The Miller Report 03272025

 

   Welcome to the blog, where the sun is shining and the goats are plotting their next great escape! 
   
   In Southington, the weather is warmer than my cat’s disdain for the outdoor world, but we’re here to embrace the sunshine. Expect stories of wildlife adventures, from birds that sing like they’re auditioning for a musical to sneaky raccoons that think they’re ninjas. 
   
   So grab your iced tea, and let’s see what trouble we can get into—hopefully, the goats will stay out of it this time! 

  • Across my Desk!!
                            
Happiness comes from within.
That’s why it feels so good to fart.

The thing about 4 year olds is no matter how tired they are, if they get an 86 second nap in a car it will be enough to fuel them for the next 48 hours.

This getting old is a terrible thing. I blacked out for twenty minutes this morning, then I realized I'd put my hoodie on backwards

Human Beings Get Rich As They Get Old: Silver In Hair, Gold In Teeth, Sugar In Blood, Precious Stones In Kidneys & An Endless Supply Of Gas!

We Live in an Electrical Simulation (Chuck Missler) | Promise Keepers
Saint
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9986oauYepw                            
                            

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  • The Reader

In the heart of her family room, Ava sprawled out on the couch, surrounded by cushions and a warm fleece blanket. The aroma of freshly baked cookies wafted through the air, tempting her taste buds as she sipped on a glass of milk. Opening her laptop to Mindmyst Tales Blog, she felt a wave of excitement wash over her. With a pencil and sketchbook in hand, she began to doodle characters inspired by the stories she read. The sound of laughter from her family in the background created a comforting atmosphere as she immersed herself in the tales. Each story sparked her imagination, and she couldn’t help but smile at how the words came to life on her page. It was the perfect way to spend the evening.



 • Game of the Week --- your chance to win a prize ... grab your pencil and a bit of paper, and a snack.

Reading Challenge: The school is having a reading challenge in March where students are encouraged to read books. If Emma reads 2 books in the first week, 3 books in the second week, and 4 books in the third week, how many books will she have read by the end of March?


 • Now, This Week's Exciting Story

Chasing Shadows

Jasper Quinn’s heart raced as he stepped into the dimly lit hallway, the familiar creak of the floorboards echoing his unease. The half-played chess game on the kitchen table caught his eye, the pieces frozen in a tense standoff. It was a game he often played with his younger sister, Lila, who had a knack for strategy that rivaled his own. But the absence of her laughter and the warmth of her presence sent a chill down his spine. He moved through the house, each room a stark reminder of her absence. The air felt heavy, as if the walls themselves were holding their breath, waiting for a revelation.

As he reached the bedrooms, the reality of the situation sank in deeper. The neatly made bed in Lila’s room stood as a stark contrast to the disarray of his own—his clothes scattered and his suitcase still open, a testament to his recent case that had kept him away for far too long. But it was the empty hangers in her closet and the missing suitcases that twisted the knife of dread in his gut. Where could she have gone? Was she taken, or had she left willingly? Jasper felt the weight of unanswered questions pressing on him, each one more disturbing than the last. He couldn’t shake the feeling that this was not just a simple case of her moving out; something far more sinister was at play, and he needed to uncover the truth before it was too late.

Jasper took a deep breath, forcing himself to focus. He couldn't afford to let panic cloud his judgment. The first step was to gather clues. He moved to Lila's desk, its surface cluttered with books and papers. As he rifled through the mess, a small notebook caught his eye. It was worn, the edges frayed, and it seemed out of place among the neatly stacked textbooks.

Flipping it open, he discovered a series of hastily scribbled notes. They were filled with Lila's handwriting—familiar, yet frantic. The entries ranged from mundane diary entries about her day at school to cryptic phrases: “The shadows are watching,” “Trust no one,” and “Find the key.” Jasper's heart raced as he read the last line, underlined multiple times: “The truth lies beneath the surface.”

What did she mean? He scanned the room, his eyes landing on the floor. Beneath the bed, he noticed a loose floorboard. Kneeling down, he pried it open and found a small metal key, rusted but intact. It felt heavy in his palm, and a rush of adrenaline surged through him. This was a sign—Lila had left something behind, something important.

With the key securely in his pocket, Jasper moved to the living room, where he spotted Lila's favorite box of old trinkets. She had always been fascinated by the past, collecting oddities and memories. As he sifted through the items, he found a small, intricately carved wooden box that he had seen her admiring in an antique shop weeks before. It had a lock but no key.

Could this be the box she was referencing? He held the key up to the light, its shape matching perfectly with the lock. With trembling hands, he inserted the key and turned it. The lock clicked open, and he slowly lifted the lid. Inside, he discovered a collection of photographs, each one depicting Lila with a group of friends, their faces obscured by shadows. But one photo stood out—a picture of a dilapidated building with the words “The Old Mill” scrawled on the back.

