Downton Abbey: Obstinancy and Recovery

It's fun to remember they are real people--heading into the Olympic Opening Ceremony!

The most recent episode of Downton Abbey was not as riveting as the last.  I was anticipating something awful happening.  But, it was more of a recovery episode after last week's shocker.

A few points of irritation:
-Lord Grantham needs to stop acting like an ostrich.
-Carson needs to understand that ostracizing someone based on their decisions does not promote harmony.
-Thomas needs to be kicked off the show or fired from the house.  I'm fine with either.

A few moments of joy:
-Bates is coming home!  I'm so glad they showed us on the preview for next week that he does in fact return.  I was worried they would kill him in prison.
-Mrs. Patmore kindly assisted Ethel.  Way to be the bigger person and extend kindness to promote success for a fellow human being.
-Lord and Lady Grantham hugging and crying at the end.  Painful as it was to watch, they need each other.
-Matthew and Lady Mary declaring their love...and that they must WORK at their marriage.  So touching.

Was anyone else peeved by the jabs at Catholicism and the lauding of Anglicanism?  That man has a VERY narrow view of Christianity.  God likes England.  The rest of the world is off to Hell in a hand basket.  What a sad perspective.

P.S. The Craig County coach, at the basketball game on Tuesday night, resembles Matthew.

The Time I Planned to be Snowed In

I've been MIA for a few days.  I planned to spend a few days in Bath County, and then I learned snow was expected.  So, I packed extra clothes and decided it was a good time to be snowed in.

Usually when people see the snow has started, they postpone, right?  Well, not me.
I hurried my packing, stuck my stuff in the car, and carefully headed over the mountain, driving into a winter wonderland.

I drank peppermint hot chocolate in the coffee shop while talking with Amanda and watching the snow float to the ground.  Then, fishtailed while hoping to not flail into the fence when the road was not clear, had a cozy night in with Mrs. Shaver--that continued to the next day.  I enjoyed the Fellowship of Christian Athlete's Super Bowl party (and watched some of the game) and good conversation about education, philosophy, and religion.  Monday I subbed for PE and got to drive Trey to school and take him home : )  His basketball team whooped the other team.  Tuesday I hung out at Laura's Boutique and later watched BCHS JV and Varsity teams beat Craig County....which was awesome.  And, I got to see some friends!

Today I surfaced to real life.  I have more reporting jobs coming up : )  Very excited to cover some pageants!

These next few months look promising, exciting, fun, and a chance to spend time with people I love.

A few photos of the snow...

Back in my beautiful Bath County

The cows were walking in a line

Trickling creek through the snow

Heading home...the snow was melting

Breakfast...For All Meals

Breakfast foods are my favorite.
Whether muesli, yogurt, and fruit, pancakes, an omelet, I just love breakfast foods...for all meals.

When I sometimes plan my wedding, I play with the idea of a morning wedding followed by a brunch reception (thanks to the recent champagne brunch I attended, I'm leaning that direction even more).

This afternoon I turned on TLC's Four Weddings.  I don't love the show, but I was bored.  One of the receptions had a Bacon Bar.  Seriously, A BACON BAR!  How fun?  Actually, my first reaction was, I have to tell Deborah!  My second reaction was, that is not kosher (I'm not Jewish).  Then, as I was writing on Deborah's Facebook, I began to think of all the options.  Don't just think about the strips of yummy goodness.  Go the next step and think of the variety!  Crispy, chewy, maple, turkey....

Her finace's response was the best, " If you advertise that you want a bacon bar at your wedding, you probably will have a wedding sooner, if you know what I mean..."  

I will have to keep that in mind.

So, back to breakfast.  I made a rocking omelet tonight (albeit, a tad over done on the outside).

I started with some bits of onion in the skillet.  Then, I tore up lots of spinach (YUM!) and let that cook down.  Next, I poured my scrambled eggs with pepper into the pan and added more spinach.  A sprinkling of feta, and I let it cook.

With a side of rye toast, half marmited, and a cup of tea, my dinner, while Skyping with Deborah, was scrumptious!

P.S. What if I had an omelet or egg bar with different jars of Marmite for people to use???  I could at least decorate the bar with them ;)

Downton Abbey: They Killed Off Who?

The newest addition to the show.  I approve ;)

 It's been a couple of weeks since I analyzed a show I enjoy.

Let's talk Downton Abbey.

Did they really kill off Sybil???
I was in absolute shock.  I was expecting something to happen based on the way they set the stage.  But, I was NOT anticipating her to DIE in childbirth.

Lady Cora has every right to be upset.  In fact, I'm not sure how she is dealing.

I hate the way Thomas is semi-hitting on Jimmy (James).  It is awkward, and the poor guy doesn't know what to think. 

It was nice to see Thomas express emotion...other than spite.

I'm rather irritated with Lord Grantham, at the moment.  He is passive aggressive (a trait I find difficult to stand).

And, oh, I do hope that Bates is freed soon.  His cell mate is a beast (in the negative sense).

Friday's Letters: SNOW DAY!

Snowy Day...but no sledding :(

Dear Friday, I was supposed to sub today....and then it snowed.  YAY SNOW DAY!

Dear February, Welcome.  It's crazy that we are already a month into 2013.

Dear Weather, You tantalized me with Spring and then snatched it away.  I don't mind too much...but a good foot of snow would be appreciated!

Dear Town Council Meetings, You provide some chuckles for me.

Dear Small Town Living, Seriously, you make me want to write a book.  Maybe one day.

Dear Me, Writing and editing have been fun this week.  Keep it up!

Dear Life, Let's work on some exciting additions.  Ok? =)

Dear Brain, I know, we need to get a giant chalk board or dry erase board to help keep us organized.

Happy Snow Day and Happy February!

Check out other Friday's Letters at:

The Problem of Moving...Solved!

Thanks, Pinterest!

Growing up, I moved every year or so (sometimes more, sometimes less) until I was nine.  I've never minded the frequent moving.  In fact, I'm glad my family moved a lot.  The moves let me see lots of the eastern half of the United States.

However, I would be lying if I said I never wished I had friends from my childhood, people I could say I'd known since we were born...or something.

I've always said I want to move a lot, never really settle down.  But, sometimes a part of me likes the idea of making roots, retaining friends in near vicinity and living life with them for  a while.  Then, I find myself in a quandary.  Move often, experience lots, and make new friends....all.the.time?  Or, move less often, visit places, but create a family of friends, connections, and familiarity with fewer places as HOME?

While gazing out the window at the rain a few minutes ago, I thought of a solution.  Feel free, move a lot.  But, buy a vacation home...you know, in the south of France...and that can be the steady factor.

I'm just trying to think ahead and plan for my maybe-one-day, imaginary children.  Of course, if I don't have children, it won't matter so much--I will just enjoy my vacation home regardless of where I usually live ;)

Confessions of an Extrovert

Photo By: Abby Dufour

If I were to take the Myers Briggs personality test right this minute, I would probably score off the charts as an extrovert. 

Seriously, it would be like going grocery shopping without having eaten ALL day long. 

If I ever doubted my extrovertism, tonight has cleared that up.  I feel as though I may implode from lack of outside people (i.e. people with whom I don't live) interaction.

It's like...drugs?  (I'm speaking out of my lack of experience in that area)  Withdrawal...it's torture...and then a quick fix puts you back in a great mood (almost instantly).

Is anyone else able to relate to these extreme feelings?  Or am I just crazy? = )