Ramblings And What Not ~

Hello Peoples! As many of you know, Rick feeds the birds in our backyard. This spring, I am truly amazed the new species/breeds/types of birds we’ve seen in our yard. I think they are flying their migratory route and somehow heard about the food in our yard, so they stopped by for a snack. We’ve had American goldfinch, two different types of grosbeak, several different types of sparrow. I didn’t know some species of sparrow had color in their feathers! They can be a very pretty bird! We’ve had chickadees, mourning doves, three different types of woodpeckers, and of course, robins and cardinals. I’m eagerly awaiting for the hummingbirds. I’d like to join a bird watching group, but our state has tics. A bird watching group??? Am I becoming eccentric??? I don’t know if I want to hike in fields and find tics on me afterwards. EEuuuu! I do enjoy hiking though.

During the peculiar circumstances we find ourselves in, I’ve been catching up on my reading! My TBR pile has been going down dramatically! Right now, I’m reading ~

It’s a good cozy mystery. I am completely surprised at the identity of the victim. I didn’t expect her to be murdered at all. I do have one suspect. However, I can’t think of a motive! I will keep reading.  🙂

Our local library opened back up, however, it’s open for curbside pick-up only. Yesterday afternoon I picked up a book that I had been waiting on for awhile. I have another book on reserve I hope to get soon.

Your favorites at the Cottage ~

May 22, 2020 ~ Stuck At Home Book Tag

May 22, 2020 ~ Classic Movie Friday ~ Abbott and Costello Meet Frankenstein (1948)

May 7, 2020 ~ The Classics Club ~ Gone With the Wind by Margaret Mitchell

May 24, 2020 ~ Gwenda

The weather is beautiful here and our sunflower is growing rapidly. I am concerned he might not be getting enough sun. I don’t know why my sunflower is male, but I’ve decided he is a male.  🙂  He seems so happy.  🙂

My doctor and I tried to have a virtual doctor appointment, but it didn’t work. My end was fine. Rick was standing behind me making faces into the camera. haha. The doctor couldn’t get her end to work. Technology??? So, I have an appointment to go into the clinic. *sigh*

The weather is beautiful. The sun is shinning and the plants are growing.

Much love ~

Kathy

 

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Classic Movie Friday!

Charlie Chan at The Olympics (1937)

Warner Oland   Keye Luke   Katherine DeMille   Pauline Moore   Allan Lane

C. Henry Gordon  John Eldredge  Layne Tom Jr.   Jonathan Hale   Morgan Wallace

Charlie Chan (Warner Oland) is solving another mysterious murder, this one, is linked to the theft of a, newly invented, stolen guidance system for aircraft. This guidance system was invented by Cartwright (John Eldredge). Hopkins (Jonathan Hale) is a major investor in the device.

Charlie’s number one son, Lee (Keye Luke) is traveling, by ship to Berlin, Germany for the Olympics. He’s a swimmer competing for the United States. As Charlie Chan investigates the theft and murder, the trail points him to Berlin. Charlie Chan, Cartwright and Hopkins soon find themselves traveling to Berlin to catch a murderer and a thief.

Richard Masters (Allan Lane) a test pilot, is also traveling to Berlin to compete in the Olympics. He’s become chummy with Yvonne Roland (Katherine DeMille) and is spending a considerable amount of time with her, much to the distress of his sweetheart, Betty Adams (Pauline Moore). Masters and Betty soon find themselves involved in the mystery and there is evidence that Yvonne might have nefarious purposes! Yes, it does get worse before Charlie Chan can reveal the identity of the killer.

Betty Adams is a strong female character. When she discovers, her boyfriend Masters, is spending time with Yvonne, Betty is concerned that Masters will get hurt or in some trouble. Betty is ready to give Yvonne Roland a sound beating!

Lee is Charlie Chan’s number 1 son. Lee is eager to help his dad, in any way he possibly can, to solve this murder and theft. Lee likes to stay busy. However, in this mystery, he is also competing at the Olympic Games, so he needs to stay focused on that. Of course, as with all of Charlie Chan’s sons, antics abound. And! his son is eager to assist and is very proud of his famous dad.

This is a good mystery. I did solve it right away. I don’t mind solving mysteries. In fact, I’m happy to do it.  🙂

Enjoy!

 

Would You Rather Fictional Grab-Bag Edition

Hello Peoples! Oh my word! I found this incredibly cute and fun meme at~   http://rosepetalsandfaeriedust.com/

She has a very sweet blog. Go check it out!  🙂

~Would you rather, be a tenant of Mr. Darcy or Mr. Knightly?

Mr. Knightly. I think he’s funny

~Would you rather spend a day in the 100 Acre Wood or Neverland?

The 100 Acre Wood!  🙂  What fun with Christopher Robin, Pooh and the gang.

~Would you rather attend a tea party with the Mad Hatter and company or meet the Wizard of Oz?

The Mad Hatter. What a hoot!  🙂

~Would you rather spend a summer at Netherfield with Jane and Mr. Bingley or at Hamley Hall with Squire Hamley?

