objectives

Disclaimer—Almost everything I say in this “It’s Saturday” will be misunderstood by you folks.  You folks all think differently. No question.  All have different opinions and thoughts which are formed by your past environment and your current environment and your genetics. No question! The only way I can stop from being misunderstood is not to say anything.  Sooooo don’t take anything I say tooooo serious.  Especially if you are a radical!!!! haha Saturday question—Do radicals know they are radical?

The great psychologist Carl Jung says this: “Everything that irritates us about others is a window into ourselves.”  Holy smokes, if Carl is correct, many of you have a lot of issues as you are irritated about others a lot.  You might say—Carl is utterly ridiculous; he has no idea what he is saying!  If you think that, well then, you are good or you really have a problem!  Or both! We will never know now will we.

Our future, well, that’s another story all of its own. I don’t know if we can really fathom it.  Really! The pastor at the church I attend here in the Valley used this to end his sermon--He asked folks to take their watch off and get the keys out of their pockets.  The watch indicates time that at some point will end (i.e. we will all die from this earth; it is for sure and it’s unpredictable).  Our keys, in many cases are to the maybe the most prized possessions we own and some day we won’t need the keys anymore; they will have no meaning to us as we no longer might have the possessions.  Soooooo in the meantime, we should think about using our time and our possessions (i.e. all just loaned to us) to the best that we can for others (i.e. nuttin but net). Pretty good advice I thought.  What do you think?  That is what I thought. But you might interpret it differently! haha

I really enjoy road runners that are here in the desert (i.e. out in no man's land).  They just make me laugh (i.e. probably enhanced from the cartoon character as well).  I mentioned it to a friend (i.e.who has a megawatt attitude), and she bought one for me for a yard ordainment (i.e. pretty special).  A great memory for sure. I was fastening it to the ground as the wind would blow it over when a senor lady walked by and said—Does that sucker want to run away?  I said—He’s a runner alright! We both laughed. Oh, my friend named him, Rusty The Roadrunner.  

I have to admit that I don’t understand prayer very well; it’s way beyond me (i.e. His understanding I cannot fathom). BUT I must admit that I believe in prayer and pray.  I think it’s soooo important.  Saturday question—Have you experience the power of prayer? I am sure that many of you have. Duke University’s divinity and medical schools even did a joint study a few years ago to assess how a patient’s health, in conjunction with medical treatments and with continued treatment, was affected for a patient who believed in God and prayed for, as opposed to a patient who didn’t claim to have faith in God or a consistent prayer life.  Sure enough, the patients who prayed or were prayed for had better outcomes. That rings my bell! JoeBlow, who seems to run deadhead a lot, says—Ya, I pray when I get in a pinch otherwise not soooo much; I’m pretty much a greedy person and think mostly about myself. And when I pray, I only pray for myself like God bless me!  

ItchieBitchie says—I am not bitchie, I’m really not and surely not a prick like from a Cohoe cactus of the Senora Desert. That’s your opinion ItchieBitchie. What is the opinion that others have of you? Missperfect says—We all think of you differently ItchieBitchie. Oh ya! Oscar Wild says--Some people cause happiness where ever they go; others when ever they go!

Sooooo what are your objectives in life?  I think about this stuff. Do you? A person recently referred to a deceased neighbor as a grumpy old fart who was never happy.  Maybe he lived out his objective in life.  I met a 90-year old woman recently who was as sweet as pie.  She tooooo might be living her objective. I don’t know.  If I write down my objectives and read them back but if am not doing them, then I need to make a change in my life maybe. Do I say one thing but do another?  Where does ervie spend his time and money and what does he think about?  That will tell ervie something I guess. AverageJoe says--It seems like it’s a story I’ve seen before.

You could be a “X factor.” I read this while eating my oatmeal with half a banana on it—Doyle Royal said—“Act like you been there before.”  Meaning, don’t act crazy.  Act with class and poise. Sure, you can be excited but within reason and be classy. Enjoy the excitement of the moment. BUT it seems like TV shows the folks who go crazy (i.e. soooo if folks want to be on TV, they act crazy).  But there are folks who win the lottery that don’t seem very excited—Just another day!  They go home and hoe the garden.  I was introduced to a high-level Canadian government leader by a golf buddy who is his neighbor.  He was described to me as being an AverageJoe (i.e. very unassuming and common—no crown or anything—a regular down to earth type of guy).  He was.  He was much like talking to my neighbor in Butler County. Pretty impressive to me.  I guess we all have different objectives in life. 

Do you believe Winston Churchill as what he said?  His opinion and your opinion might be different. For sure!  Like I say--None of us think the same.  We are all different and some folks "way different" it appears compared to others.  Seems like they are way out in right field compared to us.  Such is life.

LuckyEddie says—"You cannot spend day after day in the world without it affecting your mind and soul and heart. It doesn’t take long to become disoriented to the ways of God.” Also, if we spend a lot of time thinking about whatever objectives we have for our life, it will affect us (e.g. how I can help others).” WildWilly says--It appears what we think about the most will affect our lives both short term and long term. Bingo!  Soooo don’t act surprised that you act the way you do; you have been thinking that way for a long time (i.e. either good or bad).  It’s not rocket science. MyFriendsFromEly said—What you think is what you’ll be!  I think they said that; those guys from Northern MN (i.e. iron ore country folks) are hard to understand; they have been hit in the head by hockey pucks a few times and have no real front teeth!

I really think we learn a lot more when we figure it out for ourselves; folks can preach to me, but it makes more sense when I touch the burner and find out that it’s hot for myself.  My parents gave me a lot of responsibility early in my life (i.e. I had to make the decisions).  I learned from my experiences and sometimes suffered the consequences and sometimes reaped the rewards.  I really like the Socratic method of teaching.  Actually, Socratics got much of the credit for this method, but Jesus was really the first and best teacher of this method.  This is my favorite story of Jesus doing it.  The rich young Pharisee who knew the Jewish law extremely well and thought he kept all the laws (i.e. actually 613 of them).  He asked Jesus what he must do to have eternal life.  He asked this to praise himself in how great he thought he was (i.e. he thought he kept all 613 laws).  Jesus said—Love the Lord your God with all your heart and soul and mind and strength and love your neighbor as yourself.  Soooo he asked Jesus—Who is my neighbor expecting Jesus to give him a short list of folks; again he asked with the idea of praising himself as to how great he thought he was. Jesus told him a parable (i.e. earthly story with a heavenly meaning). It was of the story of the good Smartian.  Short version—A guy was robbed on the trail and left to die. A priest came by but left him there. A Levite came by and passed on the other side. A Smartian came by and took care of him and saved his life.  Jesus asked him who was the good neighbor.  The Pharisee answered--it was the good guy who helped him (i.e. now that is sticking the landing). My Daddy, Chester, would say—erv, you got to ask questions and the right questions; it’s the easiest and best way to learn. Edward Hodnett, who wrote “The Art of Problem Solving: How to Improve Your Methods,” pointed out that “if you don’t ask the right questions, you don’t get the right answers. A question asked in the right way often points to its own answer.  WorldClassLarry says--Asking questions is the ABC of diagnosis. Only the inquiring mind solves problems.”

