a different world

A friend had lunch with a friend, and told me that this friend lives in a different world. Soooo how did you interpret that statement? What kind of world do you think they live in? What kind of world do you live in? I think some of you folks live in a different world than I do!  Or I live in a different world than you do (e.g. I had a conversation with some artists recently; it appears that their world is different than mine)! That is not good or bad, but we just seem to live in different worlds to some degree it seems. It appears to me that different worlds could be many different things.

You’ve got to be kidding! I’m not folks! When two folks are polar opposites, they have a hard time understanding each other. Those poles can have many different, opposite thinkings. I was reminded recently that folks can have different kinds of humor, and some seem to have no humor at all. We just don’t understand each other at times. Now that is funny. hahaha We can be in way different worlds. And my opinion, that difference sometimes can be hard to reconcile; we just won’t get each other if the difference is radical. ItchieBitchie says--Some folks are really funny funny to me but not to themselves (i.e. they are just funny folks)! We seem to be in different worlds.  ItchieBitchie, I’m a funny funny person tooooo many folks; they think I’m in a different world than them!  And I probably am. Such is life.

They are in a different world. I read this soooo it must be right-- “It appears that top-level adult experts practice at the highest possible level that can be sustained for extended periods without burnout or injury. Hence, it may be extremely difficult to consistently practice harder and improve faster than these individuals do.” In the study of expert violinists, the top two groups averaged five hours more of sleep per week than the lowest performing group, mostly by taking more time for afternoon naps. Sooooo there, as I get older, I’m getting better at part of that equation (i.e. the nap part)! Practicing harder, not soooo much! hahaha

I asked a couple of the guys who I drink coffee with if they have any minority race friends. One said that half my work colleagues were minority and the other said—I have many friends who are minority; I grew up in the Los Angelos area and I was the only white kid in my class.  Wow! That is a lot different than my life. I have a goal to make a Hispanic friend. The Yakima Valley is about 60% Hispanic. We are looking for a church and have visited several. Some churches seem to have a lot of old white folks and are struggling. The one we like the best soooo far is a church that has a lot of diversity in many ways and is really hopping (i.e. many kids and the folks are joyful)! The difference seems to be a different world! But flip the pancake, many Hispanic folks like to have their own churches as well that only speak Spanish! Many are Catholic as that is the way many were raised through generations in Mexico (i.e. that is where they came from). I grew up in rural Kandiyohi County MN and lived most of my life in Butler County IA. I grew up in a way different world than they did!

I got a response from an old friend who I imitate and sent him an example of how I copy him in how he encourages his family. He sent me this remark—"Yes, I still do it, however, my responses have dwindled somewhat, but I continue to do it anyway.” He was referring to what he does to encourage his children, grandchildren, and great grandchildren but they don’t respond near as much as they used tooooo. I guess he is saying that their worlds have changed.  ANYWAY, I like how he responds to their actions (i.e. he doesn’t get discouraged or say, I’m done encouraging them even though they don’t respond). Some older folks will just give up with their children, grandchildren and great grandchildren sometimes! But flip the pancake, many times children, grandchildren and great grandchildren don’t pay much attention to their older parents or grandparents. Such is life.

I read what King Soloman, who was reported as the wisest man that ever lived) said (i.e. of course that was in a different world he lived in as he didn’t have a smart phone soooo you might not believe him)—He said--"I know there is nothing better than for folks to be happy and do good while they live.” SusieQ says—I don’t know if he knows what he is talking about as in my world the saying is—The folks with the most toys win; it has nuttin to do with happiness or doing good! But did you know that King Solomon sorta kinda went bad the last part of his life? He got in a different world. He didn’t finish in the same world that he lived most of his life. Why? I have no idea! Some nicknamed him the Half-Hearted Guy!

Remember I told you I played golf at the little city course, par three for $8 green fees. Now that is a different world than at a country club that might cost more than $100 to play. But it’s a why different type of course and environment a.k.a. different world. Of course! At the church that we attend some, it is a way different world than not being in church. I really like the feeling I get at this church. It’s very good for me. Maybe you wouldn’t get the same feeling, but it sure works for me (i.e. it is unarguable). I like it! My world might be different than your world. I understand that. Nineteenth-century British politician John Dalberg-Acton is credited with the maxim, “Power tends to corrupt and absolute power corrupts absolutely.” I was really humbled last Sunday at church; it’s a way different world as I understood once again that God is God and I am erv! I really enjoy being around humble folks! Arrogant folks, well, not soooo much! It’s like what a businessman told me—What changes low markets is low markets and what changes high markets is high markets!  RickyRick says--God gives many promises in the Bible to those who seek him:  “If my people, who are called by my name, will humble themselves and pray and seek my face . . .  then I will hear from heaven” (2 Chronicles 7:14).

YakimaAlice says--A couple here in Washington look like they are from Iowa.  Soooo what do folks from Iowa look like to you? They must have a stereotype look (i.e. they must be from a different world maybe). Soooo what do folks from Washington look like to you (i.e. pic is of YakimaAlice at the grocery market hahaha)? Really! I was invited to play pickleball with a group of folks here in Yakima. One of the group sent me this text later in the day—" Thanks Erv for coming to pb. That’s the most I’ve played this summer. It is a group I think you’ll enjoy. Laid back, a little sassy. And a lot of laughter.”  Is there a difference in pickleball groups? Maybe! IowaHawkeye says--Of course there is! BigWashingtonWow says—There is even a difference in the climate of folks from the east side of the Cascades compared to the folks from the west side of the Cascades right here in Washington! A flight attendant told me that folks from different geographic areas have different cultural personalities. How could folks be different do you think? Jeanne noticed that folks from IA use some verbs differently than folks from the Pacific Northwest!

CoachB says—We most often have a defining moment at some point in our life. It’s like a turning point. Sometimes we don’t even know what it was or when it happened and sometimes we don’t know until we look in the rear view mirror. It changes our world. We could even have many or several defining moments. I think I might have had one the other night. I’m not sure but it feels that way. Or maybe it was those beans that I ate for dinner! Time will tell! A guy that I spent some time with recently told me that he likes Abraham Lincoln as well and he would quote him often in his business presentations. Here is one of Abe’s quotes that if taken to heart could be a defining moment (i.e. just maybe)—"Most people are about as happy as they make up their minds to be.”

VelvetElvis says—The problem is that the image of God is deeply scarred in each of us, and we lose trust in God's version of our story. It seems too good to be true. And so we go searching for identity. We achieve and we push and we perform and we shop and we work out and we accomplish great things, longing to repair the image. Longing to find an identity that feels right

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

erv

MyFriendJean said--Sports don't build character--they reveal it.

PS The-MI-Engineer a.k.a. TheGreatShedlowsky as Mike calls him says-- As I've grown older, I’ve learned that pleasing everyone is impossible, but pissing everyone off is a piece of cake.

a over-up job

You might think that this “It’s Saturday” is just a lot of whacky yak from Yakima a.k.a. a cover-up job; if soooo just delete and go clean the bathroom. It’s your decision. Such is life.

