undertone

JoeBlow, who always looks like he's about to understand something, says—If a person is offered a fact which goes against their instincts, they will scrutinize it closely, and unless the evidence is overwhelming, they will refuse to believe it.  If, on the other hand, they are offered something which affords a reason for acting in accordance to their instincts, they will accept it even on the slightest evidence. Aren't we something else!

Sometimes the undertone comes to the top just like cream does (i.e. it’s real  face is shown). Recently I was eating breakfast on the deck with Rookie and he said out of the blue—Grandpa this is quite a contrast, I’m super young and you’re super old! Oh the words of a kid to tell it like it is.  Many times undertones remain that, an undertone that many know that it is there but no one talks about it or addresses it; it’s just an invisible feeling that most feel. ItchieBitchie says—Some undertones can be very dangerous especially when we don’t see them or feel them or don’t address them.

I have a young female business friend who I call “Sparky.”  That title tells you what she is all about (i.e. she has an undertone).  She just makes everyone happy; is fun to do business with her as she generates a positive attitude.  I also know others who are just the opposite (i.e. quite a contrast).  I don’t need to describe them; we all know those qualities.  Soooo why the difference do you think?  Da!

The other morning I was sitting in the sun porch talking on the phone.  My neighbor, Lisa, was letting her dogs out to do their thing (this is one of the dogs that ran off when I let them out one time). She sent me this text--Funny story! My dogs heard you talking on phone when I let them out.  They were scared and ran back inside immediately! Now there seems to be an undertone here folks.

UncertainRaymond, who is from the other side of the tracks of Facebook, says--I get the feeling of what I call “double down black” at times (i.e. moments when I struggle with uncertainty and doubt). It’s sorta kinda a negative feeling (i.e. a discouraging feeling; like an undertone).  It’s a humbling experience.  It’s like I’m not going the right direction; like it’s not going my way.  I have no idea why I get this feeling but then all of a sudden something happens in my life and my direction is completely turned around to the positive again.  I’m not even surprised when it happens; it’s like I expect it; like it’s part of life.  Many times it is after a long period of when life is very positive.  This crappy feeling doesn’t stay very long but I don’t like it.  I realize that I can’t be on the mountain top all the time and have to go in the valley to appreciate the mountain top feeling. Does any of this make any sense to you? CoachB says—Things will continue to go in the same direction until the direction is changed. It will not change direction by itself; it takes no energy to go downward but it takes some energy and deliberate focus to go upward. Think about that folks.

An acquaintance was on a trip in somewhere I think in South America; I can’t remember the exact location.  He was on a beach and the water looked soooo inviting and peaceful, but he got caught in a rip tide undercurrent that almost killed him.  If it wasn’t for an experienced swimmer who was training in the area, he would have died (i.e. it was very close; he spent several days in the hospital). Soooo be careful of those undercurrents, not just in the ocean but of other individuals and of organizations (i.e. they can suck you right in and kill ya).  GeorgeTheCrook, who looks lie a robber after some money, says--They can be killers.

This undercurrent was absolutely amazing, happenstance, na, I don’t think soooo.   Sooooo I have a friend who only eats maybe 5-6 Baby Ruth candy bars all day before his evening meal (i.e. I have some weird friends, I know haha). ANYWAY, I was thinking of him the other night soooo I took my trusty 85 Yamaha convertible golf cart to Casey’s to buy a Babe Ruth candy bar to honor him.  They only sold them in a twin pack soooo I had to buy two.  I was heading home eating my Baby Ruth; I haven’t had one for maybe 10 years.  I saw this guy in his electric cart on the sidewalk by the care facility soooo I pulled up next to him—Soooo you out for a ride—Ya I am; it’s a beautiful night; what are you up toooo—I told him the story of my friend and then asked him if he would like the other Babe Ruth bar—sure, I’ll take it; I haven’t had one for maybe 20 years (i.e. what a hoot).  We had a general conversation and introduced each other while eating our Babe Ruths. He asked me how old I was and I did the same; he was 79. Soooo guy, how about I pick you up next week and we go for a ride (i.e. an idea a friend just recently reminded me that folks in care facilities really enjoy)—can’t, I’m paralyzed from the waist down—how did that happen—fell out of a hay mow 12 years ago—that wasn’t very smart—tell me about it. We had more general conversation and finished our Babe Ruths and we both thanked each other for the opportunity of meeting each other. Really folks, it doesn’t get any better than this! 

Butler County small town Americana at its best.  I was on my way home and Aplington’s finest pulled me over which created a lot of excitement in A’town! Oh yeah! It might even make the local paper! Lights and siren but no gun though but he might have had his hand in a position for a fast draw maybe; it was a hoot! It took him some time to get out of his patrol car to approach me; I think he was radioing in preparing for possible back up! When he got to me, he wanted to make sure I had my Aplington registration sticker and my insurance card on my golf cart!!! Its good to see my tax dollars at work! I wasn’t profiled was I do you think? He was a nice guy. I had a good laugh! Such is life.

William Arthur Ward said--“The pessimist complains about the wind; the optimist expects it to change; the realist adjusts the sails.” CoachB says—Sooooo change to get to where you want to go! If the undertone is not to your liking, move to where it is.  I have this Buzza motto in my bathroom that I like (i.e. otherwise I wouldn’t have it haha). CommonJoe says--Do you have stuff that you don’t like in your house or life?  If sooo, get rid of them; life is toooo short (e.g. three closets of clothes you haven’t wore in 5 years as they are tooooo small or out of style or you just don’t like them). 

