Dackel Princess

When It’s Not All Easy-Peasy

Remember last summer when we lost the Main Control System for our hot water and heating system? After many weeks, a new Control System was installed, and rather pricey it was too!

Fast forward to September 23rd when we woke to 42-degree temperatures outside, which lowered our home temperatures into the 60’s. Time to get the heat on so in the event that the temperature drops even more while we are gone, our House Sitter and the dogs do not freeze.

We were assured that these thermostats were the best and easiest to use. They certainly were pretty. At the time our outside temperatures were in the nineties, so after installation, the heating system was turned off.

We got out the instruction booklets and started to read. When your eyes cross and you start doubting the sanity of the person who designed these, your turn to the Internet and see what it has to say.

I saw several Youtube Videos and the one thing they all had in common, was frustrated users, who all agreed that this was not an easy thermostat to program!

They all warned of doing too much and getting locked out! And by almost unanimous vote, this device was hated by everyone who has it. Yikes!

Okay, I always function on the less is more belief, so I went over to the first thermostat and hit the mode button and the temperature we wanted flashed overhead. I toggled the + and – buttons to select the temperature we want and then I hit the mode button again as the word set was flashing above it.

I did this to the two other thermostats and then went down to the cellar to check on the furnace. Sure enough, the system was on and the zones calling for heat were illuminated.

Now I am no genius, and I really hope I did this correctly, but even I, who usually look at things and understand them, was confused by this device.

Should I ever have to replace a thermostat again I will go for an easy-peasy to operate one, that my two-year-old grandson could program. Heat should not be that difficult to figure out!

A Bit Of Everything

I used to travel a lot. Packing a suitcase and heading anywhere was nothing to me in the way of planning. Somehow, since I have not traveled for a while, the part of my brain that does all the preparations is a little slower than it used to be.

In the old days, (Berlin 2009) all that I needed fit into that green suitcase. I still have and use that suitcase, but now I have tote bags as well!

I already know I have over-packed. Since we are not flying, I can bring whatever I like, and I would be all set if I wanted to change my clothes three times a day.

Of course, this is silly, but I do like to have backups for any situation. And I am also bringing shoes to match.

You know I bet Princess Kate doesn’t bring this many clothes when she travels. Or perhaps she does. She always looks perfect for any and all situations.

Now it is not just me that I am packing for, but Jack as well. I asked him what he wanted packed, and after mumbling a few things he abrogated all responsibility for his suitcase. Ugh!

Jack did prepare the car today, and tomorrow we will finalize our packing. I would like to have the car completely packed on Monday afternoon so we can just relax a bit before the big drive.

Here is our route.

Our house sitter came again today, and all is set with them. But in the year since they were here so much has changed. New air conditioners, new coffee maker, new toaster oven, etc. They jokingly said I needed to write instructions in a little book! Honestly, I think of all the little eccentricities of my house and the dogs living in it and I believe that the house sitter is correct!

It’s bedtime now on Saturday night, so I will get this set to post in the morning and off to bed I go with my Arnie-man, pup!

Getting Ready

On Friday, the suitcases came out of the attic and ended up sitting on our bed. I flipped open mine and started to pack. I have a list I follow and so far I have my case almost completely packed. Jack’s I will do tomorrow and then the computer/camera/cords bag. I used to use a backpack for all of the computer gear, but now, sadly, after so many spinal surgeries, I am staying away from backpacks and using bags that are lightweight and easy to carry.

As I packed I noticed a little boy-dog had crept up onto the bed.

As I went about opening drawers and returning to put items in the bag, it seemed his eyes got sadder and sadder! Anneliese isn’t even looking at me!

We’re also having our house sitter over and I worked hard this afternoon peeling Butternut Squash, Potatoes and rubbing down the Chicken with Barbecue Rub. The Chicken is now in the rotisserie and I will make mashed potatoes and mashed squash for the meal. At this point all the hard stuff is done, all that’s left is just serving it up.

As the week closed out, All I want is to get a good night’s sleep and then tomorrow finish up the laundry and finish packing our cases. Then my goal is to relax before our very long drive.

The Friday Five

Another week has flown by and here we are, nearing the end of September! How can that be? Sometimes I wish that time would just slow down a little. Give me just a little more time.

But alas, there are seven days in the week, twenty-four hours in the day and that’s it! So I am grateful for the wonderful world around.

Here are this week’s Friday Five. I actually could have made a longer list, but I will keep it down to Five.

We’ve had our friend visiting from Germany. We have had a lot of fun talking, cooking and eating, and sharing stories and laughing a lot!

