11/4/2013

weekly update 11/4//2013

It seems that in spite of my honest and sincere efforts to quit walking, I've been at it regularly for 2 weeks now. It's supposed to replace my swimming, but I really do not like to go for walks. I've surprised myself by keeping at it. I was at the Y for 4 times again this week.

I had some errands to do on Wednesday, beginning with going to the south side for bagels. Since I was near to the big Verizon store, I stopped there to get a speaker dock for my phone so I could listen to Pandora in the night when I can't find anything on tv (over 800 channels and I can't find anything to watch!). I wanted one like I had for my apple itouch, but since I now have a Galaxy phone, there is nothing like that. my old dock was also a clock, had a sleep timer, and alarm that could be set for either a buzz or music, and a night light. If I remember, it cost maybe the great price of $20. The only thing Verizon could offer me was a portable speaker, and the least expensive was $130! Just to listen. So, I told them I'd think it over. It didn't take me too long - not gonna happen.

After my errands, I met Anne Nedd at the Ships of the Sea Museum. Neither of us had ever been there, and it was on my summer bucket list before I gave up on that. It was very interesting. I think we both enjoyed (I know I did) the model ships and other displays, and also we liked being inside the historic Scarbrough house. The museum is located in a home that was built in Savannah in 1819 for wealthy merchant William Scarbrough, and designed by well-known architect John Jay. Since it was modified in the mid-19th century and used as a school for about 100 years, it was not possible to re-fit it as a house museum (which is fine - Savannah has plenty of house museums), but was perfect for the display of maritime artifacts and models, many of which are linked to Savannah.  It was a nice day.

Scarbrough House

the slave ship, The Wanderer

Thursday was Trick 'n' Treat night. Not much going on here, since we live in a gated community, and the riff raff are kept locked out. I remember Halloweens past when I would get over 300 beggars at Pebbleview Drive, but those days are past. I don't know if it's as much the move to Savannah as the changing times - does anyone go door to door any more, or is all parties and functions held by fire and police departments? Anyway, there was supposed to be candy available at the club house if any of the (very few) children that live in the development wanted to get some. I went with my bowl of Butterfingers. Perhaps I looked more like a witch than I thought I did, and scared all the little ones away, because there was no one there. Darn, had to eat my candy myself.

eating my "leftover" candy bars

The Savannah Film Fest was ongoing this past week. I've never been, but Donna went last year and really enjoyed seeing some of the movies. It's like the Sundance - lots of indie films, many created by film students at SCAD - not not nearly as famous or large. Donna had an extra ticket to a movie that was filmed in Savannah last year, and she asked if I'd like to go Friday evening. Since I was already downtown after my DH tours, we met and had a light supper and then went to the movies. It was scary - a cross between the Blair Witch Project and the Jonestown Massacre. A cult suicide was filmed in mock documentary style. Bloody, scary, depressing. Following the film, the filmmaker, a couple of actors, and the producers came on stage to talk about the film, and that was interesting. I know it was filmed in Savannah, but I have no idea where, because I didn’t recognize the big field that served as the area of the commune. The path into the place, however, looked a lot like where I walk every day at the Y - yuck.

Saturday, I was content to sit in the condo and watch the college football games. Lisa tested to me that she was going to be at the Savannah Stage Company's performance of The Turn of the Screw that evening, and suggested that I join her and her step mother there. OK, I can do that. Of course, I was confused - again. I thought it was the Savannah SHAKESPEARE Company and the play was The TAMING of the SHREW. Nope. Another horror / suspense / drama. I got my fill of scary stuff this week.

Naturally, I was disappointed in the Bills Sunday game. The loss was not unexpected, but it was disappointing. I think the hardest part was how the game went. We lost it on turnovers. The Chiefs offense didn't score one touchdown, but the special teams and defense did. A fumble returned for a TD, an interception that was costly. I think Jeff Tuel did remarkably well at quarterback, but there just wasn't enough experience there. On the other hand, EJ Manuel doesn't have a lot of experience, either, so I don't expect big things when he returns next week. Maybe next year? Please? In all, there weren't a lot of games this week that I did like. At least the Lions didn't lose - it was their bye week.