Saturday 9: Happy Holidays

SATURDAY 9: HAPPY HOLIDAYS

From the archives

1. If you could ask Santa for anything at all, right now, what would it be?

A. I would ask him for better health and peace of mind. I'm not looking forward to the angst I fear will be coming in the new year.

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

A. I hope I am on the Nice list. I have not done anything mean to anyone, aside from occasionally yelling at my husband, but he deserved it. But I could be on the Naughty list because I did mess up one time this year and lost it with someone I should not have.

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

A. I am not traveling.

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

A. If having something shipped from Amazon UK to my friend who lives in the UK counts, then that one. At least, it was the furthest from me.

5. Did you buy yourself a gift this year?

A. No, but I know what I am getting so I may as well have.

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

A. Gingerbread.

7. Close your eyes and tell us the first carol that comes to mind.

A. Hark! The Herald Angels Sing

8. What's your favorite winter beverage?

A. Hot water. I used to like cider and hot chocolate, but I don't drink anything but water now.

9. Share a memory from last Christmas.

A. We had an exposure to Covid, but no one but the person with Covid became ill. 

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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. 

Saturday 9: I Wouldn't Trade Christmas

Saturday 9: I Wouldn't Trade Christmas (1968)

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

  

1) In addition to Christmas, this song name-checks many major holidays, including Mother's and Father's Day, Thanksgiving, Halloween and Valentine's Day. Which holiday is your favorite?

A. I have always liked Halloween even though I do nothing to celebrate it. Old people's Christmas is not as much fun as young people's Christmas, I must say.

 

2) The Sinatra family posed in all-white for this album cover in August 1968. Are there any pictures of you and your siblings in matching outfits?

A. Not that I am aware of.

3) Nancy is the oldest of the Sinatra children. She's also the one who performed most often on TV and film with her famous father. She played his daughter (of course!) in a movie and appeared in two of his TV specials while he appeared in one of hers. In 1967, she and Frank scored a #1 single with a duet of "Somethin' Stupid." Have you ever worked with a family member or spouse?

A. My spouse and I farm. He does the labor, and I do the bookkeeping (and I am not very good at it, though I eventually get it right). I also worked for a short while with my father, but it was quite obvious that wasn't going to work.

 

4) Frank, Jr., was the middle child and only son. A dedicated musician, he labored in his father's long shadow and joked that he would have had an easier time if he'd chosen real estate instead of music. Tell us about your path not taken. (Examples: A career you wish you'd pursued but didn't; a person you could have married but didn't; a city you almost moved to but changed your mind.)

A. I could have been a musician. My parents wanted me to study music, but I chose not to. I did not think I was that good of a musician and I stand by that belief. I did ok with music, but I was nothing special. I should have been a college professor, that's what I should have been. Oh well.

 

5) Unlike her father and siblings, Tina Sinatra never wanted to be a singer. She found success as a theatrical agent and, at her father's request, became involved with his business affairs. Today she helps manage the rights to Frank Sinatra's movies and music. Do you have a good head for business?

A. My head for business is better than some. However, it is not as good as my father's, for example, and probably my brother's. I've never had that drive for money that business people seem to need.

6) Nancy and Frank, Jr., were born in Jersey City. By the time Tina was born, the family had relocated to Los Angeles. Did your family move around a lot when you were young?

A. My family moved a few times when I was young, but I would not call it a lot. We moved 4 times, only 3 of which I remember. I think that's right.

And now, in the spirit of the season ...

 

7) Do you consider snow globes a holiday decoration, or do think they should be displayed all year around?

A. I have never thought about it. I have my Department 56 Christmas buildings out year-round, so I don't see why a snow globe couldn't be out all year.

8) Which of Dickens' Christmas ghosts would you most enjoy spending time with: past, present or future?

A. I think I would most enjoy spending time with the ghost of the future, if we could get beyond the grave part and she would show me what the world would be like in 20-30  years.

9) Have you crafted, cooked, or baked any gifts this holiday season?

