My Weight Loss & The Puppy Shopping has Begun

I've been wanting to share before and after photos....my journey with weight loss.  My weight has always been an issue for me...having lost & gained pounds so many times over the years!  (so much yo-yo dieting....the surgeon blamed it on the condition of my gall bladder....prior to removing it!!)

I began my journey to better health in June 2023....knowing with age is become more difficult to take weight off...and keep it off.  But I was determined this time I would win this battle....I was diagnosed with Type II diabetes eight years ago but have been able to control my sugars with diet & walking....

This is a before photo...and I don't think I weighed my heaviest when this was taken...(not sure why I'm doing my game show host pose)....we had just finished putting a fresh wreath and planter together....

An after photo  taken in August 2025....almost 60 pounds lighter....I've managed to maintain my weight loss...within 2-3 pounds!  I started my journey for two reasons....for my heart and knee.  I chuckled when my orthopaedic surgeon commented after my surgery that I had "skinny knees"....(said no one ever!)

I shared my accomplishment with our new family doctor....she is very pleased with my progress. Mr. Seventies & I try to go for walks every day.....weather permitting.  Since receiving my treadmill almost a year ago....I can count the number of times I've used it.....on one hand.  I prefer to walk in the fresh air...as long as it's not bitter cold, wet or a cold wind...we strike out.  

And.....the gathering of puppy supplies has begun....I'm loving the feeling!  I came across this kennel on FB Marketplace....for $20 & was able to secure it!  It is in perfect condition....but a bit on the dirty side!  I filled the bath tub with Dawn & a splash of bleach & gave it a thorough wash & rinse.  The sprayer in the tub works well for rinsing....

Once it drained.....I dried it thoroughly with an old towel....and it's now ready for use...worth the savings as opposed to purchasing one new.    I'm hoping this pup will sleep in the crate during the night..... I'll need to pick up an additional one for the kitchen. FB Marketplace has many available!

As with Liesel....when we're out & can't take the pup....she/he will be crated in the kitchen for the chewing stages....  once that has passed.....we will leave the crate door open and gate in the kitchen....(the door is open in this photo)...

One of the pet stores was having a buy 3 get 1 free sale!  No better time to pick up puppy chew toys!  While out & about I dropped in to La Vie En Rose...and purchased a dachshund night shirt & sleep pants...(with a gift card)...daughter currently has a similar set!

No rain in the forecast today or tomorrow!  We hope to walk the neighbourhood this evening & view decorated homes....many have lights & Christmas blow ups set out!

Wishing you an awesome day & thanks so much for stopping by!

Til next time....

Little Bit of Christmas & Puppy Update & Potential Names

It was a very busy last week here at My Seventies Split....appointments, shopping, Mr. Seventies lost a previous co-worker to cancer....he & friends we've known for decades attended the wake, spent time catching up, eating pizza....and the weather has been wet & windy!

Today is the only day....we have a "free" day.....how did we ever find time to work full time?  The interior decorating for Christmas has scaled down considerably.....the sparse tree I ordered arrived!  We left it up....since we had to be certain the lights worked & ease of putting it up.  It made no sense to pack it back up....only to bring it out in a couple of weeks......so we decorated it.....

I adore the "coo" cushions.... found on Amazon....nothing says Christmas like a highland coo!

I apologize for the terrible lighting in a couple of photos....it was getting dark....but everything looks so pretty when lit .....

Close ups of a few cherished tree ornaments....I'm able to have my dachshund pieces out....the tree is prelit....but I added the clip on candles....each candle requires a AA battery....thankfully there is a remote!  I love how they look...

And my gingerbread ornaments and the dried sliced oranges smell amazing.....and our favourite Best Mimi & Best Grampie bells....

Again....I apologize for the dark photos, daytime provides very little light with the dreary weather we've been having....the strand of lights on the mantle were an Amazon .....I tucked my dachshund canvas, given to me a few years ago....it fits right in....

A Home Sense find a couple of years ago....I purchased one for my daughter......also a dachshund lover...I only burn mine at Christmas...

A small sleigh arrangement I put together & placed on the coffee table....

That is about as far as we've gotten inside....we spent a morning when it wasn't raining to put a few lights on a shrub on the front lawn....hung my Santa face on the door....switched out my garden flags to holiday flags....and hope to put together a live plantar for the step....the flood light facing the front door needs to be replaced....a trip to Home Depot is in order today..... as well as picking up bird seed & suet for our holders. 

