Much of my off-time here in Hartford is spent reading or blogging or, most importantly, going to the park with Scout. The ‘park’ is Bushnell Park and it’s lovely. It has a carousel, walking paths, and a lovely pond. It has lots of green space and an outdoor stage. It has a gorgeous arch. And on top of the hill overlooking the park is the beautiful State Capitol building. I took some shots with my iPhone on Monday. I was on my way back from the library. It was an overcast day, which makes for some moody pictures.
This section of grass is one of the places that Scout runs and romps every evening. Well, almost every evening. She was very sore last night and her body was protesting all that exercise, so I curtailed her nighttime activities. She needs to rest a wee bit. I have to be at the theater at night starting tonight, so we’ll see if we can find some romping time on the weekend – after my girl has rested. She’s overdone it, just like when her mama mows too much lawn in one day. Oh, those Hill-Sparks girls!
More of her running turf. She runs one way, then turns and runs in another direction, then she runs in a circle. Do you see that light? There are lights along the walkways that cast a lovely glow at night and, somehow, the combination of those lights and the night and a park relatively free of people inspires her loping, running, joyful abandon.
That’s the pond to the right.
There are usually ducks here, but I haven’t seen them this year. I have seen goldfish and either koi or carp (are they the same thing?) And, on two occasions, I’ve seen a Great Blue Heron standing in the shallow part of the pond watching and waiting to pounce on a fish. The first time I saw him, he ate one. I’ve tried to get a picture of him, but I’ve always had my iPhone with me and the images are too blurry. Amazing to see a Heron in a city park!
The portion of tech rehearsals where I am superfluous is just about over. I’ll watch some of this afternoon’s rehearsal and tonight we’ll have a run-through with the first preview scheduled for tomorrow night. I’ve been peeking in and it’s simply gorgeous with sumptuous Elizabethan costumes designed by my friend Fabio Toblini and a set designed by the director, my friend Darko Tresnjak. Such incredible talent!
I have a new post up on Just Let Me Finish This Page today. It’s all about one of my favorite places, The Hartford Public Library.
And if you’re participating in the Christmas Critter Felt Along, scroll down one post for two more patterns.
Happy Wednesday.
What a lovely park! No wonder dear Scoutie enjoys it so much. Sorry to hear she is a wee bit under the weather, but she will bounce back :-) A friend of my daughter’s works in the film industry creating bed linens, window coverings, etc. and the gorgeous fabrics she is given to work with are incredible! I am in awe of such talent. At times I find myself watching a movie she has worked on and realize I am more focused on the set than the actual plot unfolding! That in turn produces guilt. I realize the actors and all the behind the scenes workers such as yourself have put so much time and a part of themselves into a production and there I sit bug eyed gazing at curtains! Shame on me!
If you could see this set and the costumes, you’d be stunned, Jeannine. It’s a gorgeous production.
Hartford is a city near to me but I’ve never really liked it until your posts!! Thanks for reminding me of the simple wonders of a lovely city park and a simple apartment with touches of home. You make me want to rent an apartment downtown for a month!
Well, sometimes I get frustrated by the lack of shops and thriving businesses, and the fact that it seems to be vacant on a Sunday, but it’s a lovely town with much to offer. This is my sixth or seventh stay here, so I’ve had lots of time to search and discover, Nora.
Such a nice park. I too love parks and take Tiger to them often. I can see how Scout would love the soft lights and feel like running in the park at night! I can overdo also and so it’s not unusual for me to have a busy day and then have to rest the next day…especially after watching Tiger all day!
hugs,
Linda
Scout and I are both tired today, Linda. I woke up way too early.
Thank you for letting us enjoy Hartford through your eyes. Twilight romps through the park sound lovely!
They are such fun. I laugh out loud watching Scout run.
Yep, we tend to over-do and then pay for it with some needed rest. But it is usually worth it!! How much longer are you in Hartford? Do you and Don finish up your current jobs about the same time?
The pictures today, along with your post about the library in your other blog, makes me think it is, indeed, quite a lovely city.
Just a week and a half. No, Don still works at least through November 3rd – maybe through the 9th.
Lovely pics! I am surprised by the lack of color on the trees…our trees are at peak here…and the leaves will be gone soon. I suppose you couldn’t post a couple pics of the costumes? I’m prepared for a negative on that one…but the costumes sound fantastic! Hope Scout gets plenty of rest! ;)
No can do. That’s up to the theater and the designers. If you ‘like’ Hartford Stage on FB, you’ll probably be able to see some photos.
