Christmas Music Nap Time....12/04/17

--Usually we start playing Christmas Music right after Halloween. Oh, alright and any old dang fool time we want really. Even when the children were growing up we'd pop a CD in of Christmas Music any old time of year.

--Needles to say some of their friends thought it kind of strange that was until they got to know us. Then they realized we didn't really embrace the so called norm of things.

--It seems this latest batch of cats we have like Christmas Music so much 5-10 min after my wife turns it on their all curled up sleeping, along with old waffles of course he always liked his Christmas music.

--Now all I have to do is to get my wife to play Christmas music at night so we can get some sleep.

--But I suppose that would be a little to much to ask for after all ....

CHRISTMAS WRAPPING PAPER BLUES….12/12/14

--Wondering around a local department store at Christmas time can be quite the adventure. The stores packed with loads of people, all looking for their what knots and do dads.  And if your not careful it’s very easy to become frustrated, by blocked isles ,packed with chatting customers.
--I once was held hostage by a roving band that seemed to be following me. After getting the whatever it was I was after, I found that no matter what isle I tried to get down they were all blocked.
--After ten minutes of trying to outdistance them I decided this was getting me no where. So I stopped and waited I figured sooner or later they’d move on and I’d be free.
--Well it wouldn’t have been so bad I guess , if my detention was in an area that could hold my interest. But I really didn’t like being held hostage in the Christmas trim a tree section. I mean you can look at just much Christmas wrapping paper and decorations before it starts to get to you. But I tried my best to enjoy myself, so I started humming Christmas songs.
--After about twenty minutes my wife finally found me lugging a arm load of stuff. With a flustered sigh she dropped her stuff in the cart, and looked me and shakes her head. And says, ”I looked all over the store and couldn’t find you. Then I heard two lady’s talking about the crazy man wearing a pink hat singing Christmas songs in the wrapping paper section . So I figured I better get over here before your were picked up by store security.”
--I just smiled and said, ”and  you said my pink hat wasn’t useful…”

Oh,Christmas Tree.....11/15/17

--Over the years we've had our share of Christmas tree mishaps. That's why we learned early on a few simple things.

--1. Of course is make sure the dang fool thing is tied to the wall when your done decorating. Because if not a wayward child or cat will sure as shooting try to climb the dang fool thing. And decorating the tree the first time might be fun about the fifth or sixth time gets to be a pain in the neck.

--2. And then there's my favorite Christmas lights. In our house we stopped putting them on the tree after the first year when I caught the dang fool cat and one of the children chewing on the dang fool things. Instead we ran them around the house hanging them out of reach of the little wingnuts.

--3. We tried a real tree once it didn't quite work out to well the dim bulb dog kept drinking the dang fool water and as a result I'm still trying to get the dang fool needles out of the carpet. It was then we went with the wonders of artificial. It's not the same but spray a little pine sol, and the pretty much smell the same. And best of all when the holidays are over you can move the whole thing in the corner. Until next year.

--When the children were younger we used to decorate it for the different holidays. Now it's turned into a dang fool cats rest, but I suppose it could be worse at least they have a place to play out of the way.

--4. And last but not least Christmas presents, in a house filled with whack a doodle cats it's really not a good idea to put presents out before Christmas. Unless of course you like wrapping the dang fool things. Because that's what happens time and again,again,again.

--All in all I'd say having a old Christmas tree in the house all year is kind of nice even if it's artifical. Just that little bit of green can provide quite the mental recharge needed to get through those rocky, days sometimes...... 

A Christmas prayer for the scrooges of the world.. 12/19/14

--Sometimes I wonder about people who never seem to take the time to take a minute think before they speck or act. It always amazes me as to the justification they come up with for their actions. And never once taking in consideration the consequences their act’s or action’s have for other people. I can’t help but feel sorry for them, their missing out on so much that life has to offer.
--And even though it’s hard I try to keep a open mind and say a little prayer for them. That maybe for this little period time known as the Christmas season they might let the Christmas spirit in. And feel some of the joy and peace of the season.
--I know it’s not much but it’s about all anyone can ask for those people who go out of their way to rain on other people’s Christmas.
--So here’s hoping and praying for those that can’t or won’t let the Christmas spirit in. And maybe they’ll find the Christmas spirit before it’s to late..

