Summer movies

I have now seen three of the "blockbuster" summer movies; Iron Man, Get Smart and Indiana Jones. All have disappointed; all have promised greater things than they delivered. Summer movies were once something that promised excitement and entertainment, if only for a brief, few hours. But where are the movies that caused the viewer to relive moments for weeks after, smiling and anticipating the next great moment? I've not seen a movie that has made me feel entertained, indulged, and thrilled for a very long time. There have been some that were moderately enjoyable, but none that entranced me. I don't ask for realism from summer movies; I do want plausibility mixed with action and humour. One of the funniest moments in Get Smart is not delivered by Maxwell Smart (as played by Steve Carell), but by Dwayne Johnson (The Rock). It is sad that the secondary characters have become more amusing and interesting than the leads. The jokes are lame, the action is forced ("ooh, look at that...wonder how long the computer guys took to make that effect?"). I don't think that superior computer effects have improved movies at all. I don't have a problem with watching special effects that do not have the slick, designed feel to them; movies from the 70s, 80s, and early 90s still have more of a thrill, and that warm summertime fun feel to them than anything I've seen lately. Give me Superman, Raiders of the Lost Ark, Die Hard, even Star Wars, over the drivel I've endured the past few summers.

wedding invitations

This is my son's wedding invitation. The character is the Chinese character for love. The text appears on the center panel, which I have not shown for reasons of privacy. I'm very happy with this design, and Derek says he's received many compliments regarding it.

Success

I have accomplished what I thought was impossible; the 10K Redberry Run. I did it in an hour and a half. It was much more difficult than my practise runs. I misjudged the distance when I was doing the practise runs, so the actual run was longer than I thought. When I was returning, I had passed the weir, and developed a cramp in my left calf. I was forced to walk for awhile, and shorten the running time. When I reached the 2.5 K point, I knew I had to push through it, because I wanted to run past the finish line, not walk. The moment I passed the Redberry flagposts, Brian grabbed me and held me up, as my leg buckled beneath me. Though I was in pain, I felt great! Now I'm suffering from allergies and post-run muscle soreness, and looking forward to breakfast in bed on Mother's Day.
I am grateful to Janet Harms-Masich and Ashlynn Harms, for also participating and contributing to my video. We were all running for the same reason: inspiration from Dwayne Harms. My apologies to Janet for referring to Dwayne as her former husband, when I should have said first (as Janet said). Ashlynn looks remarkably like her dad, but with her mother's grace (and speed!).
It was wonderful to have the support of so many friends and family, my husband most of all. He put up with my early,early morning runs on the treadmill (must have been hard to sleep with that going, he pledged a large amount for me, and he was there to see me start and finish; even though his back must have in a great deal of pain!
I think a long, hot bubble bath is well-deserved.

D-day is coming

As the Redberry run gets closer, I get more afraid! Why did I sign up to do this? (Probably because I am prone to doing impulsive things, with no real thought as to consequences; I guess I'll find out how crazy this is on Sunday, when I wake up with all sorts of aches and pains.