Mushroom Coffee Update (09/29/25)

     It's been about a week and a few days, and I'm still really happy with the Pella low-caffeine coffee choice. I have to consider my future with the blend, however, because it contains chaga mushrooms. Chaga can, but doesn't always, affect a person's kidneys. I really never ever want to go through what I went through in 1990 - because believe me, I still remember the pain. I do NOT want another kidney stone. I do not.

    Because Pella and many of the other blends contain chaga, it makes it a little more challenging to find one that doesn't include this particular mushroom and is also tasty. I did try Atlas, and although it was supposed to be a great blend, I can't do it. I don't like the taste of it - nope. It was nothing like the ads were hyping it up to be. First, it was more expensive. You use more, and it has a very earthy taste -- by that, I mean it tastes like dirt.

    I had to get a subscription to get it sent to me quickly, but at least they let me out of that. I'm hoping they honor their 30-day refund guarantee as well. I was not a fan. They do send you a handy-dandy heavy metal scoop and a frother. I didn't open the frother, as I have one. If you are an Atlas fan, I wish you the best. If they don't want the unopened package, I'll give it as a gift.  If they allow me to return it all, I will.

    Next up is Joey. I have it in hand and will wait until tomorrow morning to drink it. If I don't like it, I'll let you know. After Joey is Yege. My friend has Yege and likes it. I think it has more caffeine than the others. One of the reasons I got the mushroom coffee was to lower my caffeine intake. I'm not going to replace one bad habit with another. I'm hoping Joey is good - but I'm not sure it's the same thing. It may be a cacao mix; at least I think it is.

    What I have noticed, and it's only been 10 days, is that I'm not eating as much as I was. The mix does help curb the desire to eat - whether that's a good thing or not, I'm not sure. I know that by lunchtime, I only eat two-thirds of what I used to eat, and at dinner time, it's about the same. I'm not using or abusing sugar - but I never really did anyway. I am able to watch my intake, and I'm thinking good things will come from it. I'm really hoping to lose 40 pounds by Christmas.

    I have three months to lose the weight, and if I don't, I won't freak -- just be a bit disappointed. I want the drink to be both an aid to my focus and a support for my weight management. Both claims have been promised through various advertising; we'll see if they're able to keep their word or not. I do feel energized, but then again, I was never not energized. 

    There is one thing that I have noticed, and I love it — absolutely love it — and that's that my hip pain is virtually gone. It's not completely gone, but it's significantly less than what it was. I am taking less ibuprofen, and I'm drinking more water as well. I drink about 2 cups of mushroom coffee a day, and I take a daily mushroom supplement with the same type of ingredients, only in pill form. I can actually say, with confidence, that my hip is feeling significantly better than it did before.

    Back in July (over two months now), I stopped going to the chiropractor.  I think he did the initial realignment that I needed, and then I began exercising my hip, and now I'm using mushroom coffee to help regulate my cortisol levels. I am 100% convinced that the reason my hip was hurting so badly is the level of cortisol in my body -- with the mushrooms doing their natural thing - that may change. I'm hoping it changes. Again, I'll keep you posted. I promise.

Photo Credit: DrinkJoey.com 

Looking for my Next Horse

     I have to be honest, when I gave up my last horse, a big, gorgeous quarter horse named Casper, I truly believed I was getting out of horses. The best thing about horse people, I always say, is their dogs. The one thing that drove me out of wanting to own a horse wasn't the cost - that was a close second. The first thing, the number one reason I gave up horses, was the damned horse people you have to deal with when you don't own your own place and have to board with others. If you've never experienced it, save yourself time, money, effort, and all the lame headaches you can possibly imagine. Horse people are that bad - and more.

    When you board at a facility, you have to go by their rules, and it doesn't matter how petty or silly those rules may be. If you're paying them to keep or watch your horse, you have to deal with the type of BS you may never have imagined - but it's real. We have boarded at over ten places over the years, and though one woman's place was 100X better than most, she wasn't perfect either. She was petty at times, and had people working for her who were convicts and drug users -- and they were around MY horses! No, thank you.

    Well, Laura and I are about to buy a place that has enough acres (not a lot) to do what we want to do. She wants to train a couple of horses, and I just want to ride. I don't want to pay someone $400+ to care for my animal, and I don't want anyone telling me that what I'm doing is wrong, incorrect, or not right. I'm sick and tired of their way being the only way, just because they own the ranch or boarding facility. I can't tell you how many times I wanted to slap the various owners and their children, friends, and kin for either riding my horse without permission, letting someone else do so, or something as lame and dangerous as smoking in the barn.

    I can't tell you how many times Laura and I have been at a boarding facility and found underaged kids having sex, partying, drinking, and smoking dope until all hours of the night, and again, around my horses! I can't tell you how many times we've had tack stolen, even when we locked it in our own private lockers - literally having the locks cut off and the owners shaking their heads as if they weren't aware that it was happening. 

    I can't tell you how many times the toilets weren't working at a barn, or they didn't have one to begin with, and we had to cut our horse time short so we could drive to the nearest restaurant to use the facilities. It's really that stupid at times. We've had to park in certain spots because the owners didn't like the color of my car! We've had to share our feed when others didn't have any. We've had to wait an hour for the arena because there was a party going on, or a lesson that went long, or an impromptu lesson that was paying the barn owner $$$ so we didn't get to use the facility we paid to use! The list goes on and on - medicines stolen, and so on. 

