I escaped from the house yesterday. Suffering from a case of cabin fever, I asked Don if he wanted to take a little drive south to Target. Not all that exciting, but I had a little list of things I needed to buy and I just wanted to get out of the darned house. It was a wee bit warmer outside and sunny (lord, what a difference the sun makes in a winter day!)
We were forced to make a stop at Five Guys, forced, I tell you. So we went with it and bought an order of french fries. I’ve told you before that I think they are the best french fries ever, and they are. Oh my goodness.
That was my lunch for the day.
An addition to the corner I highlighted yesterday, courtesy of Target:
The family. Framed.
I used Shutterfly to have some copies made of three of the photos we shot that day. The ‘outtake’ is in a frame on the table next to the sofa. I’m planning on sending some copies to my sister, as well as a framed copy to my dad, who has been complaining that he doesn’t have an up-to-date photo of us. He’s right, he doesn’t. Hopefully, he’ll like this one.
Have any of you seen the British series Broadchurch? We are latecomers to this one. Several people I knew recommended it highly, so we watched it on Netflix. We watched 3 episodes the first night and last night we watched 5 episodes in a row! We couldn’t ‘put it down.’ Just like the best kind of mystery, this series was riveting. It was so well written, so well acted, full of characters that were multi-layered, highly complex; not always black and white, definitely in shades of gray. I can’t stop thinking about it today. It really got into my head and heart.
Watch it, if you can. There’s a second season that just started airing in England. I look forward to the day it’s available here.
Gotta say, the Brits just do these things better than we do. Yes, there are exceptions here that are ground-breaking and powerful, and I’m sure there are series running on British television that lean more toward average. I’ve seen them. But on the whole, there is so much more depth, so many more risks taken. There are roles that actors can sink their teeth into, roles for for older actors, roles for average-looking actors, not just pretty young things. Character actors who look real, who have wrinkles, or freckles, or graying hair, or a face that isn’t just like every other face are used again and again. Indeed, they seem to be respected and honored.
How nice to see people on screen who’ve lived a life.
Anyway, I recommend it highly. It’s unbelievably well done.
New post up on Just Let Me Finish This Page.
Happy Friday.
Good Morning Claudia. That’s a great picture of you, Don & Dame Scout. I’m sure your family will love having copies. Finally sunny here too. A tad chilly, but bright. I’m stuck at home — my husband is working and the other car is at the shop getting inspected (fingers crossed nothing major needs to be done), so I am doing some early spring cleaning (and taking breaks to read a few blogs…) and then will settle down to stitch and/or read. Thanks for the heads-up on Broadchurch. Will definitely have to check that out. We are eager for the next season of House of Cards (I think February??).
Yes, February! Maybe mid-February? Can’t wait for that one, Vera!
Thanks for the reccomendation of Broadchurch. I love finding a new BBC series to watch – they are so great and this one sounds like one I would enjoy. Thank goodness for BBC television and Netflix :-)
Technically ITV, Vicki, but the same level of excellence as BBC television. You’ll really like it.
We loved Broadchurch! It was chilling – my stomach tied in a knot just reading you watched five episodes in one go LOL.
Have you watched “Happy Valley”? Very good too.
Love British productions, the absolute best acting and so delightful to see real looking people, of all ages, instead of our hunks and starlets. How’d we get so unenlightened? We’re so obsessed with youth and the glossy and the toned.
Adore the photo of you three, a wonderful gift for your family. How’s your daddy doing?
Happy weekend!
Yes, we watched Happy Valley. I liked it.
American TV is definitely unenlightened. So is film, for the most part. It’s all about marketing and young and beautiful. So shallow!
Dad is hanging in there. He has good days and bad days, but he’s really trying his best to stay active. Bless his heart.
I love the actress in Happy Valley – and so much fun to see “O’Brien” from Downton in it too, in a different kind of role.
Did you watch the US version of Broadchurch? I like Anna Gunn but she doesn’t hold a candle to Amanda Colman in my book … And love him lots but geez, David Tennant reprising his role with an American accent?!
So glad your dad is hanging in there and getting out and about.
No, I make it a point not to watch American versions of British shows…except for The Office. And Don tells me that the Brit version of that was better.
I am a huge PBS Masterpiece Mystery fan and hope Broadchurch, which I haven’t yet experienced, comes to my local station. I own the complete DVDs of Poirot and Inspector Morse, and the first few seasons of Inspector Lewis and George Gently, as well. I watch them over and over again. I’m also a Midsommer Murder fan and my daughter and I often remark how dangerous it seems to be to live in that seemingly quiet fictional area of England. Have you read Rebecca Eaton’s book Making MASTERPIECE: 25 Years Behind the Scenes… (It’s a long title.)? I loved the intimate behind the scenes look at both Masterpiece and Masterpiece Mystery from the woman who fought for and built both series to the entertainment force they are today.
