I suppose

I had a wisdom tooth extracted recently.  I also had one pulled last summer.  The oral surgeon asked me how the last year’s extraction healed.  I said it took a long time it seemed.  He said—erv, you have had a lot of birthdays since you were 16!  I suppose having two wisdom teeth extracted has lessened my wisdom—and I didn’t have much to start with!!  Sooooo be very careful when reading this “It’s Saturday.”

Have you ever said—I have had enough!  That’s pretty much enough! Something is going to have to change! Enough is enough! Maybe God said that tooo. Sooo He told Noah to build an ark and put a set of all the animals on it.  Then it rained for 40 days and 40 nights killing everyone and everything. Cleansed the earth of all evil (i.e. start from scratch again).  In 2016 He probably says—That didn’t work real well!  Saturday question—Why didn’t He just change their hearts instead of killing all those folks?  I suppose I’m missing something here folks.  His understanding I cannot fathom—God is God and that’s the way it is. I have a human mind and He is God.  I suppose that makes a difference. 

I know folks who think they know everything (i.e. wear a big cowboy hat but have no cattle).  Do you know such folks? I know folks who are very humble (i.e. they know a lot but don’t always think they know everything—I have a lot of these folks on my cell phone contact list); I’m not very smart, just a little old farm boy from a mile and a fourth south of Roseland, MN soooo I lean on you folks heavily; you folks who are very smart, share your knowledge with me (i.e. make me look smarter than I actually am).  I read this while eating my oatmeal with a half a banana on it—Pride is the sin of making “self” our god… "All of you, clothe yourselves with humility toward one another, because, 'God opposes the proud but gives grace to the humble.'" - 1 Peter 5:5b

Ah, what! I had a conversation with a hs graduate recently who also attends the same church that we attend. I gave her a hug and we had a very nice conversation (i.e. I like this gal).  She looked me right in the eye.  Not just looked me in the eye but looked me in the eye “engagingly.” It was with feeling and attention.  No faking folks, just a heartfelt feeling.  She pierced my heart.  Flip the pancake. I have talked to folks who give me the feeling they would rather not talk to me but, hey, it’s their job soooo they feel they have toooooo. I suppose they would rather not talk to me and the reality is, I would rather not talk to them. After a while they don’t talk to me and I don’t talk to them.  I suppose that works as I really don’t care.  A rookie pro-golfer was playing with Arnold Palmer for the first time years ago.  The rookie said that Mr. Palmer told him—Look everyone in the eye when you leave the course and you will be successful. Bingo.

I suppose they were just having fun!  We had late dinner Thursday night on the patio of Dry Dock Lodge on West Okoboji.  A group of maybe 8 young adults came and sat behind us.  They obviously had been drinking (i.e. didn’t seem to be old enough to drink legally but I’m not sure).  One young adult was inebriated and was obnoxiously loud and used foul language (i.e. used the f word a lot).  Several times his friends told him to hush up.  He didn’t.  The waiter came to take his order and he was rude and gross (i.e. that is what intoxication will do). Then he said he didn’t feel well. One of his friends took him down on the dock.  He heaved his guts out. I suppose he was having fun!  There was another senor couple sitting at a table next to us.  The guy said to the table of young adults—I see your friend has the flu.  One of them responded—Ya, the summer variety.  The senior guy said back—If I was his friend on the dock with him, I would push him off the dock into the lake.  He needs his mouth washed out!  The table of young adults were quiet—maybe enough was said.  

I suppose he got over it – maybe.  I saw a guy the other day and thought about an experience I had with him maybe 30 years ago. I wrote the insurance on his business and he did some PPM (i.e. piss poor management).  He wanted his insurance policy to pay for his mistake.  PPM is not always covered by insurance. He didn’t want to own up to the fact that he screwed up.  He became quite angry at me.  Maybe sorta kinda showed his real character, I don’t know.  I have always wondered if he is this way more often. Probably I suppose. When it comes to money, folks show a different face quite often other when they are in church. Such is life.

WorldClassLarry says—I suppose I really don’t care!  He says—I really don’t care for Hillary or Donald. They give me the willies!  I really don’t care.  I wish we could have different candidates. Yabut WorldClassLarry, that is who the majority of folks decided they wanted to run. Maybe you have an analytical mind in a digital world! WorldClassLarry says—Maybe soooo but I really don’t care about much stuff that I use to.  I just don’t care.  I eliminate myself from the loop of certain things and it is the way it is.  Folks don’t agree with me opinions soooo I just don’t care—Why get sooooo excited about it if folks don’t agree with me and don’t want my opinion. My life is much more enjoyable. I have to admit it.

A guy told me recently--I suppose folks really don’t understand how hard it is if you can’t hear (i.e. have very limited hearing); I miss a lot and it causes a lot of problems; folks just don’t realize that unless you can’t hear.  He gave me the impression that he might be as the saying goes—As mad as hell! I told the guy—You just need to accept how folks relate to you; they don’t understand.  When folks are perfect, they just don’t understand. Ya just need to make the most of it.  Such is life.

He said—“It’s mind over matter” after a golf buddy made a very poor putt.  Then he said—But if you don’t have a mind then it doesn’t matter!  He made me laugh.  That is how mad he was at himself—As mad as hell!!! His mind was “busier than all get out” with his emotions I think.  Such is life.

I supposed but didn’t know for sure! I run some (i.e. if that is what you call it;I might be exaggerating by saying running) and sometimes it hurts when I run.  I sometimes can run through it (i.e. it stops hurting).  Sometimes my back hurts, sometimes my knees hurts, sometimes my hamstring muscle hurts, sometimes my ankles hurt etc.  It isn’t always the same hurt.  Ya, sometimes nutten hurts toooooo.  I asked a couple of friends who run marathons and iron man competition if they have hurts (i.e. their training is like a job—that intense).  They both said—I suppose if you train has hard as I do, there is always something that hurts; ya just have to deal with it and run through it.  Huh, interesting.

When the f4 tornado hit Parkersburg (i.e. the town in which our insurance agency’s office was) 8 years ago, many houses were destroyed and damaged.  Many of those houses we insured.  One guy’s house was damaged severally.  It was a decision if it could be repaired or if it needed to be replaced.  This guy got real excited and mad (i.e. as mad as hell).  CrazyMarvin says—To get as mad as hell for some is as easy as falling off a log! I didn’t personally handle his claim sooooo I don’t know all the details.  We ended up building him a new house (i.e. he came out smelling like a rose).  He was mad at me these last 8 years as I, I guess 'cause I was a principal of our agency.  During the last 8 years I would see him maybe 2 times a year.  I would greet him and he would not acknowledge me at all or just grunt and turn his head. Well a couple of weeks ago I was having breakfast at Todd’s Neighborhood Grill with a friend and he walked by our booth and I said to him—How’s your golf game? He engaged in a little conversation and joked with me.  I suppose he got over his anger at me after 8 years or he developed dementia and forgot he was mad at me. Such is life.

I suppose it was good for me but I didn’t like it.  I was really humbled this week by several experiences.  Ouchy ouchy! ANYWAY I will tell you just one experience.  I thought I was really helping someone.  They stuck a knife in me.  And then turned it.  They didn’t appreciate my kindness (i.e. what I thought was kindness) at all.  Have you ever thought something was soooo good or important and another person did not think it was good or important?  It reminded me that I don’t do good for folks for my reward (i.e. humbling).  This person had no idea that they deflated my ego.  And does it really matter? Maybe this person did me a favor. Could be.  Such is life.

