So long since I've shared anything. Well, I have moved. My left foot was reconstructed (including my heel cut off and reattached. An arch was created). My tibia and fibula were severely broken in pieces. My femur head was squished. 

Scott received a head injury while moving. The injury is right where the memory is stored. After many doctor exams, it was determined that he could no longer work. He goes through the stages as if it's dementia or alzheimers. That has been very difficult, to say the least. Every day I don't know what I get. He told me recently that he has 2 emotions currently and is sad and mad. The doctor really hasn't helped with this stage.

Trying so hard to be comforting and remember although he is not the man I married, I need to learn who he is today. 

Home Chef Review

 Hey there, 

I woke today after 3 days of a migraine. Such a relief to be free of that. The house looks like crap.

Before the migraine I was looking into some of the home packaged food that is delivered. I guess I bought 2 from Home Chef. While I was having a migraine :/  I really didn't know I did it. I bought one that has quinoa. In my household, we don't like it. Cuban Avocado Black Bean Quinoa Bowl

$17.98 (2 servings @ $8.99)

Today I made it and was pleasantly surprised. We all liked it. Waaahaa, no way. We have one other meal so we shall see how that goes. Not a cheap meal. I fed 3 of us with some left over. Give this place a try.

 COVID 19 hits. No one knows if they are immune. Once you have this disease then do we become immune to any mutations? Heavy questions. I've had 3 nieces from 3 families get in. One pregnant, living in Bountiful. The other 2 live in Orem, and seniors with one being a cheerleader at Pleasant Grove High (which is experiencing a major break out) the other is an academic leader at Orem High. One of the parents (not COVID positive) is a teacher at Lone Peak High. So Utah county is accounted for.

My life has had little change. I was in physical therapy up till last June. I see all my face to face, not face time. My husband sees all but one doctor in the office. I still go grocery shopping. I wear a mask not because I believe it's effective, but because my local leaders have required it. 

I think this whole COVID  thing has been exaggerated. More people die of the FLU than of COVID.  If you believe the numbers, If you believe CDC, cybercrimes, politicians you would believe so. Then you do have to believe the stats from the CDC released on Monday. .04% of the people that have passed away had COVID. .09% had mitigating health problems with COVID.

 

What is amazing is all of the people coming together as one. Not to do the Black Lives Matter, but to actually do positive things. All of the inventions, all of the love and the time they gave, The kids being so ingenious and good. I watch NBC news and they have a segment titled Inspiring America. That's what we need more of, a way to allow your people to learn to start businesses. I see the good, they see the good.

Can America survive? I worry that a second COVID will occur in the nation and to the world. Get America moving again. The Politicians have a lot to answer for. 

I am sorry. I ramble. I want to be eloquent in sharing my views. I don't mean to sound down or critical. 

I am down.  We all are.  I need to start reviewing movies, crafting, and baking (that would be new). I have been trying to make ice cream. No Bueno. :( So, baking might be my thing. Or maybe I should do eating.

I'm out!

Michelle

I'm surprised how much time has passed since I posted a review of any movie. Time flies. Things are busy. Yet here I am ready to rejoin the blogger world.

Today I wish to talk about Yesterday starring Himesh Patel as Jack Malik. I was very excited when I saw the preview to this movie. Growing up I was not an over zealous Beetles fan. I owned 1 "cassette" of the Beetles with the song Back in the USSR. The whole reason I wanted the cassette. I don't know the album name. Yet I found myself ready to be thrilled to hear the music in a new way. Having now seen the movie I can tell you I was not let down.

Jack Malek (Himesh Patel) delivers the energy and desire to make me believe in him. Which I did. He is like most singers trying to become known to a world where battling to be heard in bars, shops, outdoor venues and the internet make it a struggle to stand out in the world venue. He doesn't have the best voice I've ever heard, I still liked his voice.

Lily James is such a favorite. As Ellie she is love sick for Jack. He sees something there but doesn't feel he can go forward with a love relationship and a work relationship.  She evokes all her joy and sadness of unrequited love. 

