SEEING IS BELIEVING….

--Seeing is believing I guess. Although the temp says 41 it's more like low 30‘s. But what would you expect. This whole season has been one white lie after another.
--It'll all be over soon. If the pot holes don't get us the mud puddles that could double for small pond probably will.
--Of course it could be worse at lest the roads are dry. And what snow that has fallen is usually gone by the afternoon….

LITTLE QUESTIONS....

--I can remember being followed round the house from sunup till sundown being peppered with little questions.
--Looking back it's amazing I ever got anything done what with answering questions all day.
--Of course after awhile the questions became less frequent. But when they did pop up they were whoppers. And I always tried to stop what I was doing and answer them as best I could.
--Now these many years later I find that the questions still pop up. Now and then. Of course when they do their whoppers. And of course I try to answer them as best as I can. In fact sometimes I thank god for little questions because with out them I probably would have less conversations these days.....

IT'S BRAVE NEW DAY....

--Everyday it's one of the things I tell myself while trying to make it to the bottom of that first cup of coffee. mostly I use it as a little flag to remind myself, that anything's possible.
--Where I picked up the habit I have no idea. Sometimes it's quite useful as a reminder when the whole world seems to be in chicken little mode.
--Other times is a pleasant prestep to just starting the day.
--Sure makes you wonder if looking at the possibilities has more of a benefit than all the restrictions....

SLIPPING IN WATER....

--I realize cats on a whole are quirky bunch of four legged animals who'll probably always be a mystery to me.
--I accept this and pretty much try to coexist with the furry little gremlins.
--One of the things that still cork's my griddle though is a few of them have the annoying habit of pawing the floor when they go to get a drink. If that was all I could probably live with it but our cats also have to drag their water dish back and forth across the floor. Which of course leave’s a trail of water in it's wake.
--And yes you guessed it being the klutz that I am constantly slipping in it. Why they do it I have know idea. My wife says it's cat thing. I of course have my own ideas....

THE SEAL DOG....

--One of the goofy dog's we had was a black lab who thought he was part seal in the winter.
--He would spend most of his time digging into snow banks and popping up where ever he thought it would be the most fun for him. Usually scaring the heck out of the children when they went out to play with him.
--If he couldn't hide in a snow bank the fool would run and flop down and slid around the yard on his belly like a seal.
--God forbid they left a sled lying around outside because he would also run and then dive into the sled propelling himself across the yard. I don't know how many times I’d have to trudge though waist deep snow to get the children sled's after the fool dog got done playing with them....

THE OLD MAN AND THE BULLY....

--For all his content complaining about this and that, he was always the first to stand with the underdog who and what ever it might be.
--He told me once life's to short to spend it fighting all the time. Especially since most arguments were because nobody wanted to admit they were wrong. His philosophy was real men don't need to prove their right. knowing was enough. Of course it wasn’t until years later that I came around to his way of thinking.
--Of course for all his pearls of wisdom he had his fair share of dud's. But that just made him human like the rest of us I guess.
--I hope the old man has finally found peace where ever he might be. And I pray that he is enjoying his final day's. There's not much more I can say....

THE DINNER DANCE....

--Up and down again and again. Its the time of dinner preparing. Or so it seems.
--Stir a little mix a little and then let it steam.
--It's a weird little dance we do each night, which causes the knees to scream with fright.
--The cane helps, if only to keep the cats from under foot. Without it we'd have to stop and look.....

TEMPER TANTRUM WEATHER....

--Round and round we go where it'll stop nobody seems to know. At first we were in a upward trend. Reached 40 according to outside temp. Then of course it decided to rain for a bit. And now it seems to be snowing.
--Talk about dueling weather. It appears winter and spring are having it out again. Kind of reminds me of two children throwing a temper tantrums.
--"It's my turn" ,"no it's not I’m not done playing". Sure would be nice if mother nature called a time out soon.
--Hopefully they'll get it figured out soon. Or a least get their act together. I've lost three buttons on my sweater so far taking it off and having to put the dang thing back on a hour later. At least I have a spring things to do list started....

STRAIGHTENING THE CLOCK....

--There was a time when things fell into a sort of order. Certain things at certain times and life was less bumpy.
--After trying to go with the whack a doodle trend of what ever and when ever. The conclusion must be made that it's a crazy trend that has seen better days.
--Not that I’m advocating going back in time mind you, just perhaps straightening the clock a bit. I know it'll drive the trend setter's bonkers but hey that's what I love about being a parent. From time to time you get to shake thing's up.
--I’m sure it'll be a bumpy road but in the end it'll be worth it. And if not hey at least they'll have something to talk about....

WATCHING THE SUNRISE WITH THE CATS....

--In a effort to embrace the coming season, I threw open the curtains while waiting for coffee to brew. The sun wasn't up yet but the cats and kittens apparently had not realized this. Because they came charging out of there box expecting all sorts of morning goodness. Only to find me sitting patiently at the table in the predawn light waiting for coffee. Seeing it was only me they stretched to cover their blunder and got back in there box. Meanwhile I patiently waited for the coffee to brew.
--They say a watched pot never boils so I confined my interest to what was going on in the front yard. In the predawn light there wasn't much to see and that was OK because without coffee I probably would have missed it.
--When the coffee was finally done I grabbed a cup and decided to go out and drink it. Word of advice check the temp before attempting such endeavors . Luckily I grabbed a coat before leaving the house because it was quite cold. But like the cats I wasn't going to admit I’d been wrong about the whole thing and run back into the house.
--It was a very beautiful sunrise, and the coffee was really quite good. Of course the outside cats were not too impressed with my appearance. Being that there wasn’t any food for them in the endeavor. But I made up for waking them up by feeding them later when I got warmed up....

FIGHTING OVER THE MAMA….

--As if living in a house full of cats and kittens isn’t stressful enough we also have the never-ending game of who gets to sit on my wife lap. Throw 4 children into the mix and a constant battle is usually running.
--Of course the children are older, but they still manage a few who going to get the most attention bouts from time to time.
--The cats and kittens on the other hand are just plain whack a doodle when it comes to my wife’s lap. I don’t know how many times I’ve been called to break up fights.
--Of course my wife usually falls under the notion there’s room for all. Which is fine until one of the nuts wakes up and realizes they’ve been pushed aside….

HOME MADE PIZZA NIGHT....

--Myself I like to clean the Icebox, when making homemade pizza. I’ve added leftover vegetables, fruit, chicken, bits of fish, and what not. over the years I’ve been accused of many things when it comes to making homemade pizza's.
--Now that the children are older when it comes to homemade pizza they have their likes and dislikes. I’m to old and tired to push the envelope. So I just whip out what they want and be done with it.
--Now for myself I’ll get a little creative and usually they'll just have to try a piece of mine of course. Little do they realize it's still the same thing just served in a different order.
--My wife of course knows what’s going on, but chooses to remain silent...

OLD DOGS AND CHILDREN....

--The old dog doesn't move as fast as she used to. And the children have learned to give her time to catch-up.
--Of course when they were younger they would run until they dropped. Take a break and start off again.
--But now that the golden years are here you can often hear it's OK girl take your time I’m right here.
--Of course the old dog still has her days when she's feeling a bit mischievous, and decides to make a break for it. Then the children have a fit and were forced to go and look to see where she gone. But mostly she’s a slow moving lady who takes her time going about. Unless it's dinner time than she'll stand up and shout...

THE GRASSHOPPER WHO WOULD BE KING….

--After we brought waffle’s home from the farm, where we bought him we realized two things. One he had more energy than cotter had pills. And two it didn’t take much to get this dog going. As if that wasn’t enough we also learned he needed to go out to do his business more than the average dog, and he also wasn’t to fond of nature.
--But for all his faults he does manage to pack more love and affection into one little body than the average dog. So I guess it balances out.
--One day after letting waffles out to do his business. I had just gotten back into the house and was sweeping the flour when I heard waffles freaking out . I looked out the window to see what was the matter and saw waffles running up to the house on his run looking like he was being chased by god knows what with a look of extreme terror. Expecting the worst I ran outside to find waffles cowering like he had just run the race for his life. I patted him on his head to reassure him everything was OK While looking down the run across the yard to see what in Sam hill had scared the dog so much. It was then that I saw a large grasshopper hopping up towards the house along the run. Waffles took one look at it and started howling in  terror.
--Well trying not to laugh I picked the poor dog up and carried him into the house. When I sat him down he ran to his bed and stayed there until my wife came out into the kitchen sometime later.  When he saw my wife he ran to her and stated going all spastic. When my wife asked what was wrong with the dog I told her what happened. She of course reassured the little fool and everything was a OK again. Of course until it was time to go back outside to do his business again….

