incredulous

How are you doing on your hamster wheel?  Are you going at a good pace? But are you really accomplishing anything?  Will what you are doing make any difference 5 years from now?  Maybe we need to go faster and longer; that might help us!  ha ha  Hey, you want some crackers with your whine? Suck it up cupcake and let’s get going! Saturday question--Are we on a bigger mission than our hamster wheel? I am reminded what I told one of our office support staff maybe 25 years ago.  She was kidding me (i.e. and maybe she wasn’t) that she had soooo much work to do; she did and she could do it—she was good and still is I bet.  I kiddingly told her to just work faster!!!!!!  She has never forgotten that.

When Arlene had her bad cold and cough, I bought a humidifier sooo when she slept, maybe her breathing would be easier.  The fan has multiple speeds (i.e. most equipment of life do).  Sooooo I asked myself, what speed am I operating on?  Well, I think that depends on what I’m doing and the day (i.e. I’m retired ha ha). Actually, I have been working on slowing down (i.e. I have a tendency to do everything fast—not always good).  BUT, is my desire to improve (i.e. or save) the world or is my desire to enjoy (i.e. or savor) the world? CadillacJack says--Now that is a rather philosophical question, erv!  Now that is incredulous!  I would like to think I have the mentality of both but I don’t’ know; I wonder about myself sometimes! ha ha  Sometimes I think I just “glug glug glug” filing myself up with stuff that doesn’t make any sense (i.e. a waste of my time and effort).  I read this while eating my oatmeal with half a banana on it--Paul suggested this to mediate on and act on--Things that are true, noble, just, pure, lovely, of good report, virtuous, and worthy of praise (Philippians 4:8-9). I’m going to try to turn the speed up a notch on those?

Some of you folks will find this incredulous! Yes you will!  I ran into a friend at Kwik Star the other morning. He was getting a snack for his trip to Minneapolis to catch a flight to Honduras to do a mission trip.  It is his ninth year; this year he is staying, I think, 20+ days; they build rafters and put tin roofs on the buildings for the poorest of the poor; he just leaves his tools down there. I asked them if the people are thankful—they seem to be—are they content—they seem to be.  I told him he was a good person with a good heart. He just shrugged his shoulders. I could put your name in this story as many of you are just this type of folks; and yes, some of you aren’t!  Like I said, this is just incredulous to some of you.  Such is life.                                                                                                                                                                                

Have you ever had something happen to you what was breathtakingly positive? Like it was incredulous? You just can’t explain it?  An extreme example of this would be-- Tests showed that the tumor is gone. What?  Some doctors are mystified (i.e. they call it "spontaneous regression." It can make folks dumbfounded, utterly incredulous. Sometimes we just don’t know what to think about it.  It is soooo amazing that we don’t even tell others because others might think we are crazy.  Maybe we feel that this can’t be; is this real!  Folks I would like to hear your incredulous story.  Here is an opportunity to share it with someone; I will not tell anyone. 

Ya have to have a real good friend who you can trust completely to tell them about just good stuff that is incredulous. Actually, many folks don’t have such a good friend. WorldClassLarry says—Success isn’t much fun if you can’t share it with someone!  The reason why we always don’t share successes is that most think we are bragging.  Oh ya, it’s easy to tell folks about bad stuff in our life; everybody does that but to tell someone something that is incredulous good about yourself, well, that is another story. A great friend is happy for you and will celebrate with you, not be jealous or envious but extremely happy for you.  My mentor would say to me facetiously—erv, half the people are glad something bad happens to you and the other half don’t care.  Well, maybe that mentality can apply to folks’ reactions when something good happens to you, maybe. 

Most folks seem to like to settle in and stay put (i.e. now that is very comfortable). ItchieBitchie says--For gosh sakes, don’t let something happen (i.e. that is incredulous) that will shake up my life.  JoeBlow says—I don’t want anything (i.e. like an opportunity) that will take me out of my comfort zone for gosh sakes!  I like safety first!

