Saturday 9: O Holy Night

Saturday 9: O, Holy Night (1967)

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

1) This beloved carol takes its lyrics from a French poem. What else can we thank the French for?

Of course, the very first thing I thought of was the Eiffel Tower. My dream vacation is to someday see it in person, for now, the closest I'll come is our annual visit to Epcot's World Showcase version!! :O)

2) How well do you know "O, Holy Night?" Without looking up the lyrics, could you sing along with Ella?

I definitely could! It's my most favorite Christmas hymn. {link}

3) In order to get this record into stores in time for Christmas 1967, Ella had to record this in late July. So let's reverse that. Now that it's Christmastime, what do you miss most about summer?

I miss going out on the boat and just being outside more. 

4) Sam is crazy about the open toed pumps she'll be wearing to holiday parties, but that means she needs to get a pedi. Will you be at a salon between now and year-end?

YES!!! I have a hair & nail appointment on Monday!! 

5) Will you be consuming any egg nog this holiday season? And if you do, will it be spiked? 

Probably not near as much as Nathan!! And no, not spiked please. Oh, and it's much better in moose mugs!! :O)

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6) Thinking of holiday cuisine, what's your favorite Christmas cookie?

Not the biggest cookie fan, but I do love Chewy Chocolate Cookies!!

7) Sam knows she will get a bottle of red wine from her boss, because that's what he gives his staff every year. Is there a gift you can count on receiving?

usually new Christmas jammies and bath stuff!

8) What one gift would you most like to receive this year? Do you think anyone will get it for you?

A new {bigger} Keurig is on the list!!!

9) This time of year is big for charitable fundraising. Here's your chance to plug a cause or organization that's near and dear to you.

Near and dear to our hearts this year is The Children's House at Johns Hopkins and The Ronald McDonald House.

Logan and Lindsey spent a week at Ronald McDonald House and 5 weeks at Children's House. I cannot say enough about both places. I am embarrassed to say that while I knew these organizations existed, until we experienced it first hand, I was totally unaware of the magnitude of their assistance to those who have children in the hospital. From a clean bed, a hot shower, a dinner provided every evening, or just a kind word or friendly smile when you come back to your room at night after a long, stressful day at the hospital.

This year, we felt like all of our donation $$ should go to both of these places. All of this was so foreign to us, but everyone made us feel so loved and were so helpful during such a hard time. There are links to both sites - check them out for more info, and if you are looking for somewhere to donate this year, I know firsthand that all donations will be used and appreciated.

"You give families time to just, well, be together.
It sounds simple, but it’s not."

DONATE

DONAT

Saturday 9: Papa Don't Preach

 

Saturday 9: Papa, Don't Preach (1986)

If you're not familiar with today's song, you can hear it here.


1) Madonna has sold more than 200 million records worldwide. Do you have any of her songs on your iPod/mp3 player/phone? not at the moment

2) When she first arrived in New York in search of fame and fortune, Madonna supported herself by working at Dunkin' Donuts. What did you order last time you were at Dunkin' Donuts? we stopped there after Kamry's pediatician appointment last Wednesday. I got a bacon, egg, cheese & a Coke plus a couple of glazed and chocolate covered donuts for later for me and Lindsey.

3) Madonna and her first husband, Sean Penn, ended their marriage on New Year's Eve, 1988. Sam's New Year's Eves are never that dramatic. What about you? Do you have any vivid New Year's Eve memories you'd like to share? nothing special....we always watch New Year's Rockin Eve and wait for the ball to drop (from our couch!). This past year was our first time not together on NYE since I was 15!!

4) Madonna admits she suffers from brontophobia, aka the fear of storms. Are you scared of thunder and lightening? nope

5) Onstage during the 2015 Coachella fest, Madonna shocked the audience by planting a kiss square on the lips of much-younger rapper Drake. What's something that surprised you recently? nothing seems to surprise me anymore!! ;0)

6) More recently, Madonna was at the center of a controversy because Prince fans didn't like her tribute at the Billboard Music Awards. They made themselves heard on social media. Was your last Facebook post or Tweet positive or negative? don't Facebook and I rarely Tweet, but my last Instagram post was positive (then again, do I ever post anything negative)??

7) One of the things Sam's papa preaches about is car maintenance. He reminds her to check her car's air filter regularly, because a dirty filter can reduce mileage. Share your own car maintenance tip with us. Peter takes care of that stuff - so no, I don't.

8) When she was growing up, Sam's father was often away on business. He always remembered to bring back the complimentary shampoos, conditioners and lotions from the hotels where he stayed. When will you next stay in a hotel (or motel, bed-and-breakfast or Airbnb room)? It will be one night next week for a belated anniversary get-away!!!!