BRAINLESS STUNTS....

--For some reason going up hill wasn't as bad as trying to come down the other side. After four steps, I realized what seemed like a good idea at the time was going to be a pain in the neck after all.
--Looking back on the whole thing years later I probably would of walked around the dang fool hill. Especially since sliding down a hill filled with evergreen trees turned out to be such a god awful way of spending a morning.
--But like everything in life when your young you tend to not think about the consequence ’s of your actions. And of course as a result you do some fairly brainless things that you pay for later.
--Oh the thought's that run through your head on a cold pre spring afternoon. It's enough to give a normal man the shivers. Lucky I’ve been blessed with being abnormal for years. So instead I just grab my cane and keep hobbling along. Of course trying to keep the brainless stunts down to a minimum because the older I get the longer it seems to take to recover.....

HOT FRIES....

--There's something about hot French fries that will turn the most mild mannered person into a master thief.
--Over the years my wife and children have conspired to hold me prisoner in the kitchen frying French fries for hours at a time. Because while I try to fill the bucket they steal them as fast as I fry them.
--It wouldn't be so bad I guess if they worked separately then I might stand a chance of catching the fools in the act. But these guys have actually figured out how to work in teams.
--Needless to say I’ve added frying French fries to my list of things I’m not fond of doing. And they've promised to chill on the trying to distract dad while he plays with hot grease. I guess it does pay to be a clumsy goof after all....

LOVEABLE LITTLE FOOL....

--Waiting for the garbage man. Not much fun, except for the fact that the Jack Russell dog seems to enjoy announcing to the world that he's arrived. Like were all struck deaf and can't hear him. Or feel the rumbling when it pulls up.
--And no matter how many times you try to reassure the fool dog, he still goes totally bonkers every time the garbage man arrives.
--Of course it doesn't take much to get the fool dog going. A heavy wind ,a loud noise, dark shadows, a falling leaf, grasshoppers, you name and that dog goes bonkers over everything.
--Oh and lets not forget my personal favorite when you get ready to leave the house. Still he's a lovable little cuss when he's not freaking out over something. I guess that's what makes him so special he fits right in with the rest of the whack a doodles....

NOT QUITE WHAT HE EXPECTED….

--While cleaning the kitchen is not my most enjoyable job, it seems to have it’s advantages. Like being the first to answer the door when somebody happens to knock.
--Apparently one of the things I should do is hang a mirror next to the door . So I can check my appearance before opening the door. Up until today I never gave it much thought. But from now on I guess I’ll have to.
--While mopping this morning somebody knocked at the door. Not giving it any thought I opened the door to see a young fellow standing there. He was dressed in a suit and when he took one look at me he sort of jumped. After he recovered enough he went into his spiel about some church event his church was having handed me a paper and then made his way to his car shaking his head.
--I went back into the house and finished mopping never giving it another thought. Until I had to go to the bathroom sometime later and happened to look in the mirror. No wonder the poor fellow jumped my hair was standing up and I looked like something dragged out from under the couch. Needless to say I’ve added hang a mirror next to the front door to my spring things to do list. I mean it would be kind of hard to explain why people were having heart attacks next to our front door….

PRE SPRING DAY....

--So bright and full of life under the watchful eye of the morning sun. Patches of snow are all that’s left of winters frosty glow.
--The morning breeze still holds a chill, to remind us winter is far from gone. But soon there will be a different song that fills the air, and everyone it seems can't wait to prepare.
--Cats are lounging all about catching a few morning rays. And the neighbors chickens are back to sing their praise.
--It seems so much is up and about on this pre spring day....

SATURDAY MORNING CARTOONS....

--Being a creature of routine I like my Saturday morning cartoons. Not the new fangled nightmare stuff they call anime. Or what ever the Sam hill it's called. But the old classics.
--Of course my wife thinks this is goofy for a man my age to have cartoons playing in the background on his computer. While he's supposed to be doing stuff like typing. But she sort of accepts it I guess. If there one thing she's come to terms with is my goofy ness.
--Now all I have to do is convince her to let me wear my water buffalo hat out in public. And life would be good.
--But I guess some concessions do have to be made on my part. At least she gave up trying to throw out my pink winter hat....

A UNLIKELY MATCH….

--Trying to maintain the status quo in a house full cats and kittens, at times can be hard. Especially when it doesn’t seem to take much to upset the natural balance of things.
--From time to time a pair will come along who will bond, and become fast friends. And at other times a pair will come along who will be friends one minute and then be fighting like whack a doodles the next instant.
--The fact that it kind of reminds me of raising children is uncanny of course. But is does. I don’t know how many fights I’ve had to break up over the years. Only to have the fools laughing and giggling five minutes later.
--Of course my wife thinks I put way to much time into the whole thing. Trying figure out what’s
going on. She’s probably right. Personally I think their all furry little whack a doodles….

ALMOST THERE….

--It takes time to change course, turning on a dime is a dream achieved by the young and flexible. Such are the draw backs of getting older I’m finding out.
--Change is possible but apparently in a house loaded with cats kittens dogs and children it must be introduced gradually. Other wise you end up with a total whack a doodle miss-mash.
--Preparing for spring apparently is one of those things. Already the balance has become worn around the edges. As a result the whack a doodleness is starting to peek through.
--But like everything else I image they’ll get the idea sooner or later. It does make life a adventure as of late….

FINDING NEW WAYS ....

--Finding new ways to do things, seems to be a job in itself. But to keep things going and trying not to trip on the thread of sameness is quite the battle.
--Of course my wife thinks I’m a tad goofy with the whole thing. But from time to time  I try to do things differently. Just to add a little spice to things.
--It keeps things interesting and that’s part of the battle. To often I find doing the same thing everyday can drive me into the deepest rut if I’m not careful.
--Most days it proves to be a interesting game. Like everything else it makes life a adventure....

SPRING CLEANUP….

--With melting snow comes reminder’s of thing’s buried but not forgotten. It’s one of the little mysteries of spring, that I find quite fun.
--Wondering around the mud filled yard making a list of all the little things that need to be done. Are one of the thing’s that make the coming season so much fun.
--It’s amazing what you find sometimes. And of course it can be over whelming if taken out of context. But no matter what they all find their way on a list of things to do in the coming months.
--Of course everyone thinks I’m a tad goofy bout the whole process. But for me the routine works and it lets me get a jump on the spring cleanup….

TAKING A LONG LOOK….

--Up and down, back and forth. And so the night goes. When the sun finally breaks through the window, your more than ready to begin the day.
--The nights been fun but your glad it’s done. Now the day is here, and rather than cheer you make coffee and wait the return of some semblance of order. Before you start, because without it you might just as well be stumbling in the dark.
--Taking a long look at all you see your glad for the chance to move further along.
--It’s not much of a plan. But it’s better than what was and that’s good enough for me….

WHEN'S THE BEST TIME....

--I guess you never realize when the best time to do something is until you run around and try to find time to do it. You'd be amazed at the types of things that pop up to keep you occupied. While your trying to fit everything into your day.
--I know in my case I’ve been accused of being a one track sort of fell. having to do thing according to a set routine, that I follow everyday. For me this works.
--Other people have the ability to run around and accomplish just as much if not more probably. By just going whack a doodle crazy. More power to them I say.
--I know in the end it probably won't matter. That’s one of the things I love about this country. There’s room for everybody and their whack a doodle ways ....

BAD APPLES AND MORE....

--It's not often when I’m surprised by to much when it comes to shopping. I mean besides all the obvious gripes. Like prices that are made by people with little or no grasp of reality. Or having to hunt for the so called low price items. My personal favorite no bothering to mark half the stuff on the bottom shelf. And let's not forget changing the price in the computer but not on the shelf. that always good for a few laugh's.
--But now it seems we've reached a new low. Spoiled products on the shelf. At first I thought it was a new marking strategy. You know Americans are so stupid they'll buy anything as long as we knock a few cents of.
--Maybe it is for all I know. It just seems kind of strange to find the same types of products in four different stores all marked down a few cents and all spoiled.
--I tried pointing it out to the worker bees I encountered along the way but they didn't seem to interested. Which leads me to believe maybe it is a new marking plow. Either way my wife and I re framed from the grabbing the deals such as they were. We just figured it wasn’t worth the risk of getting sick....

