it seems as if

Warning: This “It’s Saturday” might be invasive (i.e. like the Palmer amaranth, an invasive “super weed’ spreading across IA).  CadillacJack says—There is another book written on that which might present a different outcome. SusieQ (i.e. the only knock on her is that she is high maintenance) says—You can always find someone with a different opinion about everything; that is for sure.  MissPerfect (i.e. who has a gi-gantic big nose) says—Being around some of you for some time, I suggest that maybe there is a possibility that you might want to take a stab at a different life than the one you are living now; your life doesn’t have to be any certain way (i.e. you do have options).  It seems as if your current life style doesn’t look very attractive.  BUT it’s your life and we all have choices. BUT choices are made by decisions.  And guess who gets to make the decisions.  WorldClassLarry (i.e. who is outstanding when he drinks a lot of coffee) says—You might have to get rid of some loser friends who aren’t going anywhere! Ouchy ouchy!

I watch some football.  I have no idea why parents let their kids play.  I just saw a college player take a hit to his head (i.e. targeting and the player was given a 15-yard penalty and was kicked out of the game—big deal!). BUT the kid who got hit in the head may be affected for life. The fans don’t seem to care (i.e. haul ‘em off and put another player in). I just don’t get this.  Maybe I do—Its maybe all about the money and glory.  A friend (i.e. who is in his middle 70s, told me his story—He wanted to play high school football, but his dad didn’t want him to play and get hurt.  He finally convinced his did and he played his junior year. His Dad told him he had to pay his own medical bills!  He got hit in the head and laid on the sideline for half the game basically unconscious and then they hauled him to the hospital in a station wagon after the game.  He probably had a serious concussion.  They brought him home at 2 a.m. and was told to lay still and don’t do any physical activity for some time.  His father was mad. It was silage making time and the next morning he made him get up early and work.  He seems normal, but I just wonder! ha ha It can’t be good! But I keep watching football; it seems as if that might be the reason way folks will let their kids take hits to the head; it seems as if that is why! JoeBlow (i.e. who promises a lot but delivers little) says—Our culture makes football players and football coaches folk heroes.  We seem to love it!

He has told you, O man, what is good; and what does the Lord require of you but to do justice, and to love kindness, and to walk humbly with your God? (Micah 6:8) That seems like it’s pretty much straight forward; it doesn’t have to be decoded (i.e. it’s right down Broadway).  Before Christmas I went to play pickleball early one morning.  My partner, Julie, came over to me and put the tag in on my shirt.  She said—In The Villages in FL, if you have your shirt tag out it means you are looking!  Soooo does that mean you are looking for a same sex friend or opposite sex friend?  She didn’t know. She always made sure she had her tag in! I tell you what folks, these folks are soooo nice to me; good folks with good hearts; my kind of folks (i.e. we laugh a lot—it could be they are laughing at me; now that could be). I was the one who had my shirt tag out!

I recently received a phone call which I couldn’t take; it went to message which John left a very nice message.  Incredible! John (i.e. any body can be John) showed some very nice concern for Arlene and me.  He said he prays for Arlene and me every night. Wow!  Who is this John? A pickleball player of the club I play with.  He told me that he is concerned that I’m not around recently and is concerned about us.  This John and other pickleball players just amaze me.  Great folks.  It seems as if there are a lot of great folks; we just always don’t know it (i.e. you guys).  Your generosity was/is special.  Thanksamillion! It has been very touching to us.

Put one foot in front of the other, swing your arms a little (or a lot), and move your body with a steady pace. For most people walking requires little thought or effort, a form of exercise that needs no special equipment or clothing. Many health professionals recommend 10,000 steps a day for optimum health and longevity. That’s a lot of walking, like five miles or 90 active minutes a day! The requirement is not complicated, however….what is complicated is make yourself do it instead of sitting on the couch and eating chips (i.e. that $129.99 Fitbit that you got for Christmas might look good on your wrist in trying to impress folks, but it does no good for you to throw those chips away and get your butt off the couch and get going—you have to have self-discipline to do that). It seems as if it might, maybe, just maybe, be better for you to buy a dog shock collar, put it on and give your neighbor the control.  If they don’t see you exercising, they activate the shock to get your butt off the couch.  Your results might be better.  Maybe. 

According to the Department of Labor, 90 percent of all new businesses fail within the first year, and of those that make it, 90 percent fail within the following five years. Why? Those businesses are based on uneducated enthusiasm. They’ve got a great idea, but they don’t get the facts before they make decisions. Proverbs 24:6 says, “The more advice you get, the more likely you are to win” (GNT). LuckieEddie (i.e. who has a lot of adrenaline) says—It doesn’t take a rocket scientist to figure that out! I’m no rocket scientist but I think it can be pretty much determined what the outcome of the direction of certain things are going to go based on who is on the board making the decisions (e.g. if the decision makers are wise based on their past history, probably the changes are better it will succeed).  I believe that in churches, prayer is a huge massive MUST!  That is my opinion. But I also realize that “better and bigger” decision makers can really make a huge massive difference (i.e. especially if they are humble).  It seems as though that not all of you think that way or care.  Hey, we live in America; we can believe whatever we want.  Such if life.

Martin Luther King Jr. said—Life’s most persistent and urgent question is, “What are you doing for others?”  Soooo folks, what are you doing for others? Have you noticed how common sense isn’t so common? A lot of smart people are not always wise. They may be educated, but they don’t have wisdom. They may have all kinds of degrees, but they’re a washout with relationships.  Wisdom has nothing to do with your intelligence. It has everything to do with your relationships and your character. It’s not a matter of what you say with your lips a.k.a. lip service but what you live with your life—not a matter of your words but of your works and not so much your diplomas but your disposition. A friend told me recently that he was associated with a lady who has a PHD but is totally socially dysfunctional—no common sense and says strange things (i.e. his opinion—it seems that way to him anyway).  I am trying to learn to be quiet more and to be more patient.  It ain’t easy folks but I’m learnin’ and tryin’. TomTerrific says—Yabut erv, it seems as if everyone is quiet, it isn’t much fun at family get-to-gathers!

