Friday, November 15, 2019

Saturday 9

Judy at Carnegie Hall (1961)

We're spotlighting this legendary concert because  Bev from Sunday Stealing loves Judy Garland. This week's Saturday 9 is a "thank you," one meme-mistress to another, in gratitude for Bev's willingness to pick up Bud's meme and keep it going.

Song #1: "When You're Smiling." What made you smile this week? I did well at a presentation on Monday.

Song #2: "Almost Like Being in Love." We've all had many crushes, but love is rare. How many times have you fallen in love? Three

Song #3: "This Can't Be Love." This Rodgers and Hart song as introduced in the play, The Boys from Syracuse. Syracuse is the county seat of Onondaga County, NY. What county do you hail from? I've lived in Cook County my whole life.

Song #4: "Do It Again." What's something you'd do again, if only you had the time or money? (A book you'd like to reread, a recipe or pattern you'd like to make again, a vacation destination you'd like to revisit, etc.) I haven't had a solo spa getaway in a long time. I'd love to go back to Colonial Williamsburg, nerd out on some American history, and then unwind at the spa -- being massaged and exfoliated and all that good stuff.

Song #5: "You Go to My Head." Judy forgets the lyrics, but gamely keeps going. Tell us about a recent moment when you chose to keep going, no matter what. Tuesday I spilled an entire cup of hot chocolate down my leg. It got cold, and uncomfortable, very quickly. I sopped up as much as I could -- denim is both stubborn and absorbent -- and tried to concentrate on the task at hand. I know what you're thinking: "This counts as adversity in your world, Gal? You're very lucky." Yeah, I guess I am!

Song #6: "Alone Together." Is anyone there with you as you answer these questions, or are you alone? My cat Reynaldo is on my lap.


Song #7: "Who Cares?" This song was written by brothers George and Ira Gershwin. They had a lesser known brother, stockbroker Arthur. Are you more creative and artistic, like George and Ira? Or more analytical and methodical, like Arthur? I'm with George and Ira on the creative side.

Song #8: "Puttin' on the Ritz." Judy sings that The Ritz is the place in New York "where fashion sits." If we wanted to see everyone "all gussied up" in your town, where would we go? The first one that comes to mind is Shaw's Crab House. It's a very old-school Chicago restaurant, with terrific food. But if you're in jeans, they'll "suggest" you sit on the bar side.

Song #9: "How Long Has This Been Going On?" Judy sings about discovering how glorious romance can be. Have you made any new discoveries lately? It doesn't have to be as groundbreaking as Judy's. A new podcast or a faster route to work counts, too. Netflix. I resisted it, because I already pay for every cable channel known to man, plus Amazon Prime. But Lisa (aka SnarkyPants) was nice enough to include me on her membership, and now I'm hooked!

Feisty and confused

Saturday morning at 8:00 AM, Reynaldo is having blood work done. Hyperthyroidism is common in geriatric cats and Rey is now 15, so it just makes sense to test him.

However, he has to fast for 12 hours before the test.

We're only1:15 into it, and it's not going well. He's knocking everything over and singing (like he's doing in this photo).

I've tried catnip. That gave me about 30 minutes of relief. Now I think I'll try some toys.

I feel bad that he's so frustrated. I know on the one hand he's being a willful little shit, but on the other hand, he's really using the only tools at his disposal to express himself. He thinks I just don't get it.

And I love how lively and engaged he still is at 15.* Because for all that me makes me nuts at times, he can also be very sweet. He's my little man, and I want him in my life for years to come.



*16 in April.