I buy some groceries from this store that has this sticker at their check outs.  It always gets my attention.  I really think they try to do what they say.  I do.  Maybe we should all have that sticker on our foreheads, no, maybe on the back of our hands soooo we can see it and are constantly reminded.  What do you think? That is what I thought.  Romans 15:2 says--Each of us should please our neighbors for their good, to build them up.

A friend and I were having a conversation and he said something to me at the end of one of his sentences that was short but it expressed his inner self (i.e. it seemed to me). We were among others and we had no conversation about it.  He knew he said it, I think, and he knew I heard it I think and I think he knew that I understood what he meant.  It was profound and revealing; I never heard him say something like this before (i.e. he seemed to expose himself to me). BUT did I understand him correctly!  I think sooooo! 

To prove my point of being misunderstood--I said to a female friend recently—You look nice today.  She said—Are you saying that other days I don’t look nice! Was she kidding or was she serious?  I really don’t know.  But I think I know but what good is that!  Ouchy ouchy! TheMI-Engineer says--erv, indeed, you don't get it!

“You know what I mean” is an expression that some folks use.  When folks say that to a friend, he says to them—no, I don’t know what you mean, please tell me.  Why do folks think we know what they mean? We don’t; we can’t figure out their minds.  SusieQ, who is a grown woman, says—That is just a statement they say when they don’t know what they mean (i.e. an escape goat).  Soooooo next time someone says to you—you know what I mean—tell them you don’t know what they mean soooo please tell me what you mean.  You might be surprised what they say!  They might not even know themselves!  

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

erv

MyFriendJean said—Life isn’t about waiting for the showers to pass. It is about learning to dance in the rain.

fantastical

John Key, the 38th prime minister of New Zealand from 2008 to 2016, said--"You get out of life what you put into it.  I think you need a bit of luck, but you also make a bit of luck."

This is why I buy newspapers—To get the good, accurate, toooo the point, and information that is new and stimulating.  Maybe this “It’s Saturday” is much like the newspaper heading.  Maybe I just hedge soooo I make everyone feel good (i.e. very wishie washie).  Remember, you get what you pay for.  Sooooo I got a letter form the Waterloo Courier saying my digital subscription is going up from $13 a month to $19.  Soooo I called them and told them it was toooo much—well, we can keep it at $13—is that your lowest price; I get the Arizona Republic digital subscription for 6 months for $1—let me check—I can give it to you for $8.  Fantastical! Everything is a game it seems. 

How is your life JoeEverything, who is a colorful old coot whose therapist says he has HIC (i.e. “he is crazy”)—Fantastical, but it could be better. As the story goes, a very wealthy man was being interviewed by a reporter. Toward the close of the meeting, the reporter looked at the billionaire industrial magnate and boldly asked, “Sir, how much is enough?” With a slight grin, the prominent business leader responded by holding two fingers slightly apart and saying, “Just a little bit more.” That seems to be the motto of our materialistic times: “Just a little bit more.” The world has pretty much tried to condition us to never be satisfied with what we have. Now that is a battle of life for many and maybe all.  Comparison and envy are constantly in our face (i.e. it’s everywhere). SusieQ says—It’s fantastical for capitalism.  BUT, I think capitalism is the best, by far. Look around folks, it doesn’t take a rocket scientist to figure that out. That is unless you don’t want to work and have the government take care of you (i.e. everyone gets rice and beans to eat except the corrupted government leaders). That is my opinion.  BUT I might be wrong, AGAIN!

Many folks won’t make a change until they feel the heat and that many times is pretty late or even toooo late as when we feel the pain of the heat (i.e. the damage is done).  If we see the light before we feel the heat, we are way better off.  Soooo the question is then—how do we see the light? A buddy here in our park just had the fluid behind his eyeball replaced as he couldn’t see very well.  It’s just amazing what they do to fix folks up isn’t it.  Sooooo he got fixed up.  Maybe we need to get fixed up soooo we can see a lot better (i.e. see the light). My opinion is that thinking and meditating and reading good stuff and being around good folks can influence me to see more of the light.  I wonder if many times we know what the light is but don’t head the warnings.  It maybe might save a lot of pain.

I had breakfast with a friend down her in the Valley of the Sun.  He had something he wanted to talk to me about.  We had the best conversation.  We talked about what he wanted to talk about. I don’t know if I helped him much (i.e. I think he solved his own problem), but I think he ended up helping me a lot about a situation I have.  Fantastical!  Isn’t that strange how that works sometimes.  Crazy for sure. What a great time we had. He is soooo smart!

Recently I went for a bike ride in a near by 55+ community.  I was just interested in seeing what that park looked like.  It was pretty much double wide mobile homes with not as many rules as some parks as folks seemed to be allowed to have more freedom with what they could have and do to their places.  There was a guy sitting in the sun on his drive having a late afternoon beer soooo I stopped and talked to him.  Found out that about 50% of the population live here full time and prices range somewhere between $120,000 to maybe $250,000. He told me that he was 60 but looked like 50.  He said more folks say that.  He was from MN but also has a house in SD but lives here most of the time because he got tired of the snow and cold. He was a programmer for a large bank and worked from home.  He liked his situation but maybe it was not fantastical.  He said he wasn’t married but has a son.  He said he did something real terrible, real terrible in his past. I am ok but I was not a good person.  I was real fortunate not to lose my job.  I have dated some, but I enjoy my freedom and I find many women do toooo. I said to him when leaving—peace and prosperity to you and he said—the same to you. I got the impression that he was a good guy but made a big mistake.  Ouchy ouchy! Can any of you folks relate to that?

LuckieEddie, who can get in my head, says—"Employees with an above-average attitude toward their work will generate higher customer satisfaction, high productivity, and higher profits. In addition, companies with higher morale (more than 70 percent) outperformed others in the same industries by 11.3 percent.” It’s fantastical! LuckieEddie, I don’t know if those figures are correct, but the reality is probably.  Missperfect, who is considered snooty at times, says—I think you can include family, church, and individuals to that equation.  The question is how do we ramp up the attitude part of the equation?  GeorgeTheCrook says—When you have leadership that has a good attitude it seems to help (i.e. get around good folks). And if there is a bad apple in the barrel it seems to affect the whole barrel of apples (i.e. stay away from rotten apples).  I can testify to those statements. I really have a choice as to who I choose to be around here in the desert.  If I don’t want to get close to a rattle snake, I just go around them. JoeAtomBomb says—Smile at them, wish them the best, and leave them. YaBut RickyRick says--It’s easy to quickly think of five things that other people do to offend you. But can you name five things you do that offend your spouse, friend, or co-worker? If not, then you can always ask them. They’ll be glad to tell you!

