1/1

It's done!  GeorgeTheCrook says--You can stick a fork in it, Christmas is done!  BUT there are repercussions that still exist!  Santa ate waaaaaay toooooo many cookies and milk the way it looks (i.e. he truly has a big belly as shown in this picture in the AZ Republic).  Soooo big that he has to use rods with hooks on the ends to get his boots on!  He's truly is a 1/l!  Ouchy ouchy!  I don't think Santa would be very fast on the pickle ball court!!!!

We spent Christmas with James, Heather, Erin and Jimmer in Morrison, CO (i.e. Heather is our daughter).  Christmas is really fun for children.  Little Jimmer kept saying--firtuc firtuck wow wow wow!  Firetrucks and dolls seem to work at Christmas!  They got DVDs from their dad (i.e. actually, I think the gift was really for him but just camouflaged as to them) of three Star War movies.  I have never watched a Star War movie soooo I watched the original (i.e. #4) with the grand kids.  I always thought it was a waste of time but now I have time to waste!!!!   The movie entertained a 2 year old and a 68 year old.  As James said--How can you not like it with all the stuff in it!  That's a "five by five"!  "Five by five" is an military term of the 50s that means--radio reception is loud and clear and it is as good as it can get (i.e. well and good).  Huh, interesting.

Joesixpack asks--What's the difference between being weird (i.e. unusual or strange) and nuts?  I was putting a few on the practice green before our round the other day.  I said to Rod--I see your buddy Garth is back from IA--Ya, he's like a pimple, he just poops up!  Hey, it's just another day at the office down her in the Salt River Valley!

1/1 means one of a kind!

The new rule is weird alright but...!  New golf rule for seniors in AZ  Rule 8.k.9 (S)  Advertisements claim that golf scores can be improved by purchasing new golf equipment. Since this is financially impractical for many senior golfers, one-half stroke per hole may be subtracted for using old equipment.

1/1 Weird is good sometimes folks. 1/1 can make folks very good.  Mendela said, "A good head and a good heart are always a formidable combination."  He also said, "I like friends who have independent minds because they tend to make you see problems from all angles."  Those two descriptions of folks are descriptions of weird folks (i.e. unusual and strange).  CadillacJack says--That the easiest way for me to grow as a person is to surround myself with people smarter than I am (i.e. 1/1 folks).

I read it in the AZ Republic soooo it must be right.  A couple of  snowbirds from MN called 911 at a Mesa McDonald's 'cause they didn't get hash browns with their breakfast order.  Now is that weird or nuts?  Snowbirds from MN also like to go around in shorts and t-shirts in December while the AZ natives folks are freezing!  Maybe the AZ residents think some snowbirds are nuts or weird!  SusieQ says--I think more snowbirds act weirder after the holidays.  It sure seems that way to me.  Be careful SusieQ in judging those snowbirds, you have no idea how big the other fellow's troubles are!  Or they might just have been weirded out by Christmas!  Could be!  They just might need their naps and get back in their routine!

Are you weird 'cause you are not in tune of society or weird 'cause you do what is right?  Maybe it's time to do a "Image Change" of our life.  Sorta kinda like what McDonald's is doing.  Maybe you think it's weird but I bet they know what they are doing (i.e. it's all about the $$$$ folks).  They have remodeled many of their stores to give them a more friendly atmosphere in tune with the times.  They removed Ronald and have put digital menu boards showing calorie listings on their entries.  They added flat screen TVs and memorabilia.  They have wi-fi and have given their stores a feeling of a modern-trendy coffee shop (i.e. glitz).

MyBuddyLarry who winters at The Villages in FL put seat belts on
his golf cart.  Many of the residents of the retirement communities in the south use golf carts for their transportation (i.e. very big in the Villages).  Most of the hurts and deaths are folks who are thrown out of cart.  Ya got to remember, some of  these folks are old and there are many many carts. Accidents will happen.  It seems weird but...buckle up in your golf cart!  Such is life.

1/1!  I was checking out at our local Walgreen's the other day.  CheckoutPeggy (i.e. maybe 53) had her hair done up nice but was a rugged, physically tough looking gal (i.e. I would hate to fight her folks).  She had a pack of cigarettes in his breast pocket of her shirt.  Sooooo I says--You smoke--ya, I have smoked most of my life--when did you start--11!  

I met Dick on the golf practice area.  I asked him if he is an individualist.  He said he is.  He said they spend their summers pulling a 5th wheel all over Alaska and really like it.  Many individualists there.  Most carry guns.  He really likes ice cream. What's your favorite Dick?  Breyers Natural Vanilla.  He might be a weird guy, weird in a good way folks.  My kind of guy. He impresses me.  He has a very positive attitude. "As we grow old, the beauty steals inward.. ~Ralph Waldo Emerson~

1/1 This might be hard to understand folks.  John The Baptist was rather a unique guy (i.e. forerunner of Jesus).  He lived in the desert and dressed rather different (i.e. probably looked like a homeless person), ate bugs and proclaimed the coming of Jesus. Not the kind of guy you would want your daughter to bring home for Christmas probably.  Probably most of us would call him weird (i.e. 1/1). ANYWAY Jesus called him "the greatest man to ever be born of a woman:!  Huh, interesting.

Love different folks!  Do some weirdos have class?  MissPerfect says--Class can not be bought!  Many classy folks are different kind of folks alright.  Maybe, just maybe, some classy weirdos see things other folks don't!  Could be guys. IitchieBitchie says--Run of the mill folks are just that, run of the mill folks (i.e. generic).  Most top rung folks are not in the majority.  Probably sorta kinda weird (i.e. unusual and strange). I would guess some folks would call them different (i.e. unique).  Some of the real nice folks are sorta kinda weird as they do stuff that 'run of the mill guys' don't do (i.e. unusual and strange).  Saturday question--Are you a little weird or just a 'run of a mill person'? I love our little grand daughter Erin.  She is a 1/1!

Some of you guys think you have high maintenance females in your life.  Maybe not.  It's all relevant guys.  I read in the paper that a milking cow needs up to 100 pounds of feed and 35 gallons of water a day.  She also has have a baby every year for maximum production!  Now that is high maintenance.  Shamrock Milk Company has 10,000 heard of milking cows.  Now that is a lot of females to keep happy guys.

Was I in my right mind?  CouponWayne talked me into golfing with him recently (i.e. he says he never buys any groceries unless they are on sale).  He golfs every day at daybreak.  His plate on his golf cart says--Bad to the bone! He had this coupon at Superstition Springs for $20 for golf, cart, and breakfast.  Soooo he talked me into it.  I was never on the first tee when I couldn't even see the green very clear because it wasn't light yet!  What a hoot! 

GeorgeTheCrook says--You have a sick twisted mind LuckieEddie but in a very good, unique way!  Do you wanta be my friend?  I think you could be my true blue friend (i.e. blue means loyal and faithful).  You could be my blue ribbon friend.signifying the highest prize like a blue-chip stock. Oh ya, that is what I think.  You impress me.  I like how you think! Joesixpack says--That no matter how serious your life requires you to be, everyone needs a friend to act goofy with. Such is life.

Have a FUN day my friends unless you have other plans. (-:

erv

MyFriendJean says--Success is simple--do what's right, the right way, at the right time.

there are a lot of ways to tell the Christmas truth

Disclaimer:  You might think I'm a regular Christmas nut!  I might be folks!  You shake any family tree and a few nuts fall out!  Some of you think that I'm just different.  I might be!  Saying I'm a normal person compared to others is like saying--I can bench press more than your grandma!

