“I predict future happiness for Americans, if they can prevent the government from wasting the labors of the people under the pretense of taking care of them.” ― Thomas Jefferson

I wish a good Friday to everyone out there on this June 9, 2017. I wrote that little piece the other day about the insane construction woes in and around our area. Many who read it most likely thought I was way over the top in my assessment. To that I say, hold on for just a cotton picking minute. So, I'm listening to the mega news radio station, (KTRH 740 AM), and they do a promo for their traffic reporting. Here's the gist of what they said, "We will help you to deal with the Barrell Battles and Construction Armageddon." I had not heard that before. Maybe they read my blog. At any rate, even the local news folks recognize what I was writing about. And, there you were, thinking I came up with that stuff just to have something to write about. It's okay. I'm not one to not say I told you so, especially, when I really did tell you so. Obviously, they think the problem to be of biblical proportions with their use of the word Armageddon. I will have to think about that one, but, the truth is, it is a mess out there on the roadways and I'm not sure the folks in charge really pay much attention to those whose livelihoods depend on their ability to get from Point A to Point B. I suppose that assessment of the situation might fall into the category of political commentary, but that doesn't change the truth. As I see it. And, I am unanimous in my own opinion.

My brother Victor and I with dad.

We do plan to travel to Louisiana tomorrow to check on dad. He is still in the hospital and he does seem to be recovering some, physically. His mental state is still very confused. Some have said he will likely not know who I am. That's okay because I do know who he is. We have a huge number of folks praying for God's will to be worked out in dad's situation. That is very comforting to our family. Many have made comments on our Facebook page talking about dad's many contributions to the little community where he and mom lived. I think that is a good reminder of his sense of serving. Retired military, retired civil servant, retired as a town official after nearly 25 years of service, and so many other instances where dad was distinguished by his willingness to give of his time and effort. I remember one fellow who became very ill. That man was not close to anyone in that little town. He was a veteran and he asked dad to help him settle his affairs as he prepared to die. Dad stepped in and worked with this fellow soldier to get everything taken care of. After the man's death, dad took care of making sure the children received what was left to them. He had a file folder. It took a lot of his time. He was not a close friend but he was willing to help this man. I thought about that as one example of his character. Not perfect by any means, but, he did accomplish good in his time here on the planet. Amen.

Another work week in the books, as they say. I continue to be asked often by different folks about my retirement plans. Some would argue that I've already retired but just haven't left the premises yet. You know, in my case, 'Elvis' has not left the building. I do get a sense that it is nearer today than it ever has been. Duh! It would have to be since every day makes it closer. Right? But, more than that, it does seem to have made it onto the calendar as a coming attraction, but, I'm just not sure about the date yet. Maybe that will become more clear soon. Meanwhile, I'm still on my regular schedule, but I thank everyone who wishes me well whenever that time comes. I've tried to think about how I will use my time whenever I no longer come into the office here. I'm sure the wife has some questions about that as well. What we do know is that it will be different. But, Lord willing, whatever I do, it will be accompanied by some hot, black Community coffee. Take care now, you hear? And, may God bless us all. Amen. ....More later.

“Hard work works harder than luck!” ― Germany Kent, Author

I didn't have a pocket mirror to breathe on this morning to see if I am still kicking, but, I suppose since I am here clicking and clacking on my little-outdated laptop keyboard, I can be identified as present but unaccounted for. Or something to that extent. It is Thursday, June 8, 2017, and while the three cups of Community have been enjoyable, they don't seem to have done much for my alertness. I hear the word 'slog' more in today's world than I did earlier. (It appears to have been around with some usage as far back as the early 1800's. Who knew?) It has something to do with keeping at it in doing something even though it may be difficult or boring. I suppose at times I might describe myself as a slogger. I might say that I am slogging my way forward. It could even end up with that famous challenge, to slog or not to slog, that may not be a good question, but it seemingly has some application. You do know I am joking about all of this. Let me be clear. I am very thankful any day that I am able to wake up, get up, and get going. Sure. There are days when things make that more challenging, but, like the Rusty Goodman song put it, "I wouldn't take nothing for my journey." Believe me, I could make a list in a heartbeat of things that I wished were better on any given day. Like my blood sugar number. Like not having to dodge so many varmints on my way in each day. Like not having a lady tell me to tone down my Santa image. See what I mean? Those don't add up to much at all. They really don't. I feel better now. Thanks for your help, but, please don't send me a bill. I get plenty of those already.

