Wednesday, February 9, 2011

A TRUE ROMANTIC

It has been a really cold week here, right now it is 9 degrees. I had to go grocery shopping and as the wind whipped around me and made my eyes tear, I thought, "Why do I live in Illinois?". Well, to answer that, it's all I've ever known and I would terribly miss the 4 distinct seasons that we have. So it's grin, with teeth chattering, and bear it.

I want to thank everyone for the birthday wishes...you are all so sweet. I wore my boots! Yes I did. We went on a casino boat on Lake Michigan {the boat stays docked} and since there was valet parking, I had those babies on. We had dinner there with 4 other couples and I did all but put my feet up on the table to get them noticed. And this was my lucky week, not only did I win $150.00 on the slot machines, I won 2 giveaways last week. I will surprise you with them when they come. So today I bought a scratch off lotto ticket and I am going to do that later with my fingers crossed. ;-D
Super Bowl Sunday {which seems like ancient history now} passed very quietly in our house. The Husband, who is not a Packers fan at all, refused to watch the game and did paperwork instead. I curled up in bed with the dogs, still in my jammies and watched The Holiday. I can't believe I have never seen it, as I am such a sucker for Christmas movies and romantic story lines. It was good. I love Kate Winslet and Jude Law is very easy on the eyes.
That movie could have a nice sequel, maybe set around Valentine's Day. I am hoping there will be a lot of good romantic comedies on this weekend. I live for the Lifetime channel. I can be such a nerd. Is anyone doing anything special for Valentine's Day? We never go out for dinner as it's so hard to get a seat at a nice restaurant and we are going out next week for my birthday now that all the kids are home again.

Speaking of food, I was going to join Carmie's Cookbook recipe challenge again this week, but I was just so late in getting in on it. She made a wonderful Light Lemon Meat Loaf and you can check it out at her blog, The Single Nester. Hopefully I will have something next week.
I've had this book for awhile now...I feel like I am the only person in the world that hasn't read it or anything by Jane Austen for that matter. I flipped for this copy because it is a Keepsake Edition with gorgeous illustrations, as you can see by the cover. Anyway, I started it Monday and I am halfway through it...I can't put it down. The Husband is happy to see that I have moved away from my computer and I can now be found lying around with my nose in a book. So have you read it? Did you identify with any of the characters? I'd love to say I am an Elizabeth, but I don't think I really have her sense of adventure or her spirit. Then again, Jane is almost a saint. Well, she's kind and thoughtful and never says a mean thing about anyone, maybe we could all strive to be like her. Well, let me know if you have read it or any other Jane Austen books. And I understand there is also a movie...who is in it? I am speed reading so I can rent it.

Well, this is all I have for now, I know, a boring post. I have a fire going and I bought one of those 'already roasted' whole chickens from the grocery store, so all I have to do is a few side dishes and be done. Then I can go back to my book!

Hope you are all having a great week. Thanks for visiting! :-)

92 comments:

Anonymous said...

We aren't doing anything special for V'day, but maybe take a drive to the lake. It is rumored we will have 50's Sunday and maybe even see 60. Perhaps the January thaw will finally arrive in February. We also want to do a little junkin' along the way, if we manage to go without snow a few days longer. It missed us this morning. Went south.

I love that you got to wear your boots. Your evening sounds wonderful!

Anonymous said...

I lived in Chicago for most of my life so I know the bone chilling cold you are talking about. CO has been unusually cold this year, too. My best friend lives in the Ravenswood area of Chicago. Love all the brown stones there. Nice that you had an excuse to wear your new boots. I'm trying to picture you putting your feet on the table. You're a crack up!
The Holiday is my fave! We had it saved on our DVR and I would watch it almost daily...lol! Such a sweet movie. We are going to spend the night in a hotel, towards Denver, for V-day! Free of kids :)

Have a great night! The fire and book sound wonderful! xo ~M

Terri Steffes said...

Bob cooks for Valentine's Day and I have gotten to the place where I really prefer his cooking~

I love the book that you are reading, I love The Holiday and I love the LIfe channel especially over any holiday!!

KTW said...

