Dackel Princess

Wednesday Hodgepodge

1. The first day of summer rolls in later this week. What are ten things you’d put on your list of quintessential summer activities? Will you try to manage all ten this summer?

1. Beach. 2. Street Fairs. 3. Farmer’s Markets. 4. County Fairs. 5. A few visits down to my daughter’s. 6. go swimming. 7. Cookouts. 8. Watch sunsets. 9. Eat some lobster and fried clams. 10. Relax.
I would love to go to the beach. Hubby is not a beach fan, so maybe my daughter will invite me to go with her and the grands! It would be fun to go to the beach and play with Savannah and Quinn in the sand and sun!

2. Do you collect seashells when you’re at the beach? What do you do with them once you get them home? What’s your favorite place to comb for seashells?

I do collect seashells, and have several jars of them. I haven’t done much of anything with them except fill Apothicary jars. The best beaches I ever combed on was Surf drive Beach in Falmouth, Massachusetts and Sanibel in Florida.

3. At a snail’s pace, shell out money, come out of your shell, go back into your shell, drop a bombshell, happy as a clam, clam up…which ‘shell’ phrase could most recently be applied to some event or circumstance in your life? Explain.

I hope to be Happy As A Clam! I go to the Infectious Disease doctor today and I hope she will say I am ready to discontinue to antibiotics. Then I really would be “Happy As A Clam”!

4. What summer activity do you dislike? Why?

Mowing the lawn. But then, most of the time, Hubby does that.

5. What’s something you see as quickly becoming obsolete? Does that bother you?

Going to the Mall. Most of my shopping is done online now. And from what I hear on the business channels, this is the case Nationwide! I don’t think it bothers me too much because I really dislike crowds.

6. Insert your own random thought here.

I wonder how many of you have started watching cable or satellite TV shows instead of the news. I have. I find the International news and the local news is getting increasingly distressing. No, I do not blame any one political figure. I blame the hatred that is being fed out there, terrorism and the real lack of moral values. It saddens me. I hope that one day, people will once again care about each other and that terrorism will be defeated.

A Crazy & Wet Monday

Monday was sort of a wild day. I was scheduled for an ultra sound/mammogram to follow up after a strange reading last fall. I arrived for my appointment and was greeted by the Radiologist who greeted me with, “Why are you here?”

“Well, Doctor, I got a certified letter from this hospital telling me I was due for this follow up after last Autumns irregular mammogram.”

“Didn’t you follow up at Dartmouth?” she asked.

“Why yes, yes I did.” I replied.

“Then why are you here?” she asked again.

“I am here because I received a Certified letter from your hospital concerning this. When I told the woman on the phone that I had been seen at Dartmouth, she said I still needed to be seen. So, here I am.” I said and smiled.

She walked out of the room and went to the Secretaries office. This is what I overheard. “Do you know how long I spend on a follow-up exam when someone has a suspicious result on a mammogram? About half and hour! This woman was seen at Dartmouth last fall and she does not need to be here now and I do not need to see her! You wasted my time!”

I never saw the lovely Radiologist after that. She sent the shaken Secretary in to dismiss me. But you know what made me a little upset? No one said, “I’m sorry to have taken up your time”.

Ah well, since I was out, I decided to go get the canned food I use for Lili and Arnie and to also pick up something easy for dinner. While I shopped, I found a copy of “The Pioneer Woman’s” new magazine! Oh joy! I love it.

As I checked out, I suddenly heard the rain begin to fall. As I got to the door and started toward my car the skies opened and in less than a minute I was soaked to the skin! I rained like this all the way home, reminding me of when I lived in Florida and we had torrential rainstorms very often. Ugh!

I finally got home only to discover that the power was out at home. And worst of all, our seldom used generator was not working. (It has since been fixed.) Fortunately, the power was restored in short order, but we had thunder, lightening and torrential rains until well after 7 in the evening.

As we ate dinner tonight I discovered something new about Lili. She likes corn on the cob. Well not the actual corn on the cob, but after I was done with my cob, I held it for her and she nibbled at the entire cob, getting every last bit! Next time we have corn I will have to get a video of her chewing the cob!

