Dear readers, it is sometimes hard to come up with yet another photograph for a blog post. I mean, how many photos of the interior of my house can I inundate you with until you begin to scream?
And the outside? Well, it isn’t all that attractive at the moment. We’re in that pocket between winter and spring. The daffodils are coming up. I see some growth here and there, but taking a photo of it would require a kneeling position on the cold grass and/or gravel and that ain’t gonna happen today.
It’s too early to clean out the garden beds as there as been mild frost the past two nights, so the leaf mulch must stay in place for a while longer. So no pretty pictures from the garden.
And really, do you want to see pictures of all the debris from the wind and falling limbs and that sort of thing that I raked up yesterday afternoon? I thought not. Actually, raking wore me out. I realize that I have to get back into gardening shape after a fairly sedentary winter. But it was so lovely to be outside on a cold, but sunny, day.
And certainly you don’t want to see pictures of me vacuuming every corner of the house, which is what I did after raking? No, of course you don’t.
This is the dilemma of the every-day-of-the-year blogger. Sometimes, life isn’t all that interesting. Or photogenic.
But I do have one little photo for you, snapped this morning in a moment of desperation.
This is where my tiny Wallace Nutting ended up. I couldn’t find the perfect place to hang it, at least not until I get a few more smallish Nuttings for the wall in the office. Then I’ll be able to insert it into a larger display. But I quite like it here on the shelf in the den, in front of the Nancy Drews. It works.
That copy of Anne of Green Gables was my mother’s. I was lamenting the loss of some of my mother’s childhood books that were also a part of our childhood one day on the blog. They had lived on a shelf in our bedroom. Our estranged sister somehow ended up with a lot of them. When Meredith read the post, she remembered that she had some of Mom’s books, so she secretly sent them off in the mail and completely surprised me. I opened the package to find Anne, along with Mom’s copy of Daddy Long Legs, and one of my dad’s books. I’ll freely say that I cried. It was like a reunion with dearly loved friends.
I have the best sister.
Happy Sunday.
I don’t comment much, but I enjoy your blog. I think every word you write and every picture you post is interesting. It’s like talking to a good friend every day.
Oh, thank you so much, Sandy!
I second that motion.
xo
I’m with Sandy on this. I don’t expect lots of photographs and enjoy my daily catch up with the friend I’ve never met. Enjoy the rest of your Sunday.
Thank you so much, Fiona!
I too have enjoyed reading what you write about (and photograph) ever since I happened upon it. In this fast-paced world (and my hectic job), I look forward to seeing your pictures of the cottage, your gardens, you and Don and your adventures. They’re everyday reminders to slow down and just appreciate the people and things in my life. You do indeed have the best sister. There is no feeling in the world like holding a book that brings back pleasant memories. As a life-long lover of history, it’s my little 5th grade American history textbook. I’ll always be grateful to Mrs. Graves who caused my 10 yr old self to view the past in an entirely new way that year. My mom picked it up for me decades ago when my old elementary school was selling them.
Wonderful Mrs. Graves! I should do a post on teachers who were a powerful influence on all of us. Thanks, Kay!
Your blog is always interesting. The little Nutting looks right at home there, good choice. To add to the gray day we are expecting snow to begin any second now. Not supposed to happen in MO on this date! But, here we are.
We might have some snow on Tuesday. Then it will warm up – hopefully for good!
I’ll take pictures of your place any day of the week. The plants alone inspire me. And, like the others, I enjoy your little chats. It lets me see the life I might have had, if I weren’t changing diapers every day. I have a handicapped child and I need an escape from the same-old same-old. Your blog gives me a window on the world I would never have know. Thank you.
I’m happy this place is a form of escape for you, Jan. You have my admiration and respect, my friend.
It is never boring visiting you here- pictures or no pictures. Your words paint pictures for me. What a thrill to get those books from your sister. I am missing most of my childhood books, too. I loved books as a kid-they were such an escape from the life of farming.
I hope you have a spring-like week coming up. We broke records here today- 10° and colder with the wind chill. That is two days in a row. We still have several inches of snow here and no signs of spring yet (except in my hopeful heart). xo Diana
It’s so crazy, this spring! It’s still rather cold here and will be for the next couple of days. But Friday? 73 degrees! Thanks, Diana.
