Weekend Update: April Showers
A Week Of Ups & Downs…
We’ve had an unusually wet April so far in Southern California. It’s kept us indoors a bit more, and has postponed my project to clean up our backyard and utilize some outdoor living space. But I can’t complain, as the rain is making a dent in our drought. And making the plants quite happy.
Undeterred by the weather, someone else has already made some living space in our yard. That little hummingbird has been hovering around and chirping whenever I’ve been out in the backyard. I suspected she was protecting a nest somewhere, and finally spotted it early in the week…right outside our kitchen window! So we have a front-row seat for Real Hummingbirds of West L.A. No chicks yet, but I’ll share as soon as I see them.
But we’ve had sad news this week too. One of le Monsieur’s oldest and best friends passed away. It wasn’t virus-related; he’d had a degenerative disease that resulted in a substantial weakening of his heart. He went peacefully, in his sleep, at home. Because of the current situation, any memorial service will have to be postponed until it’s safe to gather in person again.
And though she’d bounced back from a lot over the last few months, our little Coco experienced a dramatic decline over the last few days. She stopped eating and had trouble standing up, let alone walking. The vet said her bloodwork was “not good,” (kidney failure and other issues). She just wanted to sleep all the time. She seemed to be telling us it was time, and we made the decision to help her cross the rainbow bridge. She was the sweetest girl and we’ll miss her very much. 🐾
Recommended Viewing…
We just started watching The Good Fight on CBS All Access and are really enjoying it. It’s a spinoff from The Good Wife, and IMO, even better. Christine Baranski returns as Diane Lockhart, now facing a “reversal of fortune,” thanks to a Bernie-Madoff-esque financial Ponzi scheme. Lots of new characters, but some favorites from The Good Wife return as well. (And it would be worth watching for Diane’s wardrobe alone…😍)
“Unorthodox” on Netflix is a mini-series based on a memoir of the same name by Deborah Feldman. It offers view inside an insular Orthodox Jewish community, and a story of a young woman leaving and finding her way outside of it. The show’s creators took great pains to portray the Satmar community accurately, both visually and with regard to the customs and Yiddish dialect. The acting is superb and the storytelling engaging.
This Weekend’s Sales
Just in case you’ve had anything languishing in your shopping cart…
Anthropologie – 30% off all tops & jewelry.
Black.co – Easter gift event, 25% off luxury gifts & accessories
Chico’s – up to 40% off, including new arrivals. Code 29336
Elemis – Spring Skincare Event, 25% off full size favorites. Code SPRINGEVENT.
J.Crew – 50% off Wear Now styles. Code REFRESH
J.Jill – 40% off purchase with code 40APR20
Loft – Buy More, Save More, up to 60% off.
Madewell – 40% off tops, code GOODVIBES
Nordstrom – lots of markdowns, now up to 50% off Halogen brand (lots of good, budget-friendly basics).
Talbot’s – Spring Sale, up to 50% off.
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I’m so sad and sorry to hear about your loss of Coco. During these times when we’re staying at home, pets are our constant companions and such a comfort. My heart goes out to you.
I’m so sorry to hear of the loss of your friend and your beautiful Coco. Praying for peace and comfort for you and your husband.
Susan, my eyes are filled with the tears of your lovely canine friend, Coco. Often I feel closer to our little furry friends than many other humans. I couldn’t stop crying when my Renzo died, except when I had to pull myself together to write or translate something He was 20 1/2, a very ripe age for a tuxie tomcat who had been a stray. I still miss him, though I have Livia, a black pussycat half his size.
Of course your husband’s longterm (human) friend was at least as great a loss, but I never viewed photos of him or stories of his antics.
I echo Cate . The death of a pet is a death in the family and always hard to take . And yes in these times our 2 cats connect us to the outside world we can’t always get to .
So very sorry for the loss of your beloved Coco.
So sorry for the losses of this past week.
May God bless you and your husband on the loss of your friend and beloved Coco.
Anne with an E on Netflix is based on Anne of Green Gables…well done series. Will check Unorthodox.
So very sorry for the loss of your beloved Coco and your husband’s dear friend. Lean on each other.
So sorry to hear about your friend and little Coco. I can only hope for all of us that better times are coming soon.
Stay safe!
What a sad, tough week for you and your husband. So sorry for you both.
