Like everyone, I’m anxiously awaiting the day when a vaccine is created that puts an end to the pandemic that has sent us into the twilight zone. It will be fabulous to ditch the f*cking masks and gloves that make us look like weirdo safe crackers. Better yet, getting together with friends and relatives will be back on our agendas, and the outlook will be fair or better for those businesses that were able to survive the dark times. Until that day arrives though, the overall picture, I believe, will continue to be anything but pretty.
Fortunately, life has been okay for me and my wife Sandy since coronavirus struck our part of the USA in March (we live near Philadelphia). Nowhere near as okay as it used to be, but okay enough. You adapt as best you can, after all, and try to deal with reality decently.
Among other things, the pandemic has forced me to make major adjustments to time allocation, as many of what had been my normal, much-enjoyed activities are only memories right now. That’s because, for health and safety reasons, my volunteer jobs were suspended and most of the usual outside-the-home entertainment choices that Sandy and I indulged in (socializing, cinemas, music venues, restaurants, museums) are unavailable, for now anyway.
So, how have I, a lazy septuagenarian, been filling the 16 or so hours of freed-up time each week? Well, for one thing, the living room sofa and I see more of each other than ever before. Upon its sensuous cushions I while away the time, alternating between scratching my balls and twirling the five strands of hair that remain on the crown of my head. Yes, I’m proud to report that my fellas are hanging in there okay, considering my advanced age, and that the strands of hair look damn studly. Thanks for asking!
Now, the scratching and twirling account for about nine of the 16 hours, and largely are confined to mornings and afternoons. What about the other seven hours? In a word, television. You see, in early April I really began to miss the kicks I’d been getting for ages at concerts, cinemas, etc. This ol’ boy needed to get entertainment from somewhere. And I wanted to do that with Sandy, my partner in kicks-experiencing for lo these many years. Television was the obvious outlet.
It’s not that I’m a stranger to the tube. In fact, I once was a highly dedicated viewer. But that ended about 12 years ago. Since then I’ve watched TV mostly in shortish sessions and mostly late at night, compulsively and expertly flipping channels. That pattern now has expanded. Yeah, I’ve retained the late night regimen. But, in addition, several evenings a week at around 8:30 or 9:00, Sandy and I head upstairs to our bedroom, which contains the bigger and better of the two TV sets in our home. We then proceed to lose ourselves for an hour or more. Doing so is nothing new for Sandy, who always has racked up admirable numbers of evening hours in front of the home screen. But, as noted, it’s been more than a while for me.
And you know what? I love it! Laughing, gasping, oohing and aahing together has been fun. Together, of course, is the operative word.
And what have we watched? Good movies, such as The Two Popes, The Wizard Of Oz, Saving Mr. Banks, and Standing In The Shadows Of Motown. And a not-so-good one, Roma, which won an Oscar as 2018’s best foreign language film but which left me blank.
And entertaining series, two of them (Modern Family and Curb Your Enthusiasm) on network and premium-channel television. The others (Sherlock; Lilyhammer; After Life) were on Netflix, which has become one of my greatest pals. Man, we tore through the Netflix series zestfully, usually chowing down two episodes per sitting (no binge-watching for us, though. Maybe Sandy has the energy for that, but I don’t). And we’ve only scratched the surface of what the Netflix library holds.
Yes, without a doubt we’ll keep watching TV together till outside-the-house entertainment opens up, and probably not stop even then. I’ve learned that there’s a whole lot to be said for TV togetherness. I used to know that, but had forgotten. So, at least one positive development has come out of the pandemic.
Girls and boys, in conclusion let me say this: The last few months have been disorienting to most, probably all, of us. What adjustments have you needed to make as a result of coronavirus’ far reach? How do you spend the extra hours that you might have found yourself with? Finally, which shows and movies have you been watching on TV? I’d be glad to hear your thoughts about any or all of these items.
Yeah, Another Blogger 
Glad to know you’re keeping active physically, with the scratching and twirling, and mentally, by watching stimulating TV. Of course, if we men only had women’s ability to multitask, we could do both at the same time, but then again that might not do wonders to augment that special feeling of togetherness, at least not from Sandy’s point of view.
I’ve been doing more in the way of painting and decorating and gardening than before. Or at least, I’ve been doing more of what was always on my to do list, but had more excuses not to do before lockdown.
