The Miller Report 05292025

Greetings and welcome to Miller's Mysteries blog, where the weather is so warm that even the neighbors' goats have decided to participate in our discussions! If you thought they were just here for the grass, think again—they've got opinions about our patio dining options.


 Meanwhile, our cats are on constant patrol, judging anyone who dares to walk by. I'm ready to mingle at the Senior Center Shows, catch a flick at AMC, or show off my mini-golf skills. Just don’t tell the goats I’m winning!

Here’s a set of six lucky lotto numbers for you:

 3, 15, 22, 28, 34, 41. Good luck!

  • Across my Desk!!

8yo Grandson: Gramma, I think you’re always making stuff up.
Me: Like what, sweetheart?
8yo: Like if we don’t clean our room, a portal will open and suck us into another dimension.
Me: Well… that’s what happened to your older brother.
8yo: What older brother?
Me: Exactly. 😎✨

Today's astronomy includes a mystery cosmic object bursting with X-rays, SpaceX's Starlink satellite launch, and China's Tianwen 2 mission to gather asteroid samples. Additionally, a G1 geomagnetic storm is possible due to solar wind from a coronal hole.

Planets and Signs
https://www.theplanetstoday.com/astrology.html
Sun - gemini; Moon - scorpio
 

  • The Reader
The sound of rain pattering against the window created a soothing symphony as Bryan settled into his home office. A steaming mug of hot chocolate, topped with whipped cream, sat beside him, its rich aroma inviting him to indulge.

He opened Mindmyst Tales Blog on his computer, ready to escape into fantastical realms. With a notepad and pencil at the ready, he began to jot down notes and favorite quotes, feeling inspired by the creativity flowing from the screen. The cozy atmosphere enveloped him, making the rainy day feel like a perfect opportunity for reflection and creativity. A small plate of homemade cookies offered a sweet treat as he immersed himself in the stories. Tom felt grateful for this moment of comfort and inspiration.


 
 • Game of the Week

1    Beach Volleyball: A group of friends decides to play beach volleyball every Saturday. If they play 3 games each Saturday and each game lasts 45 minutes, how many hours will they spend playing beach volleyball in a month if they play every Saturday in July (4 Saturdays)?

2    Road Trip Fuel Cost: Sarah is planning a road trip with her friends that covers 600 miles. If her car gets 25 miles per gallon and gas costs $3.50 per gallon, how much will Sarah spend on gas for the entire trip?

3    Summer Reading Challenge: Emma sets a goal to read 12 books over the summer. If she plans to start reading on June 1st and finish by August 31st, how many books does she need to read each week to meet her goal?

4    Swimming Pool Volume: A rectangular swimming pool is 20 feet long, 10 feet wide, and 5 feet deep. If the pool is filled to capacity, how many cubic feet of water does it hold? If 1 cubic foot of water weighs approximately 62.4 pounds, how much does the water in the pool weigh?

5    Concert Ticket Sales: A summer concert venue has a seating capacity of 2,500 people. If the tickets are sold for $50 each and the venue sells out for a particular concert, how much revenue does the concert generate? Additionally, if the venue has to pay $30,000 in costs for organizing the concert, what is the total profit if they sell out?


 • Now, This Week's Exciting Story


Backyard Hunt

The early morning sun peeked through the parted curtains, spilling golden light into the cozy living room, where remnants of gray clouds lingered only in the corners of the sky. After weeks of relentless rain, the air was fresh and vibrant with the sweet scent of damp earth and blooming flowers. The Johnson family had been cooped up in their home long enough, and with everyone feeling the itch for adventure, they decided this Saturday would not just be another lazy weekend, but rather a celebration of the sun finally returning. With excitement bubbling over, they broke out the colorful markers and poster board to craft a treasure map, eager to reclaim the backyard that had been suffocated by overgrown grass and neglected toys.

As the family gathered outside, they were greeted by a tapestry of greens and yellows underfoot, the yard transformed into a wild playground after the spring rain. Laughter echoed as the children darted around, wide-eyed at the secrets hiding beneath the newfound greenery. Armed with their makeshift map and a small shovel, they began to unearth not just treasures, but memories—an old rubber dinosaur with faded colors that had once been the star of countless make-believe adventures, a collection of marbles long forgotten, and the remains of a broken kite that had soared high on a much brighter day.

With each discovery, the air filled with stories and laughter, as the family shared tales attached to the relics of yesteryears. The parents smiled as they watched their children's eyes light up with the thrill of the hunt, instilling a sense of wonder that transcended mere nostalgia. This sunny Saturday quickly became a tapestry of family bonding, the morning's treasure hunt transforming their backyard into a cherished narrative of growth and rediscovery, as the sun shone down, warming not just the earth but their spirits, too.



As the Johnson family continued their treasure hunt, the giggles of the children could be heard clearly over the rustling leaves. Just as they were marveling at a particularly shiny marble, a gentle rustling from the nearby bushes caught their attention.

“Did you hear that?” whispered Mia, her eyes wide with excitement.

“Probably just a squirrel,” replied Tim, rolling his eyes. “Unless it’s a ninja squirrel. They’re much quieter.”

Before they could brace for another adventure, a doe stepped cautiously into their backyard, her big, curious eyes scanning the scene.

“Whoa, look at that! A real-life Bambi!” shouted Jake, pointing at the deer, who seemed just as curious about the family as they were about her.

