mememe

If that saying is correct, you are the reason why I am as I am (i.e. is that good or bad).  Well, I really like you folks (i.e. you have good hearts and are real folks; my kind of folks).  Most of the time you folks are not mememe folks (i.e. but you are human).  What more do I need to say. 

As C. S. Lewis observed, “All that is not eternal is eternally useless.”  I sometimes realize that me, who is sometimes mememe, is not eternal on this earth, soooo, suck it up ervie and figure it out. 

WorldClassLarry says--We as humans are pretty much consumers a.k.a. users most of the time (i.e. how will it affect me or how does it feel for me).  You really think soooo WorldClassLarry? Yes I do; many times it’s all about mememe!  Don’t kid yourself ervie!

Mememe turned into ususus for a family’s action that I have seen recently.  I got the feeling that many folks don’t much care for families to be soooo ususus.  But, I might be wrong as many folks appear they like the “total effect of social media” etc. (i.e. some folks like it more than others it appears). NorthoftownS.S. says that toooo much of ususus isn’t accepted sooooo well from some folks. She says--moderation folks, moderation—it’s much more palatable). But I don’t think this family feels this way.  They sure pour it on! It appears that much of ususus in a family continues to the next generation for the most part (i.e. they like to keep the “onion smell effect” going).  Egos are huge massive for many folks and many families.  Such is life.

I read this while eating my oatmeal with a half a banana on it--As you strive to reach the goals that God has given you (i.e. not a person’s mememe goals), it’s important to remember that life on Earth is just a temporary assignment. Knowing this truth should radically alter your values and fix your attention on the things that are eternally important (i.e. it’s not about mememe or ususus). It is a fatal mistake to assume that God’s goal for your life is material prosperity or popular success as the world defines it. The abundant life has nothing to do with material abundance. Faithfulness to God does not guarantee success in a career or even in ministry. Never focus on temporary crowns. “For we fix our attention, not on things that are seen, but on things that are unseen. What can be seen lasts only for a time, but what cannot be seen lasts forever” (2 Corinthians 4:18 GNT).

When our family recently got together, well, we had a blast (i.e. good memories and experiences were made).  We also celebrated our 50^th wedding anniversary a little (i.e. Arlene struggles with all the details and past events but does still have emotions, especially when folks are nice to her).  She cried because our family was soooo nice to her and some of you folks were tooooo (i.e. there are nice folks in this world, yes there are).  ANYWAY, she was over stimulated a.k.a. overdosed (i.e. that doesn’t work for someone with Alzheimer’s very well). She had a confusing Sunday night (i.e. and a few days after).  I had my alarm set for 6 Monday morning to play pickleball, but I didn’t go; I didn’t want to leave Arlene. No big deal; it is what it is.  You other caregivers understand that—our lives are not about mememe but about ArleneArleneArlene.  You folks who are not caregivers might not understand that.  I hope you never have to learn that. Such is life.

I thought about this while jogging the other morning.  My perception of another person or family who I think are mememe or ususus, has a lot to do with my attitude and maybe even because I am at a particular time in my life.  Sometimes my ego is different than other times and sometimes I’m much humbler and sometimes much more mememe.  Sooooo how I perceive others is affected by me, to some degree maybe. BUT IN GENERAL, I’m not much different that 75% of the folks I think.  Ok, maybe 68%!  I forgot about some of you! ha ha  For myself and only myself (i.e. mememe), I don’t care to be around folks who are constantly mememe or ususus folks.  I will take a detour. Maybe I am sardonic. And I could be.  CadillacJack says--The world seems to like mememe and ususus folks (i.e. it appears that way but maybe not really). Do you really think soooo CadillacJack?  I think I have seen changes in folks through the years. Yes, I think I have.  I think some have changed their thinking about mememe and ususus.  Why, I don’t know for sure. But I think they have changed; I think it’s noticeable.  Some more than others but there is some change.  And maybe it’s just my opinion or I saw them on their good day! ha ha

I really have fun and enjoy many of you folks.  Some of you really make me laugh and feel good.  One special foursome I have played in a couple of time this summer are really something (i.e. good guys with good hearts and friends).  We have played twice.  We have a little 2-team competition.  The first time we played, we tied. The other day, my partner and I beat them by one hickey.  The text bantering went like this--Not sure I am remembering this correctly..... but I think we are up on u guys over our lifetime--But our lifetime isn't over yet.....enjoy these few brief moments while you can--I still think BoomerBomb used toooo much club on the last hole!-- You owe a guy a quarter and he gets full of himself--I appreciate that .. being full of myself is better than what most people think I am full of!!!

