A gorgeous, spectacular sunset on what was a rainy, rather miserable day. Gosh, I love sunsets. I might have more pictures of sunsets than of anything else. Except Scout, of course.
That mail truck?
It was delivering a lovely package for me. My longtime friend Tracie, of My Petite Maison, had a sort of ‘flash’ giveaway on her Facebook page a while back and I won. Tracie has an online boutique that specializes in French Nordic Goods and she has impeccable taste and a beautiful home. Even more importantly, she has been a dear friend over the years I’ve been blogging. We share a deep love of all animals. Many times during Riley’s last year of life, Tracie was there for me. She nursed her beloved Zeke through his last months in much the same way I nursed Riley. She’s a dear, compassionate, loving person who just happens to live in a beautiful town in California. (Need I say I’m a bit jealous on this bitterly cold January morning?)
I hardly ever win a giveaway, so I was surprised and delighted when Tracie informed me that I was the winner.
Excuse the blurry photo, but I just had to show Tracie that Scout was mightily intrigued by this package. I bet she could smell Bechet, Tracie’s beautiful dog.
Here’s a better picture of Tracie’s beautiful wrapping. Sigh. It’s almost too lovely to open.
Here’s what was inside. Vintage by Nina, a big, beautiful coffee table sized book full of amazing photos. Nina Hartmann is an internationally known stylist and lover of all things vintage, who runs the shop vintagebynina.com and also has a showroom in Sweden. This is her third book and it includes not only her work, but the work of eight other collectors and friends.
It’s Gorgeous with a capital G. I can’t wait to sit down with a cup of hot chocolate and indulge in the beauty of the photographs. And it’s autographed by Nina.
Tracie, being Tracie, also included some organic tea and some heavenly lavender.
Thank you, Tracie dear, for this generous gift. And thank you for your friendship.
My neighbors who are stranded in Aruba? They can’t get a flight out until Saturday. So yesterday, there was a flurry of messages back and forth on Facebook, a search for her house key (successful) and instructions on feeding the cats and fish, plus a little litter box cleaning. They had expected to be back by Saturday and it was now Monday, so those cats were happy to see us. They were waiting at the door and guided us right to their empty food dish! So we’ll be doing a little cat and fish sitting this week.
Tomorrow is the start of our Christmas Critter Felt Along. Dawn and I will be posting our first two ornaments, along with the patterns. I just made mine on Sunday and it was a lot of fun. We’d love having you join in.
And finally, the day has arrived! Don’s show, American Experience/The Poisoner’s Handbook, airs tonight at 8:00 on PBS (7 pm Central.) It’s a documentary with a mix of interviews and historical information and a reenactment, which is where you’ll see Don as Dr. Charles Norris. It’s the kind of thing that PBS does incredibly well and we are very excited to see the final product. We’re eating dinner early so that Scout can get through her hyper ‘Daddy is cooking!’ nightly craziness in time for us all to settle down in front of the television.
I hope you can see it!
Happy Tuesday.
Hi Claudia! Your new book looks delightful! I just set my dvr to record Don’s show (the live tv will have to be tuned to the pathetically performing Knicks if my hubby is home) and I can’t wait to see it! For all greater NYC area viewers it appears to be on PBS channel 13 and 10 rather than PBS channel 21. (We are so lucky to have several PBS choices!) I just watched the preview on pbs.org and one of Don’s scene is being shown! The topic sounds so interesting and knowing one of the stars makes it so much more exciting. Stay warm and I’m glad you are feeding those kitties! What does Dame Scout think about that? My 85-lb. Nellie is terrified of cats, even though she grew up with one. Have a great day! Linda
Yes, we get it on 13, Linda. We used to get PBS 21 when we lived in Westchester County, but no more. I miss it! The story is fascinating – I think it will be really interesting! Dame Scout smelled those cats on me the minute I walked in our door! She is intrigued.
That’s an amazing gift dear, glad you like it – this book has been at the top of my Amazon Wish List for some time – Santa forgot to bring it, perhaps too big for my stocking!
Thankful neighbors I’m certain – you are good to help them out and I know the kitties must be purring loudly. Can’t imagine being stuck for such a long time – as you say though, Aruba can’t be a bad place for an extended holiday!
Very unusual weather here on waking today – brilliant sunshine, no wind, no precip but only 6F here this morning – Raleigh’s coldest temps without snow since 1994!!!!
