Saturday 9 & Photo-a-day

 Saturday 9: 

There'll Be Some Changes Made (1962)

Welcome to Saturday: 9. What we've committed to our readers is that we will post 9 questions every Saturday.

Unfamiliar with this week's tune? Hear it 

HERE.

1) In this song, Ann-Margret sings that she's going to change her way of living. If you could simply snap your fingers and change something in your life, what would it be?

Good health for Mr D and me.

2) She tells us she's going to change her name. Have you ever changed your name, or asked people to refer to you differently? (Example: "Don't call me Betty anymore. I want to be Elizabeth.")

When I married, and so many people call me 'Mary Jane' - family call me 'Mary.'

3) Ann-Margret was born Ann-Margret Olsson in Sweden and when was 5, her family moved to Winnetka, Illinois. She is fluent in both Swedish and English. When did you last converse in a language other than English?

Never, I can't speak any other language.

4) Olivia Newton-John was a big Ann-Margret fan. When she was cast in the movie Grease, Olivia asked that her character's name be changed from "Sandy Dumbrowski" to "Sandy Olsson" in tribute. Grease is one of the most profitable movies ever made. Have you seen it more than once?

Yes

5) Ann-Margret celebrated her 85th birthday earlier this year. Back in 2024, Ann-Margret told a reporter that she planned to celebrate her 83rd birthday with a spin on her motorcycle, a lavender Harley-Davidson. "I love speed," she explained. Do you always observe the speed limit? Or have you been known to zip along a little faster?

Yes, I try to always play by the rules, whatever I'm doing. There may have been a few times in my youth when my foot got heavy, but not often.  

6) This week's song was written in 1921 and over the last 100+ years it's been recorded more than 400 times. Before today, had you heard it?

Yes!

7) The lyrics were written by William Weldon Higgins, who was better known as vaudeville comic Billy Higgins. When did you most recently laugh out loud?

This morning! Some of the contestants on The Price is Right make me laugh - crazy people. 😃

8) The music was composed by William Overstreet. In addition to writing music, he was a respected director at Chicago's Grand Theater. When did you last see a live performance (concert, play, etc.)?

I'm trying to remember; it was before 2018 and after 2015 that I went to see The Gaither's in concert at First Baptist Church in Pasadena. I went with my dear friend Zephra, aka Sister Zee.

My dear GLOW sisters, Sandy, Linda, Sister Zee and Pat.

(God Loves Older Women)

9) Random question: Do you have more or less than $20 cash in your wallet right now?

Because I don't get out anymore I don't need cash in my pocket. Mr D carries our cash.

Thank You

For hosting!

Click HERE to join in the fun!!

🌹

 Photo-a-day with ChristyT

July 11th

Today's word: fruit/vegetable

A few years ago, I planted a pepper plant in a pretty pot on the porch.

This was the first of my small harvest.

I didn't know if peppers were considered a vegetable, so I went to my new friend AI and ask.  This is what it said:

Banana peppers are botanically fruits but are commonly treated as vegetables in cooking.

Until Next Time

Saturday Nine

 Saturday 9: Good (1995)

Welcome to Saturday: 9. Sometimes there’s a theme and at other times the questions will be totally unrelated.

 

Today’s Questions!

And My Answers😀

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

 

1)   This song begins with a guy realizing he's home alone. Do you enjoy being all by yourself?

I do, it’s a good opportunity to relax and regroup.  Still, I love when the house is full with family or friends.

2)   He watches the sun throwing shadows on the floor. Which room in your home lets in the most sun?

The big window by the kitchen table, it faces west and the afternoon sun loves to dance there.

3)   He sings that he may write a letter to his ex. If you were inspired to send someone a handwritten message, do you have stationery or notecards on hand? What about first-class postage stamps?

Yes and yes, I still love to send cards, and I love to receive them, it’s something you can hold in your hand, (touch & feel) and maybe put in your memory box.

4)   This week's band, Better Than Ezra, got their start in Baton Rouge. All the members attended LSU and played their first gig at Murphy's, a bar near campus. When you were in your early 20's, where did you and your friends go to socialize?

