I can’t be the only person who is having trouble sleeping, right? Amidst the joys of spring, we have the threat of nuclear winter, with two unstable leaders rattling their sabres. I woke up at 4 am today and got up to use the bathroom. That did it. I couldn’t turn my thoughts off and I finally gave up and got up around 4:45.
Insanity. With billions of lives in the balance. The FBI is coming for you and your henchmen no matter what you do, so why don’t you spare us this ongoing fear and resign? That will give you time to prep for prison. Orange is the new black and all that sort of thing.
Okay. Enough of that and on to happier things.
Some shots of the house because Spring brings out my nester instincts and I look at the house with fresh eyes. All done with the iPhone because I was lazy at that moment. We’ll call the photos “Impressions.”
Those of you who follow along on Instagram already know this story, but for those of you who don’t, here it is. Yesterday morning, Fed Ex pulled up in our driveway. Since I wasn’t expecting anything, I was surprised. The Fed Ex guy was carrying a largish box and handed it to me. It was from the Julian Pie Company in Julian, CA. Oh my goodness. Julian apple pies are the best apple pies I have ever tasted and I knew immediately who was behind this surprise.
Sure enough, the message inside said “Sweets for the Sweet, love Don.” That stinker stopped by Julian on his way home from the desert last Monday and arranged to have a pie shipped to me. We used to treat ourselves to a Julian Pie quite often when we lived in San Diego.
Isn’t he the best?
I managed to wait until late afternoon until I cut a slice and then I happily indulged in the taste sensation of a Julian apple pie.
Best crust ever.
Sigh of happiness.
And, though I haven’t knitted in years, I started in on this little project:
We’ll see if it looks remotely presentable once I have finished. If you don’t see a picture, well, you’ll know.
Pie for breakfast.
Happy Friday.
Pie is my very favorite breakfast! And that one with the flaky crust looks delicious. The cross-country trip seems to have done it no harm—I’m amazed! This morning it’s hot cross buns—plural—for me. Happy Friday!
I saw those hot cross buns on IG. They look delicious! Enjoy, my friend.
Your cottage is so beautiful and homey! I’ve been freshening up the house for spring too. We are finishing the process of moving my mom to assisted-living in a facility near my brother and an hour away from me (still closer than the 1 1/2 hr trip it was before). Cleaning the apartment in the retirement facility where she lived with my dad was eye-opening. 26 years of stuff. Never knew my parents couldn’t throw or give away a thing. Every drawer was an “adventure.” Makes you look at your own “nest” in a new light. I don’t want to wish what we’re going through on my own kids. You are right in that you’re not alone in your inability to sleep. 3 a.m. is my “Magic Hour,” when I awaken and start to think – both work-related and end-of-the-world as we know it variety. Oh, and I LOVE “Little Cotton Bunnies.” But I’m a newbie knitter and don’t feel qualified to attempt her patterns yet. Do keep us posted on the finished product.
I think the same thing – and we don’t have kids, so my sister would be stuck with it all. Purging is good and I have to do more of it!
Your pictures today are wonderful! I didn’t realize you had so many egg cups. Seeing them all at once makes a difference. And I love “Little Cotton Rabbits”. Her stuff is so cute. I have a couple of friends who have made her bunnies and other little critters. My knitting only runs to simple scarves. Good luck with your egg cozy rabbit. I suffer from insomnia and have given up on a good nights sleep. I wake and start thinking of the state of the world, the kids, etc., and that’s it. I will read, write or just get up and start the tea. The tea would be wonderful with a piece of chocolate. Or apple pie.
Oh there are a lot more egg cups than the ones at the desk and on the wall. They’re on shelves, in cabinets and another shelf unit in the den!
I just got up, too. I sagging, but I figured it made no sense to just stay in bed.
You can get ahold of this shop via telegraph? I love it!
I know! Isn’t that cool?