She told me that it wasn’t right from the beginning--Something just didn’t seem to fit right like something wasn’t right! My pizza wasn’t quite ready yet at Casey’s the other night (i.e. the pizza guy said it would be 6 minutes).  There was another lady waiting as well.  She started talking to me and told me who she was and etc.  Eventually she told me she was married for the second time and had three boys from her first marriage.  She was physically abused by her first husband multiple times and the last time to a point that it was a bloody mess which required a hospital stay; he did it in front of their children (i.e. alcohol related).  She is very happy now; the boys are out of the house and her second husband treats her very nice; she is very happy.  The undertone is much better.  I heard this all because of a 6-minute wait for my pizza!  Crazy! We will probably never see each other again I would guess. And now you get to hear it!  The1969AplingtonHomecomingQueen says—It’s a true gift (i.e. a true gift is when there are no strings attached) like when you just listen to another person’s story; you don’t interject with your story to “one-up-‘em” but purely just listen.  Many folks always have to say something; most times about how great they are!

ThePersonFromNorthOfTown says--Oh the contrast in folks; it can be a big one alright.  It has nothing to do with money, ability, education, who your family is; oh no, it only has to do with who you are (i.e. what you think, what you believe and how you play it out). Missperfect, who is as nervous as a lose shutter in a storm, says—That sounds like my story and I'm sticking to it if you believe it or not! DrJ says--…And then came Jesus and His followers. They had no geographical, political, or zealous agenda; they were mostly lower-class people. At first, they were known only as “the Way” (Acts 9:2); later they were known as “Christians” (Acts 11:26). Was that their only distinction—a name? No, Jesus told them if they were His true followers they would be known by the love they had for one another. This was totally new! A religious movement based on love, like the love Paul describes in 1 Corinthians 13. That “brand” of love still applies today. You believe that? That is what I thought. Such is life.

Are you an emotional person? I mean do you get real excited real easily or do you analyze the information and make a “critical decision?” Do you ever overreact and get all bent out of shape?  Can folks stimulate you by getting to your emotions?  I had a person ask me recently if “critical thinking” is still taught?  Is it? I hear a lot of emotions about the “critical race theory.” Are you emotional about that?  That is what I thought.  It appears once folks get folks emotional about something, they sometimes can go berserk with the thought and their mind will constantly be stirred and disturbed.  It’s like an undertone that just doesn’t go away.  CadillacJack, who might have rigor mortis, says--That method of persuading seems to be very effective.  It appears that folks, businesses, organizations etc. need to stay flexible.  If not, it’s rigor mortis time! Smokin’Joe, who is stiff necked, says—There seems to be an undertow of that stiffness sometimes BUT maybe rigor mortis isn’t that bad! Could be. Unless it’s associated with death that is

Soooo our son and Rookie came to see me for Father's Day and Jessica and Charlie went to see her father.  We did some fun stuff, just fun stuff that an 8 year old boy would enjoy.  One of the things we did was Rookie and I went to a local horse sale in A'town.  My Daddy, Chester, told me when I was about his age when he took me to a horse sale--son, keep you hands in your pockets or you'll own a horse.  Sooooo I told Rookie that as well.  He always doesn't listen to me but I think I scared him!

A golf buddy/friend told me the other day—Friendship isn’t always convenient.  Now think about that folks.

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

erv

MyFriendJean said—Being told something for your own good seldom does you any good.

The tip of the day come from Sharon, who is deep in the Valley of the Sun where it has been 115 for days--What kind of exercises do lazy people do?  Diddly-squats!

relentless

Disclaimer:  This “It’s Saturday” contains stuff that no one knows if it is accurate or if it is just made up, absolutely no one knows for sure.  You get to decide for yourself soooo don’t take any of it toooo serious.  Besides, none of you can be brainwashed, can you? No way, all of you are way toooo smart!  Mark Twain said—Get your facts first, then you can distort them as you please! Soooo folks, read into this “It’s Saturday” anything you want; if you say it’s right, it’s right and if it’s wrong, it’s wrong! haha You can’t beat that for a deal!

AverageJoe, who might be the greatest guy in Butler County, says—The line in the sand has been moved soooo many times that it means nuttin anymore; why even have a line in the sand!  It’s all about the money folks, don’t kid yourself.  Do you really think there will be an end to the world and Jesus will come back?  I mean do you really believe that or do you just not care or do you just say that but really you think it’s just smoke? It says in the Book that the love of money is the root of all evil!  Not money but the love of money!  You believe that?  That is what I thought! Like I said, no one can fool you folks! It appears that many folks are relentless to get money and a lot of it!  WhoWhatMe! 

