Saturday 9: Smoke Rings

 

Smoke Rings

Saturday 9: Smoke Rings (1933)

   

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

   

1) In this song, Donald Mills of the Mills Brothers encourages us to "puff, puff, puff" our cares away. When did you most recently smoke a cigarette?  I have never smoked.  My mom smoked and it grossed me out so much.  I never wanted to smoke and I never dated a smoker.  

 

2) In the 1930s, when this week's song was recorded, an estimated 40% of American adults smoked cigarettes. By the early 1960s, that number reached a high of 42%. According to the CDC, the percentage of adult smokers dropped to 11%. Do many of your friends and relatives smoke or vape?  My mom quit smoking when Josh was a baby.  None of my friends and family smoke.  Josh has a friend that vapes.

 

3) Donald was the youngest of the singing Mills Brothers, and he's the one who most often sang lead. That squares with popular birth order theory, which proposes that the youngest tends to enjoy being the center of attention, the middle child is the diplomat, and the oldest is the high-achiever. Think of your own family and the families of your friends. Do you think this theory holds true?  I think this is true of Karl's family (sisters).  Karl is the baby and enjoys attention.  I do not like attention.  I am an only child.

 

4) The Mills Brothers were one of the first famous singing brother acts. The Williams Brothers – which featured future TV star Andy Williams – followed in their footsteps. Can you think of another group of singing brothers?  Jackson's, Statler Brothers

 

5) In addition to recording hit records, The Mills Brothers were a staple on radio in the 1930s. They were among the first African American artists to host their own radio show and sang jingles for Standard Oil and Crisco. What commercial do you recall having seen, or heard, recently?  I am watching a T-Mobile commercial right now as I watch the World Series.

 

6) In 1933, when this week's song was popular, actor Robert Montgomery and his wife had a daughter they named Elizabeth. That little girl would become famous in the 1960s for her own TV show. Without looking it up, do you know what show Elizabeth Montgomery starred in?  Bewitched.  I loved that show!

 

7) Johnny Cash was also born in 1933. Do you have a favorite Johnny Cash song?  I love Johnny Cash.  I like Ring of Fire a lot.  

 
8) In 1933, five French airlines merged to form Air France. Think of the last time you were at an airport. Were you taking a flight or meeting a flight?  The last time I was at an airport...remember I do not fly...we were dropping off my Granie as she was getting on a flight to California to see her sister.

 

9) Random question: Your best friend just received a certificate for completing a car maintenance course at your community college. Would you let them work on your vehicle?  I guess it depends on who the friend is.

Saturday 9: Somewhere Over Laredo

 

Somewhere Over Laredo

Saturday 9: Somewhere Over Laredo (2025)

   

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

   

1) In this song, Laney Wilson namechecks Tito's Vodka. Is there a product you you are very brand loyal to? (It doesn't have to be liquor. Maybe you always reach for Dawn Dishwashing Liquid, even if another soap is on sale.)  Pepsi is a brand I am very loyal to.

 

2) The lyrics start with her in a window seat on a flight out of Houston. Do you prefer the window or the aisle?  I have never flown, but probably window.  I might freak out if I looked out the window, who knows.  We just always drive everywhere.

 

3) She's dreaming of rodeo nights with the guy she loves. If you could spend this evening with anyone at all, anywhere at all, where would you go and who would be with you?  Josh and I just got back from seeing my mom, so that would be the most important.

 

4) Lainey is from Baskin, LA, population 200. Do you prefer big cities or small towns?  small towns.  Our small town is having a big Halloween event at the school next door and it looks fun.  The kids are dressed up and got candy.  They had games and food and I saw a hayride!  I think I might mention this to the school I work at.  We do a trunk or treat, but a big night of fun would be so much fun for our little kids.

 

5) There's a Netflix documentary about Lainey called Keepin' Country Cool. What show have you recently streamed?  East of Eden - Netflix

6) This week's song borrows liberally from "Somewhere Over the Rainbow," so much so that "Rainbow" songwriters Harold Arlen and Yip Harburg receive credit. "Somewhere Over the Rainbow" is the most beloved song from The Wizard of Oz. Can you name another?  Follow the Yellow Brick Road came to mind.