    Now, things are different  - THANK YOU, JESUS!  We will have our own place. We won't have to pay anyone; it's part of the package. We won't have to drive 12 miles to get to the horses; we can just step out the back door. We don't have to worry about shelter; we won't have to worry if they're being fed, or fed on time, or fed enough, or fed too much. We have lived through it all!  Now...it's our turn. Again, this couldn't have happened without prayer and God's good grace.

    My next horse will likely be my last one. I've wanted that for so long, but life wouldn't let it happen. I could get another AQHA, but that's not what I'm focusing my attention on necessarily. I am looking for a very broke, gentle, sweet, quiet, easy-moving horse who, if she or he want to, can smell every last flower along the way while we stroll through and across the land. We don't have to be in any hurry - just the two of us (unless Laura joins us, of course).  I'm really pretty excited about it.

    I've been searching Craigslist for teenage horses with more whoa than go, and I'm hoping to find one closer to me, but I'm okay with paying for transport for the right mount. I'm not opposed to searching the entire United States to find one. That's why God made U-Ship! It ends up being about $2 per loaded mile, which is not a bad thing. There are individuals who offer to bring the horse so they can meet the person buying their animal, and that's OK too. I will be the best when it comes to treating and spoiling my horse - but then again, I could end up being the worst too, because I treat and spoil my horse.

    If the one I end up with is anything like Casper, or Reagan, or if God was really sweet to me, and gave me another one like Hero -- I would be on cloud nine. It will likely be a gaited horse to accommodate my age and knees; something like a Standardbred, Tenn. Walker, or Moutain Horse. I'm ready to dust off the old tack, lose 30-40 pounds before the end of the year, and make this the best adventure ever -- I'll keep you posted. Giddy-Up!

Photo Credit: Me.  AQHA Bedtime Hero - my heart horse.

"Shadow" (the Next Book)

     I've decided to take a few weeks off from writing and focus solely on the house - not this house, not the one I'm currently living in, but the one we're going to move to. Laura and I are looking at a place, and I'll tell you more about it after we've signed the papers. I don't want anyone coming in and swooping it out of our clutches! We'd be so devastated if that were to happen. We really want this particular place, so we're being really shush-shush about it. However, it does mean that I'm taking a break from writing to use my weekends to plan the move in its entirety. I'll start the new book, "Shadow," first thing after the new year begins.

    "Shadow" is a take-off of an old story, one we've all heard about. It's about justice, setting the record straight, but the way it's handled isn't exactly legal -- in fact, it's not legal whatsoever. It's murder. Several killers who have been acquitted by various juries in the country have been found dead. Mostly in the Southwest, but one or two up in Colorado and Wyoming. Their executed bodies hadn't gone completely unnoticed.

    When Nick Posh accepts the assignment to get to the bottom of it all, he's surprised to find that sitting judges, prosecuting attorneys, and even law enforcers are behind the contract hits. It won't be easy for him to work the case without tipping off those who are involved; his very life could be at stake. One of the most intriguing cases of Posh's career for sure; one where he's destined to make enemies and lose friends. 

    I won't be able to start until January, but I'm gathering information now to bring in a few cases in history where the issues Posh will be dealing with have already occurred in real life. I like to bring a little reality into my fiction when I can. It helps to make the book work - and it makes it easier to write too.  I must admit that when I created the cover, I had to laugh - I used a lamppost for the cover - and I love it; but then I realized I had used a similar type of light fixture (sort of) for the cover of "Stratford". It's a sconce, but still! Oh well! I love it.

    "Shadow" will be the first book of the year. I will write four Posh books in 2026, and possibly one drama — it's going to be a good year!  In 2025, I wrote "Stratford", "Dion", "Cask", and "Amicus Curiae", and I still have 2.5 months to go, so I think I can do 5 in 2026. 

Photo Credit: Me

Mushroom Coffee -- A Real Taste Test

     You can't go anywhere online today without seeing ads for one or the other brand of mushroom coffee. It's become such a thing that I decided to pay a little more attention to the advertising to see if they were going to blatantly lie about the overall effects, or if they'd stick to the truth; you know, that mushroom-infused water would suck if someone were to crush mushrooms up and make into a powder so you could make instant coffee with them.

    There are at least ten to twelve popular brands of this stuff, so you know they are either all owned by the same companies and compete against one another, still able to rake in the money on all sides, or there's something big brewing in them there woodlands!  The latter is the case, and it's really pretty good, too.

    My co-worker and I decided to experience this thing together. He bought his brand, and I bought another one because I wanted one that said it had low or no caffeine. I'm not a caffeine drinker now; I gave it up about a month ago. I gave it up because I had terrible belly aches, cramps, and even a sort of higher or noticeably higher jitter level than I had in the past. There was a time, maybe 10-12 years ago, that I could (and would) drink a 4-shot cappuccino in the morning and think nothing of it. Those days are gone!

