The Dackel Princess

The Friday Five ~ July 31st

Here we are. The last day in July of 2026! Now, how did that happen? It’s been a good summer, and this year I decided to make small improvements around the house. Here’s the list.

I had an overgrown area bushhogged and the broken birch trees removed. The poor trees simply cannot take heavy snow or ice. It looks a bit barren now, but I know it will fill in with ferns and other fauna.
I purchased insulated blackout curtains for the family room and my bedroom. During the really hot days we had, closing these helped keep the heat out. Somehow putting these up makes my home look a lot more cozy!
In “The Madison”, Stacey tells her daughter, “I am 65 years old, I don’t have a whole life ahead of me. I have a very small window to be reckless…and that’s what I’m going to do.” I’m not being reckless, but at 67, I see that as far as time goes, my days on this earth are numbered. So my plan is to enjoy the time I have left.
I called Sunsetter Shade. I have an awning of theirs that we put in back in 2000. It’s old, cracked, and I need a new one. The salesman came by in the middle of a power outage. I was unable to open it; however, for the size we have, there is only one that would fit width-wise, so I selected the fabric and made the deal. It should be here in about three weeks.
I got the cutest sunbed for Heidi. It will help to keep her off the patio and away from spiders.
Her bites still have not healed. She goes back today for a recheck.

Have a wonderful weekend, everyone!

The Friday Five ~ July 24

This week I am doing a short list of the TV shows/movies I am enjoying. Here goes!

1. 1. 1. The Madison:
      
      In The Madison, the Clyburns uproot their comfortable New York City lives for the wild, untamed beauty of Montana’s Madison River Valley in a search for connection. In my opinion, this is truly a fabulous series.
    2. Why Women Kill:
      Why Women Kill is a dark comedy (created by Marc Cherry, Desperate Housewives) that follows the lives of women across different eras—each grappling with betrayal and infidelity. As the series unfolds across decades, it explores the shifting roles of women in society while highlighting the timeless nature of heartbreak, revenge, and resilience. My opinion: It has that Desperate Housewives feel to it.
    3. Remarkably Bright Creatures:
      follows Tova Sullivan, a grieving widow who cleans a local aquarium, and her unlikely friendship with Marcellus, a curmudgeonly giant Pacific octopus who pieces together the mystery of her son’s disappearance. Sally Field is truly one of our best actresses.
    4. Hamnet: follows William Shakespeare and his wife, Agnes, as they celebrate the birth of their son, Hamnet.However, when tragedy strikes and Hamnet dies young, it inspires Shakespeare to write his timeless masterpiece “Hamlet.” In my opinion, this is so well done on many levels. Writing, acting, and costuming.
    5. Outlander: After serving as a British Army nurse in World War II, Claire Randall is enjoying a second honeymoon in Scotland with husband Frank, an MI6 officer looking forward to a new career as an Oxford historian.Suddenly, Claire is transported to 1743 and into a mysterious world where her freedom and life are threatened. To survive, she marries Jamie Fraser, a strapping Scots warrior with a complicated past and a disarming sense of humor. I think this is probably one of the best shows that have come onto the streaming services.

So there are a few things to watch if we find ourselves inundated with rain. Have a great weekend, everyone.

Happy Birthday, Melodie!

Long, long ago, in a galaxy far, far away, a sweet, beautiful baby girl was born. She had hazel eyes and blond curls and was the first daughter born to our parents, Roz and Jim.

They named the little girl Melodie, and she grew into a true beauty. As she grew, her spirit developed into a bright and loving little girl.

She loved her older brother Dickie, and she watched over him as they played and grew, fiercely protective, defending him when local bullies would attempt to hurt him.

In time, her parents gave her a little baby sister. Melodie was so happy to have this little baby girl as her very own. The baby was called Maribeth.

Throughout her life, Melodie has been there to love her family and friends. She met her husband when they were just 13 years old. Ron and Melodie lived far apart, and they wrote each other long letters. Ron would come down to the Cape sometimes, and Melodie would go up to the city to see Ron. Occasionally I went too and visited our grandparents.

Eventually, they got married and have lived together happily ever after for 55+ years (and counting)! They have two sons and a daughter, as well as four grandsons and two granddaughters.

So I wish my dearest sister, Melodie, a Happy Birthday and a year ahead filled with lots of love and joy!

The Friday Five ~ July 3rd

It’s July! Wow! How did that happen? Not only is it July, but we are in the midst of a terrible heatwave.

Yesterday our heat index peaked at 105! And of course, at 1:30 pm, give or take a few minutes, the electricity first browned out and then went out completely. I watched the inside temperature go from 74 degrees to 82 degrees. And there I was stuck in my electric recliner!
When the electricity returned, I attempted to cool the house off, but it was a challenge.
My project today is to hang the thermal curtains I bought a few months ago to help block out the sun and heat.
I needed a drill bit to hang the drapery hardware, and when I got to the stairs to the basement, the lights would not come on. I could not easily find the tripped breaker, and that is next on my list. If I cannot find it, I will need to call an electrician.
It’s hot again today. It’s already 80 degrees. The air conditioners are on, and I hope there is not another power outage today. I simply have too much to do!

