Well, I’m back in the saddle again here in Hartford. I brought back a few more things to give my apartment a homey touch. I’ll share those with you tomorrow. At the end of today, both plays will have been blocked and staged by our director. I’m still doing a bit of individual coaching. Yesterday I worked with one of the boys (there are two) who have speaking roles in Macbeth. I’d guess they around 11 or 12 years old. This one has a face full of freckles. I’m such a sucker when it comes to boys, probably because I had little sisters, not little brothers. (I had a big brother, but that was different.) I find them fascinating. It’s such fun getting to know them. I remember how thrilling it was to be in a play at that age, the excitement of working with adults, of a whole new world opening up, full of possibilities.
I am completely enthralled with the series of Chief Inspector Gamache mysteries written by Louise Penny. They are set in the fictional town of Three Pines in southern Quebec. Penny writes with compassion and humor and great detail. She knows the frailties of human nature and the ways of the human heart. Excellent, excellent writer. And it’s thanks to one of my readers that I discovered her. Remember the lyrics from a Leonard Cohen song that I highlighted here recently? The last line is “That’s how the light gets in.” What’s the title of Penny’s newest, soon-to-be-released book in the series? How the Light Gets In. Penny, a Canadian, clearly loves her Leonard Cohen, also a Canadian. (Not to mention the fact that my mother is Canadian, and 3 out of 4 of my grandparents were Canadian.)
I knew I liked her.
I started watching House of Cards on Netflix last night. Don has watched the whole series, produced by Netflix as an original series. He kept telling me I had to watch it. Oh my goodness. One of the best things I’ve seen in years! The production values, the writing, the direction, the acting are beyond excellent. Kevin Spacey is brilliant. I know some of you have already seen it, but for those of you who haven’t, I cannot recommend it enough.
This is a rather new thing, you know. A digitally distributed series – a series that is produced to be watched online – either on your computer, tablet or television. I have a feeling it’s the wave of the future. Previously, I have to admit that if I heard a series had been produced for the Web, I would have jumped to the conclusion that it was ‘less than.’ In this case, I was wrong. Truly one of the best things I have seen in many, many years.
It made history by getting 9 Emmy nominations. “The times they are a-changing.”
A while back, one of my readers mentioned that Hens and Chicks succulents get flowers. Well, here you go! Look at those beautiful flowers on my plant! This is why I never, ever get tired of gardening. There’s always a new discovery, a new delight. Hello, pretty flowers.
The last of the Bee Balm; valiantly hanging in there, still giving a splash of red to the garden. I thank you for your spectacular performance this year. You multiply nicely each year, your red blossoms are beautiful, you make me smile.
Have you seen Google’s doodle for today? I have to admit a tear or two came to my eyes. It’s a lovely tribute to Claude Debussy, accompanied by the beautiful notes of Clair de Lune. That particular piece of music has always been special to me and I played it on the piano. Still do.
Have you read any Louise Penny? Don’t you want to live in that town with those wonderfully eccentric characters? Have you watched House of Cards? How’s your garden doing? What are you reading? Let’s chat.
Happy Thursday.
Good morning, Claudia! My husband and I rely on our youngest son to keep us up to date with the best on television, and he turned us on to House of Cards this summer. Oh my. It’s everything you said–the acting is superb. Kevin Spacey leaves me speechless. His trick of breaking the third wall is brilliant. The writing is amazing and there are so many characters whose actions leave us speechless! You might also want to check out Luther, a BBC production of a London detective starring Idris Elba that is very well done. And I had to take back my words this summer that I would never watch a modern day Sherlock Holmes, because once again BBC delivers with its production of Sherlock, with Benedict Cumberbatch and Martin Freeman turning in wonderful performances. Whew–I guess I’m chatty today as well! Have a great day, xxoo, Martha
I’m a huge fan of Sherlock and have a little crush on Benedict Cumberbatch. That voice!
One of the actresses (Lady M) just watched Luther and raved about it, so that is next on my list.
Yes, I love the way Spacey talks to us, or simply flings a ‘look’ in our direction. Brilliant.
Sounds like going home for a few days was just what you needed!
