• I’m living in a sauna.
It’s very hot and unbelievably humid out here in the Northeast. The windows of the cottage are sporting a layer of moisture which makes the view decidedly foggy. We had at least 4 thunderstorms yesterday and they were whoppers.
This morning I went outside to get some pictures and the danged rain has denuded lots of the phlox, forced the branches of the butterfly bush downward, and weeds have seemingly sprung up overnight. This is that time in the summer that I begin to lose interest in weeding the garden; I look at it, sigh, and move on. But I think I’ll force myself to weed it once this rain lets up – next week. Yep. The storms and the humidity are going to be with us until the first part of next week.
Let’s not even think about how much grass we’re going to have to mow.
The daylily that bloomed in very early summer presented me with two surprise flowers this morning.
• We may or may not go to IKEA today. We’ll see. If not, it will be next week. I need to get a few things there.
• We’ve been watching the Olympics, especially swimming and diving, which are our favorites. I won’t say anything about Michael Phelps because others have said it much better than I can. He is a joy to watch. Extraordinary. We are so lucky to witness this incredible athlete over the course of the last four – or is it five? – Olympics. All of the other medal winners are amazing, as well as those athletes who train and sacrifice and don’t come home with a medal, but are still the best in the world. One of my former students from Boston University is married to Silver Medalist, Scott Donie – a diver who medaled in Barcelona. I’ve been asking her questions on FB – about the small towels, for instance. It turns out they are shammys. And then there’s my six degrees of separation connection through my sister. My nephew swam competitively for years and so the family knows Ryan Murphy and his brother and parents (according to Mere, the nicest people you could ever hope to meet) and several other swimmers that are competing in Rio.
The Olympics has been a welcome change during this election season; something hopeful that brings the world together, instead of separating us. More, please.
• Those links I promised you:
A List of Facts Debunking Anti-Hillary Clinton Myths, Lies & Ridiculous Conspiracies.
Why Are You Convinced Hillary is a Criminal?
And this Op-Ed in the NY Times from the pen of David Brooks: Trump’s Enablers Will Finally Have to Take a Stand.
Finally, the Op-Ed by Thomas Friedman that I referenced on Wednesday: Trump’s Wink Wink to ‘Second Amendment People.’
Read or don’t read, whatever you like.
• Despite the occasional reader who never comments but feels the need to finally comment in order to tell me that they feel a political post has ‘no place’ on my blog so they will be unsubscribing, I’m going to write about this election when I feel moved to. I won’t inundate you with posts, though I could write every day on it and never run out of things to say! This blog is a mix of things and that mix includes the things I feel passionately about, including: my husband, my dogs, my house, my garden, my collections, kindness, common decency, and the state of our world, especially the state of our country.
As always, I determine the content. But you know that. I won’t be censoring myself in order to keep the number of readers I have at a certain level to gain more ad income. If I’d wanted to do that, I would have shaped this blog into a real money maker and never issued any statement that could be interpreted as provocative. It would have been pretty. It would have been bland. It would have bored me to tears.
That ain’t me, my friends. As my dear friend Joe once said, “You don’t want to mess with the Hill girls.” The Hill girls don’t shrink from speaking out.
Okay.
Happy Friday.
Thanks for the links. The way I see it, it’s your blog and you can post whatever you want. It seems we have lost the ability to discuss opposing views with respect for one another. I had dinner with a good friend last night and she is a Trump supporter. We each shared our views & listened to each other, without anger or name calling & then moved on to talk about a new winery in the area. Although we disagree politically, we both agree friendship is more important. I can’t stand all the hatefulness related to this election.
We’re having the nasty heat & humidity in the midwest too, it is sickening! Try to keep cool!
We went to IKEA today and on the way home, the skies were dark and full of threatening clouds. Big streaks of lightning in the sky!
The air is thick here with the smell of wet earth! Stifling! I don’t even want to think about the weeds…I know that they are thriving. I too, will wait till it cools down a bit to pull them. If you had a “shaped” blog….I probably wouldn’t be here…I like the variety….sort of like a box of chocolates! We are celebrating the last of our family birthdays tonight….we get to eat more cake! Enjoy your day! ;)
I could smell wet earth from out upstairs landing, Donna! I almost thought it had rained inside the house! Enjoy your cake!
