Dackel Princess

Wednesday Hodgepodge

1. When’s the last time you had a heart to heart talk with someone? A change of heart? Experienced figurative ‘heart failure?’

Recently I had to have a heart to heart, when someone I love very much was being pushed down by all the sadness in life. I can’t go into details, but I tried to remind them that life is full of the happiness that you make.

2. Champagne, chocolates, flowers…what’s your Valentine pleasure? Any special plans for the day?

Yes, I love them all. But this year, I think Valentine’s Day may be a quiet one. Jack is sick with a cold and neither one of us feels much like celebrating.

3. Are you a hopeless romantic or do you fall more in the category of practical and pragmatic? What’s a gesture you find romantic?

Oh goodness, I am a hopeless romantic, married to someone who is not. Flowers for no reason, a funny loving card make me feel loved.

4. Do you ask a lot of questions in life or are you pretty content with what you already know?

Oh no. I am always asking questions and have been since I was a little girl. I always want to understand why things happen (sometimes there is no “why”). At 59, the questions continue, but I am better at accepting that many times there is no rhyme or reason.

5. Your favorite power ballad?

“And in the end
The love you take
Is equal to the love you make”

From the Beatles song, “The End”. One of my favorites.

6. Insert your own random thought here.

Olympic coverage. How is yours? We found a great way to see the events. We watch on Amazon Prime, and can see all the events in their entirety. Of course it is not in real time, but rather in playback, but that is okay. Every athlete has earned the right to be there and it’s nice to see them all. We have found that the NBC coverage to be horrid this year. So we simply watch Amazon. (We have Direct TV and since we subscribe to NBC and NBC Sports we are eligible to watch all the sports on Prime, by linking our account.)

Yearly Exams

Monday found me bringing the dackels out to our Vets for their yearly exams. All in all, things went very well. The three had their shots and did fairly well with their physicals.

Of course, Greta is almost 14 (three more weeks!) and she is slower than she once was, doesn’t see as well as she once did, and has become more and more dependent on me. But at her age, I guess that is to be expected. She weighed in at 23 pounds, which is a little heavy but heck, it is just 1 pound off.

I have never had a dog that has lived as long as Greta has. Every day I share with her, is a very good one and I feel blessed to still have my darling companion.

Arnie did well too. He weighed in at 22.5 pounds and is one long, lean dog! He has a little growth on his chest, that is probably just a fatty tumor, but it was a little harder than she liked to see, so we are watching it for now and if it changes in any way, we will have it removed.

Surprisingly, Anneliese passed her exam with flying colors. She was at a perfect weight for her 19 pounds, had no problems to speak of and she continues to be my little cuddle bug in bed.

Interestingly, both Arnie and Anneliese are 11 right now and they are in the category of Senior Dogs, along with their mother, Greta.

If I had one wish it would be that my pups would live as long as I do.

The One About The Grocery Cart

The weekend flew by for us. I wasn’t planning on making The Chicken, Escarole and Meatball Soup, but heck, after writing it and reading it, it just sounded so good, that first thing on Sunday morning I went out to get all that I needed to make the soup.

I was in the grocery store, which was jammed with Ice Fishing Derby grocery buyers, and I stopped and placed my carriage to the side so I could access the Escarole. I got two beautiful bunches, went back and got my carriage, and off I went.

I did not want this to become a marathon shopping trip. Just in and out, and go home and have breakfast. I had made it clear to the other side of the store when this strange man came running up to me yelling, “You stole my cart!”

I looked at the cart which was filled with my groceries and said, “Excuse me, are you sure?”

“Yes, see that is my grocery bag! You stole it!”

“Oh, I am so sorry. It was just an honest mistake. I thought this was my cart.”

I felt pretty bad about it but this man was being rather of a jerk about it. His grocery bag was quite old, filthy and obviously had seen better days! Why would I want to steal his bag?

A neighbor of mine overheard this man chastising me, and said in a loud, yet light voice, “Hey man, lighten up. It’s Sunday!”

