perhaps

We are having Arlene’s memorial service Saturday, August 15 at the Aplington Evangelical Presbyterian Church here in Aplington at 10:30 with a reception with lunch in the town park after the service.  You are all welcome.  We request face masks and we will social distance.  If you feel comfortable, we would like to see you. Oh, if it works and you want, bring your lawn chairs.

I read this in a morning devotion while eating my oatmeal with half a banana on it--Those who seek their own satisfaction rarely find it, but those who seek the well-being of others are almost always the most satisfied.  To some of you that is an opinion and to others that is a fact.  And perhaps to others of you, you might think the writer is just a blabbermouth!  A golfer from Rolling Hills Golf Club says—You can’t change a person if they don’t want to change.  BUT if they want to change, they will change on their own.  Perhaps that is true!

I played in Old Goats (i.e. a golf outing for old guys) recently.  When I was leaving, I had a conversation with a long-time client who I haven’t talked to since I retired 11 years ago.  How is it going—oh, ok but not good—what’s the deal—I just sit in the basement and watch old westerns and eat; I have gained 25 pounds—soooo why do you do that—I have no ambition—you still farm—ya, but have the farm in soybeans soooo I don’t have much work—what brought this on—once my mother died I haven’t been the same—You better get that turned around—Ya, I know.  Perhaps he needs profession help.  Have any of you ever felt this way? The old gray mare ain’t what she used to be!

That same day I had a very fun conversation with an old friend from many years ago.  I had both he and his wife in school a zillion years ago (i.e. both very good folks with good hearts, my kind of folks).  I asked about his wife and he said—she has her mother’s blood. I LOL as I knew her mother as well (i.e. also was a friend of mine).  Soooo does any of your wives have their mother’s blood in them?  What a hoot!

OneSmartPerson said to me--I don’t know what I don’t know!  Perhaps he is right. It appears that many folks think they know stuff that they don’t know.  It just makes me laugh.  How can they know stuff that no one else knows or what others think the opposite.  How can they interpret stuff and for sure know the answers that others don’t. I don’t believe half of what thegaldownthestreet says and the other half isn’t true but she thinks she knows everything.  BUT her history proves that she knows very little.  A friend described a mutual acquaintance this way—He appears to be a good guy but a bit windy!  Do you know any prima donnas?  Prima donnas know everything or at least they think they do; they sure strut their stuff alright. Perhaps they think they have a lot to strut!  They really get my attention; maybe that is why they strut their stuff; they enjoy doing it (i.e. self glorification).  I admit I didn’t understand what a fellow pickleball player said to me recently—It was a warm day and she was my partner.  She said to me that she was warm.  I said  you look hot!  She said—I don’t like that when guys say that to me!  Was she kidding me, serious, or drawing attention to herself.  I have no idea!  What a hoot!

A friendfromwayeastoftown said to me—I have learned to say when I don’t know for sure—I don’t know.  It is hard on my integrity and creditability when folks do “fact checks” and find out that I’m not factual and accurate. They won’t believe me the next time.  Think through that folks.  WorldClassLarry says—Remember folks, opinions are just that, opinions!  And everyone has opinions!  haha

A golf buddy and his wife own lake property on an Iowa lake.  He told me that the demand for lake property is crazy.  Folks will pay exorbitant prices now for it—the sky is the limit.  And there are huge massive expensive boats bought as well he said.  The sky is the limit!  Why is that folks?  Perhaps there is a reason.  Is that a result of finally buying enough toilet paper and this is the next event!!!  JoeBlow says—There is a buying frenzy and you better get after it and be part of it; suckers, you are losing out if you don’t (i.e. not keeping up with your neighbors)! Perhaps, there is soooo much that I don’t know and never will.  C.S. Lewis observed, “All that is not eternal is eternally useless.”

I listened to a talk this week.  In the 20+-minute talk this speaker repeated himself many times.  JoeSmuck (i.e. who is full of thrills and spills) says--At the university they say if folks hear it enough, they will believe it.  It’s sorta kinda what political folks and the media do. Perhaps it does work.  Napoleon Hill, who was a self-help author, wrote, “Any ideas, plan or purpose may be placed in the mind through repetition of thought.”  CadillacJack says—For many people, repetition is the best way to learn something.  If you keep doing it, doing it, doing it, slowly the idea will sink in and become known.  MissPerfect says--Soooo perhaps that is a good teaching/coaching method or a good brainwashing method. 

Are you a visionary?  It appears that folks who are, seem to think differently.  Most folks I would guess are not; most can’t see the future or even dream the future very well.  They think and want everything to stay the same and we know it won’t and never have.  It does appear though that folks or companies or churches etc. have an advantage if they have this ability.  If you are the first out of the box, it seems to be an advantage.  If you are the last out of the box, the visionaries are already working on the next new thing which probably will make you toast.  Most folks are not entrepreneurish as there is great risk and many failures (i.e. most folks don’t like failures—can’t handle them).  AverageJoe says--You do it first and if it works then I will do it but if it doesn’t work for you, I will make fun of you. But if it works for you, then I will complain ‘cause I want the same; it ain’t fair. I will protest!  And the only thing that’s fair is the Butler County Fair and that’s in June (i.e. but not this year).  SusieQ says—Seeee, even that ain’t even fair!

