Mockingbird Hill Cottage

Mockingbird Hill Cottage

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When It Snows, It Pours

February 26, 2023 at 9:21 am by Claudia

Careful what you wish for.

We got about an inch of snow yesterday. No big deal. But we’re due for 5-8 inches Monday night into Tuesday. The problem is that we are sweating an oil delivery. Don says we can make it until tomorrow (the heat is turned way down) but with the storm on the way, we need it delivered tomorrow. We can’t wait until Tuesday, which would be problematic anyway, as that will be the day for clean up, aka shoveling and snow blowing. He’s going to call today and leave an “Urgent!” message.

To top it all off, during our second load of laundry yesterday, water started flowing from under the washer. We tried again. Same thing. Crap, crap, crap. I called and someone is coming out tomorrow to diagnose the problem. Our washer and dryer is in a closet in the bathroom. It’s a narrow stacked combination of washer/dryer made by Whirlpool. It’s almost 18 years old. The last time a technician was here he said to do whatever we could to repair it in the future because the newer models aren’t as good. But, in doing a little research yesterday, I discovered that Whirlpool doesn’t make this model any longer. Anyway, I’m very stressed about repair costs and/or possibly having to replace the unit. Let’s see: $400+ for oil and $1200+ for a new washer and dryer. For us, that’s a big chunk of money.

When it rains, it pours. Or, when it snows, it pours.

So we’re holding our breath for the next 36 hours or so.

Also, the closet that contains the unit is narrow, just inside the main door to the bathroom to the left. We have to remove two doors to get the unit in and out as well as some molding and even then, it’s a giant pain in the tush.

I can feel my stress level rising as I write this.

This too shall pass.

I was hoping my book would come in at the library yesterday, but the roads were slippery and I don’t think the county-wide delivery van was making any deliveries. Ah well. Highly doubtful they’re working today and the library is closed tomorrow and then there’s the storm on the way…looks like I’m going to have to wait until Wednesday, at least.

Stay safe.

Happy Sunday.

Filed Under: life 18 Comments

It’s Cold! Hunkering Down.

February 25, 2023 at 8:34 am by Claudia

Early morning egg cups.

It’s dark in here because we have the blinds drawn and it’s very cold outside. We ordered more heating oil a couple of days ago, but it’s the weekend and we won’t have a delivery until Monday or Tuesday. So we’ve got the heat turned down and we’re wearing layers. It’s rather cozy!

I just made a second cup of coffee for us and that’s warming us up, as well.

Chris, are you home? I assume you are. Hope you’re enjoying being surrounded by the people and things you love.

My former student, Christine, is keeping us all updated on her battle with cancer via Caring Bridge. We’ve been praying for her this week (and always) as she and her husband were to meet with her doctor yesterday to see if the chemo has had any impact on her tumor. We waited for her post yesterday and the good news is that it has. She will now have a hysterectomy during the first week of March and then another round of chemo to treat some stray cells in her lungs and liver. As Don said about Christine: she is all love and light. And she is. (She and Jim were in the same class.) We are very thankful for this latest news.

Adrian is hospitalized, awaiting the day when he gets a new heart.

There’s a lot of praying going on here on a daily basis.

I’m next up in the queue for the new Deborah Crombie. It should be arriving at my little library branch shortly; hopefully, today. Huzzah! In the meantime, I’m reading War and Peace  and Underland. I’ve urged Don to read Underland  after I’ve finished. I think he’d really like it. It is absolutely fascinating. Back to War and Peace. Tolstoy was an incredible writer and storyteller. I am continuously astounded by his detailed descriptions of people, of setting, of battles. His ability to create an entire world within a scene is extraordinary. Not that I ever questioned his status as one of our greatest novelists, but I now completely understand why he is.

I’m still feeling under the weather. Just trying to hang in there and read, work on the puzzle, and take it easy.

Stay safe.

Happy Saturday.

 

 

 

Filed Under: books, egg cups 24 Comments

Friday

February 24, 2023 at 8:18 am by Claudia

Feeling a little under the weather today. Well, actually, yesterday as well. If I wasn’t masking when I’m out and about, I’d say that I have a full-blown cold. So, it’s most likely sinus exacerbated by our bizarre weather.

Anyway, this will be short. Lots of wind out there today. The accompaniment to my morning coffee is the sound of wind and the ringing of  the wind chimes. We may get quite a bit of snow on Monday going into Tuesday, but as I said yesterday, I’ll believe it when I see it. Anyway, for all my complaints about no snow this winter, at this point in the season I don’t want any snow! Go figure.

I managed to read my War and Peace  chapter yesterday but couldn’t concentrate on any other reading, so I watched videos on YouTube. I did manage to eat a piece of apple pie. His best yet!

And, for a brief moment, I played with Imogen:

Stay safe in all the crazy weather out there, my friends.

Happy Friday.

Filed Under: Blythe dolls 13 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.

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