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Saturday Share Recipe - Savory Bread and Corn Pudding
All About Azaleas
In case you didn't know, Houston is famous for its azaleas. Every year, thousands of people flock to the Azalea Trail. This yera it runs from March 6–8.
Organized by the River Oaks Garden Club, it features tours of private gardens in the River Oaks/Tanglewood areas and the historic Bayou Bend and Rienzi gardens.
ARE AZALEAS RHODODENDRONS?
Azaleas are not Rhododendrons, but they are part of that genus that has over 10,000 varieties.
These gorgeous shrubs thrive in acidic, well-drained soil with dappled shade, and they're known for spring blooms. They can be evergreen or deciduous. Amazingly, they've been around for 50 million years. They symbolize femininity, passion, fragility, and temperance and are native to Asia, Europe, and North America.
You should know that all parts of the azalea plant are poisonous to humans and pets because they contain grayanotoxins. They can grow from small dwarf shrubs to large bushes reaching 8–10 feet in height and are often called "royalty of the garden."
TAKEAWAY TRUTH
Most of my azaleas are the Formosa variety shown above—large shrubs covered with blooms. I have some medium height azaleas that bloom red.
Review - The Night Agent 3 - Netflix
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| Read The Night Agent, Amazon |
The Night Agent was a big hit for Netflix when the first season premiered on March 23, 2023. It was so popular that it was renewed in its first week of broadcast.
Fans of the thriller series couldn't wait for Season 2. Unfortunately, that season was underwhelming. In fact, it was so disappointing, I didn't immediately watch Season 3 when it hit the small screen last week.
However, this past weekend when we were searching for something to view, we clicked on it. I'm glad we did because it was as compelling as Season 1 had been.
WHY WATCH SEASON 3 OF NIGHT AGENT
Better story. Better drama. Better new characters. Better pacing. Interesting villains.
It was great to see a character from Season 1—Secret Service agent Chelsea Arrington (Fola Evans-Akingbola )—who helps ground the series emotionally. Her character is likable, smart, and brave. She does the right thing even if it means her career is at stake.
Honesty in a character is so refreshing. She had a big part in Season 1 but only a cameo in Season 2. They were smart to bring her back because for whatever reason they haven't brought back Rose Larkin (Luciane Buchanan) whose relationship with Peter (Gabriel Basso) was a big part of the Season 1 success.
WHY NOT BRING ROSE BACK?
Showrunner Shawn Ryan made the decision not to bring Rose back in order for Night Agent Peter to be a lone wolf focused only on his assignments. Blah blah blah. I see it as another James Bond persona with no relationshiips except fleeting one-night stands. Peter though isn't finding a woman in every destination.
Emotionally, he still has his demons—still trying to prove his loyalty to his country. He seems lonely and has no "real" life. Maybe Season 4 will change all that. We can only hope to see some emotional growth in a compelling character.
TAKEAWAY TRUTH
If you're looking for action, adventure, and thrills, definitely watch The Night Agent 3. If you don't have Netflix, read the book.
Saturday Share - Brunch Quiche Cups
Brunch Quiche Cups
Ingredients
- 1 10-ounce package of frozen chopped spinach
- 4 eggs
- 3/4 cup sharp cheddar, grated
- 1/4 cup finely diced red bell pepper
- 1/4 cup finely diced onion
- 1 tablespoon butter
- 1/2 teeaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper
- 1/4 cup diced ham or crumbled bacon *Optional
Directions
1. In a 12 cup muffin pan, line each cup with a foil baking cup and pre-heat the oven to 350° F. (176° C.).
2. In a small saute pan, saute the red bell pepper and the onion in the butter until soft.
3. Microwave the spinach on high for 2-3 minutes. Drain the spinach well and squeeze all the liquid out of it.
4. In a large mixing bowl, beat the eggs well. Add the cheese, spinach, onions, bell pepper, salt, and pepper. If you are adding meat, toss it in now.
5. Evenly divide the mixture into the 12 muffin cups.
6. Bake for 20 minutes, until a knife inserted into the center comes out clean.
7. Serve immediately.
You can make these ahead of time and reheat in a microwave. Store any leftovers in a plastic storage bag in the freezer.
TAKEAWAY TRUTH
These make a nutritious and delicious snack so make a bunch of them and keep them in a freezer for an easy breakfast or a snack as you need them.
Ordinary Marvels - Navel Oranges
Time's A-Wasting: Live Your Dream
Today, for Hump Day, I'm reflecting on recent events and on something that happened many years ago.