I washed & sterilized the holders, as recommended each year.  Since the Yew tree is gone....we plan to pick up a couple of plant hangers & Mr. Seventies will mount them on the pool deck wall closest to the bard step....about the only suitable sheltered spot.  I regret the shelter of the tree is gone....but hopefully this spot will work for the birds...

And a small puppy update!  The breeder has approved our application....he stated it would be his pleasure for us to have one of his pups!  He co-owns a pie-bald (as breeders & show people do) female in Manitoba....due in January!  Both parents are pie-bald....and he has rights to the potential puppies...since he shares ownership!  The breeder....in Manitoba....keeps her pups for 9-10 weeks.....which fits into our timeline for spring!  My concern is getting the pup across the country.....but will discuss in length when & if the time comes!  A road trip to Manitoba is not in our sights....

We spent an evening picking out potential names....(not to jump the gun or anything)!  I originally had thought we would pick German names....but once we thought about it a bit more.....we opened up to non-German names.....

So...this one is a definite if we add a female....her name will be "Clementine" and for a male...."Otis"!  Now Otis could possibly change to the German name...."Dieter".....Mr. Seventies is open to either.  It may seem a bit premature to pick out names.....but I had names picked out for two of our previous dachshunds...Schatzi and Liesel!   When we adopted Xena....we left her name as she was eight years old when she arrived....but Oskar was two....and previously named Pupster.  Ya....that was never going to work...so he became Oskar....the Grouch...lol.  (it sounded close to Pupster)....

It's Monday again......please join me over at https://betweennapsontheporch.net/ for Metamorphis Monday and again tomorrow at https://www.myslicesoflife.com/ for Talking About It Tuesdays....

Thanks so much for catching up with me....

Til next time....

Never Say Never!!!

We have exciting news!!  We will be adding a mini dachshund to our family, hopefully in the spring!!  We've reached out to a local registered breeder, completed the four page puppy questionnaire & hope to be placed on the waiting list for a puppy in the spring of 2026....

The loneliness & loss of Liesel's passing has affected us terribly....the house & our hearts have been so empty these past few months....we tried to stick to our decision of "no more dogs"....I truly thought we had made the right choice.  We were wrong.

But "what if you want to travel?"  We don't go anywhere our dog cannot accompany us - I'm a terrible traveller (just ask Mr. Seventies).....we are homebodies & enjoy being in our home & close to our families....(who are excited for us...some not shocked at the news.....they know us too well)....

We have applied to adopt through rescue as well....and if a suitable dog is chosen for us...we will go that route.  I can't believe I'm excited again to attend puppy socialization & obedience classes....hitting the local trails for walks...(haven't been able to do that since losing Liesel).....and shopping for.....well everything.  

I don't regret donating Liesel's things to rescue....it's where it needed to go....I couldn't sell it...or give it to anyone....paying it forward was the right choice.  Some dachshunds are surrendered into rescue with nothing but their fur....if Liesel's things bring one ounce of comfort to a rescue....it was meant to be....

We haven't specified a gender...we've had & loved both...but a pie bald (tri-colour) or red smooth coat is our preference of colour...as much as we love the wires....we've chosen to go with smooth or short coat again....no grooming appointments required....we can bathe & do all the necessary things at home....

And....whatever gender we chose...he or she will have a German name....dachshunds are a German breed, after all!

I feel like a huge cloud has been lifted....it feels good to feel good again!!   As difficult as it has been...bearing the pain of Liesel's death....the years we have with our pets make it all worth it!  They bring such companionship & joy to our lives....

And....the good news continues!!  After 2+ years...we have a new family doctor!!  At our age...everything is a celebration...lol.   Our previous doctor closed his practice...and it's been a challenge navigating the health care system on our own.... daughter & her family along with us have been given a new female doctor (and an Islander).  We have our first appointment today!!

It's a good day to have a good day!!!

Until next time...

 

A Shopping Day!

My friend & I had an awesome day taking in Christmas goodness in the stores!!  Before I share....remember the evening of Christmas decorating & demonstrations with a  local interior designer?  It was to be held this week....we had our tickets purchased....

It has been cancelled....due to low ticket sales!  Disappointed but not fully surprised....in the beginning, during intermission sweets & refreshments were set out for attendees & items for sale from local vendors.  One year, Inspired Living sponsored the event as well.  The past 2-3 years....content has been lacking...no intermission treats & the whole show felt like it was just thrown together &  unorganized.  The designer used to have an evening of Christmas home tours as well......they haven't happened for quite a while...

