Closing up shop, yet beautiful all the same.
Well, today begins the last week I am here in the cottage. A week from today, we drive to NYC – specifically, Brooklyn – to move into my temporary pièd-a-terre. I’m trying to drink in everything about my sweet nest here in the country while, at the same time, making lists, running errands, cleaning the house, renewing my driver’s license, showing Don what he has to do… and watching the Red Sox.
It’s a bit overwhelming, but it will all come together. I’ve done it before, many times.
Today, we drive across the Hudson so that Don can get his shot in the eye. I’m glad this appointment was scheduled for this week while I am still here. He can schedule his next appointment for December, after I’m back.
It’s a beautiful day today; cool and breezy. Lots of leaves to rake, but I will leave that to Don. I don’t have time!
You know I love my Blythe dolls and I tend to post about them on my other IG account. I am careful about how often I post about them here, as I know not everyone is into them. I’ve noticed that I’ve had less comments lately and that can be due to a number of things and is part of the ebb and flow of blogging. But I caught myself wondering if posting about the dolls had a negative impact.
But then, I smacked my forehead and said, “What are you thinking?” I’ve never been a blogger who posted based on what people might or might not like. I’ve never once asked my readers what they would prefer to see on the blog – and I see that a lot with other bloggers and on Instagram accounts. I’m not trying to build a readership. What you see is what you get.
So, I’m going to stop doing that.
Imogen in a sea of red checks.
I’m so in love with that face and the dimple on the chin!
Rest in Peace, Colin Powell. One of his daughters is our friend. She worked with Don in a production of Our Town several years ago. A good man. A lovely family.
Stay safe.
Happy Monday.
Love the red checks!
I have been consumed with researching jumping worms. They are in all my garden beds and also the woods. (sob)
Okay, end of moan . Have to get to work.
Have a sunny day and good luck in NYC! You will be amazing.
Wow – never heard of jumping worms, Betsy!
Stay safe.
They are spreading all over the northeast including NW CT,, Mass.NY, VT, And NH. They eat the roots of plants and often cause erosion.. Their castings look like coffee grounds. 😔
I’ll look around. What can be done about them?
So far nothing much except catch them and kill them in a vinegar water solution. Hoping that the scientists at many universities will come up with something soon. :(
I don’t have time to catch worms! Thanks, Betsy.
I read your blog every day and enjoy it so much. I don’t always post a comment -I feel I may be bothering you. Know that your words are something I look forward to every day.
All the best in NYC!
Marion
Oh my goodness, comments are wonderful – they never bother me (unless they’re rude.)
Don’t ever feel you’re bothering me, Marion!
Stay safe.
Imogen has such a sweet face. I love the dimple too.
It makes me stressed just to read about all you have to do this week. As you say, you’ve done it before, and it will all fall into place.
Stay safe
Thanks, Marilyn!
Stay safe.
I rarely comment but had to today. I read your blog everyday. I enjoy this one-sided conversation. I say write about whatever you want. I’ll be here to listen.
My granddaughters had dolls similar to American Girl dolls. Now I have them. The girls are 22 and 16 and don’t want them anymore. I think some day they will. It’s fun to change their clothes and dress them for the appropriate season. I’ve even made a few dresses for them. Keep playing with your dolls.
Oh, how wonderful for you to keep the dolls, Linda! And to enjoy playing with them.
Thanks for your kind words.
Stay safe!
I just feel like I want to say I love your blog. We are similar in taste, age, collecting, decorating, and reading. I am grateful that you share a bit of your life with us.
I hope that NYC is a great experience!
Thank you so much for your kind words, Judy!
I’m glad you’re here.
Stay safe!
You being you is what most of us love about your blog! I’m not really into the dolls or the doll houses, but there is much to admire in both of those areas and your posts about them would never discourage me from reading. I love the hazel eyes of today’s doll—lighter than my own and sort of the aqua/hazel that my Grandma had. And the shoes always get to me. Seeing how you decorate and furnish the dollhouses is fun, too, Though I’d never want to have one, I can certainly admire yours.