If any of you have any experience with folks who have Alzheimer’s, you know that it seems as if they like routine and quiet sometimes (i.e. especially Arlene as she is this way).  They don’t like surprises and different stuff.  Arlene is really this way; that has always been her personality maybe based on her past environment; I don’t know.  She really likes folks who are soft, quiet, slow, loving, kind, and sweet (i.e. that is the way she has always been).  She can understand this and still can evaluate folks quickly (i.e. quite interesting).  Folks who are cocky, vociferous, showy, bragie, noisy, and obnoxious, she still can see right throw them (i.e. their flakiness).  She doesn’t like them; that is not her.  Huh, interesting. If Arlene in her condition can fell this, what does that mean to the normal folks.  Da!

It seems as if we have different thinking about wearing the gifts from Christmas; I mean, some of you will wear your new stuff the next day and others of you will wait for a while.  Why is that do you think?  Some kids will wear their new Christmas gifts the first day back to school and others will not (i.e. most seem like they do).  I’m one not to wear them right away.  Why, I have no idea.  Well, maybe I do.  Maybe! Our family didn’t have a lot of money soooo I was taught by Chester and Anna or observed to save my good stuff for special occasions; don’t wear them for “ever-day stuff.”  It’s my past environment. My mentor would say to me—erv, remember, it’s never as good as it looks and never as bad as it looks.  Yabut, my mentor, there is a lot of show in this world; ya gotta keep up with the Jones (i.e. even if the Jones are fakers)!  JoeBlow (i.e. who seems to make everything look soooo easy) says—Maybe, just maybe, if you have a small amount of self-confidence, you need to show your new clothes sooner.  Just maybe!  I don’t know. What do you think?   That is what I thought.

Recently a gentleman did a talk to a group of folks.  It seems as if the group didn’t really appreciate him. What they said was—He talked like he thought he knew everything (i.e. it was a turn off—they didn’t think he knew everything—just his opinion).  Think about that folks.  And then think about this statement--Humility is the sign of our recognition of our place in God’s world. Saturday question—You ever fight yourself to be humble?

I walked down town or up town to get some bread last Saturday morning.  I was trying to walk straight with my shoulders back (i.e. like Vanna White).  My Daddy, Chester, said that to me soooo many times; I still always don’t. BUT he has been dead for 45 years and I still try to do what he told me.  Huh, interesting.  Soooo I met a senior couple who walk daily; they are always negative.  I said—great day for a walk; they said—we have had better.  Sooooo I asked the clerk if she likes Christmas—yes, but this year I get depressed and I don’t know why; I can be doing ok when all of a sudden, I start to cry.  CrazyMarvin says--It seems to me that life is different for all of us.

My golf buddy/friend’s joke in the series of jokes about death-- A couple of New Jersey hunters are out in the woods when one of them falls to the ground. He doesn't seem to be breathing. His eyes are rolled back in his head. The other guy whips out his cell phone and calls 911. He gasps to the dispatcher: "My friend is dead! What do I do?" The dispatcher, in a calm, soothing voice, says: "Just take it easy. I can help. First, let's make sure he's dead." There is a silence, then a shot is heard. The guy's voice comes back on the line. He says, "Okay, now what?"  

Well, Christmas is over a.k.a. the merriment!  We all have had a different experience I would bet.  Maybe, just maybe, now we are like the shepherds who returned to their sheep after experiencing something amazing.  They were probably still talking and reflecting about it for days I would guess.  Why not, it was an amazing experience for them. In reflecting on your Christmas, did you experience anything amazing?  Or was it the same “bomb bang kick the can down the street” the same. I might (i.e. I’m waffling on this; not jumping to a conclusion) have experienced something amazing.  I guess time will tell; I will keep following the events to see what happens.  Maybe, it was just my imagination (i.e. something that isn’t the truth but I just think it is).  It seems like that happens sometimes to me. 

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

erv

MyFriendJean says—Friends are the family we choose for ourselves.

P.S. Occasionally some of you will contact me and tell me you didn’t get this Saturday’s “It’s Saturday.”  It surely can be my fault; our son says to me—it’s usually erv’s fault!  But, sometimes for some reason, it goes into your spam mail; maybe because of certain words I use; I don’t know. Maybe it is more susceptible because of it being a bcc in a group.  Yes, you can always bookmark it. I told a friend last week—Your security does that to protect you, the innocent and vulnerable!   ha ha  Just let me know and I will try to find the reason why you didn’t get it; it might be in the fine print of your contract!!!

decption

Bob Hope once cracked--“Virus is a Latin word used by doctors to mean, ‘Your guess is as good as mine’.”  Soooo when we are having a serious health issue, many times we are advised to get a second opinion.  Why?  If you are talking to a captive agent of some kind (i.e. who only has their product to sell and they are making money off of it), they might not be selling you the best product at the best price (i.e. you might want to get a second opinion—unless you have complete trust in them).  Soooo folks, get a second opinion about what Christmas is all about; some folks might think it’s a crap shoot and they like to shoot crap.

SusieQ says—erv, your “It’s Saturdays” are about as deceptive as every movie during Christmas on the Hallmark station (i.e. if you have watched one, you have watched them all—the guy always get the gal or the gal gets the guy and they live happily ever after)!  It’s not like watching the last 2 minutes of a NFL game!

This opinion is not a deception, but it could be because it’s an opinion (i.e. opinions aren’t facts folks).  ANYWAY, I think a thank you note of some kind (i.e. a written note is the best, my opinion) to someone for something they did for you or toooo you during the year is a very nice Christmas gift.  

A friend walks past our house almost every day no matter what the weather is; she is very religious. Folks are very religious in stopping for a beer every night after work, doing the same commercial traditions of Christmas every year, watching the Green Bay Packers all the time, going to the Christmas Eve service, etc. Soooo is there a difference between being religious and believing in Jesus?  GeorgeTheCrook says—Sometimes I deceive folks by my words and actions (i.e. I’m really good at it)! 

