Thunderstorms are coming, but thankfully, they haven’t made an appearance yet. We were able to sip our second cup of coffee out on the porch. The porch has become Chipmunk Central. Their nests are beyond this railing, down in the ground near the side garden, and they use the porch as their path to the big garden and everything that lies beyond. We are constantly amused by their antics, especially when they appear and, in mid-run, realize we’re there. Do they go back? Do they forge ahead? It’s adorable.
We did tell them that they need to clean-up their nuts after they chow down on them. I’m not sure they listened.
Oh, endless rain yesterday. It went on and on and on and I didn’t run errands, but regretted it later, because I felt especially stir crazy. More today, tomorrow, and Friday. That’s all I’ll say because I’ve gone on way too much about the rain as it is.
That being said, this is what happens when it rains and the tree is in bloom. Lots of catalpa blossoms on the ground. (There’s even more now.) It’s sort of beautiful. Some of you asked how tall the tree is and I must admit I’m not very good at estimating that. I’m sure it’s at least 50 or 60 feet tall – or more. The catalpa and the maple are both very old – though I think the maple is the older of the two – and very, very tall. You can really see that when you are across the road looking at the property.
Again this morning, we caught a whiff of the intoxicating scent as it traveled on the breeze to our little spot on the porch. Oh. My. Heavens.
We watched 84 Charing Cross Road last night. I’d been thinking about it recently because I’m not sure I’ve ever read the book though I’d seen the movie long ago. Anyway, I found out that Don had never seen it and I was sure he’d like it. He did. Such a lovely story, beautifully realized as it covered two decades, starting in the late 1940s, in both London and New York City. Anne Bancroft and Anthony Hopkins are simply wonderful. And a great supporting cast, including Judi Dench. Corresponding with a bookshop in another city across the ocean, in search of books that can’t be found locally, establishing a correspondence of twenty years – it’s the perfect dream. I had a tiny taste of it when I corresponded with John Sandoe Books. I can only imagine how satisfying it must have been for Helene Hanff and the staff of the bookshop in London to get to know each other through the letters they sent to each other.
And now I’m wanting to order something through John Sandoe again. What, I don’t know. The Brits write so beautifully and every note – even in our modern email form – is a delight.
Today I’m off to do some shopping, thunderstorms or no!
Happy Wednesday.
love squinnies! made me smile to read that you talk to them, too. :)
i found a frog in my garage this morning. :( i talked to it, too, and opened the big door, but he didn’t listen to me, either, and did not leave. hopefully i can get some help for it later today.
beautiful photo of the catalpa, even with the blossoms on the ground.
good luck on the errands and the rain.
my mother and i read “84 charing cross road” and loved it. thanks for mentioning that book/movie; it brings up lovely memories for me …
happy wednesday to all!
kathy in iowa
I hope the frog eventually makes his exit!
Thanks, Kathy!
I have never seen the movie 84 Charing Cross Road but have read the book many times. I highly recommend it. I have a copy that I fish out periodically when I need a return to a kinder, gentler world… *sigh*
Ah yes. A kinder, gentler world. Would that it were so! Thanks, Elizabeth.
When my mother and I visited London, we were thrilled to shop for books on Charing Cross Road, and ended up leaving clothes behind to fit more books in our suitcases! At dinner one evening our tour guide mentioned that he had met Anne Bancroft during the filming of 84 Charing Cross Road, and I mentioned that even though Mother and I had searched for “84” when we were in the vicinity, we couldn’t find it. He graciously offered to lead us back to it after dinner – a wonderful memory of standing with my mother in front of the round gold plaque that marks the spot where Marks & Co. stood! We were giddy with excitement.
How lovely for you! If I ever get there again, I’ll be sure to look for that plaque!
You inspired me to stop and smell the catalpa, encountered while walking the dog. A truly heavenly scent. Thank you.
Isn’t it amazing?
My goodness, Claudia, that tree is magnificent! I thought I was looking at park land until I realised it’s on your property! Up to now, it hasn’t rained today but it still feels cool.
I’ve booked this week off to get on with some decorating. My brother who’s retired is helping me to wallpaper a bedroom. I’ve done all the preparation and paintwork but considering the last time it was done, Mrs. Thatcher was Prime Minister, it’s time for a change !
Happy Wednesday
Do you know, I’ve never wallpapered anything but the walls in the dollhouse! Good for you!
Good morning,Claudia! That catalpa tree is beyond beautiful.Thanks for sharing the photo. 84 Charing Cross Road is a favorite and I’ve read all of Helene Hanff’s books over and over. I am reading The Diary of a Bookseller by Shaun Bythell and it is laugh out-loud wonderful. For those of us who love old bookstores it is a charmer. xo
I just read about that book the other day and it’s on my list now!
what a delightful post!
I love chipmunks AND I love 85 Charing Cross Road!
the book was wonderful. the end came as a shock. I was young and just not expecting it.
and so I was prepared when I saw the movie. and still it came as a shock!
a truly wonderful love story.
and yes. a kinder and gentler time.
The ending always makes me sad!
I read the three or four Helene Hanff books last year and then got the movie and they all remain favorites. And yes, a dream, too, of that kind of relationship.
I feel your rain pain.
Will it never end???
Went out in the rain yesterday for some milk and bread. We figured it is going to rain all week, so one day is as good as the next. We were soaked because we have no car and had to walk.
Marilyn
Oh, I understand! I didn’t have a car when I lived in Philadelphia for 5 years, nor when I lived in Boston for 5 years. Just had to grab an umbrella and get on with it!
Just finished watching 84 Charing Cross Road and thoroughly enjoyed it – thanks so much for sharing. I also read all of Beverly Nichols books and being an avid gardener, found them delightful.
Isn’t it a lovely movie? So glad you enjoyed it and Beverly Nichols. (I’m reading Green Grows the City right now!) Thanks, Liz!
In my opinion, the book is even more charming than the movie. Check it out at your local library.
I will, Brenda!
I LOVE THAT MOVIE! It is one of my all-time favorites! How did I miss it being on last night?! I bought the book after watching it and even bought the follow-up book. I’m going to look and see if I still have them! Oh, Claudia, you brought back good movie memories!
It wasn’t on – we rented it through Amazon Prime. So you didn’t miss anything! So glad I brought you some good memories, Nancy!
Claudia, Thanks for reminding me about 84, Charing Cross Road. Watched it many years ago and remember enjoying it. My local library has the book and it’s now on my list to read. I have four books on my bedside table that must be finished first. Spent the day lining my friend’s kitchen cabinet shelves, after her remodeling has been completed. It’s much more fun a chore is one has someone to chat with.
Would you like to come here and reline my shelves?
It is well worth a read Claudia; it and the sequel, The Duchess of Bloomsbury Street. I have read both, but not seen the movie! It is such a lovely and caring story. Both books made it to my “keep” bookshelf.
I will read both, Cindi. And do see the movie, which is pitch perfect!
I’m gonna look for that movie; I’ve always liked Anne Bancroft. Always also appreciate your tips on books, films; lots of stuff!
Glad to pass on what I learn about, Vicki!
We have squirrels that come to the feeders in front of the windows. Annie watches them and I think she loves their antics! The birds have been most active this year. So much rain and then sunshine here but the humidity has been awful. I’m trying not to complain since we are having both types of weather.
It’s been the strangest spring and, after a long winter, I must admit I’m over the bizarre weather. xo