“I've failed over, and over and over again in my life. ... 26 times I've been trusted to take the game winning shot/ and missed.”--Michael Jordan  Coach B says—Just because we fail a few times doesn’t mean we are a failure (i.e. we all fail).  Failure is part of working on being successful in life. The average business person fails 4.5 times.  Soooo suck it up cupcake and let’s get going. You want some whine with your cheese?

OneSmartPersonFromTheRollingHillsGolfClub said—The entrepreneur is essentially a visualizer and an actualizer.  They can visualize something, and when they visualize it, they see exactly how to make happen.  Oh ya, perhaps there are talkers and there are doers for sure.  I told MyFriendGene (i.e. he is a doer for sure) that he shouldn’t get soooo excited about this virus thing and also politics.  He can’t sleep at night and he lost 10 pounds (i.e. he is crazy).  That is not good for you.  Perhaps he won’t change if he doesn’t want toooo. He told me that one of his golf buddies made a complete turn in his political view.  I asked him why he changed; did you convince him.  Oh no, you can’t convince anyone to change.  The only way they will change is if they want tooooo.  Soooo, there you go my friend.  Hey folks, we can tell others about Jesus Christ a.k.a. the Good News but if they don’t want to accept Jesus as their Savior, they won’t.  It’s their decision.  Perhaps, completely! 

Let’s talk about something personal—you and me.  Oh man, erv, I really don’t like to think about myself.  I realize that, I don’t either sometimes.  Many of you folks are really great folks with some funny habits and idiosyncrasies.  haha  We all change, especially with age (i.e. I used to be,,,!).  MyFriendGene, my member-guest partner/host and I have changed from 40 years ago to now.  He’s aged more than me!  haha  The reason is he had to carry me for 40 years!  I just got on his back and rode along.  It was a fun ride.  I did have to spur him once in a while!  Gene might look pretty calm but he has a huge massive competitive fire burning in him! haha  We all change, yes we do, if we like it or not.  He said to me this last weekend—40 years ago when we were in our prime and played our best golf, we said—I wonder how we will react when we get old and can’t play as well like those old guys playing.  Well, we found out this weekend!

Here are some other fun things I learned this last weekend at Rolling Hills Golf Club—Gene is part of a large golf group that really enjoys golf and they play a lot together but don’t always agree. They got in a big rhubarb about polities and it got really wild out at the club house.  It got soooo scary that the gal working called the sheriff!  Yikes! Yikes is the same word that Gene used after one of my bad shots!  --  Gene left a 4-foot putt short and said, I always say never leave a short putt short, never, but I do it all the time, crazy! Why do I do that?  He sounds like what many of us do in life!  --  Gene and Jan had a nice new pickup but Gene hated it; the three main reason why was because the engine stopped at every stop sign, didn’t have a built in garage door opener button, and the sound system was really bad (i.e. Gene and Jan really like to listen to Christian music).  I asked him why did he buy it in the first place?  He didn’t know.  ANYWAY, he saw this pretty blue pu in a lot (i.e. he’s an Air Force Vet soooo he liked the color).  It was really loaded (i.e. expensive).  It had 17 speakers!  Sooooo the next morning the salesman called him and told him they had it all cleaned up and he and Jan should come and look at it.  Soooo he told Jan, now if you like it, don’t say you do or we will lose our bargaining position.  Soooo they get there, and Jan looks at it and says to the salesman, I love it, we will take it!  --  I golfed with an old (i.e. not in age but in years) buddy (i.e. a guy who is real and has a good heart) at Rolling Hills Golf Club who also does baseball officiating.  Amateur baseball is real big in SW MN.  Many little towns or areas have town team baseball. Most are part of the Tomahawk League.  ANYWAY he was calling balls and strikes for one of the games and the manager was really on him for several innings and he just had enough of it and kicked him out of the game and told him to go someplace where I can’t see you.  He went and stood on home plate! – When I left Sunday afternoon, I said good-bye to a 78-year old golf friend (i.e. who claims he is a political independent). We really enjoy each other’s fellowship.  We hugged and he said he loved me and cried (i.e. this seems to be way out of character for him). Perhaps our golf games change with age and soooo do other things. Pretty touching for sure.

One of the golfers in our foursome on Sunday was a guy maybe in his 50s who was an assistant golf pro.  He had a stroke in 2016 that really affected him.  He told me that it has been a long hard battle with the mental side being much harder than the physical side.  He is on disability and a lot of medication which also has side effects.  I told him that he must really be a fighter to be able to come back and golf—it is something I can do to fill my time even though it’s not near as good as my prime days.  He told me that I didn’t want this, but I have no choice.  When we got done with our round and said words as golfers do, it was mentioned maybe we see each other again at Rolling Hills Golf Club.  He said—If we are still on this earth.