I feel for you with the heat/humidity Claudia – yesterday here in OKC our heat index was 111 and it was not pleasant at all ! Summer and I are no longer friends and I look forward to renewing my love for Autumn in the near future. As always – thank you for sharing your photos (they make me smile), your views on the current political mess (totally agree with you) and thank you for inviting us into your home.
Our heat index is over 100 today, not sure of the exact number but it’s horrid out there! Storms everywhere, Regina. We’re home now and I’m glad we are!
It’s good stress relief to be able to talk things out; I can’t just listen to talking heads constantly on TV. Important to also know how ‘real’ people feel. You never have to defend your right to free speech, Claudia; never to me anyway.
We’re going to be scorching here in Southern California for the next several days. I plan on staying in. Rain, though? Non-existent and, so far, that’s the forecast for the whole winter as much as can be determined. Our drought is apparently never going to cease. I yearn to smell rain; damp earth. Seeing the world washed clean, at least for a little while.
I’m embarrassed to say I’m not heavily into the Olympics. I went to the trials in 1984; lots of fun. (Summer games out my way, when held in L.A.) I think I was more interested when the athletes were close to my own age. I was thinking last night, “Get off the news channels; watch the Olympics!” But, have to say, I’m learning a lot from this election; there are some very interesting commentators out there who are quite knowledgeable.
Sorry for your soggy days! The garden still looks lovely to anyone else’s eyes!
I so wish you could have some of our rain, Vicki. We have gone from a very dry summer to very wet and damp and musty and unbelievably hot and humid. The heat index is over 100 today and it’s all I can do to venture out to water the plants! The Olympics are always a favorite of mine, though we’ll probably watch less next week when Track & Field starts. I like it but it doesn’t hold my attention like swimming does.
And that is why we love you!
Aw, thank you, Carolyn Marie!
I originally came to your blog because I am one of those old ladies who still plays with her dollhouse —- but I stayed because I love the rest of the things you talk about, too. And oh, especially the politics — and your view on the Donald.
But another thing has occurred to me, too, lately — it is so heartening when you blog on politics and elicit so many sensible and sensitive comments from your readers. It just lifts my spirits to see that there are so many women (and probably some gents) who feel the same fears and hopes you are expressing — it is so reassuring to be reminded that there are so many gentle, responsible, kind people out there. Thanks for bringing this to my mind now and then!
It lifts my spirits, too, Barbara. It’s so heartening to hear other voices out there who believe in helping others and in basic decency. Thank you.
Its your blog, write what pleases you. If the reader is not interested in that days post they can move on to something else and come back tomorrow. I don’t think you need to justify what you write or what you cover. Its yours to do with as you will. I will admit I have probably the least read blog in history but that does not matter to me. I write because I like to, I share what I want to, end of story. Keep on being yourself. its very entertaining.
Thank you so much for your support, Linda.
We are in the middle of a good old fashioned rainy day. We really haven’t had one for most of the summer. We have had rains, but they seem to come in one hour spurts or over night. A stay-inside-rainy day isn’t a bad thing. PLUS, we don’t have to water, or feel badly about not weeding or dead-heading. Win win!! I am reading Lilac Girls, and it is quite suited to a rainy gray day.
Your thoughts, your words, your blog. You shouldn’t have to explain. We thank you for your daily posts and company for a cup of coffee in the morning!! Can’t even imagine not keeping up with your projects, your jobs, and your gardens, and your feelings and views!! You go, Claudia!! ♡
No, it isn’t a bad thing at all – though we’ve had our share of them lately! Thanks so much, Chris!
I agree, you should say whatever you want to. I have, in the past, read blogs that never said anything except what color they painted the living room. Boring. I like a mix of things. I have learned about the acting community from you and love the pictures you take. And while I am a cat person, it was wonderful hearing about Scout. (I had a cat once with a great soul also) Everything is a nice mix.
Thank you so much, Jan.
I am starting to delete/unsubscribe to the “pretty” , bland, homily-heavy decorating blogs. LitHub, NPR, BBC series, music and a few favorite blogs (yours included) are my coping mechanisms to get through the political season this year!
Thank you for your kind words, Melissa!
I thought I was the only one left cold by the show on non-professionalism which has been shown by Michael Phelps. He looks 31, but has been acting like a three year old. Maybe that generation has lost the gene for humility. No wonder the rest of the world thinks we are all ugly americans.
Your garden pictures are always welcomed by me in the morning. Thank you. But the humidity sounds rough! Take it easy. I bet Ikea will be air-conditioned. Bring a book.
