Sherlocked

221B Baker Street, one of the world’s most well-known addresses belongs to, as most of you know, one of the worlds most portrayed literary human characters, Sherlock Holmes. Created by Sir Arthur Conan Doyle in 1887, this brilliant consulting detective has appeared in novels, short stories, plays, radio, films and television series.  

  

Each time we see him, the actor who portrays the cunning detective adds their own personal flair. It is actors like Sir John Gielgud, John Barrymore, Christopher Plummer, Peter O’Toole, and Ian McKellen (the list goes on and on) that have tackled the role and made it quite their own in the process.

It was Basil Rathbone’s fourteen films, from 1939 – 1946, that most people remembered when the name Sherlock Holmes was brought up. Always wearing his deerstalker hat, wool cape/coat and usually seen carrying his magnifying glass or smoking the briar pipe, his inspired representation along with his quirky side-kick, Dr. Watson, played by Nigel Bruce, stayed in our minds throughout the years.

Then in 2009, Robert Downey, Jr. took up the role with such zealousness that his depiction of Sherlock was cemented in our minds. A tough, eccentric that exudes a bohemian grit is how we were presented with our newest Holmes. Unyielding in his cunningness, even with his brother in arms, Dr. Watson, gracefully played by Jude Law, the pair takes us on a roller coaster ride through a criminal’s mind.  

With the success of the movie, I believe television got a bit jealous and in 2012 came out with the newly updated Elementary, starring Jonny Lee Miller as Sherlock and…wait for it, Lucy Liu as the honorable Watson. The show takes place at 221B Baker Street in New York City of all places. Both, Miller and Liu are very good, they must be since the show is starting season 5 this October, but I am a lover of sticking to the original.

So when noticing that BBC had done their own version, simply named ‘Sherlock’, I watched it. Benedict Cumberbatch as the wily Sherlock and Martin Freeman as his lovable friend and assistant, Dr. Watson, make an amazing team. There are not seasons to this show but series. As of right now, there are 3 series which consist of 3 episodes each. Simply fantastic!

Nicest part is that even though the show is modern day it sticks to the storylines. Your favorite cases with your favorite criminals. Yes, criminals, of course there is Sherlock’s nemesis, Professor Moriarty, who is played so eerily by Andrew Scott that you cringe when he comes on the scene.

Watson once wrote “To Sherlock Holmes she is always the woman. I have seldom heard him mention her under any other name” to this he is referring to Irene Adler. Again the show has taken a role and made it so connivingly wicked by placing actress Lara Pulver in the role. Rachel McAdam’s played the role in the 2009 movie and she was sultry and deceitful to a tee, but Lara Pulver is so clever and manipulative playing a dominatrix, that you can see why she is the only possible woman to match wits with Mr. Holmes.

Whichever version you choose does not matter for they are all entertaining but if you like being made to think, remember what Sherlock would say “It is a capital mistake to theorize before you have all the evidence. It biases the judgment.” Watch them all, but delve into BBC’s Sherlock.

The Agony and the Ecstasy of the Christmas Meal!

 Christmas Day, so full of laughter, music, shared stories, gift giving and joy!  Besides spending the day with friends and family, what else makes this holiday so special….the food of course!  It seems that the food served on Christmas is more scrumptious and mouthwatering than any other day. The tastiest of tasty treats that were hidden away, come out of the ovens and refrigerators to be presented on this day.

Being someone who loves to cook, it is always a pleasure when another cook asks of what the Holiday meal will consist. As the big day grows closer, ideas pop into my head, and I quickly jot them down. Once I have a basic idea of how the table will be set (and yes, the linen and dishes that are used on this day are just as important as the meal that lays on them) and which direction I want my meal to go, I then call my sister-in-law to begin the finalizing of menus. My sister-in-law, Lisa, is an amazing cook. Through the last eighteen years, she and I have planned, prepared and served more meals together then the sky has stars. So even when we will not be sharing a meal, I still turn to her, as my menu collaborator.

First you must think of the day. My husband and I will be the first to rise. The others, being adults, will take their time getting out of bed and then amble their way to the kitchen and living room. A breakfast buffet will await them on the dining table and then into the living room to open gifts. So, as you can see, you need a breakfast that is yummy and filling, but it needs to shine just as much as the gifts.

After much deliberation back and forth and the chat with Lisa, I began the Christmas Breakfast list.

A batch of creamy homemade hot chocolate for warmth, while a punchbowl of chilled, cranberry and orange juices sparkle with a bit of champagne for cheeriness.

My husband makes the fluffiest eggs; he will be in charge of the scrambled eggs and cheese.