One evening this week I came home and the wife announced she had thrown together one of her mom's suppers. My mother-in-law was a very talented lady. She was simple, but, there wasn't much she couldn't figure out how to do, especially if it involved making things with her hands. When she put a meal on the table, I would describe it with one word, variety. She believed in having all kinds of different things to choose from on her table. Nothing fancy, but I learned to greatly enjoy my times at her table. The wife served up some fried okra, a combination of butter beans and peas, some red beans, fresh sliced tomatoes, a small pone of cornbread, and a glass of iced tea. Talk about good! What about dessert? She had made a banana pudding but after taking in seconds, I actually exercised a little discipline and traded the pudding for a small glass of milk with warm cornbread crumbled up in it. It was a good reminder of a Godly woman and her life. We have been so blessed with so many wonderful folks in our family and that, my friend, is something to thank God for. Amen.

What about my blood sugar number the next morning? It was 119, which is, now that I am 70 plus, very much within the guideline given to me by my doctor. (Don't get me started on that again.) Sometimes when I go completely off the reservation in my eating, I end up with a fasted blood sugar that's actually pretty good. Sometimes when I take in an almost textbook diabetic meal, the next morning it is much higher than what I typically have. Go figure. Why do I persist in making my fingers a pin cushion each day? Here's the way I see it. I think to go through the process of checking it and recording the information each day has some effect on me. Hopefully, a positive impact. It is a reminder that I have diabetes. It implies that I have to do things that help my condition. Yes. Probably more mental than anything else, but, we all have to figure out what works for us individually. And, when we finish that, we can then spend way too much time talking about the doctor's response to when you pass that 70 threshold. I'll not get into all of that. Again. But, that doesn't mean that I have forgotten. Don't forget that. Enjoy the rest of your day and may God bless each one. Amen. .....More later.

Southerners don’t call people “unintelligent”…they say “dumber than a sack of rocks.”

No creatures stirring, seen or unseen, to report on this Wednesday, June 7, 2017. The grammar checking program I use advertises on the internet and promises anyone who uses it will be a much better writer. I'm not sure they would say that about my usage. And, since I use the free version, I suppose they couldn't really offer to refund my money. They might be thinking about asking me to please not tell anyone that I use their program. Just joking. I use Grammarly and I think it is a terrific utility. We do butt heads a lot because while it may work in many different languages, it does not have an add-on for the type of sling-slang I use. I just coined that name sling-slang. I thought it appropriate since I do use a lot of slang and I do tend to sling it onto the electronic page. Get it? I am sure you do if you have read any of my postings. While I don't use many of these specifically, I am very well aware of their usage and their meaning. ~That dog won’t hunt. ~ Run with the big dogs or stay on the porch. ~ Happy as a tick on a fat hog. ~ Give him two nickels for a dime and he’ll think he’s rich. ~ All hat no cattle. ~ Fine as frog’s hair split four ways. ~ Drunker than Cooter Brown. ~ Grinning like a possum. ~ Happy as a dead pig in the sunshine. ~ Knee-high to a grasshopper. ~ Slower than molasses on a frozen morning. ~ Enough money to burn a wet mule. ~

If you didn't grow up with those, well, I'm not sure what to say. You could order you up some Community Coffee and pretend you did. I am well aware that all regions have their own version of slang. When we were in the UK we found out that in addition to their use of English being different, they too had their own slang words to enliven the conversation and confuse their cousins from across the pond. I just watched a rerun of one of my favorite episodes of Duck Dynasty when the Robertson Clan travels to Scotland in search of opening a new market there. It was Redneck meets Scottish brogue. I've seen it several times but I can't help myself, I still laugh. There's that scene where Willie is playing golf on a links course with a potential franchise operator for their duck calls. The fellow says they prefer to use local brands. Willie says he believes they just might have Scottish roots, therefore, in a way they are local. The man asks about the kilt Willie is wearing and whether it is their family tartan pattern. Willie had no idea what he was talking about but Willie's wife pipes up that it was the only one they had in a husky size. I don't know why but that is hilarious to me. What's that I heard said? That explains a lot? Good! We are making progress!

