Cinema Sunday: Spotlight

After getting up late we rushed to the cinema to see Spotlight. We arrived 20 minutes after the advertised start time so knew we had missed the trailers and possibly even the start of the film. Luckily, however, the last trailer was being shown as we entered the cinema and after one ad the film began. Perfect timing!

It's an incredible film. It's not overly sentimental or mawkish and focuses on the hard work of the journalists in the "Spotlight" Team in the Boston Globe.

There were two points when I was moved to tears. The first time when Mark Ruffalo had an outburst were he spoke passionately for about a minute -the mention of the victims made me tear up. Then at the end I was brought to tears when the places where abuse were listed at the end of the movie. The first name places were all in the USA but then the listing of worldwide locations started. I saw three places in Ireland listed but there may have been more that I missed. Horrific to see it on the big screen.

This is a must see film. Do let me know if you have seen in it or whether you will go.

I also felt it was ironic that we watched this film in a packed cinema at 11.30am on a Sunday morning. Twenty years ago, the audience would probably have been in Church and not in a cinema. I think this says a lot.

Rock of Ages Stage Costume

My younger sister is a member of a musical society that is performing "Rock of Ages" in March. 

She is an amazing singer and dancer and has been cast as a waitress in the show. For her costume she is wearing denim cutoff shorts and a vest top. I offered to make her a waitress's apron and set about doing it today.

I decided to hack a cloth bag to make the apron.

I cut the straps off the bag and resewed them on to use as the belt for the apron. I also sewed up the bag in half to make a short apron.

After lunch we went to Evans Art Supply shop to get some fabric paint and stencils. I also bought some jewel sequins.

Katie is performing as a waitress who works in the "Bourbon Room" so I stenciled the name of the bar on to the apron.

Finally I added the sequins. Large ones along the trim to look like metal studs. I then drew a bolt of lightning on the apron and filled it with tiny sequins and then outlined it in black fabric paint.

Here's the finished product (you can see my trusty glue gun in the bottom of the picture). Next time I post a pic of the apron will be when Katie is in full costume and ready to rock!!!

Wonderful Wednesday

I had a day off work yesterday which was wonderful. I went in to the city and sauntered around. I then decided to give blood after seeing my sister's blog. When I arrived at the Blood Donor Clinic was a lot of people waiting to donate as there had been a call out for blood donations due to a shortage after Christmas. I had to interview with the nurse as it had been over two years since my last donation (due to my iron being low). After the interview my iron level was tested to see if it was high enough for donation. Unfortunately, my iron level was again too low so not only I was unable to donate yesterday but my next donation was deferred for 6 months time. What a disappointment. 

After leaving the blood clinic I walked home and then went to the cinema to watch Creed. It was a good film but I wouldn't say it was a great film. Perfectly watchable and in fairness to Sylvester Stallone I thought he put in a good performance.

It was a lovely treat to have a day off midweek - I must do it again sometime!

What I've been reading and watching

Currently I'm in the middle of "Bittersweet" by Colleen McCullough (author of The Thorn Birds). I'm really enjoying it! Set in Australia in the 1920's it tells the story of 4 sisters (two sets of twins) who set off to train as nurses at age 19 and 20. It's very engaging and I'm really hooked to see how the story goes.

On Friday, I had planned to go see two movies in the cinema. However, I ended up meeting Amy for lunch so only got to see one film. The film I chose was "The Big Short". Billed as a comedy I didn't find it funny. It was way to serious a subject to laugh at (the subject being the 2007 subprime mortgage fiasco and the economy collapse in the USA).

I was glad I got to see Room this evening. It was quite incredible. I was nearly in tears at different points in the film (the cinema was packed full which probably stopped me from crying. Do go see it, it's unlike any film I've every seen before. The script is sensational and the directing is even better. I do hope it does well at the Oscars!

"Road House" with Patrick Swayzee

I remember trailers for "Road House" back in the late 1980's (it was after Swayze's success in Dirty Dancing) and always thought I would like to watch it. As far as I recall, it was an 18's certificate when it was in the cinema and also when it made it to video (I seem to remember it in the section of the video shop that we never borrowed from!)

You may not know this about me but I was brought up in a home without a TV as my parents didn't agree with them. In order to see popular programmes of the time such as "Blossom" my twin sister and I would always call to our best friends house after school on a Friday to catch it at 6pm.  