 

7) In 2025, when this song was popular, more patients took advantage of telehealth than ever before. Have you ever had a virtual doctor visit?  Yes!  It was when I had covid and I did not want to make anyone sick.  I had already taken a covid test and it was positive.  I was not able to get any medicine, but I did get a doctor's note to miss work for a few days.  Josh got medicine when he had covid.

 
8) Also in 2025, smart home technology was integrated into more new home construction. Do you use smart devices to automate your lights, thermostat, or doorbell?  We have Blink cameras in different locations around our house.  Nothing else though.  My car has technology.

 

9) Random question – On which day are you happier: a) the day you take off on vacation or b) the day you return home from your trip? The day we take off.  I get sad when we have to come home.

The Cozy Pastime of Reading

 

The Cozy Pastime of Reading

 

1. Do you have a list of books you'd like to read?   Yes and it has over 100 books on it.  YIKES!

2. Where do you get ideas for books you want to read?  What kind of books catch your interest?  Goodreads and book groups I am in on facebook.  I enjoy thrillers, romance and historical fiction the most, but I like to read all genres of books.

3. What have you read lately?  The best book I read over the summer was The Calamity Club.  It is historical fiction by the author of The Help and I think everyone would enjoy it.  I have This Book Made Me Think of You on hold.  

I heard it is sad.

4. How do you find time to read and where do you make yourself cozy

and comfy to read?  I read mostly in the summer when I am off work or 

on holidays during the school year.  I like to read it quiet, so if Karl is home, it is hard.

Sunday Stealing – Stealers Are Doing It for Ourselves

Sunday Stealing – Stealers Are Doing It for Ourselves


                                      


Once again this week we aren't stealing, we're contributing! These are questions suggested by our "usual suspects." If you can, please take a moment and visit your fellow thieves.

DIY Meme

1. If you were trapped in a TV universe for a month, what TV show would you choose? (Kwizgiver)

Heartland, it is on a ranch and the people are great, they have problems, but work as a family to make things better.  It is just a nice wholesome show.  I watch it on Netflix, but I believe it started on the UP Network.

  

2. What song instantly revs you up and gets you going? (Annie)  Many songs do this, but something fast paced and from the 70's or 80's.  I do enjoy Titanium too though and it is more recent.

3. Are you decorating your home for fall? (Lori)  I am working on it.  I have my fall wreath up and my fall candles are out for yummy smells in the house.  I am working on mums right now for outside.  I got some artificial ones to try this year, but I am needing to weigh down my planters before I stick anything outside.  This has been our first week not in the 100's.  It has felt so nice!

4. How do you treat a cold? (Syl) I take sudafed to loosen up my mucus and flonase nose spray too.  I gets lots of rest and drink a lot of water.  I take vitamins to try and boost my system.  Great question!  I cannot wait to learn some new tips on this one.

5. What insignificant thing would you be genuinely annoyed if you lost it or it was taken from you? (Lisa)  I have a few preferred cups I like to use and if they went missing, I would have to find new ones.  This is weird, but I like a certain kind of cup for my water.  I like it tall but not too tall, with a straw and lid.

6. What place do you remember vividly, even though you haven't been there in years? (Country Dew)

Muskogee, OK...my grandparents house and yard and garden.  I remember the town and driving around with Granie.  They passed away a long time ago, but I remember what it was like when they were alive.  It has changed quite a bit now.  If you have been following me for a while, you may remember our trips back to Oklahoma with my parents after my grandparents had died to visit my dad's family.

7. Do you have a favorite Dolly Parton song or story? (Roger)  I really enjoy 9 to 5 when I am getting ready for work sometimes I sing it in my head.  I will always love you will always be a favorite too.  When I was young I remember Dolly singing on the Porter Wagoner show.  I don't remember anything else about that show but her.

 

Saturday 9: Don't Take Your Love from Me

 

Don't Take Your Love from Me

 

Saturday 9: Don't Take Your Love from Me (1956)

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

1) In this song, Doris Day sings about what happens when you take a petal from a rose. When did you last get or give flowers as a gift?  Karl always takes me out to get flowers for our yard on Mother's Day.

 

2) This song is about a woman who fears losing her love. What's the most recent thing you lost? (Hopefully it's not as consequential as a great love. It could be as small or unimportant as the back of one of your pierced earrings.) I am always losing things.  I lost a pair of pajama pants, but I found them.  They had fallen off the bed (under the bed).

