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You are here: Home / Archives for flowers

Day Ninety-Seven

June 18, 2020 at 9:48 am by Claudia

The hydrangeas are getting bigger. As if on cue, we have lots of rain coming up at the end of this week with thunderstorms also in the picture. That will bring down the catalpa blossoms and pummel the hydrangeas.

It always happens. So, I’m going to enjoy them standing beautifully erect while I can.

I took a little video from the porch this morning. I woke up early and went outside to listen to the birds and the bullfrog. If you’re at all interested, it’s on my Stories on Instagram. We have a lot of traffic on this road, so the best time to take any video with sound is early in the morning. I was out there around 5:30 am.

I finished the puzzle yesterday. There is one piece that is missing. You’ll find the empty space in Empire Falls. I have no idea what happened to it, whether it was already missing when Terri sent it to me, or whether I lost it here (entirely possible!) It doesn’t bother me. This was a fun one to work on and very quickly done in two afternoon sessions.

I’m not sure what I’m going to work on next. I’m leaning toward a beautiful oil painting of flowers that is part of Clementoni’s Louvre collection: The artist is Van Dael and the title of the painting is Bowl of Flowers. It’s very lush and it will be a treat to gaze upon it as it comes to life.

I have some tax stuff to do today – transmitting all our documents to our preparer in order to file an extension. I feel my anxiety rising whenever I have to deal with anything tax-related, but it must be done. Sometimes being an adult is tiring.

Don is currently buying produce from our local farm stand. Then he wants to find more big old rocks. I’ll try to take a picture today of what we’re doing outside on the edges of the Secret Garden.

Stay safe.

Happy Thursday.

Filed Under: Don, flowers, garden, jigsaw puzzles, social distancing 25 Comments

Day Ninety-Six

June 17, 2020 at 9:39 am by Claudia

The catalpa tree is full of blossoms. The scent is out of this world. It’s also so lovely to look at, with clouds of white blossoms everywhere.

I’m taking it easy today – we did a lot of work outside yesterday and the day before and my allergies have decided to complain rather loudly. More big old rocks were moved to the secret garden, weed whacking was done, as well as some hand weeding. Watering also, but that’s a given. The days have been so lovely with blue skies and big old fluffy clouds, abundant sunshine, bird singing, bees buzzing – it’s hard not to be out there. I’ll still snag some time on the porch today, allergies or no.

Late in the day yesterday, I started one of the puzzles that Terri sent me. It’s from Barnes and Noble and it consists of Pulitzer Prize winning books. I chose it because I wanted a break from the more difficult ones I’ve doing. Puzzles with a grid, graphics, different colors, and fonts are easier to do.

I did this in a few hours yesterday, so I suspect I’ll get this done today or tomorrow. I love looking at the book covers. Some of the titles I’m unfamiliar with – usually having to do with history –  but most of them I know, including my favorite novel, which is bottom center. I’m remembering that I wanted to read several of these titles and never did. I’ll have to remedy that. Thank you again, Terri! This is awfully fun.

Okay. This is brief, I know, but I’m not feeling well and my brain is foggy.

Stay safe.

Happy Wednesday.

Filed Under: books, flowers, garden, jigsaw puzzles, social distancing 29 Comments

Day Ninety-Five

June 16, 2020 at 9:40 am by Claudia

Low-key didn’t happen yesterday. Don started a project moving large rocks found on our property to the secret garden area after he got a little over-enthusiastic with hoeing and weeding and took out one of the little wild areas that I liked. But I think he’s come up with a neat way to rectify that and it involves gorgeous, very old rocks. One thing about living where we live, there is an abundance of rocks – it’s also what makes gardening a challenge.

Anyway, I helped him with that for a couple of hours, we had some lunch, and then we went to pick up our grocery order. Then the disinfecting, which took a long time. Despite our merry “This is so easy!” as we picked up the groceries, we find disinfecting and washing and rewashing our hands stressful.

It’s done. We don’t have to shop for a while.

Newly opened in the Memorial Garden.

Today, although Don vowed to take it easy today, I’m betting there will be more rock moving. I have to weed whack. I’m awaiting a delivery from FedEx for someone’s birthday (next week.) I want to start a puzzle. I need to dust. Watering the seedlings and the porch plants will also be on the docket.

Today’s bouquet from my merry wanderer. He had to wriggle his way under a bridge in order to pick them. Lovely! Between you and me, I’m of the “Let the flowers stay where they are” mindset, but he gets such pleasure presenting these sweet bouquets to me! And I do love seeing them there in the kitchen. Or on the porch (where the stinky daisies are currently residing.)

Gosh, he’s a sweetheart. Best decision I have ever made? Don Sparks.

Stay safe.

Happy Tuesday.

Filed Under: Don, flowers, garden, husband, social distancing 18 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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