Apple pie for breakfast sounds fantastic! It looks so good…amazed it wasn’t damaged traveling all that way. Yes…the world is frightening these days isn’t it? Good news…the manhunt is over…they captured our local manifesto guy. So, now we can relax a bit. Cute bunny! Good luck! ;)
Wait a minute…what manhunt? I haven’t heard about this one…
This guy…Jakubowski?…robbed a gun shop. Made away with over a dozen guns and ammunition. Mailed a manifesto to Trump. I think this started over a week ago. Schools south of here were closed as a
precaution. FBI involved…people frightened with good reason. I guess there were threats not only against the government, but churches as well. He thought they were brain washing people. Local excitement to say the least. They found him in the southwestern part of the state this morning. So…we can breathe a little,e easier! ;)
Whoa. That would be very scary. Thank goodness he’s been caught!
nice beautiful shots, Claudia. very comfy and pretty.
and girl…love that pie, especially with the
“orange is the new black” comment
for you know who …..has given me a chuckle !
you hit all high marks! what a yummy breakfast…
love Katheryn
Glad to give you a chuckle, Katheryn!
Yes, those worries in the middle of the night really keep me tossing and turning!
BTW I’d love to hear your Oklahoma accent/dialect. Living in the east central/ southeastern part of the state, we hear lots of language variations! My dad called his sister and family in OKC…Yankees!
I got asked one time at the airport in Denver at a fast food place just what part of OK did I live in…so fun to hear everyone talk.
Enjoy your yummy pie, and your garden! Try to stay optimistic! We are trying but it is difficult. We are having our 5 grandchildren here for Easter, and my sister and I are hosting a big family
lunch and egg hunt on Saturday. xo Becky
I’m trying! Today is hard, but it doesn’t help that I had only 4 hours sleep. So my perspective is off.
Don’s dad had the best OK dialect – he was from Choctaw (I hope I spelled that right )County.
Butting in, here. (I love reading the comments.) Choctaw is correct, according to my DH. His mother’s family is from OK and they have quite a high percentage of Choctaw blood running in their veins! Wonder if my MIL knew your FIL’s family.
I don’t know!
What a lovely surprise, looks a delicious pie. What a dear to do that.
He sure is a dear, Christine!
Claudia ,there is nothing wrong with apple pie for breakfast, lunch or dinner. It is fruit! Don is so sweet. Enjoy this lovely weather, they are saying 78 degrees on Sunday. Luckily I am going to daughters for dinner. I told the children when I turned 65 I would d only do one holiday, they now have Thanksgiving and Easter. Nice not cooking and fretting as to where everyone will sit. What are your plans? Take care
My plans are to mow the front lawn! Nothing else is on the docket, Mary. You were wise to turn most holidays over to your daughters!
I always used watched the movie Babe while making easter dinner, strange I know. To be honest one of my girls does Easter ( semi vegan) I bring the cooked ham. One step daughter does Thanksgiving. That seemed fair. It will be hot Sunday dress accordingly, and make iced tea.
81 degrees expected here, Mary!
You collect egg cups like I collect thimbles, Claudia! The difference is that lots of your cups are vintage and my thimbles I collect on my travels. My mom used to buy them for me too when she and Dad traveled. Yum, pie! My daughter makes the best crust and she uses it for sweet and savory pies. We recently made a mixed greens and cheese pie for dinner. I made the filling and she made the crust. So delicious. So sweet of Don (we expect nothing less) to ship you a pie! Do you hear it up to eat? I love warm pie!
Haha…you know I meant HEAT it up, unless the pie is talking to you…
Maybe it is…..!
Love the idea of collecting thimbles on your travels. Each thimble has a story and I bet you remember them all, Wendy.
This crust would be good for a savory pie, as well. It’s super good. No…I always like pie better cold! When we get a pie that’s warm, it’s okay, but I invariably say the next day “I like it better this way!”
