My Life – Page 103 – The Dackel Princess

Wednesday Hodgepodge

1. Your favorite chocolate treat?

Chocolate Peppermint Bark. It’s only available at Christmas, but oh, it is so yummy. Truth be told though, I’ll eat anything chocolate!

2. What more than anything else makes you feel loved?

It’s the very little things. Hugs, cuddles, smiles, the look in someones eyes, etc.

3. Cherries or blueberries?

Since we have three Cherry trees, I’ll say Cherry, but….our friend has Blueberries, and we go over and pick like crazy, and I make things with those too.

4. What is the one trait you most want the leader of your country to possess?

Integrity. Definition: Integrity is a concept of consistency of actions, values, methods, measures, principles, expectations, and outcomes. In ethics, integrity is regarded as the honesty and truthfulness of one’s actions. The word “integrity” stems from the Latin adjective integer (whole, complete).[2] In this context, integrity is the inner sense of “wholeness” deriving from qualities such as honesty and consistency of character.

5. Are you a saver or a spender?

I used to be a spender. I really love to shop. Now, I have learned that it’s best to be a saver.

6. If you gave a party for all of your friends would they already know each other?

Not at all. I have friends far and wide. I think they all know of each other, but they haven’t met.

7. Are you interested in antiques?

Only family ones. For instance this Noah’s Ark came from Mülheim an der Ruhr, Germany, with my grandfather, when he emigrated to this country. He was just 9 years old at the time. I love this little ark, and the memories of him that it evokes.

8. Insert your own random thought here.

For all of you who have been following my blog friend, Joanne’s progress since her stroke, there are great things to report. She is eating pop-cycles, and using an Ipad to communicate with everyone! If you go to this post you can read and see her progress. This post was written by Joanne’s sister complete with some of the most beautiful pictures! Her sister and husband are in a few of them, and Joanne’s beautiful hands! So go HERE and read and see how God really does answer our prayers.

Feeling Great!

Monday morning I woke with a feeling of extreme fitness! Now this doesn’t happen often for this middle aged, menopausal woman, so I quickly woke Hubby and suggested we go skiing! It was actually near perfect weather! In the upper 20’s, a slight wind, and skies that were clouded over and not too bright for my, rather sensitive eyes!

Once Hubby recovered from the shock of my actually wanting to go skiing, he quickly donned his clothes, and once the thermos was full of delicious hot coffee, we headed to the ski area.

Along the way, we grabbed a breakfast sandwich, and enjoyed the beauty of snow covered trees.

The Ski Area was nearly empty, also perfect, and we parked and carried our gear into the lodge. We left our skis and poles outside, and proceeded in to put on our ski pants and boots. Slowly, due to age and the fact that the ski gear doesn’t go on, as easily as it did when we were younger, we dressed!

After I was all set and in my gear, barely recognizable to even Hubby, I saw a friend. I went over and said hello in a deep voice and then pulled my face mask down, laughing all the while! We visited for a bit and then Hubby and I headed for the mountain.

We rode on the high speed quad lift, and about half way up, we saw a family of tiny chickadees pecking at some bird feed that someone had tossed out for them. And in the middle of the birds was one tiny, baby, red squirrel. How adorable is that?

The skiing was perfect and I flew down the mountain over and over and over. Hubby hardly knew it was me, as there was no groaning or complaints coming from the skier next to him on the lift or when we stopped on the slopes!

I even skied the entire morning with him! I was really feeling happy and smiling all the while. We changed back into our normal clothes, and then grabbing our skis, returned to the car.

I felt great!

We rode home, which only took about 20 minutes, but by the time we arrived, my legs felt a little bit like spaghetti! I somehow made us a quickie lunch, and then sat down to sip on my tea. It actually took me three teas until I got my second wind.

But, I am happy. I felt a little more confident and I think my legs are actually getting into shape! Could that be?

Hubby then surprised me with roses and I made lamb chops, and it was then end of another perfect Valentine’s Day!

What I Did This Weekend

Our host is Gattina. Come join us and tell us what YOU did this past weekend! After all, you never know when you will need an alibi!

***************

It was a full weekend here in Dackel Princess land. I sort of knew it would be, and I wouldn’t have it any other way!

Saturday was a bit of a lazy day, but then we enjoyed some interesting TV shows, a little snow, and each others company.

It’s nice to be married to your best friend, because there are times in a long term relationship that you just want to be quiet, and your other half seems to know that you need that time.

Sunday morning started off with….Anneliese going into heat! Now, before anyone gets excited, I’m not breeding her this time, but next fall when both she and I will have the time. Meanwhile I had to break out the panties!

My cousin Janet came up with her boyfriend, Dave and we celebrated Christmas, New Years and Valentine’s Day with a fantastic meal of Lobster and Steamers!!! Janet and Dave gifted us with the seafood for our Christmas gifts! Thanks guys! It was just perfect!!!

Feb 13 11 017

The cook.

Feb 13 11 012

Our meal.