I read John Grisham's new book Sycamore Row.  In it the witnesses tell the truth.  There were different ways they decided to tell the truth.  Some decided for themselves and some were coached by their attorneys.  They told part of the truth, tweaked the truth, embellished the truth, skimmed the truth, they vaguely told the truth, they told the particle truth, they deliberately forgot the truth, the truth was suppressed, the truth was exaggerated, etc.  There are a lot of ways to tell the truth alright.  And they all swore to tell the truth, the whole truth soooo help them God!  Soooo there you go!

I heard it on the news soooooo it must be right that -- The truth of the matter is our society likes to spend.  And we will find a way to do it.  It's Christmas time folks; we got to spend money even if we don't have it.  Hohoho now that's the truth.  MyDeceasedMentor use to say--Sometimes at Christmas, folks spend money they don't have on things they don't need to impress folks they don't like!

Deja Moo: The feeling that you've heard this bull before.  Soooo what's the skinny about Christmas?  Joesixpack says--I think it's about the birth of Jesus our Savior.  But there seems to be a lot more to it than that it appears.  It seems like Christmas continues to expand and gets bigger each year (i.e. milk it for all it's worth).  To tell the truth, I wonder what they will come up next.  It seems like it's getting a little out of hand.  How much more (i.e. financially) can the birth of Christ be milked anyway!  The picture is of a house we drive by in Morrison, CO every year.  It just makes me laugh.  "Clark, it is just beautiful!"  Such is life. 

A group of chess enthusiasts checked into The Ritz-Carlton hotel in Phoenix last night. They were standing in the lobby discussing their recent tournament victories.  After about an hour, the manager came out of the office, and asked them to disperse.  'But why?' they asked, as they moved off.  'Because,' he said, 'I can't stand chess-nuts boasting in an open foyer!'

Is it?  It's the most happiest time of the year the song says.  I don't think that is the case for everyone.  There are a lot of ways to tell the truth.  One is to fake it.  I was at the library and heard a gal at the check out.  They asked if she was going to pay her fines.  No, just one.  Then she went on and told the librarian about her two failed marriages and her unemployment and not having any money for Christmas etc.  She left and the librarian was putting something away were I was reading the paper.  I said to her--do you hear stuff like this a lot--oh ya--I don't ever want to have that kind of drama in my life; I just want a simple life; I don't need attention or that drama.  Well folks, that is how I feel about Christmas.  Keep it simple folks.  Keep what is important important.  I will not buy into all that crap.  I won't! End of my thoughts and feelings. But the truth of the matter is that most folks have a lot of activity on their dance card during Christmas season.  BUT folks, it seems like it takes a crow bar to try to pry folks away from this crazy frenzy.  It's crazy to me.  Such if life.

Boelman Shaw Capital Partners asks--If your kids receive money as a holiday gift, will you let them decide what to do with it?  Mr. Boelman a.k.a thebigbear, doesn't a gift come with no strings attached?  Or does it depend on the amount of the $$$$$$?  Okay Mr.MoneyPlanner, at what age should parents not tell their kids what they can do with the money (i.e. strings attached)?  Mr. Boelman, are our kids old enough?  I read in the paper (i.e. sooooo it must be right) that 70% of high-worth families loose control of most of their assets one generation after big wealth transfers, with relatives also squabbling!  My late mentor use to says--On generation makes it, the next generation blows it.  

The Truth of Christmas is easy to state, yet impossible to understand totally. After all, if God were small enough to be understood, He wouldn't be big enough to be worshiped.  The Truth can not be forced on anyone.  It can't.  The Truth is a gift.  All anyone has to do is accept it.  BUT if anyone doesn't want to accept it, they can't have the gift.  Pretty easy!  And you know what, you don't have to get a gift to give back!!!  Huh, interesting. 

Two cows  are standing next to each other in a field.  Daisy says to Dolly, 'I was artificially inseminated this morning.'  'I don't believe you,' says Dolly.  'It's true; no bull!' exclaims Daisy. 

BigMouthSally and KnowItAllAlfred think whatever they say is the the truth.  It ain't folks. They are just trying to soup up their Christmas ride.  It's all fake.  And to add insult to injury!  You can't make something true if it ain't true.  It just ain't going to work.  It just ain't!

Interesting %s to me! I grew up on a farm a mile and a fourth south of Roseland, MN.  I never talked to a black person until I went to college.  I went to church twice on Sundays and many Wednesday nights at the Roseland Reformed Church (i.e. everyone did it, it seemed in our farm community).  Well folks, I just read in the paper sooooo it must be right--30% of the folks in the world are Christians and 30% of the folks in the world are Caucasians (i.e. I'm in a real minority).  According to %s, I'm a real nutty fruit cake!  Huh, interesting.

Stay calm.  EasyJohn says--Remember they said that about WWII as well!  Well folks it's almost Christmas.  Arlene and I wish you and your family warm wishes filled with joy, peace and happiness.  We especially hope that you think about Christ in your life.  We hope you accept Him as your Lord and Savior if you haven't.  And if you have, we hope that you live your life honoring Him.  Those decisions are made by you, not by me, not by your parents, not by your spouse, not by someone on TV, not by your neighbor.  No no, you have the opportunity to make that decision (i.e. and no one can make you). You make the call!  That is what Christmas is all about folks (i.e. WonderingMary asks--Sooooo are your children going to be like you? Do you want them to be like you?)  May God bless you in your decisions and may God touch you like you have never been touched before (i.e. smother you with His love).

Love you guys--Wish I could fix everything in your lives by the snap of my figures.  If I could I would. There are somethings that just can't be fixed and can't be helped.  I read this while eating my oatmeal with half a banana on it--If God won't change the situation, then pray that He will change how I look at the situation.  Merry Christmas from Arlene and I. Joy, peace and forgiveness are the true gifts of Christmas.   Such is life.

Have a FUN day my friends unless you have other plans. (-:

erv

MyFriendJean says--The odds are always with you if you keep trying.

Christmas

ItchieBitchie says--When it gets close to Christmas, I can always tell it on SusieQ; she gets twitchy!  SusieQ says--You are pretty harsh but probably pretty accurate!  Christmas rattles noisily around in my brain throughout the season.  SusieQ hears a lot of noises let me tell ya!  She will have to decide which noise she is going to listen toooooo!  You can hear what every you want folks.  Saturday question--What do you want to hear?  What do you hear?

MissPerfect says--In my later years (i.e. retirement years in AZ) I came to embrace the exciting freedom of being who I really am. I no longer have any need to stand out, achieve or be better than anyone else. Now is the time to take off my masks, be vulnerable, and be who I am.  Just be an ordinary Joe (i.e. common Joe).  Not toooo many self-righteous folks down here in the Valley (i.e. look how good I am)!  Folks down here in the Valley go swimming, lay by the pool, play golf, bike, play pickle ball, hike, walk, play all sorts of  games etc.  They don't care what they look like, or how good they are.  They just don't care anymore. That is how maybe we should celebrate Christmas.  Don't let others intimidate us.  What do you think?  But yagottakeepmovin'movin'movin-- Physical INACTIVITY is now the third leading cause of preventable deaths in the United States. We gotta move it, move it.  Soooo throw those chips away and get your butt off the couch!  

Joesixpack says--To be honest with you, I feel like a new born baby down here in AZ.  Haven't felt this way for a long time.  I have no hair, no teeth and I wet my pants.

