DOWNTON ABBEY

  Marion Pellicano Ambrose

Everywhere I went I heard people talking about "Downton Abbey" and I had no idea what it was. I finally deduced it was something on TV, but still didn't quite get it. I received an offer to have Netflix free for a month on my computer so I tried it and the first thing to pop up was Downton Abbey. I thought I'd watch one episode, just to see what all the fuss was about. I stayed up all night and watched the whole first season. The second wasn't available to rent so I got on Amazon and ordered season 2 that morning. I can't tell you how wrapped up I became in the lives of this family and their servants! Now I have a long and painful wait for season 3 to begin. Here's a little bit about Downton Abbey to get you interested!

Downton Abbey -- a sprawling, lavish Edwardian mansion nestled in the Yorkshire landscape -- needs an heir. Dame Maggy Smith stars as Violet, the stubborn Dowager Countess of Grantham matriarch of Downton. Hugh Bonneville stars as her son, the stoic, unflappable Lord Crawley. Elizabeth McGovern is his far-sighted American wife, Cora. From Academy Award-winner Julian Fellowes

In Season one, Lord Crawley sees his family heritage, especially the grand country home Downton Abbey, as his mission in life. The death of his heir aboard the Titanic means distant cousin Matthew Crawley, a Manchester lawyer, suddenly is next in line and accepts moving onto the vast estate with his even more modernist, socially engaged mother, who clashes with his lordship's domineering, conservative ma the dowager. Marrying off the daughters is another concern. Meanwhile the butler presides over a staff which serves the family but also lead most of their entire lives in the servants quarters, with intrigues of their own.

Season two picks up two years on from the first series in 1916, in the middle of World War 1. Downton Abbey has been converted into a convalescent home for injured servicemen and the action covers the period from the Battle of the Somme up to the end of the war. As in the first series, topical events of the period, political, economic and military are covered.

The wartime scenario and the convalescent home setting provide an excellent background for some interesting story lines. The combination of excellent plot lines, great acting and the superb setting display all that is best in TV period drama. This time round we have eight more episodes to add to the seven in the first series. As befits wartime, the costumes are not as flamboyant as in the first series but they are thoroughly researched and appropriate to the period.

In both seasons, I have to say that Maggie Smith steals the show as Lady Violet, Dowager Countess of Grantham. She's fiesty, bossy, aristocratic and marvelous!
Like me, I believe you'll be hooked after viewing one episode, but at least you'll knkow what everyone is talking about! 

Activites for Dr. Seuss' Birthday

Looking for something fun to do with the kids to celebrate Dr. Seuss’ birthday on March 2^nd? Well, here are some great suggestions:

Cat in the Hat light bulb craft

 Marion Pellicano Ambrose

Dr. Seuss Bingo : free printable bingo cards and directions

http://familycrafts.about.com/od/drseusscraftprojects/ss/Seuss-Bingo-Game-Cards.htm

Cat in the Hat Light Bulb Craft

http://familycrafts.about.com/od/drseusscraftprojects/ss/LightBulbCatHat.htm

Cat in the Hat cookie recipe

http://familycrafts.about.com/od/drseusscraftprojects/a/CatHatCookie.htm

Grinch crafts

http://familycrafts.about.com/cs/grinchcrafts/a/121800a.htm

Dr. Seuss Printable activities

http://shopping.yahoo.com/search;_ylc=X3oDMTIzaDRvMWRsBF9TAzc4NDcxNzI0MARfcwMyMjcwODIyOARwcnRucl9pZAMyMTE4MTE4BHNlYwNhZmZpbGlhdGUEc2xrA2xhbmRpbmc-?rd=1&p=dr%20seuss%20printable%20activities&view=g&affiliate=rw&AID=10473284&PID=2118118&SID=yx-7-6e2-k69b509-222031-36c

And of course, there’s always the new movie The Lorax, coming to theaters, guess when……. March 2^nd of course!

NATIONAL PANCAKE DAY, AND I MISSED IT!

Marion Pellicano Ambrose

I can’t believe I missed it!!! Yesterday( Feb. 28^th) was National Pancake Day! I could have been feasting on Chocolate Chip, Peach, Bananas Foster or plain old Buttermilk Pancakes at IHOP for FREE!  Oh well, there’s always next year!

Since beginning its National Pancake Day celebration in 2006, IHOP has raised nearly $8 million to support charities in the communities in which it operates. On February 28, 2012, guests from around the country are invited to celebrate National Pancake Day at IHOP and enjoy a free short stack of Buttermilk pancakes. In return for the free pancakes, guests are asked to consider leaving a donation for Children's Miracle Network Hospitals  and other designated local charities.

If you missed going to IHOP today, you can still contribute to the Children’s Miracle Network at: CMNHospitals.org.

And I might just head over to IHOP in the morning for breakfast, even if it’s not free!

About Children's Miracle Network Hospitals

Children's Miracle Network Hospitals® raises funds for 170 children's hospitals across North America, which, in turn, use the money where it's needed the most. When a donation is given, it stays in the community, helping local kids. Since 1983, Children's Miracle Network Hospitals has raised more than $4 billion, most of it $1 at a time. These donations have gone to support research and training, purchase equipment, and pay for uncompensated care, all in support of our mission to save and improve the lives of as many children as possible. Learn more at CMNHospitals.org.

MICHAEL JORDAN ENGAGED!

Former Chicago Bulls star Michael Jordan is engaged.

According to publicist Estee Portnoy, Jordan popped the question Christmas night. His fiancée, Cuban-American model and girlfriend of three years, Yvette Prieto have not set a date as of yet.

 Jordan was married to Juanita Vanoy for 17 years before they split. Jordan has 3 children from his first marriage: Jeffrey 23, Marcus 21, and Jasmine 19.