With all due respect, Tana, I hope you didn’t get anything from my post that inferred I was left cold. On the contrary, I think Phelps has matured into a much happier and more sociable man, who has fought his demons, turned his life around, and found his way back to his love of swimming.
Gosh, I have to say I don’t see Michael Phelps as non-professional at all! I think he’s no different than any of the other people who win a race in the swimming events or in any other event. Many swimmers make the number 1 symbol with their finger when they win a race. Many runners cross themselves and look up to the heavens. Many of them run around the track holding an American flag. Everyone kisses their medals. Many scream and jump for joy. What makes any of that any different than Phelps?
He’s giving thoughtful interviews, he’s mentoring younger swimmers, he seems to be admired and looked up to by his fellow athletes. They wouldn’t have voted for him to carry the American Flag in the opening ceremonies if he was any less than professional.
He has achieved more than any other Olympic Athlete in history. This is his swan song, after retiring in 2012, then getting sober and turning his life around. With 22 medals, I think he’s entitled to be proud. I didn’t see a three year old out there. I saw someone who’s made an astonishing comeback and is feeling justifiably proud of his accomplishments.
He, of course, doesn’t need me to plead his case. But I admire him immensely.
Point taken. I misunderstood you. Sorry.
No problem. I went back and edited my text because I can see that the way I wrote that sentence was misleading! Just curious, if you want to answer, what was it about his behavior that upset you, Tana?xoxo
Good Morning Claudia, First I want to say that Michael Phelps is, of course, an amazing swimmer and I am in awe of the gold medals he has won. What I didn’t like was when he was standing in the pool and waving his fingers in his directions, like he was saying “Cheer for me everyone.” Left me cold. The commentators were telling us of his achievements, he didn’t need to do that to make sure we all knew what had just happened and who we needed to cheer for. I let a lot of that behavior go for the young athletes because of their youth. But he is a little older and I didn’t think it looked very appropriate on a man his age. I should have just explained my point of view without saying you thought that way also. Again, I am so sorry.
Ah, I understand. Thanks so much for clarifying, Tana. Goodness, there’s nothing to apologize for, my friend! Thanks so much for sharing your point of view and forgive me for over-explaining mine!
Your opinions rarely dis-align from my own, but you state them so eloquently. I often quote or paraphrase your statements to my daughters. They are like-minded, but not mimickers, and they have their own opinions too. Keep up the great job of voicing what us blogless readers cannot, except through comments. Humidity is so rare where I live. We’re living through the foggy mornings and warm afternoons and cool evenings that define most of our summer days. Today was irrigation day in the garden, so afterwards, I went around to readjust sprinkler heads…can’t waste water with sprinkling on the paths…
It’s dreadful here today, Wendy. So humid and miserable out there. There are heat warnings, severe storm warnings and flash flood warnings. Yikes!
Thanks for the link to the NY Times David Brooks oped -maybe I should join the exiled Republicans party. And like another reader above, I came to your blog for the dollhouse pictures but stayed because I appreciate your voice and courage in talking about issues — even if I don’t always agree with your take on them:)
Thank you for your supportive words, Rebecca.
This heat has me stuck in the house again because of my COPD…thank goodness I finally got a used car that has working air conditioning for when I need to get some groceries…Oh how I wish we had an Ikea nearby…they have such good prices…I will be reading all of those links and you just keep on doing what you are doing….because you do it so well…
We don’t have one nearby, Nancy. It takes us an hour and a half to get there, so that’s why I don’t go very often!
It is discouraging to watch the Trump campaign footage. He takes great pleasure in attacking values that made America great. Common decency, freedom of speech, and immigration to name just a few. His views on issues important to women is appalling! There doesn’t seem to be a group of people he can’t slam. The America of which he is going to make great again is one we will not be proud to be citizens.
I live in Atlanta where we have had 50+ days of 90+ weather. I am trying to keep my potted plants happy, the flower beds are a lost cause because of our drought. Autumn cannot come fast enough!!
I enjoy your blog, somedays more than others! Todays struck a cord with me!! Thanks Claudia!!
Thank you so much, Diana. Stay cool!
Thank you for writing your blog. Never understood people writing to complain. Everyone is different. If the information does not interest you move on to next blog. I appreciate being able to read your blog and others for free!
Thank you so much, Janet. Invariably, the people who complain have never commented on the blog before. But they feel, for some reason, that they must inform me of their decision to stop reading it. I wish they’d just move on – silently, please.
