Just.....a wee bit

International Women's Day

2011-03-08T20:33:00.000-05:00

I know this song was done by Helen Reddy~~but I love the way Dusty does it. She had such a voice and gives this song all the nuances that I feel were missing from Helen's. Just for a wee bit, close your eyes and listen to her go~~

Thoughts?

....And My Heart Sings

2011-02-13T19:11:00.000-05:00

"Three things are needed for a good life,

good friends, good food and a good song."

Jason Zebehazy

Love Love Love~~~it's in the air. I don't think you need one special day to show how you feel about someone....but I did want to let Fella know not just how I feel about him, but how he makes me feel. Do I hear music? There are millions of love songs, narrowing it down wasn't easy. It's not the song that is important, the singer of the song is critical.. Pick the wrong singer and it might not give it the feeling, or meaning, you want to convey. After listening to many songs, and reading the lyrics....here's the Valentine CD I put together.

You Make Loving Fun ~~Fleetwood Mac
Sweet wonderful you
You make me happy with the things that you do,
Oh, can it be so
This feeling follows me
Wherever I go...

You Were Meant for Me~~Donny Hathaway
Never did one thing to hurt me

You always understood my ways~~

You Make Me Feel Like Dancing~~Leo Sayer
You take me higher
I'm gonna catch on fire 'cause
You make me feel like dancing...

Do I Do~~Stevie Wonder
My life has been waiting for your love
My arms have been waiting for your love to arrive
My heart has been waiting
My soul anticipating you love....

Fly Me to the Moon~~Frank Sinatra
Fill my life with song
Let me sing forever more
You are all I long for
All I worship and adore
In other words
I love...you

I Feel the Earth Move~~Carole King
Oh darling, when you're near me
And you tenderly call my name
I know that my emotions
Are something that I just can't tame

Ain't No Mountain High Enough~~Marvin Gaye and Tammi Terrell

If you need me, call me

no matter where you are

now matter how far

just call my name

I'll be there in a hurry

you don't have to worry

Till There Was You~~Beatles
There was love all around
But I never heard it singing
No I never heard it at all
Till there was you

Into the Mystic~~Van Morrison
I just want to rock your gypsy soul
Just like the way back days of old
And together we will float into the mystic

I Say a Little Prayer for You~~Dionne Warwick
At work I just take time
and all through my coffee break time

I say a little prayer for you
Forever and ever you'll stay in my heart
And I will love you

Can't You Hear My Heartbeat~~Herman's Hermits
When I feel you put your arms around me
Baby, baby, can't you hear my heartbeat?
Then I'm glad, I'm mighty glad I found you
Baby, baby, can't you hear my heartbeat?

Chances Are~~Bob Seeger and Martina McBride
I remember clearly

How you looked the night we met,

I recall your laughter and your smile,
I remember how you made me feel so at ease
I remember your grace, your style
And now you're all I long to see
You've come to mean so much to me

You Take My Breath Away~~Rex Smith
There are words for the magic of a sunrise
Only none of them will do
For you, you take my breath away

I Cross My Heart~~George Strait
Our love is unconditional
We knew it from the start
I see it in your eye
You can feel it from my heart

Burning Love~~Elvis Presley
Your kisses lift me higher
Like the sweet song of a choir
You light my morning sky
With burning love

('Till) I Kissed Ya'~~~Everly Brothers

Never knew what I missed till I kissed ya
Things have really changed since I kissed ya
My life's not the same now that I kissed ya
Mmm, you got a way about ya
Now I can't live without ya

The Way You Do the Things You Do~~Temptations
You really swept me off my feet
You make my life complete
You made my life so bright
You make me feel all right
The way you do the things you do

Bless the Broken Road~~Rascal Flatts
This much I know is true
That God blessed the broken road
That led me straight to you

The More I See You~~Nat King Cole
Can you imagine
How much I'll love you
The more I see you as years go by?
I know the only one for me can only be you
My arms won't free you, and my heart won't try.

In the Misty Moonlight~~Dean Martin
In the misty moonlight
By the flickering firelight
Anyplace is alright
Long as I'm with you

You Make Me Feel So Young~~Frank Sinatra
And even when I'm old and grey
I'm gonna feel the way I do today
'Cause you make me feel so young

Knocks Me Off My Feet~~Stevie Wonder
But there's something 'bout your love
That makes me weak
And knocks me off my feet

Some Kind of Wonderful~~Drifters
I just know when I'm in your embrace
This world is a happy place
And something happens to me
Some kind of wonderful

Have I Told You Lately ~~Van Morrison
And you fill my heart with laughter
You make it better
Ease my troubles that's what you do

Can't Help Falling in Love~~~Elvis Presley

Some things are meant to be

Take my hand, take my whole life too

For I can't help falling in love with you

You Make Me Feel Like a Natural Woman~~Aretha Franklin
...And if I make you happy
I don't need to do more...

Grow Old With You~~Adam Sandler
I wanna make you smile whenever you're sad
Carry you around when your arthritis is bad
Oh all I wanna do is grow old with you

I'll get your medicine when your tummy aches
Build you a fire if the furnace breaks
Oh it could be so nice to grow old with you

I'll miss you
Kiss you
Give you my coat when you are cold

Need you
Feed you
Even let ya hold the remote control

So let me do the dishes in our kitchen sink
Put you to bed when you've had too much to drink
I could be the woman that grows old with you
I wanna grow old with you.

That's what it's all about, wanting to grow old together. Adam Sandler puts it all in a nutshell....

There you have it. The songs with the lyrics that say how my Fella makes me feel.

Oh~~word of caution here, if you decide to put your own love CD together, here are some you just might want to leave off:

Love the One You're With ~~Stephen Stills
If you can't be with the one love, love the one you're with.
**Really now~~

Love Stinks~~J. Geils Band
You love her, she loves him and he loves somebody else~~
**yep, love stinks.

I Still Haven't Found What I'm Looking For~~U2
**No matter how great this song is, the title alone makes it a no no.

You Give Love a Bad Name~~Bon Jovi
Shot though the heart and you're to blame....
**Enough reason to rethink this one.

What's Love Got to Do With It~~Tina Turner
What's love but a second hand emotion....
**I love Tina, but this one does not belong on a romantic CD

Every Breath You Take~~Police
**Stalker song, eww.

Suspicious Minds~~Elvis Presley
Why can't you see what you're dong to me
When you don't believe a word I say....
**Not a song to convey love and trust

You've Lost That Loving Feeling~~Righteous Brothers
You never close your eyes anymore when I kiss your lips...
**No matter how much you love Top Gun, don't.

Run for Your Life~~Beatles
Well, I'd rather see you dead, little girl..

**Wishing someone dead can definitely send the wrong message

For just a wee bit, embrace the sentiment of the day~~and keep that feeling everyday, and dance.....

Have a great Valentine's Day!

Happy Belated 2011~~

2011-01-03T17:27:00.000-05:00

Goodby to 2010, it was not a very good year for me~~but looking forward, for just a wee bit, to 2011!
Wishing you all peace, joy and love....

Andrea Bocelli - Angels We Have Heard On High~~Merry Christmas~

2010-12-25T09:58:00.001-05:00

Christmas Carols - Christmas Time Is Here (Charlie Brown)

2010-12-20T15:54:00.000-05:00

American Soldier- Toby Keith (tribute)

2010-11-11T10:33:00.000-05:00

To all those who served and are still serving~~thank you! God Bless You and keep you safe.

Happy Rocking Halloween!!

2010-10-31T13:40:00.000-04:00

Don't go around tonight
It's bound to be your death
There's a bad moon on the rise
CCR

My favorite time of year! The crisp fall weather, leaves falling, the beautiful sunsets as the sky glows pink, orange, yellow~~and of course the excitement of Halloween. I have always loved Halloween, can't explain it, just makes me happy. When the girls were little, we used to decorate the house and make it spooky, each make a scarecrow to "hang out" on the front lawn, Halloween day we would put on a pot of chili, make cornbread, grab about a dozen (or more) pumpkins, knifes, scooper's, candles, set up on the picnic table and start carving them out, all different kinds of faces and forms. While I keep most of that tradition going, my favorite is still the pumpkin carving.