Maybe we all need more grit! Chickens need grit (e.g. small stones etc.) in order to digest food in their gizzard (i.e. can’t live without it). When I was a kid, we feed our chickens oystershells which was needed for calcium soooo the egg shells were strong.  Grit and oystershells have two different purposes.  Well folks, how much grid do you have? Some have more than others.  Yes they do.  My Mom, Anna, was sweet, kind, hardworking and had a lot of grit; she was a good one; she died toooo young (i.e. 56). Here is a paragraph from Huck Finn that I really like (i.e. there are soooo many good ones).  Huck said this about Miss Mary Jane:

On Valentine day, Arlene started crying and trying to say again that she wanted to die and go home (i.e. heaven).  That is soooo hard for me to see but I understand.  I told her—Hey, I gave you chocolate today—did you like it—GOOD!  I told her that she’s my girl. She smiled!  Then I lectured her that we have to be tough; it is not easy. Are you tough? And she said-NO!  I laughed at her and said—well, I’m not either.  Arlene was never a snacker and not a big chocolate eater when she didn’t have Alzheimer’s (i.e. many who have the disease take a big liking to sweets; I have no idea why). ANYWAY, she doesn’t walk very well anymore (i.e. a struggles) but I caught her at the counter in the chocolates eating her heart out.  I just had to laugh.

Saturday question--Have you ever had something incredulously bad happen to you?  I mean like getting stung, beat up or taken advantage of?  I have; no question.  I’m a pretty trust worthy person and maybe that makes me even more vulnerable, maybe!  ANYWAY, I have tooooo be careful that I don’t become gun shy!  Have you ever been or are gun shy (e.g. like not wanting to get married again, trust a financial advisor, trust a medical person, trust a boss or co-worker, trust a friend—you get it). When we become gun shy, we are a way different person (i.e. that is for sure—no question).  The church we attend, is in a transition of being between pastors.  I am gun shy a little as for the last 10 years we have had a bad experience (i.e. my opinion).  I’m not being diabolical, but some might think I am! Yes, that makes me a little gun shy of the process and the future.  I think many others feel this way as well.  And maybe we should.  If we have been burnt, it can get into a person’s head; at least mine.  Such is life.

I think those miniature horses are cute and crazy and amazing. They sorta kinda make me laugh.  Some of you are maybe incredulous about God, could be, maybe. LouLouLou says--Even in this era of biblical illiteracy, when almost half of those responding to a recent survey identified the ark of the covenant as a big boat constructed by Noah, I think we can be reasonably sure that the great majority of people are familiar with John 3:16, especially in the language of the King James Version: “For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.” Luther called it “the gospel in miniature.” Now this Luther is a different Luther than my cousin Luther who lives on Eagle Lake but grew up in Roseland, MN; I want to be clear on that! I have no idea which Luther is the smarter!

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

erv

MyFriendJean says—The best sermon is a good example.

I don't know about that

ItchieBitchie (i.e. who always has his motor runnin’) says—I don’t want anyone shoving their opinions down my throat, unless they’re covered in crunchy candy shell!  Sooooo, I am putting a little crunchy candy shell on this “It’s Saturday.” You’ll love it! I remember when I had to take vitamin pills as a kid; I fought it tooth and nail.  Soooo my Mom, Anna, put them in a little white Karo syrup and I liked it (i.e. I couldn’t get enough pills!). She could seem to always manipulate me! I liked her and still miss her. Always will.

I am sure that all of you know what metamorphose is.  You probably all have heard a talk or read about it.  Sooooo I don’t need to repeat what you already know (i.e. like all the weather reporters do; I think that is soooo funny); you guys are smart; way beyond some/most folks.  I appreciate that.  ANYWAY, I don’t want to waste your time soooo let’s get to the issues.  You guys are really something; yes you are.  Many of you just surprise me (i.e. you satisfy my expectations that I didn’t know I had)!

You guys are continuously reforming and changing and seem to be always right. Well folks, I have a lot of fuzzy thinkin’ (i.e. confusion).  Generations younger than me think different than I do; it seems for the most part anyway.  I have no idea if they are right or wrong, but it appears that many think different than I do.  Sooooo I was thinking back about 40 years ago when I was put on our church board (i.e. pretty darn young; didn’t know much and still don’t).  We were discussing an issue and the old guys (i.e. back then it was truly was the old GUYS) asked me what I thought—I said I didn’t care either way.  They got all excited and really got all over me; they said I had to have an opinion and had to care (i.e. I really didn’t).  They could not understand that and were unhappy with me (i.e. whatever it was, it wasn’t important to me).  Sooooo, it appears that many of the folks of the younger generations today don’t care about certain things and now I’m the old guy who can’t understand that.  Huh, interesting. ANYWAY, I was asked by a person recently what I thought about building the wall—I said—I really don’t care.  They got all over me; they couldn’t understand that (i.e. surely I had to care and have an opinion and pick a side and be obnoxious).  TomTerrific says—If the stalemate over the wall isn’t resolved quickly, it may take awhile! 

