Saturday 9: Cruella de Vil

I think we all need something a little fun right now with all that's going on in the world, so I'm linking up with the Saturday 9.

Saturday 9: Cruella de Vil (1961)

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

1) In the original animated 101 Dalmations, this song is written by Roger, who gets his best ideas at the piano. Where do you feel most creative?  At my desk surrounded by my books, music, and all my favorite things.

 

2) His piano is tucked away in a crowded attic. Does your home have an attic? If so, what do you keep up there?  No attic. If we had one it would be full of seasonal decorations and all the sentimental things I can't part with.

 

3) The inspiration for this song is his wife's old school chum, the very wealthy and very mean Cruella de Vil. Have you ever found you couldn't stand one of your spouse's or lover's friends?  Unfortunately, yes, but only once.

  

4) Make no mistake, Cruella is a very bad lady. The American Film Institute named her #38 on their 100 Greatest Villains list. Tell us another nasty movie character who comes to mind.  The Sheriff of Nottingham in Robin Hood: Prince of Thieves. The late Alan Rickman was brilliant in the role.

5) Cruella wanted to skin sweet little Dalmation puppies and make a coat. (We told you she was bad.) As winter wears on, could you use a new coat (though not one made from puppy fur!)?  No, I have several. 

6) This song was written by Mel Leven, who did both words and music. Do you think you'd be more successful as a lyricist (words) or composer (music)?  A lyricist. I have zero musical talent.

7) 1961 was a big year for Disney. In addition to this animated movie, they had a hit with The Parent Trap, about twins who are reunited at summer camp. Approx. 1 in every 250 births results in twins. Are there any twins in your family?  My mother's younger sisters.

8) Also in 1961, IBM introduced the Selectric typewriter. Amazon and Walmart both still sell typewriters. Do you own one?  You know, I'm not sure. My old electric one might be stored somewhere. Oh, wait! I do have a big black antique one that I bought in a junk shop for $20...just for decoration and inspiration.

9) Random question: When is the last time you took a nap?  Friday afternoon. The cold, rainy day seemed to demand it.

**I started this blog very quickly in response to my old one freezing up. It has never really been what I wanted. It's just been a space. Keep your eyes open in the near future for my new blog home. I'm working on it and trying to make it what I've been wanting.

Saturday 9: Lady of Spain

Saturday 9: Lady of Spain (1952)

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

1) The lyrics refer to serenading "caballeros," which is Spanish for "gentlemen." Can you say anything to us in Spanish this morning?  Si. Buenos dias. Que pasa?

 

2) Eddie Fisher sings that he's loved this lady since he first saw her. Do you believe in love at first sight?  Yes, I think it can happen, but that one needs to be careful to know the difference between love and physical attraction.

  

3) He was drafted and served a year in Korea. Then he spent the rest of his active duty period as vocalist for the Army Band, performing on military bases. (He was still technically PFC Edwin Fisher when he recorded this.) Did you ever play with a band? If so, what instrument?  Hahahahaha! That would be a no. Zero musical talent going on here. I did play in a handbell choir when I was in 6th grade (every girl had to). I got around my lack of talent by learning to count the notes and having the teacher mark my notes. I managed fairly well that way.

4) From 1953 to 1957, Eddie hosted Coke Time, a TV variety show sponsored by Coca Cola. What's your soft drink of choice?  Diet Coke or as they are beginning to call it, Coke Zero.

5) Though Coke Time is mostly forgotten today, Eddie was nominated for two Emmy Awards and won a Golden Globe for his work on the show. Have you ever taken home a trophy?  I've won a few awards, but never an actual trophy.

6) Today Eddie Fisher may be best known as the father of Carrie Fisher. She made more than 50 movies and wrote 8 books. Are you more familiar with her as an actress or author?  As an actress. I've never read any of her books.

7) In 1952, when this song was popular, hamburger meat sold for just 53¢/lb. Is there any beef in your refrigerator right now?  It's in the freezer, not the refrigerator, but yes. We went to the meat market last weekend.

