I beg your pardon

If I would do away with semicolons, parentheses, i.e.s, e.g.s, and much else in writing “It’s Saturdays,” we would lose all music, nuance, and subtlety in communication.  I would end up shouting at you in block capitals. A friend told me that neighbors came over and visited with her and her husband.  She said that they are nice folks and mean well BUT the longer they visited, the louder their voices got and the shriller their voices became.  After they left, her husband said his ears hurt him! I beg your pardon! Sounds like those neighbors need to take some Valium before visiting!  They seem to be way toooo juiced up!

I talked to a brother-in-law this week and he told me that when he wears a mask it seems his IQ drops 50 points!  Holy smokes, that’s not good! If that would happen to me, I wouldn’t have many points left.  Maybe that is my problem!!

I recently read this story and it affected me.  At the age of 39, a politically hopeful New York lawyer fell ill, struck with fever, nausea, and pain. Eventually, the affliction deepened, paralyzing him from the waist down. He nearly died. His name was Franklin D. Roosevelt, and though he recovered in part and went on to serve as the 32nd president of the United States, he was never cured of his paralysis.  None of us were promised a rose garden! Does anyone have a perfect life? I beg your pardon!

I recently purchased some different colored pens (i.e. red and blue). Their use seemed to change my attitude (i.e. petty minor investment).  It’s like sitting in a different chair in my house or wearing an old shirt I haven’t worn for a long time. Or doing some small project that I have putting off for some time. Or talking to different folks. Reading something different or eating different foods or listening to someone with a different perspective or getting a different pair of running/walking shoes or getting something I always wanted.  Don’t be soooo boring and learn something new even if it is something simple like how to use new technology in your car or on your TV. I think you got the point. The change is stimulating to me a.k.a. uplifting and exciting (i.e. gives me a new perspective and thought process). MyNeighborDownTheStree said--And two different colored pens did that to you erv? You must have a very limited life! You better not take your mask off toooo often.

WorldClassLarry says--When deciding what path to take, spend time in silence and talk to two folks who have been through this situation and seem to have had success (i.e. or failure, they might tell you which path not to take—BUT they don’t usually admit it that it was their fault soooo you might be better off sticking with the winners). Did I say exercise or extra fries! It all depends in what you want to hear.  I beg your pardon!

Robert Frost said—“In three words I can sum up everything I learned about life and those three words are Life Goes On!  Make sure our lives go on. This is what ThePreacherMan a.k.a. the conduit, passed on to me written by the late Henry Eggink--“The Christian life is a journey to be traveled, a race to be run, a battle to be fought. But regardless of which metaphor we use, the Christian life is often rugged and before long, we grow tired and are inclined to slow down or perhaps even to stop altogether our progress. We must not do that. To do so would be sad. It is imperative that we press on.”  ItchieBitchie says—I beg your pardon!  I want life and especially the Christian life to be easy and prosperous!  Winston Churchill said—"Never, never, never believe any war will be smooth and easy, or that anyone who embarks on the strange voyage can measure the tides and hurricanes he will encounter.” I have this pic in my bathroom to remind me that life is not always smooth.  If I think it is or will be, I must of fallen out of the rocker or ate tooooo much junk food on New Year’s eve! 

I have been reminded once again by the death of a friend about friendships and relationships.  I have had three such folks that fit in this same category. They showed me how I don’t want to be.  I think all three were/are good folks, maybe, at least they thought/think they were/are. BUT, they all had a common denominator that really affected our relationship.  They were/are all very opinionated and they were always right and a conversation with them was/is a lecture to me by them.  They all wore out their welcome with me pretty fast. I said, I beg your pardon and separated myself from them. I took their lives as a warning a.k.a. an alarm to me (e.g. a reverse example which gave me really bad diarrhea). Coach B says—"Life gives us warnings that we need to heed. Many times when we don’t heed the warnings, life can get messy.  Remember, some of you do, when Mt. St. Helens erupted in 1980 and they told everyone to evacuate but old Harry Truman said he wouldn’t.  He was never seen again.” Maybe old Harry Truman was right, dead right!

A slap in the face a.k.a. a wake up call can be quite effective!  A friend called me recently who told me that if his wife dies before him, he probably will move back to Iowa to where his family is.  I have friends here where I live but things change (i.e. I think he misses his family).  He said--I have found out that I talk to my siblings more now at my age than I ever did before.  They have time for me and we enjoy being around each other (i.e. they have coffee with me). But he said—That is what I’m saying now and could change my mind if that would happen. This friend has made a ton of money, but I think he’s getting smarter; I think he is. I had a profound conversation with a friend in AZ recently.  She is a widow and has lived in a smaller over 55 community in Mesa (i.e. maybe about a 1,000 folks or as she said—like a large high school) for some time but recently bought another place in a new Del Web community.  This area is huge massive and the dynamics seem to be much different (e.g. many younger folks who are recent retirees).  She is not for sure but it seems it has a way different feel to her.  She isn’t sooo sure it fits her.  As she said—I’m 75 and look at my life in 5-year intervals.  The clock is ticking, and I think I appreciate my relationships I have in my smaller resort. Think through all that folks.  I beg your pardon!

Plato called contentment, “natural wealth.” I wonder if it is natural for some and learned by others.  Plato was pretty smart.  A whole lot smarter than me soooo we better go with it being a natural wealth. AverageJoe, who is smarter than the average mule, says—Contentment is a very good quality.  Saturday question—Are you content? It appears we live in a very competitive culture.  We seem to be very driven.  It appears to me it’s like a huge massive snow ball going down the mountain at lightning speed and getting faster.  How will it ever going to stop! It’s impossible (i.e. it seems to be getting bigger and bigger and faster and faster). There is only one way it will stop (i.e. my opinion). And time is ticking. I’m saying that; Plato isn’t!  And I’m just a little ol’ farm boy from a mile and a fourth south of Roseland, MN. I would guess Chester and Anna said that toooo! Maybe that is where I got it from!  Could be! Maybe it’s a Roseland saying!  Could be!

