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Tuesday, November 10, 2026

A Humorous God Story

My uncle was in his stance pose. He was getting ready to do their nightly prayer.

The nightly prayer was serious business. He stood firm, Bible in one hand, the other hand on top of the bible. Us children had knelt on the floor, kind of in a circle from where he stood.

This was much more serious than any kind of prayer that went on at my house. At my uncle's house, everyone participated together. Children quiet on the floor. He spoke; not anyone else. We the children, sat quietly and listened.

To tell you the truth, I also kind of sat in boredom, waiting for it to be over.

But then my ears perked up.

"And may God look down upon us." he said.

My heart was excited. The thought of God looking down upon us was just amazing to me. I was very interested. I couldn't believe that God would take time from his whatever, to look down on this little group.

I just had to see... What God Looked Like.

So I looked up. I just had to see.

And what did I see???

Their Cat, sitting up there, upon their bookcase, looking down on us; this meager little group; and me, mesmerized. For I had looked up to see the face of God, and what did I see? A CAT.

I quickly covered my mouth with my hand to keep the laughter from coming out. I couldn't let anyone hear me laugh. I also thought in amazement that, GOD is a CAT?

Well really, I don't know if I really believed that in that moment, but I think I did, if only for a brief moment, considered that God is a Cat.

I gained my composure and did not let my laughter escape. I don't think anyone heard me.

At least, no one seemed to respond in any way to hint that they knew what I had just done, that I had giggled or laughed during their nightly prayer.

I went back to sitting quietly, waiting for my uncle to finish the prayer.

I couldn't tell you anything else that he might have said. Nothing else had made an impression on me, except for that brief segment.

But for that brief segment, I am thankful; for either God is a Cat, (or at least part of God,) or God has a sense of humor and does encourage joy and laughter.

Hope you enjoyed my anecdotal memory. My cat Tori has graciously sat in for my uncle's cat.

May you enjoy the rest of your day.

Do you have a humorous God story to share?

Here is a picture of Tori on a mug to help you remember this fun story. I do believe that God is everywhere and in everyone. Sometimes we might just have to look a bit harder to see it. : )

God is in everyone, including cats, custom mugs.
by CherylsArt

The mugs that I have purchased from Zazzle have turned out great. The colors have been crisp and the finish is smooth. I highly recommend. The text on the above mug can be customized with your message if you like.

Thank you for your visit.

Cheryl Paton

Note: The author may receive a commission from purchases made using links found in this article. “As an Amazon Associate, Ebay (EPN), Esty (Awin), and/or Zazzle Affiliate, I (we) earn from qualifying purchases.”

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Monday, November 9, 2026

Free Hallmark Plus With Hoopla

Hallmark Plus for free??? What! Really! Yes, access to the vast Hallmark Plus library is free through your library's partnership with Hoopla. Yes, free.

The streaming options with various services change frequently and Hallmark was becoming increasingly difficult to access. Add on subscription or a stand alone subscription are becoming the norm to access Hallmark and I know we always appreciate saving funds! Of course 'free' is relative libraries are municipality funded, but this is a nice perk.

How To Access Hallmark + Via Hoopla

1. Check with your library to ensure there is access to Hoopla. Each library has their own contract with Hoopla that determines a customers' access to Hoopla. Access is by credits which are issued monthly. My library gives each patron 20 credits per month. The credits do not roll over.

2. Create/sign in to your Hoopla account at www.hoopladigital.com. Hoopla and your library will connect and will more than likely require you have access to your library digital account.

3. Search for Hallmark Bingepass.

4. Click on Hallmark Bingepass icon and a new tab will open up with the Hallmark Plus home screen.

5. The Bingepass is good for one week and can be renewed weekly. Each Bingepass equals one Hoopla credit; so for my account I will use 4 Hoopla credits per month for Hallmark Plus with 16 credits remaining for usage.

6. View Hallmark Plus library and enjoy.

7. Note this does not include Hallmark live programming. And you are not creating a Hallmark account, the Hoopla account/Bingepass is how Hallmark Plus library is accessed.