ItchieBitchie says--This Christmas devote plenty of time to those who sincerely need your help, but again, keep things in priority, see about your family first.  When was the last time you thanked your parents or your children?  Be careful that we don't spend tooooo much time on the grouches and tooooo little on the blessings.  Maybe it's time to reevaluate our mission and what is important to us.  Maybe!

Suggestion for a gift!  Give someone who maybe you consider to be in the margins of society, your full attention, your listening ear, an unglazed eye, a willingness to hear the uncomfortable stories of those who live uncomfortable lives.  Just give them some attention soooooo they can share to someone who will listen.  Don't trump their stories, don't talk but just listen.  Give them your time.  It might be your "surprise of Christmas" and it might be somebody's "surprise of Christmas".  Soooo what do you think?  Now that is a gift folks.

LuckieEddie has a nose for Christmas (i.e. dreams in full color).  He would like it to be Christmas all year.  Well isn't it?  DuaneTheWorm thinks Christmas makes him a big shot alright!  Do folks like folks who think they are big shots?  I had a new gal as a pickle ball partner the other morning.  She was telling me that she works out. Soooo do you work out every morning?  Depends on how much wine I drink the night before.  Soooo it is with Christmas--Our spirit depends on our attitude affected by a lot of stuff!  Such is life.

LuckieEddie says--Do you like to give gifts to folks who you like better than the folks you don't care for as much?  SusieQ says--I think everyone does LuckieEddie. 

Joesixpack asks--If you genuinely believe something deep down in your soul without question or hesitation does that make it true?  Like there is a Santa Claus!  I think most folks would say no.  When we were in Israel, our guide told us that every year folks come to Jerusalem and say they were "the returning Messiah"--they weren't but just thought sooooo!  Hindus sincerely believe that both human and animal spirits will reincarnate and return to earth many times in various life forms.  A friend when traveling on business in India saw a guy holding an umbrella over a cow's head while he stood without one in the blazing sun.  Buddhists sincerely believe that a desire for existence perpetuates a cycle of successive reincarnations.  Certain Muslim males sincerely believe that by sacrificing themselves to kill others, they'll gain possession of seventy-two sexually anxious, virgin females in paradise.  Sooooo who is right?  They all believe those things with sincerity (i.e. with all their heart).  They don't think they are wrong.  Are they right or is it just human imagination?  Webster defines truth as "that which accords with reality."  erv believes--God places a high premium on truth and reality.  Jesus identifies Himself as the personification of truth.  "I am the way, the truth and the life," He affirms.  "No one comes to the Father except through Me".  Merry Christmas folks.

Wisdom!  I have discovered that a meaningful life comes not in rushing from one place to another but in committing to life where we find ourselves. Stability denotes perseverance with patience. A high school friend from good old Danube, MN who was visiting his 93 year old mother here in Mesa contacted me and we got together.  He is a professional counselor.  He told me that there is a difference between being lonely and being alone.  Folks who can't be alone, probably have a deficiency.  Being alone is ok.  He also said that change (i.e. good and bad) can cause depression in folks.  He also said--Attitude is very important.  He also said--Humility is the key to a victorious life.  SeniorWildPeteFromMN who lives down the street here in AZ says--Part of me would love to go back to work.  The rest of me is shouting "idiot", enjoy retirement in the Valley! SeniorCrazyDaveFromTheValley says--"I'm so depressed and I can't get any dates," the 300-pound senior man told his minister. "I've tried everything to lose weight.""I think I can help," said the minister. "Be dressed and ready to go tomorrow at 8 a.m." Next morning, a beautiful woman in a skintight exercise suit knocked on the man's door. "If you can catch me, you can have me," she said, as she took off. He huffed and puffed after her. This routine went on every day for the next five months. The man lost 115 pounds and felt confident that he would catch the woman the next day. That morning he whipped open his front door and found a 300-pound seniorWomanFromTheValley in a jogging suit waiting for him. "The minister said to tell you," she began, "that if I can catch you, I can have you."

Jesus isn't part of the story, He is the story folks!  I read this while eating my oatmeal with a dried cherries on it (i.e. a suggestion of my friend Stewart).  We should think of Christmas like the people in Mark 2 who "were amazed and glorified God, saying, 'We never saw anything like this!'"  Maybe, just maybe some of you have never felt the presence of God and don't think you will ever.  Now that could be.  Sooooo Christmas has no hope.  It's just another holiday to get off work.  Tooo eat and be merry. My musings about Christmas are just musings in the dark.  You are just on autopilot.  Your soul is just frozen tundra.  If that is you, I say--God, sic 'em!

Have a FUN day my friends unless you have other plans. (-:

erv

MyFriendJean says--Find little ways to make part of your day, like a day off!

it's at least 99.7% correct

Ok, let's tie the pieces of Christmas together folks.  Do you think that is possible?  Let's try, ok!  And remember--That the best things in life, aren't things.  The best present to give the ones you love is your presence.  You have to be "one smart cookie" to understand that!  Oh ya.  I was having Cheerios with Charlie the other morning in Waukee on our way to AZ.  I said to her--You are one smart cookie.  She said, no I'm not grandpa, I'm a girl!

Does Christmas make you woozy? Joesixpack abruptly stopped singing "JingleBells" in the middle of the verse and started cursing (i.e. using words not allowed on network TV...or in churches...or among more civilized sailors)!  I think he might have been in the Christmas sour mash a little.  ANYWAY It appears that he is just ChristmasOverwhelmed! LuckieEddie says--We are entering the Christmas season like a big old dump truck...with no brakes (i.e. enough of that 'thankfulness and gratitude'; we jumped into black Friday, cyber Monday and we are on our way)!  Personally, I think Christmas season is tooooo polished, tooooooo uplifting, tooooo flat out goood to let it get all screwed up!  Christmas can be soooooo much fun.  I really enjoy Christmas.  Oh ya!

As the advertisement says--Love drama?  Drink at your company's party.  WildWilly says--I have a good Christmas scheme!  It's solid and classy and strong.  It represents what I am.  Joesixpack asks--Should there be any "moral order" at Christmas?  What is moral order anyway?  C.S. Lewis says "moral order" is, "The massive unanimity of the practical reason in man"!  Now that is pretty deep Mr. Lewis! 

Split personality?  I wonder about a friend some.  I don't see her very often as we just don't run in the same circles anymore (i.e. we use to but not anymore--no major reason but things change folks).  She is a nice person I think.  Why I say I think that is 'cause when we visit, she is a very nice gal.  But when she is with her peers, she seems to chance some.  Sooooo is she a phony with me or a phony with her peers.  MagicalHerman says--When you hang around with the wolfs, you become a wolf (i.e. it's magic)!  I don't know.  WorldClassLarry says--Maybe she's a righty-lefty! That is how some folks are with Christmas--They act different when around different folks (i.e. it appears to me).  They can turn different colors like a chameleon!  Ya, some folks can turn it on and turn if off!  Such is life.

MissPerfect says--Christmas is how we view it!  And then how we react to it.  I think Christmas is a very fun time; very uplifting.  I have friends who hate Christmas (i.e. I mean, they can't wait until it's over).  I have friends who like Christmas a little, but but not much!  Different folks have different views about Christmas.  It's like three blind men asked to describe an elephant.  One approached the beast, grabbed its trunk, and exclaimed confidently, "An elephant is long and tubular, capable of great contortions of shape."  The second encountered the elephant, and after placing his hands on the animal's side said, "No, no, an elephant is very broad and leathery, hardly capable to bending at all."  The third man grasped the elephant's tail and remarked with disgust, "You're both wrong.  An elephant is quite thin ans smooth with a wiry brush on the end." 

