Just When You Thought You Could Take A Breath....

So, here we all are! Vaccinated and Unmasked! Hugging and Kissing after so many months-Geez, doesn't it feel great! It no longer matters where we eat-inside; outside; with 10 people, or right next to ten tables....It's all so good. Truly, it's Heaven! But Wait!!! Those of us who were just beginning to feel safe and confident are masking up again. I had to dig my clorox wipes and masks out of the cabinet. I'm making sure I have lots of hand sanitizer in my purse and in the car! I haven't stocked up on toilet paper yet. And, I'm gearing up for a possible lockdown, or at the very least, a new set of CDC recommendations. So just in case you find yourself staying in a bit more after the summer, I have a huge list of what to watch on the television. Don't ask how I watch so much t.v.! You all know I only sleep 3 hours a night! WHAT I'M WATCHING NOW The End-Showtime. Dark comedy about a six months-widowed Woman who attempts to take her own life. This is so well acted and I am hooked. The Unforgotten-PBS Masterpiece/Prime Video. Two detectives trying to solve a murder that happened 39 years ago. This is the 4th season, but I never watched the previous 3 seasons, and it doesn't matter. Really like it! Catch and Kill-HBO. Documentary by Ronan Farrow that interviews whistleblowers and journaliststalking about the Harvey Weinstein debacle. Very interesting. My Unorthodox Life-Netflix. The story of Julia Haart who is now the CEO pf Elite World Group and was a former housewife in an ultra-Orthodox community in Monsey, N.Y. Gave me better insight into the Orthodox way of life, and why someone felt trapped and her need to leave and start a new life. The White Lotus-HBO. The adventures of the guests and employees of a tropical resort. So much fun! Made For Love-HBO Max. Dark comedy about a woman married to a tech billionaire whom she hates, and he has implanted a device to track her locations and her emotions. Annoying... Dr. Death-Peacock. Based on a podcast about a prominent doctor in Texas whose patients do not survive his surgeries or they are permantly disabled. I can barely get through 10 minutes! I am terrified of spine surgeries now, or for that matter, any surgeries. VERY VERY SCARY. Alec Baldwin and Christian Slater. Animal Kingdom-TNT. I have watched the previous 4 seasons. Without the gangster matriarch, Ellen Barkin (who was killed last season); her 3 sons and grandson aren't keeping me interested. Don't Bother. Kevin Can F**K Himself-AMC+ or You Tube. Annie Murphy from Schitt's Creek is married to an insensitive buffoon and she is struggling to figure out her life in Worcester, Mass. She is terrific. Watch. Godfather of Harlem-Epix or Amazon Prime. Forest Whitaker is fabulous as Bumpy Johnson. He has served his time in Alcatraz, and returns to Harlem to take back control. This is the second season. Excellent. This Way Up-Hulu. Comedy about a woman recovering from a nervous breakdown with the help and support of her sister. Covers the themes of lonliness, family, and mental health in a brilliant way. Like this! WHAT TO WATCH NEXT: THE NEXT BINGE Seaside Hotel-PBS Masterpiece/Amazon. Resort on the North Sea follows the regulars returning each summer and the staff. Watched 2 episodes and really enjoyed. The Vigil-Prime Video. Sounds intriquing. Orthodox Man is called to watch over a deceased member of his former community. Test Pattern-Hulu. A woman's relationship with her boyfriend is put to the test after she is raped by an assailant. Ebert website gives it a thumbs up. Seems like it would be difficult to watch. McCartney 3-2-1-Hulu. Intimate one on one interview between music producer Rick Rubin and Paul Mccartney. Six episodes. I hear this is absolutely amazing. Lisey's Story-Apple TV+. Based on a Stephen King novel, this is the story of the widow of a best selling novelist. While going through her husbands manscripts and papers, she discovers dark secrets. It's Stephen King-it's got to be petrifying. Julianne Moore, Clive Owen, Jennifer Jason Leigh, and Joan Allen. Mr. Inbetween-Hulu. Comedy about a man juggling family responsibilities and being a "criminal for hire". This is the 3rd season. So, there will definitely be a few weeks of binging. Summer of Soul-Hulu. Questlove directs this documentary about the Harlem Cultural Festival of 1969. I've seen a little of this and it looks cool! Foyle's War-Acorn/Prime Video. This was highly recommended to me but it's six seasons. Might have to wait until a snowstorm. Big investment of time. British detective drama set during the second world war. Lupin-Netflix. Story of a famous thief and master of disguise. Two Seasons. RECENTLY FINISHED WATCHING Shiva Baby-HBO MAX. Movie about a bisexual Jewish woman who attends a shiva with her parents and encounters an ex-girlfriend and an ex-boyfriend at the shiva. Cute, a good distraction, and not a big investment of time. Us-PBS. Only two episodes. A combination of a travelogue and a family drama about a couple who takes one last vacation before getting divorced. LOVED. Younger-Hulu. One of my favorite shows! Just finished season 8 and there will not be any more seasons. A 40 year old woman pretends to be 26 in order to land her dream job. Sutton Foster, Hillary Duff and Peter Hermann(I have a crush!). So sad it's over. Cruel Summer-Freeform. 