holy smokes

Everyone is going to agree with what I say in this “It’s Saturday.” Yes you will; now that is amazing.  The reason is that all of you can put your own spin on the interpretation of what I write based on your past and current environment that has brain washed you.  I have to laugh at some of your spins and you have to laugh at some of my spins on stuff.  I wonder if some “otherworldly trick” is messing with our minds. GeorgeTheCrook says--Come on, it is obvious that some folks are easier to trick than others.

A friend took his family to the Chief’s game Sunday night.  It was supposed to be a day game but was changed to a night game and messed up the family’s plans.  ANYWAY, he told me that living in an analog word compared to a digital world costs folks money.  His son, on a mobile app, got a parking ticket for $35. At the parking lot, cash or credit card was $65.  Sooooo what does that tell you? Holy smokes!

A friend (i.e. who is a quick as a cat) and I communicated by text.  He said--Every time I read some CS Lewis (i.e. we both enjoy his writings) I just think, “ the guy just got it.”  ~  He sure is interesting! I think part of the reason is that most of the time he doesn’t exactly tell us what he is saying.  ~  Hmmm.  Good point.  He is a master with the pen.  

Some of you have told me that there are times you don’t understand my writing.  Holy smokes!  It isn’t because I’m a master with the pen; I’m just a little old farm boy from a mile and a fourth south of Roseland, MN.  It’s more likely I write soooo simple that you try to read more into it when there is not more to read into it.  It’s like one of our home care providers who wears socks that don’t match. I said—your socks don’t match—I never wear socks that match; it’s tooooo much work; and besides, if one gets a hole in it, I don’t have to throw the other one away.  What a hoot!  She just made me laugh. 

This “It’s Saturday” had been tested by chemists Guy and Sarah in Hamilton, MI and based on the results of their independent laboratory tests, it is declared “99 44/100% Pure.”  Sooooo there you go! Holy smokes! Mr. Ivory says--It even floats in the bathwater.  My Mom, Anna, always bought Ivory soap and we used it in our weekly bath (i.e. I thought it was the only soap sold). Yes, we had to take a Saturday night bath every week if we needed it or not. Then we had to memorize our Sunday School verse and then got a Dad’s Root Beer float (i.e. the only time we had ice cream and pop)!  A good life. I even remember Mr. Ivory washing my mouth out a time or two!  Yucky yucky!  I think I said darn or something like that—real bad stuff back then!

I have learned soooo much from the three care givers who are/have been part of our lives.  They all fold clothes differently, all make beds differently, all wash clothes differently, all clean house differently and all react to Arlene a little differently (i.e. all three are very neat gals).  Maybe they all learned this stuff from their moms.  ANYWAY, I got a tutorial from each about bra care.  They all wash them differently, all dry them differently and all told me how to do it.  What a hoot!  The best statement I heard was—Bras are a lot of work for what they are worth! Holy smokes!

We all don’t agree on how it should be done or what it means (i.e. most times we just don’t understand).  Oh no! Ya, the contractual attorney writes up a contract. The other side’s attorney reviews the contract to make sure it fits their client.  When they both agree, they sign the contract and a contract is formed and agreed to.  THEN maybe sometime later, the contract holders or their estates disagrees with the interpretation of the contract.  Sooooo now the litigation attorney representing the unhappy contract holder sues the other party of the contract. Either they compromise, or it goes to court where a judge or a jury decides the interpretation.  Folks don’t always agree with what the contract says after time for many reasons.  Usually it always has to do with money! Holy smokes!

Talking about the money. Money must be important as the paper constantly reports how much each candidate has raised for their election campaign.  It appears if they can’t raise money their chances of winning are less (i.e. more money raised puts the odds of winning more on your side—maybe—maybe it’s just a foul tick).  The candidates for Governor in IA have spent $28,000,000 trying to brainwash us to vote for them. Crazy. The Boston Red Sox are #1 in current payroll at $238,398,861 and the Dodgers are #3 at $199,582,045 out of the 30 major league baseball teams.  And they are in the world series.  LuckieEddie says--Soooooo, if you can get the better players does that mean you have a better chance of getting to the world series?  LuckieEddie, it would appear that way.  Holy smokes. 

Do you guys pray?  I know some of you claim you don’t believe in God a.k.a. atheists.  Why wouldn’t you pray anyway to God; like just in case; you aren’t out anything.  I knew a deceased guy who would come to church but told me he didn’t’ believe in God; I asked him how come he comes to church at communion; I want to cover the bases just in case.  Let’s say you are in between a rock and a hard place or you were looking death in the face or up the creek without a paddle; why wouldn’t you pray.  My opinion is that you would have to be a crazy person not toooooo pray; you would have tooooo be pretty egotistical and have a heart of self-love.  I don’t think you can be that wacko to not to pray; I really don’t.  Because of Chester and Anna, I learned to pray using the acronym of ACTS when praying—Affirmation, confession, thanksgiving, and supplication.  God doesn’t care how we pray but just wants us to pray but many prayers are about supplication more than anything else.  We are human and really stubborn, stiff necked, selfish folks.  Holy smokes!  One more thing—God will not misunderstand you (i.e. you can’t fool Him—it’s not reviewable).  He knows exactly how you feel.  Exactly!  What do you think of that? That is what I thought.  