We’ve lived in Texas for eons, but I’m from Connecticut and so enjoy seeing Bushnell Park and “my” statehouse.
Margaret
So glad that you can see those places again, Margaret!
claudia: FYI…your post is going directly to my SPAM…cannot figure out why….so i have to read it on this site…no biggy….would LOVE to see the carousel!!!!! glad you two are enjoying your adventure!!!
Unfortunately, if it’s going to SPAM it has to do with your email provider. You could try entering the email address that it comes from as a trusted address. Or do what I do. Each time that happens with someone’s blog post, I move it to my in box, hoping that the email software will finally figure out it’s legitimate. (Secretly,I’m glad you have to read it on this site, that helps my ad income!!)
Lovely photos, Claudia. Sometimes I just can’t believe how well the iPhone can take a picture. Were all these from the iPhone or are there some from your camera as well? PS – it looks like there’s a way to go before Hartford hits peak color too… That’s good – I love a long long Fall!
All of them were taken with the iPhone. Even though I took my big girl camera along, I ended up using the iPhone. Easier in this kind of situation.
City parks are so nice..No wonder Scout gets excited over being there..I’m sure she will perk up again after she gets some rest..
Still sort of out of it today. That’s okay. She needs to recharge!
We have herons all over town. If you have a fish pond in your backyard here you’d better protect it from the herons! Yes, koi are a variety of carp.
Such a lovely park! How wonderful you and Scout have it nearby to enjoy :)
Ah, more common than I thought! Thanks for answering the question about koi/carp. I think I couldn’t have a fish pond for that reason. Same reason I won’t keep chicken. Too many predators.
What a wonderful place to frolic. I am surprised that more of the leaves haven’t changed there. I hope Scout gets some rest. She must feel like a puppy when she sees all of that great green space. xo Laura
I think she does. We have a lot of green space at home, but this is somehow different for her.
I think I would enjoy a romp in that park!
Our leaves are barely turning color at all here on the Gulf Coast. We have full color at Thanksgiving.
That’s a nice time to have full color. The leaves will be totally off the trees here by Thanksgiving!
I like the metal sculpture. :)
We have an ‘Art Walk’ every month downtown where I live with all sorts of sculptures and murals on permanent public display. My favourite is an enormous black stone ‘Spirit Bear’ down by the river. (I feel compelled to pat it every time I walk by..)
I would love to see a photo of the carousel. I love carousels and old-fashioned carousel horses, but sadly the closest one to us is inside a mall. :(
Enjoy your romps in the park! :D
There are definitely pictures of that carousel on this blog. I’ve posted about it before. If I have a chance, I’ll take some more.
Oh good! I’ll take a look for them in previous posts.
Claudia, The park is such a pretty place to walk and relax. I love that awesome Capital building. I have seen ducks in our park…but never a blue heron. That would be thrilling to see. Blessings to you and your Scout. xoxo,Susie
Thank you, Susie. That Capitol building is beautiful and majestic. And I love the gold dome!
Claudia, there are some images (sketches) of the costume and set designs on this page, and YOUR NAME is in the credits. I think it’s likely that you know about this web page, but I thought that some of your readers might be interested.
http://www.hartfordstage.org/hamlet
P.S. Is it fun to see your name in the credits?
Well, I have to say I’m used to it now. Where it is in the credits depends on the theater, but Darko always gives me good billing. I bet there will be photos up in a few days. The photographer will be taking pictures tonight.
Thanks, Nancy!
Lovely pics Claudia! What a pretty park and the Capitol building looks gorgeous.
Thanks, Sally!
I have never seen a professional play. I’m sure that I would understand the classics better if I saw them acted out. Last night I watched Midsomer Murders on PBS. In an episode called The Spirit of Christmas Past there was a man named Ross. I kept thinking “I know that face.” I do believe it was your husband. The program was aired in 2004, I believe. I tried to catch the name in the credits but couldn’t see who played Ross. I would be interested to know if this was in fact your husband. I have read two excellent books in the last two weeks. “Big Little Lies” and “The Good Girl”. Both are page turners. I like all of your book recommendations and have read several of them. I had never heard of Dee Henderson but when I looked her up on Amazon I was impressed and ordered one of her books. Thanks for your recommendations.
Hi Carol – no, Don never did Midsomer Murders. I believe that was filmed in the UK. But obviously, he has a look-alike out there!
I’ve never recommended Dee Henderson, indeed, I don’t know that name. Perhaps another blogger recommended that author? I’ve heard good things about “Big Little Lies” and plan to put that one on my list.