The WOW factor

LuckieEddie says--The older I get the less likely I listen to what people say and the more I look at what they do (i.e. espeically ol' folks).  Gals, do you remember your first ol' boy friend?  Maybe his name was Skinny Olsen or Fats Lungrend or Stinky Svensen or Fast Freddy?  Did you marry him?  And you thought you have forgotten him!  Such is life.

The other night Arlene and I walked around The Fountain of the Sun (i.e. 3.2 miles).  We saw a couple walking who were holding hands.  They must have been about 80.  He had a pair of black leather pants on that were really tight (i.e. he was weebit struttin' his stuff all right).  I bet it was his second or third wife.  He knows how to WOW the ladies is my bet!  That happens folks.  We were at a outing at a church while back and they asked the couples who were married the longest to stand up.  Then they asked the couples that were married the shortest to stand up.  The couple beside me stood up.  I asked them how long they were married--about 3 months.  They were 79.  During the whole program she held his hand in his crouch!  It was a WOW factor to me!  Oh ya!  Such is life when you're about 80.

When our kids were here last weekend, James and Heather went to the hot tub.  They said they could see an an old lady sitting in her chair through a window of a condo by the pool area.  Heather said she was either dead or sleeping.  I told her if she is dead, you'll hear sirens soon.  No sirens--that's a WOW factor.  The next night they went again and saw her awake in her chair.  Such is life. 

I was outside our condo the other day when R and M drove by--they stopped and talked.  They were driving their two-seat Mercedes convertible (i.e. real cute--I liked it).  They are rich retired farmers from ND.  They just rent their zillion acres out for big cash.  And to top it off, oil was struck on their ground.  Now that's the way to do it (i.e. some folks seem to get all the breaks).  M said, we use to think it was the old folks who went down to the Valley for the winter--here we are!  Now that's a WOW factor folks.  Yes it is.  And you know what--I love it!

One of the guys I played pickle ball with last week (i.e. one of Dean's buddies) was Roger.  He came late--I said you got to get out of bed earlier--that's not the problem, I'm up at 5:30 every morning--how come--I did it for 35 years as I owned a manufacturing company and I had too--well, at least you can get a lot done when you get up at 5:30--that's really not true, in my retirement I seem to get up early but don't every get much done!  Now that's a WOW factor!

I have a friend down here in the Valley (i.e. an A'town gal) who is a Suns fan (i.e. well some of the time--when they win).  I sent her an email when Nash fouled at the end of regulation to put the game into overtime last week (i.e. she's not a big Nash fan)--Jane, your man Nash put the game into overtime!  That's my opinion.  And she emailed back--What do you mean, my man?  Even an old woman (me) would know when to foul and when not to foul!!!!!  Now that's a WOW factor!  She's a hoot folks!

An ol' prospector from the Superstition Mountains shuffled into Apache Junction leading a tired old pack mule. He were looking for the Lost Dutchman's Mine. The ol' man headed straight for the only saloon to clear his parched throat.  He walked up and tied his ol' mule to the hitching rail. As he stood there brushing some of the dust from his face and clothes, a young gunslinger stepped out of the saloon with a gun in one hand and a bottle of whiskey in the other.  The young gunslinger looked at the ol' man and laughed, saying, "Hey ol' man, have you ever danced?"  The ol' man looked up at the gunslinger and said, "No, I never did dance . . . never really wanted to."  A crowd had gathered as the gunslinger grinned and said, "Well you ol' fool, you're gonna dance now," and started shooting at the ol' man's feet. The ol' prospector, not wanting to get a toe blown off, started hopping around like a flea on a hot skillet. Everybody was laughing, fit to be tied. When the last bullet had been fired, the young gunslinger, still laughing, holstered his gun and turned around to go back into the saloon. The ol' man turned to his pack mule, pulled out a double-barreled shotgun, and cocked both hammers. The loud clicks carried clearly through the desert air. The crowd stopped laughing immediately. The young gunslinger heard the sounds too and he turned around very slowly. The silence was almost deafening. The crowd watched as the young gunman stared at the ol' timer and the large gaping holes of those twin barrels. The barrels of the shotgun never wavered in the ol' man's hands, as he quietly said, "Son, have you ever licked a mule's ass?" The gunslinger swallowed hard and said, "No sir . . . but . . . I've always wanted to." Now that's a WOW factor!

We went hiking recently with our BlueBunnyFriends on Butcher Jones trail by Saguaro Lake.  We stopped at at the 'kissingvista" (i.e. Arlene and I always kiss at this vista).  ANYWAY on the way back we stopped again and kissed.  I told them to go on ahead as I was going to spend a little more time at the vista.  For some ol' folks, they took off like some young mountain goats.  I had a hard time catching 'em.  I did fumbled around a little longer than expected at the vista though--I had my boxer shorts on backwards.  When you get old you do things like that!  It was a WOW factor!

I read it in the paper soooooo it must be right.  The longer you leave grapefruit on the tree the sweeter they become (i.e. you can take fruit off the tree in December through April--in fact it said, the trees can blossom with fruit on it).  Soooooooo there you go, somethings get better with age (i.e. much like wine).  And other don't--Arlene had her chorus concerts recently.  Anyone can sing and anyone can volunteer for a solo.  Some were good and some were...(i.e. huge massive egos--my opinion).  Ouchy ouchy!  But they all had a good time.  I don't think voices get better with age.  WOW factor even if some folks don't realize it.  Such is life.  Oh ya, we had my cousin and his wife along with our neighbors for pie and ice cream after the concert.  We did something (i.e. my idea which some of you youngins might think it's ol' fashion).  We sang our favorite hymns (i.e. only the first verse).  Yep, that's what ol' folks do.  It appears that these songs were the ones they wanted sang at their funerals!  Holy Gulalupe you say.  Guess what Dotta what mine was?  I didn't know my cousin Lowell's favorite--By The Sea of Crystal.  That song must really be an ol' one (i.e. he doesn't look that old--okay the song was written in 1933 soooooooo is that old or what).  Have you heard of it?  ANYWAY  now that activity was different; I bet you youngins would never do that!  We did play the card game up and down the river (i.e. now that's an ol' game)--Sandra kicked our butts! 

Arlene and I hiked Usery Mt. Pass (i.e. app. 8 miles around Usery Mt).  ANYWAY as were on our way, we came upon a couple ol' couples sitting eatin' their lunch.  They were from Keokuk, IA.  They said to us as we approached them--Here comes up a couple of ol' horses!  We talked some--they seemed to pretty nice and normal.  I still wondered about their comment.  Just then a couple of ol' horses with riders on them came up the trail.  That made me feel better!  Talking about ol' horses.  I started volunteering at the Bannor Desert Hospital.  They assigned me to floors 3C and 4C (i.e. all the heart patients).  What an experience--incredible--unbelievable.  Soooooooo I reported and they just gave me the combinations to get in the equipment room and the supply closets and said--go at it.  My first deal was helping an ol' stallion to leave the hospital--he couldn't walk, way obese, on oxygen, couldn't hear very well and he had no one to help him.  We got him a cab and somehow got him in there.  WOW!  Then I went from room to room asking patients if I could help them in any way.  WOW!  I did little things but mostly they just wanted to talk--and they talked--everyone has a story and they know that they would not see me again soooooooo I heard unbelievable stories from multi-millionaires, an Apache Indian from the reservation, an alcoholic, a sharp businessman a Chinese guy who could hardly speak English to a gal with a PHD.  Incredible stories.  I had three of those patients ask me to pray for them--I didn't talk about anything spiritual, had a company issued volunteer shirt on, and was just erv.  WOW!  Then I helped another ol' stallion to the exit.  I just take my time (i.e. time means nutten to me--I'm just a servant to them).  What I heard from maybe 80% of the patients I talked to was--thanks for volunteering, you have no idea how we like you guys.  WOW!  Oh ya, one of the secretaries on the floor told me that the ol' horses (i.e. 70s and 80s just don't complain much after heart surgery; they want to get up even if it hurts and want to get going).  She said the the younger folks (i.e. 50s and 60s complain a lot).  MissPerfect says--You get no cheese with your wine so quit your whining--suck it up cupcake.  Huh, interesting.  When I walked to the car after my 4 hours, I had a feeling that I couldn't explain.  It was something else folks.  I will tell you what--I was emotionally tired.  Really tired.  There was a WOW factor there folks.  Such is life.

This ain't nutten new folks, actually it's something real old but new to me.  Lent is here (i.e. a contemplative period of self-denial and sacrifice).  The traditional pillars of Lent are prayer, fasting and works of charity.  Some folks have quit giving up something for Lent but try to do positive things, like helping people in need or without saying something mean...Lent is a wonderful time to grow close to the Lord (i.e. a time to get out of ruts, take a break from busy schedules and take stock and focus on the needs we have for Easter so that when Easter comes, we can really celebrate).  The 40--day period or reflection, repentance and preparation culminates April 24 in what Christians regard as the high point of their calendar, the resurrection of Jesus Christ as a marked by Easter Sunday.  Soooooooooooo I'm going to try to give up something I like until Easter.  I think it will maybe make my attitude more positive and change my mind-set (i.e. hopefully more like Christ).  It could be a WOW factor folks.  I encourage you to do something this Lent (i.e. challenge yourself).  Hey, it might even get you out of your punk attitude (i.e. if you are in one).  Such is life.

We went to a spring training game of the Cubs this week.  I read this in the paper soooooo it must be right--Thanks to Rev. Endicott Peabody, mere months after the so-called Gunfight at the O.K. Corral in October 1881, Tomstone formed a baseball team and began playing other mining camps in the area.  The game caught on, and many baseball rivalries were born, some of them existing to this very day.  In 1920, the Detroit Tigers were the first major league em to come to Arizona for spring training.  Sorry to say Cub fans, it looks like the same ol' story to me--Wait 'til next year!!!!  Boston Red Sox great Ted Williams once said that baseball  "is the only field of endeavor where a man can succeed three times out of 10 and be considered a good performer."  Such is life.  Joesixpack says--Don't bet on the Cubs this year!!!!--that's maybe embellished without the season even starting folks but...same your money!

