Saturday 9: Coconut

 

Saturday 9: Coconut (1971)

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

This month Saturday 9 will be tasty, featuring songs with food in the title. (This song makes me think of the movie Practical Magic.)

1) This song is about a woman who complains of a belly ache. How's your tummy this morning?

A. My tummy is about like it always is. Thanks for asking.

2) She responds to this malady by calling the doctor. What if you chose to address the problem yourself? Are there currently any OTC digestive aids in your medicine chest? 

A. I take medicine for my stomach every day. I have acid reflux. Sometimes I have to supplement that with a little OTC medicine. I have also found apple cider vinegar gummies helpful.

3) Coconut was once a popular ice cream flavor, but no more. It's not on the list of top sellers at Baskin Robbins or Cold Stone. When you last had ice cream, what flavor was it?

A. I don't eat ice cream.

4) Coconut remains popular in baking. It's easy to find recipes for coconut pie, coconut cheesecake, coconut cookies . . . . you get the idea. Have you recently tried a new recipe? If yes, how did it turn out?

A. The last recipe I made was a squash casserole. It wasn't exactly a new recipe to me, but I was using yellow zucchini instead of yellow summer squash. It was ok.

5) This week's featured artist, Harry Nilsson, was a well-known free spirit. He liked to party and had a reputation for not adhering to a schedule. Therefore, it's a little surprising that one of his first jobs was in the conservative atmosphere of a small bank. Do you prefer a more structured workplace?

A. I always did well with deadlines when I worked for the newspaper. I like a little structure, but I need a little freedom, too.

6) Harry met Micky Dolenz when The Monkees recorded his song, "Cuddly Toy" and they became fast and life-long friends. Can you think of someone you met and quickly "clicked" with?

A. Yes, one of my dearest friends today is someone I met and "clicked" with almost immediately.

7) In 1971, when this song was on the radio, detective shows were popular on TV. Mannix, Ironside and Cannon were all in the Top 20. Do you think you'd make a good private investigator?

A. I think I probably would make a good PI. Old, overweight dowdy housewife? Who'd think she was taking pictures of infidelity or insurance fraud?

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

A. I have no idea. It was a probably a selfie with my husband.

9) Random question: You can redecorate any one room in your home, money is no object. But only one room. Which room do you pick?

A. I would pick the great room, which is really three rooms in one. That way I would get a new kitchen, a new dining area, and a new living room, because all three are in one large room. I think they call this open space living now but it was a great room 38 years ago. 

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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: Special Day

Saturday 9: This Is a Very Special Day (1953)

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

1) In this song, Peggy sings that she feels good enough to climb a hill. Will you be doing anything athletic today?

A. I am not very athletic. I suspect stripping the bed and changing the linens might be the extent of my athletic prowess on this Saturday.

2) However, she was also tempted to climb back in bed. Is a nap in your plans for today?

A. I very seldom nap. My husband says I should nap, it would make me feel better. 

3) She tells us that she looked in the mirror and told herself it was time to "lose the blues." Do you ever speak out loud to yourself?

A. I talk to myself all the time and always have. Only now I might utter something like "seriously" under my breath and have my cell phone perk up and go "Hmm?"

4) Peggy wrote this song for the 1953 remake of The Jazz Singer. She performs it in the movie, too. In the 1950s, female singer-songwriters were unusual, but not so today. Can you think of another woman who not only sings but writes her own material?

A. Melissa Etheridge, Sheryl Crow, Carole King.

5) Her co-star in the film was Danny Thomas. Today he is best remembered as a philanthropist and founder of St. Jude's Children's Research Hospital, but he was quite a star in his day. He appeared in nightclubs and movie musicals and, from 1954 to 1963, had his own sitcom. Do you know the show?

A. I think it was called The Danny Thomas Show, wasn't it? But I don't recall watching it. And I'm not sure if that's right.

6) When Peggy Lee was trying to break into show business, she supported herself as a short order cook. She was required to turn orders around quickly. Are you fast and efficient in the kitchen?

