Here is today’s news in a minute. Christianity is bad; everything is racist; if you are not homosexual you should be; illegal immigration is wonderful; abortions are good for kids (that one threw me too); the government knows what’s good for you (you don’t); whatever the left wants is right; whatever the right wants is wrong; and grumpy old men should just shut up.
Don’t worry, be happy.
PMO
©2014
Friday, February 28, 2014
Thursday, February 27, 2014
Auto Inspection
There are lots of things older people forget. This week I forgot that my auto inspection was due. Oh, I still had time to get to a shop and get it done. So I did. The process took several minutes because I had to wait for another car in front of me. About the time they finished with my truck, an attractive young lady and her little girl came in to have her car serviced. The manager greeted them and directed them into a waiting room. And, he gave the little girl a free coloring book to play with while they waited.
Nobody pointed out the waiting room to me. I had to find it myself. And, they did not offer me a coloring book.
Isn’t that age discrimination?
PMO
©2014
Nobody pointed out the waiting room to me. I had to find it myself. And, they did not offer me a coloring book.
Isn’t that age discrimination?
PMO
©2014
Wednesday, February 26, 2014
A People
While I sat waiting in my truck for my financial controller to return from inside a business, a fellow walked up to me. He apologized, saying he had mistaken me for someone else. Then he just stood there and talked.
Turns out he is a retired cop that lives in a small town about 50 miles away and was to meet a friend for lunch. He went to school at another small town about 25 miles away. Let me ask you, "Why would I care?" But, he wanted to give me information that I neither wanted or needed. He complained about how he had lived in his current abode for four years and knew only a couple of his neighbors. "It’s like people are afraid to get to know someone else," he said. "Of course, when they find out I’m a retired police officers, they really don’t want to talk to me," he went on. He seemed like a nice enough guy so I let him talk. My controller returned and we left.
He did give me one bit of wisdom. When you move to a small town and you just don’t seem to fit it, the way to finally feel like you are accepted is to simply wait. Wait until everyone that was there when you got there to die.
Judging by his age, I think he may not make it. He’ll have to be buried as an outsider.
PMO
©2014
Turns out he is a retired cop that lives in a small town about 50 miles away and was to meet a friend for lunch. He went to school at another small town about 25 miles away. Let me ask you, "Why would I care?" But, he wanted to give me information that I neither wanted or needed. He complained about how he had lived in his current abode for four years and knew only a couple of his neighbors. "It’s like people are afraid to get to know someone else," he said. "Of course, when they find out I’m a retired police officers, they really don’t want to talk to me," he went on. He seemed like a nice enough guy so I let him talk. My controller returned and we left.
He did give me one bit of wisdom. When you move to a small town and you just don’t seem to fit it, the way to finally feel like you are accepted is to simply wait. Wait until everyone that was there when you got there to die.
Judging by his age, I think he may not make it. He’ll have to be buried as an outsider.
PMO
©2014
Tuesday, February 25, 2014
Georgia Gun Bill
Georgia House Passes Bill To Allow Guns In Schools, Churches, Certain Government Buildings - Breitbart.com. On February 18, the Georgia House overwhelmingly passed a bill to allow guns at schools, churches, bars and certain government buildings, according to the report. The "Safe Carry Protection Act," not only expands the number of places in which concealed carry permit holders can carry guns, but also reduces the punishment permit holders face for carrying in a no-carry unaware.
The bill sponsor, Rep. Rick Jasperse (R-Jasper) said part of the impetus behind the bill is to reduce danger posed by gun free zones that are gun free to the good guys only. Good heavens. Can you believe that criminals would not abide by gun free zones? Even worse, can you believe that sometimes common sense actually takes over in politics.
Yes, there are restrictions and regulations, but the bill is a start to stop the insanity of those that think Americans have no right to protect themselves and their families. Do I think people should have to carry guns? No. But, I do know when seconds counts, the cops are only minutes away. That’s too long when a life depends on it.
Not to let you escape my warped point of view, in some schools, teachers need guns just to maintain order in the class room. And, in bars, how about hard liquor and handgun night specials. The bill would be very helpful to churches too. Think about when you pass the plate and the preacher is toting a 44 magnum.
I know I’d try to kick in a little extra.
PMO
©2014
The bill sponsor, Rep. Rick Jasperse (R-Jasper) said part of the impetus behind the bill is to reduce danger posed by gun free zones that are gun free to the good guys only. Good heavens. Can you believe that criminals would not abide by gun free zones? Even worse, can you believe that sometimes common sense actually takes over in politics.
Yes, there are restrictions and regulations, but the bill is a start to stop the insanity of those that think Americans have no right to protect themselves and their families. Do I think people should have to carry guns? No. But, I do know when seconds counts, the cops are only minutes away. That’s too long when a life depends on it.
Not to let you escape my warped point of view, in some schools, teachers need guns just to maintain order in the class room. And, in bars, how about hard liquor and handgun night specials. The bill would be very helpful to churches too. Think about when you pass the plate and the preacher is toting a 44 magnum.
I know I’d try to kick in a little extra.
PMO
©2014
Monday, February 24, 2014
The Answer Is Here
According to article on savannahnow.com, Savannah Morning News, by Star Parker, on February 22, there are a large number of people believe that collapse of "traditional values" is irrelevant to the nation’s future. Ms. Parker quotes a recent Gallup poll with some concerning numbers. Seventy one percent between 18 and 34 years of age said having a child out of wedlock is morally acceptable, 49 percent said pornography is morally acceptable and 48 percent said teenage sex is morally acceptable. It is interesting that the majority of abortions are performed in the same age group.
