Mountainfilm for 5th summer!!!

I had thought it was going to be next weekend, so it kinda sorta snuck up on me this year.

In early June, I'd reserved five seats for my and Christina's family, as well as one for her boyfriend of the past year.

Remember, I did that last year, too, even though she and Anthony had only known each other a few months. 

Then, on Thursday, I saw the email reminding me... 

reading that the MountainFilm On Tour Savannah was in two days...

yikes!

I let my first niece know, but she wasn't able to go on short notice.

How about Michael and the twins?

Nope, they couldn't, neither.

That's okay, I was still going to partake of these movies not otherwise available to me at the local cinemas.

I've been enjoying these Telluride films for the 16 years they've been here!

The big program will be in January, of course, but I also like these short film festivals in the summer and for Veterans Day. 

There were five films from Telluride, plus a local one from a group of guys named Max at Savannah Arts Academy... seriously!

The young men screened "Clean Coast Club: Tides Of Change", a four-minute short that featured them cleaning up the marshes and beaches around, and between, Tybee and Savannah.

As we were all at Savannah Arts Academy for this film festival, they received a very nice round of applause!!!

The first film from Telluride was from 2025, a 34-minute documentary titled "What The River Knows", featuring songs from Katie Lee.

She fell in love with the Colorado River and its beaches in Glen Canyon, then became an environmental activist who called for the closing of the Glen Canyon Dam and the return of the area to its natural state.

That was followed by a shorter, 10-minute, piece, "The Opening Prayer (Ohen:ton Karihwatehkwen), with spoken Iroquois and English subtitles.

Although beautifully done, with many Native Americans taking part in each stanza of the prayer for the Creator, Earth, water, fruits, trees, medicine, and more, I couldn't help but remember that younger audience members would have felt a bit left out, with only lovely photos on the screen.

(I did find an English-spoken version on youtube, though.)

I was a little surprised that the third film hadn't been saved for the Veterans Day screenings, as its focus was a Coast Guard veteran.

Titled "First In, Last Out", the 25-minute documentary followed surf photographer Christa Funk, who was always in place in the water before the surfers arrived.

What incredible images she captured!!!

I do believe Miyah and Chloe would have loved that one!!

"About Damn Time: The Dory Women of Grand Canyon" was the fourth from the Telluride film festival.

It was 24 minutes of white water rafting in little boats called dories, which are regarded as "the ballerinas" of the rapids.

It was so much fun to watch those guides cum cooks power rowing down the Colorado River in those six-person crafts!

In fact, I'm glad I found the video on youtube to watch again!!!

Yes!

After that fourth film, there was a brief intermission to give away t-shirts and other souvenirs for those kids who could answer questions.

I took a bathroom break... and missed the last film!

"Strike - Mary Rand" was only 3 minutes long...

but I found it, too, on youtube!!!

Nice to cool off while watching all that shushing in snow!

Very nice way to be welcomed home from the cruise vacation!

(smile!)

meals and more with my girls!!!

Monday, it was time for Music Bingo again!

This was the first time any of us had been since the debacle a month ago.

"Us" would be me, Sandy, Marcia, and Elissa.

Hey, we've been busy, vibrant, women, a'ight, with family from out of town, cruises, and what-not going on!

I remembered to bring my free appetizer reward that I won about six weeks ago, too.

Fortunately, Midtown Sports Grill has changed their menu yet again.

Potato Skins is a new entry, loaded with bacon and cheddar, and that made for a mighty fine "welcome back" dinner with my friends!

And just look at that first bingo game of the evening!!!

That "Dance Party Mix" yielded me the first "Bingo!" of the bar!

Russ was even surprised that I'd won without using the 'Free Space' - I'd managed to do it with five actual songs that had been played, straight down the "I" column!!!

Andrew, the new bartender, was glad to bring me a free lemonade as my "free drink" reward for the game!

How wonderful to have shared that those three hours with friends!

(smile!)

Then, today, my first niece came to share a favorite movie with me!

This was the last week of the NCG Summer Camp Film Festival and they've been screening "The Wild Robot" since Sunday.

We love that movie about parenting and kindness!!!

Want to know how much?

She stayed awake through the entire movie!!!

That's saying a lot, as she has sleep apnea and tends to take a nap if she sits in one place too long.

