Happy Monday!

The birds are singing, the sun is shining, and Spring is within sight ... just the end of this week! Yes it is indeed a happy Monday around here.

I'd like to introduce the newest addition to our family. His name is Dragon, totally suitable for a red Beta fish, don't you think? The Pumpkin is his proud papa and chief caretaker, and is he ever attentive to his new friend. He chose a spot right next to his big, comfy TV chair, so they can watch their favorite movies together. (I wanted to post a picture, but Dragon is not yet ready for his close-up. So Pumpkin drew a portrait for us)

And speaking of movies, what better way to spend a gorgeous Monday afternoon than at the movies. Yes, this family is weird. We were the only ones in the theater, which is exactly how we like it. And, big surprise, Race to Witch Mountain is a good movie. A little intense at one point where my Pumpkin snuggled in closer, but still appropriate for most family members. Lots of good car chases, and I always love a good car chase.

The previews, on the other hand ... well, I suspect that nobody is actually taking in account that they're being shown at a Disney movie, with a Disney audience, when they rate those "appropriate for all ages". Because Dragonballs, the movie ... not so much. I never allowed the boys to watch the cartoon, and now I'm glad they're not even interested. But even the animated kiddie movies. The trailers are intense, explosion-filled neon-bright headaches in the making. I can't wait for the movies, rah, rah.

So yes, we are a movie-going family, but we (or maybe it's just me) are also a serious book-reading clan. And although I've been disappointed by quite of few of my recent choices (from the best-seller list, I don't know what I was thinking!) I heartily recommend the new novel by Zoe Heller, The Believers.  Talk about dysfunctional families! A reminder to question everything, and to keep an open mind.

Oh, and I bet it would make a good movie, too. Just not the Disney kind.