To have a festive Halloween day, you have got to have the right music. If you aren't in the mood~~forget it. Every year I make a Halloween CD that will take me through the day. This, of course, takes a lot of thought. You can't have just any Halloween tunes. This year, at 8am on Sunday, I will blast Fella out of bed to help me get the festivities started.

Here are the tunes I 'll start slicing, dicing, carving and dancing to~~

I Put a Spell on You ~~Screamin' Jay Hawkins ~(this should wake Fella up)

Time Warp~Rocky Horror Picture Show (it's important to get moving early in the morning)

Haunted House~Jumpin' Gene Simmons (No, not that Gene Simmons)

Abracadabra~Steve Miller~~(get that dancing started)

Black Magic Woman~Fleetwood Mac (when Peter Green was with them)

Don't Fear the Reaper~Blue Oyster Cult~(good one to dice up the onions with)

Psycho Killer~~Talking Heads~~cooking the meat :)

Season of the Witch~~Donovan~~stir everything together, put it in the slow cooker and forget about it!

People Are Strange~~The Doors~~not just at Halloween~~

Devil in Disguise~~Elvis Presley~~because

Time to mellow out ~~

Spooky~~Classic IV

Witchcraft~~Frank Sinatra

That Old Black Magic~~Frank Sinatra

Do You Believe in Magic?~~Lovin' Spoonful

Pumpkin carving time! Crank it up!

Careful With the Axe Eugene~~Pink Floyd

Bad Moon Rising~~Creedence Clearwater Revival

Sympathy for the Devil~~Rolling Stones

Devil With the Blue Dress On~~Mitch Ryder

Hungry Like the Wolf~~Duran Duran

Superstition~~Stevie Wonder

Dead Man's Party~~Oingo Boingo~~personal favorite

Frankenstein~~Edgar Winters Group

I Want My Baby Back~~Jimmy Cross~~strange strange song

Devil Went Down to Georgia~~Charlie Daniels Band

Are You Ready for Freddie~~Fat Boys

Twilight Zone ~~Golden Earring ~~besides Halloween, this is good during the election season

Clap for the Wolfman~~Guess Who

Ghost Busters~~Ray Parker Jr.

Boris the Spider~~The Who

Nightmare on My Street~~~Will Smith

Thriller~~Michael Jackson ~~you just gotta play this one

(No dancing while carving, especially with the knife in your hand~~trust me on this.)

There you have it. My tunes to rock out with Halloween. What are your favorite Halloween songs?

I hope you have a spooky creepy vampire free Halloween and some of these tunes will get you rocking too.

TIme for a Zombie~~~

Live, Love, Laugh

2010-08-14T14:49:00.000-04:00

Our lives are better left to chance......
I could have missed the pain
But I would have had to miss
the dance....
Garth Brooks

I have started this post so many times, but have been unable to post it.

My sister died. She was 40 years old, one day shy of her 41st birthday. Bernie wasn't sick...she was competing in her first triathlon. She was a PE coach, a runner, taught exercise classes to adults, coached volleyball. Simply put, she was in the best shape of her life. We don't know why she died, so far the autopsy has shown nothing. They are doing more extensive tests, but it will take 3-6 months before we know why she died.

I can't put into words how I am feeling. Being 16 years older then Bernie, we were sisters, best friends and she was like my own daughter. I am heartbroken. If you can look for a good thing, it would be that I was down visiting her when it happened. We spent time together, laughed and talked. The last time we spoke, she told me she would be over after the triathlon to say goodbye to me......I never dreamed it would be like this.

Bernie has left two kids, a 14 year old and a 12 year old; she had been remarried for 10 months; 3 brothers and 2 sisters; several nieces and nephews. All of us have been devastated by this. I am angry at God, but I smile. Bernie was not done living life and I am sure she gave a earful when she entered heaven.

One thing I will say, live, love, laugh is something we both believed in deeply. I hope I can still believe in it. Remember~~~don't take any day of your life for granted. Live it to it's fullest, love with all your heart and laugh out loud and enjoy everybody and everything in your life. Tim McGraw says it all..."Live like you were dying."

B.B.King - Bringin in A brand New Year (Happy 2010 =D)

2010-01-01T11:23:00.001-05:00

Happy New Year!

Josh Groban - O Holy Night

2009-12-24T16:13:00.001-05:00

My favorite Christmas carol...done beautifully.
Merry Christmas.......
Peace to all.

Dirty Dancing Clip - Collectors Edition out now on DVD

2009-09-15T10:32:00.001-04:00

For just a wee bit, we all thought, or wished we, were Dirty Dancers...
RIP Patrick Swayze.

Remembering....

2009-09-11T11:00:00.018-04:00

I can't stand to fly
I'm not that naive
I'm just out to find
the better part of me.
Five for Fighting

On a day like today, the question on eveyone's lips is: Do you remember where you were September 11, 2001?

Yes.

I was in Ashburn, Virgina, at my sister's, with my family. We had gathered to bury our Dad, he was being buried at 3pm in Arlington Virginia. After serving his country for fifty years in the Air Force, he was being laid to rest. The honors bestowed on him still make me proud. Our Dad was having the horse-drawn carriage, honor guard, twenty-one gun salute, and the Pentagon were sending representatives to honor him for his years of service. Two of my brothers and one sister-in-law were in the Air Force nad in full dress uniform, my other brother was retired from the Air Force. It had been years since all six of us had been together, we had come from Florida, Texas, Nevada and New York. My three girls were driving down from New York that morning, my two younger daughters picking up their older sister who lived in Brooklyn.

We were all getting ready that morning, laughing, joking with each other, making snarky comments. I walked into the TV room, looked at the TV, and asked my brother what in the heck was he watching? Some kind of terrorist movie and he said no, this was really happening. We watched as the planes hit the Twin Towers.

Shock.

We tried to absorb what we were seeing on TV. I remember the quiet.....

Then the plane hit the Pentagon.....

There we were, fifteen of us, speechless. My two brothers and sister-in-law grabbed their cell phones as they were now on alert. They knew they had to get back to their bases. Since they were not the only ones trying to check in, the lines were crazy. I was trying to get my girls...no service. We were in a panic, my brothers told me not to worry, they would go looking for them if they had to. (Since they hadn't seen the girls since they were little, that would have been interesting.)

Then the plane crashed in Pennslyvaina. We were horrified.

We had been getting ready for a funeral, and it sounds strange, but we had to go and pick up the stuff. We picked up everything that had been ordered. I remember the quiet, no noise, little sound, in Sam's Club or Walmart...just... quiet. We headed back to the house to find that the girls hadn't shown up yet. There was still trouble getting phone service. We were trying to decide what to do, we were all on edge, what next? The more time passed, the more worried we were getting.

Around three o'clock the girls finally showed up. After many hugs and kisses and "thank Gods!" they told us how the trip had been. Luckily they had already been outside the city before the planes hit the Twin Towers, around Washington had been a nightmare. Eveything was at a standstill, and it took a long time to move. Relief they had made it through and were safe. They said it was very quiet.

I had a friend who worked at the Pentagon, it took hours, but I finally got through to her. She was okay, but terribly shaken up. She told me the country was on high alert, they were in lock down and it was quiet. Everyone was waiting for what would happen next.

The whole world was at a standstill, holding it's breath. Being near Reagan Airport and BWI, hearing no planes, there was no traffic, there was only quiet. We talked to each other, but quietly. Why? I don't know. We were glued to the TV, talking about what was happening, what would happen....we are a military family so the conversation was intense.

Sitting outside, on my sister's deck, around four o'clock, we talked about the quiet. How strange not to hear any planes overhead, then we started to hear the sound of an airplane. The lone sound of an airplane. We all looked up, wondering, not sure what was happening. We tensed until we realized it was President Bush heading back to the White House. One plane flying in all the quiet.

As the day came to a close, we thought about what had happened. Our hearts and prayers went out to all those who had lost someone. Thankful that we were together and okay. We also questioned what was to come?

