Dackel Princess

This Is It!

Hubby and I will be boarding the ship today around noon. Our long awaited vacation will begin! We have stops in Antigua, St. Lucia, Barbados, (my favorite island) St. Kitts, St Thomas, Princess Cays and then back to Fort Lauderdale. We have three sea days, where one, swims, sleeps, eats and explores the ship. After all these months of planning, I am just giddy with excitement!

Above you will see what our mini suite layout is like. Below is a picture of the actual suite. Hubby and I enjoy sitting on the balcony reading and just plain enjoying the sunshine. I am putting in an order now for warm, sunshine!

I will try to update the blog each day, and put pictures up too. A mini travelogue. I am looking forward to doing that too!

Is It Just Me?

I’ve always known there was something different about me. I’ve actually never been able to pin it down. This morning, however, I discovered that things just happen to me, more than to some people.

We arrived at the airport well before our flight today in Boston. In fact, there was no one ahead of us in line at the Security Check In. Hubby and I breezed through, answered all the questions correctly, and proceeded to be ‘scanned’. First I forgot my cell phone was clipped to my waist. So back I went to put that with my shoes.

I got back into the scanner, no problem, but when I reached the other side, the luggage clip on my bag had caught up in the rollers of the conveyer belt! I tried to unhook it. The lady controlling the belt kept pushing the button to forward the items.

“Excuse me, Ma’am, my bag is stuck.” So the woman tried to forward the belt again! I called to another TSA Agent, who came running. He took two rollers off and freed my bag. He was so nice.

The ‘Old Bag’ doing the conveyer belt just scowled at me. I kid you not! I swear these things just don’t happen to normal people.

I got my shoes, my back pack and my carry on suit case, and managed to get to the other side.

It is interesting to note that I was the Security Disaster this time, not Hubby, who usually gets stopped for his knees.

We ate a light breakfast and then walked to our gate, which as it always turns out, is at the opposite end of the concourse!

Our flight from Boston was packed! I knew it was going to be, which was why we sprung for tickets. Actually airfare to Florida is pretty cheap right now and it just made sense.

On our descent into New York City, were vectored all around by Air Traffic Control. I was a little annoyed, as it was making us late for our connection, but then, there was The Freedom Tower! The Empire State Building and The Statue of Liberty! We literally flew in a circle around them and enjoyed the spectacular views.

We arrived a little late in New York and several of us were running through the terminal to get to our gate. We all made it, and a lovely flight attendant brought drinks to those of us who looked like we were wilting.

After a few short minutes we took off, and after a rumble and some bumps we were once again in the sky. Both of us feeling pretty hungry and thirsty. Since this is a short flight, there were no meals being served, but you could purchase snack boxes. We picked up one of each. One was a tapas box and one was a ‘treat box’.

We opened the tray table between our seats and spread it all out. A veritable picnic in the air! I laughed and teased Hubby that he takes me to all of the finest dining establishments!

The ride was a bumpy one, and the skies were that cloudy white, but truly, nothing could dampen my spirits!

We arrived quickly at the hotel, changed our clothes, (It’s 82 degrees!) and went shopping for the last minute things we needed. Walking back, we stopped at Taco Bell and got Taco Salads for dinner.

We need to repack our bags, snuggle up with a glass of wine and the TV and get ready for tomorrow!

Getting Ready

Oh brother!

I have gotten our suitcases packed. As well as our carry-ons. My lists for the house/doggy sitters are made, and in the morning I will print our boarding passes, pack the computer and be out the door just after noontime.

Since the cable conversions in the house, I did manage to get on TV working with a VHS player. When you have 600 tapes, it’s a bad thing when you are unable to have your house sitter watch any of them.

Chalk one up for me, I got the blasted thing working, so they can watch any of the old tapes.

Hubby and I were lamenting that we used to have plenty of room when we packed. Now each of us has half our carry-on space taken up with medications.

Well, it’s off to bed for me. I know it is early on Friday night, but my day starts early tomorrow!