Jasper felt a chill run down his spine. The Old Mill was a local legend, rumored to be haunted and a place where strange occurrences had been reported over the years. It was also a spot Lila had often mentioned in passing; she was drawn to its mystery.

With a sense of urgency, Jasper grabbed the photo and headed for the door. He had no time to waste. If Lila had gone to the Old Mill, he needed to follow her trail before it was too late.

As he stepped outside, the sun was beginning to set, casting long shadows across the street. The air was thick with tension, and Jasper’s instincts screamed at him to hurry. He jumped into his car, the engine roaring to life as he sped down the winding road toward the mill. The fading light painted the sky in hues of orange and purple, but all he could think about was finding Lila and uncovering the truth behind her cryptic messages.

The journey felt endless, each passing moment heightening his anxiety. What had she uncovered that made her feel the need to leave so suddenly? And who were the shadows she mentioned? As he approached the mill, its silhouette loomed ominously against the twilight sky, a foreboding reminder of the secrets it held.

Jasper parked his car and stepped out, the crunch of gravel beneath his feet echoing in the stillness. He took a deep breath, steeling himself for whatever lay ahead. With the photograph clutched tightly in his hand, he made his way toward the entrance, determined to find Lila and reveal the mystery that had ensnared her.


As Jasper approached the Old Mill, a flicker of movement caught his eye. He turned to see a red van parked a short distance away, its engine still running. The vehicle was nondescript, but something about it felt off, as if it were waiting—waiting for him or for someone else. A knot of unease tightened in his stomach. He knew he had to be cautious; whatever was happening here was bigger than he had anticipated.

He crept closer, the shadows deepening around him. The mill loomed ahead, its decaying structure whispering secrets of the past. The door creaked ominously as he pushed it open, stepping into the dark interior. Dust motes danced in the shafts of fading light that filtered through broken windows. He could hear the faint sound of water dripping somewhere in the distance, a constant reminder of the decay that surrounded him.

“Lila!” he called out, his voice echoing through the empty space. Silence enveloped him, thick and oppressive. He took a step further inside, scanning the room for any sign of her. His heart raced as he thought of the photographs—had she found something that put her in danger?

Suddenly, he heard a noise from the upper level of the mill—a soft thud followed by muffled voices. Jasper’s instincts kicked in. He moved stealthily toward a staircase at the back, his breath quickening with each step. As he ascended, he could hear the voices more clearly, rising and falling in a heated exchange.

“—you shouldn’t have come here, Lila!” a male voice hissed.

“I had to find out the truth! You can’t keep me from it!” Lila’s voice was defiant, but it trembled with fear.

Jasper’s heart sank. He hurried up the last few steps and peeked around the corner. What he saw made his blood run cold. Lila was cornered against a wall, her eyes wide with fear, facing two men. One was tall and muscular, his face obscured by a hood, while the other, a wiry figure with a menacing grin, held a flashlight that illuminated Lila's terrified expression.

“Let her go!” Jasper shouted, stepping into the open, adrenaline surging through him.

The men turned, surprise flickering across their faces. Lila’s eyes widened in recognition, and relief washed over her features. “Jasper!” she cried.

“Get away from her!” he repeated, taking a step closer. The men exchanged glances, and Jasper could see the tension in their posture. They weren’t just thugs; they were dangerous.

The muscular man laughed, a low, threatening sound that echoed in the empty space. “You think you can just waltz in here and save the day? You have no idea what you're getting into.”

“I know enough,” Jasper shot back, his voice steady despite the fear clawing at him. “I’m not letting you hurt her.”

Before he could react, the wiry man lunged at him, a knife glinting in the dim light. Jasper sidestepped, grabbing the man’s wrist and twisting it, forcing the knife to clatter to the ground. The muscular man rushed forward, and Jasper barely had time to brace himself before they collided.

The two men grappled, each struggling for control. Jasper’s training as a former journalist had never prepared him for a fight like this, but instinct kicked in. He landed a punch to the man’s gut, causing him to stumble back. In that moment, Jasper turned to check on Lila.

“Get out of here!” he shouted, but she stood frozen, fear etched on her face.

“Go!” he yelled again, and finally, she turned and ran toward the staircase.

With renewed determination, Jasper faced the muscular man again, who was now furious. They exchanged blows, each hit reverberating through the old mill. Jasper ducked under a wild swing and countered with a jab to the man’s jaw, sending him sprawling against a nearby wall.

Just as he thought he had the upper hand, the wiry man reappeared, lunging at Jasper from behind. Jasper barely had time to react, but he managed to twist away just as the man swung a heavy metal pipe. It missed him by inches, crashing into the wooden support beam, splintering the wood.

“Lila!” Jasper shouted, trying to keep his focus on the fight while ensuring she was safe.

The wiry man swung again, this time connecting with Jasper’s side. Pain shot through him, but he fought through it, adrenaline fueling his resolve. He retaliated with a swift kick to the man’s knee, causing him to stumble. Jasper seized the opportunity and tackled him to the ground, pinning him down.