Arlene has had a long bad cold with a bad cough; I hear there is a lot of that going around.  ANYWAY, our home care provider suggested I put slices of potato in her socks at night.  What!  Yes, folks say it really works and will stop the coughing.  Hey, it’s only a half a potato soooo I did it.  The potato slices turned black and it seemed to work, maybe.  I have no idea if it was the potato slices or “hockie pokie,” coincidence or God only knows.   Ask goggle if you don’t believe our home care provider. Goggle said this remedy was invented by a beet farmer near Fargo!  CrazyMarvin says—I don’t know about that! Hey folks, it only costs half a potato—do it when no one is looking!  ha ha

WildWillie (i.e. is sorta kinda a fixerupper) says—Some things change and some things don’t and it is hard to determine which things will and which things won’t.  JoeBlow says--The great god Ra, whose shrine once covered acres, is filler now for crossword-puzzle makers. I read in the paper that “Super Bowl Sunday ads” give a snapshot of American psyche (i.e. maybe viewing the folks at the State of the Union Address does the same).  Advertisers were mostly avoiding social and cultural topics; too toxic for the world right now. That didn’t mean the ads were devoid of cultural makers. Women’s empowerment was among the themes that took center stage.”  ~  Do you remember this ad?  Car in ditch – driver in tree – the moon was full – and so was he. – Burma Shave

I ran into our 88 year old neighbor (i.e. she can run a person out of the gym) in the grocery store. She said her mom use to say to her a lot—It could be worse.  Now that is true—It could be worse.  ANYWAY, she told me that she drinks a lot of milk and eats a lot of vegetables and fruit; that is what keeps me runnin’.  Another neighbor, JimmieTheSnertDog, told me that he likes his meals balanced between the four food groups; sugar, starch, grease and burnt crunchy bits; that is what keeps me runnin’! Could things be worse?

CrazyMarvin (i.e. who can really slip and pop) says—Sometimes I’m willing to change and sometimes I’m not. You ever notice folks are much more willing to change if there is money in it for them!  ha ha  And sometimes we just don’t have a choice; we just have to change.  A friend’s wife has Alzheimer’s and he has to change but he doesn’t want tooooo but he has tooooo.  It has really been hard on him.  He told me he is soooo lonesome; his wife can’t carry on a conversation plus many other deficiencies. 

SuperChiefJoAnn says—“Tomatoes and oregano make it Italian; wine and tarragon make it French; sour cream makes it Russian; lemon and cinnamon make it Greek; Soy sauce makes it Chinese;  garlic makes it good.”  LuckieEddie says—SuperChiefJoAnn, I don’t know about that, I don’t like garlic that much.  Besides, garlic gives me bad breath and my girl friend doesn’t like to kiss when I eat garlic, and I like to kiss (i.e. I really get the big urge sometimes)! LuckieEddie, my advice to you is, I would skip the garlic! 

I don’t know about that but…!  I asked a lady how the program went—well the speaker spoke for a hour—a hour!—yes a hour; us ladies sitting in the back who served the meal went to the kitchen pretending we had things to do—we actually had enough.  I lOL!  A friend told me once—If you speak over 20 minutes, folks get sick of you; they won’t come back the next time (i.e. unless you are an exceptionally good speaker or have some information that is exceptionally good).  I agreed with him, but we all think what we have to say is soooo important and we all think we are soooo exceptionally goooood—it ain’t and we’re not for the most part; we are just feeding our egos.  What is nice about you reading this blog is that you can exit at any time; you don’t have to sit through the whole thing (i.e. you have options—you don’t have to be politically or socially correct—and you don’t need an excuse—no one will know or care). 

 Da! Asked to resign it says.  Not toooo many years ago he would have been lynched. TheOx says—I don’t know about that. Ok, at least they would have tarred and feathered him and ridden him out of town on a rail.  But TerrySlick says--I still think he would have been lynched if they had enough to drink or if enough folks lost enough money (i.e. a ra ra inciting leader helps in really stimulating the rioters/protesters). Now we just ask them to resign (i.e. it’s only just tax dollars).  AverageJoe says—At least they could send the dogs after him and scare him a little bit!

