February 11, 2026:  This Mass card is absolutely beautiful and is such a coinkidink find.  So, there I was, at my favorite atelier designer couture boutique (Chez Goodwill) and found a 5-star excellent bargain-priced Zagato sport jacket.  Cut velvet fabric feel in a very understated, warm herringbone pattern.  It's just a bit heavy for our climate for year round, but right for chillier mornings.   I've already worn it to church and it felt great!     Anywhooo, I'm showing off my couture find to Mrs. Boss that night and reach into the pocket square slot and pulled out this excellent Mass card.  Not only is it neat that one Catholic owned the jacket before another Catholic took possession, but the Mass card was actually from a Priest's funeral mass in Shreveport, Louisiana in 2015!  Wow, what are the odds.  This thing is practically a Catholic relic!  Can't wait to continue the tradition!  

Just had some cream danish for breakfast, since I won't be having any during Lent, which is just around the corner.   Evil, sweet, delicious and naughty.    Yum. Ola.  

Sweats top to bottom today, since I didn't do Mass since Clemente is here today.   He's working on key projects and I kind of need to be here for this, since they're multiple, smaller tasks.  My hope is that when Clemente heads home, I'll have about an hour to ride my bike...   Maybe longer if I wear plenty of warm clothes.   I'm amazed at the level of warm layering that's needed on the bike to be comfortable.  I don't know if it's the wind or low roads or what, but I've learned to take one more layer on my back from what I think I'm going to need.  

Otherwise, getting some things done.  Still need to finish booking sheets and print some, but have ordered a supplement and did 1 hour towards wedding setup!    We'll see what else is going to happen in the production department....

Loving the second Vera Wong novel and avoiding "Immortal Irishman"....    Excited about my vinyl monogram sticker to arrive, and hope it's as good as I'm thinking.  If it works, I'm totally going to do 1/2 dozen more of different sizes for projects that I can think of right off the top of my head!   Love me some good monogram.  

Curtain for the parlor is up, and I just need to get the tieback from the chapel.... 

Needing to book a straight razor shave with Michael, since I have 2 more gift certificates from Mrs. Boss.  Gettin' on the stick.  Still need to order turbotax.  

Absolutely nothing else to report.  Stay excellent my baked potato casseroles.  Be blessed and thank Him for it all!  Later, mah taters!                  (avoid a confrontation....freeze an iguana...)  :)

February 10, 2026:  This picture is pretty cool and from a calendar Jolene bought Mrs. Boss for the planting/gardening tips.  Each month's artwork is pretty cool.  We've got to figure out a way to catalogue the artwork and garden tips in some way.

What a crazy dream night.........   Woke up at 3:20 a.m. from a dream where Minnie Pearl (Grand Ole Opry) was sitting in a breakfast dining room at someone's home we know and we were all visiting.  I asked Minnie to sing us a song, and she was clearing her throat to start when I woke up.    I can still see the ugly floral arrangement in the vase behind her, however, and I think it must been around 1974 or 1975.   It gets WAY more crazy.  

The dream I woke up from just before getting up later this morning was musical as well.  An entire group of us had attended a wedding in Florida and were driving back to Palm Beach.  There was a stop at some outdoor riverfront venue somewhere, and we were hanging out.   An MC and a cameraman were looking for local talent to perform on one of the stages.  I got picked and did an OPERATIC TENOR version of CRAZY by Patsy Cline ....Wait, wha?  Well the folks with me ended up on stage lip synching and actually singing.  Sarah was there, an Jeff and Amy Barros and KD Hill, and a whole host of other assorted cast members.  The tue went really well until about 3/4 of the way and then I woke up!  Interesting.  No more heroin before bedtime.........

Ok, super short due to techical difficulties encountered in the production of this entry.  Stay tuned to KCAL for further updates within 24 hours.  

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February 9, 2026:  This stretch frame artwork is just right for us!  The whole thing works well with flowers blooming in a bed of floral on a bear's back!  It was a tremendous Canton Weekend find, at a great price.   It looks outstanding on the wall in the entry hall of the house, since the walls are that vintage creme de menthe color.  Nice to have a few piece of fun artwork in the houz.....

Enjoying a bowl of Life cereal with some sliced strawberries.  Built a good appetite at handbell practice at the church.   I'm thrilled that April is joining the group, since this way I've only got to play ONE BELL and the chances of doing it right went up by 300%.   There are still some notes for Mrs. Boss to add to the music, but I actually achieved the level of reading the correct note on the music even without the letter!  Playschool music class is moving forward with increases in skill set!  

I was going to buy some treatie food at the store after rehearsal, but then decided that I have plenty to finish at home to save leftovers.   "We have Taco Bell at home....."   Back seat lament!  Anne and I were talking last night about how it's $12-$15 just to have lunch at the drivethrough for fast food, so we're eating more groceries @ la casa!  

Sadly,  I'm finally motivated to do the overdue wedding spreadsheets and vows, but the printer is messing up.  Mrs. Boss put a new black ink cartridge in this weekend and was able to print.  I printed one page great, too, and then it became scratchy and half-printed pages.   We'll figure it out, I guess.   

Pretty excited about making the prime rib event @ The Walburg this week!  We've got a group (primarily bible study team) of 7 that are going as a team.  Should be really fun.

Outside chance that I might ride the eBike to church on Wednesday....  Depending on the temp, I figured I could dress pretty Carhartt and make it happen with my little thermal gloves.   We shall see how it goes when I look at the predictions tomorrow evening.

Hopefully will get some stuff done today since I've got until 8:45 when Mrs. Boss gets home.  Need to order some stuff online, and putter about and read some more Vera Wong!  

New stag platter ($6!) looks great in the parlor, and is so very functional.  I love a bargain!  

If my new monogram sticker works well for the new table, I'm going to put quite a few of them on luggage, doors, etc.  Looking forward to it.  I'm a monogram kinda guy who always could relate to Julia Sugarbaker on this issue.......   Deep south, baby.

Clemente called and we still  need to connect this week.  The new curtain rod for the parlor is all set for the new Balmoral red curtain.   I need new clips for the bathroom rod that are smaller, so it'll all come together!  

Ok, we're pretty much out of new stories here in the newsroom.  Keep it tuned to KCAL, channel 3 for all your news, sports and weather on the 9's.  Blessings to one and all and make the week amazing.  Rock on, my little julienned tater strips!  

 February 8, 2026:  A lovely photo of a great table setting for a fun evening!  Dinner at Casa Steglich is always special, but last night was incredible New York strips, grilled asparagus and tremendous scalloped potatoes.  The only way to top this meal was the virtually unbelievable dulche de leche caramel cheese cake.  This is possibly the finest dessert ever to grace a plate, and has crack cocaine in it, since it's all you can think about when you're not eating it.   Thanks, much, Stegliachi's, for a magical evening that even included a screening of "Wonka"!  

Sweats for the win today, and the gameplan is to hit the two-wheeled wonder @ 1500 hours, since it'll be peak of the day in temperature.  Looking forward to the wind on my face for the ride today!  Also, the direction du jour is a non-descriminate 'west'...  We shall see what spots we discover...

Plenty on the to-do list today, but we'll see what happens.   Used the mighty eBike yesterday to pick up another library book that's part of the Vera Wong series that we've enjoyed greatly for book club.   Nice to have a few key authors that we're really enjoying for reading expansion.  Amazingly, even with getting up late, the leather recliner is calling my name at this time!  Gracious, when ISN'T this retiree reclining?  

So much for full retiree status, however, since we thankfully booked another wedding yesterday.   Congratulations to Dim & Stephen for selecting the coolest and  most hip little chapel in the world!  

Tulip is currently in my spot on the recliner.   I guess I can share....

Still attempting to struggle through "Immortal Irishman", but at least it causes me to find other books to read!  :)

Need to do some correspondence today....   Writing notes, getting spreadsheets done, etc.   Always more tasks than hours in the day, but that's how God made it!  :)

Mrs. Boss continues to put the letter of the notes I'm supposed to play with handbells for the choir.  So glad April is planning to be part of the group! 

Ok, well, there's nothing else to report.   I'm actually enjoying cheesecake over potatoes today, which is quite an accomplishment.  In the meantime, enjoy God's blessings and rest and relax my brown-sugared baked yams.   Peace out, and later, mah taters!  

February 26, 2026:  Not one of my favorite watercolors, but it's better than nothing.  I've got another one that looks way better that might find it's way onto some notecards. 

The oatmeal is delicious this morning, and paired with a hot mug of Earl Grey tea!   Listening to the Jesse Kelly show, and Friday is starting well.   A shower is in the offing.  I've decided to go without a shower head for right now, since the 'water tube' that comes out seems just right for an efficient way to clean during the aqua wakeup call!  I might go back to a shower head later, but don't like the one that I had on there, even after LCR'ing the heck out of it to be sure there's no lime/calcium buildup.  

Going to be a beautiful day, but have certainly learned to dress one level warmer than needed for my bike ride.  No fun being chilly due to the wind.  I'm riding to my sauna/massage appointment today, so am already looking forward to that.  The errant pedal on the bicycle didn't come off yesterday and doesn't look lose at all.  It may have been one of those deals where it left the factory rather wobbly.   If, for any reason, it acts like it's going to mess up again, I'm going to do a bit of loctite or crazy glue to keep it from wiggling out.  We're not giving up on riding due to a pedal with a bad attitude! 

Cleaned the Fleetwood yesterday, and realized it was kind of pointless.   I thought I'd be taking it to my massage, but then realized................eBike!  The good news is that an evening ride in the large, black Cadillac is not out of the question.  

I cannot believe how dishonest people like Chuck Schumer are listened too.  Don Lemon was part of a group that disrupted church services, and he says that the action demonstrates President Trump's willingness to create a police state.  How bizarre.   That's the opposite of what's going on.  Oh, well...........God is still and always will be in charge!  

Hopefully, lots will get done today.   We shall see.  I know that so far my biggest accomplishment is making this morning's strawberry-infused oatmeal with milk rather than water.  Liking that!  

Struggling through "Immortal Irishman", and cannot wait until it's done.  It's educational, probably accurate and very Irish-centric, but just isn't holding my interest.  Not exactly a history scholar, and I can see why.  Yawn.  

Brought in the new table and stag tray from the Canton trip.   Working on my monogram stencil, which is harder than I thought.  We'll get there!  

Mrs. Boss is fixing my bell choir music so that I hit 39% of the notes correctly (that's our goal, anyway!....we're nowhere near that number now!).  It will help, and if April joins the bellchoir, I might end up with just ONE bell to play, that will increase my chances of doing it properly!  :)

Dobby stole my empty medication bottle and Bose earbuds off the table yesterday, and very thankfully didn't do any damage.  She DID pull out "Ellie the Elephant" just before bed last night from her toybox, and she never plays with her.   Mrs. Boss didn't even know about Ellie, so clearly, she doesn't play with her often!  

Ok, well, it's time to keep moving along in the day....    Hope everyone is having a great one, and my prayers to you for special blessings!  Stay well, my Sonic tots, and keep it cool........   Later, mah taters!   

February 5, 2026:   It's new cufflink day!!!!  Marcy got me these at some point, and it's the very first time I've ever worn them.  Love them big time....thanks, Marcy!    These feel like a very high quality pair of links that certainly indicate that this is onyx, rather than colored glass or plastic.  Pretty neat-0!  Wore them with my new Zagato sport coat that I love from Goodwill (yesterday's retail triumph!) that we'll be featuring in a future blog post.   Looking snappy there, El Capitain!  

Had a great Mass this morning @ St. Stephen's, and then headed to McCain's.   We were joined by 4 other folks we know, and I couldn't believe that more than 1/2 of the restaurant was folks I know!  I don't think I know anyone, and then find out otherwise.   Fun start to the day. 

It's gone from 35 degrees @ Mass time to a current temp of 55, so clearly, we're on the right weather track.  The game plan is to get to 70-ish by 1400 hours so that I can wash the Fleetwood.  I've got a massage tomorrow, and it's Miss Alice's turn to hit the road.   The hope is that during a warm day this weekend, we'll be able to get the Eldorado up and running (battery is probably deadski) so that she can be in the spring/summer rotation as well!  Hard to imagine that between 6 vehicles and an eBike that I still look at vintage cars on marketplace!  Wow.  

Headed to town later on the eBike.  We're at 119 odo miles!   Had a technical issue yesterday when a pedal fell off and I didn't have my wrench in my tool kit... Rode home 12 miles under battery power only and we made it!   Amazing.  Fixed the pedal (we hope) and today's destination is Stagecoach Inn to drop off a book, USPS, BB69 and Ace.   Super quad of activity stops there, eh?   The green eBike gets around, people!     Still probably going to dress warmish, since when the wind gets going at 25 mph on the bike, it gets a bit chilly virtually anytime I ride! 

Hope to get stuff done.   Need to order tax software and do a dozen other things.  We'll see how it goes....no worries, for sure!  

Still stinking @ my practice roulette.   I'm $700 down at this point, so hopefully that won't be the experience in real life on the cruise!  Yuck!  

I need to change out the ammo in the church gun, since I was thinking this morning during Mass that the .38 I'm carrying to church is a bit  underpowered, so need to work on that as well.  Somehow, I also have to work in recliner-time, so clearly, I'm busy!  

Hopefully will get the curtain in the bathroom hung today.  Got the rod and ring clips at Wally World yesterday, so hopefully will make that happen in the next 24 hours.  

Need to resume the reading in the "Immortal Irishman" and hope it'll keep my interest.   I had a tough time with it before, but I'm motivated to finish.   Kind of proud of my reading levels this week.  Recliners are good for literary proficiency!   :)

We think bible study is still happening on Sunday, and have heard from April that it may be Superbowl Bad Bunny appetizers.  We shall see.   

No other news to report.  Have a wonderful day basking in God's blessings!  Be well my potato breakfast tacos, and carry on!  Later, mah taters!  

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February 4, 2026:  Here's a lovely Gulf of America view from the last cruise while the Palais du Tea steeps in the kitchen!  

Today should be a great day....   Yesterday, I had my eye exam and ordered 2 new pairs of glasses so that I can see what's going on!  Got to ride the eBike to the eye appointment, which was cool.   Berta says that my eBike is allowed for the weekly Barrow Brewing Bike Rides that start in March.   Completely pumped about that!  

Having a bit of left over popcorn from last night as my morning repast!  The tea is steeped, in the cup and piping hot next to the computer!   Nothing exciting planned on the culinary front for today........

Dressing for church this morning.   We might have time for coffee afterward, and then I have a manicure scheduled with Jenn after that.   Need to remember my calendar  so that I can schedule my next appointment.    After that, the gameplan is to head to Belton to the carwash, visit my Goodwill for bargains and then head to Walter World to get the dozen or so things on my list.   Should be a fun outing.   Later today, we're planning on heading south for today's bike ride, and looked at the map to refresh my mind on which roads are less travelled and head in the right direction.   I'm up to 95 miles on the odo on the eBike, so can't complain that I'm not riding it.   Only $13.68 per mile in cost so far! lol.   I'm thinking things will get cheaper per mile!

Planning on finishing the book that we got for Christmas from the Motley group.  Liked it a lot, and if Brittany hasn't read this one, I'm handing it off to her, since it's right up her alley!   Loving the fact that I'm getting some reading done, as there are a lot of books that need to get finished in the cottage.  

Ena is sound asleep within reach in her padded donut bed.   Sweet dreams, sweet girl!  

Working on the curtain rings in the bathroom today to get the under.the.vanity situation back under control after the freeze....

Mrs. Boss is going to mark my music for bell choir, so I'm hoping not to look like such a doofus during rehearsal!  :)

I need to get Turbo Tax downloaded so that I can get started on the 1040.  Realized yesterday that I've got a relatively large $$,$$$ 401k distribution that's taxable.  Going to have to find ways to offset the revenue/income from that transaction.....    We'll make it work!    I just don't want to have to do estimated taxes each quarter, since that's a mess from my perspective. 

Tea tastes lovely.  I need to get some good Irish Breakfast at the tea house in town so that I've got that ethyl fuel in the morning!  I love me some IBw/lemon in the a. of m.!  

Ordered some solar lights on a string for the chapel.   If they're cool and work well, I'll do another dozen strings to light things up at night.   The string that was left behind from last year's wedding is STILL working, so that gives  me hope!  Also had to buy a new air compressor for the car/bike/trailer tires.   The old one was the cheapest on the market and didn't work yesterday.    The fuse is still good, but it wouldn't come on.  Could be the switch, but am not going to mess with it.   Home Depot is supposed to deliver a new Husky model today.   Just about the right time, since I think I have a low tire on both the truck and the mojo dojo Mustang.   

The Thai spring rolls that Mrs. Boss brought home last night were amazing!  That place can make some food, and the wrappers were just crunchy to perfection.  

Had a fun dream that Bruce and I were spending time together, and I was amazed that he was starting to carry a snub-nosed Model 10 Colt in a crossdraw waist holster in leather.   Pretty impressive!  :)  

Still need to get in touch with Bryan's friend who does ag exemption work.  The property taxes were a large $$,$$$ this year, and we need to get serious about it.   Was hoping the honeybees would work, but having too much land (???) made us ineligible. 

Found my watercolor supplies that I forgot to take on the last cruise.  Nice double set of paints, multiple brushes, 2 different paper books and some sponge minis for an added opportunity when we set sail again!  Still have plenty of notecards to order from my last collection and looking forward to making more at sea.  It's funny that I don't do it at home, but it's the perfect activity for shipboard creativity.   Still need to see what I'm going to put on the magnet hooks I bought for the outside of our stateroom.   Maybe I'll find some cool koi figurines to hang!  The Koi Bros are back on the water....coming soon!  

28 minutes until shower time, and I'm out of intel to share.   Every time I practice my roulette for the ship,  I'm losing money this week, so I know that I need to keep the $,$$$ invested at a pretty smallish level!   

Have a wonderful day, my spring fingerlings, and smile every chance you get.   Having a good playlist in your earbuds helps you smile, btw.   Later, mah taters!    

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February 3, 2026:    Wow, I guess some photos are better than others, and yours truly looks like crap in this one!   Everyone else looks great, but the slick hair look is a 'no go', and was only being sported because we were having shower problems.  Oh well, at least everyone else at Chad & Hettie's looks great.   We were treated to amazing potato soup, as well!  

I get to have Door Dash Ultra this evening!   Mrs. Boss is headed to the Thai restaurant with Mary Fairlie for supper and I get spring rolls to go when she comes home.  Already can taste them!  Yummola!     No breakfast so far, but some oatmeal may be calling me....we shall see.

Dressing for eBike activities today, since the gameplan is to ride my bike to my annual eye appointment, and probably the post office and the store.    We're up to 84.0 miles on the odo on the bike, and loving every minute of it!  The backpack Bruce gave us works perfectly as my carrier/liner on the back basket!  Fun times, and thankful to have good weather for it.   It means that the 6 cars will last even longer, but it's all good.   

Plenty on the to-do list today, and I've also started a new book that I'm enjoying.   Finished the Eyre Affair yesterday, so that'll be headed to the mini-library @ the country club, since I don't think Mrs. Boss would be interested in this one.............

I've been practicing my roulette strategies online to see if I can come up with a decent 'system' for the spring cruise.  Not so much.   I guess I'll just do what I feel like at a manageable wager level and enjoy whatever happens!  :) 

Ena is relaxing in her donut bed and watching me intently.  Dobby is outside chasing large carrion birds, and Tulip is probably sleeping somewhere!  All is well at the enchanted cottage.  Working on getting our balmoral red print curtain to separate the parlor from the entry hall for warmth in emergencies and decor otherwise.   Should be kind of cool.   Colin and Randee had provided us some great tiebacks that we'll be able to take advantage of for this project.  Cewl. 

I survived my first practice with the handbell choir @ the Methodist church.   I'm clearly not very talented in this area, but am giving it the old school try.  Even got to ride my bike to practice!     I'm playing the really big, bottom bells and trying to match the bell to the note on the page with very, very low success.   My wrist actually hurt after practice yesterday!  Those suckers are heavy!  Anyway, Jean is my 'bookmate' for the practice/performance and I brought the songbook home for Mrs. Boss to mark ALL the notes that I am supposed to play with the 3-4 bells I'm responsible for operating.   It's going to be very interesting to see if I can get to the point where I don't feel quite so clueless on this!  Fun brain expansion and task exploration!  They say it's the key to a youthful thought process?   I'm thinking my mini-tai chi sessions are helping, too.  Somehow, even the watercoloring seems to help that process as well.    I'm also going to start taking yet another supplement that Nancy recommended, so that can't hurt, either!  

Listening to Jesse Kelly on his podcast, and it's pretty cool as usual.   A guest is talking about starvation in the 1960's in China....

Ok, there's not really much else to talk about, so I'll close.  Hope everyone has a wonderful day, and gets to enjoy life and all that's around them.   Stay fresh, my sauteed tarragon cottage fries!   Latah, my tatahs!      

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February 2, 2026:  Love and had to share this success story from the 'physician to the stars'!  Just another reason to love Dr. Matt and his fresh, excellent approach to family medicine!  Thanks for being in our Village, Matthew!  We're appreciative!  

Enjoying my 'brunch oatmeal'.  It's going to be shower time soon, since Jeff's team got the drains working properly in the house.    The bad news is that the hot water heater in the chapel has to be replaced.   $,$$$, but what can you do?  Jeff is another excellent element of our wonderful Village life!  

Did not sleep well at all last night.   Some nights after acupuncture I'm sound asleep, and sometimes I think it revs me up so that I don't get a wink.  Probably got about 45 minutes all night, but did get about an hour's nap a little bit ago to try to remedy the situation.  I have to stay awake well enough to ride the eBike to handbell choir and the post office, so there's a goal in sight!  

Dressing somewhat warmly, since it's 57 outside, but supposed to now go to 70!  Woohoo!  No complaints from this eBiker!  

Hopefully, I'll get lots done today, and we can always hope!  I still am more productive than Tulip has been today....  She's a recliner pup so far! 

Plenty of things on the list, so we'll see how it goes.   No time like the present.  Oatmeal is finished, and we're headed to the showers!  Have a wonderful day, and my hope is that you get to be outside a bit, too.   I just realized I need to schedule a manicure, as the dragon claw fingernails are trying to help me type!  Yuck!    Blessings!    

 February 1, 2026:  Ok, who in this photo turned 80 last week!??!?  Woohooo!   Mare is looking good and we had a wonderful eating, game playing good time with the family!  Mississippi roast was amazing, and we learned a new game (Flip 7....totally fun!).   That plus Canton and antique mall activity worked out!  Fun and safe good time all around!  

Enjoying a bit off frosted mini-wheats after instant oatmeal and left over pizza rolls.  Clearly, I'm following RFK's food pyramid very well.  I did realize this morning how horrific 'instant' packet oatmeal is compared to the real thing, and they take literally the same amount of the time and effort.    Day and night difference and the packaged stuff was 'gelatinous muck', which is my favorite "Overboard" dialogue reference.   

Excited about leaving for acupuncture with Elise in 10 minutes.   Wanted to ride my ebike to the appointment, but it's about 4 degrees cooler than I'd like for a 25mph peak ride speed.  It's all good....apparently, the temps get better all week!  Woohooo!  Big wheels rolling, movin' on.  (another great television reference!)

Looking forward to bible study tonight, since it's been a long time since we met.   Freezing weather, holidays, busy schedules have kept us from it, but we're back!  The menu items sound great, too!   

Still dressing warm.  Rather chilean out there still today for sure....

Cannot wait to finish out the really cool table we bought at Lindy Mall!  Got some good bargains, and Jolene is working with us on a custom monogram for luggage, the new table and selected doors/locations throughout Caliberoakland!  Can't wait!  

Looking forward to finishing the Eyre Affair from Christmas book club.   I don't know who gave me the book, but I'll ask around.   Really enjoying it!  Almost done...........

Working on an upgrade of the curtain in the bathroom under the vanity sink.

Had a great visit/treatment with Elise this afternoon, but didn't get to ride my bike to the appointment, since it was about 5 degrees too cool at game time.   Cool part is that it's supposed to be warmer tomorrow, so my very first handbell choir practice should be an opportunity to ride into town.  I have a letter to mail, too!  Woohooo!   Purposeful eBike riding.  One of my favorite activities.  

No more news to report, so I'll start redirecting myself towards bible study for our sesh.  Hope all my little pom frites out there are staying toasty warm and happy.  Blessings to one an all for a great coming week!  

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January 29, 2026:  A little flashback photo to our beach day in Cozumel....at least I think that's where this is.  During a 14 day cruise, the locations get kind of muddled!  What a lovely problem to have! 

This morning's repast was 2 eggs in a medium-over fold with some brioche toast.   I've made worse.   Rather uninspiring, but edible.  

Dressing 1/2 way warmly today, since it's going to be nice enough for eBIKE ride to the Village!  Woohooo!   It's been a week since I could go due to frozen tundra conditions, so I'm pretty excited.  Strapping the new backpack Bruce gave us to the basket and heading off to my shopping list destinations.   I cannot wait!  

Hopefully, will be somewhat productive today in the meantime, since Mrs. Boss has rehearsal tonight and I'm on my own - unsupervised.   Thought I was going to be all about the prime rib special at The Walburg, but haven't had the burning desire to do as such.   We'll see if that changes.   The good thing is that it could still be considered during our Lenten observance, so that makes it fun.  

Need to clean fireplace ash out of the parlor.   I'm sure THAT little task will remain undone for a bit.  Not one of my favorites, but I've got some ideas on new techniques!  

Nice supper at Hettie and Chad's last night.  Always fun to see what savory surprise they have in the offing, and the conversation is excellent.

Hope to make the bed today.    That little new year's resolution hasn't exactly turned out as expected, but will not give up.   At least the shower was excellent this morning.   The water pressure was so crappy since the line was broken, that I took the showerhead off and soaked it overnight in CLR.  It's still soaking, and I plan to attack it with an old toothbrush and toothpick.   In the meantime, I put on this industrial 'stream' mini-head I had in the bathroom, and was afraid the powerful volume and spray would get all over the room.  No so.  I made sure the shower curtain was properly closed, and the experience was hot, invigorating and effective!  Noice compromise in the meantime or permanently?  We shall see.   It's so fun to have options on sorting out such things.

Speaking of sorting out..........the book I received at the Christmas Motley Book Club Annual Book Exchange really has caught my attention.   Rather strange, but very entertaining just the same.  Not bad at all!  I'm liking the fact that I'm reading, and my recliner appreciates the attention.  

Mrs. Boss announced this morning that she's going to watch a series of youtube videos on how to train your Ibiza hound.   Should prove interesting, since there description of this dog with her factory settings in tact seem like a perfect match for what the video intro says we're up against!  

Have been playing online roulette as practice for my next casino foray.  So far, my 'strategy' is working an in two sessions, I'm up $900.   Will this happen for real with the little plastic widgets on the felt table?   Stay tuned to find out, anonymous gamblers!  :)

Enjoying the last of my ginger beer, so it must be time to bring the blog into the dock for the day.  Blessings to all my spuds out there, MacKenzie and otherwise!  Stay well, stay smiley, and stay outta  my way on the eBike!  It goes like really fast, ok?  ok.    Later, my taters!  

January 28, 2026:  If you're a fan of one of my favorite movies, "Rango", you'll know this 4-some who are deeply talented and adaptive to any of our heroes situations.   This graphic (while being a great reminder of a great film!) was used to indicate that our cruise ship had reached Cozumel on the way home from Columbia.  Love these guys, and they really do a great job! 

Stopped to get some graham crackers this morning, since I COULDNT go to Mass.  No Mass due to the weather?  Unless the heat is broken?   Really crazy if it's road conditions.  That's so last weekend, but the schools are STILL closed, so that tells you who we are as a society these days.   Like Corny Collins flakes left in a bowl of milk for 35 seconds.  Soft and mushy.

Still dressed decent from my Mass attempt....  Will stay this way for my 1100h meeting with bride/mom/mil.

Hopfully, will be pretty productive today, however the recliner is going to help me ease into my 1100h meeting....  I can feel it already!

Enjoyed the last episodes of Leanne, but are encouraged that apparently, another season is coming.  Now time to pick out some other, preferably light, series or movie to enjoy in the final hours before bedtime.

No fire in the fireplace even though it's 29 degrees outside.  Basically, it's supposed to be 50 degrees later today, so that's genuine warmth.  :)  Hopefully, when it's time to move the Cadillac (attempt #3) it won't be difficult and we're not in the mud more than the snow/sleet. 

The girls have the stuffed mosquito in their bed that Jolene bought them.  They pick the strangest toys at the weirdest times....

Mrs. Boss is getting to work from home, and I got to wear my Homburg hat to town, so the day has some high spots already.  Plenty of paperwork remains in preparation for finishing our will and starting taxes..

No other news to report.   See Rango if you get a chance.....  Wonderful flick.  Stay warm my re-heated potato products, and we'll talk soon!  Blessings on you, mah taters!  

January 27, 2026:  This photo is from the most contorted culinary experience of 2026 in our test kitchens.   During Freezemageddon2, we decided to do Martha Stewart's pate brisee crust (never has turned out this dense...) for a pumpkin pie, since that's the only filling we had on hand.  Figured out halfway through that we didn't have condensed milk, and missed the two evaporated milk cans on the shelf, so did a substitution with cornstarch and milk from a suggestion on the Google.  Definitely edible (it's gone) but the effect out of the oven was strange....   As a result of the milk substitution, the confection had somewhat of a 'sheen' on the top that I'm not used to in a pumpkin pie, and the mini-cutouts I decided on for the top pastry sprinkle were randomly selected as triangles (thank you, Williams-Sonoma).  The entire effect is kind of a 'cheez-it' top to a pie.  Very bizarre, but again, the creation was edible....

Chilly out there at 21 degrees this morning, but we're headed for a high on Thursday of 61, which means eBike, so we're all good!  We've been very blessed to cobble together a high level of comfort over this freeze fest period!  Hoping to get a shower today if the air has been worked out of the lines, since I'm starting to smell a bit ripe to be near comestibles.  

Hopefully, today will be a productive one!  Nothing earth shattering on the calendar, but already in a good gear for high mileage.   Getting up @ 5:35 avec Mme. means that I'll certainly return to the quilts before too long to finish my baking, but hopefully things will happen in an accomplished way.   I was a total slug yesterday, so it's about time.  

It was too icy to get the Fleetwood up the driveway yesterday evening after our trip to town, so we have to go rescue that after Mme. finishes her workday and it warms up!  Who'd have thought!?!  We're all so spoiled with limited slip differentials and ABS these days.  Wow.  

Loved our episodes of Leanne last night on Netflix.  It's sad that there's only one season, but allegedly they're considering another.   Just a feel good sitcom, but we love that kind of light fare.  The "House of Guiness" had the right time period, sets, costumes, location, Irishness, etc., but it was like a dark version of "Peaky Blinders" which made it pretty damned inky for sure.  Just kind of draining during a freezefest period.  Lighter is better!  