10 episodes. A teen drama. Takes place over 3 years in the 90's about a girl who goes missing and another girl takes over her life. Totally held my attention-an easy binge. Love Victor-Hulu. Another teen drama. Struggling with his sexual identity and his new high school, we follow an endearing Victor figure it out. Very good. Sex/Love-Netflix. Terrible, but steamy drama filled with tons of sex. About a suburban housewife wishing she could go back to her carefree days as a party girl in NYC. Meanwhile, her husband is so cute. And he's right there! Soft porn. Who Killed Sara?-Netflix. A murder mystery that has lots of twists and keeps you guessing. Just okay. Dirty John/Betty-Netflix. The story of Betty Broderick. Is it possible to really know the person you love most? Scorned housewife left by her husband. Amanda Peet is fabulous. Fun to watch. Handmaid's Tale-Hulu. An amazing series based on Margaret Atwood's book. This is about a totalitarian society in what used to be a part of the United States. Elizabeth Moss is beyond outstanding in this series. This is something that I had no desire to watch and ultimately, I found it to be mesmerizing. COMING SOON... Succession-HBO. Season 3 in Autumn 2021. Scenes From A Marriage-HBO. Jessica Chastain, Michelle Williams, and Oscar Isaac. September. Yellowstone-Paramount. Season 4 in November. One of the best shows on t.v. Kevin Costner! Respect-Film coming August 13 in theaters. Jennifer Hudson stars as Arethra. WHAT TO LISTEN TO WHEN YOU ARE WALKING Smartless Podcast-every interview is fun, but Stephen Cobert and Conan O'Brien were hysterical. Enjoy these summer months. Stay outdoors as much as you can. Go swimming or running. Go to the gym. Go to restaurants. Take a vacation. Visit your relatives that you haven't seen in 15 months! Socialize with friends. Now is the time-enjoy every moment. BUT, still mask up when you go into stores. Wash your hands often. Be safe. Protect our children and grandchildren. PEACE OUT-ONE B

CAREGIVER SYNDROME: WHEN YOUR PARENT BECOMES YOUR CHILD

Caregiving and needing care will happen to all of us. One day a parent will need our help just as we once needed theirs. Noone told us that having children will drastically change our lives; just as noone warned me that caregiving would often be hard and thankless work. Initially, it begins with small things: requests for groceries, picking up prescriptions from the pharmacy, an occasional doctor's appointment. No problem. But, as your parent physically declines, their situations and care needs change daily. Now you are dealing with hygiene issues, memory issues, administering medications, and a host of other things such as nutrition, proper hydration, exercise, etc. For me, eventhough my mom is in an assisted living facility, I feel overwhelmed and stressed all the time. I am emotionally and physically drained and close to burnout. Not always, but often it's the daughters who bear the brunt of responsibility when caring for aging parents. I know all the advice that is given to alleviate my stress: Set boundaries, accept my limitations, stay active, meditate, find a balance between your kids, your work, your friends, and your grandchildren. And self care. "Caregiver syndrome" strongly manifests as exhaustion, insomnia, anger, rage, resentment, guilt, and anxiety when dealing with a chronically ill parent. In the past year, I have had thryroiditis, various bouts with chalazions which led to surgery,a pinched nerve in my neck, high blood pressure, and a blip on my ekg which led (thankfully) to 2 normal stress tests. I recently read that there is a 63% higher risk of mortality in caregivers than non-caregivers of the same age. My mother is 94 and she may very well outlive me! My immune system has surely declined since my mom moved here! Yet my 94 year old mom who is in heart failure is doing fine, except for her daily falls! Brothers and Sisters offer some relief, but generally they are best at giving you support