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You are here: Home / Archives for garden

Flowers and Clothes

July 23, 2022 at 8:44 am by Claudia

It’s so beautiful and cool outside this morning that you’d never know the temperature is going to reach 95° today. That means the heat index will be well over 100°. Same for tomorrow. Lately, I’ve had to grab some time on the porch early in the morning or not at all (except for the endless watering that has to happen during this heat wave.)

As I sat on the porch, I had a wave of gratitude for our property. From my perch on the glider, I saw all the flowers on our porch and beyond that, so many beautiful shades of green. A chipmunk ran by my feet, completely surprised by my presence. I heard a mourning dove and a carolina wren. Yesterday, I saw three goldfinches chasing each other in and out of our bushes.

The rose of sharon has started blooming. I’m so thrilled. A few years back, I brought a tiny cutting home, courtesy of my friend Noble.  Actually there were two cuttings. One of the bushes is much smaller than the other, but in time, it will bloom, too.

I haven’t ordered clothes for the girls in a while, but when I discovered a seamstress in California who makes affordable Blythe clothes, I ordered two summer dresses. They came yesterday.

Holly graciously offered to model one of the dresses.

Isn’t it gorgeous? The fabric on the bodice is a peach polka dot, but it’s hard to see in this photo. I’m crazy about the fabric combination.

I have to say – and don’t tell anyone else – that Holly may be the most photogenic of my girls.

Ssshhhh!

In other news, the doll that is coming to me from Ukraine, recently diverted to Denver CO for some reason, is at my local post office and is expected to be delivered today. I have to sign for it. If it isn’t out with the carrier, I’ll drive over and get the package in person.

The Farmer’s Market was cancelled for today as it’s going to be dangerously hot outside.

A quick story: When I realized that Holly was about to be delivered, I finally confessed to Don that I had three dolls coming to our mailbox in the next several days. Granted, both Holly and the doll from Ukraine were inexpensive, and I’d ordered the companion doll for Wren a few months back, but I was a bit nervous about telling him.

His response: “Great! That means more joy is coming to our house!”

I don’t deserve him, but I’m eternally grateful for him.

Stay safe.

Happy Saturday.

 

Filed Under: Blythe dolls, Don, flowers, garden 26 Comments

Flowers, Sleep, and the Life of a Crazy Collector

July 21, 2022 at 8:17 am by Claudia

Coneflowers in the big garden bed.

I am watering like crazy as the heat here is brutal. The heat index reached 99° yesterday and will most likely do the same thing today. The lawn is beginning to get brown patches.

I did sleep longer last night. I need another good night of sleep to catch up, but I do feel better today. Except for the fact that I keep thinking it’s Friday.

My Blythe from Ukraine finally reached the USA a couple of days ago. I have a tracking number. It came into JFK/NYC and was at the Queens postal facility. I waited two days for an update – nothing. Then an update came through and it was in Denver, CO. What the???? I swear, the postal service is getting worse. I’ve had several shipments from Russia or Ukraine that, though slow, got to this country without a problem. Then, the USPS took over and the packages ended up in the wrong place.

I’m almost done with the puzzle and I’m definitely at the most difficult part of the process. The theme is trees, so now it’s down to the shape/color of a segment of a leaf, the wood grain on what might be a tree. I know I’ll finish it eventually but right now, every piece that finds a home is a triumph.

From the other day, cuddle time with Madeleine and Wren.

I have another girl – yes, I know, I’ve gone crazy – arriving today. She was such a good deal (very, very inexpensive, as is the Blythe from Ukraine) that I couldn’t pass her up. A fellow Blythe lover on IG was putting her up for “adoption.” She is the second owner, so the doll was discounted. I really love her – especially her eyebrows. You’ll see her tomorrow. (Oh lord, I just saw that the girl from Ukraine is ALSO arriving today.)

And then, Wren’s sister – made by the same artist that made Wren – is arriving soon as well. I ordered her several months ago.

“THAT’S IT! You have enough!” I screamed.

The life of an unrepentant collector.

Don’t forget about the January 6th Committee hearing tonight at 8 pm!

Forgot to add: We tested negative yesterday. Still have to keep an eye out over the next 4 days, but I think we’re fine.

Stay safe.

Happy Thursday.

Filed Under: bjd dolls, Blythe dolls, flowers, garden 27 Comments

Wednesday Thoughts

July 20, 2022 at 7:22 am by Claudia

Second day in a row where I’ve been awake since 4 am. Crap.

I’m so tired.

Don woke up early today, as well.

The brown-eyed susans are opening. I can never decide what to type; black-eyed susans or brown-eyed susans. Apparently, it’s the same flower with two different names. And the flower looks different depending on where you live. Since that “eye” is brown, that’s what I’m going with.

We haven’t tested for Covid yet. We decided to do it today. We’ll see. Frankly, I’m so congested on a daily basis, I’m not sure whether I’d know if I had any symptoms!

I have two coaching jobs coming up and that means I have to be out in the world again. As did Don when his group of artists performed the other night. Through this performance, the artists earned a little income after two years plus of not performing and I’m proud of Don (and his friend Elly) for planning that wonderful evening of music.

There’s been a lot of talk on the blog about being responsible and careful re: Covid. As far as I can tell from the comments here ever since the pandemic began, all of us are very responsible. Don and I are extra vigilant, but we do have to work. The venue where they performed the other night required proof of vaccination. Some people were masked, others weren’t. Don was masked the vast majority of the time. He didn’t “take a risk” as someone said, any more than you do when you go to the grocery store and shop among masked and unmasked shoppers. That’s life nowadays. We do what we feel comfortable with. As always, Don and I make these decisions together. Frankly, when I worked on the film, I felt more protected than any place other than my home because the protocols were so strict. At times, we took off our masks to eat and to pose for photos. The rest of the time, we were masked. The protocols will be strict in rehearsal rooms and theaters, as well. We limit our exposure, we don’t eat inside restaurants, we are so careful that many people would make fun of us.

But, as freelancers who need to work, we tend to accept job offers. Because…income.

There’s a large segment of the population that isn’t careful and in some cases, have never been vaccinated. I don’t get outraged any more. It is what it is and that’s the way it’s going to be going forward. All I can do is take care of myself, wear a mask, and do my best to protect others. And I do. We do.

The house yesterday morning.

Okay. I need more coffee.

Stay safe.

Happy Wednesday.

 

Filed Under: flowers, garden 48 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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