Missing - A Perfect Vacation-A Perfect Nightmare

Missing- a perfect vacation-a perfect nightmare

I have been reading a lot of the same authors lately, so I decided to try reading an author that was new to me.  I found this book on Book Bub and found the book to be very interesting.  In fact from page one till the end of the book, I enjoyed every moment of it. So now, I have another author to read and I will look for more books by Christy Cooper-Burnett.

Synopsis

Megan Hamilton thinks everything is going great with her life, until her fiancé tells her she is boring and he no longer wants to marry her.  She is shocked and hurt when he tells her he has already found someone else that he wants to marry.

In an attempt to get her mind off her breakup, her mother, Michelle, invites Megan to go on a luxury cruise with her and her best friend Rochelle.  At first Megan refuses, but upon further reflection and her mother's insistence she decides to go on the cruise.

While on the cruise Megan meets a charming man, Nate, who is kind and fun and Megan begins to enjoy herself.  Is this a "Perfect Vacation" or a "Perfect Nightmare"? Megan soon finds out everything is not as it appears. 

I will leave the rest of the story for you to discover as you read the book.  I will just say the book is full of twists and turns till the very end of the book.

You can purchase the book on Amazon in paperback, kindle version or audiobook at the following link   Missing

About the Author

Since I had not read this author before, I looked up some information on her.  Christy Cooper-Burnett is a award winning author based in Southern California.  She has a degree in Administration of Justice and lives with her rescue dog, Beau.  She has one grown son who inspired her to write her debut novel "No Way Home".

Christy enjoys writing novels that encourage the reader to put themselves in the place of her strong female characters and think about how they would handle the unique situations in which they find themselves.

Other Books by Christy include the following:

• No  Way Home
• Escaping Home
• Finding Home
• Run
• Passport to Terror

 

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Book Review of Decoy Saves Opening Day

This new book, due to be released on February 3, 2026, is already, in its pre-order listing on Amazon, proving to be a very popular book in the Children’s Baseball Books category, as well as Children’s Dog Books. A darling story for children ages 4 to 8 who love both baseball and dogs.

Synopsis

Decoy Saves Opening Day

A new baseball season is about to begin. To Decoy, a Dutch Kooikerhondje breed known as a duck decoy dog, the baseball stadium has everything a dog loves ~ hot dogs, the biggest back yard ever, and thousands of human friends. Decoy knows he is going to have the best day ever! He’s been chosen to throw out the first pitch on this baseball Opening Day and make his ‘dog dad’ (famous baseball star Shohei Ohtani) proud. 

Oh No! Decoy forgot and left his lucky baseball at home. How is he going to throw out the first pitch without it?  Can he run back home, get his ball and get back to the stadium in time? 

Author of Decoy Saves Opening Day

This adorable debut story is written by Shohei Ohtani, MLB LA Dodger all-star, and stars his real-life pup, Decoy. Ohtani wrote this story with Michael Blank and the book was illustrated by Fanny Liem. 

Summary

The well-known Japanese baseball star, Shohei Ohtani, along with his dog, Decoy, support animal rescue organizations. They hope to use the profits of their debut story to help dogs find their forever homes. Shohei and Decoy are working to help real-life animals in need. 

You can pre-order “Decoy Saves Opening Day” here on Amazon. 

Note: Decoy actually DID throw out the first pitch. As the first dog to ever do so, Decoy delivered the ceremonial first pitch to Ohtani on their shared Bobblehead night on 8/28/2024. This is no doubt the cutest pitch you will ever see. Decoy definitely steals the show! Watch the YouTube Video below: 

*Book Review of "Decoy Saves Opening Day" is written by Wednesday Elf

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Raising Cane's - Restaurant Review

A few years ago, I moved to Kansas City to be near my family. One day, my daughter-in-law was at work with the only family car when she contacted my son that the car would not start. He called me and I picked him up so we could go ‘rescue’ her, jumpstart the car with my jumper cables, then get them to an auto supply store for a new battery.  On the way, my son suddenly announced that it looked like it was a “raising cain” day! 

When I did not respond; only staring at him perplexed, he asked if I heard what he said. I answered, yes, but I didn’t understand what he was talking about. 