Buttered and broiled bagels will be served with cream cheese, capers, thinly sliced tomatoes, chopped red onion, Dutch smoked salmon (known as Lox to us) and a bit of black caviar for topping.

To bring a bit of Hanukkah into the picture, freshly made potato latkes served hot and crisp with a side of applesauce or sour cream, depending on which way your tastes may venture.

A crockpot of lobster meat warmed in salted butter and served in little porcelain ramekins for that special, festive touch.

The last item, which is a breakfast buffet must, is the French toast. This has been prepared the night before with eggs, heavy cream, maple syrup, and cinnamon, and then popped into the oven for 45 minutes before serving and filling the house with the most amazing aromas.

After the presents are opened, and all are settling in their chairs to digest and converse, I will put the gorgeous, koshered goose in the oven so that we may begin eating again in four hours. It seems that everyone I spoke to is either having a baked ham or rib roast, both wonderful choices, but this year, I wanted something different.

Once I have changed the table linens and reset the table for Christmas dinner we will begin our feast with ….

Deeply fried to a golden, brown, oysters that have been specially ordered for this special dinner.

A light but refreshing chopped salad with a sweet Vidalia onion dressing and a hint of dried cranberries and fontina cheese always gives a vibrant mix.

The proud goose, cooked with garlic and herb butter gently rubbed under his skin so that he is crispy on the outside but ever so tender on the inside. Sorry Paul, I made need to date this goose.

A simple stuffing and cranberry sauce will be placed tableside to compliment the bird.

My son’s favorite dish, which I stole the recipe from one of our favorite restaurants, which is potato gnocchi swimming in a mushroom, spinach Alfredo sauce. Yum!

The only thing missing is the vegetable, which after much thought and discussion with Lisa shall be peas sautéed in butter with olive oil and then seasoned to perfection.

To end the meal, I have chosen a pumpkin swirl cheesecake plus a brown butter, peach and blueberry tart and a large batch of hot, buttered rum!

Throughout the day, the Christmas cookies will available along with the Hershey kiss and mini nutter butter acorns, that truthfully are a pain in the neck to make, but I shall serve them to make my son completely happy.

So Eat Hearty, Laugh Often, and Enjoy!

p.s. I feel like Paula Dean with all the butter!

Ahh Yes, Hand Gestures!

Have you ever noticed that during a conversation either you or the person speaking to you will manage to use their hands for descriptive use? Many people find that gesticulating with their hands helps to further their point.

It is true, that before humankind ever learned the art of vocalizing and we relied on our body language for communication. What is funny though is that even after billions and billions of years, we still find it necessary to enhance any language with movement.

 Many of these gestures reflect good intentions, for instance,

 the “OK” sign,  the thumb and forefinger hook together

 while keeping the hand straight  or crossed fingers, 

 which means “good luck.” Holding your thumb up  refers

 to “good job” or  agreement. A salute pays respect

 as does a handshake or even a wave.

In prayer, we hold our hands straight up, palms and fingers together, which when paired with a slight bow and the word “Namaste” is a

common greeting for the Hindus of South Asia.

Knocking on wood for those of us who are

superstitious is believed to keep evil tidings

away. The Vulcan salute, for all those

Star Trek fans, consists of holding the

hand straight up, palm facing out and creating a gap between the middle and ring finger while holding the thumb off to the side. This harder gesture means

“Go forth and  prosper."

We also have the signals that aren’t as well intentioned as those above. The loser sign which is formed by creating an “L” with the thumb and forefinger and holding it to your forehead. The finger gun, I bet you can figure this one out, tends to mean boredom. How about when you hold your hand straight up in front of you, palm facing out, and fingers straight? This hand signal usually means “Talk to the hand because the ears aren’t listening.”

Then of course, there is "The Finger," which is just holding the middle finger straight up at your intended subject and has not such a nice meaning. This symbol is most commonly used in the state of Massachusetts and known as “The Massachusetts Hello.”

Whatever the gesticulations may be keep an eye out for them during your everyday conversations. It is interesting to see how many people need to use their hands while communicating.

The Fountainhead vs The Fountainhead

I am in the process of reading “The Fountainhead” by Ayn Rand (whom I love) and thought it would be nice if I watched the movie as well. Big mistake!

Ayn Rand’s book centers on, Harold Rourk, a man of strong character, who believes that one must live by his own artistic ideas and beliefs. In a world that change and modernization are always moving forward, he finds himself stuck amongst a civilization that believes architecture should continuously represent the past.

Shunned by all that see his designs as modernistic and appalling, Rourk chooses to forgo all traditions and pursue his dream alone and in obscurity. Harold Rourk’s beliefs represent the struggle between individualism and collectivism, making the story the embodiment of humankind.

