• One more Big Boy arrived last week. It’s the one on the left. And another is arriving this week. Don is collecting them because he loves them and because they remind him of something very, very important that happened in his life, right outside the entrance to a Bob’s Big Boy out in California. A pivotal moment for him and one to celebrate.
I have to say that these little guys make me smile.
The vintage cowboy in the center is also a recent find. Don saw it at an antique shop and he fell in love with it. It’s now a pen/pencil holder.
And you’ve seen Roy and Dale before.
We have a curious combination of a modern-day restaurant chain and the Old West.
• Uh oh! This arrived in the mail yesterday. This is #5 in the series: The Secret at Shadow Ranch. The dust cover is quite worn but there’s a clear cover over it which should protect it from further damage. Another period illustration by Russell H. Tandy.
Some of the books I receive come with a young girl’s name hand written inside the cover. I love that. I can just see that girl writing her name, claiming the book as her own. I promise to take good care of the books. I do.
I drew the names of the winners of a vintage Nancy Drew mystery this morning. The first winner, who gets my extra copy of The Mystery at the Moss-Covered Mansion is Debbie Price! The runner-up, who will received a package from Barbara containing The Mystery of the Brass Bound Trunk, is Julie Shaw. Barbara, good news! Julie lives in Canada, so sending the book won’t involve Customs!
I will send emails to both of you today because I need your mailing addresses.
• It’s a very rainy day here. “We need it, we need it,” I tell myself when I start to find the rain annoying. I just finished the new Michael Connelly – The Wrong Side of Goodbye. I have come to expect excellence from Connelly and I wasn’t disappointed. I recommend every book he has ever written. Truly.
I’m headed to the bookstore today to nab a copy of Flea Market Style, which is being published again and comes out today. I’m also going to get the new Lee Child, which came out last week.
• I will be changing the font for anything that might be termed ‘political’ but that is, to me, about human rights. So fair warning: if you simply don’t want to read about that on any given day, just scroll past it. Okay?
• A note about what is happening out there. Hate crimes are increasing. I told you the other day that a close friend of mine, a well-known man who I work with frequently, has an immediate family member who was just subjected to a hate crime and a threat, as well.
Yesterday, I heard from a former student who is a well-known actress (I won’t divulge her name). She has been subjected to attacks on Twitter, accusing her of trying to pass herself off as ‘white’ when she is Jewish. (She is Jewish and proudly so.) They’ve said “Nice try, Jew.” They’ve called her “Kike.”
And a man who is an avowed white supremacist, is anti-semitic, and who peddles conspiracy theories has been appointed to a staff position in the White House.
Message received.
But not tolerated. Not one bit.
Rest in Peace to the respected and excellent journalist, Gwen Ifill. We watched her every night on the PBS News Hour. She was what a good journalist should be in this land of pundit-filled cable news. She will be sorely missed.
Happy Tuesday.
There used to be a Big Boy in Lancaster, Ohio. I worked there. Lasted two weeks. Being kind of shy, it didn’t help that a lady yelled at me using profanity.
I heard last night on our news at our local school of middle school kids threatening another student because of his race. So wrong.
Adding to that a year later went into the Army. I really heard profanity then. Go figure. I am laughing at myself right now.
I bet you did!
It is very wrong, Trina. xo
Is there a way to remove what I typed?
You can’t edit a comment, but I can. What do you want removed, Trina?
It just doesn’t seem to be stopping, all this hate. Texas has just filed a new bill to similar to NC to undo LGBT protections. Not alright Texas!
Love the Big Boy’s and the new Nancy Drew book, those covers are such works of art. Congrats to the book winners. I love Michael Connelly and Lee Child. Both books I will be reading as soon as I can.
I’m still hopeful that Love will trump hate!
Oh no! I hadn’t read that.
Love will trump hate. I know it will.
Each day brings more horror. I don’t think I can bear it.
