The Fellowship of the Ring

We had a very nice New Years Day gathering of the Knights of Knee. Hobbit-sized Wendy and Rachel were joined by the humans and/or wizards Will, Dave, and Rich. First we went out for an hour-long walk around the neighborhoods south of my house. It is always interesting to see how they are changing. And fun to see them through the eyes of friends - Rachel pointed out a decoration of Santa and reindeer and snowman climbing up a ladder to the roof, one I had passed by almost daily and never saw!

Rachel gave us reviews of all of the recent movies. Now we know what to see and what to rent or avoid.

Back at Hobbiton, Rich had been out riding his bike briefly. Rachel and Will attacked the candy jar full of chocolate while I whipped up a batch of anda bhurti (Indian eggs and potatoes) and we dragged out the leftover Chinese food from our takeout dinner with Nancy and Larry Baird on New Years Eve. Will provided excellent pickles - just the right amount of jalapeno for a little snap but no big burn. Rich popped the cork on a bottle of Asti Spumante and we made mimosas and toasted the New Year.

We settled into easy chairs and couches to watch the extended version of "Lord of the Rings: Return of the King." We were interrupted after half an hour by the arrival of Anne Byrd to get the Discovery Walk financial statements signed by me. But we enjoyed seeing Anne and forced her to have some orange juice and regaled her with movie reviews. Then I got a phone call about another arrival - I'm a great-aunt! My nephew and his girlfriend greeted a New Years Day baby, Ally Rose Lazott, at 10:30 am, over 8 pounds with prehensile-ly long fingers and toes, according to my mom.

OK, Anne left and we went back to the movie. The extended version is very long, but great to see the additional footage, and still it moves well. We took a popcorn break when the disks needed changing. Will filled us all in on key plot points and trivia of interest, especially helpful to Rich.

Alas, by the time it was done it was dark outside and that sapped my will to walk, as well as Rachel. So, we broke the Fellowship of the Ring and went off to our own Hobbit holes.

Up Next:
We need to walk Jan. 8-9, so let me know your druthers.
Also - I got the full series of Babylon 5: Crusade on DVD and those who wish can watch a few episodes.