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You are here: Home / life / Thoughts on a Monday

Thoughts on a Monday

February 21, 2022 at 9:06 am by Claudia

So close.

This sky is the tedious part of the puzzle. But I am determined to finish it today. I tried to anchor it by finding all the bats and putting them in place. Now it’s various dark clouds and sky.

Oh, we’re in a bit of a funk because the Olympics are over, as well as the two brilliant series on PBS: Around the World in Eighty Days  and All Creatures Great and Small. Impeccably done. Every detail was spot on. I could go on and on but I suspect a lot of you also feel the same way. I loved them both. “Eighty Days” ended with a bit of a teaser and I hope that means there will be second season. We know there will be a third season of “All Creatures” so we just have to be patient and wait. Tonight, we’ll start the new season of The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel. Cannot wait!

I’m also trying to be positive about winter – and failing. The snow and ice finally melted around here – it’s going to reach 60 degrees in a few days – and then the temperature will plunge 30 degrees and we can look forward to 3-5 inches of snow and ice  on Friday.

Trying hard not to do a primal scream.

Keep yourself busy, Claudia, keep yourself busy. I’m going to do some laundry today, finish the puzzle, do some cleaning, and maybe start a new puzzle.

Exciting, right?

Life has been challenging lately. A dear friend of ours awaits a heart transplant. Another friend has Alzheimer’s. Another friend is suffering from cancer and Parkinson’s Disease. Beloved family members are wrestling with some worries. It’s all there, all the time, hovering in the background. We pray in our way, which may not be the traditional way, but prayer is prayer, no matter what form it takes. A prayer for peace of mind and healing, both emotionally and physically. Sending love to everyone.

Stay safe.

Happy Monday.

Filed Under: life 39 Comments

Comments

  1. Linda says

    February 21, 2022 at 10:16 am

    Yes the woes we fret about seem ridiculous when we look at others that are going through so much pain.

    Reply
    • Claudia says

      February 21, 2022 at 4:37 pm

      Thanks, Linda.

      Stay safe.

      Reply
  2. Brendab says

    February 21, 2022 at 10:43 am

    Stress is utmost right now for many of us…we pray and keep on…love the puzzle…I have to admit I finally tried The NY Times Wordle…yes…even this old age lady can do it pretty easily…sorry but just wanted to see lol…have been reading several thrillers and an abundance of WW II historical fiction from Netgalley..enjoying…I keep working my simple puzzles…and doing puzzle books and cross stitch ornaments for Christmas…teaching the kids…I get up around five and bed by midnight…love my life as always…still writing the little column…just not enough hours…I still walk six times a day although whew. The pain…take care…have good day…I did also finally watch some Murder She Wrote…I owned Hallmark store when that was on…had never seen it…enjoyable…

    Reply
    • Claudia says

      February 21, 2022 at 4:37 pm

      You sound happy and fulfilled, Brenda!

      Stay safe.

      Reply
  3. Shanna says

    February 21, 2022 at 10:47 am

    Your TV viewing sounds like ours—sorry to see those good ones go.

    We are on day one of the third round of chemo and it’s a long day ahead. Twice a week. I’m worried because one of the drugs is one that put him in the ER so many times before, but the doc says when cancer is aggressive, you take chances. So. Hoping for a not too bumpy ride. He’s staying optimistic, I think, and steroids have fixed his pain for now. Fingers crossed.

    Reply
    • Linda says

      February 21, 2022 at 3:28 pm

      Shanna I pray for the best for you in this situation.
      Wish I could give you a hug

      Reply
      • Shanna says

        February 21, 2022 at 7:25 pm

        Thanks so much Linda.

        Reply
    • Claudia says

      February 21, 2022 at 4:39 pm

      Oh, Shanna. I’m so sorry this is happening. I hope that all goes well. Love to you and Fred. You are in my prayers, my friend.

      xoxo

      Reply
      • Shanna says

        February 21, 2022 at 7:25 pm

        Thanks Claudia. It seemed to go well today so hope he gets some sleep tonight.

        Reply
        • Claudia says

          February 22, 2022 at 9:37 am

          xoxo

          Reply
    • Chris K in WI says

      February 21, 2022 at 7:11 pm

      Shaunna, I hope you know how many of us are thinking of and praying for both of you and your family. I wish you peace.

