Enjoyed ONCE UPON A TIME...IN HOLLYWOOD although the final scene in retrospect is strange. Don't want to ruin it, but he evokes some sympathy for the Manson girls by ending it the way he does.
Did not think much of THE FAREWELL. It was a nice enough movie but it was threadbare beyond its basic concept. There was not enough plot. Plus Awkwafina's glum, one-note performance was annoying.And how little we learned about the characters beyond their dislike of giving or getting bad news.A wedding banquet scene lasted as long as most banquets and I was reminded of Ang Lee's THE WEDDING BANQUET, which was a wittier and far better movie.
Reading a book about the Flint water crisis for my book group. I don't think it is a good discussion book. It will just lead to all of us bemoaning the state of our government, which has only got worst in the last two years.
Thanks to my friends I have been able to get out of the house every day this week. As long as I keep moving, I survive. Thoughts of the coming winter are frightening.
What about you?
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Katie flew home for a bachelorette party. She booked our flights online for Thanksgiving (we're visiting Patrick in San Jose). She is so fas compared to my ever slowing typing.
I saw MAIDEN and loved it. My review of MAIDEN and THE FAREWELL will be up on my blog this week.
SHERLOCK HOLMES WEEK just ended on my blog. I reviewed Claire O'Dell's THE HOUND OF JUSTICE and Claire O'Dell made a couple of comments. It's always a thrill to hear from writers!
Glad you're getting out each day. It makes a difference!
MAIDEN looks interesting. It must be around here somewhere.
I'm glad you've seen some solid films lately, Patti. And George is right; getting out on a regular basis is important - glad you're doing that.
Well, Epstein is dead. Not that I'm rejoicing, but there will be no further victims. I'm happy that investigations into his affairs are ongoing. How wide a net that will cast and who will be caught is the big question. Some of the names being bandied about are those of people I respect; others, not a bit. We'll have to see what happens.
we've been watching a lot of Father Brown on television. Kitty likes it a lot and I find it interesting but a bit twee. (Then again, I've red the original stories and she has not.) We've also returned to BLUE MURDER, which is as enjoyable the second time around. AGENTS OF S.H.I.E.L.D. had its season (probably series) finale, leaving some unanswered questions. Looking forward to the new season of JACK RYAN.
Kitty had her last chemo for a while last Thursday. They will keep checking her numbers to see if she needs more -- probably only a few times a year, if that. Fingers crossed.
Now that Jessie is cancer-free, she has taken a new attitude on life. Exercise, diet, going back to school...the whole magilla. This new outlook had us out ax throwing yesterday to celebrate her birthday. Darned if Jack (at seven!) was better at it that the rest of us. I came in a respectful second. Do you have any idea how difficult it is to throw an ax while you are laughing?
Yesterday was also my father's birthday. I am continually thankful that I had such a strong example in my life and although he has been gone for nearly forty years I still miss him.
School starts today. Erin is senior and Jack is entering the second grade. Both, I'm sure, will provide us with interesting times over the school year.
I am also very grateful that you have been getting out, Patti. Friends and activity are so important. Also important is you having a great week, so that's what I'm wishing on you!
No interest in the Tarantino movie, especially given the ending. We did see one movie (borrowed from the library), the very odd THE MAN WHO KILLED HITLER AND THEN THE BIGFOOT, which was recommended by James Reasoner on his blog. Of course, we thought of Bill Crider immediately. It's worth seeing for the lead performance by Sam Elliott, who does another nice job. I must admit, I found it odd seeing comedian Larry Miller playing his younger brother.
I won't bother listing television watching, other than to see we seem to watch three or four shows from Netflix or Amazon Prime/Acorn a night. We're also watching the Belgian PROFESSOR T. on PBS, which has improved quite a bit since episode one.
This week we did see Jimmy Buffett (yes, again) at Jones Beach. Good show. We spent the night at the Long Island Marriott. Good buffet breakfast. This week (Thursday) it is John Fogerty's 50th Anniversary Tour at Radio City Music Hall. He always does a great show.
Also confirmed this week that I have gallstones. It's always something, right? It explains a few attacks I have had over the years. No more fried foods.
