Sunday, December 30, 2007

Saturday...or Sunday??

Guess I was having too much fun to notice Saturday came and went without my knowledge, but all of the sudden it's Sunday again! Wonder what else I forgot? Just no telling!

I think that one of the reasons that I don't get my posting done on the right day... is because I seem to wait until it's very, very late....or very, very early (depending on the hours you keep). I have no definite time set aside to do my posting. I might be up at 5:00 in the morning or just going to bed at 3:00 a.m. One of the perks of not working for someone else anymore.

And for those of you that think it's because I drink too much coffee...I can truly say that it's not. I can drink coffee and go straight to bed, but it never keeps me up. I just don't like going to bed! Never have, even as a child! Being single and being an adult (supposedly) does have several perks... I eat when I want and what I want, stay up as long as I want, sleep when I want (or don't want) and for the most part, waste my time as I want...not someone else, ya know? If other folks have a problem with that, it's their problem and not mine.

I spent the first part of my life trying to be what others wanted me to be...and I have reached the point that I feel I have earned the right to be myself! I know some can relate to that, and others never will! Get over it...and have some coffee on me! Then maybe you should go to bed...

Friday, December 28, 2007

Friday...

Once again it's that magic day that most of the people with jobs seem to look forward to...the symbolic end of the work week. For those of us that work at home on the Internet, Friday has a different meaning. Friday is the day for adding up the totals for the week to see if I made any profits...sometimes yes, sometimes no.

Holiday time all businesses seem to slow down, even work-at- home business. However, there are exceptions to all rules and this year I seem to have found one...or should I say two? I can't say enough about e2ePay and 10DollarsWonder. Fast moving and they both seem to be increasing in membership. I have to admit both surprise and pleasure at the way both of these programs are working. I wish that there were more like this around.

Tomorrow I think I'll start taking down the Christmas decorations, since the weather here is almost Spring-like in nature anyway. Hard to believe that another year is nearly gone...but it is!

Well....coffee time for me! You're welcome to join me in a cup, as always! OK? OK...

Thursday, December 27, 2007

Thursday notes...

For those of you that did not get on the start of E2Epay on the 26th, you are really missing out on all the fun! This program is really rocking and cycling at a fast and furious pace! No reason not to get in on all the fun, especially with the "claim a free position". You just go join for free, click on the "claim my free position" link at the top, and enjoy the ride! Fun, fun, fun!!

You might want to take a look at 10DollarsWonder while you are at it...as it has been moving pretty quickly for me as well!

More later! Coffee time!

Wednesday, December 26, 2007

Late Again...

I couldn't write anything yesterday cause I was at my baby Sister's house for Christmas dinner. Every year she and her husband ask me and most years I decline, but yesterday I went. I'm glad I did! They have a very pleasant house, very nicely decorated...the kind that makes you feel right at home when you go in.

Anyway, it was a nice visit with great food and I really enjoyed it immensely. I met one of my sister's friends who is in business for herself, and who is writing a book! An interesting lady and enjoyable to talk to. You have to respect anyone that makes the commitment to a task last like that.

As I pulled up to my Mother's house that evening, I saw that my oldest was waiting , along with my granddaughter. So they came in and spent the evening having a nice talk and exchanging gifts. All in all a very full day! Plenty of food, lots of coffee, and new friends! What else could you ask for?

Beautiful day today and more of the same predicted for tomorrow. It's times like this I really like living in the south! I have to admit that I am glad the holidays are almost over...I'm ready for some real peace and quiet again!

Think I'll have another cup of coffee and hit the hay! Sleep well, everyone...and I'll see ya on the flip side!

Monday, December 24, 2007

Christmas Eve...

I wanted to take this opportunity to wish everyone a very Merry Christmas.....and a Happy New Year! I know that now days it's not really politically correct to say that, but I don't care. Being a country boy, that's what I've always said and that's what I'll always say!

Remember above all else that there is a truly important reason for this season. We all should never forget that. I should also remind us all that children are very important this time of year....even more so than the rest of the year. Take care of them, watch over them, and let them know that you love them every day...OK? OK!

Merry Christmas, Happy New Year and please, please be safe!

Sunday, December 23, 2007

Quiet Sunday...

Nice get-together last night at Mom's...everything was calm, the little ones (both of 'em) were excited by presents and the tree, and there was not a single arguement and that's always a good thing. Any time you get that many members of the family together for any length of time and not have harsh words, that's a good get-together.

There was one noticeable no show...my first born. After a guarantee that he would be there with my granddaughter and then not show, that's a real disappointment! I try not to be angry about it, but it is very hard. I don't want to tempt Bad Karma, so I am making a real effort, ya know?

