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You are here: Home / Archives for Claudia

Friday

June 2, 2023 at 8:30 am by Claudia

Fleabane by the gate.

Friday. I’m very tired; didn’t sleep too well. Plus, my allergies are a wee bit haywire.

Record high temperatures predicted for today. Hopefully, thunderstorms this afternoon and early evening. Then much cooler weather tomorrow. So we just have to get through one more day of this.

It’s been a pain in the tush without a/c but we’ll install them next week. I didn’t want to strain my back, neither did Don. So, we toughed  it out, just like I used to when I was a kid and we didn’t have any a/c. In fact, I never had an a/c unit in my bedroom window the entire time I was growing up.  And it used to get very humid in Michigan. I distinctly remember sleeping with my head at the bottom of my bed so I could get the benefit of the fan. That is a very strong sense memory for me!

I have much to do in the big garden bed. It’s already looking rather wild. I will probably wait until tomorrow, however, as it will be much cooler then.

We started watching The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel   from the very beginning. We decided we need to watch something brilliant and beautiful and witty, something that makes us feel good. We need an escape. It was the right decision.

That’s about it for today, my friends. I need some more coffee!

Stay safe.

Happy Friday.

 

 

Filed Under: wildflowers 25 Comments

The Woods, Flowers, and a Dress

June 1, 2023 at 8:12 am by Claudia

A clearing in our woods that Don named Maple Grove. You can see our neighbor’s field in the distance.

June 1st. My parents’ wedding anniversary. Let’s see, they would be married 77 years today. Happy Anniversary, Mom and Dad.

We are due for a high of 90 degrees today and 91 tomorrow. Then it will drop back into the 70s. So, do we try to install our air conditioners today? My back is a little tetchy…it was a lot better but something set it off the other day. But today, it seems stronger. Anyway, Don is sore as well. So, do we just try to hang in there for today and tomorrow and wait until next week to install them?

You don’t have to answer.

It is a beautiful morning. Still no sign of rain, though we might get thunderstorms tomorrow afternoon. I have learned not to count on these ‘chance of rain or thunderstorms’ forecasts. Invariably, the rain passes us by.

The clematis is blooming. Actually, it’s blooming a lot more than this; I took this a few days ago. I will get an update photo later today. I love this gorgeous color.

Both Elly Griffiths books are now in my possession. I started reading The Locked Room  yesterday.

And finally, a wee frock arrived in yesterday’s mail.

It’s what the creator calls a ‘handkerchief dress’ because it’s made from a vintage handkerchief. This is so deliciously retro looking that I couldn’t resist. Madeleine wears it with elegance, as usual.

Stay safe.

Happy Thursday.

Filed Under: Blythe dolls, flowers, garden, woods 32 Comments

Fledged

May 31, 2023 at 8:23 am by Claudia

I have a gift: Right after I discover baby birds in nests, they fledge the next day. Is it me? It happened with the robins and it happened yesterday with the Carolina wrens. If you remember, in yesterday’s post I wrote that they were very busy flying back and forth to the nest, feeding the babies. But now I think they were urging the babies to take off. Later in the morning, I went outside to water the pots and seeds. Don’s car was gone so I could see the nesting area pretty clearly. No activity. I waited a while, then I tested it and walked to the ramp leading to the shed. Nothing. I went inside the shed. The nest was behind the Cottage sign on the window box, right outside the window. I walked toward that window and saw the nest. Empty.

There’s the sign and there’s the nest. Keep in mind that it’s much smaller than it appears in this photo. But there’s the little hole in the nest where the babies were.

Sob. I’m a little depressed.

I almost went in the shed the day before yesterday to peek at the babies, but for whatever reason, I didn’t.

Godspeed, little ones. Enjoy the world.

Ella.

One of my Elly Griffith books is waiting for me at the library. The other, which is the one I need to read first, hasn’t arrived yet. Hope it comes in today.

Stay safe.

Happy Wednesday.

 

Filed Under: bird nest, birds, Blythe dolls 16 Comments

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Welcome!

Welcome!

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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