Blog Archives
Does anyone make a coffee maker that won’t pee on my counter?
Posted by doggonedmysteries
I love coffee. I love drip coffee makers. However, I have yet to find one that lasts longer than two years. I take care of them. I keep them clean. I follow all instructions. Nevertheless, before I know it, they become senile and start peeing on the counter.
In 37 years, I’ve gone through a multitude of coffee makers. One decided I worked it too hard and in protest shot its on/off switch across the kitchen, nearly hitting G in the head, and then ceased working. That one was the only one that didn’t hang around long enough to pee on the counter.
I have owned every name brand coffee maker out there and not one of them has remained housebroken. I’ve had cheap coffee makers; middle range priced ones, and a couple of expensive ones.
I’m tired of wiping up puddles on my kitchen counter. It’s worse than having an 8 week old puppy. At least as they get older they learn not to wet the floor.
Do coffeemakers mark their territory? Do they perhaps have weak bladders?
Tags: Author, Beads, Bones, books, Books on writing, Bull Terriers, Care giving, Caregiver, Coffee, comedy, Craft of writing, Crafts, Dead, Disability, Dog humor, Doggoned, Dogs, Family, Fiction, Food, Home, Humor, Life, Love, MS, Multiple Sclerosis, Murder, Mysteries, Mystery, Novel writing, Writer, Writing
We are gonna get some warmer weather
Posted by doggonedmysteries
Over the next few days, we’re supposed to see a steady rise in the temperature. Need I say yippee? I can’t wait it’s been far too cold for my taste lately. We might even see it hit fifty degrees by Thursday. Wow, that means I can…do…some…yard…work—oh, crap.
The Koi will be happy because it means I’ll be able to add fresh water to the pond and back wash the filters. They should thaw by then. Not only will they be happy but also the wild birds who have been trying to find water at the top of the falls will be too. I’ve seen the poor things leaning way over the edge of the pond to sip. The littlest ones do have trouble reaching it.
The pups will be thrilled. They have not been pleased with the extreme cold we’ve had the last several weeks. I’ve never seen them hurry so much to get back inside as they have during this cold spell. Yes, they are spoiled. They love the comfort of the furniture and the heat. Same as they do the AC in the summer.
Posted in Dog related, Misc, my garden, Weather related, Writer, Writing
Tags: Author, Beads, Bones, books, Books on writing, Bull Terriers, Care giving, Caregiver, Coffee, Craft of writing, Crafts, Dead, Disability, Doggoned, Dogs, Family, Fiction, Fish, Home, Koi, Life, Love, MS, Multiple Sclerosis, Murder, Mysteries, Mystery, Novel writing, Rescue Dogs, Writer, Writing
Musing on my muse
Posted by doggonedmysteries
Her voice made me jump out of my reverie. “I’m back.”
Once my heart settled back into its normal rhythm, I grumped at her. “It’s about time. I’ve been struggling here.”
“Hey, don’t blame me. You’re the writer.” My muse flounced over to a nearby chair and sprawled into it.
“Yes, but you’re my muse. You’re supposed to be here to give me inspiration.”
“Inspiration, shminpiration I have my own needs.”
“What’s that supposed to mean?”
“You know.” She stretched out her left hand and checked out her fingernails.
“No, if you don’t tell me. I don’t know.”
“I need space. I need my privacy. I need love too.”
“A likely story.” I turned back to my computer.
She stood and tapped me on the shoulder. “I’m serious here. Why don’t you believe me?”
“Because you only disappear when I’ve written my characters into corners that’s why.”
“So don’t do it.”
With that exasperating bit of news, I shoved my chair away from the desk. “Pray tell, how is that possible?”
“Write literary fiction. Give up on the mysteries.”
I picked up my phone. “Is there someone I can call to have you replaced?”
“Now, is that nice? After all I’ve done for you.”
