Dackel Princess

TBT: My Family

Here I am, with my family, getting married for the first time.

Left to right, my Mom, Me, my sister, Melodie, my brother, Richard and my Dad. This is the last picture I have of the five of us together, as my brother developed cancer a year later, and a year after that, he passed from this life to the next.

I married my High School sweetheart and our marriage produced two daughters and lasted 11 and a half years. The wedding was beautiful too.

I’m glad I can say after all these years that Bob and I are once again friends. We enjoy our daughter and grandchildren and I think we are very lucky.

(PS: I look at this gown now and wonder what could I have been thinking? My taste in clothes really has changed!)

The Beauty of Nature

The beauty of nature seems to surround us right now. Because of an unusual amount of rain, our trees, fields, and shrubs are all deep green. The flowers are blooming, and if the wind is blowing just right, the smell of the flowers in my neighborhood permeates the air!

Add to that the three families of Deer that we have in our small neighborhood and I feel as though I have found my little piece of Heaven on Earth!

We have a lone Doe. Now I think she looks pretty heavy, but it would be pretty late in the season for her to have a fawn. It’s not unheard of, but…

We have our Doe with her twins, and they seem to provide most of the enjoyment in the neighborhood. They visit our neighbors close by and a friend just down the road, spotted them in his backyard. Fortunately, they are staying away from the busier roads.

Our third Doe has a single Fawn. This Fawn is slightly older than the twins, and she and her Mama are also friendly.

So, Here we are living in Deer Central and quite happily so. Our neighbors all feel the same way. Somehow these deer have brought so much delight and happiness to the people in my area.

Now I need to also mention the Bears that seem to be driving one of my neighbors crazy. They somehow keep trying to get into their trash. And they keep coming back.

I was driving home at dusk the other day, and a groundhog scurried across our driveway. He was a pretty fat fellow. I intend to look him up on Ground Hog Day for a reading on Springtime!

The Birds continue to fly about. I particularly enjoy our Cardinals. We have a pair that have lived here for some time. I am always thrilled to see them in our Pine Trees.

I look forward to each day to see who is near us and what they are doing. Life in the wilderness is truly an amazing thing.

It’s All About…Arnie!

Looking back, I remember Greta expecting her first litter of puppies, and how she would lie next to me in my chair and I would feel one pup kicking the daylights out of her. This feisty pup intrigued me and I told Jack that if there was at least one boy, we would name him Arnold, after Arnold Schwarzenegger, the Terminator!

And there was just one male pup in that litter. Arnie was the only boy with 4 sisters! Thus Dackel Princess’s Arnold was born.

Arnie and me shortly after he arrived. He was such a big, lovey, puppy. I had not wanted to keep a male back then. I wanted one of Greta’s daughters to carry on with breeding, once Greta was done. So I was not allowing myself to get too close to Arnie, knowing that eventually, he would be leaving us. I sold him to a college professor. In fact, he was all set to go, but she changed her mind at the last minute and so we kept him. It was the best decision that we ever made. Arnie has filled our world with so much love and happiness and laughter!

Anneliese and Arnie at 10 weeks old.

Watching Arnie and his littermate sister, Anneliese grow, from the moment they were born has been an experience. These two are devoted to each other and even now, at the old age of eleven, they are still enjoying each others company! When Anneliese gave birth, Arnie was there. And when Anneliese was ill or had surgery, Arnie was there to protect her while she recovered.

Anneliese in the front and her snuggling brother Arnie, with his head on her back. They are so close and so tender with each other in a way that is very different from how they relate to their mother, Greta, and Lili.

Arnie has a fan club in our town. There are places we go where they know Arnie. The bank, McDonald’s drive-through, and The State of New Hampshire Liquor Store. At the Liquor Store, they asked for his picture as he is now their Mascot!

The clerks there all look forward to Arnie’s visits and he looks forward to going in because it means cookies and a lot of pats from everyone.

Imagine our surprise yesterday when we were going in and a woman was exiting the building looked over and said, “Hi Arnie” as we were walking in! We later found out that the Clerk had said, “Oh look! Arnie is here!” while she went to get his cookies!

Arnie is an amazing boy and I feel so fortunate to have kept him. He is one of those once in a lifetime animals. And we feel so very fortunate to have him in our lives. Destiny, fate, whatever it was that made the Professor change her mind and decide not to come and get Arnie that day, I am forever grateful!