A friend suggested I read the book, The Release of the Spirit, soooooo I did.  I learned a few things. One of them is this—“You cannot use your (independent) mind or feeling to discern people. No matter how keen your mind, you cannot penetrate the dept of man and reveal his condition.”  Maybe that means that we cannot really understand each other even if we think we can.  What do you think of that?  That is what I thought. Holy smokes!

It's déjà vu all over again! Think about this!  There has maybe been about 108,000,000,000 people born on this earth.  Now that is a lot of folks.  All of those folks have a story and a situation. That makes my story and situation seem rather not unique.  My story or situation isn’t any better or worse than any of them. Every person of those 108,000,000,000 folks has/had emotions, a soul, beliefs, love, hate, etc. All are born and will or will die.  Not much new even though many folks think they are the only ones who think they have experienced sorrow or joy; they aren’t. You aren’t. 30 years from now what I worry about now won’t make much difference I would bet.  I bet I’m not a prototype I would guess. Such is life.

Holy smokes! Tom Brady is called the goat by some; that is G.O.A.T. an acronym for Greatest Of All Time in NFL! In the scheme of things and of time, does it really make much difference if he is or not. It appears that many times folks seem great, and maybe are for a short time and in a certain place of time in a certain area of expertise, but in reality, they really aren’t that important. They are just perceived to be and think they are in something such as football (i.e. is football important at all).  30 years from now, no one really cares; in fact, very few really care now, ok, a few. In reality, Tom Brady’s ability as a football player has very little importance in the grand scheme of things (i.e. my opinion).  In fact, Tom doesn’t like to be called the goat.  Maybe he understands that.  Maybe! And maybe not! I have no idea. Maybe you aren’t the goat of the NFL but you are really great to some person or a small group of folks.  You might be the real goat and you don’t even know it.  I think that is a truism. JoeBlow says--I will think about that!

JoeGovernment said that they have to use every penny of their annual appropriation from taxation (i.e. either wisely or foolishly) or they can’t ask for more next year. JoeTaxpayer says—We are getting tired of not getting value for our dollar. Soooo do you think it will ever change? CycloneJanet says--We’ve seen this show before! It’s not a problem. It’s only money and it was worth it. CycloneJanet was referring to the $25,000 the Iowa State University got fined for storming the football field after their big win over West Virginia a couple of Saturdays ago. It was only $25,000 and the University is heavily funded by state taxation (i.e. directly or indirectly), soooo what is the big deal; just increase the taxes a little.  What’s the problem anyway!  I heard a political ad where the candidate was blasting her opponent for closing some of his business locations and forcing the employees out of their jobs.  That is soooo funny to me, a business owner can’t continue to keep a location open if it’s a continuous money loser and the future looks bleak.  Come on now folks; it doesn’t take a rocket scientist to figure that out; unless you are fueled by tax dollars or brainwashed!  Holy smokes! If that $25,000 came out our own pockets, we would be smokin’ mad! I wonder if Purdue University will get fined?  What is good for the goose is good for the gander.

I read this when eating my oatmeal with half a banana on it--RickyRick says--Well, God has many characteristics. He is all-knowing (omniscient), he is all-powerful (omnipotent), he can be everywhere at the same time (omnipresent). The Bible tells us God is holy, just, kind, loving, and faithful. Holy smokes! You believe that?  That is what I thought.  "All I have seen teaches me to trust the creator for all I have not seen." ~Ralph Waldo 

I had breakfast with an inimitable onesmartperson (i.e. he could be maybe probably be one of the greatest folks on this earth—but I am very prejudice about this guy).  We talked about 2 of the 3 things that folks are not to talk about that can cause conflict (i.e. money, politics and religion).  BUT those are the 3 things I like to talk about and are important to talk about (i.e. much more than talking about superficial stuff—although we did talk about sports and some other fun stuff).   We talked about those 2 of 3 areas (i.e. that many folks have a dichotomy with) without being obnoxious but respected each other’s opinions and feelings.  We were also personal about some stuff (i.e. important stuff). It was just one great time; very uplifting (i.e. a great time that cannot ever be taken away). Holy smokes!

JoeBlow says—If you are a big mouth radical, it’s time for you to but a sock in it if you know what’s good for you socially and in keeping or getting a job; if you don’t know that by know, well, you might not ever get it.  I found this very interesting!  A friend told me that a couple has been excluded by a certain social group they are part of.  Why? Well, this couple is extremely obnoxious with their vocal expressions of their views.  They say such crazy stuff that made them repulsive to be around (i.e. you can’t win a pissing match with skunks).  Having difference of opinions is ok and probably good but being totally wacko in expressing them is not good for relationships.  CrazyMarvin says—Just  because you are in Rome, you don’t have to act like the Romans!  I agree with my friend; it’s better just not to be around this type of person; no one has any fun; they ruin conversations.  Those radical folks speaking radical thoughts will have a lot more fun being around other crazies that speak the same lingo!  There are soooo many good folks that we don’t have to spend our time with folks we don’t enjoy being around.

