Memorial Day

 I wanted to share this poem my Uncle Gary wrote when he was in Vietnam.  He also died there, so today on Memorial Day, I remember him.  He was my dad's youngest brother.
Here is a picture of him.  It is the only one I have of him as an adult.  I have one of him with my dad when he was a little boy and I do not have his military picture.  I never met my Uncle Gary.  He died the same year I was born.

Vietnam

Here I am in Vietnam

So many miles from home

But though I am so far away

I know I’m not alone.

As I was nearing Vietnam

I almost shed a tear

As I bowed my head in heartfelt prayer

Dear Lord, remove my fear

And when the plane landed

It was plain for me to see

That here in this dense jungle land

I would have no luxury

This war is mean, and this war is cruel

And many men must die

Yet there seems to be no answer

To our single question Why?

There are no boys in Vietnam

So onward we must go

For all the units fight bravely on

To conquer Viet foe

The people here in Vietnam

In this small community

They know the real meaning

Of the words real poverty

To stop the Communists

Is the reason we must try

For in it lies the answer

To our simple question Why?

And back home I miss you all

And if there is something you want to do

Say a prayer that this war will end

And I’ll soon be home with you.

                             …Gary Lee Burkett

Saturday 9- If You're Reading This

 

If You're Reading This

Saturday 9: If You're Reading This (2007)

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) Memorial Day was introduced after the Civil War. War memorials, as well as graves of veterans, are to be decorated with flags and flowers this weekend in a show appreciation. Is there a war memorial in your neighborhood?  There is not one in the town I live in, but there is a National Battlefield in a city close to us.  This is what Google says about it - Wilson's Creek National Battlefield:

Wilson's Creek National Battlefield, located near Republic, Missouri, preserves the site of the Battle of Wilson's Creek. Fought on August 10, 1861, the battle was the first major American Civil War engagement west of the Mississippi River

2) 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.
My Grandpa Oslin (my mom's side) was in the army and served in WWII.  He was stationed in Germany.  My Uncle Gary (on my dad's side) served in Vietnam and was killed in action.  I currently have a nephew (Brian) who is in the National Guard.  This is my Papa (Grandpa) Oslin.

3) Similarly, we're grateful to those who served on the front lines during the Covid 19 pandemic. Tell us about anyone you know who was an essential worker, a first responder or administered vaccines. They deserve a shout out, too!  My nephew Brian in the National Guard has been stationed all over the state of Missouri at vaccine places.  I am considered an essential worker because we are in school in person and have been all year.  My husband is also an essential worker, he does commercial construction.  I know the definition of essential worker is different from state to state though.  In Missouri everyone is back to work...even if they are still working at home.  Most people are back in their offices though.

4) Memorial Day is the traditional kick off of the summer season. Have you packed away your winter clothes yet?  no, it is crazy weather in Missouri.

5) What's your favorite picnic food?  fried chicken

6) As you answer these questions, is there a fan or an air conditioner cooling your room?  air conditioner

7) This week's song is about a heartbreaking situation. The lyrics are a letter from a soldier to his family, which was only to be sent in the event of his death. What's the saddest song you have ever heard?  Oh gosh...the first song that came to mind is Teddy Bear by Red Sovine (1976).  I used to cry when I would hear it as a kid.  You can google the lyrics if you need a good cry.  Beautiful.  Here it is too if you want to give it a listen.

8) This week's featured artist, Tim McGraw, has a star on Hollywood Walk of Fame. It's near those honoring William Shatner and Julie Andrews. If you could have lunch with one of those luminaries -- Tim McGraw, William Shatner or Julie Andrews -- which would you choose?  Julie Andrews I suppose.  I love her movies and I love to listen to her sing.

9) Random Question: Think of the last thing you bought. Was it a wise purchase?  Oh I don't know.  I bought some hair products from the Ulta sale, but I am waiting on them to arrive.  If I like them, it will be a good purchase.  I like to try different hair products.

Tuesday 4 Meme- Spending Time...

 

Spending Time...

It's time for Tuesday 4 started by Toni Taddeo and kept up in her memory.. 

are you ready to answer some questions? Its a great way to discover more about

yourself and others, make friends and have topics to blog about.
This week let's talk about spending time


1.Are you currently reading a book you'd like to tell us about? Maybe a TV program 

you can recommend to us?  I am currently on a reading break until the last day

of school, which is Friday.  I have some books on hold for when school is out. 

I have a couple of shows I am watching, but their season is almost over.

