Three Simple Things To Love...!

Just a quick and simple post today to remind us all of the simpl;e things in life.

This song has always been better able to point that out than I could with all the words I could write. There is a lot of truth and wisdom in this song...and I like it!



See what I mean? Truth and wisdom is where you find it, my friends! Always has been...always will be!

Now, let's get some fresh coffee and visit for a while on the patio, OK?

Changes...!

At some time or another, we may be forced to make some changes!

Now don't worry, I'm not talking about changes in your lifestyle, or plans, or even your beliefs. The changes I'm talking about are the outward changes, the outward appearances, the ability to blend in with your surroundings.

Think of it as wearing camouflage in a hunting situation, only now you are using it in any situation to become a very low profile target.

There will be people looking for the standouts, the self reliant, the folks that are known to have food or weapons in quantity. They may be looking for nothing more than money or drugs in the form of scripted medicines. Whatever the case, it might be to our advantage to blend in, to appear to conform, to look like we are the same as all around us.

It doesn't matter who is doing the looking...the government, the neighbors, or even some roaming band of petty criminals. At some time, in certain situations, your best bet may be to make some changes! Don't talk about your provisions. Don't talk very much about your bug out plans or your destination. try to avoid any discussion that would reveal your dissatisfaction with the PTB, if the neighbors are pro gov...you don't have to agree, just don't appear to be on the fringe and draw attention to yourself.

If all else fails, then maybe we can all take some lessons from this little guy. Talk about blending in! Mother Nature is a MASTER at this...and we could learn a lot by just being observant!



Now why don't we get some coffee, my friend, and sit for a bit on the patio. Today we can take pleasure in the fact that we are surrounded by friends! That's always a good thing!!

Let The Old Guys Take Care Of It...!

A friend sent me this, and I thought it made a lot of sense in a weird sort of way!

I am over 60 and the Armed Forces thinks I'm too old to track down terrorists. You can't be older than 42 to join the military. They've got the whole thing ass-backwards. Instead of sending 18-year olds off to fight, they ought to take us old guys. You shouldn't be able to join a military unit until you're at least 35.

For starters: Researchers say 18-year-olds think about sex every 10 seconds. Old guys only think about sex a couple of times a day, leaving us more than 28,000 additional seconds per day to concentrate on the enemy.

Young guys haven't lived long enough to be cranky, and a cranky soldier is a dangerous soldier.. 'My back hurts! I can't sleep, I'm tired and hungry' We are impatient and maybe letting us kill some a**hole that desperately deserves it will make us feel better and shut us up for a while.

An 18-year-old doesn't even like to get up before 10 a.m. Old guys always get up early to pee so what the hell. Besides, like I said, 'I'm tired and can't sleep and since I'm already up, I may as well be up killing some fanatical s-of-a-b....

If captured we couldn't spill the beans because we'd forget where we put them. In fact, name, rank, and serial number would be a real brainteaser.

Boot camp would be easier for old guys. We're used to getting screamed and yelled at and we're used to soft food. We've also developed an appreciation for guns. We've been using them for years as an excuse to get out of the house, away from the screaming and yelling.

They could lighten up on the obstacle course however. I've been in combat and didn't see a single 20-foot wall with rope hanging over the side, nor did I ever do any pushups after completing basic training.

Actually, the running part is kind of a waste of energy, too. I've never seen anyone outrun a bullet.

An 18-year-old has the whole world ahead of him. He's still learning to shave, to start up a conversation with a pretty girl. He still hasn't figured out that a baseball cap has a brim to shade his eyes, not the back of his head.

These are all great reasons to keep our kids at home to learn a little more about life before sending them off into harm's way.

Let us old guys track down those dirty rotten coward terrorists. The last thing an enemy would want to see is a couple of million pissed off old farts with attitudes and automatic weapons who know that their best years are already behind them.

***How about recruiting Women over 50 ...with PMS !!! You think Men have attitudes !!! Ohhhhhhhhhhhh my God!!!

If nothing else, put us on border patrol......we will have it secured the first night!

See what I mean? Lot off truth in this piece...

Now what do you say that we go get a fresh cup of coffee, my old friend!!

I Love Taxes...!

Now you know that's a lie, right?

