Sunday Stealing is Artificial

 

Sunday Stealing is Artificial

                                    

 
Memorial Day Questions

1) What freedom are you most grateful for?  I am grateful for all of my freedoms.  They are all important.

2) What book are you currently reading?  The Boyfriend by Freida McFadden

3) What have you been listening to?  the tv-YouTube mostly

4) What shows or movies have you been watching? I have been watching the tv show Dutton Ranch and last weekend I watched a few movies, but if you read Remarkably Bright Creatures, the movie is on Netflix now and it was so good...starring Sally Field.  She was amazing.

Saturday 9: Soldier

 

Soldier

Saturday 9: Soldier (2016)

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

Memorial Day is a federal holiday that honors men and women who served and died in the United States Armed Forces. We want to make sure that message is not lost this weekend.

1) Are you a veteran? Are there veterans in your family? Do you know anyone who is active military? We are grateful and want to hear about it.  My mom's dad (my Grandpa- Carl Oslin) was in WWII...stationed in Germany.  My Uncle (My dad's brother- Gary Burkett) was killed in Vietnam.  My nephew Brian is active military and flies Blackhawk helicopters now and also works on them.  He just went through training to learn to fly not long ago.  He has been in the military a while though as a mechanic.

2) This song is about the courage it takes for soldiers to march into battle. Gen. Patton said, "The soldier is the Army. No army is better than its soldiers." He was emphasizing that each individual's dedication is essential to the unit's success. Do you work well as part of a team? Or are you better on your own?  I used to like to work alone, but now I like to work as a team.  Teamwork makes the dreamwork.  We get so much done as a team and it is less work on me.

 

3) As of 2025, California is the state with the most military bases. Have you ever visited or lived on a base?  We have Ft. Leonard Wood not far from where I live and when I was in college, I dated a guy that his family lived near it and we went to the base one time I was visiting.  My husband has worked some at that same base building a hospital.  He does commercial constructuion.

 

4) At the turn of the of the 20th century, wristwatches were considered non-essential jewelry items, with pocket watches preferred for everyday timekeeping. During WWI, soldiers in the trenches needed to both synchronize actions across the battlefield and keep their hands on their weapons, so the wristwatch went from "fashion item" to "standard issue." Do you often wear a watch, or do you depend on your phone for the time?  I wear a watch.  My phone is big and I do not carry it around with me at work.

 

5) Jeeps were originated by the US Army during WWII. Back then they were specifically for soldiers deployed to the European Theater, today there are more than 18 million Jeep-branded vehicles on the road all over the world. Have you ever driven a Jeep?  no, but I have had rides in them.  I have a lot of friends that drive them.

 

6) While Ray-Ban Aviator sunglasses are a timeless symbol of cool, they were designed during WWII for a specific purpose: to give American flyers relief from glare at high altitudes. Tell us about your sunglasses.  My sunglasses look like dark brown cheetah print and they have prescription in them so I can see.

 
7) Memorial Day kicks off the summer season. What's your favorite picnic food?  My mom used to make fried chicken, potato salad, baked beans, rolls and drinks and we would go to the lake for a picnic.  I have not been on an actual picnic in a while.  We mostly grill burgers/hot dogs and steak here at the house.


8) This marks the weekend when Americans traditionally step up their outdoor activity and do things they may not have been able to do during the cold winter months. For example, when is the last time you worked in the garden or tended the lawn?  Mother's Day weekend I planted flowers in our yard.

9) As you answer these questions, is there an air conditioner or fan on? no, it is cold today.  I have the heat on.

Sunday Stealing Makes You Choose

 

Sunday Stealing Makes You Choose

                                              


Which one?

1. Pepsi or Coke?  Pepsi!

2. Cappuccino or coffee?  Neither, I don't drink coffee.

3. Chocolate or vanilla?  depends on what it is...ice cream-vanilla, shakes-chocolate, cake-chocolate

4. Hot tea or iced tea? iced sweet tea

5. Dinner for two or a party?  dinner for two

Saturday 9: Fun, Fun, Fun

 

Saturday 9: Fun, Fun, Fun (1964)

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

1) This song is about a girl who borrows her father's Ford Thunderbird. When is the last time you drove someone else's car?  Last year we had bad hail and my brand-new car had to go in the shop with hail damage.  I drove my mom's car while it was getting fixed.

2) The teen in question is well known for ability to drive "like an ace." If we were to ask your high school classmates what they remember most about you, what do you think they'd say?  I really don't know.  It would depend on who you asked.  I think my good friends from high school would remember all of the good times we had together.  We were good kids.  We never got into trouble.  I think overall most people would remember me as Coach Burkett's daughter.  My dad was a football coach and high school typing teacher.  He was a very popular teacher.  He is in the school sports hall of fame.

3) She told her father she needed the car to go to the library but used it instead to meet friends. Can you recall a time your parents caught you in a fib?  When I was home from college they got mad at me a lot because I would come home late.  I was honestly usually with my friend Debi.  Sometimes we were drinking and sometimes we were just eating ice cream and having fun.

4) For this girl and her friends, fun centered on cars and fast food. What did you and your friends do for fun during your teen years?  I live in a tourist town, so we would go to Branson and play tourist.  We would also go to Springfield to the mall and hang out.  I live close to a lake too, so we spent a lot of time boating on the lake.