and advice while running in the other direction. They do not talk to the doctors for hours on end. They do not get the phone calls in the middle of the night when mom has fallen. They do not oversee that all medications are being ordered by hospice. They do not visit on any regular basis. They do not pay bills. As a result, I have given up time with my husband, my children and my grandchildren and declined social activities with friends in favor of time spent on caregiving activites. And, when I finally do have a little free time, I'm too emotionally drained to do anything or see anyone. I just want a bed and Netflix. It's not any easier for the aging parent either. They feel a loss of independence and rightfully struggle to maintain some sense of control. Parents rebel and do not want to be told what to do. This fosters anger and resentment towards the caregiver. This past year of Covid bred isolation which in turn resulted in lonliness, depression, and more health decline for the aged. It's a difficult dilemma for both the parent and the child who is the caregiver. I feel I have an ethical responsibility to make sure my loved ones are safe, secure, and getting the attention they need. We have a duty to help loved ones as they age, but there are limits. I must learn to set limits and accept my limitations. Because at times, I feel I just can't continue on this path. I am blessed to have had my dad here for 95 years, and I am blessed to still have my mom here at 94 years. Hopefully, I will continue to keep her well, and at the same time find the road to my sanity! "How far you go in life depends on your being tender with the young, compassionate with the aged, sympathetic with the striving and tolerant of the weak and strong. Because someday in life you will have been all of these." George Washington Carver PEACE OUT-HAPPY 4TH! ONE B

Love and Marriage

This week my husband and I will be celebrating our 44th Anniversary. Over the years, We have overcome significant obstacles and faced many challenges. I have had lots of time to reflect on what contributes to enduring love and a lasting marriage. My husband and I couldn't be more different. I think I am outgoing, independent, extremely organized and anal, and more often than not, contemplating(or worrying about)the next task or obligation. He appears to be more cerebral, quieter, reserved but friendly, organized but "seemeingly" relaxed (it's a facade!) and always goes with the flow focusing only on the present. He has the ability to compartmentalize issues. I cannot. I take everything in and worry about it all at once. But, when I am upset or scared about something (my kids, illness, parents) he literally holds me up. And, when he is having a moment and losing it and about to freak out, I am suddenly his reasonable, calming, and supportive force. Leo Tolstoy said, "What counts in making a happy marriage is not so much how compatible you are but how you deal with incompatibility." Do we argue? Yes! Do we make up easily? No! Love doesn't mean you will always agree or never have an argument. It means that despite the bad days you still can't see yourself without that person. My advice to couples is think before you speak. The most important take away is this: Do not try and win the argument. Don't try to defend your actions or words. Don't try to give an explanation as to why you did this or that, OR why you didn't. LISTEN to your spouse when they are expressing an issue. Whether you believe it to be valid or not, DOES NOT MATTER. This is the most important advice I can give after 44 years: Empathize with the feelings that your spouse is communicating. Sympathize. Apologize without a "but I" or a defensive response. Know it wasn't easy to express or emote these feelings to your spouse. And know that these feelings are very real to her/him. Now, it is the time to do better. Be better. Period. Remember that you cannot recover words after they are said or recover the time after its gone. Once you respond with that horrible insult, it is ALWAYS there. Lyndon Johnson said, "Only two things are necessary to keep one's spouse happy. One is to let them think they are having their own way-the other is to let them have it!" For me the definition of what defines a good Marriage is continued Courtship, Mutual Respect, a healthy dose of Admiration, Love, Trust, Friendship, Sacrifice, and Acceptance. In a marriage, "the independence of a wife and husband should be equal; their dependence mutual, and their obligations reciprocal." I have to admit that I love my alone time,and I cherish our together time. The pandemic presented major challenges since we were with each other 24 hours a day. But we established a routine early on and it was a absolutely fine after the first week! So, never stop holding hands, buying each other little gifts, having date nights, telling your spouse how proud of them you are. And, know that you can tell them anything and it will remain just between the two of you. Foot massages, roses, date nights, and love letters work too.. Jud, "when I saw you I fell in love, and you smiled because you knew." Arrigo Boito "In all the world there is no heart for me like yours. In all the world there is no love for you like mine." Maya Angelou HAPPY 44TH! ONE B

