• It rained yesterday and kept on raining all night and now there are thousands of wet leaves on the ground. But the sun is out today and it’s very pretty out there.
• I swear, the best thing on television is the ongoing January 6th Committee hearings. Unbelievably powerful. Yesterday’s hearing did not disappoint. As we all suspected, an incontrovertible case was made that the man-who-shall-not-be-named was behind it all. All of it. It makes me sick to my stomach.
• I’ve started two different books but I’m clearly not in the mood for them. One of them is The Marriage Portrait by Maggie O’Farrell. Don’t worry, I will read it because I’m a big fan. I’m just not in the mood for it right now. I need the pace of a mystery, I think, so I’ve started Victim 2117 by Jussi Adler Olsen, a favorite writer.
There’s also a new book from John Connolly that I want to read. It just came out two days ago. November will bring the newest by Michael Connelly and Louise Penny. Good reading ahead! Oh, and the newest Jussi Adler Olsen has been published, as well. Connelly and Penny have new books out every fall, like clockwork. Deborah Crombie, however, takes years between books. How long has it been now? 3 or 4 years? Her newest isn’t coming out until February. But it’s coming and it will be the perfect winter read, of that I’m sure.
• I sometimes contemplate posting 3 or 4 days a week rather than 7, especially on days like today where I really don’t have a whole lot to say and I struggle with coming up with a post. I haven’t made a decision yet but if I did make that change, I would post on set days of the week so you wouldn’t have to wonder when you might hear from me.
Thoughts?
Stay safe.
Happy Friday.
I look forward to reading about your daily thoughts and activities, but will follow you on whatever days you decide to post.
Thank you, Carol.
Stay safe.
I look forward to your posts everyday. Your thoughts are appreciated for their honesty and your obvious joy at being married to your thoughtful and loving husband. Although we are apart politically, I appreciate your perspective and loyalty to what you believe. We, together, i think are what America is all about, disagreeing about our country but loving her; being thoughtful and educating ourselves so that we heal our wounds and once again become the great nation to be admired and imitated as an example to the world we are apart of.
It would be nice to get back to they way it used to be – disagreement about policy – but working together. That’s what we grew up with and that’s the way it should be. Thanks so much for your thoughts, Barb.
Stay safe.
Happy belated anniversary! The roses were beautiful…and I’m sure the apple pie was delicious!
Well, we aren’t getting rain for quite a while, but the cooler weather is here!
I was only able to see part of the hearing yesterday…but it was enough! Lies because he was embarrassed to lose! Horrible!
I really enjoy reading your blog…and I totally understand your thoughts of going to fewer days! No matter how many days you blog, you’ll still share your rich and thoughtful quality!
Thank you so much, Barrie.
Stay safe.
i can only imagine how much time it takes to create and post all that you share and i hope you don’t feel any pressure about posting. easy enough for me to check each day and i’ll be happy if you post and i’ll be happy if you took a break if needing one or you want to do something else. i hope you will post whatever and whenever you want.
don’t know when exactly i was led to mockingbird hill cottage (five years ago, maybe?), but am so glad to be here. claudia, thank you for all you’ve shared in posts and in replies to me. and to everyone else here, same thanks to you, too. i have received so much kindness, friendship and support from you all during some very tough times (personally and in the world) and i appreciate that and you all very much. thanks again. may God bless you all.
glad you got some rain. and have books from which to choose.
happy, safe friday to you all.
xo,
kathy
Thank you for your kind words, Kathy.
Stay safe.
Read the Shadow Murders by Jussi Olsen on Net Galley few months ago. It was okay. Read a new one by Crombie…the new Louise Penny looks good. Love your photo today…I love your blog. I read it daily. If it is too taxing to come up with topics, that is fine, but I love it.
Thank you, Brenda.
Stay safe.
The hearings were , as always, riveting. It scares the hell out of me.
I can understand not wanting to post everyday but I would miss your post. You are a very interesting person and I enjoy hearing about your activities. and interests.
My sweet dog Bird, got skunked this morning…he is 12 and does appreciate bathing before he has his breakfast.
Take Care,
Kaye
Oh boy. We went through that a lot when we were living in San Diego. We had skunks living under our rental house!
Stay safe, Kaye.
I’m late to discover Louise Penny. Just read Still Life and waiting for book 2 in the series from the library. You know she is a good author when there is a wait for these older books.
I look forward to your blog everyday. I don’t always comment because I just don’t feel I have
anything to add that day. It must be difficult to write every a blog everyday. I do like the idea of posting on set days. Do whatever works for you.
Take care
Thank you, Marilyn.
Stay safe.
I understand . . . but if you do decide to post less, I will miss you terribly! Your friend, Chris
P. S. LOCK HIM UP!!!!!!!
Agree!
Stay safe, Chris.
I look forward to your comments and hope you do them everyday but whatever you decide to do I will follow. I now live alone as my husband passed in Jan. and reading your activities gives me something to look forward to each day. Take care and stay safe.
I’m so sorry to learn of your loss, Barbara. I can’t imagine how it must be for you. Sending my love.
Thank you for your kind words.
Stay safe.
thank you, may God Bless you for your kindness that you show with each post and may He keep you safe always.
The same for you, Barbara.
