Category: The Wednesday Medley

We’re joining Terri at Your Friend From Florida

1. Let’s talk about film scores/songs. What is the first one that you thought about when you saw today’s subject?

The Hills Are Alive With The Sound Of Music.

Perhaps because I played Gretel in the Community Theater production as a child.

2. Do you remember the first movie you ever saw on the “big screen”? Would you tell us about it?

Goodness, I don’t really recall. I do remember seeing Mary Poppins and The Sound of Music early on in my life. I’m sure there were other’s but at the age of 60, the others seem insignificant.

3. Who is your favorite female movie star? Who is your favorite male movie star? Go ahead and list more than one if you must.

Favorite Female Movie Star: I loved Katherine Hepburn and Vivian Leigh. But I also love Meryl Streep. I swear that woman can do anything. I also enjoy, Diane Keaton and  Allison Janney.  For a Male Movie Star: Clint Eastwood and Jack Nicholson. Others I like are Tom Hanks and Matt Damon. There is a long list on both sides, really.

4. How about those old black & white movies! Which one do you always stop and watch, even just a little, when channel surfing?

It’s A Wonderful Life.

5. Is there a movie quote that makes you laugh or one that you repeat often in life that you can share with us?  Will, we know what movie it comes from without you telling us?

Supercalifragilisticexpialidocious! And I sing the rest of the quoted song!

6. Please share something random about your week with us.

Off to see my granddaughter!

We’re joining Terri at Your Friend From Florida

SPRING BEGINS
Spring begins on the March or vernal equinox, which is when the amount of sunshine is approximately 12 hours long.  The amount of sunlight will incrementally increase until the first day of Summer.
The vernal equinox marks the moment the Sun crosses the celestial equator.  This is the imaginary line in the sky above the Earth’s equator, from south to north. This happens on March 19, 20 or 21 every year in the Northern Hemisphere. In the Southern Hemisphere, this same event marks the beginning of fall.  Meteorologists actually mark the spring from March 1 through May 31st.
In 2016, spring arrived a little earlier due to it being a leap year.  On Leap Day, there’s a little math lesson regarding the Gregorian calendar.  To keep our calendar following the seasons so that spring happens when flowers grow and winter arrives when snow falls, an additional day was figured into years divisible by the number four. This has caused the 2016 spring to occur earlier than any living human being alive had ever seen. Before 2016, the earliest spring on record took place in 1896.
For more information visit almanac.com.
HOW TO OBSERVE
Get ready for longer days and increased sunshine. Tune up the lawn mower.  More sunshine means the grass will be growing. Use #SpringBegins to post on social media.
HISTORY
Human beings have been following the sun and creating a calendar based on seasons since the beginning of time.  

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1.  The first spring flowers are usually daffodils, dandelions, lilies, tulips, iris. and lilacs. Which one of those choices is your favorite?  Have you seen any yet?

Well, I love Lilacs the best.

But right now we still have well over two feet of snow in our yard. So, it will be a while! Usually, we see flowers in mid to late April.

2.  What is your least favorite thing about spring?

Mud Season! Not only are our roads a mess then, but once beautiful White German Shepherd is brownish and dirty during this time!

3.  Okay, what puts a spring in your step?

My grandchildren. Always!

4.  What is your favorite springtime song?

I have loved this song since I was in High School. I loved John Denver’s voice and this song is all about the wonders of Spring!

5.  What really says spring to you?

No more snow! Warmer temperatures and sunshine!

6.  Tell us something random about your week.

It’s been a quiet week. The highlight is going out for groceries and the fact that we have not had snow in seven days!

We’re joining Terri at Your Friend From Florida

NATIONAL GOOD SAMARITAN DAY
National Good Samaritan Day is observed on March 13th.  This day is also known as Good Samaritan Involvement Day. This is a day for unselfish actions to help those in need and to celebrate kindness.
The term “good Samaritan” comes from the Bible parable where a Samaritan helped a stranger who had been robbed and beaten and left to die by the side of the road.  The Samaritan not only cleaned the man’s wounds and clothed him, but took him to an inn where he paid for the man’s care.
The term is used today to describe those who perform acts of kindness for those in need, especially those who are strangers.
HOW TO OBSERVE
Make an effort to help someone who is struggling or having a problem. Use #GoodSamaritanDay to post on social media.
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1.  When did someone come to your rescue and can you tell us about it?

I must say, when I had my car accident, I was very fortunate. Total strangers stopped to help, until the Police responded. Two wonderful Paramedics witnessed the acident and they were on the scene in minutes. A crane driver was two blocks away, and he knew that his equipment would be needed to get the truck off my car. Everyone worked together that day. I have always been so grateful.