A. I have not. I may bake some this weekend, but we shall see how it goes. Mostly I make candy, and it doesn't freeze well. I could make a cake or brownies and freeze them until I need them, but I generally don't do that. (Actually, I haven't planned out what I am doing for my annual Christmas Eve gathering, so who knows what will appear on the table.)

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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. 

Saturday 9: Hurt So Bad

Saturday 9: Hurt So Bad (1980)

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

1) Do you have any aches or pains this morning?

A. I always have aches and pains, but I think most people over the age of 50 have a few, if they are honest.

2) In this song, Linda Ronstadt complains that her ex doesn't get what she's going through. Have you recently felt misunderstood?

A. Last Saturday, a Sat 9 regular posted a comment on another person's blog that I took as a personal slap. I felt very misunderstood then because it seemed aimed at me. I was so hurt that I considered not doing Saturday 9 anymore because the commenter obviously has no clue that I don't get groceries at Target or Walmart because they're a long drive away. But I have since moved on from it (mostly), since here I am doing Saturday 9.

3) Now let's put a positive spin on it: Is there someone in your life who gets you completely?

A. Yes, my friend Teresa gets me most of the time. She doesn't miss often, anyway.

4) Linda recorded a best-selling album in Spanish, and has also performed in French, German and Italian. How many languages do you speak?

A. Just English. I had several years of Spanish in high school, but I have forgotten it.

5) Linda once dated George Lucas of Star Wars fame. Who is your favorite Star Wars character?

A. I will go with Princess Leia, mostly because she was about the only woman in the early movies.

6) Steve Martin has spoken affectionately about Linda and their romance in the 1970s. Are you a Steve Martin fan?

A. It depends on what I am watching him in. My husband is big fan of his, though.

7) Linda worked consistently and successfully with record producer Peter Asher throughout the 70s and 80s. Tell us about someone you enjoyed working beside.

A. I enjoyed working beside my friend Leslie way back in the mid-1980s when we were working together at a law office. She was kind, pleasant, helpful, and understanding. We've remained friends all of this time. She is one of my oldest and dearest friends. We just don't see much of each other anymore.

8) In 1980, when this song was popular, People magazine named author Stephen King one of the year's most intriguing people. Have you read any of his books or short stories?

A. I have read several Stephen King books, but he is not a favorite author. I thought his book, On Writing, was very male oriented, although I seem to be the only one who did not find that a fascinating look at the way of the writer.

9) Random question: Looking back on last week, would you describe it as exciting or boring?

A. It was just another week. The cold weather moved in, we took my mother-in-law to dinner, I talked on the phone to family and friends. Christmas presents started arriving via USPS, UPS, and FedEx.

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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. 

Saturday 9: Thank You

Saturday 9: Thank You (2000)

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

1) This week's song begins with Dido complaining about her day, but then she sees a photo of a loved one that reminds her "it's not so bad." What was the most recent photo you took?

A. The last picture I took was of my husband with his latest deer kill, and I will spare you all the photo of the hunter and his prize. And yes, the meat is used. We keep some, the rest is scattered around to the elderly neighbors who no longer hunt but like the meat.

2) She admits that between a hangover and her finances, she's got a headache. What's your go-to headache remedy?

A. I find that taking a hot shower generally helps my headaches, since they are frequently sinus related. The warm steam in the bath opens up my sinuses.

3) Though her given name is Florian, her family started calling her Dido when she was very young, so she considers it her "real" name. Which is not to say she likes it. She said being christened one name but called another was confusing when she was a little girl. Plus, since neither Florian nor Dido are common monikers, she didn't appreciate the way her names made her stand out at school. "I used to wish I'd been named Claire," she says. Do you like your name? Do you feel it suits you?

A. I also grew up with a name that was not the name I was given at birth. I dropped the nickname at school in the second grade, when the teacher refused to use it (thank you teacher), so lived a dual life. Only my father uses the nickname now because he is a control freak and refuses to use my given name. My brother sometimes slips, and people that my father introduces me to using the nickname sometimes forget to call me by my real name, though generally if I ask them to call me by my given name, they make an effort. As for whether or not my given name suits me, probably not. It means "grace" and I do not consider myself to be the most graceful of people.