Without a doubt, Jane and Mr. Bingley! What a sweet couple.

~Would you rather be “rescued” by Gilbert Blythe or Colonel Brandon?

Colonel Brandon.

~Would you rather marry Laurie or John Brooke?

Neither, but I like Laurie better, so I’ll choose Laurie.

~Would you rather have to participate in a skirmish as a member of Robin Hood’s merry men, or as a member of the Musketeers?

Robin Hood’s merry men! I like archery and I think they would be great fun.

~Would you rather have a jolly holiday in a chalk painting or enjoy a tea party on the ceiling with Uncle Albert?

I’m for a jolly holiday all the way!  🙂

~Would you rather have to chaperone, through their entire courting experience Lydia Bennett or Anne De Bourgh?

Neither, but I’ll go with Anne De Bourgh. When I read the book, I don’t remember having a problem with her character, but Lydia would try my patience.

~Would rather marry Mr. Wickham or Mr. Elton?

I shake my head! I choose Mr. Knightley! haha!

~Would you rather spend the rest of your life in Middle Earth (starting from the time of the ring), or Narnia (starting from the time of the Pevensie’s first visit)?

NARNIA! For Narnia and for Aslan!  🙂

 

 

 

 

Memorial Day

Much love ~

Kathy

Gwenda ~

Today I have some sad news to share with you. My best friend passed away. I don’t understand this at all. She had acute liver and kidney failure. I don’t know why??? She had been in the hospital for awhile and was transferred to Omaha where they were evaluating her for a liver transplant. I will miss her.

Much love ~

Kathy

The Stuck At Home Book Tag ~

Hello Peoples! Jana at ~  https://reviewsfromthestacks.wordpress.com/2020/05/22/the-stuck-at-home-book-tag/

participated in a tag. I enjoy tags!  🙂  I try to participate in tags whenever I see one. So, I thought I would join in the fun with this tag!

Here we go!

The Stuck At Home Book Tag Rules ~

~Thank the person who nominated you. No one nominated me, but Thank-you Jana!

~ Answer all the questions below.

~ Pingback to the creator: https://allonsythornraxxbooks.com/2020/05/07/the-stuck-at-home-book-tag-allonsy-original-tag/

~ Name 5+ bloggers you’d like to know more about, to do this tag. I nominate any blogger who has been following my blog for less than six months.  🙂  

What are you currently reading!

 

The Joy of Falling by Lindsay Harrell

Apple Cider Slaying by Julie Anne Lindsey ~ A Cider Shop Mystery

I don’t normally read two books, however, The Joy of Falling, is just not for me. I’ll finish reading it, but for now, I put it down for awhile. I am reading, Apple Cider Slaying.  

What’s your favorite “can’t leave the house” activity?

I watch classic movies, read books, work in the garden and I enjoy building a fire in our firepit in the backyard. Sitting by a crackling fire is wonderful.  🙂

A book you’ve been meaning to read forever:

The Romance of the Forest by Ann Radcliffe. The good news ~ I ordered it and it has arrived! YAY! So, I will be reading it soon.

An intimidating book on your TBR:

Mmmm. That’s a good question. I don’t think I have one anymore. I did read, Dracula by Bram Stoker . Dracula intimidated me for a long time, but it was nothing like I expected. Sometimes I’m intimidated by Ted Dekker’s books, but when I read his stories, they’re usually different, but AOK.

Top 3 Priority Books on your TBR:

The Moonstone by Wilkie Collins

The Romance of the Forest by Ann Radcliffe

On A Coastal Breeze by Suzanne Fisher Woods

Recommend A Short Book:

A Cliché’ Christmas by Nicole Deese

Fun story!

Recommend A Long Book:

Gone With the Wind by Margaret Mitchell. 

Something You’d Love to do While Stuck at Home:

Paint the bathroom.  🙂

What do you plan on reading next?

I’m undecided. I guess it depends on my mood.  🙂

That’s all for now.  🙂

Much love ~

Kathy

 

Classic Movie Friday!

Abbott and Costello Meet Frankenstein (1948)

Lou Costello   Bud Abbott   Lon Chaney Jr.   Bela Lugosi   Glenn Strange

Lenore Aubert   Jane Randolph   Frank Ferguson   Charles Bradstreet

As my neighbor was known to say, “Never in all my born days!” I’ve watched this film many times and I’ve mentioned it on my blog, in the past, but I’ve never featured it on Classic Movie Friday. I know you’ve been waiting with great expectancy. *haha*  🙂  The day has finally arrived! *applause applause*

It may sound a little crazy and maybe out of character for me, but I really like this film! I’m not one to enjoy monster films or horror or even ghosts, but I do like this movie! This film has a great cast! And! I love the chase scene in the castle! Let me start at the beginning ~

