Saturday 9: Two Black Cadillacs

 

Two Black Cadillacs

Saturday 9: Two Black Cadillacs (2011)

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

1) This week's song is about two women who share a very dark secret. Are you good at keeping secrets?  Yes.

2) Carrie Underwood's favorite author is Stephen King. In fact, she credits King's Christine as an inspiration for this song. Have you read much Stephen King, or seen movies based on his books?  I haven't read any books yet, but I have enjoyed several movies and I love his corgi, Molly!  I follow him on facebook.

3) Carrie first came to America's attention when she won on American Idol. Prior to competing on that show, she'd never been on an airplane. Crazy Sam takes at least one round-trip flight every year and pays using the miles she accumulated from credit card purchases throughout the year. Do you try to earn miles, points, or cash back when you make purchases?  no

4) Black is this week's signature color because November 25 was Black Friday, when retailers historically have slashed their prices and the holiday shopping season begins. Have you begun your gift shopping?  I am excited to say I have done a lot of Christmas shopping this year.  I just need a little something more for my mom.

5) Black Friday began as a local event initiated by store owners in Philadelphia back in the early 1960s. When you think of Philadelphia, what comes to mind?  I have an online friend that lives there, so I think of her, but also The Liberty Bell.

6) Black Friday always comes after Thanksgiving, a day of feasting. What was the best dish at your holiday table this year?  Probably the turkey, but I also love the pie.

7) Thanksgiving is also a big day for watching football. Did you watch any games?  no.  I watched the parade, the dog show and some Hallmark movies.  I also cleaned house and we decorated for Christmas.

8) What are you thankful for this year?  That Josh is working again and has met a lot of friends.  He is going out more.  I am thankful my mom is still with us, she is getting older.  I am thankful Karl and I have good jobs we enjoy and I am thankful for God.

9) Random question: You're in a public restroom and have a choice between paper towels and a hot air hand dryer. Which do you choose?  paper towels.  I am always in a hurry it seems.

Tuesday 4 Meme- The Thanksgiving Feast

 

The Thanksgiving Feast

 Welcome, welcome to Toni Taddeo's Tuesday 4 .

Let's talk about the Thanksgiving Feast.

1. Do you celebrate with family, friends or by yourself?  Family

2.  Do you watch the Thanksgiving Day parade from Macy's in New York City?  The appearance of Santa at the end signals the start of the Christmas season.  What does the day hold for you?  Dinner with family, Macy Parade, Dog Show, football, online shopping.  Josh has to work a little while (4PM-9PM).  We might start decorating the inside of the house for Christmas.  It is a busy fun day.

3. What foods are the hit of Thanksgiving Day for you?  Pumpkin Pie, hot rolls, deviled eggs.  We are smoking our turkey and that is always yummy.  I am making baked beans this year too.

4.  We say grace before and after meals. Is grace a part of your Thanksgiving meal?  Definitely!

Happy Thanksgiving everyone and Happy Birthday, Ann!  My mom's birthday is the same day.

Saturday 9: Sunshine, Lollipops and Rainbows

 

Sunshine, Lollipops and Rainbows

Saturday 9: Sunshine, Lollipops and Rainbows (1965)

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

1. In this song, Lesley Gore sings that sunshine is wonderful. It's hard to argue with that. Is it sunny where you are today?  It was sunny, but very cold.  The sun does make things better though.  It makes me happy.

2. Tootsie Roll is the world's #1 manufacturer of lollipops, and cherry is their most popular flavor. Do you have a sweet tooth? If yes, what's your favorite sweet treat?  chocolate or skittles.

3. According to myth, you'll find a leprechaun's pot of gold at the end of a rainbow. If you suddenly, unexpectedly came into $100,000, what is the first thing you would buy?  I could spend some of that on Christmas presents and still pay on some bills.

4. She feels brighter than a lucky penny. Abraham Lincoln was the first person to appear on a U.S. coin, when the 1909 penny was struck in honor of his 100th birthday. Thomas Jefferson is on the nickel, George Washington is on the quarter, and John F. Kennedy is on the half dollar. Without looking, do you know which President is on the dime?  FDR

5. Lesley Gore was very popular in the 1960s, with 11 Top Ten hits. Most people don't know that, while she was making records, she was also attending Sarah Lawrence College and graduated with her BA in 1968. What's something most Saturday 9ers would be surprised to know about you?  I think over the years most of you have been surprised in my taste in music.  I love a lot of different kinds of music, but Mettalica, Ozzy...I think those choices have surprised you over the years.  I feel like you guys know me pretty well though.  You guys are also surprised I have never flown on a place (we drive everywhere living in the middle of the USA).  I also do not drink coffee.

