Friday Faves 5 & Saturday 9

Linking with Susanne a little late. It was a busy week, but never to catch up!

Thankful for the Facebook memories that pop up. Most are pictures of family, friends or events. I love to see the Farmville pictures. I played this game for over 10 years. I was introduced by a few of my country website friends that had gone to FB. I was reluctant at first, but a friend invited me to play a game called Farm Town, and later Farmville (2009). We created "a farm" that grew as we played the game with others. Then they added farms with themes and farms were always fun to put together. Playing could be time consuming, but they filled my downtime. Hawaii was my favorite and I even played it while I was in Hawaii. My dad would tease me but sometimes watched as I played when I visited him. I think this Farm was from 2010. You can learn about it at Wikipedia. The game ended at the end of 2020.

Thankful for another great meet up with my Bible journaling group. Our group was missing 4 girls, but was nice and I could sit at the table with all the girls. The last two years we went over the names of God and the names of Jesus. This year we will be going over the cities that Jesus was at. So we started with Bethlehem. Other verses were based on walking with the Lord in the New Year.

Thankful for our marriage group as it met for the first time this year.

Thankful to see my son turn 45 and how we were able to celebrate. We went back to our favorite Chinese food place to eat, then back to our house for cake.

Thankful for a fun day to Disneyland on Friday. We went early for rope drop. They let people in at 7:30 to walk down Main St USA. Then they can walk to the an area by the entrance to the different lands. Then at 8am, the ropes drop and everyone takes off to the area they want to be in. We went to Star Wars land to get on the Rise of the Resistance. The park was not so busy, so we got on several rides before heading to California Adventure. We got on Soaring and the Little Mermaid ride. We left by 1:30 to get home before the heavy traffic. We stopped for lunch and then picked up Daisy from the vet. We go back on January 30th. The morning was 46 when we woke up but it was 82 when we left Disneyland. 

Saturday 9: Man I Need (2025)

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

 

1) In this song, Olivia Dean is looking for a man who wants to really communicate and doesn't make her "read between the lines." Tell us about a time when you felt you had to work hard to figure out what someone was trying to tell you. I have to work on me. To not be distracted by other things.

 

2) She's eager to meet his best friend and join their friend group. Have you made any new friends recently? Not recently. Maybe I will this year!

 

3) "Man I Need" was a hit in the fall of 2025. It was so popular that, in addition to CDs, a special vinyl release was scheduled in time for Christmas (2025) gift giving. How do you listen to music most often? Do you play CDs, download, stream, or play vinyl records? I listen on my cellphone with Pandora. I also listen when I am on the desktop. I usually listen on YouTube. 

 

4) Olivia Dean recalls that her first public performance was singing at a school talent show. If we had a Sat 9 talent show, what would you do to entertain us? Present a PowerPoint presentation of the highlights of our cruise to Mexico with music.

 

5) She says she loved listening to her parents' music collection. How about you? Did you and your parents share musical tastes? How about you and your kids? Yes, I did share it with my parents and a little with the kids. Funny to see how vinyl has come back.

 

6) Olivia likes to be dressed up when she gets onstage, favoring gowns and heels. She says of her audiences, "If you guys paid good money that you worked hard for, let me give you a show." How do you feel when you're invited to an event that calls for you to dress up? Are you enthusiastic about choosing your outfit, or would you rather keep it casual? It depends on the event. I loved dressing up for dinner on the cruise. I got dressed up for the last ladies tea I went too.

7) She enjoys classic film and lists Singin' in the Rain as her favorite. What's the last movie you watched? Do you recommend it to other Sat 9ers? The last movie I saw in the theater was Wicked. I did recommend to a few. I have recommended Fiddler on the Roof too. 

 

8) In 2025, when this song was popular, the average price tag for a new vehicle was $47,690 and $25,100 for a used one. Are you planning to make a big purchase in 2026?  Yes, my trip to Israel.

Last year it was Air Conditioning and a water heater. 

9) Random question: Are you better with love or money? I know love is more important, but money sure helps, especially when it used to help others.

Thanks to Susanne and Sam for memes that are linked on the left.

Fridays Fave 5 & Saturday 9

There is always things to be thankful for. In spite of what is going on around the world, I chose to be positive and thankful for my many blessings. Here are a few from this past week.

I am thankful for many relaxing days. I have been busy in the house, but I have not gone to many places and that is okay. No dashing for sales or classes. We went to church on Sunday and afterwards we went out to lunch with son's family. We chose Chilis and then headed home in the rain. 

