Going Under!

This is Day 2 of the First Annual 10 Days of Heat writing challenge hosted by P. J. at A ‘lil HooHaa. Today's prompt is Tokyo, Japan. Please join me in checking out the other hot stories.

The continuing adventures of FBI agents, Charlie and Alex.

Charlie grinned as he hung up the phone. "Wow, that's new. Interpol wants us to help track down a Japanese art dealer."

"Okay, I'll bite," replied Alex who had been lounging in the doorway, "Since when does the FBI track down art dealers?"

"Since the art dealer deals in stolen art and is also a murder suspect in Tokyo. They want us to find him and send him back," Charlie said shaking his head. "I think we're getting singled out for the unusual cases."

"That couldn't be because we have been racking up results and solving unsolvable cases out the wazoo, now could it," quipped Alex. "I mean just look at these new digs" waving his hand around to indicated Charlie's new office. "Way to go lead agent in the Atlanta field office."

Always ready to dive into a new case, Alex asked,"So where do we start? What do we know other than the dude is Japanese, a murder suspect and apparently here in the city since we're the ones who got the call."

"Interpol is sending us the file." Charlie grinned again, "In the meantime, we are going to work on our cover." 

Now Alex was the one grinning. "I thought you'd like that idea," said Charlie. "Just remember, nothing ever goes as planned." He thought for a moment, and said "I'll be a shady art dealer and you can be a rich collector. That should get some attention of the unsavory kind. I'll have Sheila get us a list of museums, auction houses and art dealers so we can start playing our roles."

"A rich art collector, huh? I like it," said Alex striking a pose.

"Don't get too carried away now. This guy's a murder suspect and I expect he'd like to stay on the outside of the iron bars," Charlie cautioned. "Now speaking of bars, let's go get a couple cold ones while we plan our strategy."

"I second that," said Alex. "Are you driving?" 

Other Adventures of Charlie and Alex:

Risky Business

Aliens, Really?
The Colombians
The Key
Stranded
The Last Laugh
The Morning After

Bears, Beans and Beer

Kidnapped

Jenna's Misfortune

Murder in the Warehouse

A Rough Week in Philly

San Francisco Connection

No Grunt, No Glory

Crush Or Be Crushed

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It Looked Good To Charlene!

This is Day 1 of the first annual 10 Days of Heat writing challenge hosted by P. J. at A ‘lil HooHaa. Today's prompt is On a hot summer's night. Please join me in checking out the other hot stories.

As is often the case, the start of the challenge arrives to find me staring blankly at my screen. The gun is fired, they're off and I am scrambling to catch up. It has been a busy summer (and a hot one, too, hereabouts). However, I've never missed a challenge day yet, sometimes flying by the seat of my pants and clinging to the last shred of my sanity, so without further excuses and whining, here we go.

After one look at today's prompt, I immediately felt relief. I have an out. Actually, I have an earworm, which I will happily pass along to all you unsuspecting souls. You're welcome. 😉

We were browsing around the store the other day...yes earworms can linger for days. Anyway, they were playing some pretty good music, none of which I remember...except this one.

They were farm kids way down in Dixie
They met in high school in the 'sixties.
Everyone knew it was love from the start.
One July in the midnight hour,
They climbed upon the water tower,
Stood on the rail and painted a ten foot heart
In John Deere green, on a hot summer night.
He wrote Billy Bob loves Charlene in letters three foot high,
And the whole town said that he should've use red
But it looked good to Charlene in John Deere Green.
They settled down on eighty acres,
Raising sweet corn, kids and tomatoes,
They went together like a hand and a glove.
On a clear day, from their front yard,
If you look and know what to look for,
Off to the east you can still read his words of love
He wrote Billy Bob loves Charlene in letters three foot high,
And the whole town said that he should've use red
But it looked good to Charlene in John Deere Green.
Now more than once the town has discovered
Painting over it ain't no use.
There ain't no paint in the world that'll cover it,
The heart keeps showing through.
In John Deere green, on a hot summer night,
He wrote Billy Bob loves Charlene in letters three foot high.
And the whole town said that he should've used red
But it looked good to Charlene in John Deere green.

