Movie Review

BBC put out a new rendition of "Emma" based on Jane Austen's book. This is one of my favorite Austen novels, and this movie did it justice. It was humorous and fun, with just the right amount of romance. And the casting was excellent. Two thumbs up!

Congratulations, Amanda!

My sister and her boyfriend, Chris, got engaged Saturday night! :) I'm getting a new brother-in-law!

Isn't he special??

Roses from my Valentine

More snow pictures!!

So pretty!!

Happy Valentine's Day!

These are some beautiful tulips that one of my students gave me (which unfortunately, my cats mistook for a snack - there are distinct bite marks on the petals). But they are still beautiful!

Pajama day (with a side of snow)

Today Emily and I were supposed to go shopping at some outlets to celebrate her birthday. However, the weather forecast changed our plans. With a high of 34 and a 100% chance of snow we decided it would be better to not go today.

So instead, I'm having a pajama day! I got some serious cleaning and lesson planning done and now I'm curled up watching Jane Austen movies by the fire.

I do miss shopping, but am glad not to be out in the mess! If it sticks at all, I'll get a picture!

Ed. to add: Pictures!!!!


After 30 mins of snowing:


After 1 hr:

Book Review

I have had this book for a long time now, and finally got around to reading it last week and this. I really wanted to like it, and there were elements about it that I did like, but overall, I was just "meh" about it. The story is about an old woman remembering her past as a lady's maid in 1920's England. A terrible thing happened one night while she was there and she's never been able to get over the guilt she shares in the secret. On her deathbed, she tells the story to her grandson, hoping it will be what leads him back to writing again. The story has the flavor of "Rebecca" by Daphne DuMaurier (downright copying it in some spots), and mysterious overtones. But too much of it was obvious and I didn't care enough about many of the characters to worry what would happen to them. Bottom line: While it wasn't an awful book, I wouldn't recommend it nor reread it.

My friend Phil

Punxsutawney Phil, that is. This little cutie saw his shadow this morning, heralding 6 more weeks of winter. Here in the South, that is very unlikely to be the case. But I can hope!

Incidentally, since winter officially ends the third week of March, there will be 6 more weeks of winter no matter the weather anyway.

Ten on Tuesday

My friend Beth's post here inspired me to copy her and write out ten tasks that I've been putting off:

1) Organizing photos - Both our computers have very vaguely labeled pictures from the last five years or so in many different locations. I really need to go through and a) find them, b) label them correctly and c) keep up with it! We'll see if that actually happens.

2) Emptying the upstairs closets - We have three spare bedrooms upstairs, only one of which can be used as a true guest room since it has an empty closet. The other two bedrooms have junk from floor to ceiling in the closets. I really need to go through it all and actually throw stuff away (and put the rest in the attic).

3) Clean out the garage - which is more of a job for Nick. It is a HUGE mess from his projects and I'm tired of looking at it. But since most of it is his jun...ahem...stuff, I don't know where it goes.

4) Clean out the vacuum - yeah, it is gross and I always put this task off as long as possible.

5) Paint the hallway and walls going up the stairs - This might require professional painters but whether we do it or have it done, it needs to be done.

6) Yardwork. And lots of it. Preferably the kind that allows us to be free from any more work once the weeds start to grow this Spring. Good luck, huh?

7) Ironing. See #6 but replace weeds with wrinkly shirts.

8) Go through my old clothes and give to Goodwill. I have a closetful and don't wear but probably half.

9) Frame my diploma and hang both mine and Nick's in the office. Nick's (framed) diploma has been on the floor of the office for quite some time.

10) Freshen up the second bathroom - new shower curtain, maybe a new shower head. I've been meaning to do it for awhile.

Ok, now I'm motivated to do at least one of these tasks this week!!

Summer is coming!!

This is a picture of the beach house where we'll be spending a week this June. Ahhhhh!!! I'm really looking forward to it, even though I'm not quite ready to give up the cold temps just yet! But June will be here before you know it!!

February!!

This has become one of my favorite parts about changing the calendar - changing out the decorations on my mantle. Hearts for February, of course!! :)