9) To celebrate Father's Day, Sam is giving away her father's favorite candy: LifeSavers. Would you prefer a roll of Wild Cherry, Butter Rum, Winter Green or Peppermint? Butter Rum reminds me of my childhood, but nowadays I prefer Wintergreen.

Saturday 9: Ode To Billie Joe

 

Ode to Billie Joe (1967)

If you're not familiar with today's song, you can hear it here.

1) This song takes places on "the third of June," which is described as "another sleepy, dusty" day. Describe the weather where you were on Friday, June 3, 2016.

Humid/cloudy.

2) In this song, the family sits down to eat and discuss the doings of their friends and neighbors. Mama, Papa, Brother and Sister were at the table. Who did you have dinner with on Friday?

Just me!! :O( At least the meal was good!

3) Young Billie Joe MacAllister playfully put a frog down another kid's back. Do you see many frogs where you live?

Not many.

4) This song made Mississippi's Tallahatchie Bridge famous. What's the name of a bridge in your neighborhood?

Wallace's Bridge

5) Bobbie Gentry often performed with Glen Campbell. Mr. Campbell's family is very open about Glen's battle with Alzheimer's. Is anyone in your life facing this terrible disease?

No.

6) "Ode to Billie Joe" was made into a movie directed by Max Baer, Jr. Mr. Baer is better known for playing Jethro Bodine in a famous 1960s era sitcom. Can you name it?

The Beverly Hillbillies

7) Bobbie Gentry made one of her last public appearances in 1981 on The Tonight Show with Johnny Carson. Johnny is now seen in reruns on the Antenna TV channel. Think of the last TV show you watched. Was it new or was it a rerun?

Friends --- rerun.

8) In 1967, when this song was popular, Sweden changed its traffic laws and Swedes began driving on the right. Have you ever driven in a foreign country? If so, did you have a hard time adapting to their laws?

Never driven in a foreign country.

9) Random question: Which would you rather have more of -- compliments or hugs?

Hmmm...this is a complicated one....I'd say more hugs if I can choose who the hugs are from, more compliments, yet, I never know how to respond! :O)

Saturday 9: What Hurts the Most

 

Saturday 9: What Hurts the Most - Rascal Flatts (2006)

 

 

1) What hurts Sam the most is her sole, since she just found that earring she thought was lost by stepping on it with her bare foot. How about you? Any aches and pains to report?
Actually, no aches or pains at the moment. :O)

2) What's the last thing you misplaced? Did you find it?
Probably my keys.

3) Lead singer Gary LeVox sings that he's not afraid to cry. When is the last time you shed a tear?
On Thursday, when we had to say goodbye to Logan, Lindsey, and Kamry. I miss them before we even leave!!! :O(

4) Gary auditioned for another country group, Little Big Town, but didn't get in. Considering how successful Rascal Flatts has been, he's probably not sorry. Tell us about something you thought you wanted, but later weren't so sure.

One advantage of being the indecisive person that I am, I rarely regret getting something because by the time I actually get it, it has been well thought out!! :O)

5) The country group has their roots in Columbus, Ohio. What else is Ohio known for?

The first thing that popped into my mind was Longaberger Baskets - from the corporate headquarters in Dresden, Ohio.

6) Lead guitarist Joe Don Rooney married model and former Miss Georgia, Tiffany Fallon. Many major pageants give prizes in the talent, congeniality and swimsuit competitions. Would you prefer to have exceptional skills, a great personality, or a terrific body?

At first thought, I chose great personality, then I thought, exceptional skills might be a better choice. :O)

7) 2006, the year this song was popular, was a very good one for tennis pro Roger Federer. He reached the finals in all four Grand Slam tournaments, and won three. What's the last game you won? (Yes, Words with Friends counts.)

We played games while Derek was here and I won at least one game. :O)

8) Actor Tony Shalhoub won an Emmy in 2006 for his portrayal of detective Adrian Monk on Monk. Who's your favorite TV detective?

Don't really have a favorite.

9) Random question ... You've just won an all-expenses-paid trip but now you have to choose: Carnivale in Brazil, the Bordeaux Wine Festival in France, or the Running of the Bulls in Spain?

Definitely France, although not for the wine!



Saturday 9: The Times of Your Life

 

Saturday 9: The Times of Your Life (1976)

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

1) This song is all about memories. How far back can you remember? What's your earliest memory? One of my first memories is the day they bought my little sister, Julie, home from the hospital. I was a few days shy of turning 4. I remember not being too happy about her arrival.

2) The first line is "Good morning, yesterday." What do you remember about yesterday morning? I had my usual smoothie while watching Jane Eyre. How have I never seen Jane Eyre?? What a great movie!

