On The Box This Week

Warning-TV Spoilers Ahead!

After binge watching the Arrow box sets over Christmas

we where finally ready to watch the mid season premier 

and find out what is Felicity's fate. 

While the hubby enjoys The Flash more I find that show a little too cheesy for me

I am drawn to this show I like that it's a little darker and not afraid to kill of it's

main characters!
This episode was a little slow for the mid season premier
we found out that Felicity has not been killed but paralysed
Oliver was now on a vendetta to get the man and group who done this to her
We got the graveyard scene again but this time we know it's
not Felicity that is killed as she is in the waiting car
So maybe it might be her Mother who is killed at the end of the season?

The final episode of season five had it all, 

weddings, births, mystery illness explained

and sadly the funeral of a much loved character

Sister Evangelina came back to popular in last week's episode

but sadly past away in Sunday night's episode after a stroke in her sleep

The other big story line was the medical sandal that a drug given to 

women to help them sleep was being took of the market as it was linked to

babies being born with deformities. Doctor Turner was very upset and

was putting the blame on himself as he so often does. He was pictured smoking

again after the stress of trying to get the tablets back from lots of different women.

This was the most watched programme of the year for the BBC 

so the public's love for Call The Midwife hasn't faded

But with it now the early 60's in the series and another original cast member left

how much longer can we actually Call The Midwife?

In nine months time as it will be back for a Christmas special and series six!

This week we finally got to see some of Carol who has

been missing the last few episodes. We see her perfect housekeeper act she 

has still kept going, sometime I wonder if Carol actually knows who she is anymore

Any way she is making beet cookies for her neighbours and leaves one on Sam's grave

you know the kid who she kind of frightened to death!

We also see that killing people is taking a toll on her as she is keeping a list/diary of who she has killed. She also seems to be having a little thing with Tobin lots of sparks and a kiss!

Rick and the gang are back and telling everyone about Negan and his Saviours

For me I fee like the show is ruining the character of Morgan he was such a fan

favourite now he seems to be sitting around, not in any of the action cause he doesn't want to kill

I think maybe he may be one of the casualties of the season finale and no one will mind much!

So of Rick and the gang went to kill the saviours in their sleep! A line was drawn here and for me killing men in there sleep makes our once hero's just the same as The Governor, The Wolves and maybe The Saviours

Rick has now morphed into a scarier version of Shane, Daryl is now Merle and it's hard to watch! 

This is one of my favourite episodes of the season so far, the action, watching Glen make his first human kill and then see pictures of Negan's victims! Then when the gang thought they had there victory a voice came over the walkie talkie to say Maggie and Carol where caught by the Saviours!

Roll on next week! 

On The Box This Week

Warning-TV Spoilers Ahead!

Great to see this back on Friday nights, even better to see George Gilbey and family back
Great move for the show as I think there is a gap there with less and less of Steph and Dom last session the producers knew something need to be added. George is very funny and cant wait to hear some of the things he has to say this series.

Really who is in charge of the scheduling for this? They should sacked!!

The double length final episode of this show was put on a 6.30pm with little notice 

it deserved so much better. Poor Miss Havisham sat in her wedding dress looking at her wedding feast......as we all knew this storyline would end but it was a joy getting there. 

There was lots of plots left hanging for maybe a second series of maybe just setting up for how the novels continue. 

This was a very powerful episode of my favourite Sunday night show

It reminded me of the early seasons and showed me that even in season 5 this

show can still pack a punch.

There was someone out in the docks of popular attacking women in a very violent way

leaving bite marks on there skin.That was awful enough but when Cynthia got attacked

her habit didn't save her from this animal. It was Cynthia who found the strength and courage that the other women who where attacked couldn't to go to the police. In the end the man was found and arrested. I really enjoyed this episode and it brought Cynthia one of the original characters back to the forefront which I enjoyed. 

Episode ten of season six of The Walking Dead was a little different than the action packed

second half season premier. It has been two months since the shocking events of the last episode

and Carl seems okay maybe a little quite but he is walking around with a bandage over his eye.

