The bad guys after nearly running over Home Alone Kevin, "Santy don't visit the funeral homes buddy."

The wife left me yesterday. She traveled to just across the Louisiana line, hooked up with her sister, and now the two of them are visiting with their brother over in the northeast part of the state. I'm glad they are able to spend time with him. I'm glad the wife will get a much-deserved break and change of scenery. At the same time, as it always goes, things are not the same when she is away. This is how I see the day unfolding here on this Thursday, November 8, 2018. Were someone to research my blogs, not that anyone ever would, they would note that me being 'Home Alone' is one of my favorite foils to write about over all of these years. I did a little checking. In September of 2007, not long after I started these daily episodes, I wrote, perhaps for the first time, about these girls leaving and they actually were going to check on this same brother since he was recovering from surgery. I would not want to even guess how many scenes I've used from the adventures of Kevin Mccallister in the Home Alone movies. They do account for a lot of material. I am not one that needs my wife to cook for me. I've never been the helpless husband. It's not the stuff she does that I miss when she is gone. It's the 'who she is' and 'what she means to me' that makes me miss her. After all, we are one flesh. ("For this cause a man shall leave his father and his mother, and shall cleave to his wife; and they shall become one flesh." Genesis 2:24, New American Standard Bible, NASB) No wonder I miss her. Half of me is missing. That explains a lot. It does. It really does.

With her being gone, the word perseverance comes to mind. Truth Alert: That is very much an overstatement. She is due back on Friday because we do have an outdoor photography event scheduled for late afternoon on Saturday. This is a new professional photographer for us and we look forward to bringing Santa and Mrs. Claus to their scene. We've had photos made of us on our way into a venue but this will be our first scheduled outdoor photo shoot. It should be interesting. The wife has our home really well decorated for the fall/Thanksgiving season, however, when your home also doubles as a Christmas card background for friends who want selfies of their families with Santa, well, you do your best to accommodate. If all goes according to plan, the wife and her sister will be transitioning us to our Christmas motif next week. This set-up will allow us to open our home to invited family and friends so they can have 'The Shot' for their annual Christmas card. It's not easy to suit up for these occasions, however, it is a part of our business model: Bringing Joy to children of all ages! After Saturday's event, we will be pretty much occupied in this activity up until December 23 when I will complete the last on our schedule. Lord willing. It should be fun!

On Tuesday's, the wife hosts a ladies Bible study here in our home. I have choices. I can camp out up here in The Home Office or I can find somewhere to go to occupy myself between 9:30 a.m. and 12:00 noon. This past Tuesday I went and voted. I then went to the ER at one of our local hospitals to visit a dear friend of ours. She has been dealing with health issues for a number of years, but, on that day she was really weak and lethargic. I got there and visited with her and two of her children. She is a wonderful prayer warrior for the Lord. She was not feeling well at all, but, she attempted to laugh and kid with me while I was there. It was my privilege to seek God in prayer on her behalf. After that, I went over to the big mall to walk some and 'occupy myself'. I had taken a break and was sitting at a table in the food court and a lady leading around 6 to 8 people came over to my table. She asked if I was a Santa Claus. I told her I was. She asked if I was booked for that particular mall. I told her I wasn't. She then told me that she would love to have me come to be Santa at another mall in the area. She was the area manager for one of the large photography companies and she was conducting training on that particular day. I told her I would not be able to do anything like that since I am already committed for the events I have scheduled through December 23. She said that was sad since I would have been perfect. Oh well, I didn't consider it to be a lost opportunity because we enjoy doing the events we choose and the people we choose to work with. You just never know what you might encounter at the mall. Take care. Now. You hear? Amen. ....More later.

Announcements that "The War of the Worlds" is a dramatization of a work of fiction were made on the full CBS network at four points during the broadcast October 30, 1938: at the beginning, before the middle break, after the middle break, and at the end. The middle break was delayed 10 minutes to accommodate the dramatic content. (Wikipedia)

