intentional living

I would like to think that most of my life is "intentional living".  Some of it ain't folks (i.e. ...happens)!  I live my life 'cause I want to live it this way.  It's a choice for the most part.  "Intentional living" might sound weird to you.  I don't claim to know it all; in fact, the older I get, it seems the less I know.  Joesixpack says--Everyone has a bother-in-law or a sister-in-law who is a "knowitall".  You would just like to wrap them in bubble-wrap and send them to Siberia some times!

Am I congealing?  Am I stagnating?  I read this in the paper sooooo it must be right.  There are 2 kinds of folks.  1.  There are those who have congealed into their final selves.  2.  There are the fluid; they keep moving forward and making new trysts with life and the motion of it keeps them young (i.e. the folks who are really alive).  I think you can apply this to businesses, churches, civic organizations etc as well.  Saturday question--Is being a #1 or a #2 intentional living?  I read this in the Book while eating my oatmeal with a half a banana on it (i.e. in the footnote)--If a person's mind is closed and Scripture is rejected, no evidence--not even a resurrection-will change him.  Ouchy ouchy!

Ding ding ding!  Some times we have to have a "wake up call" that redirects our life (i.e. the alarm goes off and wakes us up).  Even then we can hit the snooze button, turn it off ignoring the alarm or get up and get going.  Like an OldGolfBuddyMel says--Ya got to have a good altitude!  I picked up a pizza at Poppa Murphy's.  I was third in line.  The young gal greeted everyone with a smile and a cheerful word.  I asked her if she was always happy.  She said--I try.  Is that intentional living?  I think sooooo folks!  Such is life.

98yearoldEd says--If I don't start doing some stuff that I always wanted to do soon, I might end up being a sad member of the "never will club".  Sooooo98yearoldEd, throw those chips away and get your butt off the couch!  You get to make the decisions and decisions have consequences!  Such is life.

I'm starting to learn that I do not have to hurry to get there.  The reason--I'm already there.  I'm playing for keeps!  It's time to listen to the right folks and the right noises!  There are some " lethargic gluttonous rats" out there.  That is what I'm learning by being on "the sunshine cruise"!  Hey, when you are a senior, you play for keeps folks.  This ain't no practice round!

SusieQ says--You can believe with all your heart folks but that won't chance reality.  Sooooo maybe we need to adjust our attitude and adapt (i.e. sorta kinda like the Canadian goose--those suckers are all over the place)!  And they leave their...all over the place toooo!

The following sorta kinda sums up my thinkin' about happiness folks!  So were do you start on a path to happiness in business and life in general?  Here are 10 commandments, inspired by "The Happiness Project" by Gretchen Rubin (Harper Collins, 2009), that might improve your outlook if you strive to follow them daily:  1. Take it easy.  2. Be yourself.  3. Handle your responsibilities.  4. Exercise understanding.  5. Face your fears.  6. Leave your worries behind.  7. Live honestly.  8. Behave positively.  9. Open your heart and mind.  10. Share your time, attention and talents with others.   This might really help all of us to better our "intentional living"!

I missed a 5 foot putt for par and said--darn it!  Mel (i.e. a 85 year old guy of our group) said--We don't want any damn swearing on his damn course; damn it!  LuckieEddie says--People say that religion is a crutch.  But there are times in all our lives where our circumstances cripple us and in those times, I'd much rather have God to lean on than any number of less savory alternatives.  

James said to me at Christmas--Some hills aren't worth dying on!  I think if we can decipher what hills are worth dying on and which ones aren't, we might be much happier folks.  What do you think?  Would that be wisdom do you think?

ItchieBitchie's suggestion for happiness!  Make a conscientious objection to gossip!  MissPerfect a.k.a. a real wildfire, says--Yabut I like to gossip!  Well MissPerfect, buck up, rub some dirt on it, pull your socks up, shake it off.  Your life will be much better if you can adapt and and adjust.  MissPerfect, you have a lot of curb appeal but...when we step inside and you ain't sooooo pretty; ouchy ouchy!  And folks remember, life ain't fair.  The only thing that fair is the Butler County Fair and that is in late June of each year.  Such is life.

Boy, oh, boy!  If I had my druthers I would change some things in the world.  Yes I would but I can't sooooo I need to adapt, buck up, rub some dirt on it, pull my socks up, shake it off  CadillacJack says--Life can be tough, but I'm tougher!  Yabut some days I don't like Mother Nature.  She seems to be the ultimate mean girl sometimes.  She is just unfair it seems.  We sorta kinda feel like we stiff-armed Mother Nature by snowbirding in AZ!  She will probably get even!  Such is life.

Talk about changing things.  JoeTheHike is back here in The Valley of the Sun from MN for a while.  He was telling me that his golf game really improved this summer.  Soooo what did you do that it improved sooooo much?  I moved up to the lady's tees!  Now that is intentional living folks.  JoeTheHike, there are no more tees to move up toooo.  You are there.  Boy, oh, boy!

I enjoy reading Louis L'Amour books.  He is a very popular writer of fiction-historical fiction (i.e. westerns) of the W-SW.  He is very good writer (i.e. that's more than my opinion).  Maybe you have read some of his books.  ANYWAY I like them.  This is what Tel Seckett said in the book Treasure Mountain--(i.e. a woman was seducing him--not sexually seducing him but seducing him to get information).  There is nothing you could offer me that I'd swap for one afternoon ride through the hills, and I mean it.  Once a man has lived with mountains you can't offer him a home with a prairie dog.  Now that is intentional living.  You do what you want (i.e. satisfies your soul).  I like to hike/run up in 'em mountains (i.e. some of you think I'm crazy).  I really enjoy it.  This picture is one of the trails that I run a lot.  Those trails are trusted friends.  It soothes me during hard times, celebrates my victories, gives me a quiet place to think, inspires me and keeps me healthy.  It seem to change my perspective of the surrounding world.  LuckieEddie says--erv, tequila will do the same.  Yabut I just get such a good feeling by hiking/running  up there.  LuckieEddie says--Maybe the feeling is just from last night's sauerkraut!  GerogeTheCrook says--I like long hikes, especially when they are taken by folks who annoy me.  FatsoRay brother of SlimJim says--The only reason I would take up running up in 'em mountains is sooooo I could hear heavy breathing again! For me, running/hiking up 'er in 'em mountains sorta kinda makes me a better version of who I am (i.e. at least that is what I think)!