It was also the Ice Fishing Derby up here. The derby is a large event where fishermen from far and wide come to try their luck on the ice of our great lakes here in New Hampshire. The lakes freeze up and you can even drive a heavy truck on them. Men (and the ladies too!) bring their augers and drill large holes in the ice and fish. You can go HERE and learn all about it.

The temperatures were mostly bearable, and we had a great time walking around. We all were taking pictures and here is a short montage I made from the pictures Hubby and I took!

Sunday at the Ice Fishing Derby from Dackel Princess Maribeth on Vimeo.

We came home to 4 very happy dogs, and we made hot tea, and chocolate dipped strawberries. Yum!

Dreams

I had truly strange dreams last night. I know it is because I didn’t do very well at Weight Watchers this week. Here is the dream:

I was speaking with a woman I have only met twice. A Weight Watchers Recruiter. In any case, she was sitting across the desk from me, and she was asking me about the things that I eat for each meal. No problem, I started telling her and she stopped me, and then told me to tell her each meal, and the points involved.

I stuttered and stammered and tried to recall how many points in each thing that I put on my plate had! I could feel my nerves climb and then there was no sound coming from my mouth.

Last week I did not journal, so I cannot tell you how many points I ate. That is not a good thing. I know I do my very best when I write absolutely everything down.

Perhaps this is a kick in the pants from my subconscious? I’m not exactly sure, but I know that I do plan to measure, weigh it and write it this week!

Wednesday Hodgepodge

1. What is more important-doing what you love or loving what you do?

I guess I sort of see that as being the same thing, isn’t it? I love being a Mom, Wife, Homemaker and Doggy Mama, and I love doing all the things that make those things part of my world. Am I simply blessed being able to do what I love in this world? Perhaps this is so.

2. Do you like bleu cheese?

Love, love, love, blue cheese. In fact I just made a lettuce wedge salad for lunch yesterday and that has chunks of blue cheese and drizzles of dressing. The recipe is HERE

3. What is the most difficult emotion for you to handle?

Sadness. I have known such great sadness in my life, and I find that the sadness of others touches me so deeply that I cannot handle it too well. A good example of this is, that I recently went to a memorial service for a person whom I didn’t know (I knew his wife), and I could barely contain my tears. I felt choked with emotion and after trying to blend in with the wall for a reasonable amount of time, I left.

4. Fresh flowers or a box of chocolate?

I love chocolate, but since chocolate goes right to my hips, I will say flowers. A beautiful bouquet of flowers always brighten my day!

5. What’s a song you love that has the word ‘love’ in its title? It doesn’t have to be a ‘love song’.

The Power of Love-Huey Lewis and the News, I Love You-The Climaxx Blues Band. All You Need Is Love-The Beatles here you are, three of my favorites. Can you tell, I am a golden oldie?

6. Are you the person you wanted to be when you grew up?

I think it’s very difficult to know who you want to be ultimately when you are growing up. I certainly wanted to be a mother, wife, home maker, but personally I don’t think I planned on being spiritually, who I am. All of life’s lessons have molded me into the woman I have become.

7. Any special Valentines Day plans?

My cousin and her boyfriend are coming up on Sunday to celebrate with Lobsters and Steamers! It’s always a great time when they come! Then on Monday, the actual Valentine’s Day, I will do something just for Hubby. Perhaps, Steaks with Baked Stuffed Potatoes and Asparagus!

8. Insert your own random thought here.

Our blogging friend Joanne continues do do splendidly at rehab. So many people around the world sending their prayers have worked miracles for Joanne and her family. Please take a moment and stop over at Joanne’s Blog Her Blog, The Simple Wife for the latest on her condition. Keep those prayers coming! Also if you want to send a Get Well card, you can send them to Joanne Heim, c/o Kristen Haufschild, 11004 Grayledge Circle, Highlands Ranch, CO 80130 They have been reading each card to Joanne and decorating her room with them.

What I Did This Weekend

Our host is Gattina. Come join us and tell us what YOU did this past weekend! After all, you never know when you will need an alibi!

***************

My weekend was very full. Perhaps more than I’d counted on.We shopped early on Saturday and yet, still got caught in a snow storm. The roads were bad and I was nervous, but Hubby is an ace driving in the snow and we made it home just fine!

It was quite a storm though, which brought more snow, and ice and, of all things thunder and lightening snow to our area! It doesn’t happen very often, in fact I cannot recall the last time it happened here, but the noise was loud enough to wake me from my slumbers and cause me to rush out of bed to get Hubby to turn off our new TV!

All was fine, but it was a fright, so when I went back to bed, I had trouble getting back to sleep.

On Sunday we discovered that Hubby’s 5 year old laptop had gone to computer Heaven. Nothing dramatic, I was able to recover all of his files and email, and here is the great thing.

Some of you might recall that a year or so ago, my Dell computer was diagnosed as being dead. However, after I’d gotten my new Toshiba, I was talking to a computer repair technician who took the one year old Dell laptop in and discovered that the machine just needed one new chip! So, we’ve had an extra laptop laying around for the last 8 months!

