New Year

Saturday question--Did you make any unforgettable Christmas memories do you think?  38 years ago on December 24th we brought Heather home.  We took her to the Christmas Eve service (i.e. that is an unforgettable memory).  On Christmas morning, the door bell rang about 8 o'clock.  It was a family friend who stooped by to see Heather and give her a teddy bear (i.e. quite an unlikely guy to do this).  It toooo was a great memory.  Heather was called Heather 'cause Arlene wanted to name her Heather.  I wanted to name her Erin.  Soooooo when Heather and James had a little girl, they named her Erin.  Another great memory for us.  Now you see the teddy bear that was passed on.  Another great memory.  I know I'm a wimp, but that is sooooo touching to me. 

Disclaimer~I might have had some bad Christmas sausage for breakfast sooooo take that in consideration when reading this "It's Saturday". 

On the bulletin board of The Fountain of the Sun (i.e. the retirement park here in Mesa that we stay at) is this prayer:  Dear God, For 2013 I ask for a big, thick bank account and a slim thin body.  Please keep them straight.  Last year you got them switched around.  Amen  MissPerfect got what she wanted for Christmas--a bag of chocolate and a gym membership!  Here is a New Year suggestion or advice.  MissPerfect says--erv, most folks don't want your advice or suggestion; remember that erv!  You sound like Bossyerv!  Okay I understand; you get what you pay for sooooo remember that MissPerfect.  Here is my suggestion or advice (i.e. a top 10 suggestion).  America, go to your closet and remove all cloths that you wore when you were 20 pounds lighter (i.e. bring them to Goodwill).  Very few of America will loose those 20 pounds even if Americans make a New Years resolution. Let's face it.  Let's look at Americans' past record.  Americans have "bigideas" but very few engage in our ideas.  Americans can say what we want (i.e. ifs and buts) but let's look at our league standings; that will tell us what the real us is (i.e. our league standings don't lie).  Such is life.  I learned with being with my family that not everyone always does it the way I do it or always think the same way I think and they always really don't follow what I say (i.e. maybe I'm the example of how not to do it--could be).  Sooooo just think about that.  Joesixpack says--erv, have you every been that jerk who you criticize and are impatient with?  Ouchy ouchy!  Yes I have Joesixpack.  ItchieBitchie says--Just maybe erv, if you cannot see the yeast in yourself, it may be 'cause you are up to your eyeballs in it.  Now that could be ItchieBitchie.  Could be.

The best bumper sticker during our trip that made me laugh was on a SUV with NE license plates driven by an attractive 20ish female.  It said--I love to pee in my wetsuit!  I have never done that.  Have any of you?  In 2013, mimic someone who you admire (i.e. like a mentor).  But make sure you pick someone good!  I-35 and I-80 were very bad and had been worse shown by the many trucks and cars still in the ditches and the crashes that happened.  Talk about following someone--We saw one truck that was off the shoulder but really not in the ditch.  There was a car that ran under the back of the trailer of the semi (i.e. was still under there).  I guess the driver of the car was following the truck lights and when the truck went off the road, they just followed it.  Soooo take into consideration who you follow.  Pick a good person to mimic folks!  We were getting into James and Heather's Highlander and Arlene said--James, riv up the motor, I'm cold.  Soooo in 2103, riv up your motor folks.  

MyFriendND-Paul says--Lesson #31 is, However good or bad a situation is, it will change! What next?  A new year folks and new things will happen if you like it or not. They will happen.  Some things may appear "great beyond your imagination" and some things may appear "unthinkable"!  2013 might be "one big party" year full of indulgent! Or you might have a year of austerity! Joesixpack asks--Do aristocrats ever have a down year?  You might even need an egoboast in 2013.  Ya never know now do ya! At Christmas Eve-ish Service last Sunday morning, one of the guys involved in the service came and sat with me.  His daughter, Julian, became a friend with Erin.  They sat by themselves for the service.  ANYWAY He was a music major he said.  Sooooo I asked him if this is a full time job what he does for the church--no no, I manage a cleaning service; I'm really using my education!!!  Sometimes things change folks and end up different than we plan.  Such is life.

This might be the 1st time you hear this.  It might not be the last time you will hear this too!  That is--If you had to do it over again, meaning 2012, what would you change?  What was soooo good in 2012 that you would never want to change?  Here in one of the retirement capitals of America a.k.a AZ, there are a lot of senior citizens.  Oh ya!  Many of them are just enjoying their senior years of their life as much as they can.  MyFriendND-Paul says--Lesson #19 is, Its never toooo late to have a happy childhood.  But the second one is up to you and no one else.  GeorgeTheCrook says--Many are just enjoying their life instead of always worrying.  Sunshine and warm weather seems to make many folks happy.  Hey, you!  Yes, YOU!  Stop worrying about it.  Not only will worrying about it not help, it makes it worse.  Worry takes your peace and health.  Soooooooo stop worrying about it.  For many that's very hard to do.  Especially if you have been doing it all your life.  Saturday question--Is worrying a learned behavior or is it genetic?

It had long since come to my attention that people of accomplishment rarely sat back and let things happen to them. They went out and happened to things. ~Leonardo da Vinci~  Sooo in 2013, throw those chips away, get your butt off the couch and do something. ~erv mellema~  Those two statements are about the same.  Joesixpack says--Yabut folks listen to Leonardo d Vinci a lot more than they do to erv mellema!  Singin'Andy says--If you're up and about, you're already lapping anyone with their ass on the couch. Such is life.

