My Life – Page 20 – The Dackel Princess

Being Kidnapped

On Sunday, November 18th, I was instructed to arrive at Mandy’s House at 8:30 AM. I was also instructed to pack some dressy clothes for the evening and a bathing suit.

Odd combination, I thought, and a few weeks back when a friend of Mandy’s asked if I was doing anything special for my sixtieth Birthday, I mentioned the instructions.

“Oh, it sounds like a trip to the Wolf Cub Lodge”, and so I thought we would go and play in the indoor water parks with the children.

Imagine my surprise when I arrived at Mandy’s at exactly 8:29 AM and found her loading the car and telling the kids goodbye. I kissed Savannah and high fived Quinn and off we drove.

We drove down the highway and she said she had to stop at her office. I was excited to see where she works, even though it was Sunday. We pulled into the parking lot and there was exactly one car on the whole lot. And as we drew closer out popped my cousin, Janet!

Amanda’s car came to a stop and I jumped out and ran to hug my much-loved cousin!

She grabbed her case, and tossed it into Mandy’s car and off we went. I was chattering to Janet and not paying attention, but I remember thinking that we were heading into Boston for some interesting overnight there.

I talked and talked, because that’s what I do and the next time I looked at the road, we were in Worcester, MA! Absolutely the opposite direction from Boston.

I watched a little more thinking we were going to a Deli I love in Connecticut! However, we passed on by.

Then I saw a sign for Mohegan Sun. I knew that was a giant Native American Casino, and I was a little confused because I don’t gamble.

We pulled up to the Valet and unloaded the car, and slowly walked into the Lobby. I stood looking around at all the crowded splendor and then I saw her. My sister, Melodie! Waiting for us, for me! How lucky am I?

We immediately hit the Spa, as our room wasn’t ready yet, and I was stripped down, put in a soft robe with a crown, a Magic Wand, s shot glass proclaiming my 60-ness, and a button announcing to all, it was my 60th Birthday!

First up for me was an hour long full body massage! Oh my goodness! Having never had a full body massage before, I felt it was amazing, and so relaxing! Time seemed to stand still and then it was over!

Next up was my mani/pedi. I enjoy those, and picked out a pink sparkly polish!

After that was a very late lunch and finally, our room was ready and we went upstairs to settle in. We had a suite of rooms with two bedrooms, a living room, and two baths. I could get used to this!

I showered and did my hair and lamented at the difficulty of doing your hair when wearing a tiara. I wonder if the Queen and Princess Kate have special hair stylists to help them? I sort of decided that I would just have to make do.

I wore my tiara to dinner and my button too. People smiled at me and wished me a Happy Birthday, and a few times they were kind and told me I didn’t look 60 at all. Yes, true kindness!

We had dinner at Bobby Flays and they had the most amazing food! We all enjoyed our meals but agreed that my stuffed eggs were better than Bobby’s.

Bobby Flays Stuffed Egg.

After dinner, we went to this fantastic Bar for a drink and to enjoy the atmosphere. It was an amazing place.

It was so much fun and such a cool view!

This was all beamed onto the ceiling, but it was so realistic!

My darling daughter, Amanda and me. How can I ever explain to you what a special woman my daughter is? She planned all of this, never let on and surprised me in every way. She loves me unconditionally and embraces my wackiness! I am so lucky, and she is such a blessing!

Tomorrow I will let you know what happened after the cocktails, but this is all for tonight!

Kidnapped!

On Sunday morning I was kidnapped by my daughter. An amazing day was in store, with one surprise after another!

When I get home tomorrow I will fill you in on our very special trip!

Thank You!

I have to say a big thank you to all who contacted me yesterday, both here and on Facebook, to wish me a Happy Birthday.

I received phone calls, and cards and flowers! What an awesome way to turn 60!

Today I am off to Mandy’s house so she can kidnap me and celebrate my birthday with her. I was given a list of things to pack and a time to be at her house. I know nothing else, but I will report in later.

Thank you again!

Sixty Years & Counting!

Sixty years ago today, at 12:01 PM I made my debut into this world. My mother did not recall anything of my birth, as she chose to sleep through the delivery. In fact, all I have heard about that day was that Mom was hungry when she woke up, and they brought her a turkey sandwich.

I love being sixty! For many reasons. I love that I know so much more than I did in my twenties. I love that my heart is full of love and happiness. I love that I still see the goodness in people. I love that despite experiencing the worst in life, I am not only alive but living a truly wonderful life!

