I don’t think I will be doing that again.
It’s too much for Scoutie. She tends to want to move around on the back seat and yesterday, for some reason, ended up on the floor several times where she was wedged in and couldn’t get back up. I had to pull over and help her up. Bless her heart, she doesn’t have the Border Collie ease of movement that she used to have. And I would get frustrated because she wouldn’t ‘stay’ on the seat in a safe position and because I was driving, I was powerless to help her until I could find an exit ramp.
We’re exhausted, especially dear Scout.
She was happy to be home for a brief period of time, yet she was unsettled, as was I. It’s a strange thing, this living away from home. Though we’ve done virtually nothing to this hotel room, it has become our little sanctuary. Then, suddenly, we’re back home, but only for a few hours….no time to take possession again, no time to embrace our little cottage. Just chores that have to be done, things that have to be packed to bring back to Hartford. After opening the windows, I watered the plants and immediately started mowing the front lawn. That took some time. Then I cleaned out the porch gutters, as best I could. Then I ordered a pizza because there is absolutely no food in the house. Then I went online for a bit. I spoke to Don. I talked to my neighbor. I vacuumed (something I didn’t get to do before I left.)
Scoutie wasn’t eating because she was unsure what was happening. She sensed that we were ‘between’ places. And my little cottage that I love so much wasn’t really ‘home’ at the moment because I couldn’t take possession again.
Does that make sense?
The other night I was talking to Don (pre-trip home) and I said that I didn’t really want to make the trip. That even though this was a temporary home, we had our routine here and I didn’t want to leave. He got it. He said he understood because, even though we both would like nothing more than to be in our cottage, our energy is here, in Hartford and New Haven. We’ve done what we always have to do on the road: we’ve created a life here.
So it was somewhat of a relief for both Scout and me when we got back to the hotel around 7:30. Both of us were exhausted. She ate. I watched baseball. My shoulders dropped a wee bit.
Monday, we have to move all over again. But the apartments, though not nearly as nicely decorated as the hotel suite, are fairly nice and we’re even closer to the park. So, that’s the upside. The downside is having to pack everything again and make trips back and forth in the car and then get Scoutie acclimated.
Back at the cottage (taken with the iPhone):
Zinnias and leaves on the ground.
There’s been very little rain back home. Seriously, I’ve never seen the rivers so low. The day before I went back home it rained for about 24 hours here in Hartford and, since we usually have the same weather, I assumed it rained at the cottage, too. Nope. So the zinnias in the Chicken Wire Fence Garden are shriveled. The morning glories are still blooming all along the fence. The zinnias in the barrels are doing fine. The hanging plants died, which I expected. And the potted impatiens, all still on the porch, but moved to a place where they might catch some rain water, are doing very well indeed. These are the impatiens that I nursed through the winter last year. They’ve now been going strong for well over a year!
Don’s deep in the midst of Tech Rehearsals, long ten-hour days. We barely have time to talk. I’m back in rehearsal starting this morning. Scout is sleeping.
There’s a new post up on Just Let Me Finish This Page this morning.
Happy Friday.
Claudia, I love the way your patio looks, so autumn . Those zinnias are beautiful. Poor Scout, It’s sad for her , all this moving. I know she’s happy to be with you though. Take care. xoxo,Susie
She’s tired today, but she’s hanging in there.
Good morning, Claudia! I’m sure it’s stressful for all of you. If I was your neighbor I could water your flowers and even cut your grass! It’s so nice to have family or good friends close by to lend a hand when needed. Your cottage still looks pretty and when you are all back together again under it’s roof, you will be even more appreciative of it! Hope you have a good weekend!
My neighbor offered to cut the grass but we have such a huge lawn, and they are very busy young parents. I don’t want to bother them.
As always, I am happy that you both have the opportunity to work. It does have its downside, especially for dear Scout. I think this job has been difficult also because you have been ill recently. Oh well, such is life. Finish up soon and go Home to really live again. Take care.