Happy Mother's Day

When I graduated from Penn, the furthest thing from my mind was motherhood. I entered a buying program with Gimbels, and began my journey of various jobs throughout the years. I moved on to being an assistant buyer for designer childrens clothes for clients in the south. I then went on to sell Petit Bateau to individual stores. And, then, when I became pregnant, I opened a jewelry company out of my house called Karat Patch (I still love the name). As the girls got a little older, I sold advertising for town guidebooks that were distributed to local realtors, schools, and colleges. I became an activities director for an assisted living facility, and finally, I acquired my current insurance license to sell life and health insurance which I have had for 15 years. As I mentioned above, the idea of raising children was the furthest thought from my mind. I hadn't given any consideration as to how to raise two beautiful, independent daughters. Truthfully, when I was growing up, my parents didn't encourage me to make my own way in the world; or to have a career, or to be independent financially. Noone took me to colleges for tours, helped me fill out the applications, or provided me with SAT courses. I was flying solo and had to figure it all out pretty much on my own. When I did become a parent, I took on the hardest job of my life.There had been no training for this. No college courses-I was winging it. I was now the CEO of my family, and my home. Not only was I a teacher, but I had manage the bills, the home repairs, the interior design, the planting and landscaping, the travel plans, the cleaning, and the meal preparation. Most importantly, I was in charge of these two precious girls. Caring for them and protecting them from danger became my most challenging opportunity yet. I couldn't or wouldn't screw this up! Parenting involves so much learning as you go. Sure there are how to books, but every child is different. You can think you do or say the exact same thing to siblings. One will see it as helpful, another will be insulted that you think they need help. And one will just say F--k ff and totally ignore you. Injuries are super challenging! You don't want to over react and scare the daylights out of them, but you certainly don't want to under react and land them in the hospital-it is a very fine line. Rushing to activities or school when you have more than one child is a dilemma too. School begins and ends at different times and often is at different locations. Activities and playdates interfere with a sibling's naptime. It can be a nightmare. And don't even think about when your taking a work call if you also have a job outside of the home. Another aspect of parenting is promoting individual interests and creativity. Encourage your children to embrace their differences and learn to accept others uniquenes and talents as well. They must show kindness and compassion. They must also understand they can't excel at all things, but they should try their best at everything. With sports, a parent needs to stress the importance of being a team player and how one should exhibit good sportsmanship. So, today I want to pay tribute to all the Moms out there. We all try our best, but we don't always get it right. There's lots of trial and error. Believe me, I have tried hard to shape my daughters into strong, intelligent, kind, independent women that handle careers and family seamlessly. They have both grown into mothers that I am so incredibly proud of. Sometimes they'll get it right, sometimes they'll get it wrong, sometimes they'll blame me, and sometimes they will feel grateful that I tried my best and now, as moms themselves, they realize that being a parent isn't an easy road to navigate. It's the hardest job we will ever have. But it is the MOST rewarding (And yes, sometimes it's thankless). The other day as I was watching the movie In and Out with my grandson, it occured to me that my role as mom was alot like the role of Riley, the preteen, in the movie. I, too, have experiemced those five major emotions in my role as a mom: there has been fear, sadness, anger, disgust. But, truly the protagonist of my emotions as a mother is JOY! There has ALWAYS BEEN JOY! There is no better experience in this world-Except maybe, being a Grandmother! Happy Mother's Day to my girls and all the Moms out there! Peace Out! One B

