Sunday Stealing Looks Back on April

 

Sunday Stealing Looks Back on April


                                        


In the Past Month Meme

During April, did you ...

1. Drink alcohol?  no, I do not drink

2. Eat sushi?  no, I have never tried it, but it doesn't sound appealing to me.

3. Go shopping with friends?  no, I wish.

4. Eat an entire box of cookies by yourself?  no

5. Dye your hair?  no, but later this month I will, once school is out.

Saturday 9: I'll Get By (As Long as I Have You)

 

I'll Get By

Saturday 9: I'll Get By (As Long as I Have You) – 1944

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

1) "I'll Get By" was very popular song in the 1940s, and we're taking a look at the recording by Dick Haymes and Harry James because it got the most airplay. Can you think of another song that has been recorded by more than one artist?  My Way comes to mind.  I loe that song.

2) In this week's song, vocalist Dick Haymes sings that he won't complain about the rain. Do you have any complaints about the weather this morning?  We had multiple days of tornadoes and hail this week...softball sized hail close to me (I was spared), so no...I am not complaining.  It has been beautiful since those nasty storms went through.  Sunny and 60's.

3) Dick was briefly married to movie queen Rita Hayworth. Known as The Love Goddess and The Strawberry Blonde, Rita was famous for her magnificent mane. She dyed her dark brown hair red to get attention and it worked. Have you ever experimented with a different color? If yes, were you happy with the results?  I color my hair every 3 months or so because of the gray.  I try to keep it as close to normal as possible.  Sometimes when I get highlights it looks blonde.  I have thought about doing that for the summer, but we will see.  My hair looks better dark.

4) Dick was the lead vocalist of the Harry James orchestra. Like Dick, Harry had a movie star wife. Betty Grable was famous for her legs. Her bathing suit poster inspired hosiery manufacturers to single out her perfectly proportioned thighs, calves and ankles. Betty herself joked, "I'm a star for two reasons, and I'm standing on them."  What do you think is your best (physical) trait?  Maybe eyes or smile.  Some people like my hair, but I think it looks crazy.

5) Betty's weren't the only legs that fascinated Harry. He was known for his stable of thoroughbred racehorses. Have you ever been to the races?  yes, when I lived in Kansas City.

6) Teenaged Harry played trumpet with The Beaumont High School Royal Purple Band. Did you belong to groups or clubs while you were in high school?  Yes, I was in several musical groups and several non-sports clubs.

7) In addition to "I'll Get By," Judy Garland's "Trolley Song" topped the charts in 1944. When did you most recently take public transportation? I'm not sure I ever have.  We drive everywhere.

8) Also in 1944, Diana Ross was born. First with the Supremes, then as a solo artist, she has sold more than 100 millions records, making her one of America's most successful female singers. Who is your all-time favorite "girl singer?"  I have never thought about this and really do not pick favorites.  Maybe Dolly Parton.  She is so talented.

9) Random question – Last week we asked about the garage. Let's turn our attention to the glove compartment (aka glove box). What have you got in there?  I do not keep a lot on my glove box (my mom sure did)..I might have my manufacturer car book in there...the one that explains how to use things.  

Tuesday 4 Meme- Lights

 

Lights



Welcome to another Tuesday 4 by Toni Taddeo.

Let's talk about light, okay? You light up my life.. shine a light in the darkness, Miller Light. All kinds of light but how about at home?

1. Are you afraid of the dark? Is night or day your favorite time?  Sometimes I can be afraid of the dark. If I am outside and hear noises in the dark.  I am not afraid inside the house.  I used to enjoy night more because I was left alone and I could read or do whatever I wanted.  I think day is my choice now.

2. Do you have night lights in your home?  I have night lights all over the house so we can walk through the house in the dark.

3. How low do you set your air conditioning? Do you adjust it through the day?  My A/C is typically set at 72 when it is hot.  It is at 74 now when it is on.  I adjust it all of the time...another reason for the nightlights.

4. Do you keep any outdoor or indoor lights on all night?  We have a porch light and yard lights outside. We have our night lights on inside all night.  We have a black dog, so she could get stepped on without the lights.  We have a light under our bed that helps us see where she is sleeping too.

Sunday Stealing with Steph

 

Sunday Stealing with Steph

                                  
 


This week, we're once again stealing from Steph, aka Cry Baby. She loves Taco Bell and asking questions like these.