The Merriam Webster dictionary defines moral as, concerning or relation to what is right and wrong in human behavior; based upon what you think is right and good. Synonyms are: all right, decent, ethical, honest, honorable, just, good, righteous, and virtuous.
If someone asks, "What is going on in this country?" The answer is simple. Evil is good and good is evil. It’s the new American way.
Aren’t you paying attention?
PMO
©2014
The Merriam Webster dictionary defines moral as, concerning or relation to what is right and wrong in human behavior; based upon what you think is right and good. Synonyms are: all right, decent, ethical, honest, honorable, just, good, righteous, and virtuous.
If someone asks, "What is going on in this country?" The answer is simple. Evil is good and good is evil. It’s the new American way.
Aren’t you paying attention?
PMO
©2014
Sunday, February 23, 2014
Test Your Brakes
There is a game drivers play in East Texas. It’s "called test your brakes" or "watch me pull out in front of you." In the year or so we have been here, I have become very aware that if someone wants into your road space, they will just pull out in front of you. It happened again today as we were on a short trip.
I had slowed down approaching a stop sign ahead. A car coming from the opposite direction had just turned onto the road, when suddenly, this guy with about 40 people in the cab of his single cab pickup, pulled out in front of both of us. Yes, there were horns honking and tires screeching. Didn’t bother him at all. He was headed across the road to the dollar store.
I’m betting that at least one person in the cab of that truck had to buy a fresh pair of undies at the dollar store.
PMO
©2014
I had slowed down approaching a stop sign ahead. A car coming from the opposite direction had just turned onto the road, when suddenly, this guy with about 40 people in the cab of his single cab pickup, pulled out in front of both of us. Yes, there were horns honking and tires screeching. Didn’t bother him at all. He was headed across the road to the dollar store.
I’m betting that at least one person in the cab of that truck had to buy a fresh pair of undies at the dollar store.
PMO
©2014
Saturday, February 22, 2014
Where's The Beef
Just in case you haven’t noticed, beef prices are up and are going higher. Being a red meat and tater’s kind of a guy, I am aware of the price increases. During my shopping day on Thursday, my weekly shopping day, I cruised by the meat counter at our country store. A couple of weeks ago, I bought some ribeye steaks at a great price and they were delicious - partially due to the cook. This week, the price for the same steaks is more than a cow used to sell for.
The recent drought in Texas and the cost of feed has caused ranchers to trim the herds. If you don’t know, most of the feed corn is now used to make ethanol for gasoline. Ethanol raises the cost of gas and reduces the mileage while it still pollutes the environment, and raises the cost of feed, and food, including dairy products. I’d like to give the people that come up with all these great ideas a little test. It’s a simple test. If it rains, take them outside into the rain and see if they have enough sense to come inside.
Don’t bet on them. You'll lose.
PMO
©2014
The recent drought in Texas and the cost of feed has caused ranchers to trim the herds. If you don’t know, most of the feed corn is now used to make ethanol for gasoline. Ethanol raises the cost of gas and reduces the mileage while it still pollutes the environment, and raises the cost of feed, and food, including dairy products. I’d like to give the people that come up with all these great ideas a little test. It’s a simple test. If it rains, take them outside into the rain and see if they have enough sense to come inside.
Don’t bet on them. You'll lose.
PMO
©2014
Friday, February 21, 2014
Coupons
When I go shopping, I use coupons if I have them. However, I have discovered at the local WallyMart, about half the time, coupons don’t work. For example, I had a coupon for a brand of biscuits that I always buy. The coupon specifically stated, any size, any variety of the product. They told me it did not apply to the size I got. Think about that.
After a few other occurrences, I tried to phone the store manager. If you’ve never tried to call the manager, give it a try. So, I did what I do. I contacted the home office. This issue was not the only one I have with that store. Well, today, the store manager called me. He seemed to be in a hurry to get off the phone, but did say that the next time I had a problem, to call him. Can you believe he said that.
So, the next time I have a problem, I will just shut down the register and wait for him to be summoned. Since they rarely have more than one register open, I should make a lot of friends.
I want my 25 cents off.
PMO
©2014
After a few other occurrences, I tried to phone the store manager. If you’ve never tried to call the manager, give it a try. So, I did what I do. I contacted the home office. This issue was not the only one I have with that store. Well, today, the store manager called me. He seemed to be in a hurry to get off the phone, but did say that the next time I had a problem, to call him. Can you believe he said that.
So, the next time I have a problem, I will just shut down the register and wait for him to be summoned. Since they rarely have more than one register open, I should make a lot of friends.
I want my 25 cents off.
PMO
©2014
Thursday, February 20, 2014
A Little Gelp
The "Club" at our little commune asked me to do an energy audit on the clubhouse. We previously agreed that I am a dummy for agreeing. Reality is that I did not know just how big a dummy.
To understand how a building operates, one must have certain information like hours, current kilowatt consumption, operating procedures, location of certain mechanical equipment and controls, and so forth. This takes cooperation from employees. Ha Ha Ha. If you don’t understand why I laugh, come and help me. Even the Vice President that asked me for the favor doesn’t do what I ask.
I suppose that one of the things in like that irrate me, and there are millions, is trying to help someone that asks for help and then does nothing. It’s like a neighbor asking for help to repair his roof and then sitting on the porch while you try to find the materials and tools. Then he goes in the house, only to come out and complain that the hammering makes too much noise for him to watch TV.
