Miss Nose’s Crowning Achievement

Wow. It has already been two years since I decided to put my book up on this blog.  The book is the Ackerman Lake Murders. I have been working on that for a while and now I have scrapped much of it for a rewrite. I am actually going to work on some back story and post that here on my blog. Of course, there will be more adventures with one Miss Nose. I am working on more of her stories.

But wow, two years of stories and actual writings from my own life. I need to start remembering to take photos and talk about the various places I have been going. Just yesterday, I was at the Carney Roundup Rodeo. They have another showing today. I suggest everyone go out there and watch. Tickets for adults are $18 and children are $8. I hope they receive more visitors so we can have more of an expansion of food and vendors.

Miss Nose is yawning about having this here. She should be happy with her achievement making her the best kitty journalist in all the world. Oops, the cat is out of the bag on one of the future stories. It has been a wonderful two years and I pray we have many more.

ACHIEVEMENT

Happy Anniversary with WordPress.com!

You registered on WordPress.com 2 years ago.

Thanks for flying with us.

Keep up the good blogging.

It’s raining, it’s pouring, the old man is snoring

Yes, it has been raining cats and dogs here in da UP! It really need to get my ark finished. I have been working my little hands off at Our Perch in Munising. They have been too fatigued to write. They need a break from a long day as well. Been on facebook posting though. Short stuff like Hey, I have massage times available.  Which reminds me, here are some photos of my office. Soon I will be in the basement with a sauna. Yeah, try to get me out of that! I think all massages will be conducted within the sauna.

 

The business card

The lotions and oils I use

Chocolate & rose oil

The products we sell

 

I made this ad for hot stone massage

One of the many views of Lake Superior from Our Perch

 

The other thing I have been doing is crocheting. I do a bit here and there to keep from chewing my nails. I decided to make stress balls that look like animals. Not the best as of yet but. If anyone has a better way to make an ear or help me with the eyes, I would be appreciative. Here is some of my latest work!

 

 

 

I have decided I am writing too many stories at once and I can’t remember half the time what is supposed to go where or what idea is suppose to be with what story. I am now going to focus on one at a time. I can still go back to my other stories, but I think it is better served if I just spend time getting one completed.

That’s the latest update from the swamp. I post pictures of the ark when I am done! I shall be around soon saving everyone from the rising waters.

A wee bit of government intrusion today

The U.S. Forest Service like the DNR are jokes. Don’t get me wrong. I do believe we need to stop illegal hunting, we need more land for the animals since people think they own the whole planet, and we need some services they do offer. BUT…..

The government seems to be under the belief they own everything. And I mean, EVERYTHING! They tax us to death in property taxes and when you can’t pay, they take your land. If a corporation wants your land to put a tower on for anything, the government takes it. If the city wants a new highway, the government takes it. Do you see where I am going here? We the citizens really don’t own a damn thing thanks to our useless government.

All this leads me to this article recently published.  Good-bye to cabin life: U.S. government tells owners in U.P. to leave! That is right the good ole U.S. Forest Service is again taking away land from people and telling everyone they can’t use it. Well, if it is public land then we should be able to use it however we see fit. This is like the time when Obama closed our parks including Pictured Rocks. Do you remember the government shutdown in 2013? Our Governor, Rick Snyder, decided it was ok to follow what the feds said and closed the parks. Wrong thing to tell a Yooper! Taxpayers Revolt Against Park Closures 

The other social nasty I really want to get rid of in our government is the inflation/deficit we face. Inflation keeps rising. When I entered the workforce many, many moons ago, I made $3.35 an hour. This was good. Milk was only 50 cents a gallon. Bread was about the same price. Gas went between 75 cents to around a dollar. In the 70s we had a gas shortage which made us top around $1.75 or so depending upon where you lived. But groceries were cheaper. A can of Spaghettios was 75 cents a can. Back when we could make a homemade pizza for under a buck. Today it is under $5. I really hate that our economy has gotten like this. By all rights minimum wage should be around $18 an hour just to keep up with rising milk costs. Since that is 6 times what I made back in the 80s, our factory workers and professionals should be charging 6 times as much for their wages as well. Most attorneys charge $200 an hour today which is cheap with the realization of inflation vs wages. By all accounts an attorney should charge $1200 an hour.

