Tuesday 4 Meme- Holiday Specials

 

Holiday Specials

 Thank you for joining in for Tuesday 4, begun by Toni Taddeo and kept in her memory.

Christmas is fast approaching for billions of people...

1. Do you have a favorite Christmas carol and if so is there a particular version you especially like?  I like O Holy Night.  Our music minister at church arranged a beautiful version of O Holy Night and I like it, but I do not have it to share.

2.Do you have a special dinner for the holidays? What foods are included?  We have ham, mashed potatoes/gravy, hot rolls, beets, green beans.  We will have apple pie and lemon meringue pie.  

3.Holiday movies ... which do you like to watch?  It seems like It's A Wonderful Life is always watched at our house, at school we are having a Grinch that stole Christmas day and we will show the original Grinch, polar express day, not sure if they can sit for the whole movie, but part of it.  I will make hot chocolate and popcorn.  We will show Rudolph and Frosty the Snowman.  The last week before Christmas is hard, so we will just try to keep them entertained.  We are also having 

fun dress up days.  We also have a classroom Elf on a Shelf, so that has been fun.

4. What traditions do you continue to keep year after year for the holidays?  When I was a kid,

 we opened presents on Christmas Eve and Santa gifts were on Christmas Day.  We open on Christmas now, but Santa Paws brings Meisha's (our dog) present on  Christmas Eve

 and Josh gets to open one present.  I used to put up my Granie and Papa's Christmas tree

and decorations on Thanksgiving Day and we try to keep close to that now, but it is usually

the next day since we host.  We have our outside lights early.  Karl always as Veteran's Day

off, so he puts them up that day.

Saturday 9: Ja-Da (1918)

 

Ja-Da

Saturday 9: Ja-Da (1918)

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

 

1) The lyrics tell us the melody is soothing. What calms you when you're upset or anxious?  I like to listen to music, prayer makes me feel better too.  Sometimes if I am really bad stressed, I take a nap.  I also take deep breaths.

 

2) There was a lot going on in 1918 – like WWI and the Spanish flu pandemic – that left people upset and anxious. In those days, radio wasn't yet a staple in American homes so people received their news through newspapers. Today with podcasts and 24 hour cable news and social media and other news outlets available, do you ever feel like taking a break from current events?  yes, and on the weekends, I will only watch my shows from the week and Hallmark movies.

3) In addition to newspapers, magazines were a big deal in 1918. Women turned to publications like Ladies Home Journal and McCall's for trends and tips about fashion and housekeeping. Do you have any printed magazines in your home now?  Yes, they are Missouri Conservationist magazines with animals and plants and I take them to school for the kids to cut up and make pictures with.

 

4) Today schoolchildren often learn "Ja-Da" because it's easy to sing and play. Was music part of your grade school curriculum?  Yes, I was in choir and I am not sure what grade I was in, but we played tonettes and did a concert.  I bet that was awful.

 

5) Composer Bob Carleton published more than 500 songs in his career. He had no songwriting partner, handling the words and lyrics himself. What's your favorite song? Was it written by a single composer or a songwriting team?  I don't really have a favorite song.

 

6) Bob got his start in his hometown of St. Louis, playing piano in his parents' saloon. When you think of St. Louis, what comes to mind?  The arch, but also the St. Louis Cardinals.  If you ever visit St. Louis, be sure to visit the arch and there is a big museum under it.  There is also great Italian food at The Hill.  The Hill is a neighborhood of Italians that live in St. Louis and they have great businesses there.  Also, Forest Park has a lot to do and much of it is free.

 

7) In 1918, Americans were buying more cars and Studebakers were a familiar sight on the streets and highways. Today that name is mostly forgotten. Can you think of a brand that used to popular but has disappeared?  Geez, back in the 80's we had all kinds of brands everyone thought they needed.  I don't think many of those are around anymore.  Z Cavaricci?  I had two other picks on here, but deleted them, but I guess they are still around...I had Kangaroo tennis shoes and OP (Ocean Pacific).  I never shop, so I do not know what is around anymore.