Anyway, Mom was happy, the nieces and my sister were all in their typical shining as the providers of the perfect holiday array of snacks and goodies, and I went to bed last night with my typical holiday-type full tummy! All in all, a very good visit!

Winter type weather came in late last night...down in the 30's with the high today reaching about 50 or so. Time to get some fresh coffee, go outside, and see if my garden is ready to call it a season. Want to join me...?

Saturday, December 22, 2007

Friday and Saturday Special...

Since I missed Friday (again!) I decided to combine both days into one blog. My days seem to run together more and more anyway, so the idea isn't that far-fetched!

Big doings today at Mom's house...a family get-together. We have a gathering of this sort every holiday, but this year there won't be as many of us. Seems that every year there are fewer and fewer, if you know what I mean. Grand kids growing up and doing their own thing, people living out of state, that sort of thing. The main thing is that most of us get together and help Mom enjoy the season as much as we are able.

I'll be glad when everybody has come and gone...I love seeing them, but the peace and quiet that follows everybody leaving is wonderful.

I'll make some fresh coffee, go sit in the 80 degree sun on the patio, and look forward to the cooler weather that is supposed to come in tonight. Might get into the 30's tonight...which calls for hot coffee for sure!

Back tomorrow, Lord willing!

Thursday, December 20, 2007

Thursday again...

Not sure what happened to Wednesday! Somehow I think I lost it..or lost track of the days again. That seems to happen more and more, but I think that between feeling poorly and helping my Mom get her wrapping done, I just feel the need to fall into my Hermit-like ways a little more than usual.

I'll finish up with Mom's wrapping tonight, help her with her housework tomorrow (to get ready for a family get-together Saturday) and then I'll take the rest of the weekend off and do the quiet thing again. I prefer peace and quiet to house full of people type noise. Never have been much of a party person...unless you count the years I spent as a semi-grown juvenile in my 20's. Learned a lot in those years...one of which was I don't function well in a party setting.

Anyway, I'm off to make some fresh coffee and do the wrapping thing. Feel free to help yourself, if you want...Just leave the cup, OK?

Tuesday, December 18, 2007

Tuesday...

Short entry today...am extremely tired for some reason. Hope I'm not coming down with a cold, but with this weird weather you never know.

I finally broke down and bought some more chocolate kisses today. One thing I love almost as coffee, is chocolate! Just gotta have both of 'em...preferably every day! A true weakness, I'll admit, but a person has to have some vices, right?

I would go to bed early, but everytime I do that...I end up getting up way to soon in the morning. I'm talking 3:00 or 4:00 a.m. So I'll stay on the net and talk to my friends from around the globe.

Beautiful thing, how we can talk and be friends with folks from all over for free. I have friends in places that I've never been, friends that I've only seen in pictures. Some I've had for several years...I think it's great! Like to meet them all face to face someday!

What a chance to try some different coffee brews....and share the same with good friends, don't you think?

Monday, December 17, 2007

Mundane Monday...

What a strange day today. Can't decide if it's winter or summer...first warm, then cold...then back again! At least there is no rain or wind, so that's a good thing.

At 8:00 p.m. I heard sirens coming slowly down my street and promptly went outside to see what it was. There was a Firetruck slowly driving down the street, lights and sirens going...and smack dab in the middle of the back was Santa Claus in all his glory! I kid you not! First time that has happened in all the years that I have been here.

All the neighbors came out to see what was going on. No one knew it was going to happen and no one is exactly sure what possessed the firemen to do this now, but at first everyone thought there was a fire. All were pleased to find out it was only Santa, making a practise run I guess!

Anyway, it added a real sense of strangeness to the day! Tomorrow should be better...or more normal anyway.

Coffee time...want to share a cup?

Sunday, December 16, 2007

Glorious Sunday...

Beautiful day outside today! Sun shining most of the day, no wind or rain, and stayed in the 40's pretty much all day. Cold but pretty, know what I mean?

I don't know when the plants around my house are going to finally realize it's winter, but it's alright with me that my okra plants are still blooming and producing, that some of my roses are still flowering and still smelling good, but I have to admit that the one that blows me away is the hibiscus plant! Covered with flowers, all large and red!

I always thought they were a tropical plant, but they seem to be enjoying a taste of cooler weather. I have to admit to being buffaloed on this one. Guess I better do some more research on this strange and lovely plant!

I think I better make some fresh coffee and move to the patio for more observation...ya know, for research and all?