Hugs – Mary
I’m sure lucky, Mary. I didn’t ever think I would win.
The cats were very hungry indeed, but were much better after dining on some food.
It’s freezing here today. Wind chills went down to well below zero last night. Oh boy, what a winter!
Lucky you to be the winner :) I did check and that’s when Don’s show is on at my place to so I have the DVR set. My dog sticks her nose in every bag that I bring home from the grocery store, it is funny she goes one by one looking into them all.
Scoutie does, too. She loves it when I hold out each item so she can sniff it. She gets really excited! So glad your internet is back up.
Beautiful gifts! We are so excited to see Don’s Show tonight!
I hope you enjoy it, Dottie!
Claudia, I’ve been looking forward to Seeing this program on PBS. Thank-You for the heads up! -Judy A-
You are most welcome, Judy!
What a wonderful giveaway, Claudia! I’m glad you won. I may not be able to watch Don’s show until tomorrow – one of the downsides of ditching cable for Roku.
Whenever you get to watch it, Marianne, enjoy!
Claudia, that is a wonderful gift, and I love the wrapping paper, too.
I am so glad you can help those poor kitties. That has got to be awful not to be able to get home to one’s furbabies. I heard that there is a major blizzard warning for Buffalo. They said it on the radio this morning on NPR, I think.
I will tell Mr.Magpie to be sure to watch Don. I have to travel out of town for yet another funeral and a meeting. Then back for another funeral and a wedding.
Stay warm…
xo
Sheila
Sorry you can’t see it, Sheila. But you can usually watch things online at PBS.
Beautiful blog site.. it’s cold here in Montana,too.
Really cold here today – wind chill at the moment feels like 16 below zero.
How exciting (Don’s show)! We MUST spend a bit of time this snow-bound day figuring out how to tape shows. Myu husband has a thing for NCIS and one of us is going to be disappointed if we don’t learn – QUICK!
Congratulations on winning the giveaway. Looks like a great book to enjoy on just this kind of day!
Hopefully, you can figure it out, Rebecca!
When I was watching Antiques Roadshow last night they did an advertisement on the program tonight and I saw Don breifly – the PVR is all set! I am sure those kitties were eyeing that fish up as an Hors d’oeurvre. Cheers!
Thankfully, the fish are upstairs and the door is closed. Plus, there’s a top on the bowls.!
Looks like a very interesting book…congrats. I’ll have to check out her blog. It’s so great for your neighbors that you are able to cat sit…sounds like the kitties appreciated it too! Stay warm…hunker down…it’ll be warmer in a few days, right? ;)
I sure hope so. This is brutal!
I wasn’t sure if we’d get Don’s show here in snowy Canada but it’s on tonight at 8 p.m. Excited to see the final product. Enjoy!
So glad you’re going to be able to see it, Chy!
Beautiful book and love the extras. Have just finished setting up the recorder to tape The prisoner’s handbook, looking forward to seeing yiour handsome husband in the lead role tonight. Thank you for the reminder. How is the weather in your area?
Cold, cold and cold! Plus it’s very, very windy.
Don’t ya just love to win something! Especially something as lovely as your package! Enjoy! Itt happens just when you least expect!
Yes, it was such a nice surprise, Kelly!
Every morning when I open your blog, Claudia, it’s like opening a present as lovely as that one. Complete with silver-lace ribbon, lavender and a cup of tea. How’s that for a metaphor? (And especially when you include a photograph of precious Scout…)
Aw, you’re so sweet, Nancy!
By the way, Claudia, I’ll bet that many of your readers would be interested in visiting this website…you know that we are enjoying Don’s success vicariously, right? There are two interesting slideshows: Poison in common products, and Tales from The Poisoner’s Handbook. I liked the “Introduction” as well. And, of course, there is Don, in the credits!
http://www.pbs.org/wgbh/americanexperience/films/poisoners/
Thanks so much for the link, Nancy!
I have my DVR all set for Don’s program tonight, since I work late. Can’t wait to see it!
Enjoy, Debra!
I have one of NIna’s books. Not sure if it is that one. I will have to look and see.
Love that mail truck when it comes to my house. Love winning such sweet things.
I couldn’t find Don’s show last night. I checked all the channels and couldn’t find PBS…….maybe because it wasn’t on last night. Oh my…..will try again tonight.
So nice that you could find the key and help the stranded pets.
It’s cold here as it is there I am sure. Our pump froze and we have no water and can’t flush. Yuck.