I had a conversation with a longtime acquaintance that just made me laugh.  He has an ego as big as Mt. Everest!  He thinks he is right about everything from politics, money management, gardening, religion, house cleaning, medical issues and God only knows what else (i.e. he’s not a sports person or otherwise he would know all the answers about that tooooo).  He is intelligent, I think. I will give him the benefit of doubt about that, but he is not God.  I’m sure about that but he doesn’t know it (i.e. probably will go to his grave thinking he knows more than God does)!  He made me laugh!  What a hoot! I read this while eating my oatmeal with a half a banana on it:  

DuaneTheWorm can really put on a show (i.e. he’s a great faker; an actor).  A flopper he is.  That is a term used in basketball when a person flops to exaggerate the situation to look like a player ran into them (i.e. a fake).  It’s much like a person who hollers wolf all the time but pretty soon no one pays any attention to them. JoeBlow (i.e. who has a lot of guts) says—There sure seems to be a lot of folks who seem to “tout their own horn” in our culture.  Maybe excessively; even to a point of major exaggeration. I agree JoeBlow, it appears there is more of that all the time, but I don’t know that the majority of folks much care for it, but it seems like a lot of folks do (i.e. particular certain segments of society).  It might be because our culture is changing or that I’m just getting older and recognize it more. My Daddy, Chester, would say to me—erv, if you are good, you don’t have to tell anyone; they will know.  JoeSmart says--Yabut, it appears that it is harder and harder for folks to determine what good is.

TrickieRickie says--For change to happen in any area of your life—whether it’s financial, vocational, educational, mental, or relational—you have to begin with the physical. Why? Because your body affects your behavior. Your muscles affect your moods and your motivation. Your physiology can actually affect your psychology. MissPerfect says—I don’t know about that.  MissPerfect, I really think that is true if you like it or not.  Sooooo quit eating those chips and get your butt off the couch and do something; you will fell a lot better.  Bingo.

The gal west of Bristow said—He can’t fool me!  I have been married to him for soooo many years that I have him figured out.  She was saying that in regard to watching her hubby walk across the farm yarn and she can tell if something is not going well.  Wow!  I would guess many of us could say that about our spouses or close friends.  My “old couz” who did that pain rehab, told me that they took a picture of her face before the rehab and after (i.e. sorta kinda like a before and after picture when someone loses a lot of weight).  ANYWAY, the after picture showed a face of less stress, strain, pain and more happiness.  Wow!  Gals, this might be a way to get rid of some of those wrinkles!  ha ha  MissPerfect (i.e. is as smooth as butter) says—I don’t know about that!

I do know about this; yes, I do.  Recently I had communication with some of you that affected me (i.e. what you said and your caring and also the timing).  Thanksamillion!  You will never know it but it was a real form of encouragement; you don’t even know if it was you; well, you know it wasn’t you if you havn’t communicated with me recently! ha ha  Some of what you said was in discussion, maybe even critical, pointed, encouraging, complimentary, about really nuttin, or just funny.  You reminded me again how important contact with folks is.  You guys warm my heart! Thanksamillion!  Addonatnocost—Onesmartgoodperson sent me some really good advice (i.e. nuttin that I didn’t know before but such a good reinforcement).  That is what I think we need to do for each other—reinforce reinforce reinforce!  Part of the reinforcement they sent me is this--We all know that happiness is contagious.   Surrounding yourself with happy, positive people can only lift your spirits and help you see the world in a better light.

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

erv

MyFriendJean says—Hard work is easier to admire if you don’t have to do it.

Waltzing Matilda

Some of you might think that this “It’ Saturday” is all bun and no beef!  And to top it off, CrazyMarvin says—And erv, you probably actually believe what you write! Well, ItchieBitchie, in my defense, says—Competence, like truth, beauty, a beefy “It’s Saturday,” and contact lenses, is in the eye of the beholder.  

Yes-siree-Bob! A friend a.k.a JoeTheHike who I met in AZ but is from MN, called recently.  He told me that he can’t do a fourth of what he could when we did a lot of hiking up’erin’emmountains in AZ a few years ago!  How come; you have health issues—no, got those straightened out but the medications have side effects.  I had another friend call from FL and said many of his friends are falling apart (i.e. a lot of health issues).  BUT with the many new health procedures, folks can live for a long time (i.e. but to keep Matilda waltzing, it is expensive). 

