Tall Tales from Kansas

the ominous presence of Adolph Hitler coming to power in Germany

I just finished listening to Elegy for Eddie by Jacqueline Winspear on the libby app from my library.  If ever there was a time to listen to a story with familiar characters, in a voice you know, in a setting you can escape to in your mind, it is certainly now.

This story takes place in London in 1933.  Masie is looking into the death of a man with humble beginnings, much like her own. Friends of her father ask her to look into the case because they think his death was not an accident. Throughout the novel, there is in the background, the ominous presence of Adolph Hitler coming to power in Germany. The reader can feel the author doing her best to prepare us for what is to come in future Masie Dobbs books.  

I am exactly halfway through the series now with 9 installments left. You all know that I am not a binge reader or TV viewer, so I continue to spread them out slowly. Speaking of television though, and WWII, we watched the movie Lee last night. It is the story of Lee Miller a model turned photojournalist who covered the war in Europe. I happen to be a huge fan of Kate Winslet who plays the main character in addition to being the producer of the movie. It was not the best movie I have ever seen, but it was very good and we were both completely caught up in the story. As we look back on the Holocaust, it is hard to understand how it was able to go on, unchecked, for so long. This is the story of how one woman seeks to show the world what was happening in the immediate aftermath. I have included the trailer below. Highly recommended viewing as a reminder of the need to be vigilant in our current political climate. 

 

I can stand them a lot

Oh I do love bittersweet. Bittersweet with dried sunflowers, okra, berries, leaves, lotus pods, gourds, and decorative corn is just the things that all fall decorating dreams are made of isn't it?

But let me buckle down for a minute and get about the business of the market.  Today I was on a hunt for green beans to go with the pork chop and stuffing that Chris is making on Sunday. These were perfect. Not too fibrous looking and no rusty spots. 

Right next to them were these Jarrahdale pumpkins that made me gasp. Literally. A like-minded woman working said "YES - they are beautiful aren't they?" This is what I like about the market. Being among people who understand the need to gasp at beautiful pumpkins. But did you also know what these were called? I didn't.  I looked it up when I got home. They are a cross between a Blue Hubbard and a Cinderella pumpkin. From Australia. Sigh. 

I could have bought a jar of fresh pickles but with the bundles of dill right there and perfect cucumbers how could I not make one more batch?

Get a load of this color will you? 

I encountered these 2 while they were on their mission to get a cinnamon roll. 

More dried flowers on fresh little pumpkins/gourds. I just can't stand how cute they are. I mean I CAN stand them. I can STAND them a lot. I wanted to buy all of them.

Instead I settled for more dahlias since my little pumpkin from several weeks ago is still looking 100% fabulous. 

You know I got a piece of this cake. For those of you who may wonder how I can eat so much cake... I do not want to look back on my life at some point in the future and regret that I did not eat enough cake. Therefore, every season, spring, summer, fall, winter, are seasons when cake must be enjoyed for no specific reason other than you are here and cake is here.  

The haul of the week is below. I am excited to try a new protein ball with almond butter, coconut, and cranberries this week from Thuy at Juice Garden. 

On a totally NOT market related subject... did you see Judy with Renée Zellweger in the title role? It came out way back in 2019. A lifetime ago right? Well, it's on Netflix right now and Chris and I saw it tonight. Hard to watch but wow Renée Zellweger did a bang up job. 

... and have a most pleasant afternoon

Right now, Wicked Little Letters is "playing" on Netflix.  Should it be playing or showing? Does one word originate from the stage and one from the movie theatre? I have always been a lover of words, and am currently reading a book about the making of a dictionary which has me thinking about so many of the words we use everyday. But before I veer too far off course, let me steer myself back to the purpose of this post.

Wicked Little Letters is about an investigation to get to the bottom of who is writing very dirty (as in full of the MOST colorful foul language you have ever heard) letters to some of the people in the village. It is actually based loosely on a true story. 

Anyway, Chris and I LOVED it. Mary Ann and Dottie also were smitten. My brother went to bed before it was over but his wife loved it. So, with high marks by 5 out of 6 viewers I must recommend it to you. 

Olivia Coleman and Jessie Buckley are so good, but my favorite may have been Anjana Vasan as "Woman Police Officer Moss".  And it is not just because of her name. Can I recommend that you pop some corn, get a sharable bag of M&M's or your favorite movie candy, a Dr. Pepper, get all cozy/comfy in your favorite place to watch TV, and have a most pleasant afternoon? 

Then let me know what you thought.

every angle seems photo worthy

The peonies from last week's farmers market have been delightful. They seem more beautiful and fragrant than "normal" or it could be as simple as the enchantment of the first acquisition of the year. It makes no difference, they are splendid.

Every time I pass by the table and catch a glimpse or a whiff of their perfume, I grab the camera. Every angle seems photo-worthy. 

I think I told you that I planned to watch Anatomy of a Fall after seeing a review from someone who had watched it recently and said something like "it make me think differently about the truth". For sure don't quote me on that... but you get the drift. It was something sort of similar. We sat through the first 20 minutes before we turned on the subtitles. Don't do what we did.  