On my way home, I had a conference call with our two children about what we want to do with Arlene’s memorial service (i.e. again).  ANYWAY, Heather asked me how Gene and I did.  Before I could answer Chet said—Heather, it’s the same old story, getting older, windy, roughs were long, it was hot, missed some putts etc. Nuttin changes over the years!

MyFriendGene told me that his parents would always say--UncleWillDryer says—A man changed against his will has the same opinion still.  His family still says that.  UncleWillDryer has been dead for years!

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

erv

MyFriendJean says—Love provides a bridge, even over separation and suffering.

nonchalant

Ronald Reagan quipped, “I have left orders to be awakened any time of a national emergency, even if I’m in a cabinet meeting.”

ItchieBitchie (i.e. who can be sooo sweat and a jerk all in the same day) says—Many folks compare their needs to others’ needs. I think that each one of us can be nonchalant when it comes to a certain life area. Because motivation stems from the unmet needs we have we tend to become motivated only when we believe that the activity we are doing can help us meet one of our important needs.  We talk a lot about the needs of others, but realty is, we are by far much more concerned about what we think our needs are and how we can get them.  And we don’t know what are needs compared to our wants.  Look around folks, it doesn’t take a rocket scientist to figure that out. JoeBlow (i.e. who might have a short shelf life) says—Our international neighbors ask—What are you Americans doing anyway.  The snowball is rolling down the hill at a fast pace and we can’t stop it and it’s getting bigger and bigger.  GeorgeTheCrook (i.e. can be a real genius at times) says--We are going to stretch this sucker out as far as we can and as long as we can.  Let the good times roll. Live today and die tomorrow! Besides, we can always make a bunch of noise and the government will take care of us (i.e. it seems to work).  And who is the American government? LuckieEddie asks--Are we fooling ourselves? MissPerfect (i.e. who can at times be full of cotton bluff) says—Probably we are but who cares; I don’t! Such is life.

CadillacJack says--Nonchalant can be either negative or positive. The word describes someone who is relaxed and calm in a way that shows that they do not care or are not worried about something. If someone is nonchalant about another person's pain or trouble, the word has a definite negative connotation.  I was thinking of being nonchalant in a positive way (i.e. a good quality).  BUT, if you want to think of it in a negative way, that is your decision.  Such is life.

I have a friend who seems to always be nonchalant a.k.a. always even keeled (i.e. a very good quality, I think).  I heard her once or twice get a little excited and raise their voice in exasperation.  I wonder if she is always that way or just when she is around me.  I would need to ask their family; they would know.  haha I text her and asked her—her response-- I am sure family could point out my many moments of exasperation but the older I get and the peace and contentment Jesus affords me perhaps helps to keep things in check. 

Are you a nonchalant person or more a hyper person?  I am maybe more a “let’s get after it” type of person but don’t think I’m over the top but I could be at times.  That is my opinion.  As a friend says—Moderation is good in most everything (i.e. but there are exceptions for sure).  He is probably right; when we get radical and crazy about almost anything, it doesn’t work.  We maybe do need to be under control.  What do you think?  That is what I thought.

SusieQ asks—How can I become more nonchalant?  Experts (i.e. that is anyone who says they are) says--Well, when everything is comical is a good start. Just like most things have a silver lining, most things have a comedic edge to them, too (i.e. don’t be soooo serious all the time—loosen up a little folks).  I am in Westbrook, MN visiting long-time friends Gene and Jan Lindaman.  They were hosts to our family for years as Gen and I played in Rolling Hills Golf Club’s member/guest tournament for maybe 23 years.  The last years I was unable to play with him because of Arlene’s Alzheimer’s.  Well, he invited me back this year.  We used to be able to compete and even won it a few times but not anymore for sure.  Soooo I need to remind myself to be nonchalant when I can’t play as I could in those “good old days” (i.e. don’t be soooooo serious erv). It is hard for me to accept reality (i.e. time takes its toll). Sooooo suck it up erv and move on.

I was going for a jog the other morning and Doug hollered out of the front door of his Mother’s house.  He and his wife, Karen, were here to visit Doug’s Mother a.k.a. MyFriendJean as she is in her final days of her life.  They invited me in and we had such a good visit about many things.  I told them that this is what life is about.  I soooooo much enjoyed them and their wide range of opinions and views (i.e. they are from CA—haha). It appears that Doug might have changed some because of his education, being in big business and living in many parts of the U.S. than from his growing up years on the farm west of Bristow in Butler County IA.  BUT, they both have good hearts, my kind of folks for sure.

This new time of the virus situation will really change maybe many things.  We might have to change if we like it or not.  Yikes. I really like the spies’ story which includes Caleb and Joshua (i.e. if you don’t know the story, goggle it—it’s a good read—my opinion).  I will try to paraphrase it in real short version (i.e. or you won’t read it—changing times).  The spies were sent to look at the new land—all said it was nice but most said it was to toooo much work to conquer except Caleb and Joshua.  That’s it in a nutshell.  Maybe, we are in that situation now, just maybe.

