Author: Dackel Princess

Happy New Year 2008

Here we are. It’s 2008!

Another year begins.

A year ago at the start of 2007 I made these resolutions. I was looking at them and thinking that I sort of blew the weight loss and physical fitness ones, but I did grow out my hair, I took Arnie to the dog show and showed him, despite my shyness, and I house trained not just one puppy, but two!

So really, I did pretty well. Especially with the hair.

I went from this:
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To this:
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And it is still growing.

I took Arnie to the show and he got the highest rating that is given to the dachshunds by the German judges. He was rated as being Vorzüglich, or Excellent!!!

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I also house trained Arnie and his sister Anneliese. I did not intend to keep two puppies from this litter, but somehow it was meant to be that Arnie stay here with us. I look back now, over the last 12 months and I can’t imagine life without him or her in it!

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I’m looking forward to seeing what the next year will bring. Longer hair, a new litter of puppies, another dog show (Anneliese this time) and perhaps this year will be the year that I tackle my weight problem and get exercising too.

The possibilities are endless!

So as I sit here watching 2007 fade into the record books, and 2008 slowly begin to unfold I wish for you, dear readers, a very Happy and Healthy New Year!!!

New Years Resolutions

Yesterday I wrote about New Years Resolutions. I have made them for almost every year that I have conscious memories, and I have kept a few (such as quitting smoking 8 years ago) and learning to cook (that is now my biggest problem).

You see, somewhere between age 20 and today my body has given me up. In my 20’s and even my 30’s I could eat what I wanted and not gain weight, and my muscles had remained strong enough and flexible enough for me to perform the daily challenges in life.

Now, as I prepare to go into my 50th year, I find that although I LOVE to cook and eat, my body has stopped it’s ability to metabolize the food as efficiently as it once did. And my muscles? Well, let’s just say that I moan and groan a whole lot more these days than I ever thought was possible.

You see, I feel young in my head. Unfortunately the body, the keeper of my spirit is not helping me out any and thus, my dilemma.

So this New Year as I am sitting planning what my “Resolutions” or “Goals” should be I have kept in my mind the thought that I simply am not willing to go into middle age without a fight.

Thus my two Resolutions are this:

1. I will start Weight Watchers on Thursday evening. I have decided that I need the help and support of other people who are metabolically challenged to achieve my goal of losing the weight that has crept upon these soon to be, middle aged bones. I will go and sit there and announce “Hello, my name is Maribeth and I’m an overeater!”

2. I will exercise. I plan to set my initial goal at exercising two days a week and go from there. I still have a gym membership, and let’s face it, with all this snow, I should get out my skis, pack my back pack and get my lazy bottom out of bed in the morning and go skiing. I will not let my fear of last years fall make me crazy and keep me off the ski slopes.

So there we have it. Better, healthier eating and exercise. Fairly simple? I sure hope so. It sort of stinks that once you get to a point where you understand life, liberty and pursuit of happiness, your body gives out on you and you have to live on lettuce and a treadmill!

Ah well, it beats the heck out of the alternative!

What are your resolutions?

The End Is Coming…

While Hubby went skiing yesterday, I grabbed my camera and went out to document yet another snow storm. It was quite beautiful, really, but heck at this point I think even those of us that love the snow are getting sick of it. In fact, we are due again tomorrow night for more snow. It just keeps on coming!

However, yesterday was a delight, just to stand there and see the beauty around me.

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This was taken as the sun was rising.

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Looking out across the lake.

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The Enterprise apple tree in our front yard.

The snow did not last on the trees. Soon it was warm enough that the snow fell, and everything turned to slush! Yuck.

Hubby arrived home and he worked on de-icing the drive. The pups played and a pot of turkey soup simmered. Yes, it was the typical after Christmas sort of day.

We worked more on removing ice. The driveway is iced, the back yard, a mess really. Hubby worked in the drive nearly all day until we decided to go out to the store and buy more salt and some food for the New Year’s Eve celebration we will have. It’ll be just Hubby and me, but a few special hors d’oeuvres, will be served as we toast in the New Year.

Have any of you started thinking about New Years Resolutions? I have been. I have decided to make two. Just two. I’ll write about those tomorrow.

Another Year is about to end! I can’t believe it!