SusieQ says--The best antiques are ol' friends.  We visited our ol' friends Geno and Jan (i.e. old in years but not in age) in Palm Springs for a few days this week.  They spend 6 weeks there during the winter.  We played the Desert Princess Country Club and the Shadow Ridge (i.e. *****places), both very nice courses.  The first day we get to the tee and are playing with Cunucks Deb and Karl.  I had my orange shirt on and Deb says--Orange is the most popular color of stalkers!  What, she's already getting in my head.  ANYWAY Geno tells me on ever hole that this is a tough one (i.e. they were all tough with water and a lot of sand).  We had such a good time but "it was tough--right Deb"!  Then the next day we played Marriott's Shadow Ridge (i.e. a Nick Flado creation) which has water but many huge massive deep sand traps on every hole.  Again Geno says on every hole--This is a tough one!  Except when we came to #8. Geno said-- this is an easy one 'cause it is shorter.  I hit a good drive and and 8 iron into a green that again was guarded by many deep sand trips.  I hit it perfect right at the pin which was on the front part of a severely slopping green from back to front.  It hit in the middle but rolled to the back short fringe--putted it off the front into an collection area, hit it back up but not hard enough sooooooo it rolled back to my feet (i.e. just like on TV--hit it up again and made the putt for a double bogey.  And that was the easy hole folks.  This course is just plain beautiful but very tough (i.e. that is what Gene said on every hole anyway).  So the next day back at Desert Princess Country Club again (i.e. 27 holes here).  We played with a dentist and his son (i.e. who will be a third generation dentist) from MN (i.e. they reminded me some of the opportunity I had to play with our son).  ANYWAY I kidded the dentist--Some ol' smucks next week will need to have several root canals done to pay for this vacation!  This father/son were the nicest folks (i.e. true gentlemen--my kind of folks).  On his web site he says he's a gentle dentist who offers soft touch dentistry.  It doesn't say that he hits the ball a mile.  http://www.perrydental.com/MeetDrPerry/tabid/16698/Default.aspx  Note to my bigsister and littlesister--they are from Wabsha home of the curved bridge over the Mississippi that we took over to Nelson and then to Alma to see Uncle Jim and Aunt Grace--the one I told you Doris was about to collapse and you you lay on the floor of the car (i.e. good fun memories for me anyway).  The country club was having a Canada/U.S. match between the gals (i.e. about 50 from each county of the Desert Princess Resort).  They were dressed in their country's colors and had their carts decorated too with their country's flags.  It was sorta kinda cute.  ANYWAY Geno asked a couple of U.S. gals who were about 70 as we meet them on their cart--Are you winning--don't know about our team but we are kicking ass!  Ok!  Ol' goats usually won't play if they have to post their scores for others to see (i.e. in A'town the ol' goats won't play their own ball but just best shot).  Geno and I are not ol' goats!!!!!!??????  First day Geno shot 89 and I shot 90, second day Geno shot 84 and I shot 87, and the last day Geno shot 89 and I shot 81.  AND THEY WERE TOUGH HOLES!  I know they were 'cause Geno said so, didn't he Deb.  I took Geno for 10 skins for the three days (i.e. it's not about the money but about beating the multi-time champ of the Rolling Hills Country Club )  Such is life.  Hey by the way, if you are ever in Bruce, Canada stay and eat with Deb and Karl (i.e. they say folks come from a hundred miles to eat at their place--that is why they are in Palm Springs  $$$$$$$).  Their place is the best place to eat in Canada I think (i.e. for sure they are the nicest folks in Bruce that I know).  Now that's a WOW folks!  http://www.brucehotel.ca/Welcome.html

Ol'boyJohn was not playing very well so he asked his ol'buddyDenny what he should do (i.e. he was very discouraged).  Ol'buddyDenny says to ol'gollferJohn, I think you should take a couple of weeks off and then quite!  Ol'BoyCadillac Jack walks into Shadow Ridge pro shop to pay his $165 green fee with his Vista card in hand.  As he walked up to the counter, the pretty little gal behind the counter stared at the spot in front of his Addias golf shorts.  Ol"BoyCadillacJack saw that she was looking at it.  The first thing Ol'BoyCadillacJack said to the sweet pretty little gal behind the counter--The spot is just water!  Yes it's sorta kinda hard for us ol' small town IA boys to think about paying $165 for a round of golf (i.e. we paid $112 at 12:08--afternoon rate) when you can play at Aplington's golf course all year for $320. Such is life.

Hey, if you believe all this stuff, I have a bridge to sell you!  We stopped on our way back from Palm Springs at Lake Havasu City.  I wanted to see the London Bridge (i.e. the scond most visited tourist attraction next to the Grand Canyon in AZ).  Yep, Robert P. McCullach bought in in 1967 for $2,460,000, dismantled it and had it put together in Lake Havasu City, AZ.  Yep, it looks like an ol' bridge all right! 

Ol'Don was going to play Superstition Mountain Country Club with his friends. On the way out the door he answered his wife Henny's "what time will you be home?" question with "probably about 1:30, I'll have lunch at the club." 1:30 came and went, 3:00 passed, 6:15, still not home, finally at about 7:00 pm he rolls in the driveway, leaves his clubs in the garage, and presents his wife with a pizza, and begins the apologetic story.We finished our game about 11:30, had lunch, and I started home, when alongside the road I saw this attractive girl with a flat tire on her car. I stopped to help, got the tire changed, and looked around for a place to wash my hands. She offered money, but I refused, so she suggested that I at least allow her to buy me a beer. She said there's a tavern just up the road, and they have a restroom, you can clean up a bit. I agreed to stop, we had a beer, then another beer, then a couple more, and I realized that this girl was not only pretty, she was very friendly, and a good companion to spend time with. Before I knew it, time just slipped away. And that is why I am so late getting home. His wife looked him right in the eye and said "don't give me that crap; you played 36 holes, didn't you?"

This might be old but it was new to me.  Our little granddaughter (i.e. 3 year old Erin) has a new saying that she learned from Kara (i.e. her day care lady)--It's what you get and you don't throw a fit.  Such is life.

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

erv

MyFriendJean says--If you are patient in one moment of anger, you will escape a hundred days of sorrow.
AtipfromKipwhospecializesingolfrelatedmentaldisorders--when chipping open club face, relax in swg (little bat)

Don't mention it

Our children and grandgirls were here for a few days.  Now that will change a guy's schedule and life style!  Those little girls sorta kinda run the show!  A guy just needs to gowithit!  Erin and I were making orange juice using our neighbor's squeezer (i.e. the one where you cut the orange in half and then twist it).  Erin and I picked the oranges off our neighbor's tree using his picking tool.  ANYWAY Erin was the pourer of the juice.  She missed and we had sticky juice all over--no big deal!  Little Charlie (i.e. age 1) got up at 3:50 and flew on her first plane ride.  She had no sleep all day and was off her plush schedule from being at home.  She, of course, was not her own self.  Not a big deal but makes for an interesting day for mom and dad.  Then she gives me this little smile that just melts my heart.  Grandpas and grandmas are okay but moms are the real fix.  Such is life.

It's no big deal!  But she, our little Erin age 3 said--Grandpa I want to have some ice cream!  Soooooooo we stopped at the DQ and bought some banana splits (i.e. they are the special on Thursdays for $2.99).  She ate it like a pig!  I asked her if she liked it--I like it grandpa.  I taught her to say--I scream you scream we all scream for ice cream!  Then little Erin says to me--Thanks grandpa for the ice cream (i.e. it just melts my heart).  Under my breath I said--Don't mention it sweetie, you just make me smile!  Before they all left, we took them all to DQ again for another ice cream fix.  I think it was maybe Erin's first cone of her own and Charlie's first ice cream dish.  They really like ice cream.  I scream, you scream, we all scream for ice cream!  Such is life.

I always say--it's all about the money.  Well, I read it in the paper sooooooo it must be right that at the recent dog show in the Valley, it's all about the glory and prestige in winning the show and not about the money.  Soooootherreyougofolks, it's more than money. I was at the swap meet (i.e. massive huge flea market) where I saw a guy who had a black leather vest on.  One of his patches read--I know better but I just don't give a shit!  EngineerJim and IRSBill stopped by the other day.  They are my old hiking buddies of last year (i.e. I golf on Mondays so I don't hike with them this year).  ANYWAY these guys are smart.  I asked IRSBill for a tip on my taxes.  And he said--Don't file!  I told you these guys are smart!  Thanksamillion IRSBill for the tip--don't mention it ervie!  TriviaChampJr said--Hey erv It's DOVRAY not dover (i.e. that is Dovray, MN). 

Not a big deal but...At our cousins' reunion I sat next to Wally my cousin.  I eat fast as some of you know.  He beat me.  I said, I eat fast and you beat me.  His brother Chuck said, I beat all of you.  These guys get a lot done in a day I bet.  Sooooooooooo you are suppose to eat slow, not fast.  Maybe us three might choke on our own spew someday!  You think soooooo?

Not a big deal but GeorgeTheCrook says--Some folks need to be told exactly what to do and when (i.e. they have no comprehension and visionary ability--they just go with the flow--very mechanical).  SusieQ says--Why worry, God will take care of me and if he doesn't than the government will!  There was a lady hitting her golf shot close to our condo the other day (i.e. hole #2 is in the back yard of our patio).  She said they were playing in the 'hit and giggle' group!  Yep, the hits and giggles life.

No big deal but it's amazing how a couple little sweethearts can change Arlene and my life style for a couple of days.  Oh ya!  They seem to have their own schedule and control our lives (i.e. they run the show).  It's all fine and enjoyable but it really changes things around the condo here in the desert!  They put smiles on our faces (i.e. it's a hoot).  It's fun to see kids--anyone under the age of 65!  All the old geezers say something to them as kids are a rare commodity down here in the over 55 communities.  I think we all sorta kinda have a kid withdraw!  We need a fix.  We heard some old ladies say--there usually aren't any kids around; now that's different.  It's sooooooooooo good to see 'em.  Such is life.

I like the desert.  Yes I do.  More than I ever thought I would.  The American SW really attracts me 'cause it's romantic.  I like the empty space with all the dreams and drama and history!  It's probably not a big deal to some of you but I like it.  If you have never spent time in the desert, you don't know what your are missing.  LuckieEddie says--Isn't it that way with almost anything, if you never have experienced it, (e.g. like ice cram) you have no idea what you are missing.  Thanks for bringing that to my attention LuckieEddie--don't mention it, it's no big deal.  Such is life.

ItchieBitchie says he has some advice for us.  It's not a big deal ItchieBitchie but thanksamillion--don't mention it!  ANYWAY here is ItchieBitchie's advice:  What do you spend most of your time trying to get?  That reveals a lot about yourself.  So there you have it.  We just need to answer that question honestly and you have just evaluated yourself.  WildWillie says--I hope your answer doesn't 'beat the crap out of you'!  I taught Erin how to twiddle her thumbs.  I hope you just don't do that folks.  Life is toooooo short for that!  Such is life.

