One fellow's observation: "Why do women live longer than men? Shopping never causes heart attacks, but paying the bills does."

We must be in a hurry to get to wherever it is that we are going. I was getting my thoughts together and generally thinking about 2014 and suddenly I find that we are already here at this particular Monday and it turns out to be May 12, 2014. The word blur comes to mind. Already? But, here we are and it is what we have to work with, therefore, we best get on with it. I read last week where a fellow living in Manhattan, New York was declared the world's oldest living man. He just celebrated his 111th birthday. The world's oldest living man. That's quite an accomplishment but doesn't it rile you a little that they always have to add something to the story. Just so you know, there just happens to be 66 ladies who are older than this newly installed world's oldest man. Couldn't they let the old dude enjoy his momentary crown without qualifying it with that kind of statistical information? Here's another little tidbit. His predecessor almost rained on his parade but just before the then ruling champion reached number 112, he said his last goodbyes to this old world. We all get it. Ladies live longer. In fact, on average, by quite a few years. It's okay. Just don't make such a big deal out of it. Please. If you don't I promise not to make a big deal out of you making a big deal out of it. Thanks. Fair enough.

I have no idea when the madness will stop but we are living in a vortex of craziness where the political correctness is entirely off the rails. Up in Minnesota, a representative rammed through a bill to change the technical name of a fish. Asian Carp were brought into our country to deal with specific issues but now they are taking over our lakes and rivers. They have become known as an invading species. This state official believes that the negative connotation of having the name Asian associated with this fish might, just might, offend someone, therefore, they passed a bill to rename it Invading Carp. A recent survey indicated that those who support the current administration respond in the affirmative when asked if they thought not liking Mexican food was racist. If that doesn't take the cake, well, here's another one. During a particular school observance where Hispanic students were celebrating Cinco de Mayo (5th of May, a Mexican victory over the French Army), other students requested but were prohibited from showing any signs of patriotism for the United States of America. No shirts, no hats, and certainly no American flags because it could be considered as offensive and potentially could have led to a confrontation. I don't have a problem with folks celebrating holidays as they so choose but I ask you one more time: What country is it that we are living in, anyway?

We did have ourselves a wonderful mom's day celebration in our family. It included recognizing all the moms who are so very special to us, having a time of fellowship and feasting, and, our thanking God for all that they have done for each of us. I asked my wife, who is the mother of our children, what she wanted me to buy for her to honor her on mothers day. She reminded me that she was not my mother. That was an accurate representation of the facts. I might have considered leaving it there, but I didn't. As we were driving, we made the decision to make a trip to the mall. That's right. Saturday before mothers day. We did. It was standing room only and quite interesting as folks crowded around the various store displays trying to figure out something appropriate for mom. We ended up at the upscale women's clothing store where the wife worked for so many years and she ended up with a brand new outfit. I waited for her outside the store sitting on a bench. One other fellow was doing the same thing but he was also clicking his teeth which was mildly annoying. With her retired employee discount she got it all for half price. That was great. I suppose. In my way of looking at it the half was nothing to sneeze at but one thing is certain. She deserved it and so much more for being the great mom that she is. Okay. That will do for today but I do hope and pray that you will have a good rest of the week. Amen.      .....More later.