They are hard to resist. Don't you think? You might be a redneck if... You think the French Riviera is a foreign car ... Every time you see a road sign that says "DIP" you reach in your back pocket for your chew. ... And, they go on and on and on. Our dad has been admitted to the hospital diagnosed with pneumonia. We do appreciate prayers on his behalf. This has been a challenging year, but, we do know so many others who are dealing with difficulties as well. It is part of our shared identity. It has to do with race. The human race. ("No trial has overtaken you that is not faced by others. And God is faithful: He will not let you be tried beyond what you are able to bear, but with the trial will also provide a way out so that you may be able to endure it." 1st Corinthians 10:13) And, the individual race God has given to each of us. ("Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, we must get rid of every weight and the sin that clings so closely, and run with endurance the race set out for us, ..." Hebrews 12:1) I suppose I need to make sure my running shoes are in working order. Take care, and may God bless each one. Amen. ....More later.

“Don't be afraid of being scared. To be afraid is a sign of common sense. Only complete idiots are not afraid of anything.” ― Carlos Ruiz Zafón, Author

Some days are like that. You know. You need a 'phone a friend' option. I'm not saying this is one of them, but, the thought did cross my mind. However, the journey continues and we look at our coordinates for the day and find them to indicate it's Tuesday, June 6, 2017. It's always good to get a gut check early in the morning to make sure one is alert and ready for the day. Yesterday, I drove into work and when I got to the main gate I leaned out of my truck window to put in the code to activate the gate opener. As I was putting in the code something made a loud rustling sound in the nearest tree right outside my window. I don't know what it was. Maybe a big bird or a sleep deprived squirrel, but, there's one thing that was crystal clear. It got my attention. Big time. I did not want whatever was making that noise inside the cab with me. I had been more or less on autopilot up to that particular moment. Not anymore. I'm not sure the hair was standing up on the back of my neck, but, it certainly was engaged. Now that was a different way to start the day. When I got to the shop office I was still somewhat spooked, it was still pitch dark and the rain had left water puddled up. As I moved to unlock the door I saw my own shadow in the puddle and jumped back. It reminded me of that memorable line from the late Jackie Gleason, "And away we go!"

You think what? I might be getting a little skittish in my advanced age? Could be, but, I've always been somewhat of a scaredy cat when it comes to things fluttering up into my face in the dark. Saying whatever does the fluttering is likely as startled as I don't really do much for me. I think I will let the doctor know it will not be necessary to do any testing on my heart next time we meet. You do know that I am kidding. Mostly. I will tell you, in this particular incident, the embellishment meter is pretty low. I'm sure there was some incident from my childhood that may have contributed to this sensitivity. Some thing or some one. You know. In today's world, we do have to find someone to blame for whatever ails us. I have no recollection of anything, but, that doesn't mean some professional couldn't help me invent something. You do know I'm just kidding about that. And, be sure, I am not poking fun at people who do have issues that need professional attention. I hate it that we always have to put disclaimers in, no matter what our intention. In my case, it's just trying to add a little levity to our day.

As I have told you so many times before, you cannot make this stuff up. And, life, as it is lived out with all of its quirks, is always better than fiction. Especially to those hearing about it. Not always to those experiencing it. One of the things I do enjoy are the notes I receive about how something I talked about in my blog made someone smile or maybe even laugh out loud, not lol. Typically, that's because we all have our foibles and can identify when we hear something that resembles our own experiences. Maybe not the exact situation, but, it rings a bell because we all tend to live with things that happen which produce a similar feeling or outcome. It's the human experience and God gave each of us a built-in entertainment center, that being the ability to laugh at ourselves. There are times when I wish I didn't have as much material to work with, but, I am glad for the smiles that come my way. Enjoy the rest of your day and let's all remember to thank God for all that He has provided to us. Amen. ....More later.

