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You are here: Home / Archives for life

When It Snows, It Pours

February 26, 2023 at 9:21 am by Claudia

Careful what you wish for.

We got about an inch of snow yesterday. No big deal. But we’re due for 5-8 inches Monday night into Tuesday. The problem is that we are sweating an oil delivery. Don says we can make it until tomorrow (the heat is turned way down) but with the storm on the way, we need it delivered tomorrow. We can’t wait until Tuesday, which would be problematic anyway, as that will be the day for clean up, aka shoveling and snow blowing. He’s going to call today and leave an “Urgent!” message.

To top it all off, during our second load of laundry yesterday, water started flowing from under the washer. We tried again. Same thing. Crap, crap, crap. I called and someone is coming out tomorrow to diagnose the problem. Our washer and dryer is in a closet in the bathroom. It’s a narrow stacked combination of washer/dryer made by Whirlpool. It’s almost 18 years old. The last time a technician was here he said to do whatever we could to repair it in the future because the newer models aren’t as good. But, in doing a little research yesterday, I discovered that Whirlpool doesn’t make this model any longer. Anyway, I’m very stressed about repair costs and/or possibly having to replace the unit. Let’s see: $400+ for oil and $1200+ for a new washer and dryer. For us, that’s a big chunk of money.

When it rains, it pours. Or, when it snows, it pours.

So we’re holding our breath for the next 36 hours or so.

Also, the closet that contains the unit is narrow, just inside the main door to the bathroom to the left. We have to remove two doors to get the unit in and out as well as some molding and even then, it’s a giant pain in the tush.

I can feel my stress level rising as I write this.

This too shall pass.

I was hoping my book would come in at the library yesterday, but the roads were slippery and I don’t think the county-wide delivery van was making any deliveries. Ah well. Highly doubtful they’re working today and the library is closed tomorrow and then there’s the storm on the way…looks like I’m going to have to wait until Wednesday, at least.

Stay safe.

Happy Sunday.

Filed Under: life 18 Comments

Short and (Hopefully) Sweet

February 19, 2023 at 9:03 am by Claudia

In the works.

This is based on a Japanese print and it’s quite lovely. As I said yesterday, I’m working from the inside out this time. I truly love doing these puzzles. They quiet my mind. And that, my friends, is everything these days.

Our friend Adrian thought he was going to be able to go home for a while, but complications with a medication that is no longer working necessitate that he stay. His heart is failing and the doctors want him there in the hospital where they can monitor him. He was very disappointed. He misses the beach, which brings him peace. He misses his dog. He misses his house. His beloved wife is there with him as much as she can be. She is a rock.

So he most likely moves up on the transplant list.

We finished a series called High Water, based on a deadly flood in Poland that occurred in the late 90s. Beautifully done. It’s on Netflix, by the way. Tonight, we watch the season ender for All Creatures Great and Small  on PBS.

Well…it’s been five minutes since I wrote that last sentence, and I have absolutely nothing more to say! So, let’s make this post short and sweet.

Stay safe.

Happy Sunday.

Filed Under: life 27 Comments

Saturday Stuff

February 18, 2023 at 9:04 am by Claudia

Thank you, thank you, thank you for your lovely messages yesterday. It’s been a tough time here lately and, given our phone conversation with Adrian yesterday, will continue to be. Many challenges, some losses, lots of worries. But through it all, this blog remains my rock. It grounds me. And all of you are so wonderful! What a lovely group of friends! Your kind words touched me deeply.

On to year 16!

I started a jigsaw puzzle I had on hand. It’s been hard for me to fill my time lately, even though I’m reading a lot, writing Morning Pages, writing gratitude lists, and doing a wee bit of sketching. I sometimes feel listless. So, after a break, I’m back with my puzzles. THIS one was a bear that I abandoned quickly. I was working on the edges and I couldn’t get them to fit. Something was off. I tried to rectify the situation but it didn’t work. I must have had a puzzle on hand because I took what I pieced together apart and stored it in the closet. This time I’m putting together the center first. I’ve done that before when the edge pieces were challenging. Hopefully, after I find my way back to the edges, it will all become clear.

This morning’s 10 minute doodle:

This is the view I see when I look to my right. I left out the porch post and the overhang of the porch roof. Have to say the cars look like something I would have drawn as a kid but since these doodles are moments in time/memory evokers, that’s fine with me.

We’ve (Don and me) moved onto Part 3 of War and Peace. Today will be Day 49 of the readalong.

If you like to visit Don’s music site on YouTube, you might like this one – Blues in Double Time. You might see someone else you know.

Okay, my friends. See you later.

Stay safe.

Happy Saturday.

 

Filed Under: blog, Don, jigsaw puzzles, life, sketching 16 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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