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Sunday: Sleeping In, Mourning Doves & Miniatures

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What a treat! I slept in today and it wasn’t because I was up too late. I just slept. I wonder if it was because we had a gentle rain all night long? I don’t know. I’m just grateful – sleeping in is rare for me nowadays.

We mowed yesterday. I weed chomped. It’s looking pretty good out there, though I have some cleaning up to do on the porch, which also functions as my garden tool/potting center. And, of course, cleaning on the inside of the house, as well.

Don pointed out these two yesterday and I ran for my camera:

7-31 dovepairbirdbath

As far as I can tell, there’s a single mourning dove who lives on the property and this pair. The pair does everything together; I’ll see them on the driveway looking for food, they come to the birdbath together, they depart at exactly the same time and fly up into the catalpa tree.

I love them. Mourning Doves are my favorite birds.

I received my July Squint Box in the mail yesterday after it somehow went to Birmingham, Alabama from White Plains, NY, then traveled back to NY and finally arrived here.

This month’s theme was Summer Love.

7-31 squintboxjuly

It’s gloomy out there, so this is the best I can do, photo-wise.

A ceramic dish with real seashells, a hand painted clay pot with apples,  a glass apothecary jar with gumballs, an iced coffee, a box of tissues, and a copy of Travel & Leisure magazine.

Isn’t this little group of minis just the coolest?

Today, we’re headed out to an event this afternoon and then I have errands to run and then more cleaning.

I’ve started to keep a tally of the lies I’m hearing on a daily basis from the Orange Man. In each case, the statement can be proven to be a lie in an instant. Truly, the mind boggles.

My new hero is Khizr Khan.

(As always, if you don’t like my political commentary, you are free to move on. I’m not going to shut up.)

Happy Sunday.

ClaudiaSignature140X93

Comments

  1. I also love mourning doves and find their gentle cooing so beautifully comforting. The name is also apt, I think. Many years ago when we lost our son, I would sit by my open window in San Francisco and listen to them, absolutely sure that they were grieving with me.
    Those mini items are amazing! So cute! I think I’d be tempted to make them into kooky earrings.

    • I know what you mean. Sometimes that sound from the mourning doves perfectly matches my mood.

  2. You are the best. I find that my views are aligned with yours on everything from animals to politics.

  3. Mourning Doves do have such a sad sound but it is also beautiful to hear them. Enjoy your day.

  4. Good Morning Claudia, just love the mini’s you received. I had found a Victorian Farmhouse kit on Craig’s list for free but someone had beaten me to it. Dang! I will keep looking because you never know what you might find. It’s an adventure for sure. I had mentioned a few weeks ago I had health issues going on. Well that has almost come to an end. Back in April I had found out I had Stage One breast cancer. My mom had passed from breast cancer years ago. Hers was in stage 4 so of course I thought the worst. I had surgery and did not have to go through chemo, just 16 rounds of radiation which only last for 15 seconds on each mark (2). This Tuesday is the last one! Yeah!! This is why it is very important to keep up with going to the doctors so if anything comes up it can be caught in the early stages. So if anyone out there is reading this, keep up with check ups and if anyone is going through this, stay strong, you’ve got this!!

    lots of Hugs and have a great day!!
    sorry, wasn’t sure if I should share or not just feeling great about the progress!

    • I’m so happy that you are healing and feeling healthy, Nancy. Such wonderful news!

      • Can I add my two cents as a fellow (not breast) cancer survivor: Congrats, Nancy! Thank God for modern medicine. (And my husband, so that I have medical insurance through his employer.) And thank the doctors who continue to follow me with exams and tests every 120 days (had been every 90 days), three years and ongoing (for a long time yet), making sure I stay okay, year after year. I just yesterday ran into a lady who was formerly a neighbor; she’d had malignant cancer of the nose and opted for radiation other than chemo (sometimes you get no choice). Four years later, she looks absolutely fabulous and is feeling great (no disfigurement)…in her 80s, full of vigor; very active, smart as anything!! One of the friends I’ve very recently reconnected with was diagnosed with a rare form of aggressive breast cancer in 1990 in her early 40s; she had a mastectomy and has been cancer-free with no recurrence in all these 26 years.

  5. Thumbs up on not stopping talking about your views! (I’d use an emoticon but I know you don’t like them) I am smiling! ( no smiley face either)

  6. Claudia,
    Love your blog, other than the political “stuff”. I would just say if you keep track of the lies, I would do it going both ways….you might be surprised. Also, meant to tell you the Scout painting brought tears to my eyes. Your readers love you so much.
    Terri

  7. Aren’t those minis the cutest darn things. Politically I am right with you. This might draw ire from some of you readers but he is not as scary as the alleged millions who say they believe in what he is saying. That scares me….