I love the tiny Wallace Nuting!
It’s the smallest I’ve seen, Carolyn Marie. Thank you!
Hi Claudia,
I’ve been reading your blog for a few months after finding you via Pinterest. Yours is the only one I read. I’m from Wisconsin, living in Milwaukee but just got a seasonal cottage up north after dreaming of it for 20 years. We have a list of common interests from our politics and support for the arts to collecting. I have many collections including McCoy pots and figural egg cups. I liked your goose so much that I checked eBay and won one for myself!
Keep up the great blog posts. Thanks for being there every day!
Elizabeth
So glad you found the goose egg cup, Elizabeth! And welcome!
I have a major soft spot for people who think of their books as friends [because I do too]. How can we not when we spend so many pleasant hours with them? I still have a lot of my childhood books, and it’s always a warm, lovely trip down Memory Lane when I open one & start browsing around [I’ve been known to spend the better part of a day doing jus that!] Glad you got some more of yours back. That must have been the most wonderful surprise, opening that box! Hope you have a nice restful Sunday after your busy Saturday. Put your feet up & take it easy this afternoon. Peace.
#Resist
#ProtectMueller
It was. And it was almost ruined because the UPS guy left it outside our kitchen door on the cement – IN THE RAIN. Thankfully, I saw it soon afterward and snatched it up. (Why wouldn’t he leave it on the porch???)
I often think I could write a post but have no photos so I don’t. Maybe I should give it a try. I love your posts with or without photos. It’s visiting a friend every day and I love it. The Nutting looks nice on the shelf. Hugs.
You should give it a try. Why not? Thanks, my friend.
Yes, you do!
xoxoxoxoxoxoxo
I always enjoy your posting. Your blog is so interesting and stimulating. Raking the lawn is a chore and backbreaking. It seems I tend to get a blister,too. The Nutting picture is gorgeous.
Marilyn
It is a chore! And I don’t have a lot of upper arm strength, so there’s that. Thanks, Marilyn!
Dear Claudia
After so many years of reading your daily posts I really don’t care if you have a new photo to show us.It’s you and your experiencies what matters.It’s a daily encounter with someone I feel well known despite not having met you personally.I always share your happiness when everything goes well and I have felt very sad when very bad things have happened to you.So who needs a new photo every day? Just go on being yourself and write about ” life ” in general which in itself is not an easy matter to talk about don’t you think so? Take care!
xoxo Alicia Buenos Aires
Oh, thank you so much for your kind words, Alicia! xo
i agree with all the commenters above!
please don’t stress about getting a photo for a post … or about posting every day. thanks for what you share and taking the time to do that.
happy sunday.
kathy in iowa
Thank you, Kathy!
Claudia, the plethora of beautiful photos you have shared with us over the years provide images for us. So, even if you don’t post a picture that day, I am pretty sure that by reading your post, I could picture the room or the area of your house or yard of which you are discussing. You could take a picture each day of the same room or table or garden, and each day there would be something new to discover in the photo. Your words are pictures, too.
We are expecting an inch of snow overnight. I am wishing and hoping and thinking and praying that it will be the end of it for many many months! Have a great Sunday!
Oh, thank you. That means so much – “Your words are pictures, too.” Bless you, Chris.
I like that spot for Wallace.
I do, too! Thank you, Eve.
I always appreciate everything you post. It brightens my day no matter what it is. As for photos, any day I get to see your amazing stove is a good day so for me, take one picture of Stella in the sunlight post and repeat. 😄
A picture a day…of Stella! Thanks, Deb.
Yes, lucky to have your sister Mere. I always wanted a sister.
The Nutting looks good against the Nancy Drews because they provide a neutral backdrop with their same end covers.
I can’t believe you did intensive vacuuming after all that raking!
Last, I never get tired of anything you post, words or photos. I just appreciate that you talk to us!
An aside; I just have to share this with you because you’re an actor as is Don.
Was so glad that another reader (a blog post back a few here), mentioned a new series on BBC-America called “Killing Eve” with actress Sandra Oh. I of course always remember her immediately because I’m so obsessed with “Sideways” and she not only acted in that but was also married to the film’s main guy, its director Alexander Payne (I think he got an Oscar for the screenplay). Anyway, I feel lucky to have gotten on the ground floor of this new series; its Season 1/Episode 1 is recording right now on my DVR. Apparently it’s already been okayed for a Season 2 which tells me a lot.
