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 memes, however, and here is today's meme!

Saturday 9: G.I. Blues (1960) 
Unfamiliar with this week's song? Hear it here. 

Memorial Day is a federal holiday that honors men and women who served and died in the United States Armed Forces. We want to make sure that message is not lost this weekend.

1) Are you a veteran? Are there veterans in your family? Do you know anyone who is active military? (We are grateful and want to hear about it.)

I am not a veteran.  Walt was in the Air Force reserves long ago.  My father was 4F so could not enlist.  I had (at least) two uncles who fought in WWII.  One of them told me his experiences as a prisoner of war in Germany for several months.  Our good friend Kevin, who is part of our Pinata family, has been in the military for many years.

2) In this song, Elvis sings about marching, and complains that the Army doesn't give Purple Hearts for fallen arches. Do you have any aches or pains to report this morning?

Oh good lord, what doesn't ache?  Nothing seriously, but it seems that the older you get, the more aches and pains you have. 

3) This song is from the 1960 film of the same name. In the movie, Elvis is in The 32nd Armor Regiment of the United States Army. That's the same regiment he served with in real life. He had the 32nd written into the script as a shout-out to the soldiers he came to know, but realized he'd likely never see again. Is there an old friend you're missing this weekend?

There are several friends I miss all the time.  I rarely mention my former co-worker, Melody, who was such a close friend when we worked together, but she moved across the country and over the years we have fallen apart for many reasons.  But I miss her often.

4) Memorial Day kicks off the summer season. What's your favorite picnic food? 

My father's potato salad.  Nobody makes it like he did (not even me) and I haven't had it since he died in 1987.  Today, my favorite is probably fried chicken and/or stuffed eggs.

5) Let's celebrate the Memorial Day holiday with ice cream. What's your favorite flavor? Cone or cup?

Probably butter pecan.  I'm wishy washy on cone vs. cup.  Depends on the circumstances.

5) This marks the weekend when Americans step up their outdoor activity and do things they may not have been able to do during the winter months. For example, when is the last time you applied mosquito repellent?

I can't remember.  I am rarely in a situation where it is necessary.

7) Or swam?

I last swam in a hotel rooftop swimming pool in Italy in 2009.

8) As you answer these questions, is there an air conditioner or fan on? 

No.  Today was kind of a cool day.  There will be a fan on tomorrow, based on weather predictions.

9) Random question: How do you define success?

I've never been obsessed with success.  I think I have had a successful low-key life, have been married nearly 53 years, have raised children who are all good people, who have become good friends of mine and who are happy with where they are in life.  That defines success for me.