Summer (2009). So, not everything has gone as planned this summer. Ian and I had to break the "adventure jar" one too many times this summer.

First, was the car. The axle was no match against the I-287 in Westchester, New York's moon craters. Ian took our one and only car to the MB shop. We have affectionately named that the Oompa Loompa's (from Charlie and the Chocolate Factory). Well, that's what the place looks like. A big iron gate and a guard protecting the fine-tuned German engieneering. That MB workshop is also a Porsche, Audi and Lamborghini workshop. Side note: You have to go over the river and through the hood to get there. Anyway, we won't mention how much it costs to repair the ol MB. It's just too painful for words. One look at the bill and, "Bye bye Disney World." In fact, its worse than that.

Ok, so we had a huge storm this summer which knocked out the power and killed the old dryer. No, Homeowners' will not flip the bill, so don't even go there. Anyhow, we got a new dryer. Kaching. Kachang. The next day it went on sale and was $50 cheaper. Would they refund the difference? No.

So the long and short of this whinny little blog, is here we are another summer without a vacation. Or are we? Let's look back...

1. I have taken the boys to the beach almost everyday.
2. We went out to eat more this summer.
3. Ian took a few days off and we got some sleep.
4. A fun trip to the New York City's Guggenheim Museum to see some fabulous art. And Cafe Figaro's in Greenwich Village for a tasty treat.

So...Ok, we didn't make it to Hawaii. Yes, that would have been nice. But we did get to sleep past 9:00am a few days. And I'm so grateful we didn't have to camp out in a children's hospital. :)

I have a little ritual. Every summer (usually on the hottest summer evening) I crank the AC way up, grab my fake fur blankie and watch the movie "Rear Window." It is my favorite Hitchcock film, and in my opinion, the best film he ever made. It has all the Hitchcock elements: suspense, great story line, wonderful camera effects, beautiful blonde (in this case, Grace Kelly), etc. etc... Rear Window is not just a story about a photographer that suspects his neighbor of murder, but it's also a story about, "Miss Lonely Heart," the struggling composer, the newly weds, Miss Torso, the artist, the couple with the little dog and I'm probably forgetting someone.

Now for the personal reasons I watch this movie every summer.

I can relate to this film. No...I didn't suspect my neighbor of being a murderer, although... some neighbors have been a little questionable.

The "City" New York: I lived in a similar apartment in Manhattan.

The broken leg/legs: been there done that. Broke one leg being pushed in front of a cabbie by some psycho. The other leg after I slipped and fell.

The 21 Club: A New York landmark. My first date with my hubby was at the 21 Club in New York City. BTW... that was with my cast on. The 21 Club allowed me to hobble in with my altered jeans.
So, the place is a number one in my book. The classic place to dine in New York City, or anywhere for that matter.

Lisa: Ok... I inwardly gloat over the fact that Grace Kelly's character "Lisa" is pronounced "Lezah" throughout the movie, which gives me a chuckle. And it doesn't hurt that the name shows up in the form of a song at the end of the film. I don't believe there are any other songs in the world with my name in it. Oh, another song in the film, "Mona Lisa." ;) If you happen to know a "Lezah" song please hum a few bars.

And, of course, I adore Grace Kelly. Who doesn't? Such style, class and well... grace. The clothes in this movie are so timeless and beautiful. It makes me want to dust off my dress form and drape something.
I wish I had every article of her wardrobe in this film, and please throw in the jewels. The charm bracelet is my favorite.



Let's not forget, James Stewart
(also a favorite and who gets top billing). He is, in my opinion, a little old for her (Grace Kelly)) in this film, but let's face it, what man isn't too old for the girl in New York City. Anyway, he's believeable and just plain wonderful.

The ending of this film is so Lezah. Grace Kelly, "Lisa," starts off reading a book, "Beyond The High Himalayas."
But when she discovers James Stewart, "Jeff," is asleep, she breaks out the fashion magazine, "Bazaar."
Love that!

Please... If you have not seen this film. Warm some brandy, crank up the AC, switch on a fan, dim the lights, snuggle in with the fake fur (or your significant other)and watch Rear Window.

No... I have not seen the re-make, "Disturbia." Does it have a fabulous wardrobe and jewelry? If not..forget it.