I decided that this little porch needed something. (Actually, I stole the chair from the porch of Hummingbird Cottage.) Every little house needs a touch of spring. Especially after this month!

I did escape yesterday, but after having shoveled snow in order to get out, I was pretty tired. Really tired. (My body is still weak, though much better overall.) So I drove to the bookstore, picked out some magazines and a book or two, and came right back home.

But I got out! That in itself is a huge deal. And now my car has been freed. We’re expecting another ‘wintry mix’ tonight, but it doesn’t sound like too big a deal and tomorrow is bringing a lot of rain and a high of 50, so hopefully, the rain will wash away the rest of the snow (and ice) at the top of the driveway. Then it turns cold again on Monday – with high winds, of course, because that seems to be the pattern here this winter.

I am now officially in spring fever mode, though there’s not a hint of spring in our area. Not one. Doesn’t matter – I want spring.

I’m just about to finish this book, which is quietly beautiful. I recommend it.

Random Oscar thoughts: I’m fully prepared for performances and movies that I thought were less than stellar winning Oscars tomorrow. I told you before that I had problems with BlacKkKlansmen. The true story was interesting, but the tone of the movie was confusing to me, like it wasn’t sure what it wanted to be. The period look of it was almost cartoonish. I understood the statement the movie was making and completely agree with it. The last couple of minutes were the most interesting part of the film, in my opinion. The rest of the film didn’t live up to the finale.

I also enjoyed Vice, but I don’t think it should have been nominated – Christian Bale’s portrayal of Dick Cheney is good, but Cheney is not at all hard to imitate. That and some great makeup and there you go. The movie itself is just okay. It’s a biopic and not a very good one.

I loved Richard E. Grant in Can You Ever Forgive Me? I’ve long been a fan of his work and I’d be very happy if he won. Melissa McCarthy was good but I think she could have found more nuance in that role, instead, she chose to use basically one note. Was that her choice? Was it the Director’s choice? I don’t know.

I liked The Favourite  very much. All three women were wonderful and the film itself was daring and beautifully conceived.

I loved Black Panther. Powerful and stunning – I’ve seen it twice.

Rami Malek was terrific in Bohemian Rhapsody, though the movie itself was just okay.

I thought Glenn Close was lovely in The Wife, but I don’t think it’s her best work. If she wins, and it looks like she will, it will be one of those Oscars based on a lifetime of work. I had real problems with the script and the directorial choices at the end of the movie. It was rather like a Lifetime Movie and not – to me – Oscar worthy.

I loved A Star is Born  and I think Bradley Cooper was cheated when he wasn’t nominated for Best Director. That ticked me off. Excellent direction. Both he and Lady Gaga were wonderful, as was Sam Elliott, who got an opportunity to show more depth than he is usually allowed to given his voice and his persona.

And I absolutely loved Roma. To me, it was the best film of the year. It’s not everyone’s cup of tea, but it is stunningly directed, conceived, and acted. It haunts me still and I saw it months ago.

I didn’t see Green Book  or If Beale Street Could Talk  so I can’t speak about them. I did see Mary Poppins Returns  and loved it.

Off the top of my head (purely my personal choices):

Best Director: Alfonso Cuarón, Roma.

Best Picture: Roma.

Best Actor: Bradley Cooper, though he won’t get it. I hope it isn’t Christian Bale, though Oscar has a history of giving the win to someone who portrays a real person – why, I don’t know. That goes for Rami Malek, as well. He was great and we all loved Queen and Freddie Mercury, but I’m not sure if his performance is Oscar worthy. Actually, I’m conflicted about Best Actor. I don’t think there is a clear leader in this category.

Best Actress: Olivia Colman, The Favourite. Glenn Close will win. Rather like Best Actor, there isn’t a clear winner for me in this category.

Best Supporting Actor: Richard E. Grant, Can You Ever Forgive Me?  But Green Book  is a feel good movie and that means Mahershala Ali might win. (He’s a wonderful actor.)

Best Supporting Actress: Not sure on this one. I suspect it will be Regina E. King, as the two actresses in The Favourite  cancel each other out.

Everything else? Who knows? I suspect Shallow  by Lady Gaga will win Best Song.

I promised you a little recap of my thoughts on the films nominated. We were fortunate to be able to see nearly all of them. Whatever happens, the Oscars are always interesting and we’ll be watching.

Happy Saturday.