LITTLE BALL OF SNOW....

--It always amazes me the pictures that get painted in a wind swept yard. Like clouds over head you can find some of the most beautiful thing's painted if you stand back and look.
--When the children were little I used to point out some of the picture's and after awhile the would find their own.
--Now of course they seem to have forgotten those little excursion into the land of imagination and prefer to spend their time in the land of virtual.
--Myself I still take a gander or to when time permits. Much to my wife's dismay. Guess she’s still waiting for an old fool to fly right and be normal for a change. But I have noticed her looking a time or to. And even on a occasion spotting something I missed.
--So I guess in the long run it's not as bad as all that. It's not really how you run the race but who's running by your side that counts the most....

THE BEAUTIFUL MORNING MUSIC....

--Say what you will about our different types of music, I’m sure they all have merit. And to those who love each I say good for you. It’s always good to have something to sing along to.
--Myself I find the sound of a coffee pot brewing a symphony of morning delight. the sound of that first cup being poured lets me know the days starting of just right.
--As far as the rest well I’ll leave that to those who know more than me.
--But I will say the most catchy tune I’ve heard in awhile is the gentle sound the wind makes as it blows across a snow crusted yard. But hey what do I know.
--Music isn't always packaged in pretty paper, or squawking out of speaker’s. For some reason we seem to have forgotten it's all around us if only we take the time to listen.
--Sort of makes you wonder what else we've forgotten along the way while were distracted with our do dads and what nots.....

JUST A MOMENT....

--Taking a few seconds, in a otherwise busy morning to appreciate the beauty of the day. Is allot like looking at a art collection. The mental recharge is well worth the price of admission.
--My wife shakes her head when she finds me starring of into space. And usually will leave me to it. Because she realized early on getting a straight answer as to what I was thinking, wasn't worth the hassle.
--It's not that I spend all my time staring out the window, but on occasion I will take a few moments to appreciate the beauty of the day where ever we might be. And some of my answer's over the years probably were head scratchers at best.
--So now when I’m off on a train of thought she just waits patiently for me at the train station.
--Of course the children have no such restraint, and have suffered some of the most long winded sermons as a result. And have finally come to the conclusion that if you want to keep the old man off His soap box it's best to leave the old fool alone when He's off on a train of thought.....

BIRDS OF A FEATHER....

--We've all heard the old saying, and probably smiled the first few times we heard it. Like everything I suppose over use brought the tired sighs and rolling eyes over time.
--Myself I like the little twists that life often throws our way and we don't even notice them because were to busy. And they often go over looked.
--Like a Crow, a Flinch, and a Blue jay sitting on a branch deep in conversation with a Squirrel watching on the next branch over.
--Sort of makes you wonder what else we might be missing while we amble along about our way....

BAKING COOKIES AND REARRANGING....

--Baking cookies brings everyone together. Which is a perfect time to slide a little something extra into the mix.
--The worse time to find out something is past it's good date is when your trying finish dinner and had counted on that something to go with it.
--As a result over the years while my wife and daughter usually bake the cookies. The boys and I go the cupboards checking expiration dates.
--Since my wife usually gets a craving to bake something up at lest once a month we usually can keep up on those pesky expiration dates.
--Of course the boys are not to impressed with the whole thing. So ever once in awhile we’ll switch off. But as long as we work together everything usually works out. And that’s more or less what we were trying for in the first place....

LITTLE PATCHES OF ICE....

--They may be little but the little fellows can quickly get your attention if you get distracted while out and about. One misstep and it's fall on our butt city for sure.
--Of course spending all your time looking for the little darlings sort of detracts from the beauty of a little  warming trend. So somewhere a balance has to be achieved.
--In a way it sort of reminds me of listening to all hullabaloo of the current news reports.
--With all the beauty out there why is it we only hear about the little patches of ice. Sort of makes you wonder just who's distracting who.....

THE SAME THING EVERYDAY WITH A TWIST....

--When it comes down to brass tack and nails, you’ll find me at the front of the line complaining about the same old same old.
--But like an old fool I also recognize the usefulness of the dang fool routine. And the necessity of sticking with it especially in a tiny house filled with whack a doodle's.
--So usually my morning's are filled with mumble's of round the mulberry bush as I go around and take care of all those tiny thing's, that left unattended will come back and bite me in the butt.
--That's not to say from time to time I won't give it a little shake-up. But usually I just run through and take care of them so I can get the dang fool day started.
--Along the way of course I often myself catching a few of the many blessing that are often overlooked on those days when the morning routine is skipped. Which provides for quite the early morning mental recharge. Which is usually enough to get me through those one step at time days....