I am hoping they deal with the fact that Carl lost his eye and that's not something you get over quickly mentally there should be some scars there, and I hope the writers are going to explore that part of Carl in future episodes.

Rick and Daryl go on a run and it seems like they where just enjoying being out on a run

enjoy getting out of Alexandria, killing zombies and listening to rock and roll.

I did enjoy the funny comic moments between these two, everything seems to be going well

until they come across a man who calls himself Jesus. What ensues is a cat and mouse game

after Jesus takes the guys tuck. Daryl wants to leave him behind but Rick brings him back to Alexandria. They tie him up and leave him in an empty room.

Finally tonight Rick and Michonne hooked up!! Something I had being hoping would happen for seasons!! Just as the walking dead can Jesus pops up in Rick's bedroom as the new couple are sleeping and tell Rick he needs to talk!

This was an enjoyable episode and one of my favourite slower episodes 

On The Box This Week

Warning-TV Spoilers Ahead!

Like I thought back at the start of January due to scheduling changes I fear this show

will leave with a whimper instead of a bang! More scheduling changes see this show now

moved to Thursday and Friday nights I have completely lost track and am relying on sky plus to record it for me!

The fact that the BBC didn't show more love for this show is a shame as the acting and casting

as been top notch. The drama is really taking up a gear in the last couple of episodes. Frances and Honoria from Dickens Bleak House novel really came into there own this week. Honoria went into early labour with only cold, horrible sister Frances to help her. Frances did deliver baby Esther and for a moment we thought the maybe the ice has melted from Frances heart but it was not to be and when the baby finally cried she chose not to tell her sister and lead her to believe her baby was still born. Thus starting a series of events which will come to ahead in the novel Bleak House.

We also found out who the murderer was this week so really we could stop watching now

but no there is three more episodes left and mostly centred around Miss Havisham my most favourite Dickens character so I will not be missing that!

While I still love this beautiful heart warming show I have to admit

I feel like its missing something this season. I am really missing the characters

of Jenny and Chummy and am missing the true story lines of Jenny Worth's books.

I am also not liking where Trixie's storyline is going, I don't like the Tom and Barbara romance. Yes Trixie and Tom are an odd couple but that's why there good together. In real life Trixie did become a Vicar's wife and sometimes truth is stranger than fiction, which is where this show is going now less of the true life stories of Worth's east end and more fictional stories.

Saying all that I did enjoy this episode even if there was less of the midwives or nuns and maybe a bit too much Fred! It was mostly about Roseanne a new Mother who cant let her past go and thinks she is not good enough to be wife or Mother. This episode reminded me a little of some of the more hard hitting storylines of season one or two. The other major storyline was Doctor Turner's  realisation that cancer can be connected with smoking. As a heavy smoker (he is pictured with a cigarette in almost every scene the past couple of seasons) he is shocked and scared by this,so decides to go cold turkey. I really do like Patrick and Sheila Turner together it is one relationship that as grown over the years, and it may not be as gripping as season two it still one of my favourites in the show. Call the Midwife may not be as true or gripping as past seasons but its till my favourite thing to watch on a Sunday night.

As a person of a certain age I remember the trail of OJ Simpson

maybe not very clearly but I remember my parents watching it alot

the live stream from LA seemed to always be on our TV!

So we decided to give this show a go mainly cause the hubby is a huge Cuba Gooding Jr fan

He is very good as the main role but the first episode itself was quite slow

but there was some good performances David Schwimmer is great as Robert Kardashian

(funny how Robert's daughters are now more famous than him and OJ)

but to me Schwimmer will always be Ross and his hair in this show is very Ross-ish!

I didn't think the mid season finale of my favourite zombie show was up to much

it was a disappointing end to the first half of the season

Wow did it make up for it when it returned to our screens Monday night!

Daryl Dixon was back on form after spending a whole season grieving

he wiped out half of Negan's gang in a second!!