 

8) During WWI, Americans were familiar with "Meatless Days." Back then we were encouraged to cut back on the consumption of meat as a patriotic gesture to help the American and Allied troops. Today "Meatless Monday" highlights health and the environment. Think about your diet. Do you try to eat more grains, fruits and vegetables?  I have never heard of Meatless Monday.  I do not cut out meat, but I try to eat a balanced diet.  Karl's family has cows, so we get our meat that way.

 

9) Random question: Where did you get the shirt you are wearing right now?  I am wearing a school shirt, the one I have on was a gift from my principal.  It was her gift to the staff two years ago.  She got us a giant tote last year.

Sunday Stealing is FAB

 

Sunday Stealing is FAB

F.A.B.

F. Film: What movie or tv show are you watching?  I am watching 

The Morning Show, I just saw Regretting You at the theater with my

 teacher bestie Tanya.  It is a book by Colleen Hoover.  It was ok. 

 Karl, Josh and I will go see Wicked For Good soon and The Housemaid

is coming out in theaters on December 19th or so.  I am sure Tanya and I will

go see that one also.

A. Audio: What are you listening to?  Josh just got home from work

and is talking to me.

B. Book: What are you reading?  I am reading a book called Out on a Limb

 by Hannah Bonam-Young

Saturday 9: Thank You Girl (1964)

 

Thank You Girl

Saturday 9: Thank You Girl (1964)
 

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

1) Who were you talking to the last time you said, "thank you?"  My mother-in-law.  I just got off the phone with her and she is going to bring over a lap blanket and some Christmas decorations for my mom's room over at her assisted living place.

2) Paul McCartney recalls that "Thank You Girl" was inspired by all the female fans who had written them fan letters, pledging undying love. Have you ever written a fan letter? If yes, did you receive a response?  I had a friend in middle school and we wrote a fan letter together to Michael Jackson, but I never sent it off.

3) Recording engineer Geoff Emerick remembered that John Lennon was easily winded while recording this song. John had a bad cold and went back to bed when they were done for the day. We're in cold/flu season right now. How are you feeling?  I am feeling much better.  I had a cough and drainage that started a couple of weeks ago, I still have a cough, but I am doing so much better.

4) "Thank You Girl" is this week's song because November 27 was Thanksgiving. What are you thankful for this year?  That my mom was able to come to our house for Thanksgiving and that I was able to celebrate her birthday with her.  She turned 82 on Tuesday (I went to visit her at her place) and I went to get her and she came to our house for Thanksgiving.  I was worried I wouldn't be able to get her because of sickness...Josh had been sick a day, but he went to work and was fine. It made her tired to be at our house for so long, so at Christmas it will need to be less.

5) While the big meal is referred to as Thanksgiving dinner, most Americans enjoy it earlier than they usually serve dinner. 3:00 PM is the most popular time for the holiday feast. When did you have dinner on Thursday?  We had Thanksgiving dinner around noon.  My Granie always called lunch dinner and dinner supper.  I am not sure when that changed.

6) Cranberry sauce has been a Thanksgiving staple since the late 1800s. Was it on your menu this year?  no

7) The Thanksgiving Turducken is said to have originated in New Orleans. Chef Paul Prudhomme is often cited as the first to stuff a deboned chicken into a deboned duck into a deboned turkey. Prudhomme's recipe has more than 85 individual steps and takes a full day to prepare. Did you face any challenges while cooking your Thursday dinner?  no, it went pretty well.

8) Leftovers are popular after Thanksgiving, especially turkey sandwiches. Some cooks recommend serving cold, sliced turkey on wheat bread, but white bread, pitas and flatbread are also popular. When you head into the kitchen to make a sandwich, what's your go-to bread?  I do not eat much bread, so we have white bread.  That is what Karl prefers.  I like wheat bread.  I will eat any kind though.

9) The day after Thanksgiving is known as Black Friday, the unofficial start of the holiday shopping season and sales. Black Friday got its name in Philadelphia back in the 1950s to describe the traffic clogging both highways and side streets as consumers raced out in search of bargains. When is the last time you were stuck in traffic?  I rarely get stuck in traffic living in the country and even in our city that is close traffic seems to move along pretty well.

