Mockingbird Hill Cottage

Mockingbird Hill Cottage

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A Dud

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Well.

This is what we saw during the supposed ‘big storm.’

Maybe a 1/4 inch more fell after I took this picture.

This is what we have this morning:

It morphed into rain. By the time we were ready to go to bed, the only place I saw snow was on my car.

Very disappointing. I stressed over what day to go to rehearsal for two days. I wanted to go yesterday. Darko wanted me to go yesterday. I poured over every weather forecast. Don and I talked about it several times. On Monday night, I was sure I would go Wednesday. By Tuesday morning, after reading yet another update on the forecast, I made the decision to go that day because I was worried that driving conditions would be too dangerous on Wednesday. That didn’t happen.

Also, Don and I were looking forward to an old-fashioned snow storm.

This January has been abnormally warm. What will February bring? The same? We live in the northeast, for heaven’s sake!

Sigh.

For one brief moment in the morning, there was enough evidence of snow for me to take a picture.

Imogen in the snow.

At least there was apple pie in the afternoon.

I don’t see any possibility of snow on the horizon. Maybe some snow showers, but that’s about it.

Boo!

I’m in that stage where I know my current job is finished and that always brings a ‘down’ feeling. The fact is, I feel more alive when I’m working – even with all the travel hassles. I love my work and I love helping actors be the best they can be. Don almost always comments that I look ‘really good’ (of course, I have makeup on, so there’s that) and that work agrees with me. Transitioning is hard. They present the show to producers, etc., on Friday.

But I’m grateful for the work and I’m ready for whatever comes next.

War and Peace  continues. We’ve now started Part II.  And I’m really enjoying The Dictionary of Lost Words  by Pip Williams. Hey, before I forget, if you’re a Deborah Crombie fan, her new book – A Killing of Innocents –  comes out on February 7th! With Crombie, we always have to wait a long time between books, but the wait is worth it.

Stay safe.

Happy Thursday.

Bryant Park & Rehearsal

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Because weekend bus schedules offer less frequent trips, I had to go into the city early yesterday, arriving just about 2 hours before I had to be at rehearsal. So I walked east from Port Authority to Bryant Park, one of my favorite places in NYC. It’s a bit bleak at this time of year, but it was very satisfying to have a little free time apart from immediately walking 20 blocks to rehearsal.

The rear of the New York Public Library Main Branch.

The skating rink.

 

It was cold, but there were lots of people there, buying hot chocolate or a cup of coffee. Whenever I go there, I am reminded of Paris. I really miss Paris.

Then I visited Kinokuniya across the street, a shop full of books and Japanese manga and stationery and pens and journals and planners. There’s so much in this section that it’s almost overwhelming and I could only pay a brief visit. I’ll be back there next week, so maybe I’ll have a bit more time to visit.

Then I headed back to Port Authority to 9th and 41st and headed north to rehearsal. I walked down Don’s old street and – press release – I was wrong!

The Mexican restaurant next to Don’s building didn’t close! There is new signage and I was looking at it from across the street so I thought it was a new business. Needless to say, I sent this photo to Don, who was very happy indeed. The steps lead down to the front door of Don’s former apartment.

Rehearsal went well – we ran the whole show for the first time. Then a lunch break in which I got to chat with all the wonderful people working on the show, including Darko. Then I had some private time with the actors to give them notes.

Then I had to hang out in the dreaded Port Authority for 90 minutes until the next bus.

All in all, 12 hours from the moment the bus left the station for NYC until I got off the return bus at 8 pm.

One more day next week. I’m supposed to go in on Wednesday, but the weather may be an issue. We may get snow that day. The forecast keeps changing, so I’ll have to keep an eye on it.

So. I added 10 more blocks on to my ‘normal’ 40 blocks and, given that I had only slept for 4 hours, I’m quite pleased with myself! After a few days of this trek, I’m in better shape. I just have to continue to walk around here, which is not nearly as interesting as walking in a city.

Stay safe.

Happy Sunday.

What Day Is It?

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This morning.

I keep thinking it’s Saturday but it’s Friday. I have no idea what day it is!

It rained all day long yesterday. New York in the rain isn’t like in the movies; it can be a pain in the tush. Nevertheless, I slogged my way to rehearsal and back. It wasn’t as bad early in the day, but by the time I headed back to Port Authority, walking south, the rain was coming right at me and I was soaked. I used to do this sort of thing routinely when I lived in Philadelphia and Boston, so I got used to it (and I was decades younger, but we won’t mention that.)

I watched the first run-through of Act One, then after a quick lunch break, I worked one-on-one with 4 of the actors. My brain felt a bit foggy, just like the weather, but it went well. Today is a day back home and then I’m pretty sure I’ll be going back tomorrow for a run of either Act Two or the whole show. One more day next week – most likely to take notes on a run-through – and the job will be over. I’m very grateful I have a recovery day today. As it was, I left the house at 8:30 am and returned home at 8 pm. A long day. Darko, by the way, seems very happy with how the whole thing is going and that makes me happy.

Last week on one of my walks back to Port Authority, I purposely turned left on 47th St. between 9th and 10th, which is where Don was living during Margaritaville. Covid and lockdown were very hard on NYC, and so many restaurants and shops eventually had to close. They just couldn’t handle very few customers and the ridiculously high cost of rent in Manhattan. Sure enough, the little grocery store just across the street from Don’s apartment (lots of natural foods) is now a nail salon. Like Manhattan needs another nail salon. They’re everywhere. And the little Mexican restaurant that was right next to the entrance to Don’s building is no more. It’s something else entirely. Don really loved that little restaurant and ordered from them frequently. (He grew up in San Diego and he loves, loves, loves Mexican food.)

I’m just about to finish State of Terror. I’m less than thrilled with the inclusion of Three Pines in the last chapters. It’s a bit of a gimmick and one that Penny and Clinton didn’t need. It pulled me out of the story, which shouldn’t happen in the late stages of an already gripping thriller. It was self-indulgent. I suppose they were trying to meld the worlds of Clinton and Penny, but not every person who reads this book will have read Penny’s novels. As it was, I found it disappointing and it ticked me off.

Just my opinion, of course.

I need to read two more chapters of War and Peace today and find another book to read. There are plenty on my TBR pile, but it must be a paperback because I need something lightweight for my trips to the city.

Bless my husband who came to pick me up last night and had a nice hot dinner waiting when we got home. Eating at 9 pm is something we don’t do all that often!

Tomorrow, most likely no post. Back again on Sunday.

Stay safe.

Happy Friday.

Lambs Like to Party

Lambs Like to Party

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