cancelled

SusieQ, who is a self-help psychologist from Butler County, says—“We have been taught to believe that negative equals realistic and positive equals unrealistic.” If that is true, our minds are really something! Our minds will about believe anything. Well, we’re off to the races! Let’s get going! AverageJoe says--But remember, in the final analysis, either your cerebral pathways produce the right thoughts - and you follow them - or they don't.

I read this in the paper soooo it must be right—"Today, a form of excommunication called “canceling” is taking place on the basis of opinions. A canceled person is shunned or snubbed when he or she offends the sensibilities of some group for cultural, political, or religious reasons.” I do fell many times that I’m in the minority in my thinking and my believes, I really do.  Sooooo maybe I am being canceled by many folks, could be. Maybe you are too even if you don’t know it. Could be.

Lord Acton was a nineteenth-century British politician, historian, and writer. He is best known for these words: “Power tends to corrupt, and absolute power corrupts absolutely.” He maybe had seen enough examples of this in the church and government to be confident that power can be a dangerous thing. Now think about that folks. “Nearly all men can stand adversity, but if you want to test a man’s character, give him power.”--Abraham Lincoln  Now think about that folks. Maybe power used corruptly can cancel folks out.  Maybe. What do you think? That is what I thought.

A friend sent me this blog that he gets that he thinks the blogger has some of the same opinions that I do.  Amazing! Or scary! The blogger probably has no idea what they are talking about! ANYWAY, I like these folks! haha We seem to like folks who agree with us!  Here is the blog: Today, I would like to share a personality trait that we both like in other people. Perhaps you can try adapting the trait for yourself. I certainly do my best to do that. The trait I’m referring to is sometimes called intellectual humility. It’s about understanding and acknowledging the limits of one’s knowledge, about recognizing that the things we believe in might be wrong, about being open to new ideas and opposing viewpoints, and about being willing to seek out information that conflicts with our worldviews. It’s about being willing to admit mistakes and being comfortable saying: “I don’t know,” and “I could be wrong.” This doesn’t mean having no opinions, or being a pushover, or lacking confidence. Rather, it means being honest about our own shortcomings, biases, and blind spots, and about accepting the possibility of being only half-right or even completely wrong. I like it when someone says, “This is how I see it. Here are the reasons why I see it this way. I’m pretty sure about this. But I might be wrong.” Conversely, I don’t like it when someone is too sure of themselves. When they are too convinced that they are right. When they possess no doubts whatsoever. (That’s usually a sign of a number of alarming characteristics, including ignorance, naivete, black-or-white thinking, lack of self-awareness, a failure to understand the nuances of life, and so on.) A few rather famous quotes come to mind…Bertrand Russell:  “The whole problem with the world is that fools and fanatics are always so certain of themselves, and wiser people so full of doubts.” Charles Darwin:  “Ignorance more frequently begets confidence than does knowledge: it is those who know little, not those who know much, who so positively assert that this or that problem will never be solved by science.” Walt Whitman:  “I like the scientific spirit—the holding off, the being sure but not too sure, the willingness to surrender ideas when the evidence is against them: this is ultimately fine—it always keeps the way beyond open—always gives life, thought, affection, the whole man, a chance to try over again after a mistake—after a wrong guess.” Let’s be willing to change our opinions and to hear opposing viewpoints. Let’s allow some space for doubts and remain open to shades of grey. Let’s strive for curiosity and humility rather than certainty and arrogance. In our current times of division and disruption, I feel this is especially important.

As always, thank you for reading, and have a wonderful day ahead  ️

To openness, curiosity, and humility,

…

P.S. Today’s wisdom: “The only true wisdom is in knowing you know nothing.” ― Socrates

This is me, ervie, speaking now. It’s always good to listen to other’s opinions, isn’t it? Each their own, right? I really get frustrated with radicals who think they know everything. And there are many of them around, none of you of course but we all know some. haha Most radicals I really don’t understand.  Maybe they have deep wounds of the past, are bitter at everything, have low self-confidence, want everything free, expect everything to be about them/their way or God only knows.  And who is a radical anyway? Who determines that a person is a radical? What are the guidelines? Maybe we are all radicals to some degree.  I think sooo (i.e. my opinion).

As a friend/golf buddy said to me on the course this fall—They might not be the sharpest knife in the drawer (i.e. even though they think they are)! They can cancel me out! But that might be canceling themselves out in not being objective. It’s the easiest way to deal with the thinking of being open minded. But then they are saying—I know everything; I know all the answers; I am God; they are above all and know way more than the average bear (i.e. to that I say--I believe they have a problem; even if they don’t know it). That is my opinion.  And my opinion is worth nuttin. Most of you who read this “It’s Saturday” live in America and have the freedom to believe what you want (i.e. but maybe we all need to see a knife sharpener haha).  Maybe we need to rub some dirt on our egos!

I read this while eating my oatmeal with half a banana on it by David (i.e. anyone can be a David)—"Most theology books are based on works by other theologians—you can read about them in the footnotes and bibliographies at the back of the volume.” When we had to do research papers in high school and college, we researched and found what “soooo called authorities” said and we based our conclusion on what they said.  Of course, we didn’t include any research from folks who opposed what we wanted to believe or say.  And it always helped to agree with the teacher or professor to get a good grade. This teaching David said—"was the method of the scribes; they taught by citing authorities. Not Jesus. Jesus taught with authority, and his listeners had never heard anything like it.” ItchieBitchie says—Be careful who you listen tooooo a.k.a. their interpretations.

I couldn’t get the outside lights on at my place.  I changed the light bulbs, reset the circuit breakers, and even had two “topshelf” friends who are very smart come over and evaluate the situation. Still no lights.  The older guy across the street told me to reset the gfci on the outlet in the bathroom. What!  What does that have to do with the lights outside? That’s way toooo simple!  I did and the lights worked. The smart older guy across the street who is full of knowledge and experience knew what he was talking about. I just had to laugh at myself AGAIN! Well, jumpin' cholla!

