Tuesday 4 Meme- Blogging

 

Blogging

Welcome to Toni Taddeo's Tuesday 4 kept up in her memory.  This week the

questions were supplied by Pamela Steiner... Here we go, let's talk about

Blogging!

1. Tell us about your blog. When did you start blogging?  This blog was

started in 2010 as I look over at my blog archive, but I was definitely

blogging when I went back to work in 2005.  I have had 3-4 blogs. 

I have had this one the longest.  Susan will know the answer to this

question.  I started about the same time as she did.

2. What prompted you to begin blogging?  I had my country family website

and many of the girls started blogging.  The country graphics community

was all about keeping up with the latest and greatest website tricks, so

most of us followed over to blogging.  I do not think any of us used blogspot

at first, I used geocities and was able to use my country graphics.  I shortly

moved over to blogspot for my second blog and I was able to use my country 

graphics there as well.  I then moved to wordpress and Jana Gursofsky

helped me get set up with my country graphics.  She started back to work

a few years after that and so did I.  I ended up letting my domain go and 

came back to blogspot.  By that time I did not have time to keep up with

how to do the HTML for country graphics in blogspot and so I started

using the blogger templates.  The old country graphics are more my style

like Susan uses.  My graphics are all gone now.  My computer crashed at

one point and I lost almost everything.  The short answer to this question

was I started blogging to keep up with my country graphics friends. 

We were able to get to know one another better by blogging and at that 

point people stopped updating their country websites as much and put

their time in blogs.  I sill blog to keep up with my country graphics 

friends, but now to meet new friends too.

3. What was your first blog about and why did you choose
that subject/title?  My first blog was called The Ray Family Blog, since my

website was title was The Ray Family Website, I thought it would be

easiest to find me by keeping a similar name.  I think my blog was mostly

about what Josh and I were up to.  I blogged everyday for many years.

Then I pretty much stopped and thanks to these memes, I am able to blog

a little more regularly.  My blog archives says I only made 7 posts in 2017.

I remember those days.  I felt so bad and missed everyone so much. I mostly

would post in the summer when I was off those years I did not make many

posts.    I am almost positive it was Toni that started doing the memes again

and I decided to at least do those.

4. How has your blog changed over time, and has it done for you what you hoped
it would do in the first place?  My graphics have changed and my content has

changed. When I was blogging everyday I would post what I was doing and 

what was coming up.  Josh was little and had started school, so I talked

about him a lot.  Then I moved to blogging more about myself when I was

taking my college classes and working full time.  Now I mostly just do

memes.  Toni made up memes back in the day too and I loved doing 

those then too because I would just do the meme for that day and I 

would have more to write about the next day.  She had a couple.  Here

is her linkie to one of her other ones besides Tuesday 4 Meme.

(Creative Adventures) Was that meme about writing prompts?  

Does anyone remember?  It seems like she gave a prompt and we would 

write a short story using that prompt?  I may be completely wrong...hahaha 

She had another one that was I say a word and you say...that one was easy.

I always did that one.  I am not a good writer though for Creative Adventures. 

Toni was so talented in so many ways.  Gosh, I miss her.  Here is her linkie...I

found it in my images here at this blog, so there is a post somewhere at this 

blog using this meme.  I found a couple in 2011...if you look in the comments

Toni made a comment and so did Marge.  They are both gone now from this 

earth, but they are together in heaven.  Click the linkie to see the post:

Pam, thank-you for these questions!  I am always so happy when I get to think

back on those country graphics days.  That was such a great time in my life, 

getting to stay home with Josh, but also meeting people from all over the world. 

I have only met two online friends in person, but we will all be together in heaven!

Sunday Stealing- Wattpad

 

Wattpad

 

1. 3 things I love:  God, my family &friends and animals

2. Last song I listened to  I think it was a song by Sandy Posey.  Josh

was playing some music for me.

3. Turn offs:  cigarettes, excessive cursing, liars, mean people

4. What color underwear are you wearing right now?  black

5. How many tattoos do you have?  none, I don't care for those either.

6. How many piercings do you have? 5...3 in one ear and 2 in the other.

I did this with my roommates in college.