Turns out, since it was going to be past dinnertime by the time we were done, thus making it too late to begin fixing dinner, they would stop to pick up take-out.  Being new to Kansas City, I had never heard of the place he was talking about ~ Raising Cane’s Chicken Fingers Restaurant! :) 

History of the Raising Cane’s Chicken Fingers Restaurants

Raising Cane’s Chicken Fingers restaurant (also known as Raising Cane’s or, simply, Cane’s) is a fast casual food chain specializing in chicken fingers. It was founded in 1996 by Todd Graves and Craig Silvey. Their first restaurant opened in Baton Rouge, Louisiana. 

The restaurant chain was named after Todd Graves’ yellow labrador retriever, who is the company’s mascot! :) 

The Raising Cane’s menu is very simple, consisting of really delicious chicken fingers, french fries, coleslaw, Texas toast, Cane’s Sauce and soft drinks. Today, this restaurant chain is considered to be the third largest chicken restaurant chain and has over 900 locations, both throughout the United States and internationally. 

Summary

Raising Cane’s Chicken Fingers has become one of my favorite ‘go-to’ places to eat and I highly recommend it if you are a fan of chicken fingers. The menu may be very limited (by design), but they do it VERY WELL. 

It had already been a favorite for my son and his family. Interestingly, this Spring one of my grandsons celebrated his 16th birthday and by June he had begun his very first summer job. Where else would the job be but at ‘Raising Cane’s.’ 🙂

*Raising Cane’s Restaurant Review written by Wednesday Elf

+Image sources: Wikipedia

For more restaurant reviews, click on:

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Chicken Finger Dipping Sauce, Dupe for Famous Canes Sauce, Pack of 2

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The Perfect Affordable Fanny Pack for Travel and Everyday Use

 

A Very Affordable Travel Fanny Pack – Check This Out!

When we planned our recent trip, I knew I needed a compact crossbody bag that could still hold all the essentials we tend to carry, and would also need direct access to on the airplane. 

After spending a considerable amount of time researching, comparing styles, and reading reviews, I finally settled on a fanny pack that ticked all the boxes for both my husband and me. The best feature was that it was very reasonably priced. I wasn't looking for something expensive!

We ended up buying two—one for each of us.

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Why I Chose This Fanny Pack

The first thing that drew me in was the shape. Many fanny packs available are the typical triangle shape—bulky in the middle and then tapering off.

This one features a rectangular design, measuring approximately 4.7 inches tall by 8.7 inches wide, with a depth of around 1.7 inches. It feels sleeker against the body and more practical for our preferred travel style.

I also loved that it wasn't large. It still feels compact when you're using it, but it surprised me with how much I could actually fit inside.

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What I Carry Inside

We used these for travel, so I had a little mental checklist of everything I needed to bring along on the airplane:

• My passport

• A small wallet

• Headphones

• Phone charger

• Our Phone

• Some over-the-counter meds

And guess what? Everything fit—neatly. 

Inside the main compartment, there are mesh pockets that help organize your essentials so you're not constantly fishing around. I loved that. 

My passport had its own spot. My headphones didn't tangle with other things. And there was still room to spare.

These are just the items I prioritized, but there's still space for quite a bit more if you need it.

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How We Wore It

Another big plus: this fanny pack isn't just for the waist. It has a wide, adjustable strap that makes it easy to wear crossbody.

And it's not just for travel either. This is one of those bags you could use every day—for running errands, walking the dog, going for a casual hike, or even heading to a concert where you want your hands free.

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The Look and Feel

The material is sturdy yet not stiff or floppy. It holds its shape nicely, which makes it look more polished than some of the casual nylon options. It's water-resistant, which comes in handy if you get caught in the rain!

The zippers are smooth, the buckle is strong, and the strap feels durable. All in all, it feels like a much more expensive bag than it actually is.

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Color Options and Style

We chose the blue version and are happy with the look. 

They come in other colors—some bolder and some more neutral—but I noticed that some of the color options are slightly more expensive. Still, even at the higher end, it's reasonably affordable.

The overall style is simple and modern, so it doesn't clash with your outfit. Whether you're wearing jeans and a t-shirt or something a little more sporty, it blends right in.

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Would I Recommend It?

Absolutely. Whether you're going out of town or just need something lightweight and convenient for everyday use, this fanny pack is a resounding yes for me. It checks all the boxes—affordable, practical, stylish, and roomy without being bulky.