I was looking at this guy’s trailer with the signs on it.  He then appeared and asked me which sign I liked best—The Fort Madison one (i.e. where IA has its state pen)—me toooo—were you a resident there—no no, just like the sign—I see you have a cross on your chain, are you a Christian—(i.e. he nonchalantly said) yep, a born again Christian, are you—yes I am—good for you brother.  He and his two grandsons got in their pickup and left. 

I text a friend to see if he wanted to do breakfast (i.e. we do it maybe every month).  He didn’t’ respond for about three days and then called me—I thought you forgot about me—I’m probably dog shit—yes, the worst stinking kind; I wouldn’t even pick you up!  That is how friends can and do talk to each other (i.e. maybe not girls and surely guys wouldn’t talk to a gal that way—there isn’t equality there for sure).  I hope this never changes, I like to treat gals differently (i.e. my opinion).  BUT the world culture is changing for sure.  It is and yet it isn’t the same!  I was having coffee with the boys in the shed deep in Butler County (i.e soooo deep that the revenuers can’t even find it). A retired farmer, now a landlord, told us that he had their kids and grandkids over for Sunday dinner (i.e. some do that in Butler County).  There was a rabbit that made a nest in the lawn and had babies.  He shot the mother and gave the babies to the cats.  The grandkids thought that was terrible.  That is how our parents’ generation who grew up on the farm did it folks; it was our normal way of life (i.e. old school).  The next day, I had breakfast with a friend at his house (i.e. his wife made a very delicious breakfast for us).  He told me that one of their grandboys called him yesterday while riding his bike.  He has a phone on his wrist (i.e. now that’s a gizmo).  He is 4 years old!  The world is the same and yet it isn’t.  Such is life.  

A friend was telling me this week that he thinks there is something wrong with his head.  I laughed and maybe took it tooooo nonchalantly.  I told him I think there is and laughed some more.  BUT I think he might have been serious; I wonder if he is concerned about it.  He has a lot going on (i.e. way tooooo much in my opinion besides having sever physical health issues and he is 74 years old).  I did tell him he needs to slow down in which he said he won’t.  He doesn’t need to be doing all that stuff; he is financially wealthy! Soooooo there. I’m guessing he won’t change until he dies.  I really don’t know if he can.  It’s in his head!!!

I have another friend who this last week put in a bathroom for a couple who couldn’t afford it.  He got a couple of his buddies who are also talented in this area (i.e. not me haha) to help and they did it for a fraction of the cost.  He told me that it is a good feeling helping others.  He’s about 74 toooo.  Winston Churchill said--“We make a living by what we get, but we make a life by what we give.” Dr.J says--As you pray, seek guidance on how you use your time, talent, and treasure.  RickeRick says--How do you know what your ministry is? Look at your talents, gifts, and abilities. When you use those talents and gifts to help other people, that’s called ministry—nothing fancy or scary about it. It’s just helping others.

A golf buddy/friend told me a couple of weeks ago while golfing that he has a business situation that seems wrong (i.e. it involved a pretty good chunk of money).  I have experience in this type of situation from my former occupation and told him that something doesn’t sound right; there is something wrong.  I suggested he contact the owner of the company and see what’s up.  He said he might do that.  He was just nonchalant and cool about it.  The next week he told me that he text the owner three times but got no responds; that didn’t make since until he checked and I found out he had a wrong number for him!  The owner responded instantly and assured me that it would be taken care of it and he would be treated in the proper manner.  He didn’t tell me the details of why there was a  problem in the first place.  ANYWAY there are some lessons and opportunities that I can learn from this experience.  How about you?  Bingo!  It makes my life a lot better that he will get that “chunk of change” as now we don’t have to look soooo long for his golf ball when he hits it in the crap.  He always says—YaBut erv, it’s a new ball!

A long time friend (i.e. she was a student of mine maybe 45 years ago who is a neat gal who lives in the Great Northwest) send me this advice via email.  I think she is soooo much on the money (i.e. a big chunk of money). “It takes time to put the pieces of your life back together, erv. Don't rush it. Enjoy the ride.” It has been sorta kinda hard recently for me to be patient.  I need to refocus on this.  I have never been a very patient person; tooooo much of a type A personality.  I will work on it more.  I need to be more nonchalant. BUT reality is…!

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

erv

MyFriendJean says—A role model is a better teacher than an instruction manual.

bifurcation

Warning!  This “It’s Saturday” might be a distortion of reality.  And even maybe an abomination.  It might even put you in anaphylactic shock.  BUT just relax!  It not as bad as the news, for sure!  JoeBlow says—"If you want an emotional stable life, don’t watch the news, suckers.  It’s basically a lot of hyperbole and theater to influence you to think the way that someone or some group wants you to think; it’s all about gaining attention in a cluttered media universe.”  But remember this folks when reading this “It’s Saturday--I have gone to Roseland elementary and can’t remember hardly anything I learned there and most of what I learned there is out dated.  Sooooo there.  Such is life.

