Saturday 9

Saturday 9  by Sam!

Nevertheless (I'm in Love with You)

Welcome to Saturday 9. What we've committed to our readers is that we will post 9 questions every Saturday. Sometimes the post will have a theme, and at other times the questions will be totally unrelated. Those weeks we do "random questions," so-to-speak. We encourage you to visit other participants posts and leave a comment. Because we don't have any rules, it is your choice. We hate rules. We love memes, however, and here is today's meme!

Saturday 9: Nevertheless (I'm in Love with You) 1969

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

1) In this song, Liza Minnelli acknowledges that she may be "taking a terrible chance." Have you done anything risky lately?  I  am way too careful these days to think about risky!

2) In 1969, when Liza recorded this song, she was 23 and her career was really beginning to take off. She was a sought-after guest on TV talk and variety shows and received her first Oscar nomination. Give us a quick overview of your life at 23.

I was married for one year, and had jsut returned from a year in Germany living on the economy with my new hubby who was in the military.  I put off teaching for that year and  had just returned home   to live with  my parents  a couple of months while I sought  my first year as a fourth grade teacher. When school started I lived alone in our new apartment while I awaited hubs  to be discharged and join me   in the fall of 73.  It was definitely a   big year in my life..    Mainly as I had never lived on my own  as I don't call  college living alone at all!.. So  I learned to be a big girl!

3) Also in 1969, the first Gap store was opened in San Francisco. What have you recently added to your wardrobe? If yes, where did you b buy it?I recently ordered a  few items from J Jill  that were on sale for  70 % off.  They are still in the bag .. I do need to try them on,  but actually they are  fall items!. A dress, a sweater, and  a pair of slacks!

4) Liza says she always has apple juice in her refrigerator. What's something you're certain to have in your frig? We always have yogurt, strawberries and blueberries, as that is my  everyday breakfast!

5) Liza's favorite card game is poker. What's yours?  I enjoy games on my tablet. I play spider solitaire, mahjong,   and do puzzles.  Hubby  will not play games with me  so I  have to pay on my own!

6) Though Liza recorded the song in 1969, "Nevertheless (I'm in Love with You)" was written way back in 1931. It has been recorded more than 50 times by artists as diverse as Bing Crosby, Andy Gibb and Bob Dylan. Before today, had you heard it?  Nope!

7) "Nevertheless (I'm in Love with You)" is credited to Bert Kalmer and his partner, Harry Ruby. Another one of their hits was "Who's Sorry Now?" Do you owe anyone an apology?  I try to stay apologized up, so no, I dont think I do!

8) Together they also wrote "Hooray for Captain Spaulding," sung onscreen by Groucho Marx in the movie Animal Crackers. There were five Marx Brothers in all. How many can you name?I am grimacing on this one.. Groucho,   off, I can see  them,  but alas, I cannot think of their names..  I really  loved the one who   was on   on Lucy's show in California  and the mirror   act!.  But  I can't think!

9) Random question: Do you believe talking to plants helps them grow? I do.  I think plants love tender loving care and  sweet talk as much as any living thing!!!

Tuesday 4

Great Architiecture

 Hosted by Annie!

Welcome back to Toni Taddeo's Tuesday 4. She would be delighted you are here to join in and so am I.

The photo to the right is the Cathedral Basilica of the Sacred Heart in Newark, New Jersey.  It is the largest cathedral outside Europe . Not only is it beautiful inside and out but has a magnificent pipe organ   It's cornerstone was laid in 1899.

As  buildings go she is a masterpiece of great workmanship.

1. What are some beautiful buildings in your neck of the woods?

Our most iconic building is the Hotel Roanoke!

Originally built in 1882 it has been updated  numerous time and is a beautiful hotel  tucked on the edge of the city  surrounded by the beautiful  Blue Ridge Mountains!  Currently run by Hilton as a 4 star accommodation and dining experience!

