Taken around 7:30 am this morning. It’s still coming down.
Well, I have been taken by surprise. Don informed me last night that snow was on the way. For some reason I hadn’t checked the weather for Saturday. I was more concerned about Sunday, the day I travel to Hartford. I could kick myself because there is some shopping that needs to be done and I could have done it yesterday.
Yesterday was a day that saw me lose it – finally – over the whole election and a feeling of hopelessness came over me that I couldn’t shake. I won’t go into it here except to say what I’ve just said. It hit Don, as well.
Today I have to pack and do some last minute work on some foreign language sections of the text of The Comedy of Errors. I had planned to grocery shop, but depending on when this now-going-on-6-inches of snow ends and on how long it takes us to dig out, I may end up doing that on my way to Hartford.
I took these photos when I went out in my flannel pajamas (and a coat and boots, of course) to see if the New York Times had been delivered. I’m not at all surprised that it wasn’t there – the roads hadn’t been plowed. Don came out to join me and take some pictures of his own.
We’re both getting sad that I’m leaving. We really do love being together. We like our life here in the cottage, our routines, the comfort that this place provides. But we also know we need to shake it up a bit and, as always, once I get to Hartford and get settled, I’ll adjust. And so will Don.
We’ll have to deal with this again in the spring. This time, not only will I be working at the theater again, Don will be journeying out to the LaJolla Playhouse in LaJolla, California (just up the road from San Diego) at the same time to work on a new musical. It features the music of Jimmy Buffett and it’s called Escape to Margaritaville. He auditioned last week, had a callback the next day, then another callback on this past Monday so that Jimmy Buffett could see and hear him. He thought he most likely wouldn’t be cast as they’d also auditioned actors in Los Angeles, but he got the job! It will be a lot of fun for him. And bonus for me – his run extends well beyond my time in Hartford, so I’ll be able to fly out and visit him. Huzzah!
Dear friends, tomorrow will be too crazy for me to post. So I will take the day off from posting and be back again on Monday morning. Okay?
Happy Saturday.
Melina says
Safe trip tomorrow. Please, throw yourself into the work and try to NOT think about what’s going on in this country. And, congrats to Don!
Claudia says
It will be a welcome distraction, Melina! Thank you.
Linda @ A La Carte says
So happy and excited for Don!! I’m still trying to ignore the election results but it’s hard and makes me so sad. So just stay busy and be safe as you travel to Hartford. I know you will miss Don, but you do love your work and will enjoy it. The snow is beautiful and makes your little cozy cottage look even more welcoming! Hugs.
Claudia says
I think I was hoping that President Obama would somehow ‘save’ us during his Press Conference yesterday, though I know it’s a silly hope.
Ah, well.
Janet in Rochester says
I was hoping the same thing, Claudia. Still am actually. Maybe I’ve read too many Tom Clancy books, or maybe it’s entirely Desperate, Hopeful, Wishful thinking on my part, but something tells me things MIGHT just be bubbling below the surface that the President couldn’t [or wouldn’t ever] talk about. He’s far too intelligent & measured to reveal anything. I believe his whole “being helpful” posture with Trump is an act – a prelude to something. Donald is nothing if not gullible to praise & compliments [like any other 4-year old would be]. At the very least I think the President is planning for retaliation against Russia before he leaves office [he knows it wouldn’t happen afterward]. For all we know, it’s even been carried out already. There are things that can be done that literally take a single keystroke to accomplish. And of course we’ll probably never know about that. Bottom line I think the President could very well still be planning something. Not necessarily something that would keep Trump out of the White House – I honestly feel he won’t last even half his first term – but SOMETHING. There could be career government people helping too. Or – like I said – it could just be wishful thinking and an overactive imagination on my part. But wouldn’t it just be the best if it was true?
Claudia says
I would get down on my knees and thank you, Janet, if your thoughts about this came true! I do feel like there might be something down the pike – before the inauguration. I had a fantasy yesterday of Obama saying he had been arrested for treason and then the camera cutting to him being led away in handcuffs. Certainly what he has done, conspiring with the Russians, is tantamount to treason.
Janet in Rochester says
Oh I like your idea too! The sight of Humpty Trumpty being led away in handcuffs would be Beyond Joyful. I can imagine people driving around honking their car horns in jubilation, like they did when WWII ended [my Mom told me]. That’s what I plan to do if it ever happens!
#ThisIsNotNormal – InFactIt’sNuts
Claudia says
I’d be throwing a party and sending up fireworks!
Shanna says
That is a precious shot of your lovely cottage bedecked with lights and snow! Beautiful! And congrats to Don on the musical, too! How exciting! Jimmy Buffet is a favorite around the Beach Shack. It sounds like a very happy job in La Jolla. Take care and travel safely to Hartford.
Claudia says
I think it will be a very happy job, Shanna!
Denise says
Congratulations to Don and safe travel for you!
