Mockingbird Hill Cottage

Mockingbird Hill Cottage

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You are here: Home / Archives for rain

What a Deluge!

May 10, 2025 at 8:07 am by Claudia

The deluge finally ended late last night. Yesterday, it rained so hard for hours and hours – relentless rain – that the culverts were overflowing onto the street. We tried to keep our spirits up here in the cottage, but it was a challenge. Later in the day, I went out to get the mail and I noticed all sorts of trash/debris in the culvert on either side of the driveway. You know, people throw things out their car windows and the trash lands somewhere up the road from us and the force of the water flowing very powerfully through the culverts carries all that trash here. So we had to run out in the rain to gather up all the debris. Don was pulling some cardboard out of the culvert and the frog appeared again. Same general area where he was before. We’ve named him Phileas Frog (inspired by the character in Around the World in Eighty Days.)

This morning the water has receded. Where will Phileas go, I wonder?

I can hear the rushing of the river from where I sit in the den. It’s so loud!

It looks like we’ll get a respite for a few days but there’s more rain coming next week. I can see the beginnings of sunshine out there and I’m grateful.

We have wildflowers popping up everywhere in the area around the gardens and the funky patio. It makes for a somewhat cluttered look that I’m tempted to clean up, but then I see these buds.

That become these little flowers – fleabane. And I leave them because they’re beautiful.

The same for the forget-me-nots that are blooming after springing up in the spaces between the pavers.

So I’m  going to let it be a bit wild for a while.

Stay safe.

Happy Saturday.

Filed Under: rain, wildflowers 16 Comments

Flowers, Dolls and Lots of Rain

August 9, 2024 at 8:20 am by Claudia

The second Rose of Sharon has started to bloom – the color of the flowers is slightly darker than those of its neighbor. Hang in there, bush – we’re going to be pummeled today with rain as a result of Tropical Storm Debby heading up into the Northeast. Lots and lots of rain and some winds – there’s even a tornado watch at the moment. Yikes!

Did I mention the other day that we needed rain? Apparently, Debby has responded to my request.

Don’s response to Debby? He’s going to make an apple pie. We haven’t had one in a while, so it’s time.

Yesterday morning was spent running to the post office for a box for an Etsy order. On my way there, the tire pressure sensor light went on, so I drove to the gas station and filled up my rear right tire, which was the culprit. Then I ran into the grocery store to grab a few things, came back home and packaged up the Etsy order. Then back to the post office to send it off.

I don’t have the space to have a variety of boxes on hand, nor do I want to amass a lot of boxes that I don’t need. So I end up seeing the two guys who work in our post office a lot. Kevin and Gene. They are such great guys; kind, helpful, and funny. Kevin is going to retire in a year and a half and we’re already sad.

The Olympics have been spectacular and such a godsend in the middle of this election season. We’re ready to get back to our normal schedule, but I know we’ll miss them. I have always watched the Olympics, ever since I was young. The stories behind the athletes are so inspiring. I know it’s not everyone’s cup of tea, but if you’re not watching, you’re really missing out. I am not an athlete – never have been – and I am incredibly inspired by them. Don and I sit here screaming our heads off as we cheer for the swimmers and runners.

Sophie was overdue for a photo. My first Blythe. She is so lovely. A couple of years ago, Rosa, her customizer, told me that she had been her very first customization. I was so impressed. Little did Sophie know when she arrived here that several more sisters would eventually share this space. Someday I’ll show you the freckles on her forehead. Adorable.

Remember little Wren? She’s on her way to me, hopefully arriving on Monday or Tuesday. I haven’t told Lily yet, it’s a surprise,

Stay safe.

Happy Rainy Friday.

Filed Under: Blythe dolls, flowers, garden, rain 32 Comments

Crabapple Blossoms

April 12, 2024 at 8:20 am by Claudia

In the midst of endless rain, the crabapple blossoms have opened. We have a several crabapple trees around here, most of them younger than this one and all with slightly different blooms. This is always the first tree to flower and it’s right under the catalpa.

It’s so dreary out there, but the forsythia is a vivid yellow and the crabapple is in bloom, and boy, does that help. Both Don and I were lethargic yesterday and so tired of the rain. We want to be doing things outside and there’s much to be done. We’ll get a one day break tomorrow and then more rain on Sunday. HELP!

Also: Don had to take his car to his mechanic – again. We noticed it riding strangely the other day when we were driving back from the grocery store. He was afraid it might be tied to the most recent repair. So he drove it to the mechanic yesterday morning. It’s another thing entirely – the rotor for the right front brakes. It will be costly to repair and, between bills for heating oil, the bill for the last car repair, and the high cost of living, Don decided to hold off on the repair until we have the money. In the meantime, he can use my car. I have to admit, I had a good cry yesterday.

It’s always something. We have had to deal with so many repairs in the past year. I named 2023 The Year of Rain. I might add ‘Repairs’ to that.

Anyway, we both feel a bit down about all of this stuff and we’re working hard to stay positive.

In the meantime, I’m immersed in another Daniel Silva. I think I have 3 more to read until I catch up to where I left off several years ago. Boy, that man can write a spy thriller. His books are routinely 400+ pages and I positively cannot put them down. As I picked up two more at my local library the other day, I felt the need to explain why I’m reading so many Daniel Silva books!

I’m trying to finish the jigsaw puzzle. But I’m at the difficult part – the trees. So, if I manage to fill in 5 pieces a day, I’m doing good.

What else? Some critter is chomping on my garden. No emerging plant is safe. My lone tulip suddenly disappeared from sight. This drives me mad. The daffodils have been left alone, but that’s about it. The culprit is either a deer, a rabbit, or a groundhog.

Cue my frustrated scream.

Stay safe.

Happy Friday.

 

Filed Under: flowers, garden, rain 23 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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