My dear blogging friends and readers, you are the best in the world. I’ve said it before and I said it repeatedly to Don yesterday. “I have the best readers!”
And he agrees.
Thank you for tuning in to American Experience: The Poisoner’s Handbook Tuesday night. Between the congratulatory comments here on the blog and those on Facebook, our cup runneth over. Again and again yesterday, I read your comments out loud to Don and he was simply delighted. He was amazed and grateful that so many of you took the time out of your busy lives to spend a couple of hours watching The Poisoner’s Handbook.
Don is a wonderful actor. He can do anything; he can move from Farce to a show-stealing and wildly funny Doolittle in Pygmalion to Shakespeare to the gravitas of Dr. Charles Norris. Though I’m pretty sure I’m his biggest fan, I’m not alone. He is highly respected by his peers and directors love working with him.
Yes, he is tall – over 6 feet 4 inches tall. The period look to the costumes he wore added a little bulk, as well. He’s an imposing presence on stage and on the screen. And yes, that was his wedding ring, the one I put on his finger, that you saw in the hand washing scene. (It gave me a little thrill, too.)
I, along with you, was fascinated by the subject matter. I found it riveting. PBS does this kind of thing so well, this mix of documentary, interviews, still photos and re-enactments. The production values were excellent, the design and look of the re-enactments were true to the period; it was simply wonderful. Edited to add: If you somehow missed it, you can watch it online at pbs.org.)
And now, Don has a message for all of you:
I am so moved by the wonderful relationship Claudia has with you, her readers and co-creators and family of Mockingbird Hill Cottage. I heard all your wonderful comments and great observations regarding the PBS program I was lucky to be a part of. I thank you each and every one for your kind words and insights. You make it all worthwhile.
Love,
Don
Thank you, thank you, dear friends. You made our day.
In other news: When I ordered our new mattresses, I was told that delivery would be on or around January 29th. Yesterday, I received a call saying they will be delivered next Thursday, January 16th. Yikes. Now I’m praying that everything I have ordered; a new headboard, bed frame, sheets, mattress pad, dust ruffle, arrives before the mattresses. I thought I had more wiggle room and it turns out I don’t. I surely wouldn’t have been quite so casual about the whole thing had I known they were arriving sooner rather than later!
There are other challenges. We have to rearrange the bedroom to accommodate the bigger bed. Then we have to coordinate everything else: moving the furniture out of the hallway studio (and where do we put that?), clearing space in and around the stairway downstairs, deciding where to temporarily stash our current mattresses that day because the delivery guys are going to take them away for us. There is so little space in this cottage that there is a domino effect for every move. If this moves, than that has to move. If I put this here, where do I put that? Needless to say, my head is spinning. I ordered everything, including the mattresses, online. The only thing I haven’t ordered is a blanket. If any of you have a California King mattress, can you answer a question for me? I don’t seem to see any cotton blankets that are that size. Am I to assume that King size blankets are used instead? That’s what I had to order for the bed coverlet, which, thankfully, has already arrived – I got it for half price at Garnet Hill. (That quilt on the bed that I made? Too small for the new bed. I will have to fold it up and place it at the foot of the bed.) I feel like I’m choreographing a highly complex dance. Help!
Just kidding.
Or maybe I’m not kidding…
Happy Thursday.
Claudia I made extra blankets by stitching two matching xlong twins together. They make an extra long twin bed (most colleges dorm rooms have them) and the blankets for those work perfect if you don’t mind the extra time at the sewing machine. It’s also a lot cheaper to do that way. If you have a comforter on top no one will be the wiser :)
Good idea! Thanks, Dawn!
Don is just great. Getting something new into a small house is a hassle but so worth it in the end. Just have to roll with it! :-) Hedy
Doing my best, Hedy!
