Monday, November 29, 2004

The Da Vinci Code

Last month I bought a copy of The Da Vinci Code on eBay. I like books about drama and intrigue, secret agents and double agents. My favorite authors are Tom Clancy, Robert Ludlum, John Grisham plus an occasional Caleb Carr. I heard a lot of good things about The Da Vinci Code, so when the prices got reasonable on eBay, I took a chance. I started reading it a couple of weeks ago.

I usually read about 15-20 pages each night. I find that reading relaxes me, makes me drowsy and is the perfect way to end a stressful day. I'm now two-thirds of the way through the book and so far I love it.

The movie version is suppose to come out in 2005 and will be directed by Ron Howard. Tom Hanks has been cast as Robert Langdon, the male lead. Somehow I see the Langdon character as an older person, more professorial in nature similar to Indiana Jones. (Not as old as Harrison Ford, but he would have been my choice if the book had been written ten years ago.) The role of Sophie Neveu, the female lead, hasn't been announced, but Rachel Weisz seems to me to be the perfect actress for the part. She has been in a number of movies, including The Mummy, The Mummy Returns, Enemy at the Gates and The Runaway Jury. I don't have a clue who will eventually get the role.

The book is a definite keeper!

Dead housewife revealed

Mrs. Huber, the nosey next-door neighbor, was the housewife whose demise was revealed Sunday evening on Desperate Housewives.

Sunday, November 28, 2004

Blogging with dogs

When I started this weblog, I committed to myself that I would attempt to post something every other day. I haven't quite met that commitment, but I try. Usually I'll put my thoughts down on paper and then start typing away. I'll save it as a draft, go back later and edit, save it again, check for grammar and spelling and then post. I often edit a message after posting to make sure I've accurately conveyed my thoughts.

As I've mentioned in earlier posts, we have four dogs in our household. Three of the four are smaller lapdog-type dogs. All are under three years of age. My stepdaughter has three small dogs and when she's over (which seems like a lot!), we have seven dogs in the house! Two of our dogs (Mozart and Katie -- a Papillon and a Maltese) are close to me and compete with each other for my attention. It's not unusual for either or both dogs to be lying with me when I watch television. They lately like to sit in my lap when I'm working on the computer. Add to this mix Ginger -- my stepdaughter's Teacup Chihauhau -- who is definitely a lapdog.

Unless they're sleeping or otherwise preoccupied, I'll bring one of the dogs with me into the den. They know it's "computer time" and immediately find a comfortable spot on my lap, stretch out and lay down. I can then start working. I'm right-handed, but I'm forced to type with my left since my right hand strokes and supports the dog. Ever try to type one-handed with your non-dominant hand? It's not easy.

The result is that it takes much longer to write, edit and post than it would if I could use two hands. But would it be as much fun? I guess if you're a dog- or cat-person, then you'll understand. Those who don't care for pets will think I'm nuts. My record, by the way, is to have the three dogs on my lap at one time while working on the computer.

I posted this solo while they were busy eating breakfast!

Friday, November 26, 2004

TV shows

I have to admit that I am hooked on two new TV shows this season. Both Lost and Desperate Housewives are now part of our standard viewing habit.

I've also gotten into the CSI shows this year. I never watched them before, but I gave CSI - NY a try and now I usually watch it. I'm also watching CSI - Miami. I'm not sure that "watching" is the correct term, I usually taping them on my VCR for later viewing. Maybe we'll break down and get a Tivo next year!

And another season of 24 returns next year!

Thursday, November 25, 2004

Thanksgiving morning 2004

Picture of my backyard taken at 7:30 AM, Thursday, November 25th. The sun is peeking between the branches of my Bradford Pear tree that still has red leaves on it.

Behind the fence is a forest preserve. It's mating season for deer and last Sunday there was a large buck with two does running behind the fence. We also have coyotes in the preserve and we often hear them howl late at night.

The Chicago area received a couple of inches of snow and sleet Wednesday and Wednesday evening. The day began with rain and as the temperature got colder, it turned to snow. Thanksgiving morning is sunny, but cold.