******
Had to add this for Sunday... I followed Blondies lead not long ago and joined took advantage of the free upgrade try-out at 10DollarsWonder and I have to admit that I was really surprised at how fast this thing moves! For those that haven't checked it out yet, you need to do so.

Saturday, December 15, 2007

Slow Saturday...

Weather is turning bad fast...cold and very, very windy. That means rain or at the very least, cloudy. The more clouds, the more damp the weather is. If the clouds go away, then it gets colder. So of course, I seem to be coming down with a cold or something. Bummer!
Sounds like a good time for homemade soup and fresh coffee!

Going to bake bread tomorrow...just cause I love the smell of fresh baked bread! With some good honey and butter...man, that's a real treat! No wonder I can't lose any weight!

I'll save some for anyone interested, but can't guarantee for how long...put your order in early! Patio time...where's my coffee?

Friday, December 14, 2007

Finally Friday...

I just had to rant a bit this morning to get this negativeness off my chest, then I'll be able to calm down some!

In roaming atround the web and visiting the websites that I go to daily, I have occasionally visited some sites that have videos that automatically started up when you hit the page. I am sure that you've seen them...high volumn, uninvited and for the most part, full of crap! The part that I REALLY hate is to have one of these irritating videos come on the screen and Not have a visible way to pause or cut them off! To me this is totally RUDE! Rude and very, very unprofessional!

I don't have a lot of rules about things on the web...but the guidelines I have are very important to me! If you send me an uninvited email and I don't know you, I report it as spam and delete it! If you put a pop-up on a page I hit, I delete it and move on. I will not be forced to watch a sales video, or a pop-in, pop-under, be re-directed to another page or site, have so-called music crammed down my throat, have to sit and read the oh-so-obvious lies that seem to spawn anew each and every day! I don't do MLM, Pre-launch, Group buying and any other seemingly unending tactic to get me to look at an opportunity!

It's soooo simple to me! If you have an opportunity that you think is worthwhile, then invite me to look at it. Do so in a civilized, non-aggressive manner without bombarding me with all the rudeness! There is enough of that floating around...and more is NOT better! All I am saying is that all advertising should be done smartly and with the element of common sense and manners! Remember them? Do unto others...and all that!

Enough said...gonna go get some more coffee! Thanks for letting me rant a bit, ok?

Thursday, December 13, 2007

Thursday and cold...

Well, got up at 4:00 to drive the 20 miles to the V.A. and it was COLD. Cold for here, that is...and rainy! But the crowd at the V.A. wasn't too bad and we got through with the blood lab quickly. Amazing how fast those folks can run that many people through the lab and get the results posted in their computers on the same day. Runs very well for a government agency! I certainly have no complaints...I was back home before 8:00 this morning.

Been sitting here trying to ignore the constant barking of the dog next door and losing the battle! How can the people that live in the house not be aware of his irritating, ongoing noise making? Must be deaf from playing the music inside at full volumn...or something like that!

Oh well, that's the price we pay for chosing to live in a city of 3 million plus people...official count is half that, but I have a feeling many folks living here don't answer the door for census takers, ya know? Come Spring time, I'm out of here and as I said, going back to the country!

From coffee on the patio...to coffee on the front porch! Can't wait!

Wednesday, December 12, 2007

Wet Wednesday...

From the 80's yesterday to wet and in the 50's right now...wednesday night. You just never know here on the coast. At least I'm not shoveling snow like Blondie in Colorado! Hang in there , Blondie!

Strange feeling in the air here in the big city...hard to explain. Almost a feeling that something is about to happen, ya know? Hope it's something good.

Going to V.A. tomorrow to make my monthly appearence for test to see if the blood thinner is working ok...and that brings up a question. When we started the blood thinner a couple of years ago, the doctors said I had to give up aspirin and booze cause they made my blood too thin! Now, I'm thinking.... if that's the case, why not give up the blood thinner and stay with the booze and aspirin? Just a thought...would certainly be cheaper, ya know?

Tuesday, December 11, 2007

Tuesday Already..

Time seems to go faster and faster...or maybe I'm just slowing down. I can't get to a point to where I feel like I am abreast of all the new things going on in the world. The last thing I want to do is start getting interested in politics.

Being a fairly simple man, I don't understand why the powers that be make things so hard. It's more simple than they think to solve most of the problems facing all of us. Government just needs to start following the rules that the rest of us have to follow.

The rules are simple...don't spend more that you make, keep the promises you make to others, never let your friends down, never lie but always tell the truth, even when it hurts to do so....and the most important rule of all, the one that most of us were taught as children ( but seem to have forgotten) is to treat others as we wish to be treated!