That wasn't the case two weeks ago when she joined me for "Sing", but that was okay... it let me munch some of her popcorn!

That time, she was early and bought our tickets and kids' packs; this time, she was running on her standard time, so I bought the tickets and snacks.

(smile!)

After, we popped over to the Chick-Fil-A on Victory for our luncheon.

So glad the lunch crowd had mostly passed by then!

She grabbed the last table and we had a leisurely two hours together...

just us, no children, no boyfriend...

letting us truly talk about issues with that latter item.

Here's hoping for the best resolution for that problem.

Oh, plus a really bright spot!

We had been talking about friends from the past and she mentioned one of her middle-school buddies and spoke of them spending nights together.

"So, you're friends still, on fb?"

No, they weren't... but she quickly found her on that social media... and they are now reunited again!

Maybe I should do a few searches of lost friends, too.

(smile!)

birthday movie fest with dane!

I can just hear him now.

"What does the doggie get his Auntie when he has no funds?

How about a Netflix Film Festival for her bday68 weekend?

She's sure to like that!!!"

Dane was absolutely correct, too.

Some were movies I'd seen before, some were new to me, but all certainly added to the celebration of the new start of my year!

it all began on Thursday, when Tony and Laura went to set up camp for their two-day concert in Bloomingdale.

They planned to return home this afternoon, but, after two days of rain and mud, they called around midnight to say they were coming home. 

That marked the end of the three days of movies for me!

So, here's the gift list from Dane.

"There's Something About Mary" (1998) - fun romp with Ben Stiller, Cameron Diaz, and a musical duo standing in as the Greek chorus!

"The Wrong Missy" (2020) - new-to-me rom-com set in Hawaii, with a 56-year-old David Spade on a corporate trip trying to impress his boss, but he's invited the bad date with the same name as the dream girl he'd wanted to bring along. Guess he needed help setting up his phone book! LOL! Really was a nice lark.

"Remarkably Bright Creatures" (2026) - new-to-me film set in an aquarium in Washington state, starring an octopus named Marcellus. This is one of the best I've seen in a while! This is live action, narrated by the old octopus (Alfred Molina), who reflects on the doings of the humans around him, including a cleaning lady (Sally Field) and her temporary aide (Lewis Pullman). Such a beautifully scripted tale!!!

"Nonnas" (2025) - new-to-me biographical tale of Joe Scaravella, a man who decides on the spur of the moment to open an Italian restaurant to honor his recently deceased mother. Here's the draw for me: he knows absolutely nothing about doing such a thing! I can totally relate to that! Vince Vaughn does a charming job in the role of Scaravella. Nice to see Lorraine Bracco, Talia Shire ("Adrian!"), Susan Sarandon, and Brenda Vaccaro as the cooking grandmas!

"The Lost City" (2022) - after a busy birthday Friday, it was so wonderful to curl up with this rom-com adventure of the grieving writer (Sandra Bullock), her bookcover model (Channing Tatum), and her ever-faithful agent (Da'Vine Joy Randolph)!!! I do so love this movie!!!

"Splash" (1984) - closing out my Friday with another rom-com! This fantasy had a twenty-year lapse in the love affair between a human (Tom Hanks) and a mermaid (Daryl Hannah), with lots of ocean action. In a way, this was a precursor to "The Shape Of Water", wasn't it?

"The Penguin Lessons" (2024) - post-play at the Post, this new-to-me was one I'd wanted to see. I'm not a fan of Steve Coogan, but he's quite good as an ESL teacher in Argentina during a time of political turmoil. I mostly came for Jonathan Pryce, but I did like this one.

"Jay Kelly" (2025) - new-to-me, this Oscar contender with George Clooney was the perfect final film. It's a bit of "Cat's In The Cradle" for his character, but from both ends, as neither his dad nor his daughters have much use for him at this time in his life. His agent wants him to go to Italy for a 25-year award for his movies and he finally relents. He realizes his work had meaning for other people as he watches their faces during the montage of clips. Redemption!!!

Oops! Guess I should have said "spoiler alert!" for that last one... but I'm leaving in that last line. The movie is a bit of a downer otherwise, and I encourage you, my reader,  to thread up the reels and watch it anyway.

It really is Oscar-worthy!

Thanks, dear Dane, for this gift!

peter pan and the lions!