I'm glad I found it—and even happier that it turned out to be as functional as I'd hoped. 

If you're looking for a crossbody or waist bag that actually holds what you need and keeps it organized, check this one out.

You can find this Fanny Pack on Amazon, where available.

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Outward Hound Treat Puzzle Level 2 Review

Always on the watch for helpful puppy products for enrichment! The Outward Hound Treat Puzzle level 2 came highly recommended and indeed has over 78 thousand reviews with a 4.5/5 star average in a very popular online store.

Three Levels In One

The Outward Hound is a three level puzzle depending upon how the components are arranged. I found this pup quickly learned how to find the food. Slightly disappointed the pup needed about 4 feeding times to conquer the puzzle. Three minutes and poof the food was gone! The food was one cup of puppy food which filled about 75 percent of the nooks and crannies of the puzzle. I would expect if the puzzle was 100 percent full the feeding would take longer.

 Durability And Chew Marks

I was surprised the components of the puzzle were not puppy proof. Indeed after one use the pup with teeny tiny teeth left its' mark.

The reviews did mention a concern with the chewability of the puzzle as a possible negative.

With a watchful eye I concur. Without purchasing and trying the product chewability is subjective to each dog. Apparently teeny tiny baby puppy teeth can and did leave chew marks on the puzzle. this puppy also lifted off the white bone covers as a toy and tore off a door... leaving me to not feel comfortable with this puzzle unsupervised closely.

Recommendation

I was hoping for a puzzle puppy feeder to keep the pup busy.  I liked so many of the features of this puzzle, but ultimately decided it was not a great fit for this pup due to the chewable components and need for very close supervision.

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Summer Tips for Pets ~ A Product Review

There seems to be no lack of things that we can do to make our pets more comfortable during the summer months.  Just in case you are a new Pet Parent, here are some wonderful ideas to make Summer Months and the heat bearable for your pets.

SUMMER TIPS FOR FAMILY PETS

• The Number 1 and I think most important tip is to keep water available at all times.  If it is a really hot day, you can add a few (1 to 5) ice cubes to the water to keep it cool.
• Take your pets especially dogs out for their walks early in the morning and later in the evening.  Why?  Well let's just say that the pavement gets really hot when the sun is beating down on it.  If you can't take your pets out early or later, then make sure you are walking on grassy areas!  Grass is naturally cooler on their little feet.  
• If you are going for longer walks, take along a water bottle for you and one for your pet.  They make these lovely and easy to use portable water bowls for you dogs.  If you are interested you can find a whole bunch of different options for travelling water bottles right here!
• Use a cooling Bandana to help keep your dog chilled while out in the heat.  Or you can get a Puppy Cooling jacket. If you are interested in cooling bandanas or cooling jackets for your dog you can check a whole lot of them out on this page link!
• Dog booties are a must if you are walking for long distances on hot pavement.  Dogs paws are really sensitive to heat and they can blister and burn. Whether you have a large breed dog or a small breed, they both need foot protection so you can find what fits your Poochie's needs on this page and there are many different choices that you can make!  
• When you come in from your walks a nice cooling mat/pad will make your pet feel wonderfully chilled.  Again if you have a large or small dog, your needs might be different, but you can find wonderful cooling mats for your dogs whatever their size right here!
• Needless to say if your dog is a long-haired variety, they will be shedding a lot of fur over the summer months and good grooming,  while essential all year long, makes an even better idea in the summer.  Getting all that extra hair off of them will keep them cooler.
• If you are a home owner and have the space, a nice little kiddies pool or a special dog pool, will be an added extra for your poochie friend.  Don't over fill the pool, but just give them enough water to splash around, keep the pool in a semi-sun area.  Dog's can get sunburned too!  But please don't use sunscreen on you pet, rather keep them in a shaded area!

Having a pet in the house is wonderful for our mental, emotional and physical needs and they are a part of the family.  So when you know that it's hot out there, it's our duty as pet parents to keep our pets happy during the extra hot days of summer.

They sure appreciate it and you will too!  Your dogs and cats will be much happier and relaxed when their needs are met.

I think I have covered the most important parts of keeping our pets safe and happy, but if there is something I have forgotten, please leave me a comment and I will certainly look into your suggestions. 

