Saturday 9

Saturday 9: Summer in the City (1966)

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

1) Now that Labor Day has passed and kids have returned to school, summer is unofficially over. Looking back, share a highlight from Summer 2024. My movie group had a Memorial Day get together to see From Here to Eternity (1953) on the big screen and afterward had a late lunch at the Argentinian restaurant around the corner. It was a big deal to me because I got to know Audrey a little better. During our regular weekly Zoom meetups, she annoys the living shit out of me. Always the wrong conclusion and the dumber-than-dumb question! But in person, her fragility touched me. I didn't realize how compromised her vision was, or how easily she could lose the thread of conversations. I now have greater compassion for her, and I'm grateful for that Memorial Day learning experience.

2) Though this week's song is about summer, it was recorded in the spring, March to be exact. What's your favorite season? Fall. I like my sweaters.

3) Lovin' Spoonful lead singer John Sebastian sings that he's going to meet his lover on the rooftop. When were you last on the roof of your building? I was up there once with a building inspector. There's really no reason for any of us residents to go up there. The door is locked and it's not allowed, anyway. As a top-floor resident, I appreciate this policy.

4) The lyrics refer to sidewalks that are "hotter than a match head." What's the last thing you lit with a match? Golly, I don't recall. I don't even have matches in my home. Back in my (very) old apartment, I used to have to light the gas stove's pilot light. But that was, like, 25 years ago. I don't even know if that's a thing anymore.

5) The Lovin' Spoonful was founded by John B. Sebastian and Zal Yanovsky. When the band broke up, Zal opened a restaurant. Tell us about the restaurant you most recently dined at. Shake Shake. Though known for their burgers, I broadened my horizons and had the chicken nuggets. 

6) John went on to have a solo career. His biggest hit was "Welcome Back," the theme to a popular 70's sitcom. The first line: "Welcome back, your dreams were your ticket out ...". Do you recall what show used "Welcome Back" as its theme? Welcome Back, Kotter. He has a connection to a far, far better sitcom, though. His godmother was Vivian Vance, aka Ethel Mertz on I Love Lucy. (I learn things helping Crazy Sam do this meme.)

7) In 1964, when "Summer in the City" was popular, Americans were tuned in to Bewitched. The show centered around Samantha, a witch married to a mortal. Among her supernatural powers were flight, time travel and telekinesis (being able to move objects by twitching her nose). If you could have one of those powers, which would you choose? I'll go with the nose twitching thing. I always thought that was monumentally cool.

8) In 1964, AJ Foyt earned the second of his four Indy 500 victories. Do you watch car racing? Nope.

9) Random question: Is your big toe your longest toe? Yes.

 

Oh, really? I hadn't heard!

 

My favorite-most ballplayer is coming home! For the first time since he was so cruelly ripped from us in 2021, our captain is returning to Wrigley Field. 

This is massive for Cub fans and for me, it feels very personal. Anthony Rizzo is not only the player who made the last out in 2016 World Series -- ending the 108 year championship drought -- and hit 242 of his 303 home runs as a Cubs, he is legit a philanthropist who made life here in Chicago better for his efforts.

He built the family waiting room at Lurie Children's Hospital. During covid, he catered lunches for healthcare workers doing the vaccinating (not only seeing that the workers ate, but making sure that struggling independent neighborhood restaurants saw business). I could go on and on -- and if you know me, you know I have! -- but it's such a big thing. Anthony Rizzo used his influence here in Chicago to do good and encourage others to do the same. His philanthropy continues in New York. For example, last month  he spent his 35th birthday at the FAO flagship store, giving pediatric cancer patients a shopping spree.

So I am beyond thrilled that I will be there in the stands Friday. It will be emotional. I'm not a cryer, but I know I won't get through the game without tears. He will get at least one ovation from the 41,000 fans at Wrigley Field on Friday, and he deserves it.

In fact, no one deserves it more.

Thursday Thirteen #375

The Fran Kubelik edition. One of my favorite movies is The Apartment (1960). Jack Lemmon is a drone at a huge insurance company and becomes smitten with Shirley MacLaine -- aka Fran Kubelik -- who works as an elevator operator.