It's a good thing the SCAD play was a matinee, or I'd never have gotten that many lions wrestled to the ground!

This was another bday68 treat for me, of course!

I'd invited Kathy Mayin to this one and yesterday's musical, but she told me she would only be going to the one next weekend at Tybee.

I had hoped this one at the Lucas Theatre would be a musical, but no.

It was silliness piled on silliness, and the house was full!!!

Oh, have I not yet said its name?

Here it is: "Peter Pan Goes Wrong", composed by the same folks that penned the Christmas mashup two years ago. 

So how did this rendition work?

Well, the boy playing 'Michael' was supposedly a last-minute addition to the play - much like the girl in the last Hive musical - and had a voice in his ear instead of a script in his hands.

'Michael' was not nearly as adept as she had been, as he tended to repeat anything and everything that came through the headset.

Hilarity ensued, naturally!

There were lots of physical gags, too, with trick triple-tier bunk beds playing a role as well as fly-wires that had the actors upside-down most of the time when they weren't crashing into walls and such.

Plus, the stage crew had to keep coming on to fix things, most notably the doggie door when 'Nana' got stuck in it - that was funny!

The most impressive thing for me, though, was the set itself.

With at least three different views that rotated into place, they were works of art and must have been the most time-consuming part of this production.

The scene at the top was of the bedroom for the three children of the Darling family and had two doors, the double windows, the collapsing bunk bed, and other furniture.

The scene above was the opener of the second act and portrayed the Lost Boys' forest and it had collapsing bits, too!

Plus there was one stage that was the outside of the Darling's home, so we could see the children flying off with Peter Pan.

Then there was another stage for Captain Hook and his crew!

Like I said, those were quite impressive.

As for the actors themselves, the online program isn't much help.

It has the names of the characters they are playing, who in turn are playing 'Peter', 'Wendy', 'John', 'Michael', and company.

Still, it was enjoyable... and only $15 for seniors like me!

Oh, did I mention there were lions?

I did... but I never said they were in the play, did I?

That's because they were all part of my MGM+ Film Festival!

I didn't even know Comcast gave me that channel this week until Friday.

I started that day with "Overboard", the 1987 version with Goldie and Kurt - nice and light and perfect for breakfast!

I followed that with "Roofman", the Channing Tatum bit from last year, with him portraying the lovable bandit who lived in a Toys'R'Us store.

Upon my return home from the dinner with my brothers and others, I cued up "A Fish Called Wanda", as I love that 1985 romance!

Yesterday was pretty busy, so it wasn't until after nightfall that I could grab another from the premium channel.

"Novocaine" was the perfect romance-action flick to cap my day!

Today has been busy, too, but I came home from downtown wanting a musical... and there was "Hair", with its 1973 cast of hot actors.

I even managed to dance a little bit.

Then, before the clock ran out on this reward, I grabbed "To Live And Die In LA", just to watch William Petersen in those skintight jeans...

and Willem Dafoe artistically counterfeiting money...

and to listen to the Wang Chung soundtrack... 

yeah, that will do nicely! 

Sweet dreams for me! 

vacay in georgetown: last day with ryan reynolds and stella

Here's 'Guy' (Ryan Reynolds), confronted by the 'cop with the porn mustache' [aka 'Keys' (Joe Keery)] and 'the apex predator pink rabbit' (aka 'Mouser' (Utkarsh Ambudkar). They both think he is a player of the game "Free City" and are there to boot him out. Why? Because he looks like an NPC (non-player character) and that isn't allowed.

 

Here's the sign that 'Blue Shirt Guy' has made an indelible mark on the world outside the gaming community. Alex Trebek (a fellow Canadian, by the way) has just read the clue and had it answered correctly, "Who is Blue Shirt Guy". Looking directly into the camera, Trebek then adds, "Yes, who is he, or she." What a nice nod to the anonymity that game players have!

Here's 'Guy' sharing one of his favorite places, and favorite treats, with 'Molotov Girl' (Jodie Comer), who has deigned to hang out with him now that he's racked up over 100 points. And just where are they? In a part of the game that has no missions in it, an oceanside park. And what are they doing? Eating bubblegum ice cream... which turns out to be her favorite flavor, too!!! Then they go to the swing set and eat ice cream and act like a normal couple on a first date. I just love that!

I'm so glad I go to see this multiple times again!

