My Life – Page 95 – The Dackel Princess

Wednesday Hodgepodge

1. Do you and your family enjoy camping? What do you enjoy most/like the least when it comes to family camping? When was the last time you camped?

It’s been a few years since we camped, but we use to camp with our motor coach. So my idea of camping is to drive out in our motorized home, complete with fridge, microwave, TV and indoor facilities, and enjoy a rural camping area. People tease me about it, but I am not a tent girl and never have been.

2. Did you attend a summer camp when you were a kid? Is that a happy or not so happy memory?

Yes I did. It was Briarwood, Episcopal Camp, and it is where I met my friend Gail. She and I have been friends since we were thirteen years old!

3. Over the course of your life, what have you probably spent more time pondering than anything else?

Losing my daughter. I have never understood how or why her life ended.

4. Which of the seven natural wonders of the world would you most like to see? There are many lists of ‘wonders’ but this is the standard natural wonder list-Mount Everest, The Great Barrier Reef, The Grand Canyon, Victoria Falls, The Harbor of Rio de Janerio, Paricutan Volcano and The Northern Lights.

I would like to go to Machu Picchu to see the ancient ruins of the Incas!

5. What was your first real job?

When I was about twelve years old I started baby-sitting for a new born little boy. His parents were Biologists at Woods Hole Oceanographic Institute and so I worked caring for this wee child. He was so small (5 pounds) and I fed him, changed his diapers and basically was a Mommy. I’m always amazed that they trusted me with their little bundle of joy!

6. Lemonade or Sweet tea…which do you prefer on a hot summer day?

Lemonade.

7. What is something that always brings a smile to your face?

We live just above a lake beach and in the summer when I am sitting on my porch I can hear the sounds of Loons on the other side of the lake, and children laughing, and splashing around at the beach below.

8. Insert your own random thought here.

It is so nice to be back home where I can snuggle with my doggies. I love going away, but most of all, I love coming home to my babies!

The Reunion…Part 2

Friday morning, Hubby and I woke after a great night sleep. The funniest thing happened on Thursday night. Hubby and I share a King Size bed here at home, but the Inn’s bed was a Queen Size. In the middle of the night, Hubby started to push me over towards the edge of the bed! He claims he thought I was a dachshund!

We had breakfast at the Inn. Both of us had eggs and toast and I had the local sausage and Hubby had bacon, and we had lots of coffee!! Then we headed over to the campus Chapel for a Class Memorial Service. Most every one of Hubby’s classmates made the effort to come and we remembered the lives gone from this earth. One especially made me cry, because I knew him and his wife quite well.

After this, the Class met on the steps of the church and they had the class picture taken.

Here is my sweetheart! I took a ton of pictures and got several good ones of him.

Lunch was what I would call campus food. I tried to eat salad and stay true to the diet, but it was a challenge. After lunch we went on the hike.

Up, up, up, we hiked to an overlook of the town of Middlebury. Going up wasn’t so bad, but my knees rebelled going down and I wanted to cry out in pain, but I looked at those 72 and 73 year olds and I refused to complain!

After the hike we went back to our room and I changed into a nice skirt and top and we went to the Breadloaf English Center, where they had things set up for our dinner meal.

Our friends from Cape Cod had arrived by then, and so they sat with us at dinner. Courtney and Carolyn have been friends with Hubby since their college days, and Courtney was an usher at our wedding.

After the dinner, Hubby and I headed back to the Inn where we were able to get another good night sleep. One thing I learned is that you can definitely do too much on a Reunion Weekend. Next time, I plan to go slowly. Perhaps savoring things a bit more.

This is the end of Part 2.

What I Did Last Weekend…Part One

On Thursday morning June 2nd, Hubby and I finished packing everything we could possibly use at Hubby’s 50th College Reunion into our car. I’d made a thermos of coffee, and had two bottles of juice, and we had two fried egg sandwiches to eat in the car for our breakfast! The trunk contained two suitcases, two duffel bags, two suit bags, two computer bags, a shoe bag and a camera bag. I’d also tossed in an iron, some diet soda and snacks. Oh yes, and a couple of umbrellas, jackets and the GPS!

So, off we went, up and over the mountains from New Hampshire to Vermont. It’s funny how different the two states are. Our roads tend to be twisting and turning and up and down, and in Vermont, they have miles of flat pasture land with the mountains on either side. We did our fair share of driving the Vermont Mountains to get to Middlebury though and they sure have a number of challenging mountain roads!

We arrived on campus about 1 o’clock in the afternoon, taking us just over three hours to get there. We checked in, got our name tags, folder of information and parking placard for the car, before we left and headed to The Middlebury Inn to check in there. Since we had a TON OF STUFF with us, we asked for help filling up our room. A very nice man got the luggage cart, and brought us up in the elevator. After that we took the grand staircase, as it was truly a lovely thing to do.

The old Inn, founded in 1826 has so many finely carved wooden shelves, stairs, bars and registration areas.

Our room was beautiful and best of all…quiet. I slept like a baby.

