Chris Floyd has made wonderful little movies of men getting dressed.
Except that's not really an accurate description. And they aren't just regular men.
They are movies of how men think about their clothing. Except for the football player.
Oh, just watch.
I love hearing about how these men curate their clothing, their choices, their preferences.
I put a lot of thought into my clothes and appreciate when others have done so.
At this point in my life my wardrobe is composed of the same kinds of pieces every day which I add to.
I don't give as much thought to fabric as I could, but that fellow up there works on Saville Row so it follows that he'd know his worsted from his twist, just sayin.
Finally, there's this:
shoes and skirts
This is the time of year when I start thinking about spring clothes.
I get tired of wearing my big puffy coat and boots every day and I start thinking about skirts and sandals.
Why skirts and sandals? I don't know, I suppose its the farthest thing from my present uniform of undershirts and turtlenecks and leggings and sweaters.
I love this skirt, and remind me to wear my bra strap like that, will you?
Doc Martens!
Oh, I'm looking forward to no socks too.
Nice.
I'm going with a friend to (the) Talbots.
I want to see this skirt IRL.
It looks a little long though. I've been wearing a couple of skirts (from Old Navy) that are a little short.
And my ballet flats have fallen apart. Did I tell you that last summer? I've worn out a lot of things going to work every day; shoes, watch straps, handbags, headphones. I had meant to post about it but there's the list, so.
I know! A gold cap toe! But I like them!
I don't like to wear sandals to the office. I don't like to see people's toes in the office. I like these anyway.
These are nice too.
Spring. I'm thinking it's right around the corner.
Have I mentioned that I'm only bringing one pair of jeans, two pairs of shoes and one skirt to Holland?
I'll tell you about it later.
I get tired of wearing my big puffy coat and boots every day and I start thinking about skirts and sandals.
Why skirts and sandals? I don't know, I suppose its the farthest thing from my present uniform of undershirts and turtlenecks and leggings and sweaters.
I love this skirt, and remind me to wear my bra strap like that, will you?
Doc Martens!
Oh, I'm looking forward to no socks too.
Nice.
I'm going with a friend to (the) Talbots.
I want to see this skirt IRL.
It looks a little long though. I've been wearing a couple of skirts (from Old Navy) that are a little short.
And my ballet flats have fallen apart. Did I tell you that last summer? I've worn out a lot of things going to work every day; shoes, watch straps, handbags, headphones. I had meant to post about it but there's the list, so.
I know! A gold cap toe! But I like them!
I don't like to wear sandals to the office. I don't like to see people's toes in the office. I like these anyway.
These are nice too.
Spring. I'm thinking it's right around the corner.
Have I mentioned that I'm only bringing one pair of jeans, two pairs of shoes and one skirt to Holland?
I'll tell you about it later.
with teeth
I am completely obsessed with NIN's With Teeth album. (Are they still called albums?)
Interestingly, teeth figure prominently this week.
Oldest reports that SweetTarts are in season. How does he know this?
"Mom, you can just lay the blue ones on your tongue and they melt instantly into a perfect tarty dust."
Middle doesn't have much of a sweet tooth and loves Hot Tamales.
I try to pick up boxes of these two candies at the supermarket.
Youngest is a product of his candy generation. He gravitates toward the supersour sweets.
As he is the one recovering from oral surgery (swollen! doing okay!) he's got a while before he can indulge in gooey stuff.
K is a Heath Bar kind of guy. And, if you are lucky, he'll whip up some vanilla ice cream and crush some Heaths into it for you.
He's devoted to the Take 5 as well but they aren't so easy to find.
And me?
Well, I'll tell you.
I was sitting in Poppy's living room awaiting a taxi to O'Hare when she handed me a Tootsie Pop.
I hadn't had one in 20 years. I haven't had one since.
It was DELICIOUS.
And I want one right now.
I guess we'll have to do some candy shopping this weekend.
Interestingly, teeth figure prominently this week.
Oldest reports that SweetTarts are in season. How does he know this?
"Mom, you can just lay the blue ones on your tongue and they melt instantly into a perfect tarty dust."
Middle doesn't have much of a sweet tooth and loves Hot Tamales.
I try to pick up boxes of these two candies at the supermarket.
Youngest is a product of his candy generation. He gravitates toward the supersour sweets.
As he is the one recovering from oral surgery (swollen! doing okay!) he's got a while before he can indulge in gooey stuff.
K is a Heath Bar kind of guy. And, if you are lucky, he'll whip up some vanilla ice cream and crush some Heaths into it for you.
He's devoted to the Take 5 as well but they aren't so easy to find.
And me?
Well, I'll tell you.
I was sitting in Poppy's living room awaiting a taxi to O'Hare when she handed me a Tootsie Pop.
I hadn't had one in 20 years. I haven't had one since.
It was DELICIOUS.
And I want one right now.
I guess we'll have to do some candy shopping this weekend.
Survivor
Oh! Such misery! I have a cold!
My nose has been running and I have held off a sore throat with homeopathic remedies.
