Saturday 9: It's So Nice to Be Nice (to Your Neighbor) – 1947
Unfamiliar with this week's tune? Hear it here
1). In this song, Monica Lewis encourages to greet our neighbors with a smile and a hello. Tell us about one of your neighbors.
The house next door is about 300 years old. It was once a bakery and has lots of brick and old wood inside. It was for sale when I first moved into my house and the family that bought it are European. It is quite a unique home in that the rooms are small as they were way back then. It's beautiful inside but it wouldn't work for a typical American family as there isn't a big family room or a place to hang a super large TV on the wall. This family is lovely though and it has been a joy to watch their sons grow and go off to university.
2). She reminds us that it's nice to be nice. Who has recently shown you kindness?
My sister was visiting over Labor day weekend and we went to a charming inn. We ordered a salad and some mocktails and sat outside on the veranda to eat and watch the ocean. When our bill came it didn't include the mocktails and when we brought it to the attention of our server he said, "the drinks are on the house." It was a little unexpected kindness.
3). Monica Lewis was born in Chicago where her mother performed with the Chicago Opera Company. Have you ever been to the opera?
No I have not. I have to admit that it's not really my thing though I think I would enjoy being in one of the old theatres where they might perform an opera.
4). Her family moved to New York where she attended college by day and worked at a radio station WMCA in the evenings to help support her family. Which do you listen to more: the radio or podcasts?
I never listen to the radio. I used to when I was younger but not anymore. I rarely listen to podcasts but sometimes I put one on when I'm driving back and forth to work.
5). In the 1940s she appeared all around New York - in nightclubs, on broadway, and on radio shows. It was then that she got her best known and longest running role - the voice of Chiquita Banana. For decades she was heard singing, "I'm Chiquita Banana and I'm here to say..." Do you have any bananas in your kitchen now?
Yes. I have a small bunch with 2 or 3 left...I see banana bread in my future.
6). Around 1950 she moved to Hollywood. She had recently divorced and wanted a fresh start. There she dated an actor who was also newly divorced: Ronald Reagan. Obviously she never had to ask, "Whatever become of him?" Who is the last former romance, classmate or co-worker that you looked up on the internet?
My husband and I have known each other since we were 11 years old. We both went our own ways after high school and then re-met, through the internet, when we were in our late 40s. We have been together now for almost 15 years!
7). In 1947 when this song was popular, actor Ted Danson was born. He's best known for his role as Sam Malone, the bartender at Cheers, where everybody knows your name. Is there a bar or restaurant where you are recognized on sight?
Yes. I am known in a bar/restaurant in my town. The bartender is my neighbor and my husband and I grew up with the family who owns it.
Also, the place that Cheers was modeled after, and I believe sometimes filmed at, was in a hotel in Boston and I was married there. It was called the Bull and Finch pub and was in the Parker House hotel.
8). The 1947 Studebaker champion was one of the first cars to have an adjustable driver's seat designed to accommodate motorists of varying heights. When you're driving someone else's car do you usually adjust the seat?
Oh yes! I am just 5'1" so I definitely have to adjust the seat! If the person is quite tall I can't even reach the pedals!
9). Random question: When someone takes advantage of you are you angrier at them for doing it, or at yourself for letting it happen?
I don't really get angry at those kinds of things anymore. I just try to learn my lesson, let it go, and move one. I will say that I am in my "more experienced" years now so I'm pretty hip to most scams.
#8: I stopped by the Bull & Finch when I visited Boston. They changed their name to Cheers, because I think it helps out of towners like me find it. How cool that when you tell people where you married, they know exactly what you're talking about!
ReplyDeleteI stayed at the Parker House while on a business trip to Boston. Lovely hotel.
ReplyDelete#9, I kind of feel the same way. I don't let it happen very often I don't think. I can't remember the last time anyway. Loved your answers! Have a nice weekend.
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