The last Christmas I spent with my little love doggy, Shubi. She sure was one of a kind and full of love and cuddling. She has been gone for a long while now, but her memory lingers on. She was my first wire-haired dachshund, although her coat was a little soft, and not scruffy like Greta and Arnie and Anneliese. But what a wonderful companion she was!
1. Are you more task oriented or people oriented? Elaborate.
People. I would rather be with people doing things than off by myself.
2. December 15 is National Wear Your Pearls Day…do you own/wear pearls? If you’re a man answering the question, does your sweetheart own or wear pearls? Everyone share a ‘pearl of wisdom’ with us here today.
I do have a lovely string of pearls that Hubby gave me for our first anniversary. Pearls of wisdom? Let me see.
3. Speaking of pearls…oysters? Are you a fan or not a fan? If you answered yes, tell us your favorite way to eat oysters? If you said no, be honest-have you ever tried one or does just the idea of eating an oyster make you gag a little?
I love fried oysters. Down south they really know how to cook em!
4. Time Magazine has named President-elect Donald Trump Person of the Year. Let’s take presidents and presidential candidates out of the mix for a minute. If a political figure had not been chosen who would you name Man or Woman of the Year for 2016?
I’m going to pass on that one. I’ve been rather disappointed by the world this year!
5. The Pantone Color of the Year for 2017 has been announced, and it’s a vibrant green aptly named-greenery. Your thoughts? Is this a color currently in your home or wardrobe? Will you add something in this shade for the new year? Click here to see the color.
Not much into green. I’m more a browns and blues lady!
6. Today I’ve had too much__
To think about. I need to watch some mindless TV to just shut my brain off.
7. Share a favorite lyric from a favorite Christmas carol.
It’s a pretty day today. Cold, and we have about 8 inches of snow from the storm yesterday, but I think that the blue skies and sunshine are lovely.
As I sit here waiting for the next chapter of my life to begin, I am trying very hard to remain positive and happy.
You see, the surgery in November was a failure. I’m actually in more pain now, than I was before the very first one a year ago. I sort of live on Tylenol and Motrin, as I wait for an appointment with a new surgeon down in Boston.
Yes, I will need another surgery. I expect it will be a big deal, in order for me to get my spine not only fixed, but back in alignment.
I try not to dwell, but I would be lying if I said I am not furious that the surgeon not only blew the operation, but then tried to tell me I have brittle bones. Which I know is crap because I had a bone density test a few years back and I was told that I had the bones of a 20 year old.
But, it’s the Christmas Season and I am watching all sorts of Christmas movies, that help remind me of the reason for the season, and also put me in a better mood. My favorite being “It’s A Wonderful Life”. Yes, that movie speaks to me deeply.
My life has not been perfect, it has not been pain free, but when I look at those around me, and see the beauty and love of my family, I realize that it is, indeed, a very good life.
As my mind and soul begin to heal, I am really working on my state of mind. I have been rather depressed since the first cervical spine surgery (December 17, 2015), and even though this surgery is a failure, I’ve decided that life could be a lot worse and I need to rearrange my thought process.
Yes, it is time to hold positive thoughts, and work very hard to turn my self into a more positive person.
I admit to being a bit over dramatic, and of course this leads to depression. That is not at all helpful right now, so it is time to suck it up and think positively!
Since the second surgery was a disaster, I just have to adjust my head, that a third surgery will be forthcoming, and this time it will all go correctly!
It is marvelous to be home, with my doggies, and Hubby has been great cooking and cleaning. He seems to watch and sense when the pain gets bad and encourages me to recline.
Happy, Cheery Thoughts!
Today my sweet ‘twin’ pups, Arnie & Anneliese, are having their 10th birthday! How did that happen? It seems just the other day that Greta gave birth to the first litter of Dackel Princess puppies! Now my little loves are ten whole years old! Anneliese is on the left and Arnie on the right.
I will try to find something wonderful for them as a treat today. After all, becoming ten years old, puts them in the senior doggy group!
Arnie and Anneliese Birthday from Dackel Princess Maribeth on Vimeo.
However, I feel so lucky to have had these two wonderful pups in my life! Both are truly loving and amazing dogs.
It seems like forever since I have written. Trying to blog on a cell phone stinks. I am definitely a keyboard girl!
