Penstemon growing wild down by the road.
I worked on the new shade bed yesterday. I added some compost, planted the hostas I bought last week and transplanted the hosta and the heuchera that I had planted in the big garden bed earlier this spring. Because of the loss of some big maple limbs in various storms, it’s really not shady enough to support those two plants. So, they are now in the shade garden.
The ten milkweed plants that are right by the porch are blooming and the scent is heavenly. But something out there, whether it’s the milkweed or some other culprit, is making my allergies flare up. I sat on the porch this morning and I’m definitely feeling worse. Hmmm…
A freakish early morning glory. I plant both blue and purple morning glories and the purples always grow more quickly than the blues. I was surprised to see this little bloom this morning and it brought a smile to my face. Clearly, the bugs love the leaves.
You certainly don’t have to comment on this, but since this is a very difficult week for us, I will be sharing my thoughts on the closing of Margaritaville. Don always calls me as he’s walking away from the theater after having signed autographs outside the stage door. Last night, as we were talking, people kept stopping him to tell him how much they loved the show. I can hear the conversations in the background as Don tells me to ‘hold on’ while he chats with everyone. He loves people, he loves the show, he loves the character he plays, and most importantly, he loves bringing joy to the audience members. When I hear these conversations, I am reminded, once again, of what an enormous loss this is. For the cast and crew and creatives, for the audience members who come back again and again, and for my husband. I love him so much and my heart breaks for him. He, being the man he is, is trying to keep a positive attitude, but I know he is hurting.
We are well aware of the blessings that have come to us via this show and we acknowledge them all the time. Maybe something else will come along, maybe not. But it won’t be this show, this role. Don has been acting professionally for over 40 years and he has done every kind of role there is, from Shakespeare and Shaw to Frasier to L.A. Law to PBS American Experience to Escape to Margaritaville. He has always felt that this role was a perfect fit. I’ve certainly never seen him happier with a role and I’ve been with him almost 24 (next week) years.
I’ve also never seen such a closely knit cast full of beautiful souls.
Sunday is going to be a very emotional day.
I think about it all the time and I can’t even type this without crying. It is what it is, I know that. But what it is, sucks.
Deep breath. Off to recycle and buy some more mulch. We may – fingers crossed – get some rain today.
Happy Wednesday.
I just noticed that Don sings my favorite JB song – He Went to Paris. My heart aches for both of you and the cast. Sad how such a choice of theatre may have made the difference.
That’s my favorite song, as well. And the scene that it occurs in is simply beautiful.
love the idea of don calling you each night as he walks from the theater to the apartment and glad that you could hear bits of the positivity he receives from people who’ve just seen the show. am sure that makes your heart both swell (with pride and happiness) and shatter (knowing there are only five more nights of the show on broadway).
if you want him to play j.d. on tour, i pray that comes don’s way. i would think it would be a very good thing for people who originated the roles to be part of the tour.
if that role goes to someone else, well, it won’t be the same, that’s for sure. and i will pray and trust that with all don’s wonderful talents and experience other roles will come his way.
i hope you get enough (well-timed) rain that you can spend more time in nyc with don over the next several days. will you be able to see the show on sunday? i hope for that, too.
wishing you and don peace and all good things ahead.
kathy in iowa
oh … that morning glory is beautiful! and looks like it has a flashlight shining out from its center. :)
Yes, I have a ticket for Sunday’s closing performance. I want to be there with everyone.
good!!!
lots of people will be there in spirit and cheering you all on that night and in future endeavors. i am one of them.
kathy in iowa
Thank you, Kathy.
Lucky you—a morning glory so early! I won’t have any this year, it seems, as two rounds of seeds have failed to sprout and now it just seems too late to try another. I love the Penstemon. The blossom reminds me of freesia, so pretty.
I, too, just hate that E2M is closing. We enjoyed the show so much. And Don’s part was seemingly written for him! He was such a joy to watch, I know he was having a great time of it and sharing the experience with so many appreciative audiences must have been lovely. We’ll never forget it! Thanks, Don.
I’ll pass this on to him, Shanna.
I feel so sad for you both. In trying to think positively, at least you’ll have time together although I know that you would prefer this hadn’t happened.
I’d rather not have time together if it means he could go on doing the show.
Claudia, I am so sorry for the loss and the pain you both feel. It seems lately so much about this world just really stinks.
You’re not kidding. On every front.