 
6. She performed "Sunshine, Lollipops and Rainbows" in the movie Ski Party. Do you plan to ski this season?  no

7. This song was written by Marvin Hamlisch, who would go on to win three Oscars, four Grammys, three Emmys, a Tony, and a Pulitzer Prize. That's quite an impressive list! But we believe our Sat 9-ers are impressive, too. So give yourself an award this morning. (For example, Crazy Sam is now Meme Mistress of the Year.)  Pre-K Princess or something to do with watching Hallmark all weekend.  Hahahaha

8. In 1965, when this song was on the charts, I Dream of Jeannie premiered. This supernatural sitcom, about an astronaut who finds a genie on a beach, competed for viewers with Bewitched, which was about an advertising executive who marries a witch. Do you prefer Bewitched or I Dream of Jeannie?  I love them both, but it seems like I always was tuned in for Bewitched.

9. Random question -- Which would you rather have, tacos or pizza?  Depends on my mood and when the last time I had one of them was.  We just had pizza a few days ago, so I would probably choose tacos at this moment.

Tuesday 4 Meme- Love It or Leave It?

 

Love It or Leave It?

 Welcome to Toni Taddeo's Tuesday 4...

1. Coffee flavored or  coffee plain? What is your favorite kind?  I do not like coffee plain or otherwise.

2. A trip to the Caribbean or a trip to Spain? Why? Carribean, just because it looks like paradise.

3. Goodies on your pizza or just plain?  What toppings would you love or leave?  I like ham with hamburger.  I do not like veggies on my pizza.  I like meat and cheese.

4.   Dinner at a 5 star or dinner at  Rosie's Diner known for home style cooking?   Rosie's Diner for sure!

Saturday 9: Walkin' After Midnight

 

Walkin' After Midnight

Saturday 9: Walkin' After Midnight (1957)

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

 

1) The lyrics tell us Patsy Cline was out walking after midnight. Where were you at midnight last night? in bed sleeping.

 

2) She's sure she hears the night winds whispering to her. Is it windy, breezy, or still outdoors right now?  We just had a cold front move in, so it is breezy.

3) When she was 13, Patsy came down with a fever and throat infection so severe she ended up in the hospital. She believed the illness changed her vocal chords and enabled her to sing in a lower key. How are you doing this cold and flu season?  The kids at school have been very sick this year.  I have had covid and a cold.

4) Patsy is well remembered today not only for her voice but for her generous spirit. Loretta Lynn, Dottie West and Barbara Mandrell all considered Patsy a trusted personal friend and professional mentor. Have you ever been a mentor?  I am a mentor teacher this year for the new Pre-K teacher.

 

5) Patsy had a tough side, too. While traveling by bus and playing one-nighters, she found she and her band sometimes never got paid for their efforts. So she began demanding payment -- in cash -- before they would take the stage. She'd insist, "No dough, no show." Tell us about your tough side.  I am only tough at school.  I want my students to be respectful.  It is expected of them.  They do a really good job.  Josh (my son) was raised the same way.

 

6) Patsy became the first female country star to headline at a Las Vegas showroom. Who is your favorite country performer?  Dolly Parton.

 

7) In 1957, the year this song hit #2 on the charts, embroidered cotton handkerchiefs were a popular present for the ladies on your gift list. Do you own any handkerchiefs?  I have one of those embroidered cotton handkerchiefs.  It was my grandmother's.

 

8) 1957 was a banner year for Elvis. He released four hit records, two top box-office films, and his TV appearances topped the ratings. 65 years later, he is still recognized the world over by his first name alone. Can you think of another performer for whom one name is all that's required?  Cher

9) Random question: What's the most embarrassing story your parents (or siblings) tell about you?  When my Papa was alive, he would tell the story of how my Granie would rock me in the rocking chair when I was little.  He said I would say "Granie, I wanna rock"...she would rock me and every time she would stop, I would repeat "Granie, I wanna rock" until finally my papa took a newspaper, rolled it up and hit his hand with it to scare me and make me stop.  He ended up making me and my Granie cry.  It isn't really embarrassing, but I have no memory of it, and he would tell it as I would grow up.  The other stories my parents did not tell other's that often.  My family would never embarrass me.

Tuesday 4 Meme- Holidays

 

Holidays

                                 

 1.  Which are your favorite Holiday(s)? I enjoy Thanksgiving a lot.  There is so much to do with black Friday shopping, football games, great food and visiting with family.  Also, the Macy's Day parade and dog show.  I love Christmas too.