AverageJoe, who acts like a point after, says—The truth can hurt sometimes! JoeTheExpert said, “Truth sounds like hate to those who hate the truth.” But then again, we have to determine what the truth is and not just an opinion or an emotion.  LuckieEddie says--That seems to be a problem. Dr.J says—"What happens when a godless society tries to silence the voice of morality? Well, God is never silenced, and the Bible cannot be chained. But culture can become corrupt, confused, and alienated from the God who created us all.” Franklin Graham wrote, “Our nation has slowly and steadily drifted away from God—perhaps even turned our back on God in so many ways—and we are now reaping the devastating consequences.” Again, these are interpretations and beliefs but I believe them. Sooooo what do you believe is the truth? That is what I thought!  CaptainJoeObvious says--It appears to be soooo obvious what it will take to save our bacon! It seems to be the simple TRUTH! But it doesn't seem to be the direction America or the world wants to go. Let's see what is going to happen.  

Let's face it, it's hard to know who to believe now isn't it! Our minds are really something else! Our minds will almost believe anything and anyone!

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

erv

MyFriendJean said—Nothing makes a child so smart as having grandparents.

The tip of the day comes from “The Shed,” deep in Butler County (i.e. sooo deep that the revenuers can’t even find it)—It isn’t nearly as important what others think (e.g. like what ervie thinks) as it is what each one of you thinks!  ANYWAY, suck it up cupcake and let's get going; we're burning daylight! Did you get that?

adjust

This “It’s Saturday” could give you goose bumps but more likely it will give you a bald spot from scratching your head!  Soooo beware and read with an open mind! For some of you that is nearly impossible! haha

I’m in the Valley of the Sun.  It’s hot and dry.  On this date in 1880, President Rutherford B. Hayes, on a tour of the nation, stopped in Maricopa to confer with the Indians. Gen. William T. Sherman, traveling with the Presidential party, overheard the remark that all Arizona needed was less heat and more water. Sherman reportedly replied, “That’s all hell needs.” I will try to adjust to the hot and the dry!  haha

Are you always hungry or are you full?  That maybe means, are you constantly unsatisfied or are you satisfied?  I don’t need anything; I'm happy with what I got. My sister-in-law says—erv, it looks good as it is (i.e. she was talking about how my house is decorated when they visited me); if you want a little change, change the accent stuff a little; shop at home first (i.e. from the attic or basement). Don’t go out and spend a bunch of money; just a little change just feels good. A little change is soooo good for me, my opinion.  It’s good for my outlook, my mind, my physical being, my attitude and my soul.  I really think soooooo.  That is if the Javelinas don’t eat me up in the AZ desert! I will hopefully learn to adjust.

ItchieBitchie says--Everything seems soooo unsettled right now, soooo, everything must be unsettling.  JoeBlow says--Maybe it’s time to sit back and take a break and see what happens.  Maybe soooo if you have that luxury; not everyone has that option.  It’s good to have options (i.e. some don’t have options to adjust;they have the camper payment due, the ponies are hungry, the dogs want food and and they have limited income—at some point maybe no more giveawaychecks from the government). I have said this before and still think it—Nuttin every changes until it gets really bad (i.e. it might be getting closer; big on the MIGHT!).  What do I know; I’m just a little ol’ farm boy from a mile and quarter south of Roseland, MN. Missperfect asks—Can it get better in the near future do you think? Well, life looks like it is getting better for the life of the hogs that will be used for bacon in CA!  haha Those lucky pigs! They get all the breaks. But the price of bacon will more than double.  Adjust Californians, adjust. You asked for it and you got it!

I had a friend who is a builder and developer recently tell me that he hired some guys to hang the sheet rock in a house he is building.  He said, “It’s not good to hire old, fat guys who have new, clean pickups; they are slow, complain, and charge toooo much; I got a different group to mud it; they work soooo darn hard; don’t even clean the mud off of themselves from the day before, but you do have to air out the house when they leave!” Adjust my friend, adjust!

Theyoungadulddownthestreet said to me what is in the pic.  I think he thinks he likes it better when he can live at home and let dad and mom pay for him or just have the government send him a check.  I wonder how he will turn out.  He really doesn’t know much different as maybe his parents taught him by their example how to live without working.  I don’t know.  Maybe he will never have to work; it could be; have someone else pay his way.  Or maybe he will have to adjust.  Time will tell. In 1913, when William Howard Taft welcomed his successor, Woodrow Wilson, to the White House, he warned Wilson that the presidency was “the loneliest place in the world.” Wilson would later write, “I never dreamed such loneliness and desolation of heart possible.” Oh by the way, in one of our local churches back home, the pastor asked for pray requests during the Sunday morning service. One of the parishioners raised his hand and said--we need to pray for all the folks that don't want to work!

I have a hand-held vac at home that is about 20 years old I would expect.  I use it but it doesn’t have the same suck power or energy as it used to.  And it doesn’t recharge very well either. And the charge doesn’t have much sustaining time either.  I just laughed at it the other day (i.e. yes, I laughed at a hand-held vac)!  The sucker is just like me! That made me laugh again! Soooooo I need to adjust to that sucker or replace it!  Yikes!

Soooo as I was leaving pickleball a fall morning and stopped at the restroom.  As I came out I ran smack dap into a lady who was also leaving.  I knew her name but never talked to her.  I said—sooo you are leaving toooo—I was playing with a young player and he said he didn’t want to play with me anymore; I told him I hope you are playing pb when you are 80; ANYWAY, I only play three games and then go home.  She then gave me a short profile of her life and a longer profile of her current life situation; not soooo exciting with her family situation; in fact, pretty sad.  I told her I was a believer and would pray for her to have courage, wisdom and strength. She said thank you and said she really appreciated it. (i.e. it appeared by her body language that she was a believer toooo).  I guess I was in the right spot at the right time (i.e. opportunity).  And some of you might say, in the wrong spot at the wrong time. I guess it’s how we look at it!  Such is life.