Youngest is pretty swollen (and the window of opportunity re pantyhose icepacks has now closed) but he's good about slipping some Arnica under his tongue and rinsing with warm salt water.
Meanwhile, it's time for my favorite show.
Nicaragua is pretty, I understand the rules and the teams seem to be a nice mix of young/old/men/women/capable/ridiculous.
Francesca was sent to Redemption Island and the action takes us directly there.
How long will she last? I don't think I'd like being there on my own.
Does she have a flint? Yes. But Mom realizes that she also has a lantern with a flame in it!
At camp Kristina is so happy she didn't play the idol. Phillip pulls Rob aside to speak to him. Rob is not impressed. Rob thinks he may be delusional...best line of the night: government jobs? stressful.
Rob tells the tribe that Phillip needs to go home soon.
The next day, Phillip in his baggy undies, is hunting crabs. He breaks down telling us about his dedication to his country. Our reaction? He's batshit crazy.
At the other camp Russell is badmouthing Farmer Ralph and looking for an ally. Any blond might do. He chooses Krista and starts looking for the idol.
Ralph finds it "simple as wiping your hiney with toilet paper."
Rob scopes out his teammates. He confides in Natalie with the hopes that she'll be useful to him.
Gosh, the challenges look so big this season. And it would appear to me that the underwear several tribe members were wearing have been replaced by bathing suits. I'm watching for Phillips baggy briefs and am pleased to see he is wearing a pair of surf trunks. In watching for this costume switch I miss the rules of the challenge - it's a dive across a pool and then a jump for - wait, I don't know. Jump in a pool whilst smashing a tile. Jump back in the water for a key? Locks are opened on a box to get a ball with which to throw to break more tiles. Farmer Ralph is doing beautifully for his team but Phillip's team catches up. Ralph wins for his team!
It's Tribal Council again for Rob's team.
It's raining when the team returns to camp. Russell spies a clue in the reward basket and slips it in his pants. Ralph has seen him do it and tells the team. It doesn't matter as Ralph has the idol but the team is now wary of Russell.
Russell goes to discuss the clue with his allies and when confronted by teammates denies seeing a clue.
They confront him and he turns it around and tells Ralph he doesn't like him coming at him.
Ralph's no dummy.
But he's got a hell of a back full of hair.
On Redemption Island Francesca got a luxury item: a journal.
She's worried about who might join her there and how they will challenge her.
Rob's team returns and Phillip makes a speech.
Rob tries to bring some levity to the situation.
Rob is pissed at Matt, who went to congratulate the winning team after the challenge.
Kristina wears the immunity idol around her neck.
People walk off with Rob to discuss who to vote out.
Rob wants Matt to go.
He constructs a complicated scheme in which Matt will be voted out and says something about Kristina using the idol but I miss it.
He takes Phillip for a walk and Matt tells us how impressed he is with him.
Rob tells Phillip, in confidence, to not pull any crazy stuff at Tribal, and that he'll be okay. He's going to signal to Phillip as to who to vote for.
Can Phillip pull this off?
Time for Tribal Council and Jeff speaks to Kristina first.
Phillip shows Jeff his tattoos and describes what they mean to him.
Jeff asks Matt if he thinks Phillip blew the challenge for them.
Phillip is looking forward to going to Redemption Island to fight Francesca.
It's time to vote...Rob puts his hand on Kristina's shoulder to signal to Phillip to vote for her and Phillip does.
Who gets votes?
Kristina plays the idol before Jeff can count the votes.
She gets a couple and then Phillip does.
Matt gets a couple of votes...and then another and then gets voted out.
Rob is strong and Matt is blindsided.
I don't know who the blond with her mouth hanging open is, but she's amazed.
Bed for me!
My nose has been running and I have held off a sore throat with homeopathic remedies.
Youngest is pretty swollen (and the window of opportunity re pantyhose icepacks has now closed) but he's good about slipping some Arnica under his tongue and rinsing with warm salt water.
Meanwhile, it's time for my favorite show.
Nicaragua is pretty, I understand the rules and the teams seem to be a nice mix of young/old/men/women/capable/ridiculous.
Francesca was sent to Redemption Island and the action takes us directly there.
How long will she last? I don't think I'd like being there on my own.
Does she have a flint? Yes. But Mom realizes that she also has a lantern with a flame in it!
At camp Kristina is so happy she didn't play the idol. Phillip pulls Rob aside to speak to him. Rob is not impressed. Rob thinks he may be delusional...best line of the night: government jobs? stressful.
Rob tells the tribe that Phillip needs to go home soon.
The next day, Phillip in his baggy undies, is hunting crabs. He breaks down telling us about his dedication to his country. Our reaction? He's batshit crazy.
At the other camp Russell is badmouthing Farmer Ralph and looking for an ally. Any blond might do. He chooses Krista and starts looking for the idol.
Ralph finds it "simple as wiping your hiney with toilet paper."
Rob scopes out his teammates. He confides in Natalie with the hopes that she'll be useful to him.