Christmas doesn’t look the same for all folks; no, it doesn’t (i.e. maybe to some it’s a deception).  My heart hurts for some folks (i.e. maybe for some of you).  Christmas might be a tough time for some of you.  And some of you celebrate Christmas way different.  Some of you have no choice as some of you don’t know any different; it’s the way you have always done it (i.e. your past environment).  You just don’t know any different.  But some folks do have options and have been exposed to the Christian meaning of Christmas but have separated themselves from it (i.e. I think that is a crying shame).  I really don’t understand them. I must be way out in left field or they are or we both are (i.e. it might just be guesswork folks—I have no idea). 

I was in the waiting area while our car was being serviced.  A gal who was about 30 came in and smiled at me.  I asked her if she likes Christmas.  She said—For the most part; I like to give gifts; I have spent about $1,000 soooo far and I’m not done yet. End of conversation.  Well deck the halls!

WorldClassLarry says--Your mind is a special gift from God (i.e. fact or opinion). It’s capable of storing more than 100 trillion thoughts (i.e. fact or opinion). It can handle enormous amounts of information (i.e. probably fact). God has given you the freedom to choose what you think about, from among all of that information (i.e. fact or opinion). Saturday question—What do you think about Christmas? 

AverageJoe says--Life and Christmas can be a little herky-jerky at times; even some think deceptive.  ItchieBitchie says--Comparing yourself to the proverbial Joneses is a dead end. You have to remember that the Joneses may actually be broke (i.e. love your life, not theirs)!   AverageJoe says—It appears to me that the folks who are the happiest seem to have peace with themselves (i.e. see the big picture). They are the most fun to be around and enjoy life the most; they are the ones who are pretty much satisfied.  Sooooo AverageJoe, how do you think folks become satisfied?  I’m thinking of a couple of friends who are soooo different. One has a lot of money but doesn’t seem happy; seems to never have been. The other person, many folks’ thinking would be that they have little money but is very happy.  Soooo why is that do you think?  This world can be confusing.

I ran into a friend down town or was it up town the other day.  I asked about her husband.  I said—he surely seems to enjoy doing his interest which is cattle—that’s all it is!  I assumed she meant that he didn’t make as much money as she would have liked him to make.  ha ha I talked by text with another friend who had a medical procedure done—he said—I’m a wimp; I have no idea how those old folks get through it.  Now those statements both made me laugh—no deception in their conversations (i.e. they were soooooo real but funny. 

No deception folks!  The Old Testament prophets said God would become incarnate on earth. In other words, if Jesus had not been born as a Messiah-Man, the prophets would have been wrong. There are hundreds of predictions in the Old Testament concerning the first advent of Jesus of Nazareth, all fulfilled by Him. In fact, Jesus Himself told His disciples that the Law, the Prophets, and the Psalms all spoke of His coming. And they were right. Why did Jesus come as a man? To keep God’s prophesied promises to send a Savior into the world (Isaiah 9:6-7). TheSoupLady gave Arlene this great Christmas CD; a great gift from a great lady at a great time of the year.  Soooooo many of you have such great hearts; you got Christmas figured out (i.e. I applaud you—clap clap).

A friend stopped by and gave us some Christmas goodies.  Yummy! ANYWAY, she told me that she told her kids to not buy her anything for her for Christmas; I have enough.  She said that at Thanksgiving her kids and grand kids were playing hide and seek when on the of the grand kids hid in her closet and her son went to find them.  He said to his Mom—Mom you don’t need any more cloths that is for sure! 

MissPerfect says--Some folks are easier to fool than others.  Oh ya[Satan] was a murderer from the beginning, and does not stand in the truth, because there is no truth in him. When he speaks a lie, he speaks from his own resources, for he is a liar and the father of it.  John 8:44   Did you know that Pat Sajak is bald?  Yes he is; he wears a hair piece.  He fooled me.  I’m easy to fool; I really think sooooo.  I think Satan has me in his cross hairs!  But I’m warning you Satan, my Mom, Anna, warned me about you.  Yes she did (i.e. as sweet and kind as she was, she was a tough cookie and had you figured out)!  Yes she did. 

Christmas can be a lot of hoopla a.k.a. a deception!  It is hard to know what Christmas means to many (i.e. they are deceptive with their actions sometimes—it appears--my opinion). A lot of folks go to church Christmas Eve but don’t seem to believe or in some cases profess not to believe in Jesus (i.e. maybe go just to please their mother-in-laws). BUT maybe they are searching and it’s a great opportunity to be evangelized tooooo. It could be. I read this while eating my oatmeal with a half of banana on it--Two similar English words are often confused: sympathize and empathize. Sympathize means to express sympathy based on agreement; empathize means to express understanding based on experience. You can sympathize with someone without having personal experience with their plight. But empathy is stronger—it means, “I understand because I’ve been there myself.”  I have had several ladies empathize with me recently; you gals have been caregivers to someone with dementia and your husbands have died; you know exactly what I’m dealing with. It really is appreciated.  And many of you sympathize with me; I appreciate that tooooo and hope you never will be able to empathize.  Do you think Christmas makes your heart more tender?

Merry Christmas to all of you from Arlene and me. We really hope that all of you will enjoy Christmas in a special way. It is soooo special. You guys are sooo special to us in soooo many ways.  We just say thank you.  We appreciate your love and friendship. 

Soooo Deck the Halls! Talking about being real—I asked a onesmartfriend (i.e. is it “a” or “an”—a sounds better but…) if I should say from Arlene and I or Arlene and me? I think I know which way is right but also which one sounds the best from growing up a mile and a fourth south of Roseland, MN.  You all know I don’t spell well, and grammar is not my specialty.  His response was--But really...is anyone expecting you to be grammatically correct?? 😂  Do the one that sounds good to you. Oh dear! 

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

erv

MyFriendJean says—Ideas a.k.a. opinions are a dime a dozen, people who put them into action are priceless.

P.S. Arlene and I sure enjoy all your Christmas greetings in the cards and pictures you sent.  Thanksamillion.

soooooo far

This “It’s Saturday” could scare your Christmas socks off; yes it could, soooo be careful! I got some groceries at Fareway this week.  I told the check-out gal that I could push my own cart out to my car; I will return it.  She said, no no, I will do it; it’s company policy.  Sooooo I asked her if she likes Christmas—OF COURSE I DO!  Especially since I’m no longer in retail.  Huh, interesting.