RickyRick says—"The number one reason you’re under stress is because you’re trying to control things that only God can control. You can’t control your spouse, your kids, your job, your future, or your past. When you try to play God, it puts you in opposition to God. Not only are you going to lose that conflict, but you’re also going to be tired—and stressed.” I try to play God sometimes; I’m really not very good at it, in fact I’m terrible at it.  I can’t even manage my neighbor’s dogs; they just don’t listen to me.  But it helps when I give them treats, oh those treats (i.e. they aren’t any different than humans; they love those treats a.k.a. free money; anything free seems tasty, oh soooo good and effective). A friend at a dinner party recently told us that no person gets elected by promising free stuff; I asked why—he said ‘cause Americans don’t like that.  It sounded like he knew what he was talking about! But everyone who gets free stuff seems to like it and takes free stuff with open arms.  They seem to just love it and can’t get enough of it. It seems to be a crazy mentality! This is a linguistic figure of speech called merism—two contrasting opposites which represent the extremes and everything in between. Dr. J says--It is one of the great ironies of our age that while we are living during a time when almost any behavior is celebrated no matter how sinful, we are simultaneously living in a time where any small misstep, public or private, could be the catalyst of our own social and financial ruin. Such is life in 2021.

I was around some acquaintances recently. One guy was telling us about his hunting trip in Wyoming for elk and mule deer.  They had to ride hours on horseback in the mountains in snow, sleep in tents, quarter their kill and haul it back.  Another guy said to me—that doesn’t sound like fun to me.  Another friend did a talk about climbing Mt Kilimanjaro to a Kiwanis Club and what he had to endure.  He said a listener said—That doesn’t sound like much fun to me. One woman paints her house and another walks her dogs or runs 10 miles. What is fun for one person sure isn’t fun for another. BUT if we want to get along with folks, we need to adjust to others' tastes, interests, hobbies, etc. Or not be around them.  WildWillie says—It’s a lot easier to sit on the couch and eat chips and complain while watching the news!

This was a heart warming event for me--It was our grandson, Jimmer's 10th birthday last Saturday. Three of his buddies in the neighborhood came to the house to wish him a happy birthday.  They just got done helping a person doing some yard work and the person gave them a $10 bill. They gave it to Jimmer for his birthday.  Jimmer told him that the money was theirs as they worked for it and they needed to keep it soooo he wouldn't accept it.  There are good kids folks.  

A new acquaintance who I made through a friend was telling us about her life.  She mentioned that she grew up poor (i.e. one of eight kids) and learned to live on little.  She said—It really wasn’t that bad.  She said that her husband and her have worked hard and have had it good through the years and now in their retirement have many options.  BUT she said—I could easily go back to the simple life I grew up with; it would be fine with me.  I could easily adjust again. Huh, interesting.

Recently I was in a bar having a beer with some neat guys while the neat gals were sitting at a different table talking about “God only knows what”!  In this group of guys there were two brothers who were wrestlers and one got beat in a hs match and his dad didn’t talk to him for 4 days. Finally he talked to his dad and hardly before he could start his dad said—getting beat isn’t bad but you quite; you didn’t try your hardest (i.e. he said, he was right). Getting beat will happen in life but if you have a quitting attitude in life and not giving your best, you will not do well.  Sooooo another guy told us that he asked their adult daughter why they never had to get her up for school. Her response was—I always thought it was expected of me (i.e. I wonder where she got that idea)!

Yes, I’m in AZ where it’s hot and dry (i.e. I don’t think that is going to change until hell freezes over).  If I don’t like the hot and dry, I’ll go back home to IA and scoop snow in the cold.  I have options but I will try to adjust.  Such is life.

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

erv

MyFriendJean said--Let your mind wander, but be careful when you follow it.                                                                                                                            

The tip of the day comes from a friend who is a good person (i.e. you know who you are).  This person says--What goes around comes around and don’t you forget it erv.  What you sow is what you'll reap. YaBut sometimes it doesn’t seem to go that way in my life. haha AverageJoe says--Just remember erv, life doesn’t always paint the complete picture. Life seems tooooo beat around the bush sometimes!

inadvisable

Do you believe in goblins, zombies, vampires, and witches?  Probably most folks don’t but some do!  Most folks think about them being in horror movies and haunted houses at Halloween time but don’t think they are real.  Sooooo maybe this “It’s Saturday” might be the same.  Soooo take that into consideration when reading. I’m just messing with you! Maybe! The poll conducted by Sezar and Company which interviewed 863 folks from deep in Butler County, IA  many near The Shed says that the accuracy of this “It’s Saturday” has a margin of error plus or minus of 86.3 percentage points! You might what to take that into consideration when reading it.  I would, if I were you.

Rookie, our 8-year-old grandson, asked his mom if smoking is illegal. No it isn’t.  Then he said—But, probably inadvisable! Rookie, there are many things inadvisable, but folks still do them.  Oh ya!  ItchieBitchie says—Ya gotta remember Rookie that folks are human and are prone to error. Give them enough rope, and they might even hang themselves. Here is an example that I read in a fiction book soooo that makes it fiction—The man’s money-hungry. It’s an obsession now. And there is none worse. It makes a man lose perspective. It’s the getting that’s important, the getting and having—not how it’s gotten.

The song, Truth Be Told, goes like this-- “Truth be told, the truth is rarely told.” My Mom, Anna, always said—erv, don’t be a phony, tell it like it is; tell the truth. Sometimes I don’t even know what the truth is; I’m only guessing but sometimes I know what the truth is for sure and don’t tell the whole truth, maybe. I went to play pickleball the other morning and it was cool (i.e. burzy burzy) and just wore shorts and a tee shirt. A buddy said—erv, don’t you know it’s cold out. My response was—I’m really not very smart!

MissPretty, who is scary good, says--It’s inadvisable not to vacuum the carpet in your house; it is advisable to do it! I do not enjoy vacuuming; I just don’t but I do it.  Why!  It just looks soooo much better and makes me feel oh soooo much better.  I can’t handle not doing it.  I also rake the carpet; yes, I do.  Why!  For the same reason.  It feels soooo good once I get it done.  Almost as good as a person on steroids! That good folks!  I’m really easy to get triggered! Soooo if you want to pull my trigger, just come on over and vacuum and rake my carpet.  haha

This is probably inadvisable, but they had fun.  I went to the visitation of the family at a friend’s funeral proceedings.  The pastor and I were talking, and a mutual friend of the deceased came by and we talked. The pastor asked about the fishing trips the decease and him went on at Big Winnie in MN (i.e. many). The pastor asked about them both liking DQ’s and about them stopping at every DQ coming back to IA.  Ya, we stopped at every one of them.  I asked how many were there—12—did you eat something at every one—Yep—what did you have—a malt and a cone!  Holy ice cream!

