I had to make a quick run to the grocery store and post office yesterday. As I came to the intersection and stopped at the red light, I saw a big truck coming from the other direction with an American flag flying near the side rear view mirrors. Inevitably, that kind of vehicle – and it’s almost always a truck – belongs to a Trumper. I’m used to seeing them. As I turned and drove to the parking lot, I noticed the truck was ahead of me and as the driver, who was a woman, parked, sure enough, I saw tons of bumper stickers extolling how great the Orange Man is.
Sigh.
I kept an eye on her as I walked toward the entrance – she was ahead of me. Would she wear a mask? Yes, thank goodness. You never know. It is a mandate here in NY and has been so for several months, but I’ve seen more than a few people not wearing masks.
Ran in, got what I needed, ran out, stopped at the Post Office, picked up a package and bought some stamps. That’s all I want to do in the outside world for the present. Today is dark and rainy. It’s been raining off and on all morning and we might have more thunderstorms. Two days ago, we had really stormy weather and it’s now been confirmed that a tornado touched down about ten miles south of us in the town where we go to pick up groceries. It’s also home to the antique shop where I found the vintage dollhouse. A little too close for comfort. Thankfully, no one was injured, but there was damage to buildings.
In the mail was a package from reader Nora. Nora has recently started to collect miniatures and is as enthralled with that world as I am. I’m going to share what was in the box, but forgive me ahead of time because I took the photos this morning and the light is terrible!
This is a leather chair made by Arlette Shelton, who also made the sofa I’m using in the English dollhouse. I knew that Nora had purchased it but was stunned to see it inside the box! Nora explained that she was going to go with 1:24 scale, rather than 1:12, and she wanted me to have it. It’s simply gorgeous. Arlette’s work is impeccably done.
Isn’t it beautiful? I have no idea where I’m going to use it, but rest assured, I will. I never cease to be amazed by Arlette’s work. This chair is solid and heavy and simply splendid.
Also in the box:
A mini canvas of The Lantern Bearers by Maxfield Parrish. Although Nora didn’t know it, this is my favorite Parrish. I still hope to find an original print someday (they’re very rare.) I’m thrilled!
Also in the box, 5 tiny little dogs standing on barrels, playing instruments. They’re very whimsical and sweet, but impossible to capture on this dark morning. More photos coming – in fact, I’ll take another round of photos of everything in the box – hopefully, tomorrow.
Thank you so, so much, Nora! I will treasure these beautiful miniatures.
We’re hanging out at home today. Don is deeply into Hamnet. I’m about to finish A Private Cathedral by James Lee Burke. New books will be started. It’s a quiet – so far – and rainy day and we’re very happy with that.
Congratulations to my best friend Laural and her husband who became grandparents for the first time yesterday. Their daughter Jennifer gave birth to a baby girl, Ellie. (Jen is my goddaughter.) Welcome to the world, Ellie!
Stay safe.
Happy Saturday.
Oh that chair! Almost looks Art Deco to me… very stylish. And, I know how much you love Maxfield Parrish. How wonderful of Nora to send those.
We didn’t get the storms that they were predicting, which is good…but, we hardly got any rain either. Sigh. It’s a stay at home day for us too. It’s cooler, so I might venture out in the yard and do a little maintenance.
Enjoy the rain…and your books! ;)
It is Art Deco.
We’ve had rain off and on all morning but storms are predicted. I feel for my neighbors who have scheduled an outdoor socially distanced high school graduation party for their son. Of all days. Remnants from Hurricane Laura and my neighbor’s name is Laura!
Stay safe.
Oh, that chair is fabulous! Even with your “bad” photo (really, it’s not so bad), you can see the details and expert workmanship. What a generous gift. And I LOVE the Parrish. He’s one of my favorites and I’m fond of that piece. I can see that in your “house” for sure!
I know what you mean about the trucks and the Trumps. Here in Michigan, if you see a black truck, chances are it has the requisite stickers. Or flags. There’s a boat on the lake with a big one. Up North is very red. But people have been good with the masks here. I go to a wee post office in Waters instead of the big one in Gaylord. There is never anyone there and I fear it will close. I can’t get the selection of as many pretty stamps but there are some and it’s easy to mail a package or card and painting orders. Much easier than home.
I’m reading a book you might be interested in. It’s non-fiction, called Mudlarking by Lara Maiklem about treasure hunting on the foreshore of the Thames. It’s more than about mudlarking or her finds but I’m learning a lot about England as she finds and researches the objects. It’s not a fast read but a fascinating one.