I know this is such a sad time for Don, you and the cast and crew. So hard to see this end when it’s such a loved show! I know all hearts are breaking. Sending much love to you and Don. Beautiful flowers but watch those allergies as the heat makes them worse I think! Hugs!!
Thanks, Linda.
Dear Claudia,I won’t comment on E2M, Because I have commented a couple times and will try to resist being redundant !
It always seems so contrary to me when I lived out on the plains of Colorado/Nebraska,it is Illegal to sell Morning Glory seeds, in any way, shape, or form. they are Banned!Because they are so prolific, and deadly to crops. very hard to get rid of. Yet so many people in urban settings
struggle to enjoy their Glorious Beauty! Lastly, I NEVER Knew Milk weed has a pleasant odor.
can you compare it to anything(Smell)I might be familiar with. Hang in there my friend.
Love to all ! Judy A-
I can’t imagine banning morning glory seeds! It was prolific when I lived in CA, too, but I loved that.
Milk weed smells not unlike a peony.
So sorry you & Don are going through this sadness. Your blog is a pick-me-up on my sad days. I just wish there was something I could do for you. 😔
Aw, thank you, Cindy.
I feel badly for you both about the closing of the show. There were so many perks and positives, so the disappointment is great.
The disappointment is immense, Vicki. On many fronts.
Yeah, I’ve let myself explore that from as much as you’ve told us. Really tried to understand because, like all your readers, I care; I really do! (Talk about it as much as you need to here, leading up to Sunday.) My heart hurts for you whenever I think about The End for Escape to Margaritaville. It would have been a last great role for Don, perhaps then cruising to full retirement. Leaving the work world with a bang, not a whisper (a whisper isn’t bad, but you know what I mean!). On a high note.
Then there was the aspect of steady income. Ah, the steady income; as I’ve said too many times, I do SO know what that means. I’ve lived with freelancers my whole life, first with my parents and then my husband. My mom, the same thing, with her dad and then her husband. We’ve been generations of people who don’t know what a pension is…although I guess you could say, it was a choice. Sort of. Certainly with my dad, he could have remained with the company he first worked for out of college; aimed for the gold watch. But he followed his heart. And my mom would never have been the one to break it.
Had Don’s show been able to even run til the end of the year, for Pete’s sake – – six months; more! – – an infusion of a little extra cash than usual to get to the things that need to be done around a house; the projects we all let sit but which nag at the back of the brain, needing to be ‘fixed’. We’re facing that now; after much, much thought and friendly argument, research-research-research, heart/soul talks about it, probably staying right where we are, in a old house that needs a lot of work and how will we come up with the money to do any of it (husband working another year or two isn’t gonna happen now). I’m biting my nails again.
The relief of beefing up the savings. Very real. Only for it all to be taken away (particularly stinks when the show is so good and much enjoyed by many people; you no doubt hit the nail on the head about a wrong theater choice in terms of ‘filling the house’ [a smaller venue being the better suit for the musical]; as I’d wondered before but you didn’t know, are they so sure the next musical or play WILL fill up that bigger theater???).
I always hate it when the money gets yanked when we’ve done everything WE are supposed to do but then to still have lost out (unfair; and how do you ever get cool with it, like never!); same for Don and the cast, performing their hearts out every single night, every single matinee; it was nothing THEY did wrong to have to suffer the failure of the show in terms of money-making.
I’ve known what it is to plan and dream when it looked like an outcome (a good one) was certain, in my favor; then have it all fall away. And if I could have anticipated that happening, I would have made other decisions along the way. We can think a thing is ‘for sure’ only to be crushed when it turns out not to be. And it can be such a quandary of why it failed us especially when we’d stayed pretty grounded over it and had our ducks in a row. Defies logic! I suppose I sound very vague. Just think’in. Thinking out loud; remembering some things.
‘Rich’ people can’t ever understand what ‘poor’ folks go thru, every time the water heater goes out, a car needs new tires, medicine is needed that insurance doesn’t cover, a plumber is needed but you can’t afford the service call alone; when you have to think about each dollar spent (and not spend any unwisely, AKA having no ‘disposable’ money/play money, so to speak). People with wealth or better ‘means’ can’t understand the vigilance it takes; the necessity of budgeting and bargain-only shopping. What it feels like to never go on a vacation, to a movie or a nice dinner out at a restaurant. They don’t know the desperation of having a bill with no way to pay it. Or having to move when you don’t want to move because for whatever reason the landlord wants you out, and then how can you find a place in a hurry with yet another big deposit to have to shell out to the new landlord. Or the fear of old age and not having enough money to take care of oneself.
