bait

I have toooooo admit that I don’t know much.  I am really confused at times. I want to understand things but just don’t.  If any of you have everything figured out, you are really something (i.e. you are super folks).  I am not such a person. I’m just a little old farm boy from a mile and fourth south of Roseland, MN trying to make sense of this life on this earth.

What is your philosophy on the philosophy of epistemology?  It is about “what kind of thing one knows when one knows when one knows that something is the case.” It’s called the theory of knowledge. Hey, it was started with the ancient Greeks and have been discussed ever sense.  I think it’s an interesting philosophy.  If you have any interest, research it.  Valedictorian probably has it figured out.  I bet he does.  I asked threesmartfolks their opinions about epistemology.    

 #1 erv, are you wondering what epistemology means? basically it means, once you know what is the basis of one's belief, you should be able to understand that person's actions. plato believed in the reality of absolutes whereas aristotle  believed in specific instances. for some, the desire for material things can lead to greed; a christian's source of knowledge should be God's revelation in Jesus, the Christ. and so on.  i hope that is what you meant.

#2 Knowledge is usually more important than opinion but knowledge can profoundly affect what one thinks, strengthening its veracity. 😁

#3 I think it's crucial as a baseline for rational thought and to understand logic and philosophy in general. But much like philosophy itself, it's significance has and continues to diminish in the scientific age. It's much less interesting to continuously ponder "what is knowledge?" when we often know thanks to the rigors of the scientific approach.

GeniusBen says--If you let your learning lead to knowledge, you become a fool. If you let your learning lead to action, you become wealthy. GeniusBen, sooooo are you saying knowledge is great but if you can’t use it (i.e. apply it), it’s useless?  Another question GeniusBen, “becoming wealthy”, what does that mean? Are you talking financial wealth or being physiological wealthy or mentally wealthy or spiritually wealth or all? I want some knowledge here!

I’m being very real here folks.  I struggle with what I think is knowledge.  What I think is knowledge, others might not (i.e. it’s more than what others think, it’s what they think they know for sure).  Just because I think something is the truth and is knowledge, it might not be or vice versa.  Should I proselytize what I think is knowledge?  I do. I don’t know if anyone pays any attention to me.  There are others proselytizing the opposite of what I think knowledge is.  I will continue to evangelize.

I read in the paper (i.e. sooooo it must be right) that there is a new phrase for folks, who in their opinion, are absolutely correct and try to shame others to believe the same way.  It’s called “virtue signaling.”  It is an attempt to collectively influencing others by displaying their moral superiority in order to solicit their approval.  ItchieBitchie says—It’s pretty crazy and hypercritical when a person thinks they are absolutely always correct (e.g. a person is not a sinner).

I read in this in the paper soooo it must be right! DennyBenny says—There is a distinction between three types of opinions.  There are the social and personal biases (i.e. chocolate ice cream might be preferred over vanilla). There are scientific opinions which are generally created by research or the conclusion of mathematical manipulation. Then there are opinions that might be religious (i.e. I have never seen an angel, you have never seen an angel, but I believe angels exist). Saturday question—Are any opinions knowledge?

Certain products are “fixed priced” (i.e. meaning that the price cannot be negotiated and is the same where ever you go).  There is no baiting.  It appears that if the product is very popular and in demand, companies can demand a “fixed price” on their product (e.g. iPhone).  Onesmartperson in sales, says—Sometimes some products have such a low profit margin that they can’t sell them for a lower price to make any profit. 

Some things we can just change; they are not fixed; we just change things to fit our situation.  In our golf group on Wednesdays, our fearless leader makes the handicaps, sets up the lineups, is the giver of putts (i.e. does pretty much everything).  He is a great promoter and organizer and we appreciate him.  We really do have a good time.  I had to laugh last Wednesday as his new rule is that you can’t have a higher score than a double bogey (i.e. I think he wants everyone to like him ha ha or did he have a triple bogey?! ha ha).  ANYWAY, I watched a little of the U.S. Open and Justin Day took a triple bogey and they put the score down as a triple bogey.  Justin needs to play with us!  ha ha  Next week, no score higher than a bogey!

If you want folks to like you, you buy them ice cream at the local bar on a hot Saturday afternoon.  I scream, you scream, we all scream for ice cream! When I asked Rookie and Charlie if they wanted ice cream, they took the bait!  They are easily manipulated. Don’t kid yourself. But ice cream in a bar! What a hoot. Such is life.