I read in the paper soooo it must be right that the folks of the United States seem to be in a “grand funk.” Why, JoeAverage asks. IckieVkckie says--I know ‘cause I live the life.  Many might say—The list of negative stuff is pretty long (i.e. it seems overwhelming at times)! Here are some interesting figures—The pastor at the church I attend here in the Valley said—On a Sunday morning in the U.S. and Canada combined, there are about 100,000,000 folks who attend church.  That is more than all the folks who attend all kinds of sports events in one year in the U.S. and Canada combined.  That is what he said folks.  Sooooo if this soooo called “grand funk” continues or increases, will that number increase? I was at a group men’s study recently where the facilitator said—In order for a person to get better, they have to get to the very low point (i.e. you can give them stuff to help them but it seems like that doesn’t work; they got to learn it themselves—figure it out themselves). That was his opinion. You can lead a horse to water, but you can’t make them drink. JoeCool says—BUT, it helps to put a little salt in their food!  BUT really, facts from newspapers! If you believe them, I have some great land to sell you in the Florida swamp!

My opinion—Ya got to keep moving; ya got to move 6 days a week and rest the seventh.  Ya just got toooo.  It improves your attitude immensely.  Or you can sit on the couch and eat chips and watch the news; now that will kill ya for sure.  Being in a warmer climate sure adds to the opportunity to be outside and move 6 days a week doing a multiple of activities.  It just does. And it seems to help with everyone’s attitude.  It’s not rocket science folks.  WorldClassLarry says--Exercise based on medical science is the #1 thing that you can do to improve your health and increase your life span.  My opinion—And have a much more enjoyable life.  And you gals can wear more Spandex outfits!

This story came from a smart person, a kind person, a survivor who wasn’t born with a gold spoon in her mouth, a person who knows how to milk the cow and did and is humble a.k.a a great one.   COWS DON’T GIVE MILK  A father used to say to his children when they were young—When you all reach the age of 12 I will tell you the secret of life.  One day when the oldest turned 12, he anxiously asked his father what was the secret of life.  The father replied that he was going to tell him, but that he should not reveal it to his brothers. – The secret of life is this. The cow does not give mile. “What are you saying?” Asked the boy incredulously.—As you hear it son, The cow does not give milk, you have to milk it.  You have to get up at 4 in the morning, go to the field, walk through the coral full of manure, tie the tail, hobble the legs of the cow, sit on the stool, place the bucket and do the work yourself.  This is the secret of life, the cow does not give mile.  You milk her or you don’t get milk.  There is the generation that think that cows GIVE milk.  That things are automatic and free, their mentality is that if “I wish, I ask…I obtain.” They have been accustomed to get whatever they want the easy way...But in life is not a matter of wishing, asking and obtaining. The things that one receives are the effort of what one does.  Happiness is the result of effort. Lack of effort creates frustration.

Here is an analogy about the above smart person.  It’s just like “March Madness,”—“survive and move on”  or “lose and you’re done” a.k.a. just hanging on to win and go forward (i.e. winning never gets old). I have to admit that I sorta kinda feel like a “Cinderella team” in the final four (i.e. me and my two sisters were/are survivors; not much different than many of you folks).  ANYWAY, I was on a high school basketball team that went to the MN State Tournament many years ago (i.e. back then it was just one class—a really big deal for little Danube High). I never was in a hotel before and ate very few meals in a restaurant (i.e. I was a little ol’ farm boy from a mile and quarter south of Roseland, MN who probably shot more hoops at the basket on our farm light pole than I did in a gym.  I literally was the kid who when stepped into Williams Area a.k.a. The Barn on the University of MN campus where the state tournament was played who said—This sure would hold a lot of hay! The pic was on Coach Black's(i.e. a very good man) recent funeral program. Yes that is me. My Mom, Anna, always cut my hair with a hand clippers. Really not bad! 

CoachB says—"It’s not going to work unless you do it! Many people are looking for the easy out. They just want to snooze and lay back and have everything just given to them.  Well, most folks who have success in most anything, have put a lot of work into it.  It’s not going to work unless you do it.” Missperfect says—Not entirely soooooo Coach B, I inherited a pile of money and I’m lazy and my sister married money and she hasn’t worked a day in her life (i.e. and let me tell you, she sure has a lot of clothes plus a new car)! CoachB says--Soooo get up and go get your destiny.

ItchieBitchie says—I just love it when everything goes my way (i.e. when I grab the bull by the horns and take charge).  It’s fantastical.  BUT when things don’t go my way, well, that is another story.  I have experienced both! “Incidents and events that make no sense at all now will one day make perfect sense—if not in this life, then in heaven.”—Oneperson’sopinionwhoIagreewith! Let that sizzle in your spirit! Soooo suck it up cupcake and lets get going!

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

erv

MyFriendJean said--A person's heart plans their course, But the Lord directs their steps.

good and bad company

An Apache proverb found in the Superstition Mts along the Apache Trail is this—A danger foreseen is half-avoided.

Disclaimer:  Remember folks, when you get something free, you can't complain about it. And this "It's Saturday" is free! Besides, most complaining doesn't seem to get folks much anyway. CryBabyJoe says--I complain to my mom and she gives me what I want (i.e. food and a clean diaper). . 

George Washington said—It’s better to be alone than in bad company.  How in the world can we discern who is bad company and who is good company?  SusieQ says--I pretty much end up being like the folks I’m around. WorldClassLarry says—I can and you can toooo figure that out in no time; it doesn’t take a rocket scientist to figure that out but first of all we have to decide who we are and most folks have a hard time doing that.  If we don’t know who we are, we become like the folks we are around. 

A friend told me this funny story (i.e. maybe it wasn’t soooo funny to his mother)—His parents wintered in the south for maybe 10 years.  His dad was a great guy and was also very handy (i.e. could fix about anything).  His mother was telling my friend on the phone one day that she was really unhappy with him.  He would go for walks and the widow ladies would approach him (i.e. butter him up) and ask him if he could fix their problems in their houses.  He was kind and always would do them.  She didn’t like that; she though he spent way tooooo much time with those ladies!!!!!

MyNeighborAcrossTheStreet told me that he used to know almost everyone in the park (i.e. about 1,500 folks when it’s full) but not anymore. In the last several years, about 60% of the folks have changed. In the little town I live in, Aplington with a population of about 1,000 deep in Butler Co., I think that percentage is about the same or maybe even more. I have had multiple folks encourage me to move here in the Valley full time (i.e. I don’t know about that, I really like most of the folks I still know back in IA). GeorgeTheCrook says—erv, there are good and bad folks were ever you go. Yabut I have some pretty special long-time friends back home. Hey listen erv, folks do it all the time.

I recently talked to a gal who is about 90 I would guess.  She seems to be a very nice person as I have ran into her like three times now (i.e. one time she sat next to me in church). ANYWAY, she said to me this last visit that she was married three times.  Her first husband who fathered her children wanted a divorce after 20 years of marriage, the next husband died after 17 years of marriage and the third husband died recently after 18 years of marriage. That is not unusual here in the Valley with older folks.  There are all kinds of lifestyles, living accommodations, relationships, etc. and maybe a lot more that I have any idea about.  You can’t tell what folks’ backgrounds are by just doing activities with them.  I’m just surprised when they tell you some of their backgrounds. That isn’t any different than the folks who live in Butler Co. Many folks do not like to be alone.  My local bank warned its customers in their newsletter--After investment scams, romance scams are the second most profitable types of fraud on social media. More than 33% of people who said they lost money to an online romance scam in 2021 said it began on Facebook or Instagram. Such is life.