Claidia, I like warm apple pie mainly because I heat the slice in a toaster oven to crisp the crust. I know you’re heading towards being vegan, but I also like to melt cheddar on apple pie slices. If I eat the pie at room temp, it’s so the ice cream doesn’t melt too soon! Any way we eat it, I bow to the person who first enveloped apples into a crust!
Who was that person, I wonder? They should have won a Nobel Prize of some sort!
I was curious so here’s a link to the article I read: http://www.todayifoundout.com/index.php/2013/07/apple-pie-isnt-really-american/
By the way, I’m a fan of Little Cotton Rabbits. I want to knit the kitty and all the clothes
Very interesting! Thanks for the link!
I love that blog and everything she designs. Right now, this little cozy is enough for me! Size 2 needles are very tiny when getting back to knitting for the first time in years!
Sleep is illusive these days; sometimes there is so much to be concerned about it is just one big “worry Knot”. At times I long for a good old firing squad just for the evil/stupid T-Rump. It can drive you to distraction trying to figure out if he is more evil or stupid.
That pie is outstanding and how thoughtful. I actually prefer pie to cake. Love the beautiful the colors of your quilt.
We can’t let the Evil One take away the wonderful but sometimes small pleasures of our day. Those important life ‘s pleasures belong to us. Dianne
I also prefer pie to cake. I almost always have a birthday pie – I did when I was a kid, too.
I’m going out to the garden where the Evil One can’t get me, Dianne!
I haven’t been this concerned about imminent nuclear war since I was a child during the Cuban Missile Crisis when I watched the sky for the bombs.
Your cottage is lovely as always.
Wish I could come over for some apple pie!
I know. I feel the same way – very concerned!
Wish you could come over, too! I guess I’ll have to sacrifice and eat the whole pie!
Don is so thoughtful; what a wonderful surprise (that pie looks VERY tasty).
I love your light-filled house (yes, I’ll take windows over wall space for other stuff!).
The yellow bedspread is sunny. Cheery!
You sound uplifted. But Claudia, I don’t know anybody our age who is sleeping well; it’s like a common topic. Last night? Sore back…and, yes, headlines. How do you think I feel on the West Coast which they say is North Korea’s target for a nuclear attack? Yikes. I nodded off on the sofa (husband away on work and nobody to wake me up!), woke up at 3am after a bad dream, stayed up for an hour, went to bed…and then was WIDE awake with a million thoughts in my head. I finally fell asleep again once the dawn came on, so I got in a couple more hours of rest at least (but it seems to never be enough; oh, for the days of youth when I slept like a dormant bear in winter). I’m slow to my errands but I’ve got to get going because a couple of places I need to go are shutting down at noon PST for Good Friday. Thankfully, husband’s home tonight (better when he’s home!)…and we prepare now for his upcoming surgery, a double procedure, but it’s same-day-in/same-day-out although he’s allowed all of next week to be home from work and have a good recovery. Not life-threatening and is to make him feel better but, still, of course…I worry.
Do I have to remind you that my husband is also on the West Coast at the moment? And will be for another couple of months? I don’t like the fact that we are 3000 miles apart during this upheaval. Don’t like it at all.
When is the surgery?
OMG, I didn’t even think about Don. Where did my brain go?
L.A. and Seattle are supposed to be the direct hit(s) but what would it matter, downdrift and updrift. I have to stop thinking about it, so I just did five hours of appointments and errands; totally spent (that lack of sleep is a drainer). I figure if I keep busy enough, maybe I won’t subscribe to the fear. But as another reader here mentioned…what we as kids went through in the Cuban Missile Crisis and, even if young enough to not quite understand, knew something was up with the parents; yes, puts you on edge. Not a good memory. Mother was amassing a box of food and putting it in a back area of the house inside a closet; hard to do because my dad was looking for work and they barely had a dime for anything extra…but what on earth was a box of food about? What were they telling people on the evening news? Maybe to be prepared to live life indoors for awhile and not go outside? Shelter in place? She’s not here to ask, so I don’t know what Mom had in mind.