One evening a weird world wide event happens. Causing things to go missing in the world. One of them is the Beetles repertoire or anything about the famous group. Jack stumbles on that fact when playing guitar and singing for his friends.  Claiming never to hear the songs. He doesn't believe them and goes to google and sure nough they don't exist. Well, Jack takes advantage of this and sings their songs. He has to remember the lyrics to their songs. Which is comical and you feel his struggle. Soon he has followers that are a little creepy. Showing up in the back of the room to watch him. (I'm trying hard here not to give away too much) When they reveal themselves it is crazy!

At one point Ed Sheeran (Wow, Fun, Love-playing himself) gives Jack advice about lyrics and gives him help to be successful. Through Ed he meets his new manager, Kate McKinnon who plays Debra Hammer. Frankly Kate McKinnon's performance is just like some of her questionable characters she portrays on Saturday Night Live. (I'm not a fan of her work, or her). I wish she would break out of her smutty persona and do a character of worth. I think I could like her...Oh I don't know.

Anyway, Himesh does what anyone would and sings the Beetles songs as if they are his own. The songs are not always performed the way the Beetles did.  Surprises are in the show. I had a great time, my Mom and Sis went to the show with me and we (okay ME) sang and laughed. It's a light show and doesn't take life to seriously.

This is a traditional romance with plenty of angst, disappointment, hope, and love.

I don't remember if I used to rank the movie or not. I think I will do that. I give this show a 4 out of 5. Okay, this isn't my best revue. That's ok cause I'm so out of practice. I'll try to get better. 

I've been putting my time into seeing a couple of movies. I'll get my thoughts together and then I'll share. I am trying not to forget to remember. Sometimes I get distracted and just can't remember why I got out of my chair. AHHH. I'll cope. Reviews coming shortly.  😀

Maleficent

I was so careful to not hear anything about this movie. I was really excited to see this.

I got my favorite drink and popcorn from the snack bar and settled in. I always bring my blanket because I freeze in the theaters. So, after propping up my legs and sufficiently being wrapped up I was ready.

This is not the tale you know begins Maleficent. So, true. I loved the magic, delight, sparkle, the lore of true love, the science and fantasy, the bitterness and joys. 

Angelina Jolie was amazing. I'm not a hard core fan of her. Yet I am drawn in by her unique beauty. I do admit to having seen some of her movies. She delightfully surprised me in this role. I don't want to give any spoilers. I think she did this evil villain justice.

Elle Fanning plays a sweet innocent caught between the fairy kingdom and that of her own family kin. She is adorable and personifies joy, love, and wonder.

As in any Disney movie, there is a villain. Is it the culprit the one we are familiar with? The villain, as always becomes consumed in their own hatred, anger, and fear to the detriment of their own life and the ones they touch.

There is a wonderful moral to this tale. Greed, hatred, vengeance, sorrow, envy, joy, generosity, forgiveness, wonder, sacrifice, and tenderness. All these emotions sum up this tale which I highly recommend.  I give this wonderous tale 3 stars and a big thumbs up.

Noah and Heaven is for Real

Well folks, this is my religious movie re-viewing. Still haven't seen God is Dead or Son of God I do hope I will.


I really could take or leave Noah. If you are looking to see a movie that is line for line the Bible. This is not the movie for you. Minor Spoiler: There is a scene in the movie when a young girl is caught in a trap. The young girl dies so tragically. I thought about this scene after the movie ended, and thought how wrong it was. It left me emotionally scarred. This is Not a movie to determine your faith upon. Only take children that can distinguish the story of the Bible with this Movie because they aren't the same. I knew going in it was different, but WoW didn't know how different. The visuals are crazy good. The acting...Well lets just say I do think that Russell Crowe was better in this than in Les Miserables.  I wanted more from Jennifer Connelly. Initially she gives very little, towards the end she shows some real emotion. Ray Winstone's character is creepy.  Sir Anthony Hopkins lives up to his title. I would give this movie a thumbs up with 2 stars.


