A QUESTION OF COMFORT....

--If there’s one thing I’ve learned from watching countless family pets over the years, when it comes to sleep it never seems to be a question of comfort. They just curl up and have at it. How there able to do it is beyond me.
--Over the years I’ve found the little darlings sleeping in some of the most weirdest positions. It make your bones creek just watching the dang fools.
--Of course we as humans require a tad bit more when it comes to sleep. But myself I’m finding as the years go by it's amazing what you can get used to.
--Lately it no longer seems to be a question of comfort, or relative silence. Just a few moments of some what quiet reflection and I can find myself well on the way to a quick nap.
--My wife of course figures it's just the inner child sitting down for nap time. And she's probably right. Because after a 20min nap I’m usually good to go for a few more hours.
--On those days when I miss my nap time she usually just tells the children he's just cranky cause he missed his nappy time. They all have a quiet chuckle and I just shake my head. Reminding myself once again how much I love this whack a doodle bunch called Family.....

BULLION CUBE TROUBLES...

--One of the most confounded things I’ve found to deal with are those dang fool bullion cubes. With papers that seem to be welded on by some fool with a insane sense of humor.
--For some reason I’ve been cursed with club fingers and the inability to get the dang fool papers off.
--My wife of course has no problems with the dang fool things. Being blessed with spider monkey fingers and hands.
--Of course some of my solutions over the years have raised a few eyebrows. Like the time I fought with the little devils for 15 minutes. And then finally said the heck with it and went and got a hammer and broke the little fools up. Then shook the papers off and tossed the crumbs in with the turkey.
--Now my wife handles the little fools. Or one of the children.
--As for me I make sure and keep a hammer in with the silverware just in case....

JUMP STARTING THE DAY....

--You know it's going to be a long day when it takes you 20min to convince yourself to get out of bed. And another 20min to try to talk yourself out of the whole ordeal.
--Finally you get the Sam hill out of bed just to get some coffee and a little peace and quiet. I used to keep a cold cup of coffee next to the bed for just such days. As of late I’m seriously thinking about going back to that since those dang fool mornings have been happening more and more.
--One step into the kitchen and you realize the days going to be even longer. Apparently the cats couldn't figure out what in Sam hill the potty box was for and spent most of the night spreading their dang fool cheer. The dogs not wanting to be left out got in on the midnight shenanigans as well. Shaking your head you start the coffee and sit down to hum a few bars of round the mulberry bush.
--Yep some days you just know it's going to be a long day before it even starts.....

SUNDAY MORNING SHOWDOWN....

--Usually by the time Sunday rolls around I’m just to dang tired to raise to another of the countless showdowns everyday life seems to entail as of late.
--Unfortunately it seems to be common knowledge to the universe because on more Sundays than I care to count,  find myself teetering on the edge just waiting for the next poke that's sure to send me plummeting over.
--For the life of me I just can't seem to raise to the occasion. But the poking goes on. Usually I’ll ride out the storm bidding my time until the day passes. Gather what rest I can and prepare for the week. Because like a snow ball rolling down a hill by time Monday rolls around it'll be a full day of shoveling muck and mire.
--My wife just shakes her head because she's been blessed with the get up and go of the old feuding clans it seems and can raise to the occasion of a good old fashioned showdown any day of the week.
--Myself I need just one day a week when I can gather what wits I have left in the old brain pan and take a breather so to speak......

LATE NIGHT RIDE....

--No matter how many times I go over it I have to say I’ve come to the conclusion riding around after the sun's gone down is a pain in the neck. But like all things every once in awhile you find yourself having to do something you really don't enjoy.
--My wife of course has no problem with driving at night. And still zips along. Mean while I find myself going hoarse from reminding her to slow the Sam hill down. And getting eye strain from trying to see those dang fool deer behind every tree.
--It makes for a grand old time riding around after dark that’s for sure. Fortunately we only have to do it once in awhile.
--But like all thing's in life if we work together we usually make it home in one piece. And my wife seems to enjoy driving me whack a doodle while it last's so I guess its a two for in her book....

GRUMPY CATS AND WHACK A DOODLE DOGS....

--Living in a tiny house with 5 people is hard. Living in a house with 5 people 2 grumpy male cats and 2 whack a doodle dogs. Puts things into the insanity level especially when the animals start their shenanigans before the sun even rises. If allowed to continue it's even been known to drive 5 people of their dang fool rockers from time to time.
--Usually all it take s is a few words and everybody mellows out. When that fails then plan b calls for rearrange furniture and start cleaning.
--Needless to say there are days when it seems I spend more time cleaning and rearranging furniture than sitting down. Which in the end maybe be good at keeping the dang fools off balance enough to quiet the male ego shenanigans. But does very little towards reaffirming my of sanity.
--Of course on the bright side the house gets a good cleaning. And I suppose the exercise does everyone allot of good.....

