As of late, I have been trying to avoid saying or doing very many negative things. I have avoided bad-mouthing programs that were not following their own rules, people that don't keep their word, and a government or agency that pretends that they care about what the average taxpayer needs.
I have to say that a program I had thought to be one of the better programs I had joined in a long time turned into the biggest joke I have been associated with in a while.. you have to give the admin credit for one thing though, he has come up with some truly creative reasons for NOT paying what he owes!
This guy has come up with what I consider to be the most unique set of excuses I ever heard. I thought I had heard nearly all of them, but credit must be given where credit is due. I now have 4 payments pending with this program, with another soon to follow. I do not expect to see any return from him in the form of a payout, or refund, or partial satisfaction.
The program, of course, is FastProfitSurf...and I truly apologise to the folks that signed up under me with this program.
You see, all of us that work (play) these profit programs on line know going in that the program might fail at any time. We know up front that we should never spend what we cannot afford to lose or play with the rent money. This is a chance we take in this business, and we accept that. What we DON'T expect is to be lied to, mislead, ignored, and disrespected.
If a program admin is having trouble or decides to close his program, as long as they are honest about it we understand. We may not like it, but we understand that this is the nature of the beast. The nature of the work we have decided to do...and all we ask is to be treated as adults with a little respect and truth.
With Truth comes respect...with respect comes understanding...and with understanding comes a following that will be willing to give a second chance to an admin starting another program. When you give up the ability to speak the truth, you sacrifice your right to respect. How can others be expected to respect you if you don't respect yourself or them?
Well...I feel better now that I have that off my chest! Now I am going to have a fresh cup of coffee on the patio! Want to join me?
Sunday, November 30, 2008
Saturday, November 29, 2008
Have You Decided To Be Happy...??
Most folks are about as happy as they make their minds up to be.
Abraham Lincoln
It all depends on what you want in life. Want independence? Fine...work for it! Want freedom? Again...work for it! Want control of your life? Then take it! Want a change in government? Then demand it!
Somewhere down the line we lost sight of the fact that it is us, John Q. Public, that is the boss. We handed a lot of the power we should be keeping for ourselves over to men not fit to use it properly. Ever heard of the old saying "of the people, by the people, for the people"?
We the people are the rightful masters of both Congress and the courts, not to overthrow the Constitution but to overthrow the men who pervert the Constitution.
Abraham Lincoln
I was not the first to say these words, nor were the others that say it on a daily basis in various blogs, in videos, in speeches, in warnings and lectures. Our very founding fathers saw what could happen if the rights of the individual were violated or suspended by the government, local or state or federal. It just cannot and must not be allowed, and none of us must ever stand by and watch without a word if it occurs.
To stand in silence when they should be protesting makes cowards out of men.
Abraham Lincoln
We each have to decide on the course we chose to follow, the path that we will walk, and the future that we intend to forge for ourselves and our loved ones. Though our vision may be long, the time we have may truly be short. I urge you to take some action now, to at least begin to work toward your dreams and proudly take the first steps to being your own person.
You may try and fail...just don't fail to try!! Now, let's go get a fresh cup of coffee...
Friday, November 28, 2008
Pay Attention To The Voices Of The Past...!!
I want you to read and then reread these quotes...believe me, it's important!
He who has a strong enough why can bear almost any how.
Friedrich Nietzsche
Any society that would give up a little liberty to gain a little security will deserve neither and lose both.
Benjamin Franklin
Now, do you understand what these men were talking about? Do you think that they were only speaking about their times, and should be ignored because of when these statements were made? Well, you better read them again, my friends!
The statements made by both these gentlemen, and indeed many more of our forefathers, are as true today as they ever were. In fact, I would venture to say that in some aspects these statements are more in keeping with the happenings of our current situation than they ever were.
If you have a strong enough why, you will find the how is very bearable indeed. That's my belief. That's what causes the some of us to continue to follow the paths that we see as the best for us. That's why we tell anyone and everyone that will listen to prepare, to ready themselves and their family, to ignore those voices that ridicule and make light of our efforts, to keep our own council and the council of those that are walking the walk and not just talking the talk!
Doing what others tell us is the right thing to do is very often easy...doing what we know is the right thing to do often is NOT easy. But just because it's not easy doesn't make it any the less right.
Likewise, do NOT be fooled into giving up your freedom, any of your freedom, just for the sake of what passes as security. The type of security is false and short termed at best! Freedom is NEVER free...never has been, never will be!
Time to wake up and smell the coffee, my friends. And speaking of coffee, why don't we share a fresh cup?
He who has a strong enough why can bear almost any how.
Friedrich Nietzsche
Any society that would give up a little liberty to gain a little security will deserve neither and lose both.
Benjamin Franklin
Now, do you understand what these men were talking about? Do you think that they were only speaking about their times, and should be ignored because of when these statements were made? Well, you better read them again, my friends!
The statements made by both these gentlemen, and indeed many more of our forefathers, are as true today as they ever were. In fact, I would venture to say that in some aspects these statements are more in keeping with the happenings of our current situation than they ever were.
If you have a strong enough why, you will find the how is very bearable indeed. That's my belief. That's what causes the some of us to continue to follow the paths that we see as the best for us. That's why we tell anyone and everyone that will listen to prepare, to ready themselves and their family, to ignore those voices that ridicule and make light of our efforts, to keep our own council and the council of those that are walking the walk and not just talking the talk!
Doing what others tell us is the right thing to do is very often easy...doing what we know is the right thing to do often is NOT easy. But just because it's not easy doesn't make it any the less right.
Likewise, do NOT be fooled into giving up your freedom, any of your freedom, just for the sake of what passes as security. The type of security is false and short termed at best! Freedom is NEVER free...never has been, never will be!
Time to wake up and smell the coffee, my friends. And speaking of coffee, why don't we share a fresh cup?
Thursday, November 27, 2008
Happy Thanksgiving...!
I couldn't think of a better way to represent the American holiday of thanksgiving than to show an illustration from one of the most talented of American artist of all times...Norman Rockwell.
He had a way of putting into a painting the feelings others were trying to put into words. When you look at one of his paintings, you could almost feel the emotion of the subjects.
And the words on this painting sort of says it all...at least to me!! I hope we all take them to heart and understand this message is a timeless one.
Happy Thanksgiving to all my friends and readers that celebrate it. I hope each and everyone of you has a very good day! Now let's go have some pie and fresh coffee...
Wednesday, November 26, 2008
Just Can't Beat It...!
When it comes to toys, you can't beat it.
The stick was inducted Thursday into the Toy Hall of Fame at the Strong National Museum of Play in Rochester, N.Y. Curators praised the stick's ability to capture a child's imagination, as well as its all-purpose and no-cost qualities. Another one of the recent inductees into the Toy Hall of Fame was the empty cardboard box.
What kid hasn't played with a stick or an empty cardboard box in their lifetime? To me, it's kind of refreshing in this time of so much turmoil and such in the world to find a story like this in the news. I'm only sorry that this type of story doesn't often find it's way to the front page of the paper, instead of being buried somewhere in the back.
As a child growing up in mostly rural areas, I spent many a fun day playing with a stick. I even had a favorite stick, but many times it changed because of my favorite getting broken or carried off by the dog. It was everything from a sword to a gun, the choice being only limited by my imagine or character portrayal at the time.
It was much the same with cardboard boxes. With four of us at home (I had three sisters) we found at least a hundred uses from any good size cardboard box, the only limitations came from who had control of the box at the time. Being outnumbered 3 to 1, I often had to wait my turn to convert what was a playhouse just a few moments before into a fort or medieval stronghold. Somehow, we all managed to get our fair share of play time out of that old box.
I wonder if we shouldn't set up a summer camp for kids somewhere in the country, where store bought toys and electronics were banned for a couple of weeks, a place where kids would be forced to become creative and use their imagination to build their playthings. The counselors would have to be folks that grew up in the ancient times before computers, MP3s, color televisions, dvds, and the such. I wonder who would enjoy the camp the most?
I'm reminded of the old saying here that "growing older is mandatory, growing up is not!" That, my friends, sums me up in a nutshell! May I always be able to call on the inner "child" in me to help me get through the day! Can't think of a better way to solve many problems...I really can't!
Now what do you say to a fresh cup of coffee? Or would you rather have some hot chocolate? Your choice, my friend...!
The stick was inducted Thursday into the Toy Hall of Fame at the Strong National Museum of Play in Rochester, N.Y. Curators praised the stick's ability to capture a child's imagination, as well as its all-purpose and no-cost qualities. Another one of the recent inductees into the Toy Hall of Fame was the empty cardboard box.
What kid hasn't played with a stick or an empty cardboard box in their lifetime? To me, it's kind of refreshing in this time of so much turmoil and such in the world to find a story like this in the news. I'm only sorry that this type of story doesn't often find it's way to the front page of the paper, instead of being buried somewhere in the back.
As a child growing up in mostly rural areas, I spent many a fun day playing with a stick. I even had a favorite stick, but many times it changed because of my favorite getting broken or carried off by the dog. It was everything from a sword to a gun, the choice being only limited by my imagine or character portrayal at the time.