Vicki, anybody can be a Vicki, says—How old folks can take charge! #4 Find a (diverse) friend—The older we get the more marginalized we become in this society. Having diverse friends help us to be better allies in the fight against ageism, racism and sexism.”  I have a friend who says we age out at some point (i.e. we just can’t do it anymore). A friend told me—I was ok until I turned 80 and it all fell apart. Maybe he’s ageing out! I do think if we have an open mind, it can really help in having a more quality life.  That is part of having a good attitude, that is my opinion. MulishBetty says--It’s not good when we become a stubborn old…! Now that condition is hard to cover up!

I have an open mind in my thinking, I think anyway. I rode my Yamaha XT 250 over to the Cowiche Recreation Area and hiked down to the bottom of the canyon. On the way I drove through neighborhoods of very nice houses overlooking the Yakima Valley (i.e. both just beautiful). As I hiked, I thought maybe one of you would give me 10 million dollars: I would buy one of those houses for us. BigWashingtonWow says--Are you crazy erv, no one is going to give you 10 million. Hey, I dreamt when hiking in AZ a few years ago that I would find a wife that would fit me perfectly, and I got it!  BUT there is one caveat that I didn’t tell you, I also prayed (i.e. that is a big difference).  This time I didn’t pray as we are very happy with our lifestyle, very! Hey, I think I'm a reasonable guy, I will compromise with you, how about 5 million!

I saw a sticker on the tailgate of a pickup that said—This sticker is a cover up of a scratch I put on my pickup. It was an inexpensive, easy fix compared to maybe a $1,000 repair, just cover it up, no one knows.  Saturday question—Are we content with our life, or do we just put a cover up on it? Who what me! My Mother, Anna, always would say to me—erv, always do what is right then you don’t have to cover anything up! SlimySlick says— Yabut erv, I am pretty slick in covering things up let me tell ya! And no one ever knows! WorldClassLarry says—That is what SlimySlick thinks! Folks know!

There is a sign in Las Vegas that reads—Trust me, you can sing! Signed Alcohol Our inner superhero changes because of many forces. ItchieBitchie says--When we are intoxicated by anything including alcohol or drugs, we aren’t usually our normal self; it’s a cover-up. Saturday question--What else can change our inner superhero that we might be intoxicated by; the toxicant is a cover up of who we really are many times I have been told. Here are some possible other toxicants: money, power, fame, egos, appearance, arrogance, education, position, intelligence, pecking order, gambling, shopping, eating,… FoxyAlice says—It’s a good thing I don’t have any of them! Ya right, FoxyAlice! FoxyAlice, you have one huge massive inner superhero (i.e. the worst kind) and you don’t even know it!

While hiking on the western side of the Cascade Mountains where it is much wetter, we saw a slug (i.e. it could be my first slug I ever saw (i.e. of the bug type anyway). Slugs aren’t very pretty I don’t think, and they move slow soooo maybe that is why we say sometimes that we are sluggish!  I don’t know. I do know some folks who are slugs and some who seem to be sluggish (i.e. for a lot of reasons probably). The Cascade Mountains, I have been told, splits the state pretty much with being wet and being desert, and also politically, urban to more rural, heavy traffic to less traffic etc. You probably get it. It seems that the folks of the two sides don’t always agree with issues, but the western side always wins (i.e. they tell me) as that is where the majority of the population lives (i.e. my Canadian friends say the same thing about Canada). A person on the eastern side of the mountains said to me—We don’t really count in WA! Saturday question—Have you ever felt that you don’t really count? Folks tell us we do but it feels like a cover-up; it feels like we really don’t count at times! Ouchy ouchy! Such is life!

Women quite often put on a cover up when they get out of the pool and ride the elevator to their room, many times there is a cover up when a crime is done, politicians many times try to do a cover up, and probably there are cover ups that we have no idea what they are. A friend told me that many folks who feel unconfident become arrogant to cover up their deficiency (e.g. little folks talk about themselves, big folks ask questions of others).  Big folks can laugh at themselves, and little folks can’t! Why is that do you think? Some folks can complement others and others can’t. Why is that? It could be a cover up!

WorldClassLarry says--In my mind, our path to our success is not as fixed and inflexible as we think. First of all, CharlieBrown, we have to decide what success is; success for sure is different things to different folks. The world might have a different definition than what we have internally (i.e. that sure appears it’s that way to me). Most of you are gems; just plain great folks internally but we struggle with who you want to be by the world’s standards. We are really torn in deciding. I think in my mind, we have to determine what our goal is; then how we can make our gem really shine. If we don’t know where we are going and what we are trying to accomplish it just ain’t going to work very well. I suggest that we all work to be a shining gem with our life. Shine it up!

Does a cover up job usually work very well? Externally it might work for a little while but from the get go, it really doesn’t work very well internally for most folks (i.e. it doesn’t make good folks feel good on the inside). And besides, Abe Lincoln said—You can fool some of the people all of the time, and all of the people some of the time, but you can not fool all of the people all of time. Especially since we can’t fool ourselves! King David in the Bible committed adultery and then covered it up by having Bathsheba’s husband murdered. How did that go for David? I think first of all David said to himself—What was I thinking; how dumb can a guy get! Those darn emotions!

It's hard to go against the grain. What I mean is if I have done something a certain way for a long time or if I have a certain personality trait that is well established and then I try to change it, it’s tough to do. That is hard. I tried to do things differently the other morning as I was home alone and wanted to slow down. It didn’t go well! I had to fight it. Yikes! The old bird is hard to change. Sooooo maybe I should not expect others to change; they probably aren’t going to change. They are engrained pretty deeply in their ways just like I am. hahaha If something is taught to someone from birth, what is their chance of changing?  Or if someone genetically inherits some personality trait, what is their chance of changing. Or if someone is brainwashed for years, what is their chance of changing? We might cover it up but to change, that is another story! Don’t kid yourself, it might be possible but it ain’t easy! I was told a story by a friend who had a relative who had Asperger’s syndrome probably because of his genetics. He never did change in his life my friend said. I would guess that all of us are somewhere on the spectrum! Like I have said many times--We are all mentally ill but just to different degrees! 

A friend and I have talked several times what it takes for me or anyone to change (i.e. and not all can). We think it takes a special certain event to happen in our lives. We think it is pretty much certain and that this special certain event is up to most folks; it’s our decision (i.e. but not always). But most times it appears it’s up to us. And when folks make that decision, it is quite noticeable to others and many times folks ask what is different about you; folks act differently. I have seen this in folks and have asked them; the answer is always the same.

VelvetElvis says—I realize this is not groundbreaking news, but when we get desperate and realize we cannot keep living this way, then we have to change. We have no other option, which is why we only change when we hit the abyss. Anything else is like window shopping: we may look for a moment or even try it on, but we aren’t taking anything home with us.

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

erv

MyFriendJean said—The highest reward for a man’s toil is not what he gets for it, but what he becomes by it.

PS The-MI-Engineer a.k.a. TheGreatShedlowsky as Mike calls him says--There is no such thing as a grouchy old person.  The truth is that once you get old, you stop being polite and start being honest.

it sure seems that way to me

Bill’s Place in Yakima has a sign outside their business that reads—Bill’s Place; we know our stuff! I won’t go soooo far as saying that what everyone says in this “It’s Saturday” is that they know their stuff. In fact I question if any of us really know our stuff, maybe we just think we do! Soooooo I suggest you read with an open mind and take it for what’s it’s worth. And remember, you get what you pay for!

