DEBORAH CROMBIE: Happy Memorial Day, everyone, and I hope you are all grilling, picnicking, or a combination thereof. We are really splashing out and having hotdogs, which happens maybe once a year, so is an occasion!
Tell us what you put on yours.
Or maybe you are not cooking out, and are stretched out in a hammock with one of the books we suggested yesterday? I can't think of a better way to spend the beginning of summer.
Our Memorial Day forecast here in north Texas is for sun and 88 degrees, but if inclement weather will keep you indoors, I thought we'd chat about what we're watching these days.
If I was embarrassed to admit I'd never read Tana French, I am really embarrassed to admit that we had never watched ELEMENTARY–especially as it is my daughter's favorite series ever. Well, we are in the process of remedying that, having just finished the first season. Jonny Lee Miller and Lucy Liu were amazing, so incredibly talented, and the plots were so clever. I'd like to have access to the writers' idea bank! I love the brownstone set and the whole New York feel of the series. It is utterly charming and just what I need at the moment.
We watched the first season and part of the second of THE CAPTURE, starring Holliday Grainger as a London cop who uncovers a plot to fake videos in real time. I'm a big fan of Grainger (Robin Ellacott in the Cormoran Strike series) but THE CAPTURE is a bit creepy and unsettling and a little too close to reality for fun watching for me. We've also watched the first episode of LEGENDS, about UK Customs officers going undercover to stop drug smuggling in the early 90s. This is based on a true story and stars Tom Burke (who also plays Cormoran Strike.)
Oh, and on a totally delightful note, we've started the new series of TUCCI IN ITALY. I adore Stanley Tucci and the series is now produced by NatGeo, so it is gorgeous and so interesting.
Oh, and we had to pay for a month of BBC Select in order to get it, but I'm watching THE ROYAL CHELSEA FLOWER SHOW, which I find absolutely fascinating. (Rick does not agree...)
How about it, darling REDS, what are you watching?
JENN McKINLAY: We are currently watching the latest season of HACKS (love Jean Smart!), YOUR FRIENDS AND NEIGHBORS (I’ve loved John Hamm since Madmen), and my latest K-Drama WHEN THE PHONE RINGS (a good suspense story). Nothing groundbreaking but all entertaining.
LUCY BURDETTE: Talk about oldies but goodies, we are watching THE WEST WING. People told us about this for years, and they were right–it’s so good! The President, played by Martin Sheen, is everything we yearn for–someone smart and funny and quirky but never destructive or vindictive. We also plan to watch REMARKABLY BRIGHT CREATURES. Maybe this long weekend?
HANK PHILLIPPI RYAN: Oh, I love these lists! We are enjoying YOUR FRIENDS AND NEIGHBORS–I loved Jon Hamm in Mad Men too, but not so much in anything he did after that. Until this! And we are on the same wave length, Debs, watching LEGENDS, too. Also–we are having a controversy (as controversial as it gets in our house, which is not too) about WIDOWS BAY. I absolutely love it, horror–ish as it is, it is also so funny. Kinda Jaws meets Stephen King. Jonathan is not a fan, though. If you missed PARADISE, please go back and watch it! As I have said here in the past, I have loved it from moment one, and the first episode, an instant classic, just won the Edgar for Best TV episode. (I feel so vindicated.)
What am I forgetting?
HALLIE EPHRON: I really enjoyed REMARKABLY BRIGHT CREATURES (on Amazon). Sally FIelds is wonderful, and the octopus (more talking animals!) is divine. The plot twist will seem a bit contrived to seasoned mystery readers, but it’s not the main reason to watch it.
And I loved LOVE SARAH streaming on Netflix. It’s about a group of women who start a bakery, fulfilling one of their mother’s dreams.
Also enjoyed THE LIFE OF BIRDS on public television, a documentary narrated by David Attenborough. Who knew bird song could be so complex and fascinating?!
DEBS: Hallie, I'd been wondering if I wanted to watch REMARKABLY BRIGHT CREATURES, so thanks for the rec.
RHYS BOWEN: I haven’t had much time for watching but I’m trying not to binge THE OTHER BENNETT SISTER. Sooo delicious and Caroline Bingley is so easy to hate.
JULIA SPENCER-FLEMING: As I mentioned briefly when we shared what we’re reading, I’ve been working my way through the Poirot series - I can’t believe I’ve never seen any of them before. I always thought of the character as annoyingly fussy, but David Suchet plays him with SO much depth.
Just finished the Kdrama TRAIN (2020, if you’re looking for it) a crime fiction/time travel mash up. I almost gave it up halfway through episode 3, but then the pace picked up and I was completely hooked. Before that was THE GLORY, a revenge thriller. The romance subplot was blah, but seeing how the abused-in-high-school heroine gets back at her tormentors is delicious.
Other than that, nothing, so I’m looking forward to seeing what everyone else recommends!
DEBS: Julia, I'm envying you watching Poirot for the first time. They were brilliant.
How about it, dear Readers? What are you watching when you can drag yourselves away from a book?
