Release the kraken spores!

Or just pick the damn thing and try to eat it. 

Your call. 

Went to the gym this morning and noticed the grass mushroom had opened up. The sidewalk mushroom was a bit embarrassingly shriveled. So when I got back from working out, I took photos. 

Again, all photos taken on an iPhone 11 and edited in Photoshop with just may name. 

Now I've got to watch for a gecko in the house. He ran in with me when I came in through the front door. I tried to catch him, but he's so fast and ugly, I don't know where he latched himself on to, because he disappeared from where he went hiding under. 

Yes, he's about 4 inches in length and just as round. I don't know what he's been eating but it's not one of the plop plop lizards. It's a ugly little gecko - dark and fast. 

Both my mother and I don't know how he has gone missing, but he's somewhere in the house. I feel crappy about it because I know better than to use the front door because of this very reason. Things like to run in after you if you're not careful. 

I have a clear plastic cup with a cover that we keep on the lanai for when I need to catch stuff (baby frogs, lizards). I call it my "frog catcher" because that was mainly what I was using it for. Then the geckos got to be too much, and now it's a mixed catcher. Once trapped, I bring the animal back outside, usually in another part of the environment (sometimes across the street to a neighbor's). I let the thing go and find his way back to wherever. 

Since this fugly feckin gecko decided to hide, I can't even use the catcher since he disappeared. I was too slow on the uptake to catch him the first time because I didn't want to bump into the moveable cabinet he ran behind. My depth perception is no good so I didn't think I had enough space. Now he's gone and I don't know how to find him. 

It's like the mouse incident all over again... 

Crap.

Until the gecko is found, don't try to lick anything you're not sure of. 

Cheers;

Have a hot but magical day!

It's currently 95° out and I'm wearing my three quarter length sleeved Dio Holy Diver shirt.

Come to find out, the specific shirt I am wearing doesn't exist on Amazon. Or the official Dio store for that matte. Guess it was made specifically for the Hologram tour?? 

I mean, it exists on the Dio site, but it's a different quote on the back. 

Amazon doesn't have any three quarter length sleeves; just the short sleeve or hoodie. Each with a completely different quote as well.

The quote on the shirt I am wearing says:

"Between the velvet lies

There's a truth that's hard as steel

The vision never dies

Life's a never ending wheel"

While the official site version says:

"Like the eyes of a cat 

In the black and blue

Something is coming for you

Look out!"

Amazon's versions have various other quotes.  

But that's not the point of my post today. My point is it's hot as hell and I'm wearing a long sleeved shirt.

I've also got pictures of mushrooms. 

Using an iPhone 11, the only editing I did was put my name on the photos (in Photoshop). 

I didn't want to run inside and get my Canon camera as I had already been outside to get the mail.

As much as it pains me to say this, "ease of use of the cell phone" won out, as running in and out of the house would have meant I needed to "let the cool air out" by opening the doors. I was already out; as much as there was a need to get the (in my opinion) better camera, I was also too lazy. 

*Shrugs* It happens. 

My mother said that these are similar mushrooms to what we had growing outside our front door in the potted plant she was watering. I've posted those too, they are somewhere on my blog. 

I guess now that we are knee deep in the rainy season, the Saharan Dust will bring interesting spores over so maybe that will be filler for the plants here and we will get more blooming items, including various fungi. That's going to be fun to watch what pops up. *Rolls eyes*. If anyone feels the need to want to try any of this, it's fair game.. don't blame me if you get a bad trip or end up in the hospital. I'm just the photo messenger.

I don't know what else to write about at the moment, so I guess I'll leave it here. 

At the end of the day, remember to make it magical.

Cheers;

Let's do some reading! Part 2

 I didn't want to do an after thought edit on this morning's post (https://tehpatchrambleson.blogspot.com/2024/07/lets-do-some-reading.html) because I've currently got a whole 10 views on it, and don't want to confuse anyone who may have already seen it.

So.. an addendum to all the fun suggestions for my friend Rachael:

She emailed me while I was at work, giving her updated socials:

• Facebook - "Rachael Adam" (I don't have FB, so I'm sure if you search "Rachael Adam Sangre", she should pop up).
• Instagram - rachael.adam264
• Rachael's personal Amazon link - http://mybook.to/82BK2En (I think this is how she keeps track of all books sold).

If you haven't checked out this morning's post, please go back one level and read it. 

If you have read this morning's post, what's stopping you from finding Rachael on social or buying her book (via her personal link or this link)?? 

Okay, now go read!

Cheers;

Let's do some reading!

As today is the second (and last) day of Amazon's Prime Sale, I wanted to create a quick post to those buying items, and ask that you please consider adding my friend Rachael's book to your cart. 

Sangre De Toro is currently on sale for $2.99 on Kindle (it won't stay this low for long). The paperback is $12.78.

A quick refresher of what my amazing friend has written: 

Synopsis - 

"When Pepelito dramatically escapes certain death in a bullfight, he enrages some and delights others. Taken pity on by Rita Silvera, a caring homicide detective, he soon begins to heal from the physical and psychological torture of the bullring.

