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Dog or Man? … The Giant Snowflake … Kate Winslet’s bathrooom Oscar and Other Facts!
Blue Magic
How happy Poppy was with the blue tulips she had planted. They were her favorite color, and they finally bloomed. Winter was coming, but Poppy was planning on enjoying her blue tulips as long as she could before snow covered everything.
“I wish my tulips would bloom all year. If only there was a way to make it happen, she mused.
All too soon, the bitter winds blew, and winter made its appearance in the forest.
Poppy enjoyed the sunshine and flowers of spring, but in the winter, it was fun to sled down the hills. She whizzed down the hills with her speedy sleigh while yelling, “Look out!” to everyone.
Once Tumbleweed didn’t get out of the way in time, and she knocked him off his feet, face first into the snow. Fortunately for Poppy, Tumbleweed was a jolly hedgehog and laughed about it once he brushed all the snow off of him.
One night, Poppy awoke from her sleep with a start. What was that noise? There were all kinds of noises in the forest at night that Poppy had grown accustomed to.
The “whooo…” of the owls and the field mice scurrying to get away from them. Crickets chirping and the call of the whipporwill.
But the sound that had awakened Poppy was not any of them. It was different from anything she had ever heard.
Putting on her new fuzzy blue hat, she ventured outside to investigate the source of the noise.
Snowflakes were lightly falling, and for a moment, Poppy thought of going back inside to grab her coat, but no, she wouldn’t be out that long.
Standing still, she listened. Had the sound been all in her head? Now she didn’t hear it.
Perhaps she had dreamt it?
Starting to shiver, Poppy was about to go back inside when the tiny cry pierced the night.
Someone was in distress. She had to help them. Moving as fast as she could, she followed the sound.
“Help me, I am stuck!”
Poppy couldn’t see anyone at first, and then she stopped right before tripping over the bunny in front of her lying in the snow.
It was on its back kicking its legs.
“Please help me, I have fallen and I can’t get up.”
The poor bunny was partially buried in the snow!
“I am so glad you came!”
Poppy immediately started brushing the snow off of the bunny. Her paws grew numb. Why, oh, why hadn’t she grabbed her mittens before leaving the house?
Finally, she freed the bunny’s paws from the snow, and it wasn’t long before the bunny managed to stand up.
“Thank you so much!”
Hopping with joy to be free, she bid Poppy bye and hopped away, anxious to get back to her burrow.
Poppy felt a warm flush go through her. She was glad she had ventured outdoors into the night. Who knows how long the poor bunny would have been stuck if it hadn’t been for her.
With a happy heart she started back home.
Something was wrong. She should be home by now. Had she taken a wrong turn?
Poppy looked around and trembled. The cold was beginning to sink in. She had to find her home soon.
Taking a few more steps, she stumbled. She was growing sleepy. Shaking her head, she kept going.
Oh, there was a rabbit ahead of her hopping rather fast. She almost hadn’t seen him since his white fur blended in with the snow.
Rabbits knew their way around the forest. She would ask him the way back to Tulip Hollow, her home.
Trying her best to catch up, she called out for the rabbit to please stop.
He turned back, glancing at her.
“Stop, please. I need to ask you a question.” Poppy said.
“I can’t stop. I am late, real late, for an important date.”
With those words, he turned back around and kept going.
Late for a date? Poppy repeated the words to herself. Who goes on a date this late at night?
Poppy kept moving but was zig zagging and trying hard not to stumble. Weary and cold, the tears began to fall.
She was startled by a tiny fairy appearing in front of her.
“Why are you sad?” The fairy asked.
“I heard someone crying for help and came out to help them. I helped them, but now I am lost and can’t find my way home. I need to get home!”
Poor Poppy started crying harder.
“Aww! Don’t cry. How kind of you lend a helping paw. What is your name?”
“It’s Ppp-Pop-Poppy.” She choked out.
“I live in Tulip Hollow.”
The fairy didn’t say anything at first, and then she smiled after blinking her eyes a few times and twitching her nose.
“You are almost home, dear Poppy. Simply follow the flowers.”
Her tears stopped, and her eyes widened in surprise at the sight before her.