That romantic scenario couldn't happen today because elevators are self operating. Here are 13 other jobs from days gone by that Fran couldn't have today.

1. Typist in a typing pool

2. Switchboard operator

3. Keypunch operator

4. Inside the kiosk at Fotomat

5. Counter girl at a video rental store

6. Projectionist in a movie theater

7. Lector, who read aloud to factory workers to keep them entertained (popular in Florida's cigar factories)

8. Factory floor timekeeper, who timed employee production manually with a stopwatch

9. Milkman

10. Streetcar conductor

11. Pinsetter at a bowling alley

12. Door-to-door saleslady

13. Car hop, a waitress who brings food to diners in their cars at drive-in restaurants

Please join us for THURSDAY THIRTEEN. Click here to play along, and to see other interesting compilations of 13 things.

Teaser Tuesday

Here's how to play.

• Grab your current read
• Open to a random page
• Share “teaser” sentences from somewhere on that page
• BE CAREFUL NOT TO INCLUDE SPOILERS! (make sure that what you share doesn’t give too much away! You don’t want to ruin the book for others!) 

There was no one to tell Scarlett that her own personality, frighteningly vital though it was, was more attractive than any masquerade she might adopt. Had she been told, she would have been pleased but unbelieving. And the civilization of which she was a part would have been unbelieving too, for at no time, before or since, had so low a premium been placed on feminine naturalness. 

So much attention has been paid -- rightly so -- to the racial stereotypes perpetuated and celebrated in Margaret Mitchell's Gone with the Wind. But a big part of why the story endures and has captured my heart is the depiction of the women.

Like Scarlett. It's amazing to me that in 1936, when Gloria Steinem was just two years old, Margaret Mitchell created a heroine who is impetuous, vain and willful, as well as strong, imaginative, straightforward and ferociously in charge of her own fate.

 

Sunday Stealing

It's pistachio, but I'm pretending it's mint

ICE CREAM

1. What is your favorite flavor of ice cream? Mint chocolate chip

2. If you could invent a new flavor of ice cream, what would it be? Hmmm ... I'm really bad with this sort of thing. How's this? You come up with the flavor and I'll name it.

3. Who do you like to eat ice cream with? A spoon. I don't like cones.

4. If you were a flavor of ice cream, what flavor would you be? The Gal's Mouthwatering Musings

5. Does your family eat ice cream regularly, or just for a special treat? When I was a kid, I don't recall my mom keeping ice cream in the freezer. It was a treat for birthdays or when we dined out.

6. What is your favorite treat from the ice cream truck? Oh, I haven't had anything from the truck in forever! But there used to be an ice cream bar with a chunk of hard milk chocolate in the center. I did love that.

7. Does frozen yogurt taste different than ice cream? Yes.

8. If you could make a super sundae, what would it have? Oh, the usual: one scoop, topped with hot fudge, whipped cream and nuts. Cherry? Sure.

9. Can ice cream make a bad day better? Yes.

10. Have you ever had homemade ice cream? Yes.

11. When is your favorite time to eat ice cream? Afternoon.

12. What is the best kind of ice cream you ever had? Mint chocolate chip.

13. Do you prefer your ice cream in a cone or in a bowl? Bowl.

14. Is there such a thing as a bad flavor of ice cream? Yes! I had a cantaloupe flavored ice cream once and it was the stuff of nightmares.

15. They say an apple a day keeps the doctor away. What does an ice cream a day do? Add to your hips.

16. Is ice cream better when it’s fresh or slightly melted? Fresh.

17, What is the craziest flavor of ice cream you’ve ever seen? I recall hearing about pizza flavored ice cream, though I never had it myself. (And don't wish to.)

 

Photo by Jason Leung on Unsplash

August Happiness Challenge -- The Last Day

Today's happiness: So much!

My 2024 Happiness Icon

The last day of Happiness Month really delivered. None of these things is huge, but they each brought me a smile.

1) 9/10 of a mile. That's how far I walked today, each way, to my shrink appointment! Usually we meet over Zoom on Tuesdays but for scheduling reasons we met in person in her office today. And I walked both to and fro. Last week at this time, I never could have walked nearly two miles on this knee. So I'm super grateful that the prescribed PT and ice are working.

