The upside of Quarantine

In early March, the first confirmed cases of COVID-19 showed up in Michigan... a challenge for a lot of people in many ways.  For me, being retired, it has not been as hard as it has been for some.  I have been using my time sewing, organizing, bingeing TV, and taking rides for photo ops (away from people, with mask in hand in case I need it). I made some masks and surgical bonnets before starting a few doll dresses that have been on the back burner for a bit

What I'm most excited about is investing in a CD player - yes, you read that right - in this day of mp3 players, I got a CD player! One that loads up to 5 CD's.  Why?  I started organizing my media stuff; you know CDs, DVDs and even Cassettes.  As I'm looking through my beloved music that hasn't been played in years, I decided I needed to do something about it.  Now I know I could easily upload and convert them all to mp3 files, but the time involved turned my thoughts in a different direction.  I had this tax rebate that I could use to get a player!  So I did.  I'm in musical heaven again.

I'm a folk music lover.  A seed planted in my youth when a folk revival in the early sixties hit mainstream radio took root and stayed with me ever since.  I love all kinds of music (even Opera LOL) but folk music speaks to me in a way no other music can.  I like to sing and I tend to rate songs on their 'sing-ability'.  A good melody that's easy to join in on is most important to me. Folk music fills that bill in spades.

One day, way back in the '90's, I was in line at the credit union, surfing channels on the car radio, when suddenly I heard something that sounded suspiciously like a folk song.... I had stumbled on the Folks Like Us show on Detroit PBS radio!  The show was hosted by a local singer/songwriter, Matt Watroba.  Every Saturday after that I tuned in whenever I could and listened to the music of my soul.  I have Matt to thank for introducing me to the finest folk musicians from all over America, Canada, and indeed the whole world.

I already had a love for those sixties folks - Peter, Paul, and Mary, Tom Paxton, The Kingston Trio, Chad Mitchell Trio, The Smothers Brothers, Joan Baez, etc, etc, etc.  Then suddenly there was this whole new well of troubadours to learn to love, thanks to Matt.  Most notably, Stan Rogers, Anne Hills, Eric Bogle, Cheryl Wheeler, Steve Goodman, oh this would be a VERY long list if I named them all.

Anyway, what got me to thinking about this of course was the new CD player and a giant stack of CDs which are now all nicely put into 3 new CD holder books.  Today, I chose to play one of my all time favorites that I haven't listened to in at least 3 years - Tom Russell's anthology, The Man From God Knows Where - a most amazing collection of songs chronicling his ancestry back to the pioneers who came to America from Ireland and Norway.  It's one of those unique, unexpected even, productions that deserves every accolade you can think of - it's THAT GOOD.  And yes, Matt introduced me to it and I'm forever grateful.

The Man From God Knows Where

So as I laze away yet another day in quarantine, I am listening to the music that makes not only my heart sing, but my voice too.  Where would the world be without music?

Find more about Matt here:  Matt Watroba.net

Play Music on the Porch Day

Invocation for Peace

These are frightening times for people like me.  Recently I came upon this speech given by the Pope and I felt compelled to share it.  If everyone took it to heart, what a world it could be.  

INVOCATION FOR PEACE

WORDS OF POPE FRANCIS

Lord, God of Abraham, God of the Prophets, God of Love, you created us and you call us to live as brothers and sisters. Give us the strength daily to be instruments of peace; enable us to see everyone who crosses our path as our brother or sister. Make us sensitive to the plea of our citizens who entreat us to turn our weapons of war into implements of peace, our trepidation into confident trust, and our quarreling into forgiveness.

Keep alive within us the flame of hope, so that with patience and perseverance we may opt for dialogue and reconciliation. In this way may peace triumph at last, and may the words “division”, “hatred” and “war” be banished from the heart of every man and woman. Lord, defuse the violence of our tongues and our hands. Renew our hearts and minds, so that the word which always brings us together will be “brother”, and our way of life will always be that of: Shalom, Peace, Salaam! 

~ Pope Francis

Vatican Gardens
Sunday, 8 June 2014

Read the whole address here:  Invocation for Peace

Poldark - series 5

What the hell happened?

First time ever:  NO spoiler alerts!  LOL

It seemed to take forever to get here, but season five is officially over here in the states.  I purposely stayed away from my favorite fan sites because I did not want any spoilers, so I had no idea what to expect.   While there were some nice affectionate scenes between Ross and Demelza, overall the whole series left me feeling somewhat cheated...…  cheated of a GOOD story. 

I  hated the whole first few episodes with Morwenna sneaking around trying to spend time with her son.  I did not like the whole Jamaica thing.  I did not like the hinting that Dr. Ennis would be interested in Kitty.  The only thing I did like was watching Jack Farthing do his best work as crazy George!!  Don't get me wrong - I still loved seeing Aidan on my screen and the rest of gang from the other four seasons, but it wasn't enough to make me want to add the DVD to my collection.

To sum it up, I believe Debbie Horsfield did a pretty good job on the screenplay for the first four seasons, but as a storyteller, she clearly is not up to snuff.  Almost everything about her script was plain old bad writing.  Poor Winston, no doubt, is rolling in his grave. 

