Thursday, October 05, 2006
Back On Line
Well, after a whirlwind few months I am finally able to start posting again. Stay tuned!
Friday, June 09, 2006
Da (I think they mean) DUD Vinci Code
We had read the bad reviews. We saw how the movie was panned in Cannes. Yet, wanting to stay open and hoping to prove the reviewers wrong, once again, we relented. After all, Ron Howard was a terrific director and we both had thoroughly enjoyed Cinderella Man (which hadn't garnered great reviews either).
And so it was that we found ourselves one Friday in a theatre waiting for the Da Vinci Code to begin. The movie had only been out a week or so, but judging by the fewer than 20 other souls in the theatre, that seemed to be code for not faring well in the "word of mouth" category. Not a good sign.
Still, we wanted to give it a chance. After all, we had read Dan Brown's novel and even though I hadn't enjoyed it as much as Jerry had, I thought with Ron Howard's touch it could translate into a pretty good film. However, fifteen minutes in, we looked at each other and wanted to leave. Even with the splendid backdrop of the Louvre, the movie was flat and well, boring. We stayed, thinking (fingers crossed) that it could only get better, but it didn't.
Everything about the movie (even the usually great Tom Hanks couldn't save it) was flat and two-dimensional. The dialogue was stilted, the momentum painstakingly slow, and the story convoluted. We apparently weren't the only ones who felt this way. I saw three people get up and leave mid-way, but of those of us who stayed, the woman a row in front had the best coping strategy: she had fallen asleep. Her irregular breathing with the occasional "shhh" from her companion when her snoring reached near crescendo levels proved to be way more entertaining than any drama unfolding on the screen.
To date, I have yet to meet anyone who enjoyed the movie. So, if you haven't gone, save your money.
And so it was that we found ourselves one Friday in a theatre waiting for the Da Vinci Code to begin. The movie had only been out a week or so, but judging by the fewer than 20 other souls in the theatre, that seemed to be code for not faring well in the "word of mouth" category. Not a good sign.
Still, we wanted to give it a chance. After all, we had read Dan Brown's novel and even though I hadn't enjoyed it as much as Jerry had, I thought with Ron Howard's touch it could translate into a pretty good film. However, fifteen minutes in, we looked at each other and wanted to leave. Even with the splendid backdrop of the Louvre, the movie was flat and well, boring. We stayed, thinking (fingers crossed) that it could only get better, but it didn't.
Everything about the movie (even the usually great Tom Hanks couldn't save it) was flat and two-dimensional. The dialogue was stilted, the momentum painstakingly slow, and the story convoluted. We apparently weren't the only ones who felt this way. I saw three people get up and leave mid-way, but of those of us who stayed, the woman a row in front had the best coping strategy: she had fallen asleep. Her irregular breathing with the occasional "shhh" from her companion when her snoring reached near crescendo levels proved to be way more entertaining than any drama unfolding on the screen.
To date, I have yet to meet anyone who enjoyed the movie. So, if you haven't gone, save your money.
Saturday, June 03, 2006
Lake Louise, Alberta
One of the nicest things about living in Calgary (and there are many) is the close proximity to Banff, Lake Louise and the awesome Rocky Mountains. Sometimes planned, but mostly on a whim, Jerry and I will decide to take off for a trip to the mountains. In a little over an hour we'll find ourselves in some of the most beautiful places/spaces on the planet. On a recent trip we saw a variety of wildlife including deer and elk. We stopped and quietly took pictures without disturbing them as they munched on grasses a few feet away.
Friday, April 07, 2006
A long week, but a good one
We arrived back in Calgary Monday night around 10:00 - a day earlier than planned. Jerry was in the "groove" as he called it, and the driving conditions were splendid. The only unfortunate thing was that I didn't take any pictures of the wonderful mountain and sky scapes that surrounded us as we travelled, but their images are indelibly etched in my head - not that that helps any of you reading this account.
