Downton Abbey and Poldark

I’m a little behind, but I finally went to see the Downton Abbey movie and caught up with the final season of Poldark as well.  Both British historical dramas and both dear to my heart and I was not disappointed with either one.

The Downton Abbey movie was two hours of sweeping English countryside views, familiar characters and just enough drama to turn a television show into a movie.  The main plot point is a royal visit to Downton by the King and Queen, but there is a lot more that happens around this event. Though set two years after the series ended, almost everyone is back and storylines effortlessly continue with a few new surprises, both happy and sad.  It is written by the series creator and it is obvious he knows the characters very well.  If you are a Downton Abbey fan, you will love it.

Poldark started on PBS Masterpiece a few weeks ago, but Sunday morning I watched the first two episodes of Season 5 and can’t wait for the rest.  The espionage sub plot is really interesting and Ross is the perfect reluctant spy.  Ross and Demelza are happy at the moment, but I fear (because it’s Poldark) that storms are coming.  There is a sweet new romance blossoming for Geoffrey Charles and some new dastardly characters up to no good with the help of George Warleggan.  This is a series I will be sad to see end.

Happy Monday!

Life Lately

The past few weeks have been a roller coaster, with a sudden trip to Michigan, my Dad’s passing and the preparation for his memorial service.  It’s a weird spot this week, where life goes on, yet everything is different.

I have tried to balance normal life such as yoga on the beach with a beautiful view of the sun shining through the clouds, spending time with friends, golf with a returning snow bird friend, book group and my volunteer work, with taking time to reflect on my Dad’s life.  My sister and brother send me old photos from time to time and it helps to remember him healthy and in his prime.

In other news, it’s fall in a lot of places, but not here in Florida yet.  It made me really happy to be able to stop by one of my favorite cider mills when I was in Michigan and enjoy fresh, cold cider and a warm doughnut, sitting next to the stream on a sunny fall day.

And, finally, our pool construction is in the final stages.  The tile and pavers were completed last week, the pump and heater went in this week and the pool cage should go up in the next few days.  It’s finally starting to look like a pool and dare I say, we might be swimming by Halloween!

Happy Thursday!

Saying Goodbye

This photo says everything about my Dad.  The last few years of his life were not easy, but he did everything with strength and grace as the caregiver for my Mom who is in late stage Alzheimer’s.  When my daughter told him about her upcoming marriage, he said all he wanted was to dance with her at the wedding. And he did.

He fought to be there and be an example for his family.  He lived his marriage vows.  We will miss him greatly.