BETWEEN THE WIND AND THE RAIN....

--Well the temp went up a tad, and the winds started and now the rains. And unless I’m mistaken there grass peeking through what’s left of the snow.
--Oh I’m not complaining. yeah it's a mess out there right now, but it'll clear up in a few days. In the mean time it's a perfect opportunity to change the furniture around and do some pre spring cleaning.
--Of course my children are not to happy but hey it's been a long winter. And left to their own devises we'd have dust bunnies the size of tumble weeds rolling through the house.
--But as they like to point out I never did need much of a excuse to clean. probably because living with 4 children and a house full of pets gave me plenty of opportunities....

CAT NAP IN THE AFTERNOON….

--For a change the cats and kittens are quiet. It's probably because of the cool night and now the sun filled kitchen.
--Which is fine by me, I know I’ve grown tired of playing their crazy games.
--As I’m sure their tired of listening to me tell them the same thing every day.
--Either way it’s a break for us all. Of course that’s only as long as the sunshine lasts. I’m pretty sure they’ll be up and about when the sun goes down. With a whole new bag of shenanigans for the coming night....

WARMING UP….

--The sunshine coming through the window has warmed the kitchen nicely. Of course it's being cagey, luring us into believing it's actually warm out there.
--One glance at the temp is all the reassurance I need for that. but still it's nice even if it's another of winter's little fibs.
--Of course we probably really shouldn't complain to much being so close to April you can about smell the coming flowers.
--If anything I have a feeling in another month of two the heat will be are number one complaint. So I guess we better enjoy these last few chilly days while we can....

AT SOME POINT….

--It seems that at some point it finally dawned on everyone that even though spring is on the way it’s not here yet so maybe we should just take a break and go to bed and cut out the shenanigans.
--What ever the case after a week of singing the song of spring last night was pretty quiet. Of course the fact that it was a tad cold probably helped. Either way it was a quiet night which afforded me a little sleep for which I’m very grateful.
--I guess like everything else, what goes up must come down eventually….

FUNNY THING…

--What seems simple to one is actually hard to another. For some reason I’m constantly being reminded of this.
--The frustration is that the stumbling block is not in the simplicity of the task but in the understanding. Finding the right way to present the instructions so they are in fact simple seems to be the major hurtle.
--But like everything it’s only a matter of time and the right combination is bound to be achieved.
--Until then all we can do is keep trying I guess..

GO GO GOING ALONG….

--Zipping along causally on the road back and forth they go all day long.
--Different shapes sizes and colors, just a glance is all that’s afforded.
--If you didn't have confirmation of sound you'd swear you'd imaged the whole thing.
--Because no matter what the sign says they zip along doing their own thing.
Someday I image they’ll slow down and read what they’ve been speeding by. But I don't see it happening yet, their to busy go go going along while they can get....

TRYING TO FIND….

--Trying to find something shouldn’t be so hard just a process of retracing your steps. Or so you would think.
--Ask my children and they will tell you because I’m the one who says if your looking for something and can’t find it. Take a break and then try again latter.
--9 times out of 10 this seems to work. And I know in my case is usually right in front of me.
--Of course when I’m really getting frustrated looking for something one of my little smart aleck's will yell out hey dad why don’t you take a break. No one likes a smart aleck but of course their usually right….

MAKING TIME….

--How often do we forget to make time for the little things. Like giving a complement when one is due. Or just smiling and listening when someone talks to you.
--It only takes a few seconds, and it won’t throw of the schedule that much. But because were in a hurry we forget and walk of in a huff.
--Of course leaving behind a cloud in our passing. That will probably turn to a storm when given time to brew.
--It’s so easy to forget to make time for the little things. And to be honest that’s something we shouldn’t really do. Because even though they don’t matter to much to you. They do to others, and maybe they really should to use to…..

RETRAINING A WAY OF THINKING....

--Most of the problem's seem to stem from the way of approaching a problem. Instead of the largeness look at the smallness of each step. And other things like that.
--Of course their all games we play with ourselves, to keep from getting discouraged by the dang problems that keep popping up. But actually I know in my case they have been a godsend to keep me moving along and not wallowing in a rut somewhere.
--That’s not to say changing perspective like the dial on the TV works all the time. But most days I manage to make it though the day with some semblance of sanity at the end.
--And in these whack a doodle times that seems to be a major accomplishment Where everything seems to have been designed to see how fast we can be pushed to the edge. ...

WATER COVERED DRIVEWAY…

--It’s a fine fix, navigating a water covered driveway filled with snow. Sort of a misstep away from a mud filled fall.
--Taking dogs out to do their business in the morning turns into a lesson for a acrobat. Not a old fool with the balance of a stretched out sock.
--If there is one thing I’ve learned it’s not to push my luck on those days. So I patiently waited for the dang fool dogs on the porch while they ran a round acting like the fools that they are in the morning.
--For a change it worked to my advantage. The dogs seemed to enjoy themselves and I was afforded a breath of fresh air without ending up covered with mud and slush…

WINTER CLEANUP….

--The snow is just about gone, and the grass is finally showing through. The rains have come to help with the cleanup. Then of course the winds will come to see the job is done.
--Oh the many stages of cleanup are enough to make your head swim. Because of course winter still likes to play games with the temps till you feel like your riding a roller coaster.
 --In the end it'll all be worth it because spring will be here in full fashion. .
--It  makes life interesting, and a adventure that’s for sure

DON’T BLAME THE VIEW….

--It may look a tad Derry, and if you gaze to long you'll become weary. But it’s been along winter and there's a lot to clean you see. So don't blame the view it's just the cleanup crew having their due.
--It won't last long, and then it'll be such a different song. Your eyes will behold such a marvelous sight, spring will be here. Flowers will appear trees will begin to dance and birds will return to the air.
--A few more days at most. After the winter we've had. It won't be to bad. Just you wait and see.
--Right now even the rain and the view are a welcome relief, to what been going on. I have to remind myself not to break out in song....

FINISHING OF THE CAKE....

--So OK how do you follow a warming trend. Why with a couple of days of cold damp rainy. Then a little snowy frosty morn as icing on the cake.
--Needless to say I wasn't surprised when I heard the snow plow this morning. I’ll say this for winter it's persistent.
--I really wouldn't be surprised to get hit with one more big blast of snow before it gives up for the season. But like everything else in life it'll have to concede sooner or later. Then spring will be here.
--If anything it makes life interesting.....

JUST WHEN YOU THOUGHT IT WAS OVER….

--Well as usual it’s more of the same. And apparently the next few days are going to be fun also.
--Once again were back on the roller coaster. With more ups and down’s for temps. And some rain and snow mixed in for good measure.
--After a February of finding places to put snow. And being held hostage by a driveway that seemed to take great joy in filling up to the brim. What more could you expect from march.
--If anything it’s proving to be a adventure to see who going to break first the weather our us. Luckily Aprils just around the corner. So it won’t be much longer now….

NO GREATER JOY….

--Listening to the songs of spring, hearing the snow plow flying by. All these and many more are slowly filtering in as I sit with coffee while mumbling.
--It was supposed to be the quiet time, and perhaps once it was. Now it more like a bus station with hourly calls for passage.
--But even on it's darkest roller coaster nights, it's sure as Sam hill better than any that came before.
--I wouldn't trade it for anything. There’s no greater joy than realizing the simple things are what it's all about.....

COLD DAMP RAINY….

--Seems to be the name of the game. It's not the best but compared to what’s been playing it'll be a smash as far I’m concerned.
--Winter is nice as a break from all the rest. But for some reason I feel more like a hostage then just a person who needs a rest.
--I’m afraid I won't be one of the ones who will morn it’s passing. If anything I’ll be one of the first ones mowing up the front yard to celebrate it gone for sure.
--Right now I’m making a list of all the spring time things to do....

GOOD MORNING SURPRISE….

--When at first glance what appeared to be was in fact a welcome relief to what could have been. The day started looking up.
--Of course that’s how it usually works, if only you choose to see. But most times we see what is, and wish for what should be. Then spend the day trying to get out of a rut.
--Not much is perfect in this life we've been granted. Sometimes it's all in how you look at it. Perhaps what is, is perfection in the works and it's up to us to see the beauty in it's contraction.
--It may not perfect and it probably won't make much sense. But if I tried it any other way the day would be half spent  before, I found the rhythm to go on. So for now it'll have to work this way…..

