Category: Life

It was a beautiful day here in New Hampshire. Our thermometer rose to 50 degrees (F) and the sun shone brightly. The snow melted, the dogs played and the husband enjoyed spending a little time in the driveway moving snow from the edges to melt on the pavement.

Since it was St. Patrick’s Day I put a corned beef and cabbage meal into the crock pot to slowly cook all day. Oh my, it smells good!

Meanwhile, I caught up with my other work, clearing the clutter (we are terrible clutter-a-holics. Why is this?), and doing laundry too. I was actually quite productive today. It felt good to keep busy.

My sister called me when she could to let me know how things were going for my Dad. Sadly, it’s not good. I wish I could be there. At this point it doesn’t matter too much to him, but I wish I could be there for my mother and sister.

Ah, life.

Friday I had an appointment with my retinal surgeon. I have a problem with my retina and eventually will require additional surgery, as I am slowly losing vision in my left eye. The appointment went well, as I don’t need surgery in the next couple of months, and I am truly blessed with an excellent doctor who treats me like a member of his family.

My only problem was driving home afterward. They had to dilate both of my eyes, and the sun was so bright, and it was reflected on the snow and I COULD NOT SEE! I ended up stopping in a shop and getting a cheap pair of sunglasses to wear over my regular sunglasses so I could drive home. This is the first time I have had this problem. Usually the dilation doesn’t bother me.

On the home front, Mr Arnie Man has just been so darn cute the last few days. I think he missed me while I was in Germany. He cuddles pretty closely to me, (Hubby as well) and has been giving me the cutest poses.

Hubby and Arnie.

Mr. Arnie Man.

Anneliese continues to show signs of pregnancy. I can hardly wait until next week when I can bring her in and find out for sure.

I’m slowly getting caught up on my time zones, although I admit to another afternoon nap on Sunday.

I never have a problem going east when I travel, but returning and going west just wipes me out! Perhaps I am just getting old! LOL!

Anneliese is showing the first signs that tell me that it is very possible she is pregnant. The usual canine heat lasts a full 3 weeks. When a dog successfully mates they begin to have a slowing of the heat a few days early. This is happening with Anneliese.

Since this will be my B litter I must start considering good German names that begin with the letter B. Anyone with a name can put it in the comments and we will announce the winners at a later date.

As far as I can guess the pups will arrive April 24-29th. Or there abouts. Not long at all. It will be fun to watch Anneliese’s little belly get big and full of babies. I remember watching Greta and enjoying every minute of her pregnancy!

My Dad is continuing his slow decline. I think the worst part is that he is suffering. I hate to think about it.

Monday is Veterinarian Day for the Dackels. They all need their shots for the year and I am sure, all will be well.

Have a great week!!!

I woke Tuesday morning to news that a fairly large snow storm will be hitting us on Wednesday! We’re talking 12 inches of the white stuff! So while Hubby hit the slopes skiing, I decided it was better for me to go forage for food.

I went and bought a months worth of dog food, and biscuits for the doggies. I also bought toothpaste and a new pair of reading glasses for myself, due to the fact that I forgot my readers at home and needed something to read the labels with at the store.

Next I went to the grocery store, and procured all that we would need for the next week. Yogurt, eggs, bread, vegetables, etc.

I gassed up the Jeep and  then I did one thing I didn’t actually need to do, but wanted to do. I got some new Clinique make-up, and a new set of pajamas. All on sale.

I came home and  I needed to carry it all up the stairs and into the house. After carrying all the canned dog food up it suddenly dawned on me!

I have too many dogs!

I put everything away, made lunch and raced off to the dentist. No cavities! Yay!

When I got home I put on the local weather and found out that they have upped the forecast for the snow. They say we may now get 12-18 inches of snow!

Well, I have enough food for man and beast, I can miss a few meetings if I have to, and I’ve got plenty of wood for the fireplace. I guess I am ready for the storm. However much snow we end up getting!

Sunday was both a tough day and a nice day. I think more nice than tough. It was my Uncle’s Memorial Service, (my cousin, Janet’s Dad), and although I found the last moments of my eulogy for him tough (yes, I cried), I also found the day wonderful!

You see, I got to be with my family. My daughter, sister, cousins, all of us. Together. Sharing that time, talking about happy memories and catching up with each other.

I looked around the church and I saw all the faces of the people that I love and I felt blessed. How lucky we are to have each other and to share our lives.

The time passed very fast and before we knew it, we had to leave to come home. The good part of the day was over. We hugged and kissed and said our farewells, promising to all get together this summer for a family day.

A Happy Family Day, just like Grandma used to plan for us.

I’ll be going down to my Uncle’s Memorial Service today. There I will see my  family, as we all gather to say our farewells to my wonderful Uncle.

You know, Uncle George was, perhaps the only family member who everyone loved. He was so gentle, kind and giving, that everyone loved him.

I’ve written some memories to share and I have been practicing. Mostly I have been practicing so that when I speak I won’t break down and cry.

Uncle George was really important to me and I loved him so much. I probably didn’t tell him near enough, but I know he knew.

On Christmas I got to speak to him for the last time. He wished me a Merry Christmas and told me that he loved me. It was a wonderful gift.

So wish me luck and say a prayer that I’ll make it through today without too many tears.

I went skiing today. Yes, skiing. Not only did I go skiing, but I actually skied on the black diamond trails. This means I had to work at getting down the slopes without killing myself. It was fun, however, and I felt good and tired after my runs on the mountain.

We’re starting looking for new furniture for our family room. Both Hubby and I need new chairs. His must be king size, as he is very tall, and mine must have room for three dachshunds and myself. So far, we have not found the perfect chairs, but the hunt goes on.

Hubby and I went out for some Chinese food at lunch. It was a different restaurant, actually owned by a lovely Vietnamese family, and the food is good. I ate only half of my lunch and brought the other half home for Hubby to have for lunch tomorrow.

Sunday is my much loved Uncle’s Memorial Service. I will be speaking at it, sharing my loving memories of a man who made such a difference in my life. My cousin Janet is feeling pretty blue about this, as she has been really close to her Dad. We will get through it, as we all come together to say farewell to this wonderful man.

It’s cold and due to get colder by Sunday. Brrrrr!

Here are the results for yesterdays poll.

The Great Jacket Poll
The jacket is great but…

1. Is fabulous on you. Keep it! 87.8% – 36 votes
2. Is much better for a younger woman. Mandy is a lucky girl! 12.2% – 5 votes

total votes: 41

So guess what? I’m going to keep it, but if Mandy or my sister want to borrow it, well I am open to that too!

I thank you all for your comments and suggestions. I will remember to lose the turtleneck and go with a camisole.

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Hubby saw the Nuerologist today and we got a good report. Yes it was a stroke, but now we know what he must do to prevent another one. Take his high blood pressure medication, and control his diabetes. Oh, and exercise! Yes, the doctor wants to see him back out on the slopes skiing when he feels ready, and continue to work out.

We just loved this doctor. He was so good, so thorough and easily explained a very complicated problem.

After we went and had lunch, and for the first time in a couple of weeks I felt relaxed. Unfortunately we both got a touch of food poisoning, so I’m afraid our once favorite Chinese restaurant is now going to be a thing of the past.

We shopped for groceries, came home and put them away. We walked the dogs, and made a stomach easy dinner.

Thank’s everyone for voting!!!