Momma Mia

TheItalianGyPaolo talks a lot but doesn’t say much (i.e. that is in every country folks)! Momma Mia! Disclaimer—If this isn’t saying much to you, you know where the delete key is.

Momma Mia! Hey chap! Munich has a wide rage of cultures living in the city of about 1.3 million. Very interesting. 97% was destroyed by bombs but has been rebuilt to look of old. It looks like an old city with the gateways and old buildings. Lots of culture and tradition they tell us. They are of the Bavarian background (i.e. thinking they are richer and more important than other parts of Germany we have been told). Larry and I went on a tour of the city by bike. Bridget was our tour guide (i.e. from South Africa and also lived in the U.S for a couple years). We had lunch at a beer garden and I had a pretzel and a Rhathler (i.e. half beer and half lemonade). As we were sitting by the table eating, we found out that a Korean family’s father was a Presbyterian pastor in Korea and Larry and I are Christians and our tour guide was also (i.e. don’t know about the college girl Kim from Jersey. ANYWAY here we are drinking beer in Germany with different ideas and customs (i.e. Germans like their beer, traditions and habits all right) but we all believe in Jesus as our Lord and Savior. Huh, interesting. Bridget said that in Germany many are Lutheran and many are Catholic. More churches are becoming community churches (i.e. they seem to accept everyone and the Holy Spirit seems to be more active in these compared to the older main line traditional with stiff traditions and habits). The new world church (i.e. a little bit of this and a little bit of that—what every feels good) seems to present too but they don’t seem to make as serious commitment it seems. Bridget said a lot—life is choices (i.e. sorta kinda what I say a lot—decisions have consequences. That is what she said folks. She also said that Americans don’t know world history very well but Americans are very friendly compared to Germans. We had dinner of wierne schnitzel at an outside restaurant down town Munich. Then had some ice cream at McDonalds (i.e. ate on the third floor as it started to rain (i.e. yes the third level). Now that was different. Such is life.

Momma Mia! Have you ever talked to a Muslim? I had never so there was a family in the lobby (i.e. the guy had on a very nice Reebok jugging outfit on and his wife had on her black garb from head to toe and had on a burke covering her face plus real expensive sun glasses on her head and a very expensive watch—they had three children under the age of 10 maybe). I said to the man that I’m not real familiar with the customs of your culture—may I speak to your wife—sure you can—can I look her in her eyes—sure you can—you and your wife come over and talk with us—we did—he was a businessman and she was a family physician for both men and women. I asked them where they were from—Kquat—they asked where we were from—U.S.—We like Americans as they made our life much better with the Gulf War. I told them that our son-in-law James fought in that war. He said I should say thank you to him. We talked some and then we had to leave. I wanted to shake their hands—no way—that was something I could not do.

Momma Mia, what a meatball! We toured Neuschwanstein Castle (i.e. it’s huge—what a waste of time and money—my opinion). It was built by Crazy King Louie Ludwig II as you remember (i.e. he was actually diagnosed to being crazy and he mysteriously died—maybe diagnosed as crazy and maybe murdered for the throne). It’s all about power and money folks—nutten changes! Here is an interesting thing that caught my attention. In the area where the throne was suppose to be, there were painted pictures of kings before him and above all the kings was painted a picture of Jesus. Our tour guide said this was to show that Jesus is the King of all kings. Huh, interesting. TheGermanGuy said—Every man’s home is his castle! On to Austria. Innsbruck was way different that what I thought compared to Munich, which was exactly like I thought. We pulled up to our hotel in Innsbruck about 7 at night which is down town just across from the river Inn in the Zentrum of the city and a framer with his 4-whell-drive tractor was stopped for the stoplight with two large farm wagons full of carrots. The hotel was built in the late 1400s (i.e. that’s old folks—very delightful place). It is sooooooo interesting. After scouting Innsbruck, we really did enjoy it and the Bavarian Alps. We went on a hike in the Alps and I heard—the hills are alive with the sound of my bother-in-law Larry’s wisdom that he shared as we took a break high up overlooking Innsbruck at Rumer Alm. This is what he shared with us—Will Rogers said—If you’re talkin’ you ain’t learning! So I said—I’ll shut up!! And Larry said—Anyway, long enough to write this down! Ya ya ya ya! He said he had this on a poster in his class room some 35 years ago. When we got back from our hike, we had Apfelstrudel – mit Vanillesauce order Vanilleeis in a street resturant in old Innsbruck. Momma Mia what a hoot! We went into couple of churches in Inns-bruck (i.e. really beautiful)—I really like to do this—I like to sit and say a prayer—it is sooooooooo peaceful, quite, and refreshing to me (i.e. my opinion).

Mamma Mia there is a lot of vineyards in Northern Italy. Also I saw corn and soybeans and castles too. I think I have seen corn in every country (i.e. actually looked quite good but not very much). There are very very few billboards in Europe (i.e. now that is refreshing). There are no seed corn signs beside each field like Iowa (i.e. I think that is funny). ANYWAY Larry, our driver and Doris our navigator got us to Venice. We had a choice to walk 45 minutes to our hotel or take a water taxi or public waterbus (i.e. should have taken the waterbus but I wanted to walk). It ended up being an hour walk and we had to go up and down steps over each canal. Mamma Mia there is a lot of canals in Venice a.k.a. Venezia. They’ll never listen to me again (i.e. I won’t have to be the leader again). The call me “CrazyErvieI”. Arlene and I had a pasta dinner, Mamma Mia what a meatball, on the Grand Canal and she said—I never walked up and down soooooo many steps in all my life—I said—that’s why you don’t want to take soooooo much luggage along and she said—that’s no fun. Momma Mia! Venice is sorta kinda romantic (i.e. maybe I have seen tooooooooo many tourist places, I don’t know. It is very unique riding the waterbusses and water taxies and gondies. It’s just like the pictures as usually but bigger than I pictured it. Momma Mia!

I have been working on keeping my mouth shut and I think I’m getting better at it (i.e. now that all depends on who you talk to). Momma Mia that’s hard at times. When you travel with 5 other family members, we all can’t be chiefs so I try to be an Indian. We have enough chiefs that are very good (i.e. we don’t need another). It reminds me of my favorite chief and Indian story with our family traveling. Our kids were sorta kinda young and I was asking Arlene if I should take this exit—I got a little excited and said—Tell me where to go! She said—I like to tell you where to go! We all laughed!

Mamma Mia that’s a good Danish! We were waiting in line to see St. Marks Church in Venice. It’s a very elaborate church and built at a huge cost—soooooo what does that say?! I bet it says different things to different folks. What to you think? The family just behind us were from Denmark (i.e. maybe in their 40s with two teen age children). They were very nice folks. So does the Danish really come from Denmark? Ya but we call in a Vienas! They just can’t understand why America doesn’t just go to socialized medicine like Obama wants (i.e. cut the insurance companies out—middle man out). They pay 50% tax but do pay for dentist. Denmark, according to them, is social liberal. I asked if they believe in God—I think so; Danish folks need to have everything proven; they believe in some of the Bible but not all—what does that mean—we believe there is a God sorta—do you believe in Jesus—ya as a person but not as the Son of God (i.e. not in the virgin birth)—do you go to church—ya sorta; we go at birth, to be blessed as a teenager, when we get married and at death and of course Christmas—why Christmas if you don’t believe in Jesus as your Savior—It just what we do. Do all Danes think like you—ya pretty much? They were the nicest folks Arlene said as we were sitting in St. Mark mediating—yabut Arlene, according to our believe as Christians, they will not go to heaven as the Christian faith believes that you must accept Jesus Christ as you Lord and Savior to be saved and they don’t. Most of Europe is not very Christian. Huh, interesting.

What a hoot! Momma Mia! Our hotel arranged for us to take a water taxi to Signoretti Murano Venetian Glass Co. They showed us how they made all the glass products (i.e. a very quality upper end glass trinkets for over 1,000 years). ANYWAY our tour guide and salesman was Daniele. He told us that Venezia has a current population of about 60,000 but during a typical day there will be 500,000 folks there (i.e. some employees and of course tourists). There use to be a population of 300,000 but many of the homes have been converted to business such as hotels and shops and restaurants. Now it’s too expensive for most folks to live there (i.e. it’s all about money folks). We told them that we were siblings and he said his brother and him are like black and white when thinking about stuff; I love him but don’t get along with him and could never travel with him. He said—You can change your wife but not your relatives! I said I have a hard time changing my wife, give me some help—Your English not good; you need to listen better—He kicked his foot; I kick her in butt (i.e. meaning I kicked her out)—change wife, get new one! He has traveled extensively and has found out from his travel and selling fine glass to rich folks that most rich folks are not happy but poorer folks are happier. The rich folks’ biggest nightmare is that they might become poor he said! They might spend big bucks buying the finest and most expensive glass piece but are not still happy. Money does not make people happy—it has to be from inside (i.e. yabut no one wants to be poor and everyone wants to be rich—what goes). We had the nicest conversation—in fact I asked him what he said to some of his help—he said—nice folks but don’t buy anything—we both laughed! Momma Mia!

Italians seem to have their lips constantly moving but I really don’t know if they are saying much. They seem to talk a lot but it seems like no one is listening, they are all talking at the same time. Have you ever just tuned some folks out? I mean don’t pay much attention to them ‘cause what they say amounts to nutten? When I talk to myself internally, it seems to work (i.e. others really care what I think, am saying or what my opinion). Momma Mia!

We went to Luzern where I think of Swiss watches, knives, chocalate, banks and the Alps. The folks were really nice to Laryy & Doris and Jack & Myrt (i.e. a lot nicer than me). I asked a Swiss guy what the deal was. He said—they have a lot of money in our banks and you don’t. Oh ya, now it makes sense! I didn’t get to the peak above Luzern as I wanted to (i.e. it rained). Such is life.

