“The old Songs… are the BEST!”
Did you ever want to hear some of the old “SONGS” – that you heard when you were a small child – what about when you got a little older – or maybe even in “HIGH SCHOOL” – well, sure cannot forget when in College???
There was one song – that I sure did like and I know that I did hear it a lot while – I was in the Orphanage – especially since I had ask my Mother to bring me a radio – and – as a poor “ORPHAN” – my Mother did have the “Famous Barr” store in the downtown, Saint Louis area, deliver to me – just lucky that my Mother like shopping at “FAMOUS!”
So, today – since I was interested in this particular song – my son, Al came over to the computer and showed me how – to listen to any song – that I was interested in – to see or should I say hear it – – but, where this spot is – they also have the “Artist” perform with the song. I’m guessing that every important thing – that has ever been done – is – and – or has been recorded – when originally done – is saved just for some “old time” – like me to play – – to see and hear, again!
The first song – “MUSIC, MUSIC, MUSIC” – “Put another Nickel in the …” by “Teresa Brewer” – – was one of my favorites – as I would like to belt that song out just as loud as I could – – and of course would always dance to good music – – as we “ORPHANS” – did have a nice pavilion to entertain ourselves on – and we did our fair share of dancing. Music and dancing was a real favorite of the girls in my class and some of the older girls – and of course it sure did not hurt for me to have a radio???
To see “Teresa Brewer” perform and sing this song – as she did at least fifty years ago… – was just like watching one of my favorite old black and white movies – almost wonder if that “clip” was from an old movie?? Since – that song – worked out so well for me… – May as well try another song – that I was curious to hear – – – to see if it was as I remembered??
Are you a “SMOKER?” Well, my Father did smoke and smoke and we sometimes wondered – when he would be cooking – – if some of those ashes would fall into the food?? So, I put the name of the song “Smoke, Smoke, Smoke that Cigarette” by “Tex Williams” – and as I was listening – was wondering if my Father is still smoking up a storm? I sure did enjoy the lyrics and I’ll bet you will like them too – that is if you are a smoker – it might give you an idea of what people are thinking – when you have to stop everything – – just to light up another cigarette!
The next song that I typed in was – “VOLARE” – and saw “Domenico Modugno – Nel blu di pinto di blu” and when I hit search – a “clip” from the “Ed Sullivan Show” appears – and there is “Ed Sullivan” introducing – “Domenico Modugno” and “WOW” – just a terrific response from the audience of the “Ed Sullivan” show – it was a real “TOP DRAWER” performance!
If you like these older songs – — from yesterday – or even some others – let me suggest – you -to try – listening to them again! Since the weather is lovely and the windows are open – and the “PARK” is on the other side of the fence – I did turn the sound “up” just a little- louder – than usual – so that – – I could sing – along and “loud” – just like a “kid” – — again!
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FYI – “First Date”
Someone ask me the other day – “Do you remember your First Date?”
Well – I’m guessing that there is always something – which one never forgets??? When I was in High School and in order to get out of school – sooner – – I went to “Summer School” to get some credits – so that I would graduate a half a semester earlier!
During that last summer of the “Summer School – there was one young class-mate who offered to drive me home from school – and a couple of times offered to drive me to where I would work. He seem to be a nice guy and so I had told him that I sometimes would ride my bike around the neighborhood and sometimes even to the park. Well, he took a look at my bike and since he did not have a bike – offered to ride me around on the handle bars – of my bike??It sure was a good thing – that – that I did not weigh too much – back then – and that he was one of those guys which – were tall and very strong?
After a couple of weeks of school and seeing “Mr. A.B.” – he ask me to go on a date with him to eat at a restaurant near the “Fox Theater” and to also see a movie at the “FOX” after eating and that we would be taking the trolley car to and from – would I like to go??? Well – what in the world did I know about going on a date? What was I suppose to wear and what do I do in a restaurant with someone – do I offer to pay my share – as I did not think he had lots of money – although – he did also work after school??