Three more weeks, Dottie. I’m not even half-way through my time here yet. The hardest part has been being so sick for over a week. It’s very hard to manage work, Scout and the necessary visit home.
Thanks for the up date. You, Scout, and Don are all hanging in there and doing what needs to be done. We are up north in Wisconsin at our cabin. The colors have been lovely, but snow flurries are coming. Up here and back at our main home of Illinois the temperatures are dropping all day. I was surprised that you had not gotten rain. Both here and in Illinois we had storms come through last night. Maybe our rain will come to New York.
Some rain is coming to Hartford tomorrow. I hope it’s also going to hit my town.
Greetings Claudia and Scout, I think Dottie in Missouri above has a good point that this trip back home was especially taxing due to your recent illness.
Bless Dame Scout, the trouper! I think of her every day (and you, of course!). A wise woman once told me (regarding being a single parent of young girls under very taxing circumstances) that even if we have to sleep in a different place each night, to not live as if this is (and I’m explaining this wrong) a burden or problem; but go about as if everything is calm and fine. As if, we’re doing this now; we’re doing that now; and act normal. I try and do this even with Miss Bella now after so many years. Never pity or poor us that we have to endure this. It’s a matter of perspective and not letting another living being sense your unsettled feelings. I hope this makes a little sense; I know I haven’t used all the right words….You can email me for more details if it would help. I always tell Miss Bella what we’re going to do in advance, and I repeat it throughout the time til I am sure she gets it and is secure. And not let a taxing or troubling aura prevail. Just matter of fact. That’s calming.
I do that, Patricia. I make each place a little home and I’m very calm with Scout. I always tell her everything we’re going to do, both here and at home.
Hi Claudia, despite the lack of rain, your gardens look so pretty. Sorry the (fast) trip home was so tiring for Scout and you. I do understand. Hopefully the upcoming move will go easily. I’m hitting the road again Sunday for a week, so will be off line and will miss your posts on both your blogs — will catch up when I get home again. Have a great weekend and upcoming week.
Have a good trip, Vera!
I have missed you Claudia. I was away from home for 5 days. I have a lot to catch up on. You cottage looks so cozy. No wonder that is where you find your energy.
I find my energy here, as well, Trudy. My energy seems to be wherever I hang my hat!
Well, glad to see at least some of your flowers seem to be doing well. I can only imagine how difficult yesterday must have been for both you and Scout. I am surprised, however, at your lack of rain! We have had more than enough….still mowing every 4-5 days…no rest for the weary! Hopefully some of our rain will make it to your cottage…here’s hoping! You and Don do have a different lifestyle due to your chosen professions…and I’m sure it’s not easy. It just makes your days at the cottage together, all that more important. Enjoy your day! ;)
It seems to rain all around us, but not on us!
Hi Claudia. I’ve been reading your blog for a while now and so enjoy following along with your interesting life. Meredith’s too. I have a big, sweet, 100 pound Golden Lab, Maisy, who is getting up in years. I found a sheet-sized dog sling at ‘Ross’ Dress For Less’ recently that swags between the front-seat and back-seat headrests in my car. Maisy is able to sprawl out on the back seat, but is not able to slip down to the floor. It seems to calm her which makes me a more attentive driver. Enjoy your work in Hartford.
Do you remember the brand name of the sling, Kaye? There are no Ross stores in our area. (I remember them from California.) If you could give me the name, I could google it. Thanks!
Well, the good thing I take away is that Scout ate when you returned to the hotel… so she must have some comfort there. I know moving on Monday will be a pain, but maybe after a trip or two to her old park will bring some comfort, too. Will you be in the same apt. you were in the last time with her? Not sure if that even matters after that length of time. I do know that when she is happy it helps you to relax, too. I hope you are feeling better. We are supposed to go down into the mid 30’s over the next few days. I am so not ready for that! Later today I will bring in the last of the geraniums to winter-over. It seems as if summer just started and we were taking them back outside!! Take care, kiddo, and hope you have a good and (relatively) quiet weekend.
