full of mystery

A fellow Road Scholar hiker in Yellowstone, who is a librarian in CA said to me—Good stories aren’t always fully true.  Soooo take that into consideration while reading this “It’s Saturday.” It could be full of mystery and more!

AverageJoe says--Aging is when you no longer can get better but just worse. Yikes, I hate that; it’s reality, not a mystery.  Things change folks if we like it or not!  Our daughter and family went to a Rookies game at Coors field.  There were street performers doing their thing outside of the stadium.  They saw two different street performers who had signs for their Venmo account to send tips. Things are changing folks.  It’s a mystery where this money thing is going toooo. It’s like electric cars; where is that going.  Hang onto your underwear folks; here we go! And some of you told me it would never happen!

JoeBlow says to MaryTheQueen—I’m sorry, it’s all my fault.  MaryTheQueen says—JoeBlow, you don’t have that much power over me; you way overestimate your ability.  I think she was saying that she has power over her own life, and no other person does, yes, no human person has that power over her life; yes, he can influence her but not totally control her. I felt that most to all of the Road Scholars were very independent, confident, and strong folks in a very positive way.

Here is some jive from some of the Yellowstone Road Scholar hikers: I am one tough cookie; I have had always been that way—I’m borderline between crazy and foolish and I can convince myself to be either one—This is not a bathroom tour—a couple of years is five years and a few years is 10 years—several gals told me that they would never have been able to travel if their parents didn’t leave them money—don’t step in the fresh bison scant--the real problem in our country is not race but class—you need to carry your toilet paper in and carry your used toilet paper out; make sure you bring a baggy—everything affects the fragile eco system. Ruminate on those statement folks (i.e. just like the elk and bison ruminate). This was my first Road Scholar trip while all my fellow scholars were veterans; one couple was doing their 19th.  They seem to like them—definitely, these trips attract a certain type of person. What a hoot I had.

The first morning the naturalist gave us a presentation about the geology, volcanic history, time line of how it was formed etc. along with how The Yellowstone Park was formed by our government.  Also, about the eco system as to how fragile it is.  Very interesting.  She said--The volcanic eruption occurred about 650,000 years ago and it is due anytime again as experts say it will happen about every 600,000 years; either her or one of the guides then said—give or take 100,000 years.  I LOL!  Give or take 100,000 years.  That was soooo funny to me. Give or take 100,000 years. Yellowstone is full of mystery.

I heard a grandma share concern about one of her children’s family with me.  This family has a lot going on because of their household; not bad but just an awful lot of activity and busyness with four young kids, a big dog and three cats.  Yikes, that makes me tired just thinking about it.  But their situation put pressure on grandparents.  Yes it does.  They want to help and be good grandparents (i.e. all four grandparents). The problem is one grandma means very well but gives a lot of advice which is very critical; she causes more added stress instead of help.  I asked if she knows it—she of course doesn’t; that’s usually the case.  I asked if the parents are aware of the situation—they are but don’t want to hurt anyone’s feelings (i.e. maybe they are financially helping them--money affects the situation).  Soooo there you go, a real-life situation. Do you think you and I ever give advice that is critical and makes the situation more stressful?  It’s a mystery for sure. This story is an ultimate inexhaustible story. I think our kids and spouses would tell me where to go if I did that!

I was uptown or is downtown, I never know.  ANYWAY, someone asked me about my trip.  I gave them the snapshot version (i.e. one big fish picture).  He wasn’t interested in more for sure; no one really is.  We are but they aren’t! He told me that his uncle went on a 10-day trip seeing 10 major league baseball games in 10 different ball parks.  He really enjoyed it because all the folks were interested in baseball (i.e. a common denominator).  That is pretty much what I experienced.   What is even more eventful is this guy never usually talks to me; like never!  Why now?  I have no idea.  He is full of mystery.

Life is full of mystery for sure.  Sooooo are you fascinated with life or frustrated with life? Is life a just a big problem or a big opportunity? Is life just futile to you or exciting?  King Solomon writes that it depends if your life is lived by the guidance of “under the sun” or “under heaven.” Is our life run by money, power, fame, ego or the fear of God (i.e. meaning stand in awe of God) and keeping his commandments?  So maybe we all should try to turn frustration into fascination.  BuckskinJoe asks—How do we do that?  Who decides if we are going to do that? My Daddy, Chester, would say to me—erv, everyone has problems; it’s just that some folks handle them different.