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

erv

MyFriendJean says—Good words are worth much and cost little.

P.S. SusieQ says—Politics is more art than science.  

just right

Disclaimer--AverageJoe says--Politics is a "no fly zone!" Let's clear the air. I'm not on Hillary's or Donald's wagon. Actually I pretty much an independent with extreme thoughts on certain issues. Neither one of them suit me "just right!" ItchieBitchie says--I don't want to party with either of those cowboys!

Have you ever been run over by others' thinking? There ere extreme liberals and extreme conservatives (i.e. they don't coexist very well).  And there are moderates.  Where do you think you fit?  Really?  Americans have the right to believe in what they want and we do have free speech.  Folks in some countries don't have these freedoms. It appears that some groups of folks fit into the extremes more than others.  Union folks seem to lean one way and Evangelists seem to fit into one way toooo. Many times, it appears, it depends how it affects groups of folks' money situation (e.g. folks who receive entitlements).  Does this make any sense to you? It appears that the media usually leans to the left.  I have no idea why, but it seems that way.  ANYWAY the media have thousands of pictures of the Donald and Hillary to use.  Someone has to make a decision which ones to use. They can make a person look like a devil or a savior.  How much influence does the media have on forming folks' voting decision do you think? MissPerfect says--If the media is bias, they will portray Hillary as the "homecoming queen. even thou she might be indicted."  It will be a perfect barometer for testing the theory that the media is bias for the liberals.  Of course some of you are sooooo extremely bias on either side that you can't be objective in your evaluation.  Is Donald liberal or conservative?  How will the media portray him. He doesn't seem to really care.  He sorta kinda tells the media what he thinks of them--don't report the news factual and are very bias.  I think that is what he says. Jephthah says--I wish I could tell when folks are telling the truth or just manipulating me. Such is life.


I read this in the paper sooooo it must be right--It seems the typical consumer holds a high level of skepticism toward advertising. According to the results of a study published on a marketing website, more than three in every four consumers - over 75 percent - believe most of the claims made in advertisements, regardless of the communications medium utilized, are exaggerated or intentionally misleading. The men and women surveyed also identified the five industries they trust the least: weight loss; beauty supplies; alcoholic beverages; financial services, and automotive, in that order. Sooooo when we see or hear on TV and radio commercials, or read newspaper, magazine or online ads for products in these areas, we are more than likely to conclude, "I do not believe it."

CadillacJack says--In the advertising business we often say that "perception is reality" for the person who views our advertising message. It does not matter whether the audience believes the message to be true, only that they perceive it to be true. Their actions will be the same whether they believe it or only perceive it. LuckieEddie says--Suck it up cupcake, you have been had!

Soooo they say that what Hillary (i.e. a polished old-school politician, a regular crowd pleaser) and Donald (i.e. a maverick politician) say might not all be true--do you ever wonder if they are telling the truth? Joesixpack says--It takes a lot of balls to talk the way they do! "They say"--They are full of crap. On the 9th tee box the other day, a golf buddy said--the "they say" are the biggest bullshitters around sooooo...now I have  no idea if what "they say" is true or not!  Such is life.

We have a pot of pansies in our sun room.  If I under water it, it doesn't like it and if I over water it, it doesnt' like it.  I am learning to water it just right soooo it likes it.  Maybe that is how advertising needs to do.  Maybe.  BUT there is an old saying--There are suckers born every day.  Extreme advertising must work or they wouldn't spend huge massive dollars I would guess. SusieQ says--I'm not a sucker soooo it must be someone else!!!! GeorgeTheCrook says--MissPerfect, you might be the biggest sucker in thinking that you aren't a sucker!  Such is life.

I was cleaning some in the basement recently and came across a box of old books. They probably have no value or any interest to any one.  I did find an old book in the box of much interest. It was My Utmost For His Highest updated edition by Oswald Chambers.  I used this book for my morning readings several years but haven't read it recently. I will again.  I know some of you have used it as well. It's my favorite. Very challenging and inspiring to me. It was originally published in 1935 and has never been out of print. It has been considered to be one of the most popular religious books ever written translated in 39 languages and updated in modern language.

I read in the paper that the average age of truck drivers is 57.  Now that is interesting to me.  I also read in the paper, sooooo it must be right, that only 12.8% of Americans approve of the job done by Congress.  I think many congressmen/women are in a catch 22.  Many don't want to side up with Donald as they think it will hurt their reelection chances thinking that most Republicans don't like Donald (i.e. it's all about the money, power and prestige). But lets say Donald wins and they don't side with him, they are toast. Sooo most are mugrumpers (i.e. mug on one side of the fence and their rum on the other). Now that is a true politician folks. ItchieBitchie says--It appears that there are a lot of folks don't really care what the party thinks or says (i.e. the parties have been treating us bad for years).  They want something done.  Folks are real tired of the huge massive bureaucracy. GeorgeTheCrook says--In politics, big money talks but the truck drivers can vote.  Ah, what!

Teaching Charlie and Rookie how to crack peanuts at the old ball game.  All kids need to learn that.  Next time, how to spit!  Youbetcha! It appears it is hard to know how much I need to teach our grand kids; toooo much is no good and tooooo little is no good either.  I need to find just the right amount.  It's like, how much time do you spend with friends; tooooo much is no good and toooo little is no good.  It's like if you eat steak every day, after a while beans beans taste great! Folks get married to someone who they think they really like but after living with them 24/7, some don't like them as much as they thought (i.e. over 50% of folks get divorced--ouchy ouchy).

The right touch of a dad is perfect.

I'm sharing this with my friend's permission! Recently I had the opportunity to power wash the north side of a friend’s house (i.e. she is 89 and has arthritis and uses a cane but full of spirit).  It was a hot day and I was soaked with sweet and spray from the power washer (i.e. a real mess).  At about 5, my friend pokes her head out of the back door of the garage and asks me if I want a beer—sure—soooo she goes back in the house and gets me a Samuel Adams—I pick her up at the door with my golf cart and we sit in the shade in the back yard while I drink the beer.  Do you drink beer? No no, it was left over when our son was her. Oh!  Soooo I finished my beer and took her to the front door on the golf cart. Soooo do you know who lives across the street in that house—no, but she is a pretty girl and has a child; she’s not married but has a boyfriend who comes on weekends; I watched them leave early Monday morning; they kissed and kissed really passionately; holy cow did they kiss; I thought they would have to go back in the house; they didn’t; I guess they had to get to work. What a hoot.

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

erv

MyFriendJean says--A heartfelt greeting can energize the weary and encourage the lonely.

Ah, what!

Disclaimer--Don't read this while eating your breakfast. The side effects might be diarrhea, constipation, vomiting, confusion, lack of apatite, an erection for 6 hours or something worse.  Soooo you are really taking quite a risk.  But don't worry if you get one of those reactions, you can always turn on TV and find a lawyer who will sue for you.  Such is life.

I was talking to a friend on the phone the other day.  She kept saying, "ah, what!" Then she said--I use to wonder why folks say "ah, what" all the time.  Now I know, I can't hear very well and my hearing aids work some times and some places. But I still miss the critical words or words and get everything all screwed up.  Ah, what!

Joesixpack says--We lie loudest when we lie to ourselves.  Ah, what! Saturday question--Do you ever lie to yourself?  Really! SusieQ says--Gimmickry isn't necessary to fool me; I'm a great sucker. I had a young man tell me recently that he's a impulse buyer.  Really!  Yabut, now that I'm married, I need to change that. He talked to me about investing.  I think he is maturing (i.e. got the "ah, what" figured out!  What do you think?

