The Miller Report 07102025 ⛵🇺🇸️

 
We set sail for an unforgettable adventure aboard the Royal Caribbean Liberty of the Seas on June 21, 2025, where the thrill of the Bermuda Triangle awaits! Departing from NJ Port, your journey begins with a luxurious welcome aboard featuring Blue Moon Lager, shrimp cocktail, and decadent royal chocolate cake. After settling into our stateroom 8276, indulge in pizza at Sorrento's before enjoying a Sail-Away Party on the stunning pool deck, complete with Sprinkles Ice Cream!
Cat wondering where we are.
Sunday brings a day at sea filled with excitement as we feast on a hearty Windjammer breakfast, play Bingo at the Star Lounge, and watch John impress us all in the Belly Flop Contest. But the thrill really unfolds when we arrive in Bermuda on Monday for a breathtaking Glass Bottom Boat Tour and an enchanting Tram ride through the Dockyard, with charming stops at the Clock Tower Mall and the National Museum. Evenings are filled with delightful dinners alongside new friends Joe and Nina, savoring southern fried chicken and Southern comforts with a glass of rosé wine.

As we sail away from Bermuda on Tuesday, enjoy more relaxing poolside activities, a group photo, and savoring delectable lasagna back in the dining room. But as we head westward toward the legendary Ring of Fire, Jack catches sight of unsettling flashes of lightning, hinting at the mysteries yet to unfold. Don’t miss this magical cruise that combines adventure, laughter, and memories that will last a lifetime!



  • Across my Desk!!
  New Floridian: I wish the leaves would fall in the fall.
Me: You about to see a whole tree fly just wait.

Studies show that people with high IQs tend to be lazy, or something like that.
I didn't read the whole article. 

What do you need to be able to drive in the outback?
Koala-fications

What did the drummer name his two daughters?
He named them Anna One and Anna Two!

What do you call a magician who has lost all of his magic?
You call him Ian.

Did you hear about the Italian chef who died?
No, I haven't! What happened to the Italian chef?
He pasta way.

Why do they call it PMS?
Because ... Mad Cow Disease was already taken.

  

  • The Reader
  The sound of rain pattered gently against the window, creating a soothing backdrop as Mark nestled into his plush couch. With a warm cup of herbal tea in hand, he felt utterly relaxed in the comfort of his home. He flipped open his notepad, his trusty pencil poised, ready to jot down ideas that sprang to mind. He had decided today was meant for reading Mindmyst Tales Blog, diving into tales that promised intrigue and wonder. Next to him, a bowl of popcorn offered a crunchy, salty snack to elevate his mood. Surrounded by the dim light of a table lamp, he opened the blog, his heart racing in anticipation of the stories waiting for him. Each tale felt like an escape from the world outside, and he embraced the inspiration flowing through him.
  
  
 • Game of the Week
 
 1   Bartering for Goods: At the Trading Post, Sarah has 15 handmade bracelets that she wants to trade for supplies to create new goods. If each supply kit costs 3 bracelets, how many supply kits can Sarah obtain by trading all her bracelets?

 2   Group Items for Sale: A local artist is selling her paintings at the Trading Post. She has 8 paintings priced at $50 each and 5 sculptures priced at $80 each. If she sells all of her artwork, what will be her total earnings?

 3   Bulk Purchases: The Trading Post is offering a discount on bulk purchases. If a customer buys 10 or more baskets, each basket costs $25 instead of the regular price of $30. If a customer plans to buy 12 baskets, how much will they save compared to buying them at the regular price?
    

 4   Trading Value: A trading card collector at the Trading Post values his cards based on rarity. He has 3 rare cards worth $100 each and 4 uncommon cards worth $30 each. How much total value does he have in trading cards?

 5   Budgeting for Trading Day: During a school Trading Day, students can trade items or buy snacks. If Julia has $25 to spend and each snack costs $2, how many snacks can she buy with her budget? If she decides to trade one of her video games worth $15, how many additional snacks can she buy after that?


 

 • Now, This Week's Exciting Story
 
On Pinnacle Trail

The sun was just beginning to rise over the Adirondacks, casting a golden hue across the early morning sky as Jack and Emily parked their car at the base of the Pinnacle Trail near Lake George, NY. They hopped out, filled with excitement for the day ahead.

