The History of the Hobbitt

 A book I didn't even know about until a month ago when another hardcore Tolkien fan pulled it from their bookshelf when I noticed it in the background of the video chat. 

This is a follow up to the "History of Middle Earth" series which talks about the early editions and re-writes of the Hobbit novel.

The book not only provides rough drafts, but also expounds on lost characters like Radagast, who is only mentioned in the novels but never shown. Tolkien's thoughts and ideas for a failed story line involving him are shown. As well are a timeline of events. What date things actually took place in the book, as well as distances between areas to give you a better lay of the land. 

The book assumes you've read the 12 volume History of Middle Earth series and chalked full of notes and connections Tolkien made in the Hobbit with his other writings. Truly amazing how much time and effort the man put into world building his stories. (which is probably why they're still the best fantasy novels ever written) 

Casual movie fans should avoid this though. Stick to the book. This is more for the hardcore nerds like me who can't get enough Tolkien. 

Also, at 938 pages....it aint' light reading either. But perfect for me!

Bye Bye Beach

 In 1983 my grandmother decided to bring the whole family together at the close of the summer for one beach trip. From there until 2005 Pensacola Florida was our annual vacation home. I remember each one of the 4 houses we stayed in over that time. Each one growing bigger than the other. 

But when the hurricane blew them all away, we stopped our annual trips. 

For 3 years we weren't enjoying the sand, until Dad decided to bring back the tradition but this time with just our family in 2009 but this time, move the beach a little closer to us in Gulf Shores AL. 

But in 2025 that finally came to an end. My Dad had a lot of expensive costs last year with the beach house he'd purchased. Every year before then it was making him money but last year he had to put on a new roof, A/C units, paint and even reconstruct the staircase after a store had deemed them "unsafe". I don't know the specific number but I believe 5 zeros were attached to the 1st digit and it outweighed the income he'd made that year, so Dad decided to sell it. 

He made a hefty profit I'm sure. Housing in the area is hot right now and he bought right after the 2008 crisis, in which he bought the house for a steal so I'm happy for him. Problem is, we never knew last year was going to be out last. 

Bittersweet, I must say. Lots of good memories there, with the family, kids, and board games. In fact, last year may have been the BEST year I'd ever had playing games, since we played several sessions of Twilight Imperium, as well as a 7 player version of Spartacus (I dream come true) So it truly was the best of all years. Kinda sad it's come to such an abrupt end. 

But maybe in 2029, (another 3 years in-between) I'll begin the tradition again with my own family. There'll be older and more manageable to deal with.  Plus, I may also keep the tradition of moving the beach a little closer to home by settling for beaches in MS, my home state. I really like that idea and if things go well make it an annual thing. 

Time changes things, traditions eventually end and life moves on. That's the nature of it. I'll miss the good times we had on our family trips but look forward to creating our own someday.   

Caveat (Review)

 Been a while since I was genuinely scared watching a movie. 

Enter "Caveat" a movie about a guy hired to watch a man's schizophrenic niece in a house on an island in a lake. 

But there's a little mystery in the house that needs to be resolved....add some supernatural occurrences around the house to it and you've got a movie that's pretty good!

It's crazy, because this movie begins with the creepies, then tries hard to make you forget about it all in the 2nd act when the main character is trying to put the pieces together on what took place in the past. Followed by a strong 3rd act that had me looking away with a tummy full of the heebie jeebies, only to end it in a perfect way and (if you're lucky) as the credits role you'll realize the you were seeing the whole movie wrong from the very beginning. 

 Spooky and smart without spoon feeding the audience to what the real meaning to it all was in the first place. 

I liked that. 

Recommended. 

Have a good weekend folks!

Cheerwine

 I've always heard good things about this cola from friends. So the next time Megan and I ate at Cracker Barrell, I decided to go for it and see if it's really as good as people say. 

It is. 

Really tasty. I don't need to go crazy and start buying it buy the dozens, but at the same time, I wouldn't say "No" to having another. Good stuff. 

The other 2 colas they have there that I want to try is Moixe and Vernon's Ginger Ale. But I can wait another 6 months before we head back to Cracker Barrell. 

Honey Peanut M&Ms

 Love peanut M&Ms, so I had to try these the other day. 

Not bad. In different to whether I'd try them again in the future. I think the flavor I would go for if they made  spicy peanut M&Ms. That'd be great, but I doubt it'd be a best seller so they probably won't ever make it. 

I miss the dark chocolate peanut M&Ms too. But those went out of productions years ago sadly. Still, nothing wrong with the classic peanut M&Ms either. 

Ghost 7Up

 Saw this in the store a few months ago and picked it up. Didn't even know about it. So excited. Went back to my car. And right before I opened it up I thought "Wait...what if it taste just like 7Up?"

I was right. No difference. 

Don't get me wrong, I like 7Up. But I felt like I just paid $1 more for a 7Up energy drink. There's literally no difference in the taste. 

Why they did this, I have no idea. I know Dr Pepper bought them a few years back. Maybe they were just throwing one of their brands in with Ghost to see if there'd be any interest. Well... I hope that's it for this experiment. Not interested in cola flavors with the Ghost label plastered on them. 

Pass on this one.  

When to grabs the "upgrade" seats

 Was talking with some friends at work about when you should move to better seats in a stadium while watching a game and this is what we all agreed on. 

Baseball: After the 3rd Inning

Football: After the 1st Quarter

Hockey: After the 1st Period

Basketball: Who cares about basketball??

I won't move if I'm with my family because it's never a smooth transition and isn't worth the trouble. But when it's just me or me and my son, I'll move on down for the upgraded seats. 

What about you?