Time with Nanna, Remembrance and James Bond 007 Marathon #15

On Saturday night we continued on with the marathon by watching #15, "The Living Daylights" (1987).

This was Timothy Dalton's first movie and I really liked him in it. Ed and I will be reserving our ultimate rating of "Favourite Bond" until the end but he was good. It sucks when your Supporting Actor can't act (see below for more details).

As the movie progressed, I was starting to think (more and more) that this was going to be my favourite one. But in the end, not so much. The plot started out believable and fairly easy to follow and ended up with people riding horses in the desert and falling out of airplanes in jeeps (hope I didn't just ruin the movie for you).

Besides, the female lead (whoever she was, no need to remember her unless you want to remember her so that you'll never see a movie with her in it again but fear not because I'm pretty sure that she wasn't in one) was a really bad actor.

Ed gave it a "6" rating and I gave it an "8".

On Sunday, we all went out for breakfast. Afterwards, Ed and I headed into Ottawa for a day of errands. We didn't end up watching a movie as Ed had to prepare for several meetings (in Ottawa) that he has tomorrow.

The kids have been adding new words to their vocabulary every day. Artemis loves to draw, organize things and do puzzles. Max likes to play with balls, drive his car and play his musical instruments (electric piano, manual piano, tambourine, drum, whistle, horn and his karaoke machine). They're both 33" and almost in 24 month clothing.

Unfortunately, all good things must come to an end and after seven sleeps, Nanna will be leaving us tomorrow.

I need to take more pictures but we've been really busy. Here is one taken during breakfast. Artemis loves to show her teeth (note that she can say "teeth" and also show you where yours or hers are).


Yesterday, October 15 was Pregnancy and Infant Loss Remembrance Day. Everyone deals with the loss of a child differently but most people enjoy talking about their child. Don't be afraid to let them know that you're thinking about them and that you remember their child. Sometimes the memories are all they have left.

  Besos, The Zoo

Weekly Drivel and James Bond 007 Marathon #13 and #14

We spent Friday night at Finnerty's.

It was the first time that the kids visited since they were little babies (probably 6 months old).

They were really well behaved (and didn't get us kicked out). They enjoyed playing with the kids toys (that friends bought them), eating chips and climbing all over everyone.

There was only one little problem because I forgot the diaper bag (read: soothers and diapers) at home. The soothers weren't needed but the diapers were...

On Saturday night, after the kids went to bed, Ed and I had a dinner to remember (or not, that's why we took pictures).

It started out with appetizers.

Russian Caviar, Russian Smoked Salmon (cut straight off the fish), Spicy Hungarian Sausage (also from our favourite Russian Deli that we've been going to for 10 years and was originally recommended by a Hungarian work colleague of mine at Nortel), Kalamata olives and Raspberries.

The only thing that would have made it perfect was a few slices of Cambazola cheese. Note that I actually went to the store especially for it but forgot as it wasn't on my list.

For dinner we had Rack of Lamb, basmati rice and beet greens (from the garden) with fresh ginger.

Besides the fact that we like good food, the reason for the fancy-schmancy meal was because Ed has been saving something for a rainy day and we decided that today (while lovely out and no sign of rain) was the perfect day.

Tonight, we drank Ed's bottle of 1996 Cakebread Cellars Cabernet Sauvignon, Napa Valley, USA. Here is what the winemaker had to say;

This bottle was supposed to be drunk from 1998 to 2006 (we didn't know this). Regardless, we loved it. We would both like to try a bottle of 2007 or 2008, which have received high reviews (92). The only problem is that the LCBO sells the 2008 for $99.95.

We have several other bottles that we've been saving. One is a bottle of 1999 (something or other, red) that we bought in France in 2001 and a couple more that are around 10 years old.

The 1996 Cabernet Sauvignon, with its attractive garnet colour, releases scents of plum, cedar, and vanilla. Mild, smooth flavours of red currants and plums build on the palate and linger through the long finish. Mid-palate, hints of chocolate and mint emerge. The predominant characteristics of this wine are its overall roundness and lingering aftertaste.

