The Zookeeper's Wife (2017) - Movie Review

Even though the movie was released in 2017, I just finished watching "The Zookeeper's Wife" and I suspect it will haunt my mind for a long time to come.

I use the word "haunt" for several reasons.  First, there are some scenes that I found very hard to watch.  Actually, I closed my eyes for fear of what they would actually show.  As it turns out, there really wasn't anything too graphic to view, but my mind's eye had no problem filling in what the filmmakers graciously left out. 

Second, I had trouble believing parts of it.  I won't go into detail, but I would be interested to hear if you had the same reaction if you watch the movie.

And last, but not least, was the obvious question of what would I do, what would any of us do, if faced with the same decisions. 

It is for that last reason that I would recommend this movie.  

When I picked up this DVD to watch, I chose it because the images on the cover looked so "precious".  I had no idea I was about to watch a movie based on a true story, on real people, and events in Warsaw during WWII.

In real life, the Żabińskis were recognized by Yad Vashem (The World Holocaust Remembrance Center in Israel) as "Righteous Among the Nations" for their heroic actions and saving hundreds of Jews.  The Warsaw Zoo is still in operation today.

The Zookeeper's Wife

The Zookeeper's Wife [DVD]

Antonina Żabińska was the zookeeper's wife.  The couple had friends from a variety of backgrounds and nationalities.  Antonina had one admirer, Lutz Heck, who would play a big part in the survival of the zoo and unwittingly help them with their ability to "hide" and transport Jews to safety.

Knowing in advance that the Germans would be moving into Warsaw sooner or later, Antonina refused to leave her husband, her home and the zoo animals.  As a result of that decision, she and her son became an integral part in caring for and sheltering the Jews that arrived at the zoo.

Not long after the occupation of Warsaw, the valuable zoo animals were transferred to the Berlin Zoo in Germany by their "friend", Lutz Heck.  Under the guise of raising pigs for the German soldier's meals, the zoo was allowed to remain open and became the perfect hiding place.  However, there was much danger in the day to day operation and not everyone could be saved.    

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The Zookeeper's Wife by:

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Lego Sonic The Hedgehog Tails’ Workshop & Tornado Plane Set #76991 Review

This year for my husband's birthday, our son surprised him with a Lego set.  They sat at the dining room table that day putting it together and mostly chatting while our son assembled it.  Building Legos together has always given us an opportunity to spend time with each other while doing something creative and fun.

Our son put a lot of thought into this gift.  His dad loves airplanes, especially the older planes that have tail-wheels and single-engine biplanes. The Tornado Plane in this Lego set is obviously a biplane (two wings) with a single engine. 

In the photo, Tails the fox is the airplane owner and pilot while Sonic the Hedgehog is the daredevil wing-walker.  As you can see in my photo, Clucky (included in set) is also along for the ride.  Don't tell Tails, but I do believe I have seen Sonic flying the biplane in our home.

You may wonder how we know the plane belongs to tails.  That's easy!  His "tail" emblem is on the plane and hanger.

Okay, I admit it.  We are all huge Sonic the Hedgehog fans!  Even now, I can hear the rings sound and the theme song in my mind from the original Sonic video game.  

LEGO Sonic The Hedgehog Tails’ Workshop and Tornado Plane 76991 Building Toy Set, Airplane Toy with 4 Sonic Figures and Accessories for Creative Role Play, Gift for 6 Year Olds who Love Gaming

Lego Sonic the Hedgehog Set #76991

This Lego set is really cool!  If you love Sonic, Tails and Lego, this is a must-have Lego set, regardless of your age.

It has 376 pieces and is recommended for ages 6+.  

Not only does the set include the minifigures of Sonic and Tails, but it also includes the Lego pieces to make the airplane, Buzz Bomber, the workshop, a toolbox on wheels, tools, and a lounging recliner chair for Sonic to rest on while Tails is working.

The complete airplane measures approximately 5 3/4" wingspan, 5 3/4" length (propeller to tail), 4" tall including Sonic on the wing. 

 

The movie that shows Tails and Sonic flying!

 

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Tall Domed Glass Cake Plate Reviewed

I bake a homemade 3 layer German Chocolate cake several times each year.  It is my husband's favorite cake, so it is most often the cake of choice for special occasions, like his birthday or our anniversary.

For years, I have complained that my domed cake plate is not quite tall enough to cover the 3 tiered frosted cake.  It easily covers 2 tier cakes, but not 3 tiers.  