A newbie friend here in Yakima told us about his son who is married, divorced and now they just live together.  We asked, what’s that all about. Well, he was a penny pincher, and she was a big-time spender, and it just didn’t work; KnowItAllRuben says--I could have told them that. My newbie friend’s wife said—I think they still like stuff about each other, but now each have their own checkbooks! Hey, if it works it works; it sure seems that way to me!

I heard by the apple vine that the apple producers are having a difficult time this fall; the prices are low.  This information came from the apple vine when Jeanne talked to an older lady at the dermatologist’s office waiting room. She said she heard it at coffee at church last Sunday from a lady that knows everything in the lower Yakima Valley. Soooo it must be right! Soooo there you go!

It sure seems that way to me! That is when I change my scene to something green it affects my mind, body and spirit. When I get in the middle of nature it sure affects me for the better (i.e. nature for many produces silence which can produce awe). Nature is really appreciated in WA and one of the activities that is very popular is hiking. It seems that a high percentage of folks do it (i.e. of all ages and abilities) which can produce many opportunities to get stimulated. Nature is like the mean green machine but ya gotta get off the couch! Nature can be as simple as me drinking my morning coffee on the patio overlooking the trees, flowers and the hills (i.e. oh, the quietness of early morning). SusieQ says—I like the green affect tooooo, but I prefer the green backs version at the mall!

Soooo I wanted to watch NFL on Thursday night on Prime. I just couldn’t get it come on. I fiddled and fiddled with it soooo I asked Jeanne to help me, and she couldn’t find it either. What! Some folks came over to our house and I asked them for help. They told me that it’s Monday night and not Thursday and Monday night football is on ESPN. Da! erv’s error as our kids say! All I could do was laugh at myself! Or as a grandson said to me once—Grandpa, you’re funny and you don’t even know it!

Tooooo much, just a little tooo much maybe! It sure seems that way to me!  It appears that some folks are not real but very showy (i.e. way over the top showy). It appear to me that there are big fakers who are not the real deal. But flip the pancake, there are many of you who are very real (i.e. my kind of folks, you have good hearts). Steve, anybody can be a Steve, says--The reason why we struggle with insecurity is because we compare our behind the scenes with everyone else’s highlight reel. I played golf with a new friend on a par three city course. The course was attractive, fun, and very relaxing. We played on Monday, senior day, for $8. Everyone walked and folks were not there to be champion golfers but just to enjoy life. They wore their favorite hats, their favorite tee shirts, and most had old clubs or maybe only three clubs. I doubt if any of them kept score. They were as real as real could be (i.e. I didn’t see any of them pretending to be hot shots). I really enjoyed the atmosphere, a walk in the park. I also enjoyed my new friend (i.e. he’s a real guy). As the guy in the insurance ad on TV says—I over did it, like a showboat, I over did it! MissPerfect says—I know a gal who acts that way constantly, and she needs nothing short of a miracle for her to change! When a person is original, there is only one!

CoachB says—A good way to learn is to find a successful person in an area that we want to learn about and ask questions and listen. Jeanne lined up a conversation with a third-generation apple grower who she knows for us to visit with as I wanted to learn about apple production. He has been very successful and a very delightful person as well. He gave us much information and answered our questions. It was a very good experience. Here are  just a few facts: The apple business is big business and has large input costs which can make good money and also has bad years—the most money is made in the marketing—migrant workers are a must for the labor who are from Mexico; very large percentage of them are legal; the same family has worked for him maybe 50 years; most whites won’t do it anymore; he provides housing and helps them in other ways; he has helped 20 of them become citizens; the labor bureaucracy is unbelievable and is a huge problem for growers—automation is the future to lessen the problem. I don’t want to be an apple grower; man is it a lot of work and a lot of management even though it seems that they make a lot of money! HazelFromTheOtherSideOfTheMountains says—I just ask my brother-in-law Bobby if I have questions about anything; he knows everything, he thinks; it sure seems that way to me! That is maybe one of your problems Hazel, you got to find a person who is successful and knowledgeable and then listen to them!

On our way to hike on White pass we had breakfast at Elk Ridge Lodge which is owned by some old friends of Jeanne. They were right in the middle of a recent wildfire up ‘er in ‘em mountains that destroyed many acres. Their business did not burn but the fire was 15 feet from it (i.e. many fire fighters and a lucky change of wind direction really helped). They had to close for 7 weeks and lost all their food in their cooling units—A huge massive loss! Here is what we felt—When things like this happen to others we say, that is too bad and then we go on with our lives.  If it happens to us, it’s one big event. Aren’t we something else!  That sure seems that way to us! They vented with us for some time and we listened—They told us they are suffering from Post Traumatic Stress Disorder. It has been a big event for them!

We seem to think a lot alike! It sure seems that way to me! That is that Jeanne can read my mind, and I can read her mind (i.e. somewhat but there are some surprises, hahaha). Jeanne has a friend who has an Icelandic horse and rides it bareback. Her friend is probably in her early 70s soooo don’t think you are toooo old. She rides her horse using the liberty method which is by commands, body language, and reading each other’s minds. She showed us how she does it. It’s quite amazing. I guess if we are around each other long enough we understand each other (e.g. we know exactly what others are going to say or do before they do it)!  Or is it because we train each other! Crazy huh! Saturday question—How do we train a person without breaking their spirit? Or is it better to train a person by breaking their spirit? Or maybe it’s just better to train a person by using the hocus pokus method! Did you know that Moses and Aaron were in their 80s when they lead the Israelites out of Egypt? 

A super senior, in more ways than one, who I drink weekly coffee with said—I can act as senile as I have tooooo at times and get by with it! He thinks he gets selected for jury duty way tooooo often. The last time he was selected he was asked if he knew the person that was being tried and he said--yes I do and he is a jerk; I don’t know what he did but he’s guilty of it. He didn’t get selected! He said--That is one time when being over the top acting senile and opiniated benefited me; I hogged the spotlight for a long time!

We had our first visitors from IA (i.e. some old friends who are real and have good hearts, our kind of folks). We sure enjoyed them. As an old friend from IA who moved to WA said to me--I think they came to see what is happening to you erv!

ValvetElvis says—Success doesn’t fix anything. We have the same problems and compulsions and addictions, only now we have more stress and more problems and more pressure.

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

erv

MyFriendJean said—There are some things we learn best in calm, and some in storm.

circumspectly

 Disclaimer: Some folks talk a lot but say little and some talk little but say a lot. BUT when reading this “It’s Saturday” if you get tired of it, you can delete it. It’s unlike when you get cornered by your brother-in-law and the only way you can get rid of him is being rude (i.e. it’s a good thing he doesn’t catch on very easily)!  But don't worry, the next time you see him he’ll start right in again where he left off! CadillacJack says—Soooo I suggest you position yourself circumspectly at the next family get-to-gather! And how do we do that—According to my bother-in-law--Very carefully!

I asked a friend if he talks to his brother much. He said—I’m not the kind to call him as I don’t like talking on the phone, but my brother calls me. When he does, he talks for an hour; sometimes I just put the phone down and let him talk while I clean the bathroom! He said--I think maybe he doesn't have friends soooo he calls me. He calls our sister every morning and they talk for an hour! Flip the Pancake--Many folks would like to have their family or friends call them but they don't.  ThePersonOnTheOtherSideOfTheMountains says—Some folks seem to like to talk more than others! Such is life.

