Maui 2011 (Part 1)

I've been home from Maui for a couple of months but have been remiss in posting any pictures here.

It was a terrific holiday and I enjoyed the heck out of the place. Everything I'd read about it's beauty was true and all the stories I'd heard that I would slow down to Island Time were dead-on. Sure I did lots of driving and sight-seeing, but mixed with "beach afternoons" and "breakfast on the lanai", I completely relaxed.

On the Road to Hana
(yep, I drove the whole thing - and back!):


A view of Lahaina from the water en route to our submarine tour:


Of course this is from the top of the volcano, Haleakala
(no, not sunrise, but late morning like "normal" people):


A beach on the windy side of the Island
(I fell in the water with my shoes on. Tsk):

Obama sings GaGa

A pretty good cutting job, but it makes me a little dizzy. I'm glad Barack didn't "sing" the whole song." I would have had a seizure.

Go, B, Go!!!

Hugh Bonneville

Sure Maggie Smith is the #1 reason to watch "Downton Abbey", but hotty Hugh Bonneville is a close second.


He's got that Colin Firth-thing going on and plays regal blue-blooded Earl of Grantham with heart and conviction. Perfect!


The English stud has acting chops to back his good looks. I've seen him in other Brit shows like "Doctor Who" and I'll certainly be keeping my eye on him in the future!

Postcards 2011

Postcards are silly and old-fashioned (kinda like me) but I adore them. I love sending them and I love getting them. When I receive one I put it up on the refrigerator at home, looking at them with every visit for soda, cheese, or ice cream (Okay, I eat better than that but I’m just saying).

If it’s a place I have been, I can reminisce about my time there and enjoy hearing about how my friend or family member enjoyed being there too. If I haven’t been there, I get to fantasize, to arm-chair travel, if you will.

In 2011, I only received a few gems of this dying activity so I wanted to share them here.


London, England – My dear friend visited London this summer and said the Royal Wedding was maddening and all over the city. This postcard is evidence of that. Made me feel kind of regal getting it! Hi Kate!


Yosemite National Park – I haven’t been to Yosemite in over 15 years, and the summer of 2011 was a perfect time to visit. There was huge snow run-off and the waterfalls were breath-taking. Well, that’s what I saw on the news and what I surmise from this postcard and my friend's comments on the back.


St. Gallen, Switzerland – I have a friend that is waaaaaaaay more experience at travel than I am. He’s been to parts of Europe that I will never visit (but not for lack of trying). But with this lovely postcard from a small town in Switzerland, I can visit by way of my imagination!

So if you're reading this and you know me, keep those postcards coming!

Carol Channing: Larger Than Life

A new documentary on the Legend comes out in January 2012. Can't wait. I got to see Ms. Channing back in the mid-90s while she was on tour in the revival of "Hello Dolly" (what else?) While her public personna is a little too wrapped up in Dolly Levi, I still think she's fun and look forward to seeing this film. Watch the trailer:

Cougar Day

12/23 A day when women of a certain age are celebrated.

Golden Globes 2012

My favorite category this year?

Best Performance by an Actress in a Supporting Role in a Series, Mini-Series or Motion Picture Made for Television

Jessica Lange, "American Horror Story"
Kelly MacDonald, "Boardwalk Empire"
Maggie Smith, "Downton Abbey"
Sofia Vergara, "Modern Family"
Evan Rachel Wood, "Mildred Pierce"


Boy, I'm torn who I would cheer for in this category. I watch "American Horror Story" and revel in each scene with Ms. Lang. Her fiery dialog and scorching delivery chews the scenery with even the most subtle glimpse or wince.

But Ms. Smith (a classic) in "Downton Abbey" zips every humdinger line of dialog like an arrow to the comedic and dramatic heart. I'm not sure what I meant by that last bit, but I know she's real good.

Here's hoping one of the ladies picks up the trophy this year.


Another terrific category:

Best Performance by an Actor in a Mini-Series or Motion Picture Made for Television

Hugh Bonneville, "Downtown Abbey"
Idris Elba, "Luther"
William Hurt, "Too Big to Fail"
Bill Nighy, "Page Eight"
Dominic West, "The Hour"

While Mr. Elba deserves this win ("Luther" is riveting!), I'm posting it here just as an excuse to upload another picture of him. (Cheshire cat grin)