Performed by Joe Diffie

Songwriters: Dennis Linde

John Deere Green lyrics © Sony/ATV Music Publishing LC

I hadn't heard that in years, but wow that took me back and had my feet tap-tapping right there in the store. I mentioned to hubby that I felt sorry for anyone who had to view the security videos.

For anyone wanting revenge, please feel free to leave your own earworms in the comments.



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Hi, What Are You?

We found this cute little fellow on our back door as we were heading out to the store. He was up near the top of the screen, so hubby snapped a picture for me.

He is known as the Eastern-Eyed Click Beetle, but those lovely spots for which he is named are not really his eyes.

He was probably about 1.5 inch long, and definitely an attention grabber. These interesting creatures are harmless to people, i.e., they do not bite or sting, nor do they damage property. 

Like other click beetles, these click or snap to right themselves, or to avoid predators, and they can also fly. 

They are actually garden friendly, so if you see them, just let them go about their merry way. I've never seen one before so it's nice to encounter a friendly critter amongst the usual bombardment of ants and mosquitoes.

If you're interested, you can read more about them here and here.




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Looking Into Your Mirror

If you are irritated by every rub, how will your mirror be polished?

― Jalaluddin Rumi

Image Source: Wikipedia

Maulana Jalaluddin Rumi was many things. He was a Persian poet, a Sufi Mystic, a Sunni Muslim poet, an Islamic scholar and a theologian. He was born in 1207 A.D. and is considered one of the greatest spiritual masters. His poetry has also gained favor in the Western world in recent years.

So what is Rumi saying here? Obviously he is not talking about taking a rag and Windex® to your bathroom mirror. The rub is any little thing that doesn't suit you. It may be something as minor as being asked for the umpteenth time to take out the trash or mow the lawn, to a personal slight, real or perceived, that leaves you with hurt feelings.

Now for the mirror part. You want to be a shining example of humanity, but you can't be that person when every irritation grates at you so much that your finish becomes dull and you are unable to shine. In order to shine again, you must find a way to change how you handle the rubs on the inside so that your surface may be polished and your inner goodness is reflected in your mirror.

How is your mirror looking these days?

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A Swamp in the City

Who knew there were Cypress trees in a swamp in Greensboro? I didn't until one day I was looking online for ideas on something outdoorsy to do and came across The Bog Garden. Even though it is located in the city, just moments away from Friendly Center, you get the feeling of being in a southern swamp. It was very green with all kinds of different plant life, but what most interested me was the Cypress trees.

As we strolled along the boardwalk taking in the beautiful day, I paused, and said "I think that's a Cypress" and soon enough we were greeted by a stand of those gorgeous trees, some even showing their knees. Unfortunately, I did not get a picture of the knees.

I've visited swamps in Florida, Georgia and South Carolina, and always find them a peaceful place to reconnect with nature. Here we encountered squirrels, chipmunks, cardinals, crows, ducks, geese, turtles and of course, man's (woman's) best friends walking with their people. It was a pleasant way to while away a few hours, and we wound up the afternoon at the nearby Tanger Family Bicentennial Garden.

As you can see, I am still alive and kicking. I've just been really busy with other projects, but thought I should make appearance and share this beautiful find.

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Turmeric - Good For What Ails You

We should all strive to live a healthy lifestyle, that's a given. However, for one reason or another, many of us do not. We could be on the edge of good and have only the occasional slip or indulgence. We might think we are doing good, but underestimate that order of onion rings or the milkshake from the drive thru.

And then there's exercise. Are you up at 5 a.m. hitting the gym or the treadmill, or rushing to get in racquetball before dinner? Do you go for a walk around the block, park or mall at lunch? Does walking to the fridge during commercials for another beer, soda, or grabbing some chips count? Which category are you in? 

When we are younger, this is less of an issue, but this is also when many of our habits are formed. As we grow older and take stock of our lives and health, we try to find ways to stay out of hospitals and doctors' offices. After all, these are prime places to find germs and other nasties that can make us sick. 