Took Jolene her fire starters yesterday, and she's as happy with them as we are.  They're so freaking simple, failsafe and cool!  Love supporting this couple in Indiana with these purchases, and they make a great gift for any fireplace, camping, or general pyromaniac on your shopping list.....

Tulip Mae is grooming herself with her morning toilette on the sofa and has now returned to the sleeping position.   I'm right behind you, hon.  

Still need to replace the pin with a locking version @ the front gate.  Maybe when we go to rescue Miss Alice Fleetwood from the pasture.....

Ok, well, it's early, so there's not exactly a lot to report....   Switching from crescent dough to puff pastry for my next creme framboise croissants for sure.  Rather dense and American this morning.  (frenchy sniff of disgust as I typed this.....)    Blessings to all of my roasted potato bites out there, and stay warm!  It's not August yet, boys and girls!    Later, my delightful taters.....

January 26, 2026:  Well, we had to publish our obligatory 'frozen tundra' photograph from this weekend.  So far, we've survived well.  There's no water pressure in my shower (hmmmm...it has the modern flex plumbing....) and the heat is still struggling to keep us at 67 degrees, but these things will be sorted out this week.    The amazing development is that apparently within 3 days, I'll have eBike riding weather back for my pedaling pleasure!  I can't wait!  Love my eBike runs!  

Nothing for breakfast so far this morning, but am leaning towards blackberry crepes or oatmeal.  We'll see  how it goes when I pitch both these campaigns to the client.  

Dressing warm, for the most part.   Somehow, a pair of lightweight WHITE pants was next up in the bureau breakfront, but went for it anyway.  At least the top is a heavier sweatshirt with a zip up front.  

Not much going on otherwise....just piddling, napping, reading, etc.   This weather is a nice change, ok, maybe not nice, but certainly bearable.  We're so blessed that we don't live further north, and just don't think we could fade those temps anymore.........

Restarted the fireplace with virtually no success so far this morning.   Restarting sequence initiated, and hopefully, we'll have full ignition. 

Space heaters have really gotten a workout this week, and I'm still confused at how Dobby get s enough traction on the ice/sleet base to run around so crazily.  She must have the same acceleration control/ABS system the Lexus contains?     It's weird, since she doesn't even look Japanese?  

Haven't had to run the generator, and have had 0.0 minutes without power.  Thank you, God, and thank you TXU/Oncor, whomever!  Woohooo!  Makes the freezy part of the winter way better with lights and relatively adequate heat.  

Winter coats, furs and wraps have been utilized pretty fully.  Just got clearance on the blackberry crepe project, so we're pretty excited about that.   Fire is ROARING already.   Those firestarters from the nice couple online are amazing, and I'm so glad I bought a sack for Jolene as well, since she liked the demo unit.  

Still have plenty of paperwork/computerwork to do, so laziness knows no temperature limits.  It's all good.  I'll probably be in the recliner before I know it and didn't get up until 0900!  

Stay warm, my little crispy potato pancakes, and cover your heads.   Pray feverently, and you'll feel warmer!  Blessings to one and all!  

 January 25, 2026:  Well, I'm guessing that Bruce took this photo and we're heading to supper on the ship in the steakhouse?   What a fun trip, and the weather was certainly warmer than it is at home right now!  It's not all that bad out there, but it's not exactly Bogota!  

Just a bit of pumpkin pie for breakfast, but apparently there's a potato pancake in my future that's constructed from spincannon, so that can't be all that bad!  Did get a real coke at the grocery store, however.    Loving the blazes out of the Irish Breakfast tea with just lemon and sweet.  I don't think I've ever had IB w/o moo before, and it's brilliant.  If it wasn't for the bazillion point 9 mg of caffeine in each cup, I'd live on the stuff.  

Now feeling the need for the spincannon pany-kooken....we'll see if it passes.  Roads were not bad at all going to Belton to get the prescription that I couldn't pick up since Dr. Matt's office has not pre-authorized...  It's all good, since we tried to do doughnuts, but apparently a $$$,$$$ car isn't engineered for that and all the electronics kicked in and wouldn't let me do it.  Nanny state, for sure.  

Dressing warmly and actually took a hot bath in salts and hydrogen peroxide water for maximum detox and repair.   Between that and my Irish Breakfast tea, I'm turbo the slug!  

Not doing anything productive.   Could be prepping for taxes, reading a book, doing wedding booking sheets, etc., but no.  Typing away and surfing while listening to the Andrew Klavan show.    Fireplace is going, however, so someone is being active in the room.  Actually, Tulip and Dobby are having a sparring match, so there's that.......

Tried sleeping in the recliner last night since the heat isn't just right yet, but I lasted about 10 minutes before heading to the 67 degree bedroom and fell asleep like Cinderella in seconds under the comforter covers.   Those sleeping pills really work, and I woke refreshed and raring to go...

Needing to bring more firewood in from the porch pile, but we'll get there.  My new goodwill antique gold and sequin pillow on the sofa has the perfect lighting for maximum coolness.  We ordered a cool curtain for functionality and decor for the parlor door.  Kind of a Sandringham House feel, rather.  

Finished the book club book and loved it.  Cannot wait to read more, but won't do it until after the next book club meeting so that I don't confuse plot lines!  :)

More tea, more tea.....woohoooo!

I've been assured by staff that my spincannon potato pancake will, indeed, be crispy and excellent, so I guess I am really starting to look forward to that.  

Time to start planning our 4 day Branson getaway!  We've never been!  Later, my frozen tots.  Hang in there, the hot oil of summer is coming..........   Warm blessings on you!  



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January 24, 2026:  Well, this photo looks like evidence surrounding keeping your finger off the trigger until you're ready to fire.  ...since it looks like an accidental shot.   Anyway, I thought it was still kind of 'artsy' and also reflected a warmer day than we're having today, so it's all good.

Had some nice oatmeal this morning, but woke to a house that was 59 degrees and now is at 58 degrees.   The heat is YET AGAIN broken, and we're pretty well done with the situation.  We've called a new company that was recommended by the Salado People group, and they're local.  We're hoping Juan can get us up and running and he's expected in 30 minutes.  

Currently, we've transitioned into Hebrew National hot dogs and a semi-expired can of pork and beans!  The couple and their dogs have settled into the Parlour Suite (A) .....(Titanic reference for those of you who know....)  with a fire going, and a quartz heater.   Waiting on Juan.  Cool name for a book.......

Sitting here doing my blog in my coat and scarf.  I'm sure it's every bit of 61 degrees in here, but I'm mentally chilled from the whole weather experience, so there you go....

Just checked my meat thermometer in the room (it works, don't laugh!) and I was exactly on the money @ 61 degrees!  

Dobby is curled in my recliner with my fuzzy blanket.   She will be saddened when I replace her in that spot to read more of the book club book!  

Thank God for firewood.   Tim really took care of us by renting the splitter and we'll survive just about anything, now.  As to today's activities, so far I have managed to sweep the hearth from debris but that's about it.   Thank God, really, that this storm wasn't last week while we were still on the cruise or things could have been worse!

Otherwise, nothing else to report from the frozen tundra.  We've got to eventually go to the post office to see if a check has come from a client.  Frozen sport activity!  

Attempt to stay warm, my taters.   61 degrees isn't exactly serving temperature, even for the dreaded German potato salad, but do the best you can.  Who ever authorized the Germans to have their own potato salad, anyway?  It should have been outlawed by the League of Nations an is basically inedible.  And this is coming from a German Irishman!  Later, sweet taters!  

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January 23, 2023:   Another tropical day in paradise, and I think we were at the beach outside of Cozumel.  A wonderful, relaxing day that even included a massage on the beach with an amazing massage oil that seemed to be part vick's vapo-rub and part coconut oil!   Sounds pretty typical for Cozumel and it was great!  

We are done with our outings for the weekend, as far as we know, and tucked into the enchanted cottage for the duration of the winter weather.   Fireplace has been started, colcannon has been warmed and apples for baking purchased.  No eBike ride today, but at least we think the battery in the RV is charged up in case we need LP heat before it's all overwith.  Apparently, it may not get as bad as originally predicted.  We tried to get an LP mini-heater for the greenhouse in case of power failure, but couldn't find one in a store so we ordered one online for next time.   In the meantime, it dawned on me that since we got the generator going yesterday, we can just plug the greenhouse heater into that to keep things moderately toasty.  Hopefully, it won't come to all of this....   The ice predictions aren't quite as dire as they were.  

Got to go to Taco Bell, and we even treated ourselves this afternoon to a Cinnabon, which is not our style at all, but the cold front made us do it!  :)  

Staying in sweats for the duration...........  We'll see if we'll meet for bible study, but I think the worst of the precip will be over by then.  

The recliner and fuzzy blankie will get some workout this weekend, since they're close to the fireplace.  Enjoying the book club book very much already, and will finish wayyyyyy early.    The good news is that she has a series of books with the same lead character which should be fun.  This Theo of Golden book keeps coming up in reference, so we'll probably end up reading that, too.    

Got my magnets for the cabin doorway on the Boyz Cruz in March.  Also found 2 pair of my 'good' earplugs, so that'll help with the cohabitation in the cabin.  That'll be the last cruise for quite a while, but that's ok, since we've enjoyed it, but there's always plenty to do and plan...

Fire is just barely starting.    Kind of surprised.  The wood seemed dry and my little parafin and sawdust starters virtually never fail, so we'll hope the flames grow!  

Girls are tucked in for the duration as well, and Dobby even got to go to the Shires when we went to the groceria.   Within 30 seconds she set the car alarm off on the Mustang and we had to shut it off.   Then she did it again while we were in the store, but it went 7-8 minutes without us knowing.  I'm sure everyone in the parking lot loved that.   She tried to squirm out of the open window at Taco Bell, and was subsequently apprehended.   After that, I tried to give her a little 45mph partial window blast for view and excitement, but I think she decided that it was a bit too chill for that kind of activity today.

Ordered some non-fractured coconut oil for general purposes today.  We'll see if we use it.  

We're so thankful to have the water back on.  We're still under a boil notice but have lots of bottles, so we're good.

Well, nothing else to do but crawl under fuzzy blanket and read some more.   Best wishes to everyone for warmth and dryness.   Stay away from the damp, my little potatoe flakes!  Later, taters!  Blessings and warmth be on you..........

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 January 22, 2026:  Well, this stay hasn't started quite as calm as this photo from the cruise, but it could always be worse and will get sorted.   First of all, we came home last night from book club to discover that a 24" waterline had burst with our water supply corporation, so we don't have any running water.  Is this a preview of "Freezemageddon2", or just a blip?  We shall see.  

Secondarily, we attempted to start the generator as our first task of the day when Clemente arrived.  Not only does the damned thing not start, but it apparently leaks fuel all over the place.  Fun times.   At least I've got a Westinghouse service customer service number to begin the repair journey.    IF ONLY I had tested the damned thing 4 years ago when I bought it, right?   Captain Bonehead.  

Speaking of book club.........tremendous evening last night reviewing an excellent book.  I'm pumped about next month's book, since there's a copy in reserve for me at the library, which may come in handy during Freezemageddon2.  I've been charging the RV on and off to have enough battery life to have furnace ignition for LP heat if everything goes south.   We shall see and ride the frosty wave, apparently!

Nothing to eat so far this morning, but I was pretty danged full from all the goodies at book club last night.   Between Clemente's arrival and no water (I didn't shower yesterday, either!) I decided to ask God's forgiveness for not attending Mass today.  All will be well.  

Decent weather today and the hope is for an afternoon eBike ride.   I did 14 miles yesterday, and would enjoy another nice ride today.   I've got to go to town before then to get the dry cleaning, library book, and pin lock for the gate.  Amazingly, somone opened our gate manually Monday night, but nothing is missing.  We really don't know what the deal is on this mystery, but if we get a lock pin, it'll be tougher to violate perimeter.   We're also finally going to install cameras at the gate entry to be sure we're tracking comings and goings.   Welcome to 2026!  

A slight chill out there this morning, but the forecast is still for horrific conditions for the weekend.  We were totally bummed about having to cancel the wedding homecoming party, but nobody would have shown with the scary predictions.  Also, if we lose power, the chapel is the last, frozen place you'd want to be.  Should be nice enough for bike riding later, and hopefully will get a ride in tomorrow before the cold front arrives?

Working on lists for freeze and tidying about.  You don't realize how much you rely on water (toilets and washing dishes) until you don't have any.   C'mon, Jarrell-Schwertner WSC!  We're counting on you!  :)

Some recliner time is planned if Clemente gets busy on a longer term project where I don't look quite so lazy....heheheh.  He's going to bring more wood to the front porch in case of FM2 needs as of Friday.  

Nothing else to report.  Prepare........Winter is Coming!!!!!  Get those furs and quilts out and about and ready for action!  Took Miss EmmyLou to book club last night, since she won't enjoy being utilized during 30 degree and less temps.  Mrs. Arnaz is sleeping her hibernational sleep in the barn until spring!  Stay warm, my fries-under-the-heat-lamp, and we'll keep in touch to the best of our abilities from our studio location!    Blessings on ya!  

January 21, 2026:  Well, here's one of my better works from the cruise, but I really liked working with watercolors on this trip.   I'm going to experiment with this particular image on Snapfish to see if the notecards look good.   After that, Mrs. Boss has threatened to make them available to others.  My painting skills are very limited, but I know what I like, so when I finish an image, there are some that appeal to me from multiple angles.  This happens to be one, since it has kind of a retro-vintage tropical feel going on, and that's right up my alley.   Be watching your mail for thank you notes (you have to give me something first!) to show up so that you can have your very own copy.  I think I may want to do a canvas stretch of this for the house or chapel, but we will see how well the notecards turn out first.  Baby steps. 

Pretty excited to be heading out on my eBike in about 35 minutes.  Don't know where I'm going today, but hoping that the route is warmer than yesterday.   We're facing this scrappy weather in the next few days, so I'm trying to get my bike time in while I can!  I wanted to take the dry cleaning to town on the bike, but then realized that the jacket Mrs. Boss wants me to pick up wouldn't work very well on the bike.  I guess it needs a Saigon hanging rack off the back to bring home dry cleaning?   Nevermind....I guess we'll just use one of our 6 cars for that particular task.  (blush)

Had breakfast with April after Mass this morning for an overpriced muffin at Muscovy.  Young girl taking our order had a barky voice and the personality of a brick, but we didn't have time to go anywhere else, since I had the insurance lady coming to take photos for Allstate this morning.

Elena made everything sparkle in the chapel for the NON EXISTENT wedding homecoming party this weekend.   We've had to cancel due to weather.   I'm, again, not as concerned with temps and mobility as I am with loss of electrical power due to ice.  I'm working on getting the RV batter charged to run the LP heat if necessary over the weekend.   We shall see.  

One of the things on my shopping list as of today is getting a new watch battery for my Mallard watch.  I didn't think about Batteries Plus in Temple, but apparently they carry such things.  Yeah.  

Had a nice recliner nap after church this morning, so that was nice.  Woke up oddly this morning with weird dreams and didn't really get much sleep after 0430, which is too much morning for this particular luxury model.  

Currently in the middle of the spincannon (normally colcannon with spinach rather than kale) recipe, that will have to be adusted for bicycle riding time.  Should still be ready by book club time, so we'll be all good.

Dobby managed to get into dead dear limbs yesterday evening, and smelled accordingly.   I didn't realize how badly she reeked until we were watching television and I could smell the rot in the room, on my pants and on my recliner blanket.  Gross.  Mrs. Boss gave her a double, smell good bath in the tub while I sprayed every available porous surface with lysol.  We survived, but I still could smell a slight rot odor as I drifted to sleep, which could explain the weird dreams?  

Sounds like fires will happen in the fireplaces this weekend.  Hopefully, we'll maintain electrical service, but we'll deal no matter what.   As I mentioned on FB last time, it was 6 days last time, but we stayed with Jolene.  We'll see how things go......

OK..........just got back from a GREAT 14 mile ride on the eBike!  Woohooo!    Great weather, great view, fun tunes, and further than I've ever biked before.   This this is great, and I've already got 49 miles on the odo!  

Colcannon is all done and ready for the book club meeting.   Haven't decided what to wear yet, but I'm sure I'll get coaching from Mrs. Boss on that front.  

Need to register my eBike, and the company sent me an email to confirm my serial number.   Have I mentioned how much I love this thing?  

Need to order tax software pretty soon!  Won't be as bad as usual this year, since I've entered a lot of data, but I think I may have to find some deductions due to withdrawal of non-taxed funds, but we'll just have to see how it all shakes out!

Well, Mrs. Boss just walked in from rehearsal, so I need to go.   Later, my twice-baked taters!  



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 January 20, 2026:  Howdy from the back basket of the new eBike at Brookshire Brothers!  I rode my first jaunt to the grocery store, and it worked really well.  The only problem I had was not being able to get up a couple of hills on the way home.   After I talked with Bryan, he told me there are FIVE different power settings on the handle bars, and I was still in power level #1!  Well, today's ride was sponsored completely by power level 2, and it made all the difference!  This thing has PLENTY of power now!  Operator error, for sure!  Now that it's in 2nd gear, I did the 'loop' around our place at about 13 mph average with normal pedal effort, which was great.  The only difficulty today was the overall temperature.  I think it was about 55 or 56 degrees, and with the breezy wind, it was less than optimum.   The great news is that we're supposed to get to 68 degrees tomorrow, before the snowmageddon weekend (whatever) so that I should be able to get a ride in during the day.   Let us pray!  

Mrs. Boss is preparing a leftover steak dinner with toast points and mayo.  Sounds great.  My foot is a little touchy tonight, since we worked a couple of hours setting up for wedding homecoming.  I don't understand why, however, since I'm in my sketchers and my insoles, but we'll see.  Maybe I need a new pair of insoles....they're on the shopping list. 

I've somehow got chocolate on my pants at present, so these need to go into the wash!  It's all good.   Tomorrow will be busy, since Elena is here and the insurance lady is coming to do an inspection.   We're booking a wedding on thursday, so that'll be fun.....    Week is turning out to be rather quick paced, and I'm headed to Mass in the morning as well, I hope!  

Listening to the Jesse Kelly show right now, and enjoying it.   I kind of missed my podcasts just a little bit on the cruise.   It's nice to take a break, and nice to be back in the saddle.

Still unpacking things and organizing things as the world settles back into normal.   I even made the bed today, since I loved having it made every day on the ship, so it's my new goal for 2026!  Baby steps, people!  

Loving my fuzzy blanket from Jolene and John on my recliner.  True geriatric bliss!  :)    We finished the "Seven Dials" on Netflix last night, so will be starting something new.  It's fun to be shopping about for more titles and getting to enjoy some shorter-throw series and movies to keep it lively.  

No fire in the fireplace tonight, but we may need it by the weekend.   The whole snowmageddon predictions will probably be completely off, but are already scaring brides and grooms from the chapel for Wedding Homecoming.   sad.  We're still going to be together with whomever shows, and make it work!  Woohooo!   

The protests are horrific throughout Minneapolis.  It's so sad for the folks we know with lifetime property values there who are seeing their investments completely tumble in value.   Left don't care, however!  Gross.  

I need to make the supper item for book club tomorrow.... should be fun, since I've never made 'spincannon' before...  Should be fun, and the book was amazing!  

Moved my ebike charging station to the RV barn to cover it and keep it away from the house.   Supposed to rain at some point before tomorrow night at this time.   We'll see, but we don't want the eBike getting wet unnecessarily!  

Ok, supper is on it's way, so I guess I'll bail out!  Stay warm, my potatoes-in-jackets, and we'll talk to  you soon.  Later, mah taters!  

January 19, 2026:  A classy evening on board the ship, where we've clearly bathed that day!  A lovely dinner provided by Bruce in the mega.way.better ship's steakhouse.   Totally fun.   We were so glad to get to dress up.   I love my new jacket from Marcy and I got to help Bruce pick out new ties!  Woohoo!  Tim's even wearing my jacket.   We're a gypsy clothing travelling road show!    Sadly, the 2027 Boyz Cruz that was in the planning stages has hit a brick wall, so the men's trio won't be afloat for that.   We'll adapt and overcome.  

​No breakfast yet, but fixing to remedy that situation.  ..........just did.  Rocking the oatmeal!  Yummola!

I'm loving the new ebike, and it looks like I'll be able to o a grocery run with it tomorrow for general food items and book club recipe stuff.  Should be fun.  Hard to believe that the grocery store and back isn't even the amount I'll be riding for each workout....since that'll be about 3 miles short!   I need to remember to go outside to unplug the battery charger, since I know it's not supposed to stay that way all the time....

Looking forward to my next trip to the Goodwill Galleria location to shop.   Loved having the shirts for the cruise from there at $3 per shirt!  Way excellent prices!  

Hoping to get a lot of organizing done today.   I'll probably need a nap at some point.....last night's sleeping was weird.   I went to bed at 8:30p with kind of chills around the edges, and then woke at 11:30 pm feeling great and ready to get up for 'the day'.  Bizarre.  Thank goodness for Dr. Matt's prescription for sleeping!  

Tulip is currently enjoying my fluffy recliner blanket and recliner!  Cute to see.   Mrs. Boss is taking down the Christmas tree and says she doesn't need help.  Things are returning to normal!   ***This just in.............ebike ride update time is 1400 hours!   67 degrees at that point, rather than 66 @ 3p.  Rock and roll!  Too bad it'll be so long before I can ride to church without freezing, but looking forward to it!  

No fire in the fireplace today, but when I got up late last night the coals were still red.  Miss Ena is lying in her donut near the fireplace waiting for the heat to come out.  Sorry, sweetie.....you'll have to do with central heat today.   

Need to put on some moisturizer on the face this morning.  Mighty dry at the moment!    There we go....a bit of tallow, and we're all good!  

Loving the new TV, although it doesn't seem that much larger when we're watching it.  We've started a brand new series base on Agatha Christie work, and it 's already turned out pretty well.   Was struggling to keep my eyes open last night along with Mrs. Boss so we stopped at the beginning of episode 2.... Looking forward to continuing.  

Ok, absolutely nothing else to report except that we need to come down on rioters in MN like a ton of bricks.  Squish.  Have a wonderful day, and keep your papers on you.  lol.   Later, mah taters!  

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January 18, 2026:   Someone we know just had a birthday cruise, and we had a wonderful time!  She's actually at a tea in this picture on the ship.  The whole birthday cruise was excellent, and we got to travel with Bruce, Tammy and Tim!  Fun times and 14 days of being afloat!  

Enjoying a Pappa Murphy's pizza for the first meal on dry land at home, and it tastes pretty good.  We ate pretty fully during the cruise, so I'm still not hungry.  Hopefully, my appetite will return!  

Dressed in my jacket from Sheri today to do my VERY FIRST ride on my brand new e-bike!  So totally fun, and did 14 miles for my first jaunt.   The average speed is about 10 mph, so that's manageable, and it's wonderfully functional in getting up hills, our driveway, etc.   This means that I can literally (esp with the wide tires) ride it anywhere!  14 miles as a relatively effortless workout means that I can do the ebike to go to the Village, or to church, or to lots of places, and I don't have to haul it anywhere to find flat riding surfaces!  

Haven't unpacked yet, but am working on it item by item.   It'll be nice when it's all done, but no specific rush.   Mrs. Boss is off the schedule for work tomorrow, so we'll be able to do initial Wedding Homecoming setup, get some stuffed unpacked, get Christmas put away AND get to ride my ebike again!  Woohoo!  

We're very thankful to be home safe and that the house/land wasn't molested in any way.  Even with the security system, I forgot to lock the gun safe and lock the chapel, so clearly, we're blessed in having folks in and out and keeping an eye!  

Haven't spent quite enough time in my recliner since I've gotten home, but plan to work on that tonight!  :)   Dobby was not the best houseguest at Jolene's while we were gone, but I'll still let her settle in the recliner with me.   I'm not THAT heartless!   Mrs. Boss is starting a fire in the parlor as I type, and we'll probably play cards and watch some tv.  Love the fire starters that I've got and sent one home with Jolene to see if she wants me to order some for her.  They truly would make great gifts for fireplace, camping, etc. 

Until I get adequate padding on the ebike seat, I'm attempting to rock a small pillow tomorrow to ease the roughness on the bum.  It's a bit too stiff for me, and I love having 2 pads on my regular bicycle, so I'm spoiled. 

Looking forward to book club and making a recipe from the book.  Asking the members for suggestions on what they'd like to have.  I'm actually nominating another Kate Quinn book for next month, since I just can't get enough of her writing style!  It most likely won't win, but I can try. 

I need to figure out a best practices storage situation for my ebike.  I think it's going to be the RV barn with an electrical cord running out there like we do for the RV.  We'll see how that works out.   

Ok, lots to do.  Have a great evening, and don't forget to count your blessings!    Later, taters!  

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December 29, 2025:  Sometimes, you just buy yourself a present for no reason except that you like it.   Our wall space is limited, but this koi print from William Morris appealed to me, and then having a reproduction of a showing of his work in London made the sale.  It looks really cool and rather intellectual in the entry hall, and has actually turned out to be a pretty cool addition.   Mrs. Boss approved, it's hanging up and adding to the eclectic nature of the enchanted cottage.

Nothing to eat so far today, but think I'll make myself some toasted brioche.   It's officially in the toaster oven as we speak!  

Working the turtleneck sweater (the only one I own, but I like it!) and sweats and sketchers this morning.  I've gotten the fire started in the parlor fireplace, and the really cool fire starters worked beautifully again today!

Lots to do on lists that are everywhere.  The only travel today sounds like it'll be to the post office and to the bank.  These are the days that it's nice to have a remote start on the Mojo Dojo Mustang.  Warm when I get in!  Woohoo!   I just checked on the interwebs, and it says that our Lexus should be a remote start vehicle too, so I'll have to try that in the near future for Mrs. Boss' convenience and comfort!  

Elena is here making things sparkle for New Year's Eve!  We're looking forward to the party.  

Got a little more done on the book last night.   Really enjoying it.  

Sore throat continues, but I don't feel crappy.   I'm assuming it's allergies, but who knows.

Glasses are all out for the party.  I need to take the table down in the parlor today.  

Super excited about my eBike!  I ordered it last night with the help of Stacy and Bryan and it should be here soon.   Really liked riding his, and it'll be a fun way to grab some groceries and continue to get exercise.  Only having to add 20 minutes to my daily ride time to get the same calorie benefits, but since you're going more than twice the normal speed, you can really cover some ground.  It's got a front and back bike rack to carry stuff, so I'll be able to haul some grocery items when I go to town.  Should be mighty fun and efficient.  

Market is opening up, but not helping all that much so far today.  The minor irritation is that the gold crypto I was almost to my target on has gone back down and moved significantly away from the right level.     It's all good, but rather frustrating....

Just looked at the sewing kit and remembered the velcro dots that are needed on the yukatas.  Need to get rolling on that as well!  

Stacy made a really cool pomegranate and apple cocktail last night that we're going to have for NYE as well.  Pretty danged yummy, and I love everything with that seed in it.

Elena and I just delt with Dobby's complete mess on the duvet, comforter and quilt.   She grabbed the orange drink from the parlor table and chewed on it until it leaked all over everything.    I'll actually be super-husband and plan to put it in the wash to soak all by myself today.  Check ME out!  :)

Ok, I need to see what else I can get into in the meantime.  Stay warm, y'all........it's showing 38 degrees which is almost freezing for my little tater tots out there.   Many blessings to you, and curl up by the fire when you can....   Later!  



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December 30, 2025:  As Eva Peron sings in "Evita"....  "We're starting to get started...."   It's official, it's been ordered and I'm thinking Bryan is actually going to put it together for me, since that would be the largest obstacle to hitting the road so far.   I rode his eBike, and loved it.  It still gives you the bicycle experience (although I'll have to up my daily time to 1:20 from 1:00 since it helps you move along) but it totally expands the distance travelled part of the equation.  Basically, instead of just throwing my bluebike on the truck rack and heading to the nearest 'flat space' for my ride, I can leave the front porch and truly travel.  Most importantly, it helps me get up the big hills and even better, I can ride it all the way back up our driveway to the barn without walking it halfway.   Frankly, it's a game changer.    I'm envisioning trips to my local BB69 store, post office, El Banco de Horizon, St. Stephen's for Mass, etc.   Since  you can zip along at up to 36 mph (I cannot even IMAGINE that speed on this thing, since when I rode Bryan's the maximum speed I reached was 13.7 mph and that was plenty fast) you can really take this thing about anywhere you'd take a small motorcycle.  I cannot believe they haven't already required registration and tags.   Give them time.   Anyway, it's supposed to be here in about a week, and hopefully my Valet, Mr. Rugh, can assemble the aforementioned motorvelo quite rapidly.   I'm really looking forward to it.  I figure I might be able to survive a 13.7mph spill with a helmet, but NOT a 36 mph spill of any kind.   It would be like falling out of the MojoDojo Mustang @ that speed.  Nope.  Stay turned for the adventures on the new green eBike!  I haven't come up with a name yet, but will certainly work that out in the near future.    (I just saw one I like.....Mossy Maverick, but we'll see!  :)

Loving on the Quinn book for book club and it's been a long time since I truly couldn't put a book down!  My personal determination is to find out how many tomes Ms. Quinn has written and nominate one for every single book club meeting until I've read them all.   She's right up there with Amor Towles in writing talent, and also includes outstanding, fun recipes related to the action just like M. Towles as well.   Cool!  

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December 28, 2025:  Another Christmas photo, since it only happens once a year.   The team at Tablerock really did a great job with the walking tour of lights, and we're already looking forward to their efforts next year.   This really cool truck was decorated perfectly, and added nicely to the display!  Thank you, Board of Directors @ Tablerock.  You GO, Chad!  

I was served a custom crafted cinnamon roll from the donut shop in Salado IN BED this morning.  (follow me for more life hacks)   Mrs. Boss got done with her chores in the chapel that she wanted to do early, and headed to town to get packages from the PO, lemons for our list, etc.  We enjoyed our rolls with coffee.    Looking forward, also, to supper this evening with the Rugh's!  After discussion, I'm going to order my eBike, and cannot wait.  The excitement is getting larger for this item, and I didn't think I even wanted one!  It's going to be a game changer with rides to Mass, Brookshire's, general exercise, etc.    Tremendous fun for only $,$$$.   If you ever told me I'd ever spend that much on a bike in my lifetime, I would not believe it.  It kind of does make up for my $98 BlueBike special, and that roller is still a lot of fun every day.   We'll see if it gets ridden today....the winds are specific and the temps are to drop.   We shall see....

Wearing short sleeves and sweats today in an attempt to figure out the max and min temps of the cycle.  It's comfortable, and that's what counts. 

Been looking at zippered Ariat boots to see if I like them.   I'm probably going to order a pair, since tney look easier to get into than my traditional boots.  I will say that the swelling of my legs, ankles and feet is almost non-existent.   I had assumed that it was a body failure of some kind (kidneys, cardio, liver, etc.) but actually, the swelling has completely gone away just from wearing my $20 Dr. Scholl's inserts every day.  Absolutely amazing, and saved $800 on custom orthodics.  WAIT a minute, if you apply that $800 to my new eBike, it's actually VERY affordable!  :)   Creative accounting at its finest!  