“Ready to conquer this mountain like true adventurers?” Jack exclaimed, dramatically hoisting his trekking poles as if they were swords.

Emily rolled her eyes, a playful grin spreading across her face. “Sure, let me just grab my cape from the backseat. Can’t be an adventurer without it!”

“Of course! Every hero needs a dramatic entrance,” Jack replied with a chuckle. He grabbed his backpack, filled to the brim with snacks, and slung it over his shoulder. “But cape or no cape, I hope you packed breakfast—because I’m starving!”

Emily fished out a couple of granola bars from her own pack. “Perfect timing! I brought trail snacks fit for kings—granola bars and peanut butter crackers! Truly gourmet.”

“Ah, the delicacies of nature,” Jack said dramatically, pretending to sniff the air with a flourish. “How very rustic of you, Emily. I believe I've been inspired to write a poem about it.”

“Just don’t make it too cheesy!” she teased, playfully punching him in the arm as they began their ascent.

As they hiked along the trail, the sounds of birds chirping and the rustling leaves surrounded them, filling the air with a sense of tranquility. The trail twisted and turned, offering glimpses of Lake George below, sparkling like a gem in the morning light.

“Look at that view!” Emily exclaimed, stopping to take in the breathtaking scenery. “It’s incredible. You can see all the way to the other side! We’re basically mountain goats.”

“Mountain goats? I’d prefer to think of us as majestic eagles soaring high above the ground,” Jack replied, flapping his arms playfully. “But goats work too, if it means more snacks.”

“You really can’t think about anything else, can you?” she laughed, shaking her head as she took a swig from her bottled spring water.

“Fuel for the journey!” he insisted, reaching into his pack and pulling out a bag of trail mix. “And this is practically gourmet fuel—all the nuts and chocolate you could wish for!” He offered her a handful, and she eagerly accepted.

“Perfect!” Emily said, chewing happily. “Your taste in food surpasses your poetry!”

“Well, I aim to please!” he grinned, tossing a piece of chocolate-covered almond into his mouth. “And I guess that makes me a culinary poet.”

As they continued to climb, the conversation flowed easily between them, punctuated by bursts of laughter and occasional goofy impressions. Jack pretended to slip as he tried to navigate a narrow ledge, clinging dramatically to a tree branch.

“Help! The mountain is trying to claim me!” he cried out, barely managing to hold himself up with an exaggerated look of panic.

Emily doubled over in laughter. “No, Jack! Don’t let it take you! Just a little more effort, and you’ll become a legend!”

“I refuse to go down like this!” he said, regaining his footing. “I’ve got too much trail mix left to eat!”

They pressed onward, the trail winding higher and higher, and just as the summit came into view, Emily caught sight of the delicate purple wildflowers blooming along the path. “Hey, look! Wildflowers! This is going to make the perfect Instagram post,” she said, stopping to take a few photos.

“Sure, but don’t forget to tag me! I need to be credited for my model-worthy pose,” Jack said, striking a playful pose with the mountain behind him.

“Just don’t make duck lips, alright?” Emily warned, trying to contain her laughter as he snapped a picture.

After what felt like an eternity filled with friendly banter, they finally reached the summit of Pinnacle Trail. The view of Lake George was breathtaking, the water glistening like a sea of sapphire, surrounded by the verdant mountains that encased the lake.

“Looks like we made it!” Jack said, catching his breath as he took in the vista. “What do you think? Worth the climb?”

“Absolutely! This is stunning!” Emily exclaimed, her eyes lighting up as she took in the beauty around them. “And just think of the stories we’ll have to tell!”

“I can see it now; majestic mountain climber Jack and his brave companion, Emily the explorer!” he declared with mock drama as he held up his arms to the sky.

“More like ‘snack-hungry hikers who nearly tripped over their own feet!’” she retorted, shaking her head as she pulled out her water bottle. “Now, let’s celebrate our victory with some delicious snacks!”

Jack stretched his legs out and collapsed onto the warm rock. “You mean you finally brought out the gourmet meal we’ve been waiting for?” he teased.

“Oh, for sure! Behold!” Emily said, unwrapping two foil packets filled with sandwiches. “The finest turkey and cheese sandwiches known to humankind!”