JUST A LITTLE BIT LONGER....

--I love the days when you start counting the minutes left before you can pull the plug on the day, and begin the night. Usually there some of the most memorable moments you've had in awhile.
--Be they festive holidays, or just shoveling muck and mire all day. They do have a tendency of going in the book as wow days.
--Trying to navigate becomes a battle royal, between yourself and what ever comes between you and that old fluffy bed filled with rocks.
--Of course when you finally put you feet up and sit down to relax for the first time in hours you can almost hear your feet singing when you finally pry those dang fool shoes off....

HOW THE MEMORIES DANCE....

--There’s nothing like a table full of family to make the memories dance before yours eyes.
--Sure its a holiday but its also much more than that. Its a chance for everyone to enjoy the common bond of family and all the closeness it entails.
--All around the table the faces are filled with smiles and conversation is mostly a hodgepodge. Everyone feels the growing radiance of the moment.
--When the meal is done there’s a group hug of course like a seal on a time capsule it does more to reaffirm the day, than shift the mood.
--When the last dish is done and the lights turned off you can almost hear the memories dance of another thanksgiving has joyfully to passed....

THE SPIRIT OF THANKSGIVING DAY….11/26/14

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

GUARDIANS OF THE FLAME….11/26/14

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

UNCOUNTED BLESSINGS....

--Its always been a mystery to me that its so easy to forget all the little blessing along the way every time you hit a slight bump in the road.
--In the long run the bump will chalked up as yet another tiny ripple. but at the time of its occurrence it always seems as if indeed the sky is falling.
--Myself I try to resist the urge to curse to universe, and concentrate on what I can effect. Which is usually nothing more than a positive outlook.
--Of course my wife and children usually look at me as if I’ve suddenly grown horns and am specking in a alien language. But even when muck and mire is the menu of the day somebody’s needs to play the voice of reason .
--Over the years I’ve have noticed they no longer run for their sky is falling signs right away. And have begun to at lest attempt to try and find something positive to say. So maybe its working a wee bit. Only time will tell I guess....

LOOKING AT ME.....

--When the children were little they devised a game which sole purpose was to drive me and anybody unlucky enough to be caught up in it over the edge.
I called it looking at me. What in Sam hill they called it I have no idea.
--It would start out simple enough one child would run out and claim another was looking at them. Of course being some what new to the game I’d dive in and tell the offending child to stop looking at the other.
--Which of course would start the next level which was a reply of the of the first level.
--Then I of course would try the separate the little darlings. Which only provided a moments relief because that’s when I found out that not only were my children blessed with a over abundance of cuteness but they could also see through walls.
--After about a hour of this I’d pull the old vacuum cleaner out of the closet and start vacuuming. Which for some reason would drive the little darling's right into each others arms by giving them a common goal of making sure they didn't get vacuumed up. Or what ever toys were laying about.
--Needless to say over the years we burned out allot of vacuum cleaners. But we did end up with some pretty clean carpets.....

GUESS WHAT WAS ON SALE?.....

--Once in awhile a good sale comes along and being the jingle conscious people you are you grab with gusto. Of course when the children realize what’s in store for the month there’s a wee bit of grumbling.
--But that’s when mother takes her big cook out and you find out just how many ways you can cook that sale up.
--Needless to say when the months over there’s a few extra hands around helping make up the shopping list.
--If anything it does get the children to take a interest in the whole shopping experience....

UPLIFTING DOWNDRAFT....

--It's seems like a never-ending battle to keep your head up when caught in downdraft of uplifting proportions. Sometimes just maintaining balance is the most you can hope for. Unless you go with the flow for a bit.
--Myself I usually let the gusts blow themselves out, and try to keep better attuned to my surroundings so I don't get caught in the dang fool things again.
--Of course being cursed with more bucket than brains. I usually find myself right back where I started more often than not.
--I will say one thing it sure makes me appreciate progress when it is made....

SUNDAY AFTERNOON WITH HALLMARK....

--If there’s one thing I’m finding out is Hallmark movies are good anytime. But for some reason they are the perfect companion for a lazy Sunday afternoon.
--Of course if there’s one thing my wife are I finding out there’s always time for movies with a happy endings. Especially since so much out there seems to be designed to push the edge of good taste and of course common sense. It’s good to have something to be able sit down with and not have to keep the remote firmly clutched in hand while your fast forward through all the shenanigans that are supposed to be entertainment. Of course it is also a must to have a box of tissue’s on hand, because being a hallmark movie there’s bound to be a few moments when they’ll be needed.
--For the last couple of years our Hallmark movie festival seems to start earlier and earlier.
--When the children were little it was pretty much confined to just around Christmas. Now it's been a pretty much a all year event....

