Dackel Princess

Weekend Wrap

After getting about 2-3 inches of snow yesterday, the dratted rain arrived in the late afternoon. Jack had already been out with the snowblower, but when the rain hit the drive it turned to ice. This morning, when I let the pups out, our back patio was all crunchy ice.

I’d hoped that we would have warmer temperatures today to help melt some of this, but a cold front is moving in as I write and there will be no melting. Ugh!

While Jack was working on the drive yesterday I was trying to figure out a problem on his laptop. A friend told me once if you have a problem, type in the exact problem in your search engine and read how to solve it.

So, I did this, and after three attempts, the problem was solved. I felt good about this, and I thank Brad for his advice many years ago.

Arnie is still trying to figure out this new seat. Yesterday he kept trying to balance on the arm and it was pretty funny to watch him.

Cute as a button this one!

Anneliese also came up and tried the new seat. As soon as I put up my feet electronically, she hopped down. Neither Arnie or Anneliese know what to think about the mechanism! Makes me giggle!

I tried a new recipe last night for shrimp. I had a bag of frozen uncooked shrimp in the deep freeze and I pulled it out and after cleaning them, I cooked them with butter, garlic and at the last minute fresh lemon squeezed over it all! Yum! I served it with Onion, Mushroom, and Pepper Risotto. Not bad at all.

Have a wonderful Monday!

Maribeth

A New Chair For The Dackels

On Friday I mentioned to Jack that they were having a President’s Day Sale at our local furniture store. It’s a family owned business and I’ve been buying from them for many years.

In fact, the daughter of one of the Owners helped deliver Greta’s second litter of puppies, all those years ago.

So after getting the mail, and picking up a part for our snow blower, we went to Ippolito’s Furniture. We were paired up with a nice young man, Josh, who went with us up to the recliner section of the store.

I knew I wanted a small loveseat with recliners on both sides. This is a prerequisite due to the two dackels who like to sit with me in my chair. And I wanted a mechanism that would not break as my last chair did.

I looked at a few, which had sale prices, but quite honestly, they were ugly! I was trying to convince myself that I would be happy with one of those (cheaper) ones when I accidentally sat down on a small cream colored loveseat. I say accidentally because I never sit down on anything that I am not planning to buy, and this seat was not on my list. But as I sat there, it felt so comfortable. The reclining mechanism is electric and it moves smoothly and it even has an adjustment for the neck!

It was an “as is”, floor sample that was half price! Be still my heart. It was made in the USA from a company called Southern Motion in Pontotoc, Mississippi.

The leather is as soft as butter and when I sit on the loveseat my neck and back felt gently supported.

It still cost more than I had wanted to spend, even with the discount, but I could not walk away from it. I decided that I didn’t just want this loveseat, I needed it!

They were not sure when they could deliver, despite the fact that we live a mile from the store, but I mentioned this and also how I knew the family. Papers were signed, my SkyMiles card was used for the purchase, and off we drove.

This morning at 8:45 AM the delivery team called and at 9:30 AM the guys arrived with my new seat! Between their call and their arrival, I managed a shower and I did a quick vacuuming.

They removed my old, broken down loveseat and brought the new one in, placed it for me, and plugged her in!

Arnie jumped right up after I put on the blanket to protect the seat from dackel nails and he wholeheartedly approves. The only thing that freaks him out is the electronic part. Every time I put my feet up or down, Arnie stops, watches and looks at me quizzically.

I am thrilled though and have enjoyed the comfort that this seat has provided me off and on during the day. Yay!

And since this is my Birthday – Christmas -Valentine’s Day gift I say Thank You to my dear Jack!

Salad Dressings

I’ve discovered the joy of making fresh, homemade salad dressings. The bottled dressing has now lost all of its glamour for me. Homemade dressings are quick and easy to make and so yummy! Here are two of my favorites!

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Quick & Easy Blue Cheese

Yield: Makes 2 cups
Ingredients:
3/4 cup sour cream
1/3 cup crumbled Blue Cheese (may add more)
1/3 – 1/2 cup whole milk (to make the consistency to your liking)
1/3 cup mayonnaise
1 teaspoon salt or more to taste
1 tablespoon red wine vinegar

Preparation:
Place the sour cream, blue cheese, milk, mayonnaise, salt, and vinegar in a blender and slowly blend it until completely combined. Taste and adjust the seasoning, if desired.
I place all the ingredients into a pint jar with a screw lid. I add some chunks of blue cheese to the jar and shake to blend. You can reuse this jar over and over.

