Three Thoughts Thursday | Laughing. Drinking. Watching.

/ Ally Bean

This is when I tell you stuff and don’t make a story of it.  

• • •

ONE

I think that Crusoe the Celebrity Dachshund is hilarious.

When I came upon Crusoe and his brother, Oakley Dokley, I was in puppy dog heaven.  Their YouTube channel, currently featuring their interpretation of Game of Thrones [#GameofBones], is clever and creative and verifiably wacko.

Highly recommended if you’re having a down day or just like to see little dogs in costumes.

TWO

I think that Stella Artois Spritzer is good and I’m surprised.

It’s a light refreshing alcoholic beverage that is a new take on the old concept of a white wine spritzer.  That is, it’s pub cider with carbonated water.  Available in a slim can and described as a blend of apple and hibiscus flavors, we found it refreshing, not too sweet.

I’m sensing this is our house drink for the summer.

THREE

I think that The Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Pie Society is a delightful movie based on the novel of the same name.

I watched this movie one lazy afternoon and enjoyed it, not because I was being lazy but because I truly enjoyed the book when I read it and wanted to see the movie.  I won’t address how the book differs from the movie, but will tell you I thought it was worth the time I invested in watching the movie.

Not all movies need be blockbusters, right?

• • •

Questions of the Day

Don’t you wish you were as clever as some of these people who can turn their pets into YouTube and IG stars? Got a suggestion for a summer drink? Do you have issues with movie adaptations of books?

• • •

113 thoughts on “Three Thoughts Thursday | Laughing. Drinking. Watching.”

  1. Dare I admit I don’t follow dogs on YouTube? My summer drink of choice would be a really good craft beer, and I’m usually disappointed when a book is made into a movie because it doesn’t follow the original story line. 🙂 Have a great Thursday and an even better weekend. 🙂

    Liked by 2 people

    • Judy, I only follow Crusoe on YouTube. If there are more doggo video celebrities out there I don’t know them. I like our local craft beers but feel like we need to branch out this year. I know lots of people don’t like it when books are turned into movies, but somehow it doesn’t bother me… too much. Happy Easter weekend to you and yours.

      Liked by 1 person

  2. I would totally love to turn my pets into stars but they’re both smarter than me…..love cider, never thought of it as a spritz!!! And not crazy about books made into movies. I actually didn’t like the adaptation of Guernsey….there was something magical about the boom which I felt the movie lacked, and I usually feel like this about adaptations

    Liked by 1 person

  4. Don’t you wish you were as clever as some of these people who can turn their pets into YouTube and IG stars? Yes, but will never be.

    Got a suggestion for a summer drink? Our all-time favorite – the “Hop, Skip and Go Naked!!”

    Do you have issues with movie adaptations of books? Sometimes, depends on the quality of the adaptation and how much they alter the book’s meaning.

    Crusoe the Dog ROCKS!!

    Liked by 1 person

    • Z-D, I know that we both love Crusoe and appreciate the people who bring him to life. They are talented, to be sure.

      I’d forgotten about Hop, Skip and Go Nakeds. They’re a good blender drink, but we’re older now. And something in a tidy little can is so nice to have around. Lazy much? You betcha.

      Yes, you’ve explained the book to movie problem. I feel that the meaning of the Guernsey book was still in the movie adaptation, but will admit that the book charmed me more than the movie.

      Like

  6. I do have issues with movie adaptations. I am distracted by the differences.
    In the case of *The Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Pie Society* I was distracted by the cast. I had just finished a binge of Downton Abbey and was comparing those actors who were cast in both.
    Mind, this is not a criticism of the movie in particular or adaptions in general – the producers can’t help it that I’m overly attentive to detail.

    If and when summer EVER gets here, I will enjoy a grapefruit Radler.

    Liked by 1 person

    • Maggie, I can understand why you find the book versus movie differences distracting. I’m not that attentive to any movie, so it all washes over me. It didn’t even register with me that many of the actors were in both Guernsey and Downton Abbey. I’m simpleminded, I guess.

