More crabapple blossoms. I’ve not had time to take pictures. We were outside all day yesterday, doing chores that needed to be done. We put the last of our Item 4 (gravel) down in an area that needed it. We did some much needed work around the shed. And we mowed the front lawn, which was getting quite long, knowing that we were due for a lot of rain last night and all day today. If we’d waited any longer, it would have been impossible to mow.
We took Monty Don’s advice and raised the blades on the lawnmower so as to cut only about an inch or two of grass. We’ll do this for the next couple of months. Monty says that it encourages stronger grass. Of course, our front lawn is a mixture of grass and wild violets and weeds, but it looks pretty good now. I think we’ve probably been cutting it too short.
You’ll be happy to know that I actually stopped and cut around that white violet. It’s still there.
Today, we’re going to go to a couple of neighboring towns – just to do something different. One of them has a nursery where I got my pansies last year and I’m hoping they still have some in stock.
I forced myself to read a chunk of the Donna Leon mystery this morning. I’m a bit more invested, but…there’s still something about her writing that keeps me from connecting to the characters. I don’t feel that ‘pull’ that I should be feeling, if that makes any sense. I know she has a huge following and that her books are widely read. However, I feel like I’m reading the text from a distance, rather than feeling completely immersed. And I read about 100 pages this morning – so I if I was to get caught up with the plot, it would have happened by now. Sigh.
Okay. I have to pay some bills and get going.
What are you reading lately?
Happy Friday.
If your crabapples are in bloom, then my pears at the lake should follow soon—beautiful. (How sweet to leave the violet standing!)
I have been reading J.L.Burke—mostly Robicheaux ones, but not entirely. I think I’m on my eighth one now, not a Robicheaux, Wayfaring Stranger. I’ve been reading them on my phone and I’m pretty hooked.
Trying not to jump right in to packing up, but it’s getting to be time. Once it’s too late to do everything I should, that’s probably when I’ll get serious about it. Pffft.
He’s such a wonderful writer. I am never disappointed. So glad you’re enjoying his work.
I’m glad you are getting your yard and gardens in shape as I know you enjoy them so much. I just finished reading Robert Dugoni newest and it was great, couldn’t put it down.
Wasn’t it terrific? A change of pace for him and completely engrossing!
It was! I am still thinking about it after reading it, a sign of a good book for sure.
xo
I heard of a movie just out – Red Joan – starring Judi Dench. It’s based on a novel of the same name, which itself is based upon a true story. So I decided to get the book and read it first, because….the book is almost always better, at least in my opinion. I’m only 30 pages into the book and I’m really being pulled into the story. Have you read this?
Yes I’ve heard about the movie, but I haven’t read the book – probably because I tend to read fiction. Let me know what you think of it when you’ve finished, Anne!
We are suppose to get a storm tonight. And there is an event that is this weekend “Something in the Water” put on by Pharnell Williams (the I am Happy songman). Looked at the list of artists and the only one besides Pharnell Williams that I recognize is the Dave Matthews band. It is a really big ta do here. This is the first year of it. From watching the local news a lot of work went in to putting this three day event on. One of the ways the city is doing is providing our local school buses as transportation because there is not a lot of parking at the beach. The city is also asking for more police back up from our surrounding cities too. Hoping for a peaceful event. We are staying far away from all that.
I am reading “The Ark” by Boyd Morrison. I am hoping to get more involved with reading it. This is my third book in the past two weeks. The other two I could not get into. Maybe it is the weather keeping us distracted. I did try reading one of Donna Leon’s books. Don’t remember the title.
I am enjoying your outdoor pictures. Down the street from us there is a beautiful flower garden that I enjoy every time we drive past. She took a wheelbarrow and used it as a part of her garden. There are flowers in it. My rose bush is prettier compare to the last couple of years. There are some roses and also new growth of leaves.
I’m sorry. His name is Pharrell Williams. We are now under severe thunderstorm warning.
I hope all was okay, Trina!
Good luck with your reading, Trina!
We had lots of rain yesterday and today – lots of wind. Not very conducive to doing any work outside!
The Donna Leon books come across much better in their audio versions.
Unfortunately, I’m not a fan of audio books! But I’m further into the book now and am enjoying it.
