LOL!

Photo by Ali Pazani on Pexels.com

Okay guys, this one is a little naughty but I thought it was hilarious!

A man asked a waiter to take a bottle of Merlot to an unusually attractive woman sitting alone at a table in a cozy little restaurant.

So the waiter took the Merlot to the woman and said, ‘This is from the gentleman seated over there’

….. and indicated the sender with a nod of his head.

She stared at the wine coolly for a few seconds, not looking at the man, then decided to send a reply

to him by a note. The waiter, who was lingering nearby for a response, took the note from her

and conveyed it to the gentleman.

The note read: ‘For me to accept this bottle, you need to have a Mercedes in your garage,

a million dollars in the bank and 7 inches in your pants’.

After reading the note, the man decided to compose one of his own in return.

He folded his note, handed it to the waiter and asked him to deliver it to the lady.

It read:

‘Just to let you know things aren’t always what they appear to be. I have a Ferrari Maranello, a BMW Z8,

a Mercedes CL600, and a Porsche Turbo in my several garages. I have beautiful homes in Aspen and Miami,

and a 10,000 acre ranch in Louisiana. And there is over twenty million dollars in my bank accounts and portfolio.

But, not even for a woman as beautiful as you, would I cut off three inches. Just send the wine back.’😂

My Favorite Podcasts

Photo by Orione Conceição on Pexels.com

I don’t really listen to podcasts that much. If I do, I turn to the meditative kind, more specifically, guided meditation. If I can’t meditate just by closing my eyes and the thoughts coming in are too disruptive, I turn to some of the recorded podcasts that do a marvelous job in a short amount of time.

Some of them are very soothing and a pleasure to listen to, others I can’t make out what they are saying so it is more than irritating. I have found several that help to calm the beast, that’s my mind, and take me to a place of nirvana at the same time. Sometimes, it takes as little as 15 minutes to soothe my frazzled nerves and to get me into a state of calm.

I also love listening to relationship advice podcasts. These usually give me an insight into what I’m doing wrong! It helps to get another viewpoint on matters of the heart but sometimes they are more than irritating as well. I can stomach a few but not all of them. Everybody is a guru when it comes to advice and you’ll find plenty of them out there. Just pick and choose carefully.

Those are two types of podcasts I listen to. I’m sure there are plenty more out there but since patience is not my strong suit at the moment, I keep it to a minimum. Plus, Chachi thinks it is all just mumbo-jumbo so whenever he sees me with my legs crossed and my eyes closed, he decides that it’s time to bug me! Spoiled beyond belief? Yes, Little Butterball is to the next level spoiled but who cares!

Daily writing prompt
What podcasts are you listening to?

Two Book Reviews

Reviewed in the United States on November 2, 2025

Format: Kindle

The Excellent Adventures of Honey and Hubie is an absolute delight from start to finish! This charming story captures the spirit of friendship, curiosity, and adventure in such a lighthearted and meaningful way. Honey and Hubie are two lovable characters whose journey is filled with humor, lessons, and plenty of imagination.

What I loved most is how the book balances excitement and heart — every chapter offers something new while subtly teaching about teamwork, courage, and kindness. The writing is vivid and engaging, making it easy to picture every scene, and the illustrations (if included) bring the story beautifully to life.

Whether you’re reading it with kids or just looking for a feel-good, uplifting read yourself, The Excellent Adventures of Honey and Hubie is sure to leave a smile on your face. A true gem that I’d highly recommend for families, classrooms, or anyone who enjoys a wholesome adventure story!

Monica Ackley

***********************************************************

Reviewed in the United States on November 6, 2025

Format: Kindle

The Excellent Adventures of Honey and Hubie by T.J. Mueller is a charming tale that invites young readers into a vibrant world of wonder and discovery. Aimed at children aged 10–12, this 38-page adventure follows two lovable characters (Honey and Hubie) as they step into the unknown, encountering magical creatures and colorful landscapes along the way. What makes this book truly special is its gentle yet powerful message: that friendship requires courage, kindness, and a willingness to grow together. Mueller’s storytelling is vivid and engaging, making it easy for children to immerse themselves in the imaginative journey while absorbing important emotional lessons.

