Life – Page 6 – The Dackel Princess

An Autumn Thursday Thirteen

Since there is so much happening around me I thought I would do an Autumn Thursday Thirteen. Here goes.

It’s been a beautiful Autumn. The leaves were vivid and bright and glorious! Some years, not so much, others, like this year, lovely.
Chalk one good thing up for 2020!
I had to go for pre-op work yesterday and a Covid test. I was a little nervous because I’d heard the Covid test is terrible. So, as I drove to Concord, and passed two McDonalds, and three Duncan Donuts, my old habits of eating the anxiety hit me. I wanted to call someone to talk me off the wall, but it was so early. So, I sat up tall, straightened my crown, and kept on driving!
Of course, when I arrived at the Out-Patient Surgical Center, I walked into their lobby and what do I see? A Green Mountain Coffee stand with Cider-belly Donuts and treats! Once I checked in, I sat with my back toward the stand and soldiered on!
On my way home…I stopped and had my hair done. After all, I will not be able to be around any chemicals after the surgery during my incision healing. I asked for shorter hair and got the cutest cut! Thank you so much, Becca!
After that, I came home and made lunch. I cooked up several eggplants, ate a little, and then made an Eggplant Parmesan (WW Recipe).
Since I have three more eggplants, I plan to cook them up today and make a casserole of Eggplant Parmesan then cut into portions and freeze for future meals.
Yesterday I woke up early, and I said: “Alexa what is the weather in Meredith, New Hampshire?” Well, Alexa said it was partly cloudy, with breaks.” Well, Alexa lied. It rained the entire day!
I woke early today. I have a lot to do, and although I am isolating here at home, I would like to get caught up on laundry and change sheets, etc. The first load of laundry is already in the wash!
What is it with all this pumpkin mania? This morning they did a story on the news about canned pumpkin shortages! Really? Really? I was just at the store the other day and I was able to buy several cans.
How many of you decided that as we approach flu season it might be a good idea to stock up on a few things? In the last few weeks, I have stocked up on canned soups, vegetables, and pre-packaged potatoes. I have a freezer full of meat, chicken, turkey, and fish, and should the worst occur, we are prepared.
Oh yes, I also bought the jumbo size toilet paper, paper towels, kleenex, and napkins. Needless to say, I have plenty of cleaning aids.
I also just ordered a box of paper masks from the USA Company. So, we will be set to be able to cover up.
I love the yarn I bought for my latest afghan.
In fact, I love it so much that once this one is done, I am going to make another with the same yarn for me!
And lastly, my favorite Apple is back on our shelves! It is called Koru and it was originally from New Zealand, although there are places in the USA that now grow it. Oh, I cannot tell you how happy I am!

Today was the day that our big rain arrived. We have not had any measurable rain for some time, and right now we are hoping that the forecast of 2 inches of the wet stuff is true. Personally, I do not think it was.

I have planned Steak Fajitas for tonight’s dinner, but I did need some Fat Free Sour Cream and my low-calorie Wraps. I was amazed at how diet-friendly I can make these.

Again, the day yesterday was sunny and pretty and the ride to the store and back was a nice one, but there was something new to enjoy.

Amazon offered me 4 months of Amazon Prime Music for 99¢. I felt like I needed to try this, especially as I made the leap and ordered an Echo Show for my bedside.

The Echo will allow me to have a good size clock, one that resets automatically, one I can play music on, and even watch videos.

It wasn’t terribly expensive and I am looking forward to having it by my side. So often at night, I have trouble sleeping and the TV lights up the room. If I can just listen to soft music I think it will help.

Have a great Thursday everyone!

I Wish, I Wish…

I wish, I could bottle weather like this. Cool in the 70’s with bright blue skies, no wind and sunshine that warms the soul.

I wish, that when you reach your goal on a diet, that your metabolism would magically change so that you could eat anything you wanted and never again gain weight!

I wish, that people didn’t age. I know it is wonderful to learn things as we go along in life and to gain wisdom, but why should the acquisition of wisdom come at the cost of your body.

I wish, that time didn’t rush by us so quickly on the days when the wonderful things are happening, and then seem to drag on, when your life is going to hell.

I wish, I wish, I wish…

Restoring My Faith

Sometimes after a long week and several frustrating things occurring, something will happen that restores my faith in the human race.

On Monday I saw that there was a reimbursement check in my mailbox for me, for Arnie’s care. As you know, it never arrived, despite the Informed Delivery Photo that showed it was on its way.

On Friday there was no check again. Jack and I decided not to wait until Monday, but to call the Pharmaceutical Company and tell them what was happening.

I called them and I have to tell you that they couldn’t have been nicer to me. They asked all about Arnie and took down all my details. Then they opened our file and the Accountant stopped payment on the missing check and told me she would be issuing a new one today. By early next week, the new check will arrive and all will be well.

Well, that just ended my week so very nicely. I am going to be able to relax and not think about this all weekend. Yay!

Thoughts on Life

I was thinking today about life. How each and every one of us has a very individual life, despite what we may share with family and friends.

I’ve had some moments, some times in my life, that I went through alone, with no one beside me. Be it a shopping trip, or a plane ride to see someone, or even going off to grocery shop, and stopping for a meal alone. Or even more challenging times.

The experiences are singular and we alone have the memories.

Some people might not like that idea. They’re very group-oriented. And yet, it is the sweetness of our individuality, that can actually enrich our relationships with other people.

I value my alone time. My quiet time. I like to read, or write, or maybe cook something wonderful. But it’s during this time that my soul’s internal batteries recharge.

