Another insanely busy week has passed and after taking yesterday to recover, I am able to put words together and write a post.
I really have no way to describe the erratic hours and long days that happen during filming. It’s different every day, especially when we’re on location where light is a huge factor. On Thursday we moved to the soundstage, which is a more controlled environment. But by the time we moved there, we were in a cycle of starting later in the day (there has to be a 12 hour turnaround between the end of filming and the start on the next day) so by Friday, I got home at 1:45 a.m. The soundstage is way out in an industrial part of Brooklyn – not the safest area – so the Manhattan and Brooklyn contingents are able to catch vans that takes us there. The only problem is when I am dropped off after 11;30, I have to call an Uber to get the rest of the way home as the subway line doesn’t stop at my station overnight.
The logistics of getting to a location or to the soundstage are always a challenge. Let’s just say I know the subway system much better than I did – and I already knew it pretty well.
I don’t have to be on set tomorrow, so I get an extra day off. Though I will have to go into Manhattan to get a Covid test in order to be cleared for Tuesday, as tomorrow is a testing day on set. We’re tested 3 days a week, with a PCR test and an antigen test on Monday, and an antigen test on Wednesday and Friday. So far, I’ve had 20 Covid tests.
Today I’ll drop off my laundry for the last time. Annie (my former student/landlady) and I plan to take a walk together, as we’ve hardly seen each other. She is one of my favorite people. Tomorrow, I don’t have to be on set so I have another day to recover, then it’s four more intense days and…we wrap. Don picks me up on Saturday and I’m back home.
I don’t think I’ll be able to process all of this for a long time. It’s been so intense, so all-encompassing, that I’ve really had no other life than this. And there’s a lot I can’t share with you simply because we are bound to an agreement of secrecy. I had one unexpected adventure which I’ll share with you one day. It was pretty amazing.
I’m just about to finish The Madness of Crowds by Louise Penny. That’s how busy I’ve been. Six weeks and one book finished.
I don’t think I’d do this again, simply because it’s exhausting and I’m 69 years old. And what made this special was working with Jim again. And Ben, of course. It was personal, not just a job. I’m so very grateful for the experience and I definitely don’t want to wish the last week away, I want to savor it. But I’m also longing to go back home and be with my husband in our cottage.
And get our Christmas tree.
After 13 years of blogging, it’s been strange to sit here on a Sunday and not immediately think about posting. I have to remind myself to post! I’ll get back into the swing of it. I miss you all and I miss the daily rhythm of posting.
One more week to go.
Stay safe.
Happy Saturday.
It is like you made up for no employment due to Covid over the last year in one time intense job.
I am glad you will soon return to your beloved cottage, husband and all the things you love to do. .
Take Care and Stay safe,
Kaye
Park City, UT
Kaye, my thoughts as well.
Claudia,
A new adventure, and meeting and connecting with interesting people, and old friends.
The pictures of the neighborhood are lovely.
That being said I am happy you are going back to your also interesting cottage life where you are sometimes tired, but not constantly exhausted.
I’m sure it will take you a bit to get more rested, but I’m so happy you and Don will be back to your happy, safe life. It goes without saying that this probably has been a very stressful time for you two.
I’m awed at the stamina it took for this job, and admire you for just moving forward, but big sigh. I’m glad the end is in sight.
Enjoy your walk with your friend today, and the anticipation of Saturday and Don picking you up.
Rest up, settle in, and we’ll all be happy to wait for you to get back to ‘normal’. 🤗
It is all that you described. Lovely, exciting, wonderful, extremely hard, and exhausting. All wrapped up into one package.
Thanks so much for your kind words, Jan.
Stay safe.
You’re right! That’s exactly what it is.
Thanks so much, Kaye.
Stay safe!
Oh, those beautiful brownstones make me miss ours in Albany. But I’m glad you’ll be home soon—there’s no place like home for the holidays! (Or, as our oldest son liked to say, “There’s no place like home for the Hollandaise”!)
I love, love, love brownstones!
Love your son’s version – I may have to use that with Don.
Stay safe, my friend.
Claudia — so glad all is well w/you. our fall has been so gorgeous but wxman says will change this week, can’t stay like this year around. hoping you have a good, safe last week of working. thanks for letting us know how you are doing. stay healthy
I’ve missed your daily posts, but am thrilled that you had this opportunity. We all eagerly await the day when you can say more about this project. Probably after the film is released, yes?
I can relate to this…I was in my 40’s when I spent an intense month in D.C. at the Folger’s…no spare time…but I was young…In my 50’s, a month at Shakespeare and Co. in Mass…exhausting…in my 60’s two times in England the same. I thought I would never recover…I did and have fond memories of D.C. and England…I love Mass. but…each time an adventure…one I would not choose to do again…not the month…but the time in England yes…if I were younger…my granddaughter flies to NY this week to look with friends she met at NYU last summer…an apartment…she moves soon to her job there…she will love it…she is young…
you have done so great…so proud of you…a time to get home, enjoy your life in your cottage with your husband and your books…you have had quite an experience…we have missed you…
Claudia, I’m just a few years younger than you and I cannot imagine doing what you have done. I admire your determination to see this through. I’m relieved to read that this is the final week, and you will be returning home to Don and your cottage on Saturday. Finally you will be able to get the rest you so desperately need. In the meantime, stay healthy and safe. We’ll be here waiting after you have had time to rest, recover and process your experience. Many blessings to you.
