blur

There is a link to my podcast at the bottom of this blog.  It’s with Warren and it’s about the importance of family and some of his experiences in keeping a strong family.  I hope you watch/listen to it. 

The optometrist asks--Is this better or is this?  Is this better or is this?  They can clear up the blur soooo a person can have 20/20 vision. All you have to do it pay them!  GeorgeTheCrook says—Money can fix a lot of defects.  Such is life.

MI-EngineerJim says--It does no harm just once in a while to acknowledge that the whole country isn't in flames...That there are people in this country besides politicians, entertainers and criminals …   The NBC nightly news along with the local news have a tendency to blur our vision of all the good folks.

WillieSmart, do you know what the definition of epiphany is or is it a little blurry to you?  ANYWAY I read in the paper that Pope Francis in his Epiphany talk remarked that he advised against making the pursuit of money, a career or success the basis for one’s whole life…people “often make do” with having “health, a little money and a bit of entertainment”…He urged people to help the poor and others in need of assistance, giving freely without expecting anything in return.  What do you think of Pope Francis’ homily? That is what I thought.

Power dynamics and money dynamics are real popular in our society.  Power dynamics have been all over the news with females accusing men of taking advantage of them sexually because they have the power (i.e. or thought they had the power).  I think money dynamics is very interesting.  It’s like real time pricing, surge pricing, demand pricing (e.g. like Amazon pricing their products differently at different times of the day or week).  It is all about the bottom line; it’s all about the money; it ain’t nutton new folks!  I find dynamic pricing very interesting as how the Feds and State folks price the tolls for commuters on the toll roads.  A normal toll of $10 for a car with a single person might change to $40 at rush hour.  They manipulate the folks by money to car pool, take public transportation or an alternate route.  That’s ingenious, I think.  Some of you might think that is rather blurry! CadillacJack says--The easiest way to change folks is through their pocketbooks. Well CadillacJack, that is true for the average folks but for the real rich, it doesn’t make any difference.  I think you are right CadillacJack.

Many of you folks are as “clear as a bell!” You are not blurry but very clear.  I like folks who are real; folks who are very clear and very transparent (i.e. not phony like DuaneTheWorm).  Blurry folks are just that, blurry!  It doesn’t take long to figure who the blurry folks are; oh no.  And once that happens, they just make me laugh.  They aren’t the real thing; just sun dogs! Or maybe hot dogs! Or maybe both! Do you think other folks other than you and I laugh at blurry folks?  That is what I thought.

MissPerfect says--My life is just a blur!  Ouchy ouchy! The time of your life is either past, present or future.  The present doesn’t take long to be the past and we are always worried about the future but it comes along and then it is the present and then the past (i.e. it happens about that fast).  I asked some super senior friends if it was cold where they had to sleep as kids.  Most slept upstairs in an unheated room (i.e. sometimes 2 or 3 in a bed—a double bed).  Some said the water would freeze; it was very cold.  They wore warm pajamas, some wore night caps, all used heavy quits and even some put canvases over them. It was cold.  Do any of you remember any of these conditions?  Burzzzy burzzzy! I wonder if there were heaters in the outhouses NOT!!!

I told a friend recently that he has “jet sped.”  In fact, many of you folks (i.e. friends and acquaintances) have this “jet speed” as well. You are also known as “burning fires.” I seem to like to be around folks who are constantly “oiled up.” Some of you folks seem to have a lot of “juice in your tank.”  You folks seem to get a lot done and are happy doing it (i.e. not whiners and complainers).  You might look like a blur to folks who would rather sit on the couch and eat chips.  "I will tell you the secret to getting rich on Wall Street. You try to be greedy when others are fearful. And you try to be fearful when others are greedy." - Warren Buffett ~ Yes, I am saying that some of you folks are different than the average dog. Why are you that way?  I have no idea!  SusieQ says--It could be that their electrical systems are different, or they have different motors, or they use different fuel! That could be SusieQ, that could be, but I think some of you folks walk down a different road than others.  LuckieEddie says--The difference between successful people and unsuccessful people is that successful people are willing to do what unsuccessful people don’t feel like doing. Or LuckieEddie, they have some “magic sauce!”

AverageJoe says—Some things cannot be seen clearly because we are soooo prejudice (i.e. not at all objective--blurry).  Our clearness might be affected by our past environment consisting of our education, family, dramatic experiences, mentors, where we live, were we work etc.  Some of you get it and others of you don’t get it.  We are soooo much programed by our past.  Many times, folks can’t get past their past and just stay in their past.  JoeBlow says--There are three things you can do with your life: You can waste it, you can spend it, or you can invest it. The best use of your life is to invest it in something that will last longer than your time on Earth. The worst thing you can do is live simply for today and live for yourself. I read while eating my oatmeal with half a banana on it--God did not put you on Earth to live for yourself. He created you to be like Christ. 

