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...

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 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!

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!

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!

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...?

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 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...

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?

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?

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.

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?

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 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!

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 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?

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....

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 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!

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?

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!!!

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.

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, 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!

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!

Freaky Friday Already...

Man, I seem to be losing track of the days more and more. Probably because I have restarted the never-ending search for a good way to make some extra money on the net. Takes a lot of weeding out and a lot of reading to see if any of the millions of opportunities available online are for real!

I'm a little different than a lot of folks because I won't pay for something unless I truly believe it is worth the money. I've watched with a lot of interest some of the newest programs that have come out as of late. Not being one to jump in...I rely a lot on the blogs of people I trust to get some good information to help make up my mind. But in the end, it's my decision and my money...so I have to take the responsibility for any moves, good or bad!

If I run across any really good sites, I'll certainly pass them on and then you can go through your own process of checking them out and making the decision of what to do.

Good or bad, the final choice is yours .....kinda like life in general, huh?

Wednesday again...

Not sure what happened to yesterday...seems to somehow gotten away from me! That happens more than I care to think about lately. Must be the weather...cause I KNOW it isn't due to my memory getting up in years, right? Right!

Now that the weather is pretty again, I guess that I should get on with the decorating on my Mom's house. It seems to me that the first weekend in Dec. should be soon enough, though. I'm not much on decorating up the house and yard. It has a tendency to turn into a contest with everyone on the street, ya know?

It's around the holidays that both my sisters really shine in the decorating department. Guess they got it from Mom...All of the women in my immediate family can work wonders in making a room more festive and more holiday-ish! Glad someone can do those things cause I certainly can't get into it...Must be a hermit thing!

Monday Again...

Monday seems to come each week at the same time...funny how that works! Even though I'm retired I really don't care for mondays that much. Reminds me too much of working days, I guess. Who knows?

My baby sister came over today and we took a trip down memory lane with my Mother. Ever notice that when you get 3 or more people together talking about the same thing, you get as many different versions of the story as there are people? Makes for an entertaining afternoon, let me tell you!

It's always a hoot to look at old photos and to read some of the old letters from so long ago. Even more amazing is to notice the post-mark on the envelopes. Read one today with postage of 2 cents for a first class letter...quite a difference from today!

Anyway, a day well spent, a good visit from my baby Sis, and a pleasant way to spend to spend the day. We should do that more often....famous last words!

Sleepy Sunday ...

With the rain still here and putting my plans for decorating Mom's house on hold, I have the perfect excuse to read a new book! Not that I really need an excuse...but it sounds good.

Reading is one of my true pleasures in life! I love to read new books, old books that I've read before, and even some of the books that I have found online. I have even tried to learn to enjoy the audio books...but there is something about holding a book and reading that seems more satisfying to me than just listening to one. I think it's because I can go back and read certain passages again...or maybe because I can refresh my memory about a certain person in the story without having to rewind, or maybe it's as simple as being able to hold onto the book like hugging an old friend!

Whatever the reason, I do love to read! So, with the gentle rain coming down I'll get my new book, pour another cup of coffee, settle in and start reading. It will be interesting to see how far I get before my eyes start getting heavy and nap time is called for.

One good thing always seems to lead to another...right?

Soggy Saturday...

Fall in Houston usually means a LOT of days like today...cold and wet! Not hard rain, but the kind that the garden loves. Very slow, very steady, and very soaking.

I don't mind though, because I actually like the rain. Makes a good cup of coffee seem to taste even better! And it also seems to an ideal excuse for some of us Old Coots to take an afternoon nap and assist us in that endeavor.

Tonight I should sleep well, listening to the sound of the rain on the window unit. Tomorrow the decorations start going up on my Mother's house. That should make her smile a bit...... She still likes the holidays!

Crazy Friday...

This is the busiest day of the year in the retail industry all over the country. I know...I spent the last 20 years or so working in it! Never did see what would make anyone in their right mind get up at 4:00 in the morning to go and stand in line at a store.....but that's just me!
Like a lot of folks, I spent a lot of the day putting leftovers in the freezer and eating more than I should....again. I have to admit to no guilt at all in having pie and coffee for breakfast, and more than my share of Ham sandwiches with my coffee today. I think I'm through eating for today...but I'm making no promises! Hey, some shop...and some eat! A real no-brainer for a Hermit, huh?

Seriously, I hope all had a safe and pleasant holiday...and wish you more of the same for the rest of the season!

Happy Thanksgiving!

I think we all look foward to the family traditional favorites this time of year. Favorite main dish, favorite sides, and of course....favorite desserts! One thing bothers me, though....whatever happened to Gingerbread?
You just don't seem to see gingerbread much anymore...no cookies, no bars, and saddest of all, no gingerbread men with raisin eyes! Gingerbread is definitely one of those dishes that scream for fresh, hot coffee or cold, cold milk. Natural partners....like biscuits and gravy, peanut butter and jelly, cold bedsheets and warm quilts. You get the idea....
I really miss gingerbread, fresh from the oven and spread with butter! (no calories there!) I think I'll take my coffee cup to the patio, sit for awhile and maybe if I try hard enough I will get a whiff of someone baking some cute little gingerbread men with raisin eyes.....maybe!
Happy Thanksgiving to all who celebrate...and don't forget to say a prayer of thanks for all the soldiers that are unable to be home this season, ok? ok!