8) Also in 1952, Mr. Potato Head became the first toy to be advertised on TV. What recent TV commercial comes to mind?  I really can't think of one. We watch TV via streaming and pay the upgrade to not have commercials on most of the services. The only one I can think of that pops up in my online games is the one about Medusa...I can't tell you what it's selling.

9) Random question: If you could live within any TV show ever, which would you choose?  Ever? Sign me up for Happy Days!

Thanks as always to Sam @ Saturday 9 for the music and questions!

  

Saturday 9: I'm the Only One

Saturday 9: I'm the Only One (1993)

Join the fun here. Thanks to Sam for the music and questions.

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

1) Melissa Etheridge sings this song as though her heart is breaking. What's your favorite love song? Is it about falling in love, being in love, or losing love? I am not typically drawn to "love songs", but I absolutely adore the entire soundtrack to 1998's Parent Trap, which ranks in my top 5 most romantic movies of all time. I can't choose just one so here are a few.

L-O-V-E by Nat King Cole

This Will Be (An Everlasting Love) by Natalie Cole

I Love You for Sentimental Reasons by Linda Ronstadt

2) "I'm the Only One" is a favorite song of American Idol contestants, having been performed four different times. If we were to have a Saturday 9 karaoke night, what song would you do?  Yikes! Since anything I sing sounds like the caterwauling of an anxiety ridden cat, I wouldn't be participating. However, if my fairy godmother showed up and gave me a decent voice, I'd probably do something fun for everyone to sing along with like one of these.

Sweet Caroline by Neil Diamond

Wagon Wheel by Darius Rucker

Piano Man by Billy Joel

3) A rocker at heart, Melissa Etheridge began her career in her teen years, playing with local country groups. Which do you enjoy more: country or rock?  I'm not locked into any one genre. I enjoy all kinds of music and move in and out of phases where I'm more in the mood for one than the other.

4) In 1985, Melissa sent a demo to Olivia Records, hoping for a record deal. She was rejected. Her debut CD was released in 1988 on the Island label and went gold. Tell us about a time you bounced back from professional adversity.  My boss at the nursing home was absolutely dreadful. I loved the job, but could not deal with her constant criticisms and put downs. I tried dropping back to part time hours so I would only have to work in the memory care unit and not see her, but then the home had financial problems and the pandemic came along and that wasn't going to remain the case...so I left. I took a little over a year off and now I have a fun job that I love. **Just to note, I recently learned the woman was fired. 

5) In her personal life, Melissa has faced major challenges, including breast cancer and the death of her son. She credits music with helping her heal emotionally. What gives you strength?  My relationship with God through Jesus Christ.

6) Melissa is a vegetarian, so her diet emphasizes plant-based foods like fruits, grains, nuts and vegetables. What was your most recent meal? Would it qualify as vegetarian?  No vegetarians here, though sometimes in the summer when produce is fresh I will make a meat-free meal. Last night's meal was beef rice with ground beef, mushrooms, and a few veggies thrown in.

7) In 1993, the year this song was popular, a massive storm dropped a record 56" of snow in Mount Le Conte, TN. Have you done much shoveling this winter?  Not too much. We've only had one big snow so far. I remember the winter of '92-'93. We got hit hard here. Everyone talks about the blizzard of '93, but we were hit worse a few months earlier in December of '92. My town made the national news as the epicenter of a "perfect storm." We got more than 3 feet of snow in less than 24 hours. My husband was at work and his employer sent a crew and machines to help dig the town out. He didn't come home for 3 days. There was so much snow there was no place to put it. They had to put it in big trucks and haul it away to dump. Thankfully, our power stayed on because I was stranded at home with a 6 year old and a 4 month old baby.

8) One of the most popular movies of 1993 was A Few Good Men, starring Tom Cruise, Demi Moore and Jack Nicholson, who famously said, "You can't handle the truth!" What's the most recent movie you watched?  At the theater it was the new Spiderman movie with a client. At home it was Olympus Has Fallen which is one of Tim's favorites.

9) Random question: Dessert is on us! Describe your perfect ice cream sundae.  Vanilla ice cream, warm butterscotch topping, no whipped cream, but extra maraschino cherries.

