November 2025 – Page 6

Worries

I have a regimented routine and I stick to it come hell or high water! Changes are not my thing so keeping to the routine is easy to do. Waking up with a good stretch in bed is a must, I do it the “Japanese” way. Just some lazy stretches in bed to get the circulation going before I slide out of bed. Then it’s a visit to the bathroom while Chachi waits patiently.

We head downstairs and since I get up when the birds do, it is still dark outside. Chachi takes his place by the window and I start breakfast. Nothing fancy or heavy. Sometimes it is an egg on toast accompanied by slices of avocado, other times, when I’m lazy, just two pieces of toast and a cup of coffee. Recently, I’ve started making Miso soup, it is healthy and a great start to the day. Then I head back upstairs to watch the news and Chachi stays downstairs watching the day as it wakes up as well.

Now, if there is one thing that I would like to skip if I could are the worries I wake up with. I’m a worrywart so worries are part and parcel of my daily existence. They are of my own making. I worry about everything and anything! Meditation helps with that and walks in nature help as well. However, it takes effort and focus to keep them out and to zero in on the good things. Things I am grateful for and there are plenty of reasons in that direction.

I haven’t got it down to a science yet but I’m working on it. One day, I hope I’ll wake up feeling fantastic and ready to face the day without WORRY on my mind! Fingers and toes crossed!

Daily writing prompt

What part of your routine do you always try to skip if you can?

View all responses

Honey, the Greyhound

I saw this review online and it was a good one. It also said that the book was a “potential classic in the making.” That is a huge compliment. I’ve read all the classics from Charlotte’s Web, Peter Pan, The Wizard of Oz and the list goes on and on. Those are timeless classics, beautiful stories that have the power to capture your imagination and to stay with you long after the story is finished.

This is what the review said:

“The Excellent Adventures of Honey and Hubie is a children’s book that receives positive ratings for its heartwarming and imaginative story about friendship, courage, and kindness. Reviewers describe it as enchanting, with themes that emerge naturally and encourage emotional intelligence and creative thinking. The book is considered a potential classic, perfect for storytime that blends fun and fantasy with meaningful lessons for children aged 10-12.

Here’s the background on Honey, the miniature greyhound. I met Honey when I was an undergrad and my boyfriend at the time brought her over. She was a rescue who had been badly abused and shivered all the time. One evening, we were sitting on the couch watching TV with Honey and Twitty (my cat at the time) sitting between us. Not thinking, I reached over to stroke Twitty on the head and that’s when Honey went for my nose and nipped it, not too gently either! That nip broke the skin and caused some bleeding. It was a mad dash to the ER where they checked me out and I got a Tetanus shot. No major damage was done but hence my fear of dogs. A short time after that, I had this idea in my head and I started putting it together with Honey as one of the main characters in my book. Why? I don’t really know. I guess I felt sorry for her.

What about Hubie? I had a fascination where frogs were concerned. My childhood days were spent looking for them in the streams and little creeks around my place. Once I came across a pond hidden deep in the woods and there were several rainbow-colored frogs in the water and some were sunning themselves on the rocks. I know now that they could have been poisonous, back then I only saw the beauty of the colors on their back. Lo and behold, Hubie was in the making!

It’s interesting how some things take hold and out of an imaginative mind comes a story that has the ability to capture the imagination of young minds and to keep them captivated. It seems that this book is doing just that. Unbelievable though it is, as an author it puts a smile on my face.

Adolf Hitler

This unspectacular and seemingly nonchalant looking man kept the world captive for a long time. “He is widely regarded as a symbol of evil because of the crimes committed by the Nazi German regime under his leadership.” More than 11 million people were killed and the deaths were carried out in a very intentional manner. It was as if those lives lost did not matter at all. They were part of a purging process and it was all done in the name of ethnic cleansing or rather genocide. He is infamous not only for World War II and the Holocaust but also for the systematic persecution and the mass murder of Europe’s Jews.

Adolf Hitler was a slightly overweight man with piercing eyes and was evil to the core. “Hitler believed that Jews were destructive to the German ‘Aryan’ race, and did not have any place in Nazi Germany.” The Nazi idealogy is about degradation, extermination and dehumanizing certain groups of people based on their ethnicity and that is the OBJECTIVE. It is exactly why it is so dangerous.