I'm not sure whether it was the wine (the older a wine gets, the higher the sugars) but shortly after the start of Octopussy (#13 in the series), I fell asleep.

I've seen this movie before. I saw it in the movie theatre in 1983 (at age 11). I went there on a triple "date" with Peter Smythe, Mike White/Jenny Mullins and Amanda Smith/Toby Morrison. Eleven sounds so young but I can remember feeling "so mature" at the time.

Ed stuck it out and gave it a rating of "8". I will need to watch the movie again this week (while Ed is away).

On Sunday we watched "A View to a Kill" (1985) which is #14 in the series. I had not seen it before. It was really good. It was almost up there with my favourites but something (I’m not sure what) was missing. The sound track (by Duran Duran) was really catchy. I rated it an "8" and so did Ed.

Monday was Canadian Thanksgiving. Happy Thanksgiving everyone!

In July, Aries had an altercation behind the BBQ and got an eye infection. Well, the antibiotics never made the infection completely go away. That's because a side effect (of the infection) caused her eyelids to turn in. Therefore, the hair on her eyelids was scratching her cornea and constantly infecting her eyes. So, today, Aries had entropion eye surgery.

In the morning, Eric (and Sandra) kindly drove Aries to the vet in Ogdensburg. They were going to mail a package and offered to save Ed a trip. On the way home, Ed conquered Thanksgiving traffic (I didn't think that it would be that bad but he had to wait 1.5 hours at the bridge), and Aries was still walking off the effects of the anesthetic (she was falling all over the place). Her eyelids look worse after the surgery. A small price to pay for some more quality time with our 16-year-old cat.

Yes, this is the best picture of the lot.

The next movie in the marathon is "The Living Daylights" (1987), the first of Timothy Daltons (two) movies. However, Ed leaves for San Diego tomorrow (on business) so we won't watch it until Saturday night (probably).

Today (Tuesday) was another beautiful day. The alarm went off at 4:45am. By 6:45am, I had dropped Ed off at the airport and was back at home in bed for another hour (before the kids woke up). Eric came and walked the dogs (thanks for always looking after them Eric!). Nanna (who arrived yesterday) and The Zoo went for a long walk. Afterwards, we tried to get every ounce out of the good weather and we played on the jungle gym until the sun set and it got cold quickly.

Oh, I almsot forgot (well, actually I DID forget but the power of the internet lets me go back and update my post before you even noticed, maybe I didn't forget at all...). The kids turned 22 months old today! Where has the time gone (that's a rhetorical question as I do actually know where it's gone).

Here are some pictures of our day.

  Besos, The Zoo

James Bond 007 Marathon #11 and #12

After a two night visit, Poppa went home yesterday. The kids loved visiting with him and my garden thanks him also (he helped me weed and prepare it for the winter). Thanks Poppa.

Last night we watched "Moonraker" (1979). The major problem was that the movie was slow with a poor plot. I liked the Gorgeous Allie and there was Continuity (Jaws was in it).

I rated it a "7". Ed gave it a "6".

We're halfway through the Bond Series (the 23rd movie is due out in 2012). Eleven more to go.

I like plots best when "Spectre" is the Enemy. It makes the ludricrous plot that much more believable because a man with no face, a diabolical laugh and white cat (that he pets all the time) is behind it.

Tonight we watched "For Your Eyes Only" (1981).

This movie had it all; amazing theme song ("For your Eyes Only" by Sheena Easton, ties for first place with Carly Simon "Nobody Does it Better"), Car Chase, Ski Chase, Underwater Fights, Gorgeous Allie, Ditzy Blonde, Great Plot that read like an Agatha Christie novel, Much Improved Cinematography, Continuity (the Evil Guy from #5, "On Her Majesty's Secret Service" had a part) and everything ended as it should with words from a Parrot. I had not seen this movie before.

I rated it a "9" and Ed gave it an "8". Thunderball is still his favourite and I have to admit that the kung foo and James' Allie were top notch. For me, this tied.

