The next few days are going to be in the eighties with nighttime temps on the warmish side, so we may bite the bullet and put in the A/C units today. We both did a lot of work outside yesterday and I plan on doing some more today, but I also woke up at 4:15 because it was too warm in our bedroom, so air conditioning is a must.
It’s beautiful around here, I have to say. Lush green, everything growing by leaps and bounds, and the catalpa is finally starting to leaf out.
As I headed toward the finish line yesterday, I munched on potato chips and drank lots of water. At this point, I felt I would never conquer this sucker, but of course, I reached a point where everything fell into place rather easily and here is the finished puzzle:
No missing pieces, even though I always insist something is missing. It’s really lovely, this puzzle. It’s part of the Museum Collection by Clementoni, a manufacturer in Italy. I love this kind of puzzle because I love art, of course, but also because I learn so much about the brush strokes and style and observe so much more of the detail than I would if I was looking at it in a museum. And my goodness, do I love Van Gogh.
I have another one by the artist Alphonse Mucha that I’m going to start later today. It’s in the Art Nouveau style and it’s gorgeous.
Still reading A Room of One’s Ownย by Virginia Woolf. Extraordinary. I read every day but have less time for it because I work outdoors so much.
Okay. Have to run and get started on my chores.
Before I close, Betsy, a reader of this blog, lost her brother to the coronavirus a couple of days ago. She is, understandably, heartbroken. She shared this news in the comments on yesterday’s post. Send her some light and love and prayers.
Stay safe.
Happy Tuesday.
linda wilson says
Betsey I don’t know you but I want to tell you I am so so sorry for your loss
betsy says
Thank you Linda. That is kind of you.
Blessings,
Betsy
AndreaJane says
I have an Alphonse Mucha puzzle up next too. The Four Seasons.
Betsy – I cannot imagine your terrible loss. I am so sorry.
betsy says
Thank you Andrea. It is hard.
Blessings,
Betsy
Claudia says
That’s the one I’m going to be working on! Stay safe, Andrea.
Dee Dee says
Betsy, I am so sorry to read that you have lost your dear brother to this dreadful virus. Please try to focus on and remember the happy times you spent together. Know that I shall pray for you.
Even though we come from all over the world, Claudia’s blog is a haven for us to share.
Dee Dee x
betsy says
Thank you Dee Dee. I appreciate each prayer so much.
Blessings,
Betsy
Melanie M says
Betsy, No words can take away the pain you are feeling in the loss of your brother. Please know, however, that you have a lot of prayers and hugs headed your way.
Melanie M
betsy says
Thank you Melanie. Each prayer is appreciated more than you know.
Blessings,
Betsy
Chris K in Wisconsin says
Thoughts and prayers winging towards you from Wisconsin, Betsy. So very sorry for your loss.
Stay cool, Claudia! We turned the AC on this morning as it is supposed to be even warmer than yesterday. The humidity is what is so awful. Not complaining…. esp since we can turn the AC on, just noting how quickly the temps have changed from really quite cool to 86*. Hope everyone has a good day!
betsy says
Thank you Chris. I appreciate the prayers.
Blessings,
Betsy
Claudia says
It’s quite warm here today – and humid! We did a lot of work outside and when it came time to bring the a/c units in we discovered mold on the one we use downstairs. Not sure how that happened but it’s an old model. So we installed the unit in the bedroom – which is the most important) and will pick up a new unit at Lowes tomorrow. Stay safe, Chris!
tammy j says
oh dear Betsy. no words from me will be good enough to express the loss you must feel.
stay strong dear one. sending you love and courage. xo
betsy says
Thank you Tammy. It’s even harder than I expected.
Blessings,
Betsy
kathy in iowa says
to betsy …
many prayers again for you and your family to have peace in this awful time. may you all be comforted by happy memories, the love in your family and God’s strength and love for you all, too.
also thanks for your brother’s service to our country and to you and the rest of your family for the sacrifices you made then, too.
kathy in iowa
betsy says
Thank you Kathy. Your sweet comment means a lot. How are YOU doing? I’m praying for you too recover quickly.
