A study in black and white.
Because this is what I’ve been working on for the past few days. And what I’ll be working on today.
This, and making lists of what I need to buy and/or pack for the trip to Hartford. I will be in the hotel I’ve stayed in before for the first week, then I’ll move to the apartments. Annoying, having to move, but it’s happened before. Productions overlap and there is one in Tech right now. It will open at the end of next week and then those apartments being used by the designers and director will be vacated and free for the rest of us.
I’m awaiting a few deliveries that I’m hoping will get here before I have to leave. First, a new set of sheets for our California King mattress because our current fitted sheet suddenly ripped; there was quite a large tear in the fabric, which grows daily. To say I was annoyed was putting it mildly. So I had to order new sheets and Cal Kings aren’t easy to find. I also had to order a new hose for the vacuum cleaner. Since I’m the one who puts most things of this sort together, it would be better if it arrived before Monday. And a refill for my Filofax (must have)….and two more books by Susan Hill. I’ve read the first four in the (so far) eight book series. I’ll write a bit more about Susan Hill and this, to me, incredible series on the book blog this week. I’m well and truly hooked.
In the meantime, I downloaded two Jane Casey mysteries on my Kindle. I read her most recent book and reviewed it, but it’s a series centering around DC Maeve Kerrigan, so I thought I would go back and read the books in order, starting in on them while I’m awaiting the Susan Hills. Casey’s books are very good, indeed.
Did I mention that Hartford’s main library is fabulous? That’s a definite perk that I will take advantage of while I’m there.
Today: Act Four. And Scout watching, because Don has to go into the city today to get new headshots taken.
And gosh, has it been cold around here! One extreme to the other – unseasonably warm temps and then, suddenly, below zero wind chills. Today, it promises to be a bit warmer.
Happy Wednesday.
Busy Busy Busy! But Busy can be a good thing! Enjoy your day, Doris
A wee bit too busy, but better than being bored, Doris!
Oh yes, you are busy!! But it all sounds good. Still sunny here and a tad warmer this morning, but still cold. After the abnormal warm temperatures, this sudden drop is difficult to take! My old bones are creaking…..enjoy your day Claudia!
I’m feeling it, too, Vera!
I’m so glad that your new desk seems to be working so well for you! Sounds like you have lots to do. Our weather is about to get nasty…followed by a really cold period….typical January. I was so hoping we would get a reprieve! So, today I will be doing a lot of running around…so I won’t have to go anywhere that I don’t want! Hope all your packages arrive! ;)
I want it to be warmer than normal. Or at least, no snow or ice. Is that too much to ask?
NO….it’s not to much to ask! We need a break! ;)
Amen!
Two great authors that I enjoy! I also have read 4 of Susan Hill’s books and a few of Jane Casey’s. Very well worth it.
Indeed! Such great writers, Linda!
So wet here….raining since about 1:30 am and will continue throughout the day. Unfortunately, I have to go out … Smog check before I can re-register my car. But, discovered a new-to-me author Spencer Quinn, who writes murder mysteries featuring a PI named Bernie, and Chet, his Border Collie. The plots are fairly simple, but what I thoroughly enjoy is that the books are narrated from Chet’s point of view, totally doggy and delightful. Chet is one smart dog. I like to think of Scout when I read the books, of which I borrowed two and will get more from the library soon.
You’re finally getting your rain out there, Wendy, though I know there are concerns that come along with it. I’ll write that author’s name down. Sounds like fun!
I have yet to find California king sheets that aren’t in sets — that are good quality. The fitted bottom wears out faster than the flat top. I usually end up ordering from JC Penney, because I can get sets for a good deal and the quality is decent.
That’s a good tip, Karen. I’ll keep JC Penney in mind. I ordered these from QVC – their Northern Nights collection always has deep pockets in the fitted sheet and a nice width to the top sheet. The ones I had were from Target and the width drove me crazy because there wasn’t enough sheet left on the sides to tuck in.
Try The Company Store online. I love the quality and you can buy separates. I’ve been buying from them for many years.
The Company Store has always seemed a little pricey to me. Not sure if that’s still the case? I like the idea of separates, but I was fine buying a whole new set this time, as I wasn’t thrilled with the sheets I had.
Will you re-locate for a bit downstairs today while Don is gone ~ or can you just talk to sweet Scout from upstairs to reassure her? It is like having toddlers around here….as I go from chore to chore….or just to get a cup of coffee, I feel like the pied piper as our 2 follow me wherever I go.
Going to get yucky cold here, too. Oh, how I hate it. We have been really lucky so far, so I don’t want to whine too early in January. We have a while to go………
Yes, I have to go keep a listening ear out for Scout. If she’s sleeping, I go up and do some work. When I hear her moving around, I come back downstairs to help her out. Even with all of that, I managed to finish Act 4 today! Huzzah!
So much to do before Monday. I hope all goes well. I was able to get the first book of M.J. Arlidge, Eeny Meeny on my Kindle for $1.99 today. Can’t wait to read it after your reviews of this author. I am finally sleeping better and it’s amazing how that gives me more energy. I am going to do some more cleaning up the duplex and putting more things away this week. I need a cleaner, less cluttered space to live in right now.
hugs,
Linda
Oh, what a great deal! So happy for you. I think you’ll like it, Linda. And I’m so glad you’re sleeping better. I am, too, though it took quite a while to get back to whatever I think of as ‘normal.’ I’m decluttering, too, though I have to stop thinking about that until I get back from Hartford.
