I was gone for several hours yesterday running some errands. A stop at my favorite Natural Foods store (oh boy, the bakery had made Whoopies – confection that transports me to the heavens) and Home Goods, which is right next door, where I bought a shower curtain liner and Β new glass measuring cup and yet another Rae Dunn mug that says Patience.
Because I need that reminder on a daily basis.
Then I stopped at B & N where I purchased the newest Michael Connelly, which will be saved for my trip to Chicago. And then I went to a local greenhouse to buy some pots and a plant for Rick and Doug. Since they eventually plan to have an apartment in NYC and they might be gone for periods of time, I bought them a sansevieria, which is virtually fail-safe. Found a lovely glazed pot in a color that works with their decor and the plant was plopped inside.
I came back and repotted the rubber plant (early morning picture below.)
It now has much more room. It can’t stay here on the stool because Don uses it when he’s sitting on the sofa, but for now, it works. That’s my overwintering geranium down there on the floor.
There were so many plants there. I was in ‘covet’ mode. I did buy this peperomia because – you guessed it – I had one in the seventies. I’ve always loved the peperomia’s textured leaves.
The latest grouping on the French bistro table – which may be my favorite surface in this house. In fact, it isΒ my favorite surface in this house.
After a flurry of straightening up because I had a feeling Rick and Doug would come inside to see Stella, I was ready for a dinner out with my friends. Sure enough, they wanted see our new baby. They were mightily impressed by her look and her features. Oh Stella, everyone loves you.
We had dinner at a local Thai restaurant and laughed like crazy and it was lovely. I’m so glad they’re here. I still can’t quite believe that this isn’t a visit. They actually live 5 minutes away!
I got a little card in the mail yesterday from my husband saying how much he missed me. That made me smile.
Today, I get to recycle! (That means go to the dump.) And I might run a few more errands. I need new jeans – always something that fills me with dread.
I might put that off until next week.
Happy Friday.
kathy says
it truly is the little things, huh? :) glad you had such a nice day, especially the note from don and a dinner with friends. here’s to more days just as good!
kathy in iowa
Claudia says
Thanks so much, Kathy!
Monica says
I practically wear nothing other than jeans. I love to wear them but I don’t
look forward to shopping for them.
I usually buy 2 pair at a time. There are lots of sales going on. Try KOHLS if you have one.
I love your family of plants!
Take care, Monica
Claudia says
Oh, I buy my jeans at Kohl’s. Just have to be in the mood to go there!
Sara Jane Hardaway says
Love the plants. Also the blue dish under one. It is made by Homer Laughlin called Riviera made in 1939 or 38.
Claudia says
Yes, I know! I used to collect Fiesta and other Homer Laughlin creations! I have another one like it in green. Thanks!
Carolyn Marie says
new jeans or swimsuit, strike terror within me!
Claudia says
Exactly! I’ve done the swimsuit thing this past summer. Now for the jeans.
Donnamae says
You’ve given me an idea…buy plants I used to have in the 70’s. But…where to
put them? Glad you had a great visit with your friends…I’m sure there will be lots more. When I find jeans that actually fit…I usually buy several. Because they always change something on the design, and that ticks me off. Why oh why can’t they leave well enough alone? Happy jeans shopping! ;)
Claudia says
Plus, if there’s any stretchiness in the jeans, in time, they stretchy looks terrible!
Linda @ A La Carte says
Sometimes a day of running errands and getting some special surprise things for myself is just fun! I’m going to try to go to HomeGoods today to see if they got some Rae Dunn mugs in. First I have to take Mom to WalMart which is always an adventure. My friend Carter is coming over to visit tomorrow! I’ve had printer trouble and he will help me with that and we will catch up and probably go out for dinner. I have to pick up my ‘contrast’ drink as my test is on Tue and I start drinking the stuff on Monday night…ugh!! I realized it is only two weeks…14 days until we leave on our trip. I’ve so much to do before then!
Claudia says
I’m glad you’re going to get to see Carter. Hang in there, my friend. You have a lot do! (So do I – I’m leaving on Friday.)
Chy says
Love all your plants, new and old. I’ve begun to collect plants to in this house, which is so light and gets amazing sun, even in the Winter.
Jean shopping ….. ugh! I was going to go today but the snow that has arrived changed up my schedule for a bit so unfortunately (cough, cough) I’ll have to put it off for another day or so …. hope yours goes well!
X Chy
Claudia says
Yes, I understand. A sudden idea that sent me off on an interesting drive foiled my plans for jeans shopping. Too bad!
