z Cottage by the Sea

Tuesday, July 7, 2026

What Do You Call It?



 Welcome to Tuesday 4 which was started by our friend Toni Taddeo and kept up in memory of her.

 Different sections of the USA have different words and customs they use. Let's talk about them.
1. In New Jersey you put your groceries in a paper bag or plastic bag.  In Athens, Ohio where I went to
university, you put them in a paper sack.

Is it bag , sack or something else where you live?
I wrote these questions and my answer is actually in the questionsl  
It's bag in New Jersey whether plastic or paper or the new degradable ones.

2. Though no one seems to wear them anymore, NJ says  Stockings.  
 Athens,  Ohio used to call them "hose" and in Britain they are tights. 
What about where you live?
Here is New Jersey it would still be stockings no matter what.  Tights are the heavy colored things you wear usually only in winter or they are for ballet.  Also we wore them if a skirt was too short.  

3.Soda, Pop, Coke? 
We are soda.  If you ask for coke you will get a Coca Cola.  If you ask for a pop you might get a smack!
Hero, sub, grinder, hoagie?
 In most of New Jersey they are called submarine sandwiches or subs.  As you get closer to Philly they turn into Hoagies.

4. Shopping cart or trolley. buggy?   
 What do you call it?   Shopping cart is usual here in New Jersey.

Thank you for coming by and taking part.

Saturday, July 4, 2026

July 4th.

 

Happy Birthday America.. 

 SATURDAY 9: God Bless America 

Unfamiliar with Connie Francis' version of this song? Hear it here.

1) Irving Berlin's lyrics celebrate our mountains, prairies, and oceans. Which of these geographical features is nearest your home?               The ocean and a forest


2) Berlin donated his royalties from "God Bless America" to the Girl Scouts and Boy Scouts of America. Were you ever a Scout?

 Yes and went all the way to receive my curved bar  which is like Eagle Scout for boys.

3) While this week's song has been recorded many times, we're concentrating on Connie Francis' 1959 version. It was never intended to be a hit, released as the B-side to her popular "Among My Souvenirs." But it took off when it was played at school rallies and patriotic events. Do you know all the lyrics to "God Bless America?" Could you sing along with Connie?


Yes, sure I can.

4) After she wrote her autobiography, Connie said she wanted Valerie Bertinelli to play her in the movie. Even though Valerie isn't known for her singing, Connie liked that they were both Italian-American and 5'5". If we made a movie of your life, who should play you?   

Kermit the Frog 

5) Connie had a passionate romance with Bobby Darin, and their relationship is included in the Broadway show about Bobby's life, Just In Time. While Connie expressed her support for the production, she never saw the show because hip problems made flying difficult. How about you? Are you dealing with any aches or pains today?   Always.

6) The Fourth of July means we're in the middle of summer. Are you careful about applying sunscreen?

No and there is a lot of evidence it actually pushes the development skin problems.

7) More beer is purchased for the 4th of July than any other holiday. What beverage will be served with your July 4th meal?   Whatever people ask for.

8) Emergency rooms expect an increase over the July 4th holiday. The most common causes are sports injuries (like jammed wrists and wrenched knees) and the unwise use of home fireworks. Have you  been to the ER or Urgent Care during 2026?

 No b'h and I hope not too at all.

9) New York is home to Nathan's Hot Dog Eating Contest every year on the 4th. Will hot dogs be consumed in your household this weekend?  Yes.