The Dackel Princess

The weeks are slipping by, and with them the sunny days and heat of the summer. I grew up in the tourist destination of Cape Cod. Each summer, our bridges and our roads were packed.

Now I live in the Lakes Region of New Hampshire, and since more people are taking staycations, our roads are packed!

So, as I watch the sun set, these are my thoughts.

1. I am doing searches for replacement windows for the house. I know it must be done, but I am shocked by the prices. I want nice airtight windows. Simple windows. But for the prices I have been quoted, you would think they are lined with gold!
2. Miss Heidi is going in for surgery next week. She has developed a tumor that is walnut-sized. I’d hoped it was a simple cyst, but it is hard. Poor baby.
3. My sister, brother-in-law, niece, and grandniece are coming next week. I have a list of all the fun things to do around here. And I discovered an Asian Fusion restaurant and a fabulous ice cream place for a treat after! Pictures to come.
4. They’re continuing to do testing to determine the best course of treatment for my own health problems. Ah, the joy of the golden years!
5. I was thinking how very lucky I am. A year ago, I had lost the vision in my left eye. There were many long days spent wondering if my vision would ever return. From July until October, I was in limbo. Then one day I woke and had bits of vision coming back. By Christmas, it had all returned. I am so fortunate!

Have a happy and joyous weekend, everyone!

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.

1. 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.
2. 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!
3. 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.
4. 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.
5. 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!

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

1. 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.

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

1. 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!
2. When the electricity returned, I attempted to cool the house off, but it was a challenge.
3. My project today is to hang the thermal curtains I bought a few months ago to help block out the sun and heat.
4. 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.
5. 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!