THE ALPHA GAMES….

--I’ll say one thing for cats in some way they remind me of a lot of people.
--Sitting in my serenity chair hearing to 2 males cats starting the alpha male games I can’t help but shake my head. I mean the sun isn’t even up and already their starting with their dang fool shenanigans. I guess male pride doesn’t watch a clock.
--Myself I always figured the whole thing seemed kind of foolish.  As long as the guy in the mirror and I can see eye to eye I pretty much let the whole thing go.
--Over the years I’ve tried to convey this to my children as they would spend hours it seemed arguing about some point that really made no sense. Sometimes they understood and let it go and sometimes they just continued the argument in whispers so I wouldn’t hear….

REMEMBERING THE SEQUENCE....

--I don't know why but on certain day's remembering the sequence of thing's is a real pain in the neck. It's a simple case of first then second and so on. One misstep and everything gets thrown out of whack. Sounds simple but boy on some days it can be a real pain.
--Hobbling along from place to place realizing that the things you forget will probably came back to bite you before the day is out. But it just doesn't seem as important as remembering how to use the dang fool cane.
--Maybe that’s what it's all about putting things in perspective. And trying above all else to keep it simple. Not get bogged down so much in trying to get everything done. But to keep plugging away.
--Either way it seems just the act of moving from place to place takes on more importance than everything else. I guess in the end it's as simple as that.....

EARLY MORNING WALKS….

--It’s always nice to have company in the morning, while I walk about the yard waiting for the sunrise.
--For some reason one of the children decided to follow me on my morning outing. Of course snapping pictures with her ever trusty camera all the way.
--I think the cats were more impressed with her than with me because when she left to go take picture they all followed. Except Hansel of course who figured why give up a warm lap for dew covered grass.
--It was kind of fun to watch the cats hopping around following my daughter around while she snapped pictures. Each one trying to be first in the parade.
--Of course their were a few straggler’s who sort of hung back and waited to see what was up. Not really wanting to venture to far but not wanting to left out either.
--I’ll say one thing it sure made for a more interesting time than watching the sunrise with a bunch of cats staring at me wondering just why in Sam hill they followed me ….

A PLEASANT CONVERSATION….

--One of the reason I like going to yard sales is meeting new people. It’s always fun to strike up a conversation and chat.
--Some people are pretty receptive and some people would rather you dropped your jingle in a bucket at the end of their blocked of driveway so they wouldn’t have to deal with you. It takes all kinds of people I guess to make the world spin.
--When we have a yard sale at our house I always try to be pleasant to everybody. Even the people who seem bent on going out of their way to be grumpy as all get out.
--My wife just looks at me when I plaster a pleasant smile on my face and answer some of the questions that arise, or deal with some of the looks I get when I try to strike up a conversation and only receive the stink eye for my trouble’s.
--Some people it seam’s would rather you didn’t speck to them while they wander around and look. Which I can understand I guess, but does seem like a shame. But like I said I guess it takes all kinds.
--And some people a good day howdy is the perfect opportunity to pull up a chair and have a conversation about anything and everything.
--All in all it makes for interesting days having a yard sale…..

THE YO YO EFFECT....

--Coming to terms with the yo yo effect has been a real mind bender. You'd think after all this time it would get easier but for some dang fool reason it hasn't.
--You get 3 maybe 4 good days in a row and then the temp changes and whamo your using a cane you haven’t quite mastered just to get around with. Which is a pain in the neck in itself.
--I guess it's the slowly sinking in realization that things change and its time to come to terms with it. Being the hard headed fool that I’ve always been its a bitter dang pill to swallow. But its getting easier at lest I’m remembering to take the dang fool cane where ever I go now. And even though I hate to admit it to myself its a godsend in its own dang fool way.
--Of course the things to do lists get longer because I’m lucky to finish 2 or 3 things. But I’ve slowly accepted the fact that something is better than nothing.
--My wife shakes her head when I hobble out to take the dogs out on bad days. But I just smile and say the fresh air will do me good. In reality of course I hate to give in just a little bit. Because I refuse to cater to a bad days. Its like feeding gremlins after midnight do it once and then next thing you know your in for trouble. Just because its a bad day doesn't mean I’ll sit around and whine about it. It just means I’ll move slower, but I will keep moving.
--I know it sounds weird but sometimes its the only thing to hang your hat on. And on a bad day I’ll take what I can get.....

SUNNY SUMMER AFTERNOON....

--Watching a yard sale on a some what cool sunny afternoon makes for a interesting time. Only in the sense of the lazy summer afternoons of youth. Sitting around waiting for something to happen.
--Gathering stuff for a yard sale is quite the trying of times. Weighing the pros and cons of each item. The original purpose and trying to decide if it serves a purpose today.
--Usually the memories that go along with each item have to be dealt with some where along the way. Especially in the area of toys. There are some that find their way into the sale and some waiting for another day. Perhaps when the memories of the many hours of youthful enjoyment have begun to fade.
--In the mean time its a process of waiting for the next person to stop. And watching the clouds flow by in a endless cycle of a cool summer afternoon.....

CHANCE ENCOUNTERS....