After "messing up" how do you feel?  After giving it some time, how do you feel? Do you look at it differently?  I thing we usually do.  Ah, what! Time seems to change our mind set some.  I do SUDOKU and sometimes just get stuck.  Quite often if I give it a rest and come back to it a little later, I can figure it out (i.e. many times it's seems sooooo easy that I wonder why I couldn't see that before).  Crazy! Maybe for me, that is a good lesson--Give it a rest and then review it later.  Could be!

Several high school graduates, who we were invited to their parties, have up to a full year of college credit. Wow! That could be worth $20,000 to $40,000.  And it is free except for the cost of books.  Sooooo why do some do that others don’t?  Well, if your parents or grandparents pay for their college, maybe they think they don’t want to work that hard. Or maybe they think if Hillary gets her way, she will forgive all college debt (i.e. have the ones who worked hard pay for them).  Could be!  A friend heard on the radio, soooo it must be right that 31% of all millennials (i.e. age 18 to 31) live with their folks.  There are more millennials living with their parents than with a spouse.  I wonder if those folks have college debt?  What do you think.  Will those millennials vote for Hillary in hopes she will get elected and will forgive all college debt?  Even if there is no chance of that but if she talks about it, there is hope and she just might get their votes. Why not have someone else pay your way. Crazy!

Some of the leaders of our church would like to start a mentoring program. It sounds good. How do you get folks to want to learn? You can't make anyone learn except if you are their boss (i.e. learn or loose you job).  Who is a good mentor? Who decides who the mentors should be? I didn' have a big desire to learn when young--I wish I would have.  But I really learned to like to learn as I got older. But it would have been a great advantage to me if I would have wanted to learn more when young.  A young man hollered at me down town the other day. He wanted my opinion about something.  He wanted to learn.  He said--I wish I would have started younger to learn about this stuff.  Bingo!

Girlie little high school stuff!  It appears for many high school age folks, life is not always soooo much fun. Teenagers are constantly bombarded with peer group pressure (i.e childish pressure from different groups). It can be ugly. I feel real sorry for the kids who are bullied and also feel real sorry for the ones who are doing the bulling (i.e. very immature--my opinion).  But life after high school is way different. It is a  time to put on the big girl pants and get after it. Ah, what. I read in the paper sooooo it must be right, that some times some high school students don't like students who are focused about their future (i.e. they try to drag them down to their level). MissPerfect says--There are adults who are the same (e.g. some call it socialism). Sometimes the all state running back from the elite family doesn't do sooo good in the real world but the nerdy, focused little guy does pretty good.  High school can be hard for many. It appears that some students have better experiences than others. Real life has a more of a neutral playing field maybe. Sometimes!

SlimyAndy asks--Do I have a soul? So if I think when I die, I will die like a pig, do I still have a soul?  Good question.  I don't know SlimyAndy but I think you do.  It would appear everyone has a soul.  Years ago there was a song called 16 Tons. The chorus went something like this--You load sixteen tons, what do you get? Another day older and deeper in debt Saint Peter don´t you call me ´cause I can´t go I owe my soul to the company store. According to the song, folks have a soul. BUT maybe the song is wrong. Now that could be

Saturday question--Are you a moody person?  A baby can be in a bad mood it they are tired, have a dirty pants and hungry.  They quite often will quit crying if you feed them, change their pants and give them a nap.  Soooo what can change your mood?  ItchieBitchie says--Your mood is not your inner character but an action caused by something physical and how we interpret it (i.e. how it gets in our head).  Ah, what! GeorgeTheCrook says--Some folks are a lot moodier than others. Moody folks get rather old to be around after awhile.  Maybe GeorgeTheCrook, moody folks have a tendency to look at the negative and are easily affected.  They aren't positive folks maybe.  Maybe those real moody folks need their pants changed, something to eat and a nap.  Could be.

Ah, what!  I read this in the paper sooooo it must be right--Dennis (i.e. anybody can be a Dennis) says--The writer of Ecclesiastes stated all life was vanity, and the great things we believe we do also are vanity.  The writer finds maybe three exceptions. We should enjoy the good things in life we have earned, we should live "joyfully" with the spouse we love, and we are to worship God with no thought of reward.

MissPerfect says--It’s easier to love people from afar when we experience them in small doses. Then, when they begin to wear on our nerves, we can retreat and take a break. Do you have folks you love that way? Really! Happenstance, na I don’t think sooooo!  Recently I was put into unique positions of being one-on-on with two guys who I don’t care for much.  Huh, interesting. It just happened aka fallin' in my lap. I don’t necessarily dislike them but I just don’t care for how they act and they bother me.  I try to stay my distance and it works.  If I’m not around them, then don’t bother me. It isn’t that maybe we don't agree on some issues and maybe they aren’t the worse guys, but I just don’t like how they act (i.e. they rub me wrong--are sorta kinda egotistical, regular braggadocios, my opinion but I could be wrong). BUT you know what, we had nice conversations. They were very transparent to me.  I gave them some grace.  But, I don’t plan to spend a lot of time with them--will keep my distance and in small doses. They still irritate me.  That way we will get along just fine! Ah, what!

SusieQ says—A self-imposed BigshotHarry (i.e. at least he thinks he is) is a “Revolving 09.” You may ask what is a “Revolving 09?  Well, a psychological study was done that rated people on a scale of 1 thru 9 on how well they got along with other people. A 01 could get along with absolutely anybody. A 09 couldn't get along with his own mother. And, the instructor continued, I've added the word “Revolving” to indicate that whichever way you turn a 09, they're still a perfect rear end!" Ah, what! JoeAverage says--A "Revolving 09" is an example of an authentic first class jerk!

I usually play 9 holes with some buddies on Wednesdays.  Recently I went in the club house to pay my green fees (i.e. $9).  The person working there was a recent high school graduate.  Our conversation went like this—I see that you are going to play football for the University of Northern IA—yes I am—you remember when I really got on you one day when I was substituting at school when you were in junior high for your obnoxiously bad attitude—that was the old me; I have changed—how come—reality—reality; what does that mean—I learned having a bad attitude just doesn’t work in the real world—I wish you the best—thank you. Ah, what! Flip the pancake! I was going into Kwik Star to buy a paper when maybe a 10-year-old towhead boy held the door open for me—thank you—he just smiled—you are a good guy—he smiled bigger and said—thank you! I guess both of those experiences by those boys were probably the result of their environment (i.e. programed by their past I would guess). What do you think?

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

erv

MyFriendJean says--Sing with the showers and dance with the flowers.

P.S. A friend asks--What is the difference between being eccentric and crazy? Money/net worth.  He didn't say how much money/net worth it takes though! Maybe most folks will never know. Maybe!

a story maybe

Do I believe what MouthyJune says?  Well, maybe, but I really don't know! She makes me scratch my head. I totally don’t know what to think of what she says.  She does have a big mouth folks.  Her big mouth surely can make the highlight real! Yaaaasssaaa!

AnyTownUSA.  You can go to any town and find a coffee shop where folks are telling stories--some true, some not true and some partly true.  It happens every day.  Some times some folks just make up stories and others just believe them and pass them on.  It has been known to happen.  MissPerfect says--Not in our town or our coffee shop!  Ya right!