When we were notified the event was cancelled....the news didn't come as a huge surprise.  More the disappointment of an evening out....we'll survive....

On our day of shopping, the first stop, was a visit to Kool Breeze....we were a couple of days too early to take in their upcoming craft sale....but still enjoyed browsing around...

I'm crushing on this set of carollers....for a mere $499.99 (for the set).....I could have purchased them....

My friend purchased this adorable piece.....everything was 25% off.....at Prestige Home Decor....

They always carry beautiful canvases and pictures....

A couple of adorable mice.....just chillin'......

A number of beautiful trees.....fully decorated....pink seems to be popular this year.....

Lots of pretty cushions...

You know I'm loving this one...even if it gives me a pang in my heart....anything dachshund gives me that.....

This one was hard to leave behind....I may have to pick it up & worry about where to put it later.....I've been known to do that.....

We decided to take a browse around Michaels, before heading home....pink is in abundant supply there....these poodles are adorable!

Crushing on this cushion.....a hard act to follow.....but the pink tree skirt with the bow....*swoon*.......

It was such a fun day.....we stopped for a quick snack at Willow Bakery & Cafe......and I picked up half a dozen cream cheese cinnamon buns......a request by Mr. Seventies.....

I put together a few cinnamon gingerbread men....they'd likely turn out better with smaller cookie cutters....but it's what I had on hand.....

I was able to get ten or so from the recipe I used....once cut they went into the oven at 200 degrees for a couple of hours....they aren't the prettiest.....but they smell amazing....

It's looking like rain here for most of the week....maybe a few flurries on Wednesday.....(ugh).

Please join me later today as I share over at https://betweennapsontheporch.net/ for Metamorphis Monday and again tomorrow https://www.myslicesoflife.com/ for Talking About It Tuesdays.....

Have an awesome day & thanks so much for spending your time with me....

Until next time....

New Christmas Tree & Other Stuff

Since we're setting up a tree in the master bedroom this year....I ordered a sparse tree for the family room...I realize it might not be for everybody.....and that's okay.  I prefer the "less is more" approach this year....

This tree is 7 ft...and comes in three sections....pre-lit and I also have the clip on candle lights....these ones I purchased on Amazon....battery operated....

I plan to keep the tree ornaments on this tree to a minimum as well....I may use popcorn garland...and I plan to make gingerbread men shaped ornaments using cinnamon, unsweetened applesauce & Elmers glue...(I don't have a recipe I follow....I mix the ingredients & make a ball....then roll out & cut "dough" into shapes....

Once cut out  I use a straw to poke a hole in the top of each ornament....and bake at 200 degrees for several hours or you air dry for 4-5 days.  Then  I'll use twine to hang each one on tree....and enjoy the amazing scent!!  This is the tree I'm obsessed with.....

I plan to use this box "tree skirt" ....I'm hoping it will fit around the tree stand...

My friend & I had a wonderful day checking out Prestige Home Decor.....as well as Kool Breeze (there is a craft fair there & the local high school tomorrow).   See the "coo" cushion on the right in the photo below?  It was available at Kool Breeze for $53.99.....

Talk about sticker shock!  These cushions are available on Amazon for $43.99..... for both...together!   I've had them saved in my wish list for weeks....and ordered them the other day!   You know I love a good coo!!

I didn't purchase many items at Prestige....but the shop was beautifully decorated....I'll share a few photos next week.    These soy tarts....smell amazing!!  More on them in a minute....the little wooden pieces were only $2 ea....and the sheep was the last one...(had to have it)......everything was 25% off...

If you've been reading here a while...... you are aware of my tart obsession!  The ones above...the Caramel Brownie Crunch....O M Gee....it smells a-m-a-z-i-n-g!  They only had two packs left...and I purchased both of them!!  

I did some searching & found a one woman shop in the US that carries this brand....but when I attempted to order....the site had only the US for a shipping destination....(even though it was stated international shipping was available),   I messaged the owner....she explained since shipping cots were high...she didn't usually get many orders from Canada.   Well....she hadn't "met" me....lol!

She changed her site so I could place an order....and these are the scents I chose....

I'll leave the link to her shop......https://flourishgiftshop.com/en-ca/ in the event you wish to order soy tarts or candles....(lots of other amazing goodies on her site as well...)

