CLEANING OUT THE MUCK.....

--I’ve always been amazed at the amount of muck that can be accumulated on a lawnmower. At no time is this more apparent than when your trying to get one ready for the season.
--I guess it comes under the heading of things you forgot to do. When putting the dang fool things away for the season.
--Last year I found a nest of mice living in the engine compartment. Which is amazing with all the dimblub cats I have hanging around our house.
--This year I’ve been lucky so far just a really big spider in the battery compartment.

GOOFY YELLOW FLOWERS....

--Day trips are nice, even if the weather is a tad chilly. And the breeze blowing through the cracked window is loud and chilly.
--The country side is filled with goofy yellow flowers. That my wife tells me are daffodils. Which I have to admit are nice to see after a winter filled with total whiteness.
--But for some reason the little yellow flowers get a tad annoying after the first mile. Maybe it's just me but if your going to plant flowers so you can admire there beauty you'd want something a little different. Or at lest different colors. Not just those dang fool yellow one’s everywhere. It like riding through pod town where everything is exactly the same. My wife say it's my abnormal ness creeping out.
--I did notice there were a few different varieties of the dang fool yellow flowers out there. And I thank god for that. Apparently the me me’s have not taken over so far.....

WALKING THE BOUNDARIES.....

--Every year before mowing I like to walk the boundaries of the property. Mostly to see if there's anything about that might hurt the dang fool lawnmower. Because every time the dang fool thing breaks down it cost a arm and a leg to fix.
--But also I try and see if there any of Hansel’s dang fool prey lying around.
--There’s nothing worse than to be mowing along and hit a something that dang fool cat has killed.
--Why she leaves them all over the yard I have no idea. But every year I have to wander all over looking for them…..

WILBUR AND THE BLACK BIRDS....

--Over the short period of time we had Wilbur I’d come to expect the unexpected with that dang fool pig. From spitting toads at me, to trying stuff straw down my pants while she sat on me. The dang fool pig was a constant source of wonderment.
--One day while feeding the fool pig, I noticed a huge flock of black birds hanging out by her pen. Not thinking to much of it as I approached her pen because seemed Wilbur always had friends hanging about.
--Well as I was giving Wilbur her food I heard all the black birds start crowing. And then Wilbur started with her crazy singing. Which was like a high pitched squealing and a low cough. This went on for a couple of min and then the dang fool birds flew off. All except one who followed Wilbur into her shed, and sat up in the rafter’s clucking away.
--Shaking my head I left the two fools alone. Like I said I’d come to expect this from Wilbur so I really wasn't to surprised anymore....

GOOSE'S,OR GEESE....

--Apparently a bunch of geese are not called goose’s.
--Once again my wife has found another of my mispronunciation of terms.
--Now granted I’ve never put much stock in the English language. In fact I used to drive English teacher nut’s. With my chopping up of normal words.
--So you'd think after all these years my wife would be used to it by now. Myself I think she is she just likes to give me a hard time. I’ve tried to point out to her that I’m to dang old to change now. And of course she just smiles….

WAFFLES AND MY WIFE....

--The dang fool dog loves my wife. Even though when we first got the dang fool dog my wife would have nothing to do with him, for the first few months. Because she wanted him to bond with the rest of the family.
--But waffles right away fell madly in love with my wife.
--When she gets up to go to the bathroom the fool will whine at the kitchen door. When she comes out in the kitchen the fool would be the first in line to get his morning pet. When he comes back in from outside she's the first person he goes to see.
--It’s a weird relationship. She’s the only one he'll listen to. Me he just ignores and barks at....

WHAT CAN YOU DO....

--As much as you try to keep pace with the flow of the day. There are some days when just moving is a job.
--On days like that I just take it a step at a time. Doing what I can and letting the rest go for another day.
--For some reason I seem to get more done doing this than trying to work my way down a things to do list. Why I have no idea, but it seems to end up that way.
--I try not to put much thought into the whole thing. All that matters is it seems to work....

WHAT CAN YOU SAY...

--What can you say about a cloudy overcast day. Where the day feels like at any moment it's going to start raining. Other than even in it's moisture heavy atmosphere it's still kind of pretty.
--There's kind of a freshness to the air. Everything takes on the odor of spring with a added touch.
--If it weren’t for feeling like you'd been wailed on with a bag of rocks you just might enjoy it more.
--But even though the steps come with concentrated effort you do mange to find a few moments of enjoyment....

CUT AND DRIED….

--Sitting in the dark with the curtain open watching the sun rise while drinking a cup of coffee can be fun. If it weren’t for the chill of the morning and the constant banging about of the cat kittens and dogs it might almost be relaxing.
--But not everything can be cut and dried in the morning. Sometimes you have to learn to take the good with the bad.
--It could be worse. At lest were on the way to may flowers . And all of summers glory day’s.
--It’s quiet moments like this that make the day not so long…

OK WERE DONE NOW....

--I’m always amazed at the stubbornness of pets in general. They have the resolve of a child who knows the are not supposed to be doing something. But does it anyways. And the facial expressions of the whole who me thing down pat.
--My wife often looks at me like I’m simpleminded when I start about some of their antics. She often can be heard to say their just dogs cat or kittens. Like that really explains it all.
--But I swear they defiantly have a attitude problem. Like when you tell a cat to get the Sam hill of the table and it'll spend five minutes licking it themselves before they gets down. As if to say I’m getting down but only because I want to not because you yelled at me. Or when you take the dang fool dogs out to do their business. They’ll wait until you get back into the house and just pick up your coffee. And then start barking like banshees to let you know their done and want to come back in.
--Of course my wife humors me because that’s what you do with a old man who has a problem with the dang fool pets....

TRYING TO GET A BETTER VIEW.....

--Backing up to get a clear view of a problem sometimes works. Until vertigo kicks in from trying to see over the top.
--Sometimes taking things a tiny piece at a time can work the problem down to size. And sometimes you just end up maintaining the status quo.
--Keeping the effort going at times like these is hard. But not impossible because giving in means letting the problem win.
--And after so long of whittling away at it you just don't want to go back. So you pick up and keep going on, because there’s no other way....

WAFFLES AND THE HOUSE FULL OF CATS....

--Waffles loves going out in the morning, if only to race the old dog down the stairs of the porch. Of the course the old dog could care less about the race. And has been know to nip waffles in the but from time to time when he starts his Shenanigans.
--This morning was a tad different waffles ran down of the porch ,and over to his run. At first I thought it was because he had to go.
--But apparently that wasn't his purpose. It seems he was in a hurry to check out the house my wife put together for him yesterday.
--He ran to his house and was promptly greeted by all the dimblub cats who hang around our house. The resulting battle was short to say the lest. The cats quickly scattered and waffles started loving up his house. Apparently he needs to learn to share....

MAINTAINING ORDER….

--Spending time doing what needs be done to maintain order in a house is a pain in the neck. But left unattended for to long the resulting mess will come back and bite you in the but.
--So trudging out to clean up the tidbits seems to be a daily chore when sharing the living space with cats, kittens dogs and children. Thankfully as the children grow older they are able to lend a hand. As for the other vagabonds. Well they seem to live in a constant whack a doodle mode.
--Running about being dang fools seems to be there permanent disposition. Other than a few episodes of clownish behavior they can be a real test of patience to live with.
--Luckily their clownish episodes are more than their whack a doodle ness. Other wise they wouldn't be worth the time of day....

PLANTING IN THE DARK.....

--Oh please will you tell me the goal behind all of this?
--Why work so hard at something that no one seems to see.
--Why bother at all if it's just going to just sit out there.
--Perhaps that’s the answer, seeds don't grow when planted in the dark....

THE WONDER OF THROW RUGS....

--Rugs are nice. They keep the floor warm in winter. And also give you something to center the furniture around when rearranging the living room.
--They tend to be a bit of a dirt catcher in a house full of cat, dogs and kittens. In fact sometimes it seems you could spend days vacuuming the dang fool things and not get all the dirt.
--But they are nice is the winter. There nothing nicer than the comfort of a rug when the dang fool flour is ice cold. Except maybe a warm pair of shoes.
--So it's kind of a trade of I guess. But hey it could be worse....

WAITING AND WATCHING....

--We have progressed to the point were we are so smart. But we can't seem to produce medicine that doesn't have side effects. Wow I’m impressed.
--Maybe if we spent more time trying to fix the dang medicine we produced for good reasons. Than producing glory pills for stupid reasons. We could solve all the side effects.
--But I guess that’s not how the world works. It's the glory pills that pay the bills so we get tons of glory pills, and a bunch of good medicine with a ton of side effects.
--In the mean time you get to spend sleepless nights waiting and watching to see if you've fallen in the 1 percent who has side effects. Wow I’m impressed....

STRANGE LITTLE WHACK A DOODLE DAYS....

--Every once in awhile they come along, where no matter how hard you try you just can't find the energy to do much. Or are only able to do the bare min just to keep things in check.
--Call them what you want. But me I call mine whack a doodle day's. I don't get much done, in fact I usually don't move very far or very fast.
--They'll be left over’s for dinner. And the rest of the days chores are held of until the next day.
--M  wife calls them lazy days, and slowly she's gotten with the plan. I figure with life doing so much pulling and tugging sometimes you need to give yourself time to catch your breath. Otherwise you'll end up like a candle being burned at both ends….

FUNNY THING ABOUT MORNING....