THE WHOLE WORLD STOPPED, BUT SOMEHOW WE KEPT LIVING

At the beginning of the pandemic last Spring, we mistakenly believed that the lockdown would last a few weeks, or at the most, a month. Initially, we welcomed the idea of spending quality time with our significant other; of organizing our closets and kitchens, and purging clothes and the items we no longer used or needed. Our homes sparkled! We felt a sense of great accomplishment. The lure of having unlimited time to create gourmet meals, bake sourdough bread, and learn the technique of braiding challah was enticing. To keep busy, when we weren't cleaning or cooking; some painted, others played canasta, bridge, poker, or mahjong online. Many of us binged shows on Netflix, read incessantly, or became full time home educators for our children. As Summer and the warm weather approached, we planned outdoor socially distant visits, scheduled dates to bring our own cocktails, and we ate meals at separate tables six feet from our friends and families. With the approach of Fall and then Winter, we perservered and stayed outdoors well into December, until we couldn't endure the cold weather any longer. Still undeterred, we then moved into newly redone garages with our scarves, hats, gloves, down parkas and portable heaters. We attended Zoom Birthdays, Baby Namings, Weddings, Thanksgiving feasts, Passover Seders, Funerals, and Work meetings. Cosmetic Surgeons thrived because it was the perfect time to tweak your unwanted whatever. Think about it, who would see you for the next several months? Exercise Equipment was all the rage; we could no longer go to the gym, and so the gym came to us. Some got into the best shape of their lives, because they finally had the time to exercise-they were no longer commuting to work at 6 a.m. and returning home at 7 p.m. While others ate more, snacked more, and ultimately, weighed more: the famous Covid 15! We replaced refrigerators, bought storage freezers, ordered new washers, dryers, dishwashers, ovens, and hot water heaters because ours broke from so much use! Appliance stores had no stock being delivered, and there were 3 -4 month waits if you were lucky enough to even score a new appliance. As weeks turned to months and the months approached a year, our enthusiasm for staying at home and being isolated began to wane. Depression and Anxiety set in. The daily news of deaths and illness took its toll on our psyche. Fear of losing loved ones constantly infiltrated our thoughts. Feeling hopeless, We drank more alcohol, ate more edibles, popped more Xanax, and took Ambien to sleep. We called our therapists! Lawyers, too, were busier than ever. People were creating wills, and/or reviewing and updating their old ones. People who never considered a will until now were obsessed with getting them signed by tomorrow! Video visits with our Doctors were off the charts : We needed to discuss imagined or real Covid symptons, palpatations and chest pain, and moles that might be cancers. Then Winter turned to Spring, and here we are! A year later and thankfully, many of us are fully vaccinated. Our lives are slowly returning to a "new normal". Vaccinations have afforded us the luxury of hugging our parents, our children, and our grandchildren. We can actually now visit a Doctor in person. We have finally scheduled long overdue teeth cleanings, colonoscopies, mammograms, and EKG's. We can go to a restaurant, a friend's home, or the gym if we so choose to do so. Our children are returning to school and camp (albeit with many restrictions and precautions). Adults are going back to their workplace (if their job still exists). And yet, many of you have elected to give up your office space and still prefer to work from home. Many of you chose to retire. This year seems like a very bad dream. Ultimately, from a crisis you may discover some good, if you search hard enough. We learned to open our hearts to what really matters. We learned to live with fewer resources. We learned to cherish every moment and never take our health for granted. We learned to take more notice of the joys and kindnesses that do exist. We learned to relish moments of laughter and love. We have learned patience and resilence. We learned how to be better parents-how to balance the need to protect our children/grandchildren from danger, while