Dackel Princess

The Friday Five

There are several things that have been going on this week that are rather important and make me smile at myself. You will understand as you read on…

Jack’s computer died. Now I had backed everything up about four days before as his machine was acting wonky. It just seemed smart. Needless to say, I felt like a genius because when it died, his information was safe and sound!
We ordered a new computer for him, and I insisted he get a solid state hard drive. I have one on my laptop, and I love it! So that was first on the list. We put the other things he wanted too and found just the right machine for a good price via Amazon. It arrived yesterday morning, bright and early!
I set about setting up his computer, linking it to my subscription of Microsoft Office, and then setting up his browser and email. Then the big job, transferring all his files. I admit it took me most of the day to get it just right, but I did it, really, with very little trouble! I also set up the printers for his machine and linked it to our home network! Yes, I am proud of myself. I know just enough about computers to be dangerous! LOL!
At the start of the week, in the wee hours of Tuesday morning, I woke to hear the roaring of the wind outside. We had 45 miles an hour winds that night. It sounded like a freight train coming through the bedroom. I heard an odd sound, and I thought perhaps a branch had hit the roof. Not quite.
The next morning we found the cap on the part of the roof over our bedroom had simply peeled off and was in the driveway! Those who have read my blog for a long time, will recall 2 years ago when we were going through a re-roof job, the roofer did not secure the roof at the end of the day, and during the night, when a storm hit us, I had Niagara Falls in my bathroom!
In any case, I’d hoped he had fixed the job correctly, but we have since learned that the roofer did not use correct roofing nails and so, off they the shingles flew!
The good news is that by accident I called a man who is remodeling the house on my street and I have watched his work and I’ve been impressed. He came, looked at the problem, took pictures, secured the opening so that the rain tonight and tomorrow will not come in, and just after Christmas he will fix the roof! This was one thing we did not need right now, but at least it will be taken care of soon.

So there you have it. Kind of a good week, kind of a bad week, but I guess, in the end, it’ll all work out. The computer is great and the roof will be fixed. I’m ready for Christmas and I am thankful for all the good things in my life.

Have a Happy Weekend!

Happy Birthday, Mandy

Looking back on that day when I was just eighteen, and Mandy’s father and I made the trip to the hospital to deliver our child, still thrills me beyond words.

Back then, you did not know what your baby would be until it popped out. But I knew, yes, I knew that this baby was going to be a girl. I just had a feeling. All through my pregnancy, this bond with my unborn child made me certain it was a she.

I looked into that beautiful little face and I felt a love like I had never felt before!

Her birth was something that is still the best moment of my life. Watching her come into this world and take her first breath filled me with a happiness that I’d never known. It was simply magic!

Mandy was born five days before Christmas that year, and to this day, and forever, she will remain the very best Christmas present that I ever received!

Mandy has grown into a beautiful, wonderful, woman, and probably the very best mother I know. She adores her children and they adore their Mommy. I am so proud of her.

Today I look back over her life, and I have made a short montage of Mandy through the years, and the people she loves and who love her in return.

Happy Birthday, Mandy!

The Wednesday Medley

We’re joining Terri at Your Friend From Florida

1. Wednesday, December 19, 2018, is National Hard Candy Day! So the first question today is to ask if you enjoy hard candy, especially the kind we usually see during this festive time of year? What is your favorite? Which hard candy brings up the best memories for you if any?

Well, I love Butterscotch Candies. Right now, since I am off all sugar, I am off all candy. **Groan**

2. Holiday shopping! Are you finished? If you could spend an entire day in just one store, which one would it be and why?

Yes, I am done shopping and almost done the wrapping. I have three gifts that are delayed on Amazon and once they arrive, I can wrap, and be done with it!

3. What holiday dessert describes you and why?

An Apple Pie. I am classic, sweet, spicy and warm at heart.

I may be a little crusty on the outside, but once you find your way into my soul, you will find me totally yummy!

4. What is your least favorite holiday side dish?

Oh gosh, I don’t think I have one. Remember me? The lifetime member of Weight Watchers? There is a good reason. I love food and I adore eating!

5. Now be real!! There is one on almost every tree. What is the ugliest tree ornament you have ever seen?

There are no ugly ornaments. It is on someone’s tree then it means something to them. That being said, I’ve seen glass fish and lobsters and never been attracted. But, who am I to judge?

This is my favorite ornament. It just tickles me, and I am not sure, exactly why.

6. Tell us something random about your week!!

We took both Arnie and Anneliese into the Vets. Both need dental cleanings, and while they do that, Arnie will have his three lumps removed! I knew he had two but on exam, she found a third.

