Dackel Princess

Summertime vs Wintertime

The pitter-patter of raindrops fell on my air conditioner, as I opened my eyes on Friday morning. Ah yes, the cool front was here! After over a week of 90+ degree days, filled with high humidity, today this cold front moved through, and cleared the air!

I do love summertime when the air is warm, the sun shines, and I don’t have to get my coat, hat, gloves, boots, and scarf on, just to go out and walk the dogs.

However, I am one of those crazy people that enjoy the somewhat slower pace that wintertime affords. I love the fact that when I go to bed in the winter, it is actually dark. I love the fact that it is nice and cool and I can make winter soups and stews in my cast iron pot! And I love that after we have snowfall, I can let the dackels go out without their leashes, and because the snow can get deeper than they are tall, they will race out, perform and then race in.

Summer is always nice, though. With beautiful sunsets, bright blue skies and the wearing of very few articles of clothing. I love the beach, I love the fact that fish fills our markets and that cookouts abound!

However living in a summer tourist area, means our little town of roughly six thousand people, more than quadruples. Traffic is bad, there are no parking spots, and it’s crowded.

Winter is wonderful because the streets are nearly empty, and when I go out I see the people I have come to know in our town, and life is…slower.

The fact of the matter is, I love our home during all four seasons here in my little town. Winter, Spring, Summer, and Autumn. With the exception of three weeks in the Spring, we call “Mud Season”. That is because I own a White German Shepherd, who loves to jump in mud puddles!

I really cannot pick out which season I like the very best. I love them all. Each one has their special qualities. Ad each season has birthdays of my loved ones that need o be celebrated!

The Friday Five

Here we are! The first Friday in July! Now, where is the year 2018 going? Seems to me, that it is flying by! As the week comes to a close, here are the five things on my mind right now.

I cannot tell you how much fun it was to babysit the children with their other grandmother! Mary is such a wonderful woman, and we really had a good time, enjoying the children together.
I now remember why I wanted to move back to New England after six years of living in Florida. Six years of High Heat, & High Humidity, made me realize, I am just not cut out for this type of weather. I will be happy when we go back into the 70’s and lower humidity!
Greta is continuing her slow decline. It breaks my heart. Each day I spend a lot of time, snuggling her in my chair. Each day is a gift.
I soaked a piece of steak yesterday in a Smokey Apple Marinade. It had a good 8 hours to set, and when I cooked it last night it came out perfectly! Tonight is fish! Probably Haddock.
My sister arrives for a short visit tomorrow, so I will be running the dust mop and vacuum today and making beds! Sister visits are never long enough!

Grand-Kids, The Fourth & Parties

The last few days have been so hot and muggy up here in New Hampshire, which is totally uncommon for early July. Perhaps mid to late August for a day or two, but we are going on nearly a week and I am just plain over it!

I took a trip down to co-babysit with the kid’s other grandmother, Nana Mary. We’ve become good friends over the years and we both enjoy spending time with our two grandchildren.

Last night we took the kids to Cracker Barrel for dinner. Now I must say, this was a great decision because other parents take their kids there too. So no one says a word if a child uses their outdoor voice or spills anything. It simply is what it is.

Anyways, the kids ordered kid food, Mac & Cheese, and Chocolate Milk, while Mary and I each ordered a steak and salad. It was a great meal. I stepped out to “go to the restroom”, but really I ordered a cake and ice cream for Mary’s Birthday and the Staff all sang to her. It was so much fun!

Our grandson fell asleep on the sofa after dinner, and I carried him upstairs to bed when Savannah was ready to go. Since there was awesome air conditioning in their parent’s bedroom, the two children and I slept there. Mary slept in the other air-conditioned bedroom.

Once the kids were tucked in, we opened a bottle of chilled Reisling and sat talking for nearly two hours before we went to bed. What a wonderful thing to have found a friend like Mary! And the fact that she and I are joined as a family makes it all the more special.