4) In 2000, the year this week's song was on the charts, AOL merged with media giant Time Warner. In 2022 it was estimated 70% of us check our personal (not business) email daily. That's down from 74% in 2020. How often do you check your email?

A. At least twice a day.

5) "Thank You" is this week's song because November 28 was Thanksgiving. What are you thankful for this year?

A. I'm thankful for family and friends.

6) At the first Thanksgiving, there were no forks. Pilgrims ate with spoons and knives. How many forks were at your Thursday place setting?

A. There was only one fork on the place setting. We don't do fancy stuff like use multiple forks.

7) It's estimated that nearly 50 million pumpkin pies are baked for Thanksgiving. Was it on your Thursday menu?

A. There was a pumpkin pie at the Thanksgiving meal, but I did not eat any of it.

8) A recent poll revealed that we are a divided country, with cranberry sauce being named both most and least favorite Thanksgiving side dish. Where are you on this controversy?

A. I can take it or leave it. My husband likes the cranberry jelly that slides out of the can, so that is what we have.

9) The day after Thanksgiving is known as Black Friday, the unofficial start of the holiday shopping season and sales. Walmart, Best Buy and Target all advertise heavily on Black Friday. If you could have a $100 gift card from one of those stores, which would you choose? What would you buy?

A. A $100 gift card doesn't go far these days, but I would take the Walmart one and purchase new towels. I don't buy towels at Target; the last time I did that, the colors ran out of them, so I avoid purchasing linens there.

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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. 

Saturday 9: My Baby Just Cares for Me

Saturday 9: My Baby Just Cares for Me (2016)

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

1) Michael Buble sings that his lover doesn't care much about the theater or new clothes. Which have you done more recently -- attended a play or movie or added to your wardrobe?

A. I bought some clothes last weekend.

2) This song was first performed in 1930, 45 years before Buble was born. What pop song do you love that is far older than you are?

A. Well, 'tis the season, so I'll go with Bing's version of White Christmas.

3) The video for this song features a spinning vinyl record. Do you still have a turntable?

A. We do have a turntable! However, it is not old. It's one we bought about six years ago. It also plays CDs and cassettes.

4) Michael is currently appearing on The Voice. Are you watching this season?

A. Yes, we are watching The Voice.

5) Of all his albums, Michael Buble's Christmas CD is his top seller. Now that we're in the month of November it's time for you to weigh in: When do you think it's appropriate to start playing holiday songs?

A. I think it is appropriate to start playing them the day after Thanksgiving, but I know radio stations around here start playing at the first of the month.

6) He unwinds by fishing, and he's very good at it. Fishing is a sport that requires lots of gear. Is there anyone in your life that has a hobby or passion that makes them easy to shop for?

A. My husband hunts, so sometimes I can come up with something for that, but he generally has everything he needs now.

7) Michael is a good cook and enjoys whipping up spaghetti bolognese. What's on the menu at your home this weekend?

A. We are eating pork loin BBQ sandwiches this weekend.

8) In 2016, when Michael Buble released this song, the United States Postal Service posthumously honored child star Shirley Temple with a postage stamp. Decades after leaving Hollywood, she served as US Ambassador to Ghana. Could you find Ghana on a map or globe?

A. I honestly don't know. I know what continent it's on (Africa), but not sure exactly where.

9) Random question -- You neglected that soft drink and now it's gone flat. Do you drink it anyway or dump it down the drain?

A. I don't drink soft drinks, so moot question, but husband drinks them even if they are flat. I would not if I were still drinking such things.

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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. 

Saturday 9: My Girl

Saturday 9: My Girl (1965)

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

1) Temptations' lead singer David Ruffin sings that he has sunshine on a cloudy day. How does the sky look where you are today?

A. The sky today is partly cloudy. Some blues, some puffy white clouds, and a few dark clouds hang over the tops of the mountains.

2) He maintains that even when it's cold outside, to him it feels like the month of May. What's your favorite month?