On the TV front, the series I’ve enjoyed the most are Sneaky Pete, an absolutely brilliant caper about a conman who convinces the family of his former cell mate that he’s their long lost cousin/grandchild so that he can lie low, but soon gets embroiled in their own nefarious history; and a British series called the Detectorists, a gentle but beautifully observed comedy about a couple of friends with a passion for metal detecting—I had no idea it was so competitive.
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Hi there, George. Tackling your to-do list is an achievement. For many people, including me, the to-do list doesn’t get tackled!
Don’t know if the shows you mention are on any of the stations we get, or on Netflix. I’ll check into it. See ya.
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I’ve been working like a mad fool, more hours than before the pandemic. However, I like to watch a good series so here are my viewing suggestions from Netflix: Peaky Blinders, The Fall, Broadchurch, In the Line of Duty, Shetland, Happy Valley, Hinterland (all of these are UK); Trapped (Icelandic); Mindhunter and Ozark (American); Alias Grace (Canadian).
Happy viewing. 🙂
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Btw, I really enjoyed the Kominsky Method – thanks for the suggestion.
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You’ve picked some outstanding UK series, British drama at its best We only caught up with Peaky Blinders a few months ago … brilliant, although the picture it paints us Brits does us no favours.
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Many thanks for all the suggestions. Netflix is a goldmine!
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I have seen one movie each day and sometimes even two. Now I am running out of movies on Netflix and Amazon prime both😁
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Hi there. I’m glad to hear from you. Maybe you should watch some of the series on Netflix and Amazon. I’m amazed by how many series Netflix carries. It boggles my mind. (I don’t have Amazon)
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‘Crown’ was excellent.. ‘Suits’ People v/s O J Simpson, Sherlock… were really good. Sometimes we did binged-watch also😁
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I liked Sherlock a lot. I haven’t seen Crown, but my wife watched it, and liked it very much.
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Only nine hours scratching and twirling? You’re plainly not taking these important elderly-male pastimes seriously enough! We too have watched a lot of TV during the Covid-19 crisis, and were pleased to have finally caught up with all six seasons of Breaking Bad.
We also watch endless quiz shows, and regularly hurl abuse at the contestants for their profound levels of ignorance … what’s wrong with the UK’s education system, this grumpy sexagenarian grumbles, surely everyone knows about King Stephen? (FYI he was King of England between 1135 and 1154, and is probably the most anonymous monarch we’ve ever had. Ignorance of his existence cost some quiz show contestants around £22k in a show we watched late yesterday afternoon, Serves ’em right!)
The good news is, that despite being in lockdown for around nine weeks, I’m still managing to avoid tidying out the garage and painting our bedroom. Long may it continue!
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Man, I’m with you in re projects like painting and garage-cleaning. Too much work!
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I’m glad to hear you have kept up your exercise regime, a difficult thing to maintain in these days of confinement. Television viewing, the selection of what is on the screen, it left to Mary and she can now almost supply the lines to the many repeated programmes of Agatha Christie’s Poirot and Miss Marple. Midsomer Murders which, as well as being a detective series, reveals the crazy side of English life. Then there is Morse and Lewis – which was simply a follow-on from Morse when the main actor died. Late night can see her going stateside with Special Victims Unit. Of course, if there is a gardening programme, all of the above are cast aside and she is also a fan of Gogglebox, where one watches people who are watching and commenting on tv!!! (The ultimate crazy!)
Generally, this lockdown – here, we are “cocooning” – and are presently in our 11th week without once leaving the home or having anybody visit. Groceries are delivered by our local supermarket once a fortnight – we have decided this schedule ourselves so as not to put unnecessary demands on their delivery service. It has served us very well but does require some thought and planning before ordering. Some items may not be available on ordering but we manage fine.
Daily life is not hugely different for us. We have always gardening a lot, almost every day – previously interrupted only by the need to go to the shops once or, maybe, twice per week and the occasional day out, to visit another garden, go to the cinema or a day to the big smoke now that we have a free-travel pass on public transport.
We miss “seeing” our grandchildren – “seeing” in the sense, of course, of holding, cuddling, fooling about with them etc. Skype keeps us in touch. Amazon allows us to send little gifts. On the other hand, we talk more to our sons a lot more. My twice weekly chats to our youngest are now daily chats running to 30 – 45 minutes (he is the only person with whom I can converse in Irish – Gaelic, to you – so it is an extra pleasure to speak to him). Second son is in touch most days and eldest son is quieter by nature – inclined to like being alone, like his father.