In summary, below is the movie and what Ed and I (in that order) have rated it.
1. Dr. No, 6, 6
2. From Russia with Love, 5, 8
3. Goldfinger, 7, 7
4. Thunderball, 8, 9, (7.5 for Poppa)
5. You Only Live Twice, 7, 7
6. On Her Majesty's Secret Service, 6, 5
7. Diamonds Are Forever, 7, 8
8. Live and Let Die, 6, 7, (7 for Poppa)
9. The Man with the Golden Gun, 7, 9
10. The Spy Who Loved Me, 7, 7
11. Moonraker, 6, 7
12. For Your Eyes Only, 8, 9.

Next up is "Octopussy" (1983).

  Besos, The Zoo

Last night we watched #4, "Thunderball" (1965) on DVD. The movie had been remastered which was better on the eyes, however, it made the authenticity of the movie seem less real. Your eyes think modern movie but the technology and cinemetography say ancient. It messed with my head a bit.

Poppa was our movie night guest tonight and he rated the movie a "7.5". Ed and I liked everything about the movie. It had a great plot that was easy to follow, tons of gadgets (for the car and Bond), great allies, music, you name it. The underwater fight scene was a bit long.

When this movie started, I had no idea that I'd ever seen it before. That was until the "pool scene". It should be noted that this movie is the reason why I'm afraid of swimming in pools (at night), lakes (almost all the time) and oceans (never). Whenever people would tell me that there was no such thing as sharks in pools, I'd remind them of the James Bond movie (I never quoted the name because I didn't know it).

Even so, I gave it a rating of "9" and Ed gave it a rating of "8".

Tonight we watched movie #8, (another one that we’d missed) "Live and Let Die" (1973). Roger Moore did an amazing job as a first time Bond, you wouldn’t even know it. Jane Seymour was a great Bond Girl. The theme song by Paul and Linday McCartney was my second favourite (To Carly Simon's, Nobody Does it Better)

The gadgets were great, the boat chase was epic (although a little long), and there were tons of really "smart" scenes. The problem was the plot (really hokey) and the ending (dragged on).

In turn, our ratings weren’t that good; Poppa "7", Ed "6" and I "7".

Next up is movie #11, "Moonraker" (1979). And we’re now back on track.

  Besos, The Zoo

The Mullet and James Bond 007 Marathon #10

For the past few months, people (family and friends) have been asking me "When I'm going to cut Max's hair". One even ventured to ask "What's up with Max's Mullet".

First off, while he has a lot of hair on the top and back of his head, it's pretty sparse/non-existant elsewhere. Secondly, his "laissez-faire" do is the latest rage. Finally, it keeps him warm in the winter. In turn, I'm waiting for the rest of it to grow in, the mullet to fall out of style and spring to come.

In December 1976, Andrew and I had our annual Christmas pictures taken. In the picture, you can see Andrew sporting his own "unique" hairstyle. When I asked my mother "how she could do that to her child", she replied, "We thought he looked cute".
Worked for her.


That's my story and I'm sticking to it.

P.S. Happy Belated Birthday Andrew.

For the past few days, the kids have been feeding themselves with spoon and forks. Here they are eating homemade applesauce.


Both kids enjoy putting "Doll" into the highchair and giving it a bottle. In reality, they just want to suck on the fake bottle themselves.


I doubt that these pictures need an explanation.



Tonight we watched #10 "The Spy Who Loved Me" (1977).


It was slightly painful to have to watch this movie again (because I knew the ending) but it was better than I thought. There was at least one reference to a previous movie (On Her Majesty's Secret Service). It's fun being able to understand the references. We didn't notice any continuity errors. I absolutely loved the theme song by Carly Simon, "Nobody Does It Better". There were several gadgets (related to a car) but no small ones (like a watch that doubles as a gun). Overall, it was a really well done movie, however, for me, it lacked the "smart" and "funny" factors.

Ed rated it a "7" as did I.

We initially thought that we would have to pause our Marathon until Nanna arrives (Thanksgiving Monday), as we're missing many movies (up until Brosnan), however, Poppa will be coming for a visit on Monday so he will bring up Andrew's DVD collection AND a DVD player. So, we have one night off (tomorrow, Sunday night) and then we're back at it. We can't wait.

  Besos, The Zoo