A different viewpoint for sure for different folks is about anything and everything.  Don’t kid yourself.  It doesn’t take a rocket scientist to figure that out.  Paul was relentless in teaching the Athenians who were known to be philosophers, about God as they were worshipers of idols (i.e. man made gods).  John, anybody can be a John, says—"Paul approached the Athenians differently than he did the Jews. He wanted his hearers to come to know this God that until now had been unknown to them—a God not made with hands, but the maker of all things. His approach was more of a Christian philosopher. It was an example of what Paul would later say: ‘I have become all things to all people, that by all means I might save some’ (1 Cor. 9:22). With all the diversity around us, we often face the same challenge.” GeorgeTheCrook says—There is more than one way to skin a cat! A friend told me recently—I wonder about Paul sometimes! He sure is an interesting character (i.e. our opinions).

Myfriend plants his corn in a narrow strip where he also puts his anhydrous. This is all done by no till.  Now that is something new sorta kinda.  I asked him about it, and he said some put their fertilizer in that same strip as well called “spoon feeding” (i.e. maximize production).  He doesn’t as he broadcasts his.  Why don’t you do that I asked—‘cause I would need new equipment that would cost $100,000.  Oh!

A friend told me that his son-in-law says—I don’t want to be like my dad and his wife tells him that he is becoming a carbon copy!  Now that can be good or it can be bad.  I had breakfast with a couple from church (i.e. both late 70s) recently and he kept cleaning the table with a napkin—are you a mess freak or what—I have a tendency to not like messes!  His wife said—He is just like his mom, she always had to clean up stuff all the time!  I really got to know them in a way different way that I knew them before; isn’t that amazing when we spend time with folks. haha I learned what possum belly soap was!  Doesn’t sound good to me.  I found out that they are great folks with good hearts, my kind of folks.  Both of them are recovering alcoholics; been sober for about 40 years.  I told them you are great folks and have accomplished a great thing; they said—We did it partly but mainly had help from above; and if we have one drink, we would be alcoholics again (i.e. it’s fragile). I looked both of them in their eyes and told them—Don’t you ever forget that you are great folks!

Recently I was riding bike on the Cedar Valley Trails and met The Rock Lady and her husband.  The Rock Lady paints little rocks and puts sayings on them and leaves them on the benches all over the trails.  I asked her how many she had done—maybe the last three years about 3,000. Wow! Now that is quite a hobby now isn’t it.  She has made a lot folks happier than they were.  Soooo how can we do something to make others happier?  Why do you think she does that soooo relentlessly? It’s not about the money!!! haha Who always says—It’s all about the money?  Obviously that crazy person has no idea what they are talking about!

Some folks embellish everything bad about another person to make them look bad in hopes of making themselves look better.  JoeBlow says—My sister-in-law makes up stuff that isn’t true in trying to make others look bad; she is really good at it let me tell you; that’s like hitting below the belt! Soooo who is the biggest town gossip you know?  Do any of church groups seem like they are gossip sessions? Why is gossip soooo popular?  Are certain clichés considered mighty gossip groups? Some folks are relentless gossipers let me tell you; if you want to know anything about anyone, all you have to do is call one of them; they have their connections. LenaTheGossipBabe says—If we talk about someone and everyone, you know darn well that the same group talks about me when I’m not there!  A verse in The Book that always makes me laugh when I read it goes like this--Do not pay attention to every word people say, or you may hear your servant cursing you—for you know in your heart
that many times you yourself have cursed others.  UncleCliff says—Choose to Bless, Not to Gossip! AuntWanda says—Yabut, gossip is much more fun; the juicer the better (i.e. eureka, I just love gossip and can’t get enough of it)!

I recently had a conversation with a friend about leadership.  He thinks that leadership in a group he is a member of needs to change to have a change to happen (i.e. it’s crazy).  Good hard workers are great but without good leadership nuttin will go forward.  OneSmartPerson says—Not all folks are good leaders even if they think they are (i.e. even if they are relentless).  Look around, it doesn’t take a rocket scientist to figure that out.  In business, bad leaders can kill a company and it has many times (i.e. bad decisions). Ouchy Ouchy.  ItchieBitchie asks—How do you determine who is a good leader and who isn’t? How do you change leadership? MoneyMangerTed says—In business, it’s driven by money, the bottom line!  It’s pretty easy to evaluate (i.e. when you aren’t making money, you either change or have to quit). It’s crazy! A golf buddy, who is a retired bean counter, told us on the 6th tee this week that bean counters get a good idea if  a company is making money.  Also if leadership is legal, moral and ethical.  

Change the plan or stay the course, that is the decision! A friend told me recently that he is on two committees of the church he attends that meets and talks and meets and talks about moving in a different direction (i.e. a change).  But nuttin ever gets done. Soooo they meet and talk some more!  He says he is going to resign from those two committees: it’s a waste of time.  Meet and talk! I watched a little golf on TV recently.  Every year I can’t hit the ball as far.  I saw my problem, I need to swing harder; I don’t swing near hard enough!  That might do it but the problem is my body won’t let me do that it seems.  Now what!  Either I need to live with it or quit!  It’s my decision!  I have options!  I like options!

At our two block Memorial Day morning parade in downtown Aplington (i.e. Americana in Butler County at its best) MaryMary gave free coffee in front of her business, The Peppercorn Pantry (i.e. she is as nice as it sounds).  ANYWAY, she told me that she would offer coffee to the watchers of the parade, and they usually would say, no thank you. Then she would say, it’s free and they would say—If that is the case, I will have some.  Sooooo what was their decision based on? Da! Saturday question—Do you think the folks who came out to honor America and our veterans where more liberal or conservative?  What’s your opinion? That is what I thought!

