Demeanor

Cadillac Jack says--erv, if I agreed with you, we'd both be wrong.  LuckieEddie says--Do not argue with an idiot. He will drag you down to his level and beat you with experience.  Soooooo,  idiots won't listen to any thing.  Soooooo it's best to leave them alone.  Everyone wishes to have truth on his side, but not everyone wishes to be on the side of truth. Parts of this "It's Saturday" you might think are good 'cause you agree with 'em.  Parts you will think are bad 'cause you disagree with 'em.  Could you ever be wrong?  Could I ever be wrong?  Could Joesixpack and his buddies ever be wrong?  I think sooooooo folks.  Sooooooo what is your demeanor a.k.a. behavior to others--outward manner)?  Soooooo don't take this writing soooooo serious as I could be wrong but I could be right,  Hey, if some of this stuff seems to apply to you and you are offended, remember, the last thing I want to do is hurt you.  But it's still on my list (i.e. just kiddin')!  Such is life.

And her demeanor is...?  TedThePriest asked Congresswoman Alice--Where will all this lying, misrepresentation, self-centeredness, protecting your butt, greed, attitude of doing anything for re-election, saying whatever it takes to react to public opinion get you?  Congresswoman Alice looked at TedThePriest and said--Oh, I think I'll be able to retire in about 8 to 12 years!  That's where it will get me.  That's her behavior to others--her outward manner.  Joesixpack says--Maybe Congresswoman Alice needs a few swift kicks in the seat.  Maybe politicians never grow up, they only learn how to act in public.  Do you think a all-around, good, down-to-earth person could get elected to Congress? 

I called Stanley Steamer to have our carpet cleaned.  Do you have any specials (i.e. of course they have specials folks--they always do)--Oh ya we do, she gave me a quote of sooooo much for the great room, dinning room and hall and soooooo much for the bedrooms for a total of $250--Hey wait a minute, I thought you said it was sooooo much for three rooms (i.e. the special) and soooo much for the bedrooms; that doesn't add up?--Let me re-add, how about $146 for the whole thing?  Folks, to some that's the nature of the beast!  You get what you can when you can (i.e. ItchieBitchie says--that's just good business).  If they object then you can always negotiate but if they don't say anything, well...there are suckers born every day!  Such is life.

I'm seem sorta kinda moody about this it seems (i.e. I'm much like the stock market--a lot of unpredictable oscillations).  Friends and family say that I'm that way every year about going to the Iowa football games.  This is what I emailed our friends who we go with:  I know I said I wouldn't go to another IA game last year but...I think the two in November (i.e. MI and MS) we will probably not go to as Heather and James baby is due on the 11th but we will make the rest. The 5th might be iffy but surely the 12th won't work so we better not figure going to either but the rest we will make it.  Who's Tenn Tech and Louisiana State anyway.  In parenthesis it says "wins".  Okay, now I know who they are.  Ya gotta have sooooooo many wins to get in the bowl deal.  It's all about the money.  IA knows that us suckers will go to those games--I'm one!!!!!  AGAIN

My Daddy, Chester, told me--Personality is how you act around folks and character is how you act when no one is looking.  The difference is like the difference between SlickDuane and RealMary!  Soooooooooo what do you think the character and personality are of Johnny Ray and  Bubba?  My Mommy, Anna, told me--erv, don't judge folks by how they look; they might be way different than their appearance.  SusieQ says--There is no one, I repeat, no one that you totalling like; there is always something that you don't like about them.  That person can be your religious leader, your parents, your kids, your best friend.  Even the person who you like the best, 5 years from now you might not like them at all (i.e. it happens folks).  Some folks don't even like themselves.  My mentor says--Everyone gets better after they die.  GerogeTheCrook says--You just can't be liked by everyone no matter how hard you try or what you do; it's impossible soooooo just do your best I guess.  MissPerfect says--If a man is poor, he is stupid; if he is rich, he's a crook; if he goes to church, he's a hypocrite; if he stays away, he's a sinner.  If he's in politics, he's a grafter; if he takes no interest in politics, he's an unworthy citizen; if he dies young, there was a great future ahead of him; if he lives to a ripe old age, he's a burden to society.  The only man who is never criticized is he who has never been born.  Such is life. 

There are rules like the Constitution of our Good Ol' U.S. of A or the Ten Commandments that set the stage for us.  WildWilly says--Those are really only rough guidelines; I don't gotta havta do it dat way!  Those are for others but really don't apply to me.  Saturday question--What guides your actions, conduct, and behaviour in your life (i.e. forms your demeanor)?  I just read in my morning devotions will eating MI blueberries on it, that God tells us that we can't just live anyol'way, but live as He teaches us (i.e. can't be fakers).  Do you believe that or is that just a rough guideline?

I was at a friend's house the other day.  She has an assortment of bird feeders on a inch metal pole.  A squirrel was on the top eating.  I asked her how in the world can that squirrel get up that pole--he just adapts some how up he goes; it's no problem for him.  The day before I was with a friend and we were talking about the water hemp (i.e. a weed) that is becoming resistant to roundup.  It has just adapted some how and now is really growing up so we can see it in the soybean fields.  Nature sure seems to adapt.  Some how it's in their makeup (i.e. demeanor).  Sooooooooo are you adaptive or not? 

Many parents brag about their kids (i.e. it's their persona a.k.a demeanor).  Joesixpack says--Many parents think their kids are better than they really are (i.e. it's the nature of a parent).  One of my little friends (i.e. age 9) called me and asked him if I would get him started in golf.  Soooooo I picked him up on my golf cart and let him drive to the golf course (i.e. he never did this before and liked it).  I taught him a proper grip and swing.  I let him hit maybe 12 of my practice balls.  He only missed maybe 2 times (i.e. he has good eye/hand coordination it appears).  We went back to my house and I gave him 10 practice balls and told him to go to the range and hit those 10 balls 5 times--do that 3 times and call me again and we will have another lesson.  The reason why I did that is I helped some other kids (i.e. they get a set of clubs for Christmas) and they think after one session they will be a Tiger Woods without ever practicing.  Ya gotta practice, have the proper mentality, and have some ability to get to some degree of play.  Golf is not easy nor are other things.  But ya gotta work at it to be a Navy Seal, a medical doctor, a good musician, an architect, a successful business person, etc (i.e. most anything).  It's easy to be below average and even average but to be above average takes work and to be excellent it takes a lot of work (i.e. most won't be excellent as they don't have the right temperament a.k.a disposition and work ethic to accomplish an excellent level (i.e. my opinion).  Harvey Penick in his book Little Red Book tells this story--A parent came up to him and said his kid is really a good golfer as he just shot a par round.  Mr. Penick response was:  When he shoots a par round on a course other than his home course playing with players he doesn't know in competition come an tell me (i.e. what he was saying is playing by USGA rules a.k.a. real golf with no give-mes, mulligans, foot wedges, no rolling the balls for preferred lies and keeping an accurate score).  A friend who usually shoots in the 30s for nine holes told me about his brother.  His brother was going to learn to play golf but my friend told him--it isn't as easy as it looks on tv.  Sooooooo his brother plays a year with his scores in the 60s.  Next year he plays in the 50s and tells my friend--Next year in the 40s. and then the following year I'll be in the 30s like you.  It's been four years and his brother is still in the 50s.  Such is life.

Our frame of mind can be like a roller coaster a.k.a a wild ride (i.e. sorta kinda up and down) which can affect our demeanor maybe.  By changing what we think and do, we might change our frame of mind.  What do you think?  LuckieEddie says--Straighten out the kink in you life by using  these suggestions:  Remember the five simple rules to be happy:  Free your heart from hatred. Free your mind from worries. Live simply. Give more. Expect less.  I got this return message from a friend:  If the good Lord’s willing and the creeks don’t rise; he’ll be there. What do you think her frame of mind is folks? 

It's just his demeanor folks.  JoeTheWessel is sitting at home alone when he hears a knock on the front door. There are two sheriff's deputies there; he asks if there is a problem. One of the deputies asks if he is married, and if so, can he see a picture of his wife. The guy says "sure " and shows him a picture of his wife. The deputy says, "I'm sorry to inform you sir, but it looks like your wife's been hit by a truck." "I know, but she has a great personality , she's good with kids and is an excellent cook."

HumbleHilda has such a pleasing, wonderful demeanor.  It's always the same.  You can't tell if she is winning or loosing (i.e. she doesn't fizzle out). She is very a gifted person and does not show off.  It's like she's in a comma.  She's a good candidate for the most steady person I know.  She's a rock.  Saturday question--Who does this description remind you of?

I received several responses from you guys about your memories of parents and your growing up.  They were touching and interesting.  I asked Bruce this: Your parents back on the farm taught you guys well--I'm happy for you.  Sooooooooo what did they do to make your lives sooooooo good do you think?  Here is part of his response:  Erv, Exactly the same thing you learned...Mental toughness is a key! Hard work mixed in. Hard work, honesty, church right beside the school house..it is still going by the way. Mental toughness, sports when we were not farming, 4H..one year we had 33 steers and heifers at the Jasper county fair. Education was important, mom also taught school until the family started. grandparents, aunts, uncles who we were close to. Traditions at Thanksgiving, Christmas, 4th of July...Neighbors who really cared for each other. A mom that took us to all the practices, we never missed any. In high school we played our best after a day of hay bailing first. We would go to baseball practice and then come home to practice some more.  Many times we all worked together on the farm together. Zero bragging because that is the way we were taught...We never worked on Sunday except for chores twice a day. That is when we would visit friends and relatives or they would come to our house for dinner. Played tackle football..when we got to JR High, that was a piece of cake, we got to wear helmets.and pads...Hard work, mental toughness. I keep coming back to that. Honest communication is a requirement. That's enough. could write a book.... Sincerely, Bruce  ~  My mentor says--We are programed by our past.  Sooooooo can environment define our demeanor do you think?  The Debt Ceiling: A Perspective--Another way to look at the Debt Ceiling: Let's say You come home from work and find there has been a sewer backup in your house, and you have sewage up to your ceilings. What do you think you should do……raise the ceilings, or pump out the sewage? Your choice.

