I think...

I think I think but maybe I don't think or I think but nutten happens!  It might appear to some of you that I don't think at all or I think differently than you think and many wonder if I think at all sooooo I think I should just get going with this "It's Saturday" as I think I'm going nowhere!!!  What do you think?

I think this guy was confused or didn't have his glasses on!  I was running on the back side of Usery Mt. the other day.  I was approaching 2 snowbird couples on the trail.  As I was about to meet them I said, hello.  One of the guys must have been yacking and watching where his next step was going to be as I really scared him.  He jumped and said--Jesus, you scared me!  Like I said, I think he was either confused or didn't have his gasses on! 

I think this was a banner week.  I have had sooooo much fun being around sooooo many good folks (i.e. you know who you are--just sooooo many).  Just a banner week.  A friend from childhood, Dean, and I spent the day together going to the Karshien Carverns (i.e. one of AZ's main tourist attractions with a very interesting story http://azstateparks.com/parks/kaca/  ) over by Tucson (i.e. seeing stalagmites and stalactites).  What a hoot.  I learned from Deano that--Everything in the SW either bites ya, stings ya or pricks ya!  Just one of many fun experiences this week with many good folks (i.e. folks with good hearts--my kind of folks).  Had a great worship service last Sunday with friends and acquaintances.  Just a great experience.  Happenstance, na I don't think sooooo folks.  Such is life.

I think she has this right:  Danica Patricks's No. 10 GoDaddy.com Chevrolet's hauler has painted on it--"Embracing what makes you different is sometimes what makes you great".  But I found out this week that I'm just a common guy.  Oh ya!  I was paying for me round of golf last Saturday morning at the club house of the Fountain of the Sun Country Club. A golfer said I should go and look at the bargain rack; prices are 50% off. Soooo I looked and didn't find anything in my size. I told a couple of ladies looking as well that there is nutten in my size. One said--You're just tooooo common! That is what she said! I'm just a common guy! Such is life.

MissPerfect says--Once I think I'm pretty good at something, I get humbled real fast.  AverageJoe says--I shouldn't think!  I'm not very good at it.  One of my golf buddies is a smart person a.k.a. a good thinker I think!  ANYWAY he takes a  lot of pictures on his little Canon SD1200IS.  He says about 200 a month.  I take that many maybe in my lifetime.  Soooo the screen doesn't work.  The camera is about 3 years old. No wonder it doesn't work--That's about 7,000 pictures.  Soooo  he goes on line and finds a "fix your Canon" for $11.95.  He buys it and with tweezers fixes his Canon.  He's a retired engineer--maybe that explains it or is it because he frugal!  I bet no one under 40 would do that.  They would throw the sucker away and spend $105 for a new one.  That is what I think. 

GeorgeTheCrook says--I think my buddy ItchieBitchie is a rat fink.  Ya, he has a lot of "jerk" in him.  That's just the way he is.  GeorgeTheCrook says--I think just the opposite of DuaneTheWorm (i.e. his hide is unbelievably slippery and he's a great spoofer).  I think that at the heart of our culture is a belief in doing the right thing...we believe that when others win, we win too.  But then again, how powerful are the opinions of others (i.e. especially mine)?  Opinions many times makes folks just roll their eyes or make them yawn (i.e. especially if those opinions are different from ours).  Some opinions appear to be real dumb and some seem to be real intriguing and some seem to be just misinformation.  We interpret opinions based on how we have been programed (i.e. my opinion).  This might be a little murky for some of you--think through it folks!  Some bullets you just can't dodge.  Sometimes we are just victim of circumstances.  Such is life.

I think we are all sorta kinda branded.  Not branded with a mark but branded as who and what we are by our actions.  And certain brands seem to cling together (e.g. certain employees of a company hang out together, smokers seem to hang out together, folks of any hobby tend to hang out together, folks with certain believes seem to hang out together, etc).  We are all different and unique and enjoy being around others who somewhat think like us.  I was playing pickleball in the afternoon and next to the courts there was having a ceremony for dedication of a new building.  There were maybe 150 folks listening to the band and eating a hotdog.  I asked a fellow pickleballer--Do you know most of these folks from your park?  Heck no, I only know the pickleballers!  Some oft-quoted words of Henry David Thoreau are--"If a man does not keep pace with his companions, perhaps it is because he hears a different drummer.  Let him keep step to the  music which he hears, however measured for far away.  Why should he turn his spring into summer?"  One of my golf buddies (i.e. age 76) told me recently that his son and wife purchased a bed and breakfast.  He and his wife really wonder "what  are they doing".  They both have good jobs and now are doing this!  It's what they want to do so I guess they are doing it. 

Products are known for their brand like Coke, Titlist, John Deere, etc.  Much like churches.  We have The Regular Baptist, The Evangelical Baptist, The Southern Baptist and the Primitive Baptist.  I don't think that The Primitive Baptist is a very catchy name.  What do you think?



I think I met Jack Wagon the other day!  WildWilly can be a Jack Wagon at times folks! So do you know what a Jack Wagon is? Maybe it’s a SW term. I don’t know but I heard it several times down here in the SW.  I think I met Jack Wagon this week.  I have no idea what a JackWagon is folks.  But I have met a lot of folks soooo I bet I have met one.  I met this guy playing pickle ball the other day.  When we got done, we were sitting on a bench and his cell rang.  He told me it was about his medication that he is not going to take any more.  It almost killed him Sunday.  It lowered my blood pressure to such a low level that it was life threatening.  It happened at church and if a nurse wasn't there, I probably would have died.  Sooooo did you loose consciousness?  Ya, I think I saw heaven.  It was sooooo pretty and I was soooooo peaceful.  I was alright with it.  You are blessed to be a blessing.  I have been blessed many times in my life.  I once had an accident with a chain saw and had over 500 stitches in my arm and face.  I really have had a good life.  I'm sooooooo happy.  He shuck my hand a couple of times and said--I hope we can play together again.  I think this guy has a good attitude.  What do you think?  If you don't believe in Jesus, you for sure don't understand that.  If you believe in Jesus, you might understand that.  Such is life.  I goggled Jack Wagon and it says--a crybaby loser pussy-type who needs to grow some cajones and start acting like a man.

I think it takes a strong will and a lot of work to...!  Shad (i.e. snowbird from Nova Scotia age 76) walks past our condo sometimes while we are sitting in the sun drinking our nightly wine.  He told us the other day that two years ago he had a stroke while here and last year he got shingles around his eye and on his face.  This year he and his wife are on a diet (i.e. 500 calories per day).  I asked him--Don't you get hungry on 500 calories?  Not really, after about 2 weeks, ya just don't.  They have lost 35 pounds and have never felt better he said.  I read in the paper (i.e. so it must be right) You lose roughly 100 calories per mile of running.  You must add 35 extra miles to lose each pound--or 700 miles to lose 20 pounds.  SusieQ says--I think it takes a lot of work and determination to lose weight; most folks can't do it.  Most would rather sit on the couch and eat chips and gain weight.  Such is life.  Snacking is ok if you snack on the right stuff.  Here are some tips--Rice Cakes with peanut butter, cottage cheese with diced tomatoes, fruit, 23 raw almonds (i.e. one ounce) and 8 ounce bag of Wonderful Pistachios.  It said in the paper soooo it must be right--ya gotta select the right snacks.  Sooooo there you go folks.  Oh ya, I also read this in the paper sooooo it must be right--Vacuum for an hour and burn 238 calories.  Scrubbing down the bathroom for 30 minutes burns 200 calories.  In 1965 women said they spent about 8 hours a week sitting and watching TV.  In 2010, that number spiked to 16.5.  Soooooo...!  Oh ya, I also read in the paper (i.e. sooooo it must be right)--Willpower can be bought--Study finds cash incentives effective in weight loss.  Money makes things happen folks. It also said--Incentives are "not like training wheels where people learn healthy habits and then will continue them on their own" --you have to keep them up for them to work.  Such is life.

I think it is soooooo much fun.  And you have no idea what I learn while doing it.  Did Massacre Grounds hike (i.e. 6 miles) with some good folks.  I learned--don't fall.  Arlene fell scraping up her hand and arm--she okay.  Cousin-in-lawRonTheRoadrunner lead us on a hike in the McDowell Mts (i.e. 7 miles @ 3 mph--JoeTheHike said he never met a person who could walk soooo fast as RonTheRoadrunner).  I learned that when you get our age your feet get bigger-- a  half a size to a full size--I didn't know that.  I also learned as we get older, we understand better--I didn't know that.  Such is life 

Transamerica says (i.e. money is a great motivator)--The healthiest 20% of people in their 50s will retire with 3X the assets of the least healthy.  Now that is another reason to exercise and watch your diet.  Victims of circumstances?  Maybe and maybe not!  Some things we have control of and some things we don't.  Joesixpack asks--Which one are you anyway?  Are you a roadrunner or a couch potato? 