On Saturday nights, we had a regular babysitting job minding our young cousins. We were paid a nominal amount plus a video of our choice paid for by our aunt. We would walk to our aunt's house which was about 20 minutes away and on the way would stop off at the video shop which was in the local newsagent.....no fancy Extravision for us!  Good times!!

But anyway back to Road House. It was on MGM tonight and there wasn't anything else on so I decided to watch it. What a film! Absolutely terrible.......but very watchable.  Not only does it star one of my favourite actors Patrick Swayze but also Sam Elliot - minus the moustache unfortunately but still very hot!....the lack of moustache is made up for by the length of his hair.

It's very of its time - particularly when you see Swayze smoking for what seems like real in many of the scenes. The clothes are what seems to have dated the most while on the other hand the music hasn't really and is generally fairly good. Some of the special effects are pretty fake looking too (if you've seen the film you probably know what scene I'm talking about). But overall it's not a bad film if you are in the mood for this type of thing.

If you've watched this movie, do let me know!  

Baby Zoe is going home!

You remember that I blogged about Baby Zoe a short while ago - you can read all about it here.

I have a good news update!

An anonymous donor has given €30,000 which will mean that Baby Zoe can fly home to Tennessee.

Here's a report all about it today's paper.

I'm so happy that it has worked out for this family and I hope they will return to Ireland some day.

What I got up to yesterday!

After a slow start to the day I went to my mother's house for lunch. It was very pleasant with my twin sister and her husband and also my Nana and my Uncle. There was so much food and it was all so good! There was pork, beef and also chicken pie - I had a bit of all the meat. Then there was a selection of vegetable, including sweet potatoes, carrots, broccoli, parsnip, marrow peas and of course roast potatoes (these are my Uncle's favorite and there is always a joke about where they need to be positioned......right beside him of course!).

Afterwards we were going to go to the cinema to see The Revenant but decided instead to go home and watch "Fury" which I had got from the Library. I really enjoyed this film and was very impressed with Brad Pitt - he is a seriously great actor.

Later on in the evening I made further holiday arrangements and booked a rental car for my parents and myself for the drive down from Miami to Key West. I booked a Ford Escape as we will have three suitcases so will need a bit of room for luggage. It seems like a good option.

And then it was to bed to have a great nights sleep before the start of another week in work!

Oscar nomination time

It's been a great year for Irish film with 7 Oscar nominations including Brooklyn and Room both being nominated for Best Film. Both of these films were books that were adapted. Brooklyn is written by Colm Toibin and I loved the book and adored the film even more. You can see what I blogged about Brooklyn (when I saw it in November) here.  Room is written by Emma Donoghue who also adapted it for the movie. I haven't read it but I imagine I will go see the film. I was so pleased to hear that Brie Larson was nominated for Best Actress. I spotted her in "Trainwreck" and although playing a supporting role I thought she was an actress to watch and even mentioned her in a blog post back in August........and wasn't I right?! 

Of course now I'm torn between wanting Saoirse Ronan or Brie Larson to win!!

In other film news I was really sad to hear that Alan Rickman has died. I really admired him as an actor and loved his voice and presence. Some of the films that I thought he was marvellous in are Love Actually (which I will rewatch soon in his memory) and Michael Collins where he magnificently played De Valera.

Mid-Week Catch up!

Yesterday, I went to an event in Swords after work. Beforehand we went to Masterson's Steakhouse for a burger. It was quite delicious. It was topped by onion rings and the most tasty cheddar. I'd definitely order it again!

Today I got up early, picked up my car from the mechanic and then drove over to the hairdresser in Donabate. My hair badly needed to be done. I had been considering growing my roots out for a kind of balyage look. However, I felt the blonde had gone a bit brassy and the roots were shockingly dark so I decided to just go ahead and get my usual highlights. I'm very happy with the results! I've never had a bad experience in this hairdresser and feel very happy to have found it after trying a few different ones over the past few years and never feeling entirely satisfied.

So sad to hear that David Bowie died. Back in 1995, Amy and I went to his concert and being poor students we clubbed together to buy a t-shirt together. We shared it for years, passing it between each others homes. Amy took it out and shared it on Facebook the other day which made me happy. It brought back memories of how we got to go to the concert. On a Friday afternoon, a lecturer in college offered two tickets that he couldn't use to my sociology class. No one seemed interested, so I immediately called out that I would take them. It was in pre-mobile days so then I had the difficult task of getting in touch with Amy who was also in college. I rang home to my mother and told her that if Amy called she should tell her to get to the Point Depot for 8pm. Amy did indeed phone home, mam did pass on the message and that is how we got to see David Bowie in concert! 

