Luther

We watched Luther (2003) Monday. I thought it was a good biographical story. "During the early 16th Century idealistic German monk Martin Luther, disgusted by the materialism in the church, begins the dialogue that will lead to the Protestant Reformation." For those that do not know he is the one that posted the Ninety-Five Theses on the Power of Indulgences on the door of the catholic church. While I have read these before it was a lot easier understanding them when seeming them portayed on the big screen. The "indulgence" preachers reminded me of salesman shysters. No wonder he was so incensed with the way they conducted "business".

Blissful Macaroni Cheese Bake

I am dealing with a tooth in pain (called dentist).
I needed something to eat that was soft but hearty.
So I created my own macaroni and cheese casserole.

Cook up 2 cups of elbow macaroni

Drain and add in the following:
1 can of cream of chicken soup
1 cup of milk (evap is okay)
2 cups shredded cheddar cheese

Pour into 2 quart casserole dish.
To the top add:
A thin layer of parmesian cheese

Bake at 350 for 25-30 minutes

Updated: April 30, 2008
Modified ingredients a tad bit.

Sunday in Review

Sunday we visited a new church to both of us.
Now that winter weather is (mostly) gone I can get out.
Decided to visit a non denominational church.
I actually did know the pastor from years ago.
He use to play drums at a church I attended as a teen.

The pastor's name is Terry and his wife's name is Terry!
I believe they said the church attendance is about 250 persons.
The people seemed friendly enough. Talked to a lady named Deb.
Having grown up in the area I recognized her from my hometown.
My parents met us at the church and came over for lunch afterwards.

Later in the afternoon we watched Time Changer.
It is sci fi in nature since it involves time travel ...
but it has a definitive Christian message to make you think.
I actually plan to rewatch it because I thought it so intriguing.
The time travel was necessary to see results of how we teach/preach

In the evening we decided to play some games.
Randy beat me the other day at Rummy so I wanted a rematch.
We played a couple of games of Rummy before trying cribbage.
Randy had not played before and it had been awhile for me.
We successfully found the rules online and printed them.

The Mechanics of Playing Cribbage
Rules of Cribbage - Wikipedia (shows examples)

Burger for a Bunch

I actually made the filling for this Saturday.
The recipe said it was okay to refrigerator up to a day.
This is a recipe my mom made for us growing up.
It had been ages since I had had it or my mom had made it.
Mom and dad came over for lunch so where able to check it out.
Mom said it was good although the meat filling looked more red.
I had a Pillsbury Cookbook that she had which said 1/4 cup catsup.
I also had found the recipe online and it said 3/4 cup catsup.
I used the online recipe. Mom agreed it was moisturer than hers.
Next time I will try 1/2 cup catsup instead - a happy medium!

Meat Filling (which can be made up a day ahead):
Bake up a pound of ground beef - then drain it.
To it mix together:
1 T mustard
3/4 cup potate flakes
1 egg
3/4 cup catsup
1/4 cup hamburger relish

Crust:
Melt 2 T butter and then add 1/4 c potato flakes and set aside.
Mix together:
another 1/4 potato flakes
2 cups regular flour
1 T Sugar
1 tsp. Cream of tarter
1 tsp. Baking Soda
½ cup milk
¼ cup mayonnaise
... cut in 1/3 cup margarine until coarse soft dough
Divide in half and make into balls.
Roll out on onto floured surface. (suggest 9 inch circle)
Place on baking pan (cookie sheet or pizza pan)
Spread meat filling to within 1/2 inch of edges.
Sprinkle with ½ cup shredded cheese.
Roll out remaining dough, place on filling and seal edges.
Brush with milk and top with "set aside" buttered potato flakes.
Bake at 375 for 20 - 25 minutes.

Variations: Used some extra shredded cheese for an even covering.

Online version found at The Roanoker Magazine.

Movies This Weekend

Friday -

Patton (1970) starring George C. Scott
It is indeed a war drama biography.
It was somewhat bearable since not much blood.
It was more about his insane thoughts and cruel ways.

Hotel Rwanda (2004) starring Don Cheadle
I would consider it a historical drama about war.
It's the story of Paul Rusesabagina, a hotel manager.
He helps keep his family and others alive during genocide.

300 (2006) starring no one I know
It's a action drama about a historical war.
It takes place back in 480 BC during the rule of Xerxes.
The Spartans attack by sending 300 of their finest warriors.