Harvard Business School study found that there are four critical factors in business: intelligence, information, skill, and attitude.  The first three make up 7 percent of success, while attitude alone makes up the other 93. We had some very intelligent folks on our Road Scholar trip (i.e. I was not one of them). BUT even more impressive was their attitude; didn’t have one complainer.  They were fun and exciting and interesting and wanted to learn. 

Think about all the relationships and friendships you have had in your lifetime.  Hopefully many.  The old saying is—Nuttin stays the same; there is always movement.  Sooooo some of our good friendships have gotten better and our poor friendships have gotten weaker.  LuckieEddie says—It ain’t a mystery why that is; is it? Think about 5 of your strongest friendships and think about 5 friendships that got weaker.  Why! Da! SusieQ says--I realize that I don’t have to be a friend of everyone.  It just ain’t going to happen and neither is it for you.  That is ok, I really don’t think we need to.  What do you think? That is what I thought.  Some things just don’t work out!

I confess that even after 75 years of living, I still struggle to understand what I know in my heart is a mystery beyond comprehension. Soooo what do you think I know in my heart?  What do you know in your heart?  I have acquaintances and friends who think they know everything; I don’t think they do; they can’t; no one is capable of that; they just think they do (i.e. folks have to have a pretty big ego to think that, my opinion). And I know a lot of folks who know a lot; they do; they are very smart; you guys are some of them, but the best ones are the ones who admit they don’t know everything.  The good ones admit somethings are a mystery (i.e. they admit it).  CadillacJack says—Yabut, when it comes to money, folks often behave in ungracious and ungrateful ways.  Now that isn’t a mystery why they do that! Saturday question—Do you ever think before you do stupid things!  That is what I thought!

As I was sitting in an old rocker on the porch of the Roosevelt Lodge overlooking the Lamar Valley in Yellowstone while eating my sack lunch, I was told by our guide that Teddy Roosevelt probably sat the same place after a hunt of probably elk while sipping on a brandy.  That was sorta kinda touching to me.  Teddy probably would have said his famous expression to me—Bully bully to you erv!

I read this while eating my oatmeal with a half a banana on it—"Retirement is not a biblical word. Retirement is change and transition!” A fellow Road Scholar hiker in Yellowstone told us at dinner one night—Memories are not made sitting at home!  I would add—at home sitting on the couch, eating chips and watching the news! I read this in a Monday business devotion this week written by Jim (i.e. anybody can be a Jim)--Research has shown that once the basic necessities of life are covered, there is an optimum financial level where happiness peaks. Below that ideal level of monetary resources, having a little more would relieve stress and provide a bit more contentment. Income levels above the amount, however, do not guarantee increased happiness. In fact, they often have an opposite effect. Buying and possessing things – like more clothes, bigger houses, or a collection of luxury automobiles – does not bring happiness, studies have shown…What money can buy is the ability to choose (i.e. gives us options). It enables us to identify what really brings us happiness, along with the hope of actually obtaining it. For many people, among the best uses for money are travel and shared experiences. Taking a vacation, planning a trip, and getting away from the everyday routine can have very positive effects on our state of mind. Also, having opportunities to spend time with the people we love most, doing things that make memories that last a lifetime can bring much happiness. Soooo cupcake, suck it up and let’s get going!

There was a little old lady in our Road Scholar group who just made me laugh.  We were walking to dinner one night and I asked her why she came way from Pennsylvania to see and hike Yellowstone—I always wanted to see it and hike it and didn’t want to do it with a cane—good reason. I asked her if she had a car—yes, I do—what kind—a Prius; what kind of car did you think I had—I thought you might have an electric car—... no erv, I don’t want one of those... electric cars that you have to plug in all the time; it would drive up my electric bill—that is a good reason for sure! And she could eat like a horse; maybe since the meals were included, she made sure she got her money’s worth! Like I said, she just made me laugh and I just liked her; how could I not.

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

erv

MyFriendJean said—Everyone is too old for something, but no one is too old for everything.

The tip of the day comes from D.L. Moody who has been dead for about 120 years (i.e. he is still giving advice)--The Scriptures were not given to increase our knowledge but to change our lives.

Ooo ga

You don’t have to believe anything in this “It’s Saturday” if you have a strongly held religious belief or have a medical problem.  Ooo ga ooo ga! Now that is leaving the barn door wide open, for sure! That’s about all of you!

