Well, I’ve obviously entered some other time/space dimension.
Yesterday I was absolutely sure it was Wednesday. All day long. I’m not talking about those days where you think for a minute that it’s another day but then almost immediately you realize it isn’t. No. I knew it was Wednesday and it wasn’t open to question because it was as clear to me as the fact that it was raining outside.
Then I watched the evening news with Brian Williams. He signed off with “this is the news for this Thursday…” or something to that effect and I thought, “Oh poor Brian, he said the wrong day. Even Brian makes mistakes.” I looked at the calendar on my laptop. The current day was highlighted, and it was Thursday. Still not believing it, I shouted out to Don, “What day is this?” He responded with “Thursday.” “Are you sure??” “Yes.”
What????
I’ve officially lost my mind.
Even this morning, I thought for a moment it was Thursday. But it’s Friday.
Perhaps I was abducted by aliens and lost a day.
On to more news.
While out in the dreaded overly-full shed the other day, I rediscovered this:
We bought this vintage step stool a long time ago when we were living in San Diego. Somehow it ended up out in the shed when we moved here to the cottage. Why? Who knows.
But given the fact that I’m constantly dragging the laboratory stool that lives in the living room into the kitchen to change a light bulb or climb up onto the counter for some reason or another, doesn’t it make sense that this little baby should take up official residence in the cottage? It’s a wee bit rusty. I went at it with some steel wool which helped a great deal, but it needs a more thorough clean-up when I have the time.
It so reminds me of my childhood. The vinyl is right out of post-war suburbia. I love it. Welcome, little yellow vinyl vintagey stool.
Heidi gave me this bathtub a while back. It was part of some dollhouse furniture she acquired at auction. It had the syrupy flower decals on the sides, so I tossed it aside thinking I would never use it. But then I thought that it just might do until I found something else.
The flowers had to go. So I bought some craft paint meant for ceramics and painted it. Lord, did that paint stink! Eventually I put it outside on the porch to finish drying.
I forgot about it and left it out there for 3 days. The elements had their way with the paint and you can see some crackling on the inside of the tub. I rather like it. I’ve decided it will do for the time being. The owner of Hummingbird Cottage likes the old look of the bathtub and, since we all know she loves vintage, this aged effect makes her smile.
This morning, Don got up before me. That in itself is shocking. I got up about 15 minutes later. Scout, who is still not used to her dad rising at the same time as her mom, much less earlier, was at a loss as to what to do. She was on the sofa in the living room with her dad. Five minutes later, she came down to the den with me. Five minutes later, she went back up to the living room. Five minutes later she came back down to the den. Five minutes later, she was back in the living room. And then, back in the den. We were howling with laughter.
Poor girl, she’s exhausted.
Two more things. We watched the live version of The Sound of Music last night, though I didn’t want to watch it because I thought the casting was less than inspired. I still do. But I’m glad we watched it. It’s a rather daring choice nowadays: airing a Broadway musical live. No chance to re-record. No retakes. None of that; simply live and broadcast to millions. It’s a brave thing to do. I grew up watching live television and it really doesn’t happen anymore, especially on this scope. I thought it was executed beautifully. I was an actress for many years and I cut my teeth on Musical Theater. I can’t even begin to count the musicals I have done. Musicals remain my first love, especially musicals written with smart lyrics and beautiful melodies that do what they should do; tell the story in a heightened way. I’m not a fan of Pop Musicals where every song sounds like something else you’ve heard before and one melody could easily blend right into another into another. Nor am I a fan of Juke Box Musicals. But gorgeous melodies, witty and moving lyrics, especially by the great Rodgers and Hammerstein? Count me in.
(Side note: Kurt was played by Joe West, son of my former student from Boston University, Maura West. He was really, really good. Yay, Joe! Maura and her husband are both actors and met while working on As the World Turns.)
I hope this is the start of more live broadcasts. The American Musical is a true treasure and it needs to be honored and introduced to a whole new generation.