She started to say something to the fairy, but she had disappeared as suddenly as she had come.
With her spirits lifted, she did exactly what the fairy had told her. She followed the flowers home. Her wish had become true. Not only had she found her way home, but she also rejoiced to see that her blue tulips were blooming once again, and they bloomed all winter long.
Friday’s Super Short Stories!
Are you yearning for Snow Fun! Are you tired of the warmth and your muscles weak from not having to shovel? Do you want to have smiles like Woodstock and Snoopy? Make haste, no time to waste! Make your way to Pennsylvania for the weekend. Take delight in catching a snowflake on your tongue. Burn calories and build muscles as you shovel snow! Have pride in yourself as you build a snowman . Be a child again as you make snow angels. All that and more, including hot chocolate, with extra marshmallows. Plus a guest bedroom for you to get a good night’s rest so you can be ready for the joyful act of shoveing snow again the next day. Is your excitement building? Don’t delay, book your flight to PA today for this weekend’s winter storm.
When your son is video chatting with you and he tells you to go in his room … You find a Uruguay hoodie to wear. Feeling wrapped in my son’s warm hug.
Friday’s Fun Questions!
Would you rather be followed by a band everywhere you go or by someone narrating every part of your life?
Would you rather live under the sea or in space?
Would you rather be stuck in a comedy with an enemy or a scary movie with a close friend?
The Bidding War
This is the conclusion to Monday’s post,Hatching a Plan
The trap was set. All that was needed was the prey.
Elise woke up early. She was excited about finally getting Jamie out of her life for good, but she couldn’t squash an apprehensive feeling as well. What if something went wrong? What if this plan ended up making things worse instead of better?
Oooh! She flopped back down on her bed with her stomach churning. Breathe, she told herself. All would be well.
Cara’s plan sounded bizarre to Elise, but the rest of the ladies had all agreed that it was a foolproof plan. So, that should give Elise some confidence. They couldn’t all be crazy, could they??
Taking a deep breath, she got up and started getting ready for the day ahead, praying that it would end the way she hoped.
Elisa arrived at Fuzzywhistle’s Farm at 2:00 that afternoon. She wanted to be sure to get there before Jamie arrived.
Tippner and Mason were talking with old man Fuzzywhistle and Cara and Monika greeted Elise with hugs when she got out of the car.
Her hands were trembling at the thought of seeing Jamie again, but she consoled herself with the fact that it would be the last time.
She honestly couldn’t believe how excited he had been at her news when she had called him a couple of days ago. He had taken the bait, hook, line, and sinker.
Even with his car being in the garage, he had said he would be there. He was going to pay for a taxi. It was a long ride, but he had the money to cover it.
As they waited for Jamie, they chatted, trying to keep the conversation light to help calm Elise.
When Elise saw the taxi pull in the gravel lane, her body tensed, but with Cara and Monika on either side of her, she relaxed.
Let the show begin. She thought.
Jamie stepped out of the cab with an air of confidence around him.
He gave Elise a cool smile, carrying a ring box and a bag with other items that belonged to her.
“Hi Elise. Should I get down on one knee before giving you this ring?” He asked with a sardonic smile.
Shaking her head no, Elise held out her hand. ” Hand me my things, and I will introduce you to Mr Fuzzywhistle.”
When she had her possessions in her hands, she felt a surge of relief flow through her.
So far, all was going according to plan.
After putting her things in her car, she walked over to the barn to introduce Jamie.
“Hi everyone, this is Jamie.”
They all smiled at him. “Welcome to BitterSweet Creek. It is a wonderful place to live.”
Mason put out his hand, and Jamie shook it. He acted like a true gentleman talking to them.
“Hi, I am Mr Fuzzywhistle, the owner of this farm.” He shook hands with Jamie.
“I am glad you could make it. As I am sure Elise told you this was supposed to be only a small auction between friends, but Elise put in a special word for you. She convinced me to let you join in the auction today.”
“Thank you, sir, much obliged. I have always wanted a farm of my own. This has been a lifelong dream of mine.”
Elise felt like she would puke on the bull coming out of Jamie’s mouth.