      Reply
      • Shanna says

        February 21, 2022 at 7:23 pm

        Thank you Chris.

        Reply
    • Martha says

      February 21, 2022 at 8:28 pm

      Sorry so late, Shanna, adding my voice to the chorus of MBH that treatment works without too much discomfort.

      Reply
      • Shanna says

        February 22, 2022 at 10:50 am

        Thank you Martha. Aren’t these people great?

        Reply
        • Martha says

          February 24, 2022 at 9:18 pm

          Absolutely! [such a late date/time this probably appears as quite random, just my oddball-ness – I must have written my email address wrong]

          Reply
    • Linda Piazza says

      February 22, 2022 at 6:27 am

      Shanna,

      I also add my prayers that your husband’s third round of chemo proceeds as smoothly as possible without him reacting negatively again to that one component.

      Reply
      • Shanna says

        February 22, 2022 at 10:51 am

        Thanks Linda. Got through the night and even got some sleep!

        Reply
  4. Brendab says

    February 21, 2022 at 10:49 am

    P S
    Seems like you didn’t love Ruth Ware books…however her book The It Girl is one I enjoyed from Netgalley.

    Reply
    • Claudia says

      February 21, 2022 at 4:39 pm

      Not a fan. They’re pretty formulaic. But thanks, Brenda.

      Reply
      • Brendab says

        February 21, 2022 at 11:36 pm

        I have enjoyed two of hers…

        Reply
        • Claudia says

          February 22, 2022 at 9:39 am

          xo

          Reply
  5. Sharon says

    February 21, 2022 at 12:59 pm

    Good news! I read that there are going to be at least two more seasons of All Creatures Great and Small. What a wonderful program! I’m going to miss it, too.

    Reply
    • Claudia says

      February 21, 2022 at 4:39 pm

      Yay! I love it so much.

      Stay safe, Sharon.

      Reply
  6. Nancy says

    February 21, 2022 at 1:07 pm

    Dear Shanna, You will be in my daily prayers. I hope that you find a bit of peace in the difficult days ahead. Please know that there are people that you have never met that are praying for a successful outcome for your loved one.

    Reply
    • Shanna says

      February 21, 2022 at 7:26 pm

      Thank you Nancy.

      Reply
  7. Marilyn Schmuker says

    February 21, 2022 at 1:13 pm

    I’m sorry to hear about your friends and family. It’s especially hard when distance or circumstances makes it impossible to do anything to help except pray.

    I am tired of winter too. But, something has changed. The light is different. It stays light longer, and we’ve had some sunny days recently. It is above freezing today and I see some little patches of bare grass peeking through the snow. March can be very wintery still, but I can feel spring isn’t far off. In fact, I have the urge to clean today…I can see how badly I need to dust!
    Take care

    Reply
    • Claudia says

      February 21, 2022 at 4:40 pm

      Yes, I see that, too. Nonetheless, we have more ice coming on Friday and last time we got it, it was very dangerous around here.

      Thanks, Marilyn.

      Stay safe.

      Reply
  8. Jan says

    February 21, 2022 at 1:57 pm

    I bounce back and forth between the All Creatures Great and Small from the 70s and 80s with Robert Hardy and the new version. The old one is on BritBox so I watch it quite frequently. Around the world was good but lacking something for me. Am looking for a new series to binge.

    Reply
    • Claudia says

      February 21, 2022 at 4:42 pm

      We ended up loving Around the World in Eighty Days. Beautifully filmed, wonderfully acted, with a Phineas Fogg who was much more complex than I’ve seen in any other adaptation.

      Thanks, Jan!

      Stay safe.

      Reply
  9. Deanna Shackelford says

    February 21, 2022 at 4:27 pm

    Shanna; Prayers for your husband and you as well. Deana S

    Reply
    • Shanna says

      February 21, 2022 at 7:27 pm

      Thank you Deanna.

