Taking a Break

Published on by Ann Marie Bryant2 Comments

I’ve been a little quiet here lately. Between vertigo, work, and the everyday demands of life, I haven’t been able to keep up with everything, including spending time on my site and visiting yours.

You may still see The Muttley Chronicles and Conversations with Teddy popping up. Those posts were written ahead of time and already scheduled in WordPress, so Max, Mitzi, and Teddy are keeping things going while I take a little breathing room.

Thank you for your patience and for continuing to stop by. I miss catching up with you and your stories, and I’ll be back as I’m able.

With love,
Annie

The Muttley Crew Chronicles

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Fall News Break with Max and Mitzi

Breaking News:
Fall has been spotted in the neighborhood.

Witnesses report cooler mornings, crunchy leaves, mysterious breezes, and a sudden increase in Mom saying, “Isn’t this weather wonderful?”

Max and Mitzi arrived on the scene wearing serious expressions and hopeful snack faces.

Max confirmed that the air smells better in fall, especially when leaves, fireplaces, and possible treats are involved.

Mitzi added that blanket season has officially begun, and all soft blankets are now considered dachshund property.

The Muttley Crew would also like to announce that fall walks are superior to summer walks because no one melts, pants dramatically, or tries to hide in the shade after seven steps.

Current forecast: crisp air, cozy naps, pumpkin decorations, and a 100% chance of Mom being happier.

More updates will be provided as soon as someone opens the treat jar or says the word “walk.”

A Voice I still Hear

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Some voices stay with us long after the moment has passed. A laugh, a song, a prayer, a favorite saying, or the way someone called our name can bring a person back to us in the most tender way. This week, I invite you to write about a voice you still hear in your heart. Who does it belong to? What did they say? What feeling comes back when you remember it? Please share your story through the link, and I would be honored to feature it on my blog as part of our growing collection of family memories and life stories.

Conversations with Teddy

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The Muttley Crew Chronicles

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Muttley Crew Travel Reviews
Road trip opinions from Max and Mitzi

Today’s Review: Mom’s Car
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

The ride was excellent.

Windows were open. Smells were plentiful. We detected cows, grass, snacks, strangers, and at least one suspicious breeze.

Mom packed blankets, water, and our travel bag, which shows some improvement in human planning.

However, we must address one concern: Mom sang too much.

At first, we were supportive. Then she hit the chorus. Max stared out the window for emotional distance. Mitzi pretended to nap.

The scenery was lovely, the sniffs were first-rate, and the snack service was acceptable, though we believe treats should be offered at every stoplight.

Final rating: Four paws.
Would travel again, preferably with more snacks and less singing.

Sincerely,
Max and Mitzi
Small dogs. Big feelings. Strong opinions.

The Drawer, Box, or Closet

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Sometimes the most ordinary places hold the most unexpected memories. A drawer, box, closet, trunk, or storage shelf can hide old photographs, letters, keepsakes, recipe cards, or little treasures we had almost forgotten. This week, I invite you to write about something you discovered in storage and the memory it unlocked. What did you find? Who or what did it remind you of? Please share your story through the link, and I would be honored to feature it on my blog as part of our growing collection of family memories and life stories.

Conversations with Teddy

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The Muttley Crew Chronicles

Published on by Ann Marie Bryant2 Comments

Complaint:
The bowl was empty for nearly seven minutes. Emotional damages are obvious.

At approximately 4:42 p.m., the plaintiffs approached the food bowl and discovered a shocking lack of dinner.

Max immediately alerted the household by standing beside the bowl and staring at Mom with deep disappointment.

Mitzi joined the case by pacing dramatically and checking the bowl from several angles, just in case food had appeared while no one was looking.

Finally, Mitzi moved into action, flipping the bowl over to grab Mom’s attention.

The defense claims dinner was not technically late.

The plaintiffs disagree.

Seven minutes in dachshund time is equal to three years, two winters, and one abandoned hope.

Requested Settlement:
Immediate dinner, one apology treat, and a written promise that this injustice will never happen again.

Final Ruling:
The court finds in favor of Max and Mitzi.

Sentence: Mom must fill the bowl and provide compensation in the form of snacks.

Court is adjourned.

The Object I would Save

Published on by Ann Marie Bryant1 Comment

Some objects carry more than their shape or purpose; they carry the people, places, and memories we never want to lose. A keepsake, heirloom, recipe card, letter, quilt, piece of jewelry, or everyday item can hold a whole story inside it. This week, I invite you to write about an object you would save and why it matters to you. Please share your story through the link, and I would be honored to feature it on my blog as part of our growing collection of family memories and life stories.