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Tuesday, June 29, 2021

Tuesday 4 Meme- That's Entertainment!

 



That's Entertainment!

Welcome once again to Toni Taddeo's Tuesday 4... I am so happy you
continue to participate and I know Toni would be as well. I miss our talks.
We were very much alike and shared so many of the same interests. 
Actually I never met anyone like her before and I miss our talks so very much.

Let's talk about entertainment, okay?



1. Do you have an actor or actress whose movies you hate to miss?  Not really, 
but I typically enjoy everything Tom Cruise does, but it wouldn't be a big
deal if I missed one. 

2. Is there a movie or TV program you could watch over and over again?  I am
so weird about once I have watched something, I do not really want to see it
again. However, I just read and saw Jane Eyre for the first time.  I loved it
and I watched a few different versions of it one week.  I guess I could
go with that one.  I equally loved the movie Wuthering Heights too.  I
have not read that book yet, but it is on my list.  Love the Bronte's.

3. Do you have a list of books or magazines you are hoping to read over the summer? 
Would you share it with us? Bonus: do you make a cuppa something or a snack when
you read?  I am looking forward to reading The Maidens by Alex Michaelides, The
Last Thing He Told Me by Laura Dave and People We Meet on Vacation by Emily
Henry.  I have many on my list, but those are books I am excited about.  I do not
snack or drink when I am reading.  I usually read late at night.


4. What kind of music do you enjoy listening to?  Mostly 80's classic music.


Saturday, June 26, 2021

Sunday Stealing- Getting to Know You


Getting to Know You




1. Do you like or dislike surprises? Why or why not?  I think it depends on 
what it is.  If it is good, then I love surprises, if bad...I would hate it.

2. In the evening, would you rather play a game, visit a relative, watch a movie,
or read?  Visit a relative, but late at night when everyone has gone to bed,
I like to read.

3. Would you rather vacation in Hawaii or Alaska, and why?
Hawaii.  I love the beach and warm weather.

4. Would you rather win the lottery or work at the perfect job? And why?  I feel
like I do have the perfect job for me.  With that said, I would love to win
the lottery so we would not have to worry about bills and we could set Josh
up for life.  The perfect thing would be for me to win the lottery and be able 
to work part time.

5. If you could go back in time, what year would you travel to?  My Grandparents
house.  I will say 2000.  My Grandparents and dad were all alive and Josh was 
just a little guy.  I found this picture of him and I about that time.  This was in
Florida at a botanical garden.




6. Aside from necessities, what one thing could you not go a day without?  

7. How many pairs of shoes do you own? 20ish maybe.  I do not wear all
of them.  I wear maybe 6-7.  I just can't throw them away.  I need to.

8. What would you do if you won the lottery?  I would pay off our bills and
buy a new house and cars.  Take a vacation.  Those are the first things
I would do.  I would want to take care of my mom and Karl's parents
too and donate some money to charity.

9. What form of public transportation do you prefer? (air, boat, train, bus, car, etc.)
I guess car.  That is the only way I have ever traveled.

10. What's your favorite zoo animal?  I love them all, but in our zoo, you can 
feed the giraffes, so I always enjoy them here at our zoo.

11. If you could go back in time to change one thing, what would it be?  I would 
finish my typing class with my dad.  I never thought I would need typing, but
look at us here needing keyboarding skills everyday.  I have his students tell
me all of the time his class helped them more than any other.  I only took a
half year of typing and that is a regret I have in my life.  I also wish I would 
have taken art.  

12. How many pillows do you sleep with?  one

13. What's the longest you've gone without sleep (and why)?  In college I decided
 to "pull an all nighter" to study for a test with a friend.  It was stupid and I
do not think it helped.  I was awake for about 36 hours or so...then I crashed.
I never did it again.  I sleep some every night...it may not be very many hours,
but I do not try to stay up at night.  I made sure to study for my tests a 
little along after that so I was ready for the test when it was time.

14. What's the tallest building you've been to the top in?  I am not sure.  It isn't 
very high though. I am thinking it was our condo in Orange Beach, but I 
cannot remember how high it was.  I took my nephews to the roof.  I bet
the lighthouse was taller though.  I have never been in a very tall building.

