I did not see this last night. I googled it. Isn't google a nice thing.
I was watching Downton Abbey.
We'll get to that in a sec.
Patrick and I both really thought this one was cute!
Here is our big spread.
I made the most delicious sauce for dipping.
I dipped the pigs in a blanket and the chicken fingers in it.
Here is the recipe. I highly recommend it.
Now. If you have not seen Downton Abbey yet.
Walk away now.
Thanks.
Good.
All set.
******
How Mrs. Crawley's character swings between annoying and terribly sweet is interesting. I am afraid it is all writing tricks. And I do feel a little hoodwinked by the writing this season. Yanking our chains a bit. No?
I loved her last night.
Mary loved her last night.
Fresh air....a walk....
I wonderful how many days went by before the funeral. Interesting that we did not see that at all.
Fellows loves to do things off stage, doesn't he?
Mary looks entirely broken up about her sister. She is a good actress. That forehead. Those expressive eyes. I love Mary. And I think perhaps a few of you might have liked hearing that she cared for Matthew more than she cared for Downton.
Oh Cora. The disdain she feels for her husband is palpable. I am surprised she lets her insults fly as freely as she does. I suppose that is because he is a wild and crazy American.
(Her acting continues to impress. I completely believe her.)
Lord Grantham on the other hand....I'm afraid that he is not a very good actor.
He can speak well...but his face is not expressive at all. I understand not crying. That would be in character, but his eyes do not even show pain. Yes. It's his acting ability.
Now Thomas. He expresses a lot with his face....and hands...ahem.
O'Brian. I hate her. She is a snake.
Does handsome footman like Daisy?
What is his story?
Bates is soon to be free. Thank you Julian. The blue lighting in the prison made it hard for me to watch. Besides this whole story line has not be my favorite. I liked Bates a lot in Season One. Remember his hurt leg?
I don't like him anymore.
Hey! Maybe Branson and Daisy can get together and work the farm one day.
That is so far fetched it may happen.
Do you think it is morbid to name a child after a deceased mother?
I told my Grandma Hansen that I would like to name a daughter Esther, she said, "On no! Look what happened to Esther." Isn't that sad? I hope one day there will be a little Esther runny around. One with a head of red curls.
Speaking of heads. Did you see the head on that baby?? Giant.
Maybe English babies have big heads.
heh.
What did you think?
What stood out to you?
I looked for a picture of the ladies sitting around Mrs. Crawley's table with their black hats on, couldn't find one. They were very nice hats.
Oh I almost forgot. Carson is really, really grumpy.
love her.
Look at how great Anna looks!! Nice hair!
Can't wait to hear what you all have to say!
Happy Downton Monday!
Donna
P.S. I have removed one of my jokes about the baby's head size. I have been informed that it was in poor taste.
I am not sure it is because Sybil is not a real person. BUT. I really don't want to be someone who offends. So I'm sorry I offended.
Calling someone snarky is just as mean as making a joke about a fake baby's head size.
Just running by, more later, but had to tell you - there's a version of the clydesdale commercial that's about 30 seconds longer and is even more heart wrenching, in case you didn't see it. made me cry big alligator tears.
ReplyDeletegot an 8th grader home with a major bronchial something-or-other today so i'm playing nurse mom. i'll be back!
thanks. i'll look for it.
DeleteMy son-in-law posted the longer version on his FB and I was smitten with it. That and the Dodge Ram Truck are the only one's I've seen so far. I heard a lot of the commercials were in poor taste. I guess that happens each year.
DeleteI don't know what you guys are seeing...but I posted the long version. I wonder if somehow you are being linked to a shorter version. But this is the long version that I am seeing.
Delete(It's the same one you posted on my FB, Susan.)
If Steph saw a longer one perhaps she will post the link. I think I've lost touch with State-side commercials, and how long they last. Here, when I watch broadcast television, all the commercials are usually at the end of the show, which I love.
DeleteThe God loves a Farmer one was nice and long and so satisfying - really beautiful.
Typically a commercial is 30 sec. Some Super Bowl ads go to 1:00 min.
DeleteThe bud as says 1:13 on this and the one you posted.
That farmer ad seemed long. I will have to go see how long it was.
Okay. Just looked it up. Farmer ad two minutes. Chrysler did a two min ad last year. The Paul Rudd Samsung ad was long also. I think two min.