Gosh, the challenges look so big this season. And it would appear to me that the underwear several tribe members were wearing have been replaced by bathing suits. I'm watching for Phillips baggy briefs and am pleased to see he is wearing a pair of surf trunks. In watching for this costume switch I miss the rules of the challenge - it's a dive across a pool and then a jump for - wait, I don't know. Jump in a pool whilst smashing a tile. Jump back in the water for a key? Locks are opened on a box to get a ball with which to throw to break more tiles. Farmer Ralph is doing beautifully for his team but Phillip's team catches up. Ralph wins for his team!
It's Tribal Council again for Rob's team.
It's raining when the team returns to camp. Russell spies a clue in the reward basket and slips it in his pants. Ralph has seen him do it and tells the team. It doesn't matter as Ralph has the idol but the team is now wary of Russell.
Russell goes to discuss the clue with his allies and when confronted by teammates denies seeing a clue.
They confront him and he turns it around and tells Ralph he doesn't like him coming at him.
Ralph's no dummy.
But he's got a hell of a back full of hair.
On Redemption Island Francesca got a luxury item: a journal.
She's worried about who might join her there and how they will challenge her.
Rob's team returns and Phillip makes a speech.
Rob tries to bring some levity to the situation.
Rob is pissed at Matt, who went to congratulate the winning team after the challenge.
Kristina wears the immunity idol around her neck.
People walk off with Rob to discuss who to vote out.
Rob wants Matt to go.
He constructs a complicated scheme in which Matt will be voted out and says something about Kristina using the idol but I miss it.
He takes Phillip for a walk and Matt tells us how impressed he is with him.
Rob tells Phillip, in confidence, to not pull any crazy stuff at Tribal, and that he'll be okay. He's going to signal to Phillip as to who to vote for.
Can Phillip pull this off?
Time for Tribal Council and Jeff speaks to Kristina first.
Phillip shows Jeff his tattoos and describes what they mean to him.
Jeff asks Matt if he thinks Phillip blew the challenge for them.
Phillip is looking forward to going to Redemption Island to fight Francesca.
It's time to vote...Rob puts his hand on Kristina's shoulder to signal to Phillip to vote for her and Phillip does.
Who gets votes?
Kristina plays the idol before Jeff can count the votes.
She gets a couple and then Phillip does.
Matt gets a couple of votes...and then another and then gets voted out.
Rob is strong and Matt is blindsided.
I don't know who the blond with her mouth hanging open is, but she's amazed.
Bed for me!
Poppy's new favorite
She's been very busy, my Poppy pal. The first floor of her home impressed me. I'm guessing the upstairs is mighty tidy now too.
extra long weekend
I'm home today.
I took Youngest, this morning, to have his wisdom teeth scooped out. All four! In much the same way that all tweens have braces nowadays, kids typically have their wisdom teeth extracted during the summer between junior and senior year in high school. Dentists check with x-rays and take the teeth before they form roots and become impacted and we've known about it since Youngest first got his braces.
Middle had his out (it wasn't fashionable when Oldest was their age and his are still paining him as they break through - though Oldest had four molars extracted as part of his orthadonture) during his last high school summer but Youngest has had a remarkable growth spurt in the last six months and felt his teeth shifting. Long story short, today was the day.
He's snuggled in with ice packs and Vicodin and I'm catching up on the newspaper with a cup of tea from Harrods.
The tea starts off as a spidery little ball, smaller than a ping pong ball, bigger than a marble and unfolds as it steeps.
Tiny jasmine flowers were threaded in a little loop that floated up after a few minutes.
And the newspaper?
Almost as interesting.
Eileen Fisher has successfully changed their image.
There is no Eileen Fisher store near me. Maybe that's a good thing.
I'm too short for Ralph, but that's a lovely bag, don't you think?
Did you know that Bill Cunningham has been shooting street style since 1978? He has. He's a fascinating individual and I cannot wait to see the documentary about him.
I love reading the Vows column and the follow up columns too but seven years doesn't seem especially "long running" to me.
Okay. I'm off to get ice packs!
I took Youngest, this morning, to have his wisdom teeth scooped out. All four! In much the same way that all tweens have braces nowadays, kids typically have their wisdom teeth extracted during the summer between junior and senior year in high school. Dentists check with x-rays and take the teeth before they form roots and become impacted and we've known about it since Youngest first got his braces.
Middle had his out (it wasn't fashionable when Oldest was their age and his are still paining him as they break through - though Oldest had four molars extracted as part of his orthadonture) during his last high school summer but Youngest has had a remarkable growth spurt in the last six months and felt his teeth shifting. Long story short, today was the day.
He's snuggled in with ice packs and Vicodin and I'm catching up on the newspaper with a cup of tea from Harrods.
The tea starts off as a spidery little ball, smaller than a ping pong ball, bigger than a marble and unfolds as it steeps.
Tiny jasmine flowers were threaded in a little loop that floated up after a few minutes.
And the newspaper?