I hope you all have a wonderful weekend and can find some way to stay cool!

This & That ~ July 1st

So the last week has been very busy; it started out with me planning a day of madness with my friend Amy. Amy picked me up last Friday, and we drove to Concord, where we met up with a friend of hers and now a friend of mine named Cory.

Cory is a tattoo artist. I had decided, oh, back in January, that I was just about ready to get my very first tattoo. I looked at different stencil ideas, trying to come up with something that was uniquely me. One thing I knew was that whatever I chose, it would have to be something to do with dackels.

I found several examples of dachshunds, and they were all fine, but they weren’t quite right.

So last Friday, when I went to see Cory, I had several ideas. The first example was OK, but the three of us agreed that the last one I showed him was the one for me because it showed a wonderful example of a wire-haired dachshund.

Cory worked rather quickly, and before I knew it, I was the proud owner of a very beautiful tattoo on my right shoulder. I keep looking at it and smiling because it is perfect for me and makes me very, very happy.

I hadn’t told anyone that I was doing this except for my daughter and my cousin. They knew, but they weren’t sure what I was going to do. Needless to say, they both think that this is perfect.

My sister was very surprised and thought it might be a sticker tattoo, like the ones kids have when they want to get a tattoo. But slowly, I broke it to her that this was not just a paper tattoo, it was, in fact, a real one.

Since I got it, I have found I’ve been showing it to everyone who wants to see it. I’ve also found that there’s this whole club of people with tattoos who never told me about it before, but now that they see I have one, they want to show me theirs. I think it’s wonderful!

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This morning, I got Heidi out of bed, fed her, and took her outside. That’s when I noticed that something was very wrong with Heidi’s bottom. It was obvious that something had gotten into her backside because everything was very swollen on her cute little bottom. Since I know my dog better than anyone else, I called the veterinarian at 8:32 AM this morning and arranged to bring Heidi in.

It was a couple of spider bites. No infection has set in, but we decided to start her on antibiotics and cortisone to reduce the swelling and prevent any that might develop. She also popped up with an ear infection. I do not know how that happened. So, after I paid the bill and picked up her drugs, we came home and settled in to snuggle just a little bit as she was feeling very put upon due to all of those people looking at her bottom.

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I had ordered a pressure washer to help me with some of my outside chores. It arrived in a large box, and of course, assembly was required. The directions had no written instructions, just pictures. After 7 minutes studying the pictures, I turned to YouTube, looked up the model of my pressure washer, and found out how to put it all together.

It took me 40 minutes, and the pressure washer is now fully assembled and ready for use.

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The last few days have been full, with many good things happening, and I am very happy. Most of all, I’m amazed that I have been able to handle some of the things that my late husband used to do. I’ve never been one to assemble machinery, but I am amazed that I truly have an aptitude for putting things together. Hopefully, I will be able to use this as easily as it was to put it together.

Happy Heavenly Birthday, Mom!

Today, my Mom would have turned 97.

She was born Rosamond Ruth Prussman to parents Frederick and Mary.

Uncle Bob as a boy and Mom as a baby with her Mom, Grandma Honey.

She had a much-loved older brother, Robert, and a cousin, George, who grew up like a brother to her. In fact, until the day they passed, Mom and Uncle George really adored each other.

Mom’s brother, Robert, and his wife, Cynthia.

Aunt Betty, Larry, Janet, and Uncle George.

She met my Dad when she was 13, dancing while my Dad played the piano. I asked Dad once what made him look twice at Mom, and he said, “It was a bright red sweater that she had! She looked so beautiful in it! I was hooked!”

A collage of their life together.

They married early on, and Dad finished getting his teaching degree. They moved to Monument Beach, Massachusetts,

and lived in a little white cottage in the Burton-wood section, where my brother, Richard, and my sister, Melodie, were born.

They moved to Falmouth, Massachusetts, and shortly after, Mom had me.

Thanks, Mom!

Mom was a stay-at-home mom, and she worked hard to make our home a happy one. There were always hot meals on our table and birthday cakes, Thanksgiving turkeys, and Christmas dinners.

My parents were married for well over 60 years.

Mom was with him until the end. She never remarried. I think in her mind and her heart, she was always Jimmie’s girl!

Mom loved all of her family. Grandchildren and great-grandchildren, nieces and nephews. Her pocketbook was full of our pictures, and she would tell anyone who asked about all of her kids.

Her last days were spent, not in fear of dying, no, Mom knew Christ, and she knew she would see Dad again. She was just worried about Mel and me.

Mel & Janet, and I with Mom.

The last time we were together before Mom was diagnosed with Liver Cancer. It was at my niece Jin’s wedding. Mom was so happy. I almost didn’t go because of my facial surgery, but I am so glad I did now.

The last time I saw her, we sat there, with Janet, and the four of us were talking quietly. I asked Mom how we would know if she was with us. She smiled and said, “You will see butterflies, and that will be me.”