  Many thanks for reading and Happy Summer to all!

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Reviewing Benefits Of Sun Protection Hats for Adults and Children

I always look forward to Spring and summer, It is so lovely to get some  sunshine and enjoy lovely weather, but too much or too strong sun exposure can be harmful so I look for ways to enjoy the sun safely.

One way we can protect ourselves is to wear a hat. However although we can wear any ordinary hat, if we want the best sun protection it is better to buy one with added sun protection built in to the fabric. Most are factor 50 which is excellent sun protection.

Sun safety is very important and a Sun Hat with built in sun protection can be very helpful. As summer arrives  and the temperatures rise and the Ultra violet (UV) factors also rise we should all be more aware of keeping ourselves safe in the sun.

My husband and I always wear a Sun Protection Hat now and it really makes a huge difference to how we feel when out about about in the sun, we feel much more protected and cooler.

What Are UPF Protection Sunhats?

UPF sunhats are designed with tightly woven materials and special treatments to block harmful UV rays. They are better than a standard hat in this respect and offer more protection. 

A short explanation is that we are used to hearing Sun Protection Factor SPF in sunscreens, but in clothing and sun hats you may see UPF which means Ultraviolet Protection Factor.

UPF measures the level of Ultra violet radiation the fabric permits to get through to our skin.

UPF 50 in a sun hat blocks 98% of the sun’s rays and protects us from UVA which are the ones that age us and UVB which are the ones that burn. You may still see them advertised as SPF or UPF and should look for factor 50 ideally. 

They are available in a very wide variety of styles for men, women and children. Styles include wide brimmed which are my favourite, baseball caps, bucket hats, beach hats, travel hats, stylish hats and some corded to keep them on in windy conditions. Some are plain, some pretty,  others two tone so you can have a two in one hat, some very practical, others more decorative but all offering you added sun protection.  

A range of colours are available from blues, pinks, creams, greens, black and many others so there is sure to be a colour that you like.  

 Women's Travel Beach Hat with Chin Cord - UPF 50 Sun ProtectionCheck Price

Why Do We Need A UPF/SPF Sun HAT? 

Most offer sun protection to our scalp, hair and face. If the brim is wide enough it can also give protection to our eyes, ears and neck.

Sunscreen on the face and head needs reapplying often, can cause allergic reactions and can rub off during the day. For many people it is more difficult to apply to your head and not perhaps very comfortable and may be greasy or tacky. If you can wear sunscreen on your face and neck you should. However, by wearing a Sun protection hat as well, we cover all bases by being sun safe and maybe a little cooler. Yes hats can blow off or be taken off, but as long as the person keeps the hat on, perhaps with an adjustable  chin strap, it gives all day protection. 

Some medications can make your skin very sensitive to sunlight and you may be advised to keep your skin covered while taking them. Always check with your doctor, but if advised to avoid the sun, a wide brimmed SPF sun hat may be a very useful accessory to protect you while going about your day. 

Some health conditions make exposure to the sun inadvisable. Your doctor is the best person to advise you, but if they approve wearing a wide brimmed SPF sun hat may be useful to help you go about your day more safely. 

Sun Protection hats can really help us by protecting our skin from the sun, helping to shield us from burning or damage by the suns rays and even serious cases of skin cancer on the head and neck. My friend got skin cancer on her head despite having thick hair. She never wore a hat all summer both home or abroad. After having surgery for the skin cancer, she does now. 

If you cannot wear sun screen due to allergies and still want to go out during summer, a sun hat is essential to protect your scalp, face and neck. Due to allergic reactions to sun creams and other creams and cosmetics I am unable to apply sunscreen. I have very fair sensitive skin which does not tan easily, so it is vital to me to wear a SPF sun hat at all times when the sun is out from Spring to Autumn to protect my skin. 

Many sun creams contain chemicals which not only can irritate the face, eyes and skin but the chemicals may affect marine life too. A UPF/SPF sun hat may be an option if this affects you. Also look for sunscreens kinder to you and the environment. 

There is a SPF sun hat for any occasion. Whether its gardening in your own garden yard, going for a walk, days out sightseeing, dog walking, hiking, beach days or exotic holidays. 

