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There’s snow crazy like snow crazy
Posted by doggonedmysteries
Standing at the kitchen window, I yelled and shook my fist at the sky. “Stop, stop, stop!”
The snowflakes fell paying me no heed.
DH walked into the kitchen and looked at me as if I’d lost my mind. I guess I have lost what little of it I had left. This has been a very long winter with far too much snow.
“Go away. Go visit Cousin Carol in Boston.” Sorry Carol, but you didn’t get the last storm. I have visions of her giving me a Gibbs slap for that one.
I railed at the sky, and yet, as I did, the snow continued to fall.
“Turn to rain, please turn to rain.”
“Have you finished ranting at the weather yet?” DH asked.
“No.”
“Did it stop it?”
“No.”
“Then why do it?”
“I do it because it makes me feel better.”
“You’re nuts.”
“I am.” I made a face and did a silly dance. “I always have been, but isn’t that part of why you married me?”
He chuckled and threw a pillow at me.
I caught the pillow and threw it back. “I love you too. I’d love you more if you could make it stop snowing.”
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, Dead, Disability, Doggoned, Family, Fiction, Home, Humor, Life, Love, MS, Multiple Sclerosis, Murder, Mysteries, Mystery, Novel writing, Writer, Writing
Now my characters are chewing me out
Posted by doggonedmysteries
“Where the heck have you been?” My main character asked me as I sat down to write.
“I’ve been busy.”
“That’s a fine thing. You go haring off to deal with your life and leave me stuck here up to my neck in trouble.” She stands with arms crossed over her chest.
“It’s not as if your neck is flesh and blood you know.”
She begins to pout. “Oh, yeah? Hey, you keep that attitude up and I’ll walk.”
“You’ll only do that if I give you legs and a place to go.” I reached for the delete key.
“Don’t get hasty, you know you like me.”
I pulled my hand back. “You’re the one who jumped on me not the other way around.”
“Okay, I apologize. Don’t get your panties in a twist.”
“Let’s see if I can get you out of your little situation.”
“If? What do you mean by if? You better get me out of this or you’ll have to write a whole new character to take my place.”
“Quiet. I’m working on it.” Type, type, type…
“Are you kidding me? You want me to do what? Who do you think I am Wonder Woman?”
“Oh, for cryin’ out loud.” Delete, delete, delete…
Posted in My blog, My books, Writer, Writing
Tags: Author, Beads, Bones, books, Books on writing, Bull Terriers, Care giving, Caregiver, Coffee, comedy, Craft of writing, Dead, Disability, Doggoned, Family, Fiction, Home, Humor, Life, Love, MS, Multiple Sclerosis, Murder, Mysteries, Mystery, Novel writing, Writer, Writing
The birds will be happy
Posted by doggonedmysteries
I’d neglected hanging suet out in the gardens for quite a while. The squirrels would clean it out before the birds could get to it. It hardly seemed worth spending the money on tree rats. Those gray furred monsters chased all the birds away. Now, I haven’t seen a squirrel in the yard since I stopped putting out suet. I’ve seen very few birds too.
Yesterday we had many birds in the yard. They were all playing in the waterfall. Cardinals, chickadees, juncos, and sparrows were splashing away like kids in a pool. Since I was heading to the grocery store, I added suet to my list. It won’t take them long to find it. They will be happy. I just hope word doesn’t get back to the neighborhood tree rats.
The squirrels have an uncanny sense that there’s suet about. With luck, the birds will find it first. G is closer to the cemetery’s tall trees. So far this year the squirrels have damaged four hanging suet baskets and three bird feeders at her place. We keep hoping that our neighborhood hawk has put a dent in the tree rat population.
Posted in Misc, My blog, my garden, Writer, Writing
Tags: Author, Bones, books, Books on writing, Bull Terriers, Care giving, Caregiver, Coffee, Craft of writing, Dead, Disability, Doggoned, Family, feeding the birds, Fiction, Gardening, Gardens, Happy birds, Home, Life, Love, MS, Multiple Sclerosis, Murder, Mysteries, Mystery, Novel writing, tree rats, Writer, Writing
Is Big Brother watching your children?