2) $114. Months and months ago I got notice that my former employer had done something shady in regards to administering our 401K plans. I admit I didn't follow the allegations but I wasn't surprised because my former employer was not known for sterling ethics (I'm still mad about how my client was treated). Anyway, when asked if I wanted to join the class action suit, I checked YES. Why not? Even if I didn't win, I'd be contributing to their agita and that made me happy. Anyway, the case was resolved and I received a check for $114. It's not enough to set the world on fire, but found money is nice. Plus it's good to know that when an employer runs afoul of ERISA (The Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974), there are penalties.

3) Frames in the powder room. My aunt has had a tough year. Her husband battled cancer, she had gut trouble, a Florida storm damaged their sea wall, and she's still Trumpily estranged from one son and two adult grandchildren. I've been sending her quilled greeting cards. They are beautiful, they make her feel special, and I get a 40% employee discount at the card shop. Today she sent me a photo of her powder room. She actually had the cards framed! It's happy, and humbling, that something really pretty effortless on my part brought her such joy.

 

4) Constance MacKenzie. My little Connie Cat has been beside me as I compose this post, and most of my little August Happiness stories. She's 11 or 12 years old now -- about 65 in human years, so she's a senior citizen. But she's healthy and happy and oh! So full of love. Sweet, gentle and trusting. It's a privilege to have her in my life.

Happy August Happiness Challenge!

 

Each day in August you are to post about something that makes *you* happy. Pretty simple. And, it doesn't even have to be every day if you don't want it to be. It's a great way to remind ourselves that there are positive things going on in our lives, our communities, and the world.

 

Saturday 9

Morning Train (1981)

1) In this song, Sheena Easton sings about her lover, who takes a train to and from work each day. When is the last time you took public transportation? Where did you go? Earlier this month I went downtown to meet Elaine for a movie and dinner. I can't believe that's the only trip I've made this month but it's true. Strange when I remember I spent the better part of my 45 year professional life commuting to work.

2) His workday begins at 9 and ends at 5. Do your days stick to a predictable schedule? Not anymore. In semi-retirement it seems I'm either busy and scheduled or quiet and lazy, nothing in between.

3) In the evening she sings that they may go to a movie, a restaurant or slow dancing ... whatever she wants. Which of those would you choose? Restaurant

4) As a little girl, Sheena Easton performed at family gatherings, not just because she was talented but because she could be a bit of a ham. When you were a kid, were more often shy or outgoing? Outgoing, but not in a performative way. Just in a noisy and fidgety way.

5) In the late 1980s she was the spokeswoman for Bally's health clubs. Do you have a gym membership? I have a membership to a yoga studio, paid for by my Medicare supplement plan. YAY!

6) In 1987 she played Sonny Crockett's love interest on Miami Vice. Were you a fan of the show? I really enjoyed the first season. I lost interest after that. Here's the thing: the 80s were my party girl days and I've never been techy. Miami Vice aired on Friday nights, I was seldom home on Friday nights, I was recording Dallas on my VCR and taping two shows on different channels was beyond my expertise.

7) This weekend is a good reason to have a picnic or barbecue. The best-selling barbecue sauce flavors are sweet, spicy, and smoky. What's your favorite? Sweet

8) Labor Day weekend may offer a golden opportunity for napping and sleeping in. Do you snore? Yes

9) Labor Day traditionally marks the beginning of the fall. Will you be adding any new fall clothes to your wardrobe? I don't think so.

 

August Happiness Challenge -- Day 30

Today's happiness: A text from Will.

My 2024 Happiness Icon

Will is the moderator of our movie group. Over the last decade we have slowly, very naturally become friends away from our weekly get togethers. It's not like with my fellow movie group members Joanna and Elaine, where we make dates and hang out, going to lunch and museums and the like. With Will, it's either at a group movie event or at the TCM Classic Film Festival in Hollywood or by text.

Our texts are almost exclusively about classic film. But this morning's message made me smile. It was a photo of my beloved Anthony Rizzo enjoying a night on the town watching the US Open with Yankee superstar Aaron Judge. Will, a big tennis fan, was obviously checking on last night's action, saw that pic and thought of me. Will knows I have been concerned (OK, obsessed) with Rizz' health/well being and he knew that happy snap would make me happy.