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

erv

KR’s thought of the day—Never let yesterday use up today.
TheProfessor’sPithySaying—My neighbor is my brother/sister in Christ. 

http://www.ervmellema.blogspot.com/

Mind the gap

When in London riding the tube, this was written on the platform and they always announced it when the doors were closing—MIND THE GAP! It made me laugh every time. The gap meaning the area between the tube car and the platform. I started thinking about minding the gap. So what’s the gap in my life? We carried, drug, and pulled our luggage up and down many steps in the tube, train and ferry. I wish we would have taken half the amount of luggage (i.e. I don’t know if Arlene thinks the same) as it was hard work! The Europeans don’t cater to the heavier folks (i.e. there is very little if any handicap assessable stuff for certain folks (i.e. either you do it or don’t use the public transportation I guess). Joesixpack says--Now there is a new incentive to motivate folks. Such is life.

Mind the gap. We have found the folks soooooooo far to be sooooooooo much fun. The ocean being no gap to mind as of yet! I have talked to many many folks and they really have been nice (i.e. of course using the universal language—smile--helps!). There are good folks in every country and jerks in every country—nothing changes. Different countries have different traditions just like different tribes have different traditions and different folks have different opinions. Men might wear capris and ladies might have hairy legs but they are really the same. JanTheDutchman says—They sell trinkets all over the world. But you know what, I haven’t seen one golf course yet. Such is life.

Chester & Anna Dykema Mellema ancestors (i.e. tribe as they call them in Europe came for Holland/Friesland. We stopped in Amersfoort and I rang the door bell of Samuella Mellema Snell and her husband Jacoues. She is the granddaughter or great granddaughter of our granddad’s brother. They didn’t know we were coming. We had a fun little time. There is also a Mellemastraat so we had to have our picture taken by the sign. What a hoot. In Amersfoort Centrum there was going to be a party for the World Cup that night. They planed on 10,000 partiers all dressed in Orange. I talked to Marens Hoop, a young man who is in the Holland Royal Air Corpse. He has been in Iraq and in Afghanistan (i.e. a very nice young man who really impressed me). We talked about our tribe coming from Holland. ANYWAY I kidded him I was going to buy an orange soccer shirt tomorrow much cheaper that they are today. If they lose they will be even cheaper I said. He said, you still have some Dutch in you! Heppi Holland, they were not! De fans vieren zilver als goud meaning the fans celebrate the silver metal. Marens said that Holland started the 3-D plan in the war and now the U.S. is using it toooooo. So what is the 3-D plan—Defense, Diplomacy and Democracy. MyHistorianKidSisterDoris said that the color orange came from William of Orange during the reformation during the 1500s—what?—Yup, it is so! Maybe that’s why we have Orange City, IA. Do you think so? Mind the gap!

You want to pay straight forward--Pay straightforward means pay before you use the room—mind the gap. I think that is funny too! Ya, ya ya ya. DutchmanPieter says—Gripping about habits women have in traveling is like gripping about the cold whether in Holland during the winter! DutchmanPieter goes on to say—My wife is the Black Widow of our holiday! Ya, ya ya ya!

There was no minding the gap at dinner. Oh no! We ate at De GillendeKeukenmeid. It was a dinner pancake place that was quaint (i.e. the restaurant had a thatched room located on a treed street with a church across the street). It was 6 and the church bells rang for 20 minutes. MariekeTheDutchwoman said—It use to be that 70% of Dutch were Christian but now maybe 35% and most of those are Catholic that go to church 3 times—at birth, at marriage and at death! We asked Ineke van Empel our waitress about the ringing of the bells and she said—that church is Christian, very heavy (i.e. meaning stiff and old traditional). It just added to the experience. The food was just excellent and unique but the service was even better. Ineke was a 38 year old red headed, blue eyed pretty gal who looked like she was 22. She was also was the owner with her husband who we met later. They were the nicest folks (i.e. my kind of folks) and we just had a hoot. No gap in our enjoying each other. Oh no! I asked them what the sign read that was in Dutch by the cash register—It said—If you like it tell us, if you don’t like it tell us; if you like it tell your friends! DutchmanTjitske said--Ya ya ya ya!

Mind the gap! These folks here in Netherland understand me--yes they do (i.e. conservative Dutch). That’s a lot for you to understand folks. I understand. Freslanders are noted for their blond/red hair and their tempers and their stubbornness. We heard several Dutchman show us both. We heard a pretty good argument on the bus we took to Amsterdam (i.e. we took our vehicle to a bus stop at the edge of Durgerdam (i.e. the bus stop was on a dike in front of a little house that had 2 sheep and 3 geese in the back yard—rural area of the city). Amsterdam has a lot of old buildings, canals, people, beer, and etc. What more can I say—Amsterdam is Amsterdam. It’s quite different with all those qualities. Amsterdam is a city known all over the world but it is not that large (i.e. about a million). All of Holland is smaller in number that Mexico City. Many Dutchman just love Amsterdam with a passion. When leaving the city and waiting for the bus I had a nice visit with a lady. She worked in mental health (i.e. my sisters said they is why she could understand me)! ANYWAY many folks are not happy in Amsterdam (i.e. lack of jobs, drugs, alcoholic, and tooooooooo many folks in a little area (i.e. they get on each other nerves). She said many young people commit suicide—they jump off buildings and break their bones but they don’t die—they say—oh shit I didn’t get it done! She also said, Holland is missing something, as its history is not a country like that. She said that several times to me. Holland rings their church bells a lot—I guess it’s their history they tell me. Such is live.

We spent some time in Haringen as our great grand father Mellema lived their (i.e. also our mothers tribe Dykema came from this area too I think. It was sorta kinda fun. We stayed in Leeuwarden. I got to ride bike for most of the afternoon all over the town (i.e. most of the time I had no idea where I was). I rode along the canals in the city and on the narrow streets (i.e. really narrow) and just enjoyed all the Dutchman. It was a hoot. I said I wanted to buy an orange tee shirt with Holland on the back if I could find one (i.e. I would only pay 10 euros for it. I saw one in the window of a shop I liked so I went in the store—How much for the shirt—18 euros but on sale for 15 and I’ll sell it to you for 14—I’ll give you 10—okay! Hey I’m in Holdanda and I’m a Dutchman! What more can I say. Ya ya ya ya! Arlene and I ate at an outside restaurant next to our hotel. I had Frisian goat cheese with smoked ham and honey. We had a delightful talk with the guy who was previously sitting at the table we used. He told us that he thinks Holland is quite rich but it is not going the right direction (i.e. I heard that before). We are not as inviting and nice to foreigners as we were in our past history. Is it because of money—no, Europe isn’t so much about money but more about fear of the Islamic folks (i.e. that is what he said folks). Huh, interesting! Mind the gap. After dinner I took Arlene on a bike ride having her sit sidesaddle on the back of my bike. We were trying to figure how to do this so I asked three gals walking by. They were Ytje, Tryntje, and Annette who were from Frislan but two of them now live in Australia. They told us how and said it’s called being dinked—or I’m dinking Arlene. What a hoot! We had sooooooo much fun with those gals. Maybe that’s where the statement – dinking around – came from. Do you know? Such is life.

Oh our hotel was a hoot to! There was sorta kinda a slight mix up with our reservation so they gave us the honeymoon suites. They were nice. When we left for day, I mentioned to them that the knob to the huge massive tub’s sprinkler wasn’t there and I sorta kinda wanted it as there was no shower. When we got back, all our luggage was gone. I asked them it they know what happened to it—they moved us to different room. She said, it’s bigger and nicer. It was something else. But the funny part was Arlene washed some underwear and had it on back of a chair. In our new room, they had the underwear exactly the same on a chair. What a hoot! Went to take a bath in that huge bathtub built up on a platform of maybe 6 steps with mirrors on three sided. It took for every to get some water in there. I was sitting there and wondered what this button was so I pushed it. It started a shower about 9 feet in the ceiling. So I took a shower standing up there—it was a hoot.

One our way to Germany, we stopped at a working windmill at Aalden. Some workers were working on it and I asked it I could go in—yes, of course—I went up the three levels (i.e. very interesting). It was a mill for the wheat. We talked to a dairy farmer in Gees—his name was Tietma and milked 90 cows—the dairy industry has not been good in Holland the last year. A hector of land (i.e. about 2 acres) sells for $40,000 U.S. money. Ya ya ya ya ya

Mind the gap! We are now in Germany. I read in my devotions that morning before going down for a good old German breakfast (i.e. I really enjoyed it)--Dietrich Bonhoeffer said—It’s very easy to overestimate the importance of our own achievements in comparison with what we owe others. In other words, reality breeds humility. I talked to two local German ladies (i.e. 74) who were having lunch. They went through the war as young girls and talked about it some. They are tired of talking about the past of Germany and want to go forward. Since the war, their lives did nothing but got better. They said they lived in a very good time. Now things are not going the right direction. Our pensions are okay but the future generations’ are questionable. That is what they said folks. I talked to some of the nicest folks in Rothenburg. I wanted to talk to folks who lived there and learn about their feelings, especially older folks who went through the war. The first two guys couldn’t speak English. I talked to Ric Badal who was sooooooooo knowledgeable (i.e. he was a book writer and a photographer) as we were in front of the most photographed house in the world (i.e. I didn’t know that but Ric did). Here is a short story of Germany from Ric’s thinking—in the 30s Germans where not happy and Hitler came along and promised them much which he did for a while—in 1936 started attacking the Jews (i.e. start of the downfall)—used his power to take Czechoslovakia, Poland and started plans to take France—attached London and then England bombed Germany—people were not happy but could not get out—they didn’t see the big picture during this time as they were getting what they wanted (i.e. good economy—it’s all about money folks-- mainly by propaganda)—Ric says the U.S. is sorta kinda that way now (i.e. not seeing the big picture)—then the Americans got in the war and it was all over--Older Germans really like Americans as they helped them rebuild the country (i.e. very grateful and appreciative)—the younger folks are some what anti-American ‘cause of the Viet Nam war era. Germany got hurt economically again in 1989 when the wall came down—the eastern side was under Communist rule and was very poor compared to the western side—Arlene and I told him that we really like Germany and Europe as they seem to be more laid back—Ric said, yes they are more held back, go slower and are more reserved until you get to know them—he said, how can you not like it here—it’s beautiful. Then there was an old guy sitting on a bench with his cane—I asked him if he could speak English—no English—how old are you—shock his head as he didn’t understand—another guy came by and interrupted for me—he was 78 and his name was Kare Kronbach—the guy who stopped was Erhard Baasch 69 and his daughter Linda age 15 (i.e. a very pretty, sweet girl—Linda has to take English in school as there primary language—We talked a long time and had the most fun—they told us that older Germans really like Americans, his age like Americans too and Linda said Americans are her friends (i.e. she wants to come to America and shop)—we invited them to come—Erhard said (i.e. my opinion) Europe likes Obama, he’s good for the world. They were the nicest folks—my kind of folks with good heart and real. No minding the gap here folks. Such is life. One more thing Ric told me—Rothenbug was not suppose to be bombed as the Germans and U.S. had a treaty but when the Americans came the Germans did not hold up their end of the treaty and would not leave so it was bombed three times. Ouchy ouchy!

