Just in case you missed the first episode in the new incarnation of UPSTAIRS, DOWNSTAIRS, it's available on the PBS website. Link. 
I haven't seen it yet, but already I'm of two minds about it. (Hence my hesitation in watching.) I have such wonderful memories of the original show. This new version can only disappoint in comparison. The way to watch is, I suppose, by purposely NOT recalling the original. Is that possible? That house is full of ghosts. Thanks again to my school librarian friend Jean in Colorado who sent me a copy of LEVIATHAN by Scott Westerfield. I am reading it and loving it. This is a book that had been lurking on the periphery of my vision for awhile, since it kept showing up here and there on various blogs. I am not, normally a big fan of YA fiction, but since Jean sent me the book, it hopped, skipped and jumped up the TBR pile and am I glad. It is terrific! And I am loving the fabulous illustrations! Book review coming up tomorrow. If this hasn't been bought for the movies, I can't imagine what they're waiting for.
Sunday usually means baseball around here. I've been a fan since I was a kid. Although why that should be, I can't imagine. The Brooklyn Dodgers used to break my heart regularly. And now the NY Mets are playing so abominably that it is a downright embarrassment to be a fan. They've just lost two double-headers in a row. TWO! How deflating. How miserable. How ridiculous. As I asked on my Facebook page and continue to ask: When will this torment end?? And of course, the team I dislike intensely, the Yankees, continues to win. There is NO justice! (Despite that, don't you love this vintage baseball illustration from the 50's? Don't have a source for the artist.) 
I love this painting: Sunday, Women Drying Their Hair, but I have no artist source. If you know who it is, please let me know. In the meantime, this is such a wonderful image of a once upon a time slice of NYC life. (I've been informed by fellow blogger, Rainette, that the artist is John Sloan (1871 - 1951). Good to know, thanks very much. Merci beaucoup.) 