--The only good thing I can say about a riding lawn mower with a mind of it's own. Is it's nice to see the flowers that have a tendency to grow when the grass gets a little tall.
--Of course the bugs have a field day with all the new play area. But that’s to be expected I guess. We do manage to keep the front yard down. Most of the time.
--The back yard around the house and a ways back we keep down. The rest its a free for all. The flowers are nice. And the trees that take root are a plus. Of course my wife has her own thoughts on the subject. Until she realized that the shade they provided turned into a plus.
--Its a far cry from when we first moved here. Now at lest we have a few trees to break up the endless sea of green. And course there are the chance encounters with mother nature's little creatures that are a pleasure sometimes. Even though at times it seems only the oddballs and whack a doodles stop by for a visit.
--Like the possum who hug around for a bit. It was kind of weird with him hanging on the porch railing with all the dimblub cats who hang around. And the family of skunks that moved into the hedgerow last winter. And of course every once in a while a deer will wander through. And a while back there were a few wild turkeys in the back yard just hanging out.
--It's getting so now you never know what you might encounter when you head out for your morning cup of coffee in your serenity chair to watch the sunrise...

WAFFLES AND MY WIFE....

--Putting it simple the little fool is in love with my wife. When she goes outside all she has to do is call and the little fool comes running.
--Me I have to put him on a leash and sometimes even have to carrying him out to do his business. Whimpering all the way.
--When I come out for coffee waffles just looks at me and then goes back to sleep. But when I get my wife’s coffee cup down he starts bouncing like a fool because he knows she’s getting up.
--If she goes out with out him he'll spend hours listening at the door waiting for her return.
--Car rides are a bit tricky because he wants to be in her lap so I end up holding him. Which is like trying to restrain a octopus with a one track mind.
--Needless to say it's a weird relationship because my wife never went out her way to give the little fool any special attention. In fact for the first 6 months we had him she completely ignored him. She wanted him to bond with everyone else. Which he has but when it comes to my wife he has a special bond I guess.....

WHO WOULD HAVE THOUGHT....

--At first it sounded simple vacuum the rooms and change the bedding on a few beds. And maybe take down a few curtains and wash them.
--Of course in practice it was quite another matter. Changing bedding is a pain in the neck. And fitted sheets are nothing but a mind bender as far as I’m concerned. It’s like a dang fool test to see just how many times your willing to try before just tucking the dang fool thing in.
--Vacuuming is also a pain in the neck when all the dang fool dirt your chasing hides in corners that the dang fool thing won't reach. Then it's a case of crawling around on the floor with a hose that’s to dang burn short trying to reach all the crevices.
--Curtains are on my list of top ten thing's I don't ever want to do again. Oh they come of real slick but that’s just setting you up for the return trip. Where you need the patience of a Tibetan monk to get the dang fool things on the flimsy rod. That are held up by a bracket that belongs on a space shuttle. Because only a astronaut would able to handle them dang fool things.
--All in all I have to say I have a healthy respect for people who clean rooms and make beds for a living. It's a back breaking job that isn't for the faint hearted that's for sure. Just with the small amount I did I feel like I’ve been wailed on with a bag of rocks. I can't image doing it for 8 hour's a day though. Let alone full time.
--But like everything else I imagine you could get used to it and maybe after a bit it might not be such a pain. But one things for sure the next time I get any more dang fool ideas about combining all 3 of those things I think I’ll just stick with vacuuming. It seems to be all the stress I can handle at once.
--One thing I will say the rooms look better and the curtains look nice so I guess it was worth all the trouble....

NINJA FIGHTING GRASSHOPPERS....

--Walking through the tall grass using a cane probably isn't to smart. Especially since I’ve yet to master the dang fool thing. But if there's one thing I never been accused of is having a bucket of brains to spare.
--After five minute's I came to the realization that walking anywhere having to do with a cane was a pain in the neck. Walking in tall grass that seemed determined to trip me with every other step was just asking for trouble.
--And if that wasn't enough to keep me focused I had to contend with dang fool grasshopper’s who seemed to be doing their version of ninja fighting. Jumping up and at each other.
--But I did eventually find the grapes we planted, an found out they weren’t ripe yet. The exercise was good even though by the time I got back to the house I found I was leaning more and more on the dang fool cane.
--Before I opened the front door I found I had picked up a hitchhiker it seems a dang fool grasshopper was in my pocket. I set the little fool loose on the railing figuring he'd find his way. Or taz and squash would find a new playmate.....

MOPPING UP....

--For some reason when you grab a mop all the pets retreat to a neutral corner. I always wondered why? I mean it's not like I was asking them to push the dang fool thing.
--Even though it would be nice because usually their the reason I’ve got to drag the dang fool thing out. I’m sure the little fool's would get distracted and make a even bigger mess. So I’m more than happy when they run it means one less thing I have to navigate around. And in the kitchen I’ve already got more than enough to deal with.
--What with chair's that seem to collect pet hair, and nooks and crannies that fill up with everything else under the moon. And no matter how many times you swing that dang fool mop through you always end on you hands and knees getting the little bugger’s. Which would be ok I guess if you didn't have to use a hair infested chair to lean on to get up only to have it slide across the recently mopped floor.
--Needless to say mopping is not one of my favorite thing's to do. But in a house filled with whack a doodle pet’s, children and what not it's a fact of life. Unless you don't hairball's the size of tumble weeds roiling across the floor. Which for some godforsaken reason I seem to have a problem with.
--But I guess it could be worse, at lest when you done it does look and smell better. And in the process you get a good old workout. And if your lucky as you tiptoe out it stay's that way for a few minutes before it's gets messy again. Which usually takes as long as the dang fool floor takes to dry. Because pets aren’t stupid they know what happens when you try to walk on wet floor’s. God knows they've seen me fall enough to have a pretty good idea....

