The Three Update

They are still here. Shiro, the white Persian, and her big brother Gallahad. I think they love it here. They have everything they need and throw in a maid at their beck and call, and life couldn’t be better for them. I’m learning about their personalities as well.

Shiro is the princess or so she thinks! She loves anything that smells sweet and wonderful but that doesn’t stop her from cavorting in the litter box! She uses that box about 10 times a day! A little much? Tell me about it. I’m the one with the scooper keeping things clean and some days it is exhausting. She is also the ringleader. The “macho” pants are on, she got them off Chachi and is wearing them with pride. The little Shiro is also a drama queen. If she doesn’t like something, she lets it be known. The meows kick in and she doesn’t stop until I say, “Enough!” Most days, she is my companion. What happened to Chachi? Well, he not only gave up his macho pants, he is content sleeping the day away and keeping his distance from her!

Galahad is the guy who is all about the food. His life revolves around food. The minute he sees me, his high-octane purring takes off. It is not because he is happy to see me or that he loves me, maybe a little of both, but because he sees “food” flashing past his eyes. You wouldn’t believe the number of kisses I get from Mr. Roly Poly. It stops when he has achieved his goal. Yes, he plays me like a well-worn fiddle! He has grown close to my heart and I will miss him royally.

Chachi is getting used to them. His world revolves around them now. Some days he has a hissy fit and on other days he watches them like a hawk. Galli is his best buddy. Shiro is his arch rival. He still shows his tiny teeth whenever he walks past her. Lately, he is reeling that in. Shiro is the smart one. She wants to take his place so she PRETENDS to like him. My poor little guy doesn’t stand a chance but I know that it will never happen. Replacing him is an impossible thing to do but he doesn’t know it. So he watches her and when she snuggles up to me, I hear a growl coming from the little guy.

Here’s the thing. They were supposed to go back to daddy, my son, at the end of this month. My son has moved in to his new apartment. It was a stressful time. It still is. He is doing his business trips as well. After the move, he was off to a city in Germany for a week. He is back now but off again next week for another week. I asked, “What happens when the cats get there and you have to be gone for a week or more?” He says, “I’ll ask a colleague to look after them.” Not sure about that but we’ll cross that bridge when the time comes. Now, I find out that the cats can only be there on the 15th of August because his dad has more important things to do!

I don’t mind watching over them. They are sweet and cute albeit a handful at times. Chachi loves the company and I’m getting used to their ways. However, I need a break so they need to go. I know that Chachi will miss them as well and he will be back to being the ONE and ONLY!

That’s one way of looking at it.

Have an amazing day.

LOL!

A farmer buys a young rooster and puts him in the yard.

The rooster takes one look around and immediately gets to work. By breakfast, he’s been through every hen on the farm.

The farmer whistles. “Well, that was impressive.”

By lunchtime, the rooster has done the whole flock again.

Now the farmer is less impressed and more concerned.

The next morning, the rooster has moved on from the hens to the ducks, the geese, the turkeys, and anything else unfortunate enough to stand still.

Later that day, the farmer looks across the yard and sees the rooster lying flat on his back, legs in the air, completely motionless. Above him, a few vultures are circling.

The farmer walks over, shakes his head, and says, “I told you you’d kill yourself, you filthy little maniac.”

The rooster opens one eye and whispers:

“Keep it down. They’re almost here.”

🤣🤣🤣

Amazing!

Shiro and Gallahad are two cats who have moved into my place as temporary residents. They will be moving out in about two months but in the meantime, they are learning to cope with a new environment and it hasn’t been easy for all of us.

Shiro, the white Persian is a beauty and she knows it. She loves lovely scents, loves being a girl, but she also loves clean toilets! Some of her time is spent finding a clean litterbox and taking refuge in it! So, I have to clean her up twice a day. Gallahad, the British long-haired cat with the orange eyes is quiet and observes the world as it goes by. He looks menacing but is a sweetheart with a gentle way about him. They are brother and sister. I think he is the bigger brother and she, the younger sister. They watch out for each other.

A few weeks ago someone told me that cats are not humans. I agree they are not humans but it is incredible the human traits they possess and sometimes, they do one better than humans!