Good morning and welcome. I bring you greetings from The Home Office, on this Wednesday, November 7, 2018. Last week, on October 30th, the 80th anniversary was observed of the radio broadcast of Orson Welles' Mercury Theater production of the H. G. Wells novel, "War of the Worlds." That 1938 drama which depicted an invasion of earth by Martians caused a lot of panic across America. Here's what I wrote about it in one of my blogs a few years ago, ~"If you were in Chicago on October 31, 1938, you could have given 2 cents to the paper peddler and purchased The Chicago Herald and Examiner. In huge bold letters, it proclaimed, RADIO FAKE SCARES NATION. This headline reflected the panic and chaos surrounding the Orson Welles radio broadcast of War of the Worlds. The opening paragraph under the headline said this: 'Hysteria among radio listeners throughout the nation and actual panicky evacuations from sections of New York and New Jersey resulted from a too-realistic radio broadcast last night, describing a fictitious visitation of strange men from Mars.' I've listened to that broadcast myself a number of times. And, I can easily see how those who missed the disclaimers at the front would have thought it to be a live news broadcast." ~ The other day I watched an interview with Orson Welles by the BBC, done a few years after the program was aired. He talked about the impact. He said the Red Cross and one of the Quaker groups had sent folks into the mountains out in the Dakotas to try and convince the people who had fled there that it was safe for them to return to their homes. Media is powerful. That was radio. It had a huge impact. I've listened to it several times over the years. In our modern day media world where 'fake' has become a common term to describe some of what we see and hear, I thought it was good to consider this story, again. (Researchers say some 6 million people heard that 1938 broadcast and an estimated 1.7 million believed it to be an actual news bulletin about a real invasion.)

How did so many people miss the four strategically placed announced disclaimers? Researchers said many were doing the same thing we do today. We use a remote but they were spinning the dial during the commercial to find out what else was playing on radio that evening. Others may have come in after the special announcements had been made. It's pretty clear that some of the issues reported may also have been sensationalized At first, Orson Welles was defensive about the program, but, over time, he became proud of its highly publicized impact and even embellished the story more and more. Regardless, it does show that we can be manipulated even if we inadvertently do it to ourselves. People do take action based on what they believe to be true. We are aware of tragic consequences when wrong information leads to wrong conclusions. The example above, if true: People relocating to the mountains for refuge based on a fictitious radio drama. General George Custer was told that no more than 800 natives were in the area. That was wrong. Experts estimate more than 11,000 hostiles attacked Custer and his troops. We know the results. The medical field is saturated with these types of errors. I thought immediately of our first, beloved, President, George Washingon, as he lay deathly ill, and the best medical advice at the time was to drain blood from his body, which, many experts believe contributed to his demise. The list goes on and on. Knowing the facts is important. Knowing the truth is even more important. Knowing Jesus is the most important because He said of Himself, "I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through Me." (John 14:6, New King James Version, NKJV)

The wife and I attended a memorial service this past Monday. It was for a fellow in our local fellowship. This had to have been one of the most joyous home going services I've witnessed. The man became a believer in the Lord Jesus Christ at age 55. From that moment until his passing at age 80 he became a one-man cheerleader for the Savior. Some of his folks got up and spoke and they testified that what people saw in public was who he was in private. By the time I had met him, only on my way to my pew, his illness had reduced him to riding a little scooter and his body was thin and weak. Yet, he had an exuberance even with his handshake and smile. While folks may not have known him personally, everyone who attended services knew his voice. He was one who could thunder an Amen and it would reverberate throughout the building. It never seemed intrusive and it always came at the appropriate time, but, when he trumpeted agreement, everyone could hear. Here's why I thought it was such a great service. The testimonies were real. He had made a difference. His time spent here on the planet had not been lived in vain. This was true for his family including his grandchildren. It was the testimony of those he served with in the local fellowship. It was echoed by those he worked with, and for any and all that happened to cross his path. The choir sang. Comments were made. The preacher preached. And, the 200 there left knowing that one life can make a difference. For time. And, for eternity. Amen. .....More later.

"I am not a morning person. Never have been - never want to be. As a matter of fact, I am vaguely distrustful of people who bound out of bed early like demented puppies. It's barbaric to wake up before 9:00 a.m." ~ P. C. Cast, American romance/fantasy author

Good morning class and welcome to Election Day for Tuesday, November 6, 2018. It's time to allow all of our voices to be heard, regardless of what side you happen to be on. Last Saturday morning I went alone to walk the mall. The wife had Christmas choir practice at our local assembly. Early on Saturday morning, the mall can be a very quiet place. You may have noticed that I am a noticer. The food places at the food court were getting prepared for the day. One of them had the door open to the kitchen. I saw a young teen standing over the grill. He had something on the grill but his head was on his chest. I think he was finishing his nap. I've never understood people being so lethargic in the morning. Why? I will confess openly for everyone to know and understand, once and for all, I am a MORNING PERSON! That teenaged boy was either out too late Friday night or he was not a morning person. I have also picked up, over the years, how that people who are not morning people do not necessarily have fond feelings towards those of us who are morning people. There's something about bright eyed and bushy tailed that just tends to hack them off. I cannot tell you how I became a morning person. It may have been in my genes because I do come from a long line of hard-working people who had to get up and get with it from early to late. Or, maybe, it was the conditioning of my upbringing where seeing the sunrise each morning was almost like a rule of religion in the family. Whatever, we all become who we are. I'm not against those who are not inclined to be whistling when they roll into work, however, I actually enjoy being who I am. At least in regard to this particular trait.