A. I'll go with June.

3) In addition to their vocals, The Temptations were known for their stylish suits and choreography. Are you a better dancer or dresser?

A. I am neither a dancer nor a good dresser. 

4) Today, nearly 60 years since its release, "My Girl" is one of the most popular karaoke songs. Do you know the words?

A. I know some of them. "I guess you'd say what could make me feel this way? My girl. Talking 'bout my girl." Some of the lines are coming back to me now. This is not a song I've spent a lot of time learning.

5) The Temptations delighted Mets fans when they performed "My Girl" live at Citi Field during the playoffs last month. The World Series is now over and the 2024 season is on the books. How did your baseball team do?

A. I do not have a baseball team.

6) "My Girl" was written by Ronald White and Smokey Robinson. Smokey grew up with Aretha Franklin, and he's said they played together in the sandbox. When you were little, which playground activity was your favorite: sandbox, jungle gym, swings or slide? 

A. I was not a fan of any of those activities. The jungle gym was for the bigger kids, generally. The swings were always taken, and the slide burned your butt in the hot sun. I don't think we had a sandbox.

7) In 1965, when "My Girl" topped the charts, Winston Churchill died. One of his favorite sayings was, "I am always ready to learn but I do not always like to be taught." What's something you learned recently?

A. I learned about a disease called lipedema when my doctor suggested I have it. She can't actually diagnosis it and apparently neither can anyone else in this end of the state. There is no cure if I have it. Lipedema is an abnormal fat buildup on both sides of your lower body, usually in your legs. But it can also be in your arms. It can cause pain and make daily activities difficult. Lipedema doesn’t respond to diet and exercise like ordinary fat. It is a hereditary disease.

8) British-born comedian Stan Laurel also died in 1965. He's been cited as an influence on Jerry Lewis, Dick Van Dyke and Matt LeBlanc. Without looking it up, do you know who Stan Laurel's famous partner was?

A. Hardy. Laurel and Hardy.

9) Random question: Imagine we Sat 9-ers are taking you to a restaurant for your birthday. Do you find servers who sing "Happy Birthday" cute or annoying?

A. I generally find it annoying, but it only happens once a year, so it's ok if it happens.

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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. 

Saturday 9

Saturday 9: Saving All My Love for You (1985)

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

1) This was Whitney Houston's first big hit, her introduction to a mass, national audience. But music was not her first career. While she was still in high school, Whitney was a model and Seventeen magazine cover girl. Is there a print magazine in your home right now? If yes, who is on the cover?

A. George Washington is on the cover of the print magazine on the kitchen table.

2) During her modeling days, she also appeared on packaging for Simplicity patterns. Can you sew?

A. I can sew on buttons and occasionally patch things, but no, I cannot sew. My mother used to sew. She made many of my clothes up until she made me something that was so outrageous that the first time I wore it to school, all the kids laughed at me. Then I begged for "store bought" clothing. Or at least less outrageous material. I think it was fabric that she'd gotten on sale somewhere. I don't remember what it looked like, just the laughter.

3) "Saving All My Love for You" was the record that made Whitney Houston a superstar in the UK. Let's flip that: Tell us about a British performer you enjoy listening to.

A. Sir Michael Philip Jagger is the lead singer and founding member of The Rolling Stones.

4) This song was composed by Michael Masser. He left his career as a stockbroker to pursue his passion for music and scored his first major hit with "Touch Me in the Morning" by Diana Ross. Do you feel you have a greater affinity for the analytical/logical or the creative/emotional?

A. I am an English major, and I write stuff, so I suppose I am more attuned to the creative/emotional side of things. However, I can be very logical when necessary.

5) The lyrics were written by Gerald Goffin. He, too, took a circuitous route to music success. After high school he joined the Navy. When that stint was over, he went to college and studied chemistry. He worked in a lab for a while, but that was just to earn a regular paycheck until he could support himself with songwriting. What was your first job after you finished your education? How long did you stay at that job?