I did laundry while I watched, too. I didn't want Dawn and Chris to have to wash the bed linens and towels I used, so I took care of that. I also washed my clothes from the last few days.

(smile) 

I made sure Stella had some time outside, too. Just what was she looking at so intently? The geese with the seven goslings were up the bank, in Ken's yard, and he was feeding them. She realized that running up on them would be rude, so she stayed on our side of the water. Good girl!

Then, after the movie and laundry were done, and my car was packed, I took her out to the front porch. It was already 2 PM and I knew they would be home between 2:30 and 3. Sure enough, they were! She was so very happy to have them home again!!!

And me?

I'm very happy to be home again myself!

Being on vacation is nice... but coming home is, too!

Hallelujah!!!

vacay in georgetown, with 8th graders and mileage change

"Did you say "8th graders"?"

 

I did indeed! Today was the final play by those students at Savannah Country Day School. The next time I see them, they'll be in the Upper School plays! This matinee was also the final performance of "Bright. Young. Things.", which is about a reality TV show which has students competing for the top prize. It was pretty funny, but also serious.

 

"That sounds like an ambitious piece for middle school kids."

 

Oh, I'm sure it was a challenge, but they all rose to the occasion! 'Rochelle' (Julia Drake) was supposed to be having a day with her dad (Knox Dew), a janitor, but the TV station called him in to clean up a mess someone made. Next thing she knows, she's put on the show in the place of a competitor that bailed. She'll be showing off her knowledge against a set of twins, 'Jasmine' (Isabella Badea) and 'Sheara' (Arabella Hassan), who are both hoping to win this year. There's also 'Hester' (Sophie Arvizu), who has brought along the foot of her pet rabbit (who is deceased, not hopping along on three feet). 'Amber' (Katie Rodman) is just 10 years old, but she managed to get selected, though she is quite nervous about it. Then there's the lone male, 'Bernie' (Emmett Winchel), who plans to be an actor and is only there because his parents insisted. Quite a nice assortment! However, as they discover, they weren't chosen for their skills so much as for the tension that would be on stage between 'the underdog', 'the villains', 'the brain', 'the cutie', and 'the hero', to draw the audience in.

 

"Oh, how dastardly! Picked for their personalities, not their intelligence! I hope the kids didn't find out."

 

Oh, of course they did! One of the four 'producers' let it slip. Then one of the twins got mad at the other for saying she was going to "let" her sister win! It truly was fun! And afterward, the 8th graders gave flowers to the teachers and stage crew. Very sweet! I liked that the play was done 'in the round' on stage. That definitely gave a more intimate performance. And I managed to snag a front-row seat! Right place, right time!

 

"Very good! I know how much you prefer those."

 

That wasn't the only coincidence that happened. My odometer clicked over into another thousand position as I was leaving the show. How about that! The mileage was 245999 as I had pulled in, and became 246000 as I was leaving. Woohoo!!!

 

"That's a pretty wobbly photo you have there. Was that from your left hand shaking, or was that jitter from the car?"

 

A bit of a combination of both, I'm sure. By the time I noticed the important odometer reading, I had someone behind me, so I rushed the shot. I'm actually surprised it came out as well as it did!

 

"Well, I kinda sorta like it, too."

 

Thanks! It's been raining much of the day, too, so Stella hasn't had much outside time. Susan canceled the party on the patio because of the light rain, but I just grabbed my umbrella and took Stella out anyway. At least it was true this time when I blamed the neighbors for not coming out. (smile!) The ridgeback was just happy to be outside with me. We stayed out there for about thirty minutes, then I took her in and dried her off. Can't have her catching a cold!

 

"That's for sure! What's next on your vacation agenda?"

 

Tonight, I get a scifi double header of Will Smith and Tommy Lee Jones! "Men In Black" starts momentarily, then "Men In Black II" follows right behind it. What nice additions to my vacation film festival! Plus, I've recorded "Free Guy", which I watched again this morning. Yep! Life is good!

vacay in georgetown: shopping and goslings

Believe it or not, I did go shopping...

at Wal-Mart, of all places...

because I had Stella-cash in my pocket!

Plus, I have been in desperate need of shorts for some time.

What better reason to do so than for my upcoming bday68?

After almost two hours - and a nice visit with Alexa while there - I returned with five pairs of shorts in a variety of colors, plus a new star-strewn nightgown, with all for less than $45!