I know. Even though we’re trying to avoid the news because we don’t want to hear a word from that man, news does get through and it’s very upsetting.
Don needs to fashion miniature 10-gallon hats for this Big Boys! Enjoy some me time flipping through Flea Market Style.
I will. I have to get going and venture out in the rain, Wendy.
Another blog friend posted about the death of Gwen Ifill. Very sad. She was well-spoken and personable. And definitely too young.
All these people think they voted for change. Problem is, change can be good or bad, and right now, it’s looking very bad. How anyone can listen to anything that man has to say and feel confident and proud is beyond me.
I can’t understand it. But it fills me with fear, that’s for sure.
Good grief! How much stress can we take? I see that ugly hate spouting face of Trump as the starting point for every cruel act perpetrated. I loved Gwen and didn’t know she died; another unbelievable loss. I stay away from the news; physically cannot withstand it…..Dianne
She died yesterday, Dianne. She was only 61.
As soon as I saw it on the post, I quickly went to search for details. Three things about her you cannot forget: she was highly intelligent, extremely competent, and had great personal dignity. So sad for this loss. Dianne
Yes, she had all those qualities, Dianne. Such a loss!
I have become a Michael Connelly fan because of your blog. I had not read any of his books before your endorsement. I get frustrated with my local library’s sluggish pace getting new books I want to read, but somebody there is a Connelly fan too. As soon as he puts out something new the library has several copies in both book form and sound recording.
Every morning brings a new story about the meanness that’s been unleashed. The one that caught my eye this morning was from West Virginia where a Director of a state and federally funded program called Michelle Obama an ape in heels and the Mayor of the town agreed. Hope those two are brushing up their resumes.
I saw that horrifying bit of news yesterday. These are public officials speaking. They had better be fired, Kaye. I know there are petitions out there asking for that very thing.
So glad you like Michael Connelly! The newest book is terrific!
Perpetually-naive me thought we were SO past making such cruel, ugly, racist comments. My dad was born in the South where negative stuff like that existed in the early part of the 20th century (segregation) and I remember when I was a kid that he said, as his awareness (sense of what’s right) increased, maturing into his teens, he’d worked to eradicate certain terms from his vocabulary which were unkind words thrown around when he was growing up…old, discriminatory sayings and name tags that were wrong, inappropriate; just awful. He didn’t want to be any part of Hate. I feel like we’re going back in time 60 or 70 years…for the worse. Can you imagine the string of emotions felt by Michelle Obama, to be the recipient of such terrible, uncalled for, nasty words? She’ll go high…but it feels like a wound. I keep thinking of that childhood rhyme, “Sticks and stones may break my bones but words will never hurt me.” Not true. Words DO hurt. I feel so sad again. My country feels like a rollercoaster that’s out of control and descending rapidly, heading for a crash. Every time I try to uplift, get positive, something more happens to deflate me.
I did, too. Why would we think that there was that much vileness and hatred out there? I thought we had evolved, but it turns out some of our population has devolved. Or never evolved to being with and are now being given permission to show their true colors.
I can’t believe someone said that about Michelle Obama, a woman who I admire about as much as it’s possible to admire someone. Classy, smart, funny, strong…she is all that and more.
Associated Press (AP): Last week in Kentucky, Republican Dan Johnson defeated incumbent Democrat Linda Belcher in Bullitt County in a race for the state House of Representatives, despite a series of posts he put on Facebook depicting President Barack Obama and his wife as monkeys. Republican officials, including likely new House Speaker Jeff Hoover, had called on Johnson to drop out of the race. But Hoover declared last week that Johnson would be “welcome in our caucus.”
Unbelievable. Truly unbelievable.
I like the cover of the new book – it must be a week for horses!
My daughter was studying at the library on campus yesterday and said that she heard the sound of hooves. She looked out the window and there was a group of horsemen just below. She never did figure out why, but it made for a nice photo!
I have to back off reading about the potential candidates for the various positions in the new American government. Too frightening – especially in the education department.
