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You are here: Home / life / A Grey Friday

A Grey Friday

March 6, 2026 at 8:45 am by Claudia

Gilly and Ruby standing on the pew.

It’s so gray and rainy around here that trying to take any pictures is futile. But I just happened to have this one from a few days ago. I’m contemplating a change of clothing for them as they’ve been wearing these dresses for quite a while.

But then again, maybe not. The days when I was regularly redressing the dolls are over. If the current ensemble is working, it stays. You’ll notice I did not do the Christmas sweater thing that I’ve done in years past.

Are you as exhausted as I am with this daily insanity? Now we’re in a war that never needed to happen. What next? I had a meltdown the other night and Don patiently listened to me. I have to severely limit my exposure to the news. I’m trying my best to stay away from any news apps. But it’s tricky. I can’t go outside and lose myself in chores. Too early in the season. I can work around the house, but there’s only so much to do (or that I want to do.)

We only have so much time left on this planet and THIS is what is happening? This is what we have to look forward to? Imagine the expletives I am voicing on an hourly basis. Then add in Don’s. We’ve had it.

We need some peace and we do our best to find some peace every day. But, my god, it’s hard.

End of rant.

I tried reading the new book by Elly Griffiths, The Frozen People. This is book one in a new series. It just didn’t do it for me. The writing is clunky and although I’ve read plenty of books about time travel, it didn’t work for me here. Now, as always, that’s just my opinion. I zipped forward to the ending and read it. And then I picked up another book that I got a from our library, which I’ve never read for some reason – Practical Magic  by Alice Hoffman. What a relief! The prose moves beautifully. It’s so well written. I immediately relaxed, knowing I was in good hands. That’s how it has to be for me these days. I do not have the patience to cross my fingers and hope the writing and subject matter will improve. The book has to grab me from the beginning and Practical Magic  has done that.

I’ll return The Frozen People  to the library today. I have another book waiting there for me.

Stay safe, my friends.

Happy Friday.

Filed Under: life 16 Comments

Comments

  1. kathy in iowa says

    March 6, 2026 at 10:19 am

    nodding my head in agreement with what you said about time, the completely unnecessary troubles of this world, and not finishing a book that doesn’t keep our interest.

    glad you have don, the girls and your choice of creative interests to love and enjoy.

    doing much the same here. also, slept through a lot of rain last night, then fed earl and the birds and went for a walk. it was dry, then sprinkled, then became a hard rain. i was okay with that (at 55 degrees), but then it quickly turned very scary with lots of thunder and lightning overhead and we were about a mile and a half from home. :o glad and grateful to be home, and washing wet jackets and clothes.

    happy, safe friday!

    kathy

    Reply
    • Claudia says

      March 6, 2026 at 1:45 pm

      Oh boy – that must have been scary! I’m glad you’re home and safe and, hopefully, warm.

      Stay safe, Kathy.

      Reply
  2. Judy Hariton says

    March 6, 2026 at 10:49 am

    I can’t seem to concentrate on reading right now. I have two mysteries from the library just sitting here, already been renewed once. I’ve been crocheting and have the arm pain to prove it. And last night I could not sleep! Just too much going on everywhere.

    Reply
    • Claudia says

      March 6, 2026 at 1:44 pm

      I completely understand, Judy. I hope you get a better night’s sleep tonight.

      Stay safe.

      Reply
  3. Wendy T says

    March 6, 2026 at 11:18 am

    I feel badly that you are feeling so worn out by the daily rants and evildoings of the maniacal sorry excuse for a human being. He is harming the very people who unwisely supported him. Their lives have not improved one iota and yet many are still blindly devoted.

    I avoid the “news” whenever possible. The news is not new and reading about the exploits is not particularly enlightening or making my life better. I have plenty of things to do to avoid click bait, which I studiously avoid anyway.

    Spring is on its way. Look forward to that and a fun exploration at the library.

    Reply
    • Claudia says

      March 6, 2026 at 1:43 pm

      I ALWAYS avoid click bait. Never, ever click on it.

      Thanks, Wendy.

      Stay safe.

      Reply
  4. Linda MacKean says

    March 6, 2026 at 11:36 am

    Claudia I am feeling all the frustration with our world right now. I want peace in my life for this last chapter but looks like it’s not going to happen. If a book doesn’t grab me right away I move on.

    Reply
    • Claudia says

      March 6, 2026 at 1:42 pm

      I’m sending you a big hug, Linda.

      This sucks, doesn’t it?

      Stay safe.

      Reply
  5. Marilyn K Schmuker says

    March 6, 2026 at 11:41 am

    I have to limit the news too. I remember what a relief it was when Biden took over as president. And things are so much worse now! I worry about the world my grandchildren will inherit.
    I loved the Ruth Galloway series. I wish she would continue that.
    It’s raining and dreart in Michigan today but the snow is mostly gone.
    Take care

    Reply
    • Claudia says

      March 6, 2026 at 1:41 pm

      I was sorry when she discontinued the Ruth Galloway series. Ah, well.

      The snow is melting here but it will take a while.

      Stay safe, Marilyn.

      Reply
  6. Mary says

    March 6, 2026 at 12:42 pm

    We now only watch the PBS News Hour, the rest is too crazy. We read more and listen to music. Recently we watched a video called Dave Stewart does Dylan, very different take on Dylan songs. It is available on YouTube. Think small and focus on today. Mary

    Reply
    • Claudia says

      March 6, 2026 at 1:40 pm

      Thanks, Mary.

      Don listens to the news on the app for our local NPR station. He says it keeps him much calmer.

      Stay safe.

      Reply
  7. Elaine (in Toronto) says

    March 6, 2026 at 12:57 pm

    Gosh, Claudia, I feel your frustration. Everyday there is something happening that just makes no sense at all. Americans and the rest of the world deserve much better. If only Kamala had become president, what a different world it would be! Stay strong. Your girls are cute even if you haven’t changed their dresses. Have a nice weekend. Hugs, Elaine

    Reply
    • Claudia says

      March 6, 2026 at 1:40 pm

      I still believe the election was stolen, which makes it even worse.

      Thanks so much for your kind words, Elaine.

      Stay safe.

      Reply
  8. Donnamae says

    March 6, 2026 at 1:37 pm

    Oh…I know exactly how you are feeling. So exasperating…I feel like I’m losing my mind some days. I made a vow to myself…no social media today to start…hopefully the whole weekend. It’s my birthday today….75 years young…and grateful beyond belief to have gotten this far. I am trying to stay positive…and it certainly isn’t easy. So this weekend is all about family and friends…hopefully a few laughs in there too.

    Enjoy your weekend! ;)

    Reply
    • Claudia says

      March 6, 2026 at 1:39 pm

      Happy Birthday, Donnamae! I hope you have a wonderful day. You and Don are the same age. He hits 75 in June.

      xoxo

      Stay safe.

      Reply
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Welcome!

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I live in a little cottage in the country with my husband. It's a sweet place, sheltered by old trees and surrounded by gardens. The inside is full of the things we love. I love to write, I love my camera, I love creating, I love gardening. My decorating style is eclectic; full of vintage and a bit of whimsy.

I've worked in the theater for more years than I can count. I'm currently a voice, speech, dialect and text coach freelancing on Broadway, off Broadway, and in regional theater.

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