 

3) Doris was known as The All-American Girl Next Door. Who lives next door to you? We have one guy across the road from us and a church, but that is all.  He is a single guy...older, he has kids.  I haven't seen them in a while though.  He is nice.  The other neighbors are down the road.

 

4) As a young girl, Doris Day was passionate about dance. She recalled that concentrating on her lessons helped distract her from the pain and embarrassment of her parents' divorce. When you want to escape from what's troubling you, what do you do?  I watch tv, read, listen to music.  I try to keep my mind busy.  I used to take a nap.  If it is bad enough, I will take a nap.

5) The maitre d' at one of Doris' favorite restaurants wanted to ask her out. Knowing how she loved her dogs, he impressed her by handing her a bag of meat scraps and bones to take home. They began dating and, in 1976, he became her last husband. What's the best way to your heart?  Treat me good...like be nice and respectful.

 

6) Over her long career, Doris received Golden Globe and Grammy Awards and the Presidential Medal of Freedom. She was also inducted into the Ohio Women's Hall of Fame, honored for being one of the most celebrated women to have been born there. Name a famous person born in your home state.  John Hamm was born in Missouri, but in the area I live in Brad Pitt was born here in the Springfield area.  I used to go to church with his brother and sister-in-law.  They are really good and nice people.

 

7) She was frank about her financial difficulties, yet some people are uncomfortable discussing money. Are you one of those people?  I guess I am.  I do not really talk about money or lack thereof with anyone except family.

8) In 1956, when Doris released this song, The Wizard of Oz was shown on network TV for the first time. What movie have you seen multiple times?  Grease, Wizard of Oz, Sound of Music and many others.

9) Random question: Would you rather have a chef or a chauffeur?  chef.  I do complain about driving and will always let Karl drive, but if I am being honest, I enjoy driving for the peace of it.  I would pick chef because I would love to have someone put me on a diet that tastes good and helps me lose weight and be healthy.  I think a chef could do that.

Sunday Stealing Goes to Extremes

 

Sunday Stealing Goes to Extremes

                                      



Four Superlatives

1. Your MOST overused word or phrase:  Awesome!

2. Your BIGGEST expense:  My car, but I love it.

3. Your WORST fear:  Josh dying at a young age.

4. Your BEST memory of Summer 26:  The 250th birthday of America.  I enjoyed all of the celebrations and patriotism.  I also enjoyed reading my books, resting and visiting my mom.  It was a good summer.

Saturday 9: Everybody Loves a Clown

 

Everybody Loves a Clown

Saturday 9: Everybody Loves a Clown (1965)

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

1) Not everyone loves clowns. "Coulrophobia" is the irrational fear of clowns. Do you have any fears or phobias?  I am afraid of heights, snakes and mice.

2) This week's featured artist, Gary Lewis, sings that he jokes a lot at parties. In social settings, are you more a talker or a listener? listener, I can be quiet and shy when I first meet someone.

3) He's dreaming of a special girl. Do you often daydream?  Maybe at home when my brain can think.  I am so busy at work and there are so many things going on all of the time that I do not have time to daydream.

4) Gary named his band The Playboys because they were always late to rehearsals and Gary joked that they would rather play than work. Do you tend to be early, late, or exactly on time? Early!  I am at least 30 minutes early to work.  There is aways so much to do.  If it is a party or get-together of some kind, I am on time or just a bit late so the host is able to get ready for the event. 

5) Gary Lewis had first-hand knowledge of clowns. His father was famous funny man Jerry Lewis. Who always makes you laugh? My son Josh.  Tim Conway makes me laugh really hard though.

6) In 2017, Gary was in the news when it became known that Jerry disinherited all six of his sons from his will. Have you ever attended the reading of a will?  No, my grandparents had a will, but my Granie told me what was in it.  I don't think anyone else knew because they were telling me things that they found out in the will and were surprised, but I already knew.  I thought that was interesting.

7) This past summer found Gary Lewis on The My Generation Tour, performing with other acts from the mid-1960s, like The Lovin' Spoonful, The Hollies, and Mitch Ryder and the Detroit Wheels. Do you enjoy listening to "the oldies?"  Oh for sure!  I prefer the oldies.

8) In 1965, when this song was popular, Muhammad Ali defeated Sonny Liston to become the heavyweight champion of the world. Have you ever attended a boxing match?  no, but I used to watch on tv a lot.

9) Random question: What color is your toothbrush?  It is a blue and white electric toothbrush.