A UPF/SPF Sun Hat can make enjoying the heat and suns rays a little safer for everyone.

 Wallaroo Hat Company Men’s Summit Sun Hat (Stone, Large/Extra Large) – UPF 50+, Wide BrimCheck Price

Sun Hats With SPF Benefits for Teenagers And Adults

• A sunhat with added sun protection can be fashionable, sporty, practical, even stylish. You can always add a ribbon or brooch to the hat if its too plain for you or you like to individualise it. 

• If the brim is wide enough, it can protect your face against sun skin ageing and from the skin going red and sore or getting burns. 

• A sun hat may help make up look better for longer.

• AN SPF sunhat is very helpful for people with fine or thinning hair as it offers protection for the skin on the scalp, as well as the face.

• UV exposure can fade hair colour so if you colour your hair it is worth wearing a good sunhat.

• If you have short hair or neck coverage is important to you there are styles with back flaps to guard the neck. It is often a difficult place to apply sunscreen thoroughly and can feel tacky or greasy if it gets in your hair.

• An SPF sun hat is great for people who like to be active and outdoors. There are hats suitable for hiking, gardening, fishing and many sports. I always wear a Sun Protection hat while I am gardening and out walking in nature in the summer. 

• I find an SPF sunhat with a wide brim also keeps me cooler. 

 Solbari Everyday Broad Brim Sun Hat with Pocket UPF50+ Uv Protection, Sun Protective Hat for Women Beige MediumCheck Price

Benefits for Babies And Children

• Children have more delicate thinner skin and it is important to protect it from the suns rays.

• It might not be the easiest task to keep reapplying sun screen especially to a child's scalp, neck and face, although of course we should try, but a hat with a strap to keep it on may work and be a good double form of protection. 

• Children generally like to be active and a SPF Sunhat will help to protect their face, eyes, head and neck from sun damage and burning while they have fun, play or watch sport.

• If a child grows up to feel that it is normal to wear sun screen and protective hats and clothing, they will hopefully continue to wear them. It keeps their skin protected from damage now and also perhaps guard against serious skin damage and cancers later in life. 

 Coolibar UPF 50+ Baby Splashy Bucket Hat - Sun Protective (one Size- Aruba Blue)Check Price

Points To Consider In A Sun HAT

Ensure it has UPF factor fabric, ideally Factor 50.

Check the brim width is suitable for your protection needs and your activities.

Choose the colour and style

Choose the size - for this you will likely need to measure around the head above the ears then check with the size charts.

Is the Hat adjustable to your head

Especially if you travel a lot does it fold up or lie flat for packing

Is it reversible - useful for travel, or if you want to buy only one hat.

When it arrives is it comfortable for you to wear for long periods of time. 

Does it have a chin strap, a detachable one is useful to make it more versatile.

Is it washable or wipeable to keep it clean.

My favourite features in a sun hat include a wide brim to give some shade and more protection, an adjustable chin strap so that there is less likelihood it blows off in the wind and also gives me the strap to hold it with over my wrist if I don't need it on. 

I like a choice of colours and I do like a two tone reversible so I get two hats in one which is great for travel. I like when they are packable and foldable as well or at least lie flat.

There is a Sun Protection Sun Hat that will suit every person and they do make a thoughtful gift. 

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Reviewing The Benefits of Sun Protection Hats for Adults and Children by Raintree Annie

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Reviewing Fisherman's Wool Yarn by Lion Brand

I recently had a request for a crocheted, warm blanket for camping so I dug through my stash of yarn in order to come up with a yarn and pattern idea. I found two skeins of the Fisherman's Wool by Lion Brand that I had purchased some time ago with the idea of making a warm sweater for myself. This yarn is a pleasure to work with and is creating a beautiful blanket with a super easy, and quick, stitch. I am enjoying this yarn and project so much that I may end up making a warm blanket for myself!

Fisherman's Wool by Lion Brand

This Fisherman's Wool by Lion Brand is currently offered in 6 colors; varying shades of brown and white/oatmeal, with one "tweed" color. These colors lend themselves to rustic or cabin decor perfectly. They are also the perfect colors for sweaters, scarves, and hats.