Big motors generate a lot of power and energy! Oh ya! At pickleball recently, a friend was telling me that she was sitting on their deck reading the other night—She said--I can only read sooo long (i.e. not very long) and I get buggy; I need to do something different; I saw this tree that needed pruning soooo I pruned it and then I saw some bushes that needed trimming soooo I trimmed them and then I saw a flower garden that needed weeding soooo I weed it.  I think if it wouldn’t of got dark, she would have painted the house and shingled the shed!!!!  Ta-da! She just can’t sit still toooo long.  A friend was also listening to her said he is the same way; maybe even worse.  Soooo our friend said she and her sister are going camping—I don’t know why, my sister is just like me; we will be there for a little time and will take off and go somewhere; we can’t just stay there; we get buggy.  These folks are relentless—move quick and a lot.  I’m a little bit that way but not to their extreme for sure (i.e. I get bored easily but my motor isn’t as big as theirs for sure).  haha

Heads up! Soooooo how do you look at the world?  Do you think it is divided into two categories: failures and unknowns or successes and unknowns?  Like I believe, we all think differently now don’t we!  Many folks are relentless in their narrow thinking; not at all open minded; not even a crack!  Our daughter and family are vacationing a few days in Alabama and Florida.  She sent me this text--We are in ‘Bama And “we don’t play that game (referring to COVID) cuz we are a publican state” (direct quote from guy on the plane). A lot of big trucks, big bellies and Roll Tide folks here. See, we all think differently now don’t we!  Such is life. MyInformaionCenter (i.e. he is always accurate on the rainfall all over Butler County soooo I have trust in him) says--Another interesting comparison:  CDC reports vaccination by race and as of June 9th, 9% of African-American and nearly 2/3 of white Americans were vaccinated for covid.  I don’t get it; it’s free! Sooooo that shows that folks think differently, maybe; but you can make it whatever you want it to be and you’ll be right!  haha Soooo what do I know!

When I was in Waukee helping the grandkids, I went for a jog into Clive. Don’t think I went a hundred miles, Clive is just blocks from their house and has a very nice trail to exercise on.  Besides, I don’t jog very fast; in fact, Raye passed me; she was pushing her month-old daughter in a stroller; she looked like she was Clive’s work out queen which helped and also she was 50 years younger than me. ANYWAY, I talked to Louise who was working in her yard. She was a widow soooo we had a lot in common; probably about my age, who still does all her yard work. I asked her if she ever thought about moving—two times and after an hour I said to myself, what am I thinking! Down the trail a bit, JoeInTheWhitePants was watering his front lawn with a hose.  I said—That is going to take you a long time—I have a lot of time and besides, it gives me a lot of time to think—soooo what are you thinking about—my retirement; I have said that 5 times before but never retired; but this next year I am doing it for sure; my wife is 11 years younger soooo I wanted to narrow the age gap some (i.e. maybe health insurance was part of the decision).  Both of these folks have options (i.e. money does give folks options to some degree; don’t kid yourself).  Not everyone has options.  Joe, who is in the chips, did say to me that he thinks our children will have it harder than we did; we were savers (i.e. post WW II children influenced by our parents) and we really had it good in our lifetime; everything always got better. He might have a point there.  But when I look around, it appears that the younger generation has most everything! More than me anyway! I need to get a boat and a camper for sure! What am I thinking anyway!

Had breakfast with a friend, who is doing some consulting work for a company (i.e. he truly is an expert in a very narrow type of issues; have 40+ years of experience and expertise). He is one of a very few folks that could do what he did. ANYWAY, he said they had a situation that he found the problems after much research and analyses—it’s called conditioning.  Meaning that the company through the years have conditioned themselves to accept poor supplies (i.e. which he is an expert in), poor workmanship (i.e. which he is an expert in) and poor monitoring (i.e. which he is an expert in). Holy snot! The big cheeses didn’t necessarily at first like to hear that. Why do you think they did those shortcuts?  You know the answer; it’s all about the money!

Easy come, easier go Phyliss said--After Fred, who made a killing, finally died, I have soooo much money that I will never be able to spend it all--however, just over a year later she was completely broke! And Fred worked soooo hard to make it and save it. If he only knew!

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

erv

MyFriendJean said—Service is not spelled “serve us.”

The tip of the day comes from a friend who told me that folks who have sleeping problems seem to all wake up at about 3.  Some can’t get back to sleep, some get up and then get some sleep, and some toss and turn and finally get up.  Sooooo if you are one of those folks, you might not be soooo weird after all; maybe normal.  Normal about this waking up at 3 anyway; some other parts of your life you might still be weird!  haha I told a friend recently who wakes up at 3 a lot—You sure can get a lot done in a day if you get up at 3!  There is always a positive to everything! You can bet your boots on that!

yes and no

WorldClassLarry says—Time advances:  Facts accumulate; doubts arise. Faint glimpses of truth begin to appear and shine more and more unto the perfect day. The highest intellects, like the tops of mountains are the first to catch and to reflect the dawn. They are bright, while the level below is still in darkness.