And what's on your hot dog? I'm a mustard, dill relish, sauerkraut person myself
Love the Poirot series. David Suchet is a perfect choice for Poirot. I recently binge watched a silly series, which I love. RESIDENT ALIEN is hilarious. I’m also watching THURSDAY MURDER CLUB and DEAF PRESIDENT NOW again. I loved REMARKABLY BRIGHT CREATURES. Planning to watch THE OTHER BENNET SISTER with the actress from CALL THE MIDWIFE. Watched MY LIFE IS MURDER with Lucy Lawless from Xena, the warrior princess. Loved the k drama BEYOND THE BAR. Just watched a movie TOOTSIE. I watched some movies from the 1980s with captions this time.
ReplyDeleteTootsie is one of my all time favorites!
DeleteTootsie was very funny. I wonder if Ms. Magazine had comments about the movie?
DeleteI'd love to see Tootsie again, Diana. One of the great 80s comedies.
DeleteI have a small collection of DVDs -movies I love enough to watch again, and TOOTSIE is one. Others include LOCAL HERO, PERSUASION ( the version with Charan Hines) , the first DEVIL WEARS PRADA, RATATOUILLE, and DIVA.
DeleteOh, I forgot about Diva! And what a good selection you have!
DeleteOh, Local Hero! I have that on DVD somewhere, too, Susan!
DeleteHappy Memorial Day . . . .
ReplyDeleteMustad and sweet pickle relish on my hot dog, please . . . .
We enjoyed ELEMENTARY and WEST WING, too . . .
WEST WING is another show for us to binge. It is a family favorite, though I am way behind. Happy Memorial Day.
DeleteForgot about the hot dog. Trying to recall if it’s Belgium or France with the ketchup mustard combo. I love that on my hotdogs. Now I love the addition of sauerkraut to hotdogs.
ReplyDeleteIf you have Trader Joe's, they have the best sauerkraut.
DeleteThank you for the recommendation.
DeleteAnd happy Memorial Day !
ReplyDeleteWe just finished the first season of The Pitt on Sunday. We’re midway through the first seasons of Your Friends and Neighbors and Shrinking. (The Pitt and Shrinking have brilliant writers.) We just started watching Foyle’s War on Acorn; once we learned it was created and written by Antony Horowitz and set in WWII, we were all in. Finished the latest season of Dark Winds on Prime. We just started After the Flood, season two on BritBox. Debs, we also watched the first season of The Capture because of Holiday Grainger/CB Strike, but don’t think we want to watch the second season.
ReplyDeleteWe’re bbq’ing ribs tomorrow, but I take my hot dogs with ketchup, sweet pickle relish and a little bit of mustard. :-) — Pat S
Two things: I said we’re bbq’ing *tomorrow*; obviously I meant today. Secondly, I just noticed that PBS is showing the Broadway musical “Suffs” (about the suffragette movement in the U.S.) on their Great Performances series. My sister saw it on Broadway and said it’s really good. I don’t know when it will air in different arts of the country, but if you contribute to Public Broadcasting, you can access many of the great programs via their Passport program. — Pat S
DeleteFoyles War is fantastic Pat! It was one of our pandemic saving graces...
DeletePat S - Happy Memorial Day! Foyle's War is another favorite. There are many wonderful shows on PBS.
DeleteI want to watch Suffs!
DeleteWe rewatch Foyle's War every once in a while. What a wonderful series! Michael Kitchen is such a treasure.
DeletePat, I even have the boxed DVD set of Foyle's War. Not that we ever watch DVDs these days but I adored the series. And we've starting Shrinking but got distracted by Elementary. We'll get back to it.
DeleteThanks for the Suffs rec!
DeleteDebs, we have a BUNCH of DVDs so we still have a player. My husband also still buys CDs…. (Hand-to-face emoji) — Pat S
DeleteI like ketchup, yellow mustard, and sweet relish on my hot dogs OR chili and cheese.
ReplyDeleteI usually choose reading a book over watching TV for my down time. I did love Remarkably Bright Creatures! I do want to watch the Cormoran Strike series; I just don’t seem to get around to it.
I enjoyed that Elementary series when it was on and was sad when it ended. I watched it the old school way once a week.
Looks like sun here with clouds and a chance of rain moving in later with a high of 91. Getting ready to go see if the pickleball courts are dry enough to play after last night’s deluge before it gets too hot. This evening’s festivities with the burgers and hot dogs may need to move indoors.
Sounds like a great day, Brenda!
DeleteWe have watched and enjoyed most everything mentioned here, but one that’s not so far and we found highly entertaining is Rooster. It’s an HBO series starring Steve Carell.. He plays a best selling author of a “trashy” detective series who finds himself teaching a writing class at his daughter’s university. He is very funny and there are many odd ball characters. It’s already been renewed for a second season.
ReplyDeleteThe holiday here in Canada was Monday last week, Victoria Day (for the Queen).It was originally May 24 which was her birthday but in modern times it was changed to the Monday before the 24th and simply marks the sovereign’s birthday. Except in Quebec where it’s Patriots Day (won’t go into that history). Like Memorial Day it marks the start of summer and cottage season, so BBQ and hamburgers and hotdogs feature for us as well. Weather still sure doesn’t feel very summery in a lot of eastern Canada however.