Here’s a theory someone gave me. I like it. The theory is that if you aren’t liking a book by page 50, stop reading it. The rest of the theory is that if you are over 50, stop reading an unengaging book after 20 pages. The world is filled with good books and time shouldn’t be wasted on books you aren’t enjoying.
I couldn’t stop reading at 20 pages! There are so many books that I ended up loving that I wouldn’t have experienced at all if I had given up that quickly. I’m not even sure I go along with 50 pages.
I’ve read all of Donna Leon’s books, Claudia, and I don’t remember the plot or outcome of the one you are reading. However, I seem to remember not taking to it until I got deep into the book, but I got through it, since I always find the ending satisfying. I’m reading a light murder mystery now in Emily Brightwell’s Mrs. Jeffries series. I read them mostly for the characters and not so much the so,vine of the murder. I’m waiting for my next Louise Penny book, which I reserved and is on its way to my neighborhood branch. But today, my college daughter asked me to lunch, so I’m driving out there and spending a couple of enjoyable hours with her.
I hope you had a lovely lunch with your daughter, Wendy!
At least I can see Spring from your yard Claudia, They are predicting snow and rain for us tomorrow, Nothing green here yet,
I just finished reading a book about John Wayne Gacy told from his lawyers point of view. It was very interesting. A few weeks ago I read a book “Walking with Henry Big Lessons from a Little Donkey” by Rachel Anne Ridge. Great Book! I have re-read the first 3 Inspector Gamache books and am going to do the 4th. I’m kind of having a hard time lately finding something new to settle into.
I should re-read that series, Trudy. It’s well worth it!
Claudia:
I bought a package of Morning Glory seeds and saw online to nick the side of the seed lightly with nail clippers and then soak the seeds in water overnight before planting. Is this what you do? Do you start them separately or just plant them in the ground? I’m anxious for spring as you can see!!!
I don’t nick them, but I do soak them overnight – sometimes for two nights. Same for moonflowers. Then I sow them in the ground, no starting them separately.
Oh…I adore crabapple blossoms…too bad they don’t last longer. How sweet of you to mow around that violet!
I’m reading the latest Louise Penny…almost done. Should finish during the big snow tomorrow. It’s either that or clean…I’d rather read. Enjoy your day! ;)
Reading is always preferable to cleaning, Donnamae!
Your crabapple blossoms are gorgeous. I love this time of the year. xo Laura
I do, too! Thank you, Laura!
Such pretty pictures!! If we had any blossoms, they would be covered in the 3-6 inches of snow we are forecast to receive tomorrow. Yep, Winter Storm Watch. Unbelievable.
I just finished Lost Roses by the same author of The Lilac Girls. Before that, The Lighthouse Keeper’s Daughter by Hazel Gaynor. Currently reading The Victory Garden by Rhys Bowen. So many books!! I love seeing what other people are reading!
Hope you & Don are having fun today! It is a pretty sunny day today, with quite a bit of wind. Hard to believe what is coming our way. ugh.
Rain here yesterday and very high winds today.
I’m so, so sorry about the dang snow!
I’m not reading anything and I wish I was; just seems to be too much going on and my eyes are giving me fits (now have a cataract in BOTH eyes, glaucoma and extreme nearsightedness which makes separate reading glasses a necessity because they have to correct my vision for the further vision than the nearer vision [so I can drive a car, etc.] which leaves so little ‘playing field’ for doing close-up work; that probably makes no sense; sigh; my eyes used to never give me big problems, just pop in the contact lenses and off I’d go from age 15 to 45 til I developed a irreversible dry-eye condition that can’t be helped with anything [no drugs; no surgery; I’ve had the plugs to flood more tears over the surface of the idea; nothing works, and the dryness causes a lot of blurring and irritation]; ripping off prescription eyeglasses constantly [changing from one to the other] makes me seasick). My great-aunt lived to be nearly 100 years old and she didn’t have to wear glasses til the day she died. And she still had all her teeth!
What a perfect way to describe a book you can’t get into … ‘something about the writing that keeps me from connecting to the characters … I don’t feel that pull I should be feeling … I feel like I’m reading the text from a distance’ … I personally probably wouldn’t have given it 100 pages!