She left us this morning to drive to the Canadian Maritimes and will be back here after we get back from our trip to Virginia Beach, VA. Then she will be with us one more week before her return to Germany.
We’ve had friends come and pick peaches and apples. It’s so nice to share our bounty with people that we care about. It’s wonderful to see the happiness that the fruit can bring to a person!
Greta’s ashes came home to us on Tuesday. I didn’t know. We had stopped out at our Veterinarians to drop off some Jam as one of the Vets is ill, and the Veterinary Technician came out and handed me a small tin. It’s said, “Greta. Beloved pet of Maribeth & Jack”. Well, folks, I am not a strong girl emotionally, and once again, I cried and cried. Missing my girl.
I’ve commenced Christmas shopping. I’m a bit of an armchair shopper. I have found some of the cutest things to give the children. I am getting better and better about finding wonderful things for Quinn. Having never had boys, this is a new experience. But, the more time I spend with Quinn the more I get to know what he likes! I am having a blast!
Lastly, we have a Red Squirrel living in our stone wall. It’s actually a beautiful thing, but it is driving Lili quite mad! It will come out to graze on our fruit trees and Lili tries like crazy to get it! Today she was out for over an hour trying to get that Squirrel. I got a few pictures. Lili made me laugh! She watches and jumps and watches and the Squirrel taunts her. Here are a few pictures for you to enjoy!

Our little Red Squirrel. I think I will call him Red!

He just delights in tormenting Lili!

So this is the end of my week and now I work to pack and prepare to leave the dogs with my trusty House/Doggy Sitter. They move in when we leave and live here and care for the house and the pooches while we are gone. We are so lucky to have found them!

Aches & Pains

I used to laugh at the old timers (anyone over the age of forty) who complained about their aches and pains. Surely they were making a mountain out of a mole-hill!

However, as I have aged, I realized that in your forties certain things begin to happen. Like when you wake in the morning and feel stiff. Then perhaps, you have a new ache or pain. Nothing significant, but it makes you aware that maybe your body did something it’s not used to.

Then the day arrives when you wake in the night with these strange body aches. What did I do to myself now?

Such was the case last night . I woke about 1:00 with pain in my right shoulder blade. You know, the good shoulder! Ugh. I took some Tylenol and tried to sleep, but each toss and turn reminded me that I’m not 22 anymore. (Even though it would be nice if I were!)

Today I cannot raise my arms up at all. It’s an instant ouchie! So I have been playing it cool and tried not to mention it. Or even acknowledge its existence!

But Jack and I were talking and he said he didn’t know what he did, but his shoulder blades were hurting him and he thought he may have pulled something yesterday. That’s when I laughed and told him that I was feeling slightly pained myself.

Aren’t we just a pair!

Being Nice

Recently the movie “Grease” came on the movie channel on the satellite. I remember when it came out, just loving the music and of course falling for the romance in the movie.

However, the time has changed me, and as I started to watch the movie, I realized something I had missed all along.

On the first day of school at Rydell High School, the “bad-boys” are seen knocking the books out of the smart boy’s hands, lifting the skirt of the smart cheer-leader and basically doing things that I would consider bullying to other kids. Also, Sandy wasn’t considered good enough because she was a nice girl. What’s up with that?

I think today they would be called on their bad behavior, but who knows. I think so much of what happens in schools in the USA happens and no one is accountable.

I know of many young mothers and fathers who are doing it right. (You know who you are!) You are teaching your kids to be respectful of their peers. You are teaching them that we are not all made alike, and that is okay. Rejoice in the differences! Vive La Différence!

I watch my granddaughter and her friends and I see the kindness which they show to one another. Kindness is a strength people, not a weakness.

Anyway, after a while, I turned off “Grease” and watched something else. I think from now on, I will listen to the CD of the music from “Grease” and just not watch the story.

Hair Painting

Monday was another busy day. I was trying to tie up a few loose ends, and then I had an appointment with my hair stylist to perform some magic on me.

I actually got things accomplished in the morning and then enjoyed my time having my hair painted! Now that was really fun and the results make you look like you’ve been kissed by the sun! I really love it!

So once I was done I drove home and was kicking back a little when there was a knock on my door and there stood my friend from Germany! Oh, how wonderful.

Luckily, I had planned a meal with lots of leftovers, so there was a nice bit of food on the table. We sat around talking and joking until our friend just was exhausted by jetlag and needed to go to bed.

The dogs all remembered her from her last visit and greeted her warmly. It’s strange about animals. So many people do not believe that they remember people, but my experience with my dogs shows me that they absolutely do remember!