I have casually looked around for a taller domed cake plate.  I have found a few at antique stores, but until recently I had not found one that was inexpensive.  Surprisingly enough, I found it on Amazon.com.  I used the tall domed cake plate on his birthday for the first time this year and I am thrilled with the height of the dome.  What I did not anticipate is that the dome is more narrow and will not accommodate the removable separate cake plate that I normally use.  Until I can find a smaller removable cake plate, I will simply put the cake directly on the pedestal cake plate under the dome. 

As you can see in the photo, the taller dome is perfect for the taller cake. 

My 2 Cake Plates Together -
The Shorter Original Beside the New Taller Dome Cake Plate

 

Glass Cake Stand with Dome Lid 

Libbey Selene Glass Cake Stand with Dome Lid, Elegant Curved Footed Glass Cake Holder, Covered Cake Stand, Versatile Glass Dome

The cake stand and dome are sold together. I really love the ball grip on the top of the dome that matches the ball on the base of the pedestal.  They make a very elegant display and presentation for a delicious dessert without being overpowering.

Because it is glass, it is heavier than my acrylic cake plate, but that weight also gives it more stability when sitting on a table.  It isn't as likely to slide if someone bumps the table.

I measured the interior side of the tall dome and it is 5.25" tall.  The width of the dome is 10.25".  By comparison, my original dome is 4.25" tall and 11" wide.  It is amazing how much difference an inch can make for cake top clearance, especially if the cake is decorated.

Libbey Selene Glass Cake Stand with Dome Lid, Elegant Curved Footed Glass Cake Holder, Covered Cake Stand, Versatile Glass Dome

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Pouring Chute Accessory for Stand Mixer Mixing Bowl Reviewed

I love my Hamilton Beach Stand Mixer!  It was a gift many years ago from my daughter and her husband.  Prior to that time, I had never owned a stand mixer and I was most grateful to receive the gift.  It is a real workhorse.  I've only had one issue with it and I suspect it is a common issue for any stand mixer.  It is hard to slowly add flour, eggs, milk, etc to batter when the mixer is mixing.  

Because the "planetary mixing action rotates the beaters" around the stainless steel bowl instead of only mixing in the center of the bowl, I found myself waiting for the beater to get to the back of the bowl before I added ingredients while mixing.  It was perfect when my timing was right, but would splatter me if I missed that optimum moment.  

I went in search of a solution and found a universal chute accessory that fits my standard size 3.5 quart stainless steel mixing bowl.  It works like magic!  I can easily add ingredients at any time during the mixer rotation without having flour, eggs, or milk tossed back at me.

Sometimes, the simplest things are just so cool and exactly what is needed!

Stand Mixer Mixing Bowl Chute

New Metro Design Pouring Chute Accessory, Fits Most Metal Stand Mixer Bowls, Baking is a Work of Heart

The chute that I found years ago was made of a hard plastic and works great, but I am always afraid it will break at the cut-out slot where it fits onto the bowl.  That is the only reason I have not recommended it in the past.  However, I recently discovered a stainless steel mixing bowl chute and was thrilled to get this inexpensive upgrade.  Plus, I love the baking quote options engraved on the side.

I opted for the engraved quote: Baking is a work of Love.  The word love is not there.  It is replaced with two hearts as you can see in the photo.  That slogan expresses what I have always believed.  Baking and cooking for my family is definitely a work of love.  I've even commented many times that my grandmother's or my mother's special ingredient in a recipe was love.  Without the love, the food just doesn't taste as good.

I have noted that many of the newer stand mixer models include a pouring chute, but those don't have the sentimental slogan.  Therefore, I think a new pouring chute would make a lovely gift for the baker in your life too.

 

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Swiffer Wetjet Floor Mop Reviewed

I've been a Swiffer fan for many years now.  I use several of the Swiffer products that make house cleaning so much easier.  I love being able to throw away the used Swiffer product along with the dust and dirt. 

I have used the Swiffer Sweeper for decades on my hardwood floors, but I put off buying the Swiffer Wetjet floor mop when I first saw it, thinking I would not use it on the hardwood.  Then the realization struck me that we do have tile in our bathrooms and in the entries, so when I decided to buy the Wetjet mop, it was primarily for the tile floors.  However, because the box says it is safe for hardwood floors,  I started using it occasionally on my hardwood floors, and I love it.  

