The Dackel Princess

This & That on a Sunday Morning

Do any of you have Amazon Prime? Not just for deliveries of your packages from Amazon, but for watching videos?

Well, we do and I seem to go for long periods where I don’t watch any content at all, and then there are times, like this weekend, where I have used it a lot.

Not only is great for binge-watching some shows, but it also has documentaries, biographies, and both old and new movies. I can also plug in Youtube and watch music videos.

Yesterday was one of those days. I was bored to tears in the afternoon with nothing on the tube. I watched an Amazon Prime video on The Duke and Duchess of Windsor, a comedy routine by Jeanne Robertson, a very funny lady from North Carolina, and then while preparing dinner I put on Youtube and watched/listened to Queen at Wembley Stadium. I love it!

I have a few other things bookmarked to watch later, including more of “Victoria” from PBS, which is also available.

I did watch one series on the satellite. “The Disappearance of Maura Murray ” was on the Oxygen TV Station, and it was extremely well done.

For those not from this area, Maura Murray disappeared in 2004 after a car accident on a back road here in New Hampshire. She has never been found. This show presented all the theories behind her disappearance. The linked website will have clips and episodes of this show.

Not too much else happening today. We are expecting more snow, (UGH!) and I told Jack I would make him another pizza. Pictures to follow.

Maribeth

The Friday Five

So another week, another month has come and gone. It’s been a very mixed month for me, full of great happiness and great sadness. But that is life, right? One must go with the flow. And so it goes…

I could write a novel about the things that happened this week, but instead, I will sum it all up with the usual, Friday Five!

Well, I am still loving my new loveseat, and so is Arnie. He is right by my side almost all the time when I am sitting here. In fact, he is by my side right now. The seat is so comfortable and has helped with some of my back and neck discomfort!
I’ve been cooking a lot. Even last night after being gone all day, I came home and Jack asked for spaghetti and meatballs. He would have been happy with a jar of sauce and frozen meatballs, but that is so tasteless. So I chopped some onions and peppers and used some spices and before you knew it, a rather tasty sauce appeared on top of the spaghetti.
I spent the day on Thursday with Savi and Quinn.
We had such a wonderful day. We played on the floor, Savi and I read some of her early reader books, and we worked with her flash cards, and Quinn and I had several long conversations.

I was calling him honey, and he stopped me very sweetly and told me to call him Quinni. I nodded my head and assured him that I sure would do this! It was a wonderful day with the two children. These two, who I love with all my heart and soul.
Anneliese’s eye is not doing well. But we are stuck. If we agree to surgery, she will lose any vision she still has, plus the actual surgery only has a 50/50 chance of actually working. It would be better if we can keep her quiet, and allow more time for healing. Of course, we must watch for a problem with her eye where it may let go. We must watch and if this should happen, she will need immediate surgery and will not just lose the vision, but possibly the eye. We are praying that the ulcer heals up naturally. At 12 years old, we do not want her in pain. Most of all, we want her to have as much vision as possible for the remaining years of her life.
I had the joy of watching the documentary called “Mr. Rogers”. He was a man who worked for PBS on his own show, “Mr. Roger’s Neighborhood”.

This show was designed to teach children to love themselves, other people, and to thrive in a crazy world with gentleness and with love. My daughter, Katie, loved this show. She never missed it. Fred Rogers was a beautiful man, and he truly loved and cared about the kids in the world.

So that was my week. Welcome to March.

Maribeth

The Wednesday Medley!

We’re joining Terri at Your Friend From Florida

1. Given all that information on this 🍓National Strawberry Day🍓, do you have a favorite recipe for strawberries? Would you share it with us?

For me, there is nothing better than a good old fashioned Strawberry Shortcake! We have them often when Strawberries begin to show up in our stores and then all during the northeast’s summer harvest.

2. Some people think the smaller, northern varieties are sweeter than the larger berries that grow in the south and in California. What are your thoughts on that?

Small simple and sweet! However, I have been known to add a tablespoon of sugar to help the sweetening after I prepare them.

3. There is a Strawberry Festival right here in Plant City, Florida (next town over from Lakeland) and it is a huge event that lasts 11 days with headliner acts each day. Have you ever been to a Strawberry Festival?

Growing up on Cape Cod, each year we had a Strawberry Festival. The main course was always Lobster Rolls and Chips, and dessert was a Strawberry Shortcake with real whipped cream!

4. Strawberries are grown in every US state. Have you ever grown them in your garden?

When we had the farm they grew there against our stone wall, along with the raspberries. One had to be so careful because Poison Ivy also grew along that wall.

5. Strawberry is the only fruit that has seeds on the outside, and technically it is not a berry but rather a fruit, and would you be surprised to learn that strawberries belong to the rose family? Do you have any strawberry trivia to share with us?

I wouldn’t be surprised at all to learn that Strawberries are part of the Rose family.

Do I have any trivia, well, not trivia exactly, but a good story. I have a friend who is from Finland. Strawberries were so rare and expensive there, that only the adults ate them. As a child he watched and it bothered him a lot. As an adult, he ordered strawberries whenever he could, and never shared with anyone. He always had the most delicious smile on his face while eating them. They remain his favorite dessert!

