Early morning Christmas tree as seen from my chair in the den.
The wind has been relentless here. It started on Wednesday, and lasted all day long yesterday. Just when I thought it had died down, it’s picked up again this morning. Needless to say, I’ve had enough. Along with the wind came plunging temperatures, so it’s very cold out there.
There’s not a whole lot to share with you today. We’re taking it easy, eating some pumpkin pie, watching old movies. We purchased 2 pies right before Christmas, froze one, and pulled it out to thaw on New Year’s Eve. Yummy. I’ve put a few little decorations away, including the Vintage by Crystal figurines. I’ll probably remove the Christmas decorations from the dollhouses next. But the tree and those decorations will stay until it starts to get dry. So far, it’s in spectacular condition! I can’t remember exactly when we got it, but I think it was the 9th or 10th of December. We’re coming up on a month and it is as moist as it was the day we got it.
I’m still reading Orbital – about 6 astronauts on the International Space Station. It’s a small little book – about 200 pages – but it is slow going. I like it, but it’s not the kind of read that moves along quickly. I should finish it today.
Every once in a while, I check in with Eric Idle’s reading blog. He’s a voracious reader. His blog was where I discovered the Slough House series by Mick Herron, well before it was known here in the states. I thought I’d check in again about a week ago and came up with some books I thought were interesting and I ordered them from the library. A series by Adrian McKinty about a detective in Ireland during the “Troubles.” And another book by one of my favorite authors, Edward St. Aubyn – A Clue to the Exit. Don stopped by the library yesterday and picked them up, so I have plenty of reading material on hand. I finished the puzzle and it’s been stowed away once more.
Stay safe.
Happy Friday.
I have Louise Penny’s latest waiting at the library for me so I will head in to pick it up today. The weather will get very cold here too so it is perfect timing to stay warm inside and read! Have a nice weekend, Claudia!
You, as well!
Stay safe, Ellen.
I’m so enjoying your beautiful tree now that ours has been down for a week. Slowly taking Christmas down a bit each day. As I do, I think about Nick telling me at Christmas that he really loved what I’d done because, “everywhere you look you see a little Christmas.” Makes it worthwhile and I don’t do nearly what I did to the house when they were much younger.
I’m a “West Wing” superfan or, as I’ve learned, a “Wingnut.” The boys gave me “What’s Next” for Christmas which was written by two of the cast members. I was a bit shocked at what a big book it is and I’m so enjoying immersing myself in all facets of the making of the series.
I appreciated your comment about Kezia that it was time. You can tell yourself that, but it helps to have it reinforced by others. I’m gathering her wet food cans of which there are many because Miss Fussy changed her mind about what she would deign eat constantly. She never was a big kitty so I indulged her and would reintroduce things a few months later that she’d fall in love with again. Those, along with some other things I can bear to part with now, I’ll take to the county shelter once Charlie goes home.
Take care,
Kay
Bless you, Kay. I know you miss her. For us, it was the toughest decision to make and, with Scout, I think we should have let her go two weeks earlier than we did. You were a good mama to Kezia.
Stay safe.
Happy New Year!
Happy New Year, Judy!
xoxo
Your tree looks beautiful and I think it’s great that you’re keeping it up until it gets dry. I’ve still got mine up, too. It’s 21 degrees where I live in Illinois and they have on the weather app that it feels like 10 degrees. I don’t mind the cold too much, but have been dealing with viral-induced asthma for over a month, and that’s no fun at all. Like you and Don, I’m doing a lot of reading and watching old movies!
Oh darn it! I hope the asthma goes away soon, Jenny.
Stay safe.
Thank you, dear Claudia.
xo
It’s cold and wet here too, Claudia. I have just been out to lunch to a local bistro with my friend Madge who very kindly treated me as it’s my birthday in a couple of days.
I always walk everywhere or catch the bus but you can guarantee at some point in my journey, it will start raining.
I’ve just finished reading The Painter’s Daughters by Emily Howes. Gainsborough is the artist and one of his daughter’s suffers from bouts of temporary ‘insanity ‘. The family desperately try to hide this from society as it’s the era of the shocking Bedlam institute. Based on fact, it suggests that she maybe be the illegitimate niece of George the Third as she also appears to suffer from Porphyria.
Hope everyone stays safe and well during the wintry weather.
Happy Friday
Happy Birthday, Dee Dee!
Stay safe.
Claudia…..I too am having a quiet day. Not my own choosing. It seems that my politics have created an impasse too great to overcome. I had several friends that did vote for trump….twice and they made no excuses for it. They know my feelings….well it has been hard. I miss the company even if it is for a cup of coffee. Well, life moves on. I have to take the tree down and will have to content myself with the few like minded people left in my life. Just wish I could overlook our significant differences….but I think I make them as uncomfortable as they make me. Oh well……I made no New Years resolutions….so maybe it is time to stiffen my resolve and get out of this lethargy . Any an d all suggestions would be appreciate.
Maria
It’s a difficult situation to be in, Maria. You have to do what you feel is right. Hang in there!
Stay safe.
Happy New Year! Let’s all do our best to make it a good one. Our tree is still up, too. We keep it well watered and we keep it lit from the moment we get up till we go to bed. It is just so cheerful on a dull grey day. Your tree is very pretty. Enjoy your weekend. Hugs, Elaine
It makes a huge difference, doesn’t it?
Stay safe, Elaine.
I love how you placed your tree. It’s just perfect there. I’m moving out some of the decorations too, to prep for “winter styling” (ha!), which means placing a few snowfolk around here and there. Like you, the tree is up for a bit.
I’ll have to check out Eric Idle’s reading lists!
Cold as all get-out here, too — the “real feel” is -7. I’m off to Jackson to see a Julia Child exhibit at Ella Sharp museum — and hoping we don’t have car trouble along the way! Enjoy your mellow day!
Have a great day, Jeanie.
Stay safe.