I read while eating my oatmeal with half a banana on it—Pain is enviable, but misery is optional. I played golf with a guy who had arteritis pretty bad and was in pain, but he was not miserable; he had a good time. He really had a good attitude. We probably all have had stuff in our past that is painful, but we don’t necessarily have to be miserable.   Maybe that is up to us.  What do you think? That is what I thought.  And guess who gets to make the decision. Such is life.

It’s nice when folks tell each other that they care for each other.  Even if it’s a simple text saying I care about you.  Someone stopped at my house, but I wasn’t home.  They left a message that they care about me (i.e. unique message shown in the pic).  I had to laugh.  I ask folks (i.e. some of you guys) what is a good book to read and I read many of them that you suggest.  I think it’s a way of showing that I care about you. Many folks have different tastes in books for sure. A bookseller conducting a market survey asked a woman, "Which book has helped you most in your life?" The woman replied, "My husband’s checkbook!” Oh for Pete’s sake!

Here is an interesting thinking.  A friend called the other day and one of interesting things we talked about is him doing “iron man competitions,” he’s a real strong guy in soooo many ways.  He is 59 and the competitors are in age brackets of 5 years.  He is in the oldest year of his age bracket which make it hard to compete as he is dealing with folks basically 5 years younger than him.  It doesn’t seem a big deal but the older a person gets, the more noticeable it is.  Every five years can make a huge massive difference in some areas of our lives.  Others not soooo much.  BUT my friend, wait until next year when you will be the youngest in the 60 to death age bracket. You will kick butt for sure (i.e. if that is your objective)—you’ll have the newest and most powerful motor in the group—and ramped up to its peak performance). If you don’t win, it will have to be the equipment!!! haha

Do we ever speak out of both sides of our mouth? I was hiking on one of my favorite trails late in the afternoon up ‘er in ‘em mountains (i.e. just plain beautiful). I met a biker coming down and he stopped to let me through.  We talked.  JoeBike was a 40-year-old rivet supervisor for Boeing. You like your job—it’s monotonous but pays well—is that an electric bike you have—yep, it will go up the mountain trails very well—maybe about a $2,000 bike—you crazy; where have you been; this is an aluminum one and not top of the line but it cost $8,000; sorta kinda in the middle price range; it’s paid for but I drive a 2002 Ford Ranger that is paid for toooo—you must be a good money manager—now I am but when I got out of the Marines I was upside down; had no money management sense. He splattered his conversation with some colorful language that he maybe learned in the Marines and in the factory.  Sooo we ended our conversation and I said to him--peace and prosperity to you.  As I started up the mountain, he hollered—God bless you. I waved back. Then he hollered—Good day my friend. I waved again. Sooooo did our conversation in the mountains give him an opportunity to speak his heart and soul in a non-intimating environment (i.e. we will never see each other again and we were not around any other folks)? I will never know. I don’t need to know.

I have a friend who told me some of his story of good and bad company.  He told me that he had no plans when graduating from high school.  I think he said a relative said if he would move to a different state that he was in, he had a job for him.  He did and did very well for himself.  Sooooo he went on to say that if he would have stayed in his old environment (i.e. bad company) he would have probably drank himself to death and had 6 illegitimate kids.  I think he made the right decision.  But 6 illegitimate kids; he said he had a lot of girlfriends!!!! I can’t imagine the monthly child support bill that would have been. He would of probably became a mountain man and got eaten by a grizzly bear and never seen again. But he would have made the grizzly bear happy!

One of my neighbors here in the park I didn’t know if they were good or bad folks.  The reason was I don’t know them is because I never see them.  I talked to him once in 2 months.  The other day he was out smoking and I was doing a project and we talked again. Then his wife came out and we all talked maybe a half an hour.  Seem to be really nice folks but they did admit that they are very private.  Since then we communicated more and more. They’re good folks. Now isn’t that interesting.  Abraham Lincoln once said: The best way to make a friend of an enemy is to love them. It’s hard to get to know folks if you don’t associate with them. He has some health issues soooo I said I would trim his orange tree for him.  He said—erv, you don’t have toooo.  I know but I want tooooo! He laughed.

I have learned here in Sun Valley that sometimes I’m good company to myself and sometimes I’m bad company to myself.  What I mean about that is—sometimes I think good stuff that stimulates me positively and sometimes I think actually bad stuff that really hurts me.  I was particularly thinking about thinking negative stuff about/against folks.  They don’t know I think this bad stuff of them; I’m the only one that knows my thoughts.  Sooooo I’m really only hurting me, myself and I.  Flip the pancake. If I think good stuff about folks, I’m the only person who knows what those thoughts are also.  Soooo I really get the benefit of that thinking.  Sooooo the conclusion of the matter is, I can be good company to myself or bad company to myself. Like my deceased friend would say to me—erv, decisions have consequences and guess who gets to make the decisions! Saturday question—Can you and I control what we think?

Happenstance, na, I don’t think soooo! Recently, I had breakfast with an old friend who we met here in the Valley starting maybe 8 years ago.  After breakfast at Mickey D's, I stopped at the Wal-Mart in Apache Junction. I parked in the outer back edge of the parking lot.  As I got out there was a cart sitting in the middle of the parking lot.  A guy walked over to it and pushed it to the collection area near me.  I said to him—you are one good guy—he pointed to his cap and said he was from MN—I pointed to my cap and said I was from IA.  He was a retired farmer from SW MN.  We talked and found out we both lost our wives about 2 years ago.  We shared our emotions and feelings as we had a lot in common.  He shared that he had two wives and they both died.  The more we shared the more we had in common and seemed to really like each other (i.e. one common area was that we are both believers).  He shared that when he got married the first time and after about two years, their marriage was not going well.  He realized that a big part of that was due to him being all about himself (i.e. a great humbling self-evaluation).  One night he went up in a bedroom of their old farmhouse and laid on the bed and just cried and asked God to change his life.  God did and he was never the same again. The more we talked the more we seemed to like each other in the parking lot of Wal-Mart in Apache Junction, AZ. Crazy for sure!

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

erv

MyFriendJean said—It’s good to be blessed. It’s better to be a blessing.

right or wrong

Disclaimer—Maybe much of what is written in this “It’s Saturday, is not correct. And I have no idea if anything what my sources say is correct.  Much of what they say might be embellished and outright fabricated.  JoeBlow, who dribbles around a lot but never scores, says--Everyone has toooo many opinions about almost everything.  BUT it might be much more accurate than the news that some of you think is God’s word. In fact, I know some folks who I think lie half the time, and the other half of what they say I don’t believe, but they are great spinners! 

Have any of you been on a jury?  Have you ever been part of a court case in which the jury is involved? The jury has the power to judge a person right or wrong.  Have you ever been juried by others in your personal life?  I’m sure we all have.  They decide in their minds if we are right or wrong.  The jury could be your friends, family, spouse, neighbors, strangers, a church, etc.  They either find us guilty or not guilty a.k.a. right or wrong! 