Anyway, “Killing Eve” was profiled in Vogue (online) and I was reading an interview with Sandra Oh and she said this incredibly spot-on thing about being an artist (and delivering the story): “That’s my job: I do the work for you, so you can have the feeling inside.” The interviewer wrote in response: “As good a description of acting as I’ve ever heard.”
Isn’t that wonderful! Agree?
Perfect!
Thank you so much for being here, Vicki.
I think your Wallace Nutting looks perfect on the shelf. :-)
You know what? I’m thinking the same thing! Thanks, Janice!
Like sooooo many of the commenters, I also look forward to and enjoy reading your blog daily. It certainly makes me feel more connected than my daily newspaper! I also peruse the comments. You have wonderful readers, Claudia. Most of us haven’t ever met you, but you’re like the friendly neighbor next door we all want.
I am blessed with wonderful readers, Wendy. Like you!
The Wallace Nutting is perfect there. I’m sure it is difficult to always post pictures…but, know that they are always so interesting, and appreciated. I quickly skimmed over the comments…..everybody just about said it all! ;)
Thank you so much, Donnamae!
After seeing that cute bunny you made for Mere on her blog, I would guess that she thinks you’re pretty great, too. I enjoy your posts whatever the photo! I have a tough time posting just occasionally and can’t imagine trying to find a new photo each and every day. How fun to have all those classic Nancy Drew books. I loved reading them!
I did, too. They surely were my first exposure to mysteries, which is now my favorite genre. Thanks, Judy!
I never get tired of seeing your home. Inside or out 😀
Thank you so much, Donna!
one of my favorites “Daddy Long Legs!”
I had only seen the movie which I also loved. but when I read the book and the ending was different I was devastated for a little while!
and I love where you’ve put your exquisite little Nutting painting. it’s the perfect place and story.
Sandy Endle said it for all of us I think. and you and Mere are just special. what can we say?
I don’t come for the pictures. though they’re wonderful. I come for the spirit of both of your blogs! (well. and the sweet pictures of little Buddy and his puppies!) cannot tell a lie! LOL. xo
I know – I preferred the movie ending!
I had a great FaceTime with Little Z on the weekend. Don had one with him yesterday – he showed him Times Square.
Thanks so much, Tammy!
Claudia please don’t be over thinking about what you do on your blog!…We are here because we feel that you treat us as friends and we feel the same way about you and Don…if you don’t feel like posting a picture on any day then do not force yourself!…Just know that I feel like the others…I never tire of seeing your house..your land and gardens…or all of your wonderful adventures!!..Keep bringing it on Claudia!…I love it all…and you and Don too! Hugs!
Oh thank you, Nancy! So glad you’re here.
You’re right Claudia! Sometimes it is hard to find anything to write about, never mind taking pictures of it. I just recently found vintage “Heidi” and “Little Women” books which bring back wonderful childhood memories. A home is not a home without books!
We also got some snow, but most of it has melted away now. I’m so ready for spring to take hold so I can also get out into the garden. I’m also looking forward to my first package of bees!
As always, thanks for sharing!
Teresa
Hen in a Farmhouse Nest
You are so welcome, Teresa!
Why not take more walks and photographs with your big girl camera? I love your blog. I think that you may have a novel in you which I have never felt the impulse to make said recommendation to anyone before .. Maybe more in depth gardening, baking, but ultimately it is your exquisite viewpoint, but as a suggestion, your view needs to be expanded to be more inclusive. Travel on the nature trails and a dog would probably be a great safety feature for you as if it were any of my business. Also, I saw your stove in Mating Game with Tony Randall. Keep blogging and please delete if anything I said was inappropriate.
Two reasons: I’ve done that very thing quite often in the past, here, on the road, in other states, and across the country. Just look back in the archives. Locally, on the rail trail, on my property, at the river and up in the mountains. They’re all here. And, even if I wanted to do that, the weather has been terrible.
It’s really not a big deal, it was just a post that signified where I was in terms of photos on Monday. Meant to be humorous!