Saturday 9: Uncle Albert/Admiral Halsey

Unfamiliar with this week's tune?

Hear it here!

The lyrics tell us Paul believes it's going to rain. How's the weather where you are today?

Hot and humid.
I'm trying to start my days extra early so I might nap away the worst of the afternoon heat.

Paul sings that he is sorry because he hasn't "done a bloody thing all day." What do you hope to accomplish this weekend?

Um, I'm doing it right now --
blogging and piddlin' on Facebook, Pinterest and PhotoScape X. 

He also references butter pie, which is made primarily with potatoes (with onions and, of course, butter.)  That dish is not popular on this side of the Atlantic. Last time you had potatoes, how were they prepared -- baked, mashed, hash browned, french fried ….?

Butter pie doesn't sound much different than the scalloped potato casserole my former mother-in-law used to make!

I try not to eat potatoes -- but find it really, really hard not to enjoy hash browns when they're done extra crispy.

Linda McCartney is credited as co-writer and performer on this recording. Paul and Linda were partners in real life too; married 29 years, they raised four children together. They often said they tried never to spend more than a few hours apart. Do you enjoy a lot of togetherness, or so you value your personal time? Has your experience with Covid19 and quarantine changed how you feel about this?

Nothing much has changed.

Both Tom and I value our personal time.  Plus, I think my being an only child and an introvert pre-conditioned me for solitude.

Paul and Linda came from very different backgrounds. His family was lower middle class, lived in Liverpool's public housing and received government aid. She grew up in affluent Scarsdale, the daughter of a wealthy theatrical attorney. Do you think it's more important for a couple to share a common background, or to share common interests?

I don't think it makes much difference.

Probably common interests -- or better, common values.

Paul is known for his work ethic. At age 78, he's still making music and performing live. What's your favorite Paul McCartney song?

Don't make me choose!  It's a tie between

In My Life

Long and Winding Road 

In 1971 when this song was a hit, Bobby Fischer was the world's most famous and highest-rated chess player. Do you play chess?

Nope. That never interested me.

England's Princess Anne turned 21 in 1971. The occasion was commemorated by a formal portrait, taken by celebrated fashion photographer, Norman Parkinson. Who took the most recent photo of you?

Um, that would be me-myself-&-I

… trying to decide if my hair needed trimming or not.

(Thankfully, I came to my senses!)

Random question: Do you find it more satisfying to work with your hands or your head?

No question, my head.
My fingers are nearly as uncoordinated as my feet.

* * *

Maybe you'd like to play along?

There's still time to join Crazy Sam here -- or, I'd love to hear about it in the comments.

Y'all take care … stay safe!

Hugs, Myra

Throwback Thursday ... Friday Fotos

G'evening, friends!

So, realizing the years have not been kind to my mother's 1956 travel diary, last week I made the decision to have a professional do what she could to preserve its contents.

As you can see, in places mother's pretty script had become nearly indecipherable.

The cost was far more than I'd anticipated, but they did a beautiful job and even made a second set for my son. In the end, I consider her nearly 70 pages precious -- and hope someday my granddaughters will feel the same.

* * *

Obviously, it would be difficult -- if not impossible -- to recreate my parents road-trip in today's weird environment. 

I think a few of you have seen some of these already ….. but I'm in the mood for another sentimental journey.  Want to come along?

June 15: "Left the hill at 7:10AM, a beautiful morning!

600 miles later that evening she recounts our having enjoyed steak dinner ($2.35) in Oklahoma City, then driving down "to see the stores."

"No service, no tip" (Mooother, really?) … 

"No Green Stamps"??? (HORRORS!)

Kansas … still no Green Stamps. LOL!

Washington DC

In front of the White House

New York City

Portland, Maine

These entrees' descriptions crack me up!

Aboard the Bluenose Ferry to Yarmouth, Nova Scotia

Throughout the Midwest … Washington, DC … New York City … New England … Nova Scotia and PEI before turning around for home.

Wow, the prices!

* * *

I'm still hoping we'll feel free to roam about the country sometime this year.  Who's up for a sing-along?

Aw, thanks so much for visiting!
Stay safe!

Hugs, Myra

If this is Wednesday ....

… it's time for the Hodgepodge!

Shout-out to our hostess, Joyce, for crafting each week's questions!

The US of A celebrated Memorial Day this past Monday. Does your family have any military ties?  If so, tell us about them.

You'll recall, I already addressed this on Saturday's meme.

At the time I didn't realize, Tom's grandson is (hopefully) about to become a U.S. Marine ..... 

pending his successfully completing one final challenge.

