The great dancer Tamara Tchinarova died two days ago. She was the first wife of actor Peter Finch (remember Network?) It was all very peaceful. She was up one day, gone the next. She had a most extraordinary early life, middle life and later life – detailed in her book Dancing into the Unknown. It’s not everyone who has their husband stolen by Vivien Leigh. She had exceptional presence, even after her mind started to wander.
♦
There’s a new film that’s just come out with Annette Bening & Jamie Bell. It’s called Film Stars Don’t Die in Liverpool, based on Peter Turner’s memoir of the same name. A Guardian critic gave it 4 out of 5 stars yesterday. It’s a very interesting story about an exceedingly unlikely match (Hollywood star Gloria Grahame, as in It’s a Wonderful Life + Peter). Neither the book nor the film get into it (which is a shame) but Peter is gay. He says bisexual, but I’d say Birdcage 😀 He and Mike met at the Glasgow Citizens which was the first theatre company Mike joined after university. In any event I hope the film is a huge success and that the revival of the book goes just as well. Peter is charming, as is his partner, Yannick. That’s the one who, after me being the young pretty one in the group for many years, arrived to dethrone me. Taller, younger, prettier and nicer. My consolation is people like that usually die young, and people like me live forever. I’m kidding. That doesn’t console me.
♦
Mike is at the hospital for his hip surgery which is tomorrow morning. For some reason they want patients to go in the night before an operation. I’ve checked every possible statistic and there is virtually no risk – nothing for me to worry about. But of course, I’m me, and worry I shall.
We watched Feud this past week. The whole thing. I was terribly moved by it. Especially the last few episodes. It was scripted so it would be easy for the general public to identify with Bette Davis. I didn’t. The person I related to was Joan Crawford. I completely understand her level of detachment. For some it’s necessary.
Tonight is the first night ever I spend alone at number 42. Even with the days Mike will be spending at the hospital this time, the total number of days we’ve spent apart in the last +16 years is still less than 30.
Serious or not, hospitals are horrid places. Speedy recovery.
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If the walking goes well after surgery he can come home Wednesday morning.
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Lol!
” He says bisexual, but I’d say Birdcage”
There’s a pot of gold at both ends of the rainbow, I always say. 👬
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😀
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Best wishes. Can you stay at the hospital with him? Just had my right hip replaced and Ron stayed with me. They even had a guest bed in the room. I was in only one overnight. Hugs
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Mike would hate that. Plus, there are three dogs at home. Were you able to walk the next day?
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No weight on that leg but I was up and around on a walker. In fact I was up that day but again only walked with a walker. I had to do two Physical Therapy classes before they would let me go home, so did those the day after surgery and was home that evening. I slept in the recliner for two weeks so I wouldn’t have to use the leg immobilizer ( flashbacks with that were fierce. ) and then by week five I was walking unassisted or with a cane. For me the greatest frustration was not being able to tire my own shoe on that side. Hugs
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Best wishes to Mike…& I hope you are able to sleep ok on your own. I’ve known a few people who have had hips replaced, & all have been a huge success, though you have to keep doing to exercises afterwards. One elderly man who had his hip done when he was 85 was like a youngster afterwards, so much energy & freedom from pain. xxxxx
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He’s got a ton of energy already, even with the pain!
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“Nicer”??? How could anyone be nicer than you?
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I know!!!! 😛
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Last night my first night here alone, and my partner had only rolled off for a stag night, not surgery. I was bereft, basically.
I wish Mike a speedy recovery and I wish you two would consider coming to our blog-moot next Spring
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Co-dependence can be a wonderful thing! 😀
Spring is usually a busy period for us as it’s when we normally have our first guests of the year, so at this point I can’t confirm anything, but will definitely leave the possibility of attending open 😉
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I am glad you will consider this gig. My followers are a diverse and interesting bunch I promise
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Wishing Mike a successful operation and a quick recovery. Good job you got extra-fit just in time to run around after him – at least a tiny bit – when he comes home.
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-hugs- Please pass the hug on to Mike as well and tell him to get well soon. I suspect he’ll want to get home asap if hospital food in France is as bad as it is here.
Will you be able to manage re transport while Mike is laid up?
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We stocked up on all big things we might need last week. For small things I can walk into town. There’s a discount supermarket and a fancy mini-market at about 400 metres from the house.
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Ah, good exercise then. 😀
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Mother had a hip replacement when she was 95…she was up and about in a week, so there`s hope!
You will be glad to have him home…and he will be glad to escape French hospital food which seems to consist of chocolate mousse and green beans.
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He called to complain about the food last night, and that was only the first meal. I’m hoping Mike follows in your mother’s footsteps 😀 he’ll go insane if he doesn’t.
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It`s a fine thing when you look forward to the pre op period because then you won`t be served disgusting food.
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How’s Mike doing? Updates?
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All is well! He’s supposed to get a bit of physio this afternoon. He was in moderate pain when they took away the morphine machine this morning, but the pills have now kicked in. Thanks for asking 😉
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So glad he’s over the worst of it. You sound happier too. -hugs-
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Well, yes. Even though I look good in black, the prospect of widowhood is wholly unattractive. I’d never be able to find a substitute at Mike’s level.
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lmao- oh you are awful [as Muriel would say].
Luckily I totally approve of your dress sense. :p
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There is no such thing as completely worry-free surgery, so I don’t even try. I will keep a kind thought in mind during this time.
And I adore the work of Annette Bening. I may just go see that movie.
Stiff upper lip, now. We must keep up appreances, even though inside we are frightened.
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All is well. He’ll be back tomorrow evening or Thursday morning depending on how well he does in physio.
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Well, there’s another good film recommend or three, thanks for that. As for Mike, I hope he heals quickly and soon. And as for being alone? We’re all built differently – though Chris and I, best of companions, both still love our alone time. And so we work it out for that to happen as well. ❤
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I have a terribly uncomfortable reaction to hospitals. I hope all is well.
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All over now. He’s home. I don’t like hospitals either.
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