Dackel Princess

Think Positively!

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!

Happy 10th Birthday Arnie & Anneliese

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.

Friday In Frozen New Hampshire

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!

Snow is 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!

Proud

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

Giving Thanks

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.

❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤

Faith

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!

OMG

SURGERY Back of my neck, and she lives!

Seems just the other day I was going in for some spinal surgery.

Slightly more painful as the incicion was larger, and through muscle

Thinking, how bad could this be, I proceeded.

Well, sweet Mother of God! It was like having an elephant c-section through the back of my neck.

I am with Matt Mandy, Savannah and Quinn and they brighten my day.

But goodness, the pain!

Continue reading “OMG”

Katie

This would have been Katie’s 38th Birthday. It seems so strange to me when I think about it because when I see her in my mind, she is forever six years old.

But I wanted to remember her, on this special day. For her birth was one of the most special days of my life.

So Happy Birthday, my little Angel. I miss you, and love you, and think of you always.

Katie's 37th Birthday from Dackel Princess Maribeth on Vimeo.

The Friday Five

It’s the end of the first week of November! Can you believe that? I feel like I have come full circle and here is why.

I have been having Cervical Spine problems again. Very painful, and no matter what I tried, it just didn’t make it better.
Pain medication is no way to live.
I went back to my Neurosurgeon, and he agreed that surgery was the way to go.
I’m trying to figure it all out in my head. And then the phone rang.
Surgery, scheduled for Monday morning.

And that’s the story. I should be recovered enough for my birthday in a couple of weeks. One thing is for sure, chocolate cake with butter cream frosting will be a part of it!