Maybe 2013 might look different and even be different for you.  It might.  Maybe you might have a different perspective--A man went out for a walk.  He came to a river and saw a woman on the opposite bank.  "Yoo-hoo," he shouted, "how can I get to the other side?"  The woman looked up the river then down the river then shouted back, "You're already on the other side."  I think a family member has changed.  Yes I do.  I think this person is even nicer than they were before.  Maybe it's my perspective but I don't think soooooo.  I think they are different.  Sooooo what's the magic do you think?

FreeloaderFrank says--I hope 2013 is the same song different year.  I need the help but would rather not have to need the help.  But that's just the way it is.  His brother FredTheFreeloader says--It seems like all our family needs assistance.  We really do.  But many folks don't seem to understand that and many don't understand our problems, many don't care about our problems and many are happy we have our problems.  He went on to say--My parents needed assistance tooooo.  Our kids and our grand kids do too.  I wonder if it's a genetic thing.  It really doesn't matter, we need assistance.  We can't live without it. 

CadillacJack says--Strong values and beliefs are very powerful.  Yabut CadillacJack--I heard on TV (i.e. soooo it must be right) that money is powerful. Now those two powers will be interesting to watch in 2013 (i.e. my opinion).  I wonder which one will win.  It's like this story:  One evening an old Cherokee told his grandson about a battle that goes on inside people.  He said, "My son, the battle is between two wolves inside us all. "One is Evil -  It is anger, envy, jealousy, sorrow, regret, greed, arrogance, self-pity, guilt, resentment, inferiority, lies, false pride, superiority, and ego. "The other is Good -  It is joy, peace, love, hope, serenity, humility, kindness, benevolence, empathy, generosity, truth, compassion and faith." The grandson thought about it for a minute and then asked his grandfather: "Which wolf wins?" The old Cherokee simply replied, "The one you feed."

WildWillie salys--I know what is around the corner, I just don't know where the corner is. LuckieEddie says--2013 might be the year in which that 23 year old, that 35 year old or that 60 year old person (i.e. maybe you) might grow up (i.e. mature) and become that success story.  Don't give up on yourself or on others folks.  It does happen.  Yes it does.  AsmyneighborLongBallJohn says--"Everyone has a plan until they get punched in the mouth."  It seems odd that a favorite quote of mine comes from Mike Tyson, but it is fitting in many situations.  Are you going to be the one punching or the one adjusting today (i.e. 2013)?  Have you ever been punched in the mouth.  For evrie, I'm going try to be more patient and kinder in 2013.  You heard me right, try!  Even when I'm the one who is punched in the mouth.  I read this in a book I'm reading--In one sense joy is no better thing than bitterness, because either can pass away in a moment.  Oh ya, I'm going try to be more patient but I still prefer the Xlerator to the Word Dryer!!!

LuckieEddic says--I  hope you always run down hill in 2013 and with the wind at your back!  A pretty, smart and knowledgeable gal (i.e. I really like this gal) wrote this on her facebook page--"There is a huge spectrum of eating habits. When we pay close attention to how our body feels and functions after eating healthy food options then we turn the corner to better health. It is unfortunate how many folks are settling for low energy, weight gain, sleeplessness ,chronic sickness, aches and pains because they fuel their bodies so poorly. Food may not be a cure all but it can be a cure most."  Sooooo folks, think about how you eat in 2013.  SusieQ says--Yabut, I don't like to think about such stuff.  I just like to eat (i.e. and grow bigger and bigger and bigger)!!!!  Just remember, decisions have consequences.  And guess who gets to make the decisions!!!!   Ouchy ouchy!  Does any of this stuff make any sense to ya? 

Here might be some good advice for 2013--Associate reverently, as much as you can, with your loftiest thoughts. ~Henry David Thoreau~  That Chrismas Evi-ish Service at The Rock which they did on Saturday and Sunday (i.e. they do 5 services) was very very good (i.e. my opinion--exceptional).  Here is the link if you would like to watch it.  http://therockofsouthwest.com/  Then click on most recent sermon.  To get to the link is very easy.  A very innovative and creative and spiritual service.  I would like to know what you think of it.

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

erv

MyFriendJean says--Dog tired tonight?  --  Mabye you growled all day.

Merry Christmas

Merry Christmas from our family to yours.  This morning we will be traveling to CO to spend Christmas with Heather, James, Erin and Easton a.k.a. Little Jimmer and then to AZ.  Later in January we will all get to gather in Waukee and have a full family get-to-gather.  Charlie and I made a jello Christmas tree.  Will make another one with Erin I'm sure (i.e. that is what grandpas doooooo)!.  I borrowed the mold from my neighbor/friend Lila who turned 83 yesterday.  Lila watches the temperature in our house when we are gone.  I put a thermometer in our window and give her our binoculars.  She checks it out each day with her one good eye.  She's our "oneeyedhousewatcher"!  The neighbors might think she's looking in their bedroom window but she really is just checking out the temperature in our house.  Really!  Erin wants to make "nut balls" with grandpa as he calls them.  I have always called them Dinko Balls as a kid.  They are coconut, nut balls dipped in chocolate (i.e. my Mom, Anna's, Chirstmas best).  Isn't that fun when those fun things are passed down from generation to generation.  Clark and I think sooooooo!  Such is life.