I knew an IA State legislator years ago and he told me how he would manipulate his fellow legislators—He said when I wanted something spread, I would tell a fellow legislator who was at the next urinal whatever I wanted spread and told him he wasn’t to tell anyone; I’m just telling you. He said, within an hour everyone got the message! Last Sunday the pastor told the story of Jesus healing the deaf man and used this verse—“Then Jesus ordered them to tell no one; but the more he ordered them, the more zealously they proclaimed it.” Go figure. Why does that work that way anyway? You got me! I have no idea! You tell me!

A friend from IA called me and we had a good talk (i.e. I tried not to talk tooooo long). I told him that it seems like when I left I just cut myself off as I have pretty much no idea what’s going on anymore in A-town.  He said—erv, I have had folks ask about you; I don’t think they care about you but just are nosey! hahaha  He then said--Maybe it’s like death, after 7 days not many remember you anymore. And that is a friend talking; I have no idea what the general public is saying!  Soooo I said to myself—erv, be circumspect in what you think of yourself! Maybe it’s like all the junk I got rid of in our house; obviously we thought it was very important as we kept it for years, but a lot went in the dumpster or given away!

CoachB says--If we hang around (e.g. talk) with folks who are happy, joyful and have peace in their lives, it will rub off on us and our spirit will change. Bingo! We hiked The Silver Falls Trail on White Pass last Saturday. The 500--year old Douglas Firs and all the ferns were magnificent and the falls was neat. BUT another event was also very enjoyable to us. We connected with a group of maybe 10 developmentally disabled guys who were in their 20s led by two guys maybe in their 50s. We stopped and talked with them for some time as they were eating their lunch. It was pure enjoyment and very humbling (i.e. especially maybe even more for Jeanne who taught some special education). The leaders do this annually for a weekend. Wow! One of the leaders told us--I went to seminary to be a Catholic Priest but dropped out after my first year--what happened--I liked girls tooooo much--I married a Baptist and now we attend a non-denominational church!  Oh, one of the young men had the ability to tell us what day of the week we were born on when we gave him our birthdates. They say he is never wrong! What! Another young man who was eating chicken wings told Jeanne that he lost 40 pounds. One of the leaders asked him to tell Jeanne how he did that--I only eat two pieces of pizza instead of six!

Proverbs 1–9 says--The path through life is filled with traps and snares of all kinds. Dr.J says--The person who strolls through life unaware of these life’s traps and snares will be easily caught by them. Thus, we need to walk “circumspectly” (carefully), making the most of the limited time and opportunities we have. Saturday question—Do you think that over time and our skill in discerning God’s direction will grow as we benefit from His guidance? Or do we just get luckier? Or do we get more prudent? Or maybe we just never change. BUT it seems to me that some folks make better decisions than others. The WA Greater Sage-Grouse says--Just look around, it doesn’t take a rocket scientist to figure that out! Maybe some circumspect the situations better; I wonder but I don’t know!

WorldClassLarry says--Test it against the worst possible scenario (i.e. be very circumspect). If it passes that test, it might be a good thing! But it could still go bad ‘cause our culture might change the landscape. The Yakima Valley produces about 75% of the world’s hops. I was told that Germany is a very large buyer plus all the major beer companies in the world. But now there are many microbreweries starting up which use different kinds of special hops which has affected the hop business in the Valley I have been told (i.e. the culture has changed). Mr.Hops says—I didn’t see that coming down the pipe let me tell ya! I tell you what folks, if ervie needs help in making a decision, ervie just listens to my brother-in-law Larry!

In business as in life, many folks try to maximize the opportunities that they are given. Here in the Yakima Valley, apple growers use reflective ground cover (i.e. particularly in growing the Honeycrisp apple I was told). It reflects the sun light up to the underside of the apples to get a uniform color. Crazy huh! But it has been proven and it’s used to produce a better product to make more money. It’s all about the money. Sooooo maybe we should use the reflective product to get the most out of our lives (i.e. maximize our lives) OR we can just sit on the couch and eat chips. MissPerfect says--Pick your flavor folks!

Be careful in making decisions! I remember working with a business person and he wanted my opinion as to what all the downsides were of an opportunity. He wanted an unbiased opinion, not about all the upsides but the downsides (i.e. what could go bad). Some of you might say—that is being negative! But maybe that is being circumspect about reality (i.e. trying to prevent a catastrophe). We try to take the emotions out of decisions when we have others look at them from their perspective (i.e. they don’t have a dog in the fight) who can give a more objective view. AverageJoe says—Many folks don’t like to hear the downsides! Such is life.

My Mom, Anna, never had a pedicure besides a manicure while living on the farm a mile and quarter south of Roseland, MN. Whose idea was that to start this niche! Jeanne just had a pedicure and loved it. She thinks I should have one—I said WHAT! She says men love it! And some folks just come to get their toenails cut as they can’t reach their toes anymore. Very few folks could afford or would spend money on that a few years ago and now everyone seems to do it except me! I’m always a little slow to catch on to the hip stuff (i.e. we live in an affluent society). I might try it, you never know! I don’t know if many of my buddies in Butler County IA do it but hey, now I’m in Yakima County WA!  hahaha

I was in a group and a person asked another about how his brother is doing—ok, but he is soooo negative about everything and it’s not much fun to be around him, he really has a problem. Ouchy ouchy! I really think that we need to try to circumspect our talk and not speak negatively; if we magnify everything negatively, everything will just get worse but if we magnify everything positively, well…! I really think for me anyway, that my positive pair of glasses seem to make my life much more enjoyable. As my friend says—It’s not a problem but an opportunity!  SusieQ says—BUT erv, negative folks don’t much care for positive folks (i.e. they drive them crazy)! FlipThePancake—Positive folks don’t much care for negative folks (i.e. they drive them crazy)!

CoachB says—"Children have never been very good at listening to their elders, but they have never failed to imitate them. Ya just can’t fool kids; they see right through us.” Jeanne told me a story of her years past; they parked their car as they left for some time in a questionable parking spot and when they came back, it was gone. They asked a local lady who was a property owner if she knew what happened to their car—she said she had no idea. When she left, a little neighbor boy said to them—she’s lying, she called the police!

VelvetElvis says--First, no amount of success can heal a person’s soul. And for Jesus to heal my soul, I had to stare my junk right in the face

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

erv

MyFriendJean said—We should consider every day lost in which we have not danced at least once.

rhythm

UncleFredFromYakima says--Whatever moves the heart wags the tongue. Disclaimer: Take that into consideration when reading this It’s Saturday.” If what  ever moves ItchieBitchie's heart hurts your feelings you don't have to read it. Or if anything written isn't your cup of tea (i.e. and you are not open minded), you don't have to read it. If that is the case, I suggest you just go on Facebook and find someone who agrees with you about your position/opinion (i.e. or as the old saying goes, crawl in bed with them)!  Hubba Hubba Ding Ding! Holy Cowichc! And everyone is happy!