One hundred and one questions – and I sure did not want to act like a complete “first class fool” – so my Mother told me to check with my Aunt Irene – since she was a “Lady of Etiquette” and would know all the whatever’s – that one should know – she would have very good advice! So, this was some “conversation” – Aunt Irene was older than my Mother – but she was a first class LADY – when it came to entertaining and being out with – the Ladies of her Church and other organisations – and she knew how all these things should be done??? Aunt Irene gave me some ideas – as to what I should wear and also how to dress.
The most important thing for me – was to find out – – what do I do when he asks me, “What would you like to eat?” – and – one thing I certainly do not want to ask him – – for something that is not with in his budget – – for this evening – – and I was not for sure – – should I offer to pay – for at least something – since he wants to also go the movie at the “FOX” – and they are a little more expensive than most theaters! So, here is what Aunt Irene said, “You know that he has some money – and that this will be his treat – so, when you receive the menu – you will look it over to see what you like.” Then Aunt Irene continues, “When you notice that he seems to have looked the menu over – you will ask him “What do you like or suggest for us?” – and then at that point in time he will have made some suggestions – of what he likes or is good to eat – – and – then you know that he can pay that amount two times – – so do not order over that amount – – of the suggested item – – that he is indicating he likes!” “And – always remember – if and when the bill comes and he looks like he would need some help – then you can always offer to help and loan to him whatever he needs – and everything will work out just fine.
Everything did turn out just fine – and I was sure glad that I had someone – like Aunt Irene, to check with and see – – – just how things are done – that is for seventeen year old girls – – back – then, in the 1950’s – so very long ago – -and I did end up having a very good time!
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“Put on a Happy Face!”
“Wow!” “What do you think?” “Can you sit back “NOW” – and feel like a terrible heavy load has just been lifted off your chest?” Even the “Sun” is out just as bright as it can be – the birds are all out and singing such sweet songs – just doing their best to try to help all of us feel better- since this is the “DAY AFTER” – and – like everyone says – – “We gave at the office – yesterday – – and in some cases – – – we even gave our last dollar!”
If your last “buck” is gone for the “cause” – be “HAPPY” – it could always be worse – than it is? In some Countries – they do not have our wonderful enthusiasm – that tomorrow will be a better day. Tomorrow – that “boat” with all of our dreams – – will be pulling in – – anytime, now?
Years ago, if you are old enough you might remember?? The “Credit Card” companies were sending out their “Credit Cards” to everyone – whether you applied for them or not. Most people were glad to get them, and the more that they received – – – the merrier their situation! Ordinarily, they would not be able to get them – but since- they just arrived in your mail box – – – you immediately put them to good use – and you did exactly what you were suppose to do – – and that was to “CHARGE!” “and to keep on “CHARGING!”
Even I fell for that “Charge Card” gambit? Those were the days when you could deduct the interest charge – that you incurred from the monthly usage posted on Charge Cards and all the other ways – which you could buy on “credit” and whatever you paid out in “fees”– you would receive credit on your tax return. This situation made it too easy for most people to get their selves into a vicious “debt hole” – one that they could not ever get out of. The reason for this “monster” sitting on the backs of most “TAX-Payers” – – just as fast as this practice started – – – one year – it all came to a STOP!
How and WHAT does a knee-deep-in the hole Tax Payer do – – when they cannot get any money to pay off all of their debts – – and then stop buying on credit – and learning how to pay cash “ONLY” – as the only way to buy anything, in the future??? It is terrible – the lessons that so many unsuspecting people have to go through – – just to keep up with “high-renters” – next door?
There are so many lessons that we have to learn – just to make ends meet?? Each year we tell ourselves – “this year, we are going to make some serious changes – and we are going to start, TODAY!” “Well- why don’t we wait till you get your next “pay-check” – – that way we will have a better idea about all of our bills – – – who needs to be paid – and- then – we will just start some new kind of a budget – and we will start off this new year, in a much better way – than we did last year???” “How does that sound, dear!?”
