Tuesday 4 Meme- Tradition

 

Tradition

 Welcome to Toni Taddeo's Tuesday 4.
Tradition is an important part of any family or community and so important that people will fight to be sure they are not neglected or done away with.
From the first day of Autumn, to Halloween, All Saints Day, and Thanksgiving autumn brings many different traditions from all around the world.
School kids cut out paper leaves, pumpkins,etc. Homemakers change decor to reflect the new season.
Sweaters come out of storage... the weather is changing.
                                            


1. Why is tradition important to you?  It is important to me so I can remember old times and to teach and remind Josh of things we did as a family when he was a baby and continue to do them. Then if he wishes, he can continue those same traditions. Traditions passed through generations.


2. Have family traditions helped to shape who you are?  I like to think they did.  You know, answering these questions made me realize how much tradition helps us in planning for holidays.


3. Do you believe that tradition helps a community or shapes the unity of family and community?  I do believe that.  Our community has a Christmas parade every year and this is the one time everyone comes out and participates in the same thing.  This is also the one time I get to see my friend Malinda.  She comes and watches the parade at our house.  That has become a tradition too.


4. Are there any traditions you would like to bring back and why?  I think we do all of the traditions that my family did and on Karl's side, we do those at his family's house.  My parents are not able to do traditions anymore.  My dad has passed and my mom is in assisted living.  It is up to me to keep it up.  Karl's family does very similar things as my family.

Toni loved Snoopy, what a perfect graphic for this meme!

Sunday Stealing Says Yeah!

 

Sunday Stealing Says Yeah!

                                     
 

SURVEY TIME!

1. What will you remember from August 2026?  School started and Dolly Parton died. :(  You guys know how much I love her.  I was surprised to hear of her passing. Honestly, too many deaths this week.

2. When will you start your holiday shopping?  I usually do a lot on Black Friday, day after Thanksgiving.   I shop online not in stores on that day, but Karl used to do a lot of shopping when it was stores only.  He got a lot of great deals that way.  Josh and I went one year, but it gave me anxiety.

3. Where did you meet the person you fell the hardest for?  School

4. Where did you meet your best friend?  School

5. Share a fact about the last person who texted you.  It was my co-worker Jen.  She is also a pre-k teacher and she is great.  We do not get to see each other much this year.  I found myself walking to her classroom on Thursday just to realize she still had her class with her and she was teaching and I was on my plan time.  This year is weird, but I do think our team is pretty close.

6. EXTRA! EXTRA! Since June's DIY meme was such fun, let's do it again. Please close out this post with a question for your fellow Sunday thieves. Hopefully we'll have enough responses for a September DIY.  I am horrible at this, so I googled fall questions.  Don't worry about using my question if it doesn't fit with the other great responses.  Here it is:  What are your favorite ways to transition your bedroom or living room into a cozy autumn haven?

Saturday 9: Animal Crackers in My Soup

 

Animal Crackers in My Soup

Saturday 9: Animal Crackers in My Soup (1935)

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

This month Saturday 9 will be tasty, featuring songs with food in the title.

1) Do you eat soup all year round, or do you consider it a seasonal dish?  Seasonal, we eat soup in the winter.

2) Gazpacho is a popular cold soup. Made with water-rich tomatoes, cucumbers and bell peppers, it's considered a good choice for hot weather because it's hydrating. What are your favorite summertime foods?  This summer it was ice cream.  It is still hot here, close to 100.  I am over it.

3) This week, Shirley Temple sings of the delights of having crackers in her soup. How often do you add crackers to your soup: always, sometimes, never? Always

4) "Animal Crackers in My Soup" was the big musical number in the 1935 movie Curly Top. Shirley played Elizabeth, who helps her older sister find love with a handsome millionaire. Have you ever played matchmaker? If yes, were your efforts successful?  I do not play matchmaker.  I never have.

5) Gertrude Temple, Shirley's mother, was her daughter's onset hairstylist, creating the famous "curly top" with pin curls. What's your hair care regimen? I wash and condition my hair, then I have gel and other curl products to get the frizz out and hold it.  I dry it and style it.  Then I use Moroccan oil to do more taming of the frizz.