I saw my mother at home before she went into the hospital on Tuesday. Many people called to wish her well with the surgery. Although the phone was ringing off the hook at times, my mother really enjoyed speaking with everyone. It struck me how important it is to call people when they are going through difficult times. So often, and I have been guilty of this more times than I care to admit, we feel that we are intruding. Sometimes, too, at least in my case I didn't know what to say. If my mother's experience is any indication, I've learned that the calls demonstrated that she was being supported and cheered on. And one doesn't have to say much- just letting the person know that she is being thought of is key.
The operation on Wednesday went very well according to the doctors and nurses. After coming out of the recovery room, I was surprised and relieved to see that she had good colour, was alert, feisty and in excellent spirits.
Mum was surprised and grateful that the pain was, in her words,” not as bad as I thought." Thankfully, this was the case. Mum is now at home after spending two nights in the hospital. She is walking around on her own and eating well. Not bad for an 85-year-old! When the tests from the surgery come back next week, my mother and her doctor will decide the best course of action in terms of treatment and radiation options.
Tomorrow I will visit her after I go walking with my husband in the morning. It is a good feeling being back in Calgary after almost 7 months away.
I saw my mother at home before she went into the hospital on Tuesday. Many people called to wish her well with the surgery. Although the phone was ringing off the hook at times, my mother really enjoyed speaking with everyone. It struck me how important it is to call people when they are going through difficult times. So often, and I have been guilty of this more times than I care to admit, we feel that we are intruding. Sometimes, too, at least in my case I didn't know what to say. If my mother's experience is any indication, I've learned that the calls demonstrated that she was being supported and cheered on. And one doesn't have to say much- just letting the person know that she is being thought of is key.
The operation on Wednesday went very well according to the doctors and nurses. After coming out of the recovery room, I was surprised and relieved to see that she had good colour, was alert, feisty and in excellent spirits.
Mum was surprised and grateful that the pain was, in her words,” not as bad as I thought." Thankfully, this was the case. Mum is now at home after spending two nights in the hospital. She is walking around on her own and eating well. Not bad for an 85-year-old! When the tests from the surgery come back next week, my mother and her doctor will decide the best course of action in terms of treatment and radiation options.
Tomorrow I will visit her after I go walking with my husband in the morning. It is a good feeling being back in Calgary after almost 7 months away.
Sunday, April 02, 2006
On the road
We left much later Saturday than expected. The automatic irrigation system for the backyard had stopped working on Friday (due to severed or worn-out wires). As a result, Jerry spent a good deal of time trying to fix the problem. Finally, Saturday morning, with the help of Joe (the landscape designer and gardener who did our desert landscaping) the system was back up and running. Whew!
It was close to 10:30 a.m. before we hit the road. It was a good feeling finally being on our way. We drove until 4:00 o'clock, and then settled in for the evening at a pleasant enough hotel in Mesquite.
This morning we left bright and early and drove from Mesquite all the way to Pocatello, Idaho. The snow-capped mountains and rocky ridge formations are awe inspiring! When we drive back to Rancho Mirage in the fall, we hope (G-d willing) to take a side trip to the Grand Canyon.
We are now happily ensconced in a comfortable room at the Red Lion Hotel after a relaxing and pleasant dinner in their steakhouse. A warm bath, a good book, a wonderful partner - I am blessed.
It was close to 10:30 a.m. before we hit the road. It was a good feeling finally being on our way. We drove until 4:00 o'clock, and then settled in for the evening at a pleasant enough hotel in Mesquite.
This morning we left bright and early and drove from Mesquite all the way to Pocatello, Idaho. The snow-capped mountains and rocky ridge formations are awe inspiring! When we drive back to Rancho Mirage in the fall, we hope (G-d willing) to take a side trip to the Grand Canyon.
We are now happily ensconced in a comfortable room at the Red Lion Hotel after a relaxing and pleasant dinner in their steakhouse. A warm bath, a good book, a wonderful partner - I am blessed.
Thursday, March 30, 2006
Our bags are packed; we're (almost) ready to go...
Well, Jerry and I have almost finished our packing. We hope to get an early start Saturday and begin our trek home after 7 months away. Above is one of the pictures we took of the beautiful California coast on our way down. Our route home will be more direct.
