"Your brain is a drama queen — and that's not always a bad thing. The brain's memory system doesn't treat all events the same. The emotionally intense moments take priority – and awkwardness, shame, or embarrassment tend to top the list." ~ Sep 13, 2025, Behavorial Health Network/Hartford HealthCare

Good morning and welcome to Thursday, March 5, 2026, where, I am at it again, thinking about this, that, and the other too. I do thank you for tuning in to today's program brought to you by the Grace of God because without His grace I couldn't be here sending out this stuff from the station here at the ole blogger ranch. That photo. Let me explain. There's these social media forums where people deal with certain topics. One that has become somewhat popular asks this question: What do older people wish they could tell their younger self? I know it's silly. Back to the photo. That's yours truly, the older me talking to the younger me. I'm not going to delve into advice because I didn't notice something about the photo that ChatGPT produced until later. The younger me. I'm wearing short britches. That's important. It reflects another early crisis in my life. Having just finished all that was involved in the loss of my dad, we moved from Port Arthur, Texas, a small city, (population 60,000 to 65,000), to Hornbeck, Louisiana, a rural village in early 1954, (Population 524). I landed in the 3rd grade surrounded by some rough and tumble country boys and girls. They must have thought I was real cute in the little short britches jumper I was wearing when I showed up. It wasn't a problem for the 3rd grade at Lee Elementary in Port Arthur, but, then again, to my recollection there weren't anyone there wearing overalls. Out on the playground I received a lot of attention from those who thought I must be really special. So much so, I went home and while crying I begged mom for her to get me some bluejeans and get them fast. Those who have read my blogs over the years are aware how aggravating it is to me in having many memories either distorted or absent due to the blocking effect that occurred with the death of my father. However, I did not forget the short pants fiasco that got itself sorted out way back then. How? Very simply, I changed my dress code. That's how. That's what the photo spoke to me. And, as you can see, I am still stewing over that incident. Joking only. Well, maybe a little. The experts tell us that embarrassments stay with us, even as children, especially if they involve classmates. As you can tell, it really didn't bother me, ....bother me, ....bother me, that much.

 

I did visit my foot doctor aka a podiatrist yesterday. Prior to showing up at the clinic about 30 minutes from my house, the medical facility folks bombarded me with all kinds of reminders giving me the opportunity to opt in or out of being there for that particular appointment. They always constantly indicate how my arrival time should always be 15 minutes before the scheduled visit with the doctor. Unless the traffic goes completely haywire I always do my very best to make the 15 minute prior schedule. You know: Being on time means being early. I do my part. At 7:40 a.m., I first have to wait for the check-in person to get their computer logged in. Okay. I can handle that. My appointment is at 8 a.m. and I am told to sit and wait until I am called. I am familiar with the process. No activity at 8 a.m., not any at 8:05 a.m., 8:10 a.m., nada, 8:15 a.m., finally the nurse comes and calls out for Mrs. Abbott. She looks at me and apologizes. We go back to examination room where I get on that scale to weigh and then answer her questions and wait for the doctor. She did tell me they were short of staff because I asked. A few minutes later the doctor shows up and does his thing. He is a great doctor and I feel fortunate to have such good care. However, being in the service delivery environment for much of my working life, well, the process leaves a wee bit to be desired. Think about it. I am retired. What else did I have to do? Take a nap? Walk the dog? Those make for a reasonable assessment, however, I was still thinking about all of this and I had it on my mind and now you know about it too. Be clear. Not complaining just sharing. You've heard that one too? Ha! The bottom line is to always take time to stay in touch with the God who loves you so much He sent is one and only Son to die, for me, for you, and according to The Scriptures, He died for the sins of the whole world. He did. He really did. (1st John 2:2) Until next time, you know, give God the glory. Amen.