why not

A nephew-in-law says--I told my doctor that I broke my arm in two places. He told me to stop going to those places.

When in WA, we went on a Sunday afternoon drive in the Yikama Valley and Jeanne showed me the sites.  We stopped at a high school classmate of hers and her husbands’ winery/vineyard and Goddess Shirley was there. We had such a good time. About 50% of all of Washington’s wine is produced in the valley with about 90 wineries/vineyards (i.e. also 77% of the hops in the U.S. are raised in the valley). The wineries/vineyards have become a tremendous tourist attraction.  If you are in this area you might enjoy. Look up Shirley at Bonair Winery and tell her I sent you!  She might give you a more generous pour! You never know!  The sign Goddess Shirley is holding is her motto! I like it. She told us that her and her husband were in education and decided to start the winery/vineyard in1985. They had no knowledge or skill in wine making but, why not! They are now 78 and the vinery is for sale. Here is your chance!  Shirley said--I was way positive and my husband was way negative and after 55 years of marriage we sorta kinda have met in the middle with the feeling of if something good happens we are happy and if something not so good happens we just say that’s the way it is and go forward. Why not!

While eating my oatmeal with half a banana on it, I read that the American Bible Society released a report earlier this year showing two things: Bible reading in America has dramatically decreased; people who do read their Bibles experience significant hope in their lives. I sorta kinda think there is a difference in folks who are believers than those who are not. What do you think? JoeBlow asks, how soooo erv? I think many seem to have somewhat of a different attitude toward life. Many seem to be more pleasant to be around maybe; maybe not soooo unsettled, maybe! That’s just my opinion. You might have a different opinion. Or it might just be that some folks just eat more brussels sprouts than others! I just really don’t know.  George Bernard Shaw said—"The reasonable man adapts himself to the world: the unreasonable one persists in trying to adapt the world to himself. Therefore, all progress depends on the unreasonable man.” Why not!

Jimmy Buffett said--“I’m inspired by people who keep on rolling, no matter their age.”

If I know one thing, it’s that I know nuttin! That statement is a paradox. Saturday question—Do you ever say one thing and do just the opposite? Da! ItchieBitchie says—C’mon erv, I know you do! Richard and Henry Blackaby via ThePreracherMan says--“The measure of greatness in the kingdom of God differs vastly from that of the world. Our society idolizes the rich, the powerful, the beautiful, and the athletic. We even make celebrities out of those who brazenly flaunt their immorality. The world claims it is demeaning to serve others. However, God’s kingdom completely rejects the world’s measure for esteem, giving the greatest honor to the one who serves most. The person who serves selflessly, lovingly, without complaint, and without seeking recognition is highly regarded in the kingdom of God.” Soooo folks, I guess we all get to decide for ourselves. Crazy huh!

When flying back from WA into Des Moines, I stayed the night with family and had breakfast with Rookie who is a 5^th grader and the last year in the school he is in.  I said to him—soooo Rookie, you are the big dog in your school this year—ya, I am—next year you will be the little dog again when you are in middle school—ya, but then when I go to high school I will be the little dog again—ya but when you are a senior you will be the big dog again; then when you go to college it will happen again and then when you get a job it will be the same—ya but when I become a manager, I will be the big dog again—then you will get old like me and you will be just an old dog!  But I can be an old dog with a good attitude; Jeanne and I think we need to live at least 51 more years to do what we all want to do (i.e. why not)!  “Attitude is the little thing that makes a big difference.”—Winston Churchill

On my way to CO I spent the night in Waukee and had breakfast very early with Charlie The Smasher. She has volleyball practice at 5:45 AM. There are 60+ 7th grade girls who play soooo they divide them into 12 ability grouped teams. To find time for all to practice, some teams need to practice in the mornings. She told me that it's early but it's ok. She likes it. That is a lot of girls who like volleyball! But there are about 1,000 kids in her 7th grade. Charlie The Smasher seems to me has a good mix of confidence and humility.

CoachB says—"Learning does not happen until change happens (i.e. like changing your eating and exercise habits). Knowledge is not change; ya gotta change for it to be learning.” ItchieBitchie says—There is a huge massive difference between talking and doing or wanting and doing! Suck it up cup cake and let’s get going! Face reality and let’s roll! Let’s throw those chips away and get our butts off the couch! Why not! Albert Einstein once said—“The difference between geniuses and stupids is that geniuses have limits.” RaRaBill says-- When it needs to be done you need to do what needs to be done! Ben says--Years ago, I watched a television program that featured a man beginning the process of overcoming an addiction. His best friend, a reformed addict, said, “Get used to the fact that nothing is going to make you feel good for a while.” Losing something that once made you feel good can make all comfort feel out of reach. BigMouthRalph says—What you do today can improve all your tomorrows.

Jimmy Buffett said--“Wrinkles will only go where the smiles have been.”

When visiting Bainbridge Island, we were given a tour of The Barn which is a cooperative of folks who are very talented in a variety of hobbies and interests. They teach others. It is very impressive. We were told of a lady who was taught to make jewelry and ended up doing a multi-dollar business.  We were told that her jewelry wasn’t that attractive, but she was a great marketer! A marketing method that is used in our culture today is upselling (i.e. selling a more expensive product than what is needed or a product that isn’t needed at all). Not all businesses use this method, but some do. I was told by a friend who is in marketing management that maybe 10% of businesses use this market method (i.e. basically take advantage of the vulnerable). Sooooo suckers, stay away from the 10%!

RickyRick says—"When you were a kid, you had a great imagination. But the older you get, the more your imagination grows rusty. You stop imagining the way things could be, and you just start living the way they are. You get stuck in the status quo. Doubt and fear neutralize what God wants to do in your life. It takes courage to imagine. Do you know why most people don’t imagine? Because they’re afraid of failure. Courage is doing the thing you fear the most. If you’re not afraid, you don’t need courage. Courage is when you’re scared to death and you say, ‘I’m going to do it anyway.’” Saturday questions—What’s a grand life? Do we have a grand life? How do we get a grand life?

Jimmy Buffett said--“It takes no more time to see the good side of life than it takes to see the bad.”

I’m in CO for a few days, home of Erin and Jimmer. Of course, we went to see Erin perform in the color guard at the football game and Jimmer play baseball.  Why not!  It’s what grandpas do! Ya can’t just wish for things to happen, ya gotta work at them! Jeanne met me here to meet our CO family. There is some more “checking each other out” going on! Check check check! What a hoot! We might even go and see Rocky Mountain National Park. Why not!

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

erv

MyFriendJean said—It’s easier to follow example than advice.