PEEK A BOO BUNNY....

--My son's pet rabbit and I on occasion play peek a boo. Which entails me opening my sons bedroom door and trying to catch his dang fool rabbit so I can say peek a boo.
--I know you'd think a grown man could find better thing's to do with his time. Apparently I can't because each of these whack a doodle pets and I have a game we play.
--With Brownie it’s peek a boo. The first couple of times I caught him and he'd spend a few minute stomping his feet in anger to let me know he wasn't happy.
--Now of course when I open the door. He’s standing up starring at me with his mouth open as if say ha ha fool.
--Of course if the dang fool children hadn't of made me watch a video with a dang fool bunny running around playing peek a boo when they were little. I probably wouldn’t be doing it now. With four children that dang fool bunny was playing peek a boo everyday. They fell it love with him when they were babies and the friendship lasted for quite awhile.
--It got so bad they forced me to play peek a boo with them and even made me watch it so I would learn the right way to do it. Apparently I wasn’t very good.
--Many a night I heard that bunny in my sleep and the children laughing hysterically. In a way it was kind of comforting. Because I’ve always believed laughter is the best medicine.
--Over the years even on bad days I’ve mad it a point to laugh. Of course my wife was a little unnerved at first when we first got married. But now she come to expect such behavior. And usually just shakes her head and smiles…

JUST IN CASE....

--I have to give my wife credit she endures quite a bit when it comes to car ride's with me. Usually she'll mention a impending car ride the night before so I can gather my just in case stuff.
--It's not much really I’ve whittled it down quite a bit over the years. Now I usually have to have a coat, cane and the go bag. Even on good day's because I just don't know when something might decide to act up.
--It's make's it a lot easier to be prepared. Then need the stuff and not have it.
--Of course it also is a must with mother nature going whack a doodle the way she has been lately....

SAME PRICE SMALLER PACKAGE....

--Walking through the stores lately I’ve noticed a new trend. Packages are shrinking at an alarming rate. It's a mind bender for sure.
--Oh the prices are staying the same on the smaller gems, but the package is shrinking. I guess were not supposed to notice as long as were not paying any more.
--I warned my wife, but she was already a where of course. She said it's been going on for quite awhile.
--It's amazing how much those missing ounces add up when you think about it. In order to get the same use it calls for smaller serving‘s. Unless of course you want to spend more. But that kind of defeat‘s the whole trying to save thing. Yup it‘s a mind bender for sure…..

THE LONELY CRICKET....

--Apparently somewhere in the living room is a cricket, so I’ve been told by my children. I’ve yet to hear it.
--For some reason this is driving my children whack a doodle. Why I have no idea. I always thought cricket's were kind of a cool bug’s that talked. Get a bunch together and it was kind of nature's music. Rather than those dang fool mosquito’s who buzzed around your ear constantly and left those itchy bites in their passing.
--But apparently my children don't think much of any bugs go figure. They’ve spent quite a few hours looking for the little fellow but can't seem to find him.
--I did make sure and let them know if they did find him they are supposed to take him outside and let him go. Which they already knew. I guess they were listening to something besides crickets over the years.....

DOWN FOR THE COUNT….

--One of the few things that have been a blessing and curse over the years is my apparent inability to stay down for the count. I mean on the one hand it’s kept me going when most people would have probably thrown in the towel and said this is just to much.
--But on the other hand it’s kept me from seeing that their were better ways of doing thing’s if I’d just back off a bit and look at the whole picture.
--I know it doesn’t sound like much but the difference between stubbornness and good old common sense is a very fine line.
--One which I have to monitor quite a bit because it seems some days the two keep wearing the same dang fool shoes…..

BREAKING THE RULE....

--Every once in awhile I break my own dang fool rules. Why I have no idea, because usually it ends bad. Therefore the reason behind the rule. But being the hard headed forgetful old fool that I am I  do it.
--This morning I did it again. Waking up getting my coffee cup, filling it with ice then coffee really taxes what reserves I have in the morning. What in Sam hill made me think I could take the dogs out to do their business without coffee I have no idea.
--But I felt sorry for the poor fools bouncing around yapping like a couple of nuts. So I left my coffee cup on the counter and grabbed their leashes and took them out.
--Well you’d think the fact that the ground being wet would have sent red flags of in my brain pan. But what can I say I was half awake. I headed over to waffles run under the maple tree and forgot to duck the low hanging branch because I was in the middle of a yawn. Big mistake.
--It seems whacking the branch had dislodged a snail on the dang fool branch which promptly decided to take up residence in my mouth. Which probably wouldn’t have been bad but while I was gagging on the dang fool snail  I walked in to a spider web which ended up in my mouth. By the time I got that dang thing wiped out and spit out. I was seeing stars. Hooking waffles up I proceed over to Jerry's run.
-You'd think after darn near swallowing a snail and spider web I’d have just quit. Nope ever forward and all that. Well I wasn’t watching were I was going and promptly slipped in a pile of cat pooh one of the dim blubs left in the yard. About that time my right knee went out and I ended up on my butt.
--Needless to say I really starting to regret the whole forgo coffee idea.
--Hooking Jerry up was easy. I even managed to miss two of her holes, and a dang fool spider web on the way to the house. Maybe things were looking up I figured. Really you think I would learn.
--Limping back to the house favoring my right knee going up the stairs. That’s when my left knee decided he wanted to play to. It went out and down I went.
--I sat there for a few minute's thinking about all sorts of colorful things. One of which was bouncing dogs. I came to the conclusion the dang fool probably were just happy to see me and didn't even have to go to the bathroom. Which was probably what was going on.
--Getting to the house was quite simple after all that. And of course coffee was a welcome sight. I guess sometimes a few misadventure make you appreciate that first cup more and the rules surrounding it....

HOT DAY SALESMEN....

--Usually I don't mind taking a break chatting with salesmen when they make a occasion appearance at the front door. I figure with 75ft of driveway out there they deserve a little something for the effort.
--But after spending 4hrs cutting up, pair boiling, deboning and making meals of chicken up I was a tad tired. Of course it didn't help the dang fool temp was hanging at a solid 85 degrees, and I was standing at the wrong side of a air conditioner which was blowing more hot air.
--I tried to tell the fellow it was hot but once he got wound up there was no stopping him. So I swept off the porch. He followed me around while I swept. We both got done about the same time, he gave me all his info and said thanks for listening.
--I guess even hot day salesmen have their uses.....

LOOKING FOR LADY BUGS....

--With all the humidly the dang fool bugs have gone whack a doodle. Especially the fleas. Usually we get a bunch of lady bugs that pop up every year to whittle the little fools down to size in short order.
--Apparently the lady bugs have taken a vacation, because we had to wonder round the yard looking the little darling’s. Being hot it was a tad uncomfortable but in the end it proved worth while. We found a few and gathered them into a jar to bring them in the house.
--My grandmother told me they eat fleas, and usually when their around the fleas take a hike. So it was well worth the sweating I guess.
--Now all I have to do is convince the dang fool cats to leave them alone....

WHAT WERE THEY THINKING?....

--That's what I’m usually thinking, as we wait patiently to exit some of the store parking lot’s around here.
--Half the entrance’s also act as a exit‘s. Which is ok if everybody were driving clown car’s. Which they don’t. You get two good sized car's trying to fit in a space meant for clown car's and there's not a lot of space left over.
--Needless to say I spend a lot of time with my eyes closed praying. While my wife goes into Mario mode complete with sound effects. And after wards smiles and say's, “See I told I we could make it“. Mean while I’m trying to ignore the fact that we were so close I now have a friend for life in the other fellow driving what can only be was a tank disguised as a pickup truck it was so dang burned big.
--And don't get me started on parking lot’s. For some reason somebody thought it was funny to design the thing's so when you get out the car you have to have close relation's with your car just to achieve it without hitting the car next to you.
--Needless to say having your innards shaken to the point you need at lest five min for everything to fall back into place before you can even think about trying to squeeze out of a space meant for a fellow a quarter of my size. Is a experience.
--But I suppose it could be worse at lest I get my outing’s and I do enjoy them....

THE SYSTEM THAT WORKED….

--We had a system worked out when it came to the whole process Of feeding and changing babies. As much as I could I tried to give my wife a break. When it came time to feed, or change the little darling’s I let her sleep or try to relax as much as I could.
--Because I figured she deserved it. I mean nine months of having her innards kicked around, and then delivering the little pumpkin‘s by having her poor body darn near split in half. Was enough to darn drive me over the edge. And all I had to do was try and comfort the poor thing while my wife did all the work. I can’t even image what it would have like having go through it.
--And after wards she would look at me and smile and say when the little one was finally out ,“Isn't He/She cute?”.  I know dang well I couldn't do it. In fact  smiling would have been the last thing on my mind after going through all that.
--I have to give her a lot of credit. Going through the whole process four time's would of driven me over the edge. But not her. She was quite happy about the whole process.
--So I figured the lest I could do was feed and change the little darlings. Which was a adventure in itself but I’ll save that for latter.
--It wasn’t a perfect system mostly because my wife refused to go along with it. Being stubborn in general and having mommy mode kick in isn’t really a good combination to try to buck. But I was determined and eventually she gave in…..

THE BABY KITTENS ARE DRINKING....

--Watching baby kittens try milk for the first time is kind of fun. I know my wife and children get a kick out it. It's usually a family affair. Everyone gathered round watching and giggling.
--I enjoy having everyone on the same page, so it's a two for as far as I’m concerned. And of course I’ve got to admit their kind of cute.
-- Watching the whole thing brings back a lot of old memories. Mostly of trying to feed four children who always seemed to be running on empty. Or full to the max on the other and needed a changing.
-- It's the first step and it's a welcome sight. Especially since the mommy kitty seems to have had enough of the whole mommy thing and wants to get the Sam hill out of the house and as far away from babies as possible. Can't say as I blame her. I had a few days like that in between feeding and changing. Where any place would have better than covered in baby drool and pooh 24/7.
--But of course all it would take would be one look at their little tiny faces and back into the trenches my wife and I would go. With a smile on our faces and a song in our heart....