5) Legend has it songwriters Brian Wilson and Mike Love got the idea for this song from a Salt Lake City disc jockey. He told them he'd lent his T-bird to his daughter so she could go to class at the community college but discovered her deception when the car was ticketed in front of a fast food restaurant. Can you think of another song inspired by true events? Coat of Many Colors by Dolly Parton.

 
6) As in the song, the disc jockey punished his daughter by taking her driving privileges away. Were your parents strict when you were growing up?  Oh goodness yes!  I appreciate that now though.

7) This song was recorded on January 1, 1964. The Beach Boys had to work on the holiday because they were under pressure to meet a February release date. How did you spend New Year's Day 2026?  I am pretty sure we took down the Christmas decorations, and I cleaned house getting it ready for the New Year!

 
8) 1964 was a great year for Capitol Records. They had chart-topping hits by the Beach Boys, Barbra Streisand and, most spectacularly, The Beatles. The Capitol Records Building in Los Angeles is considered iconic and it's a stop on tourist bus tours. Have you ever been to Southern California? If yes, what did you do?  no

 
9) Random question: What's the last compliment you received?  I am wearing a t-shirt today (Friday) that says "It is a good day to teach tiny humans".  After school one of my co-workers told me they really liked my shirt.

Sunday Stealing -- Thunking

 

Sunday Stealing -- Thunking

                                           



Thursday Thunks

1. Is there anyone whose home you enter without knocking? Does anyone (who doesn't live with you) have permission to enter your home without knocking?  I went into my mom and dad's house without knocking and we go into Karl's mom and dad's house without knocking.  No one ever comes in our house without knocking.  My doors are always locked though.

2. Tell us about a school trip you took.  I took my pre-K class on a field trip on Friday to a place called Rise Play Park indoor playground.  They have a giant pirate ship you can slide down a slide from it and dress like a pirate, there is a pizza restaurant room, an ice cream room, grocery store, playdough, manipulatives, vet office.  These are all little rooms with kid toys in them.  I had the most fun playing with the kids in the pizza room watching them put together pizza, sandwiches and cooking for me, the parents and other kids.

3. Name three things within arm's reach right now (but they can't relate to your phone, computer or laptop).  Water, a cookie, tv remote.

4. Weather permitting, do you dry your clothes outdoors on a clothesline?  no

5. If every flower in the world only bloomed in one color, what color would you like to see?  What an awful thought.  I guess red.  It is a bright happy color.  I am planning on red, white and blue flowers for the 250th birthday of our country.

Saturday 9: Like My Mother Does

                            

Saturday 9: Like My Mother Does (2011)

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

1) In this song, Lauren Alaina tells us she knows she's beautiful and strong because she sees herself as her mother does. Who in your life consistently sees the best in you?  My mom

 

2) She sings that her mother is her "rock." In this context, what do you think that means?   her strength

 

3) When Lauren performed this song in concert, she brought her mother Kristy up on stage and held her hand as she sang. Kristy said she was touched, but also embarrassed because her daughter was the entertainer, not her. Do you get shy when all eyes turn to you?  Oh yes.  I am good in front of my students, but not a room of my peers.

 

4) Lauren began reading in pre-school and always read well above grade level. As a child, were you a big reader? Are you a big reader today?  I was not a big reader as a kid, but I am a big reader now.  In fact, I have put a lot of books on hold for the summer.  I am ready!  2 more weeks.

   

5) According to the National Restaurant Association, we like to eat out on Mother's Day, and brunch is especially popular. If you could have whatever you want for brunch, what would you order?  I am in the mood for pancakes right now.  We usually eat eggs though.

6) Mother's Day is the third biggest card-sending holiday in the US, just after Christmas and Valentine's Day. Who received the last card you purchased?  I bought some thank you cards for teacher appreciation week, so several different parents got those this week.

 

7) While flowers are the most popular Mother's Day gift, jewelry comes in second. Are you wearing any jewelry as you answer these questions? If yes, did you receive it as a gift or buy it yourself? I have removed all of my jewelry for the day.

 

8) According to the National Retail Federation, more and more of us are celebrating our mothers by taking her to a paint and sip event, a pottery class, or candle or soap making. Which of those four options do you think you'd enjoy the most?  I love candles so much, I think I would enjoy that the most.

9) While there's a spike in phone traffic on Mother's Day, these days it seems the trend is texting. On holidays, do you receive more calls or texts?  texts

Tuesday 4 Meme- Hello May!

 

Hello May!

Welcome friends!
This weeks Tuesday 4 in memory of our friend Toni Taddeo is from Mary who blogs at Visits With Mary. and it's all about the month of May. Thanks Mary!


1. May’s First Glimpse — What is the very first thing you notice or feel when May arrives each year?

I get excited for warmer weather.  This year has been warm already though.


2. Simple May Joys — What small pleasures do you look forward to in May — flowers, breezes, routines, or traditions?  Decorating with flowers around my yard.  They make the lawn look so nice.


3. May Memories — Do you have a favorite May memory from childhood, family life, or recent years?  My anniversary is May 10th, so I look forward to that every year.  This year will be 29 years.


4. May Intentions — What gentle goals or hopes do you carry into this new month?  School will be out for summer in 3 weeks!  I am ready to sleep past 5:00AM and read some books, visit my mom more.  I really want to start walking again on my treadmill.  I want to start off slow.

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