FYI

They say a picture is worth a thousand words....This is Javier Bardem for those of you who don't know the name. If you are a fan of the movies, treat yourself to The Sea Inside, The Dancer Upstairs or Before Night Falls.

What a weekend

Friday the day I'd been waiting for finally arrives and its off to the Ritzy theater straight from work. There reason I cannot wait to see the next movie by the (unknown to most Americans)great Spanish actor, Javier Bardem. He has three movies roles coming out this year.

About this film, without giving too much away.....powerful, disturbing and though provoking. Just the way I like 'em. Maybe too disturbing, he was so villanous...so political and power hungry. Sounds contemporary huh, well its about the Spanish Inquishion and the French Revolution exemplified through the lives of three individuals. Seems that Milos Formeman has wanted to make this film for many years and worked many to create this one. Of course, I caanot be truly objective when I say Javier dominated the film. This was a dark time in history and it appears that at least one message is that history has taught us very little. Has anyone else seen this film?

Going to Pax's birthday was so much fun, laughing so hard the tears kept flowing from my eyes. Enjoyed seeing Gracie, Lu, and meeting Mrs. FS again. Never saw Klaus quite like that before. I Think everyone had a good time.

Sunday I felt like I was in a fog, not from drinking as much as staying up late. Guess I'm not getting any younger. A nice long walk cured what was wrong with me. What a nice weekend it was.

Sunshine and Rain

As I am nearly home today I noticed sunshine in the distance and its pouring rain at the same time. Can anyone explains such a strange phenomenon? Guess I was on the edge of the storm.

I finished what might be the largest project I have undertaken in months and I feel like a reward is in order. What a load off my mind and as long as it doesn't involve shopping, it'll be OK.

Have finally scheduled the surgery for my shoulder and you guys won't have to listen to me moan/complain much longer. Now I wish it was done already as I can rarely get a good night sleep without help. Won't be much longer now. Wonder what excuse I can create to avoid mowing grass after this ordeal is over?

While the Mommonator is in town this week, let's do something fun.....Have a happy!

Not so sweet water

Mom and I went out to dinner at Sweetwater Casino which is located along the Mullica River way down in the PIne Barrens. Seems there are a lot more homes along the winding wooden roads. The restaraunt doesn't look any different thatn the last time I was there for a retirment luncheon for one of our collegues. For that matter it looks like it did in the 70's when I used to canoe with a friend down the lazy river. In those days I could not afford to eat there. The menu still has Duck ala Orange and Beef Wellington, although the only thing I saw anyone eat was the shrimp and crab legs from the buffet. When in Rome? I had to be different and ordered clams casino and a caesar salad. No too impressive. Mom did not like her crab legs but the steamed shrimp was good. The view is the best part of dining there, sitting near a window or outdoors to enjoy the view of the peacefull river and the little marina that has grown up there. Folk around us talking about how they see no need to go to the shore when they have this little spot. Humm. Takng a canoe trip down the Mullica looked like the best idea of the day. Thankfully its the weekend. Enjoy

I get a night off from mowing grass, yeah baby, that's because there is none. It's scorched. Flowers are hanging in there but the new shrubs and trees are struggling. good night to sit on the porch and finish the Patterson novel that I borrowed....want to return it tommorrow.

90 degrees in the shade

Did I complain about the cold of winter?
It was 99 at 7:15 pm yesterday.
When I cam home today it was warmer inside that outside.
Guess I'm going to have to break down and turn on some air conditioning.
Am watering the perennials with a drip hose and the looming clouds that looked like rain are passing bye the Garden.
Despite my best efforts there are three boxwoods that are not going to see the fall.
Maybe I'll just:
sit on the porch swing,or
go swimming,
take a cold shower,
go to the movies.

What your best idea to stay cool, beyond the obvious usage of ac:

jeffrey gaines, in your eyes

Jeffrey,

Summer pleasures

I am doing it again, have three books started, now which one at I going to finish?

Tonight after the light rain I thought it would be a great time to do some weeding in the garden. weeding is a good chore after being at work. Man does it look nice to come up the drive filled with butterfly bushes in purple and white, purple liatris, blackeyed susans, white daylillies, echinechea, verigated grasses and some unknown white flowers that grew out of the bird seed from a feeder that used to be positioned there. If I had a scanner you could all see it too. Down the opposite drive I aboandoned efforts to remove the BE Susans that reseed every year and they are lining my neighbors driveway so beautifully. Hope they like the colors of bold yellow, oranges and brown. Just as I am writing thre is a hummingbird looking for a favorite flower. How cool is that. There is a toad that has hibernated under some ivy for whom I put a little clay (pot) house in place. Hope it's to his liking.....

Now I need to have a tractor trailer of mulch delivered.......and spread around. Once I get my shoulder done forget about it!

Ooops missing the Phillies, bye!

Evening

Tired of staying indoors to rid myself of a cold I went to the icy theater for a movie starring Vanessa Redgrave, Claire Daines, Natasha Richardson, Toni Collette, Patrick Wilson and more. Ten minutes of the film were with Meryl Streep who summarized the movie and the life story which I will not ruin for you. This is a film about women for women and not a hollywood cliche'. I spent a great deal of time thinking that here comes an award for Vanessa Redgrave. Was she spectacular? you decide. It's worth the trip to a theater.

Movie buffs like Pax may know the interesting connections between four of the actors in this film? Do you?