Let’s talk about something other than snow, alright?
How about how pretty the bedroom looks when the sun floods in through the windows? I can’t get over how pretty the bed looks with that gold coverlet. And let me tell you, almost every muscle in my body has been aching the last couple of days and that bed….that bed….sinking into that plush pillow top mattress at the end of the day has been delicious. Thank you bed, so long waited for and well worth the wait.
Let’s talk about House of Cards, Season 2, now available on Netflix. I watched four episodes yesterday and once again, I am gobsmacked by the quality of this series; the acting, the writing, the direction…everything. Simply excellent. And very Shakespearean, I might add, with echoes of Macbeth and Richard III. My three favorite series right now are: Sherlock, House of Cards and The Newsroom. Everything else I’ve seen is okay (and sometimes not at all okay) but doesn’t come close to this level of excellence. Purely personal opinion, of course.
Two of my former students are in Episodes 1 – 4, Season 2 of House of Cards, doing wonderful work. That makes me happy.
I’ve not seen one episode of Downton Abbey. I suppose I’ll watch it someday. We have the first season on DVD but have yet to open the shrink rap and it’s been sitting around here for a year. That tells you something. It’s just not calling me at the moment and, as is usually the case with me, if everyone seems to watching something and I read endless articles and posts about it, I usually stay away. Go figure.
I’m reading Sycamore Row by John Grisham and it is taking me forever to get through that book. Now, I’ve read Grisham’s books in the past and he is a good writer. No argument there. But this book, for some reason, is not grabbing me enough to keep me reading. It’s interesting, the characters are quirky, the plot promises to be compelling but the pace is way too slow for me. I’ve made a vow to finish it and I will, but boy oh boy, it’s taking me far too long to get through this sucker.
I forgot to mention something here though I did mention it on this blog’s Facebook page. Don won a San Diego Theatre Critics/Craig Noel Award for his performance as Doolittle in Pygmalion. The awards ceremony was last Monday evening and since Don couldn’t be there, Don’s brother Ron and his wife Suzie represented him. Ron got to go up to the stage and accept the award and they filmed the announcement with their phone, so we got to see it. I’m so proud of Don. Let me tell you, he was simply brilliant in that role. I’m still in awe of that performance and I’d give anything to see it again.
Craig Noel, who died a few years ago at the age of 94, was the man who shaped the Old Globe Theatre. It simply wouldn’t be here without him. He was Don’s mentor at a time when he desperately needed one. He helped Don find his way in the theater when he was still a teenager. I worked with Craig many times and simply adored him. He was that rare man who made a difference is countless lives, who made the world a better place. He was awarded the National Medal of the Arts for his work. We miss him so much.
So, the fact that this award was named for Craig Noel is particularly poignant and powerful.
Three cheers for Don!
Note: Nora, I want to take you up on your offer of Miniology mags, but when I sent an email to your Yahoo address it came back to me. Said it was not valid. Can you email me with a valid address? Thanks so much!
Happy Sunday.
Yay for Don! And the photo of the sunny bedroom is so lovely. You are right about the gold coverlet. I keep meaning to check if “House of Cards” is also on DVD from Netflix. I really don’t want to watch shows on my computer.
Hmm. I don’t know if it is. SInce it was developed as a series to be watched online rather than on the television, it may not be. But I bet it will be eventually. I’d sure love to have it on DVD, Sylvia. There’s something pretty neat about watching it on my laptop. Since I’m wearing earbuds, the sound is excellent, far better than on our tv.
Because of you I am paying attention to how many TV shows I watch. I never watch reality or “contest” type show so I end up watching lots of reruns. I came to Downton Abbey late but I have thought of you when watching it. Because of the writing and the acting and I like the story a lot.
So many people love it that I am sure it is excellent. I bet I will start watching it some day.
Before I even started reading, I thought how beautiful your bedroom looked with the pretty fabrics all lit up by the sunshine. You must be very happy to have things back in order downstairs too. Your home is looking great, Claudia.
I have been watching Downton Abbey and it may well be primarily for the lines given to Maggie Smith. She comes across as a crotchety old gal who’s comfortable in her own skin and delivers biting/humourous one-liners with aplomb. Some writer is having a great deal of fun with her character. I watch, but don’t read about the series.
In other non-snow related chatter, a foster cat, needing some love, moved in with me Wednesday night. Claire.