IT’S NOT AS HARD AS IT SEEMS…

--Taking the first step always seems the most difficult after a long night. But once the first one is achieved then the rest follow and the rhythm kicks and your of and running.
--The worst one is the first because it’s the hardest you see. But there really is no choice in the matter, because to hang back is to wallow in the catter.
--So of you go stumbling along, until the rhythm returns. And equilibrium is achieved.
--If anything it makes the mornings a delight after a restless night, and that’s the best part of life….

SOUNDS OF SPRING….

--The sounds of spring are always the hardest to endure. But like everything else they pass with time. Mean while the fact that spring is here is to much of a treat, to let such little things ruin your sleep.
--Oh it sounds so simple, but in fact can be a very big dimple if allowed to intrude. On what little sleep we can achieve.
--Riding the storm is about all you can do. Another test of time provided for us to endure. The rewards are there when we make it through. Getting there is half the fun.
--Doesn’t sound like much of a plan. But it’s about all you can do I guess....

CRYING OVER SPLIT MILK....

--Watching people flounder picking apart the past trying to find where mistakes were made. is very frustrating for me. Because usually this leads to a rut of useless thinking. And is very seldom profitable in the learning department.
--I’m not saying trying to learn from mistakes is bad. I know in my own case it very profitable. because if there’s one thing I’ve learned over the years it's I’ve made mistakes.
--It's just that I’ve learned the whole could of, should of, would of thing unless kept in prospective can lead to one giant trap that’s very hard to lift yourself out of. I try to keep my adventures of examining mistakes to as less as possible because of this. Because I’ve found life is to short to be floundering in self pity about a bunch of mistakes I can't go back and change.
--It's not the best of plans but on a whole I find I’ve made less mistakes and have better days since I’ve adopted this way of thinking. I guess that’s what counts....

LITTLE RIPPLES….

--It’s amazing that a such little tiny things can cause such a little ripples, that it can be felt throughout the whole day. But perhaps that’s the way it’s meant to play.
--Perhaps it’s not the giant things that make the biggest waves, but the little ripples that gather strength throughout the day.
--It’s just a thought. But what if instead of reacting to the little ripples we just let them go on their way. Oh they’d probably be just as happy, and our day would probably be less nappy.
--Makes you wonder if perhaps that’s the way it’s meant to play….

RIDING THE TRAIN….

--The clock chimes, another hour has past . The day is progressing much to fast. Sitting in my chair, watching the sunlight through the window, is comforting and warm. A welcome relief to the nights filled with cool temps and half frozen feet.
--But as always there is the reminder of things left to do. So grabbing my cane I’m of once again to ride the train. Oh my steps are a little slower, and I’m not moving to fast but at lest I’m moving and that’s good at last.
--I may not get to everything , and I’ll probably miss quit a few. But as long as I’m moving the train will to. It's not about the little thing's I’m finding out, or even if the train is filled it's about keeping the line running when you'd rather just sit still.
--I’m sure tomorrow will be better. In the mean time I’ll just keep moving. And so will the train….

THE MINDSET OF THE CHANGING SEASONS….

--Spring cleaning takes the form of many things I’m finding. Especially as I get older.
--After all these years I’m constantly finding that along with the changing seasons, a change in mind set is needed for each of the dang things.
--Life used to be so simple. Now it seems with every fluctuation in the weather a new mind set is needed in order to function. It does tend to make life interesting to say the lest.
--Luckily the ground work was laid along time ago, before it became necessity
 So switching from one to the other isn't as bad as it used to be....

FORGETTING THE BASICS….

--Forgetting the basics often brings about shortage in so many places that it’s hard to comprehend.
--And really there’s no reason for it other than a preoccupation with the day to day nonsense of getting the job done.
-By the time it comes down to the basics your either to tired from everything else, or just put the basics off till morning. But when morning arrives your off and running and the basics have fallen along the way once again.
--Perhaps it time for a major rethinking to take place, and the basics should once again be put in the place where they belong. And not put off resulting in the same old song….

BEING KIND ISN'T SUPPOSED TO BE HARD….

--I watched a conversation the other day. I was amazed at how many snide and hurtful comments were used to describe the situation of which the person spoke.
--I couldn’t help but feel bad for the person receiving the comments. It is so sad when people don’t take the time to think before they speak.
--Being kind isn’t supposed to be hard. In fact you would think it would be easy but apparently in the me, me, me, generation in which we live it’s a sign of weakness and to feared at all cost.
--That night I said a prayer for the people’s involved. Both the groups. Hopefully they’ll find the strength to carry on, and perhaps won’t resort to such childish behavior. And the one who had their spirit shattered will find it in their heart to wave their little flag in such a sea of adversity. Like I said being kind shouldn’t be so hard….

FREE TO SPEAK MY MIND....

--Standing rather than sitting, such a simple thing. should you let it wave, or hide it in a closet, because they say it offends.
--Oh the questions that do arise when you set out to apologize and make a mends.
--Myself I say long may it wave, proud and free. and as far standing or sitting well that a choice best left to you or me.
--I pray that all who find these little thing offending find peace of mind. as for me I’m proud to be an American where at lest I’m free to speak my mind.....

LETTING THE MORNING SUN SHINE IN....

--It was so simple, but like everything else it's the simplest answer's that are the hardest to comprehend.
--The one thing missing, was the one surely needed. By the simple fact of omission thereby lies the remission.
--It's amazing what you find when you stumble on the way. Perhaps it was your little voice trying once again to speak, and not your big feet.
--But now that the answer has been revealed, you can bet it'll be one of the first things done tomorrow. ...

WATCHING AND LISTENING….

--To little skills, so often over looked. Sometimes I think because no one really wants to take the time. And they might be a little afraid of what they might see.
--The older I get, the more I’m finding myself falling back on the little thing’s to get though the day. It just take’s to much effort to do it any other way sometimes.
--With all the go, go, go, going on these days. Falling back on the simple thing’s every once in awhile allows me to catch my breath, and still keep abreast of what’s going on.
--It’s probably not the best of plans, but it seems to work for me….

SOMEDAY….

--I know I’ve been more than patient. Watching and waiting for any sign of a sprout. And just about the time I’m ready to give up a little movement makes me hang on for another day. But then it’s more of the same.
--I guess some seeds are slow starter’s I keep telling myself. While watching and waiting for a sign of a sprout.
--Something’s are beyond our control, and are better left for others to attend. And sitting around waiting for seeds to sprout appears to be one of them.
--Someday I pray the little thing will grow. But the job of  keeping track will have to be passed on. Because from what I can see it’s going to be along wait, and life’s to short to spend it like that….

RIDING THE ROLLER COASTER….

--Back and forth, from one end to the other. With stops every so often right in between.
--They say it’s amazing what you can get used to. Being resilient is the keystone of life.
--Like everything it’s all in how you look at it I suppose. The old trying to see things in a positive light coming back once again to me. And ordinarily I’d probably agree.
--I guess it could be a whole lot worse. Riding the roller coaster while trying to sleep, really isn’t too bad once you find the rhythm. And that’s just the thing. Finding the rhythm while riding the dang thing….

LET’S TRY TO BE ADULT’S….

--I once tried to use that argument when trying to get somebody to calm down. All it seem to do was inflame the situation and provide more steam for the unreasonable clown.
--I’ve since learned my lesson I’m sorry to say, when arguing with a fool it’s best to walk away. Because no matter what’s said they usually take it and beat you on the head.
--Only time and distance seems to work, very well. And when everyone’s had a chance to catch their breath hopefully conversation can resume. Of course like everything in life there are no guarantee’s.
--Sometimes it’s easier to concede than fight if peace is ever hoped to be achieved. Of course there are times when even that won’t work, because sometimes what people really want is to fight. It makes life interesting to say the least. Trying to choose which battles are worth fighting. And which ones are not worth the effort. Maybe someday we’ll all reach a point where it won’t be that way I can only hope….

FILLING IN THE POTHOLES….

--With the spring weather comes the potholes it seems.
--Some are small, and others are quite large.
--Hopefully they’ll be filled in before, more damage is done.
--It really makes driving a lot of fun…..

MAYBE THE NEXT TIME….

--Funny thing about simple and easy, they usually don’t go hand in hand.
--Nothing makes the hair on the back of my neck stand up faster than in the hear the term.
--It usually means somebody’s left out something.
--And I’ll be the one who has to navigate the minefield of reality as a result….

SOMETHING’S A LITTLE OFF….

