Waiting for the ball to drop..

--Well it finally here the last day of the year.
--I’ll be sad to see the old year past but I’m really hoping the new years a tad better.
--If anything I’m sure it prove to be a adventure, and that’s what life’s all about.
--If we all try to pull together I’m sure it’ll all work out..

It’s just to dang cold…

--Looking out the window watching the cold wind blow, I’m reminded of other day’s with so much snow.
--To say that I am sad would really be premature.
--When I am is really quite happy to be inside here, and not standing out there.
--To many day’s and night’s out there fighting all that dad burn cold ,has taught me many things.
--Be thankful for what you’ve got, because the alternative is just to dang cold….

Playing peek a boo in the backseat..

--I noticed something yesterday while riding in the backseat of the car. And to my surprise it was even quite nice.
--While ambling along at what ever speed the driver’s trying for, the world takes on a whole different dimension. You would think this wouldn’t be possible, being in the same car and all. But it is.
--While the front seat affords you a two second view of the world as you pass. The backseat gives you a few more seconds. Which is kind of nice when you spend most of your time ridding around in a country where there seems to be a over abundance of wack a doodle deer who want to play peek a boo around every corner...

Cat’s Dog’s and Kitten’s…

--In the arena of cause and effect there are many thing’s that play havoc with life. I have found this to be true so many times you would think it would be a consideration before anything is attempted.
--When dealing with cat’s dog’s and kittens, it’s almost a must.
--Change one thing in their lives and they all become a bunch of wack a doodle’s.
--I’m sure it’s nothing personal, and perhaps in the coming year ahead I’ll finally get it right.
--Or perhaps try to remember before I try anything new. When it comes cat’s dog’s and kitten’s leaving them alone is the best that you can do…  

Waiting for the day to begin….

--The early morning hours are quiet or so it would seem.
--Alone I sit with coffee cup in hand, trying to get a handle on the coming day ahead.
--The cat is sleeping curled at my feet, why I’m not really sure.
--It seems that we are alone, and waiting for the day to begin.
--When out of the corner of my eye I spy a little tiny mouse, trying to make it by the cat sleeping at my feet.
--Well the cat just yawns and looks up at me, gives a little stretch. And runs of to give that little mouse holly heck.
--I can’t help but crack a smile, because the day has finally begun…     

The routine of life...

--While being a slave to a routine is bad or so I’m told. There are certain things that need to be done everyday. Now if somebody could explain to me how to be open to change, and get the little things done at the same time I'd be really impressed.
--It seems every time we forget the little things, I end up buried under a pile digging myself out. Which in itself I guess is part of the routine of life.
--So of I go with shovel in hand cleaning up the little things, in our life....

Winter's finally back...

--Well it seems it took awhile but winter has finally decided to come back. in a way I'm kind of glad.
--Maybe it's just a sign I'm getting older but I like my seasons on time and in order.
--Even though a break is nice, I find if it goes on to long everyone gets distracted. And forgets what season were are actually in.
--So welcome I say, and I really hope this time you’re here to stay…

Shopping experience surveys…

--It seems like every store you go to lately has a shopping experience survey. Where they want you tell them about your shopping experience and you’ll be eligible to win a prize.
--For awhile I played along, and completed the things as quick as we received them. Which seemed like just about every day. And then I stopped, I mean nobody likes to say the same thing over and over again. It gets kind of tiring.
--But then my wife pointed out to me that if I stopped saying the same thing every day, there would be a lot of people in our house who would go back to doing things they really knew they shouldn’t be doing.
--So here I am again filling out surveys, with the hope that maybe just maybe somebody will here what it is I’m saying. And if not well at lest I tried…

Watching the scales tip...

--Maybe it's just me but it seems like when each day begins it's a constant race to try to balance the scales so we don't drown in the excess of what needs to be done. And maybe if were lucky get enough done to give us enough breathing space when the next day begins.
--Most of the time it seems to be a simple battle to get the scales just to balance, but every once in awhile they tip in our favor. It’s on day's like that I smile because watching the scales tip in our favor even a little bit makes it all worth while. Especially since these day’s when the only that seems to be tipping in our favor is the amount of weight we have to carry just to get through the day.
--I know it’s a small victory, but hey these day’s I’ll take anything that makes life a little easier. Maybe that’s what it’s about….

A snack before dinner..

--For years there has been one mystery that I've never been able to solve. And that's why starting dinner makes my children think it's time make a snack.
--But every day without fail that's what happens. As soon as the dinner's in the oven and started. Within 5 minutes they'll each appear wanting to make a snack.
--For years we've played the game until finally I got smart. Now when I start dinner I'll set out bowls of fruit, or some sort of snack to tied them over till dinner.
--It cuts down on the stress a bit and everyone's happy. Of course until it's time to do the dishes. But you can't win them all I guess....

Before the day is done...

--The day is on the downward slide with afternoon fast approaching,
--There are things that weren't accomplished in the morning hour's that have yet to be finished.
--So of I go to see how far I get before the setting sun.
--And maybe if I’m lucky I’ll get quite a bit accomplished.
--Before the day is truly done….

The circus is in town…

--You want to see a circus of fools, put a Turkey or chicken or any kind of meat for that matter in the oven to cook with a house full of cats, and a couple of dogs.
--They run around going completely insane while it's cooking. And when you go to check on it everything stops.
--It's not until you get the oven door closed that they start their shenanigans again. But this time most of their fun seems to be checking the floor for anything that might of fallen from the oven.
--Sometimes it fun to watch but most of the time it's a dad burn pain in the neck trying not to step on the furry little gremlins while trying to cook dinner.
--Dogs are quite a bit more subtle they don't start their please sir toss me a bone routine until after the deboning process is complete.
--I swear sometimes is like a carnival and circus rolled into one just trying to cook dinner….

Creating something out of nothing...

--Early on when my children were very young, and beginning to figure out what was what in life. We would give them opportunity 's to express their creative side.
--Sometimes it was with paper and crayons, or block's or finger paints. We always tried to let them express their creative side.
--When they got older so did the expression‘s, until the point came when they became very good at creating something out of nothing.
--I feel sorry for all the people out their who don't seem to have this ability. And always need to have everything spelled out for them in manuals of instruction 's that sometimes can out weigh as much as a phone book.
--Their really is something to be said for just letting go and letting your imagination take over for a little while. Maybe if we all tried it for a couple a minutes a day, we might be able handle this crazy old world a little better...

It only cost a smile or two...

--My wife thinks I'm a goof when were out and about. Because I'll walk up to people we meet who look like there having a bad day and smile and wave. Usually I'm greeted with a reply or ignored depending on the person.
--Depending on the response I'll go from there, if they look like their troubled I'll keep pestering them until I get a smile in response. or I’ll just leave it alone.
--9 times out of 10, I’m usually able to get a smile in response. And on more than one occasion we'll end up chatting about whatever it was that was bothering them. And we'll both walk away feeling better for the effort.
--It's a strange thing to do in this day an age I know. And I’ve had more than my share of people point this out to me. But on the other side of the coin I figure hey spread the sunshine you never know when you might need a few rays. And it only cost a smile or two...

The early hour's of a new day..

--Call it what you might I guess I've always enjoyed those first few hour's before everything begins. Before the sun comes up and the day begins, when you can actually smell the crispness in the air.
--Of course our dogs aren’t to crazy about it. And probably wish I had another hobby, that didn't include dragging them out of there nice warm beds. But hey we all can't be happy all the time. And besides with their little tiny bladders they need every opportunity to go that they can get.
--And come to think of it I usually get quite a few dirty looks from the cats when I start my morning routine. But that's only because they figure after being up all night chasing what ever the Sam hill it is they chase, they need their sleep. And don't appreciate me banging around interrupting it. But like I said that's life.
--And I'm quite sure my neighbor isn't a member of my fan club either. Because as soon as I open my front door it seems a single goes of that wakes his dogs. And they start rising all sorts racket.
--But besides all the dirty looks and whining and racket from next door I still like taking a few seconds and enjoying the new day. I guess that's what it's all about. And hey it really starts the day of right..

Worst cat Christmas present ever..

--I’d like to get my hands on the person who came up with the idea of giving cats catnip toys for Christmas. Just to sit them down and explain a few of the facts of life.
--You don’t give children chocolate bar’s and sweets before bed, and you don’t give cats catnip toys and expect to get much sleep.
--It been my experience that cats don’t need a reason to act goofy. Give them a bottle cap and they’ll drive themselves insane batting the darn thing around, until they’ll finally fall asleep somewhere for a little catnap. Only to wake up five minutes later and start the whole thing all over again.
--Children aren’t much better when it comes to chocolate. Take the most sweetest child and give them a chocolate bar and watch the fun start. They get down right goofy running around acting like minions from some of world plant here for a little vacation before the invasion starts.
--Like I said before Cats are like kids. Now you’ll have to excuse me cause I really need to hide the chocolate, and find those dad burn catnip toys before the cats wake up from there nap….