    • That scares me, too. A fundamental disconnect from facts. I find it very frightening.

      The minis are adorable!

  9. Since my daughter’s self-chosen animal name is Mourning Dove, the doves have a very special place in my heart. Ever since my re-landscaping, they have stopped coming to my yard, but I hope they’ll return. I had a pair that did everything together too. The minis are so realistic. I love the painted pot. Enjoy your outing, Claudia,

  10. I have several pairs of Mourning Doves, love listening to them. A red tailed hawk caught one in my backyard one day and I ran outside to scare it off. The MD did get away and flew over the house but the hawk was right on his tail. I’d like to think the MD got away.

    Totally with you on the Orange Man, I’m terrified for the world.

    • I’m glad you scared the hawk off. I would have done the same thing, Cheryl. Bless you!

  11. Hi, I slept in a bit late today as well, and I agree, it’s a real treat when it happens. Yesterday I was awake at 4:30am! We’re actually watching a movie right now, The Empire of the Sun with Christian Bale – it’s raining on and off down at the Jersey Shore. I chose this movie because yesterday I had listened to a great podcast on This American Life called The Captains Log. I’ve begun listening to various podcasts lately. One of the stories was about a group of women and children in one of the Japanese concentration camps during WW2 and how these women/teachers kept the children focused and alive during the internment. They were all part of an organization similar to our American Brownies, and they used the structure and values of their organization to maintain a sense of order, accomplishment and security for the children, and in turn for many of the adults in the camp. Anyway, a bit heavy for a comment but it really moved me and I wanted to share it with you and probably needed to explain why we were inside watching a movie during the day!!! xxoo

    • The podcast sounds fascinating! I have a friend that made a documentary about her parents who were Japanese Americans interned in one of the US internment camps during WWII. It was nominated for an Oscar many years ago. It was incredibly powerful.

  12. If you’re keeping a list of his lies you’re going to need a LOT of paper and ink! Let me know if you need help buying them. He’s so narcissistic and self serving. Disgusts me that he’s gotten this far. I’m ashamed of my country.
    But I do like birds, and flowers, and sleeping in the rain.

    • One for today: He insists that Hillary and the Dems are pushing to have the debates opposite NFL games and that the NFL has written him complaining about it. Number 1: The debate dates were set a year ago by a independent committee that has nothing to do with the DNC and is comprised of both Republicans and Democrats. Number 2: The NFL has issued a statement saying that they never wrote Trump.

      Two for the price of one.

  13. Mr. Khan is, most emphatically, a hero. One man with the moral courage to stand in front of the entire nation and say what needs to be said to the leaders of Congress. My admiration for the Khans is boundless.

    • Mine too. They are examples of the best of our country. They are to be applauded and honored.

  15. The minis are so realistic that it’s unreal. Got it?
    Has the biggest orange ego on earth ever spoke the truth?
    Ever? He’s so full of it.
    I love the morning doves also and all the other birdies out there.
    I find them fascinating. : )
    Have a good one,
    Monica

    • Lying, and exaggerating, is habitual for him. Many people who have worked with him in the past, and the man who ghost wrote The Art of the Deal, can and have attested to that fact.

      He lies so much that I don’t believe anything he says, though I know there are some true statements in there.

  16. Just to let you know, I’m stealing : “… if you don’t like my political commentary, you are free to move on. I’m not going to shut up…” to add as a tagline on my electronic signature. I Love This! If there is a God, I’ll only need it until Nov 8, but if not, all bets are off [not really kidding]. Have fun at your event! 🍉

    • Love that watermelon!

      You are free to use that statement, Janet! I send it to you with love.

  17. The mourning doves are very pretty…I love their sad, haunting song…The minis are adorable…and the orange man…to put it politely he’s just odd…

  19. Dear Claudia,

    Please don’t EVER shut up. ;)

    God Bless.

    – Cassandra M. Stewart

  20. Love the new minis! I checked out the monthly service, but the exchange rate plus the import duty is just too cost prohibitive. :(

    One thing that struck me about watching the conventions was the expense. It must have cost a packet to stage those events with all their security, celebrity appearances and balloons. (So many balloons!) I am finding this election overwhelming in its volume and tone (on both sides) and am very worried about the outcome as it will affect our country’s economy as well.

    • There’s never been an election like this one – at least, that I remember, and I’ve been voting since I was 19. You should be worried. I, for one, am in a panic.