6) Bartenders are still called upon to create the non-alcoholic Shirley Temple, made with ginger ale, lemon-lime soda, and grenadine. What's the most recent alcoholic beverage you drank? It was at my friend's baby shower.  One of her other friends had her shower at a winery and there was punch and there was punch with wine.  I had the punch with wine.  I was stressed out from driving there and the wine chilled me out.  It was just a little bit.  I do not drink really at all.  That was about 8 years ago.

7) In 1935, when this song was popular, Amelia Earhart flew from Honolulu to Oakland, California. Are you a nervous flyer?  I have never flown.  We always drive.

8) Also in 1935, The Hoover Dam was dedicated. Today it's a popular tourist attraction, with more than 7 million visitors each year. Have you ever been to Las Vegas?  No and we never go anywhere, so that would not be a destination I would want to go to.

9) Random question: You get a spur-of-the-moment invitation to a meal with your best friend. Could you go wearing what you have on right now?  no, I am getting ready for bed and I have on pajamas.

Funny story about this song.  Before covid we took the preschoolers to visit a nursing home around Valentine's Day.  The kids go in and color and sing to the residents.  There was a ldy there that was singing this song over and over and one of our students was trying to sing with her.  It was cute.

My first week of school went pretty good.  I have some really sweet kids.  I always feel relieved once we get started and I get to know the kids.  You never know what you are getting and that class I had 2 years ago gave me PTSD.  I did not want to teach anymore. I was afraid it would be more of the same...I had several kids eloping (running off out of the room) and that makes me nervous.  I had one that would poop his pants every day and this would all happen during naptime.  They would crawl under tables and just act crazy.  Administration wouldn't help.  That class is in 1st grade now and I have lunch with both teachers that had this one student and he is getting worse.  The teacher said she doesn't know how she will be able to teach this year.  It is sad.  He is the sweetest little boy too.  I think he has ADHD, so hopefully he learns to function with it.  He comes to see me every morning and gives me a great big hug.  The kids that gave me the hardest time that year are the ones that always have a hug for me.  I do love them, but they are hard students.  

Sunday Stealing – They Say It's Your Birthday

 

Sunday Stealing – They Say It's Your Birthday

                                   


Sparky Duck at Philly Transplant learned a little something with this meme, which he stole from his blogging buddy Wylie. Here's how to play. Search for your birthday (month and day only) at Wikipedia and then share what else happened that day.

Wikipedia Meme

First, what is your birthday (month/day)?  September 9th

Now, go to Wikipedia and list:

1) Four historic events

• 1543 – Mary Stuart, at nine months old, is crowned "Queen of Scots" in the central Scottish town of Stirling.
• 1791 – Washington, D.C., the capital of the United States, is named after President George Washington.
• 1956 – Elvis Presley appears on The Ed Sullivan Show for the first time.
• 2015 – Elizabeth II becomes the longest reigning monarch of the United Kingdom.

 

2) Three births

• 1828 – Leo Tolstoy, Russian author and playwright
• 1960 – Hugh Grant, English actor and producer
• 1975 – Michael Bublé, Canadian singer-songwriter and actor

3) Two deaths

1815 – John Singleton Copley, American-English colonial and painter

1901 – Henri de Toulouse-Lautrec, French painter and illustrator

1) One holiday or observance

• California Admission Day (California, United States^[153])
• 
  
  
  
  

 

Saturday 9: Shoo Fly Pie (and Apple Pan Dowdy)

 

Shoo Fly Pie (and Apple Pan Dowdy)

Saturday 9: Shoo Fly Pie (and Apple Pan Dowdy) – 1946

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

This month Saturday 9 will be tasty, featuring songs with food in the title.

1) Shoo fly pie got its name from Shoo Fly the Boxing Mule. After the Civil War, the mule who could box was such a popular circus attraction that a molasses manufacturer started featuring him on their packaging. Since molasses is the key ingredient of this pie recipe, homemakers just began referring to it as "shoo fly pie." If we looked, would we find molasses in your kitchen?  no

2) Apple pan dowdy is another uniquely American recipe from the 19th century. It's like apple pie, except it only has a top crust, which is broken up. Apples are a good source of fiber, Vitamin C and antioxidants. Do you consider nutrition when choosing a dessert? Or are you just all about how it tastes?  Taste, but I am that person that will say ice cream is healthy for dairy and chocolate is good for anti-oxidants.  Just being silly, but I do not make them thinking about how they can be healthy.