Blessings,
Betsy
kathy in iowa says
hej, betsy …
you are very sweet to take time and energy to reply and to ask about me. thank you. makes me cry, because my symptoms are lessening and i am starting to feel better while you and your family have it so much worse. i hope you all have peace in knowing God, His love and assurances and look forward to happy reunions one day first here on earth and later in Heaven. i hope you are all safe and have whatever supplies you need/ want along with hobbies if you need a distraction.
will keep praying for you and your family.
kathy in iowa
kathy in iowa says
hej, claudia.
that first photo looks like a great place to be … working on a beautiful puzzle, looking at all that gorgeous green out the window, a glimpse of stella nearby, that orange-tree (?) bowl … and potato chips sound really good right now. enjoy! :)
good luck installing the air conditioners. my very kind landlord provides and installs air conditioners here, stores them in winter and has them numbered so i get the same a-c every year (all much appreciated) and installed them last week for everyone else. mine, of course, has to wait a bit, but that’s for the best. we are to get much warmer weather soon, but there’s a ceiling fan here to help if needed. so far, so good.
hope today is easier for everyone.
kathy in iowa
Claudia says
We installed the bedroom unit. The old one we used in the kitchen was moldy (!!) so we bought a new unit and will pick it up tomorrow. xo
betsy says
Claudia, it was so sweet of you to mention my brothers passing. All of the thoughts and prayers are so appreciated by the entire family. I’m still trying to come to grips with the idea he’s gone. He’s always been there for me. My big 6’5″ brother who always protected his little sisters.
Blessings and love,
Betsy
Claudia says
I understand. My brother was 6’4″ and he died in 1991. He was my big brother and he had three little sisters. Much love.
Donna says
Betsy, I am so very sorry to hear of your brother’s passing. Take comfort in knowing that he is no longer suffering. I am sure he is still watching over his little sisters, this time from above. Prayers are being offered for you and your family. xoxo
annette says
Dear Betsy , Please know that I am sending love to you from Northern CA. I think of us as a virtual village of kind and thoughtful readers brought together by Claudia.
Lily says
Betsy, Iโm so very sorry youโve lost your brother to this horrible virus. You are in my thoughts and prayers.
Lily says
Claudia, the finished puzzle is beautiful! I love Van Gogh too.
Claudia says
Thank you, Lily! Stay safe.
jeanie says
Big heart hugs to Betsy. I’m so very sorry for your loss.
Do you have the Four Seasons Mucha puzzle? I have that one on my wish list at Galaxy. Part of me wants to get it for me and part of me wants to get it as a birthday gift for a fellow Muchan! Maybe two? When we were in Paris a couple of years ago, we were lucky to be able to visit the Mucha exhibit. It was glorious. And so much I never knew about him, either. He was a remarkable man. Gee, when I think about all the art we saw in that trip, just a few short days because England was the main show, I am in awe of us!
I love the VanGogh puzzle and I can see why it was both a challenge yet fun to work on, as you learned more about his style and methods.
Claudia says
Yes. That’s what I’m starting next. It’s so gorgeous! Thanks, Jeanie. Stay safe!
Judy Clark says
Your puzzles are amazing. You have a lot more patience than I!! LOL Everything here is green and lush also – I love it. Haven’t been out at all in a few days. Hopefully, before too awful long, we can get out some. I still wear my mask any time I am out.
Have a great day!
Claudia says
Good for you! Absolutely keep wearing that mask, Judy! Stay safe.
Donnamae says
Betsy…I am so sorry to hear of your loss. These are difficult times, and I wish blessings and grace. ;)
Claudia…love that puzzle. That is by far one of my favorite Van Goghโs. Weโve been busy gardening…slow gardening, actually, because of the heat.
Enjoy your evening! ;)
Claudia says
It has become one of my favorites, that’s for sure! Stay safe, Donna.
Marilyn says
Claudia that puzzle is gorgeous. Everything in your garden looks so lushand green. Truly beautiful.
Marilyn
Claudia says
Thank you so much, Marilyn! Stay safe!
Sandy says
Dear Betsy, my heart goes out to you. It is really hard to lose your brother, I know. Hope all our thoughts and prayers will let you know you aren’t alone.
Thank you Claudia for letting us all know of Betsy’s brothers passing of Covid 19.
In this time it is good to know there are caring and loving people.
Sandy
Claudia says
It is indeed. Thank you, Sandy. Stay safe!
Robyn C says
Dear Betsy I am so sorry that you have lost your brother in this pandemic. Losing family members at this time is so hard especially when you are unable to be there at the last. Love, Robyn
Claudia, I loved the finished puzzle. It is one of my favourite Van Gogh pictures.
I am having my finger operated on tomorrow for the second time in about one month. This time with a hand surgeon as my local doctor was unable to get everything out. I will be out of action for about 10 days so won’t be able to do much hand work for awhile. That time will go quickly.
l
Claudia says
I’m sorry you have to go through surgery again, Robyn! Thinking of you and sending healing thoughts your way. Stay safe.