Well, as millions of fans of dark and dirty doings know, the Netflix series Ozark has come to a close. And, predictably, this saga (44 episodes in all), heavily populated by morally compromised people doing despicable things, does not conclude in a tidy manner. As the screen goes dark and a gunshot thunders a mere moment before the credits begin their final roll, any number of questions are left unanswered about four of the show’s main characters, the Byrde family.
Unanswered, yes. I’d have to say, however, that the future clearly does not look bright for Marty and Wendy Byrde, the married pair around whom Ozark significantly revolves, nor for their 15-year-old son Jonah. Possibly Marty and Wendy’s daughter Charlotte, a couple of years Jonah’s senior, has a chance to grow towards the light. But I wouldn’t bet heavy money on that.
What else would you expect, anyway, from a series fueled by the unrelenting pressures placed upon Marty by a Mexican drug cartel whose monies he must launder if he wishes to remain above ground? Man, the directions in which those pressures take Marty, a financial advisor by trade, and Wendy are head-spinning. And the fallout from their maneuverings affects Jonah heavily, and nearly everyone else they come in contact with too.
Such an intense, over-the-top show! I couldn’t get enough of it. Each season I’d stare at the tube in disbelief as, left and right, minor and major players exited permanently, usually by gunfire. Ozark’s foulness put me in a bear hug and wouldn’t let go. I’ll miss the series. And I’ll pass on to you the one big lesson that Ozark taught me. Namely, don’t f*ck with a Mexican drug cartel, or with any similar enterprise, needless to say. You better believe that I damn well won’t.
I’m not strictly a denizen of the lower realms. So, some things way more positive than Ozark also have pleased me of late. For instance, the spring season. Yes, plant life has been looking good here in southeast Pennsylvania, USA for the last five or six weeks, with maple and oak trees and the like flaunting their foliage, and flowering trees dazzling human eyes with their blossoms. What’s more, most of the azaleas in my area burst into bloom about two weeks ago, adding tremendously to the spring spectacular. Ah, azaleas. When dense with flowers, they are hard to beat.
Fortunately for me, each year I get a mega-dose of azalea magic, because my friend Joyce, who lives nearby, is in possession of azaleas as fine as any I’m aware of. The azaleas in front of her house not only glow in a number of different hues, they also are enormous. I’d guess that the square footage taken up by those plants is about one-fourth of the square footage within her home. That’s saying something.
And, though maybe it’s only my imagination, Joyce’s azaleas look better to me this year, in terms of fullness and vibrancy, than ever before. In any case, I bow to them.
Before I bid you adieu, I’ll say a bit about a song, Love Letter From A Red Roof Inn, that needed no help in becoming a favorite of mine after I heard it for the first time earlier this month. It is a winner. (And, parenthetically, let me note that its title is as cool as they come.) Released in late 2021, Love Letter, by the blue-eyed soul band St. Paul & The Broken Bones, unfolds seductively. Lead singer Paul Janeway pours his heart out to the listener, quietly and in a falsetto as sweet as clover honey. Alone in a hotel room, he misses his lady. He’s homesick. He’s on the verge of crying himself to sleep.
St. Paul & The Broken Bones have got what it takes. I’ve seen them on TV and would love to catch them in person. After hearing this song you might want to also. Here, then, is Love Letter From A Red Roof Inn, a recording that would have made waves back in the 1960s and 70s, when soul music by The Temptations, Aretha Franklin, The Delfonics, etc., etc. rode high on the music charts. Till next time!
Yeah, Another Blogger 
I agree with you on azaleas as I have more than twenty of them in different colors!!
Joanna
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That’s a lot of azaleas!
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And a lot of amazing colors!
Joanna
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Love the music which goes beautifully with the azaleas!
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I hadn’t thought about the song and the azaleas being complementary — but, you’re right!
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I’ve not seen Ozark but anything whose “foulness put me in a bear hug and wouldn’t let go” must be worth a watch. Mind you, anyone who can combine something like that with the joy of azaleas in the same post must be some kind of skewed genius 🙂
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Hey, George. If you have Netflix, then give Ozark a try. It’s a cool show!
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That’s a bit scary! A friend was waxing lyrical about Ozark only this morning. I must check it out.