DoughBoyBerry has had a tough life (e.g. his third wife ran off with his second wife). His pizza buying experience went like this--Hello! Is this Giorgio's Pizza? No sir, it's Google Pizza. I must have dialed a wrong number. Sorry. No sir, Google bought Giorgio’s Pizza last month. OK. I'd like to order a pizza. Do you want your usual, sir? My usual? You know me? According to our caller ID data, the last 12 times you called you ordered an extra-large pizza with cheese, sausage, pepperoni, mushrooms on a thick crust. OK! That’s what I want. May I suggest that this time you order a pizza with ricotta, arugula, sun-dried tomatoes and olives on a whole wheat gluten free thin crust? No you may not! I don't like vegetables. Your cholesterol needs help, sir. How do you know? We cross-referenced your home phone number with your medical records. We have the result of your blood tests for the last 7 years. Listen, I don't want your vegetable pizza, and I take medication for my cholesterol! Excuse me sir, but you don't take your medication regularly. Our database indicates that you only filled a prescription for 30 cholesterol tablets once, at Drugsale Network, 4 months ago. I bought the rest at another drugstore. Not according to your credit card statement. I paid in cash. Sir, you didn't withdraw enough cash according to your bank statement. I have other sources of cash. That doesn’t show on your last tax return, unless you bought them using an undeclared income source, which is against the law. WHAT?! I'm sorry, sir, we use such information with the sole intention of helping you. Goodbye, I'm sick of Google, Facebook, Twitter, and all this crap. I'm moving to an island without internet, cable TV, cell phone service and jerks watching and spying on me. I understand sir, but you need to renew your passport first.  It expired 6 weeks ago.

ItchieBitchie says—Sometimes I don’t understand what folks are saying to me (i.e. I just wonder what they are thinking).  I mean, I don’t know if they are serious or just making fun of me; being cynical or are being real; or telling the truth or mocking me.  It’s a blur to me at times; it’s pretty foggy.  Not very clear.  Sometimes I never know what they are doing; Maybe I will never know.  Listen ItchieBitchie, maybe it’s better that you don’t know sometimes.  Some folks just aren’t very “nice and real” and they like it that way.  Suggestion—Don’t be around those folks; if you don’t know if they are for you, why do you want to be around them.  Really!  GaleneWisdom says—If I have learned that I don’t want to ever be around them again, I have learned something.  We all have to decide who we want to be around.  We are pretty much like the folks we are around.  AverageJoe says—I would like to have “a penny for your thoughts.”  It is very hard for me to figure you out.  What are you thinking about anyway?                                            

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

erv

MyFriendJean says—Fear is the only thing that multiplies faster than rabbits.

P.S. OneSmartPerson says—Don’t be critical of a successful person but analyze them.

oops

AverageJoe says--The old saying goes something like this—Two things are for certain, taxes and death!  YaBut AverageJoe, we don’t know if our taxes are going to be higher or lower in 2018 and we don’t know if we will live or die in 2018.  Sooooo there is some uncertainty for us in 2018.

TheRoadRunner says—Peep peep, life moves pretty fast, if you don’t stop once in a while, you might just miss it.  Oops, I think I just did. 

You might not want to read this paragraph; it might be depressing to you.  JoeBlow says—erv, sometimes it would be better if you would just bite off your tongue than to say what you say.  Well, JoeBlow, this might be one of those times.  I have been part of several care giving support groups for caregivers of folks who have Alzheimer’s. I have heard a lot of feelings, life stories, and emotions of caregivers (i.e. sad and tough realities).  I have also experienced many tears of caregivers. Also, I have seen much general stress and financial stress. Yes, I have. From listening and visiting with many caregivers, Alzheimer’s disease is maybe worse than death. Those of you who have no experience with someone who has or has had Alzheimer’s, you have no idea what I’m talking about (i.e. believe me). I do know that it’s a terrible disease. I hope you never have to understand it.  I want to share something that is very interesting.  Experts say the last things that disappear in a person with Alzheimer’s are rhythm and emotions.  Both of those Arlene still has.  She sang and acted in the Sound of Music in Orange City’s Tulip musical while at good old Northwestern College.  She was the oldest daughter Liesl.  She really enjoyed it.  She now can’t follow a movie line (i.e. even Hallmark movies) but she really enjoys watching The Sound of Music and watches it often.  She just plain enjoys it. It is a good movie and its just Arlene in many ways.  It just plain touches my heart.  The movie just makes her happy. 

I read this while eating my oatmeal with half a banana on it--God allows a crisis to get our attention, and then He uses the crisis to develop our character. One thing that signals we’re changing for the better is when we confess that we’re the problem. We stop blaming other people and admit, “I am the problem with my life.” Until we understand this, there can be no major change in our lives. This is the breakthrough God knows we need. You believe that?  That is what I thought! “The difficulty, my friends, is not in avoiding death, but in avoiding unrighteousness; for that runs faster than death.” ~Socrates~ 

I recently had the opportunity to do a talk about change for 2018.  Basically, I said that folks can’t change someone else; they have to have something greater than others or me to change them.  Oops!  Many times words like death, cancer, broke, divorce, accident, illness, etc. will change us.  If you like it or not, some of those things will affect us. Oops!  Those things will probably have a bigger affect/change to us than prosperity.  What do you think?  That is what I thought.  ItchieBitchie says—We worry about stuff that isn’t important but then something really important comes along and the stuff we worried about, we no longer worry about; they aren’t important anymore. SusieQ says--Some folks are more stiff-necked than others but sometimes certain events in our lives, loosen up our stiff necks a.k.a. stubbornness. Such is life.

