Claudia — Page 815

The Calm Before the Storm

March 6, 2018 at 7:59 am by Claudia

Ironically, the sun is flooding the house with light this morning. It’s beautiful.

Ironic because tomorrow we’re getting a major winter storm (another nor’easter) with anywhere from 8 to 16 inches of snow. I guess Mother Nature figures she’ll give us a little sun before she blasts us.

I’m dreading it. But, my dread is nothing compared to what many people in the Hudson Valley must be feeling because thousands of them are still without power from Friday’s storm. I can’t imagine being in the middle of a ongoing loss of power and knowing that a huge winter storm is coming your way. Or how the crews from Central Hudson and other power providers must feel. They’ve been working non-stop since Friday.

Hey, March: so far, you’ve really sucked and we’re only 6 days in.

I’ve texted the guy who plows for us to confirm that I will need his services. While that will help enormously, I’ll still have to do a lot of shoveling. Oh joy.

Anyway, today I’m running errands, including a trip to the grocery store for provisions. I’ve also got a coaching session via FaceTime. A busy day.

I’ve been putting off shopping for an opening night dress and now I’m going to lose at least two days, so I’m regretting my inaction. Opening night is just 9 days away. Gulp.

I’ll leave you with another photo from this morning. Such pretty light!

Happy Tuesday.

A Pox On Winter

March 5, 2018 at 9:22 am by Claudia

First up: Frances McDormand’s acceptance speech was frigging amazing. I’ve always admired her guts and honesty and the way she lives her life. (By the way, she’s had no work done and usually doesn’t wear makeup as she navigates the streets of Manhattan.) Anyway, that speech, if you haven’t seen it, is well worth watching.

Of course, I ended up watching the entire broadcast. Who was I kidding?

I ran some errands yesterday and stopped at Home Goods, where I bought new bathroom rugs (whoo hoo!) and a cookie jar (even though I’m cutting out sweets) and this tea kettle (even though I already have one.)

I mean, come on! I had to bring it home.

My other tea kettle is pretty, but it’s old and has taken quite a battering over the years. I’m hanging on to it, however. Maybe I’ll pick a kettle according to my mood on any given day. Hmmm.

Pretty, don’t you think?

I also cleaned Stella this weekend. We’re still discovering each other, Stella and I. I found all sorts of nooks and crannies that needed attention. But I love doing that – at least with Stella. I’m not so great with other parts of the house.

We have another storm headed our way on Wednesday. So far, I’m hearing it might bring 6 inches or more. Crap.

This winter has been a major pain in the tush and I am more than ready to move on. The only thing worse would be if snow kept me from being in Manhattan for Opening Night. But, if it was in the picture, I’d just head in early. Ain’t no snow keepin’ me from Opening Night!

Two monstera leaves slowly unfurling. Thank you, plants, for keeping me sane this winter. I attribute my sanity to your beauty and to the pleasure of tending to your needs.

Happy Monday.

Cuteness Sighting

March 4, 2018 at 9:39 am by Claudia

I got a late start yesterday and decided to stay at home and clean up the fallen branches in the yard, vacuum, clean bathrooms – that kind of thing. As I was about to open the kitchen door, I saw a chipmunk. That’s my first sighting this year. I figured I’d wait until he ran off and then I’d make my exit. But no, he ran to an old railroad tie that is part of the raised bed right outside our kitchen door. And he stayed there.

Facing out, as all smart animals do, he checked out the yard. I’ve seen chipmunks sit on a stone near the garden for an hour or so. That’s what this guy did. I love my chippies, so I was very happy to see this guy.

I took off my coat, ran for the camera, and took some pictures through the window of the kitchen door. Then I googled ‘chipmunks and hibernation’ and sure enough, they hibernate for the winter. But it isn’t a deep, deep sleep like that of a bear. It’s lighter and they will wake up to eat and occasionally come out of the entrance to their den to get some food.

This sighting seemed early to me – especially for the Hudson Valley. Maybe he’s officially emerged from hibernation and is ready to face the spring. Or maybe this was a temporary emergence.

I stood still and watched him breathe, his sides expanding with each breath. So sweet.

Eventually, after I ran upstairs to google about hibernation, he took off.

I so look forward to watching bunnies and birds and chipmunks and bees and butterflies. But in the meantime, we might get another nor’easter on Wednesday.

Please, NO.

Can you tell I’ve officially entered my “I’m sick of winter phase?” I have.

I may watch a little of the Oscars and I may not. I have a feeling that Three Billboards is going to rack up some awards and I didn’t like the movie. And, though I am a huge fan of Frances McDormand, this role is something she can do in her sleep. Just my opinion, of course. I know there are many who do not agree with me. It’s an ‘avenger’ kind of role but the script did not help her. Hey, maybe she should win simply for making some of the bad, clunky dialogue work! I didn’t think of that way!

Don has a day off today. Everyone in the show is exhausted from their crazy week, so I hope he just takes it easy. Friday night’s audience, in the middle of the nor’easter, was packed. New Yorkers and Parrotheads are not phased by inclement weather!

Happy Sunday.

The Calm Before the Storm

A Pox On Winter

Cuteness Sighting

Lambs Like to Party

A Note

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