Dackel Princess

TBT: Shubi

My darling Shubi! She was the very first wire-haired dachshund that I owned. She was the dog of my heart and I loved her deeply.

She came from Landshut, Germany, in 1996 and lived to be 10 years old before passing over to Rainbow Bridge. She was everything one could want in a loyal companion and more. I imagine I will miss her until the day we are reunited.

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But for today, here is a photo of Shubi playing in the snow and then down at the beach, playing fetch the stick. She swam out to get it and bring it back. That was one of her favorite games.

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Wednesday Hodgepodge

1. I recently read here about four secrets to happiness from around the world. They were-

Overcome your fears by facing them head on, allow yourself to relax and reset, work to live versus living to work, and find the good in life. Not sure if these are the actual secret to happiness, but which of the four do you struggle with most? Which one comes most easily to you?

Overcoming my fears and facing them head on. I tend to try to hide from my fears, but of course, you never really escape them do you?

2. How would you spend a found $20 bill today?

I’d go shopping for Savannah. Did I mention that Savi and I had our first online shopping experience? Oh my, it was so much fun!

3. Ego trip, power trip, guilt trip, round trip, trip the light fantastic, or trip over your own two feet…which ‘trip’ have you experienced or dealt with most recently? Explain.

Round trip. I drove down to Mandy’s (1 hour 10 minutes) and then the next day, drove back. It was a good time!

4. If you could master any physical skill in the world what would it be, and how would you use that skill?

The thing is, I have done so much in my life. Since the advent of my arthritis, I will answer by saying, I would, once again, love to master gymnastics. I just loved that part of my life.

5. As July draws to a close, let’s take inventory of our summer fun. Since the official first day of (North American) summer (June 20th) have you…been swimming? enjoyed an ice cream cone? seen a summer blockbuster? camped? eaten corn on the cob? gardened? deliberately unplugged? watched a ballgame? picked fruit off the vine? taken a road trip? read a book? Are any of these activities on your must-do-before-summer-ends list?

Swimming-Yes, Enjoyed and ice cream cone-no, seen a blockbuster at the movies-no, camped-no, eaten corn on the cob-yes, gardened-yes, unplugged-no, read a book-yes. I would love to have one last cookout!

6. The Republican Presidential candidates will debate on August 6th. What’s your question?

How can you protect America, globally?

7. What’s your most listened to song so far this summer?

I’m not sure. I’m an oldies kind of gal!

8. Insert your own random thought here.

My eye is bad again. On antibiotics and my doctor told me that if this doesn’t work, I will need it cut out! Yikes!!! Prayer for divine intervention, so I heal!

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My Weekend

Well, it was a great weekend. From watching Savannah, to enjoying Amanda’s company. I drove home, stopping at LL Bean to shop for something for me. It was not to be had, but I did find a great deal.

Hubby can never find jeans that fit his tall frame, and long legs. But they were having a big sale, and so I decided to check the men’s section. There I found a pair of jeans marked down to $15.00! Wait, it gets better!

I had a gift card for $14.00 and so in the end, the jeans cost just $1.00! I love a good sale, and so does my husband.

I came home and started to prepare everything I would need to make 4 bean salad to can. I got it all ready, and currently it is in the extra fridge to set overnight. Tomorrow we will can them and see how it all turns out.

I told Hubby that I was unhappy about how the marinade turned out. So I just dumped it and started again. The second time was the trick.

After being gone overnight, I was royally greeted by all the dogs! I think Hubby was happy to see me too, but he did not jump up and down, or try to lick my face!

This week I want to do some deep cleaning. I want the place spic and span clean before my hand surgery. Wouldn’t you know, I am right handed and the surgery will be on my right hand!

A breeder friend of mine, has a female dachshund who just welped 8 puppies. Apparently she delivered a couple naturally, but then was rushed in for a cesaerian. Mother and pups are doing well, but it will be a few more days until everyone will be out of danger.

So that’s all for now. Everyone have a good week ahead!

Cinderella

Saturday was a special day in my life. You see, today, I watched the 1960’s version of Cinderella with my granddaughter, Savannah.

From the time I was a little girl, I have loved this presentation. I still know all of the songs and some of the dialog. To me this was always the best.

So when I saw the DVD for sale, I bought a copy. And then I waited until the right time to sit down and watch it with her.