Being sixty means that I’m looking at things I did in my past, that I do not want to repeat. It means I’m being more selective now about my plans and my time, because I understand that time is running on my clock, and I do not want to miss a thing!

I made a short montage of pictures from birth until the present day. I am so grateful to my family and my friends for always being there for me, and always loving me. What a great birthday gift that is!

The Friday Five

I cannot believe how quickly November is flying by. I felt I might have more time to prepare for my momentous birthday, which is tomorrow, but it seems I took a breath in and here we are!

The last couple of weeks have been filled with parties and luncheons, and mini celebrations. I have felt the love and the happiness around me and so I cannot complain at all.

So as we end this week, here are the five things I have been thinking about the most. There are probably more, but these are the ones I can think of as I sit here on Thursday night, looking at life.

1. I am so lucky to have such wonderful family and friends, who make me feel cherished and adored. Their love, their steadfastness has really made my life complete. You all know who you are, and each and every day I am thankful!

2. I look back at some of the crazy things we’ve done along the way, like swimming out to a raft in stormy weather, or roasting on the beach, or riding our bikes to and over the Bourne Bridge, to some of the cooking experiments, shopping trips, sailing the Intracoastal Waterway, driving across the country in a motorcoach and back and the list goes on and on. Life has never been dull and filled with lots of laughter and smiles.

3. Giving birth to my girls has to be right up there too. First carrying them inside for 9+ months and then delivering them and seeing them for the first time!

Me with Mandy.

I’ve never known such exhilaration! My girls, my babies. Yes, I am so, so, lucky!

4. I found another great passion in my life too. One I never expected. Savannah and Quinn. Oh my goodness, how lucky I am to have these wonderful children in my life.

I really adore them and being their Oma! It doesn’t get any better than this.

5. I also discovered my great love for dogs. Oh, I have always loved animals, but here I am with Arnie and Anneliese, who I have had from before their birth, and ever since.

They are so amazing, know me better than any pet I have ever had and bring me such joy.

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Yes, life is good and no matter if there is a bump in the road or a giant storm, if you look for the good it is always there. I know I have blessed with this life and at 60 (tomorrow!) the one thing I have learned is that yes, life is very good. You have only to look for your blessings.

I have looked and continue to find them!

Stop back tomorrow for my Birthday Blog Celebration!

TBT: Queen Of The Ball

Long ago and far away, in a place called Massachusetts, I was growing up. At the time I belonged to The Rainbow Girls, and although I never did as well as my sister did in the organization (she went all through the chairs and became Worthy Advisor), I did hold several offices, and I sang. Yes, yours truly, who is quite nervous about singing in front of people actually used to sing for large groups at our local organization as well as get loaned out to other chapters.

The year I was 15, I was the only girl going to the Rainbow Ball in Boston from our Chapter in Falmouth. Thus I was entered into the Pageant to see who would be crowned Queen of the Ball.

When I arrived, I was given the entry number of 13. Yup, 13. I remember thinking that I sure was sunk now, as 13 was an unlucky number.

My date that night was my ex-husband, and as we danced he joke about it a little, trying to get me to relax. I did and I recall there being a lot of fun and laughter that night.

My sister had attended this Ball in the past but had not won. So, I knew that I didn’t stand a chance. Melodie is delicate and beautiful and everything a fairy princess should be.

The evening wore on and I danced in the beautiful yellow gown that my mother had made for me, and I talked to my date and laughed and had a great time.

After all, I wasn’t going to win!

Eventually, we were all called to line up with our dates and promenade around the dance floor. A person would come up and tap your card and you would go to sit down.

Well, we walked and walked and walked, and other girls were removed from the line-up. Then there were probably three of us left. They called the second runner-up, then the first runner-up and then that left me!

I was escorted by my date to the dais where I was crowned the 1973 Queen of the Rainbow Girls Ball!

Looking back I still cannot believe that I won. My escort always claimed it was because he was my date that night.

Whatever the case, it was the first time in my young life that I truly felt pretty.

And for one night I truly was, Queen of the Ball, just like Cinderella!

Counting My Blessings

After a couple of busy weeks, today I stayed home and did laundry, cleaned, washed and vacuumed the house, and generally did homemaker stuff. It is not something I enjoy, but I really do appreciate a clean house.

We also moved the last of the patio furniture into the screened porch for the winter. They are forecasting wet weather tomorrow, they are just not sure what kind. We are on a weather line. It will be wet, we are just unsure if it will be snow or rain or ice.

