Visiting the Farm

This is a sequel to A Book Club Like No Other!

Bert kept nodding off as he worked at the computer. The bright white lights were not helping him stay awake. They were just giving him a headache. He still had to make it through four more hours of work. Hard to do when he barely got any sleep last night. Sleeping with one eye open made for a restless, tense night. What was he going to do?

He was regretting giving up coffee and may find himself giving into temptation soon. Trying to be more healthy by drinking water and V-8 juice didn’t help him wake up!

Staring at the blank computer screen made him wonder why he hadn’t just called off sick. He sure wasn’t getting anything productive done today.

Bert had argued with himself over and over. Maybe he was silly to be worried. Surely his adoring Pauline would not be so devious as to plan something so horrible. Or was she? Did he really not know his wife at all?

When he had confronted her about the book he had found on her bedside table, “The Perfect Murder”, she had said it was for her book club. Then with a hint of mischief in her eyes she smiled. “Remember, you encouraged me to get out more and to join the club.”

He hadn’t been quite sure what to say, for she spoke the truth. “But I didn’t know the book would be about planning a murder!” He had sputtered out at her with a red face.

She patted his cheek. “Awww don’t be worried!” The sound of her eerie laughter still echoed in his head.

That had not helped reassure him at all. He knew how she held grudges and made lists of the people that her grudges were against. Never had he seen The List, for she wouldn’t let him, but he had often heard about it.

The computer screen was still blank, he had to get some work done before his boss yelled at him. That would not help his headache. Work now and then he would contemplate about what to do about Pauline.

Mallory was pleased to see everyone back again. She was glad she hadn’t scared them off at the first Bookclub meeting. But wait, where was Pauline?

Where was she? Everything was white around her. Why couldn’t she move? What did she have on her? She tried to squirm as much as she could and when that didn’t help, she screamed!

Dr. Norris heard the scream in the hallway. His new patient had awakened. Opening her door he walked in. “Now, now Pauline, quiet down. I am Dr. Norris. You are fine. We just want to evaluate you. We will get your strait jacket off soon, if you promise not to be combative. Your husband did say you were feisty.”

Her husband! What had he done? Had he put her here? She vaguely remembered him telling her to go with the nice men in the white coats. There was music playing as she got in the wagon and one of the men had handed her an ice cream cone. Then the next thing she knew she was here, waking up in a strange bed.

She noticed the words printed on the doctor’s white jacket and her face flushed, “Fruitville Funny Farm.” Oooh she was simmering with anger. Bert was moving up to the top of her list for sure!

Tuesday’s Thoughts!

Happy Tuesday! I hope it is a happy one for you. I am soaking up Vitamin D out on my patio. Shared some Peppermint Hot Chocolate  icecream with my daughter along with fresh strawberries. All is well! When you have a moment, grab your favorite snack and enjoy today’s quotes.

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One Moment in Time!

Painting by Stephen Mackey

Maddy was in deep concentration. Trying her best to focus, keeping her thoughts from being like jumping sheep going all different directions.

This day had taken a huge wild turn and she didn’t know what to make of it.

One moment she was admiring herself in her new full length mirror and the next moment she is the hostage of a rather large rabbit! He had walked right out of the mirror and grabbed her.

“You are taking a long time to decide. Can you hurry it up please? If you take much longer I may be late for a very important date.” The rabbit looked impatiently at Maddy.

“Girls take a lot of time to make up their mind.” Maddy replied.

The rabbit made a deep sigh. “Oh, believe me I know! I have 30 daughter’s! I was hoping the human species would be different, but it appears that I was wrong.”

“Well perhaps I could decide quicker if you would take this stupid blindfold off of me.”

“Fine! If thats what it takes.” He removed Maddy’s blindfold.

Maddy’s hand flew to her mouth. “That cake looks divine. Can I have a piece?”

“Only after you make your wish. Don’t you know anything?”

Maddy made a face at the rabbit. “I am thinking! Maybe I should wish for you to disappear.” The rabbit was silent.

Hmmm….thought Maddy, perhaps she could wish to be the fairest one of all. Nah! She wanted something more exciting. Think, Think, Think, she told herself. Maybe she should wish to fly like Peter Pan and go to Neverland?

“Daddy, Daddy!” Maddy was surprised to see two adorable bunnies hopping up to the large rabbit. The rabbit looked as shocked as Maddy.

“Toffee and Coffee, what are you doing here?”

