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!  

​ 

​

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!    

​

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!   

​

 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!  

​

​  

​  

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!   

​ 

​

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...........

​

​

​

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!  



  

​

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!  

​ 

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!  

​

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!    

​ 

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!  



​ 

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!  :)
​