I was having a tuna sandwich for lunch the other day.  The tuna taste and smell seemed exceptionally strong, like over bearing.  Maybe the tuna had tooooo much mememe or ususus in the can.  Could be.  The strong smell reminded me of this story of my past.  I was with my Daddy, Chester, at the Roseland Grain Elevator when I was a lad.  There were several guys in there probably talking about the price of corn (i.e. somethings never change) when this gal came in.  It got really quiet until she left.  Then the conversation turned to about her.  One of the guys said—she smelt like a whore house (i.e. she had on a lot of perfume on).  Maybe he knew what a whore house smelt like; it was maybe 1955 and maybe most of these guys were WWII vets and traveled through Honolulu while in the service.  Prostitution was very popular with the military and the local authorities over looked policing the legality of it (i.e. all about the money that bribed them).  There were long lines—big money was made.  Our tour guide told us once--A gal could make like $30,000 when the normal salary was maybe $2,000 to $3,000.  The soldiers paid $3 for 3 minutes (i.e. you do the math).  Soooo the next time you eat tuna, think of that! 

I was sitting in the library the other day reading the Des Moines Register when an acquaintance comes in and sits down and we talked for maybe for half an hour (i.e. he did most of the talking; I just said ha huh a few times).  We have a unique relationship that was formed 10 years ago as I had an opportunity to be part of his life in a small way because of a disaster.  We really have never talked about it and probably never will (i.e. that is just the way it is supposed to be I think).  I would consider him a common person with a very good heart. He is my age and is rather a unique person.  ANYWAY, his wife passed this last year; he was her 24/7care giver for 19 years. Wow! Yes, wow!  He shared his guts to me.  Why, I have no idea, but it was really good.  It was not about mememe, it was about being a good person to others that he is (i.e. he is very kind hearted).  He is a believer and almost died a couple of times this last year.  That death thing seems to affect our thinking.  Oh ya!  Mememe isn’t as important; it puts things in perspective alright.  Such is life.

We had a friend give us some tomatoes.  They really looked good and tasted even better than they looked.  Now that is a real deal.  She is the same—nice but nicer than she even looks and acts.  I think there is a saying that goes something like this—Under promise but over produce.  It’s something like that anyway.  GeorgeTheCrooks says—You mean less mememe and more youyouyou!  Ok, it’s something like that GeorgeTheCrook.  You get what I’m trying to say (i.e. that is if you want tooooo get it).

I went for a bike ride on the black top north of town recently.  I noticed they recently put tar in the cracks.  You ask why do they do that.  Well, it’s to prevent water to get in the cracks, freezing and expanding, and then damaging the road (i.e. called preventive maintenance).  Sooooo I started thinking, why more folks don’t do preventative maintenance on mememe both physically and mentally?  It probably lengthens a person’s life and gives them a better quality of life and makes them look a lot better.  Maybe they don’t think it’s worth it to fix the cracks.  Just live life as is until they die.  A friend told me about another friend who has cancer. He said that our mutual friend always took care of himself.  He seems like he did.  He always looked good, was happy and I think had a very quality life.  The aging process does occur to all of us and eventually we all die (i.e. if we like it or not).  Such is life.

This is about mememe!  Yes it is.  A friend says—Summer isn’t summer unless you have BLT sandwiches with the tomato juices, mayonnaise, and bacon grease running down your chin along with some sweet corn with the butter running down your chin (i.e. it doesn’t get much better than this folks). Yummy!  Well, we had them the other night.  Absolutely delicious!  A friend gave me this hint how to make my life easier (i.e. I’m a rookie cook). We put our bacon in the oven on a sheet metal pan with aluminum foil under it for easy cleaning and it's done in about 15 or 20 minutes: it is way simple and no mess. It works folks, it works. I’m all for easy! ha ha  DownthestreetB.J. told me—erv, I cook all the beacon in the oven and then put the beacon we don’t use in the refrigerator and just microwave it for next time we have BLTs; works like a charm.  Bingo!  Sooooo I just learned another beacon tip.  I’m getting way beacon smart (i.e. just smart about beacon though)! 

