It was a lovely spring back in 1985. One day I brought the girls outside of the condo we were renting, and took a whole bunch of pictures. This one is one of my very favorites!
Katie age 6 and Mandy, age 8.
Author: Dackel Princess
Cell Phones & Photographs
Hi Everyone. I feel quite guilty for not writing until now. However, I finally became the owner of a Smart Phone, a Galaxy S5, and since I have never had a Smart Phone, I have had to spend a lot of time learning about it, and programming it to my needs.
In fact I took these pictures today of a Christmas Cactus that was given to me years ago by a very special friend, Carol. The cactus loves my bedroom window, and just keep blooming, over and over again!
The camera is easy to use and takes such nice pictures!
Anyway, I did get the sheets washed and the bed made, and cooked three nice meals, and in between, I worked on learning the new phone.
Cancer Survivor’s Day 2015
I want to take a moment to pray and be thankful for all those who have survived cancer.
My dearest cousin, Janet, went in for a routine test and was then diagnosed with a difficult form of cancer. She made the best choices in life and fought this battle with all she had. It was not easy, but she handled her fight with dignity and grace. I was so afraid I would lose her, my best friend, and cousin. But she was victorious!
Best of all, while she recovered she had time to surf Facebook, and she found and old friend, met up with him for coffee, and now they are married!
I have a cousin, Erica, who survived a terrible time with cancer. It is only by the grace of God, and the skill of many doctors, that she is with us today and is doing so well.
I knew a man in High School, and met his wife along the way. What a sweet and wonderful woman. She is also a cancer survivor, and I know her family, and we, her friends, are grateful beyond words.
A woman in Australia, I have not met, but whom I share the same sort of skin cancer, in nearly the same place, and I have become friends. Michelle, I am ever so grateful that you keep winning your battles with cancer!
Lastly, I thank God every day that I am here, that my face is reasonably intact, and that I am well.
I send my prayers to Heaven to all we have lost. Far too many to name. I know, in my heart, that God will restore those who have suffered. Blessings to you all.
This & That
The Sunday Edition
Yesterday we watched American Pharoah with The Triple Crown! I was jumping up and down, and crying. Oh, I felt so emotional, because the last time a horse won The Triple Crown, I was sitting in the living-room at my childhood home, with my six month old baby, (Mandy), my parents, sister, and grandparents! So, it was very exciting!
I did get all the cucumber plants, purchased yesterday, planted. I hope these will take, and that we will have some good cucumbers. Next year, I will start my own seeds. I’ve been so disappointed this year with the store bought ones.
I still have not done the silly ironing, but today is the day, I promise! I simply have to get this done or have nothing to wear!
I have finally decided on a Smart Phone. I want to buy the Galaxy S5. I weighed all the comments I got from family and friends, then I went to Consumer Reports. After that I looked at what I need the phone to do, and the Galaxy seemed to be the one for me!
Yesterday, one of the dearest women I know from Weight Watchers passed away. Laura had Down’s Syndrome, but she never let that hold her down. She was sweet and happy and kind. Often wearing her chunky pearls to class. She just loved those. After my first facial surgery I went to class, and she hugged me and told me I looked beautiful, even though I didn’t. I will miss her, but will think of her often with a smile. Rest in peace, Laura.
We’re planning on a huge shopping trip on Wednesday. Motorcycle Week starts on Friday and during that week I try very hard to stay out of the stores and off the roads in this area. Last year, about 320,000 visitors came to New Hampshire for the annual rally and organizers say they anticipate about the same number of people this year.
The weather is due to be good, so hopefully the crowds will enjoy themselves. In recent years it has become a more family event. I really hope this is true this year.
This & That…
The Saturday Edition
I planted my garden last week, and all was well. Then we had close to three inches of rain, and yesterday Hubby and I agreed, all the cucumbers (pickling and regular) are dead! I think today we will go out and see if we can find replacements, but I am slightly annoyed.
Today is the Belmont Stakes horse race. Do you think American Pharoah will win the Triple Crown? It would be thrilling to watch! Also I think Bob Baffert, who trains the horse (and has trained so many in the past) would be thrilled to see this horse do it all!
Meanwhile, the French Open tennis tournament ends this weekend. I’m pretty sure Serena Williams will win for the women, but who will win the men’s match, now that Nadal is out? I really hope it is not Andy Murray, as I find him generally annoying.
The Weight Watcher diet continues to go well. I am writing down everything I eat, and trying hard to make good choices. I would like to be at least half way to my goal by my birthday in November. That would be so nice!