Saturday -

Jumanji (1995) and Zathura: A Space Adventure (2005)
Jumanji stars Robin Williams and Bonnie Hunt.
Zathura stars some kids with Tim Robbins as father.
These movies are family fantasy. I preferred the latter.

Earth Hour

That's today - actually tonight from 8-9 PM.
It's a global effort to have everyone turn off their lights ....
to make a positive impact on climate change.



Links to read more about it:
Official Earth Hour website
Earth Hour 2008 Information Blog
World Wildlife Fund/Earth Hour
Google's part in Earth Hour
Universe Today: Countdown to Earth Hour 2008
Planet Green: Turn Off Your Lights for Earth Hour
Wikipedia (which includes more links)

Considered R and E of HUMORE

AFI Movie Date Night #11

Tonight was the 1970 best picture winner Patton starring George C. Scott and Karl Malden, number 89 on the list. He was a brilliant general who sometimes got in trouble for his overzealousness, who hated cowards and quitters. He didn't care if his men liked him or not, just that they would follow him. I thought it was a pretty good war biopic.

Impossibly Easy Bacon Pie

This recipe is similar to the Impossible Cheeseburger Pie.
Basically you can add any cooked meat into the mix.

Bake up 12 slices bacon

Into baking dish sprinkle:
Bacon, cooled and crumbled up
1 cup shredded Swiss cheese (4 oz)
1/3 cup chopped onion

Mix up:
3/4 cup Original Bisquick® mix
1 1/2 cups milk
3 eggs
... Then pour over bacon-cheese mixture

Bake at 400 for 35-40 minutes.

Variation:
Did not add the onions
Used shredded cheddar cheese
Probably used closer to 2 cups of cheese

Original recipe from Betty Crocker
Had considered making Cheesy Apple Bacon Brunch
Also had thought about trying Overnight Egg Sausage Bake

Movies This Week

Thought I would update the blog with the movies watched thus far.

Monday and Tuesday we watched the first five Harry Potters.
Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone (2001)
Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets (2002)
Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban (2004)
Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire (2005)
Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix (2007)
I had never seen them before and Randy was anxious for me to.
They were okay although I am not much into magic and witchcraft.
I preferred the element of friendship and just being a kid.

Wednesday we did crime drama thrillers:
Panic Room (2002) with Jodie Foster
Flightplan (2005) with Jodie Foster
Don't Say a Word (2001) with Michael Douglas
I liked the intelligent and mystery elements of these.

Thursday was a hodge podge - mostly quirky:
The Mating Habits of the Earthbound Human (1999)
Dark Star (1974) - I fell asleep - a student film project
People Will Talk (1951) - nice romantic comedy with Cary Grant

Macadamia White Chip Cookies

Cream together:
1 cup (2 sticks) butter, softened
1 cup sugar
3/4 cup light brown sugar, packed
2 T vanilla extract
1/2 tsp salt

Then add in 2 large eggs and beat

Slowly add in:
2-1/2 cups flour
1 tsp baking soda

Ultimately add in the main ingredients:
1 bag (12 ounces) white chocolate chips
1 cup macadamia nuts, chopped

Bake at 375 for 8 to 10 minutes.

Originally from Mom!Mom!.com

All Bran Muffins

In one bowl mix:
1 1/4 cups flour
1/2 cup sugar
1 T baking powder
1/4 teaspoon salt

In another bowl:
2 cups All-Bran® cereal
1 1/4 cups milk
Let stand for two minutes or until softened.
Add in:
1 egg
1/4 cup vegetable oil
And then add in flour misture

Bake at 400° for 20 minutes.

Originally from Kellogg's

Songs of Easter

Enjoy this video for the next week as I take a blog break.
The artist is Sandi Patty which is a Christian favorite of mine.
I picked this video because I love the song The Old Rugged Cross.
Via Dolorosa is Latin for "Way of Grief" or "Way of Suffering".

Easter movies

The Judas Project (1990)
How would you, in this crazy mixed up world we live in, react
if a man claimed to be the son of God and performed miracles?
The movie's aim was to be a more modern telling of Jesus' life.
Here is the official site of The Judas Project.

The Robe (1953)
The "robe" refers to Jesus' robe taken before his crucifixion.
The officer who ends up with it has nightmares and delusions.
He goes to Palestine to learn more about the man he helped kill.
It starred Richard Burton, Jean Simmons and Victor Mature.

