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Thursday, September 24, 2026

September at Missouri Extension Center Gardens

In this post I will be reviewing my September visit to the Missouri Extension Center gardens. I am fortunate to live within a short distance of the University of Missouri Extension Center in St. Charles County. The center has a lot of various education and services which it provides for the community, but what interests me most is the beautiful flower gardens which are maintained by their Master Gardener program volunteers. It is a wonderful place to go and practice my photography skills among the gorgeous native flowers and pollinators.

Pollinators at the Center

On the day that I visited the butterflies were particularly active. Butterflies are particularly attracted to flat, brightly colored flowers and the abundance of Zinnias was a big attraction. Here are a few of the photographs I took of the butterflies on Zinnias.

Although, butterflies are not heavy-lifter pollinators like bees they do move pollen. When the butterfly lands on a flower to drink nectar from their proboscis some of the pollen sticks to their legs, proboscis and body. When the butterfly flutters to the next flower some of that pollen will rub off. Butterflies also travel further between flowers and that can help in cross-pollination.

Bees of course, are very special and the primary means of pollination for much of our food and flowers.

Flowers at Missouri Extension Center

Here are just a few of the flowers in bloom at my September visit.

Zazzle Designs from my Photographs

I love to use my photographs to create products on Zazzle. Here is one of my butterfly photographs on a greeting card.

Beautiful Butterflies Card
by mbgphoto

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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Wednesday, September 23, 2026

The Testament A John Grisham Novel ~ Book Review

Have you ever wondered what a "holographic will" is? Well in The Testament by John Grisham, you will find out what it means and what problems it can create.

When Troy Phelan decides to have a new will drawn up, his children, ex-wives and their current paramours are all curious and skeptical. Troy is in his 80's and he is sure that this will be his last will.

His six children (all of them spoiled rotten), and the ex-wives are really curious about what the old guy is up to. After all he is worth 11 or more BILLION dollars, give or take a few million. How is he going to divide up his assets and how much are each of them going to get? They are already counting on being filthy rich beyond their wildest dreams.

But Troy Phelan hates his children who have never done anything to gain his respect and have made it plain that they don't care much for him either.

Calling a family meeting with his long time lawyer in attendance, he wants to sign the new will with all his children witnessing this signature. The children (I should say adult children) want to make sure this will cannot be contested in any way. They agree to have 3 psychiatrists ensure that he is still of sound mind and body before they witness this latest will signing.

After enduring a barrage of questions from the group of doctors, even having his interrogation videotaped, Troy has them (the doctors) sign an affidavit stating that he is competent to complete his will in their presence.

All is going well and the kids are convinced that their future is secure. The will before him is long and took his lawyer months to put together. It sits like an elephant on the table before him. His greedy kids are eyeing the document and having heart palpitations at what their future will be like. They should all be millionaires at least and billionaires at best.

Troy Phelan, has one more "Ace Up His Sleeve"! Once all the doctors and kids are satisfied that everything is up to snuff, that he has passed any mental illness questions, he signs the will. Kids, doctors and kids' lawyers exit and wait now for the day when good old dad passes away. And they hope it's soon, because he made them believe that he was dying before calling them all together.

When they are leaving the building, Troy pulls out a hand-written will, only 3 pages long, and signs it with his personal lawyer and his manservant present.

Needless to say, the lawyer is stunned, his manservant is speechless and yet it is a perfectly legal will. Neither one of them thought that he would do this because they were always involved with anything he did. Surprise! Once it is signed by his witnesses (and they don't dare to cross him), Troy Phelan takes a flying leap off the 14 floor of his downtown offices, landing on the road below. He planned it perfectly.

Now the "fun" really begins.

I read The Testament in three days. I could not put it down and it really is a great page turner. John Grisham does an amazing job of telling the story to the point where you can almost feel like you are the one on final mission, to find his daughter (who knows little about him or his wealth) who is now one of the richest women in the world.

Grab The Testament and get ready for a ride up the Amazon River where fighting off alligators and snakes is an everyday occurrence. Just don't get too comfortable because there are many perils along the way.

It's free on Audible with your subscription or as low as 6.99 for Kindle. Or if you are a real penny pincher like myself you can get it from the Library through the Libby app.

