Dackel Princess

Happy 33rd Anniversary to Us

Today, Jack and I celebrate 33 years of marriage. It doesn’t seem possible that it has been that long. In the grand scheme of things, 33 years is like forever in a Hollywood marriage. And at my age (62) it certainly is a large chunk of time.

In our thirty-three years of marriage, we have had 4 White German Shepherds, Rex, Max, Fritz, and Lili. Four Wire-haired Dackels, Shubi, Greta, Arnie, and Anneliese, and lived in four homes. One was a farm in Lyndeborough, NH; a very beautiful ranch home in Punta Gorda, FL; in a motorcoach here in Meredith, NH for 9 long months; while we built our current home, and lastly, this beautiful house, that Jack and I designed.

We had four children, between us. Three are living, and they have grown up to be really good people. We also have two of the most beautiful, and wonderful grandchildren on the face of the earth!

Marriage is never easy, even if you are married to your best friend. There are days you want to murder each other, but lucky for us, those days were few and far between.

Forgiveness is so important when you live with someone this long. People do stupid things, and if you can’t forgive them, then you are with the wrong person. I am the Queen of stupid things and I am married to the King of stupid things. So it’s a good thing we forgive and forget.

You will also find during a long-term marriage (or relationship) that there will be those days when your significant other just makes you crazy. Whether it’s how they are chewing their food, or even sipping their soup, you will sit there and wonder how you never noticed this before!

But then, there are those times when a little look, the warmth of a hug, or a gentle squeeze of your hand, will make you feel loved and safe. During my illness in 2017, when I felt like I was dying, I was so scared, and Jack just kept the home fires burning, cooked my meals, did the laundry, and did not allow me to believe that I was leaving this earth.

Likewise, not even six months after that, when he got the infection in his foot that led to the amputation of his toe, I made sure I was at the hospital each day. I brought him goodies to eat, stayed to speak with each doctor, and informed Jack, he wasn’t leaving me yet.

No, marriage isn’t easy, but the pros far outweigh the cons, and life would be, so lonely, without my Jack.

Even after all these years, Jack is still the first person I want to speak to in the morning, and the last person I want to speak to at night.

I made up a short montage of our life together using one of our favorite songs. I hope you enjoy it!

Happy Anniversary Jack!

“No Reservations”

On Valentine’s Day, I gave myself a present. One Year’s subscription to Discovery Plus. I can watch all kinds of shows from cooking to veterinary care, I can watch it all. And best of all? It’s commercial-free!

I’ve been enjoying so many shows, and once I finish binge-watching one show I move on.

A few days ago I held my breath and put on Anthony Bourdain’s “No Reservations”. I wasn’t sure I could deal with it.

You see, Tony died a few years back, by his own hand. In the end, his great depression, which was masked by a quick wit, got the best of him.

In Tony’s show, he went all over the world telling us about the local foods and customs. His humor made us laugh and it also helped us think about how we might fit-in in these various places.

But since that day, in 2018, when Tony died, I haven’t been able to watch a show of his. However, there they were. All of his shows, commercial-free.

So I pulled myself up by my boot-straps and put on the first episode. Before I knew it, I was giggling and smiling and remembering how Tony made us all feel like we were a part of everything.

Oh, Tony. How very much you were cared about and how much you are missed.

I’m watching the long series of shows he left us. And for a moment, Tony is back once again.

Rest in peace, dear friend.

Seven Things I Love ~ April 6th

I haven’t written a 7 love list in a while, so since things are starting out a little slowly this week, it’s the perfect time to write a “Love List”

I am totally loving the fact that Spring has finally arrived. I saw my first Redwing Blackbird today. They migrate to the South in the winter, but today both Mr. and Mrs. Redwing Blackbirds were at the feeder. I also noted that the suet blocks are getting well picked over. They’re getting more action as more birds are coming back to my yard for the summer.
The ice is out on my lake, Lake Waukewan. So we once again have a living, breathing, moving lake. And just before sitting down to write this, I heard that Lake Winnipesaukee (the big lake) is also iced out! Spring is here in full force and I relish the beauty all around me.
After watching The British Baking Show, I was more than ready to whip up a turkey pie for our dinner. Jack was not thrilled, but I told him when one gets an 11+ pound turkey for less than $5.00 then one eats a lot of turkey! I love turkey so it isn’t hard for me to eat turkey in various ways.
I was thinking today just how much I love my family. In the last year, I have not left the State of New Hampshire. Being safe, wearing a mask and getting vaccinated is my way of showing Love for my family!
I love it when the sun shines down on me now. In April the sun is so much closer and it simply warms my body and my soul!
Leggings. I have literally been wearing leggings every day now. I know I need to get back to wearing real clothes again, but my leggings are just so comfy!
And the last thing on my Love list today are my flowers in the dish garden. They smell so good and really brighten up my family room!

The Weekend Wrap ~ April 5th

Life this past weekend was pretty busy. I spent a large portion of both Saturday and Sunday cooking.

Don’t get me wrong, I love cooking, but I am finding that this type of marathon cooking makes me tired.

But in the end, it was all worth it!