Poldark -Season 4 revisited

I have been wanting to post on season 4 for quite awhile, however, I like to watch a second time before I put my thoughts out there.  I was finally able to purchase the blueray and have enjoyed catching all the things I missed first time around.  With season five airing overseas soon, I figure this little recap will just in time! As usual, there was a lot that happens, but I hope I get the gist of it all, not necessarily in order.

We open with our hero rising up out of the sea like a mythical god, wearing only his breeches, his beautiful chest heaving as he reflects on Demelza and Hugh and what he imagines them doing!  (You will remember last season ended with Demelza returning from her tryst with Hugh and telling Ross to ask her no questions)  His reverie is interrupted as his wife and children join him on the beach.

Ooh-la-la

Demelza remarks she saw him swimming away to which Ross responds "I'm still here" with a painful look in his eyes.  Demelza, looking into said eyes says "As am I".

Meanwhile, back at Trenwith, George and Lizzy are getting along fine since she swore on the bible that Valentine was his son and threatened to leave him; Hugh is still writing poetry to Demelza; Zacky Martin's boy, Jago arrives only to find out grain (that the starving people need) is being shipped off to Lisbon.

Jago Martin is pissed that the grain is not going to the people at home who need it and takes off to the docks to see what he can do about it.  Sam and Drake follow him to try and stop him from doing anything stupid, which of course, they fail to do.  Jago and others start rioting and the Carne boys try to stop him.  A merchant is killed.  Unfortunately, Tom Harry is there to witness things and runs off to tell George what he saw.  Naturally George sees a great opportunity to put the screws to Ross, so he rats on them.  Ross has the unhappy duty of arresting them but assures them it will be fine and he will do what he can.  (Seriously? when is it ever fine where court is concerned? lol )

As expected, things don't go well.  George sneakily moves the trial time up so Ross isn't there. Several men are pardoned, some are transported, and poor Jago, Drake, and Sam are sentenced to be hanged!  Ross tries to help, all the while making sure Demelza knows nothing about what is going on.  In the end, however, it is Jago who insists Sam and Drake are innocent and after an impassioned plea from Ross, they are released.  Jago is not so lucky and hangs for the crime of murder.  Zacky is inconsolable at the loss of his son.

On a high note, Dr. Ennis finds out he will be a father!! He's so happy, which is short-lived, as shortly after his little girl is born, he realizes little Sarah has a heart problem and will not live very long.  He keeps it to himself for awhile, but eventually tells Ross.

Hugh is supposed to run for Parliament, but his failing health prevents him from doing that.  Ross is convinced to stand in his stead and much to the chagrin of George, wins!  He is still worried that Demelza is seeing him as a second choice (as if...) to Hugh and thinks a little time and distance will help.  Hugh does not survived his illness and Demelza is crushed, though her true abiding love is for Ross, Hugh had a special place in her heart.

Morwenna is still miserable and is forced back into bed with the odious Ozzie, who we all know is a  disgusting toe-sucking monster.  At the same time, he hooks up with her sister again.  He eventually gets caught in the act by Rowena's husband and pays the ultimate price for his philandering!  But not before a dying man confesses he lost a great deal of money investing for Pascoe's bank.  He tells George, who then hatches a plan to bring down the bank, which also leaves Ross and Demelza with no savings.  Such a bastard.

Drake is still in love with Morwenna, but has been pushed into marrying sweet Rosina.  He finds out Ozzie is dead and breaks off the engagement only to find out Morwenna will not have him!  She is pregnant.  He is heartbroken yet again.  Rosina's family gets back at Drake for dumping Rosina and burns down his business.  Morwenna loses the baby and goes to Drake to tell him why she rejected him.  He sees hope that they will be together after all.

Ross does a lot of speechifying in London and tries his best to rally support to help the poor.  He returns home to face a flooding disaster in the mine. While he is home, Dwight and Caroline's little baby, Sarah gets sick and dies.  Everyone is heartbroken.  Ross stupidly asks Demelza if her extreme reaction to Sarah's death is not somewhat because of Hugh's. He can be so dumb sometimes.  Anyway, it was a reminder of losing Julia, not Hugh and it really hurt her that he could think that. Caroline decides to move to London to try and recover and does not want Dwight to go with her.  Ross goes back to Parliament.  While in London, He spends some time with Caroline and Geoffrey Charles and meets Monk Adderly, a new character to hate!  Worse than George, as bad as Ozzie, he oils he way around looking to make trouble.

Ross has a nice talk with Caroline, urging her to let herself grieve, talking her into coming back with him when he returns home.  They get back and learn about the bank failing.  Ross does what he can to try to save Pascoe.  Ross returns to London, this time with Demelza and Dwight and Caroline.

It was a delight to see Ross and Demelza cavorting and kissing in the bedroom, effectively putting the past behind them.  Naturally, these happy things don't last.  Demelza is a bit overwhelmed by life in London society and not sure how to act when she and Ross go to a ball put on by the Warleggans. Creepy Capt. Adderly makes a bet with George he can get into Demelza's knickers and goes after her full speed ahead.  Demelza is not sure how to handle his advances and Ross doesn't step in and tell him to get lost, even though he is clearly jealous.  He has an altercation with Monk at parliament, who responds with a request to settle the insult with a duel.  Against Dwight's advice, he agrees and ends up killing Capt. Asshat, while getting wounded himself.  Punishment for dueling is hanging, but before he dies, Monk says he injured himself which lets Ross of the hook (even though everyone knows the truth, there is no proof).  Demelza is so upset about the whole thing, she goes home, leaving a note for Ross to find when he wakes.