In the book Odyssey, Homer says—"A man who has been through bitter experiences and traveled far enjoys even his sufferings after time.” I have learned in my life and am still learning that when I quite trying to change folks but change myself, I’m a lot happier.  When I’m happy in my circumstance, no matter what it is, I am a better person.  Now I still try to change some things of my circumstances, yes I do but some I can't soooo I need to accept them and make the most of them even if I really don’t like them.  BitterKatie, who has a cocklebur under her saddle constantly, says--I beg your pardon, erv! Ok BitterKatie, this is pretty deep!  It’s easier to say that than to do!  And it seems some folks are better at it than others.  And…!  And…! Ok BitterKatie, if you want, you may just keep wallowing in the crap if you want tooooo! It’s your choice.  I can’t change you. Da!

Flip the pancake.  I had an acquaintance tell me pre-Christmas that this was going to be a way better Christmas than normal Christmases; way less stressful—why is this one soooo special—my family isn’t coming because of the virus; they don’t get along at all and it is very hard on me; I worry about it a month in advance and then while they are here and then I have post-Christmas depression—holy smokes, that’s not good; you better sit back, enjoy your eggnog and enjoy this one haha! She laughed!

I thought the flight to CO was quite quiet and reserved.  It seemed like folks were not very festive or cheerful; pretty reserved; no one seemed to talk much to each other (i.e. my opinion).  We sat with a seat between us except for families. Everyone was wearing masks.  The kid next to me looked like he was maybe a sophomore in high school.  He had on a Locker sweatshirt, old sweatpants and a pair of old tennis shoes and bushy, messy hair.  We didn’t talk until we were deplaning.  He told me he was going to see his parents in Denver.  We met again on the train going to the terminal to the baggage claim; we talked more.  He told me he was an actuary for Blue Cross and Blue Shield working on mortality. This kid who I thought was a sophomore in high school was helping making business decisions for a major company. I asked him what the company thought of the future of business—depends a lot of the future political scene; this is very hard to predict; we are nervous (i.e. he didn’t sound like a sophomore in high school)! ~ Heather, who is a RN, says kids are smart, they know what is going on more that we think they do.  They catch on more that we think. Kids are hard to fool!  Well, this kid in the plane fooled me; but I’m easy, for sure!  ~  We were looking at Christmas lights on houses in the neighborhood when I was in CO and 9-year old Jimmer said this about one of the most decorated houses—That sure is a lot of work!  You can’t fool those kids! I beg your pardon!

I really like this story (i.e. touching to me).  When Harry Swayne played in the NFL, his teammate, Mark Schlereth, kept inviting him to Bible studies. Swayne politely declined, but he couldn’t help noticing the difference in the players who did go. They were so kind to Swayne that he came under deep conviction and longed to give his life to Jesus. In January 1999, after the Broncos won Super Bowl XXXIII, he piled into the caravan of limos heading to the celebration. “I was so convicted that I told my limo driver to take a left, and I made him take me back to the hotel. And I gave my life to Christ.” CrazyMarvin says--Plop, plop, fizz, fizz, oh what a relief it is! 

I think many folks don’t know how to love or maybe do a very poor job loving each other.  SusieQ says—I beg your pardon erv!  I really know how to love; I’m a great lover (i.e. I really didn’t know how to interpret her statement; she made me nervous).  ANYWAY, I think folks don’t all know how or some of us do a very poor job, including you, me and even the churches.  I have shared  some information I get from Cedar Valley Hospice each month.  I think they know what they are talking about. They say—“Many of us have experienced friends withdrawing, or saying things that we do not find supportive when we suffer grief (e.g. death, divorce, illness, hardship, etc.)…Not all friends are a source of comfort. They seem embarrassed…Friends avoid you. Studies have found that after a death, friendship networks change.” My opinion, I think churches should teach folks ways to love each other.  We mentor in business and we coach in sports (i.e. teach folks exactly how to do it, repeat the procedure sooo that it becomes automatic—I think many folks don’t know how to love or love very poorly).  We talk about love a lot but don’t really teach it. Or do the churches?  Maybe I missed church that Sunday or wasn’t listening. Anybody can wear a big cowboy hat even if they don’t own cattle! Elementary, my dear Watson! MissPerfect says—Folks really don’t care what you preach, they care what you do! IckieVicki says—YaBut erv, I’m a show dog and not a working dog!

Here is a fun little example of what I am talking about—Two friends of ours wanted to support us by visiting Arlene during her Alzheimer’s disease.  Many folks (i.e. including family) find it very hard to do this (i.e. are very uncomfortable).  One of these friends is a very loving, compassionate and caring person but told me flat out that she doesn’t know how to love Arlene and just stays away (i.e. felt uncomfortable).  One of her friends of church, who didn’t know Arlene very well but has experience of working in a care facility where folks with Alzheimer’s were cared for (i.e. also has a very compassionate heart) went with her. She showed her by example.  She just held her hand and hugged her and talked to her in a compassionate loving tone.  Our other friend, I think, learned a lesson.  They did this many times. I think everyone was blessed.  I was for sure.  Don’tWantToBetty says—It’s easier to just stay away or send a card!  It is Don’tWantToBetty, it is, I agree.  Sooooo maybe this loving is hard to do to a point we really don’t want tooooo (i.e. it is easy to love the perfect but not soooo easy to love the imperfect).  Could be. What do you think?  That is what I thought. If you believe in Jesus, who did He spend the most time loving?  GeorgeTheCrook says—Jesus must have been wacko! You can’t make any money or gain any status being around those type of folks (i.e. low end); you got to be around the shakers and makers who have the money and positions!

Somebody (i.e. anyone can be a somebody) once said that beauty is the passport to success, but it’s not a passport.  It’s a visa, and it expires.  WrinkledFaceWilma says--That’s a tad depressing BeautyBabe, but I found it to be true.  BUT, your expressions of love last forever, my opinion.