3) The lyrics describe these two desserts as the ultimate comfort foods, able to make "the sun come out when the heavens are cloudy." Do you find that the foods you crave change with your mood?  Sometimes

4) Singer June Christy pleads with her mama to whip up this "wonderful stuff." Did your mother have a dish you often requested?  I like fried chicken and the works.

5) June was born in Springfield, Illinois' capital. Have you been to your state's capital city? I have been a few times.  I can be spontaneous for wanting to go on a day trip.  We got up one Saturday and I told Karl, let's take Josh to Lake of the Ozarks.  We went, but quickly became bored, so headed over to Jefferson City...the capital of Missouri.  It was Saturday, so everything was closed, but we looked at the statues and took a lot of pictures.  We ate some food and went home.  He was maybe in middle school here.  It was when he was still happy and willing to go and do things and take pictures.  Before his depression and anxiety.

6) June spent years singing with Stan Kenton's Orchestra. At one point, she gave 38 performances in 35 towns in 35 days. That's a busy schedule! Do you thrive on activity? Or do you find yourself rejuvenated by quiet time?  It depends on my mood.  I typically like the quiet as I get older, but I used to enjoy getting out and doing things.

7) In 1946, when this record was popular, bikinis were first seen in Paris fashion shows. How often have you worn your swimsuit this summer?  I haven't worn a swimsuit in a few years.

8) Also in 1946, Elias Tupper invented Tupperware, a plastic container with an airtight top that's great for preserving leftovers. Are there any leftovers in your refrigerator right now?  no, Karl ate the leftovers this evening.

9) Random question: Is there a day of the week that goes by faster than the others?  Saturday seems to fly by.

We had our meetings at school this week and had Open house and I met my kids.  They are cute and seem really sweet.  Nice families too.  First day of school is Tuesday.  Summer goes by so fast.  Here is a picture of our Pre-K team.  I am in the middle with the maroon sweater, brown hair and glasses.  We have some new teachers and I love them.  We have had so much fun so far.

Sunday Stealing Plays Favorites

 

Sunday Stealing Plays Favorites

                                  

This week's meme was stolen from Country Dew. A decade ago, she shared these "get to know you" questions she found on Facebook. Let's use them to go to know you better.

WHAT'S YOUR FAVORITE ...?

1. Flavor? I like watermelon candy flavor and chocolate shakes

2. Movie? The Sound of Music

3. Piece of jewelry? wedding ring

4. Place to be?  home

5. Boy's name?  Josh

6. Girl's name?  Raylee

7. Candy?  jellybeans or chocolate

8. Sports team?  KC Chiefs (football)/ St. Louis Cardinals (baseball)

9. Color? all of them

10. Month? October is a fun one.

Saturday 9: Blueberry Hill

 

Blueberry Hill

Saturday 9: Blueberry Hill (1956)

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

This month Saturday 9 will be tasty, featuring songs with food in the title.

1) Fats Domino sings about a hill named for blueberries. According to the Old Farmers Almanac, blueberries can grow just about anywhere in North America, as long as they have plenty of direct sunlight. Do you have a garden? I do not have a garden.  I just have some flowers planted.  My soil is red clay and rocks with just a little dirt.  It is hard to plant things here.  I would need a raised garden.

2) Blueberries are low in calories and rich in fiber. Are they a regular part of your diet? no, and I love them.  I know how good they are for us.  I need to make them part of my diet.

3) They also have a high moisture content. Staying hydrated is important to human health. Do you drink the standard recommended 8 glasses of water every day?  I probably drink about 4 glasses a day.  It has been in the 100's this week, so I have really been drinking the ice water.