So nice to see that weave of green in your photo; it definitely must be making your heart feel lighter to see color after all the gray of winter. I hope you find something tantalizing at the garden centers today. Sometimes it’s like being a kid in a candy shop – – all that array of promising plant life just beckoning you to buy, “Take me, take me!”
I’m so sorry that you have to deal with that, Vicki. How frustrating it must be for you. I hope your vision improves. Much love.
Claudia, an aside: Have you read Janet Korff lately, over at The Gardener’s Cottage? Her husband has passed away. I feel badly for her. They’re young for this; he was maybe 60.
I knew he was ill. I didn’t know he’d passed away. Heartbreaking! They were so devoted to each other. Thank you for letting me know, Vicki.
I’ve just finished reading The Stranger beside Me by Ann Rule. I read it many years ago but have recently watched the Ted Bundy Tapes on Netflix. It’s very well written but dreadful knowing the crimes he committed and for most of the book the author doesn’t want to even think that her co worker could be guilty. This was my latest ‘bus book’, I always read on my journey to and from work. It’s not an especially long commute but I’ve done it so many times that I’m bored looking out of the window!
I also have a bedside book and am currently reading A Keeper by Graham Norton, it’s his second novel and although this is set in rural Ireland, I’m not enjoying it as much as his first one.
Due to all the positive comments on here, I’ve managed to get the first Louise Penny novel from my workplace (library), it’s a paperback so it shall be my next bus book as it fits nicely in my handbag!
Just watched Monty Don on Gardener’s World tonight where he’s announced he’s off to America for a couple of weeks filming.
Have a good weekend
I can’t read anything about Ted Bundy because I remember everything about the crimes themselves as they happened. I don’t want him in my head.
Having a bus book is exactly what I would do, too. A time to just read and not have anything else calling your name. I do the same when I take a bus or train into Manhattan.
Hopefully, I’ll be able to see the latest Gardeners World this weekend. I love, love that show.
Are you starting Leon with the first book in the series? Just curious because sometimes that makes a diff for me.
Love those blossoms. We’re expecting 4″ of snow here this weekend. I’m hoping they are (again) wrong!
Enjoy the weekend.
I don’t think, from what I can tell, that reading them in order is all that important. I’m sure there is a progression, but this functions as a stand-alone novel.
Hang in there with the darned snow, Jeanie!
Claudia I am very excited about something I know you will appreciate! I live around 2 hours northeast of Toronto and tomorrow we are going to Toronto for the weekend to also see the musical Come From Away. For those who may not know it, it is the story from Sept 11th when planes in North American airspace were diverted and forced to land in Newfoundland. Gander is very small and has never seen so many planes! The locals embraced those from away and this is their combined story. You know, an inspiring tale of kindness, caring, and pulling together. Maybe a time before THAT MAN! 😀. Anyway, I do not know what purse I will be taking but my ticket will go into its side pocket and while I am waiting for the show to start, I will revisit other events I have attended. So excited!
Cindi
So glad you’re going to be able to see it! It was directed by the same man who directed Escape to Margaritaville – Christopher Ashley. And the story it tells is heart-warming. Enjoy!
sorry; no new book to recommend. i still haven’t read “gentleman in moscoe” yet!!
after all that hard work yesterday and with rain in your forecast, hope today’s been an extra-fun day.
did you find anything at the plant nursery or other shops?
i hope to go to a twice-a-year antique/ “junk” market being held this weekend. don’t need anything, but it’s fun to look and i just might find a treat. :) it’s supposed to rain a lot tomorrow so that place will be crowded more than usual. i feel bad for chris k., trudi m., jeanie and others who are supposed to get three to six inches of snow … on april 27 (i’ll take the rain, thanks) … be safe, everyone!
and have a good weekend!
kathy in iowa
whoops … i know it’s spelled “moscow” with a “w”, not an “e”! just need to review what i type before sending it out … especially when written laying down under a blanket (been a long week and i am so happy it’s friday) … ha! :)
kathy in iowa
xo
Just a couple of things – nothing exciting… Enjoy your antique market, Kathy!
ps … you are much more patient than i am with books. if i am not enjoying it within the first ten pages, i stop reading it and find something else to try. :l
kathy in iowa