We never made it to Philomena yesterday. It turned out there wasn’t a matinee. But the day was lovely and slow paced, with both Don and I reading our books of choice, classical guitar music playing on our record player (yes, on vinyl!) and Scout snoozing at our feet. The day looked like it could stretch in that direction indefinitely, when Don suddenly suggested we go for a ride; the idea fueled, in part, because he needed new guitar strings.
I thought Dame Scout, who gets bored very easily on these winter days, should come along. That girl loves to ride in the car.
She stands up most of the way, panting and looking out the window, a big old grin on her face. A ride in the car, whether for two miles or, in this case, lots of miles that spanned the Hudson River and back again, is one of her very favorite things to do.
We cover the back seat with an old sheet because Scout’s hair gets on everything, quickly covering the whole surface. This was taken when we made a stop for some food.
Waiting for daddy to return to the car.
What did we eat? We each had a big order of fries from Five Guys. Sadly, that was our lunch. But oh, was it good! (Best fries ever.)
Don got his guitar strings, I got a magazine. Shocking, I know. But one of the few magazines I will buy is Vintage Style, which comes out quarterly. I happened to be reading another blog that mentioned it was out and I thought I might treat myself. I haven’t even opened it yet. Perhaps this afternoon with some hot chocolate?
Scoutie got to have an adventure. All in all, a lovely Sunday, topped off by the new season of Sherlock on PBS. I think this series is one of the best things on television; smart, witty, complex, brilliantly filmed and edited, and Benedict Cumberbatch and Martin Freeman as Sherlock and Watson are simply superb.
I had a dream last night that Benedict Cumberbatch was my boyfriend.
Don’t worry, I told Don all about it. He gets it.
It’s so satisfying to watch something that requires the audience to think, to stay with the twists and turns in the plot, that doesn’t dumb down the writing. The writers assume we are more than capable of keeping up with the words, that we have sharp minds and appreciate keen wit, rather than moronic humor.
Thank goodness.
Does most everyone have this day off? In the theater, Monday is almost always the day off, so a Monday holiday is no big deal. What are your plans for the day?
Happy Monday.
Sherlock did not dissapoint. I loved that Sherlock said there were 13 ways he could have pulled off the death scene and then showed us 2 to still keep us guessing. You definately have to watch closely because so much is happening.
I loved that too, Vicki! I wonder if the method he disclosed in that interview was how it was actually done?
Sorry, Claudia, but Cumberbatch (what a name!) was in my daughter’s dream last night!
My husband and I watched season 1 and loved it, but somehow we missed season 2, so it’s next on our Netflix. We’ll DVR season 3 until we catch up.
Okay. Your daughter and I might have to duke it out over Benedict!
I love a dog who enjoys a road trip – so many seem scared to death – perhaps they have had bad experiences at the vet’s which come to their doggie minds when pushed into a car! Scout looks adorable in the back seat, and smiling too!
Glad you enjoyed the trip and a change of scenery, with good fries and sunshine no less!
I saw part of the documentary on the production Sherlock and it turned me off for some reason! Perhaps I should give the real thing a try as you say it’s so good. Benedict is a fabulous actor and there’s something mesmerizing about his odd looks, don’t you agree? I think perhaps many of us have him on our ‘dream list’, haha!
As for the ‘holiday’- school’s out and I’m taking granddaughter Jasmin to the dentist, then I am giving her cooking lessons this afternoon. She’s giving ‘pescatarianism’ a try so also needs some vegetarian recipes. She wants to learn to make ‘mjeddrah’ the Middle Eastern lentils and rice dish, and good old macaroni and cheese (the ‘posh’ English version with three cheeses, yum) from scratch. Tonight she’ll sleep over, and tomorrow a ‘girls day out’ planned, haircut and manicure…………….so I’m busy for the next 48!!
Love – Mary
You would love Sherlock, Mary! Truly. Give it a try. If you analyze Benedict’s looks, he’s not classically handsome or cute, it’s like all the parts of him (especially his voice) come together to make a whole that is mesmerizing. Don said he’s sort of androgynous and I think he’s right.
Have fun with Jasmin – sounds like a wonderful time is ahead for you two.