First of all, I don't pay income tax anymore. It seems that even the government realizes that folks like me, living just above the poverty level, couldn't pay taxes if we wanted to! Luckily, I fell below the "have to pay" mark when I retired.

It's really a little more complicated than I make it sound, but I like things simple...so that's how I think about it!

You know, taxes have been a problem for a long, long time. Thanks to the "Old Farmer's Almanac" I have a little bit of tax history to pass on to you. (I just love the Almanac, ya know?)

Tax Day’s around the corner (April 15 for U.S. residents; April 30 for Canadians).

Here’s something to think about: In the 1730s, all “U.S.” residents paid a 6-shilling tax for a “night watch” guard.

Benjamin Franklin circulated an essay decrying “the inequity of this tax . . . since a poor widow housekeeper . . . paid as much as the wealthiest merchant, who had thousands of pounds’ worth of goods in his store.” This led to a reform law.

Ben's proportional tax resembles the U.S. federal income tax, enacted in 1913, with its progressive rate.

In the spirit of thrifty Ben Franklin, here are a few tips on saving money:

• Plant your own veggie garden.
• Collect rain off the roof with a water barrel.
• Compost in the backyard.
• Heat your home with a kitchen wood stove.

I hate to bring up such an unpopular subject as taxes, but a little history never hurt anyone, right? Right! Now...let's get a fresh cup of coffee, my friend. OK? OK...

Resting From Doing Nothing...

Sorry, folks...but I'm worn out from spending Sunday doing nothing.

Well, actually I did do something! I watched the nephew, Cygnus, working on his garden. Of course, I did my part as the typical older, pot bellied, white bearded guy and offered a LOT of unsolicited advise.

The nephew, being a fairly easy going young man...did his part by courteously listening and feigning interest, occasionally nodding his head and grunting to carry out the illusion that he really heard me, and allowed me to falsely believe, if only for a moment, that I had a hand in the labor. This was done , of course, to make the old man go away happy in his fantasy, and to let the actual work in the garden continue without the unwanted or unnecessary guidance. A true win-win situation!

We work well together that way! I pretend that I am giving some useful, well received information...and the nephew pretending that the information I'm giving is useful and needed.

But you see, we're family and that's what family does! We allow the folks that want to, offer their version of what should be done and how it should be done. We do this while acting interested, even if we aren't just so we don't hurt any one's feelings. The people offering all this free advice, do so with the understanding that they will be listened to as long as they only offer once, then leave well enough alone and not nag! All is done without raising our voices and while wearing a smile!

Maybe that's just how things are supposed to be on a holiday like Easter...Peaceful! It would be nice if each and every day were that way, but I suppose that is asking too much.

Anyway, why don't we just get another cup of coffee, sit at the patio table, and peacefully enjoy the beautiful Spring morning and the company of understanding friends, OK?

Happy Easter, Everyone...

What with the food and eggs and family...let's not forget the true reason for the celebration of this special holiday.

Whatever you do to enjoy the day, I wanted to reach back into my fast diminishing memory and play something for you that I remember from my childhood! Believe me, that's reaching a LONG way back!

I'm sure your kids know this song. If not, then it's a fun song to teach them. If you don't know it, you're just a kid...but I love ya anyway! So here it is, Eggheads...enjoy!



Now, let's grab a hard boiled egg, get some more ham, and go sit on the patio table. Don't worry, I brought the coffee pot!

Time To Man Up...!

On the serious side today...

I'm sure that most of you are aware of this group. Many of you may even be a member! Either way, I want you to do something for me as a group. I don't ask for much, but this is very important to me and to our country!

First, I want you to please watch this video...it won't take but just a minute, however the message is very important!



Now, what I want you to do is to go over to a blog of a friend of mine and read the plan he is putting together. If you are not in Texas, I ask you to still go by and let him know that you support the cause, OK? Will you do this for me? Thank you, my friends.

http://yeoldfurt.blogspot.com/2009/03/oathkeepers-in-lexington.html

Now, let me buy you a cup of coffee! You can get the next round...

Foolish Frivolity For All Fool's Day...

Once again, the Old Farmer's Almanac comes through with some little gems for today...!

Although the origin of playing practical jokes and pranks on this day is hazy, many folklorists believe that it may go back to 16th-century France.