Claudia says
Thank you, Denise!
Doris says
A very nice picture of your home. Safe travels to Hartford tomorrow. Take care!
Claudia says
Thank you, Doris!
Wendy T says
Hope the snow stops enough for you to drive safely and quickly to Hartford, Claudia. There’s so much to do with a temporary move like this one, so no wonder you didn’t think of checking the weather. I’m so happy for Don getting the role. How fun is that! I love local theater and this year splurged with season tickets for two theater’s near me.
Claudia says
Don is using the snowblower as I write this, Wendy.
Carolyn Marie says
I love the photo of the cottage! Safe travels.
Claudia says
Thank you Carolyn Marie!
Donnamae says
The snow is beautiful…just not great timing for you! Fantastic news for Don…and you! Something to look forward to! And for now…you will have a major distraction….focus on that. I know I will certainly miss the Obama’s, and all that they represent. They handle life with grace. We have to find little positive’s to focus on in the coming days. I’m certainly going to try. Travel safe and enjoy the journey!! ;)
Claudia says
Yes, something positive every day, Donnamae!
Hedy King says
Safe travels tomorrow and on your return home. Congratulations to Don, what fun!
Honestly I was just like you, hoping for a miracle during the President’s news conference yesterday. 🙄
Claudia says
It was not to be, Hedy! I think that’s what left me deflated. Thank you!
Chris from Normal says
I’m saying a prayer of safe traveling for you Claudia. Congratulations to Don!
Claudia says
Thank you, Chris!
Leanne S says
Safe travels tomorrow, Claudia! And Congrats to Don! You’ll be back in my neck of the woods. We don’t have a subscription to the La Jolla Playhouse currently but I’ll keep my eyes peeled for it.
Claudia says
Thank you, Leanne!
Nancy Moreland says
Hi Claudia, just take a deep breath, everything will work out, your house is so pretty with the snow. I know its a burden right now because of what you have to do but just take a second and enjoy it and appreciate the beauty. At least you have your health and your not worrying about that. Congrats on the new job for Don coming up in the spring, yes that sounds like it will be fun! Have a safe trip!!
hugs and Merry Christmas!
Claudia says
Thank you, Nancy! Merry Christmas to you, as well!
Mary says
Just got in from shoveling the long driveway and sidewalk….that was heavy snow. Husband unable to do anymore ( medical) he has got to show me how to use snow blower!!! We have got to stop giving Trump a place in our head. I will say this in my almost 50 years of voting I have never felt the WRONG person is in office. We have all supported candidates that did not win but oh well. This time is is not so ” oh well”. Have a wonderful and safe trip and Congratulations to Don. I know you will both excel. Sweet photo of your cottage this morning.
Claudia says
You’re right. I shouldn’t give him any more space in my head, Mary!
Thank you.
Chris K in Wisconsin says
We have the same stuff falling from above. ugh. I hope the roads are cleared for you later in the day. We are to have a high of -5 (actual temp) tomorrow after this latest storm. It just keeps getting to be more and more “fun”.
What fun news for Don!! You will both have a busy Spring. (Which, by the way, is only 93 days away.) Safe travels tomorrow, Claudia!!
Claudia says
It’s supposed to rain here tomorrow, which will make for a big old mess! But I will have to grin and bear it, Chris. Thank you!
Grace says
All the best,Claudia.
Claudia says
Thank you, Grace!
Kathy says
Safe travels, Claudia and congratulations to Don.
Claudia says
Thank you, Kathy!
Francine says
Safe travels tomorrow, Claudia! Immerse yourself in your work to take your mind off current affairs! Congratulations to Don and something to look forward to in the spring!! There’s lots to be happy about!! Safe journey and may this snow be gone by then!!
Claudia says
Work will be a great way to distract myself, Francine. Thank you!
Laura C says
So happy to hear that you both have work lined up in the spring! The overlap will make loneliness a little less, hopefully. We’ve had quite a bit of snow here at the other end of the state, lake effect mostly, I guess. Rain is due for us too. I’ll send it along to you. ;)
Claudia says
Okay! It’s going to be warmer tomorrow and rainy. Crazy weather, Laura!
Dianne says
Congratulations to Don with his wonderful news!….one of life’s blessing when news like this comes along………I’m with you concerning upcoming events……it still seems like a horror that just can’t be true; it makes me feel better when I remember that millions ,yep millions more of us voted against him that voted for him. That is a facet he won’t be able to escape and he needs to be reminded of that every day……between those who voted for Hillary and all those who voted for third party candidates, he really is outnumbered and sooner or later that will matter; he does not have the support of the majority……we need to keep reminding ourselves he has the position by a quirk of the electoral college, not by consensus. Wishing we could all stand shoulder to shoulder in front of him and give him a dose of the truth; with his colossal ego sooner or later it it will get to him.