Reality is that I know that no matter what I conclude, there is going to be nothing done and nobody will care. Kinda takes the initiative out of doing a decent job.
Because I am in the report stage, I think I will report that everything is wonderful and they should keep on doing what they are doing. Then, I will call their electric company and ask for a cut on the outrageous bill they get.
My neighbor, old weird Harold, told me not to do this. Harold was right.
PMO
©2014
To understand how a building operates, one must have certain information like hours, current kilowatt consumption, operating procedures, location of certain mechanical equipment and controls, and so forth. This takes cooperation from employees. Ha Ha Ha. If you don’t understand why I laugh, come and help me. Even the Vice President that asked me for the favor doesn’t do what I ask.
I suppose that one of the things in like that irrate me, and there are millions, is trying to help someone that asks for help and then does nothing. It’s like a neighbor asking for help to repair his roof and then sitting on the porch while you try to find the materials and tools. Then he goes in the house, only to come out and complain that the hammering makes too much noise for him to watch TV.
Reality is that I know that no matter what I conclude, there is going to be nothing done and nobody will care. Kinda takes the initiative out of doing a decent job.
Because I am in the report stage, I think I will report that everything is wonderful and they should keep on doing what they are doing. Then, I will call their electric company and ask for a cut on the outrageous bill they get.
My neighbor, old weird Harold, told me not to do this. Harold was right.
PMO
©2014
Wednesday, February 19, 2014
Here Again
The party primaries are here again in Texas. Translated that means every other commercial on televison is about how some wannabe is going to save the world. Looking at the candidates on the right, there doesn’t seem to be a penny worth of difference. The ones on the left sing the same song they’ve sung for the past hundred years.
I heard a commercial on radio today about how the candidate was going to make big corporations pay their fair share of taxes and save Social Security. Again, translated that means, "Hello stupid people, vote for me." Politicians can’t save Social Security because they are the ones that broke it in the first place. Now, the only solution is to raise taxes to 100% or let it go broke. And, the idea of big corporations paying their fair share, just how much do they pay now? Pick a biggie like Microsoft or how about General Motors or Ford. They all pay exactly the same amount - zero. Taxes are passed along to the consumer, so if you raise their taxes, you raise the cost of the product or service. Let’s raise their taxes to 100% and see what a new car cost. People really believe a politician is going to do what he/she claims?
I have some ocean front property in East Texas for sale.
PMO
©2014
I heard a commercial on radio today about how the candidate was going to make big corporations pay their fair share of taxes and save Social Security. Again, translated that means, "Hello stupid people, vote for me." Politicians can’t save Social Security because they are the ones that broke it in the first place. Now, the only solution is to raise taxes to 100% or let it go broke. And, the idea of big corporations paying their fair share, just how much do they pay now? Pick a biggie like Microsoft or how about General Motors or Ford. They all pay exactly the same amount - zero. Taxes are passed along to the consumer, so if you raise their taxes, you raise the cost of the product or service. Let’s raise their taxes to 100% and see what a new car cost. People really believe a politician is going to do what he/she claims?
I have some ocean front property in East Texas for sale.
PMO
©2014
Tuesday, February 18, 2014
Believe It Or Not
Since we moved to East Texas, I have shared some stories about how things are different here. There is a different mind set with different priorities. Examples are if you call for service on an appliance, you will get an answer that a tech may be there tomorrow or next day, and should the tech show up, you should be happy because he usually doesn’t come until after the third or forth call. But, today I experienced a new twist.
About every two weeks I get my wig wacked - haircut. There is a shop not too far so I usually go there as a matter of convenience. The sole owner and operator is a woman that I think must have been in the Navy. Old timers will understand that statement. Let’s just say, her language is colorful. It is my routine to call for an appointment. Let me add that for the past few days, we have had really pleasant weather. So today, when I called, I got this message, "Hello, this is _____. It’s too nice to get your haircut today, leave a message or call back tomorrow."
If it rains, I’ll call back tomorrow.
PMO
©2014
About every two weeks I get my wig wacked - haircut. There is a shop not too far so I usually go there as a matter of convenience. The sole owner and operator is a woman that I think must have been in the Navy. Old timers will understand that statement. Let’s just say, her language is colorful. It is my routine to call for an appointment. Let me add that for the past few days, we have had really pleasant weather. So today, when I called, I got this message, "Hello, this is _____. It’s too nice to get your haircut today, leave a message or call back tomorrow."
If it rains, I’ll call back tomorrow.
PMO
©2014
Monday, February 17, 2014
Dummy Me
I would like to nominate myself for "Dummy of the year." It is beyond me why I volunteer for thankless jobs that are only going to end in frustration and aggravation. Because I have many years of experience in electrical energy efficiency, the Board at the Club asked me to do a little energy audit on the old club house. Can you believe I actually said yes? I can’t.
The building is old. My first recommendation was a bulldozer and a bunch of trucks to haul off the debris. They didn’t want to do that. I was willing to help design a new building. The problem with old buildings is that they are money pits. It is dang near impossible to work on them because there usually have been a lot of others that have tried and failed.
Not to bore you with technical stuff, but the building has 21 foot ceilings, no attic space, very little insulation, and leaks like a sieve because doors don’t shut and seal, light fixtures leak conditioned air into the little attic space and there about a million old women that want to run the thermostats. Okay, maybe just a half million. And, almost every outside wall is glass.
It’s kinda like trying to fix the Titanic as it is sinking. But, old dumb me is trying to come up with some reasonable plan to slow the flow of kilowatts.
Since they don’t like the bulldozer idea, I wonder how they feel about dynamite?