    My co-worker bought the Yege brand of mushroom coffee, while I opted for the Pella brand, which has a lower caffeine blend. They are all powders. They are all instant coffees, which, to be honest, I was 100% against as well - call me a snob; I was one. I would not ever drink Folgers, but my co-worker loves it. I was really worried about the taste of the mushroom coffee, even if it was deemed better for me, because I can't drink bitter or nasty cheap coffee blends; I just can't, he can.

    I bought the Pella, and today was the first time to try it. I didn't want to make it after 3:00 p.m. when it arrived yesterday, so I waited.  When I opened the packet, I was really surprised by how small the scooper was. It's really small -nothing like I would have expected; I think it's less than a teaspoon, to be honest. I could maybe pack a teaspoon of powder into it, but it wouldn't all fit. It's that small. I don't mind. That means it will last longer. The package says it has 60 servings in it.

    Deciding the scoop was simply too small, I added a little more to my 8-9 oz of hot water - and used a little spinning frother thing to mix it up. His brand sent him one I think. I had one already, and it worked wonderfully.  Now, I don't drink coffee plain; I never have. I don't add sugar, but I have to add half and half, so I did. Then, the moment of truth came -- would it be good or not? 

    I lifted the cup to my nose and gave it a good sniff. I didn't detect anything mushroomy at all - it actually smelled like the Green Mountain decaf I drink, so that was good. I brought the brim of the cup to my lips and took my first sip. I let it sit there for a few seconds. I stared at the dog, who by now knew something was up - I hadn't walked over to my couch yet. She waited for me. I took another sip, and then a third, and had to admit that the Pella Mushroom coffee I was drinking was really very good tasting - it did not, did not, did not, taste like a bag of powdered fungi.

    I was simply and very assuredly blown away by it. I know I'll keep drinking it. I have every intention to do it, and every intention of giving up coffee-coffee altogether - which, in my world, is bonkers, absolutely nutters. I will, from now on, drink mushroom coffee.  Now, I will say that I will likely try to find another blend that is decaf because Pella has chaga mushrooms, and they could present an issue with my kidneys. It hasn't - but I don't want there to be any chance of it. I did more research today, and since I have had a few kidney issues in the past, I'm going to play it safe.

    And now, for the benefits of mushroom coffee!! I'll paraphrase, but you can Google it. 

• Stress and anxiety relief (almost instantly)
• Cognitive thought and focus enhancement
• Immune system support - antioxidant
• Anti-inflammatory - rich in polyphenols 
• Improved gut health - prebiotics help with digestion
• Weight management - not necessarily weight loss

    Now you know. You can Google it, use the AI function for a deeper dive, and know that at least one person likes the taste, but I bet there are millions. Also, it may help to know that I prefer teas with an earthy taste over black teas; it's a personal preference, and black tea contains caffeine.  I'm hoping that this choice has come just in time to help heal my hip joint and my knees from all the pain I've experienced in the past six months. I'll keep you posted.

    Pella, the lower caffeine blend, was $19.99 on Amazon, but my friend paid $27. I get up to 60 servings with Pella, and he gets only 30, so his is literally 2x as much as mine or more. It's something to think about. They are both ranked online as being in the top 5 best brands, which is pretty cool. Neither of us knew that when we picked our blends. We found out afterwards. This is his first time owning an electric kettle, which didn't surprise me. Americans are significantly behind in that area. I've owned it for years!

    

    Well, that's about it. I'll post once a week about the mushroom coffee and see if I've lost weight, felt better, gotten sick, or what! I think it's important that people know the truth before trying something new - and as always, if you need to, please consult your doctor before trying mushroom coffee. It couldn't hurt to get their opinion; they know you pretty good!

    

Photo Credit: Serious Eats.  (My brand and my friend's brands aren't even in the picture. There are a lot of choices!) 

My Next Ten Books

     I may have mentioned it before, but my plans have plans. My notes have notes. I try to be more than just organized. I try to stay focused by having all my plans numbered, categorized, and ready to go, just in case something happens. It's been that way since I can remember; I hate being caught unprepared or without a clue. I don't like surprises; I never have. I want to be so in control of my next moves that I'm never shocked at what I'm about to do. That doesn't always work out for me, and sometimes I'm devastated, but even then, I try really hard to bounce back as quickly as possible.

    All that being said, I finished fluffing and stuffing my 20th book, my 12th novel, and I sent it up to be published. It will come back in a week, and I'll go through it one last time before making it available to buy. Over the next few weeks, approximately 10-12 weeks, I'll review my other books and explore ways to correct them now that I have more AI tools at my disposal. I'd love to correct "Faith Walks" as well as "Of Kilted Pleasure", "Murder Book", "Pinball", and "Edinburgh" for sure. I'll likely do all of my books, but that's the order I'm going for at this time.

    Speaking of order - and I just did; I'm happy to announce that I have created a list (a plan for my plan) of the next 10 Nick Posh books that will be written in the upcoming two years. I've also decided to stop writing romance books and dramas and instead focus on releasing as many Posh books as possible. I love keeping the characters around in my head - so giving them too much time off could prove to be a bad thing. God only knows what they'll get themselves into if I don't keep a watchful eye on them all.

    Alistair Posh has already decided to attend school in London rather than to continue his studies in Oklahoma. He's a citizen of both the UK and the United States. After taking entrance tests, he's been awarded a hefty scholarship, so he'll be busy until he's a little older. Then, I'll be sure to check in on him from time to time. He's in good hands; his cousins attend the same school. He will be called, written to, and heard from; don't worry, he's OK.

