Category Archives: Misc
A gift from Mom Nature
Posted by doggonedmysteries
Mother Nature bestowed an unusual sight upon us this evening. The sun was setting and I happened to look out my kitchen window. In the eastern sky there was a magnificent rainbow. There was no rain, the sky was clear.
I called DH to the window to see it. I phoned G and told her to go outside there was something in the east she had to see. She went out with phone in hand and I giggled to hear her gasp in wonder at the sight. The colors were vibrant in the early evening sky.
As the sun sank lower and the rainbow disappeared, dear old Mom wasn’t finished. She grabbed her paintbrushes and the brightest pinks, oranges, and reds she could find and painted us a breathtaking sunset.
Every so often, when there are more bad days than good, Mother Nature manages to make us smile. DH and I most certainly needed to smile today and we did.
Posted in Misc
Tags: Author, Bones, books, Books on writing, Bull Terriers, Care giving, Caregiver, Craft of writing, Dead, Disability, Doggoned, Family, Fiction, gifts, Home, Life, Love, MS, Multiple Sclerosis, Murder, Mysteries, Mystery, Novel writing, Writer, Writing
Fashion faux pas I live by
Posted by doggonedmysteries
And other ramblings of an overstrained brain…
All the clocks and watches in this house are turned back an hour. The batteries on the smoke alarms are new again. Crap, this means winter isn’t far off. I don’t like snow, ice, and cold. I live with it because DH can’t stand a warmer climate and I hate southern summers.
Yes, I am weird and far from fashionable. I wear my flip-flops year round except in the snow when I change into winter boots to go outside. For that reason, the other day, I did get a start on some warmer clothing for winter. I bought some Tabis. You can’t imagine my delight when I found a place that sells them. I bought seven pair. If you don’t know what Tabis are, they are Japanese socks that have the big toe separated from the other toes. I wore them as a child. The ones I wore had tiny brass clips that fit into threads on the back of the Tabis to close them. The modern ones have no clips.
I have very happy feet now. There are no sock bunches in between the toes, and my feet are warm enough.
I love you and miss you terribly baby sister. Happy birthday, Mary.
Posted in Misc
Tags: Author, Bones, books, Books on writing, Bull Terriers, Care giving, Caregiver, Craft of writing, Dead, Disability, Doggoned, Family, Fiction, Home, Life, Love, MS, Multiple Sclerosis, Murder, Mysteries, Mystery, Novel writing, Writer, Writing
Friday bits and pieces
Posted by doggonedmysteries
G and I hit the lottery the other day…we made a whole two bucks. Yippee? That’s not exactly the red neck retirement fund now is it? We had to add another dollar to it to buy more tickets.
At least we got off two dollars cheaper this week. Hey, we might not ever win big but we can dream can’t we?
The MIL is in a nursing home again. This time she’s not returning to her home. There’s no way she can take care of herself any longer.
Right now, we’re working with the breed rescue to place the MIL’s dog Lance into a good home. It’s not going to be easy since he’s an elderly dog. We even managed to contact Lance’s breeder and he is asking around. We can’t take the little guy because Patty doesn’t like other dogs, especially small ones. She only gets along with Gavin.
I packed away all the Halloween props and paraphernalia until next year with the exception of our Zombie. He is still on my kitchen table awaiting repairs. I haven’t had time to work on him.
Posted in Misc
Tags: Author, Bones, books, Books on writing, Bull Terriers, Care giving, Caregiver, Craft of writing, Dead, Disability, Doggoned, Family, Fiction, Home, Life, Love, MS, Multiple Sclerosis, Murder, Mysteries, Mystery, Novel writing, Rescue Dogs, Writer, Writing
The phone number hop
Posted by doggonedmysteries
I find it strange how some people change their phone numbers as often as they change their under drawers because I’ve had the same phone number for thirty-seven years.
I’ve asked a few people about this trend. Some tell me they do it to stay one jump ahead of their creditors. Others tell me they do it because they want to avoid people to which they’ve given their number. I say why not pay the bills and not give your number to creepy people.
I know several people who have changed their numbers so often that even family members can’t find them. How dumb is that?
I couldn’t imagine changing the home phone number and yes, it is still a landline. I have enough problems trying to remember DH’s cell phone number and mine. I still don’t have the numbers memorized. I have to carry them around in my little address book.
Is this CRS or do I have so much on my mind, there’s no room for extras? I tend to think the latter. You try writing five books at once. Post Its™ are my best friends.
Posted in Misc, Writer, Writing
Tags: Bones, books, Books on writing, Bull Terriers, Care giving, Caregiver, Craft of writing, Dead, Disability, Doggoned, Family, Fiction, Home, Humor, Life, Love, MS, Multiple Sclerosis, Murder, Mysteries, Mystery, Novel writing, Writer, Writing
There’s a rubber room out there with my name on it
Posted by doggonedmysteries
DH’s mother is back in the hospital. This is not good for him. His stress level is through the roof. I try to make certain that things at home run smoothly and do my best not to ask him for anything right now.