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

erv

MyFriendJean said—Efficiency is avoiding extra work by doing it right the first time.

in cahoots

ItchieBitchie says—I heard opportunity knocking at my door, but by the time I unhooked the chain pushed back the bolt, turned two locks and shut off the burglar alarm—it was gone! A friend (i.e. who is 70+) told me that he has never voted in any election.  How come?  The politicians are all crooks; they’re in cahoots. Soooo now I know!

Warning folks! I have no idea if anything in this “It’s Saturday” is absolutely true, half way true or is not true at all; it might be but then again it might not be.  Has anybody every told you folks that you can’t believe everything you read or hear?  Well strike up the band!  I just taught some of you something new! Of course, it might not be true! RandyConductor says—Conductors must give unmistakable and suggestive signals to the band, not choreography to the audience.

JoeBlow says—All horse traders and car salesmen lie, or they just don’t tell the truth or all of the truth.  I was talking with a car salesman recently who I seemed to like.  I don’t know if he lied to me or not, but I felt he wasn’t!  ANYWAY, he said to me—How do you know if a person is lying to you—I might be lying to you and you might be lying to me; how do we know?  Now that is an interesting concept.  If folks are good liars, then how do we know if they are lying to us.  I read this while eating my oatmeal with a half a banana on it—All people are liars even if they say they aren’t liars.  If they say they aren’t liars, they are liars! It’s like the wise young car salesman said to me--People tend to lie more because it’s easier.  Of course, he might be lying to me! haha  A friend told us at a recent dinner party that a past co-worker, who owned horses, said—All horse owners are liars and cheaters!  That I don’t know about but maybe I have just been lied toooo and didn’t realize it (i.e. we owned a horse when I was a kid and I don’t think Chester and Anna were liars).  That gal might have had some bad experiences to make her think that way soooo she threw all horse owners in the same barrel.  Could be. Maybe she thinks all horse owners are in cahoots; to be a horse owner you have to be a liar, just part of the reputation.  What do you think liar liar pants on fire?  That is what I thought.  The Latin term is caveat emptor, in English meaning, let the buyer beware. Maybe that is used with car salesmen and horse traders.

At my birthday party, yes, some friends had a birthday party for me (i.e. very nice for sure) we talked about all the scams and how many people try to take advantage of others.  MissPerfect says—There are all kinds of ways that it is done and by all types of folks (e.g. big business tycoons to a little person trying to survive). Saturday question—How many times have you been cheated, taken advantage of in some way during the last year, how about in your lifetime? And that is what we know about; there are times we don’t even know about.  Christmas was an easy time to be taken advantage of (i.e. my opinion as folks are very vulnerable with emotions).  It really hurts me to see it.  How can it be stopped? I don’t think it can.  What do you think?  That is what I thought.

It appears that it is better to figure things out earlier instead of later.  GeorgeTheCrook said—In my first video diary, I explained my love for women who have a taste in carrots.  Since then I have received plenty of carrots.  Now I also have a keen interest in women who like Lamborghinis. That is probably another good reason to tell the truth up front (i.e. tell it the way it is).  I watch some sports on TV.  It appears that the coaches that can produce chemistry on their teams have a better chance of winning.  It appears that all basketball teams can run up and down the floor and shoot the ball but if they can’t put the ball in the hole, those teams don’t win much.  If a player shots sixteen percent and shoots a lot, they are not very good no matter what they think; probably shouldn’t be shooting much.  The coach, CEO, boss, parents, pastor etc. needs to figure out who can shoot and who can’t.  It really doesn’t take a rocket scientist to figure that out.  Well, throw another log on the fire will ya; it’s cold outside!

Henry Eggink wrote--“What are your highest priorities?  Maybe folks might respond--I am seeking a better job—a job with higher pay. Or, ‘My highest priority is my vocation, profession, business—I am seeking perfection, hoping it will be financially rewarding’. Thus we could go on. But we can’t help but notice that the emphasis is on the material, physical, and temporal with no mention of the spiritual and eternal. They are conspicuous by their absence.”  Oh by the way, CoachB says—There is no such thing as perfect.  Perfect is only seen and felt by the beholder.  Some never see or feel perfect and some do see and feel perfect.  Saturday question—Do you see and feel perfect?  None, a little or a lot? SlimySlim says—The devil is in cahoots with my mind a lot! Ding ding ding!

Here is a suggestion.  I for some reason started some time ago to say to myself and many times out loud when having some experience or completing some little project or just doing something really simple (e.g. like making the bed or washing the dishes or cleaning the drive or vacuuming, having a conversation with a friend, etc.)—perfect. Why I started saying “perfect” I really don’t know. But I do.  But what has happened is that saying “perfect” has got in my psyche I think it has made me feel better about myself.  The feeling is indescribable.  To some degree it makes me feel like a yeti!

We probably all have heard this well-known proverb: “You never miss the water till the well runs dry.” AverageJoe, whose favorite machine at the gym is the vending machine, says—Now ain’t that the truth!  That statement can apply to soooo many things that we take for granted every day.  Many things and life itself are very fragile and temporary (i.e. here today and gone tomorrow).  And some things last longer than others.  Here are pictures of two vehicles of friends/neighbors down the street   Guess what year they are and how many miles these suckers have on them.  

The white 2007 Toyota Sequoia has 385,000 miles on it and the black Toyota Highlander is a 2006 with 420,000 miles on it.

WildBill, who can be as humble as pie one time and the cock of the walk the next, says--I have an acquaintance that his opinions may have changed through the years, but not the fact that he still things he is always right (i.e. that hasn’t changed). He just doesn’t listen to what others are saying; he really doesn’t care.  He thinks he is the Pope and that’s the way it is.  Actually, he makes me laugh a lot.  He gets with his “holy huddle” and the rest of the folks know nuttin. And to top it off, he and the “holy huddle” don’t want to hear from anyone else; they know all the answers.  Sooooo what happens?  Some of the others just leave the coffee group or the organization or the family dinner table or whatever.  Pretty simple. The “others” think they are all in cahoots soooo they don’t want to put up with that.  Such is life.