Construction zone for the next 10 miles. Work only being done in a 50 foot section. ~ Observation

Here we go again. This time with a brand new work week to contend with, beginning with today, Monday, June 5, 2017. I know I've mentioned this before, but, it is getting more out of control every day. While I am not typically into conspiracy theories, the road construction environment in and around the Houston area metroplex could be a candidate. I didn't realize there were enough warning signs, markers, and other types of construction signs to support this perpetual, all-encompassing enterprise. "Oh goody, they have completed another leg of the toll road system. That should help a lot." Two weeks later: "Oh no, they are already doing revisions, upgrades, and changes to the just completed leg of the toll road system." See what I mean? What? They don't think we notice stuff like that? It's got to be the money. That is always in there somewhere. And, the politicians. They are always good prospects when a conspiracy is a subject. I guess those that manufacture the signage to support this activity have to be in melt-down mode, working 24x7 just to keep up. Here's one for you. Why not consider the feelings of those who actually drive on those roadways, pay for those roadways, and suffer at the hands of all the slowdowns and delays? There's a novel concept for you. Right there, buddy. Yep. That would be me. Thanks for hearing my theory. Feel free to discuss it among yourselves.

We had some pretty good downpours last week. One early morning I was sitting at my desk and the rain was making the most lovely music on the metal roof here. I was sipping on my hot, black Community and I was somewhat overwhelmed by a sense of blessedness. Sorry. It just seemed so enjoyable to experience the rain and my coffee, I couldn't help myself. I am aware that seems so insignificant and trivial. The other day I received some of our customers here at our Company. They couldn't get over our location out here 'in the country', as they called it. How easy it is for us to ignore the simple blessings that surround us each day. In our large fabrication shop building where much activity was underway, they noticed at the far end of the building the large roll door was up and it almost looked like a calendar shot of the outside green field. I've noticed that same thing before. But, it had been a while. Rain. Coffee. Green fields. Got it. How about you?

I made the decision to wear the beard year round. And, yes, that does draw attention to my alter ego, The Santa Claus himself. The other day I was at a company and a young woman asked me about my resemblance to the famous holiday character. I told her that it was not just a resemblance but it was also a part of who I have become. She said she had a six-year-old who would likely get all stirred up if she saw me. I told her not to worry because I would just give her one of my souvenir cards and tell her to be good. The mom then said this, "Don't you think you could just tone it down a bit, after all, it is summer?" That hit me pretty hard, but, I recovered and gave her one of my cards and told her that she should try real hard to be a good little girl. I didn't really say that last part but that's what I was thinking. I told her most children handle it quite well and they are tickled to be reminded and they appear excited when they receive one of my cards. I saw a little guy the other day who was being dragged backward by his mom after saying hello to me. He couldn't stop looking. Enjoy and may God bless us, one and all. Amen. ....More later.

As a kid I must have eaten way too many Rice Krispies. Now, all my body does is snap, crackle, and pop! (copied)

It's time to do a wrap of this week and I am glad to do so on this Friday, June 2, 2017. I've not been overly busy this week but as some call it, very occupied. Part of that has been keeping up with dad's health situation. We also learned that mom's last remaining sibling, our Uncle Waymon, has fallen and broken his hip. He is 91 and due to his age and health condition, they have ruled out surgery. We are praying for God's help in his situation. I told my Wednesday evening Bible class how blessed our family is to have had folks to whom God has given many years of life. Yet, we all know there are typically aging issues that come with those blessings. I know some of you think I obsess too much about how my doctor explained to me that when I reached 70, I was put into a different category of preventative medicine. I wasn't even aware I had crossed that threshold until he told me. And, throughout this year, we have seen, up close and personal, how medical care is meted out to the elderly. I'm not saying anything was blatantly unethical, but, it certainly was consistent with what my doctor told me. Different. Maybe that's okay. I'm still processing all of what we have observed.

My blood sugar numbers have been better of late. I didn't consider myself under a lot of stress during the time we were dealing with mom's health issues and her subsequent death. However, the experts do connect stress as a factor in daily diabetic blood testing. I'm just glad my numbers have improved even if I am, you know, at 70, in that different category of medical observation. My wife can be real funny. She likes to snack on things that she enjoys. Just like everyone else, I might add. She has all kinds of treats laying here and there. I do a reasonably good job of avoiding these treats. There is a 'however' to follow. At the same time, she is always good to be concerned about my habits. Like when she opens the jar of marshmallow creme and discovers most of it missing, she exclaims, "I can't believe you are so undisciplined!" I did achieve one thing. Delayed discovery. She didn't notice it until she needed to use it. And, just so you know, if you throw some pecans into your mouth along with a spoonful of that gooey marshmallow stuff, well, not bad folks, not bad at all. Here's one I hadn't thought of: Maybe it is the stress of being caught that has been dogging my steps. Need I remind you, be glad every day you don't have to put up with me, myself, and I.

