April 2021 – Page 3 – The Dackel Princess

Seven Things I Love ~ April 6th

I haven’t written a 7 love list in a while, so since things are starting out a little slowly this week, it’s the perfect time to write a “Love List”

I am totally loving the fact that Spring has finally arrived. I saw my first Redwing Blackbird today. They migrate to the South in the winter, but today both Mr. and Mrs. Redwing Blackbirds were at the feeder. I also noted that the suet blocks are getting well picked over. They’re getting more action as more birds are coming back to my yard for the summer.
The ice is out on my lake, Lake Waukewan. So we once again have a living, breathing, moving lake. And just before sitting down to write this, I heard that Lake Winnipesaukee (the big lake) is also iced out! Spring is here in full force and I relish the beauty all around me.
After watching The British Baking Show, I was more than ready to whip up a turkey pie for our dinner. Jack was not thrilled, but I told him when one gets an 11+ pound turkey for less than $5.00 then one eats a lot of turkey! I love turkey so it isn’t hard for me to eat turkey in various ways.
I was thinking today just how much I love my family. In the last year, I have not left the State of New Hampshire. Being safe, wearing a mask and getting vaccinated is my way of showing Love for my family!
I love it when the sun shines down on me now. In April the sun is so much closer and it simply warms my body and my soul!
Leggings. I have literally been wearing leggings every day now. I know I need to get back to wearing real clothes again, but my leggings are just so comfy!
And the last thing on my Love list today are my flowers in the dish garden. They smell so good and really brighten up my family room!

The Weekend Wrap ~ April 5th

Life this past weekend was pretty busy. I spent a large portion of both Saturday and Sunday cooking.

Don’t get me wrong, I love cooking, but I am finding that this type of marathon cooking makes me tired.

But in the end, it was all worth it!

It all started several months ago when they had turkeys on sale for 37¢ a pound for a turkey. I already had our Thanksgiving bird, but I just couldn’t walk by this deal.

A close to 12-pound turkey for just $4.39!

So on Wednesday I took it out of the deep freeze and put it in our second fridge to thaw. I was not planning to make stuffing, but Jack requested it, so on Saturday I made it, so it would go into the bird cold.

On Sunday I stuffed the turkey and rubbed it down with butter, and placed it in the oven covered with aluminum foil. I used my new Pampered Chef probe thermometer and the baking began.

While the turkey cooked, I peeled potatoes and cooked the green beans for Green Bean Casserole. I really love the Green Bean Casserole, but I have never made it. Mandy explained it to me and I ventured into making it. Both Jack and I enjoyed it.

My freshly roasted turkey!

I made my own turkey gravy, set out the condiment tray, and placed the silverware and plates on the table. At 1:30 we sat down to a full turkey dinner, complete with champagne.

After I boned the turkey and did round one of the dishes. I had made lemon cream tarts for dessert and those were delightfully refreshing.

Believe it or not, Jack wanted to eat at the usual time this evening. So he got my special turkey and stuffing sandwich made with mayonnaise and cranberry sauce.

I made a nice broth with the turkey bones and I am thinking about making a turkey pie. More cooking.

Have a great week!

The Friday Five ~ April 2nd

So, here we are, the first Friday in April. Can it possibly be over a year since all the Covid Craziness began? Yes indeed. And as I sit and write on Thursday night, I am grateful we have made it! So, here is this week’s Friday Five.

April 1st came in with high winds, (not as bad as it was on Monday) rain, and at times a little sleet. It is brutal going out with the pups, but I keep my heavy coat and hat at the door with my gloves. Brrrrr. I am ready for Spring to come with much warmer temperatures.
On Wednesday I went to Hannaford Grocery Store and as I entered I saw a large rack with at least a dozen Hyacinth plants. My favorite smell in all the world! A woman was in front of me, and she took every single plant! I felt very sorry about this. I really wanted one and sort of needed to brighten up my day. Thursday I was back at the shop to see if Jack’s Orange Donuts were there and just as I came up to the door the floral lady was putting out the plants!And there it was. A beautiful dish of three Hyacinths and a couple of tulips and some daffodils that have yet to open. And I got the first pick! I selected this one because I could smell the Hyacinths through my mask! Since I have gotten it home, the scent of the Hyacinths has permeated the air in our family room. Ahhhhhh.
I took my turkey out of the deep freeze yesterday to cook on Sunday. I bought it at Thanksgiving for an entire 39¢ a pound! Cheap eats. This I love. I’ll be making butternut squash, green bean casserole, turkey, mashed potato for Jack, and gravy. No stuffing. I really love stuffing, but it sure doesn’t love me. All those carbs go straight to my hips!
Have you ever watched “The Great British Baking Show”? I’ve been streaming that and enjoying every moment.I love baking and it is so fun to watch ordinary people baking up a storm. Many of the items I have never heard of, but what fun it is to watch!
Because I am loving the British Baking Show, I decided to attempt a new Quiche recipe. The flavors were great, but looking back I needed to mix the mushrooms, onion, and peppers with the cheese before I poured in the egg mixture. Still, it tasted so great.

So that’s it for this week. I hope you all have a happy and healthy weekend!

TBT: Arnie At The Zuchtschau

Arnie was shown twice at a German dog show (Zuchtschau). This was the first time in September 2007. He did very well and was given an Excellent rating. The man with me was a Judge from Switzerland. He was very kind, and he enjoyed all of the dogs.

The next picture is of Arnie and me as we walked the ring. Arnie was a joy to show.

Such a sweet dog, with a great personality. People fell in love with him then and still do now.