A friend told me that he was working on some renovation of a house.  One part of the renovation was making new cupboard doors.  He asked his senor brother if he would like to do that.  His brother is very handy and capable but never did that before.  My friend gave him the directions and he spend several days doing it in my friend’s wood shop. It was a perfect gift to give his brother as he was bored with the virus thing.  Just a perfect Christmas gift (i.e. better than a box of chocolates or a tie for sure).  This is what I sent my friend--… my friend, my opinion but I think that is the nicest gift for Christmas that you could have given your brother I do I think it is so nice that you thought about him and did that for him I just think that's really super that's neat. 

This is completely my opinion and it’s just that—Folks want to be loved.  And one of the best ways to love someone is to show them you care for them.  And one of the best ways to care for someone is give them part of our life like in giving them responsibility or recognition or attention or our time.  If folks don’t feel loved, they will go where others will love them.  And that ain’t nuttin new folks. I read this in the paper recently—"My wife put out a family notebook on which anyone can write what they are grateful for.  Most write a short note, and these have been instructive.  They don’t write about politics, or the large issues of the day.  The grateful notes are about little things; things we hardly notice until someone points them out.  Someone did a kind deed. Someone cooked a good meal. Someone smiled.”

When in CO I continued my tradition by walking down to the Corner Store and get The Denver Post.  I haven’t been here since September, but the same gal was working.  This gal is maybe middle 20s, always has a stocking cap on, her hair in pigtails, and her arms are heavily tattooed.  Oh, one more thing she always has a smile on her face (i.e. happy).  Sooooo I said to her—haven’t been here for a long time and your still here with your smile on your face—Always, never want to lose that—I’ll see you in the morning—I’ll be here.  She made me smile. 

MissPerfect says--Have you noticed that all the people in favor of birth control and abortion are already born? I’m thinking about going to AZ.  I don’t know if I will (i.e. maybe 50-50).  We have always stayed in over-55 communities.  I like that concept as there are always opportunities to get involved in any activity you want.  There is everything imaginable.  And besides all the folks are very welcoming.  They are just like ourselves.  One statement that is said is—If you can’t find a group that does what you want to do, start one.  And they do.  The groups aren’t run by the management but by the seniors; they just do it.  Soooo recently, I used this mentality and started something (i.e. with the encouragement of another person) here in my world that I enjoy.  I made some calls and bingo, we got something started.  I think it is really going to be fun and I will learn.  The concept isn’t anything new, but I just used the over-55 community’s philosophy (i.e. the other Warren from Omaha uses this concept successfully as well).

You believe in tradeoffs?  If you want this then you have to give up this.  You can’t have both (e.g.. if you want to drive, a $75,000 pickup you can’t get 35 miles to a gallon).  Oh those tradeoffs! We all have to decide if we are willing to pay the consequences in other to have a certain feeling or result (e.g. do we really want to go in that much debt to have a large house like our friends).  InquisitiveSally asks--How do we make those decisions anyway?  I have friends who struggle a lot with those decisions, and I have friends who don’t.  We have had some good discussions about this topic.  It appears there are a lot of factors that enter in that pressure to make this type of decision. It appears that the final factor is many times our priorities. And where do our priorities come from anyway!

I read recently that many folks love their dogs more than their spouses or significant others.  Yikes, that’s not good!  I didn’t believe my eyes when I read that!  Maybe that statement is a lie!  Soooo why would that be anyway?  A dog over a human, what!  Maybe that is why this person has this on their back window of their car that was next to mine the other day.  It did make me smile. 

This statement might be a lie but it made me smile--The Romans would never have found time to conquer the world if they had been obligated first to learn Latin!  Here is another lie that we as Americans hear all the time--If it's to be it is up to me; I am in charge of all my circumstances! lie lie lie! WingieDingie, they got your number! Don't kid yourself!

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

erv

MyFriendJean said--When I can't handle events, I let them handle themselves.

enough is enough

Don’t take this “It’s Saturday” the wrong way!  But you probably won’t maybe like it the right way either!  Maybe you just won’t like it! ANYWAY, I will pass you the left over Christmas cookies and the fudge; I know you will like them!

MyNeighborDownTheStreet, who wants it all, says—Never let success get to your head; never let failure get to your heart. TommyTomSmart, who had a rough ride in 2020, says—If you have had a bad result, concentrate on the next event; do not worry about what has already happened; it cannot be changed. SusieQ, who doesn’t overreact toooo often, says—We all have had success and gotten the big head and we all have had a bad result and wallowed in the dirt.  We are all experienced (i.e. we are all experts).  Do we ever say—enough is enough of that stkin’ thinkin’!

A friend tells me that she likes to get up and wake up slowly (i.e. really enjoys her morning routine).  I know some of you get up and hit the decks a runnin’!  Yes, we are all different (i.e. we seem to be wired differently). For sure.  I have realized that living alone, I have changed.  I have no responsibility to others and can do things how I, big on the I, want to do them and at the pace I want to do them and when I want to do them.  There is some pleasure in this. I see from folks who have been living alone for a long time how they become very independent.  Saturday question—Are you an independent person and set in your ways?

Heather and James treat me soooo good when I visit them here in CO for Christmas.  One thing that I really enjoy doing as part of my morning routine is drinking coffee spiked with some Bailey’s Irish Cream while talking with family (i.e. I don’t buy Bailey’s Irish Cream as it’s too expensive I think, but they do it for me).  They treat me like a king. Yes, I am a hypocrite, no question.  I try to stay away from high profile situations in trying to not get the virus at home but here I go and fly to CO to be with family for Christmas (i.e. $97 round trip flight, I couldn’t pass it up--haha).  It’s like this folks; my doctor asked me while giving me my Medicare Wellness physical this week—erv, are you going to get vaccinated when you have the opportunity—yes I am—I think it’s a good idea erv, the positive side sure outweighs the risk.  Soooo that is how I fell about flying to CO to be with family (i.e. good for me and good for them). This is my opinion of course! Your opinion and choice might be different. I respect your view and opinion. You might be right and I might be wrong.  It won’t be the first time, for sure. Such is life.