I’m not always right; I am right about 51.3% of the time according to Buter County Analytical Company with their home office being in The Shed deep in Butler County on the near west side of town (i.e. and who knows what they say is accurate—as money and beer are popular lubricants).  But my mentor use to say—erv, If you are right 51% of the time, you will be a success. Money Market Fund Managers who are successful are right about 51% of the time; that is right just 51%.  My mentor would say—erv, you got to be right more than you are wrong.  According to goggle, about 12% of the financial managers make it.  12% folks; why do you think they don’t make it?  I suggest you find one of the 12%!  I had a golf buddy/friend who when he sold his farm personal property, he invested the proceeds himself and by his own admission, said he didn’t have a clue what was doing (i.e. I don’t know if I believe him; he might have been pulling my leg).  He made a mint! Of course, good timing and good luck never hurt! BUT also, he might have listened to his wife and never told me that!

Coach B says—It’s impossible to be honest from a dishonest position.  If the core of anything is dishonest in any way, it is almost certain for failure at some point (i.e. maybe not today but someday it’s ugly head will show up).” A person who isn’t honest and claims to be is like a duck—if it walks like a duck and quacks like a duck, it’s a duck. Of course, that is my opinion.  GeorgeTheCrook says—Once if anyone is dishonest and is exposed; it is hard to get the respect of honesty back again (i.e. a person’s reputation is tarnished and is near impossible to get it off a person’s expression.  LuckieEddie says—GeorgeTheCrook, I don’t know about that.  It seems like folks forget pretty quickly and sometimes forgive (e.g. politicians). And sometimes folks just move out of town and start over. Or if their dishonesty makes some folks money, then many folks really don’t care.  They like the money. They just turn their heads. Some even call it good business.

This is a sticker I saw on a side window of a BMW in our park while walking recently.  It might be right, or it might be wrong, but I had to laugh.  What do you think about it?  That is what I thought. The women of our modern culture sure have life much different than of cultures of the past.  There are many women who are in the south wintering that are doing it on their own because of many reasons.  Most seem to be very capable of handling most any situation.  The right way or the wrong way for a woman to act is thrown out the window.  BUT it appears that we still have dual standards in certain parts of our subcultures (e.g. some religious denominations who say they take the Bible very literally, maybe for some parts and maybe not for others—sorta kinda a pick and choose which is hard for a non-believer to understand maybe). ItchieBitchie says—erv, you are thinking tooooo liberal. You might be right ItchieBitchie or you might be wrong. It seems like folks have different opinions. I read in the paper again, soooo it must be right, that 80% of our communication is our body language.  Sooooo I guess what folks say only counts for 20%.  Little 6-year Billy said to his mom—Years ago men really had it great; they were in charge and ran the show!

Missperfect says—Rumors are more powerful than facts. I knew a state senator years ago.  He told me that if he wanted something spread through the capital, he would be at a urinal and another government leader was at the next urinal and he would say—Don’t tell anyone but, then he would tell him whatever he wanted spread.  It would spread like a wildfire in the CO foothills with a 90 mph wind (i.e. it didn’t really matter if it was right or not—sometimes the craziest stuff and most unbelievable spreads faster).  BigMouthEthel says—There is nuttin more fun or powerful than a good rumor; they are soooo much fun. Sometimes I even like to embellish them a little bit to spice them up even more; it’s a hobby of mine and I’m good at it!

A pickleball buddy/friend/pb partner for a game said to me—I can’t play worth a darn this morning—what’s with that—didn’t sleep last night—how come—stuff in my head; self-imposed—not good my friend—you got that right. Obviously, the self-imposed jury isn’t in yet! Saturday question—What keeps you up at night?  JoeDough says—I worry about my money! Like what am I going to do with it all. Really!  Folks are concerned by many many things which we sometimes have no idea what they are worrying about.  And they don’t tell anyone.  I have dreams that wake me up at night (i.e. every night). Not real bad dreams but dreams that get my attention (i.e. some are even positive—last night I caught the biggest walleye of my life; it was a huge massive one).  And I have to go to the bathroom sometimes.  Other than that, I sleep well.  How about you?

In the book of Kings in the Bible, King Solomon (i.e. termed as the wisest man who ever lived) prays—God, give your servant therefore an understanding mind a.k.a. wisdom that I may discern between good and evil. In the book of James of the Bible it says—Ask God for wisdom and He will give it to you. We as humans have a hard time defining what wisdom and discernment are, and also how to get them. To me it looks pretty simple but still hard to understand the results sometimes.  Honestly, if we can figure out what is right and wrong, life is a lot easier, my opinion. It appears we do a lot of bird walking when defining what’s right and wrong or we just wink at it.  Yikes!

Right or wrong.  I watched some of the Pheonix Open Golf tournament.  It’s crazy when 200,000 folks hoot and holler all the time.  A late friend/golf buddy did not like folks to talk or make any noise while he was playing; he told us several times, “Be quiet, this game is hard enough without your noise.”  I don’t think he would have liked all that noise on the 16^th hole or in this tournament.  He would have told them to be quiet!!!  The only thing is, this crowd wouldn’t have listened to him. What a fun memory of a good friend. 

The Emperor Marcus Aurelius said—"He who lives in harmony with himself, lives in harmony with the universe.” CoachB says—"When we get peace on the inside, we’ll be surprised how all of the stuff that’s going on outside in the world doesn’t make much difference to us, we have an internal peace. He who is in harmony with himself or herself, is usually in harmony with the universe.” Do you believe those guys?  Or is their talk just their opinions?  Maybe you think differently and have a different opinion.  Could be maybe.  Sooooo Saturday question—How do we get inner peace? SusieQ says—For me it’s a lot of money and a lot to eat; those are the tricks!  The Christian religious leaders say—Accept and believe in Jesus Christ as your Lord and Savior.  I think Jesus, folks. That’s my opinion. AverageJoe says—When folks find inner peace, they become very calm and comfortable in their skin.

I did something that I don’t think I ever did before (i.e. a new adventure). I went to a movie in the morning. Wow, I’m really adventurous!  haha  I played some pickleball first and then saw American Underdog about Kurt Warner. The picture show theater treated me like a king. I went to the 11:25 movie and it was $4.50. They let me use one of their leather recliners. And guess what, I was the only person there (i.e. a private showing)! Very good movie about their incredible underdog lives and their testimony about their faith and belief in God.

Are you a futurist?  A futurist tries to predict the future.  Sure, we all are futurists, especially the coffee drinkers at the coffee shop.  Maybe there are some folks that don’t think about the future (i.e. maybe many folks are oblivious to the future). I think about the future in a lot of different ways and for different reasons.  Actually, there is an association of professional futurists.  Candidates to join the APF must be recommended by a member and must meet two of the six selection criteria, which span employment as a consulting or organizational futurist, obtaining a postgraduate degree in futures studies, or demonstrating competence in teaching, writing or speaking on futures theory or methodology. That sorta kinda leaves me out!  BUT, I believe that our future is ours to shape to some degree anyway, maybe.  I think I will try my best to keep my future simple and enjoy the moment.  BUT, I could change my mind anytime.  What do you want your future to be? LuckieEddie says—My future is not promised but it is probably based maybe a lot on what I think and what I do and what I believe! CrazyMarvin says--My future looks like it's hard to figure out, much like the picture. This is my opinion of my future for what ever it's worth--God's purpose for me is around the next bend even though it doesn't seem that all the ducks are in a row. Or I could not go around the bend and just play it safe.

