The Dackel Princess

The Friday Five ~ April 17th

It was a busy week for Heidi and me, and we were on the road quite a bit. Here’s the latest from New Hampshire.

Heidi had her every five-week spa treatments. You know, very typical for a lady dackel. Hair, nails, and a shampoo and fluff. She always looks so pretty and smells so nice. That is, until we get home and she goes out and rubs her clean body in the “earthy” grass!
While she was occupied getting beautiful, I went to my dentist and picked up my new night guard. Call me strange, but after all this time, I actually sleep better when it is in.
On Tuesday, I caught up on my laundry, and once the sheets were changed on the bed, I put out my new toss pillows.I had ordered these a while ago. A picture of each of the dackels that I have had in my life. Placing them on my bed each morning brings joy to my heart as I recall the loves of my past and now Heidi. It also forces me to make my bed, just so I can place my pillows!
Wednesday was my planning day. I want to go to Punta Gorda to check in on a few things and then have a mini-vacation. Plane tickets, rental car, and hotel reservations all made. Now I just need to get to the day, and off I will go!
On Thursday, I got a Pixie-er Pixie cut and had my nails done. It sure lifts the spirit.
And on Friday, it was blood work day. Have you noticed that if you get there right after they open, there are always a bunch of people rushing to the door? I was second in line, and a rather grouchy older woman tried to cut in front of me. I wasn’t sure what to do, thankfully the Phlebotomist rescued me.

And how was your week?

I am home again after my trip to New Jersey. I had the very best time. I am sure many people wouldn’t think of New Jersey as a vacation destination, but I am here to tell you that New Jersey in the Spring is simply beautiful. So, here is my Friday Five.

1. I drove to Concord, New Hampshire, on Friday last week. I was able to find a parking spot despite it being the start of Spring vacation for many colleges. I have never seen the lot this full!
2. The bus arrived on schedule at Logan Airport, and despite the problems with the TSA, with my TSA Precheck, I sailed through in exactly 12 minutes! I had time to kill and had lunch before my departure.I took a Delta Connection flight and was pleasantly surprised to find no turbulence at all. We were slightly late getting to Newark, and so Air Traffic Control vectored us around, giving me splendid views of New York City. It was then that the fun began.
3. My son picked me up at the airport, and we drove back to their place. That night Jon cooked dinner (fabulous pork chops!), and Jon, Jose, and I started in on “Wicked” part one.If you haven’t seen it, then set aside time for both parts one and two. It is a fantastic movie with beautiful music. I would not recommend it for young children. But it is certainly fine for teenagers.
4. On Sunday, we went to the local Catholic Church for Easter Mass.I loved the liturgy, the music, and the feeling one gets during such a joyful celebration.
5. The very best was after church. We had wonderful lasagna for dinner made by Jose, and then we piled into the car and drove to Broadway. They’d gotten tickets to see “Titanique”.
  https://www.broadway.com/buzz/206818/inside-titaniques-broadway-transfer-bigger-bolder-and-still-deliciously-camp/

It was a splendid musical, a spoof of the movie Titanic. The casting was terrific, and the play sped by. Before I knew it, we were standing, clapping, and the play was over. I encourage everyone, if you have a chance, to go see a play on Broadway, do it! It’s unlike any other experience!

Monday was recovery day, and on Tuesday, I packed up my bags and headed home. I was sad to leave my sons, but happy that we’d had such a wonderful visit.

The Friday Five ~ April 3rd

It’s finally Spring and this weekend I am off to see my sons for Easter. They live in northern New Jersey, so we’re going into the city to see a show. My first play on Broadway in 38+ years. As I prepared to take the shuttle out of Boston Logan Airport, I needed to brush up on all the rules.

All my medications and diabetic supplies must be in there original containers which act as a written prescription. No more pill caddies.
There is a new size for carry on suitcases. 22x14x8. I wasn’t sure if I could get everything in, but I did.
My second carry on holds my documents and medical stuff. By declaring this as a medical bag you are given a little leeway.
I do have the TSA Precheck and that helps a lot. All of this is so foreign to me compared to when I first flew around with Jack at start of our marriage, 38 years ago. I went to crew rooms, walked under the terminal buildings, and up the steps to our gate. Jack took my suitcase with him onto the plane and I only carried my purse and a book. So very different now.
I’m almost to Logan and the fun will begin!

Happy Easter!.

The Friday Five ~ March 27th

Another week has gone by, and here we are, the last Friday of March. I think that 2026 will fly by. It seems the older I get, the faster time goes by. So without further ado, here is this week’s Friday Five.

We’re at the point in the year where, although snow may fall, the sun’s angle and the gradual warming of the ground mean the snow will melt quickly.Such was the case the past week. We had snow one day, and now, a few days later, it’s pretty much gone.
My taxes are done, filed, and Uncle Sam has already cashed my check. Another year is in the books.
A week from today, I will be heading to my two sons’ home for Easter. I am really looking forward to this time. It is my hope that the government will stop ignoring the TSA, pay these people, and get our airports up and running again. I am happy that Delta has suspended its special program for the Senate and Congress, under which they receive special treatment on its planes. Let them stand in lines that are five hours long!
After writing a book of short family stories a few years ago, I am back to writing the second one. The books contain my memories and the pictures that go with them.
I have been including recipes as well and pictures of the finished product. These books will be a little bit of me to leave behind for my grandchildren.