A. I dislike cooking, but I can get a meal on the table in a hurry if I have to.

7) Just when her career started to take off, Peggy had to take a break when she had her tonsils removed. Do you still have your tonsils?

A. I had my tonsils removed in 1994, when I was 31 years old, and it was incredibly painful and a difficult recovery.

8) In 1953, when this record was released, Matchbox Cars were introduced and they remain popular today. Did you ever play with Matchbox Cars?

A. Yes, I played with Matchbox Cars, along with Hot Wheels.

9) Random question: You're walking past a filthy puddle. Floating on top you see a dead bug, a cigarette butt, and a $1 bill. Would you bend over and rescue the dollar?

A. If I can flip it out of the puddle with my foot and I have a tissue in my purse with which to pick it up, maybe.

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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: Kung Fu Fighting

Saturday 9: Kung Fu Fighting (1974)

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

I always wanted to know why everyone was Kung Fu fighting when I heard this song.

1) Have you ever taken a martial arts class?

A. Once. I went to see if it was something I would like. I did not. I did, however, complete a self-defense course offered at the local sheriff's office about 30 years ago. I'm not sure that counts as martial arts, but I got to beat up a guy who was dressed up as puffy marshmallow.

2) In this song, Carl Edwards sings about funky Chinatown. Many cities – including San Francisco, New York, Los Angeles, Chicago, Vancouver, London and Antwerp – have a Chinatown. Have you ever visited Chinatown?

A. I have been to Chinatown in New York, a very long time ago, where I had the best ever sweet and sour shrimp known to man.

3) Many Chinese restaurants give out fortune cookies. Can you recall one of your fortunes?

A. Ha. We ate Chinese just last week, and I'd stuck the fortune cookie in my purse and forgot about it. Let's see what we have here: "Your positive energy will attract an abundance of blessings." Otherwise, no, I don't remember my other fortunes. They're like horoscopes, you read them, you laugh, you move on.

4) This week's featured artist, Carl Edwards, was born in Jamaica, spent his childhood in the US, and relocated to England. Have you ever lived abroad? 

A. I have visited abroad but I have never lived abroad.

5) In 1974 he became the first Jamaican to have a #1 hit in the US with this song. Have you been to Jamaica?

A. I have never been to Jamaica.

6) When this week's song was on the charts, ABC TV had a hit with the show Kung Fu. Today it's available to stream. Were you a fan?

A. I remember watching it, but I was like, nine years old. I don't recall being a big fan of the show but we only received two TV channels at home so we watched whatever was on.

7) Also in 1974, the FIFA World Cup was played in West Germany. Have you been following the FIFA World Cup this year?

A. I have not followed this sport ever, including this year.

8) Two of 1974's most popular toys were popular with adults, too. Would you prefer a Rubik's Cube or a Magic 8 Ball?

A. I would prefer a Rubik's Cube. I had one a long time ago and got to where I could solve it in 2 minutes. I doubt I can remember how to do it now, though.

9) Random question: Have you ever cut someone else's hair?

A. I have not. I have cut my own hair (very badly) but not anyone else's. 

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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: There'll Be Some Changes Made

Saturday 9: There'll Be Some Changes Made (1962)

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?

A. A big re-do of the room I use as my "office" even though I don't need an office anymore. It still looks like it did when I was a journalist. I've not had the heart to change it.

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.")

A. Yes, I have. I prefer to be called by my given name, not a nickname I was given when I was a child. Some people, however, are stubborn and controlling and think they have the right to determine what I am called. They do not.

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?

A. Every now and then when a friend who knows a little Spanish calls, I answer in Spanish and we manage, "Hola, como estas?" "Muy bein, et tu" "Muy bien." And that's about it.

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?

A. I have seen it many times. I saw it originally at the theater and I've watched it on TV.

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?

A. I have been known to have a lead foot on occasion. We have new speed trap cameras out along the interstate so I'm trying to watch that now. Cruise control helps.

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?

A. I don't think so.

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?