The Caveats

There are a few caveats with the Hallmark and Hoopla connection.

If you are accessing Hoopla/Hallmark Plus on your computer or mobile app the connection is straight forward.

But... to access Hoopla/Hallmark Plus on a TV can be a challenge. I originally thought I could access Hallmark Plus vis the Hoopla App on the Firestick, but Hallmark was missing. I would search "how to connect to Hallmark Plus with Hoopla on your smart TV" for work around options. Mirror your laptop to the smart tv is one option or connecting laptop to smart tv with hdmi cable is another popular option.

My experience: I decided to take on the tech challenge and success! But not without a little runaround in the tech app google loop. The bottom line: if you are ok with a cable (like we need more!) it was no problem to connect the laptop and mirror the laptop to the TV with a HDMI cable. While I succeeded in mirroring the iphone to the TV, actual content was not accessible and may be blocked. Turns out my TV brand has an app to mirror but it has been discontinued and mirroring my iphone via the screen mirror option did not work fully.

In my area the only Hallmark options are to purchase from Hallmark streaming or a higher level subscription service. However, the subscription services do offer live access and recording. I'll happily accept the monetary savings with an extra cable for now to watch the Hallmark library on TV, computer or phone. New Hallmark movies are available in the library the day after air.

Hallmark Search

Hallmarkies can easily use the search function to find their favorite movies: search by movie name, actor name, town name and the search was accurate. Click the + button to save the movie to your watchlist for easy access.

I'm very pleased to have access to the Hallmark Plus library and am bookmarking my favorite Christmas Hallmark movies.

If you haven't seen the Christmas Trifecta of Three Wise Men, Three Wiser Men and Three Wisest Men And A Baby with Tyler Hynes, Andre Walker and Paul Campbell - great opportunity to view of revisit or catch one of the series you may have missed.

Hallmark Christmas Movies Reviewed 2026

Hallmark Christmas Movies Reviewed 2025

Hoopla Review

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Sunday, November 8, 2026

I Wrote This Christmas Song For Our Adult Children - I Wrapped Your Easy Road

The "Drama" Behind Finding the Right Sound For "I Wrapped Your Easy Road"

When I write for my kids (adult kids now), I'm extra hard on myself to get exactly what I want to say, the way I want to say it, with the sound I want to say it best!

I literally almost gave up on creating I Wrapped Your Easy Road!

After creating more than 34 musical arrangements for this piece, and endlessly experimenting with tempos, pacing, keys, and musical styles, I reached my breaking point.

I spent hours upon hours tweaking the sound in multiple ways, and it felt like I was running in circles!

The main struggle wasn't that the music was ever bad; it was that I couldn’t create an arrangement that made the words flow the way I wanted them to. I struggled to create a sound that carried the lyrics and phrasing with genuine emotion while honoring the cadence of each lyric I had carefully written! So frustrating.

Because I write the lyrics, a lot of nuance goes into putting together the final piece. The words need to land. The message needs to hit.

I came so close to shelving the entire project.

But I kept pushing forward, refining the music and lyric layout until it finally moved in harmony with the lyrics the way I wanted.

That final attempt brought the song to life, turning what was almost an abandoned draft into one of my absolute personal favorites.

Here's The Full Original Song and Video:

I Wrote This Christmas Song For My Grown-Up Kids (and Yours, Too)

When my children were young, Christmas morning was pure magic. I still vividly recall the sheer excitement in their eyes, the colorful presents they couldn't wait to tear open, the festive decorations around the house, and the plate of treats carefully left out for the reindeer.

Back then, bringing joy to your kids was as simple as buying, wrapping, and placing gifts neatly beneath the tree. Add a lovely family dinner, and you're making memories!

As time passes, a parent’s wishes naturally evolve.

Looking at my adult children today, the gifts I long to give them aren't found on store shelves or wrapped in shiny paper.

They are the things money simply can’t buy: hoping their biggest dreams come true, praying they believe in themselves, and wishing they have the courage to follow the path in their hearts.