Having always been a morning person and now with a different twist on my schedule, I may become a nap person as well. That's right. I have tried that out at my workplace a few times but with mixed results. Once I went to sleep during the lunch break. I was listening to a train roll down the tracks in the rain through my earbuds. I slipped right out of my chair and onto the floor. I begin getting up before I got down. That's always a dangerous maneuver. Both of my sidekicks were in the office but glued to their computer screens. They didn't see me fall. Hallelujah! I was back up in my chair in a jiffy with only some minor pains from getting up so quickly. I would have never heard the end of that one. Now that I am officially retired, I have every right to hear and respond to the whimpering whisper of my recliner calling out for me. I had already been practicing some on building up my napping skills before I retired. According to a reliable source, the wife of my youth, she observed that on any Saturday or Sunday afternoon I could be asleep before I finished whatever it is I was saying. I can remember watching Paw Paw Mac sitting in his rocking chair reading his Bible. He typically didn't get far in his reading. He would be fast asleep before he finished John 11:35. ("Jesus wept.", the shortest verse in the Bible.) Come to think about it, it actually may be in my genes.

I've used this one many times before. An all-time favorite.

The wife of my youth and myself are still in the process of beginning to begin sorting out exactly what this new phase of our life will look like. People who know that I no longer go into the workplace as I had before typically ask how I am coping with my newfound freedom. That is interesting because here I sit, around the same wee hours of the morning just like I did before at the Ole Blogger Ranch, and I am contemplating and writing about the wave of freedom that has become mine to enjoy. Come to think about it, I was free this morning to get up when I wanted to, and that I did when I chose to climb the stairs to The Home Office. I could have chosen to stay in bed longer. And, maybe later I will. I have stayed up later at night some since I made the change. That is also a choice. We are already looking forward to finishing the Santa Enterprise schedule for this season. After the smoke settles from that venture we will think about getting away for a few days. Meanwhile, I have not had what one might call a lot of downtime since I left the public workplace. We are typically on the go here, there, and the other place, seemingly for good reasons. Seemingly. One thing I am very clear on. I am not in the least bit stressed about making the change. And, making it up as we go may be our way of fleshing out the way things will go. Tune in tomorrow because all of this is subject to change. Thanks. May God bless us all is my prayer. Amen. ....More later.

“The chief beauty about time is that you cannot waste it in advance. The next year, the next day, the next hour are lying ready for you, as perfect, as unspoiled, as if you had never wasted or misapplied a single moment in all your life. You can turn over a new leaf every hour if you choose.” ― Arnold Bennett, UK Author, (1867-1931), Nobel Prize for Literature

Good morning and welcome. I bring you greetings from the Home Office to wherever you happen to be. Thanks for showing up for today's briefing. It is Monday, November 5, 2018. I think one of the desires we have as sojourners is to make a difference while we are occupying space here on the planet. This is even more so in the life of a believer since that is our calling. My posting about my retirement from the public workplace on Facebook received a large number of congratulations, flattering words of compliment, and some testimonies of how I had made a difference. First and foremost, I highly recommend that anyone be real careful thinking too highly of themselves. I know first hand how that can be a very dangerous choice. However, I am overwhelmed by those who took the time to specifically mention things I had done that had helped them along the way. That was a big WOW! to me. Who gets the credit? Our Pastor likes to say it like this: Anything you see that originates in me that is sinful, well, that's my fault, however, anything I do for God and His glory, well, He is the one who gets the credit and it can have a lasting impact. One lady wrote how that I had been blessed to have been able to achieve such a long number of years in the workplace. I went to grade school and high school with her. She should know. Her husband was a man of God who pastored the Lord's Churches. He suffered a horrific accident where he was burned almost beyond recognition. When he recovered enough, he continued serving. It did take a toll on his life and he went home to glory a number of years ago. When she said I had been blessed she was right and I told her that. I am thankful that some of what I have done has been a help to others. I commend to each of us our need to focus on those things that do just that, for the honor and Glory of God. Amen.