THE FIRST ONES ALWAYS THE PRETTIEST...

--I know by the time winter over I’ll be cursing the dang fool notion. But for some reason I have to admit the first bit of snow is always the prettiest.
--It's probably the little child trapped inside, just yammering away. Chomping at the bit to go out and play in the dang fool snow. Or the old pink hat wearing fool who admits a fondness for the white fluffy stuff.
--Of course keeping the old bones warm and moving becomes a wee bit harder. But as long as I keep everything in perspective I do notice a little spring in the steps at the first whiff of a frosty snow covered morning.
--Perhaps my wife is right and the old brain pan has become a tad addle minded over the years. Either way only time will tell the tale I guess......

DOING THE GOOD MORNING SHUFFLE.....

--Mornings are nice. Coffee ,quiet time, before the morning shuffle begins. Usually.
--Every once in awhile things have to be put on hold. Of course that makes for a trying few moments. But keeping in mind that while a pain in the neck they are not the beginning to the count down to the end of the world is usually enough to keep things in perspective.
--Like everything in life the little bumps that come along can be over come with a little patience. And sometimes coffee does taste better when your forced to wait a bit before that first sip.....

EVERYTHING THAT SPARKLES....

--When it comes to buying things I’ve noticed that everything that sparkles usually lasts long enough to get it unpacked.
--For some dang fool reason the more sparkly it is the shorter time you have before the dang fool thing brakes and you have to go in search of a replacement.
--And don't gets me started on the extended warranty curse applied at the register before you even gets out of the store. Unless you cough up more jingle to add to a already over inflated price they fail to deactivate the dang fool thing. And after 6 months or so your right back in the same boat looking for a replacement.
--Needless to say most of the things still running at our house are refuges from the island of misbegotten appliances. They all seem to have their own little personalities and given half a chance will be more than happy to show you on occasion.
--But like everything in life even they can be brought around with a little patience.....

FUNNY LITTLE WHACK A DOODLES....

--If there’s one thing I love about mornings it's watching the little whack a doodle cats and dogs with such boundless amount of energy. Of course then the other shoe drops and its a contest to fill their needs before they all go full blown banshee.
--It makes those first few moments of the day fun to say the lest.
--Even when they are not trying they seem to have a habit of doing the most whack a doodle things. If there’s one thing I can count on is the funny little whack a doodles to bring a smile or two in first few moments of the day.....

WHAT A WONDERFUL DAY....

--Steps taken are steps no longer spent thinking about what's coming. Sometimes I find it just good to be moving. Sure some days are easy and some are just better to be endured with a minimal amount of thought. But like everything they pass eventually.
--The point I have to remind myself is on occasion is even small steps are better than sitting around letting the gremlins of indecision fill your ears with their whispering shenanigans.
--Of course some people have different ideas. And I don’t begrudge them of   there ways. To each His\Her own. What ever helps get them though the day. I only know what works for me.
--So no matter what the day brings, I just keep moving along because it sure as Sam hill is better than playing games with those dang fool gremlins....

NEW FOOD FOR THOUGHT....

--Every once in awhile it seems we need to change foods a bit because the current diet isn't cutting it and the animals are running about constantly hungry. Why I have no idea but it seems to have been going on for along time.
--In away I kind know what there saying nobody likes the same thing everyday.
--Finding just the right food is a bit like searching for a needle in the hay but with a little patience it is possible. Then things get back to some what normal.
--Of course like everything it seems to be a never ending process and usually only good for a few months before its back to the trenches searching for just the right one again.
--In the end I guess its part of the joy of having the little whack a doodles around.....

RUN AROUND WALK ABOUT....

--Why is it trying to get a straight answer out of some people is like trying to find a honest man at a used car salesmen convention.
--I’ve never been fond of phone dancing and the rituals they entail. But unfortunately that’s all any body wants to do any more.
--I can't help but wonder when phones replaced physical conversation as a means to getting to know people. I feel sorry for those people who put so much faith into those tiny little boxes. There missing so much in life.
--But like everything in life I guess you just have to learn to make to best of what you have in hand. And keep on working towards your goals. sooner or later the field always levels out.....

RE-POUNDING NAILS....

--From time to time nails have of habit of working themselves loose. So you end up running around putting the little darling back down. It's a never ending process keeping a eye out for the little fellas who start working loose.
--In away I almost feel sorry for the dang fool things. Working so hard for a little breathing space and wham o some fool comes along and puts them back down.
--But like everything all you need is for one or to gets loose and the next thing you know your getting slapped between the ears with a board that you thought was secure.
--So you spend a few minutes each day playing whack a mole. It could be worse at least it keeps you on your toes, and the exercise is always good....

