• We have one tulip. It was planted by a previous owner. At times, it only develops leaves, but for the past two years, it’s flowered beautifully. A thank you to the previous custodian of this house for planting this beauty.
• Friends, I hit a wall last night. We have been working so hard outside, running errands, mowing the entire property, and the wall was a combination of exhaustion and allergies. Today, a day we had already decided would be a day off, I feel like I’m in a fog. Thankfully, it’s raining gently right now so Mother Nature has decided that it’s a day to stay inside.
So what did I do yesterday? I went to the nursery, where I saw one of the owners carrying the exact hanging plant that I wanted. He said it was already sold but that he might have one left. He did. Someone had just purchased 13 of them! The good news? More were expected later in the day and I should come back after 3 pm. Okay.
Then I drove to the grocery store to get a few things that we needed.
Came home, hung the plant, got out the weed whacker and went all around the property, cleaning things up. Then we mowed the back forty. Then we raked all the bare spots left over from taking down the corral fence, as well as from all the machinery that was used to remove our trees, and applied grass seed, in hope that we can get something going there before the birds eat the seed.
Then I had some lunch and drove back to the nursery and purchased the other two hanging plants. Early in the morning, there were a few people there. By the end of the day, all the weekenders had shown up and I could barely find a place to park. A pox on those city people!
My allergies are very bad this year and I just plow ahead and do things because if I let allergies stop me I would never get anything done. But boy oh boy, do I need to sit it out this weekend!
Still to do: sow seeds for zinnias, morning glory, and moonflowers. And mulch the big garden bed which I haven’t done for a couple of years.
• I was reading a book on oil painting and quickly realized that though there is a lot of helpful information, I couldn’t linger there too long or I would be thoroughly intimidated. I may be too tired today to attempt anything, but maybe tomorrow…
• Yesterday when I was going in and out of the shed, two robins, perched in trees on either side of the shed, started chirping at me. I suspected that they might have moved into that nest that is nestled in the climbing hydrangea. And then, as the day went on, I kept seeing two robins in the corral area (eating the grass seed!) This morning, I saw them again and one flew into the nest. Aha! I love it when birds nest there. I think we’ve had three different sets of nesters over the past four years, which is why I’m glad I never took it down. It really is a piece of art, that nest.
• A conversation for another day: what Don and I have been discussing about reentry into the world and the fears we have about that, as well as what we realize we don’t want as we move forward. I’ve addressed this a bit before, but as an introvert, I’m determined to reenter on my terms. I’m too tired to write more than that today. Maybe tomorrow.
• A sad note. Meredith called me to tell me that fellow blogger, Theresa Kasner, had died suddenly. Theresa was a lovely person and Meredith was very good friends with her. Theresa also visited my blog occasionally and I loved her personality, her joy in life, her beautiful photography and the life she shared with her husband, Dayle, on their farm. Rest in peace, Theresa. You will be greatly missed.
Stay safe.
Happy Saturday.
I am sorry your allergies are so bad this year but I can well relate! They do seem worse than ever. I also hit a wall this past week. I don’t know what I have had or how I got it (we rarely go anywhere, wear a mask and sanitize when we do and no one has been here) but something has knocked me flat for a week. It seems to be some kind of stomach bug but doesn’t really feel like a normal virus. Whatever it is, I am beginning to come out of it a little and feel like I might actually survive.
I was so sorry to hear about Teresa Kasner. I didn’t know her, of course, but I enjoyed reading her blog from time to time.
I’m glad you found your baskets. We had planned to go to the nursery this past week but that didn’t happen. Hopefully we can get there next week. It pretty much rained most of this past week anyway.
I hope you enjoy painting. My mom did lots of oil paintings, some of which are hanging in my house now. She hasn’t been able to paint for years and is now in a nursing home. Our youngest daughter also paints. Several of her paintings are also hanging on my wall. That talent escaped me.
Take care and rest well this weekend……sounds as if you surely deserve it!
Lorinda
I’m sorry to hear you’ve been feeling ill, Lorinda. Feel better soon!
Stay safe!
rain or no rain, sounds like a good plan to take it easy … you did a lot!
glad you were able to get some hanging baskets. i’m imagining the size of a porch that gets thirteen of them …!
also glad you have nesters and that beautiful tulip.
condolences to theresa’s family. sad.
need to get going on the grocery shopping and deliveries because that means i get to see some of my family!
happy, easy saturday to you.
kathy in iowa
Don thinks whoever bought them is going to resell them. It makes sense.
Stay safe, Kathy.
I am shocked and so saddened to hear of Teresa’s death. I have enjoyed her blog and she was such a fine, talented, kind woman. Dayle and her family must be devastated. Thanks for spreading the news, Claudia.
You’re welcome. Meredith is heartbroken.
Stay safe, Ellen!
I understand about hitting the wall. I’ve been so busy taking care of Mom for a couple of weeks I truly just collapsed last night. I’m taking a day off myself. Allergies have been horrid this year but down here are improving a bit. Mom is finally doing better so I’m relieved to have a quieter week planned….but time will tell. Rest Up!