No, I haven’t read that book, but it is now on my list, Wendy. Thanks for letting me know about it.
I too watched Broadchurch and just couldn’t stop. So agree about the character actors, they have depth and are not all cookie cut.
The family photo is so very nice.
Thank you, Christy. We looked at the clock, knew we had two episodes to go, and decided to go for it! We couldn’t stop.
Hi Claudia, I do SOOOO despise those forced Five Guys luncheons!
Have you ever tried mayo, horseradish, Ranch Dressing, or mustard on fries????? Ummm ummm good!
All good, but I’m sort of a purist about fries, especially when they are as good as the ones from Five Guys. I don’t even use ketchup on Five Guys Fries. Just the fries, ma’am.
Love that family photo and the out take is pretty cute also! Glad you had some sunshine and got out of the house. Today the sun is out (yay) and I’m taking Mom to the store this afternoon. I love British television so I will check out that new series on Netflix. Stay warm!
hugs,
Linda
We’re trying to!It’s pretty darned cold today. A thaw. That’s what I’d like. A thaw. Have fun with your mom!
Claudia, I have determined that I am solar powered. When the sun is out I am productive, positive, and quite happy. When the clouds roll in, I droop and come to a stand-still. It got up to 37* here yesterday in the lovely sunshine and we went into Madison shopping. So nice to get out and about and not be freezing and dreading getting out of the car at each stop. I do take Vitamin D, but, seriously, it is the real thing that makes such a huge difference for me!!
Love the photo and your family will love it, too! Have a great day…..
It was nice and sunny earlier today, but now it’s turned very windy and very cold!
Glad you got to get out and that the sun was shining for you yesterday Claudia. It’s beautiful here today but our community is reeling from a pawn shop robbery gone bad that resulted in the robbers murdering two women before stealing their car. It took all night but they finally found the 4th suspect this morning. The murder scene was very near my aunt and Carl’s mom’s area of town. Very scary!
Oh, how tragic, Janie! My god, how horrific for everyone. I’m so, so sorry.
Go to the google app page and get the Hola Better Internet app for your computer. If you then go to bbc dot co dot uk / tv you will see your Hola icon change to a British flag and you can watch current bbc shows when available.
Occasionally bbc tells me I am not in the UK but if I restart my pc it usually works again.
I know what you mean about the gray days, I had to get out yesterday as we had blessed sun again. Supposed to be in the 60’s for the next few days and yard work calls!
Oh my goodness, I’d love to see the 60’s again!
At age 71, so would I!
Ha ha!
Are you saying the Brits don’t have any big badonkadonks? I know what you mean…just kidding. I do love Foyle’s War. The outfits, the staging…the acting…love. We will check out Broadchurch. I, after all, I am mostly of English roots – so I need to check this out.
What a terrific family photo! I think your father will be quite pleased.
Foggy and bone chilling cold here in “sunny” California. Enjoy your day. Mine will be spent with a brush and a paint can of Extra White.
love…
Becky
With a name like Hill, you can imagine my roots are almost 100% British, as well.
Have a great day, Becky!
Love the white picture frame you used. it really makes the picture pop! Great family picture. Sun is out here today but its very windy. Mmmmm fries sound so good right about now. Been busy trying to find a job but nothing yet. According to the Government the economy is getting better, well I sure would like to know where they are talking about…..don’t even get me started about that!
hugs and stay warm!!
I hope job hunting proves to be more productive very soon, Nancy! Hang in there.
It’s not everyone’s cup of tea, but we’re addicted to BBC America’s ‘Orphan Black’…and it goes without saying I’m a Downton Abbey junkie! :)
Lovely picture of the family!
I haven’t seen one episode of Downton, Lori. Maybe someday, but there’s been so much hype (I know it’s absolutely deserved) that I’ve shied away from it. I have the first season on DVD and I’ve never even cracked it open!
Dear friend,
We finally have sunshine, I am sending you some and a happy day from middle TN.:-)
So glad you’re seeing some sun, Carol!
Love the picture. I have always said that the British do a much better job than we do. They are not commercial Hollywood driven. I will definitely watch that series. I am getting ready to sign back on to Netflix. Thanks for the recommendation xo Laura
You are most welcome, Laura!