I keep thinking to myself that I’m not even well-prepared right now for an earthquake (and I know better; I absolutely KNOW how important earthquake preparedness is here in California), so how can I go up against a nuclear attack? Somebody said once, “Well, you better just hope you’re not one of the ones left alive.” I mean, who can think about this stuff? It’s not how I want to live; I don’t want this to be my reality.
Feeling for you, with Don gone. Try to talk to him as often as you can. My own husband is a great one for saying he can’t be worried about something for which he has no control, so I know tonight once we’re together, he’ll try to downplay my preoccupation (and tell me to turn off the TV).
I bet your mom was stowing that sort of thing with the whole bomb shelter idea in mind. What would you need if you couldn’t leave the house? I’m afraid I’d starve rather quickly as we have no room to store extra food.
Don has the same thoughts as your husband, Vicki. He helps to ground me when I’m feeling worried. Sounds like your husband does the same for you.
I could not sleep last night and had to get up early to watch Scout today. So I was just trying to rest and thinking I would be ok today if I napped when Scout did. Guess who isn’t napping…not me and not her! I’ll crash tonight I guess unless my mind starts going a 100 miles and hour again. Just a very scary world. Thank goodness for my sweet Grand girl just making me laugh out loud today. She loves purses and we found another one at the thrift shop along with some books. So now she has a purse on each arm. I love this child so much and it’s scary the world she, Tiger and Little Z are growing up in. That apple pie looks so good, and yes apple pie is perfect for breakfast! I hope you have a good day and get some sleep tonight. Hugs!
Sounds like a lot of us are having trouble sleeping. It’s no wonder!
I loved purses when I was a kid, too. Couldn’t get enough of them!
I say, pie for breakfast, pie for lunch and pie for dinner. Then if there is any left, pie for snacks!
LOL How sweet of Don. Have a good day.
Judy
I could eat it all day long – especially this pie!
Pie for breakfast….yum! Then follow it with pie for lunch ~ and finish the day with pie for supper!! Perfect day!! Sweet man! I bet he so wishes he was there enjoying it with you.
4:46 seems to be my magic hour. Every night. I can’t believe when I look at the clock and it says 4:46 yet again. So much to worry over. At night it all seems somehow bigger and scarier. I kind of wish Rachel was on at about 3 in the afternoon to give me some time to wind down. The idiot loves his bombs. And he is oh-so-proud of “HIS” military. Wish he would contribute some tax dollars since he is claiming it as his own.
Enjoy your day (or 2 or 3) of pie! It looks wonderful.
I often wake up around 4 am or 4:30 – somewhere within that hour.
Don was telling me today on the phone that I should stop watching Rachel for a few days – for the same reasons you expressed. It’s on at 9 and I’m often ready to go to bed at 10 or 10:30 and I guess the subjects she covers are staying with me – even if it’s not obvious that they are.
His Military – What a joke.
You are so right, Julian Pie is the best! We used to live in SD also. Have a wonderful Easter, Claudia. We’ve been in Chicago, so I am finally catching up on blogs.
You too, Judy! I suppose we’ll just have to sacrifice and get a Julian pie when I’m out visiting Don.
I know you’re vegan but I could not eat apple pie without vanilla ice cream. It looks yummy and what a nice surprise. Today it’s been so warm that I planted tomatoes and a variety of herbs. This lawn work wears me out so sleeping isn’t a problem…..not that it ever is. I sleep like a log most nights. There are so many times these days as I’m shopping for groceries, etc., that I look around and wonder if any of these people worry about a possible war or any of the other things that are driving me crazy ! There are so many who seem to not be aware of the things that are going on and they certainly don’t want to talk or read about them. Is that called “ignorance is bliss”? Have a relaxing and peaceful Easter!
I’ve done a lot of yard work this week, but it doesn’t seem to conk me out at night. Unfortunately!
