Another porch plant brought in for the winter, this one gracing us with delicate little purple flowers.
I sit here in the early morning lamplight – I seem to be waking up rather early these days – sipping coffee, while Don plays his guitar quietly in the living room, Scoutie sleeping by his side.
I’d say that’s a nice way to begin the day.
Speaking of coffee, our neighborhood market ran out of Peet’s French Roast and we were forced to try another brand until new stock came in. The brand, which shall be nameless, was okay. But just okay. When I went to Target on Friday, the very first thing I did was run for the coffee aisle and replenish my stock of Peet’s. Since it was on sale, I grabbed two.
I didn’t actually ‘run’ for the coffee aisle. A better description would be ‘walked briskly.’
There’s everything else and then there’s Peet’s.
We got about six inches of heavy, wet snow yesterday with big, fat flakes falling during the night and well into the day. Drum roll: Don got to use the snow blower. He was very happy. I shoveled Scout’s small corral and all the paths to the house and shed. All in all, I got some good exercise and, in terms of yesterday’s post, I felt better because of it. Just enough shoveling. But not shoveling to the point of exhaustion which would have been the case pre-snow blower.
Then we had some frozen pizza.
Then, to test out the effects of the snow blower on the long, uphill driveway, Don got in the car and went to the store to buy some Vitamin D, per your advice.
Then we watched Coal Miner’s Daughter on TCM. I hadn’t seen it since it first came out in 1980, so it was like watching it for the first time. Sissy Spacek and Tommy Lee Jones were wonderful. Last Sunday we watched To Kill a Mockingbird. Thursday we watched Singin’ In The Rain. All in all, a great week for movies on TCM. Do I even need to say that both Don and I cried when Scout said “Hey, Boo” in TKAM?
No, of course I don’t.
I’m almost finished with John Connolly’s The Reapers. (Goodness, I love his books.) Then I have to take a break from all things Connolly and start reading some books scheduled for review.
Remember the quilt I pieced when I was working in Hartford a couple of years ago? I started hand quilting it at the time, then I lost interest and put it away. I hauled it downstairs the other day and it now sits on top of the basket across the room from me here in the den – taunting me. I do believe I’m going to get back into the hand quilting, which will take a long while to finish as I apparently decided to quilt overlapping circles that are dense and close together. That means the amount of quilting per square is on the heavy side. That also means that I have continue that pattern or it will look bizarre, so it will take a lot of time. This is the kind of project where I have to erase the enormity of the whole picture from my mind and truly do it ‘one day at a time.’
How is your Sunday shaping up? I hope you are having a relaxing, happy, wonderful day.
Happy Sunday.
Claudia, yours sounds like a perfect Sunday! Photos of the quilt please?
There are some on the blog, Casey. I’ll have to find them.
Hi Claudia, I’m glad for your rally! We attended a funeral yesterday which lasted most of the day. Today I’m shopping for an elderly relative. Friday night we fed the homeless at our church. This weekend takes me out of the house most of the time. I do miss being in and taking care of chores. No snow here…maybe tomorrow. Enjoy your happy day.
We have a major Nor’easter headed our way on Monday through Wednesday. The forecasts vary, but it looks like anywhere from 2 – 3 feet. They are using the word ‘historic.’ Crap.
Nice to see you talking about quilting again.
Yes, but I need to actually quilt, not just talk about it!
Morning! So far, no snow, but it is in the forecast for today into early tomorrow morning. After last year, it really seems strange to not have any snow on the ground. Not complaining!
Glad Don got to use the snowblower. They are a modern miracle when it comes to living in the north. I shoveled so much snow 4 years ago that it made my right are totally useless. Not fun at all!
Stay warm, quilt, read, drink coffee (I need to try Peet’s), and just watch the snow fall!
Hugs to all,
Deb
We have a major, major storm headed our way tomorrow. It sounds ominous.
Have you tried Seattle’s Best Level 5 coffee? That is one of my favorites; I like a bold brew as well and drink it straight black. I believe the fine grind of the coffee has a lot to do with the flavor we get from our auto coffee makers.
I love seeing your plants inside over the winter.
I will be cross stitching this morning then going to my son’s for his birthday today. My daughter-in-law asked if I would make chicken fried steak for the birthday dinner. A meal they enjoy as a treat.
Have a lovely day
I use a pour filter now, Linda. An individual filter that makes the coffee stronger and more rich tasting. I have tried Seattle’s Best. I don’t know, all I can say is Peet’s seems to be the perfect fit for me.
Good Morning Claudia, I enjoyed your house pictures this week. You have a lovely home. Today we will run errands to get ready for our next storm. Sounds like a big storm to hit Ct. Enjoy your day, Doris
It’s going to hit here, too, Doris. We have to get out and get some supplies. Stay safe.
Your morning sounds lovely and relaxing, I will have to see if we have that coffee here. It’s quiet here this morning, too…the lull before the storm…this afternoon we are celebrating a granddaughter’s 4th birthday. It will be crazy, but good!
Have a wonderful time celebrating your granddaughter’s birthday, Linda!