“Mama sent us, you are late!”

The large rabbit’s complexion paled. “See the trouble you caused me! I am late for my important date!” He shouted at Maddy.

“Mama is hopping mad!” The twins said to their Daddy.

“Time is up! No wish and no cake for you.” He grabbed both cakes from the table, hoping that they would make a nice peace offering for his wife. She did take great delight in carrot cake.

He turned to Coffee and Toffee. “Quick! Lets go!” And they started running away.

“Hey! You can’t leave!” Shouted Maddy, “I don’t know where I am, how do I get home?” They ignored her and all she saw were their white tails disappearing behind a tree.

Well, now what was she supposed to do? She smacked her head on the table in frustration, she felt so confused.

Opening her eyes she saw a large full length mirror. She rubbed her eyes and looked around in shock at where she was. How did she get back home? Her clock said it was 1am!

Maddy’s foggy mind was trying to make sense of things. Then she saw it. Her play book was on her bed beside her. She must have fallen asleep in the middle of trying to memorize her lines for the Snow White play that she was in.

Maddy smiled, dreams sure can be crazy! Turning off the light she soon fell back asleep.

“You are lucky I like carrot cake! You really think I should believe your wild tale about being late because of some girl named Maddy?”

He waited with his heart thumping as she stared him down. “Its true! Its true! She couldn’t…”

“Wake up Maxwell! Wake up! You must be dreaming. You were shouting in your sleep.” Mrs. Rabbit sighed. The one night that the twins, Toffee and Coffee don’t wake her up, Maxwell does! No rest for the weary.

Chess to the Rescue … Beauty in Black Teeth … When a President Cares about Santa and more Rare facts!

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I wonder if there was a strange taste to it.

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I am sure he never expected that being a Chess master would save his life some day!

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One can never plant too many trees.

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A cover of David Bowie’s song “Space Oddities” was also recorded on it.

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I had to laugh at this but also felt sorry for poor Jeremy. I did look up more info on it and you will all be glad to know that before his death in 2017 he did find a mate.

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Too sweet!

A Book Club Like No Other!

Painting image from Pinterest

The sweet orange tea was ready. Her door was open and ready. All Mallory needed to do was wait. The day was just beginning and she anticipated with much eagerness what it would hold for her.

“Welcome, so glad you came.”

The lady stood nervously at Mallory”s door as she looked around.

“Come on over your cup of tea is ready. “

She stayed silent as she sat down. Only giving a simple nod in response to Mallory”s questions. Her eyes kept darting from side to side. Mallory suspected that the slightest noise may have her jumping out of her seat.

Another lady stood in the doorway, her hair was a fiery red color and she was completely opposite of Mrs. Moot.

“Hi! My name is Carrie, and I am so ready for today. I need to take care of a certain annoying problem as soon as possible. You are going to tell me how, right?” Her green eyes looked directly at Mallory, who tried not to feel uncomfortable under her scrutiny.

“I am going to try my best.” Promised Mallory. “Help yourself to tea and some orange walnut muffins. ”

“No nuts for me!”

“No problem, I have plain orange muffins as well.” Mallory smiled handing it to her.

Mrs. Moot, who hadn’t said a word spoke up. “I would like some plain muffins too, please.” She immediately looked down at her tea after she spoke. Mallory wondered if she was only a naturally more reserved lady or was she extra nervous about today.

Nerves hit Mallory again, and she tried to push them down. All would go as planned, she was sure. One more lady was expected and then they could begin.

Carrie was chattering away, as Mallory tuned her in and out.

The door banged shut behind her. Miss Pauline had entered Mallory”s house. She wore a thick pair of red glasses and had chocolate brown hair.

“I am ready. I brought my list along.”

“Your list?” , inquired Mallory.

“Well yes, I want to be all prepared when the time comes. Just go down the list scratching them off.”

Mallory almost spit out her tea, glancing at the list. There had to be at least ten names!

After everyone had their fill of muffins and more refills of tea the meeting began.

Mallory handed out one hard back book to each lady.

“Welcome to a different kind of book club ladies. As you are aware we are reading “The Perfect Murder. I promise you one thing, this will be like nothing you have ever experienced before.

Your assignment is to read Chapter one, for next week. Shall we all turn to Chapter One please. Carrie, could you please read the chapter title out loud?