GOOD DEALS....

--Finding good deal on food in this day and age is hard. Not impossible if you don't mind a little work. But still a adventure worthy of old Indiana Jones sometimes.
--Sometimes you get lucky and sometimes not so much. If your lucky you skim by until a good deal comes your way.
--When you do find a good deal you find yourself spending the day parboiling and deboning chicken. And cutting up and making up meals. It makes for a long day but in the end it's worth it. Just in the amount of jingle you save.
--My wife and I usually make a day of it and even though were tired when were though we try to keep it light and usually have a pretty good time by working together. I guess it just goes to show it's all in how you look at it....

THAT OLD FEELING....

--Every once in a while my wife will give me a look with a twinkle in her eye and I know she's had a feeling.
--Over the years she’s had quite a few. And they've always been a helpful little assist from where ever they might come. When we first got married and she told me about them I told her cool I can always use the extra help.
--Some people would probably point fingers and call names but to my way of thinking I’ll take all the help I can get. Life’s a mishmash of up's and down's as it is, and any extra help is a added plus.
--There have been plenty of times where the only thing separating us from a disaster and a near miss was a feeling. I thank God for each and every one of those feeling‘s. And the vessel chosen to deliver them my wife and best friend....
--

MURKY MORNING LIGHT....

--Most people probably wouldn't sit on their porch under a umbrella drinking coffee waiting for the sun to come up. But then again what do I know? Maybe there is a group of us out there who does just that. To them I say howdy. And everyone else well don't knock it till you tried it I guess.
--As far as sitting on the porch it’s relaxing before the day begins. And it gives me a little to appreciate the blessing in my life. The rain well it's a pain in the neck but the time means more to me than the discomfort. Oh I know it could all be easily be accomplished from a comfy chair in the house, but sometimes I just like to do thing's differently it keeps life interesting.
--Oh there were a few times last winter when I stood out side watching the snow fall and the sunrise. It was cool in more ways than one.
--My wife just shakes head about the whole thing of course. Over the years she’s accepted my whack a doodle ness. And loves me in spite of it….
--

GOD AND HIS WEIRD SENSE OF HUMOR….

--Oh the thing's we laugh about now that used to bring tears to our eye's when we were younger. If there's a list out there I’m sure I hit quite of few of them each day.
--Over the year's I’ve learned to appreciate what I have because God has a really weird sense of humor. And more often than not He will get around to showing you the error of your way's.
--Like sleep for example. Don’t appreciate all those restful night’s. Guess what? He has a solution for you. Falling in love, marriage and children.
--The three best things to happen in my life were, falling in love with my best friend, who I later married, and had four wonderful children with.
--As far as the loss of sleep. Well I guess it come’s the with territory. And over the years there have been many sleepless night’s. And also some of the most wonderful adventure’s, and misadventures of my life. So I figure it been a far exchange. I for one am very thankful for God and his weird sense of humor......

WAFFLES AND THE SNAILS....

--With all the rain we've been having there has been a over abundance of bugs and creepy crawlies. One of the creepy crawlies are snails. It seems the dang fool things are everywhere lately. Not mention to mention slugs. Which I guess are just homeless snails.
--As long as your careful when you walk it's all right but accidents happen and it's not pretty. But I do try to miss as many as possible. For the simple reason I figure everybody and everything deserves a chance.
--Of course poor old waffles can barely handle nature. And when the two little fools Taz and Squash start in with their shenanigans he really losses what restraint he has.
--This morning was no exception. Finding snails in the trees Taz and squash thought it would be fun to knock them off on poor waffles.
--I went out and rescued waffles and scolded Taz and Squash. But to be honest I really don't think they were listening. It’s kind of hard when your grinning from ear to ear licking yourself pretending you haven’t been out to anything.....

THE NEVER ENDING GAME....

--Over the years I’ve noticed a lot of things about cats. Some are pretty amazing and some  well lets just say mind numbing doesn't even begin to describe it.
--As a whole I think cats are pretty amazing animals. Dogs too for that matter. They make excellent companions’ and loyal friends.
--Trying to teach cats and dogs not to indulge in bad behavior. This is a real pain in the neck. And sometimes I think would drive a Tibetan monk to talking to himself.
--Trying to keep bad behavior at bay by keeping trigger’s out of view is ok until you forget one. Nine times out of ten you end up where you started again. Unless it's been awhile like six months to a year. Then maybe you'll be ok.
--Sharing living space with pets requires a lot of patience and understanding. And it's defiantly not for the faint of heart when you have more than one pet.....

MOMMY MODE....

--Having two males cats in the kitchen with a mommy cat and a box of babies has been a real test of patience. For some dang fool reason they can't seem to get it though there dang fool heads don't start the alpha male games around a mommy cat.
--No matter how many times the mommy cat flies out her box and gives the two fools a what for they still start in again. And again and again. I mean seriously there must be something wrong with the male cats as a whole.
--Usually when it happens they both looked totally shocked and slink into a neutral corner until the dust settles. Only to start up again a short time later.
--You would think the dang fools would get the idea but apparently not. I guess it's just wired into their DNA. Sure makes you wonder.....

LETTING THE PICTURE CLEAR…

--It probably could have been a lot worse but really wasn’t as bad as it first looked.
--To look at thing’s with a clear head instead of one filled with dread.
--Is actually the secret that’s often kept from you and me. 
--Sometimes walking away for just a little bit really helps a lot. Because when you do come back and your head is clear you find all your dread was for naught…

GETTING ALONG…

--Ever forward should be the song I’d like to hear. None of this lets go back and rehash the past that everyone likes to spout.
--It seems to me once the lessons learned why go back and dig up forgotten bones. For another look just in case there was something missed?
--Sometimes more trouble is caused and more time wasted. Playing with and trying to rewrite the past. Because we’re not happy with the way it’s recorded.
--Maybe if we just got on with our lives and accepted the lessons learned as part of life more things could be accomplished today. Trying to impress this on four children in a world fixated on rewriting the past to justify life as seen through the vision of the me- me- me mentality has been a daunting task.
But it's been worth it in the long run…

BLUE SKY KIND OF THINKING…

--Coming round to a clear blue sky kind of thinking is hard when walking through a stormy day.
--But like all thing’s it is possible if we don’t take our eyes off the prize and become bogged down in the storm clouds that overhang.
--It seems the blue skies must start somewhere and what better place than from within.
--With this thought in tow it makes it possible to go until they are on the outside looking in…. 

A PARENTS RESPONSIBILITY…

--When at first I open my eyes it proved to be quite a task. The dream I was having I was wearing a mask. Still trying to decide to finish or to wake please don’t ask.
--From off in the near distance I hear my child’s voice so with a sigh I open the other eye I really had no choice.
--For long ago it was agreed when comes to need’s to put theirs before whatever mine might be.
  

A KITCHEN TABLE IS FOR DINNING…

--Try as I might I can’t seem to get it through the head of some cats that the table is not a place to roam.
--I tried to spray apple cider vinegar because they don’t like the smell. They’ll get one whiff and stay down. But when it dries there right back.
--This has been going on so long we’ve finally come to a compromise.  When I’m in the kitchen they stay down. When I leave anything goes. It’s not an arrangement I’m particular happy with but sometimes you learn to live with thing’s. Or go whack a doodle crazy trying for the impossible….

A CHILD’S FIRST STEPS…

--A child's first steps are amazing, and very enlightening. Very seldom do you see a child fall down and decide to stay down. Usually they get right back up and try again. Until they've mastered the walking thing or grown tired of trying for awhile. But after a nap there usually right back at it again. 
--If only we as adult's could recapture that excitement for learning new thing's. And try to apply it to our lives. Maybe we wouldn't be so quick to give up and quit trying for the stars.  Instead of settling for the ground so readily.....

YOUNDERLAND SEASON 1 EPISODE 1

THE UNEXPECTED DELIGHT.....
--Finding something on TV to watch lately has really been a test of my patience. With us usually throwing up our hands and just giving up. And watching an old movie or TV show instead.
--Quite by accident we found a show called Younderland. As we watched the first episode my wife and I kept waiting for it to start with all the things that usually start to annoy us. Childish bathroom humor that passes as humor, references to sex acts or just a dang fool plunge into stupidly. I’m happy to say it never happened with this show.
--We actually made it through the first episode and were quite amused. Of course there's a chance it'll slide downhill. But I hope it doesn't because what we all need is a safe place to be entertained for a few moments without dragging our troubles with us.....

CHASING THE TRAIN....

--The nothing worse in my book than chasing a train of thought. For some dang fool reason lately it seems to be what I spend a lot of time doing. At first I figured it was the universe's way of amusing itself at my expense. But then I realize the true source was that I was constantly being distracted by things and forget to write the dang fool thought down first.
--But like everything it just takes a few correction’s to set things right. So now I carry a pen and little notepad everywhere and write things down. So far it seems to be working.
--Of course my wife just shakes her head because she knows it won't be too long and I’ll be asking her if she knows where I left the dang fool notebook…..

CATCHING UP ON LITTLE THINGS.....

--Getting distracted to the point where you forget the little things that need to be done everyday is a pain in the neck. Because you have to take a day off and play catch-up.
--Catch-up days are just that you run around and catch-up those dang fool little things that got forgotten. Like chasing dust bunnies the size of oranges because vacuuming fell along side the way some where. Which wouldn't be so bad if somebody had told you the dang fool vacuum was clogged.
--Instead you find out the hard way. And have to spend twenty minutes taking the dang fool thing apart and cleaning it. And another forty minutes looking for the screws because a dang fool cat was bored and decided to amuse himself by playing with the screws.
--But rather than quit you vacuum everything you can find because you know darn well you will get distracted again. And the whole whack a doodle cycle will start again.....

WHEN THE CIRCLE IS COMPLETE....