Just a suggestions folks—Exercise, exercise and exercise all the time.  I totally believe that it is soooo important for our minds and bodies.  This is what was in the psychology textbook that a pickleball buddy wrote.  

I had to go for a run after making Lucy’s Depression Gravy for our Christmas dinner when Chet, Jessica and grand kids were here (i.e. it was depressing ha ha).  A friend’s mom’s name was Lucy and grew up in a home during the depression where they had very little (i.e. like most families did).  But they had a large garden where they grew a lot of potatoes and onions.  They also had a milk cow.  They ate what they had.  Here are the ingredients for Lucy’s Depression Gravy given by my friend a.k.a. Lucy’s son.  It is served cold over hot potatoes.  It was good (i.e. my opinion).  1 part vinegar to 3 parts whole milk, or half and half. Add sugar to taste to cut the vinegar taste. Onions, I like to use a mix of green and sweet onions. Add celery seed, and black pepper. 

WorldClassLarry says--Everyone has their struggles, no matter what the surface level looks like. People can have more empathy than you may think. Connecting with others who are going through similar struggles, either presently or in the past, can be helpful. Plus, a little accountability can be good. Ok folks, here is an OPPORTUNITY.  You folks who have experience with being a caregiver/had experience with someone who has/had Alzheimer’s, send me your thoughts, emotions, feelings and advice.  I want to hear from you; they will help me.  Don’t be a schmuck and not respond.  Be courageous and help me (i.e. expose yourself a little). Be gutty! 

I was sorta kinda part of a conversation although my friend was doing most of the talking with a gal who we both know (i.e. about 44).  My friend asked her how her parents were doing—don’t’ know; they are always unhappy with me and always bossing me around sooo I decided not to be around them.  Oops!  CadillacJack says-- When we’re willing to be imaginative and flexible, there’s always some way to turn a sour, disappointing experience into a better experience. Maybe even to an amazing experience. I forgot to give our kids and spouses their Christmas presents (i.e. cash). Oops!  I have no idea what they thought of me.  Yes, I did send them a check.  Hey, money is money at any time (i.e. it’s better than jelly of the month club). LuckieEddie says-- If you can fix a problem with money, it an’t no real problem.

MissPerfect says--I challenge you to take a look at your life and ask if you are getting everything you want out of it, because things can change quickly. GeorgeTheCrook says—Spend your life living; you aren’t going to live forever let me tell you.  Rocky, a basketball teammate at good old Northwestern College said this on his blog—"...My age shows only too well and I am now an older folk, slower with aches, pains, less strength and agility.  I don't know how long this phase of life will last...this I know, that when it's over on this earth...IT'S NOT OVER! A new adventure will begin!” Hey Rocky, you like to travel and have adventure; that trip and adventure is really going to be something.  You better hang onto your hat my friend! Friends wrote this in their Christmas letter—We are reminded of the text on our Christmas card this year:  We enjoy the gift of Faith.  It reminds us that the best is yet to come!  C.S. Lewis writes that we are on an earthly journey, enjoying some pleasant stops along the way but this is not our home.

ToughasnailsSledge says—Ya gotta have to pick it up if you fumble (i.e. clean up the mess and go forward). I watched some bowl games over the New Year’s weekend. As a person who likes sports and has less opportunity to get out of the house (i.e. being a caregiver), it is good entertainment for me. I did watch Iowa and Iowa State; I’m a fan of both of them (i.e. bigger IA than IA State).  "I never graduated from Iowa.  But I was only there for two terms - Truman's and Eisenhower's." –  Alex Karras / Iowa   ~   Iowa has lost its last 5 bowl game but won this year.   "If lessons are learned in defeat, our team is getting a great education.”  -  Murray Warmath / Minnesota  ~  IA state did just that—Picked up the mess after their first unrecoverable fumble of the year late in the game which was a oops; they still won. 

That is the title of Dennis Clayson’s editorial in the paper last Sunday.  He said the following comments—Time is an interesting thing, if it is a thing at all.  Some have suggested time is nothing more than the mind’s consciousness of the flow of entropy...Except for the contribution we make to others, time will destroy us all…he said this is from Ecclesiastes—Whatsoever your hand finds to do, do it with your might…Work for the benefit of others, and live joyfully with those you love, and do so with as much strength as your heart will allow.  Do you agree with Mr. Clayson?  That is what I thought.  Suck it up cupcake and let’s get going.

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

erv

MyFriendJean says— Death has always been life’s greatest mystery. 