Almost as interesting.
Eileen Fisher has successfully changed their image.
There is no Eileen Fisher store near me. Maybe that's a good thing.
I'm too short for Ralph, but that's a lovely bag, don't you think?
Did you know that Bill Cunningham has been shooting street style since 1978? He has. He's a fascinating individual and I cannot wait to see the documentary about him.
I love reading the Vows column and the follow up columns too but seven years doesn't seem especially "long running" to me.
Okay. I'm off to get ice packs!
long weekend
Housework and laundry and a date with Youngest, who had a photography assignment requiring "architecture."
We had promised him noodles too...
and that's how I found myself with a pack of tall skinny guys with cameras. On the train. In the snow.
It was, in fact, a really crappy day in town. Cold and damp and windy. For some reason I completely underdressed. I looked good though.
We wandered downtown past this great art installation - I need to research it. It's lightbulbs.
Good place to use the loo downtown? Restoration Hardware, where I wanted K to see some washed Belgian linen bedsheets. Funny thing! K pointed out that we are going to be in Belgium in a couple of months and suggested we might want to look at sheets there.
After more slogging around in the snow (Hunter boots = freezing feet) we were told it would be between an hour and a half and two hours for a table at the noodle bar we had hoped to eat at so we ducked into a building to make a warm and informed decision about where to eat.
Iphones out, Urban Spoon consulted, we chose another noodle joint.
We were not disappointed.
At a tiny hole in the wall with seats for no more than 15 people we took stools at the bar.
Udon warmed us.
It was a great meal.
We headed home to sit by a fire and watch a movie (Tell No One).
We're expecting more snow overnight but I've got hyacinth next to the bed and it smells like spring in our room.
We had promised him noodles too...
and that's how I found myself with a pack of tall skinny guys with cameras. On the train. In the snow.
It was, in fact, a really crappy day in town. Cold and damp and windy. For some reason I completely underdressed. I looked good though.
We wandered downtown past this great art installation - I need to research it. It's lightbulbs.
Good place to use the loo downtown? Restoration Hardware, where I wanted K to see some washed Belgian linen bedsheets. Funny thing! K pointed out that we are going to be in Belgium in a couple of months and suggested we might want to look at sheets there.
After more slogging around in the snow (Hunter boots = freezing feet) we were told it would be between an hour and a half and two hours for a table at the noodle bar we had hoped to eat at so we ducked into a building to make a warm and informed decision about where to eat.
Iphones out, Urban Spoon consulted, we chose another noodle joint.
We were not disappointed.
At a tiny hole in the wall with seats for no more than 15 people we took stools at the bar.
Udon warmed us.
It was a great meal.
We headed home to sit by a fire and watch a movie (Tell No One).
We're expecting more snow overnight but I've got hyacinth next to the bed and it smells like spring in our room.
10 good things
1. Lobster macaroni and cheese.
2. Sheet shopping with my sweetheart.
3. Window shopping on the internet.
4. Great chart.
5. Fabulous video.
6. My new headphones.
7. Playing Words With Friends with a friend at work.
8. Hearing a favorite episode of A Prairie Home Companion.
9. Great walking music. (You're welcome, Australia.)
10. Getting the College Board Question Of The Day right.
2. Sheet shopping with my sweetheart.
3. Window shopping on the internet.
4. Great chart.
5. Fabulous video.
6. My new headphones.
7. Playing Words With Friends with a friend at work.
8. Hearing a favorite episode of A Prairie Home Companion.
9. Great walking music. (You're welcome, Australia.)
10. Getting the College Board Question Of The Day right.
listen up, you birds and horses and muffins
You are going to have to google the whole bird/horse/muffin thing. And you may not like it. But it rings true and resonates and, in much the same way that you'll never look at a FedEx truck the same way after someone points out the arrow in the logo, you will have bird/horse/muffin like an earworm - but an eyeworm.
Have I worn it out? Yep. I think I have.
It's windy as hell but quiet here this morning.
W limped in last night with a broken down car and he and K are learning some guitar things.
I surreptitiously recorded them whilst looking at JJill leggings on line.
I need a new pair of leggings and would love to order them on line BUT many purveyors of leggings are actually selling JEGGINGS and, for me, they are very distinctly different things.
I fear I may head to Target later today as I also need a new broom.
I had intended to do a movie review of I Am Love today but, sadly, the dvd was compromised and skipped all over the place beginning with the first steamy sex scene which we only saw as Ms. Swinton smirking afterward.
I did see the shrimp scene.
And I do know the ending. Really? A cave?
I loved watching young Emma, pre steamy outdoor sex.
Great bag, yes?
Truth is, I could look at Tilda any time but like her best this way.
Must remember to wear this next week.
Okay.
Have I worn it out? Yep. I think I have.
It's windy as hell but quiet here this morning.
W limped in last night with a broken down car and he and K are learning some guitar things.
I surreptitiously recorded them whilst looking at JJill leggings on line.