--Having the whole family under one roof is nice. And of course it doesn't take long before the old shenanigans start up. My wife and I just smile at each other because even though the children won't admit it they missed each other.
--It's a shame really but hey I guess as they get older they will realize it too. Right now they have a tendency to keep a tight reign on their emotions.
--Which is like a red flag for this old fool. Because if there's one thing I love it is getting people to loosen up. Especially my own dang fool children.
--In the morning time when my children wake up I would say good morning to with a hug and whisper I missed you. The children at first were a little put off by the closeness but after a while loosened up about the whole thing.
--Over the years I guess they've come to expect such whack a doodle behavior from their father. My wife of course doesn't seem to mind either. I do notice she smiles a lot in the morning.....

WHEELCHAIR BOUND.....

--The other day, we needed to make a run to the store. My wife told me since I was having a hard day I didn't need to go. Especially since I was having a hard time walking.
--But along time ago I figured good day bad day either way I wasn't going to lie in bed all day and whine about stuff. Even if it took me twice as long I was getting the Sam hill out of bed come what may. Besides sitting around whining never accomplished much except making your feel 10 times worse.
--Well we went to the store and my wife just looked at me as she grabbed one of the wheel chairs by the door. Recognizing the look for what it was I kept my mouth shut and got in the dang fool wheelchair.
--At first it was a bit humiliating for me to wrap my mind around riding in the dang fool thing. Only because I probably have a underlying fear of ending up in one unable to walk on my own.
--But it turned out ok we did the shopping and my wife seemed to enjoy the company. And I didn't have to hobble around leaning on a dang fool shopping cart taking baby steps. I guess it just goes to show it's ok to give yourself a break once in awhile.....

MIDNIGHT MASSAGE....

--Coming back from the bathroom to find your wife sitting up clutching her pillow sweating like crazy is a scary experience when it first happened. But when I found out it was a symptom of menopause it didn't make it any less scary just a little more understandable. About the only thing I could do was rub her back in a effort to try and make her feel better while the hot flash tormented her.
--After awhile our bodies seemed to sync to the point the hot flashes happened while I was up going to the bathroom. So we would make a night of it. I’d throw in a few old movies that usually make us feel better and have a couple of cups of coffee while I rubbed her back. Trying to make her feel better.
--Oh I’m pretty sure she has a few during the 2 hour stretch’s when I’m sleeping.  And even though I’ve told her to give me a nudge and I’d rub her back, she just rides them out letting me sleep. Because that's the type of person she is.
--It probably doesn't seem like much but in away I think we both enjoyed the closeness of a rather nasty obnoxious experience by trying to turn it into a positive one. Sometimes that's the only way to maintain what little sanity you have in this crazy old world.....

BLUEBERRIES AT SUNRISE....

--For a change of pace I had coffee in the yard watching my blueberries at  sunrise. It was different and sometimes doing thing’s a little different helps put a little spring into my step throughout the day.
--My wife often complains I’m a creature of habit. And she's right of course I do have a habit of slipping into that rut. It’s one of the thing's I’ve tried very hard to change in my life because it has a tendency to put blinders on what you see and what you leave yourself open to experience.
--It's been hard mostly because on hard days when the aches, creeks start acting up falling back to a routine is the only thing that enables me to function with any type of normality.
--Over the years it's gotten better, and on good day's I try to do things a little different. And lately I’ve even taken a whack at trying on bad days. Which has been a test. Because on days when I have to use that dang fool cane just to walk going out to watch blueberries before the sunrises while carrying coffee is a bit of a challenge. But luckily when it gets down to brass tacks and nails seems to be when I’m at my most creative....

ALBINO BUG‘S.....

--I don't mind bugs I figure they all have there place in the grand scheme of thing's. But when it comes to certain type's they tend to freak me out a bit. One of them is albino spider’s, grasshopper’s, and praying mantis’s. Or anything albino for that matter. Why they freak me out I have no idea. They always have though.
--Usually when I run into them I give them a wide berth. Sometimes though you got to go hang out in their general area for a bit. And that will start for a lot of the old fears to kick in.
--Crawling around under the house isn't fun and generally I’ll go out of the way to keep from having to do it. But sometimes you have to when a emergency comes up.
--Needless to say setting aside your fears of creepy crawly thing's long enough to be able to function during a emergency gets to be a tad annoying. Especially when you have to pass through a group of albino grasshoppers to get under the house. And them run into cobwebs and albino spider's crawling away from the light.
--I’ve always found your mind can be your best friend or your worst enemy. And over the year's we've had some grand old battle’s. Usually around what I could and couldn't do. But then again I never did like being told what to do. So some petty fear of creepy crawly thing's just makes me a tad stubborn. Even though I swear I could feel the dang fool thing's crawly on me the whole time I‘m under the house crawling around.
--Of course my wife just looks at me like I’m crazy when I have to go under the dang fool house. Because she's well aware I’m not to happy about it. And even though I keep telling myself that I’ve gotten over the dang fool fear of creepy crawly thing’s.Crawling around with a bunch of them makes for a interesting time.....

WHEN CURTAINS NEED CHANGING....

--Over the years I’ve had my run in's with curtains. These were mostly bad attempts. And it just doesn't seem to get any better.
--From the flimsily rods to the dang fool bracket’s. It’s just one massive pain in neck. Oh and don't forget trying to get both brackets level to put up the dang rods on. According to my wife I couldn't see a straight line if I was standing on it. She's probably right.
--Then we have the trying to force curtains on a flimsy rod. Over the years I’ve gotten better but it's still a pain in the neck.
--Probably the worse part is it's usually me who starts the ball rolling when comes time to change dang fool curtains. Because I get the cleaning fever and new curtains brighten up the room instead of the old ones.
--But I guess it could be worse with no curtains at all. At least it's taught me patience and a little of that goes along ways......

THE STARING GAME….

--There's been a return of a old game, that's starting up again. The good old staring game. We used to have bouts of it when the children were little. It was constant source of discontent throughout the house. There wasn't a day that went by that you wouldn't hear so and so's staring at me!.
--Then of course the children got older and they went on to bigger and better things to fight about. Leaving the staring game along the wayside with all the other games like so and so touched me.
--Well now it seems the staring game is back only this time it's the dang fool cats playing. Every time I turn around lately I find two cats squaring off hollering at each other.
--Of course it usually starts because one of them was staring at the other to long.  And of course it's the two males. Why in Sam hill males are so sensitive is beyond me. You never see a couple female cats sitting around hollering at each other because one was staring at the other to long.
--For the life of me I’ve never been able to figure out males in general let alone some their shenanigans.....

GATHERED ROUND THE WATER BOWEL....

--Glancing out the window on one of our quick trips out and about. I happened to spy a squirrel, a crow and a robin gathered round a water bowel in a yard. I thought it was kind of cute. Of course my wife just shook her and smiled.
--It was nice to see the animals getting along. Especially in this day and age where it seems everybody is waiting for some kind of dang fool excuse to go for each other's throat.
--Maybe someday we can take a lesson or two from the animals. But then again it’ll probably never happen. There doesn’t seem to be to much profit in in everybody getting along. Besides that would require people to start using their heads instead of being lead around by every little manufactured crisis coming down the pike.
--Other than the squirrels crow and robin. There didn’t seem to be a awful lot animals out. Except of course a few ground hogs . Guess they were just hanging out. Because they stayed away from the round and watched as we sped by.....

CAT'S ON THE RUN....

--The quickest way to get a bunch of cat's to start running is by picking up a bottle of flea spray or powder. For some reason the whole idea just doesn't set right with the little fools. They scamper for the hills and hide in the most dark and remote places.
--With all the rain and humidity fleas seem to be going whack a doodle. And the cat’s, kittens and dog's are being bombarded.
--Trying to coral the little fools long enough to throw collar's and flea spray on requires a team effort. With everyone pitching in to make sure all the little darling get their fair share of flea spray and a flea collar to boot.
--And then comes the glaring looks as the animals try to figure out a way to give us a taste of our own medicine. Or get better at playing hide and seek for the next time.…

THE BLINKING CURSOR....

--Maybe it's just me but sometimes it seems like I spend a lot of time waiting for that dang fool cursor. Either waiting for a program to load or a page on the internet. Sometimes it really corks my griddle. Usually when I’ve had a hard night chasing sleep that wouldn't come.
--On days like that I take my coffee and go outside and drink it. And keep drinking until I’m fully awake. Because I know if I’m not I’ll end up snapping at just about everything and everybody.
--Along time ago I heard a saying that always stuck with me,” a man's got to know his limitation's." In my case I learned along time ago my limitation’s and have been trying to coexist with the dang fool thing’s. It’s a real pain in the neck.
--Oh I have gotten better. Being a parent will do that to a fellow. But it's still a pain sometimes. Especially when you have a computer who seam’s to love taunting you with a blinking dang fool cursor....

POWER TOOLS IN THE MORNING....

--There's an unwritten rule in our house that is no playing with power tools until dad's had a cup of coffee or two. It keep's dad from having accidents and keeps mom from having to patch thing's up.
--Of course when dad start's gathering power tool's the children run for the hill’s. Never could figure that one out. Maybe it’s the noise or maybe it’s a warning sign for danger
--What ever little job that needs to be done if help is needed I have to do a lot of coaxing to get the little darling to come out of hiding. Usually my oldest falls victim first. Because quite frankly he's a lousy hider.
--But working together the job gets done and everyone’s happy. Except of course the fates. If no accidents have occurred. But hey there's always next time. And I’m sure they'll be waiting for an old fool to forget the first rule which is lots of coffee before playing with power tools.....

GOOD MORNING HOWDY....

--One of my favorite thing's lately is our little Jack Russell dog Waffles and his good morning howdy. No matter what time it is when I make an appearance in the kitchen. Waffles is always beside himself with joy. Jumping up on his hind legs dancing about and whining for attention. And let me tell you on some night's when I’m having a hard time chasing sleep I pop in a lot.
--It amazes me to no end the amount of energy such a small dog can put into just saying howdy. But then again the little fool always was a tad hyper in just about everything he does.
--It may not seem like much but it sure boost's my spirits. And I always make sure and spend a couple of minutes letting the little fool know I appreciate his excitement.
--Of course my wife just smiles when she sees it. Because for some reason I think she always figured I liked the little fool. Even though I complain every once in awhile about some of his dang fool shenanigans.....