3) This song was originally a 60-second jingle, featured in a commercial for Kodak film. Do you ever use film? Or are all your pictures digital? I take all digital photos now.

4) Who took the most recent photo of you? I think Dad took this one at the Gender Reveal Party.

5) This week's featured artist, Paul Anka, was born in Canada and enjoyed appearing in a made-for-TV Perry Mason movie with fellow Canadian, Raymond Burr. Do you enjoy courtroom dramas? I do. I'm currently tuning in to the new OJ Simpson mini-series.

6) At 15, Anka won a supermarket contest by collecting the most Campbell soup can wrappers. The prize was a trip to New York. Do you enter contests and sweepstakes? Play the lottery? I enter contests and sweepstakes, Peter bought lottery tickets a few weeks ago.

7) This year Paul Anka performed throughout Florida (Palm Beach, Fort Lauderdale, Orlando, Clearwater and Fort Myers). The Sunshine State is a popular vacation destination. Do you have a favorite spot in Florida? Um..YES!! We are 4 days away from our next WDW vacation!!!!!!

8) In 1976, the year this song was on the charts, an earthquake hit China. Have you ever experienced an earthquake? Actually, living in VA, I never worried about earthquakes until THIS happened a few years ago! Weird!!

9) Random question: Do you know CPR? No, but really should learn this!

Saturday 9: Sixteen Tons

 

Saturday 9: Sixteen Tons (1955)


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

1) 16 tons = 32,000 pounds, because there are 2,000 lbs. to a ton. Without looking it up, do you know how many ounces are in a pound?

Sure do! :O)

2) The singer describes himself as having "a mind that's weak and a back that's strong." Think about yourself. Which feels more powerful today, your body or your brain?

My brain.

3) The poor chap in this song has money troubles. Are you good at sticking to your budget?

I'm pretty good with sticking to the budget.

4) Tennessee Ernie Ford snapped his fingers as he recorded this song. It's been said that while it's possible to snap your fingers of both hands, the noise is louder with your "dominant hand." (So if you're a rightie, the finger snap will be louder with your right hand.) Try it yourself. Did you find this to be true?

True!

5) Mr. Ford appeared as "Cousin Ernie" in three episodes of I Love Lucy. What's your all-time favorite sitcom?

We've been on a Friends kick lately, but I stumbled upon Big Bang Theory the other night, and I'm now hooked! :O)

6) Tennessee Ernie took the money he made from his performing career and invested in a California cattle ranch. Think back to the last beef your ate. How was it prepared?

We had grilled steaks on Valentine's Day! <3

7) Mr. Ford passed away at age 72 in 1991. That year, Dr. Seuss also died. What's your favorite Dr. Seuss book?

I love Dr. Seuss and have many favorites....The Cat in the Hat and Oh! The Places You'll Go!...

8) Gene Roddenberry also died that year. Mr. Roddenberry is best known as the creator of Star Trek. Who is your favorite Star Trek character?

Don't have one.

9) Random question:We're having smoothies. What's your favorite?

Funny you should ask! There are LOTS of them!

Cake Batter Smoothie

 

 

Chunky Monkey Smoothie

 

Saturday 9: The Theme From Love Story

 

Saturday 9: The Theme from Love Story (1970)
In honor of Valentine's Day. Unfamiliar with this week's tune? Hear it here.

1) The very popular tagline for this movie is, "Love means never having to say you're sorry." Here's your chance to rewrite it. "Love means _____________________."



2) The movie was famous for a montage of the lovers frolicking in the snow. Do you enjoy sledding, skating, skiing, snowball fights, snowmen, etc.? Or do you just want spring to hurry up and get here?

I do enjoy the snow, especially snow cream! I was hoping for a snow while Peter was home, as he is usually working or we've been on vacation during the snows we've had the past few years. Now that he has 2 weeks home, it would be fun to go out in the snow together! We enjoyed our snow days alast year at Logan & Lindsey's.


The weather doesn't really affect me, because I'm home all winter, but I feel bad for and worry about those who have to work in it and/or travel in bad weather.

(3) In the movie, Oliver asks his father for $5,000. The money is required for wife Jenny's hospital treatment, but Oliver is too proud to tell his father why he needs it. Adjusted for inflation, $5,000 in 1970 is $30,000 today. How much would you be willing to lend a friend or family member without knowing the reason?

I would lend what I could afford, but I would like to know the need.

4) In the movie, Jenny is the daughter of a baker who owns a little shop in Cranston, Rhode Island. Think of the last baked goods you consumed. Were they home made? Did you buy them from a bakery, the grocery store, or a coffee shop, like Starbucks?

I made an Oatmeal Cake w/Coconut Pecan Frosting for Valentine's Day (I know, I know...where's the Red Velvet???)