Saturday question--Are you oh soooooo juiced up for Christmas?  Children really get excited (i.e. it's like fantasyland to them).  Christmas touches us in sooooo many different ways.  It's different when you are 3 years old then when you are 67.  We all have different thoughts and situations.  Many families are steep in tradition.  We hope that Christmas touches all of our souls.  But remember, the dogs a.k.a merchants are howling!  Like I said, we are all touched in different ways.  ItchieBitchie says--Don't pretend you're something you're not this Christmas (i.e. don't be a DuaneTheWorm).  "Hey kids, look at the deer."  Talk about pretending--Ya, Arlene and I watched Chubby Chase's Christmas Vacation again.  I usually do every year.  It makes me laugh every year.  I think I see myself in some of Clark's ideas.  Could be.  SusieQ says--Folks always don't respond the way you expect and things don't work out the way you expect them tooooo.  Soooo get over it erv!  Because of the snow storm, we had to leave a day late to CO.  When Heather told Erin that we wouldn' get to ski with her on Saturday 'cause of the snow in IA.  Her response. "In that little car?"  Heather--"do you think they need a bigger car?"  Erin--" well we have a big car and it snowed here and we could drive. Maybe we should just drive over to Iowa and drive them to our house." Love her attitude.   

It's only money folks!  Only money!  MyBuddyLyle a.k.a. thesage told me that the presidential election cost over 2 billion dollars.  Wow!  He said people spent that much on Halloween this year.  What!  Soooooo how much will be spent on Christmas do you think?  God only knows!  There are many jewelry and whisky advertisements on TV this time of the year.  There must be a reason I bet.  MyBuddyLyle also told me that 20 billion dollars would take care of the homeless situation.  Americans spend 20 billion on Christmas decorations alone!  I wonder how much Americans spend on pets  (i.e. and how much for Christmas gifts for their pets)!  Maybe there are entitlements for pets; I can't keep up with all the entitlements.  Joesixpack says--The Christmas machine is well oiled and running great folks! I think erv, you are just trying to rub my nose in the dirt of the commericalism of Christmas.  I tell you what Joesixpack, I think you are trying to justify your commercial hubris of Christmas.  This is what BigPete a.k.a. pinkishPete a.k.a the Canuck says (i.e. printed with his permission)--erv, it is still the most amazing thing about the USA... and I spend the majority of my time and $ there, but for the current generation to simply discard the $20 trillion or so, do nothing about it because neither of the 2 choices will get elected if they raise the price of beer or other frills of life, by a few bucks to pay down this huge problem... is this rocket science. Trust me... beer drinkers will still pay a few bucks more.... I am a big time participant ha ha... and so will the smokers and the gas guzzler cars, and the expensive restaurant clientele. I'm a Conservative willing to pay for my vices, but you won't let me so your kids can end up in catastrophic monetary issues...
nothing personal.. just want to beat you bad at PBall now ha ha... and your Politicians even more!
pinkish pete  BigPete--I had to buy a new tooth brush container.  I had to buy a twin back at Dollar General.  One was purple and the other is pink.  I am using the pink one so I think of you "onesmartman".  And yes, you will probably kick my butt in pickle ball "Canadian Champ"!  I'm no virgin, I''m use to it.  If I have to get beat, I like to get beat by the best! 

I needed to buy something at Dollar General this morning. The gal ahead of me, who I know, bought about $30 worth of cat food in those little cans. She recently has had major life threatening surgery which has turned out very well she told me.  She told Coleen to put cat food in 2 bags as she is not suppose to lift anything more than 10 pounds. I asked if I could carry them out to the car for her--sure! She had a driver soooo I asked if I should put them in the back seat--sure. I opened the door and the back seat was full of groceries. I said--man you have a lot of groceries to which she replied--We just came from the food bank! I wanted to say--Get rid of that...cat if you have to get your food at the food bank but didn't.  IthchieBitchie says--erv, you don't get it; we live in America (i.e. home of entitlements).  Get over it.  Such is life.

Did you know that in many cultures around the world, the food staple is beans and rice?  It's quite nutritious, common and affordable. We stopped on the way to Waukee (i.e. a tough trip let me tell ya--I-35 was terrible) last night and ate at Jethro's BBQ (i.e. Bruce's favorite BBQ place).  We shared nachos but I had a side order of beans and rice.  I bet Jethro's make it different than most of the world does but it was still beans and rice.  Riley here says--After you have been having steak for a long time, beans beans taste fine! 

Ho ho ho!  I think this is a hilarious Christmas story.  When in Waukeee, Mabel and I went for a run one morning.  We started out down Broderick Dr. and headed south.  There was a young executive, maybe 35) out front of his house with his dogs (i.e. probably having them take a dump before he left for work).  He was all dressed up in his expensive light colored dress pants, a bright blue dress shirt and a very nice Christmas tie.  One dog was a massive huge dog and the other was a little yipper.  As we approached they started barking and tugging on their leeches.  When we got close he just couldn't hold his dogs and they pulled him to his knees.  He got up and had grass stains and dirt patches on his new dress pants.  Merry Christmas. 

Christmas is magical for kids.  It really is.  Sooooo much fun.  I got a hundred dollar bill broke into a couple of 50s at Wells Fargo in Waukee this week.  The teller told me that she has 2 grand boys.  One wanted a magic wand and a Lizard Action Figure.  Later he told her that he didn't need the lizard any more.  She asked how come.  Well, if I get the magic wand, I can make my own Lizard Action Figure.  Oh, the imagination of a child.  That's Christmas folks. 