Oh, Rooster has been on my list, Debra! thanks for the reminder!
DeleteYes, we started watching that too… And somehow let it go. Thank you for the reminder.
DeleteQueen Elizabeth II’s birthday was in April, but was celebrated in June because it was thought the weather would be better.
DeleteIt is raining and nasty here and has been since early Saturday. It's okay. We have had some stuff to do on the computer and Irwin is trying to get acquainted with our new car by perusing the manuals, there are 4 of them. We had friends over to taste some fancy liquor before all going out for burgers and getting my house straightened out was exhausting. Just moving things out of the dining room, living room and kitchen, and the hallway bathroom took half the day!
ReplyDeleteWe are sharing a tuna steak tonight made inside I won't use the grill until I can clean it thoroughly and clear the gas line of spiders if there is a nice day ths week.
I love Hebrew National Hot Dogs, Debs! I usually make a pot of chili, and we have chili dogs with mustard. Without chili, I just like mustard, something with a little bite.
We used to watch ELEMENTARY when it aired on CBS. Lucy Lui was a perfect match for Jonny Lee Miller's character. Enjoy.
Will there be something to eat While tasting the fancy liquor?
DeleteOf course there was! Jewish Mother syndrome, here! More snacks than liquor, of course! But we were going out to dinner with them so, not a dinner.
DeleteJudy, we haven't had hot dogs in ages, but instead of chili we'd top them with Tasty Bite Madras Lentils. So good! https://www.tastybite.com/products/organic-madras-lentils.
DeleteJonny Lee Miller went from playing Sherlock to playing John Major in The Crown! He's pretty amazing.
Had my first grilled hot dog of the season this weekend. (When I say grilled I mean charred.)
ReplyDeleteLOVE all these series & film recommendations!
I couldn't bear to watch the final show of the Poirot series--ridiculous, when you think about it.
Poirot watchers: do you ever prepare "Poirot toast" laid out in neat, bite-sized squares, ,perfectly buttered?
It’s hard to watch the last poirot series because they are very different from the books despite suchet looking like poirot.
DeleteBecky, love the juxtaposition of hot dog eating and Poirot toast … two eating methods that seem polar opposites to me. Enjoy the dogs and the toasts! Happy Weekend. Elisabeth
DeleteI never watched the last episode of Morse. I loved that series, and John Thaw, so much.
DeleteDeborah...I loved Morse, too! John Thaw was wonderful and I was so fond of Kevin Whately who played Detective Sergeant Lewis. It was so sad when John Thaw passed away and Colin Dexter legally stipulated that no one was to replace John Thaw as Inspector Morse. So the series ended. I was able to at least continue to enjoy some of the characters created by Colin Dexter when he became the creative consultant for the spin-off to Morse called "Lewis" which I think ran for 10 seasons. Were you able to watch "Endeavor" that aired from 2012 to 2023? It was based on Endeavor Morse when he was just starting out in his career as a detective constable in Oxford, 1965. It was a very clever way of reintroducing the Morse character when he was much younger and Shaun
DeleteEvans was the perfect choice. Socially awkward especially around women, a lover of classical music and opera as well as a fondness for alcohol and his beloved Jaguar Mark 2...it was like watching Morse all over again with all his personality traits already well established by then. And it was the only time that Colin Dexter made an exception and allowed someone to play Morse under two conditions ~ A. That it had to be Shaun Evans to play a young Endeavor Morse and B. That the series be based on a much younger Morse just starting out as a constable. I loved the series.
It's pouring rain here in NE MA, so I'll be writing all morning and maybe baking in the afternoon. If the sun comes out, we have pork chops to grill. Give me a good Dijon mustard on my hot dog and I'm happy!
ReplyDeleteWe watched REMARKABLY BRIGHT CREATURES last night (on Netflix) and loved it. I watched all of WEST WING as it came out and was a big, big fan. Otherwise, it's baseball season, so that occupies Hugh most evenings and I'm happy reading in the other room.
Edith, I am a fan of Dijon mustard too. Loved REMARKABLY BRIGHT CREATURES.
DeleteWe just saw THE CHRISTOPHERS in the theater and loved it. Brilliant with Ian McKellan and Michaela Coel.
DeleteI'm not sure I could bear to rewatch The West Wing at the moment...
DeleteI feel the same, for the somewhat the reason it took us so long to watch it when it first ran. Sigh.
DeleteA rainy weekend with no soccer means a new series on Acorn: THE ISLAND, with dialogue in Gaelic and English (subtitles), set on the Isle of Harris and Lewis.
ReplyDeleteWe just watched that. What bleak scenery! I found the language fascinating, and how much back-and-forth there was.
DeleteIs it mystery?
Deletepolice procedural. Compared to the verdant green of Shetland (or what we enjoyed on TV), Isle of Harris is brown and rocky.
DeleteWatched REMARKABLY BRIGHT CREATURES l and enjoyed it.
ReplyDeleteIt is raining here so even if I had had outdoor plans, that's not happening.