Wilbur Grey (Lou Costello) and Chick Young (Bud Abbott) work as freight handlers. Chick Young is cranky, mean and bossy. Wilbur is a nice guy. Wilbur has a girlfriend, Sandra (Lenore Aubert). Chick can’t understand why a lovely lady like Sandra enjoys the company of Wilbur. She wants Wilbur’s brain! Well, McDougal (Frank Ferguson) arrives at the freight business at the same time Sandra arrives. McDougal tells Sandra he has recently purchased the remains of Count Dracula (Bela Lugosi) and the Frankenstein monster (Glenn Strange). The very large freight has arrived and McDougal is wanting our hero’s to deliver his freight to the House of Horrors immediately. Meanwhile, Wilbur is handling a phone call from a man, Lawrence Talbot, (Lon Chaney Jr.) who is warning him not to deliver the shipments. Well! The freight is delivered, the monster and Dracula are missing. Dracula has revived the weakened monster and exited the House of Horrors!  McDougal believes Chick and Wilbur stole them. And! The Wolfman (Lon Chaney Jr.) is loose. Talbot turns into the wolf when the moon is full. I might add, there are a LOT of full moons in this story!  🙂  Dracula and Sandra are going to perform an operation to put Wilbur’s brain into the Frankenstein monster! McDougal is attacked, an insurance adjuster, Joan Raymond (Jane Randolph) is curious and snooping around! Hilarity ensues!

Highly recommend!

Enjoy!

Loose Leaf Tea

Hello Peoples! Rick and I drove out to the health food store to purchase a bag of loose leaf Assam tea. Assam is my favorite tea. Anyway, when we arrived, we entered the market and I walked to the back of the store where the tea was located. I measured it out into a little bag. The scales were missing, so I couldn’t weigh the tea, but from previous experience, I knew I had approximately $4.00 – $5.00 in tea. I walked to the friendly and funny cashier. She was a hoot! After I handed her the bag of tea, she entered the numbers into the computer for Assam tea. She had a puzzled expression and entered the numbers again. Still the puzzled expression, she called for help. Soon, there were four employees standing at her register with puzzled expressions on their faces. The computer said, my little bag of Assam tea was $35.00!!! She was laughing. She was hilarious. She looked at me and said,

“Do you think this little bag of tea costs $35.00???” She laughed.

I smiled and said, “No.” I was laughing too.

There were still four employees, chattering to one another, trying to discover why the computer was telling us the tea had such a hefty price attached to it. Our cashier was still laughing.

For some reason, the manager had an idea. He checked the monitor on the computer and discovered the problem. The monitor had fallen forward and was sitting on the scales that weighed the tea! We were reading the weight of the computer monitor, not the tea. Then, our cashier was really laughing. She kept the situation lighthearted! I like her. Our bag of Assam tea was $5.00.  🙂

Much love ~

Kathy

Classic Movie Friday!

 

Torn Curtain (1966)

This is a Hitchcock film!

Paul Newman   Julie Andrews

Professor Michael Armstrong (Paul Newman) is a brilliant scientist from the Unites States. Sarah Sherman (Julie Andrews) is his equally brillant assistant and fiancé. They are attending a physics conference in Denmark. Shortly after they arrive, Armstrong informs Sarah that he is not returning to the United States right away and she must return on her own. He tells her he has business in Stockholm. He’s mysterious about this new information and she seems puzzled. After some investigation, she discovers he is traveling to East Berlin, behind the Iron Curtain! She didn’t see that coming! The cloak and dagger situation becomes more complex when he discovers she followed him to East Berlin. He tries again and again to convince her to go home, but she stays with him. She’s shocked, confused and hurt when he announces he is defecting to the East after the United States canceled an important project he has been working on. Nothing goes as planned ~ it never does ~ Armstrong and Sarah need to escape out of East Berlin, if they can.

What an incredible film! I never thought I would see Paul Newman and Julie Andrews in a movie together, especially a Hitchcock movie!

This was an on the edge of your seat type movie! The East Berlin police were on their tails the entire film. Armstrong and Sarah, along with several concerned citizens, were using creative methods to stay ahead of the authorities. I kept saying, “What are they gonna do? What are they gonna do???”

Cryptic messages! Intrigue! Espionage! Suspense! Run Run!!!

What Hitchcock movies have you seen? What are your favorites?

Enjoy!

Hello Peoples! I hope everyone is well. Yesterday it was so windy here. The wind was blowing in a general north, south, east, west direction. I remained in our humble abode all day because I didn’t want to deal with the wind! Today the wind is almost non-existent, but it’s cold. According to my phone, it’s 39 degrees. I don’t know where this cold front came from, but we’ve had a frost warning at night. Rick has been covering the plants. I walked downtown early this morning and enjoyed a hot tea. It was cold, but I dressed warm. The high today is 54, so I’ll walk again when it’s warmer.

As many of you know, I finished reading, Gone With the Wind. It took me 10 days to read it. I thought it would take me longer than 10 days. Anyway, right now I’m reading, The House At The End of the Moor by Michelle Griep. 

I haven’t decided what Classic Book I’m going to read next. I thought I might read, Moonstone by Wilkie Collins. Have you read Moonstone? What are your thoughts?

Have a great day!

Much love ~

Kathy