2. Are you a Jane Austen fan? So many seem to be. If you are what is your

favorite book and who is your favorite character. If you aren't a fan, is there an

author you especially like to read? Favorite character..etc?  If you follow my blog, 

you will know there are some genres I prefer to just see the movie.  I have

Jane Austen in that category.  I like her stories, but I would rather see the movie.  

Jane Austen stories are my favorite types of movies to see. I don't really have a

favorite book or character.  The books I enjoy are psychological thrillers and

each are different stories and characters. I also enjoy historical fiction, but only

certain types of stories.

3. How do you spend your time during the day? Do you set apart time to read, 

watch TV, study?  Usually I am at work, so I am working/teaching.  In the 

summer I do set aside time to read in the morning and night.  I watch a

little tv in the evening when Karl is still up and when he goes to bed, I read.

4. Have your beliefs changed in your life time? New religion.. new politics?

Or are they the same as they were growing up? Do you spend time thinking

over the important things of life to take stock in your life?  Yes, when I was in

college and before.. I have changed a lot.  I did not go to church when I was

young.  I was saved and started going to church when I was about 26 years old.

I did not pay any attention to politics until I was married and had Josh.  When

Josh was born I started paying attention so I could protect him.  I am on a news

break right now I think.  I have not watched it in a while, but I do usually try to 

keep up with what is going on.  I watch the local news, so important things are

on there too.

Sunday Stealing- A to Z

A to Z

A - Annoyance: People that constantly complain.

B - Bestest Friend[s]: Kris, Lori, Tina and Lorna

C - Car: Toyota Camry

D - Day or night: I will say day since I am mostly sleeping at night.

E- Easiest person to talk to?:  My son Josh, my mom and the friends

I mentioned above.

F - Favorite Month: June, it is warm and I am not working.

G - Gummy Bears or Worms:  Bears

H - Hair Color:  brown

I - Ice Cream:  vanilla

J - Jewelry:  wedding ring

K - Kindergarten:  My teacher was Mrs. Presley

L - Longest Car Ride:  Missouri to Florida to go to Disney World

M - Most missed person:  my dad

N - Number of Siblings: 0

O - One regret:  I was kind of mean to people when I was young.  I still am 

mad at myself for that.  I was not a bully, but I hate it when people are

mean or act ugly.

P- Part of your appearance you like least?:  my belly, I need to lose weight.

Q- Quote:  “If a child can't learn the way we teach, maybe we should

teach the way they learn.” Ignacio Estrada

R - Reality TV Show:  I watch The Voice and sometimes Little People Big World.

S - Shoe:  Saucony tennis shoes size 7.

T - Time you woke up: 8:00

U - Unpredictable?:  kids

V - Vegetable you hate:  radish

W- Worst Habits:  chewing on my cuticles

X - X-Rays:  I had a chest x-ray a couple of years ago.

Y - Year you were born: 1970

Z - Zoom: Yes, I have

Saturday 9- The Way You Look Tonight

 

The Way You Look Tonight

The Way You Look Tonight (1936)

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

1) They lyrics tell us that no matter how low the singer feels, it will raise his spirits to recall the way his lover looks tonight. Share a special moment in your life that brings a smile to your lips, no matter what.  The day Josh was born and many childhood moments he had when he was little and I was staying home with him. ♥

2) This song was introduced by Fred Astaire in the 1936 movie, Swing Time. It won the Oscar for Best Song. What's your favorite movie song?  I think this one just came to mind because the next movie is coming in November, but Danger Zone from Top Gun.  I am so excited for the next movie.  I love Tom Cruise.  Kenny Loggins had so many movie hits.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=siwpn14IE7E

3) Though today Fred is revered as a Hollywood legend, producers had to be convinced to give him a shot. The initial notes on his screen test were: "Can't act. Slightly bald. Also dances." Tell us about a time when someone underestimated you.

My mom underestimated my academic abilities when I was young.  She always questioned whether I could do the advanced classes.  I also went to college and did fine there too.  I am not sure why she had no confidence in me.  

 

4) Fred's legion of fans includes Jackie Chan. The martial arts star says Astaire's movies influenced the way he choreographed the Kung Fu fight sequences in his films. Mr. Chan is one of the most popular film stars in the world. Have you seen any of his movies?  Oh yes.  I like him very much.  I enjoyed the Rush Hour movies.

 

5) Fred was always fascinated by new things. In the 1970s, when he was in his late 70s, he took up skateboarding and became so good at it he was awarded life membership in the National Skateboard Society. Have you been skateboarding? If not, is it something you're tempted to try?  I did try to skateboard when I was younger, but it didn't really excite me that much.  I more enjoyed riding my bike.

