My First LA Thanksgiving

My past two Thanksgivings were spent visiting Mary and enjoying the sights, sounds and attractions of exciting New York. Our lovely tradition-in-the-making included going to the Macy's Day Parade, a full day of amazing Thanksgiving food with friends followed by holiday movies, and at least a Broadway show or two.

At the Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade, 2009.

Our beautiful Thanksgiving dinner table at Mary's old apartment in the Upper West Side, 2009. 

We put our beloved tradition on hold this year since her family decided to spend the holiday with her in NYC and I didn't want to intrude. (A sad decision to make, but thus allowing me to visit her in the spring... I've never seen New York in the spring, but I've heard lovely things. I'm already looking forward to it).


Since New York was a no go and I'll be traveling to visit my family in a mere matter of weeks for Christmas, that left one logical plan for my holiday: spending my first Thanksgiving in LA. 


I was beyond excited for this little break from work. We got a half day off the Wednesday before Thanksgiving and then the rest of the week off as well.  I practically skipped out of Warner Bros like a giddy school girl getting out for summer break.  (Subsequently, the glorious time off went by entirely too quickly and I am absolutely not ready to dive back into normal routine tomorrow morning. I think I shall begin a countdown to my Christmas vacation...20 days! Yesss).  


I somehow went from being slightly concerned that I might not have a legit place to eat Thanksgiving din to having two dinners to attend on Thursday (for the first time in my life). The first was at Will's apartment...which just so happens to be my old apartment. (A brief synopsis of Will: He is the new tenant at my old apartment and I met him when I went there to get my mail. He is great. I'm rather fond of him... ;-) 

Will carving the delicious turkey. 

So much amazing food.

My second dinner was at Matt and Ellen's. Ten other dear friends from my church came here to dine, give thanks and play games.  Ellen had the place decorated like something out of a magazine, and the food was, again, amazing. Two Thanksgivings dinners is intense, let me tell you.  I tried to pace myself, but didn't do very well I think.  I honestly don't know if I've ever been so full. 

Table #1.

Table #2. 

After I recovered from my extreme gluttony on Thanksgiving, I thoroughly enjoyed the rest of my holiday weekend in LA. I hiked in Griffith Park, went to a couple wonderful yoga classes, watched OU beat OSU, went to a 'Home Alone' movie night, and went to an incredible 80's themed bowling birthday party for my dear friend Marissa.  That party was reminiscent of a college date party: everyone was dressed up, most people were not sober, and we turned the Jewel City Bowling Alley in Glendale into a straight up dance party. So. Much. Fun. So fun in fact, that I think I must include a couple photos...

My friend Kelley came with me. We love the 80s. 

With the fantastic birthday girl.  Thank you for being born and having an awesome party, Marissa.

Overall, my first Thanksgiving in LA was great!  While I missed Mary horribly and we have already determined we want to reinstate our Thanksgiving tradition in 2011, I am very thankful to have friends here who have really become my LA family.  They are wonderful.  (and so are nice little 'stay-cations', if you will. After this fun and relaxing break, I am totally a fan). :-)

Currently listening to: Norah Jones

Why: Because I'm trying to relax and mentally prepare for the work week tomorrow and her soulful sounds are about as soothing as they come. And also because "Come Away With Me" is truly one of the most beautiful and romantic songs ever and I will never ever tire of it. Ever.

Thankfully, 

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We Are Family

I love my family a lot, perhaps more than the average person.  Given Thanksgiving's proximity to Christmas, and the high price of holiday air fare, I will not be eating turkey and giving thanks with my beloved family this week.  Fortunately, however, I recently got to spend time with some of my favorite family members. 
I knew I would regret it if I didn't fly home and go to one last OU football game with Daniel while he was a student (geez, it's weird that he's a SENIOR... ), so that is just what I did. Our amazingly brilliant and hilarious cousin Jake drove from Louisiana to join in this mini Terracina reunion.  We had a fantastic time.  Being on the beautiful OU campus and just being in clean, simple, friendly Norman truly made me nostalgic... but enough sentimental talk.  Here are some photos of the wonderful weekend.  

"...Campus beautiful by day and night..."

Boomer Sooner!

I love this kid. Big time. 