I think they work at it!  I have met some very nice folks playing pickle ball.  They are humble, gracious, kind, and just swell folks to be around.  They impress me.  I would guess 98% of the folks I come in contact with are very nice.  Some I'm just more compatible with 'cause of different reasons.  Here is a story of one of the 2%:  I went to the hot tub after a great day of pickle ball and up in 'em mountains.  There were was another couple there (i.e. maybe a gal and her boyfriend).  They were about 60. She was a real grump (i.e. Sergeant type--knowitall type).  They left but took my blue towel and left me with a green one.  I left the green towel there with a note.  A week went by and I was again in the hot tub and "my...don'tstink" was there again.  I asked her if by accident they took the wrong towel.  Ya we did.  I didn't know if you wanted your blue one back?  Da!  I think she was a "bad ass"!  Not a nice lady the way it seemed!  Maybe she had a cocklebur in the crotch of her swim suit that I didn't know about.  Could be.  A fellow pickle baller who I have been an acquaintance of for three years really seems to be different this year.  He's a lot friendlier, humble, kinder, funnier, more gracious and more enjoyable to be around.  I wonder what happened over the summer.  There is a noticeable difference in him.  Huh, interesting.  

NiceGuyChapin from MI took his blond girlfriend to her first football game (i.e. The Rose Bowl on New Years Day) to watch MI State play. They had great seats right behind MI State's bench.  After the game, he asked her how she liked it.  "Oh, I really liked it," she replied, "especially the tight pants and all the big muscles, but I just couldn't understand why they were killing each other over 25 cents."  Dumbfounded, Chapin asked, "What do you mean?"  "Well, they flipped a coin, one team got it and then for the rest of the game, all they kept screaming was 'Get the quarterback! Get the quarterback!' I'm like...Helloooooo? It's only 25 cents!"    

You guys up north have no butts and us snowbirds in the south have no heads!

Arlene and I went to the 11:55 (i.e. that's a.m. folks) movie showing of Last Veges.  I never went to a morning movie before (i.e. intentional living).  We laughed our heads off!

I learned from a friend this week!  It was a great opportunity (i.e. just fell in my lap--he called me).  One thing I learned is that friendships deteriorate if not cultivated.  He was the best of friends with another during high school (i.e. very close).  Then they sorta kinda separated it seems.  One of the biggest reasons was his friend did not return messages which gave him the feeling that he didn't want to be his friend anymore (i.e. became a one sided relationship).  Maybe that was in intentional or maybe that is his personality.  In any case it sorta kinda killed the relationship.  He asked me what I thought about that.  I suggested that he give him another opportunity by letting him get out of the corner of the "death of the relationship".  I used this true life story of mine as a kid--I was maybe 10 years old.  It was late fall and my dog Blackie and I were chasing this muskrat.  We got it cornered in the corner of the silo room and the barn.  I had this stick and was poking at it and Blackie was barking and jumping at it (i.e. just waiting for me to tell him to sic 'em).  We had him dead in the water but was just teasing it.  My Daddy, Chester, came out of the barn and saw what was happening. He said--Son, sometimes you have to let a person have a graceful way of exiting when you have the power over someone.  I pulled Blackie back and we let the muskrat escape for another day to live.  I have a saying on the wall above my desk back home which was said by a smart person.  It says--"Greatness is when you have the power to really hurt someone but decide not toooo"!  Now that is intentional living folks.  

Intentional living!  To paraphrase my Mom, Anna, --  Do what is right even when it's inconvenient!  Is it right to admit when we are wrong?  I think sooooo!  We gotta be real, don't we?  I know it ticks me off when folks always think they are right and won't admit when they are wrong.  If we can't admit we are ever wrong (i.e. we are missing something folks), it's like adding 2 + 2 and think it's 8, there is something wrong with us.  Usually when we can't add right, bad stuff seems to usually happen.  ItchieBitchie says--My sister-in-law, MissPerfect, is right, by golly!  At least she thinks she is.  Such is life.

Joesixpack says--If you don't have a sister-in-law or a brother-in-law who is a "knowitall", well then the "knowitall" might be you!  Ouchy ouchy!  

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

erv

MyFriendJean says--If the goal is set properly, its already half achieved.

I hope you read JearBear's story last week.  As you read, Claire and JearBear's plan is to climb Kilimanjaro Mt. with the LiveStrong Foundation.  He sent me this video of Chris Warner who will be their guide.  The video is about leadership.  I think very excellent.  The ending is really dramatic and full of wisdom.  I suggest you watch it.  It's about 30 minutes long.  
http://www.bing.com/videos/search?q=chris+warner+mountain+guide&qs=n&form=QBVR&pq=chris+warner+mountain+guide&sc=8-12&sp=-1&sk=#view=detail&mid=0676915BB5D7B5FB85150676915BB5D7B5FB8515

fade into obscurity

Soooooo how did you get through Christmas and New Years?  Sounds like a trick question.

Christmas and New Years  are gone.  Christmas and New years have faded into obscurity.  A great built up but then the blah afterwards.  It's time to get to work you guys.  I need that SS check sooooo I can afford to play pickle ball, golf, go hiking and eat out here in AZ. It ain't cheap!  Sooooo get after it.  I have high expectations of you guys!!! 

At a meeting of the Socratic Club in Oxford, England, in 1945, the Christian apologist C. S. Lewis said, "I believe that the Sun has risen not only because I see it but because by it I see everything else." In his biography of C. S. Lewis, Alister McGrath explains what Lewis meant: "We can look at the sun itself; or we can look instead at what it illuminates -- thus enlarging our intellectual, moral, and aesthetic vision. We see the true, the good, and the beautiful more clearly by being given a lens that brings them into focus."  This picture I took at our retirement community.  AZ sunsets are beautiful.

Fade into obscurity!  Old age will do that toooooooooo folks alright.  The last church service I went to before leaving IA, I visited with a friend after the service.  He's 90 years old and can't hear worth a darn.  He does pretty good but does use a cane.  In fact when he talked to me he had the cane point on my foot the whole time!  It made me laugh.  ANYWAY Blake asked him about one of his sons as they are the same age.  He said--The kids are all sooooo busy.  They use to come and visit us on Friday night and leave Sunday night.  Then they would come Saturday afternoon and leave Sunday afternoon.  Now they come Saturday morning and leave Saturday afternoon!  And during that time, they spend most of the time on their phones!  Such is life.

After Christmas, a teacher asked her young pupils how they spent their holiday away from school. One child wrote the following:  We always used to spend the holidays with Grandma and Grandpa. They used to live in a big brick house but Grandpa got retarded and they moved to Arizona. Now they live in a tin box and have rocks painted green to look like grass. They ride around on their bicycles and war name tags because they don't know who they are anymore.  They go to a building called a wreck center, but they must have got it fixed because it is all okay now. They do exercises there, but they don't do them very well.