Heaven is for real was a little bit of a surprise for me. I really enjoyed Greg Kinnear as a father, firefighter, preacher. Kelly Reilly convincingly plays his loving wife. Connor Corum steals the show. What a little doll! As I said, this was a surprising movie for me. At one point I was so moved I started to cry. I realized that I could hear a group from an Elder home that was in the theatre with me. I could hear a couple of them sobbing. I think the movie was very moving. I would give this movie 3 stars and a thumbs up.

Trader Joe's & Copper Bowl

Scott and I had such a great day Saturday.  I have set a goal to try new things (within my limits).

We try to run errands on Saturdays. So after the general ones we headed toward Salt Lake.  To my surprise Scott was taking us to Trader Joe's.  I didn't know what to expect.  They have been in Utah about a year. It's a grocery store. I guess I thought it was like a Sears or sporting store.  We have had a couple of those open up so I thought more of the same.  Scott wanted to get Super Bowl food for or private party.   He obviously had an idea what they are about. We did get some real tasty treats.

On our way back from Salt Lake we stopped at the Copper Bowl. It's Indian food.  Best I've ever had! 5☆ way nummy. When We walked in the x restaurant went quite.  We were the only white people there. So good! 

 On 6th south and 2 west in SLC

Despicable Me 2, Gravity, Frozen, Monuments Men, The Hunger Games, and Winter's Tale

     It's been awhile since I've posted anything. I guess you'd say, I keep forgetting to remember to do it.

     I still have seen a few movies. I don't remember when I saw these movies. Some were at the dollar movie theatre and the rest at matinees. I'll give my personal thumbs up or down to the movies as I can remember them.

    The first movie I remember is Despicable Me 2 or as my younger brother calls it, the Twinkie Movie. Well I loved it. I laughed more than I ever expected to. Most times a sequel is not as good. I really think this one was fun. Spoiler alert: Gru (Steve Carell) is a doting dad and Dr Nefario (Russell Brand) is a traitor. The minons are laughable as expected.  The girls are darlings. It's a great show for anyone. A big Thumbs Up, out of 1-3 stars it gets 3. Can't wait for the spinoff, Minions to come out in 2015.

     Gravity. Well, really I don't get it. I do not feel that Sandra Bullock deserved the Academy Award. I guess I just figured a woman hired as a medical engineer would be able to figure out how to start the engines and guide a machine. Especially, since she was acting as the software engineer trying to download and correct the space shuttle, whether it be in English, Chinese, or Russian. I was disappointed in the fact that she was dumb, frantic, screaming, and pretty much useless when things went wrong. I expect a woman of intelligence could and would handle herself more appropriately. Women have worked hard to advance in all professional fields. I just felt this belittled all the hard work women have done. Spoiler: I also didn't get the George Clooney's character just saying good bye and letting go. I don't think that was real. Especially since he risked his life for her. I thought Bullock was reckless. I think she could have prevented the fire that she really caused in the shuttle.  Everyone said to see it in 3D and on IMAX. So I did and paid the bigger bucks. What is up with her in her skivvies in the fetal position, spinning ever so slowly? Sex appeal? Although I believe the acting was lacking, Cudos go to  Emmanuel Lubezki's cinematography, Steven Price's musical score, Cuarón's direction, and Framestore's visual effects. This gets a thumbs up because of the Cudos and gets 2 stars for the acting. If you love the actors you will love this movie. I think kids would get bored.

     My next movie I have seen is Frozen. What a fun sweet movie. Love Love Love the them song, Let it go sung by Idina Menzel. She has such a strong powerful beautiful voice. From all the advertising I did expected to see the comical snowman earlier in the movie. So in that regard I was a little disappointed. I thought the Reindeer was delightful. The story is about an older sister that tries to protect her sister from the strange power she has and goes off to her ice castle. The younger sister wants to be with be with her sister. She feels sad and lonely and misses the relationship she once had with her. The young sister sets off to bring her sister home. Their is a villain, a love story, and many laughs included. Great for all the the family. Definitely a 3 star and thumbs up.