They will take good care of Arnie during the surgery. Arnie has a pretty good (bad) heart murmur. So they will use different medications and monitor him carefully. I’d hoped a few years ago when he had his dental that he would be fine for the rest of his life. Unfortunately, they both need them.

This & That

I had so much to do on Monday and I found myself kind of running in circles, despite my desire for a quiet day. I have an appointment today (Tuesday) for Arnie to go see the doctor, and I may call and bring Anneliese too, as she hasn’t felt well today either. Having brother and sister senior dogs is tough on a Dog Mommy’s heart!

About 4 o’clock in the afternoon I lay down on the sofa and fell asleep for about an hour. Oh, wonderful naps. I love them.

I used to tease my Dad about going in and taking a nap like this, but quite honestly, I think I could become a devote napper if I gave it my all!

The winds have changed and we are once again heading for the deep cold of winter. Our days are short and dark with only a very short segment of sunshine today.

In just a few more days it will be my daughter’s birthday! That’s one of the happiest days of my life! Tune in on Thursday to read and to see what I have done to celebrate her birth!

Wish me luck with Arnie! I sure hope that his lumps are nothing!

Weekend Wrap!

On Sunday I felt tired and decided to perform tasks that were not too difficult. Besides cooking meals, and running to the grocery to pick up some bread for Jack and a few vegetables for us to enjoy, I decided to sit down and wrap presents.

This year I have cherished every package I have wrapped. I have used decorative strings and bows and made each package special. But all that cutting, wrapping and taping takes time. And my wrapping spot seemed like a bomb blew up in there during the toughest part of the job

I have blurred out a few items so the mystery remains until Christmas Day. But honestly, isn’t this a disaster?

It actually doesn’t look like this anymore because all the packages are wrapped and neatly stored in boxes to go to Mandy’s house on Christmas Day.

Today (Monday) I need to call our Veterinarian and bring in Arnie. The darling boy has not been acting like himself at all. He seems not to feel well.

He also has two lumps on his chest. Six months ago he had one, and I was told to watch it. Well, now that one is larger and a second lump is in the area. So, this means a visit to our Vet is in order.

I would also like to get the laundry going and actually putter around and get the house in some sort of order. I’ve just been so busy and let things get away from me.

Looking at the stuff above, it looks like I will have a busy Monday. And the travel out to the Vets will be slightly tricky as we are due for some snow. However, I do not want to wait. Arnie’s an old boy now.

Have a great week, everyone, finish your Christmas Shopping, listen to a few Christmas Carols and enjoy the peace and love of the season.

Saturday

On Saturday I was up bright and early, my bags were packed and I had Christmas gifts for my cousin to bring down to my daughter’s house. I was on time, and even got a nice bottle of water for the ride.

Everything was going well until I got out of my car at my daughter’s house, went to get my overnight bag out of the back seat and found I’d forgotten it!

Yeah, call me stupid. I have never done this before. Especially since I take two very important medications that I cannot go without.

Oh well, I told Mandy and Matt to go on out and I would bite the bullet and drive home in the evening.

I’m not a fan of driving in the dark. I don’t see all that well, and so I really avoid it. Lucky for me, when it came time for me to drive back, the traffic was light and I did just fine.

But I am still annoyed with myself!

I did get to see Savannah perform at her ballet class Christmas show. And she was wonderful and adorable and this Oma was thrilled!

Here Savannah is waiting with her classmates to perform for us and for Santa.

She was so adorable and knew all her steps and little hand gestures!

She sure can jump high!

Savannah really loves Santa and is always good for hugs, snuggles, and cuddles!

When we got home Quinn was playing with his Christmas Tree. Fun to watch!

Our weather today was splendid! Our temperatures were close to or right around 50 degrees! And the sun was shining! All in all, a great day.

If only I hadn’t forgotten my medications!

The Christmas Season $$$

Yesterday was one of those expensive days at our house. It all started in the morning. I had made a nice breakfast and after finishing it up, I returned to my recliner to sit down. I reached for the handle to pull up the footrest and the handle came off in my hand!

Now this is a dual reclining loveseat, and the other side had died a year ago, I knew that my fate was sealed! A new chair will need to be found in the coming weeks. Currently, I have an old hassock to put my feet up on, but it is darn uncomfortable. So, a shopping we will go.

Right after that disaster, Jack turned on his computer and got the blue screen of death. I tried all sorts of magic, including going into safe mode and having Windows 10 do their repair. It was a no go!

I had just (two days before) completely backed up Jack’s computer! I know, it was really sheer luck. So, since we have an old desktop in the office, I installed his bookmarks and mail program on that machine.

