THE GRASSHOPPER WHO WOULD BE KING…. 03/29/15

--After we brought waffle’s home from the farm, where we bought him we realized two things. One he had more energy than cotter had pills. And two it didn’t take much to get this dog going. As if that wasn’t enough we also learned he needed to go out to do his business more than the average dog, and he also wasn’t to fond of nature.
--But for all his faults he does manage to pack more love and affection into one little body than the average dog. So I guess it balances out.
--One day after letting waffles out to do his business. I had just gotten back into the house and was sweeping the flour when I heard waffles freaking out . I looked out the window to see what was the matter and saw waffles running up to the house on his run looking like he was being chased by god knows what with a look of extreme terror. Expecting the worst I ran outside to find waffles cowering like he had just run the race for his life. I patted him on his head to reassure him everything was OK While looking down the run across the yard to see what in Sam hill had scared the dog so much. It was then that I saw a large grasshopper hopping up towards the house along the run. Waffles took one look at it and started howling in  terror.
--Well trying not to laugh I picked the poor dog up and carried him into the house. When I sat him down he ran to his bed and stayed there until my wife came out into the kitchen sometime later.  When he saw my wife he ran to her and stated going all spastic. When my wife asked what was wrong with the dog I told her what happened. She of course reassured the little fool and everything was a OK again. Of course until it was time to go back outside to do his business again….

THE DOOR TO THE DOLDRUMS..... 09/16/16

--They say variety is the spice of life, sometimes it's kind of hard to find variety in the same old same old. Oh, that's not to say it can't be done it just takes a wee bit of creative thinking I guess.
--And like a lot of things you need to find the spice in the space of the day to day race. All it takes is a bit of patience and the willingness to look.
--Myself I try to keep a open mind, finding blessings along the way to hold me over until the doldrums, pass.
--It's not much but sometimes you have to make the best of what you have. Keeping in mind that tomorrow's a new day, and the sunrise is icing on the cake of life.....

THANK YOU THANK YOU.... 04/25/15

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

NOT QUITE WHAT HE EXPECTED…. 03/28/15

--While cleaning the kitchen is not my most enjoyable job, it seems to have it’s advantages. Like being the first to answer the door when somebody happens to knock.
--Apparently one of the things I should do is hang a mirror next to the door . So I can check my appearance before opening the door. Up until today I never gave it much thought. But from now on I guess I’ll have to.
--While mopping this morning somebody knocked at the door. Not giving it any thought I opened the door to see a young fellow standing there. He was dressed in a suit and when he took one look at me he sort of jumped. After he recovered enough he went into his spiel about some church event his church was having handed me a paper and then made his way to his car shaking his head.
--I went back into the house and finished mopping never giving it another thought. Until I had to go to the bathroom sometime later and happened to look in the mirror. No wonder the poor fellow jumped my hair was standing up and I looked like something dragged out from under the couch. Needless to say I’ve added hang a mirror next to the front door to my spring things to do list. I mean it would be kind of hard to explain why people were having heart attacks next to our front door….

CHOOSING YOUR BATTLES…02/07/15

--Walking away is sometimes easier than putting your foot in a minefield of stubbornness that really isn’t going to do either parties any good to play in. After years of working around the Big S, to bring order and reason. It’s kind of become second nature to do this. Choosing  the battles that must be fought, and letting the tiny skirmishes go by the way.
--Such are the trials of being a parent I guess. In the end it’s worth it, if even a little progress is made...

COLD RAINY MORNING..... 10/10/16

--Drinking coffee under the old maple on a cold damp and rainy morning seemed like a good idea while standing in the kitchen. Especially when I saw  Old Peek sitting on the air conditioner and Morning Flinch jabbering away from the front porch of his house.
--Of course Waffles wasn't to impressed, he'd been out to do his business and wanted no more of outside. But being the big pain that I am I dragged the little fool along.
--Maybe it was just wishful thinking on my part but old Morning Flinch seemed to perk up a bit when he saw me. And when I started making bird sounds he just went ecstatic.
--Peek came over and sat in my lap when I knocked the water of the lawn chair and sat down under the old maple. Between chatting with Morning Flinch  and petting Peek drinking coffee was quite a chore.
--Meanwhile Waffles ran around checking out at the cats he could find, something they seemed to tolerate and he seemed to enjoy to no end.
--When a cool breeze shook the maple and knocked of a bunch of snails, that ended up landing on me, I quickly come to the conclusion it might be a good idea to go back in the dang fool house. Not that I mind snails, I just figured digging them out of my shirt on a cold damp and rainy morning was going to get tiresome right quick.
--Well I said my goodbyes and went back in the house, it was nice while it lasted. Even though Waffles was still shivering a half hour later I think the little fool had fun......