This was and is the personification of evil. I met him, metaphorically, when as a young girl I started reading about Anne Frank and her struggles during Hitler’s reign. It was a reign of terror where families were wiped out and fear reigned supreme. Anne was a German-born Jewish girl and a victim of the Holocaust. She is one of the 1.5 million Jewish children who were murdered during the genocide. Anne became famous for keeping a diary of her experiences. She and her family went into hiding and stayed concealed at the back of a building on the Prinsengracht in Amsterdem, the Netherlands. Her writing kept me enthralled from start to finish and I lived her journey through her words. I read her story from the safe confines of my bedroom but every word transported me to where she had been and I knew that evil had a name and that it was Adolf Hitler.

What is the moral of Anne Frank?

It is “that all people have the right to live in freedom.”

Fast forward to today. We are living in a time where Nazi salutes, Nazi propaganda and Nazi rhetoric is viewed as nothing big. Those that believe in his ideology want the world to revert back to that time and place where “people” who did not belong in their concept of the “superior race” should be eradicated and or have their rights taken away.

If it will fly in a global society that is the question. We’ve come a long ways from one “evil” man controlling the narrative. We have a voice now and let’s use it to put evil in its place.

Daily writing prompt

Who is the most famous or infamous person you have ever met?

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A New Book Review

Reviewed in the United States on November 6, 2025

Format: Kindle

A Heartwarming and Magical Tale of Friendship and Adventure That Every Child Will Love.

The Excellent Adventures of Honey and Hubie is an absolutely delightful children’s book that captures the magic of imagination while delivering a meaningful lesson about friendship, courage, and kindness. From the first page, it draws young readers into the enchanting world of Honey and Hubie, two lovable characters whose adventures are as heartwarming as they are exciting.

What makes this story stand out is its perfect balance between adventure and valuable life lessons. The author beautifully conveys the importance of true friendship how it’s not just about having fun together, but also about understanding, trust, and standing by each other when things get tough. Young readers will easily relate to the emotions and experiences that Honey and Hubie face, making this book both entertaining and educational.The writing is vivid and imaginative, full of colorful descriptions that spark curiosity and wonder. Each page feels alive with creative energy, drawing readers deeper into a world where anything is possible. The story’s pacing is just right for children fast enough to keep them engaged, yet calm enough to let them absorb the story’s messages.

Parents and teachers will appreciate how the book encourages empathy, teamwork, and problem-solving. It also opens the door for thoughtful conversations about what makes friendships strong and why kindness matters. The blend of adventure and gentle moral lessons makes it an ideal bedtime story or classroom read-aloud.

Mueller’s storytelling talent shines through every page, blending humor, imagination, and emotion seamlessly. The Excellent Adventures of Honey and Hubie isn’t just a book it’s a journey into a world of wonder that teaches timeless values in the most charming way possible.

This is the kind of story that children will ask to hear again and again. A true gem that deserves a spot on every young reader’s bookshelf!

Thank you.

LOL!

A lady was walking down the street to work and she saw a parrot on a perch in front of a pet store.

The parrot said to her, “Hey lady, you are really ugly.”

Well, the lady is furious! She stormed past the store to her work.

On the way home she saw the same parrot and it said to her, “Hey lady, you are really ugly.”

She was incredibly ticked now. The next day the same parrot again said to her, “Hey lady, you are really ugly.”

The lady was so ticked that she went into the store and said that she would sue the store and kill the bird.

The store manager replied, “That’s not good,” and promised he wouldn’t say it again.

When the lady walked past the store that day after work the parrot called to her, “Hey lady.”

She paused and said, “Yes?”

The bird said, “You know.”

🤣🤣🤣

A nice, calm and respectable lady went into the pharmacy, right up to the pharmacist, looked straight into his eyes, and said, “I would like to buy some cyanide.”

The pharmacist asked, “Why in the world do you need cyanide?”

The lady replied, “I need it to poison my husband.”

The pharmacist’s eyes got big and he exclaimed, “Lord have mercy! I can’t give you cyanide to kill your husband! That’s against the law! I’ll lose my license! They’ll throw both of us in jail! All kinds of bad things will happen. Absolutely not! You CANNOT have any cyanide!”

The lady reached into her purse and pulled out a picture of her husband in bed with the pharmacist’s wife.

The pharmacist looked at the picture and replied, “Well now. That’s different. You didn’t tell me you had a prescription.”

Chachi, My Little Love!

I can wax lyrical about having a pet, especially about my Chachi. I’ve written so many posts about this little bundle of a furball but it never fails, just when I think I’ve said enough, something new always pops up.