Tuesday 4 Meme- We Gather Together..

 

We Gather Together..

 Welcome, welcome to Toni Taddeo's Tuesday 4 .

This coming Thursday is Thanksgiving Day when we gather together to ask the Lord's blessing as the song says.

What are your Thanksgiving Days like?

1. Do you celebrate with family, friends or by yourself?  We celebrate with family.  I will go get my mom from assisted living and bring her to our house.  She will not remember once she goes back that she was even at our house, but we will enjoy her while we can.  Josh has to work all day, so he will eat when he gets home.

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?  We watch the Macy's Thanksgiving parade, the dog show, we will watch football since the KC Chiefs are playing.  Clean up from Thanksgiving and rest.

3. What foods are the hit of Thanksgiving Day for you?  Turkey, mashed potatoes, hot rolls and pumpkin pie.  Such a good meal.

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

Happy Birthday, Annie!  My mom's birthday is today also.  Have a great day.

Saturday 9: The Lady in Red (1986)

 

The Lady in Red

Saturday 9: The Lady in Red (1986)

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

 

1) Is red a color you often wear?  Sometimes, it is one of our school colors.

 

2) In this song, Chris De Burgh is thrilled to be dancing with the woman he loves. Do you recall what was playing the last time you stepped onto the dance floor?  no, it has been a very long time.

 

3) Chris says he wrote this song about the first time he saw his future wife, who wore a red dress when she came to see his band perform. Tell us about a memorable concert going experience.  I really do not go to concerts.  I did when I was young, but I hate crowds now.  The summer before I started college my boyfriend took me to see The Beach Boys.  They sang Kokomo.  It had not been released yet, so I was excited when I heard it a month or so later on the radio.  It made me think of the concert and I still think of the concert when I hear that song.

 

4) Chris' father worked as a diplomat for the United Kingdom. Former US ambassador Robert D. Blackwill believes a diplomat should possess strong writing/speaking skills, meticulous attention to detail, historical knowledge, and stamina. Do you have any of those attributes? I write better than I speak, but I do not write well, I do have attention to detail skills and stamina, and some historical knowledge also, but not a crazy amount.  

 

5) Chris' family owns Bargy Castle, a 15th century fortress in County Wexford, Ireland. Bargy Castle has been converted into a hotel. What's the last hotel you stayed in?  I don't remember the hotel name, but it was when we went to San Antonio.  We stayed near the Riverwalk.

 

6) Chris is a wine connoisseur who sold a collection of vintage reds for over $500,000. If you suddenly came into $500,000, what would you do with it?  Pay bills off and fix up the house some.

 

7) In 1986, when this song was popular, singer/actress Lady Gaga was born in Manhattan. Have you been to New York City?  no

 
8) Also in 1986, NHL Hall of Famer Jacques Plante died. Are you a hockey fan?  not really

 

9) Random question – You just slid behind the wheel and are about to embark on a long road trip. Which of these famous Williams would you choose as your navigator: Willie Nelson, Bill Murray, or William, Prince of Wales?  Why do I think we would get lost with any of these?  I think Willie Nelson would be fun and Bull Murray would be funny.  I think the Prince of Wales would make me nervous.  I will say Willie Nelson.  I have a friend that loves him, so maybe I could bring her along.

Saturday 9: Rings (1971)

 

Rings

Saturday 9: Rings (1971)

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

 

1) This song is about a young man who is happy to hear his phone ring. How about you? How do you feel when your phone rings? (Excited, annoyed, surprised, etc.) annoyed.  I hate talking on the phone.

 

2) He's got James Taylor on the stereo. Are you a James Taylor fan?  I like his songs, but he isn't a favorite.

 

3) He tells his girl he's been hanging with his buddies, Tony and Mario, but they're no substitute for her. What friend did you recently spend time with? What did you do?  Tanya, we went and picked up some lunch and went to her house to eat and visit.

 

4) Tony and Mario were real people. They ran a restaurant frequented by the songwriters. Did you dine out this past week?  Yes, we had sandwiches Friday night from Jersey Mike's.