WorldClassLarry says—It’s not true that nice folks finish last. Nice folks are winners before the game even starts.  You folks are nice folks and don’t you ever forget that! Except for one of you and you know who you are!

They became “good for nuttin!” The old Model As and Ts were just that, “good for nuttin” once they became useless. And there were many of them. They would be put in sheds, groves and even buried in big pits to get rid of them.  No one wanted them.  They were history, old fashion, lost their usefulness. Many of you folks remember them quite well; they were part of your life.  Do you remember the ooo ga horn?

I read a sign recently that went like this—All questions have answers; it’s just that we don’t always like them. Ooo ga! Ooo ga! I really had to smile when I read that. And some questions have answers but not all answers are good answers. And some answers we just don’t like a.k.a. the truth.

I saw this sign saying on back of a camper going down I-90--Not all who wander are lost! I’m finishing a week of an adult hostel in Yellowstone a.k.a. Wonderland.  Hiked with a group of other adults (21 guys and gals from all over the country) that where also a part of Walk on the Wild Side in Yellowstone.  Crazy huh!  The folks who seem to do these hostels are adventurous, seeking pleasure, want to learn and share (i.e. move and learn are keys for an enjoyable ageing process—my opinion).  I like that combination.  Yellowstone is way different than Butler Co let me tell ya (i.e. no corn here).  The Bible says—Tomorrow isn’t guaranteed; you need to take advantage of today’s opportunities today! Collecting shells or sitting by the pool is ok but…! Ooo ga ooo ga!

I bought a new pair of hiking socks before I left.  The brand name is Darn Tough!  How can they grantee them for life.  Maybe they only sell these socks to folks my age.  I have never owned a pair of hiking socks in all the years I have hiked.  Our daughter insisted I get them. Ooo ga ooo ga! But they were $6 and my new hiking shirt (i.e. that she insisted I get; never had a hiking shirt before either) was just below the dollar limit for free shipping soooo why not she said. I’m easily motivated!

This last week, I had a friend call me and part of our conversation was that she told me that all the folks she is around or talk to seem to be negative and grouchy.  Really! She asked me if I experience that—no, I can’t say I have.  Another friend called me who is still working his butt off but does have the life of Riley, told me that many clients are very demanding, unhappy, worried, and just not very pleasant.  He thinks the whole business world is on edge and nervous.  Soooo another friend called me, and I asked him (i.e. retired guy who has options) if he experiences these type of folks.  He said no he hasn’t either.  He thinks, his opinion, is that we are around busy, active folks who are doing things and they have more of a positive attitude. Could be.  If you sit on the couch, eat chips and watch the news all day, it could affect a person.  Ooo ga ooo gaa! WalleyWallege says--Keep you eyes open for good folks to be around; you will go in the direction of folks you hand around with. No question!  It's not rocket science folks. 

I had an opportunity to spend some time with a long-time friend recently.  He is an accomplished runner.  He was telling me that he can run with some very talented runners who have more talent than he does but he out trains them (i.e. run strong).  Think about that, folks.  In life, we see many times the lesser talented win the race. Why? They out train the more talented.  It’s summed up this way--Discipline beats talent, when talent lacks discipline. My friend has a great attitude and discipline.  Not all folks do. ItchieBitchie says--We have to do it for the long haul; we gotta finish! It’s easy to do well for a little while and then fall off the wagon.  We can get cocky and think we are really something, but it takes true discipline to stay strong to the end. 

Recently I was going for a bike ride on the Cedar Valley Bike Trails and was using Pfeiffer Park as my trial head.  I was taking my bike off my bike rack and a gal rides up to the SUV next to me.  She opens the hatch and I see she has another bike in her SUV.  You must be a serious biker as you have two bikes and I just have one—actually I have four bikes; this mountain bike, that gravel bike, a road bike and a fat-tire bike for winter—soooo how many miles do you ride—about 4,000 a year—do you have other hobbies—yes, my husband and I are avid horse trail riders—do you have time to work—I have worked for an insurance company for 29 years as an IRA consultant (i.e. I guess she was maybe early 50s (i.e. trim and in good shape). She told me that she was told that all the company’s four regional offices employees in IA (i.e. about 800 ) that none are going back to an office, permanently.  Wow! The world is changing folks! Ooo ga ooo ga! She made me feel like a wimp!

