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Frigid Friday

January 21, 2022 at 9:46 am by Claudia

Yesterday’s sunset:

Don’s snowman is still standing, though we found the carrot that had been the mouth right outside our kitchen door. Hmmm…Did a bird try to take it?

Puzzle status:

There’s still quite a bit to put in place, though I managed to cover a lot of ground yesterday. Patience, my friends, it takes patience. If I get impatient for some reason, I get up and leave it for a while.

Don just made pancakes and scrambled eggs. That’s not our usual breakfast, but it’s very, very cold out there and when that occurs, Don often feels the need for a ‘big breakfast.’ This cold snap will be with us for the next 5 or 6 days.

Right now, the sun is reflected in the girls’ eyes and they look like zombies.

But yesterday, Sophie spent some time with me while I was working in the den. She was happily ensconced on my planner.

Marilyn, you’re right. I will have to use double pointed needles if I want to knit sweaters. Gulp. I ordered some on Amazon. I’m going to have a learning curve, that’s for sure. A note for all of you who think I’m a great seamstress: I’m not. Yes, I can stitch a (fairly) straight seam to put basic quilt blocks together. I can knit, crochet, and embroider. I CANNOT make clothes. That’s another thing entirely. I was dreadful at it in Home Ec class. My grandmother was a seamstress. She could do anything. And my mom made clothes for us. But making clothing and sewing a straight seam are not the same thing. There’s a lot more to it than that. And, let’s add to this discussion the fact that I have no desire to make clothing. None. But I so appreciate your cheering me on. I’ll leave the Blythe clothing to others who are unbelievably talented at what they do. I kneel at their feet.

Stay safe.

Happy Friday.

A Gently Falling Snow Kind of Morning

January 20, 2022 at 9:12 am by Claudia

I woke up quite early this morning, earlier than Don. I came downstairs and turned on our little lamps, turned up the heat, turned off the alarm, and then started the coffee. There’s something lovely about turning on the lights in the winter. Not the overhead lights in the kitchen – too jarring. Just the little lamp on the counter. I had a bit of quiet time before Don came downstairs.

As always when this happens, Don leaves the bedroom quietly, assuming I’m still asleep. He shuts the door quietly. Then he sees the lights on downstairs and realizes I’m up.

I read a big chunk of Cloud Cuckoo Land. Don made our second cup of coffee and we sat and watched the snow gently falling. We’re not in for any big accumulation – maybe an inch or less. But since all our snowfalls so far have occurred overnight, it’s nice to see it falling in the daylight.

I’ve ordered Don to take it easy today, as he spent the last three days shoveling heavy snow. I know he’ll play his guitar which will be the perfect accompaniment to the day.

And I’m appreciating our cozy home.

Two outfits for the girls arrived in the mail yesterday. One of them took a long time to get here and then it was in customs in Chicago for two weeks. I’d almost given up hope. The other came all the way from China. (I’ll show you that one another day.)

Two skirts from my friend Lena of LenaLittleDress. All the way from Russia. Aren’t they sweet?

One of them, along with a sweater that I believe was included in the box when I received Zoe in the mail, ended up on Olivia. I adore her.

I cannot cope with the cuteness.

Livvy kept me company throughout the rest of the afternoon.

I wonder what Scout would think of the girls? She was ever curious. I wish I could see that.

I’m thinking of knitting sweaters for my girls. I have to do some research and see if there are any patterns out there or do I just wing it (not a good idea) and what size needles to use. It might end up being a disaster, but what the heck?

Stay safe.

Happy Thursday.

Coping with Winter Blues

January 19, 2022 at 9:55 am by Claudia

It’s gray out there, it’s cold, there’s still more snow to clear. My sinuses are a big problem at the moment, as well as my back, though it is finally getting better.

In the big scheme of things, all of this is nothing. I know that. But I have to guard against falling into a mild depression, especially at this time of year. I know the signs and it’s something I battle at this time of year. I practice gratitude each and every day – both of us do – and I know I am blessed. But January and February really kick my butt. And it seems to be more intense as I grow older. I also have to remember that just over a month ago, I was working on the film and every day was full to the brim. Being back here in the throes of winter is a huge change. Huge. So I’m reminding myself to just be. Perspective is so important.

I suppose that’s why I don’t have much to write about that’s interesting. I work on the puzzle and I read my book, which is very engrossing. We’re laying low here because of the weather, of course, but mostly because of Covid. I’m not about to travel right now, even though a trip to a sunny and warm place sounds so inviting. But to take that chance? Nope. I put on my big girl pants and do what is indicated: stay home.

Something sunny for you today – an outfit from Miema Dollhouse in Germany, which arrived yesterday. I love, love her use of color and her whimsical designs.

Maeve gets to be the first this time:

The outfit comes in three pieces: the dress, the tights, and a cute scarf. How can you not smile when you see this ensemble? I have another dress made by the same woman – you’ve seen it lately on Pippa.

How are you coping with this wintry weather?

Stay safe.

Happy Wednesday.

Frigid Friday

A Gently Falling Snow Kind of Morning

Coping with Winter Blues

Lambs Like to Party

A Note

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