“I’m so glad to see, “YOU” – “DEAR” – with your “HAPPY FACE” on- – and “YOU” are so full of enthusiasm- that I feel that – we will be very happy starting this new tax year on a very sound foundation!”
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“Tax Day” – Take the DAY off?
“HELP!” If you are outside and walking down the street – Is that – what you are hearing??? “HELP – HELP me NOW!” For me to do these “TAXES” – “’I’m losing my mind?”
I feel that it would be good to start the teaching of filling out the “TAX Forms” – when children have good and young brains – so that they can start to understand – where the money comes from – and where it goes – and there is never a “dime” to be found in the pocket-book??
Working all your LIFE – and then ending up in the “POOR – HOUSE” – just because you never knew what the “TAX-FORM” looked like – and when you did have to look at it – you had no idea as to what you where to do with it???
Such a “FORM” that takes away – the very last dime – that you had – is ridiculous – no one deserves to lose their mind – trying to keep some of the hard earned dollars – which they thought that they were entitled to? Why is it that – we are taught very early in LIFE – that – that we must get some kind of a job and work – – and get to that job – come rain and or shine! Then, when we think that we are getting a fair-day’s pay – for a very hard day’s work in all kinds of very terrible conditions – we find that we did not make anything at all – it all goes to the invisible government – and all for what some “Politician” in some – far off place – has decided that I should pay – just so – that Politician does not have to pay for anything – at all??? Is that fair? ?? I do not think so!
It seems to me… that the whole system of taxation needs an overhaul – and so much of the entire system needs to be shut down. What we have right now is a system that is eating up everything – – that the average “JOE” thinks he had worked for – but when it comes down to the time to collect – there is nothing anywhere and nowhere – no matter – where you thought it was going for you and your “FAMILY” – a great big “NOTHING” is waiting for “YOU” and YOUR FAMILY!”
What I would like to know – and that is – “where is this place that the “greedy-guts” are going – and how are they able to take all of this abundance – that does not belong to them – – to some far off “planet” out of this world – – or where do they think that they can live, – – and live – forever – – – with their untold wealth – – – all ill gotten?”
Young people are not learning – that is early enough – the correct existence of what they might achieve in a LIFE time – and how to work for the greater good of their own family – – since for anyone to think that – there will be someday – and somewhere – – some magical system that will take good care of them – that is when they are old and gray – or heavens forbid some other disaster has happen to them – and all of a sudden – they were caught unprepared???
My thought is that we do not understand – the “HOW” – that one has to navigate – in a system that – has been set up for some other special – type – system – – – one – which not all are to be favored!??
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“Idle A-While…”
We all “Idle A-While” – or maybe even for a long time – if you were sitting in a “TAVERN?” Some time ago in the 1960’s – there was a tavern – called “Idle A-While” and it was very near the dividing lines in Fort Lauderdale – – North and South – East and West – and that is if I am remembering correctly? The “key words” – ‘was’ – evidently too many people were idle ling a-way too many hours – and the tavern closed.
Well, my husband, Lee just happened to hear about the fixtures and equipment going up for sale??? So, Lee was thinking about remodeling the “LUCKY Boy-Drive-in Restaurant” – for us – to include the sale of liquor. The measurements were made and Lee was able to get enough workers to bring in the long “BAR” and “Back-bar” including the glass and mirrors and extra nice wood-working that someone was able to dismantle – and then did a fine job of making some new parts in such a way that when matched with the older parts – just looked terrific – when everything was reassembled in our old dining-in area – now – becoming one of the busiest of spots to hang out and have FUN – and – with a good meal!