I read this by Tony Dungy while eating my oatmeal with a half a banana on it—"I learned from a friend who was involved in prison ministry that they determine the future need for prisons by the percentage of children in the 4^th grade that cannot read.” There is a Chinese proverb that says—When planning for a year, plant corn, when planning for a decade, plant trees, when planning for life train and educate children. Suggestion—Determine today that you will make a difference in a life of a child by being available and willing to help that boy or girl to succeed. The Bible says—Direct your children onto the right path, and when they are older, they will not leave it. You believe that?  That is what I thought.

It appears that we look for a Big Splash to fix a problem (e.g. a new leader, a new pill, a new book).  We seem to want an instant fix in our life, in our business, in our church, in our country, etc.  Most times it just ain’t going to happen. It’s the time we start thinking about football again. Many times we are hoping our team will have a new qb or a new coach and bingo we will have success.  It might help but most times it takes an improvement of the current players (i.e. us). Generally, if the old players don’t improve in their ability and attitude, the team isn’t going to be much better.  CadillacJack says—If we continue to be the same old person thinking the same old way doing the same old stuff, nuttin really is going to change. Is it? And I know many of you folks quite well and I don’t think you are going to change! You seem to be dug in pretty deep! Ooo ga ooo ga!

I had the opportunity to have dinner with some friends the other night.  Three of them are in supervisor capacity at their work. They are part of the hiring and firing of folks.  One person told us this story—A gal on their team was not holding up her end and was evaluated and given suggestions several times what she needed to do to correct her situation (i.e. she heard but didn’t ever listen). Well, it came time to release her. He and the HR met her in the conference room and gave her the bad news.  Now she did hear and listen but didn’t understand; she just couldn’t believe she was being released.  I asked how the others on his team reacted to her being released.  He said it rejuvenated the whole team. Maybe they knew she was the worst on the team and now they think they might be the worst on the team!  Ooo ga ooo ga!

I asked a fellow hiker/friend if she wanted to have the opportunity to write a little something for my blog--what do you want me to write about--I don't care; anything you think about while hiking.  Sooooo here it is folks--Childhood memories: I was 8 years old. We lived on a farm and the weather was ominous.  No Doppler radar warnings at that time. Dad was outside watching the sky. Suddenly he rushed to the house and ordered everyone into the basement.  While we were in the basement our phone was ringing constantly.  We found out later that it was our neighbors warning us that a tornado was heading directly to our house. It's true that a tornado sounds like a freight train. I was terrified.  I remember praying fervently "Please God, protect our family. " After 10 minutes all was quiet. I remember Dad scolding me because I was barefoot and if the tornado hit our house there would be debris everywhere. Lesson learned. We discovered that the tornado suddenly took a different direction and destroyed 2 abandoned farmsteads. We found pieces of old wallpaper,  canceled checks, and other debris on our yard. That experience was my first memory of the power of prayer and God's grace. 

It appears to change our attitude or our physical, it takes time and a lot of effort.  We just can’t snap our fingers and Bingo, it’s done. Eureka! Not that easy folks. Somethings take a long time and a lot of effort.  Some of you did change or are changing. Congratulations!  You are the winners for sure.  I’m real happy for you. I personally find that change is a constant effort.  Suggestion—Decide to be around good folks.  

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

erv

MyFriendJean said—Fear is never harmless. It destroys from the inside.

The tip of the day--The most famous catechism used for children and young believers was written between 1646 and 1647, the Westminster Shorter Catechism. The first question has become famous: “What is the chief end of man?” The answer: “Man’s chief end is to glorify God, and to enjoy him forever.”

it's how you look at it

My Chinese fortune cookie message the other day was, “Everyone around you is rooting for you. Don’t give up!” Sooooo, reluctantly, I picked up my spoon and absolutely forced down the rest of my caramelized banana fritters with vanilla ice-cream. I’m easily motivated! It’s how you look at it!

RickyRick says—"What do you fear in your relationships? Maybe you don’t want people to find out what you’re really like—so you hide yourself. This is the oldest fear, all the way back to Adam, the first man. When you’re afraid, you get insecure and hide who you are. You cover up, not just physically but emotionally. You build walls around yourself and pretend to be someone you’re not. But while insecurity ruins relationships, love builds them up.” BUT if you have been burned in a relationship (e.g. a marriage relationship) some folks have a hard time to overcome that.  How do folks do that.  Most folks just don’t like to get burned again; it hurts toooo bad.  Sooooo now what! I like real folks with good hearts; they are my kind of folks; phonies I just don’t care for much.  BUT that is my opinion.

