fixation

ItchieBitchie says—I have no idea what that joke is suppose to mean.  I can take it several ways.  I don’t even know if it’s funny to me.  Me either, ItchieBitchie, that’s maybe the first time you and I agreed on anything!  MissPerfect says—It’s perfectly clear to me; heavenly days, erv, what puts those crazy ideas and opinions in your head anyway; you must be from Old Roseland, MN! Isn’t it interesting how we all interpret and understand things differently?  I think that is really funny.  Of course, some of you don’t get it ‘cause you are weird compared to ItchieBitchie and me! ha ha

I think this is funny; really funny!  Many folks want and demand that other folks think like they do.  BUT the same folks won't believe what others what them to think.  That's crazy but that's how most folks think.  Think about that folks. 

LuckieEddie says--Now we all know that money is necessary and useful. But the basic problem with money is that it fixates a person’s heart on this world. JoeMoney says—The love of money makes it difficult to die; that is clean and simple. Kerplop! erv erv, you are about as hard to understand as my cell phone contract; I need a $300/hour Philadelphia lawyer to understand you!  Now that could be but remember what Michelangelo said—A man paints with his brains and not with his hands.  Yabut Michelangelo, that’s why we all look at your most famous painting and scratch our heads as what was in your head; what is it suppose to say! We probably all think something different unless some, socalledexpert, tells us what it means which is only their opinion. SusieQ askes—I wonder if we are ever brain washed?

Definition of fixation--an obsessive interest in or feeling about someone or something.

JoeFluff asks—Sooooo if I don’t believe in God than I don’t really have to worry about sin at all; do I? All those evil thoughts are maybe just good business to me (i.e. an opportunity to get ahead in this world).  It would appear that if I don’t have a fixation on this sinning stuff, well, then I have a lot simpler life and don’t have to worry about it.  Am I right here, erv? Besides, those who believe in sin, worry and worry. JoeFluff, I believe it is a huge massive deal.  Get the Philadelphia attorney to explain it to you.  I would suggest going to see a pastor or a believing friend, but you probably won’t believe them if you don’t pay a lot of money for the advice! Sooo pay them a lot of money upfront! ha ha

Last Saturday I was part of Team Mellema who participated in a Walk to End Alzheimer’s in Des Moines.  Team Mellema organized by Chet and Jessica raised a huge massive chunk of change for the fight to end Alzheimer’s. Thanksamillion for those of you who gave to the cause and also to you folks who really do care (i.e. many because of experience with the disease—you have a dog in the hunt). The opening ceremony was very emotional for us.  Why? Well, I think because Jessica’s Mom is struggling with cancer and Arlene is struggling with Alzheimer’s and different folks talked about how Alzheimer’s has affected their family and their lives.  As my emotional golf buddies/friends told me last Friday after we got done playing—Alzheimer’s is a shitty disease!  I have heard this from pretty gals/not soooo pretty gals, big guys/ little guys, tough folks/not sooo tough folks, rich folks/not sooo rich folks; the thinking is all-inclusive; it is a shitty disease. Personally, it has torn my heart out! And as our shirts say—Fighting for the first survivor!  So far, the only way to get better from Alzheimer’s is to die. 

Around _AD 600, Pope Gregory I revised a list of evil thoughts, which came to be called the “Seven Deadly Sins.” At the top of that list is pride. GeorgeTheCrook says—Who, what, me!  Never!  MissPerfect says—Now that is probably a pretty good sign of pride GeorgeTheCrook; you and I are probably were born prideful. A wise person wrote this--Draw a line in the sand today, beyond which you will not go. Don’t wait for the crisis to consider your convictions. The time is now; create a fixation. DuaneTheWorm (i.e. a big phony) says—That’s not for me; I like to blow with the wind; whatever I can do to make myself look better; I’m a champion self-glorifier; I will do whatever it takes. 

Don’t kid yourself! While eating my oatmeal with half a banana on it I read what KennyKen wrote—"Will you be one of those who finish well? Will I? We decide each day – by how we allocate the time, talent, and treasure God has entrusted. If we do not finish well, we will have no positive eternal impact in the lives of others.” Every time I hear something about “yougottafinish”, I think of Solomon. He was a very wise man (i.e. maybe the wisest man who ever lived) but he didn’t finish well; some call him a half-hearted man.  Maybe to finish well we have to have a fixation. SusieQ says—Don’t kid yourself erv; It’s hard to stay the course.  It’s a lot easier to waffle. You think soooo? That is what I thought.

Happenstance, na, I don’t think soooooo!  I was in the process of making a decision and sorta kinda by accident talked to a couple of friends (i.e. they are good folks, with good heart—my kind of folks).  They asked me what’s new and I told them about the decision I’m debating.  They gave me their advice (i.e. I don’t know how good the advice is as I didn’t pay anything for it).  It appears to be a major decision for me but for others it has no bearing as it does not affect them personally.  It’s like some decisions that you will have to make that I will never have to make.  But when it applies to each of us personally, those suckers are big decisions (i.e. can be very emotional). They helped me tip my decision. I think it was the best decision for Arlene and me.  For you maybe it would not be the best decision. Some of you might think I didn't made the best decision.  We are all different.

A friend just made me laugh recently.  I went for a jog on the golf course early one morning and he was burning the burn pile using his old Allis Chalmers with a front-end bucket (i.e. he has helped the golf course doing this for years--a good man with a good heart).  He had a good fire going.  He told me that he has always liked to burn (i.e. he likes fires).  He was having a great time (i.e. his fixation). What is your fixation?  What are you obsessed with; your compulsion?  Is it cleaning the house, playing golf, reading, eating, playing cards, exercising, making money, working, your grandkids, pornography, sex, cleanliness etc.?  You got to have some fixation.  My friend’s fixation is fire!!!!  

