Over the river and through the woods

I think this was the largest Thanksgiving dinner we've ever attended with about 27 people. Cousin Sandra and Pete are great hosts. Click picture to enlarge.

Sunday Walk

Today was a perfect day for walking. We toured the downtown construction projects, especially the newly restored courthouse.

"Let the Games Begin"

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Enchanted and Beowulf

Last night we viewed two new movies. Enchanted is the Cinderella fantasy which begins in animation then changes to real life in New York City with a blend of animation. It has a classic happy ending after humorous misadventures. It was entertaining but easily forgotten.

With a monster such as Grendel, Beowulf was naturally extremely violent but because it was obvious fantasy and with a blend of animation and real life, we found the violence acceptable. The special effects and 3D projection made the experience notable and will pull in a lot of viewers.

Old Glory?

On our way to the Veterans Day parade today we observed Old Glory proudly (?) flying over this Lake Worth residence.

American Gangster

In spite of the violence and bad language, American Gangster is a very good flick about drug crime and crooked cops. It was well put together and the cast was great. As usual, I found it confusing but I was never bored and the tension, especially near the end, had me totally involved and shaking uncontrollably.

Luncheon with Kathryn and Mary

Pardon me Roy, Is that the cat that chewed your new shoes?

Fun and Games after dinner last night with Jim & Betty at Laura & Rich's.
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Wouldn't It Be Loverly?

My Fair Lady is here now. We were delighted to see it Tuesday and at 44, I thought, she aged well. It was my first time seeing it on stage. The music was all familiar, of course, and is treasured among my favorites in musical theatre. I had some trouble hearing all the dialog. In the future I'll pick up a hearing device.

George McGovern

Saturday morning at the Greenmarket we witnessed the dog costume contest and that night we went to Moonfest to see the human spooks. Sunday there was another organ recital at Bethesda with three performers plus a boy, age thirteen, playing the violin. On Monday at the Kravis the Palm Beach Democratic Club, at its monthly meeting hosted one of my heroes -- George McGovern, former senator. He is still smart and articulate and was received with great enthusiasm.

"Our Town"

Grovers Corners, New Hampshire, in the uncomplicated times of 1905 seemed mighty appealing to me last night as we became involved with the families and towns folk in Thornton Wilder's "Our Town". I doubted that today's high school students could move me the way they did. I should have known better. The Dreyfoos School of the Arts cast had me in tears with their outstanding performance. The entire cast was superb. Watch for performances of anything at this school. You will be gratified and they deserve our support.

"Dan in Real Life"

Six of us last night enjoyed dinnner at Paul in Downtown in the Gardens and then saw the movie Dan in Real Life. We all enjoyed it -- some a lot. It was refreshing for me to see an uncomplicated plot without violence and ugly language. It was light and I doubt it will receive great reviews but I recommend it.

Frugal Dining Out

Jane, Tom, Murray, Freda, Billie, Jerry, and Phoebe at Sweet Tomatoes.

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Movies and More Movies

If three movies in three days is profligacy, we're guilty, but at least it isn't every week. It isn't a great or important film but I enjoyed The Darjeeling Limited a lot. To me it was very funny. A comedy adventure filmed in India, its tongue in cheek wackiness suited me just fine and appealed to others in my group as well. That was Tuesday. Wednesday night we were dragged through the sewer of social perversity in Gone Baby Gone. It had an excessively complicated plot with characters dredged up from the dregs. The acting will likely be praised but I was glad when it was over. Thursday we saw the an ambitious period film, Elizabeth: The Golden Age. And, as usual, I didn't always know what was going on. I guess you know I'm no renaissance man. But , nevertheless, I found it engaging. There was something for everyone in this film and especially if you enjoy extravagant costumes and sets, this film's for you. Did they have sparklers in the 16th century? In this film they did.

And the World Goes 'Round

Lake Worth Playhouse consistently rivals the best shows around. We've come to count on this community theater delighting us as much as the costliest professional theater. Again last night we were delighted by their surprising depth of talent in the production of the musical revue "And the World Goes 'Round." We'd commend it to anyone.

Jane is continuing a slow recovery from her eye infection.

Dining Out and Movie

Tonight we went to our Dining Out group meeting at Cardello's Italian restaurant in Lake Park. There were eleven of us and a good time was had by all.
Last night we went to a prescreening of the movie, Michael Clayton, staring George Clooney. This well-made, suspenseful and complicated corporate law thriller is engrossing whether or not you know what's going on. Jane understood the story well but I didn't pay close enough attention and lost my way in the plot.
Jane has been suffering from an eye injury for six days. Thank goodness, she is improving but it has been a great concern to us both. Her treatment and many doctor appointments have taken priority over all our other activities.

Organ Recital

Sunday afternoon we attended a fine organ recital at Bethesda-by-the-Sea church. There were two organists and a very interesting close up demonstration of what the organ can do and how it works. "The War" is on again tonight. Are you watching?

Ten Canoes

Saturday I spent the day in a class to learn to teach reading. I ought to use it but I've become awfully selfish with my time, so we'll see. In the evening, since "The War" wasn't on, we watched Winged Migration again.
Friday we went to check out the replacement for "The Carefree Theater." It is called "The Theater" and is located on Conniston Road in a nicely converted church. We saw "Ten Canoes." It almost seemed like a National Geographic documentary. I guarantee you've never seen actors like these in the Aboriginal culture. It is shot entirely in an Australian Indigenous language. It was most unusual and interesting but isn't for everyone.

Thursday and Friday

Today we took Tri-Rail to Ft. Lauderdale and went to the science museum. Yesterday we went to the county commission meeting on the budget but left in time to get to the prescreening of In the Valley of Elah with Tommy Lee Jones and Susan Sarandon about a father trying to find the killer of his soldier-son just returned from Iraq. I felt it had an antiwar message. It had several strengths but I called it depraved, not to my taste and somewhat unrealistic. Others praised it.