Phi-il . . .!

Do you have a favorite movie? We have several and among them is the classic Arsenic and Old Lace. The story occurs in a single evening. Carey Grant, the “hero” (if this sort of movie has a hero) believes he is related to two delightfully eccentric old ladies. Adding to the confusion Mr. Grant’s character is also about to marry the girl next door. In his evening of wild discoveries, Mr. Grant learns that these two dear old ladies have for years been dispatching lonely old men with arsenic. Soon after this discovery, Cary’s long lost brother (played by a wonderfully creepy Raymond Massey) and his “doctor” menacingly appear. Quickly it is discovered that the brother is also a serial killer. To his chagrin, Carey’s brother learns that the two old ladies have a “larger” body count than he does. In the end, the two old ladies are sent to an institution, the brother is arrested, the marriage is on and, best of all Cary discovers that he is, in fact, not related to the arsenic lacing old ladies. The film is a truly amusing, if at times, dark comedy.

On to completely unrelated matters. We just received a sad report from Sandy’s mom, Modene Braham. Our favorite equine, Starboy, has passed away. The 34 year old horse was a long time resident and fixture on Modene’s 235 acres of Texas land. On his sturdy back many a visitor enjoyed a gallop across the grassy meadows. On his last day the stately lonely old fellow was hand fed by the 90 year old Mrs. Brabham, who does not wear much lace. Soon after Starboy was discovered to have left this realm for equine eternity. Flowers are discouraged. Teddy Roosevelt was not available to dig the Panama Canal for the deceased. (See the aforementioned movie for clarification if you do not understand that reference.)