GRASSHOPPER CAT'S....

--Taking the dog's out this morning I noticed Taz and Squash playing grasshopper in the backyard. Apparently the little whack a doodles found a new game to amuse themselves with. Which was ok with Waffles because that meant he'd be safe for awhile.
--But I guess the click of Waffles leash was enough to interrupt their little game because as soon as I had him hooked up they came a running.
--When I left they were taking turns trying to get a reaction out of the giant toad next to Waffles run. The toad wasn't having any of it though because he was just giving the little fools the toad eye. Which I guess would be the stink eye if he was human.
--Waffles wasn't to crazy about any of it. But I guess he figured if they were bugging the toad that meant he was safe. He spent most of his time rolling around at the other end of his run.
--Me I just sat there drinking my coffee, trying not to forget just why I was sitting there under the cloudy sky.....

A GOOD OLD STIFF BROOM OR A VACUUM CLEANER....

--I often wonder who came up with the first vacuum cleaner. If its purpose to help clean or a test to see just how much we were willing to put up with before we went back to a good old stiff bristled broom. And threw the dang fool contraption out.
--It's not that I have a problem with the dang fool things. It’s just that I’d like to find one that didn't need an arm load of attachments to accomplish a simple task. But as of yet I’m still looking.
--And who ever said vacuuming was women’s work has never turned one on and tried the dang fool thing out as far as I’m concerned. Between moving furniture to get the dust underneath, or swinging the dang fool hose over head trying for cobwebs that always seem to be just out of reach the work out you get is pretty darn complete. For anybody man or women who dares turn the dang fool thing and give it a try.
--Of course keeping track of all the dang fool attachments is a chore in itself. Because even though they give places to put them on the vacuum they always seem to fall of.
--And the bags that collect the dirt. You better pray you have an extra one because usually if you fill it and try to go back and buy a new bag. You’ll find their out or don't carry the dang fool thing's.
--The canister vacuum's are good in that department but they usually come with so many filter's and what not by the time you finish cleaning them all the dust they were supposed to keep you from breathing usually ends up all over you. And you need to be vacuumed. But luckily theirs probably an attachment that'll fix you up if it hasn't fallen of in the process.
--Like I said it's a mind bender all right. And in the end a good old stiff broom is looking better and better....

CLOUDY DAY'S.....

--I've never been able to figure out just what it is about a cloudy day that just gives you a case of the blahs. But it seems like every time one comes about that's where I’m headed.
--It's like walking through emotional quicksand. You spend the day fighting to get up enough inspiration to do the mundane task's that on a sunny day you zip through like Speedy Gonzales on a good day.
--One thing I will say is a sunrise is still a sunrise weather cloudy or not. Maybe a tad dreary but still a sight to behold in my book. And on a cloudy day it seems to be all the inspiration forth coming so I usually relish it and savor it through the day.
--Of course my wife doesn't seem to have a problem getting up a full head of steam any day of the week. Cloudy or otherwise. Which makes me wonder what in Sam hill that's all about. I’ve pretty much come to the conclusion the woman is not normal. But then she has to be a little abnormal to be able to put up with my whack a doodle ness over the years....

MOTHER NATURE’S LITTLE REMINDER’S….

--Along with being cloudy it's seems were being treated with a little chill for our trouble. While not uncomfortable, it does provide a subtle reminder that it will not be long before the snow starts to fly.
--Which in my case it’s good to get these little dang fool reminder’s. Because there are certain thing's that, I need to make sure I get done before that white stuff visits again.
--Like making sure my dang fool snow blower is up and running. Last year was a real pain in the neck when it came to clearing snow. Therefore, the little chill was all I needed to drag the dang fool thing out and start cleaning it up and getting it ready.
--Of course my wife just smiled because she remembers last winter as well as I do. And getting help wasn't really a problem because my son also remember last winter to.
--Maybe that is why we are given these little reminder's by good old mother nature. Kind of a forewarning before the fun starts. Either way that’s the way I took it. I figure hey it's better to be safe than sorry. And have 75 foot of driveway to clear and just a dang fool snow shovel to do it with....                   

CHECKOUT POLICE....

--There's nothing worse than standing in a line for 20 min and then being told you have to many item for the 20 items or less checkout. To say it gets my goat is a understatement. But like everything else I guess it's just one of those thing's you have to deal with it the new age of shopping. Where it’s more important to follow the rules of the checkout than keep the customer happy.
--I mean why have 20 checkouts if your only going to have 4 open and 2 of those are 20 items or less. The other 2 well I guess it's just grab a book and get ready for along wait. Unless of course you want to try the new fangled self pay where you check yourself out and then get the stink eye from the gall/fella standing there making sure you do everything right.
--It's a whole new world of shopping out there that's for sure. Gone are the day's when a pleasant smile was a small reward for trudging through endless isles looking for your bargains. Now it's all line up and take a number.
--Oh some store's are still pleasant enough. And these I relish while they last. It’s always nice to see a smiling face. Even if it's for a few seconds or less. And I really hope and pray they hang in there and don't get forced out by the new norm. Because that would really be a shame. Life’s hard enough and a smile and a pleasant face go a long way on a cloudy day .....