Soooo what are you going to give everyone for Christmas?  You probably have already decided.  Here is an idea that might even fit in your budget.  I didn't come up with the idea but Paul suggested it to me. --  Paul mentions certain virtues that characterize the Christian life. Humility is the disposition not to seek prominence for oneself. A humble person allows others to take precedence and receive credit. Gentleness or meekness names the habitual disposition to be so focused on the common good as not to be distracted by anything personal. Moses was meek because he sought first and foremost the good of those he was leading. Patience is the strength that allows us to resist the pressures of the moment. In Greek it means being long-tempered, as opposed to short-tempered. Patience is calm forbearance. Bearing with one another in love is the disposition to put up with the irritating faults and annoying idiosyncrasies of those with whom you live. Virtues; or we could say, “fruit of the Spirit.” 

Some times during the Christmas time I look like a dog chasing a car; sometimes I look good and sometimes I look like I got run over!  I wonder what I will look like this year.  I already had one goof at this Christmas time but I had someone who covered for me and made me look good.  We sent some Christmas cards to some very special folks (i.e and some who don't get my blog).  ANYWAY I was in the library before we left when the the postmaster came in.  She said I mailed one card without a stamp and one I had a bad address.  She said--that's why you need to put on your return address on erv...but I recognized your hand writing!  Is that small town folks or what!  She's a special little elf!  Oh ya! 

I went to pay a bill before we left for CO.  The gal and her husband run a ma-pa operation.  I was paying the "ma" of the operation. I really like this gal.  She asked me to overlook her appearance as she stays with a friend every night who's husband was killed in an accident and she was just drained emotionally and physically (i.e. a priceless gift I think--the best kind of Christmas gifts).  Her love for her friend was touching to me regardless of not being all fixed up a.k.a. looking foxy).  Then I walked by "a gift and card shoppe".   The door was open as the UPS person was there delivering something.  Oh the smell of Christmas just spewed out of the door (i.e. literately the smell of candles and stuff).  I went in and told the owner that.  I said hi to a lady customer who was dressed very sharp (i.e. I mean very Christmas sharp--I mean perfect--beautiful--very foxy).  I didn't know her but what a difference in appearances.  Which one was the best?  I have no idea. 

We hope and pray that your Christmas might be Christ centered with your family and friends. 

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

Erv and Arlene

MyFriendJean says--Better to light one candle than to curse the darkness.

Got this from my ILattorneyFriendJohn--Received a Christmas CD and this song was on it. Had not heard it before but found it on You Tube. Hope you like it.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MHKJ1aWt1J4

Christmas is what it is to you

It's a good time of the year for lots of things. It's a good time to have born a new little grand son. Ya, BudBoyMellema was born to Chet and Jessica on December 11. His name is Henry James. We are very happy for them and Charlotte a.k.a by grandpa as Charlie. That's a pretty nice Christmas present. When it's your grandchild, it's way different than when it's your neighobors' grand kid now isn't it (i.e. it's been that way for ever folks). You understand. We are happy and excited.  

"Maybe Christmas", Joesixpack thought, "doesn't come from a store."  "Maybe Christmas... perhaps... means a little bit more!"  Sometimes it takes Joesixpack's heart a little longer to catch up folks!  I read in the Book while eating my oatmeal with a half a banana on it--The disciples said to one another, "What does he mean by saying, 'In a little while you will see me no more, and after a little while you will see me'...We don't understand what he is saying."  Some times we don't understand right away.  We need to become more mature.  ItchieBitchie says--I don't think we speak the same language!  Yabut ItchieBitchie, you're 70 and they are 17.  You didn't speak soooo mature when you were 17 I bet.  In fact there are days that you still don't sound soooooo mature (i.e. my opinion).

We all get in those "kicks" when we get all excited about something (e.g. like trying to be a massive huge giver at Christmas).  Many times those "kick times" don't last very long.  We retreat to our normal life.  It's much like getting on a diet crazy, an exercise crazy, a saving crazy etc (i.e. many don't last very long).  You understand probably what I'm talking about.  There are a lot of givers who give of their life all their life and not just at Christmas.  These are the big people (i.e. you and I both know such folks).  Little people give only at certain times to make themselves look bigger (i.e. you and I both know such folks).  This is just my opinion.  Big people have staying power.  Little people are about good for the day or a week. 

LeapenLena (i.e. who is on a whole another planet) says--Why buy stuff for folks they don't need, with money you don't have, to impress folks you don't like.  It might be called status!  MissPerfect says--It makes me feel good for a minute.  Da! That statement sorta kinda reminds me of something a friend told me recently.  He said he doesn't watch the news and doesn't read any newspapers.  Maybe he has an iPhone or looks on Yahoo.  That could be but I really don't know if he has any interest in the news.  I'm going to call him let him know that Christmas is coming!   I don't want him to miss it.  I bet he missed cyber Monday.  What do you think?  BigDogWally says--Anybody who's anybody buys into the Christmas buying trap!  I bet my friend doesn't buy into the Christmas buying trap (i.e. soooo does that make him a nobody).  Maybe but I don't think sooooo folks.  He just doesn't watch the news or read the paper!!!!  Maybe his wife tells him.  You think sooooo?!