Saturday 9: Moody Blue

Okay, I'm going to take a chance and play along with Sam and the gang at the Saturday 9, but don't hate me if I don't get around to visit everyone...or anyone. Ever since our daughter used my laptop on Thursday to download a resume for someone, it has been torturously slow. I have a feeling a trip to the repair shop is in the immediate future.

Cross your fingers I can get through this!

Saturday 9: Moody Blue (1977)

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

1) This song was recorded in the special studio Elvis had built in the Jungle Room of Graceland. During the pandemic, have you made like Elvis and worked from home?  No. For the first year and a half I didn't work. The job I have now is not one I'm able to do from home, though I do bring one client to spend time at the house.

2) Elvis sings that his girl is completely unpredictable. Which quality to you find more attractive: spontaneity or dependability?  It's good to be able to be spontaneous and fun, but flying by the seat of one's pants all the time would get old rather quickly, I think. In the long run, I'd rather have someone I can depend on.

3) He only performed the song once in concert. In February 1977, shortly after the record was released, Elvis sang "Moody Blue" live in Charlotte, NC, but had to rely on lyric sheet. Crazy Sam can sympathize because she seems to forget passwords as soon as she sets them. Do you often struggle with your memory?  Mostly just when it comes to names. I've never been good at remembering names and now that I'm closing in on 60 I've noticed it's worse than ever. And it's very annoying.

4) "Moody Blue" was the final hit of Elvis' lifetime, only getting to #31 in the US but reaching #3 in the UK. What's your favorite Elvis song?  It's a tie between

and

5) We're focusing on Elvis this week because January 8 would be his 87th birthday. He enjoyed celebrating his birthday by renting the Memphis movie theater and watching the latest movie with an invited group of friends. What's your favorite way to celebrate your birthday?  Hmm...I don't know. My family wasn't one for making a big deal of birthdays and I don't think Tim's was, either, because doesn't pay much attention. Dinner with friends and family or going somewhere would be good, I think.

6) For his 11th birthday, young Elvis asked for a rifle or a bicycle. His mother deemed the gun too dangerous and the bike too expensive and instead gave her son his first guitar. Tell us about a memorable birthday from your youth.  The only one I remember was the white and lime green Schwin Stingray bike I got for my 7th birthday. It had the high handlebars, a sparkly green banana seat, and sparkly white and green streamers on the handlebars. I loved that bike! I have tried to find a picture of it online, but have never found anything close. It must have been some sort of special edition or promotional thing because it was not part of Schwin's regular line.

7) Elvis loved horses and kept them in the stable at Graceland. His favorite was a palomino named Rising Sun. To honor both horse and rider, Elvis' daughter has always kept a palomino in the stable whose name includes "sun." The current resident is Tuscan Sun. Known as "Tucky," he's lived at Graceland for more than 20 years now and is a favorite of Alene Alexander, who maintains the stable and reports he has "attitude and knows he's prettier than everybody else." Tell us about an animal who holds a place in your heart.  While I love our current pets, Daisy and Jasper, the one who will always be the one was our Beagle/Basset Hound mix, Elvis ('cause he wasn't nothing but a hound dog). There was something special about him. He had such a calming, comforting effect on everyone. If we had known what to do, he would have been an amazing therapy dog. I know I cried gallons of tears on his soft ears and our daughter credits his presence with keeping her from totally giving in to despair during her late teens and early 20's. I agree that he did. We were devastated when we lost him.

8) Throughout his life, Elvis had trouble sleeping. As a preteen, he was a sleepwalker. As an adult, he battled insomnia. Is sleep an issue for you?  It never used to be, but for the last 10 years or so it's been rare that I sleep more than 6 hours a night. It doesn't matter how tired I am, I just can't sleep longer. In the last 2-3 years I've started having trouble falling asleep to begin with and usually take a sleeping pill that sometimes helps, sometimes doesn't.

9) Random question: Do you wear your shoes in the house?  No. I always wear slippers in the house. To my dismay my husband tends to wear his work boots in the house if he's going to be in and out rather than tying and untying them. It's an annoyance...especially during wet, muddy seasons.