There is a huge massive bifurcation in our political views, cultural views, family views, religious views, financial views, and anything else you want to discuss.  Folks can’t even agree with themselves it appears.  It seems that we are really individualists and have been taught that and am teaching future generations this idea.  I find that very interesting.  And I’m smakdad in the middle of it.  No question.  Chester and Anna taught me to think for myself; don’t do what everyone else does.  Or as a friend told me recently—My Dad told me, if everyone else jumps off the cliff, you don’t have tooooo; think for yourself son.

I question myself sometimes if I’m thinking or even living in true reality or an illusion (i.e. a virtual reality).  ItchieBitchie says—erv erv, that is a deep physiological question; why waste your time even thinking about it.  Well, ItchieBitchie, I think that is something important for me to think about (i.e. for me anyway).  I don’t want to live in la la land a.k.a. an illusion as it appears some do and not face reality.  SusieQ says—I live in an illusion and I am enjoying it, I think, but I don’t know for sure. WorldClassLarry says—Many times it appears that one person’s guess it much more accurate than another person’s certainty. And there lies the problem folks, we just don’t know what true reality is and what is an illusion in our life (i.e. mind).  It’s sorta kinda like what comes first, insomnia, anxiety or depression. SlimySlick says—I have all three, but I have no idea which one came first. William Shakespeare said—Grief makes one hour ten.

Now this is one great big party!  And the beaches were literally jam packed. I didn’t know what I wanted to do with one of my July 4^th weekend days.  I could do something that I/Arlene and I did previously that we enjoyed or just stay home and do some projects, work in the yard, read, nap and do some quiet time of thinking and reflecting.  I was in a bifurcation.  Not a serious struggle as both decisions were ok.  It was early in the morning soooo I decided to

loitering might spread the disease

go for a jog on the golf course.  I stepped outside unto the street and a long-time friend was there the exact time I was.  She was walking her dog; she does it every morning at the exact same time.  I walked a block with her and then I went straight to the golf course and she took a right.  I asked her what they were going to do the 4^th of July weekend—nutttin different—just ordinary same days for us.  Maybe she helped me decide what I was going to do that day and the next.  I stayed home that day but the next day I did go to Chet, Jessica, Rookie and Charlie for breakfast and coffee on their deck (i.e. just a great time) and then in the afternoon I did go to Clear Lake and biked around it.  Arlene and I did that sometimes on the fourth or the weekend of the 4^th.  We have spent the 4^th with many of you through the years doing many fun things.  Soooooo many good times.  Thanksamillion  Dr. Seuss said, “Sometimes you will never know the value of a moment until it becomes a memory.” Ok, back to the bifurcation in making decisions.  Soooo what helps you/me in making the right decisions?  OneSmartCookie says—Some of my decisions have gone from amusement to marvel! But I still don’t know if I am making the right decisions!  Ouchy ouchy! Such is life.

It’s cut and dried. There is no discussion.  It’s done for sure.  That kind of mentality (i.e. a finality thinking—I’m always right and you are always wrong) usually causes problems.  No discussion, I’m right and that’s the way it is.  I will not even think about changing my mind.  Most business decision makers are always open for suggestions and want to know what is the right decision even when it might be different than their thinking.  That mentality can be seen in all great leaders, I think.  When folks get soooo set on their thinking and others do the same, well there is a huge massive bifurcation that spells trouble, my friends, with a capital T and we have it right here in River City!  It seems like it destroys.  In families, sport teams, businesses, civic organizations, churches etc.  Folks got to get on the same page for success.  If not, usually death.  It ain’t nuttin new folks.  Look around. SquirrellyTena says—There are a lot of closed-minded folks who are very stubborn. Ouchy ouchy! PresidentKathy says-- What seems to make folks unhappy is when they don’t get what they want. PresidentKathy, that sounds like a 2-year old! They stomp their feet and put on a tantrum.  AlwaysRighBillyBoy says—I wrestle with God daily while he shows me how to let go of my illusions and recast my expectations.  It’s exhausting work.  I guess we can fake it ‘til we make it!

THIS IS HUMOR FOLKS!  I need to tell some of you folks that or you will take it serious.  Sooooo I had coffee in the shed deep in Butler County in the middle of a huge massive cornfield recently.  Now there was a very interesting conversation we had (i.e. a bifurcation). It was what do Grundy County farmers do when Butler County farmers are picking up rock! So there you go. Maybe you have that answer. I heard a lot of good funny stuff that morning, but this was the most interesting. And the rest of the story goes like this—A long time Butler County farmer, who is now deceased, used to say there were more rivers and henceforth more trees and wood in Butler county than Grundy County. The people who settled Butler were less ambitious and settled close to the trees. Grundy countians liked the dirt and had more ambition. He would argue the guys in Butler county have paid for it every day since! IT’S HUMOR FOLKS, DON’T FORGET THAT! But it could be historical fiction!

