soiree at Kathy's!

Hooray for the holidays!

Honestly, I need to whip my house into shape so I can have gatherings!

It was so nice to go over to The Woods of Savannah for a festive holiday soiree, with no interruptions from wait staff or other diners.

I've been trying to get Kathy to go to plays with me, but I think she may be agoraphobic, as she always backs out at the last minute.

However, there was none of that reticence this time.

For this event on her turf, she sent out at least three reminders!

Very nice!

Here she is, talking with Elissa about the doll that she is holding.

 

Kathy's mom painted the features on that doll,  giving it to her in 1972 for her 16th birthday.

 

Her mom also painted the geraniums in the piece of art on the wall.

 

How very nice that Kathy has those keepsakes on display!

 

Marcia and Sandy were over on the other side of the living room.

 

The cat is Lucy, who has been Kathy's constant companion for many years.

 

Marcia has cats, too, so of course Lucy chose her for petting!

 

Lucy made sure to let everyone have several chances to show her some love. 

 

She did keep coming back to me, though.

I think it was the smell of sushi on my fingers that drew her attention!

We'd each brought a dish to share: sushi tray from me, fresh fruit and veggies from Elissa, home-made cookies by Marcia, and carrot-raisin salad from Sandy.

Our hostess supplied the veggie egg rolls and beverages.

All in all, a quite lovely smorgasbord for a holiday party!

Three hours we shared, time that flew by as we talked of movies and family, times when we were young, places we'd lived, and all manner of things.

Not shoes and ships and sealing wax, mind... but I doubt Lewis Carroll would take offense at the lack.

None of us are a walrus or a carpenter.

Hahahaha!

2025 lifetime holiday workers film festival

This is a carefully curated collection of movies with a common theme: people who have to work during the holidays.

All total, there are fourteen.  

 

Two have singers performing at holiday fundraisers.

Two have interns working for free in family businesses. 

Two are about working in department stores during the holidays.

Two feature workers in specialty stores, such as a beauty salon and a toy store.

Two others are actually science fiction and have time travel!

Two have Vivica A. Fox as a big financial wiz versus smaller companies that are saved by an intern. 

Two feature businesses that promote Christmas all year long!

Two have specialty crafts, like house designer or chef, that have solo artists.

Two feature Tia Mowry in the lead roles.

Two have special annual events that are threatened by Winter Storm Megan.

Shall we take a look at the fourteen movies viewed between December 8 through today?

Yes, lets! 

 

"Christmas 9 To 5" (2019)

reporter Jennifer - Tiya Sircar
owner's son Jack - Joe Dinicol
store manager Rose - Sheila McCarthy
elevator man Manny - George Wendt (Norm! from "Cheers")

 

A reporter goes undercover at a family-owned department store.

Very charming tale!

 

---------------------------

'The Holiday Junkie" (2024)

party planner Andie - Jennifer Leigh Hewitt
house manager Mason - Brian Hallisay
Mimi - Kristin Chenoweth
Mason's bff Darren - Greg Grunberg
Andie's bff Riley - Lynn Andrews 

 

A couple of name-brand actors lend their clout to this story of a woman hired to stage a house and activities for a wealthy family that get called away to a ski resort and then don't arrive home until Christmas Day.

Very interesting drinking game of "worst Christmas ever" showcased here.

 

-----------------------------------

"A Very Merry Beauty Salon" (2024)

salon owner Sienna - Tia Mowry
wine store owner Lawrence - RonReaco Lee
Sienna's mom Georgia - Donna Biscoe
 

The first of two with Tia Mowry, this time as a young owner whose mom is in charge of the annual Tinsel Ball.

When a newcomer with money shows up with his own ideas about the event, that's when the fireworks start!

 

-------------------------------

"A Very Merry Toy Store" (2017)

Forrester toy store owner Connie - Melissa Joan Hart
DiNova toy store owner Will - Mario Lopez
Connie's mom Pam - Beth Broderick
big toy store owner Roy - Billy Gardell (of "Mike & Molly")
diner owner Joe - Brian Dennehy   ***
town mayor - Mario Cantone (of "Sex In The City")
 

Several name-brand actors sprinkled in the cast with small roles - nice!