My Bags Are Packed & I’m Ready To Go….

OK, I was a busy bee today. I managed to get two of the three bathrooms done, the vacuuming done and dusting, and I got all the clothes I am taking neatly folded and packed in my suitcase. My backpack is also packed and ready to roll. All I need to toss in are the computer, Kindle and phone.

Friday I plan to iron and fold and pack all of Hubby’s things. Then with will be on to make the Snickerdoodles and wash the last bathroom.

I need to pack the car with the suit cases, apples for Mandy, and housewarming gifts for Mandy and Matt and a special housewarming gift for Savannah!

I have just about finished my instruction letter for the house/doggy sitters, and I need to leave the key for the mailbox as I am expecting a few things to arrive while we are gone.

I have paid all my bills, my taxes and I hope and pray I have thought of everything. I just want to get away and relax!

My Favorite Cookie…Snickerdoodles

Snickerdoodles

1 cup shortening (I use butter)
1 1/2 cups sugar
Creme with mixer thoroughly
2 eggs, unbeaten
add and mix well.
Sift together and stir in:
2 3/4 cups flour
2 tsp. creme of tartar
1 tsp. baking soda
1/2 tsp. salt

Chill the dough for about 1 hour. Roll into balls about the size of walnuts and then roll in a mixture of cinnamon and sugar.
Place 2 inches apart on cookie sheet, gently press each cookie to flatten. Bake at 375 degrees for about 10 minutes or golden but still soft.
Makes about 5 dozen 2-inch cookies

Wednesday Hodgepodge

1. What’s something you take for granted, that when you stop and think about it you feel truly grateful for?

I stopped taking things for granted back in 1985. Back then I took just about everything for granted, including life. After I lost Katie, and was nearly killed myself, I realized how very fragile life is. In the years that followed, I began to value life, family and friends more and more. Suddenly I found that family or friend feuds were not important. What mattered was kindness, love, and those around me.

2. The color brown-love it or no? What’s your favorite shade of brown? Most loved something in your home or closet in a shade of brown?

I love brown. With my brown hair and eyes, it looks pretty good on me. Back in 5th grade I had a brown dress that I loved!

3. What’s something you’re looking forward to today?

Oh our trip to the Caribbean! I love cruising, and this time we have booked a ten day cruise! Yay!!!

4. The word ‘feminism’ is not new, but it has been generating all kinds of headlines in recent days and months. What do you think/feel when you hear the word? If you’re a woman, do you want to be described as a feminist? Why or why not?

I dislike labels. Although I believe in equal rights for women, I dislike all the fanatics who seem to hate men and all other groups, in favor of being a woman.

5. What’s something you personally can’t eat without making a mess?

Lobster or Crabs. Love them! Half the fun of eating them is making a mess!

6. When did you last surprise someone with a little gift or when were you last surprised by someone with a little gift? What was it?

I like to always have a little bag with goodies for Savannah. So it was on my birthday, and it was apples from our yard, and a bath time Minnie Mouse

7. Share a favorite quote, saying, song lyric or scripture relating to gratitude.

“Dear George, Remember no man is a failure who has friends. Thanks for the wings, Love, Clarence.” From “It’s A Wonderful Life”

8. Insert your own random thought here.

We leave in Saturday to begin our much anticipated cruise vacation. We used to plan driving trips, and often came home more tired then when we left. Our dear friend, Keith, introduced us to cruising and we have been going almost every year since. For me it is the ultimate vacation. I get up in the morning and dress. I then have people waiting on me all day. I see new places, swim every day, and then have gourmet meals at night, that I do not have to cook or clean up. Below is a picture taken when we did the Panama Canal Cruise trip!

Turning 56

Yesterday was my birthday. And it was one of the best yet. If I had known that being 56 wasn’t so bad, then back when I turned 50, I wouldn’t have stressed so much over it.