15.  What are your hobbies?  I like to read, play computer games and watch tv.



Friday, June 25, 2021

Saturday 9- One Bad Apple

 



One Bad Apple

One Bad Apple (1971)
 
Unfamiliar with this week's tune? Hear it here.

1) This song is a play on the old saying that one bad apple can spoil the bunch, or that the bad behavior of one member can reflect badly on the whole group. Do you think that's true?  I do think that is true, unless you know the group really well and know better.  My mom always told me "you are judged by the company you keep".  I can't say I stay away from people because of that though.  I like everyone and try to give everyone a chance.
 
2) The Osmonds began as The Osmond Brothers, a barbershop quartet that performed at the original Disneyland in Anaheim, California. Today there are 9 Disney Resorts all around the world, as far away as Shanghai. Have you ever been to a Walt Disney property?  We have been to Disney World a few times, so that includes Magic Kingdom, Animal Kingdom and Epcot.  We did not stay at a Disney resort, but I would love to.  Josh fell in love with Cinderella at Disney World.  Such fun memories.  He still loves Cinderella.  Sorry this is grainy, our camera pictures are so bad.  I like the cell phone pictures so much better.


 
3) By the time the Osmonds made this record, Donny had joined the group and became their breakout star. Without looking it up, can you name any of the other four brothers who performed in video clip?  no, not right now.
 
4) In the 1970s, adolescent girls learned through teen magazines that Donny's favorite color is purple, and that he was especially fond of purple socks. Today, socks are a very big business. There are designer sock manufacturers and even a sock of the month club. Is there a wardrobe item you're very particular about?  I like Bombas socks ...they help my feet and legs to not hurt so much..and Davy Piper (Nellie) bras....are the most comfortable bra I have ever had. I also like Saucony tennis shoes.  They fit my feet so good and they are comfortable.  I left links if you want ton take a look.

5) Donny and younger sister Marie had their own TV variety show. One regular segment had them performing a medley of popular songs, and it began with Marie singing, "I'm a little bit country," followed by Donny's musical reply, "I'm a little bit rock and roll." In this regard, are you more like sister or brother?  I am a bit of both, but I will go with brother.  I like rock and roll the most.
 
6) Donny's popularity continues today. Fans have seen him win Dancing with the Stars (season 9) and come in as a runner up on the first season of The Masked Singer. Do you watch either of these shows -- or other competition series, like American Idol, The Voice, America's Got Talent, etc.?  I only watch The Voice.  I watch it to keep in touch with a friend...we text during The Voice and talk about it.  We would lose touch otherwise.  I do not like watching The Voice too much, but it is worth it to stay in touch.


7) Donny has also appeared on Broadway. He surprised audiences and got rave reviews as arrogant bad guy Gaston in Disney's Beauty and the BeastTell us about a time when your behavior surprised those who know you well.  I can't think of anything.  I will think about it.

8) Donny is also a grandfather, many times over! Sam admits she's not crazy about that revelation because it makes her feel old. What's something that makes you feel your years?  My aching body makes me feel old.  Otherwise, I feel like the kids at school keep me young.

9) Random question: We're filling a pinata with your favorite candies. What should we buy?  Dove chocolates, skittles, M&M's.  I love candy, I would be so happy to have my very own pinata of candy...hee, hee.


Tuesday, June 22, 2021

Tuesday 4 Meme- Questions....

 


Questions....
Welcome to Tuesday 4 in honor of Toni Taddeo...



1. Do you have a favorite movie to recommend?  I watched several movies
over the weekend with a free preview of HBO and Cinemax.  I watched
Jane Eyre, Harriet, Wonder Woman 1984, Mr. Rogers documentary, The
Art of Racing in the Rain and Luca from Disney Plus. They were all 
good movies.


2. Do you have a schedule for your day or do you wing it?  I have a schedule
when I am working. I kind of wing it in the summer.


3. What are you eating/cooking lately?  This and that.  We do not 
change our dinners much.


4. Do you surf on your computer? Tell us about it, won't you?  I have my siggie
sites I like to visit to see if there are updates, but I do not surf a lot.  I mostly
play my games and of course blog.



Saturday, June 19, 2021

Sunday Stealing- Love Me Some Surveys

 

Love Me Some Surveys




1. Ignoring nutrition, could you live off veggies for the rest of your life? I think most 
of us could, but I wouldn't want to.  

