Saturday 9: Two Black Cadillacs

Saturday 9: Two Black Cadillacs (2011)

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

1) This week's song is about two women who share a very dark secret. Are you good at keeping secrets?

A. Generally speaking, yes. As a news reporter, I was constantly told things, "off the record," and I kept those quiet until I either confirmed it with a second party or it became more public knowledge. I also grew up in a house full of secrets.

2) Carrie Underwood's favorite author is Stephen King. In fact, she credits King's Christine as an inspiration for this song. Have you read much Stephen King, or seen movies based on his books?

A. I have read some of his books, but I stopped after Cujo. I know I saw Carrie but I am not sure what other movies of his I have seen without looking at a list.

3) Carrie first came to America's attention when she won on American Idol. Prior to competing on that show, she'd never been on an airplane. Crazy Sam takes at least one round-trip flight every year and pays using the miles she accumulated from credit card purchases throughout the year. Do you try to earn miles, points, or cash back when you make purchases?

A. It is not in the forefront of my mind. I have cash back credit cards and I know that, but I don't go out of my way to pick up Pepto Bismal at CVS instead of Food Lion because I have it set for drug stores instead of groceries, or whatever.

4) Black is this week's signature color because November 25 was Black Friday, when retailers historically have slashed their prices and the holiday shopping season begins. Have you begun your gift shopping?

A. I have almost all of my gifts purchased. I do not have a nice present yet for my husband because I have no idea what he wants.

5) Black Friday began as a local event initiated by store owners in Philadelphia back in the early 1960s. When you think of Philadelphia, what comes to mind?

A. Elton John singing Philadelphia Freedom.

6) Black Friday always comes after Thanksgiving, a day of feasting. What was the best dish at your holiday table this year?

A. The steak.

7) Thanksgiving is also a big day for watching football. Did you watch any games?

A. I did not.

8) What are you thankful for this year?

A. A warm house. It is cold outside. I am also thankful that my husband's hip surgery was successful, and he is free of pain and able to do what he wants.

9) Random question: You're in a public restroom and have a choice between paper towels and a hot air hand dryer. Which do you choose?

A. Paper towels. I've read that the hot air hand dryers are full of germs. I don't know if that is true or not, but I'd just as soon not test it out. I do use the hot air hand dryer if it is the only thing available.

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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.  

A Different Sort of Thanksgiving

Yesterday, we had my mother-in-law over for Thanksgiving.

This was a different sort of Thanksgiving for us. I didn't spend all day cooking a turkey.

Instead, we opted for rib-eye steak, baked potato, salad, a roll, and a piece of pecan pie.

It made for an easy day, the steak was good, we didn't overeat, and I didn't have to worry about leftovers.

While it certainly wasn't traditional (I did miss the turkey a tiny bit), it was so stress-free that I think we may have started a new tradition, for us, anyway.

We seldom purchase steak, and the rib-eyes were not as expensive as I expected them to be.

All of the fixin's may have been missing, but it was a nice meal anyway. And I sure liked the stress-free part.

Thursday Thirteen

Happy Thanksgiving! I hope you are enjoying your holiday.

Since this is a day to give thanks, here are 13 things I am thankful for:

1. My beloved husband, who isn't a thing, of course, but is a wonderful partner and delightful human being. He has his moments, of course (he can be a stubborn fellow), but he is my guy.

2. My brother, who is a good fellow. He stays in touch, and we know that we have a bond that we do not share with any other. As my only sibling, he has a special place in my heart.

3. My father, stepmother, and mother-in-law, who are all interesting folks to have in my life. They are the older generation and still have knowledge to impart.

4. Mama T. keeps me straight (sort of) and offers up encouragement. Our near-daily phone calls are uplifting and helpful in many ways.

5. Cathy B. who keeps me working a little bit and is a nice person to know. She's been a good friend for nearly 20 years.

6. Leslie, who has been my friend for almost as long as I've been married, is one of the smartest people I know. She's a dear.

7. All of the many other people I won't list by name but who are special to me for whatever reason. I may not see you or talk to you often, but I know you're there!

8. I am thankful for this blog and the space it gives me to reach out and to look in. It's been a creative outlet for me that has also helped me make friends. I am grateful to all of you who read my blog. Thank you!

9. My home and the things inside it are bountiful compared to some, and I am grateful for all of my "things," even the ones I can't remember having.