• Yarn Weight: 4 medium/worsted
• Length: 465 yds in solids, 348 yds in prints
• Fiber: 100% Pure Virgin Wool in all colors except Birch Tweed
• Birch Tweed Fiber: 90% wool, 7% acrylic, 3% rayon
• Care: Hand wash, lay flat to dry (do not dry in a dryer, do not use bleach)

More details about the Fisherman's Wool can be found on the Lion Brand Yarn website.

With a prime membership, you can currently order the Fisherman's Yarn on Amazon and save the shipping cost. 

Personal backstory

My son and I had a conversation recently about camping and warm blankets. He wanted me to make a blanket for his dog, similar to the wool blanket that I used to keep my dog warm years ago.  We had a difficult time narrowing down which dog, which camping area, and other assorted details. We finally realized that he was remembering a Peruvian wool poncho that we had purchased from vendors at a craft fair. While that poncho was woven, I thought that I could probably make a blanket for my son and his dog.

In my yarn stash, I found 2 skeins of Fisherman's Wool. I love the natural colors of the yarn and I had planned to learn how to make cable stitches that are often found on Celtic Irish sweater designs. As usual, my crochet project dreams were bigger than my amount of free time and skill. But that turned out to be a good thing as this yarn is creating a beautiful blanket. I am surprised about the softness of this wool yarn - I had expected it to be scratchy. The yarn is relatively soft, but allows for good stitch definition. And best of all, the yarn doesn't split or snag. I am so surprised at how easy it is to work with.

Personally, in addition to sweaters and blankets, I think this wool yarn would make wonderful, old-fashioned teddy bears! 

Moss Stitch 

For this blanket project, I'm using the Moss Stitch. It is also called the Linen, Granite, and Woven stitch. It is a stitch with much smaller spaces between stitches, that add to the warmth of the finished item, but not so tight that the blanket is stiff. The Moss Stitch creates a design that adds interest when the colors change, but does not require any counting or multiple row pattern changes to create that design. The Moss Stitch is a popular stitch for good reason and patterns and tutorials can easily be found in books, blogs, and in videos.

Cable Crochet Patterns

The Lion Brand website also has a large variety of free crochet and knit patterns. If you look on the site, you can find a good number of crochet cable patterns including this gorgeous Heirloom Crochet Cabled Throw kit (includes the pattern and the yarn). 

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Reviewing Veterans Tribute Park

 Last week I visited a park that was new to me.  It opened in October 2018.  It is located on Kisker Drive in Weldon Springs Missouri.  It is an 120 acre park with lots of wonderful features.

Park Features

The park is loaded with features for every age group.  They include:

• Two Lakes where you can enjoy a nice stroll or go fishing.
• A Dog Park
• Playground
• A Great Trail System for those who like to hike.  
• Storybook Walk   This trail is designed for parents and kids who love to read.  Book pages are posted at various stations along the trail, so you can read a book while you take a walk.
• Picnic Shelters

In addition, it has two of my favorite features- the Veterans Memorial Plaza and flowers which I will tell you about in more detail in the sections below.

Veterans Memorial Plaza

Veterans Memorial Plaza is a beautiful area that honors Veterans from the St. Charles County area that have given the ultimate sacrifice.  It includes a beautiful walk lined with flowers that lead to the Tribute Wall.  The tribute wall is a curved stoned wall engraved with names and has waterfalling over the wall.  After you see the wall, the walk continues up a slight incline and has stops from each of the conflicts from 1812 to the present day.  Each stop features a board that describes the conflict and, on the walk, in front of the board is a star on the sidewalk with the names of those residents of the county that died in that conflict.  It is a very moving feature of the park.

Lots of Beautiful Spring Flowers

I visited the park in early May and there were lots of beautiful flowers that lined the walkway to the Veterans Tribute.

Zazzle Products From my Photos

Two-toned Iris Beauties Two-Tone Coffee Mug
by mbgphoto

https://www.zazzle.com/inspirational_greeting_card-256580751976839042

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A Little Luck: A Fun Look at Lucky (and Unlucky) Numbers

Have you ever had a favorite number you swore brought you luck? Maybe it was your birthday, your jersey number in high school, or just a number that "felt right." 

Well, you're not alone. It turns out humans have been assigning luck (and bad vibes) to numbers for centuries. From ancient cultures to modern-day lotteries, numbers have carried weight far beyond their mathematical value. 

