pa rum pum pum pum

FirecrackerJosie says—This “It’s Saturday” could be just exotic smashmouth!  Well pa rum pum pum pum FirecrackerJosie!  You know, she might be right, I don’t know for sure but what I do know for sure is-- this “It’s Saturday” ain’t no country song! LittleJimmie is wondering! He wonders if the song, I Saw Mommy Kissing Sana Claus, might have new meaning this year at Christmas.  LittleJimmie says--It can make a person wonder now can’t it; if 1,000 mommies have the same story during the last 10 to 100 years, Santa’s image might be tarnished.

I went for a run on the golf course last Saturday.  There was one golfer on the course; it was my friend, “The Big Kahuna.” We had a nice visit about a lot of things.  We both are concerned about a mutual friend.  Soooo I said to him—do you like Christmas—ya, I do; as long as we don’t get all bent out of shape—Ya, I like many of the events of Christmas; one thing I like is seeing all the lights folks put out—I don’t put lights out; I don’t have the desire or the inclination—well I just put out a token light display a.k.a. minimal—I  did that a couple of years ago but it looked soooo cheesy that I decided it is better that I just don’t put any up soooo we don’t!   !  Well pa rum pum pum pum! I just think “The Big Kahuna” just called me cheesyerv!  Sooooo where did the one-legged waitress work? IHOP! Now that is cheesy folks.

I had breakfast with a friend recently.  He ordered 2 eggs fried, a pancake, milk and coffee.  When his order came, he asked for another plate for his eggs and poured the milk on his pancake.  I never saw that before and asked him “what that was all about.”  He told me that his mother, Lucy, grew up during the depression and their family was poor.  They had a large garden and raised a lot of potatoes and onions.  They also had a milk cow.  No syrup; toooo expensive, soooo they put milk on their pancakes; that is all they had.  Sooooo that “milk on the pancake” was passed down to my friend’s mother and now to my friend.  What a great touching story for me.  Well pa rum pum pum pum!

I read this while eating my oatmeal with a half a banana on it—"Do you know what the word “appreciation” means? If you’ve ever bought a car, you know the meaning of depreciation (i.e. a new car will depreciate about 19% in the first year). The moment you drive it off the lot, it’s worth less than you paid for it, even if it’s a brand-new vehicle. Depreciation means to decrease in value. Appreciation means to raise in value — and it is a ministry. Arlene recently had a birthday and got quite a number of cards. That is something she enjoys and appreciates.  Why folks did that I don’t know for sure but I would guess because they care about her and want to maybe show appreciation. It was an uplift for her.  I say thanksamillion to you who did.  It is always a surprise when we get appreciation from folks whom we don’t expect.  Maybe we should try that this Christmas; send a card to someone who would be surprised in getting a word of encouragement (i.e. kindness cost nutten).  What do you think?  That is what I thought.  Well pa rum pum pum pum!

A friend was leading a small group discussing a book but had a hard time keeping some folks focused on the book.  They wanted to express their pet pees, agendas, and their opinions about stuff not related to the book.  That is sorta kinda like Christmas.  ExcitedJulia says--It is hard to stay focused on the true meaning of Christmas.  My mentor would say—erv, Christmas has toooo much stuff going on for us to really focus on what it is all about; I like Thanksgiving better. But he’s a guy; guys think differently that gals I think.  But, I know some of you don’t like Christmas; I know ‘cause you told me soooo. Some of you are downright nasty about it!  You know who you are!  Well pa rum pum pum pum!

My Daddy, Chester, would say to me, erv, never borrow money on anything that depreciates in value but you can borrow money on stuff that appreciates like cattle or farm ground.  Good or bad (i.e. I have no idea, but I have never borrowed money for a car).  My Daddy, Chester, also said to me—erv, interest is something you want coming in and not going out.  Such was life a mile and fourth south of Roseland, MN.  ItchieBitchie says—hey erv, I’m pretty normal as 43% of all adults have a car loan and some are 5 or 6-year loans. I called our local bank and asked what the interest rate is for a car loan—from 4.25 %; to 7.75% depending on the credit score. Ok, interest rate for pass book savings at banks is about .2% but a car loan is maybe 6%.  Would it make sense to save the money first and you would be making about 5.5% on your money. Would that be good reasoning?  Or am I missing something here! MissPerfect says—You are missing something erv, it’s instant gratification! MoneyMangerPete says—That is why the rich get richer and the poor get poorer! Well pa rum pum pum pum!

I had to laugh at what Grassley said.  I’m sure he’s trying to save face but maybe he was misinterpreted.  In any case, I find it funny.   Soooooo don’t take anything I say tooooo serious; you might be misinterpreting what I’m trying to say!  ha ha

You and I might have similarities and differences but this is hard to misinterpret--I play Christmas music. Arlene really likes it. She hums some, sings a few words, sways her body and moves her arms. She knows the songs and the words. Then says—like— sing no—wish. Soooo happy and sooooo sad. Then she says to me—why erv! She is sooooooo sweet. Well pa rum pum pum pum!

Talk about reasoning—MyNieceRacheal a.k.a. the book reader who suggests books for me to read, suggested that I read another of C. S. Lewis’ books.  She can’t believe I haven’t read any other of his books.  Sooooo I got The Lion, The Witch and The Wardrobe from the library.  It’s a classic fairy tale for kids, first in the series (i.e. has sorta kinda a Christmas flavor to it). It is about values and good thinking but camouflaged in a fairy tale.  Here is something I enjoyed—The kids quizzed the Professor for some advice; the Professor said— “Logic!” There are only three possibilities. Either your sister is telling lies, or she is mad, or she is telling the truth. I bought a copy for both or our grand girls to read (i.e. I think it's really a good book--my opinion and many others' opinion). CadillacJack says--Hey folks, Facebook doesn’t have any logic; it’s all about emotions and jumping to a conclusion, By Jove CadillacJack, you might be right; that sounds like good logic!  Well pa rum pum pum pum!

I try to decorate our home in somewhat the same fashion as Arlene use tooooo.  BUT it just isn’t the same.  I put some of the same stuff out and etc. but it’s just erv putting stuff out and not Alene having that special touch.  You know what I mean.  NonChristimasFred says—No I don’t know and I could care less!  Yabut NonChristmasFred, it is good for Arlene’s mind and my mind to have those decorations up; Christmas lights always uplifts a person (i.e. my opinion). 