It was much the same with cardboard boxes. With four of us at home (I had three sisters) we found at least a hundred uses from any good size cardboard box, the only limitations came from who had control of the box at the time. Being outnumbered 3 to 1, I often had to wait my turn to convert what was a playhouse just a few moments before into a fort or medieval stronghold. Somehow, we all managed to get our fair share of play time out of that old box.
I wonder if we shouldn't set up a summer camp for kids somewhere in the country, where store bought toys and electronics were banned for a couple of weeks, a place where kids would be forced to become creative and use their imagination to build their playthings. The counselors would have to be folks that grew up in the ancient times before computers, MP3s, color televisions, dvds, and the such. I wonder who would enjoy the camp the most?
I'm reminded of the old saying here that "growing older is mandatory, growing up is not!" That, my friends, sums me up in a nutshell! May I always be able to call on the inner "child" in me to help me get through the day! Can't think of a better way to solve many problems...I really can't!
Now what do you say to a fresh cup of coffee? Or would you rather have some hot chocolate? Your choice, my friend...!
Tuesday, November 25, 2008
Want A Preview Of The Future...??
This little tidbit was reported by the AP News Service November 23...on MSNBC
PLATTEVILLE, Colo. - A Colorado farm couple say they got a huge surprise when they opened their fields to anyone who wanted to pick up free vegetables left over after the harvest.
Forty thousand people showed up yesterday and picked the fields so clean that Joe and Chris Miller had to cancel a second day of gleaning.
Chris Miller says she had expected as many as 10,000 people might show up for the free potatoes, carrots and leeks. Instead an estimated 11,000 vehicles snaked around the cornfields, creating a back up of more than two miles. About 30 acres of the 600-acre farm turned into a parking lot.
One woman taking part says with everybody "so depressed about the economy," the event turned into "a pure party" with "everybody having a great time getting something for free."
The farm's operations manager estimates the visitors gathered 600,000 pounds of produce.
Owner Chris Miller says "People obviously need food."
This is NOT something that I made up, folks. Now do you see why some of us warn about bad times coming? Now do you see that the fact that 9% of the workers in the country are unemployed is every one's problem? Now are you beginning to understand that those of us urging you to add to your food storage are just trying to help you prepare ? And if you haven't started a storage program, I strongly urge you to start one.
Folks, understand this. I am not telling you that hard times are coming, I'm telling you they are here. Please don't just ignore what's happening now, and start getting prepared for what's coming, OK?
Now, let's go get some fresh coffee and sit on the patio for a bit.
PLATTEVILLE, Colo. - A Colorado farm couple say they got a huge surprise when they opened their fields to anyone who wanted to pick up free vegetables left over after the harvest.
Forty thousand people showed up yesterday and picked the fields so clean that Joe and Chris Miller had to cancel a second day of gleaning.
Chris Miller says she had expected as many as 10,000 people might show up for the free potatoes, carrots and leeks. Instead an estimated 11,000 vehicles snaked around the cornfields, creating a back up of more than two miles. About 30 acres of the 600-acre farm turned into a parking lot.
One woman taking part says with everybody "so depressed about the economy," the event turned into "a pure party" with "everybody having a great time getting something for free."
The farm's operations manager estimates the visitors gathered 600,000 pounds of produce.
Owner Chris Miller says "People obviously need food."
This is NOT something that I made up, folks. Now do you see why some of us warn about bad times coming? Now do you see that the fact that 9% of the workers in the country are unemployed is every one's problem? Now are you beginning to understand that those of us urging you to add to your food storage are just trying to help you prepare ? And if you haven't started a storage program, I strongly urge you to start one.
Folks, understand this. I am not telling you that hard times are coming, I'm telling you they are here. Please don't just ignore what's happening now, and start getting prepared for what's coming, OK?
Now, let's go get some fresh coffee and sit on the patio for a bit.
Monday, November 24, 2008
Just A Few Days To Go...
Thanksgiving is almost here...
The American holiday of feasting and family gatherings actually jump-starts the official holiday season. Along with the family gatherings come the responsiblities of crowd control! You know what I mean, don't you?
You are going to have some relatives around that you may not have seen for a long, long time. After about two or three hours, you'll remember why you haven't made the effort to get together more often over the last year. Take your cousin Charlie...you know, the one that makes it hard for anyone to tell whether he is sitting or laying down where ever he is? Takes up at least three spaces on the couch if he lands there, ya know?
And what about your uncle, who's name you can't even remember? The one that smells like he hasn't seen the inside of a shower since last year, and like he has seen the bottom of way too many beer glasses today? The one that has to turn sideways to get in the door, you know?
And let's not forget the darling little ankle bitters. The little neices and nephews that come in the back door at a dead run, screaming like a banshee in a pitch that doesn't seem humanly possible. The kids that start eating anything and everything they can get their grubby little paws on from the time they show up till the time they leave. The ones that only know two speeds, full out and passed out still.
Anyway, part of the reason some of these folks show up is because of the quality and quantity of the food that Mom always seem to magically make appear on the buffet and the formal dining table, complete with real cloth napkins, prized silver service, and special china settings that have been in the family for a long time. That's a part of the magic of mothers that only gets stronger as they become grandmothers.
To help with providing some of this special menu, I am putting an unusual recipe on here today. It's for a special bread, a peanut butter bread! It's the kind of recipe that some will like and some will not. However, I think that most will! Just be sure to keep it out of the reach of the curtain climbers...the ones that can eat and scream at the same time, OK? OK.
The American holiday of feasting and family gatherings actually jump-starts the official holiday season. Along with the family gatherings come the responsiblities of crowd control! You know what I mean, don't you?
You are going to have some relatives around that you may not have seen for a long, long time. After about two or three hours, you'll remember why you haven't made the effort to get together more often over the last year. Take your cousin Charlie...you know, the one that makes it hard for anyone to tell whether he is sitting or laying down where ever he is? Takes up at least three spaces on the couch if he lands there, ya know?
And what about your uncle, who's name you can't even remember? The one that smells like he hasn't seen the inside of a shower since last year, and like he has seen the bottom of way too many beer glasses today? The one that has to turn sideways to get in the door, you know?
And let's not forget the darling little ankle bitters. The little neices and nephews that come in the back door at a dead run, screaming like a banshee in a pitch that doesn't seem humanly possible. The kids that start eating anything and everything they can get their grubby little paws on from the time they show up till the time they leave. The ones that only know two speeds, full out and passed out still.
Anyway, part of the reason some of these folks show up is because of the quality and quantity of the food that Mom always seem to magically make appear on the buffet and the formal dining table, complete with real cloth napkins, prized silver service, and special china settings that have been in the family for a long time. That's a part of the magic of mothers that only gets stronger as they become grandmothers.
To help with providing some of this special menu, I am putting an unusual recipe on here today. It's for a special bread, a peanut butter bread! It's the kind of recipe that some will like and some will not. However, I think that most will! Just be sure to keep it out of the reach of the curtain climbers...the ones that can eat and scream at the same time, OK? OK.
Peanut Butter Bread
Put into bowl, in order given. (Do not mix until all ingredients are added.)
2 c. sifted flour
3 t. baking powder
1 1/2 t. salt
1/2 t. cinnamon
3/4 c. peanut butter
2/3 c.sugar
1 c. milk
1 egg
4 Tbs. melted shortening
Now mix all well. Pour in greased loaf pan and bake in 350* oven for 1 hour.
The aroma of this bread baking will absolutely drive your taste buds into a drooling frenzy! To help control this unfortunate condition, may I suggest that we get a fresh cup of coffee, retire to the patio where we are sure to have some measure of freedom from our smelly uncle, our sprawling cousin...and most of all, from the screaming,eating house apes running around like tomcats with a closepin on their tail!
I'll see ya outside, OK?
Sunday, November 23, 2008
Sometimes The Little Things Do Count...
Sometimes in life you have to slow down a bit, ya know?
Sometimes, just sometimes... the little things turn out to be important after all! It doesn't hurt to step back, take a deep breath, and take a good look at the little things around you.
It might be a unusual cloud formation just drifting by on a gentle breeze, it might be a new rose bud popping out on the old raggedy rose bush because of the recent shower and morning sun, it might be the way the light throws a rainbow of colors out of a dewdrop on the big leave of an ivy plant, or something as simple as a mother duck walking her new ducklings to a lake or pond across a busy intersection.
Luckily, this time someone took the time out to look at the little things, and gave the duck family a helping hand. Just goes to show that by taking the time to look around and appreciate the little things, we may find ourselves in the position to help another. That, in the long run, is what we are here for, isn't it? To help if we can, to offer whatever assistance we are able, to slow our pace from one of out doing others to a pace where we can see the needs of those around us? At least, I hope that is the way we look at it.
I guess that I've finally come to the point in my life where taking the time to enjoy the little things once in a while can make all the difference in the world. I am looking around and enjoying the little things more and more. Somethings the little things become very important in life, like having a fresh cup of coffee with my friends!
See what I mean?
Saturday, November 22, 2008
Many, Many Thanks...!
Just a short post today to say "Thank You" to everyone who took time out from their busy schedule and daily activities to wish me well yesterday! All the very nice messages were greatly appreciated.
