Dackel Princess

Sleepy Mama

This will be short and sweet today. I have been on my feet all day cooking and cleaning, and in about two minutes I am going to bed. I made the cutest pie today. It’s called Berry Pie Bites.

But I must say that this, although cute, is really labor intensive. I hope it will be a hit tomorrow!

Roll out the pie dough to about 1/8-inch / 3 cm thickness

Ingredients
28 oz refrigerated pie dough 2 packages
cherry, blueberry, apple and/or lemon pie filling
1 egg beaten, optional
Instructions
Preheat oven to 400°F. Line an 8-9 inch round cake pan with parchment paper.
On a work surface, roll out the pie dough.
Using a 2-inch round cookie cutter (or similarly sized water glass), cut as many circles as possible from the dough. Repeat for second pie dough.
Pick up one circle and pinch the ends together to make a boat shape. Spoon in one cherry, apple, blueberry, or lemon pie filling and place into the cake pan facing up.
Repeat for the remaining circles until the pan is full.

Brush with optional beaten egg, and then bake for about 25 minutes until the edges turn golden.
Serve in the pan, or use a spatula to get beneath the parchment and lift the pie up onto a serving plate. Enjoy!
Recipe Tips
Note that baking time can vary by product – check the package directions for the baking temperature and time.

Happy Thanksgiving, Everyone!

My Life, The Wonder Of It

There were so many special moments during our trip. There was a lot of talking, laughing and sharing. I looked at these three women, my sister, my daughter, and my cousin, and I realized how blessed we are to have each other. These are the women in my life that ground me, love me, and are there for me. Best of all, not only are we family, but we are friends!

Look at your life, and ask yourself how many people in your life are you good around just being yourself, can joke with, and not worry about what the other person is thinking at that moment? You can just be your whacky self and find acceptance!

We really enjoyed every moment, and no none of us gambled at all, although I kept seeing people walking around carrying flat screened TV’s only to learn they were holiday gifts for the High Rollers! Hmmm, perhaps there is a calling for me after all. Ha! I have never played cards well, and so I do not play. I did see an old-fashioned slot machine, and I was tempted but did not succumb.

As Sunday ended and I climbed into my bed, I didn’t want to take off my Queen of the Day tiara, but I did, and although I am not wearing it now, in my mind I know it is still there!

The next morning, we went to this great restaurant for breakfast. “Hash House A-Go-Go”! It was really fabulous, with country casual decor and an old fashioned diner-type menu.

I’d heard that their pancakes were amazing and decided to order the banana, brown sugar pancake. Mel got scrambled eggs and bacon, Janet got corned beef hash, and eggs and Amanda got eggs, and bacon. Mandy was good and ate her own food. Mel, Janet and I were all eating off each other’s plates. It’s been like that since the beginning of time, and so it goes! Take a look at this pancake!

I have to tell you that this pancake was amazing! I love banana pancakes and this was like nothing I had ever had! It was so much better!

As we were waiting I snapped this picture of Janet. She looked so beautiful and happy! Check out her pretty nails too!

My beautiful sister with bunny ears! We love to joke around doing stuff like this!

Here is the view from our room at Mohegan Sun!

Yes, that white stuff is snow!

Our time at Mohegan Sun ended all too soon. Melodie needed to get back to her life, just down the road in Connecticut, Mandy needed to get to work for a meeting, and Janet was assigned the task of driving me to Mandy’s house to get my car.

The best part of the end of our trip was the ride from the Casino up to Mandy’s Office, where the three of us were able to rehash all that had gone on.

Then after we dropped off Mandy, Janet and I were able to chit chat about things that were happening and talked about Thanksgiving, which will be spent at Mandy’s House.

My three lovelies! How lucky I am!

Being Kidnapped

On Sunday, November 18th, I was instructed to arrive at Mandy’s House at 8:30 AM. I was also instructed to pack some dressy clothes for the evening and a bathing suit.

Odd combination, I thought, and a few weeks back when a friend of Mandy’s asked if I was doing anything special for my sixtieth Birthday, I mentioned the instructions.

“Oh, it sounds like a trip to the Wolf Cub Lodge”, and so I thought we would go and play in the indoor water parks with the children.

Imagine my surprise when I arrived at Mandy’s at exactly 8:29 AM and found her loading the car and telling the kids goodbye. I kissed Savannah and high fived Quinn and off we drove.

We drove down the highway and she said she had to stop at her office. I was excited to see where she works, even though it was Sunday. We pulled into the parking lot and there was exactly one car on the whole lot. And as we drew closer out popped my cousin, Janet!

Amanda’s car came to a stop and I jumped out and ran to hug my much-loved cousin!

She grabbed her case, and tossed it into Mandy’s car and off we went. I was chattering to Janet and not paying attention, but I remember thinking that we were heading into Boston for some interesting overnight there.

I talked and talked, because that’s what I do and the next time I looked at the road, we were in Worcester, MA! Absolutely the opposite direction from Boston.