You have convinced me to start the Susan Hill series. And, I have read all the Maeve Kerrigan books and look forward to the newest. I’m like you – I love a good series that I can read one after the other :-)
They’re a bit dark, but in a completely believable way. They remind me of Louise Penny or P.D. James in that they are just as much about the characters and their development as they are about whatever crime is being investigated.
Gee Claudia..those sheets aren’t very old are they?…We are having plenty of sunshine today with a temp of 36 degrees..Tomorrow is my trip to Penn State Hershey Hospital so hopefully the weather is good and the sun shines again..I’ve had enough of the frigid temps for now…
No, they aren’t. They were Rachel Ashwell cotton sheets at Target. Not real happy with the quality! Plus, they shrank a lot.
I’ll be thinking of you tomorrow, Nancy. Sending positive thoughts and prayers your way.
Thanks Claudia..I’m a bit nervous…I didn’t even ask them what they would be doing…I’m thinking just go and get it over with…sometimes it is better to not know details…
I agree. xoxo
It looks like your new office set up allows you the space you need to work. It must be a pleasure to have a quiet, spacious area!
It’s been cold here the past few days also but we have bright sunshine today and temps in the 20’s tonight. I’m trying not to complain as we have been pretty fortunate so far, but I would not mind if the weather decided to fast forward itself to spring and missed the rest of winter.
So cold here this morning and yesterday morning. But it will be a little less cold tomorrow – but still cod! I’m definitely ready for spring, or a least a snow and ice-less winter!
Claudia, You are starting your new year like a whirlwind. I hope you get some clean places to stay while you are away from home. Oh having those books to read will be something fun for you, when you are bored…I do not know when that would ever be, cause you are so busy girl. Wishing you well, blessings, xoxo,Susie
Oh, but you know, Susie – after this job, I’ll probably have nothing! It’s feast or famine. The hotel is very nice, I’ve stayed there several times and the apartments I know as well. So there will be no problem with lodging.
You sound super busy. In those five weeks of Hartford, are you going back home in between or will you be gone 35 days from Don and Scout entirely? Yikes.
Well, we Southern Californians wanted rain…and we’ve got it. I suppose I’ve forgotten…I’ve been in the tropics and definitely seen how it can rain there…but, this morning, I questioned if I’d ever seen such rain in my LIFE. It was coming down in such sheets that it looked white, as if I was looking through a white plastic shower curtain. Our dead earth is overwhelmed. I have more standing water than I’d prefer. Part of the problem is that the guy who lives next door has inadequate roof gutters…I’m in a conventional subdivision now, in this house, where the houses are too close together…and the water just pours off his house into my side yard (well, shared side yard; his, too), which has created a lake despite all of our efforts with new sod, etc. I have submerged drains now and am just waiting for my husband to get home early from work so that he can assess further. I’m obsessing about my stuff at the offsite storage facility and will get there earliest on Saturday when my husband is off work so that we can inspect. My hillside is holding; it’s jute-netted. But part of my back lawn is a lake where we’d lost so much grass in the severe heat/drought. We had tremendous downpours and thunder for nearly four hours this morning. My poor dog is a nervous wreck (Mom, too!!). We had a slight break just before noon but now it’s back at it. It’s a nice thought, though…and I hope to go view it as soon as I can in the car…to think that our canyon’s dried-up creek and the valley’s dried-up river FINALLY has water flowing! (As long as we don’t flood.)
Anyway, yes, what’s the plan for your five weeks – I don’t know the geography; will you get weekends home? Didn’t know, with the two cars now, if that’s do-able or if you’ll also be working straight-through the days. How does it work?
I plan on getting home, although it looks like it will be two weeks until I do, as I have to move from the hotel to the apartments on my day off. And we only get one day off a week, so that means I will drive home the night before – stay for 24 hours maybe a bit more and drive back. But I do plan on getting home, mostly because of Scout. I don’t want to be away from her that long. I’ll probably have unexpected days off during tech, so that will also be a time I might grab a day or two back home.
Sounds like you have an incredible rain happening. Fingers crossed for all of you!
I like the gray photo. It looks very studious and serious. :-). The weather is crazy isn’t it? Now, instead of snow, we’ve had freezing rain for the last couple days. While out running a few errands yesterday I slipped on what I thought was dry pavement but actually had a sheen of ice on it. I caught myself but managed to twist my back. So I’m being a baby and I’m sitting and just knitting and reading. It’s a good excuse to take it easy. I hope you manage to get all of your things done before your trip. I know how stressful it can be when you’re planning these things.
Blessings, Betsy
Crazy weather, for sure. I’m glad you caught yourself, Betsy, but a wrenched back is no fun at all. Take care of yourself and baby yourself for a bit until you feel better.
I thought the article on Blogs surviving 2016 was interesting. I have a small blog that is mostly read by family, friends and previous customers of my now closed coffee shop. The only advertising that really annoys me on other peoples blogs is the kind that plays a short video. Sometimes I have to reload a blog 4 times before I get it read as that ad running and the loading of the blog interfere with each other. Just thought I would put that out there for information as an every day reader and fan. Have a wonderful time on your next assignment-can’t wait to read all about it. ☺
Video ads can’t always be controlled and the truth is that they pay more than standard ads. The amount of income generated from the kind of ads most bloggers have – the kind you see in sidebars and banners – has dropped in the past year; across the board. So, as annoying as they can be, they are necessary. I don’t know if you’ve read anything about it, but the drop in income is alarming for most of us. That’s why so many bloggers are going to sponsored posts as their main source of income. That, however, is not for me and not for the type of blog I write. And I think there would be a ton of complaints if this blog suddenly became all about sponsored posts…As it is, I turn down many, many requests for that sort of thing. So the occasional video ad is going to run here, I really have no choice.