Beginning yesterday at 2AM, Victor and his team were to have entered the Crucible. Families are lighting candles on their social media pages, asking for prayers.

I'd never heard of The Crucible, but learned it ...

… takes place over 54 hours and includes food and sleep deprivation (2 hrs. max) and over 45 mi. of marching. The Crucible event pits teams of recruits against a barrage of day and night events requiring every recruit to work together to solve problems, overcome obstacles and help one another along the way.

* * *

Cole slaw, potato salad, baked beans, potato chips, mac and cheese, macaroni salad .... your favorite BBQ side?  How many of these do you make from scratch v. buying from the deli?

  

Tom would probably buy himself small containers of cole slaw, potato salad and macaroni salad from the deli. Personally, I'd rather have pimento cheese. This morning I spotted a recipe that looks mighty good:

(Copied exactly as she wrote it ... I think this lady is my spirit animal!)


Pirate Pimento Cheese

8 ounces (one brick) full-fat Philadelphia cream cheese (Yes, Philadelphia and yes, full fat.)

2 cups (a little more is a lot better) hand-shredded Cabot Extra-Sharp Cheddar (Don’t substitute any other brand and on pain of death, do not use pre-shredded cheese. Heaven forfend.)

1/2 cup Duke’s Mayonnaise (If you can’t get Duke’s, you can’t make this recipe. Sorry not sorry.)

(Just kidding. Use your favorite mayonnaise.)

8 ounces mushed-up pimentos (Drain the little suckers out of their jar or jars, dump them onto your cutting board, and work them over with a mezzaluna or appropriately businesslike knife.)  

Generous dollop (do not measure and have no fear) Giuliano Hot & Spicy Jalapeno Spread* (Mount Olive makes a similar product so if you can’t secure a jar of Giuliano, go with second best but deduct one-half of a style point.)

Coarse ground black pepper and kosher salt to taste (If you still use that whiny-thin free-flowing excuse for salt and/or garden-variety black pepper dust, you are on your own and you haven’t made my recipe.)

Lemon pepper (A free-spirited sprinkling.) to taste. And totally optional.

Stir, stir, stir!  Cover and refrigerate for 24 hours.  Will stiffen as liquids are absorbed. Add more Duke's to taste.

* * *

 Joyce enjoyed asking this question back when the Hodgepodge was a regular thing.  Lake Superior State University posts a list each year of words they think should be banished from the Queen's English for misuse, overuse, and/or general uselessness.  The 2020 list includes:

quid pro quo, artisanal, curated, influencer, literally, I mean, living my best life, mouthful (word used by foodies to describe texture of food in their mouth), chirp (basically an insult), jelly (should for jealous), totes (short for totally), vibe and OK Boomer (internet response from millennial to older generation.)

Of the words/phrases listed, which would you most like to be 'banned'?

Have to admit, I'm not familiar with some most of these. I'm tempted to say 'living my best life' because it sounds really stupid ... but I grudgingly admire the intent.

Because 'OK Boomer' strikes me as sarcastic and/or demeaning, that's my pick.

* * *

I'm sure next year's list will be filled with words springing out of this weird season we're all in currently. What word or phrase associated with the Corona would you be happy to hear less often?

* * *

The month of May wraps up in just a few days. Bid her adieu in 10 words or less.

Thanks for showing me I'm not in control -- (&) never was.

(The ampersand won't count as a word, will it?)

* * *

Insert your own random thought here.

Love y'all ... keep safe!

Hugs,

Myra

Sunday thoughts

Looking out my front door.

Love how the grass, the tree and flag combine to look like I've been coloring inside the lines.

G'afternoon, and happy Memorial Day eve!

How are you?

Me?  Right about now …  

I'm feeling thankful

….. to have had my hair cut!

So appreciative of the precautions MaryAnn had taken: Signage at the door read, "Please wait in your car until we call you."  Also, she'd placed a big bottle of hand sanitizer on a little table outside.  All seating from the waiting area had been removed and hair dryers were relocated next to each stylist's station. Obviously, they couldn't move the shampoo bowls, but had shower curtains hung between them.  I had the first appointment of the day and was the only customer there, but she said part of the reopening criteria (Health Department) specified only one customer per stylist per hour.

I'm loving

Dawn's new 'power wash' dish spray.

This stuff is seriously amazing.

Removing hairspray residue from my bathroom tile and baseboards has long been the bane of my existence -- since rubbing alcohol is nowhere to be found.

I decided to try this, and eureka! All that gunk practically slid off. I just sat stood there grinning at the like-new baseboards.