Contents a.k.a. stuff or context a.k.a. understanding; what’s most important? Pretty deep you think? We spend a lot of time working to get stuff; how much time do we spend getting understanding?  How long does stuff last?  How important is understanding? Missperfect says—I’m going with the stuff; I like stuff and I’m not very smart soooo I never did understand the meaning of a lot of things.  A friend told me recently that she did very well in the education system (i.e. got good grades) BUT she told me she just memorized the facts and information but never did really learn it or understand it.  Huh, interesting.

Myneighbordownthestreet says-- It’s how you look at it.  Modern English dictionaries draw a general distinction between seeing and perceiving. Seeing is more the physical act of noting, detecting, or laying eyes on. But perceiving has more to do with understanding, discerning, or comprehending. Everyone with physical sight can see, but it takes more than physical sight to comprehend what is seen—to apply it for good. Soooo are you a winner?  Maybe it’s just a matter of perspective; you ever thought about that.  Pretty deep thinking.

GeorgeTheCrook, who can scare a wild pig, says--My friend, the used car salesman once said to me, “You have to take advantage of your friends because your enemies will never get close enough.” Folks don’t take advantage of their friends now do they?  They are their friends. C’mon! It appears that we should be especially nice to our friends.  What do you think? That is what I thought.  I like the story of David and Jonathon which is about their friendship.  Sooooo I ask a friend sometimes—how are you?  The other day she says to me—erv, why do you always ask me that?  Well, you have been through a lot of drama and hurt and you always seem soooo upbeat and happy and I just wonder if you are really that way inside; if you are not, you can tell me. She is amazing! Myfriendnorthoftown says-- It’s like a basketball player late in a close game who is called for a foul that could have gone either way. Ya just got to move on. It’s how we look at things I think; that’s my opinion.

Adding to the memory bank! Our granddaughter, Buggy, is making a list on her phone of all the funny things of life that she doesn’t want to forget.  Now that is interesting.  What are funny things of life?  I guess that is how you look at them.  We do forget a lot of those funny things and sometimes when we get together and remind each other of them, they are soooo funny and we laugh soooo hard.  We many times tell the same stories over and over because they are hilarious and classic; they are funny forever (e.g. like the time when my bother-in-law was driving the van with me, my siblings and their spouses  in it on a German autobahn at 100 mph; it was real quiet in the van as we all almost popped in our pants).  I love those stories.  What is the funniest story about you? The one that even you have to laugh at yourself.  It’s that funny!

I was jogging on the golf course the other morning and saw this smartweed next to a stump.  I went over there and pulled it out.  That smartweed bothered me.  You know any smart weeds; I’m talking about human smart weeds!  They drive me crazy tooooo.  SusieQ, who makes offers no one can refuse; she is soooo nice, says—erv, it all depends how you describe a human smartweed; my brother-in-law can be a smartweed at times a.k.a. a smartbutt.  And yes, we just pull him out (i.e. that ought to let a little air out of his balloon). And the sucker next year just shows up again just like the smartweed in the yard! I always wondered if egotistical folks ever get humbled!  Do they ever realize that they are obnoxious?  I get humbled a lot when I get a little cocky!  Do you?  That is what I thought.

CoachB says—It is your way not your want that determines your what! CoachB, that’s pretty deep.  It is what it is and I’m whom I am! A friend told me and others that faith in faith is very powerful.  Think through that folks.  Dr.J says--Only one object can occupy a certain space at a time. And the human brain can only be aware of one thought at a time. And we can only move in one direction at a time. But that is not to say that a certain action can have only one purpose at a time. There is a lot to think about in that statement. 

RickyRick says—"Have you noticed that human beings have a tendency to mimic the emotions of people across from them? The reason we do this is because of mirror neurons in our brains. They allow us to sympathize and also to mirror what other people feel. For instance, if someone gets angry with you, you get angry back. If somebody is really sad and you hang around that person long enough, you start to get sad. ‘A gentle answer turns away wrath, but a harsh word stirs up anger.’ Proverbs 15:1 Let me give you a little tip that will save you a lot of heartache and conflict in your life: When other people raise their voices, lower yours—in your marriage, in your parenting, in your friendships, and at work. That’s called strength under control." I think I can see a difference in a friend who has had the opportunity to hang around with a certain person who has really influenced him to become a different person.  I don’t think it’s my imagination, but it could be that he is just getting older and wiser (i.e. or eats a different kind of pizza). Could be.  Sooooo our grandkids are ages 8-13, their parents are in their 40s and I am in my 70s.  Who should be the wisest do you think? BUT I wonder sometimes!!! I could be hurting the curve of growth! I’m sorta kinda wondering! Has there every been a young Pope? Such is life.