When in AZ last winter I was up  in 'em 'er mts and stumbled across a grave that had this on the headstone--Here lies Lester Moore 4 slugs from a 44 No Les. No More. There are many half-truths and rumors in 'em 'er mts that grow into legends. Lies spread. Facts die. Folks like stories that are juicy (i.e. the juicer the better).  The good stories are for ever retold.  Do you believe this story I told you?  Maybe I was just being a scalawag.  You will never know now will you!  Such is life.

ItchieBitchie says--Every "someday" needs an idea. This guy might be just telling me a story but...a pickle ball buddy said to me before we left  AZ this spring--erv, I'm going to lose 30 pounds over the winter and come back next winter and compete with you.  Folks, that's 3 bags of 10#s of potatoes.  That is a lot of potatoes to carry around on the court.  I bet that is a drag, maybe.  It makes me tired just thinking about it.

I enjoy reading about the Old West. Maybe this is a story maybe but I think not.  I read in a book about the west, The West That Was that there were many prostitutes in the wild west (i.e. the oldest profession of all time).  The prostitutes were liked by a lot of guys but were not respected.  It also said this about Frontier Ministers--And as a parishioner said, "When he had finished, I feel lifted up and, at the same time, ashamed of myself."  I really don't think much has changed folks. The good ones still do the same (i.e. my opinion).,

Talk about prostitutes in the old west!  I read in the Denver Post, sooooo it must be right--When the Gold Rush was going on in CO, a writer for one of the large newspaper from the East wanted to come and write a story about it.  The local Chamber of Commerce (i.e. the saloon owners, prostitutes, and the suppliers) told them they would help him with getting the information he wanted.  They staged his visit by hiring the best bullshitters available, and planted gold in the creeks soooo he would find gold when panning etc.  He went back East and published an article that basically said--Gold is all over; anyone can get rich.  Well, many many guys came to CO.  The only ones who got rich were the suppliers, saloon owners and the prostitutes!


We are all "a kid from somewhere!" I got new information from the "best Warren from Omaha." He said--erv, Did you know there are now three "Warrens" in Omaha, ---ie: The famous Warren Buffett, "the other Warren" and now a third one ---- a new resident of the Omaha Zoo, a male elephant from Africa, and they named him "Warren". FYI ~ ANYWAY we are all a kid form somewhere and we all have a story.  Some crazy, some sad, some happy, some unbelievable, some that have never been exposed, some that make us smile, some that make us cry etc.  We all have a story. We are all "a kid from somewhere."

Kids tell unbelievable stories. Teacher have heard about every story why a student doesn’t have their homework done. Law officers have heard many stories why a person is speeding. Stories stories stories. Some folks can tell a story and it is very convincing and another person can tell the same story and it’s not convincing at all.  Some stories are soooo interesting and others are not.  And then there are suckers who believe “scam stories.”  MissPerfect asks--Sooooo how does a person know which stories are true and which ones are not? When kids go to bed we read them a story from a story book.  I read books that are fiction.  Some are really good stories (i.e. very entertaining). Do you believe the major story of the Bible? The story about Jesus being our Savior (i.e. who ever believes in Him will have eternal life).  That is quite a story.  For some, it seems unbelievable.  For others, it is accepted. Do you believe all the other stories of the Bible? There are quite some stories all right.  Some are brutal, some are miraculous, some are crazy, some make you happy and some make you sad.  Some seem fair and some seem like they are unfair. Soooo do you believe in them literally or are they just stories? The Bible says there is only one way a person can go to heaven.  Do you believe that? I do.

I was mowing the grass (i.e. I mow it, you might cut it) last Saturday when a longtime family friend stopped to visit.  His main purpose was to see how Arlene is doing (i.e. that was really nice). We had a long visit about past, about his current life etc.  He helps a large farmer in the spring and the fall and then goes to Big Winne Lake for the summer to fish for muskies.  Here is a good story he told me—When I first started going up north, I prayed to the Lord that I would like 2 years and I would be happy. Well, that was 14 years ago. I have really been blessed--You are one lucky guy—I realize it and am very thankful. Last Saturday I ran in a local 5k. I’m not a runner compared to many but do run, just not that fast (i.e. a senior lady tells me that I just prance around town—soooo now you got it). I enjoy the atmosphere of running with all those young folks; it's fun for me.  A friend (i.e. about my age) and I both agree that we are soooo fortunate to be able to run.  When I ran Saturday I said thank you several times.  Lord, I will take 14 more years!

I texted Heather, our daughter who is a runner, how I good run faster in our local 5k.  She texted me back and said--Dad, I think your only hope is for you to cut through some alley to shorten the run! After my run I texted her--I cut through the alley! They caught me. Fined me $1,000 and sanctioned me so I can't run the next 10 years! Folks, that is a story maybe; I don't want any of you spreading the story that I cheated!!!!

I almost didn’t run in the 5k.  Maybe a month ago I was having breakfast with a friend (i.e. a runner).  He asked me if I was going to run.  I told him I didn’t know; I don’t run fast anymore—sooo erv, what is your motive in running?  We had a nice discussion about that.  It reminded me again, what is my motive in doing anything I do?  What is your motive for your actions?  Really? I have to admit that I get my motives messed up sometimes.  My friend made me rethink my motives.  That is a good friend (i.e. a Grade A friend).

Joesixpack gives me the feel of the "luka!” Oh ya! I’m not saying I question what Joesixpack says but half of what he says isn’t true and the other half I don’t believe. But the rest of what he says is maybe true! Such is life.

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

erv

MyFriendJean says--A man never got lost on a straight road--Abraham Lincoln

P.S. When running in that 5k there were two gals in there late 20s all decked out in some real fine running garb.  They started out about 25 yards ahead of me.  They ran really slow I thought.  I never did pass them!!!!

mindfulness

Have you ever want to give someone " a peace of your mind?"  You just want to straighten them out! Maybe I might be one of those folks you want to give "a piece of your mind" to! If soooooo, you are wasting your time and energy.  I admit right upfront that you might be right and I might be wrong, soooo don't excited (i.e. I even question myself if I know what is right and and wrong sometimes).  I realize that most of you are a lot smarter than I am--I'm just a little old farm boy from a mile and south of Roseland, MN.  I don't declare I know much.  I'm very mindful of that.  Sooooo there.

In negotiating, my Daddy, Chester, would say to me--erv, if you don't care if you win or loose, you are a much better negotiator.  Soooooo I really don't care if you believe me or not.  That takes a lot of pressure off of me doesn't it. You don't have to believe a word I say (i.e. if anything I write bothers you, just shake it off and rub some dirt on it--just consider the source). AverageJoe says--Let's be realistic, there are very few folks who agree on  anything--Some never agree with anyone about anything! Such is life.

Recently while eating my oatmeal with half a banana on it, this is what I read by Susan Herick--There has been a movement lately promoting “mindfulness” as a way to relieve stress and be more focused. Employees at Google undertake mindfulness training, college students learn it through meditation practise, and in Christian churches it is taught through reflective journaling. Mindfulness is being aware of your thoughts and actions, as they occur. It is being attentive to your experiences and surroundings. Of course, this is not new. Brother Lawrence, a seventeenth-century monk, called it practicing the presence of God.

A guy told me that his brother was always inconsiderate of others (i.e. had no concern for others).  He was not mindful of others.  Saturday question--Why do some folks have more mindfulness than others?