It isn’t easy since the pond is filling with leaves, even though I skim it every day. I can’t put the netting to keep the leaves out on it alone. Heck, there are so many leaves in the yard, it’ll take me at least a month to rake them all and there are still tons on our trees. The kitchen lights need replacing—I hate climbing ladders.
There’s been another death in the family. We won’t go there.
My car’s inspection cost us a small fortune on Friday. Patty is acting out of character and I’m wondering if we’re in for another vet run.
“Hello, is this the Peaceful Valley Funny Farm? I was wondering if I could make a reservation.”
“What sort of accommodations were you looking for?”
“Do you have any spare rubber rooms?”
Posted in Misc, MS related
Tags: Author, Bones, books, Books on writing, Bull Terriers, Care giving, Caregiver, Craft of writing, Dead, Disability, Doggoned, Family, Fiction, Home, Humor, Life, Love, MS, Multiple Sclerosis, Murder, Mysteries, Mystery, Novel writing, Writer, Writing
Halloween facts and some updates
Posted by doggonedmysteries
Early Jack o lanterns were carved out of turnips. I can’t imagine trying to do one of today’s ornate carvings on one of them instead of a pumpkin. However, I sure there were some crafty artisans who did carve some remarkable turnips. G and I have made a name for ourselves around here with ours but we can’t do them without a pattern.
Allentown, PA had the very first Halloween parade in the US back in 1915 (correction: the year was 1905) followed by Tom’s River, NJ in 1919. This year it will be held on November 2nd. Somewhere out in TV land there’s a picture of our old Malcolm on one of the Halloween floats. He always was a ham.
Although it is 2:30 a.m., it’s a balmy seventy degrees outside with a misty rain. Not bad for late October.
I called G this evening to check and see how she was. Her eye surgery went very well. She sounded quite chipper. She was also pleased to announce that she didn’t have a shiner this time.
I overheard her husband in the background saying, “If she keeps complaining about not having a shiner I’ll be glad to oblige.” Wiseass.
Tags: Author, Bones, books, Books on writing, Bull Terriers, Care giving, Caregiver, Craft of writing, Dead, Disability, Doggoned, Family, Fiction, Halloween, Jack O'Lantern, Life, Love, MS, Multiple Sclerosis, Murder, Mysteries, Mystery, Novel writing, Pumpkin, Turnip, Writer, Writing
If wishes were horses
Posted by doggonedmysteries
Three weeks after I got married my parents, grandmother, and baby sister moved a great distance away. It was a long time before any family moved back to the area.
No family members live here now. When relatives travel, they never seem to get near our area. Our location is sort of like Rhode Island; you only go there if that is your destination.
I have traveled to my father’s old hometown to visit cousins and aunties but it’s difficult to do so as often as I’d like to when I have to do the eight-hour drive alone. DH doesn’t travel well. A long car ride is excruciatingly painful for him. Consequently, as much as he loves visiting my family, he’d rather stay home with the dogs where he is more comfortable.
Therefore, to torture myself, I periodically browse the real estate listings in the old hometown. I love to hit the bird’s eye view when looking at properties close to my family.
Tonight, I went browsing, and spied two houses that I loved. One lovely home was across the road from a cousin’s house. I hit the bird’s eye view and looked for my aunt’s house on the next road. I could actually see my cousin’s horses out in the pasture. [Sigh] The idea of living near loving family brings out a case of the ‘I wishes’ in me.
Posted in Misc, My blog, Writer, Writing
Tags: Author, Bones, books, Books on writing, Care giving, Caregiver, Craft of writing, Dead, Disability, Doggoned, Family, Fiction, Life, Love, MS, Multiple Sclerosis, Murder, Mysteries, Mystery, Novel writing, Writer, Writing
Silly things
Posted by doggonedmysteries
I’ve mentioned before that I enjoy silly things. The other day I was browsing through Amazon.com and came across adhesive bandages that cracked me up so bad I had to order some. I’m glad I did because once they arrived I found them to be even funnier.
I have mini handcuffs dangling from my purse. I have a crime scene clean up company pen I carry all the time. Now I have crime scene tape bandages. They are hysterical. On the tin, there’s a line, “For best results apply to body parts not already outlined in chalk.” I should’ve bought a case.
I ought to stay out of that place. Not only can I buy any books I want but they also have silly stuff. I think I need to lock up my credit card. Is there an ‘I shop too much at Amazon’ anonymous? “Hello, my name is M and I’m an Amazon shopaholic.”
“Hello M.”
Did you see the robot pencil sharpener? I can see me with the barnyard flingers that make noises as they fly through the air…
Oooo! They have a winter scarf that looks like crime scene tape. Where did I hide my card?
Posted in Misc
Tags: Amazon.com, Author, Bones, books, Books on writing, Bull Terriers, Care giving, Caregiver, Craft of writing, Crime scene, Dead, Disability, Doggoned, Family, Fiction, Home, Humor, Life, Love, MS, Multiple Sclerosis, Murder, Mysteries, Mystery, Novel writing, Writer, Writing
Miscellaneous things
Posted by doggonedmysteries
I’ve had my blucigs for almost two weeks now, and in that time, I’ve only smoked four regular cigarettes. That’s quite a big accomplishment for me.