The Weekend

The weekend seemed to fly by, with the grrrrr of motorcycle engines all around us. Since this was the last weekend of The Laconia – Weirs Beach Motorcycle Week, it seemed that every motorcycle owner this side of the Mississippi was driving around our area. Thus, one could not escape the sounds of motorcycles traveling en-mass!

Poor Lili really dislikes motorcycles and so even when Hubby took her out to play, she would end up at the door to come in and escape the noise and the heat. Yes, besides all the noise we finally had some hot humid weather. In fact, as I write this on Monday morning, the dew point is at 69 degrees and our temperature is 82 degrees (F). The forecast is for violent thunderstorms this afternoon and evening, helping to clear out this sticky air.

I had a terrible scare the other day. I was driving back from picking Arnie up after his dental at the Vet, when I felt something wet on the back of my neck. I reached back and touched and felt some wetness and then looked at my bloody fingers. Now nothing will cause you to be scared like the dickens then touching your incision and coming away with blood!

I was stuck though, as I was in the car and I couldn’t see anything. So, I raced home and ran up the stairs and yelled for Hubby to come and look. Well, it appears that one big fat mosquito was gorging himself on my blood when I squished him! He must have been pretty full because it was a real mess back there. I also swelled up to the size of a nickle, afterward. That little bugger!

Anneliese has recovered from her surgery, both she and Arnie have beautiful white teeth, nicely trimmed nails and once again life for them is good.

A nice start to the week!

Happy Father’s Day!

Here are the five men, who shaped my life. In their own ways, they were my father or a father figure to me. They have all passed from this life to the next, but their memory and the love they gave me, lives on in my heart

My Dad. He was an amazingly talented musician and he passed along his love of music to me. Dad was devoted to our community. He played the organ at both the Congregational Church and the Catholic Church in North Falmouth.

He was the Music Director at Highfield Theater for many years. He also was a summer police officer in our town. And when we went to local parks for cook-outs, Dad was the burger-meister! He has been gone a long time now, but I still think of him often and miss his wry sense of humor.

My Uncle George. He was the father who taught me everything growing up. How to swim, how to dive, how to bowl, how to hike, how to play cards, and how to love unconditionally.

When I was about 7 years old I cut my toe badly at the beach and he carried me all the way home! And helped Mom drive me to the doctor’s office for stitches. He was not a loud man, but in his quiet loving way, I just knew that I was one of his special kids. In fact, when Hubby and I married, Uncle George walked me down the isle. I miss this sweet, loving, wonderful man!

My Uncle Bob. He was fun to be with. But, he required that I act like a mini adult too. That was fine. I adored him and just wanted to spend time, quiet time, with him.

I did a lot of things with him and his wife, Auntie Cynthia. I remember being on his boat, or when they took me to their home in Quincy and to museums. And I recall my Uncle once got a monkey. Cute, but it didn’t last for long.

My Papa Fred. Another quiet man, who was quite old when I lived with him and Grandma. But he showed me something important.

What real love between a man and woman was all about. I would watch Papa and Grandma sitting on their sofa watching Lawrence Welk. Papa would hold Grandma’s feet in his lap and stroke them gently. He simply adored Grandma, and had all of his life. When she died, he no longer had the will to live, and passed eight months later.

My Papa Sam, my Dad’s Dad. I didn’t know him as well, but I remember him taking me to the Prudential Building in the summer to listen to the Barbershop Quartets sing.

I remember sitting on his lap and listening to him sing along. He had such a beautiful voice.

These 5 men helped to shape the woman I grew up to be. Each special in their own way, and now, each greatly missed.

Happy Father’s Day! I remember you all with love and many memories that make me smile!

The Friday Five

Here we are, another week has gone by and there are just 27 more weeks until Christmas, December 25th, 2017! It’s a scary thought, yes?

As this week flew by I was involved in quite a few things, and thinking of others. Here are the top 5 for this week!