-Karen
I love Maggie Smith! I was lucky enough to see her onstage at Stratford in the seventies and she was mesmerizing. I’m so glad there are writers that are giving good dialogue to and older actress. Bravo!
Congratulations on Claire, Karen. I will stop by to see her. You are so kind and compassionate to bring a kitty needing some love into your home.
Congrats to Don! And what a sweet Valentine’s story. I was so happy for you when you discovered the envelope was for you! I would very much like to know where I might find slippers like those comfy chenille (?) beauties you have. I now live in Arizona (a recent transplant from San Diego) but it can have some pretty chilly evenings at times…of course it’s not 20 below but they are the coziest looking pair of slippers I’ve ever seen! Oh, by the way, how is Mabel? I finally got my 1947 Eleanor fixed and she seems to be doing much better :)
Gosh, I don’t know where to tell you to find them, Maria. I got them a couple of years ago. I’ve had two different pairs of them. Wait – I think I got these at Kohl’s . Can you check onine?
Mabel is doing well, though she hasn’t been used in a while. I’d better remedy that!
Claudia, slippers are from kohls because I have the same pair.
What??????????? No Downton Abbey…say it isnt so!! Maggie Smith alone makes it worthwhile! Hugs to you and Scout!
Love Maggie Smith and I’ve seen her onstage. She’s one of my favorite actresses. There’s plenty of time to see Downton Abbey – I just like to do these things when I want to and not give in to the pressure of having to watch it every week.
Love all the prettiness going on in your home. It is snowing here today and another 6 inches tomorrow. Don’t think it will ever end.
Me either. It is endless. What a depressing winter! Hope you’re feeling better, my friend.
Congrats to Don as well for being recognized for his craft! I also progressed slowly through Sycamore Row. In the end I was satisfied with the concept of the storyline, but it was a labor to read the book. Since I had purchased the hard cover with a christmas gift card – I was determined to follow the story to the end.
I love your blog – thanks for sharing your love of life with us. Angie
I like the storyline a lot – just think it would have benefitted from some judicious editing.
Thank you for your kind words, Angie.
I love the photo of your bedroom with the sun shining through! A warm glow! I am so proud of Don and I wish I could have seen him in Pygmalion! I have watched two episodes of House of Cards season 2 and love this show. So so good. I am a fan of Downton Abbey and think you will enjoy it when you finally watch it. I read Sycamore Row and liked it very much! I read The Goldfinch and it was so slow for me but I made myself finish it. I ended up skimming as there were just too many words that seemed unneeded in the story if that makes sense. Anyway, I’m just finding a new author Jeff Abbott and enjoying the first few books of his I’ve read. Hoping you and Scout have a nice Sunday!
hugs, Linda
I’m liking Sycamore Row, but it could have used a bit more editing, I think. I’ve heard that about The Goldfinch – that it’s way too slow. Again – sounds like it needed a lot of editing! Jeff Abbott? I’ll have to check him out, Linda. Have a wonderful day, my friend.
The bedroom looks so warm and comfortable Claudia. It’s probably still a great treat for you to walk into it several times a day and see how the different light changes the look of the room. I really love your coffee table too. I’ve been reading a lot lately but mostly old books in my collection because there’s never time enough to go to the library and check out something new. This winter is so crazy even here in Fla. It was cool in our house when we left at 7 this morning but when we got back from church the house was even colder. What the heck? Sometimes I think I’m in the Twilight Zone and will soon wake up and things will be back to normal. So looking forward to Spring!
I am definitely living in the Twilight Zone, Janie, right along with you!
By the way Claudia I ordered shoes from SoftStep.com and I love them. Who knew your post about your new red shoes would help one of your readers with a painful arch find relief for the first time in two years? Thank you!
Oh my word, what was I thinking? The name of the website is SpringStepShoes.com. Sorry about the mistake.
I just finished watching season two of House of Cards this morning. Excellent! Last weekend I watched the fist season of Bates Motel, as it had recently arrived on Netflix. Currently I’m reading books by Gail Carriger. I just finished one this morning and am waiting for another that is in transit to my local library branch. As I type, I’m listening to the audiobook of Allegiant by Veronica Roth. Congrats to your husband!
I find I use Netflix a lot when Don is away or I am away. Keeps me from missing him too much!