Heather text me this--Just pulled up to get gas- old gentleman next to me checking oil on his Subaru,  have you ever found your oil low in all the years you have checked? I never see anyone doing this - well except “old” guys. Do you think worry can be a fixation?  That is what I thought.  While eating my oatmeal with half a banana on it, I read what PhilliePhil (i.e. not a Philadelphia lawyer) said—"Anxiety is linked to the future in a doomed attempt to control what will happen by trying to outthink time itself. That means it’s also bound up with where we think we are in the story of our lives, and of creation.” Now that is deep folks; you better take another sip of your Verena Street Mississippi Grogg coffee.  Think about that.  Getting back to Heather’s story—I wonder if old guys pray more as well as checking the oil more in their car than younger folks.  What do you think? That is what I thought.  If you are a younger person or an old guy, PhilliePhil said--As you pray, thank God for his faithfulness, and choose to trust him with your future (i.e. I like that prayer; it’s uplifting and encouraging to me—most folks’ prayers are prayers of supplication—we are soooo selfish—all about me).

OneSmartPerson says--Much of our identity is based upon our relationships. We all have relationships and you and I have some type of relationship (i.e. maybe unique).  Because of our “certain type of relationship” we talk about different stuff and do different degrees of sharing.  JoeBlow says—I don’t really like relationships; they scare me.  A successful business executive told me that she went on a business trip with the boss in working with a new account in trying to get their business.  She told me that the boss’ philosophy is toooo gain a working relationship of trust and accountability.  Not a relationship of tricks, low ball pricing, and cut-through tactics. I look at relationships that some folks form and I really question their type of relationships (i.e. that can be family, friends, business, church, etc.)   TerrySlick says—I know how to manipulate folks by a fake relationship.  Oh ya.  This is not a fake relationship folks!  I asked Rookie during our Alzheimer’s walk “what is the name of your teacher this year”—he told me—is she pretty—no, not really but she is very nice!  On the third tee box, one of my golf buddies/friends said—erv, stand still a second, you have a long hair by your ear; this might hurt a bit as he pulled it. It was about an inch long (i.e. one that must have dodged my cutting for a few times).  I said to him—You have to have a certain relationship with someone to do that; many could not and would not do that; I hope you also tell me to get my head out of my butt when I have it there as well!

Joe, the Philadelphia lawyer, says—I can’t think of anything that requires more finesse than comedy, both from a verbal and visual point of view.  Folks get in more trouble because of what they think is funny and another person doesn’t get it or doesn’t think it’s funny or they think it’s pointed at them.  Comedy is risky but for a Philadelphia lawyer, it’s good for business.  It keeps their world going around and the bills paid by their $300 hourly rate.

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

erv

MyFriendJean says--There is an island of opportunity in the middle of every difficulty.

apparently

TomTerrific says—The panther is sleek.  The panther is sneaky. The panther is covert. Meanwhile, the gorilla will show up and bang on his chest.

MissPerfect says--We love paradoxical stories: Dorothy Gale travels far away to the land of Oz and learns there’s no place like home. Those of you into the Lord of Rings, the mighty Dark Lord Sauron can only be defeated by a simple hobbit named Frodo and his even simpler companion Sam. Folks are drawn to paradox. This “It’s Saturday” might be a paradox and it might not.  You decide. Some of you might say—erv, you are apparently “a dimly burning wick,” you have no idea about any of this stuff let me tell ya! Take that into consideration when reading this. 

My Daddy, Chester, enjoyed watching Red Skelton so our family had to watch him tooooo.  He sorta kinda made me laugh; I thought he was funny.  I wasn’t a big TV watcher back then and am still not, but I did watch some Red Skelton.  Red Skelton said—I only come to life when there are people watching.  He was an entertainer. Apparently, he meant that he likes to show off a.k.a. put on a show.  Do you know any folks like that?  CadillacJack says—It’s apparent that some folks are different at different times; it is more apparent that the good ones are the same all the time no matter who they are around and what’s going on.  I read this that seems to be full of wisdom-- Live in harmony with one another. Do not be proud but be willing to associate with people of low position. Do not be conceited. ItchieBitchie says—That doesn’t work very well for me; I like to impress folks!

I realize that some of you don’t believe in God soooo that means you don’t believe in heaven and hell. The reason why I know that is you have told me.  That (i.e. my opinion means that you don’t have much to hope for eternal life in heaven—I have a hard time understanding how anyone doesn’t want Hope).  I have no clue how that is going to work out for you BUT I’m just a little ol’ farm boy from a mile and fourth south of Roseland, MN.  I bought some bratwurst dogs the other day that had some jalapeno peppers in them (i.e. I sometimes like the kick of peppers).  ANYWAY, I took my first bite and said to myself—They must apparently forgot to put any jalapeno peppers in this one. Then it all of a sudden, the hot sensation kicked in; it just took a while to get there.  SenecaTheRocketDog, an ancient Roman philosopher said—A sailor without a destination cannot hope for a favorable wind; hope is an anchor to the soul.  

I said to a friend who was closing their business in our little town--I don’t like to see it.  He said—Well it’s like trying to push water uphill! Folks, that is not a good thing, not like eating ice cream. That is much like what I say when I ride my bike up hill and against the wind. It seems like I’m always doing that anymore!  Not much of a gorilla anymore.  But I’m not much like a panther either! 

The conclusion of the matter is:  RickyRick says--Hurt people hurt people. The more people are hurting, the more they lash out at everybody else. People who aren’t hurting don’t hurt others. People who are filled with love are loving toward others. People who are filled with joy are joyful to others. People who are filled with peace are at peace with everybody else. But people who are hurting inside are going to hurt others. They’re going to lash out.  Apparently, what we have in our heart sorta kinda shows up on the outside by our actions.  Saturday question—What are you showing today? 

CommonSenseJoe says—You have no control over what the other guy does.  You only have control what you do. Apparently, he thinks it’s cool!  I got some milk at Casey’s early one morning.  There was a guy talking to the young female cashier using some really bad language.  He left and I asked her if she is offended by his language—no I’m not; that is mild compared to what I hear; I just get used to it; young people are the worse.  I don’t think it’s proper especially talking to a young lady that way—I agree but what are you going to do; you can’t control folks; the only person you can control is yourself.  Who is that guy anyway—don’t know; we call him the coffee guy as he comes in almost every morning and talks and makes coffee for us.  He has a captured audience (i.e. probably no one else will tolerate him).  I guess most folks aren’t impressed with folks that use that type of language (i.e. I’m surely not).  Apparently, I don’t care to be around folks who use that type of language as I don’t know many folks who use that kind of language. I have my opinion as to why folks use that language. Why do you think they use bad language? Mr.DeadSea says-- Any Fool Can Do That! Let me tell you sooooo ‘cause I have been there.  I’m watching the high school football team practicing on the junior high football field in our back yard as I write this.  Does bad language go along with football?  Is there a connection? Do folks who use bad language fit a certain profile (e.g. like is there is more bad language in a factory or in an office or do some families use bad language more than others—does age make a difference)? I have a lot of questions but few answers. 