Anyway after switching carts, and sorting out the groceries, I went on to finish my shopping. But I thought this was weird. I honestly didn’t steal his grocery cart!

The soup came out very well, and as the evening winds down, I am now planning my next afghan. I ordered the yarn for it. Everything should be here by Friday and then I will be working on yet another afghan!

Probably a good thing, as it will keep me out of grocery stores where I might take someones cart!

Have a great week everyone!

Happiness Is…

It was a big day for me on Saturday. Just after Christmas I started an afghan for my daughter, Mandy. Today I finished it!

It is a full size throw afghan. One she can pull up over herself and both the kids, and snuggle under!

I cannot tell you how much fun I had doing it. I think with each loop of my crochet hook, I melted in a little love. I hope this afghan lasts her for a very long time, and I hope she spends many hours cuddling her babies under it!

Chicken, Escarole and Meatball Soup

Chicken, Escarole and Meatball Soup

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

While chicken is cooking slice:
5 carrots
5 stalks celery
2 large onions
1 shallot
2 heads escarole
salt & pepper to taste
2 tsp chopped garlic
2 tbs parsley
2-3 Bay Leaves

Remove chicken from pot retaining all the wonderful broth. While chicken cools, make the mini meatballs.

Meatballs:
1 lb hamburger or ground turkey
1 egg
1/3 cup Italian bread crumbs
2 tbs parsley
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 ingredients. Then simmer slowly until veggies are done. De-bone the chicken and add the meat to the soup. Add more chicken broth if needed to make soup desired thickness.

Enjoy!

The Friday Five

The week just flew by. I was sort of down and out with a cold, and so the fact that from Monday until today I have pretty much kept in my pajamas and done nothing but sleep, crochet and marathon watched The Incredible Dr. Pol.

So, as the week closes out, these are the things I’ve been thinking about.

Winter colds! Oh how I hate them. It wasn’t that I was particularly sick, but I was sneezing and coughing and was generally miserable. Thank goodness for good tissues and Hall’s Cough drops!
This week we had two episodes of This is Us. Oh my goodness I cried almost the entire way through the Sunday night episode, and then again on Tuesday night. I still think this is one of the best shows on the TV right now. Probably because it evokes such emotions in me.
We had another 10 inches of snow yesterday. Jack took the snow blower out Wednesday night and then again on Thursday afternoon. The snow is pretty, but really, I am so over winter!
I am making great progress with Mandy’s afghan! It really is beautiful and is gets bigger and bigger I love how the variegated yarn has created it’s own color pattern through the afghan. I think maybe another month and it will be done. Possibly sooner.
I’ll be going down to see my sister and attend her mother in-laws Memorial Service in two weeks. It will be so nice for us to be together during this time. We don’t get to see each other too often. Thank goodness for cell phones and unlimited calling!

TV

Do you watch much TV? I used to, but in my older years, I am getting very picky about what I am watching. In fact most nights there isn’t a regular TV show on that I watch. On those nights I sort of zone out and allow Jack to watch what he wants.

I do have a few that I really love. The show This Is Us. That show is probably the best written, directed and acted show on the TV right now. I go to a fan site on Facebook for that show and I am amazed at how many points of view there are for the story, the characters, or even how the writers have written a particular story. I love it all, even when I spend much of the episode crying. It means that it touched me in a very real sense.

I also love Homeland. Claire Danes, as Carrie Mathison is magnificent and she just carries that show. Although I loved Rupert Friend, as Peter Quinn, and I will miss him now that he is gone, I look forward to new actors that will be introduced. Anyway, great writing, directing and acting.

I do admit to watching and liking The Incredible Dr. Pol and The Pioneer Woman. I tend to watch them whenever they are on. I guess because I love animals and I love to cook.

Then there are the usual shows that I like, but I have found that they are no longer as fabulous as they were. The Big Bang Theory, NCIS, Mom, and Blue Bloods. They’re okay, but if I miss them, I don’t really care. There is a cute new show called Young Sheldon, that is sweet and it does make me laugh, but that’s all it is, fluff. Cute fluff.