My brother-in-law Larry was disappointed at breakfast in Rothenburg. He calibrated his speed on the Autobahn from the day before and was going 99.48 mph or 160 kilometers per hour—He wanted to go 100 mph. And some of you guys wonder if God answers prayer—I was in the back of our van praying for safety! We wee going near 100 and they were flying by us. I have no idea what speed we will drive tomorrow. I could be praying again tomorrow or…in my pants (i.e. probably both)! Mind the gap! I asked the hotel clerk Andrea who was maybe 21 or so how fast she drives on the autobahn—usually 160 km—my car will only go 190 km and that is down hill—many cars can go 220 km. That’s smoking folks. Dankeschoen!

At our hotel German breakfast yesterday, there was a young Japanese couple that came in and were going to eat. They got their food and sat at a table rather close to us. I noticed she put her hands together as a symbol of thanks before eating. As I was leaving, they were standing by me and I asked her if she was a Buddhist—kinda sorda of but not really—so why do you do that thanks expression with your hands then—tradition/habit only, her husband said he doesn’t do it. I told them I was a Christian and give thanks to God by folding my hands in humility—no response. Mind the gap!

We toured Dachau—a good example of propaganda, fear of death, and the stripping of self worth. ! I kept thinking of Schindler’s List where the guards were in the tower shooting at the feet of a Jew (i.e. just intimating them) crossing the yard. He could have killed the Jew (i.e. the Jew was at his mercy). The guy in charge said to the guard—You are a big person when you have the power to kill someone and decide not to (i.e. something like that). We spent the night in Munich. There are a lot of Islamic folks here and many cultures. I asked an acquaintance about all the Islamic being here—she said they come to shop (i.e. have a lot of money but very demanding and look down on the Germans)—so the Germans like the Americans to come—yes, they are happy and fun. Mind the gap

My sisters and I had long time of reminiscing the past of our home life growing up, talk about our parents, and old stories. It was really fun as we all had somewhat different emotions and tales to tall. I really miss Chester and Anna—In fact I told my sisters that I wish I could tell my parents how much I loved them—I regret not telling them (i.e. my father died when I was 17 and my mom died 6 years later both at the age of 56. I sorta kinda got a little emotional when I told my sisters that. It was a good emotional feeling. Mind the gap.

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

erv

KR’s thought of the day—Stop worrying about the problem and start looking for the reason.
TheProfessor’sPithySaying—My neighbor is my mirror!

Positivo!

It’s not anything special maybe but to us it’s different—we’re in Europe. We had the opportunity to have dinner last Friday night with Chet, Jess and Charlie and spend the night before we left. We revel in these opportunities. Like Chet says—No one really cares about their little girl Charlotte doing all her new tricks except for us. When other parents told me about their kids doing all the new tricks like rolling over, smiling, etc. I just blew it off. But now when our little Charlotte does them, it’s different. Chet told me one time—They all do it Dad! But Chet has found out that when it’s your little girl, things are different. Yes they are. So our little trip is really nothing to you but it’s fun for us. We are traveling with my two sisters and their husbands for three weeks. Many of you have done this and much more but to us—it is fun (i.e. an adventure, an opportunity). So I can’t compare to you guys nor are we trying. We are just ourselves doing stuff that we like to do. To me, that’s when life is the most fun (i.e. being yourself). Comparing makes life not fun. Such is life.

One of our local banks, Iowa State Bank, gives kids $100 if they get all As. I like that. ANYWAY Arlene saw the name of a young friend of mine (i.e. going into 8th grade) on the sign so I sent him this email—SweetSwingRoss a.k.a. thebighammer Arlene says on the flashing sign in P'burg that Ross Cooper got all As! Wow, that's impressive. A lot more impressive than making a 3 foot putt let me tell you (i.e. he’s a pretty good little golfer). A friend just told me that his grand son’s girlfriend just got 3 years paid at Northwestern Law School. That's $60,000 a year of three years. Keep your butt in the books young man. Don't let others tell you it's all about football 'cause it isn't. That's my opinion. Remember, decisions have consequences. And you get to make the decisions. headcoacherv ~ Northwestern University fans chat this when there team gets beat in football and basketball—That’s all right…that’s OK…You’re gonaa work for us someday! I realize that maybe some of you don’t like to hear this, you want everyone to have the same stuff, same pay, same advantages and do no work (i.e. isn’t that a lot like socialism). Joesixpack says—Yabut when it affects you personally it’s different. Thomas Jefferson once said—My reading of history convinces me that most bad government results from too much government…The democracy will cease to exist when you take away from those who are willing to work and give to those who would not…To compel a man to subsidize with his taxes the propagation of ideas which he disbelieves and abhors is sinful and tyrannical. That is his opinion. Such is life.

Many folks have accomplished great things but no one knows about them. Only themselves. These great accomplishments are only be known by the person themselves (i.e. others don’t care and might not consider them much of an accomplishment). Examples might be a person getting a college degree, learning to walk after an accident, climb some mountain, run a certain distance in a certain time, become self sufficient, over coming an addiction, raising, a child, grandchild, or being a care giver. I believe the greatest satisfaction is knowing what you have accomplished something with the ability you have been given and the situation you are or were in. That is a great feeling. But many times no one really cares about it expect you. No one can really appreciate it fully except you. That’s ok, revel in your accomplishment. Thank the Lord for it.

I hope I could accomplish much more in my life. There might be some opportunities that I have not seen and maybe some I have messed up in the past. I can’t change that but the only thing I can do is look for current opportunities and do with them what I can. I have to find peace in my heart and soul with what I’m doing with my life. I think the same applies to you. Soooooooooooo let’s throw away those chips away, get our butts of the couch and do something meaningful. Let’s do it now!!!

Happy folks are happy folks generally what ever their situation is. Unhappy folks are unhappy generally no mater what their situation is. That is what my buddy seems to think anyway. Our neighbor Henry Groenveld, has a maybe life treating disease (i.e. cancer). He has had always the sweetest attitude and does even with his challenge he faces. I wonder if folks who have a sour attitude when things are normal continue to have the same type of attitude when things go south. We were waiting at gate C20 at O’Hare so I started visiting with Jun Li. She was a sweet, happy, pretty gal (i.e. age 25) studying for her PhD in Penn U and traveling to see her boyfriend in Ames who is studying engineering. I asked her about this happy stuff and grouchy stuff. She seems to agree that attitude is very important. I told her that when we visited China, I observed that many Chinese don’t seem very happy. She agreed. I said I think it’s because they have no Hope (i.e. don’t believe in God). She seemed to agree to some degree but said it also has a lot to do with not having any hope to improve their life. Some happiness also has to do with social financial class. I asked her what she liked best about America—freedom (i.e. decide what she wants to do—like do stuff from her heart not just for the money—she wanted to study dance but her parents insisted she study science and math as that is where the money is—hope ). Her favorite food is probably Subway!). We talked about some personal stuff about what she thinks. It was a most invigorating conversation. I really liked her. She said her parents came to see her and they wanted to take some American souvenirs back—most of the stuff was made in China! When we said our good byes, I asked her if I could give her a hug—she said I could so I gave her a hug. There are a lot of good folks all over the world folks. I think she will do well in life. On the plane to London I sat next to gal from Poland (i.e. age 35 who spoke poor English). She didn’t seem very happy. After about 6.5 hours I asked her if she had children. She got a smile on her face and said two. I asked her if she had a picture of them—of course she did and now was my friend (i.e. everyone loves their children and grandchildren). I asked her if she was a happy person—she gave me this shaky hand movement which means so so! Such is life.

Joesixpack says—some things are worth taking the time for! I enjoyed London more than I thought—I really enjoyed it! Positivo. The Queen said—It takes a lot of money to live the life that I do but I enjoy it a lot—I have the life of Riley. I think I’m giving the Queen a run for her money. There are a lot of old buildings here all right with a lot of history. We toured the Westminster Abbey—pretty old—pretty elaborate—much history—not all about God in there either folks, much to do with money. Positivo! MyHistoricalBrother-In-Law (i.e. not hysterical) said that the king took over the religion in England for two reasons—money and he couldn’t get a divorce with Rome in charge! Everyone of our little group went to the London Tower but I wasn’t interested so I went walking by the Thames River, The London Eye, Parliament, and Big Ben etc. I sat about an hour sitting overlooking the above by Westminster Bridge. I think folks on vacation (i.e. holiday) are happier—make no bones about it, I also think Europeans are thinner ‘cause they eat less and exercise more (i.e. a-ha! no big surprise there folks, that will do it all right—Positivo). I walked a long ways but enjoyed it immensely (i.e. got tired on the way back so I laid down in Hyde Park and took a nap—many folks in the park doing lots of things). I almost got killed once—only once (i.e. not bad)—ya gotta look to your right crossing the streets as the cars drive on the opposite side—a lady almost hit me in her BMW, she gave me this wiggly hand motion which LoadMiller says means – you dumb…! She was not happy. I was as I didn’t get hit.