7. Meaning behind my URL  I created this blog when I was in college,

working full time and Josh was in elementary school.  My dogs were

also puppies.  I was very busy.  I am not so much anymore, but why 

change my URL?

8. What I find attractive in other people.  Kindness, grace, beautiful spirit

9. Something that’s currently worrying me.  the delta variant of covid.

10. Something that’s constantly on my mind.  My son Josh.  I worry about his

mental health a lot.  He is ok, I just worry about him.

11. My favorite store.  Ulta, Cato, JCPenney, Bath and Body Works

12. What I did yesterday.  I finished a book, took Josh to work.  cleaned a little

around the house and hurt my back again.  I had to go to the chiropractor

again today (Friday).

13. My favorite blog  the blogs I read

14. Someone I miss  My dad

15. Reason why I follow Sunday Stealing  I enjoy the bloggers that participate 

in Sunday Stealing.  The questions are fun and I like getting to know people.

I learn a lot from each one of you!  You all got me started with books, I think

it was a Sunday Stealing blogger that recommended my new favorite bra.

So many things.  Good advice from you all.

 Have a Happy and safe 4th of July!

Saturday 9- Star Spangled Banner

 

Star Spangled Banner

Saturday 9: The National Anthem (2016)
... because it's 4th of July

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

1) An early handwritten manuscript of "The Star Spangled Banner" (complete with scratch outs) is preserved at the Maryland Historical Society. Today, much of what we write is preserved in The Cloud. Do you often write down your thoughts with pen or pencil? Or do you do everything on your laptop, pad or phone?  I sometimes will write something down with pen and paper, but mostly I use my laptop or phone.  I do my grocery lists on my phone.
 
2) It's well-known that the lyrics were written by Francis Scott Key. Not so well known is John Stafford Smith, the British composer who gave us the music. He is buried in England's Gloucester Cathedral, under both the US and UK flags. Where is the nearest United States flag waving near you right now?  We have a flag that flies outside our house.
 
3) This week's video features Lady Gaga singing The National Anthem before the 2016 Super Bowl. She also performed it at President Biden's Inauguration last January. When is the last time you sang it?  I sing along when I hear it being played, but not exactly sure when the last time was.
 
4) Our second and third Presidents, John Adams and Thomas Jefferson, both died on July 4, 1826. OK, it's your turn. Share a Presidential fact.  James Monroe was the fifth President, but the third to die on the 4th of July.  It is funny you bring that up...the kids at school were telling me about the Presidents that died on the 4th of July when school was still in session.  My Grandma Burkett (my dad's mom) also died on the 4th of July.
 
5) John Hancock said his signature on the Declaration of Independence was intentionally large so King George could see it without his glasses. Do you need glasses to read?  yes, unfortunately I need glasses for everything now.  I did not need them until I was 40.

6) The Revolutionary War still raged during that summer of 1777. General George Washington allowed his soldiers to celebrate with a double ration of run on July 4. Will you be toasting the United States with an adult beverage this weekend?  no, in fact I am not sure if we are going to watch fireworks with family or staying home with the dogs.  They get so scared on the 4th of July.  We usually stay home with them.  Last year Josh and I went outside and watched fireworks at our house and Karl stayed inside with them.

 

7) Since this year, July 4th falls on a Sunday, banks and post offices will be closed will be closed on Monday. Thanks to email and ATMs, Sam doesn't find this a hardship. How about you? Do you find it inconvenient to go three days without regular USPS delivery or access to a teller at the bank?  Not at all.  I am glad they get the day off.
 
8) Celebrity chef Rachael Ray says she considers mini-hamburgers, or "sliders," the All-American food. What will you be eating this 4th of July?  We will probably do some grilling....burgers and hotdogs.  Maybe steaks.
 
9) The 4th of July is a highlight of the summer season. Have you yet suffered the traditional warm weather maladies: sunburn or bug bites?  I haven't been out much.  No, not yet.  I typically have more problems with bug bites though.