Posted in My blog, Writer, Writing
Tags: Author, Beads, Bones, books, Books on writing, Bull Terriers, Care giving, Caregiver, Coffee, comedy, Craft of writing, Crafts, Dead, Disability, Dog humor, Doggoned, Dogs, Family, Fiction, Home, Humor, Life, Love, MS, Multiple Sclerosis, Murder, Muse, Mysteries, Mystery, Novel writing, Writer, Writing
The week in review
Posted by doggonedmysteries
This has been a long week. Very cold weather and now today, more snow. Dang, we were just getting to see some grass peek through the last dumping of snow we got. The furnace has been working overtime keeping the house warm. Eeks! We have frigid weather and another inch or two of snow predicted for this weekend. Take note people, with this surge in cold weather stocks in long underwear companies should rocket. Hurry up spring!
Meanwhile back at the pond, the waterfall is frozen but the fountains are running. We need a few days above freezing to thaw the filters and the waterfall. There’s no ice on the pond, due to the cattle trough heater, but leaves clogged the basket on top of the pump, thus the frozen filters. It took me two hours to get the fountains flowing. Ah, wet hands and frigid weather, what a lovely combination.
Gavin and Patty are as sick of snow as we are. Neither one wants to be outside long. Our normally quiet dog barked when she saw some people outside today. It seems that Patty has taken to complaining to the neighbors about the weather.
DH had a bad week. We’re hoping next week will be a better one for him. He’s going to skip his Avonex dose on Monday. We’ll see how that goes.
Here’s hoping for warmer days, melted snow, and DH feeling better.
Posted in Dog related, Misc, my garden, Writer, Writing
Tags: Author, Beads, Bones, books, Books on writing, Bull Terriers, Care giving, Caregiver, Coffee, comedy, Craft of writing, Crafts, Dead, Disability, Dog humor, Doggoned, Dogs, Family, Fiction, Home, Humor, Life, Love, MS, Multiple Sclerosis, Murder, Mysteries, Mystery, Novel writing, Pet humor, Pets, Pond, Ponds, Rescue Dogs, Snow, weather, Writer, Writing
Beeps and buzzes that run our lives
Posted by doggonedmysteries
Today G mentioned that her new coffee pot started beeping and flashing a clean me light. Holy cow, talk about having a machine tell you what to do. At the time, we were waiting for my coffee pot to beep and let us know the pot was ready. Then our discussion went into other forms of beeps and buzzes that run our lives.
I complained that due to people having laundry rooms near their bedrooms manufacturers of dryers have done away with the loud buzzer that lets you know it has finished with the cycle. It’s now an anemic chime. I hate it. Why do I hate it? My dryer is in the basement. The old dryer had a loud buzzer that I could actually hear and respond to; taking my clothes out, before they became wrinkled.
I wish the manufacturer had asked me about the chime before they produced the new dryers. I would have told them to put an optional chime or buzzer switch on them.
Consequently, what beeps, buzzes, or chimes run our lives? Our list consisted of the coffee pot, the dryer, the microwave, alarm clocks, cell phones, and timers for everything. What beeps, buzzes, or chimes run your life?
Posted in Misc, My blog, Uncategorized
Tags: Author, Beads, Bones, books, Books on writing, Bull Terriers, Coffee, Craft of writing, Crafts, Dead, Disability, Doggoned, Family, Fiction, Home, Humor, Life, Love, MS, Multiple Sclerosis, Murder, Mysteries, Mystery, Novel writing, Writer, Writing
DH considers discontinuing Avonex
Posted by doggonedmysteries
DH has been on Avonex for many years, since way back when his now secondary progressive MS, was relapsing remitting. Lately he’s had a terrible time the day after his weekly injection. That first morning after he’s much weaker, can’t walk, or even sit up and in general, feels like crap. These are not the flu-like symptoms often connected with the use of Avonex. He had those in the early days of his Avonex use. These are different.
This worries me since Avonex can prevent further damage to the nerves. However, DH is determined. He has agreed to discuss this with his neurologist and I plan to be there when he does. I’ve done tons of research, hit all the MS sites I could find, and yet there is very little information on secondary progressive MS and what can happen if one discontinues the use of Avonex at this stage.