A. My education took me 10 years to obtain, as I did not go the traditional college route. I worked the entire time I was in college at various jobs. Several were in manufacturing, many were in the legal profession, and some were in the news writing business. When I finally received my bachelors degree in 1993, I was working at a law firm, and I stayed there for another year. Then I went into freelance writer only, although I had been freelancing since 1984.

6) While this week's song was Whitney's first hit, it wasn't her biggest hit. That was "I Will Always Love You," from the soundtrack of her movie The Bodyguard. "I Will Always Love You" was written and originally recorded by Dolly Parton. The film's star and producer Kevin Costner called Dolly personally to get her permission to use her song, a courtesy she appreciated. Who has recently been thoughtful or kind to you?

A. Several of my friends have been nice to me this week. We've been supporting one another.

7) Whitney was a big fan of tomato soup. So is Barbra Streisand. (Maybe it bestows some kind of musical superpower!) What's your favorite soup for an autumn day like today?

A. I like chicken with rice.

8) 1985 wasn't just big for Whitney. It was also the year Bruce Willis became a household name when his TV series premiered on ABC. Can you name it?

A. I think it was Moonlighting but I never watched it.

9) Random question: While dining out, have you ever sent food back?

A. I have, but I don't recall the circumstances.

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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. 

Saturday 9: Back to December

Saturday 9: Back to December (2010)

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

1) Taylor Swift sings that when her mind wanders, it usually returns to a specific day in December. How about you? Do you often daydream? Or do you focus on what's happening in the moment?

A. I daydream all the time, I'm afraid. Of course, I also focus on what's happening when I should or need to, but I am alone a lot, and the stories in my head simply make the time go faster.

2) She's looking back on December. We're going with a different take: As we enter November, what are you looking forward to this month?

A. Well, there's Thanksgiving, but it has never been one of my favorite holidays. There is also Christmas shopping, which I've already started, and possibly the chance to see some people I've not seen in a while. We'll see. Oh, I have a doctor's appointment in the middle of the month. Yippee!

3) The lyrics recount a casual conversation between two former sweethearts. They talk about their families, their careers and the weather. Are you good at making small talk?

A. I do not consider myself good at making small talk. That doesn't mean I can't do it, it just means it's not something I particularly care to do. I would rather ask someone what they think about a cloud or when was the last time they looked at the night sky, instead of talking about the weather or some celebrity personality.

4) This song was rumored to be about her breakup with Taylor Lautner, the actor best known for playing a werewolf in the popular Twilight series. In acknowledgement of the Halloween season: Did you ever trick or treat as a werewolf, vampire, witch, ghost or other scary creature?

A. I have been a witch on Halloween. Some might say I am that every day.

5) Taylor is currently involved with Travis Kelce of the Kansas City Chiefs, and naturally this is his busy time of year. How's your football team (NFL or NCAA) doing this season?

A. I do not have a football team, but my husband roots for the University of Virginia and based on his commentary, they are not doing all that well.

6) Taylor loves chicken tenders and says she'd eat them every day, if calories weren't a consideration. If you were to enjoy tenders right now, what dipping sauce would you prefer --sweet/sour, barbecue or honey mustard?

A. I would go with either the sweet/sour or the honey mustard. BBQ is hard on my stomach.

7) Thinking of food ... Taylor Swift recently donated $5 million to Feeding America with the funds earmarked for those affected by Hurricanes Helene and Milton. Does it make you feel good to do good? If yes, what is something you've done recently to help others? (It may give other Sat-9ers ideas for something they can do.)

A. I like to do good, of course. What have I done lately? I've donated to political causes by writing postcards to get out the vote, sent money to my alma mater, gave money to the victims of Hurricane Helene in southwestern Virginia, bought a food box for the poor at the grocery store, let someone who only had a few items go ahead of me in line at the store, paid for the meal of the person behind me at a fast food drive-thru, checked on a friend. I have another friend I text every night as a wellness check. Sometimes doing good is simply holding the door, smiling at someone who looks sad, saying "thank you," or offering to help even if the offer is rejected.