Both my husband and my son have appeared in or written web series. Seems to be the next best thing. Our son was nominated for and then won in a category at an awards event last year in Los Angeles for a series he wrote, produced and acted in, just for fun! Right now, he’s in Croatia filming a movie but once he’s back in a few weeks, he’ll be starting work on another series that someone else has written but asked him to appear in. My husband’s is an ongoing one, with each episode being independent, almost like a Twilight Zone. Interesting to watch the process.
I had no idea that hens and chicks flowered. I’ve had mine now for a couple of years but to date, no flowers. Hmmmm.
We’re right in the middle of the Fringe Festival, the second largest in the world next to the Edinburgh one. Busy, busy week with performances each day. So far, the show is getting rave reviews and tons of laughter.
Ah, Leonard, Leonard, Leonard …. what can I say? Saw him in concert a couple of years ago. Such a gentlemen. Such a rascal! Such a talent. We Canadians are humble, but talented!!
I hope you have a great run with the production. Enjoy the rest of your week. We’re off to Fringe!
Have fun at the Fringe! I participated in the Edinburgh Fringe Festival many years ago. Are you at all familiar with my friend, Sean Sullivan and his one man show, Baby Redboot’s Revenge? He’s done it at several festivals with rave reviews. Sean and his wife Lynnie are close friends of ours and live in Toronto.
Dear Cllaudia,
I have been reading your blog posts almost daily for the past 6 months or so. I enjoy reading about your cottage, Scout, and your interesting work. Keep up the good work!
I am a gardner too. Today I am making tomato sauce and then I will can the jars. I have already canned 43 qt. 2weeks ago, and I may have that much again this week! I grow heirloom tomatoes without the aid of chemicals–so good!
Thanks again for enjoyable reading.
Sue in Ohio
No chemicals, Yay! Good for you, Sue. I bet that sauce is delicious! And thanks so much for your kind words.
I am about to say something dumb in a very sophisticated conversation, 1.I believe it takes several years for Hens and chicks to grow,really tall and flower.(Thats not the dumb thing)). Did you know, Mosquitoes are the chief pollinators of the cocoa plants? I thought that was cool! Nice Post Thank-You. -Judy A-
Stop that, Judy! Not dumb at all. And no, I had no idea about the mosquitoes! I love learning stuff like this.
I’ve only had my hens and chicks in the ground for a year, but who knows how many years it was in it’s pot, waiting to be sold?
So enjoyed your ‘chatty’ post today — just like sitting across from a friend, having a cup of coffee and hearing about their week. Just one of the many reasons that you are one of my ‘must reads’ every day (along with all the garden and Scout pics)
PS Just ordered a Louise Penny – the first one. Currently reading the Walt Longmire series ( Longmire TV series is based on these books) – very ‘good reads’.
I think you’ll love Louise Penny, Regina. I watched a bit of the Longmire series, but didn’t give myself enough time to get into it. I’ll have to look into those books – thanks for telling me about them!
Hi Claudia–
I did see the Google doodle…but didn’t click on it. I just went a had a listen. Beautiful.
I love seeing how things are growing in the garden every single day. I planted corn and beans for the fall garden last week…and this week, they were peaking through the earth, by late afternoon…they’d grown almost an inch (the corn) everything is coming up now… squash,beans,corn… it is fascinating.
Hmmm…what am I reading right now? I re-readying 1000 gifts a little slower this time; and Backyard Chickens (doing some research on Guineas)
I need to read something fictional and faraway; with the soul purpose of enjoyment. Maybe I’ll choose something for the weekend.
Have a great remainder of the week, Claudia.
Pat
oh and I came back to say… I hadn’t heard of House of Cards and I have watch a web series about a year ago…it was a cartoon. I can’t think of the name right off…it had a dark and seedy feel to it. Something about Electric City (?) anyway…for some odd reason it grabbed my attention. Had famous actors like Tom Hanks, Holland Taylor, Georg Standford Brown…and others. It was interesting.
As to House of Cards… I’m interested I like Kevin Spacey AND Robin Wright…
…how is that for chatty? LOL… Pat
So wonderful hearing your garden is thriving, Pat!
You know, I was never a huge fan of Robin Wright, but she is simply wonderful in House of Cards. Love when that happens!
You sound happy today, Claudia! Amazing how refreshed we can get from a short time at home just when it is so dearly needed!!