Talk about psychology, my pickleball buddy gave me a copy of the high school text book to read that he wrote. I think it will help me figure some of you out, ha ha!  He told me that not much has really changed in psychology, but we have to change the verbiage to the modern words, change illustrations to modern version, change pictures to current times, and use “now folks” as examples (e.g. like current sports stars). If we don’t, it’s the kiss of death (i.e. can’t sell the book).  That is why he is in the process of writing his 5^th edition.  Maybe we can apply this analogy to many parts of our lives and our culture (e.g. fiber Monday has changed things alright if you like it or not).

Santa, I try to be a good boy but is it ok to sometimes fudge a little? I was eating some Christmas fudge and talking to a customer service technician from Direct TV about a slight problem I was having.  I couldn’t understand her as she had a dialect or an accent.  Oh fudge! I had to ask her to repeat herself several times.  I could tell she was getting frustrated with me and I with her.  Soooooo I said to her—Jane, you will have to be patient with me as I am old and hard of hearing (i.e. fudging on the truth—I’m not old or hard of hearing; well, that depends who is doing the evaluating); you will have to talk slow and distinct.  ANYWAY, after that Jane and I got along real well. She was real kind to me.  I only fudged a little!  Oh fudge! SusieQ says—It seems like I get along with others much better when I take the blame instead of putting the blame on the other person (i.e. it might be called psychology). Well pa rum pum pum pum!

The world is cruel.  For the retail business, Christmas is all about business a.k.a. making money for their companies.   They aren’t kind or sentimental of about finding ways to make money.  Don’t kid yourself folks; they want your money and are getting it (i.e. soooo far it has been a good year for companies making money—folks seem to be spending big according what I read in the paper). Ya gotta give companies a star for being innovative and creative; they know how to manipulate us. I read in the paper soooo it must be right that Americans spent $6.59 billion on Cyber Monday making U.S. history and many of you got to be part of the history.  Big winners were Amazon, Walmart, Best Buy, Kohl’s, and Target. And other winners were maybe you and maybe not you depending if you bought just what you wanted and not stuff that you didn’t want but couldn’t pass it up because it was sooooooo cheap!  Well pa rum pum pum pum!

The Little Drummer Boy is one of the great Christmas time songs (i.e. my opinion). When I listen to the words, I can almost hear the drum beat. It is the cry or should be the cry of every Christian’s heart. The little drummer boy had nothing to offer the new born King but a song on his little drum. None of us are worthy of Him, yet He still says, come (i.e. a gift with no strings attached—God’s grace)! The song ministers to me that my life is all I have to give. Since my life is all that I have to give, I must try to live the best life possible. A life of worship in my actions, thoughts, and emotions is the acceptable gift to the LORD (i.e. know that is a challenge). Well pa rum pum pum pum!  I think I need to beat my drum in double- quick time! 

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

erv

MyFriendJean says—Don’t overlook life’s small joys, while searching for the big one.

P.S. Dorthy a.k.a. TheOnlineShopingQueen says-- I have a confession to make.  I spent over $6,000 on Black Friday.  I just couldn't help myself.  I just couldn't pass up all the good deals. And free shipping.  The more I shopped, the more I saved. Besides, I get cash back from my credit card.  How can a gal go wrong! 

yagottafinish your life

Sooooo folks, I hope this “It’s Saturday” will raise your Ebenezer!

Suggestion—Try to find the missing bullet holes (i.e. like finding Elmo) in this “It’s Saturday.” See what you can learn from them (i.e. the missing bullet holes will probably be different for different folks). They often tell the most interesting and useful part of the story (i.e. your story).

• No matter how many mistakes you make or how slow you progress, you are still way ahead of everyone who isn't trying. 
• When something becomes a need, a requirement, it locks us in. We have to have it; which means we start structuring our lives around it. 
• Being winsome helps us win some. Be purposeful in your reflection. Don't only focus on what you may have done wrong, or what you would like to do differently... Make sure to think about what you have done well, or what you are doing well. Don't forget the "Happy".  
• Isn’t it interesting that when others fail, we tend to admire them for trying? Yet when we fail, we beat ourselves up for the very same thing, 

Many times, we are where we don’t want to be; we just gotta keep going; we can’t stop; we gotta keep going!  I stopped and saw a friend the other day.  He has a major health issue. I asked him how he was doing. I’m doing one day at a time; I just keep going. Yagottafinish!

All of us are really in a different state of mind and physical condition.  That is for sure!  Some of us are happy and some sad; some feel rich, some feel poor; some are in good health, some not; some are facing a huge problem, some never had a serious problem.  You get the point!  I am going to make a suggestion to you folks; it is not a truism as I’m not that smart by a long shot (i.e. I’m just a little old farm boy from a mile and fourth south of Roseland, MN).   But this seems to work for me somewhat and maybe it might for you.  Big on the maybe!  Enjoy every minute of your life no matter where you are at (i.e. maximize your life).  We don’t need clamorous stuff or expensive stuff or glitzy stuff but just ordinary stuff. Enjoy everything and everybody (i.e. always look at the positive).  I probably sound like a parrot to some of you.  Mikey, try it, you might like it! Yagottafinish! "The more you praise and celebrate your life, the more there is in life to celebrate." - Oprah Winfrey  ~  A pickleball buddy who winters in AZ sent me an email inviting me to play in our old group.  I told him that we won’t make it to AZ this winter because of Arlene’s digressing Alzheimer’s.  He sent a nice note back.  Here is the part that really got my attention--erv. And all our hearts are with you and Arlene this winter as you live your own reality. That is a very good observation I think a.k.a. wisdom.  We all have different realities.  Yagottafinish!

I looked in the mirror and didn’t like what I saw!  Yikes! Recently
my ego really flared up (i.e. a huge, massive flareup).  And in all places, it happened in church Sunday morning during the service.  I tried to kill it but I only got it beat down (i.e. just got it under control--it just wouldn’t die).  I had to raise my Ebenezer! LuckieEddie says--A grateful person is rich in contentment. An ungrateful person suffers in the poverty of endless discontentment. Ouchy ouchy!