Two days later we began to disperse. Heading home. I drove my daughter back to Brooklyn where she lived. When I stopped for gas and they saw my licence plate they told me how sorry they were for what happened in New York and God Blessed us. Coming into Brooklyn, it was quiet. I dropped my daughter off and headed to Long Island. I could see the smoke of the Twin Towers from the Brooklyn Bridge. I could feel my eyes tear up at all who had been lost there, and all those trying to help. There was no horn blowing, yelling, there was no noise in the city. If you had to move over into a lane, they let you without a problem. I have never "heard" such quiet in the city. When I got to the LIE, there was hardly any traffic on it. I passed National Guard trucks, police cars and firetrucks heading west. They were all the way from Montauk and Orient...the eastern tips of the Island, heading to the city to help. I passed makeshift signs hanging from the overpasses, saying God Bless America. There was no music on the radios, it was all talking.

Eight years later, on this day, for just a wee bit, it comes back to me, the quiet. Originally we were to bury our Dad in Arlington at 9am, for whatever reason, I don't remember why, we changed the time to 3pm. How lucky we were that day, not to have been there at 9am.

On this day, I say a prayer for those who died that day, for those that still suffer from the effects of that day, and am thankful for those that sacrifice for all of us every day. God Bless them.

I remember being told that "Superman (It's not easy)" by Five for Fighting was a song that hit a nerve with the rescuers, one that meant a lot to them, that's why I opened with it on this blog.

And I remember the quiet.

Peace....

Smile

2009-09-06T13:52:00.001-04:00

Heard this for the first time, thought of my Fella who makes me smile...just for a wee bit, I hope you do too.

Ellie Greenwich, Songwriter (1940-2009) R.I.P.

2009-08-29T22:32:00.001-04:00

I love the way she sings this song. Thank you Ellie Greenwich for letting us hear some sweet sweet music. For just a wee bit, I am back in the sixties when I first heard your music and smiling.

Double Double

2009-08-10T08:00:00.010-04:00

Let's get together and
do it again...
Beach Boys

Visiting one of my favorite blogs, Lazy Thoughts from a Boomer, I enjoyed his post, Half Way Point so much.... On his post, le0pard13 was explaining to his kids why he had some of the same songs on his mp3 player, that one song was the original version and the other song the remake.

This had me thinking of some remakes of my favorite songs. After doing quite a bit of listening to songs, their remakes, dancing and singing along....click here to listen to six of my favorite double doubles. I didn't go into as much detail about the songs as le0pard13, I just picked my favorite of the two. Take a listen, read my comments, and let me know if you agree.

#1 Shake

Otis Redding at the Montery Pop Festaval-hot hot hot. Yep, that's Mike Love of the Beach Boys introducing him.

Sam Cooke is great on the song too-but I give the edge to Otis because he just kills it.

(I had to keep in RESPECT, Otis Redding did it before Aretha Franklin and again, he kills it.)

#2 On Broadway

Drifters gives me goose bumps with their slow, mellow version.

George Benson takes it up a step with the guitar and his jazzy take on it.

Benson's version makes me happy when I hear it. I like Benson's version...don't know why, just gets to me more.

#3 We Can Work it Out

The Beatles. I love this video of them. Watch John Lennon and Paul McCarty facial expressions here, they are priceless and will make you laugh.

Stevie Wonder. Wow, I think this is one of the best remakes of any song. Even John Lennon lthought this version was better then theirs. From that first hollar Stevie makes, the funky r&b, good stuff.

It's a tie...two great versions, how do you pick between these two?

#4 Do You Love Me (Now that I can dance)

The Contours blow you away with the pure joy of this song.

The Dave Clark Five were always considered rock and roll, here they show that could do the blues too. Good remake, but......

The Contours, hands down. The energy they put in the song is amazing. I dare you to try to sit still while listening to this one! Oh yeah, watch me now!

#5 Have I Told You Lately That I Love You

Van Morrison is just great and when I hear him sing this song, I melt right down to the ground.

Rod Stewart version is a good one, but he just doesn't have the emotional connection to the song that Morrison has.

For me, it's clear that Morrison gets lost in this song. Morrison, hands down.

One of the best love songs ever written.

#6 Get Ready

The Temptations, one of the best from Motown. It doesn't get much better then listening to them sing this--or any of their songs.

Rare Earth gives it high energy and do a great job, makes me get up and dance...but-it belongs to the Temptations.

#7 Hey Joe

Byrds at the Montery Pop Festival gave it a sound rarely heard, fast and furious. Interesting, not the way your usually hear it.

Jimi Hendrix at Woodstock..well, it's Jimi. It depends on what style you like but for me, watching and listening Jimi play his guitar, what a joy. No question, Jimi takes it.

Okay, it's seven songs and remakes....but it's Jimi Hendrix, you can't leave him out.

Thanks le0pard13 for another great post, and to Corey, The Drowning Machine, for his Hearing Double? post and sharing some remakes I wasn't aware of. You're right Corey, this was a lot of work but oh! So much fun!. Big shout out to my friend, and another favorite blogger, Six Fingered Monkey, for helping me embed before I lost my mind.

It was hard to choose from so many great remakes, I could easily do another six (or seven)---

For just a wee bit, I hope you enjoy the music and the last hot days of summer.

America, The Beautiful : Ray Charles '91

2009-07-04T10:28:00.001-04:00

A reminder of how lucky we are. Happy 4th!

Just My Opinion but STOP!

2009-07-01T20:50:00.061-04:00

S is for save it

T is for take it slow

O is for oh no!

P is for please, please......

Jackson 5

I have been wrestling with this post for a few days. Michael Jackson died last week. Ever since that happened, it has been Michael Jackson 24/7 on American news. The news has opened with Michael Jackson, and closed with Michael Jackson.

There was other news this week. News that has worried me, scared me, and fascinated me.

Here are some news worthy items that I thought were of note:

*100,000 North Koreans marched in the streets chanting "Death to America!"

*North Korea has positioned their new long range rockets toward Hawaii; some of these rockets could potently have nuclear warheads.

*The DMZ in South Korea is on alert waiting to see what North Korea might do. America has soldiers on the DMZ who are waiting right along with the South Koreans.

*China has stepped in and told North Korea to "behave."

*Russia has made clear it is not happy with the activities of North Korea.

*The fact that China and Russia is concerned is a surprise...they usually observe from the sidelines, willing to let the chips fall where they will, and hope they reap benefits from the fallout.

*Our military in Hawaii is on alert. Since North Korea might like to help us celebrate July 4th by giving us a holiday surprise. Hawaiians are a little bit nervous about this.

*The Tehran protesters who were wounded and beaten protesting the presidential election, were dragged out of hospitals and arrested. Didn't matter what condition they were, off to prison they went.

*Protesters in Iran are still being being, shot, beaten and hunted down. Iranians who are even suspected of being protesters, or aiding and abetting protesters, are being dragged out of their homes and beaten and taken to prison.

*The election in Iran have been made official. Ahmadinejad has been elected President. The recount "proved" he won the election.

*The British Embassy in Iran was set on fire and the Embassy workers were taken prisoners. Seems the British have taken the place of America as the "Great Satan."

*Our soldiers are starting to turn the war in Iraq over to the Iraqi people.

*Our country is going to start major military operations in Afghanistan.

*We sent a rocket to burrow into the moon to find out if there is/was water there. We want to find out if a space station can be set up on the moon for people to live there.

*Bernie Madoff was sentenced to 150 years in jail for his billion scam.

*The stock market is looking better then it did three months ago.

I am sure there was much more going on in the world this week, but for us, here in America, Michael Jackson died, and our news seemed to have stood still.

Michael Jackson was a talented little boy, he became a mega-talented young man, and it seemed he had become a confused man. It is sad he died at just

50 years old. I enjoyed his music, and have fond memories of dancing and enjoying listening to it. Being the "King of Pop" does not, however, make him the news event he has become in death.

For this week, for just a wee bit, I have wondered if we are heading "for the danger zone."

Just my opinion.

Sky Pilot, US Military Chaplains

2009-05-25T10:11:00.001-04:00

For just a wee bit, let's remember why we have today.
To all who serve our country, thank you.
Be safe.

Mush

2009-02-12T15:30:00.000-05:00

When the moon hits you eye

like a big pizza pie.........

that's amore!

