Gratitude: Day 6

Prompt: Hobbies

Hours I've played until my fingers bled,

my guitar upon my knee.

The song sat waiting in a book or page

while I tried to make a "C."

With time and patience, I learned to play

Songs of time and man

Some of my finest memories

Are with my guitar in hand.

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Last month, The Gal did a 30-day gratitude challenge. I've swiped it to do for July. Only I'm going to try to do it in rhyme, just because.

Gratitude: Day 5

Prompt: Transportation

One of my feet.

My feet can take me everywhere

Down alleys, streets, and fields.

With them I can walk  

toward whatever life reveals.

They carry me through daily tasks,

past worries large and small.

Step by step I move ahead;

my feet can do it all.

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Last month, The Gal did a 30-day gratitude challenge. I've swiped it to do for July. Only I'm going to try to do it in rhyme, just because.

Sunday Stealing

 

4th of July Questions

1) If you could attend a 4th of July fireworks display anywhere in the United States, where would you choose?

A. I think I'd go to New York. I've watched the Macy's fireworks on TV and they look spectacular.

2) What book are you currently reading?

A. Band of Sisters, by Lauren Willig. It's about a group of women from Smith College who go to France during World War I to help out burned out villages.

3) What have you been listening to?

A. I have been listening to music by Melissa Etheridge.

4) What shows or movies have you been watching?

A. We recently finished up all the seasons of Downton Abbey. I confess I was sorry to see that end. We started on JAG for now. We also watch Jimmy Kimmel's Password, and Deadliest Catch. We were watching Brilliant Minds but that's finished up its season and wasn't renewed. Hopefully new shows will soon be here.

 

Thank you for playing! Please come back next week.

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I encourage you to visit other participants in Sunday Stealing posts and leave a comment. Cheers to all us thieves who love memes, however we come by them.

Gratitude: Day 4

Prompt: Something I do every day.

Each day my eyes find many words

I always like to read

My brain will even scan the pantry

for words on bags of seed!

Reading is fundamental.

It makes the days go by

And I have learned I can even read

with teardrops in my eyes.

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Last month, The Gal did a 30-day gratitude challenge. I've swiped it to do for July. Only I'm going to try to do it in rhyme, just because.

Saturday 9: God Bless America

Saturday 9: God Bless America 

Unfamiliar with Connie Francis' version of this song? Hear it here.

It's Independence Day!

1) Irving Berlin's lyrics celebrate our mountains, prairies, and oceans. Which of these geographical features is nearest your home?

A. Mountains. The lovely rolling Blue Ridge Mountains and the Alleghanies.

2) Berlin donated his royalties from "God Bless America" to the Girl Scouts and Boy Scouts of America. Were you ever a Scout?

A. My mother was a Girl Scout, but I was never able to join the club. My mother worked and I had no way to get home from meetings.

 

3) While this week's song has been recorded many times, we're concentrating on Connie Francis' 1959 version. It was never intended to be a hit, released as the B-side to her popular "Among My Souvenirs." But it took off when it was played at school rallies and patriotic events. Do you know all the lyrics to "God Bless America?" Could you sing along with Connie?

A. I could sing most of it. Sheet music would be nice.

4) After she wrote her autobiography, Connie said she wanted Valerie Bertinelli to play her in the movie. Even though Valerie isn't known for her singing, Connie liked that they were both Italian-American and 5'5". If we made a movie of your life, who should play you?

A. Kathy Bates.

 

5) Connie had a passionate romance with Bobby Darin, and their relationship is included in the Broadway show about Bobby's life, Just In Time. While Connie expressed her support for the production, she never saw the show because hip problems made flying difficult. How about you? Are you dealing with any aches or pains today?

A. Nothing out of the ordinary. I have my constant chronic abdominal pain, and I have pain in my shoulder from my impingement, but nothing I can't deal with.

 

6) The Fourth of July means we're in the middle of summer. Are you careful about applying sunscreen?