I replaced my dead fog machine yesterday. I have far too many enablers. 😉
G has Little D’s Halloween birthday cake all figured out. She’s making a sheet cake cemetery. I finally caught Little D’s mother R today to ask how many candles we should put on the cake—a detail we’d forgotten. DUH.
While driving yesterday G and I noticed that many of the trees around here have donned their brightly colored fall fashions.
The pups are enjoying the chilly weather and are so full of energy they’ve been chasing each other around the house like maniacs. It’s a wonder there’s a stick left standing here. Everything in the curio cabinet has wandered to one side from the thundering herd’s floor rattling romps.
You all have a good day. If you live where you actually have a pretty fall, do try to get out and enjoy the colors.
Posted in Misc
Tags: A special Halloween birthday cake, Author, Birthday cake, Bones, books, Books on writing, Bull Terriers, Cake, Cake decorating, Care giving, Caregiver, Craft of writing, Dead, Disability, Doggoned, Dogs, Family, Fiction, Food, Home, Life, Love, MS, Multiple Sclerosis, Murder, Mysteries, Mystery, Novel writing, Writer, Writing
It’s not a breeze when it hits fifty mph
Posted by doggonedmysteries
We had lots of wind yesterday and more today. Gavin doesn’t like wind. Wind makes his ears tickle. He doesn’t want to stay out in it long. Poor pup. He doesn’t like it when it rattles the windows and lets the wind know with grumbling woofs.
Patty loves the wind. She dashes to the center of the yard, stops, stands still, her nose high sifting through the scents. You can see the wheels turn as she catalogues each smell. She wants to stay out and explore the many aromas the wind is bringing to her.
Any dead branches left in the trees by the last few storms that passed though certainly came down yesterday and today. I see another yard clean up in my future. Now, if only I could remember where I put my garden gloves…
DH wanted to mow the grass. However, yesterday he tripped over one of the dogs and took a bit of a tumble. He decided the mowing could wait another day or two. He’s not saying anything but I’m betting he’s a bit stiff and sore.
Posted in Dog related, Misc
Tags: Author, Bones, books, Books on writing, Bull Terriers, Care giving, Caregiver, Craft of writing, Dead, Disability, Doggoned, Dogs, Family, Fiction, Home, Life, Love, MS, Multiple Sclerosis, Murder, Mysteries, Mystery, Novel writing, Rescue Dogs, Writer, Writing
Ready set go! It’s another bad pun day!
Posted by doggonedmysteries
Ra-pun-zel, Ra-pun-zel, let down your hair. Come on everyone dust off your favorite puns and let’s have some fun.
There’s a new line of Elvis Presley-themed steakhouses. They are for people who love meat tender.
When you keep burping up that mustard you had on your hot dog it’s Dijon Vu.
Two Eskimos sitting in a kayak were chilly, but when they lit a fire in the craft it sank. . . . . proving once and for all that you can’t have your kayak and heat it, too.
A doctor made it his regular habit to stop off at a bar for a hazelnut daiquiri on his way home. The bartender knew of his habit, and would always have the drink waiting at precisely 5:03 p. m. One afternoon, as the end of the work day approached, the bartender was dismayed to find that he was out of hazelnut extract. Thinking quickly, he threw together a daiquiri made with hickory nuts and set it on the bar. The doctor came in at his regular time, took one sip of the drink and exclaimed, “This isn’t a hazelnut daiquiri!” “No, I’m sorry”, replied the bartender, “it’s a hickory daiquiri, doc.”
Posted in Misc
Tags: Author, bad pun day, Bones, books, Books on writing, Bull Terriers, Care giving, Caregiver, Craft of writing, Dead, Disability, Doggoned, Family, Fiction, Home, Humor, Life, Love, MS, Multiple Sclerosis, Murder, Mysteries, Mystery, Novel writing, Pun, pun-ditz, Writer, Writing
Even smoking has gone high tech
Posted by doggonedmysteries
I am a smoker, a pariah in today’s society. I can’t tell you how many times I’ve tried to quit. I hate how the smoke makes my clothes and house smell. I hate that it yellows my teeth and every household surface
However, when your husband chain-smokes and can’t do it outside, quitting is almost impossible. In addition, take away my nicotine and you will meet a crazed Maenad out for blood. One of the times I tried to quit, DH handed me a pack of cigarettes and asked me, “Will you please smoke.” Yeah, the poor man was living in bitch city and it wasn’t pretty.
Last week I purchased an electronic cigarette starter kit online. It arrived yesterday and once I charged it, I took it for a test drive or rather a test smoke. I like it.
DH became curious and tried it. Did he like it? Yes, he did and I ordered one for him tonight.
We may still have the nicotine addiction but at least now, maybe we won’t stand out quite so much.
Check out blucigs.
Posted in Misc
Tags: Addictions, Author, Bones, books, Books on writing, Bull Terriers, Care giving, Caregiver, Cigarette, Craft of writing, Dead, Disability, Doggoned, electronic cigarette, Family, Fiction, Home, Humor, Life, Love, MS, Multiple Sclerosis, Murder, Mysteries, Mystery, Nicotine, Novel writing, Tobacco, Writer, Writing