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Right, give it a try. The story lines in Ozark will amaze you.
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I haven’t watched the last few episodes yet, but like you, Ozark has had a definite grip!
I love azaleas, and photos of them are gorgeous. And I agree with Cindy; a nice match with the music!
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Should say “your photos of them…” Cheers.
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Hi, Lynette. I’m pretty sure that the final episodes won’t disappoint you. They are taut and exciting.
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Joyce’s azaleas are beautiful and I love them too. We have small ones in our front garden here and they are glorious.
Ozark had Tim and I gripped in this house with its twists and turns and clear message!
Lovely song, Neil. Thank you. ❤
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Hi, Jane. One thing for sure about Ozark is that it’s unforgettable. What a show!
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We totally agree with you, Neil. ❤ to you both. Xx
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I love azaleas greatly. Joyce’s are amazing and make me feel a bit jealous. Mine have suffered due to a severe winter, followed by early spring drought. I’ll remember the photos of Joyce’s flowers as inspiration.
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When it comes to azaleas, Joyce has the magic touch. Hers are something else.
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Never watched Ozark but love the photos you took of my azaleas thanks. Good song!
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Photos of your amazing azaleas are now in cyberspace. Maybe they’ll become famous!
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My first reaction was, “What is this? Has my city-streed pounder and urban colour seeker, Neil, become all horticultural?” Your neighbour has a splendid display; perfectly beautiful. I have heard of Ozark – and of the Ozarks and of Ozark Orange, a shrub we grew in our garden for a few years, but I have never seen the programme. We don’t have a subscription to Netflix but will from Friday afterwards. We have only looked, to date, at the terrestrial channels, those free to air via a satellite dish and aerial on our chimney but the dish seems to be giving problems so we have decided to have a Sky system installed and Netflix comes included with that. There may be late nights of television viewing ahead, less gardening even, a drifting away from the written word, less fingering of the keyboard – but I doubt it and more likely simply a greater confusion of channel choice until we settle down to a favoured shortlist of perhaps five or so.
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Paddy, I became a Netflix convert in 2020. Prior to that I paid it no attention. Netflix is pretty unreal. They have so many series, movies, documentaries, etc, it’s totally incredible. More likely than not they carry horticultural programs, which would be right up your alley.
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Mmmmmm I fear getting drawn in. We did watch The Crown – as in, sitting down for an all-day viewing of all episodes! In my defense, it was the Head Gardener’s interest!
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Just like the Sopranos, and now Yellowstone too, I’m probably going to have to watch Ozark on my own. My wife’s tolerance for violent themed shows is pretty low, though she does surprise sometimes (the BBC’s “Line of Duty” is a favorite). But I am grateful for the recommendation. I will try! – Marty
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Hi. Have you seen Breaking Bad? I never have. It’s on Netflix. Many people think it’s the best drama series ever.
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No, but I’ve heard good things. We don’t subscribe to Netflix (I think we’re the only ones who don’t), opting for Britbox and Acorn (British fare). But things are always available via the public library, so I’ll look for Breaking Bad at some point. Thanks!
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We’ve been enjoying the “Ozarks” show too Neil. I think we have three more episodes to watch.
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Afternoon, Lynne. Those final episodes are real good. Ozark does not disappoint!
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Definitely on my list to watch. I’m always late to episodic shows as I can’t see committing time to them, and then I end up binge watching in 2-3 nights! Gorgeous pix of the azaleas! I’ve never seen such huge shrubs of them. That you think they look more vibrant this year over previous years is not a surprise. I’ve heard the warmer climes are forcing flowers out earlier in the season and possibly making them bloom more fully too. Regardless, they’re amazing!
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Joyce’s azaleas maybe are the biggest ones I’ve ever seen too. In one of Philadelphia’s parks is a section called The Azalea Garden. It’s really nice, but no better than Joyce’s.
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My husband has been glued to Ozark….no idea how many episodes he has still to go…which gives me time to read a book in peace while drug fuelled mayhem fills the screen.
I used to go to Kew Gardens to see the azaleas when working in London…i have never had the right soil to grow them. Your neighbour’s plants are quite awesome!
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Hi, Helen. Your husband has good taste — Ozark rocks!
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So he tells me!