Whichever way you choose to read or listen to the book, you will be entertained for sure.

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Tuesday, September 22, 2026

Cute Tuxedo Cat Birthday Collection

Here you'll find cute black and white tuxedo cat birthday invitations, paper plates, napkins, and more.

This design was inspired by my own darling tuxedo cat that I had years ago. She was such a sweetie. I never made her wear a party hat; that was an added addition on the photo, only. : )

Both the cat and the party hat were painted by me. The party hat is decorated with balloons.

These fun birthday items can be for kid's parties to adults too. They're purr-fect for cat lovers of all ages.

Here is the two sided invitation, with the invitation details printed on the back. They are easy to customize on the template form. All of the cards that I have purchased from Zazzle have turned out great, with great color resolution.

Cute Cat Party Hat Birthday Party Invitations
by CherylsArt

For when the party is started, you'll have all the matching supplies to choose from, including paper plates, napkins, paper cups, and tuxedo cat party hats too! Here is the pretty and cute napkin design.

Cute Cat Party Hat Happy Birthday Napkins
by CherylsArt

The birthday person can enjoy unwrapping the cute tuxedo cat wrapping paper as well. There is also ribbon with this matching design too. You can choose from 1.5" and 3" wide, 2, 6 and 10 yard lengths, and from satin and grosgrain ribbon. I have found that the wrapping paper from Zazzle is on the heavier side, heavier than most wrapping paper that you would purchase at a store.

Cute Tuxedo Birthday Cat Wrapping Paper
by CherylsArt

If you need a doormat for the kiddos to wipe their feet, we have that covered as well. These can also serve as a sign that goes right in front of the door. Per Zazzle, these mats resist fading and can be rinsed off with a hose. They are made for indoor use as well as covered outdoor areas. The backing provides a non-slip grip. As of this writing, there were no reviews just yet.

There is also a lovely cute cat guestbook that is part of this collection. I designed the guestbook in the 9" by 6" size, though there are larger sizes to choose from. I also chose the blank white paper for inside the guestbook. Guests can sign their names, and or draw a picture! You can also choose from lined white paper for the interior, or solid black for the interior. That would be a fun choice for those supplying colorful writing instruments that show up well on black.

There are also matching Thank you cards, that can be edited to use the child's own basic thank you words. There are lines for the child to write in the name of the person that they are thanking, and another line for the child writing the card, to sign on. It's a great way to have them express their thanks, and to write at least part of the cards by hand.

You can see all the wonderful choices in the collection link below, to design your wonderful party!

Cute Tuxedo Cat Birthday Collection
by CherylsArt

If you are interested in some fun and colorful birthday scrapbook paper for kids to make collages, either on the guestbook pages, or on separate paper, be sure to check out this paperback of birthday scrapbook paper at Amazon. The paper is not perforated but can be cut out from the paperback.

All the best to you in you birthday party planning.

Cheryl Paton

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Sunday, September 20, 2026

I've Personally Written Nearly 100 New Songs. This Is My Favorite to Date

How Do I Forgive the Mirror?

I am approaching 100 songs written over the past year, and of all the songs I've written so far, How Do I Forgive the Mirror is currently my favorite.

Not because of the music, but because of the message behind the lyrics.

It's about something many of us understand: making mistakes, looking back at who we once were, and trying to learn to forgive ourselves.

The song is about redemption, but not the kind that comes from pretending the past never happened. It's about facing the truth, accepting that we haven't lived perfect lives, and recognizing that who we are today doesn't have to be who we were yesterday.

When I first wrote the lyrics, I realized that although the story is told through a male character, much of what he is feeling is universal. I've made mistakes in my own life, as we all have, and I understand the complicated process of looking back without allowing the past to define everything that comes next.

I deliberately chose a male country voice for this song. When I write songs with a lot of lyrics, I tend to think about singer-songwriter or country styles because both can leave room for storytelling.

With this particular song, I packed a lot of words and meaning into it. I felt a male country voice would give the story the right character and keep the lyrics at the center of the song.

That choice also helped me step outside of myself as the writer. Instead of making the song simply about my own experiences, I could tell the story through someone else and let listeners find their own connection.

