TBT: My Dad & Me

My Dad was a Music Teacher in the town where I grew up. Almost every one in town knew Dad and had him as a teacher. My Dad was an amazing teacher and guided kids to learn to love music of all kinds.

Here I am with my Dad, Jim Stevens, when I was about 4 years old. I believe it was taken at rehearsals for the community production of “The King & I”. I was the youngest member in the cast. I always perched myself on the piano bench, safely next to my Daddy.

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The second picture was taken when I was 13 and Mom and Dad took me to Bermuda. An island I continue to love.

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So as Father’s Day approaches, I am thinking of you, Dad, and missing you so much.

Wednesday Hodgepodge

1. If you could sit beside and/or jump in any lake in the whole wide world today, which lake would you choose and why?

The Starnbergersee. We have friends that live there, and they have a small cottage right on the lake. Many happy hours were spent there with them, and their wonderful dog, “The First Shubi”. That dog inspired me to get my own wire-haired dachshund, that I named Shubi.

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On the Starnbergersee.

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With the first Shubi! He belonged to our friends.

2. What’s your favorite ‘fruity’ drink?

Almost anything. With the exception of Pina Coladas. And those I love, but cannot have due to pineapple juice.

3. I read a list here of thirteen things to do right now to simply your life. They were: “clean as you go, re-evaluate your relationships (cut toxic ties), unsubscribe (too many blogs and websites), de-clutter, write down your daily goals, reply to emails right away, forget multitasking, create a morning routine, re-evaluate your commitments (which hobbies and responsibilities are most important to you), say no, clean up your computer, and plan your day ahead.” Which of the tasks listed do you currently find most helpful in keeping life simple? Which item on the list should you adopt in order to simplify your life this month?

A.) clean as you go,

Most helpful. When I am cooking I can go crazy and make a real disaster of my kitchen. I try hard to clean as I go, but sometimes it is a challenge.

B.) write down your daily goals,

I should definitely write down my daily goals. I get side-tracked so easily. Writing it down would be so helpful.

4. What did you do the summer after you graduated from high school?

I was newly married and pregnant. I was enjoying my pregnancy, and getting prepared for Mandy’s birth. Of course back in the olden days, I did not know what sex the baby was. I will say, it was quite a magical time in my life.

5. Are you a fan of podcasts? If so what’s a favorite?

No. I don’t listen, and so I guess I am not.

6. Do you think today’s fathers have it harder, easier, or just different than fathers in the past?

Very different. In the 50’s Dads were usually the bread winners and Mom was home. Now a days, both Moms and Dads work, and so I hope that Dads are more involved with the home things. Am I right?

7. Tell us one way you’re like your father? Or not at all like your father if that’s easier?

My father has cursed me with the worry of being late. As a kid I rode to school with Dad most days. (He was a Music Teacher.) Well, if I was two seconds after the time he set to leave, there was hell to pay. Consequently, if I do not leave to go somewhere ahead of the time I really need to leave, then I get panic stricken! I am always the first to arrive, and sometimes, if I am too early, I will drive around the block a few times before landing at the designated event.

8. Insert your own random thought here.

It looks like we have found the man to do our roof, skylight, and some other carpentry type things around the house. We both liked Mike and waited for his proposal. He was the best quote, and after spending time with him, both Hubby and I agreed that he was the one for us!

Kathleen Alynne 1978-1985

It’s been 31 years since the car accident that took my youngest daughter’s life. (You can read about the accident here.)

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Kathleen Alynne

Katie would be all grown up now, 37 years old! Even after all this time, the shock and pain of her loss is palpable. And really, there is no way to explain it. Somehow Mandy, Bob and I, have managed to go on, and yet for the rest of our lives, there will always be a spot, a bright star, in our lives, that is missing.

We never got to see her grow up, fall in love, graduate from school, or hold her baby in her arms. She was robbed, and so were we.

This year, the thirty-first anniversary of her passing, finds me missing her, but also very grateful  for those six and a half wonderful years that we all shared with her.

I choose to live in the present now. I allow myself two days a year (the anniversary of the accident and Katie’s birthday) to remember, to grieve and to wallow a bit, but it is hard.

She had the most beautiful red curls and dancing green eyes and a little voice that made one think of Leprechauns. She wasn’t perfect, but she was special and sweet and she was my daughter.

The accident forever changed me, but from the ashes of my previous life, like a Phoenix, I have risen to make a good, happy life in the present.

But I just never forget that time, those events…

…or that wonderful little girl.

In Memory of Katie from Dackel Princess Maribeth on Vimeo.


Friday Five

Another week has come and gone. This week I have been wrapped up with skylights. Here is why…

  1. Sunday we arrived home after a Christening Party to find our kitchen skylight was leaking. Not super badly, but enough to cause a long running drip on our ceiling.
  2. Luckily, by the next morning, the skylight seemed to have sealed itself, but both Hubby and I could see the writing on the wall.
  3. First thing on Monday I began making calls to get quotes on fixing the skylight.
  4. Today we had a bunch of contractors over and the news is not good. We had a lot of damage from ice jams, and a large portion of our roof as well as the skylight must be replaced! (groan!)
  5. The initial estimates are not promising. Looks like we will have to cut back on everything (like food and medications), for a while!

Wednesday Hodgepodge

1. I read here a list of 13 things you should do in June. I’m paraphrasing a little but basically…

Go on a road trip with your best friend, pick fresh strawberries, host a garden party, take a morning run, treat yourself to a flower bouquet, spend a whole day hiking, discover a new coffee shop, try a new ice cream flavor, read at least one book, visit a Farmer’s Market, make a swing for your home, and visit a new city.

