Pages

Tuesday, December 31, 2024

Tuesday 4 Meme- New Year's Eve

 




New Year's Eve

 Welcome to Toni Taddeo's Tuesday 4 and the eve of 2025.



Growing up New Years Eve 
was one of my favorite times of the year. 
Everyone would come to our home for snacks and drinks before
heading out to parties.  And  I do mean nearly everyone we knew.  
All dressed up in formal clothing they would join in the fun. 
My father would play ragtime on the piano, our German friends 
played German music and everyone would dance to it. My mother
made  hors d'oeuvres on tiny bread rounds and crackers... bayberry candles 
burned down for luck. Guy Lombardo was on the TV in the background.
                  

1.What memories of New Years Eve do you have?  We did not stay
up when I was a kid.  I attended parties in my early 20's and after I 
got married we pretty much just stay home and watch the ball drop. 
It has never really been a big deal. It is actually a scary day now that
I am older wondering what bad things could happen in the new year.
Have I ever mentioned that I do not like to get out and drive on
"drinking" holidays?  I stay in on New Year's Eve, the 4th of July, etc...
at least at night.

2. Do you go to bed early or stay up until midnight to ring in the new year?  
We stay up, but go to bed shortly after midnight in our time zone.

3. Do you have special foods or customs for the New Year?  not really.  My
 mom used to make black-eyed peas when I was a kid.  I think she still may.

4. Will football and New Year parades be on your agenda for New Years Day?  
I will definitely watch the Rose Parade.  Maybe start taking down Christmas
decorations.  It is kind of tradition for me to clean house on New Year's or
shortly after (before I go back to work), so we start out with a fresh clean house.
 I hate taking down the Christmas decorations, but I do love a clean house.

Happy New Year 2025!


Friday, December 27, 2024

Saturday 9: Goodbye (1969)

 



Goodbye

Saturday 9: Goodbye (1969)

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

This song was chosen because it's time to say goodbye to 2024.
Thanks for participating in Saturday 9 this year.

1) In this song, Mary Hopkin asks her lover not to let her sleep too late. Did you wake up this morning on your own, did someone wake you, or were you jangled awake by an alarm clock?  I am filling this out on Thursday night, but Saturday morning we have Karl's family Christmas, and it is early...so I will be waking up to an alarm.

2) The lyrics reference "a lonely song." Can you name a song about loneliness? So Lonesome I Could Cry-Hank Williams.

3) "Goodbye" was written for Mary by Paul McCartney. He was the one who signed her to her first record contract and produced this and all her Apple Records, including her first big hit, "Those Were the Days." Looking back on 2024, who is someone who gave you a helping hand when you needed it?  My assistant in my classroom Debbie.  She always makes my job so much better...happier and easier.  She is the best.

4) This video shows Mary performing on The Ed Sullivan Show while wearing a miniskirt. Minis were very popular in 1969. Did you embrace a fashion trend in 2024?  I am not even sure what the style is anymore.  If something catches my eye, I get it if the price is reasonable of course.  I did get some new tennis shoes that the style is new for me...the Sketchers slip ins...so no shoestrings to keep tying.  I love them. They are not a new style though.

5) Also in 1969, the Colts lost to the New York Jets in Super Bowl III. The game is famous because of all the hype leading up to it, including Joe Namath "guaranteeing" the underdog Jets would win. Do you have a special sports memory of 2024?  I am enjoying watching my KC Chiefs and I enjoyed the Olympics.  Oh!  The last day of school we had reindeer games.  The kids threw rings at antlers I was wearing, they pulled a present on a towel and threw cotton balls (snowballs) through a wreath I was holding.  The whole school did this, but for preschool...my kids won 2 of 3 games!  We didn't win anything, but we had fun!

6) What's the farthest from home you traveled in 2024?  not far, I will say my trip to St. Louis over the summer which is about 250 miles.

7) What was the biggest purchase that you made in 2024?  We had to replace some of our plumbing, so that for sure.