At its heart, How Do I Forgive the Mirror? asks a difficult question. How do we look honestly at our past without becoming trapped there?

Maybe the answer is not to forget our mistakes or excuse them. Maybe it is to recognize what they taught us, acknowledge how far we have come, and keep moving forward.

Life doesn't give us a final grade. We keep learning. We make mistakes, we change, we try again, and sometimes we discover that the person staring back at us in the mirror is someone we can finally be proud of.

The best result of growth is looking back and not recognizing who that person you were was. It just doesn't compute today. You're unrecognizable even to yourself.

That's what this song is about. That's the message.

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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

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

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Saturday, September 19, 2026

The Deepest Cut by P.J. Tracy - A Monkeewrench Novel

This review is of book number 11 in the 11-book Monkeewrench series.

It has been a few years since PJ Tracy wrote another book in her popular series, having paused to write a 4-book series featuring Margaret Nolan, a California police detective. Now, Book Eleven in the Monkeewrench series is here and the characters I love are back!

Most mysteries have one or two main characters and an assortment of minor characters. The Monkeewrench series has 6 main characters (the homicide detective team of Leo Magozzi and Gino Rolsteth and the 4 person Monkeewrench team of Grace, Harley Davidson, Annie and Roadrunner (who together are collectively referred to as Monkeewrench throughout the stories).

Monkeewrench is a software company whose expert computer team developed a program to help law enforcement with difficult cases. Since they are based in Minneapolis, the police they help most often is the MPD homicide department.

The minor characters which populate this series are just as interesting and fun to get to know as the main characters. Written with a large dose of humor, the drama of the crimes being investigated are mitigated by this lightheartedness. We love the interaction between Leo and Gino and among the other members of the homicide department. And the fascinating characters seem to grow with each publication, giving us a group of characters who seem so real and so likable with each reading that we become convinced they are all real.

Gino’s complaints about the Minnesota weather in each book are very relatable to those who have experienced similar situations (it’s way too hot with too many mosquitoes [SUMMER]. Or, it’s too bitterly cold here; I’m moving to Florida! [WINTER] ).

And let’s not forget Charlie, the mongrel abandoned dog taken in by Grace, who is scared of his own shadow until he learns what a home with love is all about.

I have dearly missed the Monkeewrench team and all their adventures during the time between Book 10 (2019) and Book 11 (2025). Welcome back, Monkeewrench ~ you have been missed!

A Brief Synopsis of The Deepest Cut

In Book ten, homicide detectives Leo & Gino arrested a pair of killers for the murder of several women, aided by their cyber-sleuth friends and partners at Monkeewrench. One of the killers has a fatal heart attack after being arrested; the other (Wolfgang Mauer) is sent to a maximum security mental hospital in rural Minnesota.

In The Deepest Cut, we find Mauer plotting his escape (with help from his ‘mother’) and planning a revenge involving the detectives and the Monkeewrench crew who got him a life sentence.

The escape is successful and three bodies and the kidnapping of a 10-year-old boy later, an inexperienced county sheriff finds herself head-first in a massive manhunt. She teams up with Minneapolis homicide and Monkeewrench to find Mauer before more people die.

Summary

I recommend reading the Monkeewrench Series by P.J. Tracy starting with Book One (Monkeewrench / Want to Play?), as each book in the series builds on characters we meet in subsequent books. The interactions and backstories help understand the characters better as we meet them again in each new book. In Book Eleven (The Deepest Cut), we find that the county sheriff helping solve the current case is someone we first met in Book Ten. :)

Even the authors’ backstory is fascinating: they were actually a mother-daughter duo using a pseudonym.

Welcome to the Monkeewrench Series by P.J. Tracy!

*Book Review of ‘The Deepest Cut’ by P.J. Tracy and background on the Monkeewrench Series was written by Wednesday Elf

*The Intro Image is compliments of Pixabay and Fotojet. The monkey image is from Pixabay.

Read the Monkeewrench Series of Books ~ from the first to the latest:

Monkeewrench (Monkeewrench Mysteries Book 1)Check Price The Deepest Cut: A Monkeewrench NovelCheck Price

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Friday, September 18, 2026

Halloween Milk-Bone Spooky Biscuits Flavored Dog Treats Reviewed

It has become a tradition in our home to gift our precious dog with holiday milk-bones. He loves all milk-bones, including the puppy sized milk-bone treats. Even though he is slightly over a year old, we are letting him finish off the small sized puppy milk-bone biscuits.