Giving the Monkey His Due.....07/11/18

--Trying to break free from the monkey is a almost impossible task. It seems that once his hold is broken the little darling infects the other corners of our life by constantly reminding us of all of our past glories.
--I suppose its to be expected. Even freedom comes with a price, and to often it seems were unprepared for that price.
--In the end even though the road ahead seems a uphill battle, it is a lot better than the road we were on. A fact we should never loose sight of.......

SOAKING UP THE HEAT......08/06/15

--My wife thinks I'm a tad Goofy when I sit outside in the heat when I could be sitting inside in a/c cooled house.
--Of course there's a reason I prefer to sit outside. the dang fool house is to dang cold. Five minutes after the dang fool a/c starts I’m looking for my long johns.
--So I sit outside and try to soak up as much of this heat as I can . Because when winter sets in it'll be back to wearing long John's and trying to stay warm. And course start counting the days till spring….

JUST FOR SAKE OF....05/03/15

--I’ve always had a problem with doing things just because everyone else does. Don't ask me why but I’ve always stuck to the left of norm. My wife say's it's my abnormalness.
--I guess it's just a curse of being thick headed.
--As I get older I’ve had a few enlightenment's, over the years. Raising children and living with a house full of constantly changing pets with do that to you I guess.
--But through it all I’ve pretty much maintained my left ward slant….

HE'S BACK....05/08/15

--My wife claims I’m an old fool who loves routine. Which of course is true but I try real hard not to admit it. Even though we both know I’m lying.
--Drinking coffee on the porch watching the sun come up has become a part of my morning routine. Along with checking my blue berries, after the sun comes up. Not before dawn because there’s to many dang crater’s in the yard thanks to our gopher dog. A lesson I had to learn the hard way when I went stumbling through the yard one morning.
--It was on one of my morning walks that I had the misfortune of hearing that dang fool crow crowing from the tree next to my blue berries. If that wasn't bad enough he flew down and buzzed me a few times before flying back up to the dang tree. Talk about a stick in the eye.
--Now don't get me wrong I like just about any thing. And will give just about anything a chance. But a blue berry eating dang fool crow that’s pushing things. Of course my wife thinks I’m being a tad over dramatic. But I’m sure she'll come around when I finish cutting down his dang fool tree....

EDGE OF THE ROAD....08/21/16

--Normally when it comes to the edge of the road I try to look away. It saddens me to no end to see all the critters scattered about, because people are in such a dang fool hurry and can't figure out how to slow down . And give the little darlings a chance.
--This morning when I went down to the end of the driveway to move the garbage containers. I happened to notice a big old groundhog peaking at me on the other side of the road.
--I didn't think much of it until I noticed the big old fellow dart across the road. he stopped short just before our front yard and then ran down along the edge of the road.
--I don't know why the little fellow stopped and ran down the road. But I do know it was funny to watch . It kind was kind of nice to see the old fellow make it instead of being splattered all over the dang fool place.....

STOP PLAYING GAMES WITH BUG-A-BOO’S….03/04/15

--Down to the wire once again.
--The big day is almost here.
--A little apprehension is perfectly normal. But this is out right turmoil.
--Letting all of this get out of control, will do no good you know.
--You know you can do it, you’ve proven it before.
--So stop playing games, and close the dang door.
-- Control the bug-a-boo’s or they’ll control you….

BUNNY HOPPING CATS….05/06/15

--You know your grass is too tall when the cats who hang around your house are hopping around like a bunch of bunny rabbits. At least that’s the way my wife put it to me.
--Of course I tried to tell her it was the cat food from the always sells for less store but she wasn’t buying it.
--So along with all the other whack a doodle in and out’s of life in the country. It look’s like mowing the dang fool crater infested yard has been moved up a notch on the things to do list.
--Now if I could find the dang fool thing’s to do list I might know what to expect next….

ENJOYING A SUNNY DAY....07/10/15

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

LITTLE BUD'S AND BEE'S.....09/19/16

--Watching a bunch a bee's hover over a bunch of little bud's, is strange. Because the fool bee's go whack a doodle crazy over the little bud's every time they pop out.
--The cats have even taken up watching the bee's with me, probably because their a little bored. Buddy found out the hard way to leave the whack a doodles alone. He swatted one who gave him what for, so now he gives them a wide berth.
--Waffles doesn't give much thought to the bee's, he pretty much leaves them alone. I guess for a dimblub, he has some sense after all.
--Of course if the weather wasn't so wacky there probably would be more things to do besides watching bee's....

Cool Breezes and Falling Blossom's.......05/03/18

--Drinking Green Tea sitting on the porch is kind of nice, now that the weather has kind of mellowed out.

