Tuesday 4 Meme- Inquiring Minds Wanna Know...

Inquiring Minds Wanna Know...

 Hello!  You are so welcome here at Toni Taddeo's Tuesday 4.   I hope you are enjoying the questions and the chance to blog about your likes, dislikes and opinions and find out about those of other people.  Be sure to visit around.  That is part of the fun.

Let's inquire about stuff....

1. What gets your blood to boiling?  Gas prices, inflation, birthing people...that the government thinks we are stupid enough to do what they want.  So many things.  Ok, I will stop.

2.What does a really good day look like for you? What makes you say, "That was a great day"?  If things go as they are supposed to or even better than expected.  Ok, that is a good day...let's see.  Maybe the part I said about when things go better than expected.  I like good surprises.  It is super easy to make my day.

3. Are you continuing to grow mentally, spiritually, talent wise or are you just marking time?  I hope I am growing in all areas.  I make an effort to do so, and I would think I will the rest of my life.

4. Have you changed your hair style since high school?   Why or why not?  I have.  I had the big 80-90's hair, so my hair is naturally curly, and it is a little big, but my bangs are gone.  I wore it straight for a long time too.  My sister-in-law talked me into wearing it curly again.  She perms her hair so she can wear her hair curly.

Saturday 9: Brandy

 

Brandy

Saturday 9: Brandy (1972)

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

 

1) This song opens in a bar where lonely sailors reminisce about their homes. How long have you lived at your current residence? Does it feel like home?  Karl and I have lived at our house for 25 years.  It does feel like home...our house, but I wish it were in my hometown.  I would love to live closer to the lake.

2) Brandy is a waitress at the bar. Have you ever worked at a job where you received tips?  no

 

3) Brandy wears a locket on a braided chain. Are you wearing any jewelry as you answer these 9 questions?  no.  I only have jewelry on when I am going out of the house.

4) According to the lyrics, the sailors seem to prefer whisky or wine. What's your go-to adult beverage?  I don't drink, but if I were going to have a drink, I would probably choose wine or a fruity drink like a mai tai or a pina colada.  Here you go, have a drink.

5) This song was such a big hit that, after its release, Brandy became a popular name for newborn girls. Do you know anyone named Brandy?  I work with a teacher named Brandy.  Her classroom will be right next to mine this year as they are working on our building.

6) Barry Manilow scored a hit in 1974 with "Mandy." That song was initially called "Brandy," but it was changed to avoid confusion with this record. Do you have a favorite Barry Manilow song?  I am going to go with Mandy.  I had a dog named Mandy that I loved so much.  The song brings me to tears I miss her so much.  Here is a picture of Mandy.

 
7) In 1972, when this song was popular, residents of South Dakota endured a catastrophic flood when Rapid Creek overflowed. Give us a little geography lesson: what body of water is nearest you?  I talk a lot about Table Rock Lake that is in my hometown, but at my house now the closest body of water is the James River.

 

8) Also in 1972, the first women were permitted to run in the Boston marathon. Have you ever visited Boston?  no

9) Random summertime question: Would you prefer to swim in a pool, a lake/river, or the ocean?  Pool.  Even when we went to the ocean, I spent a day at the pool, but I could see the ocean.  I like to go boating on the lake and I enjoyed floating on the James River, but they have snakes and you have to be careful.  I pick pool.

Saturday 9: Time for Livin'

 

Time for Livin'

Saturday 9: Time for Livin' (1968)

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

1) This song is about taking "time for life." Do you have a busy, highly-scheduled Saturday planned? Or will you have an opportunity to just relax and enjoy? Oh no.  I am planning to relax some.   We spent last weekend shopping for furniture, so I am thinking we can relax this weekend.  This is a picture if one of the rooms with new furniture.  It is so comfy.  We needed to change furniture so bad.

2) Lead singer Larry Ramos begins by telling us he likes to kick off his shoes and go barefoot. How about you? Do you like to feel "the good earth under your feet?"  I did when I was little, but I like to have shoes on all of the time now.  I think it became some kind of I am "always ready to go" if I need to thing.

 

3) He sings that once he took off his watch, he found he had all the time in the world. Tell us about your watch.  It is silver.  I always wear a watch because at work rarely have my cell phone with me.  I need to know the time.

4) With lyrics that include words like "grooving" and "hang-ups," this song is very much a product of its time. Share some of the slang you used during your adolescent years.  When I was in middle school the California valley girl talk was a thing.  Totally awesome was something we said a lot.  I still say awesome.

 

5) He sings that his attitude has been rearranged. What is something you have changed your mind about?  Probably something to do with food.  

 
6) This week's group, The Association, was founded in Hawaii. Hawaii produces more pineapple than other state in the union. When did you most recently have pineapple?  I think it was when school was going on.  They serve us pineapple when we have Chinese food.

