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You are here: Home / Archives for Claudia

Fading Gardens

October 7, 2022 at 9:17 am by Claudia

Bits and pieces of the David phlox are still hanging in there, bless them. It’s clear, though, that they’re preparing to leave for the winter. We had a sunny day yesterday – so welcome after several dreary and rainy days – and I took some time to look at the gardens. They’re overgrown, of course. I haven’t been weeding because of my back. Come to think of it, I probably wouldn’t have weeded them anyway. I usually lose interest in weeding by August.

Once again, I have a morning glory climbing the chicken wire fence that is lovely but has no flowers. Do you remember the days when I routinely had tons of flowers on the vines? Now, they seem to bloom much later, if at all, and it’s always just before a frost hits. Climate change? Soil problems? I don’t know. I’m reluctant to give up on them because I’m ever hopeful, I guess. I loved the look of those beautiful morning glories. Sigh.

Truth be told, I sort of gave up on everything after the drought. I spent hours watering the garden beds, especially the chicken wire fence garden. And some of the beds revived and did well. But others suffered.

I finished The Ink Black Heart  yesterday. Excellent! I’ve never had 1000+ pages move along so smoothly and effortlessly. It was completely engrossing. Sometimes after a particularly wonderful read, I need a brief palate cleanser before I make a decision as to what to read next. I’ve found that Georges Simenon’s shortish Maigret mysteries are perfect. I chose Maigret and the Man on the Bench  which was on my TBR pile. I suspect that I’ll start Maggie O’Farrell’s newest, The Marriage Portrait, after I finish the Maigret.

Today, I’m going to mow. I’ll be careful and I’ve made a vow not to take on too much. I’ll start with the back forty where the grass is very long, then, the corral area. But right now, it’s too wet with morning dew so I’ll have to wait until it dries.

Stay safe.

Happy Friday.

 

Filed Under: books, flowers, garden, reading 16 Comments

Rain and Fog

October 6, 2022 at 9:22 am by Claudia

The rain has finally stopped. It was foggy when we went to bed last night and it’s still very foggy at 9 am this morning. It’s very mysterious looking out there – with left over moisture dripping off the trees and plants, spider webs, changing colors., and the fog.

I have a book on my TBR pile about fog – London Fog. Perhaps I should crack it open?

Speaking of books, I have less than 100 pages to go in The Ink Black Heart. I’m sure I’ll finish it today but I’m prolonging the pleasure as long as I can.

Pip is proudly sporting a new beret. I ordered it from a Ukrainian seller on Etsy. It’s beautifully made. This seller is currently living in Germany while the war is going on. I’m trying to do my best to support creators from Ukraine. I’m going to order more of these hats in the future as they’re very modestly priced and gorgeous, to boot!

Pip has a bit of the ‘imp’ about her, as my friend Susannah said yesterday on Instagram. I think that’s the perfect description of her. She’s always contemplating some sort of adventure.

I’m going to miss this background for my photos once winter rolls around. Maybe I’ll venture out there anyway, but the landscape will be bleak. I’ll give it the old college try! Oh, let’s not think of winter yet.

It’s too wet out there to mow today, but hopefully, we’ll get to it tomorrow. And Saturday. And then on Sunday, I’ll head back into the city to watch the final dress rehearsal of the musical.

Stay safe.

Happy Thursday.

 

Filed Under: Blythe dolls 22 Comments

Currently

October 5, 2022 at 9:20 am by Claudia

Current puzzle: Belle Epoque Paris and impressionist painters. I like it and it’s certainly engrossing, which is what I need.

I’m quite close to finishing The Ink Black Heart. As is the case with most books I really love, I’m reluctant to finish it too quickly. So I’m reading a chunk, then delaying any more reading for that day – except for a few minutes while waiting to fall asleep.

It rained all day yesterday and it’s still raining today. I realize the irony here, but we’ve had enough rain, thank you. During the drought, I never thought I’d be saying that again. It’s coldish, damp, and I’d like to see a bit of sun. Of course, I know we really have nothing to complain about given the devastation in Florida.

Gosh, my friends, I have nothing else to share. I can’t really get outside, I’m still resting my back, which is much better overall, but still needs some time with the heating pad each day, we can’t mow because it’s raining constantly, I’m reading and working on the puzzle and doing laundry and cleaning and vacuuming.

That’s it.

I plan on going in to see the show one more time on Sunday, but that could change to a preview later that week. I’ll have to see what the director prefers.

Stay safe.

Happy Wednesday.

Filed Under: jigsaw puzzles, rain 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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