Saturday 9: The Old Me (2020)

 

Saturday 9: The Old Me (2020)

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

 

We're bidding adieu to the old year with a song 

about looking back. 

Thanks for participating in Saturday 9 during 2023.

1) In this song, the lead singer thanks his younger self for everything he learned from past experience. What's something you learned in 2023?  I learned I can do really hard things that I did not want to do.  I had to move into a classroom with another pre-K class.  We had 34 kids in one room and 5 adults.  It was loud and I am glad it is over.

 

2) He admits he did some things he wished he hadn't. Did you do anything in 2023 you wish you could take back?  oh yes, there is always something.  I do not dwell on things, so I have forgotten about it.

3) This music video consists of old photographs. Do you have many photos lingering on your phone or camera? Or are you prompt about downloading them?  I have so many photos.  I need to delete many of them.

4) This week's featured artist is 5 Seconds of Summer, a band from Australia. Have you ever been to the land down under? If not, would you like to go?  I have never been, but I would love to go.

 
5) In 2020, when this song was popular, "murder hornets," aka the giant Asian hornet, were spotted for the first time in the United States. Are you afraid of bugs?  not really.  They annoy me though.

6) Enough about 2020! Let's look back on 2023. Did you travel this past year?  I was able to visit Lake of the Ozarks for a teacher's conference (it is beautiful there) and Karl, Josh and I visited St. Louis over the summer.

7) What was the biggest purchase that you made in 2023?  We had to re-do the plumbing in part of our house.  We will be paying on that for a while.

8) What was your favorite book of 2023?  Book that was published in 2023 would be Meet Me At The Lake by Carley Fortune if just my favorite read that I read in 2023 it would be The Great Alone by Kristin Hannah.

9) What are you looking forward to most in 2024?  I am excited about the changes coming to our school.  Now that we have moved into our new building, we will be adding more classrooms.    I wish I had a vacation to look forward to, but at this time we have no plans. 

Tuesday 4 Meme- After Christmas

 

After Christmas...

Dec 31, 1949 Mary Petty's art

Hello Friends and Happy Holidays to you all.   

1. What are you doing New Years Eve and New Year's Day?  We usually watch the ball drop on NYE and take down Christmas decorations on NY's day.  I like to clean house really good to start off the new year.  I get busy once I start back to school.

2. Do you have any New Year traditions? Rose Parade? Mummers? Football games or parties?  We watch the Rose Parade and Karl watches football games.  Josh will be done with his job for the season, so he will be home.  They open again in March.  I will probably read or watch tv.

3. Is the day after Christmas a bit of a let down or do you continue to be merry and bright?  Not really.  I get sad when the lights come down, so more like New Year's day.  I do like a clean house though.

4.  Do you have anything in mind for the new year  and do you start off the new year with high hopes and expectations?  I used to look forward to the New Year, but as I get older, I worry about what is to come.  I worry about my mom and Meisha as they are getting older.  I shouldn't worry I know.  It is out of my control.  I know good things will happen in the New Year and bad things will happen.

Merry Christmas!!!

   I want to wish you all a very Merry Christmas!  The KC Chiefs game is on today, so that will be something fun for us to watch today along with the other Christmas fun.  I hope you have a great day.

SATURDAY 9: HAPPY HOLIDAYS

 

SATURDAY 9: HAPPY HOLIDAYS

 From the archives

1. As you can see, when Sam Winters was a little girl, she loved giving her annual wish list to Santa. If you could ask Santa for anything at all, right now, what would it be?  Since this is a Santa gift and not a prayer gift, I will say money.  It would be nice to pay some things off.

2. Are you currently on the Naughty or Nice list? How did you get there?  Nice.   I am not mean, I am not one to be naughty.  I help and give when I can.  I try to make my classroom a happy place to be for all.

3. Are you traveling this Christmas? If so, are you going by car, plane or train?  The plan is to be at my house for Christmas and my mom come to visit us.  I was sick, so just making sure it is a healthy place to be for my mom.  We will need to go to her house also to take her gift down for her...it is big, we will go by car.

4. Did you ship any gifts to friends and family this year? If yes, which one traveled the farthest?  no, I was able to take gifts to everyone in person.

5. Did you buy yourself a gift this year?  Yes, I bought some clothes.

6. Which do you prefer: candy canes or gingerbread? candy canes, but we have both in my classroom.  We cook a gingerbread man and he runs around the school and we have to find him, we go to the gym and he has been there but says we are too slow we need to look at the nurses' office and so on.  Then the kids get to try gingerbread cookies.  One of my kids got frustrated with him and said he was so naughty...hahaha.  The elf on the shelf brings candy canes from Santa for the Polar Express Day.  We also had theater popcorn for our movie day.  I missed the holiday party, I was sick.