A. I am not outside enough to worry about it much. I generally get a farmer's tan (from just above my elbow to my hands) but I don't sit in the sun.

7) More beer is purchased for the 4th of July than any other holiday. What beverage will be served with your July 4th meal?

A. It won't be beer. I imagine it will be tea and water.

 

8) Emergency rooms expect an increase over the July 4th holiday. The most common causes are sports injuries (like jammed wrists and wrenched knees) and the unwise use of home fireworks. Have you been to the ER or Urgent Care during 2026?

A. I have not been to either the ER or Urgent Care this year.

9) New York is home to Nathan's Hot Dog Eating Contest every year on the 4th. Will hot dogs be consumed in your household this weekend?

A. Yes, hot dogs are on the menu.

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I encourage you to visit the posts of other participants in Saturday 9 and leave a comment. Because there are no rules, it is your choice. Saturday 9 players hate rules. We love memes, however. 

Gratitude, Day 3

Prompt: Something I see every day

I see a table, old and worn

It's age more than 100 years

It's seen 10,000 dinners

and watched women shed many tears.

A wedding gift from years ago

from Grandmother's storage shed

This oak table with a jagged scar

Holds close our daily bread.

My antique table.

_____

Last month, The Gal did a 30-day gratitude challenge. I've swiped it to do for July. Only I'm going to try to do it in rhyme, just because.

Gratitude, Day 2

Prompt: Nature

I see a glen with a herd of deer

They graze in peace, and need no clock

The barely stir when a squirrel runs by

or a turkey in a flock.

Whose land this is I scarcely know

though title to it may be mine.

We are but stewards who keep it clear

It belongs to the world divine. 

________

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Last month, The Gal did a 30-day gratitude challenge. I've swiped it to do for July. Only I'm going to try to do it in rhyme, just because.

Thursday Thirteen

 

When I was young, I used to be an avid comic book reader. My uncle who was four years older than I was read comic books and once I could read, I began to read them too. This would have been the late 1960s, early 1970s - what I would consider my "golden age" of comic books.

I haven't picked up a comic book in many years, but from what I've read, they've changed dramatically since then. The comics I read were bright, self‑contained, and easy to pick up off the newsstand.

Today’s comics are more serialized, more cinematic, and far more complex. They have deeper character development, modern art styles, and a wider range of heroes than I ever saw back then.

It’s a different landscape but still built on the same colorful foundations I grew up with.

If you need a hero, the comics are one place to look.

1. Wonder Woman (DC). The iconic Amazon warrior and symbol of truth and justice. When I was reading her, she'd basically been turned into the secretary for the Justice League.

2. Black Widow (Natasha Romanoff) (Marvel). Master spy turned Avenger with unmatched tactical skill. In my era, she roamed around with Spider Man sometimes.

3. Storm (Ororo Munroe) (Marvel). Weather‑controlling mutant and longtime X‑Men leader.

4. Captain Marvel (Carol Danvers) (Marvel). Cosmic powerhouse known for strength, flight, and energy blasts.

5. Jean Grey (Marvel). Founding X‑Man whose telepathy and telekinesis make her one of Marvel’s strongest heroes.

6. Rogue (Marvel). Southern mutant who absorbs powers and memories with a touch.

7. Thor (Jane Foster) (Marvel). When she lifts Mjolnir, she becomes the Mighty Thor, worthy of godlike power.

8. She‑Hulk (Jennifer Walters) (Marvel). Gamma‑powered attorney balancing super strength with sharp humor.

9. Ms. Marvel (Kamala Khan) (Marvel). Shape‑shifting teen hero inspired by her idol, Captain Marvel.

10. Supergirl (Kara Zor‑El) (DC). Superman’s cousin, bringing Kryptonian strength and compassion to Earth.

11. Power Girl (Kara Zor‑L) (DC). Earth‑2’s Kryptonian hero, known for her confidence and raw power.

12. Spider‑Woman (Jessica Drew) (Marvel). Super‑powered investigator with venom blasts and wall‑crawling abilities.

13. Sue Storm / Invisible Woman (Marvel). Fantastic Four co‑founder who uses invisibility and force fields with precision. I always thought she was really cool and she was one of my favorites.

