Mockingbird Hill Cottage

Mockingbird Hill Cottage

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Stuffed

November 25, 2023 at 9:16 am by Claudia

Last night’s sunset. Note how green our grass is! The one plus of all the rain this year is that there were no brown spots and here we are, almost at the end of November, and it’s still green. That being said, it’s turned very cold now, with nighttime temps in the twenties. Though not official yet on the calendar, winter is here.

We had a lovely Thanksgiving dinner, though Don miscalculated timing and we ended up eating very late. We had our usual Gardein “turkey” roast with stuffing – it really is fabulous. What else? – some steamed green beans, sweet potatoes, canned cranberry slices (we love them) and cloud biscuits. We were stuffed, so we held off on the apple pie until yesterday.

Last night we had the leftovers, with mashed potatoes and steamed organic carrots. Yum!

I had a nice long talk with my sister yesterday – Z was with his father this week and she was alone on Thanksgiving. This is, of course, the hassle of divorce – having a parental agreement that can be painful, especially at holidays. Christmas will be better and Christmas is much more important to Mere.

I started reading Tom Lake by Ann Patchett last night. And I’m still rereading the third book in the Deptford Trilogy  by Robertson Davies. And the Barbra Streisand autobiography, but that’s a bit hit and miss at the moment. I haven’t read enough of it to get really into it, but I will.

I’m looking forward to sparkling Christmas lights and a tree, though we’re going to wait until about December 8th or so to buy one. Last year’s was purchased too early and it was dried out by Christmas. We had to take it down much earlier than we’d prefer. (We like to have it up through New Year’s Day and depending on the tree, even longer.) Personally, these next months will be difficult for me – I have SAD; increasingly so as I get older. This year, I’m going to find a way to have some indoor Christmas lights up into January and February. We already do that with the porch lights, but I think we need to do that indoors as well.

I hope you had a joyous Thanksgiving if you live in the States – quiet or boisterous, whatever your preference.

Stay safe.

Happy Saturday.

Filed Under: Thanksgiving 31 Comments

A Lovely Day

November 22, 2023 at 7:51 am by Claudia

Yesterday was quiet and lovely – we even got our first snowfall, which was a wet snow that eventually turned to rain. But it was kind of neat to see it falling. It’s all gone today.

Don made a stir-fry for dinner (at my request) and he included steamed carrots and fried potatoes. That little sneak concocted a meal of three of my favorite things to eat. I love his fried potatoes and I love, love, love carrots and these were organic carrots so they were extra delicious. The “cake” was a candle stuck in one of my favorite sugar-free chocolates (chocolate marshmallow.) I got my puzzle, as well as a book light.

And then we watched Barbie! I didn’t know what to expect but I really liked it. I’d like to watch it again today just to make sure I caught every reference. It’s visually stunning and the message is a powerful one. Greta Gerwig had a vision for this film and boy, did she achieve it! It’s simply amazing.

Today, it’s still a bit wet outside and rather dreary.

Thanks for all the birthday wishes!

Question: Will your Thanksgiving weekend be full? Should I not post on Friday? I’m thinking that might be a good idea and then, of course, I would post on Saturday. Let me know.

After being shoeless for two weeks, Pru couldn’t quite believe these boots were hers. You can see the doubt written all over her face. Eventually, she put them on and is enjoying being well shod.

Have to do a bit of grocery shopping this morning. Thanksgiving means it’s time to make Grandma’s biscuits. I can taste them already!

Stay safe.

Happy Wednesday.

Filed Under: birthday, Blythe dolls 28 Comments

Puzzles, Banjos, and Birthdays

November 20, 2023 at 8:46 am by Claudia

Puzzle in progress. I can’t remember the name of the puzzle – oh wait, it looks like Autumn in the Neighborhood. It reminds me of Brooklyn, Manhattan, and Philadelphia. Philly was long ago, but in just this kind of weather two years ago, I was walking the streets of Park Slope in Brooklyn. Beautiful. (It was on sale and that’s why I bought it – made by Gallison,)

Don took his banjo to the music store and they cleaned it out with a strong solvent, followed by lemon oil. It helped temporarily, but the peg kept coming loose, and after the solvent smell went away, he could still smell the mustiness.

Yesterday, he visited a wonderful place that sells musical instruments and he bought a banjo. We bought the banjo, technically, because it will be his Christmas present. (I’m getting a doll.) He was literally dancing around the living room at the prospect of owning a brand new banjo. And gosh, is it a beauty!

It’s really beautiful. The sides, which I’ll show you on another day, are made out of beautifully grained wood.

He’s a happy camper. We’ll tie a bow on it and stick it under the tree on Christmas Eve.

Speaking of – ahem – special occasions, my birthday is tomorrow but, since I’m not posting on Tuesday, I’ll mention it today. It’s not a biggie, that was last year, but I know Don will do his best to make the day special. I’m not one for parties or big celebrations, and as I get older, I need my birthdays to be quiet and gently celebratory. I didn’t ask for anything but a puzzle, as I’ve had plenty of Blythe-related treats recently.

Anyway. Happy Birthday to me tomorrow!

I also want to let you know that our beloved Linda lost her mother over the weekend. Linda was a devoted daughter and had recently made the decision to move her  mother into Assisted Living. I believe she was 93. We are thinking of you, dear Linda. Sending love in this time of profound loss.

Stay safe.

Happy Monday,

 

Filed Under: birthday, Don, jigsaw puzzles 58 Comments

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Welcome!

Welcome!

I live in a little cottage in the country with my husband. It's a sweet place, sheltered by old trees and surrounded by gardens. The inside is full of the things we love. I love to write, I love my camera, I love creating, I love gardening. My decorating style is eclectic; full of vintage and a bit of whimsy.

I've worked in the theater for more years than I can count. I'm currently a voice, speech, dialect and text coach freelancing on Broadway, off Broadway, and in regional theater.

Thanks for stopping by.

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The Dogs

The Dogs

Scout & Riley. Riley left us in 2012. Scout left us in February 2016. Dearest babies. Dearest friends.

Winston - Our first dog. We miss you, sweetheart.

Lambs Like to Party

Lambs Like to Party

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