We have at least 30 inches of snow on the ground. Today is sunny and the snow is sparkling. There are big wavy mounds of snow here and there – Don says it looks like whipped cream. Very magical. But that’s all the snow we need, thank you very much.
I took a break from the very challenging jigsaw puzzle to give Stella a major cleaning – there’s still a bit more to go. She really needed it. Here’s a view you don’t often see:
Stella with her ‘lid’ down. The lid converts into the shelf you see normally. Such a smart design! I keep forgetting about that gold strip across the back which glitters when the light is on. I have to say, getting Stella is one of the best things we have ever done. She’s clean now, nearly grease-free. I just have to soak the burner grates in some Dawn to degrease them and we should be all set. I just have to remember to do a deep cleaning more often.
As for the puzzle…it’s hard…which is what I want, of course. So while I mildly complain, I really love the challenge. You won’t see as much visible progress from day to day, but believe me, it’s there.
I’m currently working on the proscenium arch.
Have you seen puzzle tables? Someone I follow on IG bought one from Amazon and it has nifty side drawers. She has a cat and it keeps the pieces relatively safe from cat paws. I’d love one for the portability, but I can’t justify the expense.
Heck, I need to keep the pieces free from my hands and arms. I continually knock puzzle pieces off the table and have to go searching for them.
I finished Winter Solstice. Sob. I started Mrs. Tim Carries On by D. E. Stevenson. I’m going to order The Shell Seekers today. Mrs. Tim is a relatively short read, so I should be finished by the time the new Pilcher arrives. Thanks so much for your advice yesterday!
Of course, it’s not like I don’t have stacks of books to read. I do. But I’m yearning for simple comfort reads that are well written and engaging. That’s what I need right now as we get ready to head into our second year of this strange time. And while I’m so happy for those of you getting your vaccinations, there are no appointments available here. We have a shortage of vaccine here in NY. So I feel like a kid who doesn’t get picked for the team (that happened to me a lot when I was young) but in this case, the stakes are much higher. We check every day. But we’re still isolating and are fortunately able to do that, so it’s not like we’re facing danger on a daily basis. I must be patient.
Stay safe.
Happy Wednesday.
Hi,
I hope all goes well for you and Don.
I just love, love whose ever mind thought to put the gold glitter effect when the light is on Stella.
I think it is quite magical.
Take Care,
Kaye
Park City, UT
It’s really wonderful and I completely forgot about it!
Stay safe, Kaye.
We are so thankful.we have our first vaccine scheduled for Fri.
The second is also scheduled.
I was getting so frustrated and Mon night we have our Zoom Bible study and the group said they would pray. Next morning I tried again and there were openings.
I am so thankful.So sad though that we were not able to visit our family in Ca. last summer and we won’t go this summer. Our daughter bought a new home and all we have seen our pictures. Well there is always 2022. I am just so thankful that we are scheduled
Just keep checking
I haven’t seen my family in over three years. I understand.
Thanks, Linda.
Stay safe!
Yes, initially, my husband and I didn’t want to say anything to anybody about our good fortune to get our vaccinations already because we didn’t want to make others feel badly. I specifically did not say anything to a close friend who calls me every Sunday but then she pointedly starting asking me questions last night about our SoCalif’s county rollout for the over 65’s (an announcement only on the county website, if you’re paying attention, and she was [what if you’re a person with no internet??] and I had to finally just tell her, “Okay, it happened; we already got it.” She wasn’t mad or forlorn; just glad to know details, details … because, frankly, nobody in our ‘circle’ has ever had the vax (and I only just found out about my cousins and in-laws in the other states on, coincidentally, the same day my husband and I had OUR vaccination); so, of course, a lot of curiosity. It’s something we’ve all been waiting for, for so long. She doesn’t really go to any doctors on a regular basis, and she doesn’t have a ‘family doctor’ steering the wheel, so she’s left to keep reading of where she can go for a shot (like what’s been pondered in the local newspaper of perhaps even a grocery store parking lot if not the pharmacy [beyond what’s already set up, when vaccine is available, at the large county fairgrounds]). My husband specifically has not shared on his social media; just waiting til others have a chance to get vaccinated, too. I got caught up in the moment of some of your readers sharing yesterday; but no gloating here; just gratitude and a sense of relief.
Your time is coming for the vax, Claudia. For me in my realm, it’s the over 65s with my peeps in four states now. You know Cuomo wants this for his New Yorkers. I really think that the Biden administration is coming thru with ramped-up production and distribution; better coordination. They had their plans going in; they hit the ground running. It seems to be accelerating. They want a shot in every arm. Soonest.
I can see all that ‘white’ outside your kitchen window (next to sparkling Stella). Definitely a winter scene!
Yes, Cuomo does, but I think he could have done better with the rollout.
Stay safe, Vicki.
No vaccine here, so we are on the same “team”, Claudia! I heard from my medical group that it is coming but they say they will contact me when an appointment is available. It was mentioned on the news here that contacting them over and over is only slowing those offices down so I quietly play the waiting game. I am lucky, tho, to be able to stay at home.