8) Back in 2010, when this week's song was a hit, the iPod Nano was also popular. Did you have an iPod?

A. I still have an iPod. I don't use it much but that might change soon. I am seriously considering disconnecting Alexa and going back to the iPod for my music. It's either that or buying a new radio.

9) Random question: Did you more recently run the dishwasher or the clothes washer?

A. I most recently ran the dishwasher, but they both get a workout throughout the week. And guess what, I repaired my own dishwasher earlier this week. The upper rack had a part break, so I ordered it online, it arrived, I watched a video, I took the thing apart, put it back together, and reinstalled the rack. All by myself, so my husband who has been busy with a septic tank installation wouldn't have to do it when he came in late in the evening. And also because I absolutely hate to handwash the dishes.

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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. 

Saturday 9: Me and Bobby McGee

Saturday 9: Me and Bobby McGee (1971)

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

1) The song begins with Janis telling us about a trip from Baton Rouge to New Orleans. Have you ever visited Louisiana? If yes, where did you go?

A. I think I have been through Louisiana when my parents drove us to California in 1977, but I am not 100% certain of that.

2) She and her boyfriend Bobby hitch a ride with a truck driver and together the three of them sing "every song the driver knew." If you were to begin a singalong with strangers in a bar or at a party, what song would you confident everyone knows?

A. Sweet Caroline by Neil Diamond. They'd know the chorus, for sure.

3) Janis had a painful time in her Port Arthur, TX, high school. She was ostracized for her looks and her taste in music. If you could give advice to your high school self, what would you say?

A. Don't worry so much, it'll all work out in the end.

4) She credited the blues and Bessie Smith, specifically, for getting her through her tough adolescence. After she became famous and mentioned Bessie in interviews, Janis learned Ms. Smith had been buried in an unmarked grave back in 1937. Janis rectified the situation by paying for a proper tombstone for Smith in 1970. If money were no object, what's something you would like to do for someone else?

A. I just learned today that there is a thing not only in the USA, but all over the world, called Period Poverty, and it means that there are thousands and thousands, probably millions, of women in this world who can't afford the things they need for their monthly cycle. This means that they end up missing school, missing work, or missing out on life stuff. In some countries, women on their periods aren't allowed to cook, or they are forced into isolation for the duration of their period and have to go live in a little hut specifically for this. This would require loads of money for education and supplies, but good heavens, this needs to be addressed. I was privileged; I never worried about whether or not I could afford what I needed (and I had a hysterectomy at 29 so it wasn't a problem for me after that). It never even occurred to me until today that this was an issue, but of course it's an issue.

5) Because of her party girl persona, people were surprised that Janis had a domestic side and enjoyed talking recipes. Thinking of cooking, what dish would you whip up for our Saturday 9 potluck?

A. Um. I'd bring chicken from the grocery store, a bottle of Dr. Pepper, and a bag of chips.

6) "Me and Bobby McGee" was written by the late Kris Kristofferson. Kris' life before hitting it big was varied, including time in Oxford as a Rhodes Scholar where he focused on English literature, and serving as a helicopter pilot in the US Army. Which career path do you think you'd enjoy more: academia or the Army?

A. I am definitely an academic. 

7) In 1971, when this song was popular, the US Mint introduced the Eisenhower Silver Dollar. Think of the last thing you bought at a store. Did you pay with cash, plastic, or your phone?

A. I paid with plastic. I still haven't worked out how to do things like that on my phone. I'm not sure I want to.

8) England's Princess Anne turned 21 in 1971 and in honor of the occasion, she had an official portrait taken by fashion photographer Norman Parkinson. Who took the most recent photo of you?

A. A friend took a picture of me when I received my volunteer service award on October 13. My husband tried to take pictures too, but he is not a photographer by any stretch of the imagination, bless his heart.

Hubby took this. I cropped it and straightened it.

9) Random question -- There's a knock at your door. Who do you expect it is?

A. It is probably UPS with an Amazon package.

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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. 