Arlene and I had breakfast with my daddy's (i.e. Chester) cousins and wives recently down here in Sun Valley (i.e. ages 79, 80 and 85). I again was told how everyone of them eats their oatmeal--all differently!  ANYWAY I think these guys are sooooo positive, happy and uplifting.  And frugal.  Mellemas had to as we are survivors (i.e. Chester's cousins are all of families of 10 to 12--not much given them for material stuff but I think were given much more important stuff--it appears).  Such is life.

Warning folks--If you are thinking what I think you're thinking, you better have another think!

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

erv

MyFriendJean says--No person ever injured their eye sight by looking on the bright side of things.

Weee Doggy!

Weee Doggy!  That's an old saying from the TV show, "The Beverly Hillbillies."  Jed Clampett used to say that whenever he was excited or when something overwhelming came up.

In America we have a strong drive to be #1.  #1 as individuals and as a group.  Joesixpack says--That is good and can be bad.  Weee Doggy!  How to solve the stalemate (i.e. the art of negotiating)!  You get the two sides sitting at a table in a conference room. They check their weapons or petitions or rhetoric of whatever weirdo ideas they might have at the door. Ya set up a huge buffet in the room as well. They have to sit in their underwear and can't eat or go to the bathroom until they make a deal.  Weee Doggy!

One of the activities that many snowbirds do is go to movies.  Weee Doggy!  A drunken MN cowboy lay sprawled across three entire seats in the posh Mesa theater.  When the usher came by and noticed this, he whispered to the cowboy, "Sorry, sir, but you're only allowed one seat."  The cowboy groaned but didn't budge.  The usher became more impatient:  "Sir, if you don't get up from there I'm going to have to call the manager."  Once again, the cowboy just groaned.  The usher marched briskly back up the aisle, and in a moment he returned with the manager.  together the two of them tried repeatedly to move the cowboy, but with no success.  Finally they summoned the police. The Texas Ranger surveyed the situation briefly, then asked, "All right buddy, what's your name?"  "Fred," the cowboy moaned.  "Where ya from, Fred" asked the Ranger.  With terrible pain in his voice, and without moving a muscle, Fred replied,.......the Balcony........

Highly driven career orientated younger folks don't have any time for what they think as "nonsense stuff--stuff not directed to their careers".  I read in the paper, soooooo that it must be true, that they don't have time for relationships but just have hookups a.k.a. quickies.  Young people prioritize careers over romance!  That's just the way it is.  The Millennial generation are devoted to their careers working long hours and giving up serious relationships.  I hiked with a guy who said his two children are in their late 30s and are very carrier orientated and don't seem to have much interest in getting married.  I golfed with a guy who has been divorced twice--he was never home, always working on his career.  These folks always seem tired and never have time for anything else but their career.  Sooooo they will buy into the TV add--The popularity of energy drinks has exploded in the past ten years. These caffeine-filled bursts promise several hours of heightened awareness, speed, and focus. Advertisers suggest if we drink them we will be more efficient, proficient, and perhaps even happier.  Weee doggy!  But flpthepancake!  If one wants success of some kind, ya gotta work hard and long.  Ya gotta have to have stress and take chances and look for opportunity.  Look at history and the folks around ya.  Sooooo maybe we all need to look at our priorities and and fashion a life around what is important to us.  ItchieBitchie says--Yabut I don't want to work but just want a lot money; I'm lazy; I just want to enjoy life and not work.  ItchieBitchie, you better marry money or inherit it.  Weee Doggy!

I read this while eating my oatmeal with a half a banana on it.  Joe Petroelje says--It may be tempting to rely on something superficial to get us through the day. After all, life is demanding, whether by choice or circumstance. There are days when 24 hours just isn't enough for all we try to pack into them.  The results of trying to do too much, too fast, by ourselves? Burnout and fatigue. And also a misunderstanding about God's intent for our lives. Our reading today reminds us we don't need to be strong all the time. God has more than enough energy to supply our needs. We don't have to rely on our own abilities to accomplish the things that really matter. God has that covered.  The reading today is Isaiah 40; 28-31 which happens to be my favorite scripture.  Wee Doggy!

I woke up one morning this week with a complete change of my mind set. I have no idea why (i.e. it probably won't stay that way). AverageJoe says--Do not overestimate your own strength--if you think you are "high society" be careful.  You might be over-rating yourself.  Usually it's all about our money that makes us think we are "high society".  The two letters at each end of money can cause us problems, m and y which is my!  My this and my that and everything is about my stuff.  We then seem to forget about "One" important thing that is the middle three letters.  SusieQ says--Everyone is trying to get an advantage!  It's the story of life.  Such is life.


There is a sign on the wall at Old Chicago that says--You haven't lived until you have done something for someone who can never repay you! There was another sign below it that said--The habit of giving only enhances the desire to give.    Winston Churchill once said--You make a living by what you earn; you make a life by what you give.  "Let us endeavor to live so that when we come to die even the undertaker will be sorry".--Mark Twain--  But flipthepancake--See what Blondie says! Weee Doggy!

I golfed with a guy who told me that where ever he travels it seems like everyone has a lot of money (i.e. and I think this guy does himself).  It really seems that way.  There are soooooo many nice houses and second houses, fancy cars, great $$ spend on recreation, much eating out, much travel, much luxury etc. I read in the paper (i.e. so it must be right) that many folks on the street are struggling.  Soooo maybe there are both the rich and the poor (i.e. in their own world).  I also read this in the paper:  The Great Recession has upended the American tradition of moving to greener pastures.  Instead of moving to a bigger home or for a higher-paying job, more Americans moved because they couldn't afford to stay where they are.  I sure get conflicting impute.  Again, maybe both are right.  Now that could be.  Weee Doggy!

Arlene and I stopped at Frey's the other night to pick up a few groceries.  As we were going to the fruit section, there were two ladies ahead of us.  They were rather large ladies and one brushed a flower stand and knocked over a flower pot.  She looked at it on the floor.  Stood there and looked more.  Then she tried to pick it up.  She saw us and said--You've ain't seen nutten mister!  Weee Doggy!

Weee Doggy!  Freedom at last.  That is what many retired folks feel.  Freedom from obligation.  Obligation of a job, social activities, responsibility, schedules, commitments, demands, raising children, etc.  Many retirees don't want to be tied down.  They don't want to be committed.  They want to be free as a goose.  They don't want to have to do something and don't want to have to be somewhere at a certain time.  That is why many don't want to join certain activities 'cause they demand them to be there.  They would rather be part of an activity where is is optional if they are there (i.e. no demands).  They don't want to commit themselves to a continued schedule.  They want freedom.  Want flexibility.  ItchieBitchie says--BUT hold fast to Christ, and for the rest, be totally uncommitted. 

A challenge I give you this week.  Be an encourager to someone who needs it (i.e not the champ but the less fortunate).  Give someone a vote of confidence.  The champ always gets a lot of attention but give some attention to person who has really done well and is trying but probably will never be the champ.  Joesixpack says--Be full of grace to a person.  Weee Doggy that will make you feel good.  Be supreme gas instead of just being the regular gas.  When we were kids, they sold regular and ethyl gas.  You remember that?  Ethyl was more expensive but stopped the knock in the engines (i.e. had lead in it I think and now we took the lead out).  I read this while eating my oatmeal with a half a banana on it--It is a wonderful thing to find someone else who, when we are low, can speak to us words of real encouragement...However we theologize it, the experience of isolation is still one of the most distressing and disorienting of trials.  CadillacJack says--Be a yooper instead of a troll.  I played golf with MI-EngineerJim Saturday.  He informed me what a MI yooper is and what a MI troll is.  What the heck is a yooper?  A yooper is a person who lives in the Upper Peninsula of MI a.k.a. U.P.and a troll is a person who lives under the bridge (i.e. in the lower part of MI below the Mackinac Bridge that connects the two parcels of land.  MI-EngineerJim told me that there is a singing group that are called The Yoopers.  Here is the song they are best known for he said.  http://www.lyricstime.com/da-yoopers-second-week-of-deer-camp-lyrics.html

MissPerfect says--Maybe it's an optical conclusion!  More about the champs--Major league baseball is big news here in the Valley with the Cactus League starting.  All the teams say--If everyone stays healthy and everyone lives up to their expectation, we are gong to be a great ball club!  Even the Cubs and the Twins say that.  I read this in the paper sooo it must be right what John Force said about Danica Patrick winning the pole position in the Daytona 500-- "I get that Danica got the pole is a big deal, but it is not like she delivered the baby Jesus."  He was saying that there are other important folks besides her (i.e. some folks get all the attention but there are other great folks tooooo who get little or no attention).  Weee Doggy!  