MOTHER'S NATURE'S WEIRD SENSE OF HUMOR....

--Alright I’ve gotten used to the dang fool albino praying mantis's. Still think their weird looking but hey it's a big yard and I don't spend allot of time starring.
--And the grasshopper's that are the size of small birds, well there a pain but mostly I get the feeling their bored and just like buzzing people because it's more fun than ninja fighting each other.
--Oh yeah and the dang fool humming birds who when I first saw one thought it was a dang fool bee on steroids. My wife still gut’s a chuckle out of that one.
--But now I notice we've got albino garter snakes. Just this morning I must of stumbled across at lest 10 of the little darling’s. I’m sure they serve a purpose in the great scheme of thing's I just wish they'd serve it somewhere else. But like everything else it seems here at the house and yard of whack a doodle we only get the weird and strange little darling's......

A SUNDAY DRIVE ON A MONDAY.....

--Every once in awhile my wife like's to go for a drive. No place special really just out and about. Why I can't image because lately it seam’s everybody and his brother in in such a dang fool hurry it's far from relaxing. But hey I’m game if she is. Bedside’s after awhile four walls start closing in and you need to try something different.
--Of course we always try to drag a child with us but they pretty much get twitchy if their away from there do dad’s, and thing a ma bob's for more than a few minute's. It's a wonder the little fool's find time to gather their dinner and what not before running back to their caves.
--Usually the ride's are quite pleasant, and my wife only needs to be reminded once or twice to keep her dang fool eye's on the road and not the pretty flower's.
--We see allot of country even if most of it is recently covered field's of cow phoo. But hey it is different. And after awhile even the corn fields are a welcome relief to the smell of fresh cow phoo.
--Of course there is allot of passing as we putter along but we don't seem to notice. And quite honestly don't let it bother us. it’s just a quiet time to enjoy each others company.....

A NEW RESPECT….

--I’ve always had a healthily respect for housework. Cooking, cleaning, keeping track of four children, and a smorgasbord of various pets. Throw is some yard work and a few house repairs and car repairs once in awhile. And you have the perfect recipe for driving yourself whack a doodle crazy.
--Through it all if after five minute’s you don’t come to the conclusion that without help you’d be sunk. You obvious a superhero with some down time before being called into action again.
--What I would have done without my wife I wouldn’t even begin to contemplate. How we’ve kept it all together is a dang fool miracle as far as I’m concerned.
--Looking back over the years I can’t help but shake my head in wonder. Of course looking ahead doesn’t bring much peace except for the fact that with a pardner to walk along with the whole thing become more of a adventure. And something to be looked forward to not dreaded with each coming step…..

WHEN THE BELL IS RUNG….

--I’ve always wondered if anybody ever understands when enough is enough. When it’s time to cut the shenanigans out and stop with the dang fool games.
--I mean really there’s a time and a place for everything, and sometimes it’s just time to get on with the job of living.
--Through the years we all pick up misconception’s that keep us trapped in a certain way of thinking. And it’s hard to let the dang fool thing’s go. Mostly because their familiar and letting them go means we have to take a chance. Which means we run the risk of falling flat on our face. But like everything else that’s how we learn.
--I know I’ve had my share of encounter’s with the old bell and when it rung. I’ve ignored it and most often paid the price. It wasn’t until many years later that I learned the significance and paid attention.
--I’ve always tried to let my children know that failing at something doesn’t mean you’re a failure it just means you need to try harder or try a different plan. Some picked up on the concept right away and some are still mastering it. As a parent I always try to giver them plenty of room as they work out the kinks in the whole process….

FRIENDS.....

--I’ve always been impressed with the amount of time and energy people put into friends and friendships while forgetting the basics. Like their marriage, the relationship and trying to work together long enough to make the thing work.
--While giving every opportunity to the friends and friendship’s. And starving the marriage of any attention at all.
--Early on in my marriage to my wife I decided that in order to make the marriage work I’d have be willing to give it my full attention. And much to the sorrow of certain friend's that's just what I did.
--Needless to say those certain friend's and I haven’t spoken in years. But I’m happy to say I usually can have a somewhat pleasant conversation with my wife every day.
--Of course I imagine everybody’s different and no 2 marriages are alike. But it seam’s to me if more people put more effort into their marriage they probably would be allot happier.....

INSPIRING THE UNINSPIRED....

--I often shake my head in wonder at some of the stories I hear about couple's who find themselves trying to inspire their partner’s to take a more active role in the relationship.
--My wife and I never had much of a problem in that department. So I’m usually at a loss to understand just what in Sam hill the problem is. When it came to the simple thing's like just who was responsible for what we just pitched in and got the dang fool jobs done.
--There was none of the dividing job's by gender stuff that you see so much of today. If the dishes were dirty I’d wash or my wife would. If dinner needed to be cooked it was either or. Not wait until my wife got home from working all day to cook i usually had dinner waiting when she got home.
--Going right down the list was never a problem. What ever it was if it needed doing we just worked together.
--I guess we figured the whole marriage thing was a partnership where two people worked together right from the get go. I’m still at a loss to understand how it work's today. And can't understand some of the logic I hear to justify the behavior of some people. But I guess that's just the way it is.
--I’ve always tried to let my children know that work's work and there was no dividing by gender in our house. Some caught on right quick to the principle and others are still learning. But that's life I guess, a learning process. Hopefully when it come's time for them to start their families they'll have all the kink’s worked out.....