Speaking of creative accounting, crypto still stinks, currently.  My gold index stock almost hit target and is now kind of sliding back down.   The whole thing hasn't worked to potential at this point, but there's not enough invested to worry about it so far.  Until I turn one more digit in total amount invested, I'm still going to roll along adding to the cryptowallet just to see what happens.   It's like Las Vegas without the homeless people in shopping carts!  

Bruce is coming to visit on December 30, and will be here for NYE.   We're thrilled.  We're supposed to have 30 guests, so that'll be fun.  If you don't have anywhere to go, and want to dress up, give us a shout.   This is our at least 34th year for black tie NYE, and it's legendary.   We love it, since there aren't many places (besides cruise ships!) that we dress up anymore! 

Task list is siginificant today.  Tables moved, linens ironed, outfit pressed, glasses polished and placed, canape plates put out....lots to do and lots of fun.   We added a couple dozen songs to our annual playlist, so that'll be fun, and we have Greg's new stereo speaker, so the party should be rockin'!  

Enjoying the book for this month's club meeting very much.  Lots of recipes in it so far, and we shall see.   The meatball recipe will probably get tried, even thought it looks like quite a bit of work to me, but the canned hash and egg dish may not work, since Mrs. Boss doesn't like Spam (which is awfully close to canned hash) and the sodium content of CBH really is off the charts.  If I see any corned beef hash that's low sodium, I'll give it a shot.  

New year's day brunch will feature bacon and brioche Jane Austen french toast points.  Already looking forward to it!  

I need to sew 5 more yukatas before too long.   Need to get my little velcro dots on there to hold it closed even better (you're welcome) and probably should have asked April to do it on the machine, but didn't get around to it.  We'll see how far I get!  

Wind is supposed to have gusts up to 41 mph this evening.    Should be interesting.  It's funny how that's a 'weather emergency' now.  Society has gotten soft and scared about everything, I guess.  

Mrs. Boss is filling the wood rounder for the coming days of chill.   We'll see how it goes.  I bet we'll need it before it's all over.  Love my little fire starters, and as soon as I need more I'm ordering extras to provide as gifts.  Practical, inexpensive, and foolproof.  I love them! 

We need pots for plants.   Several cuttings need to be planted, and the Christmas cacti need to be put in decorative pots.   It'll happen.  

Hoping to get on Jenn's schedule for a manicure in the next week.   She's on a cruise right now, but hopefully, I can get in to see her soon.   I will say, whatever I'm eating or using for supplements is really helping the nail health.   Strong and not flimsy.  It's a sign of decent health!  

Nothing else to report.   Keep your eyes on the pan of potatoes Anna (If you've never had it, make it!) and thank Him for everything!  Stay warm over the next few days, my foil wrapped bakers.  Later and blessings to all y'all!  Later, mah taters!  

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 December 27, 2025:  As I mentioned yesterday, you get to enjoy a few more photos from Christmas until Feast of the Epiphany as is religious tradition.  (and the photos left on my camera of Christmas)   This was the table setting for Christmas Day dinner, and it was really nice.   The April Cornell table cloth paired really well with the candy-apple red chargers, Italian dinner plates and specially folded bow napkins.   We went ahead and contacted a flatware repair artist in California to help with our 2 broken knife handles, and ordered 1 replacement butter knife from eBay.  We're using the stuff enough to justify it, and it's a blessing to have such nice stuff.  We combined Kay Plume's green water glasses and the amber glasses from Taylor's wedding, and that looked really neat and vintage.   It was Mrs. Boss' idea to do the amberglass, and she was right on the money.   I wouldn't have done it, but it added a classy, vintage feel to the setting.  Well done, everyone!  

Nothing to eat yet this morning, and haven't taken supplements.   As least I've bathed while Mrs. Boss is walking and we're planning another walk/ride for this afternoon.   Beautiful weather outside make the clothing lightweight, and the outdoor time very pleasant.   The game plan for brunch this morning will involve bacon.   I had a taste for it yesterday, and we got a package and will probably do something involving brioche.  I'm coming up with ideas as I type.  How about toad in the hole with bacon on the side, eh?   Very UK, since I'm having Irish Breakfast tea rather than coffee this morning to stay in touch with my Belfast roots.  

Lots to do on the NYE list, and sadly, the Cashions have had to cancel.   We wish Richard a quick recovery, and a happy new year as well.    We'll be doing the party and the brunch the next day, and it will this year feature brioche french toast quarters.   Am I pushing the brioche these days?  YES.   I'm figuring that nothing can't be solved by using brioche, sourdough or duct tape.  That's my story and I'm sticking to it! 

Enjoyed my recliner at about 0200 hours this morning, since I couldn't sleep and finally had to resort to a sleeping aid.  The great news is that the time in the chair involved starting the book club book, and this one is clearly going to be amazing.   We've loved 2 of her other books, and now think we should seek more of them out!  I'm only on page 40, but I can see how this one may hit a home run out of the park!  Love the time setting, theme, and writing style. 

No fire in the fireplace tonight, but apparently tomorrow will be a different story.    While the day is supposed to start out nicely, the evening hours get chilly for 24 hours and the high on Monday is supposed to only be 49 degrees.  That says fireplace to me!  Unfortunately, Mrs. Boss will be back at work, so it may not happen until later in the day, but we'll let God roll out the playbook. 

3 small pups are all asleep on the vintage gold sofa in the parlor at the moment.  They were awoken early, since Bryan came to hunt and no diesel truck is allowed to pass their enchanted cottage without a barkfest. 

Totally loving the faux fur parlorblanket that Jolene and John got me for Christmas.   It'll certainly make some kind of debut in public when it gets cold enough (think Mel Gibson pelts in Braveheart!) as an addition to my long coat if I can make it work.  Speaking of making something work, I need to steam my new Poldark jacket for NYE before the party!  

Have not killed a single Christmas cactus yet!  Kind of proud.  Ask me in a month but so far so good!  

Listening to an older podcast episode from Andrew Klavan's show this morning, and enjoying it.  We'll be missing so many episodes during the new year break due to hosts being on vacation, but will survive just fine.

Excited about the eBike.  Hopefully, it'll be on the way to the enchanted cottage  by Monday morning.  I've also got to figure out what I'm making for bible study tomorrow night.   I went through recipes so that I'm ready when Stacy lets me know.

Ok, sportsfans.  It's time to think more seriously about toad in the hole and bacon.  No taters for breakfast, I fear, but again....we'll survive.   Stay excellent, my spuds, and definitely stay warm on Monday with temps dropping.   Blessings to one and all as we roll closer and closer to the new year.   Later, taters!  


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December 26, 2025:  Since we're Catholic AND I'm married to a Feast of the Epiphany baby, our Christmas must technically be the full 12 days of Christmas!  As a result, you will be subject to at least 3-8 more days of Christmas photos as part of the holiday dump on my phone.  Get over it, get under it, get away from it.  ....you do you, Boo.   Anyway, that's fair warning for the photo above, although it's the least Christmassssssy of all that I'll be sharing in the coming days.  This is the welcoming table at Christmas Eve services at St. Joseph Episcopal in Salado.  We went, and it was lovely and Anglican, and brown around the edges, and meaningful, and festive and all kinds of greatness.   During the outdoor singing of Silent Night by the Nativity scene, I walked by this table of lanterns and a fire and had to capture a moment of the evening.  Again, it was wonderful from the time the LS 500 and Miss Emmy Lou took us to church all the way to when we were returned safely home.    

Still eating Christmas leftovers.  This mornings experiment with potato pancakes didn't go well ( I should have let Mrs. Boss do it, since she makes them like her mom did) and I added too much flour.   No matter....  Mrs. Boss enjoyed them and I moved on to pumpkin pie much more quickly.   We've still got plenty of holiday comestibles to consume, so we won't be going hungry anytime soon, which is kinda sad, since I wanted to drop a few ounces so that I could wear my new, super cool Poldark jacket to NYE, but I'm going to do it anyway.   It's mildly tight, but survivable!  

Warm outside, and as soon as my phone charges up, we're going for a walk ride downtown.  Totally fun.....Bryan and Stacy got eBikes for Christmas, and now I want one.  I didn't want one originally, since I thought I wouldn't get as much exercise.  Well, I read up on it today in the interwebs, and it said, true, you burn 30% less calories, but you generally ride longer.  Mazel!  Perfect solution.     With my new eBike (after I get over the stroke of buying a $,$$$ bike!!!!) I'll just ride 1:20 instead of 1:00 hours each day to make up for it.   No more loading my bike on my rack and hauling it to a flat place, since Bryan says it'll do our driveway and LaCanne's hill just fine.  Sounds like fun, and I'll be pedaling through my old haunts again.  (Except for Terra Bella where I got thrown out that time).  

Just applied what is aptly named "Shiny Car Stuff" to the finish on the 1951 Chevrolet.  It creates a patina-covering clear coat with just a sponge brush.  If this stuff dries as nicely as it looks now, and lasts for a bit, I'm totally in, and ready to buy any cool vintage car that comes my way.....just to show off the cool patina.   I've always loved that shiny patina look, but know that it comes with a hefty $,$$$ pricetag to get it, so it's been off limits until now.   Don't get me wrong, it felt funny 'painting' a car with a brush, but there would be no better experimentmobile for this technique than the loveable Miss Emmy Lou!   Cannot wait until the product cures (48 hours....do not let the dew get on it) and also see how long it lasts.  Fun times @ the car corral!    Makes that '54 Buick I've been looking at even more delicious.  We shall see.

Ok, phone is at 57%, so I'm a ridin'....loading up Miss Dobby, Mrs. Boss and my bike and we're  up and headed Downtown, as Petula Clark used to sing.  Later, my leftover Christmas Dinner taters!  

December 25, 2025:  And a happy Christmas to us all.   Miss Emmy Lou made it to church services last night for her 74th Christmas!  How cool is that?   Think of the hams and gifts and wrappings and patent leather shoes and corsages and briar pipes and all other Christmas paraphernalia she has hauled on December 24 and 25th each year.   It's so fun to think about it.  She came to us from the Hobbs estate, and had a Florida bumper sticker.   There are echoes that she may have lived in California, but it would be really neat to know where she's been for each Christmas of her 74 years!  Maybe she was at a Synagogue for the holiday season?  Who knows!!?!?!  Totally fun to think about, however! 

Not nibbling at all.   Marcy sent me 2 really cool jackets for Christmas.  One is just too small all together, and that's frequently the case with marketed items that originated in China.  We're hoping that Mrs. Boss can wear it, since I can't think of anyone else we know that might fit in it.  The black "Poldark" jacket she sent is a smash hit, and going to be out and about when the weather is cool enough.  It fits ok, even though it's tight in the arms and waist, but if I don't start an upper body workout regime (no risk there!) and work on being as thin as I can during the cool winter, I cannot wait to wear it.   I'm thinking dress up events, church, etc....and would certainly wear it every chance I get.  Thanks, Marcy!   

Today, my Christmas clothing mix is rather Christmas crazy.   Wearing a new 'grinch green' polo shirt with a pair of clam-digger length (they shrunk!) very pale blue linen slacks.  at 78 degrees for the big day, it seem to be just right.  It's all good and mighty comfortable.  

Everything is cooking or ready to be cooked for Christmas Day.   Pies are done, sweet potatoes are in the oven, chicken Cordon Bleu is ready to go on the top of the range, veg are yet to make their debut, and the regular taters for mashing are on the range on low.  We will survive!  Mrs. Boss wants to go to the Christmas lights @ Tablerock later, so I guess I have a limited time to earn cash an prizes at card games today.

Listening to a Christmas food history podcast that's set in the UK, so it's pretty fun.  Pretty educational already....

Sewing kit is still out since I have 5 more yukatas to sew velcro dots onto, but we'll get there.  It makes it easier to deal with and even more excellent.  

Enjoying blackout coffee and typing in my lap in the leather recliner.  The normal surface for blogging is the table that's set for Christmas!  It's all good.    Feeling the bit of a nap, so we'll see what happens. 

Wish it was cool enough for a fire, but 78 degrees is even better!  Loving on it for sure.  

Inventory of shotgun blanks is all set for NYE, which is good, since I didn't think of it until about 3 days ago!  I'll have to get more for next year.  

Christmas cactus on the table looks great.   Nice touch.

Ok, well, Merry Christmas, I'm feeling the nap approaching, and we hope you consume your weight in sweet and white potatoes!   Blessings to one and all on the anniversary of His birth!  Later, my Christian Taters!    :) 

December 24, 2025:  One might say, "Oh, how cute....Dobby is wishing us a Merry Christmas".  Those that know this little varmint clearly see the expression of, "so what did  you get me for Christmas?" on her face.    We're not easily fooled here at Dobby HQ (otherwise known as DHQ).   Anyway, regardless of the mercenary  'I'm looking for a Tiffany's box here', look....Merry Christmas from all 5 of us............Cap (CowboyMan to the girls), Mrs. Boss, Ena, Tulip and the perennial Dobb-ster. (the lobster).

An absolutely top down Mustang convertible kind of Christmas eve day today!  Headed to Michael's for one of my birthday gift straight razor shaves so that I look good for events over the next 24 hours.  Noice.  Then headed to Wally World and got the RIGHT size frame for the new William Morris print in the entry hall.  Lovin' on the koi theme, and guess I'll need to take a photo of it to share.    Headed home with loud music playing and the top down.  Had a truck honk at me when I didn't accelerate quickly enough from a stop sign on Lake Road, so I gently applied my brakes and smiled in the rear view mirror above the rosary.   These are the moments it's always good to have 2 handguns in the car.  :)

Feeling all the Christmas chunk today, and for some reason the shorts and shirt had to be changed for exercise time, since they both felt tight.  Waiting on my phone to get to the minimum 50% before I head to Eagle Heights (I think?) for my 1 hour bike ride.  Then I have to get ready for tonight's music performance.  Hard to believe it's Christmas eve.  We didn't buy each other gifts this year, so that'll be a not-happening thing on the agenda.  We DO, however have a new Lexus in the driveway (Merry Christmas to us) and plan to buy something cool over the next month or so, and as a result, nobody is feeling neglected.  :)

The table isn't set for Christmas Day dinner yet, but all the elements are in place.  We didn't want to set it too early, since that's the popular place for my laptop and paperwork these days.   It'll take like 3 minutes to do now that everything's lined up, so no biggie.   Excited about hosting Christmas Day tomorrow and having my John Bruce Gravy Tutorial (JBGT) as well.  Should be educational and delicious.  The instructor is really from Alabama.  That's where gravy lives!  :)

Stock market was meh today, but early day of trading due to the holiday.  The gold crypto I bought is the only thing doing well in the Crypto portfolio, so yeah, DJT.  Keep buying gold stuff for the Oval!  lol.   We're at 11% ROI on that issue, so when it gets to 12-13%, I'll sell and throw my money down the toilet on some other issue.   The crypto thing isn't as fun as it was when I started...

Oh merciful heavens....  When was the last Christmas Eve I rode 6 miles on a bicycle!?!?  Saints be praised, esp St. Nicholas!!!  It was a lovely 78 degree ride in Eagle Heights, and I thought about a house that's for sale  and even getting the Eldorado up and running on December 26th!  Got to love this Floridian weather!   Woohooo! 

And, I must say that the Kozyshack tapioca pudding from Wally World was worth $3.72 for a treat.  Mighty nice, and turns out better than my home made, which always lacks for something.

Mrs. Boss has polished Evelyn's napkin rings that are planned for use tomorrow.  Glue dots are already failing on the home made paper bag gingerbread decor, so it'll be scotch tape after all.  

My clothes are picked out for tonight, but no warm jacket for me.  It's way too warm for my red and black traditional number.   Going with a lighter weight sports jacket for sure!  

Carrying extra rounds for the weapon these days, since Mrs. Boss thought she saw an unauthorized vehicle in the driveway the other night.   Nothing was found on closer inspection, but better to be safe than sorry.   Santa can always bring more ammo!  :)

Gonna definitely need another recliner session before I change clothes after my bike ride.  Yikes!  Anyway, at least the pumpkin pies continue to look excellent an turned out just right.   Love this old school recipe, and it's fun thinking about how many of them we've made this fall!  

New velvet pillow cover is on the pillow in the parlor....thank God Mrs. Boss had the patience for it.  Not my bag.   The new finish on the '51 Chevrolet is going to need a 3" foam brush, and I don't have one, although I thought I did....Thursday after stretch lab!   Ok, got to make my way towards the aforementioned leather recliner.  Merry Christmas, and be like the potatoes in the kitchen for tomorrow's dinner.   Just hang out and 'be there' for the season.  :)   Blessings and love, mah taters!  

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December 23, 2025:  From the, "I was totally no where near the cabinet shelf under the stairs where you keep your priceless shopping bag collection, CowboyMan.  How dare you suggest it.  I'm offended!"   Ok, Dobby, be 'offended' all you want you've been busted on this misdemeanor fair and square.   Apparently, there's some kind of dog food remains in the very far back of shelf #2 in the kitchen cupboard.  This could be spillage, or more likely a former mouse tennant got it piece by piece and assembled some kind of cache of the comestibles in a far-back spot.   We'll, 'eyes on the skies - Channel 5's own Dobby Misgivings' sniffed out aforementioned dog food nibbles and has decided to raid my personal collection of shopping bags to get at it.  Those of you who know Cap for very long KNOW his affinity for a good shopping bag (stems from my childhood) and to have such a rescue tramping through my priceless collection is unacceptable.   Well, anyway...........when she came into the entry hall she had a small jewelry sized bag completely around her neck, and an HEB shopping bag from Jolene wrapped around her foot/paw assembly.   If it wasn't for the sloppy way she was toting the bags, we might have believed her to be doing some pre-Christmas shopping, but clearly, this camera angle shows a perp on the screen.   What a spaz.  Leave my bags alone, Girlie.  Sheesh.   She's like, "I thought I saw a rat, Cowboyman!", and I'm like, "I'm looking at one".   Never ending fun and games between the law and lawbreaking 4-legged offenders here at the halfway house.   

Have nibbled a bit today, and Mrs. Boss actually made the pannycakes this morning.  She's never made Ma's recipe in her life, which surprised me, but then again, she was raised by people that did thick pancakes.  ewww.     Anyway, her first culinary foray into family lore was a total success, and it was a lovely brunch.   Have snacked freely since then, however we're going for a walk/bike ride as soon as my Bose earbuds charge up, so that'll help some.   

Did a little hot tubbing, and I'm starting to warm up to the idea of geriatric chair tai chi.  We shall see how it goes, and I know Joette (I think she's doing it) is teaching a Tai Chi chair class at the Senior Center, so that might happen.   We shall see.  

78 degrees this afternoon with an evening low of about 68 predicted for the next few days.  That means we might get the shiny stuff on the hood of the Chevrolet for the finish experiment.  @ $55 a miniature bottle, this stuff better go a long way!  Yikes!  

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 December 22, 2025:  The parlor chandelier is all set for Christmas Day and New Year's Eve!  The little ornaments that we used for the book club Christmas gathering worked just right for the parlor setup.  It's fun to set things up for special days.  

Last night's "Lessons and Carols" at St. Joseph's was very nice, and Mrs. Boss played and lots of folks sang and the congregation did too.  Got to see a whole bunch of people we know, and it was nice to get the Christmas season officially started in the Spiritual department!  Took the 1973 Fleetwood to church, and didn't realize how huge the wreath I had put on the grille was from a seated position!  It actually blocked the view a bit, so it's good that it'll only be on the car about another 3 days!  I'm planning to head Belton to get the Mustang washed, pick up a few things, do a Goodwill run all after Elena gets finished this morning.   I could have used a bit more sleeping, but also woke from a rather disturbing dream at about 6:30a.  Oh, well, the day has begun and adventure is afoot!  

Still working on the Poirot, but have until at least until 12/26, since the action goes that far in the actual book.   That's cool.   Ready for the new book club book, and Mrs. Boss is about 70 pages in and really enjoys it so far.   Others in the book club have already expressed approval as well!  

Nothing to nosh on yet this morning, but enjoying an excellent mug of Blackout Coffee at the parlor table.   The decor for Christmas has been pushed about a bit to make room for the laptop, but is easily returned to it's upright position.  Doing the Christmas cacti for tablescape is going to be fun, and my little gingerbread men of paper will be the garland around the pots.   I think we're still going to get to see the Tablerock trail of lights before the 1st of the year!  Should be fun.   We almost went last night, but may go with others before the end of the year. 

The podcasts have pretty much played out for the rest of the year, so I'm listening to the Christmas Bookshop via audiobook.  It's done by the same author as our book club book for December, so it's quite neat and set in Scotland, again!  

I probably dressed a bit warmly for today, since it's suppose to be nice, but the pc temp is 52 at present, and I'll be cruzing in the MDM with the top down if it works out, so it'll all work out just fine.  Dobby got in the front seat with muddy paws the other day and left tracks everywhere!  Fortunately, they have damp towels for such emergencies at my car wash.  Thank God she didn't get into the new Lexus with the flaxen leather seats.  Yikes....   that would have been a mess.  

Hopefully will get lots on the list done today?   I know the post office is also on the list, since there's a key for a package locker in the kitchen.    Silverware and napkins for Christmas day must be placed, so I know there's at least that!  

I still need to put all the items in my new calendar from the back pages of the old!  It's about the latest I've ever waited to do that, but we'll get there!  I'm about ready to be down to just one calendar to haul around, and it's kind of neat that it's about 30% smaller than the 2025 model.   I need to remember, however, and tell myself every year, to wait until I can go to Barnes and Noble for my next-year's calendar, since the selection is so much more colorful and interesting than the basic black appointment book that I've ended up with!  

Looking forward to having the new beds for plants in the pergola for this spring.   Should be pretty cool.   Mrs. Boss is getting 2 fake plants at Hobby Lobby tonight to put in the cement pillars at the chapel.  

No other news to report, so I'll close and attempt to be productive.    I'm ready for my recliner already, but must fight the impulse!  :)   Have a wonderful start to Christmas week, and get some roasted pecans on your sweetness, my yams!  Blessings to one and all for lots of smiles and fun!  Talk to you soon....

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December 21, 2025:   Well, I made it!   I thought I was the last person to cross the finish line yesterday, but I checked online at the results and found out that there were 6 more walkers/runners who crossed the line after me!  Woohooo!   It was really fun, and I loved having Jeff's Bose bluetooth earbuds for the walk.   It kept the pace varied, and gave me an excuse to kind of 'dance walk' the whole thing with arms in the air like I just don't care!  :)   Mrs. Boss had a time that was 7 minutes ahead of me, and Dobby walked her first 5k with us!  A great effort and result from KD and Graydon at Barrow Brewing.   Many thanks!

Waiting on Mrs. Boss to come back up from the gate where she's righting some Christmas decor lighting that was buffeted by the wind.  After she gets here, I'll give her some brunch options, but I'm hoping she'll go with a brioche french toast option that sounds mighty good to me.  

Lisenting to "Bar Fight" with Michael Knowles.   It's going to be weird for the next 2 weeks, since most of our podcasters are on holiday break.   We want to save the hard copy book for reading over the next month, so maybe we'll be listening to another type of podcast or another audio book.  We shall see.   It's fun having spotify, for sure!  

Wearing my Santa's Beer Run 5k t-shirt today, since I wore a brand new Land's End red shirt for the walk yesterday ($3.50 @ Goodwill!!!).   We'll see how much we get done, but Mrs. Boss has 3.4 million items on the list to get done before a musical event this evening. 

The weather is apparently 57 degrees outside, and expected to get nice.  Should be a nice pre-Christmas day.  The weather for the holiday is supposed to be great!  

Mrs. Boss is back, so I think it's time for brunch.  BRB.  

Slept a bit yesterday after the race in my wonderful leather recliner and it was goldilocks-quality 'just right'.  Noice.  

We watched a few episodes of Poldark last night of the last season, and it'll be over before we know it.  Played a little Phase 10 just to keep our skills sharp for Bruce's next visit.  We're guessing that Emily in Paris new season will be our next series to consume on the lighted shadowbox via modem.  

All of my little 'gingerbread men' paper cutouts that were painted for the book club Christmas gathering are on the table next to me.  They'll be taped together as a chain for wrapping Christmas cacti on the table for the big dinner, and probably sprinkled about for decor today.  

Ok, brioche french toast was excellent, and I've got my gingerbread men sorted.   The majority of the company is in the entrance to the parlor, an 15 select paper gingerbread individuals have been selected for placement as container covering and decor for the holiday table.  Things are coming together!  

Thrilled that the Fleetwood is ready for a run over the holidays.   Mrs. Boss washed it while I was tied up with something else, and since I'd put it off for over a week, I'm not surprised that it was the only way it got done!  I'm concerned about putting it through our electric car wash in Belton, since the trim might not agree.   No matter.   It's looking just right with the Merry Christmas wreath on the grille!   We've also got a pair of gold-tone bells for the antenna on the Mojo Dojo Mustang, so literally every vehicle has a wreath or decor except for the Eldorado.  She's resting in the limousine barn dreaming of springtime!  With a motor like that, she's NOT going to participate in any activities under 75 degrees for a low!  :)

Mrs. Boss is prepping a new garden bed that Tim made outside, since the weather is tremendous.  I'll be off on my next task as well.   I'm hoping we get some hot tub time in for reading today as well.  I can feel that I walked the 5k yesterday, since the calves and quads are a little barkish when I lean over to pick something up off the floor!  Elena is coming tomorrow, so we have to have things in relative order for her efforts!  

Ordered a pouring shield for my Kitchen Aid mixer, and have decided it will eliminate the need for a 'flour funnel' accessory.  It'll keep the kitchen cleaner while I high speed the blade to clean it off!  

Crypto is in the toilet, and nothing is really singing in the portfolio at the moment.  The Ave Maria fund I bought into is a little behind, and so is SKKR, but not badly.   I've already taken a profit share off the SKKR, so i'm not upset about that.   All will hopefully be good for 2026!  

Definitely no fires in the fire places for Christmas this year!  It may be short sleeve weather with a prediction for 80 degrees on the big day!  Crazy, yet crazy-excellent in our book!  

I'm excited to see how John makes his gravy in my Christmas Day tutorial.  I've never been able to consistently master it, so it'll be a fun demo.  

Haven't started the next book club book yet, since the Poirot isn't done.  I've got time, and it looks like the story line might extend past December 25 in the book, so that'll give me some extra time, too.   Again, hopefully a few more pages during an hour soak in the spa.  We shall see.  

Otherwise, nothing new and exciting.  We're thankful that our bride, Angie, is relatively ok from her car wreck with just a broken arm.  After looking at the vehicle, it's a blessing it wasn't much worse for her and Harper!  

Blessings to one and all as you put the finishing touches on Christmas 2025.  Remember it'll all work out, even if, "the varnish wasn't dry or something" - All About Eve, 1950.  Have a wonderful Christmas week, and stay smooth, creamy and buttery my little mashed ones, until we visit again!  Merry Christmas!  

 December 20, 2025:  Oh yes, it's Walburg time, and the feelin's fine, oh yes it's Walburg time, oh what a night...   Sing it with me people!    :)    It's so funny, because even though we've been going to this restaurant for 35 years, we totally forget it's there, and never think about it.   THAT was before we found out that Thursday night is prime rib night.   The world will never be the same again!  We're going to attempt to go on as many Thursdays as possible, and after Mrs. Boss' music schedule starts up for the spring, I'll be looking for supper pardners to come along for the fun!  Let me know.   I've got a couple of takers already!  The meat was tremenous, the mashed taters Irish-worthy and the asparagus was gently roasted and quite amazing.  Finished it off with a slice of HOT apple strudel (pretty damned 'Sound of Music-y') and it was a wrap.  Not only that, there was enough left over to take home for yet another meal.  Noice choice, and we'll be back!  

Woohoo!   We survived the Christmas 5k @ Barrow this morning, and had a great time.   I took an LMNT before we left and my feet didn't hurt during the race at all.  Thank you, Sketchers!  I will say, however, that Captain Rick was the LAST person to cross the finish line, but I FINISHED!  The kind of cool thing is that my time of 1:09 was the same as my entry number #109, so that seemed pretty cool.   It was really fun, but after our beanie weenie luncheon, I'm visiting Mr. Leather Recliner for an onsite meeting.    Dobby even walked her first 5k with Mrs. Boss, so that added to the fun and excitement.

Got to wear a $3.50 shirt that I forgot that I bought at Goodwill!  Brand new long sleved Land's End polo, and it was fire engine red for the holiday!  I forgot I even bought it, so it's encouragement to buy another 58 shirts there when they're 1/2 price day!  

Black Cadillac AND Cap's Mojo Dojo Mustang are filthy and need a bath.   Will it happen today?  I hope so, esp the Cadillac, since it's way over due.  The little clip on Christmas bells I put on the back of the MDM stayed on for our trip to town and back, so they're my decor for the season!    Otherwise, we'll see what other productive things we can make happen today. 

Need to work on the Christmas Day shopping list and the table setup just a bit, but we'll get there.   The ornaments in the parlor on the chandelier look great!  We've also got some at the front door and our outdoor lights are mostly working!  

Excited to use our Italian-themed red and green dishes for the Christmas Day dinner table.  I'm thinking that Christmas cacti with cool containers might be the answer.  Mrs. Boss is working the Hobby Lobby angle on that one before the big day.  

Need to get a few pages in the Christmas Poirot done today, and the hot tub would be perfect.  We'll have to work that in.   The book club book looks great, and we have a month to read it, so we should be just fine.  

Ok, nothing else to report.   Soon we'll be gearing up for NYE!  Have a wonderful, sunny and warm weekend, my creamy potatoe salads, and make it a great one!  Later, taters!  

 December 18, 2025:  Nothing says Merry Christmas like a S&W model 28.  Saw this online, and thought it was a lovely piece of art.  The revolvers I've carried of this weight and power are probably why my feet hurt today!   They're heavy.............but truly beautiful.   

Had a nice breakfast at McCain's this morning with April after Mass.   It was nice, and I enjoyed my eggs and rye toast.   Special meal is coming tonight, so I'm going to save myself from hyper-caloric behaviours today!   :)

Not bad outside at all.  Very sunny and 68 degrees.   I'll be running out of excuses not to wash the Fleetwood....   It's got to be clean (or at least some car has to) for Christmas Day church, so I'll need to get on the stick!  

Hoping to do some very productive work today by specifically limiting 'recliner time'.   That damned new chair has sucked out so many productive moments already, it's kinda scary.   I need to do some cleanup from the Motley Book Club Christmas gathering last night, so there's plenty to do!  

Dobby is outside barking at the big birds in the trees.  It's her hobby and she enjoys it!

The weather is supposed to be really nice for Christmas this year, possibly 80 degrees, so I guess it won't be a white Christmas at all.  Not a problem.   Don't mind me some sunshine, for sure!  

