I spent a very satisfactory New Year's Eve, with one tiny exception.
Started well. I got a bunch of useful errands out of the way, then picked up Mom and we met my brother, sister-in-law, and nephews for an early (3 p.m.) dinner at a nearby seafood restaurant. (No, I still don't like seafood except for fish and chips, which is what I had, but the nephews love it.) Then I came home and sat down to watch the movie I'd been in the mood to see--The Fellowship of the Ring, extended version. Only got halfway through before pausing to join some friends in an online chat to see the new year in, and from there to bed. But. . .
I was watching LOTR and got to That Scene. It's during the first part of the journey, the long slow trek toward Caradhras. They're camped, or at least stopped. Boromir is giving a sword lesson to Merry and Pippin. Suddenly they spot something. Just a cloud. No, you can tell from the stern look on Gandalf''s face--not to mention the sudden ominous note in the soundtrack--that what approaches is no mere cumulo-cirrus. Everyone peers into the distance, and then the keen-eyed Legolas shouts:
"Crab wine from Dublin!"
And everyone scatters for cover. I would too, if I thought someone was going to make me drink the stuff.
Okay, I know Legolas didn't actually say "crab wine from Dublin." But I must have watched that scene a dozen times, and every time I try to figure out what he said, and every time I fail miserably.
If anyone knows what Legolas is actually saying, please tell me.
And in any case, happy new year to all.
Donna,
He says, "Crebain from Dunland". Crebain being pronounced as "Creb-ine) They're Middle Earth crows - spies of Saruman.
Posted by: Liz | January 01, 2009 at 11:24 AM
Thanks for the laugh! I just finished reading Six Geese a-Slaying and read the blurb about you on the jacket. I'm a recent transplant to Cumberland from Herndon and got a kick seeing you live in Reston. Can't wait to read your other books and send this blog posting to my mother who will hoot appreciatively. She's been known to watch all 3 LOTR movies in a single day.
Posted by: Michelle | January 01, 2009 at 12:30 PM
Michelle, I'd like to meet your Mom. I have the books almost memorized and while I haven't seen all 3 movies in a single day, I do babble along with a lot of the dialogue!
Oh, and Donna, you know I love your books - loved Six Geese! And just recommended "Parrots" to a Star Trek fan friend of mine who's been to a few conventions.
Posted by: Liz | January 01, 2009 at 02:29 PM
Thank you, Liz! Crebaine from Dunland makes sense, LOTRically speaking.
And Michelle, welcome to the Reston/Herndon area. I can't quite match your mother's feat--not at the moment, anyway; too much going on. But I do plan to rewatch the whole trilogy soon....possibly after I turn in the next book.
Posted by: Donna Andrews | January 01, 2009 at 06:06 PM
Now I'm suddenly trying to imagine what Crab-Wine from Dublin would taste like. The closest I get is a lobster broth with cognac, which I could live with!
Reminds me of that ancient "Bloom County" cartoon, where Opus hears someone say what he thinks is "Pear pimples for hairy fishnuts."
Posted by: Dana Cameron | January 02, 2009 at 08:37 AM
For the discriminating palate: Hermit Crab Wine ( http://tinyurl.com/935smd ).
It's from Australia, though, not Dublin.
And those with refined tastes will surely want to feature these handsome Crab Wine Holders ( http://www.myweddingfavors.com/crwiboho.html ) at their next bash at the beach. Tres elegante, n'est-ce pas?
(I won't be able to watch, or even read, the trilogy again without thinking of this stuff...)
Posted by: Kate | January 03, 2009 at 08:32 AM
Okay, Dana, maybe YOU could live with lobster broth with cognac. . . you can have all my lobster broth. Especially since I recently had a bout of the itchies after accidentally consuming some crab dip, and am digesting the news that maybe I really am allergic to shellfish.
And Kate, I had to check the Hermit Crab Wine, just to make sure no actual hermit crabs were used in the vintning thereof. Breathing a sigh of relief.
Posted by: Donna Andrews | January 03, 2009 at 10:01 AM
Hi Donna, depending on your TV's age, you should be able to turn on captions, which are a wonderful aid to understanding some of the actors. Or even turn on subtitles for a bit. Happy New Year to you!
Posted by: Kim Laird | January 04, 2009 at 08:25 PM
Doesn't your DVD have subtitles so you can understand folks with strange accents?
Posted by: Rita | January 05, 2009 at 11:33 AM
Well, duh! Subtitles....why didn't I think of that?
Posted by: Donna Andrews | January 06, 2009 at 10:46 PM
Dear Donna: If someone else has already answered this, ignore it, please. Not 'crab wine', but 'crebain',(crows) out of Mordor.
By the way, I think you really are Meg in disguise. I always know I'm going to get a great read with a Meg Langslow book, new or old.
MUCHAS for all the happiness you given to all of us.
Kathi Olsen
Posted by: Kathi Olsen | February 07, 2009 at 05:03 PM
If you haven't watched "Ckerks II" (and have a high tolerance for vulgar language) rent it, and watch for the discussion they have about LOTR vs. Star Wars. If you're not too offended, you'll be laughing your head off!
Posted by: Joe Burkholder | April 13, 2009 at 06:43 AM
Thanks for the laugh. I'll never be able to read that scene again without giggling wildly. BTW, I'm an Australian fan - I have your books on permanent order at Pulp Fiction Books.
Posted by: Liz Marlowe | June 29, 2009 at 04:51 AM