ItchieBitchie (i.e. who can really hit the curve ball) says—Many opportunities only come once; if you don’t take them, they will never happen again). This might be a little bit about mememe.  I’m not sure (i.e. I hope not but it could be; I don’t want it to be but it could be).  I got a call for an opportunity the other night.  The next morning I got another call for another opportunity (i.e. sorta kinda related but a different opportunity).  Happenstance, na I don’t think soooooo!  It would have been easier for me to say no to both of these opportunities (i.e. believe me) but hey, listen, I pray for opportunities, and I pray that I recognize them and they don’t go over my head and I pray that I have courage to act on them.  Do you understand that?  That is what I thought.  Sooooo the next day I get a call for another opportunity to help someone with a decision.  I told them I would help them to understand their options but will not make the decision for them (i.e. I have some knowledge in this area but can’t and won’t make their decision).  You understand that? That is what I thought.

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

erv

MyFriendJean says--The big potatoes are on te top of the pile because there are a lot of little ones holding them up.

poof

This “It’s Saturday” is not written in ASCII binary code but pretty much in the language that AverageJoe uses while drinking coffee with MissPerfect. Have you ever noticed that it’s hard to have a conversation with some folks who seem like they are speaking in ASCII binary code?  They seem to be way out of whack a.k.a. wicky-wacky as NorthoftownS.S. says?

Our daughter and family were here from CO. We as a family then got together at our son and family’s place in Waukee.  We had such a good time.  The kidos seemed to like their kicks. They also really like to drive the golf cart. They seem to like doing all the crazy stuff we do.  But still maybe the most fun thing they always like is when I do magic by removing my two front teeth (i.e. they really think that is neat).  Little Jimmer said—When does this corn field ever quit?  I asked Erin if she is excited about school—she said yes—is there anything about school that you aren’t excited about—yes, this year we are going to talk about growing and changing; gross! And poof, now they are gone!

I bought the shoes two sizes tooooo big for them.  I told them the story that my parents, Chester and Anna, bought me my first pair of gym shoes and bought them two sizes toooo big as they wanted me to grow into them (i.e. we didn’t have much money and they wanted to get value for their dollar).  Well, I wore them out before I grew into them.  Poof, they were history! It will be interesting to see what the grand kids do with theirs.  A true gift has no stings attached; if strings are attached, then it's a business deal.

I was getting some groceries the other day.  I was turning my cart into an aisle and a lady was coming out.  We almost collided.  She was soooo charming. She was maybe 50.  She showed her charm by her body language, her facial expressions and her talk.  I can’t explain it any better; she was just charming.  I was really impressed.  Poof, she was gone. She had no idea I thought that about her; I will never see her again. Isn’t that interesting? 

Have you ever thought you had a good idea (e.g. doing a project, inviting someone over, or some other great idea) but only after starting the project or even inviting the folks, you decide it was a bad idea?  And then saying to yourself, why did I start this project or why did I invite those folks.  Well, you thought it was a good idea at the time but, “poof”, you no longer do.  SusieQ says—I hate that when I do that.  I have, what I think are good ideas at night, but in the morning, many times I don’t think they are such great ideas.  I have learned to give my ideas the one or two-day test before committing to them.  Sometimes, I think they are good and sometimes I don’t.  It seems to work. 

I read this while eating my oatmeal with half a banana on it written by RickieRick—Part of Integrity is uncorrupted motivation. It means you do the right thing, and you do it for the right reason. You have unmixed motivation and pure motives. You’re sincere and straightforward in every area of your life and with all people. You pray to talk to God and not to impress other people. We’re interested in image, but God is interested in integrity. We’re interested in reputation, but God is interested in character. Reputation is what everybody thinks you are. Integrity is what you really are. Reputation is what you are in public. Integrity is what you are when you’re all alone with God. “The Lord detests people with crooked hearts, but he delights in those with integrity” (Proverbs 11:20 NLT). GeorgeTheCrook says—I don’t like to hear that soooo I deleted this part—poof and it’s gone!

It amazes me that folks get all excited about something then all of a sudden, poof, they lose their interest.  It could be cooking, golf, sewing, camping, traveling, boating, bike riding, running, wood working, cooking, baking, hunting, painting, running, etc.  It’s like “poof” it’s gone.  Why is that do you think?  That is what I thought. It appears that very few folks continue with the same interest all their life. Well, maybe readers do more.  Maybe. I remember two brothers years ago that decided they wanted to be duck hunters soooo they bought all the garb (i.e. good stuff). They hunted for a season or two, then sold all their stuff and bought all golf stuff (i.e. good stuff). Then after a couple of years, they sold all of that stuff.  I have no idea what they got into after that.  Maybe those activities weren’t as fun as they thought or maybe they weren’t as good at it as they thought they would be.  I have no idea. What do you think? That is what I thought.