A long time ago, there were 10 laws passed to us to follow. Maybe it's time for all of us, including Politicians, to remember them and to once again start following them. I mean, seems pretty simple to me...but then I am, like I said, a fairly simple man!

Let's have a cup of coffee and think about it out loud....whadda ya say?

Monday, December 10, 2007

Rainy Monday...

Just a short entry today....just found out one of the neighborhood kids I've watched grow up overdosed earlier. He had a major heart attack because of it, and so far I haven't heard if he is going to make it. I hate that...it's so sad! 19 years old ! My heart goes out to the family...

Hard times we live in now days...can't see what leads to this sort of thing or how to prevent it. Wish I had an answer instead of just more questions...

More later as I get any updates....

Sunday, December 9, 2007

Sunny Sunday...

Running late today cause it has been a beautiful day and I wanted to enjoy it all! High 70's all day long...with the sun shining the whole time! Not bad for this time of year, huh?

I was waiting most of the day yesterday and today for a visit from my oldest, who had a birthday this weekend. That didn't pan out and that means I didn't get to see my grandaughter either. I really don't understand why people don't call or show up when they are supposed to, but that's just me. I grew up in a different time where family usually came first. Guess it just means that these are different times we live in...but that's a shame.

I used to hate it when some of the older folks would start a conversation with "When I was young...", but the older I get, the more I understand what they meant. But that's a negative thought and I am trying to avoid negative thoughts today!

Just a reminder of why I decided to become a Hermit in the first place!
Coffee time...would ya like a cup?

Saturday, December 8, 2007

Saturday again...

Hard to believe that it's only a couple of weeks until Christmas. Where the hell has the last year gone? How did it pass so quickly? How did I miss so many opportunities to improve my situation? Why do I ask the same questions every year?

Sound familiar? Of course it does. We all seem to get caught up in the same ruts and run on the same treadmills. Well, I am going to make every effort starting now to change that! With a little help from my friends and a good helping of luck...I am bound and determined to make the next year a better one financially for myself, get out of the city and back to the country, and help anyone I can to do the same (change, that is!). Sounds ambitious, huh? Well, that's the plan. We'll see if things work out.

Better stock up on coffee and such...looks like a lot of studying coming up! Glad I like to read!

Friday, December 7, 2007

Fresh Friday...

After having a gloomy day yesterday, I decided to start today with a fresh outlook. Sun's gonna shine, it seems ....so time to put all things negative aside and get balanced again. I used to be the world's worse about carrying a grudge and holding onto negative thoughts. I have tried to change that lately, and for the most part it seems to be working. I rest better at night, my health is getting better, and believe it or not, I am not as negative as I used to be.

Fresh coffee and some time on the patio gives me another lesson from Mother Nature. Watching the squirrels running around and doing their pre-winter work, I am surprised to see that they never pass up the chance for a quick game of tag! The birds at the feeder seem to play a little chase, and my cat just seems to play with anything handy. Nature is allowing play, even during the work cycle. Pretty kewl, huh?

Another pot of coffee seems called for while I ponder this newfound observation.....as good a reason as any, right?

Thursday, December 6, 2007

Murky Thursday...

I guess every city is the same in the fact that each is filled with sad sounds a lot of the time. By sad, I mean the sirens of firetrucks, police cars , and ambulances....such as that. Those sounds are good in the fact that they mean help is on the way for someone, but sad in the fact that someone needs the help.

Yesterday there was a house fire in my neighborhood and the fire was so intense that it took the house next door with it. The lives of 2 families badly affected, made especially heartbreaking because of the time of the year. Makes you realize just how fragile life and peace of mind is... living in the city, packed so close together.

Sitting out on the patio this morning drinking my coffee, I am reminded how fortunate I am to live in a country where I have the freedom to move from one location to another without having to worry about borders, papers, travel permits, different currencies, languages, all of that. These freedoms are just some of the things we take for granted...but they came at a high price.

Freedom is not free...never has been! It is paid for by the blood and sacrifice of many, many men and women who willingly pay the ultimate price for our families as well as their own! We, as a whole, never say Thank You enough!

I wish that we watched out for our neighbors more than we do, that we earn some of the freedom being paid for by our troops daily. I wish that we could see our way clear to find a peaceful solution for neighborhood quarrels, for national and political conflicts, and for the pure insanity of what we call religious wars! But we don't...and won't...or can't!

Most are just like me...sitting on my patio, drinking my coffee, and thinking about all of this! Thinking about it...and doing nothing! Sometimes I'm ashamed of myself, and that's the truth.