8) What was your favorite book of 2024?  I am reading Just for the Summer by Abby Jimenez.  I had read several of her books this year.  I am really enjoying Just for the Summer, it is making me laugh and I need that.  It has been good, it is probably a favorite for the year.

9) What are you looking forward to most in 2025?  I am looking forward to doing more fun things with Karl and Josh.  Spending time with my mom and Meisha.  Reading more books.

Happy New Year everyone!


Friday, December 6, 2024

Saturday 9: Hurt So Bad


Hurt So Bad


Saturday 9: Hurt So Bad (1980)

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

1) Do you have any aches or pains this morning?  My lower back always hurts.

2) In this song, Linda Ronstadt complains that her ex doesn't get what she's going through. Have you recently felt misunderstood?  I don't think the administrators understand the severity of what is going on in my classroom with the kids running and crawling on the furniture.  I tell them and they see it.  Maybe they are just ignoring me, which is not good.  I think they honestly expect me to just deal with it.  The other kids cannot learn.  This is why teachers are quitting.  Well, the sped director (special education) told them one of the kids needed to be referred.  We shall see.

3) Now let's put a positive spin on it: Is there someone in your life who gets you completely?  My teacher bestie Tanya.  She understands everything I am feeling and has been through it herself.

4) Linda recorded a best-selling album in Spanish, and has also performed in French, German and Italian. How many languages do you speak?  I only fluently speak English.  I know a little Spanish and French, but not enough to matter.

5) Linda once dated George Lucas of Star Wars fame. Who is your favorite Star Wars character?  Yoda

6) Steve Martin has spoken affectionately about Linda and their romance in the 1970s. Are you a Steve Martin fan?  I LOVE him.  Have you guys watched Only Murders in the Building on Hulu with him, Martin Short and Selena Gomez?  So funny.

7) Linda worked consistently and successfully with record producer Peter Asher throughout the 70s and 80s. Tell us about someone you enjoyed working beside.  I enjoy working with my assistants in my classroom, Debbie and Stacy.  Debbie had cancer and has been recovering, but she will be back on Tuesday.  We do not have school on Mondays...4 day school week.  Hopefully things get better when she comes back.  The substitute is not up for all of the behaviors I have.  She just watches Stacy and I work.

8) In 1980, when this song was popular, People magazine named author Stephen King one of the year's most intriguing people. Have you read any of his books or short stories?  no, only his movies.  I did follow him on facebook though because of his corgi.  I have 11/22/63 on my tbr.

9) Random question: Looking back on last week, would you describe it as exciting or boring?  It has actually been manageable.  One of my heavy hitter kids was gone making the classroom easier.


Ok, Saturday Karl, Josh and I have reserved seats to see the movie Wicked.  I am so excited.  It is also our town Christmas parade day.  I will be around to visit though.  See you soon



Friday, November 29, 2024

Saturday 9: Thank You

 




Thank You

Saturday 9: Thank You (2000)

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

1) This week's song begins with Dido complaining about her day, but then she sees a photo of a loved one that reminds her "it's not so bad." What was the most recent photo you took?  Remember we talked about getting out more so I have things to look forward to? Last Saturday we went to an event called Jingle.  I believe they travel and are at a new state each year.  Anyway, I had Josh take a selfie of us there.  This place had ice skating, live entertainment, snow tubing, food trucks, craft vendors and there was a tree lighting.  We had fun.  



2) She admits that between a hangover and her finances, she's got a headache. What's your go-to headache remedy?  Tylenol, I don't get many headaches though.

3) Though her given name is Florian, her family started calling her Dido when she was very young, so she considers it her "real" name. Which is not to say she likes it. She said being christened one name but called another was confusing when she was a little girl. Plus, since neither Florian nor Dido are common monikers, she didn't appreciate the way her names made her stand out at school. "I used to wish I'd been named Claire," she says. Do you like your name? Do you feel it suits you?  I never liked my name when I was younger, but I am fine with it now.