THE SOAP OPERA OF LIFE.....

--What a mess. When the dang fool thing's start getting out of hand. It just keep's going and going.
--For the life of me I have never really understood any of it. And no I have not watched the dang fool TV soap opera’s. Mostly because they seemed kind of silly.
--And no I’ve never spent to much time keeping track of the gossip of the airwaves. In fact just making it through the checkout's passed all the dang fool magazine headlines that hang there gives me a headache.
--And as far as what passes for headline news, lately it seems worse than a dang fool soap opera.
--Just getting through each day with what sanity I have left is enough of an accomplishment for me.....

THE FINE ART OF HANGING IN THERE....

--For some reason in this age of snap crackle and pop of instant access of thing’s. The fine art of hanging in there has been left by the wayside somewhere.
--I’ve noticed it more in the last few years with my children. Nobody has the patience to wait for things. Everything needs to happen right this instant or is quickly cast aside. Over the years I’ve seen some perfectly good thing cast aside because they have a few dents dings or quirks.
--Really it's a sad state of affairs. But it appears the norm so it's kind of hard to go against it.
--Perhaps someday the fine art of hanging in there will see the light of day again. Maybe when somebody makes a app for it perhaps.....

THE DOMINO EFFECT....

--It amazes me sometimes when the domino effect starts. It’s like wow. Can it possibility get and more out of hand?
--You spend most of your time running from one thing to the next without a break in between. Usually I have to stop myself from going into chicken little mode, because if you give into the effect that's were you will end up. And when the domino effect starts there's already enough people in chicken little mode. You really don’t need any more.
--Like everything else in life the domino effect passes. But it makes for a wild ride though, and has the potential to turn even the most steadfast of heads. The trick is to slow down and take it as it comes and don't loose sight of the prize. Which is having a good day no matter what.
--Surprisingly with time it actually gets easier to handle the ride. Sort of makes you wonder ......

MAKING A BETTER DAY....

--When my day start’s heading downhill I usually take a deep breath and count to ten. Oh it doesn’t stop the decline but it sure makes the ride a lot smoother.
--Needless to say there are a lot of days when most of my breathing is really deep breathing.
--Of course my wife and children look at me a little strange when they notice. But I just smile and keep at what ever I’m doing.
--It's doesn't seem like much. But there are times when it helps keep me from shaking my fist and cursing the universe. And puts me on the way to making a better day.....

THE IMPENDING STORM....

--Sometimes if your lucky you can spot the signs of the coming storm. And sometimes it just sort of sneaks up on you.
--I image if you spent a lot of time checking weather forecasts, it would probably help. But lately I haven’t had the time. And quite frankly found it to be a bit unnerving.
--Because even though you may strive for a good day knowing ahead of time the forecast sort of has a tendency to lead your day astray. With a predetermined sense of impending doom.
--Myself I try to keep a eye on the conditions and keep going along as best as I can. It makes for better days in the long run. And I don't sit around with a frown knowing I only have a few more hour before the weather supposed to turn......

DRAGONFLIES AND BUTTERFLIES IN THE MORNING....

--It's not often when your treated to a beautiful sight in the morning. Most mornings the ground is sopping wet or so humid it's like trying breath under water lately.
--This morning was about the same being that it rained in the wee hours of the morning. But with a added twist I’m happy to say.
--When dog's and I went out for our morning foray the ground was covered with oodles of butterflies and big old dragonflies. Waffles wasn't to impressed but than again he's never really impressed with anything mother nature has to offer. Jerry lee was indifferent about the whole thing. In fact she barked at me because I wasn't moving fast enough. I was watching the butterflies and dragonflies.
--When I came back in and got my coffee my wife just shook her head when I told her where I was going. I guess she gotten used to me getting easily distracted over the years….

EVENING BLUEBERRY PICKING....

--I like blueberries. But choosing to pick them after the sun went down wasn't to good a idea because there were enough mosquitoes to give the red cross a run for their money. Not that I’m complaining. If it was a choice of leaving them over night for that whack a doodle crow. I didn't mind braving a few mosquitoes.
--Of course navigating through the minefield of Jerry lee’s hole’s was a pain the neck. Being the graceful fool that I am some time’s. But even if I did trip I was than prepared to recover my blueberries no matter what.
--Luckily making it back to the house wasn't a problem. The problems started when my wife and children decided fresh blueberries were quite good. Reminding me that sharing was in my own words the only why to go.
--Even though my protests feel on deaf ears. Leave to a bunch of whack a doodle's to have selective hearing for years. Until they find me with a bowel of fresh blueberries.
--I guess it could be worse at lest the dang fool crow wasn't pecking at the window demanding his fair share.....

GOTTA LOVE THE LITTLE WINGNUTS....

--A box of baby kittens are amazing to watch. When you have the time of course. Which isn't to often when your house is filled with cat's who's main occupation seam’s to be swinging from whack a doodle to wing nut  with every minute of the day.
--Even though they can be a pain in the neck at times. They have their moments which is probably why people in general enjoy their companionship so much.
--Myself it's give and take relationship I get along with them and they don't go out of their to cause to many problems that willl drive me any further over the edge. So far it seems to work.
--Kittens are fun. When you have the time to get a look. Or just spend watching them do kittens stuff. And older cats have even been known to fall in love with the little fluff balls. Which is always a plus. Because it keeps them occupied and out of the whack a doodle zone......

IT SURE GETS CONFUSING....

--Sometimes I find myself getting a tad confused with thing’s. At first I figured it was just old age creeping up on me. Then I realized it's just the why thing's seem to be spinning lately.
--The weather's a whack a doodle gone over the edge lately. But hey what can you expect. It never really was to predictable in the first place. Oh they tried . But sometimes I thick mother nature just like's to keep us guessing.
--As far as the world. A fellow could go bald with all the head scratching going on there. If your looking for a voice of reason I don't think your going to find it on the world stage. Right now they all seem to be in mixed nut status.
--As far as the little thing's well who can figure any of that out. Rising prices, low wages, and who gut’s and has the most.
--It seems like were living in a really bad loony toon cartoon lately.
--The only way to get though the day is keep it as simple as possible and pray this to comes to pass....

THE LITTLE BUTTERFLY...

--I've always had soft spot for butterflies. don’t ask me why because I really couldn't tell you.
--Sometimes though it has a tendency to get me in trouble. Like the other day when I was carrying groceries in the house. I sort of got distracted watching a butterfly and stepped in one of Jerry lee's hole and went right on and dang fool backside.
--My wife ran out and asked if I had a back spasm. I just smiled and said no I got distracted watching a butterfly. My wife of course has gotten used to some of my peculiarities. So it didn't really faze her to much. I guess that's love for you. Loving somebody even if their a whack a doodle sometimes.
--Of course the children over the years have had a problem with it a time or to. Like the day I was driving them to school and they ended up being late because I pulled over to watch a Flock of butterflies. And the school was a little cranky when the note I wrote explained what happened. I don't think they like butterflies to much based on their reaction.....

FINDING THE HANDLE.....

--Finding the handle on the best way to calm down a house full of whack a doodle pets in a time consuming process. Sometimes it comes together quickly and sometimes it takes awhile.
--It's amazing really because no matter how hard you try if the cats are unwilling there's no making it work. At lest that’s been our experience.
--In a way it reminds me of a lot of people. For some reason people have the impression I can make it work if I give more of myself. With some people all you end with a very tired person at the end of the day. Because while your giving more the other person isn't giving anything. And there lies the problem.
--With some cats it's just a process of being consistent in reminding them of the do's and don’ts.
--And some cat's well their just to set in their ways to change. With them it takes awhile. Because it's just a process of waiting them out we've found. And if their one thing my wife and I are is stubborn.
--Usually everybody gets the idea and everything goes back to normal. As normal as you can get in a house filled with whack a doodle's....

BUNNY HOPPING....

--Yesterday I noticed something strange going on with the dimblubs who hang around the house. Maybe it was the fact that it was a little cooler, or just a strange anomaly that happens every once in awhile. I’m not quite sure.
--It seems they were all in the back yard hopping around like a bunch of rabbits. It was nice to see. But just a tad weird because usually the dimblubs are flopped out all over the porch.
--I’ve come expect weird behavior from kittens. Older cats are usually more reserved. They just don't run around and play.
--Of course my wife just figured maybe they were enjoying the cool day after so much rain and were celebrating. Which was probably right. I know I was feeling pretty good myself....

YOU'D THINK IT WAS CHRISTMAS....

--Coming home from the store after food shopping is a bit tiring after the whole ordeal. But that feeling of tiredness is quickly replaced with anticipation.
--Watching the children help unpack is almost like Christmas. It seems everyone has a favorite and my wife usually makes sure to find it as she plans meals. The reaction of the children is well worth the added hassle of the whole shopping ordeal .
--Of course the children know it was my wife who remembered. Because sometimes I seem to have a tendency to forget names let alone likes and dislikes. Which is a problem in it self at mealtime…..

ROADSIDE MOWING....

--It's kind of cool when your out and about to see where they've been out with their roadside mower. Don’t ask me why? But for some reason I usually find it funny.
--Maybe it's the fact their so gosh darn careful. They come right up to mailboxes and go around them with great care. The same can be said for anything that's in their way. Nice and neat.
--Of course winter time is a different story. Personally I’ve seen the result's of some of their shenanigans. And have spent many a cold and frosty day rehanging mailboxes because of it.
--To be fair though I’m sure they don't set out to see just how many mailboxes they can knock down. It might have something to do with the speed their going. When your plowing that fast things are bound to happen. Maybe they should take a lesson from the mower guy and slow down a tad.....