Don’t believe anything I say; it could be “fake news.” I get much of my information from maybe “unstable” sources and maybe much of the information is staged. LucieEddie says--Much of the information we get is the “over-the-top” exaggerated variety stuff that has an agenda which is usually promoted by small radical groups (i.e. it is just propagation).  MissPerfect says—I’m the biggest sucker around; I fall for most of the fake news; I’m good at it and I get all excited.  MissPerfect asks—Sooooo is this Christmas Jesus stuff real or fake (i.e. now that is the nitty-gritty of Christmas)? The “big box” stores could really care either way; they are only interested in “money”; about 30-40% of their profits happen because of Christmas but I read in the paper, soooo it must be right that soooo far this Christmas’ commercial season, Amazon is knocking the socks of the competition (i.e. must have the biggest and fastest reindeer). 

A friend text me—Sooooo many good memories with Arlene and our families.  It’s my favorite part of the season. And the music! Her text was touching to me; it affected me. It notched up my mood!  Suggestion because of this friend—Try to do something personal for someone this Christmas that will notch up their mood.  Generic is just generic; anyone can be generic! 

JoeBlow says—We put a lot of empty chatter in our heads.  Not good! And some of us are futile a.k.a. empty headed—that’s not good either).  Oswald Chambers wrote, “There are certain things we must not pray about—moods, for instance. Moods never go by praying, moods go by kicking.” He wasn’t telling us to never pray for better attitudes, but he was stating a basic emotional reality. We must take charge of our moods and kick the bad ones out of our hearts and minds. Just as importantly, we must open the door and usher in some better attitudes and let them rule in our hearts.  Oswald also says—"We have to take ourselves by the scruff of the neck and shake ourselves, and we will find that we can do what we said we could not….”

I have decided that I am going to try to change. Yep, I’m going to try to kick out some bad moods/attitudes pertaining to two things and insert better attitudes.  Will I be able to do it?  Now that is a good question. I am really going to try; I will put a lot of effort into it.  That is a new and exciting project for me.  Yes it is.  Now time will tell!  Such is life.

My kid sister asked me the other day what I was going to do—I was going down town and buy starch to try to make my collars of my open collar shirts stand up (i.e. my body must not be physical enough to make them look good)—she told me to throw the shirts away and buy new shirts with button down collars or more expensive open collar shirts!  She is soooo smart.  I used to wear them with ties, but who wears ties any more (i.e. not very often unless when someone dies and then we always don’t).  Sooooo times have changed, I guess (i.e. but we’ve always done it that way).  Throw those suckers away!  Now that will solve the problem.  Simple and effective!

I was having breakfast with a friend the other morning.  All of a sudden, a person in a both behind me sneezed. It was the loudest sneeze I have ever heard. Every conversation in the restaurant stopped and probably looked who that was.  It shook the whole building; it was as loud as the loudest thunder clap I have ever heard (i.e. maybe I embellished it a little but let me tell you it was loud).  I looked at my friend across from me like who was that person.  I expected him to say how Mrs. Helen Shirley described Cousin Eddie to the police--He was a huge, beastly, bulging man. But no, he said it was a woman.  I didn’t turn around and look but I wanted to.  I didn’t ask my friend what she looked like, but I wanted tooooo.  What do you think she looked like? 

ItchieBitchie says—Soooooo far I am really short on faith; I want proof (i.e. scientific proven proof)! The angel Gabriel brought news of impending births to two families: Zacharias and his wife Elizabeth, and Joseph and his betrothed, Mary. When Zacharias heard the news that his wife would bear a son in her old age, he responded in unbelief (Luke 1:18). And he was struck dumb for nine months. But when Mary received her news, she responded in faith (Luke 1:38). Both responses were similar: “How can I . . .?”—but their motivations were different. Zacharias came to a place of faith in time, but Mary had faith from the beginning.

Now this could be scary for some of you in different ways (i.e. scary in that “it’s none of their business” or “technology is going toooooo far tooooooo fast).  And for some of you, “You just plain love it.” One of our brothers-in-law told me that their utility company gave them a “free” Ecobee thermostat and even installed it free (i.e. retail value $249).  He gets all the breaks! I goggled it and it says—It is soooo smart that it pays for itself! They have to have wi-fi and an Amazon account.  You can talk to it and it will do what you tell it; it even listens to everything you say.  Wow!  I told him that he and my kid sister better be careful what you guys talk about as Amazon knows everything about you.  Sooooo why would Amazon want to be part of this thermostat?  I told him—I can talk to our 1974 Honeywell thermostat, but it doesn’t talk back!  Hippie says--It must not be female!

I read what TrickieRickie said while eating my oatmeal with half a banana on it--By the way, this means you don’t have to have all of your doubts about Christianity and Christ settled before you make the decision to follow him. If someone had told me this, I probably would have made my decision to follow Christ much, much sooner. I still don’t understand a lot that is in the Bible. For the rest of our lives, we’ll be working out all the problems and doubts that come with faith. You don’t have to have all of your doubts resolved. You don’t have to have all of the problems figured out or solve them before you make a decision. But to be wise, you must make a decision in faith, knowing that problems will come, doing your best to plan for them, and trusting God to give you what you need to confront them.  I had another TrickieRickie in my life; he was a college friend who I played basketball with “at good ol’ Northwestern College.”  He was a very good player and was tricky alright; opponents couldn’t stop him.

I was talking to a friend about their adult children who are going through a challenging time.  She told me that she doesn’t ask them questions or talk to them about it as she doesn’t want to make them uncomfortable.  Flipthepancake—As a caregiver and speaking for other caregivers, asking about us and the person we are caring for is super; we cherish direct questions instead of the generic, polite, wish washy church responses.  You will not make us feel uncomfortable; the only person it makes uncomfortable, it appears, is you.  Your questions are a very sincere interest that shows that you really care.  Being part of several care giver support groups, the caregivers (i.e. I would assume for all others as well who are experiencing a struggle) like to know that others care.  Say something; say “we care about you.” Just hug them or if you are not a hugger, tap them on the shoulder or if that is toooo wild for you, shake their hand while looking them in the eye.  Anything is better than nuttin! I recently told a couple who are struggling with a tough situation (i.e. by text message) that I care about them.  After a while I got a message back and the text thread when like this—Sorry I’ve been so hard to get a hold of lately. I could give you a few excuses, but honestly, I’m just kind of sad and I tend to withdraw a little when I’m sad. Been thinking of you, though—I feel for you—I know you do (with the emoji of a heart). 