The Weekend

Sunday morning the dogs woke me at 6:15. I got up, noted that the humidity was less, and after walking the doggies, I made my coffee. I sat, sort of in a stupor, as I did not sleep well the night before. Getting the new air conditioner in, was simply more than my old left shoulder could take, and it was really aching.

I drank my coffee, hoping for that it wake me up. Unfortunately, it just wasn’t working. By 7:15 all I wanted to do was sleep, so I did something I never, ever, do. I went back to bed! Not only did I fall back to sleep, but I slept for two hours! Really, this is something I never do.

When I did get up, I felt groggy and wasn’t moving too fast. I sipped my coffee, and Jack and I talked, about how late each of us had slept! By the time I did make breakfast, it was nearly 11:00! Which basically means, the entire day’s meals have been way off their usual time.

Because tomorrow I expect that I will have an interruption with the water, both hot and cold, while they finish up the new system, I decided to work on laundry. That’s gone pretty well, and I am even ready to cook dinner tonight at roughly 7:30 PM!

I’m cooking a basic dinner of steak, baked potatoes and tonight I am going to try making “Roasted Parmesan Cauliflower”. I am not a cauliflower fan. Jack hower likes it. So he bought a big beautiful head, and I will cook half the way he likes it, and half I will roast. If there is a God in Heaven, I will find I like roasted cauliflower. Then Jack will be able to get me to cook it for him.

Since there wasn’t much happening on TV today, I turned on “National Geographic Wild Channel“, and watched several Veterinary shows. I love animals, and I especially enjoy when these talented Veterinarians can cure an animal.

So the weekend is ending, and I am feeling like I was really able to rest up on Sunday. There are times I am unaware of just how tired I am, and then I find I sleep long hours.

Oh yes, one more thing. The new bedroom air conditioner is working very well. It’s a little noisy, but all in all, I will not complain, because it is keeping me cool.

Have a great week everyone!

Busy Day

On Saturday I woke up with several missions to be accomplished. I was unsure how I would get them all done in a speedy way, but somehow, luck was with me, and I got everything done, and then came back to the house and finished the items I had on my at-home to-do list as well!

After breakfast, which was pretty late because Jack slept in, I quickly showered and headed out. The first stop was the Post Office where I collected an Amazon.com Box! This contained a new Cell Phone Case for my old Galaxy S5, which I am setting up for Jack. I had ordered a nice sedate navy blue Otter Box because I felt that dayglow pink probably wasn’t suitable for him.

Then from there, I was off to the Verizon Store in Laconia. Try as I might, I could not get that darn SIM Card to activate and after a few hours last night I cried “Uncle” and gave up. The nice young man (I swear I could be this young man’s grandmother!) helped me out and got the phone number switched from Jack’s old flip phone to the Galaxy S5. Mission accomplished!

Then I was off to The Greek Festival at the Greek Church in Laconia. I go every year, and this year was no different. In some years, I have worked alongside my friends at the festival, but no one asked, and…I told them next year to let me know because I would love to volunteer again.

While there I bought our favorite sweets, but just a few, as Jack is Diabetic and I do not need the extra calories! Then I got in the lunch line. For Jack, I got the Lamb Shanks dinner, complete with rice with gravy, a fresh roll, and a Greek Salad. I had the Leg of Lamb dinner with the same sides. I brought them all home to have later on for our lunch. Yum!

Once settled in after lunch, I got to work, downloading programs, and setting up Apps on Jack’s new Cell Phone. I was lucky that the technician at Verizon figured out how to move Jack’s much-loved ring tone (When The Saints Go Marching In) onto the new phone from the flip phone. No small feat!

I have also set it up so that when we go away (do we even do that anymore?) he can keep track of his email. I also downloaded three games, set up the Speed Dial App, complete with pictures, to make calling people easier. The next big thing is to sit down with him and actually teach him about the phone. I have a brand new stylist pen that has his name on it, so he can learn all about touch screens. I don’t know about you, but I love stylists!

The sky has gotten dark, and the wind has picked up, and the Weather Channel has just issued a thunderstorm warning. I can hear the rain hitting the air conditioner in back of my chair. The end of another day. Seems they’ve all been closing with this rain. Ah well, at least Jack got most of the lawn mowed today before the rain started!

Waiting

Friday was a day of waiting. Waiting for the new air conditioner to arrive and for the SIM card to arrive for the phone. Now one thing I have to say is that the SIM card came, and while trying to install it, I found that the original SIM card was still in there. So why Verizon needed me to have a new one, I still do not know.

