Mockingbird Hill Cottage

Mockingbird Hill Cottage

  • About MHC
    • Disclosure
  • Dollhouses/Minis
    • Hummingbird Cottage
    • The Studio (Formerly TSP)
    • Dove Cottage
    • The Lake House
    • The Folk Art Dollhouse
    • The Modern Dollhouse
    • Dollhouse Source List, Information and Tutorials
  • On the Road
  • Collecting
    • Roseville Pottery
    • McCoy Pottery
    • Egg Cups
    • Bakelite
  • Press
  • Privacy Policy
You are here: Home / Archives for life

Life Can Be Complicated

August 24, 2021 at 9:26 am by Claudia

I’m seeing more and more of these on the ground. Thought it’s still summery out there, fall is on the horizon. I’m not sure I’m ready for it yet, but I’m getting there.

I’m feeling off today –  the extreme weather, barometric changes, humidity and moisture have left me feeling congested, coughing, and really, really tired. Plus, I’m wrestling with a potential work situation that may or may not work out and it’s one I’d really like to work out. That’s all I can say for now, though I’m at peace – I think – with either outcome.

All that is to say that I’m exhausted today. I woke up very early as well. So I’m going to lay low, try to keep myself occupied, as well as get some rest.

I hope you don’t mind that this is on the brief side.

The newest Louise Penny arrives today – that’s good news!

Stay safe.

Happy Tuesday.

Filed Under: life 14 Comments

An Enervating Thursday

August 12, 2021 at 9:27 am by Claudia

Oh boy. Yesterday the temperature ‘felt like’ 108. Today, more of the same. I know so many of you have been dealing with the same thing. I end up feeling enervated. I suppose that’s because I know I’m stuck in the house all day. I did emerge to water plants and get the mail, but that’s about it. And because the a/c goes on so early in the morning, I can’t do any oil painting, as I don’t want the fumes blowing all over the kitchen and living room. This is temporary, of course, and it’s not a hurricane or a wildfire, so I’ll stop complaining!

We have to film an audition this morning. It will be the first time we’ve used our background screen, so wish us luck. We have the a/c on right now, but we’ll have to turn it off for taping.

What else? We ended up staying up too late because we were so hooked on The Bridge  that we watched 3 episodes in a row. My heavens, this show is excellent. Only one more to go, which we’ll watch tonight.

And then, I’ll cry a little because it’s over.

I’m reading The Ghost Fields  by Elly Griffiths. I have two more of her books on deck but I may hit pause and read the new John Connolly.

That’s all for now, my friends. I know this is brief but I have to help Don with the self-taping.

Stay safe.

Happy Thursday.

 

Filed Under: life 28 Comments

Fledged

August 2, 2021 at 9:11 am by Claudia

Well, they fledged.

At some point between seeing mama feeding them at 6 am and later in the morning, they left.

And we didn’t see it. Sigh.

Late in the morning, I ran some errands, but Don was back at the house and he said he walked around in the secret garden and stood under the nest. Nothing. No mama immediately chirping. Then, after several minutes, mama appeared and gave some warning cheeps but looked off in a different direction, presumably where the babies were. Then I came home and did the same thing. Very quiet out there until Mama appeared again, giving me a mild warning. I didn’t see the babies, but this area that she chose is perfect for them, lots of undergrowth and trees with low branches. They have cover during the next few days when they generally hang out near the nest. Later in the day, when I went out there a few more times, no appearance by mama.

Boy, do we miss them! We were both feeling blue all afternoon. I’m so used to walking into the kitchen and going directly to the window to watch them. So is Don. We are most definitely suffering from empty nest syndrome.

Bravo to Mama robin, who did it all on her own. All of it. And as Don says, she doesn’t expect any praise or acknowledgement. She just does it. She has been a terrific single parent and now she will teach the babies out in the world.

Sigh. And another sigh. And another, even bigger sigh.

We have been blessed by three different nesting experiences this summer; the Carolina wrens, the robins by the shed, and the robins outside the kitchen window. It’s been a rare and wonderful gift.

Today, I will hang around the cottage, waiting for the FedEx delivery of my laptop. I have to be here to sign for it. So I plan to take care of some chores inside and outside and do a little painting, as I didn’t get around to it yesterday.

Don’s off to get his hair cut and then he’s going to meet up with a friend; outdoors and masked.

Stay safe.

Happy Monday.

Filed Under: bird nest, birds, life 21 Comments

  • « Previous Page
  • 1
  • …
  • 71
  • 72
  • 73
  • 74
  • 75
  • …
  • 312
  • Next Page »
  • Email
  • Instagram

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.

Thanks for stopping by.

Searching?

The Dogs

The Dogs

Scout & Riley. Riley left us in 2012. Scout left us in February 2016. Dearest babies. Dearest friends.

Winston - Our first dog. We miss you, sweetheart.

Lambs Like to Party

Lambs Like to Party

A Note

Thanks for visiting! Feel free to browse, read and enjoy. All content is my own; including photos and text. Please do not use anything on this site without permission.

Disclosure/Privacy Policy can be found in the Navigation Bar under ‘About MHC.’

Also, I love receiving comments! I do, however, reserve the right to delete any comment that is in poor taste, offensive or is verging on spam. It’s my blog. If you’re a bot or a troll you’ll be blocked. Thanks!

Archives

All Content © 2008 - 2025 Mockingbird Hill Cottage · Log in

This website uses cookies to improve your experience. We'll assume you're ok with this, but you can opt-out if you wish.Accept Reject
Privacy & Cookies Policy

Privacy Overview

This website uses cookies to improve your experience while you navigate through the website. Out of these, the cookies that are categorized as necessary are stored on your browser as they are essential for the working of basic functionalities of the website. We also use third-party cookies that help us analyze and understand how you use this website. These cookies will be stored in your browser only with your consent. You also have the option to opt-out of these cookies. But opting out of some of these cookies may affect your browsing experience.
Necessary
Always Enabled
Necessary cookies are absolutely essential for the website to function properly. This category only includes cookies that ensures basic functionalities and security features of the website. These cookies do not store any personal information.
Non-necessary
Any cookies that may not be particularly necessary for the website to function and is used specifically to collect user personal data via analytics, ads, other embedded contents are termed as non-necessary cookies. It is mandatory to procure user consent prior to running these cookies on your website.
SAVE & ACCEPT