A little deep folks!  Viewing all thinkings of Christmas as practically true and that none capture the whole truth can lead to viewing truth as relative.  Without the standard of absolute truth, then what is true for you can be different than what is true for me.  Truth becomes based not on fact but on whether or not you believe it.  Saturday question--What is the Truth a.k.a. the zinger of Christmas (i.e. the drum beat of Christmas)?  My answer is--Jesus is the Truth.

This ain't as deep folks.  It's hard to know what to buy dad, grandpa or great grandpa.  I asked these senior guys here in the the desert about that.  They say--I don't want anymore ties (i.e. I don't wear ties) and no more golf balls (i.e. never the right brand).  Give us something useful like underwear; everyone wears and needs underwear.  Soooo I asked them if they would prefer boxer shorts or tighty whities?  And the answer is.....................Depends!

Well, it's time again.  Time to watch National Laphone Christmas.  I just plain enjoy that movie.  It just makes me laugh for sooooo many reasons.  One such reason is that Clark spends his bonus before he gets it (i.e. gets celebrating before he has the money in hand--gets the cart before the horse--spends the money before the check arrives).  In business I use to say--It's not a done deal until the check clears!  Some folks make a lot of noise and then when the smoke clears, the deal falls through.  It happens.  I remember one very large deal that I was involved with that when it went to closing, the purchasing company tried to renegotiate.  Soooo don't count your chickens before they're hatched (i.e. don't expect that big fat Christmas check from dad and ma or grandpa and grandma, you might not get it).  And don't be soooo disappointed if it's not as large as you thought it should be or none at all.  They're not obligated to give you that big fat Christmas check.  Don't get to expecting it.  And for gosh sakes, be appreciative if they do give you one. 

It stinks!  And I'm not talking about the eggnog either!  UppityDuaneTheWorm just inherited his in-law's wealth (i.e. he's rich).  How much is old dead pa and ma worth--nutten, they are dead.  But UppityDuaneTheWorm is going to have a happy Christmas to say the least! Oh ya! It will be a circus and UppityDuaneTheWorm will be the circus master.  Oh ya.  He's the man.  He has always been very arrogant but now with his wealth, well, he's walking on the moon!  Oh the smell of money! Where ever he's going, he's on his way!  CadillacJack says--His shelf life is about...ya, about that long!

More isn't always better!  SusieQ (i.e. she's a little heavy but fighting it) says I love all the food at Christmas but I can't seem to ever stop eating!  I have no discipline.  None.  I usually gain about 10 pounds.  Ouchy ouchy!   More is better, bigger is better, more expensive is better! It must be 'cause they say that in the adds on TV. How many gifts can a kid appreciate anyway?  Missperfect says--My brother-in-lawBobtheleach, loves to receive expensive gifts but gives chintzy ones!  He says he can't afford expensive gifts.  Sooooo how many ridiculous expensive gifts do you think mother-in-laws buy for their son-in-laws that they don't want and never will use?  Yabut it's Christmas.  Ya gotta buy them somethin'!  SusieQ says--erv, why don't you tell us your buck naked feelings!

Maybe we ask the wrong questions? Maybe! Maybe we ask toooo many questions! Maybe! Who needs all the stress that Christmas can bring. I mean, who needs it. I heard a little discussion between the two gals on the Today show. One asked the other--How are you getting along with your family this Christmas season (i.e. family dynamics)? The other replied--Great! Fantastic! Well, some better than others! I truly enjoy family and friends at Christmas.  I realize that much of the pressure is on the women.  But, there can be a lot of pressure on men tooooo.  As WildWillie says--Keep it simple stupid and Christmas is a lot of fun. 

Fake it! CrazyDazy says--See you on the other side of Christmas.  I was talking to a friend a while back and we decided that you can have a great facility with great stuff but if you don't have a charismatic, magnetic attitude that's special, it just ain't going to work.  We were talking about church. You can pretend like you have it and act like you have it but if you don't have that unspoken feeling, it's not convincing.  It's just not there.  That is pretty much the same about Christmas.

Dishwasher!  I was reminded once again at Thanksgiving.  James fills the dishwasher a certain way and Chet does it a certain way.  I try to do it erv's way but they redo it anyway soooooo I just let them do it.  They are sooooo fussy!  They both claim there is only one way to fill the dishwasher--but that's not true.  Just like there is more than one way to get to Wal-Mart even though some folks think there is only one way--their way!  Christmas is sorta kinda that way.  Many different ways to celebrate, worship, share, and enjoy.  Many different emotions and etc.  Oh ya!

Dahhhhhhhhh says--You must change your preparation to change your results of Christmas!  Such is life.

Many folks have different things they like to do at Christmas.  Oh ya!  "Some people watch talent shows or singers.  Others apparently like to see people lose weight and weep. I'll take the sports, thank you."  ~  Scott Van Pelt, ESPN broadcaster, on what people enjoy watching on television. 

Have a FUN day my friends unless you have other plans. (-:

erv

MyFriendJean says--Family and friends are the most important in the recipe of life.

he just doesn't get it

Disclaimer--This "It's Saturday" might be an "epistle of straw".  Which means it is not worth much.  That is what Luther called the book of James.  But according to an expert/friend, many xns however disagree with Luther pointing out that if one is truly a xn, then the actions called for by James are right on target.   CadillacJack says--Even xns disagree (i.e. have their own opinions).  Sooooo maybe some of you might not think thatt this "It's Saturday" is an "epistle of straw"!  Just maybe.  This epistle is just a "post turkey rush" folks! 

We are heading out from CO to AZ today (i.e. adventure ahead).  IA is our home but when winter comes, AZ is where we roam!  If  you have never spent an extended time in the South during the winter, you really don't get it.  It's a life style (i.e. different than a vacation).  There is a difference.  We get in a routine.  It's sorta kinda like Moody said--We walk in the wilderness today and in the Promised Land tomorrow.  ~  Dwight L. Moody  ~  I don't think Moody was talking about IA to AZ though.  What do you think?

Dense!  I know folks who appear to be dense. They just don't get it!  They are surface folks.  They don't capture the mood of folks or of the situation.  They don't catch on.  They say something stupid at the wrong time or try to be funny when the timing is way wrong.  They just don't get it.  Can't capture the feelings of folks.  Much like not catching on to humor or understanding a profound statement  (i.e. something that you have to add 2 + 2 to capture the situation).  Some folks don't have that innate ability.  They just don't.  They just don't get it.  Can't feel the emotions of a scene.  Probably never will.  Such is life.

Maybe there are times when we don't appreciate what others are thinking, feeling or expressing.  We just don't get it.  Spending Thanksgiving with our family, I wonder if sometimes I don't get it (i.e. how they feel nor understand what they are expressing with their words and with their actions).  I wonder.  I don't want to read tooooo much into it nor do I want to have it just "blow over my head" by being a poor observer or listener either.  A friend tells me that I'm just a wimp--not very tough--I worry tooooo much about stuff that isn't important or has no bearing (i.e. tooooo sensitive).  Now that could be.  I know for sure that I'm a wimp!  It's cold in IA! 

It's sooooo much fun to be around children and their innocence.  They just don't know what things mean.  And they don't care what things mean.  They just live life.  What does that mean?  SusieQ needs an explanation alright; she is always a step behind (i.e. in the dark).  Then BINGO she gets it but it's toooooo late.  She's had!  Adult innocence is not always pretty folks! 

