First off I want to explain why my last post and your wonderful comments disappeared. Hootin Annie had asked if Julie has gotten permission to use Amanda's image and it turned out she had not. She got involved with the art work and just forgot. She felt badly and since she would not want to infringe on anyone's rights, she immediately took the shirts off her site and I removed my post. Thank you Anni for the heads up.
I have managed to add a link to her site on my sidebar if you are someday looking for a gift for someone or yourself, check out her clever tee shirts.
Now as for my crush. I wrote long ago about my crush on James Herriot, the English veterinarian who wrote many a delightful book. I still have all of them. Those of you who have read his books all ready know what an amazing man he was. Those who haven't, if you love animals and want to fall in love with someone you don't already share a bed with, then pick up "All Creatures Great and Small."
OK, you guys won't fall in love with this English veterinarian but I'll bet he would be someone you would like to hang out with. I was truly saddened when he passed in 1995.
In the 80's there was a delightful TV series based on his books and I was not pleased when the series ended.
Then the other day I was delighted to see a new series is being run on PBS through February. I don't like the new James quite as well as the old one but he certainly will do. I do have to use closed captioning for sadly even an English accent gives me problems.
The beauty of James was that he had his faults, knew them well and just had no problem poking fun at himself.
As a reviewer once said, his books are a terrific antidote for our times. I am counting on this new series to do the same for me during these difficult times.
Check the series out if you need a "feel good moment" or curl up with one of his books to really get to know the man.
To those of you in the path of that monster storm, please stay safe and warm.
I must live under a rock! What monster storm? Google / weather, here I come.
ReplyDeleteAs for tv, all we have is free stations and antenna tv. In fact rarely watch anything but PBS & movies. So, books it is.
Anni,
DeleteThe storm is a two day big snow storm hitting the NE and about 9 states.
The show is on PBS here, now sure you would get the same but the books are much better.
I'm right there with you. I watched the old series, and now I'm watching the new one. I have never stopped talking about the old series. It stayed so true to the books! And now it looks like they're doing it again. Our library has DVDs of the original PBS series, and I'd been thinking about getting those to watch again. Now maybe I won't have to!
ReplyDeleteDonna,
DeleteThat old series I think was better but this one is OK too. Good thought about the library and the DVDs. Think I will check that out also. Thanks.
Hmm... I've heard that title "All Creatures Great & Small" a thousand times in my life and I can't believe I know nothing about it. I'm always up for something quality to watch, I'll have to look into this, thanks Patti. And thank you for the kind thoughts with this storm, I don't think Pittsburgh got it as bad as NYC, but it's a real mess out there right now! Hope you have a good week ahead, my dear friend. :^)
ReplyDeleteDoug,
DeleteThey keep taking how Penn will be getting nailed. Hope it mostly misses you. Just stay in and drink cocoa:)
The new series is not quite as good as the first one that ran over 10 years but it is still welcome.
Thank you for giving me an idea. I know that my son is enjoying the new series and it occurred to me that the books would make a great present for his upcoming birthday.
ReplyDeleteOlga,
DeleteThat would be the perfect gift to a Herriot enjoyer and he has written a ton of books. I think I have most of them and am considering a reread.
Gosh, it's been a long time since I read that book, and I'm really in need of a lift up, so I am off to purchase it again. Thanks, Patti. And I am so glad you are still hanging in there with the rest of us. I miss you when I don't "see" you in my news feed. :-)
ReplyDeleteDjan,
DeleteThe books were so much better than either series so that would be a good move. Hope you enjoy revisiting the good Dr.
Thanks, yes still hanging in at least once a week.
I remember this book but not the show.
ReplyDeleteWhen I went to the movies and there were English accents I always used to tell my girlfriends that I needed close captions. (and I was in my 20s) They laughed as if I were making a joke. Nope, I struggle with that accent. I know it's English, but I struggle so. Then The Crown or Downton Abby. Oh dear. Captions needed!
I'm glad to know I'm not the only one. :-)
Margaret,
DeleteI know, I can't do it without captions and get tickled how everything is printed out.
"He sighs." "cow mooing" "car starting". Then I realize the really hard of hearing need to be told those things. Makes me appreciate the hearing I do have.
But like you, accents just don't make it to my brain.
I have trouble with accents, too. And it's not just that my hearing is getting bad.
ReplyDeleteThanks for the tip about the book and series. Sounds like something I'd like.
Jean,
DeleteI agree, my hearing is OK but I just have a time with accents, even English. The original James was Scottish and for this show they got a scotsman to play the role so that doubles my confusion. The book might be the best way to go.