Congratulation to Don and how wonderful his brother could accept in this place! He must be so happy and I know you are over the moon for him. Loved his Valentine’s trick for you, what a sweet guy. The bedroom looks so pretty w/the sun drifting in, lots of wonderful light and warmth!
Yes, it’s especially pretty in the winter when the sun reflects off the white of the snow, I know I sure need that cheery light right now!
First off…congrats to Don! What a thrill! I would love to see him act again….you’ll have to tell us when! I’m a fan of Downton Abbey, and Sherlock…though I still haven’t seen the last episode…I recorded it. There are so many good and bad shows…it all seems to be a matter of taste. I seem to have a problem when certain shows win all sorts of awards, and everyone tells you…you must watch it….but it’s subject matter deals with something I would never watch…because I don’t feel that’s entertaining to me. (Did that even make sense?) On another note….your bedroom looks so fresh…cozy and fresh! I’m so happy you are getting a good nights sleep…it makes all the difference! ;)
Oh, I forgot…I’m currently reading “How the Light Gets In”! It’s great…thanks for the recommendation! ;)
Yes, that does make sense. Too much hype tends to turn me in a different direction. I fear that’s what’s happened with Downton Abbey, through no fault of its own!
Here are words you won’t hear very often these days, but I love winter! It’s the oppressive heat, constant weeding, grass cutting and yellowjackets chasing you while cutting said grass that get me down! But there is something that makes me look forward to this summer and that is the release of the new Louise Penny book in August! It is another Gamache and Three Pines novel called The Long Way Home. I know you are a fan also, and I wasn’t sure if you had heard the good news!
I do not comment often, but I really enjoy your blog and please pass on my congratulations to Don! Well done!
I’ll take spring, summer and fall anytime, Kathy! But this spring will probably be very muddy, which I’m NOT looking forward to.
I did hear about the new Louise Penny! I cannot wait. That will be one to be savored, won’t it?
Hey Claudia – Congratulations to Don!!!!! You’ll love Downton Abbey when you get around to it. Ihad season one sitting here for over a year and for some reason just couldn’t make the time to open the package. Once I did I was hooked too. Now I want to move right in but I actually am more interested in downstairs than upstairs. J
I’m sure I’ll get around to it. Who knows? Maybe I’ll start watching while Don is gone….
Here comes the sun!! Oh, the room looks so pretty… And, such a wonderful honor for Don. Congrats to him!!
I came a bit late to Downton, too. I envy you starting Season 1. Oh, it was (and is) so good,,, but that first season ~ it was just amazing to see the beauty of Downton and to meet the people both upstairs and downstairs as their stories unfolded. I know when you are ready that you will truly enjoy it. I think I would like to go back and watch the 4 seasons again, knowing now what has developed, it would be interesting to see how he foretold some of those stories early on. I know I missed so much just by gazing at the beautiful rooms and furniture and costuming when I should have been listening!
Hope you have a lovely Sunday. We are planning a trip to the big city today (Madison) before we get hit again tomorrow. But, for today at least, “Here comes the sun….. and I say it’s all right!!”
I love Madison! Have fun today. We’re getting hit again on Tuesday. Will it ever end?
Claudia, I can not talk about those shows, as I do not watch them. But oh I can talk about a bed. Growing up, our mother had us kids stack in a few beds, like cord wood. I was grown before I had a pillow and didn’t have to sleep at the foot of the bed. There were 11 children in our family. Some times now at night, when I get into my bed, I lie there and remember to thank God for such a nice bed, pillows and covers…..and no sweaty sticky brothers or sister next to me. LOL. I love the sun shining through your room…it’s so pleasing. xoxo,Susie
My goodness, that’s a lot of kids, Susie! No wonder you love having a bed all to yourself! Enjoy.
Love your attic bedroom … it looks so welcoming and cozy and a snug place to settle in with a good book and a cup of hot tea. Glad you love your mattress, too; it’s always iffy buying one and hoping it suits you.
Took me a while to get used to it, but now I love it, Ann.
I loved “Sycamore Row.” There are a few places it kind of dragged, but with the surprises that came it was well worth it.
We gave up our satellite TV a couple of months ago, and we can’t get Netflix here, because we don’t have a fast enough internet service. So no TV for us. What we have been doing is purchasing the British detective series that we like. Miss Marple with Geraldine McEwan, Rosemary and Thyme, Misommer Murder. We have a long wish list.
