Dackel Princess

The Weekend Wrap ~ July 31st

Didn’t I say on Friday I was going to keep things low-key? I guess, for the most part, it was, with the exception of working on laundry and puttering around the house, picking this up, arranging things for my convenience, and a few naps I threw in.

On Friday I found a new car. She is a 2023 Toyota Highlander with all that I could hope for. She is on the assembly line in Indiana, and I expect delivery at the end of August—pictures to follow.

I’ve been selling Jack’s stuff. Already the tractor/mower is spoken for, the chainsaw, Jack’s dingy, and engine too.

We have a church organ that we got at an auction when we lived in Florida. Yes, it is big, but in excellent condition.

I still have things like the snowblower and two push mowers to go, and I am sure a whole bunch of other stuff, but it is a start.

Every time I accomplish something, I call Melodie & Ron and report in. I am not sure how I would manage without them cheering me on!

Well, that’s all for now. I imagine I will be busy like this for a very long time.

The Friday Five ~ July 27th

I took some time off right after Jack passed away. I figured two weeks, and then I’d be able to face life again. What I have found is that perhaps I need a little bit longer. Okay, folks, here is this week’s Friday Five.

I want you to know that your loved ones will need the most ridiculous documents when you die. Some papers I understand, but other companies require a notarized Death Certificate mailed to the corporate office. This I do not understand.
For instance, our Cell Phone Company wanted all that and my right arm. I tried calling corporate with no results. So I went to the local store. They had a hard time, too, despite their ability to go in and see that I have used my credit card since 2018 to pay the bill. Also, we have used my email address for paperless billing. It is still not resolved. But at least I can pay the bill.
Some good friends of mine gave me a wonderful bereavement gift. Instead of a floral arrangement, they sent me a gift card to our local farmstand. I get out each day for a ride to the farm to pick up their fresh corn! How wonderful. Another neighbor brought over some zucchini and summer squash! Vegetables are so much better for you than Lasagna or brownies (although those would be gratefully accepted!)
So, I am looking for a new car. I want another Highlander—one with all the latest safety features. I am going to a Dealership tomorrow.
Aside from that, my chilling out starts right after this visit. I need some time off.

That’s it for this week. I hope where ever you are; your weekend is a good one.

Thursday Thoughts

Good Morning, Gentle Readers,

As I wake each day and begin the process of walking myself through another day, I have realized that I am still in a state of shock with the loss of my husband.

Now I knew he was ill. I knew that at 85 years old, Jack was living his last days, but that day at home, his last day at home, he was happy. All was right in his world.

And then, just like that…it wasn’t.

Now I wander around. I look for Jack outside, and the other day I actually wondered when he’d call. I know he won’t be coming home or calling, and I sure do miss him.

The Food Bank continues to make out well. There are so many items that Jack loved, and I did not. I’ll tell you, it felt very good to bring it all in, especially since their shelves were empty.

Lili is doing a bit better. She sure misses Jack, and her nerves have been somewhat frayed. But each day, she seems to get better and better.

Have a great Thursday, and keep an eye on the sky, as we are due for some rough weather later on.

Happy Birthday, Melodie!

Today is my sister’s birthday. I wish I could be down with her to celebrate her big day.

I do want to tell you all what a wonderful sister Melodie is. She is five and a half years older than me, and I was her “first baby.” She cared for me like a little mother and was always more like a mother to me than a sister. I am so blessed to have her!

Mel is one of the kindest women that I know. She always has a smile and a warm greeting for those around her. She loves her family wholeheartedly, rejoices in their successes, and comforts them in their sorrows.

Ron and Melodie

She has been married to her husband, Ron, for over 50 years. They met at the age of 13 at summer camp and wrote to each other for many years before their wedding in November of 1971.

So today, on her 70th Birthday, I want to wish my beloved sister, Melodie, a very Happy Birthday!

My beautiful sister! I love you so much!

Friday Five July 21st

After my first good night’s sleep in a very long time, I sat down this morning and said, “Oh my, it’s Friday!” Time for the Friday Five.