ItchieBitchie says—YaBut, we’ve always done it that way! Sooooo I was thinking of some folks who have a difficult situation with one of their children.  I decided I was going to call them and tell them that I have been thinking and praying for them (i.e. caring about them).  Of course, they didn’t have a land number soooo I used messenger on Facebook.  I was telling one neat gal about not finding their phone #.  She said—Da Dad, this isn’t 1980!  What makes me laugh about this is soooo many things have changed (e.g. on line buying of Christmas presents) but yet in some situations (e.g. some churches), things just don’t change much at all.  I did a few projects recently; they were rather small but they made such a great difference in my life (i.e. much more enjoyable).  Why don’t we do those simple little projects?  Friends (i.e. senior citizens) told me recently that they are lazy (i.e. could that be the reason you think)!  Sooooo far, I haven’t figured that out. Sooooooo I talked to a younger couple at our Thanksgiving Eve church service—Good to see you guys; haven’t seen you for a while—we have been going to XYZ church—you like it—yes we do, it’s modern; but we will see! What do you think that means?  That is what I thought.

My Daddy, Chester, told me many times—erv, you can tell what kind of a person folks are by how they treat someone who is less powerful, less affluent, or less important.  WorldClassLarry says—Many times, but not always, you can tell by their kids as to what their parents are like.  Sooooo the other night some carolers from our church came to sing to Arlene and me.  They were soooo nice and kind and loving to Arlene (i.e. they hugged her, shock her hand and patted her on her back).  Arlene knows them but don’t know them by name.  Many of them she has been friends with for years (i.e. good folks with good hearts).  ANYWAY, we all sang; Arlene knew many of the words (i.e. I was surprised).  While we were singing, a couple of girls maybe 4 and 3 crawled up on Arlene’s lap and just hugged her (i.e. they don’t really know her).  Soooo touching to everyone.  Arlene cried.  The whole experience was very touching and quite incredible.  

Soooo the nurse asked me—erv, do you feel like you are under a lot of stress as your blood pressure is higher?  No, I don’t feel any more stress than I normally do, and I don’t think I’m stressed but some friends and acquaintances think I am, but I don’t think soooo. But how do I know?  That is hard to measure; I guess you just did!  ha ha    Hey, picking the right Medicare supplement plan and drug plan can be stressful.  I just did that.  But I don’t think I have a lot more stress than others do; no, I don’t.  Of course, maybe my genetics have something to do with my blood pressure level (i.e. Chester and Anna's fault) or maybe because I just had another birthday (i.e. birthdays are good: the more you have, the longer you live).  Or maybe being a 24/7 caregiver might affect me but I don’t think soooo; no I don’t! She told me—erv erv, sit still and relax for a while and I will take it again. Then Arlene and I went to a mall and I gave her a ride in the wheel chair; a ride of a life time (i.e. Arlene laughed a lot—we really squealed the tires alright).  Then went to Von Maur and had the gal play our favorite Christmas songs on the piano.  Quite a life we have.  Such is life.

My golf buddy’s/friend’s 3^rd joke—Once upon a time there was a woman married to an annoying man. He would complain about everything. One day he went to the creek with his mule. He complained so much that the mule got annoyed and kicked him to death. At the funeral, when all the men walked by the wife, she shook her head yes and every time the women walked by she shook her head no. The minister asked "Why are you shaking your head yes for men and no for women?" Her response was, "The men would say how sorry they felt for me and I was saying, "Yes, I will be alright and when the women walked by, they were asking if the mule was for sale . . . "  

Last Saturday we went to Charlie’s piano recital in West Des Moines.  She knocked our socks off! Of course, it doesn’t take much to knock the socks off of either set of her grandparents; we are pretty much suckers!  Charlie played one song out of a piano book that Arlene used when she gave piano lessons; pretty special.  ANYWAY, 6-year-old Rookie said to his Dad after about 5 kids played their songs—When is Charlotte going to play?  He showed him the program and pointed that she was about 10 out of the 20.  He said—You mean I have to sit through all of those?  After a while, another kid played Deck the Halls and he said to his Dad—How many times do I have to listen to that song! I always say I like honest, real folks—Now that is being honest and real.  Soooooo much fun.

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

erv

MyFrinedJean says—Life tests all of us—Pay attention and take notes.

perhaps

Don’t take anything I write tooooo serious!  Repeat, don’t take anything I write tooooo serious.  Some folks think what I write isn’t right but wrong soooo take that into consideration (i.e. we all think differently).  Besides you can’t please everyone. It’s one of the great truths of life.  If you haven’t learned it yet, you’ll struggle with stress for the rest of your life. If you please group A, group B will be upset at you.  And if you please group B, you’ll upset group A.  One minute you’re a hero; the next minute you’re a zero.  Something like—You are criticized if you do and criticized if you don’t; soooo I’m criticized!   Such is life.

I realize that some of you folks think what I write is crazy; it just makes you laugh; way out in left field.  I am warning you don’t laugh tooooo hard.  I asked a friend at church how everything is going—had a couple of sick cattle this morning; one had a rectal prolapse—what’s that—it’s when part of their large intestine comes out of their anus—how in the world does that happen—it is when they cough tooooo hard or laugh toooooo hard!  Sooooo don’t laugh tooooo hard at my writing in this “It’s Saturday.”

How many times do we say something but no one listens.  Perhaps there maybe has to be consequences to get folks’ attention and those consequences need to be carried out.  We have heard soooo many times when folks make threats but aren’t carried out (i.e. just sound good but folks and kids figure it out real quick that it is just talk—it’s just a joke—like if you do that you are in big trouble).  When our daughter, Heather, was in junior high (i.e. now 44), she just wouldn’t get out of bed in the morning soooo Arlene threatened her but didn’t carry through.  Sooooo one morning she just left her in bed and told her she would have to suffer the consequences at school for being late.  She finally got up and off course was late for school.  When she got there, she found out that there was no school, a snow day.  Arlene couldn’t win for losing!