A. Oh, I'm sure it was sometime this past week, but I don't remember an actual time.

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.)?

A. The last live performance I saw was in April, when I saw Melissa Etheridge in concert. Great concert, and she hugged me at the end!

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

A. I had to look, but I have a little more than $20 in my wallet, if you count the change.

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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: 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. 

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. 

Saturday 9: The Men in My Little Girl's Life

Saturday 9: The Men in My Little Girl's Life (1965)

 

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

1) In this song, a father shares the story of his daughter's life through first the boys, then the men, she brought home. The first is Rod, a little kid who wants to play in the backyard. Who were your playmates when you were young? Did you find it more fun to have them over to your home, or to go to theirs?

A. The kids I played with were my uncles, one of whom was four years older than I and the other was a year younger than I, a boy named Bruce who lived up the street when I was very young, and later a boy named Alan and a girl named Trudy. Mostly they came to my house, although I spent a good deal of time at Alan's house during that period. His older sister looked after us.

2) Then his daughter asked if Lee could carry her books on the walk to/from school. During your junior high years, how did you travel to school (bus, bicycle, car pool, shoe leather)?

A. I rode a bus to school until I turned 16 and could drive. My bus ride was about an hour long, both ways.

 

3) Throughout this song, the father recalls that his daughter alternately called him "Daddy," "Dad," "Popsie," "Pop" and "Father." How did/do you address your father?

A. I called him Dad.

 

4) The song ends with the daughter asking her father to babysit. When did you last look after someone else's child?

A. I haven't looked after someone else's child for decades.

 

5) This record was a Top 10 hit in the US and it made the Top 20 in Canada. Much of its success was attributed to Mike Douglas' TV popularity. From 1965 to 1981, he hosted a daytime talk show. Do you watch much daytime TV?

A. I do not watch much daytime TV. I remember the Mike Douglas show, though. When I was sick, I watched TV at my grandmother's house. 

6) Mike Douglas was a father himself. He had three daughters, including twins. Are there twins in your family? 

A. There are no twins in my family.

 

Now about Father's Day ... 

 

7) Retail chains like O'Reilly Auto Parts, Auto Zone and Jiffy Lube are all promoting gift cards and car-related gifts for Father's Day. If you got a gift card from one of those stores, how would you upgrade your ride?

A. I would probably get some new floor mats and one of those sun stopper things you put in the windshield to keep the car from getting too hot in the summer.

 

8) Dick's Sporting Goods also enjoys a spike in gift card sales around Father's Day. Have you more recently given or received a gift card?

A. I recently received one. 

9) In days gone by, ties were the #1 Father's Day gift. But as today's workplace has become more casual, fragrance has taken over the top spot. Dove Men+Care offers gift sets with shampoo/conditioner, body wash and antiperspirant. Think about your shower routine. Are your shampoo, body wash and antiperspirant all the same brand or the same scent?

A. All of my items are unscented, but different brands. I use unscented Dove sensitive skin soap and Vanicreme shampoo and conditioner. My deodorant is unscented Sure.

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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: Accidentally in Love

Saturday 9: Accidentally in Love (2004)

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

1) In the video for this song, a young man dances alone in the kitchen while making breakfast for his lady love. When no one's looking, do you often bust a move?

A. Well, I might do a little hop. I don't know that I even know how to "bust a move." I was never much of a dancer.

2) "Accidentally in Love" was featured in the animated movie Shrek 2.  In this video, a plushie from the movie is shown on their bed. Do you have any plush toys in your bedroom?

A. I do not have any plush toys in the bedroom. I think the only plush toys I have are Christmas ones that are stowed in the closet.

3) The lyrics liken falling in love to strawberry ice cream that he just can't resist. What sweet treat would hit the spot right now? 

A. How about a hot fudge sundae, no nuts, please.

4) He sings about lightning. Astraphobia is the fear of thunderstorms. Have you ever suffered from astraphobia?