I’m sorry to hear of the loss of a blogger friend. Sad news.
Oh, you poor thing! I’m glad your mom is feeling beer. Now, you rest up, too!
Stay safe.
Dear Claudia, I, too, am a late in life painter. Although I majored in art, and trained and worked as an art teacher, I always avoided painting. Until I helped a friend in her painting party business. I so enjoyed the kids originality and intensity and enthusiasm as they completed their projects. I thought, “I could do that!” And I did. I will suggest that you try with acrylic paints. That way you can focus on your painting instead of on the paints. I’ve used children’s sets of bottles f colors, and bought individual bottles at Walmart for fifty cents each.
My condolences on the loss of your friend. It leaves an empty place that can only be filled with memories. I have recently learned of the death of several friends, and now I think of them even more than ever. And I love to think of them.
I’m not interested in acrylics, Leslie. I already use them in my dollhouse work and have a lot of them.
My dad painted in oils and oils are the medium for me.
Thank you for your condolences.
Stay safe!
Claudia, I know of someone who paints (in oils) almost entirely from photographs. You’re such a good photographer; will you paint from your own photos, or from memory, or from something before your eyes like one of your new, beautiful hanging plants? I so often see something, especially when I’m at the beach (which is full of inspiration), and say to myself, “I wish I could paint that!”.
I’m interested in this new creative endeavor of yours! How you’re going to approach it, the main thing being to keep it fun and satisfying. You probably have a lot of ideas spinning in your head of the first thing you’ll paint!
I was always more into ‘landscapes’ when I briefly painted, but my cousin only did ‘still life’ work, like flowers in a vase or fruit in a bowl. Of course some artists are totally into the abstract. But one of the hardest things, I feel, is portraiture. I have poured over John Singer Sargent’s portrait art in some of my books and just been mesmerized by the faces; how he could capture a mood. Or how he could so beautifully depict the look of fabric (because some/most of his subjects were high society and wore gorgeous clothes). How you ‘draw’ with a brush the way he did, when I can’t even draw with a pencil.
I will probably work from photographs and I suspect I’ll paint landscapes at first. Seems more achievable. Fingers crossed!
Stay safe, Vicki.
My mom got back into painting in her 50s when she took early retirement. She’d been a pretty amazing painter in her teens and early 20s always working in oils (because acrylics weren’t around yet at that time [1940s; I think I read once that acrylics didn’t happen until the 1950s; she was too busy raising babies by then]). Mom, too, began again in acrylics for ease of use, which then led her to watercolor (and those works are among my favorites of hers [she did invest in quality watercolor paper; however, when she was working with acrylics, she’d paint on anything {canvas, wood, etc.}]).
I painted for about six years (many, many years ago); I always worked in acrylics and I never sketched first. Also took a college class in watercolor art when I was in my 30s but could just never get the hang of it for as much as I wanted to ‘master’ it. Mom had no formal training at all, but she had the natural talent (I didn’t get her talent but I got the desire); and, she too got along with various sets of kids’ inexpensive watercolor paints because, quite frankly, I’ve never known anybody more frugal than my 1930s Great Depression-era mother. She liked a bargain, and to save money whenever possible.
I had a friend back in the day (we worked together on a job in our 30s) who preferred oils because she felt she could come up with better blends of color (although she now, today, works only in gouache; she just ultimately got what she wanted out of watermedia). My problem is that I love the smell of oil paints but the odor really gets to my asthma and makes me headachy. (The clean-up would also bother my airways; having to use turpentine or the like; but I’m sure today there are other less-obnoxious solvents.)
My step-grandmother painted exclusively in oils, often on masonite (which I guess was another ‘thrifty’ option besides canvas). I really treasure some of her art that was passed down to me; she was fairly prolific in the late 1930s with these masonite works. They’re such various odd sizes (everything has to be custom framed); she must have had cheap access to some kind of scrap masonite. She had a lot of life experiences/memories to draw upon for art subject, as she’d been caught up in the Mexican Revolution (a refugee, fleeing from ‘bandits’ [while living for a time in Mexico] in her early 20s [or so she said{!}]).
No wonder you were tired. That was a lot of work and running around. I hope you get some rest and feel better.
Allergies are going haywire, but I’m getting some rest, Kay.
Stay safe!
Sounds like you certainly earned your day of rest. That was a lot of back and forth…both the lawn mowing and the nursery trips.
Sorry to hear of your blogger friends passing. I checked on her blog…wish I had known about her sooner. Her pictures of life on their farm are wonderful.
Enjoy your day of rest…you two worked very hard! ;)
She was a lovely person. Meredith was very close to her. She is devastated at her sudden death.
Stay safe, Donna.
I’m so sorry. I can’t place her; who she is. Condolences to all here who grieve her loss; Theresa clearly made a positive impact on a lot of people. And that’s a lovely thing to be able to say about someone.
xoxo
You sound worn out. You’ve done A LOT.