We, also, have  many  beautiful churches  in our  fair city!!!  Our three older churches!

 2.   What buildings of renown have you experienced or would like to experience? The Louvre? Maybe  Versailles? Things closer to home perhaps?  The National Cathedral in Washington, 

As well as,  all of the national  buildings in DC. 

Historical buildings in Philadelphia, and the fabulous historical /science museum, The Franklin Institute!  Independence Hall,   Williamsburg, Jamestown, to name a few here, but, also, Stirling Castle, Inverary Castle, Glamis Castle in Scotland, and St Patrick’s  Cathedral  and Cabra Castle in Ireland.

3. What do you think of the current trends in modern buildings?  I much prefer the grandeur and complexity of older construction. 

4. If you could choose any style home you would like, what would it be? Victorian, Farm House, Craftsmen, Ranch, Georgian, Tudor, Cape Cod. I live  in a Tudor home and I love the special architecture that was incorporated in our 1930’s home. Because I love English Cottage decor our

actually home inspires me!

Tuesday 4

 

Trouble Right here in River City

Hosted by Annie!
 Welcome to Toni Taddeo's Tuesday 4 where we strive to interest you with 4 questions each week.

"ya got trouble my friend, right here I say trouble right here in River City..." the music man

Problems come to us all and you don't even need to live in River City!

Some you can solve, some you can't. Some scare you.    For instance, on Facebook I lost a lot of people from my friends list and I have no idea why. It was enough people to make me think it was a glitch but then I was too shy to ask people if they had gotten rid of me because they just don't like me....so I did nothing.    What about your problems?

1. Do you think that you handle problems well over all?  I suppose that 30 years in the classroom taught a lot about all kinds of problems… believe me, all kinds of problems,  and comparatively, now  I can just pass through life letting most problems just bounce off me. Praise God. I really try to just ignore anything unless it is something of great import that must be addressed! 

2. What kinds of problems send you into a tizzy or downright scare you? Maybe some just exasperate you? Oh, I used to be consumed with any problem that had the appearance of degrading my public opinion.  Teachers at our school worked very hard to be exemplary. We all worked multiple hours after school everyday to be beyond reproach in all areas. Our leadership expected nothing less, actually!  So whenever something happened to shed a bad light on me as a professional was very upsetting to me and I worked so very hard to do whatever it took to regain my standing.  I believe it was the same for everyone in the school. I find this is a lost trait in elementary school today. At least in the school my grands attend,  as they just fall back on their union.

3. We always have God in our corner but besides him do you have a reliable back up system to go to for help with car trouble, home repairs and maintenance, or any troubles that may arise for you?  Well, my first line of defense , praise God , is my dear husband who tries hard to take care of these issues. We also have a list of plumbers, painters, electricians, and we are hoping to find a good mason.  We have some stone and brick work that needs attention.

4 I love the idea that a lovely cupcake can fix anything at all.  "Oh, you are sick? Just eat a dozen of these delicious cupcakes and you will be right as rain!"      What foods, places, music or whatever can make a problem  seem easier to handle?    I guess we are talking about what brings you comfort in the way of material things.Music is a great comfort to me.  Of course, softly played hymns have a wonderful healing affect, but I also play Hauser on cello, and Dan Gibson instrumental music. 

Happy Homemaker Monday

Let’s join  Sandra at Diary of a SAHM for Happy Homemaker Monday!

Hosted by Sandra

♥♥ weather ♥ 

 Monday - rain, 91/73

Tuesday- cloudy, 96/77

   Wednesday-  rain, 92/74

Thursday -  rain,91/72

Friday -   rain, 83/71

Saturday- partly cloudy,90/70

How I am feeling today:

Today Is my birthday.. I am older than dirt, but feeling great. Lynn brought us to a wonderful country town in the SW of Virginia to stay in a fabulous 

bed and breakfast. 