I had the opportunity to have lunch with some long-time friends last week.  These are good folks with good hearts, my kind of folks. We had such a good time.  And probably why, is that we shared stuff in our lives that folks maybe normally don’t share (i.e. stuff that is personal and is very real). It really is a great opportunity to be able to share such stuff.  We trust each other. I’m guessing maybe our relationship even got better. And we laughed a lot, mostly about ourselves! Or was it at ourselves?!

This guy really made me laugh.  It was posted to folks in our park.  This guy is honest.  I am an idiot for taking my new $400 electric bicycle, just bought at Costco, apart and now can't put it back together.  I broke the throttle grip.  So what I have now are all the parts of a new ebike for sale to anyone who like to piddle, wants to build their own custom ebike, or has this same bike and would like all the new parts to keep as a spare.  The Lithium battery $150+ own its own, not to mention the new brakes, tires, wheels, motor, etc.  Will sell to interested party for half its new cost.  So for $200 you get all the parts to build or put together a new ebike, minus one broken part - the right throttle grip.  You could order a new grip from Jetson, they do sell them, and put it all back together yourself or whatever you want.  It is more than I want to deal with at my age and lack of pleasure in and experience with maintenance and putting things together.  Every time I try to fix something I seem to just break or ruin it.

JoeEducated, who is the CEO and President of the Board of the Butler County Analytical Company, and who has more degrees than the number of rattle snakes in the Superstition Mountains says—Our prediction is 93.4% sure that this “It’s Saturday” has as much validity as a flying pig. When JoeEducated was quizzed about if he might be wrong, his response was—Naaaaa! I don’t think sooo. I’m never wrong about this stuff! We have done the analytics.

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

erv

MyFriendJean said—The future belongs to those who believe in the beauty of their dreams.

leave a trial

JoeBig, a science fiction author and retired professor of mathematics and computer science who lives on the north side of the Beaver Creek deep in Butler County just west of Austinville, says—So high, so low, so many things to know.

Do you think there are patterns we have and that we also leave behind (e.g. money management patterns or parenting patterns)?  That is just a couple. There are patterns of all kinds; patterns that tell others who we are and were (i.e. tell-tale signs).  And many folks do them over and over and over again and again (i.e. both good patterns and bad patterns). My Mom, Anna, us to say to me—erv, look at your friends’ patterns; that is who they are; their past will pretty much be their future; yes, they can change but their history tells you something about them. ItchieBitchie, who is very under rated, asks--If a person can’t be trusted with little things, why do you think they can be trusted with big things; if they gossip about others, why do you think they won’t gossip about you at the card table?  If they are sweet and kind to others, it’s a good chance they will be kind and sweet to you. The comet leaves its tail alright! It doesn’t take a rocket scientist to figure that out. Saturday question--What is sorta kinda the major label we have formed by others saying who we are; like what are we all about (e.g. what's our #1 most important thing)?

In John Grisham’s new book, The Judge’s List, two of the key characters, Jeri and Bannick, keep talking and thinking about everything they do will leave a trail, and they don’t want to be trailed.  They keep trying to cover their trail (i.e. just like the folks did in the old west stories) but it is very hard to do in our world of today, almost impossible.  Think of that.  We leave a trail all the time with social media, credit card transaction, our cell phones, our actions, fingerprints, what we do on our computers, our use of the internet, cameras, money accounts, even your garbage, etc.  Oh ya, we leave a trail alright.

I was looking for some folks who live close to me here in the park to maybe take a tree down for them.  I couldn’t find their lot soooo I stopped and talked a couple in front of their park model.  We had such a nice talk.  I asked him if I do the project if he wanted to help me—no no, I have two new knees and a new hip and my back is a mess; I worked hard, really hard when younger and messed up my body soooo now I can be down here (i.e. he left a trial). Sooooo I found the lot but they weren’t home soooo I talked to the neighbors across the street.  They told me their stories.  Fun stories.  They were from Canada, and he was a long-time bronc rider; he said he had two new knees, a bad shoulder and a rib bone that sticks out to prove it (i.e. those broncs left a trail).  BUT CowboyJoe still wears a cowboy hat!

Are you a grinder?  I know folks from all backgrounds who are grinders; they just grind and grind and grind until they get it done and then grind some more.  They are relentless.  I talked to a new acquittance/friend I made from pickleball who is a very smart person.  He tells me he only needs maybe 3 hours of sleep and then gets up and starts grinding (i.e. he probably gets a lot done in a day grinding away).  I suggested a book he might want to read as we share the same situation of losing our wives.  He told me he use to have a large library and read a lot of all kinds of books.  He doesn’t read anymore.  I suggested he should again. He said—I just can’t stay focused.  I bet he was a grinder on the job; got a lot done; his employer probably really liked him.  He and all of us leave a trail and are leaving a trail.

I read these quotes while eating my oatmeal with a half a banana on it--Phyllis Diller once said, “Cleaning your house while your kids are still growing up is like shoveling the sidewalk before it stops snowing.” In the same vein, Jerry Seinfeld said, “Having a two-year-old is like having a blender, but you don’t have a top for it.” Daniel Webster said, “Educate your children to self-control…and you have done much to abolish misery from their future.” My Daddy, Chester, said—erv, the best discipline is self-discipline.  Saturday question—Do you and I have self-control and self-discipline? What does our trail show? How do we get self-discipline and self-control? Recently a gal told me that she tried and tried to quit smoking when she was younger, but just couldn’t; she would always be a mess until one day she asked God to take the desire of smoking away and she never smoked again. Wow! Put that in your pipe and smoke it!

I wanted some $2 bills for the grandkids for their Valentines. Wells Fargo said since I have no account with them, they would not help me. Neither would Bank of America. Sooo I stopped at AZ Credit Union. The teller, a sweeeet gal, went in the back room and got some. She asked if I had an account with them--no--are you a member of any credit union--no but my friend JoeCreditUnion works for one back in IA-- her supervisor said good enough! It's who you know, for sure! Those gals left their trails!

SuperJoe is a regular phoenix.  Are you a phoenix—not like the legendary bird but a person or thing regarded as uniquely remarkable in some respect (i.e. maybe unassuming not pretentious or like Phoenix, AZ)? I regard some of you as phoenixes.  Yes I do.  Several of us were waiting our turn to play pickleball the other morning.  One of the guy’s home is Austin, MN, home of the world famous meat, Spam.  Most folks our age know about spam and have eaten it as a kid in many different ways (i.e. I got real sick of it).  It gained popularity during World War II period. Those guys said they still like it fried once in a while.  I haven’t had it for a long time. How about you?  It surely isn’t a premier meat, but it is still on the market and it is still a good seller they told me.  It’s inexpensive and easy to prepare (i.e. open the can).  Spam is a phoenix! I just might buy a can for old times’ sake.  How about you? LuckieEddie says—Spam sure has left a trail!