It all started several months ago when they had turkeys on sale for 37¢ a pound for a turkey. I already had our Thanksgiving bird, but I just couldn’t walk by this deal.

A close to 12-pound turkey for just $4.39!

So on Wednesday I took it out of the deep freeze and put it in our second fridge to thaw. I was not planning to make stuffing, but Jack requested it, so on Saturday I made it, so it would go into the bird cold.

On Sunday I stuffed the turkey and rubbed it down with butter, and placed it in the oven covered with aluminum foil. I used my new Pampered Chef probe thermometer and the baking began.

While the turkey cooked, I peeled potatoes and cooked the green beans for Green Bean Casserole. I really love the Green Bean Casserole, but I have never made it. Mandy explained it to me and I ventured into making it. Both Jack and I enjoyed it.

My freshly roasted turkey!

I made my own turkey gravy, set out the condiment tray, and placed the silverware and plates on the table. At 1:30 we sat down to a full turkey dinner, complete with champagne.

After I boned the turkey and did round one of the dishes. I had made lemon cream tarts for dessert and those were delightfully refreshing.

Believe it or not, Jack wanted to eat at the usual time this evening. So he got my special turkey and stuffing sandwich made with mayonnaise and cranberry sauce.

I made a nice broth with the turkey bones and I am thinking about making a turkey pie. More cooking.

Have a great week!

The Friday Five ~ April 2nd

So, here we are, the first Friday in April. Can it possibly be over a year since all the Covid Craziness began? Yes indeed. And as I sit and write on Thursday night, I am grateful we have made it! So, here is this week’s Friday Five.

April 1st came in with high winds, (not as bad as it was on Monday) rain, and at times a little sleet. It is brutal going out with the pups, but I keep my heavy coat and hat at the door with my gloves. Brrrrr. I am ready for Spring to come with much warmer temperatures.
On Wednesday I went to Hannaford Grocery Store and as I entered I saw a large rack with at least a dozen Hyacinth plants. My favorite smell in all the world! A woman was in front of me, and she took every single plant! I felt very sorry about this. I really wanted one and sort of needed to brighten up my day. Thursday I was back at the shop to see if Jack’s Orange Donuts were there and just as I came up to the door the floral lady was putting out the plants!And there it was. A beautiful dish of three Hyacinths and a couple of tulips and some daffodils that have yet to open. And I got the first pick! I selected this one because I could smell the Hyacinths through my mask! Since I have gotten it home, the scent of the Hyacinths has permeated the air in our family room. Ahhhhhh.
I took my turkey out of the deep freeze yesterday to cook on Sunday. I bought it at Thanksgiving for an entire 39¢ a pound! Cheap eats. This I love. I’ll be making butternut squash, green bean casserole, turkey, mashed potato for Jack, and gravy. No stuffing. I really love stuffing, but it sure doesn’t love me. All those carbs go straight to my hips!
Have you ever watched “The Great British Baking Show”? I’ve been streaming that and enjoying every moment.I love baking and it is so fun to watch ordinary people baking up a storm. Many of the items I have never heard of, but what fun it is to watch!
Because I am loving the British Baking Show, I decided to attempt a new Quiche recipe. The flavors were great, but looking back I needed to mix the mushrooms, onion, and peppers with the cheese before I poured in the egg mixture. Still, it tasted so great.

So that’s it for this week. I hope you all have a happy and healthy weekend!

TBT: Arnie At The Zuchtschau

Arnie was shown twice at a German dog show (Zuchtschau). This was the first time in September 2007. He did very well and was given an Excellent rating. The man with me was a Judge from Switzerland. He was very kind, and he enjoyed all of the dogs.

The next picture is of Arnie and me as we walked the ring. Arnie was a joy to show.

Such a sweet dog, with a great personality. People fell in love with him then and still do now.

And The Wind Blew!

Wow! Late on Sunday night, the winds blew in. At first, it wasn’t too bad, but by Monday morning we were having 50+ mph winds, at times sustained, and it was simply crazy around here. I swear I saw the Wicked Witch of the West fly by in our backyard!

I knew that my eye drops would be ready by 11 o’clock, at the Pharmacy, so I left about 10:15 to go to the Post Office and then to get my Prescription.

As I often do, I was on the Cell Phone (hands-free) talking to my friend Gail, when I came to an abrupt stop on my little Lane! This is what I saw!

This picture was taken by my neighbor Steve Ainsworth. And I use it with his permission.

As you can see the tree was old and rotten, part of it was in our road, and the other on the live wires. I remember what a friend, who is an electrician told me. Never go near downed wires! So needless to say, I didn’t.

Lucky for us, we had a side road we could all take to get out. All except for the people who were in the yellow house. Their lines were down until Tuesday morning.

Our power went out at noontime on Monday and stayed off until about 6:30. Thankfully, when we built this house, Jack insisted we install a hardwired generator. I balked at the time. Wasting money, I said. However, after 22 years, I eat my words every time we lose power, and we lose it a lot.

This year we have had so many wind events and it’s only March. It was simply crazy wild. The very best thing I can say is that we now have the connections set up for when we have to use the generator.

The hardwired generator provides automatic electricity to our well’s pump, so we have water, to our furnace, for heat, and to run our hot water heater.