--It's seems no one likes morning's to much. Except maybe the crazy whack a doodle black birds who pick on the dim bulbs cats who hang around my porch.
--Taking the dogs out to do their business in the morning is always a contest of wills. Usually between them and me. Today was a little different because waffles, was ding bat crazy about not wanting to be hooked to his run when he saw the flock of black birds walking in our front yard. As much as I tried to reassure the fool everything would be OK. He just started whining and barking. So I had to sit out on the porch while the fool did his business.
--Which wouldn't have been so bad if the temp hadn't so dang cold. Of course if the fool would of concentrated on what he was doing. Instead of being such a lunk head it wouldn’t have taken so long.
--After two cups of coffee, he finally did his duty. and of course he ran for the house when he was done. Leaving me to deal with the dim bulb cats and the black birds….

MUTANT TREES....

--Sitting in a parking lot looking at the sights. I can't help but marvel at the little mutant trees somebody planted around.
--Makes you wonder who's idea of natural foliage there supposed to be. Myself I think they look like something out of a Dr Seuss book. But maybe that’s just me.
--Not that I’m much of a tree expert. But it seems the only place you see these dang fool mutant trees is around office building and parking lots.
--Maybe somebody ought to take a little look at the natural surrounding before they plant the dang fool things....

THE RIGHT TOOL FOR THE JOB....

--Finding the right tool for the job is important. Especially if you don't want smashed knuckles and such.
--Over the years I’ve been victim to my own stupidity for using the wrong dang tool many times. And I have tried to learn from this. Sometimes when whack a doodle problems pop up I’ve had to make do with what I’ve had on hand to fix things.
--Sometimes this works sometimes it's just a temporary fix until the right stuff can be acquired…..

VEGETABLE'S ANYONE....

--I love my children and in fact love them more as they grow older. Not only are they a source of continued joy, but also a constant source of bewilderment.
--When they we little a vegetable’s was something you strived to get them to eat. Fruit was never a problem. But vegetables well it was a test of patience.
--Until of course my wife came up with the idea of making stews. Then things became simpler. No longer were we restricted to having just corn. But we could load the stews up with all sorts of vegetables.
--The rest of the time they of course will only eat corn. Why I have no idea. But over the year have learned to accept that as a fact. And of course have learned to keep the stew pot handy....

WOW GUESS WHAT....

--Looking out the window this morning I really can't say I was surprised to see snow. A little disappointed but not surprised.
--It is the month of change after all. Between the rain, and the winds why not a little snow.
--Keeping a open mind isn't really hard and it is kind of pretty. Even if it is towards the end of April. But hey it could be worse I suppose.
--Of course the dogs were not to happy when it was time to go out and do their duty. But they finally got used to the idea....

FROSTY MORNING, CHILLY AFTERNOON....

--There’s nothing more fun then watching a bunch of people run around trying to find their warm weather clothes when it gets chilly. Let alone a bunch of cats, kittens and dogs.
--The up and down weather gets to just about everybody in one way or another. Myself I tend to take a wait and see attitude. And keep my warm weather clothes handy.
--Over the years I’ve tried to convey this to my children and hopefully it's slowly sinking in. I did notice they didn't have to go to far to find their warm weather clothes when this little chill hit.
--Of course the cats kittens and dogs have been sleeping most of the day. So apparently they've fallen into hibernation mode.....

MAKING TIME....

--Sometimes in the course off a day I kind of feel like a ball of silly putty. It seems so many are pulling for the attention of the moment that you walk around in a constant state of flux.
--Like a hamster on a wheel no matter how fast or long you go when you stop your right where you stated.
--Over the years I’ve tried it so many different ways, that now I just mossy along doing the best I can. Some times just happy to be moving at all.
--Of course this produces many head scratching form some. But it's the only way I’ve found to spread the time between everything….

THANK YOU THANK YOU....

--Most cats you feed them there happy. If your lucky they might allow you to pet them afterwards. Or before depending on how hungry they are and how much buttering up they figure you need to get you to feed them.
--The old cat he's a weird one. He walk’s around and complains when his food or water dish is empty. When you fill it he'll let little bug eyes eat first. And spends most of his time head bonging you to let you know he's thankful you fed him. Of course being that little bug eyes is three kind of a pig by the time the old cat gets to eat his dish is usually empty. Which starts the whole thing all over again.
--Every so often my wife will give the old cat a can of canned cat food as a treat. He'll spend five min thanking her by head bonging of course. And curl up on the couch next to her and spend the rest of the time using her as a scratching post. The cat has more mood swings than Carter had pills. He’ll curl up on my wife and go to sleep. When she has to go to the bathroom which after four children is a 3-4 times a hour occurrence. The dang fool cat will start swatting her and chase her to the bathroom. Only to curl up and go back to sleep afterwards.
--Come to think of it, my wife’s cats are all a little strange. It must be the curse of this whack a doodle house we live in....

THE APRIL TURKEY....

--Combine spring fever, open windows and turkey and you have a mixture that will turn a house into a whack a doodle fun fest.
--Children ask you so many times while the dang fool bird is cooking if your making gravy that you want to hang a sign on the kitchen door. Cats, kittens and dogs go into whack a doodle mode with every whiff of the bird cooking.
--You spend more time tap dancing around the furry little gremlins than Gene Kelly in most of his movies.
--And when the bird is done. Well lets just say it's a team effort telling the fools to stay of the table. Luckily my wife and I have it down to a science. Other wise we'd never get dinner on the table....

JUST YOU WAIT AND SEE....

--Change is good simple words for a complicated processes. Over the years I’ve come to accept change as a way of life. But it wasn't always that way. In fact from time to time if I’m not careful I fall back into my old habits.
--Oh for simple things like cleaning, cooking, and vacuum up cobwebs and dust bunnies. I can start right off the bat without much prodding. But for other personal habits I have a problem and have to continue to work on it.
--But like everything worth while it doesn't come easy. Only though hard work, and persistent determination.
--I guess that's what makes life such an adventure….

LOOK WHAT I LEARNED....

--When the children came home from school, with their brain pan’s full of new found information I used to look forward to their explaining to me everything they had learned.
--As they grew older I still made it a point to make time when they found some new kernel of information they wanted to share. And even today when they have some interesting tidbits I still make time to pull up a chair and give a listen.
--I always figured that when I had children this would be a good thing to do. Rather than having to look though countless books and libraries to find answers to the most simplest things.
--Oh I still make sure to explain to my children that there are probably countless books on any given subject. If they want to explore things further. And I’m happy to say they have in fact found quite a few of them and do continue their search for more information....

THE BEAUTY'S ARE BUDDING...

--Walking by the window I happened to glance out and notice my wife's lilac bushes she planted in front of the house are budding. To say I was giddy with delight was an understatement. But my family has grown used to my outbursts over the years. So it wasn't anything new for them.
--There's something about the first leaf buds, that really gets to me. Don't ask me why but it does. Even the dang fool whack a doodle grass growing constantly is nice to see. If it wasn't for the pain in the neck of cutting it I’d probably be OK with the whole thing.
--The whole point I was trying to make to my children was that sometimes it's nice to stop and look at the little things in life. So often we get caught up in the day to day grind of things we tend to forget about it and take it for granted. And as a result miss so much.
--Of course they humor me but hopefully they get the point. And if not well I’m sure the flowers of May will give me another opportunity to remind them….

FINDING LOST TREASURE'S....

--Cleaning has it's just rewards. A clean environment being one of them. Of course there's the added benefit of finding lost treasure's.
--Spring cleaning has uncovered many such lost treasure in the past. And I might add the prospect of finding more treasure’s is probably one of the reasons I dive into the whole process. With earnest each year.
--Of course there is the other side of the coin when I drag out old art projects, old photos, or old pictures drawn with childish delight the looks I receive from my children are well worth the torture of going though the whole cleansing process.
--Of course my wife usually smile's through the whole process. Living with old hoarder will do that to you I guess....

BI-POLAR KITTY....

--The old cat loves his buddy bug eye's. But like any loving couple their relationship runs hot and cold sometimes in the course of a few seconds.
--The dang fool cat will go from sleeping next to each other. To fighting like a couple of fools. And then lie down and go to sleep after wards.
--When bug eyes is out of the room the old cat will walk around looking for him. Crying and whining until he finds him. and promptly start fighting with him.
--It's weird to say the lest. But kind of what I’ve come to expect in this whack a doodle house....

BUT IT'S SPRING....

--A open window and a room full of cats and kittens is not a good mix. For some reason fresh air bowing in makes them all whack a doodle crazy.
The dogs are more reserved. And will actually get cranky when theirs to much of a breeze.
--Cats and kittens just totally lose it. When faced with the prospect of going outside they will run from a open door. But will sit for hours watching and looking outside.
--The running and playing takes on all forms from ninja fighting to jumping of iceboxes, to trying to see who can fly. It's a little weird to watch, and more than a little annoying to have to try and navigate through as the temps get warmer.
--But hey it's spring and a heck of a lot better than the other side of the coin. Which is being in a room full of moody cats and kittens who are constantly fighting….

GETTING AHEAD....

--The ultimate outcome is finishing a project ahead of time. Then of course comes the break for a job well done.
--Of course while your enjoying your break the little voice in the back of your head is whispering about the rest of the things on your dang fool things to do list.
--This of course cuts into the peace of enjoying your so called break. So you end up cutting it short and getting your butt back in action.
--Myself I amble along just happy to be accomplishing anything in the whack a doodle dimension I happen to reside in....

THANK GOD FOR APRIL SHOWERS....

