books — Page 127

Moments of Respite

October 13, 2017 at 9:19 am by Claudia

The other day, I counted 53 morning glory blossoms (including the ones in the chicken wire fence garden.)

Yesterday, there were 50. Today? I’m not sure yet because it got colder overnight and they’re slow to open when the morning is cold. I can’t tell you how much pleasure they give me; watching the bumble bees crawl in the blossoms, seeing their beauty as I go in and out the side door or walk to my car. Thank you, morning glories.

Morning glories, zinnias, and lots of leaves. I raked again yesterday and I’ll rake again today. I don’t mess with the leaves in the back forty – they can stay there. But the front lawn and the corral get raked. I’m not a perfectionist about it, not by a long shot. Today I’ll mow part of the lawn, which will shred some of them. The rest stay on my garden beds because they work as protective mulch.

Thank you so much for the anniversary wishes yesterday! Don had a long day of tech, but we managed to snatch some phone/face time. He’s feeling a bit better, by the way, so things are looking up.

Next year: 20!!

I finished Jan Karon’s book. Just as when I read the last page of a Louise Penny, I sat here and didn’t want it to end. Both Karon and Penny have managed to create towns that live and breathe and are just as much a part of the story as the characters. I’d live in Mitford or Three Pines. Easily. Anyway, if you like her books, I highly recommend it.

I think of my mom every time I read one of her Mitford novels. Mom loved them and we sometimes traded them back and forth. Maybe she was reading along with me. Wouldn’t that be nice?

Now, I’m on to the newest in the Lisbeth Salander series, The Girl Who Takes an Eye for an Eye.

I’ve been taking a break from the news and Rachel Maddow because, as I said to Don, I feel like I’ll go insane with rage otherwise. I know what’s going on, but I’m not lingering there right now. I can’t. I think we all have to do this when it gets to be too much. Give yourself a break. I have realized that I can’t live at this level of anger and rage for extended periods of time. It isn’t healthy. Reading helps. Chores help. Projects help. Looking at nature’s beauty helps. Cocooning helps.

Sigh.

I’ve been repotting some plants that had become root bound. Yesterday, it was time for this Chinese Evergreen to be repotted. I really love this plant. Add to the list above: tending to houseplants helps.

Happy Friday.

Cocooning on a Rainy Sunday

October 8, 2017 at 9:23 am by Claudia

Yesterday afternoon with the sun shining and splashes of sunlight throughout the living room and kitchen. Today, on the other hand, it’s raining. But that’s okay. We could use some rain. There will be more raking to do, of course, as the rain brings brings the leaves down. Also okay.

I’m enjoying this rainy morning, sipping on my coffee, reading the newest Jan Karon.

I counted 34 morning glory blooms this morning when I went out to get the New York Times from the driveway. When I first get up and it’s barely light, they look rather other-worldly and mysterious. I’m grateful. Winter is coming and I’m trying to wrest every ounce of gratitude and satisfaction out of this beautiful autumn.

Don’s flying in a private plane this afternoon! No check-in at the airport. Just a car picking him up, delivering him to Teterboro Airport in NJ, and then…off to New Orleans. I must admit, I’m impressed. I’ll miss knowing that he was in NYC, just a bus ride away, but New Orleans will be exciting.

Last night’s sunset was truly spectacular. I was just about to close the blinds in the den when I saw it. In the nick of time. I threw on my Birkenstocks and ran out to the porch to get some pictures.

It’s that time of year. I’m hearing the honking of Canada Geese as I write this. I love that sound.

Today will be a lazy sort of day. Reading, maybe some organizing and sorting (my desk needs some serious attention.)

Happy Sunday.

Books, Sunsets & Late Nights

September 8, 2017 at 9:26 am by Claudia

I’m not kidding. This was what I saw when I looked out my window, minutes before leaving for the theater. Pretty gosh-darned spectacular.

There was a little rain just about to roll in, but only a little. A few drops hit me as I walked to the theater. Then it was over.

I’m sleep deprived as I’m not adjusting to this new nighttime schedule very well. I come back from the theater and I have to wind down for a while. Then I take a bath. Then I try to get to sleep.

And then I wake up at the same time I always do.

Sigh.

The show looks great. We had our first audience last night and a good time was had by all. I’ll post a photo of the set when the theater officially posts their photos. I always wait until the ‘all clear.’

An interesting phenomenon: I keep getting new followers on Instagram who are male, middle-aged and are either private accounts or suspiciously without many photos or followers. What the ??? I block them, of course. Are they bots? (Bots on Twitter are often without many followers.) Are they fake? Are they insane? Am I on some sort of list?

I imagine this same thing must be happening to lots of women. File that under ‘bizarre.’ Fortunately, the Block Option is at my fingertips. Bye, guys!

The coffee table. I always bring far too many books with me. I’ve accepted that about myself. I panic at the thought of not having anything to read, whether it’s in an apartment on the road, in the car, or in a waiting line. Have to have backup! I’m behind on the NY Times. I’m behind on my crossword puzzles. I’m in the middle of at least three books.

Yikes.

Okay. I have to type up notes and email them to the actors. See you later.

Happy Friday.

Moments of Respite

Cocooning on a Rainy Sunday

Books, Sunsets & Late Nights

Lambs Like to Party

A Note

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