Wednesday, July 23, 2014

There’s a crack in everything, that’s how the light gets in

I have become a terrible blogger. Not only do I not post regularly, I have comments in my inbox that I have not yet responded to. And my grammar in that last sentence, although not deplorable, is incorrect. I can live with that. And I will eventually get back to my inbox.

This post began, as they all do, with me searching for photos to share with you. I’ve got quite the cornucopia for you today and they really are all over the place. And as I sized them, and inserted them into the program I use (Windows Live Writer), I saw that it was beginning to get dark outside.

I mean, really dark. You’ll see at the end but for now, let’s get started, shall we?

 

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This is sweet Baby M. She’s over a year old and is now walking. Her parents were away for the weekend over the 4th of July and her grandparents (Helen & Bob) were watching her at their home. She’s just woken from a nap here.

Being near babies is joyful. It just is.

 

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This is darling Baby Clare. I saw her (and the rest of my family) at my brother’s home in NJ this past weekend. Baby Clare is my sister, Char’s, granddaughter.

She is the most cheerful child, at least that’s my impression. This 5-month old might raise royal hell at home for all I know, but while she was at my brother’s house, she was an absolute delight.

 

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Here she is with her granddad. She is a fun little girl.

 

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I organized a boating outing in June as a way of saying goodbye to my dear friend, Nancy, who has retired from teaching at our school and has moved to be closer to her children in North Carolina.

It was a beautiful day in early June on the North East River in Maryland and I invited other teachers along for the ride.

 

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We boated to a pretty spot and dropped anchor. Then we listened to the John Mayer station on Pandora radio and had cocktails made with sweet tea vodka and Simply Limeaid. They were really yummy. Nancy said that she had a wonderful time and I’m planning on making a photo remembrance for her that will be a surprise. She doesn’t read my blog, so I think I’m safe in putting that out there.

 

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Daylilies in a friend’s garden in NJ.

 

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And this is what I captured this evening. The clouds were gathering quickly and were absolutely roiling. The dog wanted IN in a bad way so I let him back in the house when I went back for the camera. He is now upstairs in my son’s room, probably hiding under the bed.

 

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This summer has been a thousand times better than last summer and it’s partly due to the fact that we’ve been taking Fridays off. As long as we stay and get our work done Monday through Thursday, we can take off Friday. It’s made all the difference and it’s really fun having 3-day weekends. My friend, Daryl, can attest to this. She’s been doing it at her place of employment in NYC for the past couple? of years.

Life was more difficult last summer, too. But those who come here regularly already know that. I don’t feel like talking about it.

The post title came from a Leonard Cohen tune, “Anthem”. I was reminded of it while watching a movie on Netflix last night called Last Love. Netflix recommended this flick for me but I never wanted to view it because it looked sad. After breaking down and watching it last night, I’m recommending it. Yes, it’s a little sad and all, but hell . . . life is sad sometimes. It’s a sweet movie and the French actress, Clemence Poesy, is absolutely luminous. And it was filmed in Paris (and Brittany, Brussels, and Cologne). Very very nice. Another plus is Gillian Anderson who plays the self-absorbed daughter.

Tonight I’m watching something a little spooky, Demi Moore in Half Light. I’ve seen it before and felt like watching it again. I would love to stay in the cottage along the Cornish coast where it was filmed. It’s a stunning little place that is actually a vacation rental.

Unique Home Stays

And it’s a perfect night to watch something a little bit spooky. I’m glad my son is home though!

Until next time, my friends ~

123 Signature[5]

23 comments:

Cloudia said...

Always a real pleasure to visit with you!




ALOHA from Honolulu
ComfortSpiral
=^..^= <3

Donna S. said...

Always good to visit!! I have had Fridays off for many years! Can't beat it!

jinxxxygirl said...

I love spooky storms and spooky movies just not when i'm home alone....lol . Adorable baby photos! Your time away from the computer has been full and happy and thats really all one can wish for. Its always nice to visit with you! Hugs! deb

Sabrina Steyling said...

Oh my goodness, Clare is absolutely ADORABLE! What a darling. I just wanna hug her!

