Dackel Princess

Things That Go Bump…

Our property taxes were due last week, and since I believe in leaving our money in our account until the last second, I wound up in a long line of town’s folk, also paying taxes.

Let’s face it. No one enjoys writing that check to the town. Especially when we get very little in the way of services here.

So, there I was, waiting, when an office worker in flip flops walked by and stubbed her toe on a bench. I steadied her and asked if she was okay?

She looked down and not seeing any blood determined that she was just fine. I was happy for her.

But this reminded me of an incident on our last cruise, and somehow, before I knew it, I was sharing the story with the group.

“On our last trip, I got up pretty early, and grabbed my Kindle, slipped on my sandals and went to the 24 hour buffet to have some tea and read, in the quiet of the early morning. I love it then, because no one else is there and it is absolutely silent.

After a couple of hours, I went back to our cabin to wake up Hubby, and walking in to the dark room, I went over near the sofa, and SMASH! I stubbed my index toe on the wooden sofa leg.

I did a silent scream, not wanting to wake Hubby, and then sat down quietly to look at my email. Oh my goodness, that toe hurt something fierce!

Eventually Hubby woke up and we turned on the light and oh my! That toe was a bloody mess! The nail was torn off, there was blood all over my sandal, and suddenly the pain was even worse!

I soaked it in the tub, and then doctored it up, using all the supplies I brought for such an event, because….I am always doing weird stuff like that!

I wore my sneakers after that, and protected my toe, as I hobbled around on our shore excursion, (in St. Kitts) and doused the pain liberally with Caribbean Rum!

No, I do not do pain well. If I get even a hangnail, I want a morphine drip!”

At that, the Tax Collector burst out laughing, as did a couple of tax payers in line.

It made me smile for the rest of the day. I love to make people laugh, even if I have to break a nail to do it!

The rest of the story is, that nail has not grown back. I’m afraid I shall be nail-less on that toe until my final days! Ah well, that’s one less nail to trim and paint!

Weekend Wrap-up

The weekend seemed to fly by for us. Saturday, couldn’t have been more beautiful. Pleasantly mild temperatures and bright sunshine. The kind of day that you think would be perfect if every summer day was like that!

But then on Sunday we made up for it with over an inch of rain, and dark skies. That’s okay, it saved me from having to water the garden.

Of course this type of rainy, gloomy weather, makes one feel tired and like all you want to do is curl up and take a nap.

However, that was not to be. The murderer who escaped three weeks ago was finally caught. His partner was caught and killed on Friday, and he was wounded, but take alive today.

I’m feeling relieved. I hate to think of anyone getting hurt. These two convicts had proven that they did not care one bit about anyone. So the fact that they were apprehended with no innocent blood spilt is a very good thing.

I went up to bring my neighbor her mail and newspapers, after she returned from a short trip. As we sat gabbing we turned and in the field in back of her house, we say the most beautiful Doe and her twin fawns.

(Photo courtesy of my friend, Tina!)

They were so small, it was obvious they were very young. It was so beautiful that it took my breath away.

It was also a great way to end my weekend. Being reminded of the beauty of nature, and how lucky I am to live in such a wonderful rural area.

Have a great week everyone!

Happy Birthday Mom

Today my Mom would have turned 86 years old.

She was born Rosamond Ruth Prussman, to parents Frederick and Mary.

She had a much loved older brother Robert and a cousin George, who grew up like a brother to her. In fact, until the day they passed, Mom and Uncle George really adored each other.

Mom’s brother, Robert and his wife Cynthia.

Aunt Betty, Larry, Janet and Uncle George.

She met my Dad when she was 13 and was dancing and my Dad played the piano. I asked Dad once what made him look twice at Mom and he said “It was a bright red sweater that she had! She looked so beautiful in it! I was hooked!”

A collage of their life together.

They married early on, and Dad finished getting his teaching degree. They moved to Monument Beach, Massachusetts ,

and lived in a little white cottage in the Burton-wood section, where my brother, Richard and my sister Melodie were born.

They moved to Falmouth, Massachusetts and shortly after, Mom had me.

Thanks Mom!

Mom was a stay at home Mom, and she worked hard to make our home a happy one. There were always hot meals on our table and birthday cakes, Thanksgiving Turkeys and Christmas dinners.

My parent’s were married for well over 60 years.

Mom was with him until the end. She never remarried. I think in her mind and her heart she was always Jimmie’s girl!

Mom loved all of her family. Grandchildren and great grandchildren, nieces and nephews. Her pocketbook was full of our pictures, and she would tell anyone who asked about all of her kids.

Her last days were spent, not in fear of dying, no, Mom knew Christ and she knew she would see Dad again. She just worried about Mel and me.

Me, Mel & Janet with Mom.

The last time we were together before Mom was diagnosed with Liver Cancer. It was at the wedding of my niece Jin and her husband, Ian. Mom was so happy. I almost didn’t go because of my facial surgery, but I am so glad I did now.

The last time I saw her, we sat there, with Janet and the four of us were talking quietly. I asked Mom how we would know if she was with us. She smiled and said “You will see butterflies, and that will be me.”

