Academy Awards and Life Fails

Hello to the three faithful readers of this blog.

Tonight is the 91st Academy Awards. It's always a special night for me, but this year, I'm just a little worn out. I wasn't able to see BlacKkKlansman or At Eternity's Gate because apparently, AT&T/DirecTV is having software issues with their On Demand movies, even though they are not advertising this issue. Don't get me started with my opinion of the takeover of DirecTV by AT&T, but, I will summarize it by saying that we never had issues with our DirecTV service before AT&T came into the picture.

Anyway, I was unimpressed by the field of movies this year, as well as the nominations for Best Picture. Having seen 7 of the 8 this year, my pick is Roma. 

Best Actress - I loved Glenn Close in The Wife.
Best Actor - I liked all the performances that I saw, but I pick Christian Bale in Vice.
Best Supporting Actress - It's another tough one for me. I have to go with Marina de Tavira in Roma.
Best Supporting Actor - Sam Rockwell's characterization of W in Vice was very entertaining.

As far as life fails. I'm going to have to rip back all the way to the armholes on this sweater. It's just too, too big.

Finally, I have to call the plumber.

Have a great evening Y'all.

MK out.

FO Friday - 2/22/2019

Further progress is being made on the Humulus Sweater. There won't be pictorial evidence today, but I have something else to show you:

Pattern: Elwood by Jennie Wiebe
Yarn: Cascade 220 Superwash in Spaceneedle and Daffodil
Comments: I love this little cardi. I will likely make it again. The only thing I've noticed is that the sleeves seem a little narrow. I may do less sleeve decreases or forgo them altogether next time.

Here's another little project that I finished. 

The drawer was a mess before. I couldn't see what all was in there.

Marie Kondo is inspiring me in my Decrapification Challenge 2019. The whole chest is not complete, but two more drawers are.

MK out.

Book Chat - 2/21/2019

China Rich Girlfriend by Kevin Kwan 

We pick up where we left off in Crazy Rich Asians. All the colorful characters and family members are back. Rachel and Nicky are preparing for their wedding day. Rachel is still looking for her father and ends up getting help from a surprising source. It was very good.

One Day in December by Josie Silver 

From the vantage point of the crammed bus, Laurie locks eyes with her soulmate who is waiting at the bus stop for his bus. In those moments, they speak volumes to each other with their eyes, but neither makes a move. Laurie spends the next year looking for Busboy, as she and her BFF Sarah have named him, but to futile results. Then one day, Sarah brings her new boyfriend home to introduce each one to the other and it's him...Busboy in all his glory. What's a girl to do? We find out in the pages that follow, and it's quite a good ride. I loved it.

Rich People Problems by Kevin Kwan

Cousins Nicky and Astrid are the only two family members being kept from seeing their grandmother who is very sick and not expected to live. The rest of the family circles like vultures. All are speculating about who will inherit Tyersall Hall since Nicky's chances blew up when marrying Rachel didn't sit well with Ah Ma. Drama, intrigue, it's all there, as are the players from the last two books. It was good and as entertaining as the others.

MK out.

WIP Wednesday - 2/20/2019

After a month-long hiatus, during which I finished some other FOs (see previous post), I picked up the Humulus sweater yesterday, separated the body from the sleeves and did a little knitting.

MK out. 

FO Friday - 2/15/2019

I've finished three things in the last little while. I will only show y'all two this time because I have to sew buttons on the third.

Pattern: Suburban Wrap by Joji Locatelli
Yarn: Suburban Stitcher Single Sock in Ballard, Clean Slate and Overcast
Comments: I bought this yarn at DFW Fiber Fest last year. I chose the same colors that Dianne (Suburban Stitcher) had used to make her personal one, because I really liked them. I started the project on September 1st. When I did devote some time to the wrap, I made good progress, but things just jumping the line ahead of it. Joji's patterns are always well thought out and very clearly written. 

It was a pleasure to make this project and I'm looking forward to getting much use out of it.

Pattern: Baby Roots Cardigan by ADHD Knitting
Yarn: Lion Brand Cotton-Ease in Pink
Comments: I made this cute little cardi for a very special new citizen of the world. The pattern is well written and it knits up fast. I used my last skein of pink Cotton-Ease. I was sweating it near the end...I played yarn chicken while knitting the sleeves, but I won.

MK out.

Movie Monday - 2/11/2019

Christian Bale does an excellent job portraying Dick Chaney in Vice. Amy Adams plays his wife Lynne. The film fills in the background about Chaney's life up to and including being chosen to become W's running mate. Sam Rockwell does a great job with his characterization of the 43rd president. Steve Carell, Allison Pill, Lilly Rabe and Tyler Perry are among the other fine actors in this film.

 

If Beale Street Could Talk is the adaptation of James Baldwin's novel of the same name. It's set in early 1970s Harlem and follows the tragic love story of two long-time friends, Tish and Fonny. Fonny is convicted of a rape he didn't commit and Tish does her best to get him out. It's a heartrending story about issues that still exist today. 

I have two more films to watch before the Academy Awards. 

In other news, I may not get to watch the actual show.

I know.

MK out.

Movie Monday - 2/4/2019

Clint Eastwood, Dianne Wiest and Bradley Cooper are among the great actors starring in The Mule. It's based on the true story of an 80-year old man who transported cocaine through Illinois for the Sinaloa Cartel. It was good.

The Upside is a remake of the foreign film The Intouchables. Both are based on the true story of a paraplegic and his unlikely caregiver. Bryan Cranston, Kevin Hart and Nicole Kidman star. It was very good.

MK out.