Should we listen to what others say?  Yes and no!  Opinion, methink, is most of what a lot of what folks say; maybe it is just their opinion (i.e. just like what is mostly said in this “It’s Saturday”). RickyRick says—"You can listen to the opinions of others—but never overvalue what they say. Other people are not God, and their opinions aren’t going to last.”  Although some think they are God it seems!  Recently I had the opportunity to give a ride to some folks for a medical test and I had some time to kill.  I went for a long walk.  I was amazed at a group of purple martins on some houses and cords someone made for them in their yard.  The couple came out of their house, and we talked a long time about purple martins.  Amazing what I learned; they are people friendly, eat only insects, winter in Brazil, only 20% of the chicks will live to come back, live in colonies, depleting population as a result of less habitat and less insects to eat, hawks and owls are big predators etc. These folks and folks like them spend a lot of money each year on their hobby.  None of this was opinion, they gave me facts (i.e. they have worked with purple martins for years). We had a great time.  They told me if I want to try to start a colony they would help me; but get the facts how to do it from experts with a lot of experience (i.e. they know the tricks). They said that very few folks have success in starting a colony. Did you get that folks, get the facts how to do it from experts with a lot of experience and who have expertise!  Not opinions of “hot shots” who are here today and gone tomorrow but who think they know everything!

I say yes and no to that statement in the pic (i.e. but that is my opinion).  I think that
is an opinion of a person and not a fact.  I think we need to try to change folks for the better.  Here is an example how a person or persons changed a person for the better.  Our grandson, Jimmer, didn’t like school for the most part and was struggling with his reading (i.e. maybe that was the reason why he didn’t like school).  Many folks took the incentive to help him change.  Through their efforts he became a much better reader and now likes school.  A combination of all those folks probably might have changed his whole life (i.e. facts show that once second and third graders get behind in reading they very seldom ever catch up again).  Soooo I asked him per our phone conversation if he is happy school is out--grandpa, I’m kind of sad in fact I almost cried but I am also very happy toooo! Did you like your teacher Jimmer? I liked her very much grandpa. Probably his teacher was the most influential of all the folks who helped him.  Think about that folks. The Master Teacher once said--An educator (i.e. we are all educators) must above all understand how to wait: to reckon all effects in the light of the future, not of the present! A friend who is in education management said to me recently—Probably the most important thing we can do for our students is to hire good teachers. OneSmartTeacherFromMI'sEastSide says--“The mediocre teacher tells. ... The great teacher inspires.”

John, who has a lot of horsepower, says—"As you pray, ask the Lord to give you wisdom to know where he is directing you to testify for him.” I find that statement interesting not just in testifying my faith but in talking about other stuff as well (e.g. like not putting foot in mouth).  To know where and when.  Sooooo should I or should I not?  The answer is yes and no! Sometimes I think I do more damage by opening my mouth than if I would keeping it closed.  But how do I know?  The if, when, and where is problematic for me at times, for sure!

A friend suggested I check out Martzahn's poultry processing deep in Butler County.  Soooo I rode my trusty Yamaha XT250 over there the other day.  What a hoot.  They process chickens and turkeys in a sole proprietorship operation (i.e. the business has been a family operation for years).  They are the only state approve processing business in the sate the owner, Logan, told me.  Logan was a neat guy and told me the history and dynamics of the business.  He also gave me a short version tour and explained how it works (i.e. he employees 7 folks).  The attached garage is the kill area where this gal electronically stuns the birds and then cuts the veins in their neck while in a shoot.  They bleed out and then are put in scalding water and then in a tub that looks like a washing machine that takes the feathers off.  Then then are put through a little opening into the processing area where the guts are sucked out, cut up, cooled down and packaged.  Pretty slick. I asked Logan what is the biggest problem he has—getting workers and then having them show up. If you want to have some poultry processed, give them a chance. $2 a bird under 4 pounds and birds over 4 pounds, $2 plus 70 cents per pound over the 4 pounds. That’s better than you getting your hands bloody and you pulling the guts out!

These folks seemed to act like chickens with their heads cut off!  Anyone with any golf etiquette would not drive their golf cart in the no mow but they maybe didn’t know any better (i.e. if it was teenagers we would probably think differently; we might say, who are their parents).  I was jogging fairly early at the golf course and my normal route takes me through some no mow.  These folks were in there driving around looking for their golf ball. It was a couple maybe in their 50s (i.e. very nice folks who I didn’t know).  She was driving and I asked her—looking for your ball—not mine; his; mine is in the fairway; he’s always the problem!  We both had a good laugh!

Yes and no!  I was riding with a couple and the wife said twice to her husband—put your hands on the steering wheel—she is always bossing me he said (i.e. the car was driving itself; I thought it was a good idea haha).  A golf buddy and his wife are moving off the farm into the metro.  They were talking about where they were going to put furniture in their new place.  He said—I would like to put my desk in the corner of the sunroom—she said, there you go again; you always think you need your way (i.e. but I only heard one side of the story--haha). I drove over to see a college friend and his wife who live in Orange City, IA (i.e. where if you are not Dutch you are not much).  Had such a good time. Some of you think I’m crazy driving 7 hours to spend 3.5 hours with a friend.  I have been called worse!  ANYWAY, in our conversation we talked about a mutual college friend whose girl friend who became his wife, was rather bossy when they dated. We think maybe she was in the marriage as well (i.e. like run the show; call the shots).  Soooo if he and I think that than others must think that toooo; we ain’t that smart to be the only ones to think that! But we don't know for sure. Such is life.