4) Fats originally had a big hit with "Blueberry Hill" in 1956, and then enjoyed the record's renewed popularity in the mid-70s, when "Blueberry Hill" was often referenced as Richie Cunningham's favorite song. Without looking it up, do you remember what show Richie Cunningham was on? (Extra non-existent Saturday 9 points if you can also name the actor who played Richie.)  It was Happy Days and Ron Howard.  I watched Happy Days all of the time when I would visit my grandparents.  I loved that show.  There were a few shows I watched at their house and never at my house.  Weird.

5) Born Antoine Domino, he took the name "Fats" not just because of his physique. Growing up, jazz pianist Fats Waller was one of his heroes. If you were to adopt the first name of someone you admire, what would we call you?  Lucille, I would probably go by Lucy, but my grandma.

6) Despite his warm and friendly stage persona, Fats was shy around strangers and hated giving interviews. Tell us about something you did only because it was part of your job, not because you enjoyed it.  Cafeteria duty.  I usually have to do breakfast duty, but I eat lunch when the kids eat lunch, so others watch them.

7) In 1956, when this record was topping the charts, the Olympics were held in Melbourne. Have you ever been to the land down under?  No, but I would love to visit.

8)  The star of the 1956 Olympics was Austrian Toni Sailer, who won all three gold medals in Alpine skiing. Do you prefer snow skiing, water skiing, or just watching other people ski?  Watching people ski.

9) Random question: Do you believe everyone has a jealous streak?  I think so.  Some may be worse than others, but I think everyone experiences it to some degree and for different reasons.

I start back to school this week.  It will be meetings all this week and Open House on Thursday.  My room is almost ready.  I have been down to the school several times to work on it.  It takes a long time to get it ready.  Then the kids will start the next week.  I hope it cools off some so we can get outside for recess.

Saturday 9: Coconut

 

Coconut

Saturday 9: Coconut (1971)

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

This month Saturday 9 will be tasty, featuring songs with food in the title.

1) This song is about a woman who complains of a belly ache. How's your tummy this morning?  I am answering this Friday night and my tummy hurts a little, but by the time I wake up, I will be fine.  Just ate something that didn't agree with me.

2) She responds to this malady by calling the doctor. What if you chose to address the problem yourself? Are there currently any OTC digestive aids in your medicine chest? Oh yes.  I get acid reflux, so I have some Prilosec in the cabinet.

3) Coconut was once a popular ice cream flavor, but no more. It's not on the list of top sellers at Baskin Robbins or Cold Stone. When you last had ice cream, what flavor was it?  We have some Neapolitan at our house and I had some of the strawberry and vanilla a few nights ago.

4) Coconut remains popular in baking. It's easy to find recipes for coconut pie, coconut cheesecake, coconut cookies ... you get the idea. Have you recently tried a new recipe? If yes, how did it turn out?  No new recipes lately.

5) This week's featured artist, Harry Nilsson, was a well known free spirit. He liked to party and had a reputation for not adhering to a schedule. Therefore it's a little surprising that one of his first jobs was in the conservative atmosphere of a small bank. Do you prefer a more structured workplace?   Yes, I do.  It has to be that way at a school and I like it so I know what I am doing one minute to the next.

6) Harry met Micky Dolenz when The Monkees recorded his song, "Cuddly Toy" and they became fast and life-long friends. Can you think of someone you met and quickly "clicked" with?  There are a few teachers at the school that are my age that I get along with really well.  We have some new teachers this year in my grade level that I hope to become friends with.

7) In 1971, when this song was on the radio, detective shows were popular on TV. Mannix, Ironside and Cannon were all in the Top 20. Do you think you'd make a good private investigator?  I love trying to figure things out, but no I wouldn't make a good investigator.

8) England's Princess Anne turned 21 in 1971 and the occasion was commemorated with an official portrait taken by fashion photographer Norman Parkinson. Who took the most recent photo of you?  It was probably pre-K graduation night by one of the parents, but I am getting my driver's license renewed this week, so come Tuesday or so, it will be the DMV.

9) Random question: You can redecorate any one room in your home, money is no object. But only one room. Which room do you pick?  It would be the master bath.  I am wanting a new shower with a seat instead of a tub.  We have another bathroom with a tub.  I am getting to the age where I need to be thinking about walking into the shower and have a place to sit if I need it.

