Wednesday, January 29, 2014

Teach a while and make a smile

My daughter who is alone now, raising two children by herself, needed a new light hung above her kitchen sink.
Normally my son helps his sister when she needs something done. He was working when she called so feeling this bad case of wintertime blues I knew I had to leave the warm comfort of home and do something.

When my son helps he's like many people and does it for her.
I on the other hand believe in the old saying:

“Give a man a fish and he eats for the day. Teach a man to fish and he eats forever.”

So instead of just doing it for her, I had her come and help. Did what I could to teach her as I was doing and left her do much of what I felt she could. All the while she watched, helped and learned.

Some believe women can't or shouldn't do home repairs and remodeling.
That is just not true.

Over the years I had women working along with me while running my business. After teaching them, they often outworked men. Did a nicer job and were cleaner while working. Paid much more attention to detail.

When tasks demanded strength I'd ask them to use they're minds to figure out how to handle it. Sometimes I'd help them along while learning to use their minds instead of their bodies. I'd enforce what I believe in.

“Anything the mind can conceive and believe in, can be achieved.”

Need to lift a heavy item that is too cumbersome for one? Levers and blocking, raising one end at a time is the way to go.
There are times when it takes two to move some things. Then is when you seek help. Of course there are times when help is handy that you simply ask for that help to move the job along faster.

I and my son are still here to help but by teaching her, should the time ever come that she needs to do something alone she can.

Why do for, when you can teach how?

Teaching and helping others helps builds their self confidence. Along with that self confidence comes a healthy attitude and smile.

Teaching your daughter helps show she “needs” no man, but can have one if and when she wants. And that she doesn't have to settle for a sorry excuse of a man just to have one to do things.
That too should allow her to keep a smile.



Monday, January 27, 2014

A Ball?

Six days before I leave. Wouldn't you know it would have to get so cold the grandkids have no school! And of course, who gets to watch them.

I have preparations to make, bags to pack, fishing equipment to finish getting ready, arrangements to make and who knows what I haven't thought of yet.
Oh well, there is still some food that needs used up before I leave. Wouldn't want to come home in a month to things growing in the refrigerator...

I was planning to leave the last day of this month, but a very pretty young lady asked me of all people to take her to a ball. 
A BALL!
Me who doesn't even own a pair of real dress pants let alone a torture suit. Hasn't looked at his hangman's nooses in years. Had to wipe years of dust from his dress shoes. At least they still looked good under their protective coating of dust.

I promised myself many years ago I would never again don clothes I couldn't feel totally comfortable getting dirty in.
But oh no, a cute little girl had to come along and make me break that promise.
Yet what can a guy do when his grand daughter asks for him to be her date...

So it was off to torment shacks err stores, to look for and buy new clothes. Clothes that I swear will only be worn once!
Hunting through styles that look goofy for five hours until I finally found something acceptable.
Maybe I really did outlive my lifetime...

Why can't I just wear a T shirt and jeans? What's wrong with my comfortable black Nike's? Why in the name of humanity do I have to put on a hangman's noose to choke my Adams apple and make my neck itch?
Grand daughter, that's why.

Somewhere out in the cosmos there is a gang of angels laughing. Holding their stomachs in pain from the laughter. All dancing around singing “We gotcha, we gotcha, ha ha haa ha haa ha.

Yes they knew there was no woman who could convince me I ever had to dress up again. So they blessed me with a wonderful grand daughter. A sweet young thing with a smile that could light the darkest night.
And she even delayed my escape from the bone chilling cold and my fishing trip.

Ugh, wonder if I can still remember how to dance with anyone but myself while out in a field when the mood strikes to nothing but the music in my head!

Oh well, she'll only be young once.

So smile as you imagine an old, broken down fool on a dance floor.
I will be : )

But she'll have this memory and smile forever.



Friday, January 24, 2014

Privacy

It's not that I have no expectations of privacy. But heck if the government or anyone else wants to keep records of my phone conversations they're in for a very boring book.


A recent call I made: Hey, whats for dinner today? Daughter sounding very ill, I don't know. Hmm, you don't sound very good. How bad is it? Not too bad, I think the worst is over. Well I have dinner almost finished, so sometime around noon you and the kids come on up. OK, see you then.

Another call I made: Hey, before you come home can you pick up... Yah, I can do that.


These are two examples of the majority of the calls I make. Could you imagine records after records of that kind of conversation?
There are some business type calls, but not a one where I say anything I wouldn't say in public. There are many calls I say no thank you and hang up. A few with over zealous sales people where I may say something nasty and then hang up. When I say no, I do mean no after all. When I'm in the middle of doing something and a sales person I didn't ask anything of calls or in the midst of a warm meal, I do not want bothered!
Heck, if I don't look for something I don't want called asking me to buy.