Tomorrow is election day. What a privilege to participate in our representative democracy. Yes, even with all of its flaws we still proudly stand up for the American Way. Imperfect, and subject to being abused and manipulated, but, God provided, and you and I can carry on the legacy left to us by doing our civic duty. Will I be happy to see those nasty and mean-spirited political commercials go bye-bye? YES! When people announce their candidacy they typically pledge to not go negative. Somewhere along the way, their advisors make it clear that 'negative' is still the most effective tool in running a campaign. I am thinking of one race in particular. The challenger came on the scene selling a positive message. Everything was about optimism and hope. The last two weeks he has made TV spots that are almost cringe-worthy in their attacks against his opponent. What changed? I'm not completely sure but being behind by 5 or more percent in the most trusted polling has been a likely factor. We didn't vote early. We typically don't. Our polling location is within a block of our home. I look forward to walking down the street to cast my vote tomorrow. It's the right thing to do.

I know we are all put together differently. Some more different than others. Last Thursday I accompanied the wife to her eye appointment. I did. That's one of the things that retired people do. While at the clinic, I observed some pitiful sights. My heart went out to those who had such obvious impairments and health challenges. Okay. Confession time. I couldn't help but wonder how long before I'm the one who causes others to have those thoughts of pity and compassion. With this weather cool down, the wife was chilled in the low 50's temps with a wind blowing. I more or less reminded her of what Paw Paw Mac would have said, "What in the world are you going to do when it does get cold?" We laughed. Granny Mac always hoped she would live at least until the day she saw me get cold. She didn't live to see that happen, therefore, on a really cold day, I walk out on our driveway and look up in the sky and say, "Not today Granny!" The wife offered that I would be cold the day I died. I thought about that and it made me smile because I would be able to tell Granny Mac, "I am and it's TODAY!" Too morbid for you? Tune in tomorrow. Maybe it will be different. We all will have to wait and see. Yes, even me. Take care, and may God add His blessings. Amen. .....More later.

"Welcome to the first Friday of the rest of my life." ~ (You can quote me on that one.)

Hello out there in that vast digital domain known as Bloggerland. It's Friday and I am happy to bring you greetings from the Home Office on this November 2, 2018. As soon as the United States Postal Service, USPS, came out with some special Christmas stamps I've been on the hunt for them. The wife tried all the local facilities but they didn't have them. I never wanted an account with the USPS but I opened one so I could get my hands on these stamps. These stamps recreate the paintings done by famed artist Haddon Sundblom, commissioned by the Coca-Cola Company and used between the 1940's and 1960's. I ordered 200 but I may need to get more before they run out. Why did that particular group of stamps catch my attention? I'll let you think about that one, but, I would imagine many have already spotted 'the family resemblance'.

For Flashback Friday I go back to early November 2007. I was still reeling from the diabetes diagnosis and had been called back to see the doctor as a followup. Here's what I had to say about it, eleven years ago: "I know this is a part of how business is conducted but this fellow went in and stayed a good long while. Meanwhile, a room full of people waiting to see the doctor continued to do just that, wait. I finally got in, one hour and ten minutes after my appointment. Stuff like that agitates me. It has something to do with basic courtesy and respect. I didn’t want to even see the doctor but he had a lecture he wanted me to hear. Since I had been sending him the faxes on what was going on with the new medications he had given me, I guess he thought I was being a little too intense in trying to help manage my situation. Who would ever think that I would be like that? The lecture was all about retraining my brain and how that over many years I had allowed it to tell me what was good and bad due to a long conditioning process. It was a good story but to be honest not one single thing he said about what he had seen in people hit me as being even close to what I had experienced. He also chided me for being too much of a micro-manager in trying to pursue each little detail involved in the treatment process. This was an accurate assessment and I had already recognized that I had been a little over the top in my reactions. I went on to tell him how at the very beginning I thought it must be a wrong blood test or diagnosis. When that didn’t pan out, I thought I could lick it with diet and discipline. Now that this appears to not be the case I suppose I was a little let down by it all. I asked how it could be that I went for sixty-one years without any need for medications and suddenly I’m popping handfuls. He laughed and said that perhaps the warranty on my pancreas had expired."

