♦ Well, who would have known that so many of you have a Detroit or Michigan connection? I am continually reminded of what a small world it is! Thanks for all the Vernors and Detroit love, my friends.
♦ Psst! Don’t say anything because you might jinx it, but the temperature here went down to the fifties last night.
What??
Surely this will be short-lived, but I am determined to enjoy these coolish temperatures while they last. On the agenda today: mowing. With all the lawn we have, mowing is on the agenda at least 4 out of 7 days of the week. Soon Don will be taking over that job. I’ll miss it, it keeps me in shape.
I haven’t begun to pack because I’m in denial. And because Don has the big suitcase. The suitcase transfer will take place on Sunday.
♦ While in Hartford, I’ll be staying in the same apartment I was in last spring. I requested it. Remember the adventure with the mattress in the middle of the night? Since I wrestled that softer mattress down the hall and into the apartment at 3 am, I think I deserve to use it once more, don’t you?
Two months. I’ll return home on my dad’s 90th birthday, September 28th. Yikes.
♦ By the way, Don has heard that his American Experience will air sometime in November. I’ll keep you posted. Since individual PBS stations often air programs at different times and days, you’ll have to check your local listings.
♦ I very seldom buy magazines anymore because so much of the content is a repeat of what I’ve already seen on the web or is uninspiring or the darned magazine costs too much. This is a big change for me as I used to buy tons of them. I know, however, how great it is to be featured in a magazine, as it has happened to me twice. It’s a big thrill. Two of my friends have recently been featured in Romantic Homes.
My dear friend Judy, of 20 North Ora, has a two page spread showing how she made a vintage dress form into a thing of beauty: Miss Begonia. Congratulations, Judy! Stop by and visit my friend. She and her dear husband John have been battling illness in what has become a very tough time for them. Judy has to be one of the most generous and loving people I have ever had the privilege to meet and she can use our prayers and support.
And in the same issue:
Dear Jane of Blondie’s Journals. Congratulations, Jane!
♦ To those of you who participate in A Favorite Thing: After this week’s get together, I’m going to take a little break from the weekly party. I will be in Hartford for two months where I will be coaching two plays at the same time. I expect to be working long hours. That, along with my daily blog posts, will consume most of my time. Adding the party to the mix will be difficult, if not impossible. I can’t guarantee that I would have any time to visit the links. Frankly, this weekend will be tough as well. I’ll be in the Berkshires all day Saturday, will be packing on Sunday and traveling to Hartford on Monday. So, my dear friends, a two month sabbatical is on the docket. I hope you understand.
But, just to be clear, I will continue to blog every day, like clockwork!
♦ I’ve been slow in choosing the winners of the book giveaway. Apologies! I kept forgetting. This is a rare treat; I am able to give away 5 copies of The Last Camellia. The winners are:
• Nancy Blue Moon
• Patty
• Judy Ainsworth
• Grace
• Donnamae
I will be sending you an email. If you read this post before you get the email, drop me a note with your mailing address. Congratulations!
Happy Thursday.
First of all, you photos are just lovely. And how exciting for your friends to be featured in magazines! What a dream that would be. I will miss Favorite Thing – it’s my favorite party but I truly understand. I am glad you will still be posting though. Thanks for choosing me for the book! I am excited!
Thank you for understanding, Patty. My schedule is so crazy when I’m coaching that I don’t think committing to the party every week is a good idea.
Beautiful shots of your flowers! Enjoy the cooler weather — we are having it too…what a relief. Good luck with your upcoming trip(s). Not sure I could handle your schedule!!
I’m not sure I can, either!
Claudia,
Enjoy that weather. I live in Dallas. Enough said. Girl, I do not know how you can be away from your cute cottage for two months! I enjoy your posts and look forward to the post from Hartford.
I just have to psych myself into a bit of tunnel vision once I get there. I can’t think of home too much or it gets too hard.
I remember Miss Begonia…I was absolutely astounded, it was so stunning!
Gorgeous, isn’t it?
Awww…thanks for mentioning my little spot in RH. I’m still pinching myself. I hear you on the cost of magazines. Yesterday I bought Country Cottages and it was only later when I looked at my receipt that I saw it was $9.95. That’s a shame.
Sending positive thoughts as you get ready for Hartford.
XO,
Jane
The prices are getting out of hand. Some of them are $16.00!
Love this chatty post! I am so glad things are going well at home. You deserve this week. I will miss Favorite Things but totally get it. As long as you blog I’ll be ok, I would miss my ‘Claudia’ fix!
hugs,
Linda
I’ll blog, I promise. I have to blog!
I’ve been keeping in shape the last few days by pulling weeds! There were so many…with the heat, I didn’t make it outside…what a job! I’m glad you are getting your apartment back…at least you won’t have to wrestle a mattress! It was nice to receive an email bright and early this morning that I won something….never happens. Enjoy the weather…it’s going to be 68 on Saturday!! ;)
I just mowed my darn fool head off. Did a bit too much today!