ItchieBitchie says—You can’t believe them.  I’m refereeing to our bodies and our minds.  They lie worse that Satan!  Our minds and bodies tell us not to exercise, not to save money, not to live moral lives, be self-glorifying, be egoistical, etc.  You understand.  You can’t even believe yourself; and you thought the politicians were bad.  Saturday question—Do you believe everything your boss says, your parents say, your kids say, your pastor says, your neighbor says etc.?  That is what I thought!  GeorgeTheCrook says--You believe what some folks say sometimes and sometimes you don’t; it depends on the person who is doing the talking. Their past history affects your decision immensely.   Some folks are easy to believe and others, well, not soooo much! Holy smokes! Will Rogers said--If you’re ridin’ ahead of the herd, take a look back every now and then to make sure it’s still there.   

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

erv

MyFriendJean says—Winners never quite and quitters never win.

goosey

You every fell goosey?  To be frank with you, I have. Some of you folks might think this “It’s Saturday” is goosey!  And it could be. Maybe! But, I’m not sure.  The only thing I am sure about is that you were WIDE open in the end zone; I mean WIDE open, and BobbyThe Quarterback missed you!  It was a touchdown for sure!  How could the BobbyTheQuarterback miss you?

LuckyEddie (i.e. who threw it into triple coverage) says--My wife, LazySusan, and I have a 24-hour rule for any purchase over $1,000. It’s saved us more than once. I read in the paper that impulse buying is not good.  Usually folks buy stuff they don’t need with money they don’t have to impress folks they don’t like.  I like to write stuff down for my “It’s Saturday” at least a day in advance and preferably several days in advance.  Why? Well, many times I don’t think the same after a few days (i.e. maybe gain some wisdom that I didn’t have before—no knee jerk reaction).  Sometimes, I will delete all of it, sometimes I modify it, and sometimes I use it as is. But when I talk, well, that is another story!!!! Ouchy ouchy!

Have you ever been part of an organization, business, church, family etc. that was or is in a flux (i.e. have no idea where they are going—no stability).  It’s not a good situation.  Usually it takes a great leader to take charge.  ItchieBitchie says—It’s a goosey feeling to be in flux.  I talked to two friends recently (i.e. by accident) and we for some reason talked about how good leaders can rally the folks and dissolve the flux; yes, they can; not every person can do that; it takes a special person in a certain situation to do this.  If no leadership steps forward, well, it’s a flat squirrel!  Ouchy ouchy!

 “The best way to teach your kids about taxes is by eating 30% of their ice cream.” - Bill Murray  AZ Karen says this about teaching our children about Jesus. Some of you might not want your kids to know about Jesus (i.e. that’s just the way it is).  Recently I talked to a family friend whose family is avid football folks.  Their son is the coach of our high school team.  He told me that 4 of their best players are out with injuries and 2 of those are their 2 top quarterbacks.  Ouchy ouchy!  Mr.CommonSense says—If you play football you might get hurt; it’s part of the game at all levels; some parents discourage their boys from playing football.  I know our grandboys’ parents aren’t excited about their boys playing.  Sooooo should parents influence them or let them decide for themselves?  Should parents let their kids decide what they believe about politics, morals, drug use, faith in God, work ethic, class selection, kindness, money management, be liberal or conservative, manners etc.?  SusieQ says—If parents don’t teach them, someone will.  YaBut, maybe what the parents teach their kids isn’t very good (e.g. their thinking about the opposite sex--It appears that some women think men are all evil and it appears that some men don’t treat women with respect; are we developing and teaching our children to have war with the opposite sex)?  I hope not but I have some concern.  GooseyGoosey (i.e. who gets beat like a drum) says—Sounds a little goosey to me! What do you think is going to happen?  That is what I thought. The pic was put on Facebook by our friend AZ Karen.  I agree with her.  It doesn’t make any difference if you are liberal, conservative, male, female, democrat, or republican, that’s just the way it is folks. We live in America and folks can teach their kids what every they want.   Such is life.