THE LIST....

--Keeping a list of what your looking for when you go shopping is like a life preserver in the ocean. It keeps you a float and gives you time to make your way to the checkout without drowning on the way.
--For some reason we often forget that and end up with everything but what we were looking for in the first place.
--Like most habit's, this chain can be broken with a little patience. And of course working together is a must. The two thing's that seem to be a foreign concept in this day and age.
--But like I said it's amazing what you remember when you take the time to look at the big picture and not all the spark lies along the way....

PRE-PROGRAMMED RESPONSE'S....

--The new ear has begun and now the race is on it seems. Christmas has been moved to the clearance rack, and valentines day is front and center. And so goes the cycle.
--For next few months it'll be a race to see who can get more of the jingle before the next ball drops.
--The bill's are a coming with their little jump's attached for this and that. Same great service and some barely at that. No reason of course for the extra little hoops. Why bother to explain to the pre-programmed dupes.
--We've become accustomed to the whole great big mess, and that's where the problem does lie.
--Don't try looking for answer's because they’ve taken care of that as well. You need a translator when you visit customer service and those seven gates of the land down under.
--Of course cutting back help's, and so does a prayer or two. Keeping in mind that old nursery rhyme when the going gets tough. Whatever it take's it always gets you though.
--So here's to another's year of round the mulberry bush we go. As the try with all their might to keep us in sight.....

SATURDAY MORNING CLEANUP....

--Saturday morning's are catch-up day’s. At lest for me. Catch-up a little sleep, key word being little. Because in a house filled with enough whack a doodle's to fill a Loony toons cartoon that's about all your going to get.
--Usually I grab my coffee and head for a neutral corner where I wait for the sun and count the few precious moments before the fun starts.
--Then of course it's off to Toon town to try and round up the shenanigans and head off a repeat performance.
--About the third cup of coffee goes down while swinging a mop and broom, and looking for the duster and vacuum cleaner.
--By noon it's time to round of the morning of with a rousing rendition of round the mulberry bush.
--Of course usually everyone stays the Sam hill out of the old man’s way. Except the wife of course who might casually mention it might be nice to change the furniture around.
--When the sun finally set's it's been a full day and everyone is tired and a little confused. But hey that’s half the fun of a cleanup day....

LOVELY LITTLE FIELD OF WHITE....

--Say what you will about blanket's of white, I prefer the one's with little patches of green or brown who just refuse to lie down. Even though there's plenty of snow to more than cover everything about.
--Maybe it's the abnormal fellow deep inside, who just can't seem to get with the program. But when I see those lonely little island's I can't keep the smile from my face and whisper a silent little prayer for the rebels of nature and may they always be there. To remind it's ok not to follow the crowd and take a stand, here and there.
--In fact rather than being a freak of nature, they add a little something special to the big picture. And myself I’m kind of glad that they do.
--Because quite frankly it make's the big picture all the more interesting. And that I find is what makes life really matter....

OLD SONGS, AND OLD MOVIES....

--From time to time it's nice to revisit some of the old thing's in our life. Like old friends they remind of day’s gone by, and blessing long forgotten.
--While I’m not much for the old song's, my wife has her favorites and from time to time while out and about she'll pop a CD or two in. I usually hum along because the are kind of catchy, and she really does enjoy the whole thing.
--When it comes to old movie's my wife, usually will laugh along because we pretty much find the same thing's funny.
--Of course the children just shake their heads as the amble by because they know it's going to be a long night.....

BEST OF FRIENDS....

--When the weather becomes a little colder, it’s amazing how much to sworn enemies can find in common. staying warm takes more of their attention than fighting over just who is the Alpha Male.
--Such seems to be the case with the two whack a doodle male cats that hang around our house. Gone is the constant fighting, and now it's more of a hey can I sit next to you so we can stay warm attitude.
--Sort of makes you wonder if we could take a lesson or two from the animal kingdom.
--I do know the children seem to get along a tad better when the weather becomes a little chilly. And the wife and I well, a chilly night and a Hallmark movie is just the excuse we need to snuggle up under a warm blanket….

SLIPPING AND SLIDING....