ReplyDeleteBut since I didn't have outdoor plans, that's okay. Rather I'm up this early and ready to face the world because I'm going to one of my NOT-jobs and doing some work for some cash. Then in the afternoon after I get out, I will probably just be coming home where I will go on the computer (where I'll probably do some listings on eBay), read and watch TV for the rest of the day.
Ann is going out with her son for a late afternoon/early dinner for a belated birthday. Shhh...he's making up for the fact he forgot to wish her birthday wishes when it was happening YESTERDAY.
Hot dogs....mustard and I like cheese on as many things as reasonably possible so I usually put cheese on mine but not always. When I don't, just mustard.
What I'm watching. Well Deb, I'm in the midst of doing my own rewatch of Elementary. I'm on Season 6. Also, regarding Lucy's mention of The West Wing, I'm on Season 4 of my latest rewatch of that. I'm also doing a rewatch of The Big Bang Theory where I'm on Season 10.
I'm also watching Chicago Fire Season 13 (last season) and then I'll move on to Season 14. After that I'll be all caught up on the two Chicago series I care about.
I have to catch up on Watson and the last episode of Ghosts from the just finished TV season.
Plus there's tons of other stuff I'm in the midst of watching or rewatching.
And since Ann is here, we've been making a concerted effort to watch at least one movie neither of us has seen every other day. Not that any of them have been high cinema but we did like the 2025 version of Red Sonja, the Netflix movie Lou and The Mechanic (starring Jason Statham). The movie Ticket to Paradise had some funny moments but lost the plot with how it ended without a sense of logic. We saw movies like Crank (relentlessly stupid), The Mechanic: Resurrection (which wasn't even good enough to have been a direct-to-video action movie of the 1980s) and Cold Blood (with Jean Reno playing an assassin again but not nearly as well as in The Professional). These three all made me question my choices in life.
And then comes the capper. Last night, I wandered out to the living room and Ann was watching a horror movie called Weapons. I'd heard about it and it got some good writeups. I had no interest in watching it really but I ended up catching the 2nd half. I realize that horror movies have little in the way of plot and don't really concern themselves with even paying lip service to internal logic, but this one was galactically stupid. If only for the fact that at one point said bad and creepy villain ensorcels a cop. Okay, that part plays fine, if dumb. But the cop, who was doing a wellness check never checks in, never reports for end of shift and NO ONE COMES LOOKING FOR HIM. Even in the smallest of towns, that's complete and utter bull ca-ca. It's the same kind of horror movie nonsense that places every zombie movie in a universe where zombie movies have never been made or else the characters would already know how to kill them. Or how the zombie can only shuffle and stumble along until they come across a living being and suddenly they are faster than Usain Bolt in his prime. And people wonder why I hate horror movies.
I'm watching a bunch of reaction channels on Youtube as well. In short, when I'm here at home, I'm killing a lot of time when I'm not reading or on the computer by watching a boatload of TV.
Not a horror movie fan, either, Jay!
DeleteRarely eat hot dogs but if I do I’ll take Dijon mustard if available. It’s rainfall here today in my part of MA but it may stop this afternoon . Grilled burgers and vegetables.
ReplyDeleteOur only streaming service is Netflix so it’s Netflix and PBS for us. We watched REMARKABLY BRIGHT CREATURES a couple of weeks ago and I loved it. Almost as good as the book. Watching now THE BROKENWOOD MYSTERIES and MY NAME IS MURDER on PBS . Both in New Zealand, where I’d love to spend time. Love Foyle’s War also.
Suzette, I am normally a Dijon person but I might just get out the yellow mustard for the hot dogs.
DeleteHallie, this non-TV person is puzzled by your “plot twist” comment on Remarkably Bright Creatures. I love the book, but it doesn’t fit my definition of a mystery and I recall no “plot twist” disturbing my reading. Probably just another good story falling victim to the TV adaptation. Elisabeth
ReplyDeleteI saw the TV adaptation and had read the book. I don't want to say anything that will be a spoiler for anyone, but the slow reveal of all the relationships in the book had to be cut to a rather abrupt reveal in the TV adaptation, making it seem like more of a twist than it felt in the book.
DeleteWe too are watching Chelsea, though I will say that by the end it just seems like recycling. However, show 3 which talked with the carver of Mother Nature was most interesting. Every time it is shown, we marvel at the intricate detail done with a chain saw!
ReplyDeleteHalf way through I Fought The Law on PBS Masterpiece. Interesting story – not sure that I like the acting. Masterpiece says we watched all of the The Forsythes but I don’t think so. Have to investigate. If we did it was a very flat ending as we missed it! We are also watching After the Flood and Silent Witness on Britbox. You have to wait a week for the next episode to drop, which is annoying. Best of all we have 2 shows left of GBBO which is on CB Gem – dole that out only 1 per week. I know who I think deserves it. Gem is also staring Mad Men which we have never watched, so it may make the schedule.
As for the hot dog – the works including onions, tomatoes, and cheese, with cheese melted on the bun – open at the top, not the side. Steamed.
Happy Memorial Day to our US friends.
Thank you, Margo. I'm just starting the week of Chelsea shows so we'll see if I get all the way through.
DeleteHallie, we cannot find LOVE SARAH on Netflix
ReplyDeleteApparently it is currently on Prime. I want to watch this, too!