I had another friend die recently.  A mutual friend told me that he was a sad guy.  I asked him why he thought that. He said that he had an event happen to him when he was maybe 18 that really made him sad, and he never did get rid of the feeling; it seemed to make him sad for his whole life.  I saw a friend recently who looked sad; he didn’t look right. I don’t know what was on his mind; God only knows but he didn’t look happy. I didn’t ask him, and he didn’t talk to me; sad folks usually don’t like to talk about it, nor do they like to complain about it?  It’s no fun to be sad, is it? Maybe we all are sad at times; a little anyway.  Flip the pancake. I also have friends who seem never to be unhappy, never.  They are amazing folks. Just amazing. I’m talking about some of you folks. Yes, I am. Winston Churchill said—"For myself I am an optimist, it doesn’t seem much use to be anything else.”

I recently been around another friend who was giddily happy, totally giddish.  It was soooo much fun to see this of a mature adult (i.e. very refreshing).  Have you ever been soooo happy that you act giddish?  I hope soooo. Soooo what made you feel this way? Have you ever been part of something to make another person feel giddish?  How did that make you feel?  Toooo feel giddish; is it advisable or inadvisable?  Maybe we can’t even control being giddish! 

I don’t know the magic number; if it 65, 70, 75 or 80?  I don’t know; maybe you have experience and can tell me what the number is.  But I think for many folks there is a magic number.  Maybe it is when folks get older when many folks seem happier and of course, some seem not as happy (i.e. many different circumstances).  Some older folks are happier then when they were younger.  They seem to choose associates and their associations much more carefully as they get older. Some older folks get much more selective (i.e. don’t try to impress everyone or care to be around some folks that they had toooo when younger). Some folks cut loose folks who need to be cut loose (i.e. folks who drag their life down). They don’t deal with folks they don’t like. The old clock is ticking; they don’t have time to waste. And of course, some old folks don’t have options; they are stuck for many reasons. MissPerfect says—It’s probably inadvisable to be around folks you don’t care for but sometimes folks have no choice. UnstableRenault  says—It’s not advisable to be moody!  But I am.  I hate it. I can be happy and sad all in the same minute sometimes. What is going on anyway!

Jessica, who is like 007 who never misses or runs out of bullets, had new shoes on when we did the Alzheimer’s walk.  I said—are they new shoes—got them from my company for Christmas—what kind are they—ON—never heard of them—they are really comfortable; I really like them; I looked up how much they cost; expensive; maybe that is why I like them; now I want to buy more!  Ain’t that the way it goes; it’s hard to go back to the less nicer ones.  Sooooo maybe it’s advisable to not move up, stay at the less nicer ones! haha

CoachB says—"Beware of vampires! Choosing who you associate with is a great, great benefit when you choose the right people. When you choose people who are energy givers instead of vampires, it makes a world of difference in your joy. Mature people understand that better.” I think he is saying it is inadvisable to be around vampires!

I was at Casey’s getting gas and the bulk gas truck was there making a delivery.  It was about 4 on a Saturday afternoon. The driver, who was maybe 30 started talking to me—it’s my last stop of the day; I had 4 and drove about 400 miles today; I have to drive back to Mason City (i.e. about a good hour) and then home another 45 minutes—you can take the day off tomorrow—and Monday—do they treat you well—I think they do; are considerate of me and my family—you have a family—3 daughters and a wife—is it going well for your family—we are doing well—sounds like you have a good attitude—we do; much better than a fellow driver who complains negatively all the time; he’s like a vampire and sucks life out of me; I just get away from him—the best to you and your family—thank you and you toooo.

Recently on a beautiful fall day I went for a bike ride on the Cedar Valley Trails.  Happenstance, na, I don’t think soooo! I met a couple as I was sitting on a bench at my favorite place to mediate.  They stopped and talked to me.  Great folks.  Soooo uplifting, positive, and full of life (i.e. there are good folks with good hearts all over the place).  They were about 75 I guess.  Then after about 20 minutes, they got on their bikes and left my life.  They were the only folks I saw while sitting there!  Never asked their names nor did they ask me what my name was. Crazy!  Then when I was putting my bike on my vehicle a guy came to the pickup next to me and was loading his bike.  He started talking and we found out that our wives died of Alzheimer’s both about a 1.5 years ago.  We had almost the exact situation even to both wintering in AZ and hiking many of the same hikes.  He told me he went back last year but it just wasn’t the same.  He didn’t think he was going this winter.  It seems like it’s always good to talk to someone who knows what you went through.  Some of you know what I’m talking about. Yes, you do! I was reminded once again by these folks of what Tony Dungy says—People don’t care who we are. They need us to care who they are. When we do that, we have enough of a platform to influence lives (i.e. they really don’t care what your job is, how much money you have or how important you think we are; they just want us to humbly, sincerely care about them—they really don’t care as to how great we think we are soooo don’t talk about yourself big shot). WorldClassLarry says--Hey, folks, it doesn’t take a rocket scientist to figure who the neat folks are.  Such is life.

Approximately a third of the world population claim to believe in Jesus as their Lord and Savior.  There are more who believe in Him as a person but not as their Savior.  Some believe in Jesus the same as many do of goblins, witches, vampires and zombies.   Saturday question—What do you believe about this Jesus? I’m messing with you! Spooky!

This morning I’m in beautiful Morrison, CO (i.e. on the average, there are 242 sunny days per year in Morrison); home of our daughter, son-in-law and grandkids.  They get all the breaks! Morrison is where the famous Red Rock Amphitheater is.  Many of you have been there I bet, maybe even took in a concert.  It is an amazing place with perfect natural acoustics.  Amazing but not as amazing as Buggy and Jimmer (i.e. but I’m very prejudice—it’s purely advisable to be prejudice of all grandchildren; all grandparents should be for sure). 