Dublin town on a Sunny Sunday morning

As we drove home from the cinema on Sunday I took some pictures of the buildings along the quays. It was such a nice bright day! A real contrast to the cold day today.

This is the Abbey Court. What cool floral painting on the building.

Here's Liberty Hall. At one point it was Dublin's tallest building but now it is the third tallest.

Here is the Custom House designed by James Gandon

In the background is the Conference Centre

This cutie was staring out in to the Liffey!
I think he is one of the Native Irish dogs - a wheaten terrier, perhaps.

And here is a view of the Conference Centre from the South Side.

I hope you liked the mini tour of Dublin!

Morning Cinema Trip

We enjoy going to the cinema on Sunday. I like to go early while Ciaran prefers going in the afternoon. He definitely would have liked to lie on this morning after travelling home from Ennis yesterday. However, I was up by 9am so I woke him and we walked the dog to Butler's for a coffee and then went on to the 11am showing of Daddy's Home at Cineworld.

Daddy's Home is a typical comedy and not really as funny as I hoped. I probably wouldn't recommend it unless there was nothing else you wanted to see on offer. But it passed the time and I enjoy going to the cinema no matter what we see.

After the cinema we left the Smart Car to be washed and valeted while we went for coffee in Starbucks Rathmines and then bought dinner in Dunnes Stores in the Swan Centre. I'm on a salmon buzz so I got salmon darnes with sweet potato wedges. Delicious!

Planning for Key West

I got two travel guides today (thanks to my super public library!) in order to make plans for my Key West holiday.

I've visited lots of times so on this trip I'd like to try visit places that I have never been.

Kino's Sandals

Kino's Sandals have been in Key West since 1966 and make custom leather sandals. I have visited before and I intend to go back. I bought a pair of sandals that were the most comfortable sandals I have ever worn! And look at the prices....so cheap!

Key Lime Pie - I definitely want to have a slice!
In one of the books there is a list of all the places that sell Key Lime Pie. They include Kermits, Blue Heaven, Rooftop Cafe and also the Key Lime and Coconut Factory. The Blue Heaven version is smoothered in meringue which sounds divine.

Here are a few other places of interest that I intend to check out

Casa Antigua
Where Hemmingway lived for awhile when he was waiting for his car to be delivered to Key West. It costs $2 to visit or free if you spend more that $10 in the Pelican Poope gift shop.

Key West Aquarium
Built in 1934. Was originally open air but is now covered in.
Entrance fee is $15

Shipwreck Museum
Described as kitchy in my guide book I think it sounds fun!
Also costs $15 

Curry Mansion
$5 to visit and you get to see the house and also a Frank Lloyd Wright designed light fitting. Awesome!

Key West Turtle Museum
How did I never hear about this place? 
No entry fee, a donation is asked for. It seems to be open from 12-4pm, Tues - Sat. 
Sounds very interesting.

The Key West Business Guild showcases a large collection of Tennessee Williams memorabilia. He lived at 1431 Duncan Street and although it is not open to the public I may take a cycle to have a look at it.

There is lots lots more places of interest listed in my books including places to eat but for the moment all of the above sounds good! 

Making holiday plans!

2016 is the year of my big family holiday. My parents are renting a house in Key West, Florida for a month and some of my sisters are travelling over at different times to spend time with them. At one point there will be the two sets of twins all there together! We plan to do a big family brunch on the Sunday when we are all there. The brunch that we like the best is in the Bistro in the Westin. It features bottomless Mimosa's, an amazing buffet and a million dollar view out on to the water. We always book a table sitting outside as it is very rare to be able to sit outside in Ireland without shivering through your meal! 

I booked my leave from work and then booked flights for both my parents and myself. We plan to fly to Miami and spend the night there before picking up a car and driving down the Florida Keys (I will be driver, my Dad will navigate). I can't wait.....I love that drive!

Yesterday, coincidentally, there was a travel show on RTE that featured the Florida Keys. It really whetted my appetite seeing all the different places in Key West that we will be visiting very very soon.

 I took a few pictures of the travel show. It featured Key Lime Pie from Kermits and also showed Hemmingway's House. I've actually never eaten Key Lime Pie on all my trips to Key West - but I plan to eat it on this visit.

It was great to see the Summer stock in Dunnes Stores when I was in the Swan Centre. I can't wait to start buying bikinis!