Two spots on Main Street, Zest‑a‑Cup and Trainers Drive‑In, they were the places to be back in the day. If you weren’t hanging out at one of those, you were probably at a house party, and those were always full of laughter and good memories. Both places have been gone for a long time now, but they still live on in the stories we tell.

5)   While the band refuses to disclose the origin of their name, many assume the "Ezra" they refer to is poet Ezra Pound. Do you often read poetry?

I do read poetry but not often.

6)   In 1995, when this song was popular, Michael Jordan "unretired" and returned to the Chicago Bulls. Tell us about a decision you wish you could undo.

I wish we had never downsized to a smaller home. At the time we thought it was the best thing to do and maybe it was.

7)   Also in 1995, Phoebe Buffay first performed "Smelly Cat." Do you recall what show she sang on?

Sorry folks, I don’t remember the song or the artist.

8)   Legendary New York Yankee Mickey Mantle died in 1995. How is your team doing so far this young baseball season?

Love the Houston Astros!!  They won the World Series twice — in 2017 and 2022. So far in the 2026 season, they’re off to a rough start with a 10–16 record, sitting last in the AL West. But they’ll come around, I know they will.

9)   Random question: What's in your garage, besides your car (lawn tools, holiday decorations, old paint cans, etc.)?

We have two comfortable rocking chairs and a table out there; some days we’ll open the garage door and enjoy our afternoon coffee and just enjoy the neighborhood.

If you want to join in just visit SaturdayNine by clicking HERE.

Thank you Sam for hosting!

Always praying for just one more soul.

Remember to pray for the peace of Jerusalem.

Until Next Time

  

Saturday 9: Drive My Car (1965)

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

 

1)   Who would you allow, without hesitation, to drive your car?

All three of my girls.

2)   When you're riding in the backseat, do you use your seatbelt?

Yes

3)   In this song, a young girl tells her boyfriend she wants to be a movie star. What were your aspirations when you were in your late teens/early 20's? Did you realize them?

After meeting Mr D, I just wanted to be with him, have a family and live a good life.  Which we did!  There were a lot of bumps along the way, but we managed to overcome.

4) The song was reportedly inspired in part by the relationship between popular British singer Cilla Black and her future husband. Cilla wanted him on the record label's payroll, so he became her road manager and driver. Have you ever worked for, or with, someone with whom you were romantically involved?

Several years after I retired from the bank, I took a part time job working at the office of a storage facility.  As life had it, I eventually became the manager and part time became full time.  After Mr D retired, he would come help out in the afternoons, I was also able to hire two of my grandsons for special jobs that needed to be taken care of around the property.  We had fun!

4)   Although this Beatles song is credited to Lennon-McCartney, it was written mostly by Paul. He recalls showing up at John Lennon's house with the tune ready to go, and lyrics they both agreed were "crap." John gave Paul the car theme, and he took it from there. When has someone recently helped you out of a jam?

I was in a real jam when I fell and broke my hip and couldn’t get up!  Thanks to the paramedics, they came and took over the situation and got me to the hospital.

5)   Paul also handles the lead vocals. When you hear a Beatles record, can you tell which band member is singing lead?

For the most part, no.

7) When it was first released, this record got a lot of attention for the intricate guitar work by Paul and George Harrison. It's got a lot of percussion on it, too, including cowbell and tambourine. Have you ever played either cowbell or tambourine? (Do you think it sounds like fun?)

No, I haven't and yes, it does sound like fun!

8) Lava lamps were already popular in England but they weren't introduced to the United States until 1965. Today Walmart carries more than 20 different lava lamps. Have you ever owned one?

I’m really stumped, It seems the girls had one when they were in their teens. 

9) Random question: Do you have a recurring dream?

No, but I do dream about the same people a lot.

Thank you Sam for hosting,

Join in the fun by clicking HERE

 

Happy Saturday Nine

 

Until Next Time

Saturday 9

Welcome to Saturday 9,

hosted by Sam.

A meme of 9 questions posted every Saturday.

Up the Ladder to the Roof (1970)

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

1)           Many people are uncomfortable with ladders. Some feel unsteady on the steps, others have a fear of heights. Then there's the superstition that warns against walking under ladders. Are you afraid of ladders?

No, but these days I do have respect for them.  I don’t do ladders anymore. As for superstitious, I’m not!