--I’m always amazed at just how much we take for granted all the little thing's that make our lives easier.
--Remote control’s, that enable us to change channels without having to get up. Microwaves that give us a quicker way to cook. I could go on but the list is endless.
--When any of those little do dad's brake down or become lost you’d think it was the end of the world.
--Of course back in the stone age as my children love to point out, when I was born. We didn't have all those do dad's and what not. So it's kind of easy for old timer's to fall back into the doing with out thinking. Sort of makes you wonder if maybe we've come to depend on the easiness of life a little to much.....

EVEN CATS HAVE A SENSE OF HUMOR....

--Standing in the rain is not really my idea of a good time. Trying to hook a dog to a leash in the dark while it's raining, well you get the idea.
--Of course when you finally get the dog hooked and head back into the house and the dang fool porch light comes on just before you push the front door open. Let’s just say I couldn't help but smile. Because at lest I knew everything was going to be a normal day.
--For some dang fool reason it seems just about everything in our house has a sense of humor.
--When I did get in the house I found the normal quiet cat sitting on the table licking his paw and giving himself a bath.
--Now I can't prove it but I know the little fool has been turning the light of on me for the past couple of weeks.
--My wife says I’m goofy and imagining things. And I’d probably go along with her except for the pile of hair left on the fire place next to the porch light. And dang fool’s grinning face when I finally stumble into the kitchen.
--Why this cat loves to see me stumbling around in the dark I have no idea. But I do know one thing some dang fool cats seem to have a weird sense of humor.
--But like everything else in life I’ve learned to wait patiently for karma to catch up to the little fool of life. Or for them to get bored and find another game to play with somebody else....

SNOW COVERED FROSTY TREE'S....

--As a rule I’m not particularly fond of frosty morning's. I find them to be a bit of a pain in the neck. And a real trial trying to use a cane while watching where in Sam hill I’m going.
--But I will say they are pretty as all get out. And will take your breath away if you take the time to let it.
--Of course hanging out for to long makes for a bit of a stiff walk back to the house but the mental recharge is well worth the discomfort. And these day a mental recharge of an kind is well worth it.....

CUTTING A CAKE....

--Cutting a cake into small pieces, takes more work but is better in the long run because it spreads the promise of desert out. Sometimes promises of desert yet to come are better on a cold day than a plate full of cake crumbs.
--Of course changing your way of thinking is hard but looking at the big picture helps a tad.
--Convincing others of this fact is a battle, because it seems we've become to wrapped up in the me me thought process .
--But it’s amazing what a little patience and a few more days of cake can accomplish....

ROUNDING UP THE STRAYS....

--Keeping ahead of the heard requires rounding up the strays from time to time. And forcing the little darling to keep in line.
--Of course from time to time you find the same dang fool tripping up the whole process.
--After the first few time's you notice a pattern stating to emerge so you go back and try to nip it in the bud before it start's.
--The whole thing take’s allot of patience like everything else in life. But in the end it's worth it because the darlings start to keep up, and your not running around in circles chasing the same dang fools all over the place again and again....

THE LOOK IN THOSE EYE'S....

--Chasing rainbows is kind of like waiting to be patted on the back for a job well done. Usually your better of chasing rainbows. At lest there's the promise of gold if your lucky.
--Myself after man years of waiting I decided life was to short. And decided that as long as the fellow in the mirror nodded ever once in awhile that was enough.
--As a result I usually give myself a pat on the back for a job well done. which usual cause's a few heads to turn. But hey it sure beats waiting around and it's allot easier than chasing rainbows....

THE JACK AND JILL CONUNDRUM....

--I know we've all heard the story. The two little darling's had a simple job and because of one misstep ended up in a pileup instead.
--Sort of makes you wonder what would have happened if the worked together for bit.
--Of course that would have required putting aside their differences long enough to get the job done. Although simple in concept, seems to be hard for people even now.
--Sort of makes you wonder if thing's have changed so much after all....

THE FINE ART OF COMPROMISE....

--One of the things I learned over the Years was it's always good to have a backup plan.
--In a house that's in a constant state of chicken little mode, if you need coffee before you can wakeup. You might want to make sure you have a pot waiting for you when you open our eyes.
--Children and pets idea of compromise is fulfilling their needs first. Once in awhile if Your lucky they’ll take turns. But most times their all yelling for your attention at the same time.
--Which really isn't to bad, but is easier to endure with a little coffee.....

SOMETIME BEFORE DAWN....