Well, that’s it for this week. Have a wonderful weekend and enjoy the beautiful Springtime!

It’s All About…

Recently, I have noticed that when you are a widow, you take on everything you once shared with a spouse or live-in companion, and things can feel overwhelming. I refer to this as ADULTING.

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Key Aspects of “Adulting”
Definition: The act of doing grown-up tasks (e.g., paying bills, laundry, making appointments).
Context: Used as a humorous or self-conscious way to describe engaging in responsible behavior.
Skills Involved: Time management, financial planning, home maintenance, and self-care.

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The taxes need to be filed, and the only one going to Danbury Federal Prison if the taxes are not filed and paid is me.

Laundry is all mine, and although throwing a load in is just fine, it’s the putting it in the dryer, folding the clothes, and putting them away in a one-day time frame. If not, suddenly laundry day stretches into laundry week!

Recently, I had problems with my heating system. Although I know very little about under-the-floor heating systems, I learned enough quickly as we had temperatures in the single digits and teens.

I’m still bad at time management. I can blow several hours online reading (or shopping). I started cooking for myself again, and I’m actually using real dishes now instead of paper plates.

As a child, all I wanted was to grow up, be an adult, and do anything I wanted. And here I am. All grown up, but I can’t just do what I dreamed I’d be doing as a kid.

Adulting is not nearly as wonderful as I thought it would be. Oh well, too late to turn back. I just have to figure out a new way to do all of the above and make it fun!

Happy Birthday, Quinn!

Today, my darling grandson turns TEN years old! Wow! The last ten years have flown by. I recall the day he was born and holding him in my arms for the very first time. It was as if he’d always been there.

Watching him grow was something that took my breath away. I was used to girls, and here was Quinn, a rough-and-tumble little boy.

He grew so fast that he soon was playing football and basically doing all the things that boys do. I just sat back and watched, trying not to worry. In the end, he was fine, and he has amazed me every day!

Quinn is a kind boy with a good heart. Mandy and Matt are doing a great job with him, and his sister, Savi, is a great big sister.

Here is a video I made a few years ago, which shows you Quinn’s early years!

I am the luckiest Oma in the entire world!

Happy Birthday, Quinn!

The Friday Five March 6th

It was another snowy week in New Hampshire. This week, we actually got most of the snow, although it was certainly unlike the blizzards nearby recently. So here goes this week’s Friday Five.

1. At the start of the week, I went in search of a push shovel. I just needed something to provide a short path for my vertically challenged friend, Heidi.
2. The shovel does alright, as long as you don’t have deep snow. I make 1-2 passes and then let her out. There I am in my hat, coat, boots, gloves, and pajamas! Ha!
3. Moulton’s Farm opened yesterday! Yay! I stopped in and picked up a few things. They are my go-to place for fresh fruit and vegetables in the summer!
4. I’m going to my sister’s house for a few days. The puppy Nanny is moving in to care for Heidi. Am I the only one who has a Nanny for the pup?
5. I made an appointment with H&R Block to do my taxes when I get back. Oh, how I hate tax season!

The Friday Five ~ February 27th

I’ve been thinking about writing this post since the start of the week. What delayed my writing was that I simply wasn’t sure where to start. It came to me this afternoon, so here goes.

Last summer, while innocently watching TV, I suddenly noticed that I had double vision in my left eye. After seeing several doctors, I was finally referred to a true specialist who handles problems with intraocular lenses. An intraocular lens is what they put into your eye during cataract surgery. The doctor would operate, remove the old lens, and replace it with a new one. Surgery was scheduled, and my cousin, Janet, was there to stay with me at the hotel next door. The next day, she would drive me home, and all would be well.
When he opened the eye to retrieve the folded lens, he found so much scar tissue that he could not remove it. Since removal was not possible, he was able to unfold it and tack down the edges.

When we spoke in the recovery room, I could tell he was not pleased. However, under the circumstances, we all crossed our fingers that all would be well.
Janet and I went to the hotel, rested, watched some TV, and had a takeout supper. I was tired and fell asleep, but woke in the night when I felt dampness on my face. I got up and went to look at the bathroom mirror, where I could see blood coming down my cheek. I tried not to panic, but when I saw him the next morning, and the packing was removed from my eye, I could not see anything in it. Everyone in the office didn’t quite know what to say. My doctor looked into my eye and told me I’d had an intraocular bleed. I was put on 5 different eye drops, every four hours, and also given medication (a pill) to bring the pressure down. He told me that we needed to give it time. He didn’t want to open the eye again to drain it, if he could help it.
The days went by, and then the weeks. I would wake in the morning, open my eyes, and hope that somehow the sight had returned. It didn’t. I wondered if my vision would ever return. About the time I had given up all hope (October), I woke up and could see. Not well, but the blood had drained from my eye. I remained on a lot of eye drops, but with each passing day, things were getting better.
In January 2026, I went in to see my Optometrist. Yes, the left eye’s vision was very poor. About 20/200. But with time, he was able to get that eye to 20/40. I selected new glasses frames and off I went. They came in, and I went down to pick them up. I put them on, and it felt like the first time I got glasses back in seventh grade! I could see leaves, twigs, and absolutely everything! I am grateful for so much!

