The Dackel Princess

Weekend Wrap-Up

The weekend was a busy one for me. I did a little laundry, a little cooking, and quite a bit of resting.

I also went out with Arnie on Sunday, when it wasn’t raining, to take a walk by the Big Lake. Lake Winnipesaukee.

My darling boy, Arnie, walking along the path beside the Lake.

The waterfall across the street is from my lake, Lake Waukewan and it is flowing into Lake Winnipesaukee.

Now before I go further let me tell you a little bit about Lake Winnipesaukee. It is located in Central New Hampshire, USA. The area of water surface is 72 square miles. And it has, 262 islands. The total distance around lake is 182 miles. The height above sea level is 504 feet. It is the largest lake in New Hampshire.

A cruising vessel named The Mount Washington, with a capacity of 1250 passengers, is a popular venue for school proms, college gatherings, and large corporate celebrations, not to mention all the tourists visiting New Hampshire. The Mount is a true fixture in the Lakes Region. I love going on it, just to relax, and enjoy the views.

The Mount Washington!

Okay, back to my weekend. After our walk, I drove to the grocery store and I put the windows down slightly, to give Arnie a breeze. When I came back I went to put up the windows and the passenger side rear window made a weird noise, and went down and there it stayed! Holy Moly! It happened on the drivers side front a few years back. It is just such a pain because it takes the car out of action for 2-3 days, while it gets fixed!

I hope that you all have had a good weekend, and managed to enjoy the brief sunshine, or if in your part of the world you had nice weather, then I am incredibly jealous!

The Friday Five

The first week of May has flown by. My lawn is getting greener and the first blossoms are out in our orchard.

Truly my time of the year. I just wish that the temperatures would be a tad warmer. In any case, here are the five things that I was thinking about this week.

I’ve been trying to walk each day to regain strength. I started out in my driveway just walking a few steps. This week I did a half mile! I know that does not sound like much, but after being so ill, a half a mile is a long way. And I will keep working on it until I can do several miles!
We went out for Chinese food at the beginning of the week. A few hours later, I was so sick. So no more Chinese for a while. Today Hubby wanted Mexican. I tried to eat blander things, but within an hour, I felt pretty yucky. So no more Mexican for a while either.
I had my first appointment with my Primary Care doctor since this whole thing began, and I had written down everything I wanted to discuss with him. The appointment went well and we got everything covered in 35 minutes.
Yesterday was Hubby’s birthday. First I thought I would cook Lobsters for his dinner, but no one had them! Weird. Next I thought we would go to Canoe for lunch, and when we arrived, they were closed. It turns out they are now only open for lunch, Friday, Saturday and Sunday. Woops! That’s when Hubby decided on Mexican.
Our old station wagon did not pass inspection. Junker city here it comes. Hubby was upset, but what are you gonna do? He would like to find a used pick-up truck, so we are now on the lookout!

Happy Birthday Hubby

Life goes by so quickly, doesn’t it. One day you are 16 looking at the world ahead, the next you are 21 and starting your life, 50 and half way through and then 79. How on earth did that happen?

Hubby has lived so much. He has been so many places and done so many things. More than I could even write about here. You see, he is 20 years ahead of me, and so much of his life happened before I was even born.

But for the 30 years I have had him in my life, we have traveled and raised puppies and shared so much.

So Happy Birthday and may you have many more!

Wednesday Hodgepodge

1. Can you tell I’m embracing a Cinco de Mayo theme here this week? Do you like Mexican food?

I love Mexican food. I especially love a good Taco Salad! Or nice spicy salsa with warmed nacho chips!

How about on the side-black beans, pinto beans, refried beans, rice?

If I have to have a side it would be rice. Not crazy about the beans.

What about heat-mild, medium, hot?

Medium. I cannot take it too hot, as my stomach just will not handle it.

Will you celebrate with Mexican food and drink on May 5th aka Cinco de Mayo?

YUP! I have all the makings for Tacos!

2. Ever been to Mexico? For work or holiday? Love it or no? If you haven’t been is this a place you’d like to visit? Can you speak Spanish?

I have been to Mexico several times. I am always so careful about water, etc. But all the times I have gone I have gotten sick. So, I’ve decided never to return. I can enjoy the wonderful food on this side of the border, without getting seriously ill.

3. What’s one thing you may accomplish this month?

Physical Therapy. I need to get it for the cervical spine and on my body in general.

4. If you were mayor of your village, city, or town, what’s one thing you’d like to see changed, done away with, revamped, or accomplished? Is serving in public office something you’ve ever seriously considered?