I do know people with trust funds and they don’t live with the daily stress others have because they always have a guaranteed amount of money for life. Even if it’s not a LOT of money, it’s enough to where they never have to worry about actually making that rent or how they’ll eat. But then, fairly, I know other people who, to tamp down the money woes, are working til they fall down, even if they’re pushing age 80. To them, it beats the hand-wringing.
I hate this for you and Don, how you were just getting into a rhythm with the city with the discovery of the gardens, familiarity with the neighborhood; the amazing opportunity of a very-nice apartment; this whole other side to life that was ripe with opportunities and things yet to discover. It was almost too good to be true; why did it have to end so soon? What can ya do but say, “It’s life.” Doesn’t mean we have to like it, though.
I get it. And, again, my heart goes out to you and Don both although I know also in my heart that you will readjust, look back on his brief time on Broadway as so golden (happier memories!) and still find ways to get back to your fave NYC haunts when the weather is better although I know it’s hard to do in one day when you live the hours north upstate. As I’d touched on another time, Claudia, you’ve created a beautiful environment for Don to come home to, so just take July & August to rest, re-group. Reevaluate; recharge. Begin again.
Who knows, maybe the next one of you to get a gig in NYC will be you, Claudia, in which case you might have a flat for a few days, and Don can go in and see YOU. And I think I said it before but if the worst of coming winter can find you both at home in the cottage, your readers will worry less for you, fending on your own with ice and snow although, of course, you’ve proven you can do it. Cozier, though; back-up relief, with each of you there, together, rather than apart.
I was thinking on how a lot of us don’t ever get our role of a lifetime.
Even if it was just over a year, at least Don got his!
When do you have to start moving all his stuff out of the apartment? After the Capitol Fourth performance? Man, is THAT gonna be a big job in the summer heat…
Maybe go back for a NYC visit in the fall; I’ve heard autumn in New York (wasn’t it Frank Sinatra?!) is fabulous…
We would have loved a few more months in which to set aside money. We thought it might run a year, then we changed that to 6 months. But it will turn out to be 3 and 1/2 months.
He has to be out of his apartment by July 8th. So he’ll come back from Washington DC on the 5th and we have to pack up and clean up and leave on the 8th.
Well, you just have to get thru Sunday, and then you can have most of the next week to flesh it out/plan it. In just about 10 days from tonight or so, you’re both off to a re-start, in the glory of your beautiful, beautiful country cottage and grounds. Both of you have to settle again into the familiar routine of both at home, and it’s going to be just fine. I’m sure Don really needs to rest both mind and body, just being home and away from the hectic pace which has been his life for months and months. When the heat drives you in from your yard work, Claudia, take a siesta with him in the afternoon; it works wonders.
And no pressure on the doll houses but, have to say as I said before, what a delight to be able to anticipate your progress on them again; they are wonderful. I’ve seen a lot of houses and Caroline’s remains one of my very favorites. I want to LIVE in Hummingbird Cottage! I’m sure I’ve spent HOURS digesting every element of Caroline’s rooms/things. So fun to see you decorate her place for Christmas, too.
As I mull my husband’s upcoming retirement and how (on earth) we can learn to live normally 24/7 as we’ve never done in our entire married life (we used to be ships that passed in the night with him working nights and me working days; we had that for YEARS), I’ve gone from a bit of trepidation/panic to feeling happy to think we’ll move now in a better rhythm, comfort in each other’s company…and this is very-very recent, almost of the moment, as I’ve been obsessing about it rather negatively (I’m conditioned to a large amount of alone time/personal time to live quietly and serenely whereas when he’s in the waking hours, it’s all about hubbub/crash/bang/boom, always doing something, always moving around, never sitting still). I’m excited because we’ll be working on this old fixer-upper childhood home of mine and I’ll finally be able to get my ‘stuff’ out of storage. He’s on a rare vacay from the job for the next two weeks and we’re tackling the garage, hoping the weather doesn’t get much hotter. We’ll set up a portable canopy for shade/cover on the driveway and try to get as much done as possible in the cooler mornings.