This little rant is brought to you today by this article I discovered on my browser home page. Escaping poverty requires almost 20 years with nearly nothing going wrong

The biggest problem we face is money. I always loved Star Trek because they didn’t use money. Everyone had their spot on the planet and no one ever mentioned money. Except of course the Ferengi with gold press latinum.

Found this online. Not sure who made it but I love it.  It is on 45 or more sites.

That is all I got for today. Back to writing and crocheting. I have been working a ton of hours lately. Maybe if I get time, I will post some pics of what I have been making.

 

Peeps Delights Blueberry

 

The package before I opened it. As you can see the Peeps look really good. I like the blue flecks.

I was at Wal-Mart during the after Easter sale. I purchased these Peeps for $.99. They were 50% off.  The package pre-Easter sale time must have been close to $2 or more. I was very fortunate to get these for $.99!

 

I tried to get the nutritional information off the back.

The ingredients and calorie information on the back. I got as close as I could and tried to make it readable.

 

The rest of the ingredients up close and personal.

 

The first thing I smelled when opening the package was chocolate. I unfortunately got the dark chocolate. I am not a fan of dark chocolate. I love milk chocolate more. The aroma was overwhelming and tempted my taste buds so I hurriedly ate one. The dark chocolate overwhelmed the blueberry Peep. I took another one and ate the top of the Peep to taste the blueberry. I must say blueberry Peeps without chocolate would be an all time fave.

 

The 3 little Peeps awaiting their fate in my tummy and looking all sad that they must be eaten. They are so cute. The chocolate smell is the first to hit your nose.

 

I ate the top so I could taste the blueberry Peep without the dark chocolate. Dark chocolate always over takes the taste of anything else it is combined with.

 

The dark chocolate underside.

The most unfortunate part of this whole Peeps with chocolate package is, there are only 3 Peeps in the entire package equaling 150 calories. WHY????!!!!! I want more! My hope would be that Peeps would make a milk chocolate, 50 or more piece of the blueberry/chocolate Peeps. 3 just isn’t enough.

Since I was late getting to the Easter sales, I have no idea if there were any other flavors or other types of Peeps this year. I am hoping next year will be much better and I will be delighted in Peeps.

These Peeps I would definitely tell you to buy. Don’t buy the yucky Oreo cookie Peeps but do buy these. They will fill your taste buds and leave you wanting more.

Today is my birthday

That is right. Today is the day where everyone says, “Happy Birthday” to you on social media. But it is much more than that. It is the start of my new year. Today I was brought onto this planet and not without great pain. Dr. Olson and Dr. Dehlin both celebrated my day by having a doctor’s appointment showing me the x-rays of my birth. I was trapped sideways in the birth canal and finally was released at 10:40 p.m. Back in 1970, I could have died. We didn’t have the greatest of medical care then. We are so far more advanced today than in 1970. I really started to think today. I sat here all day working on stuff and no cake, no ice cream, no party because at 47 everyone is already sick of throwing you one. So I sat here in silence, writing, reflecting, and wishing. Mostly, I wished I could have a bloody piece of cake, a doughnut, or even a damn cupcake! But that is not what is really important. What is important, some people remembered without facebook ever telling them.

Anyway, I decided I would share my birthday wish with everyone this year. Although every year is usually the same. I wish every year to win the powerball and live on triple digit millions.

One of my birthdays I think my 13th or 14th. I have Garfield on my cake.

Making wishes on my birthday

Every year we all make wishes on our birthday and never tell a soul in fear they won’t come true. This year, I am going to tell you all my secret wishes since keeping them to myself every year hasn’t made them grow into reality.

Here is my wish in abundance for the next year of my life.