Advertising manipulates us all the time (i.e. baits us): “Buy this product, or you’ll miss out on life!” or “You’d be a fool not to take advantage of this sale!” Soooo why do they put a truck up on his mound of dirt at Hwy 57 Auto?  There has to be a reason!  I think I have it figured out.  And you know what? It usually works.  Some suckers are easier to bait than others.  No question.  And certain bait works better.  They pay big money to folks to know what bait works the best.  It’s all about the money folks.  Don‘t kid yourself. MuscleManEgo says—Yabut, I just have to have that truck; it fits my ego just perfect!  Such is life.

I rode in my golf buddy’s new cart last Wednesday.  He told me his story; very interesting (i.e. we all have a story and many are very interesting).  ANYWAY he has 8 siblings.  I asked him if you all get along.  Ya, pretty much; a couple of them don’t hold up their end as well as they should; our parents are 89 and 91. We were all raised to not be leaners but doers! 

A friend has a back problem.  His chiropractor said for every 10 pounds of “Budweiser pouch” up front, it puts 100 pounds of stress on a person’s back.  Holy cow, some folks’ backs have a lot of stress!  Chiropractors love those “Budweiser pouches”; it’s very good for business (i.e. a regular cash cow)!  Many folks don’t seem to take the bait and get rid of those “Budweiser pouches.”  They would rather drink their Budweiser and have back problems.  Crazy! Such is life.

MissPerfect says--One thing I have noticed is that most of us are convinced but not committed. We know that exercise is good for us. We are convinced of that, but that doesn’t mean we are committed to exercise. NoDisciplinePete says—I would rather sit on the couch and eat chips and drink Budweiser! 

The 10/10/10 test is this: Ask yourself how you will feel about your decision 10 minutes from now, 10 months from now and 10 years from now.  AmyOdd says—Don’t always take the bait sooooo fast; you might regret it later.  Ouchy ouchy!

He took the bait!  A friend was telling a small group of us WHO folks that he became isolated and obnoxious during the time he went through his divorce.  At work one day, a  gal about 20 years older than him said to him—what the hell is wrong with you.  He said he changed.  TomTerrific says--Change is sooooo hard. My friend caught two breaks—one, that the gal said that to him and the second was when he, for some reason, recognized who he was, and figured it out.  I like this guy!  He has a good heart and really tries hard to help folks.  He has been very real to me.  He is a good person. "The measure of intelligence is the ability to change." - Albert Einstein

The other day my laptop went black.  I thought the battery was dead; no no, I charged it and nutten!  Now what. I contacted Wizard.  He suggested I try to take the battery out, let it sit for 5 minutes and put it back in.  Bingo! Now folks that is a tip of the day (i.e. knowledge). It is really good to be around smart folks.  ANYWAY he also passed on this knowledge about choices (i.e. or is it just an opinion).  MarvelousBetty asks—How can I tell?

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

erv

MyFriendJean says—The best thing to do behind a person’s back is pat it.

P.S. If you plan on being anything less than you are capable of being, you will probably be unhappy all the days of your life.

If you're having trouble reaching your goals fast enough you might want to make a list of what you will and will not sacrifice.­... Decide what is most important to you.

holy guacamole

You probably will like what I write or you won’t like what I write in this "It's Saturday" (i.e. one or the other).  It’s like a friend told me—There is no such thing as a sick sheep; they are either alive or they are dead!  GeorgeTheCrook says--Yabut erv, I think you are just saying that to “shift the focus.”  GeorgeTheCrook, shifting the focus from what?  I have no idea but you seem to know what I’m trying to shift the focus from.  You seem to know more about me than I do. You are trying to create "fake news." Holy guacamole! 

AverageJoe says--Diamonds and gold are what it takes to win a gal over; For a guy, it’s more like sex and food!  Holy guacamole!  Really folks, that formula isn’t that hard to figure out; it’s pretty black and white; it's been around forever.  MissPerfect says—Some way and at some time, it’s all about the money; don’t kid yourself; money is universally understood: a great motivator and leverage.  Such is life. 

On his deathbed, a wealthy man gathered his priest, his accountant, and his lawyer together. He had spent his life amassing a fortune and he couldn’t stand the thought of being parted with it. He made each of them swear to withdraw 1/3 of his money and sneak it into his coffin at his funeral so that he would be buried with it. He died soon after. Following the funeral, the three men were walking back to their vehicles and begin talking to each other about the deceased man’s odd request. The priest said “Forgive me, for I have sinned. I withheld 10% of my portion of his fortune from his coffin so that I could help the poor.” The accountant said “I too have not followed his instructions exactly. I withheld 20% of my portion of his fortune as compensation for my services.” The lawyer said “Shame on you both! I followed his instructions perfectly: I left a check for my full portion in his coffin.”