The Christmas cactus on the parlor table is blooming nicely.   Outstanding.   This has been the year of the Christmas cactus, so I'm glad they're doing well.    Coming up with ideas on decor for Christmas Day dinner, so the cacti might get a bit more of a holiday run after all!  

Need to finish the Poirot Christmas book....it's getting there little by little.  We'll get it done in time.  That's actually put in the 'productive' column for the day, since it's getting one.  Hoping that the spa will be the place to read when the weather is right...

Dan Bongino leaving the FBI isn't a good sign.  I'm thinking it means that he's not able to 'save' the institution, and is frustrated.  We'll see.   He's certainly guaranteed his future listenership by taking the job and sharing experience afterward.   I am concerned for his personal safety in this transition, and have already said prayers for he and Paula.  

Nothing else going on.   Next stop on the potato train is unknown, but probably today.    Have a wonderful, sunny day, my sweet potatoes, and we'll talk with you soon!  Blessings to one and all!  Top down on the Mojo Dojo Mustang today!  Woohooo!  

 December 15, 2025:  A happy photo of a cuppycake that came from the Christmas luncheon with Sheri.   The cake wasn't that bad at all, but the round, special chocolate sphere was great.  Certainly looked pretty Christmassy.  It was nice!  

Woke up to a cold-ish house again this morning.   After all the attempts at getting the heat up and properly running, we're currently set at 72 degrees with an interior temperature of 66.  Obviously, we still have a problem.   Letting it run for 30 minutes on a timed exercise this morning to see if it warms up, and then switching it to 'emergency' heat to see if it'll come up at all.  It's crazy.  I think this is service call #7 to get this done.  We're not giving up....  We'll see what we have to do to get things right.

Nothing starts the morning like a hot cup of Blackout Coffee with home made oatmeal cookies!  I decided to make a batch last night, and they really turned out great.   Yummy.  I added just a little bit of raisins, since I couldn't resist.   Blaming it on the holidays.   Which is probably true, since I wouldn't normally make them!  

Going to dress warm today.....currently 29 degrees.  April and I are headed to the SSC today to check things out for future involvement in the handbell choir and other activities.   Their Christmas party is today, and Kim Bird said that we should come to the party.   We'll see how it goes.   They do cornhole when the weather is nice, so that'd be good, and maybe I'd finally learn the scoring for the game!  :)

Hoping to get some things done for the book club meeting this week.  Got some general decor ideas I want to set up, and working on a craft project to go with the event.   Also still deciding on a signature drink for the event.   We'll see how it goes.

Lash is here from Moore Air trying to figure out the heat, and it doesn't look like it's going well.  Stay tuned for further developments in the Cold vs. Cottage series.  :[

The girls have been fitting out all morning, since earlier, Ft. Hood was doing some 500 lb bomb tests from the beautiful freedom birds, those B-52's.   I don't mean the group, although they're wonderful, too.   The impact was large enough to make the front door rattle and bang in the doorframe, which set the ladies off, and the 3rd strike was intense enough to knock things off shelves inside the parlor.  The sound and vibrations of freedom, boys and girls!  

The fire has gone out in the parlor, but if Lash isn't successful, I guess it'll be starting again.  We've love having the paraffin and wood chip starter cups, and hope I can find where I ordered them, since they would make great gifts.  Super well priced, and work every time!  

Drove the Lexus for the first time in over a week yesterday, and had forgotten how much better the ride is than the Mustang.   The top doesn't go down, however, so there's that.   We're thankful to have such a stable of newish cars ...  we're not used to that, and it's been kind of fun.   Also actually talking about a motorhome to replace the RV in 2026.   What?   We're slightly out of control, y'all!  :)

Lash is not giving me a lot of confidence.  Lord give me strength.  

Maybe the temps today are going to be great-er than they've been and there could be some hot tub action.   Let us pray, and I realized that I'm about 1/2 way on the Christmas Poirot book, which surprised me, since I didn't think I was that far....

Might need another cookie.  We shall see.  

Ok, it's getting close to shower time (thank god for the excellent space heater in the Moulin Rouge room) and I need to get motivated.   Have a good day, keep all your parts dry and warm, and enjoy a hot potato as soon as you get the chance!  It'll make your day!  Blessings to one and all.....later mah tater-tots!   


 

  

December 14, 2025:  Well, it won't actually be used on this range, but it sure is beautiful.  This is the French saucepan that Sheri gave us for Christmas, and it's beautiful.   Can't wait to use it.  It'll live with the collection at the chapel, but I just might use it New Year's Day to warm syrup for brunch if nothing else!  

Rather brisk outside, and headed for the lowest temps of the season tonight.   Supposed to be 27 in the Village, which means about 29 here.   Going to go ahead and get the pink stuff to winterize the RV, since we're not taking it on the road for a while.   That way it's done.  Thankfully, my method of doing the winterization doesn't take long, and hasn't failed us yet.  We'll get that going today.

Hoping to tidy up a bit around the house today and also get a fire started in the parlor.  It'll certainly be cold enough.    The high is supposed to only be 50 for a short while.  Hard to believe I had Cap's MDMustang out and about for stroll yesterday with the top down!  Thankfully, it's mighty snug even when the temps are cold and the rain is flying!  

Spent a little quality snooze time in the recliner yesterday.   The allergens are still kicking my behind, but I'm making it.   Included some musinex in the mix, and that seems to help.   At least I'm not the only one suffering, apparently.  

Need to wrap our white elephant books for book club for this week, and figure out a couple of menu items.  Looking forward to having the group here in their PJ's ... always a fun photo-op! 

Don't know our final headcount for Christmas day quite yet, but it looks like we'll be in the parlor.  It's fun to set the table for Christmas, even though we don't do Christmas dishes or anything like that.    The Christmas cacti have been good table decor so far, and we haven't killed them!  Woohooo!  

Got to watch some more Poldark last night, and continue to enjoy it.  We're thankful for our special Netflix subscription.  

Dobby is sitting here looking at me, like, 'mention me in the blog, ok, Cowboy Man?', so I just did.  She's quite the character an stole zero food from the table in the last 24 hours.   Saints be praised!

Getting no further in the Christmas Poirot book, and need to dedicate some time to it, since I won't be interested in finishing it after the 25th.  The weather is supposed to be nice enough for me to hot tub this week, so that'd be a good soaking opportunity!  

Nothing else to report, and I may need to do a bit of noshing in a minute or two.  Hope everyone is staying warm, bundled up, and enjoying life.   Just push through the creaks an groans, and there'll be a smile on the other side!  Blessings to one an all, and I'll yap at you soon.   Later, mah taters!  

 December 12, 2025:  Well, you certainly can tell that Cap didn't use the face cream this morning....The schedule got kind of messed up, so that little bit of prep didn't happen for today's luncheon.   No matter.   It was another fun one in the tradition of having Sheri here for our annual Christmas gathering.    Lots of fun visiting, great gifts, an an edible pasta salad.  Sheri says she's wearing her 'reading socks' right this minute, according to her text!    Fun.

Nice weather outside today, but just no time to make the wheels turn on bluebike.   Would be fun for tomorrow, but between a bridal visit and performance, it may just not work out.   Unfortunately, Sunday is suppose to be genuinely cold.  From what I read, we might need to dribble and actually winterize the RV.  Yikes.  It always comes out of nowhere, but at least we've got lots of firewood and the furnace is working again!  

Mrs. Boss did the cleanup from lunch today, and I was able to get quite  a bit cleaned up from the KoC event last night.   Sounds like a quite friday night in the parlor after she returns from The Stroll.  

Wow, the options are amazing.  Not only do we have the chicken Cordon Bleu option for Christmas day, we're also in possession of the coolest Christmas gift from Sheri!  A 7.5 lb PRIME RIB!  Wooohooo!   I think we're going with the Cordon Bleu, but this move could be a boon for the Steglich's, since they'd be in line for the next over.the.top prime ribby kinda meal!    Beautiful cow in the freezer, fo shizzle.  

Girls are settled in for a nap, and Dobby could have been worse today.  We didn't get a lot of table trauma, so that was good.

Listening to the Michael Knowles show, and enjoying that.  Reviewing cool gifts....  The Cuivres de France saucepan es incroyable, and a perfect match to the pans on the range wall of the Chapel.   Great size for a sauce or something small.   Got some great candle action, an some wonderful Christmas jam as well.   We've scored bigtime.   We didn't have our traditional tea at lunch, but there's always the birthday luncheon in March! 

Speaking of France, there's a very nice little Isle de Cite kind of fire slowly smoldering in the parlor firebox.  Verrah nice.  Slept for quite a while in my new leather recliner while Mrs. Boss headed into the village to shop.  There's something about falling asleep in a leather recliner in front of the fireplace that really resonates with yours truly!  

Christmas cacti are all still alive, so that's kind of cool!   The one on the lunch table looks great with potential blooms in the next 24 hours.   I may end up killing them all via poor care, but they look pretty good now.  

Still working on the will, but apparently Mrs. Boss has come up with some more data to enter, so that's cool.  We'll get it done.  

No book reading, but also no spa time, so hopefully, just a bit of that could happen tomorrow.    Let us pray!  

Nothing else to report.   Hope you're having a great start to the weekend, and thanks for tuning in.  Stay positive, be generous, and smile every freakin' chance you get!  Blessings on you my piping-hot tater tots!  Later, taters!  

December 11, 2025:    Greg sent me this today, and I had to share.  Of course, in both cases, it helps to be Polish - which I always thought I was until Ancestry.com - but potato vodka and Sainthood for the win!  

Continue to have weirdo problems with buffering on Spotify today and the downdetector says that there's no problem.  I beg to differ.  :)  I'm sure it's just our Chinese friends playing with satellites or spy balloons or something.   Nothing to see here.....

Had a nice breakfast after Mass with April at McCain's.   Their cinnamon roll was recommended, and while it wasn't visually all that over.the.top, the flavor was outstanding.  Beats making my own, and it's just enough nosh after the Liturgy to be sustaining....

Chilly outside this morning, and it's only warmed to 44 apparently.   My bottom infobar on the computer says 61 degrees, so I guess that's the projected high for today.    We'll see if I get a bike ride in, due to the KoC party tonight.   Kathy is coming to do decor at 1:30, so we'll see if it works out after that.  A nap might be more productive?  We shall see.....

Tidied up around the house a bit today, since I've started setting a timer to reduce my scrolling time.   Definitely helps with the productivity!  Woohoo!

Clemente is here today being productive, since I can hear the chainsaw!  :)  He's currently making the driveway way better from an RV branch perspective. 

Still working on our will.   I'll be glad to get that done.

Finished the book club book, and it was a fun read.  Mildly schmaltzy, but at least it was a fun story.  It'll be neat to see what's picked for the January book.    Don't know what I'm making for book club yet, but it might involve a signature cocktail.   We shall see....

Excited to have tickets for the Beloved Gallery viewing in Marble Falls with the Cashions.  Should be a cultural adventure!  

Well, nothing else to report, so that's it for today.  Blessings to one and all and be sure to include a potato in your diet today!  Be well, my little 'spud-muffins'!  Later, mah holiday taters!  

December 10, 2025:   This picture could have been a little less blurry, but you get the drift, and what a drift it is!  I've got hundreds (probably 1,000) sets of cufflinks, mostly provided by my dear Sister.in.Law, Marcy.  Of all those cuffs, tie tacks, tie bars, assorted goo-gaws, I cannot think of a single pair of cufflinks that identifies with the mid-century modern look like this one.  Absolutely amazing in their simplicity and slightly pre-Jetson design.  I'm going with my final answer of Christmas, 1957 as the year these beauties were first attached to a shirt.   I wore them for the very excellent Salado Christmas parade announcer gig, and was proud to show them off under my Christmas smoking jacket.  It's nice wearing jewelry that's older than you are.   It makes you feel kinda connected and wise!  

Up with Mrs. Boss this morning.   Couldn't quite go back to sleep.   Headed to the shower pretty soon to make myself presentable for Mass.  Have already had my morning oatmeal, but hopefully April can stay for coffee after Mass and like I'm going to turn down .5-1.0 of a muffin, right??  Let's get real here.  It's Christmas.  :)

Bike riding yesterday was really good, but was just about done with the wind when I got back.  I forgot (yet again) how much the wind affects the riding enjoyment, so hopefully, it won't be really bad today.   I'm hoping to go at virtual max temp this afternoon, but we'll see.   Catholic Circle is my route today, and some of that is pretty out in the open.  Bundle up, bikers!  

Need to work on event setup after church for the KofC gig tomorrow night.  Looking forward to that and being able to give back.  They're always so appreciative!  I think it'll be Fr. Rafael's first visit to the chapel! 

Really enjoyed sound bath last night.   The instructor encouraged us to have other folks join us, so we're going to go to the February gig, if you're interested.  We' d love to have you come.  Last night, we were right up against Mrs. Fuller's presentation point and got a lot more sound out of it.  I remembered to cover my eyes, and had a blankie, mat, pillow and my coat.  I kind of looked like I was going to a geriatric sleepover!  :)  It was great.  Hope you can come for the fun.

Whenever I get up at 5am with Mrs. Boss about, I know that I'll end up in my leather club chair before the end of the day.    Maybe Mass, coffee, chapel work, bike, spa and then a nice, reflective nap?   Who knows!  ?  I just booked a 'scrub and rub' eucalyptus with Laura @ Village Spa in the next couple of weeks, so I'm kinda pumped about that!  

No fires in the fire places the last couple of nights, but we're really enjoying Cindy's Christmas candle warmer that makes the whole place smell great without an open flame.  Super cool.  It's a winner for sure!  

Our little charges are snoozing away on assorted furniture pieces as I type, and the only thing bothering them is my crappy, bronchial cough that I've picked up in the last 2-3 days.   I'm self medicating with antibiotics that Haley got for me, but may need more....   Hopefully, she can hook me up.    This is how the covid started for me, so maybe I've picked up 'covid 26....this time it's personal'....    We'll see.  I rather doubt it.  

Ordered more christmas lights for the curved wall part of the drive to the house.  Figured they'd look pretty cool for weddings?   We shall see.   We're planning to put them in the Texas sage bushes, so they will probably stand out quite nicely.

Ok, not anything else to report, and I need to get in the shower.   Wearing a Christmas tie today, too!  Woohoo!  Oh, and I ordered a velvet pillow cover for one of the throw pillows in the parlor that looks sun-rotted from the summer.  Anyway, stay fresh, my perfectly formed Pringles, and I'll holler at you again soon!  Blessings to one and all for a great mid-week.  Later, mah taters!  

December 9, 2025:  Well, if you don't have your own Van Gogh snappy dresser collection of bookmarks....You're just not one of the cool kids!  Are these not excellent!!???  This was another brilliant gift from Cindy and Richard for Christmas.  Cannot wait to use them, but they make me smile just having them around looking 'judgy' in their incredible floral jackets.........too funny!  

Mr. Drake from the pest control company was here a minute ago, and is now at the chapel.  Mrs. Boss thought it a good idea getting an appointment on the books, since it's not officially post-freeze and there are technically bugs about.   Saw two scorpions last month, so we're due.  

Had to take a slug of nyquill last night...I've got a bit of a bronchial cough at  night.  I've forgotten now daze that stuff leaves you the next day.    I''m still a bit mobility challenged and kind of light headed.  Yikes!  I may need to go towards an early nap if this doesn't work out.   

Sold and bought some of the stock that John recommended.   Made a nice 14.55% return on two issues, and then turned around and bought more, since it's still suppose to rise significantly before summer.  We shall see.   It's fun to make money on the gig...

Enjoying my breakfast shredded wheat, but you don't want that stuff to sit in the milk in the bowl too long.   Um, sloppy.

Hoping to make the bike ride happen this afternoon....Yesterday's ride was excellent and today's weather is suppose to be even better.    We shall see what happens.  We've got a soundbath set up for this evening and I nee to do at least an hour of setup for the KoC Christmas party.  Everything will be sorted in time.

We'll see what else we get done today.   Plenty on the docket, if we get the time!  \

The nasty blood vessel look is about gpne, thank God!  Clearing up nicely....  Still have over an hour of the book club book to finish, but that shouldn't be too hard.   

Enjoyed my visit to Goodwill yesterday evening..........   1.0 new tie that I didn't need but that was on sale for 50% off, and 4 new shirts that I also didn't need.    It's always fun stopping for the right color 1/2 price tags!   My closet will bulge, but at $3 per shirt, and $1.40 per tie, I guess I can go a bit mental.  :)

Ok, so nothing else to say today.   Hope everyone is doing really well and staying in their own lane without too much effort.  Speaking of lanes, we're suppose to be bowling on some days, so we'll have to bring that activity back into the rotation!  :)  Be well-seasoned and cause happiness the way a plate of hashbrowns might, and have a blessed day!  Later, mah small, yellow taters!  





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 December 8, 2025:  Ho, Ho, Hydramatic!  Miss EmmyLou got to head to town yesterday, after two false starts with no power and bad engine performance.    I pulled some kind of mechanical knowledge in from my youth, and took off the air cleaner (custom and filthy).  After that, she ran perfectly to go to town for my acupuncture appointment!  She earned this wreath, and proudly wears it right now!  Merry Christmas, EmmyLou.   She's got a new air filter on the list of shopping items today, so we'll see how it goes.    We've also got Elena here, Moore Air is on the way and blue bike is calling.    We'll probably pull it off, since Mrs. Boss is going to be late tonight, but we'll just play God's gift of this day by ear!  

Nothing for breakfast so far....  The coffee is working pretty well, but haven't hit the larder for anything else yet.   I'm sure I'll be noshing here in no time!    Pretty excited about our reservation for prime rib between now and Christmas!  Woohooo!   Apparently, it's roasted just the way I love it, so I'm very pumped....

Rather nippy out there at a balmy 38 degrees.   Learned my lesson yesterday about riding bluebike at or below 53 degrees.  Fortunately, later today, it's supposed to be 55 degrees and sunny, so we're going to give it another shot, hopefully!  Have been missing the ride as of late!  

Should be able to get quite a few things done around the house today, and it's time to start setting up for the KofC Christmas dinner.  I'll be verifying numbers with them, and start setting up accordingly.   3 days won't be enough @ an hour a day to get it set up, but Mrs. Boss wants to help me set up over the next few days, so we'll surely get it all done.  

No fire in the parlor fireplace right now, since Moore is on the way, an allegedly will get things up and running.  If there's a fail, we'll just 'fire' it back up.   It's been nice to have, but primarily for ambience than maximum heat.  

Listening to some health podcast with a supplement physician, so it's interesting.    Love my podcasts for sure.   This one is all about 'brain fog'.  Seems timely, no?  :)

It's nice having only 'KoC' setup on the calendar so that the time can take me to the tasks that I need to get one according to the Great Scheduler!  Cewl.

Ok, no other news, an readership remains suppressed.  No largie, still a lot of folks tuning in, an we're still doing better in the ratings than CNN.  lol.   Have a wonderful start of the day and get out there and score some wins!  Remain moist yet crispy-delicious, my beloved roasted wedges!  Blessings to all my taters!  Later............

 November 7, 2025:  Well, every vehicle seems to be getting into the holiday spirit.  The truck is all ready for Christmas and as of today, EmmyLou is sporting a new wreath.  Cap's MDM is about to get a pretty cool wreath on the front end, too.   Should be pretty fun, and we've made them easier to take off for Today's Car Wash trips!  Win/win all around.

Not much consumed today.   a bit of cracker and raspberry preserves, a yogurt, and we'll have some kind of left over assemblage of supper coming up within the next 2 hours.   Probably some potatoes involved, as well as left over soup from Friday night.   Should be just fine!  

Freaking too cold outside today, and it's 53 degrees.   We loaded up the truck with BlueBike and Dobby and a leash for a Sanctuary walk/ride for 1 hour.   Well, I rode for about 34 seconds and realize that this isn't what I want for myself this day!  Too freakin' breezy and chilean, so I found Mrs. Boss and we loaded back up and headed to Longbow mobile trailer @ Barrow for a coffee and a large chai latte!  Way warmer and much more pleasant.  There'll be other days, and maybe tomorrow will be better for riding.  

Both of us have had excellent acupuncture sessions with Elise today, and she's given me another option on a gallbladder Chinese supplement that she feels will work even better than the one I'm taking now, which is working great!  I'm blessed so far that it hasn't had to be taken out, but Dr. Matt didn't seem freaked about when it's time that it's no big deal, so that's great!    Jesus is running the show, regardless! 

Mrs. Boss is doing a bit of Christmas shopping in town after her Elise appointment, so she'll be a bit later.  It's all good, since a nap could actually happen as well.    We shall see!  

Had to go up 47% on the monthly allotment for water service, and I'm assuming it's not use, but just for the most part higher rates.  Wow.  That's a jump.  

Rocking the linen/cotton short pants with my avocado socks and sketchers today.   Fearless in fashion.   I love the alpine sweaterjac that Sheri gave me a few years ago, and I've worn the heck out of it!  Not warm enough for bluebike, however! :)

Nothing accomplished today so far, but we're getting a new air cleaner for the '51 Chevrolet to make it run better.  It's working.    I think the old air cleaner was dirty enough to keep it from functioning properly. ....  Oh wait, I did get the yellow Christmas lights up on the 1963 deer mount from Dad that's in the parlor.   Always festive and fun for our Christmas Tea with Sheri, Christmas Day dinner with the team and NYE celebration!  Noice.   

Fireplace is rolling along in the parlor, since we still have no heat.   At least Terry sent me that nice message that they're heading out here tomorrow to make this work.  

WOW, maybe a little too much hot honey in my tea this afternoon.  I almost spewed it on the pc.  Yikes!     Oh, the Christmas cactus is still blooming, so that's pretty cool.  

Got a little more done on my Christie book for the holiday and I'm within 2 hours of finishing the audio book for book club....That's pretty cool.     I'll hopefully, listen to it again before book club night to be sure that I understand the story line seamlessly.  Sometimes I drift off and shiny things appear and I lose some of the audio story....  We'll fill it in just fine.... 

Still working through the Mama Bear will stuff online.  Sent them another question to clarify some points, but we should have it done within the next month.  

Ordered a super cool William Morris English promotional reproduction of a koi pattern for display.  Think it'll end up in the entry all, parlor, bedroom or groom's room.  We shall see, but I love the antiquity of the thing.....

Ok, there's no other news to report from the hearth.  Readership is still down a bit, but it'll probably be back up, and no matter, since there's still plenty of folks reading what I'm puttin' down!  Blessings to one and all, and stay warm!  Be excellent my small buttered, boiled tater quarters......    Later, my spudnicks!  

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December 6, 2025:  Well, there it is!  We're enjoying our very own Christmas cactus in the parlor!  The big bloom is already fading, but the smaller ones are waiting in the wings for their debut.  Pretty danged cool.  Something to enjoy during the holidays in the drafty cottage.  

It's been an odd day, since it's 1:49 p.m. and I've not gotten out of my loungewear so far!  I'm hoping to slip on at least a pair of sweats to go see Mrs. Boss play @ 1859, but no guarantees.  The chill in the house has slowed me down, and the trip to the hot tub together certainly did help, however.    Warmed just a bit and feeling a bit cleaner.   Shaved and sprayed on some smellgood, so we're one step closer to civilization.    I can understand why our readership is down by 46% when I read entries like this!  lol.   No matter. 

A bit off apple oatmeal, mashed potatoes (served separately!) and a bit of coffee and flavored water.  The fire in the parlor is quite low, but still glowing.     Thankful to have the fireboxes for such uneventful days like today.   Actually think I'll get dressed after the blog entry!  woohooo!

Have heard rumors that the weather is supposed to be unseasonably warm between now and including Christmas.  Amazing.    My computer currently says 68 degrees, so I'm missing out on riding my bike this afternoon.  Maybe I'll combine it with a trip to town, but I don't think the timing is going to work.   Maybe?     Accuweather says 70 degrees....even warmer!  Wow.    Still going to rock the sweats, since that feels right for the day.

Nothing done inside the house today, since I've been 'Mr. Recliner' (loving on that new acquisition!)  but no real guilt about that.  Winter attracts laziness, I feel!  ...and a helping of left over mashed potatoes always ignites my low gear Irish side!  :) 

Kind of starting to look foward to an outing.  We shall see.  Got some lovely gifts last night, so it's been fun messing with those today.  Cindy got a Christmas cactus as well and seemed quite happy about that.   Lots of reuseable Christmas wrappings.  Love recycling.  Had to show off some of my Goodwill finds last night!  

Listening to the Christmas book club book, and think I've got about 4 hours left.  Enjoying it.  

Actually wore my new hoodie/book reading/shawl thing in the recliner today.  Pretty cool, and it gives a very nice geriatric/warmer vibe.  I'm good with that!  

Ok, absolutely nothing to report.   Since readership is down, I'll have to attempt something more racy in the blog posts.   Only kidding.  This is a blog just for creaky grown-ups.  I should have called it 'Get off my lawn', but I don't have a lawn.  :)            Gear up for your best Christmas ever, my potato pancakes!  Have a wonderful weekend and talk with you soon!  The Network can't cancel me, since I'm paid programming!  :)   Later, mah holiday taters!   

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December 5, 2025:   A Christmas tradition of many years continued tonight!  We had our annual Christmas dinner with Cindy and Richard, and it was wonderful!  Cindy brought wonderful snackies - one that involved figs, that I actually loved!, everyone had an appetite, the food was pretty danged good, and we had QEII's favorite dessert!  Lots of laughter and warmth in the parlor at the dinner hour, and our selfie has kind of a 'hunting lodge quality to it that we liked!   Merry Christmas, Richard and Cindy, and here's to a continued tradition!  

Didn't end up dressing up too much for supper tonight, since I was kind of in funk and our heat went OFF AGAIN!  Lash came out and got us going, and less than 2 hours later, we were heatless once again.     Clearly, something isn't right.  I've already sent my message into the HVAC office, so we'll have someone here on Monday, I'm sure.   Let us pray that things get sorted!  Yikes, this is a week of on again off again already!  

Don't know the weather for tomorrow, but am hoping for bike riding and hot tubbing.   I know Mrs. Boss is going to be playing with Jennie for the Christmas stroll, so I will hopefully make some of that.......  It's so hard to believe this time of year is here already!  I was honored to announce the Christmas parade last night, and was fully rested for it.  Jenn gave me a special CBD massage yesterday, and I promptly came home and slept for almost 2 hours in my recliner.   I wasn't stoned, but very relaxe.   Verrah nice, indeed.

Mrs. Boss is tidying up in the kitchen from supper and I think we're going to get to see an episode of Poldark before bedtime.   We're actually past our bedtime, but tomorrow isn't a school day, so we get to stay up.  Yay!  

Oh, so many mashed potatoes left over from supper.   They'll be calling my name by morning.  It's my ethnic right to consume them.  :)

I'll be sleeping in the recliner tonight, since we don't have our regular heating, but the FP and space heater will do us nicely.   It's currently 44 degrees, so we should be mightyfine.  

Got a really cool scented candle warming lamp for the house as a gift tonight.  Love that you don't have to light the candle to get the smell.   AND the lamp is great looking and provides adjustable light.  Pretty danged cool!  Oh, I need to get another log on the fire, but I've got time.....

Dobby wasn't too bad at her first official dinner party.   Did mess up with fussing with a cup and saucer she shouldn't have been near, but didn't break anything.  She also got in the hatchback part of Cindy and Richard's new car and was seated on the front seat console.   I guess she was ready to be rehomed again?   lol.    What a nut job.  

Loving our very first christmas cacti ever.   Never liked them as a younger person, so I guess it's something that grows on you in your geri era?   Excited to have one and hopefully, it'll survive.  

Got a neat rollable warming mat for the chapel that will certainly be put to use for bible study when we start meeting again.   We've kind of been on hiatus, since everyone's crazy busy, the rabbi has Sunday responsibilities, etc.  We'll see each other at 'A Very Book Club Christmas' pretty soon, but only meet one more time before the end of the year, I think?  

Oh, talk about another recliner-ready gift received tonight.   ....   How about a hooded reading shawl.  Riteeeee?  Is that not the bomb.com?   You know you're entering a new phase in life when that excites you, and I'm pretty revved about it, frankly.

Have looked at a few '62 Thunderbirds online, and haven't found the right one.  It may never happen, but it's fun looking.  I still need to find this DIY patina product for the finish of the '51 Chevrolet that I saw online to see if that'd work on the Chevrolet AND a potential well and gently worn Thunderbird finish.....?   :)

Lovin' on the tablecloth from April Cornell that Sheri gave us last year.  Super just right for the parlor, and it looks like it may get used at least twice this year!   woohoooooo!  Maybe 3 times, not sure..........

Listened to a short bit of the book club book today, and enjoyed what I heard.    This is probably one of the best audiobook experiences I've ever had.  Maybe 1 of 2.  

Richard was telling us about a gallery in Marble Falls that we completely missed when we were there with a tremendous Jesus painting.  We're already planning a snack/pie/art pilgrimage back to the city by the river.  Cewl.  

Ok, no other news to report.  Hope everyone's weekend is off to a great start..............so far.........!  Make it festive, thankful and potato-filled, and you cannot go wrong!  Praise Him and pass the hashbrowns!   Later, my Idaho reds!     



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December 3, 2025:  Well, this was from several days ago, and it was the first fire in the house in 2025.  Bedroom fireplace was fired up, and due to no heat, we had the parlor firebox happening as well lately.  Fortunately, a flux capacitor, transistor (x3!) and some rewiring by Andrew, we're allegedly back!  Currently, we're running @ 68 degrees and it's set at 68 degrees, so freakin' mazel!  That's the first time that's happened since Sunday afternoon!  Woohoo!  It supposed to be 69 degrees OUTside by 3p, so I'm hoping to do a little bike riding at the Sanctuary.  I'm so thankful that I don't having to be looking out of the corner of my eye for the missing keys.  Speaking of corners of eyes, the busted blood vessel is still there, but I feel like it's 5-10% better today?   Still look like Voldemort, and scared Romaine at Mass this morning, but it'll hopefully get better each day.  

A bit of Arby's Classic for lunch and then a yogurt.  We are having a fun entre from Sheri's Jane Austen cookbook for summer that involves mushrooms, brioche and sour cream.  How could it go wrong?  Noice.  

Dressed in layers this morning, since it was chilly outside, but also freakin' freezing in the house.  Rocked a bit of very high quality wool shirting over a velour/ribbed number that got several compliments with the overcoat, scarf and fedora.  I may have looked like a geriatric athlete from the knees down in my tread socks and Sketchers,  (stretch lab immediately following Mass) but the majority of my look was working.   I was glad I dressed warmly at the carwash, since I ran it through on my new monthly pass and then wiped it down with the towels and product, and vacuumed, and did some tidy up.  Looks pretty good, but it always looks WAY better with the top down.  Not today, MDM, however!  

Not much has been done at the house so far, but did turn on the solar lights for the metal Christmas trees and got the chapel tree decorated as much as I could without more ornament hangers.  I'll get it done before the KoC Christmas party next week.