REORGANIZING....

--For some reason about four times a year the clutter of everyday life drive's me up the wall and I start reorganizing. It usually starts with something simple and ends when the last room has been changed around and given a total cleaning.
--Of course the children hate it and often complain to their mother. But she just smile's and nods her head. Because she and I both know the little pack rats would just keep walking through the clutter as long as the path is clear.
--Of course the pet's hate it to because the vacuum and mopping for some reason hurts their sense of territory. Or they can't stand the smell of clean. I’ve never been able to figure that one out. I do know one thing accidents are cut down and the whole marking of territory go out the window for awhile.
--Of course some cat's take it as a challenge to see who can out do who. And continue with their little shenanigans. But it's a game I usually win because not only am I persistent but I’ve had more experience at dealing with the little darling's shenanigans.
--All in all it's a trying time for some, but the out come is a benefit to all. The dang fool house gets cleaned. The clutter gets straightened. The useless stuff find's a new home in the yard sale stuff, or wait's for the garbage man to be picked up.....

UNSETTLED DISCONTENT....

--Between reorganizing cleaning and changing thing's around. There always comes a point when perhaps the line has been reached and it’s time to pull back. And take stock of the situation. When that happens I usually know I’ve gone far enough for now.
--Change is good or so I keep telling my children. Of course there not to convinced. But slowly their coming around. Of course my wife who seam’s perfectly willing to change the furniture around at the drop of a dime sometimes is always willing to give it a go.
--Usually when I get on one of these roll's she just sits back and smile’s. Because she knows it's just what everybody need's to shake the cobwebs loose. Which is amazing because unlike me she usually sees the whole thing coming before I do.
--Of course when it's all done everybody settles down into a state of unsettled discontent. Looking for thing's that have been moved and what not. But like everything it wears of and life goes on.....

WHAT ARE YOU LOOKING AT?....

--I’ve always been amazed at just how curious cat can be. Go stand out in the yard and stare at the ground for a couple of minute's and if you have cat's around one or to will come over to see what you looking at.
--Around our place we have a bunch of cat's who as soon as you leave the house will follow you just about everywhere. Be it to the car or just to do a little yard work.
--Usually when I go on my predawn stroll's I’ll have two or three who have taken to following me and sit with me as I wait for the sunrise. Taz, Squash, Buddy, and of course Hansel who seems to think my lap is her personal domain.
--In a way it's kind of nice to have company, but for some reason I don't think their really to impressed with the whole sunrise thing. Because every morning when the sunrise's they give me the weirdest look afterwards. As if to say so this is it?
--Afterwards we heard back to the house and they run of to do what ever dimblubs do in the early morning hour's....

LITTLE REMINDER'S....

--I love how we are given little reminder's when it's time to change direction. the trick is being open minded enough to see them for what they are and not ignoring them.
--Over the year's it's been a balancing act to say the lest. Some time’s I catch the little bugger's when they first appear. And some time’s it's not until much later.
--Getting older I’ve tried to maintain a open mind and it's usually work’s. It’s amazing really the amount of trouble you can avert if you listen the first time. I guess it just goes to show you can teach a old fool new trick's.
--Now if I could just figure out how to share the little bit of insight with the dang fool cat's I might be getting somewhere....

DEW COVERED GRASS.....

--Shuffling along on dew covered grass is a tad tricky but worth it you don't misstep and fall on your but. At lest that's what I remind myself as I head for my serenity chair with my morning coffee while trying to master a dang fool cane. Of course being a tad nippy help's with the concentration department. So the inspiration is there to concentrate on just what the Sam hill I’m doing.
--Watching the 3 dimblubs line up I have to smile. Because if look's could kill it become quite apparent they wish to Sam hill I’d found something else to do this morning. Hansel just looked at me as she climbed into my lap. I’m not to sure if she’s glad to see me or just enjoys a warmer resting place.
--As the sun climbs into the sky and chases away the night I’m' reminded why I went to all the dang fool trouble in the first place. The spiritual recharge is well worth the effort. Even the 3 little darling's seemed pleased as they stretch and yawn.
--When my coffee's done and I head back to the house I say a little prayer of thanks. And go of to start my day.....

WHEN IS ENOUGH ENOUGH....

--Usually when I reach that point it's because what I’m trying to do isn't working and I’ve driven myself whack a doodle trying to accomplish it.
--When I was younger I hang in there for day's wailing away at the problem. Now I just back the Sam hill up and take another look at the problem. Usually finding the solution staring me right in the face.
--I guess old age is good for something after all. That and the fact I’m usually to dang burn achy to devote that much time to something that just isn't working.
--Of course my wife say's it's about time I tried working smarter and not harder. Bless her little heart.....

STYMIED FROM THE START..