Dealing with the little things…

--Over the years I’ve found that’s it very important to take care of the little things that come up in each day on a first come first serve basics.
--That’s not to say that I forget the big things, it just seems that there’s  a time and place for everything. And spending all day worrying about the major things, is kind of a waste of time.
--I know it’s a weird way of looking at it as my wife will more than happily confirm. But guess what? It works and usually we all end up having a pretty good day in spite of the fact that the hand basket were in is usually in a downward spiral…

Hosting a yard sale…

--After many years of hosting a yard sale out of our yard, I have found that while enjoyable they can also be quite tiring. Mostly because it seems yard sale’s have a tendency to bring out the worst in some people.
--I’m not saying that everyone is rude, but there are quite a few in the last couple of years who would give even a patient man quite a test.
--I’m not sure if it’s a sign of our times, or a personality trait in the generation out there today. I really hope it’s not.
--That being said, I’ve also found that most people are quite warm and friendly. In fact over the years I’ve made many new friends. Most of  I don’t even no their names. And that I find is part of the reason I love hosting a yard sale each year. Because quite frankly it sure isn’t the amount of money you make compared to the amount of work you have to put into the venture.
--My wife thinks I’m a loon, but I really enjoy meeting the people and trying to engage them in pleasant conversation. Yes even the rude select few. Usually after a few minutes I’ll even bring a smile or two to their grumpy day. When it comes right down to it maybe that’s what it’s all about….

The new year ahead…

--Waiting for the new year to begin, is kind of like waiting for the fall TV roll out. You’ve seen all the old season and can’t wait to see what the new season has to offer..

Harold the good morning crow…

--On morning when waiting with my children for the bus we were greeted with a rather loud crowing from the phone wire above out heads. When we looked up we saw a rather large crow walking back and forth and
bobbing his head and chattering like a nut.
--Well the children all thought this was quite funny. Especially when I started to copy him.
--The children named him Harold and every morning for quite awhile he was waiting for us while we waited for the bus. And according the children he often appeared at their school chattering away.
--Harold hung around for quite a few years and proved us with loads of morning entertainment.
--I often wonder what happened to Harold and where he headed off. I like to think he found another family who needed a good morning friend. And even now is out there providing them much needed morning entertainment…

Taking the time to listen the first time...

--When at first you don't succeed keep trying ,maybe the next time you'll get it right .That's what I used to think before I got married. And believe you me I was a firm believer in the whole principle.
--And then a funny thing happened ,I got married. and guess what I found out.
--If you don't get it right the first time usually means you didn't do it the way your wife told you it had to be done.
--Yeah I know but that's just an old saying. well guess what it's true. and I'm not ashamed to admit it. Believe me I've got the cut's and bruises to prove it.
--Now after all these years when my wife points out something I try real hard to listen. It's amazing how much cuts and bruises hurt when you get old. And how long they take to heal.
--I guess that's how we learn...

Which came first..

--When comes to question which came first the man or the boy. I tend to look back on a few things before I decide.
--Like the day I walked away from my parents house and looked back from the road.
--Or the day I stood before the judge and married my wife .Looking forward to having someone to enjoy growing old with.
--Or the day in the delivery room watching waiting for each of my children to be born.
--Or the night we brought the children home from the hospital and sitting up all night just watching them sleep.
--Like I said before when it comes to the question I tend to look back, but have never been able to answer it I guess. I'm not sure which came first, but I do know when he became old, but even now it seems like just yesterday..

That old Christmas tree...

--The presents are all unwrapped, and have found a new home. Each happy in their journey and no longer feeling alone.
--The wrapping paper, and tape are put up for another year. Waiting for another chance to appear.
--The tree is still standing quite tall so far. even though the cats have made a conquest of all the lower balls.
--The question has been proposed how long will we leave it. How long will we let it be.
--Call me an old softy or call me a romantic fool, but I'm just not in a hurry to pack away the spirit of that fun filled special day. If I had my druthers  I'd leave up and let it be.
--So it could remind us that at least once a year anything is possible and can happen if we let. That day called Christmas day...

The day after Christmas...

--Well Christmas day is over and with that I am kind of sad.
--I'll miss the Christmas season and all that it brings. I really hope and pray that we all could try and let the seasons spirit play forward for a few more days.
--I'm quite sure it wouldn't hurt and end result might be awesome to see, I know I'm really going to try. Because the alternative just doesn't appeal to me...

The Singing Bell ringers of Christmas eve day..

--I was quite surprised when we were out and about on Christmas eve day, finishing up our shopping. We arrived at out last stop to be grated by 6 singing bell ringers at the front door. It was nice to see. It kind of reminded me of the days.
--I couldn’t believe just how much influence such a little thing like a bunch of singing bell ringers could have on the people in the store. Walking around was really pleasant. People were smiling, and it seemed like every other person greeted me with a Merry Christmas.
--I guess it just goes to show what a little positive energy can do. Now if we all could just figure out how to play it forward. That would be something to see. 

Christmas is coming a perfect excuse to clean the house...

--The perfect excuse for a good cleaning is a upcoming holiday. It drives everyone nuts but it also keeps thing’s interesting.
--When we first got married it would drive me nuts, the way my wife would change the furniture around. She'd send me to the store and I would come back to find everything changed around. I swear I spent the first 5 years of our marriage stumbling around walking into stuff.
--No matter how much I complained she'd just smile and say "Well how else am I going to get the dust bunnies".
--It took me awhile but I finally caught on. And it wasn't long before I was changing the furniture around on my own. which in turn would drive the children nuts.
--But like everything else they have learned how to adapt. And even lately have started to begin going through their rooms making ready for their Christmas booty…

The day before Christmas...

--The children are all pacing and counting down the hour's until Christmas is finally here. Even though they won’t admit it because that wouldn’t be cool.
--The pets are all watching and waiting for just what their not sure but when it happens they'll be ready. On that you can count.
--Mom is done wrapping of that she's just declared . But on that account I’m not quite so sure. There’s still that twinkle in her eye, and a little bit of wrapping paper left to be used.
--The roads are all clear, there’s no snow to be found. 
--So patiently I wait in the quiet before the great day, enjoying the peace. And thanking God that Christmas is only one day away…

Christmas hourly sideshow...

--Even though at times our family's pets can be a pain in the neck. There are times when we realize just why it is we keep them around.
--One of those times is the Christmas season. We have a clock in the kitchen that plays a Christmas jingle on the hour. Which in itself quite refreshing. But the pets response is what makes it all worth while.
--Every hour when the jingle starts the dogs will sing along and the cats will start racing around and dancing about. It's like a hourly sideshow, which is kind nice after a stress filled day...

Where did all the Christmas specials go?…

--Part of the reason we like watching Christmas movies I think is because of the lack of holiday specials, and Christmas themed shows on network TV.
--It used to be the days after Thanksgiving were a filled with specials and Christmas themed TVs shows. But now what's passes for a holiday special, or themed shows just isn't up to those of the past.
--My wife and I solved this problem by video taping a lot of the older shows when they were first run. So with can still watch them on occasion. But I feel sorry for a lot of the younger generation who will miss out on so much decent entertainment. Unless of course they find it on you tube or spring for a DVD or to....

Which way did the reindeer go…

--While driving home from dropping our daughter of  after work my wife and I were greeted with a unpleasant surprise. We had just drove round a curve and were approaching a straight away when 8 deer came running across the road.
--It probably wouldn’t of shocked us so much if they hadn’t looked like they were in formation to pull a sleigh. Believe me we each took a second to look for a man in a red suit chasing them, half expecting him to cross the road next…    

Christmas movie festival…

--I like Christmas movies. Usually we start watching them right after Halloween and continue until just after new years. And on occasion we’ll even pop a few in in the middle of June or July even.
--Over the years we worn out more than our share of video tapes and DVD’s.
--At first my wife was what appeared to be an unwilling participant in out Christmas movie festival. Until she finally broke down and admitted she liked Christmas movies to.
--Our children have all grown up watching Christmas movies and Christmas themed cartoons. I know in this day and age it’s probably considered strange. But hey it brings us all together in the same room and these days that should be considered a  miracle in it self….

2 days before Christmas...

--2 days before Christmas and the work has just begun. the tree has been decorated and waiting since October 31,

--The cats are all primed and ready, they can't wait. they've been practicing there unwrapping. That's why the presents under the tree look their very worst.

--The Turkey is waiting in the fridge,un-thawing. And the pies are in the freezer.

--The shopping is finally done, or so I've told. But I'm pretty sure there's a few gifts that are waiting to be sold.

--The stocking are hung just ask the cats. They've have been told to leave those darn thing's alone until even that's getting old.

--The house has been cleaned and the floor's have been mopped. I hope Santa gets here soon because I need a new broom and mop.

--There's excitement in the air, even though some won't admit. But I know for a fact their counting the minutes.

--So while the clock ticks slowly away, all I can say is thank God Christmas isn't but 2 days away...

Christmas in the round..

--After much trial and error we finally came up with Christmas in the round.
--Everyone sits in a semi circle, and take turns opening presents. It takes a little longer but everyone gets a chance. And that’s what really counts.

The last few days before Christmas

--The closer you get to Christmas the more the excitement builds. Everyone seems to be counting the days and minutes until the day is here.
--The shopper’s are out and about doing there last minute shuffle, and the bell ringer are ringing with added gusto.
--The driver’s are actually polite and waving you on, and not making a mad dash looking for a crash.
--The store clerks are smiling, and quite happy it seems, and not frowning and being down right mean.
--Now if we could only freeze time for a bit and let everyone enjoy these last few days before Christmas, maybe just maybe we might remember for the rest of the year.
--If I could have one wish granted for Christmas that would be it. That the Christmas spirit would hang around for the rest of the year. And everyone would try to remember it..

A little something special under the Christmas tree..

--We had just set up the tree, and were in the process of cleaning and rearranging the living room to make room for all the Christmas activity’s.
--My wife was arranging the tree skirt around the tree when she found one of the cats catnip mice she had bought him last year. She picked it up and was squeezing it trying to get the cats attention. Apparently the one’s she had bought squeaked. And the one she was squeezing wouldn’t squeak. She yelled to me that there was something wrong with the mouse’s squeaker.
--Well I looked at the mouse and realized that it’s squeaking days were long past because it was a real mouse.
--When I pointed this out to my wife she threw the mouse and yelled at me because I was laughing.
--I couldn’t help it. It was funny and apparently even the dang cat thought it was funny because he brought his catnip mouse over to my wife.
--I smiled and said look dear he wants to play…

Coffee before Christmas presents..