DeleteThe one I saw on twitter was 1.50. Lemme see if I can find it....
Deletehttp://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wPG7PcI67dE&sns=em
DeleteGod Made a Farmer has my vote for the very best Super Bowl Commercial EVER. It was powerful. And glorious.
ReplyDeleteIt occurred to me in the middle of the night that Bates hasn't been limping. Weird.
I'm thankful that Cora and Robert had that moment at the Dowager's house.
This week seems sort of limp after the drama of last week. What did you think of the Catholic discussion at the table?
I loved the black hats at the table, too.
I was surprised that the funeral and the burial were all off-scene.
I loved Mrs. Patmore helping Ethel. That was a fine thread.
When Tom put the baby in Mary's arms, Curt said, "There's something symbolic about that."
I'm looking forward to reading the comments this evening.
Happy Downton Monday, QLCS!
Carol, that was my favorite commercial as well. It was powerful. My husband and I watched it three times in a row. :)
DeleteSarah P. from Iowa
Yes, Tom putting the baby in Mary's arms. Last week my thoughts immediately wanted to make a connection with Matthew asking the doctor about why he and Mary have not yet conceived and then to have Sybill die so soon after giving birth. Now this week watching Matthew and Mary with the baby...makes me wonder if Tom will have a change of heart and stay put so the baby can benefit from having more family around both to care for it and as a support for the future.
DeleteI absolutely LOVED the Catholic discussion at the table and thought it was pretty true to what I understand to be the history of English Catholic/Protestant relations. That scene was so full of zingers I need to watch again and write them all down.
DeleteNo matter what your faith tradition is, I think it's remarkable that they had this conversation at the table on a television show.
DeleteIt was fascinatingly perplexing for us - my husband is an Episcopal priest - Protestant - who went to an Anglo-catholic seminary - also Protestant, but with high worship - lots of smells and bells on high feast days - but we're dyed in the wool Anglophiles, too - so it was fascinating to hear early 20th century Anglicans talk about the dangers of high church Catholicism - smells and bells and all --- when at the end of the same century, after Vatican II, the roman church laid down almost all of the smells and bells and high liturgy, and the Anglo-Catholics embraced them more fully!
DeleteYour worship dork friend,
Steph
Alarmingly, I think that was just one sentence. Sheesh.
DeleteTo me, you are brilliant.
DeleteI clearly need a dash fast. Maybe for Lent. ;)
Delete*LIKE* button—for the comment, Steph, NOT the dash fast!
DeleteIt was fascinating.
You will like this Steph: ALT+0151 = Em dash!
Stephen - I am also addicted to the dash!
DeleteDang auto correct - Steph!!
DeleteI actually like that a lot goes on - off stage. LIke most of the wedding, the honeymoon, the funeral etc etc. My mother has been watching Masterpiece since WAY before it was cool and she claims that is just how many shows are in the UK. They don't draw things out just to solicit the "drama" of the moment.
ReplyDeleteYes! I really don't like Bates anymore! But I am guessing that is exactly what they are trying to do, make us not like him. He was sweet, but now we have seen his very vicious side. I am guessing he did actually kill his wife. But please don't spoil it for me!!!!
And yes, the black hats!! I thought the same thing - Ethel's especially was beautiful. Love her. And Mary. And most all.
Oh - and that photo of Anna!??? WOW!! She is gorgeous!
I agree to the "action of stage" aspect being good - lets us imagine it for ourselves.
DeleteI still like Bates - he is a survivor, and as I said a few episodes back I think he is trying to have street cred in the Big House. That could be why he's not limping, doesn't want to show weakness. Survival and all He's very sweet with Anna and I think that is his true nature. Just my humble opinion.
My goodness, I loved this episode. In the first 5 minutes, the one liners were had by all.
ReplyDeleteDowager: "I don't think so, grief makes one terribly tired."
Carson and Mrs Hughes: "What do you want them to be Banker and Lawyers?" "Why not Mr. Carson, why not?
Tom Branson "my wife is dead, I am passed help, but thank you."
Cora: "Is it over? When a mother loses, a child is it really over?"
Ethyl: "when you lose a child there is nothing worse under the sun."
These were all in the first 5 -7 mins. How they fit so much in and do it well is beyond me.
