Crane Beach, Ibswich, MA

Crane Beach is my first beach of choice to take Sadie to for a dog walk. They have a nice large, clean area (turn left once on the beach) designated for off-leash dog walking and playing. Area is clearly marked with signs. Horses are not allowed in this area - so no danger of Sadie eating horse pooh. The beach and the dunes go on forever. Dogs are not allowed on the trails or in the dunes due to bird habitat and dune preservation. Window for dog walking on the beach is relatively short considering the duration is mostly during the harsh winter months. Time frame is from October through March. We mostly visit with Sadie in October and March. A nice pristine day such as last Saturday is an added bonus.

On the way home, we stopped off at Woodman's for some fried clams and refreshments. They have the best clams, which I usually enjoy. This time I went in a different direction and choose a delicious lobster roll and an order of homemade onion rings with ice tea to wash it down.

PS: If you live in Massachusetts, becoming a member of The Trustees of Reservations, which manages Crane Beach, is good for the environment and will enliven your weekends/holidays.

I'm Back

I have not been away physically but lost the blogging habit, bug or whatever you wish to call it. The weather here is a dream especially since it's just mid-March and we are experiencing a week of temperatures in the 60s and 70s. Sadie, my lovable dachshund, went for her first truly comfortable spring walk without the hindrance of wind or rain (two elements that she slightly detests). Last weekend I was under house arrest courtesy of the vengeful Mother Nature. Three days without a break we had flooding, high winds and sideways rain. Cranes Beach will call tomorrow for a long walk while monitoring the horse pooh situation. Sadie does not roll in it but she finds it a pleasing . . . snack. Unfortunately, the lack of winter socialization with other dogs has made her a bit cranky when meeting new dog. To be truthful, I know winter has made us all a tad and a smidgen cranky. Vitamin D we shall embrace your healthful kiss tomorrow, wearing an appropriate SPF - of course.

"The Help" by Kathryn Stockett

The Help has been at the back of my mind since it was released last summer. I picked up my copy a week ago and wonder why I waited. The book is told in first person from the perspective of there different characters - it works and flows smoothly. The period detail is just right, not forced or over powering. Stockett delivers entertainment, social reform and tension with a steady gait.

Check out, start account at Goodreads.

"Dragonwyck", "Great Expectations", "To Each His Own" 1946 Films

I viewed all of these on different days and did not realize until posting that the trio of films is from 1946. The other common thread is that I had not planned to watch any of them but was conveniently in front of the TV when they played. There is a certain satisfaction in enjoying spontaneous TV viewing.

My Take on Holiday Movie Season 2009

Sandra Bullock as Leigh Anne Tuohy in The Blind Side.

There was an excellent mix of movies. But there was not a good new movie about Christmas this year. I did not wish to pay to be part of the disappointing 3D take on A Christmas Carol (2009). Of course, I have not seen everything but of the ones I have paid to see I would rank them as follows.

1. Avatar - changes how movies are made, thank God George Lucas did not write dialog to this sci-fi adventure.

2. Up in the Air - good "old fashioned" movie about relationships staring a real star.

3. The Blind Side - feels good long after it's over, Sandra is respectful of the region it takes place and of her real life character.

4. An Education - a refreshing take on both a period film (1960s) and on a coming of age story. Excellent cast.

5. The Fantastic Mr. Fox - animation was very witty, voice casting was excellent, despite all of that did not bond with characters.

6. It's Complicated - I enjoyed two other films (The Holiday and Something's Gotta Give)by the film's director more. Another case of a great cast with chemistry making a predictable formula work.

7. Sherlock Holmes - relies too much on action and end-of-the-world plot. Shame it did not use the characters better. Did not enjoy Holmes being a rolled-out-of-bed slob.

8. Nine - too many stars saying look at me. Both the stars and the musical numbers that happen outside of real time prevent you from giving a damn about anything other than a few eye candy moments. A movie about the movie making business should certianly be able to survive characters breaking out into song.

Acting Like George Clooney, "Up in the Air"

The Oscars
Being Clooney: Not as Easy as It Looks
By TERRENCE RAFFERTY
Published: January 10, 2010, NY Times
"We all know he’s a movie star. But George Clooney happens to be an actor too."

It's a pleasure to watch this kind of excellence in movie-star acting. Sandra Bullock shines this way too when the material is better and more focused like 2009's The Blind Side and The Proposal. Movie star is not necessarily an empty status. It should not be confused with occasionally famous due to public streaking or random acts of witless insanity.