Young Frankenstein

My favorite Halloween movie is Young Frankenstein. It's a comedy instead of a thriller or horror film, but I don't care. It's just hysterical, no matter how many times or what time of year I see it.  

Mel Brooks' 1974 black and white film, co-written by Gene Wilder, is the perfect parody of the old Universal Studios horror classics. 

Wilder, Marty Feldman, Terri Garr, Madeline Kahn, Cloris Leachman, Kenneth Mars, Gene Hackman, and Peter Boyle are so funny and perfectly cast in their roles. The “walk this way” routine and other gags are timeless, flowing smoothly from scene to scene.

These are few of my favorite punch lines and quotes:

“What knockers!” 

“Sed-a-give?”

“Vould you like a roll in ze hay? 
     Roll, roll, roll in ze hay”

“Igor, will you give me a hand with the bags?

Soitainly, you take the blonde, and I'll take the one in the turban.”

“Put... ze candle... *back*!”

“Frau Blucher”...[horse whinny]

“He vould have an enormous schwanzstucker.”

“Woof!”

“Oh sweet mystery of life, at last I've found you.”

If you haven't seen Young Frankenstein in a while, be sure to watch this week with a big bowl of popcorn.  Have a safe and happy Halloween!

Just For Today

• I will live through this day only. I will not brood about yesterday or obsess about tomorrow. I will not try to overcome all my problems at once.

• I will be happy. I will not dwell on thoughts that depress me. If my mind shifts to negative thoughts, I will fill it with positive ones.

• I will enjoy this day that has been given to me. I will pause to take pleasure in my surroundings: the sunset, raindrops, a cup of coffee, a sleeping cat, a colorful flower, or a beautiful melody.

• I will tell my loved ones that they are indeed loved. My actions will reinforce my words, and I will make even little things special for them.

• I will accept what is. I will face reality, correct those things that I can and accept those that I cannot.

• I will improve my mind. I will read something that requires effort and thought, challenge my brain with memory games and word puzzles, or engage in lively conversation.

• I will make a conscious effort to be agreeable. I will be kind and courteous to those who cross my path, and I’ll not speak ill of others. I’ll speak softly and not interrupt when others are talking. I’ll refrain from improving anyone but myself.

• I will gather the courage to do what is right. I will take responsibility for my own actions and be true to my beliefs.
    
• I will do something positive to improve my health. I will improve my appearance, eat healthily, get off the couch and take a brisk walk, even if only for a few minutes.

• I will take time for myself. I will find peace through loving myself and enjoying my good life. 
  
  
  
  
  ** I'm not sure who originally wrote this list, but it has been modified several times. 

Soft Kitty

Welcome Callie, the cute little calico stray who has adopted us. We haven't had a cat for over four years, although we had talked about getting another one some day. Evidently Callie decided now was the time. She made herself at home on our back porch and proved her worth by catching three voles and two field mice in the first five days.

She is still cautious with Rowdy dog, who initially barked at her but now ignores her like he did all our other cats. After she'd been here for a week, we took Callie to the vet for shots and checkup. She's a healthy nine month old, so next week she's scheduled for surgery to make sure there won't be any kitty surprises.

Most of our beloved pets found us by showing up on our doorstep, and I believe these things happen for a reason. It's serendipity, an accident of finding something good or useful while not specifically searching for it. Even though someone tossed her out, I'm guessing Callie cat knew we wouldn't be able to turn her away, especially after we saw her sweet face and heard her purr.

“Soft kitty, warm kitty, little ball of fur.

Happy kitty, sleepy kitty, purr, purr, purr.” 

sung by Sheldon and Penny, Big Bang Theory.  

Original lyrics by Edith Newlin 

 

October's Colors and Textures

It's a beautiful fall season! We just had our first cold snap over the weekend. October is one of my favorite months. Trees are beginning to change their colors.  I want to be outside watching the transformation take place and enjoying the cool air.

Everywhere you look there are interesting colors and textures. Nuts, acorns, red berries, and pine cones dot the landscape. Green, maize and orange ornamental gourds have bumpy ridges or smooth stripes. Clear blue skies contrast with bright red and gold leaves. Misty grey fog and clouds hover over fading green and brown fields. Chrome yellow, bright white and deep purple mums cascade over terra cotta pots. Fallen leaves and pine needles feel like crunchy carpet under your feet.

As much as things are changing outside, indoors can be just as appealing. Style and décor for fall features texture and warmth. Luxurious sweaters and warm hoodies are cozy in red, mulberry, bronze and burnt orange. Buttery soft suede and leather jackets, boots, and bags are everywhere. Brushed twill, flannel, waffle weave thermal and corduroy fabrics feature delicious colors like mocha, dark sage, oatmeal, coffee bean, and midnight blue. Comfy quilts, pillows and throws in warm navy, chocolate, spruce, pecan, rust and burgundy hues are perfect for snuggling.

When seasons change, it's time to decorate our homes and update our wardrobes. I've already pulled out autumn décor and clothes. Now I'm going to get busy sewing, crocheting, and quilting, at least when I'm not playing outside.

Useful Notion: Nature always provides ideas and inspiration...all we have to do is pay attention.

"I cannot endure to waste anything as precious as autumn sunshine by staying in the house. So I spend almost all the daylight hours in the open air." ~Nathaniel Hawthorne

NASCAR Truck Series More Exciting Than Cup

I've been a NASCAR fan since the early 1980's. I like the action, the competition and the speed. I used to park myself in front of the television from pre-race hoopla to post race interviews. Lately though, I've become increasingly bored with the Sprint Cup and the Chase. I fast forward a lot on DVR, skipping the long commercial breaks and mind numbing parade of cars riding carefully around the track. At most races, there's no excitement unless one of the drivers throws a tantrum. When the announcer says “Ooohh, they almost touched going down the front stretch!” I wonder what happened to the racing I once loved. 

The Truck Series is another story. Last weekend's truck race at Las Vegas was more like old style racing, even with no Cup drivers infiltrating the field. It was more thrilling than the past three Cup races put together. Here's why I like the trucks.

Quality racing: The drivers actually race each other from green flag to checkers. They aren't afraid to rub fenders or bumpers. They take chances and make a few mistakes. There's more side by side action, passes for position, lap after lap, in the front and back of the field.

Fewer unnecessary cautions: Officials don't regularly throw yellow flags for hot dog wrappers, water bottles, or bits of fake debris. When someone spins or brushes the wall, as long as they get back under control, the race usually stays green. Cautions come out for actual wrecks, not for contrived drama. 

 

Shorter races: Fewer laps to the checkered flag means more intensity on the track. There's no mid race slump where the drivers are content to just ride around—every lap matters.  

Yeah, I know the stands are nearly empty at the truck races. It's like they're the redheaded stepchild of NASCAR. There's no Dale or Danica, no Jimmie or Jeffie. There aren't as many big name sponsors. But I still can't understand why more fans don't go, or watch racing that is so competitive, action-packed and fun.

"No, he didn't slam into you, he didn't bump you, he didn't nudge you. He rubbed you. And rubbin', son, is racin'." – Harry Hogge, Days of Thunder

“Finishing races is important, but racing is more important.” – Dale Earnhardt