--Usually moving about in the hours before dawn are quite the test of both patience and balance.
--Some day good, some days not so good.
--The one thing that amazes me is what you can get used to.
--And yes it makes you appreciate all those little blessing that come in the course of the day. Even if they turn out to be misjudged doorways, or coffee tables in the half pre-dawn light....

FROSTY MORNING SUNRISE....

--Watching the sunrise fill a frosty window pane with sparkles is such a pretty sight. You almost forget the chill in the air.
--It's amazing really and one of the thing's I actually enjoy about a frosty morning sunrise.
--It sure as Sam hill isn't the cool breeze that blows up inside your coat when you go to take a couple of whack a doodle dogs out to do their business each morning.
--But he I guess it's all in how you look at it. It is one way to wake-up. And sure beats a cool dip in a mountain steam….

FRESH RAIN SMELL....

--Like a cool frosty morning a fresh rain smell in the morning has it's own little howdy. They both have a tendency to set the old brain pan afire with welcome delight.
--My wife of course again thinks I’m goofy about the whole thing. Probably because when buying laundry detergent the other day I was disappointed when the one that was supposed to smell like fresh rain didn't live up to it's name. And won't get of the subject for a while.
--But I will say when the finally figure out how to bottle either of those smells I’ll probably be the first in line. Because it sure makes my day to be greeted by either of those smells in the morning.....

PUFFY THE PREHISTORIC KITTY....

--Every morning like clockwork puffy shows up on he porch railing waiting patiently for his morning share of breakfast.
--Now that cold weather is here His normal puffy fur has grown into a full winter coat. Which makes Him look like something drawn by cavemen. All He really needs is a couple of long teeth to complete the picture.
--Where He came from we’re not really sure. But I will say for such a puffy little fellow He sure has a mellow disposition. Along with Peek He has to have His morning petting.
--Which I’m more than happy to provide. I figure it's better to be safe than sorry when dealing with prehistoric looking kitties early in the morning.....

SOMETIMES SIMPLE REALLY IS BETTER....

--A simple hug most often will say more than a whole book full of words. Proving once again sometimes simple really is better.
--Why is it for all our advancement we seem to forget just how much power is in such a simple thing.
--Sort of makes you wonder what else we've forgotten along the way....

THE ONE TRIP TWO STEP....

--Trying to figure out how to combine all of your business out and about into one trip, is like trying to get fireflies to blink at the same time. Probably possible but I’m pretty sure it doesn't happen very often.
--And so it is with the one trip two step. For all the figuring there always seems to be that one thing that gets over looked.
--So far we've been lucky keeping thing's down to one trip. But I also know enough about fate to accept the fact that it's going to be along year and sooner our later were going to be off on another errand because we forgot something.
--It’s fun to try though and that's what life's about I guess looking for those little victories where you can find them....

LEARNING TO SHARE....

--Every morning like clockwork 2 cat's go through the same routine. Eat their fill and then fight over the same bench in front of the window. Before coming to a compromise and sharing the dang fool thing.
--You would think they’d get more window time if they put their little game on hold but apparently it's just one of those things the have to go through each morning.
--Sort of makes you wonder if for all our advancement if maybe we haven’t progressed much further than a couple of old tomcats fighting over a bench in front of a window.
--Myself I figure there's more to life than fighting all the time. And gladly give up the bench because quite frankly sunshine is everywhere. Not just on the dang fool benches of life....

INSPIRATION COMES IN ALL SIZES....

--Keeping a open mind to the possibilities of just where the day might lead you, is like looking for deer late at night. A endless job but very comforting when the day is done.
--Not only do you spot those little bit's of inspiration but sometimes if you listen are able to actually let them inspire you along the way.
--Of course the flip side is just ambling along with your nose to the grind stone missing out and forcing the little darling to make another call.
--While this can be good, most times I’ve found the end result not to be very comforting all. They tend to get a tad impatient, if they have to make another visit. And the end result can be a tad jolting....

FROSTY MORNING WAKE-UP....

--Say what you will about the wonder's of that first cup of coffee and it's ability to chase sleepiness away. But for the last few days I’ve found stepping out side on a frosty morning more of a wake up.
--That's not to say coffee isn't greatly needed it just hasn't been proving up to snuff as far as being able to provide the amount of jolt needed to chase sleep anywhere but deeper into these tired old bones.
--Sort of makes you wonder if maybe the coffee in the morning thing has become ritual that has seen it's day.
--Of course I’m sure like all thing's it'll probably pass with a little patience. In the mean time I’ll stick with what seems to work. Because quite frankly I’m to dang old to be switching gears this late in the game.....