      What is a grapefruit Radler? I should know about these?

      Liked by 1 person

  7. Thanks for the spritzer info. It sounds like a summer beverage I might like!
    I caught that movie on Amazon? Netflix?- well I don’t remember where but it was enjoyable enough. Did not know it was a book until after watching but as I see no reason to start comparing I will leave the book alone.
    As to the enigma that is YouTube- I can remember when it was barely a “thing” at all, a strange little place to watch a random video. I have no ambition to give up my current life and devote my time to it, but it does amaze me that so many do-and are successful at it.

    Liked by 1 person

    • Deb, the spritzer was a pleasant surprise. I’m finding that as I get older I like less intense flavors and less alcoholic beverages.

      I am able to not care about how accurately a book is adapted to a movie, but I understand that many people can’t do that. I hear the conversations, I notice the intensity of feeling. I liked the Guernsey movie for what it was.

      I know what you mean about YouTube. I rarely go there and would never have thought that it’d become the phenomenon that it is. If that’s what someone wants to do for a living, have at it– I guess.

      Liked by 1 person

  8. I enjoyed the Guernsey book . . . didn’t know about the movie. Just checked and it is NOT available on Netflix. Darn.

    The dogs are cute, but I lost interest in the plot line. 😀

    Liked by 1 person

    • nancy, I watched the movie on Netflix a few months ago. It’s one of their own movies, so I’m surprised it’s not there.

      I don’t watch GoT, but I did get a kick out of Crusoe and Oakley doing their take on it. Something about the humor in those videos gives me a chuckle every time.

      Like

    • The Cozy Pages, the Guernsey book was wonderful. You’ll enjoy it. The book made me laugh out loud in some parts, even though it’s about a serious subject. I enjoyed the movie, but I get how some people cannot do that when the book and movie differ.

      Liked by 1 person

    • I have cats so I’m always amazed that people can get dogs to do anything specific. A cider spritzer? Worth a try. I also like less alcohol as I get older. Also like less work. I no longer make “made from scratch margaritas.” Jose Cuervo does a nice job of making individual portions already to drink! Since I neither read the book nor saw the movie I can’t speak to it but in general movies are different from books so I set my expectations lower.

      Liked by 2 people

      • Kate, I know what you mean about getting dogs to do things. I’m a cat person, first– so it’s kind of a miracle to see a pet do as instructed.

        I need to try one of those Jose Cuervo little margaritas. I like easy. I like a fast drink. I like a little buzz. Sound perfect to me.

        I agree with you about being able to read &/or see a book &/or movie– and be pleased with both even if they’re different from each other. Different format, different expectations.

        Like

  11. My favorite drink is a Manhattan! However, for an easy drink – think take along to the concert type – give me a Fuzzy Navel. Soooo good. Not really a fan of dogs in dress up. I feel sorry for the dogs even though I’m not really a pet person. Books and movies? I must not have read GWTW because until I saw the comment from LA I did not know about other children. I’m gonna have to read it now.

    Liked by 1 person

    • Janet, I’m not into Manhattans or Fuzzy Navels. Too many memories of the morning after with those drinks. 😦 I suspect that many of these famous dogs live better lives than we do! The whole GWTW book versus movie debate is one that gets people riled up. May you never find yourself sitting amongst the warring factions ‘cuz they got opinions with a capital O I tell ‘ya.

      Liked by 1 person

  12. So much goodness in this post! I will definitely try the spritzer. I often add tonic water to my white wine in the summer… having something yummy out of a can sounds convenient and refreshing. I just picked up Guernsey (the book) from a second hand shop but haven’t had the chance to read it yet. Now I’m anxious to open it up.

    Liked by 1 person

    • Janis, thank you! I/we were surprised that we liked the Spritzer, but we did. I’m getting lazier about making cocktails and having all the ingredients on hand, so these Spritzers will be easy for whenever. About Guernsey, I enjoyed the book. I enjoyed the movie. They are different, but that doesn’t bother me. Read, then watch, and see what you think.