PMO
©2014
The building is old. My first recommendation was a bulldozer and a bunch of trucks to haul off the debris. They didn’t want to do that. I was willing to help design a new building. The problem with old buildings is that they are money pits. It is dang near impossible to work on them because there usually have been a lot of others that have tried and failed.
Not to bore you with technical stuff, but the building has 21 foot ceilings, no attic space, very little insulation, and leaks like a sieve because doors don’t shut and seal, light fixtures leak conditioned air into the little attic space and there about a million old women that want to run the thermostats. Okay, maybe just a half million. And, almost every outside wall is glass.
It’s kinda like trying to fix the Titanic as it is sinking. But, old dumb me is trying to come up with some reasonable plan to slow the flow of kilowatts.
Since they don’t like the bulldozer idea, I wonder how they feel about dynamite?
PMO
©2014
Sunday, February 16, 2014
More Dog
We’ve had the *#!! dog now for about 5 months. I blame myself for getting it for my financial controller. She does love cuddle dogs and this one loves to lay on her lap. But, the problem remains. The dog either doesn’t speak English or is just plain stubborn, stupid or all three. All three is my guess.
She does speak vacuum cleaner - she runs and hides from it.
My financial controller got a video on training dogs. The dog watched it - at least part of it. Now the dog knows what to expect and is prepared. And, my spouse somehow forgot that the trainer in the video says you can’t train a command in a couple of minutes. It takes time and patience. I have neither. But, I do like to jerk the training collar.
I would issue an ultimatum, "Either the dog goes or I go," but I know how that would turn out. And, the dog knows how it would turn out. I don’t know how she knows but she does.
Do dogs have to be dead before you can have them cremated?
PMO
©2014
She does speak vacuum cleaner - she runs and hides from it.
My financial controller got a video on training dogs. The dog watched it - at least part of it. Now the dog knows what to expect and is prepared. And, my spouse somehow forgot that the trainer in the video says you can’t train a command in a couple of minutes. It takes time and patience. I have neither. But, I do like to jerk the training collar.
I would issue an ultimatum, "Either the dog goes or I go," but I know how that would turn out. And, the dog knows how it would turn out. I don’t know how she knows but she does.
Do dogs have to be dead before you can have them cremated?
PMO
©2014
Saturday, February 15, 2014
Amnesty
In 1986 President Regan signed into law the Immigration Reform and Control Act which provided amnesty for millions of illegal immigrants. Now, government wants to do it again. Let me be sure I understand. Those that entered illegally got a free ride, and now millions and millions more want the same deal. Surprise, surprise, surprise!
Amnesty sends a message. It is okay to break the laws in this country. It is okay to avoid taxes by accepting pay only in cash. Falsifying documents to collect benefits intended for only citizens, overcrowding schools with children that have no legal right to be there, demanding to be taught in their native language, burdening our healthcare system and even avoiding auto insurance are just a few more examples that come to mind.
I am all for immigration so long as it is done through the legal process. But, when you have millions, many that don’t and don’t want to learn to speak English, can just sneak across the border and get a free pass is wrong. What happened after the 1986 reform? You now have to press one for English. Can you read the packaging or instructions on half the products you buy?
Amnesty is like an invading army meeting no resistance, even to foreign flags flying in front of homes, schools and businesses. Protest in the streets demanding rights only afforded to citizens. How can anyone expect such persons to have any incentive to learn our constitution, our language, our values, laws, traditions and our unique culture?
The reason that the American culture is unique is simple. We are natives or we came here legally and learned what it means to live in this country. We’ve learned that while we may be different, we are one - Americans.
Please notice that you didn’t have to press one to read this in English.
PMO
©2014
Amnesty sends a message. It is okay to break the laws in this country. It is okay to avoid taxes by accepting pay only in cash. Falsifying documents to collect benefits intended for only citizens, overcrowding schools with children that have no legal right to be there, demanding to be taught in their native language, burdening our healthcare system and even avoiding auto insurance are just a few more examples that come to mind.
I am all for immigration so long as it is done through the legal process. But, when you have millions, many that don’t and don’t want to learn to speak English, can just sneak across the border and get a free pass is wrong. What happened after the 1986 reform? You now have to press one for English. Can you read the packaging or instructions on half the products you buy?
Amnesty is like an invading army meeting no resistance, even to foreign flags flying in front of homes, schools and businesses. Protest in the streets demanding rights only afforded to citizens. How can anyone expect such persons to have any incentive to learn our constitution, our language, our values, laws, traditions and our unique culture?
The reason that the American culture is unique is simple. We are natives or we came here legally and learned what it means to live in this country. We’ve learned that while we may be different, we are one - Americans.
Please notice that you didn’t have to press one to read this in English.
PMO
©2014
Friday, February 14, 2014
Valentine Day
A poem for Valentine Day: "Roses are red, violets are purple. Sugar is sweet and so is maple syruple." Is this how I really feel about Valentine Day? Nope. I can’t really say.
This is a "G" rated blog.
PMO
©2014
This is a "G" rated blog.
PMO
©2014
Thursday, February 13, 2014
Composites
Whether you like it or not, each of us is a composite of our experiences and beliefs. When you throw in personalities, we become what the world sees. Pretty heavy stuff for a grumpy old man. Well, I did spend part of my college life in psychology classes. My friend, Steve, was quadriplegic and I pushed him to class in his wheel chair. He was a psychology major. To make my trips shorter, I would use my electives and take "head shrinking" classes. I’ve always been thankful he wasn’t a home economics major, although I probably could have used that more.