It’s getting to be the Christmas season sooo I will be watching my favorite Christmas movie—Christmas with Chubby Chase a.k.a. National Lapoon's Christmas Vacation. I laugh every year. I got some early birthday presents from my family during Thanksgiving.  I really like them all.  I asked them how they picked such special presents for me.  They said—we know you.  This one really makes me laugh; I love it! I was coming  back from a run as it was getting dark.  A neighbor has his light all lite up.  He had a ladder up against his house and was fiddling with his lights.  I said--Hey Clark, you got one out on the end!  He obviously doesn't watch that movie (i.e. I thought everyone has--wrong).  He didn't catch on. I bet he thought I was a real jerk!  

A very old man lay dying in his bed. In death's doorway, he suddenly smelled the aroma of his favorite chocolate chip cookie wafting up the stairs. He gathered his remaining strength and lifted himself from the bed. Leaning against the wall, he slowly made his way out of the bedroom, and with even greater effort forced himself down the stairs, gripping the railing with both hands. With labored breath, he leaned against the door frame, gazing into the kitchen. Were it not for death's agony, he would have thought himself already in heaven. There, spread out on newspapers on the kitchen table were literally hundreds of his favorite chocolate chip cookies. Was it heaven? Or was it one final act of heroic love from his devoted wife, seeing to it that he left this world a happy man? Mustering one great final effort, he threw himself toward the table. The aged and withered hand, shaking, made its way to a cookie at the edge of the table, when he was suddenly smacked with a spatula by his wife.
"Stay out of those," she said. "They're for the funeral." Yagottafinish!

 I just don’t know about that!  Our family doctor told me recently—erv, you gotta realize that you are almost 72; you aren't as tough as you use tooooo be! I was discussing something with a new friend and he said—erv, your generation….!  I just realized that he is only in his early 40s (i.e. I could be his dad).  Yabut, our family doctor told me once you get to 71, your odds are better to get to an older age.  Ya, you can’t get to an older age if you die early.  But I gottafinish no matter what age my life will take me to on this earth. Such is life.

"I'd give away every cent I have to be your age again." - Warren Buffet - I read this while eating my oatmeal with a half a banana on it--“Poor in spirit” sounds like someone who is sad or bereft. But it is not that at all. Being “poor in spirit” simply means someone who has humbly recognized the limits of his own abilities. As the New Living Translation affirms, “God blesses those who are poor and realize their need for him.” That is not sadness; it is realism. It is a clear understanding, probably realized over and over in life, that the kingdom of man is insufficient for human happiness. But the kingdom of God is all-sufficient! How happy will be the person who exchanges his worldly “happiness” for dependence on God. The blessings of the kingdom of heaven will be his or hers.

WorldClassLaarry says--Knowing what you don't know is more useful than being brilliant. I was running the other morning and was approaching an intersection.  A friend was coming in his pickup and I wanted to talk to him.  I raised my hand saying—hold up, I want to talk to you.  When I approached him, he said—erv, you gotta go the bathroom or something!  He just makes me laugh.  I asked him what he was doing. He was helping some folks (i.e. he does a lot of this helping others--a good egg).  I told him that he was really a good person doing all those acts of kindness.  He said—I gotta do a lot of them to make up for all the bad things I do! I really like this guy—he has a very good heart and is a real person; my kind of person.  That same morning while running, I met a senior guy who was walking using a cane. He had a short sleeve shirt on (i.e. I had a long sleeve shirt on).  I said—You must be a tough guy—he said in a slurred speech (i.e. probably a stroke victim)—I use to be a farmer!  I guess he thinks farmers are tough.  He made me laugh!  BUT he was out there walking—yagotttafinish!

I know a lot of really smart folks (i.e. you folks).  Really smart folks can belong to "Mensa" association, a worldwide group of intelligent persons, that requires rigorous testing for membership, with a required standard IQ score of 132 or above (i.e. 98 percentile or above). Most of you will probably qualify, except maybe for one of you. ha ha Soooo I asked SmartyPantsRiley how he go soooo smart.  Here is his answer:  

A tough MT ranch boy was planning to drive back from his parent’s ranch in MT straight through to IA after Thanksgiving with a wife and two small kids.  I thought he was either tough or crazy, one of the other. Well, they changed their minds and did it in two days.  I wonder if he would have left his family stop for potty stops!  Those MT ranch boys are tough alright; real drum majors! Yagottafinish!

When I get ready to run, I check to see what the temperature is and also how windy it is and dress accordingly (i.e. the older I get, the more clothes I need—not as tough).  BUT what is interesting, after I run for maybe a mile, my body warms up and I don’t need as much clothes.  I wonder if that works for other things of life. Yagottafinish!  I wonder as I wander!  CrazyMarvin says—I never have that sensation; I just sit on the couch and eat chips! Such is life. 

Saturday questions--What was your best experience this week: an experience that left you with your mouth wide open? What was your worse experience; one that left you with a bad taste in your wide-open mouth? DeepThinkerEsther says—I wonder how close I am to God?  Is that unmeasurable? How close am I compared to others?  Soooo I really don’t know how close to God I am; I might think I’m very close but in reality, I’m maybe not or vice a versa.  BobbySnort says--You’ll notice in the Christmas story that when the Son of God was born, not a single religious person (e.g. Pharisees) were invited. The people who should have known the most about the birth of Jesus, the spiritual and religious leaders of Israel, didn’t have a clue (i.e. they reeked like elitism). Who were invited? The shepherds watching flocks by night.  The shepherds were considered pretty low in the social ladder.  Huh, interesting. 

SquirrelSquirrely says—When folks’ lives get squirrely, it is interesting how folks act.  SweetBela says—When I use to play house as a kid, it was way different than when the lights came on for real; it’s a way different story. JoeBlow says--Make believe (i.e. Star Wars—new movie is coming out soon) is way different than the real deal (i.e. everyday life).  Yagottafinish!

