Gratitude – The Dackel Princess

Feeding the Birds

I was gazing out my bedroom window when suddenly a little bird flew into the lilac bush. I stopped and watched as this little bird, not bright or colorful, but certainly intent on doing something in my lilac bush, worked at something. I looked and looked and there it was. A rather well-built nest.

I was really struck with the bird’s cleverness and the beauty of the nest. I believe the nest is the new home of a Catbird. We’ve had them before and they really are quite amazing nest builders.

I’m not sure why, but this year I am really enjoying the birds! Perhaps it was the injured Woodpecker I saved. Whatever, I have now gotten new suet feeders and once I return I will set them up. Of course, since we also have bears, so I will need to bring the feeders in each night.

What is it about being in your sixties? I mean, I have found that I stop and smell the roses more. See birds, notice all the little things in life that make this an awesome place to be.

I felt this as a child and then lost that awe for a long time. I am so glad to have found it again. Especially at a time in my life when I can appreciate it all the more!

My “New” Computer

I was so upset last week when my laptop’s hard drive blew. In the past it was prohibitively expensive to replace the hard drive, so one was destined to bite the bullet and buy a new machine. Technology changed along the way, and my Computer Guru suggested an SSD replacement. For those who have never heard of this it is a Solid State Drive.

I wasn’t sure what to expect when my laptop (I feel I should name her), came home. The first thing was, I turned her on, and she turned on instantly. And although I have an I5 processor, she runs so much faster than Jack’s computer with the I7 processor.

Now here are the biggest changes. She runs quietly because an SSD has no moving parts. She also runs very cool. Jack’s laptop, and all other laptops I have had, all run very hot and the fan runs almost constantly to keep them cooled down.

It’s like having a new computer except….my Computer Guru also moved all of my programs over to the new drive! I basically sat down and started to work! So it makes things even better!

I’m very happy to have chosen to re-purpose my machine. I had not even come close to using up all my memory and I did not want to take the plunge and buy a new machine.

I’ve never thought of myself as being a super recycler, but in this day and age, I think if we can do it, and save a landfill, and our pocketbook at the same time, then it’s worth looking into.

I am lucky. I have a Computer Guru (and I say this with a lot of love and thanks for all he does for Jack and I), who truly believes in re-purposing machines when you can. His prices are really good and I think he enjoys helping people with their problems. They’re hard to find, but I know they are out there. Ask around. Anyone that lives near me, email or PM me and I will send you his number. He comes right to your house, and if he can’t fix things there, he will take your machine, fix it, and then bring it back and reinstall it for you. The day I found this young man, was a very lucky day for me!

So I am a very happy girl, with her very nice almost new computer! Thank you Brad!

Weekend Wrap-Up

Recently my life has been full and busy. I was thinking about this, as I drove home from my daughter’s house yesterday, and upon arrive fell into bed for a quick catnap. As I lay snuggled under my blanket, I couldn’t help but think, how wonderful and lucky this is! This could easily have gone another way.

Just a few months ago, I was too sick and too weak to do much of anything. And I will tell you that being that sick is pretty depressing. Now, to be well, with no fever and to have my body running the way it should, really fills me with joy!

The doggies are happy Mommy is well, and if we could just get Jack completely well that would be perfect. Slowly but surely, he is getting back on his feet.

So, after seeing my grandchildren on Saturday, and actually baby sitting for my grandson,

I woke on Sunday and headed home. I think the best part of babysitting your grandchildren is when you arrive and they are so happy to see you. The hardest time, is when it is time to go back home.

Of course on the other end, were Jack and the dogs, who were so happy to see me. Best of all, Jack hadn’t eaten the left-over Pot Roast, so we had that for our dinner last night. The recipe for the Pot Roast will be on Dackel Princess tomorrow. Trust me. It is easy, delicious, and nourishing!

So life is very, very, good, in so many ways! I am a lucky lady!

Thank You, Dr. Chapman

My TBT this week looks back to Christmas 2002. Two days after Christmas my retina detached in my left eye, leaving me totally blind in that eye. I drove myself to the hospital because Jack wasn’t home. 46 miles in my trusty Jeep over to Dartmouth Hitchcock. It’s amazing what one can do with one eye!

I saw my usual Optometrist, who examined my eye and called his colleague, Dr. Chapman, to come take a look. Dr. Chapman was a Retinal Surgeon, and he examined the eye and told me to wait a moment, then he came back and at 4:15 that afternoon, he scheduled my surgery.

After a cursory physical, I was wheeled into surgery, not knowing if I would regain my sight or not

Me in the hospital after my first retinal detachment. I remember being very afraid, until they took off the bandage, and I could see some light.

The photo above was a few days after the first surgery. I looked like I had been in a boxing match!

It was quite an ordeal, and for those of you who may be new to my blog, I have had retinal detachments in both eyes, cataract surgery in both eyes, lens replacement, and then 6 surgeries in my left eye to clear the vision. My eyes, simply put, have been beat up a bit with all the cutting and stitching. However, I am so grateful to the talented surgeon I had, who never gave up on me.

And in the end, it was Dr. Chapman who saw me through it all.

Why am I writing about this today? Well, after all these years, Dr. Chapman has moved his practice to another state. Although I never had a chance to say goodbye, I will be writing to him to thank him for all that he did for me.

I am so fortunate! How do you thank someone who saved your vision? I can see Savannah and Quinn. I can do so many wonderful things because my vision was restored! And this year when I got my driver’s license renewed, I didn’t need my glasses to pass the vision test!

Yes I will be thankful all the days of my life to this wonderful doctor. He never gave up, and was always fighting for my vision. How very grateful I am!

Thank you Dr. Chapman!