Wow, Claudia, you’ve got yourself a GOOD man there!! Now I need to go look up those pies and get one shipped to me asap! By the way, I don’t sleep either – I typically wake up 3 hours after I go to sleep, toss and turn for the next 3, and then can’t get up when my alarm goes off. It’s frustrating, and I assume it’s all going along with the hot flashes….sigh.
Probably is related to hot flashes – I’m beyond those now, but I remember all of that affecting my sleep.
The pie is REALLY expensive to ship – because it has to be delivered in two days, I guess. And that’s why we’ve only done it one other time!
Dear Claudia, Happy Easter to You, Don, and all of you Readers!
Remember to keep the faith, someone IS watching over us, Cares for each of us,
and knows what we are going through! “Love is all we need”. (Beatles)
-Judy A-
In the midst of all my errands/appts between noon and 5pm (I got a late start), I did pull off at 3pm to go the cemetery and just be quiet for a little while out of respect for Good Friday and to settle myself down. The cemetery is up against the foothills and I drove up near the top of the property so I could see the mountains and feel the afternoon breeze. Be near my loved ones buried there, who I wish were still with me. I had a pretty long prayer, asking for strength because I just don’t understand what’s happening with too much of what’s going on in our world. I noticed that there was a massive amount of cars parked at all the churches in town and, right around this time, the streets seemed deserted, so I was heartened to think that maybe enough prayers will help. I ran into an old friend at the Hallmark store…haven’t seen her in 20 years…and she was getting comfort in her Passover traditions. We all have to do what we can right now to stay sane and find some balance. I need another Easter basket like I need another cookie to eat(!), but I bought a little white one today with a pink eyelet liner. Gonna put a little white crocheted bunny in it and remember lots of happy hunts for candy eggs in childhood!
Perfect things to do, Vicki. The prayer, the visit to the cemetery and the Easter basket. xo
I’ll do my best, sweet Judy!
Wishing you and yours a Blessed and Happy Easter. My sisters and I watched “The Easter Parade” a few days ago. This is a nice colorful movie that should give you some calmness and peace. We were rooting for Judy Garland to choose Peter Lawford instead of Fred Astaire. I guess to each his own. Have you ever seen this movie? Have a great week end. By the way, I have a lawn that needs a mowing, you are welcome to do mine and save me the job. HA!HA!
Marilyn
I’ve seen it many times – in fact, I own a copy! I cheered for Fred Astaire, of course, because he has been one of my favorites since I was a young gift.
If I could mow your lawn, Marilyn, I would!
Pie for breakfast is one of my favorite things! Jealous :-)
There’s something wonderful about pie for breakfast!
Pie for breakfast! That is my idea of bliss. In peeking into your charming cottage I noticed the satin quilted boxes.My sister who was eight years older had one when she was a teen-ager and I loved it. I was the recipient of hand-me-down clothing but I do not remember what happened to her box! I have not seen them in so many years and lots of memories came flooding back. Thanks for the trip down memory lane. Wish I had some comforting words to help you sleep.The nightmare worsens every day and I feel as if I’m barely hanging on at times.xo
I spied those satin quilted boxes, too. What were they used for back in the day, do you know Claudia? You usually know the stories behind your collectibles!
They are glove boxes, Vicki. Women used them to store their gloves!
Oh, wow; that’s so…refined.
Mother always wore gloves to work in the years before she had me and was married. People used to DRESS. Of course, she did work in downtown L.A. and in the banking industry/financial district; it was the 1940s. Even just for the average office girl like her, though, it was hat, gloves, silky hosiery (although no silk in the war years; Mom said it went for things like parachutes for the military); heels; a suit and maybe a nice brooch pinned to the lapel; hair always fixed in a nice style. I love the photos of her in these outfits. I still have three of her handbags; the quality is so superb. The gloves weren’t just for looks although they were de rigueur for the day; she mostly rode the street cars and I guess you’d have to hang on to something, so the gloves were protective but she said they sure got dirty fast.