Dean Martin

The calender tells us it the time to think about cupid, love, romance and mushiness. The Internet and the radio are awash with songs of love--the worst/best/most popular/romantic love songs ever. With a light heart-and not much else to do-- I listened, researched, and pondered songs and I have come up with the following songs that do it for me; the songs that bring the glazed look, smile, weak in the knees, melt right down to the ground mushiness. Hope you find one you like!

I Will----the Beatles

And when at last I find you

Your song will fill the air...

Love simple and pure. How can you argue with that? Mush, good mush.

I'll Stand By You---the Pretenders

Nothing you confess

Could make me love you less..

Isn't that all anyone can ask for? Unconditional love, acceptance and to always be there for you no matter what. Doesn't get any better then this. Listening to Chrissie Hynde sing this..love it.

It's All in the Game--Tommy Edwards

Many a tear has to fall,

But it's all in the game

...a great golden oldie that reminds us that love is a rocky road but when you feel it...

And your heart will fly away.

Is This Love---Bob Marley

Is this love--is this love---is this love

Is this love that I'm feeling?

Yes it is! Hey, he wants to throw his cards on the table and wants to love you ev-er-y day and ev-er-y night..good stuff.

Up On the Roof---James Taylor (yes, I know the Drifters sang it but I like James here)

And at night the stars-they put on a show for free

And, darling, you can share it with me

What a way to escape from the world and share the stars with someone you love? Melting down.

Do You Wanna to Dance?---Bette Midler

We could dance under the moonlight,

Hug and kiss all through the night.

Oh baby, tell me, do you wanna dance with me baby?

Yeah, the Beach Boys do a good job, but Bette singing makes it one of the sexiest songs I know; breathless and wishful.

God Only Knows---Beach Boys

As long as there are stars above you

You never need to doubt it,

I'll make you real sure about it.

I know, it has that hinky line---I may not always love you---but it is still a great love song.

If I Had a $1,000,000.00 (Million) Dollars---Barenaked Ladies

Well, I would buy you a fur coat (but not a real one because that would be cruel)

And if I had a million dollars, I'd buy your love.

Okay, not your conventional love song, but it does put a smile on my face. Try singing along with them as loud as you can, great stuff.

Hello, Young Lovers---Jimmy Durante

Cling very close to each other tonight,

I've been in love like you.

This one brings a few tears. Listening to Durante sing this, wishing young lovers the same love he was lucky enough to have; you can feel his heartache of missing her.

Bella Notte--from Lady and the Tramp

Oh, this is the night,

and the heavens are right!

On this lovely Bella Notte

Come on! He gave up the last meatball to the one he loves! True love does not get any better then that.

They Can't Take That Away From Me---Frank Sinatra

The way you've changed my life.

No, no--they can't take that away from me.

Ah the memories that you keep when you are in love, can't beat Sinatra singing that.

Waiting on a Friend---Rolling Stones

But I need someone I can cry to

I need someone to protect...

One of my favorite songs by the Stones, again, not your usual love song...but if you're lucky you will get a friend when you fall in love.

That's Why They Call it the Blues---Elton John

But more then ever I simply love you

More then life itself

Oh Elton! What a verse...what poetry. One of the best verses in a song about love...this song says what being in love feels like. I am not a big Elton John fan but I love this song....don't wish it away.

True Companion--Marc Cohn

When the years have done irreparable harm

I can see us walking slowly arm in arm

One of the best wedding songs ever. Talk about looking forward to growing old together and sure about a love that will last a lifetime. I would wish this for everyone.

Let It Be Me---Everly Brothers

I bless the day I found you

I want to be around you

Now and forever, let it be me.

One of my all time favorites. Just a sweet song about the longing to be with the one you love and let them know you want to be the one.

Here, There, And Everywhere----Beatles

To lead a better life, I need my love to be there,

Here, making each day of the year

Love it. Simple song about the feeling love gives you, you only want to be where your love is. Makes me happy just to hear it.

Okay, that's the soundtrack that will playing in my head for Valentine's Day. I shared just a wee bit of my favorites verses from the songs that helped make my decision to put it on my list. What love songs make you melt?

It's Twilight Time

2009-01-19T13:09:00.000-05:00

Heavenly shades of night are falling
It's twilight time

The Platters

As the last day of George W. Bush's presidency closes in on the twilight, a little reflection springs to mind.

The question will always be: Did he really win in 2000? Depends on the viewpoint. I say, if Al Gore really wanted to be president he would have fought to the bitter end instead of capitulating. I know the argument is that it wouldn't have been good for the United States to have gone through that, we needed a leader to take charge. Question: Was this the leader we needed? Look where we have ended up after eight years of a man a lot of people knew was not the right person for the job. (Hello John McCain)

September 11, 2001: Where was our fearless leader for seven hours? I was in Washington that day to bury my Dad in Arlington Cemetery. Big question....where is the President?" No word, here we are surrounded by the military, on high alert- all three of my brothers were military, plus my sister-in-law-they were waiting for their orders and we all waited for our President to tell us what was going on, what to do, what was happening. Around 4pm, we heard a lone plane overhead heading for Reagan Airport and guess who was on it? I am not saying he should have made himself an open target, but a brief message that he was in charge and we were okay would have been nice. To make the country feel safe, that the American people know that things are under control, should be a priority of every President.

Declaring War on Iraq: As I recall, Afghanistan was the main culprit, the Taliban was camped out through the country, swarmed out of the mountains to attack and terrorize people, so why go after Iraq? To finish something that he felt wasn't finished? To show he wasn't a coward? The one man who told him not to do this, Colin Powell, slowly disappeared off the radar as Bush pushed forward with his Rough Rider mentality. Was Saddam a threat to America? To the world? I will not say he wasn't, but he also had been scared shit-less from the Gulf War and the entire Middle East were keeping their eye on him, what could he do? The fact that Bush didn't keep the Iraqi war in the news, didn't remind the American people that we were at war, he had body bags brought back in the middle of the night, he let the military hospitals become filthy, horrific places for our veterans to recover in, he let veterans come back feeling lost and alone.....again, paying no attention to history (Hello Vietnam) Question: How does someone sleep at night with over 4,5000 dead Americans on his watch?

There are many more to bring up...yes, Hurricane Katrina being one; but what more can be added to what has been said? Bush screwed up.

I am amazed at the feelings and comments about this one man, the whole world seems to be holding it's breath until this man is gone. I cannot remember such a strong emotion about one person who held so much power in his hand.

Listening to Bush these last few days as he gives his final interviews as President and says his goodbye's it's clear he has few regrets. Bush feels he did a good job as President. He has kept the country safe, but what a mess he is leaving behind.

As the twilight of Bush's term comes to a close, I wish President Barack Obama the strength he will need to lead, the wisdom to listen and make the best choices, and just a wee bit of time to enjoy what he wished for.

Go into the good night, President Bush.......

It's twilight time....

Have a Holly Jolly Christmas!

2008-12-23T13:51:00.000-05:00

Have a holly, jolly Christmas

It's the best time of the year!

Burl Ives

I am sure I am not the only person finishing up what needs to be done by......Thursday! Yep, Christmas is here and I am putting the final touches on my baking. I love to bake and I give baked stuff to just about everyone. I always have the Christmas music going to keep me in the mood. When my girls were younger and we had the music on, one of them would start dancing because the song gave her happy feet and we would join in dancing-- so I love the ones that give me happy feet, and the memories. I like Christmas carols too, but they are different. (Most) Christmas songs make you feel happy, or they should, it is a happy time of year right? I choose my music carefully because there are certain songs that just shouldn't be associated with Christmas. Take the song Christmas Shoes. Switch it off. Really folks, why would you do that to yourself? Talk about a sob story.......If you want to depress yourself, look at the money your spending to make others happy.

Another one I am quick to hit the off switch for is Jose Feliciano's Feliz Navidad. What? Do they play at least once an hour or something? There are more songs that I hit the off button on, but this is about songs that are fun. It does make a difference who sings them too. I have heard some renditions that hurt my ears.

Here are some of the Christmas songs that give me happy feet......

Little Saint Nick-Beach Boys

And a real famous cat all dressed up in red

And he spends the whole year workin' out on his sled.

Just a fun song about Santa, and when he hits the gas just watch him peel.