STARTING ON THE RIGHT FOOT....

--I’ve found one of the quickest ways to put things in order is to start cleaning. It keeps the dust down and keeps everybody on their toes dodging mops brooms and what not.
--For some reason even the cats and dogs mellow out a tad afterwards too.
--Of course it's a never ending process but like everything it's all in how you look at it of course.....

GOOD MORNING SUNSHINE....

--Watching the sun crawl across the room with its warm glow is always fun in my book. No matter how many times I see it or in how many ways. There’s just something about that gives this old heart a tingle every time.
--Of course a sunset is fun to but there’s just something about a sunrise that gets my engine running more than that first cup of coffee ever will.
--When I’ve tried to explain it I’ve always come of as a tad senseless I’m afraid. But hey what can I say its just one of the many things that I find enlightening in the course of a day. To be honest I’ve always found some of the best things about enlightenment it can come in some of the most simplest packages.
--I know in this day and age it probably sounds a little off. But I will say the smell of a early morning dawn is right up there with the best and greatest virtual game experience. But again that’s probably just me. Everybody has there own thing, and as well they should. That’s one of the things that make us special.....

NAVIGATING BETWEEN THE LINES....

--Navigating between the lines is like bumper cars without the dang fool cars. For some reason you spend more time getting your innards shook up than you do making any progress.
--Myself I’ve found this can be a real pain in the neck, if I get to wrapped up in the discomfort. I usually try to focus of any thing but, and usually will weather the storm quite well.
--Of once in a while it'll be a kaleidoscope of whack a doodle ness but you'd be surprise what you can accomplish when you brake the mess up into little steps....

A FUNNY THING HAPPENED....

--It’s like a old joke I heard once a funny thing happened on my way and then the joke of course.
--Usually what happens is far from funny but for some reason with my twisted sense of reality I usually hear the start of that dang fool joke, when I’m up to my butt in muck and mire.
--My wife figures it's because I’m a addle minded old fool. But all it is really is a kind of stop gap I use to keep me from going all whack a doodle and shaking my fist while cursing the universe.
--Most of the times it works, and when it doesn't I just start humming round the mulberry bush. If that doesn't force me to crack a smile. Then I usually just sigh and shake my head. Because I know I’m in for a long day. Which for some reason usually produces a smile  or too. Come to think of it maybe I am a tad addle minded. But then again after razing four children and dealing with the various amount of pets we've had over the years. Not to mention what ever else the universe decided to throw at us being addle minded is the lest of my worries.....

PSYCHIC PARENTING....

--Trying to see potential problem's before they arrive. And nipping them in the butt is almost like psychic parenting.
--For every one you catch sometimes it seems you always miss one or two, telling yourself you'll catch the next one.
--For years this was a constant conundrum in our house with four children running at times in four different directions.
--But with a whole lot of patience and working together my wife and I are  able to make sure the little darlings survive the majority of what at times seem to be death defying tangents with minimal injuries.
--I guess it just goes to show what a little working together can accomplish.....

IT'S NICE TO BE NEEDED....

--Sometimes it seems the only time children want to hear what a old pink hat wearing fool has to say is when their up to there butt in muck and mire. The rest of the time it's usually a case of humor the old fool and hurry back the their corners and submerge themselves in what ever virtual conquests are up for the day.
--But hey if there’s one thing I’m not is picky I’ll take what i can get .Especially when it comes to my dang fool addle minded children.
--If anything I remember the years of trying to start conversations with children doing really bad mime imitations who used shoulder shrugs, eyeball rolling, and slow yawns as a form of communicating all through their teenage years. So like I said I’m just happy they finally returned to using words to communicate.
--Of course the real fun begins when you try to figure out what in Sam hill happened to make their dang fool computer act up. Then it's once again back the trenches with the dang fool mime imitations.
--But with a little patience things usually work themselves out. And for the short time it lasts its nice to be needed.....

WHACK A DOODLE WING NUTS....

--I’ve always been a sucker for those weird little darlings of the animal world who more or less march to their own beat. Why I have no idea because some of their shenanigans can start me to talking to myself even before my day has hardly progressed.
--Case in point hooking waffles to a leash attached to the porch just outside the front door usually is a simple matter. On days when I get up feeling like I’ve been wailed on with a bag of rocks all night waffles will find the most mundane things to wrap that dang fool leash around so I’m forced to drag my achy butt out into the night to go find the little fool. And then spend a good ten to fifteen getting him untangled.
--Now don't get me wrong I love the little fool but someday he really makes me work at it.
--But I guess maybe that’s what it all about in a way. Having to constantly be reminded of just why it is you love the whack a doodles in your life.....