What can I say? This was one of the most important days so far as an Oma. To take something that I loved so much and give it to Savannah to cherish, was just incredibly special! Savannah danced and hummed and she too, fell in love today.

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This, my friends, is what being an Oma is all about.

Sharing the love.

Tricky, Trigger, Finger

I drove across the state of New Hampshire to see my hand surgeon. She is the same surgeon who operated on both of my wrists for Carpal Tunnel Syndrome.

She looked at my poor, bent, tricky, trigger finger, and declared that surgery was in my future. I will be operated on in two weeks. It is all done with local anesthesia, so I can come home the same day. I need stitches in for 10 days, then afterward it is a 4 week recovery.

I got in the car and drove home, stopping for the mail at the Post Office. I was driving aong and passed a shop and there was a sign for Lobsters, $6.99 lb! So I actually stopped, turned around, and went back and got them. I also got some nice looking corn on the cob. Dinner was great!

I’m off to spend the day with Savannah! I am so excited to spend the time with her!

Friday Five

Here we are. The end of another week! And time is racing by. Can you believe we are heading into the last week of July, already?
Thursday found me playing catch-up around the house, as well as cooking up our very first summer squash in a saute. I bought a nice zucchini, some Vidalia sweet onion, and both red and green pepper and diced all those up, along with the summer squash. I sauteed it up, added a little sea salt and fresh basil from my garden. It came out fabulous!
I discovered how to journal my eating with the Weight Watchers App. I mean, this is so cool, and makes journaling my food, even easier!
Friday I go to the hand surgeon about my tricky trigger finger. It has reached the point of being pretty painful, so it’s time to open the sheath for that tendon!
I’m looking forward to spending some time with Savannah this weekend! Yay! Love it. I’m going to bring down my DVD of “Cinderella” from when I was a kid.

It is a musical, starring Leslie Ann Warren and Stuart Damon and Celeste Holm. Oh, I loved that movie and I look forward to sharing it with Savannah!

Happy Birthday, Melodie

Today is my sister, Melodie’s Birthday. She’s always been a very important person in my life, as well as my dearest sister!

Melodie’s greatest joy is watching her twin grandsons, Nolan and Gabriel grow, as well as her much loved Grandchildren, Abby, Taft and Luke. And now she is awaiting the birth of her daughter, Jinny’s first baby, a girl, in September!

Many people will never realize just how loved they are by Melodie. When she is in your life, you have a devoted family member or friend, who will do anything, and expect nothing more than a smile in return. My sister is a real gem!

Happy Birthday, Melodie!!! from Dackel Princess Maribeth on Vimeo.

I wish for you a Happy Birthday, today, Mel and a wonderful year

TBT: The Fox Theater and Stan Kann

Stan Kann (December 9, 1924 – September 29, 2008) received national recognition in the 1960s when he was a frequent guest on The Tonight Show and daytime television talk shows, showcasing his collection of vacuum cleaners. Kann also was known among theatre organ aficionados for his 22-year tenure as resident organist at the Fox Theatre in St. Louis, Missour

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Kann, a native of St. Louis, began playing the organ at age 4. He majored in classical organ at Washington University in St. Louis. In the late 40’s, he convinced the management of the Fox Theatre in St Louis to allow him to refurbish the 4-36 Fox Special Wurlitzer which had lain idle for twenty years and became official house organist in 1952. Kann served as the theater’s resident organist until 1974, four years before the Fox closed.

The theater was rebuilt and refurbished in 1981. And immediately upon reopening, Stan Kann returned.

When we attended an Army Reunion in September of 2008, it was arranged for us to tour the theater and to have Stan Kann play for us! He was amazing, and we all enjoyed the concert, his comical anecdotes and cheery smile.

Later that month, Stan Kann died from complications of open heart surgery. We were so blessed to have met him and heard his concert. He was amazing and looking back, what a priveledge!

Wednesday Hodgepodge

1. Is your home air conditioned? If it’s not air conditioned, is that by choice? Did you grow up with air conditioning? If not how did you cope with the heat? Share about a time or place you remember as being too hot-the temperature kind of hot, lest anyone be confused.

Yes, my home is air conditioned. We really need it, as our house is out in the open, with very little shade. Since joining the menopausal set, I simply hate to be hot!

My one memory of being too hot occurred a few years ago. I was on my way home from Germany, when I had to transit Charles De Gaulle Airport. It was in early June, and the hottest day of the year there, with no air conditioning, and no ventilation!