There is a swimming pool too, but they all jump up and down in it with hats. At their gate, there is a doll house with a little old man sitting in it. He watches all day so nobody can escape. Sometime they sneak out and go cruising in their golf carts. Nobody there cooks, they just eat out. And, they eat the same thing every night---early birds.  Some of the people can't get out past the man in the doll house. The ones who do get out, bring food back to the wrecked center for put luck.
My Grandma says that Grandpa worked all his life to earn his retardment and says I should work hard so I can be retarded someday too. When I earn my retardment, I want to be the man in the doll house. Then I will let people out so they can visit their grandchildren.

Suggestion!  Look up...not down!  So we can say with the psalmist: "My voice You shall hear in the morning, O LORD; in the morning I will direct it to You, and I will look up." Whatever is happening in your life today, look up. When we turn our eyes heavenward and celebrate what we see, our hearts will overflow with joy.  CadillacJack says--Don't waste your time on feeling sorry for yourself.  Sometimes you're ahead, sometimes you're behind.  The race is long, and in the end, it's only with yourself.  Such is life.

It only last soooo long!  We rent a condo in the Fountain of the Sun retirement community.  Our phase is all condos.  Our street is all condos.  Every year there are for sale signs on our street (i.e. about the same percentage each year it seems).  Ya, folks get sick or die and folks just fade into obscurity.  Such is life.

I read in the paper soooo it must be right that as of 1/1/14 there are 317,297,938 folks in the Unicted States.  I wonder how many of those 317,297,938 know me or even care about me.  I wonder.  It doesn't make me feel very important let me tell ya.  My mentor would say to me--erv, folks are born and folks die every day; it's been that way for a long time!  Such is life.

SusieQ says--Enjoy your life no matter where you are or what your situation is; if you are a senior, you are probably playing the back nine and in the middle of the round somewhere.  ItchieBitchie says--And don't expect anyone else to support you.  Maybe you have a trust fund or a retirement fund.  Maybe you have a wealthy spouse.  But you never know when either 'em might run out!  Ouchy ouchy!

We can't always control the length of our life but we can impact the quality!  No doctor can predict when life will begin or when it will end.  Therefore the only choice we have about our lives it what we choose to do between our first breath and our last.  Once we recognize that we're never going to be really good at anything...especially golf, life is more enjoyable.  We live in a highlight-reel world but if we can realize that we won't make the highlight-reel, life seems to work better.  Such is life.

Have you ever been a star?  A role player?  A bench player? Or never made the team?  When you get to be a senior adult, very few if any folks care what you were.  They just don't remember you. Many folks are younger than you and don't really care much about you.  Most of your peers really don't know or don't care.  BUT at the time it sure seemed sooooo important now didn't it.  It's sorta kinda like SeniorProfessorAlfred who lives down the street who says----I'm sorta kinda worried; Doc gave me three pills that I have to take the rest of my life---and it says no refills.  Joesixpack says--Whatever you do, don't congratulate yourself toooooo much or berate yourself either.  Your choices are half chance.  Soooo are everybody else's.  No matter who you are, we will fade into obscurity.  Such is life. 

Much of life is mental conditioning I think.  What do you think? A old geyser was bothering the waiter at the Superstition Saloon and Restaurant at Tortilla Flat.  First, he asked that the air conditioning be turned up because he was toooo hot, then he asked it tooooo be turned down cause he was tooooo cold, and sooo on for about half an hour.  Surprisingly, the waiter was very patient, he walked back and forth and never once got angry.  Soooo finally, a second customer asked him why he didn't throw the the old geyser out.  "Oh, I really don't care or mind," said the waiter with a smile.  "We don't even have air conditioning."

Sadness!  Some of you might have had folks missing at your Christmas dinner table.  Some have moved far away, some are divorced, some are no longer welcome, some don't want to come, some have serious illnesses, some are present only by absence and some have been replaced by obituaries.  All of those reasons cause emotions (i.e. mixed emotions).  Folks after time sorta kinda fade into obscurity.  Life does go on folks!  

Toast!  I was getting a few groceries at Frey's the other day.  My credit card is worn and over used (i.e. like my body at times).  It doesn't always work when it's swiped.  I have to use a plastic bag to make it work.  It still didn't work.  I said to CheckoutPeggy, you try it, you know all the tricks.  She said--Ya gotta do it fast with the plastic bag; I don't know why but you gotta.  Bingo, she got it.  CheckoutPeggy said--It takes a lot of years to learn all the tricks and then when you seem to learn most of them, you're toast!  Such is life.

SeniorSnowbirdFromND says--Eventually we all become old clunkers!  OurNeighborSonny came over the other morning and sat with me in the sun.  I asked him if he gets up early--no, I sleep late; I go to bed early and sleep late!  Listen Sonny, when you're 80, you can do whatever you want guy.  OurOneEyeHouseCheckerLila from back home has this sign in her utility room.  She is a real person with a good heart and a positive attitude.  My kind of person.  

Happy New Year to ya!  Happiness can be thought, taught and caught--but not bought.  Such is life.

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

erv

MyFriendJean says--I hope you rise above the little things!

This is a story of a personal friend as well as a family friend.  He wrote this for a running web page.  Some real good stuff folks by a good person (i.e. a real person a.k.a. genuine with a good heart--my kind of person). Very inspirational.  https://www.facebook.com/rodsracers/posts/714139451943074

1/1

It's done!  GeorgeTheCrook says--You can stick a fork in it, Christmas is done!  BUT there are repercussions that still exist!  Santa ate waaaaaay toooooo many cookies and milk the way it looks (i.e. he truly has a big belly as shown in this picture in the AZ Republic).  Soooo big that he has to use rods with hooks on the ends to get his boots on!  He's truly is a 1/l!  Ouchy ouchy!  I don't think Santa would be very fast on the pickle ball court!!!!

We spent Christmas with James, Heather, Erin and Jimmer in Morrison, CO (i.e. Heather is our daughter).  Christmas is really fun for children.  Little Jimmer kept saying--firtuc firtuck wow wow wow!  Firetrucks and dolls seem to work at Christmas!  They got DVDs from their dad (i.e. actually, I think the gift was really for him but just camouflaged as to them) of three Star War movies.  I have never watched a Star War movie soooo I watched the original (i.e. #4) with the grand kids.  I always thought it was a waste of time but now I have time to waste!!!!   The movie entertained a 2 year old and a 68 year old.  As James said--How can you not like it with all the stuff in it!  That's a "five by five"!  "Five by five" is an military term of the 50s that means--radio reception is loud and clear and it is as good as it can get (i.e. well and good).  Huh, interesting.

