Masterpiece Theatre

     Back in the early 70s, I got hooked on a show called Upstairs, Downstairs, a story about a wealthy London family and their servants.  Oh, my Gosh,  the kids were in bed or at least put in their cages so I could have the quiet time to watch every Sunday night at 8:00.  This was before DVRs.  I fell in love with Captain James Bellamy and Rose, the upstairs parlor maid.  And that started me on a Sunday night television quest.  I took command of the TV from 8 to 10 on that night.  Now some of the series they presented, I didn't watch,  shows about war or mysteries, not for me, I'm too much of a whoops, woos, wuss - one of those words - I'm a scardy cat, don't like scary shows.  But it did make me in love with all things English.  I would pick up a magazine about Britain and day dream about going there.  I was thrilled when daughter, Angela, got an opportunity to study a semester in Brighton.  (actually it was cheaper for us than her living in the Chi O house at ISU)
      Then in 1993, Angela and I were able to go to England with some of her friends and I got to actually see Eaton Place  - where my favorite show took place - and other sights around  London and Great Britain.  We even crossed the English Channel  and I visited Ireland for the first time.....but that's another story.
       Last year they brought a new version of Upstairs, Downstairs back to Masterpiece and when Jean Marsh who portrays Rose came back to Eaton Place this time as Housekeeper, as she walked through those rooms again, again I was ver klempt.
       Also last year, a new upstairs, downstairs type show started, Downton Abbey.  Here I go again getting involved in the goings on of an English family and their servants.  Love Maggie Smith, as the dowager.  She has the best lines.  And those of you,  who are watchers, did you notice the gleam in Lord Crowley's eye when he saw the new maid, his wife has been pretty busy lately, hmmmmm!  new storyline there?
      I read recently that Shirley MacLaine is going to join the show next year as Lady Cora's American mother.  Oh my gosh, can you imagine the dialogue between she and Maggie?  It almost makes me want to do chemo again, if they could assure me, I'd be around for year three. 
     Love, love love television and especially Masterpiece Theatre.