Turns out I didn’t need to buy a copy of Jane Eyre; Caroline had a copy all along. I could have borrowed hers. That’s Anne of Green Gables (the very same edition my mom had that is now on my shelf) to the right of Jane Eyre.
It’s very cold out there today but it’s sunny! We’ve had so much rain and wind and dark skies this past week that I’m going to enjoy the sun today. From what I’ve read, there might not be much of it this next week. We had high winds yesterday (this is becoming a broken record) and they went on into the night. It’s still quite breezy but much better than last night.
I finished Transcription last night and I quite enjoyed it, though not as much as Atkinson’s Jackson Brodie series. It’s about WWII Britain and MI5, spies, and all of that sort of thing. There’s an interesting twist at the end. Atkinson is a wonderful writer. There’s always a great deal of dry humor in her books, even when the subject matter is quite serious.
I am moving on to The Snowman by Jo Nesbø, which I started this morning.
Other than that, I’m taking it easy this weekend. Even though I threaten not to watch the Oscars, I’m sure we will. It’s too much fun, even if it’s maddening. We’re cheering for Renée Zellweger and Brad Pitt. Did you know that Don worked with Brad when he was very young and just starting out? It was on a television show called Freddy’s Nightmares. I’ve seen a recording of it. Brad looks like he’s about 16. Anyway, Brad, according to Don, is a very nice guy. That’s not the reason I’m cheering him on, necessarily, but it doesn’t hurt. He’s a very good actor and he’s often underrated because of his looks. It would be nice to see him acknowledged. Other than those two, I have no favorites. It will be interesting to see what happens.
Today? Cleaning the bathroom, something you know I do not like. But it must be done. Maybe some work on the dollhouse, though I seem to have a problem getting motivated lately. Definitely reading.
We lost this magical creature on this date 4 years ago. I was working in Hartford at the time. We made the decision while I was home on my day off. I could see that she was failing and that it was time. Don, who had been taking care of her, had a harder time seeing it because he was right in the middle of it all. I had a little distance because I’d been away. But Don knew in his heart of hearts that it was time.
We miss her so. There’s less magic and joy around here nowadays. It’s there, but not as strongly as when my girl was alive. She taught us so much. She loved adventure. She was always joyful. She scolded us when she wanted something. She was smart as a whip. She made everyone she met happy. She was our magic girl.
We miss you, Scoutie. We miss you, Winston and Riley.
And no, it’s not time for us to adopt a dog yet. We’ll know when it’s time.
Happy Saturday.
such sweeties, your scout, winston and riley.
i hope you and don spend today in whatever way feels good … hunkering down at home, going out for a treat …
i know that terrible ache and loneliness (we all do) … it’s only possible for loving and being loved by someone and i sure wouldn’t trade that for a heart that doesn’t hurt.
and i look forward to that great reunion.
hope you have an easy day.
kathy in iowa
Thank you, Kathy.
Hi Claudia, I can’t believe it has been 4 years. I remember your loss. My daughter just lost one of her beloved kitties. Luna was an all white kitty and she was born nearly blind. Her brother Ollie is also all white and he was born deaf. Luna was only a year old. Turns out she had a heart defect. I live with my daughter and her husband and my grandson Jack. I am the one that found her. It has been sad around here. She was such a fun little bundle of fuz. She will be missed. Hope your day is filled with love. April xo
I’m so sorry to hear you lost your Lunda. My heart breaks for you and your family, April. Much love.
Four years. I understand. I still miss Gypsy the same way — and even longer — despite the fact that Lizzie is a sweetheart. Yes, they tell you when it’s time to say goodbye and I think they “tell you” when it’s time to welcome another. What a sweet face; she’s launch a thousand ships.
Glad you are home safe and sound. We got about 3″ of snow in Michigan last night and today is, if not sunny, at least not exceptionally gloomy. You grab onto that when you can!
Wishing you a lovely weekend!
Our Winston died over 17 years ago. Riley died 8 years ago. We miss all of our babies. You never get over it. Thank you, Jeanie.
that beloved little face of your beloved Scout. I understand totally.
I had one of my own in my Zeke. he never met anyone he didn’t like! even cats.
though they often didn’t return his affection. he was just my own beating heart.
and now he is forever in my heart and thoughts.
like you say… you’ll know if it’s time for another.
and for me that time has never come.
now with my own health limitations and apartment living … I just have wonderful memories.
I don’t know if that time will come for us, either. We’ll have to see. I firmly believe we’ll be led to the right decision if/when the time is right, Tammy. But the wonderful memories are to be treasured, right? Thank you, Tammy.
Hi Claudia,Picked up Transcription from the library the other day. Can’t wait to read it! Just finishing The Giver Stars by JoJo Noyes. Nice story.
We too, lost our little shih tzu 3 yrs ago & miss him so much. Not sure we’ll get anymore animals at this point as it’s just too hard emotionally to say goodbye again..
Weather in OB today, very cool, but no snow!!! Abit of rain coming tomorrow..
