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Friday, December 11, 2020

Sunday Post #380



The Sunday Post is a weekly meme hosted by Kimba at the Caffeinated Book Reviewer
Stacking the Shelves is hosted by Tynga's Reviews
It's Monday! What Are You Reading is hosted by Book Date

So with Christmas being a different affair this year I'm trying to decide what to make for food. I was thinking of doing turkey or maybe meatballs (my aunt has a special barbecue meatball recipe I'm thinking of pinching). We're having just immediate family, naturally, since the big family gathering on Christmas Day has been canceled. Are your Christmas plans different this year if you celebrate? And what are you doing for food?   

This week Movies That Suck returned with an old classic- Robinson Crusoe on Mars. You can find that little gem here. 

It's Friday and that means pizza night. Hope everyone has a great weekend and a great week ahead! 


Song of the week


PULP COVER OF THE WEEK: 


BOOKISH LINKS 

Christmas time !!!    


This is amazing- especially streamed to TV.     


 This walking tour is fabulous. It starts out with Godzilla right at the outset, and what a gorgeous scene at 7:55. Some other highlights at 23:00, 37:59 and 47:49. Oh, and the tree at 14:38. I love how windy it is too! 



This is a great walking tour. Check out Godzilla at 16:45 and 35:15 is nice also. 


You've no doubt heard all about the monoliths that have been appearing around the world, right? First in Utah, then Romania. Well, turns out some enterprising souls erected one in Lansing, MI as well.  


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68 comments:

  1. BiblioSanctumDecember 11, 2020 at 11:56 PM

    Our family usually does Christmas by ourselves anyway because all our extended family are so far away, so this year is not much different, though my dad will be visiting (because my mom will be overseas taking care of her own mom). Even though he would be okay on his own, we didn't want him to be :) After Christmas will be pretty different though, we usually travel to see my husband's family for New Years and there will be none of that this year. We'll be Facetiming and the whole nine years though, thank goodness for technology, eh!

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  2. Tammy SparksDecember 12, 2020 at 6:46 AM

    My parents live a couple of hours away, and I've only seen them once since March, so we are visiting on Christmas Eve but of course with masks and no hugs. Well just stay a few hours and it will just be my husband and kids on Christmas, which I am actually looking forward to!

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    1. GregDecember 12, 2020 at 12:45 PM

      Oh no I'm sorry to hear that! That's terrible when you haven't seen relatives in so long. I agree though, as bummed as I am about the family Christmas being nixed, I am kind of looking to a low key Christmas day!

      Delete
  3. AngelaDecember 12, 2020 at 6:52 AM

    We haven't figured out yet what we're doing for Christmas - not sure if we will be able to see my dad. I think since this year has been so different, it's a great time to try something new for Christmas dinner - I'd go with the meatballs!

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    1. GregDecember 12, 2020 at 12:45 PM

      I hope you are able to. And thanks- I'm leaning meatballs too

      Delete
  4. (Diane) Bibliophile By the SeaDecember 12, 2020 at 7:05 AM

    I have not thought about "what's for dinner" on Christmas - guess I better get busy planning for 2. LOL Only watched on Christmas movie: ELF (it's a ritual) but several more are planned. We have this huge regional light festival that we plan to attend next weekend with family in 3 separate cars - should be festive as we might get snow.

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    1. GregDecember 12, 2020 at 12:50 PM

      That sounds fun. And I am the same- we're having a small gathering and I volunteered for food so now I gotta decide. :)

      Delete
  5. Samantha@WLABBDecember 12, 2020 at 8:57 AM

    BBQ meatballs are yummy. That's my vote. We have been having small holidays for years (Just my immediate family). It keeps us just under 10. Hope the pizza was delicious.