It went down in the fifties here in Kentucky last night, too. Very strange, but welcome. I’ve started walking in the mornings so this morning was a real treat. Don’t worry about your linky party. It is just wonderful that you have the work and we will still get to hear from you every day. xo Laura
Aw, thanks, Laura.
Safe travel and much success in the coming job, Claudia! I hope the cooler temps last and follow you to Hartford. Looking forward to blog posts about your work and I’ll certainly look forward to November’s American Experience! I loved seeing Judy featured in the magazine. I’m not familiar with Jane but will visit her.
Thank you so much, Dewena.
If you get a chance would you take a picture of your house and garden from the street. I would really like to see what a person would see of your garden just walking by.
Well, that isn’t so easy to do. Our neighbors directly across the street have a fence there so I can’t get a full view with the camera. Our front yard is really wide. If you look at this post: https://mockingbirdhillcottage.com/2013/06/the-gardens-then-and-now/ you’ll get an idea of the front of the house , the big garden bed starts right next to the porch and that takes up a lot of space. If you’re driving by, you can also see the side garden beds that I put in a couple of years ago.
Actually, most people drive by. We live on a busy country road and walking in the shoulder is risky.
I recently moved into a new house and I am trying to decide what I want in my garden. You have posted some beautiful shots of some of your flowers. I guess what I was asking for was a larger picture of your garden so I can see how they all work together. I want mine to be a “feast for the eyes”. I know I sound silly, but to be in a garden like that is like a tonic for the soul don’t you think?
I had seen Judy’s “Miss Begonia” online before..What a beautiful work of art she is..I hope she and her hubby are feeling better..I don’t believe I have ever visited Jane but I will as soon as I send this..I will miss “A Favorite Thing”as I love seeing all of the wonderful things you talented ladies create..Also I hate knowing that you have to go away again..and for so long..mostly because I know that it makes you sad even though you enjoy the work you do..Thank you again for the book..Now I must get out today and enjoy some of this cooler weather!! Hugs!
I thought of you today Nancy – this weather must be wonderful for you!
Indeed it is Claudia! Let’s hope for a cool weekend!!
I’ll be sure to pop over and visit your friends. Like your area (you have lovely garden photos, Claudia), it’s been cooler here the past couple of days. Quite heavenly, actually!
-Karen
Thank goodness, right?
Claudia, To think of all the time away from your home, is sad. I know you may be used to it, you and Don. I know we do whatever we have to do to keep a job and home . I hope you find some comfort in being in a familiar apartment. xoxo,Susie
We never get used to it, Susie. All total, we will have spent 7 months out of the last 12 months apart. What’s wrong with this picture?
Claudia – Your flower photos are georgous!! Thanks for the mention of my Romantic Homes article. I am still humbled by it. We have been without electricity for almost three days with temps in the 90’s. We had a storm move thru that did an awful lot of damage to Tulsa. We were fortunate and blessed that we didn’t lose trees, etc. Just alot of limbs down and no electricity. You forgot how much you take for granted until you don’t have it anymore.
Travel safe dear friend.
Judy
We are having the cool spell here as well. I feel like I have so much more energy. I love it but know it won’t last.
Beautiful pictures.
I am sad for you being gone so long. But we do what we have to in this economy. Safe travels. I hope all goes well on this adventure. Geez, two months…….I will look forward to your posts.
Yeah for Judy. I was in awe of what she did to that dress form. She is so creative.
Jane as in Blondie is just the sweetest person ever, isn’t she. Oh and I agree Judy is so generous. I have been praying for her husband and for her.
Rest up after your over doing it to day.
Will you be visiting your father for his big day.
Claudia~
Wow! you were right, chatty for sure.
I just love these kinds of post. It’s like we sit down to have coffee or a glass of iced tea and catch up.
So…you’ve got lots on your plate in the next little while. Don’t worry or feel like we wouldn’t understand… STUFF happens.
I think it will be fun to do what you do…and you earn a living…never think you have to explain it.
We love reading about your life and hearing all that is going on…
I hope the mattress is still in the apartment where you left it. I hope you are able to enjoy your stay there.
Can’t wait to see the PBS special with Don in it.
Congrats to your winners!!!! Pat
. First and foremost, good luck with your assignment, two plays at once sounds a bit ominous but know YOU can handle it.
. Of course we understand about the Sat. party – will miss it but look forward to its return later.
. November will be a good time to watch Don – I’ll be away in Oct. but back end of month to celebrate a BIG birthday,
. While thinking of it – an early (rather than belated) Happy Birthday to your Dad – that’s a memorable one – mine will just be getting old!
. Glad you’ll still be blogging while gone.
Safe travel – fill the big suitcase once you wrestle it away from Don – then have fun with him before packing stuff!
Love and hugs – you are one of the best.
Mary
Congratulations everyone..Have a great weekend..