When I was reading comics, there was basically only Wonder Woman, Sue Storm, the Black Widow, She-Hulk, and Supergirl. Oh, and I left out Batgirl. How could I forget Batgirl? She was on the TV show.

I have a vague idea how the others came to be - but some of these characters used to be male, like Thor and Captain Marvel. I know there are now different earths and universes and such, but I'm rather clueless as to how that all came about. Some of that I know from reading about comics. Some of it I know from The Big Bang Theory.

There's a new Supergirl movie out. I don't know if I will make it to the theater to see it, but I will at least watch it when it hits the TV. I really liked the first Wonder Woman movie. Supergirl isn't getting very good reviews, but you never know.

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Thursday Thirteen is played by lots of people; there is a list here if you want to read other Thursday Thirteens and/or play along. I've been playing for a while, and this is my 966th time to do a list of 13 on a Thursday. Or so sayth the Blogger counter, anyway.

30 Day Gratitude Challenge

Prompt 1: House

Today I'm grateful for my house
that my husband built for me.
I live there in love and peace
Amongst a copse of trees. 

Inside we have it filled with goods
the things that bring us joy.
Our bed, the couch, the TV too
and other types of toys.

My house

_____________

Last month, The Gal did a 30-day gratitude challenge. I've swiped it to do for July. Only I'm going to try to do it in rhyme, just because.

Tick Tock, Courthouse Clock

Friday the county held a celebration and asked the public to come out to watch the installation of the clock and cupula on the new county courthouse.

The courthouse is under construction and nowhere near complete, but this is a big milestone for the community, getting the structure back to looking like it might one day be a real courthouse.

A nice crowd gathered.

The part that holds the clock, one on each side, was lowered into place.

I bet those guys were hot under there.

The top waited its turn, sitting patiently on Main Street.

The clock is in place!

Officials did what they do best: offer up speeches in front of port-a-potties.

Getting the top ready.

We were told there would be a delay, and we left.

Later we drove back to see the finished product.

It's even topped with a weather vane.

There were lots of "old Botetourt" families there, including us.

This is what the courthouse looked like before they tore it down to replace it. This one was built in the middle 1970s, following a fire to the one that stood there before it.

This is the courthouse that burned:

Here's a link to a video of my husband's grandmother talking about rebuilding the courthouse after it burned.

Doe, Fawn, and Ticks

 

I snagged this shot of this doe and her fawn over the weekend. I didn't realize until I downloaded the photo to my computer and viewed it on a larger screen that she was covered in ticks.

We have an upsurge in tick problems around here this year. One of our local television stations even reported recently on how bad they've become.

How do ticks affect wildlife? In deer, heavy tick infestations can contribute to fawn loss and even antler deformities in bucks, among other health problems. 

Deer also happen to be excellent tick transporters, and we have plenty of them around here.

Which means, I suppose, we have plenty of ticks too.

Of course, I wasn't trying to photograph a doe covered in ticks. I was after the little one.

I stepped out the front door and stood at the corner of the house. The doe spotted me immediately and decided I didn't belong there. She planted herself and began stomping a hoof, hoping I'd take the hint and leave.

I was hoping she'd wander over to my side of the fence so I could get a better shot, so I stayed perfectly still.

Stamp. Stomp.

She kept trying to make me move. I kept standing still.

Finally, she apparently decided that whatever I was, I wasn't going anywhere. She wheeled around and bounded off, and the fawn raced after her as fast as those little legs could carry it.

Sunday School

Meme Schmeme

Complete the thought:

I LOVE TO: listen to music, write stuff, and read.

I SOMETIMES: see bears, raccoons, deer, wild turkeys, and other animals. 

I FEAR: losing my mind and not realizing it.

I MISS: the things and relationships I never had.