I am a member of an organization in which there appears to be a large bifurcation.  There isn’t much open talk about it in the organization but it’s there.  I had a member tell me recently that they don’t think the organization will live—what do you think erv—I don’ know; I really don’t have a clue.  I had another member tell me recently that they think it might live—what do you think erv (i.e. I don’t know; I don’t have a clue.  I had another person (i.e. who is part of the leadership team, I think), tell me he thinks it's a fifty fifty toss up.  I’m sitting on the sideline on this one.  I can live with whoever wins or how the two teams compromise.  But I don’t know if the organization can live even if one side wins without the other side to join in and become one group with one mission and one unity.  It will be interesting for sure. It appears there seems to be a lot of bifurcation in almost everything now days.  Why is that? I don’t know; I don’t have a clue! I’m just a little ol’ farm boy from a mile and a fourth south of Roseland, MN.

A smart, intelligent friend said to me recently—"There are a lot of intelligent people but that doesn’t necessarily make them smart.  I have such people in my profession.  They might have a degree and passed a state test, but they are not smart; they only went through the necessary requirements to get in the profession.”  Sooo you agree with him that there is a difference between intelligence and being smart?  I seem to know folks that are smart but don’t probably have a high IQ and also the opposite.  Some very intelligent folks don’t seem to have much common sense (i.e. don’t know to come out of the rain) and no social ability but they can remember every fact in a complex book. Ok, who is the smartest person you know?  Why do you think they are the smartest? Are you a smart person?  Why do you think soooo or why don’t you think you are exceptionally smart?  This is humor again folks (i.e. just for the record)—The doctor is giving DizzyJoan, who is the chairman of the physics department at the university, her annual physical.  He says to her—I am going to check your reactions.  I want you to put your finger on your nose.  DizzyJoan puts her finger on her forehead.  Close enough! Bingo!  As American missionary E. Stanley Jones said, “If you don’t make up your mind, your unmade mind will unmake you.” Do you understand what that means?

It's hard to know who to believe anymore.  I was getting some mosquito repellent at Dollar General.  The clerk says to me—The lady before you said you can put some Joy dishwasher soap in some water and spray your plants.  It kills all the mosquitoes as they get diarrhea.  You don’t say! I went back and bought 6 bottles of Joy!  Or was it 7? I bought into it with hook, line and sinker!  Now how do you know if I’m telling you the truth or just pulling your leg?  haha  It said in the paper soooo it must be right that facts aren’t that important anymore; it’s how folks react to the statement that counts (e.g. anybody can say anything without any proof or factual backup; if folks believe it, that is all that counts).  MickyMouse says—You just got to convince the folks that what you are saying is right.  Didn’t Jimmy Jones do something like that? What a piece of work he was!

It appears that some folks, businesses, and churches are “kickingthecandownthestreetjustliketheyalwayshave” a.k.a. the same traditional formality they have for years.  For many, it just anin’t going tooooo work.  Ya, they might hang on for a little while if they have some cash stuck in the old coffin (i.e. or took the stimulus money from the government) but if not, they better decide if they are going with the $3,000 cremation service or the $17,000 full blown funeral service.  LuckieEddie says—There are two choices, try to change or just roll over and die; it appears that some seem to think that death is the easier.  Look around folks, it doesn’t take a rocket scientist to figure that out.  MissPerfect says—That change is toooo much work, it’s easier just to die! Now let’s flip the pancake—I hope that this virus thing might put a new song in our heart.  Yes, a new song that will change our lives to something much better than our past and we might be open to it. Something that will be better than we can even imagine (i.e. a new opportunity).  Now that is exciting to think about (i.e. now that is a positive thought).  I can’t wait! TheGuyDownTheStreet says—Anyone who does not know how to make the most of their luck has no right to complain if it passes them by.  It will be interesting to see who becomes the “good stories!”

I read that Toyoda is doing an unprecedented thing; they are redoing the Highlander with only a year of this new model being on the market.  Why?  Well, it was not received well by the public (i.e. it’s all about the money folks).  They are retooling it to what the consumer wants and expects.  It isn’t what they think is nice, but the consumer is the one who tells them what they need to do.  Very interesting.

Northwestern College Alumni Classic Quarterly magazine shared some expert advice of some of the alumni who appear have been successful.  One such person is a realtor who gave this as one of her opinions why she has been successful—Go high tech.  66% of all buyers don’t look at your home if it doesn’t have a video attached to your listing.  You have 2 to 3 seconds to capture someone’s attention and if your video isn’t the right pace and length (no longer than a minute), you’ll lose them.  Very interesting.

I find this humorous, but you might find it offensive!  I read and hear that singing is a very good way to spread the virus.  Social distancing is a very good way to prevent the spread of the disease.  Soooo many of the local churches in Butler County social distance but sing (i.e. one out of 2 aint’t bad).  Some wise folks made these decisions based on something.  They are the leaders soooo they must be smart!  Maybe they want me to get to my eternal home faster.  Use of masks is optional!  I think this is funny but I’m a “super class” hypocrite soooo I do not take any offence to these decisions.  I just think it’s funny.

Aristotle claimed, “All human actions have one or more of these seven causes:  change, nature, compulsion, habit, reason, passion, and desire. 