When Ross gets home, they have a heartfelt conversation which helps to further heal their relationship.  Caroline and Dwight also work things out.  However, things are not so good at Trenwith.  Geoffrey Charles remarks about how much Valentine looks like Uncle Ross.... OH-OH - George does not take this very well.  Elizabeth, desperate to convince him Valentine is indeed his, goes to the apothecary to get something that will bring on premature birth.  She eventually takes the drug and has a baby girl.  This makes George believe that Val is his son.  Shortly after the birth, Elizabeth becomes very ill and painfully dies!!  George is devastated as is Ross.  There is a beautiful yet heartbreaking scene with Ross overlooking the sea and remembering Elizabeth when they were first in love.

Ross tells Demelza he at last realizes how she felt when Huge died.  She tells him, it's not the same, as their relationships with these other people were very different.  She also assures him that while Hugh had a piece of her heart, Ross is the only one who ever owned it.!!   

The series ends with a very happy Morwenna and Drake leaving the church a married couple.  

I'm sure I missed a few things, some of the nuances that are important to the story, but this is what stood out the most in my mind.  What will season 5 bring us?  I'm so looking forward to it and I hope it's fabulous.  

To Boldly go.....to the internet - Star Trek Discovery

I recently finished watching season one of Star Trek Discovery and thought I would share a few thoughts I had about it without giving too much away!

Die-hard original series fans might not find it enjoyable, but I did.  Our main character, Michael Burnham, is an orphan who was raised on Vulcan by Spock's parents.  Some fans might have trouble imagining that Sarek and Amanda have an adopted daughter, but I didn't.  Remember when Spock suddenly had a half- brother?  Sometimes you have to rewrite history a little to get a character where you want it to be and since it is a brand new one, it's not so hard to accept. (as opposed to the JJ Abrams disaster with Uhura and Spock being an item, among other wrongful changes - I hated that SO MUCH)

I had a slight issue with changing the appearance of the Klingons yet again. Also, although it was neat to have the Klingons speaking their language, with subtitles for us humans, I had to keep rewinding to read what I missed because I was doing something!

It took a few episodes to figure out where in the timeline this edition falls, which was about 10 years before Kirk and Spock take the Enterprise out to the final frontier.  Christopher Pike is the captain of the Enterprise.

There was very little humor, however, I think that once the characters are well established that could change.  I think viewers need to get to know the quirks and habits of each individual before they can appreciate a humorous comment, so if the show survives more than 2 seasons, maybe we will see some.

One thing that is different is It's more of a continuing story than a different one each episode, like in the former shows.  I liked the story arcs for the most part, though sometimes I was a little confused. Some good twists and not to much gory stuff to see.

Michael Burnham is a complex woman, with Vulcan sensibilities and human vulnerabilities.  We see the story play out through her eyes. Sonequa plays the part very well. The series introduces a new species called Kelpiens, one of which is the First Officer, Saru. It could be interesting to learn more about them. Captain Gabriel Lorca, played by handsome Jason Isaacs - I really wanted to like him, but he just wasn't Captain-y enough for me! (Could it be, I just see Lucius Malfoy no matter how hard I try?)  I definitely need more time to bond with the gang and ferret out my favs.  However, that might not be easy!

Capt. Lorca, Michael Burnham, Saru

The show is only on CBS All access and has a monthly fee, one with commercials and a larger one with no commercials.  I watched season one for free due to a holiday special for one month free viewing.  I really dislike the idea of paying for a streaming service that has commercials when I'm already paying for cable TV (can't get but one station with a digital antenna).  The commercial-free offer is a bit too steep for my fixed income.  What's a gal to do?

Bottom line for me is, I would like to see season two and see if I can learn to love the show like I did the others.  Perhaps once the season is over, I'll try to sign up for a free week and binge it.

One last thing.... I've seen a lot of negative comments about the opening titles for the show, but I LOVE THEM !!

See it here: Star Trek Discovery - Main Title

Poldark, season 3 PBS

It's been awhile!  I figured with Season 4 right around the corner (overseas, anyway) I would post my thoughts Season 3 on PBS.  As usual, it was a very good presentation covering The Black Moon and The Four Swans.

The series opens with Elizabeth on a run-away horse.  Of course Ross saves her from going over the cliff and she does not appreciate it.  George is his usual pompous self, reminding all of us how much we hate him. lol  I got the impression that Lizzie was attempting to abort her baby.

Early on, we are introduced to three new characters -  Demelza's brothers, Sam and Drake and Morwenna, Elizabeth's cousin.  Drake (who is really cute, btw) comes to tell Demelza that her father is dying.  Demelza wants no part of it, but in the end, blood wins out and she goes to his bedside.