Posted by doggonedmysteries
I found this news story to be very discomforting. It truly creeped me out thinking that this school district would actually have the nerve to completely invade someone’s privacy the way they did. I don’t have kids but with all the child predators out there, this would’ve had me storming the school district’s offices with torch and pitchfork in hand.
It also made me think that if I ever get a new computer that has a built in camera, I’ll put electrical tape over the lens. I like my privacy.
Then I look at this whole situation as a mystery writer. The idea of someone watching a person, through his or her own computer, without his or her knowledge, is fodder for another book. In a world where we’ve had to put stalker laws on the books, tell me this doesn’t make your skin crawl.
In fact, I do believe that Criminal Minds had a show where a serial killer used his job as a computer tech to stalk and kill his victims. After reading this and the news story, I wonder, did you put tape over your computer’s camera?
Posted in My blog
Tags: Author, Beads, Bones, books, Books on writing, Bull Terriers, Care giving, Caregiver, Coffee, Craft of writing, Dead, Disability, Doggoned, Family, Fiction, Home, Is Big Brother watching you?, Life, MS, Multiple Sclerosis, Murder, Mysteries, Mystery, Novel writing, privacy, Shocking news, Writer, Writing
Ouch, that hurts!
Posted by doggonedmysteries
DH broke his big toe. I know because I’ve done it myself more than once. He’d been complaining about his toe since he fell on Tuesday. Tonight he noticed the bruising. He came downstairs to show me.
I looked at it…nodded my head, and said, “Yep, it’s broken.”
“It hurts,” he said.
“I know it does. Are you going back to bed now?”
“Yeah, but did you see how black and blue it is?”
“It is bruising some. Another day or two and it’ll look real ugly.”
All you can do for a broken toe is wait for it to heal. This is going to be a long six weeks.
Men whine, their theatrics when sick or hurt are often worthy of Oscars.
For best actor in the drama… Flu Days, we present this award to…
For best actor in the comedy… We All Fall Down, the award goes to…
Don’t get me wrong, I feel for him. I really do. As I said, I’ve been there.
Posted in Misc, MS related, My blog
Tags: Author, Bones, books, Books on writing, Bull Terriers, Care giving, Caregiver, Coffee, comedy, Craft of writing, Dead, Disability, Doggoned, Family, Fiction, Home, Humor, Life, Love, MS, Multiple Sclerosis, Murder, Mysteries, Mystery, Novel writing, Writer, Writing
Avonex, Tysabri, or where do we go from here?
Posted by doggonedmysteries
We had a very long day around here today. DH dragged my carcass out of bed early so I could drive him to his neurologist appointment. (It took two cups of coffee to get my eyes to open and two more to get me functioning.) I love the neurologist’s new offices except that DH had to do a lot more walking.
We discussed the problems that have plagued DH after his Avonex shot lately. For example, DH took his Avonex on Monday, and on Tuesday, he took a bad fall. He has some scrapes and bruises but he’s okay. This has become a regular thing the last several months. The doctor suggested that DH try halving his Avonex dose for a few weeks, and then slowly raise it back to a full dose, to see if that helps.
If that doesn’t work, Dr. H suggested trying Tysabri on DH. I asked him about Fampridine too. His answer was a bit noncommittal. I’m not surprised since the FDA only approved it in January. He gave DH a very thorough exam, and he is sending him for more blood work.
On another note, Jackie (one of my faithful readers) has started a blog. Why don’t you go over there and give her a nice howdy?
Posted in MS related, My blog
Tags: Author, Bones, books, Books on writing, Bull Terriers, Care giving, Caregiver, Coffee, Craft of writing, Dead, Disability, Doggoned, Family, Fiction, Home, Life, Love, MS, Multiple Sclerosis, Murder, Mysteries, Mystery, Novel writing, Writer, Writing
Even dogs get cabin fever
Posted by doggonedmysteries
Neither Patty nor Gavin enjoy trudging through the deep snow outside. Therefore, they’ve begun to romp inside more than usual with DH and me taking the brunt of their zest. They run around like maniacs and use us as bumpers when they make turns. Either that or they leap onto our laps leaving black and blue paw prints behind.
