I read Elizabeth is Missing by Emma Healey back in 2016 and it has now been made into a TV drama which I recorded and watched last week. Glenda Jackson took the leading role of Maud and what a fantastic performance. Maud's friend, Elizabeth, goes missing and Maud's determined to find out what happened to her, but in the process, an old mystery comes to light. Running alongside this storyline is a brutally honest depiction of what it's like to live with dementia, from the person suffering with this horrible illness's point of view and also their family's. Anyone who has taken this journey with a loved one will recognise the emotional anguish which Maud goes through, and also the torment which her family suffers. If you didn't see this TV film I would definitely recommend it if you can find it on catch up.
The Strictly Come Dancing Final. The fifteen contestants were finally whittled down to just one overall winner. I really enjoy seeing the improvement week on week of non dancers in this show so I was quite disappointed to find that two of the three finalists had actually danced in the West End previously. To me, that's not what the show is all about. Granted, they were good dancers, but they weren't non dancers when they started like most of the other contestants were. I was thrilled to see Kelvin and Oti win and they seemed to be a very popular choice.
If there's one Christmas film I have to watch each year it's National Lampoon's Christmas Vacation. I must have seen this film dozens of times now and yet it never gets old, I still laugh as much as I did the first time I saw it. I've already watched it this Christmas and I might even watch it again yet.
Most of the podcasts I watch are doing Vlogmas this year, videoing snippets of their daily lives. Each video only lasts around ten minutes but gives you a flavour of what they've been up to. I love watching these little videos, it really puts me in the Christmas spirit watching people decorate their trees, bake some yummy festive goodies, visit jolly events, and generally get in the Christmas spirit. It can be a challenge keeping up with the videos as more people than ever seem to have joined in this year, but it gives me something cheery to watch.
Have you been watching any of these? What else have you been watching this month?
I loved Elizabeth is missing, it was sad to watch as we have a friend who is the same, and we watch her husband try to cope, the acting was brilliant. We agreed the correct person in our view won Strickly, we enjoyed this season. Never seen the others, I'm not into watch you tube or vloggers.
ReplyDeleteDementia is such a terrible illness, both for the sufferer and their families. I could identify with Maud and her family in Elizabeth is Missing after going through it with my mum, and like you, I thought the acting was fabulous. Glenda Jackson was outstanding. I thought it was a great Strictly this year, some brilliant dancers.
DeleteI saw that Elizabeth is Missing was on catch-up and I shall probably watch it at the weekend, like you I have already read the book. I have been watching Gold Digger this week on catch-up, I enjoyed that, not the ending I was expecting. I haven't watched any Christmas films this week but I have watched a few Vlogmasses. There are a lot more doing volgmas this year so i usually catch up a few days at one time.
ReplyDeleteI watched a bit of Gold Digger but I just couldn't get into it so I didn't watch any further, I've heard people say how good it was though, perhaps I should have persevered. It's hard to keep up with Vlogmas this year, so many people are doing it.
DeleteAgain, just not watching my Netflix or Prime. -smile-
ReplyDeleteDid get a couple of films, out of library, which have Christmas themes and scenes. But that's it.
Soon will be taking out the films we own... The Christmas ones.
Glad you are enjoying yours...
🎄🌲🎄🌲🎄
I've been given another free trial of Amazon Prime so I must have a look on there to see if there's anything I fancy watching before it expires.
DeleteI agree with you about Strictly, am glad Kelvin won and thought the showdance was insane :-) They both maintained a speed which I think a couple of the professional dancers would have struggled with.
ReplyDeleteI have recorded Brief Encounter, and am watching it in 20 minute segments. Partly because I can rarely sit still to watch anything for much longer than that, and partly because I am bawling my eyes out and need recovery time.
I think Kelvin has been consistent throughout the series, he's done well, especially since he was a late replacement and was thrown in at the deep end. There are some films which get you like that, aren't there? I don't watch a lot of films, I find it hard to concentrate for long periods of time, one of the reasons I knit whilst watching TV, it gives me something else to think about at the same time.