In Alexandria the dead are roaming the streets and Rick's group are walking with them

trying to come up with a plan. Young Sam is not in a good head place and as only the walking dead can a whole family are wiped out in minutes!

Then of course there is that scene the one everyone is talking about

fans of the comic books have been waiting on. I haven't read the comics so was shocked and in awe when it happened. As Carl looks up at Rick with a rather large hole where his eye should be and yet his sheriff hat remains still on his head was a rather awesome scene and up there as one of the top walking dead moments. If I am being honest I think this was one of my all time favourite episodes of The Waking Dead, but after an episodes like this its always hard to keep the pace up, but with a Rick and Daryl centred episode next week I am hoping the pace will not slow down just yet!

Over The Weekend #16

By Saturday morning I was feeling a little better

after Oisín had a sleep over on Friday night

at his Grandparents so I could rest and sleep in

Saturday morning. It was a lovely treat and

just what I needed to get back on my feet!

 

After collecting Oisín from his grandparents

we went to my favourite place the library!

I got lots of lovely books to keep me going

in February!

We then went for a quick walk in the park

and to get a few bits from the shop

Oisín was really tired at this stage so we

didn't hang around for long

We had a lovely steak dinner and Oisín

enjoyed dipping his chips in the pepper sauce!

 

After Oisín was bathed (he had an early night as he wasn't himself)

I had a hot shower got into my pjs and chilled out

We watched the movie Legend with Tom Hardy so much eye candy!

 

Poor little mister Oisín picked up a little tummy bug

and Sunday was spent looking after our little boy

He was off his food and slept for most of the day

we keep giving him plenty of fluids and he

seems so much better today

 

After Oisín was tucked up in bed

I could relax with a glass of red and

Call The Midwife

Then it was off to bed for an early night

(Or maybe I read one of my library books till 1am!!)

 



This Month I Have Been Mostly Reading - January

While I am out of work sick with my twisted bowel

and waiting on a date for my operation

I have read some wonderful books! Reading has helped me get through the grey

frosty days of January!

Delilah - Eleanor De Jong
The first book I read was Delilah and I really enjoyed it
Everyone knows the story of Delilah who brought the might Samson to
his knees for a bag of silver but what if there was more to it than that?
In De Jong's novel Delilah is a beautiful young woman who lives with her Mother
and Stepfather. When she first meets Samson she takes an instance dislike to him as he is to marry her stepsister, the wedding doesn't go ahead and an almighty row ensues
but they met a few years later and she finds there is more to the man then meets the eye.
She agrees to seduce him but quickly falls for him and then ensues the tragic events
from the bible but with a slightly different spin on it.
I really enjoyed this novel I have read De Jong other novel Jezebel so I had a feeling I would enjoy this. I didn't expect to care so much about the characters, but De Jong seems to take female villains from the bible and show them as strong, independent women and very likable characters. I really felt the love and pain of the last few chapters and really hope De Jong brings out a new novel soon!!

The House At Riverton- Kate Morton
I actually found this book in our local charity shop
while I was waiting to pick up Oisín from daycare
So glad I did! I loved this book and was sucked in from the first pages
The House Riverton is a huge sprawling manor house where Grace
started service in 1914 we see the house and it's people through
Grace's eyes through World War 1 and into the glittering 20's
This book is like a jig saw of sorts it jumps from Riverton in the 20's
back to Grace in the 90's in her nursing home. As Grace finally tells
secrets that have been kept for almost a hundred years. As the pieces start to
fall into place and the scene is set for the dramatic and tragic ending.
I think this book would make a good movie or drama series
I loved all the character especially Grace as she is such a well rounded character
the book is beautiful written. There are influences from Downton Abbey,
Upstairs Downstairs as well as my favourite novel Rebecca
Kate Morton style of writing is similar to Daphne De Maurier powerful but easy to read
and characters so well written that it sucks the reader in and keeps you turning the pages.