Gavin had quieted down and had stretched out alongside me in my chair. He likes an afternoon nap. Patty was still looking for mischief. First, she poked his paw with her nose as she walked by. Then she walked past again and nosed his chest. The third time by she poked him in the nose a couple of times. I must say Gavin tried mightily to ignore her.
She, who is not to be ignored, wanted to play. She went and stood by DH’s chair and studied Gavin for a few minutes. Gavin was trying to doze. He even faked it by closing his eyes tight. However, I could feel his body tense as he sensed her scrutiny.
Patty walked past us and went into the kitchen. A few seconds later, she bounded back into the living room and pounced on both of us. Gavin shot out of the chair, bully runs and hucklebutts ensued. I can’t wait until they can burn off some energy outside.
Posted in Dog related, My blog, Writer, Writing
Tags: Author, Bones, books, Books on writing, Bull Terriers, Care giving, Caregiver, Coffee, comedy, Craft of writing, Dead, Disability, Dog humor, Doggoned, Dogs, Family, Fiction, Home, Humor, Life, MS, Multiple Sclerosis, Murder, Mysteries, Mystery, Novel writing, Pet humor, Pets, Rescue Dogs, Snow, Writer, Writing
Where did my brain go?
Posted by doggonedmysteries
My brain went on a vacation. However, it did leave several voice mails for me.
Message 1: “Um, hello? Geez, I hate voicemail. Anyway, this is your brain. I’m going on vacation. I hear that Hawaii doesn’t have snow.”
Message 2: “It’s me again. You know. Your brain? I just wanted to let you know I forgot to put coffee on the grocery list, you might want to do that.”
Message 3: “Just arrived in Honolulu. It’s a balmy 71. I hear it’s supposed to hit 81 this afternoon. Enjoy the snow. Neener neener neener.”
I threw my cell phone against the wall. If my brain wants to be nasty about it, I won’t listen to my voicemail.
I received a strange E-mail. “This is your brain in Hawaii. It’s sunny and warm. Did the next snow storm hit yet?”
There were pictures too. My brain sitting on the beach sipping on a Mai Tai. (It had better make sure it showers off all that sand. There’s nothing worse than sand in the crevices.) My brain at a luau doing the hula. (Don’t ask it isn’t pretty.) Then there’s the picture of my brain at the pineapple farm. (Great, I’m allergic to pineapple so now I’ll be itchy.)
I hate my brain.
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, funny, Home, Humor, Life, Love, MS, Multiple Sclerosis, Murder, Mysteries, Mystery, Novel writing, Snow, Writer, Writing
Happy Valentine’s Day
Posted by doggonedmysteries
For many years, Dear Hubby brought me flowers, a cute stuffed toy, and chocolate candy for Valentine’s Day. I always made him his favorite dinner. Romantic isn’t it?
Multiple Sclerosis sucks. It is no longer easy for DH to shop. My PajamaGram was going to be my gift from him this year. It was supposed to arrive on the 10th. However, it still hasn’t arrived ‘due to adverse weather conditions.’ . According to the tracking, it is still in the last place it stopped before delivery here, waiting for weather conditions to improve. Does UPS deliver on Sundays?
Monday the forecast is calling for MORE snow.
Hawaii anyone? I hear that is the only state that didn’t get snow this year….
Posted in Holidays, Weather related, Writer, Writing
Tags: Author, Beads, Bones, books, Books on writing, Bull Terriers, Care giving, Caregiver, Coffee, Craft of writing, Dead, Disability, Doggoned, Family, Fiction, Home, Life, Love, MS, Multiple Sclerosis, Murder, Mysteries, Mystery, Novel writing, Snow, Writer, Writing
Psst, Phil. Dere’s a contract out on youse
Posted by doggonedmysteries
The phone rang. I answered it. A strange, gravelly voice on the other end of the line threw chills down my spine.
“Youse wanted a contract?”
“What?” I pulled the phone from my ear for a second and peered at it as if I could see whom it was that asked me such an odd question.
“I heard youse wanted to put out a contract on some guy called Phil. I’m your guy.”