OLD MOVIES AND OLD BOOKS....

--Summer means a lot of things to a lot of people. With us it's usually late nights watching our favorite old movies. And spending days going through old books. Getting rid of the ones you can't read more than once.
--Everyone has a favorite old book that no matter how many times you read it you always enjoy it. Well I have quite a few. And each year I try hard to weed out the plants. It’s a slow process for me unfortunately because there like old friend‘s. And I was never very good at saying goodbye.
--But over the years I’ve gotten better. It’s taken time of course. But now it's just a process in the summer.
--As far as old movies well we just like so many. And some are our favorites. With the slim pickings in the last few years in the television programming we find ourselves drawn to some of our favorites and getting rid of just a few.....

IT'S EASIER TO BE CLOSE MINDED....

--I have never been able to understand how with some things it seems easy to be open minded and other things it's not. Just try to keep everything separated seems like a lot of extra effort. Maybe it's just me but I guess I’ve never developed the knack for such things.
--Besides being a pain in the neck it just seems like a lot of extra work. Myself I tend to be pretty open minded about most things.
--Oh it's taken years but I find keeping an open mind also open's yourself up to the possibilities life has to offer. And that in my book is a big plus.
--Life's hard enough just getting through each day without having the added burden of a closed mind to contend with.....

SEPARATING THE DAY....

--Watching kittens play is funny most of the time. Because they put so much energy into it and are so focused.
--Of course it can also be said for just about anything the little fools do I guess its in their spirit.
--It gives me the added boast I usually need to get started through the day. When the only major accomplishment you seem to get done is little jobs by separating the dang fool day into sections.
--On days like those it seems no matter how hard you try you just can't get ahead. But then I remember those little fools at play and stay focused. It’s not much but I like to keep my options open. What can I say it keeps me from getting discouraged. And in my book that’s a plus....

THE ALPHA MALE GAMES....

--One thing that gets tiring with male cats is the alpha male games. For some dang fool reason you always end up with two males who want to argue about who’s the alpha male. I’m sure it's not just confined to cats but the whole male species as a whole. It seems pretty sad to me. But hey what do I know.
--One thing I do enjoy watching though is when Hansel one of the female cats who hang around our house has had enough and runs out and gives those fool males what for. Quickly sending them off with their tails between their legs.
--Now if we could figure out how to get the rest of the dang fool males to stop the games maybe their would be a little peace and quiet in the world.
--Sort of makes you wonder doesn't it?.....

SHENANIGANS IN THE WINDOW....

--For some reason a air conditioner in the window is a red flag to the outside cats. They have another place to hang out.
--Sitting in the kitchen were often treated to the daily episode of who’s king of the air conditioner. After awhile it gets to be a tad annoying.
--But that’s life I guess when you have a bunch of dimblubs who hang around your dang fool house. If their not finding new ways to get on your nerves their not happy it seems.
--I’m sure there's a way to keep these fool games to a minimum. And next year when I hang the dang fool air conditioner I’ll have a few to try. But knowing those dang fool dimblubs they'll have figured out a few more ways to get on our nerves. Such is life I guess the games go on....

A LITTLE SUMMER CHILL....

--It's getting so you need a score card to keep track of what the weathers been up to. Between the rain, humidity, and the high’s, we can now add a little summer chill.
--It sure has been a mixed up package so far. But even so it's allot better than that dang fool snow. That was getting to be a bit much.
--What amazes me is how everyone’s mood seems to hinge on just what in Sam hill the weather is doing. Seems like a waste to have your day dictated by something we can't control. But it sure seems like allot of people do.
--Myself I try to keep a open mind about the whole thing. And strive to have a good day in spite of what the weather up to. Sometimes it works and sometimes it doesn't but it's not from lack of trying......

THE FINE ART OF BEING BORED....

--When the children were little it was the one thing I dreaded hearing, “I’m bored." For some reason they figured it was up to my wife and I  to find something for them to do. It took awhile but slowly they learned to use their imagination and find new ways to expand their horizons and playtime.
--Of course when they went to school they found out that a imagination was often frowned upon. And most of the time discouraged. So we ended up right back where we started. And once again being the tired old fool's that we are my wife and I had reintroduce introduce the whole concept of imagination to the children. It was slow going with the children caught in the middle unfortunately. But after awhile we made progress with the whole thing.
--Now that the children are older we haven’t heard those dreaded words so much. Instead we been hearing about all the things they have to do rather than what ever it is we might be trying to get them to do. But like the old fools that we are my wife and I have once again risen to the occasion.
--The children have been pretty good sports about the whole thing. And have learned sometimes it's better to go along than try to makes excuses. The time you save not having to listen to a long winded father can be better put to more enjoyable things.....

WHEN NOBODY WINS....

--For the life of me I really can't remember just what in Sam hill the argument was about but it ended up with both my wife and myself going to bed mad with each other. Needless to say I suffered through the night wanting to talk to my best friend about the whole thing but realized it was going to be hard since she seemed to be mad at me.
--Like I said I can't for the life of me remember what the argument was about but I do remember the lesson that resulted. And over the years I have kept that in mind when ever my wife and I have come to a disagreement about something we don‘t go to bed angry we continual talking. Which usually isn't very often. Because quite frankly nobody wins when two people can't find a middle ground to stand on. It just waste's a lot of time that can be better spent doing far more enjoyable thing's.
--But like I said maybe it's just me. I know some people would rather crawl though broken glass than admit they were wrong. Or give an inch when it comes to just about anything. I feel sorry for those people and pray some day they'll see what there missing.
--Throughout the years we always maintained a relationship based pretty much on the way it was in the beginning as best friends. I know in this day and age it probably sounds a little off but hey it works for us. If anything we started out as friends who just happened along one day and got married.
--We've had our high's and lows through the years but in the end were still friends.....

MORNING BATH....

--Dogs and cats seem to be a lot like children when it comes to getting a bath. They fight like the devil when you try to get the little fools into the tub, make a big splash while there and then go whack a doodle crazy afterwards because they feel better for the experience.
--Poor Waffles got a bath this morning while doing his morning duty. My wife felt sorry for the little fool because he was getting soaked. And went out and rescued him. Jerry-lee spent the time in her dog house and was dry as a bone of course. But Jerry-lee's never been too fond of getting wet in general.
--Sometimes it amazes me to no end the endless similarities between animals and those children of mine. But hey maybe it just me......

LATE NIGHTS AND EARLY MORNING WAKE UPS....

--For some reason late nights and early morning wake ups seem to go hand in hand. For the life of me I have never been able to figure out why.
--But nine times out of ten if your up late you can count on being woken up in the wee hours of the morning.
--Over the years I’ve tried to prepare for such things by having a prearranged safety net so to speak. One is a pot of cold coffee ready and waiting. Since I’ve never been able to handle drinking hot coffee it works out pretty well.
--Of course most of the time it's all in how you look at things that really count when it comes to the little things that happen in life. If you take every stumbling block as a major hurdle then your pretty much confining yourself to a bad day. Me I try to roll with what comes along and go with it.
--As a result I have more good days then bad days and to me that’s what counts.....   

GOING THROUGH THE MOTION'S....

--Being sick is a real pain in the neck in a house full of whack a doodles. It’s not that they don't care it's just that they can't tone down their shenanigans for anything it seems.
--My wife looks at me like I’ve lost what's left of my mind when she knows I don't feel good. But I force myself to smile and say stuff like you got to love the little whack a doodles at least their consistent.
--Don't ask me what it means, I use it as a reminder to forgive them and remember their whack a doodles they can't help themselves. Even when their being far out in left field they do have their moments when they will do something that will just warm the deepest parts of your heart.
--Yeah I know but hey, what do you expect from a fellow trying very hard to remind himself there's even room for whack a doodles when your not feeling up to par.....

THE QUICK TRIP....

--Usually it's a spur of the moment thing. But every once in awhile you need to make a quick trip to the store for something left off a shopping list.
--In the old days when the children were tiny little things a quick trip was at lest 30 minutes in the planning and another 30 minutes getting the little darlings in the car. Not to mention store time and return trip home were probably talking at lest 2 1/2 to 3 hours.
--Needless to say you'd think it would of made us cut short any quick trips that came up. It didn't of course. Because we always thought it was good for the children to get out and experience the sight and sounds of life.
--Of course these days getting the children together for any kind of trip is proving to be a little difficult .But my wife and I still keep trying. Sooner or later they'll figure out is just easier to go with the flow.
--But until then my wife and I enjoy our little quick trips. They break up the day and there’s something about the closeness of a car ride with your best friend that just makes the old heart flutter every time.....

TO TIRED TO MOVE....

--Poor dinky spends most of his day sleeping. Which is understandable because he spends the nights looking for mice and checking on everybody while they sleep.
--The poor fool fell asleep on the coffee table. And after a few hours slowly worked his way over the edge with his head hanging. Which led to his falling off the table of course. But instead of waking up he just stretched out and continued sleeping.
--It wasn't until my wife came in the living room for a nap did he awaken long enough to open one eye. When he saw it was my wife he crawled up on the couch and went to sleep with her for a nap.
--I guess those long nights are even hard on cranky old bi-polar cats too....

THE HAND BASKET SWIRLY....

--As a rule I try to stay away from news programs before I’ve had my coffee. Or just about anything news related for that matter. For the simple reason they seem fascinated by the weirdest and disturbing trends to come down the pike.
--Most of the time it seems like a episode of Ripley’s believe it or not. When I do venture into the today’s headlines of anything. So I try really hard to make sure I have a few cups of coffee first.
--The sad thing is in a world as big as our I’m sure there's good things happening but for some reason were not hearing about them. Sure makes you wonder why?
--I guess it's probably because good news doesn't sell as good as constant negativity being promoted.
--It sure is sad. That hearing about how the world in in a hand basket and in a downward swirl makes more sense than a few inspirational stories to actually lift peoples spirits up. But I guess that’s what you get when you cater to negativity….