--First of all let me say I love April showers. Because like the old saying they bring may flowers. But also I love April showers because they remind me of all my past stupidity.
--As soon as they start I walk around feeling like somebody’s been wailing on me with a bag of rocks. Not that I’m a mascot and enjoy being in pain but I do believe it's good to be reminded from time to time of just how stupid I was in my younger days. The rain provides me with the opportunity to learn from my past and try not to repeat the same dang mistakes .Believe me I need all the reminders I can get.
--If anything it has taught me to be more patient. And think before my stupidly gene kicks in. And at my age that’s a good thing....

PLANING AHEAD....

--Making plans for the day is nice. As long as you take into account the whack a doodle ness of pop up problems. Because as soon as you lay out a game plan it seems one or to of the dang things will pop up and throw the whole game plan out of whack. That’s why I try to keep a open mind while concentrating on a general game plan.
--I know it sounds a little of key but it usually works. There’s nothing worse then being hip deep in one thing than to be called away to do something else. All the while trying to get back to the one thing you were trying to get accomplished in the first place.
--Needles to say there are days when lots of stuff gets accomplished buts also only half finished. Over the years I’ve learned to accept this as just one of those things. And leave the things until the next day. Of course keeping in mind the whack a doodle ness of living in a house full of children cats, kittens and dogs.
--Usually over a period of time the dang fool things get finished. Of course there are certain thing that seem to be in a perpetual sate of flux but there always the next day to work on those....

PUZZLE BOX BLUES....

--Making ready for spring is one thing . But after that comes air conditioner weather. And that's a massive change right there. Moving things around is like one of those giant puzzle boxes I really hated when I was a child.
--Furniture needs to be changed around and air conditioners need to be made ready. Which is fine until everybody realizes the amount of cleaning in evolved. Then the little darling usually get the frights when they realize it's there own space that needs to be cleaned. For some dang reason their more than happy to leave it to someone else.
--What usually transpires is a massive cleaning of room to room. And then the placement of air conditioner's for the warm weather.
--Of course the little darling moan all the while because like the cats theirs something about moving dirt dust bunnies and such that really gets them

THE GHOST KITTY....

--I’ll be the first to admit I need coffee before I can deal with just about anything. So it shouldn't really come as much of a surprise that when I do wake up there is a few moments when I just want my coffee.
--Unfortunately when it comes to cats, kittens, dogs and children no matter how many times you try to explain that your old you need a minute. They just don't understand. all they see is a person who's up and who's job it happens to be is to see to their needs.
--This morning the old cat wouldn't leave me alone while I was trying to drink my coffee. So I told him I couldn't hear or see him he must be a ghost. Well apparently this really upset him because he ran to my wife and tried to get her attention. But she was sleeping, So instead he took a nap next to her giving me a dirty look. More or less to let me know when she woke up she was going to get a earful.
--Well when my wife woke up he started telling her all about it. And of course the first thing she did was blame me. When I told her what happen she just smiled and reassured the dang fool cat he wasn't a ghost....

WAFFLES AND THE CONSTANT YAMMERING ....

--Waffles dose not discriminate when it comes to barking. He barks at everybody and everything.
--The dog has bat eyes when it comes to sight. He can see and hear just about the smallest thing and go on a barking jag over it.
--From leaves ,crickets, neighbors hammering, to birds flying overhead. The dog is amazing. God forbid anybody pulls in the driveway. He becomes the picture of one little barking fool.
--For the longest time we thought perhaps the dog was touched in the head. Until of course the day my wife turned it around with her insight and said what if he's just saying hi. Well when you think about it maybe that’s what’s going on. Maybe the little fool is just so happy he says hi to everything. Something to think about ….

COOKIE DAY....

--Every once in awhile my wife decides to make cookies. This is usually meet with cries of happiness from all quarters. Myself included.
--Not only do the children enjoy the whole process, especially the eating but it seems like a chance for everyone to pitch in.
--From mixing to stirring to taking out of the oven everyone takes parts and that’s good. Other than cookouts ,and holiday meals it seems like the only time everyone gets on the same page.
--Of course when it comes time to do the dishes the chore is split between us so no one gets to frustrated.....

IT NEVER SEEMS LIKE ENOUGH...

--Fill the water, fill the food clean the box, and you think your done. But like little children there back in five min wanting more.
--Clean the counter, clean the floor, clean the table, and in five min your right back doing it again.
--Now it doesn't seem fair but what can I say it's part of the joy of raising cats, kittens and children it seems. Oh and less we forget the dogs have a hand in this whole collage of whack a doodle ness.
--Take me out feed me, water me, and do it again. sometimes it seems most of your day is spent feeding watering and washing and waking the dang fool whack a doodles. No wonder you fall asleep early.....

JUST ANOTHER STUPID CHORE....

--One of the stupid things that have to be done every spring is cleaning the dang fool electronics of the house.
--For some reason living in a house cursed with sulfur water, it’s a chore that has to be done from time to time.
--Usually this entails unhooking computers and cleaning the terminals and re hooking the dang fool things back up. Of course TV, VCR ‘s and DVD player’s also have to be done the same way. It's a massive pain in the neck but if not done every six months or so will result in problems.
--So usually the first few weeks of April will find me going from room to room doing just that. Like I said it's a pain in the neck but it makes the dang fool things last longer. And that’s what it's really all about...

NO ONE WANTS TO BE FIRST....

--Cold damp and rainy mornings are a pain in the butt. Mostly because no one wants to be first.
--There’s something about the dang fool morning that making getting up and moving about a real pain in the neck. Especially when their followed by windy nights with pounding rain.
--Cats and kittens hover in their boxes trying desperately for a few more moments of sleep. Old cats give you the stink eye when you start stumbling around trying to wake up. And dogs grumble when you turn the light on because pouring coffee in the dark is dang near imposable especially when you made the mistake of buying a always sells for less dribble pot.
--When you finally figure your stable enough to try and start the morning, You go out and find yourself dealing with more mood swings than carter had pills.

EARLY MORNING RUSH....

--There’s a lot to be said for having coffee waiting for you when you get up in the morning. Oh course there’s a lot to be said for watching a pot slowly brew.
--Though it seems agonizingly slow. It’s also kind of good to remind our self’s of our reliance on one thing to have a good day.
--Over the years I’ve tried to cut back and for the most part have. Going from a got to have a all day source. To two cups was a battle. But one I gladly under took. For the simple reason anything that dictates the outcome of a day wasn't a good thing as far I was concerned.
--From time to time it's good to remember that a good day is possible even if coffee is a little late in coming....

THINGS THAT GO BUMP....

--Every year part of spring is checking the yard for things that could brake the lawn mower. Like rocks that seem to pop up from nowhere. And branches that fall during winter. Or just about anything that might damage the dang fool lawn mower.
--Being that we have a yard that goes whack a doodle when the snow melts and starts a race to see how fast it can grow. It’s kind of a good idea to make sure nothing’s going to bust the dang fool lawn mower. No one wants to push a mower through the dang fool weeds that end up growing if it gets out of control.
--Then of course there's the other side of the coin every time something brakes on the dang thing it usually costs a arm and leg to fix.
--So usually I take a tour of the yard looking for thing’s that might brake the dang fool lawn mower. It makes for a somewhat pleasant reason to get out of the house and hopefully it'll end up saving in the long run....

WATCHING THE LAWN GROW....

--It seems that just yesterday the lawn was buried in snow. Making up for lost time it's gone whack a doodle crazy and has gotten to the point where in another couple of weeks it's going to be a pain in the neck to mow.
--Riding around on our way to here and there. I can't help but glance at other peoples lawns. Much to my surprise everyone’s else'es is still shaking of the winter spring shock.
--It seems mine is the only one ready for mowing. Why I’m surprised is beyond me. It’s been that way since we've moved here so many years ago.
--My wife of course thinks I’m goofy with the whole idea. But never the less humors me because that’s what you do with old

WHACK A DOODLE PROBLEMS....

--My wife has said it over and over I’m a hoarder. I’ll save thing's that might come in useful later. As a result spring cleaning usually finds me going though my junk boxes to sort out things and toss what needs to be tossed .Hoping I’m not shooting myself in the foot with a later need.
--It's a pain in the neck but something that needs to be done on a regular schedule. Or else we'll be over run with junk.
--Usually when something brakes down a trip to the junk boxes with save us a trip to the store for parts. Oh once in awhile we have to go to the store for parts, but we've been very lucky so far. Thanks in part to the junk boxes.
--But like I said cleaning the dang fool things out is a real pain in the neck. One that I try to put of as long as I can. Mostly because it seem like a whack a doodle problem pop’s up right after I’ve cleaned the dang fool junk boxes out.....

UP DOWN GO AROUND....

--It seems the further we get into the spring month, the further we get away from the memory of winter.
--With the warming temps, were quick to cast of the winter comforts. like heaters and warm blankets.
--Until we wake from the evening with a chill in the air that makes us scramble for the blankets and heaters with despair.
--Luckily I’ve finally gotten through to my children, that even though a open window is nice during the day you might want to close it with  the coming of nightfall. Because your sure to wake up with a morning chill.....

WARM DAYS COOL NIGHTS....

--Rounding up screens for windows is a time honored practice of spring I guess.
--With the rising temps come the quest to have a window open. Of course it opens a whole can of worms. Find screens, fans, and vacuum up all the bugs that seem to make the dang window their home through the winter.
--Then of course comes the please help me get the dang window closed because it's getting kind of chilly in here.
--Taking it one step further the air conditioners have to be dragged out and made ready for there time. While the warm weather is welcome, between cleaning fan, vacuuming windows and cleaning bugs and what not out of air conditioners it keeps you kind of busy....

