The Dackel Princess

It’s Craziness, I Tell You! Craziness!

Monday found me questioning why I had even bothered to get up!

Arnie was still no better, so I got up, and in the rain went outside to do a clean catch of his urine. Folks, if you have a boy dog that needs to have his urine caught and put in a Ziploc for the Vet to examine, I’m your girl!

I turned on our oven to preheat it before making my WW Banana Breakfast bread. After half an hour it wasn’t even warm. So I used my air fryer oven to cook the bread, and all was well there. However I had to call our repairman, Barry to get him to come and take a look.

Meanwhile, I called our Veterinarian and made an appointment for Arnie to be seen.

The traffic around town was terrible. Just like summer on Cape Cod. Bumper to bumper and no one getting anywhere very fast.

Arnie is actually doing better than he has been. He does have a UTI, but it is not as bad as the last one. He is also holding his weight, and his health overall is pretty good for an old man!

Eventually, Arnie and I got home, just in time for Barry to arrive. He took the oven apart and it is the igniter! How weird that both the dryer and the oven igniters went within a week or so of each other. We called the supply house and the part will be delivered on Friday and Barry will come and do the installation.

So right now, if I can’t cook things on the stovetop, air fryer, or microwave we won’t be eating it. Thankfully we do have plenty of, what I call, quickie meals.

Jack is really hard on his bathrobes. He goes through the sleeves all the time. I’ve ordered a new one, but it is on backorder until August. So, today I took the pockets off an old one and proceeded to use that as a patch. I was able to fix two old robes. They may not be pretty, but at least his elbow isn’t poking out. It’s not perfect, but so much better.

Ah, well, tomorrow is another day, and hopefully, it will be a lot less crazy.

The Weekend Wrap ~ July 19th

As you all know from yesterday’s post, I spent a large portion of my weekend cooking. Jack was happy with the meals and I now have 8 meals for him in the freezer! My only problem today was the smell (strong) of garlic in the house. So I changed all my Scentsy wax holders and now everything smells like cookies. Much better!

Aside from cooking, I spent time watching movies again. It helps me to keep my personal Zen Place going.

On Sunday I watched two movies that truly prove that I am a hopeless romantic at heart!

First I watched “Lost In Translation“. I love this movie, as it is a story about two lost souls who find each other in Japan. Neither one is really looking for it, and yet there they are.

The ending always gets me. Does she meet up with him again in the States? I’d like to believe that they do. Anyway, Scarlett Johansson and Bill Murray do a fabulous job and the director, Sofia Coppola‎, did a splendid job bringing this story to life.

The next movie is a classic. One almost everyone has seen. “An Affair to Remember “ with Cary Grant and Deborah Kerr.

The acting, the story, and the music are all so beautiful. And yes, I cried like a baby at the end!

Arnie started to fuss over the weekend. So I am thinking that I need to call our Veterinarian Monday morning and bring him in. I say drats! He has been doing so well! I will keep you all posted!

So that’s it! The Weekend Wrap for July 19th, 2021!

Rain & Chopping

Ah yes, because we have not had enough rain (hahaha!) I woke to downpours on Sunday morning. Lili is brave enough to run out and commune with nature, but dear Arnie must be coaxed.

So I put on my raincoat, got the umbrella out, and headed toward the grass. No one, not even me was happy about this rainstorm and quite honestly, I am not thrilled that the rest of this week we are due to get even more of the wet stuff!

Yesterday was a “chopping” day for me. I knew I was going to make beef stew, and a meat and vegetable spaghetti sauce, So I sat at the kitchen table chopping onions, peppers, mushrooms, carrots, potatoes, and celery. Then I asked which meal Jack wanted? He chose the beef stew, so, I got that in the dutch oven and set it to slowly simmer. Today I will be making the spaghetti sauce.

The strangest part about these two meals is that I’m not eating either one.

After not following my healthy living lifestyle in recent months, I stepped on the scale and nearly fainted. So last week, I started eating correctly again.

But it is so hard!

I know I am not alone in fighting to control my weight. I know that after menopause, you might as well get used to eating like a bunny rabbit. Anything else goes straight to the hips.

So the rest of the day today will be cooking the sauce and I want to take everything out of my closet and clean it. I do this about once every two years. How this disaster happens in there I do not know. It’s like my own private earthquake comes and suddenly everything is a jumbled mess! Ugh!

