Month: May 2014

Lili Marlene

After our darling boy Fritz passed from this life to the next, we both sank into despair. Fritz was such a special boy and after the shock wore off, we both began to feel deep sadness and depression.

Not one to sit around and not do something, I began searching the Internet for “White German Shepherd Puppies”.

I was feeling like we might not find something close by, nor did I think we would be able to find a nice short coated shepherd.

Then I happened upon a web site where the breeder’s female had just whelped ten happy, healthy, puppies! Three boys and seven girls.

I went through the pedigree while speaking to the owner and I was shocked! Winnie…mother of the puppies. Check. Ariel, mother of Winnie. Check. Polka Dot mother of Ariel and……Fritz! Our Fritz! Ariel and Fritz were half siblings. Same mom and different daddies.

I watched over the weeks and my favorite puppy seemed to change every week. We had hoped to get a boy, but it just didn’t seem to work out. Then about week four we noticed a sweet female. She just happened to be the smallest puppy in the litter, and was a beautiful short haired pup.

We arranged with the owner to go down last weekend and visit with the babies. It was wonderful to meet all the adult dogs as well as those wonderful ten puppies.

I know you aren’t supposed to but I really fell in love hard with one of the girls. I knew the owner needed to do temperament testing, but I told her that if it all worked out I would love to bring home THAT pup.

And today, we got the nod that in fact, our little girl will be coming home with me on Sunday!

We have decided to name her after a very old song “Lili Marlene”. Here are the words to the song.

“Lili Marlene” was written by Schultze, Norbert / Leip, Hans.

Underneath the lantern by the barrack gate
Darling I remember the way you used to wait
Twas there that you whispered tenderly
That you loved me
You’d always be
My Lili of the lamplight
My own Lili Marlene

Time would come for roll call
Time for us to part
Darling I’d caress you and press you to my heart
And there ‘neath that far off lantern light
I’d hold you tight
We’d kiss good-night
My Lili of the lamplight
My own Lili Marlene

Orders came for sailing somewhere over there
All confined to barracks was more than I could bear
I knew you were waiting in the street
I heard your feet
But could not meet
My Lili of the lamplight
My own Lili Marlene

Resting in a billet just behind the line
Even tho’ we’re parted your lips are close to mine
You wait where that lantern softly gleams
Your sweet face seems to haunt my dreams
My Lili of the lamplight
My own Lili Marlene

When we are marching in the mud and cold,
And when my pack seems more than I can hold
My love for you renews my might
I’m warm again
My pack is light
It’s you Lili Marlene
It’s you Lili Marlene

And now, here we go, introducing for the first time on Dackel Princess, Lili Marlene!

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Wednesday Hodgepodge

1. Share something you appreciate (or something you appreciated as you were growing up) about your mother.

That Mom wasn’t perfect, but I think she did the best she could. Not much was known about depression back in the 50’s and 60’s and Mom really suffered. Still, she made birthdays, holidays, and family parties the best ever.

2. A quote most commonly ascribed to Plato reads “Necessity is the mother of invention.” When did this last play out in your own experience?

During a long car trip with Hubby. The GPS was not acting friendly, and I had to reprogram it several times. I even had to fake program it, in order to get it to do what I wanted it to do. We made it to our destination, but I think it’s time for a new machine!

3. Share one of the earliest memories you have from childhood.

I’m honestly not sure. I have vivid memories of my grandparents house in Brighton, Massachusetts, but I’m not sure when they are from. I do know I was not quite four when my appendix ruptured and I remember that very vividly!

4. When did you last ‘hit the mother lode’? What was it?

Just last week. We went to a rally and they were handing out free three season jackets, umbrellas, tote bags, hot dogs and hamburgers, and bug spray and hand sanitizer! It was all  logo-ed, but who cares!

5. What is/was your favorite dish mom made? Do you make that dish for your family/friends now that you’re all grown up?

My mom was a great cook, so it is hard to pick out just one thing. She made a wonderful Sauerbraten (German Pot Roast) which was a family recipe, literally from the old country and brought here by our family when they came in the early 1900’s.

6. Mother May I? was at one time a popular children’s game. It required no equipment or parts to play. What was your favorite childhood game where you could just turn up and play-no gear needed?