Saturday 9: The Promise of a New Day

Saturday 9: The Promise of a New Day (1991)

Hello and happy new year! This is my first post since before Christmas. I feel like I've been gone for ages and ages. How is everyone? Were your Christmases wonderful? I do hope they were. I also hope and pray that your new year is filled with blessings and joy beyond compare.

Now, with thanks to Sam @ Saturday 9 for the music and questions, let's get on with the show!

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

 

 

Welcome to the first Saturday 9 of 2022.

1) In this song, Paula Abdul celebrates the promise of a new day. Here at Saturday 9, we're celebrating the promise of a new year. What do you hope 2022 will bring?  An end to the pandemic and lives put on hold...an end to all the hatred and division along political, racial, and vaccine lines...health and unspeakable joy for all my family and friends.

 

2) She sings that we should see the wisdom from mistakes of the past. What wisdom did you gain in 2021?  Life is lived and ends in the blink of an eye, so appreciate every minute, let go of the crap, forgive more, and love more.

 

3) What is something you'd like to spend more time doing in 2022?  Eating better and exercising.

 
4) Paula Abdul was once a "Laker Girl" and performed at L.A. Laker games. Do you have a favorite NBA team?  Nope

 

5) In 2009, she hosted RAH!, an elite cheer leading competition.  Do you remember any cheers from your school years?  A couple. One from when I was a midget cheerleader and some from high school pep rallies.

6) While famous for performing, Paula has arguably been more successful for her work behind the scenes, winning an Emmy for her choreography. Are you comfortable being the center of attention? Or would you rather work behind the scenes?  It totally depends on the situation and what's going on, what I'm doing, and who is paying attention. I'd be okay in some situations, but not in a lot more.

 

7) She taught actor Val Kilmer how to dance for his role as Jim Morrison in the biopic The Doors. What talent, knowledge or advice have you recently shared?  Earlier this week a small group of women from the church met to discuss what we can do as a church to meet the needs of seniors who are alone and/or isolated. We all shared ideas and experiences.

8) Paula was diagnosed with rheumatoid arthritis in 2005 and uses a prescription biologic every day to help her cope with pain in her toes. On your last trip to the drug store, did you pick up a prescription, or something else?  The last trip? Tim got a sample of some new CBD capsules and I got fuzzy socks.

9) Random question: You have been house-hunting for months. You finally find your dream home and are just about to say "yes" when you spot a mouse scurrying across the floor. Would you take the house anyway?  I would probably ask a few more questions and have it checked out. As long as the walls are full of them I'd probably still buy the house. There are ways to take care of the mice.

Saturday 9: Drivers License

Saturday 9: Drivers License (2021)

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

1) This song is about a girl who just got her drivers license. Who taught you to drive?  My husband did when we were dating, but I didn't get my license until after we were married and had our first child. We were living with my grandmother at the time and she is the one who coached me through my permit time. Waiting so long was not my choice. I wanted my license just like every teen, but my dad refused to teach me (no idea why my mom didn't) and he said I had to take driver's education at school. It would have been fine, but the school district was experiencing budget woes at the time and driver's ed was cancelled my senior year.

2) Do you like your drivers license/state ID photo?  It's not that bad. The people who take the photos at our licensing center give you final approval and will take 2 or 3 shots to get one that satisfies you. I usually just okay the first try because...it's a driver's license photo, it's not going to look like a high quality portrait no matter what you do.

3) Think back to the first ticket you received. How old were you, and what was it for?  I've never received a ticket.

4) In this week's song, Olivia Rodrigo is brokenhearted, driving through her boyfriend's neighborhood, certain that he has taken up with the sophisticated blonde girl. When it comes to romance, do you have a jealous streak?  Well, I've been married for 37 years so I don't really have a reason to be jealous, but even back in the day when I was dating I don't think I was jealous, possibly insecure, but not jealous.