Joesixpack asks--What's the difference between being weird (i.e. unusual or strange) and nuts?  I was putting a few on the practice green before our round the other day.  I said to Rod--I see your buddy Garth is back from IA--Ya, he's like a pimple, he just poops up!  Hey, it's just another day at the office down her in the Salt River Valley!

1/1 means one of a kind!

The new rule is weird alright but...!  New golf rule for seniors in AZ  Rule 8.k.9 (S)  Advertisements claim that golf scores can be improved by purchasing new golf equipment. Since this is financially impractical for many senior golfers, one-half stroke per hole may be subtracted for using old equipment.

1/1 Weird is good sometimes folks. 1/1 can make folks very good.  Mendela said, "A good head and a good heart are always a formidable combination."  He also said, "I like friends who have independent minds because they tend to make you see problems from all angles."  Those two descriptions of folks are descriptions of weird folks (i.e. unusual and strange).  CadillacJack says--That the easiest way for me to grow as a person is to surround myself with people smarter than I am (i.e. 1/1 folks).

I read it in the AZ Republic soooo it must be right.  A couple of  snowbirds from MN called 911 at a Mesa McDonald's 'cause they didn't get hash browns with their breakfast order.  Now is that weird or nuts?  Snowbirds from MN also like to go around in shorts and t-shirts in December while the AZ natives folks are freezing!  Maybe the AZ residents think some snowbirds are nuts or weird!  SusieQ says--I think more snowbirds act weirder after the holidays.  It sure seems that way to me.  Be careful SusieQ in judging those snowbirds, you have no idea how big the other fellow's troubles are!  Or they might just have been weirded out by Christmas!  Could be!  They just might need their naps and get back in their routine!

Are you weird 'cause you are not in tune of society or weird 'cause you do what is right?  Maybe it's time to do a "Image Change" of our life.  Sorta kinda like what McDonald's is doing.  Maybe you think it's weird but I bet they know what they are doing (i.e. it's all about the $$$$ folks).  They have remodeled many of their stores to give them a more friendly atmosphere in tune with the times.  They removed Ronald and have put digital menu boards showing calorie listings on their entries.  They added flat screen TVs and memorabilia.  They have wi-fi and have given their stores a feeling of a modern-trendy coffee shop (i.e. glitz).

MyBuddyLarry who winters at The Villages in FL put seat belts on
his golf cart.  Many of the residents of the retirement communities in the south use golf carts for their transportation (i.e. very big in the Villages).  Most of the hurts and deaths are folks who are thrown out of cart.  Ya got to remember, some of  these folks are old and there are many many carts. Accidents will happen.  It seems weird but...buckle up in your golf cart!  Such is life.

1/1!  I was checking out at our local Walgreen's the other day.  CheckoutPeggy (i.e. maybe 53) had her hair done up nice but was a rugged, physically tough looking gal (i.e. I would hate to fight her folks).  She had a pack of cigarettes in his breast pocket of her shirt.  Sooooo I says--You smoke--ya, I have smoked most of my life--when did you start--11!  

I met Dick on the golf practice area.  I asked him if he is an individualist.  He said he is.  He said they spend their summers pulling a 5th wheel all over Alaska and really like it.  Many individualists there.  Most carry guns.  He really likes ice cream. What's your favorite Dick?  Breyers Natural Vanilla.  He might be a weird guy, weird in a good way folks.  My kind of guy. He impresses me.  He has a very positive attitude. "As we grow old, the beauty steals inward.. ~Ralph Waldo Emerson~

1/1 This might be hard to understand folks.  John The Baptist was rather a unique guy (i.e. forerunner of Jesus).  He lived in the desert and dressed rather different (i.e. probably looked like a homeless person), ate bugs and proclaimed the coming of Jesus. Not the kind of guy you would want your daughter to bring home for Christmas probably.  Probably most of us would call him weird (i.e. 1/1). ANYWAY Jesus called him "the greatest man to ever be born of a woman:!  Huh, interesting.

Love different folks!  Do some weirdos have class?  MissPerfect says--Class can not be bought!  Many classy folks are different kind of folks alright.  Maybe, just maybe, some classy weirdos see things other folks don't!  Could be guys. IitchieBitchie says--Run of the mill folks are just that, run of the mill folks (i.e. generic).  Most top rung folks are not in the majority.  Probably sorta kinda weird (i.e. unusual and strange). I would guess some folks would call them different (i.e. unique).  Some of the real nice folks are sorta kinda weird as they do stuff that 'run of the mill guys' don't do (i.e. unusual and strange).  Saturday question--Are you a little weird or just a 'run of a mill person'? I love our little grand daughter Erin.  She is a 1/1!

Some of you guys think you have high maintenance females in your life.  Maybe not.  It's all relevant guys.  I read in the paper that a milking cow needs up to 100 pounds of feed and 35 gallons of water a day.  She also has have a baby every year for maximum production!  Now that is high maintenance.  Shamrock Milk Company has 10,000 heard of milking cows.  Now that is a lot of females to keep happy guys.

Was I in my right mind?  CouponWayne talked me into golfing with him recently (i.e. he says he never buys any groceries unless they are on sale).  He golfs every day at daybreak.  His plate on his golf cart says--Bad to the bone! He had this coupon at Superstition Springs for $20 for golf, cart, and breakfast.  Soooo he talked me into it.  I was never on the first tee when I couldn't even see the green very clear because it wasn't light yet!  What a hoot! 

GeorgeTheCrook says--You have a sick twisted mind LuckieEddie but in a very good, unique way!  Do you wanta be my friend?  I think you could be my true blue friend (i.e. blue means loyal and faithful).  You could be my blue ribbon friend.signifying the highest prize like a blue-chip stock. Oh ya, that is what I think.  You impress me.  I like how you think! Joesixpack says--That no matter how serious your life requires you to be, everyone needs a friend to act goofy with. Such is life.

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

erv

MyFriendJean says--Success is simple--do what's right, the right way, at the right time.

there are a lot of ways to tell the Christmas truth

Disclaimer:  You might think I'm a regular Christmas nut!  I might be folks!  You shake any family tree and a few nuts fall out!  Some of you think that I'm just different.  I might be!  Saying I'm a normal person compared to others is like saying--I can bench press more than your grandma!

I read John Grisham's new book Sycamore Row.  In it the witnesses tell the truth.  There were different ways they decided to tell the truth.  Some decided for themselves and some were coached by their attorneys.  They told part of the truth, tweaked the truth, embellished the truth, skimmed the truth, they vaguely told the truth, they told the particle truth, they deliberately forgot the truth, the truth was suppressed, the truth was exaggerated, etc.  There are a lot of ways to tell the truth alright.  And they all swore to tell the truth, the whole truth soooo help them God!  Soooo there you go!