ItchieBitchie says—When things are going well I don’t’ change anything; I don’t shave, brush my teeth or change my underwear!  I just go with it.  I have noticed ItchieBitchie that you do all three of those things all the time!  ha ha  Holy guacamole!

Have you ever experienced an ambush (i.e. or it felt like an ambush anyway)?  I washed our windows and lol.  I was reminiscing about a year ago when I was part of our WHO (i.e. we help others—a group from our church) that helps others. We went and washed a super-senior’s windows in his house.  I was washing away and Don came and talked to me.  He told me that the windows haven’t been washed since Lucy died; that was 6 years ago; Lucy liked to wash windows and did it every Saturday. He said he doesn’t like washing windows.  Soooo I was finishing up on the outside porch windows when a couple ladies of your group, who were washing the inside, came out and told me I left some streaks.  Really!  Soooo I went around to the other side of the house and they came out and redid them.  I LOL!  Holy guacamole, they seemed pretty particular after 6 years of the windows not being washed.  Arlene and I went had a visit with old Don (i.e. 91) and told him the story.  We had a good laugh together.  Thanksamillion ladies for making the story and for making us laugh. You are special.  But your poor husbands!  ha ha

Soooo I have gone to church with this lady for 40+ years.  We have known each other and talked to each other but I really didn’t really know her.  Crazy!  ANYWAY, she and I are in a support group together and we got to know each other.  She is sorta kinda what I thought she was but much different than I thought as well (i.e. I enjoy her much more than I did before; she makes me laugh; she is also very real). Holy guacamole!

Odds are stacked against us to live forever on this earth (i.e. the cards are stacked against us).  As much as we try to improve our odds, at some point the unstoppable/inevitable event will happen.  Soooo when the gonger gongs, then what do you think will happen?  Some NBA teams are stacked with talent much more than others (i.e. Golden State really is stacked—odds were in their favor—no question).  Jeff Van Gundy says Durant is ungardable.  He is that good. I think I could coach that team to a championship.  I have friends (i.e. you guys) who are ungardable.  You are that good.  You know who you are.  Yes you do.  I have a stacked team.  Yes I do.  I can’t lose. WorldClassLarry says—It is special to have ungardable friends.  You guys make the odds more favorable for me. 

HumbleBuck says--Soooo if you are going to wait for when the odds are stacked in your favor, you might not ever get anything done. Ouchy ouchy! Every day God gives you little opportunities to show kindness to people around you. As he does, he’s watching to see if you’re going to be self-centered or if you’ll notice the people who need a word of encouragement or a pat on the back or an errand done for them or some other practical means of help. Sooooo when is the best time to do it—NOW.  Take Nike’s approach—Just do it!  SusieQ’s idea is--Be a friend to people who need a friend. Help lonely people. That’s an effective antidote for loneliness.

The Zenker sent me this (i.e. he’s an old classmate of Danube High (i.e. class of 63).  He is a retired beet farmer.  Soooooo really folks, what are the odds of a retired beet farmer from Oliva, MN getting killed by terrorism?  I think his odds are greater that he drowns by falling out of his big boat by his lake home or slips on the dock.  Don’t kid yourself folks, he might have done a lot of complaining but those beets have done him well!! He might have more money than you can chase a stick at!  Holy guacamole! Odds are not very good in accomplishing some things folks but folks still do them (i.e. crazy to me).  I read in the paper (i.e. soooo it must be right)--Powerball players have only a slightly better chance of winning $100 than dying in a car accident. Such is life.

Holy guacamole! My Dad, Chester, back on the farm when I was a kid, use to laugh at our neighbor.  He was a college grad in agriculture from the University of Minnesota.  He didn’t do anything until the soil temperature was a certain degree (i.e. just perfect).  His crops were always behind everyone’s and his yield were always very poor.  He was educated (i.e. did it by the book) but it didn’t seem to work very well.  Such is life.

If you could kick the posterior of the person who has hurt you the most, ...you wouldn’t be able to sit down for six weeks. ~John Hagee~ Holy guacamole! 

I asked an acquaintance about her siblings.  She said one sister is a body waxer.  Soooo what does a body waxer do.  They remove unwanted hair from a person’s body.  Holy guacamole, that has to hurt.  Yes it does.  She makes big money doing it (i.e. many folks want to remove body hair and will pay big bucks to have it done). I guess some women don’t like mustaches or goatee or…! I have no idea folks, no idea what hair some folks want removed.  Probably really don’t want to know!!!!!