A GOOD GAME OF WHACK A MOLE....

--For a fella who was never fond of playing games, I sure seem to constantly find myself caught up in other peoples dang fool games.
--I always figured life was to short to be playing games. I’d rather get out there and experience a little of what life had to offer. Not that I begrudge those who like to spend every spare moment entrenched in various games. I figure to each his/her own. Life’s hard enough if it helps them get through the lows more power to them. I just wish they’d leave me the Sam hill out of their games. The only time my griddle gets a little corked is when they try to drag me into their virtual existence. But like everything I’m finding as long as I keep on my toes I can catch the little darling before they gets started and gently let them know I’m not interested in playing.
--Of course like everything in life this requires allot of patience. Something I’m learning with each passing day. In the mean time it kind of like being trapped in a giant game of whack a mole you never know when the little darling will pop up….

HERE WE GO AGAIN....

--Once again a bunch whack a doodles are making a statement as to just how far from reality they are. And once again the world is outraged.
--Why does it always take the senseless slaughter of more innocents to wake the world up to the fact that whack a doodles are in fact whack a doodles and not a misunderstood group.
--Hopefully this time we'll realize just what in Sam hill were dealing and stop listening to all the Politically correct Shenanigans about being a group just trying to foster peace. And realize just what in Sam Hill were dealing with.
--I don't know about you-all but I’m praying this is the last time. And maybe the wonderland minions can stop fighting among themselves long enough to try to find a solution to this mess…

UP DOWN EARLY MORNING GO AROUND....

--If there’s one thing I’ve learned even the most worst morning can be changed with a single step.
--Like everything it seems that first step of the day lays the foundation for what the rest of the day will be like.
--Usually before I venture very far along I smile and whisper no matter what I’m going to have a good day. Which is kind of hard to do when you spend most of the night taking cat naps, because for some reason you bed feel like you've been sleeping on a pile of rocks all night.
--And of course for some dang fool reason taking a stand lies you open for every little gremlin with a mind filled with shenanigans. With you in there sights.
--But I will say one thing it does provide for very eventful days which in the end is probably better than being trapped in the same old same old mode of thinking….

JUNK MAIL....

--The only time I really don’t mind the trip to the mailbox is around Christmas time. Usually even the junk mail has a Christmas theme.
--Oh it doesn't make the trip any easier it just gives you something to look at on the way back.
--Of course reading flyers while using a cane isn't probably the best idea. But I’ve never been accused of being the brightest bulb in the box .
--Probably part of the reason I have to use the dang fool cane in the first place.
--But like I said the Christmas theme is nice to look at and makes that dang fool walk to the mailbox a little more bearable..

COLD FLOOR WAKE-UP....

--There's something about bare feet on a cold floor that just reaches into your brain pan and snaps you right awake.
--Of course the whiplash that results is usually enough to get you up and moving it kind hangs around a bit to remind just what in Sam hill socks are for.
--Myself I prefer warm feet in the morning, and hot coffee in the cup.
--When neither one is readily available the wait can be mind numbing, but like all things seems waiting is all in how you look at it.....

RUMBLES IN THE NIGHT....

--As a rule I try not to make to much out of rumbles in the night. A stray whisper or misstep can be taken so many ways its like a red flag for a over active imagination.
--My wife and children are under the impression that every rumble is nothing less then the prelim to a zombie invasion. Sometimes its like a Marx brothers movie around out house at night. What with all creeks and groans and whispers flying about.
--When the children were younger and established bedtimes were the norm it was a lot more manageable. Now it seems staying up till all hours is more the flavor of the day.
--But being young only comes around once so we try not to be to critical of the little darlings. Besides mother nature has a way of smoothing out the edges of rebellion over the course of time. And I’ve found her to be quite a motivator when a parents words fall on deaf ears.
--Of course its not the best plan but, neither is chasing that dang fool monkey around the mulberry bush. And to my way of thinking that game was played long enough when the little darling were younger.
--Of course my wife just gives me one of her looks when I whisper the first few verses of round the mulberry bush. Because she knows how much I really hate that dang fool game.
--In the end with a wee bit of patience things return to a some what balanced playing field. And we don’t get stuck chasing any monkeys which is a two for in my book.....

ROLLING UP YOUR SLEEVES....

--Wearing short sleeve shirts is easier than rolling up your sleeves when its time to down business. Or so I’ve been told.
--Myself I wear short sleeve shirt because no matter how hard I try to keep the dang fool things rolled up they always seem to fall down.
--On a hot day there nothing that corks my griddle faster than having stop what I’m doing to roll up my dang fool sleeves…..