I'm thinking

…..how good it feels to express thanks.

Friday was the promised delivery for the girls' Chewy shipment, so I wasn't surprised when they began barking and carrying on.  I stuck my head out the door, but the driver stayed in the driveway and was saying something I couldn't hear.

What?  As I approached the truck, I could see he was texting someone. "Ma'am, I'm so sorry ma'am.  I accidentally ran over two of your solar lights, but my boss will reimburse you for the damage."

Oh, good grief!  I assured him it's OK -- "My husband and I've done the same thing.  Don't worry about it."  

Then, I don't know why, but felt compelled to say how much we appreciate what he and other service people are doing every day on our behalf.  He seemed little surprised and said, "Ya, we be grinding, you know what I mean?" … then broke down in tears.  "Thank you for saying that, ma'am."

Yep, I went back inside and had a good little cry of my own.

I'm craving

.....shredded white chicken meat w/ Duke's mayo and lots of saffron seasoning.

Tom's not a fan of saffron, so we've taken to every once in a while getting a Wal Mart rotisserie chicken and splitting it.  (Win-win, since he prefers the dark meat.)

Pastor Janet and I are having a brown-bag lunch on her new (next door) lot in a few days, so that's what I'll make.

This tree took a big hit in a recent thunderstorm.  Kinda looks like "The Scream" doesn't it?

Finally(!), I'm looking forward

..... to this evening's National Memorial Day Concert on PBS. Every year, it's 'appointment TV.'

In that vein, I thought Trace Atkins "Arlington" might be a fitting close.  

Do you ever wonder how, with certain pieces of music, the performer manages to keep it together? No matter how many times I watch, this song ALWAYS makes me cry.

Keep well, keep safe!

Hugs, Myra

A Memorial Saturday 9

 

Memorial Day is the Federal holiday designed to honor American service people who died in battle.

Welcome to Saturday 9!

This week, Crazy Sam has chosen Judy Garland's rendition of Battle Hymn of the Republic.  Unfamiliar with her rendition? Listen here!   

Sam asks ...


On May 30, 1868, President Grant presided over the Memorial Day observance at Arlington National Cemetery.  Have you ever visited Arlington Cemetery?

Yes, back in 1964.  I recall visiting JFK's gravesite -- and that of his infant son, but little else. I'd love to go back again someday. 

On Memorial Day it is customary to fly the flag at half-staff until noon and then raise it to the top of the staff until sunset. Will you be flying the flag at your home this weekend?

All day, every day.

Memorial Day was originally called Decoration Day because flowers and ribbons were left on graves of soldiers. Do you find solace in visiting cemeteries?

No, not at all.  Rather, I'm enormously saddened.

The lyrics to this week's song were written by Julia Ward Howe in 1861. Her inspiration was a White House visit with Abraham Lincoln. In 2020, public tours of the White House are available - but you must request your ticket in advance from your Member of Congress (House or Senate). When you travel, do you plan your trip weeks before you go?  Or, do you decide how your days will unfold once you reach your destination?

Ha! I'm exactly like my father -- who used to prepare detailed itineraries before each of our trips.  In the past I've even gone so far as to plan what I'd wear on each of the 7 days aboard ship.

With no particular plan, it's a miracle Tom and I didn't kill each other during our move from Arizona to Alabama.    

Judy Garland performed this week's song before a live audience as a tribute to President Kennedy, who had been assassinated just weeks before. She knew Kennedy personally and considered this a farewell to a friend. While the performance was difficult for her -- at one point she flubs the lyrics -- she believed it was important, and could perhaps help the country heal. Tell us about a song that reminds you of someone you loved who is no longer with us.

A couple of years before his death, I remember visiting with my father when his Dixieland LP dropped onto the turntable. Offhandedly he remarked (about) Just a Closer Walk With Thee -- "That's what I want played at my funeral."

His being only 60-something, I probably said something profound like, "Oh dad, don't go talking that way."  And we never did again. 

When the time came to make final arrangements I asked mother if he had ever said anything like that to her. But no. So glad we were able to resurrect that album in time to include it at his service.

John F. Kennedy served in WWII and was awarded a Navy and Marie Corps medal and a Purple Heart. His brother Joe also served and was awarded the Navy Cross, but he received his citation posthumously, having died during a flying mission over East Suffolk, England.  Here at Saturday 9, we consider everyone who serves a hero and want to hear about the veterans and active military members in your life.

My dad served in the U.S. Navy during WWII ...

Tom (Army) in Korea ...

and son Troy (Army) at Desert Storm.