More Questions from Steph
1) Are you the sort of person who can nap or sleep anywhere, any time?  I am getting to be that person as I get older.

2) Have you ever walked in your sleep?  I did when I was in middle school.  I think I was over tired.

3) Do you chat with your Uber/Lyft/taxi driver?  I have never used any of those since I have a car and drive myself.  I have not really thought about what I would do if I used one of those services.  It would probably depend on if I thought the person was friendly and wanted to talk.

4) Do you remember what you did on Valentine's Day?  not really, probably ate a nice dinner, that is what we usually do.

5) How many laptops have you owned over your lifetime?  I keep them as long as I can, but 4-5 I would guess.

6) How many countries have you visited?  just the U.S.

7) Did you/will you go to work today?  no, I am off on the weekends.

Saturday 9: Drive My Car (1965)

 

Drive My Car

Saturday 9: Drive My Car (1965)

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

 

1) Who would you allow, without hesitation, to drive your car? My husband Karl.

 

2) When you're riding in the backseat, do you use your seatbelt?  If I am in someone else's car, I definitely do.  I would never want to get them in trouble if we got stopped, but if I am in my car, no.  I always have my seatbelt on in the front.

 

3) In this song, a young girl tells her boyfriend she wants to be a movie star. What were your aspirations when you were in your late teens/early 20's? Did you realize them?  I wanted to do medical research, but I quickly switched majors.  I sometimes wish I would have stayed with it, but I really do love teaching so much.

 
4) The song was reportedly inspired in part by the relationship between popular British singer Cilla Black and her future husband. Cilla wanted him on the record label's payroll, so he became her road manager and driver. Have you ever worked for, or with, someone with whom you were romantically involved?  Oh definitely.  When I was college age, I dated a few different guys I worked with over the years.

 

5) Although this Beatles song is credited to Lennon-McCartney, it was written mostly by Paul. He recalls showing up at John Lennon's house with the tune ready to go, and lyrics they both agreed were "crap." John gave Paul the car theme, and he took it from there. When has someone recently helped you out of a jam?  My husband tends to fix everything for me.

 

6) Paul also handles the lead vocals. When you hear a Beatles record, can you tell which band member is singing lead?  The Beatles are a little before my time.  I like them a lot, but I have not paid that much attention.  I have never tried...I am going to say no though.

7) When it was first released, this record got a lot of attention for the intricate guitar work by Paul and George Harrison. It's got a lot of percussion on it, too, including cowbell and tambourine. Have you ever played either cowbell or tambourine? (Do you think it sounds like fun?)  I have many tambourines in my classroom for the kids to play.  I have played them many times and yes, they are fun.  I have not played cowbell, but I would love to.

8) Lava lamps were already popular in England but they weren't introduced to the United States until 1965. Today Walmart carries more than 20 different lava lamps. Have you ever owned one?  My parents had a lava lamp in the late 70's.  It was red and in our house.  Then when I was teaching ECSE I got a blue one for the kids to watch to relax and they loved it.  However, I had it up high so it would be safe from hurting any kids and an adult did something and knocked it down and broke it.  

 
9) Random question: Do you have a recurring dream?  not really.  I did when I was younger.  It was weird though.  It was girls dressed in different long fancy princess dresses walking around.  I had dreams for a bit in high school about fashion.

Tuesday 4 Meme- Simply the Best!

 

Simply the Best!

 Here is an older Tuesday 4 from Toni with a few changes I've made.   I hope you enjoy.

1.   What was the best thing you have ever bought?  My car
       
2.   What was the best book you have ever read?  I would say The Bible.  There are so many books that I love.

 3.   What is the best trip/vacation/holiday you've ever had?  My favorite trip was Orange Beach, Alabama.  We got to relax at the beach, there was also a pool, we went on a dolphin cruise, climbed up the Pensacola lighthouse.  We saw the Blue Angels.  On day there was a storm, so I got some great pictures of a storm over the ocean, which was beautiful.

4.   What was the best movie or TV series you've ever watched? I really enjoy Heartland

Sunday Stealing – What Don't We Know?

 

Sunday Stealing – What Don't We Know?