“Get off me!” the man spat, but Jasper held firm, his weight pressing down, ensuring he couldn’t escape.

Just then, the muscular man recovered, charging at Jasper with a roar. Jasper barely had time to react as he rolled off the wiry man, dodging the attack. He scrambled to his feet and grabbed the metal pipe that had fallen to the ground.

“Stay back!” he warned, brandishing it like a weapon. The muscular man hesitated, eyeing the pipe warily.

“Let’s finish this,” the man growled, but Jasper could see the fear creeping into his eyes.

With a newfound sense of confidence, Jasper lunged forward, swinging the pipe and catching the man off guard. It connected with a sickening thud, and the man collapsed to the ground, groaning in pain.

Breathing heavily, Jasper turned to find the wiry man trying to crawl away, but Lila had returned, picking up the knife that had fallen earlier. She stood over him, her expression fierce. “You’re not going anywhere.”

Jasper’s heart swelled with pride as he watched her take control of the situation. Together, they had turned the tide.

“Let’s call the police,” Jasper said, looking at Lila, who nodded, her eyes still filled with adrenaline.

As they stepped outside, the red van was still parked, but the danger had been neutralized. Jasper pulled out his phone, ready to call for help, knowing that together, they would face whatever came next. The shadows of the mill faded behind them, but the truth they had uncovered would linger, a reminder of the dark secrets lurking just beneath the surface.

As they stood outside the mill, Lila took a deep breath, her eyes reflecting a mix of fear and determination. “I found something in the old town records about a hidden stash of artifacts that were never returned after the mill closed,” she explained, her voice steadying as she spoke. “I thought if I could uncover the truth, it might shed light on the town’s history, but I didn’t realize how dangerous it could be.” Jasper listened intently, his heart swelling with pride for her bravery, even as concern flickered in his mind. “I’m just glad you’re safe now,” he replied, wrapping an arm around her shoulder, ready to face whatever challenges lay ahead together.



===========SHADOW
Only about four alien inhabited planets have the technology & are relatively close enough to reach our planet . This is an exaggeration as inhabited worlds are purposely placed far apart to limit interference . Yes they do keep secrets like this in places call books.
    Brace Yourself for the Extraordinary!
    🌠 "SHADOW: Based On Eyewitness Testimony" by Joseph Miller is a mind-bending journey into the unknown. Real stories, real sightings. Are you prepared to question everything? Don't miss out! Available on Amazon Kindle, paperback, hardcover, and Audible.
    
SHADOW  by Joseph Miller    
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0B4Z36PS3



===========AFTER DARK
A Thrilling Romance: "After Dark" combines pulse-pounding mystery with a heartwarming romance. Jack and Emily's adventure leads them through a maze of secrets, testing their resolve and their connection. Each revelation brings them closer together, but danger is always just around the corner. Will they conquer the darkness and find their way to each other?

AFTER DARK  by Joseph Miller
Available in Kindle, Paperback and Hardcover
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0CTHPSSTQ

============PITCH DARK
Get ready to immerse yourself in the shadows! "Pitch Dark," the latest collection by acclaimed author Joseph Miller, is set to captivate readers with 13 thrilling tales of mystery and romance.

 Each story weaves an intricate tapestry of suspense, leaving you breathless until the last page. Prepare for a journey where love and intrigue intertwine in the most unexpected ways.
 
 Watch for "Pitch Dark" at Amazon and your favorite bookseller—your next great read awaits!

               




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Please visit by my author's page to see what's new.
https://warlockpublishing.com/joseph-miller-author/joseph-miller

============ sponsor

KelDel Creations
https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100090364412851

Experience the Art of Crafting
    Crafting is more than just a hobby for me; it’s a way to express my creativity and connect with others. I invite you to visit my booth at the craft fair to experience the art of crafting firsthand. I’ll be demonstrating some of my techniques and sharing tips for aspiring crafters. Whether you’re a seasoned artist or just curious, there’s something for everyone to enjoy. Let’s spark your creativity together—come join the fun!

May 3  Bristol Bazaar, Cider House
May 4  Sunday Funday, Camp Sloper, Southington



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It was such a pleasure having you visit!

The early spring roads were a delightful reminder of the beauty that comes with new beginnings. After a long drive, there’s nothing like the first sip of hot black coffee to rejuvenate the spirit. I hope you found comfort by the fireplace, where we shared laughter and stories that warmed our hearts. A bowl of hot soup was the perfect addition to our cozy conversation, nourishing us as we reminisced.

Don’t forget to give your snuggling cat some extra love when you get home; they’ve been waiting for your return! Until next time, may your days be filled with warmth and happiness.


Please do write a comment.  You could, if you dare, ask me a question... Play Stump The Host!

Until next Thursday,    
Happy March !!!

Joe Miller 🌲️❄️ 🍻🍻
If you had to wear a warning label, what would it say? “Caution: May spontaneously break into song or dance at any moment!”