7. Close your eyes and tell us the first carol that comes to mind.  Oh Christmas Tree

8. What's your favorite winter beverage?  Hot Chocolate...we had that at our Polar Express movie day too.  The kids loved that day, they got a bell from Santa and were so excited they could hear it ringing and a special ticket to see the movie.

9. Share a memory from last Christmas.  Last Christmas we had a different meal.  We had meatloaf.  It was so good.  My mom cooked.  Josh does not like ham.  It was nice to have something different.

Merry Christmas!

Tuesday 4 - Christmas

 

Christmas

 Hi there. It's time for another of Toni Taddeo's Tuesday 4...  

Christmas is next week...Let's talk a bit about it, okay?

1. Are you excited for Christmas to come?  Yes and no.  I love the Christmas season and I get sad when it is over.  I enjoy the buildup.  I am excited for getting to be with my family on Christmas and having time off, but just will be sad when it is over. 

2. What do you look forward to on Christmas? Being with family and resting, being off work and reading.

3. What will Christmas Eve find you doing?  We usually do Meisha's presents on Christmas Eve and Josh opens one present.  We will probably be at home.

4. What will be on the menu for Christmas?   We will have the ham dinner, mashed potatoes/gravy, hot rolls, vegetables, deviled eggs and some desserts.  Josh does not like ham, so we will probably have a turkey breast for him too.

Saturday 9: The Christmas Blues

Saturday 9: The Christmas Blues (1953)

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

 
1) In this song, Dean Martin sings that the streets are white with snow. Do you anticipate a White Christmas this year?  nope, the weather is in the 50's.  I am good with it.  I just want some snow in January and/or February.

2) He tells us he's done plenty of window shopping this season. Do you find you're influenced by a retailer's window dressing and store decor? Are you more motivated by price? Or do you do most of your shopping online, making holiday decorations irrelevant?  I mostly shop online.

 

3) Dean was born in Steubenville, OH. Though he rarely returned to his hometown, it was in his thoughts during the holidays. Every Christmas he made like Santa and sent toys to hospitalized children in the Steubenville area. Are there toys on your shopping list this year?  no, I got the kids at school bubbles and an activity book.  We bought our niece's clothes.  They are the only kids right now.

4) He had fast hands when it came to cards and before he was famous he worked as a dealer in Atlantic City. When you play cards, what's your favorite game?  I never play cards anymore.  I liked spades when I was in college.  I suppose now the likeliest game would be UNO.  I do enjoy that one.

5) Dean Martin was an avid reader ... of comic books. Especially in bed when he was on the road and couldn't sleep. Much as he enjoyed comic books, he was embarrassed by them. What do you do when you can't sleep?  I pray.  

Now let's have a few holiday-specific questions:

 

6) Every year, the United States Postal Service introduces special holiday stamps. Do you purchase them?  yes

 

7) Do you have a funny/ugly holiday sweater?  no, and I want one.

 

8) Do you wrap your presents or use gift bags?  mostly gift bags this year.  

9) We're doing Christmas karaoke! What holiday or winter-themed song will you perform? Rockin' Around the Christmas Tree.

Saturday 9: Wildest Dreams

 

Wildest Dreams

Saturday 9: Wildest Dreams (2014)

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

1) In this song, a tall, handsome man asks Taylor Swift to drive away with him to escape the crowds. Where were you headed when you most recently got behind the wheel?  to work

2) She sings about memories of a romance that just "follow you around." Is anyone special on your mind this morning? (It doesn't have to be a romantic partner.)  I have a friend that has cancer, so when I pray, I pray for her every time.  She is on my mind a lot.  I have shared about her before.  Her name is Kris.  I would appreciate prayers or good thoughts.  This picture is us about 5 years ago.

3) The lyrics reference sunset. Now that it gets dark earlier, do you find yourself watching the sun set more often?  It is starting to set as I drive home from work, but once I get home I have so many things to do.  I haven't watched it yet.   It is good to take the time and watch it though.  The sun has not yet risen when I go to work, so I do not see that either.  

4) The video for this song takes place on a movie set. Swift said it was inspired by tales of Elizabeth Taylor and Richard Burton embarking on a love affair while co-starring in Cleopatra. Elizabeth and Richard fell in love in Rome, while this video was filmed outside of Gaborone, Botswana. In your wildest dreams, which of these exotic locales would you rather visit: Rome or Gaborone?  I would like to go to Rome.