P.S. Today is a very good day; try missing one! Oops!

over reacting "again"

A friend emailed me—erv, don’t get your shorts in a knot!  I think she is saying that I’m over reacting!  Ouchy ouchy! I think she maybe has put a little tooooo much RumChata in her coffee! One more thing my friend, this “It’s Saturday” does not come with batteries; you gotta furnish your own.  ha ha

ElmerFudge says—It seems like Christmas season was way long this year and I still have one more weekend of it; will it ever be over; it’s challenging sharing time with the in-laws and also sharing the kids with the ex. ElmerFudge, maybe you are over reacting and maybe you are not! It can seem to be a long time alright for many and for many they can’t get enough of it.  Why is that do you think?  That is what I thought! A deceased friend would say every year at Christmas—The best lights of Christmas are the tail lights of everyone leaving.  I don’t know if he was serious or if he was kidding! I always laughed.  

NewPersonLinda says—Well, Christmas is over for another year; the Christmas story is always the same but I think I have changed. Really NewPersonLinda!  C. S. Lewis says in his book Mere Christianity—"The new step has been taken and is being taken.  Already the new men are dotted here and there all over the earth.  Some, as I have admitted, are still hardly recognizable:  but others can be recognized.  Every now and then one meets them. Their voices and faces are different from ours: stronger, quieter, happier, more radiant. They begin where most of us leave off. They do not draw attention to themselves. You tend to think that you are being kind to them when they are really being kind to you.  They love you more than other men do, but they need you less.  In that way, to become holy is rather like joining a secret society. To put it at the very lowest, it must be great fun.” Some of you might think Mr. Lewis is over reacting!

Talk about a changed person.  I went for a run the other day and met this guy who I have known for probably 45 years.  I would guess the last 40 years he wouldn’t acknowledge me when I said hi to him (i.e. I always say hi to him—it was sorta kinda a fun experience—it made me laugh).  He seems to be always mad at the world soooo I have always taken it as a grain of salt.  Well, today, I again said hi…and he said hi erv.  Crazy! I think he must have finally got the cocklebur out of his underwear!   I would guess that must have really felt good! I don’t think I’m over reacting! 

Friends, you might not want to read this paragraph; it could make you uncomfortable.  I was told by a friend that he has been rejected by a company.  Yep, they don’t want him in their place. They sorta kinda ran him off! I’m guessing that this business thinks he might tarnish their image (i.e. make them and their customers uncomfortable--hard on the bottom line).  My friend has an illness that he thinks folks are uncomfortable with and treat him like it’s contagious. I feel sorry for him that folks treat him this way (i.e. I also feel bad for the folks who made this decision in that company).  Soooo have you ever thought you were better than someone else or have you ever been uncomfrotable around folks with some handicap?  Come on, we all have.  That is why certain groups don’t want certain folks in their groups (e.g. country clubs, churches, businesses, gated communities, small groups, card clubs, retirement communities, towns, etc.). I have a friend who amazes me. Yes, she does.  She seems to accept all folks pretty much the same (i.e. from my observation anyway).  She could become an elitist but has decided not tooooo (i.e. she is affluent and socially acceptable). She could be a snob but has decided not toooo be.  She is a good person with a good heart; my kind of person.  MissPerfect says—erv, you are just over reacting.  

I got this Christmas gift in the mail from a friend.  I wonder if he thinks I need money or I need to learn to manage my funds better.  I’m reading a lot into his line of “spend it wisely.”  LuckieEddie says—You are way over reacting erv; it might just be something he does to all his grand children and he is having fun with you (i.e. he is; I know it; it’s soooo much fun) What fun.  He is a unique, a special person!!!

MyGolfBuddyLarry says--What is one food that can lead to prolonged problems in the future---- wedding cake.  GolfBuddyLarry, are you overreacting?  This is my friend who was my best shot partner in a golf tournament years ago.  He showed up with only one lens in his glasses!  That’s the best I ever saw him play! 

LuckieEddie says—My wife can over react alright; she is the queen of over reacting.  I made one slip up and she was all over me; I didn’t mean to do it.  I recently penned a short, romantic note to my wife while I was away on a golf trip, and I missed one small "e".  No problem you might say. Not so.  This tiny error has caused me to seek police protection to enter my own house. I wrote, "Hi darling, I'm enjoying and experiencing the best time of my whole life, and I wish you were her!”

I read this while eating my oatmeal with half a banana on it—Elimelech said--"The world of business is littered with the failures of men and women that had great potential - possessing the intelligence and skill sets to perform well in their jobs, yet lacking one important quality: Teachability. When someone is unwilling to learn, assuming they already know everything there is to know, or acting obstinate and refusing to receive much-needed, well-intended instruction, predictably their likelihood of success is very low. This applies to mentoring relationships as well. A mentor can only help the person he or she is mentoring if that individual is receptive to the insights and experience the mentor wishes to offer. Someone that is unwilling to learn, even if it means humbling oneself enough to be corrected as well as instructed, is poor leadership material.”  I don’t think this is over reacting. What do you think?  That is what I thought.