Drake, Morwenna, and Sam

Dwight and Caroline are secretly married with Ross and Demelza as witnesses.  Shortly after the ceremony, things are happening over at the Warleggan's.  Elizabeth has 'fallen' down the stairs!  She started having labor pains, pretty much confirming the baby daddy is Ross.  In desperation, to keep George from finding out, she throws herself down the stairs, to make it seem like the labor starts from this.  Dwight is called from his honeymoon bed to help her.  An eclipse of the moon starts as the baby is born. Aunt Agatha says it's a black moon and a bad omen!  Baby Valentine is born, with both mother and baby surviving.  Caroline's Uncle dies under the black moon.  Dwight has to go back to the navy.  Sigh... an unhappy night all round, except for George who believes he has a Warleggan heir.

Drake and Sam start working for Ross, at Delmeza's request.  Sam is a bible-thumper determined to save all the souls in the county.  Drake is not so concerned about that - he meets Morwenna and sparks fly, however Ross has forbidden them to have anything to do with Trenwith and the people who live there!  We learn that Demelza is in the family way again.

Word comes that there has been a skirmish on the seas and rumor has it that not only Dwight's ship went down, but also Captain Blamey's!  Ross takes off to confirm the rumors.  Sam and his followers have the audacity to attend George's church and he does not like it.  He bans them from it, causing even more discord between the two families.  Word comes that The Esmerelda, Cap. Blamey's ship, has put into port and all is well for Verity.  A short while later, Ross gets word that there are hundreds of English prisoners in a convent turned prison in France and he decides to go and see if he can get a list of prisoners.  This is an extremely dangerous mission, nearly costing Ross his life, but he prevails.

Meanwhile, back at the ranch,   Demelza gives Sam a building on Nampara land for his church.  George is made a Magistrate, a position Ross had turned down, and in true fashion, wreaks havoc for the poor offenders.  He's such a dick.  Drake and Morwenna grow closer.

Ross returns and Dwight's name is on the list of the prisoners!  They are all relieved.  George and Elizabeth and Valentine go to London and leave Geoffrey and Aunt Agatha with Morwenna.  I think it is so sad that Elizabeth will not even try to bond with her son, Valentine.  She is having trouble coping with the secret until a doctor gives her some magic powder to calm her nerves. lol  Back in Nampara a baby girl is born - Miss Clowance Poldark.  

The oily and odious Rev.Whitworth is introduced - he is so well played by Christian Brassington. . George wants to arrange a marriage to Morwenna. Ross, Demelza, and Caroline devise a somewhat dangerous plan to smuggle food for the starving poor people.  Meanwhile, back in France, Dr. Enys is suffering greatly in the horrible French prison.

While Aunt Agatha is planning a 100th birthday party, Ross leaves on a dangerous journey to France to rescue Dwight, along with some of his friends from the mine, including Zacky Martin and Cap't. Henshawe and stowaway, Drake.  It's edge of your seat excitement as they manage to get Dwight and another man, Lt. Armitage to safety.  It is not without casualties though - Drake is injured and Captain Henshawe is killed.

Drake is nearly caught pranking George with toads. Poor Morwenna is forced to marry the horney Reverend.

Luke Norris does an outstanding performance as Dr. Enys struggles with what we now call PTSD.  Poor Caroline doesn't understand; Ross tells her be patient and enlists the help of Lt. Armitage.   There is a lovely, tender scene with Carolyn and Dwight sitting in the garden, where he tries to tell her why he is not himself.

Dwight and Caroline

Morwenna is living a miserable life with Rev.Whitworth.  He arranges for her sister to come and stay with them.  Lt. Armitage starts paying special attention to Demelza.  She in turn starts falling for his charms.

George essentially kills Aunt Agatha when he tells her she is not 100 and there will be no party.  She plants doubts about Valentine's parentage before she dies, setting the stage for a lot of heartache to come.  Ross is furious when he finds out George orders a paupers burial with no headstone. He digs her grave and vows George will pay. Later, he runs into Elizabeth at the church and has a heartfelt conversation about their relationship, what happened the night of his infidelity, and the baby.  He kisses her several times, more as a goodbye than an "I want you", however Prudie sees them.

Armitage is really putting the moves on Demelza and she is falling for it hook, line, and sinker.  Through this whole series, Demelza has voiced her feelings that Ross can do whatever he wants, so why can't she? I think this is meant to give the viewers some insight as to why she finally gives in to Armitage  Prudie tells her about seeing Ross kiss Elizabeth at the graveyard and I think that is a turning point for her.

Ross becomes acutely aware of her feelings for the lieutenant when she sings at a party and only has eyes for him.  It was really heartbreaking to watch that scene.  I could really feel his pain when he spoke with Demelza of it later on that same evening.  Demelza tells Ross she will look at him like that again and to be patient with her as she has been with him.

Ross, watching Demelza sing to Armitage

Dr. Enys orders Reverend Ozzie to refrain from relations with Morwenna until she has time to heal from her difficult birthing.  He turns to her sister for 'comfort' who turns on him telling him she's pregnant with his child and cons him into giving her money so she can marry a librarian who will make an honest woman of her, as the saying goes.  Old horn-dog goes to Morwenna and says she must resume her wifely duties.  She says no and threatens to kill their baby if he touches her.