In the wake of wildfires, blizzards, senseless shootings, and other life tragedies, I think of a spring day many yeras ago when tornadoes cut a swath through the South.
My mother was afraid of storms and especially fearful when spring seemed to bring the worst of them. I remember trying to soothe her anxiety.
Later, I told my husband about this, and I quipped, "If it's your time to go, then there's not much you can do about it."
He said, "It may not be your time, but if you're hanging out with someone whose number is up then you're just screwed, and you'll go too."
For some reason, that whole incident really made me think. You never know when your number is up. I'm sure all those people killed in natural disasters and senseless violence thought they had plenty of time to do all the things they wanted to do.
Just like me, they probably had plans and dreams about what they wanted to do with their lives. Maybe they talked about it, thought about it, dreamed about it, but hadn't yet done anything about it. They thought they had plenty of time.
I was like that. Big dreams. I talked about it, dreamed about it, but I hadn't really done much to turn a dream into reality.That day, I decided I didn't want to be cowering in a hallway while a tornado roared overhead and thinking: "If only I'd had the courage to write."
TAKEAWAY TRUTH
American Journalist Sydney J. Harris once said: "Regret for the things we did can be tempered by time; it is regret for the things we did not do that is inconsolable."
Review - The Wrong Paris - Netflix
When the film began, I couldn't help but roll my eyes at the stereotypes and clichés associated with Texas. I was about ready to stop the film, but I decided to give it another 5 minutes.
I'm glad I did because the movie proved to be delightful in its portrayal of a billionaire Texan and the woman who found herself stuck on a reality TV show that wasn't what she thought it was.
The premise of the TV show is the same as The Bachelor. Instead of a rose, this Texas cowboy gives his approval by giving the woman a—no, I won't tell you what, but I found it funny.
The supporting cast of Madison Pettis, Torrance Coombs, Frances Fisher, and Yvonne Orji are excellent, but the story and the charm belong to the 2 stars, Miranda Cosgrove as Dawn and Pierson Fodé. as Trey McAllen
THE DETAILS
The screenplay was written by Nicole Henrich, produced by Brad Krevoy and Michael Damian, edited by Scott Hill, and with Cinematography by Graham Robbins.The music was by Nathan Lanier, and some of the scenes—I'm thinking of the scene where Trey McAllen (Pierson Fodé) is tending his horse—has pop music that makes the scene hysterically funny.
The Production companies involved were MPCA and Brad Krevoy Productions with distribution by Netflix. The film was released in September of 2025. I don't know if it was on Netflix immediately. If it was, it simply wasn't on my radar.
The "famous" critics panned the movie with some harsh comments. A couple of critics said rather dismissively that it was for "hopeless romantics" which was the most flattering remark about those who might find the film worth watching.
What? Hopeless romantic? I'm not that. I'm a HOPEFUL romantic! And I bet you are too!
TAKEAWAY TRUTH
If you're looking for a fun movie that is a hopeful romcom (is there any other kind?), watch The Wrong Paris on Netflix. It will entertain and delight you.
Monday Magic - Time Management App
Todoist has 3 levels of subscription: Beginner, Pro, and Business.
The Beginner level is always free and may be perfect for you. The othr levels are low-priced too.
WHAT CAN TODOIST DO FOR YOU
Used worldwide by millions, Todoist is simple to use and powerful. It's also considered by users to be the best to-do app on the market. You simply open the app, speak into your phone, and list your primary tasks. With the app, you can:
- sort your tasks into Today, Upcoming, or use custom filters
- see only what you need to see and when you need it
- schedule due dates
- visualize your week in calendar view
- set recurring tasks with ease.
Thought for the Week - Age
Saturday Share - Valentine's Day Recipe
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| Get a pretty casserole dish! (Amazon) |
2 packages of Instant Pistachio Pudding and 2 1/2 cups cold milk.
Prepare according to package directions which basically means adding the pudding mixes to cold milk and beating with a hand mixer until thickened. Spread this mixture evenly over the previous layers in the dish.
Layer 4: The Finishing Layer
Ingredients and Directions
Spread the reserved whipped cream over the top as the finishing layer.
TAKEAWAY TRUTH
This dessert is one that everyone in my family loves. It's light, delicious, and creamy. In fact, I've never found anyone who didn't like it. Happy Valentine's Day!
Friday Facts About Poldark
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| Poldark Books on Amazon |
The latest TV series was created and written by Debbie Horsfield, based on the book series by Winston Graham.