POLLY WADDLE DOODLE DAY'S....

--I like Polly waddle doodle day’s, because not only are the fun. But usually your the only one enjoying them. Which is a two for to say the lest.
--While everybody else is teetering on and in chicken little mode your just ambling along humming poll waddle doodle all day long. Having a good day.
--Now most time's this will go unnoticed, but on those occasion when it is it's kind of fun to watch the expressions on people's faces as you walk by enjoying your good day. While they run around in circle’s loosing their  minds.
--Of course my wife has gotten used to my addle minded shenanigans over the years. Even she has learn to hang it up and just roll with it on Polly waddle doodle days. Because she knows you just can't get a old pink hat wearing fool to focus when he's having a really good day....

BUTTING HEADS WITH GREMLINS....

--For some reason it reminds me of the whack a mole game hopped up on caffeine. Every time you think you’ve got the little boogers down for the count another one pops up to say,” Howdy“.
--Some days it seems a fellow could wear out 3 pair's of elbows just keeping the little boogers down.
--Like all thing's with patience and the right amount of inspiration it is possible to get the game to a draw at lest.
--But if there's one thing I’ve learned just about the time you figured their down for the count that's when you should keep a extra eye pealed because the little darling's are usually planning something.
--Of course my wife just shakes her head when I start mumbling about being trapped in a giant game of whack a mole. But if there’s one thing I've learned over the years it's to keep my eye’s open as I amble along.....

WAFFLES GOOD MORNING DANCE....

--I don't know how waffles does it but every morning He manages to do a little dance that’s half way between a backwards wiggle and a hop. Frankly I’m not quite sure what in Sam hill it is. But He sure puts a lot of effort into it.
--It's just one of the many things the little fool does to put a smile on my face through out the day.
--Of course there’s the slightly annoying things to, but like everybody we all have are annoying things we do.
--I will say one thing. The difference between annoying and cute is usually how you look at things. Which like most things is a fine line......

PRE WINTER CLEANUP....

--The best time to pick up the yard is before it gets cold enough to freeze. Like most things if you get distracted you find yourself trying to play catch-up.
--Which probably wouldn't be so bad if it wasn't trying to pry lawn furniture off the frozen ground.
--The amazing part is everybody forgets until they happen along and trip over that wayward lawn chair. Then they realize what pain in the neck it is. It of course doesn't change the fact that sometimes certain thing's need to be done before not after.
--But slowly were learning around the house of whack a doodle that maybe the old pink hat wearing fool isn't such a fool after all....

UNWELCOME ALARM CLOCK....

--For all our fancy do dad's, and thing a ma bob's the most simplest things are usually the best alarm clock's. Which is amazing really. Because not only are they usually part of our everyday life. But in fact most of the time thought to be a annoying part at that.
--Once again perception rears it's ugly head.
--Of course realization is usually it's silent companion. So His message is often ignored. But the part I love is if you listen really carefully you can usually hear Him smirking in the background....

THE BIG STEP'S....

--One of the things I’m finding out as I grow older is that we never really out run big steps. Their like a ever present shadow that follows us everywhere.
--Usually when you think the universe has thrown just about all the little darlings our way is when the next one is bound to pop up before long.
--After being waylaid by enough of the dang fool things. I’ve come to the conclusion that along with everything else it's usually a good idea to keep a open mind. Which in some was is easier said than done.
--Of course my wife usually just smiles and smirks when I start rambling about circus dogs and the never ending hoop's were forced to just through in life.
--But like most things as long as you keep our eye on prize I’m finding out even jumping through hoop's can be handled with relative ease.
--Now if I could just figure out how to get the used to the taste of dogie treats I’ll be set.....

LONG TERM THINKING....

--Shifting gears from short to long term thinking is like trying to put those dang fool monkeys back in the barrel. You can always count on one or two to put up a fuss.
--It's a amazing what a little patience and the right organ grinder can accomplish though…..

SPARKLY CRYSTAL MORNING....

--Usually I like the sunrise new day, new beginnings and all that. But there's something about the sun when it hits a fresh batch of snow and sets of a sparkly crystal shine that sets my eyes to searching for a pair sunglasses for my eyeball cover's.
--While pretty as all get out. It does make waking up a tad difficult.
--Of course my wife prefers to enjoy such things to the fullest. Usually by throwing open curtains. She has conceded that the sparkles can wait a bit. At lest to the second and third cup of coffee.
--Now if we can convince the children and furry little darlings to hold off on their shenanigans the day might progress at a even keel.....

