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You are here: Home / life / A Little Snow, A Little Change

A Little Snow, A Little Change

January 25, 2022 at 8:53 am by Claudia

For the past several years, we’ve kept this little cherry spinet desk closed. About two weeks ago, we were sitting on the sofa drinking coffee and we wondered if the turntable would still be workable if we opened it up. It is. And we really like seeing the little cubbies inside the desk, as well as having two levels.

Sometimes it’s the little things that make a difference.

Speaking of sitting on the sofa having coffee, we had our own nature program going on out the back window as we watched deer slowly crossing the back forty. My heavens, they’re beautiful.

This is my current puzzle project. I’d take a photo of it in progress, but one of the hazards of blogging during the winter months is not being able to take pictures in the hours of the dark mornings and dark-too-early evenings. It’s very limiting, which is why I struggle with finding subject matter at this time of the year.

I’m a big fan of the New York Puzzle Company. They sell all the New Yorker covers, as well as other subject matter. The House and Garden cover I just put together is theirs. This cover is theirs. And the puzzle quality is excellent.

This one is a challenge, but I like the challenge. It’s a form of meditation for me.

We had some sad news yesterday. Don came home from the grocery store and told me our favorite checker had passed away. Frank, who was 75, was the cheeriest, most joy-filled guy you could ever hope to meet. We always had great conversations with him – he was in a band, so he and Don talked music – and he never failed to brighten our day. He died, at home, of a sudden heart attack.

He is in our thoughts and we are so grateful to have known him. He truly made a difference in the lives of everyone he encountered. I can’t believe he’s gone.

It’s relative, but these days, 75 seems young to me. Too young to have left us.

We had a very slight sprinkling of snow overnight, just enough to make all the old snow look fresh and white again.

Stay safe.

Happy Tuesday.

Filed Under: life 20 Comments

Comments

  1. Lynda says

    January 25, 2022 at 10:36 am

    Oh my gosh, I have a desk that is so similar. It belonged to my beloved grandmother, the thing of hers I most wanted to be able to keep. It doesn’t have the cubbies, and the front piece of the flip top is missing. I have no idea what the wood is, as it has several coats of paint (put there by Grama). Nice pet pictures!

    Reply
    • Claudia says

      January 25, 2022 at 1:08 pm

      I really love this kind of desk – glad to know you have one, too. Even better that it was passed down from your grandmother.

      Stay safe!

      Reply
    • Marilyn Schmuker says

      January 25, 2022 at 3:22 pm

      I’m very sorry for the loss of your friend. I treasure those connections to community. I grew up in a small town and live near a different small town now. I love to walk into a shop or restaurant and know the regular workers by name.

      We really should invest in a turntable. We don’t have one anymore and we have lots of vinyl sitting in the basement.

      That is a beautiful puzzle. I’m about ready for another one. I am going to check out the NY puzzle company.
      Take care

      Reply
      • Claudia says

        January 26, 2022 at 10:30 am

        Turntables are relatively inexpensive. You should definitely buy one.

        Stay safe, Marilyn.

        Reply
  2. Linda says

    January 25, 2022 at 11:51 am

    So sorry for the loss of your friend

    Reply
    • Claudia says

      January 25, 2022 at 1:07 pm

      Thank you, Linda.

      Stay safe!

      Reply
  3. kathy in iowa says

    January 25, 2022 at 2:36 pm

    so sorry for the loss of your friend. will pray for frank and his family.

    hope you and don are feeling better and have easier days ahead.

    that puzzle is beautiful but looks hard. have fun with it!

    love the desk and artwork of your babies. also the recognition that small changes can make a big difference (because lately that’s about all the changes and tasks i seem to get done … little stuff). it all matters and it all adds up! thanks for the pretty visual reminder.

    kathy

    Reply
    • Claudia says

      January 26, 2022 at 10:29 am

      You’re welcome, Kathy!

      Stay safe.

      Reply
  4. Linda / Ky says

    January 25, 2022 at 3:16 pm

    Claudia — it is indeed sad to me when an acquaintance passes away so early — last week, I learned a favorite stock clerk in my grocery passed suddenly — he and his wife had recently retired together so they could spend time together — really sad b/c he was only 65 yrs, his wife is lost — can’t drive (can’t imagine that) but totally lost w/o husband. we never know the future– would it be better to know ahead of time?? guess it is the luck of the draw — I only know that when your number is called you go–ready or not. pls stay safe/healthy

    Reply
    • Claudia says

      January 26, 2022 at 10:30 am

      Oh, how very sad, Linda. I’m so sorry.

      Stay safe.

      Reply
  5. Chris K in WI says

    January 25, 2022 at 4:22 pm

    That was a sad story to hear. Maybe a fast way to go which can be a blessing. But on the other side, when it happens that quickly, there is no time for good-byes or conversations you will always be happy you had time to have. None of it is easy.

    It is soooo cold here. Schools are already pulling the plug for tomorrow with the awful temps being forecast. The sun is out, but it surely doesn’t help, although it is nicer to look out the window at sunshine rather than gloom.

    Have fun with your puzzle. Those blue sections would do me in. Take care.

    Reply
    • Claudia says

      January 26, 2022 at 10:31 am

      The blue sections will most likely drive me nuts, but I usually go by shape in those cases. Patience is the only way to deal with it.

      Stay safe, Chris.

      Reply
  6. DebbieWe says

    January 25, 2022 at 7:30 pm

    I spy with my little eye…a Chet Atkins record! We grew up listening to him…and of course trying to play like him ❤️
    Wish you lived closer…we have a free standing record player that’s about the size of your desk from my moms house. Nobody wants it but I can’t seem to give it up 😬

    Reply
    • Claudia says

      January 26, 2022 at 10:32 am

      Don loves Chet Atkins!

      We had one of those free standing stereos when I was young. So did Don! They had pretty good sound, as I remember.

      Stay safe, Debbie.

      Reply
  7. jeanie says

    January 25, 2022 at 9:10 pm

    75 is way too young. I’m so sorry he left the world so soon.

    That puzzle is a gem. And I love that you opened the desk. It must feel like you got a new piece of furniture!

    I don’t do well with dark days but I’ve been surprised that the past couple of nights have been bright and one didn’t even need the street lights. It won’t last but it’s nice for a change, even though it is still dark and night.

    Reply
    • Claudia says

      January 26, 2022 at 10:33 am

      Some nights lately, the moon has been so bright it’s been eerie!

      Thanks, Jeanie.

      Stay safe.

      Reply
  8. Kay+Nickel says

    January 26, 2022 at 10:01 am

    I am so sorry you lost a friend. It is hard.

    Reply
    • Claudia says

      January 26, 2022 at 10:33 am

      It is.

      Thank you Kay.

      Stay safe.

      Reply
  9. Deb in Phoenix says

    January 26, 2022 at 9:14 pm

    So sorry Claudia about your friend. It seems like there are so many people passing away lately, or it also could be we are getting older! I love the pictures of your pets above that adorable desk. They are gone but always in our hearts. Take care!

    Reply
    • Claudia says

      January 27, 2022 at 9:57 am

      There are even more that you can’t see in this photo. I’ll try to take a picture of the wall behind the desk soon.

      Thanks, Deb.

      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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