Two family-owned toy stores are threatened when a big block store moves into the neighborhood.

Nice go-cart race and a street carnival with dancing make this fun!

 

-----------------------------

"Radio Christmas" (2019)

DJ Kara - Keshia Knight Pulliam
DJ Scott - Michael Xavier
his daughter Andie - Nakai Takawira

'Kara' has a year-round radio show that's all Christmas, all the time, but the station that airs it has power issues, so she's moved to Bethlehem, PA, for December.

That happens to be home to her biggest fan, 'Andie'.

'Scott' is the local DJ with a heart of gold, hosting the annual Christmas Eve party.

This is the first of two which specifically mention Winter Storm Megan.

 

-----------------------------------

"Make Or Bake Christmas" (2024)

seasonal helper/spy Emma - Jasmine Aivaliotis
her real boss Leslie - Vivica A. Fox   ***
her seasonal boss and bakery owner Denise - Jackée Harry   ***
Denise's son Dave Sugarbaker - Landon Moss
 

This is the first of two with Vivica A. Fox, having her appear briefly at the start, at the end, and maybe twice during the story, mostly in solo shots.

'Leslie' sends her assistant 'Emma' to a family-owned bakery to gather information for a take-over.

'Denise' and 'Dave Sugarbaker' welcome her, but realize she has a lot of smarts for someone who is just supposed to be a floater.

Nice to see Jackée of "227" on screen again!

 

--------------------------------------

"A Christmas Intern" (2023)

online store owner Alexis - Ciarra Carter
her mom Cecilia - Jackée Harry   ***
financial backer Charlotte - Vivica A. Fox  ***
Charlotte's scout Donte - Doug 
Alexis 'warehouse foreman William - Michael Paré
 

'Alexis' operates an online store that sells Christmas goods, from decor to gifts, all year, but her company is up for financial review for the next year's funding.

That's where Vivica A. Fox comes in again, doing the same as in the above movie (which was made in 2024).

That's also where Jackée comes in, who works as an intern in her daughter's store to help get them through the Christmas rush.

Great to see Michael Paré in action, as I once had a crush on him.

 

----------------------------- 

"No Time Like Christmas" (2019)

ad exec Emma - Kyla Pratt
high school sweetie Fletcher - Edward Ruttle
his daughter Lola - Sophia Bachart
his mom Katherine - Marina Stephenson Kerr
watch shop owner, theatre owner Noel - Jim O'Heir

 

An advertising executive with a time crunch and a blank slate goes home for the holidays hoping for an idea.

Next thing you know, she's bumped into her high-school flame and the sparks try to reignite, fanned by his daughter.

Plus, there's a mysterious man that may be the one who 'sold' her the watch she had given to 'Fletcher' all those years ago...

and who now owns the theatre where the new play is to be held...

if Winter Storm Megan doesn't cause it to be canceled on Christmas Eve.

 

------------------------------

"Christmas In The City" (2013)

intern Wendy - Ashley Williams
her 7yo daughter Grace - Kylie Noelle Price
friend and actress Angie - Shanola Hampton
dept store boss' son Tom - Jon Prescott
cost-cutter Teanna - Ashanti  ***
 

In a last-ditch effort to save the store left by her father, 'Wendy' goes to the big city to work in a major department store with her friend, 'Angie'.

Being a capable and cheerful sort, it isn't long before the owner's scion, 'Tom', takes a shine to her, especially as a cost-cutter is gutting the spirit of the store.

I have no idea why Ashanti is in this, but she makes a great Grinch!

 

-----------------------------------

"Yes, Chef! Christmas" (2023)

former chef Alicia - Tia Mowry
her adoptive dad Ken - John Koensgen
her mentor from NJ, Bobby - Buddy Valastro (actual chef)
her mentor for contest Logan - Luke Humphrey
contest sponsors Viola and Rick - Raven Dauda and Scott Gibson
 

This is the second with Tia Mowry, this time as a chef that gets tagged to be one of four contestants in a holiday fundraiser.