WHEN PUSH COMES TO SHOVE....

--Every once in awhile a situation comes along where everybody pulls together to get something accomplished. It's nice to see and down right pleasant to have everyone throwing a hand to the job.
--Over the years there seems to have been stages to these little miracles happening. Of course when the children were young they would follow you around just begging for something to do.
--The middle years were a mystery. And probably always will be.
--The later year well apparently were back to the beginning again. Because no longer do you have to hunt the little fools down. They follow you out the door with expectation of the coming chore whatever it might be.
--it's nice to know when push comes to shove they don't just sit back and wait to be asked....

GRUMPY CATS AND SUNNY DAYS.....

--Every once in awhile one of the furry little fools will wake up on the wrong side and spend the whole day being grumpy and crabby to anybody who happens to cross his/her path. It’s a real pain in the neck because besides the constant fighting it just gets unnerving having to break the fools up. It’s like dynamite waiting for a spark when days like that happen.
--The worse thing there doesn't seem to be any reason for it. The sun could be shining high in the sky, and it's as cool as can be. But Mr. / Miss. grumpy can't seem to find a way to let it go long enough to notice.
--In some ways it kind of reminds you of some people you meet these days. Sadly they seem preoccupied with the dark side of life and oblivious of anything positive.
--Myself when days like happen I try to slow down and take thing's as they come. Because I know it's just one thing to many and I’ll be cursing the universe and looking for somebody to take it out on. It’s probably not the best way to handle things. But hey I figure why should I go out of my way to ruin somebody’s day just because I woke up on the wrong side....

FLUFFY SEA OF GREEN....

--With all the dang fool rain we've been having, what was once a yard has turned into a fluffy sea of green.
--Not that I’m complaining in it's own way it's kind of cool watching the wind blow across the dang fool thing.
--As far as cutting the dang fool thing well that's another story of course. At the rate it's going it's going to take awhile.
--In the mean time it's a wait and see game watching the waves.....

ENJOYING A SUNNY DAY....

--Apparently being cooped up in the house for the past couple of days while it rained had gotten to waffles and Jerry lee. Because when they went out they forgot the bark and let us know they were ready to come back in.
--Instead they spent most of the day enjoying the sun and fresh air. Waffles played keep away with little Taz , and Jerry lee spent most of the day rolling around in the tall grass howling like a nut.
--I guess even dog's enjoy some sunshine once in awhile....

THE UNEXPECTED HOUSE GUESTS....

--Sometimes things work in the weirdest ways. Your going along and having a pretty good day and a blessing shows up that makes your day just a little bit brighter. A couple of house guests who decide to stay.
--So it was with a couple of cats who were having a hard time where they were living. Being soft heart fools my wife and I welcomed the little fellows.
--After a rough couple of nights they figured out where everything was. And got into the flow of things quite nicely.
--Of course the whack a doodles had a tad of a problem with the whole thing But even they came around. I guess just go to show what a little patience and compromise can accomplish.....

NINJA GNOME....

--Standing in the widow keeping a watchful eye on all the goings on. Ever ready to lend a hand to all those passing by.
--When the darkness comes you know he's still there by his glowing eyes.
--It's a great comfort to all. To know that ninja gnome is there if ever the need arises....

WHISPERING NIGHTS....

--Usually they really cork my griddle. I mean the whole idea behind going to bed at night turns into a joke and you wake up feeling like you've been wailed on with a bag of rocks all night.
--That being said there are also the nights when all of the things are turned on their head by the simple act of a whack a doodle cat. And his over powering need to provide comfort to his family.
--By such little simple acts of kindness. He reaffirms one’s faith and provides that added little touch. That helps you make it through the night with the tiny hope that rest might be achieved.
--I know it sounds weird but on whispering nights it helps a lot to wake up to a purring old cranky sour puss who normally wouldn't give you a second glance during the day.....

WHEN THE SUN COMES A CALLING....

--After the on again of again last few weeks of rain. When the sun comes calling I’m finding as I get older it's a welcome sight.
--Not that I’ll miss all the rain. Because in it's own way there's something to be said for those rainy nights. It’s just sometimes there's nothing like a sunny day to improve a fellas disposition.
--And quite frankly anything that helps make the day go a little more better is ok in my book. It seem lately most everything has turned fifty shades of harder to get through the day. Let alone having a half way decent disposition when the sun goes down.
--But like everything it's probably on how you look at things that help the most. So I try to keep it simple and count whatever blessing that happen along.....

THE FRIENDLY ADDITION….

--Sometimes it kind of reminds me of an old movie I saw one time around here. The way animals are constantly popping up, staying for awhile and then moving on.
--Feeding time is hard because you never know who or what’s going to show up.
--One thing I’ll say about the dang fool bunch that hang around the house there a pretty friendly. And usually don’t mind an extra face....

WALKING THE LINE....

--Trying to maintain balance in a tilted day is a pain in the neck. It’s all a process of give and take while still walking the line.
--Myself I don't like to make a habit out of going backwards. And at times will do my darnest not to. Sometimes it's hard to say the least. If not impossible.
--Throwing pets and children into the mix adds another deminsion to the whole thing. Giving in usually results in a temporary fix. But more problems down the line. Especially if each party doesn't work together to try to bring order to the mishmash of life.
--On a whole my wife and I have always resigned to work together. And have had pretty good luck .Oh there have been days when it wouldn't taken much to throw the whole thing out of whack. But it's kind of hard to walk away from your best friend....

SIMPLE MATH....

--I used to try and keep track of the good and bad things when they popped up during the day. You know trying to figure out where each of the little fellas came from and what not.
--After awhile I found I was plugging holes and chasing rainbows and not much else. Because quite frankly no matter how many times I plugged the hole where the bad things would come from they always found anther way. And as for chasing rainbows even though it was fun I didn't get much done.
--Now of course many years later I’ve learned to just go my merry way taking things as they come. Not getting to bogged down in the details to much. And leaving math to the universe.
--It's probably not the best way of doing things but at the end of the day I’m not carrying a list around worry about who got the most hits in. And if tomorrow was going to be a better day.
--Now when I finally round out the day it's been pretty good, and as for tomorrow I’m sure it'll be pretty good too.....

MIXED NUTS.....

--My wife has reminded me over the years that mixed nuts are good for me. For a whole bunch of reasons. I’m sure someplace there’s a list. Because she’s quite good at reminding me of it's contents.
--Personally I really don't have a problem with mixed nuts. Or any kind of nut for that matter. It’s just that they really don't do much for me in the way of anything. I can take them or leave them I guess.
--Now when it comes to the mixed nuts known as cats well that’s another story. They not only make the day interesting but they have nasty habits of forcing you to crack a smile on days when all you want to do is shake your fist at the universe.
--Oh there are days of course when in between the smiling and what not. The whack a doodle ness pokes out. But hey even mixed nuts have a bad day....

GETTING UPSET OVER NOTHING.....

--Getting along on whack a doodle days is next to impossible it seems. Everybody’s got a bone to pick and are looking for something or somebody to take it out on. It seems like a lot of wasted effort to me. But hey it's quite obvious no body wants my option.
--The amount of effort cats, kittens, dogs, children put into going whack a doodle really makes me scratch my head sometimes. Because it just seems like a waste. I mean so much of life passes you by while you waste time going head to head with each other over the most foolish things.
--But pets are like people I guess sometimes they just have to get it out of their systems. And children well their a special case into themselves sometimes.
--It's probably just me but it seems kind of foolish. Myself I try to get along with everybody. Even the ones who make it hard. It’s just so much easier. But like I said it's probably just me.
--Whack a doodle days are a delight because they remind me to take a deep breath and count to ten. And slowly let it out reminding myself this to shall pass....

LIFE IS A JIGSAW PUZZLE …

--Necessity is the motivation we need sometimes to make the little progressive steps that provide a little change in our lives.
--In a way it’s kind of fun. Like a giant jigsaw puzzle. Trying to find the one piece that makes everything work and still function. While mixing in a little bit of change into the pile.
--If your lucky It will take one or two tries. If not it’s a continuous battle. Sometimes talking to yourself and cursing the day you even started.
--Usually with a little patience it can be done. To finish tell yourself it’s supposed  to be fun and have some fun….

THE DAY OF THE WEEK….

--You can tell the day of the week by the little things that pop up.
--It’s really kind of neat the things that change from day to day that get under your feet.
--If I didn’t know better I could blame it on the weather or a holiday.    
--But that would just prove that indeed I am a fool any day of the week….

THE BEST WE’LL MAKE DO…

--To slow down in a world spinning so fast shouldn’t be so hard, all it take’s is for one foot to get off from the gas.
--The rest will come while we coast for awhile, and Take a peek at what we’ve been missing.   When racing around were barely chancing to speak.
--What a day that could be, if for just a few minutes we could get the lead out of our feet.
--Maybe someday, in the mean time the best we’ll do in this world spinning so fast under our lead filled feet…. 

SOMETIMES THAT'S ALL YOU'VE GOT...

--Maybe if it was easy we wouldn't have such a hard time. But then again if it wasn't hard we probably would forget it as soon as we were done.
--Maybe that's the reason or maybe it's not. All I do know for sure is too many questions are like too many cooks stirring a pot.
--Sometimes it’s just better to follow along and do and save all the question for later when there's more time then what we've got.
--I know it sounds a little strange in this day and age but sometimes that's all you have….

THE WORST KEPT SECRET....

--Walking into a room you can usually tell when the furry little fools have been up to something. Or maybe it's just my over active imagination. Either way I can usually tell.
--Not trying to be to obvious I check at the usual spots for signs and then try to make my best guess. Of course waffles is a dead give away with certain things.
--If he's sitting pretty staring lovely at my wife. It usually means she took him and jerry lee out when they had to go.
--The dang fool dog loves my wife. And will spend the morning hours straining for the sounds of her first steps. And when he hears them announce to the world that she has awaken.
--Of course my wife tries to down play the whole thing but I’ve caught her running over with open arms to pet the furry little fool.....