I so wish I could see Don as Doolittle!! So much to do as you change out the beds but you both will sleep so much better when all is said and done. I saw the comment about sewing two twin extra long blankets together and bet that would work really well. Good luck with all the shifting around. I live in a small space I so understand the ‘if something moves then something else has to move etc’
Wishing you both a good day
hugs,
Linda
Thank you, Linda! It will all be worth it in the end, that’s for sure!
BRAVOS to Don !!!! He’s an amazing actor and extremely talented.
I had to chuckle when you said that the ring that Don’s wearing in the hand washing scene was indeed his real wedding band. I was going to ask that question of you. You must have read my mind.
In May we bought a new mattress for our bed. We ended up rearranging the entire house so the delivery guys could move the old worn mattress out and bring in the new comfortable, heavenly one. A lot of work when you live in a small cottage but we wouldn’t have it any other way.
Vanessa
Yes, a lot of work, but I’m so excited to have a new, comfy bed, Vanessa.
Congrats to your husband on his success with the PBS show! I had my husband record it for me and plan to watch it this weekend. I would have watched it the evening it aired, but, alas, this is Canada and there was a hockey game on at the same time. :-)
Would it be possible to delay the mattress delivery?
No, not possible. I’m grateful, really, it’s coming earlier because Don leaves for Boston on February 6th and this way he’ll get to have more sleeping time in the bed before he leaves town!
Claudia, Dawn’s suggestion for sewing 2 extra long twins together sounds like it will work. I’m sure you’ll love your California King. We have a regular king and love it! More money for bedding and sheets but the extra room is so worth it. Darn it! I missed the PBS show with Don! I hope PBS will run it again. The story sounds fascinating.
Sandy, you can now watch it online at pbs.org.
I recorded The Poisoner’s Handbook and watched it last night–fascinating! Don was well cast in that role and did a great job! I enjoyed it so much that I think I’ll pick up the book–so thank you for that. My daughter is getting in to the forensic field so I told her she HAS to watch this. (BTW, for anyone who missed seeing/taping it…here in N. CA it’s on again othis this coming Sunday so you can still catch it!)
Thanks so much for watching, Denise!
I am so disappointed that I missed Don’s performance. Family problem came up. Will they be rerunning it? Exciting mews about your bed. I know when you get everything coordinated you will love it. xo Laura
You can watch in online at pbs.org, Laura. A lot of people who missed it are doing that.
Since we don’t have a television we didn’t see the program, but I have no doubt he’s wonderful. Can we get it on the computer somehow? Not sure what’s available since it’s not one of our priorities to watch programs.
Good luck on the bed, sugar. I know you’ll enjoy it. Make a world of difference. We have a queen and it’s big enough for us though. I love snuggling and that’s basically how we’ve slept for the last 52 years.
xoxo,
Connie
Connie, it’s available to watch on PBS’ website: pbs.org.
We snuggle too. But we’re both very tall!
Claudia, Strange as it sounds,When I had a California king (back in the 70’s). I used the king size accessories and turned them sideways! of course that doesn’t work with alot of designs. But it is worth a try!
I had a question for Don and you, how does a person know they can act,or learn to act? I know it is a gift,not everyone can just study and then do what you guys do? I look forward to reading your blog, and spending time with your super family! -Judy A-
Learning to act without natural talent is almost impossible, though training of some kind is necessary. But you either have the innate talent or you don’t. I knew I could act when I was 8 years old – it’s something I was drawn to and couldn’t imagine not doing. Don found his talent in high school and he had a natural gift for acting. So first you have to have the gift, than you have to train or learn on the job as Don did. But without talent….you really can’t do it. (And I’ve seen countless examples of that, sad to say.)
That is kind of what I thought.That would be one of those professions,where dedication and hard work
just aren’t enough. I haven’t seen any of your professional work,but you certainly are a talented writer,and have keen eye for design and style. What I have seen from your hub he is very talented in his chosen,(whether he chose it or it chose him) profession! Thank-You! -Judy A-
xoxo
Hubby , our son and I watched The Poisoner’s Handbook last night…wow! First off, it was soooo good! We really learned a lot…and it was fun watching someone I ‘knew’ actually take part! Don was really good…and you were right…he is tall. I so hope I get to see him act again! Good luck with your bed puzzle…I know exactly what you are talking about as far as moving just one thing. It sort of reminds me of a rubrics cube…you have to mix things up really good before you find a solution! Enjoy the warmer weather! ;)
Thanks so much for watching, Donna! And I’ll be sure to pass along your compliments to Don.