You know, it is always a pleasure to be on the recieving end of good wishes and pleasant messages. It makes a person feel very fortunate indeed. I'm lucky to have a scattering of friends, new and old, from all over the globe. To each and every one of them, I offer my sincere and heartfelt gratitude for a very memorable day.
Instead of the usual Saturday cartoons, I offer up the calming and soothing sounds of this music video by Josh Groban. I hope you enjoy it.
You know, it is always a pleasure to be on the recieving end of good wishes and pleasant messages. It makes a person feel very fortunate indeed. I'm lucky to have a scattering of friends, new and old, from all over the globe. To each and every one of them, I offer my sincere and heartfelt gratitude for a very memorable day.
Instead of the usual Saturday cartoons, I offer up the calming and soothing sounds of this music video by Josh Groban. I hope you enjoy it.
Friday, November 21, 2008
Well, It's That Time Of The Year...
Yep, it's here!
I'm not sure about where the last year got to, but once again it's time to celebrate my birthday. Now by celebrate, I mean that I figure if I wake up on the right side of the grass each day...I'm doing good! One thing for certain, it beats the alternative.
When I was still working in the "brick and mortar world" of retail, I called my birthdays my "3 Up Days". That was what I considered success, to WAKE UP, GET UP, and SHOW UP! Now days I only need to accomplish the first two to feel like I am having a good day. Doesn't take much these days to float my boat!
A really special friend sent me a care package, which was a very special surprise to me! It contained a couple of very appropriate "Hermit" gifts, including chocolate and a wonderfully fragrant soy candle. The most perfect part of this surprise package was a brand new coffee cup, which quickly became my new "favorite", replacing the old one which was retired with honors.
You want to know what makes this type of gift so memorable? It's the very idea that someone took the time out from all they had going on in their life to remember you and to let you know they are thinking of you. No matter if it is just a pleasant phone call, a nice looking card with a heartfelt sentiment, or a well-timed "care package" worth a 1000 memories...the part of these things that means the most is the time spent by the individual to remember you that is the most heartwarming.
Sometimes we forget that the act of sharing of our personal time and thoughts is the best gift of all. To share a smile, a hug, a call, or a visit allows us to bring the sometimes mundane and slightly less than full existence of a fellow traveler on life's road to a brighter level if even for a short time. By giving of ourselves, we in turn find ourselves becoming more.
Now, if you want to join me...I'm going to light my new fragrant candle, fill my brand new coffee mug and retire to the patio. There I can ponder the age old question we all ask ourselves on our birthday..." How did I make it this far and what the Hell happened to the last year?"
I'm not sure about where the last year got to, but once again it's time to celebrate my birthday. Now by celebrate, I mean that I figure if I wake up on the right side of the grass each day...I'm doing good! One thing for certain, it beats the alternative.
When I was still working in the "brick and mortar world" of retail, I called my birthdays my "3 Up Days". That was what I considered success, to WAKE UP, GET UP, and SHOW UP! Now days I only need to accomplish the first two to feel like I am having a good day. Doesn't take much these days to float my boat!
A really special friend sent me a care package, which was a very special surprise to me! It contained a couple of very appropriate "Hermit" gifts, including chocolate and a wonderfully fragrant soy candle. The most perfect part of this surprise package was a brand new coffee cup, which quickly became my new "favorite", replacing the old one which was retired with honors.
You want to know what makes this type of gift so memorable? It's the very idea that someone took the time out from all they had going on in their life to remember you and to let you know they are thinking of you. No matter if it is just a pleasant phone call, a nice looking card with a heartfelt sentiment, or a well-timed "care package" worth a 1000 memories...the part of these things that means the most is the time spent by the individual to remember you that is the most heartwarming.
Sometimes we forget that the act of sharing of our personal time and thoughts is the best gift of all. To share a smile, a hug, a call, or a visit allows us to bring the sometimes mundane and slightly less than full existence of a fellow traveler on life's road to a brighter level if even for a short time. By giving of ourselves, we in turn find ourselves becoming more.
Now, if you want to join me...I'm going to light my new fragrant candle, fill my brand new coffee mug and retire to the patio. There I can ponder the age old question we all ask ourselves on our birthday..." How did I make it this far and what the Hell happened to the last year?"
Thursday, November 20, 2008
Some Messages Are Worth Repeating...
A good friend reminded me of this song yesterday. I like this song a lot, and my friend knows that. The main reason I like it so well, is because of the message it contains. It means something a little different to each and every one of us, and for me the message is hope.
I believe very strongly that times are bad and are bound to get a lot worse before they get better. Because of this, there is more reason than ever for us to have a little hope. Hope is what keeps us going, what allows us to rise up in the face of adversity and continue the journey, to face the future no matter how uncertain and fearful it may be.
Hope is what allows us to smile when we would rather shed a tear and give up. Hope becomes a blanket to gently warm us and offer a sense of security, no matter how fragile, against the ill winds of sad change. Hope becomes the lighted candle in the window of the warm home, waiting for the traveler lost and cold on the path to the hearth that calls to him in his mind and heart.
Hope! Sometimes it's all we have left. More importantly, sometimes it's all we need, my friend!
Now let's have some fresh coffee...
I believe very strongly that times are bad and are bound to get a lot worse before they get better. Because of this, there is more reason than ever for us to have a little hope. Hope is what keeps us going, what allows us to rise up in the face of adversity and continue the journey, to face the future no matter how uncertain and fearful it may be.
Hope is what allows us to smile when we would rather shed a tear and give up. Hope becomes a blanket to gently warm us and offer a sense of security, no matter how fragile, against the ill winds of sad change. Hope becomes the lighted candle in the window of the warm home, waiting for the traveler lost and cold on the path to the hearth that calls to him in his mind and heart.
Hope! Sometimes it's all we have left. More importantly, sometimes it's all we need, my friend!
Now let's have some fresh coffee...
Wednesday, November 19, 2008
Are You Ready For This...?
Ah, the holidays!
Thanksgiving is just around the corner. I know this because it is the week after my birthday. Starting with my birthday on November 21, what follows are the holidays filled with eating...lots and lots of eating! In keeping with the spirit of the season, I found this little bit of wisdom in the Farmer's Almanac and couldn't resist bringing it to you.
By the way, the comments in red are mine and not from the Almanac, just so you know. OK?
Looking forward to some big feasts this season? Here are a few ways to avoid heartburn:
Eat slowly and chew thoughtfully.
(I always chew slowly and think about what I'm eating, don't you?)
Wear loose clothing. Loosen your belt to prevent pressure on your stomach.
(In my family, loosening your belt is almost automatic and usually after a big meal, no matter how loose my clothing started out, it ends up tight!)
Avoid overeating. Fill your plate only once, with a reasonable amount of food.
(I'm sure this is very good advice, but it sure is hard to fill your plate only once when faced with all the wonderful goodies that show up on the table or buffet!)
Avoid alcohol, caffeine, carbonated drinks, chocolate, fatty or fried foods, mint, tomatoes, and spicy foods.
(If I followed this list of things to avoid, then it pretty much kills the whole thanksgiving meal!)
Avoid bending over just after the meal.
( This one is a no brainer for me and most of the people I know...after a big meal I could NOT bend over and tie my shoe if my life depended on it!)
Take a walk or undertake some other light exercise an hour or two after eating.
(Take a walk? That's easy to follow...I walk from the table to the couch, from the couch to the patio, from the patio to the forbidden coffee pot and back. Is that enough walking?)
Wait at least 3 hours before lying down. Before you fall asleep, elevate your head with an extra pillow.
(This would be a slight problem, except for the fact that after a rather large meal, I can take a nap standing up! So not a problem.)
In all honesty, this is really good information for all to follow. In fact, my Mother's doctor gave her nearly the same guidelines to follow for her acid reflux. Considering that this article was originally published in 1892, that's pretty good!
Now while we are still allowed access, let's go have a fresh cup of coffee.
Thanksgiving is just around the corner. I know this because it is the week after my birthday. Starting with my birthday on November 21, what follows are the holidays filled with eating...lots and lots of eating! In keeping with the spirit of the season, I found this little bit of wisdom in the Farmer's Almanac and couldn't resist bringing it to you.
By the way, the comments in red are mine and not from the Almanac, just so you know. OK?
Looking forward to some big feasts this season? Here are a few ways to avoid heartburn:
Eat slowly and chew thoughtfully.
(I always chew slowly and think about what I'm eating, don't you?)
Wear loose clothing. Loosen your belt to prevent pressure on your stomach.
(In my family, loosening your belt is almost automatic and usually after a big meal, no matter how loose my clothing started out, it ends up tight!)
Avoid overeating. Fill your plate only once, with a reasonable amount of food.
(I'm sure this is very good advice, but it sure is hard to fill your plate only once when faced with all the wonderful goodies that show up on the table or buffet!)
Avoid alcohol, caffeine, carbonated drinks, chocolate, fatty or fried foods, mint, tomatoes, and spicy foods.
(If I followed this list of things to avoid, then it pretty much kills the whole thanksgiving meal!)
Avoid bending over just after the meal.
( This one is a no brainer for me and most of the people I know...after a big meal I could NOT bend over and tie my shoe if my life depended on it!)
Take a walk or undertake some other light exercise an hour or two after eating.