Our weather has improved, as it was a below average 80 over the weekend. Nice.
Any chance of getting away at all this winter, Patti? We are looking forward to South Florida after missing this past year.
Jerry, by coincidence Jackie just watched the last series of BLUE MURDER. (She is a big Caroline Quentin fan.) We have the DVD set. She also watch the first series of JACK RYAN.
Saw Once Upon A Time In America a second time. My favorite movie so far this year. Glad I didn't go see The Farewell. Maiden in playing at the Main. Not a lot of good movies til fall. Read Shameless by Ace Atkins which I liked a lot and Bad Axe County by John Galligan which was also very good.
Not watching a lot of tv. Have gotten behind on a lot of series.
Told I need a knee replacement somewhere down the line. Got a cortisone shot which has helped a lot, but that's only a temporary fix.
George is your knee replacement expert, having had both done. My wife had one and swears never to have the other. Fortunately, she doesn't need it done (so far).
Steve, my advice is to start now to prepare for your future knee replacement. I go to the nearby Aquatic Fitness Center and frolic in the water every day. Water will strengthen your legs and get you ready for the surgery. You'll recover more quickly, too. Water is a great low impact activity! If you're not interested in the pool, then think about becoming a daily Mall Walker. Exercise will cut your recovery time in half.
George, thanks for the info. Not real close to a mall. I know someone who is getting it done next month and see how her surgery goes. Everyone seems to be different. One women in my apt building still wears a brace after 6 months.
Good that you're able to get out, Patti, too bad you're not up to driving yourself. We have had nice August weather, by which I mean not to hot, staying the the 70s and even some rain. Usually it's much hotter and we suffer and have to water every day. It will be 81 today, they say, which is still not bad. Barbara has started going to the gym again after a long recovery time from her nee surgery. She's doing specific low impact exercises using certain machines as recommended by her surgeon. (no, George no water frolic).
I'm loaded down with library books, and it's making me a more picky reader. I've been applying the 40 page test (others say 30, or 50 or whatever) and returning books that don't grab me. Still, so much to read!
No, other than Bouchercon, I will probably be home. Hard to envision going somewhere alone.
BLUE MURDER--is that on Netflix?
Have always meant to try Father Brown. Glad for all the good news on the health fron, Jerry.
I know about a dozen people who had knee surgery-all to good success. It seems like they have that procedure pretty routinized.
Rick-I have the 10 page test.
General happiness and happy that summer is still here.
We drove to central Kansas last week. Our first summer back there in three years or so. Hot and humid and humid and hot. After many years of visiting just about every zoo in Kansas we only traveled to Abilene this year and visited the Eisenhower museum. I tried going mountain biking with Boy #1 on a trail around Coronado Heights but the trail was way overgrown due floods that restricted access to the hill. http://www.kansastravel.org/coronadoheights.htm
Saturday was a full day on the lake with Boy Scouts to kayak and canoe the circumference of the lake. A successful trip. One guy - going into 6th grade - still deals with adversity by screaming and crying. I am glad his mother came along to deal with him.
On Sunday I finally took down the 12'x12'x6' outdoor dog kennel on the back of our driveway. The job took longer than expected but someone bought it off Facebook for $25 and picked it up that night.
Just a personal opinion, but I find it hard to enjoy the British period series set in the 1950s - Father Brown (didn't like it at all), Grantchester (ditto), Tommy & Tuppence. Earlier, fine; later, no problem; but '50s, no thanks as a rule. Of course, there are always exceptions, and in this case it is Call the Midwife, which started in the '50s before moving to the '60s.
Again, I hasted to add this is just my personal taste.
Don't know about Blue Murder, as Jackie bought the DVD set in England several years ago. To my taste, it is no Scott & Bailey or Happy Valley.
But it is quickly winding down, Gerard.
Scott and Bailey and Happy Valley were exceptional.
Patti, I too am glad that you are getting out. And I am glad you are planning to go to Bouchercon.
I wish I could be as ruthless with books as you and Rick, but mostly I enjoy all of the books I read.
I want to try watching Scott and Bailey but Happy Valley might be too dark for me.
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