I used to watch it back in the day and did watch the first episode of the new one. I recorded it so will watch some more later. They had a cool car in it too. I used to love British sports cars when I was young.
ReplyDeleteInger,
DeleteWasn't Siegfried's car just the neatest? I too love the sound of the English accent for it just sounds so much smarter and classier but I do have trouble
understanding it.
I am not familiar with his work, but I love the British accent.
ReplyDeletegigi,
DeleteDon't the English just sound so classy? Wish I could understand it better.
I remember his name and the title All Creatures Great and Small, but that's all I know about him. I'm going to have to google around to see what I have been missing!
ReplyDeleterobin,
DeleteTry one of his books first, then the series makes more sense. He will make you smile and feel good.
As tall and wide and imposing as my TBR pile is, I think I'll search out a James Herriot book. That is what my psyche needs. I've read a few but I don't which ones and unfortunately I no longer remember details of books I read thirty, forty years ago. So any I have on my bookcase will be a good read.
ReplyDeleteThanks.
Ann,
DeleteYikes, it has been that long hasn't it? Guess I could pull out his books I have on hand and like you said, not remember the details. Good idea.
Oh I hadn't thought of the permission requirement. I have bookmarked her site and I'm thinking there is a gift for my daughter that I'll pick up at some point.
ReplyDeleteI recall hearing about James Herriot but I don't believe I've read a book or seen the series. Since I'm dropped my cable subscription to a limited amount I'll have to see if the series is available on a streaming service.
Take care, stay well!
Eileen,
DeleteNeither Julie nor I thought about the permission needed. So glad you bookmarked her shop and hope you can find something your daughter might like.
His newest series is on PBS now.
We well remembered the old Herriot books and series, so we looked forward to the new version. We watched one episode ... mmm, a little disappointed. But it's still sweet, and I would recommend it if you don't mind a misty, old-fashioned treatment.
ReplyDeleteTom,
DeleteThat is why I said "Almost". The new series isn't as good as the first and neither were as good as the books. It has made me crack open my old copies though to reread.
Thank you Patti for allowing me to say how much I love anything associated with James Herriot! I am enjoying the new series on PBS also! Speaking of the monster snowstorm, hubby in PA called and said they already have 16 inches and it's still snowing. I could tell he felt overwhelmed! Our snow here on the Island hasn't started yet.💖
ReplyDeleteSusan,
DeleteWasn't he just the best human being ever? I had a blog buddy comment in my first post about him years ago that she got to meet and interview him. She said he was a delightful, humble person.
Hope your husband doesn't have to go anywhere and can hunker down. It is supposed to last through Tuesday. Stay safe.
I loved the book series, and am enjoying the new TV adaptation very much. I have a little difficulty understanding the English accents, especially if they are heavily Yorkshire. (and James' Glaswegian accent is difficult sometimes too) I still think of him as James Herriot, even though his real name was James Wight. I wonder if he also changed all the other names in his books.
ReplyDeleteMargaret,
DeleteI agree, the local language and expressions are sometimes hard to get. Also the new actor is from Scotland as James was and that accent is even harder for me. Thank goodness for closed caption.
Alf (James Alfred) Wight did change all the people's names, although they were still clearly recognizable to the people who knew them. :)
ReplyDeleteMargaret,
DeleteI did know that and glad you found the answer before I replied. I understand his son became a vet also and his daughter a doctor. His wife died a few years after he did.
Hey come on, surely we Brits aren't that difficult to understand!:D I understand the American accent and that varies in different areas of the States. :D
ReplyDeleteJoey,
DeleteI think that they have cast a Scot as James and are using slang terms is what is make ing it difficult. Hey I love the sound of an English accent.
Yes I agree a strong Scottish accent is tricky to understand.
DeleteJoey,
DeleteIt really is. I had a college professor with a strong Scottish accent. All the girls loved his sexy sound but weren't really sure what he was saying.:)
Ah shucks... I didn't get to answer your last post --which I found interesting.... At first, I thought I'd like to jump ahead to see what will happen in our country in the future. Then --I said NO--I don't want to know!!!!! ha... SO--I'll choose going back to the early 1900's when my parents were young... I love reading and hearing about that generation of hard working Americans like my parents who were honest; who cared for others; who made the best of everything even though they didn't have much; who never asked for, or expected, any kind of handouts; who understood people's differences and accepted them; and who raised their children to respect adults, and to always watch their manners. I yearn for that these days --with all of the greediness, hatred, and anger all around us today.
ReplyDeleteSO---take me back to the early 1900's where life was simpler --long before Cellphones and Social Media!!!!!!