1. I wish for peace to spread across this planet like a wildfire in June.
2. I wish for everyone to find that one person to love for all eternity.
3. I wish for all animals everywhere to be respected and love for the beautiful souls they are. For they too are on a path up the mountain and are learning their lessons to move on.
4. I wish for abundance for all.
5. I wish everyone wins the lottery at least once in their lifetime.
6. I wish for everyone to be happy.
7. I wish for all ailments to be cured.
8. I wish for coffee to become our source of income.
9. I wish for our waters to be clean.
10. I wish for inflation to go down.
11. I wish for .15 cent hamburgers.
12. I wish for everyone, everywhere to have their own home. Their own stable place where they can always come back to.
13. I wish for all politicians to grow a brain.
14. I wish for medicine to advance to the point where a human being can regrow anything. This of course will make bald men everywhere highly excited.
15. I wish for luck.
16. I wish for all the dead to come back at least once a year to discuss stuff we all need reminding of.
17. I wish for joy.
18. I wish humans would become less of the predators and more of the caretakers.
19. I wish for trees
20. I wish the bees had more respect.
21. I wish we all had land to farm.
22. I wish for hippies giving out flowers again.
23. I wish for more volunteers.
24. I wish for more smiles.
25. I wish for more laughter.
26. I wish for more people gathering together at coffee shops filling their day with brightness.
27. I wish for more sunshine.
28. I wish for more family time.
29. I wish time would slow the hell down.
30. I wish my parents would get along.
31. I wish everyone would practice forgiveness.
32. I wish I had a jet to fly to other countries for coffee and pie.
33. I wish for extinct animals to come back
34. I wish for chocolate
35. I wish I had the funds to travel more.
36. I wish there was a computer glitch and I have millions in the bank.
37. I wish I had a time machine.
38. I wish we had free electricity
39. I wish we didn’t have to use gas in a car.
40. I wish you all knew how beautiful you are.
41. I wish for the end of abuse
42. I wish for the end of hatred
43. I wish everyone just got along
44. I wish Donald Trump was as funny as George Bush Jr.
45. I wish I could save the whole world from itself.
46. I wish you all have a chance to examine your life and make it better for yourself. There is nothing wrong with self-love. There is nothing wrong with wanting better.

Which leads me to number 47, the number I am today. This is the biggest wish ever. Most of all, I wish all my friends and family, the best life you could ever have! Remember, you are not promised a tomorrow so make the most of today.

Just remember, I can go on and on with wishes you know. I do them daily. I wish I had a maid, I wish I had a brand new car, I wish I had a doughnut, I wish I had more coffee, I wish I had more money. And on and on the wishes go!

McDonald’s Comes Modern McDonald’s

I should have written this yesterday but alas, I got busy and just didn’t do it. I am still selling crocheted animals and dolls if anyone wants one. On with the gossip of McDonald’s located at 503 North Lincoln Road in Escanaba, Michigan!

Everyone has rumors but I asked the workers changing McDonald’s and the staff of McDonald’s, what the hell is going on? I was there twice before and well, I am a nosy person, so I have known since around the middle of February that the playland was going bye-bye. I got to hear the Wilson’s talking to the architect about the designs and I got to see the designs the day before they took out playland. Now most will tell you it is coming out because of maintenance and insurance or liability. Just not so. Our McDonald’s has decided to follow the corporate rebranding of McDonald’s. This is the reason. Nothing to do with extra seating or playland but with the corporation itself. The new “modern” McDonald’s is trying to compete with Starbucks! Therefore, all the franchises are expected to follow corporate’s lead and ideas.

They are squaring up the outside of the building and remodeling the whole inside. They will have the lobby closed for about 1 day but no one knows exactly when. THAT IS RIGHT FOLKS THE WHOLE STORE IS GETTING A FACELIFT! The lobby is getting more plugs and the new design. If you have been to Green Bay’s McDonald’s then you will know what it should look like. They are leaving in the corner booths but expect all chairs and tables.

McDonald’s Corporation has been rolling out new designs like the ordering menus inside the lobby which means you don’t have a cashier, having someone bring  your meal to the table, and being more of a coffee shop with WiFi access.  McDonald’s is fading itself from the image of fast food and families to being a coffee shop that serves food giving people access to the internet.