WARM WEATHER COOKOUT....

--Waiting for a good day for cooking out. Comes with the warm weather.
--Usually my wife will spend a extra few min at the meat counter with a eye on cookout meats. And of course comes the waiting for a good day to go out and burn some meat.
--With the up and down temps, it can be a bit of a wait. But I’m sure it won't be much longer.
--In the mean while I do my part by making a few salads. And keeping a eye on the weather....

WHACK A DOODLE PROBLEMS....

--My wife has said it over and over I’m a hoarder. I’ll save thing's that might come in useful later. As a result spring cleaning usually finds me going though my junk boxes to sort out things and toss what needs to be tossed .Hoping I’m not shooting myself in the foot with a later need.
--It's a pain in the neck but something that needs to be done on a regular schedule. Or else we'll be over run with junk.
--Usually when something brakes down a trip to the junk boxes with save us a trip to the store for parts. Oh once in awhile we have to go to the store for parts, but we've been very lucky so far. Thanks in part to the junk boxes.
--But like I said cleaning the dang fool things out is a real pain in the neck. One that I try to put of as long as I can. Mostly because it seem like a whack a doodle problem pop’s up right after I’ve cleaned the dang fool junk boxes out.....

BLUEBERRY BUSH BLUES....

--First let me say I like blueberries. Don't ask me why but I always have.
--So it was with great delight when my wife bought me a couple of bushes for my birthday a few years ago. At first it was just fine keep them weeded and watered and wait for the berries. Easy peasy as they say.
--And then he found my bushes. By he I mean a loud mouth crow who seems to take great delight in sitting around waiting for my berries to ripen and then eat them of the bush before I can get out there. Then he has the nerve to sit in a tree nearby and brag about his dang fool pillaging.
--For the last few years I’ve had a running battle with the dang fool bird. All to no avail of course. Even now I can find the fool sitting in the tree waiting for the berries. I figure sooner or later he'll get tired and try the 4 rows of grapes we have planted. Unless of course like are children he can't handle the seeds either.....

ICE CUBE TRAY DELEMA….

--Over the years I’ve had plenty of conversation’s with my children about ice cube trays and filling them.
--Oh they have the first part down pat. Emptying them. In fact I’ve never seen a group of people who can empty a set of ice cube trays faster than my children. Especially on a hot day.
--But when it comes to refilling them they seem to think a small group of fairy’s live in the icebox and it’s their job to refill the dang things.
--As soon as the weather starts to warm up one of the things that are on the morning, afternoon and nightly agenda is making sure the dang ice cube trays are filled. Thank god for the ice cube fairy’s….

THE DANCING FOOLS....

--Taking dogs out to do their business while half asleep has never been my idea of fun. But according to them they had to go.
--After taking them out side and watching them with my morning coffee. I realized they had played me for a fool because after 15 min all the fools did was roll around on the ground and walk around and sniff stuff.
--Well I pulled up a chair on my clean porch and waited for the sun to come up. Figuring as long as I was out I just might as well enjoy it.
--The sun rose with a bright display to find the fool dogs both curled up sleeping under trees. Well not wanting to disturb the fools I went to get more coffee and start the rest of the day....

WILBUR AND THE BABY RABBITS....

--One day when I went down to feed Wilbur in the middle of winter I noticed something moving in the middle of Wilbur shed. Looking closer I saw a nest full of baby rabbits with a mommy rabbit. Well not giving it much thought because I already could see that Wilbur seemed to be OK with them being there. Besides Donald seemed to accept them too.
--So I went about my way, and cleaned Wilber’s shed the best I could without disturbing them and left them alone.
--After a couple of months they moved of, and only returned for visit’s once in awhile. Which seemed about par for the course. It seemed Wilbur was always attracting animals of one sort or another.
--Wilbur was a big old mother at heart. Along with keeping a eye on my children and wife. She seemed to also kept a eye on the animals who found their way into our yard....

GET TOGETHER'S.....

--It was good to see everyone, in the same room. Get togethers are like that. gone was the distance of passing time, and changing views.
--For a little while in was as it was before, and it was nice.
--And then slowly everyone started remembering their roles, and the walls came back up. And it was time to go.
--It was a shame really that resuming roles was more important than the foundation of our creation. But hey I guess that’s what get togethers are for to remind from where we came....

THE DOCTOR WILL SEE YOU NOW....

--On a whole I always dreaded doctor's visit's with children. Not because of sickness. If a child was sick I was the first one willing to start the car. It was the dang checkup’s that got on my nerves.
--They tell you to arrive 10 to 15 min early. Then make you wait upwards to a hour sometimes. Then they escort you to a tiny icebox they call a waiting room and tell you to strip the baby down to his or her diaper. The doctor will be with you shortly. Which in doctor speck means anywhere from 30 to 60 min.
--When your finally at your wits end, from trying to keep your baby amused while he or she turn’s slowly blue in the icebox they call a waiting room. The doctor pops in and tells you it's time for some dang fool shot. Which they can't give the now some what blue baby unless you sign a paper saying you won't hold the doctor's libel if your baby happens to be in the one percent who comes down with side effects. Of course when you read the side effects a cold pit of fear settles it your stomach that you've grown use to but still lies there like a slow burning ball of lead for the next 7 to 10 days.
--The kicker is they tell you if you don't sign the paper they'll have to report you to the county ss department and you can probably expert a visit  the coming days. So of course you sign the paper and then spend the next 7 to 10 day’s riding a roller coaster from Hades every time your baby cries. The worst being of course you have to do the whole thing over again in another month .....

THE QUICKEST HANDS IN THE EAST....

--Shopping with four children while at times a bit tire some. Was always a adventure. There were a few simple rules we had to follow and everything was find.
--Like hands on the cart, and look with your eyes not your hands. While simple my children always found way around them. That proved to be a tad trouble some.
--Like patting women on the butt and getting their father slapped. Or the sticking finger child who liked to put things in people’s carts as we passed by.
--Even though most people thought I was nuts we even made it though the toy section with regular visits. And weren't the worse for wear because of the experience. Even though it was tiresome everyone understood if they kept to the simple rules and worked together we could make even the most mundane things like shopping for food fun….

WOLF AND BLACKY THE BABY GUARDS....

--Actually it was quite amazing to watch .When the children were outside playing blacky would have all the cats and kittens that seemed to hang around our yard follow the children where ever they went outside. It was like a little parade with wolf bringing up the rear.
--Fencing in the yard made it easier because we didn't have to worry about the children going towards the road. And even though we had a gate wolf wouldn't let the children play in the front yard. He usually would nudge them back towards the back yard. Or sit on them if they became to stubborn.
--And blacky well he would pull on their pant leg’s until wolf got there to stop them. Together they would distract the child until I got there.
--In fact when they started school I had a really hard time convincing them the school bus wasn't a big yellow monster going to eat their babies...

REAL MEN DON'T READ INSTRUCTION'S....

--Buying furniture in a box, while sometimes useful. Can be a real pain in the neck when they forget which country their selling the stuff in.
--After unpacking the contents of our new entertainment center, and finally finding the instructions under the shipping label. (just where you'd expect to find the instruction.) It was with perplexing unease that I realized that none of the instructions were in English.
--Oh there was Spanish, and what I assume was Chinese, and about half a dozen more I’m not even sure about. But none in English. Well not wanting to explain to my wife why we had to go back to the always sells for less store. With the monster of a box that took three of us to carry in I decided to give it a shot and put it together based on the picture and what I could decode from the instructions.
--It took me awhile but I finally ended up with something that resembled the picture on the box. As far as all the extra parts that were left over. Well they ended up in the already bulging junk drawer for a rainy day, or another dang fool furniture in a box venture....

LASAGNA FOR TWO NIGHTS….

--Making two pans of lasagna, with plans for two meals is a contest of the will's.
Everybody loves it! So we can't really leave it for long after dinner is dished up. Or the after dinner pickings for second and third helpings will begin. And the next thing you know there will be none left.
--Luckily my wife and I have developed a system that cut's down on this and extends the life of the meal for leftover night.
--I dish up dinner, and she puts leftovers in freezer container for left overnight.
--Of course the children haven't really gotten on board with the system yet. But their slowly coming around after having lasagna a second time....

THE ROLLER COASTER OF DISCONTENT....

--Warming trends are nice except when there followed by a return to the big chill.
--What started out as a pleasant high, ended as a bone rattling chill.
--Luckily being the we'll wait and see type of guy I never put my cold weather clothes away. So it was just a matter of shutting the dang fan off and turning the heater on while I redressed in my cold weather clothes.
--Of course the forecast calls for it to get a tad warmer today. I guess we'll just wait and see....

WOLF AND THE NEW HOUSE....

--Wolf loved his babies, and my wife. Me he just tolerated. And there were times when that tolerance wore thin. After we moved into the new house I guess wolf figured he'd had enough. The children were big enough they didn't need his constant super vision, so he decided he was going to be a outside dog. No more getting run over by children in scooter cars, Or having babies crawl all over him while he was trying to sleep.
--When the children went outside to play he watched them like a hawk caring for his young. When they came in the house it was my job to keep a eye on them.
--The only time he would come in the house was when the weather became to cold for him to stay outside. Then he would lay by the door ,and whine until he could go back out to his dog house.
--Once in a great while he would go for car ride’s with us but most of the time he spent keeping a eye on his new yard. Apparently that was more than enough for him….