As I walked from one gate to the next, the area seemed to sizzle and I felt so light headed, I thought I would faint! Then the thought hit me…I was alone, in a country where I did not speak the language, and so I had better just get over it and get to the gate. Resolutely, I walked, and as I passed a small stand, I purchased a large water, and proceeded to both drink it, and splash my face with it! And yes, I did survive! LOL

2. What’s something in your life right now that falls under the heading ‘up in the air’?

I go on Friday to see a hand surgeon. I have a tricky, trigger finger, that has reached the discomfort level, so I am considering surgery. We shall see.

3. Your favorite light and airy dessert?

Angel food cake with whipped cream and strawberries!

4. When did you last feel like you were ‘floating on air’?

Been a while, but perhaps at Savannah’s Birthday party. Almost every time I spend time with Savannah I feel I am on Cloud 9 and thank my lucky stars that I am her Oma!

5. Airport, airmail, airtight, airhead…which have you most recently encountered? Explain.

Oh gosh, right this very second, Hubby was trying to speak to a Phamacist at the VA to ask a question about his medications and as Hubby had him on the speaker phone I was listening. Right in the middle of Hubby’s questions, the phone went dead! Airhead indeed!

6. Have you ever been to the Alps? If so where did you go? If not, is this a destination on your must-see list? If you were headed that direction this summer, which of the following would be your preferred activity…a gentle walk, a serious walk, a bike ride, a boat ride around one of the lakes, or summer snow skiing?

I have flown over the Alps, and also visited them. I have done all of the above. As well as shopped! My most favorite activity!!! We once took a trolly up to the top of the Üetliberg and then made the mistake of hiking down in heels! Yeah, the toes were all torn up as well as my pantyhose! I never made that mistake again!

7. What is one saying or phrase that was considered ‘cool’ when you were growing up?

Oh I don’t know. Using the word, “man” or “cool” or something along those lines.

8. Insert your own random thought here.

Off to babysit this weekend! I can hardly wait!!!

Best Ever Baby Backs

As you all know, I love baby back ribs. In fact, we’re having them tonight. In the summer they are even more delightful, because they can be finished off with a nice charcoal grilling. So, I decided to reprint this recipe and clips so anyone who missed this before can have the recipe to use. It really is, the best recipe ever.

The night before (or at least 4 hours before you cook):

1. Thoroughly wash, rinse, and pat dry the ribs

2. Remove the membrane off the back of the ribs, if still on.
This is an important step as it allows the flavors to penetrate the ribs. Take a small knife, pierce it on the back (bone) side of the ribs and slowly lift up to pop a hole in the membrane and remove the entire membrane.

3. Rub the ribs thoroughly with the Dry Rub.
(I use my hands and thoroughly rub in the rub with my hands until completely coated)

4. Seal the ribs for marinating.
Following is the way that I prepare the ribs (if you feel uncomfortable using the plastic wrap, completely seal using heavy-duty aluminum foil).
– Wrap in the ribs in a high-quality plastic wrap (this may take two coats). This method produces the best ribs that will fall off the bones.
– Wrap again using heavy-duty aluminum foil, completely sealing in the ribs

5. Place the ribs in the refrigerator and allow to marinate overnight (at least 4 hours minimum)

6. Preheat oven to 300 degrees

7. Remove the ribs from the refrigerator and place on a cookie sheet (preferably on top a wire rack) and place in the oven

8. Cook for 2 ½ hours (depending on the size of your ribs. This recipe is based on a full rack of ribs. The ribs should be very tender and ready to fall of the bones).

9. Remove and leave rest 15 minutes. Unwrap the ribs (watch the steam!) and allow to rest 15 minutes to absorb the flavors and cool

10. Prepare your grill for cooking

11. Place the ribs on the grill over high heat, let cook for 5 minutes, then turn the ribs over and cook for 5 minutes more.

12. Thoroughly brush the ribs with the Traditional Barbecue Sauce and flip the ribs. Coat the other side with sauce and cook for 5 minutes. Repeat this process twice.

13. Coat the top side one more time with sauce, remove, and Enjoy!

I did a video a couple of years ago on how I do them. So I will stick it in here so you can see.

Making the Ribs from Dackel Princess Maribeth on Vimeo.

Good Ribs from Dackel Princess Maribeth on Vimeo.