                                




Tell Us Something

1. Can you touch your nose with your tongue?  no.  I can curl my tongue though.

2. What foreign language did you study in school? How much of it do you still remember?  I took French and Spanish.  I don't remember a lot.  I use more sign language at school.  You have to use it.

3. What recipe did you most recently prepare? Where did you get the recipe and how did it turn out?  We had a Mexican casserole.  I got the recipe from my sister in law.  It is good.  We enjoyed it.

4. What song have you listened to over and over and over again?  Whatever 80's music is playing on the radio.  They play a lot of Billy Idol, Metallica, Def Leppard, Ozzy Osbourne.  I tend to land on the music like that.  I listen after school on my commute home.  I listen to The Cars too.

5. Are there currently any pets in your household? Are you considering adding another?  Meisha is our only dog left.  I doubt we get another right away when we lose her, but who knows.  The pain hurts so much to lose them.

6. As an adult, have you ever performed with a drama group? (Student productions don't count.)  no

Saturday 9: Leather and Lace

 

Saturday 9: Leather and Lace (1981)

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

1) As you answer these questions, are you wearing leather, lace, or both? There is a little leather on my tennis shoes.  Hahahaha

2) This song is a duet between members of two superstar groups – Stevie Nicks of Fleetwood Mac and Don Henley of The Eagles. Which band do you listen to more often, Fleetwood Mac or The Eagles? Fleetwood Mac
 

3) In this duet, "lace" tells us she is stronger than we know and "leather" admits that sometimes he's vulnerable. Do either side of this lyrical equation apply to you? Do you think you're either tougher than people realize, or more sensitive than they know? tougher, but it has taken me a long time to get here.

 
4) Both Stevie and Don are born Westerners. Stevie spent her early childhood in Arizona and Don was born in Texas and stayed there through college. Today Stevie has two homes – one in Pacific Palisades and another in Phoenix – while Don has a beautiful home in Dallas. Do you feel rooted where you are? Or can you see yourself moving to another city or state in the future?  We will likely never leave.  I love it here.

 

5) Stevie and Don were romantically involved in the 1970s, but after they broke up they remained friendly. Not only did they record this song in 1981, they went on tour together in 2005. Have you recently heard from an ex?  no

6) Stevie admits a lifelong passion for Animal Crackers, those little cookies shaped like tigers, bears and elephants. Is your go-to snack sweet, like Stevie's, or is it salty?  I typically grab something salty

7) Don likes Velveeta on his burgers. Describe your ideal cheeseburger.  I like a cheeseburger, medium well with bacon and ketchup...sometimes mustard.  I am very minimal.  I like cheddar or Monterey jack, American or Swiss cheese.  It depends on my mood. 

8) In 1981, when this song was popular, both Maserati and Mercedes Benz introduced luxury convertibles. Have you ever owned a convertible? Would a convertible be practical for your lifestyle?  Yes, I had a red Dodge Shadow convertible right after I graduated from college.  It was about a 1990 or so.  I would not want a convertible now, but I am glad I had the experience.  My car now does have a sunroof, so that is fun. 

 
9) Random question: What are you most looking forward to this week? nothing really.  I will say going to visit my mom.  Everything else will be work.

Sunday Stealing is F.A.B.

 

                             

Sunday Stealing is F.A.B.

F.A.B.

F. Film: What movie or tv show are you watching?  I just finished watching Best Medicine.  I watch on Hulu, but it is on Fox.

A. Audio: What are you listening to?  I am listening to a YouTube video from Bonnie.  She is talking about Bath and Body works.  Her channel is Queen of the Girl Geeks.

B. Book: What are you reading?  Not reading anything right now.  I am waiting for school to be out.  This is a busy time of the year at school.



Happy Easter!

Saturday 9: Easter Parade

 

Easter Parade

Saturday 9: Easter Parade

Revised and revived from the archives

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

1) This song is best known from the 1948 movie of the same name, but it was originally written for a 1933 Broadway play called As Thousands Cheer. In the play, a young man reads about the parade in a New York newspaper and decides to go and show his lady love off to parade goers. What's the most recent parade you attended?  Our town Christmas Parade.  It goes in front of our house and friends come to our house to watch with us.  So that was in December.