2.  When did you help someone out of a jam and can you tell us about it?

I would like to remain anonymous. Lets just say, I try to do things, big and small to help other people.

3.  What are your thoughts on being a good Samaritan?  Some states (like Florida) have even passed Good Samaritan laws so you don’t get into trouble with the law for trying to help someone.

I think we should all do what we can to help our fellow human beings.

4.  Thursday is National Pi Day.  It’s a fun play on the date 3.14.  Will you have some pie to celebrate?

Nope! I am once again back on a diet (I am a Yo-Yo Dieter, I know!) and I really do not want to break my diet for anything!

5.  Did you know that Pi is the most studied number in mathematics?  Are you good with numbers?

Ugh! I am not great with numbers. I know some people can see numbers in there minds, I see dachshunds!

6.  Tell us something random about your week.

Let’s see, We had a snowstorm on Sunday and then Monday and Tuesday we were close to 50 degrees and we’ve had a lot of melting! The sun shines brightly and it almost looks like Spring!

We’re joining Terri at Your Friend From Florida

NATIONAL OREO COOKIE DAY
Be ready to observe by having your glass of milk handy as it is National Oreo Cookie Day.  This day is recognized across the nation each year on March 6th.
The Oreo sandwich cookie is made up of two chocolate disks containing a sweet cream filling and is loved by millions.  Since the introduction, the Oreo cookie has become the best-selling cookie in the United States.
The National Biscuit Company (today known as Nabisco) first developed and produced the “Oreo Biscuit” in 1912 at its Chelsea factory in New York City. Today, the block on which the factory was located is known as “Oreo Way”.
The name “Oreo” was first trademarked on March 14, 1912.
The first Oreo cookies in the United States sold for 25 cents a pound in clear glass topped novelty cans.
In 1912, the Oreo Biscuit was renamed to “Oreo Sandwich”.
In 1948, the Oreo Sandwich was renamed to “Oreo Creme Sandwich”.
William A. Turnier developed the modern-day Oreo design in 1952 to include the Nabisco logo.
Nabisco’s principal food scientist, Sam Porcello, developed the modern Oreo cookie filling.
HOW TO OBSERVE:
Grab a glass of milk and a handful of Oreos to enjoy and use #NationalOreoCookieDay to post on social media.

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1.  Are you able to pass by a plate of cookies and not take one or are you a bit of a ‘Cookie Monster’?

Oh my, I am an oreo cookie monster, for sure! In fact, here is a true story.

My sister is 5 1/2 years older than me. She babysat and had money of her own and would buy herself a package of Oreo’s and keep them hidden in her dresser. Well, there is not much you can keep hidden from a little sister!

The Cookie Monster age 7!

I discovered them, and I’m afraid my little girl mind just can’t have one, and this caused me to raid them too much! I was discovered and I do not even recall what happened to me back then, but my punishment has been incredible teasing over the years!

2.  Tell us about your favorite cookie. Have your tastes changed since you were a kid?

My favorite cookie is the Snickerdoodle. It’s a sugar cookie rolled in cinnamon sugar and baked. OMG! The best cookie ever!

Snickerdoodle Recipe.

3.  Enquiring minds want to know if you are a dunker and, if so, do you dunk in milk, coffee, or tea?

I am not a dunker! Why ruin a perfect cookie!

4.  It is that time of year and they are selling them on every corner and in front of every store!  Do you buy Girl Scout cookies and if you do, which is your favorite?

I used to buy Thin Mints. But I stopped. It’s just like the Oreo’s and a serving size to me is an entire sleeve!

5.  Raw cookie dough.  Yay or Nay?

Not really. I so enjoy the cooked cookie!

6.  Please tell us something random about your week!!

Funny this is all about cookies. I was thinking about making oatmeal cookies. I still might. Tomorrow is Quinn’s third birthday and Saturday is his party. I must get wrapping paper for his present and a little card. Maybe I will make a card for him. There’s an idea!

We’re joining Terri at Your Friend From Florida

1.  Given all that information on this 🍓National Strawberry Day🍓, do you have a favorite recipe for strawberries?  Would you share it with us?

For me, there is nothing better than a good old fashioned Strawberry Shortcake! We have them often when Strawberries begin to show up in our stores and then all during the northeast’s summer harvest.

2.  Some people think the smaller, northern varieties are sweeter than the larger berries that grow in the south and in California.  What are your thoughts on that?

Small simple and sweet! However, I have been known to add a tablespoon of sugar to help the sweetening after I prepare them.

3.  There is a Strawberry Festival right here in Plant City, Florida (next town over from Lakeland) and it is a huge event that lasts 11 days with headliner acts each day.  Have you ever been to a Strawberry Festival?