I have a unique college friend who tells me that he is a terrible driver; I really am erv. I have been pulled over several times (i.e. I’m all over the road) and the officers put their heads in the car as they think I have been drinking; I even had to do the field sobriety test once.  Well Waltzing Matilda!  By the way, my friend bought me breakfast the other day.  I asked him how much money he has in his fancy money clip—I usually carry 2 to 3 thousand!  He is one unique guy who I really like; he is very straight forward and not a bit phony.  He really makes me laugh. He has had a lot success in business.  He is a very hard worker and also very smart (i.e. a good combination).  ANYWAY, An Wang, a Chinese-American computer scientist who helped develop magnetic core memory, said, “Success is more a function of consistent common sense than it is of genius.”  ~  Cautious ridder – to her reckless dear – let’s have less bull – and a little more steer. Burma Shave  ~  I told my friend that we usually remember folks by some crazy things—One memory I will always remember you by my friend is by your money clip!  ha ha

I had really no idea about the song Waltzing Matilda until I researched it.  I found it very interesting.  I find that “oh soooo interesting” that what the song is all about is way different than I ever thought.  I think that feeling is the same about many things; we just don’t know.  We might say a word or phrase, but we don’t know what it means.  Sooooo anyway, Waltzing Matilda!  Do you know that the idiom, No-siree-Bob means?  Bob is an euphemism for “God. I realize that all of you probably know this information, except for one of you and I know who the one it!  I’m the one but you got to remember that I’m just a little ol’ farm boy from a mile and a fourth south or Roseland, MN. 

Recently I communicated with our kids (i.e. sent them something that I thought was interesting about myself).  One of them sorta kinda corrected me; basically, saying I didn’t read the other communication correctly (i.e. I didn’t); I didn’t read it accurately and as a result I didn’t get the whole message; soooo I really just screwed up!  I told her/them—I don’t have it all together! I was an idiot! I have quirks!  Are you ever just not with it?  Not focused 100%? This came from the paper soooo it must be right--Quarterback Kirk Cousins has a brain coach who helps him sharpen his focus. During the 2016 off-season, for example, Kirk watched every Star Wars movie with EEG monitors attached to his head. If his brain lost focus, the movie would shut down. To enjoy the film, Cousins had to stay focused on it. In so doing, he was training his mind to stay “in the zone.” Well Waltzing Matilda! If I did that, I would never get through the first movie!  Such is life.

I really learned, no relearned a fact the other day. I didn’t’ research it or wasn’t even thinking about it.  It just fell into my lap.  ANYWAY, a couple of folks said, without knowing it, that folks and myself are not near as important as we think we are. They told me this through life situations that surely showed it. It was a good reminder to me (i.e. it rehumbled me and rejumbled me).  SpookyOllie says--Sooooo folks, don’t take yourself soooooo serious; most folks really don’t care that much about you; they are tooooo busy thinking about themselves.  SpookyOllie lived in the next room in the dorm at good ol’ Northwestern College.  His name was Ollie Watamaker and I think from Chicago.  We called him “scant back” as he was a little guy who really could run fast and was a running back on the football team. He was black and was very scared of ghosts.  We use to play tricks on him.  He loved it.  He was a fun guy. I was reminded of him when I read Huck Finn (i.e. Jim was scared of ghosts). He might have only stayed in school for a semester or soooo.  Isn’t that interesting how we remember folks from our past!  He was the first black person that I really had any contact with.

TrickieRickie says--The way you think determines the way you feel, and the way you feel determines the way you act. If you want to change the way you act, you start by changing the way you think. In addition, if you want to change the way you feel, you must start with the way you think. Let me sum it up this way: You are not what you think you are; rather, what you think, you are.  I realize that some of you won’t understand that and others will.  Such is life.

I think this is a “practical application.”  This is not me talking or giving this suggestion.  I just heard it and think it applies to me soooo many of you might find some use for it (i.e. I'm just borrowing it). But I really have no idea.  Most folks know what they don’t want or they don’t like but if you ask them exactly what they want, they hesitate. Maybe we don’t know what we want, specifically (i.e. we don’t quantify and identify exactly want we want out of life). Example: A person says--I want to be a good person but being a good person to one person is way different than to another.  Soooo what do you want realistically and specifically?  And when you write it down, your chances of getting it increases astronomically.  Ok folks, you take it from here.  I suggest you try one small project and see how it goes. Very few folks can and will do it (i.e. statistics show that).  But the more successful folks do that and accomplish much more (i.e. statistics show that).  Huh, interesting. DuaneTheWorm a.k.a. the greatest phony of all time, probably prays lies!

Have you ever heard of chicken skin?  I have not but probably everyone has heard of goose bumps.  I was talking to a cousin-in-law by phone who we really got to know in AZ through the years (i.e. happenstance, na I don’t think soooo).  ANYWAY, she told me that her and Arlene really got along well and enjoyed each other’s company very much (i.e. it was quite obvious).  She said that one time they were sitting by the pool and Arlene gave her chicken skin as she was soooo sweet and kind to her.  This gal is a very sweet and kind gal herself.  Oh, by the way, she grew up on a farm by Prinsburg, MN (i.e. 4 miles west of Roseland).  Maybe that is the reason why she calls it chicken skin!  Just maybe!  Could be!  Well, Waltzing Matilda!