2. Elaborate on a way you have volunteered?  When I was a freshman in college,
I took an Intro to Psychology class and for that class we had the opportunity
to volunteer for extra credit.  I volunteered at the state school for the severely
handicapped.  I was able to play games with the kids and had a good time.
I was later offered a job in St. Louis working at a school with the handicapped 
kids because of that volunteer opportunity.  I did work many years in
supported living with the handicapped and in schools too as a para and
teacher. It was a life changing opportunity I suppose.  I did not accept the
position in St. Louis, but did work in education closer to home.

3. Can you walk in heels, or do you feel awkward in them?  I can walk in them,
I wore them a lot when I was young, but I prefer not to these days.  I wear
them on special occasions.

4. Any TV shows you sit down weekly to watch? Blacklist, Good Doctor
and Magnum P.I.

5. Will you tell someone if there’s something in their teeth?  Sometimes, it
depends on my relationship with them.

6. Do you ever actually make your bed?  It gets made everyday.  The covers are
pulled up and it looks neat.  I rarely make it up completely with the pillows, etc.

7. Do you make an effort to eat healthy?  not really *hides*  I need to.

8. What kind of booze did you last take shots of?  I do not drink, but about two
years ago now my co-worker had a baby shower and I had a small glass of
wine.  It was not shots, but I was a nervous wreck from trying to find the 
place that I had a little drink to calm me down.

9. What’s something you want to purchase next time you’re at the mall?  I never go
to the mall, but if I did I would get a kimono and maybe some wallflowers from
bath and body.  This kind of kimono:



10. What were you doing at 10:00 this morning?  playing facebook games.

11. What do you miss the most about your past?  I miss my youth and ability
to do things and not hurt afterwards.

12. Last time you were really happy?  I am happy a lot of the time, but the
last time I was really happy was when I found out I would be going back 
to the primary school this coming school year.  I was at the elementary
this past year and I liked it fine, but my heart is in  preschool.  I missed
those kids a lot.

13. Did you get a full 8 hours of sleep last night?  yes.

14. Have you spoken to your mother or father today?  My dad passed away four
years ago today.  I have not talked to my mom yet, but I probably will.  It is 
a hard day for all. Happy Father's day in heaven dad!



15. Are you good at filling awkward silences?  not at all, but I do try to do it.



Friday, June 18, 2021

Saturday 9- Papa, Can You Hear Me?

 


Papa, Can You Hear Me?

Saturday 9: Papa, Can You Hear Me? (1984)

This song was chosen in honor of Father's Day. Hear it here.

1) The song begins with a prayer to "God, our Heavenly Father." Do you often pray?

I pray every day.  Sometimes multiple times a day.


2) This song is from the movie Yentl. Set in the early 1900s, it tells the story of a Polish girl determined to receive a religious education, even though the custom of the day banned girls from studying the Talmud. What subject do you wish you knew more about? I like to learn about everything, but I will go with history.  The older I get the more I realize I do not know a lot of things.


3) It took Streisand more than 15 years to get Yentl made. Studios initially rejected the project, telling her that audiences no longer want to see musicals. Then, because it centered on Judaism, she was told it was "too ethnic." But Yentl was a success at the box office, becoming one of the most profitable movies of the year -- and since Barbra was producer, director and star, she enjoyed those profits. Tell us about a time you're glad you stuck with something.  When I first started working in education, I took a job as a paraprofessional.  I loved it, but it does not pay very good.  The summer after my para job, I applied with the department of mental health for a social worker job...which is my first college degree.  I was offered a position at the DMH, but when I asked for a reference for that job from my job at the preschool, my boss at my job offered me a teaching job if I would go back to college and get my education degree.  I did and I am glad I stuck with that.  I love working in education.  I think the social work job would have been stressful and lots of driving.  I was able to have the same hours as Josh and summer off.

4) The movie, and this song, were so popular that they earned a parody on The Simpsons. (See it here.)  That video has had more than 250,000 views. Before the Yentl parody, what's the last YouTube video you watched?  I went to a make-up party last week and ordered some make-up, so I was watching some videos on Seint Beauty and how to apply their make-up.

5) Barbra Streisand's father died suddenly, the result of complications after an epileptic seizure, just after her first birthday. He held degrees in both English Literature and Education and was a school superintendent. Do you know anyone who made a career in education?  I work in education, so I know many people that have made a career in education.  My dad did too.