(Take a walk? That's easy to follow...I walk from the table to the couch, from the couch to the patio, from the patio to the forbidden coffee pot and back. Is that enough walking?)
Wait at least 3 hours before lying down. Before you fall asleep, elevate your head with an extra pillow.
(This would be a slight problem, except for the fact that after a rather large meal, I can take a nap standing up! So not a problem.)
In all honesty, this is really good information for all to follow. In fact, my Mother's doctor gave her nearly the same guidelines to follow for her acid reflux. Considering that this article was originally published in 1892, that's pretty good!
Now while we are still allowed access, let's go have a fresh cup of coffee.
Tuesday, November 18, 2008
Taking The Day Off...
Sorry, Folks!!...
I'm taking the day off to catch up on a few things around the old Home place. I'll try and get back later today, but it will probably be tomorrow.
Sorry about that, but sometimes you just have to bit the bullet and do actual work and stuff, whether or not you want to.
In the mean time, help yourself to the coffee and I'll see ya later, OK?
I'm taking the day off to catch up on a few things around the old Home place. I'll try and get back later today, but it will probably be tomorrow.
Sorry about that, but sometimes you just have to bit the bullet and do actual work and stuff, whether or not you want to.
In the mean time, help yourself to the coffee and I'll see ya later, OK?
Monday, November 17, 2008
A Very Special Day...!
November 17th, 2007...
No, that's NOT the date today but the date of the very first post on this blog by yours truly! That's right, folks! November 17th last year this humble attempt at sharing a bit of my life was born. Good or bad, today is my blog's birthday...
I really should say "our blog" because I think of this blog as belonging as much to you, the readers, as to me. The readership of any writing endeavor is the gauge of how successful the writer is or is not. The first few post that I did had no readership at all. I never noticed because I was having so much fun. Now I have a few readers, and I'm still having fun! How great is that?
Sometimes, in the beginning, I thought about the fact that maybe I wasn't being entertaining enough. I thought many times about changing direction, about maybe being more commercial or flippant, maybe even more political or commentary minded. But that's not me, that's not who or what I am. So...for better or worse, the writing has followed the same format all this time.
Format? Did you say format...? Yes! The format that I use is to say exactly what I'm feeling on that particular day, as close to the way that I would say it if we were talking face to face. Sometimes it works, sometimes it doesn't! But that, my friends, is the way of life. Even a real conversation sometimes works and sometimes doesn't. I know you have all had conversations where what you said didn't come out the way you meant it to. We all have...!
So here it is. A year later and hopefully just a tad better than when we started. The only thing I know for sure is that I intend to keep writing, and hopefully you will continue to come by for a read and a cup of coffee.
It has been fun most of the time, a pain in the ass at other times, and a challenge all of the time to come up with something worth you spending your time here. I do hope that I have succeeded to some degree, and will continue to strive toward that end. Please...feel free to drop by again, OK?
Now, in keeping with tradition, how about a fresh cup of coffee with a friend...?
No, that's NOT the date today but the date of the very first post on this blog by yours truly! That's right, folks! November 17th last year this humble attempt at sharing a bit of my life was born. Good or bad, today is my blog's birthday...
I really should say "our blog" because I think of this blog as belonging as much to you, the readers, as to me. The readership of any writing endeavor is the gauge of how successful the writer is or is not. The first few post that I did had no readership at all. I never noticed because I was having so much fun. Now I have a few readers, and I'm still having fun! How great is that?
Sometimes, in the beginning, I thought about the fact that maybe I wasn't being entertaining enough. I thought many times about changing direction, about maybe being more commercial or flippant, maybe even more political or commentary minded. But that's not me, that's not who or what I am. So...for better or worse, the writing has followed the same format all this time.
Format? Did you say format...? Yes! The format that I use is to say exactly what I'm feeling on that particular day, as close to the way that I would say it if we were talking face to face. Sometimes it works, sometimes it doesn't! But that, my friends, is the way of life. Even a real conversation sometimes works and sometimes doesn't. I know you have all had conversations where what you said didn't come out the way you meant it to. We all have...!
So here it is. A year later and hopefully just a tad better than when we started. The only thing I know for sure is that I intend to keep writing, and hopefully you will continue to come by for a read and a cup of coffee.
It has been fun most of the time, a pain in the ass at other times, and a challenge all of the time to come up with something worth you spending your time here. I do hope that I have succeeded to some degree, and will continue to strive toward that end. Please...feel free to drop by again, OK?
Now, in keeping with tradition, how about a fresh cup of coffee with a friend...?
Sunday, November 16, 2008
Sunday Morning Cartoons Are Here...
Hey everyone...
I know it's been a while since we had some good old fashioned cartoons to take our mind of the silliness going on in Washington and places like that...so I thought today would be a good time to start the cartoon matinee again.
After all, we all need a break now and again with everything that's going on in the world. This is just my way of offering you a chance to get another cup of coffee, grab a donut and enjoy doing nothing but a good giggle this morning, OK?
I know it's been a while since we had some good old fashioned cartoons to take our mind of the silliness going on in Washington and places like that...so I thought today would be a good time to start the cartoon matinee again.
After all, we all need a break now and again with everything that's going on in the world. This is just my way of offering you a chance to get another cup of coffee, grab a donut and enjoy doing nothing but a good giggle this morning, OK?
Saturday, November 15, 2008
Good News And Better News...
I'm a fairly simple man, I really am! But even though I'm simple in my needs, some extras would be nice!
I was thinking about the things I don't want to do without when I move. I don't mean I couldn't do without them, I just don't want to, You know? I do like my comfort foods if I can get 'em!
At the top of the list, of course, is my coffee. I found that I function much better if I have my coffee every day. I don't even want to be around myself when I don't have my coffee in the morning. And I like my coffee with a little sugar or honey in it. Oh, I could drink it black but I like it sweet.
Next on the list...my peanut butter! That's a big must have for me, especially if I can't get any chocolate. Besides, peanut butter has a lot of nutritional value. At least, that's what I keep telling myself. And peanut butter has a long shelf life without having to be refrigerated, so that makes it perfect for my needs.
Now peanut butter goes real good with honey and since I'm gonna need some honey for my coffee to make it sweet, then honey has to be next on the wanted list. I like honey, and once again it's an item that doesn't spoil or need to be kept cold, so into the pantry it goes. One thing about honey is that it has many medicinal qualities besides just being a good comfort food item. The important thing to remember about honey is that it needs to be 100% natural raw honey, and not pasteurized.
No list would be complete without butter! What kind of Hermit would I be without some butter to go with my honey and peanut butter, washed down with some fresh coffee? Now when it comes to butter, I have two choices. I could buy the Red Feather brand canned butter which has a really long shelf life and taste pretty good, or I can follow the advise I found on
The End Times Report website, run by a gentleman named Miles Stair. His wife has a recipe for canning butter on there that makes a lot of sense to me. It's a really good website with a wealth of information...worth checking out. She also has a recipe for canning soft cheese on there which is a real good idea. Another great comfort food indeed!
OK...so I've got my honey, butter, peanut butter, cheese and coffee. But what about some bread? The Staff of Life! The very foundation of any decent peanut butter sandwich is bread. Obviously bread won't last long without loading it with a lot of preservatives and such, so the only common sense thing is to make my own bread as I need it. That means flour or wheat berries that I can grind to make flour. So wheat goes on the list, along with a grinder. So far that's a good start.
If I think beyond the comfort foods, then I can add some canned Spam. I love Spam! Coming from the South, spam has been a staple in my family for a long, long time. Now throw in some canned veggies, some dried beans, some dried rice, extra tobacco and I'm good to go!
Later I can get some chickens, plant a little garden and expand the stores I have managed to put together on a shoestring budget. Life can be simple if you learn to settle for a little less. I can do just that!
Now, let's get some fresh coffee, sit at the patio table and talk about having some peanut butter and honey on fresh baked bread.
I was thinking about the things I don't want to do without when I move. I don't mean I couldn't do without them, I just don't want to, You know? I do like my comfort foods if I can get 'em!
At the top of the list, of course, is my coffee. I found that I function much better if I have my coffee every day. I don't even want to be around myself when I don't have my coffee in the morning. And I like my coffee with a little sugar or honey in it. Oh, I could drink it black but I like it sweet.
Next on the list...my peanut butter! That's a big must have for me, especially if I can't get any chocolate. Besides, peanut butter has a lot of nutritional value. At least, that's what I keep telling myself. And peanut butter has a long shelf life without having to be refrigerated, so that makes it perfect for my needs.
Now peanut butter goes real good with honey and since I'm gonna need some honey for my coffee to make it sweet, then honey has to be next on the wanted list. I like honey, and once again it's an item that doesn't spoil or need to be kept cold, so into the pantry it goes. One thing about honey is that it has many medicinal qualities besides just being a good comfort food item. The important thing to remember about honey is that it needs to be 100% natural raw honey, and not pasteurized.
No list would be complete without butter! What kind of Hermit would I be without some butter to go with my honey and peanut butter, washed down with some fresh coffee? Now when it comes to butter, I have two choices. I could buy the Red Feather brand canned butter which has a really long shelf life and taste pretty good, or I can follow the advise I found on
The End Times Report website, run by a gentleman named Miles Stair. His wife has a recipe for canning butter on there that makes a lot of sense to me. It's a really good website with a wealth of information...worth checking out. She also has a recipe for canning soft cheese on there which is a real good idea. Another great comfort food indeed!