    The book titles that are coming are as follows, and yes, in this order:

• Shadow (1934)
• Kingdom (1934-35)
• Stollen  (1935)
• Dance (1935)
• Cold Justice (1936)
• Boom (1936)
• Outside the Oath (1937)
• Deadline (1937)
• Death Mask (1938)
• Target (1938)

I'll try to write the first 5 in 2026 and the last 5 in 2027. It's not too hard to crank out a book every 2.5 months, but it's not easy either. I hope I don't get burned out or slowed by something, but if it doesn't happen, it won't be because it wasn't planned! That much I can guarantee you.

    Shadow is next. It takes place in the US with help from the UK; Posh will find himself uncovering intentional assassinations of murderers who have been given a pass by the corrupt judges sitting on benches taking bribes from politicians who need their snipers and drug runners on the streets. It gets ugly, but he'll have plenty of help from the old standbys, and probably a few new names you've not read about -- not yet anyway.

    

Photo Credit: Me. Each notebook, except one, has the notes for two of the Posh books. "Shadow" has its own book. 

Amicus Curiae -- Processing for Print

     My 20th book, "Amicus Curiae," has been sent up to be processed for print. What that means is, it will be slapped together and made into a book. I submitted both the manuscript and the cover. My work isn't done, however. When Ingram Spark receives it, they'll make it into a printable book format and let me know the proof is ready for approval. I'll download the file, review it, and then approve or deny it. I'm pretty sure I will approve, but there have been times when I had to say no because I had made a mistake (or twelve) in the design.

    This time, I went over the interior three or four times while I was writing it. I went over it again just now, and though I've done all that hard work, when it comes back to me in printed form, I know I'll find even more mistakes. The cover should be fine. The book is 312 pages. I said it was 316 to allow some wiggle room in the cover template. When they send it over, I'll review it to ensure everything is properly aligned, not upside down or backward. 

    The way it works is simple. I sent up the manuscript and cover, and they put it together. They ask me to approve it, and when I do, I request a single copy to be printed and sent to me. This allows me to review it and identify any corrections I might have missed while staring at the computer screen. Looking at it as a book is so much different than looking at it on the screen. The texture, the physical book itself, and the font appear significantly smaller in real life than they do on my computer. I definitely need my glasses!

    When I review it, I find grammar, spelling, and spacing issues that I missed. Sometimes I see entire blank pages! I did take care of that, actually - I discovered how to view the book in thumbprint format before sending it up - makes all the difference in the world. I wish I had known this a few books back! I seriously did not know I had that option in Word. I do! I do have that option. I imagine there are more options that I still don't know about. At least I have Grammarly on my side.

    So, it will be a day or so before I am able to approve it. I will order it, have it expedited to me, and I'll correct it. The book should be available for print and purchase on Amazon around October 1, and I'll follow up by paying for the eBook to be produced shortly after. That's the only thing I can't do for free, really -- the cover and manuscript (Canva and Adobe) have small fees associated with them, but I paid over $2700 for a book to be published once, and they only allowed me to make a certain number of corrections. When I paid for the editing, it didn't work out for me. I'm so so so happy to have Ingram Spark on my side now.

    I'll keep you posted. It feels really good to send one up, but it's sad too, because it means the story came to an end. This one, I can spoil a little bit and say, the good guys win. You knew that, right? 

Photo Credit: This is what Crit Waters looks like, the young man accused of murder. (I used Adobe Firefly to create the image)

The Steel Tongue Drum (in 432Hz)

     It could very well be that because I am weird, or odd (I don't always know the difference), I have purchased for myself a blue steel tongue drum for the heck of it. Now, I also bought a smaller one, and I think it's black, but there were several colors in the offering. I can't remember which one I selected. It's OK either way; I am not loyal to one color over the next. The blue one was prettier to me when I saw it, so I know I ordered that one. The blue drum is larger, about 11 inches, and the smaller one is only 4 or 6 inches; it fits in my hand.

    Why a tongue drum? Well, that's a good question. While I was growing up, I was always interested in the sounds that were being made by drums, be that the sound of large bass drums being hit during a concert, or even the handheld conga drums that you'd see a kid carrying around in the early years of my life, the 1960s and the 1970s. Kids were always doing something to make noise somehow, and some of those kids had congas. I loved it. I never owned any, but I loved listening to them

    The Celts (my people) are well known for beating on deer skin drums, as are the patriots who came over and carried on their military traditions. Drums are an intricate part of every corner of my life in one way or another. The steel drum, though, isn't a deerskin or anything synthetic and plastic; nope, it is what it says it is, a steel drum.  These little instruments are both inexpensive and marvelous. They make the deep hollow sounds you hear in meditation videos. They don't clang or clink; they sing.

    When struck, the notes bloom, lifting into the air surrounding your head with tones so clear and soft. Each "tongue", the U-shaped cuts in the metal, has its own voice. It's own note. They give you little stickers to put on them so you can learn them; you can remove the stickers when you've mastered their positions, and if they come with engraved numbers, you'll never have to worry about that. It's a cheap and fun, very beautiful way to relax, think, create, and just hang out with yourself or someone you love.