--Of course the cats who hang around are a little peeved because they don't seem to like sharing the tiny picnic table to much.

--Waffles even seems to like being outside after the dang fool up and down winter we had.

--The only down side is those dang fool cool breezes that seem to come out of nowhere and toss the Blossom's from all the trees all over the porch. But I guess that's why they make covers for cups.......

Here We Go Again......01/24/18

--I really don't mind the up and down temps, sure it takes me through a full spectrum of discomforts before it finally settles it's dang fool self down down, but I'll have to be the first to admit it do keep life interesting.

--Normally all the dang fool shenanigans would drive me up the wall. But it seems over the years I've gotten a tad better at the constant upheaval. Or I'm just getting to dang old to raise a good head of steam about the whole mess.

--I'll have to admit there are days when I'm just not to sure.

--I will say as I get older I find myself having a lot more auto pilot days. But even that can be a pain in the neck from time to time it seems.

--It seems that the only way to stay ahead of the doldrums, is to keep the old eye's on the prize and don't get to distracted by all of Mother nature's shenanigans.......

WAFFLES and the Tractor Store Vet.....11/02/17

--Every few years it's come time to get Old WAFFLES his shots. A thing he really doesn't enjoy, but then again neither to we. He really is a unfriendly little whack a doodle.

--This year rather than go back to the vet we had been going to we went to the place where we buy the pet food. They have a deal where they have a vet come in on Saturdays for shots and things.

--Other than having to carry waffles while trying to walk with a cane it wasn't to bad.

--Of course when my wife showed up pushing a shopping cart little snarling unfriendly waffles turned into a lovable little whack a doodle .

-I suppose it could have been worse and the little fool was so proud ridding in my wife's shopping cart....

At A Certain Age.......06/02/18

--I've never had much patience with Doctors, it always seems like it's a case of hurry up and wait.

--And then when they finally show up the seem to have a list they are working down and don't really hear much about the dang fool reason you happen to stop by.

--I suppose it's not really their fault, I image those dang fool list can become quite tiring after awhile.

--And if I'd known there was so much involved with reaching a certain I sure as Sam Hill wouldn't of been in such a hurry to reach old age......

THE LITTLE TRIP THAT WASN'T.....09/25/17

--Funny thing about life, usually when you least expect it, it'll pull the rug out from under you and force you to rethink a few thing's.

--Not a bad thing really I guess, it can keep you from hitting those big rocks in the old road that seem to come all to often as we get older.

The Beautiful Day .......05/30/18

--Oh it was a tad humid when Waffles and I went out for our morning walk. But for some reason we didn't seem to mind. It was just that kind of day.

--The cats who hang around the house were up and about waiting for food and a quick pet. And the air was filled with the humid smells of summer.

--It was a Beautiful Day, and I had a feeling it was only going to get better.......

What our doing?.....10/3017

--Usually it's that moment seconds before your ready to drop of to sleep that a dang fool cat will jump up on the bed to see what your doing.

--Now normally it wouldn't be a problem but when your seconds from falling asleep it can be a real pain in the neck.

--But to be fair dealing with a cat is a lot easier than a dang fool mouse, so like somethings in life you deal with those pesky little annoyances. And take comfort in the fact your not chasing a dang fool mouse who decided to make a late night visit......

Waffles and the sun shiny day .......05/13/18

--When it comes to being outside Waffles likes to do his business and come right back in.

--Now usually that would be ok, but the little fool has habit of getting lazy and just going to the edge of the porch to do his business. Which probably wouldn't be so bad but it gets a tad messy after awhile.

--As a sort of compromise I hook the little fool on his run and he freaks out and let's me know when he's ready to come back in. Which is before I get back to the house most of the time.

--It's not the greatest arrangement but it works. I guess that's all that counts......

A PLACE FOR EVERYTHING…02/21/15

--Everything has a place, where it’s supposed to go.
--It’s what keeps the world spinning don’t you know.
--Nothing just sitting about, without a place to be.
--What would become of all of this, if there were no boxes for things to be…

BULLION CUBE TROUBLES... 11/30/15

--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....

ECHOS OF THE PAST....10/06/15

--I love the days when a page out of the past comes up and taps you on the shoulder and whisper's remember me? It used to be a mind bender that usually lead to a server case of trying desperately to shovel my way out of the doldrums.
--Now it's just another reminder to count my blessing.
--Over the years there were times when the only thing that kept me going was a stubbornness to get closer to the light at the end of the tunnel. Which at times was just a flickering whisper of my own creation.
--Thankfully things have changed for which I’m eternally grateful and I thank God and the universe for everyday. Twice on Sunday.
--It's one of the things I’ve tried endlessly to pass on to my children. No matter how hard life seems tomorrow another day. Count your blessing's and hang in there sooner or later the sun breaks through those cloud's.....