Got to sit in my new leather recliner last night, and it's my new favorite spot.  Can't wait to officially take a nap in it very soon with a nice quilt or blankie.  Another official step on the rung of geriatric living.  No complaints here!  A bit of leather recliner next to the fireplace doesn't offend me at all!  

You can tell the weather has turned.  We've had one 'accident' in the house in the last couple of days, and clearly, someone decided to 'make water' on the hearth in front of the fire.  Why not, I say, enjoy the fire while you're relieving yourself?  Knock it off, Ladies!  

Got some kick ass fabric/curtains at Goodwill this afternoon for $3.  It's working beautifully for the bedcurtains in the bedroom for now, and will be amazing as a printed sheer on the front parlor windows for the summer.  Key buy!  I love my Goodwill store, and even considered Christmas gifts for Mrs. Boss while I was there.   Only SHE could appreciate a bargain like I do!  She freaked over the great price on the bedcurtains as well.  We're such a pair of tightwads.  It's like an olympic sport for us!  :) 

Still a small pile of crap and work to be done on the parlor table, but with a fresh table cloth on it, and a far more organized tableau, we're looking pretty educated and disciplined.   Looking like it at least!  

We're talking about Branson for a 4-day minibreak, so we'll see what happens.  Mrs. Boss thinks it sounds like fun, and it's a great chance to do a bit of a roadtrip with the new Lexus.  Total win-win!  

Listening to Jesse Kelly, and enjoying the podcast.   Have listened to multiple things today.  

Got two pension/benefit letters for Mrs. Boss that we didn't expect, so maybe we're getting some money there?   God always provides.  

Kind of in the mood for the '62 Thunderbird concept that I've been tossing about in my head.  We'll see what happens.  I'm only finding two different categories of the vehicle.  Absolutely beautiful for relatively large $$,$$$ or Tewtal junk-fest cars that are $,$$$ but might not make it to the store.  We'll see what happens if it's meant to be.  

Unfortunately, SPL doesn't have the Christmas book I wanted to read on the shelf.  It's literally kind of a Christmas message, so it doesn't work as a gift for Mrs. Boss.

Working on getting more hours in on the book club book, but haven't done any in the last 24 hours.  It'll get done, however.   Mrs. Boss is on page 5 of the physical copy and really likes it.  I do too.   I'm not even hating the audio book!  

Special Christmas supper with Cindy and Richard this week.  Looking forward to it!  

Hoping to get into the hot tub after the bike ride today.  We shall see.  It gets so dark so early, but at least the temps are up a bit!  I'm getting a significantly different reading on my pc than I am in the MDM, so we'll see what it really is when we decide to go.

Ok.  0.00 additional news to report.   Be excellent, my little tallow-cooked french fries, and we'll be in touch.  I appreciate you tuning in, and pray for you to be blessed!  Later, my golden brown taters!  

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December 2, 2025:   This is my little lunch companion today (besides Greg) and we had a wonderful lunch at Bill's.  The time passed so quickly.   French dip for me and patty melt for him and we swapped halvsies...   Noice.

Jamie and Brian are here now trying to make the furnace work.  They're clearly running into drama, as I'm not feeling heat and they've been here a little while.   After $725 at Moore Air yesterday, you'd hope it was just the breakers as our technician, Andrew, told us, but it's looking like something else is wrong.  I know Sanderford Electric will sort it out, as they always do.  

Since French dip, it's only been 1.0 yogurt for me.  Mrs. Boss is heading to Bill's for supper (we BOTH got to eat there today!)  and I really don't need an entre at this point.  Pretty full from lunch, still, and also still have my steak fries and lots of other things to eat in the house.   Heat would be nice - not to eat, but to make dinnertime a bit more comfy.

Was going to head out the door exactly as Jamie contacted me about coming to check out the furnace.   Worked out just fine.  Hopefully, tomorrow, I'll get a chance to ride if it's not too cold.  I read on FB that thursday is supposed to be colder again, so we'll see what happens the rest of the week.

AMAZING STRANGE FIND ALERT!     Ok, so many of you know (by the way, readership is the highest it's been in a long time....thank you, as always, for tuning in!) about a month ago I managed to lose BOTH the key to the MojoDojo Mustang AND the brand new Lexus.  We searched everywhere, retraced my bicycle ride steps and just couldn't 'find it.  Thankfully, Mrs. Boss had her back up key to the MDM, but the Lexus backup key still is missing from purchase date!  Anyway, the night before last, I got up to go to the bathroom and came back to bed.  Something under the blanket was bumping me, and when I reached down, it was amazingly the key to the Mustang.  Wait?  Wha????  How it got there could pretty much only be explained by divine intercession!  Anyway, as a result of the Lexus key loss, I had to buy a replacement key that didn't look as cool, and it was still $380 (Lexus dealer was about $700!) but I had no choice.  Yesterday afternoon, Mrs. Boss came home and walked over to the printer and lying on top of it was the missing Lexus factory key!!!!!!!  It had to have been somewhere that Elena found it while she was cleaning, but that still doesn't explain how the Mustang key got into my bed while I was sleeping.  We're just thankful to be almost whole, and figure that the backup key for the Lexus will ALSO show up one of these days in a very odd place.  God is good all the time!    Bizarro Land!  

Dressed warmly even for dress-up lunch, and then did a warm number for my planned bike ride.  I'm currently sitting next to the oven with the door open that's set on 350 degrees.  -Not to be used as a heating appliance!  Who cares, it's better than freezing.  Currently 50 degrees, but without heat it feels a bit chilean in here.  

Nothing else but some tidying while I waited for Jamie, and wrapping of a couple of Christmas gifts.  I should be able to get some stuff done tonight, but if Jamie can't get the furnace working, we'll have to have another fire in the fireplace and maybe get to read a bit in front of the warmth.  You don't appreciate heat as much as you should until you don't have it!  :)  

Pretty excited about Christmas Day, since dinner will be in the parlor.  The pumpkin pie recipe will be making a return performance with the maxium second stage time @ 35 minutes and a 'deep dish' piecrust.  Who knows, maybe I'll make Martha Stewarts pate brisee recipe from her 1981 introduction book!  Who knows!  The holidays are full of surprises.  After that, it'll be NYE and another great adventure in our immediate future.  

Looking forward to announcing the parade thursday night, and apparently it'll feel plenty Christmassy out there.  May go with double pants and super warm, fur trimmed outerwear for the event.  We shall see.  

Kitchen is a total mess with stuff that needs to be put away, Christmas gifts, Christmas wrappings, outerwear, etc.  It'll all get sorted!  

Lost a black glove on my Barnes and Noble trip on Sunday (while the heat was failing!) but was thankful to find my 'good' pair of kid leather police gloves that fit even better.  PTL.

Weirdo eye bleed still looks horrific.  Hoping that gets better soon.  

UPDATE:  Ok, Jamie and Brian have been here and gone.  They fixed one thing, checked stuff over, but apparently the part that Andrew replaced last night might have been defective, since we still don't have heat.  Again, thank God for the item in the kitchen that - is not intended as a heating appliance!  lol.   We'll survive and it'll get sorted.  In the meantime, Jamie and Brian fixed the weirdo switch in the bathroom that got screwed up, and Jamie took Grandma T's antique lamp to have the switch replaced.   We're working on normalcy.  I'm just hoping the new flux capacitor that Andrew installs does the trick.   He's just arrived, so we'll pray for a good outcome!  

Haven't listened to any of the book club book today, and need to do a bit of Poirot as well.  Hopefully, we'll get some decent temps after Thursday's temp drop and we can crawl back into the hot water in the hot tub.  Let us pray x 2. 

Still not crazy hungry.  We'll see what happens there.  Ok, time to wrap it up.  Be well, one and all, and enjoy a well-roasted potato as soon as you get a chance.  It's life-changing.  :)   Later, mah taters!   

December 1, 2025:  Well, this is certainly a fine photo for Christmas keeping!  Here's the front of the cottage at the start of the season.  Mrs. Boss says that we're not even done with white lights, so we'll see how that goes.   My contribution will be lighting and placing the mini-tree along the drive, two trees @ the entry and sundry other items.   We've got some gifts to wrap, but at least they're all rectangular for the most part, so that'll make it easier.  

We're completely without heat @ the cottage.   Came home last evening and the thermostat was blank with no heat.   We put batteries in the thermostat but after checking the breakers, we still didn't have heat.  Guess that's about as far as my HVAC certification goes!   Fortunately, Michele from Moore Air came on the line and let me know that someone will be here between 1 and 4p.   In the meantime, it's not even uncomfortable, actually.   Both fireplaces are going, and there are 2 space heaters running.   We're just fine.    This is the first day back to the office for Mrs. Boss, so at least she gets greeted with heat when she gets there!  Too funny!  A bit of an enticement to head into the office. 

Nothing to nosh on at this point.  Not quite ready, but having mushroom coffee to get rid of my collection.  I like the stuff that April gave me so much more, but we'll get there.  In the meantime, without Mrs. Boss here in the morning to share it with, I'll be getting rid of the envelopes of RYZE and then we'll move forward.  

Not even donning clothing yet this morning due to chilliness.    Still in my bathrobe, but Elena doesn't seem to mind.   It's actually not as cold-feeling outside as I thought, so the humidity must be lower.  It says 39 degrees at the moment and it didn't seem all that horrific.  

A lot of items on my to-do list today....there's actually no room for additional items.  We'll muddle through and it'll keep me busy.  

It's fun seeing the fireplace going in the parlor for the first time this year.  Also, the new leather recliner seems right at home in the parlor next to the firebox.  Very nice.  Haven't spent any time there, yet, but that'll probably change at some point.  :)

Listening to the book club book is quite the Christmas treat, and I've really gotten used to it!  Rather enjoying it at present.     We got to see 2 more episodes of 'Poldark' last night and enjoyed them.  The series truly is just right for us.  

Still working on the will, and hopefully will get that done by the end of the week.  Then to the notary and into the safe for 'safe' keeping!  Har.  

I feel quite confident that a nap will be in the offing, since I got up at 3a, finally went back to sleep after Mrs. Boss headed to the office and then got up @ 7a for Elena's arrival.   Certainly room in the daily agenda for napping, since it doesn't have to be written down!  :)  

Ok, well, there's officially nothing else to report.  Wish there were potatoes in the house.  :)  The leftover mashed that John made for Turkey Day were tremendous!  I've decided to just give into my potato affinity for the rest of the holiday period.  ...and beyond?   We shall see.  

Have a wonderful day, stay warm, and do something you've never done before!  Something you can share at the supper table!   Blessings to all my bagged crisps this morning.   Later, mah taters!  

November 30, 2025:   Is it an alien encounter this close to the Holiday?   I think not.  It's merely a 1961 Chevrolet Impala wheel cover with some solar fairy lights around it!  Love the wheelcover that originally came here with Cindy's Easter decor, and it's been a wreath ever since!  This wreath is up at the edge of the carport to create cheer, decor and a bit of extra lighting as we make our way to the cars inside.  

We're currently continuing to enjoy the remains from Thanksgiving Day.   Some yummy stuffing and great mashed potatoes with real gravy.  Noice.  One generally doesn't go hungry this time of the year, PTL!  

Freakin' chilly out there this morning @ 44 degrees.  No bike riding today, and we're bundling up for a trip to Harker Heights to do a bit of Christmas shopping.  Should be fun.  We're also planning to get the truck washed, since it's still filthy from the pre-heat '25 trip to Marble Falls when we went to the spa and it rained like cray.  

Hopefully, will finish up with the trees, wreath at the gate today, as well as putting a trimmed juniper branch that resembles a tree in a pot with lights on the road up from the gate.  Definitely should have done all this before it got to 44.  It's not supposed to be above 50 degrees until Wednesday, I'm thinking.  Yikes.  Maybe we'll get our first fire of the year underway?

Started watching the 'Poldark' series last night, since Netflix's algorythms had be barking at us for a long time about how much we'd love it based on our previous selections.  Pretty ok, and we'll continue to enjoy it.  We're always watching the series' that are 10 or 15 years old, it seems!  A bit behind the times.  

Still haven't re-arranged the parlor to make the new leather chair fit just right.  We've got to get the sofa away from the front of the fireplace, first, but it should work just fine.   Hopefully, again, we'll go with a fire today and that'll cause the change.  

The Christmas tree has the final ornaments on it, and it's hard to believe it all fit!  So many collected ornaments, but I think it's the height, even though the diameter is rather designer-pencil-ish.  

Need to go through my calendar and catch up on notes and bring the date to current.  We'll get there!  

Started working on our will online, and it's a bit frustrating in some ways and wonderfully simple in others.  It feels good to be getting it done.    I've also got a change to make to a wedding booking sheet, so that'll keep me busy.  

The market was up on Friday, which is nice, and the gold issue I've got on crypto is creeping towards my ROI target, so we'll see how it goes.   Apparently the last stock I bought (up 11%, he proudly reported!) is headed for a breakthrough in March or April.  We shall see.    If it hits my 13% target between now and then, I'll sell it, take the profit an then re-buy at the higher price in hopes of the ballooning announcement to provide a second round of profits.   Not the smartest strategy, but the conditions permit. 

Enjoying the audiobook of the book club book after complaining about it yesterday.  It's been fun, and I'll probably listen a second time and also read the physical copy.   No further on the Poirot Christmas book, but it'll happen. 

Well, it's time to head to The Heights for some B&N an HEB brioche for a recipe!  Nice, freshly washed truck will be nice, too!  Stay warm, my little breakfast tater pancakes, and do well in your endeavors.   Blessings to one and all!  Later, mah taters!   

​

November 29, 2025:  Well, the new Christmas tree is officially up, and it looks pretty good.  We think this has been the first year in about 3 years that we've put up the tree, so it's rather fun.  All the ornaments fit, and it's got a cool 'pencil' shape to it.  Really kind of fun.   Got to watch Pee Wee's Christmas Special on youtube after putting up the tree and had odd tasting egg nog.  The holiday season is starting.

I've managed to have a blood vessel in my eye hemorrhage, which while not being painful, is horrific to look at and mildly irritating.  This is probably one of the worst I've had in a long time (Merry Christmas) and also is apparently not a big deal.  I've been told that they're somewhat hereditary, and dad used to have them all the time.  Hopefully, this one will start looking better after a few days, but I know it takes a while to get rid of them completely.  Until then, I'll wear my sunglasses, look like a freak and do my best....

Noshing on a onion-y, everthing bagel with butter while the coffee goes down.  Feels a bit chilly, but I think it's the overnight chill, as Tim just wrote and said it's nice out.   We're shooting for 12p, but I haven't heard back from him yet.    We might get relatively severe weather this afternoon and might have to re-arrange automobiles to protect them under cover for hail?  Yucko.  

We should hopefully get some more Christmas decor done today, so that'll be fun.  Otherwise, not a lot on the calendar, but maybe a trip to IKEA and a couple of other Round Rock stops along the way, depending. 

Fortunately, Mrs. Boss found more ornament hangers, which solves one of the issues in the Christmas ramp-up.    We went to look at small trees for outdoor decor on the road at Ace Hardware, and were terrified of the prices that we saw on such basic goods.  The prices of things at stores are crazy.   Mrs. Boss is getting tired of hearing me say that, but it's true!  

Hoping to jump in the shower pretty soon.  Still have lots of paperwork on the table that needs a home!  

Found a way to do our estate paperwork pretty easily, so that'll be one less thing to deal with.  That way, Greg won't have to try to figure out what we had in mind!  :)  After talking with a friend yesterday, I'm reminded how important it is to have everything in place for the eventual departure of the planet, and leaving it was simply as you can for the person who has to deal with it, is a wonderful gift.  

No start on either Christmas book, but at least Mrs. Boss got into the hot tub yesterday.    Maybe I'll do that instead of a shower today, since I don't have to look top shelf (which would be impossible with creepy eye!  :(

Ok, there's absolutely nothing else I can think of to report.  Perhaps it's hot tub time!  Wishing you a lovely wind-down to a great holiday weekend.  Don't forget that the Salado Christmas Parade is Thursday night, and we hope you'll be there to hear our favorite announcer do his thing.   Maybe he won't look quite like the creature from the black lagoon by then?  Stay well, my small portions of cottage fries, and remain toasty.   Later, mah taters!  

November 28, 2025:   Here's a little flashback from the decor on the tables for turkey day.  There'll be more, since I think it's important to infiltrate the Christmas feed over the next 30 days with some fall colors just to bring down the elf dust, just a bit.  It was a wonderful, laid back turkey day with 9 souls on board, and we sang, played cards, played dice, ate, drank, and generally made merry.   We played our 'what am I thankful for' trivia game at the table during dessert and did a new feature, which was a written board of items each guest was thankful for.   We understood the assignment!  

Nothing comestible this morning, but was just threatened with a good culinary time by Mrs. Boss.  We'll see what the larder has in store and get it sorted.  Getting kind of peckish, since my last piece of pumpkin pie was @ about 1730 hours yesterday.  I'm also kind of excited, since my pumpkin pie (even without optimum crust dimensions) actually came out ahead of the store bought pie from Jennifer in taste tests.   This means it'll be on the menu for Christmas Day in the parlor!  I really like the taste, and the freakin' pie is so easy to make, it's amazing.  

Dressing a bit warm after shower time today.  It's only 53 here now, and supposed to maybe get to 61 or 63 by mid-afternoon.   We're hoping for a bicycle/walk adventure and also hoping Tim might join us.  We'll see how it goes.  

The Christmas officially starts on display today.   The little aluminium tree in the parlor is up and just needs decorating and maybe a bit more in the lighting department.   The brand new tree (Jolene broke our old one!  lol) is actually up on the stand in the kitchen and needs to be fluffed, decorated and possibly lighted.  It's fun having a tree as tall as the ceiling up here at the main house for the very first time, and it's really slim and doesn't take up much room.  Since we were on our cruise last Christmas, we didn't put out decor again last year, so it's kind of fun doing it now.   We're also working on a new tableau in the catch pen (if the tree ever arrives) and have balls, peppermints and the like for our decor at the gate with the iron trees and solar lighting.   Hopefully, this solar lighting thing is going to work.  I checked out my '61 Chevrolet Christmas 'wreath' wheelcover with the solar lights on it last night and it wouldn't come on.  I'm thinking not enough light during the day, and it had already used up the power it had?   We shall see.  

Little space heaters are working well, although I did turn on the actual heat last night for about 10 minutes just to be sure it still worked.    The space heaters and fireplace make it more 'wintery' around here, but when we really get chilled it's central heat time!  :)

I'm thinking we may need ornament hangers from Ace Hardware today.   We shall see.  

It was fun wearing my new shirt/tie/link combo yesterday for Thanksgiving, since I rarely have all 3 elements in such a condition.  All of it is used, I think, but I don't care.  I'm a Goodwill Store kinda guy!  As my Christmas hero, Ebeneezer Scrooge says in the play, "I have what I have because I DONT give it away!"   Pretty much says it all, really............

Looks like it's pumpkin pie for brunch.  Not surprised, really, since that's what happens when you marry a gypsy who eats a whole pie on her own.  Wow.  

Now I can get started on my two new Christmas books!  Already looking forward to Christmas Motley Book Club at the chapel!  

Ok, it looks like there's nothing else to report from HQ.  Stay warm, stay dry and stay near to the butter dish, my little garlic mashed!   God bless and later, mah taters!  

 November 27, 2025:  A happy Thanksgiving Day to all!  Our readership is way up, but I figure that's because y'all are just sitting around waiting for the pie to come out of the oven so are scrolling.  lol.    Anyway.........here's a shot from last weekend's only 'walking party' at upper Lake Travis/Colorado River.   It was perfect weather and the dogs even enjoyed it.  Hard to believe that earlier in the day it was pouring.   Cap's having a bit of a bad hair day there that just looks like a gust of wind, but was actually some kind of all-day flaw that couldn't quite be tamed.  :)

Nothing to eat on this blessed holiday so far, but am enjoying a mug of custom blended coffee from Blackout and Vivid.  Yummoleum.   Looking forward to the food-related festivities this afternoon, and need to make my Las Vegas creamed corn @ about 12p., according to Mrs. Boss.  Otherwise, the pies are ready and I hope they turned out as well as the same recipe from book club.  I sense a bit of gelatinous muck on the top of the 'overflow' pie, so we'll see what happens.   I think what worked better for the test pie was a 'deep dish' pie crust, which would have helped, I guess.   I'm sure the whole thing will be edible, regardless.  This is the one day a year that I wish I had a button up cardigan sweater to wear!  :)

Tables are all set except for a balloon experiment that Mrs. Boss and I want to try.  It looks pretty festive and fallish, and I haven't even seen it with the Waterford on the table.  I have to laugh.   I took out 9 Waterford wine glasses, and the last one was pretty beat up.  I thought, what the heck, and took to eBay and bought another one for fun.  (They're 17% the cost of original prices in 1985)  Well, Mrs. Boss came up from the chapel and said she had the Waterford on the table.   So we had 18 of them, not just 8.5, so now we have another.  The more the merrier, right?   Thank God young marrieds don't want crystal and china so that the prices have tumbled on most stuff....

I love modern technology.   I'm in the bedroom on the bed, in the bed, typing this.  The little space heater has been running all night next to me, so the room is much warmer than the rest of the house.  I brought the laptop in, have my coffee, my phone's charging next to me.  I feel like a freakin' Millennial, ovah heeeere.  I can see where they enjoy it!  Noice.

Loving Grandpa T's old radio table as my night stand, since the rails keep things from falling off.  There's lots of paperwork to be sorted in here, too, but all in it's time.   I will say that I made an organized dent in the parlor paperwork yesterday, and hope to continue soon. 

Wasn't going to wear my new dress shirt today, but have now planned to.  The color is just right, and I'm hoping it pairs well with the vintage tie that Ciaran and Jolene got for me in Canton.  They brought me two, and I've worn one of them at least once if not twice already.   Hopefully,   I'll find the other one and make it work.   The new shirt color is really cool and much better than the photo online.   More russet burgundy than dark orange.  Oh, PRO TIP:  Don't buy Paul Fredrick shirts.  Their quality has really gone downhill.  eBay, baby!  

Need to work on the decor/bedcurtains look for winter.  It's time to pay a little attention to that, since we have so many options, and all that's hanging there is a single, white, polyester table cloth from about 3 years ago.   Time to spruce up the bedchamber!  :)

Gonna head to the shower in a bit after the blog to freshen for Turkey '25!    We'll play LCR and maybe cards today, too!

Clemente got us all ready for the season yesterday, by bringing down the Christmas stuff.  It'll be fun decorating the new tree.  Now we just need some egg nog!  :)

Looking forward to starting my two Christmas books this weekend!  Should be a fun, yuletide experience.  

Hopefully, will get back into the bicycle and Mass grove next week, although, I guess I could start the bike gig tomorrow to help eliminate feast-related stretch marks? 

Ok, it's time to get real.  Get productive.   Ok, maybe not real productive, but at least I can bathe and find the right shirt/tie combo.   Blessings to all my mashed holiday lovelies as you grace the tables across the fruited plain!   God be with every one of you and hold you safe in his hands.  Be thankful for that.    Later, my turkey day taters!     

November 26, 2025:  Where were YOU this weekend?!?!  This was our map of interest for our little walks at the Colorado River/Lake Travis.  Pretty cool hang out, and some beautiful weather except for just a bit of rain.    The rain made it possible for a bit of foot and hand work at the spa.  Noice.   Another great weekend with the Avenger!  

Nothing to eat so far, but have taken quite a few daily supplements.   Working on some coffee an might snack a bit when Mrs. Boss gets home from Temple.  She's picking up the pie that Jennifer is giving us for being clients!  I'm also headed into the kitchen after this blog entry to start the 2 pumpkin pies for tomorrow!  Really looking forward to turkey day!   A bit of Christmas decorating after that......

Dressing a bit warmly this morning.  51 degrees currently, but it seems like a cool 51.   Suppose to get cold next week, so we'll see if it's time for a fire in the fireplace.  

May do some furniture arranging today since we got the new leather recliner for the parlor.  Clemente is here, so that'll help.    The gameplan should work, hopefully.  

Tulip and Ena are reclining on the bed while Dobby is outside exploring.   Listening to the Jesse Kelly show, and enjoying it....

Hopefully, will get some paperwork done on the parlor table today.   Let us pray.  Enjoying some serious coffee this morning for sure!  

We'll have a green light on starting the new book club book tomorrow afternoon!  Woohooo!  Plus my recliner, the holiays will ring!  

Ok, it's time to run.  Stay holiday-ready, my little yamsters, and we will talk to you soon!  Blessings on ya, mah taters!   

November 25, 2025:    Here are the girls that went to the theater!   April bought us tickets to see "Mousetrap" by Agatha Christie at the TCT.  It was really fun, an a good, unexpected evening out!  Thank you, April!   Excellent sets, performances and organization.

Currently digesting 1.5 ears of truly excellent corn on the cob.  You'd think it would be kind of 'meh' in November, and I don't know where it came from, but it was really sweet and tender!  yum.  Yogurt after that, and I think I'm about to make oatmeal of all things!  

We played a bit of cards earlier, and are going to watch something on Netflix pretty soon.  Fun evening.  Clemente is headed here tomorrow morning, so we'll have plenty to do then.  

66 degrees out there this evening, which isn't too bad.  We're supposed to have pretty cool temps for Turkey Day, so we'll see what happens.  Maybe our first fire in the fireplace of the year tomorrow night!  

Nothing done at home today, since we were coming back from our "Annual Pre-Heat Turkey Day Mini-break" to Marble Falls.    Wonderful trip for Jolene, Mrs. Boss and me.  Got to ride bikes, walk by the river, have L&R steaks, saw Tim an Tammy, ate at Bluebonnet Cafe, and lots of relaxing sleep and lounging!  Fun times, and the girls are already working on Pre-Heat '26, with a trip to Los Alves and/or Garner State Park.   Should be outstanding and maybe Bruce and John will join us for the adventure next year.  Looking at cabins and RV sites together, maybe?

Looking forward to making pie for Turkey Day tomorrow and finishing up the table scape.  After that, it's a new Christmas tree, some outdoor decorating, and the start to the Christmas book club book.  Also need to decided the gift book for our exchange on that night and get them wrapped.  Have a few Christmas gifts to work on, too.

Dogs are reclining after a fun weekend, and there's lots of paperwork needing attention on the parlor table.   We've bought a new leather recliner that's going in the parlor, so our victorian sofa is going at the end of the bed in our room, we think.  Should be fun, and hopefully, the new chair will survive Dobby!  :)

Ok, nothing new otherwise.  Glad to be back at the blog console, and hope to place an entry out here tomorrow.  Lots of good photos from Pre-Heat '25 to be posted.  Stay warm, my jacketed bakers, and do something new and exciting!  Later, my taters!  

 November 22, 2025:   Here's proof that we actually made the WH pilgrimage yesterday, and we're getting it on the calendar for next month, hopefully!  Fun outing for all 3 of us and found out this morning that Tim almost joined us!  A rolling pistol party.........

No WH breakfast this morning, but I did think about that fluffy, perfectly browned confection while I was stepping into the shower this morning!  Went with the blackberry pie that we made last night instead.   Not complaining.

Kinda nippish when we got up this morning @ 54 degrees, but now we've got a sunny and fresh 62 out there now.  Tim's putting together the new raised beds for the pergola garden.

Not much will get done here today, since we've got a bit of an adventure planned.  Looking forward to some fun.  Also pie.  There will be pie.   

Still need to get crystal and flatware on the Turkey Day table scape, but we've got until next thursday, so we're all set.  Won't take long.  Saw some cool little fir tree plants an Christmas cacti @ BB69, but no such purchases until the last plate is washed on Thanksgiving.   Tradition!  No Christmas music, decor or red v. green merriment until the turkey is finished....

Dobby managed to steal my wallet off the parlor table and take a few nibbles out of the leather corner.  Such a charmer.  She's a one dog wrecking ball, but awful cute!  :'/

Lots of paperwork remains in the computer area that hasn't gotten done.   At least I talked with Medicare yesterday and they told me I didn't have to do anything to stay off of plan D, so we'll see how that goes!  

Got a BEAUTIFUL dress shirt in the mail from eBay.  Outstanding color and quality, and french cuffs!  I'm not buying the Paul Fredrick line anymore....they're stuff ends up being crap after a fairly short while. 

Watched the last episodes of "Call the Midwife" last night for this season.   I think the whole theme has kind of played out with me, but Mrs. Boss is still loving it.  She says one or two more season are going to be made.   It'll be fun going on Netflix and watching something else, if we can find anything decent!  

Ok, no other news for this morning.   Be well seasoned and savvy like a WH plate of crispy hashbrowns.  (miss them already....addictive) Blessings to one and all and thank you to so many who are tuning in to read!  Our numbers are really up!  Later, my twice-baked taters!  

 November 25, 2025:  Ok, so when I went to post this photo, the first thing that came to mind was from a song I love that I was listening to on my bike ride yesterday.   Give it a spin on the old turntable for a nice, comfy blast from the past.    One of my favorite phrases in the song "Easy Lovin" by Loretta & Conway (a smash hit, I might add) is, "Life with you's like livin' in a Beautiful Dream".  Love that lyric, love that song, love that genre.  Also love that use of 'you's' in the lyrics!   This floral snap outside the kitchen porch made me thing of all those things, since it really is like living inside a beautiful floral arrangement together with Mrs. Boss.   Thank You, Jesus!  

The day started at the culinary peak of perfection at the world-famous Waffle House!!!!!!  Bert, Bryan and I headed to the 'Howze in Round Rock and the boys had their fill of deliciousness that only grease and charm can provide.   It was a fun outing and we're going to do it once a month, or until one of us hits 1,000 on the total cholesterol scale!  Squad goals, baby!   It was fun, and the 3 guns at the table kept us safe during the syrup!

Not chilly out at all....a balmish 77 degrees which is kinda nice.  Outdoor activities planned, so it's cool.  Rain seems to be over for now.  We were glad to have it, though.

Tables are almost fully dressed for Turkey Day and the menu is all set.  We're clearly not going hungry.  I'm putting off my pie and corn ingredient shopping until Wednesday and am hoping that if I go at some odd, geriatric time of the day, I won't get caught in the canned cranberry crush of people! 

Probably will get some TV and card time in tonight.  I finished my duty with the Medicare persons to be sure I wasn't getting put on Part D, and apparently I don't have to actively do anything, since to get it you have to enroll in it.  We'll see how solid this advice from the government is when they start taking premiums out.   At least they apparently retroactively credit you if it gets messed up.

I need to freshen my calendar to current date and get the 2026 model up and running.  I completely MISSED an appointment for my Stretch Lab today after Waffle House, since we went biking and walking and I hadn't looked at my calendar.   It happens! 

Fun activities planned for the next few days, so that's cool.  I'd sure like to get the boat in the water one last time before winter, but that may not end up happening!  

Can't wait to start the book club book, but NOT UNTIL the last plate is washed on Thanksgiving Day.  It's a Christmas book, and all things Christmas must wait until approximately 1600h on Turkey Day!  