A ALL IN ONE WOULD BE NICE....

--I do so enjoy the advancement we've made with thing's. It's just a matter of a few swipes. A few clicks of the keys and your good to go.
--I do wish I could find a all in one program, that could do everything in one place. But apparently that’s not going to happen anytime soon.
--So rather than continue searching I spend most of my time running things through half a dozen programs. While time consuming it does provide me with a end result I can live with. And not a throbbing headache from looking all over for that perfect all in one.
--Of course throwing in the towel and coming to that conclusion took awhile. but it's amazing what can happen when you lower our expectations a tad. And learn accept the limitations of things and move accordingly.
--My children I have found have often wondered why I don't keep searching for that all in one. And I just smile and say,” Because sometimes you just have to accept the things you can not change. And keep moving on.”
--Over the years they have learned to expect comments like that from me. Usually they just shake their heads and walk away. But slowly they seem to be getting the point. And when it gets right down to it that’s what really matters in the end....

FINDING ALL THE KINKS....

--There's no surer way to start the day off with a bang than to find that little kink that you didn't realize was there.
--Not only does it remind you about keeping things simple. It also reminds you that for ever shortcut there seems to be a pitfall attached if you don’t watch what the Sam hill your doing.
--After spending the morning digging myself out of about a half dozen of the dang fool thing's I decided to go back to doing things the way I had been.
--Sure it may take a little longer but, one thing I didn’t have to worry about was starting over ever time I turned around.
--My wife says I shouldn't be so afraid to learn new things. It’s not that I mind learning I just hate starting over because the new thing isn't better than the ones it's replacing......

FINDING THE MIDDLE GROUND.....

--During the course of any given day it often will be a contest to find the time to get everything done. Some things fall through the cracks. And depending on what they are I find they'll come back with a vengeance to remind me of that fact.
--So every once in awhile I find myself slowly the Sam hill down and taking things one step at a time.
--Much to the dismay of my wife and children. Mostly my children, my wife has more or less accepted the fact that at certain things I’m just poking along. doing the best I can.
--The children of course have a hard time with it because they expect me to drop everything and run from one crisis to the next. Not once taking into account that perhaps what I’m doing is necessary but in fact the best that I can at the moment.
--Oh they have gotten better over the years, but they still have a habit of falling into chicken little mode from time to time.
--Need less to say it makes for long days and turbulent nights trying to find a middle ground where everybody walks happy. But that’s what makes life so interesting I guess......

FROSTY MORNING CAT FIGHT....

--If there’s one thing I like is consistency. Snow in winter, Green Christmas trees, and Light bulbs that burn at lest as bright as what they replaced. Never was one who liked surprises I guess.
--With the new year and all I expect there will be plenty of surprises in the year ahead. I mean why would 2016 be an different than any of the years past.
--Listening to waffles add His 2 cents to the frosty morning cat fight between the 2 whack a doodle male cats is just the kind of old consistency. I could do with out. But hey something’s just don't change I guess. And maybe that’s a good thing to.....

IN FOR A LONG HAUL....

--Some days even before you take that first step you know it's going to be a long day. Oh sure you try to prolong it as long as possible but in the end your forced by circumstance or a tiny bladder to get the Sam hill out of bed.
--Near as I can figure as soon as your feet touch the floor it sends off tiny signals to all the whack a doodle little darlings that you are up. And as a result even before you stumble out to get that first cup of coffee their all going into full fledged chicken little mode.
--Now trying to wake up in a house filled with whack a doodles can be a annoying proposition. But like all things I’m finding out it requires a lot of patience.
--For some dang fool reason the battle for patience seems to be a never ending contest.....

INTERRUPTED PLANS....

--Sometimes for all our planning things happen beyond our control. And we find ourselves sitting instead with a basket full of air instead of our well thought plans.
--Depending on the instance, it can be a hindrance or a blessing. A lot depends on how you look at it of course.
--I don't know how many times over the years I’ve seen the best laid plans turned over by the most trivial things.
--It's amazing really. I guess it just goes to reaffirm how being able to roll with the flow and be flexible is such a necessary part of life.....

IT'S JUST A MESS....