Me with my new glasses!

This & That

So, it’s snowing again! I know. I’m sitting here with Heidi, telling myself that it’s all good. Of course, tomorrow morning Heidi won’t be happy when she goes outside.

Here is the story of my Highlander and the hatchback. They picked up the car on Thursday and couldn’t get the hatchback NOT to work. I explained that if the car was turned on, then the hatchback would usually work. But not the keyfob or the button inside.

I was called later, told they couldn’t find the problem, and that they’d send my car home. I told them to keep the car overnight and, in the morning, try to lift the hatchback before turning the car on.

At 7:32 AM, I got a call from the mechanic. The hatchback would not lift. Bingo! It turns out it’s an electrical panel, and he has ordered it. Thankfully, it is still under warranty.

My heating problem was fixed on Thursday. The furnace is fine, but many of my old pipes needed to be replaced. It is all done now, my house is warm, and none of my pipes are leaking!

So here I am on Friday night, and most of my problems have been wrapped up, Pricey, on the plumbing, but all of it is worth it.

Have a great weekend, everyone!

Thursday Thirteen ~ February 19th

Many years ago (about 20), when I started writing Dackel Princess, I would put together lists on Thursday called the Thursday Thirteen. Back then, I was quick and witty, and my life was full of puppies, skiing, and neighborhood children who found their way to my door. Making lists of thirteen related things was relatively easy. Not so anymore.

The neighborhood kids have all grown and moved away, and the puppies are gone, too, except for Heidi. I’m not as quick and witty as I once was, but I decided to put together a list of thirteen things that are totally unrelated. Here goes!

We are now halfway through the winter, and I am so ready for Spring. Between fuel oil costs and snow-clearing costs, I am ready for 68-degree days and the ability to shut off the furnace!
Also, this is the year that I have had furnace trouble. Well, not furnace, but with the under-the-floor heating system. First, the circulating pump went and I had no heat in my master suite.No sooner had that been fixed than I noticed a slow dripping leak at a junction of the underfloor lines. They arrive on Thursday to fix the leak. I am hopeful that it is not as bad as I think.
A few months back, I noticed that my automatic hatchback was not working well. The worst day was when I had a big grocery order and just as I got to my car, the rain poured down! No, I was not happy. I took her in to be fixed, but got the mechanic who did not understand the issue.
Taken last summer!

His explanation was that I did not drive enough. I spoke to the person in charge of warranty problems. Tomorrow they will pick the car up here, and I plan to go through everything again. My fingers are crossed. I love that car!
My much-loved long puffy jacket (10 years old) is no longer puffy. I live in a pretty cold area, and a longer puffy coat makes it easier to bear. I was cruising Amazon and found a beautiful one on sale.
It arrived today, and I love it even more than I thought I would. I am sixtyseven years old, but I feel truly cute in it!
It was so beautiful when I woke up this morning. I looked out over the lake, and the trees, bare of all leaves, were covered in hoar frost. Hoar frost is a delicate, white, crystalline deposit of ice that forms when water vapor transitions directly from a gas to a solid on freezing surfaces. How I wish I’d taken some pictures.
Snowmobilers in nearby New Hampton found a young female moose stuck in the snow. She was stuck up to her neck and could not get out. These fine people worked hard to get her out.
In the end, she was fine. Thank goodness. I love moose, and it would make me very sad if she had not made it.
Does anyone else still have their Christmas lights up, or, in my case, a small tree? The lights bring me joy!
Have you seen the lambchop toys for dogs? Currently, Heidi has four. She sleeps with her babies every night. It is so cute!
I’ve got so many mixed emotions about the Olympics. Many really good athletes have been injured. I watched in horror when Lyndsey Vonn went down, and I heard her scream, “I’m hurt!”
I’ve decided that I really do love all four seasons. Yes, I even love winter snow. Spring is coming, and the snow will melt, and slowly the green grass will return, along with the beautiful flowers. Summer is also good. The feel of sand between your toes, the salt water on your skin. And the warm sunshine. About the time you get sick of the heat, the leaves turn, and we get a little crisp air around us.My deer friends come out looking for food, and they never fail to put a smile on my face!
I finally found curtains for my bedroom and familyroom. My problem now is finding someone to put them up for me. Not the curtains, just the rods.
Have you heard the old phrase, “The dog ate my homework”? Well, I got this great recipe from my sister, and this is what it looked like after Heidi got a hold of it!
Lastly, Heidi’s puppy, Nanny, will be coming in the Fall, so I can go to my 50th High School Reunion! My plan is to go down for a week. I’d love to see friends and walk around the Town that will always be home to me.