Nice to have actual chef Buddy Valastro guesting here!

I also liked the touch about her being adopted and never having known her birth parents, though she's had a DNA test recently and found a family member.

 

-----------------------------------

"Christmas In The Spotlight" (2024)

pop star Bowyn - Jessica Lord
her asst Mira - Jeannie Mai
football wide receiver Drew - Laith Wallschleger
his brother, football QB Rob - Dennis Andres

 

Can we say Taylor Swift and Travis Kelce? 

Yes, yes, we can, with the similarity only broken by the position played by the footballer, 'Drew', in this movie, which is wide receiver.

IRL, Kelce is a tight end, which actually sounds like a joke, but isn't.

Very fun look at effect of fame on dating.

 

------------------------------------

 "Christmas In Tune" (2021)

singer Georgia Winter - Reba McEntire
singer Joe Winter - John Schneider
their daughter Belle - Candice King

I very much enjoyed this, though I have a sneaking suspicion that I've seen it before.

Loved the music... 

loved all the costume changes that Reba is so famous for...

loved seeing John Schneider again!!!

 

---------------------------------------

"Every Day Is Christmas" (2018)

Scrooge-like business owner Alexis - Toni Braxton
her dead mom Lydia - Gloria Reuben
her limo driver Justin - Michael Jai White
her ditched fiance Marc - Mike Dopud
 

Loved this re-telling of "A Christmas Carol", this time with the too-busy 'Alexis' being helped to appreciate life by the ghost of her mom.

At first, I thought the mom was Gladys Knight, but that guess was a generation off, as Gloria Reuben (of "ER" when it began) is 20 years younger.

Very nice, and, surprisingly, didn't make me cry.

(smile!)

 

----------------------------------------------

"Kristin's Christmas Past" (2013)

music producer Kristin -Shiri Appleby
her childhood bff Jamie - Will Kemp
K's 17yo self Krys - Hannah Marks
Jamie's 17yo self - Michael-James Olsen
K's young dad Glen - Judd Nelson  ***
K's young mom Barbara - Elizabeth Mitchell

 

At 34 years old, single and jaded 'Kristin' wakes up in bed with... her 17-year-old self, in her childhood home, trying to keep her younger self from making the same mistake she had of following a dirt-bag to New York and ditching her family.

Loved seeing Judd Nelson in action, though he had a very small role.

I also found it interesting that 'Kristin' would have been about the same age as her parents were during this trip back in time.

(smile!)

 

-----------------------------

All done!

This next week, Comcast is giving me Up Faith & Family for a week!

I am such a happy camper!!!

(smile!)

family dinners! three days in a row!!!

Friday, the 29th

Time for the S&K Friday Fiesta... but mostly S.

That's because all the K's, except Mark, were in Athens for football.

So, that's me, my two brothers, and their two wives... plus Robin!

We almost could have used just one table!

I had aguachiles, a different take on ceviche, with the shrimp whole and chunky bits of cucumber, all kept ice cold in that cast iron bowl.

It was awesome!!!

Great presentation, too.

(smile!)

 

Saturday, the 30th

When I called that first niece of mine, I thought she might be in Savannah visiting Kaleigh... and she was!

She had Anthony and her girls here, too.

"Dinner at 8? Cici's?"

So there, and then, I was!!!

The girls were so full of energy that I knew they'd spent a long time in the van.

Time to let the imagination run wild in the games room!

Believe it of not, I didn't even have to ask them to pose!

The real trick was timing my shot so they weren't blurry!

What a treat for me!!!

 

Sunday, the 31st

Time for the 3rd Annual Margaritaville Party at Tony & Laura's home!

We thought it might be the same folks as the Friday gathering, as the Tatums were on a cruise... 

but, nope!

Betsy and Jimmy made sure to return early just for this!!!

Tony made a better version of his awesome burgers from last time - he threw in some Angus for flavor!