Wednesday, March 29, 2006
Cancer rears its ugly head
This is a sad day. The lump in my Mother's breast is malignant and she is scheduled to have her breast removed on April 5. However, my mother, true to her nature, sounded both matter of fact and optimistic on the phone this morning. She had a malignant lump removed a few years earlier and since then, with medication, the cancer has been under control. When she found this new lump, she went to her doctor and after the results came back from the lab, they decided the best option was to remove the breast.
Obviously, Jerry and I decided to leave Rancho Mirage sooner than planned, so that we're back in Calgary in time for Mum's surgery. Please say a prayer that all goes well.
Obviously, Jerry and I decided to leave Rancho Mirage sooner than planned, so that we're back in Calgary in time for Mum's surgery. Please say a prayer that all goes well.
Tuesday, March 28, 2006
Desert Landscaping
Earlier this year, Jerry and I decided to change our conventional landscaping to one more condusive to the desert environment in the Palm Springs/Rancho Mirage area. We both were concerned about wasting water and and the pollution caused by cutting our grass each week. In fact, we read recently that the pollution caused by one hour of mowing with an electric mower was the same as driving an SUV 350 miles! With the help of Joe, an excellent landscape designer and gardener, our yard was transformed in less than two weeks. We are very pleased with the results. Here are some pictures for you to see for yourselves.
Opera is not for everyone
Last evening Jerry and I went to a wonderful production of Die Fledermaus (The Bat) at the beautiful McCallum Theater in Palm Desert. It was very funny and the music was magnificent.
Before the show, we started chitchatting with a woman who was sitting beside us in a seat near the aisle. She told us that she had never been to an opera before and was looking forward to the experience. As the theatre began to fill up, she remarked that everyone looked like doctors or lawyers. I didn't know what to say about that.
I am not sure when the woman left exactly. It was during the first act when I looked over and saw that her seat was empty. I guess opera isn't for everyone. Still, after spending so much money on a ticket, I am curious why the woman wouldn't have waited a litte longer. I wonder how many times any of us atempt something new and not give it a chance? Or perhaps she is someone who knows her own mind so well that she doesn't need or want to spend time doing anything that doesn't please her. Or then again, maybe she left because she felt ill. Sometimes, as one of my uncles used to say, a cigar is just a cigar.
Before the show, we started chitchatting with a woman who was sitting beside us in a seat near the aisle. She told us that she had never been to an opera before and was looking forward to the experience. As the theatre began to fill up, she remarked that everyone looked like doctors or lawyers. I didn't know what to say about that.
I am not sure when the woman left exactly. It was during the first act when I looked over and saw that her seat was empty. I guess opera isn't for everyone. Still, after spending so much money on a ticket, I am curious why the woman wouldn't have waited a litte longer. I wonder how many times any of us atempt something new and not give it a chance? Or perhaps she is someone who knows her own mind so well that she doesn't need or want to spend time doing anything that doesn't please her. Or then again, maybe she left because she felt ill. Sometimes, as one of my uncles used to say, a cigar is just a cigar.
Monday, March 27, 2006
Beginning a blog...
Yesterday I went to the Palm Desert Library to listen to a speaker sponsored by the Original Palm Springs Writers Guild. Susan Hollingshead gave a very informative presentation on blogs and websites which inspired me to start my own. Thank you, Susan! Susan and her husband have an interesting website about the RV travelling life. Check it out at: www.coulsoncastle.ca
A little about us
Jerry and I at a restaurant in Rancho Mirage, California, December 2005. We were celebrating some happy news that evening. My son, Micah, and his girlfriend, Angela, had just got engaged. In fact, Angela took this picture of us. Thank you, Angela!
Below are pictures of the Women's Fish Market in Putan, Korea.
We were in Korea in October. What an exciting country! The fish market is AMAZING. It is a feast for the senses!
I took these pictures with our Nikon CoolPix digital camera. Neither one of us is very good with cameras, but this one has never let us down. It's very easy to use and easy to carry because of its size. We have been very pleased with it. It also has a magical story, which I'll tell you about in a future blog!
