Halloween Happenings

Friday, October 29th – Halloween weekend: Garry and I have been getting into this Netflix show that is really spooky but in a rather old-fashioned way. The program absolutely avoids the slasher sort of directing that generally permeates these sorts of projects. Instead, Midnight Mass tells a story with character development and lets it play out. There are shocking moments naturally, but you are already invested in the island folks.

Undoubtedly, there will be viewers turned off by the use of Christianity (thru organized religion) to explain it all. I found it to be a creative cover for the evil that is brewing on the island. At six episodes we are hooked. The direction for this TV thing is uncanny. It has depended on long monologues. I mean, there are scenes between actors that go on and on before a cut is even made. My guess is that anyone who likes to read a good horror story might actually enjoy watching this; it does take time to unfold.

San Francisco will be hopping this weekend with the Outside Lands festival at Golden Gate Park and Halloween in the Castro. The weather for both will be perfect San Francisco weather. Yes, wear a t-shirt but carry a lite…whatever.

We are going to catch the new Wes Anderson movie: The French Dispatch. Anderson is the sort of filmmaker that cares more about making characters as quirky as they can be rather than employing a more satisfying conclusion to a story. This director is not a three-course meal, he is an appetizer, and then the waiter forgets you are there. I like to describe his movies as watchable. It is not that I don’t enjoy Anderson’s movies. I like some of them, but that enjoyment is measured. For my tastes: The Royal Tenenbaums and the Isle of Dogs are memorable for different reasons. His wildly popular Rushmore I never finished.

On our own isle of dog, Luna continues her rehab period. There is no more cone of shame, and we are back to some walking in the neighborhood. She puts pressure on the operated leg and walks on it, but she is not quite 100 percent back yet. Naturally, she wants to do more and misses using the entire backyard to run around like a crazy dog (zoomies), but that has to happen gradually as per the Vets order.

October 30, 2021 0

Reality Obscura

We were doing the fantasy planning again. My feeling is it’s somewhat healthy. No tickets have been purchased for anywhere but we look. London and possibly Lisbon in the fall and of course, in this alternate reality, there will be London theatre in full swing. Why not?

Otherwise, Monday’s raindrops ended in a brief interlude of sunshine before giving up to the night. My work from home day is not even much of a memory. It was a tap-dancing blur of coffee-infused purchases of many items of interest to a certain pet hospital. The fiery tapping of computer keyboard keys was in direct competition with the raindrops on the window. It was Gregory Hines and Mikhail Baryshnikov tapping away in that silly movie they did. The coffee was great for focusing my direction away from celluloid flops to chewable Rimadyl.

When I logged off, the rain was also done and I was able to take my own pooch around to the park. She tugged a bit, not liking the fact that the previous weather had kept her from the outside world. She is not a lover of the rain. Luna loves comfort but also a daily adventure. We try to give her a good mix.

In what was a super quiet weekend we took her to South San Francisco to see the giant Music Harp. It was a different place so Luna had plenty to smell. The humans liked it as well. It is a giant metallic harp that, when it’s windy, a music-like sound emanates from it.

Garry has been out west longer than I have but he had never heard of it either. We found it on a website called Atlas Obscura, a good resource for unique little spots in different areas.

Otherwise, we re-engaged with our ongoing battle on Saturday vs the weeds outback, it’s a never-ending battle with few plant casualties as possible.

February 17, 2021 0

Turkey Day Weekend Notes

Enjoyed the sunny weekend even if I don’t physically feel great today. I started the day with a bit of a migraine. I tried walking it off and having an extra cup of coffee. Naturally the extra caffeine helped me to be more awake about my headache. 🙂

We spent Thanksgiving at a friend’s home in San Rafael and the spread was impressive with hands down the best mashed potatoes I’ve ever put in my mouth. It all was good though, the turkey was moist and flavorful, the gravy (for me) sat there untouched because I didn’t want to mess with flavors I had and the string beans were tasty (yes string beans). There were a couple of different pies for dessert and Garry made a pumpkin pie, that I thought was good and creamy but Garry is a harsher critic of his own stuff.

I drove us back in the rain, which is not my favorite. I did get to drive Garry’s Mazda CX3 for the first time. It’s what is called a crossover vehicle; it’s somewhere between and SUV and car. I like the way it handles. The safety features are neat. It let’s you know when you’re getting close to a car, or driving on the white road lines.

It was great to get back home to Luna as she was alone for awhile. She’s having a tough go of it with her best buddy moving out of the neighborhood. She was friendly with the airdale next door. They were play buddies. He has packed his dog toys (with owner) and moved to another neighborhood. Luna has been mopey. Extra treats and love for a special dog

November 26, 2018 0