I'm glad Robin was there to share this holiday time with family and friends!

here's lookin' at you, kid

So, there I was the the ballpark, watching the Gnats play their final game of this home stand, along with 4013 other fans.
Yeah, you heard correctly.
The game was SOLD OUT.
No surprise there. In addition to it being Drunk Night, this was the final home game of the 4th of July weekend, so there would be fiReWOrKs. That means lots of families with kids, in addition to the usual crowd of cheap beer drinkers.
No, Mister Willie was not in attendance. He had ceiling work being done and didn't want to leave Sweetheart alone with that mess. Laurie and Lynn were up in Pennsylvania, so Gnate would have to sing "Sweet Caroline" without their foam-finger dancing. But Bruce, the Riverdog fan, was there. Jack was, too, in the company of his sweetie, Joyce Ann. So I had plenty of folk there that I knew.
Plus, my first niece and her foster son joined me just in time for the last inning and the fiReWOrKs!
So, as I said, there I was enjoying the game. And the incredible crowd.
And, suddenly, I saw that even in the sky above, there was at least one other watching the game with me.
I don't recognize the face, do you?
I'm thinking the face was that of a being from another world.
Then again, I saw "Earth To Echo" yesterday and that made quite an impression on me. I was actually at the cinema for another movie, but that one had unexpectedly left early, so the attendant switched me up for this one.
Good call.
Yes, it did make me cry. Movies that highlight the importance of friendship, like in "Monsters, Inc.", always make me cry.
Remember, friends are the family you choose.
It's good when the circles overlap and you have family members who are also friends.
Maybe that was the message tonight.

must...have...birthday...coffee

Shout out to Dave & Buster's for my free birthday gift!!!

Yeah, you heard me - this mug was free.

Here's how that worked.
You see, I belong to their Rewards Club.
Fairly frequently, they send me coupons to BOGO points. Generally, it's Buy $20 of points, Get $20 of points FREE.
For my birthday, the amount to buy was just a sawbuck.
(Seriously, those with an interest in either construction or Roman history, click that link. It's an interesting piece of etymology.)
Ten dollars is good for about fifty points.
I used about fifty points to "win" more than 1000 tickets.

I like to play this game -
perhaps it's called Pirate Booty?
Treasure Chest?
Pirate's Treasure Wheel?
Whatever its name, it tends to shower me with tickets.
Seriously.
On two separate occasions,
two months apart,
I won one thousand tickets with a single spin.
Pretty amazing, right?
Here is the photo of me in January, making my first win on it.

On both occasions, I gave the tickets to my friend Hai. He was trying to get enough to trade in for this giant ape.
This time, I was keeping the tickets for myself. Rather, I was amassing tickets so D&B could allow me to choose my physical gift from them.
I had wandered around in the ticket-redemption center, picking up this, looking at that, then I spotted the Zombie Mug.
How perfect is that for a "House of the Dead" zombie-killer and coffee drinker like myself!!!
And it only cost 1050 tickets.
Woohoo!!!

Many thanks, y'all!
It's even the right size!!!
(smile!)

beach birthday breakfast

This...

...is how breakfast...

...is done!

doo, doo, doo, lookin' out my back door

Actually, I misspoke.
I wish this was the view from my back door!
This is looking off my tenth floor balcony,
to the right,
at the Atlantic Ocean.
Nice view,
isn't it?
Ah, just breathe in that salt air!

Here,
to my left,
is the city of Daytona.
Or is it actually called the city of Daytona Beach?
I'm not sure,
but that is okay.
I'm on holiday!
I don't have to fact check!
I can just make it up as I go along!
(smile!)

And here is the view directly in front of me. This is much the same as I enjoyed in Siena in May two years ago. Well, perhaps it helps if you squint your eyes and hold your mouth just right!
(smile!)
Now, if you'll excuse me, I have beaches to walk and ocean to view and pelicans to watch!
Happy pre-birthday to me!

bountiful mothers, hallelujah, girls!