ARE YOU SAVING THAT....

--One day while going though a checkout with one of my children in a baby papoose. The girl behind the checkout asked me if I was saving a slimy cheese doodle stuck to my shirt for later. I glanced down to see what in Sam hill she was taking about when my son grabbed the cheese doodle and tried to shove it in his mouth.
--After fighting with him for a couple of minutes I finally got it away from him and put the dang thing in my pocket. And then whipped the slim on my pants. I tried to smile when I answered her and said no I wasn't saving it but apparently he was."
--Of course the whole incident was just one in a cluster of the many times I’d had people point out things on my clothes. Anything from dried baby spit up to cheese doodles. After changing babies I never bothered checking my clothes before running to the store. Which seemed like a constant chore what with four babies and a teenage son we were constantly running out of things.
--Needless to say this brought a lot chuckles from checkout people over the years....

I SMELL POOH....

--When the children were babies it was a constant contest to keep them changed and cleaned. It seemed that no sooner had you changed one when another would need to be changed. And so on and so on.
--One day after changing everybody and finally getting them settled I looked at my wife and said," I know the kids are all changed and the cat box is clean but I still smell pooh."
--Well she just looked at me and said she didn't smell anything." Well not being one to take this lying down I proceeded to clean all the nooks and hiding spots where the cats liked to play hide and go seek with their pooh. After going though the whole house and not finding anything I figured I was losing it.
--It wasn't until some time later I was going to the bathroom when I looked in the mirror and saw little piece of dried baby pooh on my mustache. apparently I wiped my face while changing a baby and didn't realized I had pooh on my hand. Later when my wife asked me if I found the pooh smirking. I just gave her my best why you look.....

TRYING TO TAKE THINGS FROM A BABY....

--There’s something about a baby that still to this day makes me wonder.
When they know they have something they know their not supposed to have they become little flexible magicians and your trying to find the bean.
--Gone is the whole I’m just learning to walk ploy. They can move like a gazelle on those wobbly feet. While your trying desperately to track them down before they get hurt. Of course while your crank your knees on every piece a furniture in the house.
--And then the little wobbly escape artists will plop down and start giggling like the joker from batman as they offer you the offending prize. Figuring they better make amends soon before you ware yourself out to much. And don't have enough strength left to warm their bottle or change them.
--Which given all the excitement of having you chase them through the house their probably due for. Yeah sometimes I still wonder how they did it...

WHEN THE CABINET DOOR CLOSES...

--Funny thing about dogs cats and kittens and children for that matter. want to see how fast you can wake a house up start banging cabinet door's.
--I’ve tried to be quiet, but one always slips and the next thing you know there all under foot wanting to know what’s up. What’s for dinner and how long will it be.
--Now children are easy answer there question, give them something to chew on while they wait and their happy. They'll usually be about their way. Cats and kittens go into minesweeper mode and start scouring the flour for crumbs. No matter how many times you explain your a clumsy old man and their going to get stepped on. Dogs will sit and whine hoping for a scrap or two. And if they happen to be outside they'll bark until their blue in the face.
--My wife of course blocks it all out and goes about her merry way. While when I’m cooking it seems like a contest to see who's going to the white room first. Makes you wonder I guess....

PROFOUND SIMPLICITY.....

--It seems like every time you try to find a simpler solution for doing something it goes hay wire. It either causes a whack a doodle response from one of two things. Causes the offending problem to have an unexpected consequence. Or causes an unrelated problem that was fine to rear it's head and say howdy remember me.
--Sometimes I think I spend most of my time trying to find solutions to problems without causing any more problems.
--After awhile it get's a tad troublesome to say the least. It seems the best you can hope for is a status quo where everything function's sort of together.
--I guess there are no easy solutions in life, that’s what makes it such a great adventure....

THE INSTINCT OF A CAT....

--Watching the wind blow across the pouch with such gusto. The poor cats are  hanging on the railing for dear life. It's kind of amazing they can sleep at all with the wind pounding at them. But apparently the sun is a very big enticement when your a cat.
--I’ve often wondered about cats and their dang fool ability to sleep and still hear everything.
--I know when the children were little my wife would sleep but at the first sign of stirring from them she'd be up and on her way. Me it takes a couple of seconds just to remember where my feet are and how to use them.
--I often joked with my wife she's part cat. I followed the women one night when she heard our baby cry. She picked up the baby and gave it a bottle, burped it, changed it, and put it back to bed without opening her eyes once. Now that’s something as far as I’m concerned. Most men have a problem doing things with written instructions, let alone by instinct....

THE KNUCKLE BUSTER AND ME....

--When my wife and I first got married she asked me to find the cheese grater. Needless to say I had no idea what in Sam hill she wanted. Of course she thought I was pulling her leg.
--When she pulled out the dang thing finally, I just looked at her and said," Why didn't you say you wanted the knuckle buster."
--Well she just looked at me and shook her head. This of course was the first of my wife's education to my way of looking at thing's. Oh their were days when she would try to bring me over to the norm. Like trying to explain the difference between an icebox and a refrigerator. But I really think she accepted the fact it was a lost cause.
--As far as the knuckle buster, well if you don't watch what your doing that’s pretty much what you end up with.....

THE ROOSTER CROWS EVERY FIVE MINUTES....

--Apparently my neighbor’s rooster is a tad bi-polar. Not only does he not understand where his yard ends and ours begins. But now he seems to have the habit of leading his band of merry vagabonds around our yard at all hours of the night.
--Which probably wouldn't be so bad, but this fool has to announce his presence every five minutes. And with the worst crowing to ever come down the pike.
--Now mind you living in the country there are certain things you come to get used to. Like farmers who wait till the hottest day of the year to spread cow patties in their field next to your house. Or neighbors who walk their dogs in your yard on a lease to poop. And get cranky when you point out the boundaries . And now it seems we've been blessed with whack a doodle caroler’s who only know one tune.
--I suppose it could be worse. It could be frog's or crickets.....

CLEARING A ROOM....

--Over the years I’ve found only two ways to clear a room. Fill plates with food or start pushing a broom or vacuum cleaner.
--Cats kittens and scatter when you turn a vacuum cleaner on. Why I have no idea. I mean it's not like it's able to suck them up or anything. Children are about the same, you want to see how fast children can move start cleaning. you can actually feel the breeze from them leaving the room. Of course on spring cleaning conquest's I’ll usually follow them to their hideaways eventually. So they really don't escape.
--Filling plates with food usually takes a bit longer. That is if you can get everybody on the same page when it comes to who wants what.
--My children have come to expect the cleaning conquest's as soon as it start's warming up. Of course my wife just smile's when they complain about dear old dad going bonkers with the cleaning….

PICKING UP....

--Apparently when it comes to cleaning cats are a hey your moving my dirt kind a pest.
--Either inside or out it's the same thing. Every time you go to move some thing the cats are all over the place getting in the way. Checking out what your doing, or knocking over the dust pan and playing in the dirt.
--Outside they freak out because your moving or picking stuff up. Inside they have to check everything out to give it their seal of approval. It's really a wonder you get anything done.
--Dogs on the other hand don't really seem to care one way or the other. As long as you don't forget them before dark. Because as everyone knows that’s when the boogers come out....

HANGING TOWELS....

--Apparently there's a gremlin that hangs out in our bathroom. Who seems to think it’s funny to knock the towel on the floor and take the t-paper of the roller.
--Every time you hang a clean towel or put a roll of t-paper on the roller it starts it‘s shenanigans. Not five minutes later the towel will be on the floor and the t-paper will be of the roller.
--Now I’ve spent my share of sleep less night trying to figure this out but it's a mystery to me. A fella could really ware out his back hanging towels. In fact I probably have over the years. As far as putting t-paper back on the roller well lets just say I pretty much can do that in my sleep.
--Of course I’ve asked my children about it all they say is they don’t know what happened…..

SITTING ON THE PORCH....

--Funny thing bout sitting on the porch after a winter of being trapped inside. Everything takes on a new light. Cool breeze filled with the ever changing smells of spring. Car rushing by oblivious to the speed limit. And the clutter of winters final passing. Already the spring cleanup list is forming.
--Of course the list is endless or so it would seem. But best part is finally being released from winter's prison.
--Oh thing's will be whittled down in the passing day's. For right now it's a breakout day. Getting out and about enjoying the day.
--The dogs of course are not happy with the turn of events. Spending the morning with all this nature seems to have warped their nerves a bit. But hey it could be worse at lest it's not snowing....

THE BOX….

-It’s always amazed me that a box holds such fascination for cats and kittens. And dogs for that matter.
--No matter the size or shape leave a box unattended for more than two seconds in a room full of cats kittens and dogs and they’ll all be fighting over the dang box.
--And god forbid you happen to have anything in the box. Because it’ll end up an the floor or covered with hair in short order.
--Come to think of it the children had a fascination with empty boxes as well.
Go figure I guess…..

SLEEPY CATS AND HYPER DOGS....

--It seems lately we've got two schedule conflicts running through the house.
Sleepy cats and hyper dogs.
--The cats and kittens have been sleepy during the day and the dogs have been hyper as heck as soon as the sun comes up.
--Of course this has proven to be a constant source of resent for the cats and kittens. I guess nobody likes to be woken up when their trying to sleep.
--The dogs of course seem to think it's funny waking the cats and kittens up. The cats and kittens well they spend most of their time hissing and batting the heck out of the dogs. Personally I think it's just a case of spring fever....

