House of Gucci

2/26/22 – House of Gucci is inspired by the shocking true story of the family behind the Italian fashion empire. When Patrizia Reggiani (Lady Gaga), an outsider from humble beginnings, marries into the Gucci family, her unbridled ambition begins to unravel the family legacy and triggers a reckless spiral of betrayal, decadence, revenge, and ultimately… murder.

Q-tips say: See it – can be slow going at times but still a fascinating story.

Mrs. Q says: Lady Gaga’s performance was outstanding. A good cast of American actors speaking with Italian accents makes this movie interesting. Yes, there are sub-titles, if needed.

Lady Gaga, Adams Driver, Al Pacino & others make this movie stylish, silly, messy & over the top – but enjoyable.

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Mass –

2/25/22 –

Years after an unspeakable tragedy tore their lives apart, two sets of parents (Jason Isaacs and Martha Plimpton, Reed Birney and Ann Dowd) agree to talk privately in an attempt to move forward. In Fran Kranz’ writing and directing debut, he thoughtfully examines their journey of grief, anger and acceptance by coming face-to-face with the ones who have been left behind.

Q-tips say: Good movie. The film is a very powerful depiction of loss, forgiveness, and the coming together of two sides.

Mrs. Q says: Mass is NOT a “feel good, happy, humorous movie.” Mass is a story that proves how open-hearted conversation can lead to healing, even after a terrible tragedy & is most moving when they’re simply listening. Seems, now a days, many people don’t simply listen to what others have to say but continue to interrupt when a someone is speaking.

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American Underdog

2/22/22 –

American Underdog tells the inspirational true story of Kurt Warner (Zachary Levi), who went from a stockboy at a grocery store to a two-time NFL MVP, Super Bowl champion, and Hall of Fame quarterback. The film centers on Warner’s unique story and years of challenges and setbacks that could have derailed his aspirations to become an NFL player — but just when his dreams seemed all but out of reach, it is only with the support of his wife, Brenda (Anna Paquin) and the encouragement of his family, coaches, and teammates that Warner perseveres and finds the strength to show the world the champion that he already is. American Underdog is an uplifting story that demonstrates that anything is possible when you have faith, family and determination.

Q-tips say: Yes, see it. It is the story of a good man simply being true to himself.

Mrs. Q says: At first, I thought it was just another football story. American Underdog is much more than that. Yes, there is football but also a story about real life & every day occurrences. Mrs. Q was especially taken aback by the relationship with the NFL player & the blind son of is future wife. Also, when the little girl of his wife, asked the NFL player, “daddy, will you dance with me,” at wedding of Brenda & Warner.

See it, you might really enjoy it, football & all.

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Salt in my Soul

2/19/22 – Salt In My Soul offers a rare look inside the mind of a young woman trying to live fully while dying. Diagnosed with cystic fibrosis at the age of 3, Mallory turned to a secret diary to record her inner thoughts. Using that treasure trove of writing, and hours of audio and video discovered after her untimely death, the film is a classic coming of age story about choosing to live mindfully and joyously in the face of immense struggle.

Q-tips say: We enjoyed it. A bit sad at moments. Salt in My Soul is emotionally affecting, but its ordinary approach hamstrings the story of a woman who seemed truly extraordinary.

Mrs. Q says: It is a real tribute to living your life fully.

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POMS –

2/19/22 – Martha is an introverted woman who moves to a retirement community that has shuffleboard, golf, bowling and other activities. Hoping to be left alone, she meets Sheryl, a fun-loving neighbor who insists that they become best pals. After coming out of her shell, Martha and her new friend decide to form a cheerleading squad with their fellow residents. As the two women hold auditions, they soon learn that it’s never too late to follow your dreams, even when the odds are stacked against you.

Q-tips say: We liked it. See it especially if you are getting up in years. We don’t live is a retirement community but there are many retirees in our community. So many things that happen it this movie ring true to the Q’s.

Making a movie about seniors who are self-confident and connected with each other and the younger generation in a meaningful way is a noble goal.

Why worry about dying when you can spend your time dancing? Although “Poms” is an imperfect package, one can’t help but take the message to heart.

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August Osage County

2/18/22 – The death and funeral of their father brings three sisters to the home of their mother, Violet (Meryl Streep), an acid-tongued, pill-popping cancer patient. Daughters Barbara (Julia Roberts), Karen (Juliette Lewis) and Ivy (Julianne Nicholson) — along with their significant others and various other kin — take the full brunt of their dysfunctional matriarch’s venom, for Violet tells every one of them exactly what she thinks of them.

Q-tips say: The Mr. liked it more than the Mrs. Q.

