Author: Dackel Princess

Good Friday Morning to you all. This has been an amazingly busy week for us. But I must tell you, it has been a beautiful week! Here, let me tell you all about it!

1. On Monday I had a doctor’s appointment in Portsmouth, New Hampshire. It’s about a 50 mile drive each way. On Monday it was so beautiful. Despite a few clouds, a sprinkle of rain, the lush trees, the flowering gardens, and when I stepped from my car in Portsmouth, the smell of the ocean brought tears to my eyes! Since I was early, I sat down on the docks at a small restaurant and had lunch. It was just ideal!
2. Tuesday I had another appointment, but this one in town. It was a perfect day to run around and see people and places close by, including a family of Canadian Geese and another of baby ducks with their mother.
3. Wednesday, Jack and I went for him to be fitted for shoes. He will get two pairs, one sneakers and one casual shoes that will have an insert where his toe once was. Afterward I actually got Jack to go out and shop at Walmart with me. His first public outing. He did very well, and we were shopping for about an hour, when I looked up at him and noticed he looked like he was fading. I worried about his blood sugar, so I grabbed a Reese’s Peanut-butter Cup pack, as we checked out. I got him to the car, got him some coffee and asked him if it was low blood sugar or exhaustion. He took a big breath and said exhaustion. Needless to say, he took a nap that afternoon.
4. Thursday we saw the surgeons over in White River Junction, at the VA. They are really happy with the progress that Jack’s nubbin is making and very soon he will no longer need my tender ministrations each day. After his appointment, we also discovered a Chinese Buffet Restaurant and had lunch. Jack’s first meal out since this all began. It was delicious, cheap and close to the VA, so when we go for further appointments we know where to have our lunch!
5. A few weeks back I had a quasi disaster with my hair coloring. First it came out nearly black. Talk about a shock! Then when I asked her to fix this, it came out a deep auburn-ish red! Definitely not me! So I asked around and I found a licensed colorist who is going to fix my hair and then give it some shape. I can hardly wait!

     5. Plus 1. I graduated from High School in 1976. But that was a year ahead of my  real class. I took extra courses the summer before and graduated early, to marry my High School Sweetheart. Anyway, The Class of 1977 is having their Reunion at the end of September and I decided to go! I have not seen most of these people in 40 years! These are the people I started Kindergarten with, and whose birthday parties I went to and shared school dances with. Their lives were part of the fabric of my life. And best of all, I get to go to my hometown of Falmouth, Massachusetts! I will also be spending part of that weekend with two of my favorite people! My sister, Melodie and my cousin, Janet! Come to think of it, I think this is the first girls weekend we have had since we were kids! I hope now we are older, we can plan these trips together more often.

Here is a picture of me when I was a Freshman in High School. My Dad took it, when I was down at the lake near our house swimming, just before school started in September.

This was an exceptionally busy week, and I will try to get it pared down to the top five!

1. Jack’s foot, toe area, I will now call a “Nubbin“. That pretty much describes what is left on the top of the foot. Kind of cute really. He was seen by the Vascular Surgeon, who had amputated it, to finally get the stitches out. When I was introduced, I heard an accent but could not place it. I asked, and he said he was born and raised in Berlin, Germany! He arrived in America when he was a freshman in High School. And he spoke no English. Well, considering that his English is perfect, and he went to High School, College, Medical School and then did his Residency, and Specialty and got Board Certified and is only in his mid 30’s, it is safe to say that he is incredibly bright. Jack and the doctor chatted in German while the stitches were removed.
2. The “Nubbin” looks good. I was commended for the care I had given it all this time. In fact everyone liked the way I had wrapped the “Nubbin” and foot with gauze. Now the stitches are out, he can shower, but still must keep it wrapped and he still cannot drive until he is fitted for special shoes. He also must use a walker and/or cane when he walks.
3. I had my hair done this week and wanted to go a bit darker, and a little more ash because my hair had gotten kind of reddish/blond. Although I liked the cute trim she gave me, my hair is currently almost BLACK! I have an appointment tomorrow to get the color “fixed”! I can hardly wait. I catch looks in a mirror as I pass and I startle myself every time!
4. It was back to Weight Watchers for me this week. Being as sick as I have been, I have now lost 32 pounds. I do not recommend losing the weight the way I did. Being that sick and unable to eat is pretty yucky. I have just about 20 pounds left until I reach my new goal weight. I do not want to be as thin as I was when I was 40. I will be 60 soon and well, I think I’m entitled to a few extra pounds.
5. Have you seen the documentary, “Diana, Our Mother: Her Life and Legacy“?                                                                                                                                                             It was made by Prince William and Prince Harry to honor their mother on the 20th anniversary of her death. They obviously were and still are devoted to their much loved mother. It is my hope that Diana will one day be honored for her role in British History. I think her sons will make sure she is.