Because we tend to believe that everyone thinks like we do, we get frustrated when they don’t. Reality is that individuals are formed by what happens to them and how they deal with the good and the bad. That’s where personality comes into play. In case you haven’t noticed, others will agree with you on some issues, but not on others. Those dratted beliefs are usually the cause.
This is why we have so many religions, political persuasions, and cultures. And, that is why you often feel that others are stupid or plain crazy. Don’t despair. Others have different beliefs, different experiences, and different personalities. That’s what makes us unique.
However, many politicians really are stupid and crazy.
PMO
©2014
Because we tend to believe that everyone thinks like we do, we get frustrated when they don’t. Reality is that individuals are formed by what happens to them and how they deal with the good and the bad. That’s where personality comes into play. In case you haven’t noticed, others will agree with you on some issues, but not on others. Those dratted beliefs are usually the cause.
This is why we have so many religions, political persuasions, and cultures. And, that is why you often feel that others are stupid or plain crazy. Don’t despair. Others have different beliefs, different experiences, and different personalities. That’s what makes us unique.
However, many politicians really are stupid and crazy.
PMO
©2014
Wednesday, February 12, 2014
Internet Service?
I have written in the past about how bad internet service is in our area. In the year that we’ve been here we’ve had to change servers because of terrible connectivity. There are only two choices and now the second one, which we changed to, is proving they can be a bad as the first one.
Because we have VOIP, the phones are out too. I called on the cell phone and was told that there was a wide area outage. When I pressed for an estimated time, the lady told me that the office had just opened (9:00 a.m.) and they had no idea when the service would be restored. That sounded like the first company we had.
My "retired" financial controller still works part-time and must have the internet to connect to Dallas. That doesn’t mean a thing to an internet provider. Oh, I know that "events" happen now and then, but when it is more now than then, my grumpy old man really comes out.
If the service ever gets restored you will be able to see this post. And, I will be able to Google "smoke signals" to see if there is a class nearby.
The hard part is going to be getting the people a hundred miles away to see the smoke.
PMO
©2014
P.S. The server finally came back up after only 5 hours. Now, I have to check to see if the world ended while they were down.
Because we have VOIP, the phones are out too. I called on the cell phone and was told that there was a wide area outage. When I pressed for an estimated time, the lady told me that the office had just opened (9:00 a.m.) and they had no idea when the service would be restored. That sounded like the first company we had.
My "retired" financial controller still works part-time and must have the internet to connect to Dallas. That doesn’t mean a thing to an internet provider. Oh, I know that "events" happen now and then, but when it is more now than then, my grumpy old man really comes out.
If the service ever gets restored you will be able to see this post. And, I will be able to Google "smoke signals" to see if there is a class nearby.
The hard part is going to be getting the people a hundred miles away to see the smoke.
PMO
©2014
P.S. The server finally came back up after only 5 hours. Now, I have to check to see if the world ended while they were down.
Tuesday, February 11, 2014
Friend's Retirement
My friend of 40 years, The Rite Reverend Doctor "Wild Bill" of the First Get Down With Your Bad Self Church of What’s Happening Now, is retiring. I asked the obvious question, "How do we tell you are retired?" He mumbled something about not being in the office every day.
Bill says he will have to work part time to supplement his income. He has had an offer to manage a ranch. The ranch is in Africa. Again, I asked the obvious question, "Isn’t that going to be a long commute from Fort Worth? In his blog, he mentioned that he used to mow lawns as a boy and I suggested he might want to return to his youth. He assures me that he is not going to mow my lawn.
Bill reads my blog and I read his. That way, each of us has a reader.
As I always tell people about to retire, retirement is not going to be what you have planned. There are just too many variables. It is just like the rest of life, just about the time you think you have it figured out and everything is going good, you get hit with the unexpected. And, when you get older, there are a lot more unexpected’s.
I know that his church will miss him. And, he will miss the church. But, all things come to pass and this is one of them.
I’m going to give him a few months and check back about him mowing my lawn.
PMO
©2014
Bill says he will have to work part time to supplement his income. He has had an offer to manage a ranch. The ranch is in Africa. Again, I asked the obvious question, "Isn’t that going to be a long commute from Fort Worth? In his blog, he mentioned that he used to mow lawns as a boy and I suggested he might want to return to his youth. He assures me that he is not going to mow my lawn.
Bill reads my blog and I read his. That way, each of us has a reader.
As I always tell people about to retire, retirement is not going to be what you have planned. There are just too many variables. It is just like the rest of life, just about the time you think you have it figured out and everything is going good, you get hit with the unexpected. And, when you get older, there are a lot more unexpected’s.
I know that his church will miss him. And, he will miss the church. But, all things come to pass and this is one of them.
I’m going to give him a few months and check back about him mowing my lawn.
PMO
©2014
Monday, February 10, 2014
New At The Mall
Have you seen a funeral home in the shopping mall yet? That’s a new trend according to a report in the Dallas Morning News, from the Associated Press, this weekend. Yep, you can get a new T-shirt, hoodie and pick out a casket, all in the same trip. And, before you ask, you can get a cremation urn with the logo of your favorite sports team.
Just imagine strolling along the mall and seeing a kiosk with funeral plots, caskets or urns. Who wouldn’t stop and place an order? Personally, I will wait until they have an "out of this world sale." Maybe, a two for one deal or at least 40% off if you buy now.
Kinda puts a twist on shop til you drop.