I enjoy watching Big Ten Basketball this year.  I have learned that--If you don't score off the press, you'll see it some more!  It's a long day if you can't handle the pressure folks.  Big Ten looks tough this year.  Sooooo if you can't run with the big dogs, it will be a long year.  There will be no Christmas presents in this league this year folks.  Have you ever noticed that teams that are unselfish usually are much more successful and seem to have much more fun.  Teams that are made up of individuals who only think of themselves a.k.a DuaneTheWorms, usually have a hard time to be really successful (i.e. I love myself the most of anything).  I knowaguy who says--Maturity is when we are in a position to take the credit but decide to pass it on to someone else. That passing on the credit would be a pretty nice Christmas present I think.  My opinion.

I went to the HS basketball games the other night.  I sat with a friend who's son plays.  He told me that there are 43 boys playing bb this year and 33 boys wrestling.  Wow!  What's the deal.  The deal is the football staff encouraged all the boys to participate in a winter sport.  I emailed the head football coach and school board president telling them how impressed I was.  The head football coach said--We want our athletes to do something competitive in the winter.  The school board president said--Participation is the ultimate goal.  I wish I could take credit but they are just good people erv.

I have watched the Creighton Blue Jays play a couple games on TV recently.  I like to watch them mainly 'cause Greg McDermott plays on that team.  McDermott is a unique (i.e. my opinion).  I watched him play some at Ames HS (i.e. at the state tournament with Arlene and BruceMyRecruiterFriend) along with Harrison Barnes who went onto NC and is now a rookie with the Golden State Warriors.  McDermott was over shadowed by Barnes some what but he had something about him that really intrigues me--he always seems to be in the right spot at the right time.  I had a young man I coached in HS many years ago who had this quality too.  Sooooo is this a gift or a learned behavior?  What do you think?  McDermoit also works very hard, has ability and seems to have a great attitude (i.e. that is why I enjoy watching him).  He is now an All American. I know folks in life who always seem to be in the right spot at the right time.  Flip the pancake--I know folks who always seem to be in the wrong spot at the wrong time.  I know folks who seem to say the right things at the right time (i.e. folks who just seem to get it).  I know folks who seem to always say the wrong thing at the wrong time (i.e. always seem to be in a hornets' nest).  Is that a gift or is that learned.  CadillacJack says--Be careful with social media folks. You might think it's funny today but it will bit your butt in the future.  On facebook and in life, if you don't know, keep your mouth shut! 

GeorgeTheCrook says--It seems like some folks always have their life on cruise control!  We saw the movie Lincoln.  I was reminded once again that Lincoln was a great negotiator.  He used the right folks and did it at the right time.  Some folks are really great at this and others aren't.  It's very obvious.  Is this a gift or is this a learned behavior.  Joesixpack says--A lot of major money is made through good negotiating (i.e. open sesame).  Ya gotta know when to step back and when to go forward.  My Daddy, Chester, told me--You are a good negotiator when you really don't need something (i.e. that's not rocket science but just common sense folks).  If you really want something and let your emotions take over, you are not a good negotiator.  Basically that is what Christmas shopping is--my opinion.  You say, erv, you are tooooo conservative.  Maybe soooo and maybe not.  A very smart, young person told me recently--I know why you are conservative erv; it's 'cause you had to work and fight for everything in your life (i.e. wasn't born with a golden spoon in your mouth).  Maybe sooooo.  My mentor told me--erv, you will probably never change.  Maybe round the corners a little but not do a 180 degree turn.  Could be mentor. 

Suggestion--Pray for wisdom--pray for wisdom often.  It says in the Book that if you do, God will give it to us.  That is what it says.  God, help me make wise decisions.  Now that's the cat's meow folks--wise decisions.  I pray for opportunities, for the ability to recognize them and the courage to act on them.  I do.  My mentor use to tell me--I pray that the Holy Spirit may help me with my decisions each day.  Sooooo does He help you?  Every day. Now that is a true gift folks, a true gift.

My family always want to know what I want for Christmas.  Well, I have a gift wish for Christmas.  Oh ya.  I want a pair of gloves that I can wear when I ride bike or run when it's sorta kinda cold out.  I really don't need them but I would like them.  It makes me look better.  Soooo other folks don't look at me as I'm some old codger a.k.a a hayseed).  Ya know, I sorta kinda like being like a hayseed.  I do!  It's good for me to not forget where I came from. It reminds me that I'm not as important as I think I am (i.e. it humbles me).  I wear my Farm Mutual yellow ones now (i.e. they were free).  I rode the other day and they worked well.  But it would be nice to have some better looking ones.  Don't need them but sorta kinda want them.  My wish list is very limited and my needs are even less.  Such is life.

Remember our past (i.e. where we came from)!  Arlene grew up on a gladiola/grain farm by Wichert, IL and I grew up on a grain/livestock farm a mile and a fourth south of Roseland, MN.  We both had pretty humble existences.  We meet at good ol' Northwerstern College and were married after college on August 10, 1968.  About a week and a half later we were in Aplington starting our jobs and not knowing anyone.  We had college debt and $27 in our pockets. We lived in an upstairs furnished apartment for $65 a month (i.e. very modest).  My mom gave us a folding table and chairs as a wedding gift (i.e. that's all the furniture we owned).  This was a massive huge adjustment for Arlene.  She cried a lot the first year.  We lived there for a couple of years and then moved up to a duplex (i.e. $135 a month, bought some furniture and stuff). 