It was not a big deal but...we went to The New Hope Community Church in Gilbert with our family (i.e. a Reformed Church of America).  Greg Christy, president of Northwestern College which is our alma mater did the talk.  We have a real soft spot for good ol' NW for a lot of reasons.  ANYWAY Gregg talked about--Give careful thought to your ways.  He also talked about love being patient.  Hey, it takes a lot of patience when you have your family around (i.e. everyone has different ideas, different speeds, different habits, different customs, different thoughts, different Iphone4s.  A dad, grandpa, friend needs to be patient.  I think I really was (i.e. my opinion).  I have a pair of sun glasses that fit close to my face.  When the temperature of my body gets warmer than my normal body temperature (i.e. the temperature of my glasses), they fog up--they fogged up a few times!  We had a beer together at the Saloon at Goldsmith (i.e. a mining ghost town).   Hey, my family didn't tell me that I was an idiot, at least not to my face (i.e. if you're an idiot, we'll tell ya is the saying above the bar there).  They did call me thelostdutchman several times though!  http://www.prairieghosts.com/dutchman.html    Such is life. Saturday question--Give careful thought to your ways is in what book of the Bible?

Oh yes, NW is a very special place for Arlene and I as I mentioned.  I have a key chain which I have my car key on that was a gift of NW a zillion years ago (i.e. I have used it every since).  Both of my sisters also went to NW and all three of us met our spouses there.  Yes, good ol' Northwestern College is a special place to me and our family.  Maybe you, your kids, your grandkids, or great grandkids should look at NW.  It's no big deal but it's special folks. 

It's not a big deal but...they sure fooled me.  There are palm trees in AZ and their are palm trees!  Can you tell the difference between the two palm trees in the pictures here in the Fountain of the Sun?  I never noticed the difference but our kids pointed the difference out to me (i.e. I have seen them many times toyet).  Okay, the single palm tree is not a palm tree but a metal, artificial tree used as a cell phone tower (i.e. yabut it looks like a palm tree).  Man-o-man I never noticed.  Our kids probably say--Holy Guadalupee dad, were have you been all this time--don't mention it kids!

GeorgeTheCrook  says--Don't mention it but...I'm near perfect!  A golf buddy and I were talking going down the fairway the other day.  I asked him if he believes in God--oh ya, I'm Catholic and go to Mass at 6:30 Sunday mornings; I didn't go for about 7 years and then went back--I bet you had a lot of confessing to do which cost you a lot of money--no, I had to lie to the Priest about something I did wrong as I didn't do anything wrong in the 7 years--Ya, right!  TheOl'Viking says--will you join me and mentor me when I fall short? hay I'm serious, and that road to Damascis is lonely and I can sew--that is what TheOl'Viking says folks.  MissPerfect says--It's hard to turn the page sometimes--yes it is.  Ya see these signs on loop202 all the time--Minor crashes--please remove vehicles from traffic.  The world keeps right on going if we like it or not--the world says--minor crashes in your life are a inconvenience to the world soooooooo move them to the side soooooooo the rest of us can get by.  Huh, interesting.  LuckieEddie says--Yabut it's rather nice when someone stops and helps you and makes your life 'justlikebrandnew'!  CadillacJack says--There is no medicine like hope, no tonic sooooo powerful, no incentive soooooo great as the expectation of something better tomorrow!  Don't mention it, it's no big deal--yes it is folks, it's a big deal. 

It's a big deal.  Yes it is.  I went and played pickle ball with my friend Dean Slagter at Palm Creek Golf and RV Resort in Casa Grande this week again.  One of his friends asked him how long we were friends--he said--we might have been baptised at the same time as new born babes at Roseland Reformed Church in Roseland, MN!  We played for 3 hours and my knees didn't hurt.  That's a big deal folks.  To me anyway.  After we got done we went to the softball tourney at their community.  The guys can't run very well, can't throw very well, can't hit very well and are mostly way over weight.  There was a dribbler out to the short fielder--he doesn't lean over to stop it with his glove but stops it with his foot!  But you know what--they were having a great time.  We each had a big burger, bag of chips, and a can of soda and the total cost was $8.  Seniors like to eat and eat cheap (i.e. that's something they can still doooooo well)!!!  Yes they cando.  One more thing I noticed at the pickle ball courts and at the diamond--most of the guys had knee braces or knee supportive sleeves on.  Such is life.

I felt like a wimp!  Oh ya!  Little Erin hiked to the saddle of Silly Mountain by her self (i.e. I can do it; I don't want any  help). It's now way easy--just ask Deb or Geno!  We told her that that was pretty good.  She looked at us with this look--It was not big deal, don't mention it, it was just up a mountain!

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

erv

MyFriendJean says--In the game of life heredity deals the hand, and society makes the rules, but you can still play your own cards.
AtipfromKipspecializingingolfrelatedmentaldisorders--Waggle;relaxandswingthrou

now what

Now what!  Buga buga!  That is what TheCunnuckfromThunderbay says in Tiger Woods back swing of his putting stroke.  Soooooooooooo why do you do that--to jinks him; I don't like him!  He can't hear you on TV--I don't care, I still say Buga buga and sometimes I say oink oink! TheCunuckfromThurnderbay seems to like to drink (i.e. especially in the U.S. as it's sooooooo much cheaper he says).  His favorite drink is gin/tonic.  He says he bought Crown Royal whiskey here in the Valley on sale for $14 as compared to in Canada it's $60+.  Canada taxes booze and cigarettes heavily to support the free health care.  Cigs cost $10 to $12 a pack.  Hey, maybe America should do that.  What do you think?  I'm not much of a drinker but am not really apposed to it if it's done in moderation and a person isn't an alcoholic (i.e. drinking is not a big part of our lives).  In fact I stopped at a friend's place while riding bike the other night and we had a beer together.  He mixed it with clamota (i.e. I never heard of that before).  I sorta kinda liked it.  He's from Nordakota and a Scandahoovian. He seems pretty normal!!!!!  Really a great guy.  I hope he invites me back for another some time.

Now what am I going to do!  We went to Trinity Baptist Church with our BlueBunnyFriends (i.e. they are from LeMars, IA home of Blue Bunny Ice Cream).  Steve Johnson asked us what our purpose on this earth is--to glorify and love Him for ever -- go out and make disciples of all nations...and I will be with you always.  He said there are 6.8 billion folks on this earth and 7.8% are Christian. 41% of the world population have never heard the The Good New of Jesus Christ.  Wow!  Soooooooo what is your call a.k.a mission of life?  He said we need to use our gifts.  Soooooooo now what erv?  I read this while eating my oatmeal with blueberries on it--Stand tall in your faith, courageous in your commitment, for He is truly a great God.  Psalm 48 last verse.  Soooooo now what erv?  I have said this many times--I pray for opportunities, the ability to recognize them and the courage to act on them.  Such is life.

Now what!  Jr was visiting the Valley from Dover, MN (i.e. SW MN--an ol' golf buddy).  Soooooooo we are trying to play last Saturday morning along with Mike and Ron.  The weather deteriorates and really starts to get ugly (i.e. rain, wind and cold).  And Jr was wearing shorts.  He hits a thin shot (i.e. he sculled it) and it went over the green and over a tee box and came to rest on the other side.  I drove him over there.  There were two natives from AZ on the tee box and one said to Jr--you must be from MN.  It was a good laugh.  After that hole, we had enough fun and quite.  On yes, I learned something new from Jr. Jr's last name is Serverson (i.e. that's Norwegian).  He got his name as some relatives name was Sever and when they came to America the son was called Sever's son sooooooo that is why his last name is Severson (i.e. Ole's son now is Olson).  I have learned a lot from Jr through the years--most I can't repeat!!!!!!  Only kidding.  Have you ever had a Norwegian hug ?  I had one from my cousin's husband at our cousins' reunion hosted by Ron and Fay (i.e. 6 cousins and their spouses on my Mother Anna's side--Dykema).  It's like a wet washrag let me tell ya!  Hey, that's what he called it and he's Norwegian folks.  What more can I say.  One more thing--of the six couples, 3 were married for over 50 years, 1 will celebrate their 50th this year, Arlene and I 42 years and the youngins were married 40.  That's quite amazing to me.  We sure laughed a lot. 

Now what!  I read it in the paper soooooo it must be right--The biggest-ever study of chronic-fatigue syndrome treatments has challenged the strategy championed by patient groups:  taking it easy is not the best treatment; exercise and behaviour therapy are.  Da!  Soooooo now what?  Joesixpack says--be a go, go, go-getter!  Hey I read this in the paper tooooo--More women than men express worry about the recession (69% of women vs. 54% of men).  Sooooo what does than mean anyway?  MissPerfect says--That's just real life!  ItchieBitchie says--Some women seem to just go on and on; go on for ever!  WildWillie says--I maybe maybe wrong and I maybe maybe right but things are sorta kinda slipping!

Now what!  I think cars drive toooo fast on AZ 60 and loop 101 here in the Valley.  I have seen several accidents on 101 where cars are toooooo close together at a high rate of speed and then the traffic slows or stops and then a lot of back ends get dented.  Sooooooo I watched a few minutes of the Daytona 500.  These cars are going 195 mph and are pushing each other (i.e. actually touching each other).  What in the world!  How can they do that?  That just blows my mind how they can do that.    Did you hear Trevor Bayne's interview after winning.  He is one of the 7.8% folks.   www.bpnews.net/BPnews.asp?ID=34693  A golf buddy told me going down the fairway Monday--Sport announcers really don't like folks who are that expressive about their faith.  It makes many of them nervous it appears (i.e. maybe they are part of the 92.2% and they wonder, now what is he going to say).  Another thing--I stereotype NASCAR drives and fans as big beer drinkers.  I have never been to a race.  Is that a correct image or a false image?  Such is life.

Now what?  Do drinkers sorta kinda hang around each other a lot do yo think?  I sit in the hot tub most nights, usually by myself.  On a couple of occasions, JoeCoolTheMovieStar has come when I was there.  I call him that 'cause it appears he thinks he'sGodgifttowomen (i.e. my opinion).  I don't think, unless he's different than my impression, that he and I are compatible.  I know a guy back home who drives me crazy (i.e. he's a faker and phony, he only thinks of himself--my opinion) who I'm not compatible with--in fact I really don' like this guy.  There is only one person in this world who I really don't like--he's it.  Oh ya, there is another guy who is on the edge but I can tolerate him but not for very long.  I met a guy who reminded me of him the other day and it made me excited (i.e. it's better I'm not around him I think).  OneSmartGuyRon says--Birds of a feather flock together.  Oh ya, maybe JoeCoolTheMovieStar is God's gift to woman and I'm just jealous.  Now that could be. 

Now what!  Do you know why they have caps on the beer steins?  I was told on the golf course that it's to keep the bugs out of the beer.  Saturday question--Do more folks get the job 'cause they drink beer with the boss or more folks don't get the job 'cause they drink beer with the boss?  SlurTheBlur says--I don't know the answer but I do know that excessive drinking may make a guy trip and fall under the buss!  I have seen that.  Ouchy ouchy!