I don't understand a lot.  Like why goodness isn't honored and corruption is.  Why folks can't see right from wrong.  Why some folks have to handle such bad stuff.  Why some have an easy life and other have a tough life.  I can go on and on.  I just don't understand.  Never will.  His understanding I cannot fathom.  God is God.  And that's just the way it is. 

Our grand girls say--Adults confuse us sometimes!  Are you ever confused (i.e. don't understand)?  Some folks have common sense and some don't it seems!  "Better to remain silent and be thought a fool than to speak and to remove all doubt."  ~  Abraham Lincoln  ~  SeemsToGetItDoug just has good common sense.  He can feel the attitude of a group, boss, meeting, team, extended family, wife, kids, friends etc.  He senses it immediately and acts appropriate.  He knows how to react.  What to say, what not to say and when to say nutten.  It's a great gift.  Some folks do not have this gift.  They just don't catch on.  I read this in the Book while eating my oatmeal with a half a banana on it--Even a fool is thought wise if he keeps silent, and discerning if he holds his tongue.  Do you ever think we try to say tooooo much when it would be better if we would just keep our mouth shut?  I think that about myself some times.  Such is life.

ItchieBitchie is just plain bad at flattery!  And two wrongs don't make a right soooo after you screw up the first time, keep your mouth shut (i.e. it won't get any better).  Sooo quit trying ItchieBitchie; you are just digging a deeper hole.  Sue Wong marries Lee Wong.  The next year, the Wongs have a new baby.  The nurse brings out a lovely, healthy, bouncy, but definitely a Caucasian, WHITE baby boy. 'Congratulations,' says the nurse to the new parents.  'Well Mr. Wong, what are you and Mrs. Wong going to name the baby?'  The puzzled father looks at his new baby boy and says, 'Well, two Wongs don't make a white, so I think we will name him...Sum Ting Wong!

Life manager! Joesixpack is a great life manager!  And I tell you what folks, he's got a lot to manage.  I can tell you that much.  But folks, he gets it.  He's in the upper echelon of life managers let me tell ya.  When I gave blood recently, the gal who did my total blood giving told me that she has three kids and her husband has two--both divorced--ya--how old are your kids--34 to 21.  My youngest finally caught on about life this last year; it seems like it takes soooo many years before it happens (i.e. live manager).  He even is starting to call me some.  I really like that when they call me.  She then said--It took me some time to figure it out tooooo.  I bet my parents wondered if I would ever get it.  I was just "not a very nice person" growing up. 

LuckieEddie says--You can say what you what about AZ, but no one retires there and moves up north for the winter!  Huh, interesting.  No one wants to go back and experience some "Nordic outbreaks". 

Running the other day!  I decided that the mind rules the body.  Think about that folks.  Sooooo folks, do you want your kids to be normal?  The new normal that is?  ItchieBitchie says--Listen folks, the new normal ain't workin'!  I read that there might be 4 F's you children should be abnormal in:  1.  Their faith. 2.  Their choice of friends  3.  Their finances.  4.  Their commitment to the future.  Folks, at some point, ya just got to decide what you are going to do and do it.  Make the right decision.  And remember, decisions have consequences.  Before we left IA, I was multi tasking in front of a nice fire in the fireplace (i.e. I really enjoy an old wood burning fire).  I forgot to put some wood in and the fire was just a smoldering glow.  I put some more wood in and once it got to a certain temperature, poof, it just burst into flame.  It had to get that hot before it flamed up.  Well, sometimes we have to get to a certain temperature before we become a flame.  Saturday question--At what temperature are you?

Folks in big city or big churches won't get this.  Heather called me about what friendJudy said in last week's It's Saturday.  She reminded me what friendJudy put in the Christmas Eve bulletin years ago when she was the church secretary.  She put an announcement in it that everyone was invited to our house for a pancake breakfast Christmas morning.  What!!!   She made special bulletins just for our family.  What a hoot.  Good memories folks, good memories of good folks..

Oneeyedhousechecker!  Old and young!  I was with an employer and he was telling me that they have trouble with young employees who just want to get paid but don't want to work.  We can't depend on them.  They might show up and might not.  Drives him crazy.  They just don't get it!  Old folks don't seem to be that way.  They seem to get it.  Why is that do you thing?  Our 83 old neighbor Lila watches the temperature of our house while we are in AZ.  Ya, we can depend on her.  We put a thermometer in our window and give her our binoculars.  Every morning with her one good eye, she checks the temperature in our house.  We can depend on her.  She is a sweetheart.  She likes snowmen.  She just bought enough plates with snowmen on it for all three tables for Christmas.  She was as happy as some little 6 year old at Christmas.  Such is life.

 

Have a FUN day my friends unless you have other plans.  (-:

 

erv

 

MyFriendJean says--Success is simple--do what is right the right way at the right time.

it's a real doozy

Some folks are just not a nuisance but are game changers (i.e. a real doozzys).  Sometimes those game changers come incognito.  When it happens, it can sometimes be unconscionable.  A lady from MN was picking through the frozen turkeys at the grocery store, but couldn't find one big enough for her family. She asked the stock boy, 'Do these turkeys get any bigger?' The stock boy answered, 'No ma'am, they're dead.'

It's a doozy of an idea!  More and more retail companies are going to be open on Thanksgiving day (i.e. and some very early).  How come--It's all about the money folks.  They are trumping Thanksgiving Day.  It's like spreading gravy on the potatoes!  They all want more of the $602,000,000 that is being expected spent on Christmas.  They think they want to get their share! 

Extremists! Extremists are doozys folks.  My mentor and I agreed that Thanksgiving seems sometimes more fun than Christmas.  Christmas has too much baggage connected tooooo the real thread.  It takes us out of our routine (i.e. tooo much disruption that disturbs us).  It is overwhelming for many folks that produces anxiety, tempers flare ups etc (i.e. moderation Murphy moderation).  Then you add alcohol, parties, gifts, traveling, money concerns and you really have a mess (i.e. moderation Murphy moderation).  Then the husband makes some wise remark and his wife goes off the cliff  ~  Police are called to an apartment and find a woman holding a bloody 3-iron standing over a lifeless man.  The detective asks, "Ma'am, is that your husband?" "Yes" says the woman. "Did you hit him with that golf club?" "Yes, yes, I did." The woman begins to sob, drops the club, and puts her hands on her face. "How many times did you hit him?" "I don't know -- put me down for a five."

A thankful heart!  I was working in the yard recently and wore my "yellow farm gloves" as I call them.  My Daddy, Chester, always wore them on the farm.  Good memories.  Growing up on a farm a mile and fourth south of Roseland, MN, I grew accustomed to seasons and the routine of different farm jobs done during certain times of the year.  Two of my Daddy's, Chester's, favorite times of the year were the planing season in the spring and the harvest in the fall.  Planting is a time of hope and harvest is a time of celebration and thankfulness.  Chester and Anna were just common folks who lived very modest and humble lives, worked hard, but had good hearts and were thankful.  My Mom, Anna, would help my Daddy with the harvest.  I remember him giving my mom some jewelery one time and said "thank you for helping me with the harvest".  I still remember that.  It was a necklace.  That was at least 45 years ago.  Huh, interesting. 

I was just sitting in our sun porch the other day watching the leaves blowing across the lawn.  It became another of life's little things that I was thankful for.  We have so many things that we take for granted.  I have sooooo many things that have just fell in my lap.  My cup runnth over!  Does that Cubby bobble head look familiar to anyone.  It was a gift to me from a friend many years ago.  Do you remember?  I do!