2) On Broadway, the song was performed by Clifton Webb. He'd had a busy stage career, appearing in musicals as well as plays by Oscar Wilde and Noel Coward, but when he was in his mid-50s, he was considered too old to be a leading man. Broadway offers stopped coming. He was unexpectedly cast by Otto Preminger for the film noir Laura and a new career was born. He worked steadily in Hollywood for 20 years and earned three Oscar nominations. Tell us about a time you were grateful your life took an unanticipated turn.  When I left my old job as an early childhood special education teacher and went to work at another school district.  It has been so much better for me.

3) Today he's fondly remembered by the students at UCLA who have benefited from The Clifton Webb Scholarship of the Arts. If you could give an endowment to a school or charity, what would you like it to be used for?  Honestly, it would probably be to animals.  There are so many out there that have no home.  

 

4) The biggest chocolate Easter egg was made in Italy, measured 34 feet tall and weighed a staggering 15,000 lbs. Do you think it's possible to have too much chocolate?  oh definitely.  It will make you sick if you eat too much.  Now having too much chocolate in storage is different.  Sometimes when I get chocolate from the kids at school, I save it for a special time.
  

5) After chocolate, the top-selling Easter candy is Peeps Marshmallow Chicks. They're so popular that they were once the subject of a Jeopardy clue. Do you often watch Jeopardy?  no

6) Jelly beans are also popular this time of year. In a 2024 poll, jelly bean fans responded that black licorice is their favorite flavor. It's Crazy Sam's least favorite. How about you? What jelly bean flavor is at the top of your list, and which is at the bottom?  Top would be red or orange and bottom would be black.  I like to get the starburst or jelly belly ones where I can eat any of them and they are delicious.

7) We've been talking a lot about sweets this morning. The only holiday that generates more candy sales is Halloween. When do you eat more candy: Easter or Halloween?  Halloween

 

8) According to the National Retail Federation, Americans are doing more of their holiday shopping this year at discount "dollar stores" than at department stores like Target and Walmart. Do you often make trips to the "dollar store?" If yes, what do you usually pick up there?  Medicine, body soap, gifts, deodorant.  I pick up a little of this and that.

 
 9) Easter is considered the season of rebirth. What makes you feel refreshed or rejuvenated?  a shower

Sunday Stealing Feels Distinctly Adolescent

 

Sunday Stealing Feels Distinctly Adolescent

Have You Ever ...

                                

1) Skipped school? yes, I skipped once in high school.  My dad was a high school teacher, so I actually asked him if I could go home and he said yes.  It was my senior year and school was almost over.  I skipped plenty of times in college.

2) Lettered in a school sport? cheerleading


3) Made a prank phone call? yes, my college roommate and I would do this
voice and call one of our guy friends telling him we were watching him. We
had to tell him it was us after a while, he never figured it out. She sounded like an alien.

4) Paid for a meal with coins? Maybe in college.


5) Laughed until some sort of beverage came out of your nose? oh yes and
that hurts.
                                             

Saturday 9: London Town

 

Saturday 9: London Town (1978)

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



1) Have you ever visited London? no, but I would love to visit.

2) In this song, Paul sings of encountering a London street musician playing the flute. Are there street musicians in your town? no, I live in a small town.

3) It's raining as he wanders around London. How is the weather where you are today? The weather is sunny and hot...90 degrees.  It was 20 on Monday.  I can't imagine how warm it is in the south.

4) "London Town" is one of a handful of songs credited to Paul McCartney and Denny Laine, his bandmate in Wings from 1971 to 1981. They became fast friends in the mid-60s when Denny was with The Moody Blues, the band who opened for The Beatles on their final UK concert tour. Paul has acknowledged Denny's outstanding vocals and guitar playing, as well as his humor and generosity. Share the good qualities of one of your close friends. She is able to stay calm and in control in crazy situations.

5) Wings broke up in 1981 when Paul decided he was weary of touring. His kids were in school, his Beatle bandmate John Lennon had been murdered, and he simply felt more comfortable staying put and working in the studio, rather than performing live. Denny believed this would mean his role, and his financial compensation, would diminish so he quit Wings. Tell us about why you left one of your jobs. They wanted me to travel a lot and not reimburse me.

6) Linda McCartney also wrote and performed with Wings. In addition to music, she is known for her photography and cookbooks. Of these three – music, photography and cooking – which do you enjoy most? music

7) Paul's first car was a 1964 Aston Martin DB5. He selected it himself before The Beatles went off on their first world tour and it was waiting for him when he got home to London. He drove it when he shouldn't have, as he didn't get his license until spring of 1965. When did you get your driver's license? When I turned 16.