They advertise about the amount of dark data businesses have in their cloud and how they can help you use it to your advantage.  ItchieBitchie says--We all have a lot of dark data in our cloud that is just there, maybe never will ever be used.  Unless, somehow we can put that dark data to use.  How can we do that do you think? An acquaintance told me he almost died over the winter--what happened--blood clots in my lungs--wow--doctors kept telling me that I was really lucky to be alive--he said I understand--they said, no you don't know how lucky you are to be alive--erv, believe me, I gave thanks and it wasn't to my lucky stars--sooo why did you get those blood clots--don't know but I sit in front of the computer during the winter about 8 hours a day--that could be part of it--sooo are you now on a diet and exercise program--ya ya, but I already lost 50 pounds before the clots--how much did you weight when you started--330+.  The dark data might reveal that we all need to do what we can to take care of ourselves as best we can.

Just a suggestion! I was about 10 feet from a lady recently who had some real strong perfume on (i.e. has a voracious appetite to smell good)!  I don't know if it was cheap perfume or expensive perfume as the only way I can tell is to look at price. But I was hoping there was no open flame around or we could have an explosion! ANYWAY it must really turn on her husband (i.e. the more the better) or she had to out smell the other women she's around or she really has bad body odor or maybe she had the can of bathroom air fresher pointed the wrong way.  I have a friend who has asthma quite bad.  If she is around the smell of perfume she goes into a sever asthmatic attack. Be mindful of others "hip hop perfume ladies."

BillTheWildRabbit says--You every fall asleep; don't pay attention as much (i.e. lose your focus) 'cause you are bored? I have a tendency to get bored quite easily.  I like new stuff, new adventure, new discussion, new stimuli, a new challenge, new folks etc.  The same old stuff just doesn't do it for me. Joesixpack says--Yabut some folks can go to coffee with the same folks every day and talk about the same stuff and are very happy.  I realize that LuckieEddie, but I'm not one of them. I'm not stimulated with that.  They are probably just as happy or happier than I am. Maybe I'm just the BigStope. Could be but I just like new experiences.  I get antsy doing the same stuff all the time.  Such is life.

At coffee one morning Leon said, "lately I shake so bad I can't put my ball on the tee." Then John said, "sometimes I am so stiff I have to get down on my hands and knees to take my ball from the cup." I said, "last week I was in Alexandria. Some friends and I played a round at Arrowood, On my way home I realized I had forgotten my clubs in the other guy's car. I tried to call him but he had forgotten to turn his phone on. So he hauled my clubs 80 miles north while I was going 80 miles south. The next day he FedExed them to me.

Last winter I had a PickleballBuddy tell me--His father was an alcoholic and also had a very bad temper (i.e. not a good combination).  He said--I had a very ugly family; very ugly. He told me that his mother was abused and also the children.  They were scared shitless of their father.  He told me that as a young man he had a very bad temper as well. He either acquired it from his genes or acquired it from his environment (i.e. programed by his past).  ANYWAY I told him it doesn't appear he has a temper now. He said he has learned to change (i.e. had to be mindful of it).  How come?  A bad temper is not socially acceptable.  My temper was like a rush that started to go through my body that I couldn't contain (i.e. an antsy feeling).  I learned I had to contain myself when I started feeling that way.  It was very difficult.  I had to work at it and be mindful of my temper for 7-8 years before I sorta kinda got rid of it. It was not easy and still isn't. Are you a happier person?  Oh ya, very much. CrazyMarvin says--Anger can quietly devastate relationships in business and in life.

I am mindful that not everything is as good as it looks or as bad as it looks (i.e. a comment my mentor would say to me occasionally).  I was in a group setting when a couple of folks said--I'm soooo impressed with "soandso" as what he is doing.  They were impressed.  I'm not. I think it's strange as to what he is doing. Something doesn't add up to me. I'm not impressed.  I think there is more to the story than what meets the eye (i.e. my opinion). LuckieEddie says-- Different folks impress different folks. Some might be impressed with BullshitKeith and others are not. Others might be impressed with "Ethelthequeenofsocialcliques" and others are not.  Such is life.

I know a kid down the street. I think he's a 6th grader.  He always tells me that he wants to go into the military.  The other day he was walking home from school past our house and we visited.  I asked him if he still wants to go into the military.  No, I think I want to get a smart phone and be a professional gambler on the sport games.  I see on TV that people make a lot of money and it's soooo easy (i.e. the American dream)!

A service story that reminds me that we do business with those who are easy go to do business with (i.e. called customer friendly). Sooo I called a golf course and asked if they could regrip a club in the morning while I run some errands--sure--sooo I get there and the guy says, Jake is not here right now--sooo when will Jake be in--maybe Tuesday or Wednesday or Friday--thank you--soooo I go to Golf Headquarters and some young kid puts a new grip on it in 5 minutes. Crazy huh. Soooo what does that tell ya? Where will I do business in the future?  Does any of this make any sense to ya? Maybe, just maybe, we need to be mindful of folks' wants and needs.  Just maybe. 

LukeMistier says--This is not worth the time nor the energy I’m spending on it. I need to move on. I'm antsy. This is going nowhere fast. It's time to bite the bullet. I need to quite throwing good money after bad. I need to just rub some dirt on it and move on. It's toast. Stick a fork in it; it's done folks. OneSmartGuy says--LukeMeister, you are right on the money. LukeMeister is "big time" folks when he knows when it's time to move on. That is a way big deal I have been told. CadillacJack says--It seems there are a lot of folks who don't realize that it's not working and keep trying to force a square peg in a round hole.  Ya, I agree CadillacJack, it's time to realize that it's time to move on.

I heard Joesixpack talk about his buddy SilverTongueSandy. He said--SilverTongueSandy wears a very expensive watch but apparently it doesn't tell her when it is time to shut up! I don't have a very expensive watch but I'm antsy; it's time to shut up and move on before someone gives me a piece of their mind!  Such is life.

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

erv

MyFriendJean says--When we get too busy to think of others, we are too busy.

P.S. The choice is yours!  "Let us endeavor so to live that when we come to die even the undertaker will be sorry. ~ Mark Twain

life plan

When I visited with Sandra Rose Simmons about her book Moon Glow, she mentioned that she always wanted to write a book since she was a young gal.  I asked her what took her soooo long? She said--I guess life just got in the way. I didn't quiz her what that meant.

I asked my kid sister what "life got in the way" means to her. She said--It's like the normal life activities and busyness got in the way of some of my hobbies, friendships, and pleasures.

MissPerfect says--Life sure is an odyssey; No question. Folks, it's not just necessarily only bad things that get in our life's plan but good things do tooooo.  Think about that folks. We all have had good things that have happened to us that have changed our lives. Opportunities just came our way and we took them (i.e. just fell in our lap). Some times they just happen. Crazy, huh! Life just happens! Joesixpack says--It seems like some folks are luckier than others.  Could be Joesixpack or maybe some folks have different attitudes.  Maybe some recognize opportunities and others don't. Maybe some folks work harder or have a different kind of motor.  I don't know. What do you think?

My Daddy, Chester had life going in the right direction, at least he thought soooooo! He was really juiced up! I was 13 and helping my Daddy put on the cultivator on the Massey Ferguson 44.  He said to me--erv, we now have it made, I just paid the farm off and we now have 4 row equipment; we are going to have extra money and time to go fishing a lot more. Then he had a heart attack. There were no by-pass surgeries or stints or medication back then. The doctor told him to drink some brandy when his chest hurt.  He was disabled and died 4 years later. He thought he had it "made in the shade" and then real life got in the way. Such is life.