“I have no idea what you are talking about. I don’t know anyone called Phil. Wait. Is this a joke? Did Jackie put you up to this?”
“C’mon lady. I don’t know any Jackie an’ I ain’t joking wid youse. Ricky Da Nose tol’ me today you wanted somebody to off dis Punksadohicky Phil guy,” he growled.
“Do you mean Punxsutawney Phil?”
“Yeah, dat guy.”
“It’s too late.”
“What, did someone beat me to da contract?”
“No. It’s simply too late. He already saw his shadow.”
“Whaddaya mean by dat? He croak?”
“Yeah. He croaked.”
“Damn, I coulda used da money.”
“Sorry about that.”
“Well, if youse needs ta have anybody else offed, you call me. I’ll do it fer cheap.”
“I’ll do that.”
Posted in Misc, Writer, Writing
Tags: Author, Beads, Bones, books, Books on writing, Bull Terriers, Care giving, Caregiver, Coffee, comedy, Craft of writing, Dead, Disability, Doggoned, Family, Fiction, funny, Home, Humor, Life, Love, MS, Multiple Sclerosis, Murder, Mysteries, Mystery, Novel writing, Snow, Writer, Writing
Snow, snow, snow, and more snow
Posted by doggonedmysteries
It is prettier when you don’t have to shovel it. Snow has been the topic uppermost on people’s minds around here. There’s too much of it. The entire neighborhood has managed to dig out but the city hasn’t plowed the street. Geez, they didn’t even run through with a salt truck yet.
AJ from AJ Wildflower arrived today and cleared off our walk and driveway. She and her helper did a great job, and they even salted everything down when they finished. Good thing too since there was some melting of snow going on and the driveway is now dry and ice free.
They blew all the snow from the driveway into the yard. It’s so deep at that end now, that it makes me wonder if we’ll ever see the grass again. It’s going to take a huge upward jump in temperature to put a dent in it. But noooo, the forecast for here is showing wind chills dropping us down to 5 degrees by the time the sun comes up.
I’m ready to go groundhog hunting. Dang thing just had to see his shadow didn’t he?
Posted in Weather related, Writer, Writing
Tags: Author, Beads, Bones, books, Books on writing, Bull Terriers, Care giving, Caregiver, Coffee, comedy, Craft of writing, Dead, Disability, Doggoned, Family, Fiction, Home, Humor, Life, Love, MS, Multiple Sclerosis, Murder, Mysteries, Mystery, Novel writing, Snow, Writer, Writing
Yuck, no more white stuff please
Posted by doggonedmysteries
What can I say? When this winter is finally over, I won’t want to see anything white for many months. Maybe I’ll dye Gavin green for March.
Never mind, knowing the people in this area I think I’d get tired of hearing, “Hey lady you’ve got a green dog.”
“Ya think?”
How about neon pink? He has to go for his shots and our vet has a great sense of humor. Can you see me walking a neon pink Gavin into his office?
“Hi A. Do you think that Gavin’s allergies might be getting worse?”
He’d take one look at neon pink Gavin and fall on the floor laughing.
Would Patty get jealous and want her white parts tinted too?
If I had some food coloring in the house, I’d go air brush the darned snow. A yard full of rainbow colors would certainly look more cheerful.
On second thought, knowing my dogs, all that color would track inside the house and what a lovely mess I’d have to clean up. I guess I’ll live with the plain old white snow.
I wrote this in the wee hours of the morning as usual. It’s now late in the afternoon and we are in blizzard conditions. From the looks of things outside, we may be inside for a month!
Go ahead Lee, if you are reading this, LAUGH your A$$ off.
I can’t find my van or DH’s pick up in the driveway, and I’m going to have to dig a path in the yard for the dogs.
Posted in Weather related, Writer, Writing
Tags: Author, Beads, Bones, books, Books on writing, Bull Terriers, Care giving, Caregiver, Coffee, comedy, Craft of writing, Dead, Disability, Dog humor, Doggoned, Dogs, Family, Fiction, Home, Humor, Life, Love, MS, Multiple Sclerosis, Murder, Mysteries, Mystery, Novel writing, Snow, Writer, Writing
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