      I wish we had elections like the British, I might be wrong about the actual length of time but it’s about 6 weeks or so. Much less money, much less time. This is a problem here and the result is that our Representatives and Senators are always preparing for the next election instead of governing. They’re always worried about getting votes.

  21. I’m glad you’re speaking out against the orange man (or as another blogger called him, the Big Orange Toddler). The more people who do their bit to expose his fakery, the better.

  22. How, in the name of everything that is good and holy, do his numbers continue to go up? I think part of it is that he tells so MANY lies, that there is never enough time between them to delve into it before then next one is up and tweeted. And someone needs to explain to me why the press isn’t pressing Ryan and McCain, Rubio, etc. with getting comments??????????? Is it truly that half of our leaders DO believe what he is saying? I can’t think of any other reason as to why they aren’t demanding he stop. My assumption is they have sided with him and their beliefs are the same. Even Sarah Palin seems to have left his side………….. unreal. I seriously don’t think he could pass a Middle School geography or history test.

    Please don’t ever shut up. None of us can.I live in Wisconsin and know only too well what a disgruntled group who appear to be on the fringes can do. It is scary and horrible. His appeal is to those who are less educated and who can easily be intimidated and scared with his lies. They don’t watch the news or read the papers, they simply follow him. In his own words “We do well with the uneducated. I love them.” Truly beyond belief.

    • Then he panics and takes it back or says he was just kidding, or that he was misquoted or, in true Orange Man fashion, attacks the person who caught him in the lie.
      As for Ryan and McConnell, they want to keep power at all costs. The Republican Party, which is in tatters at the moment, is clearly more important to them than their moral compass. It reminds me of those who didn’t speak out during WWII. So, I, like you, assume they hold the same beliefs that I hear Trump spewing out of his mouth. He, and this is well documented, has no desire to study about foreign policy, expand his knowledge, doesn’t read books, knows virtually nothing about government or the world. He makes George W. Bush look like a Rhodes Scholar. As for G.W., I admire him for not supporting Trump. Good for him.

      “We do well with the uneducated.” Chilling. But it’s true. They seem to be happy just lapping up everything he says without doing a smidgen of research – which would, of course, tell them the Emperor has no clothes. He is a master manipulator of those who are disgruntled and fearful. He knows exactly what he’s doing.

      And guess what, people? He doesn’t care about you. He only cares about himself. His ego needs constant stroking. He wants the power. He’s already hinted that Mike Pence (god help us) would carry the weight of the governing.

      As Don says, it feels like a bad dream that’s going on way too long.

  23. Hi Claudia,
    Love your mourning doves,I have never seen them in the U.K. but we have collared doves here in Wales and we had them in our garden in Scotland as well. We moved here 3 years ago and one pair of doves visited but we have been very generous with the feeding regime and now we have thirteen! But we love them. I really don’t know how you all suffer electioneering for so long,we all get fed up with here and it only lasts 3 weeks,You have my sympathy. The radio in the background is talking about the Khans right now and although I don’t know the whole background it seems a dreadful way to be treated,he is brave. I know it is none of our business over here but we have never heard so much about U.S. elections as we have about this one and I ust say we are all as worried as you are about the outcome.I hope Hilary gets in because 1 she isn’t Trump and 2 she is a woman.I like the one we got last week.
    Must get back to learning Welsh,the hardest language in the world!! before my next class tomorrow. Enjoy your lovely garden,it will get you through. Megan.

    • It is absolutely your business! We are allies and have a close relationship. Just as we are concerned about Brexit and the eventual outcome from that decision.

      Trump is a dangerous demagogue, headed toward being a dictator. Anyone who doesn’t understand that truth has been brainwashed, I fear, by a man playing to their fears and frustrations. Coming from fear is never a good way to go. How anyone can think that this man who has never showed any interest in public service, indeed, has done no public service, really cares about them is beyond me.

      It will be time for me to quote my favorite Bible verse very soon. It’s all about fear.

  24. You don’t think both sides have a few lies under their belt? Neither candidate is worthy
    AND we are in BIG BIG trouble.

    • I wouldn’t BEGIN to put them on the same plane. Sorry. There’s no comparison. A few vs. hundreds and hundreds since this campaign began.

      One has experience. The other is a dangerous despotic carnival barker. One speaks with love and compassion. The other projects fear and hate and xenophobia and bigotry. One is the most qualified candidate for President in modern history. The other is a businessman who inherited 1 million dollars to start his business and has left a slew of bankruptcies and failed deals in his wake. One has had a lifetime of public service, one has had a lifetime of self service.