“The Simple Tea and muffins method”

The silence was deafening and Mallory had a wicked smile on her face, as she saw some of the color drain out of their faces. Poor Mrs.Moot looked sadly at the crumbs on her plate.

Miss Pauline sighed, thinking of how she had two cups of the delicious tea.

Mallory knew she had to speak up and put them out of their misery.

“Relax everyone, you have survived Chapter One. But, maybe only one of you will survive and make it through this whole book? Maybe this is a test of your wit, and there are challenges in each chapter. She gave them all a wink. Are you all brave enough to try? If so, sign a waiver before you leave, then have a delightful day! My next group of ladies are due soon.

Friday’s Super Short Stories!

… “When you know the notes to sing … ” Congrats to Julie Andrews for winning a Lifetime Achievement Award … The Sound of Music has warmed my heart ever since I been a child and it was fun to see the children from the movie come to honor Julie Andrews … 

Talking about warming the heart … holding my great-niece yesterday and watching my parent’s hold her was one of my favorite things. What was a heart warming moment for you this past week?

When you see a news article that says, “New research shows that a Vitamin D deficiency can increase the risk of dementia…” and you tell yourself, what do they know … as you think about booking a 3 month trip to the Caribbean this winter … to lay in the sun!

Believing in Yourself!

Pinterest image

Her heart flowed out as she painted. With one more brush stroke she was finished. Standing back Joanna admired her work.

Many times when standing back she would find flaws in her art, but this time it all came together so perfectly. Yes, she was ready. She allowed herself to exhale. It was finished, her painting for the art show was ready.

“Oh Joanna, its amazing.” She turned at the sound of Madison’s voice.

“Thanks. I can’t believe I let you talk me into participating in this contest.”

“Just remember who to thank when you are handed the big check for first place!” Madison flashed her a teasing grin.

“I dare say that you have enough confidence and optimism for both of us.”

“That is fine with me. You keep painting and I will keep being your biggest fan. After all it comes with so many perks.”

Joanna gave her a questioning look. “Perks?”

“Absolutely! I have always wanted to go to NYC. Stroll through Central Park and see a Broadway show.”

Joanna was cleaning up her painting supplies as she spoke. “What does that have to do with being my biggest fan?”

“Welll….” there was a pause and Joanna looked up.

“What did you do?”

Looking sheepish, Madison confessed. “I may have signed you up for an Art show there. Think of all the publicity!”

“Madison!”

“I am going to be such a fabulous agent for you. You only need to have ten paintings for the show. Its a whole month away.”

Madison started quickly walking away,as Joanna wished she had something to throw at her.

One month for ten paintings! She groaned. Madison believed too much in her! But Joanna did love her best friend. She was Lucy, and Joanna was Ethel. Oh the crazy times they have had.

“Sit back and enjoy the ride my ladies.” It was a gorgeous day for a horse and carriage ride through Central Park.

“I have to thank you Madison. Look at what you pushed me to do and look how it has turned out! I won the Art show back home and now here we are in New York. If it wasn’t for you I may never have entered these Art shows. In fact I know I wouldn’t have. But you believed in me.” She squeezed Madison’s hand. “Thank you, my precious friend!”

“You don’t know how glad I am to hear that, for did you know that there will be an upcoming show at the Louvre!

“The Louvre! You mean the one in Paris?” she shrieked.

“That is the only one I know of, sooo….Yes!”

Joanna was speechless for a moment. “You are too much!”

“I am counting on walking in your gallery someday and maybe way into the future the children will study about you, the famous artist in their history books.”

Joanna burst out laughing. “Now I know you are crazy!”

“Just please don’t cut off your ear, like Van Gogh, don’t stop bathing like Michelangelo(or we could have a problem!)” Joanna made a face. “No worries there!”

Don’t paint in your car, like Georgia O’Keefe. You will need a much bigger car for that. Bigger than your VW punchbug.

Also I recommend that you don’t take 14 years to finish a painting! Though if there is a chance of it becoming as popular as the Mona Lisa, you may want to try that.

Here is a fact that you can admire, don’t let anything stand in your way. For 20 years Renoir suffered from crippling arthritis, but he kept painting. Shoot for the moon, Joanna, even if you miss, you will land among the stars.”

“Hmmm… how interesting, what particular,unique trait should I have?”

“I will get busy on making a list, don’t you worry. ”

Shaking her head and smiling, Joanna closed her eyes as she laid her head back, listening to Madison prattle on about her unique traits. Oh, the blessing of friendship!