The book cover is gorgeous! I'm a sucker for a pretty book. :)
We're possibly getting more snow tonight and I think I'm really done with winter for now. This system may stay south of us and if it does, I won't be crying about it.
We do nothing special for V-Day. Not typically, anyway. Brie is offering to babysit so we can do something this year but I'm not holding my breath. ;)
Glad you got to wear those boots! :) I can just see you with your feet propped on the table! LOL!

Donna@Conghaile Cottage said...

I LOVE Jane Austin and would LOVE to live in her world... I don't pick out characters although I always thought "I" was like Betty in the Archie comics(Veronica was always snagging the guys, hehe). We are still snowed in here in Connecticut BUT the storms HERE are calming down a bit. "Spring is Coming"! Congratulations on all your wins AND your a Happy Birthday to you. ENJOY your read...They are fabulous to curl up with!
Happy Valentines Day,
Hugs, Donna

Stacey said...

Tomorrow, we have the threat of snow here(although the cold is nothing like what you have-thank God:-)). Your evening out clad in your gorgeous boots sounds just perfect. XX

Maryrose said...

Hi Jane,
Those are actually some of my favorite posts....daily happenings. I am embarressed to say I have not read a Jane Austen book, but I have seen a lot of her books in movie form :) does that count.
Glad you wore the boots, Love the Holiday, and I just bought a rotisserie chicken for our dinner too.

Enjoy that warm fire and your book, sounds like the perfect evening.
Maryrose

stefanie said...

9 degrees,,,I can;t even imagine that..that is beyond colD!!!! happy birthday, wow you are on a lucky streak...go buy lotto!!!!

The Charm of Home said...

That sounds like a wonderful weekend. Curling up by a fire with a good book. I have never read the book but, the movie with Kiera Knightly is wonderful. Love the houses in that version. One a mansion and one a crumbling English farmhouse. Really fun to look at that. Have a wonderful Valentine's Day.
Sherry

NanaDiana said...

Hi Jane- Well, unlike your Packer Sunday ours was super-charged...and the town is still reeling...kids didn't have to go to school for 2 days so they could attend the Packer welcome home functions-unbeleivable!?!

I have never seen that movie either..The Holiday. I will have to watch for it. And, it is nice to take a break from the computer and just read, isn't it? The computer can be just plain old addictive...and is a real time-eater.

Glad you got to wear you boots..and it sounds like you had a wonderful time~you lucky girl! I suppose if we don't see you back here we will know you have won millions and escaped to some tropical paradise for the remainder of the season...oh..wait...you LIKE the changes of the seasons...well...we will look for you in Starbucks treating all your friends, then.

Have a wonderful evening...I am off to watch American Idol with MyHero...my one real TV indulgence. Hugs-Diana

April said...

The very thought of your 9 degree weather makes me shake in my shoes! I don't know how you take it, Jane! Guess it's just something you get used to! Big congrats on your win at the casino and in the giveaways! Way to go! Stay nice and warm and all snuggled up!

The Decorative Dreamer said...

I am right there with you. I have'nt read this either, or any of Jane Austen for that matter. I have heard about the movie but don't recall if I've seen it or not. I always enjoy the books better then movies anyways. We are most likely just going to have a quite dinner at home nothing special. We usually don't go out but I do try to make the evening special with some type of special dessert. :)

Tracy said...

Hi Jane,

I have read Sense and Sensibility as well as Pride and Prejudice, both terrific books with great characters. I would say of all Austen's fictional characters I'm most like Elinor from Sense and Sensibility, the practical one.

There is 2005 movie version of Pride and Prejudice which I haven't seen with Keira Knightly. I would highly recommend the 1995 miniseries with Colin Firth. He's amazing as Mr. Darcy (swoon). The rest of the cast are mainly British actors unknown to us here, but it's very well done. You could probably borrow it from a library. If you happen to watch it let me know what you think.

Enjoy the rest of the book!

Amy Chalmers said...

That sounds like a good thing to do jane..I haven't read them either and I love reading but haven't read anything but decorating books lately. so maybe it is time to switch it up and amp up my literacy rate. lol
I have been freezing in Boston too Jane, so spring is going to be wonderful when it comes. And my birthday is next week~so we have a lot in common.