LuckieEddie says--Thou who hast given so much to me, give one more thing: a grateful heart. A friend called me the other night.  She said, erv are you looking at the sunset.  I said I was.  It was just beautiful.  We both really like sunsets.  We think that it's a form of adoration and thankfulness.  What do you think?

It's a  doozy alright, the choice we make in our minds a.k.a. attitude.  "Gratitude as a discipline involves a conscious choice....It is amazing how many occasions present themselves in which I can choose gratitude instead of a complaint."  ~  Henry Nouwen  ~  DuaneTheWorm (i.e. a real doozy) would not understand that statement I would guess.  He's one crafty, manipulative guy a.k.a. a self-centered, a cleaver schemer!  Well, ok, he might be grateful that he's soooo goooood (i.e. at least he thinks he is).  Huh, interesting.

This is a doozzzzy of a story folks.  These parents are friends of friends who told me the story.  These folks have three children.  One son is a qb at a college, another son is the starting qb on a D1 school, and their daughter is a volleyball star and track start at a D3 school.  That's not the story!  The story is--When their daughter was in high school she told her parents about this girl who lived in a car (i.e. homeless).  Her mom was a druggie. They pursued it and took her in.  Then another boy needed a home 'cause he was being abused by his "whacked out on drugs" mom.  Soooo they took him in tooooo. The girl played bb at a D1 school and the boy is a D1 football player.  That's not all the story.  The boy had a younger brother (i.e. high school age now) who was severely abused by his drug additive mother.  Recently he defended himself with a bat but caused no physical damage on his mom.  His mom had him arrested and jailed.  When they went to court, these parents showed up and told the judge the story.  They left with custody of him toooo!  These folks enabled both of these kids to get "full ride scholarships" and are working on the third.  There are soooome gooood folks out there.  Maybe these kids lives might have beeeen way different without these folks. Sooooooo I would guess those children have a lot to be thankful for.  Soooooo have you thanked your parents for what they have done for you?  Do you think these kids caught a break?

Not a good season to be a turkey.  Here is an interesting Turkey story--I really had a laugh. I watched very little of the Turkish Airlines Open (i.e. professional golf tournament) a couple of weeks ago. You know how everyone has to be quit when those guys hit or it might screw up their head which could screw up their shot. Well, the few minutes I watched, there was a loud speaker whaling an Islamic chant (i.e. 99% of Turkey is Islamic). The players didn't complain nor did the announcers say anything. In America when one spectator says anything, the players get all over them. Maybe those players are just a bunch of turkeys!  Huh, interesting.

Their kids and grand kids maybe might think they're turkeys (i.e. big dooozzzzys).  Arlene and I had the opportunity to have breakfast with a couple of senior grandmas from our church recently (i.e. it was a hoot).  These gals are very good hearted, real gals; my kind of folks.  ANYWAY they were telling us that at Thanksgiving, they are going to tell their kids and grand kids that they have to silence their cell phones and put 'em in their pockets or give them toooooo them.  There will be no use of cell phones during our family get-to-gather.  They need to talk with me!  I asked them if they will do that.  They didn't know.  I said you could threaten them with no Christmas cash!  One more thing I learned from these senior grandmas--What they would like more than anything else from their grand kids and kids is--a call or a visit.  That is what they would like the most.  Just a call or a visit.  Huh, interesting.  They said they don't need anything and have plenty of junk!!!!

Being grateful!  We all (i.e. hopefully) have our "pet" places that we like to give (i.e. our $$$$, our time and our talents).  We give many of our special $$$$ gifts at this time of the year.  It just seems right to us.  ANYWAY we got a letter from most of them thanking us for our support.  One letter said this--Thank you for believing in us...thank you!  We are grateful!  They personalized it with a short hand written note on the bottom and underlining some of it.  I think that is class.  We have a tendency to like to give to them more.  If folks don't show their appreciation, we wonder if they really care.  Are they just using us for $$$$$!  A piece of wisdom I have learned from some smart folks--One of the best forms of advertising is a sincere, "Looking 'em right in the eye--Thank you for your business"!

Thanksgiving is a fun time to reminisce with family and friends of days gone by.  It's a good time to be grateful for family and friends.  Arlene got this fun email from friendJudy of days gone by.  --  Arlene, you are still my favorite golf partner. Never laughed so hard in my life as when we golfed at Parkersburg one year and you told me it was about my turn to contribute! (I think you were joking but I'm not for sure!) You said, "I think you need to just put it in the hole right now!" So I blasted a shot from about 100 yards out and into the hole it went! We both were shocked and the two older ladies we were golfing with were stunned as well. They asked you, "does she always do what you tell her?" And you said "pretty much"! Those were the good ole days for sure.

Winston Churchill said, "The glory of light cannot exist without shadows."  Ok folks, it's not always easy to be thankful when we are sad.  It's hard.  God has a plan and His will will be done but I wonder if He knows what He is doing sometimes.  Maybe I'm tooooo tender for others and their situations.  Maybe.  Could be.  But, His understating I cannot fathom.  But He's always there.  Always!  ItchieBitchie says--Everyone has misery in their life; maybe it's just our turn now!  Christine Sutton in her book Stop and Smell the Garbage:  A Caregiver's Story of Survival says--If you are in the dark, if you're at the bottom, please believe that hope will dawn again.  And remember folks--There is no medicine like hope, no incentive sooo great, no tonic sooo powerful as the expectation of something better tomorrow.  God is our Hope.

Give without remembering and receive without forgetting.  Enjoy your Thanksgiving day folks. 

Have a FUN day my friends unless you have other plans. (-:

erv

MyFriendJean says--The secret of happiness is freedom.  The secret of freedom is courage. 

You're good

Ya, he's good!  There are folks  who can see around corners (i.e. they are almost not human).  Now that is a great innate ability.  CadillacJack says--Those folks are uncommon.  And there are other folks who can't see something when it's in broad view.  Why is that?  I don't think you can teach that (i.e. like you can't teach speed). What do you think?  These folks who can see around corners can be great leaders.  LuckieEddie is such a guy--He could lead if he would get the lead out!  If he would throw those chips away and get his butt off the couch!

He's good folks!  A golfer teed up his ball on the first tee, took a mighty swing and hit his ball into a clump of trees. He found his ball and saw an opening between 2 trees he thought he could hit through.  Taking out his 3-wood, he took a mighty swing. The ball hit a tree, bounced back, hit him in the forehead and killed him. As he approached the gates of Heaven, St. Peter asked, "Are you a good golfer?" The man replied: "Got here in two, didn't I?

Calm down and stay within yourself Joesixpack!  Stay poised!  Don't get soooo excited that you aren't yourself.  Don't try to become something you are not.  Be real.  If you are good, you are good.  You don't need to add anything (i.e. don't try to exaggerate).  My Daddy, Chester, would say to me--erv, folks who are good don't have to tell folks they are good; folks know that.  DuaneTheWorm (i.e. great at gaming the system) is always trying to tell folks how good he is.  He's funny!  Such is life. 

I learned a new word this week.  It's alchemy--a power or process of transforming something common into something special.  There is hope for AverageJoe alright.  Hope that he might become SpeicalJoe.  Being special is not necessarily becoming financially rich or obtain a certain position of power or  get to the top of the food chain.  It might be but then it might be something way different!  Why do folks change (i.e. mentally or physically).  That always interests me.  Fascinates me!  I know a number of folks who have changed from AverageJoes to SpecialJoes.  Yes I have.  It's very apparent.  Some of those folks are you guys. 

