Warning: If you’re offended by cuss words, I’m giving you a heads up. (I’m not, and I have a salty tongue that is in use regularly, just not on the blog.)

As you know, I was very down yesterday and I felt that way all day long. I feel much better today. I got a good night’s sleep, it’s a beautiful and cool fall morning and my back is a wee bit better. Don was out running errands. When he returned he came into the den with a gift bag.

In it was a card with a lovely note from him, a Cavallini jigsaw puzzle (theme: houseplants,) and a pair of socks that made me laugh out loud.

I’m in love.

It’s as if they were made for me – and every other avid reader in the world.

It was just what I needed, that belly laugh.

I was supposed to coach today, but the stage manager asked if I could do it next Wednesday instead. So I get a bit of a breather and that means I can rest my back. I find that when I’m sitting in my chair while zoom coaching, I often sit forward in the chair and my back tenses up. I’m not even aware of it until I start to feel pain.

Today? Reading. Maybe with my new socks on. Dressing a couple of dolls. Crocheting a hat.

I managed to wash the sheets yesterday but I needed Don’s help putting them on the bed. After a few skirmishes, we successfully completed our task and we had fresh bedding last night.

It’s the little things.

We’re entering the season where a new Michael Connelly and a new Louise Penny are published. I can’t wait. I need to buckle down, let go of all of the things that take my attention away, and read. Don’t get me wrong, I am reading, but I’m not reading in big chunks and that isn’t satisfying. Today, I hope to do that.

And I’m eyeing the next doll house project. Speaking of miniatures, the IGMA show is in a week. It’s just outside of Hartford. I’m wondering if I will go or not. I’d like to. I was reading the program this morning and I was so saddened to read that Barbara Vajnar passed away in July. I’ve mentioned her several times on this blog because I have a few pieces of her furniture. She retired a couple of years ago.

She made this:

And this:

Her work was exquisite. When she announced her retirement, she put her pieces up for sale on eBay, a few at a time. Most of them went for far more than I could afford, but I did manage to snag this corner cupboard. It will go in the Beacon Hill.

I had the pleasure of speaking with Barbara and her husband as I dithered about buying the mustard colored cupboard. They were endlessly patient and kind.

Rest in Peace, Barbara.

Stay safe.

Happy Friday.