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Greek Salad Dressing

For the vinaigrette:
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 teaspoon dried oregano
1/2 teaspoon Dijon mustard
1/4 cup good red wine vinegar
1 teaspoon kosher salt
1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
1/2 cup good olive oil

For the vinaigrette, add the garlic, oregano, mustard, vinegar, salt and pepper into a 1/2 pint jar. Add the olive oil and shake to blend. Store in the fridge and take out 1/2 an hour before serving with your salad. Shake well, just before you pour on the salads.

The Friday Five

I’m finding that the days are going along neither quickly or slowly right now. Each day comes and plays out. That’s fine. I do what I must and then try to take a little time for me. Here is how this week went.

Anneliese is doing very well. Her eye is looking amazing and she is running around like a puppy once again. I am so pleased that this is the case and so far we have avoided surgery.

Anneliese smiling! You can see the small ulcer on her eye, which really has shrunk and healed well. She goes back next week for a check up.

2. I’ve discovered the joys of making fresh salad dressing. So far I have two favorites. Blue Cheese and Greek Vinaigrette. Both are so easy to make and are a joy to use on a fresh salad! I will post the two recipes tomorrow.

3. I’ve begun to plan my trip back to Florida to attend Candy’s Memorial Service. Part of me still cannot believe my dearest friend is gone from this earth.

4. My cousin, Janet, was in a horrific accident on Thursday morning. A woman in an SUV broadsided her car after the woman ran a red light! I am so grateful to God that Janet was not badly injured. Her car, a Prius was totaled. But, she was able to walk away with bumps, bruises, and scrapes, but no broken bones or serious injury.

5. Arnie has decided that since Anneliese has taken over his bed, he will simply take over the sofa! This is his winter look. I let both of the dackels have a bit more of a coat in the winter. Helps to keep them warm!

A little gray, but not too bad for an old man of 12 years old!

Thursday Thoughts

Well, they’re forecasting more snow. In some ways I guess I’m ready. Plenty of food, plenty of fuel for the generator, and plenty of dog food. So, on that front all is well.

Anneliese’s eye is so much better and I can tell she is actually feeling well. She is full of spunk and energy and this makes me happy to see.

We have had one strange thing occur. Arnie and Anneliese have had their own beds since they were born. About two weeks ago Anneliese took possession of Arnie’s bed! No fighting or anything, she just took it over. And he let her!

I’m reading another book on Queen Victoria and Prince Albert. This one, titled “We Two: Victoria and Albert: Rulers, Partners, Rivals” by Gillian Gill is much better written and gives dates and times of events, which has spurred me to look up historical events for clarity. I like that. This book is encouraging me to learn more.

Wednesday Medley

We’re joining Terri at Your Friend From Florida

NATIONAL LOVE YOUR PET DAY
On February 20th, pet lovers everywhere observe National Love Your Pet Day. This holiday is a day set aside to give extra attention to and pamper your pets.

1. Have you ever had a special pet in your life? Will you tell us about it?

Oh yes. So many wonderful and special pets. I was born into a house with a Male Siamese cat named Smokey, and he was in charge of us all.

Shubi and me.

But then, Shubi was so special to me. She was my first Wire-haired Dackel. Our relationship was so special and she went with me everywhere.

As I grew there were more cats and dogs and as an adult, I have loved my dackels and my White German Shepherds.

Me with Greta’s first litter.

2. Did you grow up with pets in your home? What did it teach you?

Oh yes. Smokey, Bushy, Baby Dog, and Lorelei. I was so lucky we had so many wonderful animals.

Baby Dog, Me and Lori

3. Do you ever wonder what animals are thinking?

A friend of mine and I were recently talking about it. We wished that we could talk to our dogs and have them understand us. How wonderful to be able to explain to them and calm their fears.

4. Sometimes a pet gets out and doesn’t return for a few days. What do you think happens to them when they go on a walkabout?

I had a cat that took off like that. We had a house sitter caring for our dog and cat when we were first married and were on a temporary assignment in Berlin, Germany. The cat, Dottie, took off. She was gone all summer and I was certain she had died out there all alone.

When we returned from Germany, we were in the den watching “Crossing Delancy” on TV and I heard a meow at the window. I opened the window and in jumped Dottie! Apparently, she didn’t like our house sitter so she went off on her own for three months and returned when she heard our voices.

5. With cats and dogs being the most popular pets, what is the most exotic pet you have personal experience with (didn’t have to be yours)?

Sorry, I am a traditionalist. I don’t really recall exotics. We did have fish, but that’s it.
6. Please tell us something random about your week so far…

Well, I made homemade pizza on Tuesday for lunch. I cut up all the veggies and tossed the dough and then carefully laid layer upon layer until it was all set and into the oven, it went.