Easter Parade (1948)
This is one of my favorite musicals.
It stars Fred Astaire and Judy Garland,
as well as Peter Lawford and Ann Miller.
And the songs are by Irving Berlin.

Easter Sunrise

We woke before the 6:37 AM sunrise on purpose.
We headed down to the ocean at Land's End on Bailey Island.
We wanted to see the sunrise across the horizon in honor of Easter.

On the way down we listened to WBCI - 105.9 FM.
It was a wonderful sight to see the sun rise as Christ arose!
We are in the process of watching Easter themed movies today.

Saturday of Terror

We watched four horror movies today.
The last was even comedic from Disney.

Identity (2003) starring John Cusack
Ten supposed strangers our stranded at hotel during rainstorm.
They start dying off which means one of them is a killer.
I liked the crime mystery elements of the tale.

1408 (2007) also stars John Cusack
He is a writer who "debunks" paranormal occurences.
He checks into the Dolphin Hotel room 1408 ...
and is nearly terrorized to death!

Bluebeard (1944) stars John Carradine
Its a story of an artist who ends up killing his models.
Reminded me somewhat of John the Ripper.

Tower of Terror (1997) is a family comedy horror thriller
Starring Steve Guttenburg, Kristen Dunst, and Nia Peeples
The setup is of five people enroute to a party in the 1930's.
They mysteriously disappear in the elevator in the hotel.
Sixty years later a tabloid reporter stumbles upon the truth.

Weird Games of Maine

March 9th Maine Sunday Telegram:
Let the (weird Maine) games begin
I doubt that we are any weirder than others.
Just different people from different areas
do different things for fun and sport.
What some Mainers do by season:

Winter: Belt Sander Racing (2:04)


Spring: Maine Mud Runs (2:49)


Summer: Lobster Boat Racing (3:03)


Fall: Giant Pumpkin Regatta (no good video worth sharing)

Considered U, M and O of HUMORE

AFI Movie Date Night #10

We watched The Jazz Singer, the landmark 1927 film that had the first spoken words in a movie, number 90 on the list. I think I was expecting more talking because I was disappointed at how much of the movie was still a silent film. But it probably was a big deal back then. I don't think it was good enough to spring for the 3 disc collection (unless it comes down under $15), but I wouldn't mind a single cheap disc as it is one of the few AFI that I don't own on DVD.

Music Everywhere

The AFI pick was The Jazz Singer (1927).
It was mostly a silent movie with musical numbers.
I'll let Randy post more about it later.
We decided to stay with the music theme.

Walk the Line (2005) about Johnny Cash.
I was pleasantly surprised at liking this movie.
Johnny Cash was played by Joaquin Phoenix.
June Carter was played by Reese Witherspoon.
They both performed all the songs themselves.

Chicago (2002) is a great contemporary musical.
While it is a remake the action onscreen was ALIVE.
As with all good musicals it was colorful and energetic.
It was interesting to see well known stars singing and dancing:
Starring Catherine Zeta-Jones, Renée Zellweger, and Richard Gere.
Christine Baranski plays the reporter Mary Sunshine.
Queen Latifah plays Matron Mama Morton.

Classic Comedy

Last night we watched The Trouble with Angels (1966).
Two young rambunctious girls attending catholic boarding school.
The lead troublemaker is played by a 20 year old Hayley Mills.
Mother Superior is wonderfully played by Rosalind Russell.
Also of note: Mary Wickes played one of the nuns.

This morning we watched another comedy from the sixties.
With Six You Get Eggroll (1968) has an intriguing title.
Its about two widowers that marry and try combining families.
The mother, Doris Day, has three sons (one is a teenager).
The father, Brian Keith, has just one teenage daughter.

I wholeheartedly recommend both movies above to anyone.
Sadly we followed those with Millions (2004).
Its an okay family drama but NOT a comedy.

Interfaith Calendar

I was reading that in addition to being Good Friday ...
some other religions are celebrating their own special days.
I found this Interfaith Calendar that specifically talks about
March 20th and March 21st having Unique Calendar Events.

Most noteably it is Purim for our Jewish brothers and sisters.
Also found Judaism 101 site which explains Purim.
"It commemorates a time when the Jewish people living in Persia
were saved from extermination." (story told in bible book Esther)

Sci Fi Adventure

Ultraviolet (2006)
It stars Milla Jovovich who was also in Fifth Element.
This was much better than we expected based on reviews.
Would recommend this partially due to compassion for child.