Yes, Sherlock on PBS is fabulous! I find Benedict Cumberhatch a little bit creepy though, so any dream of mine in which he appeared would be a nightmare.
Really? Not at all creepy to me. One of my former students met him (she has a huge crush on him) and said he’s absolutely charming and funny and sexy. She had their picture taken together….
I have never watched Sherlock so I am thinking I should try and find it from the beginning. I think a Sunday afternoon ride is always a fun thing to do. xo Laura
Yes, watch it from the beginning. It was available on Netflix for a while. Maybe it still is?
It sounds like a perfectly lovely Sunday to me. Sadly, mine was filled with chores. We did watch Downton Abbey but not the most recent episode. We are still catching up on past episodes on dvd and am recording all of the current ones. So happy to know that you and Don and Scout had a great day and especially about the fries. Sometimes you just have to have them.
Big Texas Hugs,
Susan and Bentley
Of course, we ate too many, Susan. We’ll have to take a break from them for a bit!
Hi Claudia!! We had a day very similar to yours yesterday – a nice ride in the country and along the river…. nice to get out of the house and fresh scenery!! We ended the day the same as you watching Downton first and then on to Sherlock. I don’t know why, but I had never caught an episode before last night. I really enjoyed its complexity and witty humor!! I love a good Sunday like that!! Its good to recharge our batteries!! Have a good Monday!! Francine
Isn’t that kind of a Sunday wonderfully satisfying? Here’s to more Sundays like that!
I’m sorry you didn’t get to see Philomena. I was looking forward to your review as it looks like a great film!
Monday is always a day off in our house as theatre has been such a big part of our lives as well. Today, I’m writing, paying bills, mopping the floor, finishing up the laundry, making a call or two, taking my grandson to preschool this afternoon and stopping at Michael’s to buy paint brushes. I started tearing apart a small dollhouse I picked up at the charity shop and have one coat of primer on it but ran out of foam brushes. Big sale this week at M’s so off I go!
Enjoy your day today. I’m glad you had a nice break from the mattress fiasco!
Yes, it’s important to take a break from all things mattress! Have a great day, Chy.
Sounds like a great lunch to me :) I was awake at 2 am and Sherlock was on, but I didn’t hit the record button. Good thing it will be played several times this week so I can try it out again.
Oh those fries are evil, Dawn. But so delicious!
I watched one of the older episodes of Sherlock yesterday and can’t say that I see the character as “boyfriend” material. He’s completely absorbed by what he does, with poor Watson reduced to yelling into mail slots begging (fruitlessly) to be let into a home to help with a search; it’s hard to imagine Sherlock would make time for a relationship. I would predict heartache for one half of the couple, while the other remained oblivious.
I’ll be sure to watch more episodes.
-Karen
Not the character, Karen, but Benedict Cumberbatch, the actor. Fictional characters are not the stuff of boyfriend dreams.
Dame Scout looks so happy riding in the car. Sounds like a lovely family day! Are you a Downton Abbey fan? I enjoy it very much. I just started watching House of Cards with Kevin Spacey on Netflix, very interesting show. Making lists of what to move with Mom today!
hugs,
Linda
Love House of Cards, Linda! It’s so well done. I know you will enjoy it, it gets better and better as the series goes on.
You DID have a lovely Sunday! Good to get out of the house, huh? A winter’s day ride with your furry kid, then a good story on TV! I myself completely forgot it was Sunday & missed “Downtown Abbey.” Got diverted by “The Trouble with Angels” on TCM – I could probably handle Rosalind Russell reading her grocery list too. And French fries for lunch?? Very hot, very fresh, perfectly-cooked fries – oh boy. What’s your favorite accompaniment? I like mine with A-1 Steak Sauce, malt vinegar like the Brits, sometimes even tartar sauce, Yum. I think it’s very healthy to jump down off the Healthy Eating wagon every once in a while. Every Fall when Girl Scout cookies are delivered, I have a supper consisting of nothing more than a sleeve of Thin Mints with a huge glass of cold milk. !!!
Ketchup with fries for me, Janet! Or if I’m having Sweet Potato Fries, the special sauce that our neighborhood restaurant makes.
Love Thin Mints!