10. I have food to eat and water to drink. Many folks don't have that, so I am blessed.

11. I am grateful for medicines that keep me alive, and the doctors and nursing staff who take care of me.

12. My eyes and ears still work, and I can walk. I am grateful that I am able to read, listen, and move enough to do what I need to do.

13. Lastly, I am thankful for this big blue ball that we live on, and for its resources and the things we learn from it every day. Mother Earth is the best blessing of all.

__________________

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 782nd time to do a list of 13 on a Thursday. Or so sayth the Blogger counter, anyway.

I Hunt with the Camera

 

Fly Me to the Moon

My name and my poem are both up in outer space, flying around the moon today.

We even went on the Dark Side of the Moon!

I first wrote about this back in August, but the launch was scrubbed and didn't happen until last week. It took the rocket 5 days to reach the moon and now it's circling our heavenly satellite, taking pictures as it goes.

It's been about 81 miles from the surface of the moon. Exciting stuff! Check out nasa.gov for more information if you're interested.

I've always been disappointed that we didn't pursue the space program more fully than we did, so I am glad to see forward movement. I know many people think this is a lot of money spent for nothing, but many inventions come from the work done to make this happen.

At least, you know, once upon a time, there was Tang. And ink pens that wrote upside down.

And that cellphone that never leaves your hand is a result of the space program, too.

Sunday Stealing

Sunday Stealing

1. What’s your favorite childhood memory?

A. I don't know that I have a favorite. I remember one time when I was 5 or 6, I was sitting on the porch with my grandmother. She had on shorts. I was tracing the varicose vein lines in her legs. Suddenly, I looked up at her and said, "Grandma, you're cracking up!" She burst out laughing and told everyone that I said that about her. I guess you had to be there.

2. Do you sing in the shower?

A. Of course. Great acoustics in the shower.

3. What is the best gift you’ve ever received?

A. My engagement ring, I suppose. But a close second would be a camera tripod that my brother gave me about 35 years ago. It's called a Slik Stick and I still use it. Best tripod ever.

4. Do you prefer being indoors or outdoors?

A. I love the outdoors, but I am allergic to everything out there. Inside I can better control the environment.

5. Who was the last person you spoke to on the phone?

A. My husband. I called to tell him the US Weather Service had issued a wind advisory for our area.

6. What do you keep in your bag or handbag?

A. The usual. Cellphone, wallet, asthma inhaler, store discount cards, medication, tissues, an ink pen.

7. Can you knit?

A. Yes, but I don't do it well.

8. How many hours do you sleep each night?

A. I go to bed at 10 and am usually awake by 6:30 or earlier, and I get up at least once in the night. Whatever that all adds up to.

9. Who is your role model?

A. I don't have one. There are people I admire, but few I wish to imitate.

10. Who was your first ever pen pal?

A. My grandfather who lived in California. After I married, I wrote to him frequently. He always wrote back. 

11. What has been your favorite job so far?

A. Being a news reporter for the local weekly paper.

12. What is your favorite go-to recipe for mid-week meals?

A. I don't have favorite recipes. I hate to cook.

13. How often do you eat in a restaurant?

A. We used to eat in a restaurant once or twice a week. Since March 2020, I have eaten in a restaurant 3 times. We get takeout about twice a month now.

14. Are you close to your family?

A. I am close to some members of my family.

15. Which phone app could you not live without?

A. I could live without all of them. I did before, so I could do it again.

16. If you could afford to volunteer full time for a charity, which would it be?

A. Something to do with literacy, I suppose.

17. Do you have any siblings?

A. I have a brother who is very good to me. He's been there for me during some difficult times, such as when my husband has been hurt or had surgery.

18. Who is your favorite YouTuber?

A. I like to watch Gabriella Quevedo play guitar on there.

19. Have you ever been a bridesmaid or a groomsman?

A. I honestly am not sure. I don't think so, but I have played other parts at weddings. Guest book signer person, photographer, and such.

__________

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: Sunshine, Lollipops & Rainbows

Saturday 9: Sunshine, Lollipops and Rainbows (1965)

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

1. In this song, Lesley Gore sings that sunshine is wonderful. It's hard to argue with that. Is it sunny where you are today?