--Over the years I’ve tried to impress upon my children that dad don’t function unless he’s had his coffee.
And they in turn have tried there best to test the theory. I mean it’s amazing how melt down’s and crisis I’ve had to mediate over the years all while clutching a cup of coffee. And trying my best to get it into me before the next crisis comes along.
--When it comes to Christmas, my wife and I have agreed to form an alliance of sorts. No opening presents until mom and dad have had their coffee.
--So far it seems to be working, probably because they have their Christmas stocking’s to occupy themselves with. Now if we can just figure out how to get Santa to stop filling the dang thing’s with so much chocolate we just might get to enjoy a second cup of coffee. Before the Christmas fun begins..

Computer game night...

--After telling my children no for a million times I finally gave in and tied to play a computer game with them. To say it was a bust would be a understatement.
--Apparently in order to play the dang thing's you have to have the eye hand coordination of a spider monkey, and the reflex's of a cat jacked up on caffeine. Both of which I lack .just ask my wife.
--I don't know what made me think I could do it when hammering in a nail seems to test my metal.
--But I gave it a shot and everything was going fine until the screen started moving to fast and I got dizzy and fell out of the chair. Not once mind you but at lest a half dozen times before I quit.
--It seems the little fools forgot to mention that if your not careful the screen will do that. Let me tell you what a time to figure out you have vertigo.
--So I quit while I was ahead ,and not suffering from a conclusion. And have not played since.
--Now if I can only find a board game everyone can agree on maybe we'll try game night again…

The little things...

--Preparing to leave the house on a cold winter's day I often wonder if the early explorer's went through what we have to go through. I mean sometimes it's almost unreal.
--The first step is to gather the children and leave instruction's for everyone so their occupied. Because you know what they say about idle hands getting into mischief . Pet the cats, reassure the dogs we'll be returning and the won't be left with a bunch of lovable but addle minded children to take care of them. And then if were lucky leave the house.
--Once outside theirs the outside cats to deal with. Keeping in mind that the reason their outside is because they couldn't handle the stress of finding the cat box. And instead choose to play hide and seek with their poo.
--Tiptoe trough a minefield of poo from the porch to the car. Because there's nothing worse than hot poo on somebody's shoe's on a could winters day while riding in a car.
--If were lucky and start early the whole thing takes 10 to 15 minutes. If not while that's usually why were late for every appointment we've tried to keep over the years.
--But really I wouldn't trade a minute of it, that's what being married with children is all about. The little thing's...

What a difference a smile can make…

--Sometimes I wonder if people realize the kind of difference they could make with just a simple thing like a smile. I’ve found in my own case it’s pretty much a two-for’er.
--It make’s me feel better, and on those occasion’s when I’m out and about it’ll usually bring a positive response from the people I meet… 

A Christmas prayer for the scrooges of the world..

--Sometimes I wonder about people who never seem to take the time to take a minute think before they speck or act. It always amazes me as to the justification they come up with for their actions. And never once taking in consideration the consequences their act’s or action’s have for other people. I can’t help but feel sorry for them, their missing out on so much that life has to offer.
--And even though it’s hard I try to keep a open mind and say a little prayer for them. That maybe for this little period time known as the Christmas season they might let the Christmas spirit in. And feel some of the joy and peace of the season.
--I know it’s not much but it’s about all anyone can ask for those people who go out of their way to rain on other people’s Christmas.
--So here’s hoping and praying for those that can’t or won’t let the Christmas spirit in. And maybe they’ll find the Christmas spirit before it’s to late..

Christmas light’s little island’s of hope…

--I love Christmas lights at night their like little island’s of hope in a sea of darkness. Not only do they light up the night for that moment or two that it takes you to pass them by in the car. But they remind me that there is hope in life, especially when life tries so hard to bring us down at times...

Who wants to decorate the Christmas tree..

--Decorating the Christmas tree is fun but not as much fun as watching my wife and children while doing it.
--Over the years they’ve all grown more or less in their own directions. But the one thing that seems to bring them all together is decorating the Christmas tree.
--the whole process is a test of their ability to work together for the common good. And that in itself is amazing , believe me. Sometimes trying to decide what to have for dinner resembles a committee meeting at the united nations.
--But put up a Christmas tree and yell who wants to decorate and whamo they all come together like never before. It really is amazing and just one of the many thing I love about the whole Christmas season…

Fighting with a toddler..

--Fighting with a toddler is like fighting with a tree. No matter what logic use you they'll be convinced their right, and just keep standing there.
--I've always found it easier to just go around their argument. And leave them their arguing with themselves.
--Sooner or later they realize their the only one there and forget what they were arguing about...

No one likes am I told you so..

--No one like am I told you so. Especially after you've fallen on your face or made a mistake. Talk about bad timing.
--But that seems like when most people like to go out of their way to point out just how foolish you've been.
--Me I always tried to jump over those points with my children and asked instead if they learned anything . They usually would say yeah not to be so stupid next time. And I would point out we all make mistakes, that's how we learn.
--I remember all the people who weren't so easy going, and jumped on those occasions when I made a mistake. To take the time out of their busy lives to remind me of just how stupid I'd been. To say it was a learning experience would be putting mildly. Let's just say I try not to make the same mistake with my own children. And maybe someday when they have children they will remember and the chain will be broken.
--That's all we can ask for really when you think about it..

The manifestations of the Christmas spirit..

--It seems to me that the Christmas spirit manifests itself in many different ways ,in many different people.
--We all know about the kindness it brings out in total stranger's towards one another. Or the unrewarded acts of kindness ,like dropping a present of for toys for tots' or what not.
--But what about the polar opposite, of giving. Yeah you know the rampart stinginess, or the person who wants wants and wants more around Christmas because they know it's the season for giving and it's just as good an excuse as any for not mending their ways.
--To these people I really recommend watching their P's and Q's. Because the universe has a way of keeping track of these transgressions. And payback will surly find you.
--In the mean time I'll say a Christmas prayer for you and hope you find the Christmas spirit before it's to late...

Making the most of what you got...

--Call it what you want but it was the best advice I ever received.
--For some reason it allowed me to think outside the box. Not look at the problem and then try to figure out how to solve it. But to try and solve the problem with what I had on hand.
--After all these years of doing it my way I was quite taken back when just a couple of weeks ago I had to fix a broken water pipe. And had to go to a local hardware store for parts.
--When I explained my problem to the clerk at the store he started me down the path to find what he figured would help me fix the problem. And before I knew it had gathered up a arm load of stuff to put in my cart. When I explained to him again what I was looking for he looked at me like I was out of my mind. And to be honest I probably did look a little strange standing there wearing my old pink winter hat and my ratty coat that looked like something dog the used for a blanket.
--But I explained to him that I had in fact fixed the problem before using just those three simple thing’s and that was how I was going to do it again. Well to make a long story short he wondered off to find a customer more in tuned to his wave length. And I in turn found my stuff on my own and left before the normal police asked me to please leave the store.
--My wife reminded me when I got back to the car if I didn’t want people to think I was a whack a doodle maybe I shouldn’t  wear a pink hat in such a manly store.
--I just smiled and said “yes dear I’m sure it was the hat“…

The Hanging laundry aerobic workout...

--After many year's of fighting I've decided to just give up my running battle with wire coat-hangers. I mean let's face it you can't win. Or at lest I can't seem to. And now that the plastic hangers have joined in the big push to drive me over the edge. I've decided it's time to just surrender.
--I don't figure it'll end quite so quietly, with me waving a white flag and them cutting out their shenanigans. But hey it worth a shot.
--Maybe I'll get a break from the never ending game of reaching for one wire hanger and ending up twenty tangled up Chinese rings. That no matter which way you pull just seems to make the dang things tighter.
--Or the dang fool game of getting one hanger and knocking 30 down. Sometimes it feels like I've been doing a aerobic workout instead of trying to hang laundry.
--And let us not forget the make sure hang it right or I'll let it slide of so you can do it again game. That one's usually good for a few laughs a week. It's a wonder I hasn't thrown my back out over years with all the dang fool laundry I'll had to pick up and re-hang.
--So like I said I quit I'm surrendering. I'm sure the games with go on. But I'm just going to go with the flow. I mean why fight it. Maybe it'll work out better this way. It's worth a shot....