It's engrossing for sure. I have no idea what really happened in terms of the fall. But that's not the point of the movie. It's about how it all plays out in the aftermath and then how the viewer imagines life will go on for the wife and the son who are left behind. Maybe each wondering what the other believes is the truth? It's twisty. But good.

a movie with 2 men who are comfortable talking about the hard stuff

Tonight I'm coming at you with a film recommendation.  Chris and I watched Stutz the other night after hearing about it from a friend.  It's a documentary about the relationship between Jonah Hill and his therapist. Trailer below. Jonah felt like his life was really turned around by the conversation, advice, tips, he received from him and felt the need to share it with others who may benefit as well.

The relationship between them is clearly important to both Jonah and Stutz, and it was just excellent to see a movie with 2 men who are comfortable talking about the hard stuff AND so open and honest with each other. We both enjoyed it immensely. Highly recommended. 

a remake of the Swedish film

A rainy Wednesday in January, in the middle of the afternoon, was the perfect time to go and see Tom Hank’s new movie - A Man Called Otto. It is based on the Fredrik Backman novel - A Man Called Ove, and a remake of the Swedish film of the same name. 

I had forgotten some of the story line since it's been a number of years since I read the book and some parts were changed to reflect the location change (United States vs. Sweden) as well as artistic license on the part of the new director? Bottom line is both Chris and I enjoyed it very much. The supporting cast, and in particular Mariana Treviño, who played the part of Marisol who moves in across the street from Otto, were very very good. Highly recommended. 

P.S. Full disclosure, I am a huge fan of Tom Hanks and pretty much anything he does. 

P.P.S. We had not been in a movie theatre since February of 2020. It felt good to see something on the big screen, though I could have done without all the ads and other hoo-hah prior to the previews. Do we need trivia contests and all that other ridiculousness? Angie would highly approve of my feelings on this matter. Which, in and of itself, makes me smile. 

signs of things to come

Sunday morning, after a night with a few hours of much needed rain, I headed for the peaks and valleys of Rock Chalk park. I use those terms loosely of course being as we are in Kansas, but there are some ups and downs. 

69 degrees and no other walkers in site = perfect conditions for Sunday services. 



Some of the leaves are starting to turn yellow and fall. Signs of things to come.

This is such a great spot for walking, letting my thoughts roam around all the rooms in my mind. Ideas drifting in and out, nothing taking perch, so wonderful. 

By the end of the walk there were blue skies behind all those puffy clouds. 

P.S. We finally got around to watching News of the World (with Tom Hanks) this weekend. If you are looking for what Angie would call a "nice" movie, where there is some suspense but not off the chart, some hard moments but no gratuitous violence, and things work out how you hope in the end, this is a movie for you. We liked it very much. 

lots of gadgets, tricks, car chase scenes, a villain, someone who needs rescuing, and so forth and so on

Snowy, windy, cold conditions left us no choice but to stay holed up inside for a day recently. If you find yourself in a similar situation and are wondering what to do, other than watch the birds, which I find endlessly fascinating, you might want to watch a movie.



My friend Annette recently told me that the latest 007 movie, No Time to Die, in which Daniel Craig gives his final performance as James Bond, is in fact available now on demand.  



It happens to be 2 hours and 43 minutes long, which is actually perfect when you are watching from the comforts of home with blankets and your favorite beverages/snacks at hand.



It contains everything you would expect from a James Bond movie and then some. Lots of gadgets, tricks, car chase scenes, a villain, someone who needs rescuing, and so forth and so on.



If you are a Bond fan, you will like it. If you are not a Bond fan, but are a Daniel Craig fan, you will like it. I can't say what the rest of you will think. You can let me know. 

it seems like you should have an answer for that sometimes

The most productive thing I did on Sunday was flip the calendar from January to February. Yes, I roasted Brussels sprouts and cauliflower, made lunches for the week, paid the bills, sent out some mail, and changed the sheets. But I didn't really "do" anything. 

You know how on a Friday when everyone is so looking forward to the weekend and you are asked "what are you DOING" this weekend? It seems like you should have an answer for that sometimes. I am going to start making up responses. Things that are believable and possible but totally fabricated. Then I am going to write a book about it. It will be appropriately titled, This: 52 Completely Fictional Accounts of Weekend Plans. 

Other things of interest:
1. We watched the last episode of Poldark on PBS. I was thoroughly satisfied with the wrap up. 
2. Sister told me about Blackbird, a movie about a woman who has a debilitating terminal illness, and elects to take matters into her own hands while she is able. Free on Amazon Prime. Sister and I differed a bit in our opinions about some aspects of it, but completely agreed we liked it. 
3. There was a really interesting article about smell in the NYT magazine this weekend. Link follows if you are interested. COVID and the sense of smell. 

the world needs more talking empathic reindeer

The days after a holiday are best for "cozying in". Settling on the couch, only doing just what you feel like, when you feel like it. Staring into space, napping, you get the idea. 

I made a teeny tiny mitten and hung it on the garland over the fireplace.

Then I looked at a new cookbook and picked the first recipe I was going to try in it. 