It was a quiet day. Hubby and I talked about our cruise, and we worked on packing lists. Today I need to actually take all our heavy winter blankets and go out to the laundromat with them. I have four blankets and I want to get it done.

Then if I have some gumption left after all that, I want to come back and work on some more packing. Wednesday is baking day, Thursday is cleaning surfaces, and more packing and Friday, is when we pack the car up with our two cases. Saturday, I change the sheets, getting the bed ready for the house sitters and then we’re out of here.

Birthdays can be really good, even when they are quiet. This year, mine was the best! Thanks everyone, who contacted me and wished me well. It made me feel extraordinarily loved!

Just As I Am

As I sit here contemplating my 56th birthday, I started to think about all the things I have to be thankful for in my life.

Looking back, I have been lucky enough to know real and true love. Be it with my friends, or family, I feel blessed to know the kind of love where I can be myself and be loved just as I am.

To know the beauty of giving birth to my daughters and see them emerge from my body, all healthy and screaming, makes me count my blessings. It was surely the happiest days of my life, when my girls were born.

Amanda Mae

Mandy, Katie & Me.

I again felt that total awe, when Mandy gave birth to

Savannah Rose.

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And I held her in my arms for the first time.

Watching Savannah grow and become her own little person fills me with wonder! She is such a blessing to her mother, father and to all who love her.

I have been fortunate enough to meet and love deeply a good man, who loves me completely. Having realized long ago, I am no walk in the park to live with, I am grateful to be married to a man, whom I don’t totally freak out!

My daughter, Mandy is a real gem.

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Not only is she a wonderful daughter, but Mandy is seriously, the best mother I have ever known. I am so proud of the way she is raising Savannah.

My sister, Melodie has been a constant in my life. She has been more of a mother to me than a sister, and I am blessed. I cannot imagine life without her.

Likewise, my cousin, Janet has been more of a sister than a cousin. Since she is close to my age, and I cannot remember a day in my life without her love, I feel so very lucky!

I am also thankful to have several girl friends, who are like sisters. They share my happiness and my sorrows, but Uschi, Gail, Carol, and Candy are always there for me.

I have been lucky enough to breed the dachshunds I love and to hold a newborn pup in my hands.

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I have also raised Arnie and Anneliese from their first breaths and our connection is unlike any other that I have had with a dog.

No, life has not always been kind, but I am fortunate enough to have all these blessings, so that no matter what life throws my way, I seem to get through it all.

The Song is right, Love is All You Need!

Escape Completely…That’s What The Commercial Says!

A week from today we leave on a much needed vacation. Things with Lili have calmed down, the cold weather is creeping in, and my old bones ache!

I am relieved that Lili is doing better. It will make things so much easier for our house sitters. I am so glad I found people who will actually move in and care for the animals for us. This way Lili and the dackels don’t have to be alone.

I have acquired a sinus infection, and I am taking Cipro and decongestants and nasal spray that my doctor gave me. I simply must be 100% by next week.

Funny thing is, I have no fever right now, after three doses of the antibiotics and I am actually starting to feel better. Fingers crossed!

The packing has actually begun. I have a laundry basket that I have been tossing things into and soon I will drag out our cases and start to organize them. This time I will not over pack!

I will be putting up links next week so you can follow the ship we will be on. They have a bridge camera, so you can see what the weather is like for our trip!

We will be on The Royal Princess!

Throw Back Thursday…The Berlin Wall

When the Berlin Wall came down, we went back to share in the happiness of the German people. We had been over the summer before while Hubby had a temporary assignment with Pan Am, flying charters. I grew to love West Berlin, and hoped that one day it would be reunited with the East.

When it was, we went back and I had Hubby help me so I could stand on top of the Wall at the Brandenburg Gate. (I’m in the black pants and tan jacket.)

Here I am, with the Brandenburg Gate in the background, 1989.

(I was standing on top of the Wall!)

Many years later I befriended Uschi. A Berlin resident. At this point, the Wall was gone, and the area was made into a pedestrian walking mall. So much life altering history, in such a short period of time!