A few days after my whirlwind Oklahoma weekend, my dear mother came to visit me in LA!  I love having her in town.  She got to see my new apartment and workplace, meet my new boss, and meet some of my new friends.  We were in the audience of Ellen (I have a connection there and it's a fun thing to do with out of town guests, okay?), and narrowly missed winning an X-box Kinect (boooo). She guided me in the purchase of my new car (whooo!), and being the saint that she is, volunteered to drive my old car back to Texas.  We hosted a "Meryl marathon" of movies starring the world's favorite actress, Meryl Streep, with some of my close girlfriends. It was a great visit.  :-)

At Gladstone's in Malibu. The golden seahorse is my take-out container. Ha. 

Even though I won't be with my incredible family on Thanksgiving, I am beyond thankful for them and for the wonderful visits we recently got to enjoy.  Christmas will be here before we know it...  :-)

Currently listening to: Something Corporate (specifically Konstantine).

Why: On November 18 I had the EXTREME pleasure of attending the First Annual Dear Jack Benefit Concert at the El Rey which gave proceeds to the Pediatric Cancer Research Foundation. Andrew McMahon founded  The Dear Jack Foundation after surviving leukemia.  As if the worthy charitable cause weren't reason enough to get excited about this concert, it featured both of Andrew's bands for the first time ever in one show... yes that's right... there was a complete Jack's Mannequin set and a complete Something Corporate set. OH.MY.GOODNESS. Can you see musical HEAVEN?! Seriously. The only thing that would have made it better is if Mary would have been here to enjoy this musical bliss with me. (and if he would have played 'Annie Use Your Telescope').  I've seen Andrew perform more times than I can count, and every single time, it's like I fall in love all over again. Sigh. :-)

xoxo, 

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An Unexpected Knock: Guest Blog by Kayla

What would you do if you were visiting a friend in a strange new city, and as you were waiting on said friend to get home from work, there was an unexpected knock from a seemingly crazy person at the door?  Well, that exact scenario happened when my darling Kayla visited me a few weeks ago. The events that followed for Kayla were terrifying at the time, hilarious in retrospect.  So funny, in fact, that I felt her tale must be recounted here. So here you have it: An Unexpected Knock. 

During my first day in LA, I decided to entertain myself at Annie’s awesome celebrity gym while she was at work. Six hours later, after enduring three intense workout classes, running several miles, riding three subways and two buses, I found my way back to Annie’s apartment. I grabbed some food and collapsed on the couch with insufficient energy to do anything more than chat with Annie on Gmail and search for funny kitten videos to cheer her up after a stressful day at work.

After a few minutes there was a knock at the door. I closed my computer and jumped up, quickly trying to make myself presentable enough to answer the door. By the time I got to the door I realized I wasn’t sure if I wanted to answer it or not. Then there was another knock. I realized that my scurrying about had made too much noise to pretend like I wasn’t home so I said hello and looked through the peephole. I saw an older man with dark circles under his eyes, standing next to a shopping cart full of some strange looking stuff and a hammer. Creepy. Yet the visual was nothing compared to what I heard next. He said in a thick accent, “Hello. It’s the Candyman. I have a question for you”. Cue total and complete freak out.

It was like every horror movie I had ever seen was becoming a reality. I knew better than to ask what his question was...that always leads to sure and sudden death. So logically I ran back to the kitchen and grabbed a knife. And then I thought I should call someone but realized that my cell phone had died during my day at the gym and I hadn’t plugged it in to recharge yet. So I was stranded on the second floor with the CANDYMAN waiting for me at the door.

Then I remembered my computer. I quickly opened it and typed to Annie “CALL THE POLICE!!! There is a crazy man at the door who says he is the Candyman!!!” I can imagine how strange it would have been for Annie to receive that message so naturally she thought I was joking. I went on to explain that if I was ever serious about anything in my life it is this. I told her that I was holding a knife and crying (which I was). So then she got serious and tried to think of any possible explanation of who could be at the door. Other than a psychotic serial killer. She thought perhaps it could be the landlord coming to fix something she requested. Good thought. So she told me his name so I ran back to the door to ask my potential killer what his name was. I didn’t really understand the name he said but it most certainly wasn’t her landlord’s name. So any bit of calm I had managed to muster disappeared in that moment. But as I ran back to the computer it dawned on me…maybe he said Handyman! With his accent it was possible and I was still holding onto hope that there could be a logical explanation. I wasn’t ready to jump off of the balcony just yet. So I asked Annie what he might have come to do and then bravely approached the door again (knife in hand). His story matched hers. I felt 85% better but still could not stop shaking from the intense adrenaline rush.