 

5) In homage to Elizabeth Taylor, Swift went from blonde to brunette for the video. Do you have an appointment with a stylist between now and year end?  Yes, December 27th for cut and color.  It needs it.

6) Both Taylors (Swift and Elizabeth) often wore the color purple. What color dominates your wardrobe?  red, but I wear a lot of black.

 

7) In the video, Taylor Swift's leading man is Scott Eastwood, son of Clint. Though not as famous as his dad, Scott works steadily and has more than 30 TV and movie credits. Can you think of another second-generation performer who followed his or her parent into show business?  Keifer Sutherland and his dad Donald Sutherland.  Keifer Sutherland was a celebrity crush for me.

8) In 2014, when "Wildest Dreams" topped the charts, Paul McCartney had to reschedule tour dates so he could recover from a bout with the flu. How are you feeling this morning? Any coughs, sneezes, sniffles?  I am in week 2 of a small cough.  This is the second time this coughing has gone around the classroom.  We are just passing it around.  It is hard for me to get rid of a cough.

9) Random question: How many different zip codes have you lived in throughout your life?  5

Saturday 9: Rollin' Stone

 

Rollin' Stone

Saturday 9: Rollin' Stone (1958)

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

 

1) The title comes from the proverb, "a rolling stone gathers no moss." What do you suppose that proverb is trying to teach us?  That if we move all of the time we will not have lasting relationships with friends/family or jobs.  We would have less responsibilities or duties because we are always moving on.  I feel like I was a bit like this for a short time after college.  I moved a lot and lived a carefree life.  It was a good experience for me as a young person, but I would not want to live like that now.

 

2) The lyrics warn us not to be lazy stay-at-homes but to go out and learn about the world around us. Tell us about a place you haven't visited yet but would like to.  I would love to go to Hawaii, London, France.  So many places.  I haven't been hardly anywhere.

 

3) Karen and Cubby were Mouseketeers on the original Mickey Mouse Club, a TV show which ran from 1955 to 1959. Then, from 1962 to 1967, local TV stations reran it in syndication. In 1989, there was a Mickey Mouse Club reboot, which launched the careers of Justin Timberlake, Britney Spears and Christina Aguilara. So The Mickey Mouse Club has entertained generations of kids. What shows did you enjoy as a child?  The Smurfs, Looney Toons, The Wonderful World of Disney.  Sesame Street, Mr. Rogers.

 

4) Karen was Karen Pendleton, among the youngest of the original Mousketeers. Producers discovered her at a local dancing school. Have you ever taken dance lessons?  Unfortunately, no.

5) When The Mickey Mouse Club ended, Karen left show business. She went to public school, graduated, got married, and had a daughter. When she was in her 30s, she was involved in a car accident that left her paralyzed from the waist down. Still, she went back to college, earning first her bachelor's and then Master's degrees in psychology. Have you considered continuing your education? What subject would you pursue?  I have considered that, but I am close to retirement.  I would just get my master's in education.

 

6) Cubby is Cubby O'Brien, a drum prodigy who began playing professionally when he was just 8 years old. After the Mickey Mouse Club he went on to The Lawerence Welk Show. As he entered his teens, he prioritized school over TV. He later returned to television as musician on The Carol Burnett Show. He also performed in concert behind The Carpenters. Do you have a favorite Carpenters song?  I like Rainy Days and Mondays, but I sang "We've Only Just Begun" as a duet with a friend in high school.  It was a goodbye to high school.

 

7) In 1958, when kids were watching the original Mickey Mouse Club during the day, adults were watching Westerns. The most popular TV shows of that year included Gunsmoke, Wagon Train and The Rifleman. Have you ever fantasized about life as a cowboy/cowgirl?  not really

 

8) Also in 1958, Dwight Eisenhower became the first President to appear on color TV. Not many Americans saw him in color, though. It wasn't until 1972 that color TVs outsold black-and-white sets. Did you ever own a black-and-white TV?  I have never personally owned a b&w tv, but my parents were given a 2nd tv that they kept in a spare bedroom when I was young.  I would watch it sometimes on the weekend.  I was always wondering what color things were though.  We had a color tv as our main tv.

 

9) Random question -- Did you pass your driver's license test on the first try?  Yes, I did.