Saturday 9: This Is A Very Special Day

 

This Is A Very Special Day

Saturday 9: This Is A Very Special Day (1953)

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

1) In this song, Peggy sings that she feels good enough to climb a hill. Will you be doing anything athletic today?  Probably not.

2) However she was also tempted to climb back in bed. Is a nap in your plans for today?   no, I cannot sleep at night if I nap.

3) She tells us that she looked in the mirror and told herself it was time to "lose the blues." Do you ever speak outloud to yourself?  Yes, I do sometimes.  I usually say, "you've got this, let's get this done".  I have to talk myself into doing things.

4) Peggy wrote this song for the 1953 remake of The Jazz Singer. She performs it in the movie, too. In the 1950s, female singer-songwriters were unusual, but not so today. Can you think of another woman who not only sings but writes her own material?  Well, Dolly Parton and Loretta Lynn came to mind, but if you mean today's music...Taylor Swift.

5) Her co-star in the film was Danny Thomas. Today he is best remembered as a philanthropist and founder of St. Jude's Children's Research Hospital, but he was quite a star in his day. He appeared in nightclubs and movie musicals and, from 1954 to 1963, had his own sitcom. Do you know the show?  no 

6) When Peggy Lee was trying to break into show business, she supported herself as a short order cook. She was required to turn orders around quickly. Are you fast and efficient in the kitchen?  Yes, I like to think ahead so I am using my time well.

7) Just when her career started to take off, Peggy had to take a break when she had her tonsils removed. Do you still have your tonsils?  I had my tonsils and adenoids removed when I was in 1st grade.  I was really sick all of the time before getting them out.

8) In 1953, when this record was released, Matchbox Cars were introduced and they remain popular today. Did you ever play with Matchbox Cars?  I play with matchbox cars at school sometimes when I am teaching kids how to play.  They have to be taught now because of being on devices all of the time.  This seemed to have started about 2-3 years ago.  The kids would come in knowing how to play before then.

 9) Random question: You're walking past a filthy puddle. Floating on top you see a dead bug, a cigarette butt, and a $1 bill. Would you bend over and rescue the dollar?  I don't know.  You never know what is in the water.  

Tuesday 4 Meme- Toiletries and Cosmetics

 

Toiletries and Cosmetics

                                                   

Welcome to Tuesday 4 which was started by Toni Taddeo and kept up in memory and honor of her.
How about talking about cosmetics and toiletries this week?

Let's jump right in, shall we?

                             
1. What brand of shampoo do you think works best for you and what does it do for you?  I use Biolage Hydra Source.  It helps moisturize and keep my curls from being frizzy.

2. Do you use cosmetics and if so what do you use?  I am currently trying MISSHA foundation, Clinique finishing power and blush.  My eye shadow is Tarte, eye liner is Persona, mascara is Prime Lash Mascara.  I have a few different face washes and always like to try new ones.  I am working on LaRoche Posay face wash right now and TonyMoly face toner.  I have started using retinol lotion lately too.  I have used Drmtlgy retinol cream and Gold Bond with retinol.  It makes my skin feel so good.  I also have dry cracked cuticles and these lotions have helped with that.

3. Do you use a washcloth on your face?  I know you are not supposed to, but I do to get all of the make-up off faster.

4. Do you have an all-time favorite perfume or scent that you wear? If you don't wear perfumes, is there a scent that you love in general?  I do not wear perfume anymore.  Josh was allergic to perfume as a baby and I didn't want him breaking out.  I never went back to perfume.  I have a couple of Victoria's Secret lotions I wear.  I wear Bare Vanilla and Pure Seduction.

Sunday Stealing -- Now We Know Our ABC's

 

Sunday Stealing -- Now We Know Our ABC's

                                        



The Alphabet Meme

Answer these questions with anything from a single word to a paragraph or two. It's up to you.