Lizzie reads George the riot act for allowing his suspicions to ruin their marriage and happy home.  She swears on the bible that she has never given herself to any man except her first husband and him -  he is doubtful, so she then tells him she's leaving him.  George loses it and swears he will never question her faithfulness again and begs her forgiveness, which she gives to him.   Meanwhile, Ross has this epiphany during a confrontation with Tholley and decides if he's asked again to stand for public office, he will not refuse.

A disquieting ending as Demelza returns home after her affair with Armitage. They both look so sad! They embrace, but it is not a hopeful one.

A long post, but dang, a lot happened this season!!  I'm looking forward to season 4, which will probably get here sometime in the fall. 

Confessions of a TV junkie....

I admit it.  I'm a TV junkie.  Having grown up with television as part of daily life, it's no surprise.  I don't remember when my parents got a TV, but I do remember sitting in front of one every Saturday morning, bowl of cereal in hand, watching Rin Tin Tin, Sky King, Ramar of the Jungle, Sheena, Queen of the Jungle, The Little Rascals, and The Three Stooges - not to mention all the cartoon shows and local heroes like Johnny Ginger, Jingles, Poop-deck Paul and my favorite, Soupy Sales, who were on every day after school.

Poopdeck Paul, Milky the Clown, Captain Jolly, Jingles, Johnny Ginger, and Bozo

As the years went by, and I was allowed to stay up for some night time TV, it was all about the cowboys - Cheyenne, Sugarfoot, and Bronco Lane were my favorites - possibly my first celeb crush was Ty Hardin as Bronco Lane...or maybe Fess Parker as Davey Crockett.

Ty Hardin and Fess Parker

 Then the teen/pre-teen years of Dr. Kildare, Napoleon Solo and Illya Kuryakin, and Captain Kirk at the top of the list.  

Richard Chamberlain, David McCallum, Robert Vaughn, Leonard Nimoy, William Shatner

As I matured (somewhat anyway) and settled into marriage and motherhood, the TV obsessions kind of took a back seat, but never completely left as they lay in wait for me to have the freedom to indulge again. lol

Fast forward to recent years - me, a retired little old lady and what happens?  POLDARK.  Holy moley, that show awoke the kraaken!  I mean, I've always had my list of current favorites, with Sean Bean at the top for a long time (the Sharpe series reeled me in), but the Aidan Turner obsession was one to behold.  I put that past tense because, though he's still numero uno, I'm no longer watching him practically non-stop like I was with Being Human, The Hobbit, Poldark and anything else I could get my eyes on with him in it.

Which leads me to the reason I started this post - my latest obsession:

OMG.  I love this show so much! I have a post on this blog from when Lucifer first aired saying I think I will like this show.  However, it was on at the same time as another favorite show and with no DVR or Hulu, it was somewhat forgotten.  I'm a fan of Tom Ellis from his Miranda days, when he played Gary, so about a week ago, while browsing Hulu (thank you Alex) I found all 3 seasons, up to the current episode available and starting binging.  Now, I'm driving my sister/roommate crazy with Tom Ellis this and Lucifer that.

This show has everything I love about a TV show.  Good writing and good casting with well-defined characters that you come to know and love.  Lucifer has left hell and moved to Los Angeles where he falls in with a police detective and helps to solve crimes in his own unique way.  It's very much like Castle in the early years with a strong supporting cast that becomes like family to the viewer.  The dialogue is witty and the acting top-notch.  Tom Ellis says so much with a single look.  I can't get enough of him. Like Castle and Beckett, his relationship with Chloe Decker is intense and at the same time fun.  You can tell by the number of you tube videos that a lot of other people feel the same way I do about the show.

It will be interesting to see where the writers take the story.  I sincerely hope they don't ruin it by putting Lucifer and Chloe together as a couple with engagement or marriage as a goal.  That's what led to the demise of  Moonlighting and Castle as far as I'm concerned.  They need to keep their relationship like Sam and Jack on Stargate - ever present, obviously in love, but not ever saying I Love You out loud to each other,(except in dreams, aternate universes and such - lol).  Also the writers need to never forget the importance of the supporting characters in Luci's life - Mazikeen, Trixie, Ella, Dan, Charlotte, Amenadial, and Dr. Linda.  Remember on Castle, when after they got engaged and she went to the FBI and Esposito, Ryan, Lani, Martha and Alexis were hardly seen??  I hated that season so much and almost quit watching.  At any rate, if you loved Castle, you will most likely love this show too.

My favorite episode is in season one A Priest Walks into a Bar - I just love the piano duet with the priest and the one at the end with Chloe.  I love that it shows Lucifer, who is definitely a fish out of water in his human form, coming to grips with the fact that despite the polar opposite of devil and priest, he finds he really cares about Father Frank in a way he never knew he could.  It also brings him closer to Chloe who teaches him the value of friends in a time of need.  My other favorite episodes have scenes with Trixie, Chloe's Adorable-with-a-capital-A daughter and Maize, the demon who escaped hell with Lucifer and is his bodyguard of sorts.

There's a lot of videos on You Tube if you want to see what it's about.  Just search 'Lucifer or Tom Ellis'.

Aimee Garcia (Ella), Keven Alejandro (Dan), Lauren German (Chloe), Tom Ellis,(Lucifer), Tricia Helfer (Charlotte), Leslie-Ann Brandt (Mazikeen),  D.B. Woodside (Amenadial), Rachel Harris (Dr. Linda), Scarlett Estevez (Trixie)

And for your viewing pleasure: 

Lucifer and Father Frank piano duel

Poldark - PBS, season 2, revisited!