--Sometimes it's amazing how things have a way of piling up. Especially when your distracted long enough.
--For the life of me I can't figure out how it happens but from time to time it does and then I usually have to spend some quality time setting things right again.
--Of course when that happens it usually a wake call for all the little gremlins to start their dang fool chattering. And then next thing you know your in full blown chicken little mode
--But as usual with a little patience, it smooths out over the course of a few days time. It's amazing the things that were mentioned in parenting 101.Oh that’s right I must have missed that class to busy changing diapers and cleaning up after the little darlings I guess.....

REFLECTIONS IN THE MIRROR....

--With the year coming to a close, and the new one waiting in the wings to start. I suppose it's only natural to take a stroll down memory lane and think about the year coming to a end.
--While it's natural to get stuck in the Should have, Could have and Would have mode for a bit. I try to stay away from them.
--Instead I focus on all the little blessing over the past year and find that even all the muck and mire days had a blessing or to attached. When you look at the bigger picture.
--Like most things I’m finding the biggest stumbling block is the way you look at things that matter the most.
--Now if I can just convince the children of that fact it would be the perfect ending for a other wise pretty good year......

SUNDAY MORNING WITH THE BUGABOO BUNCH....

--Usual I like mornings. Watching the sunrise while waiting for the coffee is kind of relaxing and gives me a few moments of quiet reflection on the day to come.
--Of course when the house is in whack a doodle mode. Filled with Bugaboos who seem bent on dancing to their own shenanigan tune. It can be a pain in he neck.
--But like everything I’m slowly finding out with a little patience it is possible to have a good day.
--Like the majority of things it's all in how you look at it I guess.....

THE OLD RUBBER AND GLUE SHUFFLE....

--Over the course of time I’m constantly amazed by the amount of trivial things that seem to be fighting for power over the direction of my day.
--Of course being the crafty little gremlins that they are they always start out small. What better way to lull you into a false sense of security. But over  time they wear you down and the next thing you know your wondering what the Sam hill happened.
--Being the rather simple minded fellow that I am I tend to look for simplest solution to my dang fool problems. Because quite frankly when I’m up to my but in muck and mire I need a life saver not a complicated exit plan on how to build a life raft.
--Sometimes it's the old reliable Serenity Prayer, or a childhood rhyme with my own added twist. "Like I’m rubber and your glue no matter what you do I’m going to have a good day so pooh on you".
--Short simple and sweet. Something I can wrap m slightly dented brain pan around. Which is just how I like it.
--Now my wife usually just shakes her head and smirks when I start mumbling to myself. Because she's pretty much accepted the fact that when it comes to being normal I’m pretty much a lost cause. My children have also come to the conclusion that out all of the books I’ve read over the ears the fine art of being normal wasn't one of them.
--In fact I’ve even noticed on occasion the have repeated a few of things I’ve said with out realizing it. I guess it just goes to show even when you think their not listening the actually are....

COOKIE BAKING SATURDAY....

--Baking cookies is perfect way to bring in the new year. No Christmas music though everybody’s a little tired of that I guess. But still it's a nice way to spend he day.
--Of course as usual they all run for the hills when it's time to cleanup. But it's amazing what happens when you hold the cookies hostage.
--Working together is a new concept for the little darlings. But they are coming along.
--It's amazing what a little patience and a few cookies can make happen. I’ll say one time for my wife when she finds a short cut she sure finds one that's a lot quicker....

HAPPY NEW YEAR....

--Spending the night waiting for the new year to begin was never a big thing for me. Now that  I’m a tad older I seem to have even less of a fascination with the whole ordeal.
--But my wife and children do love the whole counting the new year in. So I guess the tradition will carry on in our house.
--Myself I usually curl up and catch a nap while the night is young. Because usually the night is filled with the constant quest for a comfortable position to sleep in.
--Of course waking up to a new year, is nice. And all the possibilities that it brings. Happy New Year and I hope your year is filled with as many blessings as life can bring....

A SHINNY NEW DAY FOR A BRIGHT NEW YEAR....

--Over the years I’ve tried to learn from what mistakes I’ve made. Doing the best I can not to repeat the dang fool things. Of course the hardest mistakes to learn from are the ones that seem to be attached to a certain way of doing things.
--So I’ve tried to change the way I do things and as a result have cut out a lot of the dang fool mistakes. Oh that’s not to say I’m still not the same accident prone fool sometimes. But like I’ve said I sure have cut down the count quite a bit.
--One of the thing I’ve noticed over the years is the quickest way to start the whole cycle up again is by falling into the same old same old routine. There’s no faster way to fall back into old habits. It's one of the reason I spend so much time constantly cleaning and changing the dang fool furniture around. It keeps me from getting to comfortable and set in a daily routine of the same old same old.   It adds just the right amount of buffer to keep me moving in the right direction.
--Trying to get this idea across to my children over the years has proven to be a test but they are making progress. Of course my wife has no problem with the whole idea because if there one thing that women loves to do is change the furniture around.....