This morning dawned and the two children woke me up about 6:15. Savi was first to snuggle and cuddle, and then Quinn woke up. Now, remember, this kid is 2 and a half years old. This is what he said to me, all by himself first thing this morning.

“I’m not crying. I’m a big boy!” He then moved closer. “Love you Oma!”

My heart filled right up. This is the very first time he told me he loves me, without being prompted! Later on, he said it again. I was already crazy in love with my grandson, but now, I am simply over the moon in love!

The children really adore each other and sit for long periods of time cuddled together. It makes me so happy to see this.

Then I came home, stopping for a few groceries on my way, and we went to a Fourth of July Party at our neighbors. It was so much fun, and great to see everyone!

Hope you all had a great Fourth of July!

This & That

Well, I thought I would recover faster than I am, but after a non-stop week of activity, celebrations, driving and little sleep, I finally got a solid 9 hours of sleep last night. I felt that it would revive me quickly, but I believe the heat wave we’re in the middle of, is keeping me feeling rather logy.

Over the weekend I went to a wedding with my friend, Gail. The bride was her niece. I must say, it was one of the nicest weddings I have ever been to. No detail was overlooked, and the bride’s mother and father were happy participants.

The location was Waterville Valley, NH. The wedding was outside, in the heat, but the views of the mountains and the arbor surrounding the altar were beautiful!

The reception was just down the road at the Conference Center, but also outside. I had a new dress and it was sleeveless and cool and I felt only slightly warm.

The bride and groom were a handsome couple. The bride especially glowed with happiness. She was one of the most beautiful brides I have seen.

Ah yes, young love! The start of something wonderful. These two young people seem to be on the right track and I wish them the best at the start of their grand adventure!

Earlier in the week, I drove all over the place, in the rain, in search of a nice dress. I found this cute one in Talbot’s and I really was ready for the wedding.

The drive also took us to my daughter’s so Gail could meet my grandchildren. A good time was had by all, even if we couldn’t enjoy the pool because of the rain.

I worked pretty hard to make meals, and keep everyone happy too. This meant I got little sleep and started to feel like I was crashing on Sunday morning.

Ah, but there is no rest for the weary, and Sunday found me doing a huge pile of laundry, that had accumulated over the week. 6 loads!

But even if I am tired, my joy comes tomorrow when I get to spend the entire day and night with Savannah and Quinn! My loves.

The First Hair Cut

This is another story I wrote about my very first dackel, Shubi. She was a soft coated wire-haired dackel and since we were living in Florida at the time, I had her coat groomed pretty often. Here is a story about her first grooming session, told from Shubi’s point of view.

The First Hair Cut – Another Shubi Tail!

The morning began like any other. The Mom got up, sprayed herself with bug spray and took the two puppers for a walk. It was already hot at 80 degrees and the humidity was high. The pups didn’t dally, but did their business and rushed back into the house.

The smell of bacon reminded the pups that breakfast wasn’t far off and they seated themselves near their Dad, who would give them bits of bacon.

After breakfast, Mom picked up Shubi and put her leash on her. Then she walked her out to the car and placed her inside.

Shubi was happy because she likes to go for rides in the big car. But today they didn’t stop at the big building with the window that gives puppers cookies. Today the car stopped and Mom got out and brought Shubi into a place that smelled sweet and clean. Shubi could hear other pups barking and whining. She was not sure she was happy.

The Mom said a few things and then left Shubi with the nice lady. Shubi wondered if the Mom would come back? The nice lady placed Shubi in a deep sink and lathered her up with Oatmeal Soap and then rinsed her off. She used another gel that she called conditioner and that smelled pretty good too. Then it happened. After Shubi was all dried they came at her with noisy clippers that cut her hair all off!! “Oh, NO!” Shubi thought as she watched her hair fall to the floor.

A cool breeze blew by and Shubi could feel it on her skin as the hair fell away. “This feels good!” Shubi thought and settled down and allowed the nice lady to finish her job.