DO BAD SEEDS MAKE BAD FRUIT?....

--When it comes to cats sometimes it seems like a roll of the dice as to how their kittens come out. I’ve of the smartest cats have some of the most dimblub cats. And of course it goes the other way to. To dimblubs have some of the smartest cats you every wanted to see.
--Sometimes it enough to drive you whack a doodle. Something I try very hard to stay away from. Because I have enough on my plate that keeps me teetering as it is.
--On a whole I’ve learned to love the furry little gremlins. Never expecting to much, and more than happy when they meet and even exceed my limited expectations.
--Oh of course there are days when even those expectation are to much for the furry little fools. But I guess even cats have bad days too.....

BEST FRIEND OR WORST ENEMY....

--For some reason it's taken me awhile to realize your mind can be your best friend or your worst enemy.
--Oh there have been plenty of signs of over over the years. The nagging whispers in the wee hours of the night. When chasing sleep around the bed. Or the tiny little shivers of doubt, when things are going good. And yet you keep waiting for the other shoe to drop.
--It's a love hate relationship at times fighting for control. You have a plan everything going fine and then it starts with the games.
--My wife and children usually look at me with scratching heads. Because I’ll keep plugging along regardless of whatever shenanigans try to get in the way. For the simple reason once I start giving in I’m no use to my self or anyone else. It makes for interesting times. But for the most part the days get better. And that’s what count.....

TO MUCH OF A GOOD THING....

--Gathered round the porch spread out enjoying the sun. They seem content in the warmth of the day. Upon closer look into their eye's you see the sadness that to much sun apparently brings. Even though they enjoy it's warmth after awhile they seem on over load and realize it's time to find some shade.
--Sort of makes you wonder if cats know something we don't know when it comes to much of a good thing.....

WORKING TOGETHER…..

--Coming home after being out and about to find that children have reached a point in their lives where they can come together and work together. Is as close to a miracle as I’ve had the joy of experiencing in quite awhile.
--Oh over the years there have been a few occasion’s where it’s happened. But they have always retreated from the prospect for fear of what, I was never able to figure out.
--It’s seems lately though they’ve embraced the idea with open arms. And no longer seem to be afraid. Which my wife and I are greatly pleased by the prospect to say the lest.
--I guess it just shows what a little patience can accomplish…..

RUNNING ON EMPTY….

--Reaching the end of the energy level sometimes is a forgone fact. When dealing with the trials and tribulations of everyday family life.
--But that’s life, and it’s amazing how much reserve’s can be found for the sake of family.
--Say what you will but I’ve watched my wife push herself to the limit and beyond for family. And time and again ignore even the smallest of creature comforts for herself.
--How the woman does it is beyond me. But she has turned the term running on empty into a way of life when it comes to her family. Something that even on my best day I’ve never been able to match…..

JUST ABOUT TIME....

--All the signs are there. The cats who hang round the house are peeking in the porch window watching to see if their dinner is on the way. The dogs heard a cupboard door close and now are reminding us their outside.
--The children have been in the kitchen at lest a half a dozen times in the last half hour wondering around to see what’s up.
--From the looks of things apparently it's time to feed everyone again.
--The only time lately everyone finds the same page is when it's dinner time.
--Now if we could figure out how to get them on the same page for the rest of the day that would be really something.....

EVER FORWARD….

--I’ve always maintained the attitude that as long I kept moving forward sooner or later things were bound to get better. That’s not to say I won't take breaks now and again to get my bearing‘s. And maybe there are days when big steps become baby steps.
--But for the majority of the time I can be found trudging ever forward. Over the years this has become more than a way thinking but a ingrained habit.
--Very seldom will I sit along the wayside and morn the trials and tribulations of the day….

THE MASS EXODUS....

--Once again we stand on the cliff wondering just what in Sam hill went wrong.
--Knowing the wonder that is known as cat's it could be just about anything. Sometimes it seems everything's going along fine and then whamo every single one of them goes whack a doodle crazy. Doing the most insane thing's possible. Each one trying to outdo the other to prove just which one is the most whack a doodle crazy.
--It wouldn't be bad but when it comes to cat's they seem to have the ability to take most simplest thing's and turn them into a nightmare once they decide to go of the deep end.
--But that’s life with cats, kittens and dogs. Throw children in the mix. And it's a recipe for disaster in the making if it's not nipped in the bud quickly.
--Fortunately over the years we've had many such occasion’s and have learned to adapt to their games. Setting them straight and changing the mass exodus before it's to late.
--And if that's not enough to put a damper on your day, mother nature starts in with her shenanigans playing games with the weather.
--It sure make's for trying time’s. Setting cats straight about acceptable behavior. And what not.
--But like everything else with a little patience the storm can be handled. As far as the weather tomorrows a new day. anything’s possible.....

CHANGING ROOMS AROUND....

--It’s amazing what you find when you start moving thing's around in a room. Sometimes forgotten treasure's and sometimes treasure's of a different sort.
--The whole process shouldn't be started if your of the faint of heart though. Because some of the thing's you find sure make you scratch you head.
--Usually we try to change every room a few times a year. Some rooms get the treatment more than others. But it sure provides for amusement. Which in a house filled with cat kittens dogs and children in never much in the lacking department.
--Of course this usually set's a few head to pondering. But in the end everything calms down and the world continues to spin. Much to their surprise....

CAT RADAR....

--Over the years I’ve become quite amazed with cat's and their abilities. Not to say dog's are perplexing. They are in their own way's.
--But for some reason I’m still being a tad confused by those dang fool cat’s. Why I’m not sure, probably just old age.
--Coming home from the store is usually a treat especially if you have pet food in tow. Because you will find yourself with a parade of fury little fools from the car to the house.
--And quite to my surprise sometimes they always know when we have pet food in tow.
--It's almost enough to make you believe in cat radar….

THOSE BIG BROWN EYES....

--Maybe it's me but the greeting smile those big brown eye's give in the morning are a welcome sight.
--I always return a smile, it’s the lest I can do. Because whatever the time they always smile in return. Be it sunup or the we hours of the night.
--I figure if they can take the time then so can I.
--Most people would say but there just dogs, cats and kitten’s. they probably want something and know the only way to get it is play on your soft side. Which even if true, doesn’t make it any less different. Because quite frankly sometimes a smile is just a dang fool welcome sight.....

SCRATCHING MY HEAD IN WONDER....

--It seems everyday for some reason or another I’m being reminded of many thing’s. Either the personal trials of trying exist in a world that has pulled out all the stops of trying to appease itself into the complete reversal of the little things we hold dear.
--Or the little thing's that would be missed if it wasn't that wave of goofiness that seems to run through my core.
--Of course my wife humors me because that’s what you do with old fool who drives around flowers when mowing the lawn. Because he didn't have the heart to run the pretty little thing over. Leaving behind a yard that's a path work of unmoved spots in his wake.
--Interestingly riding out and about my head is constantly moving taking it all in. Because in a world where everything is constantly going whack a doodle it’s nice for the reassurance that life goes on.
--From a over abundance of groundhogs everywhere to the birds in the tree's. To the greenness of the yards because of all the dang fool rain.
--Like the two ducks I spotted fighting over a puddle only big enough for one. When we passed them on the way they were really going at it. When we came back apparently they compromised and each was in the puddle taking a bath. Makes you wonder if someday we'll be able to figure out what the ducks did. A little compromise goes a long ways.....

RESITING THE URGE....

--This that and the other thing and usually standing by waiting patiently for days games to begin. But like everyday when that first moment before wakefulness arrives there are choices to be made and decisions to make.
--Oh it's the same old tired game of why won't you play. Sometimes it’s easy and sometimes it's hard. Especially after a night of rolling around trying to find that place where sleep can be found.
--But like everything else the decision is ours. Good day or bad day. it’s not really a question but a frame of mind I’m finding as the years begin to take there toll.
--My wife usually looks at me as I hobble out of bed to face the day. With a half formed smile biting back curse's and humming a tune of my own making. Because as far as I’m concerned I’ll have a good day one way or another.
--That's not to say there are not a few bad moment, but like everything else it's all in how you look at it.
--The biggest problem is usually resisting the urge to just say the heck with it. And give in to the feeling of frustration of it all......

DO AS I SAY,NOT AS I DO.....

--How often are we reminded to do as I say and not as I do. It seems lately that's just about all you hear from the faceless masses of the norm.
--You know it's true because we said it. Never mind the fact that the fact's tell a entirely different story. They must have been complied by people with a hidden agenda.
--Oh if it was so easy to be lead around by massive does of misinformation and pr misdirection. Live would be different.
--But that's the funny thing about living from day to day, sooner or later even the misguided and misdirected start to ask question's.
--Even though the PC police try for the ultimate utopia by reminding us of the error's of our way. And how in order to not fall from the norm we must adhere to their ridged PC correctness.
--But maybe it's just me but following direction's was never my strong suit. it’s probably woven into the old DNA. Or so it is their more than happy to point out.
--Sort of makes you wonder I guess where we would be if the old family tree had been filled with more follower's and fewer questioner of the norm.....

THE LITTLE COMFORT'S....

--They say he who stands alone stands the strongest. Maybe in some instance's that's probably true.
--Over the years I often ponder the question. Usually during along night trying to find sleep that won't come, or in the early morning hours enjoying that first cup of coffee waiting for the break of sun through the dark night.
--There's certain comfort knowing we are not alone in our struggles. Either it's in reaching across a bed reaching for the comfort of a loved one. Or knowing a family tree is filled with many branches. Or the certain belief that there is one who watches over us all.
--The dark night becomes not quite so dark and the rampart fear is resigned to the shadows where it reigns supreme.
--Sometimes it not a case of being strong by standing alone. But being strong because we are not alone.
--Sort of makes you wonder. I know it does me. Am I being strong for my family. Or am I strong because of my family......

WORKER DRONE OR GOOD WORKER….