Christmas (Baby Please Come Home)- U2

(Christmas) Snow's coming down

(Christmas) I'm watching it fall

(Christmas) Lots of people around

(Christmas) Baby please come home!

I know, all alone without your baby for Christmas wishing he/she would come home, but it rocks, especially done by U2. (Yes, I like the Darlene Love and Mariah Carey version too)

FYI: It is the only Christmas song David Letterman tolerates.

All I Want for Christmas is You- Mariah Carey

Santa won't you bring me the one I really need

Won't you please bring my baby back to me......
Another one that is about being alone, but it will make your feet move.

Baby, It's Cold Outside-Dean Martin

I wish I knew how--No cabs to be had out there,

To break this spell--Your eyes are like starlight now.

Yes, I know what the song is about ^^, but would you really want to go outside where's it's cold?

Santa Claus is Back in Town-Elvis Presley

Well, it's Christmas time pretty baby

And the snow is falling on the ground.

Another one with a double innuendo, but Santa does arrive in a big black Cadillac:)

Elf's Lament-Barenaked Ladies

Toiling through the ages, making toys on garnished wages

There's no union

We're only through when we outdo the competition.

The Elf's go on strike! They are tired of full indentured servitude, they may make toys but they have aspirations too! Santa better remember, they make the toys. (love love love this song)

Holly Jolly Christmas-Burl Ives

Oh, ho, the mistletoe
Hung where you can see....
Such a happy little song...this will get you in the spirit, it always works for me.

This Christmas-Donny Hathaway
How much fun it's gonna be together, yeah ha

This Christmas....

Finding love anytime is wonderful, but somehow at Christmas it makes it more magical. Good stuff.

Joy to the World-Mariah Carey

Joy to the people everywhere you see

Joy to you and me

Mariah takes the traditional carol and funks it up with Three Dog Nights' Joy to the World and works it beautifully.

I Saw Mommy Kissing Santa Claus-John Mellencamp

Didn't see me creep

Down the stairs to have a peek...

It kicks off with a violin and the accordion joins in- and Mellencamp rocks out. Doesn't get much better then this.

What Christmas Means to Me-Stevie Wonder

All these things and more, darling

(All these things and more)

Whoah!

That's what Christmas means to me my love....

This is one of my absolute favorite for many reasons, it's about the pure joy of being in love at Christmas. In fact, I like it so much, I put the lyrics on fancy Christmas paper, framed it, and I am giving it to Fella as a Christmas gift because it says how happy he makes me.

There you have it, just a few Christmas songs that make me happy and give me joy. I plan to make some CD's with these songs and give them as gifts to some friends who I thing will enjoy them too.

Yes, I have a favorite Christmas carol, O Holy Night because it says what Christmas means.

I wish you peace, joy and a very Merry Christmas....and for just a wee bit....happy feet.

Little Ode to Boston Legal

2008-12-17T15:31:00.000-05:00

It's gone gone baby it's all gone
There is no one on the corner and there's no one at home

It was cool cool, it was just cool

Now it's over for me and it's over for you!

Matchbox Twenty (20)

I have been in a funk. My favorite show, Boston Legal, bit the dust because ABC didn't care.

I liked nothing better...well there are some things...then getting ready to watch Boston Legal. I had a hard time sometimes trying to find it because ABC kept changing the night it was on..if I got ready for Tuesday at 10pm, I would find I had missed it because it was on Monday night at 10pm, or it was going to be on Wednesday night at 10pm and I would have to get ready all over again. Getting ready meant having my stogie and Scotch ready to go at 9:50 so I could join the boys in a night time salute. I loved this show! I could count on a laugh, a "what the ...!" even learn something. Alan Shore could wrap a court case up in a way that could boggle the mind, or at least my mind. Yeah, I knew they would win, but what a way to go at it. Denny Crane and the mad cow disease? The way Denny felt about Shirley? The way he could look at a sheep, much less a woman. Anything with Candace Bergen count me in. One of my favorite TV actresses (Murphy Brown) you rock Ms. Bergen. Those court room summations, whichever one of the lawyers did a closing argument, it gave me pause because of the way they tackled current issues; the war in Iraq, the election, taxes, credit cards...nothing was scared for this show to take it head on. What other show had (has) characters over fifty that weren't stupid?

Sigh, I will miss them all.

Kudos to David E. Kelley for the sharp writing, intelligent, quirky characters, laugh out loud, thoughtful, terrific show. Shame on you ABC! How many more of those stupid, stupid reality shows do we need?

Boston Legal went out on a high note. Alan and Denny Crane, who have a wonderful friendship and not afraid of how much they care for each other, got married and danced off to their wedding night; the law firm of Crane, Poole and Schmidt was bought by the (Communists) Chinese (who are trying to take over the world); Shirley married to the man she loves; and Katie and Jerry finally sharing a kiss, I will miss them.

Thanks for an intelligent, well written, enjoyable show...and thank you ION for having the reruns! (No, I can't have a stogie and Scotch in the afternoon or early evening)

One last stogie and Scotch at 9:50pm and a sorrowful good-bye.

Yeah, it was cool cool cool, and it's over for me. Sigh.

Dear Mr. President-Elect Obama

2008-11-07T09:43:00.000-05:00

(What they do)

(They smile at your face)
All the time they want to take your place

the back stabbers.

O'Jays

Dear President-Elect Obama,,

Congratulations and all that. I know you are busy picking your cabinet, but I would like to give you my opinion on who not to pick.

Bill Richardson: NO NO NO. This is a man who claimed to be friends with the Clinton's. Yes, he ran for President himself, but look how far he got! That should be a red light right there but...how come he let Hillary believe that he was leaning her way, had poor Bill Clinton spend Super Bowl Sunday with him-all the while stringing them along that he was in their camp? IF Richardson really supported you how come he waited until the end of March to support you? Was he waiting to see how the wind was shifting? Then he stated that he was sure the Clinton's would come after him for throwing his support to you, but he was prepared. Hey Bill! How about calling your friends and saying, "Hey, thanks for all you did for me. I wouldn't even be in the public spotlight and achieved all I have achieved if you hadn't had faith in me, and supported me. Noone would probably know my name if it weren't for you. Yeah thanks, but I am going with Obama."

Colin Powell: How come he waited until almost the last moment to put a knife in his good buddys back? Being as they served in the military and understood how things, such as war, goes...again, saying John McCain is one of his oldest and closest friend. Okay, he didn't like the campaign McCain ran either, the phone General Powell, use the phone!

"Hey John, Colin here. I know you're busy running for President and feeling a little desperate right now. What with the press giving Obama all the positive stuff and forgetting that you were a POW and all, but I don't like the nasty way your campaign is going. I don't care for your choice of Palin either, but that is a done deal. Either start campaigning like the man I know and respect or I am gong on public television and giving Obama my support. Of course I am not going to tell you before I tell everyone else on public televison, so stay tuned."

Really now, would you want to call these two a friend? You know the old saying, with friends like these....

Oprah Winfrey: How come she didn't get involved in any election until you show up? I don't want to believe it is because you are African-American, but how come? Oprah knows she has a big following and she used that to sway people your way. Alas, there are some people out there who are such devout Oprahetts that was all they needed. Oprah says, "He is the One." and he must be. (When Oprah said the Kindle by Amazon was the greatest gadget in the world and everyone should have one, Amazon sold out.) While I wasn't surprised by this, on a personal level it makes me sad.

John Kerry: He didn't have America's support when he ran for President, c'mom...George W. Bush beat him!

Joe Lieberman: Can't make up his mind what he is..Republican? Democrat? Independent? I fear he has an identity crisis!

Joe Biden: To late here, he's yours as Vice-President Elect. Just don't forget, this is the guy who said he would support his good friend John McCain over you, remember? You having no experience and all that. It seems that making him your Vice-President fixes that though.

My two cents on the economy-not that I can really spare it.

You want to spend the wealth, well here ya go! Give all working Americans say, $100,000, especially those who make under $250,000, to pay off their mortgage, get out of debt, whatever they need it for including stimulate the economy. It has to be Americans who are legal, your Great Auntie there in Boston already got her share of the American pie with living here illegally in public housing and not paying taxes.

Thank you for your time, and I wish you just a wee bit of peace because you are in for the ride of your life.