Thankful for the online craft class for my crafty group. I love learning new things and getting ideas. I also had time to listen to the Bible on my phone. I am using the Bible Project this time. I wrote out a verse in my faithful planner. Hubby and I watched some tv and we just enjoyed the quiet. Our older grands have been off school and been staying with their mom and I know they have enjoyed the rest too.

My PT for Tuesday was cancelled. I really just wanted to stay in since it was raining, and I got more Christmas things put away. I spoke to the Insurance group that is covering our tour. Thankful for my online friends that make life interesting.

Thankful for the time I have to study and prepare for my BJ class. I like how the Lord drops ideas in my head for the lessons. How He gives me confirmation. I make folders for each month and put my ideas/verses/graphics in the folder. I may even get a wait on an idea or move it to another folder. I had Isaiah 41:31 in my folder for from last year. I even printed out the graphic and had the extra things for the pack and then I felt led to not use it yet. I wasn't going to use it this month either, but then I felt like I should. Then I had a dream that an eagle came down and hovered over me, and it was big. I thought I was going to be taken and eaten! But then the flapping calmed and before I knew it, the huge wings enfolded me and I felt peace. Then the eagle flew away. I don't always remember my dreams, but this is one I won't forget.

Thankful to be getting my house back in order. I took off the ornaments on the big tree Sunday. I packed them up on Monday and Tuesday. Hubby put the tree back in the garage today. It is hard to see it go. I do keep a seasonal tree that stays up all year. The seasonal tree has country snowmen and pinecones. I have another tree in the kitchen that has snowflakes. 

Thankful for a good physical therapy session! We also go to pick up the younger grands and spend some time with them. Its going to be a cold Friday here is So CA. 61 with wind is cold for us.

Saturday 9: Volare (1960)

 

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

This song reminds me of my dad. I was 5 when this song and I remember him singing along with it.

1) The word "volare" is Italian for "to fly." Say something else in Italian. grazzi-thanks,  buono-good amore-love, bella bambina-pretty baby girl.

2) This week, Bobby Rydell invites us to take off with him up in the clouds and promises we'll find a rainbow. Countless lyricists have included rainbows in their songs. Can you name another song that mentions rainbows? Somewhere Ove the Rainbow.

 

3) His happy heart is singing. What is making you happy this morning? Bible journaling.

 

4) Bobby Rydell, like Frankie Avalon and Fabian, was a 1950s teen idol who hailed from Philadelphia. Home to the Liberty Bell and Independence Hall, Philly is Pennsylvania's most populous city. Have you ever been there? No. I saw a replica of it at Knott's Berry Farm.

 

5) Bobby was such a perfect example of a clean-cut American boy that when Jim Jacobs and Warren Casey sat down to write the play Grease, they named their fictional high school Rydell High after him. Do you have a favorite song from Grease? Hopelessly Devoted to You.

 

6) In addition to singing, Bobby also acted. His most famous film role was opposite Ann-Margret in Bye, Bye, Birdie (1963). Have you seen it? Yes

7) In 1960, when this record was popular, so were hand-loomed, 100% virgin wool sweaters from Italy. You could order one from the Sears catalog for $12.60 (approx. $135 in today's dollars). That sweater was labeled "dry clean only." Do you have any garments waiting to be picked up from the cleaners? No.

 

8) Also in 1960, Princess Margaret married photographer Antony Armstrong-Jones. They met when he was commissioned to take her official portrait. Who took the most recent photo of you? My granddaughter.

 

9) Random question: Is your oldest friend also your best friend? Not counting my sisters, it is my cousin Joanie. I keep in touch with my friend Lissette, we met in 7th grade and we met in 1967.

to God

Thanks to Susanne and Sam for the memes. Links are on the left.

Tuesday 4

1.  Would you tell us about a book you particularly enjoyed? 

Gone with the Wind has always been a favorite and I have read it 7 time back when I was in my teens and a young adult. I like history and romance and Clark Gable! But I also think I like it because my mom liked it and she took me to see it and let me read her book. I own the book now. Hubby and I just watched the movie but there are more details in the book. I hope to read it at least one more time.

I had read Isreal My Beloved a few times and plant to read it again and take notes. It is the story of Israel written like a love story. It is written by Kay Arthur and I got the book from her and it signed.

2.  Do you have a favorite book series?  How about a favorite series when you were a kid?

I love the Left Behind Series by Jerry Jenkins and Tim LaHaye. I have read the whole set twice and plan to read it again this year, but I want to take notes this time.  I also want to read the AD Chronicles again. Each book highlights a person or persons that Jesus encountered. I have all these books in my library and I grabbed the pictures online. Dallas Jenkins, the producer of the Chosen is the son of Jerry Jenkins.