The heavy-duty extension chords come out and while Jack is moving the generator outside and filling up the tank, I go to three places and run the extension chords. With that, we can watch Satellite or Amazon Fire TV, charge the cell phones and computers and even hook up the Internet and do work there. We also hook up the freezer and an extra fridge we have. (The kitchen fridge is on the hardwired system.)

So we made it through another windstorm and today it is so beautiful and calm. Thankfully!

The Weekend Wrap March 29th

Sunday never really dawned. It simply got lighter, but the rain started and continued all day.

I attempted to bring Arnie outside several times. I even got out my umbrella and walked him, but the lawn is a mass of puddles. And Arnie was having none of it.

It brought to mind a time many years ago (17 years to be exact) when Greta was a young puppy, hated the rain and despite her own doggy raincoat, refused to do her thing!

This is the cutest picture that we took of that day of Greta and it still makes me smile. Arnie wouldn’t even put on the rain jacket, so I held up the umbrella and he still looked at me like I’d lost my mind.

It must really stink to have 3-inch legs when you are walking through deep puddles, all in an attempt to relieve yourself!

Aside from the non-stop rain, it was a very quiet and peaceful weekend. I even managed to sleep in until 7:30 in the morning! Something I have not done in a very long time.

I hope you all had a great weekend and that it was a lot drier than ours has been!

What A Day It Was!

I woke early on Friday, as I felt somewhat nervous about my upcoming appointment with my Glaucoma Doctor. During a recent visit to get new glasses, I found not only elevated pressures but a decrease in my vision in my left eye.

I was also a bit nervous because we were having torrential downpours and I really don’t like driving in the rain.

I came out to make my chocolate-Banana-Pancake and while trying to open the seal on a bottle of Vanilla I stabbed my thumb! I stood there in the kitchen thinking that perhaps I should just chuck the day and go back to bed!

Since that was not really an option, I sat down, ate breakfast, and then proceeded to get ready for the day. I did my hair and dressed in real clothes. No leggings and tunics for me!

Shortly after lunch, I headed out. The sky was dark and gloomy, the fog still had not lifted. It was cold, muddy, and yucky! And oh, the rain!

I stopped for gas and then since I did have a few minutes I stopped to look at a new Cell Phone with Verizon.

I went in, and during my talk with the salesmen I found out that my current cell phone is 5 years old! He was shocked by how my Galaxy S8 looks brand new. Well, I got a poured-on screen protector, I use an Otter Box phone protector, and, well, I take really good care of this phone. I try pretty hard to take care of my special and expensive things.

I mentioned all the things I like about my phone, and aside from a better camera, the new S21 does not have the things I like in a Cell Phone. Most importantly, the backup SD Card!

So right now, since my phone is still what I need for me, I’m not going to get a new one.

I arrived at my Eye Appointment and I was really upset. In fact, I did something I have never done before. I said, “Oh I think I left my glasses in the other room”. The technician came back and looked at me and laughed. “Maribeth, they’re on your face!” Yeah, I felt like a silly old lady! But really, that’s how weird my day had been going.

The doctor came in and there are a few problems and I will need some laser surgery to help get my pressures down. The first surgery is on April 9th. Our wedding anniversary.

The sun was shining when I came out and the temperature was in the 70’s! Beautiful! But, as I drove north toward home, it got darker and darker and then the rain started again.

Ugh!

I did manage to finish the day cooking dinner, feeding dogs, and doing the dishes without injuring myself! This was a real accomplishment.

So despite the fact that my day has been less than perfect, it was okay and actually could have been worse. So I will take it. I guess one must look to make lemonade when you find yourself with an abundance of lemons!

The Friday Five March 26th

The week seemed to fly by. I think because, for most of the week, I have felt quite tired and nodded off in my chair, making me feel older than my 62 years! But here we are, at the end of another week. And here is the Week’s Friday Five!

As mentioned above, I am still dragging and fighting the after-effects of the Covid-19 shot. I am feeling better than I did last Sunday, but I am still so darn tired and have no get-up and go. (It got up and went!)
I saw my Dermatologist and had a small pre-cancerous growth removed. We’d tried freezing it, but after 4 or 5 times it kept growing back.So, he took it off and then cauterized it. A mini-ouchie here.
I was in to see my dentist and have my cracked tooth prepared for a crown. It wasn’t too bad, except I kept getting cramped in my shoulder. I figured it was a cramp or I was dying of a heart attack. It’s a good thing that when I moved, the cramp went away.
Today I will be going to see my Glaucoma Doctor. I know my eye pressures are up and I expect she will be changing my eye drops. I am not thrilled about having Glaucoma. It runs in my family and I had hoped to have escaped it, but unfortunately, I have not.
My plans for this weekend are simple. Laundry and sleep. If a day dawns with sunny and warm weather I will go out and walk. But currently, we are in the middle of mud season, so no walking along the country dirt roads!As you can see, this means that all dirt roads are mud. All White German Shepherds are covered with brown sticky mud, and your shoes go squish in the mud! Yuck!

Have a great weekend everyone! Enjoy whatever you plan to do!!!