A. I like thunderstorms. I like to watch them, I like to try to photograph lightning (I have yet to succeed), I like the noise of thunder. I remember sitting on the back stoop with my maternal grandfather and watching a storm roll across, the lightning searing the sky, him sitting there smelling of cigarettes and aftershave, the air full of the scent of earthy rain that hadn't reached us. 

5) This song is about falling in love when he wasn't looking for it. Has this ever happened to you? Or have you usually found romance while actively seeking a partner (dating sites, blind dates, etc.)? 

A. I fell in love watching a high school football game and married the guy. I wasn't looking for it at the time. I was only 19. 

6) This week's artists, The Counting Crows, got their start in San Francisco. A famous quote, often attributed to Mark Twain, says, "The coldest winter I ever spent was a summer in San Francisco." How has the summer weather been where you are?

A. We are in a drought. It has been too warm and too dry. The end of this week of June has been very hot and muggy, with a few thunderstorms to help break up the day.

7) In 2004, when this song was popular, Mark Zuckerberg launched Facebook. Have you checked Facebook today?

A. I have checked Facebook today. I read the news today, oh boy. We are bombing in Iran, data centers in the plan. A celebration on the grass, a reflecting pool, a deep morass. I read the news today, oh boy.

8) Also in 2004, we lost President Ronald Reagan. Before entering politics, he had a decades-long career in Hollywood and appeared in 53 films. Have you ever seen a Ronald Reagan movie?

A. I probably have seen a movie with the former president in it, but I don't recall it specifically. Hollywood has a lot to answer for.

9) Random question: Describe your favorite pajamas.

A. I don't have a pair of favorite pajamas. I have nightgowns that I sleep in. I prefer the cotton ones to other material.

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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: For You

Saturday 9: For You (1963)

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

1) In this song, Rick Nelson tells us he'd give his girl the stars from sky or a string of pearls. Have you more recently given or received a gift? What was it?

A. I recently received a gift. It was two fantasy books.

2) By the time this record was released, Rick was already a show business veteran. He had been a regular on his family's sitcom, The Adventures of Ozzie and Harriet, since it began airing on radio when he was just 8. Most of us weren't child performers but many of us had chores around the house. When you were young, did your parents give you an allowance?

A. My parents did not give me an allowance. They just sometimes gave me money. I had to do the chores regardless.

3) The Adventures of Ozzie and Harriet moved to TV, where fans saw Rick grow into a teen who drove a 1932 Roadster. The car really belonged to Tony La Masa, who collected classic cars and rented them out to TV and movie producers. Have you ever earned or raised money with your hobby?

A. I used to play guitar in a cover band when I was in high school. That was how I earned money throughout those years instead of driving into the city to sling hash or whatever. 

4) Paul McCartney has called Rick Nelson an "underrated singer who could really carry a song" and said Rick was one of his influences. Who do you believe you have influenced, professionally or personally?

A. I don't know. When I was working with the newspaper, I could write articles that would influence people to give donations to needy causes. 

5)  This week's song was already an oldie by the time Rick performed it. "For You" was recorded the first time by Casa Loma Orchestra in 1933. In those days, most records were 78 rpm discs, thick and usually only able to hold 3 to 5 minutes of sound per side. Most record companies stopped producing them in the 1950s. Have you ever seen a "78?" 

A. I have indeed seen a "78" record. I have played them, too, on an old Victrola.

 

6) The lyrics to "For You" were written by Al Dubin. After Al left college, he supported himself as a singing waiter. That's really two jobs in one. Which would you do better at: singer or server?

A. In my younger days I could have been a singer, perhaps. My voice is too thin now.

 

7) The music was written by Joe Burke, whose last hit song was "Rambling Rose," recorded in 1948 by Perry Como. Have you ever heard of Perry Como?

A. I have indeed heard of Perry Como.

8) In 1963, when Ricky's recording was on the charts, the Zip Code was introduced. How many different Zips have you lived in?

A. I have lived in three zip codes and possibly was alive when there were no zip codes.

 

9) Random question: When you were in high school, were you taller or shorter than your classmates? Or were you the average height?