FantasticFred says—None of us are going to live forever.  Sooooo yagottafinish every day the best we can.  Locking the barn after the horse has run away applies here. Live what you believe to be right. Don’t let your emotions take over; they are unpredictable.  A friend sent me this text after I questioned how she was--Hi erv, don't read too much into anything I say. The kiss principle is always best ( keep it simple, stupid). I don’t know what I am feeling most of the time!! Usually feelings aren't that important. Like the weather, give them 10 minutes and they'll change. Folks, I think that is wisdom. I told her—You said a mouth full there! My Daddy, Chester, would say to me—erv, don’t let your emotions get involved in a business decision. LuckieEddie says--That is a good thought Chester; I let my emotions get involved in what I thought was love (i.e. it was more like a sexual fantasy). It didn’t turn out soooo good.  Is love different? It’s not a business decision you know. LuckieEddie, yastillgottafinish!

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

erv

MyFriendJean says--While seeking happiness for others, we unconsciously find it for ourselves.

drama

Well, the Lord is willing, and the creek didn’t rise, soooooooo I’m here again with another “It’s Saturday.” ha ha

There are some smart folks who are trying to take the clunk out of some folks’ lives.  I was putting on my shoes at pickleball and I introduced myself to the guy next to me.  He asked me about my life and I did the same.  He was a retired instructor of psychology.  I said—You must know a lot about the human mind—not really; it seems that no one really does—soooo what is the newest trend in psychology—flourishing—what is that—in the past we have spend most of our efforts on folks who were 10s, meaning the worst. We have been trying to get them to a 7 where they can be functional in life; now we are spending more time on the 7s to get them to a 5 or 4 sooooo they can find happiness in their lives—sooooo what is the best antidote—education.  It was his turn to play soooo I didn’t get to ask him about the type of education.  What do you think he meant by education?

When my sisters and brother-in-laws were here we were talking

about reading.  Our home had very little reading while we were growing up and our brother-in-laws read a lot as kids. A sister and brother-in-law are both retired elementary teachers. I was telling them that a friend just told me that she comprehends much better when she reads out loud.  They confirmed that is true.  They gave me this idea that you might what to give to your grand kids.  I call them “Listen To Me.”  Kids can whisper and still hear themselves read.  Sooooo I made some for our grandkids.  I don’t know if they will use them or appreciate them.  But, one of my brother-in-laws has taught me—If you have a good time doing it erv, it doesn’t really matter!  Such is life.

ConservativeHaley says--The average Thanksgiving dinner for 10 was $49.12.  It would have been lower except for our friend SuperCookDeb who skewed that figure. Her dinner cost more (i.e. way more); God only know how much more!  But I bet it was really good.  Way to go SperCookDeb, you are a good cook and you are also good for our economy!  ha ha I bet you had a good time Deb; good for you! Besides, it’s only money!

A friend was telling us that he doesn’t have much interest in sports; he said he use to.  But he still watches his Pittsburgh Steelers.  He said he tapes the games and watches them if they win; if they lose he doesn’t watch it.  He can watch a game in 20 minutes as he only watches the good parts.  I told him that he is a real piece of art!

Clunk, it’s done! TerminatorAlice says—You can only live 3 minutes without oxygen—then clunk you are dead.  You can only life 3 days without water—then cluck you are dead. You can only live 3 weeks without food—then clunk you are dead.  Soooooo folks, we don’t have to eat all the time.  But if we do, we’ll clunk clunk along!  ha ha

Many of you folks are really smart folks (i.e. at least some of you think you are ha ha).  What is the most important thing you know?  Is it to make money? To farm? To do a business deal? To parent? To be part of the social elite? To be good in some athletic event? I have thought about what the most important thing I know.  That is a good question for me.  I really don’t know (i.e. I’m not that smart).  While eating my oatmeal with half a banana on it, I read what Ricky said—"You might know string theory. You might know chaos theory. You might know quantum physics. But if you don’t know God, you’ve missed the purpose of your life.” CLUNK!

TrumpetJan says--It’s time to think about Christmas presents.  TurboCarylon says--Your presence is the best present. The second-best present is making someone laugh. I was talking to a friend who has some serious health concerns.  I told him he makes me laugh.  His response was—I think my purpose in life is maybe to make just one person laugh—I don’t know if I’m that one person, but you make me laugh.  Saturday question—What is the purpose in your life do you think?  Really? One smart person told me this—Ego says--When everything falls into place, I will find peace.  Spirt says—When I find peace, everything else will fall into place.  SusieQ says—I seem to just clunk along, confused as ever!  Such is life.

A friend has as her slogan—B HAP P! That will sorta kinda take the clunk out of a person’s life.  ItchieBitchie says--The old question is “why me” when something does not go our way.  But today I said—Why me when everything went my way.  I have no idea why I changed my thought process!  I have no idea why you changed ItchieBitchie but…Earlier this year, The Wall Street Journal ran an article entitled “One Habit to Make You Happier Today.” The writer said, “Repeating a positive phrase, or mantra, to yourself creates new pathways between neurons in your brain, conditioning you to feel calmer and healthier. Research shows that thinking of a word or phrase that affirms our values—and repeating it over and over—produces powerful physiological changes…. Mantras can create and strengthen new neural pathways that are positive and not toxic. And that can make our brain much calmer and happier.” ItchieBitchie, that might change yourself from a clunker to gladiator!

LiberalFrank says--Your brain generates 60,000 to 70,000 thoughts every day. Amazing! But the bad news is all those brain generated thoughts are mostly the same ones we generated yesterday (i.e. boring boring clunk clunk). And the day before, as far back as you can remember. We don’t think new thoughts very often.  We don’t like change soooo we don’t want to think new thoughts (i.e. clunk clunk).  I think that is funny.  Some folks like the same ol’ same ol’. Now that is a life of having a life in neutral, never moving forward (i.e. clunk clunk). What do you think of that? That is what I thought! 

I hope your Thanksgiving celebration was not clunkie because you brought up politics, religion or money!  A friend told us that they have a daughter-in-law that is very opposite to the other family’s political position. He was told by his son to not bring politics up!  Another friend then said—one of their adult children is very liberal and the other is very conservative.  We know a couple of couples who are our friends, where one is very liberal and the other very conservative.  I hope all of us kept our mouth shut!  CadillacJack says--BUT it is very hard when you think they are wrong! I read this in the paper soooo it must be right—Heated political arguments have erupted in class. Teenagers report being shunned if their opinions don’t match their peers. And some say they’ve lost friendships over politics.  Holy smokes, I bet that can be happen to adults tooooo.  What do you think? That is what I thought. 