Most of all, I wish I could smooth out the rough patches ahead and hand them an easier path through life. As the lyrics say, I want to wrap the easy road in the prettiest paper you’ve ever seen.

While I wrote these words straight from a mother’s perspective, these feelings aren't limited to just one person.

I'm sure many parents, whether a mom or a dad, can relate to this deep desire to protect and lift up their children. In truth, it's a song for anyone who loves someone deeply and hopes for nothing less than the absolute best for their journey.

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"Drageda Lyrics" on all Platforms, including Streaming Platforms**

YouTube: Follow Me on YouTube - @dragedapoemslyrics

Spotify: Stream Drageda Lyrics on Spotify

Subscribe: Join the Journey: Get New Songs and Stories in Your Inbox

My Website: Drageda.com

How I Put My Lyrics to Music and Create Songs - A Basic Introduction

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🎵 I write and produce story-driven lyrics. Vocals and music are digitally produced (I am not the singer). I digitally direct and arrange the video and recording.🎵 ©2026 DragedaPoemsLyrics (B.T.C) - All Rights Reserved - Original Lyrics Authored | Sound Recording: Produced With Digital Assistance (Vocals and Instrumental) 2026. Licensed digital composition (Commercial Rights Held). The visual artwork may include AI-assisted digital elements. SOCAN Member.

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Saturday, November 7, 2026

The Infield Shift – in Baseball: A Sports Review

I’ve watched baseball all my life, yet some terminology still catches me off guard. Most baseball terms have been coined over the years by sports writers and announcers as they reported the action on the field or the results of the game.

The shift in baseball used during a L.A. Angels Spring Training Game

The Inside Shift

Baseball has its own ever-changing language, so it's not surprising that even long-term baseball fans still have to look things up in order to understand what the broadcaster said. There are also regular rule changes to meet today’s changing requirements in the sport.

The term 'shift' has been part of baseball terminology for many years, yet I can't recall it ever being used as often as it was in the 2014 baseball season. “The Shift is on”, the sportscaster tells us. All of a sudden it seemed to me as if it was happening in every game I watched. I couldn't figure out what the players were doing at first. Finally I got out my trusty Baseball Dictionary and looked it up!

image of baseball field defensive positions for 'Inside Shift' vs. No Shift

Traditional baseball positioning;
note the two infielders on each side of second base (left view).

Baseball Defensive Positioning using a shift;
note there is only one infielder to the left side of second base (right view)

The 'Shift' means “to change fielding position", to move defensive players from their traditional positions in the field to defend against a particular batters' way of hitting, or to be in a better position for a double play.”

All individual players move left or right to step into the path of the ball for fielding, But the shift in 2014, the year I first began noticing it, seemed to involve half the players on the field all at the same time before the batter even hits. I've begun paying closer attention to this move now that I know what they are talking about. My baseball education continues.....

The Shift is Gone!

As time moved on, the shift was used more and more frequently (more than tripling between 2016 and 2022). Eventually, it was noted to have caused an historic drop in hitting by the offense and Major League Baseball banned the extreme defensive shift before the start of the 2023 season.

The reason for this rule change is defenders were being positioned in such a way as to dramatically decrease the batting average on balls in play. This was particularly true for left-handed pull hitters who watched hard-hit grounders and line drives into right field turn into routine outs.The ban on the shift was instituted as a way to open up the field and award batters more base hits and also providing a better entertainment for fans.

Summary

Along with sports creating their own language and becoming an established term, new baseball rules also come along as the need for them becomes obvious. Most of these rules have shown to have a positive effect on the game. The latest new rule in 2026 was the ABS rule. I can tell that another update in my review of baseball ‘happenings’ will soon be coming about as I continue my baseball learning.

Friday, November 6, 2026

WinterSilks & Thermasilk Thermal Underwear for Women

Over 30 years ago, I discovered WinterSilks thermal underwear for women. I have survived many winters and enjoyed lots of outdoor activity thanks to this thin, lightweight easy to wear thermal underwear.

