Open Eyes Optional!

Last Friday I went to a Bon Voyage dinner for my friend Bonnie. She actually left today for her mission in Fort Worth, Texas. There were 15 of us at this dinner and pretty much everyone knew everyone else. It was a blast! We ate Archibald's restaurant in Gardner Village. It's been many years since I have eaten there and was very impressed with the menu and the prices. I'll have to go back. Anyway, we all had a great time just chatting, eating and taking silly pictures. (One of my goals this year is to take more pictures.) We were there for easily two hours and it was just wonderful. Below are some pictures of the great event. In most of them my eyes are closed, I don't know why, but oh well! Also, I had a little bit of fun cropping the pictures. I thought a variation in size would make them more interesting to look at. : )

The group. I would be between Kristy and Dianna, but I'm taking the picture.



Kristy, me, Dianna & Jenn



Bonnie, Christie & Michelle



Me, Jenn & Dianna (Look, my eyes are closed)



Sariah, Kristy & me (eyes closed again)



Christie, Michelle & Bonnie



Keli & Ellen



Kristy & me (eyes only half open)



Kristy's mouthful!



Liz & Bonnie



Melanie & Becky

I have another update to make about the Masterpiece Persuasion. I found another scene that they cut out of the movie. When Anne is leaving Kellynch and the Crofts are arriving there is a scene where the Crofts are surveying the house. I liked this scene because they talk about why Captain Wentworth is reticent to come back. I think it's funny to see how many mirrors are in Sir Elliot's bedroom. All total I think that Masterpiece Theatre took out 10 minutes of the original movie. And most of it was about Captain Wentworth. I don't get it. I did break down and buy myself a copy of the movie today. I had a 25% of coupon for Barnes and Noble. So that with my 10% discount make the movie $11.69. I know, what a savvy shopper I am!

I Think I'm In Love!!!

His name is Rupert Penry-Jones. Oh, ladies . . . he is wonderful! He is handsome, tall and terribly romantic. He is sometimes brooding, but always there when you need him. He enjoys classical music and dancing, which is a definite perk! He has been in the Navy - so you know that he is a manly man. He has a delightful family and is considered to be great company. He is constant and faithful and wonderful! His friends are varied and unique. Ok, Ok . . . you all think that I am making him up right? Well I did not - our dear friend Jane did. I just watched ITV's version of Persuasion and oh . . . I am in love with Captain Wentworth all over again. He is everything you would want him to be and more. They really develop his character. You can tell that he's head over heels for Anne. He is constantly watching her with such longly looks . . . it's almost devastating for the weaker hearts. He is really truly wonderful! I truly love the older version with Cirian Hinds and Amanda Root - but this version . . . oh my! It's like the new Jane Eyre with the older versions. After you see it, you're not sure if you ever want to go back to the other versions again. Anne is great as well. I think she portrays the character so well. So, for all of you Persuasion/Jane fans here's the low down. Masterpiece theater is going to show it during it's 2008 season which starts in January. Now I know your asking - how did Ali see it then? If you go to youtube.com and search for Persuasion, some lovely and wonderful person has uploaded it in 11 segments. It takes about an hour and a half - but oh, it's worth it. In case you haven't noticed, the icon I used on this post is of Captain Wentworth. Isn't he dreamy?