We spend a couple of days with our children, their spouses and our grand kids.  We really had a good time.  Everyone was sooooo sweet and kind to Arlene; unbelievable! A great experience for them and us. I am just amazed how sweet and kind our grand kids are to her.  Amazing.  Either they were born with good hearts or were taught it.  Which one is it do you think?

One of our little granddaughters and I agree on this.  She called me the other day and was soooooo excited as she was going to get her ears pierced.  I asked her why she is doing this—well, grandpa, I have saved my money and I don’t need anymore toys as I have soooooo many soooo I decided to get my ears pierced and buy a couple pair of ear rings. I don’t know if she and I  will agree on politics as her parents seem to be more liberal than I am, but she might agree with me on saving money—We have a recurring mantra in our house - we can buy anything we want - as long as we've saved for it first. My uncle George said to me many times as a kid—erv, it isn’t what you make, it’s what you save.  BigSpenderCasey says—I spend my money on booze, broads and boats and waste the rest! Ouchy ouchy!

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

erv

MyFriendJean says—Life is the little shadow which runs across the grass and loses itself in the sunset. 

drama

This “It’s Saturday” could be a “jump cut move” which could fake a person out of their pants.  Could be and maybe not.  You get to decide.  JoeBlow says—What is a “jump cut move?”

I recently had a conversation with a person that was very interesting.  He asked me questions and then I would “flipthepancake” and ask him questions.  It was like both of us wanted the other person to tell their story and didn’t want to talk about ourselves.  ItchieBitchie says—Usually when a person talks like 90% about themselves, you sorta kinda know what kind of person they are.  Sooooo our conversation was sorta kinda like a pin ball game with drama.  Quite interesting.  This guy is a good guy; a real person with a good heart; my kind of person.

GeorgeTheCrook says--Fakers can create a lot of drama; I have been faked out a few times by a few slimy swamp critters.  If you know folks to some degree and realize they are fakers, they are really funny (i.e. they just make me laugh a.k.a. cheap entertainment).  SassySass says—Some fakers have been faking for soooo long, they don’t even know they are faking it; it’s just part of their persona.  Flipthepancake—Real folks are just the opposite: they make me smile (i.e. cheap entertainment). I enjoy them both but in different ways.  LuckieEddie says emphatically--Remember folks, a fruit cake in July is still a fruitcake!

 I must admit that there are times when I don’t have my whole heart in it.  When that happens, I go at a slower speed (i.e. not 100%). At certain times I’m not as interested or decide not to put my best effort forward.  There are a lot reasons for that (e.g. if I don’t care if I win or lose).  I think at times it’s good to shut my mouth and sit in the back and just be there sometimes.  I think that is ok.  What do you think?    In fact, I find it quite enjoyable to not to try to be the best or compete at 100%.  It’s refreshing.  A lot less drama for sure.  It’s fun to watch others and listen to others (i.e. even when I think they are wrong).  Abraham Lincoln said—Better to remain silent and be thought a fool than to speak out and remove all doubt. WorldClassLarry says—You don’t learn much listening to yourself talk; you already heard that opinion!

DramaQueenConnie says--Have you ever heard a wife micro managing her husband?  I mean, waaaay toooo much control.  MissPerfect says—No I haven’t but I’m seen husbands who micro manage their wives!  Of course, MissPerfect, I should have known!  ha ha!   In some cases that micro management of a spouse works ok and other times it produces drama.  And when both spouses micro manage, well, it can cause real drama.  I was getting some napkins from a local gift shop full of  trinkets (i.e. to a man they all look alike and smell alike).  When I walked in, a friend and I greeted each other.  I got the napkins and was walking out when she said—You are just like my husband, he goes in and buys what he wants and leaves.  He can’t understand how I can look at everything, touch everything and then leave and not buy anything!  Well, I think Harold and I both understand that we don’t understand women!  We both understand that!  AverageJoe says--That’s not completely true but that’s the feel.  I read recently—Seek to understand others first before trying to make others understand you.  Wooow, I think that is pretty good.  It appears that many folks want others to understand their opinions before trying to understand others’ opinions first.  CrazyMarivin says—erv, some of others’ opinions are really hard to understand; they just are really different!

My sisters and their husbands from MI visited us for couple of days.  We reminisced about life growing up on the farm a mile and fourth south of Roseland, MN alright (i.e. nostalgic).  Growing up, there was a lot of drama for me being sandwiched in the middle of two sisters. ha ha!  We really did laugh a lot (i.e. with each other and at each other).  We heard a lot of opinions alright. My favorite was when we were discussing Paul.  One of my sisters said she believes the Bible but doesn’t believe Paul’s opinion about women! I don’t know if she watches Fox News or CNN!  ha ha   She said—What does he know; he was never married! I have no idea if my sister was serious or just pullin’ my chain (i.e. my sisters have manipulated me forever ha ha )! It appears that maybe most churches don’t believe everything what Paul wrote but they believe some of the stuff that they like. While eating white mystery chili and eating blueberry pie, I learned something that I didn’t know; it was about Nephilm. Do you know about them? What do you think of them? A brother-in-law said—It doesn’t matter to me about them Nephilm, you just got to believe; believe like a child. Like I said—There were a lot of opinions! It was like reading the Opinion section of the newspaper!  That’s not either good or bad; it is what it is.  BUT folks, nutten has really changed for me, I’m still sandwiched in the middle—still a lot of drama!  What a good time we had;; a hoot!

They call it the "great compromise!" When husbands and wives have drama in their relationship, they need to find a way to resolve it or it will be hard on their marriage.  Oh ya!  Our neighbors solved some drama in their relationship.  They were going to shingle their utility shed.  She wanted pewter gray shingles and he wanted mission brown shingles.  Soooo they have pewter gray on the west side and mission brown on the east side.  Bingo!  Everyone is happy. 

She’s a drama reducer alright.  Yes she is.  I went for a run late Sunday afternoon; it was just beautiful with the sun going down, 40 degrees and no wind.  ANYWAY, when I was coming home a neighbor lady was getting the paper from her mail box and we visited.  She is a super senior lady (i.e. super in age and super nice).  When I was leaving she said—Go and do something great erv!  Sooooo what do you do that is great—I go to the care facility and talk to the residents there; they like that—do you still do a Bible study with the residents—yes, but I have criteria—what is it—they must be over 90, can’t hear very well and can’t see very well.  Now folks, that is doing something great (i.e. my opinion). 

