The Miller Report 07172025

 
Welcome to the whimsically warm Miller's Mysteries blog, where friendly goats peek over the fence like they’re waiting for the latest neighborhood gossip! 

I've often wondered if they think our cats offer better commentary on sunny afternoons. So, I’m all set for this week’s lineup of Senior Center Shows, followed by an adventure in mini-golf before I dine al fresco! With the goats and cats keeping me entertained, who needs a play-by-play announcer? Join us as we soak up the rays and enjoy a little mystery!


  • Across my Desk!!
  
The cat that ate a ball of yarn?
She had mittens.

What's blue, and doesn't weigh much?
Lite blue.

Why are frogs good at baseball?
Because they're good at catching fly balls.

What do you call fake spaghetti?
An impasta.

Space news:  Get ready for one of the most spectacular sky shows of the year  the Perseid meteor shower is back! 
🌌 From July 17 to August 24, the night sky will come alive with streaks of light as Earth passes through the trail left by Comet Swift-Tuttle. While you might catch a few early meteors starting July 17, the real cosmic fireworks happen during the peak period, August 11 to 13, when you could see up to 100 meteors per hour under ideal conditions.


Weather forcast

Get ready, Connecticut! This July, expect a high of 95 degrees, extreme humidity that’ll make your hair look like you fought a battle with a balloon, and a chance of spontaneous ice cream truck sightings every afternoon—because let's face it, that's the real forecast we all care about!

The grill master lives here with the Flame of my life!  

What did the gingerbread man say at his job interview?
I just really feel like I'm cut out for this position!


  • The Reader

As the sun began its descent, painting the sky in hues of orange and pink, Amanda sprawled out on her deck, feeling liberated by the evening air. In one hand, she cradled a glass of lemonade, and in the other, she held a piece of paper where she’d begun sketching her thoughts. A light snack of carrot sticks and hummus awaited her inside, but for now, she was content. 

Mindmyst Tales Blog was open on her tablet, and she was ready to explore new narratives while indulging in her hobbies. The soft rustling of leaves filled the air as she felt the warmth of inspiration wash over her. Each story lured her deeper into fantastical landscapes and relatable characters. With a smile on her face, she looked forward to discovering fresh ideas for her own writing.

 
 • Game of the Week

Problem 1: Trail Length Calculation

Emily is planning a hiking trip in the woods. She chooses a trail that is marked as 6 miles long. If she walks at an average speed of 3 miles per hour, how long will it take her to complete the trail? If she takes a 15-minute break at the halfway point, what will be her total time spent hiking?


Problem 2: Campfire Cooking

Jake wants to prepare a campfire stew for his friends while camping. He plans to use 3 types of vegetables in the stew: carrots, potatoes, and beans. If he uses 4 pounds of carrots, 3 pounds of potatoes, and 2 pounds of beans, what is the total weight of the vegetables he will be using? If he wants to divide the total weight equally into 5 servings, how much will each serving weigh?


Problem 3: Tent Area

Sarah and her family set up a rectangular tent that measures 8 feet in width and 10 feet in length. They want to cover the tent with a tarp that is 2 feet longer on each side for extra coverage. Calculate the area of the tarp needed. What is the difference in area between the tarp and the tent?

Problem 4: Elevation Gain

Mark went on a hike that started at an elevation of 1,500 feet and reached the summit at an elevation of 2,800 feet. After reaching the summit, he descended to a camping site that is located at an elevation of 2,200 feet. What was the total elevation gain during the hike? Additionally, how much elevation did he lose while descending to the campsite?

Problem 5: Packing a Backpack

Lily is packing her backpack for a camping trip. She has a sleeping bag that weighs 2.5 pounds, a tent that weighs 4 pounds, and food supplies that weigh 6.5 pounds. If her backpack can carry a maximum of 12 pounds, how much weight can she still add to her backpack without exceeding the limit? If she adds a water bottle weighing 1.5 pounds, what will be the total weight of her backpack?


 • Now, This Week's Exciting Story

Gathering the Gang

As the sun blazed overhead, Mia invited her friends for a backyard barbecue, eager to unveil her secret recipe for spicy mango salsa that would elevate their grilled feast to new heights.

The aroma of sizzling burgers filled the air, mingling with the sweet scent of ripening mangoes as Mia deftly chopped fresh cilantro and diced jalapeños, her eyes sparkling with anticipation. Her friends arrived, lively laughter and playful banter echoing through the yard, as everyone gathered around the sun-drenched picnic table laden with colorful plates of grilled veggies and marinated chicken.

Mia couldn’t wait for the moment they would savor the first bite of her creation, a unique blend bursting with flavors that captured the essence of summer. As she served the salsa in a vibrant bowl, the mixture of bright yellows and greens seemed to demand everyone’s attention.

“Get ready,” she teased, “this salsa isn’t just a condiment; it’s a game-changer!”