--As surprising as it sounds usually if we listen we’ll have plenty of warning. The hardest part is listening in this day and age I guess.
--But I know in my case I’ve been forwarded before things went of the rails. It’s usually when I was to preoccupied to listen to that little voice, that things went to far.
--Most days I listen or at lest try to give it my best shot.
--I still miss a few from time to time. But I’ve caught more than I’ve missed and that helps a lot…

STYMIED BEFORE YOUR STARTED….

--Sometimes it seems like your stopped before you start.
--No matter how you try to figure it your stymied before you can get started.
--There’s no doubt about it and the answer’s refuse to come
--Rather than jump and shout. I usually sit down and try to figure it out. If after a bit nothing comes my way. I figure maybe I’ll try again on another day. It’s not perfect and sometimes it’s hard to take. But sometimes those are just the breaks….

HERE COMES THE RAINS…

--Well it’s the first day of the winter cleanup. The rains are coming. While a welcome relief to all the dang snow. It’s sure to bring with it many little ups and downs.
--Like a mud filled yard. Dampness to equal the winter chill at times. And let’s not forget the never ending smell of wet dog.
--But like things it only last for a short while, and at lest it should take care of the snow banks along the drive way so you can see when backing up.
--And let’s not forget the flowers, that’ll be popping up before long. So I guess it’s a fair trade for a few more days of discomfort….

THANK GOD FOR WARMING TRENDS….

--A welcome break from winter’s onslaught. That leaves you feeling refreshed.
--A chance to catch our breath after being submerged in winter for so long.
--A sure sign the seasons about to pass.
--A bit of a blessing when winter’s been bringing you down….

THE THINGS YOU FIND OUT….

--When your going along, your merry old way. Life throws you a curve ball, and stops you in your tracks.
--A moment you have before panic sets in. It’s good to realize that perhaps it’s best. That it happen when it did and not when you used it last.
--Oh what a fright that would have been. So perhaps the curve ball wasn’t as bad as you thought.
--At lest it caught you at home, and not on a road in the middle of no where you see….

UNEXPECTED SURPRISE….

--Even though trying to walk on ice is hard while trying to lead a dog who seems to be intent on trying to pull you off your feet. There is a certain amount of beauty to be found in the early morning hours before first light.
--The trick is to catch a glimpse before stepping on the Ice probably.
--Because after you step on the ice filled path you’ll be preoccupied trying to keep your balance.
--Even though the world is filled with half light, and a certain rain filled chill the picture has a certain beauty and that’s a unexpected surprise. Especially after so many months of sub zero winds filled with blinding snow. It does make a impact on your morning and that’s kind of nice….

GRUMPY ANSWERS….

--While they may seem like a good response when not wanting to converse. They often end up making matters much worse.
--It’s been my experience that even when it seems like a lot sometimes it’s worth the extra effort to think before you speck Especially when the person your be grumpy to is half awake to.
--No one likes a game of tit for tat, before coffee. Because it’s not really much fun.
--But what can you do. Except walk away from the grumpy old fools. And hope that maybe the next time you meet they’ll think before they speck….

FIRST THINGS FIRST….

--Sometimes the order in which things are done, isn’t as important as it seems.
--And sometimes the order is more important than the accomplishments that they bring.
--It’s a conundrum but that’s what makes life interesting in a house filled with cats, kittens, dogs children and my wife and me.
--You wouldn’t think it would matter, but apparently it does. Thank God for the whack a doodles because nobody else does….

STEALTH MODE….

--Impossible to archive when half awake, even though you do try.
--Keeping your eyes only on the prize, you navigate though whatever is waiting.
--It’s not the best policy but you really can’t help yourself you see.
--Whatever is waiting isn’t really going anywhere, and it doesn’t do any good to start your day in total despair….

THE DANCE OF THE HAM BONE….

--Bouncing like a couple of tigers, when they first see me. Each holding a ham bone as proud as can be.
--The cats, and kittens are glaring because the dogs are not sharing.
--Apparently they’ve had all night to work up a plan of revenge. The path to the coffee pot is a mine field of peek a boo poo.
--But rather than be surprised along with coffee cup I brought along the mop. Because if there’s  one thing I’ve learned is the dance of the ham bone usually results in unexpected surprises for me… 

I HAD A FUNNY FEELING....

--I had a funny feeling, but didn't want to be the one who pointed out the reality of the situation.
--When I was latter called to chat, my funny feeling was back. And this time it was plain to see, that not only was I right but I'd forgotten my first duty and should have said something to lesson the shock.
--As I listened to the story, I tried not to show how much of a blow it was having to hear what my worst fears had been whispering in my ears.
--I offered what comfort I could while wishing it was more. Making a promise to myself never more would I keep silent when a feeling I did have. Just spare myself the duty of pointing out sometimes what's seems good has a bad side to. ...

ICING ON THE CAKE...

--The sounds of trumpets and music begins, is it a message from beyond? or somebody’s alarm.
--The cats and kittens are all at full gale, spring is on the way and their singing the tale.
--The coffee is cold which is fine by me, as long I’m spared a trip into the sanctum of nuts. I’ll enjoy what I have until I wake up.
--Finishing the pot I arise from my chair, the time has come I must venture out their. Knowing what awaits, is like icing on the cake. but in order to progress it's time to clean up their mess...

A NEW GAME TO PLAY….

--What worked for winter, won't work for spring because their two different thing's.
--Now is the time while everything's in transition to prepare for the passing of the torch.
--It doesn't seem like much, but from what I can see it's going to matter Especially to me.
--So the deck must be shuffled, and the cards re dealt. Because in coming days there's going to be a new game to play ,called spring is here. Come and enjoy it you see....

PATIENCE IS WEARING THIN....

--Patience is wearing thin. The signs are all there. The blank looks ,the hard stares. boarding on the dark side of I don't care.
--Like a blanket filled with lead it fills the air.
--Try as you might to explain, no one wants to hear.
--Everyone's impatient for spring seems.

A FUNNY THING HAPPENED….

--Spent most of the day getting caught up on a number of little things that had been over looked.
--Cleaned out a number of old boxes, and found a bunch of misplaced books.
--Funny thing about cleaning it’s amazing what you find.
--Something’s didn’t make the cut, and the garbage truck will be picking them up. As for the rest well they were sparred this time. Perhaps until next time that is….

WHEN THE FIRST ONE CAME….

--You didn’t really think much of it when the first one came. Just a little chatter from the branches above.
--But when you came back outside to find the tree’s filled to the brim you thought it a tad strange.
--Right away your mind was filled all sorts of wild thought’s. And when they all took of in flight you ducked expecting the worse.
--Imagine your surprise when they circled the house twice chattering away and then promptly flew away. I guess even crows get spring fever, or they just like to torment the cats. Either way I went back in the house, shaking my head no longer with a feeling of dread…

YOU DIDN’T REALLY THINK….

--It not like you were going out of your way to offend. Some people just don’t know how to bend.
--Looking for what isn’t there, and when they can’t find it end up pulling out their own hair.
--It seems kind of sad if you ask me. Life would be much simpler if everyone tried to get along. But then we wouldn’t have a need for those old sad song.
--Then where would we be…

YOU REALLY SHOULDN’T COMPLAIN….

--There’s always somebody who likes to point out, that you really shouldn’t complain.
--Not because they don’t agree with you, but because they like to play devils advocate.
--If you say this they’ll say that. And the ball will be rolling with your turn at bat. It’s kind of annoying if you don’t enjoy a good game of tit for tat.
--Myself I try to stay neutral, but even then I’ll get dragged into a few rounds. Such is life I guess…..

TRYING TO FIND SOMETHING TO WATCH….

--I remember when the children were young we tried to shelter them from some of the more adult themed shows on TV. It was hard, but we usually managed to find a few shows that were available after careful searching.
--Now the children are older, and unfortunately it seems that network TV has gone off into the never land of anything goes in the quest for rating’s.
--I realize there is a vast audience out there and things have to have a certain appeal for the general pool of people. It just would be nice if somebody would realize that vulgarity doesn’t mean funny, and peek a boo smut doesn’t really mean good drama.
--But I guess that’s where freedom of choice comes in. Thank God the off button still works on the TV, because lately it’s seems like the only button that gets much use in our house….

OVER THINKING A CLOUDY DAY....

--Thinking to much sometimes is worse than not thinking at all.
--Like a giant hand holding us back over thinking everything usually does just that.
--Can’t go ahead, and can’t stand still can barely manage to look up the hill.
--One step is needed and the rest will follow. But not if were trapped in the hollow. Sometimes it’s better to keep it all simple. At lest until the clouds pass by and the sun reveals it’s light filled dimples….