 

6) Fred's friends were amused by his passion for daytime soap operas. In the days before video recording, he would call home from the club house at the golf course and ask his maid what had happened that day on his favorite "story," As the World Turns. Is there a show you try not to miss?  I have quit watching some of my shows because they are doing too many current events stories and I do not enjoy that.  I have quit watching A Million Little Things and New Amsterdam.  I will go with Good Doctor as my not to miss show.  I LOVED As The World Turns by the way.  I never missed it either.   

7) In 1936, the year this song was popular, the US patent office issued a patent for the Zippo lighter. Beginning in WWII and for decades after, Zippo lighters were issued to our soldiers. During the Vietnam War, troops had their lighters engraved with personal mottos. What's something you have had engraved or personalized? What did it say?  We have a silver spoon engraved with Joshua's name and birthdate on it.  My parents had one made for me too.  I do not have much engraved stuff, but I have t-shirts that I wear to school with my name on them, I also have a lunch box with my name personalized on it.

8) Also in 1936, a killer tornado struck Tupelo, MS. Have you ever been in a tornado? How about a hurricane or an earthquake?  We actually had a tornado in the area just a couple of weeks ago when I was at school.  We had the kids in the hall and were even asked to move them to the bathroom where it is safer.  I live in Missouri...so we have a lot of tornados.

 

9) Random question -- We're creating an action figure of YOU. What two accessories should we be sure to include in the box?  Probably my cell phone and a hair scrunchie.  I always have some of my hair pulled up and my cell phone is close.

Tuesday 4 Meme- Interests and Hobbies

 

Interests and Hobbies

Welcome to Tuesday 4 kept up in honor of Toni Taddeo. Let's talk today 

about your interests and hobbies.


1. What are your interests and hobbies? .. reading? writing? collecting?

I like to read, play games on facebook and watch tv.

2 How much time a week/day/month do you devote to your interests?

It depends.  I am spending much less time right now because we 

are still in school.  In the summer, I spend several hours a day reading

in the summer.  Maybe a couple of hours a day watching tv and same

with games.

3. Do you share your interests with anyone?  My son Josh enjoys 

reading too.  He likes to listen to music, so sometimes he shares that

with me.  Sometimes we will read the same book and talk about it.

4.Tell us why you enjoy your hobby, pastimes or interests.  I enjoy reading

because I like a good story and it takes me out of the world for a while.

I like to play games for the same reason.  They have always been able

to help me de-stress and tv I suppose is the same way.  I only have a few

shows I watch.

Sunday Stealing- Days of Gratitude

 

Days of Gratitude

                                

1. Name something in the room you are grateful for. My husband. It is Friday

 night, we are watching a St. Louis Cardinals game.

2. Recall a favorite memory you are grateful for My favorite memories are of our

vacations and just spending time relaxing and having fun together.

3. Who helped you today?  Today I taught 3rd grade and I was thankful for the

kids that helped me through the day.

4. What possession makes your life easier?  Probably my phone.

5. What’s the best thing that happened today?  I got to spend the day with a

class that I usually do not get to be with.  I love getting to know the kids. 

I am mostly with 4th grade for digital literacy.

6. Name something in nature that you are grateful for.  Animals, flowers, the sun.

I can just sit outside and be in awe of the beauty.

7. What painful experience helped you grow?  I have done a lot of things this

year at school that were new to me, I think it helped me grow as a teacher

and definitely showed me I am capable of doing more than I thought I could.

8. What is your best skill?  Relationships.  I am shy and I feel like I am hard to

get to know, but I also feel like people really like to talk to me.  I like to listen

to people.  I think a lot of people just want to be heard.  I am good at that.

9. What person in your past are you most grateful for?  I am grateful for every

person that has some kind of influence on my life.  They made me who I am.

If I was friends with a jerk, I learned how to not treat people.  I have met great

people and that showed me how I need to treat people.  I learned a lot 

from my dad about just being the best version of myself I can be and to be

happy with that and realize I have done my best.

10. What risk are you most grateful for taking?  Going back to college to be

a teacher.

11. Name something/someone that makes you feel safe.  My dad always made

me feel safe.

12. Name a challenge you have overcome.  I am doing better about talking

to people with confidence.

13. What small things are you grateful for today?  I got to see my mom and the

weather was sunny and beautiful today.

14. What smell are you most grateful for?  I am not sure if I am grateful for a scent.

I enjoy all the smells of fall, but also flowers.  I enjoy smelling nice things.

15. What is your proudest accomplishment  My son Josh.

Saturday 9- Don't Get Around Much Anymore

 

Saturday 9: Don't Get Around Much Anymore (1942)

Unfamiliar with this song? Hear it here.