She’s pretty comfortable here now but, then again, we’re moving again on Monday! I will be in the same apartment building, but a different apartment.
Love the new pictures from the cottage..Autumn has certainly arrived there and it is all so pretty..I have got to plant zinnia seeds next year..I have been enjoying yours so much..The funky patio looks nice and relaxing covered in falling leaves..The picture of the zinnia with the daddy-long-legs spider is bright and cheerful..If only we could explain to our pets that sometimes we have to do things they won’t like but we do what we feel is best for them..If Scout could understand that being with you is so much better than being in a kennel where a lot of dogs have to stay..even though you have to move around a bit..We are expecting rain and thunderstorms here tonight..I would gladly send some up to the cottage to water your flowers if I could..lol..Take care girls..
She’s doing pretty well. Long car rides (and we had four hours worth of them yesterday) are very hard on her. She’s pretty tired today, but she’s more relaxed. She even came in the bedroom last night to sleep with me!
I know you’ll all be happy when you’re back under one roof..Tough time for all of you..Poor Scout..Your cottage looks wonderful..Hang in there..How much longer???
Three weeks, Missy.
Such lovely photos of the fall colours!
We woke up this morning to our second snowfall of the season – mitten season has officially arrived where I live.
I worked out of town for many years and always wished I could clone myself – one to work and one to look after the house and garden. Would having a house-sitter alleviate some of the stress of having to work out of town? My university-age daughter housesits from time to time for neighbours. She takes responsibility for the pet care, cleaning, gardening etc. and thinks it’s wonderful having her own place for a week or so. I find it distressing that so many people these days have an attitude of entitlement, so I think this serves to reinforce my family’s belief that one should not take money for a simple kindness.
Love reading your blog with my morning ‘kick-start’ coffee before work. I work at a job where I deal with people every day who make bad choices, terrible choices. Please know that you are a bright spark (!) in my day .
Take care of YOU!
Unfortunately, I’d have to have a house sitter for five weeks and that’s a long time!
Thank you for your kind words, Barbara.
Poor Scout and you! I remember coming home for only two weeks between the months of helping pack up my Mom and moving. It felt ‘weird’ and ‘temporary’ and now I understand why. My energy was still in Texas and getting my Mom moved. Now you have one more move on Monday. Hoping you have a good weekend and get some rest. Love the pics from home though.
hugs,
Linda
Thanks, Linda. Yes, it’s a very strange thing, being half-in, half-out of a place. Strange!
If I were near enough, I’d mow your lawn. You need the time to rest or do something fun. Hoping you get rain soon. Hate that your rivers are so low. It distresses me to see any river low. I’m really surprised at how well your impatiens are doing. No, I’m more impressed than surprised. Mine just weren’t happy this year.
Another thing that impresses me, is your discipline to write to write two blogs every day! With everything you have to do, I’m amazed that you keep this up. It seems as though it takes up a lot of time. And I so appreciate you writing them. I would miss them tremendously if you gave them up.
jane-in-tx
Fun? What’s fun? Oh, I do have a bit of fun with Scout in the park and with the actors at rehearsal. Hey, I’m working, I’m employed. I’m grateful.
Thinking of you and Dame Scout. It’s hard on our older canine friends to adjust to changes in routine! I would second the idea of the backseat cover/sling for Scout. Either that, or use a harness and buckle. I have and older border collie/ black lab cross, and I use a special harness on him which buckles into the seat belt. You can adjust its length and it keeps him from falling forward and to the floor. I got it at my local Agway in the pet supply department.
Good luck on the move to the apartment.
I’m going to check out the sling and/or harness idea, Mary. I don’t want to worry about her falling anymore. It’s dangerous for her and it takes my attention away from driving, where it should be.
I meant to tell you… I loved the picture of your funky patio and garden.
I love the look of zinnias. So cheerful — they look perfect in a funky patio setting.
Glad you were able to get home.
I know you and Scout and Don are all homesick and miss each other.