So I told Annie that I was going to open the door and that she should call the police if I wasn’t back in one minute. Luckily I was and the HANDYMAN who pronounces a very hard H, did his job and left. Although I’m sure he was rather confused when I took ten minutes to open the door and wouldn’t go anywhere near him while he worked. But he should learn to call first. And to pronounce a soft H.

Five Little Happies

Here are five little "happies" that are making me smile these days...
1.) My new position at Warner Bros.  
Due to some unexpected restructuring in my department, I suddenly found myself in an entirely new and exciting role two weeks ago.  I am now the assistant to the Vice President of Direct-to-Consumer Strategic Business Operations and the Vice President of Marketing (whooo!)!  While my previous boss was great, the new bosses are both nice and delightful to work with as well, and in my new position I will have more opportunity to dive into marketing projects and learn a ton. Holla! :-)

2.) Photobooths.
I have a deep affinity for photobooths, but sadly do not get to experience them nearly enough.  Kayla and I were thrilled to find a particularly fun photobooth at The Ellen Show.  A copy of this lovely photo strip is now proudly displayed at both my new desk at work and on my refrigerator.  :-)

3.) Being on the "Top Ten Young Alums To Watch" list. 
I got a fun surprise this week when my brother texted me and said "Your name is on some top ten list hanging all around Gaylord..." (which is school of journalism at OU). Turns out that list was the "Top Ten Young Alums To Watch" list which you can check out here. Thanks Gaylord College of Journalism and Mass Communication. :-)


4.) Darker hair.
It's no secret that Mary and I adore the band Something Corporate.  A line from one of their most famous songs (Punk Rock Princess) says, "Maybe when your hair gets darker, maybe when your eyes get wide..." As someone who has dark hair, I have always been particularly fond of these lyrics.  I had been enjoying some great blonde-y highlights for the past several months, but as November rolled in, I decided it was time for my darker winter look. I'd like to think that Andrew McMahon would approve. :-)


And last but CERTAINLY not least....


5.) My new car. 
After my driving my good ol' 1998 Honda Civic since age 16, I decided many months ago that I was ready to bid the old silver beaut farewell.  In fact, I even boldly listed buying a new car as one of my goals for while I'm 25.  I took the plunge last weekend, and now I am the beyond proud owner of this gorgeous 2008 Honda Civic! Hooray!  :-) 

Currently listening to: One Eskimo
Why: This talented quartet from the UK performed on Ellen the day that Kayla and I were in the audience, and what a glorious surprise they were.  Very fortunately for us, we all got a copy of their debut album.  They are Coldplay-esque (in that its soothing, easy-listening, good music that has the added bonus of acting as a headache remedy), but their mix of horns, experimental drumming, and the lead singer's unique voice really set them apart.  Listen to (the very aptly titled) "Amazing." 


Happily yours, 


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The First Annual Reunion of "The Greatest Quartet in the World"

Oh how lovely and true that quote is.  Three of my best friends from college and I (or "The Greatest Quartet in the World" as my sweet brother deemed us) recently reunited in LA.  We hadn’t all been together since May 2008 (with the exception of one large group dinner in December 2008 which hardly counted, it was so quick).  We’ve all grown and changed dramatically in the past two years: Kayla just got her Masters in Spain and is now preparing to move to South America for a bit; Anne is one of the best neo-natal intensive care nurses in Washington DC; Vanessa is a married home-owner quickly advancing in her career at Conoco Phillips; I am trying to navigate the exciting craziness that is the entertainment industry in LA.  Still, as we sat in our PJs in my living room and caught up over Oreos and wine, it was like we were all still living in the Tri Delt house and nothing had changed at all. J Here are some highlights from their visit:

Kayla got to LA a few days earlier than the other girls, so I got us tickets to a taping of The Ellen Show.  We were on the front row on the aisle, so we definitely got lots of camera time enthusiastically clapping and laughing and dancing (oh my!), as seen below.