AverageJoe says--Many times folks' retirements don't end up as they thought--some times much better and some times not as good (i.e. for many reasons).  Life gets in the way I guess. Some of you seem to have it pretty good and some of you not soooo good (i.e. that is from my view). But then again, maybe my evaluation isn't accurate.  I really have no idea. MissPerfect says--What we don't see is eternal! It seems like many folks have cracked pots here on this earth and some are just plain crackpots but.... Many! A mother of a graduate whose party I went to, has greeted me the same for many years--I say--How's it going?! She always responds--Not as good as some but better than others! She always makes me smile.

My life is not probably as glamorous as some of yours but for the most part, I  have self-satisfaction; I pretty much enjoy life every day.  I really do. I heard a speaker at a church say recently that 1 of 5 currently have a broken heart. Now that is sad.  I don't think I do but maybe I do and just don't know it.  That could be but I don't think so. Do you have a broken heart? What is a broken heart? How do you get a broken heart? How do you get over a broken heart?

"Success," said Winston Churchill, "is going from failure to failure without loss of enthusiasm." WorldClassLarry says--Change by helping others--don't think about yourself all the time like DuaneTheWorm; open your eyes and mind and find something and do it.  Don't end up like a bird in a trap or a rat on a tread mill. Saturday question--Why do some want to change and others don't?  A friend told me that he read that a near death experience or a new or renewed relationship with God are about the only ways some folks will want to change.  Do you believe that? Part of my favorite scripture is: Those who wait upon the Lord.... If you don't know the rest, goggle it.

I read this while eating my oatmeal with half a banana on it--We cannot save ourselves--God does that. But God will not give us good habits or character, and He will not force us to walk correctly before Him. We have to do that ourselves....We need to take the initiative; make a beginning--to instruct ourselves in the way we must go...!

I read in the paper, soooo it must be right--Only 3% of the graduates have written goals and plans; 13% had non-written goals and 84% had no specific goals …I recently read the book Living Forward. It's about having a life-plan. It was recommended to me by "onesmartguy." It talked about "stop drifting." It says in the cover--If you're like most people, you want to lead a life of meaning and significance, joy and satisfaction. But all the drama and demands we face seem to get in the way of our dreams, don't they? Ya it appears to me, all good businesses and folks have plans (i.e. written plans). BUT life does get in the way of our plans. I believe in written plans. If they are not written they don't mean much. When I served on the board of Ag Services of America, we reviewed constantly our short term plans, five year plans and 10 year plans etc to see if we were on target. It only makes sense to me to have a plan for our lives. But, remember I'm not very smart, I'm just a little old farm boy from a mile and a fourth south of Roseland, MN.


I pray for opportunities and the courage to act on them. Opportunities come in many ways and many forms. Some are harder that others. I was a Big Brother in The Big Brothers program to a kid maybe 10 years ago for a period of several years. He's is now in jail for 30 days. I have been in contact with him but he really doesn't want to change (i.e. at least not yet). I would and could really help him--he doesn't want my help. Why wouldn't he want to change? My mentor and I use to talk about a mutual friend who grew up in a very dysfunctional family including an alcoholic father and in quite extreme poverty. This guy had a different type of motor; he eventually bought a business that he knew nothing about and was very successful, became a believer and taught their six children the Good News, invested well, traveled the world and in his late 60s took college classes as he wanted to learn. My mentor says--Now that is success erv! I have another friend who did about the same (i.e. he amazes me). I asked him why he did it and others in the same situation don't. He says--I just didn't want to be that way; I just went forward! He's a huge massive success.

An interesting story about my older friend/client I wrote about above--He was probably about 65 and I was maybe late 30s.. He came into my office and we talked. We talked about the stock market and he asked me what I thought. I told him I don't know much but it looks like the market is very high right now and there is a good chance it will correct. We talked about that maybe it was a good time to buy farm ground (i.e. during the farm recession). In a couple of days he came in and told me he sold all his stock and wanted to buy farm ground. I sold him 3 parcels for under $1,000 an acre. Stocks went down and farm ground went up to $10,000 to $15,000 and acres (i.e. currently $7,000 to $10,000). Now that was a good plan!!!! Huh, interesting.

This past week I went for a bike ride to Kesley corner (i.e. my normal 11.1 mile route which has some hills--great work out).  There was maybe a 7 mph wind out of the s/sw.  As I headed north I thought I must be getting in good shape as it was going really good.  What I didn't realize that the wind had picked up considerably.  When I turned the around and headed back home, I realized I had to ride into maybe a 20 mph wind.  I had to change my plan (i.e. gear down a lot).  It made me laugh. Such is life.

I talked to a long time friend at the golf course the other day.  We have had soooo much fun together for many years playing golf together (i.e. competing against each other).  Soooo much fun.  He says he has no interest in playing golf any more--how come--can't hit the ball any more (i.e. he use to be a good golfer)--I understand--I don't think you do erv, you can still  play at an enjoyable level, I can't. Hey folks, certain things aren't as much fun as they use to be when you can't do it anymore.  Such is life. ItchieBitchie says--Maybe, just maybe, we don't really understand others.

I was putting on my shoes at the exercise room at school and saw a tee shirt in the lost and found box that had some writing on it.  It made me laugh.  Remember Cheers and Norm?  Here are some Normisms!

I ask the high school graduates at their parties what they plan to do. They seem to all have a plan but I would guess most of those plans don't work out. I read in the paper sooooo it must be right that 30% of freshman college students do not return to college. I asked an old friend (i.e.who is now dead)--How did you met your wife--a buddy and I were cruising the strip of another little town; there were a couple of street walkers; we talked to them and asked them if they wanted to go for a ride; I ended up marring her! It wasn't the plan when we picked them up but that is how it worked out! 60 years ago it was very normal for girls to walk the street in hopes some boys would pick them up. Nutten has really changed, we still have girls on the street hoping to get picked up. The difference is the girls now want to provide a service for a price! Such is life.

I rode with a golf buddy last Wednesday.  He told me he lost 43 pounds over the winter now weighing 185.  Did you have a plan--no, not really, I just cut all my food portions in half and exercised a hour a day; it went soooo well that I just continued it--you look great. Another guy in our foursome said he gained 10 pounds. I asked him if that was his plan--no no, I quite driving truck. Why would that be the reason? Less stress. Huh, interesting.

I was complimenting our neighbor the other day.  I said--You are one nice lady. She said--I have my days! Another super senior friend told me--erv, you got to keep going, keep moving; if you don't everything goes to pot!  I really like both of these gals. They inspire me (i.e. real folks with good hearts). Arlene and I were having breakfast at Todd's Neigborhood Grill the other morning.  A couple of teachers we taught with maybe 45 years ago came and talked to us.  One (i.e. has been retired 15 years) told us she still dreams about teaching. Her latest "on going dream" is teaching possession (i.e. one boy is 's more boys its s').  The other teacher (i.e. retired for 21 years) said--for years her "on going dream" was what she was going to wear to school in the morning!  Now that is funny folks.

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

erv

MyFriendJean say--Eggs cannot be unscrambled.

Shhh!

AverageJoe asks--erv, are you serious about what you write in "It's Saturday?" Have you just dropped in from Mars or what? I'm serious AverageJoe (i.e. I think I'm talking turkey) but I need to warn you that I'm wrong a lot. If you want the absolute perfect truth, listen to Donald or Hillary!!!!!! It appears to me that those two have "massive huge egos" but I don't know for sure. The circus is in town and the two famous trick dogs are performing under the big top center ring. Let the circus begin!