Revenge of the Caterpillars

Painting by Richard Johnson

Looked like the gardener missed some weeds again. Marcus was one of the best gardeners around, so Tiffany could overlook his minor faults. She really did love the color of the deep pink color of the flowers  this year that he had planted.

“Good Morning Miss Tiffany! Out for your morning stroll. I trust the garden meets your expectations?”

“You have given it your magic touch Marcus, but there are some weeds that you missed back there.” She pointed behind her.

“I would have pulled them, but I had no gloves and one can’t expect me to use my bare hands to pull up dreadful weeds.”Disgust crossed her face.

“I will see to it right away Miss.”

He turned around and muttered as he walked. “One can’t expect you to do anything with your bare hands, Miss Fancy pants!”

Marcus should be more careful with what he said out loud,  even if the words were true. If Miss Tiffany would hear him, he would be without a job and with a baby on the way, he had to keep working for sure. Cyndi, his wife, was counting on his paycheck.

Marcus pulled the tiny weeds and was headed back inside for a refreshing, cold drink when he noticed something else on the ground. A rather large rock. He bent down to pick it up, before Miss Tiffany tripped over it and twisted her ankle.

He was going to throw it out of the garden when he saw the writing on the bottom of the rock. Someone had taken a black marker to it. He read the words twice and pondered what they might mean, if anything.

“X marks the spot” The spot for what? It was probably nothing, just Miss Tiffany’s nephews playing a game. They had been here for a few weeks and played outside a lot. He tossed the rock out of the garden.

“Watch out Chester!” His wife yelled.

SPLAT! Sadly it was too late for Chester. Since when did they have to worry about flying rocks! It was tough being a slow caterpillar. All the caterpillars were in shock at the death of their friend.

Marcus walked through the rest of the garden double checking everything. Miss Tiffany’s guests were coming tomorrow.  Things had to be perfect and he smiled,  for it looked like they were.

Walking back to the house he passed the rock that he had thrown. Wow! It was covered with caterpillars. He didn’t know if he had ever seen so many caterpillars at one place before.

Miss Tiffany’s party the next day was a grand success. She was thrilled that her garden was chosen to be pictured in next month’s edition of Beautiful Gardens.

A few weeks later Marcus was on the way to the garden and he saw it. He saw the X. It was partially hidden but he saw it. Was there anything under it? Should he start digging under the bush? He figured why not, what did he have to lose?

Sweat was pouring from him. He had to finish digging soon. Miss Tiffany was due back and she would wonder what he was doing. This had all been a waste of time, he should have….Oh he saw a gold glint! Marcus couldn’t believe what he was looking at. He had found gold!! Gold coins!

“Marcus! Oh Marcus where are you?”

That was Miss Tiffany, she must be back early. He didn’t want her to see the gold.

“I will be right there Miss Tiffany, I am coming.” He hurried off to see what she wanted.

That was him, the man who threw the rock that smashed poor Chester. Something had to be done! Dennis watched the man leave and he called an emergency meeting of all the garden critters.

Marcus was getting nervous, he wanted to get back out to his gold. Miss Tiffany though had other plans.  She had him rearranging her furniture! He was a gardener not an interior decorator, but here he was hanging pictures as well.

He was in her house for the rest of the evening.  By the time he came outside it was dark. Thankfully she had garden lights and he had a high powered flashlight. Excitement was rising up in him. Cyndi, would be ecstatic about the gold!

Finding the bush he …. Wait, where was the hole? This had to be the bush.  The X was there and so was the shovel. Panic seized him. He wanted that gold.

Grabbing the shovel he started to dig and he kept digging everywhere,  like a madman. When he couldn’t dig anymore due to exhaustion he hung his head in despair. The gold was gone. One moment of ecstacy and then it was gone! He headed home, he could barely keep his eyes open. Tomorrow he would cover up all the holes before Miss Tiffany was awake. She was a late riser.

Excitement stirred in the burrow. The caterpillars, bunnies, squirrels and chipmunks were having a party. They were all friends at Miss Tiffany’s garden and Chester had been a well respected caterpillar. He was loved by everyone.  So they all were more than happy to help the caterpillars get revenge.

They took all of the gold into the rabbit’s burrow and the squirrels buried some. The chipmunks weren’t really sure what to do with it. They tried to eat it, but it wasn’t tasty at all. The main thing was that they had taken it from the man. “Hip hip hooray!” They all cheered, as a few tears spilled  out of the eyes of Chester’s family.