FRESH AIR...

--After a winter of dry air from heater’s, that first blast of cool spring air is a welcome relief. Cleans the pours and sets the dust bunnies to rolling.
--Of course the cats and children all cower in corners waiting for the white coats to take me away. But hey it's spring what can I say.
--You'd think they would have been prepared by the open curtains everywhere. But apparently not. Instead their acting like I’ve violated some personal trust.
--Makes me wonder what they'll do when I open their bedroom windows....

THE WINDOW….

--Four cats four windows. Seems simple everyone takes a window and live is good. Or so it would seem. Unless you’re a whack a doodle cat and then it’s called everyone tries to sit in the same window. Go figure.
--Of course four cats trying to sit in the same window isn’t going to work because for some reason they can’t figure out how to share. Mind your these are the same cats who will pile on each other and fall asleep at night. But when it comes to sharing a window forget about it.
--The only alternative is closing the curtain which I don’t really want to do. So we are pretty much at a stalemate. Leave the curtain open and break up cat fights.
--Just another in a long line of cause and effect and living in a house full of whack a doodle cats. And another sure sign spring is here….

WALKING DOGS AT NIGHT….

--Funny thing about walking dogs at night. It good to leave a porch light on. We’ve been blessed of course with a light with a very weird sense of humor. Oh it comes on all right but unfortunately it’s got a whack a doodle motion sensor that only picks up motion about a foot away from the light.
--So when you get just of the porch the dang thing goes of. Leaving you to stumble around in the crater infested yard thanks to gopher dog.
--It was kind of funny since it was gopher dog who stumbled into one of her holes and started barking. I pointed out to her that she now knew how I felt. But apparently she didn’t see the humor in it.
--As for me well I just followed along trying not to fall into any craters. I mean I’d really hate to give her the last laugh….

TAKING A BREAK….

--The yard is one giant puddle. There’s small little ponds everywhere. So it wasn’t much of a surprise when I looked out the window to find a bunch of geese had taken a break for a quick little swim.
--Of course the crazy cats who hang around the house had to investigate. By slowly checking these new intruder’s out. Which didn’t seem to phase the geese in the lest.
--They stayed for a bit and took off. Leaving the cats totally confused. But not for long because they went back to their early spring game of keep away and were off on other adventures.
--Taking a clue from the geese I realized my break time was over and went back to cleaning the house….

IT’S AMAZING….

--Actually it’s quite something to see. In no time at all their all at it again. You’d think it was only yesterday when they were in each others hair.
--But I guess that’s what it means when they finally get together. In no time at all they fall back into the game of who can out do who.
--It’s kind of fun to listen to. If not assume to watch.
--Myself I try to stay out of it for the most part. Because it’s not really about me you see. The fool’s miss each other no matter how they might act. So I just sit back and enjoy the show, it won’t be long before it’ll break up and one will have to go….

WINDY DAY….

--Well about all that could be said was it was quite windy. And of course it didn’t rain or snow.
--Which was probably a good thing given the amount of wind that was out there. Blowing about.
--Mix a little rain and snow in the mix and it would have been deadly.
--But hey highs in the mid to lower 50’s wasn’t anything to cry about….

Well ONE OUT OF THREE NOT BAD…

--It seems the old cat’s kind of happy. Trying to teach kittens to look for mice can be very frustrating.
--After trying for weeks to teach three, apparently one picked it up right away. The other two well I guess their still in whack a doodle mode.
--But he seems quite happy with the result. Now he has a partner in his quest for mice. And the other two well they still wander around picking play fights.
--But the old cat and his partner are on patrol and it’s kind of fun to watch….

THE DANCING SEAGULLS....

--One day while mopping the kitchen I happened to glance out the window and spied a curious sight. What I first thought was a crow turned out to be two seagulls dancing on the phone wire that runs in front of our house.
--After a little while they flew down to the apple tree in front of our house still bobbing to their own beat.
--The cats that hang around outside were totally mesmerized by the whole thing. Following their every move. Of course the seagulls stayed just out of reach of the cats. And when one brave cat tried to climb an apple tree. They flew back up to the phone wire.
--This went on for quite awhile before the seagulls finally flew off. And the cats well they went back to their previous game of hanging around the house sunning themselves. Every once in awhile glancing up to the sky. Makes you wonder I guess....

STIRRING UP THE SEDIMENTS...

--The water was cool and clear, and little tiny fish could be seen swimming about. Frogs were singing their song on a half submerged log, and there was a family of ducks swimming about on a mid morning stroll. Life at the little pond seemed quite peaceful, on that spring day. Of course until the big splash.
--From out of nowhere rocks began flying from the banks of the pond. When they hit the water the splash could be felt by all animals and reptiles that were around. The frogs went for cover, the ducks not far behind. And the little fishes well they found a better place to be.
--After a bit the children who had tossed the rocks moved on laughing with glee. The pond, well it's water's was no longer clear the sediment’s being stirred up you see. It took awhile but it settled down after a bit.
--The animals slowly resumed their leisurely pace. Each and everyone had their day in the sun....

WHAT A DAY….

--More rain or so it would seem. One of those on again off again day’s.
--The winds of change blowing throughout, leaving behind clear sky’s coming without a doubt. But first the cleanup must continue of course.
--It’s still better than snow so the curtains stay open. What can you do but enjoy the view.
--Better day’s are coming. With a little more time. No sense sitting around crying and whining that’s for sure. But to enjoy what comes while waiting for the sun….

THE APPLIANCES REBEL....

--Every once in awhile I feel like I’ve been trapped in a bad b movie plot. Everything’s going fine then wham o the appliance's start with their shenanigans.
--Sometimes it's computers, or VCR’S or DVD players, or coffee pots. It doesn't really matter but sooner or later they all seem to have to push the boundaries.
--The worst part is it's usually something simple. It's just having to take the time to try and figure out what in Sam hill it is. Over the years we've had some real bi polar appliance in our house. From VCR’S that liked to shoot the tape when ejecting, to DVD player's that liked to play Frisbee half way through a movie.
--I often wondered if the extended warranty they offer when you check out cover’s bi-polar dysfunction. Now it’s the microwave wanting to run when you open the door. How is that for rebelling? ....

SOMETIMES THE LONG WAYS BEST...

--It looked like the perfect solution to an approaching problem. Continue to climb a steep hill or take what looked like a short cut that went around.
--Not being one who put a lot of thought into thing's. The shortcut was chosen.
--Of course looking back, it would of probably been worth the effort to see that the path over the hill was well worn. And the shortcut was overgrown with weeds and all sorts of brush. But hey you live and learn.
--And learn you did. Mostly you learned that sliding down a hill covered with all sorts of stuff wasn't the best way to spend an early morning. But it was a heck of a wake up. And of course there was the climb back up the hill to reflect on all you have learned. Mostly, sometimes the long way is best….

GLOOMY MORNING BLUES.....

--One glance out the window, threw the curtains I wanted to close them. But being the fool that I am I said nope let her blow.
--It wasn't very cheerful cold damp and rainy don't you know. But finally I whispered a sigh and said at least it isn't snow.
--I don't mind the snow, I mean every season's got to come. But after the winter we've had I didn't really cry when it’s time was done.
--So even though it's cold damp and rainy, I welcome it never the less. Because sooner or later it'll bring out the flowers and that will be the best....

BUT IT'S RAINING OUT....

--For some reason I’ve been blessed with two dogs who seem to think a little rain is a curse from below.
--When it comes to going out in the morning, a frosty morning's the best. The fools will fight to see who goes out the door first. But a little rain and they have to be carried to their run. And then after barking for a bit finally do their duty. Of course on a hot day their the first fools to find a mud puddle to roll in. But when the rain's coming from the sky forget about it, it's not for them.
--In more ways than I care to think about they remind me of children. I always did have a hard time getting the children to go out in the rain. Apparently they were afraid they were going to melt waiting for the bus in the rain.
--Makes you wonder I guess....

COLD MORNING WAKE UP....

--The room is cold. The chill on your nose can be felt down to your toes.
--Being bundled up in blankets galore, makes getting up hard to implore.
--But staying in bed while good for the head would probably be a little too much for everyone but me.
--So off I go to turn up the heat and have that first cup of coffee with the cat who's waiting for me....

IT'S NOT WHEN YOU START....

--Starting way before it's time, wasn’t an option because for some reason you were late to the call. Maybe it was the constant roller coaster ride of the past few months. Or maybe it was an unanswered prayer finally answered. What ever the case you were finally able to get more than 10 minutes sleep before awaking.
--As usual the multitude of past stupidity's were there to remind you when you awakened. But seeing as how you were late starting the day you put them aside for later.
--Unlike other days this wasn't as big a problem. Probably due in part because of the flood of sunlight pouring in the windows. Or the fact that with a little more sleep you were able to handle their shenanigans.
--The morning came and went without much notice, and the afternoon was half spent before you realized the time. I guess a lot can be said for hanging in there when it doesn't make much sense. Either way it turned into a good day.....

THE BULLY AND THE ROCK….

--One day a bully was walking along when he came upon a rock standing in his path. Being the bully that he was he started bulling the rock. Figuring of course that the rock would be like everyone else and get out of his way.
--Well the bully ranted and raved for quite awhile and them took a deep breath. Waiting for the rock’s response. When the rock just stood there, saying nothing. The bully went off again, this time going for broke he gave it everything he had.
--Once again he stopped figuring the rock would roll away whimpering like everyone else. When the rock just stood there saying nothing, the bully was at a loss. He didn't know what to do.
--The bully finally took a step back and took a closer look at the rock. When he realized just how big the rock was. He realized that if the rock wanted to it could probably roll right over him. He took another step back and slowly walked around the rock that had been in his path. Mumbling all the way home to himself....