5) Olivia grew up in Temecula, California. Temecula is home to 40 wineries and dozens of tasting rooms. Have you ever attended a wine tasting?  Oh yes, many! We have a lot of wineries in Pennsylvania and I enjoy visiting them and trying the wines. Some of them have beautiful grounds, stores, and facilities and are wonderful destinations.

6) Her first on-screen appearance was in a commercial for Old Navy stores. Old Navy is owned by the same company as Banana Republic, Gap and Athletica. Have you done any of your holiday shopping at one of those stores? (Yes, their websites count.)  Only Old Navy. We have a store in our mall and when the kids were teenagers I did a lot of shopping there for them.

7) She went on to star in projects for Disney studios. That's also how pop stars Britney Spears, Justin Timberlake, Miley Cyrus, and Christina Aguilera got started. Arguably the first teen star created by Disney studios was Annette Funicello. Do you remember her?  She was actually before my time, but one of the local channels reran the old Mickey Mouse Club episodes when I was a kid, so I have seen them and I grew up watching and loving old movies. I loved her and Frankie's movies.

8) "Drivers License" was one of this year's most popular songs. One of this year's most popular books is John Grisham's The Judge's List. Do you expect to do much reading between now and the end of the year? If so, what's on your TBR (to be read) list?  I wish the answer was yes, but probably not. Between now and Christmas there is so much to do. The week between Christmas and New Year's is my best shot, but I'm not counting on it. I'm not scheduling any work that week, but Tim is taking a week of vacation and will be around. Plus, there is also the specter of those recently discovered stones in each of his kidneys. If they are going to act up...you just know it's going to be during the holidays. He's having a lot of pain now and we've not heard from the urologist yet (Tim's going to call her on Monday).

9) Random Question: What is the longest line you ever stood in, and was it worth it?  It was either the line for Splash Mountain at Disney World or the line for the Jaws ride at Universal Studios. I don't know which was officially the longest, but both were over 2 hours. Um...the rides were fun and all, but were they worth a 2 hour wait? Probably not, but when at Disney or Universal it's what you do.

Thanks to Crazy Sam @ Saturday 9 for the music and questions.

Saturday 9: Got My Mind Set on You

Saturday 9: Got My Mind Set on You (1976)

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

1) George Harrison sings that he requires money, patience and time. Which of those three do you wish for most this morning?  Time. Too much to do...cookies to bake for an event at church in the afternoon, a charity sale I'd like to hit this morning, the Christmas Tea at church, a client tonight.

2) This was long one of George's favorite songs. He first heard it back in September, 1963 -- months before the Beatles became an international phenomenon -- when he visited his sister in Benton, IL. Is there a song that reminds you of a trip you took?  No, I really can't think of one.
 
3) For years, George thought his birthday was February 25. When he was 17, he saw his birth certificate and learned he was really born on the 24th. His mother explained that he was born just before midnight on the 24th and she didn't get to hold him until early morning on the 25th, so she considered the 25th as his birthday. Do you know any interesting stories about the day you were born?  Other than it's also my mom's birthday, no.

4) When George was just 14, he met Paul McCartney on a bus en route to school. Tell us about a time when you met someone who ended up changing your life.  The first time I met my husband was at a job I had during my Christmas break from college in 1983. I was 19 and he was 22. Other than thinking his black hair and blue eyes were absolutely dreamy, my first memory is of some of the other guys daring him to try some hot pepper or something, him trying it, and then his racing to lie on the floor under the water cooler with the water pouring into his mouth. I wasn't exactly thinking this is the one! Ha! Oh my...so young and such fun days.

5) Then 17, John Lennon was not interested in letting George perform with his band. He dismissed George as too young. Paul insisted George get a chance and the rest, as they say, is history. Tell us about someone who stood up for you and helped you succeed.  I don't know if anyone ever had to stand up in order for me to succeed at anything, but my grandmother was definitely my biggest cheerleader and always encouraged me.

 

6) In the 1970s, George took up gardening. He said that clearing away weeds and overgrowth helped him clear his head, and he was very proud of his jasmine flowers. What's your hobby? Why do you enjoy it?  I have several, but reading and antiquing are probably at the top of the list. Reading is relaxing and a good book can transport you to another place. Antiquing is like going on a treasure hunt. It's the thrill of finding that special thing and I love learning about the history that goes along with it.

