Didn’t have a new photo, so this is what you get!
And it sort of looks like this at the moment because I cleaned it up after working on Jessie.
Oh, wait a minute! I do have a new photo:
Jessie and Derek are walking Bertie.
As you can see, we still have some flowers on the porch. I have another week to enjoy them. The week after Thanksgiving will bring really cold temperatures and there will be no saving them then.
I had a lovely birthday. Very low key, just the way I like it. Much time was spent answering Happy Birthdays on the blog and Instagram and Facebook, all of which brought a smile to my face. I heard from childhood friends, high school and grad school friends, former students, family (Z sent me a happy birthday message on his very own phone,) neighbors and lots of theater colleagues. It brings an awareness of the crazy quilt of my life and how blessed I am.
Don made breakfast yesterday – french toast and scrambled eggs. And then he made a spectacular dinner. I requested crabbiless crab cakes (something we have only once a year, on my birthday.) Oh my heavens! DELICIOUS!
He spoiled me, as he always does. My only request was a new bottle of my favorite perfume (Amazing Grace by Philosophy) and he came through. It should last several years.
Oh, and I actually put on makeup.
Thank you for all your birthday messages and for all the kudos on the creation of Jessie. They mean so much to me!
Don whispered in my ear yesterday: “Don’t tell the others, but she’s my favorite.”
It rained all day long yesterday! And it’s raining today. In fact, just down the road, friends of ours got some snow! We didn’t. Go figure. There are lots of little microclimates around here. Anyway, we thrilled about the rain.
Stay safe.
Happy Friday.
sounds like you had a wonderful birthday … i am glad!
jessie’s already settled in, isn’t she? and your studio looks great.
getting colder here. on tuesday, temporary poles were put along my parents’ driveway (and everyone else’s) to guide future snow removal, then on wednesday we had flurries. they were tiny flakes that didn’t stick to anything, just melted on contact, but all very pretty, fun to see and enough to make me think about getting out my winter coat. and a good reminder to stock up on groceries and household supplies.
waiting for the arrival of 20-inch-long scroll bars so i can get started on a cross-stitch project for my oldest niece and her family. then two more to do. hopefully these scroll bars will fit the stretcher bars i bought thirty years ago (they should for being made by the same company, but no guarantee was made so will see). even though these presents are for next Christmas, not this year, i am anxious to get them all done.
best i go feed earl, burl and the birds.
happy, safe friday to you all.
kathy
It’s snowing here at the moment, but it’s a wet snow and wont last.
Stay safe, Kathy.
Happy birthday blessings!!
Thank you, Donna.
Stay safe.
Happy belated birthday, Claudia!! I’m so glad it was such a good one. You deserve it. Also, I love how supportive Don is about your dolls and collecting. You definitely have a keeper in so many ways!
The photo of Jessie with the dog and bear is too cute for words!
Thanks so much, Jenny.
Stay safe!
You had a lovely birthday, Claudia. Nice to have so many friends and family gather round to celebrate you! Jessie and Dereck are so cute. I can see why she is Don’s favourite. Just curious, what are “crabbiless crab cakes”? Enjoy your weekend. Glad to hear you got some rain. Hugs, Elaine
It’s a recipe from a cookbook that donates all it’s revenue to charity. So I don’t share it here.
Thanks so much, Elaine.
Stay safe.
I am glad you had a lovely birthday. I hope you have a happy, peaceful and rewarding year.
Your Jessie reminds me of the actress who was the lead in “Where the Crawdads Sing.” I think her first name is Daisy.
Take Care,
Kaye
Thanks so much, Kaye. I didn’t see it, but I read the book.
Stay safe.
I am so happy to hear you had a great birthday…just like you wanted. I had to laugh at the “ I even put on make-up.” The older I get the less I use it, too.
Micro climates seem to be quite prevalent these days. All part of global warming I suspect. Glad you got some rain. We got snow, followed by high winds and rain. So today, there is no evidence it snowed yesterday…it’s just colder.
Jessie is a cutie…and to think you did that. Way to go Claudia! Enjoy your day. ;)
Thanks so much, Donnamae.
Stay safe.
Belated birthday wishes! It sounds like a great day. The pic of Jessie and friends is so cute. Have a nice weekend!
Thank you, Lynda.
Stay safe.
dear Claudia/Don — so glad you had a good bday — your “special” dinner sounds really good !!
glad your area got rain — we got snow a little over an inch but was the fluffy kind that looked so pretty falling, warmer for a couple of days then much colder — I think 50s are done until spring.
Your talent is so amazing — this little girl is gorgeous — since I have zero ability, I really enjoy things others can do–terrific work !!!! hoping your New Year(age) is a good one. stay safe/healthy
Thank you, Linda.
Stay safe.
Happy belated!
Could you remind me where to find your sisters blog?
Thank you
Nadine from B.C.
You can find it if you google “Mereknits”
She doesn’t blog often. Not like she used to.
Stay safe.
A very happy belated birthday! Your day sounds wonderful!🥳…..Jesse, well, didnt you do something terrific! Her little face has so much emotion! Well done YOU!
Thank you so much, Pati.
Stay safe.
Hi Claudia
Somehow I missed your birthday so belated Happy Birthday! It sounds like it was wonderful. Don must be a great cook! It’s nice to be spoiled, especially on your birthday. It still amazes me how much reading you get done! My husband is the same way. I always have things to do so I don’t read that much.
Oh, and our big news…..Bill is retired! It just happened 2 weeks ago. It is nice to have him home. Now I have to hope this administration doesn’t mess with our social security. I still don’t know how they won!! Just have to not think about it. Sorry I missed your birthday. Have a nice Sunday.
Don is a very good cook, though he always shrugs off that kind of compliment. He likes cooking. I don’t.
Congratulations on Bill’s retirement!
Stay safe, Deb.
Sorry I missed your birthday. Sounds like you had a lovely day. I wish many more healthy happy years.
Yep. Limit your exposure to the news.
On Election Day a friend of mine was hit by a truck in a parking lot. Thank goodness she wasn’t hurt bad. It did remind me that life is short and I need to enjoy what I can. Although I am as devastated as everyone by the election results, I have to take care of my mental health. I cannot go down that dark hole of sadness and fear.
Enjoy the lights. That is my favorite part of the holiday.
I think we all feel we need to take care of our mental health. I’m glad your friend wasn’t seriously injured, Kay.
Stay safe.