Stay snug and safe!
Yes, we are too. We can and do stay home. Thank you, Ellen.
Stay safe!
Golly, I forgot D. E. Stevenson in my comment two days ago! I LOVE Mrs. Tim. I think there are four in that series – I found some cheap reprints years ago and they are all falling to bits now. (But I can still read them…..) And she’s sort of like an earlier Rosamunde Pilcher because so many of her settings are in Scotland. Mrs. Tim Gets A Job, for example.
Speaking of Scotland, have you tried the Outlander books? I started the first one several times and just couldn’t stay focused, and then I started one more time and couldn’t stop. I’ve read that whole series and like other fans I’m waiting for the 9th volume. I know they are all being made into a television series, and I did watch the first season, but nothing since. Also, I probably wouldn’t call the Outlander books “simple comfort reads.” But they sure have educated a lot of people about Scottish history!
If you don’t mind the mystery element, there’s always Marjorie Allingham. For years my favorite detective was Lord Peter Wimsey, but when I found Albert Campion I switched my allegiance forever. Allingham adds a folkloric touch to many of her books, weaving rural customs of England into her plots, which is a feature I like. Anyhow, just another suggestion.
I am not really into Outlander, but I never say never!
I’m a big mystery fan but the slower pace of the Wimsey books, etc., isn’t for me. My favorite genre is mystery, and I definitely prefer something that has big stakes and moves.
But thank you so much for all the suggestions. I may check out Outlander!
Stay safe, Anne.
I think the vaccine situation is frustrating everywhere. Getting an appointment is like winning the lottery.
Make sure you are on any waiting lists. I found out from a friends facebook comment that a local pharmacy had a list. We got on that list and were contacted within a couple weeks.
I hope you don’t have to wait much longer.
Stay safe
Thanks Marilyn.
Stay safe!
Vaccines are in short supply in North Jersey as well. I try three places on the computer at least twice a day. I have an 89 year old aunt who does not not use the computer. She has been trying the county vaccine help line over and over with no luck. I signed up on the computer with my local hospital and was feeling good about possibly being called. Found out they have over 16,000 ahead of me! It just seems very random to me. I have a 75 year old friend with Lupus and has not found a shot!
On a happier note, I am half-way through Hamnet. What a wonderful read! Not my usual genre, but I am enjoying it very much.
Good luck to all of us in finding a vaccine!
Oh, your 89 year old aunt should have had the vaccine already! That’s just not right. Same with your friend who has Lupus.
Isn’t Hamnet wonderful? Don loved it, too. Definitely my favorite book of last year.
Stay safe.
We got both our shots because we have a friend who just happened on the sign up right after the governor announced shots for 65 and older. We were very lucky. If we had been a half hour later we’d still be waiting. It is a relief, but life really hasn’t changed much. We still do pick up for the groceries and don’t go to any stores. We might not get sick but we could make others sick. Interesting times…
We (and all our kids) have a mat that rolls up into a tube for unfinished puzzles. You can store the partly finished puzzle until you can work on it again. We’ve only used it a bit but it helps when there is limited space. I have been known to throw a table cloth over the top of the puzzle for meals….such a great housewife I am not.
Keep safe,
Eileen
Same. I would happily cover it with a tablecloth, but we eat on a tray in the den! We don’t even eat at the table.
Thanks, Eileen. Love you.
Stay safe.
I love your stove, Claudia! We had one very similar yrs ago, but had to leave it as we sold the house & that was part of the deal….we were not happy about leaving it.
Have gotten our first shot & scheduled for #2 end of the month. Hold on cause the gov’t wants everyone vaccinated. I’m just sorry it’s taking so long for you both. My cousin in the Boston area got hers at CVS…any chance for you going to a CVS in NY?
Doesn’t matter what pharmacy chain – and CVS is one of them – there just isn’t enough vaccine available.
Stay safe, Priscilla!
I have fond memories of cleaning my Mom’s “Stella”. Used toothpicks and rubbing alcohol to get into the seams on the knobs. Soaked the the tops in the sink. Mom never used the griddle because she didn’t want it to discolor. The shine was the reward. Used Jubilee Was on all the white . Good Lord- the petroleum based fumes! I seemed to have survived so far. Enjoy your Stella. Take care, Lani
I remember Jubilee Wax! Maybe I should get some! But only for those days when all the windows can be open.
Thanks, Lani.
Stay safe!
It truly is a crap shoot. We put ourselves on 6 different lists….at various pharmacies, the hospital, the clinic, and our county. I surely didn’t mean to “brag” about getting a shot. My feeling all along has been that each time I see someone getting vaccinated, I am glad as I believe that it is helping the situation. I am 71, have high BP and A-Fib, so I don’t feel like I jumped any lines by any means. I wish teachers were at the top of the list as I think their being vaccinated would help in so many ways, including getting kids back to school. In our state they don’t get on the list until March 1. None of it makes any sense. If only a grown up with a brain had been in charge of this from the beginning!! As so many others have said, this sadly resembles the Hunger Games in too many ways.