Olive said...

I like Jane Austin's "Emma" also. Gwenyth Paltrow plays Emma in the latest movie. Seems like Colin Firth was Mr. Darcy in one of the movies and Emma Thompson was in one too but I get P&P and S&S confused. I especially get the movie stuff confused. After you read them and see the movies read then watch "The Jane Austen Book Club" I like it too. In "Emma" you really get that Austin is making fun of the high society of her day.

Lori said...

We are not football fans here so we snuggled in with a movie Sunday night. I am like you ~ I would rather stay in for Valentines but we may venture out Sunday night instead. I have never read any Jane Austin ~ so maybe I will follow your lead and pick up a copy. Yeah for all your windfalls ~ keeping my fingers crossed for that scratch ticket.

Julie Marie said...

Hi Janie, your posts are anything but boring!... I love hearing your day to day goings on... a casino on a boat on a lake sounds like fun!... If I owned your gorgeous Coach boots I would have been dancing all over the place showing them off!... Sounds like you are on a winning streak!... thanks for stopping by and entering Tess's doggie bloggie giveaway... good luck to your pets!... xoxo Julie Marie

Ticking and Toile said...

Hi Jane!!
YES, there is a movie! 2 of them in fact. There's the hollywood version w/ Kiera Knightly and Matthew McFadden which is really good, but short & leaves out a bunch of the story. Then there's a 6 hour version with Colin Firth that's really good too...but it's 6 hours! So the Kiera Knightly version has the most romantic proposal EVER and the soundtrack is off the charts amazing.

So there ya go! Let me know what you think when you see them!

xoxo,
Shellagh

P.S. You also MUST SEE the Sense & Sensibility w/ Hugh Grant and Kate Winslet & Emma Thompson. My favorite.....

Renee {Shabby, Chic and Charming} said...

You MUST watch the PBS version of Pride & Prejudice with Colin Firth. He IS Mr. Darcy! Swoon!!!

Happy Belated Birthday!

Susan EvelynAndRose said...

I always enjoy 'visiting' with you, Jane. Happy belated birthday (wish I could've ate one of those delicious cookies with you)! The boots are awesome and you MUST watch the Masterpiece Classic miniseries of Pride and Prejudice some day (it's 6 hours or so long), which is better than the recent short movie version starring Keira Knightley. Enjoy,
Susan

michelle said...

I love "The Holiday" and I watched that too on Sunday night by the fire which was so lovely! It is so cold here in Michigan too, -10 tonight! UGH! Happy birthday to you! Congrats on the win, that is so great! I love slots machines! :)
I hope you have a wonderful day stay warm!! :)

Robin@DecoratingTennisGirl said...

Jane,
It is so cold, isn't it! I think tonight is suppose to be our coldest this year and then the warmup begins for the weekend. yay! Good luck with the scratch off!

Sonia said...

So glad you had a wonderful birthday. Your boots were so pretty- glad you were able to wear them!
You know I have never been to Chicago?? Kinda of sad but I've always travelled to west coast, southern or midwest states...some day I'm going to have to visit the windy city..but I think it will have to be in the summer!! Stay warm and have a wonderful V-Day!!

Miss Bloomers

Kirsty Girl said...

Gorgeous book! So glad you're reading it! I know all the stories by Jane but haven't read too many. Definitely on my todo list though after everything by the Bronte's.

Sonny G said...

Jane, you'll enjoy that book so much.. love your valentine doilies hanging in the window...

stay warm if ya can- spring will be here soon.

Country Wings in Phoenix said...

Hi Jane Sweetie...
Happy Belated Birthday sweet friend. Oh LOVE the boots,and I too would have had those puppies propped right on up the table as well. Oh I love that you WON. Yeah, 150.00 that will be fun spending and I can't wait to see if you won on the scratcher as well. You are on a roll GIRL.

I am more of an Elizabeth as well. Yes, I would say Elizabeth. Wonderful book, lovely series. The movies don't go into the detail of the books. I can see you curled up by the fireplace just reading away sweet friend. Can't wait to find out how you like the ending. Let me know.