I read this while waiting for Arlene to get ready eating a muffin and coffee—So here’s a simple suggestion that is guaranteed to bring you happiness: fill your heart with God’s love, God’s promises, and God’s Son…and when you do so, leave no room for envy, hatred, bitterness, or regret. I can’t compare my enjoyment in London with your enjoyment you have this day ‘cause I don’t know how happy you are. I hope you are as happy as me. I only can compare my happiness with Riley! Such is life.

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

erv

KR’s thought of the day—You have the right to less than perfect!
TheProfessor’sPithySaying—A wasted mind results in a premature death.

It Is What It Is

It is what it is folks! They are only a few bugs. We got some earwigs in our sun porch. Arlene would say WE ARE INVADED. Now we have a difference of opinion. Yes we have bugs in our sun porch, like maybe 30 every morning. We spray and they are usually dead but they seem to excrete when they die. Arlene says YUCK! Ya we have a couple that come under our front door and usually a couple in our bath off our master bedroom. Ya, one woke me up the other morning crawling on my back. JeanMyFriend said—That isn’t soooooo bad, one morning on the farm Reuben and I woke up and we had a mouse in bed with us! Arlene says—I CAN’T TAKE IT. They are only bugs and do no harm. They say they come ‘cause of the damp conditions around wood mulch and stuff. It’s only temporary. Maybe a little creepy but think about our forefathers who came to America this 4th of July and what they had to endure. A few bugs really aren’t that bad folks. Just go with the flow. SHE CAN’T! Such is life.

It is what it is! What more can I say. Charles Spurgeon declared, “I would rather lay my soul asoak in half a dozen verses all day than rinse my hand in several chapters.” The scripture is what it is folks but to determine what it is a guy needs to speed time meditating on it (i.e. my opinion). I read this while eating my oatmeal with blackberries on it—We must know the nature of our weakness before we can determine how to deal with it…So we need to be honest facing our weakness (i.e. what you think is what you’ll be)…There is a proper time for everything. I must learn not to do things at the wrong time, that is, before I am ready or before the conditions are right. It is always a temptation to do something at once, instead of waiting until the proper time. Timing is important. But folks be careful, that can be an excuse. Many times the best time to do it is NOW! Look at churches, they dink around and seem to hardly ever get anything new done (i.e. the timing is right but they don’t get anything done). But the churches, businesses, folks that get after it seem to be the ones striving. So…! It’s a lot easier to say, Ya that is a good idea. We’ll do it sometime but never do it! Such is life.

When I go for my daily walk, I walk past a late-model blue Dodge parked on the street. I look into it every time. The inside is a mess! I mean there is more garbage in it than most folks have in their house. How can anyone want to get into a car with all that junk in it? Yuck! But the owner/driver is a pretty little gal who dresses real nice. I don’t know her so maybe she’s a fake but there seems to be a contradiction here folks. Something doesn’t seem to add up. But it is what it is! Such is life.

Go with the flow—Do you know folks that will disagree just to disagree (i.e. they like to argue—they just like agitation)? Sometimes it’s a lot easier to just go with the flow. If a person is block headed they’re not going to listen to you anyway, you might just as well save your breath. I heard what Joesixpack said one time—I just keep my mouth shut even though I know more than the folks talking. I know what I know but I don’t know what they are trying to say (i.e. it’s quite entertaining and it doesn’t cost anything). Have you ever noticed that the homecomingqueens never voice their opinions? They just go with the flow (i.e. everyone likes ‘em). We were at a friend’s 60th birthday party the other night. The family sorta kinda got after each other pretty bad about politics (i.e. obvious they disagree strongly). I was told later that they were not to talk any politics but they did. This probably has happened before. Ouchy ouchy! Geno told me--UncleWillDryer (i.e. a long time resident of Aplington who died maybe 40 to 50 years ago once said—A man changed against his will has the same opinion still! MyFriendJean says—Silence is one of the great arts of conversation! She also says—After twenty years of marriage, those “three magic words” become “what’s for supper”!

It is what it is folks! NorthButlerw/thegoodheart sent me this (i.e. I think it’s funny). She said I could share it with you guys--Something funny happened to me this winter. Speaking of Arlene able to sleep anywhere, anytime. Me too. Have always been blessed that way. At least I think it is a blessing. Anyway ... we met some friends for a weekend in the quad cities late winter and decided to go to a casino. I don't care to gamble and for some reason I was just dragging. I offered up my standard $20 limit then found a comfy seat watching TV screens almost on the ceiling. I konked out. Didn't hear dinging of the machines, voices, nothing. All of a sudden a casino employee comes up to me and says, "Ma'am, ma'am, do you need medical assistance?" I woke up and told her no I didn't. She said rather loudly, "There's no sleeping on the casino floor." The thing that's hard to get across is the lady's tone. It was almost like Tom Hanks in A League of There Own, "There's no crying in baseball!" Now substitute "There's no sleeping on the casino floor!" That is what it sounded like. I said that was fine, I had had my nap. Yikes. A little embarrassing, but I'll probably never see her again. And even now it brings a smile to my face. Crazy. It is what it is folks!

It is what it is but…think about this kids of all ages. Parents of any age (i.e. 21 to 99) are all interested in what is happening in the life of their kids. Sooooooooooo kids of all ages (5 to 80) tell your parents just a little of what is going on in your life. They really cherish those tidbits of information about your life (i.e. what is going on). It may not mean much to you but parents really really like to hear about you and your family. Don’t blow your parents off. Treat them like someday you want to be treated. The cell phone today costs you nothing to call—call them and tell them what you did today. They will be soooooooooooo happy. Try it please. A lady acquaintance who is 85 told me recently—I don’t ask my kids about stuff any more; it seems they tell me more when I act like I don’t care! Such is life.

It is what it is folks! Chad a.k.a.myhuntin’dog had a pair of cargo/zip off pants on last fall. I asked him where he got those—Kohls—so I looked for them but they didn’t have any. When we were in CO I got an email from Chad saying he saw them again in Kohls—so I went on line and found the closest Kohls’ store that was on Kipling, called them to make sure they had them and went down there to buy a pair. They didn’t have my size so the little, pretty sales gal said I could buy them on line using their phone in customer service and that way you don’t have to pay postage. They were "buyonepairandgetthesecondonefree" for $54. I only wanted one pair. So I called and they wouldn’t sell me one pair—the gal kept saying the second pair is free (i.e. she just didn’t get it that the second pair is not free, I only want one pair). Finally I said, cancel the order. I went back to the sales gal and explained. She got the manager and he said—order both pair and bring one back (i.e. we will give you credit for one). So I did that. Well I got my pants in the mail--actually two packages. One package had one pants in it at a cost of $54 and the other package had two pants in it at a cost of $54. Man-o-man! I had some business and rode bike in Cedar Falls so I stopped at Kohls to return them. She took them all back and credited me for both and then sold me one pant--you are lucky she said as the pant is now on sale at $24.99. I saved money. Then I went to Earl May as I wanted a ‘East Friesland Meadow Sage Salvia’ plant. I asked the gal if the plants are on sale--some but not very many yet; let's go see if the one you want is. It was--two for one. I told her I only needed one (i.e. oh man, here we go again I thought). She stood there for a while (i.e. I didn’t say anything) and finally she said--I'll sell you one for half price! Such is life.

GeorgeTheCrook says—Nothing is more important than your wholehearted commitment to your Creator. Are you enthusiastic about your life? You want to recharge you batteries? If you do, you need to count your blessings (i.e. instead of your troubles). When you become passionate about your faith, you’ll become passionate about your life, too. It is what it is folks. What more can ya say.

WildBobWithTheColorfulLanguage was in our foursome at league the other night. WildBob gets new clubs every year and I said I wanted to buy his Callaway 3 metal. You don’t hit it anyway and besides you get new clubs every year anyway. I think you even got a new set free a couple of years ago (i.e. it was through Golf Digest that he called in multiple times with the correct words and jumped through some other hoops and got his name in a drawing and ended up winning a new set of Pings). WildBob said—Yes I did and those blank-ade-blank blank-ade-blanks sent me a 1099 for $999—they weren’t free! Ya WildBob, it is what it is! The other two guys in our foursome were friends. One is a farmer/cattle feeder. WildBob said—It’s easy for a cattle feeder to get a loan; all they have to do is walk through the cattle yard and get their boots full of shit, go into the banker's office, and they’ll have that blank-ada blank loan in about 10 minutes! Such is life.

I was having dinner at the golf course after league the other night with three younger guys (i.e. two I had in high school typing class a zillion years ago and the other was probably in elementary). ANYWAY one of two guys who are both farmers (i.e. a big burly guy) that were in my typing class, said—I’m sure glad I took typing. I use it every day with the computer. The other guy who is pretty good on the computer (i.e. has his own web site and is good with spread sheets etc) said—I could type 65 words a minute back in high school but now use two fingers. How come? I guess after 30 years I sorta kinda forgot! What! I thought that was like riding a bike, you never forgot. Did any of forget like my friend says he did? It is what it is but…!