Changing from proud to humble might be part of the process of becoming someone special.  What do you think?  WildWillie says--For believers (i.e. are you a believer?), the fear of God is the astonished reverence we feel as we gaze upon His majesty, contemplate His immensity, and recognize His infinite power. I wonder if that ingredient a.k.a adoration is sometimes missing in us.  I'm just wondering folks, I don't know.  GeorgeTheCrook says--Oh God, it's sooooo hard to be humble; Thank you God that I'm soooo humble.  Such is life.

I ran into an real estate client/friend from years past the other day.  She was telling me about her husband and how she is his caregiver.  I said--That has to be tough for you--no no I'm tough and I'm stubburn; I will not let it get to me.  She is a tough old bird let me tell ya.  Her husband should be soooo happy that she is in his camp.  She is very good to him (i.e. someone special).  My hat goes off to her.  Yes it does. 

Pet count!  I read in the paper (i.e. soooo it must be right) that a town in IA is considering a pet limit proposal -- Households would be restricted to a total of 4 dogs and cats combined.  Huh, interesting! Soooo if you have 4 or less, you are good to go!  Now that will create a new job.  That town will have to have a pet census taker.  The pet census taker will have to go around and ask folks how many pets they have and then verify it on their tax return or something.  Sorta kinda like when folks are asked how many people they have in their household (i.e.. U.S. citizens of course and related some way such as step kids, half bothers, kids of what father, grand kids of which daughter and what their income is in order to get a free or discounted rate for Obama care).  I'm sure all those folks will be honest as to how many pets they have  Da!  Really folks, do you think a 4 pet household limit is going to work?  Really!  Read between the lines folks.  ItchieBitchie says--I think if you get free Obama care or reduced rates for Obama care, you should not be allowed to have any pets!  Now that would create more jobs (i.e. it would have to be policed)!  SusieQ says--What?  That's not fair is it!  That has to be unconstitutional or something!  You can't get reelected with that attitude!

Tip of the day--(i.e. I read it in the paper soooo it must be right). Most CEOs come from the financial side (i.e. bean counters). MissPerfect says--Sooooo why is that?  I don't get it. TyphoonBillie says--Real numbers never lie!  Phantom numbers lie!  That is why crooks have two set of books or make up numbers to fit the situation.  Some folks are really good at fabricating the numbers (e.g. I have seen some farmers who had great yields to establish their yields and have low yields to work their MPCI claims).  They are good.  And it is very hard to monitor.  For some, the attitude is--It's only the government sooooo who really cares!  It greases my pocket sooooo...!  Money is green no matter how I get it.  MissPerfect says--There are folks in this world who are scoundrels.  Oh ya!  MissPerfect asks--Do you really think some day we will be made accountable for our actions?  StickyfingersRalph says--I'm an universalist!  Good plan huh!!!

RogerDodger is good!  He says toooo himself--I'm good at cheating.  Yes I am.  Cheating is hard to cover and requires meticulous planning.  I'm very good and successful at doing this.  Very good.  Doesn't that cheating bother you RogerDodger?  No, ethics are determined by what they catch you doing.  If you don't get caught, you haven't violated any ethics.  I have it planned that I'm going to cheat the government and insurance companies (i.e. no one cares about them; they are only the government and insurance companies--I'm not really hurting anyone--seems like everyone does it).  I'm going to do it for ten years.  I talked to the local pastor where my wife goes to church and he assured me that all sins are the same (i.e. no big ones or little ones).  That is good to hear.  He also told me that if I ask for forgiveness, all the sins will be forgiven (i.e. slate washed clean, white as snow).  I like to hear that tooooo.  Soooo after ten years I will go to church, confess my sins, ask for forgiveness, give them $10,000 and everybody is happy (i.e. my insurance policy covering my back side).  I'm good to go!  The pastor asked RogerDodger--Wonder if you die first?  He has a good point.  Soooo I changed my plan a little.  I will go to church every Easter and Christmas to confess my sins, ask for forgiveness and give $500.  If I really do well with my cheating, I might bump up my giving (i.e. if I do well, the church will do well, sorta kinda a win win situation, everybody is a happy camper)!  I'm good, huh! 

Missperfect is good!  She makes sure all the trains are running on time.  She supports the organization with no personal agenda.  Now that is one good wife folks.  WorldClassLarry says--90% of a guy's happiness is who he marries.  Such is life.

A heart jabber!  My friend is good, folks!  She can affect me alright.  She is 92 and calls me and says--erv, have I said something bad to you?  No, why do you think that?  You haven't come and seen for a while!  Ouchy ouchy!  A stab right in the heart folks!  Gottcha! 

He is good!  JimmyTheJanitor says--Young Charlie from back home (i.e. Alberta, Canada) was in a big lecture hall writin' his final math exam, Aaa.  The supervising professor was right grumpy.  He was pacing around yelling out how much time there was left.  Finally he yells, "Times up".  Well everyone passes in their papers except Charlie, Aaa!  He kept on writtin'.  The professor just sat there glarin' at Charlie and stacking the papers in a big pile, Aaa!  Finally one hour later charlie finishes and walks up to the desk.  The professor says, "Sorry, you are one hour late; you have failed this test."  Charlie says, "You know who I am?"  "No I don't."  "I didn't think so".  With that Charlie lifted the stack of papers half way, stuck his paper in, dropped the rest on top and walked out!  ~    James a.k.a. The Smoke that Thunders accomplished his goal.  He, after taking courses on line for 4 years continuously from CO State, has received his BS degree in Business Management.  He is 43, works full time and a father of two small kids.  Not an easy accomplishment.  James is our son-in-law.  We are proud of him.  I thought he got a B.A. but he said it was a B.S.  He said--Heather said--I am full of BS so perhaps I should pursue a Masters Degree next! 

Things aren't always black and white!  AfriendMargret did the childrens' message last Sunday.  She asked the kids is a zebra black with white stripes or white with black stripes.  Difficult question!  AfriendGalene had this outfit on Sunday (i.e. make no mistake about it, I'm not saying she's a zebra).  It was just sorta kinda a good example of black and white (i.e. believe me, she lives her life as a good example--as does Margret--both good gals with good hearts--real folks--my kind of folks).  ~   I had a very good experience recently.  I got to know a guy who I really didn't know before.  I knew him but really didn't know him.  Through a unique experience I got to do some one-on-one with him and found out that I like him a lot more (i.e. he's good).  I got to know him deep inside. I felt soooo bad that I didn't get to know him before.  Everyone has some good in them; it's just that we don't know about it most of the time (i.e. haven't had the opportunity).  CadillacJack says--Sometimes we think we are tooo gooooood for some folks and then we find out we aren't sooooo goood ourselves.  Our images of folks change when we get to know them (i.e. rub shoulders with them).  Huh, interesting.

This is not good!  I read this in the paper soooo it must be right.  Hawkeye football player arrested on OWI charge.  He was charged at 1:06 a.m. with operating while intoxicated and driving with a suspended or revoked license when a vehicle he was driving bumped into a police car at an intersection.  Like I said--not a good thing but especially if you are under the influence. Influence of Jack Daniels.  Jack is a terrible influence. 

AfriendMarty, you're a good person Marty but your action was not sooooo good.  She was telling us that the other night she was soaking her feet in hot water while watching TV.  She had the remote in her hand and fell asleep.  She dropped the clicker in the water.  Not good folks.  Not good!