Because I was not yet ready to get up from the couch, I next worked on a regular sized mitten and flipped through all the wonderful photos in the calendar from Dottie. 

Then we batted around what to have for supper, settled on chili, and I made cornbread. It's going to snow in the next few days. Leftover chili will be just the thing after a commute home on a blustery day. 

Our most recent holiday movie selection was Blizzard. Thank you Jaihn for this suggestion.  I had never heard of it. It was sweet and wonderful, AND free on Amazon Prime. The world needs more talking, empathic, reindeer who help young girls in need. 

where there are no hard/fast rules only loose guidelines

Since next week is Christmas, which I know well in advance because the date does not change from year to year like some holidays, 

I finally broke down and got all the boxes organized, packed, and shipped, yesterday.

Which means they will still be on time because they are holiday presents, and technically the holiday extends through January 1st. Who wants all their presents at the same time? Best to have them spaced out. 

The combination mitten/soft ornament garland was hung over the fireplace as well.  I believe there will be time to add at least one new knitted mitten for this year. I love nothing better than a satisfying quick knit which makes me feel accomplished. Plus it's fun to experiment with small quantities of leftover yarn. 

There was this cream of wheat, Bartlett pear, yogurt, and walnuts in a red dish one morning and doesn't it just look like Christmas in a bowl? If you have ever had similar thoughts and paused to take a photo before eating, it is completely normal. In my universe anyway, where there are no hard/fast rules only loose guidelines.   

And while I am on the topic of Christmas, we watched The Bishop's Wife this week and were wonderfully entertained. 

Chris and I agreed that it is the BEST holiday movie we have watched so far this year. Now I want to find another one that I haven't seen in the last 3-5 years that is just as satisfying. If you know of an obscure one that I may not discover on my own, do tell me about it. 

an ode to pie

In case you were wondering, which you probably weren't, but pretend like you were, because I want to tell you about it. The thanksgiving pumpkin pie was very good.

The crust was not soggy or underdone, but nicely browned through and through. Crust is important. 

There was just the right amount of filling. It was not flat, nor did it overflow the crust and create a mess in the oven. There was a proper mouth-full in every bite. 

This pie was gently seasoned with fresh ginger, cinnamon, and nutmeg. It was not "spicy", nor was it bland. Not too sweet and it did not leave me wanting anything different. Whipped cream is of course optional. I find myself liking a bit of it these days. 

Finally, the texture is not rubbery or too soft. It is not a pudding nor is it a flan. It's a perfect creamy smoothness that can stand on it's own, yet melts in your mouth. Thank you for listening to me wax poetic over one of my very favorite things about thanksgiving. The PIE. 

Which brings me to my VERY favorite thing about thanksgiving... the hike in the morning. Even though we cancelled our family dinner, we did hike with family in the area. Outside in the sun and 40 degrees, it was nice to say Hi after so many months. 

A good hike before the meal makes me feel virtuous. It gives me license to indulge myself with no guilt. Tom and Jan have volunteered to find the Christmas Day hike for us in the Kansas City area since there will be no big family gathering for that either. It's a great way to see family with much less risk of passing the virus between us. 

For entertainment, after dinner, Chris and I watched Grumpy Old Men, our first "holiday" movie of the season. I do hope the rest of our list turns out to be as entertaining as this was. Light and amusing, it required neither heavy thinking or Kleenex. Though at the very end when they showed out-takes of Burgess Meredith running one scene over and over, I did laugh till I cried. 

on a mission to keep the classics alive

Sometimes, after a Saturday night hamburger, Hawaiian macaroni salad, key lime pie, three glasses of red wine, dinner party for two at home, I like to take myself over to the worship service where the big bells ring and the stairs are plentiful. 

This walk is also good after Chris makes fajitas, we drench avocados in lime juice, fix a pot of mom's Spanish rice, and watch "A Series of Unfortunate Events" with Jim Carrey and Meryl Streep (to name a few). I might have taken a piece of key lime pie out of the freezer to have for dessert.  

Photos are few as I concentrated on matters at hand. Up. Down. Up. Down. 

Helpful links related to dinners include:

The Pioneer Woman's beef fajitas. Excellent. We will make again and again and again.

Hawaiian Macaroni Salad from Cooks Country.  Make this exactly according to the recipe. To. Die. For.
Keeps well for a week in the refrigerator. 

In case you are at a loss for entertainment, below are the trailers for the movie mentioned above (free on amazon prime) as well as The Ghost and Mr. Chicken with Don Knotts from 1966, which will not appeal to all but we enjoyed. I was telling someone at work about it and they did not know who Don Knotts was. It was the same person who did not know who Laurel and Hardy were. I am on a mission to keep the classics alive.  

 

sweet, funny, a little madcap...

In case you are interested, incubation continues on the front porch of Tall Tales headquarters. The porch has been divided and agreements signed. Chris and I stay away from the nest, the robin avoids the rocking chairs, especially at cocktail time. 

The Japanese maple turned on the charm overnight this past weekend. It's just splendid. 

A Japanese maple leaf in the right light is just about one of the most beautiful things there is. Amen to a whole lot of beauty right now. 