Sooooo we got pictures of a couple of our grandkids the other day.  Jessica wrote on the envelope—Don’t bend.  Does the U.S. Mail pay any attention to that.  I had no idea soooo I called the post office and asked (i.e. another opportunity to learn).  The clerk at our local post office (i.e. one neat gal) said—Some postal workers try and some don’t; some post offices try and some don’t!  Sooooo there you go; you now know the answer! The true answer is, “God only knows.”

A friend told me about a mutual acquittance who when younger was really wild but has really changed (i.e. my friend said that he has really stepped up).  JoeBlow (i.e. who can really put the hammer down) says—When you are a baby and do crazy stuff it is funny but when you get older, those same things aren’t funny anymore.   BetsyChristmas (i.e. who is showy and glitzy and hard for the psyche) says--That is not about growing up physically but growing up mentally and spiritually; let’s face it folks, a lot of our thinking was ok when we were 18 years old but not good thinking when we are 40 or 60 (i.e. quit acting like a teenager).  LuckieEddie says--We are all given the opportunity to change and become more mature (e.g. perhaps not thinking everything is about me). We all have the opportunity to change but it is if we want toooooo (e.g. our interim pastor told us that he didn’t accept Christ until he was in his 30s. He said he was not a good person until that time; did many bad things—but made a great change in his life). Such is life. 

I read in the paper, soooo it much be right, that great people empower people around them.  I had a friend this week share something with me.  He never shares anything with me (i.e. keeps everything close to his chest).  I don’t know if this is a change or just a pimple!  I guess time will tell.  I told a friend that Arlene and I think she is a special person; just real nice.  She said—erv, I’m not always nice!  I brought Arlene out to Marge’s to get her hair done.  She and I were working on a date in 5 weeks for her next appointment.  I asked another of Marge’s clients (i.e. a long-time friend) how often she gets her hair done—every 3 months but I don’t look very good after 3 months; in fact I told Marge that I was glad that she didn’t have any other customers here when I came! ha ha  I think that to develop relationships, one must share (i.e. be real and be yourself).  The DuaneTheWorms a.k.a. the fakers of the world (i.e. it's all about me) are not much fun to be around. SusieQ says--All relationships are built on trust and respect. If you’re not honest, who’s going to trust you? Who’s going to respect you? WorldClassLarry says--You must have integrity in your life.

TommyRight (i.e. who brings sanity to the universe) asks—What are the most important 25 things of your life? Really, what are they? Think about that folks.  Those 25 things perhaps can tell a lot about a person (i.e. it’s a lot like a person who prays about himself all the time or prays differently).  CadillacJack says—God, thank you that I’m humble and not arrogant like other folks!

“The world as we have created it is a process of our thinking. It cannot be changed without changing our thinking.” - Albert Einstein  I had a person visit with me the other day.  He seemed to be bothered about something. He was pretty aggressively different.  I have no idea why; he is a good person.  Perhaps I said or did something that bothered him or maybe something else was bothering him and he was taking it out on me (i.e. perhaps maybe he was just pulling my chain and I didn’t get it—could be).  I felt bad for him.  I will be ginger around him and see what happens (i.e. I have since been around him and he seems back to his normal).  He can be difficult for me to figure out sometimes (i.e. he makes me scratch my head—he can be a real Jekyll and Hyde).  Perhaps it’s his current environment or maybe his past environment or God only knows or perhaps even something else that I have no idea. I have a friend that I don’t think we will ever think alike; it appears that our core thinking is not the same and that affects our interaction.  I wonder if many times folks have things of their past environment that haunt them and that is why they act or think like they do (i.e. the mind is a mysterious thing).  What do you think?  That is what I thought.  

I visited an elderly church friend who has dementia.  I really like this guy.  He makes me laugh.  ANYWAY, I was asking him questions of recent stuff of his life (i.e. like yesterday).  He says to me—erv, you ask toooo hard of questions; ask me easier questions!  We just laughed.  Soooo I asked him questions of picking corn some 70 years ago; he knew all the answers to even the smallest detail such as the exact tractor and model he had--Ford 900 series with a mounted 2-row picker; didn’t your hands get cold—no no I wore brown mittens with green liners in them.  What a hoot!  Sooooo he was in the hospital soooooo I called him again the other day—Christie, the receptionist said—he’s gone—he’s gone???!!!!! I said it in a real questioning manner---I mean gone back to the care facility!  We both laughed.  He made me laugh without even trying.

They might be a hard nuts to crack!   I read this the other day in the paper soooo it must be right--Avoid fiscally irresponsible people. Never marry one or otherwise give him or her access to your money. Saturday question—Do spenders ever become savers and savers every become spenders?  I think I’m asking myself, do folks really change much on the way they are?  We hear folks say—I will change them. Is that possible or very likely? What are the odds? AverageJoe says—You pretty much get what you see! MissPerfect (i.e. who is good at working the crowd) says—I rounded the corners of my husband but still can’t completely change him (i.e. nor he can change me).  MissPerfect, it’s much like some diseases, we don’t cure them but learn to manage them or manage ourselves better.  A friend and I agree that for a major change to occur, a person seems to have to have a genuine spiritual experience (i.e. accepting Jesus as their Lord and Savior).  The odds are pretty small in changing if they don’t.  You believe that?  That is what I thought. And then again, there are folks who have mental diseases or conditions that seem to prevent them from changing.  I feel soooo sorry for those folks. 

I was a listener of a conversation (i.e. actually one person was doing the talking and the rest were listening).  We were told about a couple who got a divorce because of politics.  Can that be?  There has to be more reasons, don’t you think?  But maybe not.  There are some pretty radical folks and some seem to get even worse with age (i.e. and everyone seems to think they are right, soooo perhaps). I was told about another husband who is very domineering in their marriage and thinks he is in complete control of his wife (i.e. what cave has he been living in)! There is probably a good chance that this marriage will have some challenges (i.e. my opinion). A friend who I met in AZ through the years told me recently that the last couple years she did everything for herself (i.e. her husband died two years ago).  BUT she is now changing in that she is now using her life for others once again.  Huh, interesting.