I learned a long time ago that if I want anything really kept private, I have to keep it locked in the recesses of my mind.
Trusted friends have a way of leaking things. Trusted lovers have a way of blabbing what was said in confidence when they tire of you. Even to the point of using what you said against you!
Bullies way back in the young school days would use what you said to bully you.

Anything said that you think is in private and will never go anywhere can and will. Often faster than the speed of light!

The only way to keep what you want to keep private is to never allow it to escape your mind.

Use it against me. Been down that road and I'm still here and laughing.
Use it as a book? Well at least send me a share of the royalties if there is someone who will ever buy it.

What I don't like though is that you will be using a huge amount of the tax payers money to warehouse all the dribbles of useless information.



Wednesday, January 22, 2014

Change. Thanks I needed that?

She was comfortable in my fingers. She made me feel good. She kept me company. She kept me informed. Was always there when I needed her most.
I enjoyed her body and never had desires for another.

I would keep her with me all day and sometimes never utter a word. She would lie beside me at night always ready. She went fishing with me and often never bothered me as my mind would wonder off into the distance pondering the matters of the world. She'd be there as I gardened waiting patiently as I paid her no attention. Ride quietly at my side all day as we rode the fields on the tractor.

So what if she was getting old. She only needed more time warmly sleeping in her cradle. Waiting for me to awaken her and take her in my hands.
We had years together wondering through the fields and woods. Shared time together, images of what we had seen.

But alas, she's been rudely replaced.

What part of “I do not like change” do you not understand son?
I'm old too! Are you going to replace me?

Just because I was looking at pretty new models, doesn't mean I wanted them. I was only looking to see if they had changed. If there could even be another I could possibly want in my life.

Oh well, even after spending hours preparing her for a life with me. Even though I had to take all that time learning her intricacies. Getting to know her and explaining how I preferred things to be between us. Touching her in places to make her respond. Eyeing her and learning her desires of where and how she wanted touched. Observing her reactions when she didn't like my moves.

I do appreciate the new cell phone.
But I still stand by what I said. I DO NOT LIKE CHANGE!




Friday, January 17, 2014

Can't wait to get out of here

It's bad enough that crops won't grow and there's little to do. Bad enough that an older body hurts from years of overwork and abuse and can no longer tolerate nor enjoy the cold of winter.

Yet being somewhat confined to your home becomes feeling imprisoned. Time passes, plans for spring have been made, thought about and re planed. Then all that's left is realizing how alone you are.
The loneliness grows.
The emptiness flourishes.

For Valentines day I've decided to ask the first mermaid I catch while fishing along streams, rivers and lakes to come home and be mine. : )

When idle the mind does tend to wonder to that which we feel would make life better, then dwell on what we long for.

Yes. I simply can't wait to get on with my month long escape!

Getting out and doing what you enjoy doing always helps to appease the mind. Brings out the smiles instead of tears.

Finding someplace...
What do you do or intend to do to to keep your mind from crying the blues?




Monday, January 13, 2014

Frrrrrigid Thoughts

Just some dumb thoughts while living in and surviving the deep freeze of the past week.

Flash freezing while getting the mail from the box is in no way fun. I'd rather be flash dancing.

Polar Vortex sounds much warmer than it feels.

How fast can one scurry to the mailbox?

While watching the news and seeing many cars stuck in ice.
Hmm why can't the mailman who brings the darned bills get stuck like that...

While seeing my reflection in a window.
40 pounds fatter? No, 4 layers.

Wonder if the chickens would be considerate enough and not use the carpet as a toilet if I left them in...

Went to feed the chickens, not a one came to greet me. I opened their door to make sure they weren't frozen. They didn't even look at me while they were perched like sardines under their heat lamp.
Wonder if I could squeeze in between them...

Just where are those Florida like temperatures Al Gore promised me?

Is hugging a radiator lewd? I don't care, this warms me up more than Playboy did as a teen.

Cabin fever? No. Pillow fort fever!

I refuse to answer the phone. Want to talk to me at least come share some body heat.

Went to the basement to get a few things from the canning cupboard. Peeked at the fuel oil tanks. Nooooooo! I need to order more heating fuel and it's not even February.

Who needs a cold shower when you can just get a warm one and then freeze when you get out.

When I took a black ice skid on the sidewalk and was laying there taking a mental parts evaluation before trying to get up.
Hope no one saw that.
Huh, if I was knocked out I'd have been well preserved.
Man this is going to hurt tomorrow! And it does.

Someone needs to invent a dog ejector to get them outside so they don't use the floor as a potty.

Yay! 0 degrees feels like a heat wave!