By Dr. Rick Warren--If you are like most people, various studies of human behavior indicate that:  You average 30 conversations a day. · You will spend 20 percent of your life talking. · You will speak enough words in one year to fill 66 books - each 800 pages long!  The average man, research has determined, speaks 20,000 words a day. The average woman, the same studies show, speaks 30,000 words in an average day. (Maybe this explains why some husbands have nothing to say when they get home at night, while their wives are eager to converse).  The husband might have already used up his daily allotment of 20,000 words at work; his wife might have utilized the same number of spoken words, but she still has a 10,000-word surplus!)  SusieQ asks--Soooooooooo now what?  Joesixpack says--When a man and woman marry they become one.  The trouble starts when they try to decide which one!  Ouchy ouchy!  I took a Sabbath one day this week--I didn't do tooooo much or talk to toooooooo many follks--I spent it pretty much by myself--I even sat in the sun for about 2 hours just mediating, even thought about a few you guys--even watched NCSI with Arlene in the evening (i.e. Arlene's favorite TV program--I never watch TV except for sports)--I need that once in a while--it makes me feel ohsogood!--I didn't use up my 20,000 words--look out tomorrow folks!!!!

Now what?  It's called Valley fever.  Yep, that's what it's called.  Folks breath in a fungus and it stays in their lungs.  Many doctors, I have been told, from outside the Valley don't know what it is.  It's sometimes believed to be cancer.  ANYWAY it's hard to get rid of I hear.  I don't want it. Doctors say you should wear a mask and/or stay in the house (i.e. now that's not much fun).  LuckieEddie says--There's always somethin'! I sneeze more here in the Valley I think.  I think it 'cause of the dust.  The Valley is just a dessert really.  I replaced my in-cabin air filter of our car--man was it dirty!  Such is life.

Now what!  A golfing buddy a.k.a GovernmentKen is German and likes his beer he says.  He said he grew up drinking beer.  I like my beer he says, I'm a pretty good beer drinker!  But he has changed to NA after having a stint put in (i.e. to improve his triglycerides).  He plays in St. Martins (MN) German City Band and does all the old German songs in German of course.  One of them is this one--Lyrics to Ein Prosit--German Lyrics--" Ein Prosit" ~ Ein Prosit, ein Prosit ~ Eer Gemütlichkeit ~ Ein Prosit, ein Prosit ~ Der Gemütlichkeit. ~ OANS ZWOA DREI! G'SUFFA!  English Lyrics  -  "A Toast" ~ A toast, a toast ~ To the coziness of it all ~ A toast, a toast ~ To the coziness of it all ~ ONE TWO THREE! DRINK UP!  http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DednRoVoiKE  GermanHerman says--When in doubt, call a kraut! 

This was a real education as to how uninformed I really am.  I had a hard time and I wasn't even drinking!  See how you do.  www.rethinkingschools.org/just_fun/games/mapgame.htmlhow

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

dutchmeanerv

MyFriendJean says--A kick in the rear is a step forward.
Atipfromkipspecializingingolfrelatdmentaldisorders--chin up

methinks

MissPerfect says--Today is the present, a present from God a.k.a. a gift.  Methinks that he was blessed (i.e. a gift from God--my opinion)!  That's what methinks.  I was walking to the first tee with a guy who I have played some golf with (i.e. I like this guy).  He's a MississippiRiverRat from Dubque, IA.  ANYWAY as we were discussing something, he told me that 6 years ago he and his wife had coughing colds.  His wife calls their doctor and the doctor gave her a prescription over the phone.  His wife suggested he do the same. Sooooooooo he called their doctor and he said, I think you should have a chest x-ray.  He did and found out he had lung cancer.  They removed about a fourth of his lung capacity and he is walking 18 or 9 with me.  Soooooo I asked him if it was tough--very tough; a roller coaster of emotions (i.e. some of you know what this is).  The surgery was through the back and he had 48 staples.  For 12 weeks every time he moved it really hurt.  Sooooooooooo why were you soooooo blessed to catch this early and not die--I guess it was my day to be in the barrel!  Their doctor, to this day, is not certain why he required the x-rays.  He could have gone either way.  Methinks he was blessed--he knows that and seems to really appreciate life.  Paul said--Rejoice with those who rejoice, and weep with those who weep.  We rejoiced together.  Yes I rejoiced with the MississippeRiverRat just before I complained about my not picturebook perfect tee shot!!!!!!  Such is life.

Methinks that I'm not appreciative enough most of the time.  Saturday question--Are you appreciative most of the time.  Are you optimistic or negative most of the time?  I just finished reading the book Unbroken by Laura Hillenbrand.  Lois, Phil and Mac are in a life boat shot down in the Pacific during WW II.  Louis and Phil are optimistic (i.e. eventually start praying together) and Mac is negative. Guess who lives and who dies?  They survived 47 days in that raft only to be picked up by the Japanese and tortured.  Louis made a comment that he thought Mac was born negative.  Do you think that is true.  Hey, I was just blown away with the ending (i.e. incredibly positive but very surprising)!  Joexispack says--Negative folks don't even know they are negative and positive folks don't even know they are positive.  It's sorta kinda like this--A thought kept coming back to me several days after I read it as part of my devotions while eating my oatmeal with a half of a banana on it (i.e. I must think it's important to me if it keeps coming back to me).  A University of Kentucky psychologist says that much of our self-esteem comes from feeling better about ourselves than about others because of the group we belong too.  That thought kept sticking to me like dried oatmeal sticks to my breakfast bowl if I don't rinse it out.  Sooooo am I bias and prejudice?  Of course I am; everyone is even if you think you are not (i.e. that is what methings--my opinion).  Such is life.

Methinks there is a difference in women (i.e. my opinion).  I was hiking the other day and caught up with three gals maybe in there middle 50s.  I said--how's it going to the last one who was taking a layer of her clothing off and just dropped her hikin' map--she said, I'm doing fine as soon as I get my shit together; sometimes that's challenging.  She made me laugh, I just don't hear that from the gals I'm around (i.e. maybe I'm around babes that don't say that--at least in public).  Soooooooo I hiked some more and got maybe a mile out and come across this babe who had a fancy black dress pants on, a designer white winter coat, a black fuzzy long scarf and carrying this big black purse.  It looked like she was going to a Christmas party in Iowa.  She was all by herself.  Methinks there was something wrong with her--Medidn'task!  Methinkis it was better to head on up the mt. Hey, you think I'm picking on women.  I'm not.  I hiked with three guys and a gal the other day.  The gal (i.e. a real Secretariat) was second to last in the line and I was last.  Suddenly the guy ahead of the gal fell back so there was a massive huge gap between him and the guy ahead of him--what's the deal--Ron's farting again!  When we were about 2/3 of way of our 9 mile hike (i.e. couple of the guys were tired) when Ron said--Bill and I think we should have died by now considering the way we live our lives during the week!  HikerguyfromtheTwinCities a.k.a the smile generator and I got talking--He has a heart for volunteering.  GeorgeTheCrook says--Helping others give meaning to life (i.e. making someone elses life better). Missperfect says--Let the GO begin!  Such is life.

Methinks this guy is on the right track.  Arlene and I hiked the Treasure Loop on the base of Flat Iron of the Superstitious Mountains in the Tonto National Forest (i.e. it's a moderate difficult hike).  It's a nice hike which takes us about an hour and a half.  ANYWAY as were were approaching the back of the loop when we saw a steward (i.e. a person who volunteers to work on the trails) carrying a 12 by 12 timber maybe 5 feet long up the trail on his shoulder.  We caught up with him putting it in the trail as a diversion for the water erosion.  He was digging it in with a pick ax--sorta kinda hard ground to dig in--sure is, lots of rocks and just hard ground--you must be one tough guy to do this--I wasn't when I started a couple of years ago; I have lost 25 pounds doing this; I have it the best, a free work out and a great office--you are doing the right thing by volunteering and making other folks' lives better--I would like to think soooooooo!  Soooooooo folks, get off your "blessedassurance" and do some volunteering (i.e. bring some joy to the joyless).  We had gone around the loop and were starting down and met a couple of gals.  We stopped and talked.  Lil was 91 and was with her daughter.  Lil told us that her and her husband hiked this loop many many times during their 40 years wintering in the Valley (i.e.they were from IN).  She had real flowers in her pocket--I said--we usually don't see folks with flowers in their shirt pocket hiking.  It's real personal--Arlene asked her what it was--My husband died 5 years ago and asked that he have half his ashes scattered behind Green Mt (i.e. on the loop).  We are going up there to place these flowers there.  Is that touching or what folks.  Methings she is quite a gal. 

Did any of you ride your bike to the course with your clubs on your back when you were a kid?  Well, when you get to a certain age, ya sorta kinda revert back again.  Methinks guys revert back to their boyhood after a certain age.  Remember when you didn't hear your parents?  Now when us guys get older we can't hear again.  LuckieEddie says--Three retirees, Paul, Lowell and Erv, each with a hearing loss, were playing golf one fine February day down here in Sun Valley. One remarked to the other, Windy, isn't it? No, the second man replied, it's Thursday. And the third man chimed in, So am I. Let's have a beer. Methinks that is about' true down here in the Valley with us ol' geezers!  But then again some things just don't seem to change with age.  TheCunuckfromThunderbay told me this story about his neighbor Tom.  Tom is 86, can't see very well, is on oxygen most of the time, can't hardly walk but still plays golf (i.e. sorta kinda of--he unhooks his oxygen, hits and then walks a few feet back to his cart, and some times doesn't play all the shots).  ANYWAY TheCunuckfromThunderbay and Tom were playing and were coming from on hole and going to the next.  They had to cross the street and there was a middle aged lady standing there.  Tom says--That babe sure has a nice ...!  Such is life. 