Safe travels to NYC. Have a ball just being there, I know I would! And yes, the city is exhausting, but exhilarating.
Part of the fun of blogs and Instagram is the discovery of worlds we might not want ourselves, but are fascinated by, nonetheless.
Thanks so much, Shanna.
Stay safe!
Don’t comment often but read your post everyday. So enjoy hearing about your world!
Janet
Thank you so much, Janet!
I appreciate your presence.
Stay safe.
Sometimes I just can’t think of anything to say! But I visit your blog each day.
Your week will fly by as you check things off of your list! Hope it all goes smoothly!
I’m not complaining at all! Just sharing my thought process.
Thanks, Ellen.
Stay safe!
I don’t comment too often but I do read your blog every day. I enjoy seeing your dolls! I looked them up on etsy. There are so many different variations of blyth dolls. Who knew! I hope they comfort you in NY.
Thank you, April!
Stay safe.
Imogen is so stinkin cute…love those red checks.
Sorry I haven’t been commenting like normal. We’ve been consumed with indoor and outdoor projects here these past two weeks, along with getting a Covid booster, and this morning, the flu shot. You know that I read your blog every day…but I just can’t comment on my iPhone. I think my fingers are too fat. I need access to my iPad, and can’t do that when I’m painting, or moving rocks…lol!
Hope Don’s eye appointment goes well. Good luck on those lists! ;)
I can’t type anything on my iPhone!
I’ve been just as busy – especially trying to get things done before I leave!
Stay safe Donna,
Hi Claudia, I look forward to your blog every day and always open it to read whatever is happening in your corner and very often read the comments. I only comment if I have anything to add. Your reality is pleasant and I find that I need more of that in my life.
Take care.
Kelly
Thank you, Kelly.
Stay safe.
Hi Claudia, I don’t comment often but I do read your blog everyday! I look forward to it. You have introduce me to so many books, dollhouses, and now the dolls (which I love!!) and even though I don’t know you, have never met you, you certainly seem like a friend to me!. Ed and I celebrated our 50th wedding anniversary this past Sat. (Oct. 16) and we had a busy weekend with that and we’re also busy trying to get the farm all ready for winter. Plus one of our daughters is trying to start up a small family black walnut business. We have lots and lots of them here on the farm. Anyway, that’s kept me busy and I usually read your blog with my morning coffee and then I’m onto whatever needs done that day. But, you need to write whatever you want, it’s your blog! I’m sure you have many folks who love to read it. Take care…
Lorinda
Happy Anniversary, Lorinda!
Thank you.
Stay safe.
Claudia,
I agree with all the comments I’ve read. What you write is perfect because we’ve created this whole world of friendship, and caring, as we read your blog. That’s the connection.
I don’t have dolls, or dollhouses, but I love reading about yours, and your home, and Don (I’m feeling very tender about how you two will miss your home routine together😔)but as you say, its what you do and who you are!
I am so in love with the clothing you are choosing for those girls, especially the footwear! I have fumble fingers so the idea of creating those clothes, and footwear fascinates me.
There, those are my comments…. I have a lot more to say but this is getting ridiculous.😊
So, once again thank you for sharing your life, and creating this community.
Colin Powell, yes 😢.
Thanks so much, Jan!
Stay safe.
I haven’t commented a lot lately, either. But I read your posts & the comments every day. We have been cleaning up the pots, deciding what to winter over, and making room for all of that in the house. Fall just seems busier than spring. We turned the heat on Sat morning as it has been colder. But up to 72* today. Such a pretty day!
Glad the Strike was averted!! I know your lists are long & many, but it is fun to check things off! Will Don come into the city to stay with you for a day or two if your schedule allows over the rehearsal/filming process? Have a good rest of your day. Take care!
Yes, Don will visit. He’s looking forward to it!
Stay safe, Chris.