And finally, rest in peace Nelson Mandela. You were a truly great man. Maybe the only truly great man in my lifetime. You changed the world and we are all better for it.
Happy Friday.
If you were abducted by aliens then so was I. My days have been off for over a week.
Granny had a step stool like yours. It was red and sat beside the stove. I remember sitting there, when I was a little girl, watching her prepare amazing meals. I was fascinated with the entire process. It was almost magical.
Isn’t it amazing how an object can bring back so many memories, Pat?
Until 3 days ago, I thought it was still November! Must be Freudian.
It definitely seems catching!
That stool brings back some wonderful memories! My grandparents had one just like it. And your account of poor Scout going back and forth between the two of you in the morning made me smile. :-)
Poor girl.
I am 100 percent sure.I could not forget that I had one of those Fabulous Cosco (is it Cosco) step chairs, right out in my shed!! As for Mr. Mandela, AMEN! Judy A-
I don’t know if It’s Cosco because it’s so old, but whatever it is, I love it.
The Sound of Music Live was fun to watch, but I had to keep reminding myself it was live. It was odd to see a stage presentation with close ups. An interesting concept and if it brings musicals to more people I am all for it. I hope the ratings were good and we see more :-)
Think how hard it was to perform it live, but not have any applause or immediate response. That would be very unsettling.
I recorded The Sound of Music…someday viewing! I used to have one of those stools…wonder where it went? Sort of like misplacing a day…you know, like Wednesday! I do get days mixed up..aliens, huh…sounds very plausible! ;)
Aliens is as good an excuse as any, Donna.
Mr. Mandela’s life should be an inspiration for all of us. Truly the greatest man of our time.
I didn’t know we were going to watch Sound of Music last night, but my husband had been working w/ his 2nd and 3rd graders learning a few of the songs and talking about the musical during music classes. He sent a note home to the parents to encourage even watching a bit of it with their kids, as well as touching on the importance of theater and music in their lives. I just wasn’t sure what to expect. But, in fact, we both really enjoyed it! Who can not respond to that music!! Thought the cast did a wonderful job. Live theater,,,, instead of “REALITY” TV,,,,,,, now there is a concept!! The only reality show we ever watched was The Sing Off which is basically A Capella singing. We did love that and it went off the air (of course). However a new season (their “season” only lasts 2 weeks) begins on Monday and we are so looking forward to it!! I hope more live theater comes back to TV as a result of the broadcast last night.
So, happy Friday or Saturday or Tuesday. Celebrate whichever day suits you!!!!!! Hope you have a wonderful weekend. Oh, and I LOVE the stool. My grandmother had a red one I remember so well!!
It sure beats reality tv – by several thousand miles! That’s the kind of reality tv I like to watch. Not the rest of that drivel.
My grandmother had a stool like yours, but it was red. As a little girl, I liked to sit on it, but Grandma’s huge Tom cat, “Baby” like to nap on it. Said cat limited my time on the stool! Great memory.
nancyr
P.S. I think Scout is trying to tell you that she would like you and Don to occupy the same room, to save her the trouble of traveling back and forth!
I’m sure she wood. She finally gave up and went back to sleep on the loveseat in the living room.
I watched it, too. I must admit reluctantly, but I thought they did a fantastic job. I hope we will see more forthcoming. In my heart, Julie Andrews will always be Maria.
Love the stool.♥ My grandmother, also, had a red one, and I have many times wished it had come my way.
Yes, that’s why I didn’t want to watch it initially. Love Julie Andrews and, quite frankly, I love Christopher Plummer, Richard Haydyn and Eleanor Parker even more. They gave such wonderfully nuanced performances.
That step stool is great! So glad you rediscovered it. As the World Turns was my mom’s favorite soap opera — the only one I ever recall her watching. Poor Scout. Torn between the two of you. :) Sound of Music live? Sure is hard to top the original. Best wishes, Tammy
It is. But remember, the original was actually the Broadway Musical with Mary Martin and Theodore Bikel, not the movie version (which I love.)
