The forsythia is in full bloom – inside and outside. I think spring has finally arrived. It was a long, long time coming.
I don’t like leaving my family to go away and work for 5 weeks. But today is the day – this morning, in fact – that Don drives me to Hartford, drops me off (after unloading a boatload of stuff) and goes back home to Scout and our little cottage and our garden.
I love my garden. Leaving it at this time of year is especially hard. Thank goodness I can visit my home in a couple of weeks and take some time to marvel at all the growth that has happened in the time I’ve been away. Thank goodness I can take a couple of days to mulch and plant flowers and seeds. There have been other years where I have been away from the garden the entire spring, with no chance to snatch a short visit home.
Yesterday I was outside prowling around with my camera. This evidence of new growth on a hydrangea that I planted just last year was a welcome sight. I tried to capture the tiny little bud and ended up getting this rather amazing shot with lots of bokeh. I’m sort of in love with it.
Most everything is packed. You’d think I was going away for a year. With the addition of two boxes of fabric and tools and an Ott Light and my iron, plus the sewing machine, along with the usual bags of books and research materials, a suitcase, and bags of groceries….my goodness, there’s a lot of stuff. Even Don, ever patient, will nonetheless be amazed at all the crap he has to load into the car.
How am I going to leave this girl, caught by the camera in the middle of one of her joyful pounces? Gosh, I love her.
This job marks the beginning of a six month cycle where, except for a few weeks here and there, one or the other of us will be working away from home. Happy for the work. Not so happy to be separated for long chunks of time.
Feeling ruthless, I had about 4 inches chopped off my hair yesterday. It just touches my shoulders. I like it.
Okay. It’s time to get going, to eat some breakfast, take a shower, finish up the last minute bits of packing. See you in Hartford.
Happy Thursday.
Good luck, be safe, hair sounds cute!
Good morning, have a safe trip!
Enjoy your “adventure”, Claudia. I know you will be missed at home… So happy you get to come home to see your family and your garden. Yay Spring!!!
Which sewing machine did you decide to take? Is Mabel staying home?
That must be tough to leave home. I hope you’ll return to a yard in full bloom and wonderful summer-like weather!
Have a safe trip.
Please, pretty please, a pic of your new ‘do’ – I bet you look gorgeous!
Have a safe journey – get unpacked and settled in – then keep us up to date on all the excitement of a new production in the works. Don and Scout will be fine I’m sure………………
Love and hugs dear friend.
Mary
Claudia, Wishing you a safe trip. Hope it’s fun. Don’s turn to tend to the houe and Scout. :):) Can’t wait to see your photos. xoxo,Susie
Claudia – have a safe, wonderful journey…! Can’t wait to hear all about your adventures!! Enjoy!! Francine
Safe travels and hoping for a good time for you in Hartford. When you next see your garden it should be in full spring splendor!
Blessings,
Betsy
I can see you!!! Good luck and stay safe, Claudia!
Hope you have a safe trip and that you’ll have your new living area to your liking in no time at all. It’s a beautiful day here in Central Florida, makes me wish I could get out and do some yard work but the kids I keep are here so I’m stuck inside all day. If Don sends you any pics. of your flowers blooming be sure to post them. Nothing like pretty blooms to make a day brighter. Have fun!
Claudia, safe trip, and a fast trip.
Once you get settled in we look forward to hearing all about it.
Jen
Safe trip……J
Safe travels! Scout looks so mischievous!
Wonderful pictures. It’s hard to be away from home that long. It’s good that you can visit now and then.
Have a good and safe trip !!
Well, have fun, work hard, play harder…and keep us informed! Post a pic of your new haircut! ;)
Sounds like you won’t run out of things to do! My husband was an airline pilot before he retired and was gone from home so much. At times I felt like I was mostly raising the kids alone. People always think you get used to it and it gets easier but you and I know it doesn’t. It never gets easier to say goodbye. Sadness is just sadness and it feels the same every time. Like happiness is happiness every time and aren’t we glad we don’t get “used to it” every time! Stay busy with work.
Time for your next adventure..At least Don & Scout have each other for company..Have a safe trip..both of you..Hugs..
I am so glad you have the work, Claudia, but also sad that it takes you from home and hearth. I know your soul longs for your own sweet home and gardens. I am glad that you are getting a chance to come home in a few weeks. Blessings- xo Diana ps. wish I were closer- I would help you tote all that stuff into your temporary living quarters. xo Diana
I hope all goes well on your trip. Sounds like you have things well planned out. You are so oranized. I like to have comfort items and things to do as well.
I would imagine it’s very difficult to leave Don and Scout for these stretches of time. It’s a good thing your work is creative, giving you a sense of fulfillment as well.
Hope you have a good time Claudia. You are such a couple of gypsies and although it keeps you apart I know how much you both love what you do. Scout looks so happy and she will be waiting for her mom when you get back.
hugs
Sue
Have a wonderful safe trip, Claudia.
Hugs,
Laura
Bye Claudia…be safe.
Balisha
I’ll send you positive thoughts every single day.♥
Safe travels my dear and Scout is adorable in that pic
I too use Ott lights! Best invention since sliced bread!
Never easy leaving home for any length of time but it must be done! At least you love your work and that helps a lot! Enjoy Hartford and big hugs!
Linda
Be safe, enjoy your new surroundings and try not to miss those left behind. Never easy to be apart!
I hope you had a safe trip. Glad you’re taking lots of fun things to keep you busy….that’s a must when leaving home for so long.
It’s now Thurs. night so I’m sure you’re safe and snug in Hartford. I know how hard it is to be away from home, especially trying to fall asleep in a new place. It’ll be interesting to hear how you’re doing once you’re settled in.
Have a safe trip. I’m sure you’ll get a lot done while you are gone.
So glad Don will be home with little Miss Scout. They will certainly miss you.
Travel safe.
Judy
Hi Claudia, all the best with your new assignment. I’ve enjoyed seeing Don’s post about Prague. That clock is amazing! And how cool that he got to perform his music in a coffee house there. Your finished quilt is absolutely gorgeous. I also love color and pattern so think it looks right at home on the bed with the patterned headboard. Great idea to take it with you so that your home away from home can have that personal touch. I started reading your blog when you were living in that apartment in San Diego. So nice to follow along with you now and to have met Meredith through blogging, too. Take care, Tammy
Tammy,
I have been skimming posts lately due to work and having to post my own daily for the April blog challenge. Love the picture of Scout. When I hear the word Scout as a name – I visualize Scout from To Kill a Mocking Bird.
Light bulb just went on!! Anyway- had to go back in your postings to see where you are and why!! WOW!! How exciting!