The little voice…

--It was a morning like any other or so I thought at the time.
--The schedule was quite full. First day of school, doctors appointment later in the day ,and my wife had to be at work by 7am. Since we only had one car on the road I was going to drive her to work. And because of the timing I was going to take the babies with us so the older boys could catch the bus. But just before we were ready to leave my wife looks at me and says" why don't we leave the babies home you'll be back in plenty of time for the boy's to catch the bus."
--Well I wasn't really looking forward to trying to get the babies in there car seat's anyways so I agreed.
--The trip to work was about 4 maybe 5 miles away and we were there in just about no time. I turned on my left hand blinker on and started to turn into the driveway when there was a loud crash and everything went from peaceful morning to amusement ride from hell.
--The car went into a spin, there was glass flying everywhere. I held onto the wheel as best as I could to try and ride out the spin, and bring the car under some sort of control.
--It was about this time that I could hear a baby crying, and for some reason I could just barely make out it's little hand. Well I took one hand of the wheel and reached for the babies hand and held on to the little thing as best as I could.
--After what seemed like forever the car came to a stop and when my vision cleared to the point again where I could focus on the interior of the car. I looked over at my wife to find her car door open and she was no where to be found. But I could hear yelling at me that she was alright ,so I didn't panic.
--Next I looked in the back seat to check on the babies. At first glance I started to panic the back seat empty and filled with broken glass everywhere. It was then I remembered we had left the babies at home.
--Getting out of the car was a trick and a half because I had to get out on my wife's side because the driver-side was bent right into the driver's seat. But after fighting with the seat belt for a bit I was finally able to get out.
--I found my wife standing next to one of her co worker's trying to get the glass out of her hair. She asked me if I was OK and I reassured her I was fine just little shook up was all.
--I still couldn't get the crying baby out of my head so I went back to check the car again. And no there were no babies in the car. We had in fact left them home.
--Well not being one to look a gift horse in the mouth, I realized that if we didn't bring the babies from home with us. Then maybe there was one we hadn't known about when we left this morning. And maybe my wife was pregnant. Or maybe I'd finally broken that last string of sanity and gone over the edge.
--The ambulance came and I had my wife go to the hospital to get checked out. before she got in I told her to let the hospital know she might be pregnant.
--She didn’t say anything, but assured me she would let them know.
--I got a ride home with one her coworker, so the older boys could catch the bus for school and someone would be there with the babies.
--When my wife got home from the hospital, she let me know she was fine except for a cracked rib. Oh and being pregnant.
--It was then that she asked me how in the Sam hill I knew she was pregnant.
--I just smiled and told her a little voice told me....

Consignment shop booty…

--After trying what’s left of the major department store’s for Christmas gift ideas, my wife decided it was time to check out the consignment shops in the area. And guess what we actually found some very original gifts that weren’t priced for a credit card application hopeful.
--Oh we had to drive a ways but the result was a very nice selection of gifts.
--I know it doesn’t say much for the major department store’s. But I’m not complaining at lest they always sell for less. If you don’t mind spending hours trying to find the well hidden stuff… 

The animal whisperer and pretty boy…

--No matter what animal we have or have had they all seem to fall in love with my wife and children. Don’t ask me why I’ve given up trying  to figure it out and have pretty much resigned my self to being on the bottom of the list when it comes to pet’s.
--One that was a pain in my neck was a pretty little parakeet named of course pretty boy .
--It seemed to me that the dang bird was in league with the devil. But oh how he loved my wife and children.
--Me he would chew on like I was his favorite nibbles and bit’s. Or get loose from his cage just so he could fly over and poop on my head.
--When my wife walked in the room he would land on her shoulder, and dance about sing real sweat.
--I really wouldn’t of minded I guess except that dang bird would get loose at least once a day, and it would take me forever to catch the dang thing. Let alone get the poop out of my hair. Which of course brought tons of giggles from the children as they watched with glee.
--Personally I think the cats were working with the dang bird, because they all seemed to enjoy watching me run around the house like a fool trying to catch him. Any other cats would be trying to help themselves to a free flying snack….

Full moon serenade…

--One summer night after watching  a movie and getting ready to chase the children to bed. Everyone in the house was treated  to the most unearthly sounds coming from our backyard. And of course I being the father was given the chore of going out to investigate. Before leaving I reminded my family that this was what happened in all the movies, it would be so much easier if we all just went to bed. But of course they would have none of it. so of I went.
--After stumbling around in all the hole’s our dog who thinks she part gopher had dug , the sound started up again. Of course that was when my flashlight decided to quit.
--Not wanting to go back to face my family without an explanation, I kept up my search.
--It was about then that the full moon came out from behind a cloud to reveal the source of the howling.
--Our gopher dog and the and the 400lb comedian were howling at the moon like a couple of fools. Oh they were having a good old time of it, I yelled at them to go to sleep. But they just looked at me and went back to howling.
--Well I went back to explain to my family and their response well can’t you make them stop. I just shook my head. Like when could I ever make those to fools anything…

The same old same old..

--One of the thing’s I used to look forward to about the Christmas season was looking at all the new products, and then trying to decide what to buy and for who.
--There were such a wide variety of thing’s to choose from, and many fine store’s shop in that it made the whole process quite the adventure. Of course that was before it seems.
--Now it seems there are not as many store‘s, and the variety of goods are the same as they have been for the past 5 to 6 years.
--My wife and I spent the last few days Christmas shopping only to find this to be true once again.
--After trying what few store’s that are left, we couldn’t help but shake our heads in frustration. It seems unless your in the market for another much hyped gaming system, or a cell phone that can do just about everything. computer’s, that appear to be getting  smaller. And TV’s that unless mounted to the wall run the risk of falling over, your out of luck when it comes to finding something new for this Christmas season.
--I sure hope Santa has kept up his research and development department at the north pole, because if not it’s going to be another Christmas of the same old same old under the Christmas tree this year..

75 feet from the road..

--You don't really think about how long your driveway is until there's a ton of snow in it, and your measuring it with a snow shovel.
--It seems that then you realize just how far it is to the road.
--Over the years I come to the conclusion that having a long driveway is quite the pain in the neck. and back depending on just what side of the shovel your standing on.
--So far this year we've had enough occasion to get our winter exercise. And then some.
--This past snow fall had everyone quite worked up, and down right discouraged. Until I pointed out that if we stopped worrying about how far it was to the road, and instead just worried about clearing each little steps along the way we’d have it done in no time. Of course this went over like a wet paper bag. Until we all took turns, and found out it really didn’t take that long at all. 
--Of course there's those days when mother nature goes just plain whack a doodle and dumps a couple tons of snow. But so far we've kept up with it.
--I guess there's something to be said for working together...

The shaggy old tree..

--There's an old tree out in our yard that we planted when we first moved into our house. Over the years it had grown quite shaggy . My wife kept pointing out to me how gross it looked, and how it needed a trim.
--I couldn’t see what she was talking about myself. I figured anything that put that much effort into growing deserved to be left alone, and admired for it’s perseverance.
--It wasn’t until closer examination that I realized the dang thing was a pear tree that never produced any pear’s. Oh there were thousands of tiny little thing’s that looked like pear’s, but no fruit of maturity. It was then it dawned on me just what in Sam hill my wife was talking about.
--well not being one to do any thing halfway, this past summer we trimmed just about all the trees in our yard.
--Looking out the window now with winter in full bloom I kind of miss the fullness of some of the tree's. But realize that my wife was right they were getting quite shaggy, and blocking out a lot of light. and in order to have new growth sometimes it's necessary to trim the branches back a tad.
--It'll be kind of nice I guess watching the new branches bud and start come spring..

Bad roads or better days ahead...

--There’s something to be said for being trapped in a car while trying to navigate on bad roads. Try as you might the world takes on new meaning, and time seems to slow right down.
--Success is no longer measured in miles, but feet. And every foot gained is a victory against the storm.
--While I don’t enjoy these travels they do bring about a closeness to your travels and have the potential for a very good bonding experience.
--That being said , I’ve also found that at times the same said travels are a lot like having a car load of TNT in the back seat just waiting for a spark.
--If you survive it makes for better days ahead. and by chance you fall victim to a snow bank  or a patch of ice well you get the picture.
--The other night found my wife I on just such an adventure. We had just dropped our daughter of at her apartment and where heading home. We had Christmas music playing softly in the back to try and lighten the stress, when what should  come on but a song called highway to hell.
--We both looked at each other and started cracking up.
--Needles to say we made it home, in one piece. And that night will forever be carved in our memories as our little journey on life’s highway to hell sung to a Christmas song beat…

Christmas wrapping paper blues..

--Wondering around a local department store at Christmas time can be quite the adventure. The stores packed with loads of people, all looking for their what knots and do dads.  And if your not careful it’s very easy to become frustrated, by blocked isles ,packed with chatting customers.
--I once was held hostage by a roving band that seemed to be following me. After getting the whatever it was I was after, I found that no matter what isle I tried to get down they were all blocked.
--After ten minutes of trying to outdistance them I decided this was getting me no where. So I stopped and waited I figured sooner or later they’d move on and I’d be free.
--Well it wouldn’t have been so bad I guess , if my detention was in an area that could hold my interest. But I really didn’t like being held hostage in the Christmas trim a tree section. I mean you can look at just much Christmas wrapping paper and decorations before it starts to get to you. But I tried my best to enjoy myself, so I started humming Christmas songs.
--After about twenty minutes my wife finally found me lugging a arm load of stuff. With a flustered sigh she dropped her stuff in the cart, and looked me and shakes her head. And says, ”I looked all over the store and couldn’t find you. Then I heard two lady’s talking about the crazy man wearing a pink hat singing Christmas songs in the wrapping paper section . So I figured I better get over here before your were picked up by store security.”
--I just smiled and said, ”and  you said my pink hat wasn’t useful…”

My Wrinkled Old Mailbox..

--Looking out the window at the snow falling, hearing the rumble of the snow plow. I can't help but wonder how my old mailbox is holding up.
--So far this winter it's been knocked down four times.
--Last year wasn't much better it seemed the snow plow had a running feud with the poor thing it got nailed ten times.
--My wife tells me we need a new one. But every year I just pound it back into shape and put it back up. I tell her it has a few wrinkles but it'll be fine. besides I don't think it's appearance is what matter's as long as it can fulfill it's purpose which is to hold mail.
--Myself I like my old wrinkled mailbox. It takes a beating every year and still manages to come back for another round. there's something to be said for that I guess...

Living life in the slow lane..