I hate it when my days get mixed up! It just puts me in a weird place. I didn’t watch the Sound of Music but did DVR it to watch later. I think it was brave to do live TV, but so many of my friends on FB panned it. No it WASN’T the movie!! It was live theater on TV. So I hope it got better ratings elsewhere. Sad news about Nelson Mandela but also helps us to remember you are never too old to make a change in the world.
hugs, Linda
It’s incredibly brave. Yes, there were some weaknesses, for example, Carrie Underwood, isn’t really an actress. But think how brave she was – going into a No Win situation (everyone adores and remembers Julie Andrews performance) knowing she would be compared to her, not really having any acting experience, but STILL, she did it. And she should be applauded for that. I got sort of angry at all the snarky comments on Facebook.
Claudia – Thanks for the picture of the vintage step stool. My Grandma had one EXACTLY like it in the kitchen, right under the phone that hung on the wall with a long extension cord!! Oh, the memories! Whenever we would go to visit, all of us kids would fight over pulling out the little steps and sitting on it either to talk on the phone, or watch Grandma and Mom scurry around the kitchen. In fact, I was sitting on that stool when we were listening to the radio the day that Elvis died. (They say you always remember where you were!) Thank you for sending me back in my memories to that special house.
Melanie
I loved our wall phone with the long cord. We would stretch it around the corner and up the stairs so we could talk in private.
I have two old stools here..poor little Scoutie..you two put her through so much..lol..At least you know that she loves you equally..What can I say about Nelson Mandela..I am so sad that he has left us..and so glad that he was with us for so many years..
I am sad, as well.
Oh yes! I remember those stools. My grandmother had a red one, that was a long time ago. I wish I had it now. I would love it if my Lucy would sleep in. She is up bright and early around 4:30 – 5:00! Geesh, she is better than a rooster! Oh by the way I loved the snow globe you made. I will have to try that! Well have to get back to work now. Take care and stay warm!!
Thanks so much, Nancy! Snow is coming our way later today.
Poor Scoutie! I feel for her. And I sure know what you mean about confusion over the days, it happened to me over the holiday weekend – fortunately I gained a day in the fog.
Oh gosh, did I miss Sound of Music? I wasn’t going to watch it, dreading what they were going to do with it but then I was curious and wanted to at least see a bit. Speaking of live theater on television, I can remember seeing Peter Pan when it aired – I think it was 1960?
Happy weekend!
I remember seeing that same Peter Pan. I cried my eyes out when Wendy couldn’t go with Peter.
I’m so glad I’m not the only one feeling mixed up about what day it is! Maybe it’s the time of year, shortest days and all that, but I have to keep checking the calendar. Love your stool Claudia, it’s just what I’m looking for, I’m jealous!
I bet you’ll find one, Kim. They are pretty neat, that’s for sure.
I have the same stool in cream, I found it in my step dads basement and rescued it. It is now in my kitchen and in perfect condition. I just watched “The Sound of Music” I taped it last night, I wanted to fast forward through the commercials. I enjoy musicals on the stage not tv. I thought it was good but 3 hours was a bit long for me, I can’t sit still that long. I have never seen it before so can’t compare to the original. I would watch another if it aired on tv but much rather like the whole vibe and atmosphere of the theater…..
I love musicals on the stage the best – but exposing a mass audience to musical theater is always a good thing.
I was so sorry we had to miss The Sound of Music. It is my absolute favorite musical of all time. Our kids and I sing along with every. single. song. And they’re all adults now! However, we had a previous engagement, as they say, that we couldn’t get out of. I really hope that unbeknownst to all of us, someone recorded it and I can see it later. A girl can hope can’t she?
On another subject-that step stool is right out of my childhood. It was what was used as my highchair . Could you believe what the safety police would say these days? :-)
Blessings,
Betsy
I bet you’ll find that someone you know recorded it. But I also read today that NBC hopes to air it once more during the holiday season. Keep an eye out for it.
I wasn’t going to watch the Sound of Music either, but am glad that I did. I thought Carrie Underwood’s voice was beautiful and the music really showcased what a lovely tone she has to her voice.