ONE STUMBLE DOES NOT A FALL MAKE....

--Tripping, stumbling or what ever causes you to misstep along the way. Does not a fall make. A fall comes when you throw in the towel and just don't bother getting back up.
--I know not the most clearest notion. But myself I’ve found over the years that usually when I’ll fallen. It’s because I’ve just given up.
--Of course sometimes everyone needs a little breathing room, where they need to recharge. Which is something totally different. And should not be confused with any of the above.
--When I reach that point I usually just slow everything down and concentrate and tiny steps. Making sure to keep moving, and of getting back up no matter what when I misstep.
--Because I know there is no faster way to slide into the doldrums than wallowing around feeling sorry for myself. As long as I’m moving that wont be a problem.
--For now it seems to work and when it stops working I’m sure another way will pop up as long as I don’t give up….

WELL HELLO THERE....

--One of the thing's I’m finding as I get older is that just when you thought there wasn't anything else that could possibly pop up in the morning to put a kink in Your socks. Something always manages to do just that.
--Even though I appreciate the universes thoughtfulness to make sure there’s that little bit of spice to keep me on my toes. It does get a tad annoying sometimes.
--But if anything it also reminds that I do have a few spots to work on. And provides me with a opportunity to do just. I guess like all things it's mostly how you look at them that counts the most.....

EVERYONE GETS LONELY FROM TIME TO TIME....

--Funny thing about cats, for all their independent attitude the actually get quite upset when left alone to long. At lest it seems that way to me sometimes.
--The first few moments of everyday seems to be try and get enough coffee in the old body and wakeup. And reassure the dang fool furry little darlings that even though the are a pain in the neck something you still like having them around.
--Between sipping and petting there’s a fine line. One I’m still tiring to find. Because quite frankly a fellow could wear 3 pair of hands with all the petting going on in our house sometimes.
--And God forbid you go out and about for an length of time because the whole thing starts again.
--In a way it reminds me of when the children were younger. Everything was fine as long as the could see you. Leave the room for 2 seconds and whamo full blown banshee mode.
--But everyone gets lonely from time to time  and I suppose pets are not that much different. Be they cats dogs or lizards. Sometimes it's good to reassure each other with a petting, or a hug from time to time.
--I will say one thing there’s nothing a good old hug to set the day right. I guess that’s why we've always spent a lot of time hugging each other in our house. Of course their are those of days when the children start to worry when the pets get hugged and the end up with a pet. But their mother just reassures them that their father gets confused from time to time.
--You’d think they’d be used to it by now but apparently not....

DESPITE THE BEST INTENTIONS....

--For the life of me I’ve never been able to figure out the why before everything comes crashing down.
--Despite my best intentions I often find myself constantly reshuffling the deck and starting from scratch again.
--As near as I can figure sometimes things happen beyond our control and whamo. We are stuck in the middle of here we go again.
--Sort of makes you wonder just how much control we as a people really have in our day to day lives. And if even despite ourselves most often we get what we need not what we so desperately want.
--But like all things in life I suppose it's all in how you look at things that help the most....

A FIELD FULL OF GEESE AND A YARD FULL OF CATS....

--For some reason even a backyard filled with geese can't seem to get the ATTENTION of the whack a doodle cats that hang around our house.
--When a whole flock made a surprise touch down in the backyard today the fool cats just sat on the porch railing staring at them and then went back to watching the door to see if any body was going to come out and feed them.
--I’m not saying these cats are lazy but the sure as Sam hill are boarding on the point of being down right past the point of being cats.
--For some reason a free meal is more appealing than going out and actually looking for food. Like an self respecting cat would do. The worse part is they are not even our cats. People just keep dropping the dang fool things off Because some where out there is a sign that says for a soft touch hang around the house of whack a doodle.
--Last summer I even found a picture book full of cats doing cat things like hunting up their food. I tried going over it with the little fools but they weren’t to impressed. Maybe I’ll try videos next or just resign myself to the fact their just whack a doodle and let it be....