It’s been just plain crazy around here over the past few weeks. An ant invasion, poison ivy, my hand injury and now, 1) Don’s shoulder is bothering him and very painful, so I’m doing my best to help him out, 2) after bringing home his car and using it over the weekend for 2 gigs, one of which was many miles away, with no trouble at all, the drive indicator is blinking, indicating trouble with the transmission or problems with the computer, 3) the internet has been out off and on all morning, so I’m going to try to grab some ‘on’ time to post this, 4) in the next week, I have to pay the fee to keep this blog going for one more year, and it’s higher than ever.
We have put out a lot of money for car repairs lately and we don’t have much more money on hand. So, we’re praying and trying to stay positive. But it isn’t always easy. Yesterday I was in a panic mode. Today, I’m calmer.
But I’m definitely feeling overwhelmed.
The clematis blooms, which normally face the street, are showing themselves on the porch, as well. I love that. A little peek-a-boo surprise.
Another Mucha puzzle completed. I worked a lot on it yesterday because I was trying to keep my worry from taking over, so I gave myself a task. If you don’t know French, these are the names for the seasons: winter, spring, summer, and autumn.
No puzzles on tap at the moment.
Mabel on the porch. I wasn’t connecting with her lately and I realized it was because the dress she was wearing didn’t work for her. So I changed the dress and she’s looking sassy again.
I’ve finished the latest Anthony Horowitz and now I’m reading The English Girl by Daniel Silva, which I suspect I may have already read. We’ll see. If I have, I’ll still finish it, but I’ll also know that I’m all caught up. He has a new book in this series coming out this summer. I really enjoy the Anthony Horowitz mysteries, however, they’re so cleverly conceived that I sometimes feel distanced from the story, if that makes sense. That’s okay. I admire his skill and his ability to juggle a complex plot.
As far as what I have on my hold list at the library; the newest Sarah Perry, Enlightenment, which comes out in June, the newest James Lee Burke, Clete, which also comes out in June, and then the newest Silva, A Death in Cornwall, which will be published in July. I’ve got to pad that list even more by researching upcoming new books by favorite authors. Never want to run out of reading material!
Maybe it’s time to get out the oil paints?
Stay safe.
Happy Wednesday.
Fingers crossed! Don’s car is going to be okay, it’s just some weird blip. This is my wish for today..
Take Care,
Kaye
Thank you so much for your kind words, Kaye.
Stay safe.
Oh, I hope everything works out (especially the car). It’s no fun to be overwhelmed with worries. As a lifetime champion worrier, I know. Giving yourself things to focus on is a healthy way to deal.
Above all, take care of yourself, Claudia.
Kay
Thank you, Kay. I appreciate it.
Stay safe.
I love the Art Nouveau style of illustration of those last puzzles you’ve posted. Challenging, but beautiful.
We worryworts simply have to fight it constantly, don’t we? Around here it’s been shoulders, knees, and backs lately, so I’ve gone down the rabbit hole with my reading. Two of your three are also on my wish list from the library along with about five others. I think my library is in don’t-buy-anything-mode and it’s bugging me. But I have still found things to read even though they haven’t been my first choices. Oh well… maybe I’ll go play with my dog and I’ll be smiling in no time.
Reading is indeed the great escape, Shanna.
Stay safe.
When it rains, it pours! Sorry your list of issues has grown…car problems are very worrisome, we depend on our vehicles for so much. Hope things get better soon. Your clematis is beautiful peeking out of the fence. I’m with you, I like to have books on order at the library so I don’t run out. Take care.
Thanks so much, Barrie. Much appreciated.
Stay safe.
Is it not always the way? If it not one or two things, it is an avalanche!! I hope Don’s car just has a glitch in it and it is fine. I wish someone would have told me as we get older our bodies slow down but not your brain. With my aches and pain, it is because my brain is telling me I can do this -no problem. As I hobble around with a sore back, I give myself a good talking.
I am a big reader and understand how you have to have your books on order for the library. I am the same way.
Hope all comes out well for you both. You deserve a break, for sure.
Marion
I have to force myself to take breaks, Marion, so I understand!
Thanks so much.
Stay safe.
I’m sorry about Don’s shoulder and the possible car repair. Hope that something will happen soon to help with the financial situation.
I’m on the waiting list for Anthony Horowitz. There’s another book you might enjoy if it’s published in the States –
The Trial by Robert Rinder. Rob Rinder works in the British Legal system and had a TV show not dissimilar to Judge Judy. These days he is a very likeable TV personality, highly intelligent and he writes in that very British style like Horowitz and Richard Osman.
I went to my local amateur drama theatre last week. I’ve been going over forty years, they are so good and thorough the years several members have turned professional finding work on TV and the London stage.
It was a production of Educating Rita by Willy Russell. Absolutely superb and only the second time that I have given a standing ovation (audiences are usually quite reserved, the other time I gave one was a couple of years ago for Shakespeare in Love).
I thought about you as the actress maintained a perfect Liverpudlian or Scouse accent. It’s a really difficult one. I meant to mention that they also did Jane Eyre recently which I would presume is the one that you also have coached.
Happy Wednesday
Thanks for the suggestion, Dee Dee.
Probably not the same Jane Eyre, as the adaptation was done by the Artistic Director and it’s relatively new. There are other theaters here in the States beginning to produce it. I imagine there are several adaptations out there.
Stay safe.
Oh, dear, lots of worries, Claudia. I’m sure your readers would be willing to donate to keep your blog up and running. I know I would. Perhaps via PayPal? Food for thought. Mabel looks adorable in her pretty Spring dress. Love the colour. Hope your hand continues to heal and Don’s shoulder gets better. Hugs, Elaine
Thanks so very much, Elaine. You’re very sweet.