Often I have heard of paper reduction acts. I am all for them, especially when I got my Widows Pension Pack from the Government. This pack is forty pages long, and nearly every page contains information that they already have due to Jack’s status in the military. I have called for help every day and no one answers. Today I will call again. However, I will call a different department and beg!
I stopped in to check with someone who knows my cars and got an idea of what I can get for the Cadillac. He’s been a friend for over twenty years, so we talked a lot about Jack and things.
Actually, yesterday I also had my hair done. I do not want a fussy hairdo. I want to shower and scrunch and go. These are natural curls.
Why not use them? I am so lucky to have Becca. She is a young friend and stylist. Didn’t she do a great job?
Today I’d like to sit and actually do some paperwork. Pay bills, write a few notes, and organize my certificates folder. Jack’s original social security card and birth certificate are in this folder. They are very old and are in tatters.
Since Jack’s passing, I have not watched any TV. I put on music in the morning and let that calm my soul. Life has changed. This is new territory for me. My world is different, but life is going on.

I Wish You Enough

I wish you enough…

• I wish you enough sun to keep your attitude bright no matter how gray the day may appear.
• I wish you enough rain to appreciate the sun even more.
• I wish you enough happiness to keep your spirit alive and everlasting.
• I wish you enough pain so that even the smallest of joys in life may appear bigger.
• I wish you enough gain to satisfy your wanting.
• I wish you enough loss to appreciate all that you possess.
• I wish you enough hellos to get you through the final goodbye.

Author Unknown

Busy Work

Today I started the task of sifting. I’m going through all the “stuff” that Jack has accumulated in his time. Jack was a pack rat and often came home with more than he went with to the recycling center! You know, one man’s junk is another man’s treasure?

As I go along, I am amazed at all Jack’s junk (totally trash!). My brother inlaw will be pleased. I’ve thrown out a lot of garbage already.

I was doing well, and it hit me…Jack’s not coming back. Now I know it was his time. I know he is in a better place. But darn it. I sure do miss him.

John Galsworthy wrote: “Not the least hard thing to bear when they go from us, these quiet friends, is that they carry away with them so many years of our own lives.” In my case, this is true. I shared 35+ years with my husband. So many times, travels, laughter, joy, and challenges.

I thought I was prepared. I thought I was ready. On certain levels, I am. Maybe clearing this house filled with his junk will be a soothing balm for my soul.

The Friday Five ~ July 14th

The week has ended. One part of my life has ended, and now I must turn and place my foot forward and begin again. So, my Gentle Readers here is this week’s Friday Five.

1. Yesterday, I was taking care of the kitchen and family room, and then today was a run to the Vet to see about Heidi’s eyes. She is fine and just needs a little ointment for a few days.
2. I stopped to get the mail, and then we came home. I thought we might go out for dinner, but a very kind friend brought me Chinese Food!
3. Everything came to a head today. I need to start signing up for Social Security and Medicare A & B and find out how to retain my Delta Eyecare and Dental. I felt myself calling out to Jack. You rat, you left me to deal with all of this!
4. Beautiful flowers arrived while I was napping.Cream and Yellow Roses. My favorite! I felt so loved.
5. Finally, this weekend brings me peace and quiet. I plan several days of light music, lots of naps, and a lot of solitude!

The Debate Lingers On…

Tuesday, I said goodbye to my husband and best friend of thirty-five years. I cannot tell you the number of times we argued about cremation vs dressed and sleeping in a pretty casket. We will just say it was quite numerous.

Jack wanted a pretty casket and a good make-up job. Really, I never understood this. But I understood on Tuesday morning when I went to the Funeral Home to say goodbye to Jack.

The old saying “Life is not a journey to the grave with the intention of arriving safely in a pretty and well-preserved body, but rather to skid in broadside, thoroughly used up, totally worn out, and loudly proclaiming — WOW– What a Ride!” was flooding my mind. Jack had certainly led one crazy life. Could he look used up as he was laid to rest?

I was led in alone. I walked forward, and there he was. My handsome husband looking a good twenty years younger!

I stood looking at his handsome face. All the love I’ve had for him made me smile. I whispered to him, “Darn Jack, you are looking really good!”

So the debate has begun again. Only I am arguing with myself. Stay tuned!

Goodbye Jack

John L. McEwan

This link will bring you to the official Obituary for Jack. I tried to remember all of the things he told me so long ago as we drove from New Hampshire to St. Louis for an Army Reunion.

Rest easy, my sweetheart. Until we meet again.