     Monuments Men is a historical movie. Prior to seeing the movie I had started the book. This movie makes all that weren't alive when world war 2 occurred be aware of another precious sacrifice lost. It is so sorrowful that evil reigned for a period of time in that part of the world. And to know that the evil still has lasting effects on us to this day. The monuments men risked their lives and there were some that literally gave their lives to save art for the rest of the world. I know their names are not remembered, but the appreciation for their bravery and sacrifice has not. There are swears in this and violence and blood. This is appropriate for the tweens and up. Thumbs up and 3 stars.


     I have seen The Hunger Games: Catching Fire. For those living in the closet, this is the second installment in the series. This movie went fast. Before I knew it was over. To me that means I was entertained. I did read the series before the movie-which I don't like to do because for me it usually ruins the show. I believe they were pretty true to the book, only leaving out some details that aren't too major. I anticipated Katniss' dress turning into fire and was not disappointed with the special effects. I don't think any of the actors were disappointing in their performances. I have to admit I generally don't care for Woody Harrelson, but I think this role is perfect for him. I think this movie was a thumbs up, and it's a 3 star show. I'll be upfront now. I didn't like book 3. To stretch it into 2 movies is going to be questionable. I haven't heard anyone think the third book is good. So good luck to the writers of the screenplay.


     I saw Winter's Tale around Valentines Day. I love Colin Farrell (Peter) and I miss Jessica Brown Findlay (Willa) in Downton Abbey. This is a sad tale of love and loss, heaven and hell. Russell Crowe gives a great performance. So much better than when he was in Les Miserables. Yay he doesn't sing in this. There is a surprise appearance by Will Smith. I hadn't heard he was in this. William Hurt plays the very devoted father of Willa. Willa and Peter cross paths, fall in love. Evil and Good thrust themselves into their lives, giving up's and downs. There are back stories that I won't go into as I don't want to give the story away. The back stories are intriguing and give this movie the heart beat. This is an adult movie. There is a lot of violence, heartache, and the story could confuse young ones. I think this is a thumbs up. I am softy and think this is 3 stars. Bring the tissues.
     Well, that catches me up on the movies I've seen (that I can remember). If you have questions give me a shout out. So many great movies.

Thanksgiving and Gratitude

READ all the way thru this post before you judge, please. I wish we could celebrate one holiday at a time. The other night, Nov 1 we were driving home from a lovely night out. We turned into our neighborhood and were struck

with Christmas. Mind you, I love love love the holiday. But, shouldn't we take the time to be grateful for what we already have before we bring Christmas out. The marketing part of it. That's what gets me. It's been in the stores for weeks. I went to a store on Halloween and they were clearing the shelves to put out more Christmas, which has been out for weeks. 

 

Back to my story: We turned onto another street and again. Wham! 2 more houses with lights and actual Santa's and reindeer out on the lawn not just the lights.

 

Christmas is about the birth of a child and the gift of life, the gift a child gave to us. So glorious is the holiday. I'm just not ready to give up being thankful for the gifts I have previously received. Thank You so rarely used. Isn't there lights or stickers or something to put up to honor Thanksgiving.  The holiday is more than pilgrims. 

 

I just want to share some thoughts about having a heart full of gratitude.

 

 God gave you a gift of 86,400 seconds today.  Have you used one to say “thank you?”  ~William A. War

For each new morning with its light,
For rest and shelter of the night,
For health and food, for love and friends,
For everything Thy goodness sends.
~Ralph Waldo Emerson
 November 30th

So, I've had some time to think about my pre-post. This now being 2 days after Thanksgiving: First of all, I'm grateful that other families can celebrate Christmas whenever and how they choose. I was wrong to judge the joy. I'm sure they all have their own reasons why they put out the decorations. Maybe someone has been called to active duty, or someone passed away and the lights remind them of that person. Maybe, just maybe they have so much love in their heart that it's just so hard to contain in those short Dec weeks. I am sorry for the rant. FYI, still not happy about the stores and their excuse that if the people didn't buy they would stop.

