No real spoilers here. Especially since I have NOT read the last book yet.

A friend of mine asked me last night how I liked the newest Harry Potter movie, Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix. I hemmed and hawed a little. I said I thought that, similar to the book, the movie was more of a transition story than a great stand-alone story. There really was not a lot of *story* in this story. Period. I mentioned how my favorite movie is still The Prisoner of Azkaban. I really think the director took his time during that movie - some of the shots are slow and great. The more I think about The Order of the Phoenix, the less impressed I feel with this director. Who......I notice on IMDB......is the director of the next movie. Uck. Any chance that will change? But then...The Order of the Phoenix appears to be the only one not written (screenplay) by Steve Kloves. Maybe I can blame the screenwriter. Who, thankfully, is not listed on the next movie.

So, given that all the books are written by the same person, my question for the day is:

Who is your favorite Harry Potter movie director? There was one director for the first two movies, and one director for each of the last three. Do you have a favorite?

Today, we say a final good-bye to the faithful green monster, the Ford Taurus. My sweetie went to the wrecking yard to try and pull out some things, and he is getting a (very low) insurance check. The title will be exchanged, and the Taurus will be sent off to that great racetrack in the sky.

Or wherever cars go after they get smooshed.

I'm trying not to be too peeved at the fact that the insurance check will probably only help us make a down payment on a used car to get us through the rest of our stay here in Maui. For those of you who don't know how the Taurus biffed it, we were hit head-on on the Hana Highway by a local who was trying to pass another driver, while looking down to change his radio. He was completely in our lane, and there was nothing we could do but smack into the front of his truck. We had a car that would have lasted us the few more years we will live here. Now, because of the other driver, we have to go out and find a new (used) car to drive. And because of his insurance's low-ball payment, we will be shelling out our money to pay for it!

Once I have some time to get through the “I’m just happy no one was hurt” feelings, I have to admit to feeling a twinge of annoyance at the unfairness of the situation.

So, to channel my father’s famous words (again), I should exclaim “Who said life was fair?!”

Here’s a toast then, to the dear ol’ green Taurus. Thanks for the memories!