6) Sam's own father wasn't an educator, but he is crazy about the local library. He's there so much the librarians greet him by name. Do you have a library card?  Oh yes!  I took Josh to get his card when he was 5 years old too.  We spend a lot of time at the library.

7) For family barbecues, Sam's dad proudly dons his "Kiss the Chef" apron and mans the Weber. What's the last thing you cooked on the grill?  hamburgers and hotdogs.

8) He takes his grilling very seriously and jealously guards his marinade recipe. Do you have a recipe you're willing to share this morning?  not really

9) Sam's father hates it when his daughter swears. What's the latest curse word you used? (It's OK, we don't blush easily.)  I try not to curse, but I occasionally say something if I hurt myself.




Tuesday, June 15, 2021

Tuesday 4 Meme- So Tell Me....

 


This week's questions come from Sparky! I hope you enjoy doing them.
Let's talk about you .....

So Tell Me....



1. Music. What kind of music do you enjoy? Are you musical?  I enjoy
a lot of kinds of music, but when I am in the car, my radio is typically
tuned into 80's music.  I played flute in jr. high and I was able to play
piano, but just by ear.  I have no formal training and I am not good.  I
also sang in choirs for many years.  I love to sing.




2. Travel. Where have we been? What's your favorite destination(s)?  We have
been to Florida to Disney World, Orange Beach and San Antonio.  My family lived
in Oklahoma, so we have been there a lot and Arkansas is close.  I lived in Kansas
for a short time, the Kansas side of Kansas City.  My favorite travel destination 
was Orange Beach, AL.  I enjoyed the ocean front condo we stayed at and 
the dolphin tour we went on.  We also got to take Josh in a light house, which at
the time was a high interest thing for him.  This picture is at the top of the 
light house.  It was the Pensacola, FL lighthouse.




3. Occupations. Did you end up working at what you wanted to be? Do you
wish you'd done something else, if so, what? etc.  I started college wanting
to go into medical technology.  I am happy now that I am in teaching.  It is a very
rewarding job that makes me happy.  This is a college graduation picture with
my mom and dad.



4. How do you keep from being bored?  I read, play facebook games or watch
tv...shows or movies.  I am currently reading That Summer by Jennifer
Weiner. You can click on the picture for a review of the book.  It is good.  I 
am not sure it is for the Tuesday 4 crowd though.
 




Thank you for joining in each week. You have made this such a wonderful
experience and I know Toni, in whose memory we continue, would be pleased
as punch.


Saturday, June 12, 2021

Sunday Stealing- LEP

 

LEP



 

1. Describe your phone lock screen I do not mess with my lock screen, so it is
just a blue background.


2. How often do you journal?  I journal here at my blog about 3 times a week. 
I used to journal everyday.  I have a journal I write in, but I hardly ever do
that.

3. What’s your favorite thing to teach others?  That you must give others as well
as yourself grace.

4. How do you like to spend Sundays?  Church and relaxing, watching tv.

5. What would you describe as your kryptonite?

6. A TV show or movie you thought was really bad  I do not really enjoy
reality shows or political shows.

7. Do you know your mail carrier?  I do not.  I am not typically home when
they come by.

8. Which regional foods are your favorite?  fried chicken, mashed
potatoes/gravy, hot rolls.  What we call down home cooking.  I am not
sure if this area is really known for specific food.  We have the lakes, 
so maybe fish?  I like that too.

9. What was your life like 20 years ago?  I was a young mom, Josh was 2
years old.  I was a stay at home mom and I had the country graphics
community to keep me company.  That was a really good time in my life 
because I really loved it when Josh was little.  My Grandparents and dad
were still alive too. ♥  Karl and I had been married for 3 years and he was
and still is working commercial construction.

10. Crafting hobbies that you’d like to learn or improve  I would like to be able
to quilt, make wreaths, crochet and knit.  That stuff does not come naturally
to me.

11. What is your favorite type of YouTube videos?  Beauty.  I love to watch
make-up videos.

12. Describe your surroundings  I am in my living room.  There is a tv, couch
and chairs with two end tables.  There is an area rug in the colors of brown,
cream, olive green and burgundy.  My tv is currently on, so there is some
chatter. I took the picture below, so that was my view that day in my living
room.  My dogs are not in here as I am typing this.  They are on a cool floor.
It is a hot day.



