Missing Friends

Today I learned of the passing of Jonathan Frid.  Mr. Frid, who gained tremendous fame as the vampire Barnabas Collins on Dark Shadows, was one of those amazing creatures who helped shape the way I look at the world.

At the young age of a decade (or so), I was introduced to Barnabas and his world and learned to appreciate the shadows that are not always readily visible to those in Reality.  I admit that I was a bit too young to appreciate all the levels of wisdom that were part of the stories, but I appreciated the stories.

A few years ago I got to wondering what had happened to Mr. Frid, and lo and behold - I found his presence on his website.  My every visit brought a smile.  The thespian was still among us striving to entertain and share his talents.

The world of Dark Shadows may not have been as huge a formative force as other shows I watched, but in some ways it stuck with me on a deeper level.

Barnabas Collins, my very first vampire, showed me a world that was not stereotypical in any way -- even though it would be come such in later years.  Mr. Frid's work would make that happen.

I find myself not really sure what I'm feeling right now.  Sad, yes, but also a bit wistful.  I think of that old mansion on the hill, the one almost always surrounded by fog.  Where there would almost always be a candle of some sort in the window to guide you to the front door.  The Old House with its beautiful decoration and charm.  Where the occupant was 175 years old and not always the monster some thought he was.  And occasionally was.

Inspiration.  Perhaps that is what it all boils down to.  Jonathan Frid inspired people.  He made them think about attempting possibly impossible things.  He gave them dreams.

Jonathan, thank you for all the years and all the smiles.  Thanks, too, for the memories and the sense of home.  Your presence will be greatly missed.

Friday Ponderings

I took an Honest To Gosh Vacation Day today.  Much to the shock/surprise of my coworkers.

I don't take time off as a rule...exactly.  Usually my vacation time is spent either as Snow Days (those days when any sane person stays home and off the roads) or Sick Days (when common sense dictates I don't spread the germs that someone else was kind enough to give to me.).

Since I have a friend who isn't afraid to drive in bad weather, I haven't spent a lot of time at home during bad weather this year.  I also haven't had a bad run of the nasties this year, either.  As a result, I have vacation time to spend any way I would like.  Mostly.

Today I entertained the cat, who was Very Happy Mom was Home!  And we had a visit from the local Heating & A/C folks who checked our system and got it ready for Summer.

Now, when you consider that I really didn't plan for a lot of things to do, and I managed to accomplish a few odd jobs anyway, it wasn't a bad day.  One thing I discovered after the A/C guy had gone was that a lot of folks were getting ready for (a) the weekend and/or (b) the holiday.  Not a good day to be out and about if you really wanted to just ... stroll and take it slowly.

A quick trip to the Neighborhood Market to fill the freezer and I was home.  Spent the rest of the afternoon catching up with Matt & Shari.  PBS is rerunning their new "Around the House" series.  I'm so glad to have them back on TV! 

This first episode of Season One taught how to make some pretty nifty window coverings without the use of a sewing machine.  In light of some recent decorating inclination, I'm glad to say I have some new ideas.  I've added a link to their website under my Favorite Places.  Spend some time browsing - you'll find some great ideas for your next project.

Saturday may be a laze around the house day, or perhaps I'll live dangerously and venture out again.  I do have things on my shopping list, after all.

Here's hoping you have a Great Weekend, too!

It's April Already?

FWIW, I'm still contemplating growing something - have no idea what.  Did a run to Lowe's yesterday that was both amazing, inspiring and frustrating.  Lots of beautiful plants that won't work in my yard - they require Full Sun.  My yard has quite a few trees which counters that Full Sun requirement.  Darn it!

I'm also in need of new pots for my indoor plants.  What I want and what I can find... <Sigh>  Reminds me very much of the issues I have decorating.  My house is mostly jewel tones.  I tend towards earth tones.  The two do not mix.  Trust me.

This is why I bought a sewing machine, after all.

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We are in mid Early Spring heat wave.  Have no clue what Mom Nature is up to and frankly, it scares me.  April and temps are in low 80's when it shouldn't even be in the 70's.  Summer isn't looking to be comfortable.

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Jane Krutz in Memoriam 1925-2012  I was saddened to learn of the death of Jane Krutz last Sunday.  Miss Jane was a powerhouse of a woman who gave tirelessly of herself.  Passionate about her work and her causes, she was one of those people who made you want to reach out and take part.  I first encountered Miss Jane during one of the first AETN pledge runs after I moved to Arkansas.  She was a regular fixture, appearing at every pledge run reminding viewers that they, too, had an obligation to support the station. 

Miss Jane was a beloved fixture and a fine lady.  I won't be alone missing her presence.

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Miss Annie is enjoying Mom being home.  She'll be in Kitty Thrilled Heaven on Friday, when I take a vacation day that is intended to be mostly r&r.  I did call for the A/C to be serviced, other than that...

It occurred to me the other day that I need to plan some time off.  If for no other reason that to recharge.  It isn't that I don't have the time...not that there's a Lot of it, but enough to take a few days now and again.

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I'm looking for draperies and new curtain rods for the house.  I want double rods so I can put up shears in addition to drapes.  I found some really nice ones over at BryantHome (via ebates.com) -- drapes, shears and rods!  You know those jewel tones I mentioned above?  Well, BryantHome carries a wide assortment of colors that should fit just about any decorating scheme. 

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Well, That's all I can think of for the moment.  If you like what you've read and want to keep up, check out the items on the right.  There are several options that might make it easier than remembering to stop by now and again.

Have a great week...or month depending on how fast I return!