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    1. GregDecember 12, 2020 at 12:51 PM

      I agree. I'm leaning that way and everyone seems onboard. :)

      Delete
  6. Lark December 12, 2020 at 10:11 AM

    We cancelled our annual family Christmas Eve party this year. Just didn't seem like a good thing to do. But we haven't thought about what food we want to do instead of the traditional ham and cheesy potatoes. Hmm... We should try something new and fun this year, too. :)

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  7. Roberta R.December 12, 2020 at 1:06 PM

    You're being wise about Christmas. Me and the hubs still don't know if we can visit his mum this year (she lives in a nearby town), because our government banned travels between municipalities on Dec. 25th and 26th and Jan 1st. There's still a discussion about it though, so maybe we'll be able to go - or we'll simply fall back on the 24th. My parents live just around the corner instead. Anyway, we don't celebrate Christmas in the usual way. And if it were for me, I'd have seafood for Christmas LOL.

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  8. Michelle@Because ReadingDecember 12, 2020 at 3:30 PM

    We usually do the 7 fishes on Christmas eve with my moms side of the family but since everything is all messed up. We are just doing to keep it quiet with Just my family, my mom and sister and nephew. We plan to have a simple dinner since i decided to take a half day that day. On Christmas I always cook so this year again simple with Raviolis and some appetizers. I am totally good with doing a laid back holiday this year. I feel like I needed the break.

    I hope you have a great week, Greg! Happy Reading!

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  9. IzaBzhDecember 13, 2020 at 2:00 AM

    Well, for Christmas, it will only be my companion, me and the cats, my daughters will be with us later in the week. Who cares about dates as long as we get together ? I haven't seen my sister since her birthday last february, I don't think I will see her soon... The Pretty Reckless song made me think about a James Bond theme ! Always love your pictures and the walking tour videos - I especially liked the one in Shibuya (daylight) with the musician at the beginning. Have a great week, Greg ;)

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    1. GregDecember 14, 2020 at 12:15 AM

      That's right. As long as we get to see them. Dates don't matter. And I'm sorry about your sister- I hope you get to see her soon. And oh my gosh right- I thought the song would be perfect for a Bond movie. And thank you- I'm glad you like the post, that video is cool.

      Delete
  10. AngelicreaderDecember 13, 2020 at 3:13 AM

    Our Christmas plans are just different in so that some of the family wont be able to make it this year but celebrations will continue.

    https://ignorantsouthafrican.wordpress.com/2020/12/13/my-week-in-books-10-loads-of-free-books/

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  11. Laurel-Rain SnowDecember 13, 2020 at 5:40 AM

    I love the Cozy Christmas Fireplace image...and the Cozy Treehouse.

    Cozy things can still happen this year, even if we're doing them in small groups or alone. Here at the residence, there are plans for a big dinner, even though we all sit one to a table six feet apart, lol.

    Enjoy your week and your books.

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    1. GregDecember 14, 2020 at 12:16 AM

      I love those too! That fireplace one I play in the background. and I hope your dinner is a fabulous one!

      Delete
  12. Gayathri LakshminarayananDecember 13, 2020 at 5:50 AM

    We have not visited the family since Feb, and hopefully we will get to do it in Jan 21 at least. It is going to be calls and facetiming here too. Stay safe!

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  13. ShannonDecember 13, 2020 at 6:28 AM

    I haven't really thought about what we are doing different for Christmas. We don't have a lot of family in the area, so it likely won't be drastically different.
    Christmas is too close and I've done almost no shopping.

    Have a great week!

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    1. GregDecember 14, 2020 at 12:17 AM

      I'm the same have barely started shopping! :)

      Delete
  14. StormiDecember 13, 2020 at 6:32 AM

    We don't really have a large family, but our Christmases are always different. This year it's a Christmas Eve with Finger foods with my Aunt and one of her kids family. My brother and his family never hang out with us so it would just be Dad and I if we didn't go to my Aunts. Sad but true.