FOR THE LOVE OF MISERY ....10/27/17

--I don't know why but after all these years it still amazes me how there are some people who seem to enjoy causing other people to be miserable. Why this amazes me I have no idea but it does.

--I guess I've never really wrapped my head around the cruel streak that runs in some people.

--It's sad really because life would be so much easier if we all tried help each other a bit more. But I guess with some people that seen as a sign of weakness and needs to be exploited at all cost.

--All I can say is I for one feel sad for these people and say a prayer for them that they may find peace and come to know the true joy of helping their fellow man ...........

THE BEAUTIFUL MORNING MUSIC....01/28/16

--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.....

THERE'S STRANGE AND THEN THERE'S STRANGE....11/04/15

--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….

THE UN-PROMISED ROSE GARDEN....05/.27/15

--So often I hear why are things so hard. And my response is why shouldn't they be. Maybe it's just me but I don't ever remember being promised a rose garden anywhere along the way.
--In fact most times it seems as if the universe goes out of it's way to dump a few extra pounds of dirt in my path to stumble over.
--Of course when I was quite younger I would wail the woe's of me. And how the universe was out to get me. As I got older I finally realized that yes sometimes bad things happen to good people. How we deal with it and come to terms with that fact is what makes it bearable.
--The rose garden everyone worries about never achieving must be first tilled in the follow fields of our mind. I guess it's all in how you look at it....

BEING OPEN MINDED....04/16/16

--Being opened minded is easy once the ground work is laid. But like all thing if not maintained can become cluttered with junk if were not careful.

THE WONDERS OF WINDOW SCREENS....05/08/15

--Growing up window screens were made of metal and quite sturdy. Today of course their made of plastic and as flimsy as a late night excuse.
--When we had the misfortune of trying to buy window screens at the always sells for less store. We were left with only one option of course. And that was those dang fool plastic contraptions.
--Now don't get me wrong they work sort of. If you don't mind the gap at the top that lets all the dang fool creepy crawlies in the house. Which of course you have to escort outside because your children call you all sorts of names when you made the mistake of killing the dang fool things.
--Oh and don’t forget if you happen to have the dang fool plastic brackets pop off that holds the dang screen together. There's another can of worms to be dealt with. After trying endless combinations your lucky if you can get the dang fool screen in the window before you pass out from heat stroke.....

SHAKING THE COBWEBS OUT OF THE TREE'S.....09/20/16

--Every once in awhile it's good to shake things up a bit. It keeps the cobwebs out of the tree's, and keeps life fresh.
--Myself I try to keep up the momentum but there are days when just getting from a to b requires more work than you can handle. And of course like every thing in life it's usually those dang fool days when you have to dig into the reserves just to finish the day on a high note.
--It makes for a long day, but some how strangely refreshing when you take the time to remember the hurdles of the day......

PRAYING THOSE LEFT BEHIND FIND PEACE...03/11/15

--Seeing the image's flickering across the screen you'd think there would have been more of a response.
--Unfortunately there were not.
--I guess it's true what they say about memories fading and all that.
--A deep well of sadness was all that was conjured up. Sadness because I’m sure things haven’t really changed that much. and I pray perhaps someday peace will be found for those left behind....

GOING THROUGH THE MOTION'S....07/15/15

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

FLUFFY SEA OF GREEN....07/13/15

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

SOUNDS OF SPRING….03/22/15

--The sounds of spring are always the hardest to endure. But like everything else they pass with time. Mean while the fact that spring is here is to much of a treat, to let such little things ruin your sleep.
--Oh it sounds so simple, but in fact can be a very big dimple if allowed to intrude. On what little sleep we can achieve.
--Riding the storm is about all you can do. Another test of time provide for us to endure. The rewards are there when we make it through. Getting there is half the fun.
--Doesn’t sound like much of a plan. But it’s about all you can do I guess.