A. The sun is shining but it is very cold; 28-degree F last time I looked.

2. Tootsie Roll is the world's #1 manufacturer of lollipops, and cherry is their most popular flavor. Do you have a sweet tooth? If yes, what's your favorite sweet treat?

A. I do have a sweet tooth. Chocolate is my favorite sweet treat, but I don't eat much of that anymore because of acid reflux. 

3. According to myth, you'll find a leprechaun's pot of gold at the end of a rainbow. If you suddenly, unexpectedly came into $100,000, what is the first thing you would buy?

A. I would hire someone to come in and declutter my house.

4. She feels brighter than a lucky penny. Abraham Lincoln was the first person to appear on a U.S. coin, when the 1909 penny was struck in honor of his 100th birthday. Thomas Jefferson is on the nickel, George Washington is on the quarter, and John F. Kennedy is on the half dollar. Without looking, do you know which President is on the dime?

A. It's either Roosevelt or Eisenhower.  I googled; it's the former.

5. Lesley Gore was very popular in the 1960s, with 11 Top Ten hits. Most people don't know that, while she was making records, she was also attending Sarah Lawrence College and graduated with her BA in 1968. What's something most Saturday 9ers would be surprised to know about you?

A. I doubt there is much they don't already know. But maybe they don't know that I worked varied jobs at temp agencies for a while. I hated it.
 
6. She performed "Sunshine, Lollipops and Rainbows" in the movie Ski Party. Do you plan to ski this season?

A. I have no plans to ski ever.

7. This song was written by Marvin Hamlisch, who would go on to win three Oscars, four Grammys, three Emmys, a Tony, and a Pulitzer Prize. That's quite an impressive list! But we believe our Sat 9-ers are impressive, too. So give yourself an award this morning. (For example, Crazy Sam is now Meme Mistress of the Year.)

A. All Hail CountryDew, First of Her Name, Greatest of Guitar Players, the Warrior of Writers, Queen of J&A Farms, Housewife Hooligan, and Elvenar Empress.

8. In 1965, when this song was on the charts, I Dream of Jeannie premiered. This supernatural sitcom, about an astronaut who finds a genie on a beach, competed for viewers with Bewitched, which was about an advertising executive who marries a witch. Do you prefer Bewitched or I Dream of Jeannie?

A. I liked them both, but I think I preferred Bewitched just a little bit over I Dream of Jeannie.

9. Random question -- Which would you rather have, tacos or pizza?

A. Pizza. I haven't had a pizza for over two years.

_______________

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.  

Got You on My Mind

Today's my wedding anniversary. We're at the big 39 years - wow. One more year until the big 40.

Some days we look at each other and say, "Weren't we just married 3 weeks ago?" because we have no idea where the time has gone. Here he is retired from one job as a battalion chief with the nearby city's fire department, while still farming and installing septic tanks, and I've managed to obtain three college degrees and a have a career as a news writer.

In a blink, it seems a distant memory. In my dreams, it catches up to me and I see it unfold like a roll of cloth, each turn revealing a different pattern. Good, bad, beautiful, ugly.

The minutia of two lives entwined.

While our marriage has been sturdy, I think how fragile it all is. Had we each made different decisions early on - like, not having gone to a high school football game where we met - we may never have known one another and lived entirely different lives. I am reminded daily, especially now that we're older, that it can all change from calm to chaos in a second - all it takes is a fall, a cut, an illness, an accident - and our lives are not the same as they were.

We are heading into the twilight years now, I guess. Still pushing, still working, still trying to be our best selves for one another and for this ol' planet we call home. We consider ourselves caretakers of the little land we manage, as we're only borrowing it for our lifetime.

Thank you, my best beloved, for these terribly beautiful 39 years. I'm looking forward to the remainder of our lives together.

When we were young, beautiful, and clueless.

Thursday Thirteen

My wedding anniversary is coming up, so I thought I'd list 13 things I love about my husband.

1. Big heart.

2. Loyal.

3. Gentle.

4. Understanding.

5. Smart.

6. Patient.

7. Informed.

8. Interesting.

9. He has the best giggle when he laughs.

10. Big hands with a soft touch.

11. Active.

12. Strong.

13. Handsome.

Isn't he handsome? I do miss that uniform since he retired.

___________________

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 782nd time to do a list of 13 on a Thursday. Or so sayth the Blogger counter, anyway.