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    1. GregDecember 14, 2020 at 12:17 AM

      Oh I hope you guys have a good one! Finger food sounds fun :)

      Delete
  15. The Fantasy PrincessDecember 13, 2020 at 8:34 AM

    My parents and I just celebrate Christmas at our house every year. When I was younger all the family would get together but things have changed as we have all gotten older. I just started a new book blog so I am just getting started again. I had a book blog before for many years. If you are interested I have a post on my blog. I hope you have a great week reading!

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    1. The Fantasy PrincessDecember 13, 2020 at 3:40 PM

      I tried to reply to your comment on my blog but for some reason it will not let me. Thank you!

      Delete
    2. GregDecember 14, 2020 at 12:18 AM

      That's nice. Simple is good. And you're welcome!!!

      Delete
  16. Elza ReadsDecember 13, 2020 at 8:37 AM

    Hi Greg! I don't even know who I'm having over for Christmas. And then I'll decide on the menu. It will most probably be hot, so cold meets and salads most probably.

    As long as we can spend it loved ones.

    Have a good week and take care!

    Elza Reads

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    1. GregDecember 14, 2020 at 12:19 AM

      Hey Elza! Cold food on hot days sounds great.

      Delete
  17. Beware Of The ReaderDecember 13, 2020 at 8:50 AM

    We can only have one guest. ONE!!! So of course this will be completely different. I have decided to order our meal at my cousin's restaurant to support her as she has been forced to close twice so far.

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    1. GregDecember 14, 2020 at 12:19 AM

      One! That puts a limit on things! Great you're doing that though

      Delete
  18. Emma at Words And Peace / France Book ToursDecember 13, 2020 at 8:54 AM

    Cool links, as usual. I clicked at random on the sea video and saw a marine turtle. I actually watch the anime film The Red Turtle yesterday. So amazing. Have you seen it? from Ghibli studio, which does incredible jobs, as I'm sure you know
    I'm French, so will do some Turkey French recipes. I did one with mustard sauce for Thanksgiving, which turned out delicious. So many one with mushrooms this time, especially as we are growing mushrooms with a kit. And of course snails as appetizer

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    1. GregDecember 14, 2020 at 12:21 AM

      Thank you. I have not seen that. Perhaps surprisingly I haven't seen a lot of anime or animated films, even though I post similar art a lot. I love the idea of your recipes.

      Delete
  19. UnknownDecember 13, 2020 at 8:59 AM

    Love the Christmas ambiance video! We will probably do a small ham and turkey breast (we like choices and left overs) but it will just be me and my husband again (we might see my parents).

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    1. The Book DiscipleDecember 13, 2020 at 9:01 AM

      I don't know why it says this comment is from unknown. Google/Blogger hates me.

      Delete
    2. GregDecember 14, 2020 at 12:22 AM

      Google/ Blogger is KILLING me. Glad you liked the video though! I play it in the background. I hope you get to see your parents. And yay for choices!

      Delete
  20. InkvotaryDecember 13, 2020 at 9:38 AM

    I can hopefully celebrate Christmas with my parents together. But with the curfew we got now (nobody is allowed to leave the house after 8pm or be in a state you don´t live in after that) it seems rather difficult. But we hope that we can at least spent the day together and have an early dinner. But the thought is strange that we all will have to wear masks while sitting in the living room or decorating the tree together...

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    1. GregDecember 14, 2020 at 12:23 AM

      I hope so! And that is weird. That's a tough curfew- wow here in America people would revolt if we did that. Course we're a mess anyway

      Delete
  21. shelleyrae @ book'd outDecember 13, 2020 at 9:42 AM

    Our Christmas will be as usual, lunch with my parents, and then dinner/leftovers shared with our best friends. Christmas Day is usually hot here so we stick with foods that can be served cold except for the honey basted ham, which is cooked outside in the Weber BBQ on Christmas morning. None of us like Turkey so I usually make a batch of shredded chicken, and we have a bunch of salads - potato, green, and rice. Sometimes we have prawns too, and dessert is a pavlova, with whipped cream and fresh fruit.