Everywhere I turn, I find people whom I know are intelligent and caring supporting “The Donald”. When I ask why- they say he doesn’t really mean what he says- he’s can’t be a bigot, a racist, and a misogynist because he’s a businessman. I don’t get it. I’m not crazy about Hillary but I don’t understand how someone of good caliber can support such divisive speech and chalk it up to he doesn’t mean it. Have we become so battered that we make excuses for outrageous behavior or are we so used to reality TV we think none of this is real?
I’m glad I gave up TV a couple years ago. It’s easier to just read the news.
Keep on writing what you think! It makes me feel better!
He does mean what he says. They say that so they can delude themselves into thinking it’s okay to vote for him. And if he doesn’t mean what he says, then why is he running for President?
Reality TV is certainly a contributor to this problem. And, I fear, a great deal of willful ignorance.
Claudia, thank you for speaking out! Brook’s article reminds me of an Eleanor Roosevelt quote “To handle yourself, use your head. To handle others, use your heart.” Trump does neither. Our country and our political system are being destroyed by his rhetoric. It saddens me that so many have taken such a liking to his message.
Thank you again, Lani
He has absolutely no empathy. None.
Thank you, Lani!
And that is why I read your blog everyday! :-)
Ah, thank you, Lottie!
Nature is talking to you. Letting you know it’s getting ready to settle in for a nice rest from working so hard providing you (and your readers) with such beauty all summer. I, too, garden but how fun it’s been to share in your gardening adventures this summer. Your garden is lovely and it shows the love you give it. Takes a lot of work to provide such beauty. But, so worth it. I was especially interested in the Hummingbird Moth. I didn’t know they existed. Lovely! Love your photography. Bravo to you for standing your ground politically. We always need to face the fact that we can’t please everyone. Right? I can’t watch his speeches. I hear enough about them from shows I watch (love Charlie Rose and his guests). Those are the kind of people I want to listen to. Wonder what it’s going to take for people to wake up. “We can agree to disagree” but breaking spirit is another thing all together. Keep up the great work and dedication.
Thank you so much, Lyndia. I will continue to stand my ground on this one. It’s too important.
Hi Claudia – happy Friday! It’s been very hot here also but we are suppose to be getting a rain and reprieve on the temps. Hope so. Everything is either growing too fast and/or drying up.
Have a great weekend!
Judy
Happy Friday, Judy. It’s miserable here and will continue to be through Monday. Staying indoors!
Claudia, you are one of the most principled people I know, and have never met. !!! Weird that I should be able to say that, but I most definitely can. YOU, my friend, should be running for office. These days you’d stand out like a sore thumb among all these politicians who are in for only for what it can do FOR THEM, and not, as the Founders intended, to serve the PUBLIC GOOD. This is why I believe one of the first changes we need in politics are term limits. The Founders never intended for someone to serve 20-30-40 years in Congress. They envisioned citizens taking turns at the process, serving in that way, for only a few years at a time. And it still makes me crazy to hear that they are readers who’re offended when you post “political.” Who get upset when they don’t find your “usual” content. Don’t they realize that it was a nation of ostriches-with-their-heads-in-the-sand [as they are now] that allowed Hitler’s rise to power? And Mussolini’s? And you know I’m not overstating it. It could happen again. At any time – and in any country. Trump says something nearly every day that comes directly from “So You Want To Be a Fascist” HE MUST BE STOPPED – it really is that simple. So roar on, Hill girl. Your nation needs you and many more like you. 🇺🇸
I know you are not overstating it. It’s all too close to what happened when those two evil men rose to power. It actually can’t be overstated. People need to wake up.
I will indeed ‘roar on!’ Janet. Thank you so much!
Claudia, you post whatever you’d like to post…I can take it. And I’ll probably enjoy it, thoroughly.
Thank you so much, Shanna!
I love that you post a variety of subjects! Keeps our brain sharp! Hope you found lots of good stuff at IKEA.
I got something for Little Z – I’ll tell you all about it tomorrow. Plus, little things like new frying pans, a metal cabinet with drawers for my minis (which I have to put together!) and we had lunch – now we’re home avoiding the heat!