I think the new butler does have the hots for Daisy. Speaking of Daisy, did you catch the look on Mrs Patmore's face when she said the line about Daisy being a regular heiress?
I'm glad Bate's is out. I still like him.
Where are all the Misters that belong to the Mrs' downstairs? Is it assumed they are all widows? Just wondering.
I think I've always liked Mrs. Crawley, she has been thrown into a VERY different world than she was used to and has had to dodge passive aggressive arrows from the dowager the whole time.
I agree about Lord Grantham's acting. I felt the same way last week. It just wasn't there. The eyes, I agree. Not even when he and Cora were crying together at the end. I felt they had to pan away quick because of his cry. I loved how the Dowager turned from them in that scene. How she so cared about the marriage.
Oh my, that none of the women would leave the luncheon table at Lord Grantham's demand. Not even the Dowager or Mary. It seems that Lord Grantham and Carson's worlds are tumbling down around them.
Welp, those are my thoughts and it seems I have plenty of them! Ha!
Kristi in LV
Kristi, I wondered the same thing about the "Mrs."
DeleteI read that some servants (which ones? those who manage others?) are given the honorary title of Mrs.
So Mrs. Hughes was never married.
I read that "Mrs." was honorary, too. Kristi, your fav moments were mine as well.
DeleteI thought when Lord G walked away from Cora's room after she told him she wanted to be alone, when he was walking down the hall that he was coming apart. I heard both of their sobs at the Dowager's and that seemed pretty convincing to me.
Having said that, I do think that this season he is outclassed for sure by the Dowager and his wife, in the acting dept.
i think in the first season that was addressed....you are correct. its an honorary way to address the head staff!
DeleteRemember when Mrs. Hughes had that old beau show up? Asked her to marry him? She said something about how she had never married but in her service everyone was 'Mrs.' as a matter of respect, I think. They were at that outdoor festival, remember?
DeleteGreat recall Steph!
DeleteThanks for writing down the one-liners. I was going to go back and watch and do so. Interesting about the "Mrs". What was the Dowager's line about "our kind of people do not have marital problems"?? I loved that.
DeletePS. I wonder, will Branson get the mismanaged property (farm?) to work? It seems he has some knowledge on how to get it up and running. Or maybe Anna and Bates? I know they talked about having their own place to work one day.
ReplyDeleteI wondered that also, but he seems quite set on going back to Ireland.
DeleteI just don't think he will leave.
DeleteHe needs help with the baby.
Option 1 - Tom realizes he needs the support of family, and stays at Downton and takes over the farm.
DeleteOption 2 - Tom folds, can't handle living among people that aren't like him without Sybil, heads back to Ireland, leaving Baby Sybil for Matthew and Mary to raise as their own...
Option 3 - Tom goes to Liverpool with the baby (too dangerous for him to go back to Ireland) and tries to work while having someone care for the baby Sybil, but decides that's not best for the baby and brings her back to Downton.
DeleteMary Z
OOO.. I think that's a real possibility. But can it happen in the next two Sundays?!?! The show ends on February 17th, right??
DeleteAAHH! What will we do?!?!?!?!
Hasn't he been assured that he'll be arrested if he goes back to Ireland?
DeleteYes.
DeleteI agree with option 3. He's stubborn, so he may try to do it all on his own but later realize that he needs help. I wish he would stay and help organize the properties. He knows how to work hard, and working is a good thing to do while grieving. Not that he's a real person, or anything... I wonder how those families dealt with children. Did the nannies keep them most of the time? How often did the adults interact with the kids?
DeleteLark Rise to Candleford, another PBS show from England, deals with the life of the residents of the Manor village - both the ones in town and the ones out in the country who work the farmland. The ones on the farmland seem to be old school - the mothers stayed home with kids when needed, but the whole families worked the tenancy farm land together - no schools. I think there were schools in town for the 'city' folk. But those who lived in the Manor had kids who were raised significantly by the help. Some of this is why Carson loves those girls so much. It's all so fascinating!
DeleteYour food spread looks yummy, Donna. Especially, the glass of iced cold pop. Now I'm craving a pop and basically all of that food. :)
ReplyDeleteYep, we liked those commercials, too. I also liked the NAPA commercial and as I mentioned above God Made a Farmer.
