Message 582

Yesterday I went wild and bought myself three jackets. I felt I needed more choices in my life and could not resist the sale prices. In the evening Joshua brought in fish and chips and watched the hockey game with me. It was a great game between two of the best teams in the league. The Sharks beat Washington 5-3. They took a 4-0 lead and then let up but held on to win. Joshua is going skiing today, so he will not be able to watch today's game with me. After the game I read some more of my NSA book until it was time for Charlie Rose.

Message 581

Yesterday I had lunch with Jason and Susan and the girls at Live Oak Kitchen in Los Gatos. In the evening I watched a DVD of the movie Mona Lisa Smile. It depicted college life at Wellesley in 1953-1954, a time when I myself was in college. It was interesting as a period piece, but I give it only 3 stars. I watched it mostly because Maggie Gyllenhaal had a supporting role, but her part was nothing special in this case. I am still working on the second NSA book too.

Message 580

Yesterday I worked a little on my memoirs. In the evening Joshua came over and brought food from Boston Market and watched the Sharks game with me. They beat Phoenix 3-2 in an overtime shootout. It was their turn since they lost to Phoenix in a shootout the last time they played. We also watched the Vikings lose to the Bears in overtime on Monday Night Football. It was a good night for sports on TV. We had to do a lot of switching back and forth on the channels.

Message 579

I watched three NFL games yesterday. The 49ers won, but the Raiders and Redskins lost. We are getting near the end of the season now, but at least the playoffs should be of some interest even though none of our local teams will be involved. Last night I watched Masterpiece Theater for a while, but it turned out I had watched it before, so I mostly read some more of the second book of NSA history.

Message 578

I just got back from Starbucks with Helen and Jim, Joan and David, and Jody, Aaron, and Emily (6 months old). Yesterday I did not leave the house all day. I was planning to go to the hot tub again , but when it was 5 PM it was raining so hard, I skipped it. Instead Joshua came over and watched the Sharks beat the Ducks 5-2. They were ahead 5-0, but then let up and allowed a couple of goals. I had already eaten, so Joshua had one of my TV dinners and a can of my chili. I started reading the book, a present from Alex, that is a follow-on to the history of NSA that Ethan had given me last year. It is so good I read about half of it before I went to bed. As I type this, I am also watching the Raiders play the Browns on TV next to my computer. The 49ers are on this afternoon.

Message 577

Yesterday a mid-day I went to Los Gatos and visited with Jason and Susan's family and to admire all of their presents. In the late afternoon I went to Maureen's for Xmas dinner. Her friend Gary had cooked turkey and dressing and ham and all the appetizers and desserts anybody could want. Vanessa's brother and his family, and Gary's son and his family were there too, so we had lots of grandchildren to help us enjoy the occasion. When I got home, I realized I had forgotten to take my bag full of Little Debbie's Pastries and other goodies that Vanessa had given me, but I will pick them up later.

In the evening I watched a German movie for which the title is translated as The Princess and The Warrior. It dealt with a psychiatric ward in a hospital and a couple of bank robber brothers. It was not good. I give it 2 stars. Sometimes I make mistakes about what will be worth watching.

Message 576

I just got back from having a family Christmas breakfast in San Mateo. Julian and Vanessa fixed a super set of dishes, and the kids showed off their haul from Santa Claus. Yesterday I treated myself to another soak in the hot tub. That makes two days in a row. Last night I watched a DVD of an amazing movie called Secretary. A few days ago Charlie Rose interviewed Jeff Bridges and Maggie Gyllenhaal about their new movie Crazy heart. I had never heard of Maggie Gyllenhaal, but she seemed interesting, so I ordered her movie Secretary from Netflix. It was a very unusual movie about pathologically dysfunctional people, but it was done in a humorous and light hearted way that made the dark subject matter more interesting. I give it five stars.

