Yesterday: Obsessively deleting tons of emails – I really need to be better about doing that every day, cleaning here and there, some good heart-to-heart talks with my husband, crying about Scout, walking the trail, feeding the horses (Ashley let me stroke her coat!), dinner and the Cubs game. We didn’t last through the whole game because we got sleepy, but I see this morning that they won.
The dried hydrangeas that were in this bucket had been there for years. It was time for a refresh. I clipped these limelight hydrangeas the other day when I knew we were going to get frost overnight. I’m planning on adding more; there are some large blooms on that bush, but they haven’t reached the perfect pink/green stage yet. Turns out the frost didn’t harm them.
Have I told you how much I love this table? Oh, that’s right, I have. Repeatedly.
I have three different hydrangeas on the property: Annabelle, Limelight and a version called Endless Summer. They are gorgeous, each and every one, but the Limelight is the only one that changes from white to this pale pink and green. Limelight blooms are also cone-shaped, unlike the fat, round blooms of the Annabelle and Endless Summer.
Today, we’re going to go to a vintage car show. Don has recently become a fan and has gone to a few of them. We thought it would be a fun thing to do today. I’ll take pictures.
I want to update you about the fundraising campaign we had for our friend Dawn. Our goal was $3000 and generous donors helped us meet that goal. I’ve spoken to Dawn on the phone a couple of times during the campaign. Each time, she started crying because she was so moved by the donations made by friends and strangers – good people, all. She has started to work an hour or two a day – that’s really all she can handle at the moment – but her voice sounds stronger and we’re cheering her on.
Some of you, dear readers, also contributed and I thank you from the bottom of my heart. Dawn thanks you as well!
In the midst of virulent speeches and anger and a feeling of being besieged on all sides by this presidential election, we stop and remember that there are really good and kind and loving people out there. We see it every day and we certainly saw it in this campaign. We are thankful.
Happy Sunday.
Shanna says
Oh, Claudia, I love those hydrangeas…and the table, and the old ice cream freezer bucket. My Grandparents had one just like it. They made ice cream a lot. So did (does?) my Mom. That’s probably why I do, too, though the freezer has been updated quite a bit from that one! Homemade ice cream is the best! I’ll probably be making some tonight. Happy Sunday to you.
Claudia says
Do you know that we’ve never had homemade ice cream? We just have the bucket!
Shanna says
Now that is a shame! You’ll have to stop by for a remedy sometime.
Claudia says
We promise to do that. xo
Doris says
Pretty Sunday morning pictures! Ashley knows she has a friend that brings treats. Glad your friend is getting better, A very tough road for her. Enjoy the car show, always fun to see the old cars.
Claudia says
We will, Doris. Thank you!
Betsy says
I love that you are obsessed with your new table! I do the same thing when I find a new treasure.
I’m glad that your friend Dawn is getting back on her feet. Enjoy the day!
Claudia says
Yes, the pleasure of owning this table hasn’t worn off yet, Betsy!
Donnamae says
Your hydrangeas look lovely…especially on your new old table! I am happy to hear about your friend Dawn….getting back to work…always a positive. And, a Vintage car show…right up our alley! Except for this year, we usually go to a couple every year. They are always fun….and you meet some interesting people along the way. Enjoy yourselves! ;)
Claudia says
We had a great time. This was a large show, right on the banks of the Hudson River, so it was lovely.
Chris K in Wisconsin says
I love my Limelight Hydrangea! It amazes me when they go from their bright white through the color change. Each day there is a subtle change. And they do last for several years when you bring them in. One year I decorated our Christmas tree w/ hydrangea and pampas grass. So pretty!!
My husband bought a 1970 yellow VW Beetle last year. It was from AZ, so there is no rust, and he has been restoring it bit by bit. He surely is enjoying it and has been to a few shows this year. He even brought home a plaque for something at one show. (I should probably know what and appreciate it more!!) Have fun today!!
Claudia says
Don would love nothing more than to have a vintage car or truck. After going to the show, I’d like one too!
Tina Mckenna says
What I want more than anything from this election is for our nation to heal. To turn the mirror back to ourselves and re-evaluate and reclaim what was the best in us. To conquer hate. To unite. To return to a state of grace. To look into each others eyes and see ourselves reflected there. To remember that God said we are all, ALL, created in his image and as such deserving of only love, never hate. To realize that although God’s image may differ for each of us, it’s only the name that really differs. To strive to understand each other, and if needed, to forgive. To realize that we now are a global community and we can’t, and shouldn’t, go back. That if one person is hated and ostracized, it is directed toward all of us. We ARE our brother’s keeper. That women, non-Christians, immigrants and minorities are all created equal in the eyes of God, and if you don’t believe that, then don’t say you follow Him. “Love is love is love is love is love. It cannot be killed or swept aside.” Lin-Manuel Miranda
Claudia says
I quoted that line by Lin Manuel Miranda in a post earlier this year. Maybe after the horrific shooting in Orlando – yes that was it, because he said in during the Tony Awards. It’s beautiful and says it all.
Linda @ A La Carte says
I love the Limelight Hydrangea so much. They dry so prettily! That table is just gorgeous and I never get tired of seeing it. Happy Sunday.
Claudia says
Thanks, my friend. I hope you’re getting over your jet lag!
Wendy T says
After a break yesterday, pouring rain today. Oh well, we need it. My hydrangea, of unknown breed, will hopefully flower this coming season. It was transplanted from its original place in the garden that used to get sun, but with the overgrowth of the pines, that area became a dark alley. Hydrangea is so much happier now and has sprouted many many bright green healthy leaves. Looking forward to some flowers. Yours look especially lovely in their setting inside. Enjoy the car show…there are two in my town, a classic car show and an Italian car show. And I see people driving their vintage autos around town. So fun to see.
Claudia says
The car show was wonderful, but there were lots and lots of cars, so we’re tired from the overstimulation of the senses!
Judy Shaw says
Love those hydrangeas, and glad to see someone else using their ice cream maker for plants. Ours houses a black eyed Susan vine every summer. Our predicted super storm mostly bypassed our area and the winds were stronger on Friday. Thank goodness that’s done. Have a nice Sunday!
Claudia says
Glad you’re okay and that the storm didn’t wreak too much havoc!
Nancy Blue Moon says
Those Hydrangeas…in that vintage ice cream bucket…on that French table…they will all help to keep your heart warm this Winter…
Claudia says
Here’s hoping, Nancy!
Sherry says
Yes, you have told us how much you love that table. But I keep forgetting to tell you how much I love that table !!! I fell in love with it when I first layed eyes on it. It is one of the coolest pieces I have ever seen….right up my alley ! Those gorgeous hydrangeas in the bucket are perfect for it.
Hydrangeas are a favorite of mine…that Limelight is so pretty. I have 3 Annabelle’s….think I’ll check and see if the Limelight would do well in my area.
Happy to hear your friend is sounding stronger.
Claudia says
Well, I have an Annabelle and it does well here, as does the Limelight, so maybe it will work for you, as well!
Tammy says
Such gorgeous light on those beautiful hydrangeas. The color is really lovely. Such a wonderful thing that you were able to help Dawn out. No doubt knowing that people care and are rooting for her will help in her healing. Have a good week.
Claudia says
Thanks, Tammy. It did make an enormous difference for her.