THE LITTLE COMFORT'S....07/06/15

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

THE WORST KEPT SECRET....07/09/15

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

BLESSING CAN BE FOUND IN THE MOST AMAZING PLACES...02/13/15

--No one knew who started it and to be honest no one really cared. All that mattered was that it was a welcomed distraction to such a dark and gloomy day.
--Standing in the checkout you could almost hear it making it's way through the crowd.
--From off to the left and off the to right till finally it landed up high where we were standing . Just above our heads.
--Each of us in turn looked up and what did we see?
--Two little small flinches as happy as can be. They shook and they fluttered and off they did go. Leaving behind a soft little glow in each of us that amazingly did grow.
--We all looked at each other, a smile on our faces, it just goes to show you blessing came be found in the most amazing places...

BEST FRIEND OR WORST ENEMY....07/09/15

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

BAD HABITS AND NEW CHANCES....10/07/16

--Every once in awhile you get a new chance at a bad habit, and the question remains keep dragging the monkey around on your back or cut the dang fool free.
--Oh, sure you've thought about it for years but never really had the gumption or courage to cut the dang fool free. A bad case of the devil you know over the one you don't I guess.
--But like the rising or setting sun each day is a new beginning and a new chance at a bad habit. It may take awhile, because those monkeys just hate to leave a nice home, but if you hang in there sooner or later they get the idea and head of to find some else to pester.....

BACK TO THE TRENCHES.....06/06/15

--For some reason going shopping lately reminds me of trench warfare. Trying desperately to save as much jingle as you can. While wading through the constant misdirection called shopping.
--Searching for the lowest prices in a reality warped format called shopping. You may buy something for a few cents cheaper at another store. But is it the same size or a few ounces less for those penny’s your saving. The gas in your car adds up driving from one store to the next to get those cheaper prices. With all the shopper cards and the coupons you clip to save some money it becomes a trip through a mine field. Trying to figure what to buy at each store.
--Even when something is advertised as a special after arriving at the store you find that the packaging is warped to the extent that what was called buy one get one free. Your actually paying for both at an inflated price. So the store can afford to give you one for free by jacking up the original price and have you buy two at a double price. But they have you believing you got one free. You can be fooled by buying two get three for free at inflated prices also but beware. If this was true the store would go broke and not make a huge profit. Which the store is there to make huge profits and not for you.
--Yeah it's a contest all right one that were forced to play out in order to feed ourselves. So its back in the trenches for you. Be on the look out at all times. And always shop on a full stomach because everything looks good when your hungry having you forget the extremely high prices....

A LITTLE BIT OF COMMON SENSE...10/21/17

--There are days when it seems all I can wish for is that people would use a little bit of common sense.

--Of course in some cases you can't use what you don't seem to have. But there are those other cases when you just know that certain someone doesn't bother because it's just plain easier.

--It's day's like those when I can often be seen mumbling under my breath as I walk along. Because no matter how long spend trying to explain common sense to some people you realize it's just easier to spend the day talking to yourself I guess ......     

A LITTLE BIT OF RAIN....07/13/16

--I really don't mind the rain ,most of the time . Not so much when I'm standing out in it trying to feed a bunch of whack a doodle cats . Who think running back and forth in front of you will help you walk quicker.
--Of course I will have to say it was quite refreshing . I just wish I'd remembered my dang fool coat when I left the house.....

A LITTLE BIT OF HOT AIR....11/08/15

--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....

A LITTLE BIT....07/06/16

--Sometimes a little bit goes a long way's. For some reason that little phase seems to stick in my head when dealing with those things that have a tendency to throw a good day for a loop.

--Don't get me wrong I've never been much of a jump threw hoops kind of guy . In fact you could say I've gone out of my way to stay as far as I could from the whole hoop jumping game.

--Sometimes you just have to jump threw those dang fool thing's just to keep the peace. A fact of life sometimes.

--When that happens a few little saying seem to help....

WAFFLES and the Possum cat.....11/14/17

--Every time WAFFLES goes outside he runs around and sniffs all the cats how hang out around the place.

--Most every body just puts up with it because Waffles is a pest but harmless I guess.

--Today WAFFLES was right in his glory running around just a sniffing away until he found a extra cat who didn't seem to know the rules of the game and in fact got quite upset.

--Well WAFFLES being WAFFLES got all excited and procedures to chase the poor fellow who just took of running and a hissing away.

--The whole episode was rather funny because the dang fool cat that WAFFLES was chasing was a big old possum that's been hanging out around the place for a couple of weeks.

--It didn't last long of course the possum went up a tree cursing WAFFLES to no end and WAFFLES and I went back inside where he had to tell my wife about his adventure with the big old unfriendly Possum Cat.....

