The Willimers in America

Sideways

I bought Linda 'Sideways' on DVD for Mothers Day - I thought she would like it, and I was intrigued by the prospect of seeing a film which created so much buzz at this years' Oscars - Lord knows we see so few 'grown up' movies this days.

We were both a bit underwhlemed by the film - it was interesting and quirky but we really weren't sure where all the critical acclaim came from. Not bad, but not sure what all the fuss was about.

Sideways is set in Californian Wine Country, and follows two friends on a 'stag' wine tasting odyssey. They set up camp for their tour at the (fictional) 'Windmill Inn' in Buellerton - which was actually the 'Windmill Inn and Hotel' in Carlsbad, where the three of us stayed in our grand Californian holiday in 2002.

Our recollection of the hotel revolved around the wide collection of amazing wildlife, and the rather geographically confused description of a hotel with a windmill as 'Danish-themed'.

But most alarmingly, in the movie the hotel is known for its exceptional culinary reputation, a true gourmet eating spot with a fine wine collection - when we visited the restaurant was a TGI Fridays, with the usual menu and some very belligerent staff !

Star Wars - Revenge of the Sith

Thomas has had the date of May 19th engraved on his memory for more than six months and, truth be told, so have I - although our little joke was that May 4th would have been more appropriate ("May 4th be with you").

We toyed briefly with the idea of attending a midnight show on Wednesday, but it would have been just too much for Thomas, and we couldn't possibly go without him.

So we went on Saturday afternoon, making sure that we were in a big screen. Thomas very deliberately avoided popcorn and soda, so that he didn't have to miss a second of the movie in the bathroom. And we settled down for the last installment of possibly 'the greatest story ever told' (apologies).

There was very little chance that the movie would disappoint - after all, contrary to most opinion, we all think Episode 1 & 2 were also great movies. And it didn't. Exciting, moving, enthralling, spectacular, but also kind of moving and emotional. Not so much because of emotion in the story, but because of the incredible feeling of closure. It was like finding the last few pieces of a 1500 piece jigsaw you've been working on for 20 years. Long Live Star Wars !

Love Actually

Just wanted to tell you that we saw the best film on Saturday night. You have probably all seen it already - Love Actually. We loved it, loved seeing London, double decker buses, Waitrose carrier bags and Tiffany from EastEnders!! Seriously, it was the best film we have seen for ages. Certainly the ONLY adult film we have seen for ages, after taking Thomas to Finding Nemo, Rock School, Pirates of the Caribbean etc!!

The weather has turned cold, we had a frost this morning, we've put the heating on, God knows what our bills will be!! Spent yesterday clearing just some of the leaves from the back garden with a leaf blower. It's leaf pickup this week, the local borough collection department comes and scoops up all the piles outside everyones house. Great service eh?

Off to the beach this coming weekend!! Our good friends Lisa and Rob have recently bought a house on Long Beach Island and have invited us to go down there this weekend. May be cold but will certainly be fun!! Watch this space............