I need a new pair of leggings and would love to order them on line BUT many purveyors of leggings are actually selling JEGGINGS and, for me, they are very distinctly different things.
I fear I may head to Target later today as I also need a new broom.
I had intended to do a movie review of I Am Love today but, sadly, the dvd was compromised and skipped all over the place beginning with the first steamy sex scene which we only saw as Ms. Swinton smirking afterward.
I did see the shrimp scene.
And I do know the ending. Really? A cave?
I loved watching young Emma, pre steamy outdoor sex.
Great bag, yes?
Truth is, I could look at Tilda any time but like her best this way.
Must remember to wear this next week.
Okay.
random
O'Hare has these toilets in the restrooms -
perhaps you've seen this type? The thing is, you wave your hand in front of the light and plastic swishes around and covers the seat. Are you familiar?
I'm outing this whole thing as bullshit right now. It's the same piece of plastic, say I, and they just rotate it. Don't sit down!
Is this the best sandwich you've ever seen? Technically a panini, it's bacon, mozzarella and pesto and I want it.
Is this the chaunciest unicorn you've ever seen? Majestic? I saw it on my pal The Art Director's computer and begged him to share it.
And speaking of equine animals -
another friend introduced me to the whole bird/horse/muffin theory today. Apparently, I am three parts bird.
But you knew that.
Here's an instructional for you. I do love scarves. You should too. You can wear the same damn outfit every day and switch out the scarves and no one will be the wiser. Just sayin.
Did you know the Dalai Lama is on Twitter?
I'm not especially happy to have learned this. I can't exactly explain why, but I think slightly less of him for it. (Though I'm not stupid and do believe that many of these twitter feeds are created by marketing departments. Is this one?)
I've always wanted to meet the Dalai Lama so I can walk up to him and sing Hello Dalai.
Segueing nicely from Hello Dalai to Hello Dolly (I'm a genius)...I spied this book whilst visiting Poppy last weekend and, you know, I think Barbra Streisand may be a little crazy.
That's it, kids. Crazy busy over here but I had enough time to wrangle my thoughts and pictures for this random post.
perhaps you've seen this type? The thing is, you wave your hand in front of the light and plastic swishes around and covers the seat. Are you familiar?
I'm outing this whole thing as bullshit right now. It's the same piece of plastic, say I, and they just rotate it. Don't sit down!
Is this the best sandwich you've ever seen? Technically a panini, it's bacon, mozzarella and pesto and I want it.
Is this the chaunciest unicorn you've ever seen? Majestic? I saw it on my pal The Art Director's computer and begged him to share it.
And speaking of equine animals -
another friend introduced me to the whole bird/horse/muffin theory today. Apparently, I am three parts bird.
But you knew that.
Here's an instructional for you. I do love scarves. You should too. You can wear the same damn outfit every day and switch out the scarves and no one will be the wiser. Just sayin.
Did you know the Dalai Lama is on Twitter?
I'm not especially happy to have learned this. I can't exactly explain why, but I think slightly less of him for it. (Though I'm not stupid and do believe that many of these twitter feeds are created by marketing departments. Is this one?)
I've always wanted to meet the Dalai Lama so I can walk up to him and sing Hello Dalai.
Segueing nicely from Hello Dalai to Hello Dolly (I'm a genius)...I spied this book whilst visiting Poppy last weekend and, you know, I think Barbra Streisand may be a little crazy.
That's it, kids. Crazy busy over here but I had enough time to wrangle my thoughts and pictures for this random post.
Survivor
Remember when I used to write little blurbs on each of the players?
Remember when I used to be able to stay awake for an entire episode of Survivor?
Philip is a former federal agent.
Ralph is a "stupid bastard."
Fascinating.
Ooooooooh, Jeff almost fell out of a helicopter!
We're in Nicaragua.
With only the clothes on their backs (oh, how important that first outfit is!) the group is dropped off on a beach. (Love the guy in the suit.)
Two additional players join them: Boston Rob and Russell get out of a second helicopter.
Stephanie wants to stare down Russell.
Neither of them have ever won Survivor.
Rob is on the orange tribe, Russell is on the purple tribe.
In one last twist, when you are voted out in Tribal Council you do not go home. You go to Redemption Island where you live until another player joins you. A battle ensues and whomever wins stays on the island until the end of the game when they re-join the winning team.
The teams head out. There seems to be no specific combination of players, no young versus old or experienced versus newbies.
FYI: the Survivor What If moments commercials seem to be a good time to go get a snack.
Russell has a word with his tribe. He claims he's not there to sabotage anyone, but to win. It's raining already. Ralph the farmer (ew, "mansweater") gets right to building.
Boston Rob helps with construction at his camp. Matt tells us it's like Camp Harmony. Natalie is a professional dancer. Ballroom, of course, says Mom.
They have shovels too! Is Phillip annoying? Francesca thinks so and I like Francesca.
Phillip explains that, as a former federal agent, he can analyze people's behaviors. And he loves women.