Birthday Wednesday!

Guess what? Today was my birthday and I almost forgot! The nicest thing about having a birthday at my age, is having another birthday! I mean, it certainly beats the alternative...
Trying a different coffee today. Well, different for me! One of the Folgers Gourmet Dark. I like the stronger coffees more and more. I was stuck for years and years with the same coffee and then, about a year ago, I was introduced to some different types and brands. It has really made having a cup of coffee more of an occasion each day. Now I have 3 main goals to achive before I move on...finding the perfect Chili recipe, the perfect Brisket recipe, and the best tasting coffee!
I have tried a LOT of coffee based on comments and suggestions from friends. But the final choice in the end will be mine , so I will continue to try different ones until suddenly one day...EUREKA!
Doesn't seem to take much to make me happy these days...and that's a good thing!

Thoughts for Tuesday

Certain smells in life just ring my bell....fresh brewed coffee, oven warm homemade bread, baking vanilla in the kitchen (which usually means something good in the making), certain after shaves (Old Spice comes to mind) and the wonderful smell of my Mother's antique roses! These are only a few of my favorites, along with freshly cut wood and new Christmas trees. You get the idea, I'm sure.
The only reason I bring this up is that nearly all my favorite smells seem to show up every November and linger long enough to help get me through the hustle and bustle of this busy season. It's sort of like having vitamins for your soul! A lot of help arrives later in the month with the sounds of long unheard music and even my poor old neighborhood seems to look a little better with the addition of twinkling lights and decorations that start showing up in abundance the day after Thanksgiving
Sitting on the patio with a fresh cup, watching the hustle of the squirrels in the yard and the never-ending traffic at the bird feeder can almost...almost...bring a smile to even this self proclaimed Hermit and grouchy Old Man! May be help for me after all!

Coffee thoughts for Monday

This is a story that my sister sent to me. I found it very true!

"Coffee in a different cup

A group of alumni, all highly established in their respective careers, got together for a visit with their old university professor.
The conversation soon turned to complaints about the endless stress of work and life in general...
Offering his guests coffee, the professor went into the kitchen and soon returned with a large pot of coffee and an eclectic assortment of cups: porcelain, plastic, glass, crystal - some plain, some expensive, some quite exquisite.
Quietly he told them to help themselves to some fresh coffee.

When each of his former students had a cup of coffee in hand, the old professor quietly cleared his throat and began to patiently address the small gathering... ''You may have noticed that all of the nicer looking cups were taken up first, leaving behind the plainer and cheaper ones.
While it is only natural for you to want only the best for yourselves, that is actually the source of much of your stress-related problems."
He continued...''Be assured that the cup itself adds no quality to the coffee. In fact, the cup merely disguises or dresses up what we drink.
What each of you really wanted was coffee, not a cup, but you instinctively went for the best cups... Then you began eyeing each other's cups....''

''Now consider this: Life is coffee. Jobs, money, and position in society are merely cups.
They are just tools to shape and contain Life, and the type of cup we have does not truly define nor change the quality of the Life we live.
Often, by concentrating only on the cup, we fail to enjoy the coffee that God has provided us...

God brews the coffee, but he does not supply the cups.

Enjoy your coffee!''

The happiest people don't have the best of everything, they just make the best of all they have...

Bad Karma Sunday

Have you ever noticed that if you carry a negative attitude for long, bad things are going to happen? Well, once again I have been my own worst enemy. Most of the time I don't dwell on the negative, but for some reason I turned very negative yesterday (as seen in my post) and never got back into a balanced, peaceful state of mind. Today I paid the price. Went to the store too early, found them closed, and when I went to start my truck the battery was completely dead. The store clerk tried to give me a jump, but his battery was almost as bad as mine. With the rain coming back in from the coast, all I could do was sit there and wait for help from someone, or to call a wrecker to get a tow back home. I used the time to think about the bad thoughts I had carried to bed with me and to try and cancel out the effects from this. I noticed the coming rain clouds were beautiful in color against the blue sky background as is so often the case here in south Texas.I realized how the store clerk had left his store unattended to try and help me without me asking. Sort of reinforces your faith in people again! I couldn't help but smile. I decided to follow the smile with a silent request for help from whatever Higher Power was with me. Funny how more times than not you get what you ask for if you ask in the right way! Almost before I had finished asking, an old friend I used to work with came by with his larger truck and brand new battery, hooked up the jumper cables , and my truck started up immediately. After heartfelt thanks all around and a couple of handshakes, I drove home before the rain started. I am now spending the rest of the day making sure that today ends with good thoughts about how things worked out . Fresh coffee in the pot, good thoughts in my head, and a lot better outlook on my neighbors than I had yesterday!( I might mention that my paper wasn't even borrowed this morning! )Just gotta love it!

Saturday Night in the Big City

Ah, the joy of weekends in the neighborhood! Another gathering of some sort across the street, which of course means 5 or 6 extra cars on the street blocking driveways. Another unwanted concert is being furnished by the next door neighbor to my left. Their dog is apparently trying to learn to bark in time with said music(?) and has been practicing for quite a long time. The rain has put an early ending to the illegal ATV races up and down the fenceline at the back of my house. Tomorrow morning comes with the Sunday harvesting of empty beer cans from my yard, the trash wraps from local fast food havens, and the useless hunt for the Sunday paper. Needless to say, the move to the country cannot come soon enough!