I try to be around folks who I enjoy being around (i.e. for the most part).  But not always.  I asked a friend while playing golf—how much do you play.  Maybe once a week.  I haven’t played now for two weeks.  I’m not really into golf that much.  Another friend in our group said—I don’t care to play competitive anymore; I enjoy playing like we are today (i.e. enjoy each other’s company).  The fourth guy and I have talked several times about how we can get bored with golf in certain situations (i.e. mainly if it’s not fun anymore).  I’m a mixture of all the above.  I could easily quit someday (i.e. poof, it’s done) and might but probably won’t but maybe.  I play maybe a couple of times a week sometimes but not always.  Hey folks, things change.  Golf is not my life!

I have talked about these experiences before.  I have been in a punk for a few days (i.e. I’m fortunate as I don’t experience these punk times very often--usually after a time of great fun or opportunity—it’s like a letdown).  Why was I in a punk?  I’m not totally certain but do have my thinking. I had a few good solid hours of sleep and woke up different (i.e. the punk was gone).  Maybe it was the sleep or maybe something happened to me internally (i.e. poof, it was different).  I really don’t know.  Have you ever had that experience?  I did pray for this change to happen; it’s like I said, I have experienced this before.  Maybe it’s a God thing.  I do know that my attitude is completely different a.k.a. attitude adjustment.  The world looks, oh, soooo much better. I'm gung ho again!  When I get this way, time alone and mediation really is effective for me (i.e. gets my head screwed on right again—right according to what I believe is right). Exercise really helps me as well.  

I was really amazed how with a little instruction and a little experience; little Jimmer could drive the golf cart really well.  He’s only 6 years old.  Soooooo I wonder if we all can learn to do things with a little instruction and experience if we want tooooo.  I think I’m maybe lazy at times.  Or maybe I don’t take instruction well or maybe, poof, I don’t care!

I like experiences very much.  I had such an experience recently that was fun and exciting (i.e. more than getting more stuff).  I had breakfast with a friend and his daughter.  He is my age (i.e. still has some smell of Butler County even though he hasn't lived her since his college days) and his daughter who is maybe in her late 30s.  I asked her if she was as real as her father.  I think she is; a regular chip off the old block.  The wise old sage (i.e. who describes himself as financially conservative and socially moderate) said—Difficult things motivate us.  His daughter (i.e. who describes herself as a run of mill California liberal) said—We are responsible as to what we look at; we need to look at a cross section of what is being said and not what we want to hear.  I think she is different (i.e. thinks deeper and smarter than the average dog).  Maybe that is why I like this pair soooo well. Maybe but I don't know but it could be!

Jessica, our daughter-in-law gave us some new towels (i.e. very nice).  I told her that I put them out for Heather and James when they were at our home.  She asked if I used them—we used one for Arlene one time, but I haven’t for myself.  She said—I gave them for you to use—I will but haven’t yet.  The reason is, I don’t think I need such nice towels (i.e. I can get along with the old ones).  I was raised conservative; you saved the good stuff for another time or other folks.  I realize that some of you youngins don’t understand that at all (i.e. it’s the smell of Kandiyohi County—where I grew up).  I toooo think I’m financially conservative and socially moderate.  How do you think I am?  Our son-in-law called me wonky!  I don’t know what that meant.  I don’t know if he was kidding or was serious or putting me down or having fun with me or complimenting me!  ItchieBitchie says—erv, I think you are a little weird, unique, a different thinker, and out in left field.  Thanksamillion for your comments ItchieBitchie, it’s always good to hear from you!

Keep it simple stupid!  I did a lot of crazy stuff with the grand kids.  Maybe I am wonky!  ANYWAY, I text the families later and asked them what the grand kids enjoyed the most.  Here are their responses--Charlie says--“the whole family reunion thing.” Rookie says--“the ice cream drumsticks!” Erin says--“all of it.” Jimmer says--“eating grandpa’s ice cream.” I buy drumsticks each year when we get together (i.e. it's a tradition as well as the same annual picture)—keep it simple stupid! It’s not about the money but the experiences!

I don’t feel bad that the shoes weren’t the biggest hit (i.e. even though they were big)!  I only paid $4, $5, and $8 for them at Dollar General—I told you I’m financially conservative!  ha ha!  It was more the experience and the story I wanted them to have/hear.  Do you understand that?  That is what I thought.  I thought the Dr. Seuss sayings were impressive.  I think the parents did toooooo.  The artistic ability of  NWoftownC.M, who did it for me is just amazing.  Very impressive.  The idea was hers.  Great idea (i.e. very creative).  The shoe idea was mine (i.e. really not that impressive or creative).  But she made the experience just plain amazing (i.e. enhanced it). 