TomSlick says--It’s just plain give away; I was way tooooo easy! JoeBlow said—TomSlick, you basically just laid down and died (i.e. gave no resistance).  Sooooo what expression do you use when someone dies? Do you say—they passed away, expired, met one’s end, went to one’s last resting place, went to meet one‘s maker, crossed the great divide, slipped away, breathed their last, gave up the ghost, croaked, cashed in one’s chips, bit the dust, checked out, they are gone, turned up one’s toes, they died, lost their life, they kicked the bucket, they passed on, or they passed?  I tend to use, passed on.  When I say that, I feel that their soul has passed on to heaven or hell.  I realize you non-believers believe that you will just pass (i.e. die like a pig—I don’t really think you think that even though you say that).  Perhaps, it is something to think about next time someone dies. 

A friend’s/golf buddy’s second joke about death   ~   A lady from MN was picking through the frozen turkeys at the grocery store but couldn't find one big enough for her family for Christmas. She asked the stock boy, 'Do these turkeys get any bigger?' The stock boy answered, 'No ma'am, they're dead.'

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

erv

MyFriendJean says--You have to have a darkness for the dawn to come.

could be

This “It’s Saturday” might give you a weird kind of headache, the kind of headache that stings a bit, goes away for a while, then comes back with a vengeance. I’m sorry if it does.  BUT maybe part of the problem might be because of you (i.e. I realize that for some of you this will be hard to understand). BUT it could also be all my fault (i.e. probably that is a better chance). RealisticJoe says—Sometimes we need to bite the bullet and move on what ever the situation is.  Bingo! 

CheezieLouise (i.e. who puts hot sauce on life) says--Adulting doesn’t come with a set of instructions. If you haven’t already, you’ll soon realize how much you didn’t learn in school. Now that could be! TommyRight says—We sure have a lot of options in life and those options sure do affect our life.  No question! And some folks never do really become adults in many ways and some just take a lot longer and some become adults before their time (i.e. some by necessity and some it seems like it just happens). I have a teenage friend that thinks and talks like an adult (i.e. great maturity); he just amazes me.  Why, I have no idea (i.e. he is a great kid in my opinion). I had a great conversation with an elderly friend this week. She told me that she never had a childhood; she was raised in a dysfunctional home.Such is life.

I realize that some of you folks are really smart; yes you are but you don’t know everything, no you don’t!  WorldClassLarry (i.e. who is a heavy weight) says—Although you can live well and die well, and know somethings truly, you cannot know all things completely. You aren’t that smart!

CousinEddie says--Clark, save the neck for me! I heard a couple of sports announcers talking about their family get-to-gathers for Thanksgiving.  They were saying that all families have an AuntWilmaGoofy and an UncleBobWeirddo!  Sooooo who in your family would qualify for those distinctions (i.e. hopefully it isn’t one of us, but it could be!).  BUT flipthepancake, some family members are much more fun to be around than others.  Some are really boring and some exciting, some obnoxious and some soooo nice, some you just like to talk to and others, well, you just don’t.  AverageJoe says--Some family and friends and acquaintances are soooo funny; they just make me laugh; I just really enjoy being around them.  And who enjoys being around constant complainers?  Christmas can really be difficult for many families because of their family dynamics and can also be really be enjoyable for others.  Such is life. 

My deceased business partner/friend of 34 years did not like Christmas (i.e. I don’t like parts of Christmas either—way to commercial for me and the real meaning is not celebrated near enough as far as I’m concerned—way toooo much about money and impressing which I’m not much for).  ANYWAY, I told my friend’s son recently that his Dad doesn’t have to fret about Christmas anymore!  He just really despised the whole commercial setting; he would have rather worked or played golf; he was soooo happy when it was over.  I realize that some of you feel the same and others of you just can’t get enough of all the hustle and bustle and eating and drinking and the razzle and dazzle.  Soooooo Arlene and I drove over to Wal-Mart Thanksgiving night at 6 (i.e. time means nuttin to us).  I wanted to buy some tires that were going on sale and the sale started at 6.  It was a huge massive savings.  I had no idea that there would be the huge massive number of folks in the store (i.e. I was very naive); the lines were unbelievable with folks with their carts full and overflowing (i.e. crazy to me and surely it would have been to my deceased partner and friend).  I have never seen anything like this (i.e. I have been missing out on this part of Christmas! ha ha). Seee, there are a lot of folks who really like this atmosphere; I’m just not one of them and surely my deceased friend was also not one either. 

Yogi said—It ain’t over until it’s over. But part of “the jolly ol’ Nicklaus time” is over: oh yes, we are through black Thursday, black Friday and cyber Monday.  Soooo those gift purchases are in the bag, tied up and secured in a safe place until they have to be wrapped, given or exchanged (i.e. another “jolly ol’ Nicklaus time”).  Of course, some folks will be reminded of them when they get their credit card bill.  That’s another “jolly ol’ Nicklaus time.”

“What is the meaning of all this gluttony, this waste, this self-indulgence? Where did you get all these things?”  Said by The White Witch in the youth book by C.S. Lewis The Lion, The Witch and the Wardrobe. Now this book might be a good Christmas present; it’s a classic (i.e. and write something in the cover).  I even have read it (i.e. paperback for about $7).  I think it beats some of the junk I saw in the carts of the folks waiting in line at Wal-Mart (i.e. my opinion).  BUT then what do I know?  I’m just a little ol’ farm boy from a mile and fourth south of Roseland, MN. WalleyChristmas says—Yabut erv, my grandkids want all that throw-away junk stuff that they see on TV; they don’t want books! If I give them books and the other grandparents give them the throw-away junk they want, well, the grand kids won’t like me as well.  That could be WalleyChristmas, that could be!  Soooo the solution for you LuckieEddie is to buy your grand kids a lot of throw-away junk; that is an easy solution! But WalleyChristmas, after they get and open the 30^th gift, do they really know who gave them the gift or what it is (i.e. is it special anymore?).  How about the kid who gets no gifts or maybe just one!  Life isn’t fair; the only thing that is fair is the Butler County Fair and that’s in June!