EARLY MORNING GET TOGETHER..... 09/15/16

--There's a lot of things you can count on in the wee hours of the morning. It's a little cooler, than when the sun up of course. And let's not forget the over abundance of night life. From crickets to mosquitoes to things that just like to fly around and chew on fools that like to stumble around after dark.
--Oh, and let's not forget the whack a doodle cats or possums who think their cats.
--Now I usually like the whole mess for one reason or another. But mostly because it just seems relaxing at lest for me that is.
--The other night I was sitting under the old maple tree watching the moon when I felt something nudge my leg. Usually that would mean one of the whack a doodle cats wants a pet or two .
--Well not really thinking about it I reached down and started petting what ever was nudging my leg. After a couple of minutes it sort of dawned on me the fur felt a little different than a cats.
--When the moon came out from behind the dang fool cloud I found out why. Because I was petting a dang fool possum.
--Well I finished petting the little fool and gave Squash, a dirty look as I started for the house. I guess I should of figured something was up that was the first time in awhile Squash has come near me and not done anything sneaky.
--I guess it could have been worse at lest the moon light was nice when it came out from behind the dang fool clouds......

GANDOLF AND THE WET FLOOR....10/05/16

--Usually when I mop Waffles and Ganddolf, find someplace and lie down until the floor dries.
--Today Gandolf, forgot the floor was wet when he took of after the mouse he'd seen.
--He caught the mouse but ended up sliding across the floor with it, and into Waffles bed where he was sleeping.
--The confusion that resulted was short and sweat, Gandolf tried to run and Waffles tried to follow. They both ended up sliding around in circles, while the mouse I imagine was getting quite dizzy in Gandolf's, mouth.
--After a bit they retreated to Waffles bed to wait for the floor to dry.
--Me I just mumbled to myself and kept mopping. It seems if it's not people tracking the floor it's whack a doodle pets. Sometimes you just can't win....

THE LITTLE YAWN.... 08/17/15

--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 up 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 mysteries and wonders of whack a doodle and dimblubs....

THE FRIENDLY LITTLE BLACK ONE..... 09/02/16

--Usually the children rush to name all the cats who hang round the house. Sometimes there names I really couldn't pronounce if I tried.
--Apparently they forgot the little black one, because when I asked nod seemed to know the little darling name.
--Which is kind of sad I guess because she sure is friendly. Every time I go out she's the first one to come running. And always is more than ready for a pet or belly rub.
--The other cats are more stand offish, oh they like their pets and belly rubs they just like to make sure you work for it.
--I'm hoping the children come up with a name for little Blacky, before long. Until then I'll probably just keep calling Little Blacky.......

SCARY PIG'S AND GOOFY GARGOYLES.... 09/29/16

--Over the years it's kind of hard to keep track of the salt and pepper shakers in our house . no
--Apparently my wife and daughter decided to fix that by a few weird sets. There's the scary pig set, that's a pig holding a salt and pepper shaker. The goofy gargoyle, that a gargoyle holding a salt and pepper shaker. And of course my favorite the Flintstones salt and pepper shakers.
--Now which one do I use you might ask well I usually grab the regular old ones I found in a yard sale free box. Only because there right there and I don't have to worry about holes that are either to small or to large.
--Which when I really think about it is a lot like certain things in life, sometimes newer isn't always better.....

