Walking into the unknown of a New Year is a challenge that should be embraced with excitement and courage. After all ... I am a follower of Christ ... I say good-bye to this past year overflowing with lessons & blessings ... I thank you & thank you for all your prayers ... :)

The Walk Towards Heaven

I'll soon be "65" ... I've decided to start my final walk towards Heaven ... It may take 25 or 30 years but, I'm excited about making some Big changes and stepping out ... first step ---- going back to my correspondence ministry ... inspired by "Harry Denman".


Being "65" for a few months now has been the best ... power naps ... deep thoughts ... lots of laughs ... great snacks .... HUGE bowls of popcorn ... way fun!!   

"10" Disadvantages of Becoming an Elected Official

#1.  Your outside voice is monitored 24/7

#2.  You must remember what state you are from & the state capitol

#3.   No more ordering room service for two if you're traveling alone ... they'll know

#4.   Playing games on your lap top during meetings works only when there is not television coverage

#5.  No more noises of the natural kind

#6.   Eating a pan of brownies by yourself will end up on U-Tube ..... (along with #5)

#7.   Keep your confusion about global warming to yourself

#8.   No more watching "The Walking Dead"

#9.   Trolling thrift stores is out

#10.  Resist the temptation to say "The fact of the matter is ..."

Remember... It's NOT about you ... no, really       --- cindy riley

Please enjoy the 1st chapter of:

Douglas Danner C.I. (Canine Investigator)

Garrett enjoyed the walk from the edge of his property where he parked his 97' p/up truck. (always have a clear get away) He chuckled to himself, as he walked the 1/4 mile path to his cabin carrying a few groceries.

Garrett turned towards a clearing as he headed for home.  The hairs on the back of his neck stood up as he saw his golden retriever "Douglas", sitting behind the water tank.  Douglas was quietly waiting for him.

Garrett stashed his bag of groceries behind some bushes & crouched behind a few smaller fruit trees.  Douglas didn't move a muscle waiting for his command.

They'd been together for over seven years.  Garrett rescued him as a pup from drug dealers during a meth raid.  They had kept him in a glass gallon jar with a few air holes poked in the lid.

When they raided the house and Garrett saw him ... the puppy stood up against the glass and began wagging his tail and letting out some short excited yips.  His fur was standing out like it was electrified but, his snout was sleek.

"Uh-oh ... love at first sight," Randy Folks his partner joked.

He was finally named Douglas and followed Garrett everywhere.  His toenails clicking all day long on the Agencies highly polished floors.  Bringing smiles to all his co-workers at the CDS (Crime Detection Squad). As he grew older he became quite the stealth walker.  Silently showing up at someones desk just when they were going to unwrap a sandwich.

Despite his floppy ears he had a serious expression and was so intuitive concerning people that he became a genuine asset to the team.

From his vantage point Garrett could see two black SUV's backed in and parked on the other side of his garage.  Evidently they were expecting him to drive up his front driveway.

Douglas turned to watch the action at the cabin then back at Garrett.  His ears perked up when one of the men approached his dog house.

Garrett motioned him to come and when Douglas stooped to pick up something before joining him, he had to chuckle in spite of their predicament... Douglas had rescued his floppy doll "Violet" (so named for her purple dress & embroidered name on the dress) from the cabin.

Pulling Doug close, Garrett began back tracking towards his truck.

Garrett smiled when Doug glanced over to the bushes where he had hidden the groceries.

Grabbing the sack of groceries Garrett prodded, "Come on Eagle Nose".

They stopped by a small group of rocks so Garrett could dig up a metal suitcase.

"Grab a shovel and help, will you Doug?"

Douglas gave him a patient look and hopped into the back of the truck next to the groceries.

Garrett swung the suitcase up into the back of the truck just as a huge explosion shook the ground.

Douglas let out an involuntary bark as Garrett yelled out "What the Hell!"

"Come on boy ... up front with me!"

Douglas was quick on command.

Riley's Rules

Rule #1

Use creativity to encourage others

Rule #2

Don't eat all the cookies (unless there's dark chocolate involved)

Rule #3

Enjoy "Cool Words" ....... cruciverbalist is a crossword puzzle designer

Rule #4

Remember, you know things ... not everything... but some things

Rule #5

Searching for wisdom is a worthwhile Journey

Rule #6

There is ALWAYS something ... That's why JESUS must be everything

Rule #7

It's quicker to actually wash your hands ... than pretend to

Rule #8

A book is a journey ... without the baggage

Rule #9

Having your wits scared out of you is okay ... as long as it's the Nit-Wits

Rule #10

A good life is in the details

Rule #11

When you burn a pan of popcorn ... there are not enough candles in North America to take away that smell

Rule #12

When you realize you don't actually have personal values ... think deeper. Don't confuse your opinions on everything as core values

Rule #13

Turn the TV off when company arrives