With season 3 of Poldark starting overseas, I decided I would re-watch season 2 to try and figure out why I found it less satisfying than season 1.  Don't get me wrong, I still loved it, but just not quite as much as the first season.

I've come to the conclusion that the friction between Demelza and Ross, even before his great transgression, seemed to trump everything else that happens.  As Demelza points out, the bloom of new love has faded and she is having doubts as to whether or not Ross still loves her.  She's quite snarky is several scenes.  Now, Demelza is supposed to a spirited, street-wise, feisty kinda gal but she was closer to being menopausal in some of her scenes.  Let's face it - married couples argue and go through hard times and one would expect that the Poldarks are no different.  What strikes me is how much these argumentative scenes stuck in my mind so much more than the affectionate, loving ones.  Why was that?  The stocking scene was so sweet, sexy, and loving - as was the tub scene, but they did not have as much impact as the snarky ones for some reason.... at least for me. 

Another thing that stands out is how dense Ross is regarding Demelza's insecurities. Really, there was a least two times I wanted to smack him. lol  When Demelza says 'Elizabeth looked good tonight' and he looks up with a little half smile and says Yes, she did - really Ross, you couldn't throw in a 'BUT she doesn't hold a candle to you, my love' or something like that? His block-headedness really hurts her.  He was like that in the first season too, so it's not like he would change.  Still I really feel for Demelza at those times.

Ross' infidelity was a major story point in this season.  It has been discussed to death all over the net - was it rape or not?  I felt the show made it seem less like a rape, more like a half-hearted attempt to not give in to passion on Elizabeth's part - an angry desire to have her before George does on Ross'.  As expected, his actions nearly destroy his marriage and it's hard to watch the struggle to keep it from falling completely apart.  The final episode leaves us hopeful.

I took more time paying attention to Dr. Ennis and Caroline's story and have to applaud both Luke and Gabriella for their great acting.  They really bring the characters to life.  In fact, everyone in the show is so good.  Great casting, costuming, sets, music, directing, and a GREAT story - oh, and George gets the snot kicked out of him - what more could a viewer want?

What I enjoyed most was the transition of Francis from a self-centered fop under George's control to a kind, loving father and husband.  I love the scenes of him with Geoffrey Charles out in the fields, and the big one where he tells George in no uncertain terms to stay out of his home and his life.  It was wonderful to watch Kyle; witness how good an actor he is!  His heartfelt conversation with Demelza before he dies is just so well done and is truly my favorite scene. As much as we all love Aidan's portrayal of Ross, it is Kyle's portrayal of Francis that really shines for me this season.

I have to be patient until October gets here so I can watch season 3.  I know it will be worth the wait.

Housebound, and ready for spring......

I've had a sinus issue for a few days now and have been laying low.  I should be packing for my move coming up soon, however, I did this instead:

I have thrown out so many photos in my desire to downsize all my stuff as much as possible.  It's a challenge for sure.  I hope you can see the vid on your phone if that's what you are using - if not, find a pc !

Happy Spring !!

Put a little love in your heart.....please!

The Golden Rule - most of us have heard of it, some of us practice it, even people without religion in their lives have to admit it's a simple blueprint for getting along in this world.  So what has happened to it?  Where has the concept of live and let live gone?

I've been thinking about this lately as I see things on the internet, largely on Facebook.  Social media and the anonymity of the virtual world has given the world a platform for expressing the most heartless, sometimes shocking, often cruel thoughts that enter their collective heads.  Proudly proclaiming their disdain for what they call 'political correctness', they spew their dark side without a care for what they are saying or who they may be hurting.

"The term political correctness (adjectivally: politically correct; commonly abbreviated to PC,^... P.C., or p.c.) in modern usage, is used to describe language, policies, or measures that are intended to avoid offense or disadvantage to particular groups in society."  ~Wikipedia    

The idea of being politically correct has become a negative thing - perhaps due to some people taking it to a ridiculous extreme.  In my mind, however, being p.c. is just an extension of the Golden Rule.  Do Unto Others...  It's not that hard and if anyone took a moment to apply it to their lives, this world would be a happier, kinder place.   Plain old-fashioned courtesy, respect - things you learned in Kindergarten!  Just because you think it, doesn't mean you should say it. 

I've seen a lot of posts on Facebook about what a crappy year 2016 was and how they are glad to see it go.  I can't say it was great for me personally, but I don't have much hope for 2017 to be better.  With the election of an mentally unstable person to our highest office and his choice of cabinet members, I am very concerned about my future, as well as the whole nations.  What concerns me most are the probable loss of affordable health care for thousands of my fellow Americans, cuts to social security - without it, I'll be homeless, the Twitter-in-chief getting us into a world war, and the most pervasive side effect I've ever seen, that being the demise of the Golden Rule particularly at a time when the world needs it most.

 Let There be Peace on Earth and Let it Begin With Me

 

Poldark - season 2 finale

The weeks just went to fast for season 2 of Poldark!  I'm looking for ward to getting a copy of the DVD with the uncut version.