Times are different but not dreadful. There is the worry about health, our own and that of family and friends and we hope all will be well – our friends across the ocean also.
Best wishes, Paddy
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Hi Paddy. You and your wife are occupying yourselves wisely and fully.
Do you happen to know the approximate percentage of people in Ireland who speak Irish? Are they concentrated in certain parts of the country?
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There are a number of areas where Irish is still the daily language but they are small and mainly in the west of the country. Our last census had a return of 38% of people who said they could speak Irish but only 4% use Irish in their daily lives. It is rare for me to meet somebody who speaks Irish and when my son and I are in public and speaking Irish, heads turn to take notice.
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Yes, Netflix is my friend too, Neil! Love a good dark Scandinavian killer on the loose and mismatched maverick cops on the chase. But other marvels have been coming late to the wonderful Friday Night Lights party,
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Hi. Thanks for visiting. What’s the names of the Scandinavian and maverick cops series? They sound good.
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See my Roma review on ShortNSweetmoviereviews.com. Use the search bar. I didn’t like it either.
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Hi Dave. I remember your review. I guess that you and I are in the minority in re Roma.
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Long live Netflix! And other streaming services. They really have brightened up a bleak time.
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It’s true. They are incredible. The amount of choice is staggering.
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Check out the TED Talks on YouTube. There’s something for everyone. I lean toward the inspirational ones when I need some encouragement. On TV, old Perry Mason shows and the endless cast iterations of the original Law and Order are still fun. One bonus from the pandemic: I can brag I’ve gotten even better at NYT crossword puzzles. As a digital subscriber, I have access to all the archived ones. Tip: Saturday puzzles are the hardest.
Debra
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Hey there, Debra. You’re getting smarter with age!
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Loved your article. I normally go to the Y from 9 until 11 every day. Now in that time frame l am hooked on Decades channel. From 8 until 9 there is Decades. Every day they show events and news from the decades on that date. On the next hour there are are 2 episodes of I Love Lucy…my favorite comedy show ever.
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Right, you can’t beat Lucy. That was a heck of a good show. It’s great that there’s a channel that airs it.
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I also loved “Saving Mr. Banks” and enjoyed “After Life.” I recently finished “Marvelous Mrs. Maisel” which was very fun and now started “The Kominsky Method,” with Michael Douglas, Alan Arkin, and Nancy Travis. Quite entertaining. Sometimes I rewatch old series and have recently started anew with “Monk,” who was aware all along that handwashing was important!
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Hi Becky. My wife loved the Monk show. As for Kominsky, it was the first series I watched on Netflix. I saw it a few months ago, and liked it a whole lot.
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I’m really enjoying that!
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Absolutely loved Lilyhammer. We’re in the middle of watching No Time, wonderfully zany.
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I’ll have to check out No Time.
Last night we watched the first two episodes of Russian Doll. It’s offbeat and trippy. So far, I like it.
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I loved Afterlife. One of the best shows out there right now. Other than Netflix I have just been trying to keep my two boys from completely hulking out and smashing everything.
Life is going in a completely different direction than we ever could imagine.
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Being home with the kids all the time is something you never expected to happen, I’m sure. These are strange times. They better develop a vaccine soon.
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I love reading how people’s routines have changed. Watching old movies–that’s perfect. My husby and I have done some of that–spaghetti westerns. Oh my–never watched Clint Eastwood when he came out and now wonder how they ever made so many of that genre. Still, we watched most of them.
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Clint, after all these years, still has an active movie career. He directed a movie (Richard Jewell, I think is the title) very recently.
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Working from home, I haven’t visited the city centre for 11 weeks and counting. Almost forgotten commuting. 😉 More TV? No, not really. Gardening, writing, playing computer games, and emails. Definitely emails.
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Hi. With a full-time job and your other interests, you’re definitely keeping busy.
I live near Philadelphia. Normally I’m doing one thing or another in the city two to four times monthly. Haven’t been there since early March, though, due to the virus. I miss being in Philly. A lot.
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I share many of your TV loves, but I adored Roma. I thought how brilliantly it conveyed everything without a lot of dialogue.
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Afternoon, Jennifer. Yeah, I’m in the minority when it comes to Roma.
If you like jazz, there’s pretty good doc about Miles Davis on Netflix. We watched it a few nights ago.
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I’ll tell my husband about it. I like jazz but he loves it. Thanks!