Which thing on the list do you most want to do? Of the activities mentioned, which one holds the least appeal? How many on the list will you attempt in June? What’s one thing you’d add to the list?

Now Joyce, that’s 4 questions in one! Let me see, 1.) I would love to go to a Farmer’s Market. Fun! Really into fresh vegetables these days!

2.) Going for a morning run is the least appealing. Old age and arthritis keep me from hitting the roads anymore.

3.) I will probably manage to do most of the things mentioned on the list. With the exception of running, of course!

4.) One thing I would add to the list…a visit to see my sister!

2. What’s something you could do today to feel more peaceful?

Get an early bedtime and actually sleep until 7 in the morning. The dogs have been getting me up at 5:30 the last week or so!

3. June 7th is National Chocolate Ice Cream Day. Are you a fan? Swiss mocha, rocky road, chocolate chocolate chip, peanut butter and chocolate, or a dish of plain chocolate…what’s your pleasure?

Any and all chocolate! But my favorite these days is an ice cream called fudge tracks. Totally yummy!!!

4. If you came with a warning what would it say?

Breaks down frequently, needs replacement of parts!

5.What’s the most interesting website you’ve visited in the last week?

With our skylight dying a slow death I have been on every repair/replace web page. Not super exciting, but definitely interesting!

6. Spring, summer, autumn, winter…which season are you? Why?

Autumn. I like cooler temperatures and the beautiful Autumn leaves.

7. “You lose sight of things…and when you travel, everything balances out.” ~Daranna Gidel

Would you agree with that sentiment? Explain why or why not.

I have always found that when I travel I see the world through new eyes. Sometimes I get bogged down seeing the negative in the world, traveling opens new doors and I am reminded of the good in the world!

8. Insert your own random thought here.

As I was driving to an appointment today I was chatting on my cell with a WW friend. I was telling her about going to a Greek Baptism and party and that I had made very good choices at the dinner.
But I also had a slice of Greek sweet bread and a slice of chocolate cake. I felt no guilt.
When I got home I was not too hungry, had a nice cup of tea and then the next meal started in back to counting all my points.
The thing is, I plan to live this way for the rest of my life, and I can live with this. It’s all about making good choices and living the plan.

I weigh in tomorrow, and we will see how it goes!

Monday Morning Blues

It is raining. It is raining hard. It’s raining like it has not rained in a very long time! Torrential downpours!

And our kitchen skylight is leaking! Not just a little leak, but a constant long stream of water, running down my kitchen ceiling!

We tried reseating the window. We have mopped, we have tried to stop it. To no avail!

We read about “fixing” it and the how to’s all tell you to replace the window after 10 years. It’s been 17. So tomorrow, Hubby will call and see if we can get some estimates and get the window fixed.

I am just frantic. I really hate it when things go wrong like this!

Ugh!

Friday Five

Busy week for me, as I drove out to my Veterinarian’s Office twice, and then splurged and got my hair done on Thursday.

  1. Greta started the week off with being in pain. I wasn’t sure if it was another bladder infection or what, but in the end, she is having some kidney problems, and we have her on medication to keep her pain free. She is doing well.
  2. Next, I went to Weight Watchers and lost another pound and a half. I’m working the program really hard.
  3. Then Anneliese went to the Vet’s today. She has been having a skin problem for a while. Blood work was drawn and I now have her on medication too. As well as special shampoo. Arnie and Lili are both fine and dandy. (Knock on wood, this continues!)
  4. The next few days will find me consumed with laundry. Somehow I got lazy and it has piled up!
  5. Thursday also found me getting a hair cut! It’s a slightly longer Pixie cut. Not sure how I feel. Mostly good, but I think it will have to grow on me.

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Wednesday Hodgepodge

1. Tell us about one fun thing on your June calendar.

Lunch with my cousin, Janet at Pickity Place! I am so excited about going and having this time with her, at our favorite restaurant!

2. How careful are you in the sun? Do you tan or burn? Do you make it a point to see the dermatologist every year?

Now, I am so careful. Sun screen, long sleeves, floppy hat. If I could go back and tell my teenage self one thing, it would be to stay out of the sun. I have paid dearly for my abuse of my skin, with skin cancer. Not fun, people. Take care!

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The worst sunburn, age 13.

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My surgery in 2013.

3. Describe a time when you wanted to ‘throw in the towel’?

Just one? Probably during my divorce. I felt like such a failure. But time has gone by, I met the love of my life, and today my former husband and I are friends.

4. What’s a song you love that has a day of the week in the title or lyrics?

There are so many. Here’s one: Monday, Monday, by the Mama’s and the Papas.

5. Are you a fan of berries? Which one’s your favorite?

Strawberries.

What’s the most recent berry dish you’ve eaten?

Just plain blueberries.

Which blueberry breakfast food appeals to you most-blueberry pancakes, blueberry yogurt, or a blueberry muffin?

Muffin, for sure

6. What’s something you want to do before your next birthday?

The next birthday isn’t a big one. I think that getting my weight under control and to be in better physical health.

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7. June 1st is National Say Something Nice Day, so let’s all say something nice here.

Today, I was out in the yard with Hubby and I looked up into the sky, and it was deep, robin’s egg, blue. There were no clouds and it was almost like looking directly into Heaven.