Overall, I was pleased with the progress of the story and how it stayed close to the books in most areas.  I did feel there was something missing though, which was inevitable due to the story line.  That being affection between Ross and Demelza - you know the hand-holding, hugs, easy banter, etc.  Even before the extreme lapse of marriage vows,  there was a lot of angst what with the trial, the death of Francis, the troubles at the mine.  Now I'm not forgetting the lovely, sexy stocking scene or the bath, (was wishing I was Demelza for those! lol)  It's just the little everyday signs that say 'I love you, value you, want to be with you'.   I missed seeing that.

I had a lot of anxiety watching this last episode, especially when Ross dons his uniform - I know from the books he does not go off to war, but wasn't sure if the script would reflect that.  Happily it did and even more happily we got to see Ross in his army duds and luckily I didn't keel over from that vision.

Also I was wanting, as I'm sure most viewers were, to see some sort of reconciliation between Ross and Demelza and was forced to wait until the final five minutes!  That should not surprise me, but I was worried it might not happen and I'd have to wait until next season.

Really, Ross can be such a dumbbell.  There were a number of times when he and D verbally sparred over his affair, where she expressed her feelings of inadequacy, that Elizabeth was his ideal, that she could never be as good as her and he never once gave argument or denied that was not true. It wasn't until she was packing her bags that he FINALLY tells her that his true; real; abiding love is for her and her alone.   That simple statement went a long way towards healing their breach.  What took him so long??  Oh yeah, the writer.... had to keep us on the edge of our seats.

I was happy to see Dr. Enys and Caroline get back together.  George was his usual weaselly self and Aunt Agatha drops a bomb on Elizabeth when she suggests the baby might come sooner than March.  Oh-Oh!  We vets of the soap opera world know that any time there is illicit sex, a baby comes along, so no surprise there.  What will George do when his son arrives looking a lot like Ross?  Ha!  I hope we'll find out before the series ends.

Sigh.... a long wait for season three.............

  

Just shoot the bastard...... please !

(all pictures are screen prints from episode 9)

Poldark episode 7, PBS Detoit

I held off commenting on last Sunday's airing of episode 7 of the Poldark series here on PBS.  I wanted to think about it for a bit and I wanted to find out what was cut from the final scenes first.

 

Having read the books, I knew that at some point, Elizabeth would agree to marry the upstart George Warleggan and that Ross would have a melt down and take his anger out in a most unbecoming way. 

In an earlier post about the book, I was really hoping Debbie Horsfield would not make Ross look like a rapist and yet, after the show was over, I was thinking that was too much the other way.  The look of desire on Elizabeth's face practically challenged Ross to take her. She didn't seem to fight him off all that much while in the book she clearly says No and even slaps him before he carries off to bed.  That had me wondering what was cut.  

I posted on facebook about it and one of my fellow fans posted a link to You Tube showing the scene and I have to say, it was much more forceful, more in line with the book.  I have to wonder why our area PBS felt it they had to show the watered down version (with a viewer discretion warning at the beginning)  Maybe because of the time slot at 9 p.m.?  Over here, racier things are usually shown at 10 p.m.  - I'm talking about network TV not cable, where anything goes.  At any rate, I can remember seeing more shocking things on I, Claudius years ago than what was in this episode!  Go figure.

Was it rape or not?  This has been heavily debated all over the net and basically, it's up to the reader/viewer to decide if it is or not.  For a lot of us, No means No, however Elizabeth's protests, which at first seemed sincere, died quickly and she was clearly wanting him as much as he wants her. 

Does that make it OK? Of course not as we see when Demelza knocks him on his butt when he comes home the next morning.  

So Ross has fallen from grace.  Can he get back his self-respect and his true love?  Well, I know since I have read all the books, but for those who haven't - my mips are smealed.  LOL

Here is a link to the uncut scene for those who want to watch it.:

Can You Offer Me Anything Else?

 

One last thought, even if Ross would leave Demelza for Elizabeth, would she have been happy being penniless?  I don't think so.  Demelza came from nothing and knows how to survive hard times.  Elizabeth is used to a certain standard of living.  Ross could not give this to her - George could, and even more.  So even though she denies it, George's money has to be a large part of her decision to marry him.  I don't really fault her for this, but I do for keeping Ross dangling on the edge of her feelings instead of cutting him loose completely.  If she can't have him, then nobody else should.  I hate that.

Looking for Kindness in a Nation gone wild...

It's been a rough week for many us and a joyous one for others.  The results of the election are horrifying to me, but I'm hoping my fears will be wrong.  I will happily eat humble pie if they are.  My biggest problem right now is the backlash on social media, Facebook being the one I use daily.

I had hoped once the circus was over, it would get back to a place I liked to be.  Don't get me wrong, I've found myself hitting the reply button and sharing certain things that speak to the way I think.  I have decided that I need to stop doing this.  I need to remember the words that I can so clearly hear my mother saying  - "if you can't say something nice, don't say anything".  Trust me, this will be a challenge for me and one I will hope to fulfill.

Currently the hateful memes and comments just keep coming from both sides.  I feel the people who create these memes have hate in their hearts and everyone who shares them becomes complicit in that hate. I'm asking, begging actually, that my family and friends stopped sharing them.  Just. Stop.  It hurts my heart to see you being used as an instrument in hate-mongering.