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The flowers are very lush and lovely. Thank you for the review; maybe I’ll catch it one of these days. 😉
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Hi, Tyler. Over the last few days the petals have been falling off of Joyce’s azaleas. Bummer!
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I tried Ozark. It was well acted and the early shows didn’t indicate how dark the entire series would be. When I figured that out, I left. I can get dark anywhere!
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Right, Ozark is not the series for putting anyone in a good mood. But I became addicted to it anyway!
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I watched way too much Brooklyn 99–that is plain stupid!
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The azaleas are gorgeous. Wish we had them around here. I like the song, having never heard it before so thanks for sharing it here. I’ve never watched Ozark. It sounds intense, but way to too dark for me. I’d have nightmares for years after watching it.
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Hi. Right, a whole lot of very nasty stuff goes on in Ozark. The show isn’t gory, for the most part, but many, many people meet their demise.
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The azaleas are beautiful, but I haven’t seen the last half of Ozarks’ last season so didn’t read your first few paragraphs. 😊
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Hey there. I think you’ll like the final episodes a lot. As usual, there are surprises, and no end to nasty behavior.
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I watched the first season of Ozark but it got to be too much for me. Our azaleas are in full bloom also – they are amazing.
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Hi. I remember seeing orange azaleas growing wild in a forest in Virginia. Before that, I thought they were all in the pink and purple family.
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I’ll take your advice on Mexican drug cartels – but I’m not sure I needed it! Azaleas are out here too – stunning, but they don’t have the impact of two years ago for me. Nothing to do with the flowers being better or worse, but this time two years ago we were in lockdown and any colour just sang out to brighten up a dull walk in a way I no longer need
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That’s an interesting point you make about 2020. Hopefully the worst of the pandemic is behind us, but we’ll have to wait and see.
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Joyce’s azaleas are stunning! I didn’t watch the Ozark series. I can no longer stomach such violence. Your musical selection took me back to the 1970s.
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Hi. Joyce’s azaleas never have gotten so much attention before!
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Even though I’m crazy for both Jason Bateman and Laura Linney, “Ozark” will never be on my viewing list (I’m one of those wimps who can’t stomach violence — although I loved “The Sopranos,” so go figure). Loved the music and the azaleas, though. And I’m taking to heart your sage advice to never “f*ck with a Mexican drug cartel”!
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You know, I’ve toyed with the idea of re-watching The Sopranos. Probably won’t, because there are so many episodes. A very great series.
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Fully agree on Ozark…..loved Ruth and her refusal to ever give in. And I liked the uncertainty of the ending…..feels like they’re all still out there.
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Ruth was my favorite character on the show.
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When my husband discovered Ozark, he started binge watching. Which I didn’t mind, but when he began falling asleep on the couch in front of the TV and I had to troop downstairs around midnight or so and wake him up, I “gently” suggested that perhaps he should limit his watching to daytime hours…. He does love that show, and will be sad to see it end!
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Hi Ann. He’s going to like the episodes he hasn’t seen yet. Ozark goes out with a bang!
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The azaleas (and the Japanese maple in the background) are gr8. Nice song too, tho the ending is abrupt. Ozark? Nah, I already get a sleaze overload from the news.
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Ozark is plenty sleazy, it’s true. There’s something about the show, though. I found it to be compelling.
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I watched Ozark. It is a good show, as said “Breaking Bad on water”. I have a special reason to watch the show: Lake of Ozarks is only one hour driving from our home. It is a naturally beautiful area. Nothing to be scared at all😀 The pictures of azaleas are gorgeous!
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I hope you don’t meet any of the Byrdes the next time you visit that area!
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The azaleas around here were a little late and somewhat sparse this year, so it was especially fun to see Joyce’s gorgeous flowers. I’ve always liked azaleas; the year I discovered there were salmon-colored ones I fell in love with them.
I’d heard some mentions of Ozark, but the discussions never made it sound appealing. I suspect part of the reason might be that the actual cartels are such a problem here, with their shootings and turf wars, I just didn’t need to watch a program about them. I’m losing my taste for violence in entertainment, too, so there’s that.
But that music is wonderful! I so enjoy your introductions to musicians I’ve never heard of.