A QUESTION OF TIME....07/20/16

-- as a rule I'm not to impressed with waiting, in lines . I've never had very much patience. it's something I've had to work on over the ears. but of course still have a long was to go.

--as usual the universe makes sure we have plenty of opportunities to learn our lessons well. being a father of four children I've had more than my share of waiting in lines. and the funny thing is I really don't think as I've gotten it's gotten any easier.

--my wife of course has the patience of a Tibetan monk. probably because she's had to live with some of my shenanigans over the ears.

--i guess it could be worse at lest were not waiting at doctors office's any more....

CHASING SHADOWS....10/12/16

--As the shadows of the impending sunset cross the yard Squash Buddy and Puffy are showing them the way by batting them along.

--I've to expect a certain amount of Whack a doodleness, from those wingnuts, and as of yet they haven't let me down. But chasing the shadows across the yard is a new one for even them.

--They seem to be having fun, and I guess that's what counts in life, enjoying it to the fullest. There's probably a lesson in there somewhere....

WHAT CAN YOU DO....04/29/15

--As much as you try to keep pace with the flow of the day. There are some days when just moving is a job.
--On days like that I just take it a step at a time. Doing what I can and letting the rest go for another day.
--For some reason I seem to get more done doing this than trying to work my way down a things to do list. Why I have no idea, but it seems to end up that way.
--I try not to put much thought into the whole thing. All that matters is it seems to work....

CURSE OF THE CAN OPENER....10/10/16

--Over the years we've gone through quite a few can openers. It seems they just don't make them like they used to.

--I suppose they could be forgiven if anything was made as good as it used to be, but they flounder in that department to.

--Awhile back we found a old army can opener in a yard sale, after we cleaned it up a bit we found out it works alot better than just about all the hand can openers we've bought over the years. Go figure right.

--Of course when it comes to opening can somebody was thinking ahead by making alot of the cans pop tops. You don't suppose it was somebody who couldn't find a dang fool can opener that worked for more than a day or two.....

THE FINE ART OF HANGING IN THERE....07/19/15

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

Just A Little Thing....01/21/18

--I'll be the first to admit that I have more than my share of auto pilot day's. Usually because that's the only way I can move my self around when things get down to push and shove. And looking at the whole picture would just freeze me in my tracks.

--The only down side to auto pilot day's of course is living in a house filled to the brim with whack a doodles who fail to understand the concept of everything thing in it's dang fool place.

--But as usual we as humans learn to adapt and even the chaos of whack a doodles can be tamed over time.

--I guess it's just one of those little things we must endure to keep from getting distracted on the road of life.....

What our doing?.....10/30/17

--Usually it's that moment seconds before your ready to drop of to sleep that a dang fool cat will jump up on the bed to see what your doing.

--Now normally it wouldn't be a problem but when your seconds from falling asleep it can be a real pain in the neck.

--But to be fair dealing with a cat is a lot easier than a dang fool mouse, so like somethings in life you deal with those pesky little annoyances. And take comfort in the fact your not chasing a dang fool mouse who decided to make a late night visit......

ALWAYS THE BULL....10/09/16

--Sometimes when dealing with some people it almost seems like your wearing red and waving, a red flag because no matter what you do they always are ready to charge at the drop of a hat.

--If it's one thing I've learned over the years is it takes all kinds, and just about the time you think you've seen them all, one will come along that'll surly knock your Sox off.

--Oh, sure it gets kind of tiring keeping your running shoes on at all times and being ready to dance at the drop of the hat. The only other alternative is to stand around and give them exactly what the want which based on my experience is never going to make them happy, and just cause more problems in the end.

--Besides it seems to me life to short to stand around waving, red flags so any dang fool will come charging along.....

CERTIFIED DIMBLUB'S.....07/09/16

--cat's are weird . the find the crazy thing's and make a game out of it . sort of like toddlers I guess.

--squash and buddy were chasing a white butterfly and then started chasing each other for no reason.

--I really wouldn't of mind but the dang fool's ran across the table and then jumped up into the tree.

--which probably wouldn't have been bad but they knocked a bunch of weird spiders loose falling down on my head.

--needless say it put a damper on sitting under the maple tree for awhile....

Rainy Day Whispering Winds.....11/05/17

--Maybe it's just me but there's something about a rainy day that sets the old doldrums afire to begin chatting your name.

--If I had my way I'd close all the curtains and refuse to look out at the world while the sirens did their dang fool dance across the yard.

--But like most things closing the curtains it  seems is a vampirish habit that is to be avoided all costs lest the normal police have a gander and goodness  knows what they would do if that happened.