Keep warm and cozy.
It’s on tonight, Debby!
I just set the DVR! Hope to watch it right at 7pm – but have it on DVR just in case. It sounds like an awesome AND educational show – cant’ wait! I’ll even feel like I “kinda’ know” the star of the show! :) Enjoy the evening!
You do kinda know the actor playing Charles Norris!
OH Claudia I would loved to have seen Don’s programme, but alas, I live in the UK Do you know if there are any plans to show it over here? Blessings. Lesley UK
I really don’t know, Lesley! Maybe it will be available for viewing on pbs.org’s website in the future….hopefully.
I don’t know if we’re having more lovely sunsets lately or I am just noticing them … Because I carry a camera more often; but they have certainly been pretty here too!
Congrats on your win -looks like it contains pretty dwelling pictures and wonderful ideas.
I have my phone set to remind me of tonight’s programming… Can’t wait to see it! Pat
Winter sunsets always seem more spectacular to me, Pat.
Sweet gift and the wrapping is lovely. Glad you are able to cat and fish sit for your neighbors! So many people stranded!! I’m all set to watch Don’s show tonight!!!
hugs,
Linda
If I had to be stranded, I’d pick Paris, London, Rome and maybe Aruba.
What a sweet prize you won..We saw Don during last nights Antiques Road Show also..I’m so excited to see him tonight!!
Me too, Nancy!
Hi Claudia,
It’s so nice of you to post about the book and mention me with such thoughtfulness today. You bring tears to my eyes and tug at my heart. It’s been an honor to share our love of animals over the years, and of course, decorating our old homes and our love of PBS too. Thank you, my dear friend. I love the photo of Scout sniffing the paper. Yes, she must have smelled Bechet as he “has to” get in the middle of everything always to make sure I do a proper job!
Shayne and I are have our TiVo programmed for tonight, we’re so looking forward to Don’s premiere on PBS.
I am so happy you love the book, I was thrilled to wrap it up and send it to you!
Love & hugs from sunny California (just had to throw that in ;) Have fun tonight watching the show!
~Tracie
And our love of TCM, Tracie! Thank you again, my friend. xoxo
How could I forget TCM? Did you see Private Screenings: Robert Osborne last night? I recorded it but haven’t watched it yet, probably will this weekend. Excited about it and hearing his take on real Hollywood stars.
Yes, we saw it and it was fabulous. I learned so much about him. He truly is a wonderful man, loved by many.
Good to hear, Claudia. Looking forward to watching it soon.
Can’t wait! So looking forward to the show!
Yay!
Congrats on winning that lovely giveaway! I’m cat-sitting right now for my neighbor-friends who are in WA right now. Brian and I will be tuning into PBS in a little over an hour, though Brian can’t watch the whole thing because he goes to bed early (due to getting up at 4:15 a.m. for work). Anyway…can’t wait to see it; very exciting!
Thanks so much for tuning in, Melanie.
Yesterday, I cleaned out the litter box which was so full that the cats had somehow dragged a run on top of it to show their disgust. Hopefully, Don and I have managed to get things back in order for them after a couple of days with no attention!
Bravo Don..Fascinating story! Thoroughly enjoyed it!
Thanks so much, Nancy! I passed your comment on to Don. He loves hearing them!
Saw it, enjoyed it very much, Don did a great job!
Thanks so much, Laurie. I am very proud of him!
Hi Claudia,
What a gorgeous sunset!! My Mom loved Sunsets so much she made a scrapbook of them to enjoy!!!
I taped the Poisoner’s Handbook to watch later. can’t wait to watch it!
Debbi
Enjoy, Debbi. It was really, really good!
Noble and I watched the show and loved it and Don was absolutely terrific! He is one fine actor! Maybe they can work together one day. I hope more work will come his way from this. He is that good!
Oh, thank you so much, Tina. I just read your comment to Don and he thanks you and Noble. I’d love to see those two get the chance to work together. Fingers crossed!
Congrats on winning the book. It looks lovely. Nothing like indulging in beautifully styled and photographed rooms. It sounds like a visual delight. Scout was enjoying the wrapping. Sitting her with my dear sweet Kayla on my lap while I get caught-up reading your blog.
The book looked so lovely that I wanted to see if I could buy a copy. It’s not in my budget at this time. You got quite the book! Amazon has it for $68.00. Now that’s a great work of art for a coffee table! Congrats again.