Not today!  Our friend, Caleb, would come up to Arlene and greet her saying—Not Today!  She couldn’t figure out why he would say that.  She asked his parents and found out the reason.  Arlene directed the choir like for 25 years but the choir didn’t sing the last Sunday of the month.  Sooooo, that is the Sunday he would greet her—Not Today!  Isn’t that a fun story?  JoeBlow says—I’m hoping to Slide in Sideways! Due to modern medicine and hospice care, fewer people die now with “famous last words” on their lips (i.e. not today). But in days past, folks would sit with pen and paper to record their final statements of dying (e.g. Evangelist D. L. Moody said, “This is my coronation day! It is glorious!”).  “A continual looking forward to the eternal world is not a form of escapism or wishful thinking, but one of the things a Christian is meant to do.”--C. S. Lewis   MissPerfect says--Eternity is a wonder all right; Joesixpack says—How can this all be or happen—very simple Joesixpack, because he’s God.

A friend and I had a good conversation the other day.  She told me--I don’t like grumpy in other folks but I do it well! What a hoot!  I read recently that to go forward a person must be honest with themselves; if you don’t, you will never go forward.  We also talked about something related to not being honest to the situation and that is alibis.  Boy, do folks have good alibis.  They are sooooo funny to listen toooo.  Some really make me laugh (i.e. especially if I know the folks). Recently I talked to some gals at a business about relationships.  I encouraged them all to make a new relationship.  Most or all said they didn’t have time.  One, I think kidding, said—I can friend a new person on Facebook! 

This friend who I had the conversation with told me that she used to be a big fair goer, but she can’t go anymore because she can’t walk as well and can’t take the heat (i.e. those excuses are probably reality and not alibis ha ha).  She said I pass on somethings, but I don’t pass on somethings; I pick and choose. And I also have learned to say no much easier.

Apparently, it works.  I couldn’t get Arlene in the golf cart anymore sooooooo I did some thinking and came up with this idea.  We have two steps with landings to our front door.  Soooo I manipulated the golf cart next to it and thought I would make a platform to make it even with the golf cart.  I asked my friend, Secretariat, what he thought of the idea.  He tweaked my idea and even made it for me.  It works slicker than a whistle.  We are back on the course again. Bingo! Secretariat also helped me fix the electric starter on my $100 snow blower.  He decided that the clogs on the flywheel were worn and that prevented it from engaging.  He discovered if he would put his foot on the starter, pushed it in, it worked.  Ya gotta be innovative and creative and adapt.  Now if he can come up with a way to get rid of Arlene’s Alzheimer’s! My friend, Secretariat, is bight folks; just about as bright as the golf ball I played with the other day.  WorldClassLarry says--It isn’t what you know but who you know!  

Apparently Doc is right.  I was going to the post office the other morning and met our retired Doctor walking back to his house.  We talked.  I asked him what’s the deal with the holes in his shoes—I wear holes in the top of my shoes from running (i.e. he runs six miles every day)—how long does a pair of shoes last you—about 6 months.  He told me that when being missionaries in Africa, people died of want and not of plenty compared to in America where people die of plenty and not of want. It’s IA State Fair time; maybe the biggest attraction for many is to eat all of the different fair food!  Ouchy ouchy! Recently a friend and I were talking about her boss who lost a lot of weight. She told me that his doctor told him that he had a choice—either lose a lot of weigh or die!  Yikes!

Early last Sunday morning, just before I got up, I had a dream.  It wasn’t a revelation or anything but it was about my association with a young lady who was in poverty, found a guy who they seemed to love each other, she had a little girl, had an old car, and for some reason I was part of her life.  Oh, one more thing, Bill, a pickleball buddy was there toooo.  It was by Lake MI. This is crazy!  I got up made some coffee and wrote this down (i.e. if I don’t, I forget my dreams; never remember them). SusieQ says—erv, soooooo what, we all have dreams that are just as crazy.  I just think this dream apparently affected me a little.  I can’t exactly tell you how because I don’t know myself.  But even in the dream I was affected by her. CrazyMarvin says—erv erv, your bladder was probably full and it was apparently putting pressure on your brain!

I got to get going! Secretariat says—Let’s get going, we’re burning day light. The guynorthoftown says—When the sun is shining, we gotta make hay!  If the Lord is willing and the creek don’t rise, I’ll see you next Saturday.

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

erv

MyFriendJean says—It gets easy to let work and responsibilities substitute for life.

think think think

WorldClassLarry says—It appears that there are two kind of folks; those who pick up trash and those that don’t!  They are probably the same folks that only care about themselves and don't care about others. Really WorldClassLarry!  Socrates said—I cannot teach anyone anything. I can only make them think.

SallySociety (i.e. from the millennial generation) who knows everything says--It appears that different folks can hear or see the same things, but their conclusion of what they think about it could be quite different.  It appears that folks think differently and comprehend differently and relate to teaching differently.  Give SallySociety a trophy! ha ha

We had the opportunity to be with our family for a couple of days.  I usually give gifts to our grandkids (i.e. usually the garage sale variety).  The gifts aren’t always the same. Sometimes there is jealously with some thinking their gift isn’t as good as their sibling’s or their cousins’. But sometimes I give them all the same gift.  When I do that, I find that some even like the gift better than others (i.e. for many reasons).  The reality is, I don’t think they are much different than many adults.  Some kids never grow up.  BUT they all like drumsticks; a grandpa tradition!  BUT the grand kids are growing up; they now ask questions that have answers. BUT I don’t know if they listen to my answers.  Sometimes I think not! I heard in a speech, sooooo it must be right, that grand parents can affect their grandkids and are very important.  Much effectiveness is by example.  You believe that?  That is what I thought.