The best part of the remodel – was to add a “Pool Table” – this was the “ticket” to Lee’s having some spending money – as he could win good sums of money – as there is always someone who thinks “HE” is better than the old retired police officer from Saint Louis – and now that I think about it – there was always someone playing until “HE” would lose his shirt – and whatever else he had to lose??? There are some people gifted with different talents – but that was one game that even I would stay away from. I just hate to lose – but there is no way that – that I am going to show the whole world that I do not know how to win at “POOL” – and then pay – money out of my own pocket – just to prove that I do not know when to stop!
The other part of being called “LUCKY LEE” – was that – Lee also like to play the horses. Florida did have several race tracks near enough and with lots of good friends – Lee and friends would go to the track and “LUCKY LEE” would call me – after winning large sums – -to pick him up – before the money was spent on foolishness – and before he could get home, safely.
Just those two things – were enough – for my family to think that Lee was spending my money – and that anything that I was to ever inherit , someday – in the future – and that – could be spent on the horses – the word was – “TAKE HER OUT OF OUR WILLS!” So, as long as Lee was alive – I was taken out everybody’s will – no free lunch for the horses – from my side of the family.
Nothing like some old news to “idle – awhile” on – and see just how – and if – this would have happened – and – or if that took place – what would be different in LIFE – today?? It is FUN – – to just “idle awhile ” – with a few old thoughts – and remembering – all the good times with plenty of FUN – – and always to remember – that each day – even these simple thoughts will be some of the greatest of memories – someday in that “TIME” in our FUTURE!!!
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“Loose Ends…”
Sometimes – there just seems to be “Loose Ends” – – there is a little of this and some of that – – and you find yourself walking around in circles – wondering what to do with “this” something – that – may or may not have some value?
So, with all of that in mind – would you think that – just maybe – -“Loose Ends” – – could be the name of a restaurant? It sure could be a good place to go – when you have no one special to talk over some real nonsense – or just to see “WHO” would like to listen to you and what you have on your mind ???- Let’s just say that you have some real “FOOD for THOUGHT” – and need to have someone to bounce a couple of ideas around???
“Chat n’ Nibble” – is that name – more to the point? A small restaurant – situated in a “Sears Mall” in Florida – and right along two intersecting Highways – so you will have – for sure some “breakfast” patrons – especially those who need fresh “wake-me-up-coffee” before running to their own stores in and along the Mall – or even the employees starting the first shift – working at Sears?
With an exciting menu that also has daily “specials” for the “lunch-time” patrons – how could you go wrong??? You will soon find that the same people are there – and sitting in their favorite booth and in the section where their favorite “waitress” will take extra special care that their meal is just right! Or – maybe you like the dessert first – sitting on one of the stools – up high – to see and be seen – along the long counter for your favorite ice cream sundaes and or banana splits with the best of toppings – and not an ounce of “fat” in anything – that “you “really like!?? And the best part of sitting up at the counter – you will find your favorite pie and or cake in the display cabinets – “how can anyone ever say “NO” to dessert?”
When I would get time in the evening – I would hurry to meet my husband, Lee – as he would be sitting near the register – talking to favorite customers – some – who would spend hours – just chatting – and of course when there were – – lots of customers ready to leave – Lee would be behind the cash register – doing his thing . So, before we closed at 9:30pm – the “COOK- RUBY” would always have a new dessert – just for me to sample – check to see if I would give her a “GOLD” star on her report card???
Each of our restaurants, would have someone – – that always had a favorite way to be sure that the “BOSS” would notice them – and that was to always have something special for me – to sample – – in the line of “sweets” – – they knew what I would like – and they – knew that I would brag on how good something was – – and that I would often suggest that – “If I liked it – so would the customers!” – “So, give it a good name – and put it on the menu!”
No real “Loose Ends” – when you have your “favorite place” to go and enjoy good food – or even just a cup of coffee – and then the best part – “Have someone to talk to – and to – even enjoy talking – – and for “LONG” hours!”
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