I just took this picture the other day – they’re still blooming. Everything is a bit late this year. These daffs were planted by a previous owner. There’s a mound of them just beyond the back of the shed, as well. I think they’re so delicate and beautiful.
I took it easy yesterday. Basically I just hung out inside the house, except for a brief watering session with the newly sown seeds. It’s quite lovely right now; another gorgeously sunny day. Don has been making trails up in the woods, clearing out the paths we already had established. It looks good up there and it gives him a satisfying project.
Now if he could just learn some building skills so I can have a greenhouse.
That’s been a dream of mine for a long time, and it’s not helped by all the photos of greenhouses I see on Instagram or on Gardener’s World. It sometimes seems as if every British gardener has a greenhouse of some sort. My dream planting area would be surrounded by a brick wall with beds full of flowers and plants and vegetables and a greenhouse tucked in the corner. It also seems like every other garden I see on Gardener’s World has a beautiful brick wall, the perfect background for vines and climbing roses and clematis.
But, really, all I want is a modest little greenhouse. But even modest ones are pricey. Highly doubtful that will happen. Still, it’s always nice to have a dream, don’t you think?
Can you tell I’ve been watching my favorite gardening show?
Don received a letter from his agent the other day, updating all her clients about what’s going on during the lockdown. The future looks bleak. Broadway is officially closed until September but she said that it’s quite likely that nothing will reopen until 2021. It’s now May of 2020. That leaves at least seven more months of no work. And if that’s the case for Broadway, then it’s most likely the case for regional theaters. Maybe television and film could start up earlier than that, but how to film with social distancing? Don has been on plenty of sets in his 50 years as an actor and he says there is no way you can distance. Neither of us will have the opportunity to work until next year, at the earliest. Extend that same timeline to prop artists, set designers, lighting designers, technicians, sound designers, crew, stage managers, directors, composers, front-of-house crews, ushers, box office staff, house managers, production companies and all of their staff members, rehearsal studios, marketing, publicity, artistic directors, administrative staff, costume designers and crew, production managers, television and film studios, grips and every other worker you see on the list of credits at the end of a film – and there are thousands. This list is just off the top of my head, but there’s more. We know of a few shows, one of them directed by a friend of ours, that were just about to open on Broadway when the lockdown occurred. Will they ever open? What shows (that are already running) will not be able to sustain this long break without an audience and box office sales? What regional theaters will go down? What agencies will not survive?
And then, extend this scenario to opera companies, dance companies, symphony orchestras, museums, cultural organizations of every kind…and you have a nightmare scenario for the Arts, which, let’s face it, are always just getting by.
Even though Don had certainly been thinking about it, seeing it in the email really threw him. He had a delayed reaction. He’s not ready to retire and was worried about commuting to the city for auditions, having already made the decision to put his auditions on video – what is called self-taping. But nothing for at least the rest of the year and beyond? It’s really devastating. We are grateful for Don’s pensions and for Social Security – it’s tight, but we can survive. Imagine how hard it is for those who have no other source of income.
So that’s the reality at this house right now. Neither of us has or will have any work for the foreseeable future. We saw it coming, of course, and I’ve mentioned it here before, but…wow.
Stay safe.
Happy Wednesday.
I think it will be very lean times for many many people.
I think if we have our health,home and food I just thank God every day.
Maybe I am getting old but material things just don’t interest me as much as they did when I was younger.
Maybe you and Don could learn woodworking together and build a greenhouse.
Agree. We are very grateful for what we have.
Stay safe, Linda.
You and Don seem to be quite frugal, and I imagine that is helping…I am also. I read a story online the other day about a person who was born in 1900…maybe it was on a blog…if that person lived to be 90…imagine all he/she went through. Difficult to imagine for me. We live in the world of instant this and that…you are doing so well…seem to be so positive…for that, thank you. Of course, there are things we should be doing///docs…hair…etc.etc…but in the whole scheme of things…I hope that you and Don get some work…perhaps a television show that can distance in some way…Bluebloods is working on that-one of the two shows I watch on television. In the meantime, I wish you the best…you are right…some have no income…you are also doing your part by helping small bookstores, etc…keep writing…
Thank you, Brenda. Stay safe!