Traveling from Des Moines to Denver, a young, pretty, gal in her 20s with her hair in a pony tall which stuck out of the back of her baseball cap driving a new, shinny, big, black Yukon passed me 4 times on I-80. She was going at least 90 mph.  Scary!  The truckers say--The best way to make good time is by keeping the driver's door closed.  I think she disagreed with the truckers! Some folks really think life is really scary now.  It could be! Sooooo I hope this "It's Saturday" wasn't the scary straw that put you over the top which made you poopless!  Now that is really scary!

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

erv

MyFriendJean said—It’s okay to cook up excuses, but don’t use any that are half baked.

The tip of the day comes from a friend.  She told me that she likes peanut butter on her apple; I never heard of that before.  I like it!  A mutual friend tells me that this tipster is soooo darn smart; she is; no question! But peanut butter on an apple! Now this week she told me she likes French dressing on her steak! What next!

there is good and there is really good

I suggest that we all do righteousness. I believe if we plant righteousness, we will receive a true harvest. It seems to return a multiple return, always. My opinion, do right folks, do right! There is good and there is really good. CoachB says that there are three types of people we have in our lives: those who help us in difficult times, those who leave us in difficult times and those put us in difficult times.  He suggests we need to increase the first type, minimize the second type and eliminate the third type. We all know folks in all the three categories; soooo we need to act accordingly. Our lives will be much better. There are good and there is really good. I have been soooo blessed to be around soooo many of you folks who are the “really good ones.”  Yes, you are. You know who you are. Thanksamillion!

Myneighbordownthestreet says—Mature folks appreciate simple things.  I think he is talking about mentally mature rather than physical mature. haha You agree with that?  Saturday question—Are you mature? A friend who is a super senior in both ways, who is a “skyscraper” alright, was telling me that we need to try to be informed to make the best decisions we can make. And even then, those decisions might not always be great, but they are the best we can make with the information we have. She also says—If we get informed with good information our odds of making better decisions are much better. She is soooo darn smart. If I would only have Superman’s X-ray vision, life would be much easier.  BUT I have erv’s vision (i.e. incomplete vision that is blurry at best).  Such is life.

Do you ever waffle in making a decision?  I have done just that.  I changed my mind several times.  It wasn’t really that important of a decision, but I wanted to make the right decision.  I weighed the facts on both sides many times and changed my mind many times.  Interesting.  I woke up in the middle of the night and decided that the chance for a disaster was too great to take the risk of the positive soooo I made the decision based on that information.  Is it the right decision? I think soooo but I don’t really know for sure. I will never know on this decision. BUT I’m comfortable with it; I think I made the right decision; that’s all that counts. Maybe! BUT I was relieved! ItchieBitchie says--Usually when I have a debate with myself, I win! Hands down!

This insert was written by Chris and passed on to me by a friend--“How do the wise know their decisions are sound? How do fools know theirs are not? Neither question can be answered by looking within. The human heart is not reliable in matters of wisdom. We hope our perspectives are based on reality, but there are always distortions, always perceptual filters through which we receive our information. The way that seems right to us may—or may not—be right.

I had a friend (i.e. who was a regular jet sweep) who now is deceased who had resiliency; she had it for sure.  She could bounce back (i.e. rebound).  She would say—It will be ok, we will be fine. That was a great quality she had; to be able to adapt and change; she had toooooo many times, like all of us have had tooooo. There is good and there is really good; she was really good. LuckieEddie says--We live day by day by day by day because that is all we can do.  We will be fine, yes we will. JoeBlow says--We just need to get our heads out of the muck sometimes.

Wait a minute! Soooo obviously there is difference of opinions in this world. I was watching some NFL football with a friend, and they said they just really enjoy watching players do their little dancing after they think they do something good (i.e. show off, my opinion).  Do you? No, I don’t, not at all.  I always wondered why they show that on TV and now I know.  Some folks really like to see that soooo TV shows it as many folks want to see it. It’s all about ratings and money folks. It’s always about the money. Don’t kid yourself! CrazyMarvin says—In a democracy the majority wins! Or does it? Just look around folks.  If the folks want it, they give it to the folks. I’m in the minority again the way it looks. What is good for some is not liked by others sometimes.  We are all different now aren’t we. Some even think it’s really good stuff when I don’t; what are they thinking! And they say the same thing about me. Such is life.

Hey LISTEN UP! I totally believe if you and I want to do something we will find a way and if we don’t want to do something we will find excuses.  It’s how humans work, my opinion.  If SusieQ wants to sit on the couch and eat chips, she will find all kinds of excuses to do that.  Don’t kid yourself.  But if she really wants to clean the house, she’ll get it done.  Fee-fi-fo-fum! AverageJoe says--Something always good happens when you do something good; but maybe not always to us.

There is a poem called Desiderata and part of it goes like this—"Compare not yourself with others, lest you become vain and bitter because there will always be those greater and lesser than yourself.” I think that is soooo true.  Yet, it appears that many folks do just that, compare themselves with others.  Why is that do you think? Maybe they want to be better than others, maybe. If soooo, why is it soooo important to be better than someone else? We’re #1, we’re #1, we’re #1 the crowd shouts!

                                                                

And Abraham Lincoln said—A mark of lifelong learners is recognizing that they can learn something from everyone they meet.

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

erv

MyFriendJean said—A really good friend is someone who lets you be yourself...and likes you in spite of it.

The tip of the day comes from George Constanza of Seinfeld who famously said—It is not a lie if you believe it. George said it, sooooo it must be right.

it could be

I need to be pruned just like trees and bushes need to be pruned.  But I always don’t like to be pruned. Oh no, it can be humbling to be trimmed back. Who likes to find out that they are not as good or as pretty as they thought they were; ouchy ouchy (i.e. of course that is decided by other folks that might not think like us). And it seems to happen to me more than I like.  GeorgeTheCrook says—erv, maybe you need to be dinged more than others!  Ouchy ouchy! Now that could be!