Saturday 9: Autumn in New York

Saturday 9: Autumn in New York (1947)

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

1) In this song, Frank Sinatra sings that autumn in New York is inviting. How are you enjoying fall where you are?

A. The leaves are just starting to turn here in the lower areas; I can see color on the mountain ridges.

2) He tells us the "canyons of steel" (aka skyscrapers) make him feel like he's home. What's something you love about your neighborhood?

A. I love the mountains. They feel like home to me.

3) Frank Sinatra was self-conscious about the scar on his cheek. The doctor used forceps to deliver him and left a mark. Tell us about one of your scars.

A. I have a scar on my left thumb that I made while I was helping my grandfather chop up a mulberry tree that had fallen in his backyard. I missed the limb with the hatchet and hit my thumb. The thing bled like crazy and probably needed a stitch, but my grandmother simply held my thumb together and wrapped it up tightly in a bandage.

4) Frank was a creature of habit. Every time he visited Patsy's Italian Restaurant in New York he ordered the same dessert: lemon ricotta torte. Do you enjoy trying new dishes, or do you prefer to stick with your old favorites?

A. We tend to eat the same thing most of the time, mostly because I can't stand to cook, and we can't simply walk to a restaurant.

5) "Autumn in New York" was written by New Yorker Vernon Duke during a hot summer vacation in Westport, CT. Have you ever been homesick?

A. I have been homesick. I think I get a little homesick every time we take a vacation, even though my husband is right beside me. I like my house and my view.

6) In 1947, when this recording made the Top 30, Daniel and Patricia were the most popular baby names. Are there any Daniels or Patricias in your life?

A. I know a Patty from college. She is not exactly in my life, but she sends me an instant message about once a year. 

7) Elton John was born in 1947. When you think of Elton John, what's the first song that comes to mind?

A. Daniel.

8) Radio was America's most accessible form of entertainment in 1947 and a mystery, The Adventures of Ellery Queen, was one of the most popular shows. Do you enjoy mysteries?

A. I like cozy mysteries. I am not much on guts and gory mysteries. I could not reach Patricia Cornwell because I found her books too gruesome, for example. But I like Janet Evanovich's Stephanie Plum series because the blood and guts are not overly done. Same with Louise Penny's Three Pines books.

9) Random question: What were you most excited about when you woke up this morning?

A. My husband is going to make breakfast!

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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. 

Saturday 9: Jolene

Saturday 9: Jolene (1973)

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

1) In this song, Dolly Parton sings about a woman with great hair, great eyes, a great smile and a great voice. OK, so Jolene has it all. Of these, which is your most attractive feature: your hair, your eyes, your smile or your voice?

A. I'll go with my eyes. I am told they are quite expressive, and my close friends can almost read my mind by looking in my eyes. They are hazel and look like cracked ice.

2) Dolly tells us her husband mentions in Jolene in his sleep. Do you talk in your sleep?

A. I talk, scream, yell, gurgle, laugh, etc. in my sleep. My poor husband has to listen to that at night. Fortunately, he is a heavy sleeper.

3) Dolly has said this song was inspired by a bank teller she caught flirting with her husband. That was in the 1970s. Today we can do our banking from our computers, our phones or a bank ATM. When is the last time you spoke to a banker?

A. I spoke to a banker just this past week. I went inside to order checks.

4) Dolly had a crush on Johnny Cash. When she was just a teen, she saw him perform at The Grand Ole Opry and called it "love at first sight." Are you crushing on anyone right now?

A. I am not crushing on anyone except my husband, who is not a crush but my longtime love. I might be crushing a tiny bit on Taylor Swift, who gave $5 million to help out the flood victims from Hurricane Helene.

5) Dolly is more than a singer/songwriter. She's an industry! Her Dollywood is a theme park, water park, hotel and spa. Looking back on the summer of '24, did you visit a theme park, water park, hotel or spa?

A. I am afraid we did not visit much of anything this summer.

6) A luxury stay at Dollywood can get expensive, unless you're the teacher who wins this year's Chasing Rainbows Award from Dolly. She treats a deserving teacher to a week at Dollywood. Tell us about a teacher who made a difference in your life.

