A Little Bit Of This And A Whole Lot Of That

Gee, has it been 3 days since I was last here? It must be old age. I have no idea what happens to the days anymore! I hope you are all well and warm and happy. It is snowing here...again...but the accumulation amounts are going down, which is a GOOD thing. It does look so pretty though...just soft, fluffy bits of cotton floating down from Heaven. We had a busy weekend with volunteer activities and church, movies with friends and errands. We really enjoyed seeing "Michael Clayton" and didn't George Clooney look smashing at the Oscars? Almost Cary Grant-ish but then, No one does Cary Grant better than Cary himself! I miss that man. My buddy *T*, Mom and I had a girl's afternoon out which included seeing the movie, "Vantage Point". *T* is a huge Matthew Fox fan and my Mom has a wee bit of a crush on one Mr. Dennis Quaid. Let us just say that the 3 of us have been known to appreciate a nice looking gentleman and this movie had lots of nice looking men. Ahem... It was a thrill ride of a movie, loads of action and not at all *gory*. Ala The Jason Bourne films. Good triumphed over evil and the best men won... On this *gory* note, has anyone seen "Let There Be Blood" or "No Country For Old Men"? I realize that violence plays a part in many films, a vehicle with which to relate a story. But does violence need to be of the stomach churning, *gory* variety? Do I sound like a wimp? Probably, but even though I would like to see the characters portrayed by brilliant actors like Javier Bardem, Tommy Lee Jones and Daniel Day Lewis, I have stayed away due to the graphic nature of the violence that many reviewers spoke about. Okay, I AM a wimp. That said, I read an interview with actress Reece Witherspoon today that I enjoyed. She was discussing the films she has had the best time working in and the ones she is now helping to create. She wants to provide movie goers more uplifting and joyful experiences. To paraphrase Ms. Witherspoon, what is wrong with offering the public films with a sweet message, one where the boy kisses the girl at the end and the conclusion has everyone living happily ever after? Two of her more recent films are now among my favorites, "Sweet Home Alabama" and "Just Like Heaven". Both are ever so dear romantic comedies, girl hugs boy and all ends charmingly. What's so wrong with that? The large numbers of patrons sitting in the theaters which feature such films must not think there is a single thing to object about in a lovely romantic comedy! And darn it, men like them too. Even when they don't like to admit it! Life is hard enough for many, do we really need to plunk down $9 to be reminded how awful it can be? Alright, alright, enough whining from me but heck. Is Hollywood listening? This year's Oscars did not do well in the ratings. Most folks I have spoken with did not see the *Best* Picture winner. I would love to hear from anyone who DID see it and give me their review. I love a finely crafted, well acted film and would love to be able to see this one. Can anyone fill me in or am I destined to be a sorry wimp forever? Like I said, I DO realize that violence in many films is warranted, no one goes to see a Western and expect the gun slingers to use bubble blowers but does it need to be shown as graphically as it was in many of the nominated films last year? Just my two pennies and we all know they are not worth a whole heck of a lot! Bill gave me a dozen yellow roses for Valentine's Day and they are just about at their end. I always take photos of my flowers so I can enjoy them awhile longer... Bill usually buys me yellow roses as he knows they are my favorites. Yellow roses and daisies....so pretty together. Gracie made her own Mardi Gras mask and wanted to show it off a bit! The next day, a very naughty Henry the cat decided it was a toy. Poor, pink feathers will never be the same... I never did post this picture of my mother and daughter on Chinese New Year. We went to dinner at our favorite Chinese restaurant with Mom, our buddy *T*, and one of Grace's best friends, *Miss E* and her parents. We had a lovely time and I thought my special "ladies in red" looked beautiful! I wanted to show you this precious box and lovely tussie mussie made with the loving hands of our fellow blogger, Rosemary! Rosemary, at RosesPetiteMaison , is a blessing! Rosemary makes the sweetest boxes and tussie mussies! You must take a peek! She is a real talent and the dearest lady. I purchased these delights through dear Jennifer at The Old Painted Cottage. Both her blog and her extraordinary shop are a feast for your eyes. We spent a great deal of last week baby sitting our neighbor's precious Toy Fox Terriers. I got this shot of Grace with Elliot under the fur babies' Mama's coffee table!

This is Olivia & Grace.

This is Grace with Elliot...Oh, and yes, their Mama is a HUGE fan of Law and Order SVU!

Little puppy dog paws in the snow... I hope your Tuesday is a sweet one. I am off to do a bit of cleaning and dog walking and laundry! Take care and remember to smile! Love and Hugs, Susie Q