The other day I was going to stop and see an acquaintance.  I drove into his parking lot and said to myself—he doesn’t want to see me (i.e. he’s going through a tough situation).  Sooooo I turned around and started out.  Then I said to myself—this is an opportunity; it might be a “once in a life time” soooo I turned around and went in and visited with him.  I’m sure happy I did.  Have you ever got cold feet?  This person told me he just emailed me and then did explain his situation.  I asked him if I could do anything for him and wished him the best.  He shook my hand and I left.  I read the email in the car.  I am sharing it with his permission--Erv, Thank you for your concern, its something Im not accustomed to so it is pretty strange for me. As for how I am doing health wise, nothing has changed. The treatments I was undergoing were extremely painful and I could not handle them so I escaped from the hospital after 2 days. At this point I do not know what the future holds for me, everyone I know is disappointed in me leaving, but at the same time not a single one of those people even showed any concern about me being in the hospital to begin with.  ~  Right now I am focusing on something Ive never had before and that is happiness. Id rather live a short life and enjoy it, than a long life spent in misery and pain surrounded by doctors. I believe that the "problem" in my brain may in fact be the key to why I am capable of doing the things I can do, and understanding things without really learning them.  ~  I have a positive outlook on the situation because if 600 amps of electricity couldn't kill me a little cancer doesn't stand a chance.  ~  Some people may think that I am rolling over and letting the disease win and going out with a whimper, but I've still got plans, and Ive still got art and knowledge in my head that is destined to help mankind. When my time comes, I don't plan on just making a name for myself and being a warm memory for those I loved. I plan on leaving a dent in the universe and casting a shadow on the sun.  ~  Take Care, Joshua

It’s Father’s Day—I can only remember two times that my Father, Chester, really had major concern for me (i.e. and I messed one of them up).  The first was when I was maybe 12.  I went for a horseback ride on Queen with a neighbor boy, Eldon.  We went to the county line dredge ditch (i.e. county line of Renville and Kandiyohi counties).  It was an old dredge ditch that had mature trees (i.e. a great place to ride horse and pretend).  Around Roseland, MN there were ditches dredged to drain the land as it is flat.  ANYWAY, it was about 2 miles from our home and I got back when it was pretty dark.  My Dad was quite concerned about me.  The second was when I was going to college.  I had my suitcase and a cardboard box of stuff sitting at the end of our walk waiting for my ride.  Dad was sitting on the stoop and asked me to sit by him.  He told me he was going to die (i.e. he had severe heart problems).  I got quite upset and emotional with him and told him not to talk that way.  He showed his concern but I really didn’t let him.  I was toooo immature.  My ride came and he died about 2 weeks later.  Ouchy ouchy!

A golf buddy/friend (i.e. who has great hip rotation when he hits the ball) told me on the 6^th tee box last week that he had a prostrate biopsy done.  The doctor told him it would be like a bee sting.  They put him in these stirrups and he grabbed his buttocks with both hands as it hurt really bad.  Holy guacamole! He told the doctor that he is a framer and have been stung by bees on the farm; no bee stings like that!  Ouchy ouchy.

CrazyMarvin got himself in a pickle and it looked bad sooooo he said--Lordy, I know I haven’t talked to you in a long time, but I sure need your help now. Soooooo if you’re listening, please get me out of this—quick! Holy guacamole!

CadillacJack says--Four college grads are together at a fast food restaurant, marveling at a new gadget. The science grad asks 'Why does it work?' The engineering grad asks 'How does it work?' The business grad asks 'How is it marketed?' The liberal arts grad asks 'Do you want fries with that? A verysmartperson told me that folks don’t always do things for money!  I agree but folks need to understand that going into their situation.  AverageJoe says—Don’t be naive!  If you understand that, then you are ok.  BUT don’t complain later.  Don’t be envious later. Ok?  I read this while eating my oatmeal with half a banana on it--To enjoy life to the fullest, we need activities that recharge our emotions. We need activities that literally re-create us. Since God made each of us different, we all have different ways that he does that in our lives.

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

erv

MyFriendJean says—The largest room in the world is the room for improvement.

P.S. The story you tell yourself becomes your reality.

aspire inspire expire

I’m not saying any of you folks are radicals or fanatics.  No no, I just think maybe some of you are far far away in la la land (i.e. suffer from myopia)! OR if you are not, then I’m the silly one.  Now that could be.  ItchieBitchie says—It is sooooo hard to self-evaluate ourselves (i.e. our judgment is skewed sometimes and we don’t even know it). Such is life.

If we can get a completely independent, honest evaluation of our self and listen to it and make adjustments as suggested, well folks, we can really improve our lives.  The physical therapist gave me some exercises to do to help heal my hamstring.  They seem pretty easy but I did them.  The next morning, I could tell I did them.  I think they really help. He knows what he was doing (i.e. not his first rodeo).  Sooooo many times we think we know more than the expert!  A friend told me that many folks won’t do the exercises at home but only at pt.  What! 