I was a Library Trustee and it was a tough job. I tried very hard to protect my town’s citizens, but in the end I left public office after several years because I became very frustrated by people who wanted to spend, spend, spend!

I love my town, and there is very little I would change.

5. What’s something that may be popular, but that you just don’t get?

Meals that come in a box. I guess I do not get it because I cook. But I read about these people who order meals that they get all the ingredients in a box and then they still have to cook it. It’s so expensive! But I guess if everyone is working, it is easier for them.

6. Can’t let this week slip by without mentioning Thursday May 4th is Star Wars Day. As in ‘May the 4th be with you’ ahem. Are you a fan of the Star Wars series? Exactly how much of a fan are you? On a scale of 1-10 with 10 being ‘I’ve seen every film, own the action figures, might have dressed as Darth Vader for Halloween one year’, and 1 being, ‘what’s a Vader?’ -where do you land?

I loved the original Star Wars, but not the gazillion sequels. Sadly, the last one will never be the same without Carrie Fisher.

7. Scroll back through your blog posts and in three sentences or less tell us the general theme of your fourth blog post. Does it still ring true today? Is it a topic you re-visit on your blog from time to time?

May 13, 2005. The post was about my love of coffee, especially that first cup of the day. Yes, it is still true! I love coffee, especially that first cup of the day. I think the thing that blows my mind is that I have been blogging since, May 11, 2005. Twelve years! Wow! My cousin, Janet suggested it as a way to tell my story in life. I still enjoy it after all these years.

8. Insert your own random thought here.

I read that Erin Moran died from Invasive Squamous Cell Carcinoma. I stopped and my breath caught in my throat when I read that. This is the type of cancer I had in my nose. If it weren’t for my Mom bugging me about my red pimple that wasn’t going away, I would have ignored it until….

Squamous Cell Carcinoma can kill. It does have the ability to spread and before you know it, you are gone.

So, I am feeling very lucky, and I want to remind you all, a tan is great, but use tons of sunscreen! If you notice any changes on your body, skin color or a new bump or pimple, get it checked out. If you are concerned, ask for a punch biopsy. The sooner treatment begins, the better your chances are.

Life In The Fast Lane

I woke up early today, and it was 60 degrees in my bedroom. As I lay there, I thought about what I should do. I needed to shower, but I also needed to get up and get dressed fast due to the cold. Hmmm!

I opted to jump up, turn on the shower and jump in as soon as the water was hot. That did feel good, and I admit that it woke me up pretty fast.

I dressed quickly upon exiting the shower, and then my day began. Dog walking, coffee making, cleaning up the glasses from last night, and my mini breakfast, so I could take my antibiotic.

I know, exciting stuff, but that is how my life is rolling these days!

Since last I wrote, my kitchen sink sprayer blew and after cleaning up about 3 inches of water under the sink, I called the plumber. He came yesterday and said the entire sprayer and faucet would need to be replaced. We talked money, we talked style and in the end I selected a faucet made by Moen, that has a pull out sprayer built in.

He did not have this in stock, so after we fed the dogs last night, Hubby and I headed out to pick up the faucet at Home Depot. Then we stopped for Chinese on our way home.

They had all my favorites, pea pods, baby bok choy, crab legs and I even splurged and had one crab rangoon. At 3 AM I woke and determined that after being sick for so long, my stomach is not ready for MSG or Chinese Stir Fried food. Ugh!

The plumber returns today to install the new faucet! I am psyched! Right now I have to use a tiny bar sink when I need water for anything. The bright side…at least the dishwasher was not affected!

The Friday Five

Another week has flown by. As I sit here, with a smile on my face, I realize that I am getting stronger, I am feeling better, and my body is healing. I am grateful for so much, most of all my loving family. They were the ones that got me through all of this.

Okay, so here are the five things I’m working on this week.

Laundry. Yesterday I actually washed, dried and put away 5 loads of laundry. I did the stairs with ease, and actually got the clothes folded and put away while they were still warm.
I vacuumed the family room, and my bedroom. Now I know this doesn’t sound like a big deal, but after three months, it felt good to clean. (Did I just write that?)
I am cooking again. Again, many of you will not understand my happiness. However, I simply love to cook. But I learned something. When you aren’t cooking everyday you kind of lose it. I’ve been cooking again this week and so far one meal, that I could have made in my sleep, was a disaster, and the other lacked the usual mmmmmmm that I have with Beef Stew. So, I think I will have to work on getting back into my cooking groove.
Today I would like to clean the windows in the kitchen and the family room. When you have four dogs, their nose prints seem to be everywhere, especially when one has not cleaned in a while. I would also like to get into the shower and get that cleaned too.
I wasn’t going to write about this, but I have decided that since this will consume my life for the foreseeable future I will share this with you all. I also need to begin my fight with my insurance company. They do not want to cover the antibiotics I had to take to get the super infection under control. This is no small fee. They want me to cough up $12,000.00 for the medications. Now I am covered in my policy, but for whatever reason they have rejected the claim. So, the battle begins.