Firstly, thank you for sharing your craft with us and the glimpse into that world. Just one more week and you can be back home with Don.
I’ve loved seeing the photos of the houses and shops in your neighbourhood.
Take care and stay safe always.
We miss you too. Can’t wait until you are home in your lovely cottage and with Don. You sure will have a lot to talk about! Stay safe!
Deb
Claudia, I can imagine that schedule would be insane even to those who are more used to the erratic nature of the scheduling. But after nearly two years of not working and then to have something so intense, it must be almost overwhelming. Yes, it will take a long while to process. But I’m glad you’ve had this experience — and glad it is nearly over!
The photos are lovely and I’ve enjoyed hearing what you’ve been able to share. Someday, hopefully more! Enjoy the last week — and anticipate that Christmas tree!
Claudia, it seems like it’s lasted an eternity and yet I can hardly believe you’re only a week away from home, sweet home! I know I’m not alone in cheering you on and enjoying your adventure. The little community you’ve assembled will be glad to have you back, rested, and happy with Don. We’ll look forward to regular visits and holiday cheer and new doll outfits and a new year of creative pursuits. Meanwhile, enjoy this last week on set, with so many wonderful co-workers and the wonders of the city. We’ll be here waiting!
I am the same age as you and there is no way I could do all that work. You are a strong woman.
Gorgeous, charming architecture with autumn leaves everywhere. I love this scenery. Thanks for carrying us along as much as you have. I’m a few years older and I can guarantee I couldn’t do this – though the 24-yr-old in my brain would be craving to dive in. Every election cycle I tell myself, ‘Well, that’s the LAST 15-hour day I can work’ and, yet, I sign up again when the email offer comes around again. Someday soon the email will stop arriving, I’m sure.
Daughter spent her first visit back to NYC – she felt very safe attending the Rockette’s Christmas show & impressed that every venue/restaurant required vaccination verification.
So glad you have been among people who take healthcare seriously. Best to you on eeking out every morsel of enjoyment in this last week working on the film so you have even more to savor back home with Don. XO
I echo everything that other commenters have said. We have all enjoyed reading about your amazing adventure, and we are all so proud of you!!! Soon your life will return to normal, but oh what wonderful memories you will have.
I know it really has been an incredible experience for you. Some rest, time and distance when it’s over will give you more perspective I’m sure. It would be too much for me and my old body for sure. I know you will enjoy getting back home and with Don. Wishing you a lovely last week of filming. Big Hugs!
Thank you for keeping in touch when you can. It sounds exhausting!
I know as tired as you are, that you will still savor your final week on the job. The thought of getting your tree, and the lights soon to be twinkling on your porch must be very comforting. We have missed you!
Sleep well, enjoy your day off tomorrow and take care.
hej, claudia. :)
for what it’s worth, i am very proud of you! after 20-plus months of this stupid awful pandemic changing and stopping life in so many horrible ways, you’ve had an abrupt change to your lifestyle and been dealing with lots of people and very long work hours … and handling it all with grace and gratitude. bravo!
glad that you can appreciate this unique and special experience. that you have had those experiences and all they’ve brought. and that you will soon return home to don, an easier schedule (including more sleep and time to read) and a Christmas tree.
also glad that all your covid tests have come back negative.
know you will enjoy this last week on the set. travel and be safe.
xo
kathy
So pleased to hear from you, it does sound like an exhausting but wonderful experience and I can imagine you will take quite a while to settle down once your arrive in your cosy cottage. Still there’s no place better than there to put it into some sort of perspective. I’m really so pleased for you that you’ve had the opportunity to experience this.
Enjoy your last week in NYC. Your pictures of it looks so beautiful. As a young woman I always wanted to live and work in NYC. I ended up in Honolulu, so I couldn’t have gotten much further away if I had tried. But still, I hope to see it one day. Enjoyed the posts so much. Can’t wait till you get home and get your tree up!
Your post perfectly describes what must feel like a unique blend of magic and overwhelm!
You are pulling through and i wish you a restful post project experience as you take it all in.
<3<3<3
I’m loving all the photos of the city. It’s been so great of you to share your experience these past weeks.
Happy last week :)
Next time you are back for relaxation etc feel free to be in touch.
Stay well!
Claudia – I am so happy you are doing what you love and what you excel in BUT I get tired just reading your schedule! LOL. Have so enjoyed reading about all of your adventures. Glad to know you’ll be home for the holidays!!!