So let's dive into the surprisingly quirky world of lucky numbers and their infamous unlucky cousins.

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Where Did Lucky Numbers Come From, Anyway?

There's no official "history of lucky numbers" carved in stone, but lucky digits have been floating around since ancient times. 

Early civilizations believed in numerology, where each number had a specific meaning or vibration. 

The Greeks, Chinese, Egyptians, and Babylonians all had their take on which numbers could bring good fortune (or doom). Fast-forward to today, and we still hold some of those beliefs. 

It turns out old superstitions die hard—especially when they're tied to money, love, or fate!

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So, What Are the "Luckiest" Numbers?

You'll notice some numbers keep popping up across cultures, and they've gained a reputation for bringing good vibes. Here are a few that take the top spots:

7 – The Universal Lucky Charm

If you ask people their lucky number, seven wins by a landslide. It's a spiritual number, connected to perfection and completion. Think: seven days in a week, seven wonders of the world, and even lucky 7s on a slot machine. It's practically the Beyoncé of lucky numbers.

8 – Wealth in the East

In Chinese culture, eight is considered extremely lucky because it sounds like the word for prosperity and wealth. 

It's so revered that people pay extra to have it in phone numbers, license plates, and even addresses. 

Want to sell your house faster in China or anywhere else? Make sure the address has an 8.

3 – Harmony and Good Things in Threes

The number three represents balance and harmony. Think of the saying, "third time's a charm." In storytelling, things often happen in threes—three little pigs, three wishes, three musketeers. Coincidence? I think not.

9 – Power and Magic

Nine is often associated with wisdom and experience. In Norse mythology, there are nine realms. In numerology, 9 is the number of the humanitarian and spiritualist. It's also the last single digit, which gives it a sense of completion and power.

11 – Intuition and Inspiration

Though not always labeled as "lucky," eleven has a certain magical, intuitive vibe. Many people make wishes when they see 11:11 on the clock. I know I do! It's a number that's thought to open a spiritual gateway (or at least a wish-granting moment).

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A Few Numbers That Didn't Make the Lucky List

Let's not forget the dark side of digits—those numbers we avoid like stepping on cracks in the sidewalk.

13 – The OG Bad Luck Number

Ah, thirteen. So misunderstood. In Western culture, it's considered super unlucky. 

Hotels skip it. Airplanes skip it. Heck, Friday the 13th even has its own horror franchise.

The roots are fuzzy, but it's often linked to bad omens and betrayal (looking at you, Judas Iscariot, the 13th guest at the Last Supper).

4 – The Death Number (Literally)

In many East Asian cultures, especially Chinese and Japanese, four is avoided like the plague because it sounds like the word for death. Some buildings even skip the 4th floor entirely. So if you're giving someone flowers in Japan, don't send four!

But believers can take charge with these home tips on how to ward off evil spirits!

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Famous Numbers in History

Beyond superstition, some numbers have simply earned their legendary status thanks to history:

• 1066 – The Battle of Hastings, which changed England forever.

• 1492 – Columbus sailed the ocean blue. Love him or not, that number sticks in your head.

• 1776 – Independence Day in the U.S. Enough said.

• 911 – Not lucky, but certainly significant, especially in North America.

• 666 – The "Number of the Beast." If you've ever looked at a receipt total and gone "nope," you've felt its power.

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But Here's the Wildest Part…

Now for the twist—ready? 

I personally know ten people who have won the lottery. Yes, actual winners. Not the "my cousin's neighbor's dog-walker" kind of story, but real people in my life. And some didn't just win pocket change—we're talking millions. 

A few were instant ticket winners, others hit it big in traditional draws. It always shocks people when I tell them I personally know big lottery winners! And yep, we won a luxury vehicle in 2001! That was amazing! It's since been sold, but wow, what a day that was when I received the call that we won the early-bird prize for that draw.

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Final Thoughts: Numbers, Luck, and a Little Magic

Whether you believe in lucky numbers or not, they make life a little more fun. 

They add meaning, spark tradition, and—let's be honest—fuel our dreams when we buy that one lottery ticket "just in case." I'm not saying numbers can change your fate… but hey, if you've got a number that feels lucky, go ahead and play it. You never know what magic it might bring.

What's your lucky number? Do you have one or more than one?

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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