I read this in the paper soooo it must be right--It was just announced that President Obama will speak at Ohio State's graduation in May.  The president has a lot in common with those students.  He's currently in his fifth year and swamped with debt.  Weee Doggy!

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

erv

MyFriendJean says--The heart has reasons, which reason can not understand.

Deception

BuckskinFrankLeslie says--"I'm sorry.  I might have done more, but I couldn't do less!"  Some of you might think this "It's Saturday" doesn't make any sense to ya!  Well take a "look n see" and see what you think  If if doesn't make any sense to ya, remember, it could be worse--you might not be able to read this or understand any of it.  It could be worse folks!  That's all I'm going to say about that.

How much is enough?  John D. Rockefeller was presented with that question at the height of his incredible personal wealth in the oil industry.  To which he responded, "One more dollar."  SusieQ says--Wealth is a moving target. It is an illusion a.k.a a deception).  LuckieEddie says--So here is the big illusion... no one feels wealthy. Not even the "rich" guys.  CadillacJack says--Most days I actually feel wealthy. It has not been a shift in circumstances but rather a shift in beliefs.  ~  Saturday question--Do you really feel wealthy?  When will you get there?  Has that target changed in your life from a decade ago?  Idea or advice--Find the folks that you think are wealthy and ask them if they feel wealthy?

No deception here folks; you get what you see!  Have you ever wondered what the difference is between Grandmothers and Grandfathers? Well, here it is:  There was this loving grandfather who always made a special effort to spend time with his son's family on weekends. Every Saturday morning he would take his 5-year-old granddaughter out for a drive in the car for some quality time -- pancakes, ice cream, candy-- just him and his granddaughter. One particular Saturday, however, he had a bad cold and really didn't feel like being up at all. He knew his granddaughter always looked forward to their drives and would be disappointed. Luckily, his wife came to the rescue and said that she would take their granddaughter for the drive and breakfast. When they returned, the little girl anxiously ran upstairs to see her grandfather who was still in bed. "Well, did you enjoy your ride with grandma?" he asked. Not really, Papa, it was really boring. We didn't see a single asshole, leech, piece of crap, horse's ass, socialist left wing democrat Obama lover, blind bastard, dipshit, Muslim camel humper or son of a bitch anywhere."

LucieEddie says--My life is one big deception.  I'd like to live as a poor man with lots of money but I live like a rich man with no money.  Is there deception in the political world?  Corporate world? Church world? Our personal world?  Da!!!  AverageJoe says--I live in "Pleasantville" but sink back into "Somnambulism" sometimes!  Lance said for years that he didn't use the stuff.  Clinton said he didn't have sex with her.  And the list goes on including us at times. Saturday question--Soooo being a savvy insider more important than adhering to community standards?  GeorgeTheCrook says--Deception is just public relations or good business  (i.e. they all do it).  It just being a good promoter and spin control.  Ya, some folks don't care what they do to get to the finish line (i.e. they like the applaud of the result--fame and fortune are heaped upon those who reach elite levels of success).  Maybe we are all deceptive at times.  You think soooooo?  WildWillie says--I'm not deceptive but I just don't tell the whole story!  Is that being deceptive or not?  Are you swerving here WildWillie? 

The Pillsbury Doughboy dies yesterday of a yeast infection and trauma complications from repeated pokes in the belly. He was 71.  Now that is a deception.  A friend sent me this quote of John Wesley--"Do all the good you can, by all the ways you can, in all places you can, all the times you can, to all the people you can, as long as you can." Isn't that cool?  I think (i.e. my opinion) that that is the real deal (i.e. no deception there folks). 

FlabbyGabby says--I deceive myself oh sooooo often.  When things are going well (i.e. like I'm on top of the world) I need to enjoy it as it ain't how it's always going to be.  I want my pie-in-the-sky and eat it tooooooo.  Actually when are we most vulnerable do you think?  I think it's when I'm on top of the world or deep in a valley.  FlabbyGabby, the rumor is you are on a "topoftheworldexperience".  But then rumors are sorta kinda true some of the time!  Sooooo don't get deceived FlabbyGabby.  My mentor use to tell me--Things are never as good as they look and never as bad as they look. 

Charles Barkley says if he would be the GM of the Phoenix Suns--"I would hire strong supporting cast. ...I'm going to hire people I listen to. I'm not going to hire people who tell me what I want to hear"  Maybe Charles, you are just traumatized.  ~  I ponder!  Yes, I ponder.  I wish I was like some who seem to always know the answer.  I question and wonder and ponder many things usually ending up with no answer.  I try not to let myself think what I want to think but ponder and decide what the real answer is.  I try to listen and learn both sides and not let a group or an individual sway my thinking into their thinking.  Sometimes I have learned that those other folks don't know what they are talking about and sometimes they do.  Some have been brain washed by someone else.  Is that being open minded.  And then again, I might think I'm open minded and am not really (i.e. maybe only deceiving myself).  Such is life.

GeorgeTheCrook says--Deception works.  I know folks who are wise and good folks who get no respect or reward.  And I know folks who are real jerks a.k.a DuaneTheWorms who get respect and reward.  If you get caught with your deception (i.e. deer antler spray) you just admit and ask for mercy.  Folks usually will accept that (i.e. prodigal son scenario). The potential gain is worth the risk.  You can always say--I didn't know!  You might be right GerogeTheCrook based on how our society works today but I really don't think it's the answer for me.  I believe that most of us are somewhere in the middle but basically good (i.e. we have both good and bad in us).  I asked Arlene what she thought of this deception.  She thinks there are different levels of deception but basically folks are not deceivers.  She is soooo nice, tender and sweet. Soooooo are you guys deceivers? Is the devil a deceiver?  I read this in the paper soooo it must be right--I guess, as they say, winning is the cure all for everything in sports and business.  What! 

It's hard to use deception when you are really concerned and worried about something.  It shows right through.  That is why folks need a deviation from their concern once in a while.  We need to get away from reality (i.e. that is why folks like movies soooooo well I think).  MissPerfect says--Reality is tough on most folks.  "You appear to be ten years older than you were a year ago."  ~Ulysses S. Grant to Abraham Lincoln in the movie "Lincoln"~  Ya, stress and concern ages folks faster maybe.  What do you thing?

Cadillac Jack says--Sometimes we deceive ourselves.  The following is part of a cover letter of the Canadian pickle ball newsletter.  --  Life is what you make it - each day a daily decision - is this going to be a great day or just another Ho! Hum! Day. . . the decision is YOURS. Attitude is everything, keep it positive with a big smile and you will have the time of your life. No matter how bad your circumstances, there is always someone much worse off then you...Having just returned from my annual Mexico Missions Trip, believe me, we live in paradise. We are simply the richest 10% in the WHOLE WORLD, just by being Canadians. The poorest among us live in luxury compared to most of the world. We have so much to be thankful for: clean air, clean water, a safe place to sleep, clothes and vehicles - these are actually luxuries to most of the world. Taking a trip outside of your comfort zone is a great way to get a quick attitude adjustment. Great pickling to all of you. See you in Abbotsford.  Ed Burke Editor/Publisher/Director Pickleball Canada
www.pickleballcanada.org

Have you ever had your mind deceive ya?  I did again just the other day.  Mike and I were to pick up Evan to play golf.  He told me they were at Monte Vista near Ellsworth and Baseline.  My mind already had it figured out where it was.  I didn't need to listen to Evan.  Well my mind was wrong.  It was on the other side of the intersection.  Not where my mind had it.  Man-O-man!  I gotta listen better.  Don't jump to some conclusion.  I went for a late afternoon run up 'erin'em'er mountains and stopped at Frey's for a few items for dinner.  I went through the express line (i.e. I had under 3-hands of fingers).  The guy ahead of me was buying red roses.  I said--are you in the dog house?--no, the ones I bought for Valentine's day are wilting.  He left and I asked the check-out-guy how many roses were in that bunch for $54?  He didn't know but did say--Most of those guys; I better not voice my opinion--go ahead; I'm interested in your opinion--Well, it appears to me that most of those guys are real showy guys a.k.a deceivers--That could be but we really don't know his situation or you don't know my situation or I don't know your situation--That is really true; we just don't know do we?  We smiled at each other and I left.  It was a good smile that meant something.  We knew what was in each others' hearts I think.  There was no deception folks.  It was real.