Aside from the above, I watch sports. Yup, sports. I love to watch tennis, especially the Grand Slams like The French Open, Wimbledon, The US Open and The Australian Open, although the time difference means I watch a lot after they have occurred.

I also like to watch Figure Skating, Skiing, and Gymnastics. But the other stuff on the TV just isn’t worth wasting my time with.

This has meant that I have gotten a lot done with Mandy’s afghan. I sit here in the evening, with the TV droning on, and I work on the blanket. It’s looking so lovely and beautiful and I sure hope it will be all that I want it to be when it is done.

Farewell Dear Nan

When I was eight, my sister met her future husband. They were 13. They courted through letters, and occasional phone calls and visits either to Arlington where Ron lived or he came to Falmouth.

Since propriety called for a chaperone for my sister, I was nominated for the post. Everyone knew I had a big mouth and that if Mel and Ron did anything they shouldn’t I would rat them out. After all, what else do 8 year olds do?.

Consequently I met Ron’s mother, Nancy, pretty early in my life. She was studying to be an elementary school teacher, and I was a great way for her to practice.

My Mom on the left and Nancy on the right. Two lovely ladies!

I remember her teaching me to read and to do simple math. She also read me stories, which I really loved.

When Melodie was invited to go to their cottage in Winchendon, Massachusetts, I was invited as well. Ron’s parents taught me to water ski, to shoot a BB gun, and what it was like to camp with no TV. At least I do not recall there being one there.

I remember Nan in her lovely bathing suit, being on the dock, in the boat and swimming, looking incredibly beautiful.

After Mel and Ron married, they lived with Ron’s folks while he went to school, and while Mel and Ron’s first child was born. I went up to stay with them and again, I spent time with Nan watching Boston Bruins Hockey. These were the years of Bobby Orr, Phil Esposito and Derrick Sanderson! Yes, a hockey team made in heaven!

Over the years, Nan’s life went in a different direction, but whenever we saw each other it was easy. After all, even though we weren’t technically related, she always treated me like one of her own.

Ron and his mother Nancy.

This lovely woman passed away yesterday from complications of age and Parkinson’s Disease. Her death means that the last of our parents is gone and now Mel, Ron, Ron’s brother and I are the older generation. It’s hard to believe.

Nancy loved all of her family very much. She was proud of each of her children, grandchildren and great grandchildren. I think at the end, she fretted some, at leaving them all, but her body just plain gave out.

So, as I bid a very fond farewell, to a terrific lady, who made such an impact on my life, I send out my deepest sympathy to all of Nancy’s family and her friends.

Rest in peace, Nancy.