--Everyone and his brother wants to go out of their way to save us time.
--It seems just about everything comes with microwave instruction. or better yet just plain old ready to microwave packages that double as serving bowls.
--The other day I found a old cook book at a yard sale. It originally sold for $29.95, back in 1975 when it was published. I cracked it open to find out that in order to prepare the recipes your actually had to gather ingredients and follow directions. wow.
--I couldn't image with today's mind set that would go to well. The lady that was selling it  said she's been trying to sell it for the past 8years,with no takers.
--Myself I kind of like the slow drawn out process of following a recipe to the conclusion, and tasting the end result. But then again I've always moved in the slow lane..

A friend is where you find them…

--My children often shake their heads at me. Because not only do I do thing against the grain of being normal. But I usually have fun doing it.
--Myself I can’t figure out why they have such a problem. I haven’t changed much over the years. Except maybe a little older, and I hope a little smarter. But according to my wife even that’s in doubt at times.
--One of the things that drive my children crazy is the way I’ll walk up to complete stranger’s and start talking to them. And in a few minutes we’ll be talking  as if we’ve known each other all our lives.
--Or I’ll smile at somebody who looks like their having a bad day,  and the next thing you know their telling me all about whatever seems to be bothering them.
--as for me I always figured a friend is where you find them…

Sometimes thing’s are just what they are..

--It seems to me people are forever coming up with labels, for thing’s that are or are not necessary. Or for the most part just a plain old waste of time.
--Sometimes thing’s are just what they are.
-- If people spent more time accepting thing’s for what they are, they’d have more time to concentrate on thing’s that really matter. Like how in the Sam hill to get those peal of thing’s of a new can of coffee without spilling coffee all over the place…

Coming down the Pike...

--We’ve had our share of misadventure with new fad's. The latest thing coming down the Pike. The just got to have because everyone else has it. To be honest with you it sucks. Because the Pike seems to have an endless supply that it spits out a new do dad just about the time the newness wears of the old one. And forget about anything being priced reasonable. It's as if they want to make sure you understand that your getting the latest because it cost a small fortune.
--I can't help but wonder while shopping just who prices the stuff. Because I have yet to find anything priced fair. Let alone reasonable. But yet everyone says they always sell for less. I can't help but wonder less what....

Pan burger's vs patties...

--My wife makes the most perfect hamburgers. She can take a 3lb pile of hamburger and turn it into a near perfect pile of ready to cook hamburger patties. I've watched her on more than one occasion and still can't figure out how in the Sam hill she does it.
--When I try it's like something out of Frankenstein’s laboratory. A miss-mash of all different shapes and sizes. Finally after years of trying to duplicate my wife's work I gave up. I mean a man can only take so much humiliation.
--Instead I flatten out the same pile of hamburger into a pan, Cook it and then cut out the patties with a cup the same size as the bun. and then use the leftover scraps for meat for pasta night.
--And most of the time I can get quite a few near perfect hamburger's. Of course not as nice as my wife's, But oh well every man 's got to know his limitations....

The ice cream cone Dilemma..

--I like ice cream, just can't stand those little tiny fragile cones they seem to think were made for holding ice cream.
--You can ask my children, while they were growing up they probably had 10 ice cream cones. The rest of the time they had ice cream in coffee cups or little plastic tubs that fruit came in. Because no matter how hard I tried I just couldn't get the ice cream into those cones without shattering just about a whole box of cones.
--Of course my wife had no problem dishing up ice cream and putting it in the cones. As my children liked to point out. My response is well I'm not your mother, I'm the father. And father's have a long history of doing thing's differently.
--Of course they don't buy it, but liked ice cream so don't complain to much...

Crossing over to the simple minded side...

--Once again it's seems winter has decided to come back. Not a lot snow so far but it is cold. it seems as temp drops so do peoples IQ level. It's amazing how people loose what little patience they had when the temp drops. No more giving people a little extra space when the roads are bad and your forced to drive a little slower. No more putting your blinker on before your ready to turn. letting the Fella waiting know what your up to.
--Driving becomes a free for all. Which is a shame because it doesn't really have to be.
--The store’s are stuffed with people all in a hurry, to get there stuff and get out as quickly as possible.
--And the check out’s are all run by people that a smile seems to be a alien concept. Which is really to bad.
--I realize that times are tough, and after awhile it tends to drag you down. But as for myself I try to smile when life gets to most oppressing. I figure what have I got to loose. And the up side is no matter how bad it gets a smile really makes me feel better.
--My wife accuses me at times like that of being simple minded. But hey after all these years I’ve noticed she'll even crack a smile when every-one else is in chicken little mode so I guess she's decided to come over to the simple minded side to...

Forgetting what real food was like..

--It’s amazing the thing's you find out about yourself when you become a parent. Like it is possible to survive on little or no sleep for as long as it takes a child's teeth to come in. And it is possible to continue rocking the same said child until most dance marathoner would of fallen down. Just for the simple reason the alternative is way to horrible to fathom.
--And it is possible to live on a diet of hamburger's ,hot dogs, and of course pizza. Because that's all the little darling's want to eat. And your to tired to argue with them anymore, so you try and slide a nice mixture of fruits and veggies into the mix hoping they won't notice.
--I remember I was almost excommunicated from the family for trying to put a few vegetable 's on a pizza once. Boy did my wife get a ear full that night. You'd of thought I'd tried to poison them or something.
--But like everything else we got past the hamburger, hot dogs, and pizza stage. And now we have expanded to a bit more variety. I just hope we get to the adult menu before I forget what it was like....

Balance of a stretched out sock..

--I like winter, I like the chill of a winter's morning, their 's almost a crispness in the air you can just about smell. That being said, I also hate winter with a passion it seems that grows with each passing year. Let me explain.
--Spring summer fall I'm fine. no problem. winter comes along and wham-o I find out I have the balance of a stretched out sock. I spend more time falling down then a toddler just learning to walk.
--And every year it seems it gets worse.
--Just the other day I was on my way to check the mail. Sound's simple right. Wrong.
--I get half way to mailbox sneezed while standing on a patch of ice. And you guessed it right down I go. It took me almost 15 minutes to get to the mailbox and back to the house. I get to the house covered in snow my wife looks up and say’s,” I thought were going to check the mail not play in the snow.” I just threw the mail on the table and went and changed.
--But I've learned my lesson. No more checking the mail for me I send one of my sure footed little spider monkey children out to check it. I guess that's one of the benefits of being a parent...

400lb Comedian...

--For some reason I seem to have been blessed with a very unique relationship with the pets in our family.
They all love my wife and children, and more or less put up with me sharing there space.
--Which is fine by me. Except when they seem to go out of there way to remind me of just how far down the totem pole my place is. Let me explain.
--For some reason it was decided that we should by a pig. Sounds good right. Wrong.
--We ended up with a pig with sense of humor. Which wouldn’t have been bad except I was the brunt of his jokes, and the only ones who seemed to enjoying themselves were the dang pig and my family.
--Everyday when it was time to feed this 400lb comedian she would find the biggest toad she could  find and hold it in her mouth, while standing up leaning on her fence waiting for me to feed her. When I came within range she would spit the dang thing at me.
--Now I know what your thinking pig can’t spit. Well you get hit in the chest with a slimy toad and see if you don’t change your onion.
--And then after spitting the toad at me the fool pig would run around her pen laughing and squealing  like a nut.
--Of course my wife never had that problem as she would often point out to me. When she went to feed the little darling she would stand there patiently waiting for my wife and then smile at her and go about her business.
--My wife’s answer was well maybe you shouldn’t talk about how much you like pork chops and bacon when your feeding her…

Bron o burger's

--When we first moved into our new home, we had many first. First spring, first summer, and with the first summer came the first cook out.
--It wasn't must just an excuse to cook food out over an open flame. There's something about it that seems to make the food taste better.
--I was given the job of starting the fire and cooking the meat. Didn't seem to hard. So with my to sons in tow we went out to burn some meat.
--Everything was going along great until the fire hit some dripping chicken grease. In a few short seconds I had a flame about 4ft high. My sons started screaming that the meat was going to burn I should get it of the grill. I tried to reassure them that the flame would die down once the grease burned of. That when the wind picked up and the flame went up another foot. They ran for the house to let their mother know I was crazy.
--It was about this time wife opened the window and threw her two cents in. "What in Sam hill are you doing? I set you out to cook chicken not Bron o burger's. this isn't the Flintstones you know."
--Like I said it was a year of many first, and of course one last. It was the last time my wife let me cook out. I really don't know what all the fuss was about after you pulled all the burnt of the chicken the meat was fine just a little dry. Guess it needed more barbeque sauce...

Be careful what you ask for..

--Over the years we've had many note worthy cats. Some for their friendliness or lack of. Some for their intelligence or again lack of. Probably the most note worthy was a black stray who found his way to our house from who knows where. And believe my wife will back me up when I say I could often be heard yelling at that cat where in the Sam hill did you come from? And why in Sam hill don't you go back?
--I guess I better explain.
--When ever I had a job to do outside this cat would take it upon himself to follow me around and try help. Sounds good right. Except his idea of helping would be to steal my tools.
--I'd be under the car working and he would follow me. I would lie there grouping for a tool, only to not be able to find it. I'd crawl out from under the car to find the wrench I was looking for was gone. And looking around there would be that dang cat heading of to God knows where with my wretch.
--Have you ever tried to catch a cat who didn't want to be caught. Darn near impossible.
--Needless to say somewhere on our property is a whole treasure Trove of tools. that even now are slowly turning up. Mostly it seems when I'm trying to mow the lawn or trying till a spot for a garden.
--Some times I lie awake and wonder about that hang cat. He hung around for awhile and then moved on. Of course. leaving behind a half empty toolbox, and a man with no patience, with a few lessons learned.
--Now that I think about it maybe that was the whole point. Be careful what you ask for because you just might get it...