I am so sorry for both of your losses…such a difficult time to lose a friend. May the memory of both your friend and of sweet Coco be a blessing to you both as you go forward.
So sorry for your losses take care stay safe and well
It’s doubly hard to lose loved ones in this time of confinement. We have too much time to think. You and
Le Monsieur have my condolences. I second the praise for the mini series – Unorthodox. Very intriguing and well done. When it ended The Car Guy and me moaned ‘Noooo”
Happy you are getting rain. We were in the Pebble Beach area last fall and it was tinder dry. Being from the Midwest we don’t (luckily) have dry times of such magnitude
so so sorry to hear about your Coco. It is always so heart wrenching to lose a pet, and I have lost quite a few in my life. If you have Netflix, watch the 3 seasons of Ozark. it is amazing!
Condolences on your losses. May their memories be a blessing. What a tough week. I hope watching the new life unfold outside your kitchen window provides some consolation. On the subject of The Good Fight, I think it’s terrific! You can get a 30-day free subscription to CBS All Access to watch it! We just watched the first season of World on Fire on PBS and enjoyed it. We are thinking of getting a 30-day trial to EPIX to watch Belgravia, the new Julian Fellowes series.
I am so sorry about your precious little Coco – pets are very much part of the family. Really enjoyed Unorthodox and do like The Good Fight, but the obsession with Trump became tedious after a while. Ozark is a good series to binge, season 3 being the best.
I accidently posted a new post as a reply to you. However, I am watching Belgravia at the moment (having read the book), but have been somewhat disappointed, the actress pkaying Lady Maria is miscast (IMHO) Waiting for season 2 of World on Fire.
I am sorry to hear about your losses. My condolences are with you both. May their memory of your husband’s friend and sweet Coco live on in your hearts.
I am so sorry to hear about your beloved Coco and your husband’s dear friend. Stay strong and know there are brighter days ahead.
So sorry about your husband’s friend, and of course, Coco. Sounds like a very hard week, especially during these times which are hard enough.
So sorry for your losses. Please know I care.
Thinking of you and sending sympathies for your losses.
May all your good memories give you some peace.
My heart goes out to you and your husband. It is so very hard in a normal world, but in isolation there is no outlet for your grief with others. Stay well, and yes, do update us on the nest situation for some uplifting news.
I’m so sorry to hear Coco passed. My condolences. Those furry little children bring such joy and their absence can bring such sorrow. My you find peace in knowing that she’s no longer in pain.
Deepest sympathy for the losses you’ve endured this week. These are difficult enough times without the added sadness. Sending love and support.
I’m sorry, it’s hard to have Spring peeking out all over and to have lost two important beings in your lives.
Oh, how sad to lose Coco and your husband’s dear friend, especially in the midst of this situation. Maybe they are together in the great beyond keeping each other company while they keep an eye on you two. May you find peace in the wonderful memories.
Condolences on your losses. I hope that the love and support from family and friends — even though it has to be virtual for now — will be a source of comfort and sustenance for you and le Monsieur.
Oh Susan,
I am so sorry to hear of Msr.’s loss of a friend and of your sweet Coco. I have known the heartbreak of both losses in the past year and so my heart breaks now for you and I pray comfort over you and your family.
Thank you for the beautiful pic of your little friend in her nest. How beautiful the promise of new life is! May blessings and joy soon come to you and your house!
Mary
I’m so sorry for your loss of your Coco. Loosing 2 beloved pets in such a short time must be so difficult. Also so sad to for the loss of your husband’s friend. My thoughts are with you.
Thoughts and prayers for you and monsieur. Two very difficult losses in the midst of the pandemic. I hope you find comfort in great memories and the promise of a sunnier tomorrow. Blessings to all during this holy week!
Susan I’m so very sorry for your loss—both you husbands dear friend and your sweet dog. Much love to you and your family
I’m so sorry to hear about your Coco.
I am so sorry about sweet Coco and about your husband’s friend.
Sweet Coco. My sympathy on losing your precious little Coco and your husband’s friend.
I’m so sorry for your two losses. I think it’s harder with these uncertainties. I lost my husband 6 months ago and my sweet dog only two weeks ago. They are our special family…such a void when they leave us …love and prayers for you
To you too Dianne. That is very hard.