I never knew hens & chicks flowered either. After our drought last summer, I brought a pot of the hens & chicks in the house w/ a few geraniums and spikes to winter over. In the middle of that awful winter we experienced just this past year, when I thought I was losing my mind with all the snow and cold, imagine my absolute shock when I walked into our little sun porch where the plants were all kept, to see those all in full flower!!!! I NEVER knew! It was almost breath-taking!! They have now been outside all summer, and no sign of flowers. So I will bring them in again at the end of the season and hope to experience that wonderful day again! (and I truly don’t need another awful winter to appreciate it!!)
Looking forward to seeing the new treasures you brought back this time!!
I know! Aren’t those flowers beautiful – such a surprise! If I hadn’t been tipped off by my reader that hens and chicks could flower, I think I would have fallen to the ground in shock!
Good morning Claudia! You have been re-vitalized by your days at home. Home always gives us the strength to carry on.
I have hens and chicks in the ground, and have had for many yeas. Never any flowers. Maybe my season is too short. I brought in all of my garden yesterday. I noticed the raccoons coming around the last few days. It is one thing for them to eat the food I put out for the feral cats, but an entirely different thing for them to think they could raid my garden. The cabbages are still out there, but everything else is in the house. The tomatoes can ripen here.
I don’t get Netflix, but sure would like to. My internet speed is only 1/10 if what it needs to be to stream that way though. I don’t know how to get faster speeds but am looking into it.
I imagine you are sorry you said it was alright to be chatty. Once I get started I have a hard time stopping.
I am partial to little girls myself. I think probably because I have a son. However, I am partial to him too.
Enjoy your day!
Not at all, I love it when your comments are also chatty! Reassures me that I’m not the only chatty one out there.
Glad you gathered all your veggies and brought them in. Those pesky raccoons would have eaten everything!
Yes, you do have to have good Internet speed to stream Netflix. Hopefully, your cable company can take care of that for you.
xo
I love your chatty posts…it’s just like when old friends catch up! Glad your hens and chicks bloomed for you…one of nature’s wonderful surprises. I love Claire de Lune too…I still try to play it fom time to time, emphasis on try…can’t play as well as I used to. Enjoy your day….we’ve had a glorious rain storm all morning! ;)
Oh, it’s the same for me, Donna. I can’t play nearly as well as I used to. It can be an exercise in frustration. xo
Hi Claudia, I need to echo what several others have said — enjoy your blog each day, always interesting, beautiful pictures and such a pleasure to read. So, chatty as well here in PA: I, too, didn’t know that hens & chicks flower. I need to get some — haven’t had any for years. Right now we (well mainly my husband) are harvesting a ton of tomatoes and peppers. Cantaloups are ripening and squash are flowering…at least we think they are squash — they came up from seeds that were in our compost. A bonus of composting! Spinach and lettuce are planted for fall crops. Also some cabbage and a few other things. I’m reading several books: “The Man Who Loved China” about Joseph Needham — very interesting. Also “The 1,000 Autumns of Jacob DeZoet” by David Mitchell (of Cloud Atlas fame). Similar to Cloud Atlas, it is a little bit of a tough read for me, but I am enjoying it. And finally, my husband and I read out loud after dinner every evening. Currently we are reading a book about the Lewis and Clark expedition/exploration. Again, very intersting and actually quite humorous in places. I almost picked up a Louise Penny book the other week while at a book store…but am trying not to buy as much and use the library. I will check and see if my library has any of her books. They sound like great reads. I don’t watch much TV at all other than Masterpiece Theatre on Sunday nights. Sometimes American Pickers or Antiques Roadshow, but that’s about it. However, House of Cards sounds wonderful and I love Kevin Spacey…so will need to check that out. Thanks for the recommendations!
So glad your visit home seems to have renewed you! Can’t wait to see your pictures tomorrow to see what piece of home you brought back to brighten your nest in Hartford.
We don’t have a vegetable garden and when I read about them, like yours, for example, I get a wee bit jealous in the best possible way. Your garden sounds luscious and full of good things to eat.
I have Cloud Atlas, a friend recommended it to me 3 years ago. I have to try to read it again. I think I was too busy at the time to give myself the time to get into it.