About reentering: We’ve gone out twice now to a drive-thru. Higher-end of the drive-thrus, matter of fact. Each time, I can’t justify the money spent for the food for just two people (it being okay-fine, but not tasty enough to lure me back again). The pandemic has really changed my husband and I in this regard (which has really been a surprise).
My husband has a friend from out of state who arrives Monday for a half-day reunion and it was a dilemma to come up with a plan for the visit. Nowhere really to stay in my house under home improvements; our town offers nothing. So, one of the beach cities; there’s a cafe doing outdoor dining at the harbor with tables spaced apart; outdoor/sea air. I’m a little concerned about taking off the masks and sitting too close to/across from people (at one of those small tables). I’ve never met these folks and my husband hasn’t seen his friend in forty years although this husband-wife couple claim, as they traverse a lot of America as retirees and have just hit Southern Calif (they’re on the road the past weeks in a new car), that they are both vaccinated (we’re all the same age). If I go, this will be a huge step for me in terms of the reentry, Claudia; I’m just not sure yet. Maybe. Tempted.
A friend sent me a newspaper article captioned, “Here are ways to ease back into life even if you are anxious.”
The question posed to the (in this case, ‘senior advocate’) writer of the column: “I am vaccinated now and feel excited to resume some of my previous activities, but I am also anxious. How can I get back to normal?”
Answer (in part, and I’ve edited for length):
“Anxiety over the reopening of our community is normal. When the stay-home order was issued, it was clear what we needed to do to be safe. To resume some of our former activities is less clear. A slight level of social anxiety has been exacerbated by the prolonged lockdown. Reducing in-person social activities may have brought comfort and now you may feel pressure to return to the way things were. But it’s important to understand where the pressure comes from; to think through what is important and necessary for you to feel comfortable. You are allowed to set your own pace and comfort level, even as the CDC relaxes ‘the rules’. But do take a few steps forward to build your confidence. Provide yourself some positive self-talk about your safety now. You do not need to rush back to the way things were. But you might find it helpful to take small steps; practice getting out in public in a way that feels safe for you. If you do find yourself in public feeling anxious, try some deep breathing; remember, too, that you can excuse yourself from any situation if need be. We have learned to live thru uncertainty; this is just another example of how we are building our own resiliency again. Be proud of yourself of getting thru a difficult year and for re-integrating yourself into the public community despite your anxious feelings. Be patient and kind with yourself; it’s a transition phase, and you’ll get thru it.”
Thanks for this, Vicki! xo
Only do it if you’re sure. I know you’ll make the decision that feels right for you, Vicki.
Stay safe.
I, too, am making my re-entry in baby steps. Being an introvert, except for family situations that were hampered, it was a wonderful year of being able to say “no” to a wide variety of things, and no one could quarrel over any of it! We have truly enjoyed curbside pickup and not going into stores has certainly saved us money!! We finally stick to our list. Those things I am not ready to give up as of yet. Hubs has run into the grocery now for a few things, but by stocking up and becoming better at meal planning over the year, we can usually put together a meal without making runs to the store for one or two ingredients. I guess this is what it took for us to get somewhat organized.
I hope you get some good rest! We have nearly 100 plants that need to be taken care of now, and frost chances for the next couple of days. Hopefully by next weekend we can get some things potted and / or in the ground! Hope you will rest and take care.
I agree. I feel the same way as a fellow introvert.
I’m sorry you’re dealing with frost. It’s cold here as well but we’re in the high thirties, so it’s safe for plants. I still haven’t moved the fern outside yet – the cold would be too shocking!
Stay safe, Chris.
I am in total shock that Theresa has died – I have followed her blog for years . Such a talented and wonderful woman. She and Dayle have lived life to it’s fullest. Who else lives on a house boat for five years ? Her family (especially Dayle ) will miss her terribly. Again such a shock – so sudden – may she rest in peace – she surely will be missed. I will pray for Dayle and her children and grandchildren . This will be a very difficult time for them. Mary Ellen
A true shock, Mary Ellen. I can’t get my head around it.
I’m praying for them as well.
Stay safe.
I’m sorry to hear about your friends. These “virtual” or whatever the term is communities are as close and loving as in person, maybe closer cuz most of us don’t share the shadow sides of our personality here. that is one heck of a lot of work, and I’m happy that you got one of your plants! In terms of re-entry, not by choice, but because of my husband’s issues, I am definitely out there. He protected me from outings all last year, which was not only a blessing about Covid, but because my arthritic knee was incredibly painful. Somehow (knock wood), the knee is holding up. It’s really a miracle. I actually had my first meal at a restaurant, indoors, and felt comfortable. It’s a genuine diner, been around forever, and has great food. I had my own booth, tucked away, and felt quite safe. It was intimidating and scary at first, but a good toe in the water. I’m glad you and Don are clear on how you want to handle re-entry. Big decisions, potentially big rewards. I’m not abandoning my mask wardrobe anytime soon. Love to you!
Good for you, Nora! That took some bravery! Proud of you.
Stay safe1