Tuesday 4 Meme- That's Entertainment!

 

That's Entertainment!

Welcome once again to Toni Taddeo's Tuesday 4... I am so happy you

continue to participate and I know Toni would be as well. I miss our talks.

We were very much alike and shared so many of the same interests. 

Actually I never met anyone like her before and I miss our talks so very much.

Let's talk about entertainment, okay?



1. Do you have an actor or actress whose movies you hate to miss?  Not really, 

but I typically enjoy everything Tom Cruise does, but it wouldn't be a big

deal if I missed one. 

2. Is there a movie or TV program you could watch over and over again?  I am

so weird about once I have watched something, I do not really want to see it

again. However, I just read and saw Jane Eyre for the first time.  I loved it

and I watched a few different versions of it one week.  I guess I could

go with that one.  I equally loved the movie Wuthering Heights too.  I

have not read that book yet, but it is on my list.  Love the Bronte's.

3. Do you have a list of books or magazines you are hoping to read over the summer? 

Would you share it with us? Bonus: do you make a cuppa something or a snack when

you read?  I am looking forward to reading The Maidens by Alex Michaelides, The

Last Thing He Told Me by Laura Dave and People We Meet on Vacation by Emily

Henry.  I have many on my list, but those are books I am excited about.  I do not

snack or drink when I am reading.  I usually read late at night.

4. What kind of music do you enjoy listening to?  Mostly 80's classic music.

Sunday Stealing- Getting to Know You

Getting to Know You

1. Do you like or dislike surprises? Why or why not?  I think it depends on 

what it is.  If it is good, then I love surprises, if bad...I would hate it.

2. In the evening, would you rather play a game, visit a relative, watch a movie,

or read?  Visit a relative, but late at night when everyone has gone to bed,

I like to read.

3. Would you rather vacation in Hawaii or Alaska, and why?

Hawaii.  I love the beach and warm weather.

4. Would you rather win the lottery or work at the perfect job? And why?  I feel

like I do have the perfect job for me.  With that said, I would love to win

the lottery so we would not have to worry about bills and we could set Josh

up for life.  The perfect thing would be for me to win the lottery and be able 

to work part time.

5. If you could go back in time, what year would you travel to?  My Grandparents

house.  I will say 2000.  My Grandparents and dad were all alive and Josh was 

just a little guy.  I found this picture of him and I about that time.  This was in

Florida at a botanical garden.

6. Aside from necessities, what one thing could you not go a day without?  

7. How many pairs of shoes do you own? 20ish maybe.  I do not wear all

of them.  I wear maybe 6-7.  I just can't throw them away.  I need to.

8. What would you do if you won the lottery?  I would pay off our bills and

buy a new house and cars.  Take a vacation.  Those are the first things

I would do.  I would want to take care of my mom and Karl's parents

too and donate some money to charity.

9. What form of public transportation do you prefer? (air, boat, train, bus, car, etc.)

I guess car.  That is the only way I have ever traveled.

10. What's your favorite zoo animal?  I love them all, but in our zoo, you can 

feed the giraffes, so I always enjoy them here at our zoo.

11. If you could go back in time to change one thing, what would it be?  I would 

finish my typing class with my dad.  I never thought I would need typing, but

look at us here needing keyboarding skills everyday.  I have his students tell

me all of the time his class helped them more than any other.  I only took a

half year of typing and that is a regret I have in my life.  I also wish I would 

have taken art.  

12. How many pillows do you sleep with?  one

13. What's the longest you've gone without sleep (and why)?  In college I decided

 to "pull an all nighter" to study for a test with a friend.  It was stupid and I

do not think it helped.  I was awake for about 36 hours or so...then I crashed.

I never did it again.  I sleep some every night...it may not be very many hours,

but I do not try to stay up at night.  I made sure to study for my tests a 

little along after that so I was ready for the test when it was time.

14. What's the tallest building you've been to the top in?  I am not sure.  It isn't 

very high though. I am thinking it was our condo in Orange Beach, but I 

cannot remember how high it was.  I took my nephews to the roof.  I bet

the lighthouse was taller though.  I have never been in a very tall building.