After a while, Mom came and Shubi heard her voice and then saw her! She was so happy that her skinny little, now mostly hairless tail began to wag. Mom picked up Shubi and kissed her and told her how beautiful she looked! The nice lady placed a red, white and blue bandanna on Shubi and Shubi felt she was the cutest wire-haired dachshund ever! The Mom gave the lady some paper and then they got in the car and came home.

Shubi walked into the house, said hello to her brother, Max and checked her food dish. All was just as she had left it. She climbed up onto her Moms lap and fell asleep, knowing that all was right in her world.

My First Pedicure & A Manicure!

On Friday I went in to have a manicure. Now I have had a manicure before, where I had my nails filed and polish applied. Pretty! But I always would chip the polish, or mess up a nail before I even left the salon! What a pain!

Today was different though. These women carefully massaged my hands, shaped my nails, cleaned my cuticles, and then applied gel nail polish! Now I have to tell you, this gel polish is the cat’s meow!

I selected a light pink sparkly color. And layer after layer of base coat, color, and top coat was sealed with the ultraviolet light.

I was amazed and delighted! See?

I was not intending to have a pedicure. Quite honestly, I have ugly feet and I have never shown anyone my toes. However today, I was kind of talked into it.

The ladies were so nice, and before I knew it, my feet were soaking in a warm tub of moisture-rich water, and the fun began. My feet were cleaned, massaged, the nails were cut, shaped and then the same wonderful gel polish was applied to them.

But what I did not understand was a pedicure isn’t just about polishing the nails, but getting the feet and the calves massaged! Oh my goodness! I was in Heaven!

So Gail had her pedicure, and I had mine. My very first ever Pedicure! And I loved it!!!! I finally got to experience what I have been missing all these 59 ½ years!

The Friday Five!

Here we are, the last week of June! I cannot believe it. I have been so busy, as my friend, Gail has been here. We have done so much visiting and sharing, and had such a great time. Here was our day today! (Thursday)

I went to the Outlets to find a dress for the wedding I am attending on Saturday. I refuse to buy anything at full price, so bargain hunting is what I am the best at.
I went to Talbots and selected four dresses to try on. The first one I simply loved, but when I put it on, I didn’t like it at all! Ugh.
The next dress made me think of Mandy as they were all her colors. But I loved how it fit me. And it was literally half price! I got a piece of costume jewelry to wear at the neck, and I already earrings and a bracelet that match.
Then we went for lunch and went shopping for dinner food for Mandy and family. And then I took Gail to see Mandy’s home.
We really enjoyed our time with Mandy, Matt, and the kids. As well as dinner. Once we got done cleaning up and chatting, it was time to head out and come back to Meredith. We arrived about 15 minutes after darkness, which worked out well.

It was a very full Friday!

This & That On Thursday

Today I am taking my friend, Gail, to meet my grandchildren. I am so excited about this. The last time Gail was here, was when we had Mandy’s baby shower over six years ago. Now we have sweet Savannah and darling Quinn, and our lives are so full of life and love.

I also need to get a dress tomorrow for a wedding we’re going to on Saturday. I was sort of hoping I would lose enough weight to fit into one of my other dresses, but only my little black dress looks great, and a black dress, to a wedding, in 90-degree heat, isn’t a good thing!

So, I will be looking for a light and airy summer frock! It should be fun to buy a new dress!

Greta had a few problems today and I had to bath her afterward. Poor baby. It’s breaking my heart to watch her. I just want a little more time with her.

Life is so good, but far too short, for both people and for doggies.

Wednesday Hodgepodge

1. Security or freedom? Can you have both? Explain.

I think we can have both. I grew up, Post Cold War, then when we were in Vietnam and supposedly fighting for freedom, and now post 9/11 where we are continuing to fight for freedom. America’s Freedom is why people are so desperate to come here. I still believe in our Country. Although right now, I feel we are a little lost in our challenge to remain free.

