Ordinary Days . . . Extraordinary Moments

The Oscars

Like many other Americans, (and, I guess people all over the world tonight), I am watching the Academy Awards. 

I was very touched by the tribute to those who have died this year, especially when the tribute ended with Paul Newman. There were a lot of beautiful romantic gowns this year and I enjoyed seeing those.

I grew up loving the movies. My paternal grandfather also loved movies and would often take us.  I have fond memories of playing movie stars with the other neighborhood girls, but I can't remember exactly what we did after we decided who would be who. I always thought I should get to choose Elizabeth Taylor since Elizabeth is also my name.

My husband and I both enjoy movies, but somehow we rarely get to a movie theater anymore.  When we do, we like to go to the Flat Rock theater where they have comfortable swivel chairs and small tables. It is like being in a oversized living room with a really big screen.

We had not seen a majority of the films which got Oscar nominations this year.  We will eventually see some of them even though it will probably be at home via Netflix. Every year it seems there are so many younger actors and actresses that we do not even recognize.  I still would not miss watching this once a year event.

Dinner with Friends

Bob and I had a lovely evening tonight sharing dinner with good friends at Rezaz restaurant in Biltmore Village in Asheville. It is a restaurant we always enjoy, but we don't manage to get there often. 

The structure of the menu had changed since we were there last, probably reflecting the current concerns in the economy.  The menu was broken down into starters and the into items under Small, Medium and Large. There were wonderful selections in each section. I frequently do not want as much food as I am served in the typical restaurant so I was excited that I had the choice of smaller portions.

Bob and I both started with the Arugula Salad with red wine poached pear, cashews, goat cheese with Balsamico dressing.  Bob's main dish was a lamb kebab over cous cous.  It was so good that I asked for a second taste. I ordered from the small menu section and had the Rezaz Mezze which includes baba ganouj, hummus with kalamata olives, and muhamara with feta, all served with warm pita triangles.
Bob had a rioja and I tried a pinot noir I had never tasted before, Angeline, Sonoma County, 2005. It was so good that I wrote it down to see if I can find it. Bob had the dessert special, a chocolate and banana torte served with banana ice cream with chocolate chips.  I chose the simpler, but delicious, chocolate, pot de creme. 

The food, wine and service were all excellent, but the most important part of the evening was just the pleasure of time spent with good friends.

"Because you are my sunshine . . ."

Bob is not only generous, he was very sweet to me on Valentines Day this year. 

Bob would usually rather plant me a plant than buy me flowers, but this year he surprised me with a dozen yellow roses.  When he gave me the roses, he said:  I bought yellow because you are my sunshine>"  

He also gave me a heart-shaped container of fresh cherries.  YUM.

After taking a class together all day Saturday, on Valentines evening, we went to Valentines Ballroom Dance at Asheville Ballroom.

I always loved Valentines Day as a child, but I think this year was my favorite Valentines Day ever.   I cannot imagine a more perfect one.

My Generous Husband

 

With all the computer problems we were having, I gave up trying to get any blog posts up for the past few days, but I'm ready to go now.

w.

I am typing this from my brand new MAC laptop on which I downloaded the picture Bob just took of me starting to type this blog post. After almost three weeks of my computer being in and out of the shop along with our wireless and backup system also being in and out of the shop, I am so excited for everything to be working again.  Luckily everything was still under warranty because the wireless/back-up device had to be replaced and my laptop needed a new logic board.

Bob has needed a new computer for a while.  I've been encouraging him to get one.  What he decided to do was to get me a brand new laptop and take my old one which is far faster than his old one. 

My new computer's name is Sophie!

THANKS BOB! 

P.S. I think Bob is very patriotic since he is supporting the economy on my behalf.

Snow Moon

I enjoy keeping track of the phases of the moon each month.  The Native Americans call February's full moon the Snow Moon, Hunger Moon, or Opening Buds Moon.  Yesterday was the actual date of the full moon, but it was still full and beautiful tonight.

On our way home from Asheville on Sunday, around 6:30 p.m., we saw the Snow Moon rising as we got off I-26 at Saluda.