I watched a little more thinking we were going to a Deli I love in Connecticut! However, we passed on by.

Then I saw a sign for Mohegan Sun. I knew that was a giant Native American Casino, and I was a little confused because I don’t gamble.

We pulled up to the Valet and unloaded the car, and slowly walked into the Lobby. I stood looking around at all the crowded splendor and then I saw her. My sister, Melodie! Waiting for us, for me! How lucky am I?

We immediately hit the Spa, as our room wasn’t ready yet, and I was stripped down, put in a soft robe with a crown, a Magic Wand, s shot glass proclaiming my 60-ness, and a button announcing to all, it was my 60th Birthday!

First up for me was an hour long full body massage! Oh my goodness! Having never had a full body massage before, I felt it was amazing, and so relaxing! Time seemed to stand still and then it was over!

Next up was my mani/pedi. I enjoy those, and picked out a pink sparkly polish!

After that was a very late lunch and finally, our room was ready and we went upstairs to settle in. We had a suite of rooms with two bedrooms, a living room, and two baths. I could get used to this!

I showered and did my hair and lamented at the difficulty of doing your hair when wearing a tiara. I wonder if the Queen and Princess Kate have special hair stylists to help them? I sort of decided that I would just have to make do.

I wore my tiara to dinner and my button too. People smiled at me and wished me a Happy Birthday, and a few times they were kind and told me I didn’t look 60 at all. Yes, true kindness!

We had dinner at Bobby Flays and they had the most amazing food! We all enjoyed our meals but agreed that my stuffed eggs were better than Bobby’s.

Bobby Flays Stuffed Egg.

After dinner, we went to this fantastic Bar for a drink and to enjoy the atmosphere. It was an amazing place.

It was so much fun and such a cool view!

This was all beamed onto the ceiling, but it was so realistic!

My darling daughter, Amanda and me. How can I ever explain to you what a special woman my daughter is? She planned all of this, never let on and surprised me in every way. She loves me unconditionally and embraces my wackiness! I am so lucky, and she is such a blessing!

Tomorrow I will let you know what happened after the cocktails, but this is all for tonight!

Kidnapped!

On Sunday morning I was kidnapped by my daughter. An amazing day was in store, with one surprise after another!

When I get home tomorrow I will fill you in on our very special trip!

Thank You!

I have to say a big thank you to all who contacted me yesterday, both here and on Facebook, to wish me a Happy Birthday.

I received phone calls, and cards and flowers! What an awesome way to turn 60!

Today I am off to Mandy’s house so she can kidnap me and celebrate my birthday with her. I was given a list of things to pack and a time to be at her house. I know nothing else, but I will report in later.

Thank you again!

Sixty Years & Counting!

Sixty years ago today, at 12:01 PM I made my debut into this world. My mother did not recall anything of my birth, as she chose to sleep through the delivery. In fact, all I have heard about that day was that Mom was hungry when she woke up, and they brought her a turkey sandwich.

I love being sixty! For many reasons. I love that I know so much more than I did in my twenties. I love that my heart is full of love and happiness. I love that I still see the goodness in people. I love that despite experiencing the worst in life, I am not only alive but living a truly wonderful life!

Being sixty means that I’m looking at things I did in my past, that I do not want to repeat. It means I’m being more selective now about my plans and my time, because I understand that time is running on my clock, and I do not want to miss a thing!

I made a short montage of pictures from birth until the present day. I am so grateful to my family and my friends for always being there for me, and always loving me. What a great birthday gift that is!

The Friday Five

I cannot believe how quickly November is flying by. I felt I might have more time to prepare for my momentous birthday, which is tomorrow, but it seems I took a breath in and here we are!

The last couple of weeks have been filled with parties and luncheons, and mini celebrations. I have felt the love and the happiness around me and so I cannot complain at all.

So as we end this week, here are the five things I have been thinking about the most. There are probably more, but these are the ones I can think of as I sit here on Thursday night, looking at life.

1. I am so lucky to have such wonderful family and friends, who make me feel cherished and adored. Their love, their steadfastness has really made my life complete. You all know who you are, and each and every day I am thankful!

2. I look back at some of the crazy things we’ve done along the way, like swimming out to a raft in stormy weather, or roasting on the beach, or riding our bikes to and over the Bourne Bridge, to some of the cooking experiments, shopping trips, sailing the Intracoastal Waterway, driving across the country in a motorcoach and back and the list goes on and on. Life has never been dull and filled with lots of laughter and smiles.

3. Giving birth to my girls has to be right up there too. First carrying them inside for 9+ months and then delivering them and seeing them for the first time!

Me with Mandy.

I’ve never known such exhilaration! My girls, my babies. Yes, I am so, so, lucky!

4. I found another great passion in my life too. One I never expected. Savannah and Quinn. Oh my goodness, how lucky I am to have these wonderful children in my life.

I really adore them and being their Oma! It doesn’t get any better than this.