Who is he? He’s a British shorthair cat. This breed is considered to be lovable and exceptionally cute! Chachi was an early birthday present from the friend who passed away and the minute the “little bugger” walked into my life, we were into each other. My life revolved around him and his revolved around mine. Well, in his case, Little Einstein decided that he was going to be my mentor and my guru as far as relationship advice goes! What?!! Believe me, the little wisp has lived many lives and he packs a punch when it comes to picking the right guy. It can be more than a headache at times but he says he wants his mommy to have only the best which means none of the two-bit ones and just one premium exclusive guy! The problem with that is, he hates all the guys who show up! No one is good enough and I have a sneaky suspicion that he wants his mommy all to himself. I wouldn’t put it past him, he is one smart cookie!

Anyway, the good thing about having a pet is that I have a companion 24/7 and he is more of an observer vs. a noisemaker so he fits perfectly with my lifestyle. I love quiet and most days we cuddle and have conversations together. Well, I talk and he listens and when something doesn’t set well, he lets out a loud yelp of a meow and that’s the signal to “Shut Up!” He is cuddly, cute, smells good, has the sweetest face and a walk that reminds me of John Wayne! Oh, he loves standing with his legs crossed in front. I suppose that comes from one of his past life occupation where crossing legs did not fit into the picture if you know what I mean!

What’s good about having a pet? Everything! They are all things rolled into one and they give so much and ask for so little. He’s here to stay and I LOVE hearing the pitter patter of little feet going up and down the stairs. I also love the surprise shows of affection where he comes up to me suddenly and plants a kiss on my cheeks or just looks at me with those puppy dog eyes. That always melts my heart. One last thing, he is not just a pet but a part of the family and that is the most important part. Have I said enough about the little rascal? I suppose I have. He’s my little love and that is saying more than enough.

Daily writing prompt

What is good about having a pet?

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Needle in a Haystack (Archives)

Looking for the needle in a haystack is defined as “something that is almost impossible to find because it is hidden among so many other things,” or it could mean that you are very unlikely indeed to find it.

Someone once said to me that I choose to be alone. If I didn’t want to be alone, I would already be in a relationship. I disagree with this assumption. Choosing a partner needs to be a well-thought out, well-planned affair. Grabbing any guy who comes along is easy but that one elusive person, the one who fits the mold and the one who offers long-term is really hard to find. The needle in the haystack is elusive, impossible to find and at times the end goal is disappointing and yet I keep looking. Am I trying too hard? It has been said that when you go looking for something, you never find it but when you stop looking, there it is right before your eyes.

“If you hunt for a needle in a haystack you don’t find it. If you don’t give a darn whether you ever see the needle or not – it runs into you the first time you lean against the stack.” P. G. Wodehouse

Perhaps there is some truth to this quote but alas Mr. Wodehouse, my problem is that I keep missing the haystack altogether! I want to zero in on that haystack where the needle is hidden but each haystack I find seems to be the wrong one and I walk past without exploring further. Picky? Definitely. I have this “perfect guy” image etched in my mind and that right there is the problem. He is in my mind and the others don’t measure up. At this rate, I don’t think I’m going to find him no matter how many frogs I kiss not that I’ve kissed that many. I walk off before the kiss happens and look towards the distance for the next Prince Charming to come riding in on his white horse but it never fails, they are missing one thing or another and sometimes they ride in with no horse at all!

How do you find that needle in the haystack?

The answer – “the way you find an actual needle in an actual haystack – is to burn the haystack to the ground. What you’ll be left with is the needle, because metal doesn’t burn.” Jennie Young

If that fails, “Needle in the haystack’s easy – just bring a magnet.” Keith DeCandido

Fine and good and even funny to an extent but that guy living rent-free in my head needs to materialize in front of me so that we can ride off into the sunset together. Please universe, if you are listening make it happen before the next frog rolls around with his lips puckered for that all elusive kiss!

Have an amazing day.

Most Expensive Personal Item

Hmm….I can’t think of anything. I would buy shoes, bags, coats, and clothes but when the friend was there, he turned the tables around. I don’t recall buying anything expensive anymore! He did all the buying!

He was into spoiling and he did it with relish to the point that at times, I would have to stop him from going too far. Birthdays were fantastic affairs and Christmas too. If I had a wish list it was fulfilled. It got to the point that I would tell him, no I don’t need anything. So he turned to my son. That kid didn’t know what hit him! My friend would ask him for his wish list for Christmas and my son would have 10 or more items on there. I would tell him, you are not getting all those things and he would agree. Lo and behold, Christmas rolled around and all those items on the list would be under the Christmas tree!

What did he gift me? I’m not going to talk about it here but only that he is going to be a hard act to follow. Not just his generosity, the kindness and caring he showed but a person who was genuinely a good person. It was a time when I didn’t have to second guess if he cared or not. It was plain for all to see.