I read it in the paper so it must be right.  You cannot control the contour of your countenance, but you can control its expressions and what it communicates to others.  Does this mean we inherit our demeanor but do have control how we express our demeanor? What do you think?  An old woman was sipping on a glass of wine while sitting on the patio with her husband and she says, "I love you so much. I don't know how I could ever live without you."  Her husband asks, "Is that you or the wine talking?" She replies, "It's me... talking to the wine."

Soooooo did I change your mind at all about anything?  I doubt it.  You folks don't change very easily.  Most of the human race is stiff--necked and stubborn (i.e. don't and won't change their thinking very easily).  I was in JamesTheGunsmith's shop this week asking about a bolt for my trail blazer.  He had this saying above his work bench--It's too late to agree with me, I've all ready changed my mind!! 

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

erv

MyFreindJean says--Be at peace with yourself.

Iuseta

This is what I currently think but Iuseta think much different.  Isueta be like our little Charlie who we had the opportunity and privilege to take care off.  She would cry or just look at us and she would get her way with Grandpa and Grandma (i.e. she knew it).  When folks get older, they still cry and moan, and holler thinking they will still get what they want (i.e. sometimes it works with our government).  Such is life.  Joesixpack says--When you are young and aren't liberal, you have no heart.  When you get older and aren't conservative, you have no brain!  CadillacJack says--Iuseta think there was a Santa Claus; and I still do; it's the government.  Do you think there is a possibility that we will have another Depression like in the 30s?  MissPerfect says--The difference between a recession and a depression is in a recession someone else loses their job and a depression is when you lose your job.  Ouchy ouchy!   

ItchieBitchie says--Iuseta think I was just an accident but now I think I was created by God.  Ialsousta think that the lady at the well was a huge massive lady as Iuseta hear them read about the "some-area lady" but now I know it was the Samara lady!  Man-o-man, I'm glad I got that straight.

I was playing golf with the old guys the other day.  Donnie was ridding with me.  On hole six Donnie says--I wonder what's wrong with those cows?  They keep bellowing all the time.  I didn't say anything to him but it was a chain saw (i.e. some guys were trimming up some trees on the course).  The next hole he said it again in front of the whole group.  They corrected him.  Donnie then said--Iuseta hear better, Iuseta see better, Iuseta walk better, and Iusta hit the ball better.  Such is life! ItusetaIusetaIuseta!!!!

Iuseta think differently.  Oh ya!  But I'm sorta kinda thinking that when it's a question of money, everybody is of the same religion.  When we took care of Mable (i.e. Chet and Jessica's golden retriever), we would transport her in the back seat of our air conditioned car.  Itusetobe about 55 years ago when we transported our farm/hunting dog Blackie (i.e. our black lab), weusta open the trunk and Blackie would jump in and we would slam the trunk lid.  When our dogs got sick, they either lived or died--no vet folks.  If they died, we just got another.  A friend told me about some of their friends who have a place on the Mississippi River.  They have a pontoon and on the pontoon they have a air-conditioned kennel for Floofie!  Now this is hard to explain to probably 98% of the people in the world today.  I wonder what the starving folks in Africa think about this?  I'm not being critical as I sure have a good life and live "high off the hog" too.  I just plain wonder if I'm doing it right?  If America is doing it right?   I do know that my parents and grand parents didn't useta have it as good as I.  Joesispack says--Yabut erv, it's 2011 and it's not the 30s and 40s and 50s anymore; I don't want to live the way itusetabe!  I hope we are not making a huge massive mistake like an ad that read--Wedding dress $50 Worn once by mistake.  Such is life.

Growing up a mile and a fourth south of Roseland, MN (i.e. population at the time about 100) in a very humble farm house with a good family, we had very limited income so we did what we had to do.  I went to the outhouse until I was 13.  Ouchy ouchy!  My Mommy, Anna, could stretch a dollar with the best.  She worked sooooooo hard and never complained.  She was just a great woman.  Anyway us kids useta get hollered at a lot to turn the lights off if we left a room to save energy!  WildWilly says--How would you like it if someone turned you on and then left.  ANYWAY that's the way itusetabe!  Now you see whole houses lite up.  Very few folks conserve energy it seems.  We are really spoiled rotten.  I hope we never go back to the outhouse to conserve folks.  Do you know how cold it gets in MN?  We didn't useta think much of it but I don't want to do that again.  Oh no!

Itusetabe that we didn't have credit cards. Yabut the business world found a way to put a big screen tv in every house.  Wham, bam here we go.  China, a major holder of U.S. debt, berated the United States in an editorial in a state-run newspaper for our "its addiction to debts."  Oh yes, we seem to love our debt (i.e. we'll do most anything to keep up with the Jones).  My Daddy, Chester's philosophy was that we could borrow on anything that appreciated but had to pay cash for anything that depreciated.  Of course he was from the old school (i.e. post depression and went through tough times).  Well, we have pretty much lived by that philosophy.  AverageJoe says--I really don't think personal debt is a big deal as the government will come up with a plan to bail me out.  Yabut AverageJoe, the government has a debt that is unmanageable themselves.  At some point it just ain't going to work let me tell you.  The problem will be corrected.  Oh it will happen.  The question is not if but when and it won't be pretty let me tell ya?    Houston, we have a problem here!!!!!

She said--Iuseta not have sleeping problems but...!  I emailed a friend who wasn't with her husband in church last Sunday asking her where she was.  This is her response (i.e. printed with permission)--You are never going to believe this. I didn't go to sleep so I got up and played on the computer until 2AM. Then I went to bed, pretty soon the rain, etc started, so I got up again to close windows, etc. I was still awake so I got up at 5:30am, got the Sunday paper and started reading. When George got up, I told him I had not slept ALL night, have had sleepless nights before, but never all night that I can remember. Then I weighed myself on our farm scale in the basement, found I lost a pound or better just by not sleeping. (Only good thing to come from the whole escapade.) Anyway I went to bed finally and slept a few hours.  Are you sorry you asked??

Soooooooo how smart are you guys?  I know you are very smart but let's see.  I never did learn these words in Roseland Elementary and I was the in the top 6 in my class (i.e. I know that for a fact).  SusieQ is baldenfreude.  Others think her attitude is opprobrium.  She is just solipsistic so she really doesn't care; she is hubris.  Oh yes!  She's also profigacy; she's sui generis and has a profigate demeanor.  I was in 4th grade and there were only 6 in my class.  I'm the little toe head sitting in the second row to the left between Bob Burgress (i.e. who ended up playing pro football) and Mike Gort (i.e. they were both 5th graders).  If you need a little help with one or two of those words, here is your help  http://www.mountainwings.com/past/11220.htm

Iuseta not like rainy days when I was a kid but now when I'm retired, I like 'em.  Monday was just a day I liked.  It rained gently.  I went for a long walk on the golf course under my golf umbrella.  No wind and warm temperature (i.e. my kind of day).  I did a lot of good thinking (i.e. great atmosphere to do that--my opinion).  I have a very simple life.  Such is life. 

The rainy day, I finally went in the basement and found my old 22 caliber rifle.  This rifle useta hang above our kitchen door on two nails in our humble home on the farm a mile and a fourth south of Roseland.  If some of you visited our home back then you might remember it.  The stock was broken and either Dad or someone before him fixed it with a bolt and some washers to hold it together.  This is the rifle that my Daddy, Chester,  taught me to shoot with.  It was very light and Iuseta shoot very well with it.  When I was maybe 14, I went to the granary and sawed up a bid board and then whittled on it to make a crude stock and painted it orange.  Why orange, probably that was the paint we had in the garage at the time.  ANYWAY it has been in our basement for maybe 40 years and I was going to restore it when I retired.  I'm retired sooooooo this is my project (i.e. a project that brings back many many memories).  The bolt was broken off of it so I need a bolt.  Do any of you know how I can find one.  On the barrel it says it's a Trail Blazer. 