It was an enjoyable way to spend the evening, Gina.
Something strange is definitely in the air today! I was the same as you Claudia! I was sure it was Thursday today and had to look at the TV to find out I was a day off! Go figure! :)
Great to know I’m not the only one!
Claudia, I can relate. Since I’ve been retired and home every day, I often get goofed up on the weekdays. Waking up mornings I really have to think “what day is it?” a lot. I miss, to an extent, having scheduled days that helped me remember “Oh yes, we had our faculty meeting yesterday and those are Tuesdays, so this must be…” Now I have to check my computer for the actual date a lot – to be sure – and although I have to admit I’ve never gone ALL day on the wrong day yet, I’m sure that’s coming along soon. Poor Scoutie – she’s the epitome of Fair & Equitable. Mom gets 5, Dad gets 5. LOL. What does she usually do? You must have her all to herself until Don is up?? PS – agree with you on live broadcasts – and musicals to boot. I think doing something live now is much more original and daring than this ceaseless parade of so-called “reality” programs we see now. The networks aren’t even employing professionals any more!
I usually have her to myself until Don gets up. But now that he’s started to go to bed at the same time as me, everything has changed and Scout can’t quite handle it!
Maura West as in Carly on AtWT??? I love her! And is she married to the guy who played Holden? I miss that show! My mother, grandmother, and all of their friends watched it all the time. I thought it was kinda boring back then, but then they got younger actors and livened things up. Maura West’s Carly being one of the characters that jazzed up Oakdale!
Very sad about Nelson Mandela. May he rest in peace. I just saw a book at Barnes & Noble about his life. I almost bought it, but I wanted to read the reviews of it first. He was a great man.
My favorite person on history was Churchill, and while he was not that active in my lifetime, we can remember his passing. I am a huge fan of his. He was terribly human… being both flawed and gifted, and I love a pond respect his corsage and his ability to rise above the din of those who tried their best t o silence him. As he once said, the British people were the lion, but he was privileged at times to be the lion’s roar. And thank God he did roar!
xo
Sheila
No, not the guy who played Holden. Her husband’s first name is Scott but I can’t remember what character he played. Maura is on another soap now – can’t remember which one – but it’s a soap the runs on the Internet.
I am so sorry about the typos. I am on an IPAD that decides how to spell for me, and the print is small and difficult to see. xo
You can think of Scout’s confusion as some unexpected exercise!
I really do think that once you start off the ‘day out’ in a week you’re stuck with it until the weekend rolls around to get you on track again. When I’m not working and so need to keep track of the days I have to confess that sometimes I get so lost that I have to check the TV program to work out what day it is by what I remember watching the night before!
I love the crackle on the bath! And the wallpaper is gorgeous. I’m planning on working on (hopefully finishing in fact) my French dollhouse bathroom next week so we’re mini decorating twins at the moment ;)
Great find in the shed, glad you dug it out as it’s just right for the cottage. Don’t make it look too new Claudia, standing there on those beautiful authentic plank floors (you know how long I’ve envied yours!) it’s perfect.
“Soaps”, OMG! I can’t believe I actually used to have time to watch them back in the ’60/70’s when the kids were little………………now I think about the hours I wasted when I should have been doing other things! Of course there was no blogging then, not even computers. I did sew a lot, kids clothes, my clothes, curtains, pillows etc., also cooked more from scratch every day, and took walks in the park pushing strollers, belonged to the PTA etc. Guess the soap operas were my escape, and quite honestly their extremely complicated lives made mine feel much easier!!
Love and hugs – Mary
I love your vintage step stool! I’m surprised how many readers are saying, as am I, how they remember one similar from their youth. In my case, my great aunt Grace, had one in her big old farm style kitchen. The steps could be flipped back inside the base, and the padded seat also flipped up, so it made a child sized high seat which I remember sitting in at the table.. I had it for a while but my active little boy sitting in it wiggled the poor thing to pieces! So glad to see yours in one piece! Barb