Then in 1974 we built a house (i.e. the same house we live in now).  It cost us $35,000 including the lot.  We had paid off our college debt and saved enough to put $17,000 down and took out a loan for $18,000 @ 7.5% interest for 20 years.  We paid it off in 1984.  When we came to Aplington, we were going to stay one year--that's been 44 years ago.  It's been a good life.  We have come a long way baby!!!  Now we winter in AZ.  We still live pretty modest compared to many but who would have ever thought!!!!  Not me for sure.  Such is life.

Here is some free Christmas advice from The Farm Bureau (i.e. I read it in the paper soooo it must be right)--The Christmas family get-to-gather is not the time to talk about "the succession of the family farm".  It doesn't always make the dessert taste "oh soooo goooood" if someone is getting the short end of the stick a.k.a. money.  If you know what I mean!  Such is life.

Oh a gift!  A gift is a gift.  Not a business transaction.  There are no strings attached (e.g. here is your Christmas money but you can only buy clothes with it--here is your Christmas gift but where is mine).  Here is a donation but I want my name on it or my picture in the paper (i.e. that is advertising).  Jesus is a true gift folks.  No strings attached.  That is what Christmas is. 

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

erv

MyFriendJean says--Do you see difficulties in every opportunity or opportunities in every difficulty.

P.S.  Just got a note from my Canadian friend BigPete, who I play pickle ball with in AZ about the Fiscial Cliff-- just don't raise the price of beer or cigarettes... that wouldbe terrible? !2 Heinies in Canada $24.. in US $10.. hmmmm. oh weel the grandkids will take care of it...

what I think

Fa la la la la, la la la la!  What I think is -- If you want to sing a Christmas song with your silky voice, I bet you'll find a song! T's a good time of the year for that!  Oh ya!

I tell you what I think and you tell me what you think and someone else thinks differently than both of us.  As the world turns (i.e. is that still on TV) .  Once the Jewish Rabbis would tell the people what they had to think and the people accepted that.  Dictators do that tooooo!  In our world today, everyone, it seems, knows as much or more than any governmental leader.  We all think we know everything and we many times think we know all the answers.  I must admit, I think many folks do know more than the government leaders (it seems soooo elementary).  What's going on here anyway!  MyFriendJean says--It's the green eyed monster, that's what it is I think!  Ya, money sometimes just sorta kinda bleeds through all right.  I like democracy though!  I have a democracy question--If 51% of the folks vote for a $5,000 Government Christmas present for everyone, the government has to pay it don't they (i.e. majority rules).  Soooo how do they pay it if the government doesn't have any money?  Why didn't I catch on soooooner--they borrow it from China!  Da! You would think China will catch on pretty soooooon, wouldn'tcha!

I say a lot, "It's all about the money"!  A couple of Sundays ago, our pastor was talking about money and all of a sudden we thought a guy in our congregation fell over dead.  Well, I think the money talk did that to that guy.  They hauled him out in the ambulance.  He's okay.  That is what money talk will do to a guy!  And I don't even think our pastor got to his real punch lines yet!  Such is life.

Soooo how many "I'm sorrys" can you take before you have had enough?  I'm sorry, I didn't mean to do it, I'm sorry, I forgot, I'm sorry, I should have done it differently; I'm sorry, I should have thought of the consequences before reacting; I'm sorry, I didn't think of you but was only thinking of myself, I'm sorry, I should have gotten back to you earlier, I'm sorry, I wasn't thinking?  I think enough is enough.  Well I think it's time to move on.  What do you think?  LuckieEddie says--What I think is that it's not really that important.  Soooo they bothered you a little.  Get over it.  Rub some mud on it!  Buck up! Come on erv, you're bigger than that!

What I think and what you think might not be the same.  We might think differently.  I think that is a possibility.  What do you think?  I talked to a friend about church growth recently (i.e. he's had experience in this field and is creditable).  He thinks there are common denominators in all churches that grow (i.e. spiritually and number wise).  I talked to another expert in this area and his thinking is the same.  I think I agree with them.  It really doesn't take a rocket scientist to figure that out.  I also read recently--To Epictetus (i.e. 55 to 135 AD), "All external events are determined by fate, and are thus beyond our control; we should accept whatever happens calmly and dispassionately. However, individuals are responsible for their own actions, which they can examine and control through rigorous self-discipline."  I don't know about everything is determined by fate, but I do think that if we accept stuff out of our control calmly and dispassionately we seem to be better off.  What do you think?

Have you ever thought your thinking was right only to find out that you were just thinking your thinking was right.  Here is a cowboy yarn told at a camp fire about Buck--Buck once had a pet grizzly bear, almost as tall as a horse and better to ride because it could cover country a horse couldn't touch.  This bear had only one ear and a bad temper.  Once as Buck was riding his grizzly through the rimrock he met another bear, even larger.  The two lit into each other with bloodcurdling roars.  Buck was under them, over them, on both sides.  Finally they stopped to rest for another round, but Buck decided enough was plenty.  He leaped aboard, dug his spurs straight in, and away he went with the other grizzly in hot pursuit.  Scared stiff, Buck grabbed his mount's ears and hung on for dear life.  It wasn't until he had gone eight or ten mils that he realized he had an ear in each and...There the story ends.