I heard it on the news soooooo it must be right that -- The truth of the matter is our society likes to spend.  And we will find a way to do it.  It's Christmas time folks; we got to spend money even if we don't have it.  Hohoho now that's the truth.  MyDeceasedMentor use to say--Sometimes at Christmas, folks spend money they don't have on things they don't need to impress folks they don't like!

Deja Moo: The feeling that you've heard this bull before.  Soooo what's the skinny about Christmas?  Joesixpack says--I think it's about the birth of Jesus our Savior.  But there seems to be a lot more to it than that it appears.  It seems like Christmas continues to expand and gets bigger each year (i.e. milk it for all it's worth).  To tell the truth, I wonder what they will come up next.  It seems like it's getting a little out of hand.  How much more (i.e. financially) can the birth of Christ be milked anyway!  The picture is of a house we drive by in Morrison, CO every year.  It just makes me laugh.  "Clark, it is just beautiful!"  Such is life. 

A group of chess enthusiasts checked into The Ritz-Carlton hotel in Phoenix last night. They were standing in the lobby discussing their recent tournament victories.  After about an hour, the manager came out of the office, and asked them to disperse.  'But why?' they asked, as they moved off.  'Because,' he said, 'I can't stand chess-nuts boasting in an open foyer!'

Is it?  It's the most happiest time of the year the song says.  I don't think that is the case for everyone.  There are a lot of ways to tell the truth.  One is to fake it.  I was at the library and heard a gal at the check out.  They asked if she was going to pay her fines.  No, just one.  Then she went on and told the librarian about her two failed marriages and her unemployment and not having any money for Christmas etc.  She left and the librarian was putting something away were I was reading the paper.  I said to her--do you hear stuff like this a lot--oh ya--I don't ever want to have that kind of drama in my life; I just want a simple life; I don't need attention or that drama.  Well folks, that is how I feel about Christmas.  Keep it simple folks.  Keep what is important important.  I will not buy into all that crap.  I won't! End of my thoughts and feelings. But the truth of the matter is that most folks have a lot of activity on their dance card during Christmas season.  BUT folks, it seems like it takes a crow bar to try to pry folks away from this crazy frenzy.  It's crazy to me.  Such if life.

Boelman Shaw Capital Partners asks--If your kids receive money as a holiday gift, will you let them decide what to do with it?  Mr. Boelman a.k.a thebigbear, doesn't a gift come with no strings attached?  Or does it depend on the amount of the $$$$$$?  Okay Mr.MoneyPlanner, at what age should parents not tell their kids what they can do with the money (i.e. strings attached)?  Mr. Boelman, are our kids old enough?  I read in the paper (i.e. sooooo it must be right) that 70% of high-worth families loose control of most of their assets one generation after big wealth transfers, with relatives also squabbling!  My late mentor use to says--On generation makes it, the next generation blows it.  

The Truth of Christmas is easy to state, yet impossible to understand totally. After all, if God were small enough to be understood, He wouldn't be big enough to be worshiped.  The Truth can not be forced on anyone.  It can't.  The Truth is a gift.  All anyone has to do is accept it.  BUT if anyone doesn't want to accept it, they can't have the gift.  Pretty easy!  And you know what, you don't have to get a gift to give back!!!  Huh, interesting. 

Two cows  are standing next to each other in a field.  Daisy says to Dolly, 'I was artificially inseminated this morning.'  'I don't believe you,' says Dolly.  'It's true; no bull!' exclaims Daisy. 

BigMouthSally and KnowItAllAlfred think whatever they say is the the truth.  It ain't folks. They are just trying to soup up their Christmas ride.  It's all fake.  And to add insult to injury!  You can't make something true if it ain't true.  It just ain't going to work.  It just ain't!

Interesting %s to me! I grew up on a farm a mile and a fourth south of Roseland, MN.  I never talked to a black person until I went to college.  I went to church twice on Sundays and many Wednesday nights at the Roseland Reformed Church (i.e. everyone did it, it seemed in our farm community).  Well folks, I just read in the paper sooooo it must be right--30% of the folks in the world are Christians and 30% of the folks in the world are Caucasians (i.e. I'm in a real minority).  According to %s, I'm a real nutty fruit cake!  Huh, interesting.

Stay calm.  EasyJohn says--Remember they said that about WWII as well!  Well folks it's almost Christmas.  Arlene and I wish you and your family warm wishes filled with joy, peace and happiness.  We especially hope that you think about Christ in your life.  We hope you accept Him as your Lord and Savior if you haven't.  And if you have, we hope that you live your life honoring Him.  Those decisions are made by you, not by me, not by your parents, not by your spouse, not by someone on TV, not by your neighbor.  No no, you have the opportunity to make that decision (i.e. and no one can make you). You make the call!  That is what Christmas is all about folks (i.e. WonderingMary asks--Sooooo are your children going to be like you? Do you want them to be like you?)  May God bless you in your decisions and may God touch you like you have never been touched before (i.e. smother you with His love).

Love you guys--Wish I could fix everything in your lives by the snap of my figures.  If I could I would. There are somethings that just can't be fixed and can't be helped.  I read this while eating my oatmeal with half a banana on it--If God won't change the situation, then pray that He will change how I look at the situation.  Merry Christmas from Arlene and I. Joy, peace and forgiveness are the true gifts of Christmas.   Such is life.

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

erv

MyFriendJean says--The odds are always with you if you keep trying.

Christmas

ItchieBitchie says--When it gets close to Christmas, I can always tell it on SusieQ; she gets twitchy!  SusieQ says--You are pretty harsh but probably pretty accurate!  Christmas rattles noisily around in my brain throughout the season.  SusieQ hears a lot of noises let me tell ya!  She will have to decide which noise she is going to listen toooooo!  You can hear what every you want folks.  Saturday question--What do you want to hear?  What do you hear?

MissPerfect says--In my later years (i.e. retirement years in AZ) I came to embrace the exciting freedom of being who I really am. I no longer have any need to stand out, achieve or be better than anyone else. Now is the time to take off my masks, be vulnerable, and be who I am.  Just be an ordinary Joe (i.e. common Joe).  Not toooo many self-righteous folks down here in the Valley (i.e. look how good I am)!  Folks down here in the Valley go swimming, lay by the pool, play golf, bike, play pickle ball, hike, walk, play all sorts of  games etc.  They don't care what they look like, or how good they are.  They just don't care anymore. That is how maybe we should celebrate Christmas.  Don't let others intimidate us.  What do you think?  But yagottakeepmovin'movin'movin-- Physical INACTIVITY is now the third leading cause of preventable deaths in the United States. We gotta move it, move it.  Soooo throw those chips away and get your butt off the couch!  