It is what it is! Remember Jim my Mon-Ray window guy? Well, I finished my project and sent him a “thanksamillion”. Here is his reply (i.e. printed with permission from Jim)--Thank YOU, Erv, for all the kind words on your blog. Learning about your very positive blog could not have possibly come at a better time, and I will share the link with the rest of my family, especially my Mom. She's been the primary caregiver (the rest of us have been helping as much as possible) for my Dad with his dementia. Just within the last two weeks, she admitted she was at the end of the rope of her own survival with lack of sleep and trying to care for a person who is definitely not the same one she's been married to for nearly 50 years! (The end was probably more like two months ago, but she never could "quit" on anything!) She will, I'm POSITIVE, love your point of view and simple lessons and reminders. Just yesterday, we finally got him checked into a hospital for full testing, evaluations and placement into a long term care home, based on a recommendation because the doctor who heads the department is supposedly the best around. Dr. Holm proved this ten times over as he spent over two hours with us, doing his initial exam and explaining every detail of my Dad's disorder. Turns out, my Dad has likely been misdiagnosed with Alzheimers when he actually shows all the signs of a related dementia known as Pick's Disease. But the best part was how he assured my Mom that she has been doing all the right things, and made her feel so good about being able to care for him as long as she has when most would have thrown the towel in long ago. He also reassured my Sister and I that we were right that her health would have definitely deteriorated if she tried to keep going the way she was. He also admitted that he pulled some strings to get my Dad in quickly because even though my Mom told him, on the phone, she could handle the situation until a bed opened up, he could hear the exhaustion and desperation in her voice. After we left, we were all raving about how thorough and caring he was, when my sister looked at one of his business cards he had handed us, and smiled at the little "motto" at the bottom. It says "Passion for Caring and Service." I'm not sure if everyone at Bethesda Hospital has that on their cards, but with this doctor running this department, it's obvious that they live by that philosophy. Sorry about writing the whole unsolicited story! I just thought you would appreciate hearing about how this positive person turned a stressful and terrifying experience completely around. We all left comfortable knowing Dad is getting the best care available and understanding much more about his disease and how it's affecting him. Everyone kept telling me they were sorry about what a "tough day" it must have been. It was actually a pretty great day, knowing the "toughest days" are behind us and knowing he's going to get the care he deserves. Jim Nelson Sales Manager Mon-Ray, Inc. jnelson@monray.com

A friend ran in a half marathon at the Sturgis Falls days in Cedar Falls. When he got to race he found out he forgot his running shoes. The only shoes he had along was his church shores (i.e. Skechers). So he ran the race in them. Ya, he got a couple of blisters but ran it in an hour and forty some minutes (i.e. not bad). He said he wanted to catch a guy dressed as a Sparta outfit carrying a shield and a sword but never could. He also said that the Cedar Falls firefighters ran the 5K in full garb (i.e. that’s impressive to me). It is what it is folks. Such is life.

Life is what it is folks—that’s just the way it is. Some parts of life we just need to accept. We just can’t change them. Such is life.

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

erv

KR’s thought of the day—Free will is a gift. Love is a choice. Hate leaves you no choice at all.
TheProfessor’sPithySaying—It is difficult to heal a wounded heart.

Effective

Disclaimer—You can complain all you want about what I write but you get what you pay for folks (i.e. it’s all about the money). Really, if I offend you, I’m sorry. I surely need to say that ‘cause with the many folks reading this, there will be someone offended and complaining. Such is life.

It’s an effective way of teaching for FrankTheCowboyfromNebraska. You tell ‘em FrankTheCowboyfromNebraska. Mildred, the church gossip, and self-appointed monitor of the church's morals, kept sticking her nose into other people's business. Several members did not approve of her extracurricular activities, but feared her enough to maintain their silence. She made a mistake, however, when she accused Frank, a new member, of being an alcoholic after she saw his old pickup parked in front of the town's only bar one afternoon. She emphatically told Frank (and several others) that every one seeing it that there WOULD KNOW WHAT HE WAS DOING! Frank, a man of few words, stared at her for a moment and just turned and walked away. He didn't explain, defend, or deny. He said nothing. Later that evening, Frank quietly parked his pickup in front of Mildred's house... walked home... and left it there all night.

Joesixpack says—Here’s the deal, this guy plays big! I was invited to a Gung Ho meeting again by an acquaintance at Mudd Advertising (i.e. seems to be a rather effective way to motivate folks). Ben Jacobson, the basketball coach at UNI spoke. It was a typical coach talk but he reminded us that to win, a team has to have a certain effective attitude. They have to be tough, really tough mentally and physically. They have to work hard, work really hard all year and every day (i.e. most folks don’t realize how difficult it is to be great--it’s easy to be average). Some how some way a team has to have a team concept (i.e. a bunch of individuals just wont’ win—it has been proven over and over). Some how some way a team must develop a championship feeling. He said —feeling sorry for yourself is a waste of time. His first year of being head coach at UNI they started 13 and 2. The fans were calling him another John Wooden. Then they lost 7 out the next 8 and they wanted to get rid of him (i.e. he can’t coach). Hey, ya gotta win (i.e. it’s all about money folks). Another statement he made that I like—We have no rules but have expectations; if our players can’t live to our expectations, they have to leave (i.e. now that is an effective way of handling players). Such is life.

Whining, complaining, belly acking, and begging are not qualities of folks we enjoy being around. BUT they seem to be effective! Ouchy ouchy! Joesixpack says—What part of “WHAAAAAA” don’t you understand? Legislators, teachers, farmers, business folks, churches, golfers, housewives, employees, students, parents etc. all seem to whine so it must work or why would they do it. MabelTheComplainer says—I’m here ‘cause I’m not all there!

MissPerfect says--I bet I do things that don’t make much sense to others—she doesn’t whine (i.e. maybe MissPerfect has more horse power than others). But they make sense to me. SusieQ says--hug and kiss me until I whine! Many effective things, ways, and methods make no sense to others ‘cause they have never experienced them. Like my mentor says—We are all programmed by our past environment. Such is life.

CadillacJack says--Make me understand my criticism by making me do it (i.e. it’s very effective). We went to the Splash in Golden (i.e. a water fun spot for younger children). I poke fun of Arlene a.k.a. championcarsleeper (i.e. she can sleep in the craziest positions and at any time). Sometimes she sleeps with her mouth open. ANYWAY I was sitting on my lounge chair at the Splash and fell asleep. I woke up three times and had my mouth open all three times! Ouchy ouchy! Here is another personal example of effective correction of a negative attitude. I called our niece who lives in Denver and asked if her and John wanted to have pizza with us. I got no response so I thought negative thoughts. Then I got this email--Uncle Erv--Sorry we didn't get a chance to get together this weekend ... I've been having trouble with my phone lately in that it doesn't show me when I have voicemails or text messages. So I didn't know you had called until last night when another person left me a voicemail. Sorry about that! Hopefully you guys are having a good time so far. Oh man, there is usually always a reason, a reason that we don’t know about. It’s sorta kinda like what BigSpenderRalph said to his buddy TightWadDallas—Your wife is hot, way hot!!! Here is a couple of bucks for you to turn on the AC! Here is another ervthing—I thought on the way back from CO, we would swing over by Sioux City as I always wanted to play the Dakota Dunes course. So I go on line, get the number and give them a call—Hey we’re traveling from CO back to IA and was wondering if I could play your course—that seems quite a ways out of your way—well, I always wanted to play it and I’m 64 and not getting any younger—you have a point there; so what day do you want to play—Thursday—sorry but we have a tournament that day but since you are going that far out of your way I’ll let you play at 6:30 if you want—okay I’ll do it—where should we stay the night before close to the course—Saskatoon—I never heard of that town—it’s a little ways down the road—wouldn’t Sioux City be closer—no this would be the best—How’s the course—great—didn’t the Hooter Tournament play there a few years ago—no, but the Canadian Open is being played here in a couple of weeks; this course is only 6 years old, are you sure you have the right Dakota Dunes, we are in Canada—what! No I want to play the Dakota Dunes in South Sioux City, SD—you got the wrong course (i.e. we both had a good laugh—AAA well thank you anyway! So I called the other Dakota Dunes (i.e. a private club but I did talk my way on--it’s all about money folks)—Thursday is ladies day so I couldn’t play (i.e. I didn’t have enough money for ladies day)—maybe next year. We drove straight home on Wednesday for our 12.5 hour drive. Sooooooo ervie, don’t get soooooo excited sooooooo fast.

It might be reality (i.e. quite effective). I saw this saying on a t-shirt worn by a middle aged guy in Golden. It read—If you’d meet my family, you’d understand! Have you ever said—I‘ll never be like my dad or mom and you’re just like ‘em. Well flip the pancake—You acquire the good of your parents too! Soooooo, parents, be a good example. It’s a very effective way of parenting. Daphney (i.e. James and Heather’s dog) barked in the back yard. Our Little Erin 2.75 years old ran to the back door and said—No Daphney, no barking! I wonder where she heard that before! Kids mimic their parents if we like it or not. Just look around at families (i.e. it is what it is). Such is life.

So what is the most important thing our kids can mimic in us? That might depend what’s the most important thing to us I would guess. GeorgeTheCrook says—the best life lived without Jesus is still a life without Jesus! You know what folks, we can’t make anyone do something that they don’t want to do (i.e. we can lead them to water but can’t make them drink). But we can put a little salt in their food to make them thirsty. We all copy (i.e. mimic) somebody or some bodies—So who do you copy? Think about that—think about what you think about! Erin is yet a baby but she’s still the boss (i.e. a very effective boss)!

SusieQTheCowgirlFromCo was buying a new saddle. She asked her husband BillyTheCowboyFromCo—Does this saddle make my butt look big? And what do you think BillyTheCowboyFromCo said—Of course he said—Not a bit! That was a very effective response (i.e. my opinion).

LuckieEddie says Whiners are not much fun to be around. No they aren’t LuckyEddie. A guy can take about soooooo much of them. An effective way to deal with them is to not be around them. They are near impossible to change and they are just a drag to your life. We were going to the park and a pickup pulled up beside us. On it’s side it read—Rocky Mt. Bathroom; we fix ugly bathrooms! Hey, ugly bathrooms are easier to fix than whiners (i.e. my opinion). Why do you think folks are complainers anyway? ItchieBithcie says—To really be a good whiner you have to show effective emotions like crying, whine loud, stomp your feet, pout, be persistent, have great facial expressions and learn certain magical words. Such is life.

Saturday question—When you talk to God, do you whine or thank Him? I read this while eating my oatmeal with strawberries on it—the quality of your attitude will help determine the quality of your life, so you must guard your thoughts accordingly. So the next time you find yourself dwelling upon the negative aspects of your life, refocus your attention on things positive. And, the next time you’re tempted to waste valuable time gossiping or complaining, resist those temptations with all your might. And remember: You’ll never whine your way to the top…so don’t waste you breath.