It did. Even more, I'm happy that we're getting to know one another better and that he was so thoughtful. I can't have too many friends!

Happy August Happiness Challenge!

 

Each day in August you are to post about something that makes *you* happy. Pretty simple. And, it doesn't even have to be every day if you don't want it to be. It's a great way to remind ourselves that there are positive things going on in our lives, our communities, and the world.

 

August Happiness Challenge -- Day 29

Today's happiness: I'm not diabetic.

My 2024 Happiness Icon

That may seem like a strange thing to be happy about, but I was worried. My late friend John was diabetic. My oldest friend is diabetic. My friend Kathy is diabetic. Mindy's husband Alan is diabetic ... It seems like all the kids I run with are diabetic!

I had bloodwork this morning and my A1c is 6.0. Yes, it's higher than normal (5.7) but it's not in the diabetic range (6.5% and above). It's also lower than it was last year (6.1) and 2020 (6.2). I guess drinking more water and doing yoga really is making a difference to my health.*

 

I am not only happy with these results, I'm grateful. To have a test in the morning and then see the results within hours is a wonderful thing. To have the results show I'm moving in the right direction is super terrific.

Happy August Happiness Challenge!

 

Each day in August you are to post about something that makes *you* happy. Pretty simple. And, it doesn't even have to be every day if you don't want it to be. It's a great way to remind ourselves that there are positive things going on in our lives, our communities, and the world.

 

*Now my cholesterol has gone up, though. I expect to be getting a message from my doctor within a couple days. (I'm aware we're going into a holiday weekend and I'm not an emergency.)

Thursday Thirteen #374

13 "other" things to do with your cell phone. I still have a landline, and when I want to make a call, it's still what I reach for. Similarly, if you want to talk to me in real time, you're more likely to connect with me on the landline. When I'm home, my cell is often in my purse.

But really, cellphones aren't really telephones anymore. They are portable computers and personal assistants. Here are 13 things I do with my cell phone that have nothing to do with (verbal) conversation.

1. Take pictures

2. Send texts

3. Respond to Messenger

4. Check Facebook

5. Check email

6. Summon rideshares

7. Get real-time transit information

8. Confirm my work schedule at the card shop

9. Get cheap eats through Too Good to Go

10. Listen to baseball through MLB app

11. Turn to Google Maps for directions

12. Access my library's music selection and stream tunes

13. Listen to podcasts

How do you most often use your cellphone?

Please join us for THURSDAY THIRTEEN. Click here to play along, and to see other interesting compilations of 13 things.

August Happiness Challenge -- Day 28

Today's happiness: Uncle Charlie

My 2024 Happiness Icon

Once again, my 2024 Happiness Icon reflects today's happiness. I rewatched a really good classic film: Shadow of a Doubt. 

Uncle Charlie suddenly travels to Northern California to visit his sister's family. His oldest niece, Charlotte, is called Charlie in his honor and she just idolizes her Uncle Charlie. It soon becomes obvious that there's a dark reason for his impromptu visit.

Of course there is. This is a Hitchcock movie. In fact, it's Hitch's favorite of all the movies he did.

I can't wait until my movie group discusses this one on Monday night. I know it's a particular favorite of our moderator, Will, so he will bring lots of enthusiasm to the meet-up. I'll be right there with him.

Happy August Happiness Challenge!

 

Each day in August you are to post about something that makes *you* happy. Pretty simple. And, it doesn't even have to be every day if you don't want it to be. It's a great way to remind ourselves that there are positive things going on in our lives, our communities, and the world.

 

WWW.WEDNESDAY

 

WWW. WEDNESDAY asks three questions to prompt you to speak bookishly. To participate, and to see how other book lovers responded, click here. 

PS I no longer participate in WWW.WEDNESDAY via that link because her blog won't accept Blogger comments. I mention this only to save you the frustration I experienced trying to link up.