JoeBlow says—They aren’t proactive and not even reactive!  Ouchy ouchy!  GeorgeTheCrook says—Politicians say they want a better medical program; soooo how are you going to do it; I have no plan.  Marriages say they want a better marriage; what are you doing to improve it; we have no plan. Folks say they want to make more money; what are you doing to improve your income; I have no plan.  I want our church to be better; what is your plan; I have no plan. I want to have a comfortable retirement; what are you doing to accomplish that; I have no plan.  I want to lose weight; what is your plan; I have no plan. Many folks want stuff but have no plan (i.e. want a miracle).  That is goosey to me. CadillacJack says—I get rather tired of listening to those folks; a lot of them will be flat squirrels!  ha ha

I probably was a part of hurting a friend’s feelings; not because I wanted toooooo but it just happened.  I was in the library getting the book off the self by John Grisham called The Rooster Bar. A friend who is a real big reader (i.e. not big in size but reads a lot) was in the aisle getting a book.  I asked her if she had read The Red Rooster—yes I have, I read all of Grisham’s book—I have read all of them as well—how is this one—okay!   I didn’t realize that I maybe touched a nerve with her—I didn’t mean tooooo.  Didn’t know it until I read the book. One of the characters in the book has the same disease as a family member that has been tough to deal with.  It is sorta kinda just like many dementia care givers who struggle with facing reality that their spouse has the disease; they just kick the can down the road because it hurts soooo bad.  Sorry my friend if I did that to you.  I agree, the book was okay!

Do radical extremists make you goosey? Do you know any radical extremists?  Who is considered a radical extremist? Are you a radical extremist? Do you have any in your family, church, community, or work place? Why are they radical extremist? Is it something in their past that has stimulated them (e.g. feel like they have been taken advantage of or not getting a fair shake in life)? Are some/all radical extremists mentally ill (i.e. maybe we are all mentally ill but to different degrees—who is a normal person).  How do we deal with radical extremists?  Are radical extremists groups going to rule America?  Are we going to have wars between radical extremist groups?  In China, approximately a 2,500-year-old country (i.e. which has seen it all) compared to America which is just over 200 years old, the radical extremists just disappear.  Ouchy ouchy!  But very effective!  ha ha  Can America continue to exist with radical extremist?  Where is the Roman Empire? Where is Babylon? 

Some call it "cliff diving!"  TheOtherWarrenFromOmaha sent me this—"Quote of the day by a Nebraska sports writer --- after Nebraska's 6th straight loss this year ---- ‘Losers find a way to lose’   How true.”  It seems hard to understand how Nebraska’s football program was a very elite program a few years ago and now is in shambles.  Why is that?  Well it return to the elite status again? My late mentor would say to me--erv, things never stay the same; it's never as good as it looks and never as bad as it looks. Such is life.

A neat experience I had.  I was going to play pickleball early one morning (i.e. play about once or twice a week in Cedar Falls which is about a 30-minute drive for me--not my local yokals). I met a gal who was leaving (i.e. she works out very early in the morning).  She usually plays with us but has some injuries. I haven’t visited with her for probably a month.  What she asked was—How is Arlene?  Then gave me hug. Sooooo I put my shoes on and played.  I had several other pb folks ask me about Arlene.  I was just amazed and impressed. There are good folks in the world who aren’t radical extremists (i.e. real folks with good hearts).  Many of you folks are just that.  Keep it up! Don’t compromise yourself in not being a good person to acquire some quick attention; it’s not worth it folks.  Stick to being a good person. That's my opinion.

DON'T QUIT!
============

When things go wrong, as they sometimes will,
When the road you're trudging seems all uphill,

When the funds are low and the debts are high,
And you want to smile, but you have to sigh,

When care is pressing you down a bit,
Rest, if you must, but do not quit.

Life is queer with its twists and turns,
As every one of us sometimes learns,

And many a failure turns about,
When he might have won had he stuck it out;

Don't give up though the pace seems slow--
You may succeed with another blow.

Often the goal is nearer than,
It seems to a faint and faltering man,

Often the struggler has given up,
When he might have captured the victor's cup,

And he learned too late when the night slipped down,
How close he was to the golden crown.

Success is failure turned inside out--
The silver tint of the clouds of doubt,

And you never can tell how close you are,
It may be near when it seems so far,

So stick to the fight when you're hardest hit--
It's when things seem worst that you must not quit.

~Edgar A. Guest~

A friend put a video post on Facebook.  I really liked it.  It was about Whoa!  Yes Woah?! Yes, you got it, Whoh! His Dad would say to him—When you get discouraged about your faith in God and want to say Whoh, don’t: just look at the situation and be creative and innovative and do something different and go forward (i.e. I think that is good advice for any part of our lives—my opinion).  It sounds like my friend has a good Dad and has taught him well. Sooooo folks--Don’t do a Whoa! Now that might make some of you a little goosey!  Such is life.

I read this in the paper soooo it must be right—Mayo says any exercise increases your life’s longevity; sports like tennis, pickleball and soccer are the best; they provide social activity and provide interval training. But Mayo says—If running or swimming alone is your thing, stick to it. You’ll still live longer than without exercise. But if you take up a racket sport like tennis or pickleball, one study says you may live even longer.   AaverageJoe says—You need to exercise; I didn’t say you need extra fries! And you know who is in charge of that decision! Remember, decisions have consequences.  Suck it up cupcake and let’s get going! I just heard again this week that for every pound of weight you have puts 4 pounds of additional stress on your knees. Ouchy ouchy!