2. If you could visit any historical American site what would it be? Why?

When Jack and I had our motorcoach we spent a lot of time visiting American Civil War Battlefields. So much history there. So, I guess currently the 9/11 Monument and Museum in New York City.

I had an odd happening at the Twin Towers. A few years before the attack, Jack took me there to see the buildings and have a meal at the top. As I stood outside one of the Towers, I was overcome with a feeling of dread, and I felt like a million voices were screaming at me. I couldn’t even go in. Jack then took me to The Empire State Building, and I went up to the Top and was just fine. I have always felt like my reaction at the Twin Towers was a premonition.

Jack and I at the top of the Empire State Building that day.

3. Free as a bird, free reign, be free of, free enterprise, free trip, walk away scot-free, free for all…which ‘free’ phrase can best be applied to your life in recent days or weeks? Explain.

Be Free Of! I got some very positive test results back showing I am Free Of Breast Cancer! I found a lump just under my arm, and I have had so many tests run, but the last showed that no Lymph Node is involved and that the lump is likely a cyst. I have one more test to go, but my doctor is feeling very positive about the outcome.

4. Something in your frig that’s red? Something in your house that’s white? Something in your view that’s blue?

Red, Ketchup. White Plain Yogurt. And Blue A Blue Carton of Milk!

5. July 27th is National New Jersey Day. Have you ever visited The Garden State? If so where did you go? Are there diners where you live? Have you tried Taylor Pork Roll? Do you like to play Monopoly? Saltwater taffy-yay or nay? How do you feel about shopping at the mall? Springsteen, Sinatra, or Bon Jovi-you have to pick one.

Yes, I have visited New Jersey. I spent time in Glassboro, which is in Southern New Jersey. My girlfriend Gail, who is visiting right now went to Rowan University there, and we made a few visits to her while she was in college! Yes, we have many Diners here in New Hampshire. Good old fashioned ones. I have never had Taylor Pork Roll. Not even sure what it is. I have played Monopoly, but not a big fan. I prefer word games. Salt Water Taffy? Oh my goodness, YES! Yum! I love to Shop everywhere! Sinatra. The man was an American Classic!

Raise your hand if you know why these add-on questions are appropriate on National NJ Day.

Yes, my dear! All have to do with the fact that they are New Jersey Delights!

6. Insert your own random thought here.

After scrubbing and cleaning, my friend arrived from Delaware (she is formerly of Salem, MA, and Glassboro, NJ). Gail and I met at a Christian Camp when we were 13. We were pen-pals all these years and now with the advent of cell phones, we text or talk almost every day. But it has been six years since we have seen each other. Last night was our reunion and now the week ahead, just being together will be awesome! And this time, I get to introduce her to Savannah and Quinn!

Escarole, Chicken & Meatball Soup

Escarole, Chicken and Meatball Soup

Soup:
In a large soup pot cook one 3-4 pound chicken in water, with an onion, celery stalk, and carrot. Simmer for an hour or so until chicken is done and is falling off the bones.

Meanwhile Slice:
5 carrots
5 stalks celery
2 large onions
1 shallot
2-3 heads escarole
2 tsp chopped garlic
2 tbs parsley
salt & pepper to taste

Remove chicken from pot retaining all the wonderful broth.

Meatballs:
1 lb hamburger or ground turkey
1 egg (or 1/4 cup egg substitute)
1/3 cup Italian breadcrumbs
2 tbs parsley
Pepper to taste
1/3 cup grated cheese (I do 1/2 & 1/2 parmesan and romano)
1 tsp garlic salt

Mix meat into small mini meatballs.

Toss into boiling broth along with the above-chopped vegetables.

Then simmer slowly until veggies are done.

Meanwhile, bone the chicken and add the meat to the soup. Add more chicken broth if needed to make soup desired thickness.

Enjoy!