Friday, as I mentioned before, started with me in the company of an important mother in my life. (Her loving husband was also there, but this is not about him.) My eldest niece may not have borne children yet, but she has been providing a loving home, loving words, and loving arms to others' children, as a foster mom senza eguali.
Yes, Mama has been on my mind lately. How could she not be, with the constant barrage of commercials berating all to spend money on their mothers? This is my fourteenth Mother's Day without her, so the pleas on the airwaves don't crush me as they once did. Mostly, I don't listen to the radio at this time and I don't watch those ads.

Well, I found that afternoon that I was on Mama's mind, too.
After catching up with my grocery shopping, as I was walking through the parking lot, a coppery coin caught my eye.
A penny!
The bagboy didn't know quite what to make of my stopping to pick it up, nor did he understand about pennies from loved ones in heaven. That's okay, I know the importance of the message, my dear Mother!
(Trust me, I will discuss that another time. I had truly thought I already had... but a search revealed I have not.)
So, I was just chilling out after buying a ridiculous amount of groceries. I was watching "Psych" and leafing through the entertainment newspaper to see what was going on, what time things would be starting.
Suddenly, I realized the choice had been made for me. Dinner needed to be eaten before I went anywhere and, as time was already nearing 7 PM, that meant "The Trip To Bountiful" would be my evening's fare. Cool beans! I would plan on attending "The Hallelujah Girls", down on Tybee, on Sunday afternoon. What a lovely way to bookend my Mother's Day weekend!
And so it has been.

"The Trip To Bountiful" placed me in the midst of mothers of all ages. Some women of my age, or thereabouts, were there with their moms. Women of several ages were sitting with their daughters and sons, The play itself was about the relationship of an aged mother and her not-so-young son and his wife. They had moved to town two decades earlier, in search of work, and were living on top of each other in a tiny apartment. The mother wanted to return to her home of long ago, in a tiny town called Bountiful which had been settled by her grandparents. Just to breathe that air, one more time, would bring her some peace!

We hear of several of her botched attempts to flee the nagging wife of her henpecked son.
This time, though, is going to be different!
And it is.
She finds the bus doesn't go to that tiny town anymore, because no businesses are there. She is told by the stationmaster that her best friend, the last resident of the town, has just been buried that very day. She ends up with a sympathetic sheriff who gives her a ride to the old homestead... or, rather, to what is left of it. Still, with the "kiss of the sun for pardon and the song of the birds for mirth", her heart no longer felt so heavy and stifled. Peace of mind was attained at last.
(The quote there is from an embroidery sampler that my mother had done and I had grown up seeing on the wall in the hall. I wish I knew where that piece of her art is.)
It was opening night, so there was champagne and tiny pastry shells of chicken salad and slices of roast beef curled up on thin crusty bread with horseradish sauce! There were tiny desserts, too, on silver trays that wove in and out of the crowd. I lingered and visited with some of the mothers, including one who had finally returned from Greece. nice!
This morning, my first niece came by with the little boy she is fostering. They were going to the Mighty Eighth Museum and wondered would I like to go?

Not this time, my dears!
"The Hallelujah Girls" were singing their siren song and luring me to the beach!
As soon as I saw that Bill Cooper was in the play, I knew it would be a good one! Also, the Tybee Performing Arts Center does quite nicely, thank you so very much, at presenting a slate of comedies, rather than the more serious works chosen by other troupes.
Thank God!
This comedy was divine, too!
The story revolved around the death of a beloved friend, one who had always put off doing something she really wanted to do... and now it was too late for her, but not for her four girlfriends.
Nosirreebob!
Only one of the women seemed to be a mother and she had a son who was grown but preferred mooching off her - then he moved in his girlfriend, too! Yeah, another one of those guys.
The friendship of these women was fabulous to behold! Though men came and went (one had married three times, with her husbands dying due to stupidity each time), they were there to lend a hand, mothering each other. And these were all older women, too! Very nice!
The theatre was pretty full of older women, too. You know, over-thirty. I am sure several of them are mothers, too. Some of them have already lost their mothers to death's embrace, as I have, and seeing older women in positive, strong roles was of great comfort.
Especially on this day of celebration of mothers.