      I’ve never bought the Republican bullshit about Hillary and any research will tell you that 90% of it is not true.

      As for lies: see the link in my reply to Terri. There is absolutely no comparison.

  25. I felt very uplifted after the Democratic convention; hopeful. Hearing qualified people speak with real intelligence. And I needed that. Riveted; I watched every night. Anybody I should happen to strike up a conversation with, I repeat the mantra: Vote. My husband, who’s been very disheartened with this election in general, saw The First Lady’s speech, which is already one for the history books, and said, “I’d vote for her. She needs to run for office.”

    Claudia, I wonder if why you slept well, considering you were also very, very weary from LACK of sleep (so you were likely to lose consciousness soon anyway!!!) was indeed the ‘white noise’ (filter) of the rain, much like lullaby to a baby. I’ve been leaving a standing room fan on low (we turn off the central air at night because it’s noisy) all night and it seems to lull me to deep sleep.

    Squintbox is so perfect for me. It’s less expensive than if I go to a miniatures store in a neighboring town. I love the surprise of the beautifully-wrapped outer gift box. My teeny tissue box is plain/pastel (no floral) like yours. They are good-quality pieces. I don’t know how long I can continue with it, depending on budget, but I’m loving it for now, thanks to your recommendation.

    I’m also loving a new month, August 1 tomorrow. My husband and I have made some new, mutual plans about our level of activity and diet (better together!!); we grocery-shopped conscientiously today. I also have a new female primary care physician with whom I’m starting new treatment/care and I feel so good about her; she listens and doesn’t push pills. Also, like the upcoming visit of your friend, I have recently connected with two gal pals and it is the best feeling, like sisters reunited. One I’ve known since I was age 19; the other since I was age 23…so, it’s a LONG period to be acquainted. Someone with whom to share old times and new times. We need our friends, cyber and otherwise, even if we go long periods without seeing or talking to one another. Nowadays, it’s just a phone call or click away. Make the time…

    August is going to be hot here in SoCalif – we never get out of the 90s now in the daytime and it is SO, so hazy over the mountains and at the beach – but, before you know it, it will be our own version of subtle ‘fall/autumn’ here and then, by November, the nights will really cool off. Onward!!

    • We watched the convention every night as well, Vicki. I felt like I’d climbed out of the muck and sludge from the previous week, had a good shower and was renewed and restored. Smart people. Educated people. Not that someone has to have a formal education – far from it – but either formally educated or self-educated (as my father was, God Bless him) they weren’t drinking the Kool-aid offered by Trump. My dad was appalled by Donald Trump. As a Veteran of WWII, he knew a fascist dictator when he saw one. He fought to bring one down. I’m rather glad he’s not witnessing this. It would have broken his heart.

      So happy you love the minis! I may not be able to do it indefinitely, either, but for now, it’s a lot of fun!

      Happy also to hear about your reconnection with friends.

      • Well, my dad died 8 years ago and I think he really only knew Trump from TV-entertainment shows/entertainment-related appearances. And when my parents took a OTO trip across the states in retirement, visiting NYC, he loved Trump Tower. Bottom line, he sorta liked the entertainment image of the real estate mogul Grump Trump (he’d say it with a chuckle). But now? I know to my heart, the good man who was my father would today never endorse Trump for office. Real estate/TV fluff stuff; has nothing to do whatsoever with the serious job of running a country.

        A key thing for me with the Democratic speeches at the convention…and I loved the refreshers on our American history and the Constitution…was asking the question about being dictated to…and how the U.S. is not about being ‘ruled’ – a leader vs. a ruler. That word…ruler…scares me. You can’t let one guy have that kind of control. We’re a democracy to our core; we need to remain that way. Trump: The Man Who Will Not Be King.

  26. I love your commentary. I live in the south (you saw those flags while driving through) and you make me feel less alone in the world. At least my husband is on the same page. Thanks

    • I sure did see those flags, Beverly. I’m so happy you feel less alone! I’ll keep it coming.

  27. I had a good chuckle this morning with the name assigned Donald J. That is so much nicer than I have been feeling towards him. I am just appalled with this election and the name calling and bullying not only by Orange Man but his followers. A “friend” of mine on Facebook made the statement that if you were voting for the Democratic party you were not a Christian. I think that is crossing the line greatly. What on earth ever happened to agreeing to disagree? I have seen many elections and several times in the past my husband would vote one way and I would vote the other. We never bickered about that but accepted the other’s right to their opinion. So scary for our country! We should all be praying for this coming election that many people will see the light and recognize the many lies that are being told by Mr. Trump. Enjoy your post each day….don’t change a thing!

