Grundoon59

4/5 with 2* - thanks to the weird wheelhouse of Grundoon knowledge (at least two of them were wild guesses). For Monday, I settled on Hemmingway and started running all the titles I could remember and guessed correctly - thank you W&M lit classes! For Tuesday, I got Woodstock right away for some odd reason with Coachella as a Hail Mary guess. Wednesday I wasn't sure who the characters who were killed were but they sounded "Godfathery". Clemenza made sense and I remembered him for the "take the cannoli" line (which is one of my favorite Sarah Vowell books). I am embarrassed I didn't get Australia since I heard/read a lot about their Constitution when I spent a week in Canberra decades ago but didn't come anywhere near it on Thursday. For Friday, W&M British history classes to the rescue with how the Hanoverian Succession happened, My cooking hasn't been glamorous of late but I did broil some chicken leg quarters and made some Rice-a-Roni which I will be glad to share.

4/5 - thought I was on a roll to a perfect week but of course pride goeth before the fall and I got caught in a whirlwind of trying to remember the name added to Hartsfield airport and running out of time (shows how long it has been since I flew through there). Monday, Tuesday and Thursday were Instagets in the weird wheelhouse of my knowledge thanks to a love of old movies, many Shakespeare productions at Stratford, Ontario and many renditions of O, Canada at joint Detroit/Windsor fireworks. Antietam took me a minute (because I didn't associate it immediately with the song) but I got there by remembering long ago battlefield visits with Parental Grundoons. Antietam is quietly but deeply moving and impressive if you know the history of the battle. (Also I will never forget an argument at a charity team trivia competition years ago due to a poorly worded question about Civil War casualties/bloodiest day where the judges wanted Gettysburg as the answer and representatives of several teams argued strenuously that it should be Antietam - it was pre-Google days so we got outvoted - my team was irked with me 🤣)

2/5 - Mayflower was an Instaget and Yeats popped into my brain at the last second from somewhere unknown. I knew the musical piece they were referencing for Friday but nothing could make the answer appear in my mind. Not a clue for either Tuesday or Thursday but I recognized the book title as soon as it was revealed. I am offering up a Baked Bean & Hot Dog Casserole (if I have to provide a rationale, it's Boston Baked Beans for the Mayflower and Hot Dogs for Base Ball - I attended another game this weekend but it is really mostly lack of cooking motivation these days 🤣).

3/5 with no*. Two last second guesses and one instaget. For Monday, I got to Arabian Nights at the very last moment (my mind having wandered to the Kama Sutra and then getting stuck on would that be an FJ answer), I knew the name was Aurora at once but had to scramble to come up with Sleeping Beauty. Richard III was immediate - the Anne of York reference gave it away plus I followed the story when it broke. I am firmly in the Josephine Tey/Elizabeth Peters/he didn't do it camp for Richard (even though I do relish a good production of Shakespeare's version of events). I am embarrassed that I didn't get Cote D'Ivoire and Master Class but they reveal gaps in my retrievable knowledge base (if I actually ever knew either answer). On Sunday I hit what had been planned as an indoor Farmers Market which was outside thanks to a gorgeous Michigan weekend (tempted to say made glorious summer by this sun of York). My favorite cheese vendor was there so I offer up a cheese plate of Garlic Herb Spread, Apricot Triple Creme and Smoked Cheddar (which were among my purchases - I really shouldn't be allowed to go there unsupervised),

It hurt my heart that Big River was a TS. I saw the original production when it was on tour in Detroit and love the original cast album (Ron Richardson's voice as Jim delights my soul and the whole cast is strong). Mother Grundoon and I also saw the 2003 revival in NYC by the Roundabout and Deaf West theater companies. It incorporated verbal and signed performances and was one of the most remarkable things I have ever seen on stage.

@Prevailing Wind - Britbox helped me as well because "Elizabeth I and her Enemies" reminded me how soon Catherine Parr died after Henry did and of her relationship with Elizabeth. I probably would have gotten the answer anyway (have read way too much Tudor history) but having watched that series definitely helped. I was 4/5 with 1* for the week. Ironically I was partly lead astray for Wednesday by an Acorn series on Churchill which focused on his interest in his ancestor John Churchill's military exploits which sent me down the rabbit hole of much earlier wars. I never made it back to the correct era and so was spared the internal debate of which name to give to the war. The answer made total sense just after I heard it (don't they almost always?).

I knew the FJ answer thanks to a long term probably unhealthy interest in Tudor History plus recent viewings of some programs on BritBox and Acorn. But I will always thank a musical whenever possible and several songs from Six appear in snippets in my head on a fairly regular basis.