With chips in hand, her friends dove in, and their faces lit up with delight as they savored the unexpected kick of heat and sweetness. Amidst the laughter and chatter, Mia realized that the best moments of summer were often shared over good food, surrounded by friends who felt like family, creating memories that would linger long after the last bite was gone.

As the sun set, painting the sky with hues of orange and purple, the group savored their moment together, full plates and happy hearts, promising that this barbecue would be the first of many summer nights spent together.


As the sun dipped lower in the sky, casting a warm golden glow over the backyard, Mia's friends finished their first round of salsa and chips, leaning back in their chairs with satisfied grins.

“Okay, who’s ready for round two?” Mia challenged, brushing her hands on her apron. “I’m telling you, we need to make the salsa so good it could win a Grammy.”

“Only if you can get the mangoes to sing,” teased Jake, throwing a chip at her. “I’d pay to see that!”

"Let me just get my mango mic ready," Mia joked, twirling around dramatically as if she were a superstar. “But seriously, can we just agree that this salsa is now the official condiment of our friendship?”

“Only if it comes with a side of guacamole!” Claire shouted from across the table, already eyeing the pool. “And I think it’s time for a splash contest!”

“Oh, you’re on!” Ethan said, leaping up. “Last one in has to do the salsa with the awards—fancy dress and all!”

With synchronized excitement, the group raced to the pool, splashing water everywhere like a scene from a summer blockbuster.

“Cannonball competition!” Jake announced, already running toward the edge. “Watch and learn, rookies!” He leaped into the air, executing what could only be described as a spectacular belly flop.

“Oooooh! Ten points for the flop!” Claire laughed, her eyes wide at the splash radius. “I didn’t even know you could make that much noise from water!”

Mia took a running start and jumped in, slicing through the water smoothly. “Oh come on, I could’ve won medals for that!”

“But can you do it while holding onto a plate of nachos?” teased Ethan, splashing her back.

“Oh, challenge accepted!” Mia exclaimed. “I’ll make nacho history!”

After some more friendly splashing and laughter, the group finally climbed out, dripping wet and breathless, to set up for their outdoor movie night.

“Alright, who's got the movie picks?” Jake asked, draping a towel over his shoulders as they lounged on patio furniture strewn with cozy blankets and cushions.

“I brought my portable projector!” Claire said, beaming. “We’re starting with a classic beach movie, for the full summer vibe! But if I have to watch that terrible rom-com again, I’ll dive back into the pool.”

“No rom-coms!” Mia agreed with mock seriousness. “I refuse to let anyone’s love life ruin summer! This is garden time. I mean, we can watch soap operas in lifeguard chairs if that's what we want.”

“Perfect! A love story during a competition about who can throw the ultimate fruit salad!” joked Ethan. “Not to mention that time in our last pool contest when the watermelon ended up on your head!”

“I’m still not over that,” Jake laughed. “That watermelon paid for my last lunch! It threw a fit the entire time!”

With snacks piled high on a nearby table and the movie starting, the sky overhead darkened, twinkling stars teasing their viewing experience while fireflies danced around them. They settled into their spots, the sound of laughter and playful banter still echoing in the warm summer air.

“Popcorn or chips?” Claire asked, holding both containers as the opening credits rolled.

“Why not both? You can never have too much crunch during a movie!” Mia declared, diving into the popcorn with a grin.

“Especially if it leads to a salsa-chip hybrid rescue,” Jake replied, trying to balance snacks as he slid into the poolside chair. “I shall call it ‘Salsa Explosive Crunch!’ Defined by our summer adventures!”

As the movie flickered on the screen, and laughter continued to fill the air, each friend knew these were the kinds of memories they would cherish long after the summer sun had faded. With playful antics, splashes, and late-night chats under the stars, this night felt like a beginning, a celebration of friendship and the joyful moments that summer brings.





===========SHADOW
In the secluded corners of Connecticut, a beacon of light sliced through the darkness—a call answered by the desperate and unhinged. The night brought whispers of ancient secrets and promises of power too tempting to resist. But as the figures descended, faces morphed into distorted smiles, those enticed were drawn not towards glory but into a passage of eternal night. The townsfolk all vanished, and every return flickered behind the eyes of the unwelcome visitors, forever banished in a game beyond human reasoning.
Shadow by Joseph Miller
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0B4Z36PS3


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Southington Farmer's Market
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.

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Thank you for your lovely visit! The late summer roads were a delightful journey, leading to moments I cherish deeply. Enjoying hot black coffee as we shared stories reminded me how wonderful it is to connect with good friends. Gathering around the fire pit, the laughter we shared felt like a warm embrace. I truly hope the popcorn I made added to your comfort during the evening. 

Our snuggling cat was thrilled to have you, purring and weaving around us like a fluffy guardian of our time together. Until next time, may you carry these beautiful memories with you!




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 🍻🍻 🦈️⛳️⛵🇺🇸️