Is this a deception. Wrangle this over in your mind. I read this while eating my oatmeal with a half a banana on it--Martin Luther said--The message of faith in Christ "has a good savor for all who are afflicted, downcast, troubled, and tempted and these are the ones who understand the gospel...often the sleek and strong do not.  Joesixpack says--Even if we are people who have known real suffering ourselves (i.e. and who has not?), once we bounce back we so easily forget what it was like to be miserable and sick. Ouchy ouchy! ItchieBitchie says--Everything on TV says we all want to be sleek and strong!!

Such is life.  I rode my bike over to the community where I play pickle ball.  I was putting it in the rack.  A guy was removing his bike at the same time.  He was Al.  He does many many activities he said; soooo many that he can't keep them all straight he said.  His doctor said--Al, you keep moving; it's when you stop moving that you will have trouble.  Sooo I played pickle ball and was getting back on my bike and a guy came and put his bike in the rack next to me.  His name was Bob.  Bob told me that he retired toooo early (i.e. 53).  I'm bored; I have done everything and am loosing interest.  That's not good Bob; you better find something that excites you or you will just die away.  Ya, he said, I know.  Sooooo I get back to our Fountain of the Sun and am almost to our condo when I pass this ol' fart riding his tricycle.  I asked him if he wanted to race--not today he said.  I asked if I could take a picture of his license plate he had on his tricycle.  He rode over to our condo.  His name was Sonny (i.e. a rancher from Steamboat Springs and Grand Junction).  We talked for some time.  No deception in these folks.  You get what you see.  No question.  Picture is of Sonny; he was soooo proud of his cap (i.e. click on it to  make it larger). 

Was invited to play golf with a group of guys, employees of Farmers Mutual Hail.  I was a fill in for Worm.  Yes, his last name was Worm.  I don't know if he was related to DuaneTheWorm.  We played at Sidewinder.  The setting is beautiful just under the Superstition Mountains in Gold Canyon. ANYWAY the guys were talking about a guy who use to play with their group.  He quit 'cause he was sooooo concerned about his score (i.e. this is a harder course) instead of enjoying the company of the guys, the beauty of the setting or life.  He just wanted to have a good score (i.e. probably went back to some easy course where he could get a good score and save his ego).  I bet this guy was a deceiver.  What do you think?

BuckskinFrankLeslie--A scout, a dandy and a ladies' man, was also a bartender at the Oriental Saloon in Tombstone, where, on Nov. 14, 1882, he got into an argument with William Claiborne and kicked him out, only to have the brash young cowboy come back armed and fisin' for a fight. BuckskinFrankLeslie came out a side door and shot down Claiborne, telling the arresting officer, "I'm sorry. I might have done more, but I couldn't do less."

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

swervinervin

MyFriendJean says--Goodness is the only investment that never fails.

 

fear fear fear

Life as I know it!  I read this in the paper soooo it must be right.  The biggest fear most folks fear is the fear of death.  Joesixpack says--And statistics are shocking: out of every hundred people, a hundred people die.  ~  And don't expect to understand much of this "It's Saturday" (i.e. you might understand 7%).  That is just the way it is folks.  93%, you probably won't understand they say. 

JoeBlow says--Fear is a wonderful skin preserver.  When the Romans ruled the world, folks had to call Cesar lord.  If the Christians called Jesus their Lord, things didn't gooooo soooooo goood.  Many would just doubletalk and say that Cesar was their lord.  Fear is a wonderful skin preserver!  It was Valentine's day this week.  Fear of not getting your love a gift is a wonderful skin preserver.  LuckyEddie says--Last year I gave my wife a belt and a bag. I hoped it would made the vacuum sweeper run better for her!  Such is life.

SusieQ says--Fear can shake our confidence alright.  IitchieBitchie says--Many folks have a fear of of running out of $$ in retirement.  Ya, that is a fear of many seniors.  It's like the fear of failure.  Ya, the fear of failure stops many folks in trying things (i.e. can't handle failure sooooo won't run the risk).  "No man ever achieved worthwhile success who did not, at one time or other, find himself with at least one foot hanging well over the brink of failure.  ~Napoleon Hill~  The fear of failure sticks to many folks like dried up oat meal does to my breakfast bowl.  Some folks feel they can not handle another blunder.  Sooo "that fear of making another blunder" makes them go with the attitude--I won't do anything. That should work

I fear that I judge folks sometimes by there outer appearance and not what's in their heart.  I also judge folks by what they say which many times is not how they act or believe.  Joesixpack says--Many folks think they are tough but their actions are not that way at all.  I asked a buddy if he's Jewish, an atheist, a Christian or what. He told me--"I'm not much of anything really.  Bit cynical about religion because it seems to fit for those who have troubles and can't deal with them in the real world, they seem to run to religion as a source of hope which is OK by me.  To each his own way of dealing with stuff in our lives."  Everyone is entitled to their opinion aren't they.  I personally fear the Lord (i.e. have an overwhelming sense of majesty of His reality).   Now that's my fear of the Lord. That's not being scared. That is just how I stand in fear of the Lord a.k.a in awe! We can believe in what we want.  It's our decision.  I think a guy has to make a decision about Jesus; He's either crazy or the King--he can't be both; He's either all hype or all hope.  There is no in between.  But it's all our personal decision.   

Many folks have a fear of being out of style (i.e. especially women).  I saw on TV a commercial that went something like this--Are you out of style--It only takes about 500 bucks and we can put you in new clothes (i.e. in style).  Only $500 folks!  Some old codgers are like owls when it comes to being in style--they don't give a hoot!  I also heard on TV that platform heels will be out sooon gals.  Soooo you might just as well spend a few hundred bucks and get in fashion early.  Beat the rush!  Such is life.

Another fear that many folks have is the fear of loosing their health, the health of a loved one or of friends.  Health can really change many things folks.  But yet in many situations, folks still won't take measures to increase their changes of better health.  Why is that anyway?  Many folks won't start exercising 'cause they have a fear (i.e. it's been soooo long ago that they did it).  I read in the paper sooooo it must be right--Once you loose your health, your social life deteriorates big time (i.e. those folks get much less attention--folks loose their interaction with others).   I talked to a new caregiver the other day.  She told me that she has a new appreciation of caregivers (i.e. never realized it until she became one how tough it is both physically and mentally).  Isn't that true with soooooo much stuff in life--didn't really understand it until I experienced it for myself.  Such is life.

Saturday question--Do you fear change?  Time's up.  At Broadway Christian, they are cutting way back on the size of their bulletin (i.e. why--to save money).  One little sheet with the sermon outline on it.  They have a QR code on it.  The pastor asked how many of the maybe 400 senior folks at the more traditional service we attend knew what a QR code  was.  About 8 raised their hands that I could see.  They are learning technology 101 at church.  Huh, interesting.

ItchieBitchie asks--You ever have the fear of over staying  your welcome!  Coaches say--It always better to leave a couple of years too soon than stay a couple of  years too long!  Coaching is pretty much cyclical (i.e. there will be ups and downs).  That can be said for churches too maybe.  Coaches get too comfortable, fans get bored and the moment churning out an 8-4 or 9-3 season seems like a disappointment, it's time to move on.

Whoa Nelly!  "He who is not contented with what he has, would not be contented with what he would like to have. ~Socrates~  Many folks fear that they don't have enough (i.e. especially enough to keep up with the Jones--neighbor's goods).  When is enough enough anyway?  When?  Not having enough drives capitalism big time.  It will continue folks (i.e. it's built into the system forever while there is an earth).  Soooo get use to it.  But can we be content do you think?  Can we ever be content.  I think many folks can and are.  I really do (i.e. until they visit the Jones--only kidding but partly not)!  My mentor use to say--The earth's measuring stick of success is how much money (i.e. stuff) you have.  He also said--We know what the golden rule is but the on this earth toooo many times it's interpreted--gold rules.  Yabut folks, the prelimanary discussion (i.e. according to the book of order) are not what it's all about.  Everyone says it is but it ain't.  It's all about the money folks no matter what they say. 

Do you ever fear that you can't trust your spouse or your best friend?  The crusader put a chastity belt on his wife and gave the key to his best friend for safekeeping, in case of his death. He had ridden only a few miles away when his friend, riding hard, caught up with him, saying "You gave me the wrong key!”