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Good evening! In my suburban area, I can recall ever noticing only one other home with azaleas on the scale of Joyce’s. As for azalea colors, I don’t remember seeing white ones till I was well into my adulthood. Take care. Thanks for stopping by.
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great post, Neil: I’ve never seen Ozarks but from what you say it is much like ‘Breaking Bad’ which I really enjoyed; loved the azalea photos and the warmth and colour of your descriptions 🙂
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Hi. Many people think that Breaking Bad is the best drama series ever. Some people think The Sopranos is the best. Others say it’s The Wire. We live in a golden era for TV series.
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we sure do 🙂
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It’s bittersweet when a much-loved drama comes to an end but like you, I couldn’t get enough of it. All about a world, I have no intention of ever becoming involved in, so the viewer can act as a voyeur looking on from the sidelines. So many great dramas are coming to an end at the moment including Better Call Saul which covers similar nefarious themes.
As for the azaleas (for balance) we have a lovely one in our back garden right now. The spring garden is very showy and then there is a lull for a while before the summer garden bursts forth.
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Better Call Saul is a series I’ve thought of watching. Breaking Bad, too. I know that both are excellent. But they each have dozens and dozens of episodes. So, I might not have the stamina to watch all of that.
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If you’ve enjoyed Ozark, you would definitely enjoy the other two – you could make them last a long while…
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My husband and I were addicted to Ozark, Neil. A new season would come out and we’d finish it in two days of bingeing. What a show. I didn’t like the lack of answers, but really what could they do? Wendy and Marty are in it for the rest of their lives, and Jonah is just about ruined. I felt so bad for Ruth – my favorite character.
Anyway… sigh… gorgeous azaleas! What a joy to see those every day. And thanks for the tunes. Interesting vocals and sound. I enjoyed it!
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Ruth is my favorite too. Her final words were something else, and totally in character to who she was.
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Oh, that was the worst part of the entire series for me. Good but so sad. It ended poorly for just about everyone. I’ll take your advice and stay far away from the cartel. 🙂
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Your friend’s azaleas are stunning, indeed. How nice of her to share them via you with all of us.
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Joyce is generous!
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Hey Neil. I’ve been tempted by “Ozark” before but never given it a shot. My question to you – given the subject matter – how graphic is it? Were there scenes you wish you never saw? And was the ambiguous conclusion satisfying after all those episodes?
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Well, there are some grisly scenes, but it’s not remotely as bad as a slasher movie. I’d say the ending was appropriate, given the messy, complex lives of many of the characters.
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Lökosit great
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Love the azaleas, Neil. The song has a pleasingly retro edge to be sure. And yes, I wish I’d come up with that song title!
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In the song title Olympics, this tune wins the gold medal.
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So, what tends to happen at my house is my husband watches TV…A LOT, and I end up listening or full-on watching, so yeah…Ozark was weird to me lol The ending was not satisfying, but it did fit the show, oh! And I was really disappointed when Ruth died.
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Right — in some ways, Ruth was the heart and soul of Ozark. The actress who plays Ruth is in another Netflix series now. Inventing Anna. I’ve heard that it’s good.
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I’ll have to check that out, or have my husband check it out and pretend not to watch it lol
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Glad for your overview of Ozarks, which we tried to watch but couldn’t bear. Now I know what we missed—and didn’t.
We have azaleas that I think are lovely but nowhere near the league of Joyce-the-famous-PA-botanist.
Super song; I happily regressed. Great title; “Love Letter from Motel 6” wouldn’t have quite the cachet.
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Evening, Annie. Ozark, for sure, isn’t for everyone. I’m surprised somewhat that I got hooked on it. As for Joyce — if she reads your comments and a couple of others that people wrote, she will get a swelled head! Enjoy the weekend. Take care.
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I think I like the photos of the gorgeous azaleas better than I would the Netflix Ozark series you write about. Hope all is well with you and yours. I’m having a lovely visit from my daughter-in-love, whom I do love — so this is a busy but delightful time for me. Take care, Muriel
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Enjoy!
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Really nice song. Mmm. We started watching Ozark a while back and then stopped and now I have no idea why, ’cause I was drawn in immediately. Will finish watching one day. I like the idea of question marks at the end…..