I get my stitches out this morning and I hope to get the results of the biopsy as well. I did get the results of my cholesterol level and I am still borderline. I sure hope that my good cholesterol levels (which are high) will keep my doctor from wanting to put me on cholesterol-lowering drugs. I have such bad reactions to things.

My daughter sent me some new pictures of the kids. You know, every day I feel blessed to be their Oma. They are such loving children!

My darling, Savannah. She is six and a half now!

Darling Quinn is two and a half!

Everytime I see those beautiful faces, I break into smiles!

I have to report in on Anneliese. When we saw the Canine Ophlathmologist, he told us that the eye drops might work, or they might not. It was a 50/50 thing. Well after almost a week, I am here to tell you that Anneliese’s eye is looking better! She will never be completely cured, but this appears to have stopped the progression of the problem! Yay!

Another Great Day

Sunday was Veterans Day. Many places offered free meals for Veterans. Naturally, Jack wanted his meal, so off we went at lunchtime for a nice meal.

Jack had a wonderful piece of roasted pork tenderloin with a balsamic glaze, and I opted for a burger. The food was really good and we enjoyed being out and about.

Jack also decided that today would be a good day to take me shopping for my birthday gift. There is a women’s store nearby that I love. Talbot’s. I just love their clothes.

A chair was situated at the back of the store near the dressing room for him to sit on. We’d selected a bunch of clothes, and I would try them on, and then show him. It was fun and I got a whole bunch of stuff for the winter months. One sweater, in particular, I just adore. I put it on and I felt like it was made for me!

It may not look like much on the hanger, but on me, it looks great! It will look nice with black, brown or white slacks. So pretty.

Jack also bought me a bunch of new tops, another sweater, and two pairs of slacks. I am all set for the winter!

Now before you all think that I went hog wild, I must tell you that this was an Outlet Store, (everything was marked down 50%) and I had fantastic Coupons! In fact, I love Coupons and I got all of this for half of what it would have cost. So trust me when I say that this was a steal!

I’ve always been a bargain shopper/hunter. I hate to pay full price for anything, and after living with a Scotsman for 30+ years I am perhaps cheaper than he is!

This was so much fun and I think even Jack enjoyed the process.

Coffee & Muffins

The day has arrived, and by the time most of you read this I will be down having my biopsy. Nothing to worry about, right?

I got a call earlier today and my Primary Care Doctor wants me to have my bloodwork done while I am in-house, (read: at the VA Hospital). It’s fasting bloodwork too! Ugh!

Jack was concerned about this and I told him not to worry. I went out to the store, bought a couple of muffins,

some bottled orange juice,

and a Dunkin Donuts Coffee. The coffee is bottled as well and meant to be sipped from the bottle cold.

This should get me through my appointments after the bloodwork until I can go have lunch.

On Monday I met up with my friend Laurie and had lunch. It was so nice to catch up with her. In fact, we’ve already made plans to get together Saturday to go to the Christmas Bazaars.

Life is speeding by.

My Life, Or Something Like It

Have you ever noticed how you make all these great plans and then a few things happen and everything gets rearranged?

This week I had Anneliese into the Vets about her left eye. We will bring her over to Portsmouth, NH on Wednesday afternoon to see a Canine Ophthalmologist.

It’s sort of strange but Jack has known this man since he was a baby. Jack flew with his father way back in the day, for Pan American World Airways. I am hopeful that he can help Anneliese. She may not have much vision left in that eye, but if he can at least save it, that will be good. I will not entertain the worst case scenarios. Anneliese will be just fine. I know it.

I was due to spend the night down at Mandy’s after watching both of Savannah’s plays. Sadly both Quinn and Matt are sick, so it just wouldn’t be a good idea. I’ll meet up with them for the 2:00 performance and then drive home.

I may actually go down early so I can do a little Christmas shopping. But I will have to see how that all works out.

As much as I have claimed that I am not nervous about the biopsy, I admit, I am. I was worried about a few things last night and my brain clicked on about the biopsy and at 2:00 AM I was wide awake. I could not get back to sleep.

After an hour I put on a movie that I know so well, that I don’t have to follow it. I close my eyes and I let the music carry me away. Usually, I am asleep after about 10-15 minutes.

I will be very glad when we are past Thursday next week and cruising toward the weekend. I plan to go to a few Christmas Bazaars and also relax.

But for right now, I need to put one foot in front of another, relax and try to remember that it will all be okay. It’s just that my middle name is worry-wart!

Today, Saturday, my only plan is a little housework and then this afternoon while it rains like crazy, I plan to sit and crochet. Savannah keeps asking me about her blanket.

I hope you all have a marvelous weekend!