15.  What are your hobbies?  I like to read, play computer games and watch tv.

Saturday 9- One Bad Apple

 

One Bad Apple

One Bad Apple (1971)

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

1) This song is a play on the old saying that one bad apple can spoil the bunch, or that the bad behavior of one member can reflect badly on the whole group. Do you think that's true?  I do think that is true, unless you know the group really well and know better.  My mom always told me "you are judged by the company you keep".  I can't say I stay away from people because of that though.  I like everyone and try to give everyone a chance.

 

2) The Osmonds began as The Osmond Brothers, a barbershop quartet that performed at the original Disneyland in Anaheim, California. Today there are 9 Disney Resorts all around the world, as far away as Shanghai. Have you ever been to a Walt Disney property?  We have been to Disney World a few times, so that includes Magic Kingdom, Animal Kingdom and Epcot.  We did not stay at a Disney resort, but I would love to.  Josh fell in love with Cinderella at Disney World.  Such fun memories.  He still loves Cinderella.  Sorry this is grainy, our camera pictures are so bad.  I like the cell phone pictures so much better.

 

3) By the time the Osmonds made this record, Donny had joined the group and became their breakout star. Without looking it up, can you name any of the other four brothers who performed in video clip?  no, not right now.

 

4) In the 1970s, adolescent girls learned through teen magazines that Donny's favorite color is purple, and that he was especially fond of purple socks. Today, socks are a very big business. There are designer sock manufacturers and even a sock of the month club. Is there a wardrobe item you're very particular about?  I like Bombas socks ...they help my feet and legs to not hurt so much..and Davy Piper (Nellie) bras....are the most comfortable bra I have ever had. I also like Saucony tennis shoes.  They fit my feet so good and they are comfortable.  I left links if you want ton take a look.

5) Donny and younger sister Marie had their own TV variety show. One regular segment had them performing a medley of popular songs, and it began with Marie singing, "I'm a little bit country," followed by Donny's musical reply, "I'm a little bit rock and roll." In this regard, are you more like sister or brother?  I am a bit of both, but I will go with brother.  I like rock and roll the most.

 

6) Donny's popularity continues today. Fans have seen him win Dancing with the Stars (season 9) and come in as a runner up on the first season of The Masked Singer. Do you watch either of these shows -- or other competition series, like American Idol, The Voice, America's Got Talent, etc.?  I only watch The Voice.  I watch it to keep in touch with a friend...we text during The Voice and talk about it.  We would lose touch otherwise.  I do not like watching The Voice too much, but it is worth it to stay in touch.

7) Donny has also appeared on Broadway. He surprised audiences and got rave reviews as arrogant bad guy Gaston in Disney's Beauty and the Beast. Tell us about a time when your behavior surprised those who know you well.  I can't think of anything.  I will think about it.

8) Donny is also a grandfather, many times over! Sam admits she's not crazy about that revelation because it makes her feel old. What's something that makes you feel your years?  My aching body makes me feel old.  Otherwise, I feel like the kids at school keep me young.

9) Random question: We're filling a pinata with your favorite candies. What should we buy?  Dove chocolates, skittles, M&M's.  I love candy, I would be so happy to have my very own pinata of candy...hee, hee.

Tuesday 4 Meme- Questions....

 

Questions....
Welcome to Tuesday 4 in honor of Toni Taddeo...



1. Do you have a favorite movie to recommend?  I watched several movies

over the weekend with a free preview of HBO and Cinemax.  I watched

Jane Eyre, Harriet, Wonder Woman 1984, Mr. Rogers documentary, The

Art of Racing in the Rain and Luca from Disney Plus. They were all 

good movies.

2. Do you have a schedule for your day or do you wing it?  I have a schedule

when I am working. I kind of wing it in the summer.


3. What are you eating/cooking lately?  This and that.  We do not 

change our dinners much.


4. Do you surf on your computer? Tell us about it, won't you?  I have my siggie

sites I like to visit to see if there are updates, but I do not surf a lot.  I mostly

play my games and of course blog.