allowing them to be young and free. We learned to NEVER give up hope. My wish for all the babies conceived and born during this crazy time, is that they never experience the anguish of a pandemic in their lifetime. You should know that you truly are cause for celebration! You are the greatest result of a year that was NOT great. My wish for the children who do remember this year, is that it will be a joyful memory for you. A time when you spent loads of quality time with your Mommies and Daddies who would have otherwise been out of the home at work. So, everyone it is time to drop the doughnuts and lift those dumbbells! Go back out into the world! Have fun this Summer and enjoy your friends and your family. "Hope smiles from the threshold of the year to come, whispering "it will be happier'....Tennyson PEACE OUT-ONE B

MOVIES AND SERIES 2021

You all know I binge tons of movies and shows. This is a list without any rhyme or reason as to order. I will try and be succinct, but there is so much to watch and discuss. So here goes! MOVIES I RECOMMEND Hillbilly Elegy-Netflix. This superb cast includes Glenn Close and Amy Adams. Directed by Ron Howard. True Story about a Yale Law Student who leaves his Kentucky hometown, but is torn between his family history and his own future. Somewhat manipulative, but worth a watch. Sound Of Metal-Amazon Prime. Riz Ahmed and Dakota Johnson. Story about a drummer who loses his hearing. A powerful movie that addresses deafness, addiction, and events that can alter your life forever. One Night in Miami-Amazon Prime. An excellent movie with fabulous acting. The story follows the night of Feb. 25, 1964 when four famous black men discuss the civil rights movement after Mohammed Ali defeats Sonny Liston. Loved this. Promising Young Woman-Rent On Demand. All star cast. It's a thriller/comedy that deals with sexual assault. Carey Mulligan is academy award worthy in this role. Warning-it's not easy to watch! But it is very good. Ma Rainey'a Black Bottom-Netflix. This is Chadwick Boseman's last performance before his death. Exceptional acting by him and Viola Davis. Great adaptation of August Wilson play. Very enjoyable. Sylvie's Love-Amazon Prime. A touching romantic movie with great music as a bonus. A beautiful love story. Our Friend-To Rent. This is a true story about a friend who chooses to put his own life on hold while helping his best friend care for two daughters and a dying wife. I am not going to lie. This is horribly depressing, but the acting by Jason Segel is astonishingly great. Casey Affleck and Dakota Johnson are excellent as well. Powerful and heartbreaking, but very well done. The Wilde Wedding-Amazon. Although Rotten Tomatoes panned this, I enjoyed this movie about a retired movie star who is about to embark on her fourth marriage. The cast is fabulous: Glenn Close, John Malkovich, Patrick Stewart, Minnie Driver and many others. If you are a Malkovich fan, this is such fun to watch! The Half of It-Netflix. A well done movie about the only Asian student in Squahamish, Washington. It offers themes of isolation, homosexuality, friendship and love in a beautifully written movie. I really liked it. The Trial of Chicago 7-Netflix. Powerful. Great acting. Aaron Sorkin directs this movie about the infamous 1969 trial of seven defendants charged with conspiracy at the 1968 Democratic National Convention. Mesmerizing and one of Sorkin's better projects. OK-STILL BORED? NEED MORE MOVIES TO WATCH EVEN THOUGH THESE AREN'T FIRST RATE? NEXT TIER.... Fundamentals of Caring-Netflix. Paul Rudd becomes a caretaker for a disabled teen. They embark on adventures and a true friendship forms which leads to hope for the both of them. Good enough, so invest the time. Rebecca-Netflix. A decent remake with an interesting cast. Armie Hammer, Lily James, and Kristin Scott. All the more interesting with the current cannibalism and affair rumors swirling around Hammer! Definitely held my attention. The Assistant-Hulu. Julia Garner(Ozark) is brilliant in this film about an assistant at a film production company and the unfair and immoral treatment she receives from an abusive male boss. Hard to watch and slow, but she is amazing. Forty Year Old Version-Netflix. Not for everyone. This has gotten a lot of good press. A semi autobiographical story about a fledgling playright who reinvents herself as a rapper. Never Rarely Sometimes Always-HBO MAX. A teen is faced with an unplanned pregnancy and needs to travel across state lines for an abortion. Thought provoking and emotional. Fatale-Rent. Thriller with Hillary Swank and Michael Ealy. Swank is a police detective who seduces Ealy. An intricate