Why was photography equipment set up? Marcus  felt a a feeling of dread when he pulled into Miss Tiffany’s driveway. She was standing on the porch looking none too happy. He knew he was late, he had overslept, but…. Then it hit him. He had totally forgotten.  They were taking photos today of Miss Tiffany’s garden for the magazine!

She was at his car as soon as he opened the door and her face was beet red!

“You are late and why are there holes everywhere?,” she shrieked!

Poor Marcus, it was going to be a LONG day!

Tuesday’s Thoughts!

Happy First Day of Summer! At least according to the calendar, we have already had summer temps! I am glad to report though that my flowers have survived the Spring and are still alive and well going into Summer. This could be a record breaking year of not killing flowers, or ….

Enjoy the quotes and have a great week!

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The Perfect Ending

This is the conclusion to my post, What Would She Do? Enjoy!

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Amanda stared in the mirror, wondering who that stunning woman looking back at her was. Could it really be her? Was she really getting married?

Everything had been such a whirlwind, since the letter had arrived. One moment she was sobbing on Cara’s shoulder and the next moment they were planning a wedding.

Here she was minutes away from getting married in Old man Fuzzywhistle’s meadow.

“You look absolutely gorgeous.” Cara was standing on one side of her.and Sara on the other.

Amanda couldn’t stop smiling, she was beyond happy that she was getting married to the most eligible bachelor in town. Out of all the other single ladies, he only had eyes for her.

She knew he would still be the heartthrob of Bittersweet Creek, and that was fine. It made her feel proud. After all, the old ladies needed someone to dream about.

“You have stars in those eyes girl. Starry eyed over Mason, you obviously need help,” Cara teased.

“Thank you both so much! How you ladies managed to plan this in such a short time. Maybe you both should be wedding planners?”

“Hmmm….what do you think Cara?”

“We could start a side business perhaps. You already have a flower shop and we know that Mason would be lost without me to run the coffee shop. I dread the thought of what the coffee would taste like.”

They laughed, made the finishing touches to Amanda’s hair and waited for the music to start.

Her childhood dreams were about to come true. The prince with the luxurious hair had come for her and nothing was going to stop their wedding. To think that she had been so upset at first about the letter, thinking she shouldn’t get married.

The letter was from her crazy uncle! She barely even knew him but he came out when he heard about the castle being left to her. Funny how many people claimed the castle should be their’s instead. A while back Mason was kidnapped by that one crazy imposter, but he had been long gone since Jenny worked her magic spell! All he did was Quack now.

This was her actual Uncle, not an imposter. But Amanda still wasn’t about to let her have the castle that her precious grandparent’s had left to her. He threatened Mason which had scared her at first. But … something mysteriously happened to her uncle.

Amanda remembered how shocked she had been to hear from her aunt. Her Aunt Tina was so kind and apologized profusely for her uncle’s letter. Then she had proceeded to tell her that her uncle couldn’t be found. He was working in the fields one day and when she walked out to bring him a drink he was gone! Strangely enough there was some silvery cowbell where he had been.

“Thanks Betsy” breathed Amanda but she hadn’t attempted to explain about Betsy to her aunt. At least her aunt wasn’t upset! Aunt Tina had said that if he hadn’t left she would have. “Good riddance!”

Amanda had many calls with her aunt. She was enjoying getting to know her. Felt wonderful to find a relative, and how thankful she was that her aunt made it for the wedding.

The music… Amanda was so lost in her thoughts she almost didn’t catch the cue. Her moment had arrived! Everyone was standing and smiling at her, but the only person Amanda focused on was the man who painted her sky.

This was only the beginning of a lifetime of the most enchanting adventure of all!

“And now I pronounce you husband and wife. Mason you may kiss the bride … Mason!”

He was flat out on the floor. The most eligible, confident bachelor of the town had simply fainted. Apparently love had him so twitterpated, that he had fainted dead away.

He wasn’t out for too long, and he was a little shaky as he stood to his feet. The guests sighed with relief tbat he was okay.

“Shall we try again?’ the minister said, with a smile, “Mason you may kiss the bride.”

The wedding was the talk of the town and everyone agreed on one thing. When Mason and Amanda kissed, and the doves were released into the sky, it would have made the perfect ending to a Hallmark movie.