I've never been fond of coats. The bulk and extra weight of a coat has simply been too restricting in my personal opinion. I also hate to cover up my pretty sweaters with a coat. However, the idea of wearing thermal underwear didn't initially have an appeal, especially those made of heavy fabrics to be worn under my clothes. I was quite hesitant to spend the money to try WinterSilks. For our income, they were pretty expensive, so I asked for them for Christmas. I must say, silk thermal underwear is totally fabulous!

WinterSilks brand is no longer made, but a comparable brand, Thermasilk, promises to be just as good, although I won't be able to tell for sure for another 30 years.

I've worn my WinterSilks many times in freezing weather as we enjoyed outdoor vacations, tours, and activities. While there are some things that I still require a coat to endure, the silk thermal underwear is the best foundation for staying warm.

Keep in mind, they are meant to be worn under your clothes, therefore they are not "pretty". Also, proper care is essential to longevity. I do machine wash my silk thermal underwear in a mesh washing machine laundry bag, on cold. I do not dry them in the dryer. I hang them to dry.

Thermasilk Thermal Underwear for Women

Terramar Women's Thermasilk Pointelle ScoopCheck Price

I once thought thermal underwear was just too bulky to wear in public. When I was younger, I did have a pair of thermal underwear pants that I wore under my gowns for warmth. They would never have been daytime wear since they would have been like wearing a second pair of pants under my slacks.

Silk thermal underwear is a totally different thing! It is thin and lightweight, even though it is temperature regulated and moisture wicking. I do wear my silk underwear under my slacks or jeans and can't visually tell I am wearing anything under my pants. I can feel the waistband on the pants, but that is the only indication that I am wearing anything extra.

The pants are sold separately which is fabulous for those of us who need one size in a top, but a different size for the bottom.

Terramar Women's Thermasilk Pointelle PantCheck Price Terramar Women's Thermasilk Pointelle PantCheck Price

Thursday, November 5, 2026

Black and Decker BEBL750 Leaf Blower Review

When fall arrives, keeping your yard free of leaves can quickly become a time-consuming chore. Raking leaves is certainly an option, but having a dependable leaf blower can make outdoor cleanup much faster and easier.

We have a small yard surrounded by many trees. So we have a lot of cleanup to do in the fall. The other day, I was blowing leaves to the curb when my trusted leaf blower quit on me.

After checking the cords and the outlets, I was about to tear it apart to see what was wrong. Fran happened to be outside and said, just go buy a new one; you have that for years.

So, off I went to buy a new leaf blower. After looking at several battery-operated models, I opted for this corded Black & Decker BEBL750. Our yard is small, so I don't mind dragging a cord along.

I will spare you the technical details, but the leaf blower delivers 140 MPH with an airflow of 450 CFM (cubic feet per minute). It is powerful, has two speeds, and is lightweight.

I'm very happy with this leaf blower and would recommend it to anyone with a smaller yard who doesn't mind the cord.

BLACK + DECKER Electric Leaf Blower, Hand Held Blowers for Lawn Care, Up to 450 CFM and 140 MPH Power, Axial, Lightweight, Corded (BEBL750)

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Wednesday, November 4, 2026

November Already, Birds Know It's Going to Get Cold! ~ A Product Review

Well that happened really fast I think! November seems to have jumped on me with a swiftness that I was not expecting! But, I guess I should have taken better notice of the subtle hints that Mother Nature had been sending my way before today!

Hints like the hundreds of Canadian Geese fattening themselves up before their long flight into the warmer climates. I wasn't looking because I was enjoying the beautiful summer that we had this year. Even today, I find it hard to believe that it is November! We had a balmy day of 23 degrees Celsius. For us Northerners, this is a remarkable warmth for this time of year.

The older I get, the more I like that winter seems to be taking it's time to get to us.

Having confessed that I'm good with the warm weather, I know that one day soon I will wake up to find that winter has indeed found me.