GeorgeTheCrook says—You are pretty much who you are around.  Some kids and folks have no choice and some do (i.e. what goes in comes out).  SusieQ says--When you change news channels, you change worldviews. Journalism is now so opinionated that the same story, reported by two different broadcasters, sounds like totally different events. We switch stations and ask, “Are these people on the same planet? What happened to objective news? How do we know what to believe?” How will this feed the frenzy? How will this affect America? How does the news affect you?  IckieVickie says—The news makes me goosey!

An old adage goes something like this--A little bit about you or your family goes a long way or something like that.  I will keep it to a little bit! Arlene knows that she has Alzheimer’s and is not going to get better.  She knows she can’t do hardly anything anymore.  She cries sometimes and says—Me nothing die heaven.  Why wouldn’t she want this; she believes in Jesus and salvation and heaven.  I don’t need to tell you about Arlene; if you know her at all, you know her. 

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

erv

MyFriendJean says--A wise man is stronger than the mayors of ten big cities.

tipbits

This “It’s Saturday” isn’t “showtime!”  But it could be but I don’t think soooooo but you get to decide for yourself.  Most of you live in America soooo you can think what ever you want.  God knows most of us don’t agree on much of anything. Crazy! ItchieBitchie says—Many folks are very opinionated and easily persuaded by propaganda (i.e. suckers). You think that is right? That is what I thought. 

A nurse came and saw Arlene.  She told us that her parents gave her a whole bunch of stuff that was out dated.  She said—What did I want with all that out dated stuff; I have enough of my own out dated stuff.  I did what they should have done with all that out dated stuff—I throw it in the dumpster!  Then she said—I’m a lot like my mom in that I have a hard time throwing outdated stuff away.  I have my skinny clothes that I haven’t worn for years, my medium clothes and my fat clothes (i.e. closets full of all three).  It’s been years since I wore most the clothes.  Sooooo why don’t you throw them away; they probably are all outdated? I just can’t.  Folks, we all have heard this same story hundreds of time.  SusieQ says—Ya ya, I have heard myself say that many times; many: I thought you were talking about me!  A tipbit—Throw them away or give them away if they aren’t outdated tooooo bad!  ha ha Such is life.

It’s an incredible ride for me—continuously and ongoing; it never stops.  Sooooo the other day a friend and I went for breakfast.  As we were walking to the car he said to me –What is Jesus teaching you lately (i.e. the last person who asked me that was Dennis and it was years ago)? My answer was humility.  D.L. Moody said—Be humble or you will stumble (i.e. pride causes us to stumble or pride before the fall).  I get humbled all the time; I deserve it as I get out of whack sometimes—many times (e.g. the other day I borrowed a friend’s power washer; I couldn’t get it started; it was just a simple thing that I should have known but didn’t; that was humbling to me; also funny to me). WorldClassLarry said (i.e. a tipbit)—A man with his feet firmly on the ground cannot fall very far!  “For all those who exalt themselves will be humbled, and those who humble themselves will be exalted.” Luke 14:11 You believe that?  That is what I thought. Such is life.

The police asked JoeBlow--Just how big were those 'two beers' you said you had?” Hey folks, what we did in our past might affect our present and our future; don’t kid yourself.  Some of those events will never quit haunting us, never.  Some we can overcome but some we can’t.  BadDecisionBetty says—Yabut it sounded soooo fun at the time.  Besides I just had a couple of beers; but it appears I had no idea what I was doing!

My Little Peanut, Heather (i.e. will always be my little Peanut, our daughter) ran in the Chicago Marathon last Sunday with the charity team of Alzheimer’s Association in honor or her Mom.  She raised a nice chunk of change for the Association for research.  I thank you folks who contributed.  Thanksamillion! The Association raised over $400,000 from the 209 runners..  It was touching to me to have Heather do this. A big commitment for her and James in many ways.

“Wealth consists not in having great possessions, but in having few wants.” - Epictetus  I read this tipbit while eating my oatmeal with half a banana on it--Make a conscious decision to seek out people based on their personal achievements – not what they were given or the possessions they have, but what they’ve actually done with their lives. Have they created things? Have they built things? Have they made the lives of people around them better? Have they worked hard and channeled that work into a good life for themselves and the people around them? Those are the people well worth looking at and using as your personal inspiration. Be Inspired By People Who Achieve Things…  A big house might be a nice place to visit or live, but it makes very little commentary about the values and achievements and stability of the person living there. The same goes for a shiny car or an expensive suit. Saturday question—Mentors are very important in life; who is your mentor? 

Percentage Pickleball is not making mistakes...never over hitting, being under control, being patient and being in the right place at the right time... Percentage Pickleball, it's all about putting the percentages, the overwhelming likelihood that you will be successful, on your side!!! That philosophy is good for every part of each of our lives—put the percentages in our favor; that allows a person to be have success more frequently than losing.  Does that make any sense to you? It does to me.  My mentor would say to me—erv, in investing, you got to put the percentage of winning on your side; you got to win more than you lose (i.e. pretty good tipbit).  Such is life.

