The Dackel Princess

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!

Memories

Most of you know that on June 13th, 1985, my car was run over by a box van truck, trapping my youngest daughter, Katie, and me inside.

I have no recollection of actually being in the car, and I do not recall Katie being in or out of the car after the accident. In time, I knew we were out of the car, but it just didn’t make sense. It was a warm, sunny day, and I recall seeing bright blue skies once the roof was lifted off of us.

Katie lingered in a coma until June 19th. Then Katie went home to be with God.

It’s been 41 years since that horrible day. One might think the memories and the pain would not be as sharp. But it is. I wonder what might have been.

I’m allowing myself a little bit of grief before I pack it all up again and go through the motions of the day.

My life is a good one. I have many loves. I am blessed. But until the day that I pass from this life to the next, I shall miss my girl and look forward to meeting her when I open my eyes in a whole new world.

In another life, we will meet each other again. And our story will have a happy ending.

Kathleen Alynne
November 8, 1978 ~ June 19, 1985

The Friday Five ~ June 12th

I left Florida on Tuesday, hoping for cooler and drier weather here in the north. It was not the case. We have had high temperatures and high humidity. Ugh! Anyway, here is this week’s Friday Five.

At first, it felt odd being back in Punta Gorda. So many of my friends and fellow church members have passed away. Then something wonderful happened. Each day I saw people I know well, and we sat and talked as though the last 28 years had not separated us.
I did not make it back to Florida in 2019 for my friend Candy’s funeral. I knew her ashes were in the church’s columbarium. So I spent time at the church to find her grave and pray. Well, I looked, and I looked, and then sat down because I couldn’t find them. As I sat there, I glanced down, and there they were. I prayed, lit a candle, and then left. I stood in the doorway of the church, sighed, and looked down.
There was a small white feather. Since Candy died, I have found a multitude of feathers whenever I think of my friend.
I also found myself in a difficult position. Although the outside temperatures were in the upper 90s every day, the temperatures inside hotels, restaurants, grocery stores, etc. were in the 60s!
Needless to say, I needed something warm. I shopped and found a sweatshirt. I slept in this every night and used an extra blanket.
I had problems with my feet swelling up. I mean huge! One friend is a retired nurse, another is a Nurse Practitioner. Both of them were concerned and asked me to see my Primary Care as soon as I got back. I did, and so begins the long journey of determining what is wrong.
The early diagnosis was congestive heart failure. I still have many more tests to go. But at least I am doing something about this.
I have had this problem since 2010, and, being slightly strange, I have taken pictures of my feet all along. The above pictures are recent.

So that’s it for this Friday Five. It’s pretty compressed for all I accomplished in a very short time. Have a great weekend!

Here There and Everywhere

I’ve been here in Punta Gorda since Wednesday afternoon. At first I was feeling a bit melancholy due to all the changes.

After close to 30 years away from this spot, and two very bad hurricanes, how could I expect it to stay the same?

Then I realized that so many great things are still here and I began to focus on what is, rather than what isn’t.

What is here are the many wonderful people who I grew to know and love. I have seen friends every day, and it is like no time has passed. We sit, talk, share laughs, and its as if no time has passed.

After my initial surprise at all the changes I found myself smiling and enjoying myself.

Have you ever heard of “speed pillows”? It a kinder, gentler way of saying “speed bump”! And these things are not gentle. If you take them too fast you will take out the bottom of your car! Speed pillows, indeed!

I needed a few things that only Amazon can supply. Amazon will deliver to your hotel. Yahoo!

I have a few more days until I return to New England. And I am enjoying it!

I am, however, going through doggy withdrawal! Everytime I see a dog, conversations are likely to follow!

Airport Humor

I can’t help but giggle when I think about how my morning began. I woke up naturally, showered and dressed and made the bus to departures.

So far so good!

A nice man in wheelchair services picked me up to go through TSA Precheck to the gate. I was asked if I could walk into their special machine. Sure no problem.

Well, that’s when a young, but rather militant TSA Agent grabbed my arm and told me to sit down.

She came at me with a weird machine and grabbed my hands. The machine supposedly can tell if you have been near “powder of any kind”. Then she called for a full frisking and a search of my bags!

I shut up recognizing that anything I said would only be bad for me.

By this time I had three other TSA Agents attending the search. Carefully packed personal lady items flew from my bag!

I did not want to laugh, but I am a nearly 68 year old granny with mobility issues. Putting on my watch in the morning is a challenge! But I knew the first agent “picked me” for whatever reason.

Ah, the fun!

Most of you know my late husband was a Captain for both Pan Am and Delta. I have a healthy respect for all security. I would, however not go out of my way to select a TSA Prechecked granny to give the full monty of searches to!

Was I angry? No, that’s the most action me or my clothes have seen since Jack died.

I made it to the gate and all was well. But I admit to giggling and smiling.

My late husband would have found none of it amusing. And I guess that made me laugh too!