 

5) "Rings" is the only hit for the band Cymarron, who hailed from Memphis, a town known for classic southern comfort foods like biscuits and gravy, cornbread and mashed potatoes. What's on the menu at your home this weekend?  haven't decided yet.

 

6)  The boys in Cymarron took their name from their favorite TV show, the Western Cimarron Strip. What TV show are you currently enjoying? Maybe your fellow Sat9ers would like it, too.  Doc, Brilliant Minds, Watson, Matlock to name a few.  I have several I watch.

 

7) In 1971, when this song was popular, the US Mint introduced the Eisenhower Silver Dollar. Is there any change in your wallet or pocket right now?  oh yes.

 
8) Also in 1971, Mattel introduced Malibu Barbie, the doll with a tan. Have you ever used a tanning bed?  I did in my 20's.

 

9) Random question – If we were to ask your friends, which of these qualities would they say they like best about you: your warmth, your sense of humor, or your intelligence?  I will guess warmth.

Tuesday 4 Meme- November Musings

 

November Musings

 It's time again for Tuesday 4 held in memory of Toni Taddeo it's founder and previous host.

 Thank you so much for joining in and helping to keep this alive. It is much appreciated.

1. What kind of weather and temperatures make you feel most comfortable, most healthy?  I like it when it is low 70's and sunny.  Maybe a light breeze.

2.  Do you like the colors associated with Autumn. Clothing wise do they look good on you?  Yes to both.

3. Would you rather:… 

•   … get lost in a corn maze or go on a hayride?  hayride
• … visit an apple orchard or a pumpkin patch ?  pumpkin patch
•  … eat a caramel apple or  a candy apple?   caramel
•  … have some cinnamon buns or Pumpkin muffins? cinnamon buns

4. There are 7,500 varieties  of apple.  What is your favorite and do you regularly 

eat apples?   What fruits do you keep on hand?  We do an apple taste test at 

school and I always pick the Golden delicious.  I do think there is a red 

variety that I would enjoy more, but I am not sure of the name of it.  

We keep bananas, apples and grapes.

Saturday 9: That Funny Feeling (1965)

 

That Funny Feeling

Saturday 9: That Funny Feeling (1965)

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

 

1) In this song, Bobby Darin admits he cares more for the girl than he should. What's something you have recently overdone (eaten too many potato chips, stayed up too late, etc.)?  Probably eaten too much candy from Halloween.

 

2) Bobby wrote this as the theme song for a movie he starred in with his wife, Sandra Dee. That Funny Feeling (the movie) turned a profit at the box office and "That Funny Feeling" (the record) made the Billboard Top 40. Can you think of another movie and song that were both popular?  Do they need to be the same title?  Top Gun and Danger Zone are coming to mind if they can be different titles.

 

3) While Bobby had a successful movie career and earned an Oscar nomination, he didn't get the part he wanted most: Tony in West Side Story. While he could sing and dance very well, producers didn't think Bobby looked like a romantic leading man. What actor or actress makes your heart skip a beat?   Have you seen Poldark?  My current boyfriend is Aiden Turner.  He plays Ross Poldark.  I believe this was a BBC show and it is on Netflix now and I am watching it.

 

4) Elvis enjoyed watching Bobby perform, but understood that if he sat in the audience he would be a distraction. So Elvis always watched Bobby from the wings. Think about the last thing you saw in a theater (concert, movie, play). Were you distracted by another audience member? Was anyone crinkling paper, checking their phone, whispering, etc.?  We rarely see movies at the theater, but the last movie we saw was Wicked and we will see the second one later this month or next month.  I was not distracted by anyone.  I typically get annoyed with people talking though.

 

5) When the editor of a teen magazine asked if he could cook, Bobby not only said yes, he offered up his manicotti recipe. What's your favorite pasta dish? (To eat, not necessarily to whip up in your kitchen.)  fettucine alfredo

 

6) In addition to cooking, Bobby's friends recall he loved talking about classic cars and baseball. Which of those three would you be most comfortable discussing?  baseball

 

7) In 1965, when Americans were listening to "That Funny Feeling," aspirin was the top over-the-counter pain reliever. You could get a bottle of 200 tablets for just $1. Is there aspirin in your medicine chest right now?  not aspirin, but I have acetaminophen and ibuprofen.