Joesixpack says--To be honest with you, I feel like a new born baby down here in AZ.  Haven't felt this way for a long time.  I have no hair, no teeth and I wet my pants.

ItchieBitchie says--This Christmas devote plenty of time to those who sincerely need your help, but again, keep things in priority, see about your family first.  When was the last time you thanked your parents or your children?  Be careful that we don't spend tooooo much time on the grouches and tooooo little on the blessings.  Maybe it's time to reevaluate our mission and what is important to us.  Maybe!

Suggestion for a gift!  Give someone who maybe you consider to be in the margins of society, your full attention, your listening ear, an unglazed eye, a willingness to hear the uncomfortable stories of those who live uncomfortable lives.  Just give them some attention soooooo they can share to someone who will listen.  Don't trump their stories, don't talk but just listen.  Give them your time.  It might be your "surprise of Christmas" and it might be somebody's "surprise of Christmas".  Soooo what do you think?  Now that is a gift folks.

LuckieEddie has a nose for Christmas (i.e. dreams in full color).  He would like it to be Christmas all year.  Well isn't it?  DuaneTheWorm thinks Christmas makes him a big shot alright!  Do folks like folks who think they are big shots?  I had a new gal as a pickle ball partner the other morning.  She was telling me that she works out. Soooo do you work out every morning?  Depends on how much wine I drink the night before.  Soooo it is with Christmas--Our spirit depends on our attitude affected by a lot of stuff!  Such is life.

LuckieEddie says--Do you like to give gifts to folks who you like better than the folks you don't care for as much?  SusieQ says--I think everyone does LuckieEddie. 

Joesixpack asks--If you genuinely believe something deep down in your soul without question or hesitation does that make it true?  Like there is a Santa Claus!  I think most folks would say no.  When we were in Israel, our guide told us that every year folks come to Jerusalem and say they were "the returning Messiah"--they weren't but just thought sooooo!  Hindus sincerely believe that both human and animal spirits will reincarnate and return to earth many times in various life forms.  A friend when traveling on business in India saw a guy holding an umbrella over a cow's head while he stood without one in the blazing sun.  Buddhists sincerely believe that a desire for existence perpetuates a cycle of successive reincarnations.  Certain Muslim males sincerely believe that by sacrificing themselves to kill others, they'll gain possession of seventy-two sexually anxious, virgin females in paradise.  Sooooo who is right?  They all believe those things with sincerity (i.e. with all their heart).  They don't think they are wrong.  Are they right or is it just human imagination?  Webster defines truth as "that which accords with reality."  erv believes--God places a high premium on truth and reality.  Jesus identifies Himself as the personification of truth.  "I am the way, the truth and the life," He affirms.  "No one comes to the Father except through Me".  Merry Christmas folks.

Wisdom!  I have discovered that a meaningful life comes not in rushing from one place to another but in committing to life where we find ourselves. Stability denotes perseverance with patience. A high school friend from good old Danube, MN who was visiting his 93 year old mother here in Mesa contacted me and we got together.  He is a professional counselor.  He told me that there is a difference between being lonely and being alone.  Folks who can't be alone, probably have a deficiency.  Being alone is ok.  He also said that change (i.e. good and bad) can cause depression in folks.  He also said--Attitude is very important.  He also said--Humility is the key to a victorious life.  SeniorWildPeteFromMN who lives down the street here in AZ says--Part of me would love to go back to work.  The rest of me is shouting "idiot", enjoy retirement in the Valley! SeniorCrazyDaveFromTheValley says--"I'm so depressed and I can't get any dates," the 300-pound senior man told his minister. "I've tried everything to lose weight.""I think I can help," said the minister. "Be dressed and ready to go tomorrow at 8 a.m." Next morning, a beautiful woman in a skintight exercise suit knocked on the man's door. "If you can catch me, you can have me," she said, as she took off. He huffed and puffed after her. This routine went on every day for the next five months. The man lost 115 pounds and felt confident that he would catch the woman the next day. That morning he whipped open his front door and found a 300-pound seniorWomanFromTheValley in a jogging suit waiting for him. "The minister said to tell you," she began, "that if I can catch you, I can have you."

Jesus isn't part of the story, He is the story folks!  I read this while eating my oatmeal with a dried cherries on it (i.e. a suggestion of my friend Stewart).  We should think of Christmas like the people in Mark 2 who "were amazed and glorified God, saying, 'We never saw anything like this!'"  Maybe, just maybe some of you have never felt the presence of God and don't think you will ever.  Now that could be.  Sooooo Christmas has no hope.  It's just another holiday to get off work.  Tooo eat and be merry. My musings about Christmas are just musings in the dark.  You are just on autopilot.  Your soul is just frozen tundra.  If that is you, I say--God, sic 'em!

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

erv

MyFriendJean says--Find little ways to make part of your day, like a day off!

it's at least 99.7% correct

Ok, let's tie the pieces of Christmas together folks.  Do you think that is possible?  Let's try, ok!  And remember--That the best things in life, aren't things.  The best present to give the ones you love is your presence.  You have to be "one smart cookie" to understand that!  Oh ya.  I was having Cheerios with Charlie the other morning in Waukee on our way to AZ.  I said to her--You are one smart cookie.  She said, no I'm not grandpa, I'm a girl!

Does Christmas make you woozy? Joesixpack abruptly stopped singing "JingleBells" in the middle of the verse and started cursing (i.e. using words not allowed on network TV...or in churches...or among more civilized sailors)!  I think he might have been in the Christmas sour mash a little.  ANYWAY It appears that he is just ChristmasOverwhelmed! LuckieEddie says--We are entering the Christmas season like a big old dump truck...with no brakes (i.e. enough of that 'thankfulness and gratitude'; we jumped into black Friday, cyber Monday and we are on our way)!  Personally, I think Christmas season is tooooo polished, tooooooo uplifting, tooooo flat out goood to let it get all screwed up!  Christmas can be soooooo much fun.  I really enjoy Christmas.  Oh ya!

As the advertisement says--Love drama?  Drink at your company's party.  WildWilly says--I have a good Christmas scheme!  It's solid and classy and strong.  It represents what I am.  Joesixpack asks--Should there be any "moral order" at Christmas?  What is moral order anyway?  C.S. Lewis says "moral order" is, "The massive unanimity of the practical reason in man"!  Now that is pretty deep Mr. Lewis! 