It’s all fine until the deep dark secrets (so to speak) begin to come out.  Nothing makes you feel better about your dysfunctional family at the holidays than watching a messed-up clan unravel on screen, only armed with better zingers and prettier faces.

Mrs. Q says: This is a movie about crummy mummies in which everyone looks their age & about morally flawed, sometimes cruel, and often unlikable women & sleety guy.

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Saint Vincent

2/17/22- Maggie (Melissa McCarthy), a struggling single woman, moves to Brooklyn with her 12-year-old son, Oliver (Jaeden Lieberher). Having to work very long hours, she has no choice but to leave Oliver in the care of Vincent (Bill Murray), a bawdy misanthrope next door. Vincent takes Oliver along on his trips to the race track, strip club and dive bar, and an unlikely friendship is born. The man is a mentor to the boy in his hedonistic way, and Oliver sees the good in Vincent that no one else can.

Q-tips say: Yes, see it. A lovely little movie with a lot of laughs and a good heart. This film is like version of Denis the Menace with Bill Murray’s character being the source of all the mischief and believe me, there’s a lot of it. From pregnant strippers to horse races and every human vice in between, this movie shows it all and in very funny ways.

Mrs. Q says: You couldn’t find a better actor than Bill Murray to play the bitter, grumpy weirdo who ends up being a kid’s regular babysitter and ultimately his saint. This is a kind of film that makes you smile even when you know exactly what’s going to happen. See it!

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Oscar Scherer State Park 2/16/22

1843 S Tamiami Trl Osprey, FL 34229, (941) 483-5956

Q-tips say: YES, go. Entrance fee for a day only $5.00. The park has walking trails, camping sites, lakes & so much peace & quite. Yes, you can go fishing, providing you have a fishing license & also can swim. When bringing children to swim, make sure there is an adult watching them – no life guards are on duty. After our visit, off to Rosebud for dinner.

Photo of Oscar Scherer State Park - Osprey, FL, United States. The canoe and kayak launch
Canoe & kayak launch

Many animals to see: alligators, birds, butterflies & armadillos & turtles, etc.

Photo of Oscar Scherer State Park - Osprey, FL, United States. Young armadillo at our campsite
Armadillo Photo of Oscar Scherer State Park - Osprey, FL, United States. Pileated woodpecker
Photo of Oscar Scherer State Park - Osprey, FL, United States. Pileated woodpecker
Pileated woodpecker
Photo of Oscar Scherer State Park - Osprey, FL, United States. Great blue heron
a Great blue heron.
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SWORDFISH GRILL – Cortez FL 2/15/22

Photos at Swordfish Grill - 14 tips

SWORDFISH GRILL – 4628 119th St W., Cortez, FL 34215, (941) 798-2035
swordfishgrillcortez.com

Q-Tips say: If you are in the area, go and enjoy! It was a beautiful sunny day with a light breeze & had a inside table by the window with a view of the water.

We shared 6 raw Oysters. The other half: Soup & the Florida Crab Cake – A thick Blue crab cake with remoulade on the side.

Mrs. Q had: A Caesar salad & Bacon wrapped scallops served with an apricot-horseradish dipping sauce on the side.

If you want fresh seafood to buy – go next door to the Cortez Fish Market and buy your own.  We did and we enjoyed eating it at home.

 

SWORDFISH GRILL, Cortez - Menu, Prices & Restaurant Reviews - Tripadvisor
Bacon Wrapped Scallops | Easy Seafood Appetizer Recipe | Mantitlement
Bacon wrapped scallops
Swordfish Grill & Tiki Bar – Fresh Seafood & Live Entertainment in Cortez,  FL
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Valentine’s Day dinner 2/14/22

Our Valentine’s dinner was from The Fresh Market: We ate it at home.

Valentine's Dinner Meal

We began with our usual libations & then we enjoyed a bottle of Prosecco & chocolate covered strawberries.

Q-tips say: We had an awesome meal at home with drinks & dessert.

We could have a conversation with no loud music or loud laughing/talking from others. Was A Wonderful Evening.

Dinner options included choice of two proteins: Chateaubriand Filet Mignon or Chilean Sea Bass or Lump Crab Cakes.

We chose 2 Chateaubriand Filet Mignon.

Mascarpone whipped potatoes.

Asparagus with diced red peppers and sea salt butter.

Dessert: Hand dipped chocolate strawberries.

Picked up our dinner around noon. Yes, there are directions on how to reheat the veggies & potatoes. Also directions on how to cook the Chateaubriand Filet Mignon – which were awesome. Better than most restaurants at a reasonable price. Mrs. Q would recommend this to anyone instead of going out on Valentine’s Day.

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