      Reply
  10. jeanie says

    February 21, 2022 at 5:05 pm

    Last night was a sad one for me, saying farewell to “Foggy” and the gang and to the Darrowby crew. Perfect endings, both. I’m wondering — when they were talking about the submarine at the very end, was that “Twenty Thousand Leagues…”? I’d love to see that trio return. And thrilled more All Creatures are in the works. Now I wait for more “Call the Midwife,” which has aired in England already.

    I was just working on a draft post mentioning this topsy turvy part of the year where it’s snowy then not, then is (along with ice). We aren’t up to 60 but definitely in a melt zone. I was amazed to find very bright green healthy thyme in my herb garden. Apparently, it is hardier than I am.

    I can empathize with your concern for dear friends and family with challenging circumstances right now and send all good wishes that things well be fine in the end. It’s just the getting to it that’s so hard. Yes, praying for so many right now. Including yours. Take care. Love the puzzle!

    Reply
    • Claudia says

      February 21, 2022 at 5:09 pm

      That’s what we thought – that it was a reference to Twenty Thousand Leagues Under the Sea. Wouldn’t that be neat?

      Such an excellent run of both series, but all too short.

      Stay safe, Jeanie.

      Reply
  11. Vicki says

    February 21, 2022 at 6:04 pm

    Claudia, I’m so sorry you have a lot on your mind that can just eat away at your peace.

    We’re, some of us now, at ‘that age’ where similarly-aged folks in our acquaintance can begin to have a lot of health problems; the aging body; we’ve all got some wear&tear; a lot of miles on this blessed organic vessel which tries so hard to sustain us over a human lifetime.

    And the worries never seem to cease as the years ratchet up (I’d always thought they would; however, ’tis not the case; life is complicated!); ah youth, it did seem carefree. I can of course recall when my everyday (20s, 30s) was so taken up by silly things like ‘boyfriend’ stuff; what a waste of valuable, healthful time.

    I hope you get a stretch of better weather after this next bout of CHILL; sunshine, wildflowers, blue skies; it’s all coming!

    I’ve felt I have too much going on lately and the ‘noise’ gets to me to where I just want to blot out the world. Just let me get centered; get quiet; get calm.

    Reply
    • Claudia says

      February 22, 2022 at 9:36 am

      It’s essential. Quiet and calm. But boy, is it difficult some days!

      Thanks, Vicki.

      Stay safe.

      Reply
  12. Chris K in WI says

    February 21, 2022 at 7:22 pm

    We have ice in our forecast for overnight through tomorrow. Many schools are already cancelled. We have very little snow remaining after the 50’s yesterday, but we know it isn’t the end in sight quite yet. The only good thing is most of the storms through March into April do melt away much more quickly. Sooooo ready for some warm weather.

    Pretty puzzle. Did you start a new one? Yes, there is always cleaning. sigh. So very sad that All Creatures is over for another year. It is done so beautifully. I said last night it seemed like it just started 2 or 3 weeks ago!! Patience. Just like the seasons ~ I wish June, July, and August would go by as slowly as do January, February, and March. Take care.

    Reply
    • Claudia says

      February 22, 2022 at 9:37 am

      Yes, I started a new one but I didn’t get very far! It’s difficult.

      They’ve changed the forecast to 5 – 8 inches of snow on Friday. Grrrrrrr!

      Stay safe, Chris.

      Reply
  13. Bridget says

    February 21, 2022 at 9:08 pm

    I tried one episode of Around the World in Eighty Days and couldn’t get into it. I watched the first season of All Creatures Great and Small and didn’t want to see the second one. After watching the original series and reading all of the novels, this adaptation veers too far from the original story for me.

    Reply
    • Claudia says

      February 22, 2022 at 9:38 am

      Don watched the original series and he loves this adaptation. I’m firmly in the ‘loved both series’ camp, but it’s all subjective, isn’t it? Everyone experiences things differently.

      Thanks, Bridget.

      Stay safe.

      Reply
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I live in a little cottage in the country with my husband. It's a sweet place, sheltered by old trees and surrounded by gardens. The inside is full of the things we love. I love to write, I love my camera, I love creating, I love gardening. My decorating style is eclectic; full of vintage and a bit of whimsy.

I've worked in the theater for more years than I can count. I'm currently a voice, speech, dialect and text coach freelancing on Broadway, off Broadway, and in regional theater.

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