 were highly influential when they showed music videos and interviews 24/7 during the 1980s and 1990s. Do you recall watching music videos on MTV and/or VH1?  Totally. Videos were so much a part of 80's culture and a huge influence on style. I loved watching on both MTV and VH1...and even country videos on CMT. In my opinion they did themselves in when they moved away from music to other things.

4) The Cranberries were founded by brothers Noel and Mike Hogan in their hometown in Limerick, Ireland. The River Shannon runs through Limerick. Do you live near a river?  No, but the Loyalhanna Creek (a small river, really) runs through town and meets the Conemaugh River not too far away to form the Kiskiminetas River. 

5) Fergal Lawler soon joined the brothers and became the Cranberries drummer. Today he says he enjoys listening to his early work with the group because, "Songs are like a snapshot in time." Do you often flip through photo albums and look at snapshots?  I used to, but I don't remember the last time I pulled out the photo albums. Like most people I've gone digital and frankly, since our son estranged himself from the entire family, including the extended family, looking back is sad.

6) Dolores O'Riordan showed up for her Cranberries audition dressed casually in a black tracksuit with her own Casio electronic keyboard tucked under her arm. The Hogans were impressed not only by her vocals but her no-nonsense, "let's get to work" attitude. Share a memory from one of your job interviews.  The only one where anything stands out was when I was in college. I was scheduled for an interview for a summer job at Cedar Point. I really wanted it, but the day of the interview found me sick as a dog with a high fever. I went to the interview, but obviously failed to impress since I didn't get a job.

7) In 1993, when "Linger" was released, The Nanny premiered on CBS. It's remembered today for it's catchy theme song, which tells the story of "the nanny named Fran." Can you recall the lyrics to theme of one of your favorite shows?  From back in the day? Sure. Sunday, Monday happy days. Tuesday, Wednesday happy days. Thursday, Friday happy days. Saturday...what a day. Rocking all week with you.

8) In 1993, gas was $1.11/gallon. Could your vehicle use a fill-up right now?  It could. I've been running the grands to appointments all week.

9) Random question: How many pairs of shoes do you own?  Not as many as I did when my feet didn't hurt and I could wear alllllll the cute shoes. Maybe 20, but I don't wear them all.

Thanks to Crazy Sam for the music and questions!

Play along here.

Saturday 9: Farewell, Amanda

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

 

1) The record begins with a long instrumental interlude, and when the lyrics kick in at about the 1:00 mark, they bid Amanda "farewell, adios, addio, adieu." Of course you recognize "farewell" as English. Without looking it up, can you identify the other languages? Spanish, French....and I have no idea what language"addio" is.

 

2) Can you say "goodbye" in a language not represented in question #1? Aloha, shalom, auf Wiedersehen, and sayonara.

3) The lyrics reference a night full of stars. When did you last take a moment to check out the night sky?  I almost always look up when I am outside at night.

 

4) This song was written for Adam's Rib, a comedy starring Spencer Tracy and Katharine Hepburn. The movie is about husband-and-wife lawyers who square off against one another in court. Have you ever served on a jury?  To my dismay, no. I've always wanted to, but I've only ever been summoned once and I never got called up to be considered. The parties involved settled out of court.

 

5) "Farewell, Amanda" was composed by Noel Coward. Though best known as a playwright, he also wrote more than a thousand songs and was a director and an actor. His epitaph reads, "A talent to amuse." How would you like to be remembered?  As someone who loved much, cared deeply, gave freely, and laughed hard.

 

6) There's even a book of Noel Coward paintings. It was published after his death, in part because Coward considered himself only an amateur painter. When did you last pick up a paintbrush?  It would have been at work, probably within the last month, but it was for a craft, not any work of art. Unless you consider things made from things like tissue paper, dried macaroni, pipe cleaners, and toilet paper tubes art. If you do, I have some pieces I'd be willing to part with for the right price.

 

7) In 1949, when audiences first heard "Farewell, Amanda," Americans began playing Clue. What's the last board game you played?  I think it was Candyland.

 

8) The best-selling novel of 1949 was Point of No Return by John P. Marquand. Tell us about the last book you finished.  Eh, it was some romance. It was enjoyable, but nothing made it stand out from the millions of others out there.

