Fun Trip to the Mainland!

We've never taken a trip to the mainland......for no good reason....other than to go!   We can't say that anymore.....the weather was beautiful....Mr. Seventies wanted to venture to Bass Pro!   What a place it is....almost overwhelming!!

My reason for wanting to visit the store.....I've been searching for a flannel lined pair of jeans to wear when out walking in colder temperatures!!  And Bass Pro did not disappoint!  I found the perfect pair....in size 12...and on sale!!  Score!

 Clearly, I was super excited to check out the store!!

Upon entering...you are greeted by the coziest sitting area....complete with a gorgeous fireplace!!

Obviously, the store is geared towards people who hunt and fish.....and speaking of fish...there were two huge fishing ponds.....with signs posted what time they feed the fish.....like this one.....

Obviously, we are not outdoor hunters or fishermen.....but we both grew up in areas where it was a way of life.....to provide food for the winter for most families....

The store has a large variety of home decor and clothing for men, women & children....

I am crushing on this warm & cozy outerwear....wish I had gotten it!  Sherpa lined too!

And this toques I am obsessed with.....I have so many warm hats tho....so I didn't pick one up...

Lots of goodies on sale for Christmas....these stockings & tree skirt....were all on sale....

We will be visiting Bass Pro again....maybe the Boxing Day Sales?

I visited Marshall's....think if Home Sense and Winners....had a yard sale!   That is how I describe Marshall's!  Like Winners. Marshall's not only sells home decor.....but clothing, perfume,  and a bath section full of bath salts & bath bombs....I even resisted buying this cutie....which can be heated in the microwave  for snuggling!   I purchased one similar for daughter a few years back....

Crushing on the antlers...

I'm not so secretly hoping our new pup.....will be a girl!  I had to pick up this adorable dog bowl...very princess-like! 

We visited a number of other stores.....I'll share those next week!  Once we arrived home....it was time to relax and enjoy a delicious hot chocolate & gingerbread cookie I baked the day before!  A yummy bedtime snack...

Have an awesome weekend...see you back here soon!

Til next time....

Planter, Bird Feeders & Visit to Veseys Seeds Gift Shop

We spent a wonderful afternoon putting together an outdoor planter & setting up a "bird feeding" station...which prompted a visit to Veseys Seeds......(they sell the suet balls for the suet feeder)....

This planter cost $0....the crock & bow I had on hand....and the greenery is from around the yard...I see planters for sale here from $35 to $65.....

We have a floodlight that lights up the front step & door when evening comes.....as well as a shrub covered in lights....I love my $20 FB Marketplace Santa hung on the door.....

Since Mr. Seventies cut the Yew tree down....we haven't found a spot for our bird feeders.  After giving them a good cleaning with soap & bleach (as recommended).....we picked up some hangers & chose a sheltered spot on the pool deck wall....I hope this works out for the birds...we also have a feeder on a post in the veggie garden we filled....gotta help our feathered friends....(and squirrels).....

While Mr. Seventies was perusing the seed store....I browsed around their gift shop....it has been scaled down quite a bit compared to what it used to be....but still had some lovely pieces available....

A new twist on the see no evil, hear no evil & speak no evil monkeys....except these are adorable elves....

These carollers are gorgeous.....I couldn't find a price....I'm a bit obsessed with carollers this year....

Loving on this adorable Snowman as well.....grand daughter was surprised to see a snowman tree topper on our Christmas tree....she has a star on her tree she informed us...

This old fashioned Santa was so beautiful.....really well done.....

I had a chance to pop into Inspired Living....with not an empty parking spot to be found....thankfully one vehicle was just leaving as I was arriving...

I didn't get much of a chance to browse around or take photos....it was that busy in the store....and cash was lined up.  I picked up a couple of pieces to gift my neighbour and friend....which was the reason for my visit t I to the store....I couldn't help but awe over this tree....is it not gorgeous?

And, of course this piece caught my eye...I didn't buy it tho....

The breeder sent photos of the Mom & Dad of our potential pup....(he currently has pups available & chosen which will be used for show & breeding).....as well as ones available for companion homes...we're waiting for a later litter to arrive in January....

I'm certain he won't mind me sharing our pups parents....Badger (father) is a Grand Champion & carries the pie bald gene...

Tabatha, the Mom is working on her Grand Championship....she is a pie bald..... there will be pie bald & solid colour pups available when born.   To say we are excited is an understatement!!

Be sure and 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 spending time with me today....

Til next time....

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....