I played golf at the Fossil Trace Golf Club in Golden (i.e. voted the best course in the Denver area). http://www.fossiltrace.com/ I played with BusinessWomanJan (i.e. a real estate broker associate) and SmilingSally (i.e. she was always smiling). ANYWAY we had a very pleasant time (i.e. that’s how they described it). Fossil Trace is a tough course for anyone but maybe especially for woman (i.e. I never heard either of the gals complain, whine or talk trash). One time SmilingSally got in a deep bunker and it took her several shots to get out. She said to me—I’m tired with a smile on her face. Later on I kidded her about that and she said—It was hilarious! They both had a very positive attitude (i.e. fun to be around). I think it was on the 14th fairway when I asked them how old they were—62 and 66! They called themselves the Divot Divas! I had to ask them what a Diva was, I didn’t know. They were very nice gals who seemed to enjoy life very effectively. I shot a 84 from the blues. I thought I shot a 85 but I had my score card on the counter as I had some notes on it. Heather added it up and it was actually a 84 (i.e. I need her around more). A triple, 2 doubles and 2 birdies. Those deep bunkers and several undulating greens were tough for me. I played the same ball for the whole round, played everything down and putted everything out (i.e. that’s golf isn’t it—givemes and rolling the ball is like, what kind of score do you want to have before you start the hole). Of course I played on a 5star course too. I have the Life of Riley now don’t I. Such is life.

It was very effective--Jones applied to a collection agency for a job, but he had no experience. He was so intense that the manager gave him a tough account with the promise that if he collected it, he'd get the job. Two hours later, Jones came back with the entire amount. "Amazing!" the manager said: "How did you do it?" "Easy," Jones replied: "I told him if he didn't pay up, I'd tell all his other creditors he paid us."

Heather and I had to get a new tank of gas for the grill one night. We went to Home Depot. A young man helped me get the tank out of the cage. I asked him—How do you like your job—I like it very much; I’m around some real nice folks—fellow workers or customers—both. I like to here that—usually you hear more whining than positive stuff? That attitude is very effective (i.e. my opinion). The Divot Divas and I both think that positive folks enjoy life more. What do you think?

Riley had another effective picnic in the park—Spent time with family, hiked Mt. Falcon twice, rode bike for 25 miles with my little Peanut Heather, went to church with the family (i.e. little Erin got her chocolate donut with sprinkles on it) and got to go to music in the Denver Park. Arlene had more fun that Riley I think. Little Erin loves Grandma and Grandma loves little Erin. They spend a lot of time together. It was very special for both. That’s the way it’s suppose to be folks. Such is life.

This is what a vendor had on his tee shirt--ThebleachersectionCubby says--"Shut up and drink your beer". Translated into my language it means quit your whining, buck up, suck it up, rub some dirt on it and lets get going! AverageJoe says—Half of the folks really don’t care and the other half are glad it happen to you. So throw those chips away, get your butt off the couch and do something for someone else.

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

swervinervin

KR’s thought of the day—Whining is never harmless. It destroys from the inside.
TheProfessor’sPithySaying—There is no cure for an empty head.

Mentality

I had a great experience. In our sun porch, we have Mon-Ray windows http://www.monray.com/ that have been in our sun porch since we built it maybe 25 years ago. We really like them. Some of the whether stripping sorta kinda wore through the years. A couple of years ago I said I was going to fix that and a couple of latches. I called the company and the company sales manager Jim Nelson stopped at our home and looked at it. He showed me how to fix them. I put it off (i.e. a certain mentality I have) until I retire (i.e. when I have more time). Well, this is the second year I have been retired soooo…! This spring I emailed Jim and asked him for his advice to fix them. He gave me the best tips and advice but still I put it off. Finally last Saturday I started to work on them. It wasn’t near as bad as I thought. Jim’s tips made it very easy. I ended up needing 6 feet of whether stripping so I emailed Jim and asked him how I could order the stuff. He emailed me back and said he would just send me that stuff at no cost. I tell you what folks, that is service and a certain mentality I like. I bet a box of donuts Jim is a very good guy. What do you think?

LuckyEddie says---Sometimes it’s a little better to travel than to arrive! I think what LuckyEddie is saying is that we are always in such a hurry to get somewhere that we miss the travel. Is that a normal mentality? Really, what do you think? We are retired so time means nutten to us soooooo..! We are in CO visiting our little Erin, James and Heather and I got to do something I said wanted to do when I retired (i.e. when time means nutten to us). We drove through southern NE by state highways and county roads going through all the little towns. I was more excited about it than Arlene but up with my mentality. Maybe she has a more normal mentality. I don’t know. I like experiences (i.e. maybe unusual experiences according to your mentality). ANYWAY StacyO was sorta kinda our travel guide (i.e. she grew up in this Nebraska area on a cattle ranch doing all the cattle stuff—a very special gal in our mind and hearts). She suggested the roads and also a place to stay (i.e. I wanted an experience and not a Holiday Inn Express). What a good time we had (i.e. like I said--time means nutten to us—we’re retired)! Actually we started our NE experience via way of Waukee/Iowa Cubs game with our little Charlie, Chet and Jessica (i.e. a beautiful summer evening at the ol’ ball park). We saw two spectacular catches. One was by the I-Cub’s center fielder who made an unbelievable catch on a hard line drive in which he went back and to his left making a diving catch landing hard on his belly. The fans stood, hooted and hollered, and clapped showing their appreciation. The second catch was by about a 10-year-old boy off a foul ball. The foul ball was sorta kinda behind first base. Two pretty gals of about 14 stood up to try to catch it but it went through their hands. The little boy, two rows back from them, snagged the foul with his glove and instantly gave the ball to the girls (i.e. no hesitation nor was he told by his father—it was a spontaneous response). The father said something to his son and the crowd clapped for the boy. You have to have a certain mentality to do that. I was really impressed as well as some of the crowd.

On our way the next morning, I always wanted to stop at Walnut, IA, the antique city they call themselves, (i.e. population 847) so we did (i.e. never thought we had time the zillion times we went on I-80 at 75 mph past it before). What a hoot we had! There sure are a lot of antique places there. We stopped at this one place as it had so much stuff in the front yard. We talked to Kelly, the owner, and I said—you sure have a lot of stuff—Kelly said—I have a lot of junk. Arlene bought a piece of his junk for her garden. Kelly said there will be a lot of venders and guests coming to Walnut for the weekend (i.e. I heard two numbers--80,000 and 10,000 visitors so somewhere between those two figures I would guess). So we were heading out of town and I saw Roberts Treats and Treasures (i.e. a bakery with a store in the back). I saw it advertised on a billboard coming into town. I had to stop. I told Betty that I saw CBS on their billboard and was wondering if they were on CBS—no no, it’s the name of the advertising company which owns the billboard. I asked Betty what their specialty was. It was the pecan Danish so I bought for $1.60. So Betty what time do you get up in the morning—4 and usually work until 10 at night—wow that’s a long day! Betty then said kiddingly—My husband does all the work and I just boss him around and I’m good at it!!! Larry came to the front and he said—there is enough work for all of us. I said to Larry—you must make a lot of dough—yes we do but not the right kind! What nice folks (i.e. the salt of the earth—my opinion).

 Our next opportunity was in Brownville, NE (i.e. population about 100 maybe). Brownville is the first town across the Missouri River (i.e. actually on it). It was such a quaint little town so we drove through the main street. We stopped at the post office to mail some letters and the officer in charge (i.e. postmaster at another town but is just filling in here) was Kathleen Rullagh. She told us all about the little town. It was the first town in Nebraska as it had a stone landing for the ships coming up the Missouri River. It was were the wagon trains crossed the Missouri as it was shallow but wide here (i.e. about a mile wide). It had the first post office and first newspaper in Nebraska. She was the most delightful lady (i.e. we enjoyed her much). She suggested we eat across the street at a sorta kinda a tea house (i.e. we ate outside under their front porch—what fun). We walked down the little street as there were several artists who had their shops. We went into Gallery 119 LLC were design meets fine art http://www.gallery119jewelry.com/ Harry Andersen introduced himself to us. He makes pendants out of rock I think. They were very pretty. I asked him where he sells them—on line and he does one-man shows in several major cities in the U.S. How in the world did you ever get to Brownville—I was educated in Philadelphia (i.e. I think he had two Doctorate degrees in this art design). I was flying from coast to coast and we had mechanical problems and had to stop in Omaha. It was going to be 48 hours so I called a friend from the area who came and took me to Brownville and I fell in love with it here so I stayed. Wow! Ya have to have a certain mentality to live in Brownville (i.e. my opinion).

We headed down the road and stayed at a huntin’ lodge that night—Hunt Nebraska, Inc. http://www.huntnebraska.com/ in Arapahoe, NE population 1,001. If was quite nice and fun. John the owner has been doing this for 30 years he told me. We had dinner at Muddy Creek Saloon—what a name for a place (i.e. only in small town Nebraska folks).

The next morning we headed down the road. I saw a sign--Blackrose Angus Ranch 3 miles N and ½ East by McCook, NE. So I turned around and headed down the gravel road. We got there and there were a bunch of bulls in this lot so we stopped. There was a lady outside. She was Delphine Spencer age 85. Delphine said—You are just what I need. I just feel like sitting in the house and drinking tea. I needed you to visit. I want to mow my lawn but the blades are soooooo dull—let me sharpen them for you—no no I have sons and grandsons who can and say they will but don’t show up—you have made my day. She told us that she was divorced in the 70s and life has been hard for her. I have to be a survivor—life doesn’t seem fair. I told her my mentor just told me Wednesday morning at breakfast that life is not fair or easy (i.e. the only thing that is fair is the Butler County Fair and I think is going on right about now). I’m starting to get like my grandmother, Nellie, who no one liked. Why didn’t they like her—she was stubborn and thought she was always right. I never use to be that way and don’t like being that way but am afraid I’m becoming more like Nellie my grandmother. She said again and again—You guys are just what I needed today. I wanted to take her picture—she said she didn’t like to wear clothes (i.e. meaning dress up I think). I told her she had to wear clothes as she couldn’t be nude! She laughed and finally let me take her picture. I told her it’s all about your attitude Delphine. As I was getting in the car I asked her if she believes in God—yes I do but not like some—what do you mean—I don’t believe that everything happens according to God: I think some things just happen; what do you think erv—I agree with you, I think we have decisions but it’s most important that we believe that God loves us so much that he gave us Jesus so we might have salvation—I don’t deserve His love—none of us do Delphine but He still loves us—that’s hard to understand why He would still love me—but He does. Well, we will see you Nellie!!!!!!!!!! We both laughed. We all have a certain mentality now don’t we.

