Drowning On Dry Land

Alas, all the world's a stage...or maybe a deck.

Why, hello my friends. Yes, yes I'm still alive and well. In a matter of speaking.

Since we've been home from vacay, my time and attention has been commandeered by, wait for it - the house. I can't even remember what the hell project I wrote about last, but now the project whittling away my time is an impending second story deck. Many hours have been devoted to online research of decking materials, checking references of contractors and bidding out the materials. Fun times to be had all around. But if all goes as well as planned (I hear the echoing chortle, Internet...and I share your amusement.), we'll have a deck by Thanksgiving. Just in time for the haze to clear out, and the million dollar views of the mountains to appear from the mist.

And then the stars at night.

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Apart from that, this is the annual season where I pine for Tivo. All the of the new series premiered this week (along with my beloved House - Oh, Hugh I do so miss you when you're gone...sob) and I can't possibly keep up with them all. Recappers cover all of that territory far better than I do, but I have to squeal about the one standout amongst them all: Life. Holy shit, I don't think I've seen something premiere this strongly since West Wing. Well performed, good DP, fantastic writing and easily one of the more original series I've seen. I can only pray it doesn't go the way of last year's favorite son, Kidnapped. Considering how low profile the press junket has been, I am tentatively getting attached to this one. Oh, and Reka: your boy Adam Arkin has a cameo role in it, squee!

Also one the horizon and eagerly anticipated: New Amsterdam.

Also looks like a phenomenal film season coming this fall. Based on early reviews and trailers, those definitely rating full price admission are: Lust and Caution, the new Ang Lee; Lions for Lambs, Redford's new opus and reunion with Meryl (I had to cross my legs upon hearing this news); The Brave one with Jodie Foster and the delectable Naveen Andrews (if only for a moment); Darjeeling Limited, Wes Anderson's new one; Elizabeth The Golden Age with the incomparable Cate Blanchett and (oh happy day) Clive Owen; Michael Clayton, George Clooney and Tilda Swinton....gah, I can go on and on. Very much looking forward to Oscar season.

Hmmm...not a lot to add here and now. Except, iMDB has revealed that Damian Lewis is actually English! I sense another player on the stage of my affections. But don't despair, dear Hugh....for now (at least) you're first.

photo courtesy iMDB/WireImage

Way down here, you need a reason to move

Zihuatanejo. Located in the state of Guerrero, Mexico; a couple of hours north of Acapulco and yes, it is the famed locale where Andy and Red fled upon leaving (escaping) Shawshank.

When friends and family asked us where we were going, this was always the first question - isn't that the place from Shawshank Redemption? Yes and no. Where those closing scenes were filmed was so obviously not where we were...if I had to make a guess, I'd say Baja. But Zihua is no less disappointing.

We stayed at a property called Club Intrawest, one of these membership resort type deals that aspires to be an Aman style property. Still entirely beautiful,

One of the reasons why we picked Zihua as opposed to somplace like Cancun or Puerto Vallarta is the remoteness and small town feel of the town. We were really serious about getting some R&R time, and the most important things on the agenda were sleep, drinking and eating. Not necessarily in that order. As a result, I spent a disproportionate amount of time here:

We managed to rouse ourselves enough to get some diving in - which, despite the rainy season sending sending huge amounts of run off down the mountains into the ocean was still fairly good - also some sightseeing in the village and shopping and much sampling of the local cuisine. The food was amazing; squash flower and pepper tamales were only one of the highlights. The local bakeries made breads and pastries that I nearly wept over. The local artisans brought down their hand embroidery, lacquerware and silver for sale in the markets and the stuff was such amazing quality and so creative, it slayed me. Needless to say, I spent way too much.

Overall it was a good trip, and some well deserved rest for Hubs and I. The kidlet did surprisingly well - no meltdowns or tantrums, and shockingly no major grudges when we arrived home. I suspect vast quantities of ice cream and Grandma time made our absence not only tolerable, but highly enjoyable.

The rest of my uploaded pics are here.