Sarah P. from Iowa
DeleteDonna your snacks look Dee-LISH!
ReplyDeleteI really liked this episode as a whole, because I think it was good to give us time to recover from last week. Several story lines moved forward.
I loved that Mary told her father what she thought about baby Sybil, and the Catholic christening. I don't think it's morbid, I think in this case it is lovely that Tom named his daughter after her mother.
I LOVED Mrs. Pattmore helping Ethel. Loved Cora in all her scenes. I also noticed that Mary & Edith were out walking together - perhaps they were supporting each other while their parents were having such difficulty.
Mrs. Crawley has never bothered me - I like how she speaks up and isn't afraid of what others think.
Another favorite line from last night: "Lie is such an un-musical word" - I think that's how it goes. Gotta love Maggie Smith.
I'll probably think of more as I read the comments :-)
Susan, we must have been typing at the same time, and now that I'm reading through the comments, it makes me smile that we wrote some similar ones. :)
DeleteMary Z
Makes me smile too Mary :-)
DeleteI thought the Anna photo was Heather Locklear!
ReplyDeleteEven though we didn't seen the funeral, the grief of the first few scenes was so hard to watch. I, too, love Mary. The scene at dinner where she confirmed Sybil's feelings about baptizing the baby....the scene where she stood up to her father...the scene where Tom handed baby Sybil to her...the bedroom declarations between her and Matthew. Wow. I'm so very glad Lord and Lady Grantham reconciled. And that the Dowager was behind it. Classic comments from her in her initial meeting with Dr. Clarkson, right? Something about a lie being such a non-musical word. Also loved the black hat luncheon! Happy for Daisy to be offered the farm, but the kitchen will not be the same if she leaves. I'm sure I'll think of more later, and will certainly look forward to reading what everyone else has to say!
Mary Z
You reminded me of one of my favorite scenes: Mary and Matthew's heart to heart -- it showed Mary's vulnerable side, her deep feelings and love. She has that British stiff upper lip down good, doesn't she? This was a sweet moment.
DeleteI love how Mr. Mason was telling Daisy about the farm and encouraging her to think ahead to something besides being in service, and the future of big houses. He really cares for her and is giving her the affirmation that she probably never really had before and I just love it.
Beautiful. Touching. Loved it.
DeleteWatched it twice already.
Oh, I love Mr. Mason and his love for Daisy! He obviously has a large and profitable farm -- she certainly has the skills to run the kitchen and so much more - this is how women's' lives changed in this decade - men who believed in them and shared the wealth! I hope she does it.
Deletebecause, you know, these are real people and her future is in jeopardy.
sigh.
Agreed - real people, real problems :-)
DeleteI loved that scene with Mr. Mason and Daisy too. But didn't he say he had a tenancy (but owned the machinery, etc.). I'm not sure how that affects whatever he wants to leave to her. Would it just be his "property" and not the real estate?
DeleteMy husband and I both laughed out loud at the surprised look from Mrs. Crawley when the Dowager made her presence known to Mrs. C when she was inviting Cora and the girls to lunch.
ReplyDeleteThe Dowager is my favorite character. Her one liners and words of wisdom are priceless.
Sorry to say I'm not a Mary fan but she did redeem herself a bit last night in supporting everyone else but her father, who has been making some very bad decisions.
Carson is starting to annoy me. I love the women of downstairs.
I like Edith more and more every week. Her little, unremarkable comments showing her concern for others' happiness are just very sweet.
ReplyDeleteI'm also interested to see what becomes of this new, dark side of Bates when he returns to Downton; it's going to resurface somehow. Hm..
And Mary--I have to put in a word for Mary because I think she was wonderful this week.
i have not watched downton yet... but that recipe for chick-fil-a sauce. i may be picking up chick-fil-a for dinner. oh heavens. pregnancy, i saw a commercial for the sweatheart shake at sonic the other day and instantly wanted one. i had to drive-thru after dinner and get one.
ReplyDeleteWhat is even neater and sweeter about that BUDWISER (sp) commercial is that the farm where the colt is born and raised is in Wooldridge MO!! 11 miles from Columbia!! It is right across from where I would take my Kindergarteners to Peach Tree Pumpkin Patch each year! The farm is BEAUTIFUL and it was always breath taking when you would see the Clydesdales out in the fields!