Saturday question—Do we create drama in our lives intentionally because we like it?  CadillacJack says—Probably not but after thinking about it, maybe we do.  Some folks really like drama. They are soooo use to it and that it is their default.  They really don’t want to correct it.  TomTerrific says—Really folks, much drama could be eliminated before it even starts; I think some folks like drama.  Now that could be TomTerrific; that could be.  I’m rereading Mere Christianity by C.S. Lewis (i.e. I would guess some of you have read it).  I think the first time I read it was about 40 years ago. Mr. Lewis says—But progress means getting nearer to the place where you want to be.  And if you have taken a wrong turn, then to go forward does not get you any nearer.  If you are on the wrong road, progress means doing an about-turn and walking back to the right road; and in that case the man who turns back soonest is the most progressive man. LuckieEddie says—Ya gotta to know when to hold ‘em and when to fold ‘em!  JuliaWise says—The question that changed my life:  What can you do today that you were not capable of a year ago?

RealExcitableEunice says--I’ve seen it all now! Folks look at reviews to determine if they buy a product or use a person for a service.  How much faith can we put in those reviews anyway?  Anonymous posts can be manipulated by someone bearing a grudge and glowing reports can be planted by the beholder themselves.  Soooo who do you believe.  Maybe it’s much like when you folks read those romantic novels, you just skip and hurry through the drama to get to the steamy parts; the parts you really read them for anyway.  ExcitableTeri says--Admit it folks!  You just want to read what you want to read.

I read this while eating my oatmeal with half a banana on it--Rare is the person who, like David, has a faithful friend like Jonathan. We often say to others, “If you need anything, let me know. Whatever you need.” We’re sincere, of course—we do want to be helpful to our friends. But words like anything and whatever are all inclusive. They may represent a level of commitment we aren’t ready to make.  ~  Boy, I have been guilty of saying that.  We have been on the receiving end of acts of friendship. It is interesting what folks say and do.  I know one thing for sure—true friendship is wonderful. A friend sent us a card and wrote this in it—"This is my prayer. May God give you whatever you need for each day—peace, encouragement, rest, patience, insight, wisdom, discernment to name a few.”  Now that could quiet the drama.  The sign in the pic was made and given to us by one of our brother-in-laws.  Pretty appropriate I think.  What do you think?

CoachBronner says--In the book Life Falls, it says Elbert Einstein was known widely all over the world (i.e. because of his brain and his hairdo).  Elbert said--It is a strange thing to be widely know all over the world and yet be lonely. CoachBronner said--That is many times because they don't have close friends.  He went on to say--A close friend is more valuable that a fortune; cherish close friends.

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

erv

MyFriendJean says--To send a letter is a good way to go somewhere with out moving anything but your heart.

P.S.  If you retired tomorrow, what would your new [business] card say? 

me tooooooo

I would like toooo give a shout-out toooo all of you who are my friends and acquaintances and other readers (i.e. you of all generations). You all have been part of my life and taught me stuff (i.e. things I will mimic and things I want no part of. ha ha).

A44yearoldonesmartguy told me this about the spiritual condition of much of his generation and society—"We have a lot of baggage (my generation).  Google is godlike  (technology is king), science/medicine is godlike, our basic needs and most of our wants are paid for by our jobs (which we attribute to our skills, education, etc.)  We get our satisfaction from our job performance rather than from enjoying relationship with God (or others, even).”  Is that wisdom?  WorldClassLarry says--I think sooo.  Me toooooo!  ‘

I was talking to a 41yearoldsmart guy this week and he was telling me about his kids seeing all those ads on TV that kids ask questions about (i.e. and there are a lot of them).  He told me when he watches golf, there are a lot of ads about erectile dysfunction and prostate cancer.  That tells him that many older guys watch golf and the companies are targeting a certain audience.  He said, the programs he watches, doesn’t soooo much have those type of ads.  It’s all about the money!!!!!!

JoeMillennial (i.e. who just waited in line for 2 hours to buy the new iPhone 8 for  a thousand dollars) says—If the internet has become some sort of Holy Scripture for us millennials, then Instagram and Pinterest are definitely our psalms and proverbs.  And like so many other religions, we have our favorite verses. 

Arlene and I were having dinner at a local restaurant.  Two older gentlemen (i.e. in their 80s and 90s) came and talked to us.  I said—It’s about cold enough to put on the long johns. Both said—I got them on!  I doubt if toooooo many 40ish folks have long underwear on.  Some are still wearing shorts!  GreatGrandPaMike says--It seems to me that age does change folks.  Me toooooooo!

A babyboomerfriend, says--The way the abortion laws are written most Americans believe it is “right” to kill a baby human in the womb just about any time the mother decides, and yet let someone accidentally kill a litter of kittens in the womb of a cat and it could make Cable news, maybe spark protests...Maybe what some think is right is wrong!

LuckieEddie’s son LuckieEddie Jr who is 43 says--You haven’t learned something until you’ve done it; there is a difference between knowing and learning. I can read about it or even watch it on YouTube but I really don’t know it until I do it.  AverageJoe says--In my case, many times I have to do it several times before I really know how to do it. And then I question if I really know how to do it.  MissPerfect says—The older generation says we have done it many times!  We know how to do it.  The younger generation says—We have read it in the book but we really don’t know how to do it. But we need to act like we do.  Such is life.

Reverend Billy Graham tells of a time early in his ministry where he arrived in a small town to preach a sermon.  Wanting to mail a letter, he asked a young boy where the post office was.  When the boy had told him, Dr. Graham thanked him and said, “If you’ll come to the Baptist Church this evening you can hear me telling everyone how to get to Heaven.”  “I don’t think I will be there,” the boy said. “You don’t even know your way to the post office.