RickyRick says—"When you’re lonely, don’t have a pity party. Stop saying, ‘I’m alone. Nobody loves me; nobody even likes me.’ When you do that, you’re just focusing on yourself. Instead, turn your focus outward and build bridges to others. You’ll find there are a lot of lonely people who are also looking for connection. How can you build bridges of connection? One way is by empathizing with other people’s needs. And remember to ask God to help you connect with others. Pray (i.e. if you believe in prayer) something like this: ‘Father, help me be a friend to people who needs a friend.’” (e.g. I recently asked a friend about his senor father who has been divorced for many years.  He told me that he has taken an interest in Habitat for Humanity and met a senor widower who also did the same.  They have become great friends). LuckieEddie says--If it’s good for you and good for me, it’s a good deal! Now that could be!

Soooo I called one of our granddaughters, Buggy, on her 14^th birthday.  We had a very nice visit.  At the end of our conversation, she told me that she has a web site that she is going to write stuff and keep it.  Sounds good to me as I think writing is very good for folks in expressing themselves even if you are the only one who reads it.  She agreed.  She wanted to read to me what she just wrote about her birthday. I listened. I asked her if she would send it to me (i.e. printing it here with her permission). ~  What is so great about them anyway? I don't know. It's just another year of my life. You have your birthday, go to bed and wake up a new age, but everything feels the exact same. You might be one single year older but what does that mean? It's like a penny. 100 pennies is a dollar, that represents your life. 1 penny does not equal much but we can relate it to 1 year of life. You get 1 penny and eventually they add up. By the time you're 50, you could buy a gumball from the little red dispensers in the supermarket. While one dollar, 1 life, is not a lot, on earth there are 7.674 billion people. Imagine that, 7.674 billion dollars, 7.674  billion lives are being lived.  1 dollar for each person on the planet, you can use a dollar to buy a coke at McDonald's, but it would cost you your life. So what is so good about birthdays, it will only add a penny to your dollar.   

CoachB says--As you mature in life, there are a lot less things in the rat race and on the treadmill of life, they no longer matter to us. And as a result, we become free. And as a result, we become free from all expectations that we are trying to prove to others.  Saturday question—Soooo is life easier when we get older and don’t have to impress everyone like many think they have to do when they are younger? Many folks ask me how I am doing.  I tell them that I had a great summer, really great; I had a lot of fun.  It’s mainly because of many of you; you made my life very enjoyable. I try to be around positive, energetic folks.  Thanksamillion. The summer has really gone fast for be. Oh, a friend really likes this statement--As we become older, we become more focused on searching for meaning--and we're more likely to find it in actions that benefit others.

MissPerfect, who can be like a wild horse at times, says--Life isn’t always duck soup; at least for me it has not been. I think for an acquittance it has been more that way; she was born with a golden spoon in her mouth. MissPerfect, life isn’t fair; the only thing that’s fair is the Butler County Fair and that’s in June. Suggestion to all of us—Show appreciation for the things you have and to people who care about you; it changes my life when I do that.  It’s good for me and good for them.  Try it, you might be amazed how it makes the giver and receiver feel. I met a long time business friend in the grocery store this week who I haven't talked to for maybe 5 years. He said to me-erv, I'm going to brag about myself, no one else does! I realize that some of you feel underappreciated as parents, grandparents, friends, neighbors, employees, employers, volunteers, etc.  Maybe it’s somewhat our culture, could be. But just because others don’t show appreciation much, it doesn’t mean that you and I can’t, does it?

Early in 2021, the Gallup research organization found that, for the first time since the late 1930s, fewer than half of Americans belong to a house of worship (of any kind). And for many years, the fast-rising religious demographic in the country has been the “Nones”—those who answer “None” when asked about their religious affiliation. Sooooo does that mean that the “Nones” don’t believe in God?  It could be or it could be they are just confused (i.e. as the picture displays confusion) with the management of the churches. Or maybe just confused in their own minds; totally confused! I have no idea what to think. The world tells me one thing and God says another.  What should I believe?  I can’t figure it out or can I?  A golf buddy/friend told me on the #3 tee box recently that he was listening to a guy talk on WHO radio and he said that everyone is angry: EVERYONE!  Ouchy ouchy!  The world seems to want everyone to be angry it seems (i.e. wants everyone to be agitated).  Everyone is mad at everything and everyone.  I don’t want to live that way.  My opinion is that is a terrible way to live. But then what do I know, I’m just a little ol’ farm boy from a mile and fourth south or Roseland, MN.

Here is some wisdom that is 100% accurate, guaranteed—A happy wife is a happy life.  And don’t you forget it.  It could be!

Golf courses are tough businesses to make money.  Some do and most struggle and some are just dead horses.  You every own a dead horse?  You can beat that sucker as hard as you want but that sucker just can’t win no matter how hard you hit it (i.e. unless the government gives you a subsidy).  In some cases, if you were given a golf course, you would lose money; the only way you could make money is to sell the land as farmland as it is really high right now; everyone wants it.  A golf buddy said recently—Usually the third owner of a golf course makes money (i.e. meaning that the two previous owners need to lose a ton of money first; (i.e. get the price really low).  Several years ago, I told them the story that I was playing on a course in AZ and one of the guys in our foursome happened to be the owner.  He was the third guy to own the course and was losing this shirt he told me.  Sooooo I asked him why he bought the course if there was no money in it—darn emotions; I always wanted to own a course (i.e. ego). Saturday question—Have you ever done something like that?

All of you have innate ability.  I’m not sure what mine is but I can see yours. Oh ya!  Innate ability comes in many forms such in music, art, athletic ability, physical ability, mechanical, electrical, projecting, using numbers, making money, helping folks etc. I am just amazed about your innate abilities.  Just amazed.  I think many times when I must stop for a train to pass of the graffiti on the box cars as they pass.  It just amazes me the talent some folks have.  Just amazing. It could be that they are way more talented than they even know.  It could be. I think it is hard to recognize our innate ability. It could be.  Why is that do you think? Crazy for sure!

