The Rip

Saturday afternoon, Jack, Sharon and I watched The Rip on Netflix.

The Rip is an action thriller film written and directed by Joe Carnahan. He developed the story with Michael McGrale. The film stars Matt Damon and Ben Affleck. Steven Yeun [Minari], Teyana Taylor [One Battle After Another], Sasha Calle, Catalina Sandino Moreno, Scott Adkins, and Kyle Chandler appear in supporting roles.

The film is inspired by the true story of Miami-Dade County Sheriff Chris Casiano. The film tells the story of a group of police officers within the narcotics unit of the Miami-Dade Police Department who, during a raid on a hidden cash operation, find their trust broken down as team members suspect each other of trying to steal a large sum of cash.

Jack commented that it would have been nice to see the movie in the theater. The movie is very watchable. My only comment is that the action scenes at the end are more than a little drawn out...

Celebrating Sharon's Birthday

Jack spending the weekend with us was the best birthday present that Sharon could have gotten...

In the late morning, Jack, Sharon and I hiked in Ancil Hoffman Park. We did a loop through the Effie Yeaw Nature Center and around the golf course. We covered 3.6 miles in just over an hour and a half. I really appreciate having the park outside our back door.
We did presents before we went to dinner. I gave Sharon a mocktail book and a pair of soundcore Sport X20 earbuds.


Jack, Sharon and I had dinner at Ella Dining Room and Bar. We started with DEVILED FARM EGGS [Shrimp Salad, Egg Mimosa]. Sharon and Jack split an Apple & Endive Salad [Blue Cheese, Candied Pecan, Dried Cherries, Honey Yogurt Dressing, Apple Butter], while I had a chesnut soup. For entrees, Sharon and Jack shared a 48 OZ TOMAHAWK RIBEYE [Crispy Potatoes, Red Wine Jus] with CRISPY BRUSSELS SPROUTS [Golden Raisin Agrodolce, Pumpkin Seeds, Sesame Seeds]! I had TRUFFLE SPAGHETTI [Truffle Cream, Hen of the Woods Mushrooms, Fresh Shaved Périgord Truffles]. The three of us split STICKY TOFFEE PUDDING [Dates, Spiced Pecans, Roasted Banana Ice Cream] for desert.

We finished the night watching the third period of the San Jose Sharks versus New York Rangers NHL hockey game. The Sharks beat the Rangers by the score of 3 to 1. I don't really follow hockey. j Jack raved about Macklin Celebrini.

Adventures with Dawson

Sharon and I drove to Orinda and picked Jack up at the BART station. From there, we headed to Drew and Carmen's house. We had a wonderful visit. It is amazing to see the blossoming of Dawson in the last two weeks. We had a nice dinner of Thai food.

On the way to Orinda, we ended up in a giant traffic mess on 24. It took us over three hours to get to Drew and Carmen's house. After dinner, it was an easy hour and forty minute ride home...

2026 Oscar Nominations

Best Picture
    ✔ Bugonia
    ✔ F1
    ✔ Frankenstein
    ✔ Hamnet
    ✔ Marty Supreme
    ✔ One Battle After Another
    The Secret Agent
    ✔ Sentimental Value
    ✔ Sinners
    Train Dreams


Best Actress
    ✔ Jessie Buckley, Hamnet
    Rose Byrne, If I Had Legs I’d Kick You
    Kate Hudson, Song Sung Blue
    ✔ Renate Reinsve, Sentimental Value
    ✔ Emma Stone, Bugonia


Best Actor
    ✔ Timothée Chalamet, Marty Supreme
    ✔ Leonardo DiCaprio, One Battle After Another
    Ethan Hawke, Blue Moon
    ✔ Michael B. Jordan, Sinners
    Wagner Moura, The Secret Agent


Best Supporting Actress
    ✔ Elle Fanning, Sentimental Value
    ✔ Inga Ibsdotter Lilleaas, Sentimental Value
    Amy Madigan, Weapons
    ✔ Wunmi Mosaku, Sinners
    ✔ Teyana Taylor, One Battle After Another


Best Supporting Actor
    ✔ Benicio Del Toro, One Battle After Another
    ✔ Jacob Elordi, Frankenstein
    ✔ Delroy Lindo, Sinners
    ✔ Sean Penn, One Battle After Another
    ✔ Stellan Skarsgard, Sentimental Value


Best Director
    ✔ Chloé Zhao, Hamnet
    ✔ Josh Safdie, Marty Supreme
    ✔ Paul Thomas Anderson, One Battle After Another
    ✔ Joachim Trier, Sentimental Value
    ✔ Ryan Coogler, Sinners