6. Tell us something random about your week!!

Today we bring Anneliese back to the Canine Ophthalmologist. Her eye is looking so much better and I am really encouraged. We did not want to put her through the pain of surgery and the weeks of recovery, where she would have to be in a cone, and on pain medication. Prayer, good nursing by me, and good medications have worked to heal her ulcerated cornea.

When Will Winter End?

Monday dawned icy cold with snow flurries. Winter, yes! Am I tired of it? Yes. But so it goes.

I had nowhere to go on Monday, so I happily sipped my hot coffee, read my book and enjoyed sitting in my new chair.

Jack went out to test the driveway with the Highlander and while out he went and got the mail.

But the wind blew, the snow fell and outside it remained generally yucky!

As I considered what to make for dinner tonight I ran through what we had for leftovers and came up with a meal plan. Leftover ribs for Jack and some roast beef for me. Easy peasy!

Maribeth

Weekend Wrap

After getting about 2-3 inches of snow yesterday, the dratted rain arrived in the late afternoon. Jack had already been out with the snowblower, but when the rain hit the drive it turned to ice. This morning, when I let the pups out, our back patio was all crunchy ice.

I’d hoped that we would have warmer temperatures today to help melt some of this, but a cold front is moving in as I write and there will be no melting. Ugh!

While Jack was working on the drive yesterday I was trying to figure out a problem on his laptop. A friend told me once if you have a problem, type in the exact problem in your search engine and read how to solve it.

So, I did this, and after three attempts, the problem was solved. I felt good about this, and I thank Brad for his advice many years ago.

Arnie is still trying to figure out this new seat. Yesterday he kept trying to balance on the arm and it was pretty funny to watch him.

Cute as a button this one!

Anneliese also came up and tried the new seat. As soon as I put up my feet electronically, she hopped down. Neither Arnie or Anneliese know what to think about the mechanism! Makes me giggle!

I tried a new recipe last night for shrimp. I had a bag of frozen uncooked shrimp in the deep freeze and I pulled it out and after cleaning them, I cooked them with butter, garlic and at the last minute fresh lemon squeezed over it all! Yum! I served it with Onion, Mushroom, and Pepper Risotto. Not bad at all.

Have a wonderful Monday!

Maribeth

A New Chair For The Dackels

On Friday I mentioned to Jack that they were having a President’s Day Sale at our local furniture store. It’s a family owned business and I’ve been buying from them for many years.

In fact, the daughter of one of the Owners helped deliver Greta’s second litter of puppies, all those years ago.

So after getting the mail, and picking up a part for our snow blower, we went to Ippolito’s Furniture. We were paired up with a nice young man, Josh, who went with us up to the recliner section of the store.

I knew I wanted a small loveseat with recliners on both sides. This is a prerequisite due to the two dackels who like to sit with me in my chair. And I wanted a mechanism that would not break as my last chair did.

I looked at a few, which had sale prices, but quite honestly, they were ugly! I was trying to convince myself that I would be happy with one of those (cheaper) ones when I accidentally sat down on a small cream colored loveseat. I say accidentally because I never sit down on anything that I am not planning to buy, and this seat was not on my list. But as I sat there, it felt so comfortable. The reclining mechanism is electric and it moves smoothly and it even has an adjustment for the neck!

It was an “as is”, floor sample that was half price! Be still my heart. It was made in the USA from a company called Southern Motion in Pontotoc, Mississippi.

The leather is as soft as butter and when I sit on the loveseat my neck and back felt gently supported.

It still cost more than I had wanted to spend, even with the discount, but I could not walk away from it. I decided that I didn’t just want this loveseat, I needed it!

They were not sure when they could deliver, despite the fact that we live a mile from the store, but I mentioned this and also how I knew the family. Papers were signed, my SkyMiles card was used for the purchase, and off we drove.

This morning at 8:45 AM the delivery team called and at 9:30 AM the guys arrived with my new seat! Between their call and their arrival, I managed a shower and I did a quick vacuuming.

They removed my old, broken down loveseat and brought the new one in, placed it for me, and plugged her in!

Arnie jumped right up after I put on the blanket to protect the seat from dackel nails and he wholeheartedly approves. The only thing that freaks him out is the electronic part. Every time I put my feet up or down, Arnie stops, watches and looks at me quizzically.

I am thrilled though and have enjoyed the comfort that this seat has provided me off and on during the day. Yay!

And since this is my Birthday – Christmas -Valentine’s Day gift I say Thank You to my dear Jack!

Salad Dressings

I’ve discovered the joy of making fresh, homemade salad dressings. The bottled dressing has now lost all of its glamour for me. Homemade dressings are quick and easy to make and so yummy! Here are two of my favorites!

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Quick & Easy Blue Cheese

Yield: Makes 2 cups
Ingredients:
3/4 cup sour cream
1/3 cup crumbled Blue Cheese (may add more)
1/3 – 1/2 cup whole milk (to make the consistency to your liking)
1/3 cup mayonnaise
1 teaspoon salt or more to taste
1 tablespoon red wine vinegar

Preparation:
Place the sour cream, blue cheese, milk, mayonnaise, salt, and vinegar in a blender and slowly blend it until completely combined. Taste and adjust the seasoning, if desired.
I place all the ingredients into a pint jar with a screw lid. I add some chunks of blue cheese to the jar and shake to blend. You can reuse this jar over and over.