ItchieBitchie says--I wonder sometimes how some people have the money to do what they do (i.e. magic carpet ride). You ever ask that?  I'm not jealous of them but just wonder how they do it.  They must have some "cashcow" that I'm not aware of (e.g. a secret inheritance or something or they just manage their money better than some).  I think some do have a source of income that I'm not aware of (e.g. parents giving them money or something).  More power to them.  MissPerfect says--Did you know millions of Americans live with debt they cannot control?  That's why I developed this unique new program for managing your debt:  It's called "Don't buy stuff you cannot afford."  My Uncle George always told me--erv, it isn't what you make, it's what you save.  Sooooo Uncle George (i.e. he has passed away many years ago) should I spend now or continue to save?  My mentor use to tell me--If you have been a saver all your life, it's hard to change.  Sooooo I suppose if you flip the pancake, if you have been a spender all your life, it's hard to become a saver!  Such is life.

I read it in the paper soooo it must be right, DuaneTheWorm--A man's character is like a fence. It cannot be strengthened by whitewash.  GeorgeTheCrook says--It's not important to me.  What's not important to you GeorgeThe Crook?  The Biblical meaning of Christmas.  Why isn't it?  It just ain't!  That's all, it just ain't!  Really!  Maybe, just maybe GeorgeTheCrook, you will get knocked off your pedestal (i.e. humbled big time) and then the Biblical meaning of Christmas might be important to you. Maybe and maybe not.  Maybe you are one big loggerhead.  But then again, even the biggest loggerheads can get dinged enough sooooo they can see things differently (i.e. ask Paul).  Thomas a.k.a. Didymus said--Unless I see...and put...I will not believe.  Maybe age has a factor in our decisions.  You think sooooo?  Brent Bielema said--"After receiving a scholarship, I celebrated by getting a Hawkeye tattoo on my calf.  It's a great idea when you're 19!

I think that not everyone thinks like you (i.e. some just blow stuff off). Have you ever did something 'cause you think others will react the way you usually react (i.e. I mean you adjust your actions 'cause you don't want others to react the way you would react).  In reality, they might not react the way you would react (e.g. MissPerfect says--Like buying someone a more expensive gift instead of what you really want to buy them and what you can afford 'cause if you would receive the less expensive gift you would think negative of that person).  MissPerfect spends hours and mega bucks to buy just the right present for her friend Joesixpack but in reality, Joesixpack didn't really like it anyway; he'd rather have a 6 pack.  All that work and time and money and he would rather just have a 6 pack.  Such is life.

You can run through 27,000 scenarios but reality is reality folks.  And reality is Jesus Christ is King of kings, Lord of lords and he will reign forever and forever.  That's a door slammer folks!  Saturday question--What side of Christmas do you live on?

I really like some folks.  I did business with some folks recently.  Why?  "Cause I like them!  They aren't maybe the best business folks and maybe aren't the neatest but I like them.  Why do I like them?  They are honest and straight forward and give me good service at a fair price.  A friend who I meant in AZ told me that he does business with a farm implement company not because they have the best product or maybe the best price but 'cause he likes the guy.  Huh, interesting.  I recently got a call from a college friend of many many years ago.  We are going to meet them in AZ this winter.  It was soooo good to hear from her.  Her and her husband are sooooo nice.  We just like them.  Always have.  That is what I think folks.  These folks are big, triple XXL big!  Hey, not big in physical size--I wanted to make sure you understood that.  I hear that the new "F" word is not politically correct to use (i.e. the new "F" word pertaining to physical size--didn't want you to get the two "F"words confused; the old "F" word is more acceptable and politically correct than the new "F" word). 

What I think is that some Christmas lights and decorations are classy and some aren't.  Sooo which ones are classy and which ones are tacky  Classy is in the eye of the beholder.  ChristmasJingles says--Some lights and decorations just fit my eye better than others.  We were coming home from the Cedar Valley the other night and went by this large farm house that has a light (i.e. like a candle) in every window (i.e. what I think is that these lights are classy folks).  They have done this for years.  But the house was dark and my emotions where such that these classy lights touched me.  I sent an email to the folks--We just went by your place. It made me think of home on the farm a mile and a fourth south of Rosland as a kid. I thought of Mom and Daddy and my sisters. It was such a good feeling. It made me feel like old time Christmas. Thanksamillion.

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

erv

MyFriendJean says--Well what I think is that real friends are those who, when you've made a fool of yourself, don't feel that you've done a permanent job.

it's all how you look at it

SusieQ says-- Beat the Christmas rush, come to church this Sunday!

It's all how you look at it.  Not everyone understands it the same.  I read this in the Book while eating my oatmeal with a half a banana on it:  Many of them said, "He is demon-possessed and raving mad.  Why listen to him."  ItchieBitchie says--Well, the truth of the matter is that everything is a matter of perception. Your 'howyoulookatit" might determine your outcome!

A couple weeks ago, I and a friend were the first to the Growth Group after the Sunday service.  I asked her how she was doing health wise as she has had a massive huge concern in the past.  She told me she is doing really well.  I told her I was very happy for her.  She said--I have a very good life.  Attitude--It's all how you look at it maybe.  You think soooooo.