    It's a soft-sounding instrument; the vibrations are like individual lullabies resonating through your body. If you strike the instrument harder, the tones crash, like waves or thunder, overlapping with each other, and the sounds harmonize as they lift and fall together. The metal, in this case, steel, gives it a crystalline sound - sustaining through several seconds of measured tone before deminishing and disappearing; unlike a wooden drum that will thud. The sound echoes. 

    Believe it or not, the steel-tongued drum is a relatively new instrument, having been developed over the past twenty or so years. It was inspired by the ancient instruments of Africa, Asia, and the Americas, but nothing like it has been found any earlier than 2000; before that, it was literally something else. The steel-tongued drum isn't going out of style anytime soon; every percussion instrument has its purpose, its place, and its punctuation on its audience(s).  I love the tones. I don't aspire to be a guru, but I hope to learn quickly and enjoy it more than watching TV or YouTube videos. 

    Something tells me I would benefit more from learning and creating music than from staring at the computer screen watching crime shows. Maybe I'm wrong, but that's my current thought. I'll see how it turns out and let you know. At least, with the little one, I can take it with me and have something to do if I get stuck somewhere and have nothing to do -- I always have music either in my head or in my heart; but now I'll have it at my fingertips too!

Photo Credit: Pinterest.com

Charlie Kirk (A Tribute)

     Like millions of others, I was hurt, even furious, when I learned of Charlie Kirk's death today, sometime around 2:30 p.m. Oklahoma time. He may have been in the hospital, or being rushed to it, when my daughter came into my office asking me if I was on a call.  She knew I'd want to know about Charlie.  I usually have my noise-cancelling headphones on, so she never knows if I'm engaged in a communication with someone or not. She asked, and I wasn't on a call, so she told me.  The words, I have to admit, caused me to stop, squint, shake my head for a second, and just sort of process what she had said.

    How could Charlie Kirk be injured? Who would hate him enough to do that? Was it really happening? I asked.  It could have been a left-wing nut job, sure, but almost immediately, my head went to someone or something far more sinster; a group of people, a unit or team with a mission; not just to hurt or kill Charlie, but to instill fear into those who, like him, have no problem standing up for what is right - and they speak not just their truth, but Biblical truth; God's truth. It was demonic. No question about it, the person behind this, and it may not be the killer, is possessed.

    The killer took one shot. He/she took the shot from over 200 yards away and hit their target before escaping - that's not some upset youth with an axe to grind over Charlie's right-wing conservative views; this was professional. Charlie wouldn't have hurt that person, not in a million years. One of his last tweets on X was "Jesus defeated death so you could live." That's the way he lived his life; that's why Satan hates him. It won't make any of us stop -- what did they think would happen? That silencing Charlie would kill his thoughts? He lives on in his spirit just as all good people who lead and evangelize do.  His message will be conveyed stronger, louder, and with more gusto than before.

    Talk about a man who stood out among men (and women). He was just 31 years old, almost 32, but had accomplished more in his young life by spreading truth, goodness, debate, fairness, and open communication than most people do in a lifetime. He was a master of the trade, yet he had never attended college to acquire the skills. He was born with the natural means to not only communicate, but to relate, to resonate, and to listen. He was a good listener, which gave him the edge over most. His methods for organizing open-air public gatherings were astounding; not something everyone did. The few who do them will do so differently, of course, but with Charlie on their minds and in their speeches. He'll inspire generations to come.  He was a true patriot - a true American.

    At 18, Kirk started a movement - a movement that some say would have landed him in the White House in a few more years; he'd have a tough time beating J.D. Vance in 2028, but he could have been picked for V.P. Who wouldn't want that ticket? Think of the potential! Jesus knew - and yes, He was there today with Charlie. We don't always know the reasons behind what happens, but God isn't blind. He is all-knowing. Charlie's death didn't take Christ by surprise; He was waiting for him to come through the gates.  We can't know the plan, but we can trust it.

    I never met Charlie Kirk, but I listened to him. I watched him, and I read his words. I listened to others who said how wonderful he was, and how devoted he was to his family, his cause, and the American people. We lost a really good one today, but he's not lost at all -- just waiting for us. They'll catch the bad guy - or woman. They'll catch them -- but if they don't do so, they won't escape justice. No one will. Jesus will return, and when He does, He will bring judgment. Charlie will be avenged, but hopefully, he'll be remembered for who he was and what he gave us. 

Rest in peace, Charlie.  We will pray and ask for healing for your family, your friends, and those who love you.

Photo Credit: West Kentucky Star News 

Amicus Curiae - FINISHED (and Now, the Fluff & Stuff)

     It's always a good feeling when I reach the end of a book, knowing I've done everything I could to make it a good read. I'm not quite there yet, but I'm getting there. I've finished "Amicus Curiae," meaning the book is now written. I've written all 31 chapters, and there's close to 77,000 words. Now, I will go through it, make the necessary changes, corrections, additions, and subtractions; thus, actually finishing the book. Right now, the book is done, but the editing hasn't taken place.