Coach said--Creative folks might have more imagination than the normal dog (i.e. they might see things differently and maybe think differently).  Much of that imagination might come from having more experiences and/or different experiences that others don't have (i.e. maybe even seeing those experiences differently).  What do you think of that? That is what I thought.

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

erv

MyFriendJean says--Being kind to everyone you meet is fighting a hard battle.

P.S. OnesmartgalfromsouthoftownT.K. told me (i.e. I'm sure it is correct) that homegrown tomatoes should not be put in the refrigerator; it ruins their taste (i.e. that is from Grundy County folks).  Also, it you put cucumbers in Saran Wrap and put them in the refrigerator, they will stay good and crisp for two weeks.  

opinion or belief

Do you think you as parents should teach your opinions, beliefs, morals, money management, religion, politics, work ethic etc. to your children? Or is it better to let them make those decisions on their own?  JoeBrain says—There is an old saying that says—If you don’t teach your children, someone else will (i.e. you might not like what they teach your children).  GeorgeTheCrook says—Yabut maybe the parents aren’t teaching their children the right things.  That could be GeorgeTheCrook but who knows what is the right thing? There are a lot of different opinions and beliefs.  Just because you think you are right doesn’t mean it’s right.  That could be. 

All of us have opinions and beliefs.  Yes, we do.  All of us.  Opinions and beliefs are just that, opinions and beliefs.  A person died and there are different opinions and beliefs about this person.  Remember, opinions and beliefs are just opinions and beliefs.  I decided that I have no idea about the salvation of this person soooo what I think has no bearing; none.  Soooo I make no judgment.  Others have voiced their opinions and beliefs like they know for sure what this person’s eternity is.  Good for them! They are some mighty enlighten folks.  Way beyond the normal person (i.e. they are no normal dogs).  My mentor would say to me—erv, when folks die they become way better folks at the funeral. CadillacJack says—Be careful of what the modern day pharisees have to say; sometimes they don’t know as much as they think; it’s only their opinion or their belief!   AverageJoe says—When folks have an outsized view of their own sense of what is right, it’s easy for them to believe in the mission they are on being over all else.  Does that make any sense to you?  That is what I thought.

James, Chet and I had some great discussions about varied topics while in Boston (i.e. some during eating claim chowder, mussels and lobster rolls).  We surely didn’t agree on everything (i.e. way different opinions and beliefs).  We have no idea who if any of us is right.  I think it was agreed that when discussing topics that we don’t know the answers (i.e. as there is no sure answer a.k.a. the unknown), we are only expressing our opinions and beliefs.  And we have different opinions and beliefs alright.  The discussions were stimulating, good, challenging and fun in my opinion.  Many folks won’t express themselves and won’t accept another person’s opinion and beliefs (i.e. won’t have an open discussion) soooo they can’t have these discussions.  BUT folks, it is hard sometimes to do that (i.e. because many have such strong opinions and beliefs and won’t listen to others).  They told me that I can’t control other folks’ opinions and believes soooo quite fussing over it; it only affects me.  WorldClassLarry says--Experience isn’t everything, but it’s a lot more than opinion. Of course, a few Samuel Adams Boston Lagers seem to loosen the tongue a little!   ha ha

CadillacJack says--Many families have been split because of discussions about religion, money and politics.  Well, it ain’t the discussion that causes the problem but folks who think they are 100% right.  There are some very poor listeners alright.  Soooo some acquaintances had their dog’s broken back clued together at ISU Veterinarian Hospital.  It cost $8,0000 and they required $4,000 before they would start.  Soooo I saw them the other day and asked how their $8,000 puppy is doing.  They said it was worth every penny.  Growing up a mile and fourth south of Roseland, MN, we didn’t put much value in a dog (i.e. I was raised differently, seeee what I mean).

                 

It appears there are fewer church funerals that there use to be.  Why is that do you think?  I have my opinion and belief and soooo do you.  ANYWAY, maybe in the future we will have Facebook funerals.  I mean, the family can put all the pictures and videos of JoeDead they want on Facebook, and folks can write comments and send their condolences. There will be web sites that folks can “rent-a-pastor” with a selection for an economy, deluxe or super-deluxe message (i.e. you get what you pay for).  The super deluxe will say anything what you want said like JoeDead is in heaven with all his family and friends having a big party and sitting next to Jesus.  Then there will be a link that will take memorials saying—we accept all major credit cards and PayPal.  Bingo!  It’s done!  Very convenient and less expensive (i.e. non-personal and electronic). 