I’m with you on Downton Abbey. So much hype usually ruins it for me. I get my expectations set way too high, and then the show doesn’t live up to them. Maybe I will watch it sometime, just not now.
I love those British detective series, Trudy. I’m fan of Geraldine McEwan.
We binged watched House of Cards and finished it last night. It was so good. The second season was every bit as good as the first one.
I’m trying to stretch it out. I want to savor the experience, Kathy!
Congrats to Don on his award – that’s terrific. Must be even more meaningful with his mentor’s name on it too. That shot of your living room looks extremely cozy. Somehow I never paid attention to the exposed brick of your chimney there – I LOVE exposed brick in a house. PS – I’m very much the same. When something’s wildly popular, I often avoid it or at the very least, approach it with a grain or two of salt. I’ve always thought it was just me, being ornery. Now I know – “they are others…” LOL. Although I do watch and love “Downtown Abbey.” Somehow no matter what it is, it always SOUNDS good when done with British accents – even if it’s not very good. :>)
Well I am a bit ornery about that stuff. I dig my heels in.
Good morning, Claudia. I always look forward to your blog posts! I can not even imagine dealing with the snow like I am seeing outside your windows. As for Sycamore Row, I am a Grisham fan as well and like you just could not deal with the slow pace of this one. I saw Grisham interviewed and he commented that he thought this was his best novel yet. I am not in agreement. After struggling with it for a week or so I finally returned it to the library half read. Have an enjoyable day. Jill
I am not thinking it is his best novel. How can it be when it moves at such a snail’s pace?
The pictures of your sweet home look like Spring. You would never know that you are buried in snow.
Congratulations to Hubby. He’s doing great.
Well thank goodness spring is somewhere!
Oh, the calm after the storm! Your cottage looks so inviting, especially with the golden sunlight flooding in. Enjoy a restful Sunday.
Thank you, Carolyn – After a bit more shoveling and salting, I am done for the day. Watching a PBS special on The National Theatre in Britain.
Congratuations again to Don. I bet you two were just over the moon on that award! Especially since it was named after someone so important to hiim.
Your home pictures just cheer me up. It is so full of character! I love all the things that most of our newer homes don’t have. The brick and all the quirky corners. angles. Plus it full of sunlight!5 inches of snow here last night with another 5 inches or more tomorrow. Most of is suppose to be here between 10am and 2pm. Oh fun! :( But the sky is a brilliant blue today so I am not complaining. At least not as much.
We’re getting more snow on Tuesday. I’ve had it with snow! Thanks so much for your nice comments on my home!
Hi Claudia–
Give Congrats to Don! That is very exciting. It must be a true honor to receive an award named after his mentor. I’m sure he is thrilled.
Your bedroom?! Gorgeous!!! I love the colors and the light. It just seems dreamy. I’m pinning it on my cottage bedrooms board as soon as I’m done commenting. :)
I don’t give one care to watch DA– I know, everyone is talking about it. But I’m just not drawn to it. I’ve watched the Sherlock series– and am dreading the long wait for the next season. This season was so exciting for me to watch. I’d love to watch House of Cards – I should try and find it on the computer to watch it. I saw a commercial on regular TV for it–but since we do not have cable, well– you know. I think Robin Wright looks fantastic. I’ve wondered how she’s done on that program. I know you had mentioned before not being a big fan of hers– but (‘no spoilers’)please tell me does she play out her character well, in your opinion? I do want to watch it and possibly will get the opportunity to see it soon.
Take care– glad to see your spirit is up and were not talking about YOU-KNOW-WHAT! :)
Pat
I wasn’t a fan of Robin Wright before this series – now I’m a big fan. She’s absolutely wonderful in this role. She looks incredible, too.
Your home looks so sunny hard to believe you are in the midst of so much snow.
Different where I live we turned the air on day before yesterday. AZ is having a really
mild winter.
Is that a silent butler on your coffee table? L just saw one like it at a thrift store for 3,00,
It had hand painted flowers on the top and was a mustard gold color.
Yes, Don gave it to me for a birthday a while back – it’s tole.
I do wish you’d watch Downton. By not watching it, it’s like showing up for a great party after everyone else has gone home. It’s a very enjoyable diversion from all this shoveling.
Oh, I’m just fine with having a party on my own time, Linda! My diversion right now is the Olympics – and House of Cards.