PMO
©2014
Just imagine strolling along the mall and seeing a kiosk with funeral plots, caskets or urns. Who wouldn’t stop and place an order? Personally, I will wait until they have an "out of this world sale." Maybe, a two for one deal or at least 40% off if you buy now.
Kinda puts a twist on shop til you drop.
PMO
©2014
Sunday, February 9, 2014
Dinner & Dance
Okay, I went to the annual Valentine Dinner/Dance at the club house in our little commune. It all started promptly at 6:00 p.m. and ended at 9:30 p.m. so most of the folks might stay before it was bed time. The food was good, and easy to chew, and there was a band - a three piece band.
As I sat wondering why I was there, I wondered why the band played while everyone was greeting each other. Reality is that most the folks there can’t hear with their aids turned on high, and the band just added more noise. I sat between my financial controller and one of my granddaughters. Neither of them had any interest in anything I might have to say. The other people at the table, and they were younger, didn’t talk much because they couldn’t hear either.
Then the dance. There is just something not right about trying to dance with a walker. The motorized wheelchairs looked more like bumper cars. The band played on.
As usual, the attire was semi-formal. I took that to mean that I could wear jeans. My financial controller did not. I was not allowed to wear my Snoopy tie. It’s a really nice tie and I’ve had it a long time - 1980's.
When things really got to hopping - everyone lined up to get their picture made, while the band played on, I saw a light and ran toward it. Outside and on the way home.
It was past my bedtime.
PMO
©2014
As I sat wondering why I was there, I wondered why the band played while everyone was greeting each other. Reality is that most the folks there can’t hear with their aids turned on high, and the band just added more noise. I sat between my financial controller and one of my granddaughters. Neither of them had any interest in anything I might have to say. The other people at the table, and they were younger, didn’t talk much because they couldn’t hear either.
Then the dance. There is just something not right about trying to dance with a walker. The motorized wheelchairs looked more like bumper cars. The band played on.
As usual, the attire was semi-formal. I took that to mean that I could wear jeans. My financial controller did not. I was not allowed to wear my Snoopy tie. It’s a really nice tie and I’ve had it a long time - 1980's.
When things really got to hopping - everyone lined up to get their picture made, while the band played on, I saw a light and ran toward it. Outside and on the way home.
It was past my bedtime.
PMO
©2014
Saturday, February 8, 2014
Perfect
What is this? “Joe Bob, he is so extra unique that if he hides you can never find out where he is at.”
The answer is, a perfect simple sentence in any high school English class today. If you don’t see all the grammatical errors, don’t worry about it. You are part of the problem.
God save the Queen’s English.
PMO
©2014
The answer is, a perfect simple sentence in any high school English class today. If you don’t see all the grammatical errors, don’t worry about it. You are part of the problem.
God save the Queen’s English.
PMO
©2014
Friday, February 7, 2014
For Sale
For the first time I browsed Craigslist just to see what it is all about. I have looked at eBay and wasn’t impressed. Guess what? Craigs doesn’t impress me either. It’s probably because I am not into buying and selling stuff on the internet. The only reason I took a few minutes was because I had seen a blog written by a young man that does buy and sell for a living. He must do pretty well, he is debt free except for his house. He and his wife have four children and are expecting another one. He won’t be debt free very long.
My ace number one daughter posted an electric pump for a friend, on Craigs. He never got a call. That may be the norm or maybe he priced it too high. Who knows? But it is intriguing that garage sales are now on the internet. That’s what I would call the various sites that have all the listings.
The positive to such sites is that you don’t have to fight some fat woman to get a used lawn mower.
PMO
©2014
My ace number one daughter posted an electric pump for a friend, on Craigs. He never got a call. That may be the norm or maybe he priced it too high. Who knows? But it is intriguing that garage sales are now on the internet. That’s what I would call the various sites that have all the listings.
The positive to such sites is that you don’t have to fight some fat woman to get a used lawn mower.
PMO
©2014
Thursday, February 6, 2014
Problem With Getting Old
The problem with getting old is, getting old. And, despite medical advances, you just can’t get all the parts for things that wear out. Sure, you can get an artificial knee, a heart by-pass, dental implants, various eye surgeries to restore vision and a multitude of pills to put some pep back in your step. But, you can’t get parts for the mind.
My in-laws are rapidly going into dementia. My father-in-law can’t remember what he had for lunch, even if he’s still sitting at the table. Mother-in-law is not far behind. But, she still thinks she is quite capable of taking care of both of them. The question is when and what do you do with parents that you fear for? What if they hurt themselves? What if they hurt someone else? How do you "make" them understand that they need constant supervision, just like you did when you were a child? You can’t spank them and make them go to their room.
There is also the issue of what you do you as a child, wanting to let them be as independent as possible but knowing that you will know before they do, that they have to be protected. You have to understand that you can’t give in to their wants anymore than they gave in to yours as a child when you were incapable of making sound decisions. It is a horrible part of life, for both the parent and child. But, it is a part.
Both my parents died a long time ago. Fortunately or unfortunately, they died long before they hit the stage that in-laws have reached. Now I have to be a part, like it or not, to dealing with a situation that only gets worse until the inevitable. The best you can hope for is that you can live with the decisions you have to make - right or wrong.
The trick is not to look back, except on the right ones.
PMO
©2014
My in-laws are rapidly going into dementia. My father-in-law can’t remember what he had for lunch, even if he’s still sitting at the table. Mother-in-law is not far behind. But, she still thinks she is quite capable of taking care of both of them. The question is when and what do you do with parents that you fear for? What if they hurt themselves? What if they hurt someone else? How do you "make" them understand that they need constant supervision, just like you did when you were a child? You can’t spank them and make them go to their room.