Recently I was sitting in the sun porch and two hummingbirds were breeding on the feeder.  I don’t know if it was consensual or not.  I was an eye witness!  Now that is another can of worms.  It has been proven that eye witnesses aren’t always accurate (i.e. video and DNA are much more accurate).  I read this in the paper soooooo it must be right--Surveys show that most jurors place heavy weight on eyewitness testimony when deciding whether a suspect is guilty. But although eyewitness reports are sometimes accurate, jurors should not accept them uncritically because of the many factors that can bias such reports (e.g.  emotions, past experiences, alcohol or drugs, gender, mental illness). In fact, according to the Innocence Project, a non-profit organization that assists prisoners who can be proven innocent with DNA testing, mistaken eyewitness identifications contributed to more than 75 percent of the more than 200 wrongful convictions in the United States that have been overturned on the basis of DNA. For defendants, the rule of law makes all the difference. They will be judged according to the law—not according to opinion or vengeance. Sooooo maybe those hummingbirds were not having sex but putting on a show for me or maybe I misread their actions altogether (i.e. maybe I saw just what I wanted to see).  Could be. Maybe. 

Sooooo many times folks say we should do this or do that but have no example to show a person how to get it done.  Here is a real-life example that a onesmartfriend does that is a Wow!   A real tipbit that will affect you for sure. ~  After hearing a sermon 10 years ago about Paul, Barnabas, and Timothy, I was prompted to take this to heart.  Everyone has influence.. some people have large 'circles of influence', others have small 'circles of influence'....nevertheless, Everyone has influence. Believing the saying that 'What gets measured, gets done', I created a spreadsheet to make sure I was regularly connecting with the following people in my life:

• 'Paul' (Mentors),
• 'Barnabas' (Peers),
• 'Timothy' (Mentees) in my life.  

My goal is to have lunch at least 3 times/month with a Paul, Barnabas, or Timothy in my life.  Tracking the process in Excel has helped me be accountable to myself as well as make sure I am expanding my 'circle of influence'. This process has blessed me over and over again.

 A tipbit (i.e. muttin new but most folks don’t seem to catch on).  I learned this from the many support group folks I have been around.  Soooooooo Arlene and I went for brunch at our local café.  I went to the bathroom and a long-time acquaintance was carrying a container of dirty dishes.  She lost her husband within the last 6 months.  I asked her what the biggest challenge she has today (i.e. notice I didn’t ask her—how she was doing—that is the tipbit folks).  She told me being alone for toooo much time; that is why I do dish washing; it really has helped me; a chance to get out of the house and around folks.  She then asked me the same question (i.e. that is class folks).  As I was walking away she said—erv, thanks for asking. Interesting. WorldClassLarry says—Folks who are struggling really aren’t much interested in you telling them how great you are; a big turnoff!

Learned or relearned a great tipbit.  I went for a ride out in the country on my Yamaha XT250 the other day.  I stopped at some former clients who live out N of town.  They are 80, farmed for many years, landlords of many acres of farm ground, live rather modest for their net worth and income and are very fun to talk to.  They are liberal democracies and very opinionated but will and can talk objectively.  They told me that they watch MSNBC for 2 to 3 hours each night.  I have never heard of the network—it’s more liberal than CNN; we really like it—what can they say that’s new during that time—nuttin new; just repeat the same stuff; it gets us all fired up; I’m liberal but not on all issues; I think all kids should have free lunch at school but I don’t know about free college.  He said—I can understand why town folks get upset with farmers when they see them harvesting with a million dollars of equipment in the field, have a lake home and winter in the South when they are making $15 an hour and they are subsidizing them; it looks crazy; but it will be hard for many farmers to make a huge amount of money this year,. They are such good folks; salt of the earth; my kind of folks (i.e. even though I don't agree with everything they think). Sooooo are your kids liberal like you—our daughter is a divorced teacher with 3 kids soooooo she is liberal, and our son works for the government and he is very conservative; I don’t understand that.  Sooooo do you talk politics with him—very little; our love for him is much more important than causing some disagreement over politics; it just ain’t worth it.  What a hoot!

Another tipbit from real life—it’s a feel good one.  Yes, it is.  A friend at breakfast the other day told me that their daughter (i.e. mother of 4, home school teacher, has taken an interest in photography.  Her elderly grandmother, my friend’s mom, is in a care facility.  She came for a day and a half and stayed with her taking pictures of her doing her daily activities including dialysis etc.  She took pictures of her with her care faculty friends and her with her favorite nurses, and of just individuals who where there.  Her grandma never wanted to have her picture taken in the past but was soooo excited about this that she had a permanent and got all slicked up.  The other gals in the care facility were all excited.  She is going to put some type of book together for her grandma and give pictures to the others.  Wow!  She was blessed, her grandma was blessed, her parents were blessed, and the others there were blessed.  I think folks really like it when others care for them (i.e. show love to them—my opinion). Now that is innovative and creative.  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—The smallest deed always exceeds the grandest of intentions.

thump thump thump

Heads up!  This It’s Saturday is not a single, double or triple entendre but is straight talk!   Soooo don’t try to make it something that it’s not.  But you can read it with any meaning that you would like or anyway that makes you feel good. Now that is your decision.  But it only has one meaning; supposedly, maybe!  Could be! But it could be mud or muck to some of you!