I was fixing the drip in one of my bathroom sinks.  I have fixed these drips many times but haven’t done it for a while.  Sooooo I got the new spring and rubber cap from the plumbing shop, took it apart, but couldn’t get it to fit back in!  What? Soooo I took the other facet off to compare and now couldn’t get either one in.  What? Sooooo I tried and tried and thought—I’m spending why toooo much time on this.  I watched some baseball and incubated on it and all of a sudden, I got it.  Soooo I went and fixed it.  You ever do that?  It could be! I think you are a “could be.” The secret to my success was to use a bigger hammer! haha It is soooo hard to be humbled, AGAIN!

Aristotle said--We cannot learn without pain. It could be! Dr. J says—"You probably know that about 71 percent of the surface of the earth is covered by water. The 29 percent that remains isn’t all habitable. In fact, only 43 percent is habitable—just over 15 billion acres. Those acres are divided among 197 countries (though there are various ways of counting countries). From the days of the Tower of Babel, the earth has been divided. It seems only a major existential crisis could bring all the countries of the world together under a single government. Some people advocated for a global government to confront the COVID-19 crisis, but it will be something worse that triggers such an event. Perhaps the Rapture? Even today, the nations of the world are interconnected as never before, and one day an existential cataclysm will trigger the rise of a one-world government, which will ultimately be dominated by the Antichrist.” It could be! You better get your new camper soon while the getting is still good! haha My Daddy, Chester, said--It's a lot easier to learn from other folk's mistakes; let their pain become your teacher.

Sooooo recently I went to play a few holes of golf.  A golf buddy was out there soooo we played a few holes together.  When we were leaving, I asked him what he was going to do the rest of the day. First I am going to take a nap and then work on a car!  I like that, first I’m going to take a nap. Now there is an honest guy.  Now that could be a good idea! He made me smile.

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

erv

MyFriendJean said--We need old friends to help us grow old and new friends to help us stay young.

The tip of the day comes from Claire; I know a couple of Claires and I like them all but I don’t know this Claire soooo since I like the other Claires, I assume this Claire is nice tooooo; arin’t that funny how we relate to that.  ANYWAY, here is Claire's tip--Open my eyes that I may see, glimpses of truth Thou hast for me. Claire H. Scott, “Open My Eyes, That I May See”

TBD (i.e. to be determined

TheWiseOl’OwlOtto asks—Does it pay over the long haul to be cautious or aggressive? I don’t know but maybe if you asked an expert 40 or 50 years ago, you would have gotten a vote for cautious. Now, though, you might get a split decision. A friend told me about an employment situation that he was in for years where there were several levels of authority and in those levels there was much politicking and many power struggles.  The folks in power would kill the future of folks that didn’t agree with them, were aggressively endangering their positions, or threating them in any way.  Tooooo not cause any possibility of getting on the wrong side of any folks who were in power or might get in power, most folks would not say a word, mum’s the word; that way they would never offend anyone; never show their hand (i.e. didn’t burn any bridges).   Flipthepancake, many leaders in business want other folks’ opinions (i.e. surround themselves with new, young talent soooo they are on the cutting edge of the future).  Much of the governmental power seems to be always watching their back sides to prevent from losing their office and power it seems (i.e. that has been that way for ever it seems). They seem to have many ways of doing that; most seem to be bad. How it all turns out, TBD.

As my mentor would say to me—erv, it’s never as bad as it looks or it’s never as good as it looks. Related to that statement, I know folks who seem to be a bit windy!  They seem to overreact.  Do any of you guys ever overreact (i.e. get things way out whack).  I had a friend tell me that her emotions, hormones, and thinking was way different when she was 20 than they are now!  Way different.  Another friend told me that when she was thinking about marrying a person, several friends and family asked her—are you sure this is going to work; you two don’t think alike. Divorce rates are about 50% soooooo it’s a toss up to start with.  Those darn emotions and hormone seem to screw up our thinking.  SusieQ said—But he said he would give me anything I wanted and change to whatever I  wanted me tooooo! And the result TBD.

I think it takes a big person to admit that they don’t know.  And in many cases, we don’t know the answer.  But to admit we don’t know is a sign, many think, of weakness so folks give an answer that they really don’t have a clue if it is right.  Maybe it’s a sign of strength to admit we don’t know.  I really don’t know much even if I think I do at times.  And I know acquaintances that always know the answer; they know everything; and some pretty much do (i.e. they are soooo darn smart). But even the very smartest don’t know all the answers.  I also have acquaintances and friends who say they don’t know the answer when I think they do; I feel that they just don’t want to give me the answer or are not 100% it's correct soooo they say they don’t know (i.e. it’s safer—or as our 9-year old great niece said—that is my guarded statement; she just made me laugh).  Now that could be, but I don’t know.  But everyone has an opinion; maybe it might be better to say—my opinion is…and it might not be right. But I’m leery of folks who always think they know all the answers.  I am.  I think they are a little windy! CautiousBrown says—Now that sounds like my sister-in-law. No one knows all the answers! C’mon! The correct answer TBD!

A friend sent me this story, everyone likes stories.  I think Jesus did a lot of his teaching in parables (i.e. an earthly story with a heavenly meaning).  Two brothers who lived on adjoining farms fell into conflict. It was the first serious rift in 40 years of farming side by side, sharing machinery, and trading labor and goods as needed without a hitch. Then the long collaboration fell apart. It began with a small misunderstanding, and it grew into a major difference. Finally it exploded into an exchange of bitter words followed by weeks of silence. One morning there was a knock on John's door. He opened it to find a man with a carpenter’s toolbox. "I'm looking for a few days’ work", he said. "Perhaps you would have a few small jobs here and there. Could I help you?"  "Yes", said the older brother. "I do have a job for you. Look across the creek at that farm. That's my neighbor, in fact, it's my younger brother. Last week there was a meadow between us and he took his bulldozer to the river levee and now there is a creek between us."   "Well, he may have done this to spite me, but I'll go him one better. See that pile of lumber curing by the barn? I want you to build me a fence -- an 8-foot fence -- so I won’t need to see his place anymore." The carpenter said, "I think I understand the situation. Show me the nails and the post-hole digger and I'll be able to do a job that pleases you." The older brother had to go to town for supplies, so he helped the carpenter get the materials ready and then he was off for the day. The carpenter worked hard all that day measuring, sawing, nailing. About sunset when the farmer returned, the carpenter had just finished his job. The farmer's eyes opened wide, his jaw dropped. There was no fence there at all. It was a bridge -- a bridge stretching from one side of the creek to the other! A fine piece of work -- handrails and all -- and the neighbor, his younger brother, was coming across, his hand outstretched.   "You are quite a fellow to build this bridge after all I've said and done."  The two brothers stood at each end of the bridge, and then they met in the middle, taking each other’s hand. ~ Old English Fable