The narrative strikes a beautiful balance between fantasy and reality, using playful scenarios to explore real-life values like trust, empathy, and resilience. Honey and Hubie’s bond is tested and strengthened throughout their adventure, offering young readers relatable moments and meaningful takeaways. With its accessible language and heartfelt tone, this book is perfect for independent readers or shared reading time with family. Whether gifted to a curious child or added to a classroom library, The Excellent Adventures of Honey and Hubie is a delightful reminder that the best adventures are those we take with friends and that even the wildest journeys can teach us how to be better, braver, and more compassionate.

Michael

LOL!

Photo by Pixabay on Pexels.com

An old geezer, who had been a retired farmer for a long time became very bored and decided to open a medical center.

He put a sign up outside that said, “Get your treatment for $500 – if not cured get back $1,000.”

Doctor Young, who was positive that this old geezer didn’t know beans about medicine, thought this would be a great opportunity to get $1,000.

He went to Dr. Geezer’s clinic and this is what happened.

Dr. Young: “Dr. Geezer, I have lost all taste in my mouth. Can you please help me?”

Dr. Geezer: “Nurse, please bring me medicine from Box 22 and put 3 drops in Dr. Young’s mouth.”

Dr. Young: “Aaagh! This is Gasoline!”

Dr. Geezer: “Congratulations! You’ve got your taste back. That will be $500.”

Dr. Young gets annoyed and goes back after a couple of days figuring to recover his money.

Dr. Young: “I have lost my memory. I cannot remember anything.”

Dr. Geezer: “Nurse, please bring medicine from Box 22 and put 3 drops in the patient’s mouth.”

Doctor Young: “Oh no, you don’t, that’s Gasoline!”

Dr. Geezer: “Congratulations! You’ve got your memory back. That will be $500.”

Dr. Young (after having lost $1000) leaves angrily and comes back after several more days.

Dr. Young: “My eyesight has become weak. I can hardly see!”

Dr. Geezer: “Well, I don’t have any medicine for that so, here’s your $1000 back.”

Dr. Young: “but this is only $500…”

Dr. Geezer: “Congratulations! You got your vision back! That will be $500.”

Moral of the story: Just because you’re “Young” doesn’t mean that you can outsmart an old “Geezer.”

OR

Just because you’re “Old” doesn’t mean you’ve lost all your marbles!

My All Time Favorite Subject

Photo by Max Fischer on Pexels.com

It was hands down English. I saw “magic” in this subject because I was able to paint pictures with my words. Even at a young age, I became fascinated with it and did everything possible to be the best where English was concerned. It involved spending hours and hours of learning the vocabulary, learning to spell words correctly and to excel in writing. The time spent paid off. I became teacher’s pet and she always called on me when something needed to be explained and or made clear to the classroom. I was proud as a peacock as I walked to the front of the room and proceeded to lay it on thick! I could see her watching me with a beautiful smile plastered on her face and not only that, she was beautiful to boot. I still remember her today and the push or was it a shove that she gave me made me excel in this subject.

Math could have been another favorite subject but I had a teacher who made it hell for me. Unlike the English teacher, he had it in for me! I learned to hate Math and didn’t spend much time with Algebra, Geometry or whatever else he had to throw at me. Instead, I learned to cheat. I would get to class early, head to the best-looking boy in class who was also very smart and asked if I could copy his homework. He gave it to me and since I was short on time, I copied the answers but not the workings! Sure enough, the “devil” decided to call me up front and demanded to know how I came up with the right answers with what I had on the page. BOOM! I was caught. So he said, “Tia, I wish you were as good at Math as you are in English. Unfortunately, that is not the case. The next time I catch you cheating, I’m going to put you in that hole in the ceiling!” I looked up and sure enough, there was a big gaping hole in the ceiling and it put the fear of the devil in me!

To make a long story short, teachers hold the power in their hands to push students forward or to hold them back. Even so far as to make you hate certain subjects. I never came out of the “hate” for Math phase but I have a continuing love affair with English and each time I achieve something good, I remember that teacher who gave me the gentle nudge to do better and I did.

Daily writing prompt
What was your favorite subject in school?