CadillacJack says—Yabut Hilton Coliseum was packed for Iowa State basketball game!  Bad weather creates many hardships for many folks.  I can only imagine.  When there is no school, well, it creates problems for working parents.  Example is our kids—Jessica said--"I am at my office this morning, Chet is home with the kids. I will head home around noon and he'll go to his office for a few hours this afternoon. Just tag-teaming it -- it's all we can do!”  Sooooo many times that is correct, it’s all we can do!  I talked to my big sister (i.e. just in age) the other day when it was soooo cold.  I was sorta kinda rough on some folks who I think really don’t want to work (i.e. milk the system in my opinion). I think business looks and does it different than when you are paid by easy dollars.  I do folks.  I don’t think my big sister agreed with me (i.e. she is older; usually older folks know more soooo maybe she is right and I am wrong).  ANYWAY, I told her that she is just old! ha ha  Go and eat some chocolate!  Sooooo she went and made some fudge.  What a hoot!  In “A Farewell to Arms,” Ernest Hemingway wrote, “That is the greatest fallacy, the wisdom of old men. They do not grow wise. They grow careful.”

My older couz (i.e. a few years older than me but that is what I call her) went to a 23-day Mayo Pain Relief Rehab.  She said it was intense from 8 to 4 every day.  Wow!  Sooooo “myoldercouz from a little east of Priam, MN.,” what did you learn—the overview is this: 1. Learn to relax by breathing 2. Exercise a hour a day 3. Listen to relaxing, soothing tapes 4. Don’t talk about your pain.  Also, they want folks to get rid of all pain medicine.  Now that sure seems to me that they are working with a person’s mind.  She said—If I want to mange my pain, I need to do these things (i.e. sorta kinda like it’s up to me). Well Waltzing Matilda!  After our phone conversation, she sent me this email--One question, does your body hurt from “hurting” or from sadness in your heart?? Love you little cuz  I think she was saying—littlecuz, this would be good for you (i.e. she is getting in my head)! I have choices!

Someone who I know very well told me these things: I feel like I’m an island; I feel like a snowstorm a.k.a. an inconvenience, a problem: right now I just want to be left alone; I’m hurting; Folks have no idea; it's tough sledding! Have you ever felt like that?  Now that is a Waltzing Matilda! Some of you will understand and others of you won't. I understand!  That someone who I know very well, says it's not always fun; you just got tooooo do it; you got to be tough; you can't be a wimp, you just can't (i.e. suck it up cupcake and let's get going)!  Such is life.

“Old bookkeepers never die; they just lose their balance.” A friend was in Hawaii.  I asked her if she was surfing—no but did a lot when I was younger (i.e. she can do anything and everything).  Years ago, Hank and I were going to try to surf on Waikiki Beach.  We rented boards but we didn’t need instruction as we were cocky (i.e. at least I was).  We paddled out there and I was already tired.  I tried to get on the board but kept falling off.  Finally, I got on the board and was soooo tired that I had to sit there to rest; then I fell off again.  It took me a long time to stand on it for a short time; then I fell off again.  I was shot.  Then this older native Hawaiian lady who was rather heavy, comes surfing by me like there was nuttin to it and gave me the shaka sign.  I paddled in and quit!  Secretariat did well (i.e. he can do anything and everything).  What a hoot.

Our backyard fence made me laugh! Yes it did. Well Waltzing Matilda!  We have had strong winds along with the cold temperatures.  A section of the fence broke lose (i.e. it’s rotten) and when the wind is from the NW it leans one way and if the wind is from the SE it leans the other.  It’s like a Mug-Rumper who sits on the fence with his rump on one side of the fence and his mug on the other and talks which every way the wind is blowing to self-glorify himself (i.e. these folks really make me laugh just like the fence does).  And why does a Mug-Rumper do it? Cause they’re rotten. 

I read this while eating my oatmeal with half a banana on it--They smelled like fish. They almost never missed an opportunity to misunderstand what Jesus was saying. One of them was a thief; ten were cowards. They did not possess education, social status, wealth, or business acumen; some of them probably could not read or write. If Aristotle chose Socrates to be his disciple, and if Socrates chose Plato to be his disciple, couldn't Jesus have been a little more selective in his choice of disciples? Yet these are the men who "turned the world upside down" for Christ (Acts 17:6). Well Waltzing Matilda!