Much love to you.
barbara…
i am very sorry for your loss. may you be comforted by happy memories and God’s presence and promises of eternal life.
sending a hug (if you like) and will be praying for you.
kathy
thank you, I try to make the best of every day and remember the 57 years I had with my husband
Prayers for your loss
thank you
Barbara, what sorrow to go through especially when it sometimes feels as if the whole world is broken and relationships with friends and relatives more challenging than comforting at times. I wish you days when you smile with happy memories and, as time goes by, that those days begin to supplant more and more of the ones that are wrenching.
thank you, I try each day to do an act of kindness and pray for our country and those like me who have a loss that is so hard to deal with but with the help of friends and posts like Claudia writes I find goodness is still around me
Do you read Elly Griffith’s Ruth Galloway mysteries? A good solid series if you like that kind of thing.
Your posts are a gift to readers, not a debt.
Ceci
Yes, I’ve read them all.
Thanks so much, Ceci.
Stay safe.
I keep a journal, so I understand that some days there just isn’t much to say. Not to mention, you should give yourself some time off. I will continue to read whichever days you decide to post.
Thank you, Lynda.
Stay safe.
You can’t get too much of a good thing and your blog is “a good thing” to quote Martha but I can understand you might have days where it’s a challenge to write a post. Here’s an idea: on the off days you could post the adventures of your girls. It’s always fun to see their wardrobe and find out what they are up to. Wishing you and Don a good weekend. Hugs, Elaine
Thanks so much for your thoughts, Elaine.
Stay safe.
I don’t see how you DO post daily. It’s a wonderful goal — but a responsibility that perhaps might be one you could ease up on.
Thanks for the update on the Crombie. I love her and that series and hadn’t heard when the next one would be out. February will be here before we know it — and it’s not like the shelves are empty before!
The hearings were riveting. But I still worry…
Yes, you’re right. February is right around the corner!
I still worry, too. How can we not?
Stay safe, Jeanie.
I check/read your blog every day and have for quite a number of years. As is common with all things in life, some posts I find more interesting than others. It’s lovely to have either a quick or a bit lengthier “catch-up with Claudia & Don” each day. I also enjoy the comments of other readers, and the community which has grown here.
At various points in our lives, we all evaluate what works & doesn’t work for us and make appropriate adjustments. You’re the best judge of what works for you, and it may take a bit of fiddling to settle on what works best in the here & now.
Know that I and many others will continue to check/read your blog and we will be here.
Wishing you & Don a wonderful Fall weekend!
Stay safe & well.
Thanks so much, Amy.
Stay safe.
Do whatever suits you best, Claudia. I always read whenever you post😀
Thank you, Dee Dee.
Are you able to see Babylon Berlin in the UK? Has it been released there?
Stay safe.
I like all four of the authors you mentioned, and in fact I just finished an old Louise penny which was about Murder at the cloistered monastery on an island and included Gregorian chants. I listen to on Audible and it really educated me about her beautiful use of language. In terms of the hearings, I have avoided them because I’ve already made up my mind and it upsets me to think that you know who may not be held accountable in anyway for what I consider to be treason. I admire and respect you and Don and others who follow this important chapter of history. We had a good amount of rain too, and the leaves on the ground just glimmer in The sun. If I had a Secret Garden like yours, I’d probably be out there today and a nice sweater with a mug of Ovaltine. Thanks for providing a beautiful spot for my imagination.
It was too wet out in the Secret Garden today! It is the lowest part of the back forty so it gets all the rain.
Stay safe, Nora!
I love all your posts. It’s like visiting with a neighbor–maybe nothing exciting but nice to hear what and how you’re doing. I don’t have to visit my neighbors every day however, so whatever you are comfortable with works for me. I know it takes a lot to post daily. You are appreciated!
I listened to yesterday’s update from the Jan 6 committee and now I wonder in what universe the House could change hands after the midterms. It’s enough to make you believe in alternate universes. And I’m stuck in the wrong one.
I wonder the same. But, I still believe we’ll keep the House.
Stay safe, Roxie.
I enjoy your postings so much, and will continue to follow in any format or timeline you choose. I love your positive energy about your husband, your cottage and gardens, dollhouses and dolls, and agree wholeheartedly with your opinions on politics and wishes for our country to return to more respectful handling of such matters. I check first thing each morning for your post, and will continue to do so, so I will find you whatever you decide!
Oh, thank you so much, Jacqui!
Stay safe.
In the words of Miss Peggy March, “I will follow you” ~~ whenever you post. But I totally understand the feeling of having to do something every single day if you aren’t feeling it. You think your days aren’t that interesting, but I believe they are pretty similar to most of our (your readers) days. So unlike social media where people are trying to out-do each other with what they are doing, where they have been, what they are eating…… such craziness!!! I like the idea of a regular schedule, but certainly make it your own.
The hearing was riveting as always. I have, however, become such a pessimist due to the orange teflon horror, that it is beyond frustrating to listen. After the mid-terms, come January all of this information will be lost or burned and they will begin Impeachment hearings on Biden. I just don’t know how I will deal with that. Seriously. And Ron Johnson LEADING in our state again makes my stomach turn inside out. I do not understand how this continues on and on and on, and no one is held responsible simply by not cooperating or appealing everything. Lying is an acceptable way of doing business. Even when it is on tape what someone actually said or did, they insist it didn’t happen, and millions of people stumble forward following these horrific creatures. What am I missing?
Take care.
I have to believe that right will prevail. And I do. That doesn’t mean I’m not sweating it, but I’m not really a pessimist – at least, I can’t stay there.
There are more of us than there are of them.
Stay safe, Chris!