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We like anything that’s a murder mystery, like Father Brown, Agatha Raisin, Death in Paradise. We’re avid watchers of the Walking Dead franchise too. My husband loves war movies and some westerns, and we both like science fiction, but it can be sort of hit and miss. I’ve managed to avoid the spring cleaning that everyone I know seems to have finished during the first month of lockdown. Why clean furiously when no one can visit?
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Hi. I like mysteries too. I haven’t watched Killing Eve, though I should. My wife watches it, and says it’s excellent. Have you seen it?
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No, haven’t watched that show yet, but see the promos for it quite often. I might have to give it a try.
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Hey there friend, you think you have trouble. The mask I’ve been wearing when I go out makes my butt look big. And my television needs repair. I tried to watch a movie starring The Three Stooges and only two of them showed up. I’ve spend some of my extra time trying to get over my fear of heights but my wife gets mad when I wear her high heel shoes. Any advice? Your pal, Jerry
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Jerry, in your next blog post you should include a photo of you in heels!
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Oh, I loved Lillyhammer…so entertaining! I thought the acting in The Two Popes was outstanding. Besides the short, one season Unorthodox, I haven’t seen anything that matches my old favourites: Last Tango in Halifax, Broadchurch, Happy Valley, Rectify. There are two Canadian Netflix comedy series (not sure if available in the States) that I’ve really enjoyed: Schitt’s Creek and Kim’s Convenience.
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Hey there, and thanks for all the suggestions. There are so many enjoyable shows out there. I find it amazing.
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I listen to the reruns of old cricket matches on the radio…but Leo watches the box…chiefly BBC – via a proxy server – and Netflix.
If you have a proxy server you can get the Netflix offerings in other countries and he has watched any number of French films and series…some of them are dubbed in English on other Netflix sites.
I have a weakness for the Father Ted series on Youtube, and, again on Youtube, ancient stuff from The Last of the Summer Wine, too.
This lockdown has not really changed our habits too much, except for having friends over for dinner…I miss that!
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Right, the reduction in socializing is a big loss. We bump into a few of our neighbors outside fairly regularly. But our normal social life is on hiatus right now.
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I am glad you and yours are healthy and your sense of humor is even keener perhaps than BC (before corona)! It’s been trying times for sure in Northern Virginia-land but yes, I too have been watching more Netflix and Amazon than normal though It’s been hard to find really lovely romantic comedies as opposed to the gloom and doom or blood and guts. Listening to many more podcasts too (On Being, Krista Tippet, 10% Happier, and The Way I Heard it with Mike Rowe) More reading too than normal…and I’ve actually finished books! I confess to often having a stack of books on my night table, reading bits of pieces of them in no particular order as opposed to my husband who reads ONE book at a time and must finish it before moving on. Jeesh. He’s so perfect. Anyhow…I cannot wait for this madness to be over with. Though I do both, I’ll forever loathe mask-wearing and the term “social distancing” which really should be called “physical” distancing.
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I know what you mean about masks. It’s beyond belief that we wear them.
After Life possibly is a show that you’d like on Netflix. It’s partly depressing, but it also has plenty of humor and charm.
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Who could ever trust a vaccine?
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I do!
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Sorry I no longer trust the USA, it is too big and so big that it has lost its allegiance. Sorry!😞
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I’ve watched waaay too much TV in the past 3 months. Little Fires Everywhere was pretty good (Hulu).
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Hi. I’m sure that many or most people have increased the amount of time that they watch TV. We’re lucky in that the amount of shows and movies to watch is beyond enormous.
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Well Neil, my wife watches far more movies than I do and makes almost all entertainment choices at our house. I just make sure I have some popcorn and hope I can stay awake…glad to hear that you and Sandy are still making the most of things.
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Popcorn! I haven’t had any in a real long time. I need to rectify that.
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The popcorn provides a little gratification, even when the movie sucks. And some of them really do.
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I have enjoyed our little garden more with my at-home husband. We delight in our critter visitors from geckos to red tailed hawks. Loved Lillehammer and thank Goodness for Netflix and Prime. Addicted to Killing Eve and Travelers right now.
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Hi. Thanks for dropping by. I haven’t heard of Travelers. As for Killing Eve, my wife loves it. Maybe I’ll start watching it one of these days.
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Killing Eve is very dark humor and very British!