In the oven.

All done and boy, was it yummy!

The Seasons

Monday was another day of snow here in New Hampshire. I was thinking about this, as I was grumbling about it and then I remembered that I really do love the four seasons, and yes, that includes the snow.

I took this of Anneliese this morning.

I guess that New Englanders like to complain. We complain about the cold and snow in the winter. We complain about the mud and rain in the Spring. You will find me complaining about the heat and humidity in the Summer, and let’s see…do I complain about the Autumn?

I took this picture of our Lake Waukewan. It’s one of the best I’ve taken with my cell phone.

Actually, I don’t really complain about Autumn. I like Autumn. Cooler temperatures, clear, sunny skies, and the gorgeous leaves changing colors to all sorts of beautiful reds, gold, oranges, and corals. Yes, Autumn is perfect!

I often need to remind myself that I do like Spring when flowers bloom and grass turns green again. There is so much to celebrate about Springtime, but with a White German Shepherd who enjoys playing in the mud puddles, I admit to complaining a little too much about that.

And Summer? Well, folks, it is nice to run around wearing a lot less clothing and enjoying the longer days of sunlight. So a high temperature of 95+ should just be the price you pay, right? (Thank goodness for Air Conditioning!)

Well enough about the change of Seasons and the Weather. Let’s just say I love all four Seasons, or at least having them, and in some small way, I enjoy gabbing about it too!

Sunday Happenings

Sunday morning I fixed an amazing breakfast. Klosterbrot (German Bread), Leberkäse (A fine German Meatloaf is often eaten at breakfast or lunch), Eggs, Onions sauteed until they were soft, and a wonderful Florida grapefruit that was a gift from my late friend, Candy.

The meal was wonderful, and we enjoyed the grapefruit knowing that even though Candy was very sick at Christmas, she had somehow managed to order this box of fruit for us. Three more and we are done. I know I will cry when we eat the last one.

After breakfast, I showered and Jack said we should go and do our grocery shopping. So I dressed and off we went.

We hadn’t done a big shopping since I came home, so it was a three-store marathon, and we got some great deals on meats and vegetables!

Then we stopped at our favorite Chinese Buffet and filled up before heading home. I always know how good or bad I am looking by how the waitress charges me. A Good Day means she doesn’t think I am a senior and I get charged the usual fee. A Bad Day means I look every bit of my 60 years and then some and she charges me at the senior rate. Today was a Good Day!

We’re due for more snow tonight and into tomorrow. 3+ inches of the wet white stuff! Ugh!

Anneliese is doing well. We both think the divot (ulcer) in her eye is better. She goes back to the Specialist at the end of the month. Until then, meds 4 times a day and I am watching her like a hawk!

Happy Monday Everyone!

Queen Victoria

After finishing my book on Queen Victoria, I was left feeling very disappointed. The book, which I had hoped to be a detailed biography was merely the writer’s opinion of the Queen.

Queen Victoria: Icon Of An Era, by Michael W. Simmons, promised so much, and yet really was a disappointment!

The book begins in Victoria’s youth and ends as Albert dies. However, there was no history, merely the writer’s opinions.

So, after watching Young Victoria, with Emily Blount and Rupert Friend (Homeland’s Quinn),

I started watching the PBS version called Victoria.

As much as I appreciate cinematic productions, I wish I could find a good true biography of this rather interesting Queen, who had an amazing impact on life during her times.

Oh well. At least for now I am enjoying binge-watching PBS’s “Victoria” on this frosty cold winter weekend!

Valentine’s Day!

Each year on Valentine’s Day Jack and I go out to lunch. It’s less busy in the restaurants, and we usually order nice appetizers, soups, and a meal. Today we did our usual Mussels in white wine, garlic, and cream.

A wonderfully yummy appetizer! Jack ordered his Baked French Onion Soup, and today I splurged and ordered Escargot. It was serviced with puff pastry and french bread to sop up the garlic butter!

I ordered a glass of wine, Jack got a beer and then our main meals were delivered. Jack got the Quiche of the day and I ordered a Cobb Salad.

Both of us are still so full that I think we won’t have a proper meal tonight. Jack says he wants more soup, and he may finish my Cobb Salad. I don’t feel like eating anything.

It was lovely and quiet and we entered a contest for a trip of some sort to one of their Spas. It would be lovely to win, but I never expect it. It was fun to pose and enter!

Anneliese is stable right now with her eye. I gave her a hair trim on her ears, around her eyes, and on her brow. I want to keep any and all hair away from her troubled eye.

All in all, Valentines Day was quiet and nice.