So much has happened since my surgery and I am unhappy to report that this surgery not only failed, but has caused further problems with my spine. Currently, Hubby and I are trying to find a really good Neurosurgeon to fix what this other surgeon has so badly messed up.
I was down with Mandy and Matt and the kids, where I could just be quiet and do nothing. I needed this quiet time. It was also wonderful to see my darling grandchildren. That gives you strength.
I also had a bad reaction to the pain medication. I swear to God, that Oxycontin, is the devils brew. It caused me more illness than I needed. I stopped using it pretty quickly after the surgery, and switched to Tylenol and Motrin, which took the edge off.
Oddly, the pain stayed with me, and then on Tuesday I learned that the surgery had failed and I have a screw and bone sitting directly on nerves!My greatest comfort now is feeling emotionally well enough to be home with Hubby and the dogs.
Arnie, never leaves my side and Anneliese and Greta cuddle me all night long. Lili follows me everywhere. I swear she thinks she is Lassie and if anything happens to me, she will run for help.
So, as the season of joy and celebration of Christ’s birth comes in our direction, I am grateful for so much. For my wonderfully family, daughter, Mandy and Matt, grandchildren, Savannah and grandson Quinn and my dearest cousins Janet and Dave. Also for Hubby who has been spending copious amounts of time researching. These people made the first month bearable!
Now I am home Hubby is doing all the cooking and cleaning and making sure I get the nutrients I need. He also takes me out each day for short walks at the grocery store, so I can work on my strength. And my baby dogs? Well, it is great to be with them.
Tomorrow is Arnie and Anneliese’s 10th Birthday! I am so happy to be here!
Tomorrow is a bigday. I get my spine checked out and if all goes well, I will be able to drive short distances again.
I had a little achy-ness over the weekend, so I spent a lot of time just resting my neck.
I watched Mandy and Matt work to create a Christmas wonderland for their kids.
There is snow on the ground this morning, making things look more and more like Christmas .
Sure is beautiful out there!
Today I actually got out and accompanied Mandy on some errands .
It was chilly, but sunny, and it felt nice to see the holiday crowds at the store.
Each year I buy at least one Barbie doll to donate to the “Toys For Tots” program.
I have done this to honor the children whose parents may not be able to afford presents.
This year was special because Savannah was with me and she loves Barbie .
However, I explained to her about the children from poor families, and something remarkable happened .
Savannah took the doll out of the bag, hugged it, and carefully placed it in the “Toys For Tots ” box.
Then this magical four year old girl walked away, got into the car, and never fussed or cried over that doll.
She, at this tender age, already understands what many will not. The true beauty of selflessly giving
This year I was totally unable to take care of myself, or to cook a traditional meal.
Mandy, Matt and the kids headed off to see all of Matt’s family, so that everyone could meet our darling Quinn
My cousin Janet and her husband, Dave, collected me, brought me to their home and took care of me.
Turkey was cooked along with all the wonderful side dishess! My plate was filled and I ate what I could, and I was so full of gatitude.
Then their grandson arrived and we did Wii Beatles singing, and played Cards Against Humanity. I had never played and I must tell you that it’s one of the best card games ever.
We laughed and laughed and really had a good time.
It was a tough time for me, as my health is still bad and I discovered that this surgery really took a lot out of me.
I am so grateful to Janet and Dave,for making Thanksgiving for me.
And I am so thankful to Mandy and Matt for letting me recover here.
❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤
Ah, you know, they say when the cat’s away…Well in this case, while I have been recovering, some Rotter, hacked my darling, Dackel Princess.
I shouldn’t be surprised. I have neglected my site and instead of sharing my crazy thoughts, and ideas, I have been silent.
Although what I will tell you about this whole neck surgery will make you go “EEEK” I want you to know that I have learned a big lesson.
In life, most of the time, all you really have is yourself to get you through things. Suck it up buttercup, life goes on.
But, if you are lucky, and loving, you might just find a daughter, son, grandchild or friend to be there for you.
Don’t give up and keep on working, to make your life better.
Even if you feel like you are totally lost and alone, there is a tomorrow, and right now I plan to do what my Grandma told me.
“Get yourself a strong rope, tie a giant knot in the end, and then hang on, Sweetie!”
Life is tough, but you can do it! Have faith in yourself and in God!