Our grandkids are all Gen Xers (i.e. age 4-24). Sean McDowell did a talk at the Cedar Falls Bible Conference on Gen Xers that I found quite interesting.  He asked the audience to give him words that describe the Gen Xers.  All the words were negative.  They are about 25% of our population and are soon will be our leaders of our churches, government and business.  He said that actually we have a lot in common with them.  We are much like them in many ways.  And they do have good qualities just like the generations we are in.  BUT to understand them we need to relate to them (e.g. they have never been a non-swiper of a phone). Our Gen X generation grandkids appear to have a hard time in understanding me (i.e. we don’t seem to be on the same page; it appears that we don’t track the same). I need to look for some positive qualities they have; they do have them.  I think that might be hard for many.  McDowell also said that he did a large amount of research and found out that experts think that Gen Xers are the most isolated, most depressed, most lonely generation ever (e.g. their best friend they might not have ever met in person).  Yikes, that doesn’t sound good.  But they are very good with their smartphones. But I like my smartphone and many of you do toooo. I think there are differences of kids in the Gen X generation (e.g. we had breakfast at Todd’s Saturday morning and one our granddaughters was very polite and nice to our waitress; I was proud of her and impressed.  Where did she learn that do you think? Maybe a YouTube video on her phone; I think not! WorldClassLarry says—Remember, it’s better to be understanding than it is to be understood. 

Our son-in-law (i.e. generation X) said to me at our house—Erin (i.e. Z generation) asked on the trip from CO if anything would be different at grandma and grandpa’s house—well, looking around not much has changed in 10 years. He is right and he is wrong!  It has been over 8 years since Arlene has been diagnosed with Alzheimer’s.  She always enjoyed our home and did a great job making if feel homie and comfortable.  The last 10 years, yes, not much has changed in our house.  We are very comfortable with our home. BUT things have changed; big time. What is important to us, our values, our attitude, our relationships, our lifestyle, etc. has really changed.  Maybe the important stuff to us has changed and the unimportant stuff stuff has not.  Of course, Arlene and I are from the Traditional generation a.k.a. the silent generation.  Maybe “stuff stuff” isn’t as important to us now. 

I read what RickieRick said while eating my oatmeal with a half a banana on it--The Bible uses the term “heart” to describe the bundle of desires, hopes, interests, ambitions, dreams, and affections that you have. Your heart represents the source of all your motivations—what you love to do and what you care about most. Even today, we still use the word in this way when we say, “I love you with all my heart.” The Bible says what is in your heart reveals what you really are: “As water reflects the face, so one’s life reflects the heart” (Proverbs 27:19 NIV). You are not what others think you are or what circumstances force you to be. Your heart is the real you. It determines why you say the things you do, why you feel the way you do, and why you act the way you do.

My Daddy, Chester, told me—erv, most folks don’t think enough. I think the story of the Little Red Train was about I think I can I think I can I can.   LuckieEddie says--How much time do we spend working on our attitude compared to what we are going to eat next.  One way to help our attitude is getting around good folks and ask them to mentor us to be a better people.  I think that is good stuff.  I heard an interview with Bubby Watson during the Open after he shot a good round.  He said that he has been reading a lot of good material about having a good attitude, has a sports phychologist who helps me and meets with their pastor regularly.  I don’t necessarily care if I am a better golfer, but I want to be a better person in my life.  I thought about that. 

I really think I made a personal mistake to myself.  BUT it was another good lesson to myself.  I had something sorta kinda good happen to me.  I said that I was not going to tell anyone about it (i.e. it will speak for itself).  Well, I did tell just one person and the good didn’t continue (i.e. I was humbled I think, no I don’t think, I know).  I had a person recently tell me that he doesn’t make any mistakes (i.e. he is from the millennial generation); Da!  I think he is wrong!  SusieQ says—Some folks obviously think different than others.  But give him a trophy anyway or put his name in the paper!  However, for the most part, people get their names in the paper for being stupid. Or evil. Or dead! Such is life.

Do you know anyone who grumbles; I mean grumbles a lot; I mean always seem to grumble?  A person grumbled to me the other day.  I let her grumble.  I actually laughed inside.  I didn’t say anything.  BUT I totally disagreed with what she was grumbling about.  I think she was way wrong.  BUT it was sorta kinda fun to listen to her grumble (i.e. I even egged her on a little).  I didn’t necessarily know if I was wrong or she was right but there was a difference of opinion.  And it really doesn’t matter what I think (i.e. what matters is what folks in control think and I’m not in control)?  Soooo then who really cares what I think?  A friend recently said to me—I can put up with a crazy thought a person says but if there is a trend (i.e. long history) of them having crazy thinking, well, they have established a precedent and I really don’t have much time for them. Saturday question—Do we every think of other generations this way? Such is life.

I think I had a good lesson.  I say think I did or maybe I just ate some bad pizza.  I’m not 100% sure which one it was.  But ANYWAY, I had some experiences that were minor (i.e. a couple of things that were said to me and an event of frustration).  They all seemed to give me a different direction in my focus.  Again, maybe this feeling is just something I think I had!  WorldClassLarry says—erv erv, just don’t think soooooo much; you are going to get a headache!

I have baseball on TV while I read in the evenings (i.e. I like to follow the Cubs and we get quite a few games on our package).  We very seldom go away at night sooooo it fits me quite well.  ANYWAY, sports in general, are becoming very analytical.  They have percentages for everything now; nothing is done off the seat of your pants.  I don’t think it’s as much fun to watch anymore (i.e. my opinion). BUT it’s all about increasing the chance of winning (i.e. the competition is all doing it).  And winning is money!  Don’t kid yourself, that is what it’s all about. I ran into a bank owner recently who I did some business with years ago.  It was like we were best of friends (i.e. he is soooo open with me—we have always got along really well).  He has always been an unconventional banker in that he would give some folks an opportunity that other banks would not (i.e. go against the metrics).  He always looked for hardworking and honest folks.  He told me that many times he has saved the family farm and some families. Many folks have been sooooo appreciative of it.  He said—Now that is very rewarding.  But don’t kid yourself, I think he likes to make money!