We visited it years ago and I’d always wanted to come here to stay a few nights. Well, I made it and it is so wondrous! 

Just a few tidbits of the wonder of this country mansion! 

On my mind::

Tomorrow we leave to return home, but no interstate for us.  We have planned our route through the mountains on the old roads prior to interstate travel. We can stop all along the way to enjoy a quieter, easier way of life! 

On the breakfast plate::

Let’s see if I can remember…

Fresh Strawberry, blueberry, blackberry compote, 

Scrambled eggs, hash browns, buttered English muffin with homemade strawberry preserves, sliced country ham,  and. sliced tommy toes, delectable coffee and orange juice! 

YUM,

On my reading pile::

I have started Erin  Kepley Marshall’s cosy mystery, Tea Rose from the Tearoom Mysteties. I have gotten back into cosy mysteries, and am loving it!

On My TV::

No tv this week! 

On the menu today::

 Breakfast:

Listed above

Lunch

We dined  in a fabulous log cabin.  It was amazing. I had a delicious turkey bacon Swiss, with lettuce and tomato, sandwich on homemade ciabatta bread 

Dinner:  

I enjoyed an almond  poppy seed muffin left over from breakfast and my other half of ice cold bottled water in the little fridge in our cottage! 

 

Looking forward to another breakfast before we leave in the morning! 

From the camera:: and

Looking around the house::

A few photos taken from around the house.. I had ordered a few items on sale from Walmart. 

 I love this 80: in long table cloth I got for less than $15 

It looks charming with my new Wedgwood  teapot I got for a song at a consignment shop.

Both of the planters above were purchased from Walmart, one in a recent order, and the bottom from a purchase probably 5 years ago. I found it in the garden shop. Loved it!

The small navy planter is also from Walmart, from the online collection. I think I paid like $6 for it. I am so glad I got it because I got some wonderful planting inspiration from the Inn we are staying in. 

What I am listening to::

  The air conditioning unit in our cottage where we are staying.  And Loy’s cell phone as he is listening to a sporting event!

 

What am I looking forward toward to

I am not anxious for my special couple of days to be over, but I do look forward to getting home  with a bit if a new perspective and a few new projects in mind!

To relax this week, I  will:: 

I will enjoy continuing reading my new book. And .I hope to order a few more used books from Thrift books! 

Prayer Requests:

I have quite a few friends and family on my prayer list for healing and life problems .

Prayers for our nation, for truth and righteousness to prevail over our nation! 

For our state officials across the country to be setting into motion plans and preparations to insure fair and truthful elections. Pray for safety in our communities, our churches, our schools. Prayer for many of the influx of illegals to have a spiritual awakening, and be saved. The Lord is bringing  the unsaved to us! 

I wrote a letter to a Jewish friend who has a terrible health problem.  I wrote about his need for Christ. I was as caring as I could be, but he really needs to know Jesus as his Savior. I am praying he received my 7 page typed letter with the love and concern with which it was written! 

Sunday stealing

Sunday Stealing:  what’s your favorite?

 

Welcome to Sunday Stealing. This feature originated and published on WTIT: The Blog. Here we will steal all types of questions from every corner of the blogosphere. Our promise to you is that we will work hard to find the most interesting and intelligent questions. Cheers to all of us thieves.

Stolen from SwapBot

1. What's your favorite animal? When I was teaching and I shared my favorite animal when we were creating our personality coat of arms, it was always the tiger. I hadn’t thought of it since. I also love rabbits!

2. What's your favorite book? Of course, The Bible, but I also love Secrets of the Secret Place by Bob Sorge.  In Fiction, I love Lynn Kurland’s time  travel books.

3. What's your favorite color? All shades of blue.

4. What's your favorite dessert? I love ice cream and soft serve, especially in this hot summer! 

5. What's your favorite drink? I am a coffee and hot tea drinker. To cool off I love  soda water like Pelegríno , but we a,lso have a soda machine using tap water,  but it’s not Pelegrín’s!! 