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I share some of your TV likes, Neil, and it sounds like you’ve made some great choices. Apparently I need to start on “The Kominsky Method”! in addition I have discovered “Unorthodox” and “Dead to Me” on Netflix and “Better Things” on FX/Hulu. For extremely lowbrow entertainment, Julie and I have now watched all 207 episodes of “King of Queens,” which — I reluctantly admit — made me laugh uproariously. As for a new pandemic project, I’ve been scanning and labeling family photos, and there are enough to keep me busy through the NEXT pandemic.
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Scanning and labeling photos is a worthy thing to do. It takes a lot of patience.
You watched 207 episodes? Holy shit, that’s incredible.
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Since I’ve been babysitting my grandson, I actually have less free time than I did before the virus showed up, but I know I’m in the minority in that. Still, I am reading more and doing more crosswords as I sit in front of the TV…….
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Right, the amount of work you now have to do has increased.
This pandemic has affected people in any number of varying ways.
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Hey, Neil, I’ve been doing the TV Thing too. I’ve been visiting my folks for a month, since I’ve been working from home anyway, and we’re hooked on “Slings & Arrows” a Canadian series about a theater company. Bowl of popcorn, maybe a little ice cream, some peanuts, dim the lights, watch some really good and funny acting, somebody poke the Old Man to stay awake, it’s been nice.
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Do you like working from home? Would you rather be at your office?
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Yes, I like it. Saves time. I miss talking to my coworkers, but we have online meetings, and working from home works just fine, I’m on emails, phone and the computer all day anyway. I’ve been able to have an extended visit with my family, and actually get more work done, not less. and better food!
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👍👍
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Hey Neil, I am happy to hear that you and Sandy are doing well and keeping your spirits high. I am filling my extra free time landscaping our backyard, organizing 35 years of family photos, and researching future travel. To social distance and get my exercise, I am now walking the lonely fire roads in the hills behind my house. With all this, I haven’t had time for much TV. Every now and then, my wife and I watch something on Netflix. Besides Kominsky Method, which you suggested, we haven’t found anything much worth recommending. We will have to try some of the shows mentioned by your commentators.
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Morning. Your projects are big ones. Organizing photos is a good idea. When you’re done with yours, please pay me a visit and organize mine!
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Haha. Will do. I’m overdue for a visit to my old Philadelphia stompin’ grounds.
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Good work, Neil, especially the scratching and twirling. Before my temporary deafness I was improving my guitar skills a bit; the garden’s been given a good seeing to and I’m now onto painting everything in the garden made of wood. Apart from the trees, obviously, they preserve themselves, generally. I might start doing something creative with a couple of pallets I got with some gravel deliveries today.
By evening though the TV is a draw. Netflix is great – I’ve already mentioned Mar de Plastico, a Spanish language crime drama set in Andalucia that’s hot in every way; just finished watching (on BBC; can you get iPlayer on the internet?) a Norwegian drama called State of Happiness, which is about the early days of the oil industry in a little town called Stavanger, and the culture clash between the American incomers and the locals. It’s really good.
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You’re busy!
Is your Spanish at the level where you don’t need subtitles for Mar de Plastico?
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Hmm sort of! I watched it with my Spanish teacher with Spanish subtitles on – there’s noooo waaay I could’ve picked up what they were saying right off the bat with that Andalucian accent. Mind you, my teacher’s Bolivian and claimed she hadn’t ever heard some of the words they were using. I now know lots of swear words!
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Other than no gym time, my life is exactly the same – I work from home (the 9-to-5 is a busy as it always was) and mom-care takes up all the other and in-between time. Oh, the BP has increased big-time. LOL Okay, maybe life isn’t exactly the same, but it’s pretty close. 🙂 Take care my friend.
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I think you’re very efficient in using time. Otherwise you wouldn’t be able to do all the things you do: working, parental care, writing, etc.
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Humorous and inspiring 👍. We have been going through Netflix movies and tv series as well. Murdock mysteries , money heist, lost in space, the kominsky ❤️ Method, Kim’s convenience, the Bletchley circle, and workin moms. I am sure I missed some but you won’t mind.
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The amount of product on Netflix blows my mind. I’ve heard of a couple of shows that you mention, and will keep them in mind. Thanks.