OK...so I've got my honey, butter, peanut butter, cheese and coffee. But what about some bread? The Staff of Life! The very foundation of any decent peanut butter sandwich is bread. Obviously bread won't last long without loading it with a lot of preservatives and such, so the only common sense thing is to make my own bread as I need it. That means flour or wheat berries that I can grind to make flour. So wheat goes on the list, along with a grinder. So far that's a good start.
If I think beyond the comfort foods, then I can add some canned Spam. I love Spam! Coming from the South, spam has been a staple in my family for a long, long time. Now throw in some canned veggies, some dried beans, some dried rice, extra tobacco and I'm good to go!
Later I can get some chickens, plant a little garden and expand the stores I have managed to put together on a shoestring budget. Life can be simple if you learn to settle for a little less. I can do just that!
Now, let's get some fresh coffee, sit at the patio table and talk about having some peanut butter and honey on fresh baked bread.
Friday, November 14, 2008
The Less Crowded Group...
There are basically two types of people. People who accomplish things, and people who claim to have accomplished things. The first group is less crowded.
Mark Twain
Which group would you say that you belong to? Are you one of these folks that continuously talk about doing something, yet never take action? Do you constantly wish out loud that you had joined some group, or made some move, or taken some risk, or made some statement, or stated your opinion , or at the very least tried to educate someone in what you believe to be very very important?
Or on the other hand, are you one of those quiet individuals that decide on a course of action and
just take it? Are you one of the few that look at a situation or opportunity that's a little unpopular, and decide that the possibilities of being the right thing to do is worth the risk? Are you someone that would rather try something new and fail than spend the rest of your life wishing you had taken the first step?
How about telling your friends about a wonderful opportunity? Would you hold back just in case the opportunity flops, or would you share it just on the off chance that it's a raging success? Who knows...? You do, that's who!
Your choice, folks. Time to take action, time to decide where you are going or if you are going anywhere at all, time to decide if you are going to share your thoughts about the world and it's present state or just plod along letting all the action and all the talking and all the sharing and the experiencing be done by someone else!
I say if you have a message, preach it. If you have an opinion, share it. If you have a vision, go for it. If you have an objection, shout it. If you have a belief, stand by it. If you really love your friends, look out for them. If you really want to hear the truth, then listen. If you want to find something better, seek it. If you finally find the knowledge you have been seeking, please use it!
Anyway, that's my just my opinion. Now...let's have a fresh cup of coffee, OK?
Mark Twain
Which group would you say that you belong to? Are you one of these folks that continuously talk about doing something, yet never take action? Do you constantly wish out loud that you had joined some group, or made some move, or taken some risk, or made some statement, or stated your opinion , or at the very least tried to educate someone in what you believe to be very very important?
Or on the other hand, are you one of those quiet individuals that decide on a course of action and
just take it? Are you one of the few that look at a situation or opportunity that's a little unpopular, and decide that the possibilities of being the right thing to do is worth the risk? Are you someone that would rather try something new and fail than spend the rest of your life wishing you had taken the first step?
How about telling your friends about a wonderful opportunity? Would you hold back just in case the opportunity flops, or would you share it just on the off chance that it's a raging success? Who knows...? You do, that's who!
Your choice, folks. Time to take action, time to decide where you are going or if you are going anywhere at all, time to decide if you are going to share your thoughts about the world and it's present state or just plod along letting all the action and all the talking and all the sharing and the experiencing be done by someone else!
I say if you have a message, preach it. If you have an opinion, share it. If you have a vision, go for it. If you have an objection, shout it. If you have a belief, stand by it. If you really love your friends, look out for them. If you really want to hear the truth, then listen. If you want to find something better, seek it. If you finally find the knowledge you have been seeking, please use it!
Anyway, that's my just my opinion. Now...let's have a fresh cup of coffee, OK?
Thursday, November 13, 2008
Are You A Cowboy...?
I know, you think that's a silly question.
To begin with, let's look at what the term "cowboy" really means. To most folks the term "Cowboy" means someone riding a horse, wearing a gun and 10 gallon hat, herding cattle and breaking horses. But that's only the movie version of what a cowboy is, the truth is a lot different!
Cowboying is more than a lifestyle or job, it's a state of mind. It's a code people live by, both in the past and here in the present. It doesn't have to be taught in school or out of books because it's handed down at the knee of a father and mother, more often than not teaching by example and in the way they live on a daily basis. That's the way it is supposed to be, always!
In the past folks that lived this type of life were called cowboys, trail riders, ranch hands, sod busters, and cowpunchers. In today's lingo they might be called preppers, survivalist, preparedness nuts, militia supporters and extremist . The point being that it doesn't matter what name folks go by, but what really matters is the code of ethics they believe in and follow. It is a code of ethics most country folks live by. It's one more people should follow and learn from. We would be in a lot less trouble today if the government and the bankers and the rule makers and all the rest of the so-called leaders would strive to copy it!
Just do me a favor...OK? Watch this video because it can explain exactly what I mean! It won't take but a minute, but it just might change the way you think a little bit...
COWBOY CODE OF ETHICS...
Now...how about a fresh cup of coffee, my friend?
To begin with, let's look at what the term "cowboy" really means. To most folks the term "Cowboy" means someone riding a horse, wearing a gun and 10 gallon hat, herding cattle and breaking horses. But that's only the movie version of what a cowboy is, the truth is a lot different!
Cowboying is more than a lifestyle or job, it's a state of mind. It's a code people live by, both in the past and here in the present. It doesn't have to be taught in school or out of books because it's handed down at the knee of a father and mother, more often than not teaching by example and in the way they live on a daily basis. That's the way it is supposed to be, always!
In the past folks that lived this type of life were called cowboys, trail riders, ranch hands, sod busters, and cowpunchers. In today's lingo they might be called preppers, survivalist, preparedness nuts, militia supporters and extremist . The point being that it doesn't matter what name folks go by, but what really matters is the code of ethics they believe in and follow. It is a code of ethics most country folks live by. It's one more people should follow and learn from. We would be in a lot less trouble today if the government and the bankers and the rule makers and all the rest of the so-called leaders would strive to copy it!
Just do me a favor...OK? Watch this video because it can explain exactly what I mean! It won't take but a minute, but it just might change the way you think a little bit...
COWBOY CODE OF ETHICS...
Now...how about a fresh cup of coffee, my friend?
Wednesday, November 12, 2008
Preview Of Things To Come...
Are you ready...?
I am just going to remind you of where I'm going as soon as I can. Those that want can join me. I doubt if any will, and that's alright. We all have to follow our own paths and travel our own road. I would urge you to not wait too long to get started, though.
This may not be the type of get-away you're looking for, but it's cheap and most folks don't want to live there. I say Great! I don't really want neighbors anyway, unless they are like minded folks.
I don't mind the clean air, the open spaces, the lack of asphalt, the absents of crowds, the long distance to the store, the missing streetlamps, the company of animals instead of people, the brightness of the moon and stars at night, the fact that I can sleep with my windows open and my door unlocked, the fact that my dog (when I get one) can roam free with nothing to bark at except an occasional rabbit, the knowledge that no one is going to show up at my front door unexpected, the fact that I can see anyone approaching for at least 3 miles, and most of all the fact that the land is paid for and I owe no one anything!
This is NOT what the Yuppie types call a livestyle...but it's what country folks call common sense living! And if this ain't country, it'll do till country gets here. But that's just my opinion, for what it's worth!
Now...how about some fresh coffee, my friend?
I am just going to remind you of where I'm going as soon as I can. Those that want can join me. I doubt if any will, and that's alright. We all have to follow our own paths and travel our own road. I would urge you to not wait too long to get started, though.
This may not be the type of get-away you're looking for, but it's cheap and most folks don't want to live there. I say Great! I don't really want neighbors anyway, unless they are like minded folks.
I don't mind the clean air, the open spaces, the lack of asphalt, the absents of crowds, the long distance to the store, the missing streetlamps, the company of animals instead of people, the brightness of the moon and stars at night, the fact that I can sleep with my windows open and my door unlocked, the fact that my dog (when I get one) can roam free with nothing to bark at except an occasional rabbit, the knowledge that no one is going to show up at my front door unexpected, the fact that I can see anyone approaching for at least 3 miles, and most of all the fact that the land is paid for and I owe no one anything!
This is NOT what the Yuppie types call a livestyle...but it's what country folks call common sense living! And if this ain't country, it'll do till country gets here. But that's just my opinion, for what it's worth!
Now...how about some fresh coffee, my friend?
Tuesday, November 11, 2008
Do Me A Favor...!
I want to ask you a question.
Are you prepared for a storm? An extended power outage? A long term loss of transportation? The one thing you learn from living on the Texas coast is to always have a little something in the pantry during the storm season.
Now the favor I want you to do for me is simple. Go to your pantry and take a good look at the canned goods you have on hand. I mean, take a good inventory of everything you have. Do you think that with just the non-perishable goods in your pantry, you could feed your family for at least a week? Two weeks? A month or longer? If you can, good for you. If you can't, why not?