To that end, I am preparing to feed the birds that don't make that long trip to warmer places. Birds need our help in the winter months when finding seed heads becomes a task, especially when they are hidden under the snow.

Before I go any further, I'm going to ask you to take this seriously. If you start to feed the birds, please don't stop half way through the winter. Those birds who find you in November will be looking for food right through till the first dandelions appear in March or April.

Feeding the birds in the winter is a commitment you make to those little feather friends that will undoubtedly show up at your feeders. Quitting half way through the winter will cause them hardship as they will be desperately looking for a new source of food.

Don't give up on them and they will give you lots of joy throughout the long cold winter months.

Even little chickadees are a joy to see in the wintertime.

So let's get some good seeds, suet and a nice feeder so that the birds can make your backyard their choice for good eats!

Back in 2014, I wrote about feeding the birds and looking back at that Review, I know that what I'm telling you here is the same advice that I gave back then.

A great suet recipe comes from Birds and Blooms!

1 cup of peanut butter

1 cup lard

2 cups quick cooking oats

2 cups bird seed mix

1 cup of yellow cornmeal

1 cup of flour

Melt the peanut butter and lard slowly over low heat and then pour it into the dry ingredients. Mix well and let cool on a parchment covered baking dish(es) and let cool. Cut into size to fit your suet holder and you are done.

The most important thing for the birds in the winter months is that their food should be high in fats. They need it for energy to fly and to keep themselves warm.

One other way to guarantee that the birds will come is to have a ready supply of water for them as well. One of our reviewers is a "nature-buff" and she suggests that a heated water dish is a must have and I agree completely! Check our Mary Beth's review right here!

Birds are some of the littlest joys that we have flitting in and out of our lives. Can I suggest you give feeding the birds a try for one year and see how much joy they will bring to your day! It might even be the start of a whole new hobby!

Now for all you Non-Techy types, if you are interested in reading more, just click on the words you see in blue writing and you will find all kinds of great information to help you become the best bird friend ever.

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Tuesday, November 3, 2026

Train Conductor, Railroad Crossing Gift Ideas

I actually made this railroad crossing design as a special request. It recently sold again, so I figure that there are others who would appreciate this as well.

It features a conductor standing near a set of train tracks that are pictured in back of him. The request I received was to make it a retirement card, though it can be used for birthdays, railroad accomplishments, and more.

I did some research on YouTube, and found out that the Conductor does quite a few jobs, including deciding when the train is to move and which way it is to go. They manage the the overall operation which may also include doing computer work as far as scheduling is concerned, and what may or may not need to be done on the excursion. Per AI, conductors also manage the crew, passengers, and or cargo.

A conductor that moves up, will become an engineer. The engineer operates and drives the locomotive.

These postcards can be used to let the Conductor that you know, that they have done a great job.

Personalized Railroad Conductor Postcards
by CherylsArt

My husband and I took a scenic train ride years ago. The Conductor on that train participated in removing a tree from the tracks that had come down since their previous trip. This Conductor was also quite sociable as compared to the conductors we saw on Amtrack. This is nothing negative about Amtrack, it's just that there was a different type of experience between the two different types of trains.

This poster looks like a great choice for small scenic train rides, to give guests directions to the depot, station. The arrow on the poster can be manipulated to point in a different direction. It is designed using a triangle and a line.

Custom Railroad Crossing Conductor Posters
by CherylsArt

The train Conductor who works on a scenic type of train, might also appreciate a personalized tshirt so that guests can easily know what to call him. If you need a design made for women train conductors, let me know in a comment below.

Personalized Railroad Crossing Tshirts
by CherylsArt

Have you been on train rides before? Which type of trains have you been on?

If you would like to see more train conductor products, including mugs, tshirts, and more, you can view what is currently available here: https://www.zazzle.com/collections/railroad_crossing_collection-119249638391014273

I have purchased various cards and tshirts from Zazzle, and all have turned out great. The materials have been of good quality, and the printing and colors have been excellent.

Thank you for your visit, and please do share this post with any train fans that you may know.

Cheryl Paton

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