Happenstanse, na I don't think sooooo folks.  It's just more of the way it useta be.  I got this email from my sister along with her writing after I wrote the above.  Maybe you might enjoy. ~  Erv, I'm (i.e. my kid sister Doris) attaching a copy of a piece I wrote for the Roseland 125th anniversary. Myrt (i.e. my older sister) had heard about it through friends and asked if I would write something for our family.  --  This is what she wrote:  It’s hard to be brief when it comes to my memories of Roseland. The more I think about it, the more memories come flooding back. For me the farm, church and family are the first things to pop into my mind. I feel that all of our values, friends, entertainment, and life lessons were gained from these three sources. The church was the place where as children all three of us, Myrt, Erv and me, were educated in the beliefs of our faith, important truths to live by that have stuck. Who can forget Catechism on Saturday mornings marching in to the tune of Onward Christian Soldiers, meeting with fellow teenage girls and the fun at Willing Workers, or the softball diamond were so many hard found games were played! 4th of July festivities at church were highly anticipated by me. I usually planned days ahead how to spend my dollar. The farm is where I learned the lessons of hard work taught by my parents, Chester and Anna, two people who were truly the salt of the earth. The ebb and flow of the seasons and the tasks that accompanied each one still tickle my senses. The smell of fresh cut hay, the cuts on my arms from detasseling corn, the taste of sucking water up through a fresh straw stalk after combining the wheat, and the excitement of waking up and being told that there were new born calves or kittens. These are the simple things that still linger and have such a special spot in my memories. I often walked the mile and a fourth north into Roseland to the Dykema General Store. It was great that for most of my life it was run by my Uncle Johnnie and Aunt Sadie. I always wondered if when I put in my penny, would I get the striped gum ball out the gum ball machine and win the free candy or if Mom and I would be invited back to have a chat at the table in the back room. Roseland Elementary was where I spent the first six years of my school life. I tell people I had six people in my class in elementary and they find that hard to believe. I even remember riding Queen, our horse, to school one year on the last day to pick up my report card. How many kids can say they rode a horse to school? I remember the goodness of the people from church when times were difficult. Their willingness to help, in whatever way they could with cards, food, farm work and encouraging words, was always available without asking. Good Christian folks.
I’m sure my memories are different than Myrt and Erv’s and many others as well because of the differences in ages and years spent in Roseland, but lives are shaped by the times in which we live. Roseland was a beginning for all of us. A place from which we were able to move because of the lessons that we learned as children that helped form us into the individuals that we were to become. Visits back are seldom for me, but there is always someone who remembers Chester and Anna and their goodness. That always means the world to me. Respectfully submitted by:  Doris (Mellema) Kuipers  August 2011  Now that's the way itusetabe folks.  Such is life.

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

erv

MyFriendJean says--The secret of happiness is to enjoy both the past and the present, and have a faith that guarantees the future.

Comeon!

Our national politicians have struck a deal to end our financial problem. Iit says in the paper so it must be right!  GerogeTheCrook says--It's an oppositical conclusion.  You mean optical illusion don't you GerogeTheCrook?  No, I mean it's an oppositical conclusion.  The problem just gets pushed down the road so it won't affect election in 2012 (i.e. nutten changes, it's all about the money folks).  I have said it several times, nutten will get done until it's real ugly, real ugly.  Government and advertisers have trained us that what's proclaimed as 'FREE' usually isn't. Often it's a ploy to get our money for some other, larger, more expensive purchase. Warren Buffett, in a recent interview with CNBC, offers a great solution on solving the deficit. "I could solve it in 5 minutes," he told CNBC. "You just pass a law that says that anytime there is a deficit of more than 3% of GDP, all sitting members of Congress are ineligible for re-election."

MissPerfect says--I don't feel like it but suppose I better!  Suppose you better do what MissPerfect?  MissPerfect is a spoiled woman who needs constant compliments and more clothes!  Ouchy ouchy!  WildWilly says--If you don't feel like it, just fake it.  It appears that many folks can turn on the charm and turn it off (i.e. it's faky and not real).  My mentor went to a guy's funeral recently.  He knew him for many years.  He was a gunuine good guy he said.  Not faky and the minister didn't have to say some faky stuff to make the family happy.  MyDaddyChester always told me--If you are good, you don't have to tell people; they know. RuthieTheToothpick says--People always get better after they are dead; Even SlickDuane!  Ouchy ouchy!  Mabel (i.e. Chet and Jessica's dog--we're dog sitting this week) and I have been riding in the alleys of our little town.  Folks' back yards are sorta kinda not facky compared to some front yards (i.e. much like some folks' lives)!  Ouchy ouchy!  I once again have seen jerks and nice folks in all occupations, all income levels, all educational levels, all social environments, both genders and all nationalities.  Sooooo don't be surprised when it happens when you experience it.  Folks can pull the wool over your eyes really easy.  Ask Esau when Jacob with the help of their mother Rebekah pulled the wool over daddy Isaac's eyes to fleece his brother out of his blessing.  It worked!  Such is life.

YOU--It's our 3 letter mission project.  I saw that on a guys tee shirt at Wal-Mart. the other day.  Maybe we all change 'cause of other folks taking an interest in us (i.e. encouraging us).  Change can be like fading paint, tarnishing metal, growing grass, or aging.  We really don't really see it but it happens. If you haven't been around a change for sometime, a guy can notice it but if you are with it all the time it's hard to notice. 

I read in the paper soooo it must be right that optimism can give you better health.  And optimism can be taught and learned.  IthchieBitche says--come on!  Have you ever met my wife NegativeNellie?  I really don't think she can be taught to be positive--no I don't.  She was born into a negative family and that's all she knows (i.e. programmed).  She just continues the tradition.  Saturday question--Are you a positive or negative person?  JoeBlow gives us his comprehensive answer--Yes and no!  Such is life.

Comeon erv, face it, sometimes you are just a wimp!  Now that could be but when I ride into the wind, have a up hill grade, when the temperature is high with high humidity it does affect my bike ridding.  Yes it does.  But what affects my bike riding more than those factors is my attitude.  Attitude is huge in everything I do--HUGE!  I was thinking about how we affect each other's attitude.  When in Waukee and riding to Adel, I just got to the trail head but still on the sidewalk when I came upon a guy.  I said--Hey Santa, where's your sleigh (i.e. he was maybe 65 and had a long straggly white beard).  He had no front teeth and had a video in his hand (i.e. I suspect he just got it form the Kum and Go and that was his day's activity).  We chit chatted for a while and I said I better get going.  He thanked me several times for stopping and talking with him--He said, more folks need to take time to talk.  As I rode on he hollered at me--thanks again guy!  He affected my attitude.  Yes he did.  I rode hard and the grade, temperature, humidity, and wind didn't even bother me (i.e. didn't even think about it).  Huh, interesting.

I have had some unique feelings lately.  I see things different (i.e. sorta kinda surreal).  They seem like they are in slow motion and things just plain seem differently.  They seem sooooo peaceful, clear, happy, reassuring, easy and relaxing (i.e. like I'm wearing different glasses).  This feeling doesn't last long (i.e. only a glimpse) and only happens now and then.  CadillacJack say--Comeon erv, you just drank tooooooo much wine!  Hey listen, some things just look differently and feel differently. AverageJoe says--Maybe, just maybe, God is self-reveling Himself.  SusieQ says--erv, you are just getting older, that's all, you just don't think as fast, that's it.  Could be!

The CEOfromCA says--I hire folks who are creative, are honest, have integrity, have enthusiasm, and who have self-motivation; you can teach skills.  LuckieEddie says--Usually you can tell the folks who have these qualities and those who don't.  The ones that don't sorta kinda smell like 3-day old fish.  The CEOfromCA also told me that the best quality to have is humility.  I heard a joke at Oxford over the PA next to the Polka Dots (i.e. a polka band--their outfits had polka dots on them) during RAGBRAI--Those who get tooooo big for their britches will be exposed in the end!  Hey, Ken a.k.a. the governmentman, you would of liked this band.  In fact I thought you might be the tuba player.  They were soooooo humble about their abilities and seemed to really enjoy playing.  "The more we get what we now call 'ourselves' out of the way and let God take us over, the more truly ourselves we become."  C.S. Lewis  ~  We heard Stuart Briscue at the Cedar Falls Bible Conference say Sunday--The essence of worship is "being humble"!  He went on to say--God is the King of everything; when we approach a king, the king is elevated on a throne and we kneel down on our knees.  That is what we need to do--kneel down in front of God and that is worship.  He also said--Music wars are not worship!  Ouchy ouchy!

Joesixpack says--Don't count on it. Attitudes about money seem to have more to do with personality than with how much money you have. You might think rich people would be less miserly, more extravagant, or at least less anxious about money, but it seems they aren't. In a recent British survey, money attitudes were found to be essentially independent of income, with one exception:  The higher one's income, the more likely one is to be a compulsive bargain-hunter.  ~  I stopped for some sweetcorn at a honor system pick-up place.  There was a lot of money in the can.  I was just leaving and the owner and a gal drove up with another bunch of corn.  I asked them if they ever get taken-- ya maybe but we can't stop 'cause of a couple of dishonest folks; we just go forward with all the good folks--there are jerks and good folks in all different levels of our social economical structure--yabut I think there are more jerks in the higher income level (i.e. that was his opinion folks--I'm just telling you what he said).  Soooooooo do you think jerks and nice folks are equally distributed in all levels of our social economical levels?

I read this while eating my oatmeal with MI blueberries on it (i.e. that's a sign that summer is officially here)--The good you do today will be forgotten tomorrow.  Do good anyway!  In the book of Acts, Luke summarized Jesus' earthly ministry by saying that He "went about doing good".  He did it sooooooo humbly!  Jesus said in Luke--be kind to the ungrateful.  That at times is hard for me to do. EggoManErv says to himself at times--If they aren't grateful, I'm not going to give to them anymore.  Ouchy ouchy!