A. Lots of teachers have influenced me, and I have written about most of them at some point or another. One of my college professors, Jeanne Larsen, had a big influence on my writing and gave me the courage to move forward with it.

7) Dollywood is in Sevier County, TN. Her ties to the community are strong, and in 2007, Dolly raised the funds to build a new hospital that opened there in 2010. When you were last in a hospital, were you a patient or a visitor?

A. The last time I was in a hospital was in 2022, when my husband had hip replacement surgery. So, I was visiting.

8) In 1973, when "Jolene" was popular, Elvis' "Aloha from Hawaii" concert aired. "Aloha" is the native Hawaiian word used when greeting or parting. Can you say anything else in Hawaiian?

A. I'm afraid not really. "Mali maliki maki" (sp) is the thing they say for Merry Christmas, maybe? There's some song about that.

9) Random question: Have you more recently eaten cold pizza or cold fried chicken?

A. I have not recently eaten either. I haven't had pizza in at least a year, and I do not eat fried chicken (I eat baked or roasted chicken). I do not eat either of them cold.

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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. 

Saturday 9: Love on Top

Saturday 9: Love on Top (2011)

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

1) Beyonce sings that she and her lover have worked through a tough time and now they are happier than before. Do you agree with the lyrics that relationships take effort? Or do you think that if a couple is well-matched and their love is real, happiness will naturally follow?

A. Love takes work. Marriage takes work. Friendships take work. I don't think there is anything much natural about a relationship of any kind aside from pheromones that might have led to an initial attraction.

2) She tells us that he's the one she can always call. But that was in 2011. If someone needed to get in touch with you today, would you recommend they call, send an instant message, or text?

A. I prefer a phone call but answer texts quickly. I am not on Facebook much, so I don't see instant messages quickly.

3) Beyonce goes through many costume changes in this video and in her concert performances. What are you wearing right now as you answer these questions, and will you change clothes throughout the day?

A. I am wearing a t-shirt and blue jeans. I won't change my clothes again until I put on something to sleep in tonight.

4) The choreography in this video was inspired by Janet Jackson's videos in the 1990s. The Jackson family -- Janet, her brothers as solo artists and as The Jackson 5 -- have sold a staggering 750 million records. Can you think of another successful musical family?

A. The Osmonds. The Patridge Family (not sure how successful they were). 

5) Beyonce and husband Jay-Z have an impressive classic car collection, including a restored and customized 1959 Rolls Royce Silver Cloud II, reportedly worth $1,000,000. If you suddenly received a million, what would you splurge on? We want to hear about a gift you'd give yourself. (It doesn't have to take the whole $1,000,000.)

A. I would like to add on to my house. My house is small, and I would like to have more storage space and a more separate room for my husband to watch television. That wouldn't cost a million bucks, but it would make me happy.

6) Beyonce "loves to lather" and enjoys shampooing her hair. What's a simple, everyday thing that relaxes you?

A. I like a good hot shower, too.

7) In 2011, when "Love on Top" was popular, so were movie franchises. Sequels to Harry Potter, Transformers, Twilight, Kung Foo Panda, and Disney's Cars and Pirates of the Caribbean all topped the box office. What's your favorite movie series?

A. I daresay no regular readers need ask, but it would be Lord of the Rings. I liked the Harry Potter movies, too, especially after the young ones grew up a bit.

8) Speaking of sequels, Stieg Larsson's The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo and two of its sequels (The Girl Who Played with Fire and The Girl Who Kicked the Hornet's Nest) were on the NY Times list of fiction bestsellers for 2011. Have you read any of them?

A. I have not read any of Larsson's books. The reviews have left me feeling like I would not like the books.

9) Random question -- Which of these items do you misplace most often: your cellphone, your keys or the TV remote?

A. I misplace my cellphone the most. I am constantly walking around saying, "Hey Siri," so she'll pop up and say, "Yes" and I can find the phone. The keys stay where they're supposed to be, and my husband is in charge of the TV remote.

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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.