STYMIED FROM THE START....
--After a whole day of nothing but downward spiraling. It finally accrued to me maybe something was missing.
--Maybe the problem wasn't the fact that it was a bad day. I mean there's not much you can do about them. But the attitude I had while going through the dang fool thing.
--Now I pretty much remind myself no matter what I’m going to have a good day. It seems to work. Since I started it the day's have been touch and go sometimes but at the end I’d have to rate most of them a good day.
--Of course my wife noticed the change right away but waited for me to get the kink's out before commenting about it. Not wanting to jinx it I guess. It's kind of a weird system but it seems to work so far. But like everything else I’m sure there will come the day when a new system will be called for. When that happens I’m sure one will pop up.....

SELF STORAGE....

--Nice little trend renting room's for your stuff. Usually when collected stuff starts taking up room in our house, we go through it and have a yard sale.
--But that's probably just us. Lately there seems to be a self storage place on every corner. With new one's going up all the time.
--Seam’s like a lot of work, moving extra stuff to it's own rented room. But I imagine there's probably a reason why people rent the places.
--Me I just sort the extra and either the yard sale ends up taking the majority, or the garbage man....

MISTAKES....

--I’ve always been amazed by people who are so dang burned afraid to admit they made a mistake. Even when faced with the reality of their mistake they deny that they made a mistake.
--Myself I’m the first one to admit it when I make a mistake. And my main concern is trying to learn from the dang fool thing so I don't do it again. Not sticking to some foolish line about real men don't make mistake’s. And when they do they sure as Sam hill don't admit it.
--I’ve always tried to give my children the impression it was ok to make mistake's that's how we learn. No bodies perfect.
--I really hope someday the people who have such a hard time admitting they made a mistake reach a level of maturity where they can feel comfortable enough to admit their mistakes and try to learn from them. In the mean time I guess all you can do is try to be patient and say a little prayer for them.....

THE LONG RUN....

--Making a long run around a simple 5 min job so you don't have to do it. It's always amazed how some people will out of their way to do just that.
--Over the year's I’ve run into some real whack a doodle's when it come's to avoiding doing thing’s. What amazes me is if they just put a little effort into getting the dang fool thing done. they'd have more time for other thing's.
--But they don't unfortunately. Leaving the job's for the rest of us to handle. So they can quickly get back to their little fantasy world's where they rule supreme.
--I guess it take's all kind to make the world spin. Maybe someday they'll realize what their missing. Until then we'll just have to grin and bear it I guess. And say a little prayer that maybe some day they’ll grow up…..

CAT'S ARE NOT STUPID....

--Cat’s are not stupid but when they do decide to stop being smart it's a pain in the neck to get them to return to the light.
--Over the years we've had quite a few smart cat’s. And a few who just seemed to throw the towel in one day and decide it was more fun being bad.
--I’ve never been able to figure out why. I guess it's a cat thing .Oh usually you can bring them back from the dark side with allot of patience and persistence. But the little darling sure don't make it easy.
--In away it reminds me of allot of people I’ve known. Who woke up one day and found it was easier to just be mean cranky and all around unpleasant .Because being nice and polite took to much effort. I always thought it was a shame. But to each his own I guess.
--With cat's you just keep after them until they get sick of your constant pestering and give in. With people I guess you just keep praying someday they see the light and return....

EARLY MORNING STROLL....

--It's gotten to the point the three dimblubs were waiting for me when I came out for my early morning stroll. Taz squash and buddy were sitting on the railing yawing when I came out.
--Of course I’ve got about half a dozen chairs spread out all over the yard. So they weren’t to sure which way we were going. But it worked out.
--And of course Hansel showed up after I sat down.
--In away it was nice but when the sun was finally up the little darling’s split. Hansel seemed more than content so I sat for a bit and finished my coffee.
--When I finally decided I’d had enough Hansel headed of to god knows where. And I headed back to the house to start the day....

JUST ENOUGH....

--Putting just enough effort into something to get it done. Being careful not to do to much, because you don't want to be asked to do anything more.
--People like that always amazed me, because they seem to have it down to a science when it come's to the whole thing. It’s amazing how they can draw the line just short of going to far.
--Myself I usually just dive in and get the dang fool job done. Usually picking the worst part first because I don't like it hanging over my head.
--I imagine other people have their reason's for why they do what they do. Me I just like to get the job done so I can go on to something else. Like watching butterflies, or counting the dang fool wild flower's in my overgrown backyard....

PLOP AND DROP....

--It's a old game. Basically it goes like this. Drop something and let somebody else worry about it.
--Of course after awhile it gets old. But apparently some people never out grow the dang fool game. Around our house we've always had a rule. Don't drop it till you find the place where it goes.
--When the children were little it was bad enough picking their stuff up. But when they reached a age where they could understand we straightened the dang fool game out.
--Of course we all have bad day's where we forget thing's I guess. Or the dang fool's like to make sure dear old father hasn't become senile. Usually it only last's as long as it takes to remind them....

HAPPY WITH A DRAW….

--One down one to go and so the game goes.
--Another day another round not knowing which way the game will go.
--You hope for the best to give it your all and let the chips fall.
--When the time comes to see who won your happy with a draw….

HAVING A BETTER DAY ....

-- Having a better day is easy, just stop stirring the pot….

REWORDING THE TRUTH....

--Sometimes rewording the truth with tons of sugar makes it easier to go down….

BUILDING BLOCKS OF LIFE….

--Looking back over the years I’m reminded of many thing's. Thankful for each and every one.
--It's a Hodgepodge collection this thing called memory. Some happy, some sad and some in between.
--With stacking blocks of lessons learned and choices made you journey on your way.
--Each one is a building block for the person of today….