Best Adapted Screenplay
    ✔ Bugonia
    ✔ Frankenstein
    ✔ Hamnet
    ✔ One Battle After Another
    Train Dreams



Best Original Screenplay
    Blue Moon
    It Was Just an Accident
    ✔ Marty Supreme
    ✔ Sentimental Value
    ✔ Sinners


Best International Feature Film
    The Secret Agent
    It Was Just an Accident
    ✔ Sentimental Value
    Sirât
    The Voice of Hind Rajab


Previous Year's Oscar Nominations

Mayfly 2025

Sea Ranch • immunotherapy • Wyoming Roadtrip • South Africa, Zimbabwe & Zambia • fourth surgery • hospitalized four nights • Carmen's Pregancy • Lee • six weeks radiation therapy • Clem • Feeling Misshapen

You can find my previous Mayfly summaries here!

What is this?

Lunch with Nooter and Snipes

With Nooter staying a few days on the left coast after Julie's funeral, he and I met Snipes for lunch at Polanco Cantina in DOCO. Suffering from the flu, Snipes and Joy weren't able to make it to the funeral.

Afterwards, Nooter headed to our house and spent the night. He, Sharon and I had a leisurely evening having dinner and visting.

[Note to self], I need to get to the east coast to play some golf with Nooter. As I say in the draft of my book, of my oldest friends, I have always said that I enjoyed Nooter’s company intellectually.

Landman - Season Two

Sunday night, Sharon and I finished watching season two of Landman on Paramount+. We finished season one in January of 2025.

Landman is a drama television series created by Taylor Sheridan [Yellowstone, 1923, 1883] and Christian Wallace. It is based on the podcast Boomtown hosted by Wallace.

Episode one of season two aired on Sunday, November 16, 2025. The subsequent episodes of the 10-episode long season were available weekly on Sundays through January 18, 2025.

It stars Billy Bob Thornton as Tommy Norris as a landman for an oil company. The supporting cast includes: Ali Larter (Tommy's ex-wife); Jacob Lofland (Tommy's son); Michelle Randolph (Tommy's daughter); Paulina Chavez (Cooper's love interest); Demi Moore (owner of M-Tex Oil); Andy Garcia (head of the international Gallino drug cartel), and; Sam Elliott (Tommy's father). .

Season 2 follows Tommy Norris (Norton) as he navigates a high-stakes transition from a corporate fixer to an independent operator in the volatile West Texas oil industry. The Norris family faces escalating personal and legal crises that threaten their future, forcing them to make dangerous alliances to survive.

I enjoyed season two. Thorton is very good. The storylines in this season seem less about mechanics of the oil business and more about corporate politics and personal relationships. I was surprised by the addition of Elliott as Thorton's father. Landman has been renewed for season three. The final episode of two season sets up a nice pivot in the plots for season three.

Prayer Card for Julie Tomasin

[ Obiturary | Prayer Card | Pictures | Funeral Mass ]

Funeral Mass for Julie Tomasin

Sharon and I spent the day winding our way to the funeral Mass for Julie Tomasin and back. There was a great group of the Davis Mafia in attendance, including: Rehlich and his wife; Geselbracht and Barb; Lindsey and Maria, Wilson and Karen; Greene and Jeanie; Moore and Patty; Wallen and Jill; Chabrier; Nooter; Gribi; Hunter; and Sharon and I. Drew, Robbie and Gail were also there. I was surprised to see Bob and Jim Wallen and Kyle and Mary Rose.

[ Obiturary | Prayer Card | Pictures | Funeral Mass ]

2026 Palm Desert - Day #3

Up and moving earlier, I did a 10 minute bodyweight Peloton workout.

The plan for the day was golf at the Escena Golf Course. We had a 9:15 am tee time.

The golf course didn't have a driving range; you hit into nets. While I felt like I was striking the ball well into the nets, it didn't translate over the first couple of holes. It has been a pattern lately that I really struggle over the first few holes and then start to settle in.

While I enjoyed the round, I remain frustrated with my inconsistency. I ended up with a liberally scored 109.

We had a late lunch at the restaurant at the grill at the golf course. Sharon split a burger with Holly, while I had a seared ahi tuna salad.

After lunch, we headed to back to the VRBO. Sharon and I showered and packed up our bags. Holly and Van dropped us at the Palm Springs Airport.

We caught a Southwest Flight back to Sacramento. Scheduled to take off at 6:15 pm, it was over half an hour late. Boarding with A4 and A14, we were able to get a very nice two seat exit row on a 737 Max 8.

We were on the ground about 8:15 pm. Collecting our bags and golf clubs, we were home about 9:15 pm.