6. What's your favorite food? Hubs and I love Chinese food as our first choice. Then there is a new Mexican restaurant nearby that has great food, but nothing compares for me to Triple Delight , Shrimp, beef, chicken with veg and delectable sauce! 

7. What's your favorite hobby? I am a nature Journaller.  That is my go to, I love reading.  I’m getting into Cosy Mysteries. 

8. What's your favorite movie? Oh, my!  So many! I am getting back into old films. Gregory Peck, Cary Grant, Jimmy Stewart, Gary Cooper style films are my absolute favs.

9. What's your favorite restaurant?  As I said, Chinese.  Our favorite here is Szechuan Restaurant.

10. What's your favorite sandwich? I dusted to love Rueben’s, but I started getting chocked on them,, thick cut meat, so now I find Rachel’s with turkey are quite delicious and easier to eat!

11. What's your favorite season? I love cool weather.. so fall and spring!

12. What's your favorite series? I love the Hallmark series, All Creatures Great and Small! When Calls the Heart. Nothing on the regular networks appeal to. The show I enjoyed was Blue Bloods, but haven’t watched for a couple of years. 

13. What's your favorite snack? Popcorn

14. What's your favorite sport to watch? Golf

15. What's your favorite thing to have for breakfast?

Quiche, fruit salad, and tea, ; when I dine out My first choice is Eggs Benedict, English muffin, fruit cup

Saturday 9

 The Star Spangled Banner

Hosted by Sam!

Welcome to Saturday: 9

Unfamiliar  with this Whitney's rendition? Hear it here.

1) Whitney Houston originally performed this in front of over 73,000 at the 1991 Super Bowl. What's the biggest crowd you have ever been in?  I do not know how many, but I suppose it was the concert for the Moody Blues at the Virginia Tech coliseum in 1971. 

2) Whitney's version of The National Anthem was released 10 years later, after 9/11, and the proceeds went to support New York's first responders. It was her last Top Ten single. What's your favorite Whitney Houston song?  She was so fabulous,  it is hard to pick, but the one resonating in my mind is I Will Always Love You, from The Bodyguard.

3) Whitney's friends recall she loved lavender -- both the color and the scent.What's your favorite color? What's your favorite scent.  My favorite color is blue, I guess.. as five rooms in the house are blue. It is such a cool and calming color. And actually, I hadn’t thought of it, but I wear a lot of blue.  When I purchase a scented candle it is usually a warm scent like cinnamon.

4) Whitney had a sweet tooth and loved Fruity Pebbles. If you reached for a snack right now, would it be sweet or salty?  probably salty

5) Whitney's grave marker bears the words, "I Will Always Love You," so clearly her family is proud of her best-selling recording. How would you like to be remembered?

As a dear friend and lover of Jesus.

6) Going back to 1991, when this recording was first popular, consumers who had a cell phones likely had flip phones. Technology has come a long way, hasn't it? What did you most recently use your cell phone for? (Calling, texting, looking something up, taking a photo, posting on your blog or social media ...). I used it to look something up and to check messenger to see if our daughter’s family had actually purchased the mini golden doodle.  They want to but haven’t decided if they should. But it is so adorable!

7) In 1777, Colonists celebrated July 4 with the firing of cannons and muskets, followed by a public reading of the Declaration of Independence. What did your neighborhood do to celebrate the 4th of July? We had a powerful thunderstorm late in the afternoon and a couple inches of rain so I am sure many families ‘ plans for the afternoon had to be changed. Also, the three closest families to us are at the beach this week, so it was relatively quiet here, until around 9 when the neighborhood fire works started and then at 9:20 the fairgrounds started their display. I was reading in bed, but enjoyed the popping and booming! If that doesn’t sound  like an old fuddy duddy, I don’t know what does!