 

9) Random question: Growing up, did you share a bedroom?  Yep, with the dog.

Have a wonderful Saturday, everyone! I'll be around to visit as soon as I can. I am taking care of the grandchildren these days and their dad is working tomorrow (Saturday). It kind of all depends on whether dad works a single shift or a double one. We won't know until tomorrow when he's at work. It's all based on if someone calls off (and tomorrow's going to be a beautiful day so what are the odds?).

Thanks, Sam, for the music and questions!

Play along here.

Saturday 9: You Make Me Feel So Young

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

1) This morning, do you feel younger or older than your years? I'm answering on Friday evening and since I haven't developed the ability to see into the future, I'll tell you how I felt this morning. OLD. I felt old. I went to bed Thursday and when I woke up, I realized I hadn't moved at all in the night. That suggests deep sleep and you'd think that would be a good thing, right? As it turns out, it's not. My entire body was stiff and achy. I felt like I might be 102. 

 

2) In this song, Frank Sinatra tells us that every time he sees his lover's grin, he's happy. What's something you can reliably count on to lift your spirits?  Reading my Bible, singing and dancing along to favorite music (with no witnesses), and my grandchildren will all usually do the trick.

 

3) The lyrics mention hide-and-seek. What games did you play when you were young?  Hide-and-seek for sure, but also Red Rover, freeze tag, Mother May I?, and kickball.

4) Frank Sinatra was a fan of Campbell's chicken and rice soup, believing it helped his throat feel better after an evening of performing. Is Campbell's soup in your kitchen right now?  There is probably some tomato soup, because tomato soup and grilled cheese is the ultimate comfort food on a cold day. I think there is also some cream of chicken, cream of mushroom, and cream of celery. I use all of those in recipes from time to time.

 

5) Frank's favorite dessert was a slice of lemon ricotta torte. He believed every meal should include "a final flourish." Do you more often indulge in or skip dessert?  I rarely have dessert other than on holidays. It has gone the same way as the belief that every meal should include bread/rolls and butter. Remember that?

 

6) At Sinatra's home in Palm Springs, CA, you'd find a less sophisticated dessert. He always kept Entenmann's Crumb Cake on hand for his young granddaughters. Share a memory of your grandparents.  My grandmother was a fantastic cook, I wouldn't even know where to start if I talked about a favorite dish. It was all so good and she taught me a lot when we lived with her during the early years of our marriage. My grandfather was, like all of his family, a true character. He was always joking, teasing, and clowning around. I adored them both.

 

7) In 1956, when this song was popular, Frank was tooling around Southern California in a blue Continental Mark II. That model was known for its interior of hand-stitched imported Scottish leather. 70 years later, Scottish leather is still used in luxury cars because it's both soft and durable and the production methods minimize environmental impact. If you could splurge on something right now, what would it be? A luxury car, jewelry, travel, clothes, something else? (No responsible answers allowed!)  I'd buy a house near the water on Chincoteague Island.

 
8) Also in 1956, The Invasion of the Body Snatchers and Forbidden Planet were popular at the box office. Do you have a favorite sci-fi movie?  I had avoided seeing it for years, thinking it wasn't my thing, but my grandchildren (the things we do for them!) begged me to watch Avatar with them last year and to my surprise I loved it.

 

9) Random question: What were you doing three hours ago?  If it was Saturday morning my answer would be "sleeping." Since it's Friday evening my answer is, enjoying dinner at a local restaurant with my husband.

Thanks, Sam, for the music and questions!

Play along here.

Saturday 9: Up the Ladder to the Roof

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

1) Many people are uncomfortable with ladders. Some feel unsteady on the steps, others have a fear of heights. Then there's the superstition that warns against walking under ladders. Are you afraid of ladders?  Not specifically. I'm kind of weird about them, though. I'm not afraid of them. I'm not afraid of heights. I am afraid of falling off a ladder. Plus, these days I'm not too steady on one so the only thing I climb is my contractor's step-ladder with big, wide steps.