I talked to the kids that came in and they all hate the new McDonald’s. They want their play area back. They no longer want anything to do with this place. What is most upsetting is that the play equipment went into the garbage. Everyone believes it should have been donated to a place, any place, where kids can still use it. Several parents have said they won’t be coming back and that includes grandparents as well. It was the sole reason to be at our local McDonald’s. It was the place to go with small children. It kept them wore out and on good behavior since they could play a while and eat. Even the elderly where asking the staff of McDonald’s where the kids were going to go now. We have really bad winters. This means finding an indoor place for the children to play. There is now a huge, HUGE gap in our town that needs replacing. It is nice that corporate wants to compete with Starbucks but at what cost. They are now alienating the families who really were the backbone of McDonald’s. McDonald’s would never have served millions of people with out the children begging to go there.

I have some more pictures for you all and when the remodel is complete, I will get you more. I am not sure what to think of McDonald’s new way of being. I guess we all grow up at some point in time. McDonald’s has been sued over and over again because of the menu maybe they think it is time to say goodbye to the food and hello to the coffee driven society of people.

 

I just wanted you all to know it has nothing to do with liability, insurance, or maintenance of playland but in the new rebranding of the McDonald’s image.  I will write you all again real soon. Until then, enjoy your coffee and net surfing at a McDonald’s near you!

Goodbye to McDonald’s Playland

Escanaba’s McDonald’s located at 503 North Lincoln Road is getting what they call a facelift. They are tearing out the playland area today as it rains upon the town. Even the weather is upset that McDonald’s won’t have a play area for the kiddos anymore. They are wanting more sitting room but have forgotten the only reason they need the sitting room is for the parents who have small children whose only reason for going to McDonald’s is the play area. It is a sad reality for many today as we watch the workers hauling the play equipment off to the garbage. I feel really bad for all the kids. It is a sad, sad day.

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I did find some uplifting news for you all on Facebook. It is mainly cat related except for the bear. What great news for this bear cub. I wish more people had compassion for other beings on this planet.

10 Healthiest ‘People Foods’ You Should Be Feeding Your Cat

http://honesttopaws.com/cat-possum/?as=5EH1

Hen With Motherly Instincts Sits On An Abandoned Kitten To Keep Him Warm

The Cat Handshake: How To Introduce Yourself To A New Cat

Hiker finds ‘almost lifeless’ baby bear, uses mouth-to-mouth to help save it

I still love watching The Simpson’s and I remember watching the Tracy Ullman show just to catch the latest episode of this zany family. It has been 30 years of watching the same family cartoon!

The Simpson Family Made Its Television Debut 30 Years Ago

Some sad news in today and this is the stuff I usually stick on tumblr for conspiracies. There are political articles here too. Nice that Trump gave his salary to the Park Service! Never seen a President do that before. Another first from President Trump that I have never seen in my lifetime. Although, I still say down with Betsy but that is a Michigan thing. Some hate her here and others love her but to me, she knows nothing about education and is not qualified to do this job.

Man calls 911 with vague details of shooting, opens fire on responding deputies in ambush

UPDATE: Jacobs fails to enter plea for second time

Massive explosion, fire at house in New Hampshire just after officers arrived

Snyder signs law shielding records until contract announced

Trump donates first 3 months of salary to Park Service

Betsy DeVos’ latest attack on people with student loans will make your blood boil

More news later folks. I will write to you all again soon. Have a marvelous day!

 

Oh the Places You Will Go, When You No Longer Read Facebook!

I finished Foxy except for the tail. I want to get some of that special yarn that will make it look more fluffy like a fox tail should. But he is finished! I found I didn’t need the pipe cleaner even though I used it. I could have just made a straight circle and put a couple of stitches in to bend it like a hook. Nice to know since everyone makes a candy cane with a pipe cleaner but I figured out a different way! YAY to the ME!

Here is the pirate Foxy laid out. He is pretty big.

Standing up on my computer keyboard, you can see he is taller than the monitor.

 

Here he is from another angle. Forgive all my yarn piled up.