Tea was served every afternoon, making me think lovingly of my grandmother. In fact the Inn itself, made me think of her.

Hubby and I sat down and had lunch before heading back over to the college to meet up with Hubby’s friends from the class. There were meetings and events and a lot of joking around before we returned to the Inn to change into our evening clothes.

You all will recall that I was worried about finding a dress for this event. I even fretted that the dress I bought was not good enough, or the right look. Well, I needn’t have worried as most of the women wore slacks or even jeans. Hubby and I were surprised at how casual the entire Reunion was. Not to worry, I looked great and that helped me with my confidence.

Of course the saddest thing is, I don’t have one picture of me in my dress! It just didn’t work out. You see, it was Hubby’s weekend, so all the pictures are of him. I was the cameraman! The picture below is the only one of Hubby and I from the weekend!

The first night we met with the President of the college and his wife for a cocktail party. It was quite lovely, held in the garden of their home, under a tent. The President and his wife seemed very nice, but were shockingly young! He is only one year older than me!!!

After the cocktail party we all were driven to the Atwater Dining Hall. It had been specially decorated for the event and the meal and the short and sweet speeches made it a lovely night. The food was good, and the company at our table also quite nice.

Hubby and I headed back to our room at the Inn.

End of Part 1

We’re Back

I realized on the way home today, that I had not posted anything on the Blog! This never happens, but honestly, when we got back to the Inn last night I was exhausted! Those 72 & 73 year olds wore me out. I’ll write a more detailed post tonight for tomorrow, but I didn’t want anyone to worry or to think I’d dropped off the face of the earth!

This was half way through our four mile hike UP HILL! I made it both up and down, and I admit I worried a little, but I made it, and only limped a little afterward!

Friday Fill-Ins

And…here we go!

1. Hey! I looked and felt great tonight at the Reunion party.

2. The history of most politicians lives only has a kernel of truth to it.

3. Eat pray and love. .

4. I don’t want to let my feelings get in the middle.

5. First thing to note: I am loved.

6. You all give me the strength to be strong and not allow myself to be bothered by distractions.

7. And as for the weekend, tonight I’m looking forward to a formal dinner with Jack’s class tomorrow my plans include Another formal dinner and a time to sit around and chat and Sunday, I want to have a safe ride home!

Wednesday Hodgepodge

1. Have you ever been to the US capital-Washington DC? If so, what’s your favorite site? If not, what would you most like to see on a visit to that city someday in the future? Is it even on your list of places to visit?

I love The National Gallery. The paintings and various pieces of art work are lovely. The Smithsonian is also super, and the Smithsonian National Air and Space Museum is also spectacular with all the aircraft from bygone days.

2. When did you last attend a wedding? Are there any weddings on your summer calendar? Were you a summer bride? If you’re single, is summer the season of your dream wedding?

It’s been a while since I attended a wedding. But I am going to two this summer. My nephews, and the daughter of our friend. Both should be lovely!

Hubby and I married on a beautiful spring day in April!

3. What is your favorite way to eat strawberries?

Washed and sliced up. Or just plain washed and de-stemmed! Actually any old way!

4. What is one thing you are especially looking forward to this summer?

I think just the warmth of the summer and longer days. Other than the two weddings, and the reunion this week, our summer is looking pretty quiet. I hope my class will still have their 35th Reunion from High School, but it looks like that may not pan out. Perhaps just a nice dinner party for those of us who want to get together!

5. Do you use/like the self checker at the grocery store?

I do and I do. In my previous life I was a grocery store clerk. I ran the 14 items or less line and I was terribly good and very efficient! Before Hubby and I started to date, I used to look up in my line and find him waiting with his two or three things. Always made me smile!

6. Share a favorite piece of common sense advice.

Live in the present. Enjoy each and every day, love the people you are with and let go of your anger, and frustrations, the only person they hurt are you!

7. Barefoot, flip flops, tennis shoes, sassy sandals-your first choice for summertime?

Tennis shoes or Merrell sandals.

8. Insert your own random thought here.

I’ll be starting the process of packing our suitcases for the Reunion. I am so glad we are taking our car and not flying because then I can take everything but the kitchen sink. I was in the closet looking at things when I found a hand knit white poncho that I had gotten many years ago in Mexico. I asked Hubby what he thought, good for the evenings, or too much? He said it was probably just right for the evening banquet that will be held outside. I knew that 5 bucks I spent on it would pay off someday!

Saturday

I cannot believe how much I got done on Saturday. Why is this such a big deal? Well, I had probably the worst migraines that I have had in a long time and I had no medication other than Motrin to take.

I refused to give in and I managed to get all my laundry done, made five pounds of my home made potato salad, went and did a small shopping for a few things I needed for tomorrow.

I also planted some herbs and took the dackels outside for some runs. That Anneliese is the best runner I have! She is so fast and runs in circle around all the other dogs. Greta, the old woman, is quite happy to trot around and then sit on the side hill. And poor Arnie gets chased by his sister. Fun to watch!