I am so happy and grateful I am getting better each day. Life is good and Spring is just around the corner!

TBT: Anneliese’s Babies

Here is a picture that was taken exactly eight years ago today of Anneliese’s babies. This one shows Mommy and her little ones all curled up in their kiddie pool nursery.

I enjoyed the three litters that my girls had. 14 puppies in all.

The Friday Five

Another week has passed and here are the five things happening in my life.

My week started with an Easter celebration at my daughter’s home. It was so much fun to see my grandchildren, Amanda and Matt and Matt’s parents and my cousin’s Janet and Dave. Life is so good and I felt blessed!
I got my hair rejuvenated. I went in and saw my hair stylist, Melissa, and she colored, shaped and styled my hair. Now I will work to grow it out. I have a 4-5 inch scar down the back on my neck that I want to hide. Maybe by Christmas, or in a year. My hair is pretty short.
I returned to Weight Watchers. It’s not so much that I can follow the plan, but I need to get back and hear the leader talk about eating healthfully. I also need to see my friends, who help to give me support and love.
I went shopping! The house was almost empty of things like Dog Cookies (I found a new variety that is actually grain free!) and foods, drinks, and boxed items. By the time Hubby and I got done we’d spent close to $300.00. Now I know we bought a lot, but I also think that prices have increased since I last shopped at the start of February!
Hubby and I sat and talked about our garden. We’ve had a big vegetable garden for 10 years and enjoyed the harvest. However, this year I simply cannot do it. I cannot bend over or keep my neck bent either. And Hubby is too tired to do the fruit trees and the garden. We will miss it, but so it must be. Perhaps one or two patio pots.

Have a happy and healthy weekend!

Easter 2017

My first big outing, since being sick, was to my daughter’s home, yesterday! It was Easter, and Mandy and Matt hosted the holiday dinner.

Mandy has a beautiful home, and she cooked ham, salmon, broccoli, salad, and the best mashed potatoes, ever!

I got to visit with the children again, and I am amazed at how quickly one year old Quinn is growing! Not only is this child very tall, but he is strong, walks and runs well and has a fantastic personality. He flirts like crazy, and eats his dinner with gusto!

Quinn age one.

Savannah is a completely different child. She enjoys entertaining herself as much as helping her Mom. She sat with me in the kitchen while I was talking to Mandy and she participated in the girls only conversation. Once she was finished with talking to us, she went into the family room and after a few minutes, I peeked in and watched her playing make believe with her toys. Such special moments!

Savannah, age almost 5.

My cousin, Janet and her husband, Dave came, as well as Matt’s parent’s Arthur and Mary.

After about two and a half hours, I started to feel very tired. I told Hubby it was time to go home. After all, we live an hour and twenty minutes from Amanda.

By the time we got home, I was totally, happily, exhausted! I had a little of the macaroni and cheese my cousin made from scratch (yummy) and then, at 8:30 PM I went to bed! And I slept until 7:30 this morning!

What a lucky woman I am. I have a beautiful family, we love each other, and we enjoy being together.

The Friday Five

Time is starting to slip by. This is very good, because it means I am starting to feel good and I am starting to become more active.

So here we go, this week’s Friday Five. The first in a month.

I am actually starting to feel good. My eating is still a bit weird, in that I do not have much of an appetite, but I am eating 3 meals a day, plus snacks, and I am not having much in the way of upset stomachs.
Physical Therapy. Not so bad really. I can do the exercises without getting too wiped out, but I think it will take a while until my stamina builds back up.
I am so happy. No, really! Every day I wake up and I feel such happiness in my mind, in my heart and my soul.
After all I went through in February and March I am just so happy to be where I am now!
We’re going to Mandy’s house for Easter, which is great. I’ll see the kids again and Mandy will be doing the cooking! I love celebrating at her home. She is such a good hostess.
Soon I will be able to drive! That will be nice. As much as I am grateful to Hubby for carting me around, it will be nice to be independent once again.