Hi Claudia: I did watch the program as I was nosy to see your Don in action. I got caught up in the story as was not aware of the events that led up to those various scientific facts. So I learned a little history too. I thought that Don was terrific. Valerie
Thanks so much, Valerie. I will pass on your compliments to Don.
It never occurred to me to go to FB and make a comment. I very rare. Just not a fan
I watched The Poisoners Handbook and really enjoyed it! Such a great job by all involved. I , too, was wondering about the wedding ring. I was also intrigued by the fact that they didn’t wear gloves!! I guess they didn’t have gloves then .
I have it dvr’d and plan to watch it again.
Great job Don!!!
Oh , my dd has a degree in criminal justice with a minor in forensics. She really enjoys this sort of programming. I’ll have to give her a heads up if it will be rerun at some point.
Pam
Well, there are friends who follow the Facebook page for this blog. And then there are my friends who follow my personal page.
So glad you liked it, Pam!
If I was nearby, I’d pop over and help you move things around. Good Luck, Claudia.
Karen
Aw, you’re so sweet, Karen!
Hoping all goes well. I bought a queen for the basement without measuring and the boxspring would not go down the stairs. I had to return it and get a split one for $100 more. J
We had to do that when we moved out east. Our staircase was so narrow that the movers couldn’t fit our box spring up the steps, so we had to buy a split box spring. California Kings and Kings automatically come with split box springs.
Do u want me to send u a Ca. K since I live in Ca.? I’d be glad to help u out. Don was outstanding.
You’re very sweet to offer, Sheree. I’ve look all over the place online. I don’t want a heavy blanket, just a cotton blanket. I’ll go out and buy a king sized blanket tomorrow.
I will keep my eyes out for it to air here in Canada…congrats to Don, what a great job he must have done.
Good luck with the domino effect, been there, done that in our little condo lol.
Jen
It’s tough to maneuver in small spaces!
I recorded the program on Tuesday and we watched it together as a family last night. My Mom (who seldom sits through any shows other than Food Network) was completely absorbed as were we. What a wonderful feature and yes Don in an imposing figure and an excellent actor. The topic is so fascinating. My how far we have come with forensic science. Please let us know the next time Don will be on television or in a feature film. He has fans at our house!
Big Texas Hugs,
Susan and Bentley
So glad you all enjoyed it, Susan. I read your comment to Don and he was very please to know he has fans in Texas!
Add us to Don’s many new fans. We watched Tuesday night, learned a lot and greatly enjoyed Don’s performance. My husband was most interested to hear some of the back story of the filming in Prague.
On the bed front, good luck with all the loose ends and dominoes. Because of two (!) 90 degree turns in our staircase, we wound up with two box springs and two single mattresses to make a king when all we really wanted was a queen. Our upstairs, by the way, has shiplap walls and a pastel palette and would look at home in your dollhouse.
Your upstairs sounds lovely, Margaret. We do have a couple of sharp turns, but the staircase is fairly open, so I think they’ll be able to handle it. So glad you liked the show!
I watched Don’s movie last night, since I work late on Tuesdays. As a librarian, I always love PBS’s American Experience films. But this one was really special. It was outstanding and so fascinating. I read and watch true crime, so the topic was right down my alley. Had I not been watching alone, I would have told everyone in the room that Don was my friend’s husband. As it was, my two dogs, my constant companions, merely rolled over and yawned (I get no respect). Please tell Don that another of your many friends says bravo, job well done!
I have passed your comment on to Don and he, of course, is very happy to hear you liked it, Debra.
