• It’s a gray sort of day here at the cottage. The nor’easter is headed our way, though we will be spared any snow accumulation – only a dusting. It promises to be very windy later today. I always feel edgy when it’s windy. I can never fully relax until it’s all over. But, and this is key, after all of this, it looks like warmer temperatures are on the way.
I won’t know what to do with myself.
Most of the snow has melted but there are still big piles of it on the property and on the side of the road.
• You can see what I mean in this photo, taken yesterday on our walk. I’ve started taking Dame Scout for a short walk each day. She tires out more easily than she used to, but she loves getting out of the house. We walk for a shorter distance, as well. Yesterday, I decided to give her a day off because I worry about her arthritis and the little limp that she has. I thought to myself: 3 days on, 1 day off.
But about 5:00, Scout started getting hyper. She clearly wanted something. Food? She’d already eaten. Did she have to go outside? Nope. What the heck did she want? Then it dawned on me. When I asked her if she wanted to go for a ride in the car, she jumped up on the loveseat and gazed out the window – the window where you can see the car.
I got my answer. So we went. I remember the Vet saying ‘Use it or lose it’ when talking about Scout and walks, so we are going to do our best to get her out every day now that the weather is better.
While we were walking down the road, thousands of starlings appeared again. They were everywhere. In dozens of trees, in the corn field, flying through the air. The noise they made was incredible. And at the same time, V formations of Canada geese were flying overhead. It was like being in a wildlife sanctuary. Incredible!
So, good timing, Scout!
• This article in the New York Times today, Literary City, Bookstore Desert, which talks about the exorbitant cost to rent a retail space in Manhattan and its negative effect on bookstores, was troubling. You might want to read it. In it, I also discovered that the gorgeous Rizzoli Bookstore in Midtown (in a simply beautiful old building) might have to move because the owners are planning to tear down the historic building for yet another boring glass high-rise. If you’ve ever been in Rizzoli’s you’ll will understand my shock and dismay. If you haven’t, google Rizzoli Bookstore and you will see photos of one of the most beautiful bookstores I have ever been in.
Very troubling, indeed.
• I had to go to Radio Shack the other day to get a new battery for our phone. I saw this at the checkout. A Sheldon Cooper Flash Drive. I’m sending a copy of this photo to Jim. I’m sure he knows about it – the marketing deals for these guys are huge. And the show is syndicated, so they are set for life.
I’m writing a book entitled, “When Your Former Students Earn a Heck of a Lot More Money Than You Do.”
And believe me, Jim isn’t the only one. I have a lot of former students working in Hollywood. One is the creator of Doc McStuffins. One is a writer/producer who worked on Grey’s Anatomy for years and is now developing other series. One is an Executive Producer and Writer for Modern Family. One is a producer for The Fosters. And the list goes on and on. Several are Emmy Award winners.
I’m enormously proud of all of them. Smart, talented, deserving – every one of them.
I’m hoping they will support me in my retirement. Do you think?
Happy Wednesday.
Claudia, your story about Scout reminded me of an, I thought anyway hysterical thing that happened last Sunday. We were all standing outside at my sons house. A clearly elderly person pulled out of their driveway with their dog Chumley in the front seat. My daughter-in-law was concerned what was going on, so walked over to talk to the neighbor. The neighbor explained it was Chumleys “Grandma”,she takes him for a ride on Sundays! I LOL I think the warmer weather will be better for Scouts arthritis. I know it makes a big difference for mine. -Judy A-
Of course she takes him for a ride! We take Scout for rides, too. But I love that he has a date with Grandma!
Your mention of birds and geese prompted me to tell you about what I’ve been watching. There is an eagle’s nest near downtown Pittsburgh PA that can be viewed on the internet. There are 3 eggs and they are expected to hatch any day now. I have 2 computers on so I can keep one on the eagle nest and do whatever else on the other. It can be boring when nothing much is happening but I don’t want to miss the big event.
Oh, how fun! I’ve heard about these webcams that track eagles’ nests and condors’ nests.
Well…they SHOULD support you in your retirement..haha! They are really like your children I would imagine….you taught them well…and they go off into the world and become successful. So…isn’t that supposed to be how it’s done?….it would be like your royalties! I’ll wait for the publication of your book! I’m sure Scout is enjoying her walks….as I’m sure you are. Fresh air…nothing like it! The sun is shining gloriously here…I’m going to go out! ;)
Yes they should, Donna! Where would they be without me? (Probably right where they are!)
It is said that if we do something for 21 days in a row, it becomes habit. I believe if you do something TWO days in a row with our dogs, especially if it around the same time each day, they think it is that way forever. And after this winter, she is probably as happy as are you, to be able to actually go for a walk.
It is supposed to be sunny and 63* here on Sunday. I am cautiously hoping that it is a correct forecast because we will all be quite forlorn if it doesn’t happen. It was only 9* this morning. Happy that most of the snow is melted, but looking forward to seeing some green in the dark brown smashed grass we see now. With the frost depth of over 5 feet this year, I wonder if it will take a while. Every 50* and 60* day helps us get closer.
Have a great day, and don’t blow away if you go walking today!!