LuckieEddie says--Boom boom boom bang bang bang bang! Life goes one with or without me! Confused Zerrubbabel says--Life is like a box of chocolate, you never know what your are going to get.  Ya, life can be that way alright.

I remember watching the TV series My Friend Flicka as a kid. I really liked that show. You remember it.  Sure you do.  ANYWAY Ken's dad, Rob, said that maybe Flicka was "local."  If he was, there was nothing you could do about it.  Of course Ken befriended Flicka and life was happy ever after.  I read while eating my oatmeal with a half a banana on it--That a person may wallow in the pit of crap so long until it becomes detestable to him and he cries out for help. They come to their senses like Flica did and figure it out. Does that make an sense to you?

Arlene really likes her beauticians both in AZ and IA (i.e. both very nice to her--super gals). ANYWAY I went in to pay the IA beautician the the other day, I noticed she lost some poundage (i.e. made herself more attractive).  I wanted to say--Looks like you will need some smaller leathers (i.e. her and her husband like to motorcycle--you will the queen of the bike babes in Sturgis this summer).  BUT  I thought about what my friend says to me--erv, you aren't very good around women; you need to check with me before talking to them.  Soooo I hushed up!  Such is life.

I texted my neighbor and he said he must of missed it. My neighbor says he gets about 150 business emails a day and maybe 50 text messages each day (i.e. this puts stars in my eyes)!  Holy cow that's a lot of work going through all those communications. I think I would change me email address or tell some of them to shush up a little. I never want to be that important! Our little golf course has a new program this year--If you pay your membership by a certain date, you get a free membership to give to anyone you want.  I offered it to this neighbor/friend. He said--He doesn't have time to play golf.  I can see why with all those emails and texts!!! The real reason is that he has 3 young daughters and he is a good dad/husband.  He said golf wasn't in his top 20 things he wants to do with his time (i.e. not a highlight of his day).  Good for him. He has his priorities in order (i.e. my opinion).  Golf is very time consuming. TomTerrific says--The wisest among us understand that there are just 52 Saturdays in a year to be present with your kids.  Bingo! And it seems "just like that" they are out of the house. Crazy! OneGoodParent says--Live the moment!

I wish my demons would hush up!  I was sitting in the sun room when I saw this brown thrush on our lawn.  You just don't see them very often (i.e. at least I don't).  It has been about 60 years ago when I shot one with my bb gun. I felt soooo bad. I never told anyone that I did that (i.e. you are the first).  Some demons (i.e. like an evil virus) just don't go away. I thought I forgot about that thought, but no!  Such is life.

The BigGoodOldBoys'PoliticalMachine says--I wish those Donalds and Bernies would hush up!  They are screwing up our GoodOldBoy system which we have had for years. It appears to me (i.e. sooo don't get toooo excited, it's just me talking) that many folks are pretty tired of them using many of us as suckers. Donald is a different Republican brand of candidate (i.e. maybe appears to use more of a direct business approach) while Hillary using more of the typical GoodOldBoy approach (i.e. politically correct approach promising everyone every thing). Is there a change in the air of what people are thinking?  Maybe the political parties might have to change; maybe they don't carry the clout like in years past.  Maybe.  MissPerfect says--Talking just to hear your own voice is foolishness.

Have your parents ever told you when you were kid(s) to hush up or some verbiage similar and eat your food? When I was a kid, Chester and Anna would say--erv, when adults are talking, you need to keep your mouth shut; you are to listen! How the modern culture is sooooo different. At Rookie's parent/teacher conference, they asked Chet and Jessica if Rookie (i.e. grandpa's name for Henry) eats at home--yes he does, he's eats everything we give him--does he eat breakfast at home--yes, a big breakfast; is there a problem--sorta kinda, he eats his lunch and then eats off other kids' plates!

Can you hush up.  I hope soooo 'cause I don't want anyone else to know this.  Our Honda lawnmower is a good machine,  We have had it for 12 years (i.e. starts on the first pull always).  ANYWAY the last few years the motor sorta kinda gallops  What?  It works but just sounds a little different.  The other day I thought I should check the air filter as I haven't for a few years.  It wasn't very dirty but I discovered I had the air filter in backwards. Ouch ouchy!  It appears it doesn't gallop any more.  I just make myself laugh at times; I'm cheap entertainment! Such is life.

Change comes hard for many but it comes. Money usually plays a big part in change it appears to me. I read this in the paper, sooooo it must be right--Death isn't necessarily the inevitable outcome for the dying church, but revitalization requires innovation and openness to dramatic transformation.  It requires welcoming people who don't think, look, sound and behave like you--and sitting next to them, getting to know them and caring about what matters to them.  It requires focusing, on fellowship and community, not necessarily preserving history and a building. OpenMindedClint asks--Do some folks worship a habit instead of what the habit symbolizes? WorldClassLarry says--It takes God a long time to get us to stop thinking that unless everyone sees things exactly as we do, they must be wrong!  KnowItAllSally says--What do you mean, I'm never wrong!

I talked to a professional house stagger the other day. She was telling me that she will tell folks that we will depersonalize your house. It will not be your house but we will make it to be that will help sell your house.  Some folks can't handle this. They can't handle giving up their identity in their house. SusieQ says--Just because you like the feel of your house, it's not necessarily liked by the majority of folks.  You might think you are right but you are not in the majority.  Professional house staggers know what they are doing folks.  Many times, it appears, we have toooooo big of egos to accept this.  Man o man!  Arlene says I don't clean our house very good and it's dirty.  I tell her--I think I do a good job and I think it's clean.  Well, we hired a neat gal to clean our house (i.e. she is very particular and did an excellent job).  She said--erv, it needed  a good cleaning; it was dirty!  There must be a difference between "erv clean" and "Arlene's and the cleaning lady's clean!" She made me laugh! What a hoot! Such is life!

One of our cute little neighbor girls the other night had quite an outfit on (i.e. just crazy but fun looking).  Her mom said--Kids don't care how they look but at some point we change them (i.e. make them worry about what others think of them and their appearance). Their Ant Rooth was standing there as well and said--And when you get to our age, we once again don't really care a whole lot. CadillacJack says--What goes around comes around! Joesixpack says--At a certain age we become more like a person who just ate a piece of rhubarb pie!

Have you ever told your emotions to hush up? GeorgeTheCrook says--When you are fresh off a disappointment, life for a short time time anyway, life looks different.  I played some golf with some buddies recently. They moved the tee time up to 11 as it was windy and the weather prediction was to get very windy. The first 9 I probably played pretty much to my ability in the wind (i.e. always think I should play better but..). The second nine, the wind really picked up (i.e. thought I was plying at the Rolling Hills Country Club at Westbrook, MN--it's always windy there it seems). I didn't play as well as I would have liked (i.e. I was disappointed). I hate to play in a strong wind. GeorgeTheCrook asks--erv, why do you play in the strong wind in you detest it sooooo much?  Easy, I like to be outside and be around my buddies (i.e. and since we have been back, it's been windy about every day). If I look at it from "10,000 feet," it was a good time and a good memory (i.e. I only lost 50 cents). And really folks, does anyone really care! My disappointing play is soooooo unimportant. SusieQ says--You must have an ego erv and must be competitive!  What are you talking about SusieQ!!!!!