Dear Don..Thank YOU for both entertaining and educating us..what would we do without actors to make us smile, laugh, cry and take us away from this crazy world for a little while..here’s hoping that you have more work in TV and movies where we can observe your talent again..Also thank you for sharing your dear Claudia with us..She is so honest and caring it is easy for us to love her..she has a beautiful soul that she shares with us daily and we are grateful for it..Bless you both and of course little Royal Dame Scoutie who is just a treasure! Nancy
You’re making me cry, Nancy. You are so sweet. Thank you. We both thank you very much!
Claudia, regarding blankets for a California king, I have used a regular king in the past, but since I get so hot, I only have a top sheet and lightweight quilt now. My quilt is a king, purchased from Overstock, and I just turn it so the top and bottom become the sides. This works quite well, as long as you buy something without a definite top, and mine is just a pieced quilt without a decorative top or border.
I missed Don’s program last night, but plan on watchIng it on my iPad tonight. I actually enjoy watching things on my iiPad, and already have the PBS app.
I run hot, too, but Don? Don likes a lot of covers. He runs cold. Oy.
Maybe the other things will come in before the arrival of the mattress. We were so excited to get a new one this summer. When it was moved by family members, I thought something looked funny. Here they set it on the bed going the wrong direction. Not just from bottom to top but sideways. We need some strong ones to come change it.
This sounds crazy but my mother found some great sheets and blankets at ALDI’s. Do you have one nearby. I wouldn’t drive to one if it wasn’t because they may not have them.
Good luck. Here’s to a good night’s sleep soon.
We don’t have an Aldi’s in this area, Debby. But I’m headed out to HomeGoods and Marshall’s tomorrow…hopefully, I’ll find just what I need.
I don’t know if there is a Tuesday Morning in your area Claudia, but if there is, please check them out, as they usually have a wonderful selection of linens at reduced prices.
Yay! I’m so glad I get to watch it online. I just started and can already tell it is going to be good. Fascinating subject. Happy New Year! Tammy
Oh good! Happy New Year to you, Tammy!
My hubby thoroughly enjoyed The Poisoner’s Handbook. It actually is the sort of thing he likes to watch. I was busy taking apart the Christmas scene and caught bits and pieces. I think Don was great and just pitch perfect for the role. It was so cool to see him do what he does best!
Good luck with the mattress. A month from now you will have put this out of your mind.
XO,
Jane
Thanks so much for watching it, Jane. I think all of the bloggers who watched it must have boosted the ratings!
I truly enjoyed The Poisoners’ Handbook. I love it when I’m well entertained and educated at the same time. Congratulations to Don.
Thank you so much, Kathy!
Phooey! I was only able to watch a 5 minutes clip. The whole video is not available in my area because of rights restrictions. :(
Oh darn it! I wondered if that might be a problem. I’m so sorry, Tammy!
I watched the program and it was exciting to see Don preform. I actually told someone that a friends husband was going to be on “American Expierence” and then I had to say well I’ve read her blog for a couple of years.. It was a really a great program made better by your husband…I am a fan of yours and PBS.
Well, you ARE a friend, Kaye. So glad you enjoyed the show. Thank you so much for watching.
Claudia and Don,
Another Bravo from our house hold. I remember when Don was filming how cold it was in Prague- I could see Don’s breathe in the morgue scenes! Thank you for sharing little back stage tid bits- it made the watching all the more fun. The show was very interesting and educational. Wood alcohol- who would have thought?
No heat in that building at all, Dianne. But it sure made for an effective scene, didn’t it?
My husband absolutely praised The Poisoners Handbook. He is still talking about it today. He loves documentaries. Don’s acting was superb and we were sorry when the show ended. Thanks for keeping us posted. I love reading your blog!
So glad you and your husband enjoyed it, Susan. I thought it was excellent and I want to watch it again.