Have a great day everyone!

The Friday Five ~ July 16th

I know I did a long list on Thursday, but those were more general types of thoughts. This is now my Friday Five for the week ending on July 16th.

1. 1. 1. 1. The biggest story here in most of New Hampshire is the rain! Day after day, rain. However that being said, Thursday found things so hot and humid, it may as well have rained, as I chose to stay in with the air conditioners.
      2. I simply cannot tell you how much better Arnie is doing! When I sent away for the Cranberry/Pumpkin Extract, I admit being skeptical that this would work. It took about 2-3 weeks, but it is working and Arnie is doing so well.
      3. Today’s movie was a 1985 film called “White Nights”.
        It stars Mikail Baryshnikov, Gregory Hines, Helen Mirren, and Isabella Rossellini. The movie was pretty good. The music was super, but the dancing was the best.
      4. We’re starting the search for a nearly New Highlander XLE. I love my Highlander and was a new one, but things like leather seats, a backup camera, and automatic Bluetooth. I will keep you posted.
      5. And last but not least, this is Race Weekend here in the Lakes Region. It means a large influx of tourists filling our hotels and campground and grocery stores and of course the races down at the Loudon Racetrack!
    So that’s it for the week. I hope your weekend will be a nice one, wherever you are!

Thursday Thirteen ~ July 15th

Since I have been pondering a lot this week, I thought I would compose a Thursday Thirteen. They are simply random thoughts, in no particular order.

I’m feeling a bit overwhelmed by all the negativity right now. I know that we are all allowed to have our own feelings and thoughts on things, but when these devolve into adults being a poor example to kids by bullying others, that’s where I simply cease to be involved.
I was at my local grocery store buying food. I choose to wear a mask for a number of reasons, but I heard a little girl ask her young mother why was I wearing a mask, and the mother replied, “Well, because she is crazy” I kid you not.
I’ve had such vivid dreams lately. I was walking through a beautiful forest and I felt something down by my feet.
Me with Shubi and Otto in Bavaria.

I looked down and there was Shubi walking right next to me, the way she always did.
We have had so much rain you simply would not believe it! Usually, we have some rain in the summer, but this year we have been having rain, heavy rain, nearly every day.
Now heavy rain brings with it lush green grass and fully leafed out trees. It’s been rather beautiful. Just wet and neither Arnie or Lili like it one bit.
Currently, I am really fighting being down. Several people I know are having serious health problems and one of my sister’s dear friends passed away. In the last year and a half, there has been so much illness and death.
Since I have not wanted to watch the news on TV, I have been watching a lot of movies, and reruns of shows I’ve enjoyed. Several of the shows are on Brit Box and they’re wonderful. I especially love “As Time Goes By” with Dame Judi Dench. She is an actress who can do almost everything.
Several people have asked me what if…type of questions recently. The big what if, goes like this. What if I learned that I had a rather bad Cancer. The type where I only could perhaps buy a little time, but actually there was no cure for. That was easy. I would tell my doctor to keep me comfortable, and then I would spend my last “good” days with the people I love.
I’ve lived a very full life. It’s been difficult, that’s for sure, but I made it through and I hope in some small way I will leave this world a slightly better place. I know that I have loved deeply and I have been loved, but I am not afraid. You are born, you live your life and then you die. Simple as that. One just hopes for a good healthy life.
Do you realize that July is halfway over? I’m quite amazed at how quickly the days are passing. I have a feeling this summer will fly by and before we know it, Autumn will come and then Winter and Snow!
My old boy, Arnie is doing pretty well right now. He is now the longest-lived dog I have ever had.
I am so glad that his health has returned. And that the cranberry/pumpkin extract has been working on his UTI problems! This old boy sure knows how to live.
We had thunderstorms on Wednesday afternoon. Lili did better with the noise. Mostly the storms went just south of us and all that happened was that we lost our satellite signal for a few minutes.
Lastly, I think I will begin the summer of 2021 de-cluttering. It’s a little crazy here and time for me to get ruthless. Junk must go!

So, here is my somewhat jumbled list. No real theme and in no particular order.