Do you ever think others think you are a nitwit?  Do you ever fear that no one is going to like you (i.e. really serious concern if you are a 13 year old girl).  On the fear that no one will like me will drive folks to do crazy things just to be accepted.  MissPerfect says--It may appear that I'm very confident but I'm really not.  Believe me, I'm really not but just pretend and will do almost anything to be accepted.  I would have never guessed that about you MissPerfect.  On top of my email account, it says occasionally--I have 3 folks who unfriended me.  Really!  Look sometimes how many friends some folks have.  Some have many many friends on facebook.  I don't have very many.  I must not be a very nice person; you think?  And I just lost three!  That means my % went down enormously.  Such is life. 

Feedback from last week's It's Saturday that applies to the "13 year old girl's fear"--As I spent some time with a friend this weekend, who happens to be a teenage girl, I think this is a similar problem many of them experience. The feedback loop from their peer group is busted (sometimes from their own brains too) and it makes them act in some interesting ways. My friend does experience the “yips” occasionally, but due to some great parenting on her mom’s part, she is generally more mature and “above the fray” of high school drama. 

CaptainControl says--We could call this the “Verdi Virus” – the desire to control, the need to be approved. German philosopher Friedrich Nietzsche described it this way: “Whenever I climb, I am followed by a dog named Ego.” The ego swells when it is showered with praise. It craves power and success. And it is never satisfied with how much of these things it gets.  Some folks die proud and foolish and others die humble and full of wisdom.  AverageJoe says--Some folks flounder through life and others are just floundered.  Many times it's just best to be a blank page (i.e. don't think you know everything already).  That attitude might get a guy off to a fast start (i.e. maybe).  Thinking a guy knows everything might make a guy like DuaneTheWorm. 

LuckieEddie says--I fear that many government projects and entitlements are complete boondoggles.  But we can't get them stopped or reduced.  We just can't it seems.  Those projects and entitlements are much like DuaneTheWorm.  DuaneTheWorm is like a snake in the grass...you chop his head off and he'll still bites ya!  GeorgeTheCrook says--When you don't know what you're doing, it's best to do it quickly!  Such is life. 

CadillacJack says--The more make up a woman wears, the more she's tryin' to hide.  WildWillie says--Makeup can hide a lot of evil and a lot of fear.  Oh ya!  How important is early intervention into a problem do you think?  I mean, call a spade a spade and correct it before it becomes an avalanche.  We maybe have a fear of hurting some one's feelings but it might be better to "bite it in the bud".  What do you think?  Early detection is a big advantage in health care they say.  Sometimes late detection cannot fix the problem (i.e. tooooo late).  Such is life.

A SRP is a Stupid Repeating Pattern.  Saturday question--Are you in a SRP?  Are you fearful of getting out of a SRP 'cause your are soooooo comfortable in your SRP.  You are fearful of the uncertainty that it will produce compared to your stable pattern you are in now (i.e. even if it's a SRP).  Oh the fear of risk or change! 

BobbyTamasy says--Researchers have determined only about seven percent of communication is verbal, meaning 93 percent is non-verbal: eye contact, body language, gestures and facial expressions, tone of voice, the pace we speak. So when we send an email or text, much of our message is missing. Not only that, but a gentle touch, a friendly smile or wink of an eye can only be exchanged in person. In an increasingly impersonal world, these “non-verbals” help us say, “You are somebody. I know you exist – and you are important.”  So as we look ahead, maybe a worthwhile resolution would be to become more real – less artificial. Determining to “be there” for other people, despite our deadlines, pressures and tight schedules (i.e. take some fear out of their lives).

The last of human freedoms -- The ability to chose one's attitude in a given set of circumstances.
~Viktor E. Frankl~

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

erv

MyFriendJean says--Better to let 'em wonder why you didn't talk, than why you did. 

yips

Disclaimer--The two hardest things to handle in life are failure and success.  I have no idea if this "It's Saturday " is failure, success or neither.  I guess you will be the judge.  WildWilly asks--How do you really know what success or failure is anyway?  Do others determine that or do each of us determine that in our own minds?  I'm confused here. 

Joesixpack says--Once you got them, you got them.  That is what Joexixpack says that about the yips.  Isn't it that way with a lot of things--Once you got it, you got it.  If you don't have it, you don't have it.  For you non golfers, the yips is the jerking of a golfers' putts uncontrollably.  Is it a physical problem or a metal problem?  It all depends who you talk to.  But it happens more when folks get older.  Is it nerves or what?  Personally, I think it's physiological.  But what do I know.  SusieQ says--Maybe the yips are like when I carry coffee, my hand is steady and the coffee never spills, but as soon as I start looking at the cup, the coffee starts sloshing around and spills!

I tell you what (i.e. I read this advertisement it in the paper soooo it must be right) -- High-yield savings account 0.90%!  Now that could give a guy the yips--high-yield savings account at 0.90%.  Wow!  If you use the 72 rule (i.e. take the interest rate into 72 which will tell you how many years it takes for your money to double) it will take us 80 years to double your money.  Soooo if you save $500 this year, in 80 years you will have $1,000.  We don't have 80 years soooooo Arlene and are going to the movies.  Yeps not yips or both.  MissPerfect says--There's a lot easier way to make $500; just marry it! 

By Mayo Clinic staff  Yips are involuntary wrist spasms that occur most commonly when golfers are trying to putt. However, the yips can also affect people who play other sports — such as cricket, darts and baseball.  It was once thought that the yips were always associated with performance anxiety. However, it now appears that some people have yips that are caused by a focal dystonia, which is a neurological dysfunction affecting specific muscles.  Some people have found relief from the yips by changing the way they perform the affected task. For example, a right-handed golfer might try putting left-handed.

This might give you the yips folks.  I read it in the paper sooooo it must be right--Nearly half of working Americans with college degrees are in jobs for which they're overqualified...It's almost a new normal...The number of Americans with bachelor's degree grew 25%, associate's degrees 32%, master's 45% and doctorate degrees 43%...Earnings with a bachelor's degree averaged $59,415 and folks with a high school diploma averaged $32,493.

Went on a hike with JoeTheHike the other day up to the Massacre Ground.  As the story goes, a Mexican would come every year and go up into the Superstition Mountains and take massive huge amounts of gold out and never tell anyone where he got it.  The Indians one year got this Mexican group up on an cliff and pushed them over the cliff.  That is how it got it's name. JoeTheHike told me that he has gone through 2 groups of hikers (i.e. the two earlier groups died or are in poor health and can't hike anymore).  I almost pushed him over the cliff.  I wonder if he's a bad omen folks.  I'm his third group.  He sorta kinda gave me the yips! 

A ol' golf buddy told us on the 10th tee one day that he was a very shy kid.  He wouldn't look at anyone and was intimated by all his peers.  Then one day he told himself that he was just as good as any of them.  It changed his whole life he said.  Is it really that easy?  It was too him.  Why do you think he made that change?  It was like turning on a light.  FlipThePancake--I was watching some college basketball the other day.  The announcer said about a excellent player--He shot 82% free throws last year and this year 54%.  He lost all his confidence and just throws up rocks now.  He is jerky and just plain bad.  What happened?  He lost his confidence the announcer said.  Maybe he just needs another tattoo!  Soooo what causes folks to loose their confidence anyway?  How can you make yourself believe in yourself and how can you let yourself not believe in yourself?  It has to be a metal thing doesn't it?  Does this confidence sway back and forth depending on the day?  Does your emotions and events have anything to do with it?  Do folks who are total obvious jerks (i.e. always think they are right) have more confidence than others?  Is confidence an eternal motor that runs without others seeing it?    

Up'erin'em'ermts the other day, my ATV driver told me that he believes in taking chances and he's not afraid of failure (i.e. if you take changes folks, failure will happen at times--no question). But if you don't take chances, your life is very stagnate, boring and unproductive (i.e. you got the yips). When you get the yips, you won't try anything. My daddy, Chester, always told me--erv, Everyone has problems; it's just that some folks handle them differently.  That is what he said.  Yabut it seems like some folks handle failures much different that others.  Some just plain can handle failures by letting failures just roll off their backs like water does off a duck's back.  Why is that do you think?  Superman is super but some folks make superman look like a weakling with their strong mental attitude. 

We spent part of a day with our ol' college friends from good ol' Northwestern College, Evan and Linda DeBoer.  They are just as nice as they have always have been.  It was just like old times.  What a hoot!  They surely don't give us the yips.  They are our kind of folks (i.e. good folks with massive huge hearts--real folks).  Talk  about ol' NW college friends--This is what Rocky wrote--I had a two for one breakfast croissant sandwich coupon from Burger King so on my way home from Grand Rapids airport stopped and ate them both, how dumb is that but enjoyed them.  Now that does give me the yips!  Such is life.