DeleteDeborah, It made my day to see your Hebrew National (an ultimate comfort food for me from childhood). When I bring home Nathan's from my supermarket my husband growls, but that's whay my store carries. We don't have "kosher hot dogs" very often, but they are a treat. I eat mine plain! I'm watching the Pitt - a few more episodes to go. Mary Bennet, of course. So many others. Silent Witness we have to wait until Thursdays (darn), and I often forget many of the details after a week when the second half airs. We love Escape to the Country. A few weeks ago I learned that on Youtube you can watch "I Escaped to the Country," where one of the hosts goes back to visit "relocaters" from some years ago. So we watch one of those when we need something low-key. But in terms of TV, we mostly watch mysteries, nearly all of them from Great Britain. Perhaps it's time to rewatch Department Q. That was hard to watch, but the ending was so life-affirming.
ReplyDeleteSeveral foodie sites, including NYT Wirecutter, have been doing "best hot dog" pieces and Hebrew National topped the list! I'd bought grocery store buns as backup but Saturday was able to snag some bakery challah buns, so really looking forward to our holiday supper. Also, corn, watermelon, and maybe some grilled okra.
DeleteI think they are filming S 2 of Dept. Q!
Oh, and The Pitt, so, so good.
DeleteYou can watch all of the Escape To The Country episodes for free on the YouTube app too.
DeleteHas anyone watched THE SHEEP DETECTIVES? I'm hoping to see it when I finally finish my rewatch of HOUSE M.D. which I'm sure I am enjoying it more than the first time.
ReplyDeleteWhere are you watching PARADISE? I might add that to my list.
Judi, I can't for The Sheep Detectives to come to the small-ish screen. It should be on Prime late June to early July.
DeleteI think Paradise is on Hulu and Disney+. I think we watched it on Hulu. Please do not read anything about it in advance! Just watch it!
DeleteIs there a sheep détectives séries. I went to see the film at a cinema yesterday and loved it.
DeleteJudi, we saw THE SHEEP DETECTIVES at a real theater! And YES it was great. The acting and plot were all excellent. It is a lot deeper than just a single mystery who dunnit. I highly recommend it.
ReplyDeleteThank you - I am looking forward to it. I've heard it is also on Apple TV and maybe Prime. Guess I'll find out.
DeleteI think The Sheep Detectives is not available for streaming yet, but will be on Apple when it is.
DeleteMustard, sweet relish, and onion -- only if chili is not available
ReplyDeleteI don't do much TV other than the late night comics and the occasional Britbox mystery. The most astounding I watched this week was Colbert's final episode -- a truly great summing up of his eleven years at THE LATE SHOW. I also took the time to seek out his equally impressive closing number for THE COLBERT REPORT, another great and important moment in television history. Colbert, of course, is not gone; he and his present and future fellow pundits will continue to excoriate the powerful whenever needed.
I did get into HIGH POTENTIAL and WILL TRENT and am developing a likeness for R. J. DECKER. Other than that, it's usually bad (or sometimes good) old movies on the internet. I'm currently in the middle of 1952's 12-part serial, ZOMBIES OF THE STRATOSPHERE, the type of film that make Ed Wood look like Stanley Kubrick. (There are no zombies, but there is a young Leonard Nimoy -- in his second credited role -- in a bit part as a Martian flunky named Narab.)
Jerry, we recorded the Late Show finale on our Tablo and saved it for Saturday night. Only it ran over the allotted time and we had to find the end on YouTube. He went out with grace and silliness and I was more than a bit weepy. And McCartney!--if not the Pope:-)
DeleteDebs, love Hebrew National Hot Dogs. Mustard or Ketchup (depending) and that's it.
ReplyDeleteSaw THE SHEEP DETECTIVES (Loved it) want to watch DEVIL WEARS PRADA 2, and REMARKABLY BRIGHT CREATURES.
We've been watching:
DEATH IN PARADISE (set in the Caribbean)
BEYOND PARADISE (set around Devon, England)
TUCCI in ITALY
I've never managed to watch Death in Paradise and its offshoots. One of these days...
DeleteI can't wait to see The Sheep Detectives!
For us the best part of Death in Paradise is that it opens with a murder, and then on comes the Caribbean joyful music. We smile everytime. I had the misfortune of seeing Sheep Detectives on the day a friend died, so I was teary, but I still enjoyed it tremendously.
DeleteDebs, Death in Paradise is like an Agatha Christie or Hercule Pirot mystery - where the detective puts all the clues together in an ahha moment and gathers the suspects together to explain the way the murder was done and solved. The scenery is stunning.
DeleteI forgot to add EVA Longoria in FRANCE is interesting.
ReplyDeleteMURDOCK (a Canadian mystery)
And has anyone seen YOUR KILLING ME, with Brooke Shields. It has a Canadian cast and was filmed in Canada - but meant to replicate a Maine seaport town. I enjoyed it. It is serious, but with humor.
I've seen some ads, so thanks for the recommendation, Anon.
DeleteHot dogs with mustard and sweet relish, please. Chopped onions, if they are available.