I observed this behavioral trait yesterday. Galli is always hungry. He is all about the food and he loves me because I’m his “food lady.” Whenever he gets hungry, he looks for me, rubs up against my leg, and purrs up a storm. Those love-filled orange eyes always get me and it did the same yesterday. We went downstairs and I got his favorite pack of food. Yes, they are spoiled rotten and now, they are into gourmet food! Anyway, I opened the pack and turned around to put it in his bowl when Shiro showed up. She was hungry as well. I emptied the food into Galli’s bowl. He headed towards it when Shiro cut in front and proceeded to eat from his bowl. I thought Galli would try to push her away but I watched in amazement as he stood right next to her and watched as she chomped away! He did not push, he did not shove, he just waited patiently.

After she had eaten, she placed a kiss on his cheek, he kissed her cheek back and then proceeded to eat what was left in the bowl. I was amazed at Galli’s behavior and the tenderness he showed his little sister. Just for being the little gentleman he is, he got an extra pack of food and a kiss on his forehead.

Animals have many layers to them. Some may see them as “just” animals and nothing more but if you observe them, you will see the subtle nuances that make them stand out, ones that make you look at them with different eyes as I did.

CATS!

I am biased on this one. I love cats! Perhaps not all cats but the two I’ve had. The first one I rescued on a stormy night. He was barely a few weeks old but I found him and his two siblings abandoned and could only keep one. I took Twitty because the orange ball of fur with the huge dark eyes just captivated me right from the start. I learned at that time that cats are emotional creatures. Somehow even at that young age, Twitty had formed a bond with his siblings. The day I took them away was a sad one. When I came home, Little Twitty gave me hell. He rattled the cage he was in and meowed constantly. He missed his siblings terribly. However, within a short period of time he adjusted to his new life. Cats are low maintenance so they make great pets. Give them food and water and they take care of the rest. They are loving creatures and they show love without being coerced into it. Twitty was my constant companion but he is gone now, however, the memories remain of a wonderful and beautiful soul.

Chachi, the cat, was a gift from a friend who passed away. I didn’t want another cat at the time because losing them brought too much sorrow. The friend didn’t listen and showed up with the little guy. I kept my distance and didn’t want to open my heart to him. He walked up, put one paw on my leg, looked up at me and I fell. We have a mutual love for each other, one that borders on the ridiculous at times! He follows me around and I talk to him whenever I get the urge and he listens like a pro. The best part is no talking back!

Cats are beautiful creatures. They are soft and gentle and there is so much wisdom behind those eyes. It’s hard to know what they are really thinking but who cares! He comes running when I call, stares adoringly even if I’m not looking my best and is ready for a kiss and a cuddle. The problem is I spoil them too much and they think they run the roost! Little Chachi thinks he wears the pants and taking the whip away from him is next to impossible! He doesn’t know it but I’m still the BOSS! I do think cats make the best pets.

Daily writing prompt

What animals make the best/worst pets?

View all responses

Valentine’s Day Story

It is here. The day when love is celebrated with hearts, kisses, roses and lots of love. It falls annually on February 14th and there is a frenzied rush to show that certain someone special just how wonderful they are. What about the other days? Well, it goes without saying. Just a normal day with no Schnickschnack involved. This too is love and it takes many forms.

Coming back to the Valentine’s Day Story.

Valentine’s Day often makes us think about hearts, chocolates, and romance — but some of the most meaningful love stories are about friendship, kindness, and showing up for one another when it matters most.

That’s exactly what The Excellent Adventures of Honey and Hubie celebrates.

At its core, this story isn’t about grand gestures or perfect heroes. It’s about Honey, a miniature greyhound who must find courage she didn’t know she had, and Hubie, a bold little frog who proves that friendship doesn’t always come in expected forms. Together, they explore a whimsical world filled with surprises, gentle humor, and moments that quietly remind us what love really looks like.

What makes this book such a lovely Valentine’s Day read is how naturally its message unfolds. Honey and Hubie don’t set out to teach lessons — they simply care about each other. They listen, they help, they face fears side by side. And in doing so, they show young readers that love isn’t always loud or dramatic. Sometimes, it’s just being brave enough to take the next step when someone believes in you.