“Don’t spook her!” Mia whispered, desperately trying to contain her giggles. “What if she wants to join our treasure hunt?”

“Maybe she’s looking for her own lost treasure,” Tim joked. “I bet it’s her favorite acorn. Let’s help her find it!”

“Excuse me, Ms. Deer,” Jake called out, still giggling. “Have you checked under the bush by the swings? That’s where I found my last chocolate stash!”

The deer, seemingly unperturbed by the commotion, took a few steps closer, as if understanding the playful banter.

“Do you think she likes jokes?” Mia asked, trying to hold back her laughter. “What did the deer say to the gardener? ‘I’m just here to make sure you’re not up to any whacky pruning!'”

“I think she prefers acorns over punchlines,” Tim shot back, nudging Jake with a grin. “But I bet if you told her a good enough joke, she’d stay for the applause!”

“What would a deer even applaud with? Hoofs?” Jake giggled. “Just imagine her giving a standing ovation!”

The doe seemed to sense the excitement and stomped her front hooves gently, earning a chorus of laughter from the kids.

“Okay, okay!” Mia chimed in, pretending to be the head of their imaginary comedy club. “Your turn, deer! Tell us your best joke!”

The children burst into laughter again, and perhaps it was the magic of the moment or just plain whimsy, but it felt like they could hear the echo of a soft “bah-dum-tss” in the air.

“Seriously, I think she just winked at you!” Tim exclaimed, pointing. “Maybe she’s saying, ‘You kids are the funniest humans I’ve come across today!’”

“Or, ‘You’re all lucky my friend, the bear, isn’t here,’” Jake added with a mock serious tone. “You know how he loves a good snack!”

The deer, now calmly munching on some grass just a few feet away, seemed to enjoy their silliness.

“Ms. Deer, if you stick around,” Mia said as she bent down to pick a dandelion, “I'll give you a flower in exchange for a secret about where to find treasure in these woods!”

Suddenly, the doe looked up, cocked her head, and with a quick flick of her ear, seemed to consider this deal.

“See? She’s thinking about it!” Tim laughed. “You know she’s probably saying, ‘Kids, if you can find carrots under the porch, I’ll consider it a deal!’”

“Well, let’s get hunting then!” Jake exclaimed. “We’ll make her the richest deer once we find enough carrots! Who knows? Maybe we can convince her to share her treasure with us!”

The afternoon turned into a delightful bout of laughter and friendly shouts as the kids surged toward the porch, determined to unearth whatever carrot loot lay hidden beneath. Fully enamored with their newfound friend, the doe continued to graze calmly, appearing like a spectator at the most jovial of treasure hunts, adding an enchanting layer to their sunny afternoon adventure.

“Last one to find a carrot is a rotten egg!” Mia shouted, and with that, they were off, squeals and giggles mingling with the gentle chirping of birds, each family member cheering as they dug into the soil beneath the porch.

With the magical presence of a deer and echoes of laughter filling the air, their backyard was transformed into a wonderland, a perfect mix of nature and family joy.



===========SHADOW
Chasing Shadows
Late-night joggers spoke of chasing shadows only to awaken in an empty field, surrounded by a glowing crop design that felt too familiar. They staggered home, clutching their heads as fragments of alien memories seeped through their minds, wrestling with the nagging fear of what they had truly witnessed. One by one, they succumbed to the madness, compelled by a sensation that something awaited. The lights returned, weaving patterns in the night, but now they were no longer mere spectators; they were the next spirited connection—the next subjects of their alien overseers.
Shadow by Joseph Miller
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0B4Z36PS3


===========AFTER DARK
The Shadowed Past: Detective Jack Dark is haunted by a case from his past when a familiar pattern emerges in a new murder investigation. Joining forces with Professor Emily Parker, they dig deep into the shadows of Jack's history, uncovering secrets that threaten to resurface. As they race against time to stop a killer, they must confront their own demons. Will they find redemption, or will the past consume them?

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


============PITCH DARK
A new literary journey awaits you! "Pitch Dark," the latest work from Joseph Miller, showcases 13 thrilling tales that merge the excitement of mystery with the allure of romance. As you delve into each story, you'll uncover secrets and surprises that will keep you turning pages late into the night. Miller's ability to weave complex characters and engaging plots will leave you wanting more. Keep an eye out for "Pitch Dark" at Amazon and your favorite bookseller—prepare to be enchanted!

Available on Amazon Kindle, Paperback, and Audio
PITCH DARK by Joseph Miller
https://amzn.to/43WpBl2



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


                    

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Southington Farmer's Market - June 27th


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Thank you for spending time with me! The early spring roads were lovely, and having you here brought so much warmth and joy. A hot cup of black coffee after your journey was just what we needed to relax and reconnect. The fireplace crackling softly in the background made everything feel cozy and inviting.

Sharing a bowl of hot soup together nourished us in more ways than one, filling our hearts with laughter and warmth. When you get home, be sure to give your snuggling cat some extra cuddles; they’ve been waiting for you! Until we meet again, may your days be filled with happiness and sunshine.



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

Until next Thursday,    
Happy May!!!

Joe Miller 🍻🍻 🦈️⛳️

Quick question
Why do we call it “rush hour” when nothing moves? Shouldn’t it be called “sit-in-your-car-and-ponder-your-life-choices hour”?


                      Joe