Ultra works just as well…

--I think I first ran into the less is more concept about 23 years ago buying diapers. When I went back to get the same brand of disposable diapers I found it had been replaced with something called ultra, diapers under the same brand name.
--Then came the 13ounce can of coffee that made just as much as a 1pound can.
--Then ultra laundry detergent. And not to be undone ultra dish detergent. And of course as many cleaning supplied as possible.
--And then they started in on the food. Shrinking the size of the packages while all the while claiming in made just as much as the old size. Which in theory I guess should work.
--Except for one very important factor, it doesn't. Oh yeah the groceries are not as heavy as they once were, because your only carrying half of what you used to buy. But  your making twice as many trips to the store, because your constantly running out of stuff.
--Makes you wonder if that was the whole point to begin with…

The Little White Lie...

--Once I had to explain to one of my children, that sometimes it better to tell a little white lie to spare someone's feelings rather then tell the truth. I gave them a case in point.
--One time I stopped by My grandmother's house for a visit, after chatting for awhile she asked me if I was hungry. because that's what grandmother's do I guess.
--She said she'd just made tuna fish for sandwich, and asked if I'd like one. I of course said yes.
--Well when she brought the tuna fish sandwich I could tell right away there was something wrong with it just by the smell. it smelled like cat food.
--But I didn't say anything, I ate it any way’s. Rather than point it out and hurt her feeling's.
--My child didn't understand of course.
--So I had to explain that my grandmother couldn't read. And back then tuna fish and cat food both looked about the same.
--They still thought I should have told her. and I had to explain that sometimes it's better to tell a little lie to spare somebody’s feeling's, than just boldly throw the truth in their face without any regard as to how they might feel after. Just to spare your own feeling’s.
--After awhile they figured it out, and said I was probably right. So I guess the lesson was learned…

It's all in how you look at it...

--Sometimes no matter how much we want something it seems like it's just out of reach.
For the life of me I can't figure out why until I remember. Sometimes we don't get what we when we want it. Instead we are given what we need.
--And then when our needs are taken care of, then we are given what ever it is we wanted.
--I know it's all in how you look at it....

There’s room for everything and everyone ..

--Have you ever tried to explain to a child why they shouldn't play with something. That even though it looks normal will most definitely hurt them. The arguments you get are just mind boggling sometimes.
--But it don't look mean. And maybe the one that stung me  was having a bad day. But it's so pretty, I just want to hold it.
--It seems the list could go on and on.
--As carefully as you can you try to explain that there are something’s that even though they look and most of the time act harmless. Really don't like to be touched, played with or bothered. So it's best to leave them alone.
--Most of the time you can get along as long as everyone respects everyone's Else's place in the universe.
--Of course every once in awhile you get the lone Whack a Doodle in any bunch who just like’s to sting or bite for no reason. That's when you get a really big flyswatter and put end to their shenanigan‘s...

Keeping cats in your yard..

--When we first moved into our house we make the decision to fence the yard in. We were real close to the road and had four small children. it seemed like a no brainier to my wife and I.
--It wasn't until 6 months later that we realized out mistake.
--You see people just couldn't seem to grasp the concept of putting a fence up to keep the children in the yard I guess. Everyone would stop to ask if we put the fence up to keep the cats in the yard? Finally my wife hung a sign on the fence that said drive slowly we love our cats. It seemed to work because we didn't have to answer anymore question. And of course we had more time to enjoy watching out children play in their fenced in yard...

I can't hear you my eye's are closed...

--It never fails to amaze me how cat's are like children.
--When you tell a child no they look at you smile and close their eye's and continue doing what they were doing anyways. Like the simple of closing their eye's shuts of their hearing. And if they can't hear you say no then it must be alright.
--When you tell a cat no they stop look at you close their eye's and go right back to doing what they were doing.
--Myself I can't figure out who taught who what, but it amazes me to no end that they both use the same response to the same thing.
--Personally I'm beginning to think it's hardwired into their DNA…

God bless America thanks for free bathrooms...

--I thank God for free bathroom's without them people with tiny bladder would be up the creek without a paddle. Or start having to wear adult diapers, and at $9.50 for 16,it would probably be cheaper to carry a change of clothes in your car. But after 9/11 I don't think I'd want to try changing my pants in my car, what with that whole Nsa spying thing and of course the cameras on every corner. With my luck I'd be picked up and have explain what the Sam hill I'd been up to. So I say God bless America thanks for free bathrooms...

Could of, should of, would of’s…

--These past few days it seems a lot of people are surprised by a lot of things, that have been happening. Why just this morning I read at least a half a dozen things that made me scratch my head and wonder just what hand basket I’d fallen into.
--Maybe it’s time for people to stop worrying about could of‘s, should of’s, and would of’s. and start learning from our mistakes…

Never do today what you can put of till tomorrow..

--I don't know how many times my children have come to me with cries of I just don't know how I'm going to get all this homework done before it's due. My response is of course when‘s it due and there's is anywhere from tomorrow or 24hrs later.
--And then we sit down and try to figure out how they can get it done.
--I've tried to brake this chain so many times that sometimes I feel like Superman facing a pile of kryptonite.
. No matter how I try they seem to operate under the notion of never do today what you can put of to tomorrow. Figuring tomorrow will never come I guess.
--In a way were all guilty of the same notion from time to time, especially around the Christmas season. With the buy now with no payments till 2015 advertisement running full tilt everywhere.
--Myself I find that breaking things down into little pieces is usually better than trying attack the whole thing at once. For the simple reason it's easier to get though a bunch of little pieces with a feeling of accomplishment along the way. Than it is to keep the hugeness of the problem front an center while slowly trying to work my way though.
--I know it's all in how you look at it.
--But let me tell you I get more things done taking things one step at a time, than I do worry about the whole list of things that need to be doing. and at the end of the day everything's been accomplished with time spare and I'm not a total wreck. and I guess that's what counts. Now if I can only convince my children....

Family Pet?..

--Looking out the window one morning I noticed a small form lying in the road not moving. With a sick feeling my stomach I realized it was one of the outside cat's. They had tried to cross the road once to often.
--Knowing it wouldn't be to long before one of my children noticed it I headed of to get the little thing.
--Having gathered it up I was  making my way back across the road when a police officer stopped to ask if it was a family pet? Before I could help myself I response with, "No they's good eating ifen you get the fresh one's"
--Seeing the look on his face I smiled and said, "Sorry it's been along morning. Yeah it's a family pet. I trying to get it buried before the kids get up. So you'll have to forgive me." And quickly got out of the middle of the road. Before my wife had to come out and scrap us both up...

Recycling the news?

--Making thing's stretch seems to be a full time preoccupation lately. Trying for better or worse to make thing's last as long as possible before finally letting it go.
--There's only so much you can do with food supplies, trying for the lest amount of waste. And then trying to find a use for the waste if possible. You know left over night.
--Appliances are hard. Because nothing seems to last as long as it used to. Thanks to the internet and a ready supply of information it is possible to find ways to repair some stuff. But major appliances are a different story. Your more or less at the mercy of the market place. Because again nothing's seems to be built to last anymore.
--It used to be you could save money doing some repair on you car yourself. But these days even those repairs have become so complicated that you need to go to a garage to have them done.
--There are still some home repair you can do so far, but who knows how long it'll be before they figure out how to make them beyond mortal man to figure out.
--I guess what I'm trying to say recycling is a way of life for most people. You could say our survival depends on it. But is it really necessary to recycle the news.
--I means sometimes it seems like some people get stuck on one topic and just won't let it go. It seems to me it's awfully big word out there, and I'm sure there’s a lot going on. Maybe they should try looking around little. I don't know about anybody else but I know I'd like to hear about it once in awhile...

Seeding a Garden before it’s Time…

--I know for a fact that I have told my children on more than one occasion that the only way to over came a negative is with a over powering positive. And they just shake their heads and look at me. Hoping to by pass another of a long line of soapbox sermons, and get away clean. In fact as they get older they tend to listen less, and run faster. Forgetting of course that their were seeds planted long before it was decided that parents were just people you had to put up with until you reached the magic age of 18.
--I’ve often been criticized for the way I talk to my children. It seems treating them like little people is frowned upon by the main stream. They would rather have you talk nonsense for the first 5 years and let the school straighten out the mess of mush.
--I on the other hand have always treated my children as little people. And talked to them constantly. Because I knew I only had a few years before they reached a stage when they would stop listening. Usually around their preteen years, it seems.
--Of course after starting in school as a parent I was constantly being reminded of just how little I did know. By the so called Teachers and school system. So it only made the race all the more important.
--Today my children are always reminding me in one way or another of the little things I used to say coming back on them to see the light of day. I just smile and say image that. Because there's really no point in mentioning seeds planted long ago. They'd just roll their eyes and try to get away....