Everyone smells money (i.e. sharpening their knifes for a slice of the pie)!  This is not good.  I read it in the paper soooo it must be right.  Detroit filed for bankruptcy with debts of at least $18 billion.  Legal fees could total $60 million plus various expenses such as $250,000 to price and sell some assets.  A fee examiner has been hired to keep the expenses in line, but he charges $600 an hour.  Huh, interesting but not good folks.  Not good..

It's the rut season folks.  The bucks are in a rut to rut!  SusieQ says--The buck does funny things when the does are present!  Is that good or not good for the bucks?  That is a homograph I believe!  Saturday question--Do you know any crazy bucks?

Putting a different spin on it!  LuckieEddie says--If you're not good on defense than ya gotta be good on offense.  You gotta improve on your weaknesses and use your strengths as good as you can.  Sooooo be creative and innovative. 

ItchieBithcie has a heart of gold, his own gold! Not good!  Ouchy ouchy! 


She knows I'm a "little shot" but she does it anyway.  Oh ya, she reads papers for me and the marks the articles that she thinks I would like (i.e. big shots have that done for them). She's a neat gal alright (i.e. neighbor Lila).  ANYWAY here is what I learned from an article she marked for me to read--When a person said to a less fortunate street person who looked like they needed some money--Do you need any help?  The street person responded--Don't we all!  Think about that folks.  Don't we all! 

I was running the other morning.  It was about 8 I think and the temperature was lower 30s.  I ran past a house where a boy of about 10 was out side with his hoody over his head throwing a football.  I asked him if he's any good at football--I'm very good--good enough to make the NFL--Sure am!  He's good folks.  Maybe he has got hit in the head one to many times already!!!!  To make sure, we would have to subject the subject to a series of tests! 

Have a FUN day my friends unless you have other plans. (-:

erv

MyFriendJean says--Music washes away from the soul the dust of evryday life.

PS I hope you participate in this opportunity.  It will just take a second.  Send me your definition or example of what a turkey is--he's/she's a real turkey.  I will use them anonymously. I will use some of them in my pre-Thanksgiving "It's Saturday" next week.  I will pick the winners just like they do on Dancing With The Stars.  This could be fun. 

outward or inner appearance

A friend says--When the Gonger gongs, there is only one thing that matters! 

 AverageJoe says--Some folks have something about them that others don't have (i.e. some consider 'em sorta kinda off the beatin' path). 

I recently got this email from a friend.  I appreciated it very much.  You will see leadership qualities in him.  He took a risk (i.e. some of these situations don't end happy).  He also took a risk in sharing his experience with me.  You know you have to have a pretty good friend who you can trust in order to share something really good that you have done or something really bad you have done (i.e. someone who appreciates your actions).  Many folks think you are bragging about something good you are/were involved in and some can't keep their mouth shut about your misfortunes.  This person and I had a very nice telephone conversation about many of the feelings that aren't expressed in this story.  This person is a good person (i.e. my opinion).  He might be at iconic status!

I am sharing his story with his permission but changed the names.-----I'm trying to make a long story short. A little over 7 years ago a friend of mine who was in his late 70's came into my office and said to me. JoeBlow you know everything about me and you know where all my money is invested. Promise me that if anything ever happens to me you will take care of my wife. They had no children, his wife had two sisters but not close to her. He told me his wife's health was not very good and spent a lot of time in bed with depression. I told him not to worry I would make sure she was taken care of. Three weeks later he died. The first time I met his wife was when my client/friend was in Hospice and his wife called me to ask me to take her to see an attorney. Her words were "Mr JoeBlow this is  SusieQ, so and so’s wife; my husband said if I ever needed help to call you".  

That was 7 years ago, she died 4 weeks ago in a house fire. SusieQ was a small lady with big heart. She did not drive a car and very seldom would leave her house. I arranged for someone to do all her shopping, mow her lawn, clean her house, take care of the snow and handy man to do odd jobs. She would call me at least once a week with a question (she just needed someone to talk to). At times she would get very depressed but refused to see a doctor for anything. She did not go to church but would always send them money in her envelope. She would also send money to the church she was baptized in and where she was confirmed. She would send gift cards to people who needed help. Several times she would call me and ask me to bring a check to Hospice (Christmas day, Easter and Valentines day) it was usually $2,000.00 and she instructed me to tell them to buy special gifts for the people in Hospice.  

SusieQ had 2 special wishes: First that her house would go to her neighbor but they were not to know it until she was gone. They brought her mail to her house everyday, took care of her garbage, filled her bird feeder and walk around her house with the dog to make sure everything was ok. Second was that all of her personnel items would go to the shelter house. She also made me promise that I would clean the house before the neighbors came in to see it. SusieQ smoked 2 packs a day so you can image how the house and everything inside the house smelled. I did not say this to SusieQ but no one would want the stuff because of the smell. Over the last 18 months, SusieQ would call me more often and would always end the conversation with I just want my Lord to take me home.  

The fire that took SusieQ also did major damage to her house. Her 2 wishes came true. The neighbor got a house that was all fixed up and I can use the insurance money to buy brand new stuff for the shelter house. 

I hired a company to come in and take an inventory of all her personal items. I stopped there to see how things were going and one of the ladies took me into the garage to show me something. She pointed to the Bible and said she found it on the kitchen table.  SusieQ spent all her time at the table reading and watching TV. The lady looked at me and said "Mr. JoeBlow you are not going to believe this but everything in the kitchen was covered with ashes BUT the Bible it was perfectly clean. I said I believe you. SUSIEQ DID GO HOME  

I was asked to help SusieQ but she probably helped me more.

Joeblow 

P.S. she left Hospice $125,000, $25,000 to YMCA and $25,000 to her church 

ItchieBitchie says-- Faith is both blind and irrational.  Mark Twin joked that faith is "believing what you know ain't so."  H.L. Menchken, the American anti-supernaturalist critic of Christianity, once said, "Faith may be defined briefly as an illogical belief in the occurrence of the improbable."  Evolutionary biologist, professor, and familiar atheist Richard Dawkins said, "Faith is the great cop-out, the great excuse to evade the need to think and evaluate evidence.  Faith is believe in spite of, even perhaps because of, the lack of evidence." 

Life after death?!  Dr. David Jereimah says--A well-known bumper sticker has been around for a few years that reads, "Life Is Hard. Then You Die." That bumper sticker might be found on a car driven by a nihilist ("there is no purpose"), a cynic ("life is a joke"), an existentialist ("life is absurd"), or a humanist ("it's every man for himself"). These worldviews agree: Death is unavoidable in the end, so what's the point?  Death is the great leveler -- it is appointed unto man once to die.  Without a solution for the problem of death, life can appear to be an exercise in futility. But that is the great message of the Christian Gospel! God has given us victory over our ultimate death through the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ...But because of the Gospel, we can change the bumper sticker to read, "Life Is Hard. Then We Die and Live Forever!"

WildWilly says--Life starts with a bang and ends with a bang.  Who's the Banger? 

Robert Jastrow, director of NASA's Goddard Institute for Space Studies says--Maybe, just maybe, some folks who have lived by their faith in the power of reason, the story ends like a bad dream.  They have scaled the mountains of ignorance; they are about to conquer the highest peak; as they pull themselves over the final rock, they are greeted by a band of theologians who have been sitting there for centuries. 

Have a FUN day my friends unless you have other plans. (-:

erv

MyFriendJean says--Nothing is a waste that makes a memory.

PS  Broke out the Christmas mugs this week.  Sooooo what does that mean folks.  I like the feeling, I really do.  It makes me warm inside.  Maybe my inner appearance is different than my outward appearance.  MAYBE!