I have so much to be thankful for. This Thanksgiving makes it 2 years since the beginning of the hospital purgatory, bed rest, infection, pain, and surgeries. I am so very thankful that I can watch the snow fall from inside my warm house, instead from a hospital bed. I am thankful I can open my pantry and have choices for dinner, instead of the hospital food. I am thankful for my best friend, Scott who is the kindest and most loving man, Any other man may have not faced all that I bring and just stick with  me. I am thankful for my first son and his wife, and my second son. Thankful for so much more.

 

What are you grateful for?

Gas in the tank

Today we are out running errands. 

My Sweetie has a bad habit of not paying attention to his gas gauge.  Inevitably he will have an empty tank when we have to be somewhere. 

This frustrates me.  Being raised to not let the tank get lower than a quarter full. I can remind him the day before. He will still forget to remember the gas. Grrrr. 

He's so light hearted that while he pumps the gas he dances and makes me smile. He makes me smile a lot!

The lesson for me is not to forget to smile. 

Moab

So, we have been in Moab Utah during the government shutdown. The town was empty for a bit. Then Governor Herbert met with the County and City Mayors to propose a solution to the Department of Interior.

A resolution was reached that the State will fund our parks and monuments for 10 days. Hopefully within that time The President and Congress will negotiate a budget with the Obama care issue.  

I don't agree with all the political crap that goes on. I do know this health care thing is Obama's legacy. If it doesn't go thru what does he have. The steps to end the war in Iraq were in place when he took office and the Afghanistan war was already started. Even though Obama gets credit for ending one war and starting another. 

He can't close Guantanamo bay, for reasons I can't disclose. When Obama ran he made promises based on information he had then. Now that he has access to more critical information, he knows that he can't. So, I don't hold him responsible. 

Anyway finding fun things to do outside of a national park. This taken from the inside of the cab of the truck. 

                                                                                                                                                         Going thru some State parks down here. We are down here for the Moab Plein Air Art Festival. Fun times. Scott's been a painting and they are all turned in. We'll find out if he sold any or gets a ribbon tonight.

later....Scott didn't win a ribbon, but he sold 2 paintings Yah! I was so happy for him. It makes the treat successful.

Yard Sale

It was an awesome day today my adorable husband and I went out into the community yard saleing.  Did we get any great finds you ask? You bet! A kitchen light fixture, a push toy, a  juicer recipe book, some LP's, crochet hooks, sewing patterns and a funky bowl. We spent all of 10 bucks. Plus time with each other. 

We already put the light fixture up. The picture doesn't do the glass justice. It's beautiful. 

World War Z

After waiting in the cheap theatre for what seemed an extra 10 minutes to fix whatever it is to get the dvd to play...the horror movie finally began. Yes, a horror movie.

Once upon a time their was a pig or a bird or something to infect someone somewhere. The possible first one to be infected and named as the grand zero victim is a small boy in Taiwan a virus spreads and spreads quickly.

What begins as any ordinary day for the Gerry Lane family quickly changes.

In the first scene when we see Brad Pitt as Gerry Lane with his wife I thought "Oh, he has greasy hair.  When is he going to wash and cut that. Yuk!" The hair only gets worse, as does the movie.

Back to the horror show, After seeing zombies bite and maim and re-infect other beings, the terror sets in.  Lane is reactivated into the "army of armies". How would the world have survived with out him? He is able to win battle after battle with the beasts.  At the climax of this movie, our hero Lane is chased by a zombie into a room with only one way out. The zombie stares at Lane while he clenches his teeth, up, then down in quick succession. Sooo scary! Or it should have been. Sadly, laughter filled the theatre. I couldn't help but join in.