I admire Mattea - she has done incredibly well at something I have never even been able to attempt so Brava! to her. That being said ... some of her offhand remarks are getting on my nerves (I am more listening than watching these days except for FJ - has become my habit over the last few months so appearance/mannerisms haven't been an issue for me with any recent players). Lord knows I can ramble with the best of them but I am not on television potentially slowing down game play. She is cheerful, lightening fast and clearly having a wonderful time - however I don't really need to know every aspect of her thought process - it falls into what I call the "Frasier" principle of being allowed to have an unexpressed thought (based on what was for me a classic exchange between Frasier and Niles). Last night when she was answering the Lake Ontario question, she added "I hope it's" to her response which lead me to yell "who cares what you hope and that would get you disqualified on Wheel of Fortune". I don't think she heard me but I felt better. Now I shall take my old fogey self to a quiet corner as long as you kids all get off my lawn. Happy Easter/Passover/Ramadan/Spring Holiday to all!

Still Standing is a fun show to watch about small town Canadian life - I believe some seasons are on IMDB on line (which I get through my Prime Channels). Jonny Harris always comes across as a nice guy you would like to have a cup of tea/drink/meal with. If he isn't, I don't want to know. Yet again I am grateful to have CBC access via Windsor in the metro-Detroit area but also grateful I can rewatch through Acorn/Ovation. @blackwing - rest assured Crabtree will be back for many episodes as the season goes along.

Season 14.24 - Close Encounters Given all the plot lines that needed to be dealt with, it did feel a little overstuffed but generally an enjoyable episode. But it was so crowded that I kept wondering if I was missing something. I did like the George/Effie story line - it was a good mix of fantasy and reality. Also loved Effie's father's mashed potato tower that no one directly commented on. Whoever is disrupting the wedding has to be someone known to both of them - I know she went to meet George's aunts but are they ever all in the same place? Could it be the ex-husband? Or heaven forbid Amelia's sister (sorry can't remember her name - having foggy brain at the moment)? Glad Higgins made it in time for the wedding - I previously wondered if they were at Kellogg's Battle Creek facilities - nice to have it somewhat confirmed. Happy Montreal Georges proved dependable and that the Murdochs triumphed together. Long live the Pelican. Are we supposed to know what the reality is of how Mrs. Hart's father died? Also what happens to his share of the salon? Over the moon that Watts survived, pleased that Milo realizes (maybe too late) what a good man he is, concerned that given the Watts/Brackenreid confrontation there may not be a way for Watts to return to Station House 4. Also I am not sure how Jack returns to Toronto since he has no real claim to the child he essentially kidnapped. I appreciate a good cliffhanger for a season finale (and this was one on many levels) but ever since Frankie Drake went out on one that became a series finale, I get very nervous. Any word if there will be a season 16 yet?

3/5 with no *. Succession and Game of Life were lucky guesses. Musical Theater was what mostly got me to Oliver Twist although I also did go through a reading like the Dickens phase at one time (sorry - couldn't resist).

How to Succeed in Business Without Really Trying has some great songs even if a few plot lines are problematic these days. I got to see the Matthew Broderick version on Broadway in the mid 90s just before the Tony Award nominations came out. I enjoyed the whole show but when Lillias White finished her part of "Brotherhood of Man", the roof threatened to come off the theater - there is a version of it being done for the 1995 Tony Awards on YouTube that captures the spirit well. Pure joy!

@Pepper the Cat - I agree with you about George's parents but Effie's mom was a pill before that.

Episode 15.23 - Pay the Piper @auchic - right there with you. I think I saw a moment in the preview where Brackenreid was speaking to Watts but not 100 % sure. This incident better bring Milo to his senses though. A very jam-packed episode. Almost too much going on. Random thoughts: Is the Wexford plot going to tie into things at all? Why was Effie's mother such a pill? What was with all the references to George's past romances? Who is Georges looking for in Toronto? How does Brackenreid know Ms. Hart's father? What's up with the Nanny? Why go after Watts if William is the target because of his actions in Quebec? Did we ever find out who the William dress-a-like was? How many people are involved in the conspiracy against William? I did enjoy the episode and look forward to next week even though it means no new episodes for awhile. In particular I enjoyed how William seemed more and more paranoid as each new element was added - all could be explained away rationally but all could be part of a real attempt to kill him. One part of my brain did wonder if it all could be a feverish nightmare that he was having since so much was going on but I am hoping that is not the case.

4/5 - thought I was on my way to a perfect week when hubris got me and I couldn't pull New Zealand out of my brain for love or money. Made total sense when I saw the answer and I even had entertained a passing thought that the preferred name seemed similar to aboriginal names in Australia but did I come anywhere near New Zealand - absolutely not! Couldn't remember for sure that Satchel Paige was a pitcher but he was my best guess. Recognized the Lady MacBeth quote immediately and was about 97% sure on Josephine Baker. I don't think I had heard about the Rockette Kick Line before but knew Stonewall Inn was the answer (added Inn just to be sure). I am not in a cooking mood this week so picked up some pork pies and sausage rolls from my favorite Scottish bakery and I will now offer them to the tables as a tribute to Lady MacBeth.

I too am part of the Cheaper By the Dozen/Belles on their Toes group - read the books and saw the movies. I too use "jumped six and nine/tenths inches" on occasion.