MOONLIGHT AND MISHAPS….09/28/15

--Standing on the front porch with coffee cup in hand, in the pale moon light I couldn't help but think perhaps it would have been smarter to go back to bed and try for more sleep. Letting my eyes become accustomed to the half light I took another sip of coffee and let cool crisp morning air seep into my pours like a cool splash of water.
--When I could make out the porch railing I knew my eyes were as accustomed as they were going to get so I made my way down the porch stairs using the dang fool cane.
--The only thing I’ll say about plastic lawn furniture is being white their somewhat easy to find in the semi dark. As far as being comfortable, not so much. That‘s why I try not to sit for to long in any one place.
--The first one I found was next to waffles run. Not being to choosy I sat down, and tried for some comfort.
--Even before I leaned back I knew it was a bad idea. And sure enough thanks to good old waffles and the trench he's dug next to run. It proved to be true. When I sat back the dang fool chair went over taking me with it.
--Luckily I had sat my coffee on the tire next to the maple tree. It didn't spill. But I sure as Sam hill did. Right on my back whacking my head on the dang fool tire. Rather than get up I sat there in that dang fool plastic lawn for minute thinking about thing's. And then I started laughing of course. Because for some dang fool reason it just seemed funny.
--Getting up would have been easy if I could have found the dang fool cane. But after a couple of attempts I finally made it up on the tire where I drank some more coffee and smiled at the cats sitting on the porch railing watching me.
--I’ll say one thing about cats their consistent. Some will sit back and wait and see how things play out. And others are more curious and will investigate.
--Looking down at the ground I could just make out old Blacky, and the old male cat nudging my leg. Blacky I expected, she’s a old mother hen and likes to keep a eye on everyone and everything. The old male cat was a bit of a shock. In all the times he’s been around he’s been more standoffish not really bothering anyone or seeking any attention .But hey I guess that’s the thing with cats once you think you've got them figured out they change just to keep you on your toes.
--Well I patted them both on the head. And reached down and retrieved my cane. And started of on my moonlight walk. Because I knew for certain if I went back in the house I’d probably be along time before I ventured out for a moonlight walk again.
--From one serenity chair to the next I went without further mishaps thankfully. The one in the woods was where I watched the sunrise, and then I made my way back to the house.
--I will say one thing there’s nothing like a moonlight walk under the stars with a sunrise to boot that makes a fella grateful for the little things in life.....

LIFE IS A JIGSAW PUZZLE … 07/10/15

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

HOP TOAD.... 06/22/15

--Waffles found a friend this morning. As he was going out to do his business this morning he made his rounds of checking all the cats who hang around the house. Sniffing and licking each as he passed by. Most of the cats endured this morning ritual with disgust and the rest they just ignored the little fool.
--Totally unfazed by the whole ordeal Waffles continued on his merry way. Rounding the picker flower bush that grows next to our deck he stopped in his tracks and did a reverse Scooby Do back towards the porch.
--It's seems Waffles has found a friend one of the biggest toads I’ve ever seen it looked about the size of a small cantaloupe. And it didn't look too happy. But then again I can't say as I blame him. Being in a yard filled with whack a doodle cats, kittens and dogs would get on anybodies nerves after awhile I guess. Not to mention wondering bands of chickens and turkey's from the neighbors yard.
--Well Jerry- Lee didn’t' really seem to fazed by the little fella. But then in the morning not much fazes her. She stepped over him and I hooked her to her run.
--Waffles wanted to go back in the house. I had to carry him over and hook him up. He wasn't happy but he did his duty.
--The toad was sitting there and then hopped over to Waffles run driving poor Waffles out of his mind. Every time Waffles tried to get away from him the toad followed.
--Well I figured the high strung little fool needed to be rescued before he went over the edge. So I unhooked him and let him back in the house. He cleared the three porch steps to the house in one leap. And had the door open and was in his bed before I even got in the house. I guess he had enough of nature for the day......

DONALD THE BI POLAR DUCK…. 04/04/15

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

THE FUNNY THING ABOUT CURTAINS.....

--On a scale of 1 to 10 I can think of a ton of things I'd rather do that mess with dang fool curtains. As far as I'm concerned their a pain in the neck from start to finish.

--So I guess after all that it would seem kind of surprising to find a fella with that option about curtains deciding to take the dang fool things down and give them a good wash.

--I must say for such a small house we sure seem to have quite a few windows with curtains. And don't get me started with those dang fool filmsy curtain rods.

--But I do have to admit once the were all down washed and rehung, they did look a lot better. I guess even a old pink hat wearing fool can learn a thing or two once in awhile......

WHOLE LOT OF FUN.... 09/06/16

--There are certain things that are considered fun, are certain things that are not. At least that's what I've been told by my wife and children.
--I guess they kind of take exception when they find me hip deep in muck and mire, humming a little tune while I Wade through the shenanigans of the moment.
--It's not that I don't appreciate the muck and mire moment, I just figure it's a lot easier to hum a tune than spend the day shaking your fist, at the dang fool sky.
--Besides it sort of makes even the darkest days a week bit better. And when it comes down to brass tacks and nails I'll take anything I can get if it makes for a better day......