The movie ends well for some, not for others. I must say that I didn't bother with the movie reviewers on this one. I tried to get my son to see this one with me an he refused. He said he wouldn't waste $1.50 + popcorn on this.

My recommendation is wait for it to be on Netflix. Hulu, or other cable channels.

Austenland

 I was supposed to be shopping for clothes to wear for a family picture. Surprise, I don't like shopping. With my odd shaped body I don't get it. Trying to coordinate colors and have fun props. When I realized I was near the theatre. So, I jumped at the chance to go see Austenland. I went to a matinee, so as usual didn't pay full price. I think I would have anyway.

I went all alone. I didn't have the theatre all to myself, which I love. There were about a dozen other women there. All as excited to see this movie as I was.

The movie premiered at the 2013 Sundance Film Festival and one of the favorites.

I'll try not to give any spoilers. If you have read the Austen books and seen other movies from her books, then this movie will be one you will enjoy. As I was watching I kept thinking this is just so fun. I love Keri Russell. Her portrayal of Jane Hayes is grand. She is over the top addicted to Mr. Darcy. Truly living and breathing her Jane Austen when she learns of a trip to get the experience of a lifetime and live out her fantasy.

Jane Seymore is beautiful as Mrs. Wattlesbrook, the proprietor of the great estate. She is the person that orchestrates the feel of the era and promises that every guest will have a true Jane Austen experience with a concluding ball and love interest.

Jennifer Coolidge is delightful as Elizabeth Charming. She is charming. I adored her.

JJ Feild plays a reluctant Mr. Darcy and there are obviously some issues with him and his mother. I felt uncomfortable for him and he was hard to warm up to. I won't go into the story line. (Don't want to ruin it).

Georgia King made me enjoy this movie. She plays Lady Amelia Heartwright. I didn't think there was anyone that could sing worse than me, but she managed to do so. She has fun with her British accent and so did I.

At one point poor Jane is asked to play the piano. What a fun moment. Better than I could do, that's for sure.

Coolidge and King play their roles with the finesse of beautiful swans. Their depiction of their roles made me chuckle.  Their love interests are so over the top.

Make sure to stay for the credits. I was so glad I did. They were worth it. Who wouldn't swoon for Martin, Bret McKenzie? I was drawn in by his smile and his awkward singing.

Okay, this movie may have its flaws, but if you enjoy period pieces and just mocking them. Go and have fun with this one. I don't buy many movies; I think I'll get this one.

 

The Lone Ranger

I had trepidation at seeing this movie because any of the reviews by movie critics didn't favor this movie. I went to the $1.50 movie. So, not spending much and going with lowered expectations. Here's what I think (As usual, spoilers).

I thought the movie was very good. The movie begins with Will, played by Mason Cook who is wearing the Lone Ranger hat and mask. He is looking into a western scene where there is a shriveled looking Native American with the crow on his head.

Will is darling as a modern little cowboy and he believes the Native American is mistaking him for the actual Lone Rancher.

As I was watching, I didn't realize I was looking at Johnny Depp as an older Tonto. I suspected, but wasn't sure. I couldn't confirm until the next flash forward.  I thought the scenes in the museum were humorous and endearing. I just loved that Tonto narrates the story. Sharing both characters back-story was very helpful, especially that of Tonto. We discover why he wears the crow atop his head, and how he is tortured by his own guilt from greed. This is a traditional Lone Ranger & Tonto story where they are trying to right the wrong.  We learn how a lawyer, John Reid played by Armie Hammer becomes the Lone Ranger & unites with Tonto.

Johnny Depp is eccentric, and I laughed out loud at his antics. His character isn't much different from some of the other characters he has been playing.  In some ways he is much tamer. I've heard he is truly Native American, and I also heard that he is not, but he was given honorary status as a Native American. Either way the group approved of his characterization.

This movie has a lot of violence, implied cannibalism, and discussions of cannibalism. There are also issues of rape.