Æon Flux (2005)
It stars model Charlize Theron.
Hard to follow storyline at times.
Virus kills 99% population yet there is cloning.

The Fifth Element (1997)
After starting this realized I had seen it before.
It stars Bruce Willis with Luke Perry and Gary Oldham.
Its an okay movie certainly better watched the first time around.

Peanut Butter Chocolate Chip Muffins

Combine:
... 2/3 c peanut butter
... 2 tbls margarine -- melted
Mix in:
... 3/4 c sugar
... 2 eggs
... 1 1/2 t vanilla
Then add in:
... 1 1/2 cups flour
... 1 1/2 t baking powder
... 1/2 t baking soda
Finally:
... 1/2 c milk
... 1 cup (6-ounces) chocolate chips

Bake at 350 for 20-25 minutes.

Note: added an extra 1/2 cup chocolate chips

Original recipe from Mr Breakfast

Family Fantasy Explored

The first two movies we watched Monday.
And the latter two were viewed Tuesday.
The first three are Irish for St Patty's Day.
They all have accents to varying degrees.

Darby O'Gill and the Little People (1959)
Darby explores the land of the little people.
He believes in leprechauns and banshees.
A relatively young (29) Sean Connery is in it.

The Secret of Roan Inish (1994)
Two children explore the island of their forefathers.
They hear many tales of events that happened there.
They come to believe in mermaids which is part of their family tree.
And they spot a lost sibling once thought to have been drowned.
But instead his seal relatives of the sea have taken care of him.
These young people also rebuild the family's abandoned homes.
It's amazing what they can do and what they know how to do.
I totally recommend this family fantasy to all.

Finian's Rainbow (1968)
Finian explores the best use of his fortunes in Rainbow Valley.
Rainbow - Irish - yes, there is a leprechaun in this adventure.
I remember watching this musical when I was a young adult.
I like the storyline about people of all colors living in harmony.
It was directed by a 29 year old (hippie) Francis Ford Coppola.
It stars Fred Astaire as Finian and his daughter is Petula Clark.

Five Children and It (2004)
The five children explore their uncle's home.
They find a doorway to a mystical land with an "IT".
The sand fairy grants them wishes to teach them lessons.
As with leprechauns it usually does not work out.

Pizza Chopper

We took a little road trip yesterday.
We were looking for a few things for the house.
I had borrowed my mother's Oscar Jr mini chopper.
I needed it for chopping nuts for my recipes.
We found a Prinetti Mini Food Chopper at Family Dollar.

I had an old pizza pan which I wanted to replace.
We had seen many pizza crispers that had many holes.
Randy was able to find a simple 12 inch pizza pan.
It is non stick yet heavyweight from G&S Oven Stuff line.
Also got replacement coffee filters which I will need soon.

EZ Calculators

Yesterday I was modifying my Tangy Meatloaf recipe.
We decided to use 2 pounds instead of 1 pound of beef.
I was searching for a teaspoon to tablespoon converter.
I found Food Measurement Conversion Calculator.
I found they had other "ez calculators" worth checking out.

Happy St. Patrick's Day

We have theme specific movies planned for today.
Finian's Rainbow (1968) - musical
Darby O'Gill and the Little People (1959) - Disney
The Secret of Roan Inish (1994) - also a family film

Other Irish possibilities for the day:
Lord of the Dance (1993) - Irish dance
Riverdance: The Show (1995) - Irish dance
The Luck of the Irish (1948) - romantic comedy
The Quiet Man (1952) - romantic drama

Strawberry Muffins

Hubby brought home fresh strawberries ...
so I found a muffin recipe to use them with ...

Combine:
... 1 1/4 c all-purpose flour
... 2 1/2 t baking powder
... 1/2 t salt
Stir in:
... 1 c uncooked old-fashioned oats
... 1/2 c sugar
Separately combine:
... 1 c milk
... 1/2 c (1 stick) butter, melted
... 1 egg, beaten
... 1 t vanilla
Then stir into rest of the mixture.
Finally fold in:
... 1 c chopped fresh strawberries

Bake at 425 for 15-18 minutes

Original recipe from the editors of Easy Home Cooking Magazine

Notes:
I probably threw in closer to 1 1/2 to 2 cups of strawberries.
There was plenty of batter to totally fill the muffin cups.

Disney Sunday

Back when we were young Sunday night was Disney.
We decided to watch three movies with Kurt Russell.
He played the same character in all of them - Dexter Reilly.