ReplyDeletesis' cindy :)
How cool!!!
DeleteThe farmer reminded me of carrie s. cousin.
DeleteI wasn't able to watch the Super Bowl yesterday due to some family events so when I read Stephanie's comment about her crying over the Clydesdale commercial I was curious. Then I clicked on it, watched it, and bawled like a baby at my computer! You know a commercial is well done when you immediately feel emotion! Good grief. I haven't gotten to watch Downton yet for the same reason but I have it DVRed and everyone's comments won't ruin it for me at all. In fact, it will make it more interesting. I'll be thinking, oh, that's why Susan and Kristi said that... :)
ReplyDeleteDebbie Z.
like button.
Delete;)
Do you think Bates is really cruel? I just assumed it was their way of portraying the dark side of prison. Him trying to get by. Not that it makes it right for him to threaten and man handle. We shall see.
ReplyDeleteDaisy looked so pretty to me in the farmer's kitchen.
I think Bates is complex -- but I think Anna is good for him.
DeleteI imagine if I had been married to Vera I would have a dark side too. And prison life is just magnifying that side of his personality.
Pulling a "shiv" - is that the right term? on that guy in the prison yard was rather startling to say the least. But it worked!
The first time I heard the word shiv was on modern family. Just a few weeks ago.
DeleteMust have been where I heard it - I get my best info from t.v. ;-)
DeleteMe again, your Swiss Miss: Donna, I just re-read the post and laughed out loud about the big headed baby - you are so right!
ReplyDeleteI love the photo of the actress who plays Anna. I saw a pic recently of the gal who plays O'Brien and I hardly recognized her without those bangs of malice. ack!
BANGS OF MALICE.
DeleteYes. That is my new thing.
'Hey kids, you're driving me crazy. Better knock it off before I bring out my BANGS OF MALICE.'
LIKE button :-)
DeleteOh my, that made me laugh out loud.......BANGS OF MALICE!
DeleteI am so thankful to come here for my Downton Abbey fix.
Debbie from Illinois
Steph, your comments just make me laugh out loud...Bangs of Malice.
DeleteBecause, after all, the bangs are real, right? ;)
Yes! You understand me!!!!! :)
DeleteBangs of malice!!!! Oh my. O'Brien is evil. She is so evil that I am starting to feel sorry for Thomas.
DeleteI haven't quite caught the Downton bug ... but I must give praise for the Dodge Ram FARMER ad ... with Paul Harvey's voice. So beautiful and lovely and great photography!
ReplyDeleteOK, finally watched. I love Tom... He can't leave. And who knew Catholics were so despised?? yikes!! I thought all of that was very humorous.
ReplyDeleteI loved the Dowager's comment about Ethel having an outfit for every occasion.....
I also love that she has become more than just one-liners these past two weeks.
That's all for now.
~c
pushing the LIKE button again - I totally agree, Cheryl.
Delete"An outfit for every occasion" - yes, that was funny. And, you know, sometimes I think I need to watch those shows several times just to enjoy the many one-liners. The Dowager has to be the queen of the one-liners!
DeleteI don't get the joke about an outfit for every occasion?
DeleteEthyl came in the room wearing her housekeeping outfit after Robert came in and told them all what she was. The dowager said something like 'I'm sure she has an outfit for every occasion'. You know, either working as housekeeper and cook, or working AFTER hours, if you catch my drift. :)
DeleteMary was much more like able this week. I love this show because it is so well-written. So much happens in each episode, I feel like I need to take notes to be able to remember everything I'd like to discuss with my Downton-obsessed friends!
ReplyDeleteI really liked Mrs. Crowley this week too. I think the contrast between her and some of the other women vs Lord Grantham and Carson is really interesting- those that are embracing change and progress vs those that are holding onto tradition and the ideas that no one can change what they are in life. It was indeed a very interesting time period!
Miss O'Brien is just evil. Pure evil.
I'm going to need to watch it again to catch everything, like usual!
Jessica, I feel that way about Mrs. Hughes too. She has really come into her own as far as sharing her opinion (without being mean about it). The women on this show are certainly changing and growing this season. Too bad Sybil, who kind of started the ball rolling, won't be there to see all that is coming for women.