Then, FX was playing one of my favorite movies: "Free Guy"!!!

That was one that I burned all of my A*List dances for, back in 2020.

I've already found it in the listings again, so I'm recording it to see again!

Here he is, taking a swat at DUDE, with a unicorn-topped bat - hahahaha!

 

Watching it made me about ten minutes late for the party on the patio.

Susan and Terry had been sitting out there for about 15 minutes!

Stella forgave the delay, just as long as she could play with Coco!

And we were not alone: two families of geese were on the canal, with one pair having four little goslings, and the other having a brood of seven.

 

Imagine that: eleven little goslings swimming on the water!

The smaller family had one of their little ones snatched up by Coco a week ago, but the dog had been gentle as she carried the bird in her mouth.

Even so, that had to have been a terrifying experience!

Susan and Terry said that wasn't the first time that the dogs had gone after the geese, even going into the water after them.

Holy leaping lizards!!!

I'm glad Stella stayed on dry land.

I have no intention of giving her a bath while I'm on vacation!

Now, I have "Jungle Cruise" on the TV, with lots of "How I Met Your Mother" to follow on the  E! channel.

That's two more for my vacation film festival!

Hooray!

(smile!) 

vacay in georgetown on may the fourth and cinco de mayo

I usually have a few folks that remind me of the day for lisping Jedi knights, but not this year.

Only my ex texted me for the occasion.

Thanks, Jeff, for starting my day with dancing Darth Vader!!!

I was only too glad to pass him along to brighten the lives of others! 

(smile!) 

I finished the rest of the Italian salad that Dawn had left in the fridge.

Salami! Pepperoncini!! Ham! Tomatoes!

I've really enjoyed that for the last three days.

The party on the patio was spent sans birds of any kind.

Susan, Terry, and I talked of food mostly, with them asking about meatballs in the freezer.

Sorry, Charlie, none of those!

Today's vacation film festival consisted of "Wreck It Ralph" and "Ralph Breaks The Internet", shown back to back on Freeform.

So good to hear my favorite Disney Princess song again!

(smile!) 

My Tina Tuesday just happened to coincide with several other events!

First off, this was the 25th anniversary for Smitty and Mary - woohoo, y'all!

Plus, this Cinco de Mayo was also a Taco Tuesday - that meant I needed to go to the store for Mexican food for dinner.

First, though, had an appointment with Dr. Diaz.

He's my neurologist at the Savannah VA Center and today was the discussion about the MRI results.

What a gorgeous day to be told that all was well with my brain!

He said there was some shrinkage, but totally normal for my age.

Woohoo!

Off to celebrate I went, with some other older folks at the AMC, there to see "The Devil Wears Prada 2", twenty years after the first one.

Those fresh faces of Anne Hathaway and Emily Blunt have become the same as that of my 43-year-old first niece!

I had not realized they all shared her age.

As for Stanley Tucci, he's 65, like my brother Smitty.

And Meryl Streep is 76... just a couple of years behind my friend, Carolyn.  

Good movie, too!

Then, at last, to Publix for the makings of my south-of-the-border dinner!

I also picked up a few other items, like milk, and still saved $21.22 on my trip.

That's 30% off on groceries!

Plus, I took care of my appointment and movie and still returned in plenty of time for the party on the patio!

That made Stella happy.

She was on the back porch, waiting to rendezvous with Coco and her owners, for almost thirty minutes.

I sat out there with her, enjoying a glass of milk and the afternoon warmth.

Tonight, after dinner, I'll have a series of "How I Met Your Mother" to enjoy. 

Yes, life is good on vacation!

(smile!)

vacay in georgetown, where stella awaits

Ah, another Sunday morning of basking in the sunshine as the chimes gently swayed in the breeze!

 

Hahahaha!!!

 

I was talking about my Saturn!

 

Here's the ridgeback, doing the same.

 

She prefers lying on the pine straw.

 

As for me, I was in one of the rocking chairs, letting my tootsies enjoy the warmth.

 

Ah, such a nice start to the day!

 

After the play downtown, I was back in time for the party on the patio.

 

Susan and Terry were both amazed at my timing!

 

Stella was thrilled, and even more so by the crane that had come to visit the canal.

 

Just follow her line of sight, looking just to the right of the tree reflection.