4) In 2000, the year this week's song was on the charts, AOL merged with media giant Time Warner. In 2022 it was estimated 70% of us check our personal (not business) email daily. That's down from 74% in 2020. How often do you check your email?  I check my email daily.  I have to, I have a work email address and I have to keep up with that.  I am able to check it on my phone.

5) "Thank You" is this week's song because November 28 was Thanksgiving. What are you thankful for this year?  I am thankful for family and breaks from school to be with family.  Here is a picture I took of Meisha on Thanksgiving evening.




6) At the first Thanksgiving, there were no forks. Pilgrims ate with spoons and knives. How many forks were at your Thursday place setting?  My mom was sick, so it was just Karl, Josh and I...so 3.  We will do Thanksgiving and Christmas with Karl's family later.

7) It's estimated that nearly 50 million pumpkin pies are baked for Thanksgiving. Was it on your Thursday menu?  yes

8) A recent poll revealed that we are a divided country, with cranberry sauce being named both most and least favorite Thanksgiving side dish. Where are you on this controversy?  least.  My Grandma always made some sort of cranberry dish, but I don't bother.

9) The day after Thanksgiving is known as Black Friday, the unofficial start of the holiday shopping season and sales. 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.  I would try to find Christmas gifts for my co-workers or just buy groceries.  I did get out Monday night to do some Christmas shopping, I found one small gift for my co-workers and a gift for my mom.  I also bought some new tennis shoes.  I was hoping to find more for my co-workers.







Friday, November 15, 2024

Saturday 9: My Girl

 



My Girl


Saturday 9: My Girl (1965)

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

1) Temptations' lead singer David Ruffin sings that he has sunshine on a cloudy day. How does the sky look where you are today?  It is Friday night, so dark and the moon is full.  However, we have had sunny days in the 60's and expect the same on Saturday.

2) He maintains that even when it's cold outside, to him it feels like the month of May. What's your favorite month?  Ok, I think of summer as my fun free time, so I will go with June.  I love July also, but I start getting sad in July knowing school will start soon.  July flies by for teachers.  We love the kids, but always need a break.  This year is especially hard for me.  The behaviors we are seeing are over the top.  I have 6 runners (they run out of the classroom) or run away at recess (4 year olds).  I have never had this the whole time I have been teaching.  I am tired.  That is why I am not around much anymore.  I am around, but not online.

3) In addition to their vocals, The Temptations were known for their stylish suits and choreography. Are you a better dancer or dresser?  I am bad at both, so I will say dresser, since we have to dress somewhat nice for school.

4) Today, nearly 60 years since it's release, "My Girl" is one of the most popular karaoke songs. Do you know the words? Yes, we sang this song in high school choir.  Love it.

5) The Temptations delighted Mets fans when they performed "My Girl" live at Citi Field during the playoffs last month. The World Series is now over and the 2024 season is on the books. How did your baseball team do?  I don't even know...last?  I watched maybe 3-4 games.  The St. Louis Cardinals have not been fun to watch lately.  Hopefully we can bring up the young talent and hope they work out moving forward.  Just spoiled by the Hall of Famers.  I sure do miss Yadi, Pujols and Wainwright.

6) "My Girl" was written by Ronald White and Smokey Robinson. Smokey grew up with Aretha Franklin, and he's said they played together in the sandbox. When you were little, which playground activity was your favorite: sandbox, jungle gym, swings or slide?   swings.  I still love to swing with the kids if I have the chance.  Our new playground does not have many swings though.

7) In 1965, when "My Girl" topped the charts, Winston Churchill died. One of his favorite sayings was, "I am always ready to learn but I do not always like to be taught." What's something you learned recently?  I have learned that my job is stressing me this year out a lot and that Karl, Josh and I need to make fun plans so we have things to look forward to.  We are stuck in a work and go home routine.  I have said this before, but we are going to make an effort to do this and hopefully it will help.  

8) British-born comedian Stan Laurel also died in 1965. He's been cited as an influence on Jerry Lewis, Dick Van Dyke and Matt LeBlanc. Without looking it up, do you know who Stan Laurel's famous partner was?  Ok, I am just guessing.  Since these are comedians that were influenced, is Stan Laurel half of Laurel and Hardy?  