Saturday question--Do we ever get yips in our lives?  Do some folks ever get rather jerky and before you know it, they are really jerks.  Now that is a real jerk folks.  And it's not long and they are DuranTheWorms.  But think about this:  After something happens to us (i.e. either good or bad) we decide in our brain how we are going to react to this event (i.e. decisions have consequences and we get to make the decisions).  I think some times we get the yips.  A fellow pickle ball player told us that he went back to his park model the other day, went into it and said to the lady--you are not my wife.  He went into the wrong park model!!  Such is life.

She did not get the yips folks.  IASnowBirdJohn from the Fountain of the Sun went to play 9 at View Point just down the road a little on Hawes.  He told his wife he would be back about 11:30.  He walked in the house at about 4.  She asked him--where were you anyway?  Well, on the way home I picked up this hitch hiker.  She was attractive and very nice.  We enjoyed each others company and before we knew it, it was 4.  She said--Baloney, you played 18 didn'tja?

I had to laugh.  As I said, we went to Cavalia's Odysseo a couple of weeks ago under the big white tent.  It was impressive and expensive by my standards.  I realized that expensive tickets for a class act attracts a different type of crowd.  Yes it does.  I wonder if we sometimes get the yips when we are around different social/economical groups.  But we might think we are different but we are still the same.  Example--At the Odysseo there was a half hour intermission.  Arlene had to go to the bathroom soooo I went for a walk with her.  They were fancy portable bathrooms compared to just porta-potties.  I stood there waiting for Arlene for maybe 10 minutes and noticed all the fancy gals come by (i.e. all dressed up) me from the potties.  Arlene finally came and said the potties were not flushing--it was not pretty.  Sooooo no matter how fancy you are or think you are, if you have to go and urinate, you gotta do it no matter what the situation is (i.e. it's all equal).  I sorta kinda laughed.  Such is life.

It's hard to get up at 2 AM and jog when you are laying in satin sheets. ~Mike Tyson~  Comfort often does take away the drive to do what we need to do. Joesixpack says--Comfort is misleading sometimes I think.  It gives us the yips maybe.  We get tooooo much success and we just sit on the couch and eat chips.  We become very content and complacent.  The best way to get out of that mood it to go out and help somebody.  Get out of the stinkin' thinkin' mood. 

OnePuttTom says--Don't buy a putter until you had a chance to throw it!  I wonder sometime if my brain and my hands don't communicate very well (i.e. a little yippie).  How can I have a putt and hit it 10 feet toooooo long one time and 10 feet tooooo short the next.  There is something that isn't working!!!  I putted a round by not looking at the ball but just the hole. It's worked pretty good. Don't know if that is the reason but...! I read recently that Johnny Miller had the yips and won his last championship doing that. It really feels awkward but...! Those quick fixes never seem to work very long for me.  I need an expensive sports physiologist but I can't afford one soooo I guess I will just keep complaining!  Such is life.

If you have "Lack of believe" you have "Lack of believe"!  Believe me if you don't believe you can do it, you are right.  ItchieBitchie says--I introduced my wife to my ex-fiancee.  I told my wife that I never really did like her.  My wife got the yips let me tell ya.  It probably would have better if I would have never done that.  Some things you live and die with!  Such is life.

Recently I went over to a buddy's place to have a Clelada (i.e. Clamato juice and beer).  His charming wife said he has been in bed for 3 days before being sick for several others.  He is weak and lost 10 pounds.  I said--We need to get him to urgent care--she said--I think so toooo; let me talk to him; he wants you to come and talk to him--we got some clothes on him and threw him into my car and took him to urgent care.  He looked like walking death.  And he said he felt that way tooooo. Well they checked him out and he didn't have the flu.  Thought maybe he had urinary infection.  He didn't.  Finally he came  out and said they couldn't find anything wrong with him.  I said to his wife that there is something  wrong with him.  She needs to take him to er.  She did.  He had a stroke.  I don't understand why they didn't detect that.  That gives me the yips folks.  Went for about 9.5 mile hike upin'em'ermts yesterday with a couple of guys.  OhioDoug was excited about getting back sooooo he could sit in the hot tub with a beer.  He told me that beer makes you smart.  It made Bud wiser!!!

I read in the paper sooooo it must be right--NYC's 'Hizzoner' Ed Koch dies.  He was the epitome of the city's chutzpah.  Brash and bombastic, the acid-tongued politician once said in his autobiography:  "I'm not the type to get ulcers. I give them."  I bet he was a fun guy to work for (i.e give folks the yips)!  Think about this:  Do you think he had the same power around his wife and children and his dog?  I bet they just blew him off.  He might have had power over the city employees and support staff but I bet his family didn't pay much attention to his antics.  That is what I think. 

Phil Michelson wins the Phoenix Open.  He gets a new driver and hits it a mile and straight plus everyone likes him here in the Valley of the Sun.  You kidding me!  No, I'm not.  Those two things gave him a lot of confidence they say.  Yabut I know folks who buy new equipment and buy a new outfit but it doesn't affect their game.  Ya still need to have some grit and some ability--don'tcha!  But, somethings can change a person's confidence and change a guy's attitude.  It could be as simple as an email from a friend, a call from someone, a little accomplishment, a good night's sleep, a good read, a song, a visit with a friend, a good run/hike up'erin'em mountains etc.  Sooooo my friend went and bought a new driver--verdict is still out he says.  He didn't sound very positive about it (i.e. got the yips with it I think).  Usually that means it won't stay in his bag very long.  I think his grandson is going to get an early Christmas present.  Such is life.

Remember God is God and we are human.  BUT do you ever get the yips with dealing with God?  Do you ever wonder what He's doing anyway?  Do you ever get confused?  Mason says in his book, Gospel According to Job--"Is not the whole human race engaged in one long argument with God that is called 'history'?  The difference between believers and unbelievers is that while the former argue on speaking terms with the Lord, the latter do so by turning their backs and giving Him the silent treatment."  I know sooooo little and think I know sooooo much.  At times I get glimmerings of the Lord, glimmerings folks, glimmerings.  His greatness I cannot fathom.  And that's just the way it is.  I can accept this most of the time I think. 

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

erv

MyFriendJean says--Before you know what direction to take, you have to know where you are going.

 

bull or steer

CAUTIOUS RIDER
TO HER RECKLESS DEAR
LET'S HAVE LESS BULL
AND A LITTLE MORE STEER
Burma Shave

KnowItAllNellie says--The pieces are good but they don't fit (e.g. many good stars in a church but are not a team); they just coexist; but don't fit together).  ItchieBitchie says--We all think we know what is right.  We want everyone to think like us.  We want to make folks like we are.  ~  Today is Groundhog day.  Do you believe in such things.  What do you believe in anyway?  We all believe in many different things it appears.  We don't always seem to agree on much of anything.  Joesixpack says--Every man is his own island.  President Lincoln certainly knew his Bible well.  Church membership was another matter.  In 1865 Henry C Denning recalled what Lincoln said to him on day concerning church membership.  Lincoln never joined a church, saying he disliked the bickering of denominations over creeds.  He said he would only join a church whose sole qualification was Jesus' own summary of the Law--"Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy strength, and with all thy mind; and thy neighbour as thyself."  Maybe a little less bull and a little more steer!

Why do we seem to always want others to be like us?  Do we think we have all the answers do you think?  Do we not appreciate the difference in folks?  Do we think we are superior? Soooooo why do many folks want to be like the majority?  Be in the "in group"? Not just be who they are? Why do some folks, it seems, do almost anything to be like the peer group snobs? I guess we all need to answer that question for ourselves now don't we. I wonder if we lack self-confidence?  Maybe that snobbish peer group needs a little more steer and a little less bull! 

LuckieEddie's motor just keeps running. Maybe it would be better if he turned it off once in a while (i.e. calm down a little at times)! One thing goes wrong and Itchiebitchie gets mad and screams at everyone. CharlieCritic says--Folks don't perform when tight and scared. Itchiebitchie destroys confidence when he whines his motor to tight (i.e. tooooo many rpms). GeorgeTheCrook says--Life is a constant "concessions and compromises" (i.e. flexible). Much like how good ol' Abe did things to get what he wanted. I have a friend who just got married and didn't tell hardly anyone about it. He said he didn't want any attention (i.e. under the radar). I want to keep it as quiet as possible (i.e. low key). I don't want any excitement. Opposite of DuaneTheWorm (i.e. he's aways tooting his horn and making music about himself--full of bull). But when I congratulated my friend, he got a big smile on his face. Soooooo what do you think! Such is life.