A friend says to me–erv, I like that when you share personal stuff.  Well, this is rather personal.  Oh ya! Recently I connected some of my good friends who didn’t know each other.  It was sorta kinda a unique opportunity; some say it was daring and some might say it was scary.  I think neither.  We had lunch together. Yes, it cost me some time and some money but what is more important to me than relationships, especially with good friends and family (i.e. and time means nuttin to me and what’s spending a little money; it’s only money). My motive was that I wanted them to meet each other and share my relationships with them.  Does that make sense to you? It truly was fun, at least for me; I totally enjoyed this opportunity.  I think everyone did. All exposed their personalities I think; pretty real! The final result will be TBD!

Team Mellema raised money for the Alzheimer’s Association in hoping to find a cure of the terrible disease and we walked with many others in Des Moines recently.  Thanksamillion to you folks who gave to our team and also to others who raised money for this disease and other such diseases.  Anonymous gives a lot of money to many folks; this person is all over the place and a great giver! My personal side (i.e. everyone has a story)—I was emotional several times during the morning! I didn’t expect this! Many of you folks are such good folks with good hearts; my kind of folks.  ANYWAY, you give with your money, time, talent, encouragement, kindness etc.; you are very generous.  The results TBD!

An old saying is—Do what’s important in your life first (i.e. prioritize folks).  Sooooo what’s important in your life; what’s not soooo important in your life that you spend a lot of time doing? Really!  The first thing I do in the morning is do my devotions and mediation with, of course, my cup of coffee.  Then, I exercise.  It makes my day soooo much better.  I know many of you do the same. I just copy you folks with good habits; I always want to be like you; all except for one of you and you know who you are.  It seems if I put those things off, it is soooo much harder to get them done later in the day.  And they are important to me. The results TBD.

While eating my oatmeal with half a banana on it, I read that maybe the best motivator is jealousy/envy (i.e. it said it really works). A friend in a church small group many years ago said that a great motivator for him was the fear of failure.  See how important church small groups are!  Last Saturday morning I played with a friend in our pickleball club's social tournament.  It was a fun experience (i.e. I never did that before).  I found out how different folks socialize and also how competitive some folks are (i.e. I didn't know most of the folks there as we play different times during the week).  It is for fun but many really want to win and some not soooo much.  That attitude can change folks and many times that is why many folks don't want to play in these events.  SusieQ says--Real competitive folks aren't always sooooo much fun to be around.  But if you are a competitive person, you like to be around competitive folks.  But who wins a little club tournament in the likes of beating up on someone of less ability or experience or some old person with bad hips and knees really isn't that important for many.  But for some folks it is. In 5 hours, 5 days, or 5 years it probably won't make much difference.  But the socializing might be remembered (i.e. how we treated others). Maybe, what do you think.  Results TBD.

Recently I had to laugh at myself (i.e. I do that a lot)! Soooo I thought I would get a foursome together to play 9 holes.  I sent an text to three other buddies/fiends to play in the morning.  One was going with his wife on a day trip, one had Dr. appointment and one said yes.  Soooo I thought maybe I would invite a couple more mutual friends and we would have breakfast before the two of us played golf.  They accepted.  Sooooo the four of us met for breakfast when we poked each other, jabbed each other, settled most of the world problems and just had a great time.  When we got done, I told my guy who I was going to play golf with that I didn't feel like playing golf, let's just go home; I accomplished what I wanted in being around the fellowship of buddies/friends; golf was only the conduit for it. For some golfers the score is the big deal (i.e. what did you shoot; I beat you). My golf score isn't my life! But, I like to shoot a good score, oh ya!

Sooooo in church I asked a friend who farms if he has marketed his grain for 2021--we have about 70% marketed and 30% of 2021 marketed; we have a plan but if we don't write it down, it seem like we don't stick to the plan, the plan seems to change; we either can't remember it or our emotions mess with our heads! The final plan TBD.

A friend who sells health insurance amongst other stuff was telling me that he has folks come to him to change their Medicare.  They heard Joe Namath on TV brag about "advantage+" and called the number and they bought something that was different than the cat's meow as advertised on TV.  It didn't work out for them very well.  Soooo they say to my friend--we want something different than the "disadvantage plan" we have now.  Results TBD.

I told them that I wan jealous/envious!  After having breakfast with a friend the other morning, I stopped and talked to a couple of friends (i.e. retired brother and sister) who were having coffee.  They told me they do it every Tuesday morning. Wow!  I was envious and jealous.  Maybe you should try that!  Maybe! Results TBD.

Here is the reason why I’m writing about TBD. I heard that a friend got a sweet business deal.  I texted him about it and gave him a hard time telling him that he gets all the breaks (i.e. it does seem he does though haha).  ANYWAY, his response was, TBD (i.e. to be determined).  Now ain’t that the truth; he is soooo darn smart; maybe that is why it seems he gets all the breaks. Could be.  But many sweet deals are determined down the road, for sure. Some aren’t always as sweet as we first thought. Yikes, I hate that when that happens but am pretty happy when they really turn out to be sweet deals.  Such is life.

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

erv

MyFriendJean said—A short saying often contains much wisdom.

The tip of the day comes from the Buzza Motto that was in the guest bedroom of my brother-in-law and kid sister when I was in MI.  I think it is a good tip to wish for everyone, even folks you don’t like soooo much.  I wonder where that Buzza came from anyway!