I read it in the paper soooo it must be right that folks who have been married 25 years or more were asked if they would marry the same person again.  50% said yes and 50% said no!  Sooooo I started thinking about that 50%. Do you think that 50% is about average for everything we do?  Would we not do about 50% of the stuff again if we could do it over? Soooo are we only right about 50% of the time and just live with that %? Well, is flipping a coin for our future the best we can do? How many decisions have you made in your life? A lot for sure! Have you only been right 50% of the time? Missperfect, who has a big vision, says—I know I would have done a few things differently and made some different decisions!  Oh ya! But it’s tooooo late now! But at least I have been right 50% of the time maybe! It could be worse! That’s right sweetheart!

Soooo how many pray request does God hear in a day?  In a year?  From the beginning of His creation?  I think the number is unfathomable!  Some He says yes to and others He says no, it appears.  Some folks want sunshine and some want rain. Some are sincere and some are rather egotistical.  Many are very selfish and self-centered.  Many prayers are for what we want for me me me!  I would guess many times we have no idea what is good for us and what isn’t.  BUT, my opinion, methink, that pray changes us no matter what we say or how we say it or how it is done.  It makes our heart softer and makes us better folks even if some might be crazy prayers.  Some prayers are sorta kinda funny probably. God must have some good laughs!  Some of mine even make me laugh.

No and yes!  I heard the speaker say—I want to be seriously ridget about always being flexible.  I know folks who are seriously ridget about being seriously ridget.  How about you? I was invited by peeps to attend church with them and have lunch.  Sounds normal but it wasn’t.  The church that two of the friends attend is Hope City Church in Waterloo.  The church has a black pastor and worships a diversity of races, a diversity of social groups, a diversity of ages, a diversity of financial levels and a diversity of education levels. It was extremely interesting to me. It appears that they were all on the same page (i.e. same agenda—believed the same). Then we had lunch at a Bosnian restaurant.  Now my Sunday morning was a little different than Butler County.  We were talking at lunch and a friend said—I was taught growing up that I was saved by grace but had to live by the law! Another friend said—I was taught growing up that I was going to hell if I didn’t obey the law. How ridget is that? I read this while eating my oatmeal with a half a banana on it written by Tony Dungy--“God’s grace versus our own merit—it’s a universal struggle."

I-KnowItAllBetty, who is either a narcissist or a super narcissist, says I can be ridget ‘cause when you know everything you just know everything.  I had a grandma tell me that she has a granddaughter that does very well in school (i.e. probably very smart).  The teachers say that it helps that when she doesn’t understand something she will ask questions. Soooo if a real smart person asks questions, how important is it for me to ask questions when I’m not a real smart person?  Go figure!  LuckieEddie says—Maybe the real smart folks are real smart because they ask questions.  Could be!  And maybe I-KnowItAllBetty really isn’t that darn smart but just thinks she is. Ouchy ouchy! You think soooo? Answer me that!

I was invited for a Memorial Day dinner at some friends’ place.  I commented about my friend’s big, new fancy black watch.  He laughed; he said he bought it for $31 online (i.e. he jokingly said that it was advertised to work 30 meters below water).  He told me that he went with their son to see his brother in CO last week and his son asked him why his watch peeps on every hour—no it doesn’t beep every hour; dad, I have been riding with you for two days and believe me it beeps every hour—really, I can’t hear it!  We all had a good laugh. Soooo if we can’t hear stuff in life a.k.a. facts won’t affect our lives now will they!  We just keep kicking the same can down the same road! My opinion is that we seem to miss the boat sometimes!

You ever notice it is a lot easier to give advice than to take it? JoeBlow says—The good ones all take advice; they all do it! That is in our personal lives, business lives and in everything.  Soooooo do we ever take our own advice? Or are we stiff-necked and stubborn?  Who what me?  The answer, I am guessing, is probably yes and no! Aren’t we really something else!

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

erv

MyFriendJean said—In a crisis, rise to the occasion but don’t hit the ceiling.

The tip of the day. When you give someone your attention and focus, it’s like you give them a piece of your life. Slushies don’t hurt either.(i.e. nothing but the best; it's what champions drink)!  Hey, it was 90+ degrees and I don’t get to see them that much.  It’s part of summer.  Yes it is.  Soooo on the way to day camp, Charlie, age 11, says she hopes she is the camper of the day—what’s that—the camper who is the nicest the day before; Henry, a.k.a. Rookie, 8, won’t for sure get it as he is trouble sometimes like yesterday he farted on everyone.  Is that true Rookie—well yes and no; I only farted on most everyone—that’s a lot of farting—grandpa, I have my ways!

affirmation

ItchieBitchie, who is a vulture and is always circling, says—erv erv erv, it doesn’t do to be quixotic. Telling the truth to people who misunderstand you is really promoting falsehood. ItchieBitchie, good thing you never get misunderstood!  haha

AverageJoe, who hits moon shots, says—It feels soooo good to be affirmed that you are doing what is right!  I just love it; it feels soooo good!  BUT AverageJoe asks--How do I know that the affirmation that I’m getting is true affirmation (i.e. or am I just being brainwashed)?  Now that could be a problem. 