DuaneTheWorm (i.e. a real pseudo-person) a.k.a. ShowPony aspires to self-glorify himself to the highest level (i.e. he is very self-centered and he loves himself to the highest degree).  He really doesn’t give a rat’s behind about anyone else except himself.  He will inspire some folks to be like him (i.e. other self-glorifiers).  Every person has some followers.  MissPerfect says—Birds of a feather flock together! And someday DuaneTheWorm will expire.  I would guess there will be some boiler plate religious stuff by the pastor but most of it will be the same self-glorification (i.e. how great he was).  My mentor would say to me—Folks get a lot better when they are dead. Then they will put him in the box and it’s done with that.  Abraham Lincoln said—You can fool all the people some of the time, and some of the people all the time, but you cannot fool all the people all the time.

Mr.MoneyMustache says--A stock broker was opening the door of his BMW when a car came along and hit the door, ripping it off completely. When the police arrived on scene, the broker complained bitterly about the damage to his car. “Officer, look what they’ve done to my Bimmer!” “You stock brokers are so materialistic, it’s ridiculous” retorted the officer. “You’re so worried about your stupid BMW, you didn’t even notice that your left arm was ripped off.” “Oh, my!” screamed the broker, noticing the bloody stump where his arm used to be. “My Rolex!”

Mrs.HasalotofStuff says--An object in possession seldom retains the charm it had in pursuit.

I picked up a pizza at Casey’s the other night.  It was a cold rainy night.  I saw Sammy and said—Great night for pizza--we’re going home and make our own—I might be over; that sounds really good; I haven’t had homemade pizza for ever—we haven’t made it for a long time but every Sunday night we go to my parents and have homemade pizza—I bet your mom makes it just the way you like it—no no they make it the way they like it and we eat it or we don’t!  She made me laugh. Some day she will be probably just like her mom (i.e. like the Geico commercial where the gal says she is more like her dad all the time—soooooo funny—it makes me lol every time I see it. 

Some old coot has this on his golf cart.  Oscar Wilde quipped, “I can resist anything except temptation.”  Oxymorons--faith unfaithful kept him falsely true--the same difference--cruel kindness-- to make haste slowly-- a fine mess-- a little big--- accidentally on purpose--accurate rumors--arrogant humility!  Heather, James, Erin and Jimmer came from CO and spend a couple of days over the Memorial Day weekend with us.  They also spend some time with our son Chet, Jessica, Rookie and Charlie. We went to Waukee and had burgers with them on Sunday.  It didn’t go well for Arlene.  Actually, quite ugly (i.e. the kids got a real taste of Alzheimer’s—no role-playing folks; the real deal).  We just went home.  When Heather and family got back to CO, I asked Heather to describe their trip in a capsule form--Family 💓 tired  😫 and relaxing 😎  all at once, and bittersweet.

I read this in the paper soooo it must be right--Evidence supports the theory that excessive use of social networking contributes to unhappiness in relationships, as well as personal loneliness stress and depression.  Now that sorta kinda seems like an oxymoron!  Doesn't it!  Crazy!  Such is life.

I read this while eating my oatmeal with a half a banana on it--We can depend on our gut to tell us what to do. But there’s a problem with that. Study after study reveals that our perceptions are more likely to be wrong than right. In fact, sometimes we lie to ourselves. In Jeremiah 17:9, the Bible says, “The human mind is the most deceitful of all things. It is incurable. No one can understand how deceitful it is” (GW). Ouchy ouchy!

MissPerrfect says-- It’s easy to be nice when you win but how do you act when you lose?  Disappointment is hard; yes, it is.  And we all experience it.  It is especially hard when a friend wins and we don’t.  It can make a person cry (i.e. let’s be honest—I did as a kid).  WorldClassLarry asks—Do you really think you learn more when you lose?  I have no idea WorldClassLarry but I have heard that.  Maybe folks just say that to make you feel good.  CadillacJack says—Well, probably all folks lose more than they win sooooo most folks must be pretty smart (i.e. there can be only one “big dog”, one king of the hill, one champion, one purple ribbon winner, one valedictorian).  I have a friend who just had a huge massive disappointment.  He seems to be handling it ok (i.e. that is what he says).  He is a good person but I really hurt for him.  I would have rather he didn’t have to have this disappointment.  But maybe this disappointment will inspire him to aspire before he expires. AverageJoe says—we tend to always want to compare ourselves with other (i.e. sometimes ya win by bad hair)! Such is life.