    I do a bit of editing along the way, in that after each chapter, I go back over it looking for mistakes and adding quotations, and other needed punctuation. I go through it rather quickly, knowing I'll go back over it again before sending it up. I go back over it again after it's printed so I can make more corrections. I never get them all, but I do my best. It's not important to me to have a perfect book because not one of my readers is perfect. Nope, not one of them, including myself.

    "Amicus Curiae," which is Latin for "Friend of the Court," is the role that Detective Nick Posh finds himself in. He can't take on other roles or assignments until he's given his testimony, but there are some who don't want him to testify, and others who can't wait until he does. To say it places him in a precarious position is an understatement. At least he's not alone! He has Ralph to help him, and after a while, even Eoghn MacRae shows up to assist.

    MacRae and Nick's family had been in Scotland on holiday. Nick couldn't go, but his time away from his family began to take its toll on him; he was nearly going stir-crazy without them, but he would, of course, find a way to keep them on his mind and in his heart. This is a good book. I like it. I added a few co-workers and even a really ugly, mean, hefty adversary, an insurance adjuster who can't seem to pull herself out of her own butt long enough to help any one of us adjusters. She dies fairly early on in the book, and she's a good, thick, ugly, dead thread throughout the entire manuscript.  I'll send her a copy and highlight the page where I introduce her character.

    Most of the book takes place in the sleepy little town of  El Reno, Oklahoma, so when the book is ready, I'll order 10 copies and give them away to people I've met in the city. They can share them with others, and maybe it will take off -- you just never know. Maybe someday I'll move to El Reno, that is the hope. Laura and I are currently looking for a place with a few acres where she can keep her horses. I just want a good house, two rooms for myself, and a great HVAC system. Of course, the plumbing, electrical, and structural systems of the house must be intact and running well.

    We'll see how the book takes shape after next week. I'll add about 10,000 more words, then correct it once and send it up for print. When it's ready, I'll order one copy to be sent to me, and I'll go through it again to make the final adjustments. It should be available for public purchase around the first of October if my calculations are correct. I'll keep you posted!

Photo Credit: Pinterest.com 

Disappointment in a Box

     Two of my new guitars arrived today, and although one was supposed to come yesterday, I'm OK. I won't go off on any tangent about it being tardy. I think the good people at UPS decided that (through their A.I. system) I was to receive something the next day, so they just waited to send the one in order to put the two together; it makes business sense. I'll not complain about that. What I will complain about, however, is when people who sell guitars misstate or misrepresent their product! That will cause me to complain every single time.

    When the two guitars arrived, I knew one was a parlor-sized guitar and one was considered a 3/4 size guitar.  The parlor-sized classical guitar with nylon strings is smaller than my other parlor guitars, and trust me, it's not even close. Laura likes it, so I gave it to her. I'm probably going to order another one just so I have a nylon-stringed guitar to play that I feel comfortable with. I took the ukulele back for the same reason - it was just too small. I know they are smaller, yes, but it was smaller than I was used to seeing. I did take a trip to Guitar Center today, and I saw several more; I was right, they make them in various sizes.

    So, the Luna Aurora Borealis white 3/4 acoustic was NOT 3/4. I don't care what they say, it's about a 1/2 size or just under 3/4, but it's not big at all. If I were a 9-year-old, I would feel really good about it. It's a lovely instrument, but no, I'm not keeping it. I've put in a refund, and it's been approved. Now, I'm waiting to find out exactly how to do that. I'm one of those people who hate to pay for something like shipping when I feel that the seller didn't tell the truth.

    Anyway, it is what it is. I may not replace it, not yet. I have others. I just really thought a white, pretty guitar would be fun, but it's not needed. It was just something to have, not necessary. The classical, nylon-stringed guitar is needed, and it is necessary.  I will replace that one when the guy gives me my money back on this one - it will be around the same amount, but this time I will demand that they measure it and show me the tape measure proving its height! I'll take full responsibility for not verifying it myself, as it's really my job to do so. 

    Sellers will try whatever they can to sell. I should know that by now. Unless I go to Guitar Center and hold it in my own two hands, I may not buy another one. If I can see a video with a real person holding it, then I will. Norman is a parlor-sized guitar - he's a bit smaller than full size, and lighter. He's just a wonderful little instrument. I don't really need another one, but as I mentioned, I'm looking for a nylon-stringed guitar, so I will have to replace the oversized kids' guitar I gave to Laura. She had no idea she would learn to play so soon!

    It's good to have dogs to eat what's left over on your plate, and a kid to give your left-over non-refundable smaller guitars to. She's 36, but she acts like a kid at times. She can use it when she's streaming - make money and have fun with it. It's an investment - - yeah, that's what it is; an investment.

Photo Credit: Dreamstime.com 

Be Careful Out There! (Scammers Abound)

     As I sometimes do, I was sitting with the dogs this morning, just enjoying my Saturday. I was sipping coffee, thinking about making walnut bread, when I picked up my phone to check on a few quick recipes. As I did, an ad popped up, suggesting a connection to walnut bread, perhaps. It was a GPL-1 ad; selling an over the counter or through the internet supplment that could help a person who was obese to lose between 8-100 pounds; depending on the dose you ordered.

