• Weather-wise, we were fortunate compared to some of you, who I know got lots more snow. We got a lot of rain, then sleet, flash freezing and ice, and a dusting of snow. The ice continues to be a pain in the tush for Scout. That poor girl has to navigate a dog corral that one moment is squishy and slippery with mud after a 57 degree day and the next moment is full of treacherous ice patches because we had a flash freeze. This morning she stopped right behind an ice patch that was outside the kitchen door and just stared at me with an expression that said, “I have to deal with this again? Enough already.”
I get it, my girl. I echo your sentiments. I have more than had it with this bizarre winter. I feel like most of the time Don has been away, I have been putting all my energy into coping with the elements. Chopping ice, shoveling snow, figuring out how to get the ice dams on the roof to melt, trekking through four foot high snow drifts to rake the roof, salting, clearing several feet of snow to find the downspouts and gutter extensions, worrying about the weight of snow on the roof.
I might not be cut out for the role of a pioneer woman.
• I’m feeling a bit stir crazy here at the cottage. I’m contemplating a trip south to IKEA and Trader Joe’s. I need a change in scenery. TJ’s has the best deals on fresh flowers and heaven knows I could use some around here. And sometimes I simply need to take a jaunt through IKEA. Today might be the day.
• I’m reading The Cuckoo’s Calling by Robert Galbraith. It’s a very well written mystery that got great reviews in Great Britain when it was published. Then it somehow got out that Robert Galbraith was really J. K. Rowling, author of the Harry Potter series. She wanted to publish something under another name, free of all the expectations that would come if she published a new series under her own name. She is a wonderful writer.
Photo © T. Charles Erickson/The Huntington Theatre Company
• The Seagull by Anton Chekhov opened Wednesday night in Boston. Here’s a photo of Don with Kate Burton (a wonderful actress and the daughter of Richard Burton.) Now all the rehearsals and long days are over and Don can settle into the run of the play.
I love Chekhov. I was in The Three Sisters when I was an actress and it remains one of my favorite experiences. I’ve coached several different productions of Chekhov’s plays. He was such a wise man, so attuned to the complexities of the human spirit. And very funny, as well.
Check out those mutton chops on Don!
• My girl with a look in her eyes not unlike the look she gave me this morning. She’s a beauty. And a handful. She misses her dad. We would go visit him, but he’s staying in an apartment that is only reached by stairs – a lot of them. She just can’t handle that many stairs these days. And she’s too big to carry. So we have to stay here. If only there was an elevator there! There is Don, in the city where I lived for many years and still love, and I can’t be with him. (And no, we really can’t afford a hotel.) Ah well. It’s frustrating, but Scoutie’s health and well-being has to be our top priority.
• On a very sad note, my brother-in-law lost his mother yesterday, just two weeks after he lost his brother. Gracie was a wonderful woman who was the proud matriarch of her family. Loving, strong, wise – she was a role model for everyone. At what one would consider an ‘advanced’ age, she was helping build houses for Habitat for Humanity. John adored her, as did Meredith and my nephews. Rest in peace, Gracie. You will be missed by so many. We are blessed to have known you.
That’s all for now.
Happy Friday.
Oh, I love Chekov! I live in Minneapolis, home of the Tyrone Guthrie Theatre. I have seen The Seagull, The Cherry Orchard, and Uncle Vanya, and Three Sisters at the Guthrie. Don must be so thrilled to be in that production.
Sounds like you did luck out with the weather yesterday. We are still in the big melt. Typically, right after the snow is all gone, then, we get a huge snowstorm and have to start over!
He’s having a lovely time – really likes his fellow actors.
IKEA and Trader Joe’s are two of my favourite places to shop! I’m listening to the Audible version of The Cuckoo’s Calling and I agree -it’s a very good book. I did not like JK’s other novel, The Vacancy, so I was a bit hesitant to try this one, but am glad I did. Great picture of Don!
I didn’t read The Vacancy – sounds like it’s a good thing I didn’t!