I was with a person recently who messed with my ego!  This person talked a lot about  how great they are.  I had to admit to myself that I was a little envious of them.  But after a little thought, I realized that I’m happy for them. I’m happy for their greatness and I’m happy with myself just as I am.  But it made me think—Am I teachable.  Do I lie to myself?  I cannot advance if I don’t tell myself the truth (i.e. keep lying to myself).  Ouchy ouchy!  I will never change if I don’t tell myself the truth (i.e. I must have the correct diagnoses). I’m going to work on this!

I realize that you folks are very smart (i.e. well, all except for one of you—ha ha).  The introduction of Ecclesiastes says—From the perspective of his own understanding, the Teacher takes measure of man, examining his capabilities.  He discovers that human wisdom, even that of a godly person, has limits. ItchieBitchie says—erv, you must be talking about others, surely not about me; you probably haven’t had the opportunity to be around me enough!  erv, you are just over reacting again!  Well, maybe I am and maybe I’m not.  Psychology says—Most folks (i.e. maybe none you of course) think they know more than proven statistics!  Ouchy ouchy!  Even when reliable results can be produced time and time again from many proven experiments (i.e. proven facts), many folks think they are still right.   Do you know any folks like that?  That is what I thought!  CrazyMarvin says—Ya gotta remember erv, a lot of stuff is easier said than done; the mind is really something; totally not understandable!  MissPerfect says—I can’t even understand myself besides understanding anyone else.  Such is life.

MiltonGibberish says--Positive psychology suggests the pursuit of both hedonic wellbeing (pleasure) and eudaimonic wellbeing (engagement and meaning) provides pure and lasting happiness. The danger comes in pursuing one without the other. "It’s not how much we have, but how much we enjoy, that makes happiness."- Charles Spurgeon  ~  Actor Jim Carrey said, “I think everybody should get rich and famous and do everything they ever dreamed of, so that they can see that it’s not the answer.”

This was in my pickleball buddy’s psychology text book that he wrote soooo it must be right

GeorgeTheCrook says--It’s time to admit that over the course of a year, our cable provider successfully lulled me to sleep and pillaged our bank account. I have to give credit where credit is due, they won the battle. I think GeorgeTheCrook, you are over reacting a little.  No no, I just got toooo big for my britches and got exposed in the end!

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

erv

MyFriendJean says—Life without love is like a day without light.

P. S.  LuckieEddie says--Returning your purchases can return your happiness!  

kindness

BobbySlug says—I have previewed this “It’s Saturday” and I think it’s “blimp worthy.”  Well, thanksamillion BobbySlug but you are the same guy that thinks “money grows on trees!” But, BobbySlug, I will cut you some slack a.k.a. be kind to you since it’s Christmas.  BobbySlug, I realize you have an ethos of kindness; it shows.

***“You cannot do kindness too soon, for you never know how soon it will be too late.”  Ralph Waldo Emerson

Our nephew-in-law wrote this in their newsletter--A couple of weeks ago the pastoral staff at Grace went on an overnight retreat. As part of the retreat we each took turns sharing "Life Turns," which is a major event that changed the trajectory of your life. As part of this exercise we were also to take a step back and look at these Life Turns as a whole to see if there is a theme to what God seems to be doing in our lives. For me my theme was that I've been forever changed by those who paid extra attention to me when it wasn't expected or required. My day-care lady brought my brother and I to church at a young age. Several teachers, especially my 6th grade teacher, pushed me to do more than what was expected. Many coaches laid out a process and helped me even though I wasn't very athletic. My youth pastor reached out to me when I hadn't been to church in years. In college a guy on my dorm stuck with me even though we weren't (and still aren't) very similar. A mentor showed up and continued to invest in me despite my sometimes overt hostility towards him. Several pastors regularly mentored me and have taught me more than I even know. This theme is the passion for my ministry. I want to be a part of a church that is focused on remembering the forgotten, of caring for the abandoned. 

A few weeks ago I didn’t know what a battery tender was.  I was talking to a friend and he asked me if I have put my Yamaha XT250 away for the winter—ya, I guess soooo; did you put a battery tender on it—what’s a battery tender—it’s a little charger that you leave on during long periods of non-use; it keeps the battery charged soooo it doesn’t get damaged over the winter.  Soooo he gives me one (i.e. this is a kind guy).  It is unique in that it charges the battery only when it needs it and other times just goes in the storage mode.  This battery tender reminds me of kind people (i.e. many of you guys).  Saturday question—Are you a kind person, a regular battery tender?

 ***I read this while eating my oatmeal with half a banana on it--During this Christmas season, you’ll hear one word more than any other. It’s not “merry,” “tree,” “Santa,” or even — unfortunately — “Jesus.” It’s “gift.” The Bible says, “For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life” (John 3:16 NIV). Now that is being pretty generous folks.  Saturday question--Are you a generous person?