The goal is to get my vintage car moved out of offsite storage and back home to its own garage. (Deciding to keep it for now; it’s been paid for since 1976 and it runs great.) I need to ditch that storage unit because it’s costing too much money each month. So, we’ll be unpacking a lot of boxes that are in there, too, to vacate the unit; freecycle, here we come; much will go to Goodwill I’m sure; I have to be careful what I keep (downsizing; decluttering; space issues). But it’s basically TWO garages to clean out; a lot of it is still my folks’ stuff at the house. (We’ve worked on this in increments over the past four years; it’s a huge job, where nobody moved for over 60 years and were neat/clean people but who held on to too much stuff.) I dread all this yet try to focus on the goal, to clean out once and for all. It’s such a necessary, free-ing feeling.
And in that storage, thanks to you, is my own little collection of doll houses. (Photos of your doll houses alone leave me drooling; the interiors, like Don’s Studio, too, are magnificent.) I got your same loft – – it was Target, wasn’t it; I got a heckuva deal on it at the time because the packaging/box was all dented in yet the loft unscathed – – and it’s sort of staggeringly well-made(!) – – and I have last year’s holiday gift from my relatives of the Barbie Dream House (repro/cardboard; still haven’t fully worked with it as I have no room and I don’t want it getting bent while we still live with paint cans, ladders and the like), a fold-up wood (small) doll house and a larger, tabletop, already-put-together but empty bare-wood one just begging to be embellished although the exterior IS painted and it’s a sort of Federal blue with white trims. I have no idea where I’ll put everything but I want it all out where I can look and play!
I’ve been collecting the furnishings/miniatures for a few years now and I’m ready to go although I have to really curb the urge on the tiny things because they are so darn expensive much of the time. My biggest indulgence was when I briefly subscribed to that lovely Squint Box you told us about here; love everything I got from the subscription although that had to come to an end due to the budget besides which I think I really do have enough, for now. I got some core furniture pieces from, of all places, Walmart. And 20 years ago or more from, again of all places, the dollar bins at three different chain drugstores! Also recently at the dollar store in the children’s toy section! (I stay away from plastics.) You just have to look & look to score some terrific random miniatures. I may not wind up with everything perfectly to scale as you have, but I’ll give it my best. If I go on Etsy I know I’ll be sunk, so I don’t, although it takes ALL my weak willpower.
I put on the calendar, in about October, to go back to a doll house store in my locale, just to refresh myself on what’s out there; be a big girl about it and get ideas, leaving my wallet at home! They set up several different theme houses and it’s like being in a doll museum; I can spend a lot of time in that store. I can seriously drop half a day in there, so I plan for it. Some of their permanent displays are under glass. It’s a large store. A challenge for me at this age is arthritic hands; I’ve lost some dexterity in handling small pieces. I may have to skip wallpapers; I’m not sure yet. Some time ago when we spoke of doll houses here, I mentioned seeing retired gentlemen in this particular store. What seemed to start as something for the granddaughters became more of a hobby for the adult; I love overhearing clusters of customers talk and compare their houses and what they’re doing; lots of good tips! Like a club! instead of a book club, a doll house club.
I think we’ll be dealing with a major adjustment when Don comes home. He’s been used to his own routine and privacy in the apartment in NYC. He’s used to stepping out on the street and having most anything he wants at his fingertips. I’m used to my routine. I anticipate some uncomfortable days before we settle in.
Miniature and dollhouses make me happy, though I haven’t been motivated to do anything on them for quite a while. Rather like my being unable to read fiction for so long. I’m so glad you’ll have your dollhouses out of storage, along with everything else (including the Roseville) that has been out of your reach for so long!
My last comment on this thread, promise.
Can’t compare, yet I sometimes do: My parents were almost like clones in many ways; there was no guesswork in the routine of when they were doing what; they were so melded. And I have good friends who’ve been married for 50 years who read together, eat together, watch TV together, listen to music together, yet he still works an outside job, she’s busy with charitable activities; I aspire to their good groove (they never seem to have conflicting ‘wavelengths’ – – so smooth; good flow).
I don’t like it that my husband frequently goes left when I go right. (No reference to politics there; I’m just talking daily life. Mundane stuff most of the time. Although the little ‘irritants’ add up.) We are SUCH opposites in a whole lotta things, not just a few. We STILL have communication issues even after 30 years; he just gets preoccupied/absent-minded and forgets to tell me what’s up. Opposites attract, but it can make for bumps and roadblocks and collisions sometimes!