I talked to an acquaintance the other day.  He told me that he was in a mess (i.e. I call it a Joseph’s Pit).  It was because of what he did; he did some situational ethics and got caught. I remember years ago in business when an insured turned in a theft claim.  We paid it, but a mutual friend told me later (i.e. by accident) that it was not a theft claim at all a.k.a. a fraudulent claim.  I waited for some time and asked him about it.  He got all excited and told me it is just good business to do that.  I have never had much faith in him sense. 

A group of guys get together at a local place to have coffee every day (i.e. it happens all over the world).  I heard this story second hand, not third hand and not first hand but second hand, soooo take that into consideration.  Sooooo one of the guys put up a rain gauge.  He checks it when he comes if it rains.  Sooooo this one morning, he comes and checks the rain gauge, and someone already checked it and emptied it.  He was hot.  He went to his coffee group and was storming, accusing one of them of doing it!  He used some colorful words (i.e. out of character for him).  All over the amount of rain in the rain gauge!  Soooo during the night it rained again; he came in the morning and read the rain gauge; it was full to the top.  One of his buddies had a good laugh at his expense.  Again, this is a second-hand story!  But it is funny to me.  Really, will it make much difference 30 years from now! ItchieBitchie says—Some folks seem to get excited over nuttin! Such is life.

Charlie and Rookie were here last Saturday.  It sorta kinda felt like winter was on its way Saturday soooo I gave them a gift, a winter gift.  We had soooo much fun (i.e. of course they had to drive the golf cart and have ice cream and cookies—always a hit). They actually gave me their Halloween jokes.  Charlie—What is the meanest reptile in the universe?  Darth Gator.  Rookie—Why didn’t the skeleton cross the road?  It had no guts.  What fun we had. 

A friend’s motto is “Be Happy.”  She really does seem to be happy all the time.  I like to be around folks who have this deposition; how about you?  The company “Life is Good” was started by a couple of guys as a dream and a simple figure which has become the icon of the company (i.e. a happy stick man with a smile) gave them success.  Why do you think it is soooo accepted and folks like it?  Could it be that it is uplifting?  I wonder.

I read this while eating my oatmeal with half a banana on it--The next night the angels came to the house of a very poor, but very hospitable farmer and his wife. After sharing what little food they had, the couple let the angels sleep in their bed. The next morning, the farmer and his wife were in tears. Their only cow, whose milk had been their sole income, is dead. The younger angel asked the older angel, “How could you let this happen?” The older angel replied, “As we slept in the farmer’s bed, the angel of death came for his wife. I gave him the cow instead. Things aren’t always what they seem.” We should never make assumptions about someone based solely on what we see. Remember, when God looks at us, he looks past our faults. He sees the person he created us to be and says to those who judge us, “Things aren’t always what they seem.” —Ericka Loynes   Sooooo you believe that?  That is what I thought. 

In the last several months, I have gone to several visitations of the family of folks who have died.  I, of course, knew the deceased.  I liked them.  I also know some and many or all the children.  Some of these children I have not seen for years but have good memories of them for the most part.  It is soooo interesting to visit with them.  Sooooo many times they are a lot like their parents and some times they are not.  Some of them are a splitting images of their parents and sometimes they were rebellious and are way different than their parents.  Sooooo are you like your parents or rebellious of your parents’ actions and believes?  Sooooo do you think your kids will be rebellious of your actions and believes? Maybe they will be real thumpers! 

I know folks who have a lot of confidence and seem very sure of themselves.  They seem to be not persuaded by others.  When folks are this way, they can become quite stubborn (i.e. my opinion) to a point of even being rebellious of others (i.e. again my opinion).  I also think that these folks seem very happy (i.e. feel good in their own skin).  Maybe these types of folks are/were forced to be this way because of necessity.  I don’t know. What do you think? I’m sorta kinda enjoy being around this type of person.  They seem to be poised and composed (i.e. they don’t get excited if someone doesn’t agree with them). These types of folks seem to be close to their roots, with an emphasis on simplicity, humor and humility. This attitude seems to catapult them into success. MissPerfect says—Some teenagers outgrow the rebellious stage and some never do; for some, the rebellion actions affect their life forever and some are lucky and escape the results of their rebellious actions.  “Forever is composed of nows.” - Emily Dickinson