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No man/woman lives in a vacuum (Who said that?) but CB is pretty damn close.Not much has changed in my world (grateful/lucky). Maybe doubled up on the walks/exercise, still meet the Gal in the tv room Sat/Sun for a flick. Watching less tube (never watched much anyways). Yeah a little more scratching/twirling, lots of music, reading, coloring, writing, smooching, sending out thoughts to the people who need it right now, washing the cat and more walks.Solo and with Sweetie Pie. You take care fella and throw some more of those show you screen my way. I dont know why but I trust ya. Finally got around to the Morgan doc. Enjoyed it.
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CB, you’re doing your thing! And that’s good.
If you have Netflix, check out Lilyhammer. Stevie Van Zandt is the star. He plays a mobster in Norway. He’s terrific in the role.
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On your recommendation I will. I love the Scandinavian style. Thanks.
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It’s not dark. It’s kind of goofy. Van Zandt is a Brooklyn mobster who chooses to relocate to Norway , via witness protection program, after he testifies against another mobster.
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They have a real “dark’ humor over there. I watch a lot of film from that area. I had no idea Little Steven was doing that. I’m in for a look for sure.
I was pushed by a reliable source to ‘The Bridge’ from over there, The first 3 seasons were worth the time. Great female character plus excellent support.
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Grateful for the visual descriptions. 😉 Our nephew introduced us to streaming a couple of years ago on a visit, and since then we’ve been on a heavy diet of British shows courtesy of Acorn TV. Our favorites are mostly murder mysteries: Vera, Midsomer Murder, Murdoch Mysteries (Canadian actually), and Line of Duty; dramas such as Ackley Bridge, A Place to Call Home, and Good Karma Hospital; plus some pretty good comedies such as “Doc Martin “and “You, Me, and Them.” – Marty
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Hi Marty. Yeah, streaming has revolutionized the way people access and watch television. When I was a kid, there weren’t all that many shows on the tube. Now, between regular networks and cable networks and streaming, there are zillions.
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My husband and I gave up on watching TV together in the first year of our marriage (which is now entering it`s 32nd year). I later gave up TV altogether. In these Corona times, I did a little Netflix watching – but almost always something I had seen before – years or decades back – something comfortably familiar and nostalgic. (I would name series titles, but it would be embarrassing.) All of these things I first realized after reading your post.
We’ve all made discoveries during this lockdown. Yours is a nice one.
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Hi, and thanks for stopping by. My wife and I are ready to start watching another Netflix series together. Maybe we’ll start tonight. Probably it will be the series called Ozark.
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Hahaaa this is what happens in our home too though my mother in law manages to watch the most compared to us! I loved The Two Popes and can spend hours with Modern Family reruns, so confinement has given us an opportunity to enjoy great entertainment for sure 💚
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Modern Family was terrific overall. I think that the producers were smart to bring the series to an end. If a spinoff ever happens, I’d like it to be about Manny.
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well, cinemas are about to open here on the Queen’s Birthday weekend; meantime watch movies on cable and reruns of ‘Friends’ which I never saw first time around
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On a cable network last night I saw the last 40 minutes of China Moon. It seemed pretty good. A thriller.
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Our television was scheduled to “update software” (too Smart for their own good nowadays) the other day and since then we can’t get access to Netflix or any of the other Apps. Still in lockdown here so can’t get anyone in to help – I know it’s not as big a crisis as the health one, but as you can imagine it’s a bit of a domestic crisis.
We did manage to watch After Life to the end however and enjoyed it very much.
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Yeah, problems of various sorts can happen with high-tech machines. They’re incredibly complicated.
After Life has been renewed for another season, but who knows when production will start again in the TV and movie industries.
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I do not own a working television. However, I’ve become more acquainted with YouTube during the past couple of months. 🙂
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There’s an infinite amount of items on YouTube. Every day, probably 100,00 or more new ones are added.
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Gosh Neil: Even I, a renowned anti-TV gal, have given in during this COVID:19 era. I watch the news every evening if I make it, and then something on Netflix. I found myself nibbling while I watched, but have thrown down the gauntlet and I sin no more. (Chuckle.)
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Hi Muriel. TV is good for us! In moderation, of course.
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Hi Neil,
I highly recommend The Detectorists, if you enjoy Brit tv (Amazon Prime, although for a while it was on Netflix), and Patriot (not to be confused with The Patriot, also on Amazon Prime). Otherwise we tend to look for adventure documentaries, that kind of thing. I love movies, particularly drama, but I can’t seem to handle too much of that genre at the moment. Something around the underlying anxiety of the whole situation has made me reach for lighter fare. Lots of running, cycling where we can and for me, drawing, is keeping us sane!