2)         In this song, the Supremes advise us to go up the ladder to the roof to be closer to Heaven. While poetic, that's not really why most homeowners climb onto the roof. They're more likely replacing shingles or cleaning the gutters. Have you ever been on the roof of your building?

No, we had a new roof put on last year and they sent a drone up that sent down a video of their work. I got to see the top of the house, does that count? lol

3)         The record was the Supremes first and biggest hit without Diana Ross. When Jean Terrell replaced Diana as lead singer, the two ladies appeared together at a press event to launch this new iteration of the Supremes. Have you ever met your replacement at a job, or perhaps the person you replaced?

I knew the person I replaced well, when I retired my position wasn’t needed anymore, as the bookkeeping department became off-site in downtown Houston.  My retirement was forced but I was compensated well AND I was ready 

4)         Mary Wilson was a member of the group when it was formed in 1959 and stayed through 1977, when the Supremes officially disbanded. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the average American stays at a job 3.9 years. Looking over your job history, how long did you typically stick with an employer?

I was at my last job for 30 years.

5)         The third Supreme performing on this record was Cindy Birdsong. After the group broke up for good, Cindy finished nursing school and practiced at UCLA Medical Center. When did you last interact with a nurse or nurse practitioner?

At my last doctor visit a few months ago.  

6) In 1970, when this song was popular, TV shows about doctors like Marcus Welby, MD and Medical Center ranked high in the Nielsen ratings. Medical shows are still popular today, with Grey's Anatomy entering its 22nd season and The Pitt earning critical accolades. Do you have a favorite TV doctor?

I’ll always love Dr. Marcus Welby

Marcus Welby, M.D.

TV series 1969-1976

6)         Also in 1970, when this song was popular, audiences were lining up to see the movie Love Story. Without looking it up, complete the film's most famous line:  "Love means _______________." 

Never having to say I’m sorry  ???

7)         Slumberchums™ were all the rage among pre-teens in 1970. These sleeping bags had attached pillow "heads" that made it look like you slipping into sleep inside a plush bear. When did you most recently sleep in a sleeping bag?

I don’t remember, it’s been a long time.

8)         Random question: Did you take a multivitamin this morning? If yes, did you swallow it or chew it?

I did take my vitamins this morning—swallowed them with a sip of water. I take several supplements each day, so it’s become part of my morning routine.

Join in the fun by clicking HERE.

 

Until Next Time

 Welcome to the first Saturday 9 of 2026.

Saturday 9: New Year's Day (2017)

Hosted by:

Unfamiliar with this week's tune? Hear it HERE!

 

1) In the lyrics, Taylor Swift promises she'll not only be there for the party, but for the clean up afterward. As we say move on from the holiday season, could your home benefit from a thorough cleaning? 

It sure could, bring your mop and broom and I’ll have a cleaning party!

 

2) This song describes a party where guests took Polaroid pictures. Have you ever owned a Polaroid camera? Do you have one now?

I did have a Polaroid once upon a time, I don’t even remember where or when it went away.

3) Taylor sings that we should "hold on to memories." What special memory from 2025 memory will you hang onto?

My middle and youngest daughters are already grandparents, but my oldest has been waiting so patiently for her turn—hoping, praying, and quietly holding space for that special baby news. And finally, it came. When she called to tell me she was going to be a grandmother, her joy spilled through the phone. I’ll never forget the happiness in her voice. Absolutely precious. 

4) Taylor Swift grew up on a Christmas tree farm in Pennsylvania. Have you taken your tree, or other holiday decorations, down yet? If you didn't decorate at all, let us know that, too.

Yes, it’s all down and put away.

5) Taylor Swift and Travis Kelce announced their engagement but no wedding date has been shared. Do you anticipate attending any weddings in 2026?

None that I know of.

6) Travis' team, the Kansas City Chiefs, is currently 6-10. Not exactly the record their fans hoped for. According to a 2024 Pew research study, 53% of Americans said football is their favorite sport. Have you watched much football this season? 

I don’t watch much football, but I do enjoy the playoffs. And if one of my teams makes it in, I love settling in to cheer them on.

