Hanging On, Post #3

[usedtobeljs]

It was chilly in the subtropics overnight, which meant I worried about my thermostat setting (I have a heat pump, which is highly efficient until 40 degrees F and then...is not.) Now the subtropics are getting a tropical wave of warmth, which means it will be uncomfortable next weekend. Sigh...

But otherwise, I am back at work, hanging on by the very tips of my fingers.

What I'm reading: Miss Dior by Justine Picardie, which focuses on Catherine Dior and her relationship to her brother Christian. I'm in the section where Catherine, who was a member of the French Resistance in WWII, was sent to Ravensbruck, so it's not exactly light entertainment.

What I'm watching: All Creatures Great and Small (the season the UK just had), the occasional Marple mystery on Britbox, and still Slow Horses. But does anyone else struggle in watching new shows? I am v. busy and I just don't have a lot of time....

Lastly, I'm thinking about British theatre and the two (!) new productions of Oedipus in Fall 2024 and Winter 2025, as well as trying to cajole my travel buddy into seeing the Brian Cox-led Long Day's Journey into Night in May. (I will skip Player-Kings, wherein Ian McKellan plays Falstaff. I fucking hate Falstaff.)

So -- hope everyone has a great week ahead!

Comments

[misbegotten]

I struggle in watching new shows because my capacity for new input is frequently maxed out. I rewatch a lot of stuff, or rather have it on in the background because I need the noise. :/

Oh, heat pumps. This is my first experience having one. While it is certainly nice in the summer, harsher winters in the Lone Star State have made it problematic.

[usedtobeljs]

Heat pumps are great for the ordinary cold and heat of FL or TX, but in my experience with run-of-the-mill heat pumps, they don't do well with extreme temperatures high or low. I hope that technology does make them better....

Hope you're recovering well! Happy week!

[anne_d]

Hugs and wishes for a good week to you!

[usedtobeljs]

Hugs and time for creative work for you!

[kazzy_cee]

We would love a heat pump but we just don't have the space for one. The newer ones are supposed to be able to be a bit more efficient with the lower temperatures. How long have you had yours?

[usedtobeljs]

Heat pumps are standard in my part of the world, so I've had one since the 90s. (The heat pump also has to keep us subtropical dwellers cool, which is more of a thing from April through October.)

I've heard that there are improvements in heat pumps in Europe, so I'm sure the UK would be able to access those too! The ones I have had are extremely efficient for heating and cooling between 40 degrees (4 degrees C) to 93 (33 degrees C), but struggle with colder and warmer temperatures.

[kathyh]

I know how you feel about Falstaff. The only time I ever understood why he was so popular with the Elizabethans was when I saw Roger Allam play him at the Globe and he actually managed to make him funny.

We went to see The Motive and the Cue on Thursday and both thought it was excellent. A really interesting play with some great performances. Very encouraging to see a good new play again!

[usedtobeljs]

Roger Allam. [happy sigh] Yes, I've seen clips with him as Falstaff, and I'm sure I'd like his portrayal more, but I really can't get past Falstaff's corruption.

I'm so excited you got to see The Motive and the Cue! I agree that the play itself is strong, and then Gatiss and Flynn do amazing work. (As does Tuppence Middleton in a kind of thankless role.) Hooray!

And hugs hugs!

[janus_74]

My struggle watching new shows is a lot of them aren't any good or not my preference :)

I hope the chilly nights aren't too bad and the upcoming warm isn't too warm. We were very cold last week but as much as everyone likes to complain it's not anything out of the ordinary. Above freezing temps for the rest of the week they say!

[usedtobeljs]

I hear you about not finding your preference in television shows! Because I like mysteries, I have more options, but still, it's not a priority. ;)

Cheers for your chinook, if that's what's causing your warming!

[janus_74]

I'm not sure if it is a chinook, looks like two weeks of above freezing temps. I'll take it!

[desdemonaspace]

I don't watch new shows, I watch old shows.

I'm intrigued by Miss Dior, though. Might request it at my library.

Wishing you temps that are not too hot or too cold, but like Goldilocks: just right.

(I did request Miss Dior. I like the subtitle: A Story of Courage and Couture!)

[usedtobeljs]

I hope Miss Dior interests you when you get it! Justine Picardie, the author, used to be the editor of Harper's Bazaar UK, but she's also an accomplished biographer.

Happy week!

[gwynnega]

I struggle to watch new shows, partly because I still watch soap operas! (Speaking of which, Patrick Mulcahey is going to be co-head-writer of GH! I'm so excited.)

[usedtobeljs]

I saw that news about Patrick Mulcahey! I might have to think about checking back in to GH, which I think is on Hulu.

(Did you see the interview clip of PM that Michele Val Jean linked on social media? PM was asked about writing for Sonny, and he told a story about one of his first GH scripts being rewritten by Michele because he had written Sonny more like Mason with a long speech. Michele told him that Sonny wasn't that smart. HA!!)

I am also thinking about getting the Kindle version of Jon Lindstrom's new mystery. I still love 90s Kevin Collins.

Hugs hugs!

[gwynnega]

Yes, GH is on Hulu. I saw that interview clip! Hee.

I've been thinking about getting Jon Lindstrom's mystery novel too. He's still on GH a fair bit these days.