So far, late fall and early winter seems to consist of a stuffy head and very little energy. I’m hoping that disappears ASAP, because I’m over it. Sometimes, it’s triggered by allergies and/or a weather change. I also think it’s too dry in here with the heat on so I’m going to start in with the danged humidifier again. I was tired yesterday – so was Don – after a busy week. Multiple trips to NYC, my birthday, Thanksgiving…that’s a lot for us. So we both took it easy.
I’m planning to do more of the same today as I have to go back to the city tomorrow to do a bit more coaching in the morning on Anastasia. Then, it’s back home.
We’ve been watching The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel on Amazon Prime. Have you seen it? It’s a new series that won multiple Emmy awards and we both agree that it’s the best thing we’ve seen in years. In fact, after the first episode ended, we sat on the sofa and could only say, “Wow. Wow! WOW!!” Incredible performances by everyone involved, pitch perfect set design, and a music soundtrack that feels like something I would have picked. Whoever decides on the music must be my twin. Anyway, I – we – recommend it highly. We’re watching Episode 8 tonight, which is the last episode of the first season. The second season debuts in early December.
The book that Don gave me for my birthday (found in a local used bookstore):
Can’t wait to dig in! Maybe I can start using a slew of ‘descriptive” French phrases when complaining about you-know-who.
And I have to share the birthday card from Rick and Doug, which echoes something I had remarked on just a few days earlier:
Ain’t that the truth!
You might remember that I buy one or two Vintage by Crystal designs every year. Her work is exquisite. This came yesterday:
She calls this a Butterfly Rider. I am enchanted by her. She comes with an ornament hook.
Crystal’s work is made primarily of spun cotton and paper ephemera.
I think I’ll try to take a photo of all my Vintage by Crystal pieces so you can get an idea of her sense of whimsy. And you know that I love whimsy.
Happy Saturday.
Debbie Price says
That birthday card…what a hoot! I do wish I looked so good when I am completely frazzled!
Safe travels tomorrow.
Hoping you both have a quiet, relaxing day.
Claudia says
Me too! I love that card.
Linda @ A La Carte says
I was exhausted yesterday but feel much better today. I have to get new tires on my Honda CR-V..ugh. Ashleigh and Sara have taken the kids out to breakfast. I’ll give them some ‘sister’ time later. I bought a Flamingo from Crystal and I love it. I need to take a photo to share. It will go on the white tree in my bedroom for Christmas. I’m ready to get some Christmas decorations up!! Rest and happy Saturday!
Claudia says
When does Ashleigh leave? Tomorrow?
Linda @ A La Carte says
Early Tue. A nice long visit!!
Claudia says
Good!
Shanna says
We loved Mrs. Mazel, too…sooo good! Haven’t seen the second season yet, as we don’t subscribe to Amazon Prime. Yearly fees have put me off “joining” anything. (I must be allergic!) But at some point, I know that I’ll cave and pay. Ugh. (I do plenty of shopping on Amazon and it seems they are taking longer and longer to ship when you don’t subscribe to Prime.)
Your Vintage by Crystal pieces make me smile. Hope you feel better soon.
Claudia says
I don’t like paying to subscribe either – but there’s so little on cable that I’m interested in!
Donnamae says
Yes…I am curious to see what phrases from that book you’ll be able to use….what a hoot! And that card…um, yeah.
I’d forgotten about your Vintage by Crystal pieces you have…it will be fun to see your collection. I had planned on doing nothing yesterday. But…with the weather so mild, I decided yesterday was a good day to put out our outdoor holiday decoration. Just a few swags around the lights…and garland on the railing. Trying to beat the snow….now, it’s done. Have a good rest today….I’m going to join you! ;)
Claudia says
I’m thinking of putting out the Christmas lights that we hang from the porch railing, but I’ll probably wait until next week.
Eileen Bunn says
We loved the first season of Mrs. Maisel. We’re saving the second season for some snowy day. I know there will be plenty to choose from.
You may be running into some problems with your paternal grandmother’s side because there was an adoption in there somewhere. I had always heard that the family took in a young neighbor who ended up being our great grandma. We have records where the spelling is Blumberg and Blumburg. Gordy did a lot of work on it. I’ll check my records and see if I can come up with something.
Happy belated birthday.
Love you,
Eileen
Claudia says
Oh, that’s an interesting twist! Yes, please, anything you can find out would be most appreciated. Even our great grandfather just has ‘born in Germany’ and I can’t find anything other than that. I know Gordy is also on Ancestry but I think the info he has apart from that site is more detailed than what he’s put on the Ancestry tree. I’ll reach out to him, too.
Wendy T says
Claudia, Rest in between bouts of busy is a good plan! Safe travels to NYC. Hope it’s smooth and has few hassles. Thanksgiving was restful with just me and my daughters (especially since daughters did all the cooking and clean up!), then we visited my parents yesterday. Dad can’t swallow reliably all the time, so we had to come up with an appropriate treat to make him. No more cookies or pie crusts. My daughter ended up making a coffee panna cotta. He really liked it. I’m grocery shopping today and then knitting or reading the rest of the day. Then tomorrow, we drive daughter back to school. I want a low key weekend since jury selection begins early Monday morning and I doubt if I get nap breaks!
Claudia says
That’s right! You have – or might have – jury duty. Good luck!
Carol says
Hi Claudia :) I love your birthday card! I also love Crystal’s work. I was lucky enough to win one of her lovely creations a couple of years ago. Her work is so unique. I think your butterfly creation is simply exquisite!
Claudia says
Oh, lucky you! She’s amazingly talented,
Kay Nickel says
I appreciate your recommendations for books, movies and shows. Thank you.
Claudia says
You’re welcome!
nancybluemoon says
Your birthday book looks like fun!..I love that card..lol..Crystal’s creations are amazing and so vintage looking..now I must go check out her website again.. Have a good trip to the city again tomorrow!
Claudia says
Thank you, Nancy!
jan says
I spent a few years in France when I was a kid. The most popular insult was the word for ‘pig’. Try that one! it fits!
Claudia says
I will! Thanks, Jan!
Jane Krovetz, NC says
We love The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel! I can’t wait for it to return! We just started watching The Kaminski Method. It’s also good. I suspect we have similar tastes. I always enjoy your recommendations for books and shows. Great card – I was helping my mother- in- law fill out a form the other day on the computer. She was born in 1930 – talk about long scroll downs!
Claudia says
The scroll down is when I have to face the reality of how old I really am!