Message 575

I just got back from having coffee at Starbucks. Jody was there with Emily, Helen's first grandchild. She is six months old now and is beautiful. Yesterday I had a quiet day at home. For the first time in several weeks I got in the hot tub for a nice soak. In the evening I watched La Boehm on PBS. I thought it was a great production. I have watched a lot of operas, but this was the first time I ever saw this one. I was especially impressed with the Russian soprano. I was also surprised by the strong emotional response I felt. I also watched a DVD of the French movie Cache (or Hidden) as the title is alternately translated. I was surprised it was so bad. I give it only one star. It dealt with guilt and was very boring and had many unanswered questions.

Message 574

Yesterday afternoon I went to Los Gatos and had dinner with Jason and Susan and their family at Live Oak Kitchen. We were planning to watch the Sharks play Chicago, but it was not carried on their Direct TV. Instead we listened to it on the radio. The Sharks won 3-2. The dinner was good, as usual, and on the way home I dropped Caroline off at Linda and Walt's house where she will spend a night or two. When I got home, I watched a DVD of the movie Breaking and Entering. It was a British movie with a well-known cast. It dealt with relationships between mothers and teen-aged children and between men and women. I give it 3.5 stars.

Message 573

Yesterday I had a quiet day at home. In the late afternoon Joshua brought in pizza and watched the Sharks game with me. They beat Dallas 4-1 to avenge the shootout loss to them when they played at the Shark tank the last time. After the game I watched a DVD of the movie Feast of Love. It was a modest movie set in Portland Oregon, with a cast unknown to me, but they did a nice job. I give it 3.4 stars.

Message 572

Yesterday I watched a DVD of the movie Miller's Crossing at Helen and Jim's with Joan and David. It is my favorite of the Coen brothers movies, and one of the best movies of all times. I give it five stars. In the afternoon I watched the 49ers lose to Philadelphia. The game had been rescheduled until the afternoon because of the snow storm. As a result I did not watch the Raiders beat Denver, which was a great game according to what I saw on the news later. In the evening I watched a PBS Masterpiece Theater production of Under the Greenwood Tree. Vanessa and the kids are going up to Blue Lake for a couple of days, so we are not doing our usual Monday routine at Nealon Park this week.

Message 571

I am meeting Helen and Jim and Joan and David for coffee this morning. Last night I went to the couples club dinner at Wilsons' house. I took my usual cheery pie and ice cream. When I got back I read some more of The Economist before I went to bed.

Message 570

Yesterday afternoon I picked up my prescription at PMAF. In the evening I went with Larry and Judi to a Christmas party at Ariagnos. It was a caroling party as well as a dinner. I did not go out with the carolers, but stayed behind to guard the house. It was fun to see everybody. When I got back home, I read the new Economist until it was time for Charlie Rose.

Message 569

I just got back from PAMF, but they have to call the doctor to get more refills, which annoys me no end. I will have to go back this afternoon to pick it up.

Yesterday afternoon I took Beech to Kung Fu followed by pizza. He brought his piggy bank and used all the quarters in it (I would guess four or five dollars worth) to pick two stuffed animals out of the crane machine. In spite of my suggestions, he would not stop until the quarters were all gone. At least he did not beg me for money, so maybe he is learning. In the evening I watched the Sharks beat the Ducks 4-1. In spite of a slow start, the Sharks finally got their act together and won a game after losing five in a row. They no longer have the best record in the NHL.

Message 568

I just got back from having breakfast at Heidi's Pies with Vanessa. Yesterday I had another quiet day at home working on my memoirs. In the evening I watched a DVD of the movie Caligula. It was made in 1979 and had an amazing cast. It went all out on the depiction of orgies, bloody murders, and insanity. In spite of all the expense and production, I do not think it was as well done as the PBS series titled "I, Claudius", which tells the same story. I give it three stars. In the evening I also watched some of the opera Tosca on PBS. I had never seen it before. It takes a while to get into an opera.