But Pepelito's nightmare is not over. Javier Castella is the best matador in Spain - maybe the world. He would kill for a chance to finish his masterpiece - and he's not the only one.

Because, as Rita soon learns, a serial killer is on the loose. And her love of animals might make her the next target..."

Due to the context and content, the recommendation is it may not be "suitable for all", as the book "contains mature themes and descriptions of violence, including towards animals" since it's about saving a bull after a bullfight. 

All proceeds go to charity, including CAS International, which is an "international non-profit advocacy group which aims to end bullfighting". Rachael even has a quote from a campaigner at the company:

"Rachael accurately describes what it means for a bull to be a victim of bullfighting. The physical pain, the fear, the agony. The bull's perspective is missing from most written bullfighting stories, making this book different and refreshing. For anyone who considers bullfighting a barbaric activity, this book also offers comfort. In addition, it is an exciting story that will keep you up until the last moment!' - Estefania Pampin Zuidmeer, campaigner CAS International"

So please think about adding this to your summer reading list; you won't be disappointed. If you know of anyone who may be interested in reading it, either pass this post along to that person or buy them a copy of it as a surprise gift. The amount of research put into this story is well worth it because Rachael spent several years pouring herself into it. She's tried so hard to make it as perfect as she can be, even getting the translations down correctly because there is Spanish in it, and that's an unfamiliar language for her. She has done well and it shows. Also, knowing your money is going to a good cause to end this horrible "sport" will forever change the lives of people and animals (for the better on the latter). Again, please consider helping buy purchasing and reading this book. 

If we can't put a stop to such inhumane things, what will we ever stop?

Cheers;

PS: This post was made at 7:21AM on July 17. 

At 6:12PM on July 17 I created an addendum. I didn't want to confuse anyone who has previously read this post and came back to check on it or purchase Rachael's book. Please check out the new update: https://tehpatchrambleson.blogspot.com/2024/07/lets-do-some-reading-part-2.html

I didn't see a Deadhead sticker on a Cadillac...

 .. But I saw an anime character on a Kia Soul:

There are so many on Amazon to choose from, and not knowing what type of character this really is, I don't know what to link to.

A unicorn head on a Dodge Challenger:

Same thing goes with the unicorn. I didn't know what exactly to type in, so choose whatever you like: Unicorns. 

And a "Human * Kind (Be Both)" on a Van.

I found the Human*Kind on Amazon, so the link is here. 

There are other ones as well, located here. 

Oh, the joys of traveling every day, seeing various cars and what they're promoting. 

I haven't seen the crying marsupial lately, but the guy who got the FJB sticker also got a new car. I'm not linking to that because this is the only line I'm getting presidentially political with. I like to stay positively neutral with regards to the state of the Democrats and Republicans on my blog, so please forgive me for even mentioning this. The whole point of my bringing it up is how many times I see the same cars on my drive or what people are placing in a large view for others to know about. There's a place for everything, and I'm trying to not get one audience over another. 

Although, some of my postings are rather hippyish... which can be seen as positive or negative. At least that can be more accepted than me speaking about a specific party, given the context, really. 

It really is dependent on what is being referenced, I suppose, as there is a podcast I'm listening to (Unsolved Murders: True Crime Stories - it's on the Spotify app as it's a Spotify Original, but I'm listening to it on Apple Podcasts), This series interlaces known facts with updated information / what the incident would look and sound like in today's mind. It's really good - first episode out of the gate was about the Axe Man of New Orleans, but the one I'm listening to now is about William Justus Goebel, former governor of Kentucky (he was in office 1887-1900 [his death]). This is the episode where they're comparing his rise to political fame to those who were trying to get the presidency in 2016 (when the episode was created). So far, the episode doesn't swing left, right or middle. They are choosing how to show old vs new and let you decide how you want to vote. But, the main takeaway is how Goebel died - as Biggie said, "Who Shot Ya?" (track 17).

 Okay, turning around.

The post I made about Plant People and the various gummies they produce, I was in Sprouts today and took a picture of the shelf:

Everything is on sale this weekend, so it goes back to doing a price compare. How do you really want to spend your money - support a brick and mortar, the actual brand on the brand site, or a big boy online retailer? Subscribe and save vs one and done? It's all in what you feel you're able to do, to be happy and healthy. 

Weather is changing. Time to wrap this up. 

Until next time, stick it to the car! 

Cheers;

Gummy gummy?

I bought some gummies that are supposed to help you sleep better, but aren't full of chemicals, additives or anything that makes you lose your natural version of whatever the gummy is trying to "fix". 

Meaning, these things I bought don't have melatonin in it, so there's no trying to wean myself off or not use it every day in order to get a restful night sleep (because I've over melatonined myself). "They" (generalized science) say that our bodies make melatonin naturally and taking too much extra of it on a daily nightly basis does you more harm than good. 