1) In this song, our lonely Romeo shares how he amuses himself these days. Which of the activities that he mentions have you most recently enjoyed: playing solitaire, reading a book, or listening to the radio? listening to the radio.  I listen while I am driving to and from work.  I am still on a reading break.  School will be out soon though and I will start reading again.

2) The lead singer is tenor Bill Kenny. Which range is your voice: soprano, alto, tenor or bass? alto

3) When Bill was on vacation in Atlantic City, he entered a series of talent contests and won 21 of 22. This led to his first professional booking. Tell us about a vacation of yours that took an unexpected turn.  Josh and I went to San Antonio with Karl's sisters and kids and the condo we had booked was very dirty.  We were without a place to stay for a bit.  It was a rough start, but it was a pretty good vacation.

4) This song was composed by Duke Ellington. He received many honors, including a coin struck in his honor. In 2009, he graced the District of Columbia's commemorative quarter. Do you save coins in a jar or piggy bank?  Karl does.

5) In 1976, Stevie Wonder recorded a tribute to Ellington called "Sir Duke." What's your favorite Stevie Wonder song?  I kind of like part Time Lover.

6) The lyrics were written by Bob Russell. When he began his career, he shared an apartment with future novelist and TV screenwriter Sidney Sheldon. Have you ever tried your hand at writing lyrics, a novel or a screenplay? no, I used to write short stories when I was young and some poetry, but that is all.  Josh has started writing a few novels.

7) In 1942, when this record was released, the federal government established a rationing system to conserve crucial supplies for our troops. Sugar was the first food to be rationed, followed by coffee and then meat. If you were around back then, which of those items do you think you'd miss the most? Sugar

8) Also in 1942, actor/singer Peter Tork was born. Without looking it up, do you know why Peter Tork was famous?  no, I looked it up though, so I know now. 

9) Random question -- Have you ever deliberately lost a game?  Yes.  I let kids win at games sometimes.  I am not a person that always let's them win, but I want them to keep interested and if they always lose, well they will not want to play and get better.  The fourth graders beat me at Connect Four fair and square.  I started out winning, but they got better and I did not....hahahahaha.

Saturday 9- Mom (2016)

 

Mom

Saturday 9: Mom (2016)

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

1) Meghan Trainor's mom gets a vocal credit on this song ("featuring Kelli Trainor") because the audio of a mother/daughter phone call is included on the recording. Who is the last person you spoke to (not texted!) on the phone?  My friend at the primary school Lori.  She called me the other night.

2) The earliest version of this song was a poem co-written by Meghan and her brother as a gift to their mom. Do you enjoy writing/crafting/baking or [insert your skill here] gifts for people?  buying.  I am not good at making anything.  I got my mom an outdoor plant for Mother's Day.  I will plant it when I go visit her after school Friday.  It will brighten up her house.

3) Meghan's mom ran Jewel of the Isle, a jewelry store in Nantucket, MA. Have you ever visited Massachusetts? If so, where have you gone?  no, we always travel South.

4) Mother's Day is a big holiday for card shops. So are birthdays, weddings, and dozens of other special occasions. Hallmark sells greetings for everything from "Congratulations on Your New Job" to "Happy Retirement." Who received the most recent card you bought?  I do not buy cards very often.  I bet it was Lori though.  I sent her a sympathy card when her husband passed away.

5) While Crazy Sam was growing up, her mother used to scold her for leaving dirty dishes in the sink. Sam admits it: as an adult she still puts off washing her dishes. Are you more like mother or daughter? Do you clean up after every meal, or do you let the dishes stack up?  If I am cooking, I clean up as I go and I leave the kitchen clean.  If I am snacking or having something easy and small, I tend to put my dish in the sink.

6) Mother's Day is for grandmothers, too. Sam grew up calling her grandmother "Grandgran." What did you call your grandmother?  Granny

7) The German word for "mother" is "mutter." What other German words do you know?  I never studied German, so not many...danke is thank-you though.

8) In the United Kingdom, Mothering Sunday is celebrated. It's on the fourth Sunday in Lent (March 14 this year) and in addition to flowers and cards, mothers are treated to Simnel cake. Are you going to indulge in any sweets this weekend?  I will probably have a sweet snack, but not anything crazy.

9) To celebrate Mother's Day, Sam is giving away her mother's favorite: Hershey Bars! Would you prefer classic milk chocolate, dark chocolate, or milk chocolate with almonds?  YES!  I love them all.  I will pick the one with almonds probably.  I do love all of them though.