He didn’t like farms one bit. The only reason he wanted Fuzzywhistle’s Farm was for the land. He planned to get rid of the animals and have a large house built and a three car garage for his sportscars.
“May the best man ..”
Monika coughed loudly.
“Or the best lady .. win!” Old man Fuzzywhistle said as he got ready to begin.
Jamie’s smile was wide thinking about his wad of cash in his wallet. Surely he would win this no problem. How could he not win against country bumpkins. He grinned at Mason and Tippner in their bib overalls and straw hats.
He chuckled inwardly at Monika. Like she would be able to run a farm. Yes, this would be an easy win!
When Elise had called him about Fuzzywhistle’s farm being sold at a private auction he knew this was his chance and had made the deal to give her back her grandmother’s things if she could convince Mr Fuzzywhistle to let him join the auction.
He had enjoyed stringing Elise along and getting money from her, but he didn’t mind giving that up for a farm. She was so easy to manipulate. He could probably get more money from her another time. Let her think she was off the hook. He would be back.
“$200 .. going once..”
Jamie quickly raised his hand. He had been lost in thought and didn’t realize the auction had begun.
“$220”
“$250”
“$300”
He was right this farm would be a steal. Jamie couldn’t believe they had started so low!
“$350”
Monika dropped out. Jamie smiled at her. Only Mason and Tippner now.
Jamie was entertained as Mason and Tippner started to argue with each other.
“You doofus! Why do you want a farm?”
“I am going to plant coffee beans.”
“Coffee beans? Poison! There will be no coffee on my farm.”
“This isn’t your farm, doolally!”
Doofus and doolally, what kind of words were they? These people really were country bumpkins.
Jamie kept raising his hand when Fuzzywhistle would look at him.
The price kept going up. Surely, the two men would give up and realize that they couldn’t outbid Jamie.
A few moments later, Tippner turned his pockets inside out, “Dagnabbit, you can have the farm.” He said to Mason, as if he forgot that Jamie was still bidding.
Mason narrowed his eyes at Jamie.
“$400” He cried out. Fuzzywhistle stared at Mason in shock.
Jamie didn’t miss a beat.
“$500” Jamie called out.
“$525” Mason said.
“You must really want to plant those coffee beans! Do you think a beanstalk will grow up to the sky, like the one Jack climbed?” Tippner asked.
The ladies laughed.
“600” Jamie said.
All eyes were pealed on Mason, whose shoulders slumped.
“Going once, going twice, sold!”
“Sorry, man.” Tippner said, putting his hand on Mason’s shoulder. Cara and Monika gathered around Mason too.
Jamie almost felt bad. What a steal! $600 bucks! But nope, he had won the farm, fair and square.
Mr Fuzzywhistle walked over to him.
“Congratulations, it looks like you won yourself a farm.”
He dabbed at his eyes with his handkerchief.
“I am going to miss this place.”
Staring into the pasture for a bit, he let out a heavy sigh. Then, he led Jamie into the farmhouse to sign the papers and have Jamie pay him.
It wasn’t long before they walked back out of the house.
“Now, I do want to have you meet my cow. She doesn’t take strangers real well, so let me introduce you.
Jamie resisted, rolling his eyes. What did he care about seeing a stupid cow.
Everyone followed him to where Betsy was grazing.
“Wow! Is that real gold?”
Jamie was staring at the cowbell. That had to be valuable. He reached out.
“Yes, but I wouldn’t…”
When the pink and purple smoke cleared, Elise couldn’t believe her eyes.
Jamie was gone! It had happened exactly as Cara had said it would. He touched Betsy’s bell and POOF, Jamie disappeared in a cloud of smoke!
“Incredible!”
Everyone cheered.
That’s how we country bumpkins take care of troublemakers.” Tippner said, chewing on a piece of straw.
“Its much better than putting a bullet through them. No dead body to hide.” Cara joked.
“And I believe this money belongs to you.” Fuzzywhistle said, handing over the money that Jamie had paid him.
“Thank you all so much!” Appreciation welled up inside of Elise.
“Always glad to help.” Mason quipped.
Turning to old man Fuzzywhistle he asked.