Sincerely,

Moondancer

Oh What a Night!!!

2008-11-05T09:35:00.000-05:00

Good stuff! Thanks to Cajun Boy in the City...

VOTE!

2008-10-31T19:32:00.000-04:00

Take a chance on me

Gonna do my very best and it ain't no lie

If you put me to the test, if you let me try

Take a chance on me.

ABBA

In just a wee bit....

'tis time to make a choice

Let's hope we choose wisely^^

Gonna Get Ya!!!

2008-10-30T15:00:00.000-04:00

One of my all time favorite songs....

www.youtube.com/watch?v=R-Tfm70dL5s

Oh yeah, makes me get up, dance and and smile, pure happiness for me right here.

Betcha ya, for just a wee bit, it gets you too......

Friendly Skies

2008-10-26T17:35:00.001-04:00

Come fly with me,
lets fly,
lets fly away
Frank Sinatra

I am not a friendly traveller, hence the iPod, the laptop and the book when I travel. I used to wear a hat pulled down over my head but nowadays that doesn't bode well. I still remember when they took my brand new chap-stick at the airport...not sure I understand that one. Don't get me wrong, I enjoy travelling, but I don't want to talk to people I don't know, after all, they're strangers....

Sitting in the airport in Florida, over the loudspeaker comes the warning that the terror alert has been raised to orange, if you notice anything or anyone suspicious report it. I pick up my cell phone to call my brother (who works for the government) to see if he has the low down; his advise was to report that all the first class passengers looked suspicious to me and after they were taken away to see if I could upgrade. Yeah, okay, but how come the alert has been raised to orange, I am getting on a plane here! Well, I told you to UPS yourself, it would have been cheaper and safer...

We finally board the plane, obviously there were no suspicious people so off we headed. I do not like the middle seat...I sit in either a window or aisle seat. I have never liked the middle seat and I don't care if you do have a two year old on your lap and want the window seat, it is mine, your seat is the middle seat. I also have this theory that those are the safest seats to be in. Once we get that settled we head out into the wild blue yonder, and well the two year old had filled her diaper and Daddy wasn't doing anything about it. Rough hour and a half until plane switch in North Carolina. Here I had to quickly go from one end of the airport to the other with minutes to spare when I realize that the plane at the gate was going to Toronto. Check my ticket, I am at the right gate, so I ask and am told "Oh yeah, that's been changed." "Okay, would you care to share?" Luckily I only had to go back halfway to get to the gate I needed, even better, the plane hadn't left.

Onward to Philadelphia. Since the Philly's had just made it to the World Series there were quite a few Philly fans, very excited Philly fans so the plane was lively. Here I not only had an aisle seat, I was next to the bathroom, which was in constant use. Did I mention the plane had happy Philly fans? The person sitting next to me decided to talk to me, iPod buddy, book- open, I am reading! He tapped my shoulder to get my attention, sighing, I removed my iPod and closed my book.

Stranger "What do you think of the election?"

Me "What?"

Stranger "The election"

Me "What election?"

Stranger "The election for president of the United States!"

Me "Oh, that election. Who's running?"

(I try not to smile as I watch his face)

Stranger "It's John McCain and Barack Obama!"

Me "That's why they are all over the news!"

Stranger has a look of surprise on his face:-)

Feeling that our conversation was over I put my iPod back in and open my book.

Wrong.

Stranger taps my shoulder, I remove my iPod and close my book and look at him.

Stranger "Sorry to bother you again, but you're kidding right? About not knowing who's running for president? You do realize how important this election is?"

Big sigh.....

Me "Yes, I realize how important this election is. Yes, I did know they were running. I don't like either of them and hopefully the one who will do the least amount of harm to our country is the one who will win. Unfortunately, I haven't figured out which one that is yet. So, yes, I think about the election all the time, I just didn't want to think about it right now nor do I feel the need to discuss it with a stranger."

I enjoyed listening to my iPod and reading my book the rest of the trip.

I arrive in Islip in a good mood, there's Fella to meet me!

Fella "How was the flight?"

Me "Great!"

Fella "Did everyone, um, leave you alone?"

Me "Nope, but I pretty much behaved."

Fella "YOU did?"

Me "Yeah, but for just a wee bit......"

Did I mention I am not a friendly traveller?

Lament on the Government

2008-10-10T11:24:00.000-04:00

How do you do what you do to me?

I wish I knew

If I knew how you did it to me

I'd do it to you

How do you do what you do to me?

I'm feeling blue

Wish I knew how you did it to me

But I haven't a clue

You give me a feeling in my heart

Like an arrow passing through it

Suppose that you think you're very smart

But won't you tell me how do you do it?

Gerry and the Pacemakers

Ever have a day when a song just stays in your head? Reading and watching the turmoil of the economy, politics and listening to some of the folks who come to the coffee shop, this is the song that goes around my head. Seems there is no choice about what you are doing to me and others and every time I check my retirement portfolio I do feel an arrow though my heart. I have done all I can to secure what's left and now I just wait. I have decided not to check my portfolio anymore because it causes quite the sensation.

I have been hanging around the family coffee shop and can feel a camaraderie with folks I talk to because we are all in the same boat. I have met folks who have already lost everything and they wonder what tomorrow will bring, folks who are on the brink of losing their jobs, folks who are watching the life they have known become a bad dream, and folks who just want to make it through the day. I mentioned in a previous post that my family owns a coffee shop down here in McCain land and besides visiting I am here to review things and financially see where we are. We have employees who are holding their breath. Unfortunately when I appear they get nervous. Even though they let me know how much they enjoy working for us, how they love the place, they work because they have to. They know I am the oldest in the family and they know I have the final say in what will be. I take this responsibility very seriously. I know we are on a much smaller scale then say, AIG (who spent a whole lotta money at a spa while begging for Congress to bail them out with taxpayer money) but not in this world here. The coffee shop is steady and has many loyal customers, for which I am grateful, but how long do we keep hoping to break even in a day? When customers are told that I am one of the owners, actually folks are told I am the CEO of the family business, therefore...of the shop, the customers tell me how wonderful the shop is, they love the food, the atmosphere and the staff. They like the fact they have somewhere to come and feel comfortable and welcome, where for just a wee bit they can forget what's going on in their day. I like to hear that, but I already know that. I sit in the corner where I do work and I observe and I listen. I have always been an observer of people, I enjoy it, and I learn quite a bit from doing it. I have observed how people smile when they come in, relax and and chat with the staff, how the staff makes sure they enjoy being there....it works. I see it. I feel it. I know it. What's happening with the ecomony is happening to our little coffee shop. Folks can't spend what they don't have, and they can't spend what we need to keep ahead. I look at the people who work for us and know they worry what is going to happen, what will I recommend, what I will decide, what I think is the best for all of us. We didn't make enough this week to pay the outgoing bills and salaries, I am reaching for my checkbook to write a check to make sure our staff gets paid for working for us and making our coffee shop a place for folks to come and forget/enjoy, over a cup of coffee, how their day went. If I couldn't make sure they were paid, I couldn't sleep at night. How do some of those CEO's do it? How do they let their company go under, watch someones life savings disappear, know the people who work for you face an uncertain future and will not get paid for the work they have done, how do they sleep at night, or go to spa? I know I have to make some hard decisons, I have to look at long term and what we can do to keep going; I will see where we can save money, what we can do to at least break even, what we as a family have to do to keep going and keep everyone who works for us. I will not be going to a spa for the day, relax, enjoy and feel all is right with my world, right now it is tough.

As I stated earlier in this post, we are a small business, not AIG, not Lehman Brothers, the government is not going to bail us out but what the government has done to help the big businesses is hurting the small businesses. I don't agree with all the government is doing, but I don't have a choice, it is what it is. Now I have to see what I can do, what I will advise my family to do and how I will keep us keeping on.

Yes indeed: How do you do what you do to me

I'm feeling blue....

Go Granny

2008-09-17T08:49:00.000-04:00

Go Granny Go Granny
Go Granny Go...
Jan & Dean

Democracy is not something we have but something we do.
It is my belief that a worthy American ought to be able to run for public office without having to sell his or her soul to the corporations or the unions....