It is so much easier to mop with the Swiffer Wetjet mop!  Because it sprays the cleaning solution in front of the mop, I don't have to carry a bucket or spray bottle and I can control the amount of liquid on the floor.  Therefore, I am able to just damp mop the hardwood.  I am concerned about using any chemicals on my hardwood floors so I only use it when necessary to kill germs and bacteria.  It does seem to dry pretty quickly which makes me feel more comfortable using it on the hardwood. As for the tile, I do use more spray and get it really wet. The active ingredients in the solution are Didecyldimethylammonium Chloride (0.0399%) which is a disinfectant and Chlorhexidine Diacetate (0.0133%) which is used to sterilize surgical instruments. 

We walk on floors and lots of stuff is tracked in from outside.  Frankly, who knows what gets tracked onto the floors.  We do have lots of birds, squirrels and wild bunnies in our backyard.  Those creatures just seem to do foul (or fowl) things and act like animals without concern for keeping an area sanitary.  No doubt, we walk right through "used" areas without even realizing it and track it inside.

When I used the Swiffer Wetjet last week on the kitchen hardwood floor, I had to laugh when my husband came in and commented on how clean everything smelled.  

 

The Swiffer Wetjet Floor Mop

Swiffer WetJet Hardwood and Floor Spray Mop, All-in-One Mopping Cleaner Starter Kit, Includes: 1 WetJet, 10 Pads, Cleaning Solution & Batteries 16 Piece Set, Purple

Now that I have been using the Swiffer Wetjet mop for a while, I am comfortable recommending it.  I have had absolutely no problems with the mop or the solution bottles which are turned upside down and inserted in the bottle holder on the mop.  I don't take the bottle off until it is empty and store my Wetjet mop ready to use immediately when needed.

The sprayer is battery operated.  The initial start-up kit includes batteries, the mop, a bottle of the cleaning solution, and some mopping pads to get you started.   

You do have to put the mop handle together after unboxing it.  There is a cable running through it that connects the button on the handle to the sprayers in the mop.  It is very obvious how the two pieces of the handle connect to each other. 

 

This video shows just how easy it is to get started.  I'm not sure why her Wetjet mop didn't have the pre-installed wire running through the handle, but otherwise, it is a great demo video. 

Swiffer WetJet Hardwood and Floor Spray Mop, All-in-One Mopping Cleaner Starter Kit, Includes: 1 WetJet, 10 Pads, Cleaning Solution & Batteries 16 Piece Set, Purple

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Pork Chops & Wild Rice Casserole Recipe Review

Pork chops are among my favorite meats for dinner.  They are almost always what I order when we eat out, even when we go to a steak house.  

At home, I have several ways I prepare pork chops.  Of course, we grill them and I fry breakfast chops.  I also have a pork chop casserole that I have been preparing for my family for over 30 years.  I found it in a cookbook I borrowed from a friend.  I returned the cookbook long ago, but I copied down this recipe, tweaked it slightly, and now it is a much loved recipe in our home.  I prepare it at least once a month.  It is easy to assemble and is ready to serve in about 90 minutes.

The original recipe called for bone-in pork chops.  I don't like having bones hiding in a casserole, so I use boneless pork chops.  

 

Pork Chop & Wild Rice Casserole Recipe
By Sylvestermouse on Review This Reviews

Ingredients 

• 6 boneless pork chops 
• 1 package (6 oz) long-grain and wild rice mix 
• 2 cups hot water   
• Approx. 1 teaspoon pepper 
• 1 can cream of celery soup 
•  ½ cup milk 
• 4 or 5 Tablespoon butter 

 

Instructions 

1.  Grease 13 x 9 x 2 casserole dish with butter 
2.  Combine rice, seasoning packet in rice, 2T melted butter, and hot water 
3.  Pour the mixture into the casserole dish (make sure rice is evenly spread across bottom) 
4.  Sprinkle pork chops with pepper. Lay the chops on rice mixture 
5.  Place a pat of butter on each chop 
6.  Cover and bake at 350° for 1 hour 
7.  Uncover casserole – in a small bowl, combine milk and cream of celery soup together and pour over casserole 
8.  Bake uncovered for 15 minutes 

Cooking Time Note:  The cooking time is based on thin or medium sized boneless pork chops.  Because oven temperatures can vary and because chop thickness affects cooking time, I recommend cutting into one of the chops to make sure it is fully cooked before you add the soup & milk mixture.

