Happy Halloween

re-run pics, but the wish is new
Happy Halloween 2016

Boo!!!!!

enjoy your Monday - I hope you get the candy you like - it's guaranteed if you buy it and don't give it out!!

Movie Review Madness - The Accountant

The Accountant is not a sequel to anything. This is awesome news. It’s a fresh independent movie starring Ben Affleck, Anna Kendrick, John Lithgow, and J.K. Simmons. All of these actors are spot on in their roles.

Affleck plays Christian Wolff, a math savant who’s a small town accountant. But behind the scenes, he’s fully armed and dangerous. Video shows him meeting with “bad guys” – he’s the accountant to terrorist stars and J.K. Simmons, a Treasury Department agent about to retire is ready for his last big hurrah. He’s going to catch this guy, get his list, and take them all down. Meanwhile Christian is called into a robotics company run by John Lithgow (always good at being earnest sleazy) . Anna Kendrick was the little whistle blower – saying something wasn’t quite right with the books.  (and she’s very relatable as a “real” employee who’s a bit of a nerd herself)

Lots of math is discussed. Christian, in record time, locates a problem. Anna wonders “Who is this guy?” when she discovers all of his guns and his art work (he has a Jackson Pollock on a ceiling). The cat and mouse game is amusing to watch – Affleck, Simmons, and Lithgow. 

You have to suspend some belief and just go with the flow in this film. I’m not going to explain more, and indeed the film can be a tad talkie. But the premise is intriguing and Affleck pulls off a unique character. He’s managed to learn to work in the real world, and yet he has to keep his own boundaries to make that work.

The Accountant has action, intrigue, and math.  Somehow they all add up to a worthy flick for adults.

Tough Being the New Kid

The New Kid

by Joanne Faries

At ninety, she's the new kid on the block

Moved from her home into "the home"

also known as a "personal care facility"

visitors sign in and out

rules are not meant to be broken

set meal times are restrictive

she won a prize at bingo

declined uno

arthritic hands unable to complete craft's bead bracelet

she would rather read

watch George Clooney movies

stare out her old kitchen window

but that's the past

the walker rolls

down the hall

chin up, 

the new kid smiles

dedicated to my Aunt - she's a trooper

Book Review - The Black Widow by Daniel Silva

Daniel Silva’s The Black Widow is one of the best, I think, in his Gabriel Allon series. From start to finish it will keep you turning pages and also marveling at the author’s skill in capturing our dangerous world today. It’s almost ripped from the headlines authentic or will be soon. Silva definitely does his research and must talk to folks in high places. Very impressive.

Gabriel Allon is an art restorer by trade, but also a legendary spy for “The Office”, Israel’s premier group. As Allon is about to become the new chief, he’s back into the field for an operation. ISIS detonated a bomb in Paris, and one man’s name keeps appearing – Saladin. How to find him? How to get into the network? Gabriel taps an extraordinary woman – a doctor, a Jew, and a woman willing to take the risk to don the clothes and persona of a “black widow” – females willing to work for the caliphate, willing to die for ISIS.

As the mission crosses borders into dangerous territory, Natalie must maintain her poise and conviction to fool Saladin and lead Allon and crew to a fateful night. This is tick-tock watch the clock on your bomb vest nerves on edge writing. Forget your nightly news. Delve into The Black Widow as an alternative. The world is scary. We have to root and support the good guys. Enjoy a gutsy read.

Landlubber poem

Landlubber

The ship rolled one way

my head and stomach another

breathe deep, refreshing sea air

reflect on mariner history

wooden ships and canvas sails

morphed into metal magnificence

tons  displacing water as engines roar

crew members press pulley buttons

to raise anchor

haunted by sea chanteys and rum casks

tourists graze buffet tables and neon-lit bars

I survey the waves

seek out land ahoy

or 

go find dramamine

Wordless Wednesday - almost

volunteer for something

I have been remiss in helping the MS Society but Saturday reminded me why I should.

I have a male friend from college who has MS - he's now in a wheelchair, living with his folks, and not doing awesome in PA

Saturday was a symposium at UT Southwestern Dallas - impressive facility. The Neurotherapeutic folks were out in force - gathering literature and information. I chatted with doctors, nurses, physical assistants, therapists, etc. - all folks interested in helping others.

The energy level was high and I felt that these folks would read the literature I handed them and use the information to help those affected with this disease. There is not a cure YET, but research and medicine keep gaining ground.

hope.......

that's a positive step

No Fall on My Watch

Picture is courtesy of my sister-in-law.  Story courtesy of me

So, Thursday a week ago I found myself with my father (age 85) on his walker and his older sister (age 90) on a walker as they toodle down the sidewalk of her 100 year old home.  She is moving into a "home - yes assisted living", but has not cut the ties completely. I have the list in hand of items she desires (i.e. - afghan, black skirt, sweaters, scarfs,etc)

We manage to negotiate her impossibly steep steps and plop my dad on a kitchen chair. "Stay there."
She's slowly gathering things and then we actually go upstairs. OMG. I'm making a pile, advising her on items, and ultimately commandeering the seniors.  We do get out alive and back to the senior "home" without anyone falling.

Success on my watch

Meanwhile, Friday - Ray heads to work in the rain, manages to crack his head on a roll-up door, and is (in my opinion) concussed.  Can I not leave without an incident?

Seriously?

I'm back in TX to worry afar for my senior father and aunt. Meanwhile, I'm keeping an eye on Ray

Don't fall on my watch............