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Greek Salad Dressing

For the vinaigrette:
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 teaspoon dried oregano
1/2 teaspoon Dijon mustard
1/4 cup good red wine vinegar
1 teaspoon kosher salt
1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
1/2 cup good olive oil

For the vinaigrette, add the garlic, oregano, mustard, vinegar, salt and pepper into a 1/2 pint jar. Add the olive oil and shake to blend. Store in the fridge and take out 1/2 an hour before serving with your salad. Shake well, just before you pour on the salads.

The Friday Five

I’m finding that the days are going along neither quickly or slowly right now. Each day comes and plays out. That’s fine. I do what I must and then try to take a little time for me. Here is how this week went.

Anneliese is doing very well. Her eye is looking amazing and she is running around like a puppy once again. I am so pleased that this is the case and so far we have avoided surgery.

Anneliese smiling! You can see the small ulcer on her eye, which really has shrunk and healed well. She goes back next week for a check up.

2. I’ve discovered the joys of making fresh salad dressing. So far I have two favorites. Blue Cheese and Greek Vinaigrette. Both are so easy to make and are a joy to use on a fresh salad! I will post the two recipes tomorrow.

3. I’ve begun to plan my trip back to Florida to attend Candy’s Memorial Service. Part of me still cannot believe my dearest friend is gone from this earth.

4. My cousin, Janet, was in a horrific accident on Thursday morning. A woman in an SUV broadsided her car after the woman ran a red light! I am so grateful to God that Janet was not badly injured. Her car, a Prius was totaled. But, she was able to walk away with bumps, bruises, and scrapes, but no broken bones or serious injury.

5. Arnie has decided that since Anneliese has taken over his bed, he will simply take over the sofa! This is his winter look. I let both of the dackels have a bit more of a coat in the winter. Helps to keep them warm!

A little gray, but not too bad for an old man of 12 years old!

Thursday Thoughts

Well, they’re forecasting more snow. In some ways I guess I’m ready. Plenty of food, plenty of fuel for the generator, and plenty of dog food. So, on that front all is well.

Anneliese’s eye is so much better and I can tell she is actually feeling well. She is full of spunk and energy and this makes me happy to see.

We have had one strange thing occur. Arnie and Anneliese have had their own beds since they were born. About two weeks ago Anneliese took possession of Arnie’s bed! No fighting or anything, she just took it over. And he let her!

I’m reading another book on Queen Victoria and Prince Albert. This one, titled “We Two: Victoria and Albert: Rulers, Partners, Rivals” by Gillian Gill is much better written and gives dates and times of events, which has spurred me to look up historical events for clarity. I like that. This book is encouraging me to learn more.

Wednesday Medley

We’re joining Terri at Your Friend From Florida

NATIONAL LOVE YOUR PET DAY
On February 20th, pet lovers everywhere observe National Love Your Pet Day. This holiday is a day set aside to give extra attention to and pamper your pets.

1. Have you ever had a special pet in your life? Will you tell us about it?

Oh yes. So many wonderful and special pets. I was born into a house with a Male Siamese cat named Smokey, and he was in charge of us all.

Shubi and me.

But then, Shubi was so special to me. She was my first Wire-haired Dackel. Our relationship was so special and she went with me everywhere.

As I grew there were more cats and dogs and as an adult, I have loved my dackels and my White German Shepherds.

Me with Greta’s first litter.

2. Did you grow up with pets in your home? What did it teach you?

Oh yes. Smokey, Bushy, Baby Dog, and Lorelei. I was so lucky we had so many wonderful animals.

Baby Dog, Me and Lori

3. Do you ever wonder what animals are thinking?

A friend of mine and I were recently talking about it. We wished that we could talk to our dogs and have them understand us. How wonderful to be able to explain to them and calm their fears.

4. Sometimes a pet gets out and doesn’t return for a few days. What do you think happens to them when they go on a walkabout?

I had a cat that took off like that. We had a house sitter caring for our dog and cat when we were first married and were on a temporary assignment in Berlin, Germany. The cat, Dottie, took off. She was gone all summer and I was certain she had died out there all alone.

When we returned from Germany, we were in the den watching “Crossing Delancy” on TV and I heard a meow at the window. I opened the window and in jumped Dottie! Apparently, she didn’t like our house sitter so she went off on her own for three months and returned when she heard our voices.

5. With cats and dogs being the most popular pets, what is the most exotic pet you have personal experience with (didn’t have to be yours)?

Sorry, I am a traditionalist. I don’t really recall exotics. We did have fish, but that’s it.
6. Please tell us something random about your week so far…

Well, I made homemade pizza on Tuesday for lunch. I cut up all the veggies and tossed the dough and then carefully laid layer upon layer until it was all set and into the oven, it went.

In the oven.

All done and boy, was it yummy!