I’m off to Target this afternoon after work. The Target stores in Canada are apparently all closing. It’s too bad, but realistically the population of the town where I live cannot support another department store.
Season Two of Broadchurch is airing here shortly. I have never been a D.T. fan, but I thought Season One was really good. Isn’t Olivia Colman awesome? I just had to buy Season One when it came out on DVD as one of my childhood homes keeps showing up in the background. We lived in a very old pink cottage (1774?) by the harbour in West Bay, Dorset. I could see the shores of France from my bedroom window! We children loved it as we were allowed to ramble about unfettered by adults on the beach and cliffs.
A few years ago, I made a series of sketches from memory of both the exterior and interior of the cottage that eventually became the blueprints for my dollhouse. I think my favourite pieces are still a tiny fountain pen, notebook and deckchair as a nod to my late father who was a prolific (scientific) writer. I sometimes feel that I should post some photos to promote some of the miniaturists that I purchase from, but it still feels like a very personal project. That said, a very talented miniaturist (who has a wildly popular blog), once said to me, “No one else has to see it, it’s your vision”.
Well, you know I’d love to see some photos, Barbara.
And yes, Olivia Colman is incredibly talented!
Well, I confess that I sometimes wouldn’t mind engaging in a bit of “house brag” (ha ha).
If only I could take fabulous photos like you..
Just go ahead and take them, Barbara! I bet it will look beautiful.
ah…Five Guys…no more need be said! Hadn’t heard of Broadchurch…guess I’ll have to keep an eye out for it. I am a huge fan of almost everything on Masterpiece though….maybe PBS will pick it up. Nice to see you got the pic framed! ;)
Why do I think PBS ran the first season of Broadchurch? I may well be wrong about that.
Just checked. It was BBC America that ran it.
Season 2 of the UK Broadchurch started on Showcase channel last Sunday, in
Ontario, Canada. Hard to believe, that we are ahead of the States re the viewing
date.
Very sad about Target closing all their stores. They built a brand new Target
Store in Barrie, which only opened last September. I think they over expanded
unfortunately and then had trouble keeping their shelves stocked (especially with items advertised in their flyers). I will definitely miss them but more upset with 17,000 plus employees losing their jobs.
I’m so sorry about Target closing there. I read that news this morning. That’s a lot of job loss, sadly.
My grandmother went to nursing school in Barrie, Lea.
Oh Goodie! Something new to watch. Thanks for the suggestion.
You’re welcome!
Thanks for the tip about Broadchurch. I have enjoyed watching Last Tango in Halifax, and Call the Midwife on PBS. And I really enjoy Downton Abbey, despite all the hype.
Great photo of you and Don with Scout. Lovely how you are all leaning toward each other.
Something tells me Downton Abbey is worthy of the hype, Sandra.
Good Morning! Loved the family picture. I am never disappointed with PBS. I love Masterpiece Theater. They now have Downton Abby and calling The Midwives on Netflix. I watch current episodes on my computer, the day after. Just go on line to PBS and just sign in to the station, city. I even watch PBS on my Kindle.
Spent last week re-arranging my books. I have too many. My son said “there is no such thing” He said it is my fault that he loves reading. It took me a while to find the book that would change his mind about reading, he was a senior in high school.
Wishing you a great day.
Yes, when Poisoner’s Handbook, the American Experience episode that Don was in, aired, I watched it again and again online. I love that PBS does that.
Now, hearing that your son loves reading, in part due to your diligence about finding him a book he would love, warms my heart, Rose. Bravo!
Thank you Claudia, for voicing the same opinion I’ve had for quite a few years about British TV [although thinking I was a raving Anglophile the whole time – LOL]. Their television DOES seem to be better. More historical dramas, fewer copycat/cookie-cutter type shows, far fewer shoot-em-and-or-blow-em-up shows etc. And why is it that the British don’t seem as obsessed with youth and perfect [plastic] features etc etc? I haven’t a clue as to why, but I’m glad they are at any rate. Makes me respect them more, that’s for sure.
PS – a question I’ve wanted to ask you for ages. Doing what you do for a living, and with your extensive training, can you tell when an actor is doing an accent? An American doing a British accent or vice versa etc? And have you ever been fooled by someone? I know Kate Winslet had me completely fooled in “Titanic” – it was the first thing I saw her in and I totally thought she was American. Thanks and have a wonderful weekend!
Yes, I can usually tell. There’s always some little clue – a sound that isn’t quite right, a subtle slip on a word or two. I don’t think I’ve ever been stumped. At least not that I can remember!