ReplyDeleteHowever, we just had a delicious light lunch of hummus with roasted egetables and smoked olive oil, overlooking the Atlantic in Porto. Amazing.
I forgot you are in Portugal! Have a fabulous trip!
DeleteSo envious, Karen!! Have a fabulous trip!
DeleteKaren, enjoy your trip. Safe travels! — Pat S
DeleteKaren, have a wonderful time in Portugal.
DeleteRainy day here, no grilling out. I love my dogs grilled, yellow mustard, relish, onion, and sauerkraut if available, on a toasted bun.
ReplyDeleteNo TV watching. Don't know if I'll ever get back to watching--shows sound interesting, entertaining, but I can't settle to watch.
Thinking today of a young man I only knew by sight: Dave Sexton. Two friends and I took a walk about town last week--they wondered why a side street, instead of the main street, had been named in honor of an illustrious citizen and town benefactor. It's because of Dave--hometown young man, 18 years old, died at eighteen in the jungles of Vietnam. We honor your sacrifice, Dave; all these years later, the town remembers.
Oh. Thank you for that, Flora!
DeleteA lovely remembrance for the day, Flora.
DeleteWhat a special memorial to Dave Sexton and all our veterans. Thanks.
DeleteThank you, Flora
DeleteI love hotdogs… But they really have to be grilled beyond recognition. With yellow mustard and pickle relish.
ReplyDeleteAnd what we’re watching? Yesterday we watched the Indianapolis 500! You cannot take the Indianapolis out of the girl, I guess.
Sounds perfect, Hank!
DeleteWe watched Hail Mary over the last couple of nights--it's long. Now I wish we'd seen it in the theater because the special effects were amazing.
ReplyDeleteI think we will try to watch it at home, too! It’s more likely that we will actually do it :-)
DeleteI felt that way when I saw The Martian, but it was years after it had come out, so no chance. I think it would have been so much better on the big screen, even though my Tv isn't really tiny.
DeleteI eat vegetarian hot dogs with relish, mustard, ketchup and a sprinkle of onion.
ReplyDeleteWatched Death in Paradise and Father Brown yesterday.
I always love reading about what everyone is watching!
Another Death in Paradise and Father Brown fan here!!
DeleteYou might also like Beyond Paradise (a spin off Death in Paradise), and Madame Blanch.
Blanc...
DeleteThank you!
DeleteHank, My husband was watching F1, Indy, and golf. It's great to have a wide selection. I hear it all from another room. Mario Andretti was more or less local to me (the next town over, adjacent to the township I grew up in, and where my sister now lives), so he was always in the news when I was growing up. I remember getting caught accidentally in Nazareth traffic on the day there was a big celebration for him.
ReplyDeleteOh so interesting! Yes, it is just such an embedded childhood memory, listening to the race on my transistor radio, and now it is just part of memorial day for me.
DeleteHank when you mentioned your transistor radio - it brings back memories of the 1950's when I was an 8 year old kid and "Santa" got my letter asking for a transistor radio! It is a Hitachi and believe it or not I still have it. One of the few things (actually the only) thing I kept from childhood.
DeleteAlways a big Mario fan, and I got to see him driving a golf cart in the pits at the Long Beach Grand Prix.
DeleteI hadn't thought of Mario for years, so was happy to have these memories resurface today. My mother was in rehab in Nazareth a few years ago, so we made quite a few trips through there.
DeleteYes, those radios were so much a part of our lives! I can’t believe you still have yours… That is wonderful!
DeleteRick still has his, too.
DeleteThe condiments issue comes up every time there is a discussion about cook outs and what. to put on your hot dog. I know it is heresy for some people and some regions of the country, but I am still going with mustard, and ketchup with the ketchup being the controversial component
ReplyDeleteI don’t know whether they will have it this year, but the past two summers Trader Joe’s has had a mustard relish combination. Sides have to include pickles and coleslaw.
On a different note, last night, PBS televised the annual Washington Memorial Day concert.
One of the veterans they honored was a man who had been seventeen when he enlisted in 1941
He was stationed at Pearl Harbor and an actor read his eyewitness account of the attack.
The soldier who wrote it was at the concert. He is 102 and he was at the concert.
I have been watching every year since its inception which was 37 years ago. It has been hosted by the actor, Gary Sinese who has set up a foundation and devoted much of his time to advocate for veterans’ programs.
I've visited the Pearl Harbor memorial - it is worth a trip to Hawaii just to see it. It is a beautiful tribute to such a monumental historical event.