If you like Base Ball and history, you might want to check to see if there are any teams in your area that are part of the Vintage Base Ball Association. As I have mentioned various places, my summers are spent following teams around Southeastern Michigan but especially at Greenfield Village where teams play from June to August. Different teams play by the rules of different years - 1867 is my favorite - no gloves, no sliding, no spitting. It is a great way to spend a day watching folks who love the game. I know the VBBA has a website where you can locate teams around the country.

I too liked the AMC story - over the years I have watched almost all the soaps but the ABC ones were always faves - I would have been thrilled with those presents. During visits to NYC, I passed by the ABC studios several times on my way to other destinations and was always thrilled to see familiar faces - I spoke to a few and they were usually very gracious. As a W&M alum, I always perk up at mentions of the school or the Burg so I let out a whoop at last night's mention. I have wondered if it comes up more than other schools but I don't pay attention enough to know.

Episode 15.22 - Sweet Amelia I agree it was an enjoyable episode - as a metro-Detroiter, I got a kick out of our Southern neighbor (aka Windsor) featuring prominently. I thought Margaret was incredibly brave (if a little foolhardy) setting out on her quest alone but it was wonderful to see her as a force with which to be reckoned. Tolerated the Amelia portions of the episode - everyone handled the material very well but I am ready to see an end to the sisters' saga. Thought Murdoch and the baby were cute - liked Higgins getting upset about paternity leave and soliciting all sorts of opinions on it. Very glad on the advancement of the George/Effie relationship and very sad about Watts/Milo. I understand Milo feels he is being clear about what he wants (and good for him for doing so) but as an ardent Watts fan, I totally agree - LET WATTS BE HAPPY!

3/5 with 1*. Got Tony Bennett (who I had the delight of meeting briefly about 20 years ago) and Jasmine pretty easily. I am mad that I couldn't get the Napoleon title - I could not get my mind to find Corporal in its vocabulary. The Wasteland popped into my brain at the very last second because it had to overcome the traumatizing memories and one humorous moment of studying it my senior year at W&M. I stayed up very late with the English majors on my floor going over the portion of the poem that the professor had assigned to our row but gave up declaring "I am a history/government major and I am going to bed" - ultimately the prof called on everyone in our row, skipped me and nearly gave the girl sitting behind me in the next row a heart attack by calling on her. I had taken several prior classes with him and for this one I had to run across campus to get there on time and invariably walked in just in front of him (he was usually finishing a cigarette in the hall). As we all walked out after class, he winked at me and said I deserved a break for taking all my lit classes with him and practically breaking my neck every day getting to class. I could have read Friday's clue until the cows came home and not gotten the answer - it was a long week at work and I don't think I ever associated Atlanta with Atlantic (but now of course, it seems so obvious).

I was right there with you all saying Miss Diana is not happy right now. Also had a moment of thinking am I that old as Motown fan? But I was just a child sized Grundoon in late 60s Motown. I got FJ right away - I remembered some media coverage of the music release and the cognitive issues Tony Bennett was having. I had the great delight of standing right behind him in line at the Tower Records in Trump Tower years ago. He was very charming and down to earth - he looked at the cds I was buying and praised my taste. Plus he told me a couple of anecdotes about one of the singers. When he paid for his purchase and left, the clerk and I looked at each other and both said - how cool was that?

Episode 15.21 - Devil's Music I enjoyed the main points of the episode- the Brackenreid/Crabtree detective team is always fun and Leadbelly was a good addition. Glad the baby arrived safely as well. Not sure what to make of Ms. Hart's involvement in the proceedings - I was starting to enjoy her so much more that this seemed like a real turn but I guess I don't mind her having varying layers. I am also not as thrilled as I was a while ago with Milo. It seems as if he and Watts want different things from their relationship but Milo was jealous of Jack & Watts while seeming to play down Watts' being jealous. I hope they can work it out because I want Watts to be happy again but I fear that Milo may not be the end game for him.

Thanks @illdoc for the picture of the cookies and @ams1001 - yes those are the ones - hope you like them as much as I do. @Ailianna - glad the procedure went well and that your recovery is beginning. Happy, healing thoughts headed your way.

Thanks @shapeshifter! And @Browncoat, yes that is a perfect description of the Adventurefuls (btw congrats on your perfect week).

3/5 this week with embarrassment for missing Monday and Friday. Should have gotten Gallipoli if only from remembering the movie. Likewise, have heard the phrase bury the lede but didn't ever realize the spelling difference - I was saying it in a questioning way but since the spelling was integral to the answer, I wouldn't get credit. Too many tornado watches/warnings in Michigan for that not to be an Instaget. Knew the catchphrase pretty quickly and Silent Spring came easily (my Grundoon Aunts lived not far from the Rachel Carson National Wildlife area). Love the idea of an all sweets table this week - I'll bring a good vanilla ice cream and toppings. Also if anyone hasn't tried the new Girl Scout cookie Adventurefuls, you should- they are really good. I bought one box a few weeks ago to try them out - polished it off and bought four more boxes on Friday - one for now, three for the freezer.