Folks, I have and am learning to live in the moment.  I want to be more incognito, stealth, not heard or seen as much.  I just want to live the moment.  Some things really aren't that important to me any more.  Do any of you understand my thinking? Folks who are trying to impress everyone (i.e. folks who are not real folks with good hearts) have always turned me off but now I'm even more intolerant of them. I just won't put up with some folks' crap anymore. I just want to be erv. I pray for wisdom; is this wisdom? Or am I just becoming a crotchety old man? I don't know!!! Or maybe I got into some bad oatmeal!!! I don't know. Such is life.

All external expectations, all pride, all fear of embarrassment of failure--these things just fall away in the face of death, leaving only what is truly important. ~ Steve Jobs ~ Saturday question--What is really important to you?

"Would you tell me, please, which way I ought to go from here?" " That depends a good deal on where you want to get to." said the Cat. "I don't much care where---said Alice. "Then it doesn't matter which way you go," said the Cat. ~ Lewis Carroll, Alice in Wonderland

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

erv

MyFriendJean says--Life isn't a matter of milestones, but of moments.

P.S. I was recently reminded by a friend that I said Donald was just doing this as something fun to do. Yes I said that;  I'm wrong a lot or maybe he was just doing it for fun and had success and might even end up being President. Maybe! BUT I'm  wrong a lot folks. A LOT! Remember that when reading "It's Saturday." Don't take me tooooo serious; you will be wasting your time.

Mothers Day

Cora and Anna (i.e. Arlene's and my Mom) deserved better. They both were such hard working gals with good hearts.  If it wasn't for them, neither Arlene nor I would be were we are or who we are today. I am quite certain. Our Moms played a very important role in our lives (i.e. they put some hop in our lives). Some how they taught us "a will to move on; to go forward." A pretty little gal gave us this picture which hangs in our kitchen.  In Abraham Lincoln's case, his mom was very instrumental to his education.  Very!

LuckieEddie says--You as a mom are influencing your children right now (i.e. for good and maybe for not soooo good). Did your mom influence you?  Of course she did. But how? Are you like your mom? How? When people are emotionally involved with others…their thinking changes. Mothers generally get emotionally involved with their children (i.e.some more than others probably). It's more than a surface friendship.  It's heart felt and the kids know and feel that.  Saturday question--Is that mothering an instinct like the Robins building their nests or a learned behavior? What do you think?

ItchieBitchie says--There are some very big mammas in this world; I mean mamas with big hearts. ItchieBitchie, you better be careful how you talk or folks will misunderstand you and you won't get elected. ItchieBitchie says--It appears that Donald isn't always politically correct in his talk and it seems to be working for him. Flip-the-pancake! Hillary says everything politically correct (i.e. tells everyone what they want to hear--which ever way the wind is blowing at the time). They seem to be quite opposites.  If those two get nominated (i.e. it looks like they will), it will be an entertaining campaign folks. Very!  WorldClassLarry asks--Sooooo, if your mama was a big mama, does that increase the odds that you will be a big mama?

I tell Arlene often that she was a very good mom to our kids.  She was. She was very sweet and kind and loving (i.e. gave them everything they wanted and more).  How can you not like a mom like that.  ANYWAY every night when I tuck Arlene in bed for the night I pat her on her cheek as our symbol that I love her.  She understands that and always smiles.  I remind her that I'm her SUPERMAN and will always love her and will always take care of "my girl." She smiles again and many times thanks me for taking care of her. Well, I was telling my sisters about this when they visited us in AZ and recently my sisters found a tee shirt for me.  Soooo now every night when I tuck Arlene in, I put on the tee shirt. What fun! She just laughs at me.

What is your motive? I asked a person who plays in competition all over the country that question. Their answer was for the challenge and competition. We all have different motives now don't we. GeorgeTheCrook says--I think I would rather hang out with the same folks and get emotionally involved. I like that feeling better. Each their own folks, each their own. It appears that many folks were excited about heading back home from their winter stay in the South.  It appears that many of them are excited about seeing their old friends, neighbors, church folks, family, golf buddies, coffee group ladies etc. They miss them.  Others really don't have that at home or aren't wired that way sooooo it isn't as big of an attraction to go home.  Some folks seem to need this "emotional involvement" more than others. Such is life.

SusieQ says--There is a time to have an emotional relationships and times not toooo.  Sometimes it's good and sometimes it is not. Emotional attachment can create a lot of  hurts; sometimes it's better to just have a pragmatic relationship.  Then when you each go your own way there is no hurt. Maybe folks who have had hurts from emotionally relationships might not want to get in another such relationship (i.e. don't want to go through that again). Soooo some folks will just have a distant, generic relationship (i.e. don't get toooo involved or expose themselves).  And there are folks who would like to have emotional relationships but the timing is not right or are quite particular who they want to have such a relationship with.  SusieQ, that all makes sense to me.  What do you guys think?

TomTerrific says--I think it's a good feeling when someone cares about me and shows it to me in many different ways. I like that emotional feeling. AverageJoe says--I don't need that feeling and really don't want it. I want to be alone wolf. I read in the paper sooooo it must be right--During an HBO interview, Kobe Bryant was read a list of descriptions attached to hm--an unflattering collection that included loner, selfish, arrogant, aloof, and unprintable characterization from Steve Nash.  He responded with more laughter. Why? "Because they're all true," he said. It appears he wants to be that way and maybe even enjoys it.  Maybe he doesn't want to get emotionally involved with anyone.

CaringBeth says--Most of the good done by good folks goes unheralded (i.e. particularly mothers' good they do for their children).  I think that is true CaringBeth and I think that is the way it should be (i.e. my opinion but some won't agree with me). Rick Warren says--"The Bible says every good deed will be rewarded, no matter how insignificant and regardless of whether anybody else on earth sees it." CrazyMarvin says--Do you believe that? OneGreatMom says--I realize there are a lot of folks who like attention (i.e. get their name and picture in the paper or on Facebook) to make themselves think they are important and pretending to be brightly illuminated saints with golden halos (i.e. and maybe they are).  But there are a whole lot of good folks that do a whole lot of good that we don't even know about it (i.e. particularly mothers). They don't want the advertisement in the paper or on Facebook!  They want to go unnoticed.  They will die and most folks won't have a clue as to what they have done.  No dignitaries saying stuff at their funerals and not having their caskets carried by folks that make them look important but carried instead of by folks who are special to them. No advertising! Pretty humble. Just 85yearsorsoooo and out! Bingo!

I had a great Mom, Anna.  No question in my mind.  She was many things and one was the spiritual leader in our home.  My Daddy, Chester, was a believer but was not a verbal spiritual leader like my Mom.  Maybe my Mom influenced my Daddy as I don't think his parents were strong believers (i.e. might be wrong).  At a young age my Daddy's mother died and his dad remarried to a "obnoxious religious person, a fanatic" as he described her. He didn't like her one bit. Maybe that was an influencing factor as well.  ANYWAY Mom would suggest to me many times when I was growing up a mile and fourth south of Roseland, MN--ERVIN JAMES, will you please close the drawers when you are done.  I think of my Mom often as it has been some 55 years and I still don't close the drawers.  It just makes me laugh.  What a fun memory! My Mom, Anna, has been dead for some 45 years and I really miss her.  I really do.  She was a Superwoman in my my mind.  Such a Superwoman!

My Mom, Anna, was as tough as this onion.  I put it on the wood pile in our garage (i.e. by accident) last November when we left for AZ.  When we got back in April, it is still fitting for life.  That is how tough my Mom, Anna was.

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

erv

MyFriendJean says--Children are great imitators, so give them something great to imitate.

P.S. Moms are usually right! Wohooooo!!