Message 567

Yesterday I finished reading Assegai by Wilbur Smith. The dust cover says that he has written 30 books, and I think I have read them all. He is the best for historical novels and for action adventure. Last night I watched a DVD of the movie Miranda which is another Tinto Brass movie, but this one is dubbed into English,so you do not have to read subtitles or understand Italian. I do not think this one is as good as Cheeky, but I give it 3.2 stars. I also worked a little on my memoirs.

Message 566

Yesterday I joined Vanessa and Annie at Nealon Park. Vanessa had to keep an appointment in San Mateo, so I brought Annie to my place for lunch. She loves microwaved chicken pot pies. After lunch I took her to Maureen's place where she took a nap. In the evening I watched the 49ers beat Arizona in Monday Night Football. It is hard to believe they are the same team that lost last week. It turns out that their are not completely out of the playoff hunt. If everything works to their advantage, they still have a slight chance. Afterward I finished reading The Economist and also the new Science.

Message 566

Yesterday I joined Vanessa and Annie at Nealon Park. Vanessa had to keep an appointment in San Mateo, so I brought Annie to my place for lunch. She loves microwaved chicken pot pies. After lunch I took her to Maureen's place where she took a nap. In the evening I watched the 49ers beat Arizona in Monday Night Football. It is hard to believe they are the same team that lost last week. It turns out that their are not completely out of the playoff hunt. If everything works to their advantage, they still have a slight chance. Afterward I finished reading The Economist and also the new Science.

Message 565

After I sent yesterday's message via email, I realized I had given the wrong name for the movie I saw Saturday night with Larry and Judi. I had wondered why it was named Nine, and then I found the ticket stub in my pocket and realized the correct name was Up in the Air, which was an obviously understandable name. Anyway, I corrected the name when I copied the email to my blog, so only those of you who read the original email will understand what I am talking about. I did not watch much football because the Raiders were blacked out and the 49er do not play until tonight. Thus, I got a lot of The Economist read. I went to San Mateo for the regular Sunday family dinner. Because today is Julian's birthday, we celebrated with the cake for desert. I accidentally hit the send button before I finished the email version of this message, so I will add here that Annie and Beech both helped Julian blow out the candels, so they were a big part of the celebration.

Message 564

Yesterday afternoon I read some more of The Economist, and then went to Los Gatos to watch the Sharks lose to Phoenix 1-2. Phoenix is a much weaker team, so it was a poor effort for the Sharks. We also went for dinner at The Oak Kitchen and had ice cream afterward nearby, as is our custom. It was nice to see them all again. Ellie was proud to show me her school work. She is learning to read and spell words.

When I got home I got a call from Larry and Judi to go to a late movie. We saw Up In The Air, with George Clooney, about a guy who travels all the time and lays off workers as his job. It was impossible to suspend disbelief, but it was mildly entertaining. I give it three stars.

Message 563

Last night I watched the Sharks lose to Dallas 2-3 in an overtime shootout. The shootout went over ten rounds until the Sharks finally gave up a goal they could not match. For the rest of the evening I read part of The Economist. I am heading up now to meet Helen and Jim at Starbucks.

Message 562

Yesterday I followed my usual Thursday afternoon routine and picked Beech up at school and took him to Kung Fu followed by pizza. Before that I drove to Mountain View and picked up new supplies for self catheterization. I got a bigger batch this time so I should not need to go back for a year or two. In the evening I watched a DVD of the movie The Red Shoes. It has something of a cult following, and even though I enjoy watching ballet, I was not much impressed by it. I give it three stars.

Message 561

Yesterday I had breakfast at Heidi's Pies with Vanessa and Annie. We had to change our routine from Thursday to Wednesday this week because Vanessa had stuff to do today that interfered. In the evening Joshua brought in burgers and watched the Sharks game with me. They lost to Los Angeles in overtime 4-5. If they do not get their act back together again pretty soon they will not be able to keep their place as the team with the best record in the NHL. After the game I read some more of my Wilbur Smith book until Charlie Rose came on.

