On The Road — Page 57

Twenty-One

July 4, 2015 at 8:57 am by Claudia

First – and foremost – it’s the 21st anniversary of the day I met Don.

Happy Anniversary, my love!

7-4 CTC

And of course, we open Our Town this afternoon, and the party will commence afterwards at the lake. Don’t know how long I’ll be there, since I have to get it together, i.e. pack, for my departure tomorrow morning.

Last night’s preview went very well indeed. It’s a lovely production. Everyone is doing beautiful work. The audience loved it. We’re opening this afternoon instead of tonight because it’s the 4th. Have to say it’s weird opening on a matinée performance!

Some views of the lake:

7-4 dock

7-4 chautauquabelle

The Chautauqua Belle, a paddle wheel steamer.

I managed to speed walk to Chautauqua Miniatures late yesterday afternoon on the only break I had all day. It was hotter than I thought and I was exhausted afterward, but I roused myself enough to buy a few more minis.

7-4 cushions

Some cushions for the green ‘wicker’ chair that will go in the rooftop garden.

7-4 minfoliage

Mini Foliage to work some magic in the garden.

7-4 frame

A lovely little frame – made by the same company that made the miniature Roseville Pottery.

7-4 flowers

Potted hydrangeas.

7-4 dhfind tablechairs

And these. Need I say how much I love them?

Happy Anniversary to Don and me, Happy Opening to everyone in Our Town.

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Houses on the Lake, New Favorites & A Birthday Wish

July 3, 2015 at 9:05 am by Claudia

Before I get going here, a Very Happy Birthday to my beloved sister, Meredith! She and her family are on their way to a wedding, so I don’t know if I’ll get to talk to her directly, but let me assure you, she is the best sister, as well as a wonderful mom and wife, aunt, daughter and all-around incredible human being. I love you, Mer.

Warning: picture-heavy post ahead.

It was beautiful yesterday. No rain. I know – shocking! On a break from rehearsal, I grabbed my camera and walked around the grounds.

I discovered some cottages on a little hill surrounded by trees – just down the street from the theater.

7-3 house in the woods

7-3 brick stairs

Then I walked along the lake. There are lots of charming cottages here, but there are also larger homes that are on the lakefront. Here goes.

7-3 copper roof

That’s a copper roof – so striking in the sunlight.

7-3 houses by the lake 1

7-3 houses by the lake 2

7-3 houses by the lake 3

Love that window upstairs.

7-3 houses by the lake 4

7-3 walk by the lake

7-3 chautauqua women's club

The Chautauqua Women’s Club.

7-3 favorite house by the lake

Talk about making a statement! I love this house. Incredible detail everywhere. According to the Artistic Director, it was fully restored a few years back.

7-3 flower & bee

Because I miss taking pictures of my flowers back home.

7-3 salmon house

Do you remember this house from a few posts back? I thought it was pink, but it’s really a salmon color. I decided we needed a close-up.

Another new favorite. Feast your eyes on the detail, from the tip of the roof on down. The upper porch is screened-in. I can’t decide what I love most, but that cut-out detail that swoops and curves between the porch posts makes my heart sing.

7-3 salmon house 2

I simply cannot stand it, it’s so beautiful. Many people name their cottages here in Chautauqua, so this cottage might already have a name, but I’ve dubbed it Salmon Cottage, nonetheless.

7-3 streetview

7-3 street scene hill

And my latest discovery – I’d never seen this one before yesterday.

7-3 newfavorite

What do you think it’s called?

7-3 newfavorite 3

Yep. Gingerbread Cottage. Built in the same year as Mockingbird Hill Cottage.

7-3 newfavorite 2

Detail.

7-3 newfavorite 4

The side view – this cottage is on a corner. What a treasure!

7-3 newfavorite 5

Love the color scheme. Love, love this cottage.

Chautauqua is beautiful. And as often as I’ve taken walks on the grounds, I’m always discovering something new, like Gingerbread Cottage.

Be still my heart.

New post up on Just Let Me Finish This Page – re: Harper Lee.

Happy Friday and Happy Birthday to my sister.

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Street Scenes

July 2, 2015 at 8:18 am by Claudia

Another long day yesterday. But, that’s what I’m here for. The show is taking beautiful shape and is in the midst of some fine tuning on everyone’s part; actors, designers, director, crew, and me. Tonight we have an invited dress rehearsal. The days are now for fixing things, rethinking things like entrances, or quick costume changes, or lighting. Lighting is a key element in this production as most productions of Our Town are bare-bones in terms of set, which is as it should be and as specified by the playwright. The lighting designer is the same guy who designed A Raisin in the Sun last year – he was also my roommate during last summer’s stay.

I had a little time to take a short walk yesterday. And to take some pictures.

7-2 street scene

Street scene, per your requests. My favorite white cottages are on this street.

7-2 white dollhouse

Speaking of the white cottages, here’s a close-up of one of my favorites, sans umbrella on the porch. You can see the garden seating area on the side of the house. I want to go inside.

7-2 side yard of 'yellow' house

And a close-up of the side garden at the other white cottage. These cottages are so beautiful, I can’t stand it.

7-2 street scene 2

Street scene number two.

7-2 street scene 3

Street scene number three.

7-2 street scene 4

Street scene number four.

7-2 michigan chairs

I fell in love with these chairs last year: Michigan Adirondack Chairs – my home state. And this year, I noticed the table is in the shape of the Upper Peninsula.

I would like a pair, please.

Happy Thursday.

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Twenty-One

Houses on the Lake, New Favorites & A Birthday Wish

Street Scenes

Lambs Like to Party

A Note

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