As I was driving to my MN golf outing, I noticed all the dilapidated buildings in the country.  Some are vacant, some are obsolete, and some are in such shape that they will never be repaired and will fall down or be destroyed (i.e. and that is costly soooo they are left to rot).  It’s the ageing process, I guess.  Gene and I played in their member-guest tournament for about 40 years (i.e. oh boy we have some memories); that means we were in our 30s and could at that time play fairly well.  The old guys admired us because they no longer could play well.   Now all those old folks are dead, and we are the old folks who can’t play very well (i.e. and there are very few of us around for various reasons).  We are just like the dilapidated buildings I saw on my trip down there. Huh, interesting. Dilapidated buildings eventually disappear from this earth.  Ageing is how you look at it for sure, but it happens and that is for sure.   Some of those dilapidated buildings have character and many memoires and are thought provoking to me.  How about you?  That is what I thought.

Saturday question—What do you do to stay in top mental, physical and spiritual shape?  National Football League Quarterback Tom Brady won his seventh championship ring this year as the oldest player to appear in a Super Bowl. How did he get to be so good? There’s a whole list of things Brady does to stay in peak performance mentally, physically, and emotionally, including drinking 20 ounces of water as soon as he wakes up every morning. He’s developed healthy habits that have paid off for him. My Daddy, Chester, would say to me—The best discipline is self-discipline.  That self-discipline isn’t easy; it’s not for wimps for sure!  But 20 ounces of water when you get up!  I drink about 4 ounces first thing in the morning.  Maybe that is why I’m not very good at some stuff.  It’s how you look at it!

I talk and think about self-evaluation a lot.  I try to do this, but I always don’t know if my self-evaluation is accurate (i.e. it’s like asking the Pope if he is Catholic).  It’s hard to know sometimes.  BUT, I think I see good results from doing it.  When I promote, demote and terminate some events, folks, situations in my life, my life is a lot better.  AND once I figure out what the things are that I need to promote, demote and terminate, my life seems to be better; it really does seem that way! And then I have to do them and that is even harder at times.  THINK about doing those three things in your life.  I think my life is much better when I do that.  BUT that is my opinion.  I guess it’s how you look at it!

I saw this in a back yard of a house recently.  I just wondered what it was all about.  It just fascinated me.  I thought it was where they buried their cream can with their money in it and didn’t want to forget where they buried it.  The other morning the guy was in his yard soooo I stopped and talked to him.  I was way wrong, he said he just likes a flower bed like that.  I don’t know if I believe him!  Some night I might sneak over there and dig it up and see once. 

CrazyMarvin repulses me and fascinates me at the same time. He seems to be humblebragging.  I learned a new word this week.  It means bragging while not acting like you are bragging.  I guess it’s how you look at it. 

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

erv

MyFriendJean said—You have the right to be less than perfect.

 The tip of the day comes from one of the best farmers deep in Grundy County via one of the best business folks in Grundy County.  These are the kind of guys I hang around with.  I just listen. ANYWAY, the best day to spray your lawn is the first sunny day after a killing frost.

the script

I wanted to put a hitch on my vehicle and asked a friend if he would help me.  It wasn’t that hard, but he has a very nice, new shop with all the tools and besides I like to be around him.  We did it in about an hour but talked about half the time.  It is what life is all about.  ANYWAY, he had this sign above his work bench.  I decided to do that this week, but I really couldn’t tell if I was any different than what I usually am! Well strike up the band!

Henry Ford said—You can’t build a reputation on what you are going to do.  Soooo if you and I know folks who talk talk talk but really haven’t done anything, others know the same thing, we ain’t that darn smart!  It’s their script.