Suggestion to all of you; write your personal affirmations of yourself down on paper as the pic says.  We all have private affirmations of ourselves that no other person knows about.  They are very confirming to us; lifter uppers to us; very positive to us; they made us who we are; some are very private (i.e. might not be soooo big in the eyes of other but to us they are huge massive). You and I all have them.  BUT maybe we need to write them down as they will have a different meaning to us when we do that; yes sir re baby, I don’t mean maybe.  Try it Mikie, you might like it! Look at the positive side of yourself.  We always have the choice to look at the positive of ourself or the negative of ourself. Our positive side sees a green near every sand trap; our negative side sees two or three sand traps near every green. Such is life.

I asked my hiking partner to tell me her personal affirmations of herself; affirmations that have affected her life very positively and maybe she never told anyone about.  She felt awkward at first to do it as she is a humble person and felt uncomfortable.  I told her it was ok to do that to me; I won’t tell anyone.  I won’t think you are bragging (i.e. many good folks don’t ever get that change to tell someone some of their personal affirmations of themselves; braggers do it all the time). What was neat about this person is she asked me what some of mine were (i.e. some folks would not do that; they just are all about me and are very good at it, oh ya). I told her an affirmation that I never told anyone before! Ever! I have no idea if she thought it was soooo great, but it sure affected my life.  Crazy maybe!

Neither she nor I seemed to feel tooooo awkward!  The other morning, I went for an early morning wake up jog on the golf course. When coming back a gal down the street was letting her dog out wearing a negligee!  We said good morning to each other!  Just part of the early morning waking up process, I guess! Neither one of us seemed to get toooo excited. Maybe she was disappointed that I didn’t show more excitement! Could be! Maybe I should of shown more excitement to affirm her opinion of herself!  You think soooo! BUT I don’t know what her opinion of herself is!

Maybe you have heard folks say--It takes all kinds! Soooo what kind of person are you? I read this while eating my oatmeal with half a banana on it--3 out of 4 folks are basically the same but there is 1 out of 4 that is different.  Now they could be different in many ways, for sure.  What do you think of that? Are you the 1 of the 4 or 1 of the 3? I would bet your family and friends can affirm that!!! Maybe!!! IckieVickie, who is the sister of ItchieBitchie, says--Self-evaluation is very difficult but I just did it and I’m perfect in all ways including being humble!  You know, I can see that in her NOT!

It wasn’t a talking donkey, a burning bush, writing on the wall or “a for sure dream.”  No no!  I had some neat experiences recently that was discernment for me (i.e. at least I think they were; quite sure but how do I know for sure—it’s just a guessing game-maybe sneaking suspicions).  One was a person who did not call me back which told me exactly what I needed to know; it was a “tip me over the top” for sure (i.e. maybe). The other was a visit with a person who expressed himself about something that I feel exactly the same way; I didn’t ask him about it; he just explained his position; it is my position, but he confirmed that others think like I do (i.e. at least he does).  Huh, interesting. Soooo are those “dings” and “nicks” accurate?  I think sooo but I will go forward tenderly (i.e. not cocky with a big head). It’s a process folks!  I have a lot of dreams; most of them are goofy; I don’t think I can believe any of them! How do some folks believe some and not others (e.g. folks have dreams that tell them to divorce their spouse or buy a horse)?  I have no idea how they discern the good ones from the fake ones! Those folks must be a lot smarter than I am or mentally ill!  haha  Or they believe the ones they want and don’t believe the ones they don’t want!  Now that is more likely! My opinion, methink! I think some of those folks are as goofy as my dreams! Maybe! Or maybe they have better internet connection than I do!  haha

Soooo playing pickleball the other morning, a female playing partner missed a pretty easy shot and she was not happy with herself.  I asked her what she said; she said I called myself a poophead!  She made me laugh! Saturday question—Have any of you folks ever been a poophead? This was the first day that I played this year outside (i.e. the weather just hasn’t been that nice).  Many of the same players; some gals lost some weight and had some new spandex outfits on, some looked the same and maybe the gals who ate well over the winter didn’t show up! One of my female opponents is named Sara; I called her Sara Lee like the bread.  Has anyone ever called you that? No, but my husband calls me hotbun!  I had a very good time, uplifting, happy, joyous and refreshing.  Why do I want to be around folks or a group of folks who make me feel worse than when I came?  I assume your answer is—I have no idea erv! You just affirmed my thoughts! I only have to be reminded soooo many times! Bingo!

BillyBob, who has a flair for the dramatic, said--If it smells good, looks good, feels good or tastes good, it ain't good for you.  Don't kid yourself.  SusieQ says--I can affirm that; I have been there many times (i.e. those things that aren't good for me are not good for the spandex sales). "Father," said Jimmy, "all the things you call sinning are the highlights of my life."  BettyBob says--That is why I run soooooo I can drink beer!

