I had to dig into my photos to find something to post today. I didn’t take any NYC pictures except of Gilly and they weren’t that good. I didn’t get back until 10 pm last night and I’m really wiped out. It was an intense 36 hours or so. NYC has an energy that can be exhausting, especially if you’re schlepping a handbag and an awkward and heavy duffle bag around town. The duffle was an unfortunate choice but I thought it might be easier to stash at the theater yesterday after I checked out of the hotel. It wasn’t. My little suitcase on wheels would have been better. Live and learn.

Anyway, enough about that. I’m really, really tired and have bad sinus issues going on, and the hotel room was the smallest I’ve ever stayed in – kind of a micro room – but it had a great shower. The show is wonderful and powerful and funny and I’ll be going back in for the day tomorrow to work with a few cast members. But I’ll be back in the early evening, in time for the World Series game.

I had a little brunch with Darko yesterday before the matinee and we talked about the show and caught up on our personal lives. I adore him. He’s a wonderful guy and a brilliant director. And he’s been so kind to me.

I am wiped out!

Today, I’m going to try to do nothing. I need to rest. I’m not sure what time I have to be back at the theater tomorrow, so I’m going to check into that when I finish this post.

I’m grateful for this unexpected job that came out of the blue.

Stay safe.

Happy Monday.

I got a call from Darko yesterday. He’s currently directing a show in NYC and it’s in Previews. Long story short, he asked me to come into the city today and tomorrow, watch a performance tonight and a matinee tomorrow, and take notes. There’s a young actor in the show who needs some vocal help. So I’ll travel into Manhattan this afternoon, check into a hotel, grab a bite to eat, and watch this evening’s performance. I’ll return home after the matinee performance on Sunday. Then I’ll go back to the city for the day on Tuesday and work with the actor – returning home the same day.

Unexpected, but welcome. It throws off my routine, which is increasingly hard for me these days, but it’s work and some additional income. And most importantly, it’s a chance to be of service. That’s the most important thing.

This rug arrived in the mail yesterday. I really like it in the Modern Dollhouse. The company that makes these rugs sometimes uses velvet (as in this rug) and the texture is really wonderful. It has weight, as well. It’s substantial.

I need some potted plants in this room.

Alright, my friends. This is short, I know, but my head is in ‘travel day’ mode so I’ve got to get moving.

Stay safe.

Happy Saturday.

The first in a small series re: the Burning Bush. It was a bit cloudy when I snapped the picture this morning. I’ll get one with the sun shining on it later today. As I always say, the bush has become huge and it’s sometimes a pain in terms of the garden. But it provides shelter for the birds and nests are built within its branches. And of course, the big payoff is this glorious red. What a gift!

The sunlight hitting the dried hydrangeas this morning.

Well, it’s Friday and that means the World Series is starting tonight. I love the Dodgers (at least this version of the Dodgers,) but my family comes from Canada (except for my paternal grandmother) and I have deep ties to that country. And let’s face it – Toronto winning the Series would drive the clown mad. Anyway, we’ll be watching every game because we love baseball.

I’m in the middle of Clown Town, Mick Herron’s latest in the Slow Horses/Slough House series. He is such a wonderful writer. We watch the series on Apple+ and you know I rarely watch a television series based on books I’ve already read because I’m very protective of the characters that have been firmly established in my brain. But I made an exception with this one, as I’d read everything Herron has written in this series well before it started to air. It’s so well cast and very true to the world Herron has created. The actors are brilliant. Anyway, Clown Town  doesn’t disappoint.

Next week, Louise Penny’s latest, The Black Wolf, will arrive on my doorstop. Will I delay reading it as usual, or will I dive in?

We’ll see. I suspect it depends on the state of the world.

I’m going to do a little repair work on the Beacon Hill today. Don and I are in self-protect mode, so we’re laying low for the day.

Stay safe.

Happy Friday.