A Tiny Rant

I'm going to start with a tiny rant today... one I'm sure with which many of you can identify at this time of year! 

Mail. 

Every day, in my mail, I get solicitations for donations.  Yes, I do make 

some small donations throughout the year... but I am 

being ASSAULTED with solicitations this year, and 

Keith is now getting slammed. 

I wish these organizations know that I DO check them out on 

Charity Navigator to see how they do with their donations... 

but for all the return address labels, cards, and other "souvenirs" that I am sent... 

I have pretty much decided to take a hard line.  I donated to a few 

that I believe truly in... and the rest... well... I am using 

some of those labels... and throwing most solicitations into the 

mail unopened. 

I'm retired, for Pete's Sake!

I wish I had a penny for every piece of paper I had thrown away in the 

last month. 

Here's another tiny rant...

I recently renewed my subscription to Country Sampler.  I am cutting 

back on magazines now... and letting many subscriptions lapse. 

Two weeks after renewing, I got a "special offer" from 

Country Sampler, and I put it with my bills to see 

what it was about on bill-paying day. 

I opened it... and actually wrote a check before looking at the date on the 

label. 

I was offered 1 year for 18.00 and the Home Tour edition for 6.99... came to 24.99 with tax. 

I wrote the check... then looked at the label. 

I am paid THROUGH 2016!  2016!!!!!

Good gravy. 

I tore the check up, and the envelope. 

I have been trying for WEEKS to get a picture of this old boy in his pasture.  Many times he 

is up near the fence (he has a fly mask on).  He has two calves as companions. 

Day before yesterday, I was able to get it!  

I stopped in a store in Lawrence yesterday, in between rainstorms. 

I thought this white pumpkin was beautiful!  Then... today, at 

Wal Mart of all places, I saw white pumpkins galore for 3.99. 

I should have gotten one. 

This is our side yard yesterday and today. 

We have had maybe 4 inches of rain in the last three days. 

It is brisk (59) and sunny this afternoon. 

And the dogs went out with me to fill the sugar feeder.  I am still seeing a few 

hummingbirds. 

Last night, I saw probably two hundred geese high enough up I could not hear their honking.  

They are the FIRST geese I have seen since we moved here... and oh, how I have missed the geese terribly. 

No camera with me, of course. 

Our little boy is always smiling. 

My heart had been lost to pugs... but I have to tell you... this 

sweet Boston Terrier has won me over to this breed... they are loving

and so much fun to have around... he is always happy. 

We have yet to hear him bark, but he runs to the window with Lilly whenever she does bark. 

It is a pleasure to go anywhere on errands... the world is so beautiful in October!

Tonight we are going to my 46th high school reunion.  Some of you may remember 

that we had a large 45th reunion last year... and this year, we are all meeting at a bar for a "46th"... well, some of us are.  Last year I dressed to the nines... this year I am going in jeans and a sweatshirt! 

Keith will have his Royals shirt on... there is sure to be a lot of talk about the 

Cinderella team!  

Pictures tomorrow.