Oh, sweet potato fries. Even better! I don’t feel as guilty about them – when I can get ’em. So healthy they’re smack in the middle of the Rodale food dial… :>)
I don’t feel guilty about them either. And they are so good!
Your photos of Scout, excuse me, Dame Scout ;-) are so beautiful ~ she has the most beautiful face.
Anyway, whenever I think of Sherlock Holmes I’m reminded of my Dad ….he used to read The Hound of the Baskervilles to my sister and me as a bedtime story! lol ~ now when I think of that I think what the heck was he trying to do to us reading such a spooky story.
Also, thanks for sharing your favorites on the Houzz page ~ I thought those tea-cups were so beautiful I ordered two for myself.
So glad you ordered those teacups, Tracy! Aren’t they beautiful?
One of my favorite things to do is take a Sunday ride…add fries, and you’ve got a winner…especially Five Guys! I recorded Sherlock…have to watch later…sounds as great as my son told me it was. I’m off to get together with two old friends for lunch…should be giggles galore! ;)
Five Guys Fries = heavenly lunch!
Have fun with your friends today, Donna!
Bella loves to ride in the car also. Don’t know how she’ll feel after the 10 hour trip to Galveston. She settles down quite quickly. I know Scout enjoyed a trip with you both. Have a great day!
Judy
She’ll be fine, but probably more than ready to get out of the car. Scout and Winston traveled with us for 6 days cross-country when we moved here, I was so worried about how they would handle it, but they got used to the whole thing very quickly.
Sounds like a great day! We just had a 3-day weekend with Thursday being off. Today was the 2nd day of the school/work week. Days are flying by! Best wishes, Tammy
They sure are, Tammy! I can’t believe we’re more than half-way through January already!
The baby I keep’s mom is a teacher and is off today so no baby for me. That means lots of cleaning and decluttering. It’s nice to have warmer weather again. Have a good day!
Have fun today, Janie!
I also love Sunday drives..It’s so nice that Scout enjoys riding with you!
She does. She’s exhausted afterward, but she loves it.
Dear Claudia,
I enjoy your blog. I also have my complete set of Mary Englebreit’s Home Companion, will never part with them. I told myself that I would not buy magazines anymore but, if they printed Home Companion, I would buy it. I have moved and one thing I will always take with me, my books and Home Companion. I have a Kindle that was a gift and like to take it on trips but, there is nothing like a real book. On my Kindle I have Mark Twain, Jane Austen collection, Walden. H.G. Wells, and Jane Eyre. These were only $l.99 or less. Have a good week give Scout a hug from me.
Thanks so much for commenting, Rose. Nothing beats real books for sure, but I understand the convenience of an eReader, too. I’m going to write about that in the next few days. So glad to know there are fellow MEHC lovers out there, hanging on for dear life to their magazines! Have a wonderful week.
Sounds like a perfect Sunday for your family…Today I had lunch with a friend, went to the grocery store early because of the impending snow storm..I was going to get some wine forgetting that it was a holiday..Oh well..Next time I’m out !!
Hope you’re not going to get too much snow, Missy! We’re due for about 3 or 4 inches, though that could change. Stay safe.
I love your peaceful Sunday, Claudia. Sometimes I long for a day like that-they are few and far between here. Love your smiling “rider”. She is such a special girl, isn’t she? I have not watched Sherlock but, strangely enough, my husband is caught up in Downton Abbey. What a surprise! Hope you had a great day- xo Diana
Molly loves to ride along, also. And we have stopped for an order of good fries to share. Plus I agree with you about Holmes and Watson on PBS!
We love Judi Dench and want to see Philomena. Fell in love with her through “As Time Goes By” (PBS).
I, too, was thrilled to see that Sherlock was back on the air, Claudia. I adore the way they superimpose his ‘deductions’ onscreen. It’s so cleverly done. I never thought I would like a Sherlock as much as I loved Jeremy Brett, rest his soul, but Cumberbatch is his equal, albeit a very different kettle of fish. What is it about dogs and cars?? (Now cats are another story….) I have never been to Five Guys but just the mention of fries had my mouth watering! My Monday was spent knitting. Wishing you a lovely week ahead!
I saw August, Osage County today.. I had never seen B. Cumberbatch before. Interesting actor in an unusual role. I have never watched Sherlock, I will!