MR TOADS NEW HOME..... 09/22/16

--Waffles doesn't like his dog house. In fact the fool will lie outside in the rain rather than go inside. Winters about the same, the little fool will let the snow pile up before he gets up shakes and lies back down.
--That being said Waffles doesn't like to share his dog house. About the only time he really gets worked up about his dog house is when somebody else tries to use it.
--There was the battle of the over friendly possum, and then of course the day Squash and his gang decided to hang out in Waffles dog house. Oh, the memories of poor old Waffles trying to evict those fools.
--When Waffles found out Mr. Toad was sleeping in his dog house he went ballistic. It wasn't until I went out and scorched Mr. Toad along did Waffles calm down.
--Of course when we got back inside I noticed Mr. Toad hopping back in Waffles dog house, it looks like poor Waffles is in for some interesting days ahead.....

UP DOWN EARLY MORNING GO AROUND.... 11/14/15

--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….

WHAT TOOK YOU SO LONG?....05/24/15

--Usually when we return home from going out and about waffles has a meltdown. Yapping constantly and just going plain whack a doodle nut's.
--At first it drove me up the tree. Until my wife pointed out he probably was glad we were back and was probably wondering what took us so long.
--So now when we return home the first thing we have to do is reassure waffles. And then go about our business.
--It makes for a bit of fun walking through the front door. As far as going out well that’s another story….

PEEKING THROUGH THE LILACS....09/03/16

--They say change is good, at least that's what I've been told by my wife while she constantly changes the furniture around in the House of Whack a Doodle.
--Now don't get me wrong I enjoy moving the furniture around as much as the next fella.
--It's just sometimes you just don't have much extra energy, and just want to enjoy what energy you do have before that trickles out.
--Of course I suppose those are the days when you should hop right up and start moving furniture and what not. So complacency doesn’t set in, but like I said sometimes you just don’t have enough energy to spare.
--Which I suppose is how I find myself peeking through a lilac bush at the front lawn. It was a good old game of musical chairs with me being the odd man out.
--Actually the only cool corner in the dang fool kitchen is the one with the giant lilac growing in front of the window. So when my wife suggested why don't I move my big cranky butt down there, and quit blocking her view of her Sharon bush. I of course jumped at the opportunity.
--It wasn't until I'd moved that it dawned on me that it was Waffles corner and Gandolfs window.  Which they seem to spend their every waking hour fighting over. But my wife was right it is a lot cooler.
--Maybe sometimes it pays to look at the big picture before jumping. I guess it's another in the long line of things I have to work on....

THE GHOST KITTY.... 04/22/15

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

THE LOOK IN THOSE EYE'S.... 01/18/16

--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 many 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 usualy cause's a few heads to turn. But hey it sure beats waiting around and it's allot easier than chasing rainbows....

THE WINDOW…. 04/12/15

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

PARKING LOT HOWDY.... 06/28/15

--The other day coming out of a store loaded down with groceries and what not it started to rain. Usually I’m not too impressed with the prospect of rainy parking lot's because they end up smelling like a big old asphalt version of a wet dog. But it was hotter than heck when we went into the store so the prospect of a little cooling off was something to look forward to.
--Of course my wife was beside herself with joy. There’s something about rain she seems to enjoy. Over the years I’ve never been able to figure it out. But it sure makes her a tad goofy.
--When we got to the car I made her get in while I stored the groceries and what not. Not because the added help wouldn't have been nice but because in my book hearing about the wonder's of rain while getting soaked to the bone is a tad annoying.
--Well like everything thing else in life you learn to roll with the flow. The rain stopped as quick as it started. And the parking lot greeter's came back out again. You know the ones, the little tiny birds who seem to hang around parking lots looking for forgotten crumbs and what not.
--Being busy I didn’t pay them much mind until a couple flew up and landed on the cart I was unloading. Trying to be polite I said howdy and went about my business. They sat there for a bit and then I guess they figured let's check out the back of my car. Because that's what the little fools did. They flew into the back of the car and started checking out the bags I had just loaded.
--Well having a soft spot for more thing's than I should. I cracked open a bag of cheese puffs and tossed a couple to the little fools. They quickly snatched up the wayward puffs and flew off.
--When they left I just smiled it seems they had accomplished what they set out to do I guess. Con an old fool out of a treat. Either they knew it or not I don’t know. They also reminded this old fool of a few things too. So I figured it was a fair exchange.
--Take time to look on the bright side of life, and count the little blessing that come along. Perhaps dancing in the rain isn’t so bad….