You can tell, can’t you? I stay as far away from these people as possible.
Yes, I’ve read about Mudlarking and I follow several Mudlarkers on IG. That’s on my ‘must read’ list.
Thanks, Jeanie!
Those kind of trucks (we call them “utes” in Australia, short for “utility”) always seem to typify the kind of jingoistic nationalism that makes Australians cringe. I may be being unfair, but that’s the impression!
I’m really enjoying reading your daily updates, it is so interesting comparing and contrasting your life with mine. I’m blown away with how political mask wearing appears to be for you. In my state they are mandatory and it’s so nice to see everyone, including big burly tradies, put their masks on in the supermarket car park before they get out of their cars. It’s only very rarely do you see someone without one, and then it’s likely to be an “invincible” teenage boy.
Not for me, but yes, it seems to be political for Trump and his followers. Trump has blood on his hands.
Individual states can make their own rules and the state I live in, New York, has had a mask mandate for about 3 months, as have most of the states in the Northeast. Unfortunately, it seems to run along party lines. Most states, not all, run by Republicans have refused to put a mask mandate in place until things got dire. Florida, where my sister lives, is run by such a man and he’s also trying to hide the numbers of COVID cases.
Trump and his sycophantic followers are contributing to an extended lockdown and thousand and thousands of infections that never had to happen.
Thanks so much, Denise.
Stay safe.
My favorite way to consume James Lee Burke’s novels is on Audible. I love the voice of the narrator!
Glad you do.
I’m not an audiobook person as I like the voice I create in my imagination and don’t want to hear someone else’s idea of what the character/voice should be like. That being said, a skillful narrator can do an excellent job of creating the author’s world.
I’m sure I’ll gravitate to them someday, but for now, I don’t. Meredith, my sister, loves them because she drives long distances for work and she can accomplish a lot of reading that way.
Stay safe, Carolyn!
Those miniatures are beautiful. And that print….!!!!! wow! You truly have wonderful followers!
It is a fantastic day here. 75* and bright sunshine and the windows are all open. Our daughter had landscaping done in her yard this week and we were the recipients of 5 of her pretty Hostas. I had just the place for them, so we got those planted this morning. Friends stopped by at noon and we ordered lunch and socially distanced with us in the garage, and them on the other side of the garage screen at the patio table. Such a nice day. We talked about all of the things we USED to do; rides we would take, dinners in restaurants, shopping, and decided we would never take things for granted if this is ever over. Many people here are buying outdoor propane heaters so they can make driveway and yard visits last several weeks longer this fall. The winter is going to be a challenge!
Glad you are enjoying your rainy day!!! We could use one of those, too. We received over 3 inches on Thurs into Fri, but it was a hard and heavy rain, and the ground is so dry, it mostly bounced around and puddled in the streets. A nice soaking rain would be a very good thing. Take care!!
I think we’re going to get your weather tomorrow. I’m looking forward to it!
We had a nice steady rain for a couple of hours, but 99% of the rain we’ve had has been what you described. It never has a chance to seep in to the ground.
Stay safe – glad you got to visit with friends!
what sweet miniatures nora gave you. it kind of boggles my mind about how they are made so well so small … all the details in that tiny parrish print, for example. incredible!
congratulations to your friend laural and her family on the birth of their first grandchild. prayers for everyone’s safety and good health.
and you’re getting a dark rainy day to read … sounds perfect. enjoy!
today so far has been much like the last 18 or 19 saturdays … i went to four stores to get all the groceries and other supplies, then delivered them (takes three-plus hours). had a socially-distanced lunch, then we went for a drive (them in one car, me in mine) to see some different scenery. and i tried to not let them see me cry.
now i am home, showered and taking a break before i iron clothes for the week ahead. hope to get a couple other things done today so i can read all sunday afternoon. still in the agatha christie book of short stories.
wish we’d get some rain … we are in a drought, despite that derecho a couple weeks ago. i will be grateful that today’s temperature is 15 to 20 degrees cooler than it was last week. much better!
hope you have a good night and stay safe.
kathy in iowa
We are in a drought as well. The rivers are still very low. Every little bit helps, of course, but we need a few days in a row of steady rain.
Stay safe, Kathy.
I drive a pick up in Virginia (not a jacked up one) because I am antiquer. On my truck, I have a bumper sticker that says “Make America Sane Again”. Keeps people guessing! (November, “make it so”)
Good for you, Tina-Marie!
If I saw that bumper sticker, I would immediately know you were NOT a Trumper.
Stay safe.