With Halloween approaching, I actually searched for the Halloween holiday Milk-Bone biscuits so stores didn't sell out before I got them for him. I purchased 3 boxes. When the box arrived, Watson, our baby dog, attacked the box. Clearly, he smelled the Milk-Bone treats through the shipping box. He was extremely excited for me to get the box open quickly so he could start his feast. He sought out his favorite shape. I don't know if he chose the ghost because of the shape, smell, flavor, or color, but the ghost is his favorite of the spooky treats.

There are 4 different spooky biscuits in the box: Ghost, Pumpkin, Monster, & Bat. Totally appropriate Halloween treats for the canine member of the family!

Milk-Bone Halloween Spooky Biscuit Treats

Milk-Bone Spooky Biscuits, Halloween Dog Treats, 24 Oz. PailCheck PriceWatson loves the taste, smell and crunch of Milk-Bone treats. I limit treats to 2 at a time. Baby Dog would eat the whole box if I would let him. I think we all have our favorite foods that we would keep eating until it's gone.

The box contains 24 ounces of spooky dog treats. That is approximately 150 treats.

Like the Easter Milk-Bones, the Milk-Bones Spooky Biscuits come in a lightweight pail with a handle. The pail lid clips shut to maintain freshness. The picture on the pail features a golden retriever wearing a witch hat and is absolutely adorable.

12 Vitamins & Minerals
Reduces Tartar on Teeth
Helps Freshen Breath
Limited Edition 24 oz Pail
Happy Halloween Treats!

More Holiday Milk-Bone Treats Reviewed

Holiday Milk-Bone Biscuits for Christmas
The Christmas Milk-Bones are fabulous & come in a beautiful collectible tin. They include Christmas tree shaped treats, stocking shaped biscuits, and regular bone shaped Milk-Bones.

Easter Milk-Bone Biscuits
The East Milk-bones come in a easy open & close pail with a lid that snaps shut. Shapes include bunnies, chicks and bones that are absolutely fabulous for a doggy "biscuit" hunt!

Pet Related Reviews

Halloween Milk-Bone Spooky Biscuits Flavored Dog Treats Reviewed written by:

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Thursday, September 17, 2026

The Best Homemade Peach Pie Recipe

Homemade peach pie is something special. This peach pie is sweet, juicy, and delicious; your friends and family will love it.

My Aunt Mary Carol made the best peach pie that I've ever had. So, I thought I would give this a try.

Homemade Peach Pie Reviewed

The fresh peaches make all the difference; you'll want to find nice, ripe peaches, but not too soft.

I used Pillsbury double pie crust for this recipe. If you want to make your own, you can find my pie crust recipe here: Cast Iron Skillet Apple Pie.

Ingredients:

1 double pie crust
5 large ripe peaches, Peeled, pitted, and sliced
1 cup sugar
5 tablespoons cornstarch
1 tablespoon lemon juice
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
1 egg beaten
More sugar for the top

Instructions:

Place all the cut-up peaches in a large bowl. Add the sugar, cornstarch, lemon juice, vanilla, and cinnamon.
Mix with a spoon until everything is combined.
Set the peaches aside while you prepare the crust.
Lay out your bottom pie crust and slightly roll the edges all around so it is larger than 9 inches. Lay it in your pie plate so the crust hangs over the edge.
Add the peach mixture into the pie plate.
Roll out the top crust the same way and place it over the peaches. Form the crust all around the pie.
Brush the top with the beaten egg, then sprinkle with sugar.
Loosely cover the edges (crust) with tin foil.
Bake the pie at 375 degrees for 50 to 60 minutes, until the top is golden brown.
Let cool on a rack for 30 to 45 minutes before slicing.
Note: I always place a cookie sheet on the oven rack below the pie in case of any spills.

This homemade peach pie is the perfect way to enjoy one of summer's sweetest fruits. I don't believe it beat my aunt's peach pie, but it sure was close.