I love this book and find it very tough to put down. The movie, although scripted by Ayn Rand, has much to be desired. Produced in 1949 and directed by the great King Vidor “The Fountainhead” stays true to the story. Thanks to Ms. Rand who insisted that the screenplay remain exactly as she wrote it. The problem with the movie is the acting. Gary Cooper, whom I have always admired as an actor, plays Howard Rourk quite decently but the fabulous Patricia Neal who plays Dominique Francon (Rourk’s one true love) is absolutely horrendous. Dominique is a vibrant, pillar of strength. Patricia Neal spends most of the movie looking terrified and beaten.

Very disappointing to watch. I believe that someone from one of those bored movie studios should consider remaking this movie and show it for what it should be, Great!

Comic Con - Boston

   Last weekend my family and some friends all ventured down to Boston to attend our first Comic Con. I being the crazy one on the family of course dressed up as a black Fairy. No one else wanted to dress but after spending the day at Comic Con, they are planning their costumes for next year's adventure.
   We didn't know what to expect, there are tons of comic book dealers, and manga writers, guest appearances from tv and movie stars, but the coolest thing was the amazing costumes that people came dressed in.
   One man came dressed as Bumblebee from the Transformers, and was amazing. He must have been standing on stilts because he stood about 7.2. I only have a picture of him from the back when he was leaving but you'll see what an awesome job he did making his costume.

 

 

If you ever get a chance to attend a Comic Con, whether it be in San Diego or Boston or where ever it travels to. Go! It is so much fun!!!!!!

 

The RMS Titanic

  When I was a child, my father and I watched the 1953 movie "Titanic" with Barbara Stanwyck and Clifton Webb. I remember watching in disbelief and astonishment that this beautiful (unsinkable) ship could be brought down by the powers of mother nature and human error.
   I grew up always curious to learn more and more of the facts about that fateful night.
   Now at a much riper and wiser age, I find that, I am no longer curious about the breathtaking ship, but am obsessed with the ship and its passengers. Whether it be about the construction of the boat, or the type of China used in the dining room, I need to know more. The all consuming obsession has taken me to doing a lot of research on my days off from work.
   To all of you who watched the lovely little romance that James Cameron shared with us in his 1997 "Titanic" the real movie you should watch is his "Ghosts of the Abyss". Here you can see his love and obsession come out in amazing form but you also feel the amount of energy he put into making the Titanic movie. He (being very rich and able to afford this) commandeered a vessel loaded with high tech equipment and submersible cameras and went out to find the final resting spot of the Titanic. That really was so much better then the 3 hour epic he did in 1997. Now don't get me wrong, I have watched his "Titanic" movie several times and do like it, I think I just wanted more about Everybody!
  Anyway, I recently watched "Titanic, Blood and Steel" which is a really cool miniseries put out by Encore. I also just found this great website www.RMSTitanic.net which I love.
   I have decided to start my next story and guess what it will be about? You are correct and very smart if your answer was the Titanic.
I do have one cute story to share, it's a small piece about one of the survivors, Violet Jessop

Violet Jessop, an ocean liner stewardess and a nurse was one of the survivors of the Titanic. She is also well known for surviving the Britannic in 1916, the sister ship to Titanic. Violet also survived an earlier fiasco in 1911, when she was aboard the RMS Olympic, when it collided with another ship, HMS Hawke. She passed away on May 5, 1971 of congestive heart failure.

Obviously, this woman shouldn't have been on any of those ships.

Have a good day!
 

Vacation - Too Short, But What An Amazing Time!

http://www.nowresorts.com/Sapphire/

 

   We have just come home from a week in Cancun, Mexico at the Now Sapphire Resort and what a shame we had to come home.
   If you are looking for a place to get married, spend your honeymoon, or just get away from it all (like we needed), this is the place to go. My husband, my son, his best friend, and myself got up at 2:00am on Saturday, April 20th and headed off to the airport for our long awaited, very badly needed, vacation. After, what seemed like a week of traveling (but in reality was only 8 hours) we arrived in Cancun, Mexico where the weather was an amazing 87 degrees.
   I had spent, ALOT of time planning this vacation, looking for the right resort, the perfect island (or country) and had stumbled upon the Now Sapphire Resort. I took one look at the picture above and said "That is where we are going on vacation".
   The Now Sapphire Resort is an all inclusive resort that offers everything for everyone. The rooms are comfortable, clean and nice with the option of having your porch overlook tropical view (very private) or an ocean view. The refrigerator in the rooms comes stocked with water, soda and Corona beer (by the way, Corona is heavenly in Mexico, not like our American Corona) and doesn't cost a penny to drink it all.
   There is entertainment, if you wish to partake in any of the water, beach or pool activities. I played bingo poolside everyday while sitting by the pool bar. Every night, there is something going on, not only for adults but for teens and kids also.
   The food is amazing! If you don't like buffet, there are 5 restaurants in which to choose from (again all inclusive), no reservations necessary except if you would like to have a private dinner with your honey under the stars, on the beach (this did cost extra, but was so worth it).
   Everyone who works there is, how do I sum them up.....Fabulous!
   We are so going back next year, and are telling everyone we know that they have to go!!!!