--I will say one thing the old Rainy Whispering Winds day do provide a much need break from the daily hustle and bustle of life. And perhaps that's why Old Mother Nature provides the little darlings every once in awhile.....

WAFFLES And The Freezing Rain....12/24/17

--Finding out it's been freezing raining out is a pain in the neck when your heading across the porch at a good clip and realize it's going to be hard stopping.

--For some dang fool reason that's exactly what happened to me and waffles the other Morning . You would of thought the rain tapping on thee roof would of clued us in.

--When I realized the porch was a tad slick I made a grab for the dang fool railing only to find it covered with ice. And ended up going down on my butt. Waffles didn't fair much better when he tried to stop he slid off the end of the porch.

--It took awhile but we finally both made it back to the house, a little shaken but none the worse for wear.

--Of course when I asked waffles if he wanted to go back out he just growled at me and headed for his bed....

WOW, DID I DO THAT?....05/13/15

--Cat’s on a whole are a ball of fun. Oh sure they have there bad days where you wonder if maybe along with a hairball they might have spit up there brain.
--But as a whole there pretty much a original. There easily amused by just about anything. From tiny pieces of paper to computer mouse's
--We had a cat who used to like to scare the heck out the other cat by meowing into the back side of a fan. If you've ever done it or had children who have done it you know what I’m talking about.
--This cat would wait until the other unsuspecting cat came along and purposely go behind the fan and meow just to scare the other cat. And then spend five minutes licking himself smiling while the other cat ran and hid. But that’s life in the house of whack a doodle pets....

BAD HABITS AND NEW CHANCES....10/07/16

--Every once in awhile you get a new chance at a bad habit, and the question remains keep dragging the monkey around on your back or cut the dang fool free.

--Oh, sure you've thought about it for years but never really had the gumption or courage to cut the dang fool free. A bad case of the devil you know over the one you don't I guess.

--But like the rising or setting sun each day is a new beginning and a new chance at a bad habit. It may take awhile, because those monkeys just hate to leave a nice home, but if you hang in there sooner or later they get the idea and head of to find some else to pester.....

The Quiet Call of Sleep....11/02/17

--Spending the night chasing a place of comfort is always a bit of a pain. But like most things it's amazing what you can get used to when you really have to.

--I can remember a few years back thinking I was never going to get used to sleeping for 30min and having to change positions. But here we are a few years later and that's exactly what I've done it seems.

--Maybe it's all those years of watching cats take cat naps, but it turns out it really wasn't that hard after all......

WAFFLES and those dang fool voices....11/26/17

--Waffles usually barks and growls over the littlest things, which at times becomes annoying to some.

--Myself I think it's kind of comforting to know the little whack a doodle is around protecting us from those boogers and what not.

--Of course it doesn't go over very well when the little fool starts getting on everybody's nerves. But I just remind them Waffles has bat hearing and he probably hears something we don't.

--Now trying to convince a house full of non believers of Waffles abilities has been kind of hard but there slowly coming around. Or there just humoring, me and waffles.

--Either way I always found it was easier to humor some things rather than stand around getting worked over something so trivial that a different perspective could handle just as well if not better....

Waiting for a cookout.......03/07/17

The ice cream cone dilemma........03/01/17

It's to hot to bark......04/28/17

Hot night cold dinner......04/16/17

Tree Tipping....11/28/17

--Trying to tip a dang fool tree back up straight is a lot easier when the trees are smaller.

--When their half grown and quite big it's good to have help, and a lot of patience.

--If you're lucky it doesn't really take to long and the exercise proves to be quite refreshing........

The Rooster Crows When The Light Comes On....12/24/17

--One of the down sides to having your neighbors Rooster sharing the old dog house with the wing nuts that hang around outside, is every time the kitchen light comes on the dang fool thing crows like a whack a doodle and doesn't shut up for quite awhile. Which of course gets poor old waffles going and starts him to barking and carrying on like a nut.

--And no matter how many times you go out and shoo the dang fool Rooster off the porch he manages to come back by the time you get settled down and ready to try and get some sleep.

--I suppose it could be worse at least your getting plenty of exercise and waffles seems to enjoy the extra time going out to do his business ......

The birds return......04/27/17

Fresh baked......03/13/17

Trying To Find A Middle Ground On A Long Slow Day Day .....11/29/17

--If there's one thing I've learned to get used to it's those long slow days  where no matter how hard you try you just can't seem to escape the clutches of that dang fool bed.

