Message 250

I am writing this while I wait for the call from Helen and Jim to join them at Starbucks. Yesterday Julian took the day off work and borrowed my van to take Beech's school on a field trip. Julian drove my van and Vanessa drove their van, so only one other parent had to drive. Afterward I went to Jeffrey's (where Ken's Pancake House used to be) for burgers and milk shakes.

Last night after Washington Week on PBS, I watched a DVD of the movie Conan the Barbarian. I had never seen it and was curious about how Arnold got his start in the big time. I give it three stars. It was a great visual spectacle, and was a good rendering of a comic book to the screen, but of course everything else was pretty simplistic, except the fighting was well staged.

Message 249

Last night I watched a DVD of the movie MAMA MIA!. I give it only two stars. I never heard a record by Abba, but I have heard so much about the musical made from their songs that I thought I would give it a try. I was very impressed by Across the Universe, the movie made out of Beatles songs, but MAMA MIA! did not have Beatles songs, it had Abba songs, and they were not in the same league. I feel bad about having to give a low rating to what is supposed to be a feel good movie, but there you have it.

Vanessa is on her way down to borrow my van so she can drive a bunch of kids from Beech's school on a field trip.

Message 248

I just got back from having breakfast at Heidi's Pies with Vanessa and Annie. I also took Annie to kiddies story time at the library. Yesterday afternoon I took Beech to lunch at Burger King and to his gymnastics class.

Last night I watched a DVD of the movie Children of men. I give it three stars. It is a movie about a future when people are no longer able to reproduce, and as a result civilizations go into decay, socially, economically, culturally, and politically. It was mostly a mood movie, where the characters go through actions in the foreground while the real story is reflected in the shabby and depressing backgrounds.

Message 247

I thought Obama's speech yesterday was very good. The only thing that surprised me was that he never used the word sacrifice. Of course he used the word responsibility instead, and that served pretty much the same purpose.

Joshua brought in pizza last night while we watched the Sharks beat Vancouver 2-1 in overtime. The Sharks never came to life until the last minute of regulation play when they finally scored and tied the game. Then they kept it up in overtime until they scored again on a power play.

Message 246

I am watching Obama's inauguration as I write this. The musical quartet is playing now. It will be quite a while before I hear the inaugural address I suppose. What a gratifying, inspiring, and humbling occasion.

Last night Josh came over and watched 24 with me. Before the show started we went to The Dutch Goose for Cheeseburgers. We have been watching 24 together for several years now.

Yesterday I went to the park with Julian and his kids, then we all had fish and chips for lunch at Cook's Seafood. So yesterday I ate like a king.

Obama is now speaking, so I will sign off.

Message 245

Yesterday I watched the two NFL conference championship games. I was glad to see Arizona win for the sake of all of Sally's family in Arizona. I also liked seeing Kurt Warner show that is still is something special who knows how to get the job done when it is on the line. I didn't really care who won the other game. I figured it would probably be Baltimore, but Pittsburg rose to the occasion.

Last night I watched Part i of Wurthering heights on PBS. I also saw the Nature program on Arctic bears on PBS. I had seen it before but enjoyed seeing it again.

Today being MLK's birthday holiday, Julian has the kids, so he will bring them down here. We will take them to the park for an hour or so and then take them out to lunch.

Message 244

Last night Joshua brought in food from Chili's, and watched the Sharks beat the Detroit Red Wings 6-5. It was an exceptionally good game against last year's champions. It was hard fought and fast paced throughout and could have gone either way. I am sure we will meet them again in the playoffs.

Yesterday I had coffee at Starbucks in my usual Saturday routine. I also read half of The Economist. Today I will read the other half and watch the NFL playoff games. Joshua may join me.