 

Dear Anonymous

Dear Anonymous,

   I would like to thank all of you who have written the wonderful comments about my blogs. It is such a pleasure to sit and write but an even better feeling to have all these fantastic comments.
  Thanks to all who think I will one day be a popular author. Hope you have checked out my short stories on amazon.com and leave reviews. That is the only way I will begin to grow as an author.
   Thank you again!!!

E. L. Gross
 

Les Miserables

   The other night, my son and I sat down to watch Les Miserables. He actually said that he wasn't going to watch it but would stick around for a bit. He also stated, something to the effect, that he couldn't stomach a whole opera.

   There are many stories intertwined that meld perfectly in this beautiful and majestic adaptation of the book written by Victor Hugo (also known for The Hunchback of Notre Dame).

   It begins with the peasant Jean Valjean (Hugh Jackman, totally unrecognizable, at first) - a man unjustly imprisoned, and all the other prisoners singing "Look Down" as they drag one of the French ships into its hold while being watched by the prison guards.

   Valjean, upon his release into parole is baffled by destiny, and hounded by his nemesis, the magnificently realized, police detective Javert (Russell Crowe).
                       

   Trying to forget his past and live an honest life, escaped convict Jean Valjean risks his freedom to take care of a young girl whose mother has died during a period of political unrest in Paris.

   Anne Hathaway plays the young girl's mother, Fantine. In a desperate attempt to support her daughter, she sells multiple things (hair, and teeth) and eventually becomes a prostitute. Anne Hathaway gives one of the most amazing performances, I have ever seen portrayed, all the while belting out "I Dreamed a Dream".

   This movie commandeers everything of 1815, France, the grit, the political turmoil, the strength in the hearts and minds of the people, and the fierce love of it's characters. The wonderful cast includes
Amanda Seyfried, Eddie Redmayne, Samantha Barks, Helena Bonham Carter, and Sacha Baron Cohen. (The last two actors will have you singing "Master of the House" for the next few days).

   The musical score is magnificent, and captures you from the minute it begins until the credits roll.

   My son, sat through the whole movie and has since downloaded many of the songs. He has just made a special request and asked me to buy the movie.

Yes, it is that good!!!!!

 

It Must Be Spring

   It must be Spring and not because of the date or the fact that one of my bushes has little buds on it, but because of the way all my animals are acting.
   The dogs (of which there are three) are acting insane. They are demanding to go out every few minutes. We let them out, they spend about 15 minutes outside and then they realize that it is still a bit chilly unless the sun is beating down on them, so they come back in.
   You are probably saying, "Why let them out that much?" Good question...Glad you asked.
   You see I have three very different types of dogs. The oldest, Molly (and meanest) is a Patterdale Terrier, she is small like a Jack Russell and black, she is almost blind and deaf (the reason for her meanness) but still feels that because she is the dominant dog that she has to kick start any barking. If anything happens in this house she must bark.
   Then we have the middle dog, Trapper (the largest). He is the smartest (bird dogs usually are) and best trained. He is the dog that is able to run around outside on his own and never leave our property. The problem with Trapper is, he can't make up his mind whether to be in or out.
   The last dog, is our two year old mutt, Butch. Half yellow Labrador (his head and his length) the other half beagle (height). He is very much duck footed and kind of resembles Tyrannosaurus Rex with his short little legs. Very lovable, very cute, but extremely stupid. We like to tell everyone that he has a sunflower seed sized brain knocking around in his big skull. His deal - wants to be where ever Trapper is (although, unlike Trapper, Butch does not listen.)
   So, they go in and out, in and out.
   Another wonderful aspect is, they have started the insane and needless barking. We close a cabinet, they bark. We walk into our own house, they bark. We say "hello" on the phone, they bark. A leaf blows by the window, they bark. It drives us nuts.

As I am writing this, all three dogs have started the insane barking again. I have to go, must sell three dogs Cheap!

Operator

   Does anyone remember the game, Operator?

   It was a game we played when we were kids. Everyone sat in a circle and one person would whisper in some one's ear. It didn't matter what you whispered in the person's ear just as long as no one else heard it. The person you whispered to then whispered what you said to the next person and so on, until the whisper went around the whole circle back to you.