Warning--False positive and false negative results could occur (e.g. the virus test says, you don’t have the virus but you might, or you have the virus but you don’t or it’s undermined).  Keep that in mind!  Sometimes we can also read our emotions wrong, we read them the way we want them to be and maybe not the way realty really is.  Yikes, that can get a person in a lot of trouble, for sure. JoeBlow says—I have been there and done that. I say--Never again but then I go ahead and do it again.  I’m crazy! JoeBlow, it appears that after we have been burnt several times, we have a tendency tooooo think through things more, we don’t jump to a conclusion quite soooo fast, MAYBE! So far, I haven’t learned yet to say enough is enough but I’m sure I will soon, like when I get to be 100! haha

I have found myself becoming much more relaxed and don’t do things as fast and as impulsive as I use tooooo.  I feel more like I see a mountain man acting (i.e. just hunkering down in their own little world, masked up and letting their hair grow out).  I, for the most part, have no place to go and time means nuttin to me.  I seem to be adjusting to the slower pace (i.e. for the most part).  I think when I am alone it is easy to get this way (i.e. besides, I for the most part, have no choice).  Maybe our whole culture is becoming much more individualized and we are becoming loners.  Could be.  If some of you are introverted, you might like this lifestyle (i.e. this is right up your alley). Maybe we’ll all become mountain folks (i.e. moving farther up in our imaginary mountains).  MissPerfect says--As long as I have my dogs, a government check, a TV to watch the news, a computer with Wi-Fi, social media and amazon, a big box of chocolate what more does a person really need anyway.  Saturday question—Do you think folks will get to a point when they will say—enough is enough, I cannot live this way any longer! OneSmartPerson says—Things got to get really bad before folks will change and things aren’t bad enough yet (i.e. for the most part we have it pretty darn good—so far, it’s just an inconvenience for most).  Look around folks, things aren’t really that bad (e.g. grandparents don’t have to go to soccer games when it’s cold that most don’t want to go to anyway but feel obligated tooooo). Theladynorthoftown says—Now I have a very pleasant excuse for not going to social events that I never liked to go to in the first place but felt obligated to go tooooo—I just now say, it’s the virus! I would rather sit under my blankie and watch some dumb TV program. The virus can be used in a variety of ways! I texted a friend (i.e. KenTheMN-Engineer) and asked him if they are in AZ—We flew down here weeks ago; no virus; life is good!

I’m not a huge Facebook fan but do follow it some.  I was really impressed by a friend who has become a business executive, a mature mother and wife, and vocal about her faith (i.e. seems to be a well-rounded person). I was good friends of her parents particularly of her Daddy.  They would be sooo proud of her.  I mean really proud.  This is what she posted on Facebook. My friend, if you read this, I tooooo am proud of you.

Recently we had snow over night.  It was early Saturday morning and my neighbor was out cleaning his drive before it was light.  I text him--No question Duane (i.e. that was his late Daddy’s name who was always Jonny- on-the- spot and early), you are the fastest snowblower in the neighborhood! His response--Isn’t it strange how we are products of our environment.

A super senor friend told me recently that her and her sister early on didn’t want to be like their parents—why I asked—they really didn’t ever seem to enjoy life.  She also told me that her sister was much more intelligent than she was but never applied her ability or used her intelligence. She didn’t think she was ever very happy; her intelligence seemed to be a problem to her.  Now there is some first-hand wisdom!  You may glen the meaning from that wisdom any way you want. Einstein said—The difference between stupidity and genius is that genius has its limits.

YaBut, I have friends who have been extremely paranoid about protecting themselves from getting the virus germs.  They would hardly go out of their house, no social contact with anyone, wouldn’t talk to neighbors, had groceries delivered, wiped everything off constantly, washed their hands all the time. They did this since the virus started.  That was until Christmas when they went to a Christmas family get-to-gather of 25+ folks from multiple states a.k.a. a superspreader.  Soooooo folks do change. I guess they said--Enough is enough! Humans are crazy! For sure! Yabut, they said all the folks were mainly family!  Da! Well, if you don’t like the results of the rules or if the rules affect your convenience, money or power, then change the rules. Da!

We’re all kinda sorta the same and we’re all kinda sorta different.  Our bodies are pretty much the same but look different for sure.  Yabut our minds are sorta kinda alike but pretty much different. For sure. I am amazed how many of you eat oatmeal; I know because you tell me.  I am also amazed how it seems all of us prepare it differently (i.e. a thousand different ways) and put different stuff on top (i.e. some make it taste way good but high in calories).  I like the steel cut oatmeal (i.e. they say it’s easier to digest) that comes in a little packet, add water equal to a line on the packet, put in microwave for 2.5 minutes, then put a little skim milk on top and my half banana.  Bingo! Some of you say—That sounds terrible!  I have had several friends tell me that they eat oatmeal like 5 or 6 days a week and the other day or two, they eat something else (i.e. enough is enough). Each their own! For sure! Are you folks going partying on New Years Eve?  “At every party there are two kinds of people – those who want to go home and those who don’t. The trouble is, they are usually married to each other.” – Ann Landers

If we would write of the situation in America today or if someone would write about current America 100 years from now, I think the stories might be different. They usually are. Many reasons but for sure we are living it now and the person 100 years from now would not be and only writing about what they read about it and the effects of it. Also, the emotions would be way different and the imagination of the two writers would be different. Probably the seniero would be the same if we would write about our past families.  It’s like how we feel compared to how we imagined we would have felt to how it actually was. There are no stimuli (e.g. media to manipulate us or brainwash us), it would be actual factual history (i.e. maybe skewed a little). As it is said—We are living history; everyone has and are.  The year 2020 probably will have some interesting history, maybe. Soooo drive a stake in the ground as a bench mark to determine if things are better or worse in 5 years or 10 years or 20 years. Maybe even our lives will change in 5 years or 10 years or 20 years. Could be! Some of us will probably be pushing up daisies! Now that will be a change!