“Are you sure you don’t want to sell your farm?”
“Yes, I have no intention of selling yet. Besides, you have a coffee shop to run. Maybe once you retire, I will be ready to sell.”
Tippner slapped Mason on the back. “But you never know, I may outbid you. I would plant something much better than coffee beans. Blech!”
Elise raised her hand in the air, with Jamie’s money. “Who wants to go shopping?”
“We do!” Monika and Cara said in unison.
“Poor Bard!” Mason and Tippner yelled.
“What?” Elise gave them a confused look.
“Pay no attention to the stooges!” Cara replied. “Let’s go! I am hungry for some donuts. Want to stop there first?A new place opened up this week.”
“Wait!” Old man Fuzzywhistle held up his hand and looked at Elise.
“As far as Jamie’s disappearance, you must know one thing.”
Elise looked at him, waiting for him to continue.
“What happens in BitterSweet Creek stays in Bittersweet Creek.”
Giving him an understanding look, Elise nodded her head and winked. “I didn’t see a thing. But please let me know when Betsy comes back. I want to thank her.”
When Elise went to bed that night, she took a look at the cow stuffie she had purchased at the mall. She couldn’t resist buying it. “Thank you.” She whispered before falling asleep as the moon shined over BitterSweet Creek.
Tuesday’s Thoughts!
Happy Tuesday! It is frigid here this morning but thankful to come to this warm community of friends and share more quotes for the week. I hope they bring smiles to your heart. In honor of MLK’s birthday yesterday you get a bonus quote today. I found it on my friend, Monika’s, post and she was happy to share it with me. If you need an extra smile today, stop by her site, you will always be glad you did. https://tailsaroundtheranch.blog/2026/01/19/monday-musings-january-19-2026/
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Hatching a Plan
This is the next part to Saturday’s post, Once Upon A Snowy Night!
Elise was glad she had come. Being here always felt like a second home to her. A small town where everyone knew your name.
“Hi Elise! What a fun surprise to see you. A peppermint mocha latte is coming up.” Cara called out to her.
Her heart warmed. Sometimes, it felt like she had never left the town of BitterSweet Creek. But she had. Taking care of her grandmother had been her first priority, even if it had pained her to move.
She didn’t regret moving. Elise would cherish forever the extra time that she had been able to spend with her grandmother. Her mind was lost in the memories of yesterday when she was jolted out of her daydream.
“It’s so good to see you.”
Monika wrapped her arms around around her in a warm embrace. She then sat down on the other side of the red booth.
They chatted for a while before Elise delved into the topic of Jamie.
When Elise was halfway through her story. Cara came by. “How is everything, ladies? Can I get you anything else?”
“I may need some strong black coffee.” Elise replied, rubbing her head. Talking about Jamie was giving her a migraine.
“Well, if you are going to drink black coffee, you certainly need something sweet with it. I will bring you some fresh shoo-fly pie to go with it. Came out of the oven ten minutes ago.”
“That sounds perfect. Thank you.”
Cara walked away, and Elise continued on with her story.
“I never knew someone could change from charming to scumbag so fast. One would think he was a chameleon.
I am ashamed that I ever thought he was a good guy! When I broke up with him, he went bezerk, and I knew it wasn’t because he loved me. He never loved me. He knew that my grandmother was rich, and he only wanted a share in my inheritance! I am such a fool.” She took a long drink of her coffee.
“Don’t beat yourself up. People get fooled all the time by snakes in disguise. Trust me, I have seen my share of snakes in my life. I am glad you saw Jamie’s true colors in time before he could get his hands on any of your inheritance.”
“But what do I do now? I was so mad at him that I threw my grandmother’s ring at him, and now he won’t give it back unless I pay him. He keeps taunting me with her ring and a few other items I left behind when I stormed out of his place!
Should I simply let him keep them so that I don’t have to deal with him anymore?”
Monika pounded her fist on her table, making the coffee cups rattle, as she yelled. “Absolutely not!”
In the booth beside tbem, Tippner jerked awake from his midday doze.
Cara laughed as water spilled out of the cup he was holding when he dozed off.
“Taking an afternoon, siesta?’ She joked, walking over to him.