Wait. Something has gone missing at Rob's camp? No, it's that he knows that that one woman is looking for a clue. Rob gets square with Phillip as they are outnumbered by women (as he sees it). But Phillip turns right around and confides in that woman in the red tank top.
Russell confides in Stephanie. He promises to keep her immune until the merge but his teammates see him at work. They all agree that he needs to go as soon as possible.
Rob's tribe isn't that crazy about having him around either and some players are ready to vote him out.
Red Tank Top Woman finds the hidden Immunity Idol. People are wearing their underwear. I'm not sure I want to see Phillip in his underwear. He's grilling people and it's not nice. He's not making any friends.
Time for the first challenge of the season. Each tribe pushes huge stone blocks to build steps and, eventually a temple. They then solve a puzzle at the top of the temple.
The blocks are very heavy, both teams struggle.
The purple team leads while Jeff cheers them on.
The purple team have a big lead.
They start work on the puzzle.
Can Rob make up the time lost and solve the puzzle in time?
The purple team's lead has vanished.
But they win! They had been strong all along and it paid off.
Will Rob be sent to Redemption Island?
Kristina is redtanktopwoman and she confesses to Francesca that she has the idol. She wants them to say they are voting her off and then she'll use the idol and Rob will go (because the other half of the tribe will vote for Rob).
Meanwhile, Rob says he would have voted for Francesca because she knows his game but he changes his mind and tells the tribe to vote Kristina. He thinks Kristina has the idol and he explains to a gang how to play - to vote Kristina.
Kristina shows Phillip the idol and explains what they have to do. Is she playing him? Maybe. I have no doubt she'll vote him out later.
At Tribal Council Jeff asks Rob what happened when they got to camp. He talks to Phillip about being the leader. They discuss Redemption Island and how it will change the game. Phillip and Francesca have a little altercation and Phillip tells the team that Kristina has the idol! The plot is revealed. Phillip cannot correctly say Francesca's name. Rob pins Kristina. Does she want him out? He tells her to give him the idol to prove herself. She doesn't.
Rob is right. He's playing with amateurs and they do give everything away.
As K points out, it's a real mix up of votes.
Francesca doesn't play the idol, so it's anyones guess who's going to go.
Phillip, Kristina, Francesca all get votes.
Francesca gets voted out. She's off to Redemption Island!
(I wouldn't like living on an island alone...now I can't audition.)(Even though I know exactly what I'd wear!)
Remember when I used to be able to stay awake for an entire episode of Survivor?
Philip is a former federal agent.
Ralph is a "stupid bastard."
Fascinating.
Ooooooooh, Jeff almost fell out of a helicopter!
We're in Nicaragua.
With only the clothes on their backs (oh, how important that first outfit is!) the group is dropped off on a beach. (Love the guy in the suit.)
Two additional players join them: Boston Rob and Russell get out of a second helicopter.
Stephanie wants to stare down Russell.
Neither of them have ever won Survivor.
Rob is on the orange tribe, Russell is on the purple tribe.
In one last twist, when you are voted out in Tribal Council you do not go home. You go to Redemption Island where you live until another player joins you. A battle ensues and whomever wins stays on the island until the end of the game when they re-join the winning team.
The teams head out. There seems to be no specific combination of players, no young versus old or experienced versus newbies.
FYI: the Survivor What If moments commercials seem to be a good time to go get a snack.
Russell has a word with his tribe. He claims he's not there to sabotage anyone, but to win. It's raining already. Ralph the farmer (ew, "mansweater") gets right to building.
Boston Rob helps with construction at his camp. Matt tells us it's like Camp Harmony. Natalie is a professional dancer. Ballroom, of course, says Mom.
They have shovels too! Is Phillip annoying? Francesca thinks so and I like Francesca.
Phillip explains that, as a former federal agent, he can analyze people's behaviors. And he loves women.
Wait. Something has gone missing at Rob's camp? No, it's that he knows that that one woman is looking for a clue. Rob gets square with Phillip as they are outnumbered by women (as he sees it). But Phillip turns right around and confides in that woman in the red tank top.
Russell confides in Stephanie. He promises to keep her immune until the merge but his teammates see him at work. They all agree that he needs to go as soon as possible.
Rob's tribe isn't that crazy about having him around either and some players are ready to vote him out.
Red Tank Top Woman finds the hidden Immunity Idol. People are wearing their underwear. I'm not sure I want to see Phillip in his underwear. He's grilling people and it's not nice. He's not making any friends.
Time for the first challenge of the season. Each tribe pushes huge stone blocks to build steps and, eventually a temple. They then solve a puzzle at the top of the temple.
The blocks are very heavy, both teams struggle.
The purple team leads while Jeff cheers them on.
The purple team have a big lead.
They start work on the puzzle.
Can Rob make up the time lost and solve the puzzle in time?
The purple team's lead has vanished.
But they win! They had been strong all along and it paid off.
Will Rob be sent to Redemption Island?
Kristina is redtanktopwoman and she confesses to Francesca that she has the idol. She wants them to say they are voting her off and then she'll use the idol and Rob will go (because the other half of the tribe will vote for Rob).