This & That

Photo by Mike González on Pexels.com

It is a beautiful morning here and after days of rain, wind, and dark skies, the sun is making a showing and it is planning to stay for a while. I decided to put my boots on, bundle up with a scarf and a coat and go traipsing in the fields. It was cold like I expected but the sun was warm as it landed softly on my face, not the burning kind that you get in summer but a softer variety that feels like a gentle kiss.

No one was out there as usual, not even the guy with the dog. We haven’t seen each other for weeks now. The weather kept me indoors and he was probably out there walking his dog but our paths didn’t cross. Oh well, there is time enough f0r that.

Today, my mind is full of thoughts dashing here and there and they need reprieve. Walking is the perfect way to get them all out there and to send them packing!

The book has been weighing heavy on my mind. I seem to be more occupied with it then I want to be. It’s like I’m eating, sleeping and doing everything else with the book in tow! Last night, I woke up several times in the middle of the night and I could see rows and rows of bad reviews dancing in front of my eyes! God, it was awful. I told myself to calm down but this morning, I jumped out of bed to check and the book seemed to be doing fine. However, if you have a book out there, it takes work to make it visible and that means hard WORK! Unless you have a fairy godmother who waves her wand and makes it all happen for you. I don’t so I have to put my thinking cap on and work at it.

Update on the stalker. He stopped sending messages a week ago but then two days ago he said, “Hi Tia, thank you for everything!” What?!! I don’t know who this guy is but he seems to be smoking something that is warping his mind! Anyway, my mind is clearer now and I feel lighter not having to worry about this loser.

What else? I went out on two dates with the cheesecake guy. Well, actually not really dates, I call them “friends just meeting up for a coffee and a chat.” The first one was and it was pleasant enough. However, he was peering into my eyes to see if the twinkle or rather the sparkle was there. He’s all about the “sparkle.” Unfortunately for him, the sparkle box is closed and there are no more sparkles to be had! Anyway, we talked about many things and it was really nice. He also brought a big bouquet of pink and white roses and that was nice too. A few days later, he called and asked for a lunch date. We went to this nice restaurant and I enjoyed the company. Just a couple of hours of good food and talking about nothing in particular. The tension wasn’t there. I didn’t have to wonder what was coming next. He dropped me off at my place, got out of the car to open the door for me, and then it came. This big, crashing, hug that left me gasping for breath and then he gave me a kiss on the cheek and as he moved to my lips, I stopped it, thanked him and I haven’t heard from him since.

Chachi says, “GOOD!”

I have another date next week. Actually it was today but I chickened out! So I moved it to next week. He seems like a nice enough guy. A medical doctor so it should be an interesting date. Even if it doesn’t work out, I get to pick his brain about things I’ve always wanted to know about doctors. Questions like, “What was the worst case you handled?” “Any spooky tales to tell?” You get the drift.

That’s about it folks. My mind is empty now and I’m ready to get started with my day and to fill my head again and this time I hope with much better stuff.

Have an amazing day.

A New Book Trailer

This one is cute! It basically tells what the story is about in a very short amount of time and I like it. Hope you do too.

The book, “The Excellent Adventures of Honey and Hubie,” is available on Amazon.

Get a copy, give it a read and post your reviews and or ratings. Please be kind!

Managing Screen Time

Photo by João Jesus on Pexels.com

I realize that when I’m down in the dumps or when it is raining outside, spending time either watching TV or on the computer becomes more prevalent. Time flies and before I know it, I’ve spent lots of time watching mindless stuff just to while the time away to cut back on boredom or when the mood strikes, I start writing.

When I do start writing, however, time becomes a background noise because it takes off and I’m still caught up in my world of make-believe. Once I’m out of that mode, I notice more often than not that I’ve spent hours on my computer without paying much attention to what is going around me. However, it is time well-spent and I love being in my fantasy world where magic happens.

How do I manage my screen time? Well, I don’t. It depends on the weather and my mood. If I’m bored, anything goes is my motto. This includes hours on end just watching movies or spooky stuff that keeps me occupied while I wait for the rain to go away. When it does, I’m out and about in nature. When the writing bug hits me, I’m on the computer and then time doesn’t matter anymore. I take as long as I need until my mind is exhausted and I run out of ideas, whichever comes first.

Oh, there’s Chachi to consider as well. I usually stop what I’m doing when the spoiled brat decides that it is time for mommy to come play with him. I do drop everything when that happens because I love getting kisses from the little guy. Yes, he’s got me wrapped around his paws but who cares!