Guardians of the Flame…

--I love holidays for the simple reasons it gives the family an excuse to come together. Not that we need much of an excuse, but sometimes a reminder or two helps.
--In our day to day lives we become so involved in just trying to survive the ups and downs of  this crazy old world, we forget the foundation  from which we grew. The Family.
--The one place where we know were always welcome, and theirs always plenty of room, and a light always on, in case we need to pop over in the middle of the night.
--Over the years my wife and I have tried to let our children know this for a fact. It’s been hard bucking the me me me trend as of late. But we keep trying.
--While our Holidays are not actually Hallmark moments it is nice to have everyone under the same roof for the few short hours the day last. Before they are once again off to their own corners of their own little worlds. Leaving my wife and I here as guardians of the flame of Family…  

Family needs…

--One of the first things I had to learn when my wife and I had children was there was no more me so to speck. It was all about us. The Family.
--I learned to put my needs, wants, or whatever on hold and concentrate on the Family. And our needs as a whole.
--And let me tell you it has been the most rewarding exhausting experience of my whole life. Learning to put the needs of others first instead of self seems to go against everything that we are told by society Even more so it seems in these past few years. Which is a shame, because nothing can compare to the feeling it gives of lending a helping hand even when you really don’t want to.
--But realizing that you no longer have that option, you gave that up when you stood before God, Friends and Family and made your vows on your wedding day. So you drag yourself of to fulfill the needs of your Family. And in the process, you find out that it’s not as bad as you thought. In fact, it really feels pretty darn good.
--Over time of course it becomes easier, and in the beginning, I’ll admit it was hard.
--But if there’s one thing I’ve learned over the years about vows before God, when you break them our just plain ignore them. He has a habit of keeping track and pointing it out at the worst time, or in the worst possible way. Usually it’s so much better to try to live up to them…

This to shall pass keeping the Hobgoblins at bay..

--The warm heat slowly filling the room while comforting is slowly putting me to sleep. it feels like I’m slowly binging lowered into a giant vat of jell-o. I struggle to keep my wits, by pulling a nonsense word out and repeating it.
--And as a back up out comes the mulberry bush tune. After a bit the two become interchangeable.
--I know sounds like a ball of yarn slowly unrolling.
--What it is in fact are little tricks I've picked up to keep the hobgoblin's at bay. You know the one's.
--If left unattended for long it's like an roaring Oktoberfest, in a minute or too. So on days like that I go fully prepared for anything.
--Some people look at me like I'm losing it but I stopped caring what people thought about along time ago. The only one I worry about now is the one in the mirror. And usually we get along just fine. Unless I forget my glasses, on the way to the bathroom at night, Then he scares the hell of me.
--When all else fails I take a deep breath and try to remember this to shall pass...

Listening to them...

--They say don't be afraid, but forget what is was like without the light.
--They say don't point it's not polite, but forget what is was like to see an unusual sight.
--They say don't say this, and don't say that, but forget what it was like just starting out when the world full and their were no boundary’s in sight.
--They say don't disagree, just go along. But forget it was the one's who questioned what was, that got us this far.
--Maybe it's time we stopped listening to them for a change, and started listening to our own little voices. After all they really haven’t had a suck good track record so far…

My little firefly..

--I love shopping with my wife. because sometimes it like trying to keep up with a firefly. especially when she on the trail of a really good sale. Her eye's light up and of she goes. By the time I get the cart turned around she's half way across the store. And usually when I get to where she is she only stops long enough to drop what she's gathered and off she goes again.
--I've tried to keep up her, and can't. So I usually go at my own pace, and keep my eyes open for any sales she might have missed. it's a weird system but it seems to work for us.
--I know most men would rather have a tooth pulled then go shopping with their wife’s. But let me tell you it's all in how you approach the thing that counts. If you go in with a doomed attitude then it will feel like your slowly having your teeth pulled. But if you try, you just might enjoy yourself. And besides where else can you take your wife and have a good time while getting something done that's needs to be doing...

--Yard sale Christmas light blues...

--First all I want to state I love my wife. She is without a doubt an original. She has blessed me with four wonderful children who have proven my mothers curse wasn't a joke put a foretelling of the future to come. "I hope you have children who are just like you." And like I said she got her wish. thanks ma.
--Now that I've cleared up that let's get to the point. Like I said I love my wife, expect around Christmas time when they put the lights on stuff and when it is yard sale season. Then something happens to that darn fool women that I just can't figure. it like she becomes possessed by another person. One who can be driving along one minute carrying on a conversation, and the next minute slamming on the brakes and backing up because she saw or thought she saw a yard sale.
--Which doesn't sounds so bad until you try riding with the fool. I mean sometimes my in sides are still bouncing around 5-10 min after we've stopped. Not to mention the rapid take of, if it should turn out it wasn't a yard sale, or if it was and she didn't see anything worth stopping for. And then it's off in search of another one.
--Christmas time it's just the opposite, it's not the stopping it's the wondering all over the darn road. It's not so bad if there on the passenger side then all have to worry about is a snow bank or to. But God forbid their on the drivers side, cause then I have to remind to stay on her side of the road.
--But that being said I love to see the light in her eye's when she sees the Christmas light's. Especially when the kids are in the car. or when she's on the trail of a real good sale. There's nothing like it. It's just one of the many reason's I love my wife....

The day I took care of it…

--My wife and I are blessed with four great children. But not long after our fourth child was born the day came when we had to decide how we were going to proceed.
--Now I'd said right along that when the day came, I was going to be the one  who took care of it.
--Apparently no one thought I was going to go though with it. Not the doctor who wouldn't stop pushing at my wife with statement's like it's a simple proceed and as long as we have you here it'll take maybe five minute's. I told him that she'd done more than enough, she went though hell four times carrying and delivering four children. When the time came I was going to be the one who took care of it.
--And I'm not quite sure my wife thought I'd go though with it.
--Either way when the day came I could tell my wife was having second thoughts. Now I love my wife but if she seriously thought, I was going watch her go though nine months of hell again, or go into another deliver room with her again she had another think coming. I made it to the hospital in record time. All the while not trying to mention why we were going there or look at my wife to closely because I knew what would happen. She’d look at me with that hang dog look and I’d fold like a wet paper bag.
-- Deep down we both knew it was the right thing to do.
--When the nurse came to take me down to have the procedure I tried to help her along a bit by trying to row down the hospital corridor wall. She asked if I was in a hurry and I said no but I think my wife might be changing her mind.
--So she says well if you would rather talk about it. I cut her of with I would rather you got the lead out before she starts after us OK. I mean seriously, what I have to do find the room myself.
--Well she seemed more than little perplexed as she jogged down to the operating room, with me rowing along the wall.
--When we got there I told other nurse that was waiting she better put something up against the door, because my wife might be changing her mind. And she said well if you would rather talk about it. And I had to cut her off with look we already talked we got a matched set; If she wants anymore she will have to adopt. cause I'm not watching her go though nine months of hell then have to go into another deliver room with her again. OK now can we please get started? Man, what does a man have to do to get this thing done?
--They all looked at me as if I had totally lost my mind but I did not care. I'd rather try to wrestle a grizzly bear then go though nine months of watching my wife go though hell and another delivery room. I had never felt so totally helpless in my whole life. And I had had to watch it four times.
--The doctor was a little perplexed when I told him I wanted watch, and if anybody said whoop’s there was going to hell to pay. But he played along and moved the mirror a bit so I could see.
--The whole thing didn't take very long and I was up and about in no time. When I got back out to my wife she gave me little kiss and asked how I knew she was changing her mind. I smiled and oh, I don't know just a wild guess...

American pride...

--Oh when did we forget what a great place this really is?
--Oh when did we become afraid to speck of it? For fear that, we might offend.
--Oh when did we decide to rewrite our history, instead of trying to lean from it?
--Oh when did we stop reaching out to each other, to try and get things done?
--Oh when did we draw the line when it came to paying respect to the one's who paid the price to keep use free? And say no more you did not do it for me.
--oh when did we decide that being proud of who we are is such a great sin.
--Maybe it's. Time we started to remember, what a great place this really is.
--I'm proud to be an American, and proud of that old flag and land over which she waves. The only country on this earth were everybody’s welcome no matter who you are.
--God bless America, I'm proud to be an American..

Waiting for Winter to begin again...

--It  a pears to be a rainy gloomy day out at first glance. The leaves have just about all fallen of the trees. The grass is a little shaggy waiting patiently for the first cutting of the New Year.
--It's one of those days where winter takes a break for a bit before the next wave of cold hits.
--Myself I try to enjoy them, it's somewhat refreshing. And even though it's rainy and gloomy, it's almost like a sun shiny day before the start of the next wave of really bad weather.
--Maybe that's why we have them so we can count our blessings. Instead sitting around complaining about what we cannot Control...

The spirit of Thanksgiving Day…

--The time has come once again to sit around with family and friends and celebrate that of what we give thanks.
--Some us will not be there in body, but in spirit if we choose to see. And maybe that's OK to.
--Because even though a chair maybe not filled the air is every where, and on the day of giving thanks I'm sure the spirit of Thanksgiving day is everywhere to..

The best present ever...

--There once were a couple of parents, who thought and thought about each present they bought for there little ones on Christmas day.
--Trying for most best of the bestest for their little ones on Christmas day.
--The presents were in all shapes and sizes, from biggest to little. And back again. For their little ones on Christmas day.
--And come to find out it was all for naught, because the most played with present was the boxes the presents came in on that Christmas day...

I don’t feel good..

--If there's one thing I've learned time and time again rating 4 children, is that temper tantrums come in all shapes and sizes.
--You probably know what I'm talking about. Make the mistake of saying no in a store and a child will let's lose with a high pitch scream that will set dogs to howling in three counties. Making people stare at you like what is the matter with you? Why can't you breeder's find your own store to shop in. That one never worked on me unfortunately for my kids because I stopped caring how people looked at me a long time ago.
--But kids are persistent if one tactic doesn't work they quickly change course, and are able go on the fly.
--One of my favorites is the I don't feel good. It's a delayed one, it usually come 1 to 2 days after you've said no to something. Or quite possibly caught them in a lie. Either way I don't feel good works for just about anything. For the simple reason we as parents say no to, and catch so many white lie's in the first 5 years of a child life after a while we end up on no, and white lie overload. If we tried to remember each and every one we'd forget other stuff  like, name and address, or where you parked the car. And how would that look wandering around the park with a bunch of kids trying to remember where you parked. I can just image the officer's face as you try to explain that one. Why of course their my kids, it's just I was so busy remembering what I said no to, and who said what white lie I forgot where I left the car.
--One of the main reason’s I don’t feel good works so well it's kicks right into the parenting Dna. You look out for their well-being, keep them safe, and try to make them feel better when they are sick. And usually it's not until the whole thing is over that if you’re lucky you figure out you've been played. And if not well, I guess that’s one of the joys of being a parent. Watching them grow up and getting ready to face the world. In fact their have been times I’ve let my children win a few, for the simple reason it builds self-esteem. And nobody likes to loose all the time. Especially children…

If you want to play in their sandbox, you play by their rules...