A friend said that his wife has A-fib and they zapped her in trying to get her heart into regular rhythm. Hey, maybe we all at times need to be zapped to try to get us out of our irregular rhythm and into a good regular rhythm again. How can we do that? My opinion, get around good folks; they sure seem to be good medicine for me (i.e. it appears to me that wise folks show their good lives by deeds done in humility)!  But what is good rhythm and who are good folks to you? Those two might be different toooooo different folks!  Just look around, it doesn’t take a rocket scientist to figure that out! Ouchy ouchy! AlpineTheFir says—Just look at their past history, that says a lot! We all know that folks don’t change very easily, some not at all but some do!! The Alpine Fir is my favorite fir up 'er in 'em mountains. They inspire me! They are soft looking, sooo beautiful, soooo tough and sooo inspiring.

SuccessfulMary says--The only way to do great work is to love what we do. We hiked the Naches Peak Loop trail below Mt. Reiner. It’s a beautiful 4-mile loop hike at the Chinook Pass up ‘er in ‘em Cascade Mountains in the Great Northwest. The Pacific Crest Natl Scenic Trail also uses part of this trail. The PCT runs from Mexico to Canada. We talked to several hikers doing it that were from all over the world. One guy from Switzerland told us that he stopped in France and hiked the French Alps, took a boat over to Miami, pedaled his bike to San Diego and now is doing the PCT of 2,700 miles. This guy is in rhythm let me tell ya. I was tired after our 4-mile hike! We didn’t ask the guy from Switzerland if he rowed his boat across the ocean or not! He probably did! He's a regular Secretariat!

Hey, I tasted Huckleberries while hiking; I really like them (i.e. (i.e. me and the bears like them; soooo what does that tell ya). They are a delicacy in the Great Northwest. FlipThePancalke, I tasted kale at a birthday party for the first time, I didn't care much for it; another guy told me that it chews like wood and tastes like dirt (i.e. he probably influenced me). I think I will stick with the bears' choice!

Usually every morning when I get up I make coffee and then step outside on the patio and greet the world. I did it the other morning and it smelt like skunk; there must have been a skunk around. If a person always knows they are right, is there much room for discussion? Do some folks think they are right about most everything? How do we become right about issues or anything? Maybe we get out of rhythm and are just really messed up. If a person doesn’t know what is right, are they better listeners in a discussion? Is there a reason to discuss anything if we are always right?  If we are always right, then we are a lecturer maybe! Can we win a pissing match with a skunk. I went back into the house.

OneGreatPerson says SLOWDOWNERVSLOWDOWN! Brian says—"The Chinese pictograph for “busyness” is a combination of two characters: heart and death. This is stunningly incisive. The heart is the place where the busy life exacts its deadliest toll. Busyness kills the heart, withers the soul, and makes us less human. But I have good news for you: God has a different rhythm in mind. A more liberating, life-giving rhythm! Jesus invites us to come to him and find rest. He invites us to live all of life, even the busy and stressful moments, out of this place of rest. As the saying goes, we need to slow down if we want to catch up with God.” For me, when I’m toooo busy, especially in my mind, I cut off the good oxygen and my life loses its fire and I’m not near as productive or happy!  That is how it appears to me anyway! I try to enjoy each and every moment of my life! I will eat the Huckleberries and not the Kale!

According to Siri, Patrick Mahomes’s jersey is the best selling of all NFL players and Caitlin Clark’s jersey is the top seller of the WNBA. Why is that do you think? Da! I read this--The Irish playwright Oscar Wilde was the first to tell us that “imitation is the sincerest form of flattery”—and that may be true among humans. Does anyone imitate you? Of course someone does!  I also read this--One of the most successful commercials of all time was originally broadcast on August 8, 1991. The product was a sports drink, and the star of the commercial was legendary basketball player Michael Jordan. The commercial showed Jordan playing basketball and consuming the sports drink, ending with “Be like Mike.” And it worked! Sales of the sports drink took off. Now put all this in a pot and stir it; what is the result? Da! ItchieBitchie says—And if you don’t get it, you are out of rhythm!

The only thing I can’t find from my move is my hair cutter; I still think it’s in a compartment of my duffle bag but I just can’t find it. ANYWAY, we went to Wall-Mart to buy another. We found the cutters and they were all under locked glass and I had to press a button for a clerk. The cutter was only $10.49. A young gal said to me—I want to buy a hairbrush, and they are locked under glass as well. The clerk came and we asked her what’s the deal. She said—We keep digital inventory, and the folks just steal us blind of these products; we have no choice! JoeSixPack says—The rhythm seems to be changing folks.

I think I have it right, but I don’t know! That is when we get older, we don’t seem to be as rhytmatic; we become jerkier; we aren’t as smooth as silk in many facets of our life (e.g. my golf swing). Hey, I’m talking about being physical jerking and not being a jerk, that is another story! But maybe we become more of a jerk when we get old as well. But, I don’t know. What do you think? That is what I thought.

You ever jump rope as a kid and got out of rhythm? It just didn’t work did it. And then two jumping at the same time (i.e. called double Dutch) and one gets out of rhythm it’s a mess; it just doesn’t work. I was told of a story of a woman who appeared to be depressed continuously and then her husband died and she was a completely new person. I also have heard many stories that when a mate died, the living person was completely different (i.e. went into a funk) but then they met another person and their life was way different. Did they get in rhythm again? It appears that when we change, others notice our change, they catch our wind and that wind might affect others and some might change toooo! Soooo get in a good rhythm! Hey, I’m not saying to get rid of William or Betsy! Oh no!

I think that my life has got a tad out of rhythm maybe. I just got out of whack a little. I had a couple of small situations that reminded me of this (i.e. I was humbled). It was good for me to have these things happen to me. I now need to analysis myself and get back into the rhythm that I want to be in. I don’t run the world, but I think I thought I did (i.e. that never works for me; I’m not near as good of a person when I act that way).  I need to reboot and go back to my basic foundation (i.e. remembering that I’m just another bozo on the bus). That usually works for me. Such is life. Or maybe I’m like a friend from IA who texted me—erv, you been to the west coast buying wacky weed?

We had coffee with Jeanne's coffee group (i.e. who I really enjoy) this last week and one of the guys was telling us (i.e. I think he told the story a few times to the others before; old folks tend to do that) that he had two heart attacks. The first one he didn’t go to the hospital but the second one he did. Both times his wisdom teeth hurt but the second time he also had a clot in his leg. The doctor told him that the clot could have gone to his brain instead, and if it did, he would have been dead. He beat the system. He then told us that he has, between his pension and SS, received more than 1.25 million. He’s beating the system here as well as he said he didn’t put in near that much. You young folks can’t afford tooooo many of this kind of guy!  And I tell you what, I think he could live another 20 years! He’s a tough old cat! He’s in the rhythm!

VelvetElivs says—Salvation is a way of life. To be saved or redeemed or set free is to enter into a totally new way of living in harmony with God.

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

erv

MyFriendJean said--The bitterest tears shed over graves are for words left unsaid and deeds left undone.

deoxygenation or oxygenation

JoeBlow says—If you don’t give it oxygen it can’t live soooo sometimes it’s best  not to give it oxygen.  Good advice. One application that I read is to have good relationships it’s best not to contradict. William James, a pioneer in the field of psychology, said, “Wisdom is the art of knowing what to overlook somethings.” Some things just aren’t worth our attention; we simply need to overlook them (i.e. don’t give them oxygen soooo they will flame up). Now I have to make good decisions as to what the “somethings” are! SusieQ says--Sometimes it is better to --Just "let the sleeping dogs lie!"