I read this while eating my oatmeal with half a banana on it—RickyRick says--If a farmer goes out with a trailer load of beans, and he plants them in a barren field, what fruit does he expect to bear? Watermelon? Cucumbers? No. He’s going to get beans. He doesn’t doubt it. He doesn’t question it. Because whatever you plant is what you’re going to get back. This is the law of reproduction, and it applies to every single area of your life. Proverbs 11:24 says, “The world of the generous gets larger and larger; the world of the stingy gets smaller and smaller” Do you think this is an opinion or a belief or fact? That is what I thought!

A friend of a friend is retiring at 41.  Wow, many of you will say.  I was told he is a great investor and a smart person. He has tracked his cost of living for years and knows what his conservative return on his investments is.  Bingo! ItchieBitchie says---Sooooo few folks track their cost of living; that is soooo important.  A golf buddy/friend told me that he heard that Millennials want to retire at age 61 but the average Millennial has a saved only $2,000.  Now, how is that going to work?  Maybe they are relying on an inheritance from their parents or expect the government to support them.  MissPerfect says--When it comes to money, people aren’t so interested in being rich so much as looking rich.  I know onesmartyounglady who says—Invest in experiences that produce memories and not in stuff.  What do you think of that?  That is what I thought.  Soooo is your thinking an opinion or belief or fact? 

I had a discussion with a friend (i.e. who is a very good person—my opinion and belief) recently who disagrees with me about a very basic and important opinion and belief I have. I don’t know for sure what this person’s deep beliefs and opinions are as they didn’t share them with me but on one certain issue, they disagree with me.  Maybe I’m right and maybe they are right!  BUT I think I’m right!  ha ha!  I told this person that I pray for them all the time.  They said—Keep doing that!  I have folks tell me that they pray for Arlene and I.  I think that is a blessing in it’s self when folks tell others that they are praying for them.  If you don’t do that, do it.  Of course, you have to pray for folks first (i.e. don’t be a “DuaneTheWorm” and be phony. 

I read in the paper sooo it must be right—You are not the cue ball in your child’s life. Your child was born with free will—both a blessing and a curse. Every child has a mind of their own. You are not your child’s personal savior (i.e. many folks try to put in their children’s’ heads their opinions or beliefs to save them and give them their admission to Heaven or their passage into perpetual Nirvana, whatever your tastes may be.  If you are reading this “It’s Saturday”, you probably have an open mind.  Those who don’t aren’t reading it.  Folks may not know for sure why they feel that way; it might just be their opinion or belief maybe. But I believe, how children are raised, has a huge massive impact on their lives.  Yes, I do.  Just look around folks.  Proverbs 22:6 says--Direct your children onto the right path, and when they are older, they will not leave it. Even if you don’t believe the Bible or are not a Christian, I think that could be fact. 

We have heard of helicopter parents. Well, now we have helicopter kids.  Parents want their kids to act like them and now kids want their parents to act like them (i.e. micromanage their lives).   It doesn’t always work.  There are disappointments.  Some children seem to be clones of their parents (i.e. completely the same religiously, politically and manage their money the same).  Others are not.  SusieQ says—I guess being a clone is ok if your parents are right but if they are not and they are still clones, I don’t know if that is soooo good.  Again, who decides what is good and what isn’t, The Puritans, who founded Boston, had very distinct believes and opinions (i.e. some would say very weird).  Where they correct?  I don’t know but they seem rather crazy to me.  But what do I know is that some some folks seem to have some crazy believes and opinions (i.e. which they think are the right ones) that they want to pass on to their children.  Some of the children accept them and live their lives the same and some rebel.  It is hard for parents to see their children go a different way (i.e. it has always been this way).  “Everybody has a plan until they get punched in the face.”- Mike Tyson

Give it some time erv, give it some time.  It appears that many times change doesn’t happen overnight.  I might not see the final change in our children and grandchildren.  If I live maybe another 10-25 years (i.e. and I could right now be in sudden death overtime), they will still be relatively young.  They will not be fully matured.  Some folks take a long time to change into the finished product.  I’m still changing every day (i.e. hopefully for the better).  Many things, events, circumstances, etc. contribute to the change that happens to us (i.e. some of those situations seem good and some seem not soooo good).  Have a FUN day my friends unless you have other plans. (-: erv MyFriendJean says—You can’t go forward with your life, if you are always looking back. P.S. If any of you have excess tomatoes, I will buy a few.  I like 'em!

jump all over it

Before you jump all over me, you have to decide if I’m telling the truth or just yuckin’ it up.  Maybe you will not be able to decide (i.e. I am hard to understand for some of you—my circumstances are different than yours and your circumstances are different than mine soooo I can’t understand you completely nor you can't fully understand me).  If you can’t understand me, well, then no jumping all over me.  But I really don’t care if you want to jump all over me.  I’m use to it.  Very few folks if any agree with another person totally.  Such is life.