      Like

  13. I try to stay away from YouTube as much as possible. I really have so many vices, I don’t dare add YouTube videos to the list.

    I’ve watched the movie Guernsey Library et al and really enjoyed it but I didn’t know it was a book. I may have to put it on my list!

    Liked by 1 person

    • Joanne, I’m not much for YouTube either. I know of this one place. Crusoe makes me laugh so I watch him.

      The book and the movie are different. I liked them both, but I knew the minute I posted this I’d hear from people who preferred one or the other. Gotta laugh about human nature.

      Like

  16. I’ve been watching Crusoe the dog videos for awhile now and love them. Having had a “bratwurst” doggie, I’m partial to dachshunds.
    The nice lite drink sounds delicious. Will have to try it.
    Books into movies: some are good, some not. What can I say?

    Liked by 1 person

    • Beth, I knew you’d know about Crusoe. He and Oakley Dokley crack me up. The Spritzer was much better than either of us thought it’d be. It’s the ‘3.2 beer’ of pub cider. I agree that books into movies are just what they are– but many people have strong opinions about any book adapted to a movie. Me? I just go with it.

      Like

  17. My go to summer drink is grey goose with soda and lime. Add a splash of cranberry if I’m feeling extra tart. Or if I’m feeling like a beer – Leinie’s summer shandy. But I’m not a big beer drinker.

    I’m glad to hear you liked the movie. I loved the book but haven’t watched it yet (even though I saw it on one of our streaming services) in part because I loved the book and it always makes me nervous.

    Liked by 1 person

    • Katie, grey goose with soda + lime sounds good to me. Refreshing. I could get into that one. Thanks for the simple idea.

      I enjoyed the movie, but it is different than the book so if that bothers you then…? I’ll admit it’s not the all-time best movie ever, but I’ve seen worse and paid a heck of a lot more to do so. Streaming it is a good way to see it.

      Like

  19. Yes! I do have the perfect summer drink. It’s called a Sparkling Gin Tarragon Lemonade and it is the sole reason why I grow gobs of (French) tarragon every summer.
    1.5 oz gin
    1.5 oz St. Germaine Elderflower Liqueur
    Club soda
    1 tsp sugar
    1/2 lemon
    Muddle one slice lemon, sugar, and large sprig tarragon in glass. Add gin & St. Germaine, lemon juice, and stir. Add ice to glass and top off with club soda. (Apparently, you can also use basil or gin instead of tarragon, but I haven’t tried it those ways.)
    It’s like drinking summer. Ahhhhh…

    Liked by 1 person

  20. When I was in the Patch.com blogging group, a fellow blogger had the cutest dachshund and she often used props and did her own funny pictures and videos with Chloe. She was always posting other dachshund videos in costumes or doing funny things. Not surprisingly, the most-popular outfit was dressing your dachshund up like a hot dog. Can you say cute?

    Liked by 1 person

    • linda, there must be something about dachshunds that brings out the clever in people. I had no idea how popular it was to dress the little dogs and tell stories with them until I stumbled upon Crusoe. Now I realize it’s a thing amongst the dachshund parent crowd.

      Liked by 1 person

      • I just saw one today on Twitter – a doxie holding a toothbrush horizontally with its teeth. Did you ever see the video of the dogs and cats having Christmas dinner? I really don’t watch that many videos, but a dog lover sent me this one for Freshpet.
        Very clever:

        Liked by 1 person

          • Glad you liked it Ally – that video made the rounds a few years ago at Christmas. I remember watching it a couple of times as I was sure I missed some things the first time. Slipping the knife down his clothes was a stitch and that particular dog was pretty funny; I think it is the same one that powders its nose? I’ve never heard of that brand but they sure had a clever ad agency.

            Liked by 1 person

  21. I thought the name of the book (the Potato Peel Society one) was horrible, and didn’t want to read it, but then I did and I really liked it a lot. I haven’t seen the movie yet, but I plan to soon. I’m glad to hear it is good.