A. I have always been short but growing up I felt like I was keeping up with everyone else until high school.

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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: Mystical Magical

Saturday 9: Mystical Magical (2025)

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

1) This week's song is about a new love affair, and Benson Boone bounces between frustration and optimism when he thinks about it. Does anything inspire your mixed emotions these days?

A. The local government brings out mixed emotions at present. We have a data center coming in directly behind us, in what was initially an industrial park. I have many mixed emotions about that. We recently learned that the electrical lines that cross our farm will have to be upgraded in preparation for the power the data center will need. That means the power company will be disturbing the cattle, tearing up pastureland, etc. The data center is not the "latest and greatest" in technology; it is a water hog, and that's a concern.

2) The lyrics mention "moonbeam ice cream," which is something Benson just made up. Last summer, when this week's song became popular, ice cream shops were inspired to create flavors with that name. What's your favorite ice cream flavor, and will you take that in a cup or cone?

A. My favorite ice cream is not a flavor, it's a specialty, and it's a hot fudge sundae (no nuts). I haven't had one since I was about 12 years old because that's when we discovered I'm allergic to milk. Eating one is on my bucket list. Maybe it'll be the last thing I do.

 

3) He sings that "once you know" about a love like this, "you know." Tell us about something you had to experience to fully understand.

A. Surgeries are things one must experience in order to fully understand. The doctor can stand there all day long and tell you you'll be up and around in three days and back to work in five, but until you've actually had the operation, all that is is a lot of talk. Nobody reacts the same to having their body cut open. And it hurts a lot more than they let on, too.

 

4) He composed this song at the piano. Do you play piano?

A. I can piddle at the piano, same as I can most other instruments. I can make chords and play a bit, but I would not say that I actually "play" the piano, at least, not in the same way I play the guitar.

5) He first sang in public at a high school talent show, which he only entered on a dare. Can you recall any dares from your junior high or high school days? 

A. I was dared to skip band class several times and did, often enough that the band director finally reported me to the principal and I had "in school suspension" which basically meant I spent an hour in a play-room with other kids who also were misbehaving. I remember doing my homework there. My teachers were appalled because I was a straight-A student and straight-A students didn't get "in school suspension." 

6) Benson was a good high school athlete and competed in diving at the state level. Can you execute a dive off the diving board?

A. I could manage a belly flop, I suppose, but certainly nothing graceful. I used to be able to, when I was young and lithe, but those days are long gone.

7) When he was 18, Boone auditioned for American Idol. What were you up to when you were 18?

A. When I was 18, I was working a job in the city, dating a few guys here and there, and taking college courses at the community college.

  

8) Benson has a dog named Max. He's not alone in this. "Max" is one of the most popular pet names in the US today. Have you ever known anyone (furry or otherwise) named Max?

A. I do not recall ever knowing a Max. The only Max I am familiar with is Mad Max from the movies. Oh, wait, I did know a Max. My old doctor's name was Max. Max Bertholf. He was such a nice man and a very good doctor. He quit practicing about 2004 or so. I did an article on his retirement for the newspaper. I never called him Max, though. I called him Dr. B.

 

9) Random question: If we knocked on your door on one of your lazy, stay-at-home days, what would we likely find you wearing?

A. You would find me wearing a t-shirt, jeans, and sneakers. I would also have on a watch, earrings, and my glasses.

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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: Soldier

Saturday 9: Soldier (2016)

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

Memorial Day is a federal holiday that honors men and women who served and died in the United States Armed Forces. We want to make sure that message is not lost this weekend.

1) Are you a veteran? Are there veterans in your family? Do you know anyone who is active military? We are grateful and want to hear about it.

A. I had family members who served. I know of the children of friends who are active in the military.

2) This song is about the courage it takes for soldiers to march into battle. Gen. Patton said, "The soldier is the Army. No army is better than its soldiers." He was emphasizing that each individual's dedication is essential to the unit's success. Do you work well as part of a team? Or are you better on your own?

