Saturday 9: Gidget

It's time for a little Saturday diversion and fun with Sam and the gang from the Saturday 9, the music themed meme.  Just click the link to join in the fun.

Saturday 9: Gidget (1965)

Unfamiliar with this week's tune? Hear it here. 
1) Gidget was a sitcom that ran only one season. Have you ever seen it?  

I was only 1 year old when it aired, but yes, I've seen it a couple of times. I used to love all the old kitschy shows and movies when I was a teenager.  If I'm honest, I still love really cheesy, over-the-top entertainment.

2) Gidget is a high school student who is more interested in surfing and boys than in the books. When you were Gidget's age, was your top priority getting good grades? Or were you more involved in the social side of student life?  

I think I was fairly balanced in my approach. Boys were definitely up there on the list of things that had my attention, but I was also involved in sports (as both a player and a fan), belonged to the Civil Air Patrol, served a summer in the Youth Conservation Corps, wrote for the school newspaper, and still managed to graduate with honors. It probably helped that my dad was very strict and while I was allowed to run around with friends during the day, I wasn't allowed at night unless I could tell him exactly where I would be, who I would be with, and what the purpose of our being out was. 

3) Gidget's father was nearly always unflappable when it came to his daughter's high-spirited shenanigans. Who is the coolest, calmest person you know?  

Honestly?  It's probably me.  My husband detests conflict and what he calls "drama." He stubbornly will not acknowledge it or deal with it if he can possibly help it. I don't think pretending it's not there is calmness.  I've learned through my faith to deal with life's situations with calmness and a certain peace.  I've been told many times that I'm viewed as unflappable. 

4) Gidget spends as much time as she can at the beach, hanging out with her best friend Larue. Fair-skinned Larue doesn't share Gidget's passion for surfing and prefers to stay on the beach blanket, wearing a floppy hat that protects her from the sun. Are you a sun worshipper? Or, like Larue, are you careful about your exposure to the sun?  

When I was younger I was like Gidget.  I spent many afternoons "laying out" with my friends, slathered with tanning oil or cooking oil (or even butter in a pinch) trying to get that perfect tan that was the all important summer accessory in those days.  I also spent many long days at the beach or walking around flea markets with my family with no sun protection whatsoever.  That's why I can claim at least 4 sunburns so severe they were classified as 2nd degree burns.  

All that seems especially stupid when you consider that I'm a typical fair-skinned Scots/Irish girl with lots of freckles.  Under no circumstances does my skin tan.  It freckles and it burns.  End of story.  These days I'm a lot smarter and if I'm out in the sun for any amount of time over 10 minutes, I'm slathered with sun screen.
 
5) Gidget, the quintessential California girl, was created by Freidrich Kohner, an Austrian-born screenwriter. Can you think of another Austrian import?

Arnold Schwarzenegger

 
6) Howard Greenfield and Jack Keller wrote this week's Gidget theme. They also wrote the 1960 hit song, "Everybody's Somebody's Fool." When is the last time you felt foolish?

Probably in a discussion after the elections with someone who has different political views than I do. It was supposed to be an honest discussion, but the person was incapable or unwilling. It was totally pointless. I think that's what I've found to be the saddest thing of all in the last few years. There have ALWAYS been differing political views, but as a society we've managed to be fairly civil to each other. We could debate and exchange ideas. We at least heard each other.  Now we don't.  I've even lost a family member because of the hatefulness they spew in their "rightness."
 
7) This is the show that introduced Sally Field. She went on to win two Oscars and four Emmy Awards. When you think of Sally, what role comes to mind?

I'd like to take the high road and say Norma Rae, but that wouldn't be true. I'm more likely to think of her as The Flying Nun or Burt Reynold's love interest in Smokey and the Bandit.

8) Today Gidget is a grandmother. Sally reports that her grandchildren especially enjoy "sleepovers at Granny's." Where were you the last time you spent the night away from home? 

Erie, PA.  My hubby and I were there for our anniversary to visit all the wineries and distilleries along the PA/NY border. If you didn't know, it is serious grape country. Welch's gets a significant portion of its grapes from the area.

9) Random question -- Describe your perfect lazy afternoon.

My answer kind of depends on the weather. In the winter I love a good snowstorm (if I don't have to be out in it) and love to get a fire going then snuggle up with a cup of tea, my dog, and a good book. On a hot summer day I used to love floating in the pool with the kids...kind of hard since the kids are grown and the pool is gone. Finally, my favorite way to spend a rainy summer afternoon is camped out with a big bowl of popcorn and couple of chick flicks...Dirty Dancing is a MUST!

SWOON! Every girl should have a Johnny Castle in her past.