IT’S A NEW DAY….

--There is no greater joy than watching the sun light crawl across the floor after a cold dark night.
--The day has begun with the warmth of the morning sun.
--Curtains are opened, rooms are illuminated driving the darkness away.
--All I can say is thank God it’s a new day…

AT LEST IT WAS FREE….

--It didn’t seem like such a big thing until much later. When the first hour was spent trying to find and figure out how to keep the dang thing from crossing the line.
--It wasn’t that I was ungrateful because really I wasn’t. It just would have been nice if somebody would have mentioned a few things before giving it to me.
--Like the steering was loose, and the brakes were a little poor. But hey what could I say at lest it was free. The first ride was spent, in quite a jumble. Trying to keep the thing on the road. But after awhile things mellowed out a tad. And even though it was all still bad, I was able to compensate for all the deficiencies it had.
--When asked later about all the little things nobody mentioned I was reminded that at lest it was free and it was given to me. So I guess it’s the thought that counts. Even though it would have been nice to have been forewarned just a tad. It really could have been worse I guess at least all the door’s worked and the heater wasn’t so bad…

AT FIRST YOU THOUGHT…..

--At first you thought it was the new time losing a hour sleep and all that.
--Then you slowly began to realize maybe it was the fact that spring is coming and the excitement was starting to get to you. The cats, kittens all are on board with the coming change. They’ve all been singing the song of spring for the last week. The dogs well, they seem to be taking the whole thing in stride. Just another season coming to pass.
--The snows melting, which is good. Except it’s turned the world outside into a sliding world of mush. Which has turned coming and going into a adventure again.
--But it could be worse. At lest there will be flower’s coming soon besides a endless world of white to look at out the front window. And that will be a welcome relief…

ODD THING’S HAPPEN….

--Forward goes the motion the day progress’s fine. Then the odd thing happens and everything is out of line.
--You try to put everything back on track, but find another crack. Pretty soon it’s clear the day’s not going back.
--So rather then waste the time you go with the flow. Figuring like all thing’s this to will blow over.
--When the day has ended your surprised to see, what was really odd was that’s the way it was supposed to be….

OLD SAYING’S….

--Old saying’s are fun. Except when they hold tiny kernels of truth.
--Then they become a little disheartening to realize even in the old days they were faced with many of the problems we face today.
--Makes you wonder if we’ve really come as far as we like to think.
--Or if were just kidding ourselves. It’s really something to think about I guess….

SOMETIMES A BIGGER PUSH IS NEEDED….

--On the downward slide is sometimes where you find your best inspiration.
--Sometimes a emergency provides the boost needed to access the level where creativity is stored.
--Don’t ask me why. Because after all these years I still don’t understand it. But it’s usually when I’m standing up to my but in muck and mire, that a creative solution will pop up and help me fix the problem.
--Maybe it’s just that a extra spark is needed sometimes to get the creative gene going. Or the fact that having a hard head it take’s a bigger push. Of course my wife has her view on the subject. And perhaps she’s right. Come to think of it she usually is ….

WAITING FOR THE DRIPPING ORACLE OF THE MAGIC BEAN...

--Somebody misplaced the beginning of a perfectly good day, with a mishmash of thing's better of left for later .
--Just didn't seem right but what are you going to do, sometimes you just have to play the hand your dealt by karma .
--Try as you might you can't find the momentum to get started because you forgot to make coffee the night before. And are forced to wait for the dripping oracle of the magic bean.
--I guess sometimes it pays to plan ahead, but then again sometimes it's good to forget to. It just makes you appreciate when you do remember more....

PRAYING THOSE LEFT BEHIND FIND PEACE...

--Seeing the image's flickering across the screen you'd think there would have been more of a response.
--Unfortunately there were not.
--I guess it's true what they say about memories fading and all that.
--A deep well of sadness was all that was conjured up. Sadness because I’m sure things haven’t really changed that much. and I pray perhaps someday peace will be found for those left behind....

DIRTY DISHES BEFORE DINNER....

--Understanding just won't come. For some it seems real simple. But for others it's like climbing a steeple.
--Before a new pile is started, the old pile must have departed. As simple as it sounds, it still manages to confound.
--It's not that it's so hard, it's just that it means everyone has to choose a card.
--But rules are made by life and not me....

WATCHING THE CONVERSATION ROUND THE TABLE...

--Sitting in the chair listening to the conversations going on, couldn't help but feel proud of all that I could hear.
--Each little tidbit that my ear's did receive ,made me realize that the little one's were growing and that left me pleased.
--So much alike, yet so different they all share one thing and that was plain to see.
--They were and are a family. I stared at their mother and she winked at me apparently she saw what I was seeing and she to was pleased....

THE LITTLE ONES ARE ALWAYS THE LOUDEST…

--It’s amazing but it’s true. Take your pick cats, kittens or children. The little ones are always the loudest. Of course it’s probably just a matter of survival
--The last batch of kittens we had the little runt was and continues to be the loudest. He has to be in order to be heard over the other whack a doodles.
--And children well I‘m not saying my youngest is loud but his voice does carry. Sometimes I have to remind him to whisper. A skill I’m sorry to say he’s never really mastered.
--But if I had a choice I’d rather have it just they way it is. Sometimes in life in order to be heard you need to be able to speck up. And the little ones have already mastered what took a lot of us many years to accomplish…

SLIDING OUT THE FRONT DOOR….

--I guess not many people realize that it’s important to try and keep paths somewhat level when shoveling. Of course like all teacher’s life usually reserves the lessons of the most benefit for the ones with the hardest heads.
--While taking the dogs out to do their business the other day I was treated to another of those lessons.
--Apparently while most of our attention was on our driveway in the month of February. You know the whole trying to keep it clean enough to get in and out thing. I kind of forgot to keep a eye on the path to the house. And as a result found myself sliding of the deck down the stairs and down the path leading to the house. When I finally came to a stop. I realized that while the path was shoveled it was also at a slope. And because of the warming temps had turned into one giant slide.
--Needless to say, it was really a awaking experience. And after I was able to untangle myself from the dogs and cats who thought it was all a big game and wanted to do it all again. Took about a hour to fix. As usual when I did get back into the house I noticed all the cats and kittens had been watching the whole thing out the window. And if I didn’t know better I’d swear they were laughing it up….

SOMETHING’S A LITTLE OFF….

--Normally I kind of like shopping for food and what not. But there are times when it becomes a pain the neck.
--Like when your trying to read the prices of the shelf and can’t find the price, or find that the price is covered by a product to large for the shelf. Or when your trying to look at FRESH MEAT and something in the counter smells like road kill. Maybe it’s just me but it tends to put a damper on the whole experience.
--When you point it out to the worker’s who appear to work there, and their response is either I’m sorry it’s not my department, or a look of total confusion. Well let’s just say it didn’t take my wife and I very long to get the Sam Hill out of the store.
--Of course that was our intention until we found that out of 30 checkout’s only 3 were running. 2 were backed up, and one was the 10 items or less checkout. We both looked at each other and parked our cart and quietly walked out. Sometimes it’s just easier to walk away than to have to spend another 30 to 45 min waiting to checkout I guess…

WHAT EVER HAPPENED TO NORMAL DRIVEWAY’S…

--You know your getting old when you fail to appreciate the adventure of trying navigate the entrances that some stores have.
--I mean in used to be quite a simple thing getting into a parking lot. In and out. And once in just find a parking space, and your good to go.
--Now it seems you have to follow a maze of curves, and then try to figure out which entrance is a in our out. And of course if you choose wrong you find that all the parking space’s are pointed in the wrong direction. And have do it all over again. Usually resulting in another tour of the dang parking lot.
--But I guess it’s worth it because like the sign says they always sell for less. As long as you don’t mind spending most of your time looking for where they’ve hidden the stuff they sell for less….

SOMETIMES CHEAPER IS NOT ALWAYS BETTER….

--What can I say? The worst part is I’d probably do the whole thing the same way if I’d had the chance to do it over again. It just seemed like a good idea at the time.
--Oh I’m sure if they thought about it they’d do the same thing also.
--But of course all that doesn’t matter now. What matter’s is that when we go back I make sure and get the kind they like regardless of the price. Because if there’s one thing you don’t mess with and that’s what brand of coffee you buy.
--I guess it just goes to show some thing’s are really important, and that first cup in the morning is one of them. Well live and learn I guess…

A WARMING TREND…

--The forecast calls for highs in the 30’s. I know it doesn’t seem like much but after a month in the sub zero temps it’s almost like a heat wave.
--It’s the little thing’s that start the day of right. Of course it’ll be nice until the jumbo piles of snow start to melt, and turns everything into a ocean of swampland.
--But until then we’ll just have to enjoy it as it comes.
--Even swampland would be preferable to all the dang snow right about now to be honest….