    They had a small, one-box offer for $16.99, accompanied by a virtual promise of losing 8 pounds in about three weeks. That sounded doable, and I wondered about their reviews. I checked them out online, and while it wasn't good, it wasn't bad either. I decided to order one box to see if the stuff really worked. That way, if it did, I could order another box and complete the job more efficiently and with a plan. It didn't work out that way!

    I ordered the one box, and while scrolling through to check out, I had to click a few things to get to the payment section. The only problem is that, somehow, because of the buttons I pushed, I accidentally ordered another four boxes, but hey, they were half off! No, that's not what I wanted, and they had already charged me! They had already charged me, and they had already taken the money out of my account within seconds. I was duped, and I was mad.

    I'd been through this sort of thing before, recently in fact, and the bank won't simply agree not to pay since I used my debit card. I explained to the bank that I had only authorized one box, not five. They basically told me I could stop the payment, but they'd have to capture the card -- on a weekend. I couldn't get my new card until Monday, and I'd rather not wait. You just never know what could happen. I was pissed. 

    I wrote to the customer service department of the company, which is called NEWLLIFE, and I demanded my money back. I wasn't nice about it. I told the customer service rep that I would turn the matter over to the new Trump Administration - and someone would have oversight! I told them I would not allow them to continue to scam people like that. The area I needed to click was both faint in color and tiny in font size. I found it - after I had already paid.

    The service rep was kind enough to say she was refunding me, and she apologized for the inconvenience. It makes me wonder if it was because I was adamant or because I threatened to turn the matter over to a federal agency. Either way, they gave me my $52.47 back, and no, I did not accept her offer of only paying for one. I told her if her company chooses to flim-flam people the way they did, I was certain their product wasn't as nifty as they say it is.

    I must not have had enough coffee! Then again, I am only drinking decaf these days. My brain wasn't up and running like it should be, but whenever I hear the service reps on the phone and they not only have a foreign accent, but one all too familiar with scamming and would-be liars, it makes me shake my head. They had a much better website and setup than most. I was fooled (again), but hopefully, I'll start paying much closer attention and do the research completely before buying online, except for Amazon or Kroger.

    No, I'm not going to check to see if either Kroger or Amazon sells it - I'll stay fat. The rapture is coming soon anyway!

Photo Credit: Facebook.com 

Meet Fionn. (Number 7 and Probably the Last)

     I say the last as if I mean it. I should mean it. A person needs to know their boundaries, and with seven acoustic guitars, I think I've reached the top. That is unless I find something really cool, or really different, or really unique. I don't have a Stella Harmony. I used to have an old Stella, but she was stolen. I haven't replaced her, not even with all the 7 new guitars I've purchased since her departure. No, I'm not looking to do so. I can grieve without replacement.

    I wasn't going to do it, but it couldn't be helped. I find myself going to places like Reverb, eBay, and Musicians' Friend, and I see things that make me want to just say yes. I also said to myself that the extra bonus I received this past month more than makes up for the new purchases, and it does. Besides, I don't pay for services like getting my hair done, manicuring my nails, or having facials or spa days. I don't buy wine, cigarettes, beer, or drugs - not even gummies. I really am rather boring when you think about it.

    So, how did I end up with Fionn? Well, simple story really. I went to Reverb and looked up white acoustic guitars on sale, and there it was. I'm going to say he. Most of my guitars are boys. I have a girl coming tomorrow - her name is Starr. (for Belle Starr)  The word "Fionn" is Celtic, and it means fair one or white. I could have named it "Blanca," I suppose, but I am more inclined to call things by something that I'm closer to; and that would be the Celts.  

    The thing is, Fionn is a Luna Aurora Borealis guitar; probably a newer model, but it was an overstock, and the larger warehouse that once had it in stock sold it on Reverb, and they lowered the price to get it out of their stock to make room for their more expensive units. I love that. I'm all for finding a deal. They range in price from $179 to $1500; this one might be around a $249-$400 model, but it was on sale for $109, with an additional $29 for shipping. You can't beat that. You really can't. It's unused and new, but I estimate it's about four or five years old and has been sitting in the back of a big warehouse somewhere.

    There's nothing really fancy about it, but it's white. I have a black Fender, and to be honest, I have a black and white checkered guitar that I gave to my granddaughter, which I really miss (hopefully she loves it). I thought Fionn would fit in just perfectly with the others. I have to stop buying guitars, and I think I can now. I think I have reached a point where even 5-10 minutes a night for each will keep me playing for a while.  That's my goal - to play each one every night or every other night, so I can show them all that they really do mean a great deal to me.

    Playing guitar, or in my case, learning to play guitar, is so much better than watching silly shows or wasting my time doing something much more costly. If you think about it, my hobby is rather inexpensive, and I don't have to feed any of them. I don't have to pay board; I just have to train them. One at a time, and I'll let them all watch while I play the other one so they get the idea of what I'm trying to do. Sooner or later we'll all work it out -- one free online lesson at a time!

    Fionn (pronounced "Fin") will be here in about a week. I'll get the others first; one coming tomorrow, then one the next day, and one the next after that. If I were looking in from the outside, I might say I have a problem, but then again, I could also say that I had a plan and it's all coming together. When I get my new house, I'll have three on the wall and four on the floor in their stands. I hope to learn as much as I can and play well enough to freehand it. I'm not hoping to learn songs or covers. I just want to play. No one has to hear me. I just like them; I always have.