GeorgeTheCrook once said that most people wish to do as little as possible and get as much as possible. Some of you might be that way but some of you are not that way. Some of you are "true greatness" in my opinion.  You don’t care about all the accolades and press. In fact, many times you aren’t even thanked.  Our family was sitting on the deck drinking coffee last Saturday morning and one parent said that he spent a lot of time with their kids this last week doing things that they really enjoyed (i.e. really fun stuff out of the house as Rookie calls them).  The parent said their children weren’t very appreciative.  He told them that he wasn’t going to do it anymore if they don’t change their attitude.  Here is another real-life statement—A friend called me to wish us a happy anniversary (i.e. very nice of her).  We talked and she said I feel soooo bad not coming over and seeing Arlene, but it is sooooo uncomfortable.  I told her not to feel bad as it is uncomfortable for many to be around Arlene.  It’s a tough situation.  I understand. Such is life.

AverageJoe says--Maybe the older generations are toooo hard on the younger generations and don’t see their own vaults.  I read in the paper, soooo it must be right, that the divorce rate for younger couples had dropped but divorce rate for folks over 50 has doubled, and folks over 65 have tripled. Wow! Why do you think that is happening?

Good ol’ Northwestern built a new science center (i.e. it’s a new generation folks).  They choose the following quote from Louis Pasteur to be inscribed in the front entrance: “The more I study nature, the more I stand amazed at the work of the Creator.”  The leading families added, “May those who study here be ‘amazed at his creation’…the order and purpose of it…the meaning of it.”

A golf buddy/friend told me that their daughter says to their children—You get what you get and don’t throw a fit!  Maybe there are two kinds of folks; those who throw fits when they don’t get what they want and others who don’t. 

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

erv

MyFriendJean says—Rise above the storm and you will find the sunshine.

P.S.  In 399 BC, Socrates went on trial and was subsequently found guilty of both corrupting the minds of the youth of Athens and of impiety (asebeia, "not believing in the gods of the state"), and as a punishment sentenced to death, caused by the drinking of a mixture containing poison hemlock.

and the story goes on

This “It’s Saturday” is not a fish story but it could be considered one by some of you.  Fish stories always get better with time and some even, when told enough times, are considered the truth.  A golf buddy (i.e. who was a professional writer early in his career) told us that all good stories are embellished some!

I’m not trying to teach you anything or persuade you of anything or influence you in any direction.  I’m trying to stimulate myself and maybe you.  That is the truth of the matter! I have been told that some teaching is false teaching (i.e. falsehoods). CadillacJack says--Very few if any folks know the truth about everything (i.e. if you do, you are one special person). Maybe some folks just think they know the truth about everything.  Soooo, basically, everyone is a false teacher; just some are worse than others. JoeSnipe says—Falsehood is never so successful as when she baits her hook with truth. 

A verysmartperson told me—erv, all self-help books are a bunch of hooey (i.e. money makers).  Another onesmartperson told me—erv, if you read the first chapter of self-help books, the rest is more of the same--filler.  Anothersmartperson told me—erv, if you listen to self-help speakers, after the first ten minutes, it’s all just repeated stuff.

ItchieBitchie a.k.a. Rocketdog says—Sometimes we need to take a wack to the chin to get our attention soooo the same story just doesn’t go on the sameO sameO!  I don’t mean a little tap but a right, a left, and a swift uppercut to the jaw!  Man-o-man, that is rather extreme isn’t it Rocketdog!  Maybe soooo but minor little taps don’t do much it seems.  JoeMillennial says—The culture of the Millennials is more of a “slap and tickle” feeling.  And many seem to love it.  And the story goes on! Such is life.

I have had two different folks ask me what I thought (i.e. that doesn’t happen very often let me tell you).  And on the same day about two different things. But I basically answered them the same.  Yes I did.  What I said was just my opinion which really doesn’t mean a whole lot, but it is what it is (i.e. just maybe a fish story).  They asked!  ha ha  ANYWAY, one question I was asked was how to change a person to be a saver and the other one was what I think churches need to do to go forward.  My answers were basically the same for both questions—Somehow some way, there must be an attitude for a change.  Yep, I think you can preach and preach and preach but if folks don’t change their attitude, nuttin is going to change (many folks don’t want change soooo any talk about change they let it go right over their head).  Soooo, in my opinion, the real question is, how can people change their attitudes (i.e. do they really want tooooo change at all. It appears, my opinion, is that many really don’t want to change).  How do you change folks’ attitude is a whole another question (i.e. especially church folks and family; in business it’s way easier—force them or pinkslip’em).  And the story goes on! 

I believe it is a huge massive advantage if we can listen to others even if we don’t agree.  I learn soooo much from others and I had no idea that I was going tooooo.  I can learn a lot from our adult kids by watching and listening.  I recently was in contact with a gal who I know their family quite well.  I asked her if they are going with their family to a MN lake again this summer.  She said that they are taking their children and grandchildren like our parents did to us and our children.  Soooo you are continuing the tradition—yes we are—I bet the only difference is now you pay the bill instead of your parents paying the bill—that is right!  Some of our kids can afford to pay and others can’t just like us years ago.  I said to her—now that is a week when you can change them.  She just rolled her eyes!

I just read the book The Great Platte River Road by Merrill J. Mattes.  I really like the history about the 350,000 emigrants (i.e. EK, there is a difference between emigrants and immigrants or is there) who traveled the road.  I have stopped at Kearney and North Platte and talked to folks and went through some museums.  I have toured some of the locations.  ANYWAY, this book is a historical non-fiction.  In the preface he says—"It is not based on broad general impressions gleaned from secondary works, nor does it lean heavily on writing of one particular traveler.  It is distilled from the firsthand impression of several hundred covered wagon emigrants, representing both sexes and all degrees of human latitude.” Sooooo many stories are from one source and we believe every word of the story from that one person.  Sooooo many times the words of that one person is inaccurate and skewed to what they want it toooo be or think. JoeBlow says—I find it better to listen to different sides of the story by different folks.  SusieQ says--But folks like juicy stories and when passing them on they are made juicer!  Such is life.

