In the Vally of Elah

This movie was nothing I expected...I had an image of a historical film, but it ended up being another film about the War in the Middle East. Well cast and acted, I was surprised to find Charlize Theron in a very plain, but extremely passionate role. I am usually not one for the current war movies, but this one was so horrible, but without the horrible images, that I couldn't help myself from watching. It immediately made think of my friend Jason and the time he spent over there. The similarities between what I know of his time there and what the young man in this movie went through were very frightening-because this movie showed me all the things that Jason may have gone through but would never have told me about. The honesty and the matter-of-factness with which these soldiers told the story of their murdering and the effects of the war upon their bodies and minds...I just don't know. It was frightening beyond belief and made my insides turn. And, on top of all that, the plot and mystery pull you in so that you must continue to watch. There are no horrible images, but there are horrible ideas and thoughts. But, it is the most real Present Day war movie I have seen in a long time. OH, I hope these things end soon so that these many men can avoid coming home with their minds a mess. And I truly hope that Jason has not had such a horrible experience and that he can recover better than these men.

BUYING IN

Our landlords invited us over to their house last night-for dessert and tea. We were a little worried that they were going to tell us we were doing something wrong or that they were going to try to pull out of our lease (which ends in Sept). BUT we take really good care of the house and they don't seem like to type to go back on their word...so...
It turned out that they want to offer the house to us if we would like to buy it. This, of course, was the other thought that we had. The market isn't getting any better, so why not sell it now and make a little bit of money, right? PLUS, they really do love this house and they know that we love it to. The sad thing is that we don't want to buy the house. No, that's wrong: if we could move the house out of this neighborhood then we would buy it in a second. Unfortunately, some of our neighbors leave much to be desired and our yard isn't exactly the prettiest in the world. Sure, we could fence it in and make it more private...it is really tempting because I think they would give us a good deal, but, in my heart, I know I don't want to live in downtown Bath any longer than we have to. It's so sad.
On the bright side, it was really nice to spend time with Frank and Barbara. They are really nice people. Very intelligent, very thoughtful and very talented. Barbara is an amazing artist and Frank is an artist in his own right: he can builds beautiful architectural models and does amazing pen and ink work. I think he has been involved in a LOT of things in his life...things he has only alluded to, but he has had a great influence in the world.
They are working with a group that is building a new community in Damariscotta...it's a long term plan, but it's a plan to create a Green community, to bring the community colleges into Dammy, to create an artistic community...it's absolutely amazing and we were the first to see the actual model for it. WOW! I wish I felt I could keep up when Frank talks about stuff like this because it really does fascinate me.
I think the connection we have made with them is a great one and it will be wonderful to hold on to...I just hope that, if we don't buy the house, that we can continue this relationship with them. I'm finally starting to get Frank's humor and understand where they are coming from. It's exciting to meet such interesting new people and to create a new relationship.