Call The Midwife-Jennifer Worth
I have read this trilogy the wrong way around
started with the last book and made my way backwards through the books!
I really like the TV show so a couple of years ago started to read the books
with season five of the show started back this month. I thought I would finally get around to finishing the trilogy and read the very first book.
This is what the first series of the BBC show is basically set on, with Jennifer (Jenny) coming to poplar and starting her midwife journey. This a beautifully written book with a collection of different memories and stories. Worth doesn't sugar coat the East End of London (maybe in the way the show does) the stories about the workhouses, homeless and prostitutes are deeply sad.
I liked the pictures of actually East End children, mothers and slums. What comes through in this book for me is the friendship the three midwifes had together. I really enjoyed it and it made me miss the original cast of the BBC show so might just go back and watch it again!

A Week In Winter - Maeve Binchy
When I want cheering up and want some comfort reading
I go back to Maeve Binchy!
Some of Binchy's books can be a bit hit or miss for me
but I really enjoyed this one.
This book has lots of different characters who are all
connected as they all work in one way or other in Stone House
Stone House is a big house on the coast of Ireland where
back in the glory days all the local people worked there
Now Chicky wanted to return it to its former glory and restore it
as a hotel. I finished this book in a couple of days but that is
what Maeve Binchy's books are like to me, my version
of a cuppa, blanket, hot water bottle and hug all wrapped
up in a book!

What Oisín has been reading this month

Before You Sleep - Benji Bennett
We have a few of the Adam's Cloud books
this are written by Benji when his son passed away he
started a series of books his aim? To ask parents to read
and hug there children what a beauiful thought
We love these books and this one is Oisín favourite at the moment
as he thinks that's him on the cover!
It's a sweet book as it compares your love for your child to different things
"I love you much more than the burning bright sun, I love it so much when we play and have fun"
Find out more about Adam's Cloud here......

On The Box This Week

Since I have been unwell

I seem to be watching so much TV!

Warning-TV Spoilers Ahead!

We are still watching this show but have took to Sky Plus-ing it
because the BBC seems not to want to show it much love in the scheduling department
(it has been dropped because of football, starting times have changed
 and it's now changed to a different day)
It would fit a 7.30/8pm Saturday and Sunday evening slot but it gets lost
in its mid week slot which is a shame as the plot is really coming together
What an evil man Compeyson is and it's really the making of Miss Havisham back story from Great Expectations, I am really enjoying this storyline as Expectations is my favourite Dickens book. Pauline Collins is really standing out as the gin drinking Mrs Gamp, and I am enjoying seeing the Bill and Nancy relationship develop. As for who killed Marley I still haven't a clue!

Another drama that I seem to be forgetting about due to scheduling
I am used to watching the past three seasons on a Sunday
Friday nights I forget this is on thank goodness for Sky Plus!
Harry is resting after his fall but doesn't seem to want to pass some of
his duties to his son (really wish he would when you know what's coming!)
Lady Mae agrees to stay and help with ladies fashion but Harry thinks he knows best
has has the Dolly sisters help out! 

One of my favourite shows is back Call The Midwife
Although I have to admit I am missing some of the
original cast Jessica Raine and Miranda Hart especially
This episode was mostly about change, work is slowing down at the
docks which was once bustling with people, baby formula is starting
to become all the rage and at the end of the episode Sister Evangelina leaves
Nonnatus House maybe for good?
Barbara the newest midwife is set her biggest case as she
tries to deliver a baby early so that the baby's dying Father can see
him once before he passes away.
This episode had me reaching for the tissues and
when the baby's Father sees his son and says "I want to stay" before he
dies was heartbreaking.
I love this show and although all is changing in the world of
Call The Midwife long may it continue on our screens.