I'm going to have some more coffee, laced this time with a decent shot of Hennesy! Some problem solver, huh? Sad! Really, really sad!!!

Wednesday, December 5, 2007

More for Wednesday...

Just had this article written back in 1912 called to my attention, and couldn't help but pass it on. Crazy stuff...

"COFFEE KILLS RICH HERMIT.; Strange Death of Eccentric Old Virginian Will Be Investigated.

August 13, 1912, Tuesday
Page 18, 483 words
HARRISONBURG, Va., Aug. 12. -- Rockingham County authorities, investigating the unexplained death of George M. Nicholas, the hermit farmer of Port Republic, have discovered extraordinary affairs in the old man's life. He died last week after drinking coffee. Three others who drank with him were made desperately ill. "

The article went on to say that the Hermit was worth about $250,000...so I know it wasn't me!

Sunny Wednesday...

The weather here almost makes me feel guilty about the folks living up north...reaching the high 70's here while our Northern Brothers are experiencing a severe winter storm series. Don't feel bad enough to move North and join them, though...

I've been watching a program suggested by Blondie at( http://blondesmakemoney.blogspot.com/) and it seems to be doing alright for those that need a little extra cash. Don't normally join this type of program ,but this time I did. Can't ever tell what might happen, ya know? Anyway, the program is called 10DollarsWonder .

I had some more thoughts I wanted to share today, but I'll wait until later...I want to enjoy some more of this beautiful weather while I can. Supposed to be in the 80's again later in the week. So I am off to fill the old coffee cup and hit the patio...a good spot to watch the tree rats dig up stale nuts..or whatever they are doing out there.

Tuesday, December 4, 2007

Too Much Tuesday...

Set up my Mom's Christmas Tree for her today. I always forget that some of the ornaments are nearlt as old as I am! Man...that's getting OLD! Probably antiques...!

Hate to admit it, but I kinda ,sorta, almost got in the spirit a little! Couldn't help myself...all those old balls and angels and tinsel and ....well, you know. As long as I don't have to listen to any holiday music yet, I'll get by. After years of working in retail, I can't take too much holiday music.

It ought to be against the Law to start playing Christmas music before Halloween is over. Crying shame, if you ask me. But no one ever ask me, so there you are! I actually like some holiday music...and some of the old classic holiday movies (don't tell anyone...but I watch them every year!). But these things can be overdone...like all good things!

It's kinda like good whiskey! Best if done in moderation! Exception to the rule...is COFFEE! Never can be too much! C'mon, I know you saw that coming, right?

Monday Blues...

Fresh coffee can do a lot to start your day off right! Especially on days like this when it starts off warm and then drops from 70's to the 40's by the middle of the day! Nothing like late fall in Texas! It would be nice to live in a place where there was actually a gradual change in the seasons, I think.

Soon Christmas will be here and then comes New Years...and the spring! Holidays are nice for some people, but for me just another day. My kids are grown and gone, I'm single, and I don't get to see my grandkids. So just another day except for visiting with my Mom. She still gets joy from the season.

As for me, I'll say happy birthday to the Lord, give thanks for being alive and healthy, and go about my business. Time to search some more for what's new in the tech department.....at my age, I can't seem to keep up with all that's going on anymore, ya know?

Exciting times, my friends...exciting times! More coffee?

Sunday, December 2, 2007

Sunday, Sunday...

I've been doing a little research and reading about homebusiness opportunities on the net and, as you well know, there are a LOT of them out there. Some sound good, some are obviously scams, and others want to charge a fortune for you to get started.

The one thing that I haven't found is the best business I can think of...drinking coffee and getting paid to do so! Now that's a business that I could get behind big time! Don't think I'll have much luck with that one, though.

Oh well, the search goes on...the old coffee-maker at home gets another workout, and I have another excuse to go web searching once again! Just gotta love being retired and single!

Saturday, December 1, 2007

Soggy Saturday...

Naturally it seems to get rainly outside if I plan any outdoor activities...so that gives me an excuse to stay indoors. Of course, if I get started on anything exciting then it clears up! Always the case, huh?

Decided to join a couple of good educational sites about making money on the net. Figured that the best way for me to make any money is to learn from the folks that are doing just that! Sorta makes sense, even to me!

I was really impressed with a guy named Travis and his free mini-course at http://www.bummarketingmethod.com/. I have been studying it and am starting to realize how little I really understood about making money consistantly on the net. Real eye opener for me!

In studying his free course, I was introduced to a site called Wealthy Affiliate which I had never heard of before and decided to join. Talk about a place having a lot of information...wow!

Guess I had better get to studying and learning...definitely time to make a fresh pot of coffee!