Another Snow Day

Today was “After Christmas Shopping Day” for Hubby and me. We drove south to the “big city” and went to shops like “Macy’s”, and LL Bean and the “Mall”. We bought all sorts of things, but I think Hubby got the best buys, with a dress coat and a lighter weight winter coat. I was thrilled with 6 new cotton tops, and a beautiful pair of leather gloves.

We lunched at one of our favorite buffet restaurants, and during this time, it started to rain. The rain then turned to snow, and soon the roads were a mess. On our way home we saw 4 accidents. I never worry about Hubby’s driving, as he is really good in the snow, but I do worry about other terrible drivers sliding into us. We did, however, get safely home.

It is still snowing.

On the TV weather news, they were speaking tonight about the fact that we are already close to breaking records for snow this winter. I can believe that!

Emily “puppy sat” for us while we were gone today. She took the puppies out and went sledding in the back yard with them. Tonight they are both pretty tired.

As is Hubby, who is now asleep in his recliner!

Me? I’m tired too. I think I will get my pajamas on and just relax in front of the TV. My sister gave me the cutest flannel pajamas.

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I think I will wear these tonight. Just perfect for the Dackel Princess, yes?

Thursday Thirteen #59

This weeks Thursday Thirteen revolves around my daughter Mandy. She came up today to visit and celebrate both her birthday and Christmas, and it was so good to see her. Here is a little list about my daughter.

1. I think she is one of the nicest people I know.
2. I also think she is very beautiful. But then, I am her Mum so perhaps I am somewhat biased! LOL

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3. Mandy works very hard at her job as a project manager in Oncology research.
4. She drives a cute little convertible sports car. I really love it!
5. She is also a great driver. I never feel uncomfortable driving with her.
6. She loves all animals and is very sweet and gentle with them.
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7. She has a great sense of humor too. She makes me laugh!
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8. All my dogs go crazy when she arrives. They just LOVE her.
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9. She got me the most wonderful Christmas presents. My favorites are two wire-haired dachshund Christmas ornaments! Those I may keep out all year long.
10. Mandy takes really good care of her grandmother, even though it is not an easy job.
11. She lives about an hour and a half from here and I wish she lived closer.
12. She has three big, beautiful, cats! Maestro, Cleo and my favorite, Ortez. He was named for David Ortez of the Red Sox.
13. At the end of the day, I am and will always be, proud to be her Mum!
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Christmas Eve Report

Christmas Eve we had our friends, Jim and Laura over along with their two daughters, Katie and Emily. Yes, their daughter is our Emily! We also had our next door neighbor, Aglaia over to enjoy a few appetizers, and a nice meal. We had so much fun!

First we ate shrimp cocktail, along with crackers and spreads, and Hubby provided drinks for all. We then exchanged gifts. That was even more fun! Here is a picture of Hubby getting a bottle of his favorite Scotch!

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Then it was time to sit down and have dinner. We served a Greek salad, ham, turkey, stuffing, green beans, butternut squash, mashed potatoes, gravy, relish, pearl onions and rolls! We ate until I thought we all might pop!

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The conversation was lively, but by the time we got done we were all feeling pretty exhausted. I blame the turkey, which is known for making people sleepy! Emily disappeared after the dinner portion and we looked into the family room and found her sound asleep on the sofa!

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Emily came back to life long enough to have some of the three pies that we served. Apple, blueberry and pumpkin!

We all seemed to eat a lot more slowly than we did during the main portion of the meal. So much food!

Once the dishes were cleared our guests departed for their homes to prepare for Christmas the next day. Hubby and I sat up watching A Christmas Story for the millionth time. Somehow, Ralphie and his pals make us laugh every time we watch this movie!

Then off to bed we went where visions of “Doggie Claus” danced in our heads!

Reflections

A year ago I was consumed with the puppies, and so was Greta. You can go back here to reminisce about those little puppy days.

Now Arnie and Anneliese are fully grown and quite wonderful. Hubby and I sit here in the evenings and marvel at their different personalities and how loving they both are.

Having 4 dogs is not for the faint of heart. There are days I feel like I never get to sit down because I am bringing one or the other outside, and Lord knows my family room has more dog toys covering the carpet than many homes with human children. However, these furry creatures give to us love, loyalty and a warmth to our soul.

I had never considered keeping Arnie, and yet I cannot imagine life without his sweet face and easy going personality.

Anneliese and Arnie

Anneliese is all that I had hoped for during those long months after Shubi passed away. She is quieter, sweeter and seems attuned to the people around her.

Yes, we are blessed with 4, wonderful dogs!