Hugs,
Betsy
Betsy,
DeleteGood to see you here. Careful what you wish for. Remember that an even worse pandemic hit us in 1918.
I wouldn't miss the cells and social media though.
I haven't read to books and we did not see the original series, but we are enjoying the new series. And the English countryside is so beautiful.
ReplyDeleteLinda,
DeleteYes it really is and I am enjoying the old cars too, especially Siegfried's.
Well my beloved Barb was addicted to his books and the TV show as well:)
ReplyDeleteRay,
DeleteDid she get you hooked also?
I remember James Herriott, saw some of the episodes, but not all. I also remember reading a book titled "It Shouldn't Happen To A Vet", great story and wondering if that was James Herriott as I can't remember the author.
ReplyDeleteRiver,
DeleteYes, that was James's book and I think his second. His books caused a run on veterinary schools here in the states.
I have a coworker that loves James Herriot. I bought one of his books due to her raving about him but have not read it yet. I might need to get moving on it.
ReplyDeleteSue,
DeleteCareful, they are addictive and he did write 23 books though some were children's books.
I read a few of his books, but so long ago I think I need a refresher. I love "real" people with faults - especially if they seem to recognize them and aren't too serious about themselves.
ReplyDeleteBarb,
DeleteMe too. That was a lot of his charm for me. I think I may dip into my pile and do a little rereading also.
I've read all the James Herriott books and loved them. I'm with you about the new James, but he will do since that's who they chose. I really like the new Tristan probably because he reminds me so much of my oldest grandson in looks and behavior. Do you watch the Incredible Dr. Pol? He's an older vet in Michigan and the show follows him and the other vets in his practice as they care for all sorts of animal. I'm a person who loves animals and love all these shows.
ReplyDeleteSnickelfritz,
DeleteYes I do watch Dr. Pol. He is pretty amazing for a 70 year old.
I love animals, watch many such shows. Don't know why I never got into "All Creatures Great and Small". Maybe I'll have to try it.
ReplyDeleteA veterinarian was a friend of Mom's second husband. He was a grumpy old guy -- had no patience with people if he discovered they hadn't followed his instructions with care of their animals as he had told them and would immediately alienate them, thus losing another customer. He had given up his large animal practice when I met him as a child and treated only small animals but his practice was small, too, as I recall.
Joared,
DeleteDoesn't sound like that vet was in the right business since it is the patients owners that pay the bills. He was probably fine with the animals but that is only half the battle. Sounds like he was pretty miserable.
I think he was -- a real loner -- and Pop may have been one of his few friends since he sought Pop out for help. He knew his animals as best I recall Pop saying, and certainly was their advocate, but just had no tolerance when the owners didn't give prescribed medications or follow other instructions he had given and guess he told them off in so many words when he discovered that. He was old then, no longer had a decent office, seemed to move about so had no real consistent practice. He liked what he did, presumably was good at it, but as you say, he didn't use people skills. Don't know if he was always that way or something had happened earlier in his life. As a kid then I didn't pay attention or think about that stuff.
DeleteJoard,
DeleteWe had one just like that. He was a good vet, just bad people skills. He was my backup vet.
Dear Patti, like you, I so enjoyed--just delighted in--the first series when James was played by someone whose first name is "Tim." (I can't remember his second name but he became Herriot for me.) The new James suffers because I so liked the first one. However, this James has a shy infectious smile that has won me over. The two men playing the brother (Siegfried and Tristam) are both very good casting. "Hardy" played Signfried in the first series and he was a true curmudgeon, but the new actor is doing a fine job of being difficult yet somehow appealing. I'll think of you each Sunday night as I watch! Peace.
ReplyDeleteDee,
DeleteYou were close. He had two first names, Christopher Timothy. I miss him also and just found out he is my age. I agree, he did set the bar high for James though.
As I read the beginning of your post and got to the part about your crush on Herriott I thought... oh, I've got to tell Patti that a new version has just come on PBS. Of course you are way ahead of me and found it on your own !! Enjoy it and I WILL TOO. hUGS, Ginnie
ReplyDeleteGinnie,
DeleteWasn't that such a pleasant surprise to see him back? Enjoy him, I plan to.
Oh, I agree.
ReplyDeleteMage,
DeleteYes--and now Sunday nights has gotten good.
Yes, All Creatures is quite a popular show here to. There may be another series when they can start shooting again without social distancing.
ReplyDeleteFriko,
DeleteThe one we are watching now has a 2020 release date. If they are social distancing they are so careful that I don't notice. I hope there is another season coming up.
I look forward to watching this new series.
ReplyDelete