Split personality?  I wonder about a friend some.  I don't see her very often as we just don't run in the same circles anymore (i.e. we use to but not anymore--no major reason but things change folks).  She is a nice person I think.  Why I say I think that is 'cause when we visit, she is a very nice gal.  But when she is with her peers, she seems to chance some.  Sooooo is she a phony with me or a phony with her peers.  MagicalHerman says--When you hang around with the wolfs, you become a wolf (i.e. it's magic)!  I don't know.  WorldClassLarry says--Maybe she's a righty-lefty! That is how some folks are with Christmas--They act different when around different folks (i.e. it appears to me).  They can turn different colors like a chameleon!  Ya, some folks can turn it on and turn if off!  Such is life.

MissPerfect says--Christmas is how we view it!  And then how we react to it.  I think Christmas is a very fun time; very uplifting.  I have friends who hate Christmas (i.e. I mean, they can't wait until it's over).  I have friends who like Christmas a little, but but not much!  Different folks have different views about Christmas.  It's like three blind men asked to describe an elephant.  One approached the beast, grabbed its trunk, and exclaimed confidently, "An elephant is long and tubular, capable of great contortions of shape."  The second encountered the elephant, and after placing his hands on the animal's side said, "No, no, an elephant is very broad and leathery, hardly capable to bending at all."  The third man grasped the elephant's tail and remarked with disgust, "You're both wrong.  An elephant is quite thin ans smooth with a wiry brush on the end." 

A little deep folks!  Viewing all thinkings of Christmas as practically true and that none capture the whole truth can lead to viewing truth as relative.  Without the standard of absolute truth, then what is true for you can be different than what is true for me.  Truth becomes based not on fact but on whether or not you believe it.  Saturday question--What is the Truth a.k.a. the zinger of Christmas (i.e. the drum beat of Christmas)?  My answer is--Jesus is the Truth.

This ain't as deep folks.  It's hard to know what to buy dad, grandpa or great grandpa.  I asked these senior guys here in the the desert about that.  They say--I don't want anymore ties (i.e. I don't wear ties) and no more golf balls (i.e. never the right brand).  Give us something useful like underwear; everyone wears and needs underwear.  Soooo I asked them if they would prefer boxer shorts or tighty whities?  And the answer is.....................Depends!

Well, it's time again.  Time to watch National Laphone Christmas.  I just plain enjoy that movie.  It just makes me laugh for sooooo many reasons.  One such reason is that Clark spends his bonus before he gets it (i.e. gets celebrating before he has the money in hand--gets the cart before the horse--spends the money before the check arrives).  In business I use to say--It's not a done deal until the check clears!  Some folks make a lot of noise and then when the smoke clears, the deal falls through.  It happens.  I remember one very large deal that I was involved with that when it went to closing, the purchasing company tried to renegotiate.  Soooo don't count your chickens before they're hatched (i.e. don't expect that big fat Christmas check from dad and ma or grandpa and grandma, you might not get it).  And don't be soooo disappointed if it's not as large as you thought it should be or none at all.  They're not obligated to give you that big fat Christmas check.  Don't get to expecting it.  And for gosh sakes, be appreciative if they do give you one. 

It stinks!  And I'm not talking about the eggnog either!  UppityDuaneTheWorm just inherited his in-law's wealth (i.e. he's rich).  How much is old dead pa and ma worth--nutten, they are dead.  But UppityDuaneTheWorm is going to have a happy Christmas to say the least! Oh ya! It will be a circus and UppityDuaneTheWorm will be the circus master.  Oh ya.  He's the man.  He has always been very arrogant but now with his wealth, well, he's walking on the moon!  Oh the smell of money! Where ever he's going, he's on his way!  CadillacJack says--His shelf life is about...ya, about that long!

More isn't always better!  SusieQ (i.e. she's a little heavy but fighting it) says I love all the food at Christmas but I can't seem to ever stop eating!  I have no discipline.  None.  I usually gain about 10 pounds.  Ouchy ouchy!   More is better, bigger is better, more expensive is better! It must be 'cause they say that in the adds on TV. How many gifts can a kid appreciate anyway?  Missperfect says--My brother-in-lawBobtheleach, loves to receive expensive gifts but gives chintzy ones!  He says he can't afford expensive gifts.  Sooooo how many ridiculous expensive gifts do you think mother-in-laws buy for their son-in-laws that they don't want and never will use?  Yabut it's Christmas.  Ya gotta buy them somethin'!  SusieQ says--erv, why don't you tell us your buck naked feelings!

Maybe we ask the wrong questions? Maybe! Maybe we ask toooo many questions! Maybe! Who needs all the stress that Christmas can bring. I mean, who needs it. I heard a little discussion between the two gals on the Today show. One asked the other--How are you getting along with your family this Christmas season (i.e. family dynamics)? The other replied--Great! Fantastic! Well, some better than others! I truly enjoy family and friends at Christmas.  I realize that much of the pressure is on the women.  But, there can be a lot of pressure on men tooooo.  As WildWillie says--Keep it simple stupid and Christmas is a lot of fun. 

Fake it! CrazyDazy says--See you on the other side of Christmas.  I was talking to a friend a while back and we decided that you can have a great facility with great stuff but if you don't have a charismatic, magnetic attitude that's special, it just ain't going to work.  We were talking about church. You can pretend like you have it and act like you have it but if you don't have that unspoken feeling, it's not convincing.  It's just not there.  That is pretty much the same about Christmas.

Dishwasher!  I was reminded once again at Thanksgiving.  James fills the dishwasher a certain way and Chet does it a certain way.  I try to do it erv's way but they redo it anyway soooooo I just let them do it.  They are sooooo fussy!  They both claim there is only one way to fill the dishwasher--but that's not true.  Just like there is more than one way to get to Wal-Mart even though some folks think there is only one way--their way!  Christmas is sorta kinda that way.  Many different ways to celebrate, worship, share, and enjoy.  Many different emotions and etc.  Oh ya!

Dahhhhhhhhh says--You must change your preparation to change your results of Christmas!  Such is life.

Many folks have different things they like to do at Christmas.  Oh ya!  "Some people watch talent shows or singers.  Others apparently like to see people lose weight and weep. I'll take the sports, thank you."  ~  Scott Van Pelt, ESPN broadcaster, on what people enjoy watching on television. 

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

erv

MyFriendJean says--Family and friends are the most important in the recipe of life.

he just doesn't get it

Disclaimer--This "It's Saturday" might be an "epistle of straw".  Which means it is not worth much.  That is what Luther called the book of James.  But according to an expert/friend, many xns however disagree with Luther pointing out that if one is truly a xn, then the actions called for by James are right on target.   CadillacJack says--Even xns disagree (i.e. have their own opinions).  Sooooo maybe some of you might not think thatt this "It's Saturday" is an "epistle of straw"!  Just maybe.  This epistle is just a "post turkey rush" folks! 

