A very foggy morning, but as the sun started to break through the clouds, I took this picture.
Isn’t this a nicely lazy week? Though we were fairly busy yesterday, grocery shopping in the morning, recycling, and then in the early afternoon, I drove to Oblong Books to get a copy of Jane Eyre. Today, on the other hand, will be slow and easy and I’m all for that.
The tree is still up and I must say I love seeing those lights in the early morning. Very cozy and comforting for yours truly.
I’m reading 3 books at the moment; the book about The Seine, Jane Eyre, and a wonderful book that I asked for and Don gave me for Christmas, Hotel Chelsea; Living in the Last Bohemian Haven. I’ve long been fascinated by the Hotel Chelsea in NYC, which has been a haven for eccentrics, artists, and musicians for decades. It has undergone many changes in the last twenty years. It was sold to a nefarious landlord, then sold again, then sold again. The nefarious landlord pressured everyone to move out using appalling tactics. The tenants formed an association and fought to retain their rent control status. They won. All along the way, the hotel has been in the process of renovation and many of the period details are gone. Those that stayed there during the renovations have fallen into a couple of different groups; some took offers for larger apartments that would be renovated by the owners, some refused any changes to their apartments because they wanted to retain all the period and quirky architectural elements, some took offers and moved out. The book, which is a gorgeous coffee table book, interviews some of the residents who have lived there for years and have no intention of moving out. Fascinating. Some of the decor is eccentric, to say the least. Some of it is drop-dead gorgeous. If you’re curious about the hotel, google it. The list of people who lived there over the years is amazing.
Alright, my friends, I have to hit publish so this goes out today.
Happy Saturday.
I’m of the Twelve Days of Christmas mindset, leaving my tree up til then or close to it. The nights are still long, and it is such a comfort to have the glow of the lights when I’m getting up in the dark and coming home from work in the dark. I don’t have a ton of Christmas decorations, so I don’t feel overwhelmed by having it all still out. Enjoying my last days off before going back to work Monday. :(
You’re so right. It’s comforting! Enjoy your free days, Lynda.
Sounds like a great read — all of them but Chelsea especially. What a perfect day to read! I’m getting ready for some kitchen reno/painting etc. and that means cleaning out EVERYTHING. This won’t happen tomorrow!
I’m getting in the mood to toss things! Happens every year at this time!
It’s very gloomy here today, so it’s a perfect day for us to watch college football, and, get a few other putzy things done. I have the attention span of a gnat today…so no reading for me. Glad to hear one of us gets to read today! ;)
Well, except for this morning, I haven’t read yet! I’ve vacuumed, done laundry and straightened up! Thanks, Donna!
It is a gloomy day, as Donnamae said. It is also my 70th birthday. I almost always get SNOW on my day, but today, because of the temps moving upwards, it is rain. I will gladly take that!! Kids are all coming for dinner tonight, so don’t have to worry about the weather for their drive. Made sloppy joes, homemade potato salad, cucumber salad, baked beans, and hubs made my traditional pineapple upside down cake. I am so over rich and so sweet food items!!!!! Picnic food in December!!
I am glad you get to read for the afternoon….my most favorite thing to do! Hope you are both feeling better.
to chris k …
happy birthday! i hope this will be your best year yet. the plans you describe sound like a lovely start!
kathy in iowa
Thank you Iowa Kathy!!!!! I hope your holiday was lovely and the new year ahead is a wonderful one!!!!! Don’t ever let anyone tell you 70 is the new 50….. not true!!!
hej, chris k!
thanks for those wishes. same to you and your family!
i am 61 and, while there are some gifts that come with older ages, i know there are some tough things too. i am going to try to focus on the good things. hope that’s what you have … good things.
hope you are having a nice birthday and weekend!
kathy in iowa
Unfortunately, I haven’t read yet! It’s a sunny day and I can see dust, so I’m cleaning! Thanks, Chris.
AND HAPPY BIRTHDAY!!!!
Thx, Claudia!!!!!
Happy Birthday Chris! Enjoy the picnic dinner with your family! ;)
I am looking forward to dinner! Sadly, there is an accident on the beltline and they are at a standstill by East Towne… and Thx for the wishes!!!!
Happy Birthday Chris from Queensland, Australia. I am sending you sunshine though it may take a while to get to Wisconsin.
Oh, my!! From Australia! This is, indeed, a special birthday. Thank you so very much. I will be waiting for the sunshine and warm weather to get here. Hopefully it will arrive by May!! Thx again!!
doesn’t sound like a lazy day to me! hope you get plenty of time to read, especially “jane eyre” for work. the other books sound interesting. i don’t get to read as much as i ‘d like, but always appreciate your suggestions and often add titles to my list.
even though there is much i want and need to do, i am taking it easy this weekend to try to shake being sick (went to a “walk-in” clinic this morning
… sore throat is part of sinusitis, trying to avoid bronchitis … not a good time to focus on a storyline). ugh … but it will go away.
anyway, hope you have a good weekend!
kathy in iowa
I couldn’t read when I was sick, either! Take care and feel better, Kathy!
Enjoy your new books. They sound fascinating. We are in for a few rainy days,better than snow.
Marilyn
Yes, same here! Much better than snow. Thanks, Marilyn.
The book about the Chelsea sounds fascinating! I am a big fan of old hotels and when I get a chance I’ll stay in one even if it’s slightly run down over a newer fancier one. The sense of history and layers of eras and lives and architecture and styles and workmanship and design just puts my soul in another place entirely. Last summer I took a short trip to California and I was able to stay at the Biltmore right in old downtown LA. The rooms are huge but nowhere near elegant, very small doorways, and original fixtures in the bathrooms with the classic b&w tile floors. The lobby has a gorgeous mural behind the long desk and the entrance is swoon worthy with a carved cheeseboard type ceiling and a Juliet balcony and a fountain and they serve a lovely afternoon tea on Sundays. It’s like stepping back in time. I’m very grateful that individuals and groups have been successful in preserving these grand dames and keeping them so that they can still be used. I’ll look for the book on the Chelsea. It sounds like a great investment. Also a word about Jane Eyre. As an English major, I’ve read that book many times in the course of my life, starting in high school and going all the way thru to graduate school in my 40s, and at each stage I’ve found something newly resonate ini its pages. Jane is one of the most remarkable characters in English lit and a great companion. PS: My tree is still up and my young cat is still flinging ornaments around. We are both pretty happy about it. XO
The Biltmore sounds fascinating, Nora!
I’m enjoying Jane Eyre, though it’s still early in the story. Thanks, Nora!