We are currently awaiting the remains of Tropical Storm Florence. She’s been dumping rain in her progress north. They’ve forecast heavy rain for us tomorrow.

I’m getting very sleepy. I guess I need to get myself to bed and get some sleep.

Naps Are Good!

Sunday was one of those unexpected days. I woke too early, and made the coffee, which tasted amazingly good! I sat down to read and then started making lists of things to do and items to pack for our upcoming trip. I was feeling good and productive and by the time Jack got up, I actually had a load of laundry in the washing machine.

After breakfast, I began doing the housework I wanted to get done, but shortly after lunch, I sat down in my chair and put my head back to rest and ZONK! I was asleep! I slept for close to an hour before Arnie started to bark and woke me up.

When I was fully awake and thought about it I had to laugh! I could feel the sixty-ness coming upon me! In exactly two months, I shall have a “Diamond Jubilee” to celebrate my birth! Or perhaps just a table spread with Confetti Crystals!

I don’t mind turning sixty at all. I guess that’s why I can joke about it. I feel lucky. I am healthy, I have a wonderful family, and a good life.

After doing the dinner dishes tonight I felt sweaty uncomfortable, so I decided to take a shower. Not a hot shower, but rather a cool one. We had high temperatures in the 90’s today with quite a bit of humidity! Ugh! I am ready for Autumn, really I am!

Since Greta’s passing, I have come out of the shower to an empty room, which made me miss her all the more. Tonight, as I stepped onto the bath-mat I found a friend.

My darling girl, Anneliese was sitting there waiting for me. She looked up at me and I swear she smiled! She also wagged her tail, reminding me just how blessed I am.

Happy Monday, Everyone!

A Great Day

Today was one of those really great days. Our weather was lovely, we had our friends over to pick peaches, and it seemed the entire day just went along slow and easy.

I’ve been working on the laundry and by later on Sunday afternoon, I will be caught up. I even managed to wipe down all the countertops in the kitchen, twice, and the area is simply pristine!

I heard from some new friends from Chicago, and it was so nice to touch base. I met them this summer and their son played with Savannah at the playground in Falmouth.

I wrote out a few cards, did some paperwork, and made three wonderful meals! I’m telling you, it was just a great day!

The dogs got to play outside, and run around, and they had a good day too!

You see, after the storm, the sun does shine again. Sometimes you just have to be open to it and let the wonderful times come to you.

Heavenly Peach Jam – Revised

If I am honest with myself, I will admit that after all these years, I had gotten a bit sloppy making my Peach Jam. Besides the peaches not being ripe, I think there were a few other things that made the first batches a few days ago, so horrid.

So this week, I did a few things differently. I paid attention to each detail and I actually changed a couple of things. Because I did this, I have written an entirely new recipe, complete with pictures.

Heavenly Peach Jam

5 lb. very ripe peaches skinned and mashed
7 ½ cups sugar
2 Oranges
1 large jar maraschino cherries, cherries quartered
1 box Sure-Jell

I use Sure-Jell and I swear by it. I have not been compensated in any way for this review of the product. I just feel it helps make the best Jam around. And if Sure-Jell is looking for a new Spokesmodel I am available!

Peel peaches; remove pits.
Mash peaches; place in large saucepan.
Add sugar; mix thoroughly.
Cut oranges in half.
Squeeze juice from both oranges; remove seeds.
Take the rind from one orange and slice thinly and chop.
Add orange rind and orange juice to the peach mixture.
Add cherries.

Let rest overnight.

Bring to a boil. Cook for 1 hour.

Add Sure-Jell;
boil for 20 minutes, stirring constantly until the jam begins to jell.
Ladle into sterilized jars, cover with sterilized lids and return to a water bath.
Boil closed jars for 8 minutes.
Set on dishtowels to cool.

Yields about 9 – 11 half-pint jelly jars.

Notes:

If peaches are not full on ripe, put them in a brown paper bag and close the top. Leave 1-2 days, and then start the process.

To peel peaches, place about 6 in boiling water for 1 minute. Quickly remove them and place them in an ice bath. Continue until all 5 pounds worth of peaches are blanched.

Peaches should be so ripe you can squish them in your hands to break them up after removing the skin. But watch those peach pits! They can really hurt your fingers!

At the end use chilled dessert plates to check your jelling. You want the jam not to run off the plate after a minute on the frozen plate, but to form a heavy drip.

Like this. This was cooled Jam on my finger!

This shows you what you want your jam to do right before you can it. That drop stayed on my finger and hung there. That is perfect!