Meanwhile, Rob says he would have voted for Francesca because she knows his game but he changes his mind and tells the tribe to vote Kristina. He thinks Kristina has the idol and he explains to a gang how to play - to vote Kristina.
Kristina shows Phillip the idol and explains what they have to do. Is she playing him? Maybe. I have no doubt she'll vote him out later.
At Tribal Council Jeff asks Rob what happened when they got to camp. He talks to Phillip about being the leader. They discuss Redemption Island and how it will change the game. Phillip and Francesca have a little altercation and Phillip tells the team that Kristina has the idol! The plot is revealed. Phillip cannot correctly say Francesca's name. Rob pins Kristina. Does she want him out? He tells her to give him the idol to prove herself. She doesn't.
Rob is right. He's playing with amateurs and they do give everything away.
As K points out, it's a real mix up of votes.
Francesca doesn't play the idol, so it's anyones guess who's going to go.
Phillip, Kristina, Francesca all get votes.
Francesca gets voted out. She's off to Redemption Island!
(I wouldn't like living on an island alone...now I can't audition.)(Even though I know exactly what I'd wear!)
Survivor alert
Survivor premieres tomorrow!
And Mom is bringing stuffed peppers!
Stay tuned as I attempt to learn about the new contestants, the new rules, and why it's called Redemption Island...
And Mom is bringing stuffed peppers!
Stay tuned as I attempt to learn about the new contestants, the new rules, and why it's called Redemption Island...
oh, we absolutely did get lost
My trip to Chicago last weekend was not based on our usual itinerary of eating and drinking and laughing all night downtown. This trip was designed as a house tour. You see, Jen has recently moved in to her very first real house after a long period of research and real estate shopping. Wendy, too, has a new house in that she tore off the part that was falling off of her adorable home (a back-entry mudroom sort of space) and dug herself (well, not really herself, though she could have) more basement as playroom for her kids and new craftspace for herself. Finally, one of our goals was to do drive-bys on houses that starred in John Hughes films (and schools and skating ponds and ravines).
So, where was I?
The getting lost part?
After a lovely lunch we had mani/pedicures and relaxed and gabbed some more and grabbed some coffee (some in our party must be caffeine-fueled as often as possible) and had a quick peek at Poppy's house. We usually hang around Poppy's city house which, you may remember, was heavily damaged in a fire. The Deluxe Apartment In The Sky is still being furnished and wasn't ready for company and some people had never seen Poppy's primary residence. This put us in a perfect location to see Kevin's house from Home Alone and a launch point for dinner at Wendy's.
We piled into Jen's car and set out. Except it wasn't really Jen's car, it was Fletch's car. It's an extraordinary vehicle, I'll say that, but Jen isn't especially familiar with its workings. And it has many many workings. A special shade, for example, lifted itself up from the rear dash and covered the rear window at one point. Jen had no idea which button did that. And though she dutifully programmed Wendy's address into the nav system we became somewhat frustratingly lost. And when I say frustratingly lost, I really mean sobbing/laughing/nearly peeing with that kind of exhausted/need a drink/confused but funny place you get to after driving in circles with three hysterically funny women.
We made it, very late, and Wendy had gin, which was good.
Wendy's house is an adorable cottage-y place. I think it becomes quickly obvious that adorable and cottage-y are not good descriptive words for a busy kitchen. Wendy's family made do for years but the time came for Wendy to get more space, beautiful cabinets and good lighting. And now she doesn't have to worry about her mudroom falling off the back of her house.
One of the neat things about this new kitchen is that it fits perfectly with the rest of the house. If your home is not a palace why build a palace-sized kitchen on to it?
(How pretty is THAT?!)
We had a yummy dinner and returned to Poppy's house without incident (which only highlighted how asinine our getting lost was).
I slept the sleep of the dead...
under an heirloom quilt...
with Edna looking down on me.
In the morning, Poppy and I suited up and went over to Jen's house. I'll do my best to protect Jen's privacy as I know she doesn't post house shots very often.
That's Susie Sunshine and Poppy helping put things out for the Oatmeal Buffet (Which amounts to three kinds of chocolate chips, fresh fruit and yogurt, three or four peanut butters and coconut. The oatmeal is merely a vehicle for crazy good stuff.)
That's just one little corner of the kitchen...the kitchen which spans the width of the house...the house that's kind of, I don't know, massive?
It's not obscene or anything, size-wise...okay, wait, maybe it is. But it's so lovely that you can't hate it. (That doesn't seem like a very nice compliment, does it?) (It's hard when you love a house and you know, deep down, that you'll never have that kind of living situation.) Jen's house is beautiful.
And it has many sofas.
And WE stretched out on one of them and watched Sixteen Candles.
And then we had a magnificent lasagna. Yes. Magnificent.
Booze.
Cookies.
Are the Keebler's the same as the Scout cookies? Hard to say.
Is there enough icing on those cupcakes? Nearly.