WHAT A PLEASANT SURPRISE….

--To say I was shocked would be a understatement. But  that’s all I can think of right now.
--It seems either the cats’ and kittens have forgotten our morning game of hide and go seek the poo. Or it was just to dang cold for their nightly shenanigans.
--Either way I’ll take what I can get. I’ll admit their a fun loving bunch of little whack a doodles. But playing hide and go poo every morning is wearing a tad thin.
--Oh course I’m not foolish enough to think this is a truce of any sorts. I’ve been playing this game for to long. But like I said I’ll take what I can get, especially when dealing with cats and kittens….

YOU DIDN’T REALLY THINK…

--You didn’t really think you just grabbed the one looked like it would work.
--But when you got it home what did you find, it was just a tad smaller than the one you were replacing.
--It’s not like it didn’t work, and the little space at the end well at lest the majority of the thing is covered. And yes the next time I go to buy a toilet seat I’ll remember not all toilet seat’s round. Some of the dang thing’s are oval shaped.
--I guess you live and learn. But really what did they expect sending me to get the dang thing in the first place. And to be honest I just couldn’t see spending a extra $5 dollars for 2 inches of plastic….

LITTLE GARDENING AFTER DINNER….

--There is no greater joy than watching seeds you have planted start to sprout.
--After making sure their watered and well weeded, and waiting patiently for those first indication growth. To finally see those tiny green sprouts poking up through the earth is really kind of cool.
--Over the years we’ve had a few gardens, and all the children caught the gardening bug. Of course that was until they found out you had to make sure to weed quite regularly or you ended up with a patch of weeds with a garden hidden in there somewhere.
--But we usually overcame the urge to run and hide by going out after dinner and taking care of the weeding, as a whole family. It only took a little while and everyone had fun….

SATURDAY CATCH-UP DAY…

--Catching up on the thing’s that slipped through the cracks during the week.
--It’s called Saturday but I like to call it catch-up day.
--All the little thing’s that were put of till later, during the week when we were rushing about. Are brought forward and taken care of.
--Of course it means getting enough done so the week can be stared fresh. But that’s what makes the whole fun I guess….

PAYING MORE ATTENTION….

--You can’t say you weren’t aware. When you knew for a fact.
--That no matter what you did. They’d always come back.
--The fact that you were caught unprepared. Only goes to show you how far you have slipped.
--Now that you’ve learned maybe next time you’ll pay more attention. And if not well I guess you’ll end up in detention….

SELECTIVE HEARING…

--Can you tell me how in the world cats seem to think get down and stay of the counter mean doing just the opposite?
--I became worried the other day and asked my wife if my speech was slurred, and maybe I wasn’t making any sense.
--She gave me one of those looks that said well to be honest no more than usual.
--For a minute I’d thought maybe I’d had a stroke in the middle of the night. But no it was just that cats are like children they have selective hearing. They only hear what they want to hear I guess.

FORGETTING TO REMEMBER….

--Where did it come from? Why did it appear? After all this time you thought it was gone and had nothing to fear.
--But like a thief in the night it slipped into the mix and when you lest expected it whamo it reared it's ugly head.
--Now your racked with guilt, and can not believe that after all this time you really were deceived.
--But that’s what happens when you forget. just how crafty the little fellow is. It's best not to play games, with him you see. Because in the end he'll end up taking a bite out of what you believe....

BUILDING BLOCKS OF LIFE….

--Looking back only the years I’m reminded of many thing's. Thankful for each and every one.
--It's a Hodgepodge collection this thing called memory. Some happy some sad, and some in between.
--Each one a building block for the person of today.
--But that's all they really are building blocks. Lessons learned and filed away….

PRAYING MARCH IS A LITTLE EASIER THAN FEBRUARY…

--Well after being held prisoner by mother nature and a drive way that spent more time being filed with snow than not last month. When we were finally able to get the dang thing cleared enough to be able to get out my wife I figured we better get while the getting was good.
--We crammed as many errands as we could into our trip out and about. Not trying to jinx our good luck at being able to get out we were just trying to make sure we got as many thing’s done as possible.
--When we finally got home we were both a little shaken to realize we had made it both in and out with out getting stuck. We both looked at each other and started to giggle like a couple of fool’s.
--I’m not saying February was a long month but it seemed like we spent more time getting that dang fool car unstuck, or shoveling that dang fool driveway than we did anything else. And were both praying march will go a little easier….

LOVE HATE RELATIONSHIP WITH MY DRIVEWAY….

--Standing in the driveway watching the snow fall, is a very disheartening feeling to realize that once again I’m faced with the reality that there be more shoveling come morning. It seems me and this 75ft driveway have developed a very love hate relationship over the years.
--Oh there’s no greater feeling of love upon seeing the entrance of my driveway especially after fighting a stormy winter night. And then realizing that the snow plow has filled the entrance and we might or might not make it all the way to the house.
--In fact there have been many night’s we’ve been forced to walk up from the road after getting stuck. And then had to go out and clean out the dang thing and get the car unstuck in the morning.
--But that’s usually only in winter, the rest of the time it’s a rather pleasant relationship we have. I guess like every relationship it has it’s ups and downs. Maybe there’s a lesson in there somewhere…

A PRAYER FOR THOSE IN CHARGE…

--Oh I can’t help but feel sorry for you. And your constant need to remind people that you’re the one in charge.
--The sign on the door, wasn’t enough. And the name plate on your desk well it really should have been bigger. Perhaps a mural on the wall would really do the trick.
--But instead I guess you’ll just have to made do with beating everyone with the rules that you enforce.
--I hope someday you find what your searching for, and will be to fill your need. Until that time I guess we’ll all just have to be patient while you stamp your feet show us what you’ve achieved….

PAINTING THE PICTURE OF SPRING MYSELF….

--The garden is full and the flowers are painted with bright colors of spring.
--Oh course everyone else can’t see a thing. When they look all they see is cold and the ever lasting snow. What can I say, if spring won’t come I’ll paint the picture myself.
--No I’m not ready for that rubber room on high. I’m just tired of letting snow kick me in the by and by. I’m finding it better to look forward a tad. Instead of staring about being so sad.
--Call it what you want. It won’t faze me a bit, because I’ll be sipping my Ice Tea trying figure out which flowers to clip….

REMEMBERING TO GIVE A LITTLE PERSONAL SPACE....

--Like the giant maple that stands in the front yard. it stands to remind us of all that it has to offer.
--Shade on a hot summer day, relief from a down pour of rain or branch to grab on a slippery winter's day.
--Never once asking much more than what it offer's. It stands for all to enjoy.
--But like all thing's it must be remembered for what it is, and although nice to visit you can't hang out there all day long. Because even a tree enjoys time alone with the sun shine of the day....

YOU PROVED IT COULD BE DONE...

--I always knew it could be done. Even from the onset, I had faith it would be achieved.
--The road was hard, and filled with bumps. But still you were able to succeed.
--To say I’m proud, would be a understatement. But indeed I am. The only other word I can describe is proud enough to burst I guess.
--You fought long hard and in the end you over came. You should be proud yourself. Because despite everything you showed them all and that's what counts.....

WAITING FOR SOME POSITIVE NEWS.....

--Just once I’d like to stand in a checkout line and not be bombarded by a bunch of negative ads for articles that belong in a waiting room for the train to purgatory.
--It's seems no matter where you go it's always the same thing, check the morning headlines, and your one step closer to the ledge.
--I realize there's a lot of bad news and bad news seems to sell. Maybe it's just me but it seems we as a people have a fascination with the latest disaster.
--Of course if some of what was presented was positive once in awhile maybe we could turn the tide just a tad. Who knows what might happen then?....

THE LITTLE BUMP IN PERFECTLY GOOD DAY...

--It wasn't much just a little bump in the road. File it away and get on with the day.
--To sacrifice the momentum of the day, would be a waste. A price not worth paying for such a little thing .
--Sometimes things just happen that way.
--The choice ours to make. In the end that all that can be said anything more would make a little bump more than what it is…

COUNTING THE STEPS RATHER THAN THE DISTANCE LEFT TO GO....