JoeBlow, who seems to like gloom and doom, says--It seems like life is scripted sometimes.  It’s like we are born, we live, and we die.  It might seem that way JoeBlow BUT the live part we have some control over, maybe.  SusieQ says—You can count on that JoeBlow, no question. The feasibility study says—Some folks get a lot more done in the days of their lives than others. Da! A friend told me about a mutual acquaintance who one of her friends calls “the original material woman.”  You remember Monnana signing the song The Material Woman.  I just read the lyrics; they are funny to me. ANYWAY, that name for this mutual acquaintance seems soooo fitting for her (i.e. my opinion).  Her mission of life is surely material stuff.  If my friend and I can see that, that means that others can toooo.  We ain’t that darn smart! Years ago, she and her husband told me that they changed churches to be around more affluent folks so they could make more money instead of the folks who were poorer in the church they attended. Now, that is being material folks; “the original material woman” for sure. SusieQ says—Being not soooo materialistic is a tough lesson to learn.

I read this in a devotion this week by Tony Dungy—"Who measures success? God does, not the world.  Who measures impact? God does, not the world.  God’s standards are rock solid, not subjectively driven by the differing opinions and standards of other people’s agendas.” My mentor use to say to me—erv, the world’s measuring stick is who has the most gold!  BUT that is not God’s measuring stick.  WorldClassLarry, who does a lot of heavy lifting, said—Soooo folks, figure it out and come alive!

The truth is, everyone lies all the time (i.e. like how are you—I’m fine and you’re not fine at all).  Some even think that we have to lie; we have no choice. Nevertheless, these are the little white lies that glue our day-to-day relationships together. These are the sorts of untruths that often are not even regarded as lies. LuckieEddie says—If folks say they don’t lie, well, they are really liars.  Oh ya! Liar liar pants on fire! DuaneTheWorm lies soooo much about himself that he doesn’t know when he is lying or if he isn’t; he is soooo self-glorifying! I recently was with a guy who brought up a DuaneTheWorm type of guy. He said the first time I meet this person I said to myself—who is this guy!  Soooo if he thinks that about him and I think that about him others must tooooo; we ain’t that darn smart! I read this in a fiction book--How stupid can I be! She's a fake; everything about her is a lie. I have been told lies all my life, and I know one when I hear one. I'm very suspicious. 

Mark Twain said—"Everybody lies...every day, every hour, awake, asleep, in his dreams, in his joy, in his mourning. If he keeps his tongue still his hands, his feet, his eyes, his attitude will convey deception.”

Are any of you CAVE folks (i.e. an acronym for Constantly Against Virtually Everything)? Now that is an established acronym used universally, really.  It has to be right as I read it in the paper. StuckInTheMudBill is one person of many.  Why are folks soooo much this way?  I assume they change their underwear but maybe not! AverageJoe says--It looks to me that the younger generation always makes changes, and the old timers never did like change.  BUT there are some old timers that move forward and encourage change.  Soooo why some and not others? I just don’t understand folks.  ItchieBitchie, who doesn’t have a clue what he is doing, says—Usually the ones who have the money and power control! It’s usually all about the money. Look around folks; it doesn’t take a rocket scientist to figure that out.  Maybe otherwise nuttin would ever change; money a.k.a. capitalism is a great motivator! Can you imagine what our world would be if nuttin every changed? America gives folks opportunities; some countries don’t. Some folks take advantage of change and others don't. Such is life.

Live and Learn!  I read this while eating my oatmeal with half a banana on it--Loss, once it’s become a certainty, is like a rock, you hold in your hand. It has weight and dimension and texture. It’s solid and can be assessed and dealt with.  You can use it to beat yourself or you can throw it away. BUT we must realize it’s a certainty before we can move forward and deal with it. OneSmartPerson says—For me, it’s hard to get to that point sometimes; I underestimated how difficult that is.

There is no way I can truly express my joy and sometimes sorrow in words.  It’s imposable; I can’t script it.  Nor can you.  Even pictures on Facebook aren’t always accurate; they’re just part of the story; many times there are many stories behind those pics. As my mentor use to say to me—erv, nothing is as good as it looks, and nothing is as bad as it looks.  A golf buddy said to me—erv, sometimes being quiet is by far the best explanation. If you try to explain it, they won’t understand it anyway and besides, they don’t really care anyway. My mentor use to also say—erv, half the folks really don’t care and the other half are glad bad things have happened to you. An old timer came to our booth at breakfast recently and told us that at my age folks ask me how I am but don’t wait for my answer; they don’t really seem to care! My friend said to him—Maybe they don’t want to hear all your complaints (i.e. his script).