MAYBE IT'S JUST ME....

--But it seems kind of hard to make much progress dragging every mistake you ever made around in a basket like they were precious jewels to be taken out from time to polished.
--Myself I prefer to try and learn from the dang fool things and leave them in the past where they belong.
--I have never been able to understand why some people spend so much time lugging that dang fool basket around. But I respect their right to do what helps get them through the day.
--I just wish they would keep better track of it so I wouldn't so much time tripping over the dang fool thing. But I guess like everything in life a little patience goes along way towards spotting things before you trip over them....

A DAY TO REMEMBER....

--Seems a shame that were confined to just one day being set aside to remember all those who served our country. But I guess in this fast paced way of life were in were lucky to have that set aside.
--To those who cry foul at having a day set aside, I say shame on you. But obviously you have no shame or you wouldn't be complaining about a day to honor those who served and sacrificed for your freedoms.
--And to those who served I thank you for being there and willing to make the sacrifice so we all can enjoy the freedom of living in the greatest country of all. May god bless you and each of your families as we take this day to remember you in the USA.....

IT'S HARD, BUT NOT IMPOSSIBLE....

--Sometimes it seems the hardest things always seem impossible when looking at the whole picture. Its when you concentrate on one point and work your way out you find it wasn't as hard as you thought.
--Of course trying to share that thought with four children in this day in age is proving to be a wee bit of a mind bender.
--Especially since we seem to be caught in something of a conundrum when it comes to common sense lately. Not to mention being blessed with the attention span of a nit when it comes to carrying on a conversation.
--But like everything with a little bit of patience it seems even the most harden rock wears down with a rivers gentle caress.....

LEAF'S GALORE....

--I suppose when we thought about where in Sam hill to plant a maple tree next to the porch seemed like a good idea at the time. Especially on a hot day the shade comes in handy.
--Of course like everything there’s usually a downside to every plus. But you take the good with the bad.
--One of the dang fool annoying sides of having the maple tree next to the porch is the leaves in the fall. There’s a ton and they fall every where, including the porch. Which wouldn't be so bad but every time you open the door they blow into the kitchen.
--I’ll say one thing it makes for a bit of floor sweeping trying to keep the dang fools things up. Which is probably why my wife keeps asking me what in Sam hill the leaf rake is doing in the kitchen…

THE WAITING GAME....

--As a rule I hate waiting. Which is funny because it seems like I spend most of my time waiting for some dang fool reason or another.
--You would think being a parent would have taught patience in the waiting department. But it never did. If anything as I get older it seems I’m getting more impatient.
--My wife of course has the patience of a Tibetan monk when it comes to waiting.
--Myself I’m working on it but like everything in life it seems its all a waiting game. Come to think of it I never really much liked games either....

JUST WHAT YOU WANTED....

--I love the fact when we work real hard to get what it is we think we want. We find that somewhere in the process it sort of lost it's appeal.
--Somewhere in the process of building up our expectations another factor reared its head and whispered peek a boo.
--The disappoint spread by the little gremlin can be a tad annoying. But only if taken the wrong way I’ve found.
--When the little darling starts his shenanigans with me I know I’m usually in for a case of be careful of what you wish for because most times you will get what you need.....

A LITTLE BIT OF HOT AIR....

--Depending on the time and place it can be a comfort, or the straw that brakes the camels back.
--Its always amazed me that something so simple can have such impact on the way a day progresses.
--Then again a monkey throwing wrenches usually has the biggest effect on things. So why should a little bit of hot air be any different.
--In the end it all boils down to our willingness to keep our eye on the prize and not become distracted by what we can't control....

WALKING THE BOUNDARIES....

--Over the years we've had o deal with or share of conundrums. Mostly they seem to revolve around the delusion held by a select few that every time the sunrises it's time to walk their boundaries and proclaim themselves ruler of their space.
--I’ve never been fond of bullies, and when it comes to petty arguments about who rules what territory. Lets just say it's a small house and I’ve found that one divided makes it seem allot smaller.
--Needless to say certain types find this unacceptable. And constantly want to carve out mini kingdom's. Fighting over the most mind bending things its enough to drive a Tibetan monk to talking to himself.
--Myself I just start cleaning and changing the furniture around until the shenanigans burn themselves out. The sense of family that’s results afterwards is well worth the wait.....

THE LESSER OF TWO EVILS....