Therefore, the package (brand) I bought, does not contain melatonin. It contains things like Reishi,  GABA, corydalis, passionflower and chamomile. The company prides itself on using natural ingredients that won't conflict with a human's chemistry. 

It's called "Wonder Sleep" due to the mushrooms, chamomile and GABA (a "neurotransmitter" that helps you relax). 

According to the brand website, they "explain" why their science is behind the creation of these gummies:

The ingredient list is such (taken from website):

I've found, so far, in the couple weeks I've been taking them, I've slept a little better. It's not "zomg; I'm stopping everything and focusing solely on this" worthy, but I'm also not waking up with a headache either. The few times I've worn my Apple Watch (series 3) to bed, the health app says I've slept through the night with little (watch sensed) wake ups. Depending on what time I go to bed, I averaged 9-10 hours and on a weekend, almost 11. I'm feeling well rested enough that there have been days I'll wake up not wanting to just cover my head and go back to sleep because I'm way over tired. 

Oddly enough, looking over the ingredient list, the Coconut MCT oil isn't giving me the "run to the hills!" bathroom effect either (much like I got when I tried the Vega Cold Brew Protein Powder. Thankfully Amazon stopped selling it. The reviews I saw on other sites also say there were problems with this. Even my friend Erica thought it was weird at one point). 

I'm not getting any stomach issues with this, as my gut issues have been happening even before trying these sleep things. So my toilet is seeing as much as me as normal, even though there are reviews for these gummies that say it causes constipation. I haven't noticed that, honestly. 

Yeah, I know. TMI.

So moving on....

This all could be a placebo effect and I'm really sleeping well and thinking it's the gummies. Who knows.

But.. these chewy vitamins must be doing something good? Got to stay positive.

The overall taste is palatable. It's not sugary or sweet. It has a hint of a full bodied fruit, but I'm not completely used to a lot of elderberry flavoring, so the package stating it tastes like an elderberry, sure. I'll get behind that. 

All this, and I haven't mentioned the name of the company. 

Plant People. 

The package and gummies look like this:

I have to admit, I bought it at Sprouts, and not on any available website. 

Plant People does have a website and I signed up to get rewards if I decide to use them going forward. The challenge turns out to be this site is one of those "spend X amount, get X points back. For every tier of points, you get so much off". But you do need to spend $75 to get free shipping. You also get 15% your if you sign up for their email newsletter as well as getting "insider information" on product drops. 

As I wrote this, I did some price comparison research. 

The Plant People website has the price listed for Wonder Sleep as $34.99 for a bag of 60. You're supposed to take 2 at night before bed, so it's really a one month supply. Plant People have their own subscribe and save, where it's 29.74 a month (or repeat purchase, saving 5.25 each time you buy it). Subscribe and save gives you 15% off repeated delivery plus free returns.

On top of that, like I stated, you have to spend $75 for free shipping, but if you poke around the site and get a couple different products, you should be good to not pay shipping and handling... if you watch what you're doing. Again, there is the tiered system where every dollar spent equals 1 point. You can get $10 off every 100 points. Spend $150 and "get a 1.5x points multiplier on all purchases" as well as "Access to exclusive content and product giveaways". Spend $300 and "get 2x points multiplier on all purchases" plus free swag (hat, hoodie, or bandana). 

Where as Amazon has the same bag for the same price of $34.99. The subscribe and save difference is 10%, so you're paying $31.49 per order,. Unless you have 5 items under subscribe and save, to get 15% off (which would then be the same price as Plant People @ $29.74, but you need 5 items to ship per month to your address to get that unlocked). Prime members have free shipping, so if this is the only thing you're ordering on a monthly basis, you're paying a straight $31.49 if you do the subscribe and save option. Don't forget tax though, if you are in a taxable state. You don't get any extras with any ordering - No "spend $X and get X rewards multiplier". If you're not a Prime member you do have to pay for shipping, but if you're looking to change up your routine, why not sign up for Prime? 

I mean, we've used quite the perks in my household - between getting a tiny discount at Whole Foods, 0-2 day shipping (plus my mother will order stuff for a relative and it'll ship directly to them), streaming content and the various items on my subscribe and save. It's been worth the yearly money grab ($139) because I've had very little problems returning stuff when / if needed. 

When I bought the product at Sprouts, it was around $32, but I don't recall exactly. I don't have the receipt anymore. Add tax and you're looking at $34 or so to go out the door with it. A $2 savings is a lot, but it's not a lot once you tack on store tax. You break even with it when you shop in person. Although I think I bought it the day Sprouts was having a discount day on vitamins and health products, so I saved more than two bucks then... 

At at the end of the day, we all have to find something that works. I've never had a decent sleep since moving to Florida, so if these can help (because I haven't tried any CBD stuff yet), then I'll work on getting a little healthier and have a better night's rest. If these are bad by the end of the bag, I won't buy them again. It seems like they're working, for now, and hopefully they'll help in the future if I decide to take them every other day or every so often when I really feel the need. 

Until then, stay mindful.

Cheers;