I just started to re-read the Miss Read series last night. So lovely. And I love D.E. Stevenson books!! I can’t wait to hear your thoughts on The Shell Seekers. I do admire your work on the puzzle…I myself don’t understand how that is enjoyable, but I am intrigued and watch in wonderment as you keep doing more of them!!
We still are so cold here. Another 5 days ahead of below zero. ugh. We do have heaters on our bird baths, and just had 2 Cardinals splashing and bathing in one of them. Crazy birds!! Must be their hot-tubs. Stella looks so pretty! Enjoy your view of the snow, and take care.
Oh heavens, you weren’t bragging! I’d be shouting it from the rooftops if we were finally going to get ours. Good for you!
Puzzles are calming for me. Just like crossword puzzles. I like the challenge and it keeps my mind sharp. I was never a puzzle person before last year, but I sure am now. I really go ‘somewhere else’ when I’m working on a puzzle. And then, when I need to, I walk away and come back later, often seeing what I didn’t see before.
Lawrence O’Donnell said in a tweet the other day: If only there was a list of everyone 65 and older who need to get vaccinated. Oh, there is – it’s called Medicare. He’s so right.
Stay safe!
I’m so happy you and Don made room financially and spacially for Stella! She is a star! We have vintage appliances in our house, c. 1960, but they are not really charming, unless someone loves mid-century modern. It cracks me up that that style is so big right now, because we had it in our house and it was the MOST uncomfortable furniture I ever sat on. The atomic look is fun, tho.
Same here. I have no desire for mid-century modern furniture. That’s all we had and I didn’t like it even then!
Stay safe, Nora.
I wanted to say how sorry I am about the loss of your doggy. They are never with us long enough. It hurts no matter how long it has been.
I love your stove! Where did you find that? Would love to have one!
Stay safe and warm!
Deb
We found in in Los Angeles and had it shipped here. Quite an investment for us but we don’t regret it.
Stay safe, Deb.
Love Stella! We don’t have snow – just two weeks of LOW temps and ice everywhere. Every few hours it drizzles and freezes immediately. Yuck! Stay safe and warm.
Ice is the worst, Judy! Sorry I missed your call, my friend.
Stay safe with all that ice.
Oh, Stella! How brilliant you are with your golden smile!
Know what you mean about New Yorker puzzles. I still haven’t finished the apartment building with dogs in the windows, “Hot Dogs” or something.
I bought the Puzzle Mates Portapuzzle Standard 1500 Pieces puzzle board at Amazon. Worth every cent and I’m a frugal sort. I have cats, so I have to have something I can fold up and put away. Plenty of room to work and I don’t knock the pieces off the sides either.
Hope the vaccine comes to you soon.
Have you and Don thought any more about reading books online?
I’ll look that up. Thanks so much for the brand name.
I don’t like reading books online. I have a Kindle, so does Don. We’d much rather hold a real book in our hands. Personally, I spend enough time on a screen with the blog!
Stay safe!
No, I meant you and Don reading aloud for the rest of us! Like Phoebe Reads a Mystery or a podcast. Guess I didn’t make myself clear. I mentioned it once in a comment a while back and you said Don said, “Hmmm…” Sorry!
I have a Kindle, but prefer real books. Our local library is unbelievably awful, so I download books from other libraries on my Kindle.
Oh, right! I remember your previous comment. We really haven’t thought any more about it. Don is completely into his music now. But we’ll take it under advisement.
xo
Our family is spread out through five contiguous western states and each state has completely different rules for who can get the vaccine. I’m just grateful that our health-care DIL has had her shots and my 94-year-old mom will be getting her booster tomorrow, even if I wish I was just one year older so I could be in the current tier.
When I do get mine, I’m going to be sharing it from the rooftops–not to crow, but to encourage anyone who’s undecided to take the plunge! The only way I can see to get ahead of Covid19 and any variants is to get as many people vaccinated as soon as possible. I want normal back…hugs, friends, grandkids, travel, indoor holidays, even shopping trips. If it takes peer pressure and some judicious arm twisting, so be it!
Stella looks fabulous. Thirty inches is too much snow, even for me. Long live good books, miniatures, puzzles and sweet husbands!
Stay healthy.
Yes, I agree. Everyone should get vaccinated!
Thanks, Roxie.
Stay safe.
There is such a shortage of vaccine here that I am not even trying to get it yet. I have gotten 2 notices from Johns Hopkins telling me that I am on their priority list but there is none available at this time and I will be contacted when there is. So I patiently wait, and stay home . The best part about this past year is that we haven’t even had the sniffles!
I am in love with Stella. Have been ever since you showed the picture when you purchased her!
Take care,
Kelly
Thanks so much, Kelly.
Just got a notice from my county – over 14,000 people are eligible and they got a total of 1500 doses this week.
This is the problem.
Stay safe!