We too will be staying home for Valentine's Day. I hate going out in the public anymore. When I try to talk in a crowd, people stare, and I just get tired of it. It's as though they have never heard a person speak differently. I know you know how I feel. I guess I just need more time. I find myself not speaking at all in public some days.

Well sweetie, hope you have a warm day tomorrow. We had a sunny 70's day today. It is just the way I like it. Many hugs and much love, Sherry

xinex said...

You know I never read the book either but I saw the movie starring Keira Knightley. I am in Florida now so I am enjoying the
70's weather. We had an ice storm before I left Natchez and it even snowed a little bit. Not sure if you saw my post about it. I hope it warms up there soon, Janie...Christine

Linda @ A La Carte said...

We always stay home for a nice dinner on Valentine's day. Love those romantic movies also.

Pamela said...

Hi Jane!
I love Jane Austin and you will love this movie it is so good! So is Sense and Sensiblility with Emma Thompson my hubby even loved these movies!!!

I know what you mean about the cold weather ...where I come from gets that cold too!
Come on over i'm having my first giveaway!!!
Pamela xo

Linda said...

I am not big on Valentine's Day events. Since it is on a Monday we will have our usual dinner and music jam night here at home. I have an elderly friend we take home cooked meals to and we have invited him to join us as well. I am sure I will be the driver picking him up and taking him home. Our weather next week promises to be in the 70's! Now THAT will make my heart sing!!

Loved everything about your post. I have read the books and seen the movies....you will love them all!!

GLENDA CHILDERS said...

The Holiday . . . Jane Austen . . . you will be ready for Valentines Day, for sure.

Fondly,
Glenda

Pondside said...

Isn't it lovely to find a book that completely takes you away? That's why Miss Austen's work has stood the test of time.
We'll have a cosy and quiet Valentine's dinner at home - the best kind!

{oc cottage} said...

Did you just seriously ask for opinions regarding P & P??? Daaaaaangerous territory!!!!! ;} ALL DVD versions are a must to be seen and compared...they all show a different aspect of Darcy, but THE best is the A & E version from 1995 with Colin Firth...because it's FIVE HOURS LONG!!!!! Awesome! And Jennifer Ehle is a brilliant Eliz! It's on sale at Target for about $12...remastered...I have almost worn out the other disks so I have to buy it! ;} And even though I am not a fan of Keira Knightly...her recent version is great...Mathew MacFadyen really captures Darcy...hiding his shyness behind his snootiness!{there's also a quirky English movie called "Lost In Austen" where a modern girl gets to step right into P & P!} But once you do P & P...you have see all the EMMA's and S & S's and Persuasion...the latest version with Rupert Penry-Jones is fabulous! I could just go on and on...but I'll spare you! I do love my Janie A!!!!! You are so lucky to be a newbie...such fun in store for you!!!! ;}


m ^..^

Lynne (lynnesgiftsfromtheheart) said...

Your evening sounds wonderful. Glad you got to wear the boots. Smart thinking on buying the chicken and adding a couple of things to get back to your book. lol... hugs ~lynne~

Ann said...

Jane Austen books are great, actually I really prefer reading from books than ebooks...
I love the feel of paper, it is not quite the same when you read from a computer.

Sarah said...

It's in the teens here again, but unlike you I'm not used to these temperatures. How do you do it?
No special plans for valentines. We'll fix a dinner here and enjoy a movie together. Or sit and read. ;-)
Happy Valentine's Day, Happy Belated Birthday, Happy Warm House! ~ Sarah

bj said...

It's so cold here, too. 10 degrees right now. We went out to a grand's basketball game and ooo, it was so cold. We are such sissies, I guess. Just not used to it being THIS cold out here in West Texas.

I pick up one of those roasted chickens about once a month..we love them. :))
xoxo bj

bj said...

o, and meant to say that I've not seen The Holiday, either...

Chari at Happy To Design said...

Hi Jane...

It was so good to have you stop by for a visit today, sweet friend! Thank you for the sweet compliments!