The Computer Wore Tennis Shoes (1969)
Now You See Him, Now You Don't (1972)
The Strongest Man in the World (1975)

Being Disney they were all wholesome.
Some great actors are in them.
Worth checking out.

Women's History Month

March is Women's History Month

"On March 19, 1911, a German woman named Klara Zetkin organized the very first International Women's Day. In 1978, a California school district started Women's History Week to promote the teaching of women's history. The concept of studying women's history continued to grow in popularity and in 1987 ... Congress declared the entire month of March National Women's History Month."

Women's History Milestones by Time for Kids
Women's History Month at History.com
... Women's Hall of Fame (in Seneca New York)
... Firsts in Women's Achievements
... Did You Know? (statistics)
Women's History Month at Library of Congress

Considered R and E of HUMORE

Romance for the evening

After watching horror movies we switched
to romance with an element of fantasy.

The Ghost and Mrs. Muir (1947)
It stars Gene Tierney and Rex Harrison
It looked like a good movie but sadly the VHS had trouble.
So we will have to watch it all another time.

Bell Book and Candle (1958)
I had been waiting to have Randy see it.
It stars James Stewart and Kim Novak.
As well as Jack Lemmon and Elsa Lanchester.
Interesting to note that Rex Harrison played
the male lead in the Broadway production.

Big Dark House

We are spending the day watching movies.
The first three today were horror in big dark houses.
We watched them in order from newest to oldest.

The Others (2001) - starring Nicole Kidman
I thought it was fairly predictable yet still a good movie.
The only thing I did not totally understand -
was why the dad did not stay once he was reunited.

The Haunting (1963) - starring Julie Harris
Pretty awesome when you consider it was
a black and white independent movie.
Of note: Russ Tamblyn played the nephew

The Spiral Staircase (1945) - starring a mute!!! -
at least Dorothy McGuire was until the very end.
It's a psychological thriller which includes mystery.
Of note: Ethel Barrymore and Elsa Lanchester

After dinner we are headed in a different direction.
Some fantasy and romance and comedy. Oh my!!!
Stay tuned to see what we watch next.

AFI Movie Date Night #9

Tonight was My Fair Lady, the 1964 Oscar winner and number #91 on the AFI list, starring Audrey Hepburn & Rex Harrison. It's the Pygmalion story, with the slow transformation of Hepburn's classless character into one of class by Harrison's linguist character. It was tough to like Harrison's scientifically detached character, but that was probably the intent. But overall, the film has its charms and wonderful songs to make it a delight for the whole family.

Comedy and AFI

I picked three comedies for the early part of they day.
I thought they would help since I was dealing with pain.
Later in the day the focus changed to the AFI theme ...
of "culture clash/cross cultural" based on imdb keywords.

Fun with Dick and Jane (2005) - only true comedy of the day
stars Jim Carrey and Tea Leoni married and in debt!

Cherish (2002) - includes music from the 80's
Jason Priestly makes a brief appearance

The Dangerous Lives of Altar Boys (2002)
I definately do NOT buy Jodie Foster as a nun!

Local Hero (1983) - with Burt Lancaster
nice little inexpensive film takes place in Scotland

Broken Flowers (2005) - stars Bill Murray
not really comedic as would be expected with him

My Fair Lady (1964) - stars Audrey Hepburn
won 8 Oscars including Best Picture and Best Actor

In the Land of Women

In the Land of Women (2007) was gretty good.
The write up intrigued me enough to want to watch it.
"His world in complete disorder after his break-up ...
Carter goes to suburban Detroit to care for his sickly Grandmother
and heal his broken heart. Along the way he forms a special bond
with the (Hardwicke) family that lives across from his Grandma,
and changes the life of each woman ... (and) his own life as well."

The main character is played by Adam Brody.
The grandmother is played by wacky, opinionated Olympia Dukakis.
The next door neighbor mother is played by Meg Ryan.
Her two daughters also fall for the Adam's character.

Destructive Relationships

We watched yet another couple of odd movies.
Dead Ringers (1988) and Heavenly Creatures (1994).
They are both about destructive close relationships.
And what is even more scary is that they are both true stories.

Dead Ringers is about very intelligent twin brothers who share
their genetical medical practice and research as well as women.
The real life twins were Stewart and Cyril Marcus.
Their story is told in the 1977 novel titled "Twins".

Heavenly Creatures is about the friendship of two teenage girls.
They are kindred spirits with a very imaginative fantasy life.
The movie and its dialog is from the diary of Pauline Parker.
Pauline Parker eventually devoted life to handicapped children.
Her friend Juliet Hume now writes under the name Anne Perry.

