This is Scout sleeping on the floor in the living room. Check out the rug. She has taken to sleeping with her right rear leg thrust under the rug. I don’t know quite how this happens but I can assure you that the end result is a rug with the edge curled under. And I don’t mean slightly. Every day I try to smooth it out and get it to lie flat again, but Miss Scout, in her later years, has decided she likes sleeping this way and my efforts have proved fruitless.
She had a bath the other day and her coat is sort of wild and curly and matty. This girl hates to be brushed, so making her stay still for a few minutes of brushing is problematic. I’ll keep trying.
The visit to the DMV was surprisingly easy. When I got the notice that I had to renew my license this year, I also got a notice that I had to have my vision checked. There were inserts giving all sorts of information as to where I could have the test done – eye doctors, pharmacies, etc., so that I wouldn’t have to wait in line at the DMV. It seemed complicated. I didn’t want to have to make an appointment elsewhere in order to read a basic eye chart and then deal with sending it all in to the DMV or filing it online.
We have a Mobile DMV unit in our county. Yesterday was the day it was scheduled to be in a nearby town, so I figured, why not try to get the whole thing done there? For once, there was a very short line. I think I waited 10 minutes for my turn. And in the end, all I had to do was read the bottom line of the eye chart. Which I did. Then I opted to have a new photo taken because the last photo is from 12 years ago. Unfortunately, I don’t look like that now. Five minutes inside the truck. Done.
Wow. A good experience at the DMV.
I finished How the Light Gets In and am now officially in mourning. Quite frankly, Louise Penny has made it exceedingly hard for other authors, including those I have to review. It’s quite an adjustment to go from her deep, richly textured, seamless prose to prose that doesn’t flow quite as freely, which seems labored in comparison. I have to shake her off in order to read a review book with an open mind.
Every once in a while, I consider trying to write a mystery. I started one several years ago. Anyway, as that little thought pops into my head, I read Penny and think….No way. Don’t even try it.
I bow at her feet.
Though most everything outside has bit the dust, I valiantly continue my battle with the elements for the sake of my potted plants. They’ve been indoors for three days and today is the day they can return to their positions on the porch. Until there’s another night with frigid temperatures. I almost let them go the other day, knowing it was going to go down to the twenties. But I couldn’t.
I hope they appreciate all this maneuvering. Note to the universe: I need a greenhouse.
And a fully paid for home. And another car. And some built-in bookshelves.
And finally, Don keeps asking me what I want for my birthday. The rather pathetic reply? Snow boots. Or work boots.
How boring. My shoe size has increased in the last two years and I have very few shoes that fit. But snow boots? Really, Claudia? That’s the best you can come up with?
Ideas, anyone?
Happy Friday.
A vintage wagon, for the purpose of transporting your plants inside and out? I have a little red wagon that is bordering on antique. Every summer, it holds a large rectangular planter of gorgeous geraniums. I hate to let them freeze, so I wheel them in and park them in a sunny place. Very easy, and cute transportation.
Unfortunately, you have go go up two steps to enter the house – on both entrances! So I don’t know if a wagon would work. Though I’d dearly love a little red wagon, Nancy!
I can’t give you a better suggestion because I need new winter boots, but my birthday isn’t until February. Maybe Christmas for me.
I suppose boots are as good a gift as any!
How about a gift card for books. I’m crazy for pretty picture frames but we only have so much room to dispaly photos. When I see Scout with her leg under the rug it makes me smile. I think she’s just found a way to make your little cottage more cozy for her. We know she’s a smart girl, after all she’s taken over your blog before. Hope you all have a good day.
Same here, no more room for picture frames here!
I have reserved my very first Louise Penny book. Waiting for the library to call me. Let the adventure begin
Have fun! I know you will love her.
Looks like the pooch is getting comfy. My cat burrows under the bed covers every day no matter how right you make the bed. If you are looking for warm, lightweight yet stylish boots check out “keen” that’s what I have and love them. They are the only boots that actually keep my feet warm. Also they run small so get a size larger.
I’ll check them out, Dawn!
For me, it’s always books and yarn. How about you treat yourself to a pre-order for Louise’s next book when it comes out from Amazon? The pre-order price is usually so good, it almost matched the price of the paperback!
Again, I have to say how much I love that lampshade. So cozy!
That would be nice, but I don’t think I want to get a gift that I won’t get for another year!
*matches*
(sigh)
xo
Claudia, I had to chuckle when I read the part about Don asking what you want for your birthday. My husband asks that same question. Like you, I always tell him this is what I need. (I’m a Christmas baby so it’s doubly hard for him think up gifts for me.) Two years ago I said I needed a new nightgown. To my surprise I received I sheer nightie from Victoria Secret. He was so proud of that gift there was no way I would return it. Needless to say, I was VERY cold that winter.
Vanessa
I bet you were chilly all right, Vanessa!
Hats off to the DMV for making your experience easy! As far as the snow boots …I get it…the practical side wins. I like the suggestion of a book for you…another Louise Penny, perhaps? Think of it as…food for your brain! ;)
I just finished all the Louise Penny books, Donna. Hmmm. Maybe the newest Lee Child?