Ohh my...it is sooo cold here too! I really am ready for some warmer weather but I'm afraid it will be awhile. Like you, I will bear the cold winters to be able to experience the four seasons. When I lived in south Texas...I longed for seasonal changes...there really wasn't any. It sounds like you had a fabulous birthday celebration...yeeehawww! Glad you enjoyed your new boots! Hehe! I'm not sure what we'll be doing for Valentine's Day...but we will probably stay in as well.

Enjoy your book and stay warm, sweet friend! Thanks for sharing those beautiful photos with us...they were lovely!!!

Warmest Valentine wishes,
Chari @Happy To Design

Maggie said...

Jane Austen is one of my favourite authors, I read all of her books many years ago and it's probably time to go back and read them again.
I think the Austen character which I'd like to have been is Elinor Dashwood in Sense & Sensibility, which I prefer to P&P.
The S&S movie was very good with Emma Thompson playing Elinor. Kate Winslet & Hugh Grant are in the it too.

La said...

It sounds like you had a wonderful birthday celebration with your friends. No plans here for V-day.

I like The Holiday, too. I've never read Pride and Prejudice, but I love the movie. It stars Donald Sutherland as the father and Keira Knightley as Elizabeth.

Have a wonderful day. I hear it is going to warm up.

Sarah @ Modern Country Style said...

I don't like going out for dates on Valentine's Day. It's always so crazily busy and impersonal.

I like making a lovely meal together and snuggling up with a film on our sofa!!

Have a LOVELY time!

Sarahx

Karen thisoldhouse2.com said...

Aren't those chickens great? ...and I am an avid reader, but have never read these - probably shouldn't admit that.

Curtains in My Tree said...

Hello

I am ready for this snow and below zero weather in Missouri to be gone also. I know Chicago is even colder

I have enjoyed reading your latest post and i need to get back to my book this week end also after I make a trip to Kansas City to my sisters. No treasure hunting time it's a doctor's appointment for something serious, since she is a young widow I am going with her I know you will understand

Janice
sorry I didn'r mean to blabber about that

Daydream Living said...

Hi Jane,
First, you are never a boring read! You are one of my daily reads here in Blogland.
Second, I too have never read anything from Jane Austen, so now I think I'm the only one...
I too love romantic movies, haven't seen the holiday yet, but perhaps this weekend something good will be on tv (I watch alot of uk channels here, no swiss ones for me!). My sweetheart is home two days earlier today, so this weekend we will have, hopefully a cough free weekend, and be together as a family.
Really Jane, Love your posts, keep them coming.
Maureen xx

Jaimie said...

Thanks for stopping by my blog! I haven't read Pride and Prejudice yet, but I am in possession of a copy, so I should dive into! I'm sure, like you, I would enjoy it!

Susan Freeman said...

First of all ~ this was NOT a boring post! I feel like I am part of your life when I come to visit you. It's lovely!! I am sorry it has been such a tough winter in Chicago! I remember those winters quite well, but ah when spring comes it will be heavenly. You will really enjoy Jane Austin. I finished reading Mansfield Park ( the only one of her books I never read) and loved it. The movie The Holiday is one of my favorites ... romantic and love the decorating too. Eli Wallach is so adorable in it. One more thing ~ that dress you sent Addison is adorable and she looks so cute in it. Have a warm and cozy day dear friend.

Lots of love,
Susan and Bentley
xxoo

Anonymous said...

I wish I could send down a few sunny days for your birthday but we are frezzing here too. Yikes its so cold and I'm running out of warm ups...growing out of warm ups I should say..ha! Hang in there friend

Gypsy Heart said...

You are never boring! Glad you got to wear your boots and enjoy them. Congrats on your winnings ~ that is great! Giveaways and slots...what could be better? :-)

We have been having bitterly cold temps again but very little sleet/ice/snow this week. Will be so happy with the warmer temps that are forecast for the next week.

Enjoy your reading ~
xoxo
Pat

Ceekay-THINKIN of HOME said...

Not boring...real life! My hubby already gave me my Valentines because I have doctor appointments...we probably will go out to lunch after. Other than that, not much planned...
congrats on all the wins...you wanna pass me on some of that good luck???

Charlene said...