DeleteTo Anonymous ~ Thank you for the above mention of the National Memorial Day Concert that takes place every year in Washington, D.C. We, too, have been fervent followers for the past 37 years of this very respectful , patriotic and gracious tribute to our Fallen men and women in the military. True to its purpose the 2026 concert did not disappoint and 90 minutes flew by. The stories were, as always, deeply personal and riveting. We are also strong supporters of the Gary Sinise Foundation whose creator, Gary Sinise, gave up his acting career to devote his life to supporting the needs of our veterans, first responders and their families. Our connection to Mr. Sinise, although small and probably much like so many others' stories, began when a G.S.F. ball cap mistakenly arrived at our address that should have gone to a donor in Arkansas. I emailed the organization to report the error and arrange to have the item returned to them. They thanked me for the "heads up" but not to worry. They would take care of the matter and there was no need for me to return the cap. I still felt badly so I called the foundation directly. They were in the throes of just having relocated to Franklin, Tennessee from Los Angeles, California. Their warehouse was still in CA and some of the orders had ping ponged around to a few incorrect residences. The woman who was in charge and who answered my call that day listened to my "hat story". During the conversation she asked a few questions and I answered her by telling her that my husband Rudi was a Vietnam Veteran who was now suffering from the effects of Agent Orange. The next thing I knew she was talking to someone else in the room and returned to the phone to say "Gary says to keep the hat and thanks Rudi for his service." We have been a supporter ever since. The fact that Mr. Sinise has co-hosted the concert with Joe Mantegna since 2006 (though sadly Mr. Mantegna has been unable to return as a co-host for the past two concerts) is proof of his commitment to help our fellow veterans as well as first responders and their families in need.
DeleteP.S. As far as how I like to embellish my hot dog I choose to smother it in yellow mustard and sweet pickle relish. Yum! :)
Gary Sinise has done wonderful work for veterans. We usually watch the Memorial Day concert, too, but got involved hanging pictures and completely forgot. Darn! — Pat S
DeleteEvelyn, and Anon, thank you for the reminder about this wonderful concert. I have watched and enjoyed it in years past but I seem to be living in a time warp at the moment and didn't even think of it last night. And, Evelyn, thank your husband for his service. That's a wonderful story about the Sinese Fund.
DeletePS So far I have no takers as far as dill relish on the hot dogs!
PBS frequently re-broadcasts a lot of their programming. There is also a youtube channel so if anyone is interested it may still be available for watching.
DeleteIn my post above I forgot to include relish to go with the ketchup and mustard, I prefer a brown or spicy mustard although lately I have noticed a yellow one that isn’t as bland as it used to be, I am open to any variety of relish along with any type of pickle.
Yes ~ Anonymous...You are right. Deborah and Pat S... YouTube has the entire 2026 concert for viewing. Type in "National Memorial Day Concert 2026/PBS" and it will pop up. Well worth watching. Plus Gary Sinise's late son McCanna "Mac" Sinise who was a composer had two of his pieces played by the National Symphony Orchestra.
DeleteDeborah ~ From the bottom of my heart I deeply appreciate your acknowledgment and thanks for my husband's service.
I usually prefer sweet pickle relish on my hot dog but dill relish sounds delicious, too. The other night I had a craving for a modified Paul McCartney sandwich ~ Cheese and Pickles combo. It was delicious. But I think McCartney adds some kind of spicy relish on his sandwich though...maybe Marmite...of which he is a fan.
British pickle is more like a very vinegar-y chutney, not like American pickles at all.
DeleteThat's what I thought...When I saw a photo of his "cheese and pickle" sandwich I knew my cheese and pickle sandwich was nothing like his. I read that he also likes Marmite; George Harrison did, too. Apparently an acquired taste and you either hate it or love it.
DeleteI never acquired the taste for Marmite but I love Branston Pickle. Always have a jar in my fridge to eat with cheese toast.
DeleteThat was it! Looking now at a photo of Paul McCartney's cheese and pickle sandwich layered with what looked like a brownish, chunky-ish relish and comparing it to a picture of what you call Branston Pickle and there's no doubt that he uses Branston Pickle on his sandwich bread layered with cheddar cheese. It looks like you and Paul are the pickle and cheese sandwich lovers! :) Thank you for filling me in....I love learning about different food traditions in other countries. I never even heard about Branston Pickle until you told me you always keep a jar in your fridge! This is what makes this blog so much fun and interesting!!!
DeleteVienna Beef dragged through the garden in proper Chicago style.
ReplyDeleteJust started WIDOW’S BAY last night. I’m not a big horror fan, but there’s a lot of humor to balance it, so we’re enjoying it. Just finished THE PITT S2 - they went so hard on the social issues this year. Next up, S2 of THE NIGHT MANAGER.
I'm hoping for a lovely charred hot dog with mustard, sweet relish, and cheese on it. We're going to a nearby town for a Memorial Day remembrance and picnic at the VFW. Frank hasn't checked this one out, so we'll see. I did score a Whataburger yesterday, so I'm making the most of this trip!
ReplyDeleteAs for streaming we're mainly watching Midsomer Murders, New Tricks, Reno 911, with an occasional Laugh In thrown in. It is strange to watch that last one. Nostalgic too. I'm waiting for some new episodes from Madame Blanc and Signora Vulpe.
Love Madame Blanc. Didn't realize Signora Vulpe is back. Yeah!
ReplyDeleteHaven't tried either of those!
DeleteDebs, I loved Signora Volpe on acorn tv. Another show I’m watching on Acorn TV is the new You’re Killing Me, which is set in New England. I love the stories though I’m not a fan of the commentary about young people versus older adults.
DeleteYou're Killing Me with Brooks Shields filmed in NE Canada is a refreshing and humorous show.