Joesixack says--In February, a remarkable coincidence will take place----both Groundhog day and the State of the Union address will occur in the month. This has special meaning.  One involves a meaningless ritual in which we look to an insignificant creature of little intelligence for insight into the future.  The other involves a...!  You decide which is which.  Personally it's hard for me to put much stock in either one (i.e. both occurrences seem to be bull...)!  Such is life.

I gave blood recently down here in the Valley with the American Red Cross.  I have done this a few times (i.e. about 12 gallons worth).  No big deal; I enjoy doing it.  But, I was a little disappointed with their robotic approach to my blood giving.  Did it like a job, which it was to the employees.  But some one did not instruct them that I was doing this on my time and at my cost.  They showed very little appreciation.  I'm not special but if they want folks to do it, they need to be more appreciative (i.e. my opinion).  We don't have to do it you know.  If I was in charge, I would instruct my employees to go over board in thanking folks for their time and effort.  Maybe that's just me (i.e. maybe I'm just old fashion).  I was heading home and got a call from a buddy back home (i.e. younger buddy).  He said he just heard on a talk show that Americans (i.e. especially younger Americans) are using technology to communicate instead of talking to folks in person.  It's not good.  Soooo he called me.  Huh, interesting. He also said that the social medias that are soooo popular, cause struggles for many.  Folks talk about all their good stuff and makes others jealous and feel inferior.  Ouchy ouchy!  As my mentor use to say--Nothing is as good as it looks and nothing is as bad as it looks.  CadillacJack says--It all started when they let the ladies go to town instead of keeping them bare foot and pregnant on the farm.  They got comparing.  That was were this all started.  Then came along the Sears and Roebuck catalogue and the car and the telephone, and TV and the internet!  And the rest is history folks. 

Soooooo what is the right way anyway?  Do we all think we are right and the other person is wrong?  I really don't know but do know if you want certain results you need to do certain things a certain way.  I have been working, with help from the Canadian Champion, on a certain shot in pickle ball.  I just want to learn it if possible.  It won't make my life any different or more enjoyable but it's sorta kinda a sense of accomplishment.  It's a hard shot that even he messes up sometimes (i.e. not very often) and this guy is good!.  But if you don't do it almost perfect, it ain't going to work.  It's gotta be near perfect and consistent to be effective. (i.e. most folks won't do it as it's toooooo hard but the good players all do it).  Sooooo I hit a few good ones and then a bad one.  The bad one messes with my head.  I need more confidence.  Sooooo does success give me confidence or does confidence give me success?  God only knows folks.  Ya gotta remember tooooo, that it's ervie doing the shot!  That might explain part of the problem.  Such is life.

I really rained hard here recently (i.e. record rain--it rained over an inch in one day). The locals like rain as this is a desert and they don't get much rain. Rain gives us snowbirds a day of from our normal loafing. No golf or other outside activities. That's okay with me. I have plenty to do. An ol' female snowbird from Nebraska said to me--It rained soooo hard that it reminded me of a ol' stock cow pissing on a flat rock! That is what she said.  That ain't no bull folks. 

Went to Broadway Christian Sunday (i.e. a non-denominational church) with some friends and met another couple who we got reacquainted with last year.  We all went out for brunch.  These are really nice folks (i.e. our kind of folks--real folks with good hearts).  Pastor John preached about the Holy Spirit.  He said there was a lady who said quit loudly during the service, Amen.  Then later she said--Praise the Lord.  Then later she stood up and said, Hallelujah.  An elder went over to the lady and asked what that was all about.  She said--I heard the Holy Spirit.  The elder said--you didn't here the Holy Spirit in this church!  ~  Swen from MN is very reserved (i.e. Norwegians are that way much like the Dutch and Germans in IA).  He said--I really love my wife.  I love her soooooooo much that I almost told her once!  ~  I called a friend from back home recently and she returned my call.  I really like talking to her as she sees the big picture well (i.e. a real person who will share her emotions and feelings--not a faker like DuaneTheWorm).  She's not full of bull folks.

While eating my oatmeal with a half of banana on it I read--We are to be full of mercy (i.e. not full of bull).  Saturday question--Are you full of mercy?  Do you like to have others be merciful with you?  What do you think of Ray Lewis?  Is he a SaulToPaul story or just full of bull?  I read this in the AZ Republic Paper soooooo it must be right--Even in Lakeland...you have two camps.  Perceived past slights, questions about Lewis' involvement in a double homicide 13 years ago in Atlanta and his fathering of six children with four women, none of whom he married...And some love him to death...He has done well for him self, but some are jealous...We want folks to forgive us, but we don't want to forgive anyone else...Lewis is a different man, a changed man....or is he full of bull!

February also has Valentine's Day in it.  Sooooooooo....!  I read in the paper soooooo it must be right--Decisions teens make can have a lasting effect.  SusieQ says--Now that ain't no bull.  Soooo have any of your decisions you made as a teenager affected your life (i.e. good and bad)?  Hey listen guys, what you do on Valentine's Day this year might affect you the rest of the year or your life.  And that ain't no bull!  A happy wife is a happy life!  Such is life.

Some FlatLanders from Ankeny, IA took me ATVin' (i.e. a new and exciting experience for me).  7.5 hours and 47 miles upin'em mts (i.e. did Montana Mt).  It was a hoot!  Reggie did a good job steering let me tell ya (i.e. and that ain't no bull--although I think his wife Phyllis was wondering at times--a little scared--I think she had the bejeebers scared out of her a couple of times but she didn't pee in her pants).  These are some tough old birds.  Reggie has run 8 marathons and his buddy Ron rode his bike across Tennessee and also from Durango to Denver.  They have been around the block a few times folks. 

This ain't no bull and if you adhere to it, you might just steer your life in the right direction.  This is an excerpt from http://cbmc.ca/passion-at-work-and-life-loving-what-you-do/ by Jim Mathis.  “This is your life. Do what you love, and do it often. If you don’t like something, change it. If you don’t like your job, quit. If you don’t have enough time, stop watching TV. If you are looking for the love of your life, stop; they will be waiting for you when you start doing things you love…. Life is short. Live your dream and share your passion.”  If you have not seen the Holstee Manifesto before, I would encourage you to Google it and read through it. It captures in simple fashion a way for experiencing a fulfilling life without making it complicated. The statement does not reference God or spirituality, but as I have read it and pondered what it says, I realized it finds agreement with principles in the Bible.  In fact, a more spiritual expression of the Holstee Manifesto could be, “Don’t try to find God’s plan for your life; find out what makes you come alive, because God wants people who have come alive.”  Legendary singer and songwriter Bob Dylan said, “If you are not busy living, you are busy dying.” To put it another way, there must be more to living than simply existing.  This is what I have discovered, especially as years have passed. If you cannot pursue things you love –things that ignite your enthusiasm and fill you with energy and motivation – you are shortchanging yourself. We are all uniquely created with different gifts, talents, skills and interests. The question is how to leverage our uniqueness and differences not only to achieve self-fulfillment, but also to make the greatest contribution to the world around us.  ~  Folks, I think that's more steer than bull.

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

erv

MyFriendJean says--Go the extra mile.  It's never crowded.

unique and different

Disclaimer--In my opinion, this "It's Saturday" is a condition entirely uncomplicated by fine print, loopholes, liens, riders, or codicils.  But you have carte blance to think as you want! 

Joesixpack says--Light travels faster than sound. This is why some people appear bright until you hear them speak.  Their talk is about as edifying as a belch!  We are all unique and different.  Oh ya!  My thoughts are like as fleet as lighting--I have to write them down right now or I will forget them.  And my thoughts are many times unique and different compared to your thoughts folks.  Psychologists say that I only use 10% of my brain.  Well, there is my problem.  Saturday question--Do you use good judgement?  Good judgement is the ability to make the best decision possible based on the information you have, without being swayed by others or by predetermined ideas.  Mark Twin said--Good judgment comes from experience, and experience comes from bad judgment."  Such is life.