9) Random question: Imagine we Sat 9-ers are taking you to a restaurant for your birthday. Do you find servers who sing "Happy Birthday" cute or annoying?  I would love it!  Especially if it was a big group of 9-ers!

I am excited to come and visit you guys!  I am going to get some sleep and I will be by soon.



Tuesday, November 12, 2024

Tuesday 4 Meme- Reaxing

 


Relaxing

 
Hello!  Welcome back to Toni Taddeo's Tuesday 4.
Do you keep busy all the time?  Many people don't take time to smell the roses. What about you?

1. When was the last time you sat down and relaxed and allowed the weight of the world to melt away?  I try to do this over the weekend so I can recharge for the next week.

2. what things do you find most relaxing?  How often do you get to do these things?  I mostly watch Hallmark movies to relax or read.  I can get movies in, but I need quiet to read and Karl is home on the weekend.

3.  What things wind you up and keep you from relaxing?  emails from the school or parents contacting me at night.

4. When was the last time you treated yourself to something, anything that is special?  I haven't done this lately, but I am thinking about doing some Christmas shopping tonight and I may go get some new tennis shoes.


Tuesday, November 5, 2024

Tuesday 4 Meme

 




Bath Time

Hello!  It is nice to have you back again for Toni Taddeo's Tuesday 4.
There is something lovely about a nice hot bath on a  cold autumn night after a busy day isn't there?
Growing up our home had an old claw foot tub and I loved to fill it to the brim and sit there until my toes were like prunes.
Can we discuss the secrets of the bath?


1.Do you take baths or showers?  Is there a reason you prefer one to the other?  I take showers.  It just seems to go faster for me and I am usually trying to get ready for work.  It is also getting harder for me to get out of the bathtub.  ugh.

2. Once a day shower or bath or do you have a different schedule?  once a day shower in the morning.

3. What are your favorite soap and shampoo?  I use the gold Dial soap and Biolage shampoo and conditioner.  I am excited to read the answers for soap on this one.

4.  Back in the day many loved Jean Nate spray after a bath.  My mom enjoyed Avon's Skin so Soft.. what do you like in the way of skin creams, oils or sprays?  I just use Curel lotion in the fall/winter because my skin gets drier or St. Ives in the spring/summer.

Get out and vote!  



Tuesday, October 15, 2024

Tuesday 4 Meme- Lunch at Woolworth's

 




Lunch at Woolworth's


Click to see full size.
It's time again for Toni Taddeo's Tuesday 4.   
Prices are soaring and there is no end in sight!  Wouldn't it be nice to go back in time to do our buying? Even restaurants were affordable back in the day.
You can click on the menu to see it full sized. 
I worked  two full time jobs to help put my kids through school.   One of those jobs was Woolworth's. 

1. Did you ever eat at Woolworth's?  no
2.  What would you order from this menu?  I would order the #2 Cheeseburger platter.
3. Woolworth's had banana splits and    Sundaes.  Do you like Sundaes? What kind?  yes, I like a turtle sundae with hotfudge and caramel.  I like butterscotch also, but harder to find.

4. What restaurants are you favorites and what do you usually order?  We go to Applebee's and Cheddars.  It depends on my mood what I order.  Sometimes a cheeseburger and sometimes a club sandwich from Applebee's.  Cheddars has more choices I enjoy.

It would be great to go back in time!  I cannot wait to read your answers about Woolworth's and your favorites.  I have never been. 
I have been so busy with school.  In fact, this week is an example...I will be there until 8:00PM in a meeting on Thursday night.  It is also Parent/Teacher Conference time next Monday.  I am excited to catch up a little with you guys.


Friday, August 16, 2024

Saturday 9: I Get Around

 





Saturday 9: I Get Around (1964)

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

1) 60 years ago this month, the Beach Boys were singing that having a cool car and helped them get girls. In your teen years, what did you drive? Ford Fairmont...probably about a 1980 or so.