1. What are you currently reading? Gone with the Wind by Margaret Mitchell. I would be hard placed to think of a more influential novel than this one. Scarlett O'Hara is the prototypical diva heroine, strong-willed and beautiful who has a lot to learn about life. Would we have had Erica Kane on All My Children or Rose in Titanic without Scarlett? Then there's Melanie, the yin to her yang. Selfless, honest and eager to see the good in everyone. GWTW is one of the best selling books -- and, when you adjust for inflation, most profitable movies -- of all time. And it's got three-dimensional women at its core! Imagine that!

 

It's also insanely entertaining. Margaret Mitchell keeps us inside Scarlett's head almost the whole time. We see the war and the fall of a civilization through this girl's eyes. We meet at least a gazillion other citizens of Atlanta or The County: Tarletons and Fontaines and Munroes and Calverts and Merriweathers ... Yet I never get them confused. Mitchell draws even the minor characters sharply and uniquely. Brava!

All of this is not to say it's not disturbing at times. The way the Confederacy is portrayed -- as though there is moral equivalency with the Union and that The Cause is admirable -- is skin crawly on its face. Slavery is presented as acceptable and even benign. Again, skin crawly. No, obscene.

We live in a country where people continue to revere the  Confederacy without taking single moment to consider how that makes their neighbors of color feel. GWTW is a constant reminder of America not only in the 1860s but well into the 20th century and beyond. At a time when school boards resist telling our young people the truth about our history of race and slavery, this book remains highly relevant.

 

2. What did you recently finish reading? The Boys by Clint Howard and Ron Howard. I enjoyed this joint memoir enormously. "Opie Cunningham" and the kid from Gentle Ben have some terrific stories to tell! While the setting is Hollywood, the vibe is universal and highly relateable.

It's got popular and promising young Jean giving up her own acting career because she doesn't ever want to be separated from the love of her life, husband Rance. Then there's Rance, a struggling working actor, facing the fact that his pre-school aged son Ronnie is a more marketable commodity than he is. How does a family navigate all that and maintain their values? Rance and Jean were not perfect, but they were admirable. They are the heroes of this book, and I liked Rance and Jean very much.

 

PS I'm happy to report that Andy Griffith showed up for Ron Howard's wedding, and Henry Winkler is an all-around mensch.

3. What will you read next? Don't know.

 

 

 

August Happiness Challenge -- Day 27

Today's happiness: "I'm glad you were here today."

My 2024 Happiness Icon

Monday was a bad day at the card shop. I'm glad I wasn't there yesterday. The store was robbed by a homeless man, likely off his meds. He grabbed a lot of stuff from the gift rack beside the register -- hair clips, headbands, brushes. Never once asked anyone to open the register. He just filled his arms and left. It was very disturbing for the women working there. It was aggressive, yet it made no sense because nothing he took had any resale value. Ceecee, the manager on duty, pressed the button near the register that alerts the local police. Laney went in back and phoned regional headquarters. It went to voicemail. Both women acted just as they were trained to. No one was hurt. Nothing of value was taken. But it was upsetting nevertheless.

When I got to the store this morning, Ceecee and Jen were both there and both very upset. No one from corporate had called the store back. No one inquired about how the staff was doing. In fact, the head of our region sent Ceecee an email to cancel their previously-scheduled meeting.

They vented to me, separately. I learned that Corporate's apathetic attitude was a turning point for them both. Jen is actually going to sit down with her husband, "crunch numbers," and decide on how soon she can quit and look for another job. Ceecee wondered aloud why she worked so hard for a company that cared so little about her physical/emotional well being.

I told Ceecee that, though I'm new to retail, I'm not new to corporate. OF COURSE they don't care as much as she does. Ceecee is a Mama Bear, looking out for her cubs (us). To her, the robbery was a big deal and she wants support in making her team feel safe. To corporate, it's just something that happened to just one of the nine stores in this region. No one was physically hurt, not much money was lost. What's the big deal? She thanked me for the perspective.

I advised Jen not to act hastily. She's upset now. But she knows the store so well and cares so much. She shouldn't leave it to get out, she should leave to go to something. Something she will find fulfilling. Instead of figuring out when she can afford to quit, she should take a breath and choose what she wants her next chapter to be.