    • I don’t understand people who say things like that. Really? Inclusiveness, tolerance, love, and compassion are what Jesus was all about. I think a re-read of the New Testament is in order for that friend of yours.

      This election is surely bringing out the prejudices and anger that is usually hidden on a daily basis. I don’t like what I see.

    • Ann, you said, ” I am just APPALLED with this election and the NAME CALLING and bullying …..”
      then YOU call Trump… “the ORANGE MAN”…..REALLY???? In the SAME sentence…REALLY????
      Think about it……….like I said we are in BIG trouble no matter who wins.

      • This is completely inappropriate, Addie. I am the one who coined the term Orange Man. She is just repeating what I said.

        I call him that because I no longer want to utter his name.

        If you have a problem with that, take it up with me. But please, make sure you’ve read the post before you jump to conclusions and call someone out for simply repeating my words. If you had, you would have seen that I am the one who used that moniker.

        And please. Stop with ALL CAPS. I will delete any more comments with more than one word in ALL CAPS because that is the equivalent of yelling. And we don’t do that here.

  28. What adorable minis. Can’t wait until you begin your next project as it is always such fun to follow along!

  29. HA! You will have to send me a personally engraved invitation to get me to move on!
    Your doves are lovely.
    We had heat for two days and we all were dying. It got up to almost 90º and for us Pacific North Westerners, that is like 110º. Now it is back into the comfortable mid to high 70’s.

    • Yes, you guys aren’t used to those high temps! Frankly, I don’t like them at all! Glad to hear you’re back to normal.

  30. Claudia,
    Those minis are absolutely the cutest! The Starbucks drink makes me want to squeal with delight!

    Meanwhile, the Narcissistic Sociopath in Chief makes me want to scream in despair or rage, depending on what lie he’s peddling at the moment. The Khans are the BEST of what this country is, heck what the world is. Two people with integrity, grace and power in their words.

    The fact that the Speaker and the Senate Majority leader give the Orange Man a pass, shows that they are not truly leaders and are cowards. Neither of them will ever have to worry about writing an acceptance speech for receiving the Kennedy Profile in Courage Award.

    My son is working on a Senatorial campaign here in Maryland since our long time Senator Barbara Mikulski is retiring. She was the first woman ever elected to the Senate that didn’t take over a spouse’s seat. He was invited to go Philadelphia last Wednesday, by the Maryland Democratic Committee, and he’s still flying high from excitement. He and I have vowed to do everything we can to get Hillary elected, in order to keep this country safe from The Sociopath.

    • I think that Paul Ryan and Mitch McConnell have sold their souls to the devil. They will have to live with that.

      I love Barbara Mikulski. What a loss, now that’s she’s retiring. But how cool for your son! I can’t imagine how exciting that must have been!!

  31. I so agree with you about Khizr Khan. His courage, eloquence and passion brought me to tears.
    Ironic that a simple (but obviously well educated) man who isn’t a politician could cut through all the rhetoric being tossed about. His original comments were brilliant; his follow-up to the loose cannon who shall not be named was even more brilliant. Spoke from his heart.

    His wife standing silently next to him needed no words to express herself. The emotions that could be seen in her eyes and face spoke volumes without words. Anyone who watched her knew exactly what she was thinking. And it was evident that that the waves of emotion that rolled over her when her son’s sacrifice was spoken of and his picture flashed on the screen rendered her speechless. Mr. Khan’s defense of her and his religion, as well as his obvious love of America, and the ultimate sacrifice his son made place him above the ugliness of the fray. God help us all.

  32. Claudia, your photo of the mourning doves is just lovely. When I’m sitting quietly on the back patio and they don’t know I’m there, they wander by quite close to me, pecking and looking for food, or heading toward one of the birdbaths. They’re such gentle birds.

    I’m glad you were able to get a good night’s sleep. We had rain, too, and it’s very soothing.

    Donna

  34. The mourning doves are adorable! As we don’t have a garden here in Amsterdam and are terribly missing the company of an animal, or especially the one of our cat that we left with my parents in law when we moved here (to ensure he has a better life than being stuck in an apartment), I’m filling this gap by watching my little chili plant grow in front of my window everyday.

    The Squint Box miniatures are at least as adorable as the doves! What a sweet selection it is.

    Politically, you got my 100% support.

  35. Oh Claudia – please keep talking; you gave me hope at a time when I was starting to question what kind of America I’m living in. Thank YOU and God Bless You

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