So, how do we do that? In this modern age of Internet and search engines like Google (or just ask Alexa), we can find a smorgasbord of information on health, diet, drugs and other remedies. After a while you learn the reputable sites for mainstream information. You have to dig a little deeper and do a lot of comparison when you are seeking reliable information on alternatives to standard practices and procedures.

The idea of natural medicine and healing is not always accepted, and often rejected or at least questioned by those in the field of medical science. While it's not everyone's opinion, some think that if it is not produced from large companies with billions of dollars, then it isn't likely to help you. 

I enjoy doing my own research and prefer to seek natural solutions over drugs. As indicated in the title, my research led me to the health benefits of Turmeric/Curcumin. Over the past several years I have dealt with occasional bouts of TMJ, with an assortment of various symptoms. It began with my jaw popping suddenly and painfully. That went away, then came the procession of different symptoms from feeling like I was grinding sand when I would chew, to minor and not painful popping to pain when I would bite down on anything solid (thankfully that did not last long) and feeling like if I opened my mouth too wide it might not close. Yawning was done carefully and was not very satisfying.

The final and most long lasting symptom was my teeth getting out of line. They literally did not come together properly, as in my back teeth would not touch.

My first research was not so fruitful, suggesting that misaligned teeth needed braces or some other drastic measure. NOT! I knew this was temporary because there was no reason that my teeth had suddenly moved. My dentist said I could get a night guard for my TMJ and alignment issues. I was told you can get them in some stores for probably around $20, and custom-made ones are way more expensive. I have a strong gag reflex so I figured that wasn't a good option for me. Plus my problem wasn't grinding.

Back to the drawing board (Google). This time I searched on TMJ and tooth alignment. Bingo! Inflammation is the culprit. Now how to deal with inflammation without living on Advil? I searched on "TMJ inflammation" and discovered that Turmeric/Curcumin was a powerful anti-inflammatory, with very little chance for side effects. 

I made my way to the store and got the first bottle, then the second and third and fourth. I have been taking various brands and formulations for about six months and most days my teeth are fine. Are they 100% perfectly aligned all the time? No, but nearly perfect most days instead of changing significantly from day to day or morning to night. I am pleased.

The formula we are currently taking.

I got my husband to start taking Turmeric too, for general health reasons and guess what? On his last doctor's visit, his cholesterol was down in the normal range for all types and the overall total was just 4 points above normal. His LDL was down significantly from the previous test six months prior. We are believers. Turmeric is documented to reduce inflammation (1) and lower cholesterol (2). 

This is NOT medical advice, merely our personal experience. Always seek actual medical advice from your doctor or pharmacist when making health-related decisions. I don't but you should.

Also, I am not recommending any particular brand. Do your research. Choose a product that is produced in the U.S. from a reputable seller.  Preferably one with BioPerine (black pepper extract). This enhances absorption.



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Brunch Is Served!

About 12:30 this morning we were awakened by a distinct "WOOF" nearby (or would have been awakened if the sandman had already sprinkled us with dream dust). We looked out and didn't see anything. There it was again, louder-WOOF, and now we find it is coming from our front yard beneath the Dogwood. 

We see a large dog standing there and we recognized him as one we've seen around before. He is friendly and we always fear for him running loose. There was another dog crouched down on the ground like he had something he was guarding. He did! At first we were afraid he had another animal. 

Thankfully not, however he had snatched the suet feeder out of the tree. It is a plastic-coated wire container with a block of suet bird food. Yum, every dog's favorite midnight snack, right? He was barking and growling, seemingly daring the other dog to try and take it. The friendly dog was just standing there watching and thinking, "Yeah, I'm never getting any of that, and here I am standing guard. That's just selfish!"

This is where the feeder had been hanging since the first of the year. Never would I have imagined that dogs would go after my bird feeder. Squirrels yes, dogs no.

We needed more food for the birdies, so we got what we found at Walmart and it was a different brand and mixture of fat and seed. Apparently this had more aroma than the previous ones. 

After it was cleaned up and reassembled, we relocated it. It is now more than a foot above my head. The picture doesn't show it well, but it is a fair bit higher than before. I suspect there is one dog in the neighborhood that isn't feeling too well this morning, so if your dog has a case of the...well you know, I'd be happy to tell you how it happened.