The Weekend Wrap ~ July 12th

What a lovely weekend I had. I watched my favorite sport, Tennis, and got to see the Wimbledon Finals. Ashleigh Barty from Australia and Novak Djokovic, from Serbia, won the Women’s and Men’s Titles respectively, and for Ash Barty, it was wonderful seeing this young woman’s dreams come true. I admit I cried just a little with happiness for her.

Next on my list of things that made me happy, is the fact that when my new Router arrived, I was able to install it and set up my home network! No small feat, I will tell you.

I keep telling people that I know just enough about computers to be dangerous, but I keep living by what my friend and computer guru has always told me. “Sit down, think, and try.” The worst that can happen is that I need to call him for a service call.

Let me back up a little with the Router. My old one was dying and kept disconnecting from our modem. I read all that I could find about Routers, and then I went in search of what I needed and could afford on Amazon.

I found a Router that would be compatible with my older devices, as well as one with the new Wifi 6. (My new Cell Phone has this capability and I imagine as time goes on and I replace more electronics, I will need this.)

Anyway, on Saturday afternoon, I sat down with written instructions and began setting up my new Router.

Since I am still learning, it took me two hours to get it all up and running and in the end, I was so happy, but quite clearly, I needed some lunch!

Mission Accomplished!

On Sunday I prepared my Herb Crusted Prime Rib Roast. That also came out well, and I served it with a side of roasted potatoes and peas. All I can say is, I sure wish I didn’t cook so well!

Sheets were changed, the laundry got done and the dogs were fed, cuddled, and cared for.

One thing to note here, since our neighbor’s fireworks on July 3rd, Lili has really had trouble with her startle reflex. We have looked into our local laws and ordinances and our neighbor was clearly in the wrong. Although there is not much I can do at this point, I plan to make a written complaint to file with both the Fire Cheif and the Police Cheif, as well as the Town. Our small neighborhood simply is not the place to fire off those types of fireworks.

In any case, this weekend was a good one and I am so thankful for that! Have a great week everyone and if you are living in the Northeast, try to stay dry!

The Friday Five ~ July 9th

Another week has flown by. Several things kept me busy, so I will simply just get to this week’s Friday Five.

I simply cannot believe how much having Strep Throat has kicked my butt. I’m now several days into my antibiotics, but I remain tired and my throat is still somewhat sore. I cannot recall having ever had strep throat, so this is somewhat new to me.
Jack’s ulcerated toe is doing much better. His podiatrist also ordered him new shoes, as he has special shoes due to his amputated toe. Because of the Pandemic, it has been a long time since he had a new pair. This was probably a contributing factor in the formation of the ulcer on his toe.
I have finally stopped the wretched Crows and Ravens from pilfering my suet feeders. I have feeders with V-shaped roofs on them, but that did not stop the larger birds. They would fly in, hang upside down and chow down! They would clean out the suet block in under two hours! Then, I had an idea. First I placed a frisbee over the top of the feeder and then I moved my feeder poles into the trees. I simply hang them carefully in there and the only birds that can get to the suet are the much smaller birds. Now I am feeding the little songbirds that I want to. Also, I must note, the feeders go out after breakfast and stay out until after dinner. So far this has worked and we have not had a bear problem.
After last weekend’s fireworks problem with our neighbors, sweet Lili has remained a little bit of a psychological mess. She scares easily and is having a fair bit of separation anxiety. This particular neighbor never liked Lili, so I’m pretty sure he could care less, but it does make us pretty upset about the entire fiasco. Especially after reviewing our town’s Firework Ordinance. He was far from legal shooting off fireworks in his yard that fell into our yard. He also did not have a permit or authorization from our Fire or Police Cheif!
Not too much else for now. Once the rain stops I hope to have nice enough weather to hang out some laundry. It won’t be today, but hopefully over the weekend.

Have a great weekend, everyone.

TBT: My Little Shubi

The last Christmas I spent with my little love doggy, Shubi, was in 2005. She sure was one of a kind and full of love and cuddling. She has been gone for a long while now, but her memory lingers on. She was my first wire-haired dachshund, although her coat was a little soft, and not scruffy like Greta and Arnie and Anneliese. But what a wonderful companion she was!

I loved her with my whole heart and she loved me. I think of her often and sometimes I have dreamt she was with me once again.