 

7) In 1968, when this song was popular, Jacqueline Kennedy married Aristotle Onassis. Think about the last wedding you attended. Were you closer to the bride or to the groom, or were you equally close to both?  groom.  It was my nephew's wedding.

 

8) In 1968, when this song was popular, Laugh In was America's #1 TV show and it made a star of Goldie Hawn. Do you have a favorite Goldie Hawn movie?  I am not a huge fan of Goldie Hawn and I also do not watch a lot of movies.  I do think I saw Private Benjamin though.  I am not sure how much I liked it.

 
9) Random question: Who is the most recent person you made smile, and what did you do?  It was probably Karl or Josh.  I was probably telling some kind of story about going to the doctor the other day.

Tuesday 4 Meme- July 4

 

July 4

 

Happy Fourth of July and welcome once again to Toni Taddeo's Tuesday 4!     

Let's talk about Independence Day.

1. In previous times every family read the Declaration of Independence and the Bill of Rights on July 4 to keep in mind the huge price paid by a minority of patriots  for freedom and liberty.    What do you think about this tradition?  I hope you will institute it and value it.  It is so important.  I think it is great.  In fact, I think Linda had told me about this or she does it.  Anyway, I had heard about it and did this one year.  I think it is a great reminder of what these documents actually say.  I think we should all be doing this.

2. Fresh made lemonade was a huge deal in the Midwest when Laura Ingalls Wilder was a young girl. It was a very special treat.    Every family brought a dish to the town celebration.     What foods and drinks will you have on this important day?  We may grill out hotdogs and hamburgers, but Josh is working and Karl and I will need to stay home and be here with Meisha because she is scared of the fireworks.

3. Will you be watching fireworks.. a great American tradition on this day?  They are deeply rooted in the American tradition. We will stay home and make sure Meisha is comfortable.  She gets so scared.  She will crawl into Karl's lap and her body shakes.  She is a lab.  We may watch fireworks on tv.  Here she is resting on the couch.

4.  Will your flag be out?  Do you own one?  Yes!

 Quick 4th fact: Did you know that the term Commander in Chief cannot be used except in times of Congressionally declared war? A president has no authority over the military until then. 

SATURDAY 9: BACK IN THE USA

 

                                   

  

Back in the USA

SATURDAY 9: BACK IN THE USA (1978)

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

From the archives, with some tweaks

1) This song lists seven cities -- New York, Los Angeles, Detroit, Chicago, Chattanooga, Baton Rouge and St. Louis -- that Linda just loves. How many have you visited?  I have visited Chattanooga and St. Louis of those listed.  We visited the Chattanooga Choo Choo in Chattanooga.

2) The lyrics refer to hamburgers sizzling on the grill. What toppings do you believe make a perfect burger?  I like cheese, ketchup and mayonnaise on my burger.  I also like cheese and chili, but I do not have that very often.

3) The original recording of this song by Chuck Berry has always been one of Linda Ronstadt's favorites, one she used to enjoy singing along with in the car. What's the most recent song you sang?  Josh and I had to go to Springfield yesterday and Suspicious Minds by Elvis was on the radio.  I sang along with that song.

4) Linda performed The National Anthem at Game 3 of the 1977 World Series. The New York Yankees won both that game and the series. How is your baseball team doing this season?  The St. Louis Cardinals are in 2nd...1.5 games behind the Milwaukee Brewers as I am posting this.   Yadi, Waino and Pujols.  I am going to miss them when they retire. :(

 

5) On the sleeve for this record, Linda was photographed on roller skates. Emergency rooms report a spike in wrist injuries, with people falling off skates and skateboards and jamming their wrists catching softballs. Have you recently been to the Emergency Room or Urgent Care?   no, it has been a few years since I have needed to go to the Urgent Care sick.  It has been a really long time since I have been to the E.R.  I am visiting my doctors this summer though for check ups...so far so good.

 

6) It's July, so summer is in full swing. Bug bites are a big summer annoyance. Are you itching and scratching this morning?  not really.  I stay inside so I do not get bit.  I have to spray bug repellent on if I am going outside.

Since this is our last Saturday 9 before Independence Day, let's ask some questions related to the holiday. 

 

6) The Pennsylvania Evening Post was the first newspaper to print the Declaration of Independence. What's the most recent printed media you have read (newspaper, magazine, newsletter, etc.)?  I am not even sure.  Maybe our school district magazine.  I mostly read articles on my phone or internet, or I watch the news on tv.

7) In high school, Sam was crazy about American history and got good grades. Science was her worst subject. In high school, where did you shine? In what subject were your grades not so hot?  I was good at sciences, english, foreign languages and music classes.  I was awful at math and history oh and P.E.  I hated P.E.