This is my funnest RGBRAI story but it was a very humbling experience for her she said.  I took a break in the shade of a big oak tree.  I was drinking some water and a young, pretty, petite gal of about 30 sat beside me.  She spend most of her life in CA but now lives in Madison, WI.  We did the normal chit chat.  I got up to leave and she was fussing with a over sized band-aid on her knee.  Soooooo did you crash or something--It was soooooo embarrassing.  It happened the first day.  I'm a rookie and was standing on the shoulder of the highway ready to comeon the ride.  They told me I was to say loud "biker on" but I said it in a small voice.  The hundreds of bikers were just whizzing by.  I finally decided I would just have to get on my bike and get in there.  Sooooooo I got on my bike and tipped over on the gravel before I even rode one foot of RGBRAI and that's how I skinned up my knee.  Then to top it off, all those hundreds of bikers all hollered "biker down, biker down"!  The only think worse would have been if I would have had a sign on my back that read "virgin" (i.e. what bikers call a first time rider).  She was so cute and humble telling me her story.  What a sweetheart. 

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

erv

MyFriendJean says--It is better to eat soup with someone you love, than steak with someone you hate!

I'm sorry but I had the setting set on "me only" instead of "public" on my Picasa account so some of you might not have been able to see the video I talked about last week.  I did reset it and if you are interested, you may view it now.  https://picasaweb.google.com/100992634446593487520/IvanSAboutTheHolySpitit#

how come

It sorta kinda seems odd now doesn't it that Ragner and Helga act as they do.  How come do you think they act that way?  Joesixpack says--If you want to know how come, it's 'cause they were raised that way and don't know any different!  Soooooo what does that mean? Hey, doesn't Arlene look sooooo pretty!

We went to MN last weekend to see our friends Gene and Jan a.k.a massive huge hearted folks--real folks--mykindoffolks--very generous (i.e. they are neon orange in a beige world).  I have played in their member guest golf tourney 29 out of the last 31 years (i.e. missed 2 as we were traveling last year and the other time for a friend's wedding).  Ufft'Da!  The number of players were down to 62 players compared to the high of 148.  I asked Jr how come?  And he said--gees erv, most of them are dead or can't play anymore!   I really enjoy going there for many reasons (i.e. how come)--I really like those folks, I enjoy playing golf with them and their company and really enjoy the feel of MN (i.e. the cottonwoods, the Seva cement silos, the sloughs and the drudged ditches) as they remind me growing up a mile and a fourth south of Roseland, MN.  You can see these in the pictures in the background (i.e. you might have to click to enlarge).  I really like this.

The second day of the tournament we played with two young guys (i.e. they could hit the ball farther than we could--and you ask how come).  They were both 21 and seniors in college.  They were about 45+ years younger than us.  Wow!  I enjoyed their company (i.e. nice young men).  Yah, you betcha!  The first day we golfed with our long time friends Steve and Jr.  Jr is sorta kinda an anomaly (i.e. he just makes me laugh).  He had to drive to Westbrook between rounds to get some Grizzly Green chewing tobacco.  He said it cost $4.05 but if you buy it at the Indian Casino it's $3 as there is no tax!  When we were about to take the picture, there were another group waiting to tee off on #7.  Jr said "hi Pid" to a guy (i.e. his nickname).  How come you call him Pid?  He has a brother who we call Stu--get it, Stupid!  They aren't very smart.  Cone on, you're kidding me!  Do they know that is why you call them that--ya!  They call themselves Schrier Oats (i.e. Schrier is their last name)--how come?  They say they have good looking heads but nutten in 'em!  Ouchy ouchy! Jr went home after the day to sit in the hot tub with his two favorites, Joyce and Brandy (i.e. Joyce being his wife and Brandy being brandy).  Such is life.

Many folks function in a controlled setting very well (i.e. told what to do and when to do it with little or no decisions on their part).  But when put into a setting where they have to make their own decisions, trouble occurs as they can't do it.  How come?  I think there are many reasons such as ability, way they have been programed, their self-confidence, what their motive is etc.  I think it's sooooooo interesting why some folks seem to make better decisions than others time after time after time.  GeorgeTheCrook says--I think we're talking about neverland here folks (i.e. many times we will never know how come some folks think and act a certain way).  Such is life.

DinosaurPete says--It 's not hard to figure out the how come!  It's all in the way they are trained or brainwashed or beat or taught or loved or threatened or encouraged or parented or disciplined or genetically arranged or just horseshitluck!  You pick what you want!  Yabut folks can affect others I think don't you?  You bettcha! ItchieBithchie says--If I could get a grip on reality, I'd choke it!

A seminary professor was vacationing with his wife in Gatlinburg , TN. One morning, they were eating breakfast at a little restaurant, hoping to enjoy a quiet, family meal. While they were waiting for their food, they noticed a distinguished looking, white-haired man moving from table to table, visiting with the guests. The professor leaned over and whispered to his wife, 'I hope he doesn't come over here.' But sure enough, the man did come over to their table. 'Where are you folks from?' he asked in a friendly voice. ' Oklahoma ,' they answered. 'Great to have you here in Tennessee ,' the stranger said. 'What do you do for a living?' 'I teach at a seminary,' the professor replied. 'Oh, so you teach preachers how to preach, do you? Well, I've got a really great story for you.' And with that, the gentleman pulled up a chair and sat down at the table with the couple. The professor groaned and thought to himself, 'Great .. Just what I need ....another preacher story!' The man started, 'See that mountain over there? (pointing out the restaurant window). Not far from the base of that mountain, there was a boy born to an unwed mother. He had a hard time growing up, because every place he went, he was always asked the same question, 'Hey boy, Who's your daddy?' Whether he was at school, in the grocery store or drug store, people would ask the same question, 'Who's your daddy?' He would hide at recess and lunch time from other students. He would avoid going in to stores because that question hurt him so bad. 'When he was about 12 years old, a new preacher came to his church. He would always go in late and slip out early to avoid hearing the question, 'Who's your daddy?'
But one day, the new preacher said the benediction so fast that he got caught and had to walk out with the crowd. Just about the time he got to the back door, the new preacher, not knowing anything about him, put his hand on his shoulder and asked him, 'Son, who's your daddy?' The whole church got deathly quiet. He could feel every eye in the church looking at him. Now everyone would finally know the answer to the question, 'Who's your daddy?' 'This new preacher, though, sensed the situation around him and using discernment that only the Holy Spirit could give, said the following to that scared little boy.. 'Wait a minute! I know who you are! I see the family resemblance now, You are a child of God.' With that he patted the boy on his shoulder and said, 'Boy, you've got a great inheritance. Go and claim it.' 'With that, the boy smiled for the first time in a long time and walked out the door a changed person. He was never the same again. Whenever anybody asked him, 'Who's your Daddy?' he'd just tell them , 'I'm a Child of God..'' The distinguished gentleman got up from the table and said, 'Isn't that a great story?' The professor responded that it really was a great story! As the man turned to leave, he said, 'You know, if that new preacher hadn't told me that I was one of God's children, I probably never would have amounted to anything!' And he walked away. The seminary professor and his wife were stunned. He called the waitress over and asked her, 'Do you know who that man was -- the one who just left that was sitting at our table?' The waitress grinned and said, 'Of course. Everybody here knows him. That's Ben Hooper. He's governor of Tennessee!'

How come he said that I really don't know but I took it as a very much of an encouragement.  Yes I did.  I was golfing with a friends recently.  One friend who was riding in my cart with me, for some reason said to me, "God can do anything He wants"!  And I said back to him, "At any time He wants"!  My friend really touched me.  I have never heard him ever talk quite that way before.  Then in MN a big guy with a huge massive heart a.k.a. Jr gave me a hug sorta kinda out of the blue (i.e. sorta kinda different for him).  You don't see that in a club house tooooooo often (i.e. two sweaty guys huggin').  Sooooo  you know there were some emotions there.  How come he did that?  I think I know but God only knows for sure.  He touched me.  Yes he did.  These are great folks.  Yes they are.  How come?  I have my guesses. Sooooooo folks, how come I tell you this?  'Cause it's what Joesixpack says--If he earns your praise, bestow it. If you like him, let him know it. Let the words of true encouragement be said. Do not wait till life is over And he's underneath the clover, For he cannot read his tombstone when he's dead.

We drove from Westbrook, MN to Waukee, IA Sunday night to have the opportunity and pleasure of taking care of our little grand daughter Charlie for 3 days as their daycare provider was on vacation.  How come would we do that?  I think you know. Every day I rode bike from their house to Adel (i.e. round trip is about 18 miles).  Yes it was hot and humid!  How come I did that you ask?  'Cause I enjoy it.  I noticed that the wind, grade, heat, humidity, and most of all, my attitude affect me.  How come?  'Cause I'm human!  That's why. 

We didn't win the golf tournament but got 4th I think (i.e. just out of the money). LuckieEddie says--The shelf life of fame is some what greater than 15 minutes but does have an expiration date which is about 30 minutes so don't get sooooo wrapped up in fame. Soooooooooooo how come we get sooooo wrapped up into it then? AverageJoe says--It's easy to say we aren't going tooooo but how are we going to not do it. Ya, I play to win (i.e. competitive) but enjoy the competition and comradery more than the win. How about you? While taking care of Charlie, I went to the IGA State Amateur Golf Tournament at Glen Oaks (i.e. a few minutes from their place). ANYWAY I walked out to the 16th and saw a guy who looked like Rob Christensen. I asked the rules guy and it was. Rob and I played some golf some 25 to 30 years ago. Rob won the Senior State IGA Tournament twice (i.e. he's a lot better than me, that's for sure). I rode the last holes with him. What a fun time to see him again. He and his wife Jeanie came a long ways from living on the second level of the old Doc Rolf's building in Aplington let me tell you.  JoeBlow says--We all have to start some where but it isn't where we start, it's where we finish! 