SusieQ says--If you ain't the lead dog, the scenery never changes.  I was hiking with JoeTheHike.  He was my leader.  And I can tell you that that statement is true (i.e. all I saw on our hike was his butt).  I have many friends who are unique and different (i.e. true leaders).  I think that's why I like you guys.  I'm thinking about one particular person now who by his own admission is a hybrid.  He is always trying to put a round peg in a square hole (i.e. nutten is standard in his thinking).  He's always doing something different and unique.  He doesn't do anything like it has been done in the past (i.e. very futuristic and innovative and energetic).  He's always on the cutting edge.  He is very confident and has a very positive attitude.  He appears to be very successful.  He is unique and different compared to the large majority of folks who like everything to stay the same.  Some of you will think I'm talking about you.  I might be.  I have many friends who are unique and different and fit this mold.  Maybe I like folks like that as I get bored easily and I like your attitude. 

Monday was a national holiday sooooo Arlene and I had the day off from our normal loafing.  We went on a good hike up and around Usury Mt.  Some of you might think we are different and unique doing that.  We might be unique and different compared to many seniors if their normal is sitting, eating, drinking, and talking.  It all depends how you define "normal" folks.  I had a person ask me a different and unique question this week.  She asked my what I was going to do this afternoon--I told her I was going to give blood.  She asked--Why would you want to do that when your are a retired snowbird down here in the Valley (i.e. da).  Every one's normal is normal to them maybe.  You think soooooo!  Such is life.

I read what an acquaintance wrote on his facebook page--My boy is wise beyond his years, came home from school today with the realization that some girls are just nuts.  CadillacJack asks point blank--Are girls really that much different than guys in their thinking do you think?  Soooo are they really unique and different?  Or are guys unique and different?  DK says--My wife and I were sitting at a table at her high school Reunion, and she kept staring at a drunken man swigging his Drink as he sat alone at a nearby table.  I asked her, "Do you know him?"  "Yes", she sighed, "He's my old boyfriend. I understand he took to drinking Right after we split up those many years ago, and I hear he Hasn't been sober since."  "My God!" I said, "Who would think a person could go on Celebrating that long?"  And then the fight started...

Sooooo are you a team player or are you like DuaneTheWorm, all for yourself.  Sooooo who is really unique and different?  Occasionally a pop up says--3 folks unfriended me.  For some folks that can really be unsettling--different folks have different number of friends on facebook and others aren't on facebook at all.  Some use up all their cell minutes and other don't come close.  Some are in every social event and others don't go to any.  Some are always in the center of attention and some are wall hangers.  We are all unique all right.  Some read and other don't.  Some play pickle ball and others don't know what it is.  GeorgeTheCrook's son says--All I hear around here is about germs and Jesus; And I haven't seen either.  Such is life.

Lincoln was such a person too (i.e. unique and different).  His history, his brain, his thinking, his wife, his timing was just incredible.  He was one of a kind I think.  Are we not all one of a kind.  Did you see the movie Lincoln.  If not, I suggest you go see it.  I really liked it but I'm a Lincoln guy.  He was/is soooooo amazing, sooooo mysterious, soooooo dynamic, sooooo unique!  Even his appearance was sorta kinda a stick out.  He had to be a very intelligent man but yet a man of parables and humor (i.e. simple). 

ItchieBitchie says--After I retired I felt that I wasn't important anymore.  No one cared about me.  I was a nobody.  Soooo if I understand  you right ItchieBitchie, you are having a bad day?  Do you feel alone and abandoned?  Are you convinced nobody cares about you?  Do you think nobody cares about your failures in life or in business?  Are you sure nobody sees your successes and failures?  And nobody cares if you live or die?  You are wrong!  There is somebody very interested in everything you do...  When everyone else quits on you.....  Internal Revenue Service; we never stop thinking of you!  Such is life.

Faster...Sleeker...Stronger!  If you don't have it, you don't have it! That is self-discipline.  The check out gal at Frey's grocery was maybe late 30s.  Arlene forgot her chips soooooo she ran back to get them.  I asked CheckoutgalFaye if she eats chips--not anymore since I lost all my weight--soooo how much did you loose--65 pounds--sooooo how did you do that--exercise and calorie counting--congratulations, that is a great accomplishment; you must have great self-discipline--it was not easy but I feel sooooo much better; thank you--well, congratulations again--thank you she said again; I'm back to the size I was in high school.  She was very proud of herself (i.e. she should be).  Folks with that determination a.k.a. self discipline are unique and different.  Yes they are.  Anybody can sit on the couch and eat chips but...!  I'm going for a run up'erein'emmountians right now.  I'm motivated. 

To belittle is to be little.  TheND-BeetFarmer#26. Don't let the littleness in others bring out the littleness in you (i.e. be different and unique).  ItchieBitchie says--You can give without loving, but you cannot love without giving.  We all need to realize and maximise opportunities of giving.  Givers are truly unique and different.  Little folks are takers and big folks are givers.  Givers are always happy and takers are never happy. 

Joesixpack says--There comes a time in every one's life when they will face a monster in some form. In that moment, you realize that you need help beyond that which logic can provide.  I read a book, The Road by Cormac McCarthy (i.e. one of our son's top ten every reads).  It says--What you see goes into your mind and you can't delete it.  The impact will always be there.  The book says in the dialogue between the man and the boy--Just remember that the things you put into your head are there forever, he said.  You might want to think about that.  You forget somethings, don't you?  Yes.  You forget what you want to remember and you remember what you want to forget."

Man has a will to power, but he has no real power!  Anyone of us could get a virus like my friend JimPaul did and tomorrow and be down for 6 weeks.  How's that for being captain of your fate?!  Ouchy ouchy!  Their are events in our lives that we can not fix but we just manage them (i.e. no cure).  Some of you know what I'm talking about if you have such a situation.  Others of you might not understand this at the point you are in your life.  Some day you might.  It's a humbling experience.  SusieQ says--The meaning of our lives, or of life in general, is far broader than can be determined simply by taking stock of our immediate feelings and circumstance.  As a kid at Roseland Elementary, we played king of the hill on the snow piles.  I wasn't king much; I was a rather little kid and the king was usually the biggest, stronger kid.  After being thrown off  the hill tooooo many times, I realiezed that I was not going to be the king sooooo I quite trying.  There was no way I could be king.  Now I don't want to be king anymore.  Why did I want to be king then do you think?  We went to the movie Parental Guidance--the new generation would make sure all the kids get to be king of the hill equal amount of the time (i.e. we don't want kids to realize that they are not all equal).  That was not the case at Roseland Elementary.  The strongest got to be king of the hill.  Such is life.

Now that was unique and different.  We went to the Cavalia's OdysseO Thursday night.  Never heard of such a thing.  Wow!  You just don't see things like that in Aplington, IA folks.  Such is life.  http://www.cavalia.net/en/odysseo/videos

LuckieEddie says--You never know what YOUR encouragement will do to the spirit of
another.  Your encouragement might be unique and different and might not ever be told to you as to what your different and unique encouragement might have done for some one else.  You probably will never know.  It takes a unique and different person to say "thank you".  Such is life.

The story comes from Ulrich Zwingli, a leader of the Protestant Reformation in Switzerland in the early 1500s. He and Martin Luther, the catalyst for the Reformation, were locked in a serious dispute, and Zwingli was at a loss in trying to resolve the conflict. He found the solution one morning while gazing at the side of a mountain.  He observed two goats approaching each other on a narrow path on the mountainside, one going up and the other going down. Upon seeing one another they stopped, then lowered their heads. It appeared they were about to charge each other. However, instead of butting heads, the goat ascending the mountain lay down on the path. The descending goat was able to step over the other’s back, and the animals were able to proceed unimpeded.  If the goats had chosen to butt heads, one may have prevailed. But the result might also have been disastrous for both. So one bowed before the other, in effect humbling itself, which eventually enabled it to advance higher.  Huh, interesting.  That approach is unique and different. 

Average Joe says--I must admit that somethings just aren't important or as important as they use to be.  They just aren't.  My attention has changed.  Somethings I just don't care about any more.  Is that age or maturity or what do you think?  Some things just aren't worth the time spending arguing about or thinking about.  Does that make a person unique and different?  An acquaintance a few condos down, two years ago went hiking with us.  Last year he walked with a walker and this year he is totally deaf.  Now that will change a guy's thinking!  Such is life.

FYI, I'm not responsible for this "It's Saturday".  It's an Act Of God!  Saturday question--Are Acts of God really acts of God?  I'm reading The Gospel According to Job by Mason.  My friend Eunice sent it with me to read this winter.  She thinks it might be her favorite book (i.e. and she is smart and is very well read).  It's very stimulating to me.  Very challenging.  Think about reading it.  Be unique and different.  It might affect your thinking.  The key word is might.  But if you don't read it, for sure you won't be affected.  Such is life.

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

erv

MyFriendJean says--Bigtoe--A device for locating sharp objects in the dark.