Oh gardening hat, you look charming. It’s been a long time since you’ve been worn by the mistress of this cottage.
Soon, soon.
I write this accompanied by the honking of Canadian Geese flying overhead. I love that sound. Many, many of them hang out on the river that’s just down the road. They honk and talk to each other, then some will suddenly take off and fly in a V formation. Others will stay behind. I find them fascinating. Sometimes I’ll see just a few on my walk by the river. At other times, it looks like I’m sneaking into a Convention of Canadian Geese. So many!
Yesterday the temperature topped out at over 50 degrees. The sun was shining. A tease, for sure, as temperatures will plunge again this week. But it was so nice. Tina and Noble stopped by and we chatted at the top of the driveway, feeling the sun on our faces. I can’t say with any honesty that I felt spring in the air, but I definitely felt a momentary sense of relief. It will take a long time to completely melt the huge amount of snow around here but I can see less snow on the roof and hear the drip, drip of melting ice in the gutters. The cold will return tomorrow.
Don was walking home from rehearsal the other night with some fellow cast members and there was a sudden heavy rain, out of the blue. His iPhone, which was in his pocket, got wet. Uh oh. He’s tried to dry it out in a bag of rice, which is the usual recommendation, but it’s still wonky. There is no landline in his apartment so we skyped the other night. It was so good to see his darling face! In the meantime, he bought a temporary phone and has an appointment at the Apple Store tomorrow. Let’s hope the phone can be saved.
My recommendations: 1. Get an umbrella. 2. In the future, stash the phone in the inside pocket of your coat, right next to your Kindle.
Scoutie snoozing. She gets up on the sofa in the den and noses that flowered pillow out of her way. Sometimes it lands on the floor. This time, it ended up in this position. Note folded ear on the right. My tired girl has had a hard time of it lately.
The big news can now be revealed. Please visit my sister’s post for today entitled Beautiful Blessings. I’ve stayed silent about this miracle until my sister decided it was the right time to post about it. We’re over the moon about this news! I will write more about little Z later; for now, let Meredith tell you this story. I cannot tell you how much I love and admire my sister and how thrilled Don and I are to welcome this sweet child to our family.
Tomorrow is our monthly linky party for the Christmas Critter Felt Along. I will be putting the post up at 6:00 pm this evening. So stop by tonight or tomorrow and link up your February creations. See you then!
Happy Sunday.
meredith says
I posted about Little Z today.
Hugs and miss you,
M
Claudia says
Love you, sister. Love Z.
Tina says
Oh, Meredith, how blessed you both are! I read the story on your blog and tears are streaming down my cheeks. An angel adopted by an angel! You and your family are special, indeed. And you are correct in that he will give back more than you can ever give to him. A beacon of grace and light in a sometime dark world. Bless you, Tina
susie says
Claudia, Love your cute hat. Sorry to hear about Don phone, hopefully it can be fixed, cheaply. Spring is so near Claudia, hang in there. xoxo,Susie
Claudia says
I will, Susie.
Sylvia says
Thank you for the link to Meredith’s blog. What a special family she has, and indeed they are all blessed.
Claudia says
They are wonderful people, Sylvia.
Tana says
Please give Meredith and her family my congratulations! What a heartwarming story. Hope Don can get his phone fixed.
Tana
Claudia says
I will pass your congratulations along, Tana.
Carolyn Marie says
Congratulations Claudia on becoming an auntie again! What a beautiful story. It reminds us that there are wonderful and loving people in the world.
Claudia says
Yes indeed! I can’t wait to see that little boy and hold him in my arms.
Liz says
Started reading your blog about a week ago and am really enjoying it! Thank you. Still need to read your sister’s blog.
Claudia says
Thanks for stopping by, Liz!
Janet in Rochester says
Congratulations on your new little nephew, Claudia & Don. What a dolly – those eyes! Looks like he’s got a furry brother [Max] and cousin [Scout] too. Personally I don’t think there’s anything more purely-loving and generous than making someone else’s child your own. Your sister and her family are living embodiment of the Golden Rule. God bless them all.
Claudia says
They are wonderful loving people, as is this adorable boy.
Donnamae says
I just read Meredith’s blog post….how wonderful that they found each other! Soon we will be wearing gardening hats….it just can’t come soon enough! 50’s yesterday…I long for 50’s. The big chill has started to descend again here. Sorry to hear about Don’s phone…hope it’s fixable! ;)
Claudia says
It’s only going to 44 today and then the cold comes back tomorrow!
grace says
I incredibly uplifting to read about Meredith and All her family.Blessings!
Claudia says
It is a joyous story, Grace.
Chris k in Wisconsin says
Oh, my! There aren’t words … what your sister and her family have done is beyond amazing. I follow her blog, also, and have always noted the happiness in her words when the little guy was visiting with them, and the sadness when he would be gone again. This commitment is beyond my comprehension. There are angels in this world.
I’m glad that you found a glimmer of hope in the day yesterday. That is how I felt 2 days last week when we had temps into the mid 40’s and sun. It was amazing. Now we are back to zero and below for another 7 to 10 days. But, as I said, those 2 days did make me a believer again. This slip backwards won’t defeat us!! Have a wonderful Sunday.
Claudia says
They are angels and my little nephew is an angel, Chris. We’re so happy for them.
Balisha says
Looking forward to posting the felt critters.
I’ll have to check out your sister’s big news…Have a great day,
Balisha
http://simplybalisha.blogspot.com/
Claudia says
See you at the party, Balisha!
Debbie says
Congratulations on your new nephew! Wishing you much joy!
Claudia says
Thank you, Debbie!
Janie F. says
Thanks for sharing the good news on Meredith’s blog Claudia. Oh my, I am in awe of how sometimes some things are just meant to be. What a lovely gift for Meredith’s family and for the little one who has joined them. This story just made my weekend. So happy for all of you!