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

erv

MyFreindJean says—Thunder is impressive, lightning does all the work.

boxed in

George Orwell penned, “A scrupulous writer in every sentence that they write, will ask themselves at least four questions, thus: 1. What am I trying to say? 2. What words will express it? 3. What image or idiom will make it clearer? 4. Is this image fresh enough to have an effect?”  I don’t do any of them soooo don’t have great expectations of what I write in this “It’s Saturday.”  If you have low expectations, then you won’t be disappointed.  And remember folks, you get what you pay for!

A classic set-up in old-time cowboy movies was to have the good guys be chased into a box canyon by the bad guys—steep canyon walls on three sides and no way out. Maybe it’s where the saying “He was boxed in!” originates. Of course, in the movies the good guys always find a way to escape and survive. I really liked those old movies when I was a kid.  I called an elderly friend the other day about mid-afternoon.  He asked if I could call him back as he said—I’m watching my old westerns right now; I really like them and don’t like to miss them.  Sooooo there you go. 

I have dreams where it seems I’m boxed in (i.e. no way out).  Then I wake up and say--Thank God it’s a dream.  SusieQ (i.e. who is who she is) says—I have things and situations in my life that are not dreams and are real life which I have the same feeling.  And I feel like I’m boxed in and have no way out.  Ouchy ouchy!  Not fun for sure.  GeorgeTheCrook, a grandstander at times, says—That can be a frustrating feeling; I don’t like it at all. Folks, I try to trick my subconscious.  It somethings works; well most of the time it does.  BUT I’m easy to trick sooooo it is somewhat easier than maybe for you. 

My Mom, Anna, would say to me—erv, always do what is right.  Of course I always didn’t.  I try but it just doesn’t work that way.  BobbyJames wrote—"Those wrong actions lead to consequences that cause people to ask, ‘How did I get into this mess?’ Usually the answer is, ‘I made some mistakes.’ I know. Sometimes, things happen outside our control. Sometimes we’re a victim of others’ wrong actions. But misfortune very often is our fault. We go somewhere we shouldn’t. We drink one more beer. We spend too much on the credit card. We ignore our kids. We eat too much. We drive too fast. We stay away from church. We choose anger when we could choose forgiveness. We delight in conflict when we should treasure peace. One day we’ll say, ‘I should have done better.’ Make that day today. As we pray, ask God to stir us up to do good now.”  Saturday question—Do you ever tell yourself this—Good job me, you did well.  Do it, you have and are doing well.  Now, don’t get tooooo cocky!!!!  You aren’t that good!!!! haha  AverageJoe says—I try to do good but sometimes it seems like doing good is all in vain!  Ya, AverageJoe, it seems that way sometimes.  But I suggest we still do it.  It’s better than doing bad, for sure! “The only thing necessary for the triumph of evil is for good men to do nothing.” Included by John F Kennedy in a speech in 1961.

I read these suggestions somewhere that might help all of us get out of the “boxed in feeling”—Make room for joy every day—make a list of things that make us smile and write down what we will do to make at least one of these things happen today.  Get lost in something we enjoy! AND exercise outdoors which produces health benefits that can’t be duplicated indoors (i.e. positive emotions; lift your mood, self-esteem especially if you’re near greenery or water. It also let’s us connect with nature which is a great feeling). SusieQ says—erv erv, can’t you just give me some recipe for some desert that would do the same soooo I could just sit on the couch and eat a double helping?  I would like that a lot better!

LuckieEddie says--If you don't have a sense of humor, you probably don't have any sense at all. I golfed with a group of guys in Old Goats last week.  We play a 2-man best shot and play in a 6some.  Four of these guys were students of mine or I coached them years ago (i.e. they are about 60 now). Pretty neat.  This is humorous.  Some of you take things tooooo serious; you need to upsize your underwear a size or two and loosen up a little.  They stopped at the club house after a few holes to get some Coors Light.  They called it their “aiming fluid!”  I used to teach them but now they are teaching me.  I think we all aimed better! What a hoot.  Good guys with good hearts, my kind of folks. I really had a good time. This is humor too.  Did you hear about BettyCasino?  She got married for the first time, at least legally, at age 60.  Her husband tried to commit suicide during their honeymoon in Venice by diving into the Grand Canal, but he was rescued.  MissPerfect (i.e. she is better than some and not as good as others) says—erv erv, you shouldn’t make fun of women, it will get you in trouble.  It might create a protest. MissPerfect, can’t you just laugh once in a while! Well this joke has been around forever (i.e. like over a hundred years) and I think it’s still funny—If you were my husband, sir, I’d give you a dose of poison! The man looked at her. If I were your husband, said he, I’d take it. Folks, this is humor, don’t get all bent out of shape!  Humor makes us Happier! GOD BLESS AMERICA We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable Rights, that among these are Life, Liberty and the pursuit of Happiness.