A is for Age. 55

B is for your Booze of choice.  wine, but I do not drink

C is for Career. Pre-K teacher

D is for your Dog's name.  Meisha

E is for Everyday Essentials.  my phone, shower, water, food

F is for your Favorite Food.  Mexican

G is for your favorite Game.  memory (with my students)

H is for your Hometown.  Reeds Spring (where I teach)

I is for an Instrument you play.  flute (but not anymore)

J is for your favorite Jam or Jelly flavor.  grape

K is for Kids.  one son named Josh and lots of students

L is for the Last show or movie your watched. Little House on the Prairie (Netflix)

M is for your Most prized possession.  my car

N is for the Name of your first crush.  David

O is for what you Observe from your window.  my front yard

P is for Phobias.  snakes, heights and mice

Q is for your favorite Quote. "If a child can't learn the way we teach, maybe we should teach the way they learn". Ignacio Estrada

R is for Regret.  Not taking art classes and not staying in typing class

S is for Sweets.  ice cream

T is for the Time you wake up. 5AM when I am working

U is for Underwear.  Victoria's Secret

V is for your favorite Vegetable.  green beans or corn

W is for your Worst habit.  chewing my cuticles

X is for X-rays.  I had a x-ray of my back several years ago to make sure things were ok.

Y is for your Yummiest recipe.  my favorite would be a Mexican dish.

Z is for your Zodiac sign.  Virgo

Saturday 9: Kung Fu Fighting

 

Kung Fu Fighting

Saturday 9: Kung Fu Fighting (1974)

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

1) Have you ever taken a martial arts class? no, but I wish I had.

2) In this song, Carl Edwards sings about funky Chinatown. Many cities – including San Francisco, New York, Los Angeles, Chicago, Vancouver, London and Antwerp – have a Chinatown. Have you ever visited Chinatown? No, I am not aware of anything like that where I live but would love to visit.

3) Many Chinese restaurants give out fortune cookies. Can you recall one of your fortunes?  I don't remember the fortunes.  I love getting the fortune cookies though.  I don't think we got fortune cookies the last few times.

4) This week's featured artist, Carl Edwards, was born in Jamaica, spent his childhood in the US, and relocated to England. Have you ever lived abroad?  unfortunately, no.

5) In 1974 he became the first Jamaican to have a #1 hit in the US with this song. Have you been to Jamaica?  no

6) When this week's song was on the charts, ABC TV had a hit with the show Kung Fu. Today it's available to stream. Were you a fan?  I don't think I have ever seen it.

7) Also in 1974, the FIFA World Cup was played in West Germany. Have you been following the FIFA World Cup this year?  I watched USA a few times and I wanted to see Messi and Ronaldo play, so I watched 4 matches probably.  My husband is a huge fan.

8) Two of 1974's most popular toys were popular with adults, too. Would you prefer a Rubik's Cube or a Magic 8 Ball?  I had a Rubik's Cube as a kid, but not an 8 Ball.  I am not sure I would want either anymore.  I have enough to do.

9) Random question: Have you ever cut someone else's hair?  no

Tuesday 4 Meme- Summertime

 

Summertime

Welcome to Toni Taddeo's Tuesday 4...
Summer time is upon us.

                                   



1. What special memories do you have about summer when you were younger?  I lived close to a lake and we would go out boating during the day, we all had so much fun.  I also remember going out with my friend Debi a lot.  Such happy free times with little responsibility.


2. What is the highest temperature you've experienced in summer? What about so far this summer? How do you weather the heat or humidity?  In the 100's, probably 110 or so.  This year it has stayed in the upper 90's with humidity making it feel like the 100's.  It is the worst here in August. (Missouri)  When it is really hot, I used to go to the pool, but now I just stay inside in the A/C

3. What's been on your menu so far this summer?  We try not to use the oven much when it is so hot in the summer, so hamburgers have been on the menu a lot.

4. What is on your reading list this summer... anything to recommend to us? What's on your TV this summer. Any music you're liking this summer?  I recommend The Calamity Club.  It is historical fiction set in 1933 Mississippi.  It is by the same author as The Help.  It talks about how hard life was in that time.  TV- I am getting ready to watch Little House on the Prairie on Netflix, but The Four Seasons was funny and I already watched that.  If you are a reader, Five Star Weekend was good on Peacock.  Even if you didn't read it, it was good.  I haven't listened to a lot of music this summer.  I have been reading.