I don’t exactly remember how I stumbled onto your blog but I am loving it! It’s been interesting to me to hear about the weather because I’m on the West Coast where we have drought, which I’m thoroughly sick of, although it’s hard to protest too much when it’s 75 degrees out right now with lovely blue skies. You would remember this from San Diego, right? I love your cottage; love, love it. It IS cozy; thank you for sharing it. I just recently left a 2-bedroom cottage/bungalow which had been in my family for a long time and, yes, not enough closets; unlike you, our kitchen was so tiny. What I am so mesmerized by is your Dollhouse. I just poured over the photos, wishing I was wee and could live in those beautiful rooms. I don’t know a lot about miniatures and dollhouses but I just can’t get over yours; it is simply wonderful and I so enjoyed getting to peek in!
Oh thank you for your kind words, Vicki!
Congrats to Don! I rarely watch TV or Netflix so can’t talk to you about any of those shows. Books? That’s more my style. Just finished Unsaid by Neil Abramson. Wow. Heart-rendering account of the relationship between humans and animals. Hard to read parts of it at times. Well, stay safe and warm…we’re getting more of the nasty stuff tomorrow.
Yes and we’re getting it on Tuesday!
I felt exactly the same way as you regarding Downton Abbey … didn’t watch it at all the first two seasons. A friend, who also came late to the Downton Abbey party, convinced me I’d love it. At the time the first two seasons were on On Demand. I started it on Friday night and was caught up by Sunday night – all of the first three seasons … which I guess says I loved it!! :D You might enjoy it more by waiting, as it is now you watch for two months, and then wait ten months before seeing more new episodes.
Yes, I think I will wait, Debbie.
I’m a Grisham fan, and I agree that Sycamore Row is a bit slow. A good story, though. I just finished The Invention of Wings, by Sue Monk Kidd, and it was a great read. It’s the first of her books that I have read, and I will read more from her. I hope you will check out Downton Abbey. It really is quite good. I also recommend Call the Midwife, another British PBS series. And Doc Martin, and Last Tango in Halifax. And an FX series that I have just started catching up on on Netflix, Sons of Anarchy, has caught my attention. I have put off watching it, despite good reviews from my niece, because it is about a motorcycle gang. It is not a gentle British series, which is my usual thing, but I have enjoyed watching the first season so far, even though I have had to cover my eyes a few times.
I’ve seen that book in the bookstore, Sandra. Looks interesting and she’s a good writer. There are a couple of other series on Netflix that I want to check out, too.
Your cottage is looking sunny and warm and sweet again..it must feel heavenly after the terrible mix-up that you went through..Also super congrats to Don..I’m sure it is well deserved..I can just imagine him as the very comical Mr Alfred Doolittle..one of the best characters in Pygmalion..
He was very, very funny, Nancy.
Your bedroom looks lovely! Your living room looks very inviting. Congratulations to Don!
When you finally start watching Downton Abbey, start with season 1 and have plenty of free time because you’re not going to want to stop!!
Thanks, Dyanna.
I think you will really enjoy Downton Abbey when the time is right. The acting is superb, the costumes beautiful, and the plot twists are so enticing. The characters are so well developed and it is even funny to boost. As a history buff, I love the way it ties into events of the day. On another note I highly recommend “The Invention of Wings.” I am about a quarter of the way into it and am enjoying every minute of it. Sue Monk Kidd is a very talented writer.
Hooray for Don! That is wonderful, Claudia! And how great that the award is in his mentor’s name. Makes it that much more special, and it is nice that Don’s brother and wife got to accept the award on Don’s behalf. I know they are so proud of him, too!
And your new spread looks perfect. I love the golden glow.
xo
Sheila
Pretty, pretty bedroom! I LOVE the gold color! It really warms and cheers the room and your personal colors really compliment it. I love your “Christmas in Connecticut” style. You pick the things I’m drawn to but can’t use because I have to work with what I have, so I love enjoying your style here. I do share the use of McCoy! That way I have touches of aqua!
Your bedroom looks so cozy, Claudia, I would be napping, resting or reading there all the time! I haven’t been watching House of Cards because I am SO attached to the original British version, with the deliciously evil Ian Richardson. I felt the same way when they did an American remake of Traffic, having already fallen in love with the British version (TRAFFIK) years earlier. But I *am* loving the latest episodes of Sherlock. I really adore it! It is so brilliant. (By the way… I’ll say one positive thing about the interminable snow we’ve both been getting… it certainly does fill our cottages with light!)