Dulcy Stewart says
Yikes! New Jeans! Like looking for swimsuits. I bought 2 pair yesterday, and thrilled that it was an easy fit. Your plants are just lovely… I have some tropical and rather exotic succulents that I’ve brought in and are currently on the screened porch. Trying to decide if I will try and winter them inside. If I don’t, they’ll be gone. I love tending my winter house plant garden. It keeps my inner gardener alive until spring!
Claudia says
I agree. I need to nurture plants and I’m going to have a long stretch of winter to get through before I can get outside to garden!
Janet in Rochester says
Clothes-shopping. Oddly-enough, never fun for most women. I’ve never been a size 2, but I’d be willing to bet that even the Twos don’t really look forward to shopping for clothes. Everything IS relative, isn’t it? I guess I’m lucky when it comes to jeans. Found my favorite jeans ever at Land End about 15 years ago & they’re still relatively the same for me. Just call up or go online & re-order when I need to [which isn’t that often overall]. They just better not change ’em or they’ll hear about it from me – LOL. Right now I’m shopping for an enameled cast-iron Dutch oven a la Lodge or LeCreuset. Will probably go with Lodge b/c they’re less expensive [though still pricey] PLUS they’re US-made! Can’t say THAT about very much these days. I’m also prowling for free shipping on this little item so it might be a while. But Black Friday’s coming soon so I hope I’ll get lucky. I’ve never had Thai food b/c I’ve heard most of it is wicked spicy & I still haven’t increased my “heat tolerance” enough for thermonuclear food yet, but I am eager to try it. Have friends who’ve all said how delicious it is. But these ARE people who pretty much have asbestos-lined mouths by now. Happy jeans-shopping [oxymoron?] and have a great weekend! Peace. π
#Resist
Claudia says
I don’t eat spicy things, but Pad Thai (my favorite dish) isn’t spicy. You can also ask for mild to no spiciness. I’ve been eating Thai food for years. Granted, I’m specific as to what I’ll eat. They also have delicious veggie rolls (like an egg roll.) You can ask Don: I do not like spicy food. So get out there and try some Thai food!
Wendy T says
Claudia, Your houseplants all look so green and healthy. Lots of TLC accorded them.
What fun to have two dear friends living so close to you. I expect there will be much more lively visits and delicious meals and uncontrollable laughter when Don returns.
I mostly wear jeans, too. I lost two jeans sizes due to my orthodontics. I’m wearing orthodontic trays and I’m very finicky about brushing them well after I take them out to eat. Then when it’s time to put them back in, I brush, floss, and use those weird bottle brush-like tools to clean in between my teeth before I insert the trays back onto my teeth. The whole process is time-consuming (for me) so if I want just a little nibble of something, I don’t have it. It’s not worth all the time fiddling with trays and dental hygiene. Therefore, very little snacking, just three squares a day. I didn’t realize how much I was snacking until I lost the two sizes. I’ve wanted to lose the proverbial last 10 for decades…if I’d only had orthodonture earlier…. I buy my jeans at Costco and currently love the CK skinny jeans available there.
Claudia says
I would love to go down two sizes! Ah well. I find as I get older, it’s more difficult to lose those extra pounds.
Sherry B says
Claudia,
These houseplants are bringing back the 70’s memories for me too!! I decorated my dorm room and first apartments with some of the same ones. I still keep a few plants, but am wishing I had a couple of the old guys. I look forward to each post on your blog.
Thank you, Sherry B
Claudia says
Do what I’m doing and look for your favorite plants of the 70s! It’s so nice to get reacquainted with them!
Nana Diana says
Oh! I am bringing the plants in this Fall, too, Claudia. I feel like I am craving some of my old 70s plants again….and remembering the scents of things simmering in an electric skillet when my kids were little. Funny, isn’t it, what some eras bring to mind?
I am so glad your friends live so close to you now. That is exciting and a blessing, too. I hope they love their new home and trench in for the long haul.
Have a wonderful, wonderful weekend. xo Diana
Claudia says
I know! I find I seek those things that brought me comfort in the past and I’m trying to bring them into my home.
My friends are really loving everything so far. It’s a major adjustment after San Diego, but we made it ourselves 16 years ago. And both Rick and Doug lived in NYC for years, so they’re used to this climate.
Marilyn says
Glad you had a good time with Rick and Doug.
Marilyn
Claudia says
I am, too!
Nancy Blue Moon says
Sounds like you had a fun day…Don is always so thoughtful…It is very good that you have friends close by now…Trips to the dump aren’t fun but it is the best thing to do…I need to take a bunch of magazines up there…I want a peperomia plant also…I like their wrinkly little leaves and they are safe for my nibbler kitties!…Sweet Dreams Claudia!
Claudia says
I love their textured leaves. I’ve always been fascinated by them!
Kim in Maryland says
Love the Riviera! One of my favorite colors of HLC pottery!
Claudia says
I have that same plate in green, as well!