And you know what? We see beautiful butterflies all the time. And we smile!

Family Party June 26, 2010 027

Happy Heavenly Birthday, Mom!

Heidi & the Wet Grass

I woke up this morning, and although the skies were gray, the rain had finally stopped. I got up, fed Heidi, and then put her outside on her leash. Being a trusting mommy, I went back in to turn on the water for my coffee.

I was not inside for three minutes when I returned to find Heidi rolling in the wet grass. This was puzzling because Heidi detests wet grass. But there she was, wiggling happily in the grass.

I called to her, and when she was ready, she came running toward me. Oh yes. Apparently, a critter of some type had walked through the yard last night, leaving behind some very smelly scat!

If you guessed that Heidi decided to enjoy the fresh poop, you would be correct. Out came the shampoo and a nice thick towel. I placed said dog into the sink and began her bath. I noticed her anal glands needed attention, and when I expressed them, the fluid flew through the air and hit the nice clean towel! Ugh!

I finished her bath and then grabbed the nearby kitchen towels to at least pat her dry. I placed her on the floor and raced to the linen closet to get a fresh thick towel. I came back and finished drying her off.

Now she is not speaking to me after suffering the indignities of a bath in the sink!

Happy Birthday, Janet!

Happy Birthday to my cousin and best friend, Janet.

I have known her all of my life, shared all the fun and angst of growing up, and as we crossed into our golden years, we have become closer and closer.

Please know you have all of my love and will forever!

Best friends, all our lives!

I love you!!!

Happy Heavenly Father’s Day

These five men shaped my life in unique ways, each serving as my father or a father figure. Though they have all passed on, their memory and the love they gave me will always remain in my heart.

My Dad was an incredibly talented musician who shared his passion for music with me. Deeply devoted to our community, he played the organ at both the Congregational Church and the Catholic Church in North Falmouth.

He spent many years as the Music Director at Highfield Theater and also served as a summer police officer in our town. At local park cookouts, Dad was always the burger meister! Though he’s been gone for a long time, I often think of him and miss his wry sense of humor.

My Uncle George was like a father to me, teaching me how to swim, dive, bowl, hike, play cards, and most importantly, how to love unconditionally.

When I was around 5 years old, I cut my toe badly at Surf Drive Beach, and he carried me all the way home before helping Mom drive me to the doctor’s office for stitches. He wasn’t a loud man, but in his quiet, loving way, I always knew I was one of his special kids.

Uncle George and I were at my wedding with Jack.

When Jack and I got married, Uncle George walked me down the aisle. I miss that sweet, loving, wonderful man.

Uncle Bob was always fun to be around, though he expected me to act like a little adult. I didn’t mind—I adored him and just wanted to enjoy quiet moments together.

I spent a lot of time with him and his wife, Aunt Cynthia. I remember riding on his boat, visiting their home in Quincy, and going to museums together. I also recall my uncle once having a monkey—it was adorable, but it didn’t stick around for long.

My Papa Fred was another quiet man. He was quite old when I lived with him and Grandma, but he showed me something important.

Real love between a man and a woman is something special. I remember watching Papa and Grandma sitting on the sofa, enjoying Lawrence Welk together. Papa would gently hold Grandma’s feet in his lap, stroking them with such care. He adored her his whole life, and when she passed, he lost the will to go on, following her just eight months later.

My Papa Sam, my Dad’s Dad. I didn’t know him as well, but I remember him taking me to the Prudential Building in the summer to listen to the Barbershop Quartets sing.

I remember sitting on his lap and listening to him sing along. He had such a beautiful voice.

These 5 men helped to shape the woman I grew up to become. Each is special in their own way, and now, each is greatly missed.

Happy Father’s Day! I remember you all with love and many memories that make me smile!

The Friday Five ~ June 19th

It’s been a week of motorcycle drones as the yearly Motorcycle Week goes on. They have reported that the crowds are lighter this year due to high energy costs. That’s too bad, as local businesses benefit from this event each year.

So, without further ado, here is this week’s Friday Five.

Yesterday we had a frontal system move through. For about an hour, we had torrential rains and winds. In the distance, I could hear thunder, but it never got too close.
My landline phone went out during the storm. The wires for this phone are all underground. I’ve kept this phone for many reasons, but I think I will probably get rid of it.
Miss Heidi was at the Vet this week. She weighed in at 23 pounds (holding steady) and had her eyes checked. Conjuctivitis. Probably allergic, but she needed new drops and salve.
I must add that she was very happy to go for a ride in the car! She loves her car seat. I use a harness with the safety belt.
I’ve been enjoying the Beatles channel on YouTube. The music brings back so many good memories. Also, watching them play together, I recall when they enjoyed performing together and making some of the best music the world has known. It’s sad that two of them are gone, and the two remaining are in their 80s. It’s what I have been saying about time. It rushes by us.
I’d planned to go out today to run errands; alas, my plans were thwarted by the June 19th federal holiday. Ah well. If I don’t go out tomorrow, it’ll all have to wait until Monday.

Have a wonderful weekend and enjoy the warmth of the summertime!