It is bleak out there for the performing arts and all those that support it with their work. It makes me so sad. We need those performances! But no way to social distance. I am glad you have another source of income, but that only makes the circumstances a bit easier. I have put the entire world in my prayers. Nothing else works for me. I can’t leave a single person out. I never saw this coming, and most of us didn’t either. You two enjoy what you can everyday, and that’s what I am doing too. Reading your blog and seeing all the beautiful flowers helps me. Thank you for being there for me!
We have to pray for everyone, everywhere. No exceptions. Thanks for your kind words, Tana. Stay safe!
Hi Claudia,
I just stopped by to tell you how sorry I am about the situation for you and all the performing arts community.
Perhaps Don will be looking for a new project soon…hello greenhouse!
Take care
Thank you, Marilyn! Stay safe.
So much uncertainty right now. What can people do? My daughter is trying to figure out something she can do from home. My husband has always worked from a shop in our backyard (repairing musical instruments) and has continued to have customers, but that drives me crazy with worry because of the people who don’t have the courtesy to wear a mask while walking through my backyard and interacting with him. I’m retired with a pension, but that pension is “underfunded” and what if it just collapses? Too much worry.
But, onto happier matters, I have wanted to have a series of walled gardens ever since I read The Secret Garden when I was 9. Since that’s (probably) not going to happen I have compensated by building paths instead. When I was younger and couldn’t afford a lot of paving materials all at once I would go to the building center once a month or so and buy a dozen bricks or one paver and gradually built up a stockpile to work with. Free used materials would appear occasionally. Once when I was on vacation I found a brick washed up on a beach and insisted on carrying it with me for the rest of the day until we got back to the car and then it travelled across country back to my yard! Paths are also featured on Gardeners World and I am drawing inspiration from them and planning for the future. For the moment I can take my shovel out and dig around here and there and dream.
As always, thank you for being here.
We’re in the middle of making paths, as well. We don’t have bricks, just some pavers and mulch/bark. But it’s fun! I love the way you accumulated your brick supply a little at a time!
Stay safe!
Somehow, some way the arts industry will recover. As will the travel industry. There are so many people just like you with their livelihoods on hold indefinitely (our business is the same, unless our clients come back there is no money except savings/government bailouts and we aren’t old enough to collect pensions). It is a time when we all have to live as frugally as possible within our means – while helping others at the same time. Some say this will be a depression, albeit one with internet and lots of cushy things to make our lives easier. For the entertainment industry it may mean traveling to areas that aren’t as hard hit. British Columbia where I live only had 2 cases yesterday, there is talk of the movie industry reopening safely (after 14 day quarantine and social distancing) in Vancouver where a lot of movies and series are shot. Not sure how that will work, likely lots of scenes will have to be rewritten to comply. Other provinces have thousands of new cases (Ontario and Quebec) so unlikely that will happen anytime soon.
That would be good for the movie and television industry. Unfortunately – not for the theater. It’s going to be a long haul, I think. Glad to know that BC isn’t hit as hard. Stay safe!
It’s just awful how long it’s going to take for life to get back to some sense of normal and the economic consequences on peoples’ lives. I hope that you and Don will manage.
My boss phoned yesterday to say that rather worryingly our main library book supplier looks like they have or will go out of business. We have lots of stuff on order but presumably because of the cash flow situation they can’t buy from the publishers. Also some publishers are delaying publication dates. We’re part of a large consortium of libraries who ask for tenders every three years so it’s not as if we can purchase from small bookshops instead.
The CEO of our local government send a message last week thanking everyone for keeping services running but warned that huge cuts would have to be made in future. Libraries were badly hit in the last round of austerity cuts, two years ago ten of our fourteen libraries closed.