Methinks it will change (i.e. money will force it--it always does folks)  Fountain of Sun Country Cub is in our 55+ community (i.e. it is owned by some members now).  It was probably built when the community was built maybe in late 70s I would guess.  It was an elite club back then costing $10,000 for a stock in order to join.  Well, a lot of those folks back then are now dead or can't play or can't pay the $$$$ needed to make this club function.  It was then sold to some members.  The stock is worthless and the club seems to be really struggling.  Things have changed and they haven't.  The club/course probably looks the same as it did when it was built and the younger folks don't want that elite feeling (i.e. my opinion).  It will have more financial problems and it will be sold probably for about 50 cents on the dollar and then that party will go broke and then it will be sold again for 50 cents on the dollar.  And then it will still be hard to make money.  This is all my opinion folks but I did read this in the paper so it must be right--Desert Mountain Country Cubs sold for for $73.5 million but thought it was worth $200 million.  Ouchy Ouchy!  Back to the Fountain of the Sun Country Club--I went into the club house last Sunday to buy some tokens for the driving range ball machine as they close later Sunday afternoon.  The gal told me I couldn't hit range balls since I had a tee shirt on--okay I said, can I wear blue jeans--ya, she said with a smile.  She knew what I meant.  I see members wearing blue jeans that look terrible (i.e. that makes me laugh).  Sooooooo on the pro shop's door there was a sign (i.e. probably from the 80s) that is suppose to say--No spikes allowed (i.e. no one wears hard spikes any more).  Some one scratched it a little and it says No spies allowed!  That makes me laugh as there seems to be trouble in the club (i.e. everyone has the answers but doesn't want to pay any money).  That all makes me laugh.  Okay we go to church at Trinity Baptist Church.  We have gone there several times and seem to like it.  The services are exciting, never the same, uptemple, Biblical, personal, constantly changing, encouraging, very Christ centered, and they use some of the old but much of the new.  I feel that many denominations and churches need to adapt and not be like the old country club.  That's my opinion.  Sooooooo after church we go to Paradise Bakery and Cafe for breakfast.  On the door it reads--Change is delicious, Not doing away with our old favorites but adding some new.  We hope you embrace the change and enjoy our fresh new kind of goodness.  Huh, interesting. I read this as part of my morning devotions while eating my oatmeal with a half of banana on it--Medical studies have shown that even though people who have had heart-bypass surgery are told that they must change their lifestyle or die, about 90 percent do not change.  Typically, 2 years after surgery the patients haven't altered their lifestyle.  It seems that most would rather die than change. And John the Baptist said--Repent, (i.e. change) for the kingdom of heaven is at hand. Such is life.

Methink that it was tough for them.  We were invited to go to a Valentine night at the Scottsdale Bible Church with our neighbors last Saturday night.  It was a supper followed by a movie "What if".  ANYWAY I sat next to Kerry at the dinner.  We got talking some and he told me that he was an engineer but recently was laid off and was with out work for 21 months.  He was 51 and they have 4 children with the oldest being 19.  His wife went back to work and they got real close to selling their house.  They spent all their savings but did keep his 401K.  He does have another engineering job now BUT at 40% of his pay before.  Ouchy ouchy!  He said their life style will never be the same.  He wonders if he will ever be able to retire.  We talked how things can look soooooo bad and then change (i.e. like corn going to $7 a bushel).  I told him my mentor tells me that things are never as bad as they look and never as good as they look.  He asked me about the relationship I have with my mentor--what do you guys talk about, how old is he, how did you get to that relationship, etc.  We talked about how God is in charge and we just need to do what we can (i.e. have faith and believe).  Soooooo I talked to my mentor the next day and told him about this.  He was the one who told me that corn went to $7.  I said--I should have been a farmer--he said--I think you have had a pretty good life erv (i.e. life of Riley).  Such is life.  

Methings this might be a fun gift to someone or even for yourself.  See what youtink!  http://www.godfeet.com/  SusieQ says--Now that maybe would be a nice surprise for someone.  I read about it in the paper.  Quite an interesting story.  The folks are working out of their garage in Gilbert, AZ just down the road from Mesa.  Sooooooooooo what do youttink?

Getting back to volunteering.  I read this in the paper so it must be right--According to leadership and spiritual guru Deepak Chopra, individuals have more control over their happiness than they might believe...the easiest way to be instantly happy is helping someone else...Get outside yourself......Give them appreciation.  Methings more folks would be happy by throwing those chips away, getting their butts of the couch and helping someone (i.e. my opinion).  Methinks that volunteering can give you hiccup relief!  What do youtink?  CadillacJack says--Death is more universal than life; everyone dies but not everyone lives.

Methinks she quite a gal.  Arlene and I were having our late afternoon sip of wine sitting in front of our condo.  Our neighbor across the street came out and was getting in her vehicle.  She was all dressed up and walked over to us (i.e. smelled good tooooo).  Her name was Fran and she was going out with her Monday night group on Tuesday night.  I gave her a hard time that it was nice to know who was responsible for the loud music and wild parties late at night across the street keeping us awake at night!  Fran, I guess was maybe 80 and her home is in SW IA.  We talked about IA weather and then she told us she was originally from MO but came to SW IA to teach.  One day she went to the local store to buy something and that night the owner called her and wanted to have coffee with her.  She said she didn't have time as she was correcting papers and besides she had to go to choir practice.  He said, I need to start to go back to singing in the choir, I'll meet your there.  3 weeks later they were engaged and 4 weeks later they were married.  I said to her--He must of been one good kisser!--that's another story, on our second date he asked me what I would do if I really wanted to do something but didn't quite know how to do it; I said I would make a plan and then act on it; he then hugged me and kissed me; I sorta kinda walked right into that one!  They were married for 40 years and he died.  She was a widow for 7 years saying she would never get married but then this guy came along and talked her into marriage again.  He has been dead for 2.5 years.  I asked her if she was gritty?  Gritty, what does that mean.  Like tough.  She said--you gotta be!  Okay Fran, when you come home late tonight, don't make soooooooo much noise and wake us up.  She just laughed.

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

erv

MyFriendJean says--Some folks can not be worked with, they have to be worked around.
Atipfromkip--specializingingolfrelatedmentaldisorders--squench toes.

What in the world!

Some of you say--What in the world is he (i.e. erv) trying to say now!  What is he really saying?  Well, what I am saying probably is not the same as how you interpret it.  Why, you say.  Well, how you interpret this depends much on:  your emotions, your environment now and in the past, how you have been programed, your self confidence, your attitude, how you are educated, who you are around, your age, and a zillion other reasons soooooo don't take any of this toooooooooo serious.  Disclaimer--Bottom Line... composing e-mail or posting something on the Net is as easy as writing on the walls of a public restroom. Don't automatically believe it until it's proven false... ASSUME it's false, unless there is proof that it's true. Suck it up cupcake! 

My favorite adds during the Superbowl were the Snickers (i.e. about whining), car.com (i.e. let others go first) and Teleflora (i.e. it's a Valentine one).  They made me laugh.  You can  watch or rewatch them all at    http://superbowl-ads.com/article_archive/xlv/   I bet this guy wasn't laughing.  What in the world, I bet he thought. I guy told me that maybe 20 years ago he and his wife were having a burger at a lake (i.e. on vacation) on night. Out of the blue his wife said--You aren't any fun anymore. What! You spend all your time and thoughts on making money--you're no fun anymore. At the time he was very engaged in a large business. He told me he didn't sleep very well that night. When they got back home, he sold a part of his business. He turned fun again. MissPerfect says--Sooooooo where are you and I positioned on this?   
 
Who in the world is that Guy anyway!  Arlene sings in the Fountain of the Sun's chorus.  They practice every Tuesday for a couple of hours and then put on a performance in March.  She doesn't much care for the music this year (i.e. different director with different taste).  ANYWAY she and another gal were talking after practice and Arlene asked her if she likes the music--much better than last year, last year we sang all that Jesus stuff.  Arlene said she's a Christian and really liked the music last year.  I bet she doesn't know who that Guy is! 

I talked to a couple who told me that when they have a disagreement, they have a time out.  They then go and have a few beers together and talk it out.  The beers seem to be the trick.  What in the world!  I never heard this method of problem resolution before, it's a new one on me.  They call it drinkandthink!  Sooooooooo I asked--how many beers does it usually take?  The gal said, for me, about one and a half.  I told the guy, she's cheap!  It was a good laugh.  Talking about cheap.  We had breakfast after church Sunday at J's.  I was going to the register to pay when a couple of well dressed, foxy senior gals were going to the register toooooo.  I was ahead of them and one of them said--I have the exact amount and laid their ticket with the money down  next to the register.  I said--you're easy!  She said--but not cheap!   What in the world did she mean by that?

What in the world is going one here anyway? I got to have my knee looked at by some doctor or someone.  After pickleball, ping pong, bikin', walking 18 and that long hike, it got swollen and it hurts (i.e. some of you think I'm crazy doing all that stuff but I figure I can do it and I enjoy it soooooo I'm going to do it).  ANYWAY I bought a knee sleeve and a knee stabilizer.  Maybe that will help.   I'm not as tough as I use to be.  Sooooooooo I called Mayo Clinic down here in the Valley and asked them if someone would look at my knee--do you have insurance--yes--sure we can arrange that (i.e. we do our physicals at Mayo in Rochester so they have my records); she gathers my records and says, your set.  Sooooooo when can I have it looked at--how about tomorrow morning at 8--sounds good.  Sooooooooooo they xrayed it and the doc basically tells me I'm a wimp (i.e. you get no cheese with your wine so quite your whining; suck it up cupcake!  Dr. Arlene says--Do you live underneath a rock erv, if you just do things in moderation, it will probably be okay.  What in the world am I going to do.  MissPerfect says--There are always three sides to every story:  Yours, mine and the truth!

Twenty years from now you will be more disappointed by the things you didn't do than by the ones you did do.  So throw off the bowlines.  Sail away from the safe harbor.  Catch the trade winds in your sails.  Explore. Dream. Discover--Mark Twain  MyOpinion, jump on those opportunities.  Throw those chips away, get  your butts off the courch and do something!  Those opportunities always won't be there folks.  Such is life.

Oscar Wilde's says--The consciousness of loving and being loved brings a warmth and richness to life that nothing else can bring.  What in the world is going on in the world (i.e. it seems like a mess)!  GeorgeTheCrook asks--Is there any love in  this world?  We sang the song Sunday in church--They can tell we are Christians by our love by our love!  Saturday question--Have you ever been loved?  If you have, how did/does it feel?  How does it feel when your heart is broken?  Hey, it's Valentine Day coming up here.  Joesixpack says--Soooooooo just give her something on Valentine's day to show your love?  What in the world!  Do you just show your love by a box of chocolate on Valentin's Day? Valentine's Day is mostly about money folks (i.e. my opinion).  LuckieEddie says--They put that guilt on a guy and it works every time!

Tom Wyscoff said on TV at the Phoenix Open--92% of all golfers can't break 90.  He also said that confidence is a massive huge factor in golf; it's Tiger's problem right now.  That all could be right Tom but I have a few more issues with my game that I need to settle in my head.  I want it to be picturebook perfect and it just ain't going to happen.  Soooooo what in the world should I do?  And you think you have problems up there in the Midwest with the snow and the cold, you have no problems compared to me.  One of my golf buddies has a "sweet as silk, rythmatic" swing.  He's a good golfer and a true gentleman (i.e. he's about 70 I think).  ANYWAY he was telling me he is going to get a new driver.  He said--I went to order it and the guy asked how old my current one was--6 years; are they better now--not really; your current one is still very good; you probably really don't need a new one--but I want one--then you better get one.  I told him if you want one and have the $229 for it, get it (i.e. confidence).  You aren't going to live for ever.  Sweetandrythmaticswingguy told me he has this dream several times a week (i.e. it is not pleasant)--he dreams that he is still working!  What in the world!  Such is life.