I had to drive to Portsmouth, NH. I am not a big fan of driving, but I managed to drive down and back without any problem. And actually, I am a good driver, and Wednesday was such a beautiful day. Perfect for a long drive!
Thursday, Anneliese got her stitches out and Arnie got his teeth cleaned! Both got their nails done and all I need to do for them is bathe them and Greta and then strip their fur a little to get rid of their winter coats.
I baked another batch of cookies. This time for me. I’ve been slightly nauseous, and I find that Snickerdoodle Cookies settle my stomach. At least that’s the story I’m sticking to!
Arnie is still a little sleepy from his teeth cleaning and has been so sweet and loving with me.
Next week I have two appointments going. One for a follow up mammogram and the other is my first meeting with the Infectious Disease Doctor in Concord, NH.

Well, that’s all for this week. Have a great weekend, Everyone!

TBT: Mandy Age 7 Months

Looking back at Mandy’s baby pictures is always fun for me. She was such a cutie and I just loved being her Mommy! I still do!

Memories of Katie Alynne

11/8/78 – 6/19/85

I had a lovely daughter, named Kathleen “Katie” Alynne. She was my youngest daughter and quite amazing. She was six and a half when an impaired (stoned) driver, hit my car and killed her. She actually lived until June 19th, but she never regained consciousness after they pulled her from the car. So in my mind and my heart, the 13th is the day that she left us.

You never get over losing a child. But you learn to go on, and to make a new life for yourself. But on days like today, I like to remind everyone that once long ago, lived a beautiful little girl named Katie!

***************

This is so beautiful. I was crying by the second line, Written by Henry Scott Holland (27 January 1847 – 17 March 1918) was Regius Professor of Divinity at the University of Oxford.

I miss you each day, Katie.

In Memory of Katie from Dackel Princess Maribeth on Vimeo.

Katie Alynne November 8, 1978 – June 13, 1985 from Dackel Princess Maribeth on Vimeo.

A Saturday To Remember

This past Saturday was a busy and wonderful one! It started on Saturday morning, when I left early to drive to Savannah’s dance recital. I stopped at the Outlet Mall in the rare possibility that I might find a pair of jeans. You know right up there next to the horror of trying on a bathing suit, is trying on jeans!

I went to Talbot’s and tried on a pair of jeans and a shirt and both fit like they’d been made for me! Jeans! I could not believe it! And they were a smaller size too! One thing is for sure, these darn antibiotics have robbed me of an appetite and the weight has fallen off.

Once I was happily back in my car, I again headed South. As I drove along, I passed several speed traps (I never worry about them because I am a Granny driver!), and eventually I pulled off to get a bouquet of flowers and some thing to drink for me. I found some lovely purple carnations, white roses and baby’s breath for Savannah. After all, every Prima Ballerina must have her bouquet after the Recital.

I almost never drive into a city unless I know it well, but on Saturday I had to drive into Lowell, Massachusetts. It’s currently full of construction zones and this made it pretty easy to take a wrong turn. And I did.

I should have stayed going forward, but I turned left. Ugh! Well I drove a little further and then “banged a U-ee” In other words, I made a U-turn and corrected my error. Of course, I got beeped at, but not too bad, really.

Then I arrived at the Recital. I met up with my daughter, Mandy, and Matt and his parents and my former husband, Bob. We all waited for the doors to open and then we gratefully took our seats inside, out of the heat!

The show began, and a few numbers passed, and then…there she was, our Savannah. This year, Savi wasn’t nervous at all. She knew what she should be doing and she did it with sass, pizzazz and so much happiness! I sat watching with happy tears streaming down my face. She was marvelous!!!

After Savi was done with her first number the children were led to the balcony, where they could watch the show. I happened to catch a glimpse of her watching the show and my heart swelled. My beautiful, sweet, talented, loving, granddaughter. Oh, how I adore her!

In a bit, Savannah’s class was up on stage again and they performed one more routine. Again, I felt such love and joy.