The Yakima Valley claims to be the Apple Capital of the world. There are huge massive cold storage warehouses to store apples in the Valley. I was very intrigued about how they can store apples for long periods of time. I learned that part of the the process is to suck all to most of the oxygen out of the buildings which prevents decay and spoilage. Very interesting to me.

Basically what we do to prevent rust is to cover it with some type of petroleum product soooo no oxygen can exist; it smothers life. Flipthepancake, if someone is having a hard time breathing, one of the first things they do is give them oxygen or some form of resuscitation soooo they can get oxygen. Jeanne has a butter container that she keeps her butter in called a butter bell. It keeps the butter soft and yet is doesn’t spoil. The water prevents oxygen to get at the butter. Slick as pie and it works. I never heard of it before. We never had one on the farm a mile and quarter south of Roseland, MN while growing up.

According to Paul in 1 Corinthians 13, love is known by its actions more than its words. Some folks have a dog that I’m scared of and don’t care to be around. Its bark is enough to scare me besides it’s huge size. Very intimidating to me especially when it growls at me (i.e. it acts vicious). I don’t think he likes me, and I for sure don’t like him. I think it’s best that I give him some air between us. I have seen really bad dog bites in my business to family members and friends who thought the dog was nice and it wasn’t. Really ugly! I think I’ll keep my distance. The risk seems to be tooooo great to not toooo! And the dog might tear my face apart, I really don’t want to experience that. Some dog owners say—He doesn’t bite and then he does! Homer told me just that just before his dog tore the leg off of my new pants! Homer then said—Geee, I never thought he would do that! There is a old saying--If you don't want to get stung by the bees, stay away from them! Homer didn't buy me a new pants either! I bet Homer didn't pick up his dog's poop either!

I think airplane pilots use simulators to train on. If they crash on the simulator, they don’t die and  they don't kill all the people on the plane (i.e. they just reboot and try again). Maybe we should have simulators in life like simulators helping us learn how to manage our money, live in a marriage, parent, manage our lives, etc. What do you think. How come we don’t do that? It seems we have to crash and burn to learn and then the damage is done. We can’t just reboot! Death is not the best two out of three!

UncleFredFromYakima says--“Fame can be very elusive and unpredictable. To some it comes early in life, to some later, and to others only after death. Take, for example, Mozart, the highly honored musician and composer. When he died, only a handful of people followed the hearse to the cemetery, where the body, wrapped in a sack, was unceremoniously put into an unmarked, mass grave in Vienna. Today no one knows the place where he was buried.” Recently I had folks say some really nice things to me about a friend who died some years ago. This person really wasn’t famous by the world’s standards, but they must of left their mark in a good way. Sooooo that in some way made them famous. Now that is pretty neat I think. Maybe this person was famous to certain folks because they were affected by their life. This person maybe put some oxygen into some folks' lives maybe.

CoachB says--Their is a thick line between reality and fame! Advice was given to Claitlin Clark who has gained a lot of fame. And it was—eat it all up! I really don’t know if that is good advice or not. What do you think? Yes, it’s maybe good to enjoy fame but folks who get big heads usually don’t handle it well and fail big time many times. It appears to me that the famous folks that I know (i.e. some are you folks) and who I have read about are very humble and really don’t like fame (i.e. like to be under the radar). Some really handle fame well; I applaud them and you. You know where you stand if you are famous in any way; and we are all famous in some way. Yes, we are, every one of us!. ItchieBitchie says—Suck in some of that oxygen but don’t blow it out soooo loudly please!

Marcus—"One smart person encourages himself to replace the feeling of desire by the feeling of gratitude. Instead of desiring what we don’t have, we should be grateful for what we do have by imagining the loss of what we hold dear.” Maybe that is good oxygen to suck in!

My trusty ol’ 86 Yamaha golf cart convertible didn’t want to always connect when I pushed on the foot feet; she’s done this for years. She would just click or hum.  But she always worked if I gave her another chance. She worked for me; we got along fine. Well, I sold the ol’ babe.  I probably should have been proactive and put some petroleum product over the terminals to prevent the oxygen from forming corrosion. Minor problem; she’s been a good ol’ gal!

WorldClassLarry says--Be strong enough to stand alone, smart enough to know when you need help, and brave enough to ask for it. It appears that some folks have a hard time asking for help. I really don’t have a problem asking folks for help as you folks know that I need help a lot. I sorta kinda believe that asking for help and helping others are both opportunities.  I like to help others soooo why wouldn't others like to help me. I believe that helping others and asking for help puts oxygen a.k.a. life into all of us. That is my opinion. WildWillie says—I don’t care what you say erv, I’m toooo proud to ask for help; I’d rather struggle and even crash and burn than to ask for help.

RickyRick says—"When you have conflict, focus on reconciliation, not resolution. There’s a big difference between those two words. Reconciliation means re-establishing the relationship. Resolution means resolving every issue. In most cases, resolution isn’t going to happen—there are some things you’ll just never agree on. Can you have a loving relationship without agreeing on everything? Absolutely. But it takes wisdom. When you’re wise, you learn to disagree without being disagreeable; you learn to walk hand in hand without having to see eye to eye. One of the greatest things you can do with your life is to be a bridge builder, not a wall builder.” WorldClassLarry says—Are we the problem or the solution to the problem? If we are the problem, we suck all the oxygen out of a relationship; it will not grow but probably die!

I talked to a friend last week and asked her, how are we different? She said—erv, we are both caring folks, but you want to know how we are going to pay for it, and I never think about that! hahaha Here is a suggestion from CoachB to put some oxygen in our life.  You can take it or leave it, it’s up to you. It sorta kinda works for me but maybe not for you. We are all different now aren’t we. I like to write things down (i.e. it seems to fit me better to remember) but a friend likes to say things out loud as she can remember better that way. And there are some folks retain better when they see a picture. ANYWAY, according to CoachB, a method that works for many folks is to have a vision board (i.e. it can be anyplace or any form), but it is a reminder of what we want to accomplish (i.e. when we have specifics, it improves our probability of getting something done by 10-fold). If it’s nebulous, it’s a 90% probability that stuff will never be done (e.g. we are going to travel). LuckyEddie says—If we just talk about it, it hardly never gets done, we get by but don't fly high!

VelvetElvis says—When we get in a certain abyss we break and ask for help…because it’s only when we hit bottom and are desperate enough that things start to get better.

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

erv

MyFriendJean said—Laughter is God’s medicine, the most beautiful therapy God ever gave humanity.

wait a minute

Wait a minute, do I understand this right? Aristotle said, “Knowing yourself is the beginning of all wisdom.” Socrates said, “The only true wisdom is in knowing you know nothing.” Tolstoy said, “We can know only that we know nothing, and that is the highest degree of human wisdom.” Dr.J says—"The world around us isn’t wise and cannot even define the term. Wisdom is a biblical concept that represents the viewpoint of God on every aspect.” Soooo take all of this into consideration when reading this It’s Saturday. Saturday question—Are you a wise person?