Claudia says
It’s a truly wonderful story, Janie. I’m very proud of my sister and her family.
Maggy says
Claudia, your sister’s news is wonderful! I echo what everyone else has said … and what a wonderful, loving family for that cute little boy!
So glad to hear that your snow is melting; hope it continues. Scout is adorable! My dogs will either plop down on top of the pillows or nudge them away, too.
Maggy
Claudia says
The melting will stop tonight as we have colder temps on the way.
Thanks for the well wishes for my sister and her family.
Nancy Blue Moon says
This is our second day of warmer temps..we go back to frigid tomorrow..is has been a much needed break though..Your sweet sister sounds so happy..I left her a comment as everyone involved with this precious boy should be praised for giving him the love he needed to thrive and progress the way he did..Congrats also to Auntie Claudia and Uncle Don..and Cousin Scoutie too of course..lol
Claudia says
We are all thrilled and my sister sounds extremely happy. I get to talk to little Z on the phone and I’m in love with him!
Laura says
Thanks so much for sending me over to Meredith’s blog. Bless her and her husband and bless that precious little boy. Isn’t it nice to have a day or two of warmer weather. It will get me through the cold week ahead. xo Laura
Claudia says
Yes, it sure helps, Laura – we know what’s coming!
Linda @ A La Carte says
My heart is bursting with JOY for little Z and your sister and family. What a beautiful story. Some things are just meant to be!! Wishing you another beautiful day before the cold comes back. Hugs to you and Scout!
Linda
Claudia says
Doesn’t that story make you happy? It sure fills me with joy and gratitude!
Judy Ainsworth says
Claudia,
I don’t know if I’ve mentioned this before?
Each day when I finish reading your blog,
and comments, I feel like my friends went
home! -Judy A-
Claudia says
Aw, that’s so sweet, Judy!
Vicki says
If it’s not covered by so much snow, I’m struck by what sounds like a beautiful place to live…there, in your quaint cottage in a beautiful valley, with a river. I so hope that there will be a day when I can visit such lovely destinations. I’m glad you had a day or two to take a breath and gear up strong for the next assault. You’ll get thru it!
Claudia says
Thanks so much, Vicki.
SueZK says
Auntie Claudia- thank you for sharing this with us. It is a wonderful thing your sister and her family is doing. He is a beautiful little guy. Look into those big brown eyes and get lost in them. there is so much there.
SueZK
Claudia says
I know – isn’t he handsome?
Dawn says
Love that first pic :) Wow 50 we hit 32 and thought that was a heat wave. Nothing thawing here yet hubby fell on the ice yesterday (not good). Heading over to your sisters place now.
Claudia says
Falling on the ice is not a good thing!
Melanie says
50+ degrees?! What a teaser! I bet that felt momentarily wonderful. I haven’t felt 50 degrees in ages. Back down to temps in the teens during the day and below zero again at night this week. I went over to Meredith’s blog…wow! Tears were rolling down my face as I read her story. Your sister and her husband must be incredible people. And I’m sure you’re thrilled to have a new nephew!
Claudia says
Well, we’re back down to the twenties, Melanie. It was short but sweet.
I am over-the-moon about our new nephew!
Ruta says
What beautiful blessings to break the back of a long, harsh winter. What beautiful new beginnings!!!!!
Claudia says
Absolutely, Sunshine and warmth in the form of a new nephew.
Betsy says
We have more snow falling today Bleh. But I do know that spring will arrive someday. March appears next week so spring can’t be too far behind. I was SO happy to see Mere announce her news. She is such a giving and wonderful person and her husband must be the same to open their hearts and home to this little one. Congratulations to you and Don too. A new nephew to love!
Blessings,
Betsy
Claudia says
They are wonderful people. I’m so proud of them.
Betty says
Thank you for sharing your sister’s blog and her wonderful news!
Maybe he should carry a zip lock bag for the phone, but the chances of that happening again are probably pretty slim. Hope the phone can be fixed.
Claudia says
Me too. Phones are expensive!
Marilyn Johnson says
What exciting news! Congratulations to the whole family (of course including aunts and uncles!) I’m sorry it has been so hard to keep up with the snow…I am afraid I am quilting of just “looking the other way” when the snow comes…but have to admit we haven’t had a ton this year (sorry!) although we need moisture badly!
Take care and take a rest…it is well deserved!
Claudia says
I will. Time to rest- I’ve done all I can for the present!
PendleStitches says
I too visited Meredith’s blog. What a beautiful boy and what a wonderful story. My little peeps are adopted too, so this is a story very close to my heart. I wish your family much happiness with this adorable new addition.
Claudia says
Thank you, my friend. We are filled with joy.
Suzan says
Love your cardinal pattern!! WE have had so many visiting the bird feeder this winter.
You do indeed have a very special sister!! She and her family are extra ordinary people and family.
You are both blessed to have such a wonderful and loving sister relationship!
Missy says
My husband always used to correct me when I said “Canadian Geese”..They’re Canada Geese…Somewhere along the line I found out he was correct…as usual..
Mary says
I loved Meredith’s story and photos – what a wonderful thing to do – she and her family are very special loving and caring people! How fabulous that Z has grown and flourished so well – we have friends who had very preemie twins with similar problems – they are rambunctious teenagers now. Congrats to you gaining a sweet new nephew.
Mary X
Marianne L says
I wish I could be as loving, caring and giving as your wonderful sister.
Haworth says
Scout certainly does look content, Claudia! (Love the bent ear…) There’s not much more a lady can do when the weather is so bad outside. We had some warm weather, too, last weekend, and it really did lift one’s spirits! It was short-lived but much appreciated.