Sooooooooooooooo glad your BDay was fun! You should celebrate ALL MONTH! Love the little snippets of pink. And thank you for your sweet words about my post 8 Things You Might Not Know. We have had COLD weather for Texas but, nothing like you guys have had. STAY WARM HUGS!Charlene

My Grama's Soul said...

Oh Jane....you are reading one of my favorite books. I love period pieces and the movies are to die for.

Xo

Jo

Donna said...

Sounds like you are thinking of fun things to keep occupied during the coldest, longest winter of my life! I like to come home too and curl up in bed watching a good flick...in fact, heading there now...AFTER a big, hot, bubble bath!!! Happy Valentine's weekend!

Elaine said...

Gosh I think you are about 10 degrees
colder than here in Boston and it is pretty darn cold here!

Im glad you wore your boots. It's always fun to show off something new.

Nothing special for Valentine's this year but I've never really been a fan.

I am glad the Packers won. The Patriots didn't come through for us this year and it was sooo disappointing! But I can't stand Big Ben of the Steelers and it's nice to see a young quarterback win.

The Summer Kitchen Girls said...

Congrats on your winnings Jane! It's 3 degrees here...but there are ROBINS - can you believe it?!! Spring will be here...you'll be at the cottage, and we will once again think we live in the best place on earth :)

Kathleen said...

I am so glad you got to wear your new boots!
I am like you, when the cold and wind gets to me, I ask why aren't we South where most of friends are for the winter. But, in another month we can look forward to seeing a few green things coming up from the snow! I hope!

Sue said...

I've decided I'd like to live in another state and "visit" the seasons. I really need sunshine to keep me moving! Did you see how nice it is supposed to be next week?

I've seen that movie several times...I love it and Lifetime too (and the Hallmark channel). I almost feel guilty saying it!

Melanie said...

Not a boring post at all! Sounds like you had a great birthday...and I had to laugh at your husband not even wanting to watch the Superbowl because of the Packers, lol. We're not Packer fans either (living in the Chicago 'burbs), but we somehow endured the game. I love the movie, The Holiday. One of my faves. So romantic and Jude Law is wonderful eye candy. ;-) Umm...I'm a voracious reader, but can you believe I've never read Jane Austen?!

Hearts Turned said...

Happy Belated Birthday, Jane! I've been such a bad blog visitor lately--got some catching up to do!

I'm a Jane Austen fanatic! I've read all of her books--some many times (especially P&P!), and have all the films of her books--every version available of them all, in fact! Too bad you can't come over and watch them with me--would be so fun! You're in for quite an adventure seeing them all for the first time!

Hope you're having a wonderful night!

Julie

Hearts Turned said...

Me again...just realized I wasn't an official "follower"--thought I was! I am now!!!

Julie

Cindy (Applestone Cottage) said...

Hi Jane,
I understand the cold thing as you well know. Last night it got down to -36 with the wind chill. I always say too, why do I live in Wisconsin? Probably because my family is mostly here and I would miss the seasons too. Although I could get the seasons in a slightly warmer climate like say Tennnessee.
Anyhoo, it's middle of the night so I might not make sense! Addison is sleeping over and I just woke up to check on her.
Al didn't watch the game?
Those guys of ours are such loyal fans aren't they?
Cool that you got to wear your snazzy new boots!
We're actually getting away this weekend too, I can't wait!
Hugs friend,
Cindy

Privet and Holly said...

Can't wait for
you to start watching
some of Jane Austen's
movies....Love, love
them and I have to say,
fell madly for Colin
Firth as Mr. Darcy!!
It's been an ice box
here, but warm winds
are blowing in starting
today and I'll blow them
on your way! Have a
wonderful weekend!
xx Suzanne

René said...

I'm sorry Jane, 9 degrees is just too cold. On a brighter note, those strawberries look yummy! Happy weekend!

-Rene

Barb said...

Hi Janie,

Happy belated birthday!

Yikes, that does look cold. Cold to me is in the 50's. Ha.

I hope you have a blessed Valentines Day.

Hugs, Barb

Theresa said...