Note to my birds: Sorry you didn't have any breakfast here this morning. How about some brunch?

It is a simple feeder and an inexpensive way to start feeding the seed-eating birds in your yard. The feeders are a couple bucks and the food is less than a dollar at Walmart.


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Love It or Hate It?

I hold to the firm belief that letters belong in literature, not mathematics. 
― J. Spredemann

As a kid, I did well enough in school in all subjects except math. That was my Achilles heel. I did okay until the sixth grade and that was the beginning of my downfall with the onset of what they called "new math" whatever that was. They tried to teach me things like Base 8 and Base 10. I still have no idea what those are or who uses them and why...maybe Charlie on Numbers. Anyone watch that?

Who knew numbers could solve so many problems, even crime? What is the statistical probability that the suspect took bus #25 into town on Friday night, picked up the paper at a news stand, then walked 14 blocks to an alley behind the pawn shop on 12th Street to commit his nefarious act and return home by the nightly news? I'm sure there is an app algorithm for that.

And then came Algebra... I never did figure that stuff out. This can cooler is spot on and sums up my thoughts on that subject perfectly.

Available at Dollar Tree...no math required!

Anyway, decades later my math skills consist of the basics, with a few percentages thrown in to calculate savings. I've come clean about my lack of Mathematics skills. What about you? Love it or hate it?



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Homemade Shrimp and Grits

Hi there! Time to get back into action. It is a cold, windy day in the sunny South. After having a very mild, Spring-like February, Winter roared back with a vengeance, dropping the overnight lows into the 20's and even dropping snow in some areas over the past weekend.

This seems like the perfect time to pull out some long neglected cold weather comfort food. While I'm not a great fan of grits, hubby and I both like shrimp and grits. He has tried them in just about every restaurant that has them on the menu, so I decided I should make some myself. After all what's hard about making grits?

Image Source: Todd Sanders

The only required ingredients are, of course, the shrimp (any size is fine) and grits, again any style you like will work. Next you decide on your liquid. There are as many different recipes as there are folks making them. You can use just plain water, or chicken, vegetable or shrimp stock, which can be combined with anything from skim milk to heavy cream, but the use of dairy is not required.

Next comes your choice of cheese such as cheddar, parmigiano reggiano, gruyere or whatever you enjoy. If you don't like cheese, don't add it.

In addition to the shrimp, there is often another protein such as Tasso or spicy sausage. The remaining add-ins/add-ons may include garlic, onions, parsley and green onions.

Now we get down to how I made shrimp and grits for two.

10 extra large (16-22 ct.) shrimp, cut into thirds
1 link Andouille sausage, diced
2 cups water (I simmered the shrimp shells)
1 1/2 cups skim milk
1/2 cups quick cooking grits (let me assure this is anything but a quick recipe)
1 cup shredded cheese (combination of sharp cheddar and habanero cheddar)
1/2 cup yellow onion, chopped
1 clove garlic, minced
1 TB olive oil
1 TB butter
1/4 cup water
1/4 teaspoon salt
Cajun seasoning

Bring the water and milk to a boil and add the grits and salt, then reduce the heat, stirring frequently.

While the grits are cooking, add the olive oil to a skillet and brown the sausage, then add the onions, letting them soften before adding the garlic. After about 5 minutes, add the shrimp and Cajun seasoning and cook for about 5 minutes, more or less depending on the size of your shrimp. Add the 1/4 cup of water to deglaze the pan, then add the butter, cover and keep warm.

When the grits are cooked to the texture and/or consistency you desire, it's time to stir in the cheese. Serve in a bowl or soup plate and spoon the shrimp and sausage mixture on top.

Serves two. Total prep and cooking time about 1 hour and 20 minutes.

As I mentioned, this is not a quick-fix meal. The grits alone took well over 45 minutes to cook and even then they were not as thick as they are when I just use water. Also, use a heavy bottom pot because using milk seems to make them stick to the bottom. Perhaps it was a combination of my lightweight pot and my stove, but they required almost constant stirring.