I read all the Trixie Belden and Little House on the Prairie series as a child.

3.  Is there a book that you just did not like or one in which you just could get interested? I read a few of Frank Peretti books like Tillie, This Present Darkness and Piercing the Darkness. I could barely read The Oath because it was scary and also about demons and angels. 

4.   Is there an author whose books you don't want to miss or one whose books you avoid? I don't read as much as I used to. I read a lot of the from the 70's-90's. Then came the computer. I read a lot of non Christian books sets and historical fiction through the 80's. I started reading mostly Christian based books in the 90's to now. I used to keep track of them HERE. There are pictures of me with some Christian authors that I met at Women of Faith conferences in the 90's.

Most of the reading I do now my daily reading of the Bible and reading to learn new things. I really study before I teach my Bible journaling class. This year I will talk about the cities that Jesus visited or were mentioned in His lineage. I use the internet and my Study Bibles that I pull out of my bookcase.

I am currently reading :

I had a lot of the classics and historical books but I gave them to my nephew when we downsized.

Friday Faves 5 & Saturday 9

The week flew by as usual I am going Susanne to recap the 5 things I am thankful for from the past week. Dec 26-Jan2

1. Christmas was so special, and I am happy my whole family was here to celebrate. Thankful that we relax the day after and not go anywhere. I used to get up early to hit sales, but not anymore. I was able to craft and do my Bible reading. I also started taking down one of the trees in the Master bedroom.

2. Thankful that I could start back up with physical therapy. During my whole skin cancer ordeal, I lost weight and muscle. So, my doctor decided I would benefit from a repeat session. Then I will get to the gym. I need to do home exercises daily. I am doing strength training, not aerobic activity. I also plan to start walking with my friends.

3. The weekend was low key. We went to church and enjoyed the sight of snow on the mountains. after church we went out to lunch.  When we got home I worked on my craft book and Advent study.  Then I took down more ornaments and ornaments. I take pictures before I do.

4. Thankful that my son and the grands came for a visit on Tuesday. The grands spent the night. My older grandson was there too, and he and my granddaughter were both drawing. They are both great sketch artist. I got the kids to bed at midnight because they were playing games. When I finally crawled into bed, it was December 31, so, I read the last entry for the Bible Recap program and completed reading the whole Bible! I also signed up for my Isreal trip! Later we went to my son's house to bring in the new year. My son Daniel was feeling better and had cabin fever so his wife brought him. He says it hurts to drive because of the muscles in the back that hurt which pull on other muscles. Thanks for the prayers too!

5. I am thankful that I have been able to get a lot of things done and feel good about it. It is sad to take down Christmas, but I am ready for the New Year. I do put up winter decorations and enjoy the snowmen and white lights. I am excited about learning more about the Bible and making new memories! I am looking forward to getting fit so I can be ready for my trip to Israel. Next step is getting travel insurance.

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? Yes, I am packing Christmas away and there are needles and clutter that have to go.

 

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 own one in the 80's but I do not own one now. I do have a Cannon mini printer that prints 2x3 photos from my phone.

3) Taylor sings that we should "hold on to memories." What special memory from 2025 memory will you hang onto? There are a lot of special memories. Our Mexican Riviera anniversary cruise last January. My 70th birthday, my grandson's 18th birthday. Several family members getting baptized, my family showing support of my son. 

 

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. I started taking things down a couple days after Christmas. I decorate my whole house, so it takes days to take it down. I started with the master bedroom. I still have a couple of trees up and they will be decorated for winter. I have taken off the ornaments from the seasonal tree that had nativities and have put up country snowmen and pinecones.

5) Taylor Swift and Travis Kelce announced their engagement, but no wedding date has been shared. 

Do you anticipate attending any weddings in 2026? No, I don't think so.

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? Not on tv, but I have been to a couple of the high school games and one was at the Rosebowl.

 

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? C for sure!

8) Have you made any New Year's resolutions for 2026? I want to get healthier. Spiritually, physically and emotionally. There is always room for improvement.

 

9) What was the first thing to make you laugh in 2026? When I read the last verse on the Bible Recap program, I read it around 1 am, December 31. This is my 5th time reading it through, the first time on my phone with an app. I was not going to do it again, but I decided to start it with the Bible Project. My goal is to read it  through 7 times. As many times as I have read Gone with the Wind! I have told my grands. The Word of God you put in your heart, is the only thing you take with you when you go.

Thanks to Susanne and Sam for hosting the memes. Links are on the left.