Aren’t stories fun!  Like when you get together with family, old friend, old business folks, past church folks, old college friends, old team members, old fishing buddies, etc. The stories seem to get better as time goes on.  Maybe we just remember them differently.  Some sure are funny.  I just talked to a friend who I played quite a bit of golf with years ago.  ANYWAY, we reminisced about some of the old stories and laughed and laughed.  What a good time. Something else that really was interesting to me—He was the most personal to me about his story than he has ever been in our long friendship.  Why? I have no idea.  I read recently that Indians would sit in their tepees and tell stories all winter.  They told basically the same stories about hunting outings, attacks, bravery, and traditions.  It was a big part of their life.  They didn’t have books, Internet, or videos to record history soooo they had to rely on oral stories passed on from generation to generation.  I think that is very interesting. And the story goes on. Or does it!

LuxkieEddie, what do you think about the story of Jesus?  LuckieEddie says—Now that is a story!  What do you think LuckieEddie means by that expression?  It could mean that he doesn’t believe it or it could mean that the story is unbelievably great that he can’t comprehend it or it might be that it is a very entertaining story or it might mean that he has no idea about what to think of that story or it might mean that he buys into it hook, line and sinker. 

GeorgeTheCrook says—Some folks are better story tellers than others.  Some are terrible story tellers but think they are good (i.e. folks say, oh man, here he goes again, I have to go to the bathroom really bad, I’ll catch you later).  Some folks’ stories go on forever and go nowhere; some aren’t even funny or informative.  And some folks’ stories are just really fun to listen toooo.  MissPerfect says—I have been told some real gems of stories by some guys who have all kinds of motives.  EasyBetty says--Some guys are very successful with their patented stories that many girls fall for (e.g. like the FastFredie stories). 

TomTerrific says—Any time some person goes on and on how great you are, be very careful.  They might not be telling the truth (i.e. it just might be a story) but probably maybe are trying to manipulate you.  And you know what, many folks fall for that trick; they just love it and don’t figure it out.  Da!  A friend told me recently that if you know folks for a long time, look at their history.  That pretty much will tell you who they are. Sometimes folks are aggressive tooooo new folks as those new folks don’t know them and are looking for an advantage as they don’t know who they are.  Usually time proves things pretty accurate. 

Joesixpack (i.e. who can make up stories as he goes) says—There are exciting stories, horrifying stories, gut wrenching stories, fun stories, dirty stories, vicious stories, sad stories, happy stories, touching stories, etc.  You get the idea.  I read recently that each day we have about 3 million stories told to use through some form of advertising.  Now that is a lot of “getting in our heads” let me tell you.  Everyone has a story why their product is the best and why we should buy it.  3 million sure seem to be a lot of stories.  Maybe that is just a story.

We went to the Cedar Falls Bible Conference (i.e. 89^th year it’s been running) because of the encouragement of a golf buddy who is on the board.  Now that doesn’t sound like much of a big deal but for Arlene and me, it’s a big deal let me tell you.  The speaker was Sean McDowell.  I enjoyed his talk about truth—he said that truth is not subjective but objective (e.g. strawberry is the best ice cream compared toooo the truth of gravity).  But he said much stuff that is considered truth in our current culture, is not determined that way; truth is determined by if it feels good to folks.  Interesting.  I enjoyed his presentation method and his style.  An interesting comment he started his talk with was a Martin Luther quote—If you don’t apply the gospel to the issues of the day, are you really preaching the gospel?  This was during the reformation in which great changes were happening in the church (i.e. the printing press had a lot to do with it plus the education of the general public). It appears that the directors of the Bible Conference are trying to change it to a more 2019 version (i.e. to comply to our culture).  I think they think if they don’t, it is going to die; they want the story to go on.  It might still die; our culture is way different and is changing ever day at 300 Mbps speed.

Here is a great story about me.  I sorta kinda gave up on John (i.e. John is fictitious name as anyone, and everyone can be a John).  He was not ever very responsive to me and I thought he was aloof.  That was fine with me, but I was not going to go out of my way to be extra nice to him anymore.  Then out of the blue, he did two different acts of kindness to me (i.e. uplifting).  Why all of a sudden did he do them? I have no idea.  Crazy!

A teacher told me that a very good way to get to know each other is by telling each other our stories. Do you think that is a good idea or not? That is what I thought.  Some folks do a lot more story telling about themselves than others.  I think it’s a true story; yes I do.  But many folks don’t feel comfortable in telling their story probably for many reasons.  And many folks don’t what you to know anything about their story (i.e. are very private). Each their own, I guess.  I rode with a golf buddy/friend Wednesday and he told me that he had a hard time developing a very personal relationship with a common friend—why—it seems like we weren’t on the same page; we didn’t relate very well—do you share your story with other folks—well, I use to more but I got hurt in a divorce in which I put in a lot of energy and then in my job I had to release many employees; now I don’t like to get close to many folks sooooo I don’t want to share my story.  Such is life.

I had a conversation with an acquaintance recently who I have known for a long time.  This person seemed to me to have become a radical; an extremist.  Maybe they have been listening to the same type of stories for toooo long and got brain washed a little and then over time got brainwashed more and more.  I don’t know.  Maybe they have a mental health issue.  Propaganda does work folks.  I have been indoctrinated by my past environment that consists of many things (i.e. some good and some bad).  No question. I think we all have but some seem to go overboard more than others.  That is my opinion.

My Daddy, Chester and my Mom, Anna, always taught us kids to put things away after using them—everything has a place and that way you can always find them.  I did some mechanical work in the garage.  I was going to complete the project in a couple of days sooooo I let my tools sit out.  Soooo I went back in a couple of days and the 5/8 inch socket wasn’t there.  I’m the only one in our garage soooo what happened.  I first cleaned out the corner of the garage that I was working in and then expanded the search to the rest of the garage.  Sooooo far I didn’t find it.  I really think the neighbor’s dog ate it!  If I would have only did what Chester and Anna taught me.  Will I ever learn!

I think teaching is done in a lot of different ways. Solomon, David, and Jesus used illustrations and stories to teach.  Jesus was a great teacher. The Gospels are jam-packed with his teachings. One of Jesus’ favorite methods was through word pictures. That kind of teaching should not surprise us. Any teacher can tell you that stories and images help all of us learn. And the story goes on.  Parents and grandparents read story books with pictures toooo young kids.  Da!