At that time, New Year’s Day was March 25, with a full week of partying and exchanging gifts lasting until April 1. In 1582, the Gregorian calendar moved New Year’s Day back to January 1.

Those who forgot or refused to honor the new calendar were the butts of jokes and ridicule.

Weather folklore states:

If it thunders on All Fools’ Day, it brings good crops of corn and hay.

On April 1, see both April and May weather predictions for your area—free.

In honor of April 1, we remind you of some very foolish things that have happened within this month.

• Any fool knows that tax day is April 15, but, fittingly, April is also the month in which the U.S. Mint was established, in 1792.

• Alec Guinness was born April 2, 1914, later gaining his fame by publishing every foolish feat that ever set a record.

• On April 7, 1857, snow fell in every southern state in the United States, just to make fools of the weathermen, no doubt.

• And finally, to cap off the foolishness, on April 29, 1848, Niagara Falls stopped flowing for 30 hours. Now that’s foolish!

To be a fool at the right time is also an art.

Now, Let's get another cup of coffee, my friend! It's fresh...NO FOOLING!

Saturday Morning Again...

I'm tired of talking about all the bad stuff and the unlikely future and the ignorance of our leaders on the Hill...

I think it's about time that I try and put up something a little more upbeat to start the day! If I had only half the energy and talent of this young lady, I could take on the world!

But some days it's all I can do to lift my coffee cup. Must be my old age catching up to me...that's why I like a tune like this to help get my juices flowing a bit! Try it and see if you don't get a little bit of a boost as well!




See what I mean? Nothing like a little youthful energy to make you want to dance! You just gotta love a little fiddle music on the porch in the morning to go with your coffee!

Well, you have a good day, my friends! Oh, and by the way...I'd like to say "Welcome!" to all the new folks that have joined us recently. I am really glad you came by and I hope to see you again!

Now why don't we all get a fresh cup of coffee and sit on the porch a bit!

Take A Bit Of Time...

I would like you to take a good look at this picture...or pictures, I should say!

What do you see? What you are looking at is the perfect example of nature's creatures in the simple act of getting along.

The fact that there is such a disparage in size doesn't matter! The fact that the horses are grown, while the fawn is newborn doesn't matter! The fact that the horses are happy with grass and the fawn would rather have some Mother's milk doesn't matter! What matters is that in this pasture...on this Texas morning...two totally different, yet somehow kin animals are sharing the same space.

What you cannot see is the fact that the horses are moving very slowly so as not to scare the newborn fawn. The horses are stepping very lightly, almost dragging their feet...so that they don't accidentally step on the newborn fawn.

The fawn is not afraid, but rather reassured by the silent strength and slow and gentle movements of the larger animal. The fawn's instincts are not telling it to lie down and hide. It doesn't feel the need to tremble at the obvious difference of size between itself and it's companions. It's inner voice is telling it not to fear, not to worry, and that it is NOT alone.

Soon the mother doe will return and be reunited with the fawn. Soon the horses will gracefully and proudly move in their regular manner across the pasture. Soon both species will move on into the beauty of this particular pasture, on this particular Texas morning...unaware that they have forever made an impression on anyone lucky enough to have witnessed such a marvelous sight!

Then again, that's what nature does best on a daily basis. She puts forth the beauty and the wonder and the sights and the sounds...all for us and all for free! There to simply be enjoyed by anyone that takes the time to see and hear and watch!

Take the time to look today. Take the time to notice what wonderful things are around us. Take the time to truly listen to the sound of the morning as nature intended it to be.

When you have done these things, when you are aware of what's really around you...take the time to simply say "Thank you for this day..."!

Now how about some fresh coffee, my friend?

Just A Thought...

There comes a point in your life when you realize:

Who matters,Who never did,

Who won't anymore...And who always will..

So, don't worry about people from your past,

there's a reason why they didn't make it to your future..

Now let's get some fresh coffee...OK, my friend?

A Surprise Award...!

My friend OWMom, from Confessions of an Overworked Mom gave me this really cool award!


It is made even more special by the fact that someone thinks enough of what we do to give us recognition of any kind. Makes me feel very humble indeed!