“Pffft! I wouldn’t be falling asleep if you had some rocking music playing.”
“See! I knew there would be someone on my side about playing some rock music in here.” Mason said, stopping at Tippner’s booth.
“Rock music! Oh, you can’t be serious. That would hurt the ears of my little Princess.” Miss Peacock petted her Yorkie, who was in her big purse. She was waiting at the counter for her to-go order.
“See!” Retorted Cara walking to the back to get Miss Peacock’s order.
“I have to say I agree with Cara and Mrs Peacock. I come here for conversation. I am too old for loud music in the background.”
Cara had come back out and turned to the fine dressed woman. “You don’t look a day over 30, my friend.”
She laughed, “Riight! But thanks.”
“Seriously, you always dress so nice. I especially love your black trench coat the other day. Looked like Mrs Columbo!”
“We could use Columbo to figure out how to deal with Jamie, my ex-boyfriend.” Elise said.
“Guy problems. No wonder you needed strong coffee. Let me get you some more, and I will join you two. It’s time for my break.” Cara replied.
The other two women decided to pull up some chairs and join Monika and Elise at their booth.
Tippner looked at the gathering of women and at Mason. “I am outta here.”
Mason gave him an understanding look. “I am going back to my office for some peace and quiet.”
Elise gave a shortened version of her story, and Cara clapped her hands together, with a gleam in her eye. “I know a way to get your things back and to get Jamie out of your life.”
Monika gave her a conspiratorial wink. “Are you thinking what I am thinking?”
**To be continued**
Scared Truck Drivers … Happy Days … Seashell Tunnel … and Other Facts!
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Once Upon A Snowy Night!
The snow was starting to fall harder around them, but Elise was oblivious to it. All she wanted was one thing,
“You promised me you would have it.”
“I will have it. I simply don’t have it now.”
Elise leaned in closer. “I need it! Pleeease! ” She pleaded, and oh how she hated begging, but what else could she do. She was between a rock and a hard place.
Jamie’s eyes gleamed as the corners of his mouth turned up in a satisfied smile. He had her exactly where he wanted her.
“How badly do you need it? How much are you willing to pay?”
Elise stepped back. “Pay? I paid you three times now!”
Shrugging his shoulders, he said with an air of nonchalance in his voice.
“You wouldn’t have to pay me more … but I think you do really want a certain thing I hold in my possession, right? Maybe more money would jar my memory as to what it is.
Gritting her teeth, Elisa replied, “How much?”
“Ooh I think $2000 would work.”
How she wished that she had never set her eyes on this man! He was robbing her blind! What a tangled web that he had weaved. By the time Elise realized his true colors, it had been too late. She was already caught in his sticky web and desperate for a way out before losing more of her dear grandmother’s inheritance.
What was she going to do? There had to be a way to get her grandmother’s valued antiques without paying slimeball Jamie one cent more! She was done being his fool!
“I will have your money in a week.”
“Make sure you do. Or the deal is off! Until then, take care.” He tipped his hat like a gentleman and walked away.
Elisa watched him with disgust. He was a far cry from a gentleman. More like a scondrel!
Hurrying home to sit by the fire, she felt a glimmer of hope. Elisa knew exactly what she needed to do.
**to be continued **
Friday’s Super Stories!
Happy Friday … My brain is returning to normal … well … my kind of “normal” … Not in a fog worrying about my son flying far away … Adjusting to the quiet … Will be back to posting stories regularly, starting tomorrow … Enjoying hearing and seeing photos of my son’s new adventures …
What new adventures are in store for you this year?
Have you heard of Whatnot, the live auction site? Beware, it can be addicting, but it was a fun distraction as my heart and mind whirled with different emotions the past couple weeks … No, I did not break the bank and found good deals on vintage books.
My son and his girlfriend flew away to work remotely … for now… Time will tell as to how long they will be gone … As promised I will tell you where they flew off too … If you want to try to see if you can guess, go ahead … Below the following two pictures will be their destination … Can you guess? I will give you a clue. Its a warm country …
They are in Uruguay! If you guessed, I am impressed and you win twenty gold stars. 🙂 They are only two blocks from the water and a few miles from the beach! It was 71 degrees this morning.