    Seven is a good number. I'd have seven dogs if I were allowed. With Fionn, I think the buying spree is over, and now Phase II can commence - with a heavy focus on training. My finger tips are getting to that point -- I don't think I'll ever perform with any of my new friends, but I will tell each one of them what they mean to me, and they can help me heal from within. Music does that; it doesn't have to be pretty or precise; it just has to come from the soul.

Photo Credit: Reverb.com

Kroger Delivery! (I am a fan)

     I would say, if I had to guess, that I shop for food more often than most, and I'd say that I really love my grocery store. I don't actually have a grocery store, but I shop online a lot, and I use Kroger delivery. I know my neighbors must think I'm crazy because none of them use Kroger, and my landlord tells me that she's heard them talking about me when they pay their rent or go into the office to ask for maintenance help. I'll explain.

    I live in the same complex I've lived in for more than a decade, but I no longer live in the apartment complex part of it. I live in a little house that is literally in the corner of the two branches of the complex. Think of it as an "L" shape, and that's me in the corner of it. I'm really super happy about this house, but that's not to say that I'm staying in it too long. My neighbors are one of those reasons.

    When we lived on the other side of the "L", Laura and I would and could walk around without issue. We were forever outside with the dogs, and the neighbors that lived on that side of the place. We knew everyone, we watched out for everyone. There have been several friends and neighbors who, over the past 10 years, have passed away; most of them didn't actually move away. When you move into this joint, you die here! (LOL) 😀

    Well, we moved from the 2-bedroom upstairs unit we occupied for over 9 years to this 3-bedroom bungalow home that has more room, bigger rooms, large windows, higher ceilings, a washer and dryer, a backyard, a carport, and so many other amenities.  The neighbors on this side are independent. They don't gather, they don't mingle. They just do their own thing, like 99% of the world probably, but it's not the same. One or two of them antagonize my dogs, and that's a problem.

    Kroger delivery won't deliver upstairs, so I couldn't do it the entire time I lived in the unit that we lived in, but now I can. Because we're downstairs, they deliver! YES! The neighbors in the downstairs units could do it, but I think they think it's more expensive. It is not. ($5.99 for a gallon of milk, $3.79 for a dozen cage-free eggs, $1.00 for a package of Chicken of the Sea tuna - to give you an example)

    I'd say we order 2.5 times a month, and it's always around $130 each time. So, if you do the math, we spend about $300 or $350 a month, which isn't much for two people for a month, and we eat well. We spend more on paper products, dog food, cat food, stuff like that, but those things come from Amazon. Kroger has those things, but we prefer the prices at Amazon. My landlord hears about that, too. You'd think these people would have more to talk about!!

    So, Kroger supports those ready made meals; the ones you see online for 1/2 off everytime you order (it's 1/2 off for the first box, then you're obligated to buy more at full price and it could really add up if you did it) I can see spending the $56-62 a week for 10 meals (5 each for the 2 of us) but I can't see me spending $113-125 a week on the same. NOPE...not when we can get pretty much the same things and do it ourselves for less.

    Kroger has pre-cooked meats (beef and pork) that are microwavable, and they have Bob Evans mashed potatoes or mac and cheese. You can get frozen veggies and nuke those too, and there you have it, a prepared meal! No fuss. We do that two times a week; one pork and one beef.  It saves on time, dishes, effort, and it's rather tasty - and less expensive. If you think it through, you can find what you need.

    I've shopped there long enough that now I pay $69 a year and my deliveries are free. I don't pay $7.98 for the driver to deliver, but I still give a tip. (I tip $10 each time because it's not expected, Kroger pays well enough, I'm told.) The thing is, if I wanted something delivered tomorrow, I could do it. I don't usually have it delivered the next day. I usually go out a few days and plan well enough ahead to have space in my pantry. (I did overload the freezer last time - have to watch that!)

    When I move, I want to be sure Kroger will deliver to wherever it is that we go. I'm thinking a small city, but Laura's thinking a place with land, so if it's country living we have in our future, I hope Kroger delivers there as well. I really don't want to get up, drive to the store, shop, stand in line, load my groceries, drive home, unload my groceries, and repeat. I just want to tip the driver and put the things away!

    Yes, I know, I'm really super lazy - you got me! I'm caught! Yes, I love going to grocery stores and staring at everything, but I hate the crowds, and I hate the people arguing all the time. It's like they wait to be in my space before throwing it down with one another - I avoid all that now. I avoid all that because I don't go into the stores! I do, but only to get one or two things that I wouldn't bother Kroger to bring to me, and I wouldn't want to pay a tip for a few things either. 

    Well, that's it, that's my Kroger endorsement. I could say, and I should say, that I have NEVER been disappointed in what they have picked out as far as produce. A lot of people I speak with say they'd be wary of that, but I'm not. They always find really good produce, and if something needs to be substituted, they tell me. They ask. They don't just do it. I get the final say. I like that too. Such a good deal!! As for the price? You see it when you order - If you don't like it, don't buy it.  It's not any more than Aldi, Walmart, or a similar store - cheaper than Target for the most part. I will use it for years to come.

    Good prices, good food, good service. What's not to love?

    

Photo Credit: Kroger.com