Have a safe trip and the company you will be with is certain to help. ……Dianne
Claudia says
Yes, as much as he crows and congratulations himself, he did not win the popular vote and he certainly does not, despite what he says, have a mandate! Oh, how I wish we could do that – stand shoulder to shoulder and face him with the truth.
Thank you, Dianne!
Dianne says
PS the picture of the cottage with it’s lights is beautiful ……..Dianne
Claudia says
Thank you!
Janet in Rochester says
Don’t you just loathe it when you’re super-busy & the weather doesn’t cooperate? Adds insult to injury, in my opinion. Well, travel safely & be careful. Everything will work out – no need to rush or stress over it. Raining here in Rochester now – hope it washes the snow away! ⭐️
Claudia says
Yes, this snow is a pain in the tush. And then it’s going to turn to icy rain. Crap. But it is going to warm up tomorrow, so by the time I get on the road, it should be fairly clear. Fingers crossed!
kathy says
the snow is beautiful! i’m sorry it’s arrived at a bad time for you and will pray for safe travels.
congratulations to don on that new job! i love jimmy buffett … his music makes me happy (and dance) and his lyrics are clever, happy, thoughtful. i knew a musical was in the works (finally!) and hope to see it sometime next year. :)
best wishes on all you have to do, claudia.
kathy (aka longtime parrothead) in iowa
Claudia says
Thank you, Kathy. I hope that when you get a chance to see it, Don is in it. Wouldn’t that be cool?
kathy says
don being in a jimmy buffett musical would be another reason to see it … so, yes, cool! i’ll count on it. :)
Claudia says
xo
Kaye Smith says
Safe traveling, Claudia. Don’s play sounds like fun. I’m glad he got the part. I arranged my day yesterday so I would be home for President Obama’s press conference. I wanted him to have some big news that would make it all OK. Alas……..
Claudia says
I did, too. I was hoping against hope. But no. Thank you, Kaye!
Debbie says
Wishing you safe travels! Hope you stay warm & cozy. Congratulations to Don on his good news!
Claudia says
Thank you, Debbie!
Rose Hester says
I was so happy to hear that Don is coming to California and that you will be visiting also. Don has such a great voice and love his choice of music. I would sure love to meet you both but, I can not make a trip to southern California. Is it a play that Don will be in?
Praying for the country and our leaders, that is all I can do.
Have a safe trip.
Claudia says
It’s a musical, Rose. It will be a lot of fun for him, and hopefully, for the audience!
Thank you, Rose.
Jan says
Have a safe trip to Hartford Claudia, and congratulations Don.
Claudia says
Thank you, Jan!
monica says
I love the snowy pics of your house and yard. The lights on the porch are perfect.
Everything looks like a postcard. : )
I keep thinking or hoping by some miracle we will be saved before inauguration day.
But…
I know you have to be crazy busy. Be careful tomorrow driving. I know you will fix your
apt. up nicely and make it homey. I think originally when I found your blog, you had just
gone to Hartford last year. Or you went shortly after I discovered MBHC.
I would love to have about 6 inches of that snow but it’s not going to happen here yet.
This morning we woke up to icy roads. The sun came out after 1:00 pm & melted that
stuff. I love snow & I hate ice. I saw 2 beautiful cardinals in my back yard today and
thought of you.
Take care & stay safe,
xo Monica
Claudia says
Thank you so much, Monica!
Melanie says
Safe travels to Hartford! Great news about Don getting that job in CA. How fun!
Claudia says
Thank you, Melanie!
Sherry says
Many congrats to Don! You have a safe and happy trip!
Claudia says
Thank you, Sherry!
Nancy Blue Moon says
Oh Claudia…That is such a pretty picture of your home….very frame worthy…I know you probably won’t see this right away but I wish a safe trip for you and such wonderful news for Don…Jimmy Buffet…how exciting!…Hugs to both of you…
Claudia says
Thank you, Nancy!
Regula says
This is good news. Your house looks very christmassy with all the snow and the lights. Have a nice weekend. Regula
Claudia says
Thank you, Regula!
Lily says
Claudia, I have loved the photos of your lovely cottage the last couple days. It looks so inviting, warm and cozy in the snow. And the photo the day before with the sunshine shining across your cabinet of beautiful pottery is gorgeous!
I hope you are safe and sound in Hartford now, and getting settled in. I hope you enjoy your time there.
I definitely think something is bubbling under the surface regarding Trump and Russia. I don’t think he will become President after all. And we will all rejoice!
Claudia says
I hope you’re right, Lily! Oh, I hope you’re right!
Judy Shaw says
Hope you are now safely in Hartford! Have a productive and fun time there. And lucky you with time to spend in La Jolla. That’s a great place to have fun.
Claudia says
It will be nice to visit CA again, Judy.
Nee says
Safe travels and wonderful new about Don!!
Nee says
news*
Claudia says
xo
Claudia says
Thank you, Nee!