Kayla and I went to the Griffith Observatory at night to enjoy the expansive views of the pretty city lights…sort of like looking at the stars like I used to do in Oklahoma, only totally different.

We returned to Griffith Park that weekend with the other two girls in our quartet, only this time in daylight.  Oh heyyy Hollywood sign!

I obviously had to take Kayla to my favorite comedy show that I rave about all the time.  As we were waiting in line outside the theater, I spotted Andrew Garfield  After being in LA for more than two years now, I generally never get star-struck, but I was definitely excited about this one. “There’s Andrew Garfield…!!” I whispered to Kayla through clenched teeth. “Who??” she asked. “Eduardo from ‘The Social Network….!!” She still looked confused.  “Eduardo from ‘The Social Network!’ I urgently whispered again. About this time, the short little hottie girl with him saw me looking at him and protectively pushed him along. Ha. He was gorgeous.  My favorite celeb sighting in quite some time. J

Saturday morning, we made a delectable brunch together: homemade waffles, turkey bacon, scrambled eggs, and mimosas. Yummm. It was cozy and fun to cook together and enjoy brunch in our pajamas. 

Even though our team very sadly lost horribly on this particular Saturday, it was nice to watch the game with my darlings from OU. It was also nice that we could commiserate the depressing loss with each other afterwards... blurrrgh. :-/ 

We saw an exceptionally excellent sunset at the beach on Saturday evening. Man, I love those things. :-) 

We had a glorious Sunday brunch at Luna Park; I think this may be my favorite event of our weekend.  Bottomless sangria/mimosas+amazing food/atmosphere+catching up for hours with my best friends=heavenly. (The only thing that would have made it even BETTER is if I hadn't had to be the D.D.  Those mimosas and sangria are gooooood!)

We literally decided Sunday morning to attempt to get last minute tickets to Phantom of the Opera at the Pantages for Sunday evening... and it worked!  Not only did we get day-of tickets to this amazing show, they just so happened to be on the 5th row, center!  Count our lucky stars... :-)  

I must say, I think our first annual reunion weekend was a great success! The perfect mix of fun outings and really just enjoying being together. I'm already looking forward to our next reunion (tentatively scheduled for Washington DC, 2011).  Can't wait. :-) 

Currently listening to: Taylor Swift

Why: I never thought I’d be a girl to buy the new Taylor Swift album the day it came out, but when some stressful news at work led me to some retail therapy on October 25^th, I did just that.  I reluctantly got into T Swift last year when my former roommate more or less insisted that I burn her cd from her.  Try as I did to resist, I quickly became a legit fan.  This girl is good!  No matter what stage of a relationship (or non-relationship) you are currently experiencing, there is probably a T Swift song that relates perfectly and can be used for great therapy and/or celebratory sing-alongs.  ;-)  I wish I could enjoy the catharsis of being able to come home from an exhilarating and/or disappointing date and just write an awesome song about it like she apparently can.  Also, despite her huge fame, she really just seems like a normal FUN person.  I totally have a friend crush on her.  My current favorites on her new album: “Enchanted,” “Sparks Fly,” and the title track "Speak Now.” I just read an article today that my girl is joining the extremely exclusive club of artists who have sold a MILLION albums in one week.  Don't pretend you're too cool... just go ahead and buy it too. You'll be singing along and wanting to be T Swift's friend like me before you know it. :-) 

Until our next reunion, 

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“The most beautiful discovery true friends make is that they can grow separately without growing apart.” –Elisabeth Foley.

A Fancy Schmancy Friday

 Just like a golden ticket got Charlie into Willy Wonka's chocolate factory, this pretty golden ticket got me into the Esquire House LA party on October 15th. 

My dear friend from Oklahoma (and Mary’s current roommate), Brian Wright, works for Esquire magazine and got me onto this fabulous invite list.  With the location set as a 19 million dollar house in the Hollywood Hills and a star-studded list of hosts including Sienna Miller, Emily Blunt, Claire Danes, Jude Law, (etc), two thoughts came to my mind when I received this invitation: “Brian Wright is absolutely amazing” and “What the hell am I going to wear??”