Although my personal political views differ from yours, I support your right to discuss any topic you wish on your blog. I still love you, will still follow you and we can just agree to disagree. Not everyone agrees about everything, but isn’t that what makes life interesting? Now about that heat and humidity, I have become a hermit in my house and only venture out after dark. I gave up on my garden about six weeks ago. It’s a lost cause at this point. Send some rain our way, we can use it. Now you just hold your head up and speak your mind. I minored in Philosophy in college. I am addicted to the argument ;-)
Big Texas Hugs,
Susan and Bentley
Thanks so much, Susan.
We went out today, but man, was it awful out there! I’m staying in tomorrow!
YOU GO GIRL! – Judy A-
Thank you, Judy!
Oh yes the difference between someone like Susan there and some of the “angrier folks”
that also disagree? Intelligence! That rings true to me for the most part. Claudia didn’t say it folks, I did. -Judy A-
xoxo
We hit some whopper storms on the way home from the mountains today. We had a good time but I’m looking forward to sleeping in my own bed tonight. I found a few fun things that I’ll share soon. I am loving the Olympics as I do each time they come around. The ability and dedication always amazes me. My youngest daughter, Sara, was a gymnast through our YMCA program and competed for several years. It is such a hard sport and to watch these amazing young women fly through the air just makes me so happy. I also love the swimming and Michael Phelps…well he is one of a kind for sure.
As for your blog, I am so happy you write what you want. You are always respectful and open minded but you speak your own mind and that is how it should be! You know I’m a supporter of yours 200%!
hugs,
Linda
The gymnasts are simply beyond words – I cannot comprehend how they do what they do. Such dedication for so many years!
Thanks for your support, Linda!
It is your blog. Say what you want. I do agree with you on almost everything but when I don’t it at least makes me think about a different point of view.
I have lots of friends whose politics makes me shudder in disbelief. Thankfully you aren’t one of them. Although maybe if you were a Trump supporter I probably would have a hard time reading your blog.
Keep saying what you think.
I wouldn’t be able to read my blog if I was a Trump supporter, Kay!
Keep on preaching Claudia, I have been so upset about Trump and am happy others feel as I do. Thank goodness every time he opens his big mouth he sticks his foot in it. At least the polls are looking up for Hillary. I hate to admit having relatives I can’t talk politics with right now because of the elections.
It is a jungle here in southern Missouri. I am afraid to open the electric bill for this month!
Love your blog!
Excessive heat warning here today, Kathleen. It’s crazy out there!
Haha, you and I are probably on the opposite sides of the election but I could never trash someone as it is being done today. I rarely view news but get tidbits on FB a little. Yes, I probably am ONE of the most uninformed persons on earth but I choose to live my life in a quiet solitude and gentle manner. I leave my hubby to tell me if anything important is going on out there. I think we don’t have much of a choice in this election though. I just want a peaceful life in my 70s now. Luckily, hubs and I live in a quiet, small state. I think we have only about one million persons in Idaho. And my town of about 100,000 is a nice place to live. I don’t want to live out like you do. I have and it just didn’t suit me well. I want neighbors to my left, right and back! You’d understand if you’d been robbed 3 times and had your son attacked and almost killed by thugs for defending a young woman at a mini-mart/gas station.
At the moment a friend of ours, and 80 year old wee bit of a man who loves my hubby like a son was informed by the FBI that he is on the Isis hit list. We are stunned! He’s just a sweet man from Puerto Rico and wouldn’t hurt a flea. He was in the Navy. It’s hard to believe but it’s been verified.
Come over to my FB page and view my gorgeous (hahaha) little great grandgirls. Here is my URL and, yes, it’s under an assumed name: Connie Smith. I treasure nothing above my privacy. My family thinks I’m nutty but what is wrong with “nutty”? Of course, my grands and great grands are the cutest in the world. ;-)
https://www.facebook.com/connie.smith.315080
Connie, so good to hear from you! I can’t believe that your friend has been targeted by ISIS! Goodness!
While I can tell that we don’t see eye to eye politically, I wholeheartedly agree with you that it’s a our blog, you can write what you want to. I cannot understand the mindset that seems to believe that if we don’t agree on everything, we can’t associate with each other! I enjoy your blog very much. There is a conversational tone that I find appealing. I love seeing your flowers and miniatures, and I too am an avid reader.
I, for one, am not unsubscribing simply because I don’t agree with you!
Thank you for your words of support!
Thank you for the links! I guess everybody was watching Olympics! I agree with everyone here, It is your blog with your thoughts and you can post whatever you want! We are here because we love your words and photos!
Thank you so much, Sydney.