But I can also remember babysitting for ladies in town who went for a shopping day away to the city in summer, leaving me with the kids. This would have been mid-1960s; they’d wear their Jackie Kennedy sheaths…and gloves.
I have a pair of beautiful gloves that belonged to one of my great-aunts. They are elbow-length and fine leather; I guess kidskin? Very supple. White. They are so narrow, for very thin arms and small, delicate hands. No glove box for them but instead a soft-sided, tulle-decorated and intricately-embroidered cloth ‘bag’ you put them in, padded, with satin ties to close. (Clearly a time before zippers were around.) I’ve often wondered if perhaps they weren’t even my aunt’s gloves but from someone else; another era.
The reason I think that, is because when she was in her early teens (this would have been like 1912), my aunt worked as a handmaid for a wealthy woman in San Francisco. I mean, the woman did not dress herself but was totally tended to, even down to the buckling of a shoe, and the clothes were so layered and elaborate back then (must have taken ‘forever’ to get her ready to go out somewhere!). I’ve thought that perhaps the privileged lady one day said to my young auntie in her service, “Here, you can have these; they’re my older gloves and I just bought new ones.” Or something of same. I doubt the lady was even age 40; my aunt said she was very stylish and beautiful. My aunt herself was fairly glam in the 1920s (she as well came into some wealth about a decade later after being a servant; it’s a long story…but we have photos where she was really decked out in the draping pearls and fur pieces; that Flapper period); so maybe they were indeed her own, exquisite and dressy gloves…but, to me, they look more Victorian/Gilded Age.
Do you remember going to church on Easter Sunday in the 1950s or early 1960s, little girls with our frilly dresses and petticoats, wee purses, patent leather shoes and white ruffly socks, straw hats or a bonnet tied under the chin…and short, white cotton gloves? It was such A Big Deal to pick out an Easter dress if we were lucky enough to get one that year…or at least help choose fabric and pattern for Mom to make one.
Yes, I have some photos, somewhere, of me decked out in my Easter finery with white gloves on!
I love those boxes. I’ve collected them over time – mostly around here, but the pink printed box was a find in California.
Good Morning Claudia
I can’t sleep either. I can see and understand that you are worried about President Trumps actions in your country and his out-of-mind point of view regarding climate change and other environmental issues. On the other hand, I’m more worried about the relationship between the United States and Russia and I am more than relieved that I see that President Putin is very patient, rational. Thank God he is a well respected leader of Russia in Russia. It’s not possible to push Russia in a situation like the Ukraine with a weak leader. I pray to God including Putin in my prayers to stay strong and cool and not get provoked by the ones who want to harm him and his country.
After a long discussion yesterday with people who have observed the situation for a long time, and some research, I’m a bit less worried. When I read the paper this morning I found these two quotes. They may help you find a bit of peace of mind.
Tillerson said at the press conference (the article and video are in German): “The relationship (between the United States and Russia) is at a low point. We have to do everything to stop it getting worse. We have to rebuild trust between our two countries to find solutions for the questions that matter to us.”
And Lawrow said: “After the long hours of discussion, we can understand each other better now. I hope the contact continues between us (Tillerson and Lawrow), our staff and other members of the administrations and the government. ”
My point is: As long as they talk there is hope. As long as they talk there is hope for the Middle East and Syria and the world.
Anyway, we are marching for peace on Monday.
Your husband knows how to make you happy. Bless him!
All the best. Regula
Talking is a good thing. Let’s hope cooler heads prevail.
Thanks, Regula.
You are not the only one unable to sleep. I’m also having trouble, and when I do manage a few hours, I wake after a horrible nightmare. I’m glad you are finding some peace and continuity and surprises in the garden and that your wonderful husband knows you so well that he makes special trips for your favorite pie. Those are the moments you’ll remember when we wake up from this nightmare.
Yes, indeed. Remembering the goodness of people, including my husband, and watching my garden grow and birds make their nests…all of that is helping in the midst of this upheaval.