What Do the Simple Folk Do?

What do the simple folk do
To help them escape when they're blue?

You know what I do? I pull out my DVD collection of James Herriot's All Creatures Great And Small. When I'm glum there's nothing quite like British comfort television to cheer me up. The first season is the best, of course, when Herriot is a new vet assistant, working for the brash and opinionated Siegfried Farnon, and witnessing the misadventures of  Siegfried's layabout brother, Tristan. I love all the crusty characters, and the scenery of the Yorkshire Dales is heavenly. And of course, I never tire of the charming romance between James and Helen. I could watch it over and over again. And I have. If you've never seen the show, and you think you might like rugged Yorkshire countryside, dirty farm animals and all things warm and cosy, then I highly recommend it. Oh, and do read all the books by James Herriot, too. Sure to uplift any grumpy or glum mood, I promise.

So what do you do when you're blue?

Comments

[Andertoons]

I dig out some Mystery Science Theater myself. B movies and wise-cracking always makes me feel better.

[Beth]

I love the fact you know that song from Camelot!
When I'm blue? I listen to music, read (of course) and yak it up with friends. All good.

[Sandy Zita]

If you're blue and you don't know where to go to, why do you go where fashion sits... Puttin' on the Ritz.

Ok so maybe that's not a great solution to the problem of being blue.

But to answer your question, we tend to plop ourselves down in front of an old black and white movie to cheer ourselves up. We both have a fondness for "The Shop Around the Corner".

Alternately the British version of The Office has carried us through some very difficult times.

And as a last resort...Crack.

[Gail Richards]

Take an older person to lunch or a play, even a picnic lunch will do, but get them out of the house for a couple of hours. They are more appreciative than young people, and they say things like "You're just a kid."

Surefire movie to make you laugh out loud is "Best in Show" about the dog show world.

The British series "As Time Goes By" takes me to a gentle place, and I enjoy their company.

[Andertoons]

Best in Show is fantastic! As is Waiting for Guffman!

[Ellen]

I'm more of an AB FAB kind of gal for my British television, but I do admit the recent series by Masterpiece Theatre of Jane Austens works was some perfect escapism. I really must check out James Herriots book though.

[Bibliohistoria]

I remember watching Peter Davison (blond fellow on the left) when he was cast as Doctor Who.
So WHEN was the Herriot vet series made?
Davison looks a lot younger then when he was Dr Who. I LOVED him as Dr Who. I think he and Tom Baker were the BEST. But Chris Eccleston was pretty good (funny) as well, I was very sad to hear he only did one series.

[Patricia]

Bibliohistoria, the TV series I believe began in 1978. You MUST rent the TV series if you enjoy the acting of Peter Davidson. His character is so charming, so entertaining and such fun. And he was quite cute back then, don't you think? Before he lost his hair and got a tad tubby.

[Kisane]

Love LOVE the book and the series. Tristan and Siegfried are a HOOT and give me the giggles. When I'm blue? I bury myself in a book, any book, or I call up a good friend or two for afternoon tea.