I want to know how you are doing. I want to see your photos from that event you attended or those adorable shots of the kids, grand-kids, pets.  I want to share, virtually, in your joys and your sorrows. I want to congratulate your accomplishments.  It's up to each of us to bring back the sense of community in this little space on the web and I'm hoping we can all find peace in our hearts and get back to kindness

"Let there be peace on earth and let it begin with me"  listen to this beautiful and meaningful song here:  Let There Be Peace on Earth

As always, you are free to agree or disagree and your comments on the topic are welcome.  Any political comments will be deleted. 

Poldark, Season 2, Episode 4

Poldark on PBS

Good show last night!

Having read the books, I knew Francis was going to get in deep trouble at some point this season and last night's episode was it.   It was especially heartbreaking because he had finally come to realize how manipulative and horrible George really is and had forged a new bond with Ross.  I really liked the opening scenes with Francis and Ross running along the beach.  I had a hard time watching as he froze and drowned in the dark waters of the mine.

Earlier in the episode we see Elizabeth telling Ross she may have made a mistake in marrying Francis and that she will always have a little of Ross in her heart.  I have some sympathy for the two of them and what happened, but what good is it to bring it up?  Elizabeth was finally seeing her husband as he should have been all along and she is not content with that?  I understood her frustration when Francis was whoring and gambling away all their money, but things are looking up for them at this point.  Anyway, Demelza was giving both a look that said 'what's going on with y'all?' even while she was conversing with Captain McNeil and it's good she didn't know.

Also, we see an even darker side of George when he calls Aunt Agatha an old crone and hopes the next time he sees her, she's six feet under.  lol  Mind you, Aggie isn't know for being a sweet old lady, but neither Francis or Ross would like hearing that.  As for me, I'm thinking the upstart will regret antagonizing her!

Back to Francis, overall my favorite scene of the episode was his heartfelt conversation with Demelza, made shortly before his tragic fall in the mine.  "You must do away with the notion that
someone has done you a favor by letting you into this family" - that was so sweet as well as good advice for poor Demelza.

Kyle Soller as Francis

One last thought.... does anyone else wish the bath tub scene was a tad longer??

Ooh-la-la !

Poldark - PBS season 2, here at last!

photo credit: http://www.pbs.org/wgbh/masterpiece/programs/series/poldark-s2/

Like an astronomical number of ladies (and gents too) here in America, I have been anxiously waiting for season 2 of Poldark to premiere and this past Sunday, Sept. 25th was the big day.   I had my PBS station on all day just to make sure I didn't forget to put it on.  I turned my phone off, after warning family and friends I was going to do that. 

I got a little thrill hearing that opening bar of beautiful music and the breath-taking view of Cornwall as the show began.   As expected, it opened with Ross being hauled off by the law, then launched right into the days before the trial and the trial itself.  This was a 2 hour episode, so it covered a lot of the story featured in the book Jeremy Poldark.

Now, I read the book way back in December of last year and as many of you know, I'm often memory challenged by what I read, especially when I read too fast!  However, I'm pretty sure it followed the story very well.  One thing I don't remember is Elizabeth being at the trial, so those of you who are experts on the story can remind me by commenting below!  Also, I'm quite certain Ross did not hire Jud and Prudy back, but I won't swear on the Bible about that. lol  One other thing was the appearance of Demelza's father showing up in court - I don't remember that in the book either.  Feel free to set me straight! 

I found myself really feeling for Francis in this episode.  He has come to realize what a big mistake he made in trusting George and I got the impression he really wants to turn his life around.  I felt bad for him when he came to Elizabeth with a desire to be with her as husband and wife would be and she turned him down flat.  I know he made his bed with all his gambling and whoring, but I still felt sorry for him.  I also was wondering if he had come right out and said 'I'm sorry' when he had the opportunity to in a couple scenes, would Ross have relented a little in his feelings towards his cousin?   The good thing is, he finally stands up to George and tells him what a weasel he is.

It was heartbreaking to watch Demelza putting roses and petals on Julia's bed, but I was very happy Debbie acknowledged that sense of loss that never really goes away.  The scene with Ross and Demelza where they are talking about their grief was very touching.  It's always satisfying to see the two of them together, especially with love in their eyes.  Aidan and Eleanor bring these characters to life so well, it's no wonder so many of us have become addicts of this show!

I think the casting department did very well (as usual) with Caroline Penvenon.  Ms Wilde plays well with Luke Norris and I'm looking forward to their scenes together. Her costumes are so lovely, I think to myself  I wish I designed and made them!

http://www.pbs.org/wgbh/masterpiece/programs/series/poldark-s2/

The trial scenes were tense, as they should be, and I cheered a little when Ross crumpled up the speech he was supposed to say and spoke from his heart.  I mean, we all knew he wasn't going to hang, right?  It was fun to see George practically spitting nails at the verdict.  That evil Upstart!! Overall I know it's going to be a great season.  I don't know if I will blog after every episode (there's 9 of 'em) but I'm sure at the conclusion, I'll have something to say.

http://www.pbs.org/wgbh/masterpiece/programs/series/poldark-s2/