--When all your choices are pretty grim, picking the lesser of two evils is usually the best you can do. 
--For some reason I’ve always found this to be a rather whack a doodle way of deciding things but it seems given the sad state of affairs in life this is what were being left with.
--Along with grim choices it seems were also being forced to jump endless hurtles before were able to make any choices at all.
--Which is a shame because maybe its just me but I think somebody fell asleep during history class in school. Sooner or later people are going to get tired of this dang fool game and that’s when the other shoe is going to drop.
--But what in Sam hill do I know I’m just a pink hat wearing old fool who’s getting tired of being treated like a circus dog instead of a citizen of this great country of ours….

SOGGY BOTTOM SUNRISE....

--I’m sure the inventor of plastic lawn furniture can rest easy with the fact they fulfilled their objective. Low cost durable furniture. Or what ever in Sam hill there supposed to be.
--Myself I’ve found them to be a tad uncomfortable for prolonged sitting. And depending on the time of day a wee bit chilly. Not to mention that a person of good proportions might have a few problems getting out of the dang fool thing's.
--When it's the only game in town of course you make the best of what you have. Remembering the deficiency’s and making the best of it.
--Finding out after you sat down that a chair was a little damp is a unpleasant experience. Along with finding out you have to suffer through a soggy bottom waiting for the dang fool sun to rise.
--But in the end it's worth it, and it is a rather invigorating way to wake up in the early morning.....

LAZY EYED SENTINEL....

--Waiting for the dogs to do there business this morning I couldn’t help but notice the owl watching every move from atop of a cherry tree that grows next to the porch.
--At first glance it looked like the stuffed owl my wife had for sale in the yard sale. I thought perhaps she hung it in the tree. But I remembered she said she sold it. Of course the fact the little fella moved his head was kind a clue to but what can i say at 3;00am in the morning I’m a little slow.
--The dogs didn't really pay the fella much attention and the cats who hang around the house once they realized I wasn't lunging food out to them lost interest in the party and faded back to where ever they were sleeping before being woke up.
--When the dogs were done I waved to the owl and closed the door shaking my head. It was nice to know there was somebody keeping a eye on thing s out there I guess. Even if it was a owl with a lazy eye....

FOLLOWING THE SIGNS....

--Usually when I get lost its because I was distracted some where along the way and missed a sign. Most of the time this isn't really a problem because along with the curse of more bucket than brains I’ve been blessed with a pretty good sense of direction. As a result I can find my way to my original destination. Of course having a map in the glove box helps too.
--My wife of course usually ends up shaking her head because I really don't like traveling on the main roads. And will usually come up with a alternative route to where ever it is we need to go taking back roads with less traffic.
--Over the years we've seen allot of pretty country. And missed allot of the high speed shenanigans of the me me crowd. Which is a two for in my book.....

SWITCHING GEARS....

--The space and time between the transition is sticky at times. But with a little maintenance and careful nudging even a old transmission can be nursed along. Or so I was once told by a old garage mechanic. He was right of course the car in question lasted for quite awhile before finally quitting.
--Like the transmission in the old car I once had I’m finding with the constant  shenanigans of dear old mother nature it's requiring allot of gentle nudging hear and there just to keep these old creaky bones upright and moving about.
--I do find it quite funny at times when a new ping or rattle comes along and tries to throw a monkey wrench into the works. It makes for a bit of a trying experience. But as along as I remember to ease of a bit until the rhythm can be restored I’m usually fine,
--My wife just shakes her head when she sees me whispering towards the sky and mumbling. Because she knows I’m usually in the middle of dealing with a new rattle. but like everything in life with a little patience and practice things have a way of working themselves out....

THERE'S STRANGE AND THEN THERE'S STRANGE....

--When it comes to being amazed it really doesn't take much for me. I’ve always had a knack for finding thing's to scratch my head in wonder over. Getting older has if anything provided me with more and more opportunities. Some day’s just getting around is like walking with constant vertigo.
--Of course sitting around contemplating all the strange happening lately would if anything toss even the most hardened person into a tizzy. Especially because everyone is so quick to follow the piped piper of normal-ism. And not use the common sense their born with.
--Usually in the course of the day I find myself remembering the simple rules of life. And quite literally using them for a guide through the maze of these strange news days. It's not much but when it gets down to brass tacks and nails I find it's better than just wondering adrift in a constant sea of vertigo….

PLAYING CATCH-UP....

--Weekends used to be easy. Now it seems there mostly used for catching up on things missed during the week. Which is probably good because other wise you start the week with a cloud hanging over your head. And who wants a cloud hanging over there head especially on a Monday, which are hard enough.
--Of course confining everything to two day's for catch-up is wee bit of a pain. Mostly for those under the impression that weekends are for lounging around. But with a little convincing its amazing what you can accomplish.
--One thing I do find helpful is keeping a running list of things and potential problems that need to be taken care of during the week. It helps keep the dang fool catch-up days more under control.
--Of course the children are glad to see the old weekend come to pass. As they head off to their corners. And I do smile when I say goodnight. Because they've all had a few days of working together. Now if I could just get them to take a crack at the rest of the week working together, maybe we could find other uses for our dang fool weekends....