Not a pioneer woman…me either. This winter has thrown too much at us this year….I need a quiet spring. Ikea sounds fun…ours is in Chicago…so a hike! We don’t go much…maybe in April. Great pic of Don! So, how long before he comes home? Flash freezing…really? But, at least it wasn’t more snow! If you went to Trader Joe’s, would you take Scout along for the ride? Enjoy your day! ;)
Our Ikea is a bit more than an hour away. So is Trader Joe’s – which is either an hour away to the east or an hour away to the south. Too far to take Scout. I combined Trader Joe’s and IKEA, since they are in the same area. Don will be home in about 3 1/2 weeks.
I love hearing about everyone’s rain and snow. Here in central NM none of that stuff happened this winter. I’m watering right now with a sprinkler just to get high up on my trees and water is running off into the street. I’ve always wondered why we can’t have a pipeline from Oregon to here. I’m going to follow up on my garden plans only our extra large lawn will be halved to create a pasture of sorts with drought hardy grass and another spot for wildflowers. Our appaloosa Badger will still get some grazing time! I love Chicago and Oregon AND Trader Joe’s. I’m an antique or vintage collector when it comes to furniture (Keith says ‘no more!’ You all have a good Friday!
Nice to hear from you, Kim! Central New Mexico sounds rather lovely to me!
So sorry to hear about Gracie. Folks from the “greatest generation” have never failed to amaze me with their sense of servcie to the community. She will be missed but remembered. All any of us can ask.
Wish I could see Don’s performance. I so enjoyed watching him on PBS. Get over to Trader Joe’s. I plan to go to Houston this weekend and it is on my list of places to stop because I love their fresh flowers too. Love to you and Scout.
Big Texas Hugs,
Susan and Bentley
You can’t beat the prices on their flowers! Have a good weekend, Susan.
Happy Friday, hope you have a very pleasant weekend!
You too, Kelly!
Your family has sure been walloped lately; so sorry to learn of Gracie’s death.
We went north to Houston yesterday for an Impressionist exhibit at the Museum of Fine Arts, but also to make stops at Ikea and Trader Joe’s. We heartily recommend the orange-cranberry scones at Trader Joe’s. There were boxes of daffodils at the registers, $1.29 a bunch.
I lived in Boston for several years — before your time there by a bit — and it remains my favorite city.
I’ve had them, Margaret – they are delicious!
Boston is the best!
Another sad loss for your family. Sending hugs. Poor Scout, she is more than ready for Spring. I could not be a Pioneer woman at all, I think it would overwhelm me. I think a trip to TJ’s and ikea is a wonderful idea. I think I’ll go to TJ’s today and get some flowers for the house. I think I am finally coming out of the doldrums from winter and being sick for a couple of weeks. Ready to do something fun and springy! Have a great day, and I love the photo of Don!
hugs,
Linda
Yes, I thought I deserved a little fun trip – glad I went. Hope you got some flowers, Linda!
I just read Meredith’s news on her blog. So sad and I know that Gracie will be missed by many…but what an amazing legacy she has left behind for all who knew her. I never met her, but feel that I know her just a bit by reading these two posts today. We’re having rain today after having been blessed by beautiful sunshine the past two days. I hope spring arrives for you and Scout soon.
Blessings,
Betsy
Oh, I do, too! Spring, come!
So very sorry about Gracie – she was an amazing person to be working on Habitat houses at her age. Hope you do get out today and wander around IKEA and Trader Joe’s for a while. A recharging distraction is just what you [we all] need about now. And the stores will be full of Spring colors! That alone HAS to be good for our moods and outlooks!
It was – lots of spring colors, lots of spring flowers!
Your poor sister has had so much to handle lately..I’m glad she has her little guy bring her sunshine and smiles..I would love to go shopping at an IKEA but the nearest one to us is in the Philly area I believe..You enjoy your shopping day..I have days too when I feel that I must just get out and go browsing..
I used to go to the IKEA in Plymouth Meeting, outside of Philadelphia – the first one in they country, I believe. Very handy for a poor graduate student!
So sorry about your brother-in-law’s mother and brother. Our in laws and their families are our extended families. She sounds like a great person.
I am sure that you are stir crazy. I think you should go shopping. It’s so good to get out right now. We had the same kind of weather. Then to add the wind and cold temps, ouch, it was painful. Today I have a window open. Not for long but just a little bit.
Good picture of Don. Love the boots. Wish you could visit him. How much longer before he gets back?
When you were talking about surviving winter I was thinking pioneer and then you wrote it. Hah. It’s like that isn’t it. I always saw that when we loose power.