2.   Favorite Holiday movie or character?:  I watched the Home Alone movies a few years ago and I enjoy those every year now.  I also watch Hallmark movies and GAC movies.

3.   Favorite Holiday Dish To Make? :  I really enjoy making deviled eggs...probably because I love to eat them so much.  I took them to one of Karl's family holidays and they got eaten up really fast.

4.   Favorite Holiday Weather You Wish For?:  I like for the weather to be nice...sunny and 60's is nice, but it also does not really feel like Christmas unless it is cold.  Snow would be nice if it didn't snow very much.  

Sunday Stealing

 

Yes, I'm back!

  

 

 1.    Have you ever written to a celebrity?  Did they respond?  I do not write celebrities.

 2.  Do you read letters immediately, or wait until ready to reply?  immediately read and think 

about what I want to write back to them.

 3.   My preferences when it comes to reading.  thriller, romance, historical fiction.

 4.   What I'm least likely to change my mind about. politics

 5.   The topics I would get wrong about during trivia  geography

 6.   What I'm hopeful about right now?  a new curriculum I just started at school for 

social emotional growth in children.

 7.   Philosophies I've learned/embraced from others.  inclusion and how to create 

classroom community.

 8.   What makes home feel like home? family

 9.    Talents and skills I like to cultivate.  my teaching craft.  I am always trying to

make how I teach better and more effective.
 
10.   What makes my heart race  public speaking or doing something new.

11,  What power means to me  responsibility

12.  Come of my comfort hobbies.  reading

13.  Last time I was pleasantly surprised.  Friday, my Principal talked to me about my 

observation she had just done.  She told me she loved coming into my classroom and watching 

the kids learn.  She told me I did a very good job teaching.  That made me happy.

14.   How was my October 2022?  It was busy and fun with all of the events going on at school

and Karl and I went to visit Silver Dollar City for the fall festival.  The Christmas lights start

today.  Josh had to go back to work after being off for the week and they put up all of the lights.

15.   Those who inspire my growth  My Principal and co-workers at work and my husband, son 

and mom at home.

Saturday 9: New Attitude

 

New Attitude

Saturday 9: New Attitude (1984)

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

1) In this song, Patti Labelle sings that she feels good from her hat to her shoes. Do you often wear hats or caps?  We have hat days sometimes at school.  I wear them then and at baseball games.  

 

2) The lyrics tell us that Patti's worries are few. Is anything particular bothering you as you answer these questions?  My brother-in-law died on Thursday.  He had cancer and was doing chemo, but his wife (Karl's sister) took him (Jeff) to the hospital on Sunday night because he could not get out of bed.  They told her to call in the family on Monday, but it seemed like he was getting a little better.  They could not figure out where the infection was coming from that he had, but on Thursday morning the hospital told Kara that Jeff had some kind of bug that was made worse because of chemo making his resistance weak and it was shutting down his organs..his heart and kidneys.  Kara decided to take Jeff off the ventilator at 11:00AM Thursday and he died 20 minutes later.  I am worried about her and my nephews. :(

 

3) The video for this song takes place in a high-end boutique. What's the most recent article of new clothing you bought, and where did you buy it?  It was some new yoga pants.  I could live in yoga pants.

4) In 2019, a street in Philadelphia was renamed "Patti LaBelle Way." At the ceremony, she was referred to as "The Godmother of Soul." Do you have godparents? If yes, tell us about them.  no

 

5) Patti dropped out of high school during her senior year. When she was in her mid-30s, she went to night school and earned her diploma. Do you have any diplomas or certificates framed and displayed in your home or office?  Mine are not displayed.

 

6) Patti was once engaged to Otis Williams, founder of the Motown super group The Temptations. Who is your favorite Motown recording artist? (Here is a list.)  Michael Jackson.  I was a huge fan of his album Thriller.

 

7) A diabetic herself, Patti has volunteered her time to organizations that fight the disease. Do you know anyone currently dealing with diabetes?  My mom and my mother-in-law are both diabetics.

 

8) In 1984, when this song was popular, Angela Lansbury premiered in Murder, She Wrote, a show still seen in reruns today. Were you a fan?  I was a huge fan.  Loved that show.  They still show it on the Hallmark Channel.

9) Random question: What's your secret to a good night's sleep?  Melatonin and praying.

Tuesday 4-Pets

 

Pets

 Welcome to Toni Taddeo's Tuesday 

Let's talk about pets okay?  Some people love them, some can't be bothered and some dislike them. Where do you stand?