The Forgotten Sister
My thanks to Elizabeth, who helped inspire this story from one of her posts. A post about Carefree City and other strange, fun names of streets. I had told her the names sounded like they belonged in a fairy tale and she said I was free to use them. So the names of the streets in this story are true places, and the only true thing in this story. Enjoy! If you would like to read more about Carefree City, Arizona, here is a link to her post. https://bleuwater.me/2025/11/07/feeling-carefree/
It was a calm and peaceful night at Pebbles’ home. A cozy night was the perfect thing after her hectic day of cleaning. The cinnamon tea was sweet and not a dust bunny in sight. Well, as long as one didn’t look too hard.
Dust bunnies were the worst kind of bunny around. Pfffft! They didn’t even deserve to be called a bunny, as far as she was concerned.
Aside from the never-ending task of dealing with dust bunnies, she was real happy about making the move to Carefree City.
One of the best choices she had made. Yes, indeed, she was starting this year off right.
She had been given two choices of where to move to after Doc told her that she had to get out of the cold if she wanted better health.
He said she could go to Bloody Basin, in Arizona or Carefree City. Well, Pebbles didn’t have to think hard on that one. Carefree city sounded a lot more fun, not to mention safer. Like Grandpa Thumper always said, “When faced with two choices, choose the one that’s the story that you prefer to tell for the rest of your life.” Pebbles figured she had more chances of a happy life in Carefree, as opposed to living in Bloody Basin.
Finding the perfect bungalow. She settled in on Tranquil Trail Street. It sounded like someplace in a fairy tale.
Finishing her tea and some candied carrots, she started getting ready for bed. It wasn’t long before Pebbles had fallen into a deep sleep.
The next morning, Pebbles was deep into reading about her ancestors when there was a frantic knocking on her door.
Opening the door, she was surprised to see a chicken looking up at her.
“Good morning. Can I help you?”
“Who are you?” The confused chicken asked. “Where is Ducky Lucky and Cocky Locky?”
Pebbles was as confused as the chicken.
“My name is Pebbles. I don’t know who you are looking for. I only moved to Carefree City recently. Did they live here before me?”
“Carefree City? Oh my, where am I?” The poor chicken looked around her in bewilderment.
“I am in the wrong place. How did I get here? I must go, oh my, I have to find them!”
Pebbles watched as the chicken turned and ran away clucking to herself.
She scampered down the street and ran across Rocking Chair road, right past Miss Tabitha rocking on her porch.
Pebbles was curious about this frenzied chicken running like her head was cut off, so she decided to run after her. The story about her ancestors, Watership Down, could always be read later.
Fortunately, Pebbles was still fast for her age and caught up to the chicken quickly on “Nonchalant” street.
“The sky is falling. The sky is falling!”the chicken cried, continuing to run.
“What’s falling?” Old Theophilus called out to Pebbles, who had stopped and looked up at the sky.
“The sky.”
“Oh, is that all.” Theophilus replied before going back inside.
The sky didn’t appear to be falling, but Pebbles kept following the chicken. After all, what else did she have to do? This was the most excitement that had happened in Carefree city since she moved here.
Every once in a while, the chicken stopped for a breath and Pebbles would be able to say a few words to her. She found out the chicken’s name was Dizzy Penny.
“May I ask you why you think the sky is falling?” Pebbles asked, as Dizzy was catching her breath.
“Something thunked my sister on the head. It’s falling, I tell you!” And she took off again.
Pebbles kept following her, even as they entered a new town.
“Yabba-Dabba Doo!”
Pebbles didn’t know what to make at the sight of two funny looking men yelling, “Yabba-Dabba Doo!”
She had seen crazy humans before but none quite like this!
Before she could wonder anymore about the men she gasped! There was a long necked purple creature eyeing Dizzy-Penny and within a flash … little Dizzy-Penny was gone.
Burp! Went Dino, the purple dinosaur.
And that is why you never heard of poor Dizzy Penny. Little Henny-Penny’s directionally challenged sister, who got lost when trying to warn others about the falling sky.
Nuggets of Gold 