I plan to bring a list of questions, what ifs, what we might have to expect if he stops the drug. I also plan to ask about Fampridine, if the FDA approves it, when it will be available.
I would appreciate hearing from people who have secondary progressive MS and their reactions to the information and care they have available.
Posted in MS related, My blog
Tags: Author, Beads, Bones, books, Books on writing, Bull Terriers, Care giving, Caregiver, Coffee, comedy, Craft of writing, Crafts, Dead, Disability, Doggoned, Family, Fiction, Healthcare, Home, Life, Love, MS, Multiple Sclerosis, Murder, Mysteries, Mystery, Novel writing, Writer, Writing
What if people hibernated?
Posted by doggonedmysteries
I don’t know about you but it’s during cold weather like this when I often wish that we were creatures who hibernate. No shoveling snow, slip sliding on ice, or braving 40 mph winds to go to the store. Wouldn’t it be wonderful to crawl into a nice warm bed, pull the covers up, and sleep until spring? Then we’d wake up slim and ready for warm weather.
Yes, I think about these things.
I think about this when I’m snuggled deep under my covers. Warm and snug not wanting to get out of bed knowing that the wind I hear outside is as cold and fierce as it sounds. Knowing I have to go and face the cold as soon as one of the pups wants out, I want to pull the covers over my head and doze some more.
Isn’t it spring yet?
Posted in Misc, My blog, Weather related, Writer, Writing
Tags: Author, Beads, Bones, books, Books on writing, Bull Terriers, Care giving, Caregiver, Coffee, comedy, Craft of writing, Crafts, Dead, Disability, Doggoned, Family, Fiction, Home, Humor, Life, Love, MS, Multiple Sclerosis, Murder, Mysteries, Mystery, Novel writing, Snow, Writer, Writing
Happy New Year!
Posted by doggonedmysteries
A toast!
A toast to my dear readers…
May most of your wishes be granted.
I’d never say all, for a person needs to dream.
Good health.
Long life.
May the love of friends and family warm you.
Smell the roses.
Dance as if no one is looking.
Sing with joy.
Keep your feet on the ground and your head in the clouds.
And please keep on coming back here.
Posted in Holidays
Tags: Author, Beads, Bones, books, Books on writing, Bull Terriers, Care giving, Caregiver, Coffee, comedy, Craft of writing, Crafts, Dead, Disability, Dog humor, Doggoned, Dogs, Family, Fiction, Fish, Food, Gardening, Gardens, gifts, Happy New Year, Healthcare, Holidays, Home, Humor, Koi, Life, Love, MS, Multiple Sclerosis, Murder, Mysteries, Mystery, Novel writing, Pet humor, Pets, Pond, Ponds, Rescue Dogs, Snow, Writer, Writing
Muse versus little editor
Posted by doggonedmysteries
Today my muse sauntered in and sent me off on a flurry of writing. As my fingers flew over the keyboard I swore, I wasn’t going to look back until my train of thought derailed.
Out of nowhere, my little editor appeared and began to jump about on my shoulder screaming for attention. I do wish they’d arrive on different days or at least take separate vacations. Two chapters in and my train screeched to a halt.
“You know, this would be a great place to throw in a red herring.” My muse sat back in the chair behind me and stretched. “I’m sorry I left you in a lurch but I really needed a vacation. How about this for a what if scenario?”
“Oh, that’s good.” My fingers waltzed over the keys.
“What if your main character gets backed into a corner here?”
“I like that. It works.” The waltz became a boogie woogie.
“This looks like a great place to start a new chapter.”
“You’re right. It will perfect.” We were rocking now.
Something kicked me in the left ear. “Ow.” My little editor had announced his arrival.
“Reread that. Your grammar sucks there.”
“I can do that later, I’m on a roll here.” My typing slowed and I reread the paragraph he’d pointed out. “Crap.” My finger hovered over the delete key.