WorldClassLarry asks--Do folks have a pattern of success and/or failure? Does it show in their trail? Does the world have a pattern that we all follow and just love it (i.e. can’t get enough of it)? I saw this on the back of a person’s tee shirt at Frey’s grocery store the other day—We’re not crazy, if we’re all doing it! There is that herd mentality again.  Soooo is he wondering if we aren’t crazy doing some of the things we are doing? It was told in a men’s Bible study by a couple of guys that the younger generations are more interested in authenticity than my generation.  They are tired of all the baloney and craziness of the current world.  I don’t know if that is true or not, but it sure sounds good.  Of course, it has to be determined what is authentic now doesn’t it (i.e. a big decision for sure). Authenticity might be different to different folks as I have been told by an advertising executive from the younger generation who is really smart and on top of the procedure (i.e. living the advertising experience). I also read in the paper, soooo it must be right, that the younger generations have been educated that they all deserve anything and everything; they all get the trophy (i.e. they are really messed up).  I’ll have to watch the 5 o’clock news (i.e. which I haven’t watched any news for two+ years) to find out what the truth is. NOT! TomSmart says—If you watch the news, okay, if you believe the news, you must be crazy and maybe messed up (i.e. it might not all be authentic, sucker)!

RickyRick says--People who always say, “I can’t” and the people who always say “I can” are both right. Why? Because fear creates self-fulfilling prophecies. This happened to Job when he said, “What I feared has come upon me; what I dreaded has happened to me” (Job 3:25 NIV). A vision based on fear rather than faith is going to limit you for your entire life. You’re going to miss opportunities. You’re going to waste the talent that God gave you. And you’re going to set yourself up with self-defeating predictions. This is my opinion now—How you and I think will determine our trail; no question in my mind but I am fearful sometimes. Ouchy ouchy! What am I thinking! I’m crazy for sure!

You might think I’m wrong and maybe I am BUT I think different scenery a.k.a. a different trail is good for everyone once in a while for a lot of reasons.  Some pickleball friends from AK who winter here in the Valley of the Sun are on a road trip to FL.  She said—It’s sorta kinda like the Zac Brown Band sings--I got my toes in the water, ass in the sand Not a worry in the world, a cold beer in my hand Life is good today, life is good today. They said they wanted to be around the water.  A nice change from the desert, my opinion. I am real happy for them as they just retired but still commercially fish salmon in the summer. Sounds like a exciting life to me.

Do you think we might “follow the system” and don’t even know it (i.e. like the domino effect)? I wonder about that.  I read the book The Bomber Mafia by Malcolm Gladwell.  It’s a non-fiction book about bombing during World War II that was recommended by a friend, Tom, who lives not soooo deep in Butler County.  I really liked it. It’s about leadership, egos, decision-making that killed millions, morals, values, faith, and the use of new technology. Here is a thought of the book that is maybe a main thought—“What happens to true believers when their convictions are confronted with reality?” It’s a short book and easy to read.  Also, very popular. You might want to give it a shot.  Maybe! This is just my opinion and ya got to remember that I’m just a little ol’ farm boy from a mile and fourth south of Roseland, MN.

Oh, the book stimulated me to study more into the concept called “transactive memory.“ I use this all the time; actually many of you are part of a group of folks that I use.  It’s when folks use the information in the minds of others that they are not good at such as facts, numbers, emotions, management skills, plumbing information etc. that others are good at. Then when they need the information, they just call them. Churchill was very good at it.  We all are. We even store information in our family’s minds.  Learn about it; it’s fascinating to me. Great leaders in all areas use this (i.e. not everyone can be great at everything).  It ain’t no rocket science folks.

I realize that most of you don’t take advice a.k.a. suggestions very well; it’s really hard to tell you anything; some of you more than others.  Just look at your trail.  The proof is in the pudding! ANYWAY, at least I try to think about the advice I get while eating my oatmeal with half a banana on it, like—try to bite your tongue when you have the opportunity to brag about yourself; let others do the talking and be the ones to praise you; when your focus in life turns inward, focusing on yourself, you begin to lose God’s purpose for your life: to love Him and others.  SusieQ says—Now that sounds like my sister-in-law but surely not about me!

Things do change. I read in the paper, soooo it must be right, that government agencies are reducing or quitting the negative procedure of “tracking COVID-19 cases.”  We sure spent a lot of time and money over accomplishing very little tooooo nutttin (i.e. my opinion) other than selling the news, folks love negative news). And God only knows how much of all the information was even accurate.  BUT people like to hear all the negative stuff. What did it accomplish anyway; I must of missed it. I guess now they are going to track the number of knee replacements each week that people get. haha  All that, whatever you want to call it, reminds me of my friend, JoeTheHike, leading a group of hikers from our park maybe 6 years ago up ‘er in ‘em mountains. He would stop every once in a while and tell them to look at that rock formation; it's “the sleeping bear formation.” The folks would oooh and aahh!  We would go another half hour and he would stop and have them look to their left and see “Chief Big Horse sitting in his chair." Again, the folks would go wild.  At lunch I said to JoeTheHike, you are full of BS about all those formations.  He said, you are right erv, but the folks just love it; it enhances their hiking experience soooo just let them enjoy it (i.e. it’s just like embellishing the news a little).

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

erv

MyFreindJean said—True wisdom lies in gathering the precious things out of each day as it goes by.

blast off

I still think it would be neat to see a spaceship rocket blast off.  Ya, I’ve seen it on TV but that isn’t in person.  Things seen in person are just different.  You can tell folks what ice cream tastes like but until you taste it, well, it’s a new experience.   BobbyJoe, from deep in Butler County, says—Impossibilities are simply just things we haven’t learned yet.  I am just amazed about all the amazing folks that have come from Butler Co. and what they have accomplished.  Ya, we usually hear about the sport figures who get attention but many of you have done great things but will probably never get noticed.  Congratulations to you.  Actually, you might be much more important than the sport figures and maybe have accomplished much greater feats. You did it dude?

CoachB says—You cannot blast off into the future chained to the past. That is probably a good statement CoachB.  Sooooo how can we self-evaluate ourselves objectively?  Do we need some type of test? Do we need a benchmark to compare ourselves toooo; maybe something or someone or some measuring stick? In business there are job evaluations based on a formula based on the objectives of the company probably.  Sometimes the evaluation is done by a buddy or by a team member soooo it makes it useless as it is not a fair evaluation. SusieQ, who is a great table setter, says—And we all know that the only thing that is fair is the Butler County Fair and that is in June. Soooooo maybe the start of a self-evaluation is to decide what the standard is going to be to test ourselves against. 

JoeBusinessPerson says--The evaluator needs to have a neutral mind and can’t be bias in seeing the situation (e.g. a medical doctor).  When the old broken-down maire is near the end of her life, we got to accept that.  But if the young maire is the “rain maker,” we got to accept that toooo. That is a scenario to many situations.  Many older, opinionated folks can’t accept that.  They want to kick the same can down the street.  They don’t want to blast off with something that is taking off. JoeTechnicalFoul says—That has always been that way.  Some things are just hard to get launched off the pad. 