Message 560

Yesterday was a quiet day at home for me. I finished reading Science and read a little more of my Wilbur Smith book. In the evening I watched episodes 11 and 12 of True Blood. Season one is now over, and seasons 2 and 3 are not yet available on Netflix, so I will have to wait for a while before I learn what happens next.

Message 559

It was raining here yesterday, so Annie came to my place to play, watch a DVD, and have lunch. Vanessa had to take Beech to PAMF to get an antibiotic for his ear and sinus infections. During the day I finished reading The Economist and started reading Science. In the evening I watched episodes 9 and 10 of True Blood. Last night we had freezing temperatures in the bay area, so I did not sleep with the door open to my balcony like I usually do. I had no trouble staying warm even though I did not turn on the heat.

Message 558

Yesterday I watched a lot of football. In the first game I was happy to see the Raiders beat the Steelers. In the second game I was sad to see the 49ers lose to the Seahawks when the should had beat them and kept their playoff hopes alive. In the third game I watched Arizona beat Minnesota. In the evening I joined the family dinner in San Mateo. The peach pie with whipped cream was especially good. Later I was planning to watch The Tale of Two Cities on PBS, but my schedule proved to be wrong. All they had was a pledge drive, so I read some more of The Economist.

Message 557

Yesterday I read about half of The Economist. In the evening, Joshua brought in food from Boston Market and watched the Sharks game with me. It was a hard-fought, close game with Calgary. Unfortunately, the Sharks lose 1-2. Oh well, even the best team loses some games. At least, the Sharks still have the best record in the NHL. After the game I watched episode 8 of True Blood and then turned in early. I am now watching the Raiders play the Steelers. They are tied 3-3 in the first quarter, so there is still hope.

Message 556

I just got back from having coffee at Starbucks with Helen and Jim and Joan and Dave. Dave told us that he has just been found to have terminal cancer and will have to go on chemo. So many people I know are dying now. Last night after the usual Friday PBS shows I watched episodes six and seven of True Blood.

Message 555

Yesterday afternoon I picked Beech up at school for our Kung Fu and pizza outing. Afterward we pick Annie up at her day care place and I took both of them to my place for a couple of hours. Vanessa was selling her aprons for kids at a craft-show fund-raiser for Beech's school. She told me this morning that she sold more than any of the other vendors, maybe because her stuff was the only thing on offer made for kids. Julia picked the kids up about 8 PM. He was concerned that the kids had trashed my house, but I told him not to worry, that I had let them do it because they were having so much fun. I watched the Sharks game against St. Louis. It was disgusting to see them give up a goal to tie the score with 7 seconds left to play, and then lose in an overtime shoot out. It is strange how a team with the best record in the NHL can have so much trouble closing out games that they should win. I had all the mess that the kids had made cleaned up before the third period started.

Message 554

Yesterday Annie came over in the morning and we watched The Wizard of Oz, had lunch, and went to Nealon Park for a while before I dropped her off at Maureen's place in time for her nap. She is such a joy to be with. Last night I watched episodes 4 and 5 of True Blood.

This morning I had breakfast at Heidi's Pies with Vanessa. As always I ate so much I will skip lunch today.

Message 553

Yesterday I watched Obama's speech at West point. In the evening I watched the Sharks beat Ottawa 5-2. Joshua and Jason went to the game, but I did not see them on TV. After the game I watched episode 3 of True Blood. I heard from Julie that she is reading the series of books that the HBO series is based on. I have not read the books, but in the commentary the writer/director of the TV series said they were wonderful and even better than the TV show.

Message 552

Yesterday Vanessa fixed lunch and came by with Annie so we could have our Monday picnic and playtime at Nealon Park. In the evening I started watching a new series from Netflix called True Blood. It was shown on HBO and was made by the same guy as Six Feet Under. It is another vampire series, but I am amazed by how good it is. I did not think any series could be as good as Buffy, but this one comes close. It is very funny and is very well written and acted. I have only watched the first two episodes, plus the commentaries, but I give it five stars. Because it is not a movie per se, I will not add it to my movie list on my blog, but I recommend it highly.