On a cheerier note, yes, lots of British gardens are walled and if you like gardening it’s very likely you will have a greenhouse! I have a very small one, just 6 feet by 4 feet with only enough room for one! I have clear perspex which works just as well and is much less expensive than glass.
Maybe Don could build you one from reclaimed timber off cuts and get perspex cut to size when hopefully things look better next year.
Happy Wednesday
I’m sorry about the effects of this pandemic on libraries and book suppliers. It breaks my heart. I’ve seen ‘perspex’ on Gardener’s World, but I have a feeling we call if by a different name. Yes, I’ve thought of using it because it’s much less expensive. Stay safe, Dee Dee.
Sometimes, just seeing a reality you thought about in black and white, makes it more real. There will be too many affected by all this, and there doesn’t seem to be anyway around it. Not at least, until there is a reliable, available vaccine. Until you wrote a partial list of all those affected, I really hadn’t thought that there would be that many. I feel for you and Don. At least as you said, you do have income coming in, so that’s a plus. We all must be thankful for what we do have. I know I am.
What is it about having a greenhouse? I know, I’ve wanted one, too. It’s just never materialized. I’m sure you could find some simple plans online, that you and Don could build. Maybe later this summer?
Stay safe! ;)
There’s something about a greenhouse, Donnamae! I’m so charmed by them and I’d really use it, of course. Stay safe!
I should also add that you have greenhouse envy but we have porch envy!😀
Stay safe
Ha! xoxo
I thought of you yesterday. I saw an article about Shakespeare’s Globe Theatre not surviving this. So shocking and a tremendous loss. I hope they can figure out a way to save it.
I wish you both the strength to get through this, I can’t begin to imagine the emotional impact.
I am looking forward to a tour of all the work Don has done! I am sure working in your gardens has been great therapy for you both. I had to put my dog to sleep the day before Easter. I came home, walked in the house and right out the back door and started yanking weeds and spring cleaning the gardens. I would have been a mess if it weren’t for that.
Stay strong and know that all of us are sending you love and hugs!
Did the article say it wouldn’t survive, or was it like many other articles that say the theater needs money? (Which they do.)
I’m so sorry about the loss of your dog, Kimberly. Believe me, I understand that heartbreak. Sending you and yours a big hug of support and understanding. Stay safe.
to kimberly …
i am sorry for the loss of your sweet dog. i’ve had to make that decision twice and know it’s bittersweet and tough. i hope you focus on happy memories and the joyous reunion yet to come and do nice things for yourself every day. glad you have a garden to enjoy.
i wish you peace and stay safe, well. will pray for you.
kathy in iowa
Thank you Kathy. It was a difficult time with the virus. Try finding a vet open on a holiday weekend during a pandemic!
Gardening is healing!
so sorry that you and don must deal with a likely-longer period of no work.
glad you have a couple sources of income to help.
i pray for a vaccine and the end of this awful virus to get here soon. and that in the meantime some socially safe ways to work can be created. like someone safely taping don from a distance doing that one-man wodehouse show and putting it on tv.
you’ve mentioned that you and don have made it through lean times before … and you both are very creative and hard-working. i bet you’ll find a way to get that greenhouse and rustic fence!
hope you both take it easy today.
stay safe and well!
kathy in iowa
Thank you, Kathy. Don is – of course – working too hard outside. Since I usually do that as well, I understand. But I’m definitely taking it easy. Stay safe!
I’m so sorry, Claudia. Not surprised, but sorry. I know many people in the industry who are going through the same concerns. Our Wharton Center (roadshows, concerts) isn’t starting a season until December with Mean Girls and Celtic Woman and then January. While they are optimistic, I also think it’s a dicey time (flu/virus return). There are fewer B’way tours — Frozen, JCSuperstar, Cats, Pretty Woman, all stacked late in the spring. Mostly musical groups. They say they have a lot of “safe strategies” but I still don’t see how people will feel comfortable sitting elbow to elbow all winter for two hours, no matter how good the show.