What in the world is going one here!  I read it in the paper so it must be right.  I read this:  An event to attend--SKIRT CHASER 5K  Part race, part singles mixer, all fun!  Well we don't know about that last part, but you will get a workout at this Valentine's Day themed run in which woman get a 3-minute head start over the men.  Later comes a happy hour with fee beer, wine and food for contestants. #2  I read it in the paper so it must be right--No. 16 gets new craze--Caddies races' are a big hit with fans around TPC Scottsdale's wildest hole--The fans bet each other $1 which caddie will touch the green first--The cool thing is the caddies and the gofers pretty much all know what's going on, so they have a lot of fun with it, too.  #3  I put a hummingbird feeder up as I really like hummingbirds.  I wondered how they make it during the cold mornings we have had.  This is what was in the paper so it must be right--They survive cold nights by going into a state of torpor, kind of like hibernation.  #4  It said--we like you snowbirds' money down here in the Sun Valley but...your speed limits up there in the north is 35 in town and 55 on the highway.  Here in the Valley the speed limits are 45 in town and 65 on the highway soooooooo please drive the limits you snowbirds a.k.a. the ol' farts who spend a lot of money in the Valley!  Soooooooo there you go!

Arlene and I had the opportunity to have breakfast with the NorthDakotaBeetFarmer and his charming wife recently.  I always learn sooooooo much from this guy (i.e. and it doesn't cost me anything).  He educated me in that the Red River runs north (i.e. maybe the only river that does that).  It starts in MN and SD and runs to Canada.  What in the world is going one here anyway--I didn't know that!  ANYWAY he said I wonder if God knew what He was doing when he did that 'cause snow melts from the south to the north--the water just can't go anywhere).  He told me that the Red River Valley use to be a massive huge lake and now it's some of the richest farm ground in the world.  But it is going to flood again this year.  They are worried.  What in the world is going to happen--no one knows.  Such is life.

We went to Amy Grant and Michael W. Smith's concert at the Celebrity Theatre down town Phoenix Saturday night.  Amy did most of the first half of the show.  Amy had four guitars, two sets of drums, 2 key boards, 2 back up singer and then sang like she was singing into a bushel basket in the silage shed! Didn't understand many words other than Jesus and Lord occasionally. I felt like my buddies Paul and Lowell (i.e. they can't hear very well).  What in the world is going on here anyway?  Smith was good. I like what Richard W. said one time--I wake up soooooo optimistic and excited; I say, let's get after it God!  I knew more of his songs and he sang them with little or no background noise which I like.  Maybe I'm just old.  Now that is not a maybe.  I'm a ol' snowbird down here in Sun Valley with a knee that hurts (i.e. but there ain't nutten wrong with it)!  Heather told me -- maybe it's just you dad who can't hear it (i.e. suck it up cupcake)!  Such is life.

What in the world!  I have read the book Between a Rock and a hard Place by Aron Raston, we went to the movie 127 hours, and watched the documentary on TV the other night.  He has to be an amazing person (i.e. probably not more amazing than many of you).  In the book and in the documentary (i.e. more than in the movie--not popular--$$$$$$), he talks about this event in his life being a very spiritual experience.  Many of such events in our lives are as well.  BUT he like us, have trouble always appreciating them some time later.  Example--Aaron after all this, had 3 friends commit suicide and a breakup with a gal put him into a serious depression.  We might say--How in the world can this happen after how he was blessed.  MissPerfect says--The mind is really something isn't it.  Such is life.

I experienced my first snowbird jerk.  Yep, my first snowbird jerk.  I was playing ping pong and this new guy (i.e. a cocky banty roster) ended up being my partner.  He played quite well but was an absolute jerk.  He knew everything and told everyone so (i.e. I play just for fun; it ain't that serious).  Sooooooo we played another two person team.  One of the opponents did not play much so I was rather nice and easy (i.e. hey it's about having fun).  This guy got on me for not playing hard and letting our opponents score.  He didn't bother me; in fact I had him begged as a jerk and it was rather funny to me.  ANYWAY the other opponent was the founder of the ping pong fun.  He started with no tables and no folks and now has four tables and maybe 30 folks playing (i.e. he's a good guy). Soooooooo he couldn't take it any longer and charges to our side of the table telling the jerk what he thinks about his attitude (i.e. really got in his face).  I don't think the jerk probably even knew what he was talking about (i.e. jerks are just jerks--what more can you say).  The jerk just thought, what in the world is he talking about.  I respect the founder doing that.  Such is life.

More disclaimer--Some of you are maybe glad this "It's Saturday" is over (i.e. ended).  It's sorta kinda like what a pastor said to his congregation--my sermons all have a happy ending!  Everyone is happy when I'm done!

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

erv

MyFriendJean says--Do right and leave the results with God.
SportsPsychiatrist"specializingingolfrelatedmentaldisorders" tipfromkip--LFT elbow rotates and aims at Rt. hip

Here we go!

Here we go folks!  Every thing seems so crazy nowadays!  I read all of this in the paper so it must be right:  In the 2000s, the average family income peaked at $63,471 and then fell to $60,088 in 2009.  In Arizona:  $57,855,  U.S. deficit to reach record $1.5 tril!  Social Security will keep running at a deficit until its funds are tapped out by about 2037.  Here we go folks, here we go!  Yabut I heard that it will be just fine on TV the other night (i.e. just throw some more money at it).  LuckieEddie says--I seem to have seen this movie before!  That's just stupid.  Stupid like a Cannuck called himself the other day.  Oh ya!  He told me that he drove the whole way from the Toronto area without using his seat belt.  I told him -- that's not smart (i.e. sorta kinda crazy)!  He said--I was a stupid idiot! 

I was the youngest person there (i.e. Arlene says you just think that erv).  Here we go folks, here we do.  Arlene and I go to some music concerts.  Most are southern gospel quartets.  We went to one the other night when a member of the Foundations form MN had us all say John 3:16 together.  We did.  We did it in the King James Version.  Everyone knew it (i.e. is that crazy or what).  Wonder why, everyone there was probably about 65+.  What will the next generations think of that do you think?  The member of the quartet who asked us to do that was 83!  He reminded me of a banty roster.  Huh, interesting.

SusieQ thinks her husband CadillacJack is crazy.  CadillacJack says to his wife SusieQ--You know that tree we planted in our yard when we got married to symbolize our growing relationship, a tree that can endure all the tough storms--yes--the wind just blew it down!  Here we go folks, here we go!  I read this also in the paper so it must be right--Your sweetheart or your pet.  Whom would you choose to dump if one had to go?  The vast majority of current pet owners said they would keep their spouse or significant other (i.e. 84 percent), but 14 percent would pick their pet.  Ouchy ouchy!  That's crazy!  Sooooooo where do you stand on this issue?  Joesixpack said--Really, I would have never guested that of you (i.e. that you would have picked your pet)!  There appears to be some howlin' goin' on folks.  I pulled up behind a small plumbing truck at the stop light of Sossaman and Southern the other day.  The name of the plumbing company on the truck was Coyote Plumbing--Underneath the name was their slogan--We're only a howl away!  It made me laugh.  Such is  life.

I got ambushed by some bad guys--Bob and Daniel cut me down just in the nick of time (i.e. this is a joke folks, just my crazy humor)!  Here we go!  I went on a hike with my ping pong buddy Bob.  He's another Secretariat.  He's 68 and is a mover and shaker and can do anything.  ANYWAY this is his invite to me--I plan on going to 1st water trail head. on 1-29-2011.  Will take 1st water trail 1/2 mile to Dutchman trail, take Dutchman trail 4 miles to Bull Pass trail, Bull pass trail 1.5 miles to Terrapin trail , Terrapin trail 0.8 miles to Upper Black Top Mesa pass trail, take Upper Black Top Mesa pass 1 mile to Peralta trail, take Peralta trail 1 mile back to Dutchman trail and 4 miles back to back to trail head (i.e. Superstition Mts). A total of 12.6 miles (i.e. we looked for a landmark sooooooo it ended up being 14.5 miles).  That's the longest I have every hiked (i.e. my knee hurt the next day).  Bob's gps said we averaged 2.8 miles an hour.  He said that was a good fast speed.  You would never know it when we hiked.  He kept saying--You will get no cheese with your wine so quite your whining!  Pick it up cupcake!  Daniel went with us.  These two guys love the Lord and shared their life stories and testimonies with me.  I learned a lot again.  Enjoyed my day upth'reinthosmountains!  A great walk in the park.  Such is life.

Here we go erv, her we go!  And the rest of the story.  The Cannuck called me Wednesday morning at 8.  We will just start a half hour late at 8:30; it will warm up by then.  What!  The temperature was 33 degrees and the wind was 24 mph (i.e. the weather person called it an Artic blast).  Is he crazy?  I said I was going to pass on the golf until it turns 70 in a day or so.  ThunderbayWayne and another golf buddy NorthernMNKen probably went and played with shorts on! I sat on the couch with a cup of coffee and read the paper.  Such is life.

When I coached high school bb a zillion years ago, the cheerleaders had a cheer that went something like this--Here we go Panthers, here we go.  We went to the Phoenix Suns game recently.  Between the third and fourth quarter these guys put on this show--here we go Suns, here we go. 
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PKKPhUgtfeM
You believe that!  Are they crazy of what!  We were amazed.  A friend asked me if I thought he did it on purpose.  I really don't know.  What do you think?  AttorneyJohn sent me an email that said--It will be the first Superbowl with no cheerleaders as both organizations don't have 'em.  I like what Aaron Rogers (i.e. quarterback of the Packers) said in the Arizona Republic--My favorite quote is of Francis of Assisi, a beloved Catholic friar who lived in the 13th century--Preach the gospel at all times.  If necessary, us words.  Such is life.