Ok, outdoor activities are calling.  That and a nap are in order.   Later, my pecan-encrusted sweet potatoes!  Don't forget to have a plate of Waffle House hashbrowns as early and often as you can each day!    Blessings, and until later, mah taters! 

​   

 November 20, 2025:  Now THAT's a pie!  Glad the experimental recipe for Thanksgiving worked out, since there are two of these beauties on the docket for the big day.  Turned out pretty good, even though I ALMOST burned it, since I couldn't hear the timer going off in the kitchen between the fan and the podcast going in the parlor.  All is well, and it tastes great.  Eating the last piece this morning.  It was pretty danged popular at book club, too!  Looking forward to cooking for Turkey Day!

Waiting on the rain this morning, and we'll see what happens.  I'm schedule for bike riding within the hour, and we'll keep an eye on the skies to see what the scoop might be in the near future.  I was going to take my bike to Mass this morning and go riding directly afterward,   Not so much....  this morning was the installation Mass for Fr. Rafael, so I wore a jacket and tie.  Realized during Mass that I'm the only jacket and tie in the church, but no matter.  It's how I was raised and my personal commitment to looking my best in His house.  Got to visit with several folks I haven't seen in a bit, and worked out some details on the Knights of Columbus Christmas party at the chapel.  

Tomorrow morning is no Mass, but will be worshipping at Our Lady of the Grated Potato.  Bryan, Bert and I are going to head to Waffle House for a pilgrimage breakfast as a gun guy team.  Looking forward to my hashbrowns and single waffle!  

74 degrees currently, which is excellent and the rain isn't supposed to bring cold air.  We're thinking it's coming in from the Gulf of America, which is kind of unusual.  

Looking forward to messing with the RV today and not looking forward to talking with the Medicare people to get off of Part D, which has to happen as well.  There could easily be a nap in my future if the rain starts hitting the tin roof!  

Tablecloths for the chapel have been washed, and Mrs. Boss also washed the cushions on the sofa as well.   They look much better.  Unfortunately, I left my cup of milk coffee on the table and while I was at church, Miss Dobby knocked it over onto the custom upholstered wingback and made a mess.  Mrs. Boss has already scrubbed it with Resolve, so hopefully,  it'll come clean.  Furniture isn't going to last long around the Dobbymeister!  :)

Lots of paperwork on the parlor table that has to be cleaned up and has tasks associated with it.  Anxious to start my Poirot Christmas book, and ordered the book that the book club selected for our Chapel Christmas bookclub event.  Looking forward to that!  It should be the last social event in the chapel for 2025.  ....depending on what we do for Christmas Day!  

Fun wearing dad's model 10 snub to church under my jacket today.  Custom holster and everything.  I looked mighty euro-detective with my snub and my Homburg hat!  

 Ok, my crispy hashbrowns, i'magonnaclose.   Peace out, count your blessings, and the message I got from Him this morning was to walk through the day with His grace upon and around me as a mantle.  I think you're allowed to do it too!  Blessings to all y'all!  Later, mah taters!  

 November 19, 2025:  Ok, this is about to go down for Turkey day '25!  We forgot we even had this recipe and found it while we were looking for the lost mystery key for the Lexus.  We figured it was a 'sign', so we're making it for the holiday.   We think we had this as a side dish when we were at our favorite restaurant in Las Vegas at the time of Todd Cope's concert performance at UNLV, but whenever is fine, since it must have been good enough to ask for the recipe.  It sure looks good, and kind of feels like a cool Thanksgiving addition to the table.  I'm only responsible for pumpkin pie and this corn, so I'm doing good so far.  I'm sure I'll be picking up other comestibles, but this is probably the only cooking that I'll be assigned!    Looking forward to the holiday, and the table scapes are looking neat already with the new 'table rods' over the top!  Brown glass medicine bottles have florals of the season in them suspended by gold wire.  A couple of silk tassles, and it's starting to come together.   Once the flatware, stemware and other acoutrement get installed, it'll be quite nice.  We're going to use the upgraded good stuff from the house, and since we've got 9 folks in attendance, it should all sort out nicely.  

In about 1/2 hour, I need to get my bodkin in the shower to prepare for the day.   Andrew, our newest groom, is bringing me a deposit check @ 0730, and then I head off to Mass in my exercise clothes. (forgive me, Ma!)   Immediately following Mass, it's time to do my 1.0 hour ride @ Armstrong & 2268 before returning home to create the test-pie for tonight's book club meeting.  All in all a fun day in store, except for messing with the SSA regarding Medicare part D, which is a whole new twist I was introduced to yesterday.  yikes.  

No breakfast as of yet, but the Jane Austen oatmeal leftovers will probably be the consumed choice.   Maybe after my bike ride and Mass?   We'll see.  Not too hungry yet, but I'm sure it'll build.  Am enjoying a mug of Jolene's gift coffee - "Vivid" - that's done right here in Tejas, and it tastes mighty good.  We bought 2 lbs to mix in with the blackout coffee, so that we don't have to drink the brown water yucky stuff from the major coffee retailers.  

I did learn yesterday that it's still good to price compare when shopping.   I'm really not supposed to have bagels since I'm really supposed to be on a low-sodium diet (lots of leg swelling yesterday.....tremendously attractive) BUT I bought two packages since I'm a bad patient, and couldn't believe the price difference.   Thomas' brand was $4.49 for a package, while this other brand (not Food Club but some other 'major' brand) was $1.79 a package.   That's crazy savings on just bagels.   Since I can't walk out of the groceria with less than $42 in stuff that isn't even a whole meal, every little bit helps!  

Need to get a letter out to Christina, enter some expenditures in the spreadsheets and work on scheduling some treatments.  Again, won't be bored today, and the best part is that I can take a nap whenever I want.   Thank you, Jesus!  

I wanted to text Tim @ about 4:10 a.m. this morning, since I read that the Camaro was discontinued after the 2024 model year, and I'm not sure he knows that.   I still like the Mustang more, and I doubt they're discontinuing that.  

Tulip and Dobby are being snappish at present, but they'll get better as the day wears on.  By nightfall they're usually running around the parlor so intensely, they move the furniture about...

Finished the Sisters of the Last Straw book I bought and it'll be my last.  It's kind of a kids book, and would be better for reading out loud to a child of the right age.  I'm excited to start the Poirot Christmas book, even if it doesn't get selected tonight at book club, since it's sitting on top of the gun cabinet already!  Woohoo!

We were thinking of doing a flip-eroo dipsy doodle kind of Christmas Day with a jaunt to WinStar Casino and an overnight stay and some slot machines.    The rack rate on rooms, however, has put a complete emergency brake on the motion of that trip.  Rooms at the resort are $350+ for that evening, and we're not having it.   It's just like the first time we were going to stay at L'au Berge before we became player members.    I guess they don't need our money that bad, and that'll just mean more to have fun with on the cruise in 2025!  We'll just have a nice Christmas Day dinner, instead!  

Ok, well, nothing else to report, so I'll close.  Have a great day, my shepherd's pie slices, and smile at every opportunity.   Blessings to one and all, and we'll talk to you soon!  Later, mah taters!  

November 18, 2025:  Those of you who know I got the chance to play H. Poirot for the Author Awareness production at the chapel can completely understand my attraction to this particular book.  I'm planning to nominate it for the Motley Book Club selection for December, since we always pic a holiday-themed book.   Even if it is not selected, I'll be reading it, just because I've really gotten in to the Christie vibe as I've read more of it.  Well done, Ma'am.  

Got up early to make a recipe from Sheri's gift book, "Cooking with Jane Austen" and it was worth it.  Mrs. Boss and I both enjoyed the special oatmeal recipe in the book, and it was very rich and yummilicious.   We've got plenty of left over, rich oatmeal to enjoy tomorrow morning or at some other time of the day.   Had it this morning with fresh blackberries and it was outstanding.    Thanks, Sheri! 

The temperature reads at 76 degrees right now, which is perfect for my next activity.  I'm going to head to the spa for some hot water soaking and then head to The Sanctuary for my bike ride.  I couldn't ride yesterday, since I wasn't on the top of my game....possibly a bug....but fortunately, today, I feel much, much better.   PTL!  

The girls are chewing on whatever they can find this morning.   Tulip was tasting a chapel business card, and Dobby was doing a bottle cap from bottled water.   Nothing lays on the floor around here that doesn't get tasted around here....

Not much getting done around the house, but that could change.  At least I cleaned up dishes yesterday and worked on the Thanksgiving setup for quite a while.   It's coming together, and I can't wait to try this pumpkin pie recipe. 

I'm planning to take the speaker out to the spa for soak time an listen to another hour of the book club book, but will also take another book so that if it turns me off completely again, I'll have a bit of education from another direction.

Shopping list is coming together for turkey day already, which is a good sign.  I'm using a cool notebook for that which was provided by Cindy for my birthday.   I use the Notes program on my phone for most stuff these days, but it's kind of fun to change it up.    Just put the pie ingredients on the phone, however, so that I'll have them for the Motley gathering.

Looking forward to a bridal visit at the chapel today!   It's always wonderful when folks are so happy with their weddings that they recommend us!  

Greg and I have Wildfire lunch on the calendar for the week of December 1!  Cannot wait for another great lunch.....hopefully at Bill's Wildfire.  

Sold the tractor and shredder last night for full price and am glad Mrs. Boss encouraged me to list it.   Between that and the BMW and the Lincoln, it's been pretty profitable and fun to get rid of stuff we don't need anymore.   We'll have to continue....it's fun putting cash IN my wallet for a change! 

Ok, it's 103 degree soaky-soaky Mr. Yunioshi time (the Breakfast at Tiffany's character, not the car!) in the tub.   I'm hoping all my boiled spuds (see what I did there?) have a great day and keep it bright!  Blessings to one and all as you pass those blessings on to others!  Later, taters!  

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November 17, 2025:  Really liked this advertisement, and thought I'd share.  Rarely does an adult man 'show off' his bicycle, but this man must understand the thrill I get from riding Bluebike, so I can relate.  I always love advertising artwork.......so many licenses are taken to make the product seem even greater.   Like dude?  Where are the spokes on your bike?  It looks like the wheels are going 20 mph already!  lol.   Pretty cool vintage art from a simpler time, for sure.  

Another gift from God when I opened my eyes today.  Forgot to do my morning Jewish prayer, but He knows I appreciate it.  Last evening was rather rough.  Very little energy during video work at the chapel, bibles study and socializing, but I pushed through.  Went to bed at like 8:33 and couldn't sleep.  Was very out of sorts, but one special sleeping tablet and I was off to neverland.  Woke up much, much better.  I may have been snagging a bug.  Hard to say.

Trying to get time to ride bluebike today, and I might do that as soon as I finish the blog.  I think today's target ride is The Sanctuary....the location of the lost keys!  (we think!)  I will certainly be keeping the truck key closely guarded during my ride!  :)  

Had sausages and fresh avocado for breakfast.  Kind of an unusual combo for brunch, but it was pretty good.  Loving the use of a wire wisk to cut up the avocado.  The internet really works, sometimes!  

Going up to 87 today, so short and a short sleeve shirt are being utilized.   Should be  a relatively warm ride on bluebike, but I don't push it, so it all works out well.   Oh, and by the way, many thanks to our readers for getting our numbers way up over the weekend!  Fun!  

Nothing done around the house, but several dishes need doing, and some clothes need to be hung up.  We'll see how far we get today.   Mrs. Boss has dress rehearsal for her concert tonight, so hopefully, I'll keep enough energy to get some stuff done.  I was amazed how quickly the bike ride went yesterday.  It was over before I knew it, and after that is when the energy level dropped.   We'll see how we do today!  

Pups are lounging about and enjoying their day in the greatest Country God ever made!  Such a rough life!  

Lots of paperwork on my parlor table as well, so it'd be good to get some of that done.  Scheduling, bill paying, and sorting things out.  It'll all eventually get done!  

Listening to the Pat Gray show.  Not my favorite, but it records the same day I listen to it, so it's a little more time sensitive.   Love my Matt Walsh the most, and Mrs. Boss is a "Vince" fan, through and through.  I'm pretty well done with M. Kelly and Tucker Carlson, so the list is getting a bit smaller.  Oh, and I like Michael Knowles, too!  

Nominating the Poirot Christmas book for book club this week.    Looking forward to it.  We really enjoyed our Agatha Christie fix this weekend by seeing the play, "The Mousetrap" at Temple Civic Theater.   It was genuinely well done.  

Making the new recipe for pumpkin pie for book club as an experiment and first-run for Thanksgiving day.   I've also received the over.the.table decor items for turkey day setup.  Looking forward to that!  

Ok, that's about all I've got to report at this point.    All is well if we look at it from the right angle....don't forget that!  Blessings to all my garlic mashed beauties out there!  Happiness to all my taters!   

November 15, 2025:  WOW, readership is really up!  55% increase.  See....put a gun in a picture, and folks tune in.  It just happens!  Anyway, today's graphic is another workout on bluebike.... not my best.   A bit over the usual, with less mileage covered and really lower mph.  It was totally windy outside, and this was the deal.   Oh well, I still rode, that's all that counts.  I'm hoping to be able to do that today between library meeting and theater time.  We shall see.  

Nothing consumed but colored and enhanced water today, since I'm waiting for Mrs. Boss to come home from her walk (she's 7 minutes late!) so that we can have the lemon posset that I we made last night.  Apparently, this was HRH QEII's favorite dessert, so we're really ready to give it a taste!  Nothing like a lemon curd cream for breakfast, right?   Always good for the blood sugar!  

Wore shorts and a t-shirt, although I don't know what the temps are outside.  I've got to change clothes anyway for 2 events today, so I guess it doesn't really matter.  We'll see what kind of activities we'll get into in between time today.

Nothing accomplished at home so far this morning, but we'll hopefully get some stuff done at some point.  I'm sure Mrs. Boss will be far more productive than I!  

Ordered a new base to the blender jar last night that will hopefully fit.   It's allegedly for all Oster blenders, so maybe it'll happen.  It was only $9, so that's great - since the price of even a base blender has gone totally mental....   $35 for the cheapest blender made.  Wow.  It was 20 minutes ago when the bottom of the line was $15.   Seriously....inflation is out of control!    It even cost $6 to mail a key and small key chain to the buyer of the Lincoln the other day.   Yikes!  Mrs. Boss gets tired of me complaining about prices, but it's a genetic/cultural thing for me.  :)  

Ready for a cruise and a bit of gambling.  We'll see what happens.   Maybe we should sneak off somewhere for Christmas again this year?!??

Oh, wow, I just saw that it's only 78 degrees outside just now.   Hmmm.   Won't be in the shorts long, perhaps?

Dobby was acting really weird last night and really tired.   I guess going to the vet for the heartworm test and running around for 8 hours at 49 mph wiped her out, but it freaks us out when she's so quiet!  At least she's not stealing food during those intervals!  

Ok....it's time to close....   Nothing new and exciting, and I think I may have time to ride my bike before the 2p appointment?  It's possible.   Otherwise, it'll be sometime between 4p and 6p, so we'll see.  Hoping to get that in.  

Blessings to one and all, and don't forget to eat the peels.....peeling potatoes is such a waste of time! :)   Have a great day, my blessed thin sliced augratin cups!  Later, taters!   

 November 14, 2025:  Well, if you're already driving the super-cool Cap's Mojo Dojo Mustang convertible, you have to add a sticker from the coolest dog boutique in the Village.    I had a sticky spot from a dealer advert on that location, and my Woof sticker worked just great there.  Hopefully, this'll get me 39% off all my doggo purchases in the future as a marketing rep, but I'm not planning to see that savings.  lol.   If you haven't been to Woof and you have a doggo or 3!, be sure to support them.   Lovely owners, shopping local, and excellent products and selection.  Always support local brick and mortar retailers when you can before ordering from a soulless large retailer that kind of rhymes with "pentagon".   We don't shop there, ever.  

Well, it's been toast served to me in bed with R. Pehl's  custom strawberry preserves of french bread.  Coffee and Dose shot included bedside.  After my 9a meeting, it was oatmeal and berries, and then an eventful McCrispy that was described in a FB post.  How can I be hungry again @ 3:03 pm!?!??

Warm outside, but not unbearable.  Just about ready to ride blue bike and have Mrs. Boss join me on a walk.  I think today's laps are the Catholic Loop, so that'll be fun for an hour.  Tim told me that he rode the stationary bike @ 10 mph on the cruise.  I hardly ever ride that fast ever, and certainly don't average that speed.   The only good news is that he said he was pooped after 30 minutes, so that means I'm doing good with my 6mph speed for 1 hour each day!  Woohoo.  Overachiever! 

Needless to say, nothing has been done at home.   We'll see if any chores get done after the bike ride today.  Hard to say, since it'll probably be time to eat again?  :)

Need to set up a wedding booking sheet and a fountain pump.   No major stuff there, I hope.  Maybe we'll get to play cards and I'll get my 2026 calendar sorted.  That task is still lying here on the parlor table.  

Dobby is negative for heartworm!  Woohooo!  She had her test today so that she can start her expensive Trifexis meds.  These dogs live the 21st Century life of luxury, I tell ya!  

Glad I cleaned off my computer keyboard and screen.  The 'sticking' p key seems to have sorted itself out as well, which eliminated a trip to Best Buy, PTL!  

Got my Sisters of the Last Straw book yesterday.   I didn't realize it's more like a children's book, but still kind of cute, if quite simplistic.  Won't be buying more.  

Really disliking this month's book club book on audio.  Tried to listen again last night and did about 35 minutes.   I think a lot of it is the narration and the crappy way the narrator attempts to do men's voices.  Barfingly badly done.  

Still haven't made QE2's lemon custard yet, but need space in the fridge to lay them out, and it's at a premium, currently.

Jenn's chemical peel was the bomb.com earlier today.  Relaxing, deep, cleansing and not too burn-y.  Very, very nice.  I highly recommend.  Already scheduling my next one in 60 days, with a microdermabrasion in 30 days.   Miss Jenn said that my skin looks great for a 65 year old, AND Mr. Randy, her husband, might be able to help me with some side camo vinyl for the Tundra and the installation of a brushguard.  I'll be stylin!  

Ok, way too much drivel and tripe for one post, so I'll let you go, dear reader.   Thanks for rejoining the ranks, since we're up 25% in readership!  Blessings to one and all, and keep all of your curly fries inside the vehicle at all times while in motion.  Blessings on ya!  Later, my taters!  

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 November 13, 2025:  Well, this one isn't mine, but they're cool things to have whenever you leave the house, are in the house, or just hanging out.   The world is changing, and if you don't have one of these handy tools and know how to use it, you're kind of missing the point.  Get with it, people.   Have it handy, please.

April and I attended morning Mass and actually came across 2 words in the readings in which we didn't know the definition!  She took a photo, so we plan to get more educated as soon as she looks them up.   She hooked me up with a new mushroom coffee that I need to remember to take out of the car.  She said that energy and good taste are in store.   I sure loved my first two bags of another mushroom coffee and then it got really distasteful and crappy.  Can't wait until that's gone, although Mrs. Boss and I have been doing a lot of Blackout Coffee these days.  

Currently, a croissant with swiss cheese is toasting in the little Italian oven, and coffee is rocking the day.   Tim and Clemente are working on the soffit/trim at the chapel to clean things up.  We appreciate them both!

We were going to have meatloaf soon, but still working on the sausage as provided by L&R.  Could mean another night of pasta, but maybe in a pasta-bake this evening.....  We shall see.  

Not too bad weather wise this morning.  The battery was dead on the Fleetwood for it's run today, so that needs to be remedied.  Jacket and hat in the MJM this morning with the top down and the windows up.   Not chilly, but not balmy, either!    Definitely long sleeved shirt and scrub pant kind of day....   The Sketchers are rocking the feet!

Yeah, ok.........I get it.  Helping Clemente get an appointment for renewing his driver's license...stepped over to the printer, and my breakfast toast is gone off my plate.   Actually caught Dobby eating it under the table.  Thieving brat.   Interesting weight loss program for me, however....

Need to get out and charge the Fleetwood battery and fill up the transmo fluid on the '51 Chevrolet.   At least we have KEYS for those vehicles!  :)  

Washing machine is still on the fritz.  Baine has been here and the part he put in 3 weeks ago has failed, and is going to cost another $71.  We're still at less than the cost of a new Hotpoint that I price at Home Depot yesterday @ $478.   Cute little machine, however.   We'll see if he can get it up an running with another replacement part in the next couple of days.  Let us pray...

Booking a wedding tomorrow morning!  Woohoo!

The 'doggie no' product may or may not be working, but it didn't stop the dog from stealing food.   Guess I should spray more.   The lady at the store said that they hate to be around that smell.   Apparently, not Dobby, however.  Joy. 

Not even bothering to finish the book club book, since it's not doing anything for me.   There are 6h 22m left in the audio book, so I might splurge a little on that between now and book club, but we'll see.  

Special QE2 dessert in the works!  Film @ 11.

Ok, I'm super excited to continue the day.  Let's pray for blessings and fun and productivity!  Have a great day, my large fries, and keep all your peel scrapings going in the same direction.  Later, my taters!   

 November 12, 2025:  A bicycle, picnic table, RV, lake and the freedom to enjoy it.   This is what life is all about, and we're thankful for it!  Such a great weekend at the lake that we had to post not one buy two photos.  At least this is proof positive that Bluebike was along for the ride and I got 12 miles in on the road!  Woohoo!  

Ready for supper already, but have to wait until Mrs. Boss finishes her rehearsal with Bev @ the chapel.  We're having farfalle with red sauce and AMAZING sausage given to us for free by L&R Meat Market!  Amazing.  They gave us a whole bunch at the end of the day yesterday, and it was greatly appreciated.  Tastes wonderful, too!    Otherwise it's been a large order of McDJT's fries and a stolen chocolate glazed donut ( don't ask) for the entire day.  Ready to put my pasta on, since it doesn't happen every day!  

Started the day in a flannel shirt and poncho for church, and ended up with the top down on Cap's MDM, and the sleeves rolled up on the shirt and the poncho in the trunk.  Yikes, it really warmed up nicely to over 80 degrees, American.    Supposedly, it's going to be 86 this weekend, and I'm hoping I can talk Mrs. Boss into a brief boat ride or boat day.  Soon, it'll be too cold.  Michael Cox - barber and boater and fisher extrordinare - said that it's good for the motor to give it a run this time of the year to keep fluids fluidy for the winter solstice.   I don't know how normal folks are making ends meet.  It's probably why I don't see many boats on the lake........   The little can of 'winter supplement' that I add to the boat gas tank is now up to freaking $13.   $13.   5 oz.  Unbelievable.  Everything is rediculous.   I blame George Bush. lol.

Car key drama has not moved very far forward.  No signs of lost keys and Chris is telling me that I should go dealership level replacement, which I think will be $500 just for the Lexus.  I'm such a bone head.   Chris (mechanic to the stars) says he's had lots of customers who actually save money with aftermarket keys, but then things just don't work right and cause a lot of problems.  I trust Chris' judgement completely, so it just means no Christmas for anyone, unless your gift is a ride in the new car.  :)

Nothing done at the house today, but I've been gone all day with church, bike riding, shopping, hair cut, shave, etc.   Whew.  Busy day.   At least it'll be time for supper soon.  

3 pups are just currently lounging on the sofa.  I got a new set of tweezers (yet another thing that's come up missing around here....it's like a black hole!) to take the last of the mini-stickers from the low profile prickly pear plants that have embedded themselves in Dobby's chest.  She'll love having them gone, but we'll probably be having a bit of a drama to get them out.  Let us pray.  She's still enjoying her 'baby' as a chew toy, and I also bought some space-aged version of "Doggie No" to keep her off the table in the parlor.  Let us pray that it works.  Jess @ PetsMart was amazing in helping me with the product and 36 new goldfish for the Marfa Fountain at the house.   

Soundbath last night was nice.  We need to lay closer to the lady doing the sound so that we get more impact like we did last time.   It was still nice, and I listened to a little bit of 432 mhz sound this morning.   It said on Spotify that this is the mhz for 'relaxation', not 'healing', as Mrs. Fuller indicated, but I'll need to shop around a bit.  

Molar on the bottom right is going south for the second time.   Rich looked at it last time and said we were going to keep an eye on it.  Now it's hurting, which is what usually happens as people slowly decay.  Working through a bit of antibiotic and not chewing on that side.  Will probably end up in Rich's office in the next 30 days.   Oh well!  

On top of all the drama with car keys, the ONE key we have left for the Mustang said 'low battery' this morning, and I thought that's ALL we need.  Well, it took me 2 trips to Ace Hardware, but we've at least fixed that problem.  Win column!   

I hope I don't go into shock when the Lexus dealer contacts me about a real replacement key.   Yikes!  

Ok, nothing else to report.  Hope all my little tater pals are doing well today.   Stay smiling in the sunshine, and get ready for another night where it gets dark really early!  lol.   Blessings to one and all and lay-terrrr, mah tay-terrrrs!   Buh-bye.  

 November 11, 2025:  A pretty good shot of a great camping weekend at Lake Waco a few days ago.  Pretty excited that we have another trip scheduled for not too many weeks away, so we're pumped!  It's fun rolling along with the little small house behind us that's ready to go when we get wherever we're going!  It never really got really cold while we were there, but Sunday morning was way cooler than Saturday!  Had a safe ride home and all was well.

NOT so much after we got home.   So last night, after my bike ride, there was the fun realization that not only have I lost the Lexus key, Mrs. Boss doesn't have a backup key that we thought Sam gave us at purchase.   The car is currently a paperweight that we're keeping in the carport.   Marcus is working on getting us a new key, but what chaos!  In the middle of all this, we discover that the key I had in my pocket to drive to Elise's with the Mustang was ALSO MISSING!  At least we had the spare for that.   So, if you are keeping track at home, it's currently cars 2, keys 0.  So basically, between the non-existent backup key or the current key for the Lexus, and the second key for the Mustang, we're down a total of 3.  How the HELL does this happen!!?!   We've been praying to St. Anthony, and Mrs. Boss and I have turned the whole mess over to the Big Guy, so all will be well, we'll re-assemble our automotive access keys one step at a time...  lol.   It's so crazy, it's laughable!     Retraced my entire bike riding route this morning together, and nothing.  Looked in pastures, driveways, parking areas, other vehicles, etc.  Just vaporized!  Too crazy!  Fortunately, we still have a Chevrolet, Cadillac, Tundra and Mustang that can get us to town, so we're ok on that.  It's actually a good time to own too many cars, since MOST of them have  keys!  :)

Despite key trauma, we enjoyed french toast together on Veteran's Day  (saluting ALL our vets!) .  A different kind of bread would work better and it's now on the shopping list.  The culinary excitement item on the plan right now is a deliciousioso meat loaf tomorrow night!  Score!  

Still chilly out there, even though it's 69 degrees.  I need to put more fitting strips in my Irish tweed  Ascot cap so that it fits tighter in the wind.  It slides about too much on my head, and feels like it's going to fly loose at any second!    I'm definitely going to bundle and wrap for our activity tonight, since it involves some exterior exposure!  :)   No fire in the fireplace so far, either!  It's supposed to be 86 by friday, so no real worries!  

Nothing done at the house today due to key search '25.  We'll see if we get anything accomplished this afternoon.  Mrs. Boss has a nail (?) appointment this afternoon and then we've got one other activity.  We'll be busy but not too bad.  Maybe car keys will be stumbled upon?  LOL!  

Finishing the laundry from the chapel tea, and that's still outstanding due to my laziness.  I also need to get some clean and fresh chair covers down to the chapel for storage.   Found out today that another wonderful bride has booked her wedding with us!  

Thanksgiving cards have STILL not gone out, and now there are 3-4 bills laying on top of them.  Get on the stick, Irishman!  Get the lead out!  lol.  

Experimenting with my new pumpkin pie recipe for book club so that it works well for turkey day.   That theory didn't work too well for the tea and my sugar cookies, but we'll just keep trying!

Cool enough indoors to wear a heavy bathrobe instead of a flimsy yukata, so it's clearly not August anymore.  I'm ready for Jamie to have time to check the electricity in the Moulin Rouge room so that we can bathe in there with the space heater and lights!  :)  I could just replace the switch, but feel like there's some kind of short in the antique fixtures or in the original installation to a hot lead.  We'll see.  

Taking a new liquid supplement that I heard about the other day, and it's added to my beverages.  It's apparently designed to remove metals/heavy metals from the body, and it has a distinct flavor.  The physician that recommended it, swears by it for overall health!  What the hell!  Eventually my supplement pile will go through the crust of the earth, I'm quite sure!  

Pretty excited about getting a shave and a haircut before the end of the week!  Woohooo!  

Ok, nothing else to report, except for the culinary miracle that occurred @ Taco Bell today.  We finally had the chance and foresight to go to the new TB in Salado, and had a bit of lunch.  I got a POTATO TACO!?!?!??   Is this possible......  Not as a breakfast item, but as a regular luncheon item.  Amazing and lovingly Irish-Mex.  It won't be my last!   

Stay warm and upbeat my small spuds, and smile your way through the day.  Hope you're rocking the taco Tuesday vibes, and blessed beyond belief!  Later, my taters!   

November 10, 2025:   Ok, this is pretty cool!  I finally figured out how to use the bicycle riding part of the Samsung Health app, and it shows a 'finish' graphic of your ride.  Did this in beautiful weather at Speegleville Park with the RV.  Went a bit further than I thought I did in most rides, and also slightly faster mph.  Great park to ride in and around due to flatness.  I think it's funny how the graphic looks like you're screaming along much faster than 6.4 mph average!  :)   Tim was ready to ride this morning, but the expectation was a 38 degree start to the day, so we opted out.  Maybe tomorrow or Wednesday when it is a bit warmer.  

Just finished my bowl of Fiber One, and it tasted pretty good!  Grabbing at the motivation to head to town to go to the store and bank.  We shall see when it happens.  Elena is late today, since she had a doctor's appointment this morning.    I'll probably go when she gets here so that I'll be out of her way!  

Still wearing a quilted vest, long sleeved polo and sweats.  We haven't turned on the heat in the house, and I might start a fire tonight.  We're using the small space heater in the parlor right now to take the edge off.  Speaking of small heaters, we aren't able to use the one in the Moulin Rouge bathroom since the breaker has a problem.    Last week, Elena said the lights when off when she dusted them, and it flipped the breaker, so there much be some short in the wiring.  Yesterday afternoon, the breaker was screwed up so badly that the switch wouldn't turn it off, so I had to turn off the breaker.  Jamie is headed to the house this afternoon to see what the deal is, and we may need to run some fresh wire through the fixtures.  It'll be nice to be able to have heat on in that bathroom again, since it's not ducted to the house.   Not that we're running that heat yet! 

Ordered two cool over.the.table rods for decor for turkey day.  It's looking like we'll have 9 folks, so I ordered two bars and hopefully can make that work.   Have already thought of several items I'd hang from the bars for the dinner setup, and they're supposed to be here before turkey day!  April brought the turkey  target cutouts for the front of the chapel, so that'll be fun.  