Never heard of Broad Church ..will have to look in to it..Love British TV..ALso love those French fries.. Yumm
If you have Netflix, you can watch the first season, Missy.
I hope you had a great time shopping at Target..I am in the mood to get out and browse at an indoor flea market..Did you buy anything interesting?..That program does sound good..
Nothing interesting, really. Just things I needed!
Completely agree with you about Broadchurch Claudia, I loved it. Have you seen “Vera”? I love Brenda Blethyn. It is nice to see actors who are older as the stars. Great picture of your family!
I haven’t seen Vera, but I really like Brenda Blethyn’s work.
Those photos are priceless!!!!!!!
Thanks, Ruta!
Thank you for the Broadchurch recommendation Claudia. Between this and your other blog I’ve been able to enjoy TV shows and books I might other wise not known about.
I also enjoy your posts on new discoveries, such as an earlier post on the Blackwing pencils. As someone who is a fountain pen, pencil and fine paper enthusiast I enjoy hearing about the analog tools used by others.
Love the photo of your family,
So glad you’re enjoying the recommendations, Denise. Thanks so much!
Have you tried “Last Tango in Halifax”? That is a great series, and Sarah Lancashire (Happy Valley) is in that too. We’re on series 3 (or 2 can’t remember oops) anyhow the characters are all likeable/unlikeable and the ordinariness and outrageousness (word?) of the storylines are so well written.
I read you every day (not in a stalkerish way, I promise) and you cheer me, truly.
x
Yes, we discovered Last Tango in Halifax earlier this year and fell in love with it. It’s simply wonderful! Thanks Susan! And thank you for being a faithful reader.
We watch all the British Mysteries and Masterpiece. Midsomer Murders is my hubby’s favorite, Or Morse, Inspector Lynley, Inspector Lewis, Endeavour is pretty good too. Broadchurch was pretty great but the american version was rather lame, though they followed the script closely. Try Pie in the Sky if you like humor or New Tricks up to season 8 was fabulous! American tv just doesn’t make the grade.
We also love all of those mysteries/series. Thanks for the new-to-us titles, Jane!
Hi Claudia ! It’s late just getting to read the email and blogs — I love getting your blog posts in my mailbox for that reason- when it’s late and I’m tired but want to catch up there is your email telling me I haven’t read your blog today! ;)
I did see your family photo- on Instagram Kudos getting a frame so quickly. I have packed up almost all our photos and pictures of the kids– I miss seeing them. I do have the maternity pictures my girls took together. Family photos are nice to have around. One last thing – on Britush Telly – I so agree! We don’t have cable or a junction to stream netflix yet;) but we do watch some shows on PBS! Right now, we are watching Doc Martin, oh my goodness – I love that show! For all the reasons you mentioned- certainly depth in the characters.
Have a nice weekend – enjoy your program.
I’ve not started watching Doc Martin yet, but I plan to, Pat. Good to know that you really like it!
I so love and relate to the content of your blog as time allows…
I’m thinking of gardening right about now and making plans. LOVE Miss Scout’s family photo… your relatives will absolutely love it too.
We just heard about Broadchurch and told if we love Downton Abbey and Sherlock (Cumberbatch/Freeman) that we’d love Broadchurch too. Since we’re expecting an impending storm here in NH for tomorrow through Monday… we’ll check it out then on Netflix too!
Oh, almost forgot… the “snowglobe” tipped thing on that table looks intriguing… did you make it yourself? Please do share.
Sending sunny thoughts,
Anne (The Sanborn’s)
The snow globe was indeed made by me, Anne. I have a vintage Necco candy jar that is quite large, so at holiday time I tip it on its side and use Kosher salt for the snow and some mini trees and a Putz house and voila! A snow globe!
Thanks for the tip on Hola to watch BBC shows. My son spent all of Christmas Day trying to download an old BBC series called The Edwardian Farm. Love so many of the British shows and it’s hard to wait when you hear a new season has started over there and we can’t watch a favorite show. With so much of the world being connected by the internet it seems like we should be able to be on the same schedule. But I’m just cranky because I miss Vera!
ellen
Oh my goodness …. thanks to you I’ve watched Season One of Broadchurch. I am recovering from knee surgery and its kept me intrigued, spellbound, entertained, watchful and I loved every minute. Thank you for your recommendation! xoxo love your blog, everday….each and every day! I thank you xo
Broadchurch is the same as Gracepoint which aired this fall on one of our main tv stations, either CBS, NBC, maybe FOX, but not ABC. Check out Gracepoint.