It’s very cold here this morning. The weather has been all over the place, but the lack of rain has remained constant. We are in a serious drought here, with forest fires throughout our area of New York. We’re trying to conserve water. We have a well and we don’t want it to go dry.
I wrote a little post yesterday. Tuesday is not a day I post, as a rule, but I wanted to address some issues with commenters that have been popping up on the blog. If you’re interested, just scroll down one post.
Yesterday, I finished We Solve Murders by Richard Osman. It’s fabulous! I wondered whether I would adjust to a new series with a whole new cast of characters, but I fell for it hook, line, and sinker. He’s such a wonderful writer. Not only does he plot a heck of a mystery, but his characters are all so richly drawn. His dry wit is also on display throughout the book. He’s become a favorite author. Read it, my friends. Especially now. We need a wonderful escape – one that makes us smile.
Now, I’m reading another Orphan X novel by Gregg Hurwitz. There’s one more after this one and then I’ll be all caught up. And I’m hoping to read Wintering by Katherine May, a book I’ve had on hand for three years and have managed to avoid. I don’t know why because it has rave reviews. I’ll read anything and everything that can help me cope during the horrors that might be coming.
I want to start in on the dollhouse but the process can be expensive. I’m suddenly worried about money. Gee, I wonder why? So, I’ll do what I can do with the things I have on hand, but then I’ll have to stop for a while.
Imogen in black & white.
I’m feeling under the weather today, so I will make this brief.
Sending love to all of you.
Stay safe.
Happy Wednesday.
haven’t been watching tv so hadn’t heard about the wildfires in your area. sad and scary. hope they can be extinguished soon. in the meantime and always, stay safe and with plenty of water.
glad you loved that new book and have others ready to read. same with the dollhouse(s).
hope you feel better soon!
ran several errands yesterday so we are stocked up for a while. good, because we are supposed to get rain today (hope we both get some … in a drought here, too) and i have more embroidery floss so can continue on with a cross-stitch present.
stay safe. xo,
kathy
Thanks so much, Kathy.
Boy oh boy, do we need rain!
Stay safe.
I can only echo what other readers said yesterday, Claudia. It’s YOUR blog !
The first episode of the long awaited sequel to Wolf Hall began in Sunday. It’s filmed as it would have been in Tudor times using only natural or candlelight. Mark Rylance is superb.
I see Timothy West has passed away , another great actor. I used to love him as Edward the Seventh in TV back in the 1970s
Take care
Oh no! I loved Timothy West. I’ll have to look into this.
Thanks so much, Dee Dee.
Stay safe.
I have the Orman book on hold at my library. I’m #7 on the list and am excited to read it. Hope you get some rain soon and stay safe from the forest fires.
Just read your Tuesday post and have left a comment there, too. xxoo
Thank you, Ellen.
I know you’ll love the book.
Stay safe.
Claudia, I love your posts and I share the same thoughts with you. I too am a solitary and chatty person. Peace and gentleness I strive for daily and I find your blog comforting on many levels. Thank you for sharing your truth.
Thank you, Pat, Your words of support are much appreciated.
Stay safe.
Claudia, I just read your post from yesterday…and I stand right with you on everything you wrote! My father, grandfathers, and several uncles served proudly throughout the years, not to have one president take it all away. Yes, this is your post! I’m so sorry to hear some people have been saying negative things, and especially calling you and Don names…so horrible.
I hope the fires in your area are contained soon. Take care…
Thank you so very much, Barrie.
Stay safe.
You are wise to block people who simply want to troll you. There’s too much of that going on online these days. I haven’t watched the news since the election and limit how much I’m online and feel so much better. I’ve followed your blog for so long, it is so comforting to pop in to see what you and Don are up to.
Take care of yourself and I hope you feel better soon.
Kay
I’m really trying to cut back on any mention of the news, Kay. It’s a wise choice for our sanity.
Stay safe.
Thanks for the recommendation on the Osman book…he changed the characters? Now, I’m intrigued.
I really do hope you get some rain. We’ve been getting more rain here, with more on the way….still trying to dig our way out of a drought. I’ve been watching the forest fires…that is scary.
We have some outdoor work to clean up…hopefully we can start on that today. Otherwise we’ll have to wait til Friday. Hoping you feel better soon…rest up! ;)
He didn’t change characters. This is his second series with entirely new characters. But the first series will continue.
Thanks so much, Donnamae.
Stay safe.
Thanks for clarifying! ;)
xo
Love the black/white photo of Imogen. I’m looking forward to seeing what you do with the dollhouse. But first, take care of yourself and feel better.
Thank you, Marilyn.
Stay safe.
I’m in Central Massachusetts so we’re in the same drought. The lack of rain is starting to get scary. And the high winds we’ve had lately…. You can smell smoke outside from the forest fires. Not a good situation for sure.
This is a tough time in so many ways. Personally, I’m overwhelmed. Hang in there. Good WILL triumph over evil. 👍🙏💞
Luanne
Same here with the high winds.
Overwhelmed but hopeful.
Stay safe, Luanne.
Just checked out We Solve Murders two days ago and will begin reading it tonight. Thank goodness for books and music to get us through,and,friends,of course.You are a friend,indeed! xo
Oh my goodness. I don’t know what I’d do without books and music – especially now.
Thank you, Annette.
Stay safe.
Amen on the blocking. I’ve been avoiding news, watching lots of British drama (Wolf Hall, Midsomer Murders — which I’ve seen before so I don’t really have to concentrate — and Whitstable Pearl, among others. I was sad to hear about Timothy West. I always admired his performances and his family legacy on stage.
I’m so glad We Solve Murders doesn’t disappoint. I so love the other series and it’s nice to know there’s another one to enjoy. I’m reading Ann Cleeves first mystery, “A Bird in the Hand,” (I think). It’s not capturing me like her others but part of that is, I think, me. I’m not sure anything is capturing me these days. Too much stress with the art sale, bedbugs, etc. Just overwhelmed right now.
Hang in there, my friend. Do what you can do on the doll house. You never know when things will fall into place.
It’s hard to completely lose myself in a book at the moment, Jeanie. I understand.
Stay safe.
dear Claudia/Don — good to hear from you but sorry you are feeling poorly. Have been very down lately and the everyday life is looking bleak — it seems to get worse everyday — is there no limit to the horror we see unfolding?? Aren’t there any blocks to the insane man and his actions-looks like to me it is futile — we believe a Hitler-like pattern is beginning–sorry to see this happening–has history not taught us anything? feel better — stay safe/healthy
Thank you, Linda.
Stay safe.
I hope you get some rain soon. I have lived with wild fire danger for quite a few years and have suffered drought. I did have to evacuate for three days a couple of years go due to fire. Luckily, the fire crews were able to contain the fire with the help of a rain storm.
I wish you and Don peaceful and happy days,
Kaye
Thank you, Kaye.
Stay safe.