Amazon Lists

I started two video lists at Amazon.
I still do not know what all movies Randy brought with him.
So when I see something I think would be nice to have ...
I'll place in one of my lists for Randy to review.
Seen and liked
Looks interesting

For the record I was on Amazon this morning because
I really would like to get The Fountainhead.
Then found out they had 50% off classics.

I am thinking with the federal rebate coming ...
we can set aside some money for new purchases.
I actually checked on ebay first but realized
for just a little more can get "new" at Amazon.

Neighbor visit and the nanny

Our upstairs neighbor came over for lunch.
And we visited all afternoon.
It was good getting to know her.
We heard stories about her children and family.

Do keep her in prayer ...
she is having back surgery Friday morning.
She'll be laid up about a month.
We offered her some of our videos.

In the evening Randy actually rented a couple.
We watched The Nanny Diaries (2007).
It stars Scarlett Johansson as the nanny ...
Actually an anthropology graduate trying to figure out life.

Coffee Bars

Sift 3 c flour and 1 t baking soda
Add 1 pound light brown sugar (2 1/4 cups)
Separately beat 2 eggs and 1 coffee - add to dry ingredients.
Add 1 t vanilla and 1 cup oil.

Spread in cookie sheet.
Top with chocolate chips (1/2 c).

Bake 350 for 20 min.

Note:
Since Randy avoids caffeine in drinks ...
I used Folger's naturally decaf instant coffee.

House Hunting

We have NOT watched any movies in the last two days.
We did finish watching a defunct tv series on DVD.
It was called Wonderfalls. Very strange show.

Randy picked up a real estate book the other day.
Sunday we went out riding looking at possibilities.
We started by looking at trailers in trailer parks.
But we also looked for ranch style homes (one floor).
Monday we went to a modular home place for brochures.

We are house hunting because
we are currently renting basement apartment
and the landlord has the house on the market to be sold.
There is no guarantee we would be able to stay after it sells.
Besides it would be nice to get a place of our own.

Daddy Deliver Us

We watched two movies that starred Gabrielle Union.

First there was Daddy's Little Girls (2007).
It was written and directed by Tyler Perry ...
but still it was a nice dramatic romance.
The three girls that played sisters really are sisters.
A number of the other actresses are from Girlfriends.

Then we watched Deliver Us from Eva (2003).
It's based on Shakespeare's The Taming of the Shrew.
I did not initially notice that but looking back can see it.
Obviously updated and with a black cast ...
and a different family dynamic (no father image).

Lord of the Rings

I watched the third and final part of the trilogy
The Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King (2003).
Still not sure why such an impact on pop culture.
So much so that there is a Lord of the Rings wiki.
It is officially called One Wiki to Rule Them All.

My major interest is remembering the characters of note.
I have been on websites where people use their names.
I always wondered about the person behind the name.

Fellowship of the Ring characters:
Hobbits: Frodo, Sam, Merry and Pippin
Gandolf - wizard - to help people of middle earth against evil
Aragorn - men - becomes King of the Reunited Kingdom
Legolas - elf - played by Orlando Bloom
Gimli - dwarf - looks like norse warrior
Boromir - men - seduced by the ring meant to protect

Ladies of note:
Arwen - elf - married Aragorn at the end of the movie.
Eowyn - men - unrequited love of Aragorn - fought in battle with Merry
Galadriel - elf - gave each member of fellowship a gift and supplies

Here are a few interesting links:
Good characters portal
Evil characters portal
Races (good and evil) portal

Everywhere in Maine

I found this MUST POST video over at YouTube.
Especially the beginning with all the snow!

AFI Movie Date Night #8

We watched A Place in the Sun, #92 on the AFI list, starring Mongomery Clift, Elizabeth Taylor and Shelley Winters. It was said to be a landmark film but I'm not sure why. Maybe part of the reason was that Shelley Winters played against type for the first time in her career. (It took me a little while to recognize her character.) I can't really say I liked this movie too much as it seemed quite depressing.

License for Sadness

For those confused already ...
I like to come up with interesting titles.
It's a combination of the movies watched.

License to Wed (2007) starring Robin Williams,
Mandy Moore and John Krasinski as the couple
It was an enjoyable enough romantic comedy.

The AFI movie was A Place in the Sun (1951) with
Elizabeth Taylor, Montgomery Clift and Shelley Winters.
I will let Randy talk about that more.