OVER THINKING A CLOUDY DAY.... 03/13/15

--Thinking to much sometimes is worse than not thinking at all.
--Like a giant hand holding us back over thinking everything usually does just that.
--Can’t go ahead, and can’t stand still can barely manage to look up the hill.
--One step is needed and the rest will follow. But not if were trapped in the hollow. Sometimes it’s better to keep it all simple. At lest until the clouds pass by and the sun reveals it’s light filled dimples….

GRUMPY CATS AND SUNNY DAYS..... 07/13/15

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

GANDOLF WAFFLES AND THE MOUSE.... 08/08/16

--It seems there's a running battle going on in our house, between Gandolf, Waffles and a dang fool mouse.
--Gandolf, being a cat wants the dang fool mouse real bad. And probably wouldn't have a problem catching the dang fool thing except he's chosen to come out behind Waffles food dish. Which probably wouldn't be a problem except Waffles won't let Gandolf near his dang fool dish because he's afraid he's going to eat his food.
--Of course Waffles can see the dang fool mouse and has even tried to catch him. But the mouse is just to quick for the little whack a doodle.
--Now I've tried to explain to both of them if they would work together they could get rid of the mouse, but it's kind of like talking two children fighting over the same dang fool toy. You can talk till your blue in the face, but your not going to get anywhere unless somebody gives little.
--So every day Gandolf tries to catch the dang fool mouse and of course Waffles goes whack a doodle crazy, and the mouse runs of smiling I imagine. Sort of makes you wonder if there's a lesson in there somewhere......

CRYING OVER SPLIT MILK....03/21/15

--Watching people flounder picking apart the past trying to find where mistakes were made. is very frustrating for me. Because usually this leads to a rut of useless thinking. And is very seldom profitable in the learning department.
--I’m not saying trying to learn from mistakes is bad. I know in my own case it very profitable. because if there’s one thing I’ve learned over the years it's I’ve made mistakes.
--It's just that I’ve learned the whole could of, should of, would of thing unless kept in prospective can lead to one giant trap that’s very hard to lift yourself out of. I try to keep my adventures of examining mistakes to as less as possible because of this. Because I’ve found life is to short to be floundering in self pity about a bunch of mistakes I can't go back and change.
--It's not the best of plans but on a whole I find I’ve made less mistakes and have better days since I’ve adopted this way of thinking. I guess that’s what counts....

BAR-B-Q SHUFFLE.... 07/28/16

--Light a fire in a grill and you'd be amazed at the kind of reception you get.
--Around our house this usually entails being chaperoned by the cats who hang around. listening to the chattering of a few blackbirds, and fighting with the dang fool dogs going back and forth.
--Of course having eyes in the back of your head is a must. because there’s always one cat who thinks he can walk on fire.
--Needless to say you definitely get your exercise just lighting a dang fool fire. The real fun is when you bring the meat out....

BUTTERFLY PATCH.... 06/24/15

--My wife thinks I’m a tad touched sometimes when I mow the yard because sometimes I’ll end up leaving giant patches of grass all over the place. When it first happen it was like being grilled under a light as to just why in Sam hill I couldn't figure out how to mow the whole yard. With each one of my answer's my wife gave me her famous your so full of it looks.
--In truth I’m a sucker for any type of flower that adds a touch of color to a otherwise sea green. And then of course there's butterflies and bumble bees. Butterflies because their colorful and cool to watch and bumblebee's well for some dang fool reason I’ve always thought they were funny looking. And also useful if you have fruit trees which we do.
--Using a rider is kind of hard to miss the little fellow’s. A push mower gives you a little more control. Needless to say every time I encounter a patch of colorful flowers I’ll go around them. And the same for bumble bees and butterflies.
--Over the years this has at times left us with a patchy yard to say the least. But it's nice to know that those patch's are out there. They help me get through the hard days with a smile......