TBT: Anneliese & Arnie
It’s hard to believe that Greta’s first babies are now eight and a half years old! I was looking back at pictures and came upon this one of Anneliese (L) and Arnie (R), as 10 week old puppies. I had the puppy room all set up for Greta’s litter of 5, and they would come to the doorway and all line up and watch me as I cooked or made their meals. It’s amazing how fast that time went.
Anneliese
Arnie
Wednesday Hodgepodge
1. What’s something you’re looking forward to in the month of June?
I am looking forward to warmer temperatures, sunny skies, the growing in my garden, and the continued success on Weight Watchers!
2. In what way have you come full circle?
Thirty years ago, I was lost, didn’t know how I could live, or go on. I wandered, I struggled and with the love and understanding of my family, I found peace and love.
3. Lonely Planet lists 10 spots in America you should see in 2015 and the reasons why. How many on the list have you seen? Which one on the list would you most like to see?
Queens NY, Western South Dakota, New Orleans, Colorado River Region, North Conway NH, Indianapolis IN, Greenville SC, Oakland CA, Duluth MN, and the Mount Shasta Region CA
I’ve seen all but New Orleans. And I’ve got no great desire to see it. I mean, if I got a free vacation to NOLA I would go, but I’m just not into that. In fact, Hubby likes NCIS New Orleans, and I can’t stand it!
4. A song that describes your mood right now?
5. Strawberry ice cream, strawberry short cake, strawberry pie, or strawberries right off the vine…your favorite?
Off the vine!
6. Aesop’s birthday is celebrated on June 4th, although there is some disagreement as to whether or not that’s accurate, or if he was even a real person. Regardless, the name Aesop is associated to this day with many well known fables. Which of the following best applies to something in your life right now? The Tortoise and the Hare (Slow and Steady wins the race), The Ant and the Grasshopper (Be prepared), The Fox and the Goat (Look before you leap) or The Crow and the Pitcher (Necessity is the mother of invention)?
Tortoise and the Hare. Trust me. I just need to follow this course right now.
7. The answer is yes…what’s the question?
Do I love my family with all of my heart and soul?
8. Insert your own random thought here.
I stepped on my scale this morning and I think I have finally lost some weight. Of course Wednesday is WW Day, so I will see shortly!
Inside The Pretty Package
So, I was sitting here this morning, thinking about love. How people meet. How sometimes you know, this is it, while other times, it’s just a friendship that happens.
I love to people watch. I do this whenever I am out alone, shopping or stopping for a meal. I just watch.
I have seen beautiful women with a frog of a counterpart. I have seen a drop dead gorgeous man with his average female mate. And I have seen two average people just so deliriously happy, that I began to understand the real truth of love.
Listen up, kids. This is important stuff here.
You see, it matters not what is on the outside. Sometimes the best presents in life come in plain packaging.
My grandmother used to tell me all the time, that eventually even the most beautiful face fades. The real key, the real trick, is to remember to always look inside the package for the truth.
A beautiful soul can brighten up a life. That loving soul, can see beyond the shell and life can be even more wonderful than one can ever imagine.
I wish my Grandmother was here and I could tell her that I finally, honestly, understand what she told me, all those years ago.
I get it, Grandma!
Weekend Round-Up
The garden is planted, Savannah turned three, and laundry was done, rounding out the rather full weekend! I actually got out my swim suit yesterday and got into Mandy’s pool.
I’m currently not thrilled with how my body looks in a swim suit, but I am doing all I can to bring my weight down and under control.
The gift I wanted to purchase for Savannah, a child’s easel, was finally purchased at ToysRus. They had a really cute one and I was very happy with it. More importantly, Savi liked it.
But the real stroke of pure genius goes to Hubby, who picked out an alphabet dachshund, that sings the ABC Song, and then barks. Savi loved that. I think because she loves animals.
It was absolutely perfect timing to have her party yesterday, in the bright sun and heat! Sunday was cold and rainy. It would not have made a good pool party weather day.
Welcome to June first, and have a great week everyone!
Third Birthday-Pool Party
Today is Savannah’s actual birthday, but we celebrated it yesterday at Mandy and Matt’s with a cook-out, pool party! The weather was perfect, and since it was really hot, almost everyone jumped into the pool!
I loved watching Matt, as he is slowly teaching Savi how to be comfortable in the pool. He is so patient and loving, and she holds on tight. What a great Daddy he is!
Unfortunately, there are not many pictures of Mandy in the montage, as she was running about making sure that everything went along smoothly. She is such a terrific hostess and a fabulous Mommy!
The family was there, as were friends with kids. I think birthday parties are even better when there are kids with cake and ice cream and delightfully messy faces!
So here we are, with this years Birthday Video. Savannah Rose, Third Birthday Pool Party Video!
Savannah's Birthday Party Age 3 from Dackel Princess Maribeth on Vimeo.