I rode with the GangOf10thousand+ on Friday from Grinnell to Coralville (i.e. 74.9 miles) as part of RGBRAI which stands for Register's Great Bike Ride Across Iowa (i.e. I rode with the big boys--see how little I am compared to them).  Let me tell you, it's hard to just say "NO" to all that food.  There is a lot of it.  I think I ate most of it!  FireThrowerHank a.k.a. Secretariat set the pace for the Gangof10Thousand+.  NormTheStorm got sick (i.e. you ask "howcome"--I think he ate toooooo many pork chops).  We missed the pink bike of Brucie this year.  He almost died under the ice cream truck a couple of years ago.  Maybe that's why he didn't ride this year.  Could be!  I also rode with CaliforniaCEOTom (i.e. riding a no gear bike) and ThePieEatingQueenLorraine.  Lorraine didn't get in the breakfast pic as she stopped at all the pie tents trying to set a new pie eating record before breakfast (i.e. and she probably did it folks)! I can't say much as I stopped for homemade ice cream not toooo long after breakfast (i.e. yummy yummy yummy, ice cream in my tummy!  And it happened again.  I sorta kinda saw it comin'.  I sorta kinda caught her in the corner of my eye.  She was coming up on my left.  Before I could do anything, THEFATLADYPASSEDME again this year.  You ask, how come?  It's an easy answer--"cause I ride toooooo slow!!!!!   Such is life.  http://ragbrai.com/

My mentor Ivan, our pastor Micheal and I did a video.  You ask "howcomeyoudidthat"?  Well, Arlene and I saw some of these in AZ last winter and I told Michael that we should do that.  He said, erv, then do it sooooo I did it.  If you have a use for the video you may use it.  Such is life.  https://picasaweb.google.com/100992634446593487520/IvanSAboutTheHolySpitit#5633823722865106370

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

erv

MyFriendJean says--Put your ear down next to your soul and listen hard.

U-verse

We were in Waukee last weekend as I said.  Chet and Jessica don't drink coffee and don't have a coffee maker.  I brought ours along sooooo I could have a cup in the morning.  As we were heading home, they called and told us we forgot it.  We were tooooooo far down the road to make a u-verse sooooooo we left it there. I wanted a cup of coffee before playing golf early Monday morning soooooo I took our golf cart down to Casey's about 6:30 to get some.  A farmer was in there and saw me on my golf cart and said--erv, I think you are a little off course!!!!!   Alittleoffcourse I have been many times.  Such is life.

Joesixpack says--Life boils down to a series of choices.  If you recognize that you are going the wrong direction, ya got to make a u-verse as sooooooon as possible (i.e. sooooooooner the better--ya can't do it quick enough--damage control)  MissPerect says--Doing the wrong things never gets better only worse so, tighten the cinch and make a u-verse now; I mean NOW!  Nutten bad gets better if you think sooooooo you are wrong again.  It's sorta kinda like golf--ya gotta stay down and hit thorough; That's just like life.  If you don't you are always in right field. 

My mentor told me--Discipline yourself or someone else will.  And start disciplining yourself at a young age as it makes life a lot easier for you.  My Daddy, Chester, always told me--Self discipline is the best discipline.  Soooooooo folks, do you have self-discipline?  Self discipline causes a guy to make a u-verse in his life.  Ya but self evaluation is sooooooo hard to do, especially if you have been programed for years in thinking what you have been doing it acceptable (i.e. like excessive spending, excessive drinking, bad language, bad eating, etc).  JoeCadillac says--Self discipline can really be a rush like "I did it" and I'm sooooo proud of myself. 

This little girl needs to u-verse let me tell ya.  Oh ya!  I was waiting in the car as Arlene ran into Hy-Vee to get a couple of items.  A guy came over the SUV parked besides me with his maybe 4 year old daughter.  She was sooooooo pretty in her little flowered sun dress and a bright ribbon in her hair.  All of a sudden she started a temper tantrum (i.e. mother of all temper tantrums).  It was the worse I ever saw and went on and on.  The father said--you can't act that way in a soft voice and just put her in her car seat, closed the door and said one more time--you can't act that way before driving off.  AverageJoe says that he lives in pretty tall grass (i.e. meaning he's has some pretty successful folks around him).  Do you like to be around successful folks or not?  Successful folks are usually competitive, aggressive, and active.  Many times people who aren't that type, don't like to be around those folks.  They are intimated by them.  They would rather be around someone like themselves (e.g. a woman who has a messy house doesn't like to be around women who have neat houses).  A guy gave me great confidence and he didn't even know it.  He is a very successful man (i.e. my opinion).  He told me he got beat in a church election.  I couldn't believe it!  How come I asked--He didn't know but told me that many folks don't like successful folks.  Huh, interesting.  Successful folks put pressure on folks and are indirectly telling some folks -- You need to make a u-verse in your life to be successful and those folks don't want to hear of it (i.e. rather hang around under the bleachers looking for scraps).  ItchieBitchie says--It's easy in America, ya just gotta complain (i.e. put on a massive huge temper tantrum) and the government will create a program to help you out. You don't have to be successful to eat and live.

We went to Hope Lutheran's 9:15 service in West Des Moines Sunday.  I'm going to tell you a little bit of what Pastor Mike Housholder said--What is your goal in life.  Is it the love of money or appearance, or a relationship with Christ?  If it's love of money or appearance you might want to make a u-verse.  If  it's money or appearance you might want to change your program; if you don't set your program, you will be programed by default (e.g money and/or appearance known as the world).  And you can't say one thing and do another--it's what you do that defines your life.  GerogeTheCrook says--Maybe you and I need a "Holy Appointment" to get our heads screwed on right once n a while!  You think sooooooo?  In between services they must have served hundreds of full breakfasts.  Wow!

There are a lot of things that goes on "underthecap" of SusieQ let me tell you.  You really don't want to know what all those things are I don't think.  Her mental makeup can be rather scary at times (i.e. that is our opinion based on our set of values and thoughts).  I was talking to a couple of my golf buddies the other day and they were telling me how they wish a couple of their children would make u-verses in their lives.  They just don't understand why they act in some of ways they do (i.e. they are not like them).  Sooooooo are you like your parents?  Are your kids like you?  Should they be like you?  Should you be like your parents?  A friend tells me -- We need to accept folks as they are!  That is fine my friend BUT when people you care about are hitting their heads against the wall, it just seems like a good idea (i.e. did you catch that I said it SEEMS a good idea) that you should tell them that if they would stop, it would stop their hurt.  It would seem if they made a u-verse they would be much better off.  Such is life.

She might make a u-verse!  I substituted for a golf team in league this week.  I got to play and ride with a friend who is maybe 51 or soooooo.  Got to catch up with what his children are doing.  He told me that his daughter and him don't get along very well--how come--I say 3 words and she starts to argue with me--maybe that will change (i.e. make a u-verse)--I hope soooooo! LuckieEdie says--I don't mean to be disrespectful but maybe you are the one who needs to do a u-verse.  This guy on the first hole took clubs out of my bag and put them in his (i.e. he was all mixed up) soooooooo maybe LuckieEdie is right, he's the one who needs to do the u-verse.  After that I checked every hole to make sure I had the right number of clubs.  He did ask me a very interesting question--What is the best thing you have done in your life?  Soooooooo I will ask each of you the same question--What is the best thing you have done in your life?

Oh boy did I do a u-verse the other morning.  Oh ya!  I was walking on the golf course early and really had to go to the bathroom--I mean really bad.  It felt like the mother of all lumps in my small intestine which was about to come out!  I u-versed and headed to the club house.  I was hoping JeffTheGreensKeeper had opened it--he didn't.  Just then SammieThePoolGal arrived and saw me doing the "pottydance" and came and opened it preventing within seconds of a massive huge lump in my pants.  Oh did that feel good.  I mean like I deposited maybe 10 pounds.  The rest of my walk felt like I was floating.  Man was that a good feeling.  Such is life.

I really had a fun u-verse the other night.  I played golf with a couple of my young friends.  Cade is 12 and Lyndie is 13.  They both like golf and are quite good at it.  It is sooooooo refreshing to be around them and see their excitement for the game.  Both might end up being excellent golfers (i.e. depending on their continued interest, how coachable they are, and how they progress).  At our buddies group a.k.a PIGS -- Pretty Interesting Guy Stuff we talked about leadership.  DinosaurPete says--We always don't have to lead the elite but maybe we should pay attention to the ones who will accept leadership--some folks you ain't going to tell 'em nutten and some really don't care nutten about nutten, sooooooo...!!!  Can you be leed?  Are you a good leader?  Such is life.

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

erv

MyFriendJean says--Speak kindly, pray softly, prune back.  Now plow ahead!

d-o-n-e

Joesixpack says--A friend is more valuable than a fortune yet many folks spend more time trying to make a fortune than making a friend.  When it's done, meaning life here on this earth, FriendJesus will be what we want, not our fortune in $$$$$$$ (i.e. my opinion).  A friend keeps coming to my thoughts this morning.  He's smart, has a lot of money and goes to church some but seems to do stuff mainly for himself.  I mean I wonder if he's self-centered and thinks mainly about himself and does stuff to just puff himself up (i.e. he might be a rodeo clown).  When you talk to him he is always telling me what he has done and how great he is.  I never see him or hear of him doing anything for someone else.  One of my sisters were talking last weekend that as we get older, stuff doesn't mean as much to us.  Huh, interesting. 