One for the money, two for the show, three to get ready and go man go!  Arlene wanted to go the movie Country Tough, so we did.  I thought it was sad.  The movie is maybe just a movie in which they said, "fame and love just cannot mix".  It's even more about greed, money and alcohol (i.e. not a good mix folks).  !  I have been around some guys recently who have a lot of stuff going on in their lives:  a guy lost his wife, a guy's wife has some real serious physical problems who demands most of his time, a guy who went through a ugly divorce, a guy whose wife has dementia, a guy who made millions and lost millions, a guy who said he was full of himself instead of full of Jesus, a guy who loves his wife but his wife doesn't love him, a guy who can't hardly get around any more 'cuase of his legs, a guy who's children won't have any thing to do with him, a guy who is anxious and frustrated about some things, etc.  Those are just the guys who I can remember stuff about in the last week or so.  How many more guys are there who are not happy 'cause of many reasons?   I have no idea.  How many guys say "I'm great" but really they aren't.  They are just fakers a.k.a. deceivers (i.e. a guy thing)!  Abraham Lincoln said--You can fool some people some of the time, But you can't fool all the people all the time.  Here we go life, here we go! Some times life can be soooooooo sad!  Such is life. Soooooooooo really how is life going for you?  Hey, you women aren't exempt.  A hiking buddy told me that he has a female counselor and a male counselor.  They both told him that about 95% of woman who are widowed and divorced over 65 have no money and are very lonely!  Ouchy ouchy!  Life can get a little dicey at times! 

And you think you have trouble up north with the snow!  Oh man!  I was taking some citrus along to GeorgeandJane and Bob.  They live in the 55+ community where I play ping pong.  ANYWAY I put about 6 citrus in two plastic bags and tied them over the rack on the back of my bike (i.e. like a saddle bag)! I got about two blocks down Broadway when for some reason the bags developed holes in them and I had citrus rollin' down Broadway.  I had folks honkin' at me, laughin' at me and probably sayin'--that crazy ol' fart!  It was a hoot!  My Canadiangolfbuddies would say--It was a bloody mess, A!  I did manage to save 3 for JaneandGeorge and 2 for Bob.  Such is life in Sun Valley!

Here we go folks.  JoeBlow says--Sometimes we really don't even want to go forward but we have no choice.  There are many folks who  have problems but we just can't see them (i.e. mental a.k.a. crazy).  God only knows what your problem is!  ItchieBitchie says--We're all mentally ill a.k.a. crazy but just too different degrees.  Sooooooo who is normal anyway?  If you think you are then everyone else is abnormal.  LuckieEddie asks--Has normal changed over the years?  Was John the Baptist normal or mentally ill?  I think some folks of the time thought both ways.  Jesus called him the greatest man ever on earth.  Huh, interesting.  Sooooo who is a smart person?  I listened to a couple of senior guys talk about classmates in their high school who were very smart (i.e. based on their IQ).  Yet, now when they are at retirement age, they don't have a pot to...in and here we are playing golf in the Valley (i.e. that's crazy folks).  GeorgeTheCrook says--It's just crazy how some folks spend their money!  They said they were really not near as smart as their classmates.  They said, in a marriage there has to one saver and that person has to be in charge of the fiances and be dominate if a couple is to save.  That is what these smart guys said.  I just listened.  Hey folks, remember what my mentor says--Things are never as bad as they look and things are never as good as they look.  I have been surprised by how many folks (i.e. snowbirds) I have met that had nothing as a kid.  I would have guessed that there would have been higher percentage of folks who were born rich.  WildWilly says--Don't forget that the easiest way to get rich is to marry it or inherit it.  Soooooooo what is rich anyway?  Such is life.

You might think this is crazy but look at the two angels in our back yard in Iowa.  A giant snow angel and the angel on the house that some friends gave Arlene years ago.  Todd sent us this picture Thursday. 

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

erv

MyFriendJean says--There aren't enough crutches in the world for all the lame excuses.

Stiff Necked

He looked sooooooo stiff necked and old!  Have you ever seen someone who you haven't seen for a long time (i.e. a coons age) and say to yourself, he sure looks old!  Well here in the Valley, there are a lot of folks who wear their name tags with where they are from (i.e. like which park and their home state and sometimes town). I saw a guy the other day who's name looked familiar and he was from MN.  Man did he look old.  No way he was the guy who I went to high school with at good ol' Danube, MN.  In high school this guy was one who all the girls uhhhhhhed and ahhhhhh over.  He looks soooooo old now.  Surely it's not the same guy.  Soooooo I went to him and asked him if he was the same Vern Miller who attended Danube High in the 60s when I did.  He looked at me for a long time and said he did go to Danube High during the 60s.  He looked at me for some more and then said to me----What did you teach!  Ouchy ouchy!

Talk about ol' and stiff necked!  Our neighbors Jim and Karen (i.e. real folks with good hearts--my kind of folks) went with us to church.  We got there a little late and this old guy was playing the piano on the stage.  He was good.  It was a Artist Series and it was The Music and Testimony of a Jew for Jesus"--Sam Rotman Concert Pianist it said in the bulletin.  This guy was good.  He paid classical music (i.e. all from memory).  You might think I'm stiff necked but I like classical piano music).  I thought this guy isn't going to play for a hour (i.e. a bit long for me).  Well he played for a while and then gave his testimony.  His family was from east Europe and except for his parents were all killed by the Nazis.  His parents escaped to America and he was born soon after.  He went to school but after school was sent to the Synagogue and studied the Old Testament and other Jewish stuff for 5 days a week for 8 years.  He was very religious but very immoral and used bad language.  He was deceptive (i.e. faker) but very religious.  ANYWAY he went to the Julliard School of Music and practiced 10 hours a day (i.e. he said not 9 hours and 45 minutes but 10 hours every day).  I practice my putting for 15 minutes each day and think I should be good!  Some of his fellow students were Christian and suggested he read the New Testament, start with John.  He did and was touched like he was never touched before.  He become a moral person and his bad language disappeared.  He was cleaned from the inside out 'cause he accepted Jesus as his Lord and Saviour.  He has done 2,200 concerts in 58 countries and promotes Jesus.  He said that his music is important but Jesus is more important.  Wow!  Sam said he was 62!!!!!  I surely don't look that old, do I?  http://samrotman.com/index.html

OneSmartFrined says--When pie is served, take it!  It might not be served tomorrow folks.  On the bulletin board of Cardiac Rehab at Prairie Heart is this prayer:  Dear God, For 2011 I ask for a big, thick bank account and a slim thin body.  Please keep them straight.  Last year you got them switched around.  Amen  MissPerfect says--God, that''s sooooooo simple that even a stuff necked adult can figure it out. 

Our neighbor Sonney walked over the other afternoon (i.e. Arlene and I were sitting in the front yard late in the afternoon drinking our wine).  He told us that he's a jerk at times.  Oh ya, I can relate to that.  I'm a jerk sometimes.  I don't want to be but I am (i.e. real stiff necked).  I'm reading Psalms Now by Leslie F. Brandt for part of my devotions for 2011.  In Psalm 28 it says--O God, I am crying for help-! This is not a pious exclamation--I meant it!  I'm desperate!  If  You don't listen, I'll go down the drain!...And thus the Lord is the Hope and Salvation of all who trust in Him.  Stay close to those who struggle, O God, never let them go.  I like that.  What do you think? 

The best bumper sticker I have seen in the Valley (i.e. it was on a MN car)--At my age getting lucky is finding my car in the parking lot!  I was coming back from playing pickleball with my childhood friend Dean and his two friends (i.e. really some nice guys).  I saw the best billboard--Dear Nose, I haven't seen you for a while.  Sincerely, Toes (i.e. an ad for Mountain Fitness Center).  It make me laugh!  Joesixpack says--Quit your boos, and hisses!  C'mon folks, don't be sooooooo stiff necked. 

I went to the Ping Factory for their tour with 3 buddies.  Ping had no sign at their plant (i.e. world headquarters); you could hardly find it.  The buildings were original buildings form in the 70s and were just converted over to the factory (i.e. very modest).  We had to ask where the tour was--no directions at all.  It was in a converted office of a lumber yard.  This company doesn't appear stiff necked at all (i.e. my opinion).  Their philosophy was/is--quality.  They handle every club like it's the only one they are making today (i.e. very impressive).   The employees really like working their (i.e. I read this somewhere and I asked maybe 10 employees and they all said they really liked their jobs).  The employees do 4 jobs each day (i.e. switch at breaks).  Ping's quality control is their employees (i.e. they all can do the jobs and know the product very well and watch each other).  Huh, interesting. 

The guys I play golf with on Monday are really something all right.  One guy is GreatGuyKim, age 71.  He loves golf and is a good golfer but probably was much better in his prime.  I asked for his business card--It reads--Kip Pinkerton, Sports Psychiatrist "Specializing in golf related mental disorders"  50 year practice.  And Dave is also a good golfer who loves the game and was probably better in his prime than he is now (i.e. Dave's the guy with the artificial hip that squeaks).  I think both were scratch golfers back then.  ANYWAY Dave says he doesn't give a rats...when doesn't shoot as good score as he would like.  Life is tooooo short.  These guys are not jack wagons but royal flushes (i.e. great to around).  My Wednesday golfin' buddies are something toooooo!  WayneTheCannuck said after missing a 3 foot putt--Ymppin'J'esus!  I said--what's that, I never heard that before--where you been all your life erv (i.e. obviously not in ThunderBay).  KenTheGovernment guy had a bracelet on with some magnets on.  He did some experiments with me and it seemed to help my flexibility and balance.  He says they really work http://www.pureenergyband.com/ Now how can I compete with these guys anyway.  On the 7th tee box we talked about how many times we had to get up and pee during the night.  I think I was the lease with none to one.  I think the most was 3 to 4 but one guy said his wife gets up 10 times.  I learn sooooooo much and I don't have to pay for any of it!  Such is life.

ItchieBitchie was in a bank here in AZ when a robber came in with a mask on and told the teller to fill his bag with money.  One of the customers pulled up his mask and the robber shot him dead.  He then asked if anyone else saw his face?  Everyone shock their heads no.  Then IthcieBitchie said--My wife did!  Ouchy ouchy!

It's either they were tooooo stiff necked or I was toooooo loose necked. I don't know!  I had a group interview to be a volunteer at the Bannor Health. There were maybe 20 folks interviewed at the same time.  I wore my golfing shorts, shirt, cap, and an old pair of tennies that I wore for the Ping tour in the morning.  The other 19 were pretty dressed up (i.e. the guy next to me had on a white shirt and a tie).  ANYWAY after listening to most of them, I realized they all needed this job for one reason or another (i.e. career change, students in college, or change of life plans).  I don't need this job; I just wanted to help someone.  If they don't want me, I'll help someone else.  This attitude could be heard in how different folks answered questions (i.e. I think it was transparent).  MyDaddyChester use to tell me--erv, if you can loose the deal (i.e. don't have to have it), you are a much better negotiator!  Such is life.