The Recital ended with a big balloon drop and the kids were thrilled. Mandy went to get Savi and I waited outside with Matt and Bob. Then there she was, running toward me, talking a mile a minute and waving two of her balloons in the air. Mandy took one of them so I could give Savi her flowers. We stood talking for a bit before I kissed my girls and said good-bye.

On my way out of Lowell, Massachusetts, I was cut off by a small car, and the girl inside flipped me off. Okay, a trip into the city of Lowell with one false turn, one honking of the horn, and one finger flip off, is actually not bad really! After all, it is a larger city than I am used to!

Once back on the Highway, I drove along with the heavy traffic until I reached the grocery store, and loaded up on food, and gassed up the car before hitting the road again and heading home.

I got here to find Jack searching for Lili. I asked when he had last seen her? He answered about an hour ago. I clicked the remote for the garage and…Lili came waltzing out! Poor baby had been locked up in there for a while. Needless to say, she was very happy to see me!

After having a small bite of dinner, I headed to bed, where I fell instantly asleep! The end of a truly great day!

The Pioneer Woman

During the 17 days I spent in the hospital this Spring, feeling sick as a dog, and I admit, scared to death, I watched a lot of TV. Since emotionally I was not up to anything heavy, I watched a lot of shows on The Cooking Channel, HGTV and Animal Planet. These were all entertaining and some were even sweet. I discovered Dr. Jeff, Rocky Mountain Vet on The Animal Planet Station, and best of all, I discovered “The Pioneer Woman”.

Now Ree Drummond (The Pioneer Woman) is sort of the mother I wish I had been lucky enough to have. Not that my mother wasn’t a good Mom, it’s just that she and I didn’t have a lot in common.

I digress. While trapped in a hospital bed, I started watching The Pioneer Woman. It turns out that one weekend they had a marathon showing of her show and I was able to fall in love with her, and her family.

As she says, she lives on a cattle ranch, in the middle of nowhere, and she loves to cook, take pictures and blog! All things that I love to do. Each show is filled with recipes, scenes of her ranch, kids and meals with her family and friends.

When I got home from the hospital I found her show on TV Monday through Friday from 1 o’clock to 2 o’clock in the afternoon. Hubby and I started watching it and we both enjoy it.

In fact, Ree Drummond has a new magazine coming out and I told Hubby I’d like to subscribe. Ree just has a way about her. Easy, laid back, homey. I love listening to her, planning a meal, or a party, or picnic. Many of her ideas I have had myself, but not on such a complete scale.

I admit to trying some of her recipes. They are good and Hubby is starting to ask if our meals are Pioneer Food! Ha!

I am enjoying all of this Pioneer living. It’s sort of what I dreamed about when I was a teenager. My Mom had a home garden, where we grew vegetables and I thought that was great. As an adult I had my own gardens and year after year, I grew to love cooking. This one hour of TV, five days a week, makes me feel good.

So if this sounds like fun to you, give her program a watch!

I think you will be glad you did!

I’m Cooking Again!

In the last few days I have felt better than I have in a while. The effects of the antibiotics have not been so bad, and not only have I been able to eat, but I have felt like cooking too. And baking.

A friend of mine is also sick right now, so I bake double batches of things like Snickerdoodle and Chocolate Chip Cookies. Then both households can enjoy a little something special.

However, my cooking desire has also extended to things like meatloaf, roast beef, a roasted leg of lamb. All of these things provided meals for several days and I enjoyed making each and every one of them.

Fresh corn on the cob is now available in our stores. Usually the corn starts coming from Florida in April, then Georgia, and South Carolina in May and now, I think it is coming out of North Carolina. All I know is, that from now until September, we will be eating a lot of corn.

We also have had a lot of strawberries coming in from California. Oh, how we both love those! Last night we put on an old movie, “Uncle Buck” and sat watching and laughing, while eating Strawberry Shortcake!

Today is a no cooking day. What does this mean? It means I have enough leftover food, so that I don’t need to cook any new food!

All of this makes me happy. Happy to be feeling better, and also happy that I can cook again.