8) The Revolutionary War still raged during that summer of 1777. General George Washington allowed his soldiers to celebrate with a double ration of rum on July 4. Do you know anyone who is serving in the military this 4th of July? Our great friend, Nita, helps lead our Friday night prayer group and her grandson who is just 17 enlisted this month. He hopes to be a Ranger. 

9) Celebrity chef Rachael Ray says she considers mini-hamburgers, or "sliders," the All-American food. What will/did you dine on to celebrate the 4th of July? Instead of making the hamburgers we’d planned I made a pot of chili, which was better as I am counting points for Weight Watchers. 

Happy Fourth of July!

Let us remember why we even celebrate a day like today. It's important always, but now more than ever.

• Hopefully you are spending this relaxing day with your loved ones—that's what freedom is all about!
• The foundation of this country is celebrated everyday, but especially today.
• Happy 4th! Let the history of this country inspire you onward and in everything that you do.
• 
• Even getting to celebrate a day like today is a blessing. Let us feel thankful for that fact alone.
• There's nothing a little red, white, and blue can't cure. Hopefully you and your family are basking right in it.
• This truly might be the best holiday around. Happy 4th of July!
• 
• Hope you're enjoying your BBQ with a side of freedom. Happy 4th.
• I'm sure the founding fathers would have loved seeing the celebrations take place today.
• However you choose to spend this day, I hope it's filled with honor and peace.
• Provided  my The Pioneer Woman.. Lee Drummond

Summertime Tuesday 4

Summertime

Hosted by Annie!

 Welcome to Toni Taddeo's Tuesday 4  July is here and summer is underway.  

Let's talk about what July will bring for you.

1. What are you doing for the  4th of July holiday? If you don't celebrate what plans do you have that day? Oh, we went to a fabulous  patriotic musical  at a nearby church Sunday evening that was  absolutely glorious! And it was wonderful to run into several long time dear friends and have lengthy chats! At our age,   we  do not  really have anything planned. I would love to  go out to find a place to park  where we could enjoy the fireworks!  We used to every year.  But    that is iffy this year.  But  I did a bit of decorating around the house for the holiday, and we are flying the flag and have the bunting around our porch!  HAHAH we usually will sit out on our porch and  light a couple of sparklers if the kids didn't use them all up, last year!!!

2. Are you planning a holiday , get away or just day trips  this summer? Where will you go?  What will you do?  My birthday is this month  and we plan to go  to a B and B to celebrate. The place is phenomenal! We were there years ago with a senior group just to check and see how marvelous it was! I have wanted to stay there ever since! It is in the mountain area of Virginia  and  the town itself is full of great restaurants and run venues!! I will share some photos following our   short stay! 

3. Do you  like to go out for ice cream in summer or do you just eat it at home? What flavor and what brand gets your endorsement? I love to go out for ice cream... Much more  fun than eating it here! I love soft serve and if it is dipped, all the better!

4. What activities are most enjoyable for you in the summertime? travel?  reading? movies? gardening? beach time?   I love travel and reading,  but  as neither of us love the heat anymore.  we mostly enjoy short travel.. exploring new areas around   the state. We will do a bit of that on my birthday jaunt! 

If you are reading, do you have some books chosen?Yes, I am really into cosy mysteries these days... so I have some  on order. I have a couple to help get me started!!  I love  books by Carlene O'Connor  whose mysteries occur in Scotland and Ireland!

Happy Homemaker Monday

Let’s join  Sandra at Diary of a SAHM for Happy Homemaker Monday!

Hosted by Sandra

♥♥ weather ♥ 

 Monday - sunny, 84/59

Tuesday- sunny,85/55

   Wednesday-  cloudy, 90/70

Thursday -  rain, 95/72

Friday -   rain, 94/71

Saturday- partly cloudy, 92/69

How I am feeling today:

I am feeling great, but am sort of dreading going to the dermatologist for my annual body check this afternoon.  I want to have several moles burned off , but dread it!