It was a very nice trip. I wish that we had been able to stay a couple of more days...

2026 Palm Desert - Day #2 [Celebrating my Birthday]

The plan for the day was golf at the PGA West Dunes Course. The four of us teed off at 9:54 am. As usual, I rode with Van and Sharon rode with Holly.

I had a very uneven round. I feel like I am making better contact, but I am still inconsistent. I ended up with a birdie, a par, three bogeys and seven double bogeys, but also an eight, nine and a ten. I had at least five pitches that landed nicely on the greens, but rolled off. The greens were sloped and fast.

I continue to struggle with my emotions. I had a gallery loss around the first green that took me a couple of holes to keep back on track.

I ended up with a very liberally scored 110. I birdied the par three 13th hole with a six iron over the water within four feet of the pin.

With temperatures in the low 80s, the weather was gorgeous.

Jack called to wish me happy birthday as we were driving to a golf superstore after the round.

We finished the day with dinner at Jillians. I had a lobster bisque and the Double Cut Pork Chop [Grilled rib chop of pork stuffed with apples, sausage, and Chef Jorge’s dates, presented with a port wine demi glace]. Sharon split a brussel sprout salad with Holly and had a lobster pasta. Celebrating my birthday, I had Blueberry Cheesecake [Luscious citrus scented cheesecake napped with sweetened creme and fresh blueberries] for desert.

2026 Palm Desert - Day #1

With Holly and Van in Palm Desert fpr the week, we planned to fly down and spend a few days playing golf with them. When Julie's funeral was scheduled for Saturday, we moved everything around and shortened the trip to be back on Saturday.

Sharon and I caught a 3:30 pm Southwest flight to Palm Springs. Boarding with A8 and A10, we were able to get the two seat exit row on an older 737. The flight had 40 to 50 empty seats. We were on the ground just before 5:00 pm.

I was an easy short flight. After we collected our luggage and golf clubs, Holly and Van picked us up at the curb. We are spending two nights at a VRBO in the Desert Falls Country Club Community. Holly and Van are here for the week.

After dropping our luggage, the four of us headed to dinner at the Lavender Bistro in La Qunita. Sharon and I both had WILD MUSHROOM SOUP [Truffle oil, chives] and SOY SAUCE MARINATED CHILEAN SEA-BASS [Japanese white rice sauteed sugar snap peas, unagi beurre blanc, crispy leeks].

Back at the condo, we crashed just before 10:00 pm. We are playing the PGA West Dunes Course tomorrow.

I have only been to Palm Springs once. It was early 1980 [February?] when I was working for California Farm Bureau; 46 years ago. Sharon was here once since we have been married.

Wicked: for Good

Saturday night, January 3, Sharon and I watched Wicked: for Good as a rental on the AppleTV. We saw Wicked Part One last December. Jack, Sharon and I saw the play Wicked in San Francisco in December of 2009.

Wicked: For Good is a musical and fantasy film directed by Jon M. Chu. It was written by Winnie Holzman and Dana Fox. The sequel to Wicked (2024), it adapts the second act of the 2003 stage musical by Stephen Schwartz and Holzman. The play and the films are loosely based on Gregory Maguire's 1995 novel, a re-imagining of L. Frank Baum's 1900 novel The Wonderful Wizard of Oz and its 1939 film adaptation.

Ariana Grande, Cynthia Erivo, Jonathan Bailey, Ethan Slater, Bowen Yang, Michelle Yeoh, and Jeff Goldblum return from the first film. Set in the Land of Oz before and during the events of The Wonderful Wizard of Oz, the film follows Elphaba and Glinda in their new identities as the Wicked Witch of the West and Glinda the Good.

Both the National Board of Review and the American Film Institute listed Wicked: for Good among the top-ten films of 2025. It received five nominations at the 83rd Golden Globe Awards, including: Best Actress in a Motion Picture – Musical or Comedy; Best Supporting Actress – Motion Picture; Cinematic and Box Office Achievement, and; Best Original Song. The film received seven nominations at the 31st Critics' Choice Awards (including Best Picture).

We are continuing our annual journey to see all of the films that might be nominated for an Oscar. Although Sharon lamented not seeing the movie in the theater at the beginning, this is not a good movie. The plot is a mess. It includes a number of original songs not from the play; the new songs are not good. I will be surprised if it is nominated for a Best Picture Oscar...

Dinner with the Gainsleys

Sharon and I met the Gainsleys for dinner at the Butterscotch Den. It is described as Sacramento’s Finest Grill-Your-Own Steakhouse.

Sharon and I both had a new york strip steak. We split a baked potato and broccolini.