I love, love that you read aloud to each other. Don and I do that occasionally, but we should definitely do it more often!
xo
I just found your post recently when another post that I read daily recommended you. I love to read and went to check out an excerpt from the Louise Penny series on Amazon and I think I will give it a go. Have you read them all except for the latest? I love gardening also, and do so without pesticides except for some fly spraying on the patio where I feed the acreage cats. Love old things like you do and love to read about your re-dos. Thanks for all your inspiration.
I’m so glad you discovered the blog, Cindy. Welcome! I haven’t read all of the Louise Penny books, yet. I’m reading them in order and I’m on number four. It’s that great part of reading a new author – into the middle of the series, but still have a lot more to look forward to!
I love that you don’t use pesticides, Cindy. Good for you, fellow gardener!
Thanks so much for your kind words. xo
See how cheerful you are….this is why Don leaves weeds for you to whack….it makes you happy and wanting to yack :)
You wrote a little poem, Debra:
This is why Don leaves weeds for you to whack,
It makes you happy and wanting to yack.
Perfect! I laughed out loud. And it’s probably true, as well!
xo
Love this chatty post. You mentioned Louise Penny awhile ago and so I ordered one. I just finished Still Life last night and I’ll be looking in my library for more of her books. I loved it! Wouldn’t living in Three Pines be a wonderful thing? That bakery! I’ll be interested to see which characters continue through the series. She’s killed off Jane Neal and Timmer, both of whom sounded so intriguing, even in death.
I’ve been dealing with garden produce (currently green beans and tomatoes) and hope to make peach jam today.
Have a wonderful end of week and weekend. Young boys can be darlings.
So glad you are enjoying Louise Penny, Lorrie! I’d love to live in that little town – the bakery, the B & B, the bookstore…heaven!
If I was at your house, I sure would be sampling that peach jam! xo
I just finished The Three Pines series. I loved it and yes I would enjoy living there very much. I really enjoyed House of Cards.
Me too, Kathy! I’d love to live there. And I’m so looking forward to the next episode of House of Cards….tonight!xo
Hello Claudia Love Love Love Louise Penny! I discovered her about a year ago and became slightly obsessed with Three Pines! Really looking forward to How the Light Gets In. I was on Google this morning and have gone back twice just to hear that fantastic song. I so enjoy your blog and you have inspired me to try my hand at quilting. The colors and patterns of the fabrics have been calling to me lately. Excited to get started!
A fellow Louise Penny lover! She’s a wonderful writer, isn’t she? You’re further along than I am!
Yay for trying quilting! I’m so excited for you. If I was a small part of that decision, I’m honored. xo
Never heard of Louise Penny but I’m putting her at the top of my read list now. Never been to Canada but always fastened by the country and it’s people. Never seen House of Cards and don’t have Netflix but am becoming convinced we need it so House of Cards is going on a post-it note.
Never heard of Google Doodle. I guess I can google that!
I do however love little boys with freckles!
Google Doodle appears when you put google.com in your browser, Dewena. It’s the Google page but with a special occasion doodle on it. xo
Good morning, Claudia
I will certainly take your recommendation on Louise Penny and give her a read. I recommended Kate Atkinson to you (whom you may have already read) for essentially the same reasons you tout Penny, I have not seen the American version of House of Cards, but I own and have watched numerous times the British version which is about 10 years old. That version was terrific and since Kevin Spacey is one of my favorites, I must have a look see.
I’ve watched the British version, too, but many years ago! I have Kate Atkinson on my “To Read” list, my friend. Thank you!
Oh, and I must add a nod to one of my all time favorite writers–Elmore Leonard, who is with us no more as of Tuesday. No one did dialog better or had a better or cheekier 10 tips for Writers list. I’ll miss his cool.
I know, that made me so sad. He’s also a fellow Michigander and I loved that he stayed in that area, even when he became so well known.
I so want to move to Three Pines. I just finished number six in the series and can’t wait to get number seven from the library. I love the complexity of the characters along with the mystery, the history, and the small town feel. I am an American who grew up in Canada, and spent part of each summer in Quebec. I love it. Now on to the series on Netflix. :)
xo
Laura
You must really love her books having spent the summer in Quebec! Let’s move to Three Pines!
Claudia
Who could resist a freckle faced boy? Not me!
I’m glad I read your post today. The Louise Penny series sound like my kind of reading.
I do love a series where you feel you really get to know the character and the area, and
this sounds like such a book.