SusieQ says--Stick a fork in her, she's done!  I had the opportunity to have a lady in the orientation session for the hospitals the other day who expressed her life amazingly to me.  I give all the folks a chance to tell a little something about themselves and why they are going to be a volunteer.  She was maybe 70 and said--I have lived my life as a taker, self-centered, money hungry, and demanding (i.e. something seemed to go terribly wrong).  I joined a Bible study and realized this and now want to be a giver before my life is done!!!!  Her expression to herself was--Oh you're kiddin' me that I was really that way!  I really was and I didn't even know it.  SusieQ says--She had a smart phone but did stupid stuff!  Life has a limited warranty--very limited folks.  ItchieBitchie says--This gal has been in a fog for 70 years!  Such is life.

When we left from MI last weekend, niece Lauren gave me a container of fresh MI blueberries (i.e. she knows that I really like MI blueberries).  I got a Maure #7 shirt from a nephew in law and his boys as I give them a hard time that the Twins are going to come from from 8 back and overtake their Tigers.  Their hearts are massive huge!  But probably the best gift I got was from one of my great nephew Wil who said--Thank you for the marshmallow shooter and all the other gifts you gave me.  It was said without any prompting from his parents (i.e. that is a tell tell sign of good parenting).  And how can you not like what my great nephew Nickolas Ervin says by sitting on my lap. Sooooooo kids and adults like to be remembered and given attention toooooo.  Oh yes.  My Daddy, Chester, told me, good folks are nice to kids and other folks who the giver has no alternative motive to be nice to other than just being nice.  As the sun was going down, I was walking on the golf course the other night.  There was a mother and her son out there.  The young boy of maybe 10 was playing and the mother was in a cart some distance away.  The boy and I intersected and he said--Hi erv.  I have no idea who he was.  Some where we have crossed paths but I don't know where.  That young boy really made me feel good.  As I was typing this, Heather called and told me that our little Erin (i.e. age 3) wanted oatmeal with blueberries on it for breakfast.  She said--It's grandpas' favorite, he will be jealous.  Isn't stuff like this touching and fun.  I sure think so.  You can't buy this stuff.

Friendships are soooooo neat--I was talking to a friend/businessman and he was telling me about friends that I have made through different situations who he does business with.  Just think about all the friends you have made thorough the years.  Some for a shorter time than others and some you have been friends with for ever it seems.  Some friends come into you life and leave.  Friends are soooooo  special.  Well, we have been friends with the Jungling family for many years (i.e. maybe 35 to 40).  Our family and their family are just friends (i.e. special friends).  I really think it's 'cause they are soooooo nice and accept us as we are.  ANYWAY JerBear married Claire last night at their lake home (i.e. it's a done deal).  It was a very special evening for them, their family and our family (i.e. our kids were invited and came for the special occasion).  I wish all of you could have special friends like they are to us.  Like I said, it's mainly 'cause they are sooooooo nice (i.e. massive huge hearts--real folks--my kind of  folks).

Talk about getting married being a done deal.  These good folks with huge massive hearts have been married for like 14years.  When they went into counseling with their pastor, he advised them not to get married.  I asked them why.  They really didn't know but he thought it wouldn't work for some reason.  Maybe the pastor too is a rodeo clown!  They done it anyway.  Now have three kids and seem very happy to me.  Sooooo what did that minster know.  The male part of this marriage was telling me that he told his boys' teachers that they can discipline his boys if they misbehave and they will get it at home too.  These boys have such a huge massive advantage to have the parents they have. 

I was around a guy who normally doesn't mow his lawn on Sunday.  He just doesn't think it's right.  BUT he said--the ox fell into the ditch.  He had to get it done so he mowed it on Sunday (i.e. he done it).  He's an Xlerator compared to the World Dryer.  GeorgeTheCrook says--It's easier said than done to keep those oxen out the ditches!  Such is life.

It can be done folks!  Oh ya! Many folks have done many good things (e.g. done good things at their churches, golf courses, communities).  I mean many folks have done many good things.  My hat goes off to all of you who do such good stuff.  And many times no one even knows you did it (i.e. you didn't do it for attention or fame; you just did it).  You folks know you did it.  I hope you continue with your attitude.  For those who do nutten good except for yourself, I would suggest you think about changing your attitude.  My Mommy, Anna, use to say to me--erv, givers are always happy and takers are never happy. 

WidlWilly says--It's done different ways boys (i.e. there are different ways to skin a cat)!  Oh yes.  AverageJoe says--Why do I always have to do my best.  Why can't I just be lucky!  I was in Casey's the other day and a previous client (i.e. a good guy was in there).  This was the first time he sold his calves instead of feeding them out (i.e. the price was high).  Then to top it off corn that he usually feeds to the caves went over $7 which he sold (i.e. now that's a double money maker).  I told him he always did things right (i.e. He's a Xlerator compared to a World Dryer).  He said--You either got to very lucky or super crooked!!!!  It's like a sign I read outside a bar--Slender Girl Martinis!  I bet you wouldn't sell too many selling Fat Girl Martinis!

I don't remember ever seeing turkey vultures in Iowa.  But the last several weeks I have seen many of those vultures eating free lunches at the road kill while riding my bike.  They are massive huge and sink their beaks into the guts of those dead raccoons on the road (i.e. their lives are over--done).  I then figured it out.  They came from Minnesota as their free lunches are done there.  They have used up all the free lunches there and now have came over the border to get free lunches here in Iowa.  They have used up all the money there.  The free lunches are done there for now.  Maybe those Minnesotans will pay more taxes so those vultures will go back to Minnesota for their free lunches.  I hope soooooo, they are ugly!  Such is life.

Talk about free lunches.  This guy in A'town has found a free lunch all right.  He walks the highway and streets each day picking up cigarette butts (i.e. he has done a good job keeping our streets clean of cig butts).  He should get the citizen of the year award I think for his community service.  I was told that he takes them home and recycles the tobacco from those butts and uses it to roll his own smokes (i.e. now that is innovative and a money saver).  I guess he's done it every day for some time.  Such in life. 

This "It's Saturday" is done!

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

erv

MyFriendJean says--In solitude we give passionate attention to our lives, to our memories, to the details around us.

Give me your answer please!

I was with a friend who I enjoy being with.  You ask why I like to be with him.  Give me your answer please.  It's 'cause we have a common denominator?  Some common detonators are drinking, smoking, golf, singing, playing cards, being widows, book clubs, pickle ball, homosexuals, heterosexuals, church, work, money, etc.  You get the idea as to the common denominators we share.  But a strong common denominator is family.  Oh yes.  We spent the weekend of the 4th with my sisters and families in the Grand Rapids, MI area and then stopped in Wichert, IL and saw Arlene's brother and sister-in-law.  They all treated us like we were world class VIPs and it felt soooooo good.  I made marshmallow shooters for our 7 great nephews (i.e. these boys are respectful and polite--they have been programed that way--they are soooo fortunate to have such great parents).  They seemed to like them (i.e. there were a lot of marshmallows in the air anyway).  It was a great time.  Only way it could have been better if our kids, spouses and grand girls were there.  I think you can understand that. 

Are you arrogant, selfish, and rude?  Chris, Jen and family also traveled to my sister's place (i.e. Jen's parents) in Byron Center, MI.  My other sister lives in Wyoming, MI.  Both are southern suburbs of Grand Rapids.  ANYWAY  They are from Oosburg, WI so they have to travel through Milwaukee, Chicago, Gary, IN and up the east side of Lake Michigan.  They were on Interstate 196 near Benton Harbors and there were several bridges being worked on.  Traffic was very heavy as many were heading up to northern MI for the 4th.  These bridge projects would cause traffic to back up maybe 5 miles, then about 3 miles out a sign would say--work zone ahead.  Then maybe 2 miles it would say--left lane closed ahead.  Then maybe a mile away from the bridge there was a merge sign telling folks to merge to the right lane.  They were in the right lane even before the merge sign (i.e. they are really nice folks).  Some folks didn't merge exactly at the merge sign but went a little farther.  Jen was soooooooo upset with those arrogant selfish and rude folks.  She said--Illinois car, Illinois car, Texas car, Illinois car, Iowa car.  Hey that gray Avalon  has a bike on the back and has Butler County plates--It's uncle erv!  Please give me your answer please.  Well, I soon got a telephone call with the answer (i.e. a kick in the fanny--I was not an excuse maker--it was an ooooops).  Man after that, I was the first one merging over let me tell you.  Someone is always keeping an eye on me wherever I go.  Such is life.

Are you a mugrumper?  We were on the 7th tee and there is a mulberry bush in in the fence line.  Another guy and I ate some mulberries--they were really good.  We were like a couple of bears coming out of hibernation.  ANYWAY do you know why many mulberry bushes/trees are in fence lines?  Well, I will tell you.  Birds like mulberries too soooooo they eat them and sit on the fence and become MugRumpers (i.e. mug on one side of the fence and their rump on the other--they yack with one side and crap with the other).  When the wind blows a different direction they put their head on the other side of the fence and their rump on the other (i.e. sorta kinda like slick Duane--you know him toooooo).  Soooooo when the birds craps on the fence, it deposits seeds for a potential new mulberry bush/tree.  Soooooo please give me your answer if you are a mugrumper?  