Now I need to get out our suitcases and figure out what to pack for our trip this week. I found a dress on Friday, and I think I have it accessorized, but I am still not sure. I wish I was a fashionista, but oh dear, I fear I am not a person who is comfortable making fashion statements. I just want to look clean and put together.

I hope you all have a good Sunday. Mine will be, as my cousin Janet and her boyfriend Dave are coming up to spend the day! It’s always great when they come to visit!!!

Tag

Tag:
I was tagged. By my friend Betty in Paraguay. She and I met some years back on another blog.

Anyway these are the questions I’m supposed to answer.

1. Do you think you’re hot?

I just finished shopping for a dress. It’s almost as bad as shopping for a bathing suit. Do I think I am hot? NO!

2. Upload a picture or wall paper that you are using at the moment.

3. When was the last time you ate chicken?

Tonight. (Friday) I made Buffalo Chicken Burgers!

4. The song/songs you listened to recently.

“Changes” by David Bowie. Makes me think of my High School days.

5. What were you thinking while doing this?

That the black flies really bit the heck out of my ear!

6. Do you have any nicknames? What are they?

Yes. Well, sort of. My best friend Gail, calls me Mari. And I refer to myself as MB to my family, but no one calls me that.

7. Tag eight blogger friends…
This is where I never follow the rules.
I´ll do five because I think that´s enough. But if you like being tagged and would like to play along, feel free and do so. You´re it!
1. Janet
2. San
3. Grace
4. Gattina
5. Michelle

Who’s listed as number one?

My dearest cousin!

Say something about number five?

She is a friend I met and felt instantly close to.

How did you get to know number three?

I met her on a blog. I cannot recall which one. We are now friends and I enjoy that!

How about number four?

I met her on Melli’s blog some time ago. But since then we have become good friends!

Leave a lovey- dovey message for number two?

Dear San, I am so glad we met each other and have shared this friendship for the last few years!

Now join in and have a great weekend!

Friday Fill-Ins

Friday Fill-Ins are sponsored by my cousin Janet. Come on and join the fun!And…here we go!

1. This week I planted my garden and enjoyed the sunshine.

2. However, tomorrow the weatherman is forecasting that the rain returns.

3. It’s all about May being the month for spring to actually arrive and the fact that until yesterday, it really hadn’t.

4. Yesterday, I had so much fun in the sun.

5. I demand my dogs to actually listen to me when I talk to them and give them orders! lol!!!

6. Life’s path, is filled with crazy ups and downs, and everything from the most wonderful to the greatest sadness’s. But all in all, life is good.

7. And as for the weekend, tonight I’m looking forward to trying a new recipe I got at WW, tomorrow my plans include finishing up the laundry and Sunday, I want to eat lobster and steamers with my cousin Janet and her guy Dave, and then walk up town to go to the Craft Festival!

Wednesday Hodgepodge

1. What is something about living in this country that you value? ‘This country’ is whatever country you call home.

I live in the USA, in New Hampshire. What I value the most is the freedom to live my life the way I choose.

2. What is a favorite something you own that is red, white, and/or blue?

I have a picture of my daughters that a friend painted. Katie had red hair, their blouses were white and the dress and vests that Mandy and Katie were wearing were blue.

3. Do you fly a flag at your house on patriotic holidays?

We have a flag pole in the front of our house, and we fly the flag every day in the spring, summer and fall. The winter, when we have 4 feet of snow on the ground (I know, you think I am kidding, but I am not), we tend to just keep it in.

4. What ingredients do you think should be included in a great picnic basket?

Bread, brie cheese, fruit salad, perhaps some chicken (grilled), and wine!

5. What is one interesting piece of trivia you know? Interesting is of course a relative term.

Many people have an association with my hometown of Falmouth, Massachusetts. It’s where I spent my first 20 years of life. The Cape is a beautiful spot, and many other people were drawn there as well. Rachel Ray’s parent’s owned restaurants in Falmouth and for the first three years of her life she lived there. Casey Affleck was born there, and also maintains a home there as well. Falmouth is also the hometown of Katherine Lee Bates who was an American songwriter who wrote “America The Beautiful”, which is sometimes known as America’s “other” National Anthem. I know, more than you wanted to know, right?

6. Wednesday, May 24th is National Escargot day…have you ever tried them? Eww or ooh?

You know I can’t recall if I have or not. Since I am usually up for trying any new thing food wise (Hello Lifetime Membership at Weight Watchers!), I’m thinking I probably have and they were okay, but nothing I would call special. Hubby says he thinks I tried them, but even he can’t recall.

7. What is one thing you know for sure?

That I am loved!

8. Insert your own random thought here.

I’m rather disappointed by Spring this year. For us, in the Northeast, it has been cold and rainy. Farmers are struggling with their crops and the only thing growing is mold! What we need is some nice dry sunshine. When I look out across our country and see the floods, the tornadoes and towns that have literally been wiped off the map, I realize that this has been one of the worst Springs ever. I sure hope that this bad weather ends soon, and that sunny skies and warmer temperatures will be with us!