All their new workout gear was also in stock for the New Year. I have been tracking my exercise and what I've been eating on a brilliant app "My Fitness Pal". This is all in preparation for the big KW trip!!

Baby Zoe Ireland

On the main 6pm Irish news tonight there was a story about baby Zoe "Ireland" Drake.  Back in October, Zoe's mother was on her way home to Tennessee, USA on a flight from Paris when she went in to premature labour with baby Zoe.  The flight detoured to Dublin, Ireland (the last spot in Europe before the USA) where baby Zoe was born in the Rotunda Hospital at only 25 weeks.

She is currently being cared for here in Ireland but her parents are anxious to get her back home to her brother and the rest of their family. In order to go home soon, money needs to be raised to pay for a special medical flight home. A GoFundMe page has been set up to raise funds to pay for the flight. They still have a long way to go to raise the amount needed for the flight (€67,000) so if you are interested in donating you can find out more information here. I donated and am hopeful they will get to their goal and get home soon with baby Zoe!

Here's an article about Christmas in Ireland for the Drake Family.

Movie Days!

We went to an afternoon showing of the latest Star Wars movie in Rathmines Omniplex. We really enjoyed it - I thought it was kind of retro with lots of the original character that everyone is sure to recognize.

Then this morning, Amy and I went to see "Joy" in Cineworld. We both had been looking at the trailers and thinking it looked great so we made a plan to go see it in the New Year. It's a great film and Jennifer Lawrence and Bradley Cooper have brilliant onscreen chemistry and it also has a fantastic soundtrack. Amy and I really enjoyed it but I don't know if I would say it is a must see film......but an interesting true story all the same! 

The street where I live: 1965 compared to 2016

As I mentioned yesterday, my house was used as a filming location for the movie "Young Cassidy" that was filmed in Dublin in 1965.

Here are a few pics of scenes from the film beside pics of Leeson Park Avenue currently.

The photo to the right is from a scene in the film - but I think it was filmed from about my neighbour's door canopy that you can see in the photo on the left.

2016                             1965

My front door. 
I will be changing the old hardware on the left shortly when I get a new door. The photo to the right is the door in the film - the crew put new knockers and letterbox on the door.

2016                                 1965

Here is the front door. The canopy can be seen in both the film and also it is still in situ currently.

2016                               1965

The street hasn't really changed!

2016                           1965

Here's me replicating Maggie Smith looking out the window of my bedroom.

2016                          1965     

Fun to put the photos side by side and make a comparison!

Thanks to the anonymous comment below that drew my attention to this video that shows the filming on my street ....it's worth a watch!

Making a Murderer on Netflix - Steven Avery Trial

I've just binge watched "Making a Murderer" on Netflix.  OMG! What an unreal story.

It's a story that is over 10 years in the making. It follows the trial of Steven Avery who served 18 years for a rape he did not commit. After being exonerated for this crime he was then arrested for the murder of Theresa Halbach.

I watched all 10 episodes over two days and at times I was shouting at the TV - it's that type of must watch material!!

If you have Netflix and are looking for something to watch I can't recommend this enough. Do let me know what you think if you have seen it!

This story has been ongoing for a long long time. I don't think it made the news or media here in Ireland but presumably it was big news in USA and particularly in Wisconsin where it took place. I'd be interested to hear if anyone heard about it in the media before Netflix.

TG4 on New Year's Day - Young Cassidy

My sister texted me to tell me that Young Cassidy starring Rod Taylor was on TG4 today.  I was so happy to be able to watch it.

It is filmed in Dublin and I recognized some of the filming locations (Gravediggers/Kavanaghs Pub in Glasnevin) and also of course my house!! You can read my original blog about this here.

Here are a few photos of my house in the film. In the film it was the house where Nora (played by Maggie Smith lived).

Ciaran's mother said that the film crew planted roses in the garden and put new lace curtains in the windows. I think they changed the door knocker also as we have a different one on our front door (which I think is original to the house) and they also put a different number on the front door.

We are replacing our door shortly. I may put a knocker similar to this one on the door.

This houses are to the left of my house as you enter. I must take a picture of how it looks today and put it up for comparison.

Here's Maggie Smith looking out our bedroom window.

The house attached to ours (to the left of this pic in the background) was knocked down in the nineties and rebuilt.

This is across the road to us.  It looks somewhat the same nowadays. I will again take a picture and put them up side by side in the next few days when they weather gets better.