A FUNNY THING HAPPENED.... 11/17/15

--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.....

IT'S ABOUT TIME..... 08/27/16

--Day turns to night and the bugs come out, starting their shenanigans so I figure it about time to head in the house. Waffles is more than willing, in fact he's been running back and forth to the front door for the last 15min.
--But as I'm getting ready to leave Peek jumps in my lap and seem to want a few pet's. So I figure why not, besides I kind of like the mother hen. And she does manage to keep the peace, especially when there's babies about.
--Of course Waffles is fit to tied, he's had it with being outside . Especially since it's gotten dark. To many boogers out and about I guess.
--While sitting there petting Peek I noticed something grey coming across the yard. At first I thought it was the Grey mother but then I saw the rat tail and realized it was probably that dang fool possum who seems to think he's a cat.
--Well I patted Peek one last time and told I guess it's about I started in. Because if there's one place I didn't want to be was outside when Waffles spotted that dang fool possum. That little whack a doodle was a hand full when there wasn't any booger out and about.
--So I went back in the house with poor old Waffles and left the wing nuts to the night.....

PLAY SET SHENANIGANS ..... 09/10/16

--While we were out finishing our annual get ready for fall cleanup. I noticed Squash, and Buddy sleeping curled up on the play set swings.
--I have to admit that it was kind of cute, especially when I looked up and saw Puffy and Willow sleeping on the deck of the play set next to the slide.
--Well apparently Waffles had had enough of the cats shenanigans because he ran up on the porch and pushed Puffy and Willow down the slide. And of course being the whack a doodle that he is he slid down the slide himself.
--Puffy and Willow I guess figured if they couldn't sleep no body else should be able to. Because they ran over and knocked Squash and Buddy of the swings.
--Who in turn proceed to chase Puffy and Willow across the yard.
--Waffles mean while  just sat there watching the whole thing grinning, from ear to ear. I told him he should be ashamed of himself but I really don't think he is.
--But then again what can you expect from a little whack a doodle.....

TAKING THE TIME.... 07/5/15

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

JUGGLING FIREBALLS....

--On a whole I pretty much try to stay in the middle ground when it comes to morning conversation's. For the simple reason people take awhile to wake up and it's not really good trying to converse with Zombies before they've had their dang fool coffee.

--Of course every once in awhile a day comes along when you just know your going to be tasting shoe leather from the bad taste in your dang fool mouth.

--They say as we get older we have a tendency to become forget-full, myself I like to remember mornings are a lot like juggling fireballs, if you don't want to get burned keep your eye on what your doing and can the useless chitchat. Some people just can't handle words until they 'very had their dang fool coffee....

THE OLD SHOULD HAVE SEEN THAT ONE COMING....

--Usually when things sneak up on my blind side, and knock me for a loop or two, the first thing that crosses the old brain pan is I should of seen that one coming.

--Lately it seems I've been spending most of my time picking my dang fool self up and stating over. Of course I suppose it could be worse at lest I've been getting plenty of exercise. And after putting on all that winter weight a little spring workout seems just what the Doctor ordered.

--Of course in the long run fine tuning the observation skills can be useful in the long run.....

KIND OF HARD BUT NOT IMPOSSIBLE.... 09/14/15

--Getting people to work together, is sometimes hard but not impossible. If everybody puts aside their differences for a time. Strange things happen like the ability to actually work together towards a common goal. At lest that's the theory.
--When I proposed this to my children their response was extreme fidgeting, and allot of eye rolling. but with the thought of a day spent listening to the old man on his soapbox. Retelling of day's and stories of his forgotten youth they came around.
--The end result was we got allot accomplished. And the little darling were not the worse for wear. Even though by their retelling it was a nightmare.
--Truth be told by the time we were done everybody was laughing and working along side of each other like one big family. Of course when they were done they ran back to their respective rooms and contemplated the experience.
--Sort of makes you wonder what the next time will be like....

RE-POUNDING NAILS.... 11/19/15

--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....

