Category Archives: Diversions

The stuff that didn’t fit elsewhere.

Reading

Davidson serves up another literary trifle

[amtap book:isbn=0060527331]

After 14 books, Diane Mott Davidson‘s Aspen Meadows is starting to look like Colorado’s answer to Cabot Cove.

This isn’t to say that I didn’t enjoy “Sweet Revenge” or its 13 predecessors. Davidson’s culinary capers are the cotton candy of the mystery world — fluffy, fun and light on substance. Just the way I like my murder mysteries. The pun-tastic titles and the whimsically named dishes (complete with recipes!) are enough to keep me entertained.

But the shtick is starting to wear thin. How many dead bodies does caterer Goldy Schulz need to discover before she decides it might be safer to live in Detroit?

Screen time

Good grief!

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I have a secret. I’ve never shared this with anyone other than Rockford, and he was both shocked and dismayed. I’m prepared for the possibility that this could raise some hackles. But here it is. My big, dark secret.

I don’t like “Peanuts.”

Normally this doesn’t have a big impact on my day-to-day life — it isn’t difficult to avoid characters from the animated realm most of the time. But this year, Rockford decided to share his love of “A Charlie Brown Christmas” with Poppy. And she loves it. We’ve watched it at least twice a day for the last week.

Before this week, I’ve never given much thought as to why I dislike the round-headed gang. But with all the good-griefing in the house lately, I’ve been able to come up with a list.

  • The vilification of Christmas decorations. What’s wrong with Snoopy’s festive dog house? Charlie Brown says it means his dog’s gone “commercial.” And later, he and his friends dance around their Christmas tree. Which they’ve festooned with decorations stolen from Snoopy’s house.
  • The children are so mean. It bothers me how frequently they call each other “stupid.” And by “each other,” I guess I mean “Charlie Brown.”
  • Charlie Brown’s depression. “I know everyone hates me”? That’s a bit heavy for a children’s Christmas special, isn’t it?
  • The way Lucy repeats herself all the time. (“I know when I’ve been insulted! I know when I’ve been insulted!”) It just annoys me.

    To be fair, there are a few things I do like about “Peanuts.” I like Snoopy’s affinity for root beer, and I like the kids’ little dinner roll feet. I like it when Snoopy pretends to be a penguin. And I love how much Poppy loves the show.

    So, “Peanuts.” I will let you into my home. But only because my little girl’s laugh makes me smile like nothing else.