KindHeartedRenee says--This year, as you make your holiday lists—whether grocery lists or gift lists—make one more list. Think of a few people for whom the holidays might be kind of tough. And then do something about it (i.e. just don’t talk about it). HonestPete says--Well KindHeartedRenee, I struggle with buying things that folks don’t want, with money I don’t have to impress folks I don’t like.  Ya, we have a tendency to like to spend a lot of money on folks that really don’t need it (i.e. impress the peer group).  Crazy, aren’t we! But it’s reality.  Probably not as astounding as Edison’s E=mc²!  Saturday question—Who are you, really folks, who are you really (i.e. not your phony side when you are trying to impress others).  ItchieBitchie says—A little kindness goes a long way; can you imagine how far a lot of kindness will go?  Have others ever been kind to you?  How did it feel? That is what I thought.

***I read this in a book of the “Book” but I don’t know who actually the Teacher is (i.e. there is differences of opinion on that)—I know that there is nothing better for men than to be happy and do good while they live.

MissPerfect says—Kindness is like magic!  I had a magical event, well, anyway it felt like magic to me.  I goggled—how to clean the glass doors of our fireplace to clean off the smudge and smoke and crap (i.e. it’s hard to get off).  It said—Use some ash and water.  Ya, right, that is toooo simple.  It was incredible, just amazingly easy and it really worked.  And I never heard of it before and was totally surprising.  I wonder if kindness could be that surprising to someone (i.e. someone who would least expect it).  Does that make any sense to you?  That is what I thought.

MissPerfect says-erv, opinions and suggestions belong on the opinion page (i.e. that is just what they are; opinions and suggestions).  For some of you, this talk about being kind to others might make you feel like an awkward prom dance!  But if you go ahead and decide to do some act of kindness, I would like to make a few suggestions. I suggest you do it without self-glorifying yourself (i.e. if you want to be praised for your act of kindness--work on your approval rating), then it’s a business deal and you aren’t any different than “Self-gloryingDuaneTheWorm.”  Another suggestion—After you do an act of kindness (i.e. if you decide to do that), forget about it as sooooon as possible (i.e. like immediately). Then, start thinking about your next act of kindness. Suggestion—Don’t try to impress God!  AverageJoe says—That is about enough suggestions, erv; you make me nervous; remember, erv, you are only a little farm boy from a mile and fourth south of Roseland, MN. and don’t you forget it! GeorgeTheCook says—No one likes to be preached tooooo, erv!  Get off your high horse, you sound like you think you know something; you don’t!  I hate that when folks shrink up my ego and put me where I belong (i.e. it’s very humbling).  Hey, but I feel a lot better now (i.e. it’s like finally accepting that bossing your neighbor’s dog around ain’t working).  Such is life.   

Forensic psychologists think that I might be dissociated from reality.  Talking about feeling better.  I had a great experience the other day—I fell playing pickleball.  I reinjured my knee a little (i.e. nutten toooo bad—old high school football injury) but “once again” it was something that helped me to put my life in proper perspective (e.g. why am I playing pickleball anyway—how important is it in my total life—pickleball is not my life).  It really did help me see the big picture a little better.  Here is something that was sorta kinda a negative which really turned into something positive.  Great timing toooooo.   I wondered why the pickleball kept getting bigger. Then it hit me.  Such is life.

I was in Hy-Vee getting some Christmas groceries.  There was a guy standing by his kiosk touting his popcorn.  He gave me a sample.  It was good.  He told me he raises it just south of Dollar General (i.e. a local grower).  How many acres do you grow—about 40—is popcorn growing a good business—can be but it’s based on supply and demand; when the commercial corn price is low, farmers grow more popcorn soooo this year there is a large supply; you have to have a place to market it (i.e. raising it isn’t hard but selling it is somewhat harder).  I think he was saying—its’s easy to preach or write a book, but the key is to have folks listen or read it and then apply it (i.e. they have to buy into it).  Sooooo there you go!  I bought a bag of his popcorn; I liked it.

***GoodHearted,KindKelly says--Small acts of kindness matter. Because the gift might not be small for the recipient. The small gift might, in fact, make all the difference.

Some of you tell me that you like it when I’m personal.  Well, here is something personal.  Our daughter, Heather, posted two posts on Facebook.  I read the first one and cried.  I read it again and I cried again.  Here it is:  Heather Mellema Woodworth I’m about to embark on something crazy. A marathon and fundraising for Alzheimer’s Association. Both sound daunting. More to come.... I will be asking my friends and family for support. I hate asking people for money, but know that donations go directly to the cause. I am paying my race registration and travel costs. If each of my Facebook friends donated $5, I would be nearly to my goal. That’s one trip to Starbucks. Donations big and small are appreciated. I’m doing this for my mom and everyone else who is slowly fading away with this disease. She loved to sing and play the piano- she can no longer do either. She baked the best cookies - she can’t even turn the oven on. I’ll be posting a link to my donation post.

Heather Mellema Woodworth

December 13 at 9:33pm · 

Alzheimer's Association Online

 · 

I'm running the Chicago Marathon in honor of my mom and my dad, who has a nearly full time job caring for her. I also run in honor of everyone's support and others who are also affected by Alzheimer's.