This 2015 offering of Poldark is not to be confused with the earlier Masterpiece series in 1975 which starred Robin Ellis as Ross Poldark and Angharad Rees as Demelza.
That production covered the first 7 of Graham’s novels, and it was a huge success on Masterpiece Theatre in the U.S.
The Netflix offering debuted in March 2015 and ran until August 2019 and was offered on PBS in the U.S. Like the 1975 production, this new version of Poldark was a huge success from the beginning.
TEASER
Aidan Turner is Capt. Ross Poldark, a redcoat returning to Cornwall after the American Revolutionary War. He discovers that his father is dead, his estate is in ruins, and his true love is engaged to marry his cousin. The action-packed series is full of drama, passion, and romance.
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| Rent or Buy Episodes on Amazon |
I found the channel last year when I was doing a bit of research on historic mansions and castles.
James and his wife Emma reside at Chavenage and film their restoration and enhancement of the house and grounds, a 2,000-acre Cotswold estate that’s been in James’s family for 6 generations. The history of Chavenage is evident in every room.
The paintings that adorn the walls are breathtaking even to their frames. A centuries-old organ still works.
If you're a Poldark fan, you'll recognize the house as the family home where Poldark's uncle and family lived. Since he was the son of a second son, he didn't inherit the manor.
If you watch James's channel, you'll recognize Elizabeth's bedroom, the window from which she gazed longingly at Poldark, the drawing room where she eavesdropped on her husband's conversations.TAKEAWAY TRUTH
Be warned, Poldark is totally binge-worthy. If you like the historical series, you should watch Life at the Manor.
10 Things NOT To Give Your Valentine
10 Things NOT to Give Your Valentine
1. A kitchen countertop appliance. No, she doesn't want a stick blender, espresso maker, coffee grinder, or any other kind of gadget for her kitchen. They all equal work. (Unless of course she asked for one. Then it's okay.)
2. A diet book. (Are you insane? Give the lady some chocolate for heaven's sake.)3. Music or a Blu-ray movie that's your taste, not hers.
4. Any piece of clothing that your mother would probably wear.
5. A nighty so slutty that she would feel ridiculous wearing it. (She's smart enough to know you saw it at one of those sleezy lingerie shows at a so-called gentlemen's club.)
6. An exercise machine. Seriously? That ranks right up there with a diet book. (Unless you know she really, really wants one.)
7. Dinner out at Hooter's or Twin Peaks. LOL. No, I'm just kidding. You're really not that thick-headed, are you?
8. Two tickets to any sporting event that only you can really appreciate. (She'll know you know that she'd hate it—that way you go with your buddy.)
9. An I. O. U. and a note that says you couldn't think of anything. (Seriously? She'd respect you more if you just admit that you forgot.)
10. Any gift that hasn't been wrapped, or worse, it's in the cheap plastic shopping bag the clerk bagged it in. (Don't ever, give something in the store bag. What's the matter? Can't take a few minutes to buy a gift bag and drop the gift in it?)
TAKEAWAY TRUTH
My Biggest Complaint About Videos
My complaint is with YouTubers who aren't serving their audiences.
HERE WE GO
There is a lot of educational content on YouTube. In fact, you can learn how to do just about anything from replacing a hard drive in a computer to cleaning the foggy headlamp covers on a car.
Awesome, right?
What isn't awesome is that too many YouTubers are editing the sound on their videos—removing natural pauses in the video so everything becomes one continuous stream of dialogue with no breaks whatsoever.
Not only is that unnatural, it makes it difficult for the viewer to actually absorb the information being given.
Today, I watched a woman YouTuber describing how she bought an old computer including where she purchased it and what it contained.From what I grasped, it sounded easy enough that I could probably do it EXCEPT she did the entire presentaton at warp speed with not even a breath of a break in the avalanche of words coming out of her mouth.
This is typical of too many videos now. If it's information I want, I have to go back to the beginning, slow the speed to 75% of normal, get a notepad to take notes, and still have to stop and rewind many times to capture this detailed tech information.
Now, she claims her audience is composed of "normal" people, not tech experts.TAKEAWAY TRUTH
Blog Readers, if you also hate this rushing river of dialogue, please leave a comment. I'd like to gather some stats on this.
Review - Flipped - Family Friendly - Netflix
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| Flipped - BluRay from Amazon |
FLIPPED, a Rob Reiner film, is on Netflix now, and I loved it. If you don't have Netflix, I included a link to Amazon where you can pick up a Blu-ray copy for a low price. It's good enough that you may want to watch it again and again.