I agree that it is difficult to transition From Louise Penny to anyone else, but I am reading the newest Elizabeth George book right now, over 700 pages, and I do love her series, too. I got new snow boots last winter. Nothing better than warm feet, so not a bad gift. :)
xo
Laura
I’ve seen that book, Laura. I love Elizabeth George, too.
Love Scouts new sleeping position….what can you say…she is stubborn right? Charlie is for sure. I am enjoying book two in my Louise Perry series and I know you are sad to have finished all the books. I am horrible at telling others what I want for a gift! Good luck with that.
She sure is stubborn, Linda.
Happy Pre-Birthday, Claudia!! I say, ask for what you want, but personally I think birthdays are for things you wouldn’t necessarily do for yourself. I don’t know how close you are to Saugerties in Ulster County, but I meant to mention this after your Applebees post. About 4 years ago on a Fall weekend, we had a wonderful meal we’re STILL talking about at a little place there called MISS LUCY’S KITCHEN on Partition Street. I remember vintage aprons everywhere and the best carrot cake I ever had. I’d describe both the menu and the decor as “farmhouse” – menu changes daily and most if not all food is local [which we were just getting into at the time]. Nary a TV in sight. We had a REAL “dining experience” there. Delicious food, quiet room, relaxed unpretentious service. If we lived in the Valley, we’d be there once a week at least. Just an idea but I’m betting you’d really enjoy it
I told Don about your suggestion. Maybe we can go up there for lunch or dinner on my birthday. We’re probably about an hour from Saugerties. Maybe a little less.
And when they find a nice comfortable place to sleep, no matter how or why, we will watch them and smile. Can SO identify w/ you and the DMV photo. I had one taken last year, too. I told my husband if I was in an accident and they were trying to match the body w/ the description on my DL they would give up as it was (sadly) SO WRONG after 12 years. You know that spike would winter over well inside!! :-)
I was thinking that, Chris. I’m just running out of room for any plants inside – limited space here, you know!
I have to go to the DMV in January for the same thing…renew and a vision test. I got bifocals a couple of years ago, and hated them so much I threw them away after a few months. I use readers almost exclusively. I’m a little concerned though about this vision test…do you wear prescription glasses all the time? Did you take the test with or without glasses? Getting older is a pain in the neck!! Having said that, Happy Birthday! :)
I used to wear glasses for distance, but my eyes changed and now I wear them for reading. So I took my vision test with no glasses on. I’m not sure what happens if you wear them for distance, Lori. I suspect they would have you take the test with your glasses on to make sure the prescription works.
I think you have a gift for writing, and that you should start thinking about the main character for your book.
Hmmm. Who would it be?
Well you’re pretty practical and no nonsense when it comes to gifts why be anything else?
Boots are a great gift! I’ve brought my plants in too but now it is warm and they can go back out — enjoyed this post hope you have a wonderful birthday! -Pat
The plants went back outside today, Pat.
Boots sound good to me..Love ‘m..wear nothing else all winter…Glad the DMV visit went smoothly..Enjoy your weekend..
But these are the kind of clunky boots meant for shoveling snow, Missy. Not too attractive, I’m afraid!
Hi Claudia, when it comes to my birthday and we only spend a little amount on each other. I get either a small stash of quilt fabric, a small new cross stitch or a small box of scented candles. You could always get something small and Don can put them into your work boots. Love the picture of Scout. Janine, South Australia.
I had to go to DMV this past spring and I was really happy because you can do so much of it online now. But I had to do the vision test. After I took the vision test they informed me I had to take the written test as well! No Way!! They told me I could take the book home, study and come back. No, no, no!! Although I knew there had been a lot of changes, especially with the charges for drunk driving offenses, I winged it and passed. I did NOT want to come back!!
I confess: I’ve always wanted to write a book of short stories. Then I read the latest by Alice Munro and I realize our idols set that bar so high! I just read an excellent book, finished it today, only to find that it took the author 11 years to get the nerve to polish up the manuscript and send it out. Now she has an eagerly awaited sequel.
A big Happy (upcoming) Birthday!
XO,
Jane
How about a gift certificate to an Antique Mall..you like so many wonderful things..that would give you an excuse for a day out and you could take home a new old treasure..Miss Scoutie must be quite comfy there so just let her have her way I guess!!..lol
Claudia – if you write a mystery novel, I’ll buy it. :) J
Claudia! My feet got bigger last year, too! Maybe it’s something in the air…
I need new snow boots, too. I’ve had the current pair since the 9 year old was in preschool… but they didn’t really fit last year and hurt my feet.
Snow boots are practical – and I like practical gifts. Let me know if you find some really great ones!
-breida
Would Scout get upset if you rotated the rug occasionally?
Another boot needer here … we folk who aren’t rolling in money have to be practical when it comes to presents :)
Bless Scout … that doesn’t even look comfortable!
Can you attach a board to a window sill for the plants? Maybe to make it wider? I would have trouble leaving them outside too.
I think boots are a good present. Actually, for you I was thinking a snow blower! There must be pawnshops or thrift stores that have them. A snow blower would make your lives so much easier. :)