DeleteI loved this episode. So many great lines. I think Tom will stay and take over the farm. I don't think it's morbid to name the baby for her mother. I couldn't quite bring myself to name Cassie "Winnie" for my mother but her middle name is "Winn". :)
ReplyDeleteMary redeemed herself for me last night both in the way she treated Matthew and the way she stood up to her father but still showed great love and concern for him.
So cool about the farm in the Budweiser commercial being near Columbia. When I lived in St Louis after college, I lived a mile from Grant's Farm and they raised some baby Clydesdales there. It was magical to see them in the pasture on a misty morning!
I hate O'Brian too!!
When Lord G said the part about wanting to tell Sybil about her favorite rose in bloom, that seemed very real to me. Even more real was when Mary said "say that to Ma-mah" - it was such a sweet thing to say and she said it with such emotion. Yay Mary!
ReplyDeleteJust re-watched this moment. The way he just takes a long drink, rather than finishing his thought....I thought it was so real, too. Mary's love for her parents is so evident in the way she reacts to him. Love it.
DeleteLIKE. yes. this. totally agree.
ReplyDeletehttp://youtu.be/NMykqW9ibiY
ReplyDeleteDownton Arby's. A must-watch for DA fans.
Too funny :)
Deletethat is the funniest thing ever! Thanks for sharing!
DeleteI've had a thought about Lord Grantham. I can definitely understand the disappointment in the acting.... but perhaps it is intentional. I can't help thinking that he is avoiding any real emotion because if he lets any out he may not be able to hold it together, and that's his job. I mean, everything is suddenly out of his control. Sybil's death, Matthew confronting him about the management of Downton, Cora not speaking to him, that baby's baptism, all the girl-power suddenly going on around him, etc. I can just see it all building up in him this week, waiting to fall apart. Maybe we'll see something different from him next week. Then again, maybe I'm just trying to give him an excuse 'cuz I like him.
ReplyDeleteI was also thinking that baby Sybil grew awfully fast. She really looked like a tiny newborn last week, and yes her head was giant this week.
Love the Countess. Love Mary and Matthew. I hope Tom stays and works the farm. I hope Mary and Matthew get to have a baby, but I've thought for a while that it might not be in their story.
So many beautiful story lines. So much to love.
I love the way Julian Fellowes tells a story, with all the off-screen and narrative. I also love his characters, so complex, we get to see their grumpy sides and tender sides, and he won't just keep someone flat because he knows the audience might prefer that(Carson, for example)...
ReplyDeleteI'm taking personal offense on behalf of Hugh Bonneville! I love his portrayal of the stoic head of estate. I think he's amazing. Last night I could see his pain underneath, but he couldn't show it because he felt responsible. All the other actors got to show the upset directly. But, the character, LG, needs to take a page out of Pride & Prejudice and start to show a little humilty and work with Matthew.
Naming the baby Sybil is a way to honor her life. It's only morbid if you focus on the death rather than the life of the person.
At least the black dresses had a little more character this season, can't wait for the purple next episode.
that's me, Janice
DeleteAgreed on several levels. I have no problem with Lord Grantham the last 2 weeks. This would be an out-of-his-head experience - I feel about him like I felt about Russell Crowe in Les Mis.. like that guy on youtube all those years ago... 'LEAVE BRITNEY ALONE'. ;)
DeleteAh, poor Carson isn't grumpy so much as he's desperate to hold on to old values and the old ways. He represents how things were, and is uncomfortable with ushering in the new era.
ReplyDeleteMy babies all had big heads. My third baby weighed in at over 11 pounds and her head was enormous. She was also my last!
Funny how Mary got on my nerves in the first season. She was so rude and heartless and sometimes arrogant. They really took off her sharp corners as she went along. I wonder if she and Matthew will be unable to have children and maybe make the case to keep baby Sybil?
Also, has anyone else considered Daisy might marry her father-in-law? Lots of older men married younger women and had more children.
Lots to think about!!
Cheers,
Pam in Montreal
I wondered about Daisy and Dad in law, Pam.
ReplyDeleteMe too, but I kind of don't want to go there.
DeleteI'm with Julie. Nyah! ::screws up her nose::
DeleteI can't see that at all. He's way too paternal with her, don't you think?
