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You are here: Home / Archives for flowers

The Kitchen and Our Trip to Phoenicia

February 25, 2020 at 11:11 am by Claudia

I felt the need for flowers yesterday. Two reasons come to mind; the gorgeous 61 degree weather we had yesterday, and I wanted to see a vase of flowers on the island. More expensive than Trader Joe’s, but when you figure in the money I have to pay for gas to drive an hour to get there, it all evens out.

I love our kitchen. I’m in love  with our kitchen. And I know that it doesn’t look like any other kitchen. I don’t want a space that could be anywhere. I see a lot of those in magazines and on Instagram. I want it to be our  space, unique to us. It’s a work in progress, but we’re very happy with it as it is.

A few pictures from our trip to Phoenicia.

The Phoenicia Diner, with someone you know walking to our car.

I love places that have older waitresses that have clearly worked there for a long time. This place was packed, with a 20 minute wait for a table, and they were working hard. Nevertheless, they were so friendly and helpful and down-to-earth. The food is terrific.

On the way into the little main street area.

My just under 6’5″ husband looks petite here.

Loved this charming little house. The colors used are wonderful.

Likewise here, in this bed and breakfast.

Check out that intricate detail on the trim.

We were intrigued by this theater. It’s a community theater that has its own performing space. They’re currently raising money to redo the exterior. There are a lot of New York actors who have weekend homes in this county and several of them (some of whom we know and have worked with) have participated in benefits and readings to help raise funds for the theater. We plan to go see something there whenever their next season starts.

Both of us have roots in community theater and we believe in it and what it offers to the the many people who aren’t necessarily professional actors, but have talent and a desire to perform or design or direct or run lights and sound, not to mention what it offers to the community. In some ways, it reminds me of a clear and unadulterated time in my life –  by that I mean when I worked 40 hours a week doing something I disliked, and used every bit of my spare time to do what I really loved. 40 hours in the office, an additional 20 or 30 in evening and weekend rehearsals. Driving long distances in order to act. Don had the same experience early in his career; none of the complexities and, frankly, BS, that comes with a professional career. We did it because we loved it. We met and worked with wonderful people. Becoming a professional was the goal in our case, but we now really appreciate and miss that time when we worked with no pay, just because we loved it so. I worked with some incredibly talented people, who, for whatever reason, chose to do it on the side.

Anyway, we got nostalgic. We still are, a few days later. Phoenicia is a community that has a strong artistic presence. There is some sort of society there for the voice – as in singing – and they’re going to perform Tosca! I suspect we’ll discover more when spring and summer come because it’s a tourist area as well. Lots of fly fishing and camping and tubing.

Okay, I better hit publish!

Happy Tuesday.

 

Filed Under: flowers, kitchen, kitchen island, On The Road 23 Comments

Saturday

October 19, 2019 at 9:32 am by Claudia

The excitement is growing here at the cottage!

There’s lots to do between now and tomorrow, but I’m confident we have it all under control. Meanwhile, Don is taking portraits at a Fall Fair in our neighborhood for a few hours this afternoon.

We had a frost last night, and while I don’t think it was a hard frost, the morning glories look like they may be done, as well as some other tender plants. I brought the Boston Fern inside. The other porch flowers look okay so far, though some of the impatiens might be gone. I’ve decided I’m going to place them all outside the porch on benches and chairs, as it looks like it might rain enough to keep them moist while I’m gone. If they make it, great. If they don’t, I’ll be okay, as they won’t have much more time after that. There’s definitely a change in the weather around here as we head toward the end of October and the beginning of November.

All the things you have to think about – especially at this time of year!

Both Don and I got hair cuts yesterday. I got a couple of inches taken off and I’m glad I did. Last year, I didn’t have time to do that before we left and I felt that my hair looked ragged. Don took this pic after I got home.

Okay. Lots to do today. I have to get moving.

Happy Saturday.

Filed Under: autumn, flowers, garden 21 Comments

A Perfect Autumn Monday

October 14, 2019 at 10:11 am by Claudia

It’s a beautiful day today – sunny and cool. I just might do a bit of raking.

Don had a good day at the Farmer’s Market yesterday and then we met up with Rick and Doug for dinner. Our neighborhood restaurant, which is a favorite, was extremely busy yesterday – I guess because the fall colors are bringing people up to our area and it’s a three day weekend – so we put our names in and went back to Rick and Doug’s to wait an hour or so. That meant we got to spend some time with Sam, so…bonus.

We finally got our meal, which was delicious. This is a German restaurant and there’s a lot of meat on the menu, but they always have at least three vegan/vegetarian options and I’ve never had better vegetarian food. This was a big birthday for Rick, so I think our time spent laughing and having great discussions, as we always do, helped him to weather the tiny ‘storm’ that big birthdays can sometimes bring.

I finished A Bitter Feast. Reading one of Deborah Crombie’s books is like getting to spend time with old friends. The same feeling you have with a new Louise Penny. It was simply splendid and I recommend it highly. I just finished it this morning, so I haven’t decided what I’m going to start in on next. We’ll see.

Today is grocery shopping day – I know, too exciting for words! But we’re out of almost everything so it’s the first thing we’re going to do after I finish this post.

Thought you might like to see the photo of us that Rick took yesterday:

Happy Monday.

Filed Under: Don, flowers, friends, garden 32 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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