Mockingbird Hill Cottage

Life in our little cottage in the country

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Flowers, Dolls and Lots of Rain

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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.

Crabapple Blossoms

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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.

 

Rain, Filming, and a Puzzle

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Wednesday was a day of torrential rain. It never stopped. I even heard thunder, which is rare this time of year. Don left the house at 5 am and returned around 10:15. His work day was 12 hours, routine for filming (the same hours I worked on Spoiler Alert.) But when you add in the 90 minute commute to Yonkers, where they filmed, you work a very long day. Don had a good time on that set, he loved the director and the cast. He was more than a bit stressed heading into Wednesday as he hadn’t worked in so long. But once he got there, it was all very familiar.

I’m proud of him. And, he has two more episodes in a month or so. He forgot to tell me that! “Didn’t I tell you??” No. You did not. It’s so good to see him working again in a profession he has been a part of for over 50 years.

I started this puzzle, which was the cheapest 1000 piece puzzle I could find on Amazon, most likely because it has an autumn theme. It kept me sane while the rain was pounding on the roof.

It’s cold again and will be for the next couple of nights. Next week will be warmer. Finally!

I’m reading Daniel Silva books like crazy. I read many of his spy thrillers in the past but somehow stopped reading them around 9 years ago. This time around, I started with his newest and I’m working my way backwards to where I left off. Though I’m not certain exactly where I left off. He’s such a good writer, the kind of writer who writes so well that I become completely immersed in the plot and can’t put it down. I’m grateful for having found him again.

I hope to get outside today to do some more work. There is much to be done!

Stay safe.

Happy Friday.

Lambs Like to Party

Lambs Like to Party

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