I was very glad to give back to the two women who have done the most to ease me into this new job. As she was leaving, Jen said, "I'm glad you were here today. Thanks." That made me so happy.

Happy August Happiness Challenge!

 

Each day in August you are to post about something that makes *you* happy. Pretty simple. And, it doesn't even have to be every day if you don't want it to be. It's a great way to remind ourselves that there are positive things going on in our lives, our communities, and the world.

 

 

Teaser Tuesday

Here's how to play.

• Grab your current read
• Open to a random page
• Share “teaser” sentences from somewhere on that page
• BE CAREFUL NOT TO INCLUDE SPOILERS! (make sure that what you share doesn’t give too much away! You don’t want to ruin the book for others!) 

Scarlett O'Hara was not beautiful, but men seldom realized it when caught by her charm as the Tarleton twins were. In her face were too sharply blended the delicate features of her mother, a Coast aristocrat of French descent, and the heavy ones of her florid Irish father. But it was an arresting face, pointed of chin, square of jaw. Her eyes were pale green without a touch of hazel, starred with bristly black lashes and slightly tilted at the ends. Above them, her thick black brows slanted upward, cutting a startling oblique line in her magnolia-white skin--that skin so prized by Southern women and so carefully guarded with bonnets, veils and mittens against hot Georgia suns.

Yes, I'm spending the waning days of summer with Margaret Mitchell's Gone with the Wind. I haven't read it in years and it's good to spend time with my old friends in Atlanta and The County. Everything ties together so beautifully. It's well written, meticulously plotted, and highly entertainingly.

It's also beyond problematic. Maybe it's because I was raised in The Land of Lincoln, but I have never understood the fetish for the Confederacy. The Southerners were the least patriotic people in our history. They fucking fired upon the American flag, people! (No wonder those rioters on January 6 were carrying Confederate flag.) There is nothing "noble" or "brave" about them, regardless of how many times Melanie says it.

Then there's the language. I can throw "fuck" around with the best of them, but I never use really obscene words, like racial epithets. The way blacks are referred to on these pages makes me shudder.

Which is not to say I'm not enjoying the read. I don't like Scarlett, but I get her -- and at times I am her. Melly, Miss Pitty, Rhett, Ashley, Pa and Miss Ellen ... I feel like I know them all and I've missed them. When I put it down, I tell myself it won't be long until I can pick it back up and get back to them. Is there any higher compliment for a book?

And I think GWTW important. I don't think we should ever forget how popular these words and concepts once were, and question why for some convoluted reason The Glorious South and its culture are still celebrated today.

 

August Happiness Challenge -- Day 27

Today's happiness: My credit card stayed in my wallet

My 2024 Happiness Icon

Monday was my doctor day. In the morning I went to an orthopedist for the first time time. He took x-rays of the knee that's been troubling me all month. Turns out I have a "slightly torn" meniscus and (here's the bigger problem) arthritis. While I am certainly not happy about this, I am relieved to have a diagnosis, grateful it isn't more serious, and glad to have a treatment plan.

In the afternoon I went to my PCP for my annual physical. I adore her. She listens! I have to go back after fasting for 8-10 hours and then have bloodwork, and she wants me to get a shingles vaccine.

Best of all:

•  Both of these doctors are within walking distance -- even with arthritis and a slightly torn meniscus.

•  I paid nothing out of pocket because of Medicare and Medicare supplement insurance.

I am very lucky to live here.

Happy August Happiness Challenge!

 

Each day in August you are to post about something that makes *you* happy. Pretty simple. And, it doesn't even have to be every day if you don't want it to be. It's a great way to remind ourselves that there are positive things going on in our lives, our communities, and the world.

 

 

August Happiness Challenge -- Day 25

 Today's happiness: I'm a Proud Auntie

My 2024 Happiness Icon

Sunday my nephew posted a column about the St. Louis Cardinals and their "dwindling playoff aspirations." Amid the comments, only one was negative. A reader dismissed my nephew's take because the website shouldn't "let Cubs fans do articles about the Cardinals."

Now this was silly on the face of it because my nephew's observation was based on math. The last game of the Cardinals' season is September 29, little more than a month away. The Cards would have to win the vast majority of their remaining games to earn a wild card berth.