I CRAVE: chocolate.

I CHERISH: friendships.  

I AM IMPATIENT WHEN: doctors keep you waiting.  

Thank you for playing! Please come back next week.

__________

I encourage you to visit other participants in Sunday Stealing posts and leave a comment. Cheers to all us thieves who love memes, however we come by them.

Saturday 9: Cadillac Ranch

Saturday 9: Cadillac Ranch (1981)

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

1) In this song, Bruce Springsteen sings about taking his father and his aunt to see The Cadillac Ranch. Have you recently taken a road trip? If yes, where did you go?

A. I have not taken a road trip recently, more's the pity, unless one can call a drive into the city to see doctors road trips.

2) The Cadillac Ranch is real. It's an outdoor art installation in Amarillo, TX. Tell us about a statue, mural, or other piece of outdoor art in your community. 

A. Virginia has these LOVE signs all over the place. There are two, maybe three, just in my county alone. One is over at the Greenfield Sports Complex, and the other is painted on the side of a building in the county seat. I believe there is at least one more over on the other end of the county, but don't hold me to it.

The "Love" sign at Botetourt Center at Greenfield (courtesy Botetourtva.gov)

Because Virginia is for Lovers, after all. (One of the best pieces of state advertising ever.)

3) Not only is Bruce singing about a real place, he mentions three real people. The first is "James Dean in his Mercury 49." That refers to the 1949 Mercury driven by James Dean in his first starring role, Rebel Without a Cause. Though he remains a legendary star, Dean made only three movies before his death at age 24. Have you seen any of his films?

A. I probably have but I don't remember them. 

4) The second is "Junior Johnson runnin' through the woods of Caroline." Junior Johnson was a folk hero, famous as a NASCAR driver and notorious for running moonshine through North Carolina. He was the inspiration for "Midnite Moon," an animated old Ford in the 2017 Disney movie Cars 3. What Disney movie did you enjoy when you were growing up?

A. I don't recall many Disney movies. I do remember "The Wonderful World of Disney" that came on every weekend, with the castle with fireworks and Tinkerbell doing a little spell over it before the show appeared. I'm sure I saw Disney movies, but apparently, they didn't stick.

5) The third man Bruce sings about is "Burt Reynolds and his black Trans Am." This is a reference to Burt's biggest hit, 1977's Smokey and the Bandit. Burt also had success as a restaurateur. He co-owned Burt and Jack's, a popular steakhouse at Port Everglades, right on the water. Tell us about a restaurant that offered both good food and a memorable view.

A. The Peaks of Otter Restaurant in Bedford off the Blue Ridge Parkway offers good food and a lovely view of a pond and mountain tops.

6) For decades, Cadillac was the gold standard of luxury. For example, an eatery referred to as "the Cadillac of restaurants" would be best or most prestigious. Think about your neighborhood. Tell us about a restaurant, hotel or business that is "the Cadillac" of your community.

A. I'm not sure we have a "Cadillac" of my community. I think we have a lot of Volkswagons and Toyotas. It's a pretty county, though, once you get out of the southern end where the growth is, with farms, fields, and forest offering up many lovely views and vistas.

7) Since he's been singing about America and cars for decades, it should come as no surprise that Bruce Springsteen has a collection of classic American cars. For the cover of his autobiography, he chose a photo of himself leaning on his favorite, a 1960 Corvette convertible. Think about your favorite photo of yourself. What are you doing?

A. A photo of me when I played my guitar when I was a teenager ties with one when I was getting married.

8) In 1981, when Bruce released this recording, Dolly Parton had a hit with "9 to 5." What's your favorite Dolly Parton song?

A. Love is Like a Butterfly. 

9) Random question: When did you last DIY and fix something around your home or yard?

A. We redid the garden this spring a little bit. I guess that counts.

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I encourage you to visit the posts of other participants in Saturday 9 and leave a comment. Because there are no rules, it is your choice. Saturday 9 players hate rules. We love memes, however.