    I loved Gone with the Wind, the book, and the movie is so so for me. But it’s so racist that it is horrible, and that distracts from the wholly wonderful/terrible character of Scarlett.

    My summer drink is a crisp white wine, preferably Sancerre, or if not wanting alcohol, I like lemonade or seltzer water.

    Liked by 1 person

    • J, I’m far from a movie critic and I have a tendency to overlook any discrepancies between books and movie adaptations so I thought Guernsey the movie was a delight.

      GWTW is one of those classic movies that I’ve come to wonder how long it’ll remain on that list. It upsets book fans still to this day. Gotta wonder.

      I usually go for Sauvignon Blanc in the summer. It’s crisp and light, but the Cider surprised me. As long as it’s a light [as in flavor] beverage, I’m good with it.

      Like

      • I read Guernsey so long ago, I don’t think I would notice any discrepancies. When I was a young girl, one of my FAVORITE books was ‘The Black Stallion’. I was truly upset with the movie, because the changes they made seemed unnecessary and cruel to me. I did love the island scenes, though. I saw it more recently, a couple of years ago, and I still don’t see why they had to kill off the father and make the boy so young, but it didn’t bother me nearly as much.

        Sancerre is a Sauvignon Blanc grape, but the flinty soil in that region of France give it a flavor that I especially like. I haven’t tried any ciders, I don’t know if I would like them or not, but I may have to give it a try!

        Liked by 1 person

        • I sort of remember the Black Stallion movie, but I know I never read the book. I would guess that all books are changed in some ways to make them good on the screen. I don’t know a thing about how any of that happens.

          I didn’t know that about Sancerre so I’ll look for a bottle. I bet I’ll like it. Find an English pub and give a cider a try. Who knows you might like it?

          Like

    • Donna, I hadn’t thought of that and you are right. People seem to lurve these Crusoe videos and if an Animal Shelter could promote their guests as soon-to-be stars… the possibilities are exciting. Win-win, indeed.

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  23. Funny you should mention movie adaptions of books because I got into a really silly argument with a friend the other day about the film adaptation of Tom Wolf’s “Bonfire’s of the Vanities.” My friend thought its as wonderful, but I thought the screenplay of it was awful. For years it ruined any advanced anticipation I had for any other adaptation. Fortunately the Harry Potter movies showed great fidelity to the books. – Marty

    Liked by 1 person

    • Marty, I remember reading Bonfire and then seeing the movie, and wondering how the movie related to the book. I hear ‘ya. I’ve come to a point in life where I no longer expect books and movie adaptations to be anything alike. You’d think that they would be, but you’d be wrong more often than not. 🤨

      Liked by 1 person

  24. I tend to not be a fan of dressing pets up in costumes, but to each their own. I do think I could turn my Shelf critters into YouTube stars if I had any kind of video camera… and if they didn’t act so stiffly…. and they could say their own lines……. and, well, forget about it.

    Liked by 1 person

    • evil, YouTube has created opportunities that no one thought of even five years ago. I love Crusoe + his brother and they don’t seem abused in any way, so I can watch them and enjoy. After all, everyone has to pay the rent somehow, so why not put your dogs to work?

      Like

  25. Well I love to read books and then when the movies come out, I usta get super geeked-out and then they’re usually not very good and often downright bad and it makes me sad, but the ones that get it right, gosh, those are good. I am leery now. I think like this — if it took me months to read the books, it can’t be A movie. It can be a show or a series, but not A movie. If it took me two hours to read it, it might be a good movie.
    I don’t think I have the energy required to be involved in social media fame. Cletus might would enjoy it, though. Should I hire a handler and try to make a go of it? He could maybe be fitted with a goPro and we could get a sorta stoner-surfer dude to narrate…
    I got into aperol spritzers a couple summers ago. (I had a very bad summer of gin… 1995 I think it was. Maybe 96. Gin and I don’t agree, even if he’s tasty.)