A super senor called me recently and asked if I could come over and have coffee with her. Of course I could.  We have become good, trusted friends through the years.  ANYWAY, she told me—At my age I can say about almost anything; folks at my age are all considered senile!  We laughed! She isn’t senile folks but is as sharp as a tack!  I just poke fun of her.  But I agreed with her, some younger folks think all old folks are senile and treat them that way.  SappySap says—YaBut, many older folks are senile and besides erv, you are an old person making that decision who probably are senile yourself.  ANYWAY, my friend and I had a most delightful conversation.  When I was leaving, she told me that she hasn’t laughed this hard for months.  Maybe she is senile as I don’t think I look that funny!

Well, enough is enough! Besides, it’s Saturday morning and that was the time my Daddy, Chester, and I would clean out the chicken house on the ol’ farm a mile and fourth south of Roseland, MN. Do any of you remember the smell of the chicken house?  Have we come a long way or what! When I was maybe 8-10 years old, I had a Daisy bb gun.  I could buy a package of maybe 50 bbs from Amerman Hardware (i.e. just north of Dykema Grocery) in downtown Old Roseland for 5 cents.  My Mom, Anna, would tell me if I broke an egg, it was almost the same as one package of bbs.  Soooo the price of eggs haven’t really gone up that much compared to other stuff. As a kid I could buy a candy bar at Dykema Grocery for a nickel and now it’s a dollar 81 at Casey’s.

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

erv

MyFriendJean said—Doing your best is more important than being the best.

Christmas 2020

Christmas cards at one time were sent more and Christmas letters were more popular.  I still enjoy getting both but as time passes by, it seems to be not the same (i.e. technology sure has changed the amount being sent I think, my opinion.  But we learn continuously that somethings unexpected can really change our lives (e.g. the virus).  It’s nuttin new, history has had all kinds of unexpected events which have unexpectantly affected each of our lives.  For sure.  Soooo why are we soooo surprised! Some of you are thinking of all the unexpected bad things that have happened to you but please think about all the good unexpected things that have happened to us as well.  Soooooo many!

I had breakfast this week with a golf buddy/friend this week.  Here is a funny story related to all the bells and whistle's of technology. He was telling me that he bought a new skid loader. Everything is digital and much is related to safety.. He got it home and was testing it out, turned it off and he couldn't get out.  The door wouldn't open! It took him an hour to figure out how to get out! And this guy is smart!  But he is 76!  haha What a hoot! You have to have confidence and be a humble person to admit that.  I love this guy!

ItchieBitchie says—erv, I don’t trust anyone who doesn’t quote “Christmas Vacation” at least 10 times until Christmas.  Heather, our daughter, gave me this tee shirt a couple of years ago.  She knows how this movie just makes me laugh (i.e. as many of you as well, for sure).  Our family knows probably all the quotes and say them regularly this time of the year. What a hoot!

A friend sent me this information.  The world population is about 7.8 billion folks.  Now take 100 folks, 33 are Christians 22 are Muslims 14 are Hindus 7 are Buddhists 12 are other religions 12 have no religious beliefs. If those figures are approximately accurate, not all folks’ celebration of Christmas is the same. For sure.  And of the 33 percent who claim to Christians, they all surely don’t celebrate Christmas with the same gusto.  Sooooo I wonder how my celebration of Christmas compares to the world’s population.  How about your celebration?

I have always been amazed about the humility of Christmas which seems to be just the opposite of how the world sees Christmas and how the world operates.  It seems like the birth of Jesus and Jesus himself are all about humility.  I like that.  It makes me feel good (i.e. it warms my heart, it’s reassuring to me). 

I really like how these folks have decorated their house. It just makes me feel good. It appears to me that some folks have much more “Christmas Class” than others.  Some are just classier!  You can interpret Christmas class any way you want.  I have my idea, of course.  There is a big difference to me, between class and showy, impressive, egotistical, or agenda orientated.  A person who has “Christmas Class” just has it. I don’t have to tell you and anyone else. It doesn’t take a rocket scientist to see that.  As a friend described a mutual acquaintance’s Christmas attitude this way—Not impressive. They had sorta kinda a stinging attitude in their Christmas message (i.e. an undertone of unhappiness and bitterness). That is really toooo bad isn’t it, my opinion.

Maybe about 45 years ago, I remember a couple of folks who attended the same church that we did and that I still do. They would only come to church when they could perform (i.e. make folks clap to glorify themselves--didn't appear to be very humble).  They really made me laugh (i.e. I still laugh at them but now I am laughing a dead folks).  WorldClassLarry says--Great people take the spotlight off themselves (i.e. they point the attention to others). For a Christian, that is what Christmas' main attention is all about.  Great folks point the attention to Baby Jesus. At least they try! That’s my opinion.

And it appears that many of those folks at the time of Jesus birth were scared to death, very humble (e.g. Mary, Joseph, the shepherds, the Wiseman, King Harrod, even the pagans who had enough of the severe immorality of the time).  Why were they soooo scared do you think? Even if they didn’t understand very well maybe, they knew something unexpectantly big and good was happening and were shaking in their boots (i.e. ok, their sandals).  It was prophesied for many years that Jesus would be the King of kings, Lord of lords, ruler of the world, the mighty King.  Nuttin has really changed for the folks who believe that prophesy even now (i.e. the same prophesy which was given hundreds of years before Christ’s birth).  BE REAL folks!