We were told this story by some golf buddies about a long-time golf cart dealer in their community. He and his wife each had full-time jobs and invested their checks but lived off the golf cart business (i.e. they worked hard).  They became very rich.  He had a saying when folks tried to deal with him—There’s the door!  He just didn’t care but was always very fair with folks.  He liked expensive cars and bought many.  He would buy real estate and other investments.  He once wanted to buy a piece of land and he offered the folks like $150,000 for it and they rejected his offer.  Later they came to him and said they would take his offer.  He said I will give you $100,000 now.  They got all excited but took it.  He didn’t care (i.e. we are a lot better negotiators when we don’t care if we make the deal or not).  Another time a doctor wanted to buy a couple of prime lots from him; he offered to sell him the lots for $100,000 and he tried to deal with him.  No way. Later the doctor sent his wife to try to buy the lots; he said yes for $180,000.  They ended up buying them from him for $180,000.  He just didn’t care. What is the moral of this story?  You decide! Warren Buffet is one of the wealthiest people on the planet. He freely gives financial advice to anyone who asks. A reporter once asked him why so few people take his advice. He quickly answered, “No one wants to get rich slow.” Accumulating wealth the “Buffet Way” is not hard; it just is not exciting.  My Daddy, Chester, said many times to me—erv, interest is something you want coming in and not paying out unless it is an investment that will appreciate in value; anything that depreciates, save your money and then pay cash .BillSomeone says--Nuttin in this world is equal or fair!  

BillSomeone, everyone knows that life isn’t fair; the only thing that is fair is the Butler County Fair and that is in June.  ANYWAY, I was doing my annual financial statement (i.e. it proves that not everything is fair) and do it on a spread sheet. I couldn’t get my total to add up. What! I spent about an hour trying to figure it out as I had the formula correct and it has always worked before but now I got a date instead of a figure. Finally I called Wizard.  He said—right click to formatting to numbers, the default—easy if you know what you are doing and use excel spread sheet a lot (i.e. took 30 seconds); I don’t as I only use it once a year. Wizard in a nice way said—erv, you dummy; you messed it up! Don’t think I would have ever got it working in a month of Sundays.  Ask the expert is always good advice.   My Daddy, Chester, taught me to do a financial statement when I was a teenager and I have ever since.  He said it was sorta kinda a timeline of your financial life. Sooooo, maybe we should also do a spread sheet of our spiritual life using a spread sheet as sorta kinda a timeline of our spiritual measurement a.k.a. an affirmation.  When we put it down (i.e. write it down) it seems to give it a different meaning.  I think for me anyway, my opinion, methink!

Many companies, churches, universities, individuals etc. are rebranding (i.e. trying to get a new and different image).  Why?  Well, the old one stinks! Dr.J says—"Being a witness for Christ ultimately involves a retelling of the Gospel. But even before that opportunity, demonstrating God’s love can be a first step.” My opinion a.k.a. methink is that talk is cheap, but our actions tell our brand (i.e. that is the real brand we have on our butt like the brand cattle have on their butts out west meaning who owns them).  “The world does not understand theology or dogma, but it understands love and sympathy”--D. L. Moody  CommonJoe says—You can’t say one thing and do another and expect me to believe you; I’m a lot smarter than that.  How dumb do you think I am!  You must think I’m pretty dumb!  Maybe you are the dumb one!  Maybe! Sooooo pull down your pants and show me your brand! Soooo the other day I bought some toilet cleaner and it said it was 10 times better (i.e. new branding).  You believe that? I bought it, it said it was 10 times better! haha

Get revved-up! I was having breakfast with a guy who I think we will become friends as time goes along.  ANYWAY, he was telling me of some of the many breaks he has had in his life (i.e. some folks would just take them as like they deserve them but he doesn’t).  He told me how soooo many things have fallen into place for him; astounding to him.  He told me that he was very thankful for all these good things that have happened to him; many were done by good folks with good hearts at just the right time.  And others, I assume, he met were done by God but he didn’t really say that vocally (i.e. but he gave me that impression).  Amazing affirmations! When growing up he use to call some people RBs meaning rich bastards.  He said he thought all rich folks were not nice or good folks.  He said he has been around many rich folks who have been very good to him and also very gracious to others, basically very good folks.  I wonder why he, as a kid, thought all rich folks were RBs.  He just didn’t make that up as a kid I bet (i.e. probably his environment taught him that maybe. He was taught somehow to be opinionated and prejudice). His adult environment sorta kinda “threw him a change up!” Huh, interesting.

This statement has been credited to many folks—It’s better to remain silent and be thought a fool than to speak and remove all doubt. CrazymakerAlice, who thinks she’s riding the rocket that everyone dreams about, says--I think Abraham Lincoln said it about poopheads and there are a lot of poopheads around; and some don’t even know they are poopheads.  Ouchy ouchy!  BUT here is the skinny, I just removed all doubt now didn’t I with this “It’s Saturday!” I’m chalking it up as experience!  BUT I seem to be a slow learner! It’s over; stick a fork in me, I’m done! Such is life.

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

erv

MyFriendJean said—An unusual amount of common sense is sometimes called wisdom.

ALERT Last week some of you didn't get "It's Saturday." Sometimes google plays tricks with me. Last week some of you were blocked by google; I have no idea why, maybe google knows something about you that I don't. haha OR sometimes it's erv's error. AND sometimes your security filter is set so it goes to spam. ANYWAY I appreciate it when you let me know soooo I can fix it (i.e. if I can). It's just part of doing business with you, my friends! No surprise. BUT if it was your SS check, farm aid check, stimulus check, or unemployment check you would be snortin'! It's all about the money! Such is life.