We have a duty to look after each other. If we lose control of our government,
then we lose our ability to dispense justice and human kindness.
Our first priority today, then, is to defeat utterly those forces of greed and corruption that have come between us and our self-governance.

Granny D (Doris "Granny D" Haddock)

Granny D (b-1910---)walked across America when she was 89 to bring attention to campaign finance reform. That was almost ten years ago and she is still going strong at 98.

Just a wee bit to think about.

Weighing In

2008-09-07T21:48:00.000-04:00

Will It Go Round In Circles

Will It Fly High Like a Bird Up in the Sky

Billy Preston

I've got a song to sing I ain't got no melody

How'm I gonna sing it with my friends

Will it go round in circles.....

I've got a lil' story ain't got no moral

Let the bad guy win every once in a while

Will it go round in circles.....

I've got a lil' dance ain't got no steps

I'm gonna let the music move me around

Will it go round in circles.........

For just a wee bit, this song kept going round in my head (in circles) and I kept getting flashes of these folks!

Will it go round in circles

Will it fly high as a bird up in the sky

oops!

Musings of a Road Trip

2008-08-09T19:18:00.000-04:00

Get on the blue highways
Follow the blue highways
You know they're there
Where the real America lies

Graham Parker

Yahoo...we went on a road trip! My nephew was getting married in Florida so what better excuse did we need to take a road trip! We had been thinking about a vacation and this fit perfectly. We headed off to Florida and attended one of the happiest, simple, relaxed weddings ever. It was on the beach, shorts, t-shirts, whatever you wanted to wear was the tone of the day. It was wonderful. This young couple just wanted to be married to each other-everything else was just for the sharing. Afterwards we headed to the church hall for fried chicken, mashed potatoes, green beans, the most delicious wedding cake and a great time. Couldn't think of a better way to start off the vacation. We spent time with family then headed back; first stop Savannah. What a beautiful city. There were parks all over, some of the parks had entertainment-some intentionally some not. We grabbed a bite to eat in a little coffee shop, right on the street where we could watch all the activity. We saw an older gentleman march by with his Confederate cap on, which I will swear was an original (love those Confederates)! I could feel the history, the homes that have been there for hundreds of years, the relaxed feeling of the city. Paula Deen was everywhere-seems she has become the first lady of Savannah. We did have reservations for dinner at Paula Deen restaurant, but decided to head out to Charleston instead. (Sorry we stood you up Paula!) We arrived in the early evening, got a room and found a place to eat...the Crab House! Funny, having breakfast in Savannah and dinner in Charleston. Good food, right on the river, watched the sunset and just relaxed. Was just a wee bit confused when we ordered coffee and Key Lime pie...the pie came but it seemed the coffee maker was broken and we were out of luck. Question...a name restaurant down south, they only had one coffee maker? We did get the pie on the house and I should mention that we did come late, but so did several other folks. They were cleaning up while we were there too. and I think they had cleaned the coffee pot and just wanted to go home. The next day we walked around Charleston. I loved Charleston even more then Savannah. I could picture it during the Civil War, I love when I feel the history of the place and I felt it more then in Savannah....we visited the Middleton Plantation which is kept in immaculate condition. We had a mini-Hitler tour guide who yelled at me quite a few times. It seems I looked in a room that she wasn't ready to show us yet, grabbed my arm to make me go where she wanted we had to keep moving, no lingering and relooking at things, keep moving, don't touch, no pictures and when I was walking down the stairs she grabbed me again-I am sure it was to make sure I didn't fall, not that I was lallygagging. Interesting, when I asked where the slave quarters where we were told that this plantation didn't have any slave shacks, or they had burned down. A plantation the South with no slaves? Right..... look at this place, those 6500 acres took care of themselves? There was a shack in back that had a list of 4000 slave names, slaves on the walls of who had lived on and around the area, I don't think that was for show-- and the slave cemetery was for slaves thatjust came there to be buried? Nope, there were no slave quarters here. As I watched the sheep frolic in the front yard, and the horses trot around I could hear the whispers that mini-Hitler was full of bull. I should point out that mini-Hitler had a northern accent. Best part was when she held out her hand for tips, I mean to shake our hands.....I was already waltzing out the door, no hand shaking here. We headed back to town and looked for a place for an early dinner. We came across this old building on the pier, peeling paint, grey colored, it was right on the pier and we could see Fort Sumter across the way so we went in, we could always leave. Fleet's Landing was a terrific surprise! It was something., bright, airy, friendly. We got a window table right on the water with Fort Sumter in sight. The food was great, once again I had to try the fried green tomatoes-these were the best. Crunchy, the sauce gave them a tart flavor, unfortunately I did have to share them but I had the best drink! Our waiter told me I would like it, three kinds of liqueur in it. When he asked if I wanted another one, oh yeah I did but I reluctantly said ...no. Nice to remember to never judge something by the outside..it's what's inside that counts.

We ended up having a great time, loved loved Charleston, with regret I said goodbye and we headed off to Williamsburg. Williamsburg was another beautiful place. I love the history of America and strolling through it makes me a very happy person. I love the folks dressed up and living the lifestyle of the 1600's. There were scenes between the characters arguing for and against independence from England. Funny, I don't know how George Washington got anything done because he slept just about everywhere. Question: Was he narcoleptic? Did the man ever sleep at home? Where the heck was Martha? I suppose riding all over the place does wear you out. Seems he stayed in the Governor's Palace, when he was there, among other places nearby. Our tour guide for the Governor's Palace and the Courthouse was a delight. Yes, here I could look in any room I wanted, take pictures, lag behind, and yes yes yes....gently touch. It was great. No tipping here, it seems the Governor wanted us to enjoy our visit to his palace. Off to the tavern for lunch. Our "wench" knew right away...drinks? Oh yeah, I had a mint julep and I sat back and it cooled me off. Of course the air conditioning helped too. It was so hot and humid I didn't care that it wasn't authentic, it was comfortable and felt damn good. I don't know if it was Colonial or not but we had a great bar-b-cue sandwich then a warm blackberry cobbler with ice cream. Sweet. Onward to watching the drums and fife parade. Almost everywhere you went you felt like you had taken a step back in time. One of the best things for me was hearing the different languages, accents, style of dress and faces from different countries that were there to learn about American history. Good stuff. Then it was time to head out for our next destination. Gettysburg or Amish country? I didn't think I could make the decision, it was tough. I love both places and at the last minute I chose Amish. It was great. It did take us time to find a room, it was 9:00 pm, but we ended up at the most quaint little place, the Bird-In-Hand Inn. We got the last room in the place, we stepped into an old-fashioned sitting room, the bedroom you stepped down into where there was a big old fashioned four poster bed; plus we had rocking chairs on our front porch! You could watch the fireflies flitting across the fields, the Amish carriages clopped up and down the street, heaven. I couldn't have asked for a better way to end what was one of the best vacations I have had. I love a road trip, sharing with someone you love, sharing good times with people who are important to you, taking a step back in time....and the history.

Oh yeah, we listened to my summer tunes, we cruised down the road and for just a wee bit we were in magical wonderful places and times and sharing them with each other-we felt so lucky to have them all. Here it is....a little slice of heaven right in Pennsylvania! Bird-in-Hand Inn

THINK!

2008-08-06T10:56:00.000-04:00

People walking around everyday, playing games that they can score
And I ain't gonna be the loser my way, ah, be careful you don't lose yours
You better think (think) think

Aretha Franklin

Let's think about this question as election day gets closer. While my candidate of choice didn't make the final two I urge all you to think think think and don't do this:

No matter how he may look, we will get this:

Think people! Where do we want to be in 4-8 years? While my hope is that we are a lot better off then right now, with all the (our) issues in the world I feel that will happen slowly. Keeping that in mind, I will vote for who I think can make it just a wee bit better then where we are right now. (And it is not Bush III)

Goodnight Bush :-)

2008-07-20T18:14:00.000-04:00

Help I'm stepping into the Twilight Zone

Place is like a madhouse...