13. You're making a Time Capsule to be opened in 50 years. What 3 things would
you put in it? I would write a letter about what is going on in the world and
how it is affecting me as well as what the items are and why I put them in
the capsule. I would put a covid mask in there, a newspaper, and a cell phone
and charger from 2021. 

14. Something you learned recently that resonated with you  I learned about the
Tulsa Race Riots.  My family lives in Oklahoma and even my mom had no
idea about it. They really kept it quiet.  I even read the book Dreamland Burning 
about the Tulsa Race Riots. I highly recommend it by the way.  It is historical 
fiction, but also a mystery.  It is told is two points of view, one from present
day and the other from 1921.  I loved this book and I am so glad to have
learned about this event.  It is awful, but we do need to know about it.

15. Songs that get stuck in your head often…  Lots of songs, it is different all 
of the time.


Friday, June 11, 2021

Saturday 9- Ain't That a Kick in the Head

 





Ain't That a Kick in the Head

Saturday 9: Ain't That a Kick in the Head (1960)

Unfamiliar with this song? Hear it here.

1) Dean Martin asks the musical question, "How lucky can one guy be?" Tell us about a time when you got a lucky break.
After I quit my first teaching job I was for the first time with no job.  I had always secured a job in the past before quitting and starting a new job, but this time I just knew I had to leave that environment and I quit.  I feel lucky that I was able to get another job only after a few months with the school I attended school at when I was a kid.  My dad also taught there.  It was one of the best decisions I have ever made.  I have met a lot of good friends and been reunited with classmates and I love working there.  I got a call today that they have moved my things into my new classroom, so I can go get started putting the classroom together after they wax the floors.  I am so excited.

2) This song was introduced in the original Ocean's 11 movie. Have you seen it, or the remake and its sequels?  I saw the re-boot and the sequels.  I need to watch the original.

3) All the Ocean's movies are about heists. Why do you suppose audiences enjoy watching caper films?  good casts and action.
 
4) Dean was born in Steubenville, OH. Though he seldom returned to his hometown, he kept Steubenville in his thoughts, regularly donating toys to area children hospitalized over the holidays. Who received the last gift you gave?  My mom.  I got her a present for Mother's Day.
 
5) Dean was extremely claustrophobic and avoided elevators whenever possible -- and even when it wasn't. He was late for the first night of an engagement, even though he was staying at the hotel where he was performing, because he insisted on taking the stairs from his luxury suite to the showroom (18 flights). The hotel put him in a smaller, less prestigious room on a lower floor so he could more easily arrive on time for his own shows. Have you ever been stuck in an elevator?  no, I am not claustrophobic, but I would hate being stuck.

6) He and Frank Sinatra were great friends, but they had their differences. For example, Frank loved to party and Dean hated it. One of Sinatra's favorite stories was about how Dean got bored with a party in his own home and went up to his bedroom to watch TV. When the guests didn't take his hint and leave, Dean made an anonymous noise complaint to the police, who came over and broke up the party. When it comes to parties, are you more like Frank or Dean?   I am like Dean now, I do not care for parties.  I was like Frank when I was in college.  I liked to throw parties.

7) Dean Martin had a secret passion for comic books. He loved them, but was too embarrassed to buy them himself. What's your guilty pleasure?  I like to think of certain tv shows as guilty pleasures.  I watched the O.C. several years ago and I felt like it was a guilty pleasure.  Probably certain books I read are guilty pleasures too.  My facebook games I would say are guilty pleasures as well.

8) In 1960, when this song was released, Princess Margaret married photographer Antony Armstrong-Jones. Their relationship began when he was commissioned to take her official portrait. Who took the most recent picture of you?  My friend Lorna took a picture of me with two other co-workers at school.  I am on the back right.  It was twin day or something, so we had a picture taken.  Lorna was not dressed like us or we would have definitely had her in the picture.


9) Random question (Not really so random, considering Dean Martin's reputation): Do you have a hangover remedy to recommend?  no, I always suffered and never knew what to do.  I don't drink anymore...that is my remedy I suppose.



