Lois is still in the hospital. Deb has been talking with her, but today we managed to undertake a Skype call with her, courtesy of the hospital volunteer staff. She appears quite run down. Her tail bone is bothering her from a previous fall, and she is being medicated. Not much more to say at this time. Her doctor is supposed to call us soon, so we might know more then. Some of our Co-vid restrictions are being lifted, but there is still no hospital visits for the near future.
Mogollon's bad eye has gone completely white, though in the earlier photo, below, it still shows some other colours. He is in good spirits, and eating like a moderately sized horse. He loves listening to music with us, enjoying some extensive chin scratching at the same time. In our massive year-long Beethoven project, we have finally made it to Opus 1 tonight, his first published work. Looking forward to three piano trios over the next several nights, mixed in with some Locatelli and Haydn.
The photo is a few days old, but the difference in eyes is easily apparent. He has advanced glaucoma. He was in pain for awhile, but seems fine for now.
There seems to be no relief for us in temperatures over the next 14 days, as we will remain firmly below 0 C until at least then. I'm hoping to begin my spring astronomy sessions in early March, so I will be praying for a major thaw. We received about 3" of snow, so it's pretty white out there. I am going through a lot of birdseed, and have to go fetch more tomorrow, along with regular groceries. Yesterday Deb and I walked across the road to the river and cemetery. It was very cold, but we have the gear when needed. There isn't enough snow to snowshoe. We require much more.
This is where our little backyard creek enters the Detroit River, both now frozen quite solidly. Two weeks ago you could have driven a boat on the big river.
There is a bit of open water out there, but very little.
View of the Detroit River, in behind our little cemetery.
The only gaming we have been doing lately is a PC game called Tunguska, and it's been quite enjoyable so far. We have needed two hints, but it is mostly solvable without help.
In movie news, there are two to report on today. My choice from the films leaving on Feb. 28th this time was Days of Heaven, directed by Terrence Malick, from 1978. The film is mostly lyrical, and contains some of the most wonderful photography ever captured in a motion picture. The story unfortunately, is spoiled by unnecessary violence, guns, etc, as most films are. The glorification of violence, and its total acceptance by movie audiences as a logical outcome of almost any situation, is mind boggling when you start to think about it. This film could have been a true masterpiece. As it is, we have seen it, and likely won't see it again. Brooke Adams is perfect in the role of the woman, and the narrating voice of the young girl is also perfect. Richard Gere has one expression on his face throughout the entire movie.
Showing on Criterion until Feb. 28th.
Next up was a pick by Deb from the main list. Pale Flower is from 1964, and is a b & w Japanese noir feature worth checking out. A man is released from prison for murdering someone. He turns out to work for the Yakuza, and is soon back in the game. While attending a gambling house he comes across a beautiful and enigmatic young woman. She loves to gamble, and soon has him getting her into the real high stakes games. The film is mostly centred around their relationship, a platonic one based on love of gambling. There is some humour, but this is mostly a first rate drama, a one-of-a-kind film that is likely worth several viewings. Next up is Deb's pick from the going away list. Until next time.
Pale Flower, 1954, directed by Masahiro Shinoda.
Mapman Mike
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