This guy got fed up with being alone at the cottage and drove to Hartford on Wednesday night.
It’s very nice having him here, as you can imagine.
One of the perks of working on this production has been the chance to reunite with some actors that I worked with at the Old Globe. And when I say ‘worked with,’ I mean several times. In the case of our friend Kandis, many, many times. She and Don have known each other since they were in their teens. Imagine!
So the three of us went to lunch together yesterday afternoon and talked the way old friends do and it was lovely. Don and I spent the rest of the day in the apartment. We’re both exhausted. Grieving is draining, tiring, and overwhelming.
I haven’t been buying any more food since I’m moving back home tomorrow, but we managed to whip up an omelet and some steamed vegetables and somehow it seemed to be the perfect dinner. Today, we’re going to go to the Wadsworth Atheneum. And I’m going to start packing.
Tonight is opening night.
It’s been a joy working on this production. I’ve worked with old friends and made new friends. My Hartford Stage ‘family’ has been, as ever, fun and hard-working and supportive – especially when they heard about Scout. I’ve come to think of this theater as a second home. Romeo and Juliet marks my ninth show here at Hartford Stage. I did at least four more with Darko at the Old Globe, and one in NYC, so our collaborations together now number fourteen.
What an honor it is to work with him.
So, it’s Opening Night here in Hartford. And then…home.
Edited to add: I just saw the news that Harper Lee has passed away. More on her legacy later. Thank you, Harper Lee. Thank you for profoundly influencing my life. Rest in peace.
Happy Friday.
I’m so glad Don was able to come to Hartford. Good for both of you to see friends and enjoy opening night. Going home will be bittersweet this time. Sending you both big hugs,
Linda
It will. I’m sort of dreading it. But, I’ll do my best to be strong
I’m glad Don came to share some time with you…it’s good to be there for each other. Hope everything goes smoothly for tonight! Safe travels home!
Thank you, Linda!
Congratulations on all your hard work. I bet the show is wonderful. I am glad your Don came to see you. Enjoy your day together. Doris
We will, thank you Doris.
I’m so glad that Don was able to visit. Safe travels home.
Thank you, Kathy.
So glad Don is there with you. To be with, to pack with and to celebrate opening night with. Sometimes “being with” is exactly what is needed.
Blessings,
Betsy
You’re right, Betsy.
Yay that Don came to visit. And Opening Night! Fun. Enjoy! I’m sure all your work these past weeks has paid off for the actors. Safe travels home Claudia. Have a wonderful weekend.
Thank you, Vera!
I just read Darko’s story – so interesting about how he came to America etc. Must be a wonderful guy to work with, and to have had as a friend for so many years.
Love this candid shot of Don and so glad he came to town to be with you.
Safe journey home Claudia – the show will go on with great joy thanks to your efforts I’m certain!
Love, Mary
He is a brilliant and kind man, Mary. I am fortunate to have met him and very fortunate that he keeps wanting to work with me.
Oh, I think it was so good that Don drove up to stay with you a bit. Time flew; I didn’t realize you were THAT close to getting home.
Home. It’s not going to be an easy weekend, but home is haven. Your cottage is YOU. And it’s where Scout was so happy. “A period of adjustment” sounds so cold…but this is that time. Don has had some number of days to wake up to it, literally in that space…you haven’t yet; you’d had to immediately leave. I’ll be thinking of you. I don’t know what else to say, Claudia. You’ve been down this road (similar; never exactly the same) before. You just have to get through it. With a sense of her presence/spirit in the environment, maybe somehow it could be comforting…not a lost connection. I just remember how much my dogs wanted to please, to reassure; to have everything be okay with Mom and Dad.
I suppose the weather is cold and dreary. Maybe you can just cocoon, eat a favorite hot dish, wrap up in your favorite throw.
Oh dear, Claudia, I just saw a headline that Harper Lee passed.
I did, too. I just edited the post to acknowledge that. So sad. Words can never express how profoundly she has influenced my life.
How wonderful for Don to be there ~ and to be able to share opening night with you. Did he “surprise” you, or did you know he was on his way?
We are enjoying a sunny day here, with temps into the 50’s!! However, and there is always a however,,,,,, we also have a High Wind Warning for gusts up to 50 MPH. It is, of course, much better than winter storm watches or warnings, so we will accept this windy day!!
Safe travels as you head homeward bound. You will have your own little “convoy”!!
I knew he was on his way because we had to coordinate where he could park the car. Thanks, Chris.
Claudia, you and Don are fortunate to have each other to lean on. Have a safe drive home, and don’t be afraid of being there. It’s where you have tons of memories of Scout and reliving the happier times will be good for you.
Thank you, Wendy!
I was so happy to read that Don was able to join you for a few days. Enjoy your day and opening night together!
Safe travels tomorrow.
Thank you, Sue!
I’m delighted that Don decided to join you in Hartford! Hope you both enjoy the opening tonight. Enjoy your day…safe travels tomorrow! ;)
Thank you, Donnamae.
So glad you were able to cuddle with Don! ❤️
Me too! Thank you, Ann Marie!
Yay! I’m glad you get to go home. You have been very strong on your own in CT.
It’s just perfect that your husband came to escort you back. Very sweet of him.
The two of you together will find peace at home. It’s always good to be home with
your love.
CT will miss you.
Have a safe trip back,
Monica
Ah, thank you, Monica. I’ll miss CT!
How nice that Don came to visit…You two have a safe trip home…So sad to hear about Harper Lee…an amazing women who lived an amazing live…
Very sad, but not surprising. What a legacy she left us in that incredible book. Thanks, Nancy!
Very glad you weren’t alone in Hartford for these part couple of days. And glad you won’t have to travel home/walk in the cottage’s front door alone either. And wow, sadness. May the Force be with Harper Lee – she did with her exceptional collection of words what statesmen, politicians, even preachers could not do. Well-done, good & faithful servant… ?
PS – I’m thinking Scout is going to “keep company” with Harper for a spell right now – I bet she’s a big fan too. How could she not be? Something had to rub off on her in 17 years. ? ?
I like to think that Harper is giving Scoutie a pet or two. Thanks, Janet.
I’m so thrilled that Don to come and stay the last couple of days with you. I know you will be anxious to get home. Travel safe.
Love
Judy
Thank you, Judy.
That’s lovely that Don was able to come down and you got to lunch with a good friend together and just well share the end of this project. Wishing you safe travels home and some more rest and relaxation to you both.
Thank you, Ellen.
You were the first person I thought of when I heard Harper Lee had died today.
So happy Don was able to spend some time with you in Hartford. Good job on the production. Soon you’ll both be home together.
Hugs!
Thank you, Chy.
Claudia, It tickled me that Don came to be with you. What a sweetie. So good he had lunch with you and an old time friend. You have been on my mind. Sending hugs to you and Don, I know you are hurting. Sad news on Harper Lee. Blessings, xoxo,Susie
Thank you, Susie.
I have always enjoyed your blog. It has been even more fascinating learning a little more about your job. It is so obvious that you love what you do and that is a blessing.
As a native Alabamian, I am so sad about dear Miss Nelle. I, also, thought of you when I heard about her. I am looking forward to reading your thoughts. Usually, I read TKAM in October but may start it tomorrow.
My thoughts and prayers for you and Don as you return home.
Thank you, Sylvia.