On my mind::

I had such a great evening last night. We went to a patriotic  service at a previous church. The program was amazing, but more than that it was so wonderful to see so many dear friends.But then I saw a  very sweet friend from another previous church with her sister I knew in my twenties.  It was the sweetest reunion. I do hope to meet them for lunch, soon, .But then, I turned and saw a precious friend from when we were children,  a surprise indeed, for  she was even my maid of honor! Oh how wonderful last night was.  But you know it was so hot I actually toyed with the idea of not going. But thank you, Lord for giving me such a wonderful opportunity to reconnect and have some fabulous plans for the future! 

On the breakfast plate::

As always I enjoy my coffee and fruited yogurt! My hubby is so good to me!

I do not know what else to say on this one  .... it is always the same... praise the Lord~~~

On my reading pile::

I have finished my first lesson in Chapter one of James.  I really need this study.. I know that I need to really control my tongue.. in several ways.. and my thought life as well. As we realize we are entering the end of the end times, we each need to really repent from the hidden sins we have in our character! 

On My TV::

I love YouTube videos on homemaking,  journalling,  and  anything British.  This never changes.  Mainly, because I really do not like the tv shows on the networks!  Give me an old movie every time.  

On the menu today::

 Breakfast: fruited yogurt,  coffee

Brunch: 2  boiled eggs, English muffin, coffee

Midafternoon: 

A treat of skinnypopcorn

Dinner:  

Tossed salad, broccoli,  corn on the cob

From the camera::

Even though the heat has been abominable I still was able to take a few nice photos outside yesterday.

I am so proud of the brick, steps, and wall as hubby has power washed them last week! Makes such a huge difference!

Looking around the house::

There are so many things that need doing.  I really need to dust and vacuum.  Poor hubby had to do the laundry today, because I cannot carry anything up and down steps.   But there are things I can do,  but to tell the truth, I do not.  I straighten up, I put away, I do dishes and cook half the meals, but I do think I could do more.. but I despise our old Electrolux canister vacuum. Dragging it around tuckers me out. I beg Lynn for a good, new push wand type vacuum.   Any recommendations?

What I am listening to::

 

I am watching Dr. Phil, which I do not usually watch, but Donald Trump in his guest, and it is a fabulously impelling discussion. I pray God’s blessing on this man!  It is on YouTube from yesterday. 

 

What am I looking forward toward to

My birthday is coming soon and Lynn is taking me to a fabulous Bed and Breakfast for a couple of days. This place is so gorgeous, I am ecstatic to spend time there. But , also, I have made arrangements to meet a dear cousin and husband for lunch in a very wonderful restaurant in the area.  I haven’t seen her in years. So I am almost in tears as I write this!

To relax this week, I  will:: 

My best relaxation technique is music while I do word puzzles.  Not only calming, but helpful to my memory as well! I buy my puzzle books at dollar tree. 

Prayer Requests:

All the many beloved ones who are suffering various  illnesses  and  broken bodies,  and I have a couple of dear cousins who have lost loved ones this week.  

We had several  serious  prayer requests  in our Connect Group yesterday  and it is so important  to follow through and not forget  these requests!!

Praying for our broken nation and the leadership that is pulling the foundation out from under us!

  Known and unknown  world events that are  shaking  the nations  with    possible  calamity  and  unrest.

  A rapid end of the war in Israel that will  bring peace!

Most importantly, to pray against the possibility of WWIII  which could happen anytime since the world knows how incompetent our leadership is! Also, pray for the lost, and for Christians to be bold in sharing the gospel as they are able.  I have a very huge call on my life to speak the gospel to a couple of loved ones in my family , but also a precious previous doctor  who took early retirement because of serious cancer. Problem is he is Jewish,   Oh how I want to lead him to Jesus.. I am afraid I will upset him. But what if no one does.  I cannot live with a what if in theses days! 

Devotional/Bible Verse~