z Cottage by the Sea

Friday, May 29, 2026

Magical Mystical


Welcome to Saturday: 9. What we've committed to our readers is that we will post 9 questions every Saturday. Sometimes the post will have a theme, and at other times the questions will be totally unrelated. Those weeks we do "random questions," so-to-speak. We encourage you to visit other participants posts and leave a comment. Because we don't have any rules, it is your choice. We hate rules. We love to answer the questions, however, and here are today's questions!

Saturday 9: Mystical Magical (2025)

Unfamiliar with this week's tune?     Hear it here

1) This week's song is about a new love affair, and Benson Boone bounces between frustration and optimism when he thinks about it. Does anything inspire your mixed emotions these days?

The world situation always does that.

2) The lyrics mention "moonbeam ice cream," which is something Benson just made up. Last summer, when this week's song became popular, ice cream shops were inspired to create flavors with that name. What's your favorite ice cream flavor, and will you take that in a cup or cone?

I like Vanilla ice cream because you can do so much with it.  I will take it in a cup or in a cone and enjoy it either way.

3) He sings that "once you know" about a love like this, "you know." Tell us about something you had to experience to fully understand.

 Serious pain, losing peepole, having a genuine good time.

4) He composed this song at the piano. Do you play piano?

Yes, I play piano.

5) He first sang in public at a high school talent show, which he only entered on a dare. Can you recall any dares from your junior high or high school days? 

Yes.  Someone dared me to throw mashed potatoes on their face and so I did. It was well deserved.

6) Benson was a good high school athlete and competed in diving at the state level. Can you execute a dive off the diving board?

My uncle taught me to dive but only off the side of a pool.  My Dad taught me how to dive into oncoming big waves.

7) When he was 18, Boone auditioned for American Idol. What were you up to when you were 18? 

I started Ohio University at 17 and turned 18 during the 2nd semester.  I was homesick beyond words so for a few dollars I could fly home with student pilots on the weekend which was a real adventure, let me tell you!    . My mother joked that they only way I hadn't come home was by dog sled.   As part of training the student had to turn off the engine and restart in air.  That was fun.  

8) Benson has a dog named Max. He's not alone in this. "Max" is one of the most popular pet names in the US today. Have you ever known anyone (furry or otherwise) named Max?

 I know of a young man named Max.

9) Random question: If we knocked on your door on one of your lazy, stay-at-home days, what would we likely find you wearing?

Jeans and a tee shirt usually. Today (Friday morning, a pair of well worn jeans and a Led Zepplin shirt.


Tuesday, May 26, 2026

Four Seasons, Four Questions

  


Welcome to Toni Taddeo's Tuesday 4...

1. Do you have a favorite day of the week and how about  a favorite month of the year? Why?
As a kid my favorite day was Thursday because it was nearly Friday.  We had assembly on Friday so it was a shorter day but Thursday built up the anticipation.
My favorite month is probably October now.  I like the red, orange, yellow and purple leaves here in the north.

2. What’s the most beautiful or magical thing about each of the four seasons?
In Winter the most beautiful and magical thing are the silver skies, the snow and icy cold winds that blow through the trees. The skies at night are crystal clear and filled with stars.
In Spring the new blossoms are lovely.  Spring rain is also a pleasure.
In Summer the warm sun feels good and it is a good time for the beach and being outdoors.  Summer nights are special especially on the boardwalk or the beach.
Autumn is time for cool winds, bright neon leaves, the scent of fallening leaves,  It is the best time for Pumpkin Spice coffee.
3. Summer is coming... what does this mean in your life? How will things change, stay the same ,etc?
Weather should be warmer though right now, here is late May, it's only 60°F and the high tomorrow will be only 64°F.  Still, summer usually warms up a lot more.    Hopefully we will spend more time outdoors this summer enjoyed the fresh air and sunshine.
4. What do you look forward to in each season?
In every season I look forward to the holidays that come around in most of them.  I think that is the most fun for me besides the unique weather in the northeast.  I love having 4 distinct seasons.   I love entertinning people for  holidays, dinners, whatever the reason.