There is also the issue of what you do you as a child, wanting to let them be as independent as possible but knowing that you will know before they do, that they have to be protected. You have to understand that you can’t give in to their wants anymore than they gave in to yours as a child when you were incapable of making sound decisions. It is a horrible part of life, for both the parent and child. But, it is a part.
Both my parents died a long time ago. Fortunately or unfortunately, they died long before they hit the stage that in-laws have reached. Now I have to be a part, like it or not, to dealing with a situation that only gets worse until the inevitable. The best you can hope for is that you can live with the decisions you have to make - right or wrong.
The trick is not to look back, except on the right ones.
PMO
©2014
Wednesday, February 5, 2014
Retirement Report
My financial controller has been officially retired less than a month. Actually, she retired on a Friday and went back to work as a contractor on the following Monday. This is a good thing and a bad thing.
First the good. She doesn’t have to drive into Dallas every week, only about once per month. She gets to sleep later and has more free time. That leads us to the bad things.
She volunteers for projects and expects me to help. She shops. Boy, does she shop. She will shop on line, in the store or at a road side stand if she has to. I hate to go to the mail box because I never know what she has bought and had shipped to the house. Because I get the emails for some of her accounts on line, I am forever more getting a notice about a confirmation of purchase. Her excuses include, "I got that for the granddaughters or daughter." I am still waiting on the reason for a leaf bag holder in my office.
This very day she decided we needed to make some soup that I make. And, we should make enough to share with all of North America. I made a list. While I was shaving she came in and said she was going to the grocery to get all the ingredients. I assured her that she was not going by herself, and explained that we needed to go "buy" what was on the list and not "shop." "How can I possibly shop in the grocery?", she asked. My reply, "I don’t know, but if you go by yourself, I’m afraid I will find out.
One of these days I expect that she will come home with a box of green cow patties. If I dare ask why, she will probably reply, "I got the flies for free."
Then she will tell me, she got them for me.
PMO
©2014
First the good. She doesn’t have to drive into Dallas every week, only about once per month. She gets to sleep later and has more free time. That leads us to the bad things.
She volunteers for projects and expects me to help. She shops. Boy, does she shop. She will shop on line, in the store or at a road side stand if she has to. I hate to go to the mail box because I never know what she has bought and had shipped to the house. Because I get the emails for some of her accounts on line, I am forever more getting a notice about a confirmation of purchase. Her excuses include, "I got that for the granddaughters or daughter." I am still waiting on the reason for a leaf bag holder in my office.
This very day she decided we needed to make some soup that I make. And, we should make enough to share with all of North America. I made a list. While I was shaving she came in and said she was going to the grocery to get all the ingredients. I assured her that she was not going by herself, and explained that we needed to go "buy" what was on the list and not "shop." "How can I possibly shop in the grocery?", she asked. My reply, "I don’t know, but if you go by yourself, I’m afraid I will find out.
One of these days I expect that she will come home with a box of green cow patties. If I dare ask why, she will probably reply, "I got the flies for free."
Then she will tell me, she got them for me.
PMO
©2014
Tuesday, February 4, 2014
One Nation
"I pledge allegiance to the flag of the United States of America. And, to the Republic for which it stands. One nation, under God, indivisible, with liberty and justice for all." Exactly what does that mean to you?
Several years ago, Red Skelton explained the pledge in great detail in a presentation that you can find on Youtube. Check it out. The problem today is that we are no longer one nation under God. We don’t even speak the same language. In case you missed the Coke commercial in the super bowl ads, "America the Beautiful" was sung in a variety of languages. May not have offended you, but it did me.
America cannot be beautiful without being one nation. English has been the language for America for as long as we have existed. Early immigrants learned English and taught it to their young so they could all be a part on one nation. Yes, there are many cultures, but we were a nation that was united by English and a common goal - liberty and justice for all.
Today you can’t buy a loaf of bread that doesn’t have at least two languages on the wrapper. Instruction books for almost anything are written in several languages. I actually got a new monitor for my computer and there was no English version of the manual. What is being said is that we are many nations living in the same space. Immigrants are allowed to keep their language, their beliefs on politics, their culture without thought to the American culture and yes their gods.
The culture that developed from many in forming this country is now shoved aside and has been replaced with those from other places. What’s the point of wanting to come to America if you want it to be like the place you left?
I for one cannot accept any "ism" except Americanism. I cannot accept any god but the God that set the beliefs of a once great and mighty nation. Before you get your panties in a knot, everyone should be allowed to worship as they please, but it is only one God that sets the standards for "One Nation."
Unless drastic steps are taken, you, depending upon your age, your children and grandchildren will not live in America the beautiful.
It will take one language and a commitment to America first, before you or me.
PMO
©2014
Several years ago, Red Skelton explained the pledge in great detail in a presentation that you can find on Youtube. Check it out. The problem today is that we are no longer one nation under God. We don’t even speak the same language. In case you missed the Coke commercial in the super bowl ads, "America the Beautiful" was sung in a variety of languages. May not have offended you, but it did me.
America cannot be beautiful without being one nation. English has been the language for America for as long as we have existed. Early immigrants learned English and taught it to their young so they could all be a part on one nation. Yes, there are many cultures, but we were a nation that was united by English and a common goal - liberty and justice for all.
Today you can’t buy a loaf of bread that doesn’t have at least two languages on the wrapper. Instruction books for almost anything are written in several languages. I actually got a new monitor for my computer and there was no English version of the manual. What is being said is that we are many nations living in the same space. Immigrants are allowed to keep their language, their beliefs on politics, their culture without thought to the American culture and yes their gods.