 

How about this shot?

 

I snapped it after Susan fed the fish, so the crane had moved to seek dinner.

 

Such a tall, long-legged bird it was!

 

I didn't see it catch any fish, but I left it alone, as did Stella and Coco.

 

Good dogs!

 

Now, it's time to add to my vacation film festival while here!

Today, I've had "Monsters, Inc.", "Rush Hour", and "Gemini Man".

Such a smorgasbord!!!

(smile!)

today, i went for a drive

I'm not saying I drove down to Hinesville or anything.

It was after my brother, Smitty, had taken me to my post-op appointment with Dr. Whipple and we were back at my house.

 

He could see that my car was covered in oak tree fronds.

The three hours of steady rain on Sunday had knocked them loose from the tree and all over any surface. 

"You want me to stay while you see if your car will start?"

Good idea.

In fact, I told him I would take a little drive, let my Saturn cruise...

and that's what I did.

I went straight to Truman Parkway South and let her run.

It wasn't yet 11 AM and both sides of the parkway were almost deserted.

That was good for my first venture out.

When the exit for White Bluff Road came up, I took it, then circled back on the ramp to hit Truman Parkway North.

By 11:15 AM, I was back to my driveway.

Hallelujah!

I definitely felt a sense of accomplishment with that foray into the world!

I thought, very briefly, of going to a movie.

After all, I haven't been to a cinema since World Theatre Day.

However, I haven't felt deprived in the least.

Between the free movies on Up Faith & Family last week, interspersed with my own reward movies and those on Peacock, I've had plenty to watch.

"Romantic Friction" - a book cover artist gets to play author when the real writer of a fluff romance wants to hide from the limelight; lightweight and funny.

"Starstruck: Gene Kelly's Love Letter To Ballet": not a word is spoken or sung, but there is no doubt about the plot; beautiful and captivating!!!

"My Boss' Wedding" - over-organized assistant is pegged with the groom's loosey-goosey nephew to plan an over-the-top gala in a week... from gown to flowers to food to venue to rehearsal dinner; definitely fun, with a little twist.

"First Dog" - when the pet of the POTUS gets lost and turns up in California, it's up to a foster boy to "do the right thing" and return him; I really liked this one, with all the Dolly Parton music and Eric Roberts as the President with a heart.

"Forgiveness Girl" - follows the childhood of a girl with spina bifida as she seeks friendship with a new girl; gets a bit too intense when the girl tries to kill herself.

"This Little Love Of Mine" - woman returns to her childhood town to convince her childhood friend to take over his family's business; yes, definitely liked this one, with its setting in a tropical cove!

"We're The Millers" - the Thursday reward movie from Comcast had a ragtag instant 'family' on an RV trip to Mexico to smuggle drugs; had some moments of mirth, Jennifer Aniston as a stripper, but a decent ending.

"Five Date Rule" - a widower and a birthday spur two people to the same internet dating site by their family and friends; another good one I'd see again!

"The Other Woman" - an older Cameron Diaz finds the man she's been dating is married and drops him, but his wife insists on being her friend; a bit wacky, but that's to be expected with this cast!

"Airplane!" - I watched this oldie from 1980 just for laughs!

That last one was seen last night, ending my Post Hernia Repair Film Festival right before the post-op meeting with the doctor.

Now, I'm going to watch some TV as I enjoy my dinner.

This is courtesy of Smitty and Mary's Easter repast: brown-sugar ham, green beans, and sweet potato casserole.

I'm watching an episode of "Father Brown" in which he introduces Sister Boniface as "The Forensic Nun".

I enjoy both of those British murder-mystery shows, so it'll be nice to see how the one spun off from the other.

Then, it'll be watching a recorded episode of "Two And A Half Men".

I've discovered I need that show to signal my body that it's time for bed.

If that's what I need, that's what I'll have.

Loss adjustment takes many forms.

netflix film fest with a dane

One of the perks of dogsitting is getting to watch movies I can't see elsewhere.

Fortunately, Laura has Netflix, which has come in handy before.

Mostly, I used it this time to catch up on the first three seasons of "Young Sheldon", which I didn't start watching until after I found out the little boy's grandma also attends Asbury Memorial.

That's been nice to have that link to Iain Armitage!

I've also used that streaming service to watch "The Closer", the crime-solving series with Kyra Sedgwick.  