7) He also enjoyed playing ukulele and encouraged others to do the same. George often gave ukuleles as birthday and Christmas gifts. What's the last gift you received?  Gift cards that were given to Tim and I on our anniversary last month.

8) At the Academy Awards in spring 1976, another George was in the news. George Burns won an Oscar for his performance in The Sunshine Boys. Who was in the last movie you watched?  Home, Sweet Home Alone on Disney+ was the last movie I watched. I don't know the names of any of the actors....oh, wait, Keenan or Kel? Whichever one of them was on SNL. He is in it.

9) What's the last thing you dropped? Did it break?  I have no idea what I last dropped. I'm a bit of a klutz and drop stuff all the time. It didn't break, whatever it was.

Thanks, as always, to Crazy Sam @ the Saturday 9 for the music and questions! 

Saturdayy 9: Black Velvet

Saturday 9: Black Velvet (1989)

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

Love, love, LOVE this song! Thanks to Sam at the Saturday 9 for the music and questions.

1) This song was chosen because yesterday was Black Friday, the traditional day of sales. Have you begun your Christmas shopping?  Yes, I've been chipping away at it for a while now. I've done about a 50/50 mix of buying online and in the store so far. There have been other years when I've done all or nearly all online. I think the difference is that my job has me out and in the stores with many of my clients this year.

2)  Was there an adult beverage served with your Thanksgiving feast?  Not at dinner with our daughter's family, but I may have indulged in a cranberry wine/ginger ale spritzer (or two) when I got home.
 
3) Did any pets enjoy scraps from your Thanksgiving table?  Since we were at our daughter's home, it was her pets in question and I didn't give them anything since so much of it isn't supposed to be good for them. I don't know if she or the grands slipped them anything.

4) Are there any Thanksgiving leftovers in your refrigerator right now?  Yep, lots. Dinner may have been at our daughter's, but Mom still got to do the cooking.

5) Football is a popular Thanksgiving weekend pastime. Will you be watching any games over the next few days? If yes, which team(s) are you rooting for?  No. We don't watch much football.

6) This week's song is by Canadian Alannah Myles. She was born Alannah Byles (with a B), but changed her name to differentiate herself from her father. He was influential in Canadian broadcasting and she didn't want to be accused of riding his coattails. Have you ever received a professional leg up from a relative?  Not exactly. My sister-in-law told me the company she worked for was hiring drivers earlier this year and I went in to talk to them, heard about the position I have now while I was there and here I am.

7) In Canada, Thanksgiving is celebrated on the second Monday in October. Instead of pumpkin pie, Canadians traditionally enjoy butter tarts for dessert. What dessert was on your Thanksgiving menu?  Pumpkin pie.

8) "Black Velvet" is a tribute to Elvis. Songwriter Christopher Ward said he was inspired by a trip to Memphis, long after Elvis' death, where he spoke to The King's fans and was touched by how much they still loved their favorite singer. Who is your favorite singer?  Hmm....I don't really seem to have one these days. I will say I tend to favor deeper male voices over any other.

9) Share a memory from Thanksgiving 2020.  My husband was fighting a kidney stone. I cooked all morning, we went took it all to our daughter's and we were there for maybe two hours before he just wanted to come home. (He isn't feeling well this year, either. We stayed all afternoon, but he slept for a big part of it. I think he is becoming my dad in his old age. Dad, at one time or another when I was growing up, spent every holiday, anniversary, and birthday in the hospital...and some of them twice!)

Saturday 9: Without You

Without You (1972)

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

1) Nilsson sings that he can't forget this evening. Did anything happen this evening (or last night, if you're answering during the day) that you expect you'll recall for a long time?  Nope. It's been blissfully uneventful. Exactly what's been needed after a rough week.

2) In the 1960s, he worked in a very "un-rock-star" job: computer programmer in a bank. Looking over your career, have you more often worked in or out of an office setting?  Out. I've never really worked in an office setting.