We were in Korea in October. What an exciting country! The fish market is AMAZING. It is a feast for the senses!
I took these pictures with our Nikon CoolPix digital camera. Neither one of us is very good with cameras, but this one has never let us down. It's very easy to use and easy to carry because of its size. We have been very pleased with it. It also has a magical story, which I'll tell you about in a future blog!
Leaving for Calgary
Monday morning. We are getting ready to leave for Canada. We have been away from Calgary for approximately 7 months. It is bitter sweet leaving Rancho Mirage because we love it here, but it will also be good to be home. The time has gone quickly.
Since leaving Calgary, we travelled in our new Honda Odyssey van (Jerry sold his Lexus SUV because of the ridiculous amount of fuel it was using) to Kamloops, Vancouver, and Salt Spring Island in British Columbia.
After a wonderful week, we parked the van in Seattle, Washington and took a 17- day cruise to Alaska, Russia, Korea and Japan. We flew back from Japan to Seattle where we picked up the van and then took a leisurly and romantic week to travel along the Washington, Oregon and California coasts to our home in Rancho Mirage. The scenery was beyond compare...absolutely stunning beaches.
Well, better get back to some packing!
Since leaving Calgary, we travelled in our new Honda Odyssey van (Jerry sold his Lexus SUV because of the ridiculous amount of fuel it was using) to Kamloops, Vancouver, and Salt Spring Island in British Columbia.
After a wonderful week, we parked the van in Seattle, Washington and took a 17- day cruise to Alaska, Russia, Korea and Japan. We flew back from Japan to Seattle where we picked up the van and then took a leisurly and romantic week to travel along the Washington, Oregon and California coasts to our home in Rancho Mirage. The scenery was beyond compare...absolutely stunning beaches.
Well, better get back to some packing!
Sunday, March 26, 2006
Dinner at home with friends
Tonight Jerry made his famous barbecue beef ribs for dinner with two special friends from Saskatchewan who come to Palm Springs for a few months every year to escape the cold.
The ribs were excellent - very tasty and tender. As usual, Jerry didn't follow any particular recipe, but they turned out very well. If any of you are interested, here's how he made them:
He covered the beef ribs (about 5-6 pounds) with water and a couple of cups of vingear and par-boiled them gently in a large covered saucepan for about an hour. While the ribs were simmering, he took a bottle of mesquite barbecue sauce (almost any barbecue sauce would do) and mixed it with the juice of two lemons. He added a couple of packets of splenda for a little extra sweetness.
Once the ribs had par-boiled, Jerry drained them and brought them out to the barbecue. The ribs were pretty much cooked, but now needed to be browned. After turning them a couple of times, he brushed on barbecue sauce and continued cooking for just a couple of minutes before arranging them on a platter and serving them. Really, they were fantastic and not a lot of work. If you don't want to barbecue them, you can put them into a baking pan, cover with barbecue sauce and bake covered in a preheated slow oven (300-325 degrees F) for a couple of hours. You may need to add a little water (cup or so) to avoid sticking.
The ribs were excellent - very tasty and tender. As usual, Jerry didn't follow any particular recipe, but they turned out very well. If any of you are interested, here's how he made them:
He covered the beef ribs (about 5-6 pounds) with water and a couple of cups of vingear and par-boiled them gently in a large covered saucepan for about an hour. While the ribs were simmering, he took a bottle of mesquite barbecue sauce (almost any barbecue sauce would do) and mixed it with the juice of two lemons. He added a couple of packets of splenda for a little extra sweetness.
Once the ribs had par-boiled, Jerry drained them and brought them out to the barbecue. The ribs were pretty much cooked, but now needed to be browned. After turning them a couple of times, he brushed on barbecue sauce and continued cooking for just a couple of minutes before arranging them on a platter and serving them. Really, they were fantastic and not a lot of work. If you don't want to barbecue them, you can put them into a baking pan, cover with barbecue sauce and bake covered in a preheated slow oven (300-325 degrees F) for a couple of hours. You may need to add a little water (cup or so) to avoid sticking.
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