    Liked by 2 people

    • joey, I hear you about the book to movie situation. I used to care a great deal about how authentic the movie was in comparison to the book, but somewhere along the line I realized that I didn’t care anymore. A book is a book, a movie is a movie. It’s nice when the movie is adapted spot on to the book, but considering those are two different mediums and considering it’s usually years after I’ve read the book when the movie comes out, I just shrug now.

      Cletus could be a star, I just know it. All he needs are parents who push him in that direction and who want to bother with making him a star. No doubt doing any of these animal video thingies is time consuming and I’d figure more pricey than you might think.

      Aperol spritzers were the house drink last summer, but by the end of the summer I couldn’t face one again. Loved the stuff in May, hated it by September. Go figure.

      Liked by 1 person

  26. I need to check out the game of bones – thanks for the tip
    And I agree about the movies do not hav to be block busters to be wonderful – so true! And have not heard of the book or movie and so added it to list to check out.
    —
    Speaking of movies – my pet peeve – is when they over hype them with marketing and then fail to delivery – like the Jason Bourne movie (the 4th one) and have other examples – but they get huge “action” budgets and have all this money – but they fail to hire good writers and maybe even abandon seasoned focus groups!
    Ugh

    Liked by 1 person

    • Prior…, Crusoe is a hoot. He and his brother star in some of the silliest, funniest, cleverest little videos I’ve seen. Of course, they may be the only little doggy videos I see… now that I think about it.

      Without good writing and directing any movie, no matter how large or small the budget, will not be a good movie. That seems like common sense to me, but lots of these studios poor the $$$ into the action sequences [😴] instead of the script [🤓]. Ugh is right.

      Liked by 1 person

      • Yeah – and it seems like the bigger the movie vets they forget to pay for writing – case in point – terminator 2 and 3 (good tech in 2 but story line ? Meh) and the matrix – the first one had the writing – not the rest. Then of course the Jason Bourne series – the most recent one – counted their chickens before that movie even came out

        Liked by 1 person

    • Betsey, I liked the book and found myself laughing out loud as I read it. I liked the movie, too, even though it’s different than the book. I don’t care about that, but many people do.

      Liked by 1 person

  30. Oh, yes, I wish I was that clever – or at least had all the equipment to pull of animal videos – because I do have a dog that stars on my blog already. I’m smitten with The Tiny Chef, have you followed him on Instagram yet? Summer drink – Tanqueray and Ting (Jamaican Ting) – very light and refreshing and not too sweet either. But it does taste better in Jamaica. It really depends on the book and the movie. One For the Money by Janet Evanovich book was hilarious to me, the movie, not so much.

    Liked by 1 person

  31. I don’t really have a summer drink, although if I did, it would probably be a Moscow Mule. 🙂 I loved the book you discuss, and liked the movie. I usually prefer the book if I’ve read it before seeing the film.

    Liked by 1 person

    • Margaret, I like Moscow Mules, but rarely want to buy all the ingredients to make them. Plus as I get older I prefer very light drinks. I often find the same thing as you in that I like the book better regardless of how good the movie was. I’m more of a reader than a watcher, I guess.

      Liked by 1 person

    • Elen, Game of Bones had me in stitches. Crusoe is my sense of humor. The Spritzer is light, but I like how it’s not too sweet and how it’s easy to transport. I liked the Guernsey movie and I liked the Guernsey book. I’m easy, I guess.

      Liked by 1 person

  33. I’ve not seen Crusoe. I try to veer away from super-cute animal videos because then I won’t get any work done. I’ve been eyeing the Stella spritzer, wondering if I dare. I think I might, now that it’s gotten a nod from the Bean. I will always watch a movie based on a book that I liked, and even though I invariably end up disappointed, it just validates the book for me that much more.

    Liked by 1 person

    • Kate, I don’t watch any other cute animal videos than Crusoe. I know my limit. The Spritzer is light in flavor and alcohol content, so for me it’s a winner. It’s interesting how many people have said what you said about the book versus movie issue. When a movie disappoints, the book seems to be elevated. That must indicate something about human nature, though I don’t know what.

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