And you know what? We see beautiful butterflies all the time. And we smile!

Family Party June 26, 2010 027

Happy Birthday, Mom!

Deep Thoughts

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

This was a big week for me this week. Here are 5 things that kept my attention during the week.

I’ve been learning to use the camera in the Smart Phone. This proved to be a good thing, because my small Canon camera sort of bit the dust. The lens does not retract properly and so it gives me an error message.
Anyway, the new phone takes great pictures. Here are a few of my willing fur models!

Anneliese

Lili

Greta

Arnie

We ventured out to the grocery store. The first time since Motorcycle Week ended. The cupboards were bare, so it was a big shopping day!
I have figured out how to use the new phone totally hands free in the Toyota. It’s nice to be able to plug it into the speakers and not have to use a headset.
My back is doing very well. I did not have to use the brace at all today. Tonight it feels pretty good.

TBT: Memories Of Old Cape Cod

Summer Memories

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 sister Melodie is in the back on the left. I’m the bold one in the blue bikini!

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.

Melodie on the left and me at home on Clipper Lane. When I didn’t walk to the beach, I rode my trusty Schwinn Bike all over town.

Fireflies, cookouts on the grill at Goodwill Park, with marshmallows too. My Uncle George, cousin, Janet and Aunt Betty with Grandma Honey.

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.

At the Clam Shack in Falmouth.

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!

Wednesday Hodgepodge

1. June 23rd is National Pink Day. What’s your favorite something pink?

My new pink Otterbox cell phone case for my Galaxy S5.

Trust me, it is bright pink! Makes it very easy to find in my purse, or when I am looking for it in the house. My old cell phone just blended in.

2. What did you enjoy most about gym class when you were in school? How about the least?

I loved doing gymnastics. Unfortunately I outgrew the sport. I never took a shower after gym class. I know, I’m a prude, but I like to think I am just shy.

3. What memory is brought to mind by the smell of roses?

My daughter, Katie and my Mom. Katie’s nickname was “Rosebud” and my mother just loved roses.

4. Do you prefer to read or write?

Oooooh. Good question. I do love to read, but after 10 years of non-stop blogging, I also love to write.

5. Sam Keen is quoted as saying, ‘Deep summer is when laziness finds respectability.’ Would you agree? Is laziness ever respectable? How will you be lazy this summer?

I don’t get to be lazy in the summer or really anytime else. With Hubby and four dogs I am out straight most of the time. My guilty pleasure is when I go and get my hair done.

6. The Florida Keys, Disney World, or a resort somewhere on the Gulf Coast…which Florida destination would you choose (and why) if the trip were today?

I’d take the Disney trip and bring Mandy, Matt and Savi along with me. I can just see how thrilled Savannah would be!

7. What question do you hate to answer?

How many children do you have? How much do you weigh? What’s for dinner?

8. Insert your own random thought here.

Tuesday we had dark skies and weathermen who were hyping the storm. We literally had three drops of rain, a little wind, but not the tornado everyone was talking about. Totally over hyped! I also learned that through the Weather Channel, the National Weather Service in Gray, Maine can send out rather loud warnings through my phone.

This & That

My back slipped out on me on Saturday. About 15 minutes before I was leaving for a Memorial Service, out it went. I decided that I was going no matter what, and so I took some Tylenol and off I went.

I made it through the service, and my part of it, where I spoke about my friend, Laura. I stayed for a while visiting with her family, and then I came home to my heating pad.

Now the good news was, that while I took things slowly so my back could rest up, I got to play with my Smart Phone. I have now determined that the phone is smarter than me!

One thing I am loving (and I always said I would never do this), is playing Words With Friends. I’ve been playing with my daughter and my sister, but if anyone out there wants to play, let me know. It is so much fun!

I also have been testing the camera in the phone, and it takes great pictures too!!! This was sunset on Monday night.

The back is getting better, and I should be back to full power by the end of the week.

Happy Birthday, Janet!!!

Happy Birthday to my cousin and best friend, Janet.

I have known her all of my life, shared all the fun and angst of growing up, and as we crossed into our fifties, we have become closer and closer.

Please know, you have all of my love and will forever!

Best friends, all our lives!

Love you!!!

Answers

The Rheumatologist I have been seeing has diagnosed me as having PMR, (Polymyalgia Rheumatica), with GCA, (Giant Cell Arteritis). Forms of Arthritis. Although it has been painful and somewhat debilitating for me, a month ago I started a new medication to reduce the inflammation, and I am feeling a lot better.

I am also working hard back at Weight Watchers, as losing the extra weight will also alleviate the chronic pain I am in. Before the new medication, the body pain was (on a scale of 1 being bad and 10 being childbirth) a 7-8 almost all the time. I just couldn’t escape it. With the medication, I am down to a 3 or 4 and when the doctor asked if I could handle that, I told him that would be a piece of cake compared to what I have been going through.

So now we work at getting me on exactly the right dosage and I continue to lose the weight, sensibly.

Finally. Finally I have some answers!