I wish I were a bit more computer savvy because it took me a couple of hours to do all that because one file would not transfer/ I have figured it out now.

He knew what he wanted and we went online and began to search. Finally, I found a great machine, with a Solid State hard drive and the price was right.

His new machine will arrive next week!

Of course, while doing the dinner dishes, with the new laptop ordered, suddenly, Jack’s laptop came on, and apparently it is fixed. Or is it? Since he really hate that laptop, I told him to forget about it and enjoy the new one. Merry Christmas. But I am a bit thrilled that I got into Safe Mode and actually made the repair! It wasn’t fast, but what I did worked!

Today I am off to Mandy’s house to babysit the kids in the afternoon. I’d offered to do this so Mandy and Matt could go out. I hope they have a great time. I know I will!

The Friday Five

What a crazy week. Jack and I both had doctor’s appointments, another meeting that lasted a lot longer than we expected, and then in between all of this, Weight Watchers, a hair appointment and life.

But, as the week closes, here are the five things that are in my mind right now.

I am now on round two of antibiotics and finally, the infection in my thumb is going away! Yahoo!
I have just had the best time shopping for Christmas presents this year. I have had a better idea of what to do, and I feel such love in my heart for all that I shopped for.
I lost a childhood friend today. I had seen him a year ago at our Class Reunion. His birthday was two weeks after mine. I’ve known him since Nursery School and he was just one of the sweetest people around. Rest in Peace, Jeff. You will be missed.
I got all my documents ready and went to the DMV and applied for a Real I.D. Drivers License to replace my current one.I needed: My Drivers License. My Social Security Card. My Birth Certificate. My Divorce Decree from Hubby #1. My Marriage License to Hubby #2. & A Tax Bill for our property. Two Clerks went over all my documents and traced my name change from birth to first marriage to divorce and the second marriage! Sixty years of life. Fortunately, I had all the documents (Certified) that I needed and all went well. The new License should be here in a month.
I hope everyone in the USA will note that Real I.D. is here and must be complied with by 2020. Look up what your State requires, as this is a Federal Law that was passed back in 2005 and must be complied with across the country.

Have a great weekend everyone!

Positive Things

It was a very good week this week as far as my weight loss goes. I started really working at it, the day after Thanksgiving. I have not cheated or fallen off the wagon once. And currently, I am eleven pounds down! I am quite proud of this accomplishment.

I also went and had my hair done today. Now I did not have it cut at all. Just the rotten roots retouched. I will go back just before our trip to Disney and have it shaped then, but for right now, I am in it to grow out my hair!

She blew it out, so I am sans tight curls, but simply have waves. I really like it!

The Wednesday Medley

We’re joining Terri at Your Friend From Florida

1. National Ding-a-Ling Day is observed across the United States each year on December 12. Ding-a-Lings on this day, call the people they haven’t heard from in a while. It may be an old classmate, co-worker or neighbor from years ago. Or perhaps a call will go out to the child who used to mow the grass during the summer. How about that couple who carpooled for soccer. There are all sorts of people in our lives who manage to slip out of our lives who would love to hear the ding-a-ling of a call from you or me. So tell us who you want to call today!

My friend who is ill. I will be talking to her today and going over what the doctors have said.

2. Each year on the 12th day of December, people across the United States recognize National Poinsettia Day. I am including this “National Day” too because my neighbor’s poinsettia from last year is blooming beside their house!! Have you ever tried to plant a poinsettia outside?

No, I haven’t. I really have a black thumb! Nothing flower wise grows for me. Now vegetables are another story!

3. Do you believe in Bigfoot? What size shoe do you wear and do you have trouble shoe shopping?

No, don’t believe in Bigfoot. I have big feet! Size 10 women’s. So maybe I do believe in Big Foot…Me!

4. What is one thing you refuse to share?

Nothing.

5. Are you finding that this Christmas is stressful? More or less than last year?

Not really. I’m prepared. I am struggling emotionally though with the sad news from my friend.

6. Tell us something random about your week so far!

I found a Chestnut. Now here’s the story. There are no Chestnut trees in our entire area. I was out yesterday with Anneliese, and I saw something on the path. I leaned down and picked it up. It was a perfect Pod released Chestnut.

This is how they look as they grow in the tree. The outer shell is very spiny and prickly. The picture above was borrowed from the Internet.

I took this picture of the chestnut I found on the path in my yard. It was so out of place. I immediately thought that someone I love in Heaven had tossed it down to let me know they are with me. But who? My grandmother, who was famous for her Chestnut Dressing? Or my Mom, who kept the Chestnut Dressing alive after Grandma’s death. Hmmmm….I wonder.