   What normally happened was that by the time the whisper made it back to the person who originated it, what they whispered had become totally convoluted and not what they said at all.

   I have found that small town living, where something that one person says can make it around the town in less then two hours, and not be anything like what the original person said.

   Problem is, by the time it has made it around town it has turned into something mean and condemning to someone and everyone who has heard now believes it.

   Don't people know that spreading rumors can be one of the most devastating ways to hurt a person. I think more people should think about the kid's game Operator before repeating something. It never comes back the way it started.

Exposed; A Gnome’s Destiny

   He sat on the table, his face still sticky. At least the temperature was comfortable in here, opposed to what he was subjected to last winter with the cold air outside. The snow, that was the worst part of it. The cold, wet, penetrating snow, which seeped into his every nook and cranny, and froze him to the bone. It snowed so much last year that it reached above his hat rim. The white film would cover his eyes for weeks. He missed the sun during those times.

    It bothered him also, how they would come outside to shovel and not bother to clean him off. He could hear them talking about him. Always the same thing, “Poor Oscar, we should really bring him in.” or “Look at Oscar, he’s a mess”. Never the less, they never did bring him in.

    Then, as if overnight, the winds changed, coming from the south now, bringing warm salty air to brush off the layers of white firn. The sun emerged, growing warm at first, but with each passing day, it grew hotter and hotter. His skin grew dry and brittle and his beautiful green hat began to peel. He could feel the rosy circles on his cheeks fade away, while the soft white of his beard sun-bleached out and the original dull wood shone through. Once again, he prayed for a change in the weather.

     There had to be more to his life than this. Back at the shed, where the old man sat every day, creating his cousins, they all knew that joy filled days lay ahead. As the old man sat, lovingly painting a face, a hat, a coat, he would tell them stories of past friends who had gone off to join other families and sit in beautiful gardens filled with honeysuckle and sweet roses. He promised that life would be filled with laughter and the warmth of a family’s love. He told them that they were the magical ones, who healed lonely hearts and who brought happiness wherever they traveled.

     Here he sat, dry, peeling and scorched, Oscar, the shunned gnome. This family has humiliated him and he wanted nothing more than to complete the cycle and rot away. They didn’t need a gnome; they needed a pet rock. Although, he has witnessed this family, sitting on the large rock across the lawn, laughing and sipping cold drinks during the hot days. If only they had remembered him, sitting over here in the overgrown daisies, parched and praying for a bit of cool water.

     Even his attitude was beginning to rot. Magical gnomes were always happy (at least that is what the old man said) that is why their cheeks were always so rosy and round. Then why was he left standing in the dirt, alone, on the worst of days and nights. Once, during a big storm, a strong wind lifted him right off the ground. It twirled him round and round then spit him out in the middle of the family’s fields. They found him days later, front hand broken off, his little gold bell, missing. The mother carried him back to his spot, all the while telling him, he was due for a washing and a paint job. That was…actually, he could not remember when that was.

     He was giving up hope. Seriously, anticipating the next big wind, to pick him up and blow him straight into the next county. He could not handle another hot summer or cold winter, he just couldn’t.

     Then yesterday, yes, it was just yesterday, when the colossal miracle happened. The mother came outside with her son. They went straight over to Oscar. They were discussing his ragged appearance, but they were walking towards him. “Oh no!” he thought, “Was this it! Was he going to end up part of the fire wood pile?” Oscar’s heart raced and he felt more paint peel off as he tried to contain himself.

     Gently, the mother reached down and picked him up, cradling him in her arms. “Poor Oscar.” She said sympathetically “We are going to get you back in shape”. She began to brush the dried dirt off his face and looked deep into his eyes. “Sorry, we let you get so rundown.”

    Oscar tried to smile but his wood was so dry he was afraid of cracking. Then he saw the boy open the back door and for the first time in his life, Oscar entered the house.

   He sat on the table, his face still sticky. He had been washed, dried, primed, and painted. The mother and son had done the whole thing in two days. Two whole days, of absolute, attention and loving for Oscar. When they finished, he had a beautiful, blue coat with a black belt, pewter trousers, and handsome black shoes. His warm little cap had also been painted pewter to match his pants. The best part was his smile and round rosy cheeks were back. He was happy.

   They had discussed putting him back in the garden, but changed their minds when the father came home. He was so amazed with Oscar’s transformation, that it was he who decided, that Oscar becomes an indoor gnome. “After all,” he said, “Norman is an indoor gnome”.

