I just finished Believing the Lie by Elizabeth George. I was determined to finish it this morning as, at over 600 pages and in hardcover, to boot, I didn’t want to lug it back to Hartford. Excellent! The complexities of the characters and the plot are George’s strength. The mysteries are always character driven and aren’t necessarily tied up neatly at the end of the book. As in real life, things can get messy, remain unresolved. I love that about her writing. I’m officially on an Elizabeth George catch-up binge now, so it’s on to another one later today.
The horizon last night. Pretty dramatic!
I’ve had a lovely time here at home with the love of my life. Being apart means, for us, a greater appreciation of what we have between us. That we are fortunate and blessed we know. That we don’t take it for granted is a daily truth. As I get ready to head off to Hartford for the next 14 days, I am so grateful I got a little time here at the cottage.
We watched Sherlock last night – how can it get even better? How is that possible? It is simply extraordinary. One more episode next week. I hear rumors this might be the last season. I hope it isn’t. But the producers and writers seem very wise, so if they feel it’s time to end it, I understand.
The newest Squint Box full of minis arrived while I was away. This one is all about winter and nesting and comfort. There’s a tray with a vintage travel poster (come to think of it, it could also work as art to hang on a wall), a kit to make succulents (isn’t that neat?), a tray with candles, a loaf of bread and knife on a cutting board, and…a Slinky! Boy, does that bring back memories! I remember trying to get my Slinky to come down the stairs just as they showed it on the commercials. I was only moderately successful.
Very, very cold here today. Soon, I have to get ready to head back to Hartford. I love my work, as you know, and I can’t wait to see what the production looks like onstage.
Don will be back at the ranch, taking care of things. By the way, he has done an excellent job of watering the plants! I’m quite pleased. I’ll be back home for at least two months before I head off again to Hartford, but Don will be off to the West Coast even before that – at the beginning of April. Busy times ahead for both of us. We don’t take that for granted, either.
Happy Monday.
Linda @ A La Carte says
Your mini’s are adorable this month! I enjoy seeing what you get each time. I finished the Grant County series by Karin Slaughter and I did not like the way it ended, just saying. On to others now. I’m reading ‘The First Hostage’ by Joel Rosenberg. It’s ok, but I find I don’t like books set in the middle east at all. I may move on to something else unless it grabs me a bit more.
It’s cold but the sun is shining today. I did see the Grands at church yesterday and that was wonderful. I then rested, made cabbage soup for Mom and then I and watched the Golden Globes. Meryl Streep was amazing.
Today is a good day for more purging and cleaning! Stay safe on your drive to Hartford. Hugs!
Claudia says
Oh, I felt the same way. That ending was shocking and I’m still not over it many, many years later. I think I actually wrote her a note about it.
Meryl Streep has always been a hero to me, and now? She’s a saint!
Laura Walker says
I love Elizabeth George. It is always so difficult to wait for the next book. I am very behind on Sherlock and trying to binge watch it . Have a safe trip back, my friend. xo Laura
Claudia says
You’ll enjoy this season of Sherlock – well, every season! I’m back in Hartford, Laura.
Donnamae says
I had heard this might be the last season of Sherlock as well. I would truly miss that series. I have 2 episodes recorded…no time to watch now. You and Don have something special….that is rare. I know I feel the same way about my hubby and I…we were all so fortunate to have found each other so long ago. Safe travels today! ;)
Claudia says
We are very lucky, aren’t we? I waited a long time for Don to come in my life and I don’t take him for granted, that’s for sure. And you and your husband have been together for so many years and you feel the same way. Wonderful!
Dianne says
The trip home was what you needed and exactly as it should be………the travel time worked perfectly snowwise.
Know this might be the last season of Sherlock but do understand why. Huge fan of Benedict C.; he dominates the screen and pulls you personally into the happenings. Fascinated with and loved him in The Imitation Game; you actually experienced his frustration, misery, and the injustice of it all as his genius struggled against the odds.
Love the minis and can’t wait to see them in place. Wishing you a successful trip back to Hartford……Dianne
Claudia says
I am also a big fan of Benedict Cumberbatch. He is an incredible actor. I’m back in Hartford, ready to work tomorrow. But I miss my husband (and my chair!)
Chris K in Wisconsin says
Those minis will never ever cease to amaze me. They are wonderful!!