    Wishing you a great reading week

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    1. GregDecember 14, 2020 at 12:24 AM

      I love the idea of BBQ on Christmas. Just once I'd like to be somewhere warm! Prawns sound nice.

      Delete
  22. La La in the LibraryDecember 13, 2020 at 10:28 AM

    Tarzan with dinosaurs? That's fabulous. Ha ha. 😁

    We are doing lasagna as usual. We're going to have cheesecake instead of gelato, though. 🎄

    Thanks for the underwater video. 🐟🐠🐡

    Have a wonderful new week. 🌞

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    1. GregDecember 14, 2020 at 12:25 AM

      Right? You know, we had lasagna (my aunt has made it for the big family get- together a few times) and it's yummy.

      Delete
  23. Shooting Stars MagDecember 13, 2020 at 10:43 AM

    Christmas will be a big different this year, but we're doing what we can to keep some things normal. It's tough. I love the idea of having meatballs though. Yum!

    -Lauren
    www.shootingstarsmag.net

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    1. GregDecember 14, 2020 at 12:26 AM

      Right? I decided to go with meatballs and we'll have cheese potatoes and... well, whatever else we decide :)

      Delete
  24. Kit @ Metaphors and MoonlightDecember 13, 2020 at 11:16 AM

    Idk if any of my family is gathering. Definitely going to be a different Christmas for people. I hope whatever food you go with is good though!

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  25. BlodeueddDecember 13, 2020 at 11:44 AM

    We have never celebrated that big anyway, except in the olden days

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  26. Maureen's BooksDecember 13, 2020 at 12:57 PM

    Our Christmas plans arent any different to be honest. We always have dinner with my grandma and my parents.. and we are still allowed to have three people in our home next to your own household. So I'm really grateful for it. The only thing that's different is that my grandma will spend the night at our place because I don't want her to have to go home late a night. People are definitely a little more crazy out there.
    Have a great week Greg and happy reading!

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  27. Nise' December 13, 2020 at 3:00 PM

    Our tradition is steak on Christmas Day, the fun part is the grilling. Will we have to shovel 3 feet of snow or non at all!

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  28. Rachel @Waves of FictionDecember 13, 2020 at 3:46 PM

    I think most family plans have been modified. Not sure what I'll be doing since my daughter is going to be in Cabo San Lucas. I'm fine with low key.

    Meatballs sound good. I just bought some frozen Rao's Meatballs. I know, frozen doesn't sound very good, but their Marinara is amazing. Not cheap, like $9.99 for a jar (you can get it for $6.99 at Walmart or $7.99 at Target here) compared to others which are usually $4 a jar, but so worth it! So I thought if they had meatballs they're probably pretty darn good too. Maybe I'll make them tonight. I'll let you know how they come out. :)

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  29. Maya @HerBookishDesiresDecember 13, 2020 at 5:33 PM

    I am lucky to say that my Christmas plans are not really any different. Since my parents are divorced, I am lucky enough to get two Christmas dinners. 😂 My mom usually makes an Italian dinner with lasagna and chicken tortellini and my dad, being Indian, makes Indian food and we also have ham with mash potatoes. Best of both worlds!
    Great post! I hope you have a wonderful week. Happy reading! :)

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  30. Laura at Library of Clean ReadsDecember 13, 2020 at 6:03 PM

    If you love underwater scenes then you will enjoy the documentary My Octopus Teacher on Netflix. My hubby and I watched it and loved it.

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  31. YvonneDecember 13, 2020 at 6:21 PM

    The meatballs sound good. It's going to be a quiet holiday for us but that's okay. We usually have quiet holidays anyway. I'll probably make something Italian like a baked ziti. Have a great week!

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  32. Kathryn TDecember 13, 2020 at 8:40 PM

    Whatever you decide for the dinner will be good. It will be quiet for many... but maybe that's good! I am a hopeless cook so I avoid cooking where I can! We tend towards lighter food for Christmas these days being summer here.