There are some rules that go with this award...but they're not hard! The rules are as follows:

1. Put the logo on your blog or post.
2. Nominate 10 blogs which show great Attitude and/or Gratitude.(If you don't have 10, its ok.)3. Be sure to link to your nominees within your post.
4. Let them know they have received this award by commenting on their blog.
5. Share the link to this post and to the person from whom you received your award.

The only problem is...it's hard to pick only 10 blogs, cause I like all of them, and wish that all could get some type of award. But in keeping with the rules, here are my choices in random order...

1...Cat's Collection

2...In The Wake of the Swollen Goat

3...Maddog's Yard

4...Missi's Blog

5...Old Lightning

6...Rod's Wanderings

7...Serenity

8...My Road To Freedom

9...John's Blog And Review

10...A Solitude Of Hermits

How lucky we are in this day and age, that we have such a fine selection of wonderful blogs to read and learn from. These are only a few of my daily reads. I like them all, and am a great fan of each and every one of them. There are many, many more...just way too many to mention.

That's all I have for now, so what do you say to a fresh cup of coffee? C'mon, my friend!

I Know I'm Old, But...!

You know and I know that I'm getting to be old...well, maybe older is a better choice of words!

Now I've heard that the mind is one of the first things to show signs of fading. Exercise of the brain is as important as exercise of the muscles. As we grow older, it's important that we keep mentally alert. The saying, "If you don't use it, you will lose it," also applies to the brain, so...

Below is a very private way to gauge your loss or non-loss of intelligence. Take the following test (6 questions) and determine if you are losing it or are still "with it."

OK, relax, clear your mind and ... begin:

1. What do you put in a toaster?


Answer: "bread." If you said "toast," then give up now and go do something else. Try not to hurt yourself. If you said,"bread," go to Question 2.

2. Say "silk" five times. Now, spell "silk." What do cows drink?


Answer: Cows drink water. If you said "milk," please do not attempt the next question. Your brain is obviously overstressed and may even overheat. It may be that you need to content yourself with reading something more appropriate, such as Children's World. If you said "water," proceed to question 3.

3. If a red house is made from red bricks, and a blue house is made from blue bricks, and a pink house is made from pink bricks and a black house is made from black bricks, what is a green house made from?


Answer: Greenhouses are made from glass. If you said, "green bricks," what the devil are you still doing reading these questions??? If you said "glass," then go on to Question 4.

4. Twenty years ago, a plane was flying at 20,000 feet over Germany. If you recall, Germany at the time was politically divided into West Germany and East Germany. Anyway, during the flight, TWO of the engines failed. The pilot, realizing that the last remaining engine is also failing, decides on a crash landing procedure. Unfortunately the third engine fails before he has time to attempt an emergency landing, and the plane crashes smack in the middle of "no man's land" between East Germany and West Germany. Where would you bury the survivors? In East Germany or West Germany or in "no man's land"?


Answer: You don't, of course, bury survivors. If you said ANYTHING else, you are a real dunce and you must NEVER try to rescue anyone from a plane crash. Your efforts would not be appreciated. If you said, "Don't bury the survivors," proceed to question 5.

5. If the hour hand on a clock moves 1/60 of a degree every minute how many degrees will the hour hand move in one hour?


Answer: One degree! If you said, "360 degrees" or anything other than "one degree," you are to be congratulated on getting this far, but you are obviously out of your league. Turn in your pencil, and exit the room. Everyone else proceed to the final question.

6. Without using a calculator -- You are driving a bus from London to Milford Haven in Wales. In London, 17 people get on the bus. In Reading, six people get off the bus, and nine people get on. In Swindon, two people get off and four get on In Cardiff, 11 people get off and 16 people get on. In Swansea, three people get off and five people get on. In Carmathen, six people get off and three get on. You then arrive at Milford Haven. What was the name of the bus driver?


Answer: Oh, for crying out loud! Don't you remember? It was YOU!!

Now, don't feel too bad about this test! After all, no one but you will ever know how you did, right? If it makes you feel just a little better, let me pass on to you what we "Old Folks" call the definition of Success! Ready...?

At age 4 success is . . . not piddling in your pants.

At age 12 success is . . . having friends.

At age 17 success is...having a drivers licence.

At age 35 success is...having money.

At age 50 success is...having money.

At age 70 success is...having a drivers licence.