Two days in a row is entirely sufficient for Scout to assume this is the new thing. Today, it is SO windy that I can’t take her and she’s bugging me like crazy!
Well, I guess I must make a trip to Radio Shack.
So glad that Scout is getting out and about. She looks well.
I remember that my “Pa” used to say that snow such as there is in the picture with Ms. Beauty Queen, was “laying for more” He was always right, but sometimes it was only a dusting. Hopefully that will apply up your way.
Blessings,
I don’t think we got ANY snow, Regena! Hurrah! But it is very cold and windy and I can feel it in my bones, even inside the house!
Why on earth would anyone tear down such a beautiful old treasure?? I do hope that people fight to stop this from happening..That little flash drive of Jim is so cute..but then he is such a cute young man..especially in personality..I love the title for that book..maybe you should write it..lol
It’s a terrible thing, Nancy.
I just might write that book!
It must feel so good to get back outside and walk after being cooped up for so long. Definitely stretching those legs and feeling some warmth will be good for the arthritis. Sure hope the snow is only a light dusting and things will continue to warm up. Such a shame about the bookstore. It is a lovely old place and preserving the past is so important. Why can’t the owner find some place else to build a modern structure? Best wishes, Tammy
No snow at all – but a LOT of wind, Tammy! As for the owner, really? They can’t find somewhere else, or better yet, be proud of the beautiful property they own? Makes me crazy.
When our four kids were young I always told them that when they grew up and got jobs the first $200 a month went to us. My oldest just turned forty and my youngest will 35 this summer. We have yet to see a penny. Of course I was mostly kidding about the money, but I thought, well, you never know. I’ll keep my fingers crossed for you.
Tana
I should send them all a bill. (Wouldn’t that be funny?)
Too bad about the bookstore..Good that Scout still loves the out doors..I think they get bored and it’s a change for them..Mollie would stay out forever if I would let her..Yup, more snow..Good grief..VERY windy today..
Yes, she gets bored really easily. Can’t say as I blame her!
What a lovely tribute to you, Claudia, that your students are doing so well. that is just wonderful! Of course, paybacks would be awfully nice as well…enjoy the outdoors with Scout – it is so great to see green things springing up all around us (of course, we did have a dusting of snow yesterday). the wind was so strong this morning that I actually was blown slightly backwards while crossing the parking lot to my office (I’m thinking I should have taken it as a sign not to go to work today – lol). Too bad about the bookstore. So many great ones have disappeared, and it is sad.
The wind is terribly strong here, Vera! I could barely make it out to the mailbox!
Claudia, I often get an urge to go into an old bookstore and there are absolutely none to be found! I always felt so calm and centered, surrounded by books and the quiet……. It has been a dream of mine to have a bookstore, in an old building, with all of it’s quirks and character. Oh, to win the lottery!
I know – wouldn’t it be fun to own a bookstore? How I wish!
Your girl is sure smart Claudia! Look what you’d have missed if not for her urging. It was in the 40’s here last night and today its windy and cool. I’m doing yard work and loving it. Jim Parson’s show is our favorite comedy and he is so gifted. It’s good to know he is such a nice guy. Hope the winds don’t get too bad. Enjoy your day!
I’d like to start raking up the yard, Janie, but I think It will have to wait a few days. Wind today and rain at the end of the week, so I’m aiming for next week.
They absolutely should support you! :) Jim seems like a nice guy….. and a logical choice. :)
You have a lot to be proud of and you probably could write a very interesting book about your career,
So glad Scout wants to be out and about. That is a good sign .
SueZK
It is. Though I had to say no today because it’s just too windy!
I am not a fan of the wind. It hurts my ears when I walk in it. I agree about the use it or lose it feature of walking. By the beginning of summer my guess is Scout will be able to walk a lot longer, and without pain, because of your daily walks now. I certainly hope that your students remember you with kindness and generosity. That would be quite admirable. Now, since you have inspired me (& the rain has taken a break) I am going to go for a walk.
Have a good time on your walk, Teresa!
Hi, Claudia,
I save your posts to read at night while I’m in bed relaxing after a busy day. Yesterday’s post about your dogs brought a few tears in my eyes. It reminded me of the dogs I’ve had and the great loss when they die. I always think I won’t get another dog and I always do. Georgia, my black poodle, is asleep beside me and two cats are up here, too. How blessed we are to have these beautiful, silly animals. They do things EVERY DAY that I think are so clever or funny.
I’m so glad that you are finally getting a break from the snow. I am in the Deep South and we even had snow for a day, so it has been a very cold winter.
I have loved Sheldon from the very first show of The Big Bang Theory, which I call “The Nerds.” I love they are so quirky and funny. You should be so proud of your students doing so well.
I’ll be glad when your best friend in the world returns and you 3 can all take walks together.
Have a good evening.
Oh, I’m so glad you didn’t get the snow they were predicting, Claudia. We got the same dusting and wind out our way and I was very grateful for that. How lovely that you’re getting to take walks now that the roads and pavement are more clear and temperatures aren’t so bad. And isn’t it wonderful to hear the birds at this time of year? I love the thought of them “coming back” now that Spring is here. Take good care.