CadillacJack says—We should not be deceived in our presumption of ourselves.  Wise people remain humble. Humility and reachability go together. Be humble or you’ll stumble. Humility says you can learn from anyone. You don’t know it all. No one does. That’s why we need to remain teachable, humble, lifelong learners. BlackandBlueFacedJanice says--I seem to stumble a lot.  Sooooo obviously I am not there yet. ~  I know several friends and acquaintances who have stumbled recently, and face planted (i.e. ouchy ouchy).  Cockiness can do that to a person.  Think they are in their 40s yet NOT! Me toooo! MyBuddyJr is one of those stumblers and said--It's the shits to get old, and can't lift your feet. One of my pickleball partners this week was a charming 60+ gal.  I made a lucky shot and she said--Nice shit; I mean nice shot!  Maybe she was thinking, nice shot shithead!  I will never know for sure. ha ha What a hoot!

43yearoldJonnyBlake says—Generational change is an unstoppable force! If you don’t believe me, ask your great grandpa or your grandma!  They will tell you the world is different than when they grew up (i.e. and many will say—And I don’t like it).  Saturday question—Soooo why is that soooooo hard for each generation to understand? BUT it seems that it is hard for each older generation to understand the younger generations (i.e. but Larry ain’t scared) That is why older folks (i.e. with a lot of money and time) go South for the winter and live in 55+ gated communities (i.e. senior Disney Worlds) where the younger generations aren’t allowed.  OldSnowbirdJudy says--Now that is a way for us to do it the way we want toooooo do it (i.e. get our way).

Maybe, just maybe, it's like the Beetles sang--They're rocking horse people eating marshmallow pies! I would guess folks from all generations have heard that lyric.  I read in the paper sooooooo it must be right—America needs to do what it preaches.  Ouchy ouchy!  I think maybe they are talking about our government, Americans as individuals, our churches, our companies, our schools etc.  What do you think?  Talk is cheap, but it takes money to buy whiskey!  Seriously folks, how can we stop the opioid problem.  There is big money in opioids!  Don’t kid yourself. ItchieBitchie says—Our culture doesn’t seem to want or allow us to do what we maybe know is right; it seems like it’s impossible.  We talk a lot but really don’t change much.  Maybe our society really doesn’t want to change; could be. Maybe the younger generations really likes those drugs.  Sooooo how are we going to change something if the folks really don’t want to change?  We seem to say the same things over and over and over (i.e. a lot of chatter) but nothing really changes.

Me tooooooo Ricky! Even if you don’t believe in God, this might be good stuff for your life.  Ricky says--To be all that God calls you to be, you need to learn from at least four different kinds of people.

1. Mentors – These are your coaches. I’ve had nine different mentors in my life. No one can teach you everything you need to know. One person will teach you in one area. Another person will teach you about something else.
2. Role models – These are people who are already doing or have already done what you want to do. Many of the skills you’ve learned in your life, you’ve learned by watching others.
3. Partners – You need co-workers and colleagues who are in your profession, people to support and challenge you on what God wants to do through your life.
4. Friends – Friends don’t necessarily help you with your goals. They’re just friends. They love you no matter what you do. You can mess up, and they still love you. A friend walks into your life when everyone else walks out. That’s when you know who your friends are. 

GeorgeTheCrook (i.e. he's the guy who wonders how he got here) says—Maybe just maybe some of us need a do-over a.k.a. re-make a.k.a. pull the old switcheroo.  ConfusedBill (i.e. age 27) says--I spend time “wandering” soooo to speak. Not soooo much time in the world but in my head. SweetJane (i.e. a baby boomerr) says—I think we spend a lot of our lives waiting for that day when we ride off into the sunset.  But we’re rarely prepared for when this sun comes up the next day. You can say to yourself all you want that, “Not all who wander are lost,” but let’s be honest, most of us who wander are definitely lost.  40ishTodd says—That is pathetic thinking; I’m the king of world (i.e. he’s the same guy who walks around the house in his whitie tightie underwear)! I wonder what my deceased friend, BenGenius (i.e. he was very progressive in his life), would think about what all the younger generations are up tooooo? I wonder!

The other Warren from Omaha sent me these sayings what the other Warren of Omaha said in the Omaha World-Herald:  You get more people to love you by being more loveable.  ~   Have a better life by finding three people you admire and doing three things they do; and find three people you don’t like an avoid three things that they do.  FYI, both of these Warrens are not 40! Probably more like 40 + 40!  Sooooo, I bet some of you who are 40ish think those old farts don’t know a thing what is going on (i.e. think all those old farts are antiquity).  If soooooo, I hope someday you’ll figure out that they “just might.”  Me tooooo.

My buddy JohnfromIL sent me this link to a video sung by Micah Tyler titled, You’ve Gotta Love Millennials.  It’s a hoot he thinks.  Me tooooo 4.2M others do toooo. I enjoyed it (i.e. it made me laugh) but I didn’t enjoy it as much as I did watching IA beat Ohio State. 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hLpE1Pa8vvI

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

erv

MyFriendJean says—Youth is a gift of nature. Age is a work of art.

what is this

Some of you might ask, what is this? CrazyMarvin says--This “It’s Saturday” is just asinine!  IckieVickie says--erv, you are just a poached egg! Could be, now that could be.  But folks, this is the wildcat offense; maybe you haven’t seen it before! Now that could be!

What is this?  I told my buddy that I could not operate with a desk like his.  He said—I can’t either. But you are. Just barely! He made me laugh!  We have our house professionally cleaned.  Our gal does such a great job.  I was telling her after she cleaned the other day—It feels oh soooooo good to have a clean house.  Arlene was always quite particular and she even notices it when it’s clean.  I realize that for some of you it’s not a priority.  We are all different aren’t we.  But for me and our household…! MissPerfect says—Seeee, money can buy you a clean house but I’d rather spend that money parting! For each their own!

What is this?  Newspaper hype is always good for selling papers and selling tickets but it’s when the rubber hits the road that really counts.  I have been around the block a few times and heard all this before.  It usually is soooo hard to live up to the hype (i.e. stay humble)—some can do it (i.e. stay grounded but many cannot).  Soooooo Iowa basketball fans, don’t book your motel rooms for the final four (i.e. get the cart before the horse)!  Of course, you can always cancel!  Here is another clue—IA didn’t get any votes for “the top 25 ratings”; so what does that tell ya! There were 7 teams in the Big Ten Conference that did.  Soooo the poll pickers predict that IA will be in the bottom half of the conference.  Well, they shouldn’t have a big head!!!!