I was looking at one of the chapel notecards the other day of the coffee/tea service with antique cups and saucers with silverplate pots.  Super beautiful, and almost like a painting.  Wish I still had the original of this jpeg for future items.  It's cool enough for framing!  

Wow, it is a bit chilly in here!  :)  

Got acupuncture with Elise yesterday,  which was pretty neat.  Helped a lot.  Very motivated after the I got off her table, but then was dozy last night.  Went to bed early, but woke very, very rested!    It's great that she's got space in Salado to see her old clients that don't go to BSW for treatment for multiple reasons.  Yeah, another nice part of wellness and self care!  

Just ordered Agatha Christie's "Poirot's Merry Christmas" from eBay, so I'm pumped for that.  I'm certainly going to recommend that one at book club for our holiday book selection!    Should be excellent.     I think I'm going to recommend Poirot books for the book club until we've read them all! 

Still working on my turkey day cards, and hope to get them out in the mail soon.   Also need to finish "Fourth of July Creek" and then give it to the corner library.  

Now I'm eating a bowl of Stacy's chili and it's amazing all over again.  Bible study will be hit and miss for the next 90 days, but when we meet, Stacy always provides such great meals!  

Elena is here and so it's time for me to head to town while the sun is shining.  It's supposedly 52 degrees outside, so that's not bad.  After she cleans the RV, I'll dump the tank and store that.  

Hope everyone is having an amazing day and start to their week!  Stay warm, smile often, and do the absolute best you can!  Blessings on you my potato dumplings!  Later!  

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November 6, 2025:  Diana was showing off her artistry in an important message for Stretchlab.  Cute graphic and it sells the point that remaining stretched is good!  I had a 50 minute session yesterday that just about broke me in half.  No real pain, but certainly felt the stretch.  Good job, Diana!  

Eating some very nice brown sugar oatmeal with fresh berries.   It rocks.  Have been to church this morning, did some shelf bracket shopping, rode bluebike 1.0 hours, and even did my bloodwork @ Dr. Matt's.   I've not been asleep at the wheel on this day!

Dressed pretty warm this morning, but it wasn't chilly at all.  Very sunshiny, too!  

Need to work on the RV today and get a few other things done.  Also need to meet up with a potential bride this afternoon, and am looking forward to that.  

I need to fill out my thanksgiving cards and get them in the mail!  They're right here on the table, but just haven't gotten to it yet!  Tonight is Mrs. Boss' rehearsal night, so I'm hoping to get lots of things done.  With 76 degree temps and plenty of sunshine, we should be all good.  Apparently, it's going to get really chilly by Monday, so we need to enjoy the MojoDojo top down between now and then.......

Just lost part of my post, so I'm gonna close.   Have a wonderful, potato soup kinda day, and say prayers for our Country, those among us that are sick, and for your blessings.  Later, my small, peeled lovelies!   

November 4, 2025:  Well, it's just moments before I don the yukata and head to the spa like these fun folks are doing in Japan!   It's time for my CBD massage and sauna session, and I'm ready!  I love it when Laura takes charge of all the muscles and such and I drift off to etherealand and snooze out!  Even though I'm moving to Jenn and Kacey's spas for future treatments, I look forward to them!  

Headed to town this morning to vote on local/state propositions on the ballot.   The voting location they have changed to is NOT going to work.  The room is the size of a closet, and you have to wait outside.  This is for just a minor election.  This setup would NEVER work with a larger-interest referendum.  I will be sharing this with anyone who will listen. 

Also stopped at the bank and the post office and dropped off some books in the little, free library.  It was fun.  Took EmmyLou, our 1951 Chevrolet and she did very well.   I can tell by the way she's downshifting with her hydramatic fluid drive transmo that she's a bit thirsty for some of the transmission sauce she prefers.  We'll top her off tomorrow.  

Had a bit of cereal, and enjoyed some blackout blend coffee this morning.  Noice.  

Half coolish/half warm outside.  Cool enough when I left to vote (55 degrees) that I didn't take  Cap's MDM,  and figured it was the perfect morning for the '51.  It certainly was.  It'll be just the right temperature to ride my bike after I come back from the spa this afternoon.  We'll see if a post-massage nap is require.  lol.  

Nothing else done in the productivity department today, but hope to get a few things off the list later.  I've got 2 thanksgiving cards that came in the mail that I can send out and need to.  That's also on the list.  

Enjoying the Matt Walsh Show on podcast.  His show is probably my favorite.    What did we ever do before spotify!?!?

I need to be sure to take a book and my reading glasses to the spa for the sauna session.  Don't know what it'll be, but nee to get through the pile on the cedar chest!  

Still need to add all the dates of importance into my new, 2026 calendar from the back of my current one.  I always love this task, since it helps us look forward to a new and shining year.  

Wore my sully hat from Ireland to town this morning.   Love it!  

Ok, I need to yukata up, grab a book and some glasses.   Have a wonderful day, face the midweek head on, and just rake in those blessings wherever He's left them for you!  Harvesting!  Talk to you soon, my oval DJTMcD hashbrown patties!  Later, taters!  

  November 3, 2025:  Well, bluebike and I just got home from a ride of over an hour off of FM 2268, and we had a lovely time.   I listened to my 'favorites' on the Spotify music mix, and it was way better than talk radio for the ride.  The time flew by.  Beautiful weather, but I should have had more substantial fare before I rode.  Had kind of a shaky spell getting my bike on the rack and getting home, but some flatbread and jam and a beverage have helped.  Not a bad spell, but it's always so unpleasant. 

Based on our readership numbers, my little corner of life isn't all that exciting these days, but there are sitll quite a few souls tuning in, so I'll continue!  Elena cleaned the place up nicely this morning while I cleaned up from the tea.  It's been an almost 100% productive day so far!  

It was so interesting listening to my music mix this morning, since so many songs reminded me of other times and other people that I found myself praying for specific folks as the tunes spinned on the ethereal turntable.  Nice.

Just about done with flatbread and jam.   Raeshel brought us home made preserves (3 jars!) and I can't wait to get into those.  I love my Bon Maman, but it's fun to switch it up from time to time.  Every time I buy a flavor other than raspberry Bon Maman, I'm disappointed, and I've got to stick with just the one flavor that's the best.   I'm sure the home made stuff is going to be amazing.  She also brought us heirloom tomatoes that I know will end up being consumed very quickly.

Changed into a short sleeve shirt before my bike ride, and I was none too cool or warm.  Stuck with the sweats, and I think the temp was about 72 when I rode.  Just perfect, sunshinny and quiet.   Except for the tunes!   We still need rain, so hopefully some of that will happen soon.  Tim did some caulking in our leak corner of the bedroom, so hopefully, that'll help that! 

My calendar is wide open, otherwise, today.  Mrs. Boss will be at Stretchlab and rehearsal this afternoon/evening, but I know I'll come up with plenty to do.  I'm almost done with my Russian novel and need to put some more time into the audio book for book club to see if I can make heads or tails from any of it.  Weird.  

Ordered a new supplement I heard about from a doc on a podcast.  It seemed to make sense, so what the hell!  I truly do think the supplements make a difference.   I was thinking this morning that neither my dad or grandfather would probably been riding a bicycle for an hour a day at age 65, and I said a prayer for both of them and a prayer of thanksgiving that I'm still able to make the spoked wheels turn.  I nearly spilled it on a turnaround turn today, and actually drove off into someone's yard when I was messing with my phone/music settings during my ride, but no spills, so that's a great thing!  The pedals kept going!  

Greg and Bryan were such great help yesterday in making the tea happen.  Two excellent workers and friends!  

We're on to the newest season of "Call the Midwife" this week, so that should be excellent.  The "Mom" series was funny and very well written and acted.   We're so appreciative to be on the family plan for the Bruce account.  

Ok, with all that being said, it might be time for a bit of a napperschtien under the down comforter.  Not too long, as I've got things I could be doing, but I say why not!?  I also have to do some contemplative investment thinking about land purchases.   Based on the possible leadership of NYC being officially communist, Fortune 100 companies are relocating employees to Texas like crazy (Tim says we're getting our own stock exchange) so maybe buying a couple of lots in some nice neighborhoods wouldn't be a bad idea!  We shall see what the Good Lord provides. 

Ok, shakes are gone, feeling better, but still need to examine the underside of the duvet.  "Checking for ticks" as we say.   Blessings to one and all, and here's hoping you have a week filled with wonder, amazement and blessings!  Be excellent, my little single-serving baked sweet potatoes, and I'll catch you on the rebound.   Later, my tater-gaters!  

November 1, 2025:  Ok, the understanding is that this is the worst full framed bowling score possible, but in our defense, we hadn't bowled in almost a year, if not longer!  That being said, the most IMPORTANT part of this scoreboard is that I actually got 1 more point than Mrs. Boss.  This NEVER happens, even when the scores are much better.   A small consolation, to be sure, but I'll take the win wherever I can find it!  She usually wins all the games that we play, so this is fun for me!  

Nibbling during the day because we've been shopping, cooking, organizing, etc. for the annual tea.  Mrs. Boss has done much more in preparation than I have, but I've pretty much pulled my weight, and will be serving the guests tomorrow.  I'll be ready for Dr. Smith to do her podiatry magic on Wednesday.  The foot is hurtin', and I'm just about done with that!  Let us pray for a bit of relief here.  

Rather chilly outside.  It was so sunny and nice when we went to the store this afternoon that we took C'sMJM with the top down.  We made it to our first stop and decided to put it up, since even though the temperature outside was 64-68 degrees, it still had a chill to it.  Not pleasant.  Fortunately, when we hit BB69 the concealed .38 snub wasn't needed to twart any EBT grocery robberies.  I'm assuming that the EBT issue hasn't been resolved, but I didn't want Mrs. Boss going to the store alone, just in case.  Welcome to America.  Sad.  

Spent quite a bit of the day in the chapel regarding the prep, but also did some major scone cooking in the main house kitchen.   Was able (after my nap and shower) to get the kitchen pretty well cleaned up so that the boss wouldn't have to mess with that.  

No further work on the book club book on audio, and we're still waiting on the hard copy in the mail.  Mrs. Boss says that the delivery is 2 days late, so I may have to follow up with that.  We shall see.  

Need to hang some clean chair covers for the chapel that are lying on the chair in the parlor.  The entire parlor table needs to be cleaned up as well, so we'll see how far we get!    Hoping to do a little card playing and Netflix tonight if the boss has the strength after all she's done today.  

Had a wonderful time at Jolene and John's last night for Halloween.  Sarah and I won at least 1 game of pool and the visit was lovely!  Fun times had by all!  

Currently listening to a good podcast from a South African lady from New Braunfels on the phone, and I have no idea who she is.  I think it might be Tish something.  I've listened to her before, and thought she was pretty interesting.  

Mrs. Boss and I are ready to vote on Tuesday, since we've reviewed our ballot for our voting precinct.   Looks pretty straightforward.    Tuesday is also sauna and massage day @ the spa, so I'm looking forward to that.  

Well, that's about all the information I've got to share.  Hope everyone is just fine.  Blessings to one and all, my plates of hashbrowns.   Later, mah taters!  

October 30, 2025:  Here's what happens when you make the marijuana brownies too strong!  LOL!  Everyone in the photo is stoned-out napping at the momma's workstation.  Dobby has had a rough 24 hours after eating a 1/4 lb of raw white cheese.  Kind of not going potty properly, but she's working through it.  She steals food she shouldn't have...clearly.   She was so sleepy last night from skunk interaction, cooler weather, too much cheese, etc.   She seems to be all better today and Ena isn't smelling as skunky as she was.

Did a little work on the tea setup just now and we'll do more tomorrow and Saturday.   When I finish the blog post here, I'm headed to the KitchenAid and rolling pin to create 80 custom cookies for the tea party.    We'll make it work!  

Had a nice breakfast this morning with April and Tim @ McCain's...   Tried the Guatemalan pancake, and it was pretty good.  We're lobbying for waffles, but apparently won't get those until January at the earliest.  After breakfast, Tim and I did our 1.0 hour bike ride through downtown, and have scheduled a 0900 ride tomorrow starting at the County Jail.   We love the nice flat places.    It was a bit chilly and I wore socks on my hands, but it was a fun, sunshiny ride all the same!  Looking forward toward tomorrow ok. 

Nothing else done yet today, but the cookies will keep me busy.  Tim's working on the car barn roof today, so that's at least getting done!  

We're having to use the little forced air fan heater in the parlor to take the chill off.  It's the one from the Moulin Rouge bathroom, so I didn't shower this morning due to chill and napping in before the second alarm clock buzz.   I need to dig about so that we can find the other little space heater for the parlor so the bathroom heater can stay in there.  I'm hoping to use the spa today, but we'll see how that goes. 

I'm loving the little ounce sky bluetooth speaker that Sheri gave me.  It's great, and it's real portable and handles podcasts well.   I'm listening to the Pat Gray show right now.  

Mrs. Boss has rehearsal tonight, so I'm on my own.   I may STILL be making sugar cookies.  Who knows!!??!  :)   Our readership visits are down 20% right now, so it's probably me bitching about making cookies that 's hurting checkins.  lol.  

May get to listen to a bit more of the book club book during cooking today.  The physical copy of the book hasn't arrived.  Hopefully, the more I listen to the book on repeat, it'll make more sense.   

Well, I guess there's nothing else to report.  Got a bunch of great Izod shirts at Goodwill yesterday, but need to stay away from ice cream, cake and fries for a while to be sure I look decent in them for the cruise!  

​Have a wonderful day, and please be sure to thank God for your blessings that surround you.  Stay fresh, my miniature potato belini pancakes, and remain warm and toasty.  Later, my beloved taters!    

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October 29, 2025:   Well, this photo violates the 'don't take pictures of your food' rule, but I had to share it.    I actually think it would make a really cool graphic print in a kitchen, and if I had the space, my kitchen would be the spot.  This is my morning oatmeal in a St. Louis Catholic School mixing bowl.  Love my oateymeal with some fruit.  We're working the craisins, raspberries AND blackberries here, so the whole thing is pretty colorful.  Again, not the best way to start the blog post today - but wanted to share the colorful nature of the whole yummy creation.  You're welcome.  :)

This day hasn't produced any breakfast yet, but there's a strong chance that April and I will get to eat breakfast out after Mass, so we'll see.   Tim is working here today, so I need to keep an eye out for that, too.  If all other breakfast options fail, I'm thinking I''m back to oatmeal, since I need to buy some bread to make toast.   I'd make my own bread, but end up eating it by the half loaf when it comes hot out of the oven, which isn't my best look.  

Ok..........I'm back from church and breakfast, and actually enjoyed the blueberry pancake!  We made our request for waffles to the owner, and apparently after they expand it will be an option.  I'm satisfied.

Tim is working on the initial framing of the car barn where the storm took the roof, and he's already been upstairs looking at the roof leak.  Eventually, we'll have to spend $$,$$$ on a new roof, but we're trying to make this one last!   It's 50 years old, so whenever is acceptable, however!  

Chilly as blazes out there.   Mighty windy and chilly for 55 degrees.  I was totally impressed with a lady I saw downtown in a Mustang convertible with the top down.  She's even more brave than I am!  

Sweatpants and a brush popper shirt for me today!   I'm probably heading to town for comestibles today, since I need to get more ingredients for sugar cookies for Mrs. Boss' tea party.  I'll be setting up for the tea tomorrow and then will be making 80 girl scout 1922-edition cookies...

Nothing else accomplished so far this morning, but it's relatively early.   Hopefully will cross some things off the list today. 

It was nice taking the Lexus to church.  I kind of miss Mr. Sinatra, but know he's gone to a good home, and know the Lexus is far newer and more reliable.  It's all good.   The ride is excellent, but different from the Lincoln. 

We're smelling skunk through the floorboards, which means, assumably, Dobby has discovered the family of skunks that was living downstairs.  I expect her to reek when she comes in.  The joys of an energetic rescue dog!  :)

Haven't finished the book club book, but the plot line is all over the place for me.  I guess when we get the hard copy, I need to sit down and read it, since I've discovered time travel books aren't the best for audio listening.   Kind of confusing, to say the least.  

My contact at the podiatrist has kind of dried up and after I told them I had insurance to let me know what else they needed, and they've not re-connected with me.  It'll all work out.   Since I've been wearing the cushion insoles, the pain has been better, but yesterday was pretty crappy.  Eventually, we'll get there, I'm sure.

I think the Mondami election possibility is a genuine threat to the country.   Not everyone feels this way, but I think our culture is under attack.  Sorry.  Just seems obvious to me. 

Ok, no other news to report.  Listening to the podcast of the Jesse Kelly show, which is very enjoyable.   Stay warm my little Pringles, and don't let the wind blow your can over!  :)  Blessings to one and all.  Later, mah taters!   

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 October 28, 2025:  A gracious good morning to you!  Here's BlueBike on the back of the truck after our ride yesterday morning.   Our start and end point was St. Stephen's parking lot, which works out great for the Catholic Loop run.  Blue bikes wheels are still crooked and bent, but he rolls right along.   Got some tire back on one of the tires that wasn't covered with mud.     Wiped down the fenders, and looked him over.   Again, is not new, has been abused, but he comfortably does 3 miles + per day!  (even with a soaking wet fake sheepskin seat cover!) 

Outstanding breakfast this morning of oatmeal with fresh raspberries and brown sugar.  Mighty yummy.  I really love my oatmeal, and they say it's pretty good for you...   It's fun having Mrs. Boss home, since it means that we'll get a decent lunch, I'm thinking....  Always more fun to cook for 2 than for 1! 

The 'cold front' is supposed to roll through this afternoon with lows in the 40's.  We haven't had that in a while.    Not complaining, but I love the fall and spring days when it's sunny and warm without being 8000 degrees outside!   The high today is only supposed to be 81, and the winds are supposed to be very strong this afternoon when the dry line hits.   We shall see! 

Well, it's time to take money to the bank for selling Mr. Sinatra........   He's left the building and is now living with a new rescue family in Gatesville.  The vehicle held resale beautifully, with selling it for only $500 less than I paid 6 years ago from my great deal with Rick and Pam.  We've really enjoyed having such a lovely car.  Comfortable, fuel efficient, and looked mighty nice.   Fortunately, Mr. Yunioshi is in the driveway, and the flagship of the Lexus fleet is mighty comfortable, even if it's not a Lincoln!    Next on the sale block.........1942 2n Ford Tractor and then the 1971 Cadillac Eldorado convertible.   Bid early and bit often!  
 
Need to work on the tea setup today and have lots of other items on the list!  We'll get to as much as we can!  No major commitments, but Tim and Clemente will both be here fixing the soffit boards on the chapel.  Thankful for their help.

Dobby got her new tag affixed to her collar and now is 'official'.  She loved having the new 'bling' on the fly....   It also adds one more element of identification, although she's microchipped, which is a blessing.  

God my new 2026 calendar yesterday, so I need to work on getting the dates all lined up in it.  Looking forward to all the weddings coming up for next year!  

Well, there's no other news to speak of, so I've pretty much spent my bankroll of intel here.  Have a great rest of the week, my mashed sweet potatoes, and be like a big bowl of the stuff....   sweet, genuine, humble, and buttery with your kindness for others.   Do some prayer today, spuds!   Later,  mah taters!  

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October 27, 2025:   Where were YOU when the lights went out?!?!?   Well, we felt the storm and the power flared once and then we were sitting in darkness.  The girls had been playing pretty roughly in the parlor while we played cards, and when the power went out they got really quiet, since I think they thought they knocked over a lamp or something.   It stayed dark until almost 11p, so we went to bed.   The candles on the parlor table looked pretty cool, however.   I'd maybe leave the A&W root beer bottle out next time!   Thankfully, we have a roof over our heads and didn't get wet.  We still need to talk with Tim or Harvard Roofing about our bedroom corner.  It's only been leaking for 28 years!  :)

No real breakfast this morning, but did enjoy a cold coffee and currently enjoying a mio and lemon juice as well.  I'm sure there'll be comestibles in my future, but this is Mrs. Boss' late night, so I'll have to fend for myself.  All will be well.   I've got a few things on my grocery shopping list so we'll see if we go to the store.

Had to go from sweat pants to shorts.  Warm enough!  Tomorrow is supposed to be cooler.  The blue bike ride this morning was a bit warm, but not uncomfortable.  I rode the "Catholic Circle" route off FM 2268 this morning, so tomorrow will be the development behind Cefco.  ....Unless something changes.    Still warm enough today for Cap's MDM!  Top down, baby!  

Already spray painted the white flowers on the gate wreath, picked up a package, took down the white flowers behind the angels and removed one of the hubcaps from Easter.   Still need to work on the flowers/wreath on the gate that needs to come down and be more color appropriate for the season.    Still working on something for the center of the agave plants in the urns.  Maybe a polystyrene gourd or pupking.   We'll see.  It's on my shopping list.

Need to continue setting up for the tea.  I got 11  minutes in this morning before my phone was charged up enough for travel.  It'll look nice, as the boss has selected neat elements. 

Hoping to head to the spa this afternoon, since I really enjoyed being in there yesterday and listening to audiobooks - specifically for book club right now.  Elena has cleaned the house to magnificence, so that's a great way to start the day! 

At least I've got some structure for how soon I can create each confection for this weekend.  Looking forward to baking and listening to 'music while making dough' mixes on the Spotify!  

Ok, that's about all there is in the news department.  Nice lead on selling Mr. Sinatra today, so we'll see  how that works.  Stay cool, my julienned friends!   Later, mah taters!    

October 26, 2025:  Here's Miss Dobby with her new baby, who is as yet unnamed.  I believe that the baby's name will continue to be 'yourbaby' for the long term.  She seems to love it, and feels a bit maternal, but she's someone of a welfare mom, since she'll leave the baby lying around and when asked about her baby's location, doesn't really remember.  It builds character in the baby, however.  :)  Ironically, the 'baby' is a small, stuffed fox, and is almost exactly the color of Dobby herself.    Many thanks to Woof for having such a cute baby available in the store!  

Going to need to eat something, and this is the second day I feel the need for some kind of danish (this morning is prune, btw) but don't have any.  The problem of the danish is that if I did have any here (not a good bakery for miles) I'd have already eaten them last night!  Oh well, maybe as a special treat when I'm out and about.  

Last night's rain/storms cut our power from about 7:25 until 10:25, or something like that.   We finished our card game in the parlor by candle light.  After that, we headed to bed, but I napped out and was up at 8:25p, which was the original time for  power to come back on in the house.  We were hoping it would be back up and running by then, and we could watch our Netflix series, but it was dark.   I woke up to the bedroom lights being on at sometime before 11p, so it all worked out fine.  It's a great reminder of what a blessing it is to actually have electricity that's reliable! 

Just put bread in the toaster....we need more bread.  Need to eat bananas today, since I bought a bunch that's a bit overdone for my taste.   We may have to bake with it.   Tonight's supper will be generously provided by Stacy at bible study!

Loving the vivid coffee that Jolene bought.   Ironically, it's smoother than blackout coffee, which is much stronger.   Not very 'vivid', but very yummy.  

Allegedly 62 degrees outside this morning, so it'll be plenty cool for  my bike ride within the hour.   I don't leave home without the phone being at least 50%, and it was completely dead this morning since I couldn't charge it last night.  

We'll see how much work gets done today, since there's not a lot on the list, overall.  Hoping to use the spa at some point as well.  

I need to put all the candles away from last night's darkness!  Kind of a mess on the parlor table....   Rockin' the toast currently, however.....

Ok, literally, no messages to report this morning, but wanted to post the cute Dobby 'n baby photo on the blog.  Have a wonderful Sunday, and enjoy every minute.  Spend a moment or two in prayer....you won't be sorry.   Stay cool, my large bakers, and revel in the beauty of sour cream and chives!  :)    Later, mah taters!   

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October 25, 2025:  Ok, this photo says a lot about me.   First of all, clearly, I'm fearless in fashion and pretty much will be caught in a lot of things others wouldn't wear.   The most important part of this photo, however, is that I get more excited about a couple of early 1970's vintage neckties from Canton (thank you, Jolene and Ciaran!) than I would by an $350 tie from Cucinelli.  The concept of giving new wearing and life to old, discarded items like this just speaks to me like nothing else.  On top of that, they're both amazing in pattern and color, with the chocolate background tie being absolutely amazing.  Both of these will be sported at church in the very near future, and I'm super excited about rocking the Don Loper of Beverly Hills and Sakowitz look all over again!   Fun!  

No breakfast yet, but another gift that Jolene brought from Canton was a specialty coffee called 'Vivid', which is amazing.   She bought it since I use that term so frequently in daily interaction, but the coffee is super smooth and yummy.  I almost like it more than the Blackout coffee in the cannister right now...  Noice!   It would really be great with an apricot danish right about now.  Too bad I don't have one.......:)

Weather is definitely cooler after last night's rain.   I'm a little afraid to look at the driveway, but any damage can be fixed from runoff.  The water from the sky was worth it, and apparently we will end up with more today.  Sounds like sweatpants and a short sleeve shirt are in order, since it's currently 67 degrees.  Temps have been confusing the last few days with it warming into the upper 80's when I don't expect it.  I'm hoping to bike ride after my blog post, and it sounds cool enough to do it.   By the time I got around to being ready to peddle yesterday, it was a humid 82 degrees.  Yucky.  

Got several things done yesterday, to include the painting of the top of the bride's cabinet for the chapel.  It turned out pretty cool, and I'll be posting it on the chapel blog soon.  The "Coffee with Cap" teaser segment for the Rugh interview has been released, and Nicole and Sarah did another great job.    We got to go to Barnes & Noble, Chick-fil-A, and Brookshire's as well.  Fun times.    Played cards last night and got to watch Netflix as well.

I need to take the clean chair covers down to the chapel soon, so they'll be out of the parlor.  Also need to head to Ace to get replacement screws for the bride's cabinet, since the old ones broke.  Chinese junk.  

I'm excited about the painting supplies (bought more at Dollar Tree yesterday!) for the Spring cruise, and it's fun having the new materials.   We'll see how it goes, but at least some dahlias will be painted in the sketch book.

Took the box fan in the parlor apart to clean the grilles, and thought I did a better job than I did.   It IS better, but it's going to need a bit of rubbing alcohol or ammonia and q-tips to finish it up.  

Hopefully, when I head to the Ace Hardware today, I can take the MDM with the top down, but we'll see.    Just getting a bike ride in is more than I expected!  

My instincts were correct about Dobby and her baby.   Got a baby fox that's just the right size @ Woof yesterday, and Dobby really loves it.  We ask her where her baby is, and she looks around like 'shit....I left my baby somewhere'.  Kind of like we'd parent, so it's one happy little family here as grandparents to a 4" stuffed fox!  

Jolene is going to order the right vinyl for the new cornhole set, and then I'll be able to sponge paint it!  Loving those projects.  

1951 Chevrolet needs break fluid added.....which is a GENUINE hassle.  I have to actually pull up the carpet on the driver's side, and find the hole in the floor that has the brake fluid 'hatch' for filling.   You then have to unscrew the hatch, fill the reservoir, and then reverse the whole tear-up sequence again.   We all take for advantage how easy it is to work under the hood of newer cars!  Hid all the cars in the garages, barns and carports to avoid hail!  No hail so far, but apparently it could still happen today.  

Ok, that's about all the information I have to share, and I need to psych myself up to riding my bike when my coffee is finished.  Should be fun, and it's not raining right now....   Stay dry and well ventilated, my waffle fries, and do something wonderful for someone today!  Oh, and vote against Zamboni in NYC, too!  :)    Later, mah taters...........

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October 24, 2025:  Guess what WE did yesterday!   At the Boss' suggestion, we headed to Fun Time for some large ball rolling and pin knockdown.   I actually won the second game by one point which literally never happens, but it's been a while since we played.  As Mrs. Boss gets back in the groove of it, I'll be squashed in the scoring department.   We've already put a bowling date on the calendar for next week, so it'll be a nice habit to fall back into!  

No breakfast this morning, since Mrs. Boss isn't all that hungry and I'm waiting, too.  We'll eventually have maybe a brunch-type item for consumption.  We shall see.  

Supposed to RAIN today, PTL!  We're actually supposed to have some of the wet stuff by 11a, and it's supposed to stick around until the end of tomorrow.  Yeeeehaaaw.  Closed the window on the '51 and put my bike under cover, so we'll sit and watch while we pray!   72 degrees currently, so maybe it's a sweatpants kind of day when I get out of the yukata! 

Might get some sponge painting done and a custom vinyl ordered .... maybe.   There are 10 things on my immediate to-do list, so we'll see how many we'll get done!  

Got some watercolor travel paints and a sketch book  yesterday at WallyWorld.  Should be fun. 

Need to listen to a bit more of the book for book club.   Again, it's rather 'meh', but there are other books for me to read, if I ever find time!  Bryan turned me on to another one that's available for free via Spotify audio, so that'll be another that I'll enjoy.

Ok, well, the news stream is over for today.   Hope everyone is wrapping up the work week in a positive and accomplished aura!  Hang in there, my garden tubers, and the weekend is just moments away!  Blessings to all!  Bye.

  

October 23, 2025:  It's oatmeal time at the ranch!   Enjoying my oats with crasins, brown sugar and moo.  Lovin' on the wholesome-ness!  

The photo above is the ID plate from the horse trailer.   Used to pull it everywhere, but no longer.  If it works out, Clemente is interested in it for a friend, and if not, we'll put it out on FB marketplace.   It's like a vehicle dealership around here these days!   Will be working on a price for the horse trailer, but it can't be too much....

Nice weather outside for Cap's MDM with the top down.  (that's Mojo Dojo Mustang....if you're a new reader...)   Not only hit Mass this morning, but also got a manicure, and bowling with Mrs. Boss is also on the agenda.  Life is good.  

Super looking forward to the rain that's supposed to be coming.   Need to put blue bike away, put the top up on C'sMDM and probably put some windows up on the '51 Chevrolet...  All activities very much worth it if it means we're getting rain.  

Nothing else done so far, but the list continues.  I did attempt to start scheduling my next chemical peel with Jess, so that's a start!  

Went from Jesse Kelly's program to Michael Knowles.   Love them both!  

Listened to quite a bit of the book club book yesterday, and I don't really understand or care for it.   I know that I'll have to go back and start over, but it's mildly dull from my current perspective.  

The whole theft at the Louvre blows my mind.   First time they've had a female security chief and also the first time it's been robbed in 228 years.   Coincidink?   I think not.  I'm also thinking that the guards weren't even armed.   DEI forevah!  

Still loving 'Mom' on Netflix, and we only have 1 more season to go.  We'll miss it.   

Ok, oatmeal is gone, I need to rest my back and I'm out of news bulletins.  Oh, apparently the Friends of the Salado Public Library is having the next author enlightenment event on October 4, 2026.    Mark your calendars.  Only one show (probably) so seating will be limited.