Tuesday, June 8, 2021

Tuesday 4 Meme- An Evening Out

 



An Evening Out

Welcome! Let's continue with Toni's Tuesday 4 with questions
about going out for an evening...


1. Do you enjoy an evening out? It's been a while for most people.
Do you have any plans made?
I do not have any plans as of right
now, but it is summer, so hopefully we will be able to get out and do
something. We haven't been too restricted here in Missouri, so we
have already been out to eat a few times. I was really wanting to go
out and see a movie though.


2. What kind of activities do you enjoy? A movie, a concert, dinner,
plays, walks? Are you in the habit of going out regularly? I
enjoy going out to dinner and a movie. We enjoy plays. Sometimes
Josh and I go for a walk. We do not go out regularly, but we make

special plans every so often.


3. Ever had an unusual or very interesting evening you would like to
tell us about or plans that went off the rails? I can't really think of
anything that would beat the in-law story I told on Sunday.


4. When you were dating what kinds of activities did you enjoy ? Going
out to eat and movies and plays. Same things we do now except when
I was younger we might go out in groups more and do more adventurous
things....like ROAD TRIPS! I did those with my roommates.



Saturday, June 5, 2021

Sunday Stealing- Let's Go To Dinner

 

Let's Go To Dinner




1. When is the last time you went out to a meal with someone special?
Tell us about it. My son just started a job a few months ago, so end of April,
my husband, his parents and I went to eat at the restaurant he works at. 
It is a Mexican restaurant called La Fiesta. They have fantastic food! 
We were also celebrating me going back to the Primary school next year to
teach regular ed. preschool. I have always taught special education preschool,
so this will be a little different for me. If I learned anything this year though,
it is that I can do way more than I thought. I am very excited to get my
classroom set up.

2. Show us a picture of your favorite cuisine. I enjoy Mexican food and I always
have burritos. This is the burrito grande where my son works...La Fiesta.




3. What is the funniest thing a man/woman has said to you lately? 
I can't think of anything. I am on Summer break, so I have been taking
some time away from people.  I have been cleaning house and reading.

4. What makes a gentleman a gentleman in today’s dating world? Are there any
left? Opening doors, putting the lady first.  Good manners in general. 
I do think there are guys like that out there.
 
5. Is there anything you won’t tolerate when out to dinner with your significant other?
Loud talking and rudeness.  My husband's family is weird to eat out with
sometimes and he had to be taught how to act.  I will not tolerate it.
I think there is a question later where I can elaborate.  I know I sound like
a stuck up snob, but I just like to enjoy myself and not have to feel like my
evening is ruined or hurting people's feelings for no reason.  I worked in
fast food when I was young and I know how ugly people can be.

6. What type of ambiance do you enjoy in an eating establishment?  I kind of like
a light/ relaxed atmosphere at this point in my life.  I enjoyed the more
romantic when I was younger.

7. Tell us about the worst public dining experience you ever had, whether it be a
date or with your family.  Like I said, my husband's family is embarrassing
to eat out with.  They complain about food to get free food....like they make
a scene.  I do not go out with them unless I have to.  They did good when we
ate out at Josh's work. If the order is wrong, I will politely let the waiter know,
but I do NOT throw a fit and I never expect free food. 

8. What is the lamest or rudest thing a man/woman has said to you lately?
I am not sure.

9. Are you a good tipper?  I try.  

10. Do you ask for doggie bags when you leave food on your plate at a restaurant?
I definitely do.  I typically love the food at restaurants and I will take it home
and finish it up at a later time.

11. What is your pet peeve about restaurants and dining out in general?
I don't think I have pet peeves about dining out...unless my in-laws are with us.
It is mostly Karl's mom and his sisters.

12. Do you prefer to order yourself or do you ever let your significant other order
for you? I order myself.

13. Describe your most intimate romantic dinner ever. (fantasy or real)
This was a real meal.  My boyfriend at the time had planned a Valentine's
dinner at an Italian restaurant.  It was a very romantic atmosphere with
candles lit at the tables. I dressed up in my "little black dress"...this was in
the early 90's... and he wore his suit.  I also had my hair done at a salon.
It was a nice evening.

14. Do you enjoy piano bars?  I have only been maybe one time, but I liked
it very much.

15. If you could go anywhere in the world for dinner, where would it be and who
would you be with?  I am going to say Italy with my mom and Josh.