I also chose to cut my shrimp, but leaving them whole makes for a prettier presentation. 

I congratulate my sou chef for helping bring the meal together. We both agreed that we will be doing this again, with a few adjustments. I may change up the liquids and ratios, and use wine instead of water to deglaze the pan.

Sadly, I have no picture of our tasty creation because after the extended wait for dinner, we plated and ate, so I borrowed an image found online.





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Open That Bottle Night

Drinking good wine with good food in good company is one of life's most civilized pleasures - Michael Broadbent

It seems we are on a wine theme this month. We started with National Drink Wine Day last Saturday. Now we are moving on to Open That Bottle Night on Saturday February 25. This coincides with our Cheers gathering this month. Our group epitomizes today's quote. We have been getting together most months for ten years. We share good wine, good food and most importantly good company. It's a civilized pleasure I hope will continue for many years.

Now a little more about Open That Bottle Night. It is always the last Saturday in February. It was originated by Dorothy Gaiter and John Brecher of the Wall Street Journal in 2000 and has been celebrated every year since. 

How will you celebrate?



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National Drink Wine Day

It seems that now there is a day for everything. In fact, there are more events than there are days in the year, and today is National Drink Wine Day, as if we need a designated day to consume the fruit of the vine.

We're Ready

If you don't get to celebrate today, however, you still have 19 more chances. There is at least one official wine day each month except January. I don't know what January did wrong, but I didn't find a single day devoted to wine. All right wine lovers, I guess we'll have to make one up.

Check these out...there is something for everyone!

February 25 Open That Bottle Night
March 3 National Mulled Wine Day
April 17 World Malbec Day
April 24 Sauvignon Blanc Day
May 9 National Moscato Day
May 25 National Wine Day
May 26 National Chardonnay Day
June 21 Lambrusco Day
July 15 National Strawberry Rhubarb Wine Day
August 1 International Albarino Day
August 14 International Rose Day
August 31 International Cabernet Day
September 15 International Grenache Day
October 20 National Champagne Day
November 7 International Merlot Day
November 9 International Tempranillo Day
November 16 Beaujolais Nouveau Day
December 4 Cabernet Franc Day
December 20 Sangria Day

January does get recognition with regard to the consumption of adult beverages. January 1st is National Hangover Day. 😡

In addition to drinking wine today, it is also Eat Ice Cream for Breakfast Day, World Whale Day, Pluto Day, Battery Day and World Pangolin Day (click to see what a Pangolin is, if you're like me and didn't know).

Find more things to celebrate at Days of the Year calendar, and visit The Traveling Corkscrew for more things wine related.

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Believe!

And now, let us believe in a long year that is given to us, new, untouched, full of things that have never been.  - Rainer Maria Rilke

Each day, each season, each year, is a gift. 
Live it, enjoy it, share it.

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Go Ahead, Smile!

Longwood Gardens

If you're reading this...

Congratulations, you're alive.

If that's not something to smile about,

then I don't know what is.

― Chad Sugg

If that's not enough, consider this. It is the last day of January, and we are one day closer to Spring.


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Crush Or Be Crushed

This is Day 20 of the 2017 edition of the 20 Days of Chill writing challenge hosted by P. J. at A ‘lil HooHaa. Today's prompt is Sydney, Australia. The Saga of Charlie and Alex continues. Please visit the other participants for more adventures.

After a brief reunion, Charlie enlists Adam and Josh to help as FBI consultants on the case. He discusses what they have learned and listens to Adam's ideas. "So are you in?" Both men nod.

"Great, meet me at the field office at noon, and I'll introduce you to my team and we can get started. My guys are champing at the bit. I think Alex just wants to wrap this up so he can go out with the young lady he met on the flight. She is here visiting her cousin."

"That's interesting," said Josh. "My cousin, Nadja, is visiting for a couple weeks."

"Really," said Charlie grinning. "Alex is my partner and he and she were seat mates on the flight. I took a nap and when we landed they were like two peas in a pod." 