MissPerfect says--There are cowboys who wear cowboy hats but have no cattle. This guy didn’t wear a cowboy hat but had many cattle. Oh ya! We stopped for a sandwich at Trails West Texaco near Trenton. I asked the clerk what’s exciting going west—she said, not a darn thing!—there is just two old barns! She was wrong. Our last stop before Morrison, CO was at a feedlot by Yuma, CO. It was the largest feedlot I have ever seen. I turned in the lot driveway and there was a sign that read—We don’t do public tours. I didn’t want a tour but just ask some questions. I pulled up to the office/scale house and walked in. There were two office gals in an open type office (i.e. very nice gals). We started talking when the manager came out of his office and introduced himself to me. He was Collin who was about 35 I would guess (i.e. he would have to have a certain mentality to run this operation). This feedlot had capacity for 125,000 head (i.e. that’s a lot of cow pies folks). I asked a ton of questions—It was owned by JBS—they have 15 to 20 cattle buyers all over the country who buy cattle daily—they own their own packing plant in Greeley, CO—90% of the corn is grown in a 20 mile radius—average gain is 3.5 for the steers and 3 for the heifers—1% death rate—around 80 employees. I had the greatest of time. Oh yes, it smelt like cattle folks. Such is life.

JoeBlow says this is a good mentality to have -- Remember, to give a warm hug to those close to you, because that is the only treasure you can give with your heart freely. Say, "I love you" to your loved ones, but most of all mean it. Hold hands and cherish the moment for someday that person will not be there. Give time to love, time to share the precious thoughts in your mind and remember to forgive no matter how bad the hurt.

A guy has to have a certain mentality or is really addicted. I talked to a guy this week In Aplington. He was sitting on his front porch smoking a cig. He told me he has walking phenomena and can’t seem to shake it. He has had it about 6 weeks and has had a double dose of antibiotics but still fells terrible. Hey, he must not feel bad enough to quite smoking. Such is life.

Forgive me my nonsense as I also forgive the nonsense of those who think they talk sense.~Robert Frost~ Joesixpack says--There is a big difference between people who want to say something and people who have something to say. Often, those with something to say don't talk much and those who want to say something won't be quiet. Ouchy ouchy! It’s time to wrap this “It’s Saturday up folks. Such is life.

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

erv

ChiefervofthewetbottmIndiantribe says—Maximize every day of your life and enjoy it 110%. Take time to smell the roses. It’s your decision and decisions have consequences. Such is life.

Encourage (i.e. UPlift)

Voof Voof Voof – It seems like everyone is barking about something these days. How about you and I bark in a positive way. Who can we encourage today? So listen UP folks!

MissPerfect says--I will try to help others. I will try not to let a day pass without reaching out an arm of love to someone. Each day I will try to do something to lift another human being out of the sea of discouragement into which he or she has fallen. My helping hand is needed to raise the helpless to courage, to strength, to faith, to health. In my own gratitude, I will turn and help others with the burden that is pressing too heavily upon them. Hey folks, it’s the right thing to do so just do it! And who will be happy about the result? Answer--You and the other person. Such is life.

Be an encourager folks (i.e. an UPlifter). I was working with some clients on a real estate deal. We really had a good time together. They are probably in their late 70s. I asked them if they went to high school—no we didn’t; they both said they quit after the 8th grade but she did go back to get her GED degree. She wishes she would have gone to high school as she likes education but her father said—you don’t need an education to be a wife! She didn’t know about that but he manipulated her with a piano and lessons. It worked. ANYWAY her father also said—The sun will have to come up in the west before we have a TV! Well in the 50s they got a TV! I kidded this gal in saying—You probably said—When the sun comes up in the west we’ll have a computer in our house! She said you’re right erv, but you know what, we have a computer in our house and I’m attending computer classes. Parents who are encouragers give their children a huge, massive advantage (i.e. that’s my opinion). I recently heard a star linebacker from UNI speak. He said for his first 3 years his parents drove all over the country to see him play maybe 4 plays. They were always there but never said much (i.e. they were just being encouragers without pressure). His senior year he became a star and his parents were also always there. They had the same attitude (i.e. didn’t say much). This young man said—I realize what great parents I had (i.e. great family and that’s much more important than football). Such is life.

Hey Rookie! Sidthe10centmillionare says—One of the great things about life is its unpredictability (i.e. full of ifs). Joesixpack says—You lost me, hello! I don’t like unpredictability! Okay this is not unpredictable. I was walking past the TV and Arlene had the Today Show on. They said-- Women spend 20 years of their life fixing their hair. Ouchy ouchy! Just think if all women had buzz cuts and used no makeup. They would all be on the same playing field. Just think how much more would get done in this world. Yabut capitalism would never let that happen. I can’t imagine how much money is spent on hair and makeup (i.e. it’s all about money folks)!

It was sooooooooo encouraging (i.e. UPlifting). I had this dream—He was going to put millions into this deal and I was going to put a lot less in. It was going to make each of us a million a year. I asked him how come he would do that—I like you. Then I woke up!

This was discouraging (i.e. not UPlifting) – The other morning I went for an early walk. I was coming back and met this guy at the corner with his two big beagles. One took a crap on Jenny’s lawn and the other took a crap on the street. Yucko! Where is your brain dog owner? It was the same day that the kids got out of school. Can you imagine some little girl walking bare foot for the first time stepping into that fresh dog crap?

This was encouraging to me—yes it was. I was in the post office the other day and the gal who we sold our used van was there too. She says to me—The van is going to North Carolina tomorrow. So you still have the van—yes we do. It was a 1999 Dodge 4 cylinder short van. We probably sold it to them maybe in 2003. It had 90,000 miles on it. I asked her how many miles are on it now—185,000 and we haven’t done any work on it. Wow!

Do you know why geese honk? They are always honking it seems. The reason is to encourage each other (i.e. UPlift each other). So honk at each other folks. Such is life.

I went for a walk in the rain this week—I like to walk in the rain (i.e. it’s encouraging to me). ANYWAY when I got back, I finished reading The Walk by Richard Paul Evans. Rox at the office said to me one day—erv, have you read the new book by Evans called the Walk—no I haven’t—He’s the guy who wrote The Christmas Box. I sorta kinda forgot about it. This week there was a book lying on the counter—Arlene said she thought I would enjoy reading it. It was the book. I really enjoyed it. I suggest you read it (i.e. very easy read). Let me know what you think of it. Here is another suggestion—go to the movie Letters to God. We went this week at the Grundy Theater. As we were entering, our neighbors were also entering so we went in together. It cost a dollar to get in (i.e. senior discount) but it cost $9.50 for a couple of small popcorns and sodas! I gave the lady a hundred dollar bill—I don’t have change—I had to borrow $10 from NeighborKarl to pay for our treat. I think that is just sooooooooo funny.

Joesixpack says—Folks who are always given stuff just expect it and it seems they aren’t very appreciative. They don’t acknowledge others’ gifts (i.e. they seem to just expect it). Hey Joesixpack, I sorta kinda agree. I just had a reminder of this situation. I did a small little deal and they showed no thank you or response. I think they just expect it. When folks respond to others graciousness and support, they are much more willing to give the next time (i.e. it’s encouraging). GeorgeTheCrook says—It’s just our culture so don’t get soooooo excited erv. I won’t GeorgeTheCrook, I just won’t give to them anymore. I’ll give to those who are appreciative. That’s easy. Flip the pancake—I wonder if God ever says—why in the world aren’t they thankful for my grace and love. Does he say—well, I just won’t give to them anymore; I’ll just give to those who are appreciative? I bet God does like thanking and acknowledgement. What do you think?

AverageJoe says--Each waking moment holds the potential to think a creative thought or offer a heartfelt prayer (i.e. that makes a person an encouraging type of person. OverTheTopBill says--Every increased possession loads us with new weariness.

Is this statement encouraging or discouraging to you? Certain things will never happen to you again. Does your attitude have anything to do with how you answer that? Does your past environment have anything to do with how you answer that? Maybe it’s up to you how you interpret that question. Listen up—It took me four times to get it right last week. A friend called me a…! Hey, it’s encouraging to me that it only took 4 times! Such is life.

I read this while eating my oatmeal with blackberries (i.e. my kid sister’s favorite) on it—Life is a team sport, and all of us need occasional pats on the back from our teammates. In the book of Ephesians, Paul writes, “Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building others up according to their needs, that it may benefit those who listen…Since we don’t always know who needs our help, the best strategy is to encourage all the people who cross our paths. So today, be a world-class source of encouragement to everyone you meet.