DeleteVery paternal. I love how their father-daughter relationship is developing. The way Daisy is having her eyes open. Remember back when, she said she wasn't special to anybody? And Mr. Mason reminded her of how she was special to William and she fairly glowed. It's precious.
DeleteThat's the line I was going to quote last night too, Susan. 'I've never been special to anyone'. 'Well, you're special to me, now.' Gah. Makes me cry just to remember it!!
DeleteI'm thinking and praying for Alison this afternoon.
ReplyDeleteShe's the one who is having laser eye surgery, right? Prayers for Allison from Virginia.
DeleteOh, how I love the QLCS. Hugs to you, dear Alison!!!!
DeleteDonna, you know Alison and I have been friends since 1987! Our husbands used to teach together at Half Moon Bay High. She's such a faithful friend.
Thanks for reminding us to pray, dear Donna.
DI
who has nothing to contribute to DA chat, and will be ready to talk about the game in a week or so. Sniff. Sniff.
((Di-the 49er fan))
DeleteI would trust you. Did you read my joke about the baby's head.
Was it in poor taste?
As one who walked around for five years with tailbone pain after my basketball player was born, of course not! But you should know: I am also the woman who laughed when that same son injured HIS tailbone taking a charge in a game...so maybe I live poor taste (-:
DeleteAs one who walked around for five years with tailbone pain after my basketball player was born, of course not! But you should know: I am also the woman who laughed when that same son injured HIS tailbone taking a charge in a game...so maybe I live poor taste (-:
DeleteI seem to be on multiple entry setting these days. Sorry. I am wordy enough in ONE post.
DeleteDi
I also was thinking that Daisy's father in law may have other intentions...than purely teaching her farm business. I do like Daisy, she may be the character that has changed and grown the most. She speaks her mind, sure she is bossy and unkind to Ivy but she is just modeling what she learned from Mrs. P. Lord G.'s butler stories are always creepy, curious to see how his touchiness to the new footman blows up (with O'Brien watching and coaching all along.) What does Cora see in O'Brien as her servant? Compare Anna's care and counsel to the girls versus O'Brien's demeanor, that is unclear to me how/why Cora is so devoted to her and makes me not respect Cora's read of a person's character much. I love Matthew and like Mary, but would love to see a scene where Mary gets a serious laugh and is having a really great time...she could use a really good laugh. Looking forward to next week...I just watched 3 seasons in about a week, how do you last waiting a week for another episode, lol!?
ReplyDeleteDonna, I put up a blog about the Biltmore Estate I visited over Christmas before I'd seen an episode of Downton Abbey. I feel like I've been to Downton Abbey after visiting the Biltmore in Asheville, NC!
Carol S.
smokymountainviews.wordpress.com
I will go see your post Carol! I have been to Biltmore! It was wonderful!
ReplyDeleteI'll be back in Asheville in march..... I go there often and try to save my pennies to see the Biltmore once a year!
ReplyDeleteWow, I could see exploring that large property and seeing something new every visit. Hope I can do the same thing and return again and again.
DeleteDonna, I had to stop reading all the comments, because I must write quickly and go pick up my son from school. So, I apologize if I repeat above comments.
ReplyDelete*I still like Mr. Bates. But, I have not liked the writing of his side story. Glad it's about to wrap up and he's coming home to Anna. That will be interesting to watch, now that they will be together.
*I think Mary and Matthew will eventually raise Sybil. ???
*I love to hate Ms. O'Brien. Can't stand Thomas, but glad they have such despicable characters.
*Yes! I think the cute footman likes Daisy! Yea!
*I'm not sure I'm glad the prostitute/maid is back. But, glad she cooked a good meal!
*Love Mrs. Crawley! Liked her spunk from day one.
*Notice how they paired Edith and Mary, walking together, as if they are now good chums? I hope they don't change Edith into a likable, good, sweet character! It makes it more fun when she's pouty and self-absorbed!!
*I just saw Carol's comment, above, about Mary needing a good belly laugh! I agree! Let's see her get a little tipsy and laugh uncontrollably!! ;))
I loved your picture of your snacks! Funny!! BUT, oh-so-yummy looking!!
Have a great week,
E.
Mary is my favorite character and has been from the beginning. I think Michelle Dockery is a gifted actor.
