Saturday 9: Won't You Be My Valentine?

 

Happy Valentine's Day, everyone! I gave each of the kids a photo gift for the occasion - a set of coasters showing the cutest picture of her kittens for Chloë, and a framed 8x10 of Nico with his boyfriend for him - but it isn't the biggest lovey-dovey mushy day for Rob and me. That's largely because we celebrate a second wedding anniversary on the 17th, which is, of course right around the corner.

So we're doing Valentine's Day here on the circuit, and it promises to be fun. If you'd like to join or just read the other contestants on the Price is Right, be sure to link up here. And away we go:

Saturday 9: Won't You Be My Valentine? (1961)

Unfamiliar with this week's tune? Hear it here.

 

1) Dore Alpert sings that while he considered asking others to be his Valentine, he's sure that this is the girl he wants to love "forever more." What do you think is the secret of a long-lasting romantic relationship?

Well for us, it's been a lot of communication and a huge sense of humor on both our parts. That's key!

2) Dore is better known as Herb Alpert. He used the name "Dore" early in his career because he thought it was more befitting a teen idol than "Herb." Who made you swoon when you were a teenager?

 

It's funny, because it was a lot of The Outsiders type of guys, like Ralph Macchio, Matt Dillon, and Patrick Swayze. Wait, was Patrick Swayze even in that? Doesn't matter; he was definitely swoon-worthy! (Okay, I checked against my memory lapse; he was definitely in that!)

 

3) Herb found he was a better trumpeter than singer. Between 1962 and 1969, Herb Alpert and the Tijuana Brass, had 12 consecutive gold albums. They were so popular that in 1966, they sold more records than Frank Sinatra, Dean Martin, The Beatles and the Rolling Stones. Of those artists (Frank Sinatra, Dean Martin, The Beatles and the Rolling Stones), which is your favorite?

It would have to be The Beatles, but the Stones wouldn't be too far behind.

4) He found his greatest success as an executive. Herb and partner Jerry Moss founded A&M Records and signed an array of talented artists including Cheech and Chong, The Carpenters, and Cat Stevens. Herb was happy to step away from performing and run the record label. Are you comfortable in front of an audience or crowd? Or would you prefer to be behind the scenes?

I'm comfortable in front of a crowd if it's like this: I never had any trouble as a member of a choir. I have also performed solo, as both a singer and a dancer, but in much younger days. I don't have the confidence for that anymore. Put me behind the scenes, please! (Or in the audience!)

5) Karen admitted that when The Carpenters were first signed by A&M, she had a crush on Herb and liked his aftershave lotion. Do you usually wear a fragrance?

I don't usually, but if I do, it's something fruity or woodsy, never flowery. I can't deal with vanilla, either. I like wearing men's fragrances sometimes, too.

This is our Valentine's Day Saturday 9, and so this morning we shall focus on the holiday. 

6) The holiday is also known as The Feast of St. Valentine. Do you have a special meal planned for February 14?

Nope, nothing is planned. Hm, maybe we should One kiddo will be out of town, and the other will be at work all night. I could make him the meal that was the first meal I ever made him, or we have these GIGANTIC shrimp that are like mini lobsters... We could throw together something, I guess, but that's probably not the intent of the question!

7) Thames River Cruises offers special dinner cruises for Valentine's Day that give lovers a view of London. Some cruises offer live jazz, others classical music. Which would you prefer: jazz or classical?

Oh, I think I'd have to go twice, to experience both!

8) Women buy and send more Valentines than men do. Who received the last greeting card you sent?

My penpal friend, Erica, who lives a couple of hours up the road from me ♥

9) Men buy and send more roses at Valentine's Day than women do. What's your favorite flower?

The tiger lily; I have loved it for centuries, approximately, along with all the other ostentatious flowers. We even named our first puppy together - back in 2003 - Tiger Lily. She was a great dog, a German Shepherd. And they are beautiful flowers.

Well, my friends, that's my time. I'm on day 50-something of The Ick and am desperately trying to get well. I finally got put on some antibiotics by my pulmonologist yesterday, and I already feel like it is helping. Please keep pulling for me!! And I will be thinking of all of you. Happy Valentine's Day; enjoy your mischiefs and merriments!

                                                                                                        xoxo, m