I think I was 7 or 8 years old when I realized I really liked being off by myself. Back then it was perfectly fine for your kid to ride their bike all around town. And I did.

I rode to the local convenience store. Often getting bread, milk, and cigarettes for my mother. Then riding home. Sometimes I rode to the beach and sat on the jetties watching the ocean.

On some occasions I had company, but more often then not I was alone. And that was just fine.

Looking back I realize the importance of learning to be alone. I never realized it until I was well into my 50’s.

Love yourself. Be happy with yourself, and the world will be full of adventures. Alone or with those you love!

The Power of Music

The TV was on and Jack sat down after dinner and suddenly the news was on. It was terrible, horrible news, and I found myself shaking. A man was being mugged and beaten in the street. It brought my own mugging, right back to my heart and soul.

So I sat down at my computer, put my headphones on, and turned on the music of my youth!

It is still too soon to go to bed, so writing this and listening to Freddie Mercury & Queen, or The Alan Parsons Project or Pilot, helped to calm me.

It’s funny really. When I was a teenager and life was complicated and I wanted to check out, I would go up to my room and do this. Only back then it was with my record player.

Ah yes. The healing powers of musical tunes. How lucky we are to have them to use to escape.

And The Survey Says…

I picked up the latest copy of a magazine that I really enjoy. In fact, I used to subscribe to it because I liked the news and recipes and fashion. As a subscriber, I got a reduced price and a few bonuses along the way.

Anyway, I picked up the latest issue and started to turn page after page after page. There were many nice recipes, new fashions, and of course advertisements. Then I hit page 52 and my world was shattered. The column was about what to eat in your 20s, 30s, & 40s. (No mention of your 50s, 60, 70s, etc)

In your twenties, you should be eating eggs, vegetables, chicken, coconut water, Greek yogurt, and quinoa. In your thirties, you should be eating oatmeal, nuts, tuna, edamame, avocado, and lentils. In your forties, you should be eating ginger, cherries, salmon, kale, extra virgin olive oil, and green tea.

But I’m in my sixties! What am I supposed to be eating? Or is it that after you turn fifty it’s all over anyway, so you might as well give up!

I thought about this for a while and actually started to feel bad, then my phone rang and it was a man doing a survey for our local electric company. Now I love my electric company, they do a good job, (the rates are bad, but heck they are bad everywhere!) and they’re very friendly when I need them. So I answered his survey. At the very end, he asked how old I was. Now, what on earth does my age have to do with the electrical current?

You know, my age never bothered me until I read the article, but today I was actually feeling old. I told him how old I was and why I was feeling bad about it. He laughed and then said, “It’s okay, that’s young! I’m 68!”

After that, I felt better and went about my day.

At least Weight Watchers has helped to give me guidelines to follow about the foods to eat to make you healthy.

But between the magazine and the electric company survey, I sort of felt tremendously over the hill!

Life Goes On

Arnie is doing better although we still do not have all the blood work in.

So, this means we are in a wait and see act with the Pharmaceutical Company. I am sure they will try to get out of paying for Arnie’s care. Meanwhile, I wait to hear from the Emergency Veterinary Center, as they ran tests before he was given antibiotics.

(Update: Arnie’s bloodwork came back from the Emergency Clinic and he does indeed have Lepto!)

After speaking with my Vet today we’ve decided to keep Arnie and Anneliese on Doxycycline for another month. We want to be safe with them both.

Jack helped me carry my 6 bags of too-big clothes down to my car. There were three items I kept. I will put them away, but these three items were my favorites. They made me feel safe. Hidden.

One of these items is a sweater. A big old wrap around-sweater. I won’t wear it in public, but I will use it when I am feeling sick as a cuddle. Did you ever have a sweater or robe or sweatshirt that you wear when you don’t feel well and it is comforting? That is what this sweater is for me. I could not get rid of it.

Well, life goes on, doesn’t it? I think all one can do is the best that they can do.

The Mouse, The Leak & The Plumber

My usual posting was interrupted yesterday by the plumber.

A few weeks ago I noticed a little puddle on the floor under the sink in the laundry room. I mentioned this to Jack and he said he’d reseat the pipe.

Unfortunately, this did not work. By Sunday we had a lot of water on the floor. And no bucket or anything was clearing it or holding it.

So on Monday, we called our Plumber. He has done odds and ends for us for years now, and he came along with his apprentice.

Next, I heard drilling. That is never a good sign. But I didn’t want to know until it was over.

We have under the floor heating, with rubber-type piping. This same kind of piping/hose goes to the sinks, washer, dishwasher, etc.

A little mouse had managed to squeeze through an infinitesimal hole around the drain pipe.

Then the little bugger was hungry and chewed a small hole in the pipe/hose. It is my greatest hope that this gave the rodent indigestion which led to his demise!

So, the leak is fixed and now we need to get a sheet rocker in here to repair the hole left by our plumber!

The joys of homeownership!

Here Comes The Sun…

It was hot, humid, and hazy a large portion of the day. This caused me to spend a lot of time outside and in the water.

After being cooped up for so long, it felt good to feel the sun on my face and the wind on my back. Unfortunately, I forgot the golden rule. Sunscreen, sunscreen, sunscreen!

It’s my face and the tops of my shoulders. A bit sore and up close my repaired nose looks really funny!

As you can see, the stitched up part burnt in a strange fashion. I’m sure it will be toned down by tomorrow. After this, I will be sure to use sunscreen again, all the time!

Category: Life