UNEXPECTED FRIENDSHIP....

--Over the year's I’ve tried to concentrate most of my attention on my wife and children. When it came to pet's I’ve tried to stay neutral. Everyone had a favorite, and I tried to stay out of the market. Which was hard because we've had quite a few memorable one's.
--Oh there have been a few who have gone out of their way to devote themselves to finding new way's of driving me whack a doodle. But when it came to picking a favorite I always tried to stay out of the arena. For the simple reason when accidents happen somebody has to bury the little darling's. Which is kind of hard to do when your crying your eye's out.
--Over the year's there have been quite a few who have had to be laid to rest. Which was the only other thing I’ve always insisted upon. Be they pets or stray animal hit by a car in front of the house. They've always been buried and a little prayer said. My wife had no problem with pet's, but had a hard time with animal's hit by car's. Especially if it happened in the middle of winter. But she slowly came around and accepted it and learned to humor me.
--Lately on my predawn walk about Hansel has taken to following me around the yard as I sit and watch the sun rise. Most times if I happen to dose of for a minute or two she'll curl up in my lap and watch the sunrise with me.
--Which is kind of strange because we've had a kind of stand offish relationship. The most she's ever gotten out of me was a pat or two on the head.
--But now it seam’s I found a friend wither I want one or not. And to be honest I’ll probably go along with it. I mean the cat dive's out of tree and tries to take down flying birds. I’m really not going to go out of my way to make her mad I have a hard enough time getting around some day’s as it is with having to spend time looking up in the sky to see if Hansel is after me.
--Some how I think god and his weird sense of humor is at play here but like everything else I’m to darn old and tired to keep fighting with him to. If he figure’s I need a whack a doodle friend in the form of a cat who am I to argue...

THE LITTLE YAWN....

--I've never been able to figure out how cats can sleep in trees. But over the years we've had a few who managed to master the feat. The latest one is Taz. Every morning when I take the dogs out to do their business I can usually find Taz sleeping in the maple next to waffles run.
--This morning was no exception. When I looked there was Taz, even poor waffles saw the little darling. Of course waffles wasn't to happy because it meant he had to suffer through more of her shenanigans. He started barking and growling at Taz who looked up and stretched and yawned.
--Apparently stretching and yawning were more than she could handle at the same time because she fell out of the tree. Waffles seeing this ran up to give him a piece of his mind. But taz took off when she saw waffles coming.
--Waffles gave chase and I went to hook up jerry. When I got done waffles was waiting for me and taz was back in the tree. They both were grinning from ear to ear. It seems they were both satisfied with there little game because waffles went of to do his business and taz went back to sleep.
--I went back to the house mumbling to myself about the wonders of whack a doodle and dimblubs....

MOONLIGHT MAGIC....

--Waking up every two hour's is a pain in the neck. Instead of concentrating on negativity of the situation I’ve tried to spin it into a positive. It's been hard but not impossible as long as I keep my eye on the prize.
--Every once in awhile I’ll venture outside to have a cup of coffee. Out among the star's. Waiting for the sunrise. It's quiet time, and it's a whole lot better than the constant fight for a better position to get sleep.
--Oh it's been a trial getting used to the new time frame for sleeping. But it's amazing what you can get used to. Especially when you turn it into a positive.
--Having coffee under a full moon, in a half lit yard watching a bunch of whack a doodle cats romping around is actually relaxing for some dang fool reason. Maybe my wife right I’m just a old romantic sappy fool.
--Of course we'll see if she feels the same way when I wake her to see if she wants to join me....

JUST A COUPLE OF SECONDS....

--I don't know why but I’m constantly being amazed by people on the road. when my wife and I are out and about.
--When my daughter was learning to drive, and took her driving test she was accused of not driving aggressive enough. Apparently it's one of the new norm's nobody bothered to let the rest of us know about. Driving with total disregard with anything remotely resembling common sense.
--Passing cars with other cars coming. Forcing cars to get the Sam hill of the road so you can get through. Passing on blind corner's, or following so close one sneeze and that's it.
--Maybe it's just me but it seems a tad foolish for the amount of time being saved can probably be measured in seconds. But then I image if you add up all the seconds in a day your probably talking some serious number's.
--Just the same it seems like such a waste being in such a dang fool rush all the time. I know in my case I usually see quite a few reminder's in one little trip to make me want to slow down even more and enjoy life and all it's beauty....

THE FINE LINE....

--There’s a fine line between Love and Hate. It’s called Like…
--There’s a fine line between Peace and War. It’s called Stalemate….
--There’s a fine line between Birth and Death It’s called Living….
--There's a fine line between Yesterday and Tomorrow. It’s called Today....                                                                                                 

THE CURIOUS CAT....

--The two recent additions to our little house of whack a doodles have made themselves right to home and fit right in with everyone.
--The other day I came out in the kitchen for my morning coffee to find Gandoff had some how gotten his head stuck in my wife’s desk drawer. Of course his little pal Mortay wasn't helping. Because every time Gandoff tried to get his head out Mortay would jump up and push the drawer closed.
--How long this was going on I have no idea. But Gandoff was real happy when I pulled his head out. Mortay was a little upset it seems I spoiled his game.
--Once again the house of whack a doodles has two new converts....