THE GOAT FROM WHO COULDN'T STAY….

--No one can remember for sure how we ended up with the little fellow. But all any one can remember is he didn’t stay for long.
--He had the worst attitude. No matter who it was he chased them and tried to butt them with his little pointed horns.
-The children were all afraid of him. Even the animals stayed away from him.
--He stayed for about a week and then a friend of ours said he’d give the little meany a good home. So we gladly parted company. When he was gone everyone relaxed a lot easier. Even the other animals were more content…

THE DAY JERRY LEE GOT EVICTED....

--One day while out doing yard work, mostly mowing and what not. I came up to the house to find Jerry lee whining outside her dog house.
--I asked her what was up and she just kept starring at her house whimpering. being kind of curious I bent down to look inside . Her house was filled with bunnies. When my shadow fell across the entrance bugs came out a thumping and hopping to meet me. It seems poor Jerry had been evicted by the bunnies.
--Well I made Jerry another house and tried to gather the bunnies up to move them to their own house. But this proved to be pointless because as soon as I turned my back bugs and the mama bunny moved them back to Jerry's house.
--Finally a compromise was reached the bunnies took over Jerry's old house and Jerry stayed in her new house. Although she wasn't happy about the whole thing....

THE POSSUM WHO THOUGHT HE WAS A CAT....

--One day on the way into the house my wife heard some scratching coming from one of the empty garbage cans next to the house. Of course it was my job to investigate.
--Looking in I found a small baby possum had fallen into the can and couldn't get out thus the scratching. Well I tipped it over and figured he’d take it from there.
--Apparently unable to find his mother, he figured he would hang out with the dimblub cats who hang around our porch. This went on for quite awhile. When the cats followed the children around the yard the fool possum followed along with them.
--For quite awhile this went on and then one day he wondered away. We figured we'd seen the last of little grey. But one cold winter night he was back with two friends around feeding time. Of course the children had a theory they were his wife and child. Myself I stayed out of it.....

WALKING THE MAMA....

--One winter day my wife was coming home from work. She pulled in the driveway to find Donald our pet duck waiting.
--When she got out of the car Donald came up and started quacking good morning. Somewhere in the process he went off the deep edge. Grabbed her coat and started walking her down the driveway toward the road. Because the driveway was a sheet of ice my wife went right along rather unwillingly to say the least.
--Luckily I heard my wife yelling for me so I grabbed my coat and ran out. Needless to say it was an exciting morning. My wife made it clear I better get that dang fool duck and pen him in with our pet pig Wilbur. Or I’d be sleeping with them.
--And Donald well he was grounded for quite awhile before he was allowed to escape again...

WOLF AND THE BABY KITTY....

--Wolf was an unusual dog in the fact that he seemed to have a habit of taking things that didn't belong to him.
--Of course I usually had to run around and try to figure where in Sam hill he had gotten the stuff. This usually brought chuckles from the neighbors.
--We knew it was time to change dog foods when Wolf came home one day dragging a 20lb. bag of name brand dog food.
--Before I forget, he also had a habit of bringing home baby kittens. Usually these hung around because apparently no body wanted to claim them. Thankfully when the children came along wolf mellowed out a bit. I guess keeping an eye on four children cut into his borrowing....

NAMING PETS....

--I’ve never figured out why it is with my children that they have to rush and find names for pets.
--They often try to drag me into the conquest to bestow a name. And I try to tell them I had all I could do to help naming them. To be honest my wife had more to do with that process. Because my choices were usually vetoed.
--But I guess it's a thing with children. Naming things that is. Which is ok by me I just wish they’d pick names I could remember.
--But they don't and of course I don't remember. And they spend the majority of their time reminding me of the dang fool name. I guess it's a process of growing up....

IT COULD HAVE BEEN WORSE....

--Well it could have been worse. what else could I say when the sun finally came up to reveal a snow encrusted lawn. oh I wasn't impressed but hey, can't cry about what you can't control.
--when it was time for the dog's and their morning business, the old dog wasn't to impressed. in fact she let the little dog know it really wasn't a good time for his shenanigans by nipping him in the butt.
--being the whack a doodle he is he just went off the deep end and started going for broke. by nipping back. which lead to a running battle all the way out to their runs.
--and of course the cats and kittens weren’t to impressed because their wasn't much morning sun to lie in. but hey at lest it's April....

STARTING EARLY....

--Strange thing about starting early, even though it go's against the grain of the day. Some time’s even starting early doesn't mean you'll finish before it's time.
--Little popping thing's have a way of sticking their heads up to keep you of track if your not careful.
--Or the original schedule is so entrenched that it takes on a life of it's own.
--But like everything I guess it's now when you finish but how you run the race that counts....

STICKING WITH THE PLAN….

--The question’s that arise during the span of a entire day are sometimes amazing and just strange. If you stop for to long and try figure out the answer to each one you probably wouldn't get much done.
--Myself I try to stay on track, and keep the thoughtful reflection down . Or at lest until later in the day when I have more time.
--Sometimes this doesn't work to well, and I am forced to spend time with the weird little whack a doodles. When that happens I try to maintain some semblance of order and not get to entrenched in the whole process.
--Of course it doesn't always work. but for the most part it does.....

THE BUNNY WHO COMES BACK FOR VISITS….

--Of all the bunnies who hung around Bugs was the one who fell in love with my wife.
--When ever she went outside Bugs was right there following right along side her. Doing yard work, planting our garden or just lounging around at the at our yearly yard sale.
--When he wanted to be petted he would yank on her pant leg or just hop up in her lap when she was sitting down.
--He hung around for quite a while and even brought his wife and family for quite a few visit’s. Even now I wouldn’t be surprised to see one of his children popping by for a visit.

PICTURE'S IN THE SKY....

--It's amazing but not really I guess. There's nothing like a hot summer's day to just lie back and watch the clouds trying to make picture's from what you see.
--When my children were little it was one of the games we used to play when we ran out of thing's to do. on a hot summer's day.
--I suppose there would be some who would say what a waste of time. but hey it was harmless and we had fun so what.
--Today I’m sure there's a science involved in the whole process. And probably a few terms to go along with it. But it really can't explain some of the picture's we saw or continue to see, it's one of the funny thing's about the magic of the moment I guess....

MOTHER NATURE'S CURVE BALL....

--If there's one thing I’ve learned the hard way is weather is pretty much unpredictable.
--Oh they give it a more than fair shot with their forecast’s. And most of the time their pretty much right on the mark. But every once in awhile old mother nature likes to keep everybody on their toes.
--Of course my wife and children think I’m a goof with some of my tendency’s. Like keeping a coat in the car just in case it gets cold. Or keeping my long johns in a drawer in my desk all year long.
--If there's one thing I’ve learned just about the time you think the weather's settled down whamo here comes the curve ball…..

THE GARDEN THAT DIDN'T GROW....

--The ground was prepared the seeds were planted. The rest was up to mother nature. After waiting for the sprouts, way past the time. It was realized that perhaps a fence should have been put up to protect the seeds while mother nature worked her magic.
--Forgotten you see was the little dog named Sammy who spent all his time digging up what was planted. A rather strange little fellow who liked to visit, when no one was outside to see. Part of a new generation of me me's who truly believe what ever they see belongs to them and not you .
--Tried to explain to the neighbor who's dog Sammy was what had transpired. And his reply was it was impossible because Sammy would never do such a thing because he knows his boundaries you see. Well I thanked him for his time. Went back home and saying you live and you learn.
--The lessons learned were many of course. When putting seeds in the ground put up a fence to protect them. When talking to me me's don't bother you get more results talking to a tree....

THE BIRDS RETURN....

--Every spring one of the things I look forward to is the return of the birds. We seem to gather quite a assortment. And I enjoy their return. As I’m sure the cats that hang around outside do. But probably not for the same reason’s.
--Among the birds that visit our little piece of paradise is a band of whack a doodle crows that take sheer delight in tormenting the cats who hang around outside.
--I haven’t figured out why they go through the trouble but it's a game that gets played all year long. The cats out side try to rise to the occasion but apparently they just can't handle this band of whack a doodles swooping down out of the sky dive bombing them constantly. And I know for a fact a couple of them have developed a nervous condition over the years.
--But if anything it makes for a interesting distraction for the few minutes that it last each day....

THE EASTER BUNNNIES....

--One of the weirdest groups of pets we had was a bunch of bunnies. For some reason it was a case of just got to have. And of course being that we were new to the whole parenting thing we caved like a wet sock.
--So we became the proud owners of 4 of the most fluffy escape artist to ever come down the pike. For a while we had them in the house until they became a little to big to be chasing around trying to put them back in their cage. The decision was made and we built them a house outside with a little area to play in.
--Well it wasn't long before the little escape artist began applying their trade and started escaping. This drove the children bonkers. But did keep them occupied for awhile, trying to catch them and put them back in their house. My wife was the first one to notice that even though they were escaping they were also returning to their house on their own. So we took the fence down and left the door open. Which seemed to work.
--For quite awhile they hung around the house. Often lying with the cats who hung around, and following the children when they went outside to play. Our yearly yard sale was a real treat with cats and bunnies roaming around and visit’s from Wilber every once in awhile. After awhile they wondered of. Oh every once in awhile one our two will come back for a visit. Which is kind of fun to see how they have grown.....