Claudia, Wow! Small world. My husband and I watched The Poisoners Handbook on PBS to other night. We loved it. (Now I have to watch it again because I ‘know’ one of the actors.) We sat back and had a lively discussion afterwards – I did not know the story of all the people who died during Prohibition (and who it was that poisoned the alcohol, horrible, shameful). Please tell Don thanks for entertaining and educating his audience. I’ll be sure to look for his (your)wedding band next time I watch.
Yes, you must watch it again now that you know Don.
The stories of the women who painted the watch dials and the people that died during Prohibition were gut wrenching.
We don’t have cable, and I wondered if I’d be able to watch Don’s show. Well, I just clicked into PBS and the show came up just fine. Sometimes shows are blocked here in Canada. I’m so thrilled. I’ll be watching it later this evening.
Hope all the bed dominoes fall into line nicely.
So glad you’ll be able to see it, Lorrie!
Claudia I must tell you that while we were watching The Poisoner’s Handbook the first thing that hit me when Don walked into a scene was how tall he was. Then I noticed how different he looked from the photos on your blog. Seems like he must have been born ot act. I hear you about the panic of having to move so many things to get your new bed in place. Our home is small too, our long fold up table we use for Christmas gatherings is leaning against the wall behind the sofa so when we have a lot of company for dinner we have to move the sofa to take it out and then move it back and push the easy chairs out of the way to make room for it. Good luck with all that moving and hope the new bed helps you feel better.
He was indeed born to act, Janie. They cut his hair when he got to Prague and the costuming also helped to make him look different.
I got the chance to watch it this afternoon with Jake’s girlfriend Liz. I kept shouting out, there he is! Which I am sure was quite annoying to here. Don gave a great performance and I loved, loved, loved the shot of him washing his hands, I kept thinking those are my BIL’s beautiful hands. I loved every minute of the production.
Hugs,
Mere
It was very interesting
He does have beautiful hands, Meredith. I loved seeing his hands and I loved seeing the wedding band. So glad you and Liz could watch it together.
The documentary was so informative, and Don was wonderful!! It was so much fun to “know” someone in a TV show! That comment is probably kind of silly, but it does sort of feel that way!! Did Scout sit up and turn her head from side to side when she heard Don on the television??
Good luck on the new bed and domino game!! :-)
No, it’s not silly at all. I totally understand. You do know Don – he’s a big part of this blog.
Scout was not impressed. She slept through the whole thing!
You would have thought I knew you & Don personally when I told my husband that Don would be on PBS! Funny thing, this here social media :) Don really did a fabulous job as Dr. Charles Norris; also, I have to say that woman (Fanny?) creeped me out, especially at the end…Every time you mention your mattress arriving it reminds me of the Friends episode where Ross is moving his couch upstairs (“Pivot…pivot…”). I’m just sure your experience will be much better :)
I sure hope so, Maria! Thanks so much for watching the show!
I’m sure you’ll get it all in there somehow! I don’t know that we could ever go back to anything but a King Size bed. That’s all we’ve ever had and when we travel, it’s awful in a queen size bed. So, we usually get two and each have our own, LOL
Judy
I know we won’t ever want to go back to a Queen, Judy! We’ll wonder how we ever coped with one for 20 years!
You already know from my comments on FB that Brian and I loved Don’s show! Brian normally goes to bed early because of his super early waking hour for work, but he was so riveted by the show, that he stayed up to watch the whole thing! Good luck juggling all that’s involved in getting that new bed into your bedroom…sounds like it’s going to be like a circus act! I’m sure it’ll all work out in the end and you’ll love your new bed.
Wow! The face that Brian stayed up is such a compliment to the quality of the show! Thank him for me!
I really enjoyed The Poisoner’s Handbook. I, too, told my husband, “There’s Don!” He asked, “Who’s Don?” and the explanation unfolded! We both enjoyed the program, and I loved knowing the details…Prague…length of time he was gone…plus, we both learned a lot! Wonderful acting, my new friend Don. :) Hope to see you in some other production soon!
Thanks so much, Debby. Don will be so pleased to hear you liked his work!