Mr. Seventies had a low key birthday....given it was a miserable day with high winds (again) and rain....all day!   He thoroughly enjoyed breakfast out......we plan to do that more often!

We're having his birthday celebration this evening....grand daughter is with us today....kindergartens & schools are closed for Professional Development Day.....and it has finally stopped raining....still windy....the bridge from the mainland was closed to high sided vehicles most of yesterday....

A poor donkey from New Brunswick needed medical attention at the veterinary hospital here.....and couldn't get across as the bridge was closed....and he was in a trailer.  They were offered a police escort to bring him over....but it was too dangerous to be on the bridge....and too dangerous for him not to be in a trailer....

The owner was instructed to return to his regular vet clinic in New Brunswick so he could be stabilized. Once it was safe he made it to the AVC safely & in time for much needed medical care....and last report he was doing great after having surgery & recovering nicely.....

Nothing like a bit of donkey drama....thanks to social media & caring Islanders.....Darcy will life a long & healthy life....

Have an awesome weekend.....

Until next time....

 

We enjoyed a "birthday breakfast" at a local restaurant .....to celebrate Mr. Seventie's big day!!  Complete with a complimentary waffle....drenched in banana, chocolate & candle!!

Family dinner & celebration will take place tomorrow!  

Let's Go Thrifting!!

Trick or treaters were able to enjoy Hallowe'en over the weekend postponed due to high winds & rain.  And.....we have another "Special Weather Statement" forecast for tomorrow evening into Wednesday!   This is pretty much the norm for here.....and it beats getting snow!!

I had some time to visit the thrift stores....this canvas actually lit up....

Imagine my delight coming across issues of my favourite magazine....one dating back to 1994!  I'm almost convinced these were mine at one point.....I gave a number of them away....and perhaps they were donated to the thrift store once enjoyed....

Any one remember when these issues were published?   I sure do......they are no longer in publication....or at least not available here.....

I picked up a couple of issues that caught my eye....at only $1 each....I  doubt I would remember if I read them before.....(I still have a stash saved).....

I'm thinking this piece might have been a child's ceramic project....who doesn't love a blue frog?

I absolutely love these next wooden pieces....enjoying the amount of work & talent that went into painting them....throwback to the '90's.....

I recognized this platter was an International Harvester piece.....Home Sense sticker still on the back....

At least the thrift store is not asking more than the original price....that's not always the case....

A couple more Christmas serving pieces.....the green one is actually a pie plate.....

This lovely white pitcher had no markings on the bottom....I am not versed in detecting ironstone pieces....is anyone else?  

Not sure anyone needs a fish cookie jar....I'll just leave it right here......

I love this wicker sleigh....almost purchased it....I need to spend some time sorting through my Christmas decor & see what I have before I buy any more....I tend to forget what I still have....daughter here has a lot of it from my previous purges.....

Other than the two magazine issues I came away with nothing else!

We spent a half day packing up the Hallowe'en decor....the house feels empty!   The small Christmas tree we used in the family room last year....I'll be setting up in the master bedroom later in the month.   Since this is the first time in twenty-four years no dog crate is required in the bedroom....I have an empty corner....be nice to fill it with some pretty lights....

My friend & I have a day trip planned Wednesday...(originally planned for Tuesday....but it's calling for rain & winds then too).....hopefully the rain will have stopped.....wind we can deal with!  Prestige Home Decor is having their yearly pre-Christmas sale....we hope to take that in.....as well as lunch & a few more stops around Summerside.....

We celebrate Mr. Seventies birthday this week....I'm taking him to breakfast Thursday morning....and we'll enjoy a meal & New England Patriots cupcakes the following evening with daughter & family.  These are on order....the baker plans to use chocolate covered almonds for the footballs!!  

Roots Canada was having a sale....these pieces are so warm & cozy!  I couldn't resist buying a hoodie & sweatpants for each of us....his in royal blue & mine are the deep maroon.....

 

Today we have paperwork to drop off at a doctor's office....one accepting new patients.  Not saying she will take us as patients.... we have to "apply"....... go figure!  Daughter & her husband have been lucky enough to now have a family doctor.....(and grand daughter).....fingers crossed we will be lucky enough to secure one as well.....

Join me later today over at https://betweennapsontheporch.net/ for Metamorphis Monday and again tomorrow at https://www.myslicesoflife.com/ for Talking About It Tuesdays.....

Thanks so much for stopping by today.....have an awesome day!!

Til next time.....