DONALD THE BI POLAR DUCK….

--He started out as a likeable fellow. Waddling along just doing what ever ducks do. But every once in awhile he’d just go plain whack a doodle and start chasing every one around. And then as quick as you could snap your finger’s he’d stop and go back to being loveable old Donald.
--Well he got to the point where he was scarring the children. So we had to build him his own little area to stay in. Which was ok for awhile until he figured out how to escape.
--This went on for awhile until Wilber took a hand in the whole affair. Apparently the only one who was allowed to scare the children was her. With her charging and stopping routine.
--One day Donald escaped from his pen and was scarring the children. Wilber broke out of her pen and came charging up to grab Donald by the neck and take him back to her pen. Where she let him go and started barking at him. When she was done Donald just sat there for a few minutes, and then started following Wilber around with a look of pure affection. Seeing as how they seemed to have reached a agreement Donald moved in with Wilber. Where they spent the days following each other around. One with a look of affection and the other with pure annoyance…..

WHITTLING AWAY....

 --Whittling away at a things to do list is a tad hard when you get up feeling like somebody has been walling on you with a bag of rocks all night. But if there's one thing I’ve learned over the years as long as you keep moving the stiffness usually works it's way out. The trick is to keep moving I guess.
--Oh there have been days when it's a case of choosing what’s more important. And picking and choosing just to maintain order.
--But for the most part it seems to work. And I image when it stops working I’ll have to find another way of going about it.
--But if there's one thing I’ve learned rolling over never solved anything. Just prolonged the process. Sometimes it’s best to just ride out the storm. It's part of what makes life such an adventure....

TEACHING WHACK A DOODLES….

--I couldn’t help feel sorry for the old cat last night. Apparently after trying to teach a couple of kittens to be quiet while stalking mice he reached such a point of annoyance that he ended up mumbling to himself. It kind of reminded me of myself while trying to teach my children.
--I smiled and patted him on the head. He seemed to understand when I told him to give them time they’ll get it sooner of later. Because after a few minutes of mumbling he was back at it again.
--Of course trying to teach kittens and children anything is sort of like trying to keep the attention of a nat for more than a few seconds. Darn near impossible without a lot of patience.
--The old cat seemed a little worse for wear this morning and was still mumbling to himself while sunning himself in the window when I passed by. Oh the memories it brought back I couldn’t help but smile. If it’s one thing I’ve learned parenthood is not for the faint of heart….

PORCH RAILING BLUES....

--It seemed like a good idea at the time. Replace the porch railing so it wouldn't be so hard to get up and down the stairs. Of course like everything else it usually finds a way of coming back at you with a twist.
--Apparently the dang fool cats who hang out outside figured the railing was for meeting and greeting people on their way up and down the stairs.
--Which would probably be ok except for the fact that lately when I’m going or coming it takes me a extra five min to pet all the fools before they'll let me pass.
--Even though I keep telling them it wasn't the reason I put the dang fool railing up, they still haven’t figured it out yet. And of course I’m still being held hostage before they’ll let me pass. But I suppose it could be worse. At lest the railing being used for something….

LET FREEDOM RING….

--The cats and kittens are sleeping in the noonday sun. The dogs are snoring mumbling about only they know what.
--The morning chores are done, and it's break time for me. A reminder of dinner and what to pre pare. Getting it ready and set aside.
--There's time for a few outside chores, the number one being cleaning of the porch.
--A table and chair's to set aside, so when break time comes it can be outside. Not that that I’m tired of the little kitchen you see. But after the winter we've had I just want to be free....

WELL I’LL BE….

--After the winter we’ve been through checking the weather forecast is usually the last thing I do before going out. And then I usually expect very little.
--This morning proved to be such a surprise I was glad I was sitting down.
--Apparently spring has decided to make a appearance after all. Expect for a couple of low 30 day’s the 10 day forecast is defiantly looking up.
--You would think at my age that a little thing like a bout of nice weather would be such surprise. But I have to honestly say dancing a little jig is the first thing on my list of things to do today….

PERSONAL SPACE….

--There was a time when personal space meant you tried to respect each others. And even though at times you might be confined to waiting in lines you still tried not to invade each others space.
--Apparently in the new world order me me’s this no longer applies. Instead it’s been replaced by a herd mentality where everyone crowds into a confined space and walks all over each other. Hoping of course to advance the line even if it means walking over people to do it.
--When this happened I’m not quite sure. But it sure seems a shame. That we as a people are in such a hurry that we forget the few basic principles that make us human.
--Maybe it’s just a trend. I know I for one am sure hoping and praying….

IT WASN'T QUITE A SURPRISE....

--Funny thing about morning's sometime their filled with surprise and sometimes when you open the door you pretty much know what your in for. This morning wasn't much of a exception.
--After four day's of somewhat clear weather, when I opened the door I pretty much knew it was time for my neighbors chickens to make a appearance. And sure enough along with the strays cats people keep dropping off their they were.
--Apparently my neighbor hasn't quite figured out how to keep his chickens penned up yet. Or it's a case of oh well. either way I shooed the dang fool chickens the way off my porch and let the dogs do their business. Of course I had to spend a little time cleaning chicken pooh of the porch but hey it was kind of nice out. So it wasn’t to bad.
--Of course the whole experience was totally unnecessary. But like everything else in life I guess it's how you look at it that count's. Karma has a way of balancing books sooner or later....

THOSE BIG BROWN EYES....

--Taking dogs out to do their business in the morning is usually an adventure, if I try to hold them back.
--But opening the door and letting them go by themselves isn’t really a option because their both whack a doodles who'll run around in circles and then want to come in. So they have to be taken out and hooked up on their dog runs.
--Lately though the old dog has been pretty good about keeping the little one focused and on track. I’m not sure if this turn around has any thing to do with me slipping and falling all winter or not. I have a funny feeling it does. In fact so much so that she barks at me when I try to get off the porch.
--I swear one look into those big brown eyes and it's like the look my wife usually gives me when I’m about to do something stupid....

WILBER AND THE YARD SALE....

--One day while having our yearly yard sale, Wilber chose this time to bust out of her pen.
--Apparently Wilber thought it would be a perfect time for a visit. She came up about 90 miles a hour and stopped on a dime right in front of a box of stuffed animals. My wife started choking on her coffee and the customers that were there all gasped in surprise. And Wilber she started rutting through the box.
--After a couple of minutes she found what she was looking for. It was a small stuffed pig. She started howling with glee and then ran back to her pen.
--Everyone was quiet until my wife said I guess she didn't want to sell her baby. Everyone started cracking up. Well, I just mosey on toward the back yard to make sure the fool pig wasn't going to make a return visit...

WHAT’S THAT TUNE?….

--I find listening to the radio lately to be an annoyance probably because as I get older I understand less of what’s being played. Oh sure there was a time when I had the dang fool thing playing all the time.
--Then one day I caught myself singing along to a song that made hardly any sense. And also didn’t sound like something I wanted floating around in my head. Let alone the heads of my children.
--So I pulled the plug. And stopped listening to the pre packaged mishmash they call music. Even though what worked for me, it left a vacuum. I never discouraged my children when it came to music. As a result they grew up with a firm like of all types.
--As for myself if I feel in the need of a tune I’ll usually make up my own little ditty to hum along to. This has brought both nods of encouragement and wonder from my children over the years. Mostly because I’m afraid I’m not to choosy about where I start humming or singing. And have been known to brake out in song while wondering the store’s with my wife and children from time to time….

GOOD MORNING SMELLS....

--Over the years I’ve gotten used to a few things. Mostly the morning smells. Living in house with children cats kittens and dogs. and of course other pets we've had over the years there have been plenty to get used to. Usually I try to find a neutral spot to enjoy the first cup of coffee before tackling anything.
--Once in awhile there have been days when this wasn't possible and they creep in and awake you from your sleep. To remind you that it might be a good idea to get up and start cleaning before you find yourself in a toxic dump.
--Then of course there have been days when the smell of fresh baked cookies or morning breakfast wakes you from your slumber.
--Of course the quickest way to wake up a house full of children is with breakfast and cookies. For some reason they have the ability to not smell anything that doesn't have to do with food....

CERTAIN THINGS AT CERTAIN TIMES…

--My wife has a fascination with certain things that use to drive me bonkers. Like throwing open the curtains when she’s on her second cup of coffee.
--Of course when I was younger this use to drive me bonkers. But like everything else about my wife she’s slowly brought me around to her way of thinking.
--Which is probably good because other wise I’d probably still be drinking coffee in a dark room cursing the start of the new day.
--Now I find myself throwing open the curtains even before my wife does. And drinking coffee while trying to focus on the world around me…..

THE SPARKLE OF SPRING....

--The other day my wife was going through the weekly penny saver when she noticed they were starting to post yard sales again.
--I didn't even have to ask what was up all I had to do was take one look at those eyes to know. She smirked when I said yard sales already.
--Of course the children have there own thoughts on the subject. But choose to keep them to themselves. It's not that they don't enjoy going, they probably do in their own way. They just can't figure out why my wife has to go though everything at the sale before she leaves. I don't know how many times I’ve had to explain to them, she'll be done when she's done.
--Myself I’ll read a book and take a nap. When my wife gets back to the car we'll go to the next one. Over the years it's proven to be a time tested routine. And I’ll have to say this about my wife if there’s a deal to be had she'll find it. She seems to have a nose for them. I’ve learned not to rush her....