Okay folks, I could be just telling you a false story; yes I could!  People like change.  Yes they do.  They like fancy vehicles, nicer houses, retirement, work less and more benefits, longer vacations, bigger TVs, modern medical advances, neater and new advanced toys, new clothes etc.  You get it.  It’s just that folks don’t want certain changes.  Or is it just most older folks don’t like change unless it makes their life easier or makes them more money.  It seems like most younger folks don’t mind change and sorta kinda like change.  Has it always been that way? And the story goes on! How does that stimulate you? That is what I thought!

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

erv

MyFriendJean says—Middle age starts when you become more interested in how long your car will last rather than how fast it will go.

cheat yourself

Joesixpack says—If it’s a penny for your thoughts erv, and you put in your two cents worth, then someone somewhere is making a penny.  Sooooo take what Joesixpack says into consideration when reading this “It’s Saturday.”  Don’t take me or you tooooo serious.  You will be cheating yourself!

Thanks for the advice SouthDakodaKid! She is a college friend of Arlene and mine from good ol’ Northwestern College (i.e. a good person with a good heart; my kind of person).  I haven’t seen her since maybe our marriage some 51 years ago.  She stood up for Arlene. We got reacquainted by technology as she has an interest in Arlene’s condition.  ANYWAY, in a recent email she said some stuff and then gave me this advice--erv, please also stay true to yourself, and care for yourself with continued things in your life that keep you positive.  I’m sitting in our sun porch this early Sunday morning thinking about that advice. Taking care of Arlene the best I can and taking care of myself soooo I can do that is rather a two-edge sword.  That can be a fine line in my head at times (i.e. I have a tendency to cheat on taking care of myself sometimes; just maybe). WorldClassLarry says—Live consists not in holding good cards, but in playing those you hold well.

Chet and Jessica once again organized the “Mellema Team” to participate in the The Walk to End Alzheimer’s in Des Moines on August 24.  This is the third walk for “Team Mellema.”  If any of you would like to contribute to this cause, please go to the link.  Hopefully someday soon this terrible disease can be cured or prevented. We would be glad to have you walk with us tooooo. https://act.alz.org/site/TR/Walk2019/IA-Iowa?team_id=564627&pg=team&fr_id=12185

JoeBlow says--Not doing what is right only cheats yourself.  “A really humble man…will not be thinking about humility, he will not be thinking about himself at all.”--C. S. Lewis  RickyRick says--The conflict might be 99.99 percent the other person’s fault. But you can always find something to confess! Maybe it was your poor response, even if it came out of defensiveness. Maybe it was your attitude. Maybe it was the way you walked away. You have weaknesses in your life that others see clearly but you’ve never seen. Those are your blind spots. You have weaknesses you’re clueless about. That’s why you need to come to conflict resolution with a humble heart and begin with your own faults.  ItchieBitchie says--If we don’t resolve conflict, we are cheating ourselves of a happier life.  JoeSmuck says--Whatever I did to hurt any of you or make any of you uncomfortable (i.e. I have blind spots), it was my fault; I’m sorry (i.e. now that is a carta blanche catchall if I ever saw one—that’s like asking God to forgive all me sins, Amen).  

I got this email from a friend this week--We tried something different. We were really humble for two weeks. But nobody noticed!! So we reverted back to our old ways. I LOL 

I read in the paper, soooo it must be right, that we all have a world view.  But, the paper said, most of the word views are now based on race and gender.  I made a mistake and I’m sorry; I am.  At pickleball, I apparently hit a ball too hard at a gal and she didn’t like it.  I will not do that again let me tell you.  I like this person; she’s my friend. Why would I do that to upset her. My bad! Pickleball is not my life; it’s not that important to me! A friend tells me that I take things tooooo tenderly; I have to get tougher.  I let things bother me tooooo much.  I didn’t like it that I hurt her feelings.  I will ease up on my velocity when I hit to her. She will be happy and I will feel better (i.e. a win-win). You can’t beat that! And you know what? I’m fine with that. I just need to find the correct velocity for each person. Now that could be tricky!  ha ha  I need one of those wrist reminders like the quaterbacks wear. 

A person, who works retail part time, says that one minority group is by far the leaders in shoplifting in their store.  Ya, we are not suppose toooo profile but the reality is what it is folks.  These folks really cause problems for this particular retail chain as these shoplifters won’t admit they are wrong and threaten and some cases cause legal and physical problems (i.e. they seem to feel that they are entitled to shoplift).  The retailers are caught in a catch 22 a.k.a. paradoxical situation.  Have any of you ever been caught in a catch 22?  Those situations are not much fun.  Do you compromise your values and ethics?  I took an ethics class at UNI.  I enjoyed it but also found out in the real world that some folks don’t operate by good ethics.  But some do.  Sooooo, what determines if we are going to use good ethics or not? Saturday question--Are you an ethical person? Are we cheating ourselves?  

Maybe I actually cheat myself and others a lot.  Maybe sooooo.  I have a tendency to think others think like me and they always don’t.  I do not make myself clear in communicating. Maybe I’m toooo much in the abstract (i.e. like I smear things, I’m a smudge, and folks can’t figure it out what I’m saying).  I had a package sent to me and it got in a loop.  It went from one post office to another than back the first one several times.  It did this for 3 weeks.  Crazy!  I tracked it and it was a circus of sorts.  I finally called the clerk at our local post office (i.e. she is soooo nice).  She toooo looked at the tracking; called the post office that it currently was at and had them send it to our post office.  They said that the address was smeared which caused the problem (i.e. not clear; couldn’t read the address and zip code). Such is life.

I personally think some churches and some Christian denominations are cheating themselves and cheating God.  But that is my opinion.  I was talking to a couple of my golf buddies/friends by the ninth green recently.  They told me that the churches they attend are really growing including many young folks and young couples.  Recently having breakfast with a friend the other morning, he told me that the church/denomination they attend, mostly don’t talk about the real issue (i.e. Jesus) anymore; the church sounds more like a Democratic National Convention.  He told me that his wife no longer wants to go to church.  Ouchy ouchy! Daniel Webster, the great statesman of other years, was once asked, “Mr. Webster, what is the most sobering, searching thought that ever entered your mind?” Without hesitancy, the staunch statesman replied, “My personal accountability to God.”

