Forgive me for not posting for a couple of days, but I dont' have internet at home anymore and Monday... well... it was kind of manic.
I started out with good intentions, watching an old John Wayne western -- I mean back to when he was just starting out -- and it was a good yarn. Down in Yucca, the guys in the black hats were trying to force all the good townsfolk in white hats off the land through starvation, so they could buy up all the farms cheap. Underneath, there was lots of gold in them thar hills, and the big bad businessman wanted it all for himself. Fortunately, the Duke stepped in to save the day, as well as the lady in distress.
From there, I went astray. I found myself watching TVO, where the double-feature was all about chefs and the incredible meals they were making. The Big Night focused on a pair of Italian immigrant brothers, who're trying very hard to make their dream come true by opening a restaurant in America. Stanley Tucci and Tony Shalhoub are the passionate brothers, who argue over almost everything. Minnie Driver and Isabella Rosselini are the love interests, while Ian Holm plays the villain.
In desperation, Tucci reaches out to his neighbour, Holm, who runs another Italian restaurant across the street. After sharing his troubles, Holm promises to send over a famous singer, who will attract a big crowd and save the day.
Much of the movie is spent watching the frantic preparations, as all the courses are prepared. The pasta's made from scratch. The flour mixture's rolled out and lovingly cut into patterns, before it's stuffed and baked. The vegetables, spices, meats... They're all fresh from the green grocer, along with the floral arrangements. Sigh...
When the meal's all done, and it's obvious the guest of honour isn't coming, the brothers learn they've been betrayed. The singer was never invited.
As they sit in the kitchen the next morning, still trying to absorb their ruin, even the simple omelet with crusty bread looks tasty.
I have to admit I miss out on the socializing that I do through coffee. The beer I had at a friend's Friday night (he offered...) was also quite welcome, but stopping off at Tim's after a day's work or to meet a friend is so much a part of my life and work, it's quite isolating, when it's cut out.
I understand there were meals offered at Jubilee and the Fellowship Centre recently, and as much as I enjoy visiting with them, it's not the same. I am certainly glad to hear the voices of Glen Assin and Tommy Keesick on our airwaves, as it's always good to have them included. I'm glad to hear they feel comfortable enough to speak publicly about what's important to them.
I also look forward to hearing more Stories from the Streets, later this week. It really is what helps Make Kenora Home.