2) They are searching for a new place to party. This weekend, will you be visiting any bars, theaters or restaurants?  no, but one of my teacher friends and I are planning to go see It Ends With Us...based on the book we read.  Has anyone seen it yet?  Was it good?  The book is very good.

3) When Brian Wilson was forming the group, he turned to his friend Al Jardine, his brothers Dennis and Carl, and his cousin, Mike Love. Though most of their songs were about cars, beaches and surf, only one of those founding members was a surfer: Dennis. Do you enjoy the beach? Are you good on a surfboard?  Love the beach, no to surfing.

4) They were originally from Hawthorne, California. Hawthorne was the early childhood home of Marilyn Monroe. Since Marilyn was one of the most iconic women of the 20th century, we know you recognize her image. Have you seen any of her movies?  Yes, Josh and I have watched a few together.

5) "I Get Around" is included in Endless Summer, the greatest hits compilation released in 1974. Influential music critic Robert Christgau said Endless Summer should be part of any basic record library. What's one of your favorite CDs?  I do have the Beach Boys CD that Josh got me for Christmas that is a favorite.  My actual favorite is probably The Cars.  It was one we listened to in college a lot and it just takes me back.

Let's look at the summer of 1964.

6) The #1 film of the summer of 1964 was Walt Disney's Mary Poppins. Have you seen it?  I don't think I have seen it all of the way through.

7) President Lyndon Johnson accepted the Democratic party's nomination at the August 1964 convention in Atlantic City, NJ. Atlantic City is known for casinos and gambling. Do you often play the lottery, bingo, or any other game of chance?  We will pick up a power ball ticket every so often.

8) Billionaire Amazon founder Jeff Bezos was still a baby in the summer of 1964. What was in your most recent Amazon delivery?  I got some new socks.

9) Another little one born in '64 is Mariska Hargitay. The star of Law & Order: SVU is the daughter of a well-known movie star. Without looking it up, do you know who her mother was?  nope. (I looked it up though).


Fun fact.  I love the Beach Boys and I have seen them in concert two times.

We had Open House on Thursday night, I love meeting my new kids.  We start on Tuesday with kids.  The summer flew by.  Here is me with the rest of the pre-K team.  I am the old one in the middle. ;)  We are in my classroom. ♥




Friday, August 9, 2024

Saturday 9: Annie's Song

 




Saturday 9: Annie's Song (1974)

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

1) 50 years ago this month, we were all listening to John Denver rhapsodize about nature. He singles out walking in the rain as a particularly lovely experience. Do you enjoy walking in the rain?  Not really.  When we have had droughts in the past, I have been known to stand in the rain, but just a normal walk in the rain, no.

2) Denver wrote this song on a ski lift in Aspen. He clearly relished the ride, but ski lifts are problematic for those who suffer from acrophobia, or a fear of heights. Acrophobia plagues approximately 5% of Americans. Are you one of them?  Yes, I have a hard time with heights.

3) John Denver recalled that this song just came to him as he looked down on the beauty of nature. Can you recall a time when something you saw in nature touched your heart?  When we drove by the mountains on our way to Florida, I cried at the beauty of them.  I want to go stay in the mountains in a cabin and just stare at them.

4) Wildly successful here in The States, John Denver's popularity didn't extend to the United Kingdom. In fact, "Annie's Song" was his only major hit. But it was a big one. Denver's version reached #1 in 1974 and then in 1978 James Galway hit #1 on the UK charts with an instrumental version. Do you have a favorite instrumental recording?  The Entertainer by Scott Joplin.   It is played a lot at the theme park here, so I heard it as a kid and I have always loved it.



5) John Denver's first-ever guitar, a gift from his grandmother, was displayed at the Musical Instrument Museum in Phoenix. Have you visited a museum yet this summer? If not, do you have plans to?  I haven't.  Karl and Josh visited The National WWI Museum in Kansas City while I was in St. Louis for my teacher conference.  They loved it.

6) In addition to the guitar, Denver also played the violin (or "the fiddle," as he called it). If a genie appeared to magically enable you to play the instrument of your choice, which would you choose?  Piano

Let's look at the summer of 1974.