EIGHT different readers leapt to my nephew's defense.* Here are the highlights:

•  "He is a professional journalist. You are not."
•  "Don't slander a paid journalist we all read."

 

Well, will you look at that! My nephew is respected by his readers, who think of him as a pro. If we had an August "Beyond Happiness" Challenge, this would rank.

Happy August Happiness Challenge!

 

Each day in August you are to post about something that makes *you* happy. Pretty simple. And, it doesn't even have to be every day if you don't want it to be. It's a great way to remind ourselves that there are positive things going on in our lives, our communities, and the world.

 

*None were his mom or me.

August Happiness Challenge -- Day 24

 Today's happiness: Cheap Eats

My 2024 Happiness Icon

Saturday I met my friends, Nancy and Paul, for lunch at a fast food place in my old hometown, just around the corner from where I got my hair cut. I got 2 pieces of broasted chicken, fries, and cole slaw for just $8.79. Paul got a hamburger and Nancy had the pita club. In this world of chains, it's nice to support a small, independent business.

 

It was also nice to see them. Especially since this time it was Paul's idea. Nancy texted me earlier in the week and said, "Paul is asking when it's time for your hair cut so we can get together." That made me happy, since Paul "got" me when he married Nancy. It's nice to know I'm his friend now, too.

Happy August Happiness Challenge!

 

Each day in August you are to post about something that makes *you* happy. Pretty simple. And, it doesn't even have to be every day if you don't want it to be. It's a great way to remind ourselves that there are positive things going on in our lives, our communities, and the world.

 

Saturday 9

Saturday 9: Sh-Boom (1954)

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

1) 70 years ago this month, the Crew Cuts were singing that life could be a dream. When you awaken, can you recall your dreams? I'm glad I remember Thursday night's dream because it was so ridiculously random! My favorite ballplayer, Anthony Rizzo, and I were sitting on the sidewalk, our backs up against a brick wall. (I don't know where we were.) He was making me laugh. Then a car pulled up. Apparently we were waiting for my former coworker, Jamie, to pick us up. Only Jamie wasn't driving, he was in the passenger seat and beckoned us to get in. Alan Alda was driving. Of course he was.

2) The lead singer refers to his girl as "darling," "sweetheart" and "baby." Have you used an affectionate endearment lately? If yes, who were you speaking to? I just called my cat "Baby Girl."

3) Two members of this Canadian quartet are brothers, born 15 months apart. Do you have siblings? If yes, how close in age are you? One sister is just over a year older, the other is 8 years my junior.

4) A hit in Toronto, the Crew Cuts traveled by car to appear on TV in New York. How are your wheels? Would you give your vehicle a tune up before embarking on a 1,000 mile (500 miles each way) road trip? Since Alan Alda drives me places, I'll leave this decision to him.

5) In 54 and 55, they had five Top 10 hits. Then the Crew Cuts fell off the charts. Founding member Rudi Maugeri suspects it's because they were a "teen act" and teenage music tastes can change fast. Who did you listen to when you were in high school? I listened to the Beatles and Barbra Streisand. None of my classmates did, though. They were all into Elton John, Fleetwood Mac and James Taylor.

6) A well-maintained crew cut should be trimmed every 2-4 weeks. Is there an appointment with a hairstylist on your calendar? I may be at the stylist as you read this.

Let's look at the summer of 1954.

7) 70 years ago, Chicago Bears great Walter Payton was born. Today more than 1200 students are enrolled in Chicago's Walter Payton College Preparatory High School. Was your high school named after anyone? No, it was named for the town.

8) J.R.R. Tolkien's Fellowship of the Rings was published. It's the first of three volumes in the Lord of the Rings trilogy. Have you read the books and/or seen the movies? Nope.

9) Sports Illustrated was first published. As a special promotion, the premier issue included baseball cards. With the introduction of online communities and trading apps, collecting baseball cards continues to grow in popularity. Are there any card collectors in your life? Not personally, but I feel like I do. Jen, my coworker at the card shop, gave her husband a display case for his baseball cards as a Father's Day gift. She agonized over choosing the right one.