This weeks TBT is a photograph of Arnie & Anneliese when they were just 6 months old. Anneliese is on the bottom of the picture and Arnie is at the top. Hard to believe this was 9 and a half years ago!
Author: Dackel Princess
Wednesday Hodgepodge
1. It’s officially summer (in the northern hemisphere anyway). Which summer month is best and why?
August. It seems that everyone is on vacation, no one is moving fast, and there are families enjoying the beach near our home. I hear children laughing and splashing and it is a wonderful happy time!
2. Can you swim? How did you learn? June 27th is National Sunglasses Day. How many pair do you own?
Yes, I can swim. I think I learned to swim about the time I learned to walk. In fact, Mom used to tie a rope to me, as I would try to swim away! Here I am, about the age of three with my big sister, Melodie!
Yes, I own a pair of prescription sunglasses and then several junkie pairs that fit over my glasses.
3. What characteristic do you judge most harshly in yourself? How about in others?
My appearance I think. I try not to, but since my surgery, I have really wallowed. I am trying now to stop it and to see myself in a kinder light.
4. Robert Frost wrote the now well known poem entitled The Road Not Taken. What’s a road (literal or figurative) you’ve always wanted to travel, and where do you hope it takes you?
I dream of taking a road that will lead me to a new home, in a new town, closer to Mandy and the children.
5. Popsicles-yay or nay? If you answered yay, what’s your favorite flavor?
Yay! And cherry is my favorite!
6. Brexit-on a scale of 1-10 how knowledgeable are you on what’s involved here? (1=very knowledgeable and 10=what’s Brexit) Is this news you’ll follow or is it something you think won’t impact your life in any way shape or form?
I’ve followed it quite a bit. Although no one can predict the eventual outcome of Brexit for the UK, it actually will affect me in the form of my step-daughter is married to a Brit. and she also became British last year. They both will be affected.
I’m only doing six this week as I have run out of time and answers. I will be back next week with, I hope, a complete list!
Deep Thoughts
My much loved, cousin (in-law) passed away this past weekend. Although we technically were not related anymore (by divorce), Janice and I stayed friends all these years. She was smart and silly, and happy and loving. The best of all worlds.
It got me thinking about life and on a reflection I made, just about a year ago.
Rest in peace, dear Janice. You were greatly loved, and will be missed tremendously!
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I was thinking today about life. How each and every one of us has a very individual life, despite what we may share with family and friends.
I’ve had some moments, some times in my life, that I went through alone, with no one beside me. Be it a shopping trip, or a plane ride to see someone, or even going off to grocery shop, and stopping for a meal alone. Or even more challenging times.
The experiences are singular and we alone have the memories.
Some people might not like that idea. They’re very group oriented. And yet, it is the sweetness of our individuality, that can actually enrich our relationships with other people.
I value my alone time. My quiet time. I like to read, or write, or maybe cook something wonderful. But it’s during this time that my soul’s internal batteries recharge.
I think I was 7 or 8 years old when I realized I really liked being off by myself. Back then it was perfectly fine for your kid to ride their bike all around town. And I did.
I rode to the local convenience store. Often getting bread, milk and cigarettes for my mother. Then riding home. Sometimes I rode to the beach and sat on the jetties watching the ocean.
On some occasions I had company, but more often then not I was alone. And that was just fine.
Looking back I realize the importance of learning to be alone. I never realized it until I was well into my 50’s.
Love yourself. Be happy with yourself, and the world will be full of adventures. Alone or with those you love!
Friday Five
Here we go. Another week has flown by. The beginning of summer, complete with high temperatures and an explosion of growth both in the orchard and the garden. Here’s what else is happening.
- My darling Greta is really slowing down. The pain medication is working well to keep her comfortable, but my dear pup gets gray/whiter, by the day. I’m not a happy camper when it comes to my doggies getting older.
- Hubby was busy all day caring for the fruit trees. He came in to eat his lunch, and dinner, and now at 8:30 PM on Thursday night, and he is finally done.
- I went to the grocery store today and there was a display of fresh corn on the cob. One of my favorites. I went over to check it out, and the husks were moist and fresh looking. I lifted an ear up to my nose, and I swear to God, it smelled fresh!
- I brought two home and cooked them for dinner. Hubby was teasing me the entire time about the ears smelling fresh, but once we tasted the corn, we knew! Fresh corn on the cob!
- I will end this week’s Friday Five with an interesting movie I saw this week. “The Age of Adaline”. I had heard that some people really liked it and some did not.
Summertime
I grew in Falmouth on Cape Cod and my summers were always full of sun, sea and soft, cool, cotton sheets after a long day at the beach.
My childhood dog, Beagle, Baby. 
The Raft at Surf Drive Beach.
I swam almost before I could walk, dreamed of magical kingdoms, built in the sand, and lay on my towel watching the clouds drift by in the afternoon. I remember thinking that time went so slowly as I lay there, that things would always be like that.
I ran barefoot all summer long through the sweet grass, and the scent of lilacs and roses and the ocean were always there. (Or so it seemed)
The feel of salt on my skin, the taste of it on my lips, and the laughter in the air, as I climbed the jetties along the Surf Drive Beach.
I’m the one in the darker blue bathing suit and the tough look on my face!
When I didn’t walk to the beach, I rode my trusty Schwinn Bike all over town.
Fireflies, cookouts on the grill and marshmallows too. Telling stories in the dark, movies at the drive-in and ice cream cones at Dairy Queen!
Pop cycles and root beer floats, fried clams and frozen Milkyway bars. Lobster and butter, and strawberry shortcakes at the church festival.
Sunshine and happiness, visiting with relatives who flocked to our house and the beach. Summers are full of some of the best memories in my life!
This & That
The first day of summer dawned with unusually high temperatures and just enough humidity to remind me why I am happy I don’t live in Florida any more!
Both Hubby and I spent a lot of time out watering the garden, and patio pots, as it was hot enough to dry out the soil extremely fast.
Greta is our constant companion. She loves going out with us and just lies in the grass, sunning herself, while we water the garden. She doesn’t run off, or chase chipmunks, she just enjoys being with me or Hubby.
Hubby discovered that our coffee maker (we are on our 4th replacement from the manufacturer) is starting to have trouble with the digital display. At first I thought, no big deal, we don’t use the clock, but then I realized that I use the display for cleaning the coffee maker, setting the heat and also setting the time that it stays hot. Essentially, you use it for everything!
So Hubby, is correct. When this one dies, we need to just chuck it and find a new coffee maker. And no, not a Keurig. Hubby and I drink far too much coffee we would go broke buying pods!
The sunset on Monday night was quite beautiful. We joined our neighbor for a sunset gathering. It’s sort of an unofficial way of celebrating each beautiful day.
Friday Five
My Friday Five is dedicated to the men who shaped my life, as I was growing up.
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.
2. My Uncle George. He was the father who taught me everything growing up. How to swim, how to dive, how to bowl, how to care.
When I was about 7 years old I cut my toe badly at the beach and he carried me all the way home! 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!
3. My Uncle Bob. He was fun to be with. But, he required that I act like a mini adult too. That was fine.
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.
4. 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.
5. 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!
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.
The second picture was taken when I was 13 and Mom and Dad took me to Bermuda. An island I continue to love.
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.
On the Starnbergersee.
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.)
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.