Daily writing prompt
How do you manage screen time for yourself?

A Beautiful Book Review!

Review
The Excellent Adventures of Honey and Hubie: A Lesson in Courage and Connection

We all have grand aspirations, but it’s often our own inner voice of fear that becomes the biggest discouragement. “The Excellent Adventures of Hubie and Honey” illustrates this meaningful concept perfectly. In just thirty-nine perfectly written pages, this small book imparts timeless wisdom to budding minds, crafting a beautiful narrative about overcoming one’s own insecurities and fears through meaningful and supportive relationships.

This is far more than a simple story; it’s a guide to believing in oneself and understanding that every dream is achievable.The book excels in its ability to present these profound life lessons within a well-paced and engaging narrative. The literary structure is certainly one of its greatest strengths; the author has skillfully organized the tale from beginning to end, using correct, evocative words that never hinder the story’s flow. The incidents are introduced at regular intervals, maintaining an even pace that keeps young readers thoroughly engrossed. It’s rare to find such a perfectly constructed piece of children’s literature that feels both effortless and meticulously crafted.

The story centers on the unlikely duo in the Walker’s garden: Honey, the Italian greyhound dog, and Hubie, the worldly pond frog. Their friendship is founded on the thrill of adventure, fueled by Hubie’s incredible tales of his travels outside the garden’s boundaries. Honey’s great desire to see the outside world becomes a powerful illustration of dreaming big, but it is Hubie’s presence that provides the crucial spark of right guidance. This scenario beautifully conveys how important it is to circle yourself with friends who uplift your mindset and give you the courage to take the first step.

The ensuing journey is an eventful trek that teaches children the necessity of helping each other in need and the pure joy of having fun together. No matter how daunting the world outside the garden may seem, the duo shows that if you are perseverant enough, nothing can stop you from reaching your goals.

Goodreads

This one was from India so thank you India! ! My first review from over there and I really appreciate it.

Change is Hard

Photo by le vy on Pexels.com

Change is hard because “our brains are wired to prefer certainty, comfort, and routine, and change threatens our sense of control and security.” Add fear of the unknown to it and it is next to impossible to accept change when it rolls around as it inevitably does because it is a part of life. Change happens whether we like it or not and learning to live with it is a must.

I dig in my heels whenever “change” shows its face around here. My first instinct is to shout out loud more out of fear than anything else. “Oh no, not you again! I don’t need any more changes in my well-organized and well-regimented life,” that is my cry. Change just smiles and takes its place patiently until I come to my senses because it knows that there is no getting away from it, and then it is time to go to work again, getting rid of the old and letting the new in.

“Change is hard because people overestimate the value of what they have and underestimate the value of what they may gain by giving that up.” James Belusco and Ralph Stayer

Have you ever struggled to hold onto something when letting go was the only option you had? Did you come up with excuses as to why it needed to stay? Did you turn what was staring you in the face, the truth, into more than what it was? I’m sure all of us have done that at one point or another. Hanging on to what is familiar is easy to do, not much effort is needed, and even if it hurts like hell, it is a much better option then taking the radical route. The one that takes you on a different path, the road less traveled so to speak and not knowing what is around that corner is more than frightening. If truth be told, it is the path that you’ll have to take to free yourself of what is weighing you down and it is the path that comes with changes. Those changes bring uncertainty, they bring pain, they make you accept your inadequacies and at times, they are more than uncomfortable. If you want better, accepting change is the only way to go.

“Change is hard at first, messy in the middle, and gorgeous at the end.” Robin Sharma

I’m at the “messy in the middle” part. The “gorgeous” part hasn’t arrived yet and it is scary at times but I know that if I keep at it and keep moving forward one step at a time, I’ll see the light. What light? The light at the end of the tunnel. Change is hard and I’m discarding as I go and accepting some truths that are needed as I move forward. I’ll get there one day.

Sometimes accepting “change” is the only way to go. Let go of what you give value to when you know that you’re overestimating its worth. Not everything is the “next best thing since sliced bread,” and quite often it is more like stale bread! Accept changes as they come and know it will be hard until it turns into something gorgeous.

Have an amazing day.