Bonjour tristesse (1958) aka Hello Sadness
It starred Jean Seberg, David Niven and Deborah Kerr.
The father-daughter relationship was a bit much.

Martian Child

Randy went to one of the local video stores
and picked up a new release: Martian Child.
To watch a bit of it check out the trailer.

I liked the movie. Interesting thoughts.
A recently widowed guy ponders whether to adopt.
It had been his wife's desire since she had been adopted.

He says something like "I know the argument
about not bringing a child into this world.
But what about loving one that is already here?"

The star is John Cusack which I like.
And his sister Joan plays his sister in the movie.
I always enjoy watching either of them.

The Game's Afoot

We played a couple of games last night.
First a game of Scrabble.
Randy won by just 2 points.
I had gotten stuck with the Q.
I had managed to use the Z and an X.
I had way too many consonants.
Really hard to make words without vowels.
And Randy had the opposite problem.
Basically the board never got opened up wide.

The second game was one we picked up with gift certificate.
It is called Reminiscing:
The Game for People Over Thirty - New Century Edition.
It asks questions per decade giving you up to five clues.
But another part of the game is actually reminiscing ...
you are encouraged to tell your own stories.
It's a great game to get to know people better.
The questions cover decades from the 40's to the 90's.
You only have to answer questions for those you lived.

Things Change

Yesterday the upstairs neighbor called and canceled lunch.
She decided to keep her children home from school.
The weather was bad and she thinks they are sick.
We tentatively rescheduled for next week.

Since we had some time before lunch I made a proposal.
I told Randy I would try the second Lord of the Rings ...
but only if we watch half before lunch and the other half after.
I have a hard time sitting for 3 to 4 hours at one time.

So I saw The Lord of the Rings: The Two Towers.
I had read it was the best of the three. Not sure why.
What bothers me is there is NO END to each movie.
They really should have simply called it a miniseries.

I am not into action movies which is what I consider these.
The story itself has not caught my interest but ...
I may end up watching the last just to say I have.
Now I know who people are when other's talk about it.

Company Coming

Need to do some cleaning and cooking this morning.
Our upstairs neighbor is coming for lunch and a visit.
Tomorrow another friend may come for lunch as well.

Last night I made and put in refrigerator Cranberry Salad.
Need to cook up hamburger to go into Impossible Cheeseburger Pie.
And for dessert planning a Vitamin Pie which is like a coffee cake.

On a side note:
This morning I read that McCain is in so
blogged about it over at my Cathy's Meowings blog.

I tried LOTR

I had read The Hobbit about 30 years ago.
And believe I even watched The Hobbit (1977).

I told Randy I would watch Lord of the Rings.
Or at least I would try to watch the trilogy.
So yesterday afternoon I sat down and watched
The Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring.

It was okay but just not my cup of tea.
I am not into action and it was too slow paced.
Told Randy I would not be watching other.

In the evening we watched the comedy RV.
It starred Robin Williams which explains the rating ...
"Rated PG for crude humor, innuendo and language.".
I feel asleep part of the way thru it and that's okay by me.

New England Maple Beans and Sausage

Mix all ingredients:
1 can (29 oz) pinto beans, rinsed
1 can (28 oz) baked beans
1 cup chopped onion
1/3 cup maple-flavored pancake syrup
1 Tbsp dry mustard
8 oz turkey kielbasa, cut in 1/2-in.-thick half-rounds
2 medium Golden Delicious apples, sliced

Bake at 350 for 55-60 minutes.

My variations:
I skipped the onions and dry mustard
Just used regular pancake syrup

Notes:
May replace pinto beans with baked beans
May use 16 oz of the kielbasa

Forever Stamp

We need to pick up new stamps.
Only nondenominational stamps are available.
They are better known as "forever stamps".

You purchase them at the current stamp price.
But you can use then anytime in the future ...
even when stamp prices rise.

The current first class rate is 41 cents.
Come May 12th they go up to 42 cents.
It is wise to stock up while the stamps are still at 41 cents.

Blog specifically about Forever Stamps
Governors propose "forever stamp"
All nondenominated (unmarked) stamps from USPS

Black and White Romantic Classics

The day started with the furnace getting cleaned.
Yeah - we've had heat all day - first time in 4 days.

The Amazing Quest of Ernest Bliss (1936)
Starring Cary Grant and Mary Brian.
It's a drama, comedy and romance.