Safe travels back to Hartford today. If you haven’t yet, please please watch Meryl Streep’s speech last night on the GG’s.
Claudia says
I watched it when I got back to Hartford. I love her, have always loved her, but now? She is beyond compare.
I say “Bravo!” Of course, Trump tweeted that she was an overrated actress. What a child he is. As if she cares!
Wendy T says
Hmm, I think a trip to the library for an Elizabeth George is warranted. Enjoy the next production steps before opening night.
Claudia says
She writes long, many-layered mysteries, but she’s worth the time and investment. She is an impeccable writer.
Wendy T says
I watch the Inspector Lynley mysteries on PBS, but have never read Open of her books.
Claudia says
I, of course, didn’t watch the series because I have images in my head of all the characters and don’t like to mess with them! The books are much more detailed – I think you’ll like them. And they cover a number of years, so you can see the changes in each of the recurring characters, Wendy.
Janie F. says
So glad you were able to spend some quality time with your favorite guy. A female police offer was killed this morning in Orlando. I remember how my heart would drop at the news of a law enforcement officer being injured when my brother was a deputy. Seems like we’re seeing more and more of this senselessness. It’s so sad!
Claudia says
I heard that terrible news on the radio as I was driving back to Hartford. I am so saddened. Such a tragedy, Janie.
Kathy says
I thought Sherlock was so good! We are really enjoying it very much.
Claudia says
Really good! Last night’s episode was one of the best ever – at least, that’s what I think!
tana says
I remember finding the secret to slinkys when I was a kid. Mine went down well on tall wooden steps, but not to well when the steps had less of a rise to them. I think the height of the steps gave it more forward momentum and it slinked better. That little box you get each month is wonderful. And the last two weeks away will rush by!
Claudia says
We didn’t have tall steps, so maybe that was the problem, Tana!
Janet in Rochester says
That Squint box is adorable. I just love the bitty Slinky – that’s wild! By the way, did you know Jim Parsons was on “Inside the Actors Studio” last week? He was SO interesting – I wonder if it’s available online as well? Those often are, after a while, at least. You can keep warm & cozy now… ❄️
Claudia says
No, I didn’t know he was on that show (I don’t watch it because I find James Lipton incredibly pretentious!) But I’m glad for Jim that he was a guest. I know most of his story, of course. He is very interesting and a truly good person. Thanks Janet!
Janet in Rochester says
Oh I totally agree about Lipton! Have never seen anyone OOZE like ANYONE that guy. He really doesn’t realize how it comes off – I’ve even seen some guests call him on it. I DO like hearing what many of his guests have to say though, so I try & tune his part of it out. Some have been really memorable, like Robin Williams & Mike Myers. If you’re interested, you might be able to catch Jim’s on YouTube – they sometimes post them there.
Claudia says
Frankly, I didn’t even know it was still on. It started out with conversations with truly great actors, actors with decades of performances behind them. Then I guess they ran out of older actors and sometimes they resorted to young actors who barely knew their craft! So I stopped watching. It’s all done to make money for the New School in NYC.
Monica says
Before I forget, great chair. It looks very comfortable and I love the colors.
I’m glad you didn’t have any problems getting home & I hope you have a smooth trip back to CT. Yes you & Don are very fortunate. :)
I get a kick out of the minis. Too cute.
Be safe, Monica
Claudia says
They are very cute – I don’t know how long I’ll keep subscribing to the monthly shipments. It might end up being more money that I want to keep spending! But Darren, the guy who puts these together, does a lovely job!
Nancy Blue Moon says
Love the first picture above…dramatic and maybe a teeny bit scary looking…lol…you will have such fun with that diy mini kit Claudia…Here is a small Slinky trivia for you…When I was early teens I worked at a local diner and so did the owners young daughter…to make a long story short..Stephanie went to college where she met and married the son of the man who invented the slinky…I could never get the darn thing to go down the stairs right either…but Mr James made a huge fortune from it!
Claudia says
Good choice for a husband, Nancy!
Nancy in PA says
Claudia, did you get the e-mail from Squintbox that they are looking for brand ambassadors? That might be fun for you. You’d be so good at that; you’re a natural. I can forward the e-mail to you, if you like.
The little cinder block reminds me of the bookcases we use to make in college.
Claudia says
I might have – I might have deleted it! I’ll check. I made a bookcase like that in graduate school.