At age 75 success is...having friends.

At age 80 success is...not piddling in your pants!

Lot's of truth in the last part, don't ya think? Well, that's enough of this silliness for a while! Let's go and get some fresh coffee, my friend!

Time To Lighten Up A Bit...

My good friend in New Zealand sent me this, and I thought I would share it with you! Just shows that clean can be funny.

One day, a man came home and was greeted by his wife dressed in a very Sexy nightie. 'Tie me up,' she purred, 'and you can do anything you want.' So he tied her up and went golfing.

********************************************

A woman came home, screeching her car into the driveway, and ran into the house. She slammed the door and shouted at the top of her lungs, 'Honey, pack your bags. I won the lottery!'

The husband said, 'Oh my God! What should I pack, beach stuff or mountain stuff?'

'Doesn't matter,' she said. 'Just get out.'

********************************************

Marriage is a relationship in which one person is always right, and the other is a husband.

*******************************************

A Polish immigrant went to the DMV to apply for a driver's license. First, of course, he had to take an eye sight test The optician showed him a card with the letters 'C Z W I X N O S T A C Z.' 'Can you read this?' the optician asked.

'Read it?' the Polish guy replied, 'I know the guy.'

********************************************

A wife was making a breakfast of fried eggs for her husband. Suddenly, her husband burst into the kitchen. 'Careful,' he said, 'CAREFUL! Put in some more butter! Oh my gosh! You're cooking too many at once. TOO MANY! Turn them! TURN THEM NOW! We need more butter. Oh my gosh! WHERE are we going to get MORE BUTTER? They're going to STICK! Careful. CAREFUL! I said be CAREFUL! You NEVER listen to me when you're cooking! Never! Turn them! Hurry up! Are you CRAZY? Have you LOST your mind? Don't forget to salt them. You know you always forget to salt them. Use the Salt. USE THE SALT! THE SALT!'

The wife stared at him. 'What in the world is wrong with you? You think I don't know how to fry a couple of eggs?'

The husband calmly replied, 'I just wanted to show you what it feels like when I'm driving.'

**************************************************

Fifty-one years ago, Herman James, a North Carolina mountain man, was drafted by the Army. On his first day in basic training, the Army issued him a comb. That afternoon the Army barber sheared off all his hair. On his second day, the Army issued Herman a toothbrush. That afternoon the Army dentist yanked seven of his teeth. On the third day, the Army issued him a jock strap. The Army has been looking for Herman for 51 years.

******************************************************

Now, let's go get another cup of fresh coffee . No joke, my friend!

So What If It's Corney...?

I want to play this video...but it's Corney! A lot Corney...so what?

See, that's one of the troubles with folks in today's world. Things like this song are considered Corney! City folks, at least some of them, don't like Corney! They don't understand the attraction of the country!

For the most part, they don't see the attraction of wide open spaces with grass and trees instead of concrete. They don't understand the pure joy of looking across a valley to see the majesty of a snow covered mountain! They don't understand the feeling of wonder in looking up to the night sky at the millions of stars placed on the background of the darkness of space, like white lace on a piece of black satin. They can't understand or hear the music in the simple, yet complex song of even the smallest of birds.

These people take no pleasure in the brilliant color or sweet fragrance of a rose in bloom, or in the fragile beauty of the butterfly as it lands on the soft, welcoming petals. They can't hear the never ending stories being told in the gentle murmurs of an evening breeze.

I can! I understand it! I've seen it, heard it, felt it touch my heart! It makes me warm inside, like looking at the angelic face of a child as they lay sleeping. It gives me a feeling of comfort and completeness, like holding the hand of a mate or lover or dear friend!

The pictures say a lot...the words say even more!



See? Like I said, CORNEY! But only for some. Only for the people that would never understand the pure happiness of simply sitting across a table from an old friend and sharing a nice, fresh cup of coffee! No need to talk...because we understand! We get it!

This Sounds Like Me...!!

I know we all have days like this one...

What's scary is when they come so often and close together! I have heard that we get used to it, but I don't remember who told me ...



What I wanted to say is...heck, I forgot what I wanted to say! Must not have been important, I guess.

Now let's go get some fresh coffee...while I can still remember where the coffee pot is! OK, my friend?