Good Morning Claudia (and Don and Dame Scout). It is above freezing here and things are a little drippy…yet they are saying that we could get a foot of snow Monday into Tuesday. Yikes! Maybe my brother will get snowed in here? Maybe my second week back at work will be another short one? We are going grocery shopping today (not because of the snow…Sunday is when we do it normally) and are making BBQ shrimp and salad for dinner. Yum! We tried a new variety of Peets last week and love it! Uzuri African Blend. My favorite has been Major Dickinson (the name alone is enough for me – lol). Love your delicate blue flowers. Stay warm!
We have the same forecast, Vera – some are even predicting 2 feet of snow….yikes. I’m a bit nervous. I’ve Major Dickinson and I really like it!
“Hey, Boo.” Always loved that line, too. But, until you mentioned it, I hadn’t consciously realized that I say it all the time…to my dog, Glory. Hmmh.
One of my favorite lines, ever, Shanna.
I remember taking my MIL to Coal Miner’s Daughter and she cried because the newspapered walls reminded her of her childhood and how poor they were for awhile there.
Just resolved to quilt 15 minutes per day or one length of thread :)
I noticed those newspapered walls when I was watching it last night. A powerful image.
I may follow your lead, Deb. Such a good idea to use one length of thread – then it doesn’t get so overwhelming. Thanks so much!
Three GREAT movies! Last year I told my hubs that I want “Singing in the Rain” played at my funeral some day. He asked why in the world I would pick that song. I just shrugged and said it has always made me smile. Always! :-)
I have been listening to your forecast on the news today …. and it sounds awful. It would be great if tomorrow or Tuesday you post that they got it all wrong and it went right out to sea and missed everyone.
The only good thing that comes from a big snow is lots of hot chocolate and lots of reading and watching of old movies. Or maybe a few stitches in a quilt!!
It does sound awful and it makes me nervous! We’ll be getting a few things in and I have to stock up on dog food tomorrow… we just everyone to stay safe and warm and for the power to stay ON.
Your flowers are such a breath of fresh air on such a blah cold day! Thank you, needed that. Glad Don had fun with his new toy and it will make life easier and that is what we all need. I watched Coal Minor’s Daughter too. Such a good movie! Remember when it came out, been a long time. Have a wonderful day!
Hugs
It is such a good movie. Don had to talk me into watching it again and I’m so glad I did!
Vit D!!!! For some reason. my internist checked my level a a year ago and it was very Low..I too megadoses fo over a yea to bring it up to normal and no must take 5,000 units just to maintain that level..My point being..If you need Vit D you need to know your level so you know how much to take..If it is low, you’ll need more tan one tablet to get it u to normal..Apparently this is very common in we older gals..Wouldn’t hurt!! May as well make it worthwhile if you’re gonna take them..
Love the Lobelia.I use it in my pots regularly..
Thanks, Missy! Vitamin D it is.
I’m going to take advantage of a break in the weather to run some errands, including picking up some of that Vitamin D. I’m frantically busy at work this month and just don’t have time to be tired. I think some of the roads downtown may be closed tomorrow in any case. One of the RCMP officers I mentioned in a comment before died from his wounds and apparently the Prime Minister is to attend at his funeral tomorrow. The whole thing is so utterly sad-making.
Whenever you mention TKAM I keep forgetting to tell you that two of the pets we pet-sit occasionally are named Harper (dog) and Jem (cat). I kid you not. Wouldn’t Scout have fun meeting them? I’d be curious to hear what your readers’ all-time favourite movies are. I have a heap of favourites from all sorts of genres (like my books), but “Cabaret” is right up there. I don’t remember where I saw it, but as a teenager in the seventies it was like an epiphany. I was raised in a small town in a family with ultra-conservative values, so I couldn’t even have imagined the likes of Sally Bowles. I remember being most relieved at age thirteen that there really was a whole world waiting to be explored and a whole life waiting to happen.
Good idea for a post someday, Barbara! Thanks.
I am so sorry to hear of the death of the RCMP officer. I had so hoped he would hang in there. So, so sad.
What a memory you triggered for me. Micheal and I married exactly one week after his graduation and we moved to Parkersburg WV to begin our post-college life. We only lived there for a year, but Coal Miner’s Daughter was released while we were there. The theater was packed with actual coal mining families. I also remember there being an office in downtown Parkersburg for miners to file black-lung claims. Such a hard way to make a living.
What a strong sense memory that must be for you, Kaye. A hard way to make a living, indeed.
I got up and out to church this morning with my kids. I’m home for a bite of lunch then I’ll go visit Mom today. It’s sunny out and that makes me feel so much better!! I’ve been watching the US Ice Skating Championships and enjoying that while I read blogs. A multi-tasker at times! Enjoy your day.
hugs,
Linda
Sunny definitely helps, Linda! It’s sunny here, though tomorrow the storm comes!
We are having a relaxing morning…there’s only five minutes left…..thank you for asking! We only got a dusting…the kind of snow you can whisk away with a broom…at least so far! A quilt…sounds like fun?? Take a pic before you continue if you will…it’ll be fun to watch. I’ve always wanted to make a quilt…but I’m not the greatest seamstress. Enjoy your day…glad Don got to use his snowblower! ;)
There’s a picture on the blog – I’ll try to repost it for you, Donnamae.