A unique person told me—Who we are will shape everything we do (i.e. we script ourselves)!  He also said the other day when he didn’t play golf as well as he would have liked—Golf is such a small part of my life! I’m the same person if I pay well or if I don’t play well; golf doesn’t define who I am BUT I like to play well. Don’t kid yourself. LuckieEddie says—Our attitude toward what life throws at us has so much to do with the outcome; sorta kinda sets the tone of our lives. BigLouie says—“What’s down in the well will come up in the bucket.” Are we scripted?

When in CO, we hiked in the Buffalo Creek Region; an old timer, Dude, (i.e. that is what he told me his name was; he was 85 he said) said it was the World Capital of Mountain Biking on the Front Range).  ANYWAY, at the trail head there was an open shelter with several coolers with snacks and power drinks in them that were for the public for a donation.  Dude seemed like he was managing them.  I asked him if he was in charge—us old folks take turns, we have time—do folks contribute generously—oh ha, we gave the park $1,000 last year from our profits—wow—ya, bikers and hikers are good folks—do you still ride—oh ya, I ride all the trails; I have several bikes. 

Have you ever seen this on a vehicle before?  I never did.  I asked our family what it was.  It’s a carrier for fly rods; you don’t see that in Butler County IA!  James pointed out to me that most of the vehicles in the parking lot were high end and most of the hikers and bikers were in the age range of 20 to 40; these folks he also said ride bikes in the $5,000 to $10,000 range.  I noticed they all have the finest outdoor gear.  James said—They take their hobby serious, and their image is very important to them. I would guess that all this stuff probably isn’t paid for, but they want it and buy it; it’s important to them (i.e. it’s where they spend their money and time).  They are scripted. They all look rich to me.

I know a gal in CO who is a Daisy (i.e. an acronym for someone who is great).  She received this distinction by the company she works for being a very diligent, competent, caring, dependable and compassionate employee).  It’s quite an honor.  It’s easy to be average; anyone can be average, but it takes a great person to be great; a Daisy.  Saturday question—Are you a Daisy or a Dandelion!

Live and learn!  I invited three friends who are self-proclaimed liberals out for lunch this week (i.e. I consider myself a moderate conservative).  I call this event, "3 liberals and one moderate conservative get-to-gather." What a hoot.  I like these folks but they think differently than I do on some issues, maybe, and maybe not sooooo much.  It was fun to hear their opinions (i.e. and that is just what all our thinking is—opinions).  It was much like watching the news!  haha  (i.e. meaning that it’s mostly opinions and not many facts). These folks are good folks with good hearts; my kind of folks.  You folks don't believe everything I write or think and I don't believe everything you think or say.  Not a 100% for sure.  They aren't any different than you folks.  I really like these folks. They had some very good points and opinions. My conclusion of our little get-together was--Maybe I'm more liberal than I think I am. And in many ways they are just like me and you. Na, no way! Maybe it depends how you define liberal!

I drove about 4 hours each way to play in a senior golf invitational with some good old friends at Westbrook, MN this week. A big day but well worth the big day.  I really like these guys.  My good friends Gene and Jan are the ones who took me out to the graveyard one time and showed me where they are going to be buried.  Then Gene told me that I was going to be a casket barer if I outlived him.  I told him it better not be a cold or windy day; you know I don’t like cold weather or wind!  My couz from Roseland send me this text about their brother-in-law whose health is deteriorating, and they were helping him (i.e. the reality of life—scripted for all of us in some form)—"XXX, has trouble talking and it is very hard to understand what he is saying. XXX (i.e. wife) and I were trying to transfer him from bed to commode and he kept mumbling and I kept getting closer to him hoping I could read his lips when out the blue he shouts out get off my foot. Now I’m laughing and he is just shaking his head. I think that these experiences make us better people.” He has now passed on. Death is scripted folks!

A friend at church Sunday told me that we are soon going to be related—what—my grandson, Jack, is marring a gal from Minneapolis whose mother’s mother is your first cousin—which first cousin—I can’t remember but we are going to be related soon!  Do any of you know which first cousin this is? My family is getting bigger! What fun!

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

erv

MyFriendJean said—Stop worrying about the problem and start looking for the reason.

The tip of the day came from a friend/golf buddy who taught me how to pronounce asterisk. I have been pronouncing it wrong my whole life and maybe you have to; it’s a.str.uhsk; now that is Chester and Anna’s fault for sure.