   Oscar didn’t know who Norman was, and he did not care. Never again, would he suffer the wilds of the great outdoors. Never again, to have extreme temperature changes. He was going to be an indoor gnome.

   The family invited friends over that night for dinner and the house filled with laughter and happiness. Everybody noticed Oscar and admired his new garments. He thought he could not be any happier, until later that evening, he was lifted from the table and brought over to a windowsill. There on the sill sat a small gnome in green and red. This was Norman and they became friends instantly.

   The old man had been right. His life, from then on was filled with laughter and the warmth of a family’s love. They were the magical ones, who healed lonely hearts and who brought happiness wherever they traveled.

Exposed; A Gnome’s Destiny by E. L. Gross copyright 10/3/2012

 

Word To The Wise

   I would like to leave a short note - everything that I post on this blog whether it is cover images, stories or my personal posts is copywritten and recorded. The books and their covers have recorded isbns and can not be reproduced without my permission. Thank you. E. L. Gross

Argo

   It snowed again today, but I truly do not want to discuss this. We stayed in and decided to check out the movie Argo. Wow!
   I have to tell you that I am not a fan of Ben Affleck. As of right now, he has gained so much respect from me, not only as an  actor but as a director also. This movie was so intense, scary with its realism and deep that I actually found my self holding my breath in the last 15 minutes.
   Ben Affleck portrays Tony Mendez  a CIA operative,who led the rescue of six U.S. diplomats from Tehran, Iran, during the 1979 Iran hostage crisis. I remember watching the news with my dad and so many of these scenes brought back the horrors and fear that we felt for those people who were being held hostage while Iran retaliated for the U.S. giving shelter to the deposed Shah.
   Alan Arkin, John Goodman, Victor Garber and Bryan Cranston are some the other big name actors in this movie, but every actor deserves recognition for an  amazing job. Affleck as a director pulled their strengths and has created a very impressive movie.
   Here is the synopsis from Wikipedia;
   Militants storm the United States embassy in Tehran on November 4, 1979, in retaliation for the US sheltering the recently deposed Shah. More than 50 of the embassy staff are taken as hostages, but six escape and hide in the home of the Canadian ambassador Ken Taylor  (Victor Garber). With the escapees' situation kept secret, the US State Department begins to explore options for "exhiltrating" them from Iran. Tony Mendez (Ben Affleck), a CIA ex filtration specialist brought in for consultation, criticizes the proposals. He too is at a loss for an alternative until, inspired by watching Battle for the Planet of the Apes on the phone with his son, he plans to create a cover story that the escapees are Canadian filmmakers, scouting "exotic" locations in Iran for a similar sci-fi film.

Great Film!

 

Winter Wonderland?

   Today is February 21, 2013 which means that in one month it will be March 21, which means it will be the first day off Spring.
   I have always been a true lover of the Winter, Spring and Fall but never of Summer. Winter is gorgeous with fresh snow and crisp temperatures. I live on the side of a mountain in a tiny town in New Hampshire, this to many means glorious, sun filled days of skiing down mountains filled with fresh snow. To me it means, sitting by the fire, watching a great movie and watching the snow fall.
   I love winter so much that my dreams of retirement in 10 to 15 years (sounds like a jail sentence) was to move to Alaska. Alaska is fabulous with its small towns, plentiful wildlife, and multitude of majestic views. We traveled there and I fell in love. I am writing a book that takes place in Alaska and one of my favorite shows "Northern Exposure" (watch this show if you have never seen it, a real keeper but hard to find) takes place in Alaska. My husband is always willing to try anything, my son said he would never visit except during the summer. My dream has always been there and to me it made sense.
   It made sense up until this winter. We were having a horrific snow storm, with lots and lots of snow, crazy cold temperatures and howling winds. My husband was sick but was still determined to start the shoveling. Our shoveling is not just the front path, it means the back porch so the 3 dogs can get out, it means the path to and around the hot tub including the cover so that it doesn't break, it means doing a path to the generator so it will work if we lose electricity, it means clearing an area in front of the horses stalls (if you can get down to the barn) so you can open their doors and let them out. As I said, my husband was determined to shovel, so we bundled up and headed outside.
   After four long hours of this, we were achy, cold and very tired. I put my shovel down and looked at my husbands frozen face, huffing and puffing, he asked me if I was alright? I just looked at him and told him straight out that there was no way in hell that I was moving to Alaska.
   He laughed and said how about the Florida Keys (he knows I would never live in the state of Florida, but the Keys, I can deal with). I picked up my shovel, smiled at him and said "The Keys it is!"
   Thank God, Spring is only one month away! If it snows again, I am staying in bed till it melts!!!