Here is something to think about (i.e. some of you won’t like it I’m sure; it will bother you).  You don’t have to be a Christian or go to church to think about this.  It could just be the right things to do.  Maybe! Dr. J says--If you want God to bless you, bless others—particularly the most vulnerable in our society. The Bible says, “God blesses those who are kind to the poor. He helps them out of their troubles. He protects them and keeps them alive; he publicly honors them and destroys the power of their enemies” (Psalm 41:1-2 TLB). God makes many amazing promises to those who give to the poor, but here’s one of my favorites. The Bible says in Proverbs 19:17, “If you help the poor, you are lending to the Lord—and he will repay you!” (NLT). God considers it a loan to him every time you give to the poor. It’s not a gift; it’s a loan.     

Our pastor at the Thanksgiving eve service said—Genuine Christians have sorta kinda a light in their eyes; I can walk in a room and tell if they are Genuine Christians or not; there is something different about them.  You believe that?  That is what I thought.  You want my opinion?  Here it is if you want it or not—I agree, I think it shows.  WorldClassLarry says—You can even tell it in different churches that there is a difference (i.e. a way different feeling). 

It could be that I have learned soooo much from some folks without even asking (i.e. folks are such good teachers).  You have no idea how much I learn from folks (i.e. some because of how I want to be and some how I don’t want to be).  I learned from a friend recently that we need to be humbler and more patient.  I learned from some other friends that I talk toooo much.  I learned that many folks don’t like to talk about anything important (i.e. makes them nervous) but only like to talk about stuff that has no importance (e.g. talking about themselves as tooooo how great they think they are). And I learned all of this “free of charge.”  Now that is a good deal (i.e. like a Christmas special on Black Friday)! JoeBlow says—I went to a bookstore and asked the saleswoman, “where’s the self-help section?” She said if she told me, it would defeat the purpose. I heard onesmartperson say--Leaders need to understand how profoundly they affect people, how their optimism and pessimism are equally infectious, how directly they set the tone and spirit of everyone around them (i.e. I believe that; do you?).

I’m sooo proud of myself, yes I am. I kept my mouth shut.  I soooo much wanted to say something but didn’t.  Have you ever been in that position?  It could be that I did the right thing! I will never know for sure, but I do feel good that I kept my mouth shut.  I have toooo admit that I really wanted to say something.  Have you ever felt that way? LuckieEddie (i.e. who is a one-man band) says—There seems to be soooo much leaking and distortion in most everything these days.  I many times wonder if I understand things correctly.  My understanding might be wrong.  Could be and maybe not.  BUT, I’m still happy and proud of myself that I kept my mouth shut.

She could be but says she’s maybe not! I was getting something at the dollar store (i.e. when I was a kid it was the Woolworth Dime store in Willmar). When I was walking down the aisle and a lady was coming on a cross aisle pushing her shopping cart and we almost collided.  I said—go ahead; I’m for once not in a hurry but I usually am but I really don’t need to be—she said—I’m never in a hurry; I’m way laid back—you must be very easy to get along with—I wouldn’t say that! We both laughed. 

She didn’t know the answer!  I stopped at Kwik Star Thanksgiving evening to pick up some bread.  I asked the female clerk, who I know some—did you have a busy day—very busy and it seemed like no one was happy; in fact they seemed grumpy—we always say, have a happy Thanksgiving soooo how come they aren’t happy—I have no idea!  I was happy and had a happy Thanksgiving.  Did you?

On Black Friday, some great, long-time friends from MN stopped and saw us.  It was soooo much fun as we have such a great relationship that goes back for many years. ANYWAY, we laughed a lot about all the great and funny things we have experienced together (i.e. great memories are soooo much fun).  We talked about a couple of mutual friends who we have had soooo much fun with through the years.  One likes Windsor and water! He says—Winsor and water and strong on the Windsor or 2 fingers of Windsor or I don’t want to see through it sooo make it strong!  We laughed talking about this friend.  I could tell you a million more stories as we had soooo much fun with him (i.e. we like this guy). Another mutual friend who we also shared a lot of fun with, is such a great guy with such a good heart who has gone through some real tough situations (i.e. he is a real fighter with a good heart—we like this guy).  It was soooo much fun thinking of these guys.

We are starting a study in our church called, One Minute After You Die by Erwin Lutzer.  The idea came from a golf buddy/friend as he is facilitating it in their church.  I also asked him if I could use his jokes.  Soooo you are going to get to read them (i.e. some maybe you have heard, and some you haven’t).  You get what you pay for! Man gets to heaven and is met by this very impressive angel with large clip board – Angel "you get to heaven by grace through faith, but  "to determine accommodations we review what you did on earth that was kind and unselfish"…"frankly there is not much on your list …if there was something you did that was purely unselfish and out  of kindness you could tell me" – Man  "well there was this time when I saw a lady being mugged by a biker gang – I ran over and kicked over their bikes – kicked leader in shins , punched him, grabbed his nose ring and ripped it out and told the lady to run for help –Angel "Wow! – I don’t have that down, do you “know “about when that happened" – man answered "oh, yes!.... about one minute ago!

I decorated our home for Christmas.  I tried to do it much like Arlene use toooo but I don’t do it near as well as she did.  She loved to decorate and did such a good job making our home feel “oh soooo good.”  ANYWAY, maybe some of you won’t understand this and I understand that, it’s ok, really it is.  It feels sooo good to decorate it somewhat like Arlene use to.  She seems to enjoy the Christmas decorations, at least some of it even though she doesn’t really understand it very well it seems (i.e. you might not understand that either).  It makes me feel soooo good.  It probably means not much to you but does a lot to me (i.e. even though it’s a lot of work, I think).  It could be that my emotions are hard to explain.  Some of you will understand and others might not. Such is life.

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

erv                

MyFriendJean says—Meaningful human contact is an antidote for depression.