Wisenvoy Pie Pan Ceramic Pie Dish Pie Plate Deep Dish Pie Pan Non-Stick Pie Pans for Baking Pie Pans Pie Dishes

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Wednesday, September 16, 2026

When Witches Go Riding and Black Cats Are Seen: The Halloween Poem That Inspired These Spooky Finds

When witches go riding and black cats are seen, the moon laughs and whispers, ‘tis near Halloween is a simple short piece of beloved folklore that immediately brings the season to life. A rhyme with author unknown. Often marked simply: Anonymous. It creates an entire scene usually presented in four short lines and conjures up pictures of witches riding on broomsticks, black cats and a personified moon. It’s playful rather than frightening. Child friendly even.

After some research, the mysterious history continues. I do not know who wrote those lines or when they were written or first appeared. That information does not seem to be documented, but nevertheless the poem has taken on a life of its own and I was delighted to find a few interesting items that you can buy today that feature this ever-so-slightly spooky poem. Follow along as I review a few of these bewitching items.

APRON

One of the simplest ways to celebrate Halloween during the month of October is to wear a Halloween-themed apron. I love this embroidered apron by Remi Louise of The Threaded Stitch Co. on Etsy. It features the poem and is available in five colors and seven sizes, including one for children. The design captures an old-fashioned feeling with a bit of whimsy. It’s perfectly seasonal and perfect for Halloween, although one pleased reviewer says she wears hers all year long.

Remi says that this apron is perfect for fall and Halloween baking and cooking, for anyone who loves Halloween poetry, for kitchens with a witch theme, for fall and October décor fans and, of course, as a seasonal gift and most definitely for someone who enjoys celebrating Halloween for the entire month of October. Available on Etsy from The Threaded Stitch Co. by clicking here.

T-SHIRT

Another practical gift that declares your love of Halloween and this poem is this fun t-shirt from Steeped in Puns on Etsy. It is made from quality cotton fabric, making it comfortable and durable. Perfect for all your Halloween celebrations. Like the poem, this t-shirt captures the essence of Halloween and is ideal for someone who loves an old-fashioned Halloween, vintage and spooky graphics and witch-and-black-cat designs. It features vintage-style typography, a witch on her broom, a black cat, a crescent moon and the verse and is available in five colors and sizes from XS to 5XL from Steeped in Puns Shop on Etsy by clicking here.

ARTWORK

Perfect for your Halloween décor, this charming Halloween piece has a wonderfully vintage-inspired feel, featuring the imagery that we associate with the poem. The black border and old-fashioned lettering add to its nostalgic character and the poem gives the piece a whimsical touch. A fun seasonal accent for anyone who loves vintage Halloween imagery, old-fashioned Halloween poetry, or a little spooky charm in their home.

This print, like the other items on this page, appeals to those of us who enjoy old-fashioned Halloween décor. It has a nostalgic, storybook quality, which would be lovely in a Halloween decoration collection or a witch-themed room. It is a piece of vintage-style artwork that includes the images associated with the season but a bit more nostalgic and sophisticated than some pieces, making this one an unusual choice. Click here to buy this framed Halloween picture from the Handmade Haven Sign Co. on Etsy.

DIE-CUT WITCH

This vintage Hallmark Halloween die-cut wall decoration features a whimsical witch riding on her broomstick with her black cat. Her outfit and grin give her a cheerful demeanor. She is a fun piece of nostalgia, possibly from the 1980s, for your Halloween collection and for people who collect vintage Hallmark, die-cut Halloween decorations, witches and other Halloween ephemera.

She doesn’t feature the poem but I think she is a fun addition to this page. There aren’t many vintage items with the poem and this is a piece that has the feel of the poem. After all, witches, broomsticks and black cats are what you think of when you think of this classic Halloween verse. She’s just one of many die-cut options. Click here to discover a whole coven of witches on broomsticks and black cats on eBay. To find this exact image, you will have to add Hallmark to the search.

THE MAGIC IS JUST BEGINNING

I hope I’ve inspired you to add one of these items - the apron, the t-shirt, the artwork or a die-cut witch - to your Halloween collection. If you happen to know more about who wrote this poem or when it first appeared, be sure to let us know in the comments.

Happy Halloween!

Brenda
Treasures By Brenda