--In a world that seems to be more concerned with how much you can get and how quickly, while doing as little as possible. Sometimes it’s hard being a good worker. Where your best effort is seen not as a sign of a good worker but as a worker drone who is willing to shoulder a never ending work load for little or no reward.
--Where any sign of creativity is treated as a potential violation of the norm and quickly clamped down on. It’s enough to make you wonder where the next generation of anything is going to come from.
--To be able to function in that type of atmosphere and not become infected by the attitude is at times hard and darn near impossible.
--But not impossible if you hang onto the core belief that sometimes doing a good job is it’s own reward.
--Yeah I know it’s all in how you look at it. But sometimes in order to save what’s left of our work ethics it’s the best you can do. And at the end of the day if you can get a smile from the man in the mirror perhaps that’s half the battle….

THE SOFT HEART STRIKES AGAIN….

--Unloading a cart full of groceries the other day. I looked to see a lady clutching a couple of loves of bread. Being a soft hearted fool I asked her if she wanted to go ahead of us. She gladly said yes.
--Not thinking much of it I went back to unloading the dang fool cart.
--It wasn’t until I went to put more thing’s on the belt that I realized I’d been played for the soft hearted fool once again.
--Apparently the ladies two loves of bread had morphed into a whole belts worth of food the black bag I had mistaken for a handbag had in fact been for four giant bags filled with food and what not.
--My wife and I looked at each other and shook our heads as we waited for the lady to be rung up. While the lady smiled at us we also couldn’t help but smile back.
--It seems even when trying to be nice there are those people who have found away to play upon the sympathy card to their advantage. It’s a shame in a way. But not totally unexpected when dealing with the me me’s who seem to feel it is their right to go first. And the rest of us are supposed to gladly step out of the way so they can.
--I hope someday they find peace and are able to join the rest of us in our search for serenity by being nice to one another. And not looking for an angle to turn every situation to their advantage….. 

THE LITTLE REFEREE....

--Every time somebody starts fighting outside waffles start's barking like a nut. Apparently he's not to crazy about fighting.
--Of course when he's in the house it's the same thing when the kittens start playing a little to hard.
--My wife calls him the little referee. You always count on him to add his two cents to the mix.
--The children are not to happy with his shenanigans because this require they cut down on any fighting in the kitchen where waffles hangs out. But hey sometimes I guess it's nice to have a little backup with a place over run with whack a doodles....

TAKING THE TIME....

--When push comes to shove, taking the time to stop for a few seconds and give a word of comfort and a gentle pat or to the ones who hang on the railing waiting each morning. Seems the lest I can do.
--As soon as the sun comes up their out there waiting for the time when the dogs and I go by on the way to their runs. I try to take the time each day. It seems the lest I can do.
--They all get a chance to tell me a morning howdy. And give me a loving nudge.
--Of course some would probably say why bother. Stop paying attention to them and they'd probably go away. Find another place to hang out and stop being such a bother.
--For them I feel kind of sad. In my book it seems the lest I can do. Because I remember the days when a smile would have helped allot. Only to find everyone was to busy apparently they cost allot.
--the little thing's are so simple if only we'd take the time. Spreading the sunshine is easy and it doesn't cost a dime. And besides you never know when you might need a little few ray‘s....

THE ABNORMAL AMERICAN….

--While waiting for my wife to finish checking out at a local store the other day a young man with a clipboard came up to me and asked if he could ask me a few questions for a survey he was taking. Not having anything better to do beside wait, I said sure why not. I mean, how many times can you read the store flyer before your bored out of mind.
--So while I patiently waited he fiddled with his papers and after a bit began his questions.
--"What race do you consider yourself? White, black, Hispanic, Asian, Muslin, Latino, or other."
--I smiled and said, "American"
--This seemed to shake him up so much he almost dropped his clipboard. “I’m sorry sir perhaps you didn't understand the question? I was asking about what race do you consider yourself?"
--Well not wanting to upset the guy any more for fear he'd drop his clipboard. I tried once again to answer his question. “I guess you could say other than"
--This seemed to satisfy him some what until he came to the next question. Which was trying to nail exactly what race it was I considered myself.
--He rattled off another list of races. Half of which I couldn't pronounce let alone remember. And then stood there patiently with pen poised ready to write down my answer.
--I smiled and said,” I’m afraid I'll have to spell it out for you since it seems to be a dying race, A-M-E-R-I-C-A-N."
--Well he started to write when I guess he figured out what I had said, because he sort of lost control of his fine motor skills and dropped his clip board scattering papers all over.
--I got up to give him a hand, when I noticed my wife was finally done checking out. And figured I better head on over.
--As I was walking away I said, "I'm sorry I can't help you pick up your papers.” My wife's done and I really need to help her with her cart. Walking away I could hear him muttering to himself about people being to stupid to answer a simple question.
--I guess it probably would have been better for him if I'd just went along with the norm and picked from the list.....

AMERICAN PRIDE….

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

STOMPING ON A SYMBOL....

--There seems to be a weird trend going round where people are stomping on the flag. Just when you thought people had reached the limit of what they will do to offend other people. Here comes another whack a doodle attempt at making a statement.
--It kind of reminds me of what my grand mother used to say to us kids when we were trying to tell her about something we were excited about. Use your words you little fools.
--Myself it seems kind of pointless. But I guess different strokes for different folks.
--It seems to me if people are that unhappy with what the old flag stands for maybe they should find another country where they feel more comfortable. But that’s just me what do I know.....

THE SACRIFICE OF SOME....

--Having grown up around those who served their country in time of need. I’ve heard stories that used to haunt my dreams when I was a child.
--I couldn't believe some of the horrors they endured for their time in service. Still can't for that matter.
--Some were honored and some well lets just say we spend more time paying respects to a recycling program trying to separate our trash. Than those fellows received when they returned for their time in service. Which I think is a dang fool shame.
--I guess those fellows shouldn't complain too much at least they gave them a day. Maybe the thank you for their service will be next on the agenda if they can ever stop fighting among themselves long enough....

BIRTHDAY WISHES FOR A TIRED OLD GAL....

--Well once again it's here and the old gal's made it another year.
--She may be tired and worn down from all the shenanigans of late. But I’d say she's got a few more years left in her.
--Even though their running round telling stories about her past. And what hateful old witch she is. And even though instead of defending her they seem bent on taking down a peg or too.
--The gal's got allot of gut's and will hang true.
--Maybe it's just me but she still looks pretty good for all her years.
--So here's to wishing the old gal happy birthday and wising her many more.
--HAPPY BIRTHDAY UNITED STATES OF AMERICA your looking good for your age and may you see many more.....

THE OLD GAL STILL LOOK'S PRETTY TO ME....

--Every time I look out the window and see her waving my heart skips a beat or to.
--For all the years she's been about, and the thing's she's been through.
--Maybe it's just me. But I’d have to say the old gal still look's pretty to me.
--Even now after all these years, their still telling tales out of school.
--Why it's enough to make a fella quite upset. Especially a color blind old fool.
--Apparently were supposed to take her down or so say the pc clowns with nothing better to do .
--I say long may she wave are old flag, the red white and blue. I’m sorry if this might offend. But then again probably not.
--GOD BLESS AMERICA  AND THAT OLD FLAG, because maybe it's me but she still looks pretty after all she's been through.....

STICKING IT THROUGH….

--Somebody once said sometimes you have to burn your bridges behind you, because some people have a tendency to want to go back when the going got too tough. And if you burned your bridges behind you wouldn't be able to go back.
--I always had the opinion that it seemed kind of stupid to burn a perfectly good bridge, and it was always best to keep your options open.
-- As far as sticking things through having a bridge at your back has nothing to do with the ability of being able to see things through to the end. That had more to do with the mental attitude of concentrating on the finish and not the dang fool steps it took to get there.
--The thing about the whole process is being trapped in the drudgery of the steps and not realizing that they are in fact a means to the end.
--Yeah I know it’s all in how you look at it. But sometimes keeping things in prospective means the difference between getting to the end and falling off along the wayside…..

REWRITING HISTORY….

--It used to be you knew who won the game by the final score at the end. Winner and losers shook hands at the end then said good game and walked away happy.
--Now it seems the losers will devote the rest of their lives to trying to have the out come either overturned or at the very least rewriting the history of that fateful day.
--Seems like a lot of effort to me. To spend the majority of the time refusing to admit defeat and instead rewrite history so you can live with it.
--What in Sam hill ever happened to trying to learn from the past so we don’t keep making the same dang fool mistakes?
--I guess it’s just another in our steps to reach the ultimate utopia of anything’s possible if you have a big enough bottle of whiteout…..

PLAYING IN THE MINEFIELD OF STUBBORNNESS….

--Walking away is sometimes easier than putting your foot in a minefield of stubbornness that really isn’t going to do either parties any good to play in.
--After years of working around the big S, in order to bring some kind of manageable plan of reason. It’s kind of become second nature.
--Oh sure there have been days when even though walking away would have been easier to do it would have probably caused more harm than good. So you keeping going even though in the end nobodies sure just who won or lost but the point was never the less made.
--It makes for trying times, to say the least. But unfortunately seems necessary in order to be able to live with one’s self. But that’s life I guess when you start playing in a minefield. You hope for the best and learn to ride out the worse realizing each day is a new beginning. And anything  is possible with a little patience…..

OLD DOGS AND NEW TRICKS….

--It’s taken a few years but slowly I’ve begun to realize that plunging into a problem or situation with out at least getting an idea of what in Sam hill is going on might not be the best way of doing things.
--Like everything else in life it’s been a slow process to teach an old fool there might be a better way. Of course most people would have probably been swayed by the countless mishaps over the years that resulted in various cuts and bruises.
--But I guess that’s what make’s old fool’s. If their lucky enough to survive.
Reaching a point where healing takes more time has given me ample opportunity to reflect on the misfortunes of a misspent youth butting heads with the universe.
--I guess it just go’s to prove you can teach an old dog new tricks. Or at least slow the fool down long enough so he listens the first time….