Stay safe.
I think that’s a great idea. Eileen
I would,too. We have been blessed these last years with gifts and I would pass it on. I pay for all the other reading I enjoy.
These cars with their warning lights…. We had one that the engine light would flash on and off. After a few trips to the dealership they finally said that they had no idea why it kept coming on. Ran for years like that.
When stress is taking over I know to find something that gives my mind a rest. I just finished the latest Cormmoran Strike novel and need to start something else. Quiet those worries and thoughts right down. I’m starting a new knitting project too.
I think that would be a good idea for readers to chip in to support the site if they felt so inclined. It would be something like that platform that supports knitting and quilting podcasts. I can’t think of the name of the platform but it helps support the people who put them on.
Love,
Eileen
You’re very sweet, cousin.
Thank you.
Stay safe.
So sorry to hear about your financial and other worries Claudia and believe me I can certainly relate. Every week seems to bring another unexpected bill or price rise…and as for the car!! However you and I seem to have the perfect comfort in our trouble…a great supportive loving husband who makes us laugh and is also our best friend. Worth any amount of money in the bank and that’s what I try to focus on when I feel the anxiety jumping on me.
Reading is my comfort too and I have recently discovered a really good writer called Cynthia Harrod-Eagles (now there’s a name!). She writes in various genres but I like Crime novels and hers are very good. She makes you like and believe in her police characters,puts in humour but keeps the events of the story real. I mustn’t bring one more book into the house so I read her on Kindle. She has written 24 books so far but I am on the third. Today I started a Robert Crais novel,one of my firm favourites.
Like you I also find jigsaws distract me and my little garden gives me such a boost. Thank you Claudia for many interesting years following your blog,both in Scotland and Wales where we now live, it has given me and many others a lot of pleasure . X
Thank goodness for supportive husbands, Megan!
Thank you for your kind words, They are much appreciated.
Stay safe.
Oh, Claudia!!! Please know I read all of your posts! I just have not commented much lately. I have had an earache and sore throat thing going on. I think it might be allergies. We have so much pollen!!!!! It is crazy. We have had more rain in the past 2 weeks than we had all last summer. But everything is truly beautiful and the green almost makes one’s eyes hurt.
But with not feeling well and doing planting, etc. I just have been exhausted. And stressed. The election is on my mind and I have been watching the trial, as well. Oh, that orange creature makes me sick. If they announce Not Guilty or Hung Jury I think I will just climb under the dining room table and stay there.
Take care, kiddo. Please know I read your every post!!
I hope you feel better soon! My allergies are out of control, so I sympathize.
By now you know he’s guilty on 34 counts! Hurrah!
Stay safe, Chris.
Claudia, Problems just seem to multiply at times, don’t they? Hope things turn around for you soon, money problems are the worst, not to mention car worries on top of it. I love your latest puzzle. If I had the patience to do something like that, I would have to frame it, so beautiful. I love your adorable Mabel too, so cute.
I have been following your blog for many years and I always enjoy visiting. I just felt compelled to comment today because you take the time to share your life and make it interesting too. To continue to blog like you do takes real dedication and talent. Just wanted you to know that I appreciate you.
Diane
Thank you so much for your kind words, Diane.
They mean a great deal to me.
Stay safe.
I have decided there is always something going wrong, breaking or taking longer than I think. I am finally moved and 3/4 settled in. My daughter Ashleigh came from Canada and spent two weeks helping me finish my move. Besides the help it was really great to spend so much time with her as it’s been years. Lots of talking, laughing, good food and time with family. As I am only days away from my 74th birthday I am feeling like a very lucky lady!
You are, indeed, Linda!
Stay safe.
I received my new blythe dress and Autumn looks gorgeous in it. My dolls are so fun to dress up. I have a similar dress to the one your doll is wearing. I have bought a couple dresses that are made in calgary.
I stayed in my pjs 2 days last week. I get down.
We don’t know everything about Mike’s kidney, I hope he phones the surgeons office for the latest results.
Sorry about your car problems. And dons shoulder, and that pesky sprain.
I find painting and sketching to be very theuroputive. Try it again. I really liked your paintings!
Praying for Mike and you, Irene.
Stay safe.
Sending light and love. I guess most of us are going through the same kind of money issues. It is always something. I think I am a little older then you having aches and pains with crappy internet, car, house and never ending garden weeds. I admire how you are able to enjoy puttering around your home and I can’t imagine doing puzzles like you tackle. Take care, breathe and enjoy the evening with your husband!
Thank you, Carlotta.
Stay safe.
I’m looking forward to the Horowitz. I love him.
Sorry to hear about Don’s shoulder and the impeding yuck in your world with things due and all. I am forced into new tires (for which I’m not happy but essential with summer road trips). A flat yesterday sealed the deal. Still dealing with not being able to lift much or bend after the cataract surgery. But the eyes are definitely seeing a bit more clearly now, which is a plus. I’ll be glad to get back to physical therapy. That was put on hold till next week, too.
I hate to turn the page on my calendar (which has a wonderful May image) to June. The year is flying by so quickly. We are rapidly firming up our October England plans. I’m not sure this trip is financially sound right now but it will probably be my last so I’m biting the bullet and moving ahead! I hope the weekend is a good one. (Another dazzler of a puzzle!)
Go for it, Jeanie. I don’t know if we’ll ever have the chance or money to go again, but I’m so grateful we took that second trip!
Stay safe.
Claudia, please let us help your with your blog costs. Though I have been out of touch and so quiet on the web recently, here I am sitting down with a cup of tea on a quiet rainy morning, and your blog is the first one I chose to visit. xo
Ah, thank you, Dori. Much appreciated. I hope all is well.
Stay safe.