At the theatre department, they think they will probably cancel all or part of the season. There’s a degree of liability at stake with the students, what one can do in a mask or distanced and of course the seating thing again.
And in all cases, it means people out of work. I’m so sorry that includes you and Don. It’s incredibly sad.
Like you, I would love a greenhouse. Not happening but it’s a lovely thought!
Safe strategies? Highly doubtful, I would think. But who knows? I think things will have to change dramatically, but I have no answers as to how. Stay safe, Jeanie.
Just recently I was thinking about the backyard gardens I saw when I was a kid in France. They all had a brick/cement wall around them. And I admired how the mothers were so self-sufficient when it came to vegetables. I guess it was a carry over from WWII as this was the mid 50s. My husband has a bed of rhubarb out back but I want to plant more. Maybe in the future. We are old and retired so no work worries for us, THANK HEAVEN.
Yes, indeed. Thank heaven! Stay safe, Jan.
Claudia
I am so sorry that you and Don will be cut off from participating in the creative life you both love so much.
I just wanted to tell you that I watched the Netflix mini series “Hollywood ” which takes place in the period following World War Two. A little over the top, even though it revolved around serious social issues. My point? While Patti Lupone was excellent, the true owner of the saga was Jim Parsons. He paid an evil despicable person and was brilliant. I remembered that you had worked with him and described him as a kind and gentle man. That man can ACT!
Stay well!
Best wishes from Best Bun.
I not only worked with him, Rick and I chose him for the graduate acting program at USD/Old Globe, so we are a small part of what has turned out to be his brilliant career. I know him very well, having spent 3 years with him there (in a very small and intimate program) teaching him voice, speech and dialects, coaching him, as well, and I also traveled to England with him. He is one of my favorite people. We knew on that day long, long ago, that we were seeing real talent, so we took a chance on him and we were proved right. He also wrote the blurb for my professional web site. I adore him and I am not at all surprised that he’s great in this production. Thanks!
That is sad not to be able to work. From what you have said about Don, I bet he finds something creative and interesting to do.
I don’t got to live theater often even though I enjoy it. I pledge to go frequently in 2021. Maybe even make it to New York.
That would be a good thing to do, Kay. Stay safe!
Sorry, Claudia and Don 🙁 I guess you’re fortunate that all of this has come in a time when you’ve got your social security and pensions … but still a financial jolt when this wasn’t “the plan”. It’s so terrible to think of the thousands affected by this, in the arts. And, of course, other industries as well.
If it had come at any other time before we had this safety net, we would have lost the house. No question. So we are very, very fortunate. Thanks, Debbie. Stay safe!
Sorry about Don’s situation. Hopefully Don can get a few jobs on television if Vancouver opens up their studios. A green house would be nice.
Marilyn
Vancouver is pretty far away. They’re more likely to cast out of Los Angeles. Stay safe, Marilyn.
I saw the info about Shakespeare’s Globe Theatre on NBC I think. They said it was doubtful that it would survive. The Arts have taken a huge hit. One of the daughter’s of good friends runs the small theatre in our little town. She has grown it so much in the past 5 years with art pieces, sculpture, music, plays, etc all here for us to enjoy. She is trying to figure how to fill our little 499 seat venue with enough social distancing, to make it with only 125 or so able to attend. How to bring in performances with much less revenue, and knowing that things could all be cancelled when/ if there is a resurgence in the numbers. Even in a little town, there are still expenses to be thought of, though certainly not like NYC. It truly is a time of fear of the unknown along with the knowledge that there is no one who seems to be stepping up to take charge of all the things that need to be done. Saddest of all is that if/ when this does hit again in a few months, we will be exactly where we were in Jan or Feb. And still there is nothing being done to stay or to get ready. People are acting as if it is all behind us now. I don’t understand.