I understand. We sort of feel the same way. Thank you, Priscilla.
Dear Claudia
I too now the heartbreak of losing a beloved – nineteen months ago. She is missed and mourned as I know your babies are.
Everyone who reads your life giving blog misses and mourns your darlings too. We are holding your hand and wrapping you in a hug.
Siobhan xx
So hard, isn’t it? Thank you so much for your kind words and I’m sending a hug to you, Siobhan.
I think Kathy is absolutely right…if we don’t love, we can’t hurt. So, give me love any day. You have all those sweet memories of Scoutie, Riley, and Winston. May you both enjoy those today.
Sun was out this morning, but it’s hit or miss now. Looks like 6 inches of snow expected to fall tomorrow…oh goodie. That was a sarcastic oh goodie. And then, we get a repeat next Thursday. Fortunately, I have books to read, projects to finish, houseplants to pot…I couldn’t resist. I’m craving green.
Enjoy your day! ;)
Oh no! Sorry about the snow. I would not be a happy camper. Enjoy your books and the new green plants in your house, Donnamae!
Lovely cabinet! Love the platter on top.
Thank you.
Such a sweet dog! I understand that sometimes you must wait for the right time to welcome a new one into your heart. After we lost our last sweetie several years ago I’m still not ready. We’ll know when the time is right. Oh Claudia, you have started me again on another series of additive books! I have found Michael Connelly and he is great. We are very lucky to have a wonderful library system in Hillsborough county so I have been able to read the series in order so far. I really love the authors you share with us so know your input is very much appreciated. Thanks for all you share. 😊
Glad you’re enjoying him, Janet.
Thank you.
Losing a pet is so sad. When our parakeets died we all cried. We buried them in the back yard. The one parakeet was given to us by my aunt. She was dying and the bird annoyed her so much. My cousin cried when she had to give it up. We were all children at the time.
Marilyn
It’s heartbreaking. Thank you, Marilyn.
My daughter did an episode of Freddy’s Nightmares. I hadn’t thought about that show in a long time. xo Laura
Well, it was a long time ago! Thanks, Laura.
I’m trying to take a break from politics today. I’m TV’d out. And a little blue from it.
Also about to wind up computer time for the day, because I can’t read one more bad thing Trump has done, maybe not until tomorrow (for his next bad thing). The negative emotion is just tanking me. It’s hard to shake off. It’s not just the abuse of power, but the AMOUNT of power he has and which he is utilizing to his own best advantage. Five years ago, I’d laugh him off; a pompous buffoon (although I was never amused). Now, he scares me to my bones. He is a dangerous man.
I tried to go outside, water all the plants, refill the bird baths; let the dog get some sunshine on her face while I did, too. It didn’t help much. It’s a nice day here; 70 degrees; not a cloud in the pretty blue sky. I don’t want it to be wasted on me.
So, it’s only 2pm-ish; I think I’ll get busy with a project to absorb me and move my brain along to something else. I’m reorganizing my ‘pantry’ (don’t really have a pantry, although one would definitely be in my dream kitchen) as a hedge against coronavirus if I was to have to stay indoors for awhile and not be around people (I’m not a prepper, but I do have really compromised lungs & airways from lifelong asthma, and host of other health issues; I may definitely have to use caution, depending upon how this virus ‘goes’); but, annoyingly, we can’t really add to our storage right now; instead have to actually EAT out of the ‘pantry’ for the next 10 days due to a bunch of bills that poured into the coffers like molten lava; so, no going to the grocery store for awhile; gotta see what I have, figure out some recipes for the short term.
(Like, I have one medication that my supplemental insurances still won’t cover, so there’s a hundred bucks right there. And our dishwasher failed this week [I know I’m lucky to even HAVE a dishwasher], so that was a few hundred dollars as well. And we won’t talk about the suspension going awry on my husband’s 21-year-old car; he’s out there working on it right now, in the driveway [$120 worth of parts from the junkyard; he’ll try the DIY, but I have my doubts].)
I’m feeling itchy, too, because one of my cats has disappeared. They’re human-wary kitties (stray/ferals) and I can’t do a whole lot for them, but the nights are cold (for us thin-skinned SoCalifornians); 30s & 40s in this past week; so, I’m worried about him. And we were scheduled for rain tomorrow although I think they’ve decreased the probability. If a cat is outdoors, you simply can’t control the animal; it’s not an optimal situation. I have outdoor shelters for them, and I’ve actually been putting him in a fairly-swanky ‘shed’ at night for protection (he’s less ‘wild’ than the others); still, I worry. His eye needs attention (probably an allergy, I hope); he hasn’t been fed, at least by me; I think he’s old. Sigh. Maybe he’ll show up tonight or tomorrow.
(Too much nagging at my mind today! We’ve all got our big and small problems; I guess I could be coping better than I am. Will work on myself!)