 

3) He fibbed to get the job, telling the bank he'd graduated from high school when in reality, he was a drop out. Have you ever fudged a fact on your resume?  No. I always assume my resume will be the one they fact check every detail on.

4) The bank found out the truth but was so pleased with Nilsson's personality and performance they kept him on. Tell us about a friend or loved one's misbehavior that you have overlooked.  No. If I'm overlooking it I'm not going to dredge it up here.

5) Before finding success as a singer, Nilsson was a songwriter. He composed "Cuddly Toy," recorded by the Monkees. Do you have a favorite Monkees song?  I like them all, but this always makes me smile.

  

6) In 1976 Nilsson married Una O'Keeffe. They met in a New York restaurant, where she was a waitress. He asked her about her accent -- she was from Dublin -- and a romance ensued. While the waitress and the rock star seemed like an unlikely couple, they remained together until his death in 1994 and had six children. Do you know how your parents (or grandparents) met?  Not in any real detail.

 

7) Nilsson was a night owl and found he felt most creative late at night, right before he fell asleep. When are you at your best: morning, noon or night?  First thing in the morning and then again later at night.

8) In 1972, the year "Without You" was a hit, Alice Clark Browne made history as the first African American aerialist to perform with Ringling Brothers and Barnum Bailey Circus. Did you ever attend the circus?  Yes, many times. My mom took me to the "big one," Ringling Brothers when I was 5 or 6. That one stands out because it was the only one I went to that was in tents rather than an arena, so it was the only one with a sideshow tent. I remember all of those acts. They made a huge impression on my young mind.

 
9) Random question -- Think about last week. Would you prefer this week to be more exciting, or more boring?  I don't know about more boring, but more normal would be good. If you really want to know why, you can read yesterday's post.

Jasper (AKA Jazzy) is fascinated by all things on the computer screen so he's been "helping" me answer tonight and he says "hello." If you listen carefully you can probably hear him purring where you are. He is a LOUD purr-er.

Thanks as always to Sam for the music and questions. Please visit the Saturday 9

site to play along or find links to other bloggers playing along.

Saturday 9: All I Have to Do Is Dream

I'm linking up with Sam and the gang for Saturday 9, because I need some distraction this week. If you've been visiting this week you know why. For those of you who aren't regulars...my daughter and son-in-law were diagnosed with Covid this week. The kids are only 2 and 4 years old, too young to fend for themselves. So, while there are a couple of others who could help with childcare and delivering whatever Megan and Cody need, none of them are willing. I am trying to be all things to everyone, keep the dog from killing the new kitten, and keep the new kitten from destroying the house (seriously, this cat's name should have been Velcro because his claws are ALWAYS out and he is always climbing or attached to something).

Anyway, looking forward to relaxing a little with all of you.

Saturday 9: All I Have to Do Is Dream (1958)

I can't hear this song without thinking of one of the residents at the nursing home I formerly worked at. She was unresponsive the entire time I worked there and passed just before I left. One day I was pushing her around the building in her chair and I had music playing on my phone. This song came on and she sang along! Gosh, did I cry. I loved seeing how music got through to people and brought out unexpected responses. It was always such a magic moment.

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

1) Did you dream last night?  Probably. Sleep experts say we all dream every night. Now if you want to know if I remembered any dreams, the answer is "no." I rarely remember my dreams.

2) In this song, The Everly Brothers dream of kissing "lips of wine." Do you prefer red or white wine?  I probably lean a little more toward red wine or blush wine. Though, I will drink any kind provided it's sweet. I don't like dry wines.

 

3) In 1975, Rolling Stone ranked Phil and Don #1 on their list of the greatest duos of all time. Name another musical twosome. England Dan & John Ford Coley

4) Mike Love has acknowledged the influence The Everly Brothers had on The Beach Boys' harmonies. What's your favorite Beach Boys song?  Little Deuce Coupe

5) The pressure of touring took its toll on the Everly Brothers' personal relationship, and those stresses spilled onto the stage. They once had a fight in front their audience that ended with Phil smashing his guitar and storming off. Have you ever busted something in anger?  Not that I can remember. I was more of a hold it all in girl and since becoming a Christian, I usually make like Elsa and let it go.
 