psychological tale. Keeps you guessing the entire time and holds your attention. Scary! The Boy Downstairs-Amazon or Hulu. The main draw here is Zosia Mamet. After living in Europe, she moves back to NYC and unknowingly rents an apartment in the same building as her ex boyfriend. Slow, a bit boring, but I stayed with it. DON'T BOTHER WITH THESE UNLESS YOU ARE VERY BORED......SKIP IT!! Holidate-Netflix. Two single strangers make a pact to become each other's dates all year long so they don't have to spend special occasions alone. Lame. Palm Springs-Hulu. Kind of like Groundhog Day. Two wedding guests relive the same day over and over again. Insufferable! Midnight Sky-Netflix. Even George Clooney couldn't save this sci fi movie about a scientist in the Arctic who needs to contact a space crew that are returning home to find a strange global castastrophe. Slow and boring. I needed Nespresso! MOVIES I HAVEN'T SEEN BUT LOOKING FORWARD TO WATCHING: Nomadland-Hulu 2/19. Frances McDormand. Nominated for 4 Golden Globes. Homeless woman travels America in search for work and is living hand to mouth. McDormand is always first rate. Palmer-Apple TV+ 1/29. Released prisoner and ex high school football star returns home and tries to put his life back in order. Justin Timberlake stars. Music-in movie theaters and on demand on 2/12. Kate Hudson stars in this movie which is co-written by Sia. It has been stirring up controversy due to Sia's portrayal of Autism, and her responses (on twitter) to the criticism. French Exit-Netflix 2/26. Michelle Pfeiffer, Lucas Hedges and Tracy Letts. A socialite moves with her son from New York to Paris after her husband dies. The Soul-Disney+. Animated film about a middle school teacher who wants to reunite his body and soul after they somehow become separated. Supposedly good for kids over 5 and adults too. Getting rave reviews! WE ALL KNOW WHAT'S COMING NEXT-NOT IN THE MOOD FOR A MOVIE? BINGE A SERIES AND OF COURSE, EVERYONE IS TALKING ABOUT.... Bridgerton-Netflix. Period piece during the Regency era in 'England. All I can say is Rege-Jean Page! He,alone, is worth the watch. A sight for sore eyes....Season 2 coming this Spring. *****THE GREAT-Hulu. I am going out on a limb here! This is a bold declaration! This series is the best that I have watched in several years. It's clever, quirky, fun, well written and a complete hoot. Loved every second and was so sad to finish the 10 episodes. Elle Fanning plays Catherine the Great in 18th Century Russia. Beyond Fabulous. Hope you love it as much as I did. The Surgeon's Cut-Netflix. Similar to Lenox Hill, this four part docuseries profiles four brilliant surgeons from around the world and their innovative procedures. Excellent. Call My Agent-Netflix. A fictional Paris talent firm showcasing the agents and their famous clients. The famous French actors actually play themselves. Entertaining and fun. I Especially emjoyed the Paris scenery in the background scenes. Pen15(penis-get it?)-Hulu. This is definitely not for many of my friends. It is a comedic series based on middle school's awkward social situations. The ups and downs of middle school life-which for me was the worst time ever! I totally loved this series, but it's not for everyone. Don't say I didn't warn you. Lovesick-Netlix. Twenty something Dylan finds out he has Chlamydia and must contact all his previous relationships to tell them he has a sexually transmitted disease. Funny, emotional, and clever. By now, I am hoping many of you have received your first (and possibly your second) Covid Vaccine. Spring is around the corner and although we will definitely continue masking, maybe we can be a little less stressed; a little more hopeful; and a lot more social. I can't wait to chat with all of you in person about everything we have watched. In the meantime, please stay safe and well. Happy Valentine's Day! Peace Out-One B

GULLIBLE LEMMINGS

The other day while taking a walk with my husband, he used a term I had not heard before. He was referring to the protesting thugs destroying the Capitol (and the millions of Trump supporters who believe his lie that he won the election), as "gullible lemmings." When I looked this term up, it described gullible lemmings as "not only believing the villain(s) (Trump), but actively trying to help them. They aren't Mooks or Les Collaborateurs, just regular citizens being what they think is a Heroic Bystander. If the villain is persuasive enough, everyone in the village, town, city, country, or any other kind of community will support them." For the past four years, we have listened to Trump tell lie after lie and most Republicans were not brave