5) In 1970, when the movie was first released, California's First Lady Nancy Reagan said she liked it but was upset to hear Ali MacGraw's character swear. What's the curse word you use most often?

I never curse... ;0)

6) Now 75, Ali MacGraw has let her famous hair go gray. She says she's glad to "look like a grown up." Do you feel your age? Or older or younger than your years?

I feel my age....but somedays I think there is no way I'm 50!! :O)

7) MacGraw and her Love Story co-star Ryan O'Neal are currently on tour in the play, Love Letters, and they're drawing big crowds of fans who remember them in their famous film. Tell us of another movie couple you felt had romantic chemistry.

Diane Lane and Richard Gere (loved them in Nights in Rodanthe).

8) Red is the signature color of Valentine's Day. Are you wearing red right now?

I wore my (last year's deal of the day) Valentine's Day scarf to church.

9) Because Valentine's Day is such a big day for chocolate ... would you prefer a large, solid milk chocolate heart or a small box of four assorted chocolates?

While chocolates would probably be my last choice for a Valentine's Day gift, a small box of assorted would be just fine!




 

Saturday 9: Sorry

 
Saturday 9: Sorry (2015) Unfamiliar with this week's tune? Hear it here.

1) This song is a plea for a second chance. Are you good at forgiving/forgetting? Most of the time.

2) Justin asks his girl to "forget this." What have you done/said recently that you wish could just be forgotten? Nothing comes to mind.

3) Mr. Bieber says he needs just 6 hours sleep every night. How about you? How much sleep do you require to feel sharp? at least 8 hours!

4) Justin prefers D&G underwear, which can cost as much as $102/pair. Sam may be crazy, but there's no way she'd spend that much on underwear. What's something you're willing to splurge on? Vacations!!!!

5) He may be picky about underwear but not cuisine. He loves Big Macs. If we were going to McDonald's, what would you order? Pretty much all I ever order from McDs is Sweet Tea (YUM!), a frozen mocha frappe, or french fries. 

6) When it comes to healthier fare, Bieber has told fans he enjoys snacking on bananas and grapes. What do you reach for between meals? I'm not a huge snacker, but if I do, it's usually cheese crackers.

7) Performing in Germany, Justin Bieber told a girl who approached the stage, "Ich liebe dich” ("I love you") and she fainted. Have you ever fainted? Soon after I had Logan, the nurse tried to get me up out of bed. I told her I thought I might faint. She pretty much laughed at me and I assume, thought I was being dramatic. Long story short....last thing I remember was standing up, next thing I knew I was back in bed with a clean gown on! I WAS OUT!! {Logan was born in 4 hours-from water breaking to holding him...10 lbs. 1/2 oz. 23 inches long....NO DRUGS!} Note to nurse:LEAVE ME ALONE!!!

8) As a kid, Justin was teased for being one of the shortest in his class. What do you recall being teased about in school? Being the teacher's pet in 3rd grade.
9) Random question: Will you be watching this weekend's Super Bowl? YES

Saturday 9: Don't You Care?

Saturday 9: Don't You Care? (1967)

(1) What's something that seems to fascinate everyone else, but you just don't care about?

I really don't like talking about politics (especially anything Trump). 

2) The lyrics refer to "the times we cried and laughed." Which did you do more recently, cry or laugh?

Laugh :0)

3) In the song, our hero seems surprised that his girlfriend doesn't believe him. Are you more believing and trusting, or suspicious and skeptical?

I think, overall, I'm believing and trusting. 

4) This song is just over two minutes long, which seems short for a song but awful long when Sam is waiting for her chicken soup to heat in the microwave. What's the last thing you heated in a microwave?

A baked potato. 

5) This week's band, The Buckinghams, was one of the first acts to perform at Chicago's premiere summer festival, The Taste of Chicago.* Let's think ahead: Have you made any plans for Summer 2016?

I'm sure most of our summer plans will revolve around the new addition to our family....due to arrive July 5th!!!! :0)

6) In 1967, when this song was popular, Rolling Stone magazine published its first issue. What magazines do you subscribe to? Do they arrive in the mail, or do you read them online?

My Southern Living subscription just ran out, but I ordered BH&G and Family Circle, which should start soon.

7) Country star/American Idol judge Keith Urban was born in 1967. Are you watching the final season of American Idol?

Yes. 

8) In 1967, the average cost of a movie ticket was $1.25. By 2015, it had risen $8.60. What's the last movie you saw in a theater?

The Hateful Eight (worst.movie.ever.)

9) Random question: Sam's taking everyone out to dinner and she's buying. Would you prefer the steak or the lobster?

I prefer lobster, but order steak more often.