Anticipating some uncomfortable days? I hear you; oh boy do I. But as it will be for you and Don, my husband and I will eventually adapt; he’s actually very confident about it. There are a ton of articles on the web about loving & caring spouses learning to live together in retirement and how not to be ‘on top of each other’ (and drive each other nuts). It seems to be more difficult a lot of the time for the male component rather than the female although that’s rather gender-specific. But too often, the wife has many interests and hobbies whereas the guy wanders around, following her around, twiddling his fingers after an entire adult lifetime of career outside the home from which, for a lot of men, is almost their sole ‘identity’. They’re just plain bored I guess, once they’re home for good. It can get complicated, more than just change of attitude.
Ah, you remembered the Roseville from my husband’s family even before I did! THAT will be one red-letter day for sure, the day we unpack the Roseville. I will photo it and send you a pix; I’m SO glad I got it restored when I did because those expert people who did it, happenchance find at the time, are both now deceased. The Roseville received in pieces, after Granny died half way across the country from us, did nobody any good even though, of course, ‘repairs’ take from the value. But this was the restoration couple (artists!) who even got a piece past Antiques Roadshow; they were THAT good, bless ’em.
Well, we’re used to spending a lot of time together, as a rule, but the last year and half has involved more separation than togetherness. We’ll figure it out, but it will be tough for a while.
I am so very sorry for both of you – I can just feel your pain through your words . . .
I still think your future is going places – you just wait!
Meanwhile you are still married to a very talented man and you think he’s the bees knees:)
I do.
I hate that the show is closing and all the sadness it causes. I remember how happy you both were when this show hit the boards. We all were smiling and laughing. We will smile and laugh again when you two hit the next big, big thing! What would be Don’s next dream role. I want to pray for that happening. OK. Now we need to dance around the kitchen.
THIS is his dream role, Tana. He’s played everything under the sun and this one is everything. He sings, dances, acts and entertains. It’s perfect for him. That’s what makes it so heartbreaking.
So sad for you and Don. Both of my children are in the arts and I well know how precarious it is to try to make a living doing what you love. Here’s hoping more good things will be coming along for you both. So glad you will be able to be there for the end to support each other. And, that Morning Glory pic is gloriously intense color!
Thank you, Kay.
to think that such a joyous and beautiful experience for theater-lovers had to end
simply over “logistics.” for that’s what really did it you know.
it might have run for years and years in the right venue. and THAT’s the saddest thing.
but even so. OH the memories! like a little jewel that those who got to see it will always remember!
and now I understand more than I ever did . . . about the magic of Broadway and live theater.
thanks to you and Don.
sending love to you both and hugs.
and to know that sweet times to come will be yours in your adorable cottage.
bless you both. xoxo
Thank you, Tammy.
Hugs and love to you both as that dreadful day approaches…may you each have the comfort and strength that is needed to get through this!
Thank you, Nancy.
I know life isn’t fair, but this is most unfair of all. I know it all takes time and planning, is that why the show won’t be going on the road for a whole year? With all of the sadness and dirty things going on in the world, any escape, especially to somewhere as delightful as Margaritaville, should be fostered and not ended.
The other news today has me nearly paralyzed. The SC is where we are supposed to know that justice will be done. I can’t………….
I know. We have to take the gloves off and give McConnell a dose of his own medicine. No more nice Dems. It isn’t going to work if we play nice.
What a shame for the show to close. It seems the public knows a hit when they see it, too bad the critics do not. Claudia sorry that your allergies are acting up. Hope you feel better soon.
Marilyn
Thank you, Marilyn!
since i don’t have an instagram account, i’ll say it here …
claudia, i am glad you were able to rescue that dollhouse! you are a very creative, nurturing person and will give that sweet dollhouse the tlc it deserves. i hope working on that project will bring you some good distraction and enjoyment … and i don’t think it’s a coincidence that you found the dollhouse this week. :)
kathy in iowa
I’m hoping it turns out to be the perfect distraction, Kathy. Thank you!
Claudia, it is so blatantly unfair that the show is closing. I am so happy that Don got to experience his favorite role. I hope this leads to more special roles and shows. Sharing in your sadness, Heather
Thank you, Heather. I think you asked about Meredith the other day? She’s so busy with long hours of work, two puppies and Little Z, that she only has time to blog once a week.