Dan Reid played by James Badge Dale as the Lone Ranger's brother is a Texas Ranger in apprehension of Butch Cavendish played by William Fichtner. I am quickly becoming a fan of James Badge Dale. I recently saw him as the bad guy in Iron Man 3. I wish there were more of him in this movie. It wasn't until the credits ran that I saw Dale was Dan Reid. James Badge Dale's charm had more appeal to me than Armie Hammer.

William Fichtner was an amazing bad guy. His stunts in this movie were "off the charts".

Armie Hammer is very cute, and he is funny. The collaboration with Depp in this duo works for me. Even though there were times I felt he was a little flat in his delivery.

Butch Cavendish is the bad guy. Very bad, he is a cannibalistic, ruthless, and crazed outlaw who escapes from the Texas Rangers and then sets out to become rich with his brother Tom Wilkinson, as Latham the railroad tycoon. They have a plan to take the silver previously owned by Native Americans.

Helena Bonham Carter owns the saloon and helps our heroes.

Ruth Wilson as Dan Reid's wife, Rebecca and is the love interest for John. We never find out why she married the older brother. I think Ruth is just a charming woman with strong convictions.  I first saw her as the crazed villain in Luther, a BBC series, adults only. I would recommend this as you are able to see a different side of her abilities.

My biggest disappointment was that the William Tell Overture didn't play until the near ending of the movie with the famous last line, high-ho Silver.

On the whole this was a great movie. I recommend 13 and up.

Iron Man 3

It's raining out. I love the rain. It's not the torrential downpour, just a little more than a drizzle.  What do I love doing on days like this, a movie?  Yes!  So I dragged my son to see Iron Man 3 at a dollar fifty movie.

Although this movie has been out for months, I think it's still fair to share.  A note, there are spoilers.

I enjoyed the movie immensely. It may not be the best Iron Man, but I was taken on a thrill ride. I thought there was just enough of Tony Snark, as in his snarky jabs were just enough to carry a slight edge of mean and wit that made me laugh. I earlier had said Mr Robert Downey, Jr did not wish to film another  Iron Man.  I learned today, filming is taking place in (Georgia?). This information comes from The Today Show 8/27/2013. Yeah!! This movie was fabulous and everything I expected. Love Mr Downey. 

Up front I have never been a Gwyneth Paltrow fan. I don't get the love affair with her. Gwyneth as Pepper is the weakest character in the series.  At the beginning of this movie Pepper is shown to be in charge of Stark Enterprises, very strong and intelligent. During the course of the show her character becomes weaker. Pepper is taken by Guy Pearce as Aldrich Killian. We are to believe she is weak when she is adorned in her workout attire, with her athletic arms and ripped abs showing?  Her hair as if it has been freshly combed and blows in the wind.  She must be terrified because her skin is glistening. Now she is the weak Pepper?  Pepper is the damsel in distress for our hero Iron Man. This just doesn't work for me. 

On the other hand Don Cheadle is amazing and there just isn't enough of him. He is funny, serious, and athletic. I wish there could be a spin off of this character.  The powers that be don't think he could carry one.  I truly think he is a gifted artist. I wanted more of him since the first movie. The play on the War Machine or Iron Patriot armor bit throughout the movie is comical and does lend to the heroic attitude of the movie, since the suit is red white and blue.

The best scenes in the movie are with Ty Simpkins as Harley, a sort of sidekick to Iron Man. This young man is cute and entertaining. The banter between Harley and Tony is just plain fun.

Ben Kingsley is remarkable, as always and he has a great twist. James Badge Dale was great as the bad guy. And who doesn't love his middle name? The rest of the cast were also great.

This movie is rated PG-13, for violence and brief sexual innuendo. I don't remember any foul language although there may have been.  If I had youngsters I would allow my mature kids say 10 and up to see this movie.

Here is a link that has some very excellent information in regards to the Iron Man and Avengers movie.
http://screenrant.com/robert-downey-jr-avengers-2-3-contract/

It's All Up To You

While I was out to lunch with my cousin, I came across this sign....