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

erv

MyFriendJean says--Don't cry because it's over, smile because it happened.

no no, yes!

Whoopsie whoopsie! I didn’t expect that to happen; but it did.  Soooo now I need to live with it. I have no choice.  Have you ever had that experience? LuckieEddie says—The past is the past; I can’t do anything about it. Goodnessgracioussake!

I asked a friend--Sooooo be unfiltered my friend and tell me what are your practical handles on managing your life?  Her response was--For what type of situation? Am I bored....Am I angry....Am I lonely....Am I frustrated? 1. Universal handle: EAT CHOCOLATE! 2. Clean house 3. Some kind of exercise 4. Not just pray, but try to figure out what God is trying to teach me in a set of circumstances, and then see what Scriptures come to mind that might help me understand. 5. Try not to become over committed to various “busy” activities that I don’t enjoy or are not helping anyone; say no once in a while. Wow! That is being honest and practical.  Is that wisdom?  I think soooo! What do you think?  That is what I thought. 

I tell you what folks, there are things that happen that just don’t surprise me anymore; I just accept them.  Some things, it seems, I just don’t care about much anymore; have very little interest in them any more or don’t for sure get toooo much excited about them; they just aren’t that important to me anymore.  They are sorta kinda no no, yes or is it yes yes, no?  ANYWAY, something like that.  Some of you understand that and others of you don’t; I understand that.  Yes, I do. BUT every day brings new possibilities and opportunities!  Yes they do! Now that is exciting and challenging.

MyLittleKidSister told me that I should “expect the unexpected” to really give me some great opportunities that I never even thought about or can imagine.  What!! Now that is being very positive (i.e. I think she was getting in my head—no surprise, she could always do that and I was sooooooo easy; but she is/was soooo nice soooooo it wasn’t/isn’t hard).  She went on to say that maybe a certain person who I don’t expect will come along and will change my life and bring a new sense to my life (i.e. just fall in my lap).  What?!  Does she know something that I don’t? ha ha  Maybe it’s a no no, yes! I really wonder if she had tooooo much wine! 

JoeBlow (i.e. who is very good with the throwdown) says—Com’on, let’s face it, if you are undertalented, it’s hard to win; when that is the case, you got to be lucky, super lucky! What do I know?!  When I coached high school basketball, one year we had an average team and was playing a very good team at their place.  One of our players was just an average player (i.e. rather chunky, slow, couldn’t jump, a very average shooter etc.).  He played forward and stood in the corner and shot maybe 6 shots that night and maybe made them all (i.e. I was soooo happy for him—he came out of nowhere).  I said each time he shot—no no, YES!  It was a game of his lifetime and we won the game (i.e. the only game that our opponent lost that year before state).  I’m sure he has never forgotten that game.  It is soooo much fun when that happens.  Oh ya!  And the crowd went crazy! I really enjoyed coaching and really had a lot of great kids to coach (i.e. they made me look a lot better than I actually was as a coach, no question)!

Part of my mind says, no no but I am going to say yes!  I am going to stretch my mind maybe; I really don’t know what will happen BUT I do know for sure that it will be an experience.  I’m going to get-to-gather with a “deplorable.”  According to the paper, soooo it must be right, statistics tell me who are the most likely to be a “deplorable.” ”Deplorables” might be different to different folks I would guess.  I don’t think I will have to do much talking, but I will listen and try not to talk.  Now that is going to fun for me.  I have never done that intentionally before but have done it when I had no choice.  This time my attitude will be different.  I can’t wait!  Now I need to pick a great “deplorable” to maximize my experience!

I have observed that gals are a lot prettier when they are happy.  I said that to some gals at church.  They agreed and said that men are tooooo.  Yabut, men aren’t pretty I said—yabut, it is the same.  Soooo do you think that is a true statement?  Do you look different when you are happy compared to when you are sad (i.e. folks, look in the mirror).  TheGoodDoctorRita says—“Deplorables” don’t ever seem happy and as a result don’t ever seem to be pretty or whatever you call men.  Is that a yes yes or a no no in your mind.  Of course, if you are a “deplorable”, you might have a different opinion about that.  Saturday question—How do you know if you are a “deplorable?” Who I think are “deplorables” really make me laugh (i.e. good entertainment for me but irritating).  I tell you what folks, I sneeze a lot!  Really, I do; way more than a normal person I think (i.e. but I don’t know what is the normal number).  Sooooo take that into consideration about your evaluation of me.  Somehow maybe being a “deplorable” and sneezing excessively might be related. What do you think? That is what I thought.