My muse bolted upright. “Don’t do it. Move on. I have more ideas.”
Too late. The train had stopped. I flipped off my little editor and asked, “Why don’t you go on vacation?”
Posted in My blog, Writer, Writing
Tags: Author, Beads, books, Books on writing, Bull Terriers, Care giving, Caregiver, Coffee, comedy, Craft of writing, Crafts, Dead, Disability, Doggoned, Family, Fiction, Home, Humor, Life, Love, MS, Multiple Sclerosis, Murder, Mysteries, Mystery, Novel writing, Writer, Writing
Ten resolutions
Posted by doggonedmysteries
With the New Year fast approaching, I thought I’d write down 10 New Year resolutions I intend to keep.
- When Dear Hubby is having a bad day I will try harder to make things more comfortable for him
- I will tell my loved ones ‘I love you’ often
- I will remember to seize the joy in life
- I will forget resentments, anger, and hard feelings and release them to the winds
- I will walk more
- I will take time to smell the roses even though they make me sneeze
- When the neighbors get on my last nerve, I will find something constructive to do rather than b**ch about it.
- I will eat more veggies and fruit
- I will speak my mind
- I will take time for me and write more
What are your New Year’s resolutions?
Posted in Holidays, Misc, My blog, Writer, Writing
Tags: Author, Beads, Bones, books, Books on writing, Bull Terriers, Care giving, Caregiver, Coffee, Craft of writing, Crafts, Dead, Disability, Doggoned, Family, Fiction, Holidays, Home, Life, MS, Multiple Sclerosis, Murder, Mysteries, Mystery, New Year's Resolutions, Novel writing, Writer, Writing
A soggy trip
Posted by doggonedmysteries
It is still raining and our yard is soggy. After my last trip out there with Gavin so am I. I do mean trip. Gavin was wandering along the fence line and I walked back toward the shed. The wind we had last night knocked a small branch or two off the magnolia, I didn’t see the one that sent me flying until after I’d landed splat in the deepest puddle out there.
Gavin is always ready to play and when he saw me hit the ground, he thought PLAY TIME! Sixty five pounds of wet dog landed on me. I started laughing, I was laughing so hard I couldn’t get up. Well, let’s say that the laughing and the extra sixty five pounds didn’t help my efforts. Never laugh at or with a Bull Terrier, it makes them sillier.
By the time we made it back inside, I was soaked, muddy, and cold. Gavin was muddy, wet, and full of himself. Furthermore, he had the nerve to beg for a cookie.
I was about to remove my muddy coat when Patty rang the bells—she wanted her turn out. She had a quick trip.
My coat and jeans went into the washer. After a hot shower and a cup of Bengal Spice tea, I was feeling warmer.
Posted in Dog related, Misc, My blog, Writer, Writing
Tags: Author, Beads, Bones, books, Books on writing, Bull Terriers, Care giving, Caregiver, Coffee, comedy, Craft of writing, Crafts, Dead, Disability, Dog humor, Doggoned, Dogs, Family, Fiction, Home, Humor, Life, Love, MS, Multiple Sclerosis, Murder, Mysteries, Mystery, Novel writing, Pet humor, Pets, Rescue Dogs, Writer, Writing
All I need
Posted by doggonedmysteries
Outside, rain, wind, and cold.
Stay in.
A warm, snug house.
A well fed and happy Hubby.
Having no stress is good for him.
Two cuddly dogs piled in my chair.
They are happy too.
A tall glass of fine wine.
Movie marathon—a combination of action and comedy films.
What more could a person want?
I told him no gifts and this time he listened.
Color me happy.
I look around and smile.
I have all I need.
Tags: Author, Beads, Bones, books, Books on writing, Bull Terriers, Care giving, Caregiver, Coffee, Craft of writing, Crafts, Dead, Disability, Doggoned, Family, Fiction, Home, Life, MS, Multiple Sclerosis, Murder, Mysteries, Mystery, Novel writing, Writer, Writing
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