 

2) In this song, the Supremes advise us to go up the ladder to the roof to be closer to Heaven. While poetic, that's not really why most homeowners climb onto the roof. They're more likely replacing shingles or cleaning the gutters. Have you ever been on the roof of your building?  No. I've been on a few roofs in my life, but never the one on this house.

 

3) The record was the Supremes first and biggest hit without Diana Ross. When Jean Terrell replaced Diana as lead singer, the two ladies appeared together at a press event to launch this new iteration of the Supremes. Have you ever met your replacement at a job, or perhaps the person you replaced?  Not that I can recall.

 

4) Mary Wilson was a member of the group when it was formed in 1959 and stayed through 1977, when the Supremes officially disbanded. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the average American stays at a job 3.9 years. Looking over your job history, how long did you typically stick with an employer?  About 2-3 years, but I was a school bus driver for 16 years and I will likely retire from my current job which will have me there 7-9 years...depending on when I can retire.

 

5) The third Supreme performing on this record was Cindy Birdsong. After the group broke up for good, Cindy finished nursing school and practiced at UCLA Medical Center. When did you last interact with a nurse or nurse practitioner?  This past Monday and they were all wonderful.

 
6) In 1970, when this song was popular, TV shows about doctors like Marcus Welby, MD and Medical Center ranked high in the Nielsen ratings. Medical shows are still popular today, with Grey's Anatomy entering its 22nd season and The Pitt earning critical accolades. Do you have a favorite TV doctor?  No. I don't watch any medical shows.

 

7) Also in 1970, when this song was popular, audiences were lining up to see the movie Love Story. Without looking it up, complete the film's most famous line:  "Love means _______________."  Never having to say you're sorry. A total bunch of hooey. 

 

8) Slumberchums™ were all the rage among pre-teens in 1970. These sleeping bags had attached pillow "heads" that made it look like you slipping into sleep inside a plush bear. When did you most recently sleep in a sleeping bag?  I think it was on a mission trip in 2002. We don't even own sleeping bags these days. We gave them all to our son's family years ago when they went camping.

 

9) Random question: Did you take a multivitamin this morning? If yes, did you swallow it or chew it?  I swallowed that horse pill!

Thanks to Sam for the music and questions!

Play along here.

Saturday 9: Volare

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

1) The word "volare" is Italian for "to fly." Say something else in Italian.  Ciao. Amore. Buongiorno. Arrivederci. Grazie. Prego. That's all I've got.

2) This week, Bobby Rydell invites us to take off with him up in the clouds and promises we'll find a rainbow. Countless lyricists have included rainbows in their songs. Can you name another song that mentions rainbows?  Somewhere Over the Rainbow, Rainbow Connection, Brown Eyed Girl.

3) His happy heart is singing. What is making you happy this morning?  I'm answering this Friday evening, but I'm anticipating being happy about feeling well enough to finally take down the Christmas tree and other decorations.

 

4) Bobby Rydell, like Frankie Avalon and Fabian, was a 1950s teen idol who hailed from Philadelphia. Home to the Liberty Bell and Independence Hall, Philly is Pennsylvania's most populous city. Have you ever been there?  Yes, my grandfather's family had ties to the city, but I was so young I don't remember anything.

 

5) Bobby was such a perfect example of a clean-cut American boy that when Jim Jacobs and Warren Casey sat down to write the play Grease, they named their fictional high school Rydell High after him. Do you have a favorite song from Grease?  Oh boy....Grease is my all-time favorite musical and I love all the songs. We Go Together was the class song we chose when we ruled the school in 1982, but if I have to choose one I like just a bit more than all the rest I guess it would be Summer Lovin'.

 

6) In addition to singing, Bobby also acted. His most famous film role was opposite Ann-Margret in Bye, Bye, Birdie (1963). Have you seen it?  Several times, both the movie and the musical.

7) In 1960, when this record was popular, so were hand-loomed, 100% virgin wool sweaters from Italy. You could order one from the Sears catalog for $12.60 (approx. $135 in today's dollars). That sweater was labeled "dry clean only." Do you have any garments waiting to be picked up from the cleaners?  No. Dry cleaning has fallen so out of favor that I don't think there is even a cleaner in our town. It has been years since I've dropped anything at the cleaners.