Heard people from the south complaining about cold while watching the news.
Want to swap homes for the winter?

I just know it's going to warm up here next month when I leave for the south...




Wednesday, January 8, 2014

Forgetfulness

Wow what a night.

After taking Rowdy and dropping him off at the Vet for surgery last evening, I actually got a night of having the bed to myself and not having to fight for space!

Have to say though that I kinda missed having that lummox staring at me when I woke up. Kinda wonder too what was going through his mind last night while being away from home for the first time.

When I dropped him off at the Vet's I made the remark that I could have saved a lot of cash if I'd have left him outside the night before. They all chuckled.

Two mornings in a row I had to thaw pipes for my kitchen water. I have an idea of how to ward off that problem but when the weather is warm who thinks of freezing pipes? Besides that what contractor or retired contractor has a house that doesn't need some work...
When you have done something every working day, you just don't want to do it when you are home.

Simply re-plumbing those two lines and moving them only a matter of inches I'm certain will stop them from freezing when the weather gets below zero and the wind howls. What's causing the problem is when they were run way back in the twenties, they were run right against the outside stone foundation wall.

Later when grandma wanted her kitchen remodeled the pipes were hidden by new carpentry. Ever since the pipes have not been able to take advantage of the heat inside the house. So every year since, someone from the family has had to thaw those pipes on days when the weather gets to be it's most bitter and miserable.

Seriously all it would take is about two hours of work and a few new pieces of iron pipe. Rerouting them straight up instead of over the top of the wide stone foundation to the outer wood wall and turning them neatly higher under the cabinet would fix the problem. Only a few new short nipples would have to be purchased. Two holes would have to be drilled and two old holes plugged.
But will I remember to do that once the weather warms and I get busy outdoors? Probably not. It will come back to me next winter though and make me want to give myself a kick in the rump.

When the sun moves higher in the sky and warms things up it's so easy to get lost in the farming and gardening. Taking hikes in the green fields and spending time with the wildlife. So simple to forget about the things indoors that bother you and aggravate you during the winter.

Hmm, maybe I should get a huge piece of fluorescent orange poster board. In big black letters write “FIX THE PIPES DUMMY” on it and tape it over my favorite kitchen window.



Monday, January 6, 2014

He Was Warned

I told him if he didn't behave what would happen. I told him when he acted up that I'd do it or have someone else do it. He's heard it so many times I think he doesn't believe me!

Well last Monday I took Rowdy to the vet. Had his shots updated and he had a pre surgery check up. He goes back in later this week to have his load lightened. Neutered, castrated. Yup, to have his family jewels removed.

Hopefully that will drop the testosterone levels enough that he's not so pushy and aggressive with Lakai. He's also beginning to pick up on the far away scents of little girl dogs wafting through the air. I don't want to be a doggy grandpap!

With all the unwanted, unloved, uncared for dogs in the world I also feel it's the responsible thing to do as a dog lover and owner.
He may not feel so loved and wanted when I drop him off for his stay. Might not feel very cared for when he doesn't get to shove me out of bed sleep with me for a few nights.
But these feelings too shall pass.

I asked the vet if I could also drop off my son. He said if I can get him in there he'll take care of that too. Somehow though I don't think I can drag that gorilla through the door...

There was a day I could or had to pick him up and take him everywhere. Those days are long past now. Heck, as I've grown older he's grown stronger and bigger! And wow does he have a mind of his own. Too bad he so seldom seems to use it... Ahh, but there was a day I was young and foolish myself.

Bet there were some who thought I should have been castrated.
Heck there are some I think should be neutered. Bet ya there are some women who think their guys should be castrated!

At least think about having your pets neutered.
Do you want puppies or kittens?
Would you want the offspring of your pets running wild in the streets?

Sure it costs some cash to have it done. But in the long run isn't it better than having puppies and kittens in your home to only end up being unwanted and unloved?
It is the responsible thing to do.



Thursday, January 2, 2014

Mental Clutter

I hope everyone had a great Christmas and New Years eve. I wish for everyone of my dear readers to have a prosperous, happy New Year full of good health and smiles.

I had planned on being here on the blog over the holidays, but some unfortunate things were happening with some wonderful people I know through my daughter. Things that bothered me. Things I tried my best to find words for which would help.
Things that at this time I won't mention here on the blog.

But what do you say when you have nothing to say? What do you blog when your mind is a log?

The past year plus has been a constant struggle. Maybe well over three hundred sixty five struggles. I don't know about you, but when I'm struggling it's hard to get the rampant thoughts together to say anything even half way sensible.

Materialistic things have cleared up remarkably well, yet this mind is still full of absolute junk and jumbled thoughts. There are plans for this year now that things have straightened out. One last piece of newer equipment to find and purchase