How’s your mother doing?
I hope you do something to make you smile.
(((((HUGS))))
I wonder if he could buy those boots? I think he looks good in them. He gets back 3 weeks from next Monday.
Mom is doing okay – I haven’t talked to my dad in a couple of days so I will find out more when I talk to him.
My deepest sympathy to your BIL, Meredith, and their family. I can certainly understand how they must feel after the year we had. My heart goes out to all of them and to you. I was missing my MIL earlier today as I pulled out something she brought me from Ireland. I just miss her voice. The little things. And the same goes for my SIL and godson, but you just have to put one foot in front of he other and press on with them tucked carefully in your heart. Some days are harder than others, but I am trying to take the advice Dad gave Mom when he was dying and she said she didn’t know what she would do without him. He told her to live!
On a different note.. Sweet Scout! Love that face! It will stop snowing soon, Scoutie, honest.
Love the shot of Don and Burton’s daughter. I would so love to see that play.
Hope you find some pretty flowers.
TGIF!
xo
Sheila
Thank you, Sheila. Meredith and family have had a very hard and heartbreaking time of it lately.
Hope you made your trek to IKEA and TJ’s. I got a bouquet of the $3.99 flowers last time I was at TJ’s and just yesterday I had to throw most of them away. Have a few “good” blooms left. It’s been 1-1/2 weeks, so for $3.99 you sure can’t beat it. They’re so cheery when we don’t have any blooms outdoors. Just a thought…I don’t know how far away Don is and I understand your dilemma with Scout, but could you take her to a friend’s house for the day? Or, have a friend stay at your house to pet-sit just for one day, so that you could visit Don? Sorry to hear about your BIL’s mother. I can’t imagine losing two family members so close together. How sad.
If you get alstromeria – they will last even longer. TJ’s always has them in stock.
Don is over 4 hours away. 8 hour round trip. We wouldn’t be able to see each other but for a moment!
Sounds fun! I don’t get to either IKEA of TJs very often, it’s such a long drive from here. But I do enjoy them. We’ve been having some sunny weather and I’m just soaking it up!! My condolences to your extended family as well. Hugs. ~Angela~
Thank you, Angela.
Hi Claudia,
So Sorry to hear about “Gracie” thoughts and prayers for your Famiy …. I hope that your Mom is improving and able to go back to her Nursing Home.
They are suppose to open a Trader Joe’s here in Winter Park, Fl. I can’t wait for it to open and go explore it! Is it like a grocery store?
Last year they opened an IKEA here in Orlando, but I have yet to make it over there. I have heard that it is huge and you need to make a day of it!!
I Hope Springs comes to you very soon! and to all those who have been suffering through this horrendous winter! I would imagine that you do need to get out and take a little trip… Have fun, enjoy and drive safely!
It is like a grocery store, but smaller and better. They have a lot of wonderful items you can’t find in your standard grocery store, mostly their own brands that they have developed.
The whole theater experience must be amazing. And about those mutton chops, I never could see why they became all the fashion. I don’t think they improve anyone’s appearance. lol BTW, Claudia, that opening photo is stunning. Love it!
Thank you! I agree, by the way, not a fan of mutton chops.
I’m so sorry for your losses- never easy to deal with. Your dog is just beautiful, and such soulful eyes.
Thank you Tricia.
Loved seeing the photo of Don in his acting role.
I’m jealous that you can drive to IKEA – here the closest is an expensive ferry boat ride away – I love wandering through the displays picking up ideas. So much creativity in the designs and layouts, especially for smaller homes. I hope the time away was good for your spirit.
Sorry to hear about the sorrow in your extended family. Hugs.
It is inspiring – the displays are always so creative!
Claudia,
I know that I wasn’t cut out for pioneer life. My body is too weak.
But my spirit is good. I lost my precious 42 year old son, Brian last Sunday night. Unexpected massive heart attack.
We miss him so much. We are a very close knit family, I’m so thankful for that!!
Linda, I’ve sent you a private email. xoxo
I hope you enjoyed your day out, Claudia. Having fresh flowers in the house at this time of year does lift the spirits. And I hope you had the sun we had for the past few days. It really took a big bite out of the snow and ice. My condolences on the loss of your sister’s mother-in-law.