 

I am super happy that my McDonald’s still has the shamrock mocha. Nice. By the way, they started taking out the play area today. Our McDonald’s is going down hill. I loved the play area as did many parents. It is a great place to take your kids to play and have some grown up time with your pals. The kids are entertained and you get some breathing time to have an adult conversation with actual people instead of a child. I shall get some photos of it for you. I am so disappointed. I am disgusted as well. The play area should always be at a McDonald’s.

I managed to get a bunch of orders done and I am working on some extras for selling. I have a unicorn I have to sew together. I sewed on the eyes and nose instead of using safety eyes. I figure this way, it can’t get into a baby’s throat.

I love making these fancy rabbits. I sell them for $5.

Here are only 3 of the many I have done. They are super cute. I like making them.

Enjoy the Foxy and Bunny photos. I will get some photos of the unicorns for another post. I still have to check the Facebook Beta app and see what is happening. Been busy today.  I will write again soon!

 

Hmmm I still need to check Facebook

I haven’t been on Facebook in days. I just check the message app and that is it lately. My hands are killing me. I have had several orders for bunnies. Which in the crochet world is a smash hit. I have been donating all my free time to crocheting. I am selling these small amigurumi rabbits for 5 dollars and I am still waiting for other animals to be ordered like the unicorn, elephant, and hopefully some chickens. I set a goal of making 10 of each and then having those sell first. I think if you are crocheting this is a good level goal to set and then when you do sell them, you get a bonus of buying more stuffing and yarn. I still can’t figure out how some people make a living at this but I am learning. I seemed to have found that niche in our area that is lacking. I see blankets, baby clothes, hats, gloves, scarves, cowls, and wash cloths all the time. I have even seen dick warmers. Not kidding you they are made for an erect penis but not for a normal one. I don’t know many guys who walk around with a hard on constantly. This is the one item I really shook my head at. Apparently, she made them as a joke. Which I am not sure she did or not, but ladies, you are aware of shrinkage right? She was marketing them as an everyday dick warmer. She wanted women to buy them for their man. I told all my friends about it and we laughed. We have all lived with men. We know this is not an everyday item and will only work when he is stimulated. Which means he can only use it for about 5 minutes at which time he is working if you get my drift? We all agreed she would have better chances if she made them to the right size and marketed them as ball warmers instead. You see, men will shrink up into something really small and it reminds me of a turtle head retreating into its shell. Plus, I swear most men aren’t much better than a turtle head when not in use. I only mention this since we are all looking for the right market in which to sell our items. What good is this if a man can’t use it because it is made for a time when he is sexually active and not for when he is just at rest. That is not an everyday wear item. It is a great gag gift but it isn’t something anyone will be able to use. This is what brought my attention to amigurumi style dolls and animals. No one is taking the time to really focus on this in my area. I have now created a demand since everyone has children or grandchildren. People have nieces and nephews, cousins, and there are children in this world somewhere. They can buy them from me and send them to their loved one anywhere in the world. I don’t see anything wrong in dick warmers but if I make them, they will be for everyday not for the other time of day if you get it that often.

Anywho, my hands hurt and I am trying to make enough critters for craft shows and steam and gas this September. I take my massage chair with me to all events. It was at events, that I started to really focus on my knitting and crocheting. There are times at events when you have no one to talk to. No one is at your booth and reading a book or crafting is great in making the time fly by when your booth is dead. I am working on getting the right forms to sell retail at the events as well. I know several companies that supply massage therapy products. Massage therapists asked these companies to create products they could sell at the office or events. It makes for a better income. You don’t always have massage clients daily. Cancellations happen as well. This is what leads us to other types of supply and demand products.

I have been reading news stories. I have some that I am going to post here. You all know why! In case this is your first blog post of mine I will tell you, I am writing my status updates for Facebook as a blog post. I am trying to make more use of my blog and Facebook statuses are getting in the way. It is too easy to write a short idea on the status post area. Besides, I really loathe Facebook. Thankfully there is an app for that! (that is a pun joke for those with no sense of humor) Anyway, on with the show, this is it:

Mom didn’t realize there was a hidden danger lurking in this photo she took of her daughter.