CONSTANT REMINDERS....

--To my way of thinking you don't need constant reminder's to know your standing on a ledge looking over a awfully big hole. Somewhere there's a voice in the back of your head whispering easy does it fella.
--But some people are not happy unless they wave their signs and start with the end is near chicken little chanting.
--While I suppose it takes all kinds to make this old world spin. And I respect everyone's right to practice as he pleases. It does get a tad annoying getting walloped on the head with those dang fool signs every time something happens to set the chicken little cavalry of on a rant. If the little darling’s would take a deep breath and count to ten the rest of the story usually appears forth coming. And everything is explained a little better.
--For some reason that remains unclear puppet strings are being pulled to enact this whack a doodle chicken little response. Seems to me I’d be more worried about what in sam hill shenanigans were behind this.
--But what do I know I’m just a pink hat wearing old fool who's getting tired of getting walloped on the head with those dang fool signs every time he turns around....

UNWELCOME WELCOME COMMITTEE....

--It's a strange thing about cats and dog for that matter. While they can be generally quite pleasant when friends and or relative stop by for a visit. Let one or two lonely little mice cross the threshold of your home and you find yourself with a pack of snarling banshees on your hands.
--Of course there strange desire to protect usually revolves around their own bowels of food. Oh once in awhile there come along long a cat who just loves catching the dang fool things. But mostly I’ve noticed lately with the latest batch they seem to only get excited when its their bowels of food that come under attack. Sort of makes you wonder if the me me attitude has crossed over into the animal kingdom.....

NURSING A FIRE.....

--One of the things I learned from experience was there’s no faster way to put a fire out than pouring a bucket of water on it. Stirring the coals and pouring more water on that.
--It always amazed me how something so hard to create sometimes especially if the wind is blowing or the wood is wet, is so dang easy to put out.
--When I became a parent I quickly realized there was allot of different kinds of fire. As a parent I had to be very careful where and how I treated them. Because once extinguished they would very hard to rekindle.
--Over the years I’ve watched and nursed quite a few fires. Seen some slowly being put out. And tried to rebuild quite a few.
--Some I was forced to stand buy and watch slowly go out. Because of a mandated interference by a organization that supposedly was in place to kindle fires. But somehow fell short, because of shear inability to accept the purpose of their original conception. Instead turning a blind eye to anything and everything that fell out of bonds of the so called norm.
--Others went out on there own from lack of attention and spark. And others I’ve tried desperately to nurse back to life
--I will say one thing, the fire in a Child's eyes is one of the most beautiful sights this old pink hat wearing fool has come across. It warms the heart more than any fire I’ve started on a cold snowy night.....

NIGHT SOUNDS....

--Funny thing about night sounds they all fall into one of two categories. Recognizable and unrecognizable. Of course the trouble usually starts when you start hearing the ones you don't recognize.
--Now if there’s one thing I’ve learned its a lot easier to go investigate before things get out of control than it is after. Because usually your to dang busy fixing what ever the Sam hill went whack a doodle.
--So usually the nights are filled with waking every two hours but also checking thing are running  up to snuff before going back to sleep. Its a wacky way of doing things but it has stopped a couple of potential problem's from becoming full blown so I kind of stick with what works.
--Besides what sleep that’s missed is can easily replaced with a quick nap. After all it seems to work for those dang fool cats…..

WARM WINDY RAINY NIGHTS....

--I suppose if I had my druthers I’d rather a warm windy rainy night .As opposed to being bone tingling cold, windy and rainy. Either way your going to get wet it might just as well be warm as opposed to cold and wet. But maybe that’s just me.
--Of course I will say one thing about dogs it doesn't seem to swing either way. They just don't like the whole mixture one way or another. Which is a shame because when a impasse is reached it usually swings my way. For the simple reason I’m not fond of mopping up their shenanigans when they decide to leave me treats on the kitchen floor.
--When it comes to dogs in general I’ve always been more than a little perplexed. For some things they'll bark like a possessed banshee. And other thing's they'll pretend to be deaf dumb and blind. Like having to go do their business on a rainy night. In allot of ways they remind me of allot of people I know.
--Needless to say I’ve come to the conclusion that the only way to keep up on their shenanigans to keep them on a tight schedule. Again like allot of people I know.
--But like everything in life for every low point there’s more than a few high points to balance things out. Just in good morning Howdy's and where in the Sam hill have you been welcome’s when you return from being out and about. To make it worth have the lovable little whack a doodle’s around....