7) Elizabeth Berkeley was born. She's best known as Jesse on the Saturday morning teen sitcom, Saved by the Bell. What Saturday morning TV shows do you remember fondly?  Smurfs, Looney Tunes

8) Hall of Fame pitcher and Cardinal great Dizzy Dean died. How is your baseball team doing this summer?  The St. Louis Cardinals are 59-57...I sadly haven't watched much this summer.

9) The biggest summer movie was The Longest Yard starring Burt Reynolds. What's your favorite Burt Reynolds movie?  I love Burt Reynolds, I will say Smokey and the Bandit.

This week we start back with teacher meetings and Open House is Thursday.  The following week the kids start!  Here we go.  That was a fast summer.




Friday, August 2, 2024

Saturday 9: Ghostbusters

 




Saturday 9: Ghostbusters (1984)

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

This month we're going to recall Summer Songs. These will all be records that topped the charts during August.

1) Number 1 on the charts in August 40 years ago, "Ghostbusters" was written quickly. The Ghostbusters producers originally approached Lindsay Buckingham to write the movie theme. Buckingham took a long time to say no the film's production date could not be changed. That left Ray Parker Jr. only a few days to come up with a song. Do you work well with a tight deadline?  I do.  A deadline actually gets me to get busy and work.  If I am able to procrastinate, I will.

2) Parker recalls he got his inspiration from a late night TV commercial that kept encouraging viewers to call, call, call. What's the most recent business that you phoned, and why were you calling?  My mom had a small car accident last week and I called the mechanic about getting her car fixed.  She is fine.

3) The music video (linked above) was directed by Ivan Reitman, who also directed the movie. It features a variety of celebs saying "Ghostbusters!" None of them were paid for this, they all did it as a favor to Reitman. Have you more recently done or received a favor?  Received!  Josh and I just came back from my classroom.  He helped me get the furniture in place and unpack my boxes.  It only took us an hour or so, but if I would have been by myself, it would have taken a lot longer.

4) In 2009, Ray Parker Jr. made the Ghostbusters theme available as a ring tone. What's your phone's ring tone?  It was one on the phone...Erik Satie Gymnopedie.  I used to have ring tones and text tones assigned to the people that contact me regularly so I would know who was calling or texting, but after a couple of phones, I got tired of putting those tones back on, so I just used what is on the phone now.

5) This song is so enduringly popular that a 2020 documentary about Parker is titled, "Who You Gonna Call?" If you were to write a memoir or authorize a documentary about your life, what would you call it?  I don't think about things like this.  I have no idea.  I read this question to Josh and he told me he already wrote his memoir.

6) Early in his career, Ray was in demand as a session musician. He played guitar on the records of some of the 70s most successful female singers, including Tina Turner, Chaka Khan, Aretha Franklin, Gladys Knight and Diana Ross. Of those ladies, which is your favorite?  I love all of them, but I will say Tina Turner.

Let's look at the summer of 1984.

7) Released in June, the original Ghostbusters was a huge hit throughout the summer. Have you seen it? Did you see the sequel that was released this past spring?  I saw Ghostbusters when it came out, I was 14 years old, so kind of perfect for that age.  I never really thought the sequel would be as good as the original, so I didn't see it, but if I ever see it available to watch on streaming, I probably would.

8) Beverly Burns became the first female captain of a Boeing 747. She was a pilot for People Express Airways, an airline which later merged with Continental, and Continental then merged with United. Do you recall which airline you flew when you took your first flight?  I have never flown, we have always been able to drive where we are going.

9) Ronald Reagan joked about bombing Russia during a mic check for a radio interview. He was embarrassed when the comment was leaked and broadcast around the world. Have you recently felt embarrassed?  When we were in my classroom, several co-workers came in to say hi and I had on no make-up at all.  I know they don't care, but I always have on make up at school.

Tomorrow-August 4th is Josh's birthday!  He is turning 26.  Happy birthday, Josh! ♥