My personal offical prognosticator, Bugsy (i.e. who is right most of the time), said before the last Saturday game with MN—If IA doesn’t win this game today against MN, they won’t win any more games this year.  But he predicted that IA would win.  They did, soooo…..I assume he thinks we will win at least one more game.  IA State football won another big one!  They are fun to watch; ISU’s team/success is such a good story—Maybe the greatest story in  college football. 

What is this?  It’s a massive huge moon roof on a Nissan Rogue.  That is what it is.  My buddy, JoeTheHike and his wife Mary leased a new one.  I asked him why they decided on a Nissan Rogue—Mary fell in love with the massive huge moon roof.  That will do it—A happy wife is a happy life!

I was with a couple of smart farmers/friends (i.e. these guys are hot potatoes) who can fix anything and know almost everything (i.e. their wives might think that; they might just think they know everything).  Our garage opener light would work sometimes and not other times.  I asked them how come?  One suggested I pry the positive contact flipper in the socket out more. I told him I already did that.  The other farmer asked me if I’m using a rough service garage bulb.  I didn’t but just used a regular bulb. Why would that make a difference?  They said—You always start solving the problem with the easy things first and if they don’t work, you move to more complicated issues (i.e. I told you these guys are smart).  Sooooo I bought a rough service garage bulb—it worked.  What is this? I should have never question these two smart farmers (i.e. give them a pliers and some baling wire and they can fix anything)!  Such is life.

Why is this do you think?  In our little high school, our cross country teams had 44 runners.  That seems to me to be a pretty large number.  I was told this by a friend who was told to him by one of the coaches soooo it must be right (i.e third hand).  ANYWAY, I think only 6 runners can run in a meet soooo many runners don’t get to compete.  BUT, all 44 never miss practice; they seem to really enjoy it.  Some are not real athletic, but many have got a lot better at running during the year.  Why do they really like this soooo much?

Zenker, One of my Danube HS classmates/buddy, Zenker, emailed me that he flipped the ATV while helping his son moving some trucks on the farm.  Had to be air lifted to the hospital.  He said, it appears I will be ok but got beat up pretty bad.  I thought folks got smarter when they got older; maybe not! I think he still thinks he’s a senior at good old Danube high but he ain’t. 

What is this?  Have you ever asked yourself that question when you have an ache or some illness or disease? Sooooo are those things genetic or come from our environment or just bad luck?  LuckieEddie says—I think they could be from all three or a combination of all three.  A golf buddy/friend has a heart situation and his doctor told him it is because of his parents genetics that were passed onto him (i.e. bad luck).  In rural IA, farmers are harvesting and always checking which hybrid yields the best.  The seed companies constantly breed different stock varieties to get a top producing hybrid (i.e. pass the good genes on).  I remember years ago a client was telling me that his child was suffering from depression.  He said, we shouldn’t be surprised, my mom and my wife’s mom suffer from depression tooooo.

 I have a couz who I really like (i.e. she is a good person with a good heart).  She has some health concerns which limits her.  I recently asked her how she is doing.  She said—I’m a tough Dutchman with God on my side.  That about says it all.  No question, she described herself very accurately. 

What is all this stuff?  In 2016, Americans spent nearly $33 billion on self-storage. So far in 2017, construction on new self-storage units has topped $240 million per month. We have more stuff than we know what to do with. That has to mean that we are very affluent, doesn’t it?  Folks use to have single garages, then double garages, and now triple garages with a storage shed in the back.  What is this?  SusieQ says—We are living the American Dream to its fullest!  Bingo!

I said to a golf buddy that I think he has really improved through the years.  He told me he started in 2000 (i.e. he wasn’t exactly a spring chicken in 2000).  He plays quite well.  He told me that he can play pretty good at times but isn’t consistent. Well buddy, we are all sharper some days than others (i.e. some days we all say to ourselves—what is this) but if we can become rather consistent within a range (i.e. not huge valleys) we feel better and probably are a better player.  JoeBlow says—That appears to apply to our emotions, decision making, how we interact with others, etc.  Folks who are pretty consistent, well, you can count on them (i.e. you know pretty much what you are going to get). DandyDan says--The only sustainable and guaranteed path to self-fulfillment and happiness is to see yourself getting better every day.

I went for a run/jog/walk around Pine Lake on a beautiful fall day.  I met a kid who was maybe 11 with a fishing pole in his hand.  I said—what kind of fish do you catch—bass—what’s your best bait—artificial minnows and frogs—you like the outdoors—ya, I just shot my first buck this week with a bow; a double lung shot—how far did he run before dying—50 yards.  Then his granddad came.  Sooo did you teach him how to fish—no no, he taught me more than I taught him; he watches all those videos; he out fishes me most of the time (i.e. his grandson said—he rarely ever catches more fish than me).  I never had time to do this when working as a line man; I really enjoy this; it’s soooo much fun. This kid taught me that I think I’m going to watch more videos about everything!!!  

What is this?  I read what Ricky said while eating my oatmeal with half a banana on it--As a pastor for more than 40 years, I can tell you that more people have been ruined by success than by suffering. Suffering tends to push people toward God. But when people are successful, they often forget about God. For every person who can handle pain, you’ll find very few who can handle fame. The praise goes to their head, and it destroys them. It’s why I tell people who’ve seen some success in life that they need to go home and change some diapers, mow their own lawns, and wash their own dishes. When you have some success, make sure you keep in touch with your roots so you don’t miss the warning signs of a fall.

What is this?  A friend is a very active person and an accomplished pickleball player.  For the last year or so she had such pain in her arm/shoulder/neck that she couldn’t play and do much else.  She doctored but they really didn’t get it taken care of.  Recently, a local doctor suggested she take a certain pain pill.  She said she doesn’t do pain pills—just try this one; she said she just got a good night sleep out of it—doctor said try two—she went and played pickleball and hurt her arm bad; tore a muscle (i.e. got way discolored) but it fixed the nerve problem: she says she now has a Popeye bicep muscle but has no pain and can play pickleball and do anything and everything. She said she had to hurt herself to get better.  Crazy!  Folks, it seems like I have heard about this experience many times (i.e, getting hurt to fix the problem). 

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

grizzlyoldfarterv

MyFriendJean says--Opportunity often it comes disguised in the form of misfortune or temporary
defeat.

P.S. "A calm and modest life brings more happiness than the pursuit of success combined with constant restlessness." - Albert Einstein