Golden Earring

Oh what a find! 'Tis late in the evening and I am wasting some time, browsing the Internet, looking at what's new with music and books when what do my wanderings eyes does appear? A book about Bush in a kids book I hold dear. Goodnight Moon was one my kids heard a lot and look what they have done to it with political stuff! What do I see-The best book about Bush written so far this year, Goodnight Bush! There's Bush in bed with Bin Laden scurrying around on the pages like a mouse (rat); Cheney in a rocker with a shotgun on his lap--and bunny slippers on his feet trying to get Bush to hush and get him to go to sleep; the war profiteers are the three little pigs;and Bush seems to be afraid to go to sleep. Conscience? I doubt he has one so that can't be what keeps him up at night. Here is this great parody that covers Bush's misadventures of his eight years. I highly recommend this book and it will make feeling like you've in the Twilight Zone just...a wee bit easier.

Always Let Your Conscience Be Your Guide

2008-07-17T11:28:00.000-04:00

Anything Your Heart Desires

Will Come True

When I was a kid Walt Disney was big. Sunday nights were family nights in front of the TV. We were bathed and ready to go to bed right after Disney was over. It was the highlight of the week. I had several of my favorite characters and movies but the one character, the one that made a big impression on me, the one closest to my heart then and now is Jiminy Cricket from Pinocchio. When he sang "When You Wish Upon a Star" I would get all choked up as the words went right to my heart. To this day I get teary when I hear the song. I have a picture of Jiminy and the words to the song hanging on my wall.

Jiminy's mantra, Always let your conscience be your guide, I have tried to follow. Could be why sometimes my conscience works overtime. Not that I think I did anything awful, but I will get a "niggle" and I need to find out what is causing it. Funny how something can affect your life, when it pops into your head, or the memory comes back. Who knows what triggers it, something just does and you are off lost in the past. I so believed that wishing on a star would make my dreams come true. Looking for the first star of the evening was fun, my brothers and I trying to be the first one to find it.

Jiminy Cricket still makes me stop and think....the little tune of conscience will start and I hear his little tinny voice saying it. I take that as a sign that I will regret what ever is happening, going to happen, or result from an action I may be about to do. We all have something that gives us a "niggle." Question is....how much attention do we pay to them? This would also be that little voice most of us have been told to listen to. Mine always feels like a restlessness within me and I end up with an uncomfortable feeling all over--I can't rest until I get to the cause of what gave me that feeling. If I am very lucky I get to the cause and feel better.

I give thanks to Disney for Jiminy Cricket. Without that little insect who knows what I would have used to keep my conscience in check. I also say thanks, Jiminy, for all the wonderful memories that come back when you pop into my head.

Happy memories and for just a wee bit, or longer......May all your dreams come true.....................

Summer Tunes

2008-07-15T19:31:00.000-04:00

Summertime....and the livin' is easy...

So we are going on a road trip...yahoo. I have a very important decision to make....what tunes to listen to! Most people would worry about what to pack, not me. I need the music to enjoy the trip. Since it's summer, summer tunes. Tough one because there are so many and summer tunes need to reflect summer. For me they also have to bring back memories of summer's past, make me want to dance and of course sing. I did end up with several CD's, it was hard to choose, but here in no particular order, are some of my favorites cruising tunes:

Wouldn't It Be Nice--Beach Boys

Young love and the heartbreak of just having to make do with a good night kiss. Never expressed so well.

Mercy--Duffy

New and terrific. Great CD and what a voice.

Those Lazy-Hazy Crazy Days of Summer--Nat King Cole

When I young (very young) hearing this on the car radio let me know that summer had begun.

Smooth- Santana with Rob Thomas

Sexy, cool, hot...

Hot Fun in the Summertime--Sly and the Family Stone\

Lazy, slow...end of spring into those summer days...oh yeah.

Can't Take My Eyes Off of You--Frankie Valli

An "aha" moment, the slow dance and the summer romance takes off.

Little Red Corvette--Prince

All about the car right?

Summer Breeze--Seals & Crofts

The end of a hot summer day and feeling and smelling the evening breeze.

Going to a Go-Go--Smokey Robinson & the Miracles

You have to get up and move, just try to stay in your seat.

Good Lovin'--Rascals

Summer and good lovin' just go together.

I Want You Back--Jackson Five

Ten year old Michael Jackson with a nose and good skin tone. Another one you need to move to.

Under the Boardwalk--Drifters

After a day with the hot sun beating down on you where else would you want to be?

Take Me to the River--Commitments

What a way to cool off....

Take It Easy--Eagles

One of the best songs for cruising down the road.

Cupid/I've Loved You for a Long Time--Spinners

Just makes me smile and feel happy.

Shake--Otis Redding

Love it! The best version of Shake ever and the energy will get ya.

Pleasant Valley Sunday--Monkees

Yeah, I know. What!? Micky Dolenz could sing and here he lets ya know it.

Go Now--Moody Blues

The song of my first summer heartbreak.

Stay--Frankie Valli & the Four Seasons

Short and sweet doesn't get any better.

What's Going On?--Marvin Gaye

The question for all time.

Rosalita (Come Out Tonight)--Bruce Springsteen $ the E Street Band

Makes me want to jump out of the car and boogie by the side of the road.

For me, the ultimate summer song:

Summer in the City--Lovin' Spoonful

Makes ya feel the sweat, the heat of the sidewalk, the sounds of the traffic--and oh what a difference with the city summer nights!

There you have it, just a wee bit of the summer tunes I like and enjoy cruising to.

What better place to hang out?

Happy 4th of July and a big THANKS!!

2008-07-04T13:46:00.001-04:00

HAPPY JULY 4TH!!!!

So many things to be thankful for. We are a great country and should always remember how lucky we are for what we have. There are many in the world that would give anything for what we take for granted. To our military all over the world in perilous situations-thank you and I hope you are home soon. Celebrate the holiday and remember to give just a wee of thanks for what we have. (Except for George Bush-unless you're counting the days 'til he is gone and glad there aren't many left-which is something to be thankful for)) Peace..........Happy Birthday to my beautiful daughter!

Seven Words.....

2008-06-26T11:31:00.000-04:00

"We have thoughts, but thoughts are fluid. Then we assign a word to a thought and we're stuck with that word for that thought------so be careful with words." George Carlin

Good advice. When I heard the news the other morning I had to stop and listen to it repeated-George Carlin died. Wow.....George Carlin who never compromised himself, always stayed true to his style of comedy and didn't care what anyone thought. I remember when he came out with his "The Seven Words You Can Never Say On TV." Carlin cautioned that these words "are the ones that'll infect your soul, curve your spine, and keep the country from winning the war." There was a lawsuit about these words that went all the way to the Supreme Court-now you can get them as a ringtone on your cell phone. Times change. Carlin was the first host of "Saturday Night Live" in 1975. (Watch the tribute on SNL this Saturday night) Carlin wrote several books which all made the best seller list. I love the cover of "When Will Jesus Bring the Pork Chops?" There's George at the last supper hanging out waiting for the pork chops. Wonder how many he pissed off with the cover and title. I remember seeing the title and it bringing a smile to my face. You can always find something in his books to make you laugh. Hard to imagine that those seven words could cause such an uproar back in the 1970's. You can hear George Carlin's seven words on TV and on almost every channel and nobody flinches or hears them anymore. Funny how in just a wee bit time can change.

Thanks Hillary, Simply the Best

2008-06-08T10:29:00.000-04:00

Thank you Hillary for having the belief in yourself to run for President. I admire the fact you rose above all the nonsense and hung in there when you were being told to get out. You made me proud as an American and as a woman and what you did will never be forgotten. I felt that the press was unfair in so many ways and they will have to live with that. It seemed to me the press was more comfortable being labeled sexist then labeled racist. By the time it was pointed out to them the damage was done and we are where we are. You were out there warts and all and never backed down no matter what. You were the first woman to run for president and how lucky we are that you were a wonderful first. Your speech yesterday (June 7, 2008) showed once again what a class act you are and what we are going to be missing. I know there is a push for you to be Vice President but I feel that would be a waste of your talent. There are many other spots where you would be more valuable; Secretary of State; Secretary General (maybe Head of Health Reform?) so think long and hard. Thanks for the party, I wouldn't have missed it for the world. For just a wee bit our country watched history being made, you were part of it and you made it happen. Eighteen million cracks in the class ceiling, wow look at the sunshine coming down. Good stuff....