Have you ever read any of the Agatha Raisin series by B.C. Beaton? Oh, I just love
these books. They all contain a mystery, but it keeps me in stiches watching how
Agatha’s life plays out. There is so much truth in her ridiculousness and vanities.
I did see House of Cards advertised, but didn’t realize it could only be seen on-line.
Amazing it had so many Emmy nominations.
Yes, I have read several of the Agatha Raisin books and love them! She is a hoot, isn’t she? I love the way the author writes Agatha, warts and all!
Louise Penny is a wonderful author. “How the Light Gets In” is straining to get out of my shopping cart at Amazon. I can’t wait!
I know you can’t wait, Marianne. I have a few more to go until I can read the newest!
I never new hens and chicks get flowers. Amazing. I watch old series tv shows online sometimes when I miss an episode:) Glad you found something you enjoy to watch while you are away from home.
I never knew, either, until a reader alerted me and shortly after that, the flowers emerged! It’s as if they read my post!
I have been thinking of watching House of Cards and now I’m sure I will! I’ve also put Louise Penny on my author list. I have been watching Tiger several mornings this week while his parents are back to work/school. It’s been so much fun. Also getting ready for my Paris trip in less then two weeks. I love the hens and chicks and finally bought some. I need to re-pot them soon. Your garden always inspires me!
hugs,
Linda
Claudia I decided to add the first book in her Chief Gamache series to my new Kindle to take with me on my trip. It was only $2.99. I prefer books but the Kindle is so easy for me to travel with and have lots of books at my fingertips. I’m excited and will let you know how I like the
So glad you got the first one for your trip! A Kindle is perfect for traveling. Two more weeks!
I loved the Doodle too. I played it several times today. A favorite of mine too.
Balisha
I think I’ll go and play it again, Balisha!
I loved House of Cards…so well made and interesting…
It’s really excellent, Linda.
Hi Claudia ~ have not read any Louise Penny. Sorry to say that I’ve never heard of her! I just looked up her books on amazon and while they have excellent ratings, I’m just not a fan of that genre. I’m currently reading, So Long, See You Tomorrow by William Maxwell. Good read! Interesting about your Canadian background…my dad and paternal grandparents were Canadian and I was born there. However, my parents moved to the States when I was 3 months old. I then became an American citizen when I was 16. I still have relatives in Canada – aunts, uncles, cousins. Have a lot of friends there, too. I’m not a TV watcher…I don’t watch any TV except for the occasional HGTV or Food Network show in the summer. In the colder weather though, I can’t miss Modern Family and The Middle. We do have Netflix (Tim watches a lot of movies) and I heard from another friend that House of Cards was really good. So I think I’ll be checking that out. I’ve also heard another good series is, Orange is the New Black. My gardens are looking a little worn for the wear this late in the season. Most of the flowering plants have lost their blooms and the herb garden is looking very wild.
I don’t watch much TV either. But there are some good series out there.
I have a lot of relatives in Canada, too, as well as several friends. It’s a wonderful place!
I read that William Maxwell book several years ago and really loved it, Melanie.
Good morning, Claudia! The series that I love and want to “visit” is 44 Scotland Street, by Alexander McCall Smith. I so enjoy his gentle way of pulling you into the lives of his characters, with a bit of philosophizing on the side. Have you read any of them?
Your remarks about House of Cards has encouraged me to investigate checking out how I can stream Netflix onto my TV. I’m not one for wanting to watch anything on my computer (but I can read blogs and Ravelry all day long!), but if I can get it through my TV, I think I’m ready to give up the Netflix DVDs and switch over.
Wish I had a garden, but I’m proud to have kept my basil plant alive on my windowsill for the entire summer!
I’m normally not enamored of the genre Louise Penny employs in the Inspector Gamache series, as another person mentioned, but I took a chance on the first book after reading your comments. I am now on the second. It’s been perfect for a summer full of personal dramas, with my husband recovering from bypass surgery. Penny’s writing, characters and plot developments are engaging enough to submerse me in another place but not so dense that it exceeds my capacity to concentrate right now. (Actually, I mistakenly got out of order and have read A BRUTAL TELLING out of order, so I’m on the second book in the series, but it’s my third to read.)
One of my favorite Netflix series was Foyle’s War, a British detective series set after World War II. Hmm. Maybe I like detective books and television series more than I thought?