You know, there are some religions that require their members to keep a years supply of food on hand. Even if you don't think that you have a reason to prepare for disaster, you can prepare for extra long term visitors that drop in unannounced and leave when their schedule says they should, or that sudden rain storm that lingers on and on until it turns into a flood that shuts down all paths to the food store and gas station, or that hurricane that comes ashore down the coast and sends all the fleeing victims into your city to help delete the few supplies at the store due to the trucking strike, but you get the picture.
You know, getting the pantry in shape isn't that hard or expensive. When you go to the store, instead of getting one can of whatever you are stocking up on get two or three. Instead of one pound of coffee, buy two. Do this with sugar, flour, salt and pepper,everything you would normally get and what your family likes. Before long, you have quite a good store on hand. Now if you want, take a magic marker and write the date on top of the cans. That way you can always use the oldest cans first.
See, the good thing about stocking up like this is that the food will get used long before it goes bad, you'll have extra supplies just in case, you won't think that you are buying into some great survival B.S., and you will have the comfort of knowing that your family is covered partly in case of some unfortunate happenings.
One thing though...don't forget the comfort foods. Things like some honey, maybe some candy, crackers and cookies, even some hot chocolate. When the lights go out, nothing can comfort young ones like some hot chocolate by oil lamp.
Doesn't sound like stockpiling, does it? Let's just call it some small measure of common sense prepping, OK? OK! Now let's get some fresh coffee...
Are you prepared for a storm? An extended power outage? A long term loss of transportation? The one thing you learn from living on the Texas coast is to always have a little something in the pantry during the storm season.
Now the favor I want you to do for me is simple. Go to your pantry and take a good look at the canned goods you have on hand. I mean, take a good inventory of everything you have. Do you think that with just the non-perishable goods in your pantry, you could feed your family for at least a week? Two weeks? A month or longer? If you can, good for you. If you can't, why not?
You know, there are some religions that require their members to keep a years supply of food on hand. Even if you don't think that you have a reason to prepare for disaster, you can prepare for extra long term visitors that drop in unannounced and leave when their schedule says they should, or that sudden rain storm that lingers on and on until it turns into a flood that shuts down all paths to the food store and gas station, or that hurricane that comes ashore down the coast and sends all the fleeing victims into your city to help delete the few supplies at the store due to the trucking strike, but you get the picture.
You know, getting the pantry in shape isn't that hard or expensive. When you go to the store, instead of getting one can of whatever you are stocking up on get two or three. Instead of one pound of coffee, buy two. Do this with sugar, flour, salt and pepper,everything you would normally get and what your family likes. Before long, you have quite a good store on hand. Now if you want, take a magic marker and write the date on top of the cans. That way you can always use the oldest cans first.
See, the good thing about stocking up like this is that the food will get used long before it goes bad, you'll have extra supplies just in case, you won't think that you are buying into some great survival B.S., and you will have the comfort of knowing that your family is covered partly in case of some unfortunate happenings.
One thing though...don't forget the comfort foods. Things like some honey, maybe some candy, crackers and cookies, even some hot chocolate. When the lights go out, nothing can comfort young ones like some hot chocolate by oil lamp.
Doesn't sound like stockpiling, does it? Let's just call it some small measure of common sense prepping, OK? OK! Now let's get some fresh coffee...
Monday, November 10, 2008
Time For Some Serious Talk...
I, for one, believe we are in for an upcoming nightmare the likes we haven't seen for many, many years.
Not a military strike from abroad brought on by the dictates of whatever madman is in charge this week, not one caused by the striking of some mega comet or meteor hurling through space that suddenly decides to make Earth a target, not even one caused by Mother Nature after deciding that she has had enough of the wanton rape and destruction mankind has managed to put together over the course of several decades!
Now don't get me wrong...in my opinion, these nightmares are coming, but are not the most immediate threats we face. The most immediate problems that we are going to have to work on and survive are the ones we brought upon ourselves by unbridled greed and corruption in high places, and the willingness of most onlookers to turn a blind eye while at the same time holding out our hands for a small slice of the pie. It's time for a change of attitude, like it or not!
To put it bluntly, times are bad. Even more importantly, they are going to get a lot worse before they get better for a lot of people. If you don't agree, just look at the national news and some of the dire predictions made by folks that study these things. let me give you some examples here...
The nation's unemployment rate surged to a 14-year high of 6.5 percent in October. Friday October 7Th, the Labor Department said the unemployment rate jumped sharply from 6.1 percent in September to a rate that exceeds the 6.3 percent peak of June 2003 after the downturn that followed the 9/11 attacks and the dot-com bust. 10 straight months of payroll job cuts have left more than 10 million Americans unemployed.
And on Friday, two more banks were closed. The 46-branch Franklin Bank was closed in Texas, and the 4-branch Security Pacific Bank was closed in California.
If that isn't enough proof of what's going on, look at the rise in cost at your local food store. Look at the number of large companies closing so many stores just before Christmas, like Best Buy that is set to close 220 stores before the holidays. Folks, this is the second largest electronics retailer in the United States!
I know that a lot of people think that the recent drop in gas prices (.48 a gallon nation wide in the last two weeks) is a positive sign. If you go back and look at the price of gasoline over the years, you wonder why the price always seems to become more reasonable just before a major election. For the same reason that local and county roads and improvement projects always seem to coincide with local and county elections.
There are some spots where business is booming. Gun and ammunition sales are reaching record highs, interest in rural land for sale has reached astounding proportions, survival and disaster supply companies are running low on some stocked items, with many items being completely sold out. Do you think that this is all the doings of a bunch of crazy, doom-spouting, militia joining, anti-social types? Or maybe it's just that many more people are starting to get the message that living in a big city that is totally dependent on the safety of the transportation infrastructure and the timely reactions of an often unseeing and uninterested government in times of disaster and need is NOT the best place to be!
You know what my plans are. I'm moving to my own little patch of nothing in the desert. There is nothing there...no water, no electricity, no stores, no neighbors and the only improvements will be the ones I add myself. Not for everyone, but just what I'm looking for, ya know?
Now, let's have another cup of coffee...and I'll draw you a map of how to get there, just in case!
Not a military strike from abroad brought on by the dictates of whatever madman is in charge this week, not one caused by the striking of some mega comet or meteor hurling through space that suddenly decides to make Earth a target, not even one caused by Mother Nature after deciding that she has had enough of the wanton rape and destruction mankind has managed to put together over the course of several decades!
Now don't get me wrong...in my opinion, these nightmares are coming, but are not the most immediate threats we face. The most immediate problems that we are going to have to work on and survive are the ones we brought upon ourselves by unbridled greed and corruption in high places, and the willingness of most onlookers to turn a blind eye while at the same time holding out our hands for a small slice of the pie. It's time for a change of attitude, like it or not!
To put it bluntly, times are bad. Even more importantly, they are going to get a lot worse before they get better for a lot of people. If you don't agree, just look at the national news and some of the dire predictions made by folks that study these things. let me give you some examples here...
The nation's unemployment rate surged to a 14-year high of 6.5 percent in October. Friday October 7Th, the Labor Department said the unemployment rate jumped sharply from 6.1 percent in September to a rate that exceeds the 6.3 percent peak of June 2003 after the downturn that followed the 9/11 attacks and the dot-com bust. 10 straight months of payroll job cuts have left more than 10 million Americans unemployed.
And on Friday, two more banks were closed. The 46-branch Franklin Bank was closed in Texas, and the 4-branch Security Pacific Bank was closed in California.
If that isn't enough proof of what's going on, look at the rise in cost at your local food store. Look at the number of large companies closing so many stores just before Christmas, like Best Buy that is set to close 220 stores before the holidays. Folks, this is the second largest electronics retailer in the United States!
I know that a lot of people think that the recent drop in gas prices (.48 a gallon nation wide in the last two weeks) is a positive sign. If you go back and look at the price of gasoline over the years, you wonder why the price always seems to become more reasonable just before a major election. For the same reason that local and county roads and improvement projects always seem to coincide with local and county elections.
There are some spots where business is booming. Gun and ammunition sales are reaching record highs, interest in rural land for sale has reached astounding proportions, survival and disaster supply companies are running low on some stocked items, with many items being completely sold out. Do you think that this is all the doings of a bunch of crazy, doom-spouting, militia joining, anti-social types? Or maybe it's just that many more people are starting to get the message that living in a big city that is totally dependent on the safety of the transportation infrastructure and the timely reactions of an often unseeing and uninterested government in times of disaster and need is NOT the best place to be!
You know what my plans are. I'm moving to my own little patch of nothing in the desert. There is nothing there...no water, no electricity, no stores, no neighbors and the only improvements will be the ones I add myself. Not for everyone, but just what I'm looking for, ya know?
Now, let's have another cup of coffee...and I'll draw you a map of how to get there, just in case!
Sunday, November 9, 2008
Time To Shift Gears...!
Sometimes we have to make some changes, so today I am switching gears a little. Instead of the usual cartoons and such, I hunted down a song by what I consider to be one of the most pleasant voices in the history of country music. Even if you don't like country music, you have to love a voice like Don Williams.