A friend feels like he’s boxed in with his job.  He feels like he is at a dead end for advancement (i.e. no opportunity to get out of his situation).  It’s like he’s boxed in. For some folks that feeling is ok and for others it seems like they don’t like it.  Sooooo why is that do you think? Some folks are content in their situation and others are never content and always want something more grandiose.  Is that good or is that bad?  Does that attitude have anything to do with our genetics, our past or current environment?

Options.  Many of you, in fact all of you, have options.  Yes, some of you, it appears, have more options that others because of your financial situation, your health situation, your abilities, your desires, your attitudes etc.  I have been doing some serious thinking about my options of what I want to do with the rest of my life. Yes, my situation has changed now that Arlene has passed.  I have some options.  Soooo what do I want to do?  What will I do.  Those are good questions.  I am not really boxed in. Am I going to do some stuff that I have dreamed about?  I have no idea for sure what I will do short term or long term.  Now that is pretty exciting.  The other morning I went for an early morning bike ride.  I stopped at the drive-through and got a hot fudge sundae for my breakfast.  Seeee, I have options.

My Daddy, Chester, would say to me—erv, in negotiating a deal, if you don’t need it you have way different options than when you need it.  Soooo I was thinking about that when I read this recently—In any relationship, if you need the relationship it is way different than when you don’t need the relationship.  Or when the other person needs the relationship and you don’t or if both of you need the relationship or if neither one of you need the relationship.  All those different scenarios produce different negotiating options.  For sure!  JoeBlow says—It’s a good deal when it’s good for me and good for you!

You ever feel like you are boxed in a.k.a. being bullied by a person or a few folks (i.e. intimated)? They try to teach against bulling in our schools.  BUT maybe many folks feel like they are bullied by a few folks or even just one (e.g. maybe the large majority are scared to express their opinion as they are scared of retaliation of a few).  Maybe that is why folks are becoming individualists more and hunkering down in their houses, campers, basements, lake homes, etc.  They are tired of all the bulling going on. It’s easier to just separate themselves from the conflict (i.e. the bulling of a few). What do you think? I really don’t know, for sure.  Some might think this isolation ain’t all bad! I was walking home from church when a friend stopped and talked and told me that he is an introvert soooo this isolation doesn’t affect him.  On the way to church, a long-time acquaintance asked me if I wanted a ride. We talked and he asked how I was doing.  I asked him the same as he has been divorced for some time.  He said that he isn’t a very social person soooo being along is hard for him. He said, I’m basically a loner.  I think he basically thinks he’s boxed it.  Maybe he needs something that will give him a fresh perspective.  What do you think?  That is what I thought. A friend asked me what I do for eating.  I explained my eating habits and told him that I don’t eat out much; I just don’t.  He said they don’t either; I’m an introvert and would rather say home; I’d rather be with my dog than with other folks.  George Washington said—It’s better to be alone than with bad company!

Help me here, please.  I don’t know what to think of what I read in the paper.  I need you to be my GPS to tell me if I’m going in the right direction or I need to turn around as I’m going in the wrong direction. I read—Busyness prevents us from remaining focused on the most important work that we need to do.  Busyness crowds out self-reflection.  It keeps our minds and feet always scurrying from one thing to another and never allows us to sit quietly in our thoughts to determine if the next opportunity is even something we should be engaged in.  A busy life is an unexamined life.  And an unexamined life is rarely worth living.  It may be full, but it is rarely fulfilling.  Sooooo GPS, give me my direction. I was a care giver for Arlene for 9 years.  I was busy with her.  Now my caregiving is over and I’m not busy plus we are in this virus isolation.  I’m not busy.  I sorta kinda like it.  But how busy should a person be?

I asked a friend, who is an avid reader, which book I should read.  I want to try to start reading again as I seemed to have lost my interest in reading since Arlene died (i.e. I have no idea why).  She suggested three books and I selected John Grisham’s new book, Camino Winds.  I have read all his books and enjoy his writing.  I seemed to enjoy reading again and enjoyed the book.  The book, no, the fictitious characters, gave me an exciting thinking, sorta kinda an idea to get me out of my boxed in feeling.  An idea for an adventure for me maybe.  We will see now won’t we.  Time will tell me if I pursue my idea or not.  BUT I have a spark anyway.  It will be fun to see how and if it plays out.  That is an example what reading can do to a person (i.e. my opinion).  Maybe it will be part of my “rebuild.” I golfed with a friend the other day.  He told me that he and his wife are reading the Bible in a year (i.e. they read out loud to each other).  I asked him how much time does it take—anywhere from 15 minutes to 45 minutes a day—when do you do it (i.e. they are busy folks)—in the evening.  I was impressed.

When in CO, the night before I left I had a little talk with Erin who is developing into a neat young lady.  I told her to always do good.  She said back—Grandpa, I try--Erin, if you continue the direction you are going, many good things will happen to you--You think soooo Grandpa—yes I do Erin. Isn’t that wisdom from a 12-year old—I try. "Two roads diverged in a wood, and I—I took the one less traveled by, and that has made all the difference.”  Robert Frost

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

erv

MyFriendJean says—Remember the years but forget the tears.