The culture that developed from many in forming this country is now shoved aside and has been replaced with those from other places. What’s the point of wanting to come to America if you want it to be like the place you left?
I for one cannot accept any "ism" except Americanism. I cannot accept any god but the God that set the beliefs of a once great and mighty nation. Before you get your panties in a knot, everyone should be allowed to worship as they please, but it is only one God that sets the standards for "One Nation."
Unless drastic steps are taken, you, depending upon your age, your children and grandchildren will not live in America the beautiful.
It will take one language and a commitment to America first, before you or me.
PMO
©2014
Monday, February 3, 2014
Ladies And Gentlemen
Sometime when you are bored, look up the definition of ladies and gentlemen. You will discover that there just may not be any of either left - well maybe a few. Yet, we still use the terms as though they still apply. Of course, today, everyone is a guy. "Hello guys" is what you hear when someone addresses any group, regardless of the gender or genders present. That really irritates me. My financial controller has to keep a tight leash on me when a server at a restaurant greets us with a perky little, "How are you guys?" I always want to reply, "Are you blind or just a special kind of stupid?"
Before I get on one of my tirades, let me assure you that I am all for women getting ahead and being paid equal pay for equal work. But, calling a female a lady just because she is female is not accurate. Back in the old days, they burned their bras. Looks like that would really hurt. Then came the "right" to abortion. And, all along the way, they veered from having modesty, real class, and integrity. Trust me on this one, a lady doesn’t go around dressed in only underwear. In 1997, John Wesley Ryles had a song that went to number 20 on the charts. It was titled, "Liberated Woman" and spoke to how she didn’t need anyone. Oh, she loved babies but didn’t want one of her own. "She doesn’t lean on no one, you won’t find her hiding in a shell. But sometimes in the evening, she cries because she is lonely as hell." I have never understood why women want to be equal to men. Why would they want to lower their standards.
Gentlemen treated ladies with respect, not like bitches and hoe’s. Men, real men, knew that to win the favors of companionship, they had to demonstrate they were worthy of even a second glance by a lady. Now, they take the position of, "You’re pregnant? Get an abortion." Gentlemen accepted responsibility and took pride in protecting and providing for a lady. All it took was a little dignity, integrity and self respect. I do wonder where that went. Enough rambling! You get the picture.
There are some things that change and make the world a worse place.
All you guys remember that.
PMO
©2014
Before I get on one of my tirades, let me assure you that I am all for women getting ahead and being paid equal pay for equal work. But, calling a female a lady just because she is female is not accurate. Back in the old days, they burned their bras. Looks like that would really hurt. Then came the "right" to abortion. And, all along the way, they veered from having modesty, real class, and integrity. Trust me on this one, a lady doesn’t go around dressed in only underwear. In 1997, John Wesley Ryles had a song that went to number 20 on the charts. It was titled, "Liberated Woman" and spoke to how she didn’t need anyone. Oh, she loved babies but didn’t want one of her own. "She doesn’t lean on no one, you won’t find her hiding in a shell. But sometimes in the evening, she cries because she is lonely as hell." I have never understood why women want to be equal to men. Why would they want to lower their standards.
Gentlemen treated ladies with respect, not like bitches and hoe’s. Men, real men, knew that to win the favors of companionship, they had to demonstrate they were worthy of even a second glance by a lady. Now, they take the position of, "You’re pregnant? Get an abortion." Gentlemen accepted responsibility and took pride in protecting and providing for a lady. All it took was a little dignity, integrity and self respect. I do wonder where that went. Enough rambling! You get the picture.
There are some things that change and make the world a worse place.
All you guys remember that.
PMO
©2014
Sunday, February 2, 2014
Fun Filled Action Packed Day
There wasn’t a post yesterday because we drove up to the in-laws to replace a computer - a three hour drive. My financial controller talked me into taking a different route. We usually go a few miles on a county road to an interstate and zoom we are off. This time we took county roads, state highways, city streets and a couple of cow trails. It was supposed to be quicker. It took exactly one minute less than using the interstate and my truck got two miles per gallon less. Those city streets and cow trails really kill the mileage.
Upon arrival I expected a few problems, but that was another one of my mistakes. The computer change out went about like what I expected. Then came the printer.
We had an old printer that has been setting up for several years. My controller decided that mother-in-law should have it. It prints in color - inkjet. Rule number one, don’t let inkjet printers set for long periods of time. The ink drys out and clogs the print heads. A few hours later - and many comments about how great idea this was - it works. How long will it work? That’s why I don’t sleep nights.
Finally we all went to dinner at a steak house where we sat six to a table for four. I’ve seen sardines packed more loosely. And, you though I never have any fun.
We awoke to freezing rain and sleet with a three hour drive ahead.
PMO
©2014
Upon arrival I expected a few problems, but that was another one of my mistakes. The computer change out went about like what I expected. Then came the printer.
We had an old printer that has been setting up for several years. My controller decided that mother-in-law should have it. It prints in color - inkjet. Rule number one, don’t let inkjet printers set for long periods of time. The ink drys out and clogs the print heads. A few hours later - and many comments about how great idea this was - it works. How long will it work? That’s why I don’t sleep nights.
Finally we all went to dinner at a steak house where we sat six to a table for four. I’ve seen sardines packed more loosely. And, you though I never have any fun.
We awoke to freezing rain and sleet with a three hour drive ahead.
PMO
©2014
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