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You are here: Home / Archives for Don

Post Birthday

June 25, 2023 at 9:07 am by Claudia

It was a quiet birthday yesterday. That’s what Don wanted. I’m always relieved when that’s the request. I’m not the greatest at big events – too much stress. Of course, as you get older, birthdays become less and less of a big deal. I had the same request for my birthday last November. I just wanted to spend the day with Don.

His present? A pair of jeans with a zipper, not a button fly like he’s been wearing for years. Arthritis makes opening and closing those buttons cumbersome. He found an older pair of zippered Levis that are very worn, discovered that they were still making them, sent me the link with the sizes, and voilà! He’s a happy camper!

I decided to paint his birthday card on Friday. With oil paints. Since I haven’t done that in over a year, I forgot that oil takes a few days to dry. So I had to place it on another piece of paper and make sure he didn’t touch the card.

It’s still drying.

It’s pretty simplistic – a free-hand tribute to our coneflowers.

I imagine a kid could pull this off easily.

But I had fun. And Don loves it because he loves handmade gifts. He’s already planning to frame it, bless him.

Painting it sparked a germ of a desire to paint again, so I’m pondering that impulse. If I do, I’ll have to dismantle the half-done puzzle because the kitchen table is the only space in which I can set up my easel.

By the way, it’s rainy and humid here and our a/c unit in the kitchen is broken. It’s only three years old. Until we can afford a new one, we’re using a box fan in the window – just like I had as a kid. Sigh. What goes round, comes round.

More rain coming today – I think we’ll get thunderstorms.

Don thanks you for all of your lovely messages yesterday – he really loves reading them!

Stay safe.

Happy Sunday.

 

 

Filed Under: birthday, Don, oil painting 12 Comments

Don’s Day

June 24, 2023 at 8:58 am by Claudia

Birthday boy!

Let me tell you – and I know you know this already – this man is the best human being it has been my honor to know. The fact that I get to live my life with him is a gift beyond measure.

I’ve nothing new to add because I’ve said it already, but I can and will say how thankful I am for him. Every day.

Here’s to a blessed year ahead my love, with work opportunities and creative inspiration and love, love, love.

Happy Birthday, dear heart.

And Happy Birthday to my not-so-little Z!

Stay safe.

Happy Saturday.

Filed Under: Don 30 Comments

Catalpa, Books, Don, and What are you reading?

June 16, 2023 at 9:13 am by Claudia

I’m telling you, the catalpa is more spectacular than ever! Both Don and I cannot believe how gorgeous it is. More rain today and tomorrow; let’s hope some of the blossoms survive.

Those gorgeous big heart-shaped leaves, the frothy blossoms – I’m very grateful for this old and incredibly tall tree that graces us with its beauty.

A picture I took of Don the other day. We really like this one.

I just finished The Last Remains  by Elly Griffiths. It’s the last and final book in the series and I’m already in mourning. No spoilers here, but oh my, I’m going to miss these characters, this place…everything. A superb series and I have all of you to thank for it, because I don’t know if I would have started it if you hadn’t urged me to. I’ve ordered the first two books in the Brighton series from the library system and they just arrived at my local library, so I’ll return the last two books in the Ruth Galloway series and start in on a new adventure. But can I just say it one more time? I am hoping the author rethinks this one and surprises us with another Ruth Galloway mystery.

We are officially halfway through War and Peace as of three days ago. I just started Volume 3, where we’re back to war, and caught up with Chapter 1 and 2 this morning. Tolstoy is frigging brilliant. I’d put him right up there with Shakespeare and you know how much I love Shakespeare.

Is it time for our favorite question? Yes, it is.

What are you reading?

Stay safe.

Happy Friday.

 

Filed Under: books, Don, reading, trees 47 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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