A. I do better on my own.

 

3) As of 2025, California is the state with the most military bases. Have you ever visited or lived on a base? 

A. We visited a military base near Virginia Beach several years ago. Mostly, we wanted to see an historic lighthouse that is located on the base. I found it kind of scary because they searched the car and checked ID.

 

4) At the turn of the of the 20th century, wristwatches were considered non-essential jewelry items, with pocket watches preferred for everyday timekeeping. During WWI, soldiers in the trenches needed to both synchronize actions across the battlefield and keep their hands on their weapons, so the wristwatch went from "fashion item" to "standard issue." Do you often wear a watch, or do you depend on your phone for the time?

A. I always wear a watch. I have for as long as I can remember. My first watch was an Alice in Wonderland watch.

 

5) Jeeps were originated by the US Army during WWII. Back then they were specifically for soldiers deployed to the European Theater, today there are more than 18 million Jeep-branded vehicles on the road all over the world. Have you ever driven a Jeep?

A. I have driven a Jeep. When I was about 12, my father brought home an old Jeep for me to drive up and down our very long driveway so I could catch the bus.

 

6) While Ray-Ban Aviator sunglasses are a timeless symbol of cool, they were designed during WWII for a specific purpose: to give American flyers relief from glare at high altitudes. Tell us about your sunglasses.

A. I use the pull-over sunglasses that fit over my own glasses. They do not look cool and probably look stupid, but I don't care.

 

7) Memorial Day kicks off the summer season. What's your favorite picnic food? 

A. Watermelon.

8) This marks the weekend when Americans traditionally step up their outdoor activity and do things they may not have been able to do during the cold winter months. For example, when is the last time you worked in the garden or tended the lawn?

A. I pulled weeds recently.

9) As you answer these questions, is there an air conditioner or fan on?

A. The air conditioner is on.

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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: Fun Fun Fun

Saturday 9: Fun, Fun, Fun (1964)

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

1) This song is about a girl who borrows her father's Ford Thunderbird. When is the last time you drove someone else's car?

A. I haven't driven anyone else's car in so long I couldn't tell you.

2) The teen in question is well known for ability to drive "like an ace." If we were to ask your high school classmates what they remember most about you, what do you think they'd say?

A. That I was quiet and nerdy. 

3) She told her father she needed the car to go to the library but used it instead to meet friends. Can you recall a time your parents caught you in a fib?

A. That would have been about 45 years ago, at least. I'm sure they did, but I don't recall the circumstances. 

4) For this girl and her friends, fun centered on cars and fast food. What did you and your friends do for fun during your teen years?

A. My friends and I occasionally cruised Williamson Road but not often. That's a stretch in the city where the kids just drove up and down, up and down. The boys honked and hooted at the girls.

5) Legend has it songwriters Brian Wilson and Mike Love got the idea for this song from a Salt Lake City disc jockey. He told them he'd lent his T-bird to his daughter so she could go to class at the community college but discovered her deception when the car was ticketed in front of a fast-food restaurant. Can you think of another song inspired by true events?

A. The Wreck of the Edmund Fitzgerald, by Gordon Lightfoot.

 

6) As in the song, the disc jockey punished his daughter by taking her driving privileges away. Were your parents strict when you were growing up?

A. My parents were strict, yes.

7) This song was recorded on January 1, 1964. The Beach Boys had to work on the holiday because they were under pressure to meet a February release date. How did you spend New Year's Day 2026?

A. I went to bed.

 

8) 1964 was a great year for Capitol Records. They had chart-topping hits by the Beach Boys, Barbra Streisand and, most spectacularly, The Beatles. The Capitol Records Building in Los Angeles is considered iconic and it's a stop on tourist bus tours. Have you ever been to Southern California? If yes, what did you do?

A. I was in California when I was 12. We visited with my father's family. I think we went to Fisherman's Wharf, but I really don't remember.

 

9) Random question: What's the last compliment you received?

A. Some folks made positive comments on my blog about some flower photos.

 

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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.