Give me your answer please.  I recently had a most exciting, influential, challenging, open hearted, important conversation.  It just happen between 4 guys (i.e. good guys with good hearts) after church.  It really was a God thing I believe.  A friend asked another--Sooooooooooo what's important to you today?  Timing was just right I think sooooooo the clouds opened and he had an opportunity to express himself.  Then he asked him--Soooooooo how are you going to make this decision?  This whole conversation was God centered but very real (i.e. no phony talk here folks).  We all exposed ourselves some.  I think most folks after church were talking about sports, weather or some other unimportant stuff and we were talking about the "meatoflife".  Huh, interesting.  This conversation affected me.  This conversation and these guys makes a decision we are contemplating much harder.  And my answer is?

Playing league golf the other night, we played against 29 and 31 year old guys.  ANYWAY they play bare back, drink a lot of beer, smoke a lot of smokes and play good golf.  Soooooo on the 7th tee box I asked them if they have girl friends.  The 29 year old said he has one--pretty serious gal--I hope so, she's moving in with me but when my two previous girl friends moved in, it was the death of our relationships soooo we'll see (i.e. they wiggled their way out)!!  Sooooo I asked the the 31 year old if he has a girl friend--Ya I do, we have lived together for 3 years and have a kid together--soooooo you going to get married--I hope not but maybe!  Soooooo a little later I asked them how many beers do they usually drink during the 9 holes of league (i.e. give me your answer please)--don't count them; quite a few tonight as it's playing slow--how many is quite a few; like 6?--don't count them!!!!!  Joesixpack says--It's a free for all!  MissPerfect says--It's a new generation erv a.k.a the new normal.  My playing partner is in his 60s and told me he has two sisters.  One has been divorced 2 times and the other 3 times.  Sooooooo Arlene and I have been married for 42 years (i.e. sorta kinda abnormal maybe.  Such is life.

Most of us are devastated by the stuff that happens inside of our personal hearts and lives (i.e. our castles).  We really can't hire soldiers or personal body guards to protect us against that type of stuff. That type requires a different type of guard. Our money won't guard us against it. Our alarm systems won't. Our gated communities won't. Watching the news won't. The fastest internet connections, the most TV channels, the highest definition screens, the fanciest or most fuel efficient cars won't either. There are some things in life, which just so happen to be most of the really important things, that only we can guard against. And much of that guarding depends upon whom you choose to ally yourself with to watch over you.  Soooooooo who are you going to ally with? Perhaps it's time for a changing of the guard.  And your answer please!  Suck it up cupcake! 

Do you every need a day to recalibrate?  Please give me your answer.  I had such a day recently.  Yes I did.  I just did some thinking and recalibrated my life.  It was a day that I just figured some things out, sorta kinda took it easy, thought through some stuff. I took some time to slow down (i.e. to recalibrate my life).  I needed some time to get away from some folks (i.e. discouraging folks).  I made some decisions and I hope they are good.  Time will tell.  ANYWAY a friend told me how good it made him feel when he accomplished a small task that he normally doesn't do (i.e. learned something new).  I did just that and it made me feel real good (i.e. something I have put off for some time--something different).  Soooooooo I think I'm recalibrated!  Such is life.

Do you really care about other folks or just care about yourself?  Please give me your answer.  "If I seem insensitive to what you're going through Captain, understand, it's the way I am." ~Mr. Spock, Star Trek, The Enemy Within~  This is a quote from the popular TV series, Star Trek. Mr. Spock was a Vulcan. Vulcan's were lacking emotions more or less. Mr. Spock was simply trying to tell Captain Kirk that it was nothing personal, but that he just wasn't an emotionally sensitive being. Not even in the least bit. It's not just Vulcans. So are you a sensitive person?  Please give me your answer?  GeorgeTheCrook says--Don't be afraid to give extravagantly to those in need. Be one who is "content" regardless of a financial situation (Philippians 4:11-12). Love the needy as much as yourself. See them as Christ and joyfully give. Don't be like many other American churchgoers who are more concerned about their standard of living than anyone else's. Set the example in loving the less fortunate.  Sooooooo how would you rate yourself as a giver?  Give me your answer please!

I have had the same glasses for maybe 10 years but I lost them.  Can't find them.  Soooooo have you every lost your glasses?  Please give me your answer. Soooooo I bought a couple of pairs at Dollar General.   A guy needs glasses or he might sign something that could get him in trouble like LuckyEddie (i.e. age 73) did when he forgot his glasses.  Yesterday my daughter asked me why I didn't do something useful with my time (i.e. don't die with your teeth in a glass). She suggested I go down to the senior center and hang out with the guys. I did this and when I got home last night I told her that I had joined a parachute club. She said, "Are you nuts? You're almost 74 years old and you're going to start jumping out of airplanes?" I proudly showed her that I even got a membership card. She said to me, "For heaven's sake, where are your glasses! This is a membership to a Prostitute Club, not a Parachute Club!" I'm in trouble again and don't know what to do! I signed up for five jumps a week!

Things change folks.  Has your community changed.  Please give me your answer.  When we were in Wichert, Illinois (i.e. were Arlene grew up her brother and sister-in-law still live) we again saw the changes that have happened and are happening right now.  Witchert is a settlement of small farms, acreages, and houses in a rural setting.  Years ago there were many Dutch who had names like Schaafsmas, Hokestras,  DeGrootes, DeJongs, Sikmas etc.  There are still some but Craig, Arlene's brother, says he doesn't know half the folks any more.  At the peak there were maybe 50 gladiola farmers and now there are 2.  First Reformed Church use to worships with maybe 300 and now there about 75.  No one use to work on Sunday but now everyone does (i.e. it's all about the money folks a.k.a. your ticket to the party).  Pucker up to the world sweetie!  ItchieBitche says--A bend in the road is not the end of the road...unless you fail to make the turn.  Such is life.

Soooo are they really that conservative or just think soooooooo?  And your answer please.  Tuesday morning we had breakfast with my sisters and their husbands before heading to Wichert, IL.  Do you think I look like my sisters?  Your answer please?  ANYWAY I took a bike ride from Wyoming to Byron Center on a beautiful bike trail (i.e. maybe 5 to 6 miles each way).  I stopped in Byron Center at a park for a break.  There were 4 seniors playing tennis (i.e. ages 69 to 74).  They played quite well for some old farts.  They told me they play twice a week and go to FL and play there as well (i.e. don't want to die with their teeth in a glass).  Soooooooo are you CRCs or RCAs--3 of us are on track being CRSs and one is RCA!  We went to the Granville 4th of July parade and there seemed to be a lot of floats for Christian schools.  Soooooo do you think 30% of the kids in Byron Center go to Christian schools?  Oh no, it's more like over 50%.  We're real conservative here in Byron Center.  Lyle, if you think NW Iowa is little Jerusalem then this is Jerusalem 2 let me tell ya!  Soooooo do you CRCs drink beer in front of each other?--you go and get a 6-pack and we well show you!  Sooooo I took a public street back to the trail that took me through a nice neighborhood.  In the middle of the street was a pair of men's Hanes gray underwear.  Maybe they aren't as conservative as they think.  God only knows how that underwear got there but...!  My goodness gracious!

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

erv

MyFriendJean says--Watch your step.  Everyone else does.

Freedom

Joesixpack says--Freedom is expensive folks!  Expensive in $$$$$$, in lives, in hurts, and misery!  Approximately 1.2 million Americans died fighting for our freedom.  Approximately 620,000 in the Civil War.  103,000+ in WWI, 418,000+ in WW II, 36,000+  in the Korean War, 382 in the Gulf War, 58,000+ in the Vietnam conflict, and 6,000+ in our current war on territory.  Freedom is not cheap folks! 

I interviewed Bruno Peters, age 93.  He was a Corporal in the Advance 12th Air Force during WWII.       Bruno left for war at the age of 29 and spend 4 years in Africa, Italy France and Germany.  He said he had the choice to be a MP or a cook.  He decided to be a cook and ended up cooking for the general.  They often would trade Army stuff for food for the general (e.g. the general told them to trade for some eggs as he was hungry for eggs but don't get caught doing it).  He said--We ended up doing more than just cooking for the staff, we took care of them.  If you want freedom (i.e. win the war) there are a lot of people have to die; ya gotta go in there and kill a lot of folks which also means a lot of Americans get killed too.  Not just a couple once in a while the way we fight now.   Sooooo Bruno, were you married to Kathryn before you left for the war--no, I didn't get married as I didn't know if I would return and many Americans didn't.  War changes soldiers.  They develop a lot of courage as most don't care anymore, they have seen so much death; they just want to fight for America's freedom.  Bruno said--I know what the troops are going thorough in Iraq and Afghanistan.  I think we should get out of there; we can't cure the mess; they will always hate each other; let's take care of the folks back home.  Soooooooo Bruno, tell me more about freedom that you fought for--When WWII was over it was good in our country but it seems like it is falling apart; folks want money but don't want to work; The Good Lord will provide but ya gotta work a little too!  He said the Air Force would fly over the cities at night and drop pamphlets telling the folks that in the morning the city would be destroyed; if you stay you will probably die.  The next morning they would destroy the city (i.e. that was nice of them to warn them).  Destruction and death are part of freedom he said. 