RickyRick says—"Emotions are often unreliable.  Your gut is often wrong. Your intuition is often flawed. Your emotions often lead you down a blind alley. You can’t depend on everything you feel! You want to succeed in life. Study after study has shown that your emotional quotient is far more important than your IQ when it comes to success. How many people do you know who ruined their reputation because of something said in anger? Or missed a job opportunity because of their lack of self-control?” “Better to remain silent and be thought a fool than to speak and to remove all doubt.” — Abraham Lincoln. I try to teach my grandkids to have poise.  They don’t really understand what that is (i.e. as well as many adults).  Poise is soooo impressive in soooooo many situations (i.e. it’s class).  Are you poised?  Do you want to be more poised?  It might be good for all of us to work on as when to talk and when not to talk and what to say and what not to say.  Maybe.  CrazyJoe says—I know for sure from my past experience, it never works to fly off the handle.  Probably right CrazyJoe; my mentor would say to me—erv, it’s never as good as it looks and never as bad as it looks.  Sooooo maybe he was saying—relax erv, cool your jet burners and don’t blast off!

Robert Frost said—The only way around somethings is through. Maybe that is true Mr. Frost in some situations and maybe in other situations it isn’t; just like you said—somethings.  I think I am learning that there are “certain somethings” that I don’t enjoy. I don’t have to do them and if there are “certain folks” I don’t enjoy soo then, I don’t have to be around them.  “Those somethings” are tooooo hard on my life.  Why do I want to be around difficult situations or around jerks?  I guess I have to be careful who I think are jerks and what are difficult situations or pretty soon I won’t be around anyone or anything!  haha I was drinking coffee while sitting around a round table with folks of the park after Sunday chapel recently (i.e. most of the folks I didn’t know).  The discussion, of which I was a listener, was how the dynamics of the chapel needs to change as the newer, younger retired residents don’t like the old traditional way the chapel has been run for the last 30 years (i.e. nuttin has changed).  And as a result, they aren’t coming (i.e. maybe), and the numbers are way down.  They also talked about how the numbers are down as well in some of the activities of the park.  The younger residents are not doing some of the old-fashion activities as much but want to do some of the newer activities. The old residents want to keep it the same as always (e.g. some older activities aren’t the kings anymore).  Hey, folks, it will change one way or another, for sure, no question. JoeBlowSr, who can get my goat, says--YaBut I really don’t know what younger folks want and I wonder if they really know.  It can be sorta kinda confusing! It’s hard enough to decide what I want! Yabut, things change. We have girls’ sanctioned high school wrestling in IA.  Who would ever guessed that 10 years ago.

Joesixpack says--We say money isn’t the issue but then again it seems like it’s what’s on everyone’s mind. Folks will kill themselves to make more money, but many say it’s not that important.  What! Saturday question—What are the intangibles in your life that are very important? Maybe even more important than money.  Missperfect, who is a drama queen, says—There are none more important than money for me! Really, what makes you blast off? I have been thinking about the intangibles in my life that are very important to me.  Are they really important to to me or am I just blowing smoke?  Now that is a good question. I really like the discussion I am having with me, myself and I. It has been fun, and I think important.

I like people’s names that can be either male or female like Bobbie, Erin, Billy or Chris.  I can’t tell you really why but I just do.  This is what I read while eating my oatmeal with half a banana on it by Billy Graham—"The Psalmist said, ‘Fret not thy-self...’ The implication is that fretting, complaining, and distress of mind are often self-manufactured and can best be coped with by a change of attitude and transformation of thought.” I also like those two statements—change of attitude and transformation of thought.  BUT how do we change our attitudes and transform our thoughts?  And then do we really want toooooo? A pickleball player I know tells me that she is just not a morning person (i.e. takes her a long time to wake up in the morning).  Is that genetic or is she programed?  I don’t know if some folks can change or if some folks what to change.  What do you think?  That is what I thought.

I, as well as many others, believe in the health triangle.  How can anyone not believe it that.  Think about it.  Is it work?  It sure is. Do we have to concentrate on it? Sure do. Do folks like to do it for the most part? No! I was invited to a get-to-gather of college friends. One guy told us that he once weighed about 210 pounds.  He went to the YMCA every morning and went in the seam room and did 300 sit-ups for months and only basically ate lettuce and lost about 50 pounds. And he kept it off.

TheGalDownTheStreet asked me the other day if I still play pickleball—ya I do in moderation—how about you—I use to but decided not toooo this year; I didn’t want to be soooo engaged so I gave pb up but continued my other interests; I wanted to have more time to write, read and think (i.e. quiet time stuff).  I really enjoy that; I want to be myself and not be over influenced by others.  Huh, interesting.  I had sorta kinda a revelation the other day (i.e. at least for this day or this week—haha). It is a direction in my life.  I seemed to come to my senses about this direction.  Sooooo far I have really enjoyed my decision.  BUT, it just blasted off soooo I will give it some time.  BUT it is me and what I believe (i.e. it is the real me). BUT, it took me three months + for me to figure it out.  I’m a slow learner. BUT, I think it will be very good for my mental, spiritual and physical health. It has been very good for me in my past but I sorta kinda got away from it. I sorta kinda woke up! Bingo!

I have to admit that I change my mind about doing somethings.  I do.  I think that a certain thing sounds like a lot of fun and then after I think about it, I wonder what I was thinking about when I thought that.  I think age does that, I come to my senses!  Maybe we rethink stuff when we get older.  An older guy downthestreet was telling me that he observed that the older he gets, the more accepting he is of people with whom he disagrees with (i.e. he has cooled his jets). He said he has found the sweet spot in his soul where he could hold firm to his convictions and still get along with people who think differently. I wonder if he had an implied wonder at how relationships might have been different had he found the sweet spot sooner. BUT I still wonder how some folks can think soooo crazy!  I do. Surely, they don’t think that of me or you, do they? Da! CoachB says--Do we know how hard it is to know ourselves?  For the most part, many folks don’t want to know themselves (i.e. don’t like self-evaluation—much easier to be critical of someone else). SusieQ says—It is much easier to smell someone else’s bad breath than our own! Yikes, halitosis of others can be soooo bad! BUT it’s sooo hard to smell our own bad breath.  Golly sakes alive, I need to buy some Listerine for sure 

I talk about deception a lot it seems.  Okay, here is some good deception (i.e. well good for one and bad for another).  Our grandson, Jimmer, is 12 years old. He seems to be quick and can run fast for his age.  At Thanksgiving he and I went to the hoop in the cul-de-sac and worked on a simple deception regarding basketball.  I taught him the simplest of the three basic basketball deceptions, the little fake one way and go the other (i.e. it’s not rocket science). He had some success in doing this in his games. Success makes you buy into it and the more you buy into it the more success you have (i.e. pretty crazy, huh). It really isn’t that hard to figure out.  BUT we need to learn a simple basic method to use our skills and abilities and then work on it and buy into it. BUT if you don’t want to change (i.e. blast off), it’s all for naught. JoeCool says—That is being coachable or non-coachable. I was delivering some grapefruit from my tree to a friend and some ladies were digging up some cacti.  They asked if I want some.  I could use one as one is dead in front of my place.  DeniseFromWI said--Here is one that will get about 20 feet tall in 30 years.  I will take it.  Don’t touch the milky stuff where I cut the slip off; it will burn your skin bad.  Let it lay out in the sun for about a month and then plant it.  I was coachable; I know nuttin about planting a cactus.

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

erv

MyFriendJean said—When a man retires, his wife gets twice the husband but only half the income.