Back to Poppy's to sleep, up in the morning, off to a breakfast spot with an adorably adorable waiter, full of adorableness, hopped in a cab, went to the airport....
Yes, I am omitting more uproarious laughter (dog farts), an entire ice sculpture licking episode, and more salad than any woman should eat in a 48 hour span.
I'm also leaving out the mushy stuff as I love these women.
We are each very different. We see each other twice a year. We come from near and far and really enjoy ourselves - and you'll just have to take my word for it.
(that's ice! in the lake!)
I had a drink at the airport, before heading to my flight. I sat by myself. It was nice. I boarded the plane, set my things at my seat and went to the loo so I wouldn't have to get up during the flight. When I came back there was an airline pilot, in full uniform, sitting next to me. I assumed he'd like some quiet and donned my uber-cool headphones but he wanted to chat.
I learned about the plane and the route and he even told me a good mayday story.
He was the perfect seatmate and it was a wonderful trip from beginning to end.
Back to work for me now, with spare and funny emails from the girls tickling me through my day.
I kind of need a nap!
So, where was I?
The getting lost part?
After a lovely lunch we had mani/pedicures and relaxed and gabbed some more and grabbed some coffee (some in our party must be caffeine-fueled as often as possible) and had a quick peek at Poppy's house. We usually hang around Poppy's city house which, you may remember, was heavily damaged in a fire. The Deluxe Apartment In The Sky is still being furnished and wasn't ready for company and some people had never seen Poppy's primary residence. This put us in a perfect location to see Kevin's house from Home Alone and a launch point for dinner at Wendy's.
We piled into Jen's car and set out. Except it wasn't really Jen's car, it was Fletch's car. It's an extraordinary vehicle, I'll say that, but Jen isn't especially familiar with its workings. And it has many many workings. A special shade, for example, lifted itself up from the rear dash and covered the rear window at one point. Jen had no idea which button did that. And though she dutifully programmed Wendy's address into the nav system we became somewhat frustratingly lost. And when I say frustratingly lost, I really mean sobbing/laughing/nearly peeing with that kind of exhausted/need a drink/confused but funny place you get to after driving in circles with three hysterically funny women.
We made it, very late, and Wendy had gin, which was good.
Wendy's house is an adorable cottage-y place. I think it becomes quickly obvious that adorable and cottage-y are not good descriptive words for a busy kitchen. Wendy's family made do for years but the time came for Wendy to get more space, beautiful cabinets and good lighting. And now she doesn't have to worry about her mudroom falling off the back of her house.
One of the neat things about this new kitchen is that it fits perfectly with the rest of the house. If your home is not a palace why build a palace-sized kitchen on to it?
(How pretty is THAT?!)
We had a yummy dinner and returned to Poppy's house without incident (which only highlighted how asinine our getting lost was).
I slept the sleep of the dead...
under an heirloom quilt...
with Edna looking down on me.
In the morning, Poppy and I suited up and went over to Jen's house. I'll do my best to protect Jen's privacy as I know she doesn't post house shots very often.
That's Susie Sunshine and Poppy helping put things out for the Oatmeal Buffet (Which amounts to three kinds of chocolate chips, fresh fruit and yogurt, three or four peanut butters and coconut. The oatmeal is merely a vehicle for crazy good stuff.)
That's just one little corner of the kitchen...the kitchen which spans the width of the house...the house that's kind of, I don't know, massive?
It's not obscene or anything, size-wise...okay, wait, maybe it is. But it's so lovely that you can't hate it. (That doesn't seem like a very nice compliment, does it?) (It's hard when you love a house and you know, deep down, that you'll never have that kind of living situation.) Jen's house is beautiful.
And it has many sofas.
And WE stretched out on one of them and watched Sixteen Candles.
And then we had a magnificent lasagna. Yes. Magnificent.
Booze.
Cookies.
Are the Keebler's the same as the Scout cookies? Hard to say.
Is there enough icing on those cupcakes? Nearly.
Back to Poppy's to sleep, up in the morning, off to a breakfast spot with an adorably adorable waiter, full of adorableness, hopped in a cab, went to the airport....
Yes, I am omitting more uproarious laughter (dog farts), an entire ice sculpture licking episode, and more salad than any woman should eat in a 48 hour span.
I'm also leaving out the mushy stuff as I love these women.
We are each very different. We see each other twice a year. We come from near and far and really enjoy ourselves - and you'll just have to take my word for it.
(that's ice! in the lake!)
I had a drink at the airport, before heading to my flight. I sat by myself. It was nice. I boarded the plane, set my things at my seat and went to the loo so I wouldn't have to get up during the flight. When I came back there was an airline pilot, in full uniform, sitting next to me. I assumed he'd like some quiet and donned my uber-cool headphones but he wanted to chat.
I learned about the plane and the route and he even told me a good mayday story.
He was the perfect seatmate and it was a wonderful trip from beginning to end.
Back to work for me now, with spare and funny emails from the girls tickling me through my day.
I kind of need a nap!
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