8) Speaking of driver's licenses ... Last year someone bought one of Paul's expired driver's licenses at auction for $20,000. When you get a new license, passport, or state issued ID, what do you do with the old one? I think I still have a few of the ones they gave back to me, they punch a hole in the expired ones so it cannot be used. I think one time they did not give it back, but I may be mistaken. I need to cut them up and get rid of them.

9) Random question – Which do you have more of: dirty dishes in the sink or dirty clothes in the hamper? dirty clothes. It is almost laundry day.

Saturday 9: I'm Looking Over a Four Leaf Clover

I'm Looking Over a Four-Leaf Clover

Saturday 9: I'm Looking Over a Four Leaf Clover (2001)

Selected in honor of St. Patrick's Day. Unfamiliar with this week's song? Hear it here.

1) This is one of the songs included in Willie Nelson's Rainbow Connection album. He named it after his daughter Amy's favorite song when she was a little girl. She'd been asking him to record "The Rainbow Connection" for 20 years and finally, in 2001, he came through for her. Think of something you had to wait for. Was it worth the wait?  After I left my first teaching job, I started working as a para in the school I am in now.  I did that for a few years until I applied for the job I have now.  It was totally worth it.  I feel like things work out for a reason and me taking a pay cut for a few years allowed me to get out of my teaching funk.  Teacher burnout is real.  It also allowed me to work in classrooms with several veteran teachers, and I learned a lot doing that.

2) Willie can trace his family tree back to the Revolutionary War. Are you interested in genealogy?  I am, it is like a story.

3) Today Willie is legendary performer, but as a child, he was very uncomfortable in front of crowds. He recalled that during his school days, reciting in front of his class made him so uncomfortable he suffered nose bleeds. When did you most recently have a bloody nose?  I don't get them very often.  It has been years.

4) During the 1990s, Willie had problems with the IRS. His management team set up illegal tax shelters and he ended up owing millions in back taxes and penalties. This year's IRS filing deadline is Wednesday, April 15. Will you be early, on time, or will you need an extension?  Mine and Karl's taxes are done and we got our refund already.  I am taking my mom this week to get her taxes done.  I am on Spring Break, so I have lots to do this week.

5) In "I'm Looking Over a Four Leaf Clover," Willie sings about appreciating something he has previously overlooked. Is there anything positive in your life you feel you may take for granted?  Family.  I hate to say I take them for granted, but you just never know what is going to happen and I am sure as hard as I try, I will feel like I should have spent more time with them.  That includes Meisha (my dog).  I try to stay off the computer and my phone when she is near me wanting attention.  She is napping right now.

6) Four leaf clovers and shamrocks are considered good luck. Do you have a lucky charm?  no

7) "The wearing o' the green" is one way to celebrate St. Patrick's Day. Will you wear something green in honor of the day?  I probably will.  I am taking my mom to get her taxes done that day.

8) According to Irish folklore, if you catch a leprechaun he must either give you his pot o' gold or grant you three wishes. Would you choose the gold or the wishes?  Gold, but I think wishing for good health for me and my family, feeling good and young and being thin might be good wishes for me.  If those wishes would stay good the rest of my life, then I would go with the wishes, but if I only was healthy for a while, then I would take the gold.  I am still healthy for now.  I am excited to read these answers.

   

9) Traditional Irish stew is made with mutton or lamb, though here in the US beef is also very popular. What's your favorite soup/stew?  I enjoy a good beef stew and also potato soup.

Sunday Stealing Is Yummy

 

Sunday Stealing Is Yummy

National Oreo Cookie Day

1. Are you able to pass by a plate of cookies and not take one or are you a bit

 of a "Cookie Monster?" Total cookie monster

2. Tell us about your favorite cookie. Have your tastes changed since you were a kid?

not with sweets.  I like them all.

3. Enquiring minds want to know if you are a dunker and, if so, do you dunk in 

milk, coffee, or tea?  Not a dunker

4. It is that time of year and they are selling them on every corner and in front of 

every store!  Do you buy Girl Scout cookies and if you do, which is your favorite?

I bought some last year, but not this year.  My favorite is thin mints.

5. Raw cookie dough.  Yay or Nay?  Yay!