Let me pause right here, right now, and give thanks to God for that good doctor and the one I had after him and the new one I am currently working with. In the summer of 2007 I was confirmed as a diabetic but with God's help and through the assistance of these medical practitioners, I am still here. And, kicking. Not so high anymore, but, thankful to still be kicking. Or as an elderly Church member I once knew used to say, "If I kicked, I ought to be." (Kicked implied) This brings to an end an event filled week. I've had a lot of accolades thrown in my direction and I do greatly appreciate the sentiment. I'm not being modest here but the thought has often crossed my mind that if I could only be the person people think I am, but, the truth is, I am still in the hunt, and still trying. I am glad to report the wife of my youth hasn't run away from home yet, but, she does have a trip planned for next week. When I started with my last job assignment in 2006, I had no thoughts about this thing called retirement. Time, however, marches on. I am content. The Apostle Paul said he was content in whatever state he found himself in. (Philippians 4:11) In my Bible teaching, I used to add as a joke how he obviously had never visited and then I would call out the name of a state. I quit doing that because some people took offense if their home state was called out. Oh well, two days in, I can report that so far I am content. I say Amen to that. Take care and may God bless each one. Amen.   ....More later.

“If we're honest, most of us are doing okay.” ~ Craig Groeschel, from his book: "Weird: Because Normal Isn't Working"

Okay. I think I know how I feel. I read about these people who went to check the date on their smoke detector only to find out the technician had written in the blank beside Installed On: the ceiling. I don't know why but I can identify with that sentiment. Here we go. It's the day after, Thursday, November 1, 2018, and I am so happy to bring you greetings from the Home Office. For today's edition, I want to share what I will be posting on my Facebook page.

~ Today reflects the beginning of a major change in my life and in the life of my family. The above photo was taken in my home office because yesterday was the last day of my employment. At 72, and after well over 50 years in the workplace, I am now officially retired. (Whatever that means.) My last job was with a metal fabrication company, Complete Manufacturing, of Magnolia, Texas. I had a good run of 12 years with these folks. I want to sincerely thank Oletha and Ronnie Smith, fellow believers, and the owners, for their support and kindness throughout my time with them. A shout out to the Smith connected family I worked with, Kari and Kevin, Kristen and Allen, and Ryan. These folks always respected me and that is something I will never forget. I also appreciate the rest of the workforce there along with the vendors, customers, and other folks I worked with. And, most of all, I thank God for His provision throughout my sojourn here on the planet. The wife of my youth has to be wondering what it will be like to have me hanging around every day. I'm sure her ladies Bible study group are praying for her. She will probably need it. In fact, we all need it. I tried to find a good closing line. I suppose this one will do: "The best is yet to come!" ~

The good news is that I am here and ready to get on with it. I read a quote the other day that I liked. "Sometimes you don’t know when you’re taking the first step through a door until you’re already inside." (Ann Voskamp) One evening this week I was asked by a family member if I was excited about the coming change. I replied, "Not really." It's not because I am being Dr. Doom. The way I am put together, Wednesday came and went, and now it is Thursday. Let's see what we can make of it. I wish I had some greater, deeper, philosophical outlook, but, God will make a way and I am thankful that He will. Hopefully, everyone received their edition this morning. I have changed network locations and we all know that stuff can happen. Enjoy the rest of your Thursday. I am going to try my best to do that as well. May God add His blessings. Amen. ....More later.

"The future lies before you, like paths of pure white snow. Be careful how you tread it, for every step will show." ~ Author Unknown

Today is Wednesday, October 31, 2018, designated for the celebration of Halloween. It's also my last day to broadcast from this location. In a few hours, it will be time for me to saddle up and ride off into the sunset, or as George Burns put it, "Say goodnight Gracie.", or as the legendary news broadcaster, Edward R. Murrow, said at the end of the news, "Good luck and good night.", and while I've never been able to do the Vulcan hand salute myself, the meaning might be appropriate, "Live long and prosper.", or maybe the happy go lucky motto from the Lion King, "Hakuna Matata.", and, even though I'm not Italian, "Chiao." rings a bell, or maybe Aloha, Shalom, or one of my favorites from Emeril, "Bam!", but, hopefully not, "Danger, Will Robinson!" At any rate, I leave the workplace knowing I have been blessed from above. One of my favorite closings has always been this one, written by Dale Evans, of Dale and Roy fame, (Rogers).

Some trails are happy ones,

Others are blue.

It's the way you ride the trail that counts,

Here's a happy one for you.

Happy trails to you,

Until we meet again.

Happy trails to you,

Keep smiling until then.

Who cares about the clouds when we're together?

Just sing a song, and bring the sunny weather.

Happy trails to you,

Until we meet again.

Blog Number: 2,932. That's a wrap from the old blogger ranch. I'll catch back up with you soon from my home office. Finally, I reprint the closing paragraph from my very first blog, published on May 9, 2007: "One final thought in this opening monologue: I know that without God as the foundation of my life through my identity with His Son, the Lord Jesus Christ, there would be little hope in all the ups and downs encountered in this journey called life." Amen. ....More later.