1  Do you have pets?  Yes, I had 3 dogs, but I am down to just one now.  Meisha. She is a black lab.  Here is a picture of Meisha below.

2. Did you have a pet growing up? Tell us about it please.  I had a shi'tzu named Kai and a parakeet named Pretty Boy that talked all of the time.

3.  Are pets too much trouble, or , do you find neighbors pets to be a problem?  Pets are not too much trouble, I find them easy enough to care for and neighbor pets do not bother me at all.  I do however have a very hard time parting with them when the pass away.

4. Do you think dogs make good housemates, watchdogs? Do you think women living alone need a dog for security or companionship?  They are great company no matter your age.  My dogs have all been great for security.  They always bark when people come.

Saturday 9: Haunted

 

                 

Haunted

Saturday 9: Haunted (2013)

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

 

1) In this song, Beyonce sings that she's sure if a man is haunting her thoughts, she must be haunting his. Who is on your mind this morning?  Usually, I say some prayers for friends that are suffering with cancer in the mornings.  I am typically thinking about them.  I also have a friend that just had knee surgery, so she has been in my morning thoughts and prayers too.  I also pray for Josh.

2) The lyrics mention her "wicked tongue." Have you said anything recently that you wish you could take back?  Oh sure.  I can't remember exactly what it was.  It wasn't ugly or anything.

3) Beyonce says her lucky number is 4. Her birthday is 9/4, her mom's birthday is 1/4 and her husband's birthday is 12/4. She chose 4/4 for her wedding day. Do you have a lucky number?  not really

 
4) Beyonce told an interviewer  that, while on the road, she loves to eat Popeye's fried chicken and the fast-food chain offered her free food for life. She admits she's been too embarrassed to take them up on it. If you could get free food for life from any restaurant, which restaurant would you choose?  Maybe Chili's.  There are so many things on their menu that I like and different types of food.

These questions will help us get into the Halloween spirit ....

5) Candy corn is a trick-or-treat staple. Do you like it?  yes

6) In 2019, the most popular pet costume was a pumpkin outfit designed for dogs. Have you ever dressed your pet in a costume?  I dressed Mandy up as a pumpkin one year and Josh was a pumpkin too.  I have a picture somewhere.

7) According to the Guinness Book of Records, the award for highest number of jack-o-lanterns in one place went to Keene, NH, where in 2013 there were 30,581. How many carved pumpkins will be at your home on Halloween?  Maybe one and that is if I bring it home from the school.  I will be carving a pumpkin with the kids on Friday the 28th.  That is our party day.

 

8) In years gone by, the Irish celebrated Halloween not with pumpkins but by carving turnips, potatoes and beets. Are any of those foods in your kitchen right now?  potatoes and maybe some pickled beets, but not just regular beets...none to carve.
 

9) Some Elvis fans believe they have seen his ghost hovering in the trees over Graceland. Have you ever seen a ghost? no

Tuesday 4 Meme- The End of October

 

The End of October

In the Catskill Mountains/Hudson Valley of New York

1. Do you give out candy on Halloween to neighborhood kids? Did you ever.. have you always?  I have not given

out Halloween candy since covid.  I live where not many kids come to trick or treat, so I just kind of never started back up giving candy.  I always did give out candy before covid though.

2. We must dress up as this Halloween.. Yes, you have to !   What will your costume be this year?  Maybe a black cat or an angel.  Nothing scary.  Last year at the preschool I dressed up as The Cat in the Hat, but I got so hot (menopause) and this year we have to walk around outside, so I am just going to dress up in a Halloween t-shirt and wear some cat ears or wolf (school mascot) ears.  I haven't decided yet.  I am leaning toward the cat ears.

3. Have you ever carved pumpkins?  Have you visited the gorgeous Hudson Valley in New York state?  We carve a pumpkin every year in my pre-k class.  We open it and I let the kids play with the pumpkin insides and then I carve it a face for our Halloween party.

4. The Legend of Sleepy Hollow by Washington Irving takes place in Sleepy Hollow a town known today as Tarrytown, NY. a lovely town in the Hudson Valley not far from the Catskill Mountains, site of Rip Van Winkle.     The Hudson Valley is considered one of the most beautiful places in America. The Hudson separates NY from New Jersey      Do you know the Legend of Sleepy Hollow? How about Rip Van Winkle? Do you believe either could be based on true stories as some believe?  Why/ why not?  I am familiar with both stories, but I actually did not know anyone believed they were based on true events.  I am not from that location, so I always assumed it was complete fiction.