For children, it’s a story about friendship and courage. For parents and teachers, it’s a reminder that stories can nurture empathy, imagination, and emotional growth — all without preaching.

This Valentine’s Day, The Excellent Adventures of Honey and Hubie is a beautiful choice for sharing a quieter kind of love: the love of friendship, loyalty, and believing in one another — even when the path ahead feels uncertain.

Because the best adventures, just like the best kinds of love, are the ones we don’t take alone.

The Excellent Adventures of Honey and Hubie by T. J. Mueller

Available on Amazon

Valentine’s Day Story

It is on the way. The day when love is celebrated with hearts, kisses, roses and lots of love. It falls annually on February 14th and there is a frenzied rush to show that certain someone special just how wonderful they are. What about the other days? Well, it goes without saying. Just a normal day with no Schnickschnack involved. This too is love and it takes many forms.

Coming back to the Valentine’s Day Story.

That’s exactly what The Excellent Adventures of Honey and Hubie celebrates.

For children, it’s a story about friendship and courage. For parents and teachers, it’s a reminder that stories can nurture empathy, imagination, and emotional growth — all without preaching.

Because the best adventures, just like the best kinds of love, are the ones we don’t take alone.

The Excellent Adventures of Honey and Hubie by T. J. Mueller

Available on Amazon

LOL!

I thought this was hilarious!

Hello, police? Please hurry – send someone immediately! There’s a cat in my house!”

“I’m sorry, sir… did you say a cat?”

“Yes, a CAT! For heaven’s sake! Don’t you know what a cat is? It walked in and now it’s coming straight toward me!”

“Sir, I don’t quite understand. Are you sure you don’t mean an intruder? A burglar, perhaps?”

“Nooo! An actual cat! You know—meow! With fur! Are we on the same planet?!”

“Sir, even if the cat is approaching you, I’m not sure why this is a police matter.”

“Because it’s trying to kill me! And when I’m dead, this call will be Exhibit A!”

“A cat… is trying to kill you. Sir, may I ask who I’m speaking to?”

“This is Loreto.”

“Last name?”

“…the Parrot.”

🤣🤣🤣

MY BOOK

The Excellent Adventures of Honey and Hubie by T. J. Mueller

About the Book

In The Excellent Adventures of Honey and Hubie, author T. J. Mueller takes young readers on a wild and colorful journey into a world full of imagination and wonder.

Honey and Hubie set off on an exciting adventure together, exploring the unknown and discovering that the greatest treasure of all is friendship. Along the way, they meet magical characters, face challenges, and learn what it truly takes to hold onto the bonds that matter most.

This enchanting tale blends fun storytelling with a heartfelt message, making it a perfect read for children who love make-believe worlds and meaningful lessons.

📖 Available now → Buy on Amazon

Why Kids (and Parents) Will Love It

✨ Magical adventure – A journey into a whimsical world full of colorful characters
✨ Friendship at its heart – Teaches kids what it takes to build and keep strong friendships
✨ Captures imagination – Encourages creativity and wonder in young readers
✨ Engaging message – Fun storytelling with a positive lesson woven in

About the Author – T. J. Mueller

T. J. Mueller is an author who masterfully combines fun, imaginative storytelling with heartfelt messages for children. With The Excellent Adventures of Honey and Hubie, Mueller brings young readers into a magical world of make-believe while reminding them of the very real importance of friendship.

Get Your Copy

📕 Paperback Edition → Order on Amazon

Final Thoughts

If your child loves fantasy adventures filled with magical characters and meaningful lessons, The Excellent Adventures of Honey and Hubie is a must-read.

Perfect for bedtime reading, classroom storytime, or family fun, this book captures the imagination while sharing a timeless message: friendship makes every adventure better.

Chachi’s Night of Terror!

Animals and fireworks don’t mix! However, every year on New Year’s Eve they are put through “terror” that they don’t understand. All they know is that their safe world is suddenly filled with noise and flickering lights. It was the same for Chachi, the cat.