DingDing says—Consistency is the last refuge of the unimaginative.  How do you know when you are beating a dead horse or throwing your money down a black hole? CadillacJack (i.e. who at times tries to fit 10 pounds into a 5-pound bag) says—It is really tough to know when to throw in the towel and accept that it’s over (i.e. time to pull the plug)!  I agree CadillacJack, but it’s really wisdom to be able to discern that.  But then again, it’s not usually black and white; there are some opinions in that decision and usually emotions.  Many times, money finally makes the decision for us (i.e. usually).  Sometimes our decisions are no no, yes!

I read in the paper, so it must be right, that the average reading level of a newspaper is sith grade.  You believe that? Maybe at times I write below your reading level, sometimes above your reading level and sometimes right on your level.  The question is—what is your level?  I can’t understand this next information; it’s way over my head; although I have no idea what my level of understanding is.  Our minister used this recently—Visual Semantic Planning using Deep Successor Representations.  I goggled it and studied it and still don’t understand it.  But I tell you what folks, that doesn’t mean much, I’m just a little ol’ farm boy from a mile and fourth south of Roseland, MN.  I really don’t understand the TV news either! But I do think a lot of it is funny; it makes me laugh how it is told.  MissPerfect (i.e. who at times looks like a runaway beer truck) says—ervie ervie, you are really orginable!

I have just read The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn by Mark Twain for the second or third time (i.e. I can’t remember for sure but I think the second time). ANYWAY, it’s a classic and called by some as the first great novel of all time (i.e. I enjoy this book for many reasons—one is I can understand it—I think). I have seen it described at many reading grade levels but have agreed on it being between the 6-12 grade level and a 7-12 grade interest level (i.e.  that is like the weather person saying that it is going to snow between 0 to 10 inches). Do you remember this paragraph of the book?    

It's been cold in Iowa let me tell ya (i.e. like I think -26 one morning this week)!  Now it could be a quandary alright or at least very questionable!  Usually older folks like it warmer in their houses than younger folks.  Unless you are hot blooded (i.e. a friend told us that his wife is hot blooded, and he is normal or cold blooded—they keep the temp at 67—burzy burzy).  He told us that when his parents come to their house, his dad brings along a portable heater!  Now that makes me laugh.  Another friend tells me that when she goes to her kids’ house, she just goes to the thermostat and turns it up!  That makes me laugh.  I must admit that we usually are cold in our kids’ house; we usually dress with extra layers when we visit. But both of them have new furnaces now.  One has upgraded to a forced air furnace that regulates the heat soooo it’s not just on or off soooo the heat is more constant (i.e. but they still have to set it higher). They will get older someday and understand us! I think I will trick them by getting their pass word to their thermostat and adjust it for the temperature I want; now this could be fun!

Now here is a real no no, yes real scenario!  I told some folks of a church group that I did something that I don’t remember ever doing before.  I got up rather early one morning, did my stuff that I have to do and then went back to bed and slept another half hour.  I always said when I retired, I was going to do that; well, I have been retired for 10 years and finally did it (i.e. it’s about time).  A ladyfromnorthoftown said—She does it all the time (i.e. gets up and then sleeps in her recliner) and it is actually the best sleep she gets!  I think she gets up before lunch, but I didn’t ask her!  ha ha She is retired and can do whatever she wants folks!  Such is life.

Yes no yes no.  Arlene and I were recently having a pancake at Todd’s and a couple came over to our booth to greet us.  I did business with them years ago but have not had any contact for maybe since then.  They greeted Arlene who they really don’t know and talked to me (i.e. good-hearted folks being nice—a big yes).  He told us that 2 years ago he had a heart attack (i.e. a no) and lost 40 pounds (i.e. a yes).  His wife said she gained those 40 pounds (i.e. a no).  Such is life.

I had breakfast with our son last Saturday morning (i.e. we meet half way).  I totally enjoy these breakfasts (i.e. soooo uplifting to me).  ANYWAY we ate at the same restaurant.  I now know the owner by name; it’s Janet.  I asked Janet if she works all the hours that her restaurant is open—yes I do—now that is a lot of hours—yes it is; about 16 hours a day; I was raised on a farm and that is what I learned to do WORK and also follow rules--how old are you Janet—81—I could never work all those hours—you are lucky!

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

erv

MyFriendJean says—The eyes tell all the secrets we never say aloud.