 
8) Also in 1960, Princess Margaret married photographer Antony Armstrong-Jones. They met when he was commissioned to take her official portrait. Who took the most recent photo of you?  Probably someone at work.

 

9) Random question: Is your oldest friend also your best friend?  No.

Saturday 9: New Year's Day

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

Welcome to the first Saturday 9 of 2026.

 

 
1) In the lyrics, Taylor Swift promises she'll not only be there for the party, but for the clean up afterward. As we say move on from the holiday season, could your home benefit from a thorough cleaning? Yes, it could. Are you offering?

 

2) This song describes a party where guests took Polaroid pictures. Have you ever owned a Polaroid camera? Do you have one now? I had a One Step. My dad got for me the Christmas I was 13. I loved that thing. It's long gone and no, no Polaroid cameras in the house.

3) Taylor sings that we should "hold on to memories." What special memory from 2025 memory will you hang onto?  Our week long vacation with our daughter and her children.

 

4) Taylor Swift grew up on a Christmas tree farm in Pennsylvania. Have you taken your tree, or other holiday decorations, down yet? If you didn't decorate at all, let us know that, too.  No, everything is still up. I will be taking the tree and inside decorations down on Sunday. The outside things will have to wait for a thaw and/or my husband to have some time off work...whichever comes first.

5) Taylor Swift and Travis Kelce announced their engagement but no wedding date has been shared. Do you anticipate attending any weddings in 2026?  No.

6) Travis' team, the Kansas City Chiefs, is currently 6-10. Not exactly the record their fans hoped for. According to a 2024 Pew research study, 53% of Americans said football is their favorite sport. Have you watched much football this season?  No. I like football, but Tim grew up in a family that didn't watch any sports and he doesn't like to watch either.

 

7) In 2017, when "New Year's Day" was released, Wonder Woman was a hit at the box office. While Wonder Woman's superhero abilities vary depending on which TV show, movie or comic book you refer to, some of her powers remain consistent: a) immense strength, b) superhuman speed, c) the ability to almost instantly recover/heal from injury. Which would you like to possess – a, b, or c?  I think I'd appreciate the ability to heal. Would that include healing arthritis?

8) Have you made any New Year's resolutions for 2026?  Nothing specific, just a general thought of being healthier.

 
9) What was the first thing to make you laugh in 2026?  My husband being goofy.

Thanks to Sam for the music and questions!

Play along here.

Saturday 9: Bye Bye Bye

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

This song was chosen because it's time to say goodbye to 2025.

Thanks for participating in Saturday 9 this year.

1) In this song, a man predicts his lover will start an argument. Is there anyone in your life who can be quarrelsome?  Yes, there are a couple who are never wrong and will argue anything and everything.

2) He says he's had it, he's checking out and signing off. Can you think of a time you were glad you walked away from something?  

I was very glad when I walked away from my job at the nursing home.

3) This week's song was performed by the band NSYNC. The group was formed in Orlando, FL, which is world famous as home to Walt Disney World. Today there are 12 Disney theme parks located around the globe. Have you ever visited one of these Magic Kingdoms?  We lived in Orlando for a couple of years when we were first married so we went to Disney World a lot. We've only been back once since we moved back north and we were a little surprised...we saw garbage, burned out lightbulbs...just little things, but back in the day you never would have seen such things. They went all in to make it a magical place.

4) They made a celebrity appearance on The Simpsons. What's your all-time favorite cartoon show? Scooby-Doo or Bugs Bunny. 

5) In 2000, the year "Bye Bye Bye" was popular, Brad Pitt was named People's Sexiest Man Alive. Are you crushing on anyone right now?  Nope

Let's look back on 2025 ...

6) What's the farthest from home you traveled in 2025?  Erie, PA, which is just a little less than 200 miles away.

7) What was the biggest purchase that you made in 2025?  Our new walk-in shower by far. The grands' jeep probably came in second.

8) What was your favorite book of 2025?  I don't know. I guess none made that big of an impression. It was a year of mostly fluffy romances.

9) What are you looking forward to most in 2026?  Getting healthier.