We are heading out from CO to AZ today (i.e. adventure ahead).  IA is our home but when winter comes, AZ is where we roam!  If  you have never spent an extended time in the South during the winter, you really don't get it.  It's a life style (i.e. different than a vacation).  There is a difference.  We get in a routine.  It's sorta kinda like Moody said--We walk in the wilderness today and in the Promised Land tomorrow.  ~  Dwight L. Moody  ~  I don't think Moody was talking about IA to AZ though.  What do you think?

Dense!  I know folks who appear to be dense. They just don't get it!  They are surface folks.  They don't capture the mood of folks or of the situation.  They don't catch on.  They say something stupid at the wrong time or try to be funny when the timing is way wrong.  They just don't get it.  Can't capture the feelings of folks.  Much like not catching on to humor or understanding a profound statement  (i.e. something that you have to add 2 + 2 to capture the situation).  Some folks don't have that innate ability.  They just don't.  They just don't get it.  Can't feel the emotions of a scene.  Probably never will.  Such is life.

Maybe there are times when we don't appreciate what others are thinking, feeling or expressing.  We just don't get it.  Spending Thanksgiving with our family, I wonder if sometimes I don't get it (i.e. how they feel nor understand what they are expressing with their words and with their actions).  I wonder.  I don't want to read tooooo much into it nor do I want to have it just "blow over my head" by being a poor observer or listener either.  A friend tells me that I'm just a wimp--not very tough--I worry tooooo much about stuff that isn't important or has no bearing (i.e. tooooo sensitive).  Now that could be.  I know for sure that I'm a wimp!  It's cold in IA! 

It's sooooo much fun to be around children and their innocence.  They just don't know what things mean.  And they don't care what things mean.  They just live life.  What does that mean?  SusieQ needs an explanation alright; she is always a step behind (i.e. in the dark).  Then BINGO she gets it but it's toooooo late.  She's had!  Adult innocence is not always pretty folks! 

I don't understand a lot.  Like why goodness isn't honored and corruption is.  Why folks can't see right from wrong.  Why some folks have to handle such bad stuff.  Why some have an easy life and other have a tough life.  I can go on and on.  I just don't understand.  Never will.  His understanding I cannot fathom.  God is God.  And that's just the way it is. 

Our grand girls say--Adults confuse us sometimes!  Are you ever confused (i.e. don't understand)?  Some folks have common sense and some don't it seems!  "Better to remain silent and be thought a fool than to speak and to remove all doubt."  ~  Abraham Lincoln  ~  SeemsToGetItDoug just has good common sense.  He can feel the attitude of a group, boss, meeting, team, extended family, wife, kids, friends etc.  He senses it immediately and acts appropriate.  He knows how to react.  What to say, what not to say and when to say nutten.  It's a great gift.  Some folks do not have this gift.  They just don't catch on.  I read this in the Book while eating my oatmeal with a half a banana on it--Even a fool is thought wise if he keeps silent, and discerning if he holds his tongue.  Do you ever think we try to say tooooo much when it would be better if we would just keep our mouth shut?  I think that about myself some times.  Such is life.

ItchieBitchie is just plain bad at flattery!  And two wrongs don't make a right soooo after you screw up the first time, keep your mouth shut (i.e. it won't get any better).  Sooo quit trying ItchieBitchie; you are just digging a deeper hole.  Sue Wong marries Lee Wong.  The next year, the Wongs have a new baby.  The nurse brings out a lovely, healthy, bouncy, but definitely a Caucasian, WHITE baby boy. 'Congratulations,' says the nurse to the new parents.  'Well Mr. Wong, what are you and Mrs. Wong going to name the baby?'  The puzzled father looks at his new baby boy and says, 'Well, two Wongs don't make a white, so I think we will name him...Sum Ting Wong!

Life manager! Joesixpack is a great life manager!  And I tell you what folks, he's got a lot to manage.  I can tell you that much.  But folks, he gets it.  He's in the upper echelon of life managers let me tell ya.  When I gave blood recently, the gal who did my total blood giving told me that she has three kids and her husband has two--both divorced--ya--how old are your kids--34 to 21.  My youngest finally caught on about life this last year; it seems like it takes soooo many years before it happens (i.e. live manager).  He even is starting to call me some.  I really like that when they call me.  She then said--It took me some time to figure it out tooooo.  I bet my parents wondered if I would ever get it.  I was just "not a very nice person" growing up. 

LuckieEddie says--You can say what you what about AZ, but no one retires there and moves up north for the winter!  Huh, interesting.  No one wants to go back and experience some "Nordic outbreaks". 

Running the other day!  I decided that the mind rules the body.  Think about that folks.  Sooooo folks, do you want your kids to be normal?  The new normal that is?  ItchieBitchie says--Listen folks, the new normal ain't workin'!  I read that there might be 4 F's you children should be abnormal in:  1.  Their faith. 2.  Their choice of friends  3.  Their finances.  4.  Their commitment to the future.  Folks, at some point, ya just got to decide what you are going to do and do it.  Make the right decision.  And remember, decisions have consequences.  Before we left IA, I was multi tasking in front of a nice fire in the fireplace (i.e. I really enjoy an old wood burning fire).  I forgot to put some wood in and the fire was just a smoldering glow.  I put some more wood in and once it got to a certain temperature, poof, it just burst into flame.  It had to get that hot before it flamed up.  Well, sometimes we have to get to a certain temperature before we become a flame.  Saturday question--At what temperature are you?

Folks in big city or big churches won't get this.  Heather called me about what friendJudy said in last week's It's Saturday.  She reminded me what friendJudy put in the Christmas Eve bulletin years ago when she was the church secretary.  She put an announcement in it that everyone was invited to our house for a pancake breakfast Christmas morning.  What!!!   She made special bulletins just for our family.  What a hoot.  Good memories folks, good memories of good folks..

Oneeyedhousechecker!  Old and young!  I was with an employer and he was telling me that they have trouble with young employees who just want to get paid but don't want to work.  We can't depend on them.  They might show up and might not.  Drives him crazy.  They just don't get it!  Old folks don't seem to be that way.  They seem to get it.  Why is that do you thing?  Our 83 old neighbor Lila watches the temperature of our house while we are in AZ.  Ya, we can depend on her.  We put a thermometer in our window and give her our binoculars.  Every morning with her one good eye, she checks the temperature in our house.  We can depend on her.  She is a sweetheart.  She likes snowmen.  She just bought enough plates with snowmen on it for all three tables for Christmas.  She was as happy as some little 6 year old at Christmas.  Such is life.

 

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

 

erv

 

MyFriendJean says--Success is simple--do what is right the right way at the right time.