I know. And for the EPA – a climate change denier.
I had to pull myself away from any online news sites about an hour ago. I’m repeating: Live in the now, Claudia. Live in the now.
Very sound advice!
xo
My husband’s still partly ‘in the biz’ and had met Gwen Ifill. He had enormous respect for her. I was with him yesterday afternoon when he stumbled on the headline about her passing…and he gasped. He considered her a stellar talent.
I meant to say yesterday that the horse photos were so enjoyable. You have an eye for light when taking photos which results in a stunning image.
Didn’t I briefly come upon a feature article title on the web yesterday about a woman who’s trying to start a front-yard sign campaign called “Make America KIND Again”?? I should try to find that article today…
The Nancy Drews are so much fun; amazing that the colorful dust covers remain as intact as you’re finding them, after so many years.
I fully know the love for a Big Boy. It’s 1950s childhood all over again. Ask Don if was ever at the restaurant in Burbank; it’s a classic. Is Don by chance also an In-N-Out Burger fan? Still hugely-popular here in SoCalif. We went by one yesterday evening but the lines, as usual (cars/drive-thru), were out to the road lane. My ex-boyfriend would send the empty burger wrappers to his best friend in college (out of state) as a friendly prank…because his friend was ‘dying’ for a decent burger. I went to an In-N-Out Burger for the first time in the ’70s (in “The Valley” [L.A.]); their fries alone are memorable.
She was extraordinary, Vicki.
I didn’t see that article, but if you find it, do send me the link, Vicki.
Don doesn’t remember if he was at the Big Boy in Burbank. When I first met Don, he got pneumonia, and he asked me to drive to In-N-Out Burger to get him a burger and fries. I did, but with the windows down because I didn’t want the smell of meat in my car (vegetarian.) We’ve been to many In-N-Outs! (I always just got the fries.)
Well, the fries are all you need!
I don’t know how to do links! In The Huffington Post on 11-14-16:
Amanda Blanc has been spreading kindness this election season with yard signs that include a short yet important message. Blanc, who lives in Sacramento, California, made the signs after getting inspiration from a local Facebook group. She finally settled on a phrase similar to Donald Trump’s campaign slogan, but with a tiny twist: “Make America Kind Again.” The creative graphic designer started selling the signs on Etsy in October. She estimated she needed her first order to be 15 to 20 signs. That quickly grew to an order of 200. Now that the election is over, she has received more orders for the signs, as well as other products that include her design like tumblers and tote bags. “They have taken off since election day, and I think it’s because there is a general desire for the movement,” she told The Huffington Post. “So many people have reached out to me thanking me for this, and I think it’s because it’s something that was sort of missing during the campaign season.” Blanc clarified that the signs are not a political statement. She told ABC News that her kids partly inspired the yard signs and that it’s important to her that they “see kindness.” And her plan seems to be working. “My daughter loves talking about the signs,” Blanc said. “She repeats the message all day long!”
I think I will be ordering a sign, Vicki. I have that magnet on the back of my car that says Kindness Matters, but I’d love a sign!
I still have not watched news since “that day”. I am upset that an orange cockatoo could do that to me. I’m still wondering which post David Duke will get. Education, possibly?? Start ’em young!
We have had some beautiful weather days in November. My rose bushes all bloomed again last week!! It was 63* yesterday, and Thursday it is supposed to be 66*. Then the “s” word on Saturday when the high is only supposed to be 39*!! But only “s” flurries. ugh.
Hope you got out and about, and that you have a terrific Tuesday!!
I did get out, but it was pouring! And now I’m sneezing. Ah, well. Don’s playing his guitar and I’m replying to comments and then I’m going to settle down with a good magazine, Chris.
Claudia, as you know I approve of your ” political posts.” We must everyone stand together against hate and bigotry. This is about Human Rights!
It is indeed. Human Rights – for ALL.
