Worth Repeating

Cassie left a note on my previous blog about a family dinner that was not so happy for her....
I replied with this, one of my very first blogs, which my sister Ann has just read for the first time...
I think it is worth repeating!

little actions of kindness

Today I have been thinking of something that happened many years ago.It was a little action of kindness that had a profound effect on me and made me believe in the humanity within man.One Sunday, I think it was around new year, we were having lunch at home, all of us "visiting" my parents. My twin sister and I would have been around 26, my elder sister and her husband in their forties. My mother was a not-so-secret drinker and was pretty smashed as I recall. She carried on preparing the lunch and serving it as though sober, but it was all too apparent to all how much she had indeed drunk. In typical English/family secret way we all tried ignore her slurring and clumsiness, but as she tottered off into the kitchen my father could not bare it anymore and burst into tears.We were all mortified!, and concentrated on our lunches as though they were the only meals we had ever been presented with. Only My elder sister reacted. Immediately and gently, and without undue fuss she lent over and cupped her hand on my father's cheek. It lasted but a moment, but in that one tiny act of kindness she gave him her support,affection and control, it quietened him and he carried on his meal as we all did.That gesture strengthened us all, and I have never forgotten it, it was something unique and special and these things are often surprisingly overlooked in our self absorbed lives.I am glad I remembered it

Lunch over George

Well we took a raincheck from George Clooney in his latest dimple twitching drama Up in the Air this evening as we have overstuffed our fat faces at my Brother's house, where we all had a lunch , so impressive, old Delia would have applauded.
Melting roast beef, lamb, roast potatoes, parsnips, cheese sauced veg, the obligatory Yorkshire puddings and lashings of gravy was followed by fruit crumble and a syrup sponge to die for (below)
and I thank goodness I took the dogs up with us, as I had to excuse myself from the table to exercise them (and myself) in the garden after a huge main course.
Dunno what is the matter with my hair....I look as though I am doing a Cameron Diaz in There's Something About Mary

There is something quite satisfying about a family meal. Everyone is relaxed, no one has to try too hard, and the food is usually fab....
Now I am going to waddle off for a sleep

Carmen

The success of the Opera Carmen, stands or falls on the performance of its leading lady,and tonight's opening performance of Richard Eyre's New York Met's version is a triumph , thanks primarily to the efforts of the mezzo-soprano Elina Garanca.

Apparently new to the role, Garanca, brings a confidence and an earthy sexual swagger to her Carman, and was an inspired choice for the role as she looks the part so well, especially when in camera close up.

During the "Habanera", her opening number, she dispenses with the usual striking of sexual poses,( a path well trodden by previous Carmens) favouring more the very sensual washing of her skirt in a bucket of water. With her sturdy legs always on show and a orange firmly stuck in her cleavage, Garanca reminded me of Sophia Loren in The Pride and the Passion (1957) and is a cracking sexy leading lady.

Roberto Alagna (who looks a little like a floppy haired Russell Crowe) holds his own as Don Jose, and sudden stand in Teddy Tahu Rhodes, made for an impressive (and oh so tall) Escampillo.

All in all, the whole long production was a real tonic and an enjoyable revisiting of a sometimes tired but popular Opera. I loved it.

It was nice to see the Scala Cinema packed out for a change and the audience ( more mixed than usual) was very appreciative......bloody hell, two nights out in two days......we are two crazy bitches!!!

Thanks Jonney

I needed the phone call from my friend Jonney today!
Late afternoon he called with the following phrase
"Daaaaaarrrrrrlllllling......if I read another blog about snow and chickens I'll just die....."
(or something a little like that) and he is quite right!
It was a lovely tonic to hear from him. and how I have so missed ripping films apart with him over a bottle of white.......it has been far, far too long.
I am resolved to meet up with him in February, for a long, vicariously enjoyable evening of excesses of alcohol, gossip , campness and movie reviews!

Anyhow tonight Chris and I went to see Sherlock Holmes (2009) and thank god I didn't expect too much from it, as after 20 minutes of this hybrid 1930's Basil Rathbone/2010 superhero movie, I found myself rather enjoying a modern day Conan Doyle homage !

Of course the whole thing is rubbish, but it is glossy rubbish, and I did quite enjoy the new interplay between a slightly more vulnerable Holmes (Robert Downey Jr.) and the hard ass Watson ( the sexy Jude Law.). CGI abound and the well known Guy Richie touches cover everything, yet of its type, Sherlock Holmes is (AND I HATE TO SAY THIS) an ok movie

7/10

At Last!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

The weather has changed. This morning driving rain and gale force winds have shocked the animals as they emerged from the small village of houses on the field. And after eating they have bolted for cover and dry shelter, all with the exception of Jessop(above), who stood on the stone Church wall clucking loudly into the wind.
I have tons of maintenance jobs to do, but just can't get on to do them until the ground thaws a little more, and so, I am still feeling a little stir crazy!
It is so easy to get into the habit of doing nothing, when you are grounded, so today I have kicked myself up the arse and have finally changed my pajama bottoms- which have been "hidden" under my work pants for the last 2 days! (an extra layer is vital in this weather! -but having tartan pj's poking out of a pant leg is not a cool look in the post office!!!)
This morning I have made lasagna, filled all of the water butts, and have caught up with some financial matters, This afternoon I have to wait in for the Berlingo's windscreen to be repaired, so I have earmarked the shed for a clear out, the paths need clearing and William is in dire need for a bath.

I am also having withdrawal symptoms from an enforced lack of cinema trips, so I think I will drag chris out on Sunday to see Up in the Air with the urbane Mr Clooney. Tomorrow night we are off to see Carmen (a live production at the Scala) and tonight I will pop down to see Hazel and have a quick chat over a bottle of wine... so socially things are looking up.

I want to stick a middle finger up at the snow.....now that it has almost gone...my life can get back to some normality

Twingo Advert - Drag Queen

30 seconds....and it says so much

Tuna N Sweet Corn

see below

dinnerladies

I absolutely loved "dinnerladies", the Victoria Wood ensemble piece about blue collar workers in a North England factory.
Wood created something quite special here, she revisited that quaint and thoroughly North Western humour, typical of 1920/30 musical hall and early cinema and gave it a specific Lanchashire/Manchester twist..
The double entendre's (mostly delivered in a deadpan intensity by a largely female cast) are bitingly funny,and the observation of a community that actually exists, (albeit in a tiny physical location) is painfully accurate, even if it is, of course exaggerated for comic effect
Nige I am sure you will have something more interesting to add to this one