Last Monday I mentioned hubby would be out of town all week, and I had a list of shows I wanted to watch while he was gone. Some I checked off the list, others I didn’t. The newest version of Father of the Bride with Andy Garcia missed the mark for me. I’m always a Garcia fan, but I still prefer the Steve Martin version. This new one just wasn’t as light-hearted as I’d hoped. The Bad Guys, an animated movie on Peacock, had some amusing moments and a pretty good heist story. I’d probably go three stars on it. I still have a couple episodes left with Castlevania, so that’s on the list for this week. I didn’t get to Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness, but I have a good reason.
Just to remind you, Son #2 moved back from TX and is staying with us until his lease starts in August. Monday night he tested positive for Covid. His symptoms were pretty minor – low grade temp, headache, low energy – so he was stuck in the house all week. I’d planned to watch Doctor Strange on Wednesday night, but he was in the mood for a horror movie (I totally raised him right), and while discussing our options I discovered he’d never seen The Haunting of Hill House series on Netflix. A travesty and one that needed to be immediately corrected! He was instantly hooked, and I watched it with him (my third time, but I still noticed things I’d missed before). Now he wants to continue with The Haunting of Bly Manor and Midnight Mass, so you know I’ll be viewing those again.
Son #2 is a foodie and discovered a gem of a show on Hulu – The Bear. It features Jeremy Allen White, who Shameless fans know as Lip Gallagher. If you’ve ever worked in the restaurant business or you’re just a fan of this actor, I promise you’ll enjoy it. It’s already been renewed for a second season, and Hubby and I watched all eight episodes over two evenings. Here’s a description: A young chef from the fine dining world comes home to Chicago to run his family sandwich shop after a heartbreaking death in his family. A world away from what he’s used to, Carmy must balance the soul-crushing realities of small business ownership, his strong-willed and recalcitrant kitchen staff and his strained familial relationships, all while grappling with the impact of his brother’s suicide. As Carmy fights to transform both the shop and himself, he works alongside a rough-around-the-edges kitchen crew that ultimately reveals itself as his chosen family.
This week I’m meeting with a local author friend for coffee (Diet Coke for me, not a coffee fan). His book debuted at #15 (I might have the number wrong, but it was in the teens) on Barnes and Noble best seller list a few weeks ago. Way to go, Larry! He promised to share his strategy for the price of a cup of coffee – a pretty good bargain if you ask me. I’ll update you next week.
Books and Such 
Looking forward to what Larry has to say. I’ve heard a lot of good things about Bear. I hope you have a great week, Teri.
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So am I, John. Maybe we’ll finally learn the secrets of the book universe!
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Ha ha ha. Let’s hope so.
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COVID has certainly raised its ugly head with a vengeance. My daughter is fighting it and has been pretty sick. The TV shows sound great and it’s awesome that you have your son for a few weeks. Enjoy!! I look forward to hearing what Larry has to share with you!
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It sure has, Jan. Hubby and I both tested negative (that’s two times he’s managed not to catch it), so that’s a relief. We’ve enjoyed having him home again for a while, but it’s stranger after five years. Hope you had a fabulous vacation!
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It was jam-packed from morning til night every day, but the kiddos loved it and I managed to keep up. 🙂 But then my daughter came home sick so that put a damper on it.
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Oh no! Hope she’s feeling better.
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Maybe not all that you planned but it sounds like you had an excellent streaming week. Hope Larry has some useful words of wisdom!
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I did, Tessa. Loved watching Hill House again. I’ll listen to anything Larry wants to say about getting that book on the list!
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I loved the Haunting of Hill House series!! I started Midnight Mass before my kids got out of school and plan on finishing it after they go back. Not a coffee fan either (don’t even like the smell) and yay Larry!!!
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I was excited to watch it again with him, Jolie. I probably liked Midnight Mass better than Bly Manor, but both were still good. I used to like the smell of coffee, but it’s one of the things I still can’t smell 19 months after having Covid – no big loss since I don’t like to drink it!
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I hope your son gets better soon and his symptoms stay mild. The Bear sound wonderful. I loved Shameless and Jeremy Allen White is a wonderful actor.
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He’s over Covid and back at work now, Wendy – thanks! I loved Shameless – always a sucker for a dysfunctional family, lol – and he does a fantasitc job in this show. Read where it’s getting another season, so I’m excited.
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I also haven’t watched Haunting of Hill house. I hope to read book first. Guess I need to visit my library real soon. I hope you can watch Dr Strange this week. Can’t wait to see what you think about it.
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I’ve never read the book, Yesha, but I’ve seen one of the movies. I don’t think the series is like the book, other than facets of the house, maybe. Still, there were some awesome horror moments. Looks like Doctor Strange is on the backburner for a little longer. Hopefully soon!
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Hi Teri, you did bring your son up right. My sons don’t watch horror so I definitely did it all wrong. It sounds like you got your viewing in which is good. I hope you son recovers quickly from Covid and the fatigue passes fast.
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I know not everyone is a horror fan (hubby sure isn’t), but they both enjoy the genre. My Son #1 always enjoyed decorating for Halloween when he was home. Son #2 is over Covid and back at work, Robbie. He was anxious to get out of the house!
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Haha, he sounds like a young man.
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Glad nobody was dangerously sick. Being with family sounds like a great use of time.
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We were fortunate once again, Craig, and somehow Hubby managed to escape it a second time. Being with family is always a great use of time.
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Sounds like you and your son had a great time together. Hope you enjoyed your coffee date with your friend.
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We did, Tori. He’s usually busy with friends, so it was nice to have some time with him. And the coffee date was very informative.
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Oh no, covid seems to be increasi g again, here it really us and am praying me or my son don’t get it now as we’re going on holiday tomorrow!
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Sure hope you can stay away from it on vacation, Caro. It’s horrible to be sick, but even worse when you’re away from home. Have fun!
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Thanks and cross fingers ❤️
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Covid is unacceptable. I’m sorry that your family has to deal with it yet again. On a more positive note, I am looking forward to watching The Bear (and don’t get me started on Midnight Mass – that was GREAT!) Take care and stay in a cloud of Lysol. (I know, it won’t help, but you get the drift)
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We’re Covid free once again, Sue. Hubby has managed to avoid it twice now – lucky him. Midnight Mass was probably my second favorite of that series. I also love that some of the same actors keep popping up. Enjoy The Bear!
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