Pot o' Gold (1941)
Starring James Stewart and Paulette Goddard.
It's a musical, comedy and romance.

Made for Each Other (1939)
Starring Carole Lmbard and James Stewart.
It's a drama, comedy and romance.

Saturday and Sunday

Saturday we decided to watch movies with "changes".
This was prompted by Leap Day (the day before).

In the morning we watched The Skeleton Key.
It's a horror flick which ended with a soul tranformation "change".
Seems we picked a lot of odd and weird movies lately.
Randy was sick most of the day and slept.

In the evening we watched A Saintly Switch.
It's a family movie about a husband and wife having problems.
Their children wish theier parents understood each other better.
And sure enough they switch bodies to walk in each other's shoes.

Sunday we watched movies with titles that had special meaning to us.
Most of the movies were pretty weird regardless of the cool titles.

It's All About Love stars Joaquin Phoenix, Claire Danes and Sean Penn.
The love story takes place in 2021 in a world on the brink of disaster:
In summer it snows in New York City and people are flying in Africa.
A weird part is the multiple versions of Claire's character.

Funny Valentine stars Anthony Michael Hall and Marlo Marron.
A truly nice guy has a hard time finding romance in the big city.
His friends place a personal ad for him and screen the respondents.
In the meantime he finally falls for and starts dating a single mom.

Happy Endings stars a lot of well known actors like Lisa Kudrow,
Jason Ritter, Tom Arnold, David Sutcliffe and Laura Dern.
A lot of weird relationships with weird pregnancies and births.

Yes stars Shirley Henderson as the cleaner.
I admit I fell asleep towards the beginning.
Even at that point I could tell it was weird.

Banana Pudding Squares

Layer 1:
35 Reduced Fat NILLA Wafers, finely crushed
1/4 cup (1/2 stick) margarine, melted
... Combine and press crust into 13x9 pan.

Layer 2:
1 pkg. (8 oz.) PHILADELPHIA Cream Cheese, softened
1/2 cup powdered sugar
1 tub (8 oz.) COOL WHIP, thawed, divided
... Mix cream cheese and sugar.
... Stir in 1 1/2 cups of the whipped topping.
... Spread carefully onto crust mixture.

Layer 3:
3 bananas
... Cut bananas crosswise in half ...
... Then cut each piece lengthwise in half.
... Spread over cream cheese mixture.

Layer 4:
3 cups cold fat-free milk
2 pkg. (4-serving size each) JELL-O Vanilla Flavor Pudding & Pie Filling
... Mix milk and dry pudding mixes. Beat with whisk for 2 minutes.
... Spoon over bananas.

Layer 5:
Remaining Cool Whip
... Spread over pudding layer.

Layer 6:
1/2 square BAKER'S Semi-Sweet Baking Chocolate, grated
... Sprinkle over Cool Whip

NO baking - just refrigerate at least 3 hours before serving.

Heat update

The furnace shut off a couple other times yesterday.
The last time Randy reset it a little after midnight.
Seems to be working at this point in time.
Still waiting to hear back from landlady.

Yesterday when Randy was out doing errands ...
I watched Father's Little Dividend (1951).
It's the sequel to Father of the Bride (1950).
These star Spenser Tracy as the father
and Elizabeth Taylor as the daughter.

Three months!!!

In honor of our third month anniversary ...
thought we'd post some marriage humor ...

MARRIAGE SEMINAR

While attending a Marriage Seminar dealing with communication,
Tom and his wife Grace listened to the instructor,

"It is essential that husbands and wives know the things
that are important to each other."

He addressed the man,
"Can you describe your wife's favorite flower?"

Tom leaned over, touched his wife's arm gently and whispered,
"It's Pillsbury, isn't it?

The rest of the story gets rather ugly, so I'll stop right here.

WHO DOES WHAT

A man and his wife were having an argument about

who should brew the coffee each morning.

The wife said, "You should do it, because you get up first,

and then we don't have to wait as long to get our coffee."

The husband said, " You are in charge of cooking around here

and you should do it, because that is your job,

and I can just wait for my coffee."

Wife replies, "No, you should do it, and besides,

it is in the Bible that the man should do the coffee."

Husband replies, "I can't believe that, show me."

So she fetched the Bible, and opened the New Testament

and showed him at the top of several pages,

that it indeed says .......... "HEBREWS"

Jokes found at Jokes and Fun Stuff Page

Considered H and R of HUMORE