The Weekend Wrap ~ July 5th

The weekend sped by, and actually, due to the holiday being celebrated on Monday, it’s actually still going on.

Over the last few days, I have felt sick. Sore throat, low-grade fever, but I just thought if I rested, I would be fine.

Well, that sure wasn’t the case. Two of my friends are nurses and upon going over my symptoms they bugged me and told me to go to the walk-in clinic. I hemmed and hawed, but eventually got myself into the car and drove to get medical attention.

Wouldn’t you know? I have Strep Throat! I was given a prescription and off I went to fight the traffic, pick up my prescription and get home.

My throat is sore and swollen making swallowing tough. But I am hoping my body responds to the antibiotics and I feel better quickly.

Meanwhile, I have canceled my plans to go to Miami for my friend’s funeral. It just breaks my heart, but I simply am not well enough to do it. When I figured out the trip to Boston, times at the airport, flying down, then flying back and driving home from Boston, I would be awake nearly 24 hours. At sixty-two, with Strep Throat, I simply cannot do it.

It’s 9:15 PM on Sunday night. People are shooting off fireworks over the Lake. Lili can hear them, but the noise is muffled and she is not bouncing off of the walls, although she is pacing. The Town has its display tonight. They are about three miles from my home so the blasts will also be muffled.

I have decided to speak with my Veterinarian about this, so we can get tranquilizers for Lili. It breaks my heart to see her like this.

So, tomorrow (Monday) my plan is to literally hydrate, and take things easy. I hope by Tuesday I will be feeling much better.

Have a great week ahead!

Happy 4th of July

Today is Independence Day for my country. Many will celebrate with cook-outs, parties, and fireworks. I always enjoyed the 4th growing up because we would sit at the beach in Falmouth, Massachusetts, and watch the fireworks between us and Martha’s Vineyard.

One year when I was a young mother I was showing the girls how to hold a sparkler so that they didn’t get burnt. Well, guess what? Yup, I ended up with a burnt hand and a visit to the Emergency Room.

So, I have always had a healthy respect for fireworks, and quite honestly, I leave it to the pros.

Flash forward to last night. In years past our neighbors have shot off a few fireworks and although it shook up Lili, it wasn’t too bad. But last night was horrible.

Our neighbors were shooting off high-quality explosive fireworks. You know, the ones that shoot far into the sky and then blossom out in various colors.

Explosion after explosion found Lili near panic as she raced around the house, trying to find a safe place. I sat with her, but each explosion found her jumping away. After about 45 minutes Jack got up to see where the fireworks were coming from and unfortunately, they were coming from a house one street over and one house up. And worst than it being so close and upsetting Lili, the sparks were coming down in our yard. Thank God for rain, as we had had moderate rain all day long and the grass was still wet.

Jack opened the siders to see how far into our yard the sparks were landing. That’s when the unthinkable happened!

A panic-stricken Lili slipped by Jack and ran out the door! I pushed Jack aside and began hollering for Lili. I yelled for two reasons. I desperately wanted her to come back inside for her own safety, and I wanted my neighbor to understand that things had reached a dangerous level.

So, there I was running up the driveway in my nightgown and slippers. I was calling for my girl, and just as I was going into my garage to get the car, I saw my beautiful girl running down the driveway toward me. I quickly got her in the garage and closed the door.

Jack was on the phone with the Police. In this one instance when Jack was saying to me that this had to stop, a voice from the other yard say “F-off”! Not what anyone should say to deescalate a bad situation. In fact, I react badly when someone says that to me.

The Police arrived and we explained that the sparks from the fireworks were coming into our yard, which made us quite nervous, (Think propane tank close to where the fireworks were landing!) as well as poor Lili.

The Police Officer said that he did not believe that our neighbor had a permit for these high explosive fireworks and that he would go over and talk to them.

I sat up with both Jack and Lili (and by this time Arnie was freaking out) until I felt sure that the fireworks were over for the night, then went off to bed.

I am sure I will be looked upon as being the bad neighbor, but honestly, this time I feel completely justified for my actions.

Please remember that not only do some dogs fear the noise and sounds of fireworks, but combat Veterans with PTSD find them horrific, as they bring the war right back to them.

In most cases, it is best to leave fireworks to the professionals. They have them in places away from people’s homes and animals.