The oak leaf hydrangea is pushing out new leaves like nobody's business. I think the maple and it are competing for some kind of award. 

Out back this statue from Angie's garden stands guard over a small bunch of tulips that were planted way back in 2008. I don't know why they have not been eaten by squirrels or how they keep performing when most of the rest that I have planted over the years have stopped. I am grateful. 

By the way, we did end up watching Harvey on Easter. Just the kind of viewing needed during Coronavirus times. Sweet, funny, a little madcap, and of course it's got Jimmy Stewart in it.  What more needs to be said?

 

follow my lead and do them all

This morning after cleaning off the table, drinking a cup of coffee, and making sure the redbud tree out front had suffered no ill effects from the "hard" freeze overnight, I FaceTimed brother. 

I told him I was about to spend $195.00 on a pair of mail order shoes that I could not try on, and wondered what he would do in this situation. Truthfully, I was thinking he would talk me down. He responded "well sister, I have two schools of thought on that". He noted we are older, our feet our important, we have always been of the mind that it's ok to pay "good money" for quality things, and dad used to tell us to buy the best in terms of our golf shoes.  I stopped him before he presented position #2 so he wouldn't change my mind. The one he had just helped me make up with his 4 salient points.

Once this critically important decision had been made, I took a photo of the cauliflower I was about to roast because it seemed really beautiful to me. On my quick walk today I noted the appearance of the yellow flower that blooms after forsythia and daffodils. 

Tonight we are watching Yours, Mine, and Ours with Henry Fonda and Lucille Ball. 

The garden, talking to your family, making questionable decisions, ordinary beauty, looking at the bright side of things you cannot change, and a good dose of old fashioned humor are all examples of the coping skills I am employing today. Along with a dinner of Chris made salisbury steak, mashed potatoes, mixed vegetables, a crusty roll with butter, and a generous glass of cabernet. I can recommend each of these things individually but really encourage you follow my lead and do them all. Substitutions that satisfy your personal preferences are encouraged. No extra charge. 

unless of course, I talk him into something I think sounds better than what he picks

There is apparently a new family moving onto the front porch at Tall Tales Headquarters.

While I am not thrilled about a nest right there, on the wreath, which is not all that stable in my opinion, I can not bring myself to take it down. It's a beauty. 

The vinca vine out back has started to bloom, and there is blue sky and sun today. 

On the knitting front, this botanical cowl got finished. Botanical Cowl free pattern

Modeling photos to follow once I unpin it from the bedroom floor upstairs. 

Or I may just leave it here. I love how projects look when they are blocked. 

I also joined the shoulder seams of a sweater and hope to sew up the sides, then pick up and knit a garter stitch border all around the bottom and along the front and collar area. This pattern calls for the sides to be seamed and then the sleeves to be eased in. Hmmm will some of you knitters tell me if you wouldn't put the sleeves in first and then sew the side seams and the sleeve seams at the same time. 

Last item in the knitting news portion of this post - I am getting ready to wind some yarn into a ball for another cowl. Winding a skein is akin to walking a labyrinth. Very meditative. The exception being if you drop the ball multiple times and it rolls down a flight of stairs. 

On the movie front, we watched Late Night last night. If you love Emma Thompson, and are in need of something a little bit predictable, with a good ending (who isn't right now?), this is your movie. I enjoyed it very much, Chris tolerated it. Which means he gets to select what we watch tonight. Unless of course I talk him into something I think sounds better than what he picks.  

someone who could "hear" what people needed underneath all the shields we throw up

A Beautiful Day in the Neighborhood finally became available on demand in my neck of the woods and Chris and I watched it recently.  

It's really more about the reporter (Tom Junod) who wrote this article  for Esquire magazine and the relationship they had during the time he was interviewing him. I don't have any idea which parts of the movie are based in fact versus fiction, and that really isn't important. What it did was portray Fred Rogers as the most amazing listener, someone who could "hear" what people needed underneath all the shields we throw up to keep others off guard. 

Recommended. I think I have mentioned before that Ed Rogers wrote a wonderful pamphlet about talking to children about death. I like to give it to adults who are struggling with what to say, and the words to use, when talking to kids about dying. It's timeless.  Kind of like Mr. Rogers. 

unexpected twists and turns

If you like twists, turns, and Helen Mirren, you will want to see this.

Unexpected, unpredictable, unanticipated.  Whatever you want to call it. We didn't see the ending coming. Recommended.   

P.S. Ian McKellen is also very good.  

if you like a BIG movie

Chris and I went to see 1917 today. We wanted to see it on the "big screen" even though it is sometimes my preference to watch a movie that will likely have me on the edge of my seat at home. So I can get up and move around to break the tension. And schedule breaks when needed.