Growing up on Cape Cod, each year we had a Strawberry Festival. The main course was always Lobster Rolls and Chips, and dessert was a Strawberry Shortcake with real whipped cream!

4.  Strawberries are grown in every US state.  Have you ever grown them in your garden?

When we had the farm they grew there against our stone wall, along with the raspberries. One had to be so careful because Poison Ivy also grew along that wall.

5.  Strawberry is the only fruit that has seeds on the outside, and technically it is not a berry but rather a fruit, and would you be surprised to learn that strawberries belong to the rose family?  Do you have any strawberry trivia to share with us?

I wouldn’t be surprised at all to learn that Strawberries are part of the Rose family.

Do I have any trivia, well, not trivia exactly, but a good story. I have a friend who is from Finland. Strawberries were so rare and expensive there, that only the adults ate them. As a child he watched and it bothered him a lot. As an adult, he ordered strawberries whenever he could, and never shared with anyone. He always had the most delicious smile on his face while eating them. They remain his favorite dessert!

6.  Tell us something random about your week!!

Today we bring Anneliese back to the Canine Ophthalmologist. Her eye is looking so much better and I am really encouraged. We did not want to put her through the pain of surgery and the weeks of recovery, where she would have to be in a cone, and on pain medication. Prayer, good nursing by me, and good medications have worked to heal her ulcerated cornea.

We’re joining Terri at Your Friend From Florida

NATIONAL LOVE YOUR PET DAY
On February 20th, pet lovers everywhere observe National Love Your Pet Day.  This holiday is a day set aside to give extra attention to and pamper your pets.

1.  Have you ever had a special pet in your life?  Will you tell us about it?

Oh yes. So many wonderful and special pets. I was born into a house with a Male Siamese cat named Smokey, and he was in charge of us all.

Shubi and me.

But then, Shubi was so special to me. She was my first Wire-haired Dackel. Our relationship was so special and she went with me everywhere.

As I grew there were more cats and dogs and as an adult, I have loved my dackels and my White German Shepherds.

Me with Greta’s first litter.

2.  Did you grow up with pets in your home?  What did it teach you?

Oh yes. Smokey, Bushy, Baby Dog, and Lorelei. I was so lucky we had so many wonderful animals.

Baby Dog, Me and Lori

3.  Do you ever wonder what animals are thinking?

A friend of mine and I were recently talking about it. We wished that we could talk to our dogs and have them understand us. How wonderful to be able to explain to them and calm their fears.

4.  Sometimes a pet gets out and doesn’t return for a few days. What do you think happens to them when they go on a walkabout?

I had a cat that took off like that. We had a house sitter caring for our dog and cat when we were first married and were on a temporary assignment in Berlin, Germany. The cat, Dottie, took off. She was gone all summer and I was certain she had died out there all alone.

When we returned from Germany, we were in the den watching “Crossing Delancy” on TV and I heard a meow at the window. I opened the window and in jumped Dottie! Apparently, she didn’t like our house sitter so she went off on her own for three months and returned when she heard our voices.

5.  With cats and dogs being the most popular pets, what is the most exotic pet you have personal experience with (didn’t have to be yours)?

Sorry, I am a traditionalist. I don’t really recall exotics. We did have fish, but that’s it.
6.  Please tell us something random about your week so far…

Well, I made homemade pizza on Tuesday for lunch. I cut up all the veggies and tossed the dough and then carefully laid layer upon layer until it was all set and into the oven, it went.

In the oven.

All done and boy, was it yummy!

We’re joining Terri at Your Friend From Florida

Wednesday, January 16th, is National Do Nothing Day!! National Nothing Day was proposed in 1972 by columnist Harold Pullman Coffin. This day has been observed annually since 1973. Of course, the way to celebrate it is to do nothing! 

We’re joining Terri at Your Friend From Florida

1. It may be a little shocking, but National Static Electricity Day is January 9!! Do you often get shocked often when you touch metal?

I do in the winter up here, when everything is so dry. For some reason this year, it has not been bad.

2. There are actually two “National” days worthy of mention! It is also National Law Enforcement Appreciation Day. Our men and women working in many areas of law enforcement put their lives on the line for us daily. Do you know someone working in law enforcement who you can thank today?

Many. Most I do not know their names. When I had my car accident, years ago, so many policemen worked to save us. I am forever grateful, and thankful, even though I do not know their names.

3. At our house right now it is all about football. Joe’s Philadelphia Eagles barely won their game on Sunday to move forward in the playoffs and another chance to play in the Super Bowl this year. Do you have a favorite team in the playoffs or does football make you yawn? Is there a Super Bowl party in your future, no matter the teams playing?