The reason I like this song is not only because of the way Mr. Williams sings, but because of the message contained in the song itself. Good songs, the most memorable ones, always are remembered as much for the message as the music. They stir up old memories, sometimes sad and sometimes not. They bring alive old emotions thought long dead. They can move us slowly down pathways in our minds we haven't traveled in a long time, allowing us to pause long enough this trip to stop and smell the flowers we missed the first time.
Anyway, I like it. I like Don Williams, I like Sundays, I like rainy days and I like music. So grab a cup of coffee, kick back a bit, and enjoy the music and the day, OK? OK!!
The reason I like this song is not only because of the way Mr. Williams sings, but because of the message contained in the song itself. Good songs, the most memorable ones, always are remembered as much for the message as the music. They stir up old memories, sometimes sad and sometimes not. They bring alive old emotions thought long dead. They can move us slowly down pathways in our minds we haven't traveled in a long time, allowing us to pause long enough this trip to stop and smell the flowers we missed the first time.
Anyway, I like it. I like Don Williams, I like Sundays, I like rainy days and I like music. So grab a cup of coffee, kick back a bit, and enjoy the music and the day, OK? OK!!
Saturday, November 8, 2008
The Dangers Of Distraction...
Distraction is a major cause of accidents and mis-steps in both your business and your personal life. It can be a large problem if you allow it. Believe me, I know first hand what disasters can befall you if distraction is allowed to enter into the equation. Simple everyday tasks can turn ugly with very unfortunate results if you aren't careful.
Case in point; Last night I was getting my coffee pot ready for this morning. I had put in the water, taken the coffee can down and opened it, prepared to scoop out the correct amount of grounds when I became distracted. Big mistake...!
Whatever the cause of the distraction was, it was just enough to cause me to forget to put the coffee grounds in the basket. So when I started the coffee this morning, what I had was hot water poured over day old grounds. Not a good way to start the day!
Second distraction; After doing my post last night, I scheduled it to post at 5:00 in the morning like I always do. Just that I got distracted when I put in the date, so I put in the wrong day. Needless to say, this morning came and ...no post. Not good!
The point I'm trying to make here is don't let yourself get distracted from your purpose. Don't get distracted from your goals. don't get distracted from your plan...YOUR plan! Not the plan of someone else, not the plan made to change because of distraction. Stay on the true path, the path you originally saw and envisioned before you allowed yourself to become distracted.
Now, I've made fresh coffee with fresh grounds...so before I get distracted again let's have a fresh cup, OK?
Case in point; Last night I was getting my coffee pot ready for this morning. I had put in the water, taken the coffee can down and opened it, prepared to scoop out the correct amount of grounds when I became distracted. Big mistake...!
Whatever the cause of the distraction was, it was just enough to cause me to forget to put the coffee grounds in the basket. So when I started the coffee this morning, what I had was hot water poured over day old grounds. Not a good way to start the day!
Second distraction; After doing my post last night, I scheduled it to post at 5:00 in the morning like I always do. Just that I got distracted when I put in the date, so I put in the wrong day. Needless to say, this morning came and ...no post. Not good!
The point I'm trying to make here is don't let yourself get distracted from your purpose. Don't get distracted from your goals. don't get distracted from your plan...YOUR plan! Not the plan of someone else, not the plan made to change because of distraction. Stay on the true path, the path you originally saw and envisioned before you allowed yourself to become distracted.
Now, I've made fresh coffee with fresh grounds...so before I get distracted again let's have a fresh cup, OK?
Friday, November 7, 2008
Let's Get Silly...!
We haven't had a day of silliness for quite a while now. I thought that today we would have a little fun and mental exercise by doing some anagrams. After all, it is Friday, right? Right!
These anagrams are compliments of the Old Farmer's Almanac. So get the old grey matter working and enjoy yourselves.
A somber color I am found, And as to dirt I little show it; But if you fairly turn me round, Behold I am a poet. [ANSWER]
Change these words into a single word: hard case. [ANSWER]
Change these words into one word: Nine thumps. [ANSWER]
Change these words into one word: One hug [ANSWER]
Complete, I am an ill-placed zephyr; behead me, and I am floating logs; behead me again, and I am part of a ship. [ANSWER]
Emblem of majesty am I, which "shows force of temporal power," but twist me about and I become a thing which makes even monarchs cower. [ANSWER]
Everyone keeps me on hand, I've ever to labor bent; but twist me about and then I'm only an ornament. [ANSWER]
Find a word of six letters, something many people laugh at; subtract one letter and leave what many worship. [ANSWER]
Form a single word from this sentence: I hire parsons. [ANSWER]
Form a single word from: best in prayer. [ANSWER]
If you want to take your time while looking these over, may I suggest that we have another cup of coffee? That's not much of a puzzle, is it...?
These anagrams are compliments of the Old Farmer's Almanac. So get the old grey matter working and enjoy yourselves.
A somber color I am found, And as to dirt I little show it; But if you fairly turn me round, Behold I am a poet. [ANSWER]
Change these words into a single word: hard case. [ANSWER]
Change these words into one word: Nine thumps. [ANSWER]
Change these words into one word: One hug [ANSWER]
Complete, I am an ill-placed zephyr; behead me, and I am floating logs; behead me again, and I am part of a ship. [ANSWER]
Emblem of majesty am I, which "shows force of temporal power," but twist me about and I become a thing which makes even monarchs cower. [ANSWER]
Everyone keeps me on hand, I've ever to labor bent; but twist me about and then I'm only an ornament. [ANSWER]
Find a word of six letters, something many people laugh at; subtract one letter and leave what many worship. [ANSWER]
Form a single word from this sentence: I hire parsons. [ANSWER]
Form a single word from: best in prayer. [ANSWER]
If you want to take your time while looking these over, may I suggest that we have another cup of coffee? That's not much of a puzzle, is it...?
Thursday, November 6, 2008
Just A Thought Or Two...
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.
Remember that worry is like a rocking chair...it gives you something to do, but doesn't get you anywhere.
Now let's go get some coffee...
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.
Remember that worry is like a rocking chair...it gives you something to do, but doesn't get you anywhere.
Now let's go get some coffee...
Wednesday, November 5, 2008
Turn Out The Lights...The Party's Over !
Well, the elections are finally over.
History was made in a number of ways during this election, including the largest voter turnout in American history. Now we have a new leader that will take over the presidency of our country. Some are happy, some are unhappy. That's always the case. I doubt if there ever has been or will ever be an election that will please everyone.
What does all this mean to the average American family? Not much.
Will the rich continue to get richer? Yes!
Will there be some changes? Probably.
Will taxes be raised by the new folks in charge? Of course.
Will there be any answers furnished for the present problems our country faces? Not likely.
Will our unlawful and unwanted intrusion into other countries' politics continue? Yes.
Will the public finally start paying attention to what their chosen leaders are doing and try to control them to some degree? Unfortunately, probably not.
Will the average tax paying, hard working, well intentioned, poorly informed, deliberately misled, lied to, dumped on, unappreciated American citizen continue to be treated to the same stale offerings of a government completely out of control with spending of money they don't have for services they don't need from companies that can barely provide a decent product? More than likely.
So what does it all mean? It means that for the next four years, we don't have to have another election. It means that probably the only thing that will change in the immediate future is the letterhead on some of the stationary in Washington. It means that the more things change, the more they stay the same!
Same stuff, different day! Now, how about a fresh cup of coffee...?
History was made in a number of ways during this election, including the largest voter turnout in American history. Now we have a new leader that will take over the presidency of our country. Some are happy, some are unhappy. That's always the case. I doubt if there ever has been or will ever be an election that will please everyone.
What does all this mean to the average American family? Not much.
Will the rich continue to get richer? Yes!
Will there be some changes? Probably.
Will taxes be raised by the new folks in charge? Of course.
Will there be any answers furnished for the present problems our country faces? Not likely.
Will our unlawful and unwanted intrusion into other countries' politics continue? Yes.
Will the public finally start paying attention to what their chosen leaders are doing and try to control them to some degree? Unfortunately, probably not.
Will the average tax paying, hard working, well intentioned, poorly informed, deliberately misled, lied to, dumped on, unappreciated American citizen continue to be treated to the same stale offerings of a government completely out of control with spending of money they don't have for services they don't need from companies that can barely provide a decent product? More than likely.
So what does it all mean? It means that for the next four years, we don't have to have another election. It means that probably the only thing that will change in the immediate future is the letterhead on some of the stationary in Washington. It means that the more things change, the more they stay the same!
Same stuff, different day! Now, how about a fresh cup of coffee...?
Tuesday, November 4, 2008
Just A Couple Of Thoughts Today...
Yesterday on Monday, I went for my monthly visit to the V.A. hospital for a blood test. On the way back, I was struck by just how sneaky the government can be at times, in a good way! For instance, the blood test is just one of the things taking place when you visit the V.A. I'll show you what I mean...
Now being a hospital who's main objective is to watch over and help improve the health of so many veterans, the hospital has somehow managed to combine several activities that are, believe it or not, good for us. First of all, the hospital itself is a very large structure, as you can imagine. Because it is so large and treats so many folks, it has a large parking lot. A VERY LARGE parking lot!! It's free to park, but the average distance that I have to park away from the hospital is about 1/4th a mile. Then going back to the car, figure the same distance. Once inside the doors, the distance to the lab is about half that. Then from the lab to the door again when leaving added to that means about 1/4th mile inside the place. So in the very act of parking, walking to the lab and back and PRESTO...instant walking workout! Pretty slick, huh?