Lovely photos, every single one. We've got day lillies like that in my back and front yard; the lady downstairs planted them a long time ago. Most got eaten by a deer recently, but there are yellow ones now in the corner of the front yard and on the side of the house too. They're so pretty.

Hope George didn't get too scared of the storm. If I could I would have crawled under the bed with him so I could hug him! <3

Devon said...

What a great collection of pictures... That sky looks wonderful! Poor George!

When I saw the title of this post I thought you were referring to a book in the wonderful series by Louise Penny. If you haven't read these, they are so fantastic... you might enjoy them!

So glad your summer is enjoyable. You deserve it!

alphabet soup said...

Hi Kate

The babies in your family are so gorgeous....

Love the day lily and I would stay at that cottage in North Cornwall at the drop of a hat.
Ms Soup

The Weaver of Grass said...

I miss you when you don't blog - but then I think you are probably out somewhere with friends or family and that is good.

Daryl said...

gorgeous grands ... and amazing skies and as i was struggling to get up this morning i thought how nice it will be tomorrow, Friday, when i get to sleep in ... Fridaycations truly are wonderful so glad you're getting to enjoy them!

jo said...

...and next summer will be even better. I'm so doggone happy you are enjoying life, Kate. That's all you can do, and you are doing it well.

thotlady said...

I like the movie Half Light.

It is storming here in Virginia this morning. Pouring rain, so I couldn't walk my dog, Cody. He was not happy this morning...so I gave him a biscuit. That helped!

The JR said...

We've been getting storms every day. My yard looks like a jungle.

Beautiful babies.

Nellie said...

Those were really spooky looking clouds in the sky! Was there a bad storm coming?

Love the pictures of those precious little girls!

It's always good to read your post, Kate. xo Nellie

Hilary said...

Beautiful wee ones - and scenes - and flowers - and skies - and YOU!

Linda Kay said...

I think you are all caught up with those delightful pics. The babies are beautiful, bright blue eyes and little round faces. Hope your good summer continues.

Lisa Gordon said...

What a wonderful retirement celebration for your friend, kate. It looks and sounds like it was a wonderful day.

Those little ones are absolutely precious!!

Carolynn Anctil said...

We're supposed to be getting really bad weather tonite (thunderstorms, high winds, and tornadoes...) I like a good summer storm, but I'm also very aware that Mother Nature can get in some nasty moods.

The boating trip sounds absolutely lovely and your friend will leave with wonderful memories.

Thanks for the movie review. I've been toying with watching that one, too and will definitely do that now.

Sending big hugs and lots of love to you and George, and your cat (whose name escapes me...sorry, Kitty...)

Carolynn
A Glowing Ember

Gayle said...

It is always a treasure to visit your blog. Thanks for including us in your life and times. I know this summer is a good one for you.

beth said...

i will have to remember to watch last love….remind me will you :)

we finally saw gravity and the butler….wow to both!

and no fair all those babies…how delicious are they and how lucky are you to shoot them !!!

xo

sharon said...

babies are the cutest! I love to see my grandson's smile when he comes over. What a nice adventure with your friends. A great way to start a retirement. Looks like you had the makings of a beautiful Thunderstorm! Oh how I love T-storms!

Unknown said...

Hiya Kate - I've been a good blogger, but a very bad visitor - think of you often tho. Nice to see some shots from your summer! -Donalyn

http://thecreeksidecook.com

Low Tide High Style said...

Look at those beautiful babies!!!...good genes run deep in your family! And I want to stay in that Cornish cottage, I have ever since I saw it!...are you up for a road trip, or another boat trip! *wink wink* Enjoy the rest of your weekend!

xo Kat

Veronica Roth said...

Beautiful photos Kate. I do that too; I get into intense work periods where I just can't be at two places at the same time and the blog gets a little neglected. Oh well! Hope you're enjoying your summer. Nice to catch up with you. :D

Thistle Cove Farm said...

In her latest book, Louise Penney has a touching story about Leonard Cohen and "your" post title. She asked permission to use it and he said, "Yes" and didn't charge her. She was amazed, especially as he'd had an awful year due to Bernie's horrors.
The Cornish house looks amazing and is going on my list of places to stay. While I'm still young enough, I want to traipse around GB.
Hope you're doing well...enough.