--Even though all through the night you tossed and turned and had to fight for any sleep you happened across the dang fool thing has it's mind set to hold you prisoner all day and your dang fool body seems to be in on the game without telling you .

--But it's only with a little bit of luck your able to get a few things accomplished before the next wave of shanigians start and you have to lie down again because what ever energy you had has been drained and your running on fumes again.

--If there is a middle ground on those long slow days I have yet to find it. Usually I just play the hand dealt me and make the best with what I got. And above all remember this to shall pass. It's not much but it's about the only comfort you can find while clutching your pillow waiting patiently for games to pass and your able to once again get out of bed and take another crack at finding the middle ground on those long slow days ......

Why You Bothering Me?.....11/13/17

--Every night along about supper time a crazy snarl can be heard coming from WAFFLES as he tries to warn the cats who has come to close to his food dish.

--Oh, it's nothing new the games been going on for quite awhile.

--The Cats try to catch the dang fool mouse that hangs out next to waffles food, and waffles goes whack a doodle crazy try to drive them away.

--Now of course there's more cats than there is dog so waffles is beginning to show signs of stress. Like waking from a sound sleep snarling at nothing.

--Or sleeping with his head in his food dish just to be sure nobody bothers his food.

--I've tried to explain to the little nut their only after the mouse but he's just not buying it.

--Of course the cats think waffles is a bit strange and just go back to waiting on the dang fool mouse.

--I suppose it could be worse at least it's never boring at the house of whack a doodle......

Kittens attempt to steal dad's coat.......03/20/17

Kitten video.....03/18/17.

THE OLD ROAD....10/20/17

--Sometimes it's kind of nice to find out that even though we may have to go down a few of the old roads, it doesn't mean we have to go to those old places we used to go to.

--I know it sounds like the beginning of a very bad joke, but over the years I've heard a few stories that began that way .

--One thing I will say even old roads have nice views and little blessing along the way way if we choose to look for them that is......

Winding Up Cat's, Dog's and Children....11/19/17

--Want to throw a bunch of whack a doodles over the edge pop a turkey or chicken in the oven and watch the fun.

--The whack a doodles outside keep peeking in the porch window looking for the owner of that heaven sent smell, and the cat's and dog keep trying to take a peek in the oven whenever the dang fool door is open.

--Even the children get a little more excited when there's a bird in the oven come to think of it. Instead of their usual outing for food they have a tendency to check the progress of the bird houly.

--If it wasn't for the hassle of cooking the dang fool thing is just make a fella want turkey and roasted chicken more often than a couple times a year around the holiday season .....

Dancing birds........03/22/17

Hot fries......04/01/17

Outside isn't In.......05/12/18

--Poor old Clyde found out the hard way that outside isn't in when he ran out the front door the other day. Needless to say it was a giant surprise to the fluffy old one eyed fool when that front door closed and he found himself outside.

--Of course the up side of the whole mess was it sort of brought every one together trying to catch the fluffy fool. In a way that was nice.

--After a couple of days old Clyde had enough of being outside and allowed himself to be caught.

--Now it seems when the front door is opened Clyde is the first one to head in the other direction........

Slow Day's and Long Night's........05/09/18

--The funny thing about spring finally showing up is that is has turned the day's into a slow race to try and get thing's done.

--Oh thing's would probably be fine if they Night's were not filled with the constant rolling around looking for a place of comfort.

--I suppose it could be worse walking around all day feeling like you've been wailed on with a bag of rocks, does give you time to appreciate all the little things in life.......

Walking through the fog.....04/07/17

Kittens and boxes......04/16/17

SHADOWS IN THE YARD……10/18/17

--Finding the where with all to enjoy the fall colors is a tad hard when you wake up feeling like you’ve been wailed on with a bag of rocks all night.

--But like most things I’m finding out in this thing called old age, it’s surprising what you can put up with in order to find a few simple moments of relief.

--Of course old Waffles, is never to impressed when I mention going out for a walk in the cool fall day. But He usually agrees because he knows what my children found out at a early age, ignoring me just makes me worse.

--Now sitting in a cold plastic lawn chair watching the shadows of the fading day play across the yard, can be a tad uncomfortable unless you remember to come prepared. Which In our case is a old blanket for me to sit on and of course one for Waffles,..

--My wife is more than happy to point out that we look like a couple of fools sitting out under the old maple, but after all these years it’s not like a old pink wearing fool is going to start worrying about what people actually think as they pass by ……