ReplyDeleteI like the Mr. Bates character. I think he had to be tough when in prison because he was being antagonized. And because he was not guilty. I'm glad he'll be getting out, though, because I hated the prison scenes.
Personally, I don't think it's morbid to name the infant after its dead mother.
One of my favorite scenes of the night was when the Dowager Countess asked the doctor to research eclampsia, and then she had him meet with the bereaved parents. Like you, I think that Elizabeth McGovern is stepping it up a notch as Lady Cora. She has been great this season.
My other favorite scene was luncheon at Isobel Crawley's house. The women's mourning attire (beautiful), and the way they reacted to the Earl's request that they leave immediately. It was wonderful.
I detest O'Brien. Thomas - not so much, although he is a snake.
I haven't figured out the new footman (Jimmy Kent) yet. Not sure what his story is. But I'm wondering if he doesn't have eyes for Daisy.
I especially loved Edith's hat which she wore to the luncheon. The Dowager's comment when Ethel entered the room "Oh she appears to have a suitable outfit for every occasion" was excellent.
ReplyDeleteI think that Edith looked great in that hat as well.
DeleteOh my goodness...aren't you snarky today! The comment about the baby's head killing her is really poor taste.
ReplyDeleteI'm sorry to offend you. It was a joke.
Deletejust weighing in -- not offensive to me. I got a chuckle. When talking about a television show and fictional characters (even when they feel real) a small serving of snarky is o.k. :-)
Delete"just weighing in" Sorry -- that made me laugh out loud!
DeleteAnd snarky? Hmmmmm. Not a word I would ever use for The QL Queen. If opinions = snarky, I am in serious trouble (-:
Di
Snarky??? Someone called you snarky! My dictionary doesn't have the word snarky in it, but snark is there. "An imaginary animal created by Lewis Carroll, a snake + a shark." Oh my, that does NOT describe Donna at all.
ReplyDeleteI don't watch Downton Abby yet, but I still enjoy reading all your reviews.
I would like to start watching with season 1 soon.
Sending love and warm thoughts your way, Donna!
Our whole discussion is off the chartYour joke was a snorter exactly in context of the kind of conversation we've been having, Donna. Please don't give that comment a second thought.
ReplyDeleteSorry. Text box got stuck on iPad. I was going to add that we get goofy with stuff like this all the time.
Deletelike :-)
DeleteThank you Steph.
ReplyDeletelove love love all the comments- have been reading them since season 3 started and i watched season 1 and 2 to catch up. love all the discussion! and Donna- have been reading your blog for a long time and love it- all of it and you know what, some babies do have big heads. it is simply a fact.
ReplyDelete(don't all us Mom's cringe when we see a baby with a large head?)
Deleteyikes!
It's been fun reading the comments.....about these real people, our BFFs. <3 Here are a few of my thoughts.
ReplyDeleteMatthew and Mary's scene in bed was amazing and sweet and gave me so much hope.
I'm tired of hearing Carson whine although I think I agree with much of what he is saying. I don't like change. Right sisters? ;)
I still can't understand a word Bates says. LOL I am bored with it all. Mary was sure sweet about his return.
I think it was so thoughtful of Mrs. Crawley to invite the ladies over for lunch. And boy did they DIS LG.
I don't think the chauffeur will leave the baby at DA. I hope he gets the farm and then the family can help him raise her. Surely, that's what they were setting up in the scene with Matthew on the walk.
Cora and LG's hug at the end was beautiful. The Dowager was so sweet to help them through that rough patch.
Hope you're feeling better!! Did your children take care of you?
ReplyDeleteKids have been great! Didn't sleep well though.
ReplyDeleteOh my heavens. The Clydesdale commercial has me in tears.
ReplyDeleteI love all your comments and it helps me figure out the English' mumbles. Thanks so much for letting me lurk. It means a lot to me and I can hardly wait to see what you all have to say.
ReplyDelete(I wouldn't waste your time thinking about the person who didn't like your comment. It was funny and true. I'd say screw her, but I'm in my 70s and it wouldn't be polite.)
LIKE.
DeleteCan I share a Downton Abby secret here? I bought the season pass on iTunes and it already has through episode 9 to watch ... I'm watching this coming Sunday's episode tonight. I won't give anything away - I just thought some people who are too anxious to wait might want to know :)
ReplyDelete