This was not intended to be an edition of True Confessions, however, the truth does tend to work itself into the mix. I do think they need to put a warning label on that marshmallow creme stuff. It has a tendency to take over in a conquering kind of way. I'm just passing on some of my own personal research. Nothing more than that. I do hope you and yours are well. Thanks so much for showing up here at the ole blogger ranch each day, as we, together, find out what's up. I know there's a slang way to write that, but, maybe I should quit. I started to say while I am ahead but I think that train left some time ago. I do hope you enjoy your Saturday and Lord's Day Sunday. If I happen to find myself delving into the additional study in the realm of sneaking snacks, I will keep you posted. Just joking. I do hope 'you know who' is laughing. May God bless each one. Amen. .....More later.

Bill Gates talking about him not completing his Harvard degree, "It was unfortunate that I didn't get to stay there, but I don't think I missed any knowledge, because whatever I needed to learn, I was still in a learning mode."

Good morning and I bring you greetings on this Thursday, June 1, 2017. Today I punched in for the 2,576th time here at the ole blogger ranch. The other day someone shared a very interesting study about how well high school valedictorians fair out in the real world. There was a large number tracked over a 10 year period. This study found that most go to college and most do well in college. Most find good jobs and do well in their jobs. Here's the kicker. Very few became thought of as game changers in terms of major inventions, new businesses, or other entrepreneurial pursuits. The professionals who analyzed the information have some potential thoughts about this. They say that most school systems are geared to those who follow instructions, learn the materials, and do well on tests. They believe this approach does not always recognize great intelligence or ability because it very much favors structured learning. The good news is how these individuals by a large majority do well in life in terms of the application of their skills. Multi-billionaire's John D. Rockefeller, Henry Ford, and a modern example, Richard Branson, did not finish high school. There are at least 14 billionaires within the high tech world who did not finish college, including Bill Gates. This doesn't mean education is unimportant. It does, however, point out that different people are capable in different ways and as this study pointed out, we should do our best to enhance the broadest spectrum possible. I thought that was interesting enough to share. What say you?

I haven't had anything of late to say about the political times we are living in or perhaps better put, we are living through. One thing is pretty clear. I've not seen anything like it in my nearly 71 years of breathing air on the planet. One wakes up every day not having a clue what will be the next chaotic crisis, often created by a media cabal that has only one unified intention, to destroy the current President and his administration. I'm not saying the new team has always done themselves good in the way they operate, however, even liberal survey groups report the level of negative press coverage is unprecedented. They wanted someone else to be the President and they appear unwilling to accept the vote of the American people. I have no idea if President Trump will eventually be impeached. I will say this. If he isn't, it will not be for a lack of coordinated assaults by those who believe their vision of America is the only one that should be embraced. Since they cannot overturn the election results, they persist in their created narrative of it being an illegitimate election. This is what I see and I have never been known to wear rose colored glasses. Just so you know.

As is my custom from time to time, I checked the US low temperatures for May 31. We still have about eight states that have overnight low temperatures in the 30's. The lowest I spotted was 31 but that was looking at a big map with lots of low temperatures on it. I don't know why but seeing those lower temperatures makes me feel a little better. I know our tenured central air system could already use a little relief and we are really only seeing a downpayment on the summer heat to come. And so it goes, in our part of the world where we wring the humidity out of our clothes each day. Maybe not that precisely, but, it feels like it. However, we have much to be thankful for. I've always paid attention to the hurricane forecasting models, but, since Ike took our house out, I look at it much more closely. This could be an active year with several predicted including some that will be very destructive. The forecasts over the past several years have been off some and we've enjoyed fewer than predicted. However, the historical trend says we are due a major storm in this cycle. When it is all said and done, we know that God is in control and He will help us to deal with whatever comes our way. We can't be sure of what will or will not happen, but, we can be sure of His faithfulness. Been there, done that. We know that to be true. Have a great rest of the day and may God bless each one. Amen. ....More later.