The non-stop action did have me with my hand over my mouth a lot. Like that would keep something from happening? Whatever. It makes me feel better. George MacKay and Dean-Charles Chapman were actors I have not previously heard of. Both were great. When I came home I went on-line to see about the dedication at the end which makes you think perhaps it is based on a true story. It is very loosely based on stories told to the director by his grandfather, but overall, all fiction. If you like a BIG movie, go see this one in the theatre. Get (or bring) popcorn. It also helps ease the tension. 

a perfect holiday whodunnit

We started our holiday movie season with Knives Out on Saturday. It's a perfect whodunnit. Clever, tongue in cheek entertainment, with a stellar cast of actors in what I would say are "different" roles for them. From the ambiance of the mansion, filled with quirky objects, to the masterful interpretation of the classic roles necessary for a good murder mystery, it does not disappoint. 

A little bit mad-cap, slightly far-fetched, but in a way that could be followed to the perfect conclusion. We loved it. Salty popcorn and Dr. Pepper recommended on the side. Or whatever your favorite movie snack is. 

a box of Kleenex, an afghan, and hot tea

As you go about all of your pre-thankgiving (and/or plain old regular) chores today,

things like having a discussion with the head turkey maker about whether or not you should fill the cavity of a smoked turkey with an onion, orange, and apple, like you do when you are cooking it the usual way, but now you are just warming it? He says "why not?", I say "no, I don't think so", but couch it with the fact that I am NOT in charge of the turkey.

Perhaps your chore is mounding leaves around your rose bushes for protection, soil amendment, or someone said it was a good idea,

or you just be getting out a last few silly bits of holiday decor, but whatever you are doing, I hope you will also make some time to do something you really WANT to do...

Like sitting in front of an old television set in an upstairs bedroom (because it's the only place to watch a DVD) and  watching your favorite movie of all time, which a nice woman from your knitting class (thanks Pat!) happens to own and lent to you. There may be a box of Kleenex, an afghan, and hot tea involved too. 

happy to participate in the spontaneous clapping

If you are able to get to a theatre where the Linda Rondstadt documentary, The Sound of My Voice, is playing, you must go.  In particular if you are between the ages of 50 and 65, growing up with her records playing on your dorm-room stereo, or on the juke box at the local beer joint, you will thoroughly enjoy it. 

Chris and I saw it at Liberty Hall in Lawrence and were happy to participate in the spontaneous clapping at the end of the film. Such a voice. 

the quintessential good guy or "the bruce", you decide

We went to see The Art of Racing in the Rain today.  

Oh. My. Sweet and sappy, about love and loss, complete with good guys and bad guys, and one great dog.  There.  That's all you need to know. Take a hanky. Milo Ventimiglia is the quintessential good guy which you probably already knew, but you may not know that Dustin O'Halloran does the music. And it is wonderful.

If sweet and sappy is not your thing, I also watched Jaws this weekend.  It was on someone's list of "summer movies to watch again", and I bit. Plus, after hearing on NPR this past week about Bruce (the shark), and how he has been restored to hang in a new Academy Museum of Motion Pictures, I couldn't help myself. 

It was as scary as I remembered in some spots, but I had forgotten much of the story line and parts of the ending. Definitely worth a re-see, unless your name is Dottie Moss, in which case DO NOT WATCH IT.  EVER.   

he might have rolled his eyes

Our plans for the weekend are mainly centered around heat avoidance. Which means a movie. We have selected Yesterday. Please do not tell me before Sunday if you saw it and hated it because I will be spending Saturday brushing up on all the lyrics in anticipation of singing along. I selected our seats on-line, on opposite ends of a row for Chris and I.  In case he is embarrassed when I burst out in song. I told him it would be awesome if we could sing back and forth across the row to one another.  He might have rolled his eyes. 

Cooling baths with orange and ginger bubbles, ice cream eating, and naps in front of a fan are also planned. Along with flower watering, zinnia bouquet making, iced coffee drinking, and evaluating spots in Minnesota for a trip with brother next year (do tell if you know a spot we must call home base). Serious rejuvenation in other words. Happy Weekend!

calling myself a perennial

If you are someone who enjoys the out of doors, likes to ramble in the woods, and loves our National Parks, chances are you have already seen Free Solo.  But if you haven't, you can catch it on the National Geographic channel or Amazon Prime.   

It's compelling, vertigo inducing, and kept me on the edge of my seat. Pretty much the entire time. 

What it did not make me want to do is go climbing.  With or without a rope.  

What it did make me want to do is keep hiking.  To the best of my ability.  Pushing my limits but not going beyond.  Last week when I suggested you read this article about resiliency and late bloomers being happier and more successful, I realized it would not be fair to call myself a late bloomer.  While I was pretty mediocre at some things early on in life, there were also things I did very well at a young age. 

For me the key is not to limit myself based on age or some other set criteria. I am therefore calling myself a perennial.  Continuing to come back and bloom over and over.  Sometimes not in the same way I did before, but always providing interest, at least when I look at myself.  And isn't that what's most important?

This post did not start with the intent of me discovering my inner plant-ness.  But it sure is where it ended up.  Darned if I know for sure how.  

the gardens of the midwest are still in REM sleep

Happy Sunday from Lawrence Kansas where the wind is blowing, the snow is melting, and I am still playing a game of hide and seek with a cardinal.

The days of flannel pajamas, coffee, and a leisurely flip through a magazine in the morning will soon give way to hurrying out of doors for garden walks.  Inspections to see what is peeking up through the ground.