8) The first 4th of July parade each year is held at 12:01 AM in Gatlinberg, TN. Will you attend a parade or fireworks to celebrate the 4th?  I doubt it, just because as soon as the fireworks start going off here...our dog Meisha will be scared.  I like to stay home with her when the fireworks are going off.  Karl's sister always has a cookout and fireworks that we are invited to.  Maybe Karl and Josh can go when Josh gets off work.  I doubt that as Josh hates fireworks.  Karl and I may go furniture shopping sometime this weekend, but that is about it.   We will be flying our flag high and maybe watching fireworks on tv and possibly eating some hot dogs and hamburgers.


9) Americans love to celebrate our independence. In fact, there are more than 30 towns all across the US called Independence. There are two in MN alone (one outside Duluth, the other west of Minneapolis). Please google it and let us know: does your state have an Independence?  I am not sure what this means.  I am so embarrassed.   Our state has an Independence, MO.  It is close to Kansas City, MO.

Happy 4th of July!

Tuesday 4 Meme- Looking back...

 

Looking back...

Hello friends and once again welcome to Toni Taddeo's Tuesday 4.   I am so happy to have people joining in and making this so much fun.

I am listening to a nostalgic music channel right now with songs of the 40's  and it  made me think that perhaps we could discuss some
nostalgia here.  I hope you will enjoy thinking about these questions this week.

1. What music were your parents listening to when you were a kid?  Does that music bring back memories for you?  My mom was a huge Elvis fan, so some Elvis, but mostly old country, Dolly, Kenny, Loretta Lynn, etc.  I love old country.  I am not sure that it brings back memories other than just being a kid.  It is the 80's and 90's music from when I was in high school and college that brings back specific memories for me of school and friends.

2. What was your favorite meal and beverage as a teenager?  Is it still or have things changed for you?  When I was a teen, I loved homemade pizza, but we did not have it very often.  I drank unsweet tea a lot.  I would say now my favorite meal is anything Mexican and I love sweet tea and Pepsi.

3. As a teen did you live in a city, country, small town?  What was it like for you there.   Tell us about your hometown please?  I lived in a small town.  Everyone knew everyone and I had great friends.  It is close to a tourist town, so I would go to Silver Dollar City and Table Rock lake a lot.  Josh is working at Silver Dollar City this summer, so when I take him to work I get to drive through my hometown.  I must admit, it is weird leaving and coming back to the town we live in now.  I think my heart belongs there.  So many good memories. 

4. Would you like to live in your hometown today? Why or why not?  I would love to still live there.  It is beautiful!  The hills and trees and the lake view is gorgeous.  The people there are awesome.  It is also where I work.

Saturday 9: Better Now

 

Better Now

Saturday 9: Better Now (2018)

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

1) In this song, Post Malone tries to assure his ex that he's better now ... but he's not. He's still hurting. Have you recently told someone you were fine when you weren't?  I do this a lot, but lately...not really.  I am a person that needs time to myself and if I get that, I do ok.  I also need to be careful and stay busy.  Josh and I went to visit my mom yesterday and did a little shopping.  That was good for all of us.  It is about balance for me.

 

2) He and his girl were so close he introduced her to his extended family, and now his aunts and uncles wonder where she's gone. Have you remained close to an ex's friends/family?  no

 

3) He sings that he never meant to let her down. What about you? Have you recently encountered anything -- big or small -- that didn't live up to your expectations?  not recently.

4) Post recently announced he will soon become a father for the first time. Do you know anyone who is currently expecting a baby?  One of the teachers I work with is expecting another baby.

5) Before making it big as a musician, he supported himself as a wedding DJ. Think back to the last wedding you attended. Did they have a live band or a DJ?  DJ

 
6) Not satisfied being a successful musician, Post has branched out and introduced his own rose wine, Maison No. 9. Will you replenish your beer/wine/spirits this weekend?  We do not drink.

 
7) Post Malone has more than 70 different tattoos. He designs them himself and is so into ink that he has tattooed his friends. Would you trust a friend or relative to do your body art (tattoo or piercing)? Or would you go to a licensed professional?  I am not interested in tattoos and my days of piercing...which I only ever pierced my ears numerous times...those days are over.  It would depend on if my friend were really good at piercing, but I do not know anyone that is...so I guess my answer is go to a professional.

 

8) In 2018, when this song was popular, Sears filed for bankruptcy. In the 1970s, Sears was known as the place "Where America Shops." As of 2021, there were only 23 Sears stores left. Did you ever shop at Sears, either at the store or through the catalog?  I remember when I was little we would go to Sears and I saw Winnie the Pooh there.  There was a clothing line I believe that was Winnie the Pooh themed.  I am sure we did some catalog shopping too.  As an adult I went to the store.  Sears has closed here also.  It was such a busy store for so long.  In the end hardly anyone was ever in there and the quality of the merchandise was not as good as it had been in the past.

9) Random question: What's your favorite way to spend an evening at home alone?  I like to read if I am alone.  Maybe watch a Hallmark movie.