Sunday Stealing - Surveys

 

Sunday Stealing - Surveys

 

Stolen from Love Me Some Surveys

1. How long was your last phone conversation?  3 minutes, Karl called to ask a quick question.

2. Have you ever dyed your hair?  yes

3. What do you have on your feet?  socks and tennis shoes

4. Do people ever mispronounce your name?  no, but it gets spelled wrong sometimes.

5. Where did you get the shirt you are wearing?  Walmart

6. Does any part of your body hurt right now?  my back

7. Do you drink hard liquor?  no

8. Have you ever read a book in one sitting?  yes

9. Do you like cats?  Why or why not?  I like all animals.  Cats are furry and cute.

10. Do you like the ocean?  love it, but I also respect it.

11. Ever think you might have seen a UFO?  no

12. Do you type fast?  not really

13. How long are you usually in the shower for? 15 minutes

14. Chinese food or Mexican food?  Mexican, but I love both.

15. Do you read and believe your horoscope?  no

Saturday 9: Long Cool Woman (in a Black Dress) 1972

 

Long Cool Woman (in a Black Dress)

Saturday 9: Long Cool Woman (in a Black Dress) 1972

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

1) This week's song begins with Hollies' lead singer Allan Clarke telling us of a Saturday night trip downtown, taken at the behest of the FBI. What are your plans for Saturday night? (No, we don't expect you to tell us you'll be working undercover for a government agency.) Probably watching Hallmark Christmas movies and drinking hot chocolate.

2) At a bar, he meets a woman in a black dress. The LBD, or little black dress, is a wardrobe staple for many women because it's appropriate for almost any occasion. Let's say you get a last-minute invitation for a "dressy" dinner this weekend and you don't have the time or money to buy something new. What's your go-to outfit from your closet?  I do not have any dresses anymore.  I really need to buy one just to have, but if we were going out, I would wear some nice slacks and one of my kimono caridgans.  

3) Everyone at the bar starts to run when they hear sirens. Do you often hear sirens in your neighborhood?  not often, but sometimes.  I live in a small town, so not a lot of people.

4) In 1972, the year this week's song was on the charts, Popeye's opened their first fast-food chicken restaurant in Louisiana. Now that the Thanksgiving feast is over, will you be eating any carry-out this weekend?  Probably, we are usually either out of leftovers by then or sick of them.  I sent a lot of food home with my mom, so hopefully we are finished with the leftovers by the weekend.

5) Black is this week's signature color because November 24 was Black Friday, when retailers historically have slashed their prices and the holiday shopping season begins. Have you begun your gift shopping?  Yes, I have gifts for my co-workers and I am Secret Santa to a person at work also.  I am working on her gifts also.  I also started my mom's gift shopping.  I am still waiting for Josh's list.

6) Walmart, Best Buy and Target all advertise heavily on Black Friday. If you could have a $100 gift card from one of those stores, which would you choose? What would you buy?  Walmart for groceries.  I do not mind buying gifts, but the price of food annoys me.

7) This Monday is sometimes known as Cyber Monday because shoppers can find big savings online. Do you shop confidently online, or do you worry about security breaches and identity theft?  I shop confidently. 

8) What are you thankful for this year?  I am thankful that my mom is doing ok.  Today is her birthday and she is turning 80.  

9) Random question: Who was the last person you spoke to on the phone (texting doesn't count)?  Karl (my husband).

Tuesday 4 Meme- Thankful

 

Thankful

 Hello friends and welcome to Toni Taddeo's Tuesday 4.  

Thanksgiving Day is about here. Let's talk about the holiday and thankfulness.

1. Whether you are from the USA or not, thankfulness is beneficial to a nation and people.  Is it a natural thing for you to think of being thankful or is it something you must be reminded about?  It is natural for me to be thankful.  Even when bad things happen, I am looking for the positive.

2.  Plimoth Plantation is the site of the original settlement and everything is authentic to the 1600's including how they speak. Have you been to Plymouth Rock?   How about the Plimoth Plantation (yes that is the proper spelling). Would you like to go visit these places?     What places are you thankful for having seen?      I have not seen these places, but I would enjoy seeing them.  I am most thankful for seeing the ocean.  It was such a neat vacation and I enjoyed seeing the dolphins.  I cried when I saw mountains.  I want to go stay in the mountains someday.

3. Do you tune into the Macy's Parade?  YES!  I remember watching that at my Granie and Papa's house as a kid.  We always have it on and the dog show and football.  I love Thanksgiving.  I am sure I will be watching the Black Friday sales online too.

4. What will you be eating on Thanksgiving Day this year?  Smoked turkey, mashed potatoes/gravy, hot rolls, vegetables, deviled eggs, dressing.  We will also have pumpkin pie, pecan pie, lemon meringue pie and German Chocolate cake (my mom's favorite).  She will be turning 80.