“Now that’s what I’m talking about!” Jack exclaimed, grinning widely as he took a big bite. “This is a feast fit for the bravest of adventurers!”

As they munched happily and took in the view, the moment felt perfect, a blend of laughter, scenery, and the thrill of their hiking adventure. They traded stories and dreams, planning their next hikes and adventures as the sun dipped lower in the sky.

“We’ve got to make this a regular thing,” Emily said, nodding at the scenery with determination. “Hiking and snacking—my two favorite activities!”

“And we’ll add ‘mountain goat’ to our resumes,” Jack quipped, winking at Emily as they prepared to head back down the trail.

With their spirits high and hearts content, they began their descent, already excited for the next adventure that awaited them, hand-in-hand on the trail toward endless possibilities and laughter.

-

In the morning light, where the wildflowers sway,
Jack and Emily set forth, chasing dreams on display.
With laughter and snacks tucked close to their hearts,
They weave through the woods, where the adventure starts.

The towering trees whisper secrets so sweet,
As the sun drips gold on their hiking feet.
Lake George sparkles bright, a sapphire below,
They pause at the summit, basking in the glow.

"Look at that view!" Emily beams with delight,
While Jack strikes a pose, a true mountain sight.
Together they dream of the trails yet to roam,
In this dance of the wild, they’ve found their true home.

With each step they take, side by side hand in hand,
The journey becomes magic, the moment unplanned.
For in nature's embrace, their spirits entwine,
In the heart of the mountains, their love will forever shine.

--


 


===========SHADOW
Echoes in Silence
Far away from the city, there had been whispers of a cabin in the woods, where UFOs gathered like moths to the flame of forgotten dreams. A group of friends decided to test the rumors, armed with cameras and hope, but nothing counted down to the chilling night when the air began to thrum. The last recording showed starlit figures staring, their mouths stitched closed, conveying their message through echoes that sent chills through their memories. When the sun rose, only the cameras remained, replaying the harrowing truth of what became unraveled just beyond their grasp.
Shadow by Joseph Miller
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0B4Z36PS3



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https://warlockpublishing.com/joseph-miller-author/joseph-miller
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KelDel Creations
https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100090364412851

Experience the Heart of Craftsmanship

    Step into a world of creativity at Kelly's booth, where you can experience the heart of craftsmanship! Each handcrafted item reflects a deep passion for artistry, from elegant ceramics to intricate woodwork. Kelly's commitment to quality and sustainability shines through in every piece, making them truly special. 
    As you explore her booth, feel free to engage with Kelly and learn more about the stories that inspire her work—she loves sharing her journey! Supporting local artisans not only enriches our community but allows you to take home a unique piece with character. Join us in celebrating creativity and craftsmanship at this vibrant craft fair! We can’t wait to see you there!

We'll be there again on July 25th.  We look forward to seeing you again!!  Don't forget to ask for one of Joe Miller's great books.  it will be autographed.

Also, enjoy one or two of Kelly's Mystery Games.



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Thank you for stopping by; it was such a pleasure! Strolling along the summer roads brought a refreshing sense of freedom, especially with your delightful company. Sharing hot black coffee under the expansive sky made our chats feel cozy and intimate. The fire pit crackling in the background added a touch of magic to our evening together. I hope the hot soup brought you warmth against the gentle evening chill. Our snuggling cat was the cherry on top, adding an extra layer of warmth and love to our gathering. Until our paths cross again, take care and know you are always welcome!



Please do write a comment.  You could, if you dare, ask me a question, or be the first to send me a short, summer story! (500-1000 words) If I like it, I'll publish it right here in Miller's Mysteries Blog!
[send to mindmyst@yahoo.com]

Until next Thursday,    
Happy July!!! 

Joe Miller 🍻🍻 🦈️⛳️⛵🇺🇸️

Weather Forecast: The East Coast suffers through relentless humidity, making it feel like we're all living in a giant, sweaty armpit. As if that wasn’t enough, NASA just announced the discovery of “Fluffus Napsus,” a planet entirely made of clouds and naptime, where no one ever has to go to work. To celebrate, we'll be offering free siestas in public parks, minus the weird looks!


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