6) One of Don's friends was author/storyteller Garrison Keillor and that's how the Everly Brothers came to perform on Keillor's radio program, A Prairie Home Companion. Do you often listen to the radio or to podcasts?  I listen to a little radio in the car, but otherwise, no to both. I was a fan of Garrison Keillor, though. I loved his stories and his books about Lake Woebegone. 

 

7) The brothers chose to live in different cities and held opposite views on politics. Don said, "Everything is different about us, except when we sing." Do you have siblings? If so, are you more alike or different?  I have three half-siblings, but I only found out about them two years ago. I have met the brother who is right after me in age. We couldn't be more different in our thinking or lives. I've met my sister who is the youngest of all of us. I think we could have been close if we'd had the chance to know each other growing up. We seem to think alike on a lot of things. The other brother I have not met and I may not meet him until our father's funeral (if there is one). He is semi-estranged from the rest of them so I doubt he's all that eager to meet me.

8) In 1958, the year this song was a hit, Americans were doing the Cuban dance, the cha-cha-cha. Do you ever dance or sing when you're home alone? Of course!

 
9) Random question -- Do you believe we each get one true love? Not really. I tend to believe real love is a choice to want the best for another person and commit to do your best to ensure they get it. And you make that commitment brand new in your heart and mind every day. I think it's possible to find someone you are willing to give that kind of commitment to more than once in a lifetime.

Typing this proved difficult as the new kitten is fascinated by my fingers flying on the keys and the movement on the screen. 

Saturday 9: Werewolves of London

Saturday 9: Werewolves of London (1978)

Oh, wow! I was in 8th grade when this song came out and I remember it being a huge hit with the kids my age. It was so fun to sing along with...I still love to howl along when I hear it. LOL 

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

 

1) In this song, Warren Zevon sees a werewolf with a Chinese menu in his hand. He wanted beef chow mein. If we Saturday 9ers got together for Chinese, what would you likely order?  Probably beef with broccoli, but depending on my mood, it might also be General Tso's chicken or chow mei fun with beef, chicken, pork, and shrimp.

2) He also says the werewolf's hair was perfect. Are you having a good hair day?  It was okay today (Friday), but it won't be tomorrow. We are taking the grandkids to an outdoor photo shoot and it's supposed to be cold and rainy. I won't be bothering with my hair beyond throwing it in a ponytail. In reality, I really need a cut and possibly color (still undecided on whether to allow the gray to grow in) but it may be a while because my friend and hairstylist has been sick with Covid.

3) Linda Ronstadt was a big Warren Zevon fan and recorded several of his songs. Do you have a favorite Linda Ronstadt song?  You're No Good

4) Warren Zevon admitted being afraid of doctors and avoided check ups. Are you scared when you go to the doctor or dentist for a routine visit?  I'm not scared, but I do have a tendency to drag my feet about routine checkups. Just my inner procrastinator asserting herself, I guess. 

5) In 1935, the movie Werewolf of London was released. Do you enjoy being frightened by scary movies?  Nope. I don't watch horror movies at all. I do, however, love fun, campy types of "scary" movies.

6) In your younger days, did you ever trick or treat while dressed as a monster?  Sure did.

7) When you were a kid, what sweet treats were you happiest to receive?  Anything chocolate, but especially Clark bars, and Sweet Tarts.

8) Can you see any Halloween decorations as you answer these 9 questions?  Nope. I decorate for autumn rather than Halloween. Some years I put a pumpkin light in the window, but I didn't this year.

9) Halloween is most popular in the United States and Canada, and isn't really celebrated at all in Japan or South Korea. How would you explain our Halloween customs to a visitor from another land?  People have fun dressing in costumes and having parties and the kiddos go door-to-door or store-to-store or trunk-to-trunk collecting goodies. There's a darker side with some really getting into the gore and scary stuff, but it can be avoided if it's not your thing.

Thanks to Crazy Sam @ Saturday 9 for the questions and the music!