Author: Dackel Princess

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.

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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.

  1. 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.
  2. Anyway, the new phone takes great pictures. Here are a few of my willing fur models!

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    Anneliese

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    Lili

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    Greta

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    Arnie

  3. 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!
  4. 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.
  5. 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!

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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.

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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)

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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.

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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.

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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!

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Pop cycles and root beer floats, fried clams and frozen Milkyway bars. Lobster and butter, and strawberry shortcakes at the church festival.

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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.
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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.

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

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!

Wednesday Hodgepodge

1. June is National Great Outdoors Month. Have you spent any time appreciating the great outdoors this month? If so where, and if not do you have any plans to enjoy the great outdoors before the calendar turns?

Oh yes, I have been in my garden. Each day, it seems I have something to do besides water out there. This year we’re having a lot of trouble getting the cucumber plants going. But I hope (fingers crossed) that the newest replants will take hold.

2. What’s a current hot button issue for you?

I’m trying not to let anything bother me these days. I have too much on my mind. If I allow things to really bother me, then I do not sleep.

3. What’s a food or treat that ‘disappears like hotcakes’ in your house?

For me popcorn. I get the single serving size and those are a great low cal treat.

4. How hot is too hot?

Anything over 80 degrees F. Especially if it is accompanied by humidity.

5. Do you have an artistic outlook on life? What does that mean to you?

I’m really not sure. I think I used to, but now I am just practical. I really need to kick back and let my inner artist flow a bit!

6. What’s one question you’d like to ask your father, or one you wish you could ask your father?

I’d ask him more about his childhood and family. He never talked much about that.

7. Something you learned from your father?

My love of music of all kinds.

8. Insert your own random thought here.

I am still learning all the little bells and whistles of my new Smart Phone. Oh my, there is so much! I like the phone, but will be happy when I know what I need to, to make this phone work correctly for me.

The Wild Boar

Five years ago, I took a trip to Germany with Anneliese, to breed her. We spent a week with my best friend, Uschi, and we enjoyed our visit.

Like all good things in life, the visit soon ended and we had to fly back home. Both over and back, we got seats in Business Class, and Anneliese was the perfect little traveler.

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On our flight back the flight attendant handed out the Customs Declaration forms, to be filled out before we landed.

I had all of Anneliese’s paper work in my large carry on pocketbook, and knew if we were to be stopped I could produce the documents quickly.

I filled out the form, which asked if I was traveling with an Animal? I wrote, Yes. Color of animal? Well, her official color is Wild Boar, so that is what I wrote.

We landed at JFK International Airport in New York, and since I had all my bags, I just walked off the plane and right down to Customs.

The first Customs Official saw that I had an animal and sent me to the Agriculture Officer for inspection. The officer examined the customs form, and then asked to see the animal. So, I unzipped the top of her bag, and as I did this, the man took two steps back.

You see, he thought I was bringing in a “Wild Boar“!

Once he saw Anneliese’s head pop out he started to laugh! He told me why he was laughing and we both laughed together.