--One step, two step, three in a row. At this pace your of on a roll.
--Oh the day is far from done. What promise's were made are sure to prove to be fun.
--But as long we remember that race is not won by standing around.
--The day should end with a smile and not a frown....

WATCHING THE FLOWERS GROW IN MY SNOW FILLED FRONT YARD…

--The windows filled with white crested waves of frozen snow. But this morning theirs a difference in the air. A warm gentle breeze coming from the south west. With promise’s of a trend.
--It’s not much but hey, it sure feels better than what’s been coming as of late and I for one will take what I can get.
--My wife thinks I could take a tread and spin a blanket out of it. If I set my mind to it. Perhaps she’s right. I never could see much sense wallowing around singing the blues, when it’s much easier to try and put a positive spin on things.
--The facts are winter’s just about done. Spring is just about here, and in my mind I can already see the flowers growing out there in my snow filled yard. It’s all in how you look at it I guess…  

SHINING A LITTLE LIGHT...

--Underneath a bucket is no place for a light. in order for it to shine it needs to be out shining bright.
--Now some would say what a strange idea. A light should be protected and kept in reserve shedding just enough for our own needs. A light can only shine if it's used but sparingly.
--But perhaps that’s the point from time to time a light must be refueled by what were able to see.
--If everyone hide's the light just how are we supposed to see....

BUILDING A GOOD DAY OUT OF A HOUSE OF CARDS….

--Building a good day around a certain set of circumstance’s sometimes just isn’t possible. Thing’s happen beyond our control
--A morning cup of coffee is nice but kind of hard to have when the coffee pot chooses to brake down. Waking up late because the power went out the night before and the alarm clock didn’t go of. Going out in your kitchen and finding out the cats, kittens and dogs all took turns seeing who could make the biggest mess.
--It’s time’s like this that I like to remind myself that good days don’t just happen sometimes they take a lot of hard work.
--But they can happen if you just remember a few simple thing’s. It could have been worse. And this to shall pass. Of course my wife thinks I’m a flake, when I take this attitude but hey usually despite of everything I’ll end up having a good day…

PUTTING BUG-A-BOO'S TO REST...

--The date here. And the hour fast approaches. The bug-a-boo's are dancing with great cheer.
--Your mind is in a whorl, your slowly losing sight. All of the thing's you've learned your convinced are just not right.
--If you don't stop, and take a deep breath, your afraid you'll forget all of the rest.
--The best thing to with bug-a-boo's is to remember who's in charge of who. Oh their a persistent little bunch and can be quite tiring, But that's only if you forget WHO'S IN CHARGE OF WHO....

STOP PLAYING GAMES WITH BUG-A-BOO’S….

--Down to the wire once again.
--The big day is here.
--A little apprehension is perfectly normal. But this is out right turmoil.
--Letting all of this get out of control, will do no good you know. You know you can do it, you’ve proven it before. So stop playing games, and close the dang door. Control the bug-a-boo’s or they’ll control you….

ENJOYING THE DAYS AS THEY COME GO...

--So afraid so full of fear, to let anyone near. Protecting all that they hold dear.
--Without a doubt a wonder to watch, the crazy little whack a doodle dance of the Have and the Have Not's.
--Never could understand, and always thought it more than a little strange. but what can you do, with whack a doodle doos.
--In the end it take's all kinds to make up this world of ours, a prayer for those who feel the need to protect what nobody else wants. May you find peace in your never ending quest. As for me I’ll just enjoy the day's as they come and do go...

LONG NIGHTS DON'T HAVE TO MEAN LONG DAYS...

--Good morning. sounds simple , but sometimes hard to achieve, when the nights spent tossing ,turning and fighting about.
--The chill in the air helps a tad , if only to put things in prospective for the day to come.
--Wouldn't take much to teeter on the edge. But there's no sense in that, why compound a long night with a even longer day.
--Working within the confines of what's left is sometimes easier than riding a basket into a downward spiral. In the end the choice is ours to make....

SPREADING THE SUNSHINE ....

--Giving comfort to others only takes a moment or to.
--Sometimes with a word, or the lending of a ear. Or with a smile to wish good cheer.
--What goes around comes around, of this I’m quite certain.
--Spreading the sunshine seems to just make sense, you never know when you might need a few rays on a cloudy day....

WALKING THROUGH THE FOG....

--Even though the noon day hour has come and gone. And the sun is in the downward decent.
--It seems the day has just begun instead of half spent.
--Perhaps its because the fog has lifted or space and time have some how shifted.
--Either way it does play out, there things to do and no more time to lay about. So putting forth with your intended best you try for another go. Hoping this time to at lest make to round three or four before the fog hit’s the floor….

REFLECTION’S IN A BATHROOM LIGHT….

--It was a amazing sight to see looking back at me, the reflection of the years could plainly be seen. Along with all is as it should be. Or so it would seem.
--The lines of time have been good, the proof was in the hood. It just goes to show the more time passes the more it remains the same.
--A quick glance, a gentle smirk, nothing to severe. Just happy to be at peace with what was staring at me.
--As much as time would permit, and then out with the light. And back to bed for me…. 

PRAYING FOR PLENTY OF NET….

--Wandering around in a constant state of denial of the obvious is a gift bestowed on those who find it easier to ignore reality.
--Like all teacher’s in life reality can only be ignored for so long, before the lessons come home to roost.
--Sometimes it’s better to accept the fact’s when they come, than trying to make them fit what we would like.
--I hope and pray that there plenty of net to absorb the awaking when it comes. Because there's one thing for sure like everything reality catches up to us all eventually…

A SILENT PRAYER FROM DEER TO YOU….

--It’s nice to see that people are alive and well. It makes your heart swell, to realize people are still able to do.
--Just knowing that everyone’s going and doing and running about.
--Watching from afar as everyone rushes by shaking their heads and uttering tired sighs. Maybe someday they’ll slow down.
--And if not what can you do, except try and stay out of the way of those whack a doodle fools….

SPRING IS JUST ABOUT HERE….

--Well we made it February’s over and done and March has finally begun.
--Spring is just about hear, and winter will be just so much remembered fun.
--The flower’s will start to bloom, and the tree’s will get their leafs.
--Everything will soon be green under our tired winter worn feet…. 

FEBRUARY THE MONTH WITH MANY FACES….

--February’s over and done. March is finally here. Bringing with many expectation’s and welcomed relief’s.
--The foremost of course being one more step closer to spring and all that will bring.
--Going over February and trying to figure out how it will be remembered, I’d have to say the month when more time was spent finding places to put snow, than anything else. And then there was the much needed winter exercise of shoveling.
--Oh there were other bright moments I’m quite sure. But those are the one’s that stick foremost in mind. Expression of love were exchanged, on many fronts, some subtle and some not so subtle. But never the less there. All in all a good month as far as they go, and that’s all any one can ask for I guess….

ACCEPTING THE INCONSISTENCIES OF LIFE….

--Catering to the inconsistencies of life by making excuses for them, is a bad choice that will send a good day into a downward spiral.
--Sometimes it’s better to accept the little inconsistencies and continue on, rather than run wily nilly in the wrong direction all through the day.
--I know it doesn’t sound like much of a plan, but sometimes you just have to go with what you got.
--In the long run it’ll save a lot of time, and make it possible to keep a day progressing along a good track. And that’s what matter I guess….

FINDING WHAT WORKS….

--There’s a lot to be said for getting up and working the stiffness of the night out. Flexibility returns after a bit and that’s can be good.
--Hanging round trying for more sleep, while might seem like a good idea, often results in total stiffness and more pronounced difficultly later.
--It’s a routine that is hard to keep when layer’s of sleep have been striped down to the bare minimum but the benefit is worth it in the long run.
--Going back for a nap latter works, and sometimes that’s what count. Finding what works and sticking with it….. 

LOOKING FOR ANOTHER CAUSE ….

--The heart wants what the heart wants, or so I’ve been told. In fact I’m getting a little tired of it but that’s only because like me it getting quite old.
--It's already been established and I’m told everyone is quite happy maybe now it's time to move on, and stop pounding it to taffy.
--I’m not saying we should forget, but I’m sure there's more to be done bedside’s being hit with the same old stick.
--Perhaps we could that a look around and see if there is anything else that could be taken up and waved about. I’m sure if we looked it would be possible , because if there’s one thing for sure. There’s a lot of people who need help in this big old world of ours…