 
8) Also in 1965, I Dream of Jeannie premiered. The sitcom about a beautiful genie living in the suburbs was developed to compete with Bewitched, about a beautiful witch living in the suburbs. Which show do like better?  I loved both, but I will say Bewitched.

 

9) Random question: After a friend leaves your home, you spot a small, bound book on the floor next to your sofa. You flip through it and see that her journal fell out of her purse. It's mostly shopping lists and appointments but also includes personal observations, Once you realize what it is, do you close it and keep it closed until you can return it to her? Or do you continue reading?  I would close it.

Monday Morning Meme on Sunday Stealing

 

Monday Morning Meme on Sunday Stealing

Monday Morning Meme

1. What was the last thing you laughed at?  I have been watching

 my tv shows for the week today (Saturday) and I was watching the show

 Shifting Gears and laughed at it and also The Neighborhood is funny.

2. Who among your friends/family "gets" your sense of humor? 

 My friend Tanya, Karl and Josh

3. What jewelry are you wearing at this moment?  none

4. If you could offer one bit of etiquette that everyone should follow

 while dining out, what would it be?  Be kind and respectful.  I have told this

story here, but we were out to eat with my in-laws and they always

complain to the servers about their food and send it back, they are not

nice about it and it is embarrassing.  I hate being seen in public with them.

I'm not saying just keep something you didn't order but be kind about it.

5. What's the first thing a guest would notice when they walked through your front door?

They would either see Meisha, she likes to welcome people to our house

or we have a bookcase as you walk in it is right there.

Saturday 9: Angie Baby (1974)

 

Angie Baby

Saturday 9: Angie Baby (1974)

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

 

1) This week's song is a spooky one about a young man who breaks into the bedroom of a troubled girl named Angie. Their encounter doesn't go well and he's never seen again. Though there's been gossip, no one knows for sure what happened to him. Does your town have any scary legends that have been passed down through the decades?  no, it is a sleepy little quiet town.  I love it.

 

2) Songwriter Alan O'Day said he drew upon aspects of his own childhood to come up with "Angie Baby." He was an only child who often stayed home sick from school, with only Top 40 radio for company. What do you recall when you think about sick days as a kid?  Watching tv (The Price is Right with Bob Barker) and sleeping.  I remember I was sick a lot and had to go to the doctor all of the time and get shots before I had my tonsils and adenoids out.

 

3) Helen Reddy said she enjoyed hearing what her fans thought happened in "Angie Baby." Can you think of another song that is open to interpretation?  Not right now, I am so tired from Halloween week at school that I can't think.

 

4) When Helen and her husband/manager Jeff Wald heard "Angie Baby" the first time, they immediately agreed she should record it. She went into the studio that afternoon and in less than 10 days, disc jockeys were playing it and "Angie Baby" became an international hit. When were you glad you acted on impulse?  This has happened a few times, but I am blank.

 

Questions inspired by Halloween .... 

5) Though best known as a recording artist, Helen Reddy also acted on occasion and appeared as a singing nun in Airport 1975. A nun's habit is a popular Halloween costume. Will you/did you dress up this year?  The Early Childhood team dressed as M&M's..my room/team were brown M&M's.  I also had a pumpkin headband on.  The kids loved it.

6) In 2024, more Americans than ever dressed their dogs up for Halloween. Have you ever taken your pup with you trick-or-treating?  YES!  The first year we had Mandy, Josh was in 2nd grade or so.  They were both pumpkins and Mandy hated it.  I have a picture somewhere.  We just walked her around our neighborhood as Josh did trick-or-treating.

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. Did you carve a pumpkin for Halloween this year?  no, I meant to carve one for the kids at school, but I did cut them open and let the kids put their hands in there.  They loved that.

 

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 pickled beets. 
 

9) Some Elvis fans insist his ghost hovers in the trees over Graceland. Have you ever seen a ghost?  no