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Hi, and thanks for the input. Yeah, this situation sucks in so many ways. A vaccine can’t be developed fast enough.
My wife and I have started watching Ozark. Have you seen it? It’s on Netflix. Seems pretty good, though not as good as I was expecting. Anyway, take care. See ya.
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Like you I’ve watched a whole bunch of tv during the current crisis. My big achievement though was laying some flags and creating a small patio outside the back door. The missus complains that it’s not level but hey, a bit of cardboard under the patio table legs and everything is fine. Why she’s still not happy I don’t know. .
All the best Neil
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Steve, you’ve found the perfect use for cardboard! Be well. See ya.
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We thought After Life was great, too. Who knew Ricky Gervais could write and play such a sympathetic (and mostly serious) role? Did you and Sandy ever watch Mad Men? We binged the entire run of the show in a couple of months last year. It was so compelling! Last night we rewatched one episode, and could easily have been hooked all over again—except that now we want to try Lilyhammer! And The Detectorists, and everything else your commenters mentioned……
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Between network tv and cable stations and streaming services, it’s absolutely incredible how much original material there is to watch. My mind is blown! Never saw Mad Men. I’m impressed that you and Gene watched every episode.
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All I can say Neil, is thank goodness for streaming! Of course, maybe if that wasn’t possible I’d read or write more. Always enjoy your posts 🙂
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Hi. I’m a recent convert to Netflix. Starting watching it in February. It’s great!
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Through some strange inexplicable shift of the universe, I actually seem to have even less time during this COVID debacle than I used to when I had no time at all. Days zoom by and I always think it’s Saturday, except when it is and then I think it’s Sunday.
Anyway, your post has brought me to what I think may be a revelation: In every couple, there is one TV addict. Ed and I often enjoy watching a Foyle’s War or Grantchester or Poirot, but after 90 minutes of telly, I’m DONE. Ed, however, will sit on, tuning in to some David Attenborough nature special or a horror series or, in a pinch, boxing. But I’m DONE. Since we do just about everything together, it’s fine to have that space.
One thing I am doing to amuse myself is giving the house a thorough scrub. We always tidy before the annual holiday bash, but this place was getting seriously close to making the condemned list. So I am actually doing the hands-and-knees-scrubbing-with-a-sponge thing. I don’t know if this is indicative of serious mental derangement, but it does look nice when I finish a room. Anyway, I won’t be doing it again until sometime around 2030. Or never. Stay well.
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Morning, Amy. Even though you might not know what day of the week it is, and even though you’ve taken to floor scrubbing, I get the strong impression that you are doing very well. Enjoy the upcoming week. With each passing day, a vaccine is that much closer to being developed.
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The thing I’ve noticed about “TV” is that when you dig around a bit you find some amazing, creative, offbeat stuff (if that’s your taste). I discovered “Avenue 5” (science fiction comedy/satire–and you don’t see a lot of that nowadays!) and “Miracle Workers” (medieval Monty Python style sitcom). Sadly, both have ended their runs and I don’t know if more episodes are planned.
But in the meantime, I discovered “W’hat We Do in the Shadows” — a sort of vampire/frat house comedy based on the black comedy of that name and akin to Polansky’s 1967 “Fearless Vampire Killers (Pardon Me, But Your Teeth Are in My Neck)”
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Hi. You’re absolutely right about the amount of offbeat shows. If you have Netflix, you might want to give Russian Doll a try. It’s definitely offbeat. I liked it.
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Neil, you make everything fun, even TV watching. ;0)
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Hi. Appreciated.
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🤗🙏
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Glad to hear that you are staying healthy. Yes, we’ve been watching a lot of television lately. We’ve been hooked on 90-Day Fiance and the Pillow Talk version afterwards. Cheers!
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Television’s grip on many of us is tightening. Enjoy the week. Take care.
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To our surprise, we’ve watched less tv since the lock-down, but did re-watch all of the Sherlock. Perhaps we’ll try Lilyhammer. Have you seen Killing Eve?
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I haven’t seen KE. But my wife watches it. She thinks it’s excellent.
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So do we.
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I’ve been working my way through the 3 seasons of Designated Survivor during lockdown. Not many episodes left now though.
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Hello. Thanks for the input. I’ve never seen DS, but my wife watched every episode. She liked that show a whole lot.
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