Now that will get attention!  I recently met with five ladies.  One was coming in and said something.  I kidded her in saying--that will get you some attention.  She told us that she never wants attention; she just always preferred to be plain Jane. The other gals piped in and said they are the same way.  Saturday question—Who do some folks want to be stars and others want to be wall flowers? These gals went on to tell me that--For those who want to be a star (i.e. always trying, it impress others) might have a real constant headache (i.e. a battle to aspire until they expire--a battle between their ears). My Daddy, Chester, said—The great folks are the ones who don’t know they are great (i.e. in other words, they don’t try to be great and don’t really care to be great but are great).  Such is life.

William (i.e. anybody can be a Bill) says--John the Baptist one aim was not to occupy the centre of the stage himself, but to try to connect men with the one who was greater and stronger than he . . . the one whom all men need.

A friend told me this story.  He and some of his cronies meet at the elevator (i.e. city folks, that’s a grain merchandising place) each morning to chew the fat and straighten out the world problems (i.e. they also drink free coffee and they eat Fig Newton cookies—have for years).  When my friend walks in, they say—here comes the brains (i.e. very important).  It’s because he’s the only one who has a smart phone.  What a hoot!

John (i.e. anyone can be a John) says--Mohammed Ali certainly was one of the greatest boxers who ever lived. The trouble was, he made sure everyone knew it. Wherever he would go, he would say in a loud voice, “I am the greatest!” One day Ali was on an airplane and the flight attendant told him that he had to fasten his seatbelt. Ali said to her, “Superman don’t need no seatbelt.” The flight attendant responded, “Superman don’t need no airplane either.”

I like plums soooo I bought some (i.e. their looks impressed me).  They looked sooooo good but they aren't as good as good as they looked (i.e. I got fooled again--I'm no virgin folks).  My mentor use to say--erv, things are never as good as they look and never as bad as they look.  That probably applies to plums and maybe folks toooo.  Mrs.UnderPants says--Soooooo don't always judge folks by their looks.

I talked about a big turkey at the beginning (i.e. DuarneTheWorm who wants to be Jesus and not be a JohnTheBaptist).  I was talking to an acquaintance who really likes to hunt.  I asked him if he got a turkey this spring—I didn’t; really worked hard on getting this big, old tom where I hunt; I studied his patterns and routines and his schedule but he just out foxed me—Maybe that’s why he’s a big, old turkey!  He laughed.

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

erv

MyFriendJean says—If you want work done, select a busy person, the others never have time.

My podcast is with a 18 year old who is soooo refreshing to me. I hope you give him a listen.

how does that grab you

CrazyMarvin say--There's nothing that you can sell me or give me that can make me happy. ManOhMan CrazyMarvin, you must be in a crazy state of mind.  Surely there must be something to perk up your spirits.  There has to beeeee. I think you need to know someone cares about you. 

I must be different (i.e. some of you say—Da, what’s new).  I like Sun Maid Raisin bread with the cinnamon swirl with “raisins in every bite” (i.e. that is what it says on the package). It also says on the package “since 1912” soooo others must like it tooooo.  Soooo maybe I’m not all that different.  BUT, the bread man or bread lady comes to supply bread to the 3-Star store every Tuesday and just leaves only one loaf.  I must be the only person who eats it (i.e. you folks don’t know what you are missing—put some extra sharp cheddar cheese on it and have it with coffee—delicious). I asked the store clerk why only one loaf—supply and demand I guess she said. This just makes me laugh!

When reading the study manual for my motorcycle test it said this—signal lights tell others what you plan to do (i.e. even more important when driving a motorcycle).  Use them all the time; even when you think no one else is around. It’s the car that you don’t see that’s going to give you the most trouble.  That’s why it’s a good idea to use your turn signal even when what you plan to do is obvious.  How does that grab you?  Ok folks, here is some things quite obvious but…!

I am using no sugarcoating folks! You might not what to read this “It’s Saturday.” Some of you might think I have really bad bed-side manners (i.e. toooo blunt and to the point).  Really folks, I don’t what to make you feel bad.  Sooooo I’m warning you up front. If you think this might bother you, go and play a game on your computer or something.  I don’t want to hurt our relationship in any way.  I want to be politically correct (e.g. a golf buddy gives all putts; he wants everyone to like him). I want our grandkids to like me sooooo I give them exactly what they each like ha ha. Bingo! Little Jimmer said—Grandpa, how did you know I like this stuff—I goggled it!  He looked puzzled.