Many folks (i.e. some of those many folks are you guys--my home fans) ask me how I am doing.  I appreciate your concern.  But, I’m not any different than any of you folks. I don’t deserve to be treated better or worse than anyone.  I’m just erv.  I humbly accept that (i.e. I think I’m humble most of the time, maybe, at least some of the time or a little bit of the time).  Some of you might think that God treats some folks better than others and you got the short end of the stick.  I can understand that it can seem that way at times.  But we don’t know now do we. SusieQ says--Come on erv, look around, it doesn’t take a rocket scientist to figure that out that I got ripped off. As Ruby Sue says to her Uncle Clark in the National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation movie—We didn’t’ do nothing wrong and we still got the shaft!

Sooo I stopped at Casey’s this week and the clerk (i.e. who I know very little but is always very nice to me) said—erv, how are you handling Christmas this year (i.e. I assumed she met without Arlene)—oh ok, but it will be different, how about you—all my family is in California and we don’t get along and my husband's family is local but they don’t get along; have a lot of bitterness, hard feelings and no forgiveness soooo it’s pretty much our little family—soooo how do you handle that—it is what it is erv.  Sooooo, many family Christmases aren’t all honky dory!  Not all like on TV. 

Dr. J says--Many great folks in history probably didn’t look soooo great at a young age.  Jesus, Washington, Napoleon, Einstein, who have become great folks but started out pretty low down on the ladder.  And then there are folks who start out pretty high on the ladder but end up on the bottom rung. Now that is crazy. JoeBlow says—erv, but we have to decide for ourselves what greatness and success are. 

Myneighberdownthestreet, friends, many of you guys, or AverageJoes might not consider themselves great or successful, but, holy cow, many of you guys have done some amazing stuff.  Much of that stuff no one even knows about or needs to know.  I realize you didn’t get recognition in church, didn’t get your picture in the paper, maybe folks didn’t even appreciate it, and it might not be even said in your obituary, but you and God know (i.e. you might not even know how great you are yourself). Bingo! Soooo, my opinion, is be humble, you are great and successful.  “So let’s not get tired of doing what is good. At just the right time we will reap a harvest of blessing if we don’t give up” (Galatians 6:9 NLT).

Here is something to think about.  In order toooo be great and successful, you and I maybe need toooo be broken.  It’s like a horse who needs to be broken in a positive way to be really useful.  If horses can’t be broken, they are just hay eaters (i.e. useless, a pain in the butt to have around).  Soooo it is with you and I, if we are not broken of our cockiness, obnoxiousness, over-rated attitude, we are nuttin but gas guzzlers, high calorie intakers, TV watchers, space takers, money makers, egomaniacs who are pretty much useless to God’s glory (i.e. this is my opinion).  RickyRick says—"Your witness to the world will come out of your weaknesses, not your strengths. A lot of people have it backwards: They think the world is impressed by Christians’ prosperity. That doesn’t impress the world. They see that everywhere! What impresses non-believers is how believers handle adversity, not prosperity.”  C. S. Lewis said—"I look in the mirror and like C. S. Lewis, I’m appalled by what I find: ‘a zoo of lusts, a bedlam of ambitions, a nursery of fears, a hareem of fondled hatreds’.”  

I wish each one of you internal peace, happiness and joy.  If I could give that to you, I would give that to you as my Christmas gift.  You know I can’t.  You and I need to find that ourselves.  I wish you the best in your exploration and making the choices that will give you that great gift.  God be with all of you.  He loves all of you, every last one of you (i.e. no matter how you feel about yourself this Christmas).  Now that is a Christmas gift, for sure. And the angel said--“I bring you good tidings of great joy.”

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

erv

MyFriendJean said—'Tis the season when grandma kissed Santa and the rest is history!

deterrent

Heads up!  It’s like my mentor use to say—erv, it’s not as good as it looks and it’s not as bad as it looks.  I suggest you think of that before you start watching the news, during you are watching the news and after you have watched the news.  And my suggestion is that you apply that principle also in reading this “It’s Saturday.”

JoeKnowItAll, who is the leading professor at Nincompoop University says—Nobody can do two things at the same time and do them both well.

I am misunderstood a lot and I’m sure that happens many times in each “It’s Saturday.”  Here are a couple of examples: I sent a response of “?” to a text pic.  The person thought it meant that I didn’t know what the pic was about, and they returned a text explaining the pic to me, but I meant, what is going to happen.  The other one was recently when we had a tread of text messages about playing pickleball.  I went to play but no one was there.  I texted a leader and he said that we didn’t have enough, Tim couldn’t make it. I was not included in that different text thread.  I texted “the leader” back and said—That explains it; I get confused easy (i.e. let him off the hook nicely and trying to be humorous).  I think that he took it that I’m old and get confused easily and said “no problem” indicating that he thinks I do get confused easily (i.e. maybe I do from his younger perspective).  In “Macbeth,” William Shakespeare wrote, “If it were done when ‘tis done, then ‘twere well it were done quickly.”  I bet big money that that verse has different interpretations by different folks here deep in Butler County, especially the coffee drinkers in the shed up in ‘em ‘re hills.

I got this from a new reader that really made me smile—"From...........Just a 85 year old new reader who grew up on a farm one-half mile North of Old Roseland in New Roseland!”  To get “This Saturday,” you don’t have do anything—you mean I don’t have to do anything—yes, you have to do nuttin like in zero—are you sure—you do nuttin—what’s the catch—no catch, no fire drill!  LuckyEddie says—We usually don’t understand that do we.  But remember, you get what you pay for, but it does come with a money back guarantee! Not all of you might understand that!  You get it!

GeorgeTheCrook says—Negativism is such a deterrent. For sure! WorldClassLarry says—The art of being wise is the art of knowing what to overlook.  Now everyone has to understand that don’t they?  Yabut, now we have to decide what we need to overlook!  Got this from a friend, who is amazing to me, thought you'd enjoy—"Test positive for Faith, Keep your Distance from doubt, Isolate yourself from Fear. Much better than what we've been hearing.” Another friend, who is politically excited 24/7, tells me that his long-time friend watches the news 24/7 (i.e. he never turns a certain TV news station off which happens to be opposite of my friend’s opinions).  He just can’t get enough of it.  You think he is opinionated? You can bet your last dollar on that!  Holy smokes! I think when both of them die, their bodies won’t cool off for a week!