I live a simple life; I say that a lot (i.e. partly because of Arlene’s condition) but I still have to deal with Direct tv, U.S. Cellular, church stuff, etc.).  Some of you don’t.  Simplicity has some advantages in that folks don’t have as many choices to make compared to when their lives are complex (e.g. money and time give folks more choices which can create mor complesity).  This is funny to me—a county nurse came to our home to give us our flue shots.  She said—You have a beautiful house.  We do, as far as I’m concerned and think but not everyone would agree.  Maybe many of you have way nicer and fancier houses than we do and maybe many of you don’t.  Soooooo it’s all relative now isn’t it. Our home is just perfect for us.  I truly like our house.  It might be pretty simple for you.  Some of you would like to live in our house and others of you would not (i.e. not near fancy enough for you). See what I mean?  Our social life is basically nil.  That makes for a simple life.  We have no choice.  But, I wouldn’t like to have a social life that maybe some of you have—toooo complex for me.  Enough said.  Thump thump thump!

A gal from N of town came and talked to me after church.  We talked about motivation.  She has a huge massive interest in quilting.  I told her I could never be a quilter.  She said, yes you could erv, you can do anything you want; you just don’t have enough “I want tooooo.”  Now think about that.  We can do most anything if we have enough “I want tooooo.”  As the saying goes—Don’t go to your grave with your music still in ya!  Sooooo throw those chips away and get your butt off the couch!  Robert Frost said—I can sum up all I have learned in life in three words—Life goes on!

YogaJess says—Fall is here! We shift because of changes in the season. We begin to notice the change in colors, the change in our diet naturally to eating "warmer" foods/drinks such as soups and stews, baked breads, and cozy up with sweaters/blankets. Our mood will shift to either accept the change or revoke it.  The exciting thing is that our bodies naturally know how to adapt to the change. It is important to remember to keep motivated with some form of exercise whether it be yoga or light walking to keep the body active and warm during the colder months that lie ahead.  Yoga can definitely help with SAD: Seasonal Affective Disorder, which can leave people feeling depressed or anxious about the winter months to come.  Come to the mat and settle in, unwind, and find mindful moving meditation of mind, body, and soul. I surely agree with YogaJess that exercise is sooooo good for us.

Arlene walks very slowly (i.e. shuffles with very little steps) while I hold her hand or hands.  It is sad to watch but what can I do or what can she do about it.  I had a tendency to tell her to pick up her feet and let’s get going repeatedly (i.e. I have a Type A personality).  It does no good and actually it has caused her to cry on a couple of occasions (i.e. she understands that she can’t walk well).  She can’t help it; she just can’t do it.  I’m the one who has the problem. I have learned that if I’m more patient and more encouraging and even joking (i.e. for some crazy reason she can understand humor), she does much better.  Sooooo what have I learned from this?  What do you think? 

SusieQ says to the police officer—I thought you didn’t give tickets to pretty gals—we don’t; please sign here!   I don’t understand this--Riding my Yamaha XT 250 on the road, I usually go about 55 mph.  I have had more folks this summer pass me in a no passing zone than I have ever had while driving my car all my life. I mean totally in the no passing zone.  I have no idea why this is.  It amazes me.  I think most of them are young ladies driving massive huge, white SUVs or trucks a.k.a. behemoths (i.e. maybe just a stereotype).  Maybe it just seems this way (i.e. this is not an accurate test but…).  Why is that do you think? I read in the paper that folks who drive those big SUVs and trucks that on the average, these types of folks are more likely to ignore road courtesy, be rude in public and give less to charity.  Hey, I’m just telling you what I read in the paper.  But the next time when a person with a huge massive SUV or truck passes you or is rude, take a look at the driver and wonder!!!!!  Maybe they are just a curmudgeon. Could be and maybe not. JoeBlow says—You can't believe anything or anyone says anymore; it’s all political maneuvering soooo probably none of this is true! 

A friend emailed me this--My daughter asked me a question the other day while we were discussing volunteering.  I thought is was incredibly insightful for a 14 year old.  She asked “Do you think there is a greater shortage of volunteers for charity or money for charity?”  Hmmmmm....  I was initially stumped by the question.  I didn’t know how to answer so I told her I needed to ponder that for a while.  If there was more money, charities could pay people and buy more things to help those in need.  If there were more volunteers, we wouldn’t need as much money to pay for services.  If I had to choose, I think more volunteers would help more.  Nothing can replace the human element in helping people. Thoughts?   ~   I think all parents should encourage, no force their children to volunteer. My opinion.  Many children are a lot like their parents!

It was 1956 and Roseland Reformed Church was building a new building.  One of the money raisers was for church folks to meet Saturday mornings and go as a group into picked corn fields and pick up ears of corn that fell or didn’t go into the one or two row corn ear picker.  We were given a 5-gallon pail and walked and picked up corn until it was full; then we would dumb it into a wagon and start over.  I was 11 and wasn’t excited about it (i.e. would have rather slept in Saturday mornings).  Chester and Anna had a different idea.  It was a forced volunteer opportunity.  Looking back, it was a good experience.  

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

erv

MyFriendJean says—True friends are always together in spirit.