The opportunity just fell in my lap!  I most often putt for about 15 minutes late each afternoon at the Fountain of the Sun Country Club.  Soooooooo last Saturday I went to do just that.  I putted a few and noticed that there was a young lady also putting quite close to me.  Young in being about 23 or so (i.e. not stiff necked and old).  I asked her if she wanted to have a putting contest with me--sure--so we putted a couple holes and talked more (i.e. her putting was almost as sweet as she was--SWEET!  She was Kirby Dreher from Cananda who plays on the Future Tournament just blow the LPGA (i.e. just goggle her).  She qualified for the U.S. Open and also the Canadian Open last year.  She's living with her grandma and practicing before the tour of 14 events starts.  Each of those events cost $500 to enter. Soooooo do your parents have a lot of money--no not really--sooooo isn't that hard--yes it is; we travel together and stay in private homes at the events.  Sooooo do you have a sponsor--not really; I would like one; are you rich?--no no!  Sooooo folks if you want an opportunity, here you go.  She is the nicest girl. We putted some more and set up a tee time to play together this last week.  I got a couple of my golf buddies and we all played from the men's tees (i.e. 6,200+).  She whooped us all.  I know she has three fans who will follow her future (i.e. she is a gal who we all want to do well).  Wish you the best Kirby!

JorBlow says--Don't be a usetobe but be a beer!  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.  Sooooooooo folks, throw those chips away, get your butt of the couch and do it!  Such is life.

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

erv

MyFriendJeans says--Joy is not in things but in us.

Refresh

At the top of my gmail account there is a word "refresh".  It, I think, it refreshes my inbox messages.  It makes it current, up to date, at the moment, renews, restores, replenishes, revives.  Now someone had to come up with that word when they put gmail together.  I wonder who it was and why that person or persons picked "refresh".  Maybe it's like picking the name of Secretariat for Secretariat!  If you watched the movie, well, then you know how Secretariat got his name Secretariat.  Why am I named Ervin.  I really don't know for sure but Chester and Anna had their reasons!  What more can I say.

It's refreshing to see something different all right!  Who in the world would want to do what this guy is doing?  A guy must have to be crazy or something to want to do that.  This guy was on the corner of Power and Broadway "waving" as they call it for some tax preperation company.  He was dressed up as the Statue of Liberty carring a sign that points to the Liberty Tax.  Now you don't see that in Aplington, Iowa folks.  Such is life.

Arlene and I went for a nice, long hike the other day.  It was a very refreshing hike 'cause of our conversation.  We discussed real stuff; stuff that we haven't really talked about before.  Stuff that is very important.  Stuff that affect our life in a very real way.  It was like pushing the refresh button.  Soooooo Randy and Pete said some stuff to me at ping pong the next day that refreshed the refresh (i.e. very much related to Arlene and my conversation).  They had no idea that the refresh button was pushed again.  Now only if I can stay refreshed and not become stagnant.  Time will tell. 

It's sooooooo refreshing to know that God is in charge of this world and my life.  It's confusing but refreshing folks.  I read this while eating my oatmeal with a half of banana on it -- Sometimes life does not make sense. God had promised David that he would be king of Israel; instead, he found himself hiding in a cave in the wilderness. “The arrogant are attacking me, O God; a band of ruthless men seeks my life –men without regard for you, he cried” (Psalm 86:14).

Some how, some way it will be refreshed.  AZ is struggling with it's budget (i.e. like most states and our nation).  Sooooooooo what's new.  It will be renovated 'cause it's to a point that it can't continue this way (i.e. I always say that it's got to get real bad before anything will change (i.e. face reality).  It says in the paper--Gov. Jan Brewer $8.9 billion plan closes a deficit that she projects at $1.15 billion for fiscal 2012 and does it withoutr raising general taxes.  But her plan hinges on the federal government's permission to drop 280,000 people from state health-care rolls (i.e. many being the mentally ill) and depends on additional borrowing and other gimmicks like cut university budget by $170 million and many other non-poplular cuts.  Of course the opinions are all different depending how it affects each person--some say it's very good and must be done--othrers say it would extend AZ's recession well beyond the rest of the country; it's a job killer.  Soooo what will be done?  We'll find out if it's bad enough yet.  MyDaddyChester alsways said--You can't spend more than you make; either you need to make more money or cut your spending.  That sounds sooooooo simple and refreshing but...!

Ken a.k.a. the big kahuna from Northern MN worked for the government.  He was in charge of setting the radar systems for the torpedoes.  Now that is impressive.  He knows about everything.  He's a Catholic and told me that last Sunday at St. Timothy's there was almost a full band and the Priest told a joke.  He said it was refreshing.  Huh, interesting.  Do you think change is more difficult for folks who have not traveled, had less education, and lived in one area for all their life?  What do you think?

Being refreshed can be different things to different folks at different times that is for sure.  Refreshing can be a good hot shower after working hard; a sit in the hot tub at sunset after a long hike, or a good meal with friends.  We had a unique dinner with friends recently.  We drove to Cave Creek and ate at Buffalo Chips.  It's a cowboy place.  After we got done, we went out back and watched live bull riding.  We sat behind a cowboy (i.e. he had on a cowboy hat and a rodeo jacket).  We were wondering how they judged bull riding.  He turned around and told us there are two judges who give maximum of 25 points to the bull and 25 points to the rider (i.e. a bull that spins gets more points).  Soooo, are you a bull rider--no, I'm a team roper--Cave Creek is the main place ropers come form all over to rope in the winter; I live just over the hill--sooooooo do you make your living roping--no no, I'm an architect during the week; very few rodeo guys make a living by just being in rodeos; there is a saying in rodeo business that to be successful in the rodeo business you have to have a woman who has a job in town--I bet there aren't many architect/ropers around--one!  It was a refreshing night.

Had the opportunity to play golf with a couple of new guys this week at Dobson Ranch Golf Course.  I really enjoyed their company.  I think I really impressed them as I wore my Ashworth wind breaker for the first two holes backwards (i.e. and it had a V-front) so it wasn't that hard to figure out)!  Oh boy--they just laughed when I told 'em; they didn't even notice.  Sooooo when I get up in the morning, my knees creak and crack (i.e. it's normal).  One of the guys had a squeak when he swung or put his tee in the ground.  It's from his artificial hip.  He is a good golfer but told me that he always does better on the back 9 'cause he drinks some beers to relax.  After his beers, he did do better on the back!  He also said that most folks play the first few holes pretty slow but after about 4 holes they realize that they aren't as good as they think (i.e. play their normal game).  Then they say the heck with it and just hit the ball and then they pick up their speed (i.e. that is just what happened to the folks ahead of us).  It was a very refreshing day.  Got home and sat in the hot tub.  Some of you ask how much do you have to pay to play golf in the Valley.  Dobson Ranch Golf Course is a municipal course (i.e. voted the best in the Valley).  It cost us $29 to play 18 walking (i.e. probably one of the cheaper ones).  Most of the courses are struggling financially (i.e. tooooooo many courses and many folks aren't willing to pay massive huge green fees).  I read in the paper (i.e. their add) sooooo it must be right that you can play the TPC Scottsdale Stadium Course before the pros come in a week and play in the Phoenix Open for $199 which regularly is $299 it says.  Sooooo even the big boys are cutting their fees.  Such is life.

We listened to ThePastor Sunday.  He was very refreshing.  He said we are really something; we think God loves us when he gives us what we want and when he doesn't, he doesn't love us.  He loves us; he loves us not.  Soooooo how can God give you all what you ask for.  Pay attention to what you pray for.  It's almost a joke sometimes.  Joesixpack says--It's so refreshing when someone lifts us up a.k.a rescues us or saves us!  My deceased neighbor George use to say to me--Satin's greatest tool is discouragement.  Saturday question--Are you a refresher a.k.a an encourager?  A friend told me that his brother worked in a factory.  Management would reward punctuality and attendance with time off (i.e. it really worked).  Before they would punish employees for tartness and lack of attendance (i.e. it didn't work).  So what does that tell you employers, parents, motivators, encouragers?!

LuckieEddie says--A good night's sleep is soooooooo refreshing. A TX friend says--If you have a clear conscience, you 'll sleep well.  This guy gets up at 5 or earlier every morning.  I don't know what time he goes to bed.  On Satuarday mornings, he washes the windows and washes the cars before 8.  I have a Canuck friend who gets up at 5 every morning too.  Sooooo what do you do at 5--I get the neighbor's paper (i.e. he sleeps in and then I return it to his drive after I read it), go and pick a orange off the other neighbor's tree, eat breakfast and then go to Home Depot and talk to the guys--oh, I see!  He says he goes to bed at 8 to 8:30 and takes a nap every afternoon!  I have never been a morning person and probably never will.  I have a friend who wants to be a morning person.  Some folks change because of necessity and some 'cause they want too.  Sooooo are you a morning person?  I use to be a night person but now I'm not either.  But I sleep well!  Must have a clear conscience!!!!

GeorgeTheCrook asks--Why do girls always have to go to the bathroom and freshen up and guys don't?  Then they say, he tried to get fresh with me!  We think the vegetables are better here in the Valley.  We wonder if they maybe are fresher (i.e. less distance from farm to market).  The citrus sure is fresher.  You just pick it off the tree in your backyard.  We hiked and had a picnic with Ron and Fay (i.e. cousins) yesterday.  They shared some of their citrus with us.  The citrus is exceptional but they are even better.  Oh yes!  This pic is only for those of you who have Dykema blood in ya (i.e. our Mom Anna's maiden name)!!!!

MissPerfect says--I held a moment in my hand, brilliant as a star, fragile as a flower, a tiny sliver of one hour.  I dripped it carelessly, Ah! I didn't know, I held opportunity.  Oh those opportunities.  Here today gone tomorrow and many times never seen again.  If  you have never experienced something, then how do you know much about it.  Soooooooooo who is that crazy guy on the street corner anyway?  It was refreshing to be a waver!!!!  If you never did it, how can you judge?  Liberty Tax is close to the DQ so I walked in there eating my Dilly bar and asked the manager what my possibility would be to be a waver for them--so you want to be hired--sorta kinda but I really don't care if I get paid--your changes are good--sooooo when can I do it--how about next Tuesday at 1--good, I'll be there.  End of conversation.  So Tuesday at 1 I showed up and they dressed me up.  What a hoot.  It was refreshing.  The folks driving by were really quite nice.  About half waved and smiled.  Sarah who works at T Mobil was crossing the street to go to the bank.  When she returned she brought me a bottle of water.  Sarah was pretty and nice (i.e. that's a good combination folks).  I thought I was good but Donald replaced me (i.e. he does this every day as his job and gets paid $9 a hour he told me).  He had many more moves.  Dave the manager told me that this "waving" is the best form of advertising and also the the most cost efficient.  They chart their customers as to why they have Liberty Tax prepare their return.  The sign waver is #1. Such is life in the Valley!  

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

survinervin

MyFriendJean says--Pick you friends but not to pieces!