The 100-Percent Rule: The Simple Advice That Changed My Life

This king cobra drinking from a water bottle like it’s NBD is going viral

This Dad’s Reaction to His Rainbow Baby Being Born Is Beyond Moving

New iPhone 8 Details Reveal Impressive Advanced Technology

This is why Australia hasn’t had a recession in more than 25 years

I miss Jr being President. I really liked George Bush Jr. He was comical. I miss that, but I also miss the no-nonsense he had in his office. This guy would have been axed, gone, fired, and Bush wouldn’t have cared what the media said. This is wrong on all levels. Trump aide urges defeat of Michigan member of Freedom Caucus

Jeb Bush: ‘Presidential leadership would be helpful’

One thing my Grandma always taught me was to keep up the fight. She always reminded me that she burned her bra so I wouldn’t have to listen to my husband. I didn’t have to live by rules and be personal property to a man. I could be who I wanted and do what I wanted because of her generation. Because of women in past generations, I am free from burdens that they had to endure. But she also told me to fight for anyone who needed my help. Just because it wasn’t my fight right now, didn’t mean it wouldn’t be in the future.  I am reminded daily of my Grandma’s rules in life. She had a code she lived by.  This article about Tina Fey reminded me of that. Grandma still speaks to me from beyond the grave.

Tina Fey Warns College-Educated Women ‘Gains We’ve Made…Are Under Attack’

It was a brutal killing that shocked Afghanistan. Now, the outrage has faded.

Another tid bit from Grandma is this, power corrupts. I don’t care who you are, you get a bit of power and it goes to your head. You think you are invincible. You think you can do anything. This leads to you never wanting to let go of that power. This is why I think we need a better way of electing government officials.

Democrats have a new and surprising weapon on Capitol Hill: Power

Things to add to my prayer lists. Grandma always told me to pray. No matter what religion you are, prayer works. It sets you in the frame of mind you need. Only, I use different words than negative. I use peace, love, healthy, wealthy, safe, alive, and so many more. Today, I hope you join me in praying for more positive ideals like financial freedom, great weather, and peace on Earth. Time to smudge some sage and sing songs of gratitude while remembering to be humble.

Police charge 14-year-old in Facebook Live gang rape

Poisoning at Hotel Pool Kills 1 Child, Injures 11 Others

Grim search resumes in Colombia after deadly flood

20 people murdered at Pakistan shrine: police

I always end my prayers with a “may everything upon this planet become aware and open minded, flooding the Earth with unconditional love and peace to all.”  So be it as so mote it be. Blessed be everyone.  I will write again soon. Peace out!

A status update because I am staying off Facebook!

It has been a day or so since I wrote anything. First, I hate Windows 10. This brand new HP I got for Christmas sucks with Windows 10. It is constantly crashing. Windows 10 needs to be thrown in the garbage! I would prefer Windows 7 or XP to this shitty ass version! Hey Microsoft, here’s an idea, and let’s include Facebook and picsart in this as well, if it ain’t broke don’t fix it! All this playing with shit needs to end. You are ruining what was once really great! Instead of making it better, you are making it like a pot of coffee that has sat on the burner for a week and is now nothing but burnt and gross!

 

The other thing I have been doing is crocheting for others and working. Plus the constant cleaning of my house. Feeding chickens, birds, cats, dogs, goats, and the like really makes up my whole day. Gotta love farming and having a career that isn’t farming as well.

I found a great sale on yarn going on at JoAnn’s Fabric! The one pound yarns are now on sale for 6.99 and they have all the rest on sale 2/$5. You can’t beat this even at Wal-Mart. I hate getting yarn at Wally World. Usually you can see someone has torn it out from the middle and shoved it back in. They don’t take very good care of anything there. At JoAnn’s and Michael’s, you don’t have that or dirty yarn. I told our local Wally about some yarn that was dirty and they said, “Don’t worry about it. Someone will buy it.” Come on. Have some pride here. I pay a few pennies more at the other two but the yarn isn’t dirty nor has the middle been torn out and shoved back in. It is always nicely kept and the same color is always with those colors not moved somewhere else. If you are a yarn buff and need it to survive, head to JoAnn’s Fabric for their sale.

Well, back to cleaning and crocheting. I have to get stuff done. Write again soon.