I interviewed my friend Sergent John Harms Company K 126 Infantry 32nd Division about freedom.  John is 91, a WW II vet who fought in Australia and New Guinea.  He knows what war is and has seen it at ground zero folks.  John says--Freedom is expensive.  He spend almost 4 years in war.  It's a lot different when your life is at stake compared to paying some taxes to support our military.  You either kill or be killed.  You as an infantryman have no choice when an order comes down; you do as your are told. It's not much fun when you have a machine gun barking at you.  He went on to say--We fought for the folks back home (i.e. good ol' United States of America and for it's freedom).  Many folks don't realize that war is terrible, brutal and cruel (i.e. the price that we pay for freedom).   Many many folks got killed fighting for this freedom that we enjoy today.  We need to appreciate it and cherish it. 

I was heading to the golf course for my early morning walk.  I walked past Oscar Meyer's place.  Oscar was taking his garbage bag to the the end of his drive.  I told him that I just visited with his buddy Bruno in the nursing home.  His room is across from my neighbor's.  What's wrong with your neighbor anyway?  Oh he has some walking issues, back problem and shingles--shingles, they're ugly--ya they can be--I got this gout that I can't get rid of--life is not perfect--by God, it sure isn't--how old are you anyway--92--did you ever think you would get to 92--no way, I didn't think I'd live through the war!  This is what Staff Sargent Oscar of the 297th Infantry a branch of the 4th Infantry said--Freedom is pricey!  Oscar spend most of his 4 years in Alaska and Alabama as a drill Sergent.  How were you selected for that position--Sargent Paul Christiansen liked me and took me under his arm or I would have gone to the front lines probably; I was just lucky I guess--soooo what did you drill them--learn to use your rifle very well as you will kill them or get killed; they knew that some of them were not coming home alive; they knew that soooo I told them by God learn and listen to what I tell you--hell, shoot first and ask questions later.  We ended our conversation with him showing me his little bottle of nitro pills and said--By God freedom is pricey and it's going to get worse!

I asked my friend, my mentor, my professor (i.e. also a  85 year old WWII vet) to write about freedom.  This is what he wrote--In America we enjoy Freedoms that many countries in the world do not have.  Those freedoms were won or extended through our past wars.  In world wars, many of our fighting people gave up their lives to maintain our freedoms for us.  These people were mostly 18 to 24 year olds and they certainly did not want to die.  Many died in some hell hole of a place in great pain crying for their mother.  This freedom that solders fight for give us four basic freedoms 1. Freedom from want 2. Freedom from fear 3. Freedom of speech 4. Freedom to worship God as we wish.  These came to us at a high price.  Young lives given for us is priceless.  I had a friend who was in the battles in Italy in WWII.  He told me he got up one morning wishing that he got his today.  He had seen so many of his friends killed and wounded and lying in agony that he couldn't take it any more.  Can you imagine such a mind set?  We all should stop once in a while and thank those who made it possible for us to enjoy the freedoms we have been given.  Ivan Harken LfJG U.S. Navy

I asked a friend Les Raish to write about freedom.  Here is his response.  --  I enlisted in the U.S. Navy 1965 during the Viet Nam conflict (Yea, Right…conflict) because the big draft was imminent during that time when any man turned nineteen years old. You had the choice of either being drafted into the Army for two years or join any elected military for four years. Of course, majority of the Army solders where shipped or stationed in Viet Nam to build a military force to do “a police action for the people of Viet Nam” by President Johnson…….  ~  My thinking! “This is a no brainier. I’ll be safe in the Navy because North Viet Nam did not have a Navy.” (Think a little deeper son! How are we fighting this war?) Low and behold after 9 months of training on aircraft jet engines I was based in NAS Miramar (where ‘Top Gun’ was filmed) with a F4 fighter squadron. The squadron was VF-143 which deployed every 9 months to the Tokin Gulf to bomb North and South Viet Nam. I was assigned to the flight deck of the USS Constellation for the first cruise which we would average 300 tons of bombs a day with our normal missions. The flight deck was a very dangerous assignment, especially at night, with the recovery and launches of aircraft. Yes, I have a few stories if you are willing to listen some time.  ~  June, 1967, strapping in my Commanding Officer and his Radio Interceptor Operator to be launched off, was one of my life changing experiences, understanding ‘Freedom is not free‘. Forty five minutes later, they were shot down in North Viet Nam. Yes, they were captured, beaten, tortured for 6 years in Hanoi Hilton with Lieutenant John McCain, who in his book describes the daily routine of being a Prisoner of War. These men loved their country and fought the painful harassment of being an American. Even our soldiers taking cover in the fox holes and walking the jungles with wet socks either sacrificed their limbs or lives. And yet today, we have those who walk in the oppressive desert heat of men and women trying to share with others, “that little taste of Freedom”. The list goes on and on. ~  Freedom is a Blessing that all mankind strive throughout human history. Freedom is the Privilege to worship our own God. Freedom is the privilege to own our own home, advance our children’s’ education, criticize our own government without the fear of the dreaded knock in the middle of the night. Yes, Freedom is very precious to me and sometimes abused for those who do not understand “What really is Freedom.”  ~  Freedom is not FREE! We have been given to us by our fore-fathers, our past generations of sons and daughters giving the ultimate sacrifice, for Life, Liberty, and the Pursuit of Happiness. Sacrifices where and are still being made in many ways. Either serving the country, by our mothers and fathers praying for their sons and daughters to come home safely, or aiding your neighbors during troubled times. This is FREEDOM. God, Country, Family, Self! ~  We sometimes complain about our Government, the conditions of the economy or the next door neighbor, forgetting and taking for granted of what we have. Next time, remember this 4th of July, what the Flag really represents, from those who sacrificed to “Let Freedom Ring.”

I asked Casey Dix (i.e. currently in Afghanistan), a friend who attends the same church as we do to write about freedom.  This is what he wrote--I enlisted into the Iowa Army National Guard in 2003, a few years after the events of 9/11 and the start of the wars in Afghanistan and Iraq. I’ve been with HHC 1-133rd IN BN based out of Waterloo that whole time and have deployed with the unit twice now. I was deployed to Camp Al Asad, Anbar Province, Iraq from 2005-2007 and am currently deployed to FOB Mehtar Lam, Laghman Province, Afghanistan. There is always a reason young men and women join the services, it would be hard to say that 9/11 was not mine. But I don’t think I ever really thought about why, why was that date the catalyst that got me to join. Maybe I joined out of some sort of precedence set by the generations of Americans before me. Or I joined with the understanding that this was going to be the defining moment of my generation and I didn’t want to get left behind. Perhaps I joined thinking I could make a difference. The most likely answer is that the basic idea of Freedom was attacked that day. Freedom is flying the American flag in your front yard. Freedom is giving respect to veterans young and old. Freedom is the house, car, family you always dream of. Freedom is running down to the pool for the afternoon. Freedom is a Sunday drive. Freedom is an afternoon picnic. Freedom is sleeping in. Freedom is a general feeling of safety. Freedom is the ability to do what you want, when you want, how you want. Freedom is never truly appreciated by those who have it and never fully coveted by those who have never experience it. Freedom is something that seems expected or deserved nowadays. What we as a country, society don’t fully understand is these freedoms we enjoy as Americans aren’t free, there is a cost. That cost, more times than not, is ultimately paid for with the lives of men and women in the arm services fighting in another country across the world, separated from family and friends. So when I think of Freedom, I think of the 6031 brothers and sisters in arms that have died since 9/11 (3 of them from my Battalion) and what they were fighting for.

IthcieBitchie says--I am over 60 and the Armed Forces thinks I'm too old to track down terrorists. You can't be older than 42 to join the military. They've got the whole thing ass-backwards. Instead of sending 18-year olds off to fight, they ought to take us old guys. You shouldn't be able to join a military unit until you're at least 35. For starters: Researchers say 18-year-olds think about sex every 10 seconds. Old guys only think about sex a couple of times a day, leaving us more than 28,000 additional seconds per day to concentrate on the enemy. Young guys haven't lived long enough to be cranky, and a cranky soldier is a dangerous soldier. 'My back hurts! I can't sleep, I'm tired and hungry'. We are impatient and maybe letting us kill some asshole that desperately deserves it will make us feel better and shut us up for a while. An 18-year-old doesn't even like to get up before 10 a.m. Old guys always get up early to pee, so what the hell. Besides, like I said, 'I'm tired and can't sleep and since I'm already up, I may as well be up killing some fanatical s.o.b. If captured, we couldn't spill the beans because we'd forget where we put them. In fact, name, rank, and serial number would be a real brainteaser. Boot camp would be easier for old guys. We're used to getting screamed and yelled at, and we're used to soft food. We've also developed an appreciation for guns. We've been using them for years, as an excuse to get out of the house, away from the screaming and yelling. An 18-year-old has the whole world ahead of him. He's still learning to shave, to start up a conversation with a pretty girl. He still hasn't figured out that a baseball cap has a brim to shade his eyes, not the back of his head. These are all great reasons to keep our kids at home to learn a little more about life before sending them off into harm's way. Let us old guys track down those dirty rotten coward terrorists. The last thing an enemy would want to see is a couple of million pissed off old farts with attitudes and automatic weapons who know that their best years are already behind them. ***How about recruiting Women over 50...in menopause!!! You think Men have attitudes!!! Ohhhhhhhhhhhh my God!!! If nothing else, put them on border patrol...They will have it secured the first night!

Thanksamillion Bruno, Oscar, John, Ivan, Les, and Casey.  Your feelings are really touching and real.  You are truly America.

Appreciate our freedoms this 4th of July my friends unless you have other plans.

erv