Later that day, Alex, Adam, Josh and the other agents met with Charlie to go over the plans. "Based on our intel, there is a major deal going down in two days in the Slasher's territory in Monterey. The cartel has an arrangement with the Slashers for security for a small cut in the profits. They will be meeting with their buyer at the Slasher's warehouse. We believe that Crusher wants a bigger piece of the pie, so to say we anticipate trouble is an understatement."

"Adam, we will need you on surveillance watching the monitors and watching our backs. We will all be on comms so you can communicate with us. Josh, you're on surveillance as well." Charlie caught Josh's frown..."understood?" Josh nodded. "Okay let's go, we're getting an early start tomorrow."

The next morning they rolled into Monterey at breakfast time. "I sure love me some diner food," said Alex. After filling up on eggs, bacon and pancakes, they settle into their temporary command center and begin their final preparations. 

"Okay guys," said Charlie, "It's time. Teams 1 and 2 take the south side. Teams 3 and 4, move up to the rear and hold. Alex you and I will take the East side, Kyle you and Bobby are on the West. Adam can you hear us?"

"Roger, loud and clear."

"SWAT team, ready?" asked Charlie.

"Roger," called the team commander.

As the teams move silently, nearly invisibly, toward positions, Charlie spots an old truck parked half on the sidewalk near the entrance to the dilapidated building used by the Slashers for their business transactions. "Guys, hold up."

Just then a van belonging to the cartel pulls up, stopping just behind the truck. Four guys with AR-15s  get out. "Hector," one man shouted at the door, hanging loosely on it's hinges.

Just as he yells again, the truck explodes sending glass and metal shards flying. Charlie's team was across the street and immediately fell to the ground, more from instinct than the blast. When the debris stopped raining down, they got up guns drawn, only to instantly become targets of gunfire.

"Adam, what can you see," asked Charlie from his precarious position. There was little in the way of real cover, it was modest concealment at best.

"Charlie," responded Adam, "It appears that the blast took out the guys from the van. I can't see the shooters, but I would guess they are Slashers double-crossing the cartel. They probably have either killed Hector or have him tied up in the back."

"SWAT team commander," called Charlie, "move to the front of the building on the north side. Teams 1 and 2 with me. Alex, we're going in behind SWAT. Teams 3 and 4, stay at the back of the building. Kyle you and Bobby find a vantage point. Don't be afraid to take the shot if necessary.

It had only been a few moments since the explosion but it felt like hours and that everything was moving in slow motion.

More shots rang out as the agents descended upon the building. The sagging door splintered as it was breached. 

"Okay," yelled Charlie, "FBI, drop your weapons and come out with your hands up." He always felt foolish saying that. It sounded so scripted, like something off of TV.

"Nah, I don't think so," bellowed a deep voice from inside.

"That you Crusher," shouted Charlie. "Where's Hector?"

"Hector's dead, just like you're gonna be. Just like that guy on the bike. Yeah, I know you been snooping around, setting up camp. You figured you'd just waltz in here and take me down easy. Well easy ain't the way I do things. Boys..."

Suddenly there was a cacophony of gunfire mixed with shouts of exhilaration and screams of pain as bullets tore into flesh. Charlie dove to the side as Crusher came barreling out the door, spraying a hail of machine gun fire at the van which exploded into flames. The gang members left standing at the end of the flurry, dropped their guns, all but Crusher, who was tearing about wildly like a crazed animal, yelling obscenities.

"It's over, Crusher, put it down," said Charlie, keeping his attention while members of SWAT approached from behind. "This will go easier if you just stop now." 

He dropped his gun and for a second his eyes glazed over and it looked like he was going to comply. Then seemingly unhinged, Crusher made a last ditch attempt to carry out his threat. He pulled out a knife and with one last bellow of rage, he charged at Charlie. Within seconds, Crusher was tackled, taken down and lay cuffed at Charlie's feet. "Looks like the Crusher's been crushed."

"Everyone all right?," Charlie asked as he looked around taking a head count. Everything had gone down in a matter of minutes. A chorus of 'yeahs' were music to Charlie's ears, but... "Alex, has anyone seen Alex?"