DeleteNon-TV person here again. But this time with a question for TV persons: are “Paradise” and theBBC’s “Death in Paradise” two entirely different TV shows? I thought they were, but some of the comments here have confused me. Thanks for your help. Elisabeth
ReplyDeleteYes, Paradise is post-apocalyptic thriller, while Death in Paradise is mystery/comedy.
DeleteThanks Deborah. Have seen Death in and definitely more my style than Paradise. Elisabeth
DeleteAs if Memorial Day weekend is the worst weekend of the year for me already, I ended up in the ER last night for seven hours. Got home sometime after 3 a.m. I had the most horrible side pain I'd ever had and couldn't help yelling out with it. I also threw up, so I was convinced I had appendicitis. I thought they would take me right in, but I must have been living in a fantasy world. It took a while to get in and see doctor and run tests. It wasn't appendicitis, but a UTI. I've had a few little infections, but this UTI thing was horrendous. But, the pain calmed down as they got me on morphine and antibiotic and other drugs. I felt so bad for my husband because he had Memorial activities today at the VFW to do, but he went to the car and slept a few hours while I was waiting for tests and tests results. So, today I still feel awful. Husband is picking up antibiotics now. Hospital failed to call them in this morning because they didn't think pharmacy at Walgreen's was open today. Maybe they could have googled it like I did. So, I am on couch but going to bed as soon as Philip gets the area by my bed cleaned up from me being sick on the carpet. Side is hurting some again, but when I get in my bed, I think things will be better. So, no Memorial Day cookouts for me today. I did get a sweet note from my daughter yesterday about her thinking about me on this hard weekend, which she said was hard for her to, and she sent the text because she just couldn't talk. I understand that. So, even with my UTI episode, I am so grateful that she and I are talking more now.
ReplyDeleteOK, now to the topic. I hated that I missed the reading topic yesterday. But, as for what we're watching on the telly, together Philip and I are watching Your Friends and Neighbors. By myself, I am watching Margo's Got Money Problems with Elle Fanning, Nick Offerman (whom I love in almost anything he does), Michelle Pfeiffer, and Nicole Kidman. It's a quirky comedy/drama, and I was pleasantly surprised how much I'm enjoying it. I want to get to Remarkably Bright Creatures (for me) and Widows Bay (for husband and me). We actually went to a movie theater last week and saw The Hail Mary Project, and we both liked it. I want to see Sheep Detectives, but I guess I'll wait until it's streaming. And, husband and I watch our beloved Gunsmoke a lot. It's such a deja vu experience with so many young actors and actresses in guest star roles who later rose to prominence in either TV or movies. I also have to catch up with Only Murders in the Building
UTI are so sneaky and so often symptomless, until knock you over in a moment. May you soon be well. Elisabeth
DeleteKathy! So sorry you are having such a horrible time! And on such a hard weekend, too. We are all thinking of you and sending love and hugs. XX
DeleteSacrilegious, I know, but I don't like anything on my hotdog!
ReplyDeleteLet us be sacrilegious together…nothing on my hot dog AND nothing on my burgers either! Elisabeth
DeleteI live for the toppings LOL
DeleteHa! Your picture is our dinner exactly plus a can of beans!
ReplyDeleteThanks for reminding me that I meant to open a big can of Bush's Original Baked Beans!!!
DeleteWe like to cut up Hebrew National Hot Dogs and cook with Bushs Baked Beans.
DeleteSo sorry to be this late to the party! I read the blog earlier, but ran out of time to comment before leaving for the Memorial Day parade, and have been running nonstop since.
ReplyDeleteWe watched the new season of Brokenwood that dropped recently and otherwise have been rehashing old favorites for the most part. Oh, but we did catch Remarkably Bright Creatures and I thought it did a pretty credible job of adapting the book to the screen. Also, I don't think my husband would like The Other Bennett Sister, so I'm saving it for when he goes off on a volunteer trip four 14 days in July.
I don't get hot dogs very often any more, but when I do I view them as largely an excuse for condiments. At a minimum I enjoy ketchup, mustard, relish and fresh onion. (We had burgers for our cookout today -- I don't eat those often, either -- and I had A1 Sauce, ketchup, mustard, a slice of tomato and a slice of onion on it.)
I'm currently rewatching all seasons of The Bear, waiting for the new season next month, and The Great American Baking Show.
ReplyDeleteI eat hot dogs when I go to Costco, and I like them with just pickle relish :)
Costco dogs did pretty well in Wirecutter list!
DeleteCostco uses Hebrew National hot dogs and i thin think are something like a dollar or two. Great deal!!
DeleteI hate how busy I've been lately at the day job. Not getting a chance to read until now. Sigh.
ReplyDeleteWe are stuck in a watching rut. We started to rewatch Jack Ryan season one on Amazon, but then The Hubby had to watch a Punisher special last night - way too violent for me and no point. I have no idea what will be on the docket tonight. Even he admitted that after watching so much violence, we might have to watch something like Pride and Prejudice to clear the palate!
Hotdogs - just ketchup and spicy brown mustard please.
Is it just me, or is the Reds site in limbo?
ReplyDeleteThe blog now occurs two times a week Monday and Thursday.
DeleteRead the blog from May 18th for a full explanation.
Delete