2026 Kings versus Rockets

Larkin and I went to the Sacramento Kings versus Houston Rockets NBA Basketball game. We sat in Drew's seats [section 218, seats 19 and 20].

It was a close game most of the night; no team had a lead larger than five points through three quarters. At the end of the third quarter, the Kings led 78 to 76. With Westbrook and Monk hitting a couple of key three pointers down the stretch, the Kings outscored the Rockets 33 to 22 in the fourth quarter and won the game by the score of 111 to 98.

DeMar DeRozan was the high scorer for the Kings. He had 22 points on 8 for 13 from the field and 6 for 6 from the free throw line. He became the 23rd player in NBA history to reach 26,000 points,

Amen Thompson was the high scorer for the Rockets. He had 31 points on 11 for 17 from the field, 0 for 1 from three and 9 for 12 from the free throw line.

I getting more comfortable in Drew's seats. I enjoy being able to see the whole floor. When he was in the game, I focused on just following the rookie center, Maxime Raymaud.

The Kings have 2 wins and 2 loss in games that I have seen in the 2025-2026 season. Although I didn't get to a game in December, my goal continues to be to see one game a month.

Celebrating Tom's Birthday

Saturday night, Sharon and I went to her brother's Tom house to celebrate his birthday. The group included: Tom; Eric; Kevin, Leah, Lydia and Amelia; Sharon and I. Tom made a nice dinner of seafood paella. For gifts, we got him a copy of Grisham's The Widow and a subscription to an App.

Tom - Over the Years

Back from Windsor

After spending the night at Tomain's house, I had breakfast with Tomasin and David.

With a birthday party for Sharon's brother Tom scheduled, I started for Carmichael about 9:50 am. I was home just before noon.

To Windsor

With Julie's passing, I am trying to do what I can to support Tomasin. I took off for Windsor at 11:30 am. With two long stops, I was there by 2:30 pm. The traffic was surprising light.

We went out to the Bar at the Dry Creek General Store for a beer.

We watched the College Football Playoffs semifinal game between the Indiana Hoosiers and the Oregon Ducks. The Hoosiers dismantled the Ducks by the score of 56 to 22.

David ordered pizza and salads for dinner.

We watched the Sacramento Kings versus Golden State Warriors NBA basketball game. With the Warriors leading by one point at the 6:36 mark of the third quarter, the Warriors outscored the Kings by 33 points and won the game by the score of 137 to 103.

Jury Duty

I had Sacramento County jury duty this week, but my group wasn't called. The last time I got a jury summons was 2022. The last time I was called was 2017.

Bannister Park Hike

Late Thursday morning, Sharon and I hiked from Bannister Park to the Sunflower Drive-In in Old Fair Oaks for a late lunch. We both had nutburgers [nutmeat patty served on a whole wheat bun with sauce, onions, pickles, tomatoes, romaine, and sprouts]. With the north wind blowing, it was a brisk, sunny day. We covered 5.6 miles in just over two hours and fifteen minutes.

Dawson!

Sharon and I spent the afternoon in Orinda meeting Dawson Michael Heringer.

Adventures with Clem

Tuesday morning, I drove to Pollack Pines. I needed to fix a Christmas gift snafu; I wrapped the wrong gift for Morgan and Daniel. I had a nice visit with Morgan and Clem.

Christmas Ornaments 2025

2025 marked the 31th Christmas that Sharon and I have celebrated together. I have bought Sharon an ornament for the tree every year since that first Christmas.

This year, I bought her one ornament at the Colter Bay Village to commemorate our Wyoming Ro@d Trip. I got her a second ornament in Zimbabwe when we were on the trip to Africa.

Frankenstein

On New Year's eve, Eric, Tom, Sharon and I watched Frankestein. We are continuing our annual journey to see all of the films that might be nominated for an Oscar. As of today, GoldDerby currently has Frankenstein with the fourth best odds to win the Best Picture Oscar.

Frankenstein is a gothic science fiction horror drama film produced, written, and directed by Guillermo del Toro [Nightmare Alley, Shape of Water]. It is based on the 1818 novel by Mary Shelley. Del Toro had long imagined a faithful Frankenstein film as a "dream project".

The film stars Oscar Isaac as Victor Frankenstein and Jacob Elordi as the Creature. Mia Goth and Christoph Waltz appear in supporting roles.

I was pleasantly surprised; the movie exceeded my expectations. I enjoyed it. Tom noted that unlike most of the Frankenstein movies that he had seen over the years that it was fairly faithful to the book. I haven't read the book. Sharon complained that it was too much like the Shape of Water...