I have NOT read that book but it sounds like I SHOULD! You are LUCKY lately dear Jane! I am running WAY behind with reading blogs! Hope you have a lovely day and weekend! HUGS!

Auntie sezzzzzz... said...

Yes, we need our 4 Seasons. So we just have to take the not-so-cool-ness which may go with any/all of them! :-)

Congratulations on all the winnings!

Sooooooooo glad you have your nose stuck in a book. More "True Confessions" for me...... I lost the urge to read, when I got sick at first of year and never got it back. 'Till now. I do have a couple of books, waiting for me at the library, which I hope will rev-me-up again.

I do this every so often. Lose the reading urge. Perhaps I just need a break, now and then. As long as it doesn't go on tooooo long.

More *True Confessions! -giggles- I've never read through any Jane Austin. Tried "Emma" and got so tired, tired, tired of her poor old father, rattling on and on and on. Yes, I did. And I dropped "Emma" and never tried any others.

Of course, my 16 year old "Grand" simply can not, not, not believe that I have never read Jane!!!!!!!

Hugs and ♥'s...

Vicki said...

Jane, HAPPY BELATED BDAY!! Sounds like you've had some really good luck lately. I'm embarassed to say that I have never read a Jane Austen novel. I will add that to my to do list this year. So glad you got to wear your boots!

Mary Lou said...

Hi I just found your blog!

You will LOVE Jane Austin books! P and P is truly fabulous on the new Blue Ray DVD...the Kiera Knightly version. My daughters have read every one of them...so the appeal is across generations!

Looking forward to following your adventures, decorating, and recipes.

A rootdigger said...

kind of a let down to finnish. better run and get emma or one more of her books.

Shellbelle said...

First, before I forget, I love those pink candy corn, how cute are they?

I also love Jane Austen, though it's been many years since I've read her books. I really should pick them up again. I also love old movies, so the first time I saw Pride and Prejudice on film was with Lawrence Olivier and Greer Garson, it was made sometime in the 40s (long before I was born.

Of all the other films and mini-series, my favorite was Sense and Sensibility. I'm a big Emma Thompson fan and I believe she won an Academy Award for writing the screenplay. She' so talented.

Enjoy your book, you've probably finished it by now, so I should say, enjoy the movie!

Hugs

The Moerks said...

Hi Jane, I love Pride and Prejudice. I especially love the movie version with Colin Firth as Mr Darcy.
We don't really celebrate Valentines with dinner or anything. It is both our mothers birthdays the next day so we usually have a family dinner then.

Carrie @ Cottage Cozy said...

...well you're just bound to win that scratch-off too...good luck!

chickory said...

by now you should have received #32 under flowering quince. I hope you enjoy it. and happy belated birthday!

Unknown said...

Jane, a toasty fire, a good book, some lovely giveaway gifts ... what more can a girl wish for. Well, how about some roses, chocolates & a flute of champagne ... put your feet up enjoy ...

Happy Valentine's PS weekend ~
TTFN ~
Marydon

WinnibriggsHouse said...

Just popped by to say thanks for your kind comment and found your post very interesting. The Holiday is one of my favourites, and I am a great Austen Fan. I love the film version starring Colin Firth and Jennifer Ehle, but I hear that the one with Keira Knightly is good too. You should watch one, great excapism!

Knitty said...

No special plans for Valentine's Day here either. We have a hectic week ahead so the decorations that have been up for a few weeks might be the only festive thing on Monday other than spoken greetings. I do have sugared hearts that could go on top of cookies if I get around to baking them. Hubby's birthday is a few days later and we don't need two cakes this week.

Pride and Prejudice is one of the books I have always meant to read but is still on my to-do list. Thanks for the nudge.

Debbiedoos said...

You must be over it now Jane. I at least you know how to do things to cheer you up and make you cozy, fire and a book sound wonderful. Enjoy the weekend. XO

Mary said...

Glad you were able to display your lovely boots and have a fun Birthday celebration.

I'm always sad when boot weather ends.................however am noticing some really cute ankle boots in lighter Spring shades of leather/suede, even canvas, so perhaps will be daring and get a pair. Yeah, know I'm an older lady but still love fashion!!!! Right now I'm enjoying not only my tall leather riding boots, also my sage green suede short western boots - I wear them with grey ribbed leggings and either a long, or a just below the knee length, grey tweed knit skirts, such a change from pants which we all seem to live in these days!