5. I also discovered my great love for dogs. Oh, I have always loved animals, but here I am with Arnie and Anneliese, who I have had from before their birth, and ever since.

They are so amazing, know me better than any pet I have ever had and bring me such joy.

**********

Yes, life is good and no matter if there is a bump in the road or a giant storm, if you look for the good it is always there. I know I have blessed with this life and at 60 (tomorrow!) the one thing I have learned is that yes, life is very good. You have only to look for your blessings.

I have looked and continue to find them!

Stop back tomorrow for my Birthday Blog Celebration!

TBT: Queen Of The Ball

Long ago and far away, in a place called Massachusetts, I was growing up. At the time I belonged to The Rainbow Girls, and although I never did as well as my sister did in the organization (she went all through the chairs and became Worthy Advisor), I did hold several offices, and I sang. Yes, yours truly, who is quite nervous about singing in front of people actually used to sing for large groups at our local organization as well as get loaned out to other chapters.

The year I was 15, I was the only girl going to the Rainbow Ball in Boston from our Chapter in Falmouth. Thus I was entered into the Pageant to see who would be crowned Queen of the Ball.

When I arrived, I was given the entry number of 13. Yup, 13. I remember thinking that I sure was sunk now, as 13 was an unlucky number.

My date that night was my ex-husband, and as we danced he joke about it a little, trying to get me to relax. I did and I recall there being a lot of fun and laughter that night.

My sister had attended this Ball in the past but had not won. So, I knew that I didn’t stand a chance. Melodie is delicate and beautiful and everything a fairy princess should be.

The evening wore on and I danced in the beautiful yellow gown that my mother had made for me, and I talked to my date and laughed and had a great time.

After all, I wasn’t going to win!

Eventually, we were all called to line up with our dates and promenade around the dance floor. A person would come up and tap your card and you would go to sit down.

Well, we walked and walked and walked, and other girls were removed from the line-up. Then there were probably three of us left. They called the second runner-up, then the first runner-up and then that left me!

I was escorted by my date to the dais where I was crowned the 1973 Queen of the Rainbow Girls Ball!

Looking back I still cannot believe that I won. My escort always claimed it was because he was my date that night.

Whatever the case, it was the first time in my young life that I truly felt pretty.

And for one night I truly was, Queen of the Ball, just like Cinderella!

The Wednesday Medley

We’re joining Terri at Your Friend From Florida

1. With the holidays coming, what is your most essential appliance to help you prepare for the celebrations?

The oven, of course. So much of what I do is done by cooking or baking in the oven.

2. What is your favorite (clean) word?

Well, the one I say a lot (too much) is “you know“? (I know that’s two, but I say it far too much!) The word I believe is my favorite is “Love“.

3. Are you a good judge of character?

I try to be, but what I do is bring people home to meet my dachshunds. They are the best judges of character. If they don’t like someone, I head the other way.

I do have a certain moral code I live by and I would expect anyone I have a long-term relationship to share those values.

4. What is the last thing you took a picture of? Can you share it with us?

I took this picture so I could show my sister and cousin a necklace I bought at the Christmas Bazaar. It was on a jewelry table and I got it for $1.00! It is blown glass, actually quite heavy and I love it!

5. Tomorrow, November 15, is Clean Out Your Refrigerator Day. How do you intend to celebrate?

Hmmmm. I guess I will clean out the fridge! lol! Actually, we are going out to lunch with our neighbor. We seem to be doing lunch a lot lately. That’s fine with me!

6. Tell us something random about your week!

Well, today seven of us from our WW Class will be going out for lunch. Two of us are celebrating our sixtieth birthdays, and so we chose the Wednesday in the middle to celebrate them both! Isn’t that a nice thing?

The Birthday Cards are building up. I am waiting to open them until Saturday the actual day of my birth!

Counting My Blessings

After a couple of busy weeks, today I stayed home and did laundry, cleaned, washed and vacuumed the house, and generally did homemaker stuff. It is not something I enjoy, but I really do appreciate a clean house.

We also moved the last of the patio furniture into the screened porch for the winter. They are forecasting wet weather tomorrow, they are just not sure what kind. We are on a weather line. It will be wet, we are just unsure if it will be snow or rain or ice.

I get my stitches out this morning and I hope to get the results of the biopsy as well. I did get the results of my cholesterol level and I am still borderline. I sure hope that my good cholesterol levels (which are high) will keep my doctor from wanting to put me on cholesterol-lowering drugs. I have such bad reactions to things.

My daughter sent me some new pictures of the kids. You know, every day I feel blessed to be their Oma. They are such loving children!

My darling, Savannah. She is six and a half now!

Darling Quinn is two and a half!

Everytime I see those beautiful faces, I break into smiles!

I have to report in on Anneliese. When we saw the Canine Ophlathmologist, he told us that the eye drops might work, or they might not. It was a 50/50 thing. Well after almost a week, I am here to tell you that Anneliese’s eye is looking better! She will never be completely cured, but this appears to have stopped the progression of the problem! Yay!