I enlisted the help of my trendiest fashionista friend, Whitney Olschwanger, who helped style me for the Oscars this past year.  I set out with her tips and an ironclad resolve to find the perfect trendy/fallish/classy/somewhere-between-going-out-and-cocktail dress at the Beverly Center.  This proved to be easier said than done… oy vey. After a few frustrating hours of being utterly unsuccessful in my search, a cute dress in the window of an unassuming boutique called ‘angl’ caught my eye.  I wandered inside and came out with a lovely black satin wrap dress.  Mission accomplished. 

Fast forward to the day of the party.  Brian had some tasks to take care of on site, so the plan was for me to take the Esquire-provided shuttle and then meet up with him there.  I won’t lie, the thought of this was a tad intimidating.  In situations like this, I turn to this empowering quote by Marlene Dietrich:

“Glamour is assurance. It is a kind of knowing that you are all right in every way, mentally and physically and in appearance, and that, whatever the occasion or the situation, you are equal to it.” 

I discovered that on a cheesy ‘quote of the day’ calendar in college, and I loved it so much that I tore it out and saved it.  I use it as my mantra anytime I’m entering an intimidating situation.  It’s quite helpful. (I also discovered in getting ready for this particular party that it doesn’t hurt to listen to “The Way You Make Me Feel” by Michael Jackson… that song is so great and sassy.  It just makes me want to put on high heels and lipstick and paint the town red. Automatic energy booster, for sure). ;-) 

After I was thoroughly pumped up from my Michael Jackson dance-along, I headed to the Sunset Marquis to drop off my things.  (Brian had a room there for his business trip, so I got to enjoy a little mini vacay and stay here with him!)  Then it was off to the shuttle location.  “Anyone with you?” the trendy girl with the guest list asked me as she checked my name off the list.  “No… just me…” I said as I pulled out my phone to text Brian.  I wanted to find him as soon as physically possible.  I rode the shuttle with two pairs of well-dressed girlfriends.  Even with a few superficial exchanges regarding lip gloss and dresses (I only wish I was joking), it was pretty apparent that they were not open to being buddies with the poor girl flying solo on the shuttle.  I probably texted Brian again at that point.  

As I arrived at the party, I had the startling realization that because we were so high up in the hills, there was NO cell phone reception, and ergo, Brian most certainly had not received my texts.  I surveyed the situation…approximately 500 beautiful people mingling and partying both inside the multi-level house and outside on the terrace.  There was no way I was going to find him. Oh boy. I repeated my Marlene Dietrich mantra in my head and headed to the bar.  

As I desperately searched for Brian, I found another familiar face. 

  Best known as a correspondent on E!, I first recognized Ashlan Gorse as a fellow Sports Club LA goer.  I waited until a golden moment when she wasn't being surrounded and hit on by hordes of men to make my introduction.  "Hi...do you go to the Sports Club LA in Beverly Hills?" I asked.  "Yeah! I do!" she replied.  We then chatted about her career path to her dream job E!, her adorable new dog, Arora, and how I was never going to find my friend. She was really nice.  I hope I see her at the gym soon;we could definitely hang out. ;-)

Fate smiled down upon me, and Brian found me!  He had had a very crazed and stressful afternoon, and needed a drink... STAT.   We took care of that and then set out to mingle and enjoy the fabulous party!  Here are some views of the party and the insanely amazing house...

And here are some photos of the some of the very pretty people I mingled with....

 

 

(Etc.)

The rest of the evening was a glorious blur of delectable hor dourves and artfully crafted (and incredibly delicious) cocktails. (I honestly drank the best mojito of my entire life...wow).  It was fun and fancy and fantastic.   Brian, darling, I will be your plus-one ANY time. :-) 

 

Currently listening: Mumford and Sons

Why: Because their concert in Hollywood this week was OFF THE CHARTS amazing and my love for them has multiplied.  If you have the opportunity to see this band live, do it! Absolutely amazing... I can't get enough. 

Your favorite plus-one, 

at.

 

It's Beginning To Look A Lot Like Oscar Season

It's that time again...awards season in Hollywood!  Studio execs often choose release dates in the late fall/early winter for their Oscar-hopefuls in an attempt to garner buzz and be fresh on Academy members' minds as the nomination ballots come out in January.  Having worked FOR the Academy the past two Oscar seasons, I've grown especially fond of the excitement, anticipation and (usually) really legit movies that come with this time of year.  While I'm not working for the Academy this year, the feeling is admittedly a bit subdued, but I'm ready to see some good movies, nonetheless! 