Don did an excellent job on the Poisoner’s Handbook. I enjoyed the program and I agree with you PBS does this sort of thing incredibly well. Don was a good fit for his part. Job well done sir!!
Aw, thank you, Linda! I’m proud of him.
I am so looking forward to watching The Poisoners Handbook – I have it recorded and waiting to watch. Long story, short…Tuesday night we smelled a melting plastic odor and took forever and a lot of stress, trying to determine where it was coming from. The furnace would kick in and the smell was moving around the room. We narrowed down to not be coming from the basement or the upstairs and finally figured out it was on the main floor – it was our television! So, after unplugging and airing out the townhouse – pew! my husband got online and found a decent deal on a new one and it is to arrive tomorrow. We really didn’t need the expense at this time, but I will be able to do some rearranging that we have put off and will be able to eliminate a piece of furniture that I do not love, so it will all work out in the end. And the best part, I have The Poisoners Handbook waiting for me. Good luck with your new bed. Several years ago we got a king size that is split – we are both tall, husband at 6 ft 5 in and me at 5 ft 10 in, wished we had gotten the California King. Bedding can be an issue – I’ve even thought of trying 2 twin sets and sewing the 2 top sheets together. Much less expensive. Hope you have sweet dreams…
Oh no! But it sounds like it turned out for the best in the end.Our television is having volume problems – I think we’re going to have to buy a new one in the not-too-distant future.
Last night, with all my achy joints, I was wishing that new bed was already here!
Claudia, I must wear the dunce hat today! Please let it look like one of your party hats. Somehow I totally forgot about The Poisoners Handbook being on Tuesday and spent most of the evening chatting on the phone with a longtime girlfriend recently diagnosed with breast cancer, who was having her first chemo infusion on Wednesday. When I did hang up the phone, I was ready for a glass of wine and a good movie too! But I opted instead for a cup of tea and the quiet of a book. Please tell me it will be rebroadcast in the near future!
Well, your friend had to be your priority, Kelly! She needed you.
Check your local listings for rebroadcast information, but I can also tell you it’s available for viewing on pbs.org.
I want to heap congratulations, too. Don was great – no surprise after reviewing the clips on that page thing (see how technically savvy I am?)- and the subject matter was riveting. I reluctantly shambled off to bed before it was quite over.
Good grief! I hope the right vehicle for his talents…. wait a minute. (OK, a second or two) No, I just will trust that the right work will come along for both of you, this year. Frankly, though recognition is nice, would I wish that “stardom” thing on you-all? It appears a burden. Perhaps not. Excuse my waxing philosophical.
I am actually whispering a prayer that you-all will have just the right amount of success, since you-all already understand how to be happy. (I ain’t from the South – just adopting their you-plural for a moment.) :)
Aunt Lou, thank you so much for your kind words. PBS does such a top-drawer job with this kind of docudrama. “Just the right amount of success” sounds awfully good to me! Thanks so much.
my book club met on Thursday and many there had watched don and were very impressed with the whole production. we discussed the program almost as long as we discussed the book. we all agreed that we learned so much from the program. I told them about your blog and your coaching Shakespeare plays and how that’s were I heard about the program. good luck with your new bed and let us know where and when we may see don again.
Thanks also for steering me to Louise Penny, love her writing. my book club reviewed Still Life week. they all loved it and one even had her husband read the book. thank you so much.
Oh, how interesting! How fun that your book club discussed it!
So glad you like Louise Penny – she’s wonderful, isn’t she?
Loved The Poisoner’s Handbook. Perfect casting and a wonderful performance by Don. I’m nosy, though, and want to know when you and Don were watching the show, what did you talk about? Does he critique his performances? Do you? Curious also about why it was filmed in Prague?
We don’t know why it was filmed in Prague. We assume it was cost-saving as it is often cheaper to film overseas. Lucky Don, he got to visit Prague! We didn’t talk much at all during the show because we didn’t want to miss anything. Sometimes he critiques his performances, but he was pretty happy with this one.