Tinnitus

Tinnitus, or ringing of the ears, is a problem many think is found only in older adults. About 20% of the population has tinnitus, and while many indeed, are older, it's not just the seniors who have this issue.

I've had it for as long as I can remember.

When I was young, it was a high pitched "E" sound. I thought it was what a quiet room sounded like until the 4th grade. That was when, during a spelling session that included the words "quiet" and "silence" that my teacher asked what "quiet" sounded like. As I was an "A" student, she asked me first, and I told her it sounded like "EEEEEEE." 

The other kids laughed and I was told to stay after class. My fourth-grade teacher had a way of embarrassing me many times, this being one of them. She was angry at first, accusing me of being sassy, but after I explained that this was what I heard in a quiet room, she let me go without another word.

Not long after, she met with my parents in a PTA session. My mother asked me later if I had trouble hearing. I said I did not. She didn't ask about the noise. By then, of course, I'd figured out the noise was in me, even if I didn't know what it was called.

I thought it meant I might be crazy, so I didn't mention it again.

Thus, my "quiet room" noise continued unchecked. I noticed as a teenager that certain things would make it worse - Tylenol in particular.

I listened to music to drown it out, even as I went to sleep. In my teens, I wore out my Bread album falling asleep to it every night. As I grew older, I used a fan turned against the wall for a while, and eventually my husband and I switched to an air purifier that we run on "high fan" at night. The noise helps me sleep. 

Over the years, the sounds in my ears have changed. Sometimes the sound is scratchy, sometimes it is like 10,000 crickets all trying to be heard over one another. Sometimes it's that piercing "E" sound. (I used to use it to tune my guitar.)

This morning, though, for a brief period, my tinnitus was . . . gone.

I've had an ear infection and the doctor gave me drops for it, which my husband has dutifully put in my ears twice a day in spite of my howls of pain as each drop went in. The pain in my ears cleared up, and apparently, at least for a few hours, so did the tinnitus.

Moments without my constant ear sounds are rare. This is not the first time it's happened, but it is the first time in a long while.

Now the "EEEEEEE" sound is back, and I'm once again in my quiet room.

It beats the scratchy crickets that were visiting in my head last night!

Another Day, Another Shooting

Yesterday I woke to the news that three football players at the University of Virginia had been shot, and two others injured, by gunfire.

The alleged murderer was known to the campus and the local police, apparently, and he was eventually captured, about 12 hours after the murder.

The last I read, motive was unclear. Maybe there wasn't a motive.

Sometimes people are simply crazy, or bloodthirsty, or violent.

It pains me to admit that I've become somewhat nonchalant about the news of shootings. They happen EVERY. SINGLE. DAY. It may not be a mass shooting, but somebody, somewhere, is shot. Yet, I still watch those around me when I go out. I look for people who are acting "off" or suspect. I duck at loud noises.

In 2020, over 45,000 - yes, thousand - people died from gun-related deaths in the United States. We've already had over 37,000 gun deaths this year, and the year isn't over.

One guy has some blow-up stuff on the bottom of his shoe at an airport, and we all take our shoes off to get on an airplane, but we have thousands die from guns every year, and we do nothing.

Somebody found a few problems with Tylenol a long, long time ago, and suddenly medicines were put in plastic shrink wrap and made tamper-proof. Thousands die from guns every year, and we do nothing.

A child dies from a defective crib, and there's a recall. Thousands die from guns every year, and we do nothing.

A car crash indicates the air bags don't work, and there's a recall. Thousands die from guns every year and we do nothing.

I know the response - guns don't kill people, people kill people, blah blah thoughts and prayers. But guns are made for killing.

That is their sole purpose. To kill, or at least to maim.

I am a gun owner, and I am in favor of stricter gun control laws.

Sunday Stealing

Sunday Stealing

1. If you could witness any event from history, what would it be?

A. The actual creation of the US Constitution, so I would know for sure what the Founding Fathers meant by their language in the document.

2. What do you think about conspiracy theories?

A. I think they are symptoms of a sick society.

3. Do you like cartoons? Do you have /had a favorite one?

A. I like cartoons sometimes. I liked most of the ones I watched as a kid - Bugs Bunny, Rocky & Bullwinkle, Underdog, Milton the Monster, etc. Typical late '60s and early 1970s cartoon-watching kid.

4. What did you most dislike in school times?

A. Going home.

5. How do you think the end of the world will look like?

A. Like that sentence, all mixed up and not grammatically correct.

6. What sounds are in your opinion relaxing? The sound of the sea? Traffic? Vacuum cleaner? Combine harvester on the field? Some kind of music? Birds singing?

A. I find music relaxing, and the sound of the air purifier at night helps me sleep.

7. Which would you take: The well-worn path or the road less travelled?

A. I seem to have followed a road less traveled, so I'll go with that one.

8. What was the last thing you read?

A. The Return, by Nicholas Sparks

9. What is one thing that has stumped you so hard you won't ever forget it?

A. Does this sentence mean like a math problem, or some kind of life issue? Or a time I hit my little toe and broke it? Apparently, grammar has stumped the writer of these questions.

 
10. What are you interested in that most people aren’t?

A. Grammar. Fantasy. Time.

11. What’s something you really resent paying for?

A. The Internet. Electricity. Things that people need to live should be free.

12. What did you think was cool when you were young but isn’t cool now?

A. Smoking.

13. If you could choose a different time period and place to be born, when and where would it be?

A. I would be born at some future date, like the year 5555, in whatever would be considered the "first world" in that year.

14. Do you think cats have any regrets?

A. I don't think too much about cats.

15. What question do you hate answering?

A. Some of these weren't my favorites, but the questions that ask you if you'd rather be old/young and still have health/or not, or be a certain age, etc. always irritate me.

__________

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: Walkin' After Midnight

Saturday 9: Walkin' After Midnight (1957)

Unfamiliar with this week's tune? Hear it here.
 
1) The lyrics tell us Patsy Cline was out walking after midnight. Where were you at midnight last night?

A. In bed asleep.
 
2) She's sure she hears the night winds whispering to her. Is it windy, breezy, or still outdoors right now?

A. It's pouring rain as I write this, with a bit of a breeze, and the possibility of a tornado.

3) When she was 13, Patsy came down with a fever and throat infection so severe she ended up in the hospital. She believed the illness changed her vocal cords and enabled her to sing in a lower key. How are you doing this cold and flu season?

A. I've had an ear inflammation this week, but otherwise managing. I've had my flu shot, so fingers crossed.

4) Patsy is well remembered today not only for her voice but for her generous spirit. Loretta Lynn, Dottie West and Barbara Mandrell all considered Patsy a trusted personal friend and professional mentor. Have you ever been a mentor?

A. I have never been called that, but I think I have fulfilled that role a time or two. Maybe even now.
 
5) Patsy had a tough side, too. While traveling by bus and playing one-nighters, she found she and her band sometimes never got paid for their efforts. So she began demanding payment -- in cash -- before they would take the stage. She'd insist, "No dough, no show." Tell us about your tough side.

A. My tough side shows up when someone I love is being treated unfairly. I will take you down in a heartbeat if you mess with somebody I love. I'll leave you so verbally scorched you won't know what burned you.
 
6) Patsy became the first female country star to headline at a Las Vegas showroom. Who is your favorite country performer?

A. I am not a big country fan, but I liked Dolly Parton back in the day. I still like her now as a personality/influencer.
 
7) In 1957, the year this song hit #2 on the charts, embroidered cotton handkerchiefs were a popular present for the ladies on your gift list. Do you own any handkerchiefs?

A. My husband does. I don't. Or if I do, I don't know where they are.
 
8) 1957 was a banner year for Elvis. He released four hit records, two top box-office films, and his TV appearances topped the ratings. 65 years later, he is still recognized the world over by his first name alone. Can you think of another performer for whom one name is all that's required?

A. Beyonce, Adele, Pink, Prince.

9) Random question: What's the most embarrassing story your parents (or siblings) tell about you?

A. I honestly have no idea. I'm not somebody the family talks about much, at least, not in my presence.

_______________

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.  

Thursday Thirteen

Like millions of other people, we played the Powerball lottery with hopes of winning $2 billion. We did not, of course, though someone did. That's a lot of money, though. What would I do with it?

1. Set aside about $2 million to ensure we had plenty for our old age. This would be money we never touched. Our base funds, one might call it.

2. Set up a trust fund of about $100 million to take care of other people who needed assistance, some kind of foundation, maybe, to help folks with heating, food, or whatever. That would have to have staff, of course, to go through requests and do the helping.

3. Purchase property around us.

4. Maybe build a new home, or at least make updates to this one.

5. Build a library in Daleville (a small community in the southern end of my county that desperately needs a library).

6. My husband wants a Ferrari (I have no idea why) so I guess he would go buy that.

7. I'd give the maximum amount allowed by the IRS as monetary gifts to family and friends every year. What's the point in having money if you can't make life easier for others?

8.  I'd also build a fire station in Daleville, equip it, and pay for the staff. That would cost probably $10 million or more. Just a fire truck costs a $1 million.

9. Massive donations to the political party of my choice? Maybe, but I'd rather the government not be run on monetary donations and bribery.

10. I'd make a large donation to my alma mater.

11. Donate to help find resolutions to cancer, heart disease, etc.

12. Hire a personal trainer/cook/personal assistant.

13. Hire whoever my husband needed to help him do whatever he wanted to do.

I don't think I'd be anywhere close to spending all of that money. But hopefully I would do good with it.

___________________

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 781st time to do a list of 13 on a Thursday. Or so sayth the Blogger counter, anyway.

Autumn Really Has Been Lovely

 

Beaver Blood Moon

I rose at 4:45 a.m. this morning to look at the lunar eclipse. I took over 100 photos, but most of them blurred. My camera simply isn't that great for taking pictures in the dark, and when the moon is eclipsed, it's dark.

While I was outside, around 6 a.m. I stopped taking pictures and stood watching the moon, listening to the neighbor's rooster crow, and saw a meteor fall past the edge of the moon. It looked a piece of the moon fell off!

I was incredibly sorry I wasn't taking photos then, but sometimes the memory is good enough. I'd rather have seen that in person and not through the lens, I think.

Here are some of my better pictures.

Moonrise, Monday, November 7, 2022

The tree branches are reaching for the moon.

Lunar eclipse, Tuesday, November 8, 2022, around 4:50 a.m.

Near total eclipse, around 5:15 a.m.

Used the star trail feature on the camera, just for fun.

Full eclipse, around 6 a.m.

Moon setting, around 6:20 a.m.

Amazon's Trick

On November 1, I asked Alexa to shuffle my playlist, and she said, "Shuffling your playlist and similar songs."

Then she told me I could now access over 100 million songs, instead of the 2 million I'd been "making do" with.

What she didn't tell me was what they took away. They gave me access to 100 million songs but:

1) I can no longer ask for the specific song I want to hear and listen to only that song.

2) I can no longer hear only the songs on my playlist (which I spent years building up on this platform).

3) I can no longer hear only songs by a specific artist (unless I've bought the album and it's in my Amazon library, but I noticed some of those are missing from my library).

4) I can no longer ask for songs by a lyric that's running through my head and have her play only that song.

5) I can no longer listen to the music I fell asleep to sometimes (Bread, and only Bread's greatest hits).

6) I can no longer have her repeat a song, so that I can listen to it over and over. This was helpful when I was learning a new song on the guitar.

7) When she does shuffle my "playlist and similar songs," so far, the 7 or so times I've tried that, she starts out with the same songs and plays those in the same order, every time. That's not shuffling.

Basically, they turned Alexa into Pandora. If I wanted to listen to Pandora, I'd listen to Pandora. They took away the things that made listening to the music on Alexa a unique experience. Sure, sometimes one of the songs I asked for wasn't one of the 2 million available to me, and I heard, "That song is only available on Amazon Unlimited,"but I had no problems with that. I'd go find it on youtube if I wanted to hear it badly enough.

"To listen to specific songs you like, try Amazon Music." That's now her refrain when I ask for things I used to receive without question.

The whole point, of course, is to force me to purchase Amazon Music for $8.99 a month. I'm not going to be nickled and dimed by these massive, bloated overbearing corporations. I have the CDs, I have a CD player, and I have a radio. I can hear music some other way.

When my Alexa dies, as electronics do, replacement at this moment appears doubtful. I lived without Alexa before, and I can live without her again.

I can even live without Amazon, convenient though it may be.

In the meantime, this sent me scurrying to find my CD player, to see where I had stashed my CDs, and to see what albums I'd put on my cellphone. I listen to Sheryl Crow (and only Sheryl Crow, not "and similar songs") when I am writing my news stories. Those CDs are on my desktop, and they are on my cellphone.

I have a work-around. But I am not at all happy with my 100 million songs that comes with a lack of choice, so every night now I give Alexa feedback and tell her so.

At least I have the satisfaction of thinking I'm wasting somebody's time somewhere, if they actually read or listen to the feedback.

Sunday Stealing

Sunday Stealing

1. Have you ever written to a celebrity? Did they respond?

A. I don't recall any specifics, but I may have when I was much younger, like pre-teen. But I don't think they responded.

2. Do you read letters immediately, or wait until ready to reply?

A. I usually read them immediately.

3. My preferences when it comes to reading are . . .

A. Fairly eclectic. I read mysteries, fantasy, science fiction, women's literature, mainstream literature, nonfiction, biographies, memoir, etc.

4. What I'm least likely to change my mind about . . . 

A. Is the harm one half of the country is trying to do to the other.

5. The topics I would get wrong about during trivia . . .

A. Would be anything to do with cooking, including names of foods.

6. What am I hopeful about right now?

A. I am hopeful about the November 8 election, my husband's improving health, and the weather. 

7. Philosophies I've learned/embraced from others . . .

A. Tomorrows are generally better days if the one you're in is bad. Wear clean underwear. Don't eat rotten fruit. Brush your teeth twice a day. Don't pick at scabs. Don't bite your nails.

8.  What makes home feel like home?

A. My husband lives here with me, and my stuff is here. We have a lovely view of my beloved Blue Ridge Mountains.

9.  Talents and skills I like to cultivate . . .

A. Include working on my guitar playing, writing, and learning the names of birds and plants.

 

10. What makes my heart race . . .

A. Is a kiss from my husband, and riding in a car while he is driving. He tends to see out of his ear and terrifies me sometimes when we're in the car.

11. What power means to me . . .

A. Is the ability to do what I want when I want to do it.

12. Some of my comfort hobbies . . .

A. Include playing guitar, video games, and reading.

13. Last time I was pleasantly surprised . . .

A. Was probably in 2013 when my husband threw me a surprise birthday party.

14. How was my October 2022?

A. It was lovely; we had beautiful colors in the leaves this year. I took loads of photos.

15.  Those who inspire my growth . . .

A. Are people who teach me to be a better person.

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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.

Saturday 9: New Attitude

Saturday 9: New Attitude (1984)

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

1) In this song, Patti Labelle sings that she feels good from her hat to her shoes. Do you often wear hats or caps?

A. I used to wear hats and was married in a hat instead of a veil, but I stopped wearing them after I married.

 

2) The lyrics tell us that Patti's worries are few. Is anything particular bothering you as you answer these questions?

A. I'm having some pain issues tonight; it's not really a worry, as I know what it is, more like an aggravation since there is no way to actually resolve the problem and I must live with it.

 

3) The video for this song takes place in a high-end boutique. What's the most recent article of new clothing you bought, and where did you buy it?

A. I purchased bras off of the Internet. 

4) In 2019, a street in Philadelphia was renamed "Patti LaBelle Way." At the ceremony, she was referred to as "The Godmother of Soul." Do you have godparents? If yes, tell us about them.

A. To the best of my knowledge, I do not have godparents.

 

5) Patti dropped out of high school during her senior year. When she was in her mid-30s, she went to night school and earned her diploma. Do you have any diplomas or certificates framed and displayed in your home or office?

A. I have my Associates Degree and my Bachelor of Arts degree displayed in my office. I have a frame for my Master's degree but I've never got around to framing the diploma and putting it up.

 

6) Patti was once engaged to Otis Williams, founder of the Motown super group The Temptations. Who is your favorite Motown recording artist? (Here is a list.)

A. The Commodores/Lionel Richie.

 

7) A diabetic herself, Patti has volunteered her time to organizations that fight the disease. Do you know anyone currently dealing with diabetes?

A. I know at least three people who have it, probably more that I am unaware of.

 

8) In 1984, when this song was popular, Angela Lansbury premiered in Murder, She Wrote, a show still seen in reruns today. Were you a fan?

A. I watched it occasionally, but it was not must-see TV for me at that time. I suspect I would like it better now.

9) Random question: What's your secret to a good night's sleep?

A. I use drugs, but eliminating that, then (a) getting off the computer by 7 p.m. (b) listening to calming music before I fall asleep, (c) feeling all of my muscles and forcing them to relax one by one, starting at my feet and working up; and (d) counting backwards.

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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.