Watching the less number of folks walking when it is windy tells me that other folks also do not like strong winds.  I like it when the winds are still and there is silence, no wind. A friend was telling me that I am going to be one of his casket bearers if I outlive him.  I doubt if that will happen (i.e. he has a huge, massive motor, is as tough as nails, and is as strong as an ox). But by a long shot if that would happen, I told my friend--you better pick a day that it isn’t cold or with strong winds, you know I don’t like cold weather and strong winds (i.e. he knows that as I have played a lot of really fun golf with him and I always complain about the cold and a lot about the strong winds). We had a good laugh.

MeanMax, who knows tomorrow why the things he predicted yesterday didn’t happen today, said—"The world is upside down and backwards. There are people hurting and looking for answers.” That statement sure seems to be a deterrent to humans (i.e. overwhelming, crippling and paralyzing for many and for others not soooo much).  Has that feeling always been that way?  Do you feel that way? How has this feeling affected you? My mentor use to say to me—erv, half the people really don’t care about you and the other half are too worried about themselves to really care about you!

IffieJiffie, known to be very honest unlike her sister who isn’t, says—"I’m a Scorpio, and who knows if there is any validity in it, but I’m very emotional.  I have high highs and low lows.” I don’t believe in horoscopes but maybe you do—I have my trust in God a.k.a. my Rock even though I don’t always understand Him (i.e. His understanding I cannot fathom). Yes, the current world situations will or might reframe our mindsets. Which way will our minds be changed? Are you shaken?  How much if at all?  Why are some folks more shaken that others? Do you have peace? IffieJiffie says—I will check my horoscope and find out what I’m supposed to feel.

Text from Jessica, our daughter-in-law,--Interesting new work from home / online school highlight happened today. Henry (i.e. who is our 7-year old grandson who I call Rookie) appeared on the stairs whispering "emergency!" while I was on a client call. I asked to pause and mute my line for a moment. Henry explained he had clogged the upstairs toilet and the water was rising. I asked my colleagues and clients to carry on for a couple minutes while I went to plunge the toilet and Clorox wipe the floor. Rejoined the meeting and carried on.  

A friend was telling us at their Thanksgiving dinner that they hosted—Our 8-year old granddaughter usually facetimes with me every day and sometimes multiple times.  When I had the Covid-19 virus, she asked me during one of those FaceTimes how I was feeling, and I told her I didn’t feel very well.  She then asked—Grandma, do you have a will?

A super senor was telling me that she does her devotions every morning.  It’s part of her daily routine that she enjoys.  She went on to say that she didn’t always do devotions.  Her sister and her decided when young to go to church; there family never had anything to do with anything related to God.  Sooooo why did you decide to go to church then?   Well, we noticed that other friends’ family seemed happier than ours and wondered if church/God was it.  We went to many different churches.  My sister liked the Episcopalian and Catholic the best; I didn’t.  Soooo we compromised and went to a Lutheran church.  We went there for some time but then we quit.  Why did you quit?  It seemed after a while no one really cared about us anymore. We felt it was because we were not big financial givers.  Soooo we quit; we didn’t like the feeling.  Sooooo there is one deterrent as to why some folks don’t go to “some” churches.  Everyone likes to be cared about and accepted.  Da!

I was going on my jog the other day and ran into my neighbor. She told me she loves to walk (i.e. I see her doing it a lot).  She said it is really good for her mind; I agreed that it does good for me toooo.  Some of you won’t understand this and others will.  ANYWAY, I read this--“The researchers concluded that the sweet spot for physical activity and longevity seemed to arrive at about 35 minutes a day of brisk walking or other moderate activities, an amount that led to the greatest statistical improvement in life span, no matter how many hours someone sat.” You and I have a choice to sit on the couch and eat chips or exercise. 

LuckieEddie says--A deterrent of our happiness is always thinking about ourselves!  CoachB says—Psychologists do studies, and they show that Americans that describe themselves as extremely happy volunteer about 5.8 hours a month (i.e. soooo what does that tell you). They have also done experiments over and over where they give folks money and tell half of them to spend it on themselves and the other half to spend it on others. Natural logic is that if we would spend the money on me instead on someone else, I would be a lot happier. But studies have shown just the opposite, the folks who spend the money on someone else are much happier. Soooo you want to be extremely happy? JoeWacko says—"Maybe we need to serve the Lord with a certain amount of secrecy—not in deceit but for the purpose of intentionally wanting God to bring our hunger for fame and recognition under control. It’s unhealthy when we want all our good deeds to be known.”  Well stuff my shopping cart!

I was once making some creative gifts for our grandkids and a brother-in-law was riding along with me.  I was telling them that many times the grandkids think the gifts are goofy and maybe aren’t appreciated.  He told me—erv, as long as you enjoy doing it, it doesn’t make any difference! 

Our daughter, Heather, was discussing with me recently that she is waffling about if and how our family should get to gather for Christmas! It seems to be a dilemma. Dr. Fauci (i.e. or as some call him, the Dr. Hoochie Coochie) says we should stay home but our emotions say we want to get to gather.  This virus is a deterrent for many family-get-to-gathers and many family activities.  Well deck the halls! 

I must like my new slippers I got from the kids for my birthday (i.e. the kind with the wool inside to keep my feet warm during the IA winter).  I went to Cedar Falls late afternoon a couple of days ago to do some errands.  I looked down and still had them on.  Or it was because of another birthday!  "Bah!" said Scrooge, "Humbug!"

Was facetiming with the Mellema family.  Charlie said something and I said—I got it.  7-year old Rookie said—No, grandpa, you didn’t get it!  Sooo there you go folks! I have to admit some of the stuff our grandkids say I don’t get!  I have no idea what they are talking about! But then again, there is much that I talk about that they don’t get either.  Such is life.

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

erv

MyFriendJean said—The best remedy for a short temper is a long walk.