7) In 2017, when "New Year's Day" was released, Wonder Woman was a hit at the box office. While Wonder Woman's superhero abilities vary depending on which TV show, movie or comic book you refer to, some of her powers remain consistent: a) immense strength, b) superhuman speed, c) the ability to almost instantly recover/heal from injury. Which would you like to possess – a, b, or c?

8) Have you made any New Year's resolutions for 2026?

No, I don’t make resolutions anymore.

 
9) What was the first thing to make you laugh in 2026?

Tammy was here today and she said something so funny to her dad, sorry, I can’t share. . .  but it made me laugh out loud.

To join in just click HERE.

Friday turned out to be such a good day. Tracey and Scott came for a visit—and they brought food! They showed up with lunch from El Toro’s, one of our favorite Mexican restaurants, and we all gathered around the table to enjoy a delicious meal and even better conversation.

Afterward, we moved into the living room where the seating is much more comfortable and continued our visit there. By the time they headed out, it was late afternoon, and I could feel the tiredness settling in. I slipped off to our bedroom, stretched out, and spent the rest of the day relaxing and watching a little television.

❤

May the Lord fill your heart with joy and your days with His peace in this coming year.

Until Next Time

December 20, 2025

Matthew 2:1-2

Wise Men from the East

2 Now after Jesus was born in Bethlehem of Judea in the days of Herod the king, behold, wise men from the East came to Jerusalem, ² saying, “Where is He who has been born King of the Jews? For we have seen His star in the East and have come to worship Him.”

 🕇

The wise men were astrologers, or priests from the East, most likely from Persia, Babylon, or Arabia. They were scholars who studied the stars and ancient texts, often seeking signs of divine events.  Despite modern nativity scenes, the Wise Men did not arrive at the manger on Christmas night. Based on Matthew 2:11, they came to a house, not a stable, and Jesus may have been a few months old. Their journey to find the newborn King of the Jews shows a profound example of faith. Despite being Gentiles, they followed a star for hundreds of miles simply to worship Jesus.

SATURDAY 9: HAPPY HOLIDAYS

Hosted by Sam

Click HERE to join in the fun!

From the archives

1.       As you can see, when Sam Winters was a little girl, she loved giving her annual wish list to Santa. If you could ask Santa for anything at all, right now, what would it be?

My annual wish prayer is very simple, yet it’s for the whole world.

Let there be peace on earth, goodwill toward men.

2. Are you currently on the Naughty or Nice list? How did you get there?

I’m pretty sure I’ve landed on the Nice List this year—though not without a few near‑misses that probably made the angels raise an eyebrow. I’ve tried to love well, extend grace when it wasn’t easy, and keep my sense of humor intact through the bumps and bruises of everyday life. Of course, there may have been a moment or two of impatience or a sarcastic comment that slipped out before my filter woke up. Yet, with a humble heart, a grateful spirit, and a wink toward the One who knows the whole story and loves me anyway, I’m claiming the Nice List…

3.       Are you traveling this Christmas? If so, are you going by car, plane or train?

We’re traveling  a couple of miles down the road to our daughter’s home.

4. Did you ship any gifts to friends and family this year? If yes, which one traveled the farthest?

No

5. Did you buy yourself a gift this year?
No

6. Which do you prefer: candy canes or gingerbread?

7. Can you see any holiday decorations from where you're sitting now?

Yes, I can most of the decoration we have in our home.

8. What's your favorite winter beverage?

I’ve always loved wassail. Back when I worked at the bank, it was a tradition we enjoyed together, and those cozy memories have stayed with me. After I retired, I tried making it at home a few times, but it turns out I’m the only one in the family who really likes it—so I don’t make it often anymore.

Still, I have a simple version I turn to when the mood strikes: just apple juice with a package of red hots, warmed in a pot until the candy melts away and the whole kitchen smells sweet and spicy. Every now and then, especially on those brrrrr-cold days, I’ll make a batch just for myself. It’s a little tradition that still brings me comfort.

9. Share a memory from last Christmas.

“This memory isn’t from last year—it’s from a few years back. It’s one of my favorites, because I love spending time with my girls, and this photo captures that joy perfectly.”

From left to right:

Tracey, Tammy, Yours Truly, Peggy

Christmas Blessing to All

Until Next Time