Life – Page 37 – The Dackel Princess

Dashing Through The Snow…..

Now I am truly ready for spring! Up here in the wilds of Northern New Hampshire, it is still very much winter. Oh, the days are getting longer, yes, but the air is cold and the snow is out there, still deep and not melting. Come on now, Mother Nature, I want some springtime, warm weather and I would truly enjoy seeing my bulbs pop through the ground!

I took the dogs outside this morning and tossed balls all around for them to play with. As I listened to Fritz something became very apparent to me.

The new rabies and town registration tags make an annoying tinkle every time he moves. It was dreadful! However, he must have these tags on, so what was I to do?

I stood thinking, or trying to, as the tinkling noise was making me crazy, when I had an idea!

Both of these tags are blank on the back. I took them and I glued the backs together, making one tag! No more tinkling!!!! Oh praise the Lord! My sanity is safe!

Meanwhile, Anneliese, Arnie and Greta all are having fun running through through the snow chasing the emerging squirrels and chipmunks.

Now picture this: Three little dackels, dashing through the snow, and one middle-aged woman, dressed in her robe and slipper clogs and jacket running after them!

Yes, my neighbors are getting a good show this spring! I sure hope they are enjoying it! lol!

Quiet Day

Sunday was a very strange day. It began with cool sunshine, and by noon the clouds had arrived and the wind had picked up. No sooner had we finished lunch and Hubby had gone outside to prune some trees when we looked across the lake and saw a wall of snow flurries headed our way.

I went to the back door and started to call the dogs, when the snow hit! Hubby and I got them all in and then we started a roaring fire in the hearth. Anneliese came by me and she was shivering a little so I got her sweater out and put it on her. She is now lying in front of the fireplace in her sweater looking as cute as can be!

Albeit, very chubby! That sweater used to be a little big on her and now, well, she fills it out!

Doesn’t she look happy lying there?

Greta is sitting by my side and Arnie too. It’s a nice quiet Sunday.

My Dad

My Dad passed away on Thursday morning at 7:30. His battle with heart disease, leukemia and emphysema finally were over. He passed away with a nurse by his side. Somehow I think he wanted it like this. I don’t think he wanted Mom or Mel, to have to remember him in those last moments.

Today I want to share a few pictures of dad over the years. The first picture is from a newspaper article about our family back in 1966 when Dad did the music for The Sound Of Music and Mel, Mom and I were in the cast. Yes, that is me sitting next to Dad. I was 7 years old.

The next picture is Dad and me when I was about 12 or 13 years old. I was going through a chubby phase.

This is a picture taken on the one and only trip I took alone with my parents. We went to Bermuda to celebrate their 25th wedding anniversary. Notice that Dad always had on a tie. He wore one every day until after he retired from teaching.

This is a picture of Dad with my two girls, Katie and Mandy. Dad didn’t travel much, but he and Mom came one day to visit us in New Hampshire. It was so great to see them.

This picture was taken before I started Weight Watchers. It didn’t matter to Dad. He always loved us no matter how we looked.

And this is the last picture of all of us taken at their 60th wedding anniversary last July.

And this was the invitation to their party. We used what I thought was the nicest picture of my Dad and Mom from their wedding.

My Dad was born in Boston on January 12th 1927. He was the only child of my grandparents, Sam and Elsie.

He met my Mom when they were 13 and 14 years old. Dad was a pianist and Mom was a ballerina. She loved his smile and his musical ability and he loved her dancing and her red sweater!

They married in 1948 in Brighton, Massachusetts. My brother Richard was born in 1951, Mel in 1953 and I came along in 1958.

Dad was the music teacher for the school system we attended on Cape Cod. He also played the organ for church services and for weddings and funerals all over our home town. During the summer he worked on the desk at the local police station.

The end of his life was difficult and painful. We were all so relieved when he went to Hospice because his suffering was finally over and was no longer in pain.

As I stood by his bed on Sunday and held his hand I looked around at my sister and mother and father and realized that this was the last time the four of us would be together. The next chapter of dad’s life would be spent with my brother and daughter, Katie in Heaven.

Rest in peace, Dad. I love you.

Two More Days

Two more days until we go to the Veterinarians to find out if Anneliese is pregnant. I feel almost 99.9% sure that she is, but I will be happy when I hear from trained fingers that they feel the little embryo sacks that indicate that she is with pups.

She is being even more loving and likes to snuggle more and more every day. I am just thrilled to see this. These are all good signs.

My Dad is slipping away. That’s about all I can say for now. I am thankful for my faith in God at this time. It helps to get me through the day.

A Spring Day In New Hampshire

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.

The End Of The Week

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.

March 10 015

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.

The Weekend

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!!!

Lot’s of Work & Happy Valentines Day!

February 13, 2009

Scorpio (10/23-11/21)

If you’re looking for an easy way to get through a busy day, spend part of your morning getting the rest of the day organized. You might not be a morning person, but once you start seeing how things fall into place, your energy level will go through the roof. Nothing is as exciting as new possibilities for you right now, and there will be many in your day. Things are going to get done, deadlines will be met, and your schedule is going to have a lot more room — for a lot more fun.

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This was my horoscope for Friday. It was amazing because this is exactly how my day went. I was up early (5:30 AM!) I was able to get everything done, all deadlines were met, and since Hubby helped me out, it made the day go so much better.

He drove me to Worcester, Massachusetts to see the Federal Veterinarian. He signed my documents and now Anneliese is ready to go. Once again Anneliese was a perfect little traveler, and we actually made the trip in good time.

We took the back roads home. These were roads that Hubby and I had once driven frequently. It was as if we were in a time warp. Nothing had changed!

We were back in time for lunch and then my real work began. There was vacuuming, dusting, bed making and laundry to do, plus I repacked my suitcase in a vain attempt to make my clothes smaller or the suitcase bigger. In the end I took out an extra pair of jeans and those will be left behind.

I paid bills, ran to the Post Office, picked up the dry cleaning, and went to the bank. Upon my return I started dinner and finally sat down to rest! Once I finish up with the dinner dishes I plan to get into my pajamas and do nothing!

So now here we are, Valentines Day and I am going to post this little video to my dear family and friends. I love you all and wish you a very Happy Valentines Day!

Make video montages at www.OneTrueMedia.com

And The Storm Is On It’s Way!

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!

The Good

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.

Category: Life