I'll always love you (food that is)

  After five years of not traveling, my family is finally going away. We are heading to Cancun during a school vacation and I thought it might be nice if I tried to lose a bit of winter weight.
   As I have mentioned in older posts that I LOVE to eat. Doesn't matter much what it is, healthy food, junk food, in my mind, food is food and I just want to eat. So I put a moratorium on myself and have convinced myself that eating Special K for breakfast, snacks and lunch truly fills me up. Obviously, I am crazy, because my brain is actually yelling at me to have a cheeseburger.
   I also decided it was time to get back into doing my yoga routine and my Wii Fit. The Wii Fit almost had a stroke when I got on it and did a body test. It gave out this horrible "OH" and then proceeded to tell me just how overweight I am. It also informed me that by carrying this much weight brings me to the age of a 57 year old. NICE, since I just turned 50 last month this made me so depressed, I wanted to go eat!
   For three weeks I worked out five out of seven days, watched what I ate (yes, Special K), and made very healthy dinners and no bad snacking. When I did my body test again, I had lost 2 pounds. The next day, all I did was work out and drink water and I gained one of those pounds back.
   I quit! If someone knows of one of those fabulous miracle weight loss tricks, let me know, I really need to be able to fit into a bathing suit come vacation time.

Meanwhile, I run around the house singing Fat Girl to the tune of Batman. Take care!

Rave Reviews

Had To share these Fantastic reviews!!!! New! -   Fred from NH reviewed  The Hand That Beats Thee Oh Yes! Beat Me Again! January 12, 2013 This book had me wondering how it was going to end. I didn't catch this ending coming. It can be truly said that our eyes tell a story. Loved this one by E.L. Gross. The best book so far.          View this book's reviews on Amazon.com New! -   Fred from NH reviewed The Perfect Story "The Perfect Story" was perfect indeed! January 12, 2013 I didn't know where this one was going but getting there was a beautiful walk thru the woods. Nicely done E.L. Gross!                  View this book's reviews on Amazon.com
Fred from NH reviewed Last Bus to Nowhere Had me from beginning to end. December 3, 2012 Kept me on the edge of my seat from start to finish. I look forward to reading more from this author!                  View this book's reviews on Amazon.com        Thank you Fred from NH!!!!

Day Off - An Idiom

Idioms & Phrases

day off  A day away from work, school, or a similar obligation; a free day. For example, Sophie always used her day off to do errands . [Late 1800s]

The American Heritage® Dictionary of Idioms by Christine Ammer.
Copyright © 1997. Published by Houghton Mifflin.

WordNet

day off

noun

a day when you are not required to work; "Thursday is his day off"

WordNet® 3.0, © 2006 by Princeton University

 

   I looked up the meaning of "Day off" in dictionary.com and up above is what appeared. that is what I thought it meant but became terribly confused as to why when we say we have the day off, most of us spend the day, working.

 

   Today is Sunday, my husband slept late - that is - he slept until 7:00am then went over to one of his jobs and mucked out horse and donkey stalls. He then proceeded to one of the properties he manages and filled their huge wood stove with wood, came home and did our stalls and is now vacuuming.

 

   I, actually did get to sleep late - 8:00, got up and did what ever dishes magically appeared in the sink overnight. Then begins the process of feeding fish, cat, dogs and changing all waters. I stripped and made two beds, brought wood into the house for the wood stove that heats the house and continued on the never ending laundry washing.

 

  It is 9:25 and I am taking time to sit and have my coffee before I have to go clean 4 bathrooms and continue putting laundry away. Truthfully, I shouldn't even be sitting here right now, since there are floors to be washed and a dump run to be made, but I could not get over the fact that Saturday and Sunday are supposed to be "Days Off".

 

   Who ever came up with this idiom, truly was an idiot!

 

A Visit From Saint Nick by Clement C Moore

Last year before Christmas, I posted one of my favorite Christmas stories, The Gift of the Magi. This year I would like post another favorite that is more well known.

 

'Twas the night before Christmas, when all through the house

Not a creature was stirring, not even a mouse

The stockings were hung by the chimney with care,

In hopes that St Nicholas soon would be there;

The children were nestled all snug in their beds,

While visions of sugar-plums danced in their heads;

And mamma in her ‘kerchief, and I in my cap,

Had just settled our brains for a long winter’s nap,

When out on the lawn there arose such a clatter,

I sprang from the bed to see what was the matter.

Away to the window I flew like a flash,

Tore open the shutters and threw up the sash.

The moon on the breast of the new-fallen snow

Gave the lustre of mid-day to objects below,

When, what to my wondering eyes should appear,

But a miniature sleigh, and eight tinny reindeer,

With a little old driver, so lively and quick,

I knew in a moment it must be St Nick.