 

 

This made me think that I keep forgetting to remember how relevant my attitude, my behavior, my actions, my reactions, and my choices play in my story and those closest to me. 

 

"So much in life depends on our attitude. The way we choose to see things and respond to others makes all the difference. To do the best we can and then to choose to be happy about our circumstances, whatever they may be, can bring peace and contentment."

President Thomas S Monson

The Church of Jesus Christ
of Latter Day Saints

I can choose to be angry and feel cheated about the unfair hand life dealt me.  I choose to make lemonade out of my lemons. 

 

Yesterday, I wanted to surprise my husband and weed. I have to be very careful because leaning forward can cause migraines and the pain in my legs increases. He has forbidden this activity. But, me being me: I don't like having limits placed on me, I push myself to do things. Challenge on.

 

So, while trying to pull weeds, keep my head level, my legs positioned just so, and avoid creepy crawlies I received a shocking jolt of cold water raining down upon my face and body. The cold water took my breath.  My mind was not quick to process this situation. Finally my wet self yelled, move it. 

 

Now I am not much quicker than the fasted of turtles. I rolled this way, then that trying to get out of the mud and onto the grass. You would have thought the weeds had come to life making shackles at my ankles and wrists.  My inability to respond with any speed made me shriek.  Incredible! 

 

During my ordeal my sons believed this scene was hilarious.  Really, what kind of warped sons have I raised. Laughing at a gimpy old lady. I should have known they wouldn't come to my rescue. 

Doomed, my failure to give a Weed free flower bed. To top it off I was looking like a drowned rat. Now I had nothing to lose and I joined in the laughter. 

 

After all that, I was able see the joy my predicament brought to my sons.  I was successful in bringing unexpected joy. I cleared a 12 x 18 patch of noxious beasts. 

 

The joy and laughter I shared with my sons is memorable and I have more lemonade. Love to be brimming with the lemonade. 

 

I have taught my sons that we must take the high road in our experiences. To forgive, move forward, and be an example. 

 

Sadly, even at this stage of my life I am still learning how difficult it can be when someone you regard in high esteem lets you down and breaks your heart. 

I'm going through the process of trudging up the rocky, creviced, thorny, stinging nettled road. 

In relation to this, I was talking with my youngest son. We discussed the poem by Robert Frost, entitled The Road Less Traveled. We came to the conclusion that an apropos interpretation of life's road less traveled is giving forgiveness, love, kindness, generosity, and service to those that hurt us. 

 

We need to let go of those heavy burdens. Those words and emotions of blight. It's hard. Life Is Hard! You can heal, have laughter, make progress and yes do hard things. 

I choose to take the road less traveled. It isn't easy, but I can do hard things. It's my journey. I get to choose the beauty I create. 

I have a migraine

I get a lot of headaches/migraines. This picture is one of my surgeries (2010).

I've always had headaches/migraines, the docs say it is one of the complications from having spina bifuda. 

There hasn't been a prescription that has helped. The best thing to help me has been one ibuprofen and one Tylenol with a Dr Pepper, an ice pack on the back of my neck. Sleep mask and quiet. My doctors actual prescription. 

The prescription does help when I remember to catch it before the sparkling lights. 

I have tried oils. I think they also help.

So, what works for you?

Rain Boots

I had so much fun putting this together. I had been watching for children's galoshes at yard sales for weeks. I bought them for $2.50 a pair. I don't know if that's a bargain, but I didn't care. If you are willing to experiment you can make these using any type of boot, just add a plastic lining to help keep the moisture in.

The day was sunny and I had all the tools to build a fun flower bed o' boot(s). This project took about 20 minutes. First use a large drill bit to make the holes in the soles of the boots. I made about 8 holes. I left the foot liner in the boot, but pulled out the insole. Be careful not to slip, the drill bit bounces a bit (ha ha). After drilling the holes fill the boot with pebbles up to the ankles. Place the garden soil in the boots 4 inches from the top.  Don't forget to fertilize. I like Miracle Grow. This is both fun and pretty!