Memorial Day is considered the beginning of the summer season. Will you be enjoying warm weather this weekend?

I don't know how much enjoying I'll do. Not sure what happened to my summer-ready figure. (LOL)

But yes, we're poised to climb into the 90's.

Berries are especially popular in summer. Which is your favorite: strawberries, blueberries, blackberries or raspberries?

I don't care for most kinds of fruit -- but have fond memories of eating blueberries swimming in sweet cream at my grandparents kitchen table.

If you could attend a Memorial Day picnic with any fictional character, which would you choose?

Bambi

(ca. 1957 ... somewhere in Germany)


* * *



I try to always say this, but I so appreciate you taking time to visit!  Wherever, however you're spending this holiday weekend, please stay safe.  Like my mother used to say, watch out for the 'other guy'!

Hugs,

Myra

Trains, Planes and Boats

Welcome to Tuesday 4--

in honor of the memory of Toni Taddeo!

This week our hostess, Annie, has chosen the theme Trains, Planes and Boats -- born in part out of her love for train travel.  (Me, too!)  She asks...


Do you enjoy riding on trains, planes or boats?  Got a tale to tell us?

Trains and boats … yesssssss!

Lots of tales, but I'm going with my family's 1957 transatlantic voyages aboard the Queen Elizabeth and Mary.  If you'd like, you can read about it here.

The Orient Express is super luxurious with 5-star accommodations including real bedrooms, cocktail bars, etc.  It stops along a route that includes London, Paris, Berlin, Bucharest, Venice, Paris, Prague and Istanbul. Agatha Christie's Murder on the Orient Express is set on the train.  You can choose your itinerary from the lists their site offers.  Of the places shown here, which cities interest you the most, and why.

Quit teasing me, Annie! (*smile*)

I so enjoyed reading about OE's destinations …. but in the end I'd go with the Venice-to-London route via Vienna.  I wonder what - if anything - I might remember.

Do you think you would enjoy a cruise? Where would you go?

Oh wow.  20 years ago I'd be ready in a heartbeat. I've been enormously fortunate to have cruised for many years.

Unfortunately … and despite the specter of C-19, I'm not enamored about today's mega ships … that look more like behemoths than actual ships.  Sure, I understand profit-and-loss mentality, but miss the smaller passenger population and leisurely fine dining.

I still harbor the occasional fantasy of an European river cruise.

Given the time and the choice -- and money being no object -- will you travel to Europe via plane or luxury liner?

Definitely, a luxury liner. While (in the past) I've had occasion to fly practically all over the world, I'm never at ease.

'Must add, I'd be somewhat nervous on that luxury liner … why, what on earth would I have in common with the rest of those paying passengers?

* * *

I like dreaming!

How about y'all?

Be good ...stay safe (please).

Hugs, Myra

Saturday in the Southlands

….. aka, Currently

Today, I'm --


Dreaming about ...

the air fryer Emeril's been raving about.  That never crossed my radar until the other morning I sat sipping my coffee and became mesmerized by his infomercial.  (Quarantine brain!)

Tom's going to say we've no place to put it (true), but I like the idea of not having to turn on the oven this summer.

Speaking of cooking! ...

I wanted to show you my new favorite lunch.

4 (fully cooked) sausage patties zapped in the microwave -- top with guacamole salsa + 2 over-easy, cheddar-y eggs.

Tom's quite given up asking me if I'm not growing tired with eating the same thing 9 days in a row!  Nope!

Feeling thankful ...

for Dollar Tree, allowing me to decorate for so little $.

We don't often use the dining room, but I enjoy staging my trifle bowl according to the holidays.  

(What, Linda? You didn't really expect me to make a trifle, did you? LOL.)

Yikes! ...

Is anyone else seeing all those 'sponsored' Facebook posts for Keto meal plans?

Since learning my DIL has lost more than 30 pounds doing Keto, I decided to take 'their' little quiz:

Height ... weight ... activity level.  Checked off the foods I don't/won't eat, ya-da-dah.

BMI: 23, okay. 

THEN!

Actual age: 70 … Metabolic age: 77 (Whaaaa?!?)

Plus, 'they' had the audacity to suggest I may be 'highly stressed.'  Folks, if I were any less stressed I'd be comatose.

Looking forward ...

to getting my hair cut on Wednesday!

Suppose she's going to notice I've been playing with scissors?

Idle thought ...

Does anyone else remember their parents sending them over to play with the neighbor kid who'd contracted chicken pox (or the mumps) so you, too, could get it over with?  Jus' saying.....
Good times.

Have a super Sunday! Stay safe!