I’m pretty sure some people and/or organizations will come through and help the Globe out. They are not the only theater making this plea, though in their case, they don’t get a subsidy from the government. But our regional theaters, which get some money from the NEA but very little in the big picture, are issuing the same plea. They’re in the same position as the Globe. It’s happening everywhere and small theaters like the one in your town will have the same struggle, perhaps a more difficult one.
And you’re right. We have a government installed that consists of those who lack one speck of compassion – certainly not for the Arts. For grifting? Yes.
No one is looking at the big picture except those who have no power within the administration. And it shows. Stay safe.
I totally get the tight but can survive. Same thing here; my husband’s freelance work didn’t even get off the ground in retirement due to Covid. If I can just make my house payment, pay my supplemental insurances and afford food, it’s enough to make you want to kneel in prayer at a time like this; when, indeed, others are suffering so much more.
I never thought of having a greenhouse, Claudia. Wouldn’t that be perfect for the cottage grounds. Start with the rustic fence, and see where it takes you!
It would look awfully pretty, wouldn’t it?
Stay safe, Vicki.
My husband has worked in the TV industry here in the UK for over 40 years, and like you it doesn’t look like he’ll work till next year .We had the next couple of years planned out with a gradual slowing down to retirement when he gets his pension . It’s all so uncertain as all his shows have an audience .
I’m keeping busy in my garden (not walled) and in my greenhouse, and get lots of inspiration from Gardeners World .
Sobering news. So many people are finding joy and solace in the arts right now I can only hope that a renewed appreciation and demand will be something this virus experience could instill. Until then, the mere numbers of those involved, not just performers, but the gamut from writing to lighting and everything in between, are too much to take in. Do you think maybe Don could put on a 15-20 minute musical video once a month or so for subscribers, like thru Patreon or something? You both have so much talent. Besides ads, is there any way that we can “subscribe” to your blog? I get so much from your posts and photos and book reviews and miniatures that it would be very worth it to me to help with costs. I’m sure you’ve thought of all kinds of things, but I guess I just wanted you both to know that you gifts are appreciated and valuable. I don’t think much will return to whatever “new normal” is until 2021 and maybe not for months after that. It seems that the states who have opened wide the doors are having the predictable spikes in infections but no one appears to care. The cost of doing business I guess. It’s a beautiful day here today. I hope it is for you too. Take care! Be safe!! Thank you for sharing your life with us.
I’m reluctant to do anything with Patreon. So many people are using it and it’s a wonderful thing. But I have enough trouble dealing with the fact that I have to have ads on the blog, let alone use Patreon! Thank you for your kind words, Nora – they sure mean a great deal to me. Stay safe!
Bonjour Claudia,
Glad to read you and Don are doing well.
Here too all artistic and cultural activites are stopped until further notice. All will depend of the new cases of Covid19.
It is a hard time for artists it is sure. Nevertheless, french actors, musicians wether they are stars or anonymous or anyone working in the entertainment industry (this includes many professions) is compensated by unemployment insurance when then lost their job. There are of course certain conditions for receiving the allowance (number of hours worked in the previous 12 months, relaxed due to containment etc) This helps to pay some invoices. It is better that nothing.
We are not anymore in containment, some activities have slowly resumed in some areas but there are some green and red regions (parisian region is in red of course) we must limit our trips, observe all barrier gestures (we are used to it now) and gatherings of more than 10 people are not allowed, grandparents must avoid going to see their grandchildren, do not embrace them if not possible take their distance etc. in short, the virus is still there and for a long time. Let’s keep morale up anyway.
My roses are all in bloom and that makes me happy.
Amitiés et garde le moral Claudia (Haut les coeurs !)
Yes, actors, etc., get unemployment insurance here, as well. But it is only for a set period of time. It’s not as much as they would earn working in a theater – even a smaller theater. But it does help. Glad your morale is high, my friend! Stay safe, Helene!