SusieQ says—Let’s see how this grabs you! You probably won’t find this trivia in Trivia Pursuit but it’s interesting.  70% of caregivers over 70, die before the person they are caregiving for (i.e. I’m not talking make-believe movies here folks). Would you help a friend through the roof?  Some of you won’t understand what that means.  Others of you might think you know what that means but you will be wrong.  And others of you will know exactly what it means. What more can I say!  LuckieEddie says—I take that as a slap in the chops.  Hey LuckieEddie, on the sunnyside, it is what it is! Saturday question—Would you help a friend through the roof?

I have attended several support groups for Alzheimer’s caregivers, I have read a lot about caregiving and heard experts speak about caregiving.  One thing I hear a lot about is that caregivers have to take care of themselves (i.e. can’t be a good care giver if you don’t).  Folks say to me sooooo often—take care of yourself now erv (i.e. now that is a speed bump). Soooo I hear amongst other caregivers that they hear the same thing.  But how can caregivers take care of themselves?  Experts say—Stay connected to interests and friends, get away from the negative environment, pursue your hobbies etc.  Great, but that is hard without support of some kind.  TomTerrific says--Talk is cheap! Most folks really don’t like doing this sort of stuff; let’s be honest (i.e. being around folks with dementia isn’t all soooo much fun).  Folks tell me that all the time--I can’t do that; I don’t know what to say or act; I just can’t do it: how about it if I just pray for you (i.e. or maybe give you a $20). That might sound preposterous but “splash”, it happens. 

I'm pretty personal here folks; it might bother you soooo you might not want to read on; it might grab your sub-conscious!  ha ha  Caregiving, I seem to handle consciously ok; I think I have a good grip on it.  But I wonder if it bothers my sub-conscious. The sub-conscious is hard to measure (i.e. get a grip on).  It’s seems to be like it’s a form of brainwashing or could be anyway (e.g. like watching the NBC news).  What do you think?

Arlene’s Alzheimer’s disease continues to eat her brain away.  That is the way the disease works.  She continues to digress and she knows it which is amazing to me.  I try to be patient; it’ a challenge.  My life is now in 1st gear and getting close to granny gear.  That’s just the way it is.  I hope none of you will ever understand what I’m talking about.  I wouldn’t wish this on my worst enemy (i.e. well maybe I would just to one person—ha ha). 

PickleballJoe was sitting next to me as I was putting my flip-flops back on to head out (i.e. I play at 7 a.m. soooo I can get home before Arlene gets up).  He asks my how Arlene is doing—I give a short answer—He says—My mother died of Alzheimer’s and I had a sibling who died from it and another sibling who has it.  Wow, you know what it is all about—I sure do; it’s a terrible disease; maybe the worst.  I had to wonder what pickleballJoe was thinking as Alzheimer’s is a hereditary disease.

Arlene can’t put on her pants but does understand her situation (i.e. crazy). When I am going to do something, she says—careful.  Meaning and understanding that if something happens to me, she would have to go into a care facility.  There is no choice. She understands that even though we have never talked about it.  That is Alene’s mindset; she has always been very sweet and kind and she still is (e.g. I mowed the lawn with my torn hamstring. Did it on one leg while dragging the other. Alene came out of the house and said to me—me mow; she felt bad for me. She has never mowed the lawn).  That is why I love her soooo much.  Those of you who have aggressive, in charge personalities probably won’t understand that (i.e. it really doesn’t matter).  But maybe in a blink of an eye you might have toooooo (i.e. I hope not). Such is life.

I read this while eating my oatmeal with half a banana on it--We tend to be preoccupied by our problems when we have a heightened sense of vulnerability and a diminished sense of power. Today, see each problem as an invitation to prayer. ---John Ortberg   ~   Hope isn’t the same as optimism. It isn’t the belief that something bad will turn out well. It’s the absolute confidence that every part of your life ultimately makes sense regardless of how it turns out this side of eternity. God is our Hope. How does that grab ya?

WoldClassLarry says--If you’re one of the people who struggles to ask for what you want or need (like me), pause for a moment. You feel good when you help other people, right? Soooo let others help you if you need help. If you’re reluctant to ask for something when you need it, you’re depriving people – often those you care about – of the joy that comes from helping others.  WorldClassLarry--I must admit that I was raised by Chester and Anna to take care of myself and don’t ask for help.  BUT there will come a time that I will need help taking care of Arlene (i.e. it’s getting closer).  I wonder if I will give others the opportunity to help me.  I hope soooo but I’m pretty crazy sooooo we will seeeee. Gosh golly, I hope I have enough guts to ask for help.  ItichieBitchie says--But erv, you got to remember some folks are just tooooo busy (i.e. calendar is full) making money or trying to impress others; they have their own life and situations.  I truly understand that ItichieBitchie.  I really do.