I set about setting up the phone, but after 2 hours of getting nowhere, I have quit and will call Verizon tomorrow and have them walk me through it. I wish I lived closer to a Verizon Store because I am sick to death of doing this!

The new air conditioner came and Jack assembled it and carefully we installed it, turned it on, and my goodness it made a horrific noise! We turned it down to a low fan speed and let it run for a bit and the noise stopped. Thankfully. After five days with no air conditioning in the bedroom, I was ready to leave home! The heat and humidity have made Maribeth a very cranky lady!

As stated above, our heat and humidity continue. The rain was not as bad today, but they say the air quality will not change until Monday or Tuesday. Ugh!

So, while the air conditioner problem is fixed, we still must deal with the blasted cell phone. Ah well, tomorrow is another day!

The Friday Five

This has been an amazingly crazy week for me. But really, it’s all good! One thing I will say about this week overall is that it has been hot, humid, hazy and very wet! We have a rain gauge and just this week we have had three inches of rain!

Kind of funny about the rain. Most of it has come down in absolutely heavy downpours! Not even the dogs want to go outside! And when they do go outside, they get absolutely soaking wet! In fact, as I write this on Thursday at noontime, it has just started to rain again! And Jack, who was outside with Lili, got soaked!

So here I go, with the five things, besides the weather, that has been happening in my corner of the world!

The Plumbing and Heating Workers have been here three days this week. They are completely redoing our system and when they are done, not only will our hot water problem be fixed, but our entire home heating system will not only be fixed but will be working in a more economical way. I am so impressed with all the men who have worked on our system. In particular, Will, who designed the entire new wiring and plumbing system. He is here today (Thursday) to finish up the system and do all the tests. In many ways, although we did not need a new furnace or hot water heater, this Digital Control Center is more costly than one can imagine.
The Air Conditioner in our bedroom died. And it died on one of the hottest and most humid of days. And it died at 5:30 in the evening. I need an 8000 BTU unit for that room, and I knew pretty much what I wanted. Our electric company is giving rebates if you get an energy saving machine, so I knew specifically the one I wanted. Well, it’s July, and our store doesn’t have much inventory left. So I was in the position of ordering online. The first order was rejected by my credit card! Huh? So I called and they told me that this National and well-known company, has a reputation with their website about not being secure. I had to use a different card and talk to the Company, and finally, the machine was ordered and it should be here on Friday. It has not been easy. Meanwhile, I am sleeping in a room where it is 80 degrees and a fan is my only friend.
While grocery shopping on Wednesday I noted that they had Soft-Shell Lobsters for $4.99 a pound. Now at this time of year, the Soft-Shell Lobsters are so tender and sweet. Yum! I immediately sent Jack over to pick out two for our dinner. We also picked up two ears of corn, and some California White Potatoes to boil.

The above picture was taken a couple of years ago by my cousin Janet.

In the evening, I boiled up the Lobsters, melted some butter, cooked the potatoes and corn, and we sat down to quite a feast! We ate and moaned with enjoyment and both of us commented that this was one delicious and very special meal!
Jack’s flip cell phone has died and he is now switching over to my Galaxy S5. I have the phone all cleaned and programmed for him, but last night when I tried to switch it over I learned something new (for me anyway). I need a SIM card for his phone.

Apparently, when I bought my Galaxy S8, the clerk took the old SIM card out of the Galaxy S5 and put it into my S8. Groan. So I ordered one from Verizon and it will also arrive on Friday. Then I can finish the switch. Then the real learning process starts for Jack. I have an entire box of stylists at the ready so he can use the phone easily
.Jack had minor surgery this week to remove a skin cancer. They are hoping it is a Basil Cell Skin cancer, but since he has had Melanoma, before, and it was very close to this site, they are doing a biopsy of the tissue removed. Currently, I am once again his nurse. I have all kinds of sympathy for anyone having surgery to remove cancer on their nose. This was much smaller, but it is close to his eye, and that makes putting on the band-aid really tough. We will learn the results of the biopsy next week, but I am holding out good thoughts on all of this.

So these are the things that have been going on and keeping me occupied. Aside from the skin cancer for Jack, it’s all pretty much positive, and interesting. A new air conditioner, new heating system, fresh lobsters, new(er) cell phone for Jack, and the growth removed from Jack’s nose. (He didn’t want to show it or even the bandage) A full week I think!

Have a great weekend everyone!

Doe, A Deer!