enough or principled enough to stand up to him, to call him out for his bigotry, to reprimand him for his lack of empathy, and for his delusional rants. They were complicit and therefore, just as much to blame for the insurrection that occured last Wednesday. It was more important for them to retain their base than to tell the world the truth. "Somebody had tipped the American continent like a pinball machine and all the goofballs had come roling to LA (substitute Washington) in the southwest corner. I cried for all of us. THERE WAS NO END TO THE AMERICAN SADNESS AND THE AMERICAN MADNESS." Jack Kerouac sums up Jan. 6th perfectly. So many quotes pertain to the insanity, the dishonesty, the ignorance, and bigotry that this country has endured for the past four years. I feel the need to vent and to share before we hopefully, regain some peace, kindness, empathy, and morals that will be reinstated into the Whitehouse on January 20th. Won't it be nice to not have Trump dominate every waking minute of the news? "It's the end of the world as we know it, and I feel fine." R.E.M. "We will all remember for the rest of our lives where we were on January 6th when Trump held America hostage." Oliver Markus Malloy Just as we all remember where we were when President Kennedy was shot, or when the World Trade towers went down on 9/11. The difference here is that our own President incited this insurrection. His rally and his words were the direct cause of five deaths, and the mass destruction of the Capitol building. Trump, his son, and Giulianni have blood on their hands and are directly responsible. Ironically, Trump has dumped Giuliani and now refuses to pay his legal fees. He has cast him aside because he no longer proves useful. Why is this not a surprise? 'Most people seem to get bored easly when havng an easy life, and need to feed on drama and conflicts to feel alive. They are like vampires and zombies, that feed on the anger of others. The flesh and blood is replaced here by life energy. Now, the main point here is that toxic woman and toxic men do make us sick. With a mentally sick person in our life, you can't make plans for the future. It's impossible to make plans when teaming with people that are too obsessed with conflicts and selfish needs And hopefully, there will come a time when such individuals are segregated from society and put in mental hospitals. (Robin Sacredfire). Mar a Lago is a bit like a mental hospital, don't you agree? Albert Einstein said, "Insanity is doing the same thing over and over again and expecting different results." At this minute, there are unpricipled Republicans who still believe Trump can change, that he shouldn't be impeached, and that he will go quietly and there will be a peaceful transition. Not happening.... Einstein also said, that "the measure of intelligence is the ability to change." He's incapable. Trump is also a true egotist= "a person of low taste, more interested in himself than me." (Ambrose Bierce) He is also a bigot, ignorant, greedy and a buffoon. "Anyway, no drug, not even alcohol, causes the fundamental ills of society. If we're looking for the source of our troubles, we shouldn't test people for drugs. We should test them for stupidity, ignorance, greed and love of power." (P.J. O'Rourke) "NO DIVINE BOVINE! The clumsy creature currently inhabiting the White House is a distinctly dangerous animal. Part boneheaded raging bully, part dastardly coward showing signs of advanced mad cow disease. Neither of good pedigree nor useful breeding stock, there is essentially very little of substance between the T (bone) and the RUMP, except of course for an abundance of methane and bullshit. It's high time brave matadors of you to enter the bullring, withh nimble step and fleet of foot. Bring down this marauding beast once and for all. A louder cheer you will not hear from Madrid to Mexico City,from Beijing to Brussels, from London to Lahore, from Toronto to Tehran and ten thousand cities in between." Alex Moritt A change will come. Our country has always had hope and resilence. "The sun never quits shining. Sometimes clouds just get in the way." Unknown "It is during our darkest moments that we must focous to see the light." Aristotle "You may say I'm a dreamer, but I'm nt the only one. I hope someday you'll join us. And the world will live as one." John Lennon So here we are - 7 days away from a new beginning. I am rejoicing. I cannot wait! If you have gotten through the rant of this blog and "If you're reading this...... Congratulations, you're alive. If that's not something to smile about, then I don't know what is." Chad Sugg Be well. Stay safe. PEACE OUT! ONE B