I can’t really think of anything that I paid a lot of money for. Hmm…that means I’m not into throwing money out the window BUT once in a while a piece of clothing would catch my eye and then I go for it. Even then, nothing too expensive. I’m not a clothes horse anymore. Neither am I into material stuff. What I am right now is into decluttering so that I can see clearly for a change!

Daily writing prompt

Name the most expensive personal item you’ve ever purchased (not your home or car).

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A Frosty Morning

It’s a harbinger of things to come. Looking out the window this morning, I realized that fall or rather the golden days of fall have flown by and in its place we have winter moving in leaps and bounds! The fields are shrouded in fog giving them an air of mystery as they cloak and uncloak in shadows only to reveal themselves in the not so distant future wearing their winter garb that lacks color but still beautiful to behold.

There is a certain something about the changing of seasons. It takes place in an hush hush atmosphere but it is so regimented that it never fails to show up, just a matter of time before a new one walks in taking its rightful place. However, I’m a little sad that the colors of fall were wiped away by the wind, rain and storms. I see one lone tree blazing red in the neighbor’s garden and how it escaped the gale force winds is beyond me but it is a beautiful sight nonetheless.

I’ve got a gardener coming by later today to help bag up the leaves that are lying carpet thick on the ground. The garden looks a mess. The rest of the apples are lying on the ground but it was a bumper crop this year, enough to give away to friends and neighbors. The fig tree was late to the party as usual. The leaves have turned brown but there are still unripe figs on the tree which will have to be thrown away. However, the ripe figs I got off the tree were sweet and juicy but I wish that it will show up earlier next year before the cold makes a showing. The water to the garden has been turned off and once the leaves are raked up, I am all set for winter!

The weather is not cooperating so no walk in nature today. I’ll have to bite the bullet and stay indoors and do something productive. I still have the closets to rearrange, summer stuff to be taken upstairs and stored away and winter stuff brought down. It is a tedious task but needs to be done.

Chachi will have a field day with that. He thinks it is playtime! I’m making Miso soup with tofu, veggies and Kim Chi added in for an extra dose of healthy eating! Seems like the perfect thing for today’s weather. Throw in a workout or two and I’ve got my day planned.

Have an amazing day.

Book Review

Reviews are worth their weight in gold because good ones are hard to come by so this one definitely put a smile on my face.

A Dad’s Perspective

October 29, 2025

Reading The Excellent Adventures of Honey and Hubie with my kids was one of those experiences that reminded me why storytelling still matters. Every night, we’d get a few pages in, and they’d lean closer—not because the story was loud or flashy, but because it felt alive. The author’s words paint a world full of color and curiosity, where bravery isn’t about fighting dragons but about facing something new with heart.

The story opens with a dedication that perfectly captures its spirit: “May you never lose your sense of fantasy because it is what dreams are made of.” That single line sets the tone for everything that follows. This book isn’t just about adventure; it’s about protecting that childlike wonder we sometimes forget to nurture. You can tell it was written by a parent who understands how powerful imagination can be.

Honey, the miniature greyhound, and Hubie, the loyal green frog, are a pair that children instantly connect with. Their journey takes them beyond the safety of the garden into meadows, forests, and encounters with fairies, frogs, Moppets, and even a skunk named Twister. Through every challenge, Honey discovers courage, kindness, and the kind of quiet strength that resonates deeply with young readers.

The pacing is steady and thoughtful, which makes it perfect for reading aloud. There’s action and excitement, but also calm moments where kids can picture what’s happening or ask questions. My oldest, who’s just starting to read independently, kept stopping to guess what might happen next. That kind of engagement doesn’t come from noise—it comes from good storytelling.
What stands out most to me as a father is that the book never talks down to kids. It gives them credit for being thoughtful and imaginative. When Honey crosses the pond despite her fear or stands up for a friend, those moments land quietly but meaningfully. The message of courage and friendship isn’t forced—it’s felt.

The story has its quirks, and that’s part of its charm. It feels handcrafted, not polished by committee, and that’s a compliment. You can sense the author’s sincerity in every line. That kind of authenticity is rare—and children, in their own way, can tell when a story is written with love.

The Excellent Adventures of Honey and Hubie is the kind of book that lingers after the last page. It’s not just entertainment; it’s a gentle nudge to both kids and parents to hold on to imagination a little longer.

A timeless, heartfelt story that celebrates courage, curiosity, and the quiet magic of growing up.

Thank you Ron