It's horrendous and horrific! I’m sooo lucky in sooooo many ways (i.e. crazy good) and yet seem soooo unlucky in sooooo many ways (i.e. crazy bad). For many, life is unfair it seems.  The only thing that’s fair is the Butler County Fair and that’s in June.  Look at the sign, I’m not kidding folks.  I say that “tongue in cheek!”

GeogeTheCrook says-I’m a caregiver for my wife who has Alzheimer’s and my friend Jim Beam seems to help.  Don’t kid yourself folks, for many it easies the pain (i.e. let’s be real—it dulls reality).  Such is life. 

You might not want to read this part either!!!!! I have always told folks who complain to me be about something (i.e. especially our children)—Don’t complain about it to me, do something to correct the situation.  ProblemSolverDean says—There are a lot of complainers but not many doers (i.e. don’t find or don’t want to find a solution to the problem).  Ok here is an OPPORTUNITY  toooooo be a doer.  Many folks don’t like me to say—I have an opportunity for you!  ha ha  AverageJoe says—Opportunities always have opposition a.k.a. pushback!    A Lutheran church in Mesa offers adult day care in the church sooooo caregivers can have some time off.  Wow! Ya, that is what I say.  IckieVikie says--Many would rather have the pastor pray for folks with Alzheimer’s during a prayer on Sunday or give $20.  LOL How does that grab you? ANYWAY

Our Savior's Lutheran Church in Mesa, AZ    Caring Hands and Hearts From their web site What is Caring Hands? Firstly, Caring Hands, will provide care for individuals In Home so that their regular care-giver may have a time for rest, or to be able to be away from home for a period of time.  If you have a need in this area, please call the church office at 480-984-5555 to be put in touch with persons who can help.  Secondly, Caring Hands provides Adult Care Day, which is held every Thursday from 1:00-4:00pm in the Community Room at the East Mesa Campus.  Care receivers may be brought to Adult Care Day, where they will be involved in different activities throughout the afternoon suited especially for them.  Games, music, movies, individual attention, lunch and more comprise the afternoon activities.  If you have someone that you feel would enjoy Adult Care Day, please contact the church. --f you would like to be a care giver in Caring Hands, please call us so that we can have one of our Caring Hands leaders be in touch with you. --  I give you a new commandment, that you love one another. Just as I have loved you, you also should love one another.

Have you ever been going to ride a horse but was scared?  And the horse knew it immediately (i.e. how do they know that anyway).  We had a horse, Queen, on the farm growing up a mile and fourth south of Roseland, MN. She was a very gentle and good natured horse. But when our cousin from the city came and wanted to ride her, she took him under the clothes line and knocked him off.  I think Queen laughed her head off but kept a straight face!  ANYWAY Arlene can sense phony people.  She can’t remember or understand many things but you can’t fool her by being phony.  She is not much impressed with those who think they are part of the “elite huddle.” She doesn’t care much to be around them. OurSweetNeighbor says--Who does!  I bought some fidget spinners from a young friend (i.e. he made them).  He delivered them when I was gone.  When I got back Arlene showed them to me and said—boy nice!  You know what folks, that boy is very nice.  Sooooo how does that grab you?

This is also hard for me to understand.  Arlene’s comprehension and cognitive thinking are not very good but she is very appreciative of me taking care of her.  She says thank you to me many times and tells me she loves me often along with a hug and a kiss sometimes.  It happens just out of the blue.  Amazing.  Just amazing.  That’s my Arlene.

This is me!  Maybe you think I’m crazy but it is still me.  I like to be alone; in complete silence (i.e. not any outside stimuli).  I like to sit and think and meditate. It is very relaxing and stimulating to me.  It’s better than ice cream!  I really think that is good for anyone but especially a caregiver.  I can find that solute early in the morning or late at night or on a run, bike ride, walk or sitting in our sun porch.  I realize that some of you think that’s just a waste of time.  To me, it’s a great investment.  Such is life.

We never thought such things as Alzheimer’s would happen in our life (i.e. it wasn’t in the script almost 49 years ago when we got married).  We thought we are going to have a happy, great life (i.e. the good life—we did until this speed bump; and we still pretty much do). SusieQ says--Get some bounceback erv;  rub some dirt on it; suck it up erv and let’s get going.  A friend a.k.a. onesmartguy was quoted and his quote was printed on the front page of the paper—“Let’s go out and make it the best it can be.” How does that grab you?

A couple of friends posted this on Facebook. I agree with them and the author.  How does that grab you?  That is what I thought!  Such is life.  

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

erv

MyFriendJean says—All the people smile the same language.

P.S. I hope I can have a tough hide and a tender heart.