You are the blogger who introduced me to Louise Penny. I read blogs of those who write about books usually. I do have three in U.K. that are about traveling, etc…I don’t read many, and I do not comment on most of them. Back to Penny…I had a lovely library in Indiana…in fact, my eldest grand worked there on college breaks…anyway, when you talked about Penny, I asked the librarians why I didn’t know about her…they suggested because of the language…lol…they knew me well…anyway, I overlook that, and I love her books…she is a genius…thank you for taking the time to write about the books you read and your travels. I am also excited that you are working on a film starring one of my all time favorites, Sally Fields. My students always thought I looked like her. Other than being short and having her dark hair…not so much…lol…yes, I was a theatrical right-brained teacher…enjoy your time in the city…and a blog should be what the blogger wants it to be…
Thanks so much for your kind words, Brenda.
Stay safe.
I enjoy all the aspects of life you blog about. I wouldn’t want you to survey readers and adapt it. I can follow my particular interests on my own. I want to be surprised by what’s intriguing or concerning you at the moment to take me out of my reality, or even to show all the commonality among the readers.
As far as dolls, I was hugely into my Barbies, Liddle Kiddles and Trolls and had many houses for all. The houses were the best part! I’m not into dolls as an adult though I have a small collection of Frozen Charlottes. But I did follow Sophie’s Instagram account because I LOVE the outfits. I would dress that way myself if it wouldn’t make me look like Bette Davis in Whatever Happened to Baby Jane. I rarely comment on any social media. I get your email notification daily but always go to your blog directly. I know that’s how you get your small amount of revenue. And it’s just a lot prettier format than the email anyway. I’ll enjoy it as long as you feel you can maintain it. Good luck with your very busy life ahead.
Thanks for coming to the blog directly, Louise. It does help!
I’d love to dress like Sophie and Imogen, myself!
Stay safe.
I read your blog every day and particularly enjoy photos of your cottage and book recommendations. Thank you for Louise Penny! While I’m not a dollhouse or a doll person I get a kick out of seeing what’s going with them and fascinated that there’s a whole world out there I had no idea existed. I do love their outfits and those shoes!!
I didn’t know that world existed either! It’s only in the past 3 months or so that I’ve become aware of it.
Thanks, Debby.
Stay safe!
I was really sad to hear the news about Colin Powell. Such a good man. I know you will have all your lists and plans this week to get ready to leave home. I haven’t traveled for so long that when I went to visit friends for a couple of days I really missed my nest also. I love your sweet Blythe dolls so enjoy them. Hugs!
Thank you, sweet Linda!
Stay safe.
Good for you for your smack on the head. The blog is yours. Your thoughts, pictures, content. Audiences ebb and flow and it may or may not have to do with content. But that’s not your problem.
I’m one who has been MIA. I haven’t been in my house more than two days all month and finally back with a week with five doc appointments and the vet (Lizzie is thinking outside of the box). I probably wouldn’t have replied or maybe even seen this one but I had to commend you for smacking yourself on the head with that! Life gets in everyone’s way. We travel. We get sick. We have lives. And sometimes blogging has to take a break. You already know that. Meanwhile, good for the smack!
Thanks, Jeanie!
Stay safe.
Keep doing what you are doing. It is why I come to your blog. BTW, I don’t remember having any dollls when I was a kid. Just one when I was 9 or so. A sibling knocked it down and broke it. And I caught heck! But I do remember plucking dead chickens for meals. Couldn’t eat meat for years. I love most of all your house. A place just like I would love to live in. In the country and with real character.
Thanks, Jan.
I STILL can’t eat meat!
Stay safe.
You always post a variety of photos and topics. I always read the post but I don’t always have much to say. I do enjoy seeing the dolls.
So very sad to lose Colin Powell. One of very few people in DC that I trusted.
Yes you will get it all done as usual.
Thanks, Kay!
Stay safe.
I do enjoy your blog and it always makes me smile! I had never seen Blythe dolls. They are both adorable and the clothes ! I can understand your fascination with them.
Thanks, Sandy.
I am truly fascinated by them!
Stay safe.
Hope the weather gives you a great send off for your weeks away! I join those who enjoy your enthusiasms, the dolls, the paintings, all of it. Such an example of staying engaged with your pleasures and pursuits.
ceci
Thank you so much, Ceci! It’s good to hear your thoughts.
Stay safe!