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  33. Aj @ Read All The Things!December 14, 2020 at 5:50 AM

    We have turkey AND BBQ meatballs on Thanksgiving. I can’t choose between them! I haven’t thought about Christmas food yet. Nobody is coming, so we’ll probably just heat up something frozen. Have a great week!

    Aj @ Read All The Things!

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  34. Kathy MartinDecember 14, 2020 at 6:18 AM

    Our Christmas plans are the same as every year - just my brother and I. We are planning on ham and a potato casserole but don't have the ham yet. We usually have one in the freezer but not this year since it is too salty to eat often. Come see my week here. Happy reading!

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  35. Katherine PDecember 14, 2020 at 11:06 AM

    I'm still not entirely sure what Christmas will consist of but I know that our usual Christmas plans will be very different. It'll just be the 3 of us and then we may have family stop by and we can do a present exchange and wave through the glass door or something. Love the fireplace ambient noises! Have a great week!

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  36. Mary KirklandDecember 14, 2020 at 11:28 AM

    I'm making a ham this year as usual. It's just going to be my daughter and grandson here with me but I like leftover ham. lol

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  37. crackercrumblifeDecember 14, 2020 at 11:31 AM

    We decided to do something different this year for our meals as well. We are doing meatballs on Christmas Eve, and then roast and yorkshire pudding on Christmas day. It's the first Christmas in 20 years I haven't been a vegetarian, and I have rediscovered a love of mashed potatoes and gravy...

    Have a great week Greg!

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  38. S. J. Pajonas (spajonas)December 14, 2020 at 11:42 AM

    I've been thinking a lot about foooooooood for Christmas. What to make, what to bake, etc. Mmmmm.

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  39. Lover Of RomanceDecember 14, 2020 at 6:49 PM

    That sounds delicious. We are doing the same food, there won't be that many of us as the norm but we are still going all out on the meals and treats.

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  40. Amber EliseDecember 15, 2020 at 8:47 AM

    Meatballs for Christmas sounds good! I think we're going to do Christmas brunch with my in-laws and mom so that they can see Aria open her presents. Plus they're the only people I trust to take precautions, haha.

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  41. Heather @ Random Redheaded RamblingsDecember 15, 2020 at 11:35 AM

    That recipe sounds delicious! We are just having a quiet one, my in-laws are coming over so it should be lovely.

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  42. KarenDecember 15, 2020 at 12:52 PM

    It's always just Kevin and I so nothing different for us but the food situation has been interesting.

    We had our set places we got our things from in FL and we were just finding stuff here and now add in COVID and limited places/hours I can't figure out what we'll be eating lol

    Karen @ For What It's Worth

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  43. Literary FelineDecember 15, 2020 at 12:53 PM

    My daughter was just asking me if we would get homemade coffee cake this year. My mother-in-law always makes it and brings it for Christmas morning. I think my husband has the recipe, and if so, maybe he and Mouse can make it together. It'll just be the three of us for Christmas this year. I'm going to miss having my mom with us, but with the travel and social gathering restrictions in place, we decided it was best not to risk it. I am not sure what we will do food wise. We usually do a lasagna or have spaghetti, and either would work for us this time around too. I hope you have a great week, Greg!

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  44. Jen at Introverted ReaderDecember 15, 2020 at 7:08 PM

    You left out the most important part of the "Robinson Crusoe on Mars" title--"IN TECHNICOLOR!" :-D

    That perfectly normal night would fit right into 2020, wouldn't it?

    We're planning to have eggnog French toast on either Christmas or the day after. Other than that, I'm not sure what we're doing.

    Enjoy your week!

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  45. chucklesthescotDecember 18, 2020 at 4:33 AM

    We do the same for Christmas dinner every year-prawn cocktail followed by turkey joint with sage and onion stuffing, roast potatoes and bread sauce! Followed by some kind of ice cream desert and single cream...

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