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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?

View all responses

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).

View all responses

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

LOL!

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

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?

View all responses

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