ALZ Stars

Join our 2018 Bank of America Chicago Marathon - Chicago, IL and help raise awareness and funds for vital Alzheimer's care, support and research.

RPX.ME

***The greatest example of kindness is Jesus.   No question!  He is the true gift.  I read it in the Bible soooooo it must be right--Jesus is the reason for the season. Saturday question—What kind of folks were most of Jesus’ acts of kindness given toooooo? Were most or all of his acts of kindness on earth pretty special?  I think soooo. How about his acts of kindness he promises; are they pretty special? I think soooo!

No AZ this winter!

Merry Christmas to all of you from Arlene and me.  We really care about you guys. We wish you a great Christmas. You are special folks.

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

erv and Arlene

MyFriendJean says—There is no scale or chart on earth to measure what a true friend is worth.

P. S. Kindness is shown in many different ways.
We appreciate your Christmas greetings, pictures, and acts of kindness.  Thanksamillion

well well now

Podcast link with Luther Dykema about his Christmas as a kid in Roseland, MN at the bottom of this blog.

Accusations of Christmas are interesting.  Some folks make accusations that seem correct and some folk’s accusations seem to be out in left field (i.e. it all depends who is doing the evaluating).  BUT many times, we are the ones who get to sit back with our eggnog and decide for ourselves what stuff we think is just accusations and which stuff is the TRUTH!  CrazyNorman is easily swayed by “which ever the way the wind is blowing” (i.e. he has no foundation).  ItchieBitchie says—Some folks are part of the highly-sensitive crowd (e.g. confirmation bias)!  Ouchy ouchy!

***GiftGiverMyrt says—Some of you aren’t alone in missing the point. During the very first Christmas, there was a group of people (i.e. the religious leaders of Jerusalem) who missed the birth of Jesus because of familiarity. Well well now.

***I asked a waitress if she likes Christmas—NO, toooo much hassle.  I like family and stuff but toooo commercial for me.  Toooo much glitter and crap.  Obviously not everyone feels that way.  Oh deer! LuckieEddie says--The street appeal of Christmas is different for different folks alright

Well well now! I read this in my pickleball buddy’s psychology text book that he wrote soooo it must be right but some of you might just think it’s an accusation!  There are a lot of accusations being made these days.

A couple of pickleballers and I were sitting waiting to play.  Those two were talking about the squirrels in their yards.  One caught and relocated, I think she said, 16 squirrels from her yard.  They both talked about having inured squirrels and calling the rescue folks to come and help them (i.e.  actually gave them money I think).  They both said they have tender hearts for animals.  In fact, the guy said he became friends with a squirrel (i.e. it ate out of his hand) but it died; he said he cried.  Then he said—I’m the same guy that goes out and shoots a couple of deer each year. Go figure. Well well now, now that is a an oxymoron! 

***SweetPieJessica says--Teach kids to care about others; other than just about themselves.  Well well now!  Saturday question—Are you a lot like your parents?  Really!  Wow! Are your kids a lot like you?  Really! Wow!  I know three generations of a family where the grand dad had a bad temper, his son has a bad temper and his two grandsons have bad tempers.  I assume that much or all of it is learned.  What do you think?  That is what I thought! This week I was in the library and one of the librarians said to Ron and me that their daughter says sometimes--Mom, every once in a while, you just come out of my mouth; unintentionally! Such is life.

Our TV didn’t work. It flashed crazy stuff on the screen and then went blue.  I called Direct TV and we went through the protocol and it didn’t work.  The technical support said they would have to send out a technician.  Ok.  Then it started to work sooooooo I called and cancelled the appointment.  Guess what, a few days latter it didn’t work again sooooooo I called Direct TV again.  Went through the same process and the tech person says—you got to keep the appointment this time even if it works.  I was a little disappointed that the equipment of Direct TV didn’t work.  Soooooo I was sitting in my chair late one night and started thinking—well well now, maybe the problem is our TV.  I switched TVs and guess what, it was the TV.  I laughed at myself as I was for sure it was Direct TV’s fault and never thought it might be my fault.  Have you ever done that in life.  I have.  C. S. Lewis says—If you think you are not conceited, it means that you are very conceited in deed. Ouchy ouchy!

***GoodHeartedHeather says--The opposite of peace is not war, it is enmity.  It is enmity that is the opposite of good-will, the opposite of kind acts and blessing smiles.  It is enmity that can darken the human soul. Well well now!  C.S. Lewis also says—

It just wasn’t their priority right now or the timing was bad or something (i.e. I understand—I really do)!  I had an interesting experience recently.  I invited some folks to be part of an opportunity.  I asked 14 of our family (i.e. average age maybe 40ish); 1 accepted, 1 maybe, 6 said they were toooo busy, 2 said they didn’t want tooooo, and the other 4 didn’t respond.  Interesting.  Sooooo I asked a group of friends (i.e. ages from 40+ to 70+ from all different backgrounds—a real eclectic group).  Of the 14 invites, 11 said yes, 2 were toooo busy, and 1 was a non-responder.  Well well now, I will need to sit down with a few Christmas cookies and try to digest that. Interesting.   AllAboutMeCasey says—Money and time is a measuring stick of a man’s choices.