I watch a few of each every evening, and a few with Sheldon in the morning.

I've also treated myself to a movie for the last three nights!

The first was "Rumor Has It", from 2005, on Wednesday.

Kevin Costner is 'Beau Burrows', who was her mom's high school crush, as well as the guy her grandma (Shirley MacLaine) seduced... all leading to a classmate's penning "The Graduate" about the tale... or so the story goes!

Now, the younger sister is getting married, 'Megan' (Jennifer Aniston) is engaged to a great guy (Mark Ruffalo), but things are not well.

'Megan' is sure her dad is not her biological father, so she goes in search of the crush that her mom ran off to Mexico with... and sleeps with him, too!

Hey, it's not as creepy as it sounds, and was actually quite fun.

 

Dane didn't care what I chose to watch.

I'd found a box of puppy ice cream in the freezer and he was happy!

He stretched out on his rug and slurped away for probably thirty minutes!

Oh, yes, the little things mean a lot!

Thursday, I had my luncheon, but returned to their house with laundry.

While the clothes and bed linens were washing, Dane and I had 'coffee on the porch' time, out back and up front.

He was sure happy about that!

 

Then, later, he was glad to be eating ice cream again!

I was happy to have found "The Thursday Murder Club" to watch... and on a Thursday, too!

This 2025 film must have been an inside joke for me from the Universe, as I didn't catch the significance of the day until later.

I was just thrilled to have something with such a stellar cast!

Dame Helen Mirren!

Sir Ben Kingsley!

Sir Jonathan Pryce (as the sundowning husband of Mirren)!

Plus Pierce Brosnan and Celia Imrie to round out the group of pensioners - i.e., retirees - who solve cold cases one day a week at the retirement home.

I just loved it!

What would I find for Friday's film?

That turned out to be "The Sting", starring America's version of royalty!

There's Robert Redford getting fancied up by Paul Newman, so they can con a cheating, gambling, mobster (Robert Shaw).

Eileen Brennan, Ray Walston, Charles Durning... what a cast!

That included Robert Earl Jones, the father of James Earl Jones.  

Very nice!

But one of the things that set it apart?

The use of artistic 'scene change' slides, with images reminiscent of those in "The Saturday Evening Post".

I just loved having a bit of art mixed in with the caper!

 

Dane liked that I was having a good time, especially as he was, too.

Yes, indeed!

Third movie for me, third ice cream treat for him!

I'm glad I had that to bribe him with, as he'd refused to eat his dinner this evening.

That was, until I told him no dessert until he did.. then he went to it.

Good boy!

I know he'll be very glad when Tony and Laura return tomorrow!

It's been a couple of years since he didn't travel with them.

Four days is about his limit for them to be gone.

(smile!)

6 of 7

"Are you referring to the Borg from "Star Trek" with that designation?"

Um, no. That would be Seven of Nine, and she/he/it was a Borg drone, who was in several episodes of "Star Trek: Voyager", one of the spinoff series. I'm simply stating the number of movies in the NCG Rom-Com Film Festival that Carolyn and I saw together. Including the one from today, that would be six of the seven! This last one was "My Best Friend's Wedding", which was a perfect end, just as the Elvis film was perfect as the first one for us. Lots of music and talk of friendship!

 

"I thought you owned that Julia Roberts movie."

 

Yes, Comcast did reward me with that one. And, yes, I did see it quite recently. However, I watched Cameron Diaz in her debut movie last weekend and it was good to see her again. Good for her for accepting her lack of singing ability and being brave enough to let it be used for humor! That's really her singing "I Just Don't Know What To Do With Myself" in the karaoke scene. And her 24-year-old self is so charming that the initial boos turn to loud applause as she croaks her way through it!

 

"But she was so good singing in the nightclub in "The Mask"!!!"

 

No, dear, she just looked good doing that. She lip-synced "Hey, Baby, Ain't I Good To You", but it was Susan Boyd who sang for 'Tina Carlyle'. 

 

"Oh! Wow. I guess they must have really wanted Cameron for her looks."

 

Perhaps so. She was just 21 years old then. But for this movie, Julia Roberts picked her to be in it. Amazing, right? She recognized her comedic talent.

 

"That's great! What a nice little tidbit of trivia!"