--One day I took my children to the park so they could play. There was a bunch of other little kids playing, so I figured everything would be fine. They went about their way and I sat on the bench keeping a watchful eye on them.
--Everything went well until my son came over to let me no he could not play in the sandbox because the kids playing had made up a bunch of weird rules. I listened to what he had to say. I'm not sure what he expected me to say, but I'm sure this wasn't it. I smiled and said," well you can either play by their rules or find another sand box I guess."
--He gave me a big sad face and said,” But that's the only one"
--"I can see that, I guess that means you have to play by their rules,” I said. Well he wasn't to happy but he gave in and had a good time. Every one left happy and tired out.
--The next day we came and hour earlier and the first thing my son did was head for the sandbox because it was empty, and I guess he figured today he was going to be the one making the rules...

Seven Gates of Hell..

--In the course of having four children, I watched my wife go through the seven gates of hell that would have made Dante cringe. Morning sickness, Charley horse’s where no man of would have been able to handle them and still maintain His sanity. Not to mention trying to work while all this was going on. There was the kicking from within. The craving’s, and just all around discomfort of trying to move around with a bowling ball strapped to yourself from within. The crazy test’s the doctor’s came up with to test a women’s endurance.
--My favorite drink a gallon of water, hold it while they rub a cold wand on your stomach to try to take a look at how the baby is growing. Of course, this excites the baby to no end because he or she wants to make sure they get her or his good side. Which of course you guessed it presses against the bladder, which is very past, full. During this whole process, my wife was all smiles and complained not a bit. Me I drink a cup of water and five minute later I am running for the bathroom. And god help anyone who gets in the way cause their going to get wet…

Where was I...

--"It all started,"
--(Excuse me I thought I was going to tell the story?)
--"Were you there?"
--(No but I've heard you tell it enough I know it by heart.)
--"It's not the same, so be quiet, you igit."
--(There's no reason to get mean, I was just trying to help.)
--"You can help by being quiet."
--(OK have it your way I'm just going to sit here. I won't say a word.)
--"Now where was I?"
--(You were on it all started.)
--"I thought I told you to be quiet"
--(Just trying to help.)...

The Whisperer..

--For some reason  I’m reminded of a story I once heard. It went something like this.
--Back when everybody thought the world was flat there were a few who knew is wasn’t. But chose to keep silent because it gave the people something to talk about and worry about. And being thus occupied they didn’t bother to talk about or think about  just who started the rumor in the first place. Makes you wonder who whispered  what in the first place…

How can you smile when the sky if falling?..

--Sitting here with coffee in hand I stare out the window at the darkness covered land.
Everyone’s asleep, except the cat and me. And Even he watches with one eye.
--The floor creaks, the cat peeks and me I just sigh. It is the quiet time before the morning begins and that is the reason why...

Where in the Sam hill is Waldo?...

--Sometimes when I am out shopping with my wife, I feel like I am trapped in a giant version of where is Waldo. With Waldo being the reasonably priced items.
--I mean some store's to seem to want to make it such an adventure I keep checking. YouTube expecting to find a video titled man looking for the lowest prices.
--I am not complaining I like a good mystery just as much as the next fellow. But sometimes it seems like if they put as much effort into trying to lowering their prices, as they do trying to hide the items with low prices they would be getting somewhere.
--I am beginning to think maybe that’s the reason for the Where's Waldo game in first place. They figure we will get tired of looking and just grab what ever handy...

The Legend of the Squeaky Old Chair..

--Listen my children and you shall hear the legend of the squeaky old chair.
--Every night at the stroke of midnight it would squeak and no one would be there.
--It had everyone living in fear.
--Until one night a little one noticed, that the reason it was squeaking was a little tiny mouse was moving that squeaky old chair…

Bug-a-boo's peeing in my ear..

--We all probably have self-doubt that plagues at the worst times. You know little thing's like aches pains and just plain old self-doubt. You know the ones. I know I have my share, and then some. On some day’s it feels like they all have little hammer’s and their just whacking away at me.
--On days like that I carry a little alarm clock with me and set it for 5min. When it goes of, I hit the snooze. Its purpose I guess is two fold,
            1. I made it another 5 min.
            2. Time to get up and get moving.
-- Because sitting around whining about how bad thing’s are just seems to make them little bug-a-boo's down right happy. And that is something I try not to do, cause then that's when the fun really starts. The aches and pain's all start to go off all at once, and then the self-doubt kicks in, and before long, you feel lower than a snakes belly after a full dinner.
--My wife at first figured I'd stared into abyss once to often and it was a starring back. However, over time she came around because I was getting a lot done. And I was not spending all day on the couch not being able to move.
--Oh I have still have days where I feel like somebody has been a wailing on me with a bag of rocks. But as long as I keep moving I, keep the bug-a-boo's from peeing in my ear's…

The Helping Hand…

--When my children were first trying to figure out how to navigate through life's many obstacle’s they were more than happy to have a helping hand.
--Then they became Teenagers, and were more than happy to have a helping hand, after trying it their way for a while of course.
--Next came Adulthood and a helping hand although appreciated was not sought until all other resource's were checked and rechecked first. And then and only then did they look for the helping hand..
--I guess I'm partly responsible, or maybe it’s all my fault. Maybe I should have let them stumble around in the dark when they were little just learning to walk. Rather than pointing out the light switch and explaining how to use it. Or maybe I should have let them fall down the stairs rather than pointing out the handrail and explaining why we use it.
--Or maybe just maybe I should have said well I got you this far the rest is up to you. Give me a yell if you get in trouble when I dropped them of at school.
--But of course, I did not do any of that. It fact I always make it quite clear to each everyone of my children, if you get in trouble don’t worry Mom and Dad have Always got your Back…

Lessons learned?…

--Why is it that we are constantly given opportunity’s to relearn lessons that we thought that we have already learned?
--In my case I am finding the problem seems to be becoming to set in my ways. Blindly following a set routine that although allows me to accomplish much in my day, Set's me up for a mind numbing shock whenever something very much unexpected happens.
--Slowly I am remembering that change is good. And something to be embraced, rather than feared. I mean how many times do you walk into a wall before you realize a change of direction might be in order....

Don't upset the apple cart…

--Some people are quick to point out it's easy to smother by hanging on and doing for your children for to long. Because it seems society as a whole is in a hurry. We as parents should adopt that attitude as well, there by forgetting the whole parenting thing in the process. Becoming a way station for our children where we fulfill there basic needs food, shelter,and Safety. Leaving the whole parenting thing, you know preparing them for life for society to teach them.
--Over the years I‘ve had it pointed out to me by a number of well meaning people that this was my job so to speak. And I should learn it. So as to not upset the apple cart.
--Needless to say in the last 25 years, I‘ve been buried under a lot of apples. Never could follow direction’s very well I guess…

Cat have feelings to..

       Nobody likes to be laughed at, how often we seem to forget. One time our cat fell asleep lying on the coffee table in our living room. Which probably wouldn’t have been bad except he was leaning forward at the the time. Which ment when he fell asleep his head ended up hanging over the edge of the coffee table. And yes, virgina as the saying goes gravity works you don’t need to test it. In the course of his nap, he slowly work himself forward and fell of the coffee table. Not realizing [oh who am I kidding] what a mistake it is to laugh at a cat I laughed. I mean it was funny. Little did I know then that catnap’s were not short naps but short mediation session to plot there revenge.
       A few days later getting up to go to the bathroom in the middle of the night it happened. Apparently while I was asleep the same coffee table ended up being moved just a little so when I was going around the corner of the couch blamo. And of course, it was at this time the opposite legs knee decided to go out. And you can probably guess the rest. I ended up the floor cursing and complain about having too much furniture in the house. When I happened to look over to find our cat sitting there licking his paw with a very satisfied look as if to say you thought I forgot didn’t you…   

Cats are like kids...

--When you tell a child no, it usually means the battle lines are drawn and the contest has begun. Their response if you haven’t explained your reasoning is to ask for more explanation. Or my favorite to spend the next few days trying wear you down to the point where forgot just what in Sam hill you said no to in the first place. And in a second of confusion say yes.
--Cat‘s are pretty much the same. Only slightly different tactics. Tell a cat no and they'll go out of their way to do it anyways. Of course making it appear that it's all your fault.
--I once made the mistake of telling our cat to stop playing with my computer mouse. It seems He liked to bat it around because it lit up when He moved it. I tried everything but to no avail, to get it through His head. He tried to convince me that he wasn't doing it. It was in fact the dead mouse that I found their every morning where the computer mouse was supposed to be. After a week of this I tried a different tactic.I hung an old computer mouse next to my desk, and there. This is your mouse play with that. His response to that was of course continue playing with the one that lit up.
--Finally I gave up. After I was done with the computer mouse, I opened the drawer under the desk and slid the mouse into it. He quickly lost interest and went on to something else to become fixated with. Oh every once in awhile I still find a dead mouse on my desk where the computer mouse is supposed to be. But I figure that's just His way of letting me know he has forgotten...