I have and am still learning to accept folks for who they are even when I don’t understand them and don’t agree with them (i.e. I actually told a friend at church Sunday that I don’t understand her—she said that her husband doesn’t understand her either ha ha).  I understand that most folks probably don’t understand me or you nor agree with me or you.  That is just reality.  What is important to me may not be important to others.  You get the picture.  It doesn’t necessarily make them or me bad, but circumstances are just different for all of us.  Cultures, environments, situations, education, age, financial levels, being a believer or non-believers, being a liberal or conservative can really affect folks’ persona and believes and actions.  It seems that those differences can be really magnified at Christmas time. CadillacJack says—Sooooo just sit back and try to enjoy the diversity of your friends, family, and acquaintances even though you might think some of them are rather goofy (i.e. they don’t ring the bell in your head) based on your thinking.  Of course, your thinking might be wrong!  ha ha But you can still learn from them and them from you.  Well well now; such is life.

***JoHumbug says—I have read that nearly 7 in 10 Americans (69%) said they would skip exchanging gifts this holiday season if their friends and family agreed to it. You believe that?  That is what I thought.  Well well now! Just another accusation you say.  It could be. 

TomTerrific says—Whatever makes you miserable can be bucketed into categories.  Yes, it can!  Here are a couple of categories:  1 You think conditions always need to go your way. 2. You feel folks have to treat you a certain way.  Well well now, who do you think you are anyway, that you always have to have your way.  My deceased neighbor use to say—It if has wheels, you know you are going to have trouble with it (i.e. a modern version would be, if you have technology, you know you are going to have trouble with it).  Sooooo why are we soooo surprised when it happens.  I decorated our house for Christmas.  Why did I get disgusted when I put up the tree and it didn’t goooo the way I wanted it to go; I knew it wasn’t going to be perfect; it never does.  I think it is that I really don’t like doing it but I like it when it’s up.  Crazy, I know but that’s me. Well well now erv!

***Last year a teller at the bank asked me how my Christmas was—good (i.e. a standard, generic respond).  How was yours—ok, but I’m glad it’s over.  Usually gals don’t say that, just guys. Maybe there were circumstances that I don’t know about.  I didn’t ask.  I really didn’t want to know. Well well now! You say—Just another accusation!

Here is a monstrosity of an observation.  A friend just spent several days at Mayo Clinic having some tests done.  He told me—Everyone should go to any major hospital and watch all the patients in the halls etc.  It really makes one realize that there is a lot of hurt dealing with medical problems; it’s a humbling experience seeing all those folks.  Soooo Arlene and I had an opportunity to take a friend to U of I Hospital soooo she could see her mother.  We sat in the waiting area and did just that—observed all the patients in the hall ways in gurneys, in wheel chairs or walking pushing their bags around.  It was very humbling.  Sooooo I got a little bored soooo I walked the long hall ways again and again and again.  I looked everyone in the eye.  I would guess that 80% looked me in my eye as well.  I smiled or said hi. They all responded.  The 20% that didn’t look at me, I would guess that maybe 80% of them were gals between 30 and 40.  Well well now, that was interesting. MissPerfect says—That is just an accusation erv!

*** I read in the paper soooo it must be right. After the holidays, divorce rates jump a third. I guess there is a lot of stuff going on that we don’t see; we just see the glitter and lights but…! Oh deer!

I really make myself laugh at times; I am soooo funny; probably only funny to myself but I’m funny alright (i.e. others think I'm only funny to look at).  I just have to laugh at myself; I’m real cheap entertainment.  Maybe you are funny to yourself toooo.  Maybe I’m not the only person who laughs at themselves.  Chet and Jessica took Rookie and a couple of his buddies bowling etc. for his 5th birthday party.  Chet said to me—Being around a couple of other 5-year old boys, reassured me that Henry was not the only 5-year old boy who acts that way.  ANYWAY I look at our Christmas tree and think the lights aren’t all on (i.e. doesn’t look good).  Then I go and look at the tree from another angle and the tree looks way better.  It’s just amazing how if I look at it from a different angle, Christmas looks way different.  I just have to laugh at myself.  Crazy funny!

***GoodHeartedDoris says--The religious leaders of Jesus’ day knew every religious tradition by heart, but they wouldn’t walk five miles from Jerusalem to Bethlehem to witness the birth of God’s Son. People today will put up lights, have parties, give gifts, and send out cards. They’ll participate in every single Christmas tradition they can squeeze into December. Well, ho hum! OneSmartPerson says--Execution trumps knowledge every day of the week. Well well now!

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

erv

MyFriendJean says—Success comes to the person who does today what you are thinking of doing tomorrow.

P.S.  It's official: Bitcoin has surpassed "Tulip Mania" and is now the biggest bubble in world history.  What makes it official anyway?