I’m envious of your bit of snow, but not of the coming blizzard! We haven’t had snow this season after an overwhelming amount last year. I just enjoy one ground covering per winter.
I’m hand quilting, too. My kids gave me an Ulmer’s Frame for Christmas and I love it. Small and foldable so it’s not a problem in my tiny bungalow.
I enjoyed seeing your home this week, so many similar items in our homes, I enjoy comparing. ☺️ I, too, love the simplicity of earlier times.
Brace yourselves for the coming storm, I think we may have a few slick spots tomorrow, but nothing much.
A bit of snow is nice….a Nor’easter isn’t! I’m going to look up the Ulmer’s Frame to see what one looks like, Hedy.
I guess I missed it why is Don needing VitD? (Can’t be lack of sunlight, LOL) Ohh I hope you do start hand quilting again, I love seeing your work and dedication. I always machine quilt because I like to have it done but would much prefer to do it by hand.
Not just Don, me too – because we get down in the winter from lack of sunlight. xo
What a sweet, peaceful way to start the day Claudia..Those tiny flowers make me hopeful for Spring..
They do help! Flowers of any kind are very welcome this time of year.
It did indeed get down to 42 here in Fl last night but we only turned on the heat when we got up and were getting ready to head out for church. Enjoyed a lovely church service then went to order new shoes for me and out for lunch. Will have enough time for a nap this afternoon before heading out for the evening service at church. Hubby worked yesterday but I stayed home and cleaned, can’t get much done with a 2 & 3 year old underfoot most of the week. Love having a quiet house with no noise from the kids I babysit and no t.v. I just love it that your flowers are still showing their blooms in the winter.
I bet having quiet and the time to clean and do your thing is very welcome after your busy week with kids, Janie.
I think it’s wonderful that you know how to quilt. BTW, that whole discussion on Vitamin D got me to reviewing my RX meds/supplements again. If you’re eating right and already getting certain minerals and vitamins from food, you can OD on some of this stuff, depending upon individual health conditions/diseases, etc. and just how many supplements, so it’s important to be careful; and I’m going to go over it again with my doctor next week just to make sure I’m still on the right track. Anyway, glad the discussion here came up; there’s a lot of good info on the web.
Just read that your Monday-Tuesday weather is probably going to be brutal; biggest storm for you in awhile. Glad you and Don aren’t separated by distance this year…and glad for that snowblower!
My daughters always tell me TKAM was their favorite book in high school English class. I confess I have yet to read it, and should…. They also enjoyed the movie, but Singin’ in the Rain is a family favorite. When my younger daughter was about 8 or 9, she knew almost every song by heart and could do the dance numbers too. At the age of 4, she dubbed the mannekin that Donald O’Connor danced with in Make ‘Em Laugh the “Lady Pillow” and we’ve called it that ever since.
Peet’s is my favorite too, and the headquarters and roaster are in my town! On a good day, I can smell the coffee roasting! Umm, I think I’ll go put a pot on and have a cup or two while reading the Sunday paper and doing the crosswords.
After a quick run to Trader Joe’s and Whole Foods I am back home just relaxing and catching up on my blog reading. Tonight is a Downton Abbey night so I am looking forward to that. xo LAura
Hi Claudia, wishing you a fun snowy time with Don and Scout! Happy that you don’t have all the shoveling to do alone this year!
Thinking of you, Don and Scout with this upcoming storm. Hoping its not as “epic” as they think it is going to be. I am the opposite of winter – I don’t like it for so many reasons – never have and at age 52, I dislike it even more with each year. As rough as this storm may be, try to use it as a time to create special memories with your family and be thankful that all three of you are in it together. I know in yucky times these days, being with my little family is about all that really matters. Take care Claudia. So hope your power stays on so you can give us updates!
Just a dusting of snow here this morning, thank goodness. I spent a couple of lazy hours in bed this morning, drinking my coffee (and I can’t imagine running out of my favorite and having to get another brand – the horror!) and eating a freshly baked croissant while watching Food Network and writing some emails. I then got my rear in gear for the day and did housework and laundry, made a pot of bean soup and homemade bread. Brian’s home from work now and we’re about to have dinner and read the Sunday Tribune.
So glad you got your coffee and hope you got out to get the dog food. That forecast for you is sounding scary. Stay safe and warm. The power going out is what I dread most. We are getting snow . The plow just came up our little street. They used to ignore it but my friend’s son takes good care f our street. He works for the township.
My Sunday started out with PEET’s Major Dickason’s coffee. Oh boy, we LOVE our Peets – and you know they are from Berkley, Ca? Just up the road here….
After getting rev’d up on PEET’s, I worked on moving in boxes that go into my new sewing room and guest bedroom. I’d love to see your quilt, Claudia.
Be safe and please stay warm. I read your post to my husband and he, like I, never have lived through such storms. We found it interesting to know you filled your bath tub with water. And we got a good chuckle about the pie. Go Don, go!
hugs,
becky