We went to a friend’s wedding last Saturday in Hutchinson, MN. We parked next to a car that had a bumper sticker that read—I stop for Moose! The wedding was very much encouraging to me (i.e. about God, family and friends—very refreshing to me and UPlifting). We drove through Waseca, MN on our way. I haven’t been Waseca since 1964 I think. My friend Jerry and I drove there on a rainy day to buy bows at Herders (i.e. at their factory at a discount price). There is a little lake in Waseca and I slowed down for a mother duck and her ducklings crossing the road and got hit from behind. Ouchy ouchy. I got home and strung my bow and broke the bow. Not a good day. ANYWAY I called my friend Jerry as we were going through Waseca. I haven’t talked to him for about 5 years. Oh yes, he remembered the day. So how is it going Jerry? Well I had my hip replaced and they want to replace both my knees (i.e. he had a detached retina five years ago). Toooooo much softball. Jerry was a very good fast pitch softball player. In fact they won the national title once and maybe more. He has been inducted into the Fast Pitch Hall of Fame. Here is the rest of the story—I worked for Kandiyohi County Maintenance department during my college years. Every year the maintenance department and the office guys would play a slow pitch softball game and the losers had to pay for the keg. Jerry and I played a lot of ball during this time. So on this particular night, Jerry and I played a game somewhere and he rode with me to the county game which was at Kandiyohi Lake. When we got there the game was in progress so I got to play a little but then it started to rain. Most of the guys went home except for maybe 6 guys (i.e. one was the county engineer and another was the guy in charge of maintenance). We sat in a shelter and drank a couple of beers together (i.e. Jerry and I were under the age of 21). I said to those guys—you should hire my friend Jerry—come on in Jerry and apply. They hired him and he retired from Kandiyohi County about 5 years ago. Such is life.

It was encouraging that others didn’t know either. At the wedding, the praise team led us folks in several songs. One was Come thou fount of every blessing. At the reception I asked the guy sitting next to me (i.e. a guy I didn’t know)—I sang that song since I was a kid at Roseland Reformed Church in Roseland, MN and I still don’t know what my Embenezer is? What is it? He didn’t know nor did the guy across the table (i.e. and they both had ties on but no robes). They asked the other folks down the table. No one knew. After some time, the guy next to me came back. He talked to two pastors (i.e. they had ties and coats on but no robes) and got two different definitions. Huh, interesting.

Joesixpack says—We all know how to change this world, our life and the church for the better but the hard part is doing it. Most of the changes (i.e. around the house, in business, in our churches, and in our lives) don’t get done until they become a necessity (i.e. until we are forced to). Some folks they don’t realize that it’s a necessity. It’s really encouraging to see something happen on a proactive basis instead of a reactive basis. Many times the reactive reaction is tooooooo late. Such is life. John Wooden just past away. I have always been a follower of him. Here a few of his statements—Be more concerned with your character than your reputation, because your character is what you really are, while your reputation is merely what others think you are—You can’t let praise or criticism get to you. It’s a weakness to get caught up in either one—What you are as a person is far more important that what you are as a basketball player—If you’re not making mistakes, then you’re not dong anything. I’m positive that a doer makes mistakes—Failure is not fatal, but failure to change might be—it’s what you learn after you know it all that counts. He was an encouraging man (i.e. my opinion). Encouragement is sooooooooo UPplifting now isn’t it. This two-letter word in English has more meanings than any other two-letter word, and that word is 'UP.' It is listed in the dictionary as an [adv], [prep], [adj], [n] or [v]. It's easy to understand UP, meaning toward the sky or at the top of the list, but when we awaken in the morning, why do we wake UP ? At a meeting, why does a topic come UP ? Why do we speak UP , and why are the officers UP for election and why is it UP to the secretary to write UP a report? We call UP our friends, brighten UP a room, polish UP the silver, warm UP the leftovers and clean UP the kitchen. We lock UP the house and fix UP the old car. At other times this little word has real special meaning. People stir UP trouble, line UP for tickets, work UP an appetite, and think UP excuses. To be dressed is one thing but to be dressed UP is special. And this UP is confusing: A drain must be opened UP because it is stopped UP. We open UP a store in the morning but we close it UP at night. We seem to be pretty mixed UP about UP ! To be knowledgeable about the proper uses of UP, look UP the word UP in the dictionary. In a desk-sized dictionary, it takes UP almost 1/4 of the page and can add UP to about thirty definitions. If you are UP to it, you might try building UP a list of the many ways UP is used. It will take UP a lot of your time, but if you don't give UP, you may wind UP with a hundred or more. When it threatens to rain, we say it is clouding UP . When the sun comes out we say it is clearing UP. When it rains, it soaks UP the earth. When it does not rain for awhile, things dry UP. One could go on and on, but I'll wrap it UP, for now ........my time is UP ! Oh....one more thing: What is the first thing you do in the morning & the last thing you do at night?  U P! Don't Mess UP. Now I'll shut UP.

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

erv

KR’s thought of the day—When I get angry, I ask God for patience.
TheProfessor’sPithySaying—Whatever is good to know is difficult to learn.

The Stories

Joesixpack says—It’s the side of mountains which sustain life, not the top! We all have a story folks. SusieQ says—What does praise God mean? It means being grateful for all the wonderful things in the universe and for all the blessings in your life. So praise God by being grateful and humble. Such is life.

MyWiseFriendJean says—Forgive your enemies. It messes up their heads! A friend told me he helped a guy who he really dislikes. So why did you do it guy? It was the right thing to do! I think this guy is going the right direction. You can see why he is one of my buddies. I read this while eating my oatmeal with blackberries on it—Sometimes, amid the demands and the frustrations of everyday life, we forget to slow ourselves down long enough to talk with God. Instead of turning our thoughts and prayers to Him, we rely upon our own resources. Instead of praying for strength and courage, we seek to manufacture it within ourselves. Instead of asking God for guidance, we depend only upon our own limited wisdom. The results of such behaviors are unfortunate and, on occasion, tragic. Such is life.

I asked Ben (i.e. husband of a Northwestern College friend who we have had the pleasure to get to know some) if he would write his story for us. Here is Ben’s story written by him to be shared with you. ~ I grew up on a farm in Sioux County, first attending a country school where I was the only student in my class, total of 9 students in the school. I was baptized and raised in a God filled Christian home, Reformed Church in America. My parents always read the Bible and prayed at both the noontime and evening meal. We attended Sunday worship, Sunday school, catechism and mid week prayer services. At age 13, I confessed Jesus Christ as my personal Savoir, I was a Christian youth until about age 17 or 18. I was fortunate/blessed to have local Sioux county people who believed in me, encouraging me to further my education. A local dentist, whose daughter I dated, was the first to encourage me to enter a profession such as medicine, law or dentistry. After high school I was fortunate to attend Northwestern College and the University of Iowa, graduating from Medical School in 1970. Subsequently after Internship, I was active duty military, ER physician, Diagnostic Radiology Resident UCI finishing Residency in 1977. I had a fulfilling, wonderful career as a Diagnostic Radiologist, retiring at age 64 in Oct, 2009. At about age 17, I became Godless, still believing in God but not feeling I needed him in my life. I was in a Godless marriage for 28 years, raising 2 children who did not grow up in the Church or learn about Jesus. I began recreational use of drugs such as nicotine, alcohol, pot, in college and medical school. This also led to occasional use and abuse of other drugs such as cocaine and psilocybin[mushrooms] in the late 1970s. I stopped using all drugs but alcohol when my children were about 4 or 5. I became dependent and addicted to alcohol in the 1980’s. I was fortunate to be directed into AA in 1988. I have been blessed to remain sober since, AA sobriety date September 5, 1988. I had 2 Christian sponso4rs in AA who helped me to renew my faith in God, encouraging me to again establish daily prayers, Bible reading, and attend worship services. In 2003 I renewed acquaintance with a devoutly Christian high school friend from Sioux County. We had not seen or talked to each other for 38 years. We were married in June 2004. My faith in God has been renewed. I am a believer, follower and servant of Jesus Christ. WE feel blessed to be in a Christian marriage, praying together, reading the Bible, attending church worship, participating in small groups in church. We thank God daily for great health, wonderful family and friends. We both feel having grown up in Christian home has directed us and led us on the path to where we are today. Ben VZ benvz@mchsi.com

I got to know Rick Vesely a little through church meetings and having lunch with him (i.e. I try to pick his mind). He’s the guy I asked you to vote for the cruise if you remember. ANYWAY We had the opportunity to have COFFEE AND DONUTS WITH RICK at the golf course and he told us his story. He is suffering from ALS (Lou Gehrig's). He now has a hard time talking and is losing the use of his left hand. They have put a feeding tube in. He is learning to communicate with the use of a commuter as it looks like he will lose his voice. He told us to live our lives so we have no regrets. He has such a great attitude facing death but he said—I’m not sure how I will handle it. He said he isn’t scared to die but isn’t very excited about the process. He also said—I’m terminal and all of your are too. In fact there is a good chance one of you will die before me. So, make sure you have a relationship with Jesus so you are certain that you will spend eternity in Heaven. Rick is a very humble person besides being very creative, exciting, and enthusiastic. I said when I introduced him—When I think of Rick I think of the statement he has made to me several times—Do it right. He said in his talk—I hate it when folks say – That’s good enough. It’s not just good enough, do it right. He said the kids talk to him about his disease and ask to see his feeding tube but the adults who use to talk to him seem to avoid him. Are we something else folks! You may read the newspaper article that was done on him a short while back at the following link if you like http://www.wcfcourier.com/news/local/article_47acbb0c-52c5-11df-8e8f-001cc4c03286.html

Rick Vesely rickves@traer.net

I saw that Rick wrote this in a public thank you--Don't take any opportunity in the sharing of the Gospel for granted. Make Every Opportunity Count!

I substituted a half day recently and taught three sections of 6th grade Iowa History. I enjoyed the subject and told some stories (i.e. stories about me). They were so interested but when I told them that when I graduated from high school in 1963 and that fall my Daddy, Chester, died, well, they listened intensely. Actually I told them that my Mom, Anna, sold the farm for $350 an acre in 1964. I got a email from my big sister maybe 5 years ago that the owner sold the rock piles off the farm to a landscaper in the Twin Cities for more than he paid for the farm. They all said –rip off! The early settlers paid $1.50 per acre (i.e. that is why we were talking about the price of land—the settlers probably said it was way too much). Everyone has a story. Such is life.

A neat business owner sent this to me. This is the gal’s story in one minute. I think you’ll enjoy.

Http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WUQYJ77qa50

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

erv

KR’s thought of the day—When you cry, God cries with you. But he cant wipe your tears unless you let him.
TheProfessor’sPitySaying—A learned person never suffers from boredom.