Still struggling in Virginia. Yes, we went Blue, but I live in the Red part of the state. I have lost family members who will not listen to me and make fun of me. Facebook is no longer an option. Your posts on the protests REALLY helped! I am thinking of joining the Million Women March in D.C. Michael Moore has said the time for civil and peaceful demonstrations are now. Also, so afraid for Tim Kaine, a truly honorable man, in the next election. I am hoping that he stays our senator. Thank you for being honest and caring. It is time for the caring and compassionate to become assertive. We are not liberal sheep!
Virginia needs Tim Kaine. We need Tim Kaine. He is the best kind of public servant.
If you live in Virginia, I suppose getting to the Million Women March would be fairly stress-free. I’d love to go, but I’ll have just finished my work at the theater and will be traveling back home on that day.
Finding myself torn between wanting to know every detail of what Trumpty & company are up to – and wanting to run off to Bermuda where I would only have to cope with sand, sun, ocean breezes, motorized bikes, naps & a reasonable quantity of rum. I go from feeling we’re doomed to having complete optimism and faith in what I know are the vast majority of the American people. so, how long will this roller coaster last? Cuz I’m getting a lil queasy. Will it be the price we pay in order to remain vigilant? If it is, it won’t be easy but I can handle it. I’m OK with it. LET’S DO THIS! But PS – I wouldn’t be honest if I didn’t say that I would NOT be disappointed to see Trumpty get bored & resign within a year. Or more likely, get himself indicted.
PS – I love the font change for political views. Not only practical, but from a visual standpoint, it adds interest to the page [I do calligraphy & in classes we were given tips on designing a pleasing-to-the-eye page. Having multiple fonts or typefaces was one of the first things stressed].
He’ll be bored within about 1 day of becoming President.
I think changing fonts is nice for websites, etc., but not for a blog that is a journal of sorts. I like to keep to the style of a consistent font for my posts because I’m telling a story and the eye needs to travel along the words of the story easily. But I thought using a different font for the Human Rights portion of my posts would serve to warn those who aren’t in the mood on any particular day.
I just read there has been a 67% increase in hate crimes towards Muslims in the last year, not Muslims toward anyone else. That is because one man thought it was okay to unleash his furry and the masses have agreed.
Each morning I wake up and look at the news and can’t imagine that the list of characters headed to our White House for four years can get any worse. Then I wake up the next day and it is worse. Such disgusting and hateful people, and they have brought out the worst in the bigots in America who now think it’s OKAY to practice bigotry and hate in our country. This will be a four year nightmare for our country and our reputation around the world. Two of my six grandchildren are dark skinned… adopted…and I now fear for my just turned thirteen year old grandson and what this is all going to mean for him. I am finding it difficult to sleep through the nights and hope SOMEONE… ANYONE…. can find a way to stop this man and his buffoons.
Dear Claudia,
I have been looking, both in your blog and Meredith’s, for a way to send you both a private message. For obvious reasons, I do not want to reveal more than is necessary in a public forum. But I wanted to express my whole-hearted support for the courage you both have shown in your blog postings, and would like to send you a copy of what I sent to my closest friends this evening.
I have only been following your sister’s blog for a short time, but I am in awe of the courage
Meredith and her family have shown in taking on the care of little Buddy. We have a special needs child in our family too, and I can only say that he has repaid every moment of his care with miracles beyond imagining. I am sure that is true for your family too. Please note my
e-mail address below. Thank you. I hope to hear from you soon.
Carol, if you look at the top of my sidebar, there is an envelope icon – that’s a symbol for email. If you click on it, you will get my email address.
Thank you so much! If I don’t hear from you, I’ll try to contact you via your email address later today.
I understand. Anyone with children or grandchildren must be fearful of the days ahead. xo
It seems as if Pandora’s Box has been opened, and we’ve also morphed back to the sixties. Not good! Very sad indeed.
It’s sad and frightening, Judy. Almost too much to bear.