I’m so very sorry about the loss of your dear friend and beloved Coco. It’s never easy but these times likely make it that much more painful.
So very sorry to read of these heartbreaking losses. It is never a good time, but in this time grief has an additional challenge, I hope the little hummingbird and nest offers a bit of peace. Sincere condolences.
So very sorry for the passing of your husbands friend and your precious Coco.
When God shuts a door…….He opens a window……..I’m so sorry to hear about your dear little Coco……I’ve always considered it a rare gift when a bird chooses a nesting site where I can watch the beginning of life…..you’ve been blessed!
I’m so sorry to hear of Coco’s passing. Losing a four legged family member is always difficult, but it would be particularly hard if I lost ours during this virus challenge. My heart bleeds for you guys – a hard decision, but I’m sure Coco knows how much she was loved. <3
Sorry to hear about Coco and your husband’s friend.
We just finished S3 of Schitt’s Creek. When my husband isn’t home (he’s an ER doc), I’ve been rewatching Crazy Ex-Girlfriend – initially as a tribute to co-composer and music director Adam Schlesinger, who died last week from COVID-19. But then because it’s so brilliantly written and gives me both laughs and something to think about (especially after having watched all of it last year – seeing signs of what is to come in S1 is very interesting).
Very sorry for the loss of your husband’s friend and your precious Coco. You have my deepest condolences.
Soo sad you! My pets have held a special place in my heart! They give so much and expect so little….
There’s a wonderful little child’s book called “Dog Heaven” that I always recommend after losing a pet! It’s precious and echoes how you’re feeling I think!
My sympathies!
So sad to hear of the passing of your precious Coco. Very hard for you both. Also the death of le Monsieur’s friend. Very difficult events when confined to the house.
So sorry to hear of sweet little Coco’s passing, during these challenging times we live in we turn to our pets to give us comfort. I know she’ll be greatly missed but thankfully she did not have to suffer. My sincere sympathy goes out to both of you.
Susan,
I am sorry for your recent losses. May your memories keep them with you always.
May you and yours be healthy and virus free.
Blessings,
Nancy
Oh, Susan, my sincerest condolences on the loss of your husband’s dear friend and your precious, Coco. I imagine them together, Somewhere Over the Rainbow, enjoying each other’s company and sending down their love to you both. xoxo
Dear Susan. Please accept my heartfelt condolences about your wonderful pup. I had to help my darling Remington cross that bridge. It has been 3 years and he remains with me every day. His collar and leash are still on the doorknob! He was a friend to all so I imagine he and Coco are on a walk enjoying all the spring smells.
My heart to yours,
Jan
So very sorry to hear about le monsieur ‘s friend & the loss of Coco xx
Words cannot express my sadness over the loss of your beautiful Coco. I remember that you had to put down her beloved brother the same time that we lost our Rosie Girl. The pain of losing these wonderful pets stays with us for a long time. Do try to enjoy that mama hummer and her babies! You are so lucky to be able to view that show right out your kitchen window. I loved the great picture of the mama in her nest.
I’m so sorry for your losses. It’s especially hard in a time like this to cope with deaths of loved ones.
Susan — The outpouring of sympathy and heartfelt support you’ve gotten today is a tribute to the good you do just by sharing your thoughts and suggestions every day. I suspect all of us feel a little better about life whenever we open an email from you — that’s quite an accomplishment. Thank you for your generosity of spirit.
I’m so sorry about the loss of your friend and of your beloved little Coco.
I’m so sorry to hear of your family’s losses. Wishing you , your husband and son, good health in these trying times.
We are also enjoying Unorthodox. As well, just discovered-I know-late to the game, “Somebody Feed Phil”. It is on Netflix and will absolutely whisk you away from where we all are at , in this stressful time.
I’m so sorry to hear of your family’s losses. Wishing you , your husband and son, good health in these trying times.
We are also enjoying Unorthodox. As well, just discovered-I know-late to the game, “Somebody Feed Phil”. It is on Netflix and will absolutely whisk you away from where we all are at , in this stressful time.
My condolences on your losses this week. Losing a dear friend and making the decision to assist a beloved pet is never easy and even more challenging in these times of confinement, social distancing and concerns for your own health and that of the greater world. I guess the best you can do is use this quiet time to meditate on the blessings their lives brought to you and your husband.