I’ve always liked animals. In fact when I was born my parents had both a Siamese Cat and a Golden Retriever. So all of my life, I have been surrounded by animals.

I’ve loved Zoos, and wild Animal Parks and whenever a creature (aside from Skunks and Porcupines) crosses my path, I enjoy the experience. I recall watching an Otter play on a lake in our State and that was so sweet.

In the early mornings during the summer, I throw open the windows so I can listen to the mournful cries of the Loons on our Lake. Think Katherine Hepburn in on Golden Pond, and you can image me outside as the dawn breaks, calling to them.

So, imagine how wonderful it was almost a month ago when I met our doe in the field one night. She was heavily pregnant, but something else stuck with me. She was quiet, undisturbed by me and almost welcomed my presence.

I have not fed her, or even tried to make direct contact with her. No, I am happy just to watch her graze in the field. She will eat and eat and then pick her head up and look straight at me. She is a beauty!

The twin fawns came next and we reveled in their arrival. Watching them jump around their Mom like puppies brings joy to me.

Today when we were driving in from grocery shopping, Mama Doe was feeding the Twins and I was thrilled to see how healthy all three of them are. Apparently, our field is providing the nutrition that they all need. And, of course, Mama Doe is still nursing the babies.

This has been one of the most wonderful experiences I have had. A birds-eye view of nature and the circle of life right here in my yard. I will be posting “No Hunting” signs on our property this fall. These beautiful creatures are so tame that there would be no sport in this. Also, we are in a neighborhood where each house is only an acre apart. Not good for hunting anyway.

Wednesday Hodgepodge

1. I feel most energized when ….

I am with my grandchildren. Playing, reading to them, Even watching Savannah or Quinn’s favorite movies, Frozen, Cars or Jumanji! Just being with them is the best!

2. Where were you ten years ago?

Right here, but in the middle of puppies. In that I was breeding Greta, getting ready to breed Anneliese, going to dog shows and really into all things Dackel!

3. July 17th is World Emoji Day. Do you use emojis? Which one’s your favorite? Your most used?

Yes, I do. I love to emphasize my feelings with them. My most used Emoji’s are hearts and praying hands.

4. What song would you put on a wedding DO NOT PLAY list?

Love Will Tear Us Apart (by Joy Division), Another One Bites the Dust (by Queen), 50 Ways to Leave your Lover (by Paul Simon), Love Stinks (by J. Geils Band), D-I-V-O-R-C-E (by Tammy Wynette)

5. What deserves less of your attention? More of your attention?

The mindless crap in the world that seems to get non-stop coverage on the TV. The fact is, much of this stuff I have very little control over. It can only make me upset. So definitely less. More attention? Probably my husband. Lately I feel like I should be doing more.

6. Insert your own random thought here.

I got great news on Monday. A few months back I found a lump under my arm. No one could tell me what it was and I’m afraid I let the worst thoughts go through my mind. I finally got a complete workup done and the results came in on Monday. It is a small fluid-filled cyst! Eventually, it will be reabsorbed and life will be as it was. But all is right in my world once again! Pass the champagne! (And he did!)

Key Lime Pie

I have searched high and low for a good classic Key Lime Pie recipe. Most were okay but nothing to write home about. So I started playing. I played and played with recipe’s until I got it right and here it is. For those of you who love this pie as much as I do and yet couldn’t find it outside of Florida, you will love it. Of course for those with cholesterol problems, this is not for you. I have made it with both the fat-free cream cheese and fat-free condensed milk, but the egg yolks will still kill ya. A special note here. Use only Key Lime Juice. It can be found in some grocery stores bottled, and some specialty groceries will actually carry Key Limes. Regular Lime juice will not cut it! Anyway, save it and make it for a special occasion. I promise you will love it.

Key Lime Pie

1-graham cracker pie crust
8-ounce bar of cream cheese

4 egg yolks
3/4 cup Key Lime juice
1 can sweetened condensed milk
pinch cream of tartar

Beat cream cheese until soft and smooth.
Add egg yolks. Beat this until it is completely smooth.
Slowly add Key Lime juice, blending well, then add the condensed milk and cream of tartar.
Blend until this mixture begins to thicken just a bit.
Then pour into pie crust.
Bake in a preheated 350-degree oven for 25-30 minutes, or until pie has completely set.
Cool on wire rack.
Refrigerate for at least 4 hours before serving.
Garnish with whipped cream and a thin slice of lime.