THE CORRECT DIRECTION....

--Why does it seem when your going along fine, wham something happens and your given a subtle reminder it might be a good idea to change directions?
--Usually subtlety goes out the window if your not paying attention. And I know in my case it often require a much more intense reminder. If your lucky you catch it before the game goes to far. If not well you end up redoing the puzzle you've been working on.
--Needless to say sometimes you do and go along with the flow because to change course requires a lot more than is worth it in the long run.
--It's a weird little game that I find gets out of hand if your not constantly monitoring just what in Sam hill your doing. That's why I often take a few precious moments each day to keep a eye on the days progress. And make sure everything is up to snuff. In the long run it saves a lot of headaches down the road.....

STARLIGHT CRICKET DANCE….

--The slight chill in the air is a welcome relief to the days smoldering humidly. The cricket’s chirping in the air is icing on the cake of a starlight walk. Of course the dew covered grass is a reminder not to get distracted and keep your eyes on what your doing.
--My wife had a question as to why there were lawn chairs in certain spots in the yard. When I answered they were in my serenity chairs she just rolled her eyes and said of course they are. It seems over the years she’s come to accept certain from me and just go with the flow.
--Sometimes I find comfort in the little moments stolen from the day’s rush in my serenity chairs. A few quiet moments to recharge and I’m ready again to rejoin the battle of getting through the day.
--Of course walking with coffee while using a cane, is a challenge. But It’s well worth the effort. Especially when there’s more than enough magic under a starlight covered sky to go around….

MENTAL VERTIGO….

--Doing thing’s that force me to go in circles makes me dizzy. Over the years I’ve fought with this aspect of my life mostly because I have never been too fond of thing’s having power over what I can and can’t do. My wife claims it’s because I don’t like being told what to do. She’s probably right.
--I’ve gotten better at going in circle’s but it has taken years of practice. And every once in awhile if I’m not careful the old feeling of dizziness will set in. But it has gotten better.
--Along with all the other thing’s  I was forced to deal with in this life I try to limit the amount of control fears and feeling have in my life. Because they can be a real pain in the neck when they get out of control.
--Of course sometimes going in circle’s are an aspect of the days progression. And falling down dizzy really isn’t an option. When that happens I usually just hum a few bars of around the mulberry bush and make the best of it….

INSPIRING AS A FIREWORKS DISPLAY....

--I find it amazing that inspiration can be a fickle little beast that rears it's little head when and if it feels like it. Trying to get the little fellow come out is worse than trying to find a groundhog who'll say spring is on the way sometimes.
--Over the years I’ve tried many way to convince the little fellow to spend more time in the light of day. But always with the same results. The good old fireworks display game. Starts out fine lots of sizzle and then when the first rut in the road comes along a few more swizzles and pop's and then boom back where I started.
--Keeping inspiration going and re energizing the dang fool thing has turned into a never ending battle of the will's. With me ending up cursing the universe with a shaking fist.
--As usual the simplest solution is the one that's overlooked. Which is inspiration has to come with the first step of the day. For inspiration to succeed it has to come from within.
--I know so simple but so very dang burn hard to achieve when were taught that it's just the opposite. It requires a total shifting of your way of thinking.
--But like all thing it is possible just watch a baby learning to walk. The little fellow gets right back up and tries again. No matter how many times he/she falls on their butt. For the simple reason he/she doesn't know any better. Sort of makes you wonder? I know it does me. Just what would happen it we didn't put so much stock into what other people think and started listening to the little voice that says come on let do this, I know you'll get it this time......

SILLY SONG DELIGHT'S....

--When the children were little and before actually I had a tendency to sing or hum a silly song when I worked or just puttered around. It raised a lot of eyebrows over the years. But I always figured oh well.
--Then of course my wife and I married and luckily she thought it was cute. Little did she know there was quite a bit more to the package. And over the years she learned to go with the flow. And of course walk real fast when out shopping with me.
--The children loved the silly songs when they were little. Not so much as they grew older. But hey by then they learned to humor the old man. Probably waiting patiently for that day when he forgot things. Hoping the silly songs was one of them.
--Now well I figure I’m just too dang old to start changing things I like doing that don't hurt anybody. In fact over the years some of the silly songs have brought smiles to a few people who have crossed my path. And the others ones well I’m sure it provided them with something to chat about with their friends.
--Either way it's just one of the things that I use to keep me focused on maintaining and having a good day. And that’s what it’s all about when it gets right down to it….

SYSTEM REVIEW....

--Sometimes what gets you to pondering the pieces of a puzzle. Could be just about anything. From leaves falling off the trees a tad early to flinches and hummingbirds whizzing by your head when your drinking coffee watching the sunrise over your blueberry bushes.
--For whatever reason, inspiration comes and whispers in your ear.
Recognizing it for what it is and not swatting at it thinking it's a mosquito is important.
--Every once in awhile I like to do a mental system review. Go over the past week and see if there have been any negative little whack a doodle trends starting. And if there is have a sort of clean house and do a system restore.
--It doesn't seem like much, but it keeps thing's running the way they should. And more importantly keeps me from going off on a path filled with pitfalls.
--In fact over the years the only time things have gotten out of hand is when I forgot to do the dang fool system review. Sort of makes you wonder what would happen if more people tried it. I know in my case I couldn't do without it.....