I can highly recommend Anne With An ‘E’ the beloved children’s tale is told with far less sugar coating than past renderings…and if the trials, tribulations and ultimate triumphs of Anne Shirley don’t lift your spirits, the gorgeous Prince Edward Island location shots will. I miss the Island and my little seaside house and am so hoping provincial regulations will all allow us ‘Islanders by Choice’ to get there at some point this summer.
I’m sorry about your Coco. It’s such a loss to the heart! My Phoebe is my best friend these days of isolation.
I really enjoyed “Unorthodox”. Very well done and entertaining.
I am sorry to hear about Coco. Bless her and you for taking such good care of her. My condolences for the loss of your and your husband’s friend. The delay in service must be so difficult. It will be nice to get outside and work on your outdoor space. A nest chirping with baby hummingbirds is definitely something to look forward to!
I’m so sorry to hear about Coco. The passing our furry family members leaves a real hole in our hearts.
I echo your recommendation about Unorthodox. A very well done film.
So sorry to hear about the passing of your beloved pet and also long time friend. These things are hard because you will miss them deeply. Hope you feel the love of many and feel peace and comfort at this time.
Oh Sue I’m so sorry Coco is gone. That, and your husband’s friend, and all of us shut down. It’s a lot. BTW, if you loved Orthodox, have you seen Shtisel? Same actress, a few years young, and a wonderful idiosyncratic show.
So very sad for both of your losses. It will certainly take time to grieve them both. Losing a furry friend who is our joy and constant companion is so rough. May you take a bit of comfort in the beautiful life and love you gave her. My deepest sympathies on both of these passings.
I am sorry to read of your loss. It hurts, I know. Glad you have some hummingbirds to enjoy. We set out feeders so fingers crossed that they will find us. I have a thrasher, robins, and blue jays also.
So sorry to hear about your losses – sending hugs.
I’m so sorry for your losses. Sending love and light.
I am so very sorry that you lost Coco. The more you love someone, well it just hurts. Thinking about you. Sending positivity and love.
So very tough in sad circumstances. Sending best thoughts across the world.
To you too Dianne. That is very hard.
Sending you my deepest condolences on your recent losses.
I’m so sorry to read about your losses.
I had to put to sleep one of my dogs last week. What is always difficult was made more so by not being able to hold her for the final shot. I’ve known my vet for a long time, & not being able to hug her also added to the pain. I hope that it was a bit easier for Mlle. Coco.
So sorry to hear about your losses. My thoughts are with you and your family!
I am so sorry to hear of the loss of your fur baby, Coco, and the loss of your husband’s dear friend. Neither is easy to deal with, especially since we are all social distancing. Hopefully, momma hummingbird and her little ones bring you joy and ease your pain.
I am so sorry about the loss of your friend and your pet. Much grace and love to your husband and the loved ones of his friends. Losing a pet is so difficult.
So sorry for your losses this week!
I’m so sorry to hear about the losses your family has suffered. Coco was a beautiful little dog.
We were spellbound by Unorthodox. The story and acting were superb. There is an extra 20 minute video about the making of the movie. It includes the author and explains a lot about the film.
Susan, I loved how you said that you helped Coco cross the rainbow bridge. That is beautiful, loving and spiritual in my mind. It is hard to let go I know. It is easier if you are sending them over the rainbow. patval
Susan, I am so sorry to hear about the loss of your husband’s friend and then your little coco. Please take care and stay safe during these difficult times.
Susan, I’m so sorry for your recent losses, human and four-footed. Your husband must be devastated by the passing of his good friend — we just went through the same thing a few months ago & now the memorial has had to be postponed to who knows when & it’s like losing him all over again. And I can’t tell you how sorry I am about Coco. The loss of a pet just rips out your heart, doesn’t it. And as much as I know that making that final decision is the most difficult thing most of us have to do, it’s also the final act of love we can give them, ensuring their peace in spite of our own pain. There are truly no words.
The humming birds will give you a little joy. There was a nest on my balcony a couple of months back – Hummingbirds of the South Bay – and it was twins. Life evolving will keep you captivated.
Very sorry to hear about your loss of Coco. Our furry companions are important members of our family,, especially during difficult times.
Susan,
I’m so very sorry to hear of the loss of your sweet Coco. It’s such a difficult time. I will wish all the best for you.
Joyce