BLURB
When Juli Baker lays eyes on her new neighbor Bryce, she falls in love with him at first sight.
Bryce does not reciprocate that feeling. In fact, he doesn't like her at all. From that day forward, Bryce (Callan McAuliffe) tries his best to avoid her, but Juli (Madeline Carroll) is persistent in everything she undertakes.
Eventually, Juli realizes that Bryce does not return her feelings. Just as Bryce begins to see Juli's true worth, she decides he's an unfeeling jerk who isn't worth her time.
Billed as a young adult—the story begins at second grade and moves to junior high—the movie is based on Flipped, the book by Wendelin Van Draanen.
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| By Wendelin Van Draanen |
THE CAST
The main cast is composed of Madeline Carroll as Julianna "Juli" Baker with Morgan Lily as young Juli, and Callan McAuliffe as Bryce Loski with Ryan Ketzner as young Bryce.
Rebecca De Mornay is Patsy Loski, Bryce's mother; Anthony Edwards is Steven Loski, Bryce's father; and John Mahoney is Chet Duncan, Bryce's grandfather. (Flipped was Mr. Mahoney's final film before his death in 2018.)
Penelope Ann Miller is Trina Baker, Juli's mom; Aidan Quinn is Richard Baker, Juli's dad; and Kevin Weisman is Daniel Baker, Juli's uncle.
THE DETAILS
The movie was obviously a labor of love for Rob Reiner who served as Director, Screenplay writer along with Andrew Scheinman, and Producer with Alan Greisman also producing.
Cinematography was by Thomas Del Ruth. Editing by Robert Leighton, and Music by Marc Shaiman.
The companies involved were Castle Rock Entertainment and Reiner/Greisman Productions with distribution by Warner Bros. Pictures.
The movie was released September 10, 2010 in the USA. It had a budget of $14M, but brought in only $4.3M at the box office.MY THOUGHTS
This movie is emotional, heartwarming, funny, and poignant. It made me remember what it was like to be in elementary and junior high and having all those feelings that come with growing up. Feelings a kid doesn't really know what to do with.
As an adult, it makes you understand how awkward boys and girls of that age are and how they don't really understand what's going on in their parents' lives because everything is still all about them. If you have kids, it may help you understand that too.
It's the kind of film you could watch with your kids and discuss what's happeneing and why it's happening—especially with the scene involving Juli's uncle who was brain-damaged at birth.
Yes, that's a bit heavy, but it's something must families never talk about—and they should. Maybe it would help kids develop understanding and compassion for others.This coming-of-age story explores the sacrifices families make, how others may misunderstand their life situaiton, and the themes of first love, personal growth, and how opinions can change with insights.
TAKEAWAY TRUTH
I hope you watch it if you have a Netflix subscription—rent it or buy it if you don't. It's worth the price.
Post Super Bowl - Thank Goodness
I'll admit I don't watch much football so I didn't have a "dog in the game" so to speak.
I mainly watch the commercials or the puppy bowl on other channels. This time I didn't watch the half-time show at the game or the alternative show.
Instead, I read Judgment of Paris: California vs. France and the Historic 1976 Paris Tasting That Revolutionized Wine by George M. Taber.
We'd had dinner with daughter Adina and son-in-law Mike yesterday, and Mike gave us a copy of the book because he knew how much we'd loved the movie Bottle Shock which was based on the Paris Tasting in 1976.
(By the way, I highly recommend Bottle Shock, the movie which starred Alan Rickman, Chris Pine, and Bill Pullman. If you love wine and underdog stories, you'll really love this flick.)
I hope you enjoyed your Super Bowl event as much as I enjoyed mine.MONDAY, MONDAY
Like you, I'm back in the office. So far, it's been a frustrating day. I spent 4 hours looking for the page proofs for one of my backlist books. Finally found it—persistence pays off—so I think I'll take a coffee break before I tackle the rest of the items on my TO DO list.
Here's a quote for you to guide your week—especially if you're pronE to insomnia as I often am.
"If you can't sleep, then get up and do something instead of lying there worrying. It's the worry that gets you, not the lack of sleep." —Dale Carnegie
TAKEAWAY TRUTH
If you work at night instead of staring at the ceiling, you may be yawning through the next day, but you may get a lot accomplished too. What do you think?












