May 21 003

I spent most of the day on Sunday programming Hubby’s “new” computer. I’m grateful because we simply do not have the money for a new machine.

Meanwhile the Super Bowl was played and the Green Bay Packers won!!! Yahoo!!!

Friday Fill-Ins

Friday Fill-Ins are sponsored by my cousin Janet. Come on and join the fun!

And…here we go!

1. We are on this earth to learn the lessons of this place before we pass to the next.

2. It’s truly an experience learning everything we must in this life.

3. One of the hardest things for me to learn to accept the love around me.

4. I dislike it when I am not connected.

5. I remember spinning around in my yard until I fell down into the fragrant grass, and stared up into the bright sunny skies, without a care in the world! Oh, to be 8 years old again!.

6. Having my children and their early years is one of the best parts of my life.

7. And as for the weekend, tonight I’m looking forward to fire in the hearth (It’s only -5 degrees F right now!), tomorrow my plans include probably shoveling snow and playing with the dachshunds in the falling snow. 5-8 inches are predicted and Sunday, I want to watch SUPER BOWL!

Cleaning Up

Thursday turned into an unexpectedly nice day. Hubby and I took the opportunity to clear our driveway, and the patio out back.

Fritz is always such a great help. He simply loves to be outside with us while we work!

We have another storm due in on Saturday. They are forecasting 5-8 inches!

Today would have been my Grandmother’s birthday’s. She would have been 113 years old. Here she is, long ago, in her wedding gown.

Her name was Mary Frances. She was an amazing woman, and I still miss her!

Wednesday Hodgepodge

On Tuesday morning, we woke to snow. Since my trip to the Medical Center was 55 miles across back roads, and over mountains. Hubby asked me not to go, but to reschedule my two appointments. I didn’t even think twice. This now means two trips across the state to the Medical Center, as I couldn’t get appointments on the same day, but heck…I’m in one piece, so is the car, and I got to spend the day with my sweetie!

1. Would you rather be seen as a person who did their duty or forged their own path?

Maybe a little of both. I’ve been a person who found they had a path that few people had walked, and so I had to make my own way. It was not the easiest of tasks. Somehow, I found my way. In other things, I have done my duty.

2. This week’s Wednesday Hodgepodge happens to fall on Groundhog’s Day. In keeping with that theme, if you could have a do-over of any one day out of the last seven, which day would it be and why. If you haven’t seen the movie Groundhog Day this question will make absolutely no sense but that’s okay….you can answer anyway.

Saturday. We had such a nice day together. We had a nice lunch, nice, afternoon at the cinema and then a terrific dinner, just us two!

You thought my question was going to be weather related didn’t you?

3. Hot cocoa…yay or nay on the marshmallows?

Nay. I am not a marshmallow fan, which is the direct opposite from my sister. She loves marshmallows so much, she even makes her own.

4. Do you wear makeup every day? What are the top two must haves in your daily makeup routine?

Not at all. In fact when I do, I tend to itch and break out. Even when I use the really expensive stuff. But if I do use make up a light cover stick, foundation and blush, with a light lip stick.

5. Is it more important to you in a relationship to be loved or understood?

Good luck with the understanding me totally! Ha! Loved. Just love me and the rest will come.

6. Parsley sage rosemary or thyme… your favorite?

Rosemary, from those four, but I like basil the best!

7. What do you do when you feel angry?

Usually a hot flash! Maybe a twisting in my stomach. I don’t like to be angry, but at least I find I can control my anger better than I used to.

8. Insert your own random thought here.

Once again I want to share how our blogger friend, Joanne is doing. She is our miracle girl! She is doing really great, has been moved from the hospital to a rehabilitation center and is waking from her coma. Joanne has been able to smile, give the sign language symbol for “I Love You” and they recently discovered that she can swallow, which is so important.

You can go to Her Blog, The Simple Wife for updates on her condition.

I ask that you all continue to pray for her, for her husband, Toben and her two daughters, Audrey and Emma.

What I Did This Weekend

Our host is Gattina. Come join us and tell us what YOU did this past weekend! After all, you never know when you will need an alibi!

***************

This entire weekend, I have worried about the weather. So far, most of the weather has gone south of here, and clobbered my sister! However this week, I have to be on the other side of the state on Tuesday, and guess what? They are forecasting a snow storm for my area on Tuesday! And it is on Tuesday that I need to drive across the state to see two of my doctors.

It’s quite difficult to get appointments with these two doctors, especially on the same day, and so unless we are under a state of emergency I am planning to go.

****************

Saturday was our date, where we went to see “The King’s Speech”. You can scroll down and read my review of the movie, but really, what a great movie.

Sunday, it was so cold. Hubby went out to ski, but I stayed home in order to do a few things like clean the kitchen, and plan our meals. I also want to build a fire in the hearth soon, so when Hubby comes home, he can relax in front of a hot fire while he has his lunch.

****************

The news from the local weather men is that Tuesday/Wednesday we will be having a big storm. They’re saying 20 inches of snow for my corner of the world. I’ve got my fingers crossed that it won’t be too bad.