Here are my personal ratings/reviews of some new releases I've seen recently.  Some of which may indeed receive a coveted golden statuette (or several, for that matter)... and some of which most likely will not.  ;-)

EASY A

• One sentence synopsis from IMDB: A clean-cut high school student relies on the school's rumor mill to advance her social and financial standing. 
• Annie's Amazing Approval Rating: A (and not just because that's the letter in the title).   
• The Review: This movie is just FUN to watch.  Its hilariously witty screenplay is well-written and superbly acted by its star, Emma Stone.  Another major highlight of the movie: Penn Badgley's extreme hottness. YOWZA! I laughed out loud many times, including my favorite scene featured in the video below (which I'm willing to venture is a scenario ALL-too-familiar to the majority of us...) 
• Do I want to see it again? Yes.

 

NEVER LET ME GO

• Two sentence synopsis from IMDB: As children, Ruth, Kathy and Tommy, spend their childhood at a seemingly idyllic English boarding school. As they grow into young adults, they find that they have to come to terms with the strength of the love they feel for each other, while preparing themselves for the haunting reality that awaits them. 
• Annie's Amazing Approval Rating: B-
• The Review: Starring the very talented Carey Mulligan, Andrew Garfield, and Keira Knightley, and based on what has been considered one of the best novels of the decade, this film has some major Oscar buzz.  Ergo, I went in with high expectations, and sadly, those were not met.  I recognize some very redeeming features about it, but overall, the slow-moving story did not grab me and I was bored.  I think Stephen Farber's review in the Hollywood Reporter puts it perfectly: "Expertly acted, impeccably photographed, intelligently written, even intermittently touching, the film is also too parched and ponderous to connect with a large audience."  
• Do I want to see it again? No.   

THE SOCIAL NETWORK 

• One sentence synopsis from IMDB: A story about the founders of the social-networking website, Facebook. 
• Annie's Amazing Approval Rating: A+++++
• The Review: This is by far the best movie I've seen in 2010.  Incredible writing, acting, music, directing, ETC.  Jesse Eisenberg, Armie Hammer, and Andrew Garfield, (who I really did not enjoy in 'Never Let Me Go' but who I looooved in this), were all exceptional.  I was honestly so engrossed in the story that I was legitimately disappointed when 2 hours had passed and it was over. It was such a unique experience to watch the fascinating back story of a phenomenon to which our generation has witnessed the birth and  explosive growth. I also had the unique experience of watching this HUGE Oscar buzz movie AT the Academy member screening which Nikki Finke wrote about here. The theater was full of excited chatter and applause as the film ended, and I definitely predict numerous nominations for this incredible film. If you only see one movie this season, make it this one. Fo'real. 
• Do I want to see it again? I think the answer to that is fairly obvious, given my rave review... yes, yes, yes. ASAP, please. 

LET ME IN

• One sentence synopsis from IMDB: A bullied young boy befriends a young female vampire who lives in secrecy with her guardian. 
• Annie's Amazing Approval Rating: A-
• The Review: I should preface this by saying that I am an abnormally large 'scaredy cat' (for lack of a better term) who very much dislikes scary/suspenseful/thriller type movies, which caused me to cover my eyes through approximately 30-40%  of this film.  However, even with that handicap in my viewing experience, I can fully realize that this movie is very well-done and I do indeed recommend it.  The young leads Kodi Smit-McPhee and Chloe Moretz give stunning performances.  As far as the vampire fad goes, the overall quality of this film puts the Twilight franchise to absolute shame (sorry Mar), so if you're into the vamp thing, it's a must-see. 
• Do I want to see it again: No (because I am scared little baby).

There you have it. Some great new movies worth seeing (and one worth skipping).  Happy Oscar season! 

Currently listening to:  Mumford and Sons

Why: The top two reasons I am listening to this amazing band today: 1.) McKenzie and I are going to their concert in Hollywood in a couple weeks and  2.) they are awesome. A friend of mine recently described them with this analogy: "Mumford and Sons are to feeling like fall like The Beach Boys are to feeling like summer."  It's true... this English quartet's banjo-driven tunes just make me want to curl up in a big comfy sweater beside a blazing fireplace with friends on a crisp autumn evening and drink spiked apple cider. :-)  Cheers. 

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