Next comes the mental exercise to help keep the old grey matter in tune by asking us some tricky questions to test our memory banks. Questions like " What's your full name?" and "What's the last 4 digits of your social security number?" These may not seem so difficult to some, but to someone like me (who has trouble remembering what day of the week it is) this can be a very exhausting test. But it's not over...because afterwards you get to go out to the mega parking lot and try and remember what row you parked your car on. Maybe they should put the mileage on the parking row signs, you know, like they do on the highway with the mileage marker signs? Don't know if that would help or not, but I figure it couldn't hurt!
So providing you remember all the required information, pass all the mental test and find your car, and manage to navigate the maze of freeways that lead you back home...you've had a pretty good workout! All because the government is doing what they can to help you take care of yourself and get your exercise, even if you don't realise it at the time. All I can say is "God Bless the V.A.!!"
Now if you don't mind, I'd like to suggest that we have a quick cup of coffee...followed by a nice long nap! Don't know why I'm so tired when I get back from the V.A., do you?
Now being a hospital who's main objective is to watch over and help improve the health of so many veterans, the hospital has somehow managed to combine several activities that are, believe it or not, good for us. First of all, the hospital itself is a very large structure, as you can imagine. Because it is so large and treats so many folks, it has a large parking lot. A VERY LARGE parking lot!! It's free to park, but the average distance that I have to park away from the hospital is about 1/4th a mile. Then going back to the car, figure the same distance. Once inside the doors, the distance to the lab is about half that. Then from the lab to the door again when leaving added to that means about 1/4th mile inside the place. So in the very act of parking, walking to the lab and back and PRESTO...instant walking workout! Pretty slick, huh?
Next comes the mental exercise to help keep the old grey matter in tune by asking us some tricky questions to test our memory banks. Questions like " What's your full name?" and "What's the last 4 digits of your social security number?" These may not seem so difficult to some, but to someone like me (who has trouble remembering what day of the week it is) this can be a very exhausting test. But it's not over...because afterwards you get to go out to the mega parking lot and try and remember what row you parked your car on. Maybe they should put the mileage on the parking row signs, you know, like they do on the highway with the mileage marker signs? Don't know if that would help or not, but I figure it couldn't hurt!
So providing you remember all the required information, pass all the mental test and find your car, and manage to navigate the maze of freeways that lead you back home...you've had a pretty good workout! All because the government is doing what they can to help you take care of yourself and get your exercise, even if you don't realise it at the time. All I can say is "God Bless the V.A.!!"
Now if you don't mind, I'd like to suggest that we have a quick cup of coffee...followed by a nice long nap! Don't know why I'm so tired when I get back from the V.A., do you?
Monday, November 3, 2008
Can You Believe It...??
I was just looking back at the number of post I have made and I realise that my very first post was made on 11/17/2007. That's right, boys and girls...I have been doing this for nearly a year now. This blog will be officially one year old on the 17th of November!
I don't know what has happened to the last year, I really don't. In some ways it doesn't seem as though it's been that long ago that I started blogging. In other ways, it seems like a 100 years ago. No matter how I count the time spent doing this, it all boils down to one thing. It has been an education in many ways.
Thinking about the last year, I think about all the friends I've made and all the things I've learned. By far the best experience I've had with this blog is the friends. From all over the world, all over the Internet, from all kinds of businesses and from all kinds of backgrounds. The friends I've made have taught me the most.
Too many times in this crazy world, we get so caught up in the activity of the day that we lose track of what's really important. I used to think that the most important thing on the Net was making money, but now I no longer think that way.
I like writing something here everyday. It becomes addicting, at least to me. Somewhere along the way I lost interest in blogging strictly for business and now I blog with the sole intent of giving my readers a small amount of entertainment and enjoyment if at all possible.
Let me just say that I appreciate each and every one of the people that take the time from their busy schedule to drop by and read this offering. I hope you continue to come by and also that when you do come by, you find something of worth to peak your interest.
With that said, I invite you once again to join me in a fresh cup of coffee. Maybe we can toast to another year...what do you think?
I don't know what has happened to the last year, I really don't. In some ways it doesn't seem as though it's been that long ago that I started blogging. In other ways, it seems like a 100 years ago. No matter how I count the time spent doing this, it all boils down to one thing. It has been an education in many ways.
Thinking about the last year, I think about all the friends I've made and all the things I've learned. By far the best experience I've had with this blog is the friends. From all over the world, all over the Internet, from all kinds of businesses and from all kinds of backgrounds. The friends I've made have taught me the most.
Too many times in this crazy world, we get so caught up in the activity of the day that we lose track of what's really important. I used to think that the most important thing on the Net was making money, but now I no longer think that way.
I like writing something here everyday. It becomes addicting, at least to me. Somewhere along the way I lost interest in blogging strictly for business and now I blog with the sole intent of giving my readers a small amount of entertainment and enjoyment if at all possible.
Let me just say that I appreciate each and every one of the people that take the time from their busy schedule to drop by and read this offering. I hope you continue to come by and also that when you do come by, you find something of worth to peak your interest.
With that said, I invite you once again to join me in a fresh cup of coffee. Maybe we can toast to another year...what do you think?
Sunday, November 2, 2008
Sunday Morning...
Well, it's Sunday morning again. That usually means a day of rest for a lot of folks, so nothing heavy today! Let's start the day off with some good news, OK?
Gas prices around my neighborhood have dropped to $2.07 a gallon. That's a lot better than it has been and probably as good as it's going to get. That's a pretty good thing.
Yesterday, November 1st, was my mother's birthday and she made it through another one just fine. I'm not allowed to tell exactly how old she is, but let's just say that the year 1925 will always be celebrated in our family. That's a good thing.
All the programs I'm involved with are paying off and performing well. I'll never get rich with them, but if things continue to go well I'll make a nice little income for a while, and that's a good thing!
Now I'm not going to share any bad news today. Instead, I'm going to put on a cartoon or two and we can kick back and relax a bit. We can share a fresh pot of coffee together, and that is indeed a good thing, my friend!
Gas prices around my neighborhood have dropped to $2.07 a gallon. That's a lot better than it has been and probably as good as it's going to get. That's a pretty good thing.
Yesterday, November 1st, was my mother's birthday and she made it through another one just fine. I'm not allowed to tell exactly how old she is, but let's just say that the year 1925 will always be celebrated in our family. That's a good thing.
All the programs I'm involved with are paying off and performing well. I'll never get rich with them, but if things continue to go well I'll make a nice little income for a while, and that's a good thing!
Now I'm not going to share any bad news today. Instead, I'm going to put on a cartoon or two and we can kick back and relax a bit. We can share a fresh pot of coffee together, and that is indeed a good thing, my friend!
Saturday, November 1, 2008
One Mystery Solved...
I found this video that I think solves the mystery of where the things go that seem to disappear from the laundry room. I may be wrong, but according to this documented evidence I think we are on the right path. All the rugs, all the single socks, all the dish towels and wash cloths...in short, just about everything that vanishes during the time we start the laundry until the time we get around to putting it up.
I don't know about you, but I feel a little better knowing there is a logical explanation to these vanishings. Now I don't have to even consider the unlikely intervention of super-natural or unearthly beings in this mystery. That is, not for those houses that have a pet door. For those of us that don't have a pet door, I guess that the mystery will continue and that we will be forced to continue to consider all possibilities...however unlikely.
However, I really don't mind a good mystery, do you? After all the mysteries in our lives is what makes the whole journey exciting, don't you think? Imagine how dull and common place our very existence would be. I don't even want to think about it!
For those of you that prefer a good comedy in place of a decent mystery, don't despair. There soon will be plenty of joy in your life as well. The entertainment for you will come in the form of the presidential race. If that event wasn't going to be so sad, it would be hilarious.
So for today's little solved mystery ( and maybe a giggle or two as well) please enjoy the video. To make it a bit more enjoyable, lets get some fresh coffee. Oh, and help yourself to the candy bowl and the few remaining pieces of Halloween candy!
I don't know about you, but I feel a little better knowing there is a logical explanation to these vanishings. Now I don't have to even consider the unlikely intervention of super-natural or unearthly beings in this mystery. That is, not for those houses that have a pet door. For those of us that don't have a pet door, I guess that the mystery will continue and that we will be forced to continue to consider all possibilities...however unlikely.
However, I really don't mind a good mystery, do you? After all the mysteries in our lives is what makes the whole journey exciting, don't you think? Imagine how dull and common place our very existence would be. I don't even want to think about it!
For those of you that prefer a good comedy in place of a decent mystery, don't despair. There soon will be plenty of joy in your life as well. The entertainment for you will come in the form of the presidential race. If that event wasn't going to be so sad, it would be hilarious.
So for today's little solved mystery ( and maybe a giggle or two as well) please enjoy the video. To make it a bit more enjoyable, lets get some fresh coffee. Oh, and help yourself to the candy bowl and the few remaining pieces of Halloween candy!
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