More rapid than eagles his coursers they came,

And he whistled, and shouted, and called them by name;

‘Now Dasher! now, Dancer! now, Prancer and Vixen!

On, Comet! On, Cupid! on, on Donner and Blitzen!

To the top of the porch! to the top of the wall!

Now dash away! dash away! dash away all!’

As dry leaves that before the wild hurricane fly,

When they meet with an obstacle, mount to the sky;

So up to the house-top the coursers they flew,

With the sleigh full of Toys, and St Nicholas too.

And then, in a twinkling, I heard on the roof

The prancing and pawing of each little hoof.

As I drew in my head, and was turning around,

Down the chimney St Nicholas came with a bound,

He was dressed all in fur, from his head to his foot,

and his clothes were all tarnished with ashes and soot.

A bundle of Toys he had flung on his back,

And he looked like a peddler, just opening his pack.

His eyes-how they twinkled! his dimples how merry!

His cheeks were like roses, his nose like a cherry!

His droll little mouth was drawn up like a bow,

And the beard of his chin was as white as the snow;

The stump of a pipe he held tight in his teeth,

and the smoke it encircled his head like a wreath;

He had a broad face and a little round belly,

That shook when he laughed, like a bowlful of jelly.

He was chubby and plump, a right jolly old elf,

and I laughed when I saw him, in spite of myself;

A wink of his eye and a twist of his head,

Soon gave me to know I had nothing to dread.

He spoke not a word, but went straight to his work,

and filled all the stockings; then turned with a jerk,

and laying his finger aside of his nose,

and giving a nod, up the chimney he rose;

He sprang to his sleigh, to his team gave a whistle,

and away they all flew like the down of a thistle.

But I heard him exclaim, ‘ere he drove out of sight,

‘Happy Christmas to all, and to all a good-night.

The Bird is the Word

   So I haven't written in awhile, with running the elections in November and Tax Billing, work has been busy. Home life is just as busy. My son is going to driving class alot, and we have to practice with him, alot, Thanksgiving, well, I do not have to tell you how life keeps you busy.
  
   I do hope everyone had a great Thanksgiving, especially now that the next holiday season is upon us. We haven't even had a chance to get our holiday cards done (the picture that is).

   I am going to backtrack to Thanksgiving though. Our neighbor raises white turkeys. So we decided that we would provide the bird for the Thanksgiving feast at my sister-in-law's meal. This bird was a 30 pound bird. He was enormous! He wouldn't fit in my sink so that I could Kosher him. My husband, ran to the store (which is a good 35 minute drive) and bought this humongous bin. We put it out on the deck on the table and filled it with ice cold water and kosher salt.
  
   Now when you Kosher a bird, you have to make sure all the extras are completely out and off of him. Namely, you have to cut the wings off, the extra skin by the neck, lungs, heart, gizzards and anything else that truly doesn't belong. This ain't no Perdue, baby!

   So, the next morning after he had soaked overnight, I took my special shears and my largest pan outside to the porch. Now, you might say that a 30 pound turkey, only weighs 30 pounds, Wrong!!!!
A 30 pound turkey, that has been submersed in ice cold, salted water weighs alot more. I had the worst time getting him out of the water bin and draining him. Thank God he was outside, because, everything was soaked with salted water, everything. I kept having to run into the house and defrost my hands under warm water.

   I finally finished cleaning my bird, emptied the water bin, and filled it up again with ice cold, salted water, and got that miserable son of a b---- back into the bin. He sat for another 24 hours in the water and then once again, I had the joyous job of lifting/draining him and placing him in my fabulous pan standing up. Have you ever tried to make a 30 pound bird stand up? I then covered him inside and out with Kosher salt, like a blanket of snow. We both got to rest for 3 hours. After all the blood had drained from the sucker, I managed to get his butt back into the bin full of fresh cold water and let him sit for another six hours.

   Koshering is a pain in the neck, and much, much easier with a small bird, but it is worth every painful memory. Once he was done koshering, I brought him inside, prepared him for cooking and at midnight, popped him in the oven fully stuffed. I have NEVER messed up the cooking of a bird and I believe this to be because of the whole koshering process and the fact that I am anal about basting Every half hour.

  Needless, to say, when the bird went into the oven at midnight, my husband and I took turns every half hour basting the miserable thing. It was almost like having a newborn baby again, but not all the joys that come with it. At 8:00 the next morning, I took him out, let him sit for an hour and then covered him up nice and tight for the long trip down to Massachusetts. We even had to put a seat belt on him.

  To wind this whole thing up, he was Yummy! perfectly cooked and Yummy!

   I hate Thanksgiving!