Don't blame you staying in and watching movies/reading great books - I know your weather is harsh still. Today we'll be in the 50's again and the sun is lovely - daffodil leaves are poking through so Spring will come!

We'll celebrate V-Day tonight - early light supper and then local theatre production - I agree that getting in a decent restaurant on V-Day is impossible, beside every day is full of love around here - especially with all the chandeliers making it quite romantic, ha! ha!

Happy weekend dear Jane.

Shirl said...

Hello, Happy Pink Saturday! Thank you so much for stopping by and leaving a sweet comment! Love your pink post this week, what a cute post. We went out for dinner tonight, tomorrow I'm going to make us some mushroom/beef soup. I
I have not read Pride and Prejudice but you have me interested now. LOL I think I saw the movie, not sure.

Blessings, Shirl
Shirls Rose Cottage

Vintage Linen Treasures said...

I missed your birthday! Happy belated Birthday!! Sounds like you had a wonderful time! I saw part of the Super Bowl but will be the first to admit that I really only enjoy it for the commercials (and there were some good ones this year!)
Hope your weather is warming up a bit.
Patricia :o)

Sandra said...

Hi Jane! How are you? I want to wish a happy belated birthday. :) I am really looking forward to spring...a warm spring. Texas has been very cold. Come on spring:)
Have a wonderful weekend.
Sandra

podso said...

What a pretty edition of P&P!! I hope you watch the movie if you haven't--the 6 hour version is the best and you can't "put that down" either! Love your pretty pictures today. I can't say I miss the Chicago winters that I grew up with, but there is something nice about staying where you have always been.
Stay warm!

Decor To Adore said...

Oh my goodness! Pink candy corns~ yes!

I saw the sweet dress you gave Cindy's grand. I had lunch with Cindy a few weeks ago.

Small bloggy world. :)

Anonymous said...

Love the movie Holiday... we own it, and I watch it often. :)
Don't feel bad... I've never read Pride or Prejudice either, but I have seen the movie... lol! ;-)
My hubby has to work Valentine's day, so we'll be going out to the movies or lunch today (Sunday)... not sure which yet... and then coming home to plant in the garden. We both enjoy working in the garden together, so as long as we're doing something together for Valentine's Day, we're happy. :)
Hope you have a happy Valentine's Day!! ♥
XO,
Jo

Kim @ Touch of Nostalgia said...

I keep asking myself the same question...why are we still in Upstate NY! ;) Cold cold cold.

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Sissie's Shabby Cottage said...

Hi Jane,
Do you realize that I am the 86th person to comment on your blog! Girl, you are one popular chick and I know why, you are so down to earth and real. I just love reading about your everyday life and your journal.

I haven't read any of those books either. Enjoy.

hugs
Sissie

susan said...

Jane-One of my very best friends moved to Genevea, IL for several years and she said even the dog was glad when they came back here :)--too cold! I am glad you got to wear those gorgeous boots and won $$$. A good book and jammies sounds like heaven to me! Stay warm and have a happy Valentine's Day!

Betsy Brock said...

Happy Birthday AND Happy Valentine's Day! Love the doilies in the window! Stay warm!

Linda@Coastal Charm said...

jane,
Oh yes...THE HOLIDAY is one of my favorites! It has been warmer here the last two days...going to be in the low 70's later this week...maybe SPRING will come early:)

Blessings,
Linda

Marianne said...

I think I have read it, but I am not really sure. Anyway I must read it again. It looks so lovely especially with those illustrations.
Wishing you a love filled Valentines day and a great week!
Marianne

Shellbelle said...

Just had to drop in and wish you and your hubby a very Happy Valentine's Day!

awal.ny said...

Thank you for your sweet comment, sorry I missed your birthday, I enjoyed hearing about it. As for the Jane Austin, I have seen the movie Pride and Predjudice about 10 times, I have never read the books, I am sure they capture the story even better. I do love the music in the movie.