RUNNING FROM THE LIGHT.... 10/25/15

--I don't know why but I’m constantly amazed at the way in the course of a single day most of my time lately has been consumed with trying to shed a little light on thing's.
--I’ve pretty much accepted the fact that no matter how many curtains I open or how much time I spend outside during the day, there's going to be thing's that remain a mystery to me. It's a fact of life I guess.
--Along with my own limitations in certain area's I’ve also learned to accept the fact that limitations do not always mean being hamstrung within the confines of those dang fool limitations.
--I’ve always had a problem being told what to do. Being dictated to by your own body as to just what you can do and can't is a argument I’m seem to constantly be having. So far it's been a give and take. Usually we come to a draw at the end of the day.
--If there's one thing I have learned is the most powerful light and most comforting, comes from within. No amount of extra sun help warm the mental fires if we give in to the dang fool whispering limitation gremlins.
--My wife usually shakes her head while I hobble around on those dang fool day's When even with a cane getting about is a adventure in itself. But I figure as long I keep moving at lest I’m not teetering on the brink waiting to take the plunge into the dark pit of despair playing patty cake with the limitation gremlins whispering in my ear.....

SOGGY BOTTOM SUNRISE.... 11/07/15

--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.Much to the delight of my family I might add.
--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.....

THE LESSER OF TWO EVILS....11/07/15

--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….

TURKEY WALKING....10/02/16

--Every once in awhile I like to wonder around the yard and sit in my serenity chairs.
--Sometimes I drag Waffles along and sometimes I don't bother because he doesn't really enjoy nature unless he's following my wife.
--This morning I was sitting in one of my serenity chairs in the woods behind our house with Waffles and Squash was up in a tree.
--Down at the bottom of the hill Waffles noticed a bunch of Turkey's crossing the small path on the side of the hill.
--Of course when the turkey's heard Waffles  yacking, as he pulled at his leash they took of running. Which was kind of funny because turkey just aren't that graceful, to begin with.
--In away I felt sorry for the poor fool's I mean it's bad enough walking through a rain soaked forest but trying to run was just to much.
--So before Waffles caused anymore animals undue stress I figured we better get back to the house, besides my button was getting a tad wet. Talk about your good ideas wearing thin.....

WAFFLES AND THE LONG WALK....09/28/16

--To get Waffles to take a walk around the house I have to put him on his leash other wise he'll run back to the house.
--So I figured I'd probably have to put him on a leash when we went for a walk in the woods. As usual Old, Waffles surprised me by following along and not running back to the house.
--Of course getting back up the hill was a tad iffy after such a long walk, but luckily I brought a old duffel bag so I didn't have to carry Waffles while trying to use a dang fool cane.
--When we finally did make it back to the house I don't know who was more happy me or the dang fool dog......

A GOOD MORNING HOWDY......

--As a rule I try to keep a open mind when it comes to mornings. And I have been known to let quite a few things slide, on the way to hammering out a good morning.

--There have been those days when everyone seems to be stuck in Whack a Doodle mode. When no matter what you do or say will get you right in the thick of things if your not carefull.

--It's days like those when I like to tread carefully of course, which is kind of hard in a house filled with wing nuts cats,dogs and kittens. Not forgetting of course a family who at times are more like outcasts from a clan of feuding folks from the other side of the pike.

--But with a wee bit of patience and a pinch of luck things usually work out as long as you remember there are some morning when a good morning howdy just isn't in the cards.....

WHAT A AMAZING TIME.... 10/10/15

--During the course of the day I’m constantly amazed at all the little wonderful thing's that happen that can both bless and curse your day. Of course most of them are a mere matter of all in how you look at it.
--But being that were all cursed with the same affliction of being human. How many of us actually take the time to look before we leap.
--It seam’s that many of us spend to much of our time reacting to every given moment. That we never glance at the long run before we leap.
--If we did we'd probably see the blessing hidden in the curse on which were so quick to jump.
--Maybe if we took a moment before that fatal leap, we'd realize it's just not worth it. But then again I guess that's part of being human both a blessing and a curse so to speck....

IT'S BRIGHT OUT THERE.... 05/18/15

--It's amazing how much light doesn't come through the window. The first few steps outside will remind you of that fact.
--Of course when you get the Sam hill of the porch there’s a little shade. But when it breaks between the leaves it can be real blinding.
--One day taking the fool dogs out I was a little unprepared for the blast of light and twisted my dang fool knee going down the stairs. It was a little hairy finding my way about half blinded.
--Now I try to be more careful of course. But just when you think you've got the dang fool sun figured out. It slides out from behind a cloud to say howdy by half blinding you. I suppose it could be worse, at lest it's usually warm when your stumbling around half blind....