UncleFredFromYakima, says—Wait a minute, our feelings and reality don’t always match—c’mon, we all know that’s true (i.e. sometimes  our thinking is pie in the sky a.k.a. the Goldilocks mentality). Wait a minute, that might be an itsy-bitsy teeny-weeny amount of wisdom. BigShotBill says—I have a lot of money and that gives me control of a lot of stuff which makes me a big person. Even in our church, I am the biggest contributor, and the church would collapse if it wasn’t for me. I’m a big person all right. I’m sooo big that I forgive people as soon as they give me an apology; if they don’t apologize, I don’t forgive them. Wait a minute BigShotBill, I thought I read in the Book that what you just said makes you a little person. A big person forgives folks even if they don’t apologize. Run that through your noggin folks.  BigShotBill, if we forgive folks, just plain forgive folks unconditionally, who is the winner, who feels the best (i.e. others might not even know they did something to hurt us)?   BigShotBill, how big is your ego anyway! Just remember BigShotBill, we all are just a little bit of news on this earth! Holy gum wrappers!

When talking with the WI entrepreneur under The Grand Teton, we asked him if he plans to continue to build more duplexes and get bigger and bigger. He said he didn’t know for sure. That was a hard decision for him to make he said—when is enough enough he asked. We drove through a WY canyon where the rocks sled down on the side of the mountain and finally stopped where the grade was less steep. Jeanne told me about a hiker she was with that slide down a mountain side and finally stopped just like the rocks did (i.e. not pretty). She said it's called the angle of repose. We thought maybe that is what the WI entrepreneur was struggling with, his internal angle of repose. CoachB says—Sometimes our death (i.e. a nation or an individual) is at a time of our greatest wealth!

Saturday question—Are you content? Advertising, the news, comparing ourselves to others, and soooo many other things tell us not to be content. LuckyEddie says—Enough is never enough for me; I always want more and better; it’s American! Where have you been erv, whatchasmokin’! Ouchy ouchy! Wait a minute LuckyEddie, contentment gives folks a good life it appears to me. I like this statement “You have made us for yourself, O God,” Augustine of Hippo famously wrote in his Confessions, “And our hearts are restless until they find rest in you.” Now that is a whole different ballgame folks! That is like black compared to white, salt to sugar, life to death, love to hate, modern chaos to a peaceful MT mountain stream, etc. But I noticed that in MT if folks don't have a pickup, a horse trailer, horses and a camper, they aren't much! Holy chewing tobacco!

The guy says--I’m confused; do you think our world is changing? John, there are many Johns, says—"What would be the primary traits you would consider essential for effective leadership? Would you include qualities such as vision, courage, determination, perseverance, charisma, communication skills, and intelligence? How about character traits such as honesty, integrity, generosity, and humility?... By corporate culture, I am referring to beliefs that affect behaviors, determining how a company’s employees and management interact. Research has discovered 73% of employees do not believe in their organization's values. Of the remaining 27%, 77% of those who do believe the organization's values cannot apply them to their job. This is a serious employee/employer disconnect limiting productivity.” Soooo what does this all mean? How does it affect us? How does it affect our world we live in? Tell me will you please, I’m very interested to gain some knowledge and wisdom. Let it all hang out! Wait a minute, maybe the bottom line is that it's all about the money?

SusieQ said—"While visiting Hot Springs, Arkansas, I found it fascinating that for years, hundreds of desperately sick people traveled to this city looking for a cure. Owners of bathhouses knew this and hired hucksters to prey on these people to drum up business. People were willing to take a chance that soaking in the 140-degree spring waters would heal them. These waters may have had some relaxing benefits, but they certainly were not a cure-all as the con men claimed”.  As a guy at the gas pump said to me—erv, as long as you think soooo, that’s all that matters! It’s what in our noddle I guess that affects us maybe!

Moving from Iowa, a politically Red state it appears to Washington, a politically Blue state it appears it  is quite interesting it appears. It appears that the opinions and views of the majority of folks in each state might somewhat be different. Those opinions and views it appears are not always understood or even listened toooo by others (i.e. like being a Seattle Seahawk fan or a Denver Broncos fan). It appears that the fans and supporters of different political parties or professional football teams don’t even like each other (i.e. it appears that they can even hate each other). But wait a minute, it appears that we are all human and hopefully we want the best for each other, well, maybe not! Jeannie’s family gave us and particularly me welcoming gifts. One gift was a Broncos flag (i.e. I’m a Broncos fan) that was in the front yard. I put it in the back yard as I told Jeanne, I don’t want your house egged by the Seattle Seahawk fans here in Yakima! Such is life. 

Soooo Jeanne and I are in the process of getting a new phones and probably a new service. What a circus that is. All the companies say they are the best and all talk out of both sides of their mouth it seems (i.e. at the same time). We called friends and asked them what they use and why. Some say that is the best recommendation one can get. But then there is the money side if anyone can figure that out they are a wise person (i.e. or just think they are). It appears to me that many folks have no idea what is going on and just keep kicking the same can down the same street (i.e. it’s tooooo overwhelming). But wait a minute, I have to get a new phone as mine is a 7 (i.e. the gal almost fell off her stool) and won’t function with some apps anymore a.k.a. it’s kaput, antiquated! The phone companies call it, we gotcha buddy (i.e. under their breath)! Well here comes the clown out of the circus tent; clowns make me laugh! The clown even told me that if I don’t like my looks in a pic, with their phone I can alter it and make myself look a lot better (i.e. remove the aging process the clown told me)! Holy bananas!

Well flip the pancake; wait a minute! We had the best experience in acquiring new cell phone service and me a new phone. Our associate was quite a young lady. She was very professional, personal, caring and sweet. When we got done, we all hugged; that is the first time I hugged an associate of a cell phone provider! I think we mutually edified each other (i.e. built each other up). We think this young lady will do well in life (i.e. she is studding to be an RN). We told her she will be a good one!

MissPerfect says--One skill that anyone can learn is to help make their relationships better—whether in marriage or in a friendship—it is how to pay attention. When you give someone your attention and focus, it’s like you give them a piece of your life. CrazyMarvin says—If you really want to hurt someone, pay no attention to them; that really hurts them; I can testify to that. CoachB says--The average American spends a little over 5 hours on their phone a day. Wow! To gain a wise heart, it seems to me, I need to slow down and appreciate more and that is hard to do for me. Slow down erv, hold your horses, just wait a minute. I’m really trying to work on it, but it is a real challenge for me. My horses like to run fast (i.e. but not as fast as Secretariat)! Whoa Nellie! A wise friend from IA called and told me--erv, you have only been in Yakima about a week soooo don't start moving the furniture around or Jeanne might put you on the street. Just slow down and just move it an inch at a time!!!

VelvetElvis says—The point of our life stories and our faith journeys is that they are about something really big.

Here is something to maybe think about--Proverbs teaches and actually mentions that wisdom comes from God—“The fear of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom." I think that this type of fear is like in awe of God and not being scared of God but it could be that tooooo, I just don't know! But wait a minute, if folks don't believe in God, it doesn't make much difference I would guess. But I don't know for sure!

Saturday question--Did this It's Saturday get into you melon?

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

erv

MyFriendJean said—A heart at peace gives life to the body, but envy rots the bones.

the easy way

Our 16-year old granddaughter and I were talking about her strong drive to get things done. She said—Grandpa, I do procrastinate but I work well under pressure. It’s her easy way. Saturday question—What is your easy way?