With Scoutie, I’ve felt this before, there’s such a humanness to her canine eyes. Almost other-worldly in the most magnificent way. She was a gift. I’m glad you had her for the time you did. Beautiful snow princess.
Rarely a day goes by that my husband and I don’t think about the dogs we’ve had and lost over 30 years together (old age for them; health problems; special needs; we don’t get them for very long, the dear pets). They were such fun, special, individual personalities yet shared many common traits. Little loveys; miss them so much. How they enhanced our lives! We’ve still got one dog here at home, and she means everything to us.
I feel for ya, Claudia; celebrate her; Scout was a joy to us readers, too.
We shelled out a lot of money for our cars this week, most of it unexpected. I understand.
Totally an aside: I was so absorbed with the me-me-me yesterday that I didn’t look hard enough at your photo for the post, and it didn’t dawn on me that it was of Caroline’s house and not yours & Don’s human house. It struck me as unfamiliar; I thought it was in your upstairs rooms: “I don’t remember Claudia and Don having windows with those kinds of moldings.” Jeesh, Where was my brain?! Just goes to show how amazingly AUTHENTIC your doll house is! Hummingbird Cottage really is a masterpiece.
Thank you, Vicki!
By the way, do you have a fave Brad Pitt movie?
It didn’t get good reviews, but I liked him in Meet Joe Black. The movie sort of grew on me. But I liked his acting even better in the big ‘epic’ motion picture called Legends of the Fall with Anthony Hopkins and another of my fave-fave actors, Aidan Quinn. Brad has a fairly-long filmography by now. I didn’t realize he’d never won an Oscar. (Spoiler alert: I just saw a headline that he did; tonight’s Academy Awards. Good for him!)
I don’t really. I like him when he plays off-beat characters with humor. I think he really shines then. We cheered last night when he won.
I will repeat what I said four years ago when you told of Scout’s passing, that ” she had caused a
gathering of all of our hearts.” That truly is a magical quality. How profoundly we grieve our precious companions upon their leaving……marking time in minutes as our hearts shatter. Then, looking back finding it impossible to believe years have passed as we are still able to recall a
warm gentle nudge or the pure joy in their greeting upon our return, no matter the
space of our absence. If we’ve taken these wonderful animals into our lives we have known a unique loyalty and bond. Thank you for sharing Scouts adventures with so many others.
Thank you.
I am so sorry about your dog. This is a difficult situation for all of us when we lose our pets. On another note, I still enjoy the pictures of your lovely cottage, especially this cabinet of books with one of my favs, JANE EYRE. My collection of books have gone by the wayside except for a few, to my son and family and daughter and family. I love seeing them on their shelves or on a table in the living room…classics. I hope WALDEN is progressing…a fellow educator reminded me that Thoreau visited real living on weekends, of course, but it is still a great read. On a sad note, one of my favorite authors of all times, M. Higgins Clark, died recently. Her books are simple, quick reads with usually a twist. One can reread them and find something new each time. She wrote books that did not disgust with uncouth scenes or with bad language. One could recommend them to students and know that nothing would upset them or the parents. I enjoy reading them again and again when I am in the mood for something easy. I have a favorite author whose books I keep…although I never met her, she lived about 30 miles from me when I was teaching. She was a professor at the university where I did my Master’s, in my old age, but we never crossed paths. Her books are darker than Clarks, at times, but good mysteries, Carlene Thompson. I am eager for her new one coming out this year. Enjoy your weekend, your reading, and your time with your husband. I have to say, yet again, over and over, your blog has become one of the ones that I read faithfully. You are living in my little cottage…lol.
Yes, I read that she died. Such a prolific writer and such a long life. She also was, from what I’ve read, a mentor to many other writers. Thank you for your kind words, Brenda.
Claudia , I love how you ended this post. I lost my dog Bamboo in November and everyone is asking when are you getting another dog. My husband is ready , but I am nowhere close.
I live on Long Island and spent the day yesterday picking up branches and sticks from those fierce winds. The sun was shining ,as it is this morning, and I just LOVE it! It’s so invigorating.
Enjoy your Sunday .
I’m so sorry about the loss of your Bamboo, Susan. Losing a beloved family member is profound, and we never truly get over it. Sending you a hug.
I simply couldn’t reply yesterday, but I feel the pain of your loss. After looking into the eyes of your babies and reading your blog, it felt like I knew them. Grief is such a personal stab to the heart and we all react differently. With all of mine I’ve needed another fox terrier to hug to get me through it. Every time I hug my MorningGlory—and she’s a very cuddly girl—I remember Wagner and Calder, too. You’ll know when and if it’s right to let another fur-covered heartbreaker in. 💖
Thank you, Shanna.
It was two years ago last month that we lost our beloved Xander. He was 12 1/2. He was a Husky, golden Retriever, German Shepard mix. He was gold like the retriever with the head of a German Shepard and the curly tale of the Husky. He also had one blue and one brown eye. He was even more beautiful on the inside than he was on the outside!
I’m so sorry. We never get over it, do we? Much love to you, Cheryl.