If you think I’m bias and very one sided, you are reading tooooo much into this “It’s Saturday.”  Yes, you are (i.e. I try to be neutral but probably am not).  Have you and I been programed by our environment and genetics?  I think sooo.  Sooooo maybe I am bias even though I don’t think I am (i.e. Chester and Anna did that—it’s their fault ha ha).  Now that could be folks. Folks, propaganda is powerful. Don’t kid yourself.  We are all brainwashed to some degree.  The ones who don’t think sooo are probably the ones that are brainwashed the worse.  Don’t kid yourself. Brainwashing has been used since the beginning of time (i.e. then add the power of money with it, well, it’s very powerful).  It ain’t nuttin new sucker.

Play ball!  The “Green Monster" can brainwash a guy a little.  Oh ya!  I spent a few days with Chet and James in Boston.  We did the Freedom Trail.  Our guide asked us what we think when I say Samuel Adams—the response of the group was beer!  According to our guide, Samuel was a very poor business man, a prankster but was a champion for freedom.  He was a “behind the scene instigator”; he was the first person to use mass propaganda.  He printed pamphlets and disturbed them to influence folks and get them excited.  It worked.  He would even give money to kids to bother the Red Coats (i.e. he got great enjoyment in watching it).  Saturday question—On the label of a Samuel Adams, who is the guy holding the mug.  If you said Paul Revere, you are right. Aren’t I Boston Wicket Smart now!!!! Our guide said that Paul Revere did not say the British are coming but said the regulars are coming and he didn’t shout it (i.e. he would have been killed; it was sorta kinda said underground).  And our guide said, there were many folks who spread the word but the reason we know about Paul is because his name was poetic for Longfellow’s poem.  Interesting.  Seeee we are brainwashed. 

Advertising surely is a form of brainwashing.  It reminds me of the story told me by a friend about his father and uncle.  It was during the WW II era.  Clarence and Bob were heading from IA to go up to MN to go fishing (i.e. both were avid outdoorsmen).  They were going through Minneapolis and saw a sign on an outboard motor that read—Last one!  Motors were hard to get during this time.  Soooo they stopped and bought it.  They went fishing and on their way back home, they saw the same sign on another motor at the same place.  Bingo!

Politically, individuals and parties shout as loud as they can and as often as they can to brainwash us folks about whatever they want us to think (i.e. it works suckers)! History seems to prove if you tell them enough times, suckers will almost believe anything (i.e. it works suckers)! It’s called Availability heuristic.  Another strategy is called “echo chamber.”  That is if us suckers are told it often and by many sources, we believe it (i.e. it works suckers)!

                                                                   

Soooo who is normal?  Are you normal? Am I normal?  I would guess we first have to determine the bench mark (i.e. what the normal person thinks normal is) to compare ourselves toooo.  Now that will be difficult. No question.  We might agree with some parameters as toooo what normal is but not exactly.  Now that is for sure; normally folks don’t agree on much of anything.  Soooo in reality, we don’t know what normal is.  Soooo if we don’t know what normal is, how can we tell if we are normal?  I have no idea.  Advertising tells us we are not normal if we don’t have a certain product.  It works sucker!

Have you ever beat yourself up?  I have many times.  I expect myself to be great all the time.  It just doesn’t’ happen! Da.  Really! It is hard to understand and accept the times when I’m not as good as I think I should be.  I jump all over myself but in reality: it’s my life.  Maybe my expectations are higher than what my ability is.  When I have a good run on life, I expect it to always to be that way; it’s not. My partner at pickleball the other day called herself, “one big dummy’ and also, “you stupid person.” I told her that is not good to say that about yourself; you need to say something positive about yourself.  She said—I know. But then she hit a bad shot and said—you big dummy!  A friend said he played poor golf this spring. He said he would tell his wife that after playing another hole bad, he would return to the golf cart and say—you dumb ass.  BUT he played better eventually and this success a.k.a. encouragement made him feel oh soooo much better.  When we say good stuff to ourselves, we trick our mind (i.e. out fox our mind a.k.a. brainwash it).  It really works.  Yes, it does.  ItchieBitchie says—erv, your mind is easy toooooo out fox soooo it doesn’t take much.  Always good to hear from you ItchieBitchie.  As a friend says--It is what it is!