It was a good thing that I was home to keep him company. This year, the fireworks started as early as 8:30 p.m. Some neighbors decided that they had waited long enough and it was time to ring the new year in. First, it was a few but even that sent Chachi in a tizzy. He looked at me with his big eyes, sat up on his haunches, looked to the window and then back at me.

HIM: “What is that MOM?!!”

ME: “Don’t worry, you’re safe.”

Then a few more went off and lit up the sky with a splash of color and he took off running. I let him go. He found a spot under the bed and stayed there. Half an hour later, he poked his nose out and looked at me again, suspiciously this time.

HIM: “Mom, why are you making all that noise? I don’t like changes!”

I picked him up to hold him close and to reassure him that there was nothing to worry about but he wasn’t having it. He jumped, scrambled, and went back under the bed.

Then midnight rolled around and the village went up in flames! Well, it was lit up like a stadium, with fireworks shooting left and right, you get the picture. This quiet little village that usually goes to sleep at around 7:30 in the evenings was loud and noisy with children running around with sparklers and parents trying to outdo each other as far as fireworks was concerned. It was a free for all! I watched sans Chachi. He was behind a cupboard and refused to budge!

It took all of 30 minutes but seemed like forever to the little furball. As things settled down, he stayed behind the cupboard. After much coaxing, he showed his tiny little face looking like he had been through a war zone! I picked him up but he was jittery and restless. A lone firecracker going off sent him running again.

Needless to say last night was a sleepless and restless one. He kept waking me up, meowed “Mommy” every five minutes and refused to cuddle. Morning rolled around before I knew it and he was up at 5:00 a.m. ready to go downstairs but not without his mommy! He kept close as I made my way downstairs and stayed close. It’s going to be a long day as I try to get him back to his normal self.

Should fireworks be banned? That’s like the Grinch who stole Christmas? It was banned for a couple of years but they are back at it with a vengeance. I’ll have to go out there and see what kind of damage was done. Each year, they use the garage area to set off their fireworks and this year was no different. Irritating? Absolutely. Cleaning up is left to someone else to do.

Okay, it is the first day of a new year and I’m going to take it in stride and work on getting Chachi back to his normal self.

HAPPY NEW YEAR EVERYONE!

The Last Walk (Archives)

It’s the last walk for this year. The weather has kept me away for the last week or so. There has been lots of fog and add the constant fine rain or drizzle as some may call it and you’ve got weather that is neither fit for man nor beast to venture out in.

Today, there is no sun and the same thick fog is playing havoc with visibility but now we have to contend with frost as well. Looking out of the kitchen window this morning I noticed that the rooftops are dressed in white making it look spooky in the dawning light.

I’m dressed for the weather. I’ve got my Down jacket on, gloves on my hands, a scarf around my neck but decided against a hat since I just washed my hair last night and winter caps do not do justice when it comes to long hair! Vain? You can say that.

The fields are shrouded in pea soup thick fog and it is cold, much colder than it has been. However, the trees are frosted and that right there is my belated Christmas present from Mother Nature! They look like they’re straight out of a picture postcard and gorgeous doesn’t even begin to describe it!

It was quiet as I walked, my hands shoved into my jacket as I took in the view before me. Nothing was moving except for a few crows picking at the frozen ground for whatever they could find and as I passed them they let out a loud caw in unison. They are loud creatures and not to my liking but they are a part of the fields and there are plenty of them here.

The herons seem to have taken refuge from the cold and that’s sad because my heart soars whenever I see them. I have a soft spot for them or perhaps for the luck they might bring. Out of nowhere, I spot three deer in the field. Suddenly, one of them runs towards me and my breath catches in my throat because that has never happened before. Just as suddenly, it stops and watches me as I make a loud clicking noise with my tongue more out of fear than anything else. It was enough to scare it away and they turned and ran off in the opposite direction.

The rest of the walk was calm and peaceful as usual. I can hardly believe that the year is almost over. We’ve almost gone through 365 days in a blink of an eye or so it seems. They say time flies when you’re having fun but that hasn’t been the case as far as I am concerned so why is time flying like it has wings? Could it have to do with getting older? Hmm….maybe but whatever it is, the new year is waiting in the wings and good or bad, it will be here soon.

Take care fields and I’ll see you in the New Year.