These two traveled with me to New Jersey.
I was only gone a couple of days and the work itself was easy. I saw a run-through of the play (it’s wonderful!) and took notes. The next day I spent some time with the actors to give them notes. Then I headed home. I was supposed to stay there Saturday night as well (in a hotel) but it became clear that I would be able to leave early on Saturday. I let the theater know and they were able to cancel the reservation for Saturday night.
The hotel was nice, but they had the worst tap water ever. I couldn’t believe how bad it tasted! I went downstairs to buy a bottle of water and the woman working at the front desk gave me some empty bottles to fill up from a water dispenser in the lobby. The next morning, I had to pull on some clothes, go downstairs, and fill them up again so I could make some coffee in my room.
Then, the kicker: I headed home as a line of dangerous storms was set to hit NJ and the Hudson Valley. I had made it to the NY Thruway when a deluge came down and it lasted for about 30 miles. I could barely see the car in front of me. Everyone slowed way, way down. I was clutching the wheel and my body was so tense I could barely stand it. I haven’t been through a storm like that in years. Needless to say, I was exhausted by the time I arrived home.
This particular gig is a lovely one. The cast is so talented and fun and kind. Darko, as always, is a dream to work with. I’m very grateful. The hassle is in the logistics – the travel back and forth, the insane drivers in New Jersey, the Garden State Parkway, the toll booths that pop up at an exit requiring “Exact Change” when you had no idea that was going to happen. And you have very little change.
I could tell you stories all day long about this particular commute. And I have to do it again this weekend. I will be there until Sunday this time, because I’m watching and taking notes on evening performances. But then, I’ll be done.
Don’s gig went well, but he was going through the same kind of thing. His friend, who lives about 45 minutes north of us, drove to our house and picked Don up. Then they drove to the friend’s house where Don dropped him off and left from there to go to the performance site. He was driving his friend’s old truck that required the use of a stick. After the performance, Don drove home. And then on Saturday morning, he drove to his friend’s house, took him out to lunch, and then said friend drove Don home. He was exhausted from worrying about the stick. Thankfully, he didn’t grind any gears. (We are so grateful for the generous use of the truck and his friend’s time.)
We were both wiped out on Saturday night.
I had to stop the ads on the blog temporarily because ads were suddenly appearing where I didn’t want them. BIG ads. Hopefully, my ad company will fix this situation today.
Stay safe.
Happy Monday.
Glad it all worked out and you are home safe and sound.
Me too! Thanks, Ellen.
Stay safe.
Well you and Don sure had an experience this weekend. I’ve driven in rain like that and it’s very exhausting, especially when you don’t know if it’s going to get worse. I drove a stick for many, many years; it’s very daunting if you’re not used to it. Anyway, the girls got to have an adventure in the city!
We both love sticks and have had cars with sticks in the past. But, it’s been a long time! He was just beginning to relax with it when he returned it to the owner.
Thanks, Barrie.
Stay safe.
Glad everything worked out well for both of you. Driving in a downpour is hard work…glad you made it through. I liked the pic of the girls by the faucet….gave me a better idea of their size.
The weather here will be gorgeous all week…hopefully I can get lots done outside.
Enjoy your day! ;)
It’s gorgeous here, as well. Hurrah!
Thanks, Donnamae.
Stay safe.
I’m glad you made it home safely. It is so scary to drive in storms like that. The girls looked like they had fun on their trip!
I hope they did!
Thanks, Carol.
Stay safe.
Don must be glad that you’re home for a few days. Try and rest if you can. Your journey sounded like a nightmare, 30 miles of relentlessly, heavy rain.
Looking forward to reading about the theatre and the play soon.
Happy Monday
Not much to say about the theater but that it’s very nice.
Thanks, Dee Dee.
Stay safe.
Wow, you had quite the drive home. Glad you made it safely. Don, too. And you enjoyed it. Maybe you can relax a bit this week? Your traveling companions are very cute. Hope they didn’t hog the bed! Hugs, Elaine
I just mowed the lawn. There’s a lot to do around here. So relaxing might not happen until next week.
Stay safe, Elaine.
glad the work went well, and especially that you and don made it through the travels and storm! also glad you get to work next weekend. :) hopefully the weather and other drivers cooperate for you.
“whew!” here, too … movers are done and paid and i can sit on the sofa and take a break, try to relax a little bit. lots of things to keep sorting (like old papers … why do i still have them?!?), but am relieved that all but a few small things, cleaning supplies and my toolbox are where they are supposed to be. oh, except i forgot things from the storage unit (ugh) … suitcases, an old oak office chair and a great bike belonging to my beloved-and-much-missed father. my also-beloved brother will help me bring them over this week. and the apartment looks pretty good. will clean it and hope to turn the keys in by the end of this week. feeling all kinds of emotions right now and trying to focus on gratitude and the blessings and thanking God for my family and all the help.
hope you, don and everyone else have a good day. stay safe.
kathy
Glad to hear the move is mostly taken care of, Kathy. It must be a relief!
Stay safe.
That was a terrible storm! I’m glad you got home safely and enjoyed your time at the theater. I am also very fussy about water! Very nice of the woman to give you empty bottles.I have been spending every minute that it’s not raining trying to clean the gardens up for winter. I’m starting to realize that I am getting older and tired…I will just keep on keeping on and hope I get a massive amount of energy before the end of September! :)
This water tasted like it had dish detergent in it.
I get that you have to take it slower and allow more time for that chore. I leave them as is so the birds have some cover and seeds in the winter. So I have to tackle clean up in the spring.
Stay safe, Betsy.
Happy you are safe at home. The older I get the less I enjoy driving in traffic or bad weather. The girls are so cute and I love how you posed them. Hugs!
Thanks so much, Linda.
Stay safe.
The girls look a bit stressed after their trip and they didn’t even have to drive. Glad all made it home safely. I would have been happy to have some of that rain down here in Virginia, although not while traveling.
Ceci
We didn’t get all that rain, either. I was driving south of where we live.
Thanks so much, Ceci.
Stay safe.