I was a tree climber and a bike rider. I climbed many a tree in my day, pretending to live in them, and I would tie a rope on my handlebars and pretend my bike was a horse.

7. Which TV mom (past or present) is your favorite, and why?

Mary Cooper is Sheldon Cooper’s mother, (On the Big Bang Theory) a devout born-again Christian from East Texas. She has two other children, Sheldon’s fraternal twin sister, Missy, as well as an older son named George Jr.

8. Insert your own random thought here.

Surprises coming soon!

A New Lifestyle Change

I made it through day one of my diet healthy lifestyle eating plan. Oh goodness, I did fine until about 7 o’clock, in the evening and then all I wanted to do was eat! Thankfully it was Monday, and I watch “Dancing With The Stars” in bed (Hubby dislikes this show) and I actually had trouble staying awake until the end!

Excitement continues in our house hold, but I still cannot share this news. And for those of you that already know, please don’t say anything just yet. Just know it is wonderful and happy!

I’ll be seeing my daughter this weekend as she is having a Thirty-one Party. I shall report in. I’ve never been to one before, but it is a bag/pocketbook/tote party. Like the days of Tupperware!

Yesterday I stopped in at the shoe store and bought myself a new pair of walking shoes. They are cute slip-ons, with great support, and my orthotics actually slip right on in. They are also blue jeans color.

Happy Tuesday!

Me & My Sis

I had a great visit with my sister this weekend. As always, I wish it could have been longer, but at least we had a chance to settle down and talk and share some things.

We had not seen each other since our mother’s memorial service. First her twin grandsons were too fragile, and I didn’t want to chance exposing her to a cold or anything, during a time when she was helping out with their care.

Then I had a tough winter, where I kept getting high fevers that left me weak as a kitten. Thankfully, I am doing better and since Hubby did the driving, It was easier for me to make the long trip!

We went out to eat at a Chinese Buffet down the street from her house and that was not only fun, but delicious! However, when I stand next to my very petite sister, I see how much my weight is out of control and I know it is time to increase my exercising, and watch my diet.

Mel & Me

Starting tomorrow, I am back to Weight Watchers full time. I told Hubby to get ready for low carb, light vegetable meals. I found a great Diabetic Cookbook that had a lot of recipes, and each one had a picture of the finished product. This I like as I have a hard time seeing what things look like.

The pups are glad we are back. Although I have to say, they love our house sitter, Carolyn! This is great as I never worry when she is here.

It’s a busy week a head for me, and of course next weekend is Mother’s Day. The first without my own mother. We had a difficult relationship, but now she is gone, there is no way to ever go back and make things better or different. Yes, I do miss her.

In Melodie’s back yard she has a bird box and a cute squirrel Mama has taken up residence. My sister loves all of nature and so naturally, the squirrel found her!

squirrel

Happy Monday!

The Start Of Something Great!

Tomorrow we are going on a ride. A long ride. We are going to meet some people who have some White German Shepherd puppies!

They are six weeks old and there are two girls who are not claimed, and may be right for us. I am so excited, although I try to keep myself from getting two excited.

We have missed our White Shepherd, Fritzi so much. Shortly after his death I decided that I was ready to commit myself to another pup. I searched for a while, and then I found these puppies.

After we know for sure that everything it set, I will tell you the rest of the story about these babies.

Meanwhile, the dog/house sitter is set to come and stay, and I’ll be packing a case tonight. You see, besides meeting the puppies, we get to see my sister and brother in-law!

After we get done with the puppies, we will drive to my Sis’s house and have dinner with them, and a visit!

I’m so excited, as I have not seen her since my mother’s memorial service. So, things are happening!

Being There

I went to a gathering yesterday at our State House. They had speakers and burgers and hot-dogs. Did I mention it was freezing cold and drizzling?

Well, they passed out fabulous jackets (to keep) grocery totes, umbrellas and I had my picture taken (candidly) with a Senate Candidate. (Picture should be in the paper tomorrow)

Then, I met a woman who had just lost her step dad and was still mourning his passing. I spoke to her for a long time. (Forget the gathering) When she left I squeezed her hand, and then gave her a hug. I felt that if I did one thing right today, it was being there for someone in pain.