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Hi. I think that Ozark had to end with unanswered questions. So many issues remained up in the air, and some of them probably were unresolvable.
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Love Letter From a Red Roof Inn is as hypnotic as those gorgeous azaleas! There’s nothing quite like azaleas blooming in springtime. Here in East Texas they have their own Festival! ☺️
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Hi. The azaleas have been dropping their petals in my area. But I certainly got a good dose of azalea power from my neighbor Joyce’s azaleas earlier this month. See ya!
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Wow – those azaleas are bow-worthy for sure. Gorgeous. I’m jealous that you have such a close view of them. The Ozarks are playing out in real life if one follows the news that shares those stories. I agree – that’s a great song – great vibes!!!
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Hi, Shelley. So many people in the USA have a passion for, and obsession with, guns. A sad reality.
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Beautiful photos! I loved the Ozark series–and what a great song–especially the title!
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We were at dinner tonight with a cousin. He watches Ozark but hasn’t seen the final few episodes yet. I had to control myself from telling him how it ends!
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I loved the show “Ozark” too. Was hard to let go, but Joyce’s azaleas will help to smooth the way.
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Hi Michele. It’s pretty sad that Ozark is over. I miss it!
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Azaleas are one of my favourite shrubs, so I enjoyed your pics. Impossible to grow them in my arid coastal surroundings. I don’t have Netflix, so haven’t seen Ozarks.
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Hi. This year I think I appreciated my friend Joyce’s azaleas more than ever before. They are as big as any I’ve ever seen.
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Ozark! I avoided this show for so long and then began watching it when I got my second bout of Covid early last month. I avoided it for the darkness but then it drew me in. Sigh. Ruth my fave character by far . . .
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Hi. Ruth is my fave too. She’s so smart and direct, and stands up for herself.
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OMG, the shocking conclusion of Ozark, right, Neil?! Stone cold! I, too, am enamored by the azalea season — we’ve got quite a few — but now the blooms are fading and it’s all green green green! Nice song. Have a lovely day.
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The writers brought Ozark to a conclusion with a bang!
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Haha – that they did!! Didn’t see it coming either.😳
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I was hooked on Ozark from the beginning and got my mom hooked on the series too. I was disappointed in the ending as I really felt like it had the bad guys (Marty and hhis family) coming out ahead. I would have liked to seen them held accountable for all of their underhanded activities.
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Hi. It’s an addictive show. There were no winners in it. Everybody suffered in one way or another. I guess I liked the ending. It left us guessing as to what the future has in store.
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Joyce’s azaleas are indeed the pride of Philly. And I kneel down in thankfulness for SPRING. At last. When we arrived in London, the rose bushes had buds. When we left 4 weeks later, everything was in full bloom. Thank god for Spring, for Summer, for Fall even. Anything but that crap 3 months of darkness and cold, and more darkness and cold.
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Hi, Amy. I agree about winter. Cold temps, snow, ice . . . ugh!
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Haven’t seen Ozark. Forty-four, one-hour episodes should take me a couple days to binge. Thanks for the spring azaleas and beautiful tune. See ya!
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Hi. Ozark is filled with violent, devious people. I wasn’t expecting to get hooked on it, but hooked I definitely became. And quickly.
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Haha I love how the topic of this post moves from Mexican drug cartel to the beauty of azaleas. I haven’t watched Ozark but my husband went through a phase where he binge-watched Narcos and I think it can be a very compelling watch. For that reason, I avoided watching anything riveting and scandalous as I would be immobilised in front of the TV for days on end. Spring azaleas look ravishing by the way. I just feel that this summer will be so much better than the last, thank goodness. Hope you’re well!
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Hi. Thanks for visiting. I’m constantly amazed by the incredible number of series that are released on Netflix and the like, not to mention the zillions that are already there. We’re spoiled!
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Loved Ozark. Currently into Resurrection also on Netflix.
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Hi. I’ll take a look at Resurrection. Thanks for the tip. I’m always on the lookout for series to watch.
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An excellent review and composition. I have new viewed the Ozark tv series but you’ve shared it so well that I sure I would enjoy. I truly love your emotional response. Take care.🏘☕️☕️📺
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Hi, AOC. As I mentioned in the story, Ozark grabbed me and wouldn’t let go. It might do the same to you!
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