In Albuquerque and Los Angeles my sisters send me video of their gardens waking up - grape hyacinths, camellia's, flowering fruit trees.  

The gardens of the midwest are still in REM sleep.  

I am making do with what I find in the way of greenery/flowers at the store.  

Because my kitchen window requires the presence of little vases.

In other news, last night we watched Bohemian Rhapsody. We hadn't really planned to see it, but after hearing how good it was, we succumbed.  Good thing.  It was excellent. Highly recommended. 

And now I am walking around the house singing "I see a little silhouetto of a man, scaramouch, scaramouch will you do the fandango, thunderbolt and lightning very very frightening, Gallileo, Gallileo, Gallileo ...." 

Chris joins in too of course.  Though he won't admit to it if asked.  

an icon for our time

Even though very late to the party, I finally watched RBG recently. It WAS everything I had heard about it.  And more. Which led to the need to capture her in the sketchbook. 

Initially I had her on the page with a white background. But decided the burst of rays was most definitely called for. So I wandered out to the garage to find an old stencil Sister did years ago, and settled on a bright orange acrylic in lieu of a can of spray paint. 

"I ask no favor for my sex.  All I ask of our brethren is that they take their feet off our necks."

                                                               Justice Ruth Bader Ginsberg

 

There is no way to possibly sum up this documentary. Trailer below provided for your viewing pleasure. Highly Recommended.

 

Glen Close is masterful

In our ongoing quest to see as many of the movies and performances nominated for academy awards, we watched The Wife this week.  Glen Close, who took home the Golden Globe for her portrayal of the wife of a man who wins the Nobel prize in literature, is simply masterful.  

Highly recommended.  

go with your favorite old-timer

We went to see Stan & Ollie this weekend.  Highly recommended.

On Tuesday at work, when sharing what we had seen with the 27, 30, and 33 year olds I was working with, they had never heard of Laurel and Hardy. Insert sound of jaw dropping here.  

So listen, if you go, take a 20 or 30 something with you, because this kind of comic genius does not come around everyday. The lines, the timing, the dancing, simple perfection. All things to be marveled at. The story is wonderful and John C. Reilly and Steve Coogan were splendid (as were their wives!)

If you can't find a young whipper-snapper to take with you. Go with your favorite old timer (and take a Kleenex). Then go out to dinner and talk about how amazing they were and how good it is to be getting older and have known comedy at it's finest.

we all need more animals that come to life and talk

Our weekend entertainment included a couple of movies.  Firstly, for an antidote to all that ails you, I highly recommend a visit with Winnie the Pooh.  

Because we all need more animals that come to life and talk.  And remind us of what's important.  Even for just 104 minutes.  As Pooh says ... sometimes doing nothing leads to the very best of something ... 

For the history buffs, and those of us who can remember the Apollo 11 moon landing, First Man was great.

Chris and I talked about what we each were doing in July 1969 when the moonwalk went down. Then I sent a message to Ray, Dottie, and Mary Ann to see if their memory of watching Neil Armstrong take the "giant leap for mankind" coincided with mine.  Which was of all of us in the "den" of our house at Shaw Air Force Base, South Carolina - eyes glued to the black and white TV.  Ray confirmed it and mentioned that he also recalls going outside to see if he could see the moon immediately afterwards. If you love space, or history, or both, you will want to see this. 

what a kind human being

If you happen to find yourself "house-bound" this winter and are looking for some entertainment, I have several movies for your consideration.  If a modern day fairy tale sounds good, check out Crazy Rich Asians.  Charming and funny.  

If something a bit more historical with an educational twist is more to your liking, you can not go wrong with this documentary about Fred Rogers. I was blown away by it and by HIM. What a kind, human being. Well worth seeing and highly recommended.  

perfect for a chilly winter night

Christmas retreats just as it comes on at my house.  Slowly.  Translated:  decorations are not coming down for awhile and more holiday photos will be posted.  

This was on a nice sunny day downtown on Massachusetts street.  Strolling for last minute gifts.

If you are like us, and are not done with Christmas either... and have not seen Christmas in Connecticut, We're No Angels, While You Were Sleeping, or The Lemon Drop Kid... they are delightful holiday movies.  Silly. Corny. Funny. We rented them all this year (from Amazon).  Perfect for a chilly winter night.  Even better with a bowl of chili and a corn muffin on the side.  If you ask me.  Which you did not.  

a wonderful way to start the new year

Mary Poppins returns is a magical treat for all the senses.  The music, dancing/choreography, sets, costumes... a pure delight.  If you are 5 or 95 you are going to want to see it, on the big screen.  If you are lucky you will sit next to a little boy with a box of Sour Patch candy clutched in his hands that he doesn't want to open until the movie starts.  

Emily Blunt was simply outstanding.  A different Mary Poppins than Julie Andrews, so I did not find myself comparing them.  HIGHLY recommended.  A wonderful way to start the new year.  I was smiling throughout the experience, except when I had a lump in my throat.  Get thee to the theatre!