"I'm over here Charlie, but it looks like I zigged, when I should have zagged," said Alex holding a hand to his bleeding shoulder."

Charlie sighed in relief. There were only minor injuries on his side, plus a few fallen Slashers, along with Hector and the cartel members, and Crusher was finally in custody. They had his confession.

"Good job guys! It turned out that Crusher's plan was to kill Hector and take the money, then when the cartel arrived to make the sale, he would kill them and take the drugs. He almost succeeded, but our grunt work got thugs and drugs off the streets. Let's go get you patched up," he said to Alex. 

"We've been given a few days of R&R before we head back," Charlie told Alex the next day. "You gonna call Nadja and get her to nurse you back to health?"

"Now there's an idea," grinned Alex. "We really seemed to hit it off."

"What about Jenna?"

"Funny you should mention her," said Alex looking a bit bemused. "I got a text from her this morning. It seems she is off to Sydney, Australia to make some Indie film with a producer she met in a coffee shop. Any of that sound familiar?"

"Ha ha," laughed Charlie, "That's an easy out for you, my friend. Speaking of friends, it was good to see Adam and Josh again. I know they are glad to finally get justice for Josh's dad." 

"What do you say we go grab a couple cold ones?" 

Alex nodded gratefully, "I'd say you're reading my mind!"

Other Adventures of Charlie and Alex:

Risky Business

Aliens, Really?
The Colombians
The Key
Stranded
The Last Laugh
The Morning After

Bears, Beans and Beer

Kidnapped

Jenna's Misfortune

Murder in the Warehouse

A Rough Week in Philly

San Francisco Connection

No Grunt, No Glory

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An Odd Duck

This is Day 19 of the 2017 edition of the 20 Days of Chill writing challenge hosted by P. J. at A ‘lil HooHaa. Today's prompt is Popularity. Please visit the other participants for more adventures.

The first thing that comes to mind on today's topic is that it is something I never had. I was not part of the "in" crowd or the "cool kids", but I did have friends, and usually a best friend to share recess and lunch with. 

That was until the sixth grade. That was the worst school year ever, and that is not an exaggeration. My parents decided to change schools so I wouldn't be bused across town. Mom arranged for me to carpool with three other girls, one of whom I had know for years and had play dates and sleepovers.

My friend was was accepted by the popular girls and I was not. I was apparently an odd duck. Some kids (boys and girls) were actually mean to me, likely because I was an outsider, not super cute and quiet. I was just your average twelve-year old, but when many of the other kids had practically grown up together, average didn't cut it. That was a very long year. 

The next year some new girls arrived. I wasn't the new kid anymore, and I had friends.  I still was not part of the click, but that was okay. Things got better and for the next four years we hung out and had sleepovers. What a difference a year makes.

What are your experiences with popularity, from either side? Did you ever feel like an odd duck?



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Shades of White

This is Day 18 of the 2017 edition of the 20 Days of Chill writing challenge hosted by P. J. at A ‘lil HooHaa. Today's prompt is White. Please visit the other participants for more adventures.

Here we have hubby's new-to-him Odyssey, which he got last August after an unfortunate incident totaled his Accord. In the five months we've had the van, it has been to Blowing Rock, Shelby, Pennsylvania, Maryland, Florida and Myrtle Beach. Needless to say, we are pleased with our new travel car. He calls it his mom car, and I say it is his mid-life crisis fail.

The first snowfall of 2017. So beautiful and pristine, and so cold that day. Not a good day to drop by and discover there was no heat in the house. Fortunately it's not our primary residence (yet). Turns out there was no oil in the tank. Thankfully, we have a great oil company and they delivered within the hour. I was also thankful for an electric heater while we waited.

The last rose of summer. Such a pretty lady, so white against the green backdrop. I did tinker with it a bit to make her stand out. 

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Daydreaming

This is Day 17 of the 2017 edition of the 20 Days of Chill writing challenge hosted by P. J. at A ‘lil HooHaa. Today's prompt is Dreams. Please visit the other participants for more adventures.

Puffy white clouds bring

Peaceful daydreams and lazy

days then drift away

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