It’s sooo easy, oh-oh, sooo dog gone easy to fall in love! RickyRick says—"If you wait for the perfect wife or the perfect husband, you’ll never find them. Let me tell you why: No one is perfect. We’re all broken. And that’s okay. God loves you, despite your brokenness. But you need to understand that anyone you marry will be broken too. Here’s where you need to be careful. Although everyone is broken, some people have a lot more healing to do. They aren’t ready for a relationship. And you need to avoid them as life partners no matter how good-looking, rich, or nice they are. Before you enter into a long-term relationship, you need to understand the emotional health of your potential partner. Study after study has shown that 80 percent of all separations and divorces happen because one or both of the partners are emotionally unhealthy. Drawn from Scripture, here’s a partial checklist of emotional health factors to look out for:  Look for a spouse who tells the truth. Look for a spouse who is generous and kind. Look for a spouse who controls their anger.  Look for a spouse who is not stuck in an addiction.  Look for a spouse who does not harbor bitterness. Look for a spouse who is not selfish or arrogant. Look for a spouse who is not greedy.” ItchieBiticie says—That sounds pretty easy but when I was 19, I didn’t use any of that criteria, my hormones made my decision! What was I thinking!

HikingundertheGrandTeton—We engaged in conversation with a family. Great conversation. When we each were about to go our own way, the father said to us—I hope when I’m as old as you guys, I can still hike. Now he meant it as a compliment we think but it was sorta kinda bitter/sweet as we don’t think we are old; but maybe we are and just don’t know it! Could be, maybe, but we don’t think soooo! Such is life!

I feel sorry for some folks who are stuck and can’t get out of something or don’t want to get out (i.e. it seems like we don’t want to take the risk). It could be a job we have hated forever, a bad martial relationship that we are going to die with, bad beliefs that we won’t change out of, lack of confidence, bad attitude, a bad physical condition that we don’t want to change, etc. Maybe we all have some situation or condition that we can’t change or won’t change. We are just going to live with it. Some might feel that their situation is doable and are afraid that a change could be worse. I guess then we will never know, now will we. It’s pretty easy to play it easy! It sure is the easy way out! Saturday question—Does that thinking come from our heredity or current environment or past environment?

When the folks who came to get my furniture, they couldn’t get a love seat out of the basement as it was toooo heavy. I called a friend, and he came over with his experience, his side grinder, and his muscle and bingo it was done (i.e. there were a lot of sparks flying let me tell ya). Ya gotta have the right friends who have the right tools and the muscle and the experience. It’s the easy way! I told my friend I was going to get me one of those side grinders!  One of those suckers might fix a lot of my problems in life!

HikingundertheGrandTeton—We had conversations with a young man in his middle 20s and his mother. He was heading to WA for more military training as he just graduated as a Ranger. A great young man and we congratulated him on his accomplishment. His mom was very proud of him and said she prays for him a lot. She then told us that she was extremely proud of him as he first graduated from West Point.  We again congratulated him. We asked him if West Point was hard for him—no, not once I found out what they wanted from me; but time management was the hardest (i.e. sounds like all our lives).

BettyLou says—When the path diverges, embrace the detour! I see and can tell you from personal experiences that ageing does change the path we go or how we go down the path. BUT we do have a choice with what attitude we take and that is up to us.  As my deceased friend would say to me—erv, decisions have consequences and guess who makes those decisions! MissPerfect says—If you start now, you will start seeing the result one day earlier than if you wait until tomorrow. WorldClassLarry says—Don’t take the easy way with our attitude; it’s a big part of our life. Don’t kid yourself!

SidTheAnimal used to be different until he got after it; he used to be really different, but then he started to work very hard to change, holy molly did he change. I’m not jumpin’ on anyone, but we have to put in a lot of work to really get minimally better and to really get a lot better most times we have to work very hard and for a long time. LuckieEddie says--It’s not magic folks. Many folks wonder if it’s worth it! Many will stay as they are! I have a burnin’ question—Do any of us really want to change or just talk about it? Flip the pancake. Some of you I applaud, you have really made some changes. Compliment yourself, that is a great accomplishment. My hat goes off to you. You have to really feel great! Way to go! You know who you are!

HikingundertheGrandTeton—We met a young man who that morning hiked to right below the summit of the Grand Teton. A great young man on a hiking trip from WI and as he said--I'm taking a Sabbath. We asked him what he did for a living—he said he did real estate development; he built 12 duplexes in the last 4 years and he was 26. He said it has really gone well for him; he is making more income than he spends. Are you married—no—maybe you better get married sooo you have some help spending it! 

GeorgeTheCrook says—I’m always looking for the easy way to get good at something like watching a video, eating cake, getting a new pair of shoes, taking a pill, etc. But we all know that to get good at something, almost anything, there is only one way. Benjamin Franklin’s approach to improving his writing wasn’t too different from how many of today’s elite athletes, musicians, average folks, or intellectuals go about improving their respective skills. The approach goes by the name of deliberate practice – known as the most effective method for developing and improving skills rapidly. JoeBlow says—Sitting on the couch eating chips just won’t do much! I know 'cause I tried it. The sign was outside of The Cowboy Bar in Pinedale, WY.

I just learned something that I never realized before. It’s about gifts. I discovered that some folks when receiving a gift are all about what the gift is (i.e. the monetary value of the gift is the what is important; that is what it’s all about) and others are all about having someone thinking about them and appreciating them by giving them a gift;  the thought is much more than what the gift is. Those are two different concepts. The values are in two different thought processes. Why do folks have different thought processes do you think? SusieQ says--It appears that there has to be a reason.

HikingundertheGrandTeaton—We overheard two hikers talking as we met them on the trail. One said to the other—Hot flashes from menopause are no joke!

I know folks who are very consistent with their lives (e.g. like Old Faithful) and some who are very inconsistent. Some I know exactly what they will do and others not soooo much (i.e. some are a real crap shoot a.k.a. a grab bag). Saturday question—Are we a moody person that changes with the wind? Sooo what can make a person moody? How does a moody attitude affect others? Were our parents moody?  If soooo how did that affect us? Or is it a common beast. “You have brains in your head. You have feet in your shoes. You can steer yourself any direction you choose. You're on your own. And you know what you know. And YOU are the one who'll decide where to go.” ~ Dr. Suess 

It seems to be the easy way for me, but…! Various theories have been propounded as to what might happen to our lives when we put too many fine particles of bad thoughts into our bodies, minds, and souls (e.g. over stimulated with soooo many bad thoughts). But I wonder what happens if we put a lot of good thoughts into our bodies, minds and souls! I have a very good idea! My Daddy, Chester, would say to me—erv, most folks don’t think enough. But I have a friend that says to me—erv, you think toooo much! Soooo there! Such is life.

And MissPerfect says—The finale conclusion of this “It’s Saturday” is that most of our life is up to us sooo quit blaming others will ya please! Cut it out!

ValvetElvis says—The best teachers are the masters of the obvious. They see the same things that others do, but they are aware of so much more. And when they point it out, it changes the way we see everything.

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

erv

MyFriendJean says--Our strength grows out of our weakness.

PS  This is from a high school buddy of Danube High class of 63--Erv, when I am ready to move out of our home I hope I ONLY have 1/2 of a duffel bag.  At this point of life I don't need NEW and MORE Material THINGS.  I do need a coffee pot and a bathroom that is near.