Here is what Chris and to say about it:    
"Great staging, artwork, costumes, direction, and casting.  Some of the lyrics will be lost on kids.  The lamplighter song and choreography stood out and was reminiscent of several dance numbers with Dick Van Dyke from the original movie.  The closing number with the balloons was not the crescendo the film deserved.  Four chimney brushes out of five."

if you are a James Corden fan

If you have been taking yourself a bit too seriously lately, may I suggest a dose of Peter Rabbit?

Yes, I know it's been out awhile, but we just got around to watching it the other night on demand.  We found it to be pure entertainment.  For entertainments sake. 

We saw the preview for this when we went to see Coco at the theatre.  I have been bugging Chris about it ever since.  He finally gave in.  I can be like a dog with a bone when I get an idea in my head. 

P.S.  If you are a James Corden fan, you will love it.  Don't even get me started on Carpool Karaoke. 

not your traditional Christmas movie but oh it’s good

Overnight a dusting of snow.  Perfect for a Christmas Eve early morning walk.

Then it was home to make a deep dish pumpkin pie with fresh ginger, yams, and heavy cream.

This is my “go to” pumpkin pie recipe.

 Deeply rich and flavorful without being overly spicy.  It also has a smooth creamy texture.  

The crust is not a thing of beauty but it contains the filling perfectly and is not soggy.

I will be ready for a piece while we are watching Seven Brides For Seven Brother’s tonight.  It’s not your traditional Christmas movie but oh it’s good.  

I hope you are cozy and warm tonight.  Wherever you are.  Whomever you are with.  Whatever you are doing.   

afterwards we would have gone out for tamales

If you have one drop of Mexican blood in your body (and even if you don't), run to the theatre to see Coco.  Chris and I went this weekend.  Completely magical.  The storyline revolves around the Mexican tradition “Dia de los Muertos”, and is a great portrayal of how death is a natural part of life.  

It would have been so good to take Angie and all her sisters to see it.  Afterwards we would have gone out for tamales, "Spanish rice", and refried beans.  Watching it made me want to make an alter every year with photos of all my loved ones on it, so they can follow the marigold carpet and cross the border between worlds to visit. 

if you like oddball comedy

On Small Business Saturday, I went to the Lawrence Bizarre Bazaar.  Always a treat.  Wandering through the booths.  Soaking up all the creative vibes.  

Then I came home and had some leftovers.   Ann brought pimento cheese spread for snacking on before the turkey dinner.  In these super cute orange ramekins that sit on that striped little tray.  @#&$@ How cute is that?

Since she left it, I am forced to eat it.  In the special containers.  Such a hardship.  It’s perfect with those black grapes.  Note that my pumpkins remain out.  We are not going to be ready for red and green until next weekend.  

Red hearts surrounding Harvey are allowed though.  I swear there were hearts floating all around him when we were working in the yard today.  He is coming back tomorrow.  I am making spots for him to roll on his back  

Chris and I watched  Mixed Nuts tonight with Steve Martin.  Our first holiday movie of the season.  If you like oddball comedy you will enjoy it.  Liev Schreiber is HILARIOUS and so good in it.  

even though I lived through this and know how it comes out

Sunday I filled a vase with zinnias, some basil, lemon balm, and a marigold. 

Made perhaps the last kale salad of the season.  I used barley as my grain.  Very tasty. 

And started pumpkin number 3.  I know.  Stop the presses.  It was so exciting.  

Then because it was raining, and we were forced to put off any yard work, we went to the movies.  If you haven't seen Sully yet, you might want to go.  Strange how on the edge of my seat I was for the whole movie even though I lived through this and know how it comes out.   I guess that's what good acting and directing will get you.  Chris says "it's big screen worthy for the spectacle, the sound, and larger-than-life experience". 

Lastly, I just ran across this blog that I am adding to my "read regularly" short list.  Thoughtful.  Relevant.  Well written.  Who couldn't use a little more of all those things these days?   

the good guys are good and the bad guys are bad

In the event that this is the last appearance of Daniel Craig as 007, as it is rumored, do yourself the favor of going to see Spectre.  On the BIG screen.  It's a spectacle.  As all James Bond films really should be. 

The good guys are good.  The bad guys are bad.  The supporting cast is perfect.  While I missed Judi Dench, Ralph Fienes makes M his own character and Ben Whishaw and Naomie Harris are perfect as the modern day Q and Moneypenny.  The chase scenes kept me on the edge of my seat and the soundtrack is spectacular.  I smiled, clapped, and covered my eyes at various times during the film.  What else do you need to know?  Get thee to the theatre and prepare to be entertained.  

conrad and the suzuki strings concert

The Maple Leaf festival in Baldwin City last weekend was everything you might expect from a fall arts and crafts show.  Banners, music, rides, hooked rugs, turkey legs, cotton candy, quilts on display, a beer garden, and beautiful maple trees. 

What I did not expect to see however was this little miss. 

She was part of the Suzuki Strings concert.  Who knew there was such a thing?  Not me.

They alone are a reason to return next year.  That and the pretty trees. And Conrad.