Ok, here is an assignment (i.e. I realize that you guys hate assignments and will not do them (i.e. it’s like trying to teach your neighbor’s dog to behave). ANYWAY, write down one positive thing about yourself each day.  After you do it enough you will convince yourself that you are an ok person; not a dummy or dumb ass as you say you are sometimes.  That is what great athletes do; they hire head coaches to teach them this; listen to Tiger or Spieth or Zach Johnson or Ricky, they never say anything negative about themselves; they always spin it to something positive.  Here is the second half of the assignment (i.e. that many of you won’t do—I’m being negative about you ha ha)—Say something to folks, write a note, text or email someone each day for a week and tell them something positive you see in them.  How do you think it will make them feel?  How should it make you feel?  I will give you a hint; it won’t make you feel like a dumb ass. 

SuckerMabelwiththebadhips (i.e. naïve and not very bright) wonders if others are telling her the truth or just spinning the truth to influence her. I asked GeorgeTheCrook—Can you tell me unequivocally that you are telling me the truth? I mean can you tell me 1,000 percent you are telling me the truth?  And you are not spinning the truth.  I mean, are you telling the truth, the whole truth? I mean the truth and not just setting a trap for me? MissPerfect (i.e. a conspiracy wonk) says--One of the first rules of propaganda: Never begin to believe your own spin. JudgeMary says—We use to jump all over folks who didn’t tell the truth but we don’t anymore; one reason is, we don’t know who is telling the truth and who isn’t.  And another reason is, we are immune to folks who are dishonest.  It seems to be soooo common and accepted in our society today (i.e. by many anyway—some even think it’s good business). I still agree and accept what my Mom, Anna, always said to me—erv, always do what is right (i.e. I try but do mess up sometimes—that is telling the truth). 

We had a 4-men best shot tournament at our golf course recently.  It was for the young bucks as it was $100 a player with a maximum of 18 teams.  Old bucks don’t jump all over playing; first of all, old bucks can’t compete, and most old bucks won’t plunk down $100 to play (i.e. they would rather spend that on their grandkids).  Young guys like the competition and the prize money makes it more fun to them instead of playing for a few golf balls.  Sooooo I stopped at the club house after the tournament to see who won and what the score was.  14 under won; not bad.  The young man at the club house told me that it was a great beer selling day; those young guys drank a lot.  Then he said—Many young guys really enjoy playing golf, drinking a 6-pack and getting a buzz on with their buddies.  Have you ever noticed when guys and gals get older they don’t think it’s near as big of a deal to drink a 6-pack?  Why do you think that is?  That is what I thought.

This is powerful advertising or just sucking me in.  Sooooo we bought some new clothes for Arlene at Kohls recently.  They had a sale (i.e. they always have a sale) where stuff was 30% off.  We bought some stuff for her and spend about $120.  The clerk gave me a Kohl’s cash coupon for $20.  I asked him what this was.  You can come in and buy anything and we will apply $20.  Sooooo what’s the catch? No catch, just come in and you have $20 cash.  Sooooo, I need some new footies; are you telling me I can buy $20 worth of them and it will be free to me?  That is right.  I don’t understand! Well, that is how it works. I think he was saying—Sucker, you will spend more when you come in!

I really think I’m a better person when I take a break from life’s grind.  I mean, like get away from being a caregiver for a short time (e.g. going to Boston with Chet and James).  That is why I have a Yamaha XT250 a.k.a. my respite bike; it gives me a short respite.  I have friends who let me ride in their paradises that are close to town.  I can go and ride for half an hour and be home.  It works great. It changes my mind some.  That is why vacations, day outings, etc. are sooo good for folks (i.e. my opinion).  I think Sundays are supposed to serve this purpose. 

Even when you are taking a break from life (i.e. doing a trip to Boston) you need a break.  Chet and James like to read soooo we stopped at a used book store.  I like used book stores tooooo, but I was tired soooo I found an old chair in the back and took a power nap.  I needed to take break.  What a hoot!  

After all is said and done, ItchieBitchie jumped all over me and said--erv, what you wrote, I don’t believe a word of it; you are dumber than a bowl of mice.  ItchieBitchie, you might be right!  It’s always good to hear from you ItchieBitchie.  Always!!

It time for me to sign my Boston John Hancock and close this “It’s Saturday.”

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

erv

MyFriendJean says—Along the way we find the unexpected.

P.S. Did you know that 75% of the land Boston sits on is manmade. Yep, it was hauled in using some hills.  Did you know there is no sauerkraut in Fenway Park! I don't understand that. 

This should make it easier to hear the podcast with Claas.