DeleteJo, I also want to say "thank you". Life blunders on here. Some days are better/worse than others as I am sure you sadly understand. This week contains mostly (all) worse ones and I have been looking back at February posts, and the kind and thoughtful comments I received from you all. So I just wanted to say "thank you" again. You made so much difference, you will never know quite how much. x 💚🐾
DeleteYou don't have to thank me, we've all been there at one time or another, I don't think there's anyone who doesn't know what bereavement is like. It's very up and down for me, especially as I'm living through it all with my dad too who still isn't handling my mum's death well at all. There's been a big decline in him, both physically and mentally, since March and this also puts a strain on coping with my own grief. I'm sure we'll both get there in the end, though how long that will take, no one knows.
DeleteWe have been watching Secret Life of the Zoo on All 4, Alice loves this programme and we have started right back at series one! I love the book Elizabeth is Missing will look out for this. I have not come across vlogmas, I struggle to keep up with the podcasts that I subscribe to I am not sure I have enough hours for any vlogging, sounds fun though.
ReplyDeleteIt's good when you find a programme you enjoy and you can catch up from the very beginning. Do try and catch Elizabeth is Missing, I thought it was a great adaptation and Glenda Jackson was brilliant in the role of Maud.
DeleteHi Jo,
ReplyDeleteWe have only had the TV since last month when we moved north for work, so are out of the habit of actually watching TV, but we do rent DVDs which look far better on the big screen!
I have to admit to watching many of the vlogmases; it is strange that some I am watching for the second year, but others I have only discovered over the last few months. Trouble is with watching podcasts/vlogs is that there are far to many ideas for new patterns to make and yarn to buy!
There seem to be so many more Vlogmas videos to watch this year than there was last year. I'm watching the ones whose podcast I subscribe to, I've seen others which I quite fancy but I just don't have time to watch them all, it's hard enough keeping up with the ones I am watching.
DeleteI really enjoyed Elizabeth is missing too, it was a really good interpretation of the book. I was delighted that Kelvin and Oti won Strictly, those three final performances were brilliant. I hope you managed to finish your knitting at the same time!
ReplyDeleteI thought Glenda Jackson was brilliant in the role of Maud, she played it so well, a fantastic adaptation. I think Kelvin was a popular choice to win Strictly, I was certainly rooting for him.
DeleteI work as a carer, as you know, and dementia is a horrible thing. Most of our residents have come to us in the early stages of dementia and to see them, over the years, gradually declining is so sad. People think being a carer is 'just another job' but caring for the same people day after day is emotionally very hard. We also care for the families too as it's heart wrenching for them to see their mum, dad, grandparent, slowly being lost to them. So terribly sad. Best, Jane x
ReplyDeleteI totally understand. My mum was a carer too before succumbing to dementia herself, it really is horrible for those going through it and the family members too. Unfortunately, it's something which runs in both my mum's and dad's sides of the family so I've seen other close relatives going through it too.
DeleteDec. 18th
ReplyDeleteOh yes, you appreciate how wonderful all the little things are, and the big things, now.... When looking back on a sad and troubling last year's Christmas.
I am so happy for both of us!!!
Gentle hugs,
🌲🌲🌲🌲
It definitely brings it home to you how fragile life is when you've had a major trauma in your life, and it makes you appreciate the little things in life more.
DeleteI haven't read Elizabeth is Missing, but plan on, and I'm a fan of Glenda! Oh, just loved Kelvin, thrilled he won!xxx
ReplyDeleteI enjoyed both the book and the film, definitely worth a read and watch. I'm looking forward to watching the Christmas special of Strictly now.
DeleteI thoroughly enjoyed the Strictly Final and thought all three couples danced really well.
ReplyDeleteNot sure if I will watch the Christmas special … time will tell!
All the best Jan
We don't have the TV on much over Christmas but I record the things I want to watch for later.
DeleteI watched Elizabeth is Missing but hadn't realised it was based on a book. I think it was one of the best TV programmes on this year, although it had me in tears. My Nan has dementia (though not quite that bad at the moment), so it certainly resonated with me.
ReplyDeleteI have to agree with you, it brought to life the reality of living with dementia. There can't be many people whose lives haven't been touched somehow by dementia.
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