Conrad, the shuttle driver.  Who was probably 80 and seemed to know every single person in town, including a couple of real cute giggly 10 year old girls who made it a point to come over and wave and say "Hi Conrad!" And now I can not for the life of my stop singing "we love you conrad oh yes we do, we don't love anyone as much as you, when you're not with us, we're blue, oh conrad we love you".   If this reference is not familiar to you I recommend highly that you watch Bye Bye Birdie this weekend. 

I still can't stop thinking about it

We selected Foxcatcher as our first movie to see in 2015.    This is the sort of movie that you are glad you saw because it is so well done, but on the other hand is so hard to watch at times that you just want it to hurry up and be over.  The kind of movie that makes you look up stuff when you get home because you can't believe you don't recall when it was happening in real life.  And you have questions.  Questions that need answers. 

I am not going to dig into all the underlying themes.  I am not one for over analysis.  As a whole, let me just say that it's a stunner.  As in, it left me feeling stunned.   Incredible performances by Steve Carell, Channing Tatum, and Mark Ruffalo.  As much as I wanted to shake it out of my head as we were leaving the theatre, I still can't stop thinking about it.  Anybody else out there see it?  

a collective 4 thumbs up

With 4 days left in 2014 Chris and I went to see movie # 11 for the year.  If you like Meryl Streep,  fairy tales, and musicals, you are going to love this.

I thought it was clever and entertaining with excellent performances and a fine bit of casting.  I especially liked little red reding hood (Lilla Crawford) and it was an unexpected treat to see Christine Baranski and Tracy Ullman.  

Two thumbs up from both Chris and I.  That's a collective 4 thumbs up.  

St. Vincent

Thank you Loretta!  For telling me to go see St. Vincent.  You were right.  I laughed.  I cried.  I thoroughly enjoyed every minute of watching Bill Murray bring Vincent to life.  Highly recommended.  Very highly. 

Did I mention that Melissa McCarthy, Naomi Watts, Chris O'Dowd and Jaeden Lieberher were all excellent as well?   Nice movie for the holiday season.  Enough said.  

a card carrying member of the frequent movie-goer club

I think calling it "Brilliant" might be a bit of a stretch, but I did enjoy my 8th film of 2014 today.  The Trip to Italy has lovely scenery, an excellent soundtrack, and the food preparation and serving scenes were some of my favorites.  As they drove along the Amalfi Coast I had lots of memories of the trip Mary Ann and I made there in 2008.   I had some of the most enjoyable meals of my life on that trip.  

Several weeks ago I saw my 7th film of 2014.  My Old Lady had lovely scenes of Paris and while I wished the chemistry between Kevin Cline and Kristin Scott Thomas had been better I still liked it.   It's hard not to like a movie with Maggie Smith in it. 

This means I have 4 movies left to see in 2014 to meet my goal of 12 for the year which will be A LOT of movies for me.  I feel like a card carrying member of the frequent movie-goer club.   I already have slotted Pride for movie #9 and Tracks for movie #10.  If you have seen something recently I must get to, do tell.  I will add it to my list. 

six more movies to go

We went to see "The Hundred Foot Journey" last weekend.  On the opening weekend no less!  That might be a first for us.  If you like France, and you like food, and you like Helen Mirren... go and see it.

We spent 2 perfectly lovely hours being entertained while we watched.   It's a "nice" movie (as Angie would say) even if it is predictable.    Sometimes predictable, and sweet, and enjoyable is just the kind of 2 hour escape I need. 

Six more movies to go to make my "one a month for 2014" resolution come to pass.  I think I can, I think I can....

I was completely engrossed in the whole mad cap adventure

If you are ready for 100 minutes of pure enchantment, go see this.

It's a delightful escape from the everyday with rich evocative imagery and clever dialogue.   From the moment we sat down I was completely engrossed in the whole mad cap adventure.   No detail was overlooked in this wonderfully casted Wes Anderson film.  

I will never look at a concierge again without wondering if they are a member of the secret society of crossed keys.

my speed out of the gate thus far has been nothing short of amazing

Just to be sure that I did in fact get to more movies this year than last year... I went ahead and took myself to a show this week.  Alone.  On a weekday.  Don't tell anyone, but I even sneaked a gingerbread latte into the theatre.  Inside my purse.  Without spilling a drop. 

Judi Dench gave a stellar peformance.  But don't take my word for it.  Go see for yourself.  It's the perfect little movie to see at 2 o'clock on a weekday.   

My speed out of the gate thus far in the "2014 Lets Go to the Movies Race" has been nothing short of amazing.  If I do say so myself.  And clearly I just did.  

we gotta get out more

Every single year I tell Chris "we need to go and see more movies in the theatre".
Every year we see maybe 2 movies at the theatre.
We gotta get out more. 

We took steps in the right direction on Sunday when we went to see Saving Mr. Banks.  Neither of us are movie critics but we each gave this picture our enthusiastic two thumbs up rating.  We have been singing "Lets Go Fly a Kite" since we got home.   How can Tom Hanks and Emma Thompson together be anything but brilliant?   Throw Paul Giamatti in there as well and I am a goner. 

Get thee to the theatre.