We tuned into episode 4 of Rebellion
Dublin city is in ruins and the rebels are forced to surrender
The scene where Thomas Clarke was stripped naked by army troops
was quite hard to watch, Yet again Brian Gleeson performance was amazing
as he is told by fellow rebel Micheal Collins to keep his eyes down and
give the impression he is nothing but a worthless rebel.
I love how well written this show is and the acting is first class.
We will tune in Sunday for the last episode.
Would love if RTE followed up this series next year following the characters into
The War of Independent 

Over The Weekend #15

As I am not well with this on-going twisted bowel

our weekends have been slow throughout January

I am hoping this will change in Feb when I see my surgeon

and get a date for my operation  

The past weekends have been spent relaxing,

watching movies, and letting Daddy take over

while I rest and this weekend wasn't much different

I spent most of Friday evening

curled up on the sofa finishing this 

amazing beautiful book

review will be in this months 

what I read!

Saturday morning I felt well enough

for a little stroll in the park with

my two main men! They both got hair cuts

and by lunch time I was shattered and in pain

so curled up with a boxset, cuppa and candle!

Sunday morning I felt well enough to get

up early with Oisín and give hubby much needed

weekend lie in. He has been getting up early every

weekend with Oisín while I have been sick

so he really need a lie on! It was

so dull and grey Sunday morning that I 

think I lit every candle in the house to

cheer myself up!

 I was craving comfort food all day

Sunday so hubby done some yummy garlic and apple

bangers with onion and mushroom mash yum!

More comfort food melt in the middle chocolate pud

cream, and a small glass of wine

while we watched Call The Midwife

on Sunday night!

Five Things 8/52

This weekend was a lovely one
Oisín took his first steps
we had a lovely family dinner
while watching the rugby and football

Two days after I wrote his 14 month update
Oisín took his first steps on Saturday morning at 8am
Hubby was in work this weekend so was gutted he missed it
This is the face Oisín pulled when I tried to get him walking
on camera!

Snowing on Sunday!

This little man was in awe of the snow
on Sunday!

I forgot to take a picture of us all
put we had a big family dinner on Sunday
my Uncle and Goddaughter are huge
Tottenham fans sadly they lost
but Ireland did win the rugby

After the family had all gone home,
Oisín in bed I settled down to catch up on
Call The Midwife and Mr Selfridge

Five Things 7/52

This weekend was a nice one

we didn't do much

but it was nice to have 

some quiet time as a family

This cheeky chappy pucking up

for a kiss off Mamma!

Went to see this with my friends

Saturday night it was all kind of cheese

but the soundtrack it pretty awesome

I read the book years ago 

you can read my review of the book 

here..........

Yummy Sunday lunch

Sunday Oisín spent the day with his Aunt and

Oisín. Hubby and I just chilled out for the day

had early Sunday lunch and then eat ice cream

and caught up with Wolfhall

Glass of wine and Call The Midwife

love lazy Sundays!

This Week I'm Grateful For:

My favourite shows 

which are keeping me sane in the mist

of horrible night time teething 

Call the Midwife, Mr Selfridge,

Game of Thrones, Downton Abbey,

Outlander and The Walking Dead

are a blessing when Oisín will not settle

I stick one of these shows on till he falls

asleep on my lap!

It does help even if I do look

like an extra from The Walking Dead

the next morning!

My Week In Pictures 34/52

Saturday:

Oisín is getting really good

at independent play he is getting better

with shapes and colours very day

Sunday:

Sunday happiness in a glass of red and

Call The Midwife!

Monday:

Good Morning and happy Monday from Oisín!!

Tuesday:

Uncle Conner teaching Oisín how to

play the banjo

Wednesday:

Sometimes after a horrible nightmare

day at work only

cheesy nachos and wine will do

Thursday:

Snowy evening in Dublin

Five Things 3/52

We have a couple of quiet weekends

coming up before the madness of February

and March starts

This weekend was on of the quiet ones

we spend it doing housework and then

relaxing

Here are my Five Things from the weekend

 Glass of rose after a long day doing house work!

 Big Sunday morning fry up!

 Helping my Mam get ready before my parents

met up with family over from the UK

Huge Sunday dinner

we really enjoyed this

beef wellington, roast potatoes, brussels sprouts

and yorkshire pudding!!

And relax with a glass of red and Call The Midwife