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Pork Chops & Wild Rice Casserole Recipe Written by:

© 2024 Cynthia Sylvestermouse
 

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Temporary Adjustable Portable Window Screen Reviewed

We do not have window screens, but I have often wanted one.  The problem is that I don't want them on every window, just the bathroom windows.  And, only when I am cleaning.  Since it would look odd on the house to have one screen on one or two windows, I have never actually considered getting them.  

However, when I was cleaning the bathroom a few weeks ago, I wished I could open the window to let in fresh air.  The chemicals in the cleaners can be rather intense, especially in a small room.  I frequently open the bathroom window during the winter months, but I don't like letting in insects during the spring and summer.  Therefore,  I don't open the windows once the flies, mosquitoes and other flying insects are active.

While holding my breath, I thought "why don't they make adjustable, temporary screens?"  I answered myself with "how do you know they don't?"  So, off to the computer I ran and discovered they DO make adjustable, temporary screens.  I instantly purchased two.

The day the package arrived, I could hardly wait to tear into it. I immediately carried one of the screens to the bathroom window.  It was amazingly easy to open the window, insert the screen in the window channel and pull the window down to meet the top of the screen.  Fits nice and tight, keeping out insects, but letting in fresh air.  

Perfect for my needs.

Fenestrelle Expandable Window Screen

I love my new window screens!  Surprisingly enough, I have started using them even on non-cleaning days to let in fresh air along with the wonderful summer smells of blooming flowers and to listen to the birds chirping in the yard.  I have found that I can use these screens in all of the windows in my house. None of my windows require a wider screen, although taller, wider expandable screens are available. Fenestrelle Expandable Window ScreenCheck Price

• Easy to Install - simply open window, insert the screen, expand screen to fit width & close the window until it contacts the screen's weatherstrip
  
• Designed for double-hung windows
• White box aluminum frame
• Fiberglass screen 
• Weatherstrip on top and bottom of screen
  
• Portable Screen
• Expandable Screen
• Removable Screen
• 10" High x 19 - 36" wide
• Can be converted to vertical orientation 

Sharing this picture just for fun!  If you look closely, you will see my wild backyard bunny in the yard.  If you can't find her easily, look directly above my name on the photo.

 

Fenestrelle Expandable Window Screen, 2 Way Adjustable, Horizontal (10" H x 19" - 36" W) or Convert to Vertical (19" H x 10" - 18" W), Perfect Replacement Screen for Windows, 2 Pack of Small Screens

 

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Zevo Flying Insect Trap to Catch Flies & Gnats Reviewed

I always welcome spring with open arms, but I don't always welcome the house flies, gnats and fruit flies that come with it.  I especially do not want to welcome these flying insects into my home.  Unfortunately, they come anyway.  

Last year, I purchased a Zevo Flying Insect Trap.  The design appealed to me because the blue light attracts flying insects, but I don't have to see their little dead bodies constantly on display.  It actually looks like a plugged-in nightlight.  All you see is the white backside of the unit and the reflection of the blue light on the wall.  I  prefer this design in my kitchen, which is the area all of those pesky flying insects frequent most often. 

I recently purchased a second Zevo Flying Insect Trap which I placed at the other end of my kitchen as an invitation to those flying "guests" that zip past the first trap that is plugged in closer to our back door. I may not keep it plugged in all of the time, but simply use it when we are going in and out of the back door often.

Further down in this article, I will share pictures, which are unpleasant to view, but necessary for me to show you the efficacy of the unit. 

The Zevo Flying Insect Trap 

Zevo

The trap draws flying insects with a blue light.  The insects are then trapped on the sticky removable/replaceable insert.

These traps do require a plug-in outlet to power the blue light.  I used an outlet close to our backdoor that is otherwise rarely used.  I leave the unit plugged-in at all times.

Be sure to check the box you are purchasing.  The "starter kit" comes with one device and one cartridge, but you can select different options that come with more than one cartridge to have refills on hand. 

• White 
• Plastic
• Odorless
  
• 7.56"L x 7"W x 9.37"H
  

Images - All by Sylvestermouse -- Please keep in mind, one of these images is unpleasant to see

This is the Zevo Trap Plugged In & Showing the blue light

 

Zevo Flying Insect Trap, Fly Trap + Refill Cartridge Pack (1 Plug-in Base + 3 Total Refill Cartridges)

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