-Things I’ve Done Or Not Done-

-Things I’ve Done Or Not Done-

Fired a gun – Yes and I wasn’t a bad shot.
Gone on a blind date – No. I haven’t had time to do that.I got married at 17 the first time and 29 the second time. I’ve pretty much been spoken for all my life!
Watched someone give birth – Yes. Me. Twice!
Watched someone die – Sadly, yes.
Visited Canada – Yes. Hubby’s family are mostly Canadian.
Visited Hawaii – No and I really want to go!
Visited Las Vegas – No and don’t really want to.
Visited Asia – Not yet, but really want to.
Visited Africa – Not yet.
Visited Florida – Not just visited, but lived there for 6 years.
Visited Mexico – Yes, but Mexico and I are enemies. All three times I got very ill.
Visited Australia – Not yet, but one day!
Seen the Grand Canyon in person – Yes! And it was amazing!
Flown in a helicopter – Yes. Not sure I liked it.
Flown an airplane – Never flown an airplane, but did have the chance to fly in the cockpit when Hubby was helping to ferry a plane to Germany. If I had known how fabulous it was to do, I would have paid more attention in my math and science classes!
Served on a jury – Well sort of. I was selected for two jury’s, but both cases were plea bargained before the jury heard the case.
Visited L.A – Yes, briefly.
Been to New York City – Yes, but not a big fan.
Cried yourself to sleep – Yes.
Recently colored with pencils- No, but I’ve been looking at the adults coloring books.
Sang karaoke – Not really.
Paid for a meal with coins only – When I was very little I went to see my Grandma Elsie. She always saved coins in a tea cup for us to have for spending money when we came up. I got my money (all coins) and we went to Woolworths to shop. Grandma decided to stop there and have lunch at the counter. When we finished she went to get her wallet and realized she had left it at home. She asked me to let her have the money, and she would pay me back when she got home. I did. As we walked back home she tried her best to make me promise not to tell Papa Sam. Being the rotten six year old I was, as soon as he walked in the door that night I told him all about the adventure and how I had save the day!
Made prank phone calls – No. Phones were a different thing back in the day. I think I had more respect for them
Laughed so much you cried – Yes.
Caught a snowflake on your tongue – I live in the White Mountain Region of New Hampshire. We can have literally several feet of snow in our winters. One of my favorite things to do is to go outside, listen to the quiet and catch snow flakes!
Had children – Yes, two beautiful daughters.
Had a pet – Oh yes. Let’s see: Smokey (cat) Baby, Lorelei, (dogs), Terry-Ho, Daisy, (cats), Rex, Max, Fritz, Lili, (white German shepherds), Shubi, Greta, Arnie, Anneliese, (dackels) .
Been skinny dipping – Yes. But who with and when, I am not telling!
Rapelled down a building / cliff – When I saw this question I laughed. Knowing me to be one disaster away from death, I do not think I will ever want to do this!
Been downhill skiing – Yes, Not very good at it though.
Been water skiing – Yes, years ago.
Been camping in a tent – No. I am not the roughing it type.
Driven a motorcycle – No. Let’s just say I have a healthy respect for them.
Jumped out of a plane – LOL…no.
Gone to a drive-in movie – Yes, and that was so much fun, back in the day!
Done something that could have killed you – Yes, but I survived and will never be that stupid again.
Done something that you will regret for the rest of your life – People who know me, know I regret only one day of my life. The day my daughter died. And that day I didn’t do anything, but was rather a victim.
Rode an elephant – Yes, and perhaps that is why I love elephants so much!
Rode a camel – Yes, I did that too.
Eaten just cookies or cake or ice cream for dinner – Sure. Long, long, ago, in a galaxy, far, far, away!
Been on TV – Not really.
Been in newspapers – Yes a number of times. Most notably, when I appeared as a child in the Sound of Music.
Stolen any traffic signs – Nope!
Been in a car accident – Yes. And it haunts me to this day.
Stayed in Hospital – Yes. Unfortunately, many times.
Donated blood – Yes.
Had to pay a fine in the past 12 months – No, I’ve lived a clean life.
Gotten a piercing – Just my ears.
Gotten a tattoo – Ah, no.
Driven a standard car – Oh yeah, piece of cake.
Ever owned your dream car – Yes. Still have it.
Been Married – Twice.
Been divorced – Yes, once.

Sunday

Our Sunday was fairly quiet. I hadn’t slept well on Saturday, and I felt like doing nothing more than curling up in a warm corner, and going to sleep. But it seemed the dogs were barking at the ice fishermen, or the TV was on keeping me awake, so I never got a nice nap.

I did watch a few episodes of Dr. Pol, Veterinarian, which proved handy, later in my day, when Anneliese got into it with Greta and punctured her leg. I got everything I needed, cleaned the wound up and then wrapped it in sterile gauze. I will clean it again in the morning so I can get a good look at it.

Meanwhile, Anneliese is in the dog house with me, and my darling Greta is acting like she was killed. I’m allowing her to do this because, heck, at her age getting your butt served to you on a platter, has to hurt ones pride.

I’m watching the Patriots and Eagles game, and at this point it is not clear who will win the Super Bowl. I’d like it to be the Patriots, but my exhaustion won’t allow me to stay awake.

I hope your weekends were good, and that the week ahead will be a happy one!

Update: The Patriots blew it and Philadelphia won! There was one Philly player who really wanted this win and he was on fire! Clearly he was a major factor in this win. I congratulate them. For us Pats fans remember, there is always next year!