 

Carolyn is just full of stuff like that. We talked about the movie from last week, "How To Lose A Guy In 10 Days", too, which we'd had to see separately, due to schedule conflicts.  

 

"Yes, I recall you saying that. Did y'all die at Chili's?"

 

We did! When she asked where I wanted to go, that's what I said, so that's where we went. I was wanting some chips and salsa, as well as that Cajum Shrimp Alfredo Pasta. As I told our waitress, Lexi, I am hooked on that dish! I ate all the shrimp, and the bread, but took most of the pasta home for another meal. I took home most of the chips, too, as well as a fresh serving of salsa that Lexi brought me! This is the third time I've had her there.

 

"Very nice to have leftovers!"

 

Most def! And when I arrived home, the Universe had one last thing for me.

 

"Let me guess! A cool odometer reading!"

 

You betcha!

I almost missed it, too, but a flicker of light drew my eye.

Mileage: 245030.

A nice round number...

must be from Mama. 

Right place, right time...

watching a movie about friendship...

spending time with a friend!

(smile!)

mama, you called?

Over the weekend, I took only one acetaminophen.

For whatever reason, the inguinal hernia had eased up on its near-constant cry for attention.

Then, this morning, I was awakened by it around 6 AM.

Yes, this has been one of those days when sitting is painful, standing is painful, everything is painful.

Sigh.

Plus, it's been cold outside.

I knew I would be meeting Carolyn for "Couples Retreat", our fourth in the NCG's Rom-Com Film Festival, but also knew I needed to already be out and about if I expected to be there.

So I got in the car and started driving, enjoying the warmth of the sun in that enclosed space... and found myself at Greenwich Cemetery.

I knew immediately why I was there.

The pine needles in the wreaths left on the graves of George and Billy were brown and dry, and the red ribbons were pale.

Time to do a bit of housecleaning for Mama!

I'm glad I had remembered to put bags in my car for the trash.

While I was there, I took care of the tattered Christmas ornaments and strewn flowers on the surrounding graves.

By the time I was done, I had two large bags filled with debris.

Everything was tidy after my visit with Mama, and I felt better, too.

Off to the cinema to meet my friend!

I was a little early, but that was okay.

And when I bought my ticket, I had an unexpected treat: enough NCG reward points for a nearly-free Kids Pack!

It cost me less than two bucks.

I think I'll go ahead and enjoy most of that warm and tasty popcorn while I wait and enjoy this sense of gratitude.

I can get a refill to share with her.

(smile!) 

tina tuesday with a twist

 

This time, it wasn't AMC hosting my movie-viewing.

It was NCG Cinema.

They promised me an instant 300 points for watching Jason Statham's latest, "Shelter", so that's where I was earlier.

Of course, the title made me think of the missed Florida trip with cuzn Jeff a ouple of years ago.

So, why not go see it for free with my A*List?

Because I knew I would be at this cinema for "Anyone But You" at 4:30 PM, so Carolyn and I could continue our fun with the Rom-Com Film Fest!

If I was already there, then I wouldn't let the chilly weather stop me.

That's the way to do it, right? 

(smile!) 

What a great movie combo that truly was, too!

"Shelter" had been set in cold climes, with everyone bundled up, but the Glen Powell movie had him butt-naked several times and nearly so several more, there at the tropical beach resort.

Oh, yeah, that got the blood running in my veins!

In fact, both of us were pretty warmed up by the end, so off we went to dinner, with mi amiga choosing OD Crab House again.

I had the platter with eight of those great shrimp and three very good chicken fingers, taking half home.

Carolyn had the same as last time, but added a side of grilled onions and zucchini.

Those were so good!!!

Next time, I plan to get the grilled shirmp appetizer and that veggie dish - oh, yeah!

Then, as I dropped her back at her car, she gave me two boxes of cereal and a bag of cookies, courtesy of her housemate Bill.

I gave her something, too: the collage of photos Hai Dang made for me back in 2014, from our trip to Jacksonville and other locales.

I know she sees him from time to time.

Well, so do I, but here's the difference: the barefoot hobo hasn't spoken to me in well over a decade.

No need for that collage to be on my hall wall.

Good to have that gone! 

I kept the frame, of course.

Now, let me see if I can find that 'serenity song' that everyone was singing at the end of the beach movie... 

"Unwritten", wasn't it?

(smile!)