Later, my breakfast cottage fries!  Have a wonderful pre-weekend Thursday, and enjoy every minute you have.   Same something nice to someone, really mean it, and thank Him for your many blessings....   Layter, mah gayters..........

October 22, 2025:  Who's THIS bike ridin' cowboy!?!?!?    Tim and I got to do some 2 wheeled riding on Monday, and enjoyed it as always.  Even included breakfast with the cops at McDonaldJTrump's.  We both enjoy the ride, especially since we motor to the nearest flat area to ride without those pesky hills!   He's not available to ride this week, but we'll hopefully back at it next week.  We used to ride horses everywhere, now we just ride bikes on paved, flat roads.  Hell, at least we're still  upright!   Monday's location was the development over by the high school, but we also do The Sanctuary and kind of a St. Stephens area ride.   Also, we sometimes we meet halfway at the jail and ride that 'hood.   We ride the Armstrong/2268 development once in a while as well.    It's a lot of fun and togetherness for both of us! 

Lunch today is a leftover velveeta creation with elbow macaroni!   Had it for supper last night and even Bryan came by and had a plate of it.   Still tastes good.  I'll probably need a bit more lunch than this, but we'll see what I can scare up in a bit.  

Had to have te heat on and the windows up on the MojoDojoMustang this morning!  A bit airish out there for sure.   Doing scrubs and a short sleeved shirt now, since it's sunny and mid-70's, but will be watching for other early chilly mornings so that the Fleetwood and Chevrolet get to make their non-midsummer trips to church.  April joined me at Mass and at breakfast.  That made it even more fun....

April also ordered my plastic hunting target turkeys for the front gate for the holiday.  I'm going to hit them with a bit of gold metallic paint (so that they match DJT's oval office decor!).  After that, a small hole will be put in their bottoms and they'll be put on the metal agave plants in the planters.  We're trying to be festive here, people! 

I've moved into generic frosted shredded wheat.  Rather meh.  

Nothing but container watering so far at the house today, but the Holy Spirit is moving, so maybe we'll get some things done..... We shall see.   Might head back to Harker Heights for some items that are needed.   We shall see.   We've got a meeting to evaluate the library fundraiser tonight, so I'll have to be home before that.  

No further on the book club book, but need to do a bit in the next few days.   Maybe in the vehicle?  

Ordered some face sponges for washing this morning.   I got spoiled with the special ones that DeeAnne was giving me at the Village spa, so I ordered a couple of dozen pretty cheaply...

Might get my experimental cookies done today.  We'll see how that goes.  Need to paint as well.  

No other news to report.   The cereal is getting better.   I hope you have an amazing day right here in the middle of the week, my hashbrown patties....    Count your blessings, pray constantly and let The Holy Spirit inside you and feel the difference!  Later, mah gaters!  



  

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October 21, 2025:  Happy Tuesday to one and all!  Excited about showering and facing the new day smelling good!  :)   This photo is of the pre-greened decor items for the columns @ the entry gate.   I added a bit of greenery and they look pretty good.    I'm hoping that the wind leaves them alone, but if there's damage, I've got extra materials to fill in the blanks.  Nice chance for an entry upgrade and opportunity to be creative.  

Toast is in the toaster oven and coffee is ready in the microwave.   Each day that I have to drink the mushroom coffee is another day that it gets closer to being used up!  :)    Toast isn't bad, and we'll survive the coffee!  Got plenty of cereal that is the low sodium type, and it tastes pretty good.  

Allegedly 72 degrees out there with temps in the 80's today.    I'd like to ride my bike, but that may not happen.   More errands to be run today, and maybe some cookies and the 2p marketing production meeting.  Looking forward to whatever the Lord has tucked between the folds for this day.....

Need to work on the sponge painting on the white cabinet for the chapel and order the custom vinyl for the new cornhole sets....  I really love researching and buying online, since it's so much easier than trying to find what you want in the store.  Yesterday's trip to Goodwill for 'pink tag' 1/2 price day netted 3 new shirts and a pair of shoes.  One of the Izod shirts is really cool, but just a tad bit too small for me.   I'm thinking it'll work on Tim and he's willing to take it!   We'll be looking good as cruise passengers before you know it!  

Still need to take a photo of the horse trailer serial number to get a replacement title.  Today is 'reduction' day for the price on the Lincoln.    I'm sure it'll engage a buyer....

Well, it looks like I've reported all there is as far as news on this end.   Hope everyone is having a great week.  Blessings to one and all for tremendous good things coming down the pipe for you!    Later, my sweet potato casseroles!  

October 20, 2025:   Me llama Dobby.  I am from Ibiza off the coast of Spain, but this photo shoot happened at Lake Belton.  Aren't I  cute-ness?   

Dobby likes the boat, and pushes the envelope by getting close to the edge under power, but she gets that she has to stay on board.  We had a great time with her on the boat on Saturday, and the activity was good for her.  She has so much energy!

Drinking the gross, mushroom coffee this morning.  I've got to get rid of it little by little and a bit of hot honey & milk seem to help.  I really don't know what happened to this product.  I loved it at first, but these last two bags (and I DO mean last!) taste like nasty dirt.  I'm too much of a tightwad to throw it away, so it makes the Blackout Coffee taste all that much better when I get to have that instead!

I'm really curious to see what happens with the mayoral race in NYC.   The Como campaign apparently gained some serious ground over the weekend, but I think we'll see disruption, either way.  Should be interesting.   When you import the 3rd world, you become the 3rd world.  Oh well, it was a grand experiment while it lasted!

Going to try to eat lightly to avoid stomach unhappiness today.   We shall see.    I also need to get back on my supplements, which I've been very hit or miss with since last thursday!   Gotta keep on them to have them work properly!  

Waiting on Elena to arrive @ 0800, and Tim to arrive @ 0830.   She's going to clean and Tim and I are going to ride bikes.   Looking forward to their visits.  

Supposedly 57 degrees out there today with allegedly a high of 94....we'll see what happens, but I'll start the day in sweatpants on blue bike and then go from there.    Allegedly, temperatures are expected to drop tomorrow.   We shall see.   We were supposed to have a major rainstorm sequence on Saturday at the campground, and it just didn't materialize.   We need rain so badly!  

Nothing done at the house this morning so far, but I just got up, and pre-0700 isn't my idea of a productive time.  Yikes.   I should still be sleeping! 

After Elena leaves, I need to get the RV back in the garage, and work on about 38,000 other items on my list.   In the meantime, we're following crypto and watching it languish.   The gold stock I bought the other day is doing better, but we're ready for some more increases in other issues to make some profitable sales.   That'd be nice.  

Fixing to reduce the price on the Lincoln tomorrow, so we'll see if that generates some more interest.  I feel like it will, since a lot of folks have been interested but aren't ready for the current price point.  

Ordering a larger dog bowl for water is on the list.   When Evie comes to visit, it's just too tippy for her and too small for all 4.  

No listening to the book club book since my last entry.   It'll happen....just hasn't happened yet.  

Ok, going to get started on other activities this morning.  Have a wonderful day, and a great and potato-filled week!  I've got a small bag of mini-yukons in the kitchen, so that's something to look forward to!  Also, ankles aren't swollen this morning, so the entire week is starting off on a great point.   Blessings to one and all and talk with you soon....   

October 19, 2025:  Well, this is a real life slice of the action.  Rustic table, favorite electric kettle, music by Bose, Roof over our heads by Avenger.  Bicycle in the driveway (2h10m!) and the lake and boat just steps away.  What a great weekend getaway.  Not far from home, didn't wreck out, only made a few errors, and enjoyed the waves on nice water near the damn @ Lake Belton.   Mr. Bruce was here for the majority of the mini-break before heading back to Oklahoma.  Just a nice weekend, all the way around.....and it's only 5:16 pm on Sunday!

No bible study tonight due to previous commitments for participants.  It worked out fine, since we just stretched out our final day with walking, bike riding, taking our time, small  milk shakes, and a slow roll home......   Noice. 

Ate like 1/2 a loaf of bread for breakfast (weird!) and then more food later.  Already looking forward to my next nibbles, too.    We're heading off in the MojoDojoMustang to run an errand to return a defective product.  Haven't even taken a shower today......so super busylazy!  

Noice weather out there with a 79 degree moment at present.  Supposed to be coolish and maybe get some rain by next week.  Let us pray!  We need it so badly.  It was supposed to storm at the campground while we were there but nothing at all!  yikes!    Got to wear sweats all day and there was only a 20 second hot moment while connecting the RV to the truck!  

Nothing done at home so far, but we're just back from the lake.  We shall see.  Plenty on the list!  

Dogs had a great time at the campground/lake/boat, and it was fun for them.  Nobody fell over board and no drama, except for Dobby's minor prickly pair issues.  Working through that, but hardly worth reporting.  

Got to play 2 different kinds of card games and "Sorry" while we were in the RV.  Fun times.  

Just made our reservation for our next RV mini-break @ a park we've never been to before!  Speegleville Park near Waco, since everything local is booked! 

Need to listen to more of my book club book on audio, but have plenty of time...    Again, I'm sure I'll have to start it over to fully understand it!  

I need to make another batch of sugar cookies for the trial run for the annual tea.  I used the wrong recipe last time, so need to be sure that this one works well.   Will get on that this week if all goes well.  

Excited about booking cruise #2 for 2025.  Working on just the right watercolor travel set for the trip!  Fun!  

Ok, absolutely nothing else to report.  Had AMAZING potato cubes this weekend, my dear spuddies, so that was wonderful.  Keep your roots in loose soil and smile at the sun until harvested, y'all!  Later, mah taters!  

October 17, 2025:  A little-known resident of El Rancho Deluxe.  Mr. Ford Tractor is just chillin' near the carbarn, and he's now for sale.  We're not using him, he's not running, so we thought we'd get some $$$ by clearing that space.  Hopefully, a collector will want the tractor and somone can actually use the shredder deck.  We'll see what happens.   The Lincoln is still for sale, so it looks like of like a used car dealership around here!  

Enjoying a big bowl of oatmeal this morning with brown sugar and craisins.  Mighty satisfying and very-fall themed!  Headed to Brookshire Brothers at some point today (or at least Mrs. Boss is) to get some comestibles for the end of the week.  

Rockin' the red-print yukata this morning, and lovin' it.    It's supposed to be 92 degrees as a high today.  Rather warm, but survivable! 

Nothing done at the house this morning so far, but have a few things in the hopper.  We'll see how much we get done....

Bruce got back from his cruise and was money ahead!!!!!  Woohoo!  Hopefully, we'll both be in the winner's circle this spring.  He and I decided to do another "BoyzCruz" this spring, so we'll have 6 days of gambling and suninning and eating!  Looking forward to it, and hopefully will come home with more money than I took the way that Mrs. Boss and he has done from their last trips.    Regardless, it's a yukata-wearing, sun tanning day!  ....for 6 days!  

Listening to Pat Gray's program before I head into the shower this morning.  Got the booking sheet done that was hanging over my head, and Bruce and I got to play cards  and "Sorry" last night before Mrs. Boss got home from rehearsal.  

I've started the audio of the book club book, and have already decided that I'm going to have to try to listen to it the second time if the program allows me that much time.   I got tied up doing some other things yesterday, so may have some of the characters confused.   Will do my best to get it done and have plenty of time.  The good news is that the hardback version is coming as well, so there'll be very low excuse to not get it done.  Listening to the audio version is great, however.  I'm getting used to it.  

Tulip and Dobby were play fighting for territory and position this morning so the fun continues.  It's fun how well Dobby has blended into the family.   The caseworker will be pleased (lol).

Hope to get to ride my bike a little bit tomorrow.   We need rain so badly, that I was hoping to get rained out of that activity, but it doesn't look good.  Mixed reviews, but the earliest I've heard is next Friday-ish.

I need to work on my two painting projects (at least start the cabinet) and talk to Jolene about getting the vinyl applique for the cornhole set.  

Ok, guess it's shower time.  Have a blessed and wonderful weekend, and keep all  your cottage fries headed in the right direction!  Later, potato-gaters!  

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October 16, 2025:  Well, I looked at the blog on my phone last night to show off a photo of Dobby and realized that the font I was using was WAY too big for telephone use!  Sorry about that.  I've known it for quite some time, but didn't think it was as bad as it was.   Hopefully, I will continue to remember.  

The photo above is a great cameo shot of Mickey Rooney doing the namesake of our new Japanese Cadillac in an incredibly non-politically correct walk on part.  Mr. Yunioshi is one of our favorite characters in the film, and the name of the wonderful Lexus that took us to and from book club last night.  It really IS a comfortable car, and I feel that it's already yearning to go gamble and spend time at the beach.  I could be wrong, but that's what I'm feeling!  :)

Had breakfast at Stagecoach Inn with April after Mass.   This morning's evil breakfast item was a cranberry glazed scone that was about a 4.5 out of 10.  Wasn't worth the calories, but it was definitely edible.  Don't know what supper will entail, but The Navy Guy is supposed to be home this afternoon, so we will figure something out....  

It was actually chilly-ish outside when Clemente got here this morning.  It's 70 right now and the high is supposed to be 85.  Not complaining, and it's a nice change.  First taste of fallish weather for us.  Wearing a long sleeve shirt from church and shorts, so we'll see how the ensemble comes together today, depending on activities.

So far, nothing else done today, but the 'to do' list is growing as we speak!  We'll hopefully get lots of the stuff that's on the roster all checked off.  Let us pray. 

Girls are all good this morning, although Miss Dobby decided to leave a timed deposit all over the floor that had to be cleaned up this morning.  Don't know why that happened.  They (all 4 of them) played so wildly and inclusively last night before bed that they didn't want to wind down for sleeping.   It's great that they're all getting along, however, and the Tulip/Dobby drama seems a bit smaller.  

STILL need to get Heather's wedding worksheet done, and hopefully that'll happen, too.  I'll get it done!  

Good book club meeting last night with a change in facilitation procedure.  I almost ordered the wrong book this morning, but will get the right one in motion today.   I'm going to try to do the book via Spotify, and April said there's a free version of Audible Books available where I can do a book a month.   That's all I'd need, anyway, so it sounds like that would work.

Glad that I learned about color painting on the sugar cookie surface, and it's going to work very well for Mrs. Boss' tea party.   Successful experiment for sure....

Found an LX 570 to drive in Austin, but we'll see if I find the time.  Also working on a 'cushion seat' for long trips from the net that is the right color, quality and price point.  So far, no takers.  I ordered a gray one that got discontinued at the shipper's location, which turns out to be a blessing, since I don't know how I would crawl up on that in the Truck based on how high the seats are set.  If I can find none in 'earth' or 'flaxen'  for the Lexus, at least I can electrically lower the seat to make it work so that I can get into and out of the car!     It's already hard enough to get into and out of virtually any car we have with the top up except for the '51 Chevrolet, since men used to still wear hats then!  

Haven't come to closure on the boat cover, but we're one discussion away.  Just haven't had time....

Ok, that pretty much ends the news report from this end.  Hope everyone is having a great day filled with safe travels and meaningful work.  Blessings to all my hash brown planks out there, and  see you soon!  

October 15, 2025:   What a great moment to stop and thank God for the tremendous lake we have just 15 minutes away from home.   So blessed, and it's so clean and convenient!  Woohoo!  Thank you, Jesus!  

Nibbled a little less today...at least I'm trying.  It's kind of hard when you're making sugar cookies from scratch as a tea party experiment, but I've only had one, so that's pretty good.  Also voted against getting my small, strawberry shake w/o whipped cream at Sonic.  I'm doing pretty good.  Ate a major scone @ Stagecoach Inn for breakfast this morning, however, after Mass.  Don't think my Stretch lab session burned any calories!  Oh well, we'll keep trying and the vest fit a little better today than it's been.  The new belly band with the .38 tucked in helped squeeze the volume as well!  :) 

Nice day outside, but no top down Mojo Dojo Mustang action today (went with the top up...) since I got my chemical peel yesterday.   Amazing results, however, but have to stay out of the sun as much as possible for 3 days.  Going to start having Jenn do my facials and see if it's similar...    Anyway.........90 degrees is to be our high, and there's no prediction for rain until next Friday, so that's pretty stinky!     Short sleeved tropical shirt over shrunk cotton gauze pants today.  Wearing the sketchers and insoles, too! 

Well, the results are in.   It could be surgery time!   The pain I've been having in the left foot is apparently NOT a hairline fracture, but a bone spur.   It's causing pain, and there's also the start of osteoarthritis going on, so that was great.   Haley is putting me on major vitamin D, and giving me a referral to podiatry.   Yucky, but if it takes away the pain and discomfort, that'd be great!   I need to order my 20,000 unit vitamin D's online....    At least I was right that I knew it was something!  

Nothing else done but cookie making.  Like this recipe, however, and now it's time for some experimental color painting.  If it ends up looking crappy, we'll be going with a 'royal icing' as the base with the design over that.   I learned about royal icing today online in the recipe department!  

Came home from Temple to have all 4 charges come running up to the M.D.M. to say high.  The breeze blew the front door open, and they saw that as a great opportunity to take a Starlink spacewalk wherever they wanted.   Rascals.  

3 of them are sleeping or lounging on the '30's sofa, so the running around must have taken it out of them.    It's good that they're having fun while Evie visits.  

Still need to get Heather and Josh's booking sheet done.  Hopefully soon!   They've made a change, so it's ok that I'm running behind!  

Still looking for an LX 570 to drive.  It'll probably take a while.  

Found out the custom cover for the boat is $500!  I need to talk to Mrs. Boss and see her thoughts.  Sounds crazy.  I'd rather spend $100 on a very nice tarp and have Clemente lash it down to save $400!  Yikes!  We'll see.   Finding a decent tarp is the tricky part!  

Needing a caramel apple.  It's the season, people!  

Didn't get the book done, but now I don't have to facilitate the meeting!  Win + win!  

Ok, there's nothing else to report my microwaved mashed minions.  Stay cool, be kind and take a chance.   God won't let you fail!  Later, gaters!  

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October 14, 2025:  Who's the Ibiza Island girl?!?!?  It's Dobby!  She's got her dorsal fin PFD in place for the boating day yesterday, and did very well for her first adventure afloat with us!  Well done, long-legged girl!  

Headed to town earlier for my chemical peel and it was very tingly and stinging...  That means it's working though.   I've gone ahead and ended my membership with the spa so that I can support new business owners I know and brides that offer these services.   They need to be repaid for their loyalty to the chapel!  

Have eaten a banana and some rice cakes.  Trying to be better with the weight...we'll see how it goes.  Mrs. Boss put $34 in halibut in the fridge for supper tonight, so I don't want to screw that up!   I know that I'd like rice with it that includes our garden veg of peppers, etc.  Love the freshness and farm-i-ness of the whole thing!  Fun! 

Nice weather outside, but I don't know what the high is supposed to be.  We're in definite need of rain, so hopefully that'll happen!  Let us pray!  

Nothing done at home yet, but I've gotten more oatmilk, headed to the post office and deposited my social security check at the bank.  At least those chores are done.  

Tulip is sound asleep on the sofa and all dogs are being pretty lazy.  Evie is loving the sun bathing on the porch.  

Got to watch some more episodes of "Mom" on netflix and enjoyed them.  I think we've got 2 more seasons to go, and we're looking forward to it!  

I need to process the wedding chapel booking sheet for Heather and Josh, and get that done this week!    So thrilled to have their big day booked with us!  

Read a few pages of the book club book in the sauna @ the spa.  I'm thinking that someone else will be leading the group, since the interest level on the book and the likely hood of finishing are both pretty low.

No nibbles on the Lincoln.  Will happen one day soon, but not at this price point so far.  Still looking casually @ LX 570's to see if that would work to reduce the # of vehicles in the driveway.    Haven't heard from Allstate regarding the adjuster's amount for the car barn, but I think they left a voicemail. 

Ok, nothing else to report, and I need to find just the right cookie recipe for Wednesday....    Hope all our little fingerlings are doing well.   Prayers for Shannon, Debra and a safe return for Bruce.   Later, mah gaters!  

October 13, 2025:  "Another Great Day at Sea, Sir"!  Kind of a line from "Overboard" that we like...    We had such a nice time on the floating beer cans this afternoon, and it was the maiden voyage for our newest Gilligan's Islander, Dobby.   Considering she is 90% Ibiza Hound, we figure she swam here from Spain, so she's probably pretty familiar with the water.  :) 

Liking my frosted mini wheats more than at first, and that's because we found out we were eating sour milk!  Thank you, oatmilk for your dependability!  

Warm this afternoon on the lake, but those days are to be savored, since it'll be chillmageddon before too long.  We're trying to get as  many boat days in as possible before the warm weather ends. 

Had a great day before the boat, too.   Zach did an estimate on the damage to the barn roof, and Heather & Co. booked all the stuff for their wedding.  A great day all around for sure!  

Didn't get anything else done at home, but that could still happen in a small way.  Who knows.  I've got sauna and chemical peel sessions on the agenda for tomorrow, so that'll slow down my progress.  (not complaining!)

Don't know if I'm going to finish the book before book club, but we'll give it a try.  Need to make cookies the day of the meeting, and if I'm not done, we'll find someone else to lead the discussion.  Sadly, Bryan and Stacy won't be there due to the Polish airflight transport requirements, but they'll be missed.  

Evie is ready for Bruce to come home and it will only be 3 more days.   She's ready.  

Tulip is sitting directly in front of the box fan like it's the middle of August.  Don't know what the deal is with that!  

Might get to sell some crypto this evening, since the rate of return on a recent purchase was already 18%.  We shall see how it goes!  Fun, and the odds are better than Vegas....

No sale on the Lincoln so far, but the price comes down next week and that should help.  It'll sell when it sells.  Good car, and whomever gets it won't be sorry.

To attempt to replicate the Lincoln air-bag ride in the truck, I ordered one of those geriatric-looking foam seat dealies that everyone's talking about.  What the hell, don't need it, but it sounds like it'd be comfy.  Esp for upcoming camping adventures on the road!  

So with the cookies on Wednesday, I'm going to attempt to brush-color the finished product in a prototype model for Mrs. Boss' tea party.  I think I'm going to have to go with a base coat of thicker 'gesso' frosting before I 'paint' the designs, but we'll see how it goes when I experiment in the kitchen!  

Absolutely nothing else to report and this wasn't exactly a Fox News Alert, but wanted to keep you posted.  Be nice to others, don't waste food, and be the best little tater tots you can be.  Until next time...........good-bye (AOL log-off voice that I love).

October 12, 2025:  Well, certainly nothing exciting, and it's mighty bare.  It'll get pretty schlucked up as my official nighstand pretty soon.   The table is the original 'radio table' from the front room next to Grandpa T's recliner on Ashland Avenue!  We love the piece since it's curved wood, and neat trim.  All the pieces that were selected by my grandparents reflect a classic line of elegance.   Pretty neat.  My Moon Beam Wesclox with the non-operative alarm light and sound is nearby, creating a cool, vintage ambience.  We don't care that the alarm doesn't work, since it's mighty neat all the way around.   Just wrote the eBay seller and let them know that the alarm flash and alarm audio don't work as hoped.

Had breakfast together, but our fancy Fairlife milk had already gone bad.  We went back to oatmilk.  We're both tired of how quickly all the cow's milk products go south, so we thankfully enjoy the flavor of the oatmilk and it seems to last forever!  My new low-sodium cereal (frosted mini-wheats of all things!)  tasted ok, but not as good as the Fiber One that I liked.  It's too high in salt for sure.   

Wearing my Polynesian shirt from Wynn this morning and my cotton drawstring pants have shrunk in the dryer so they're pretty much clamdigger-ish.  I went out to order some new ones from ebay, and couldn't find anything in my preferred price point.   All will be well.......somehow I'll get by with the zillions of old clothes in my closet....  If I need more, I'm sure I'll find it!  

Haven't done anything otherwise so far today.  Headed to Belton to show the Lincoln, and is probably a 'no sale', but we'll work on reducing the price next month if necessary.  No rush, and it was fun taking it to the car wash and driving it about.  Lovely, but we love our Lexus, too!  We're pretty damned blessed! 

Tulip Mae is the only pup laying nearby quiet and sleepytimeish.  She's ALSO the only good girl that wasn't barking like an idiot earlier this morning.  The key phrase of the day is 'knock it off' to our 4-legged friends.  

The floral painting still looks good, and we consider the tambourine painting finished.  Just a bit of art hanging by Clemente this week, and will be working on the top of the cabinet and the cornhole set. 

Still need to finish the book club book.   No pages read so far, and we're behind for sure.   We'll see what happens. 

Ok, nothing else to report.  Readership of the blog continues to sink lower.  No largie........as long as I'm not the only one reading it, it's all good.   Stay well, my little twice-baked lovelies, and we'll talk with you soon!    Later!    

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October 11, 2025:  Well, here she is...........the ranch's newest critter - Miss Dobby de Ibiza!  She's a chi-chi mix, but primarily Ibiza Hound from the island off of Spain, so she's rocking the international charm.  So far all is working very well.  Doesn't run off and is already off the string outside.   Accidents indoors have dropped by 95% due to aforementioned exterior potty trips.  No nipping, biting or ugliness.  Our only issues so far are tall legs that can help her reach the top of the table if she really wants, and a complete rejection by Miss Tulip Mae who doesn't understand why we couldn't just get a regular 'Muerican dog as part of the team.  She's working on her cultural sensitivity, and is attending Castillian 101.   Viva Miss Dobby de Ibiza and be sure to come and say 'hi'!

Miss Dobby isn't the only entity who's here this week as a new cast member.  Miss Evie Orga is here staying a la ranch while her daddy is on a cruise.    She's going along with her normal, easy going way, and has just looked at Dobby like she's mildly crazy.... :)

Did some toast and bon maman for breakfast.   I'm ready for more, and Mrs. Boss is on her way home from the dog charity event at the Cadence Center.  Perhaps I'll get more food.  

Warmish temps predicted today, but wearing sweats and a short sleeved shirt.  Don't know what the activities will be today, but will be ready.   We're going to have to get some "Hurricane in a Can" pretty soon, since we don't have any significant precipitation on the forecast until NOVEMBER 22!  What?   We'll be dried and crisped by then.   1954 all over again.   Help us, Jesus, we need some rain! 

The floral painting for the Moulin Rouge bathroom is finished and framed and just needs Clemente's expert touch for hanging.  He's got a much better knack and does so much better with heights than I do!    One of the items on the list for today is for Mrs. Boss and I to pick out the paint color from our inventory (or purchase if needed) for the top of the white cabinet that's going into the bride's room at the chapel after I do my custom dahlia/zinnia decor painting.  Should turn out pretty ok!  

Mrs. Boss is home and Miss Dobby has a new collar!  Woohoo!  They're currently enjoying Miss Joy's home made treats.  

Just scheduled my manicure so that I can have the talons trimmed.  I know we're overdue for a pedicure, too, but haven't succumbed to the service yet. 

Listening to Turley Talks podcast, and it's not bad.  It's been fun checking out some new folks, since I'm tired of Rogan and M. Kelly.  

Need to get the second half of the book done........ahem.......for the 9th time.   We'll see what happens.    Mrs. Boss says she's going to read some today, so maybe that'll motivate me when she's taking a break.

Have an interested party in the Lincoln, and the adjuster is supposed to look at the car barn roof on monday.  Also have Heather and her mom coming to book her wedding on Monday, so the week will be starting off pretty busy.

The steak I had at Wildfire yesterday was tremendous.  The demiglace they put on the steaks is amazing.   

Ok, nothing else to report to my readers, but hoping your weekend is 5-star all the way!  Have a good one, and keep your chives all going in the right direction in the potato salad of life!  



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10/10/25:  Well, I had 2 choices on this photo, and I must have picked the wrong one, since the leaves are in focus, but the produce is not!  Is it a peach?, is it a fruit from an alien planet?....  no, it's a yellow, mild pepper that is turning colors as we speak.  There are still 3 on the plant, so we'll have another round of yummy pepper healthy deliciousness.  We enjoyed them the other night with a rice mixture!  Great!  Can't wait for this spring when the garden gets replanted now that the pergola is up and running and protecting the plants from the burning sun...

Nothing to eat this morning, since there's a special luncheon in my future.  Going to try to get into my pants, since things have been very tight this week!  :(   I need to ride my bike more often and eat less volume for sure!  

Supposed to be 91 degrees today without any moisture, so it'll be a watering day for sure.  I've got a medical appointment later, so I guess Mrs. Boss will be doing it.  One of the nice parts of the budget shutdown is that she's working at home on Fridays.  Normally, she has them off, but that's one of the weird things about this shutdown.  I think as of today, she's not getting paid, either.  We shall see.  No matter, all is well.....

Headed to a new carwash today, so we'll see how it goes.  Love keeping the new Japanese Cadillac nice and clean...

Hopefully will get some projects worked on today.  Excited about some of the painting projects coming our way.  Also planning to get the boat out in the next few days.   Bruce is headed to the coast to visit tropic ports on his cruise while Evie stays with us.   Miss Dobby is doing very well, as we've not run off when we accidentally got out, are pooping and pee-ing in appropriate measure outdoors, and haven't destroyed too much.   (mental note.......keep food off the table in the parlor if we're not home!)

Thankfully, we were able to get Bruce's bicycle replaced at Academy.  When he gets back from the cruise, we're going to give it another shot to see if it'll work for a ride in the mornings.  

Listening to the RuthLess podcast, and so far so good.  I wanted to finish the book club book on audio, but found out I'd have to pay for it, so I'll slog through the small print paperback.  Hopefully, this mid-book climax will help.  I finished the audio book as I mentioned the other day and really enjoyed that installment in the series.  I may have to listen for more!    I just don't want to run out of 'free' listening hours so that when the club picks the next book, I'll have enough to listen if it's available for free. 

Was thinking this morning that I'd like to find/make a leaf-shaped sponge to finish the background of my bathroom painting.   I think it's the way to go to get it done.  We'll see what happens....  Actually, while I was typing, I grabbed a sponge and a bull-clip and created a leaf stamp.  As soon as I'm done with blogging this morning, I'm going to go for it!  Wooohooo!  

Still have to make a test-batch of the cutout cookies for Mrs. Boss' tea.  Might work on that this evening or tomorrow.  Yum....we hope!  

Have a wonderful day, don't work too hard, keep a smile on your face, and help someone else get ahead!  Blessings on you, my little yellow fingerlings.  May butter and salt be heaped upon you!  :)   Later!

October 9, 2025:  Working on a new entry format and cleaning up the blog.  Stay tuned.  Will put more in as I have time, and hopefully, that'll happen today.  We shall see.  Hope everyone is doing great and staying out of trouble!  Blessings! 

The photo above is the newest charge in the house.  Her name is "Dobby" and she seems to be working out pretty well so far.  We've got some separation issues when The Momma goes to work, and a bit of floor potty stuff, but we'll most certainly work that out.   Welcome, Dobby, and enjoy your stay at the Enchanted Cottage and all other locations....

Ok, gotta run, this was just a brief one while I was getting ready for the day.  Make it work today, y'all!  :)
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