I talked to a neighbor on my way to church Sunday.  He was picking up sticks in his yard.  I asked him what he was going to do today  (i.e. obviously not going to church)—going to see my mom; she has been in the dumps for two years now since my dad died; she can’t get out of it; I tell her that she needs to snap out of it; it’s time; she can’t seem to do it.  I told her dad would not want her to be this way.  He would want you to go forward; you are cheating yourself of life.

I pulled my hamstring muscle really bad a couple of years ago.  I attempted to play golf but had to change my swing and it became very jerky and I swung soooo I didn’t want to feel the hurt.  It screwed up my swing.  It was very hard to get out of that bad habit.  But I had a crazy thing happen to me this spring.  I stopped at a garage sale as I saw a trimmer on a pole that I’m looking for.  The guy was a neat guy and we had soooo much fun together.  He had these golf trainers that I swung and told him I would buy one (i.e. he had them priced at $4 each).  I asked him which one I should buy—he said—I have soooo much stuff here that I want to get rid of, soooo take them both for $5.  I bought both.  I have really enjoyed them (i.e. I really like them as I can swing them in the house—multi-task).  They have changed my rhythm a.k.a. temple which has really improved my swing which seems to have improved my game (i.e. made it much more enjoyable).  They have given me renewed hope—There is no medicine like hope, not incentive sooo great, no tonic soooo powerful as the expectation of something better tomorrow.  Hope is soooo powerful in our lives; where do we get our strongest Hope? JoeBlow says—Geez Louise, I don’t know! Well, JoeBlow, Jesus is my Hope--Hope gives us Joy! A friend who is an accomplished businessperson told me that if you have a person in your team that is not a good person a.k.a. a snake, a clown, well, it will drain the team’s joy. It appears that the presence of a snake/clown can be applied to many aspects of our lives.  Sooooo what do we do to get rid of those snakes/clowns? What even seems worse is when it appears that we can’t see a way to get rid of them (i.e. we’re stuck with them). 

A friend talked to me recently.  He is now 70. He grew up in a hard-working family which struggled having enough money (i.e. sounds like many families of that time or even today).  He worked on the line at Deere soon after high school and has been retired for some time.  He said they did well financially.  They built a new house and told me they are very comfortable.  He is a saver and frugal.  He told me that he had to learn it all on his own as his parents didn't teach him anything.  They didn't know anything about money.  Three of his siblings can't retire as they have no money. I told him he was a successful person.  Sooooo I asked him why he managed his money better than some of his siblings.  He told me that he decided to put his trust in a person who could help him as he didn't have the ability or the knowledge to manage money.  I found a person I trusted and that is what I did.  Saturday question—Why did he do that and not some of his siblings?  I have no idea. What do you think? That is what I thought.

How important is it to teach children some good stuff about a variety of stuff?  ItchieBitche (i.e. who can at times can be as soothing as a massage and other times can be as disruptive as a ganglion cyst) says—First of all we have to decide what is good stuff! It appears that is a huge massive advantage to children if they are taught and exposed to stuff like money management, morals, values etc.  Children might not agree with their parents’ ideas and might even be better off not following their advice but it is still good to tell children of your experiences about these issues (i.e. my opinion).  I think we are cheating ourselves and them by not doing this). A friend told me that they are going on a family vacation and are discussing a different topic every night after the grandkids go to bed.  Wow!  I really like that.  I will be very interested to how that goes. 

Are you or have any of you been married to a person who was been taught or has/had different money management ideas than you do (e.g. one’s a saver and one’s a spender)?  How did that go.  That is what I thought. One doesn’t care and the other one does.  That too is usually trouble.  A friend told me that his wife was raised in a family that spent everything and they lived from week to week.  He said it was a real battle for her to change.  She did but it was not easy (i.e. she had to change her normal ). GeorgeTheCrook says—It ain’t what you make but what you save.  And what are you saving it for? Are you cheating yourself out of certain things soooo your kids can do stuff that you couldn’t and maybe stuff you don’t even approve of?  CadillacJack says--Put limits on your wants and stick to your needs.

Here is an idea—Give support and be thankful for support.  I had a wrist that really bothered me.  I think it was because the repetition when I use it in lifting Arlene.  It got pretty sore (i.e. I have a tendency to not to do anything about until it really bothers me).  I was riding bike and ever bump I went over it would hurt.  I said—This is crazy.  I use knee supports when I play pickleball and they have relieved much of my knee problems (a.k.a. very big help from some support).  Sooooo I stopped and bought a wrist support (i.e. some of my golf buddies call them devices or a gimmicks but they all seem to wear them).  You know what, it has really helped me (i.e. another help from some support).  Sooooo I wonder if and when we support others if it helps that much----maybe it’s a big help!  JoeBlow says—Maybe we will never know.  I say thanksamillion to you folks for all your support; muchas gracias; .  It has really helped Arlene and me. Personally, I think, we cheat ourselves when we don’t support others and when we aren’t thankful for support of others. Here is just one example that which sorta kinda came out of the blue (i.e. very supportive a.k.a. uplifting).  

 My knee problems started by having Osgood-Schlatter disease in my knees when I was in junior high.  Chester and Anna didn’t take us to the doctor; we just put some Wakens salve on it or just bucked up until it got better; we just fought through it (i.e. I kept playing football).  I have deformed knees because of it (i.e. maybe everyone gets those bumps because of that disease).  Then playing football at good ol’ Danube high, I got one knee hyper extended.  It never was the same again.  Football is a sport that gives and gives and gives forever.  My old classmate at good ol’ Danube High a.k.a. TheZenker sent me this email--Hey erv, I thought you might get a kick out of this story. I had surgery on my left hand. The knuckle on my index finger has been hurting for 5 or 6 years. I had been seeing a hand specialist and he has been giving me injections every 4 months . This has worked great until now. I had to have my knuckle replaced with a stainless steel one. The doctor said I had damaged it when I was young. The only hand injury I recall was at DHS football practice in 1962. Holy cow, erv, that was 57 years ago!

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

erv

MyFriendJean says—If you lighten the way for others, you’ll never be in the dark yourself.