A friend said to me recently--being a millionaire is no big deal anymore (i.e. he is a multi millionaire).  Ya own 80 acres of good Iowa ground @ $13,000 an acre and bingo, you're a millionaire.  If you own 600 acres of good Iowa ground @ $13,000 an acre, what does that make you.  Da!  Those folks have sooooo much money that they drive space ships!  But my friend, very few of the general population own the ground and very few marry folks that do and very few inherit the ground.  Soooo for most folks, being a millionaire is a difficult thing to do (i.e. it is a big deal).  It's all how you look at it my friend.  I realize that there are some who are laying in the weeds waiting for their parents to die soooo they will become instant millionaires--bingo! But if you are making the average family income in Iowa of a little over $47,000, being a millionaire is a big deal.  Again, it's all how you look at it.  Money can't buy happiness goes the old adage, but if it could, my friend would be on cloud nine!!!  Another old adage I read in the paper (i.e. so it must be right) says--Very rich a.k.a. haymakers) do not become very rich by getting into diversified mutual funds or investing in an ETF or investing in the S and P Index Fund but...!  SusieQ says--Of course being rich is all how you look at it (i.e. a state of mind).  This friend who made the statement had 5 siblings and was raised on a 160 acre farm.  After high school he worked for a farmer for $2 an hour.  He was lucky or made some good decisions or both.  Such is life.

It's all how you look at it.  I talked to a friend recently asking his advice about converting our stocks to cash.  He said--Ya gotta do what you think is right.  It might be right and it might be wrong.  Will there be a "market riot"?  Years ago I would ask Jim (i.e. a broker on the NY Stock Exchange) what the market was going to do.  He always said--It's going to go up or it's going to go down!  ANYWAY my friend said he bought some farm ground maybe 15 years ago.  He said he just felt terrible and his stomach hurt for a couple of weeks.  He said--I paid toooo much for it (i.e. maybe $2,000 and acre or soooo).  Now it's worth $10,000 to $15,000 an acre.  He said, there was another farm that came up for sale next to me.  I thought he was asking toooo much (i.e. they wanted $2,800 and acre for it).  If I would have only known.  Well folks, I gotta do what I gotta do in trying to keep Arlene in purses and shoes.  Got any suggestions?  Such is life.

MissPerfect says--Young folks seem to look at our current financial problem different than older folks I think.  Do you think that is true?  I don't know if they really know how serious this current situation is.  Maybe it isn't that serious to them.  Maybe.  Most young folks only know--spend more and worry about it tomorrow.  Where did they get that mentality from anyway!?!.  It appears that this attitude is very contagious.  My Daddy, Chester, use to tell me--Interest is something you get, not something you pay out.  The only time he would suggest to borrow is on anything that appreciates.  Never on anything that depreciates. SusieQ says--That's not American anymore; get with it erv!

Saturday question--What's the difference between being pro-active and re-active?  It's all how you look at it folks.  I talked to Doris (i.e. my kid sister) this week. It was her birthday about a week ago and I forgot to call her. She told me that the Majority leader of the MI Senate was their SS leader last Sunday. He said the Republics will need to re-package what they believe in order to be get elected (i.e.not change what they are but just repackage their presentation). He said our churches will probably have to do the same.  CadillacJack says--The foolish double down--do more of what isn't working, escape into various bad habits and addictions, hope for the best!

Lucky us!  We have a model for the perils of perpetual can-kicking and it's the debacle that is the eurozone.  If the governmental decision is to do what they did the last 4 years, why would we expect different results (i.e. obviously many folks like the last 4 years).  My "hopefulthinking" is that they will get it figured out but I'm not being over confident by looking at their past.  I expect some more cameo performances.  ItchieBitche says--It looks like a rerun, de ja vu all over again, ditto!  I had to check the calendar to make sure it wasn't Groundhog Day!  It just leaves me in limbo!  Put a band aid on it and we will look at it in 4 years!  Kick the can down the street.  Or a grand bargain.  When it's all said and done--It will be all how you look at it.  How you look at it by the way it affects your pocketbook.  It's all about the money folks.  ItchieBitchie says-I give up hope that things will go the way I want them.  When I accept this and live with reality, life changes.  Think about that folks.  Such is life.

Call me crazy, but I'm guessing that if it really really really gets bad enough, something will happen!  Da!  The question is--Is it bad enough yet?  Example--Our drain in one of our bathrooms is slow.  I'm sure the soap, hair etc has narrowed the passage through the goose neck.  It has been this way for a couple of weeks.  I haven't attempted to clean it.  It still works sorta kinda but is just slower.  Some morning it won't work.  Then I will have to clean it.  Such is life.

I had breakfast with some guys the other morning.  A young guy (i.e. age 23) just got his bill on his college debt.  It was $19,000 (i.e. that sounds like a fist full of dollar to me) and he has to pay $300+ a month until paid off.  That is a lot or isn't a lot?  It all depends on how you look at it.  He said that he knows of others who have $100,000 debt (i.e. that sounds like 2 fists full of  dollars to me).  They borrowed money to live highonthehog (i.e. bought a lot of beer and pizza).  GeorgeTheCrook says--Don't need to worry, the government will bail them out (i.e.maybe some day they won't).  Such is life. 

I talked to an ol' golf buddy Dave who I met in AZ who's home is in Sioux Falls. He has some form of incurrable lung cancer. This guy has such a good attitude about life. He told me that his illness has limited him in what he can do but has let him read more. He has read a lot about "thegraceofGod". Basically he said--It's all how you look at it! Such is life.

A80yearoldfriend says--When Revelations was written, John and God understood it; now only God does!  That's sorta kinda like what Lee Trevino said about getting hit by lightning on a golf course--Hold your 2 iron high over your head, God can't even hit a 2 iron!  I guess it's all how you look at it folks.

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

erv

MyFriendJean says--To find yourself requires that you take time to look; it is essential if you want to be real to the core.