We’re New England Patriots Fans in this house! We have been all our lives. Through the very bad times and the good times. The joke is with both the Patriots and the Red Sox, we know how to celebrate because we had so many years of great suffering! LOL

4. Speaking of parties, there is always lots of food at parties I attend. Tell us a weird food combination that you really enjoy (or have enjoyed). It doesn’t have to be party food.

The Charcuterie Tray I made on New Year’s Eve was amazingly good. Besides the crackers, I served warm pita bread. You can add or subtract almost anything. I had one on Cape Cod that also included honeycomb and that was heaven.

5. Since we are on games and parties, what game have you spent the most hours playing?

Scrabble. Words with Friends. I am not much of a gamer really, but to kill time I like word games.

6. Tell us something random about your week so far.

My excitement is growing. Just 8 days until we will be leaving for Disney! It is snowing here in New Hampshire today, gray skies and just 16 degrees! I am ready for Orlando, Florida and warm temperatures, green grass, and no snow!

We’re joining Terri at Your Friend From Florida

1. Wednesday, December 19, 2018, is National Hard Candy Day! So the first question today is to ask if you enjoy hard candy, especially the kind we usually see during this festive time of year? What is your favorite? Which hard candy brings up the best memories for you if any?

Well, I love Butterscotch Candies. Right now, since I am off all sugar, I am off all candy. **Groan**

2. Holiday shopping! Are you finished? If you could spend an entire day in just one store, which one would it be and why?

Yes, I am done shopping and almost done the wrapping. I have three gifts that are delayed on Amazon and once they arrive, I can wrap, and be done with it!

3. What holiday dessert describes you and why?

An Apple Pie. I am classic, sweet, spicy and warm at heart.

I may be a little crusty on the outside, but once you find your way into my soul, you will find me totally yummy!

4. What is your least favorite holiday side dish?

Oh gosh, I don’t think I have one. Remember me? The lifetime member of Weight Watchers? There is a good reason. I love food and I adore eating!

5. Now be real!! There is one on almost every tree. What is the ugliest tree ornament you have ever seen?

There are no ugly ornaments. It is on someone’s tree then it means something to them. That being said, I’ve seen glass fish and lobsters and never been attracted. But, who am I to judge?

This is my favorite ornament. It just tickles me, and I am not sure, exactly why.

6. Tell us something random about your week!!

We took both Arnie and Anneliese into the Vets. Both need dental cleanings, and while they do that, Arnie will have his three lumps removed! I knew he had two but on exam, she found a third.

They will take good care of Arnie during the surgery. Arnie has a pretty good (bad) heart murmur. So they will use different medications and monitor him carefully. I’d hoped a few years ago when he had his dental that he would be fine for the rest of his life. Unfortunately, they both need them.

We’re joining Terri at Your Friend From Florida

1. National Ding-a-Ling Day is observed across the United States each year on December 12. Ding-a-Lings on this day, call the people they haven’t heard from in a while. It may be an old classmate, co-worker or neighbor from years ago. Or perhaps a call will go out to the child who used to mow the grass during the summer. How about that couple who carpooled for soccer. There are all sorts of people in our lives who manage to slip out of our lives who would love to hear the ding-a-ling of a call from you or me. So tell us who you want to call today!

My friend who is ill. I will be talking to her today and going over what the doctors have said.

2. Each year on the 12th day of December, people across the United States recognize National Poinsettia Day. I am including this “National Day” too because my neighbor’s poinsettia from last year is blooming beside their house!! Have you ever tried to plant a poinsettia outside?

No, I haven’t. I really have a black thumb! Nothing flower wise grows for me. Now vegetables are another story!

3. Do you believe in Bigfoot? What size shoe do you wear and do you have trouble shoe shopping?

No, don’t believe in Bigfoot. I have big feet! Size 10 women’s. So maybe I do believe in Big Foot…Me!

4. What is one thing you refuse to share?

Nothing.

5. Are you finding that this Christmas is stressful? More or less than last year?

Not really. I’m prepared. I am struggling emotionally though with the sad news from my friend.

6. Tell us something random about your week so far!

I found a Chestnut. Now here’s the story. There are no Chestnut trees in our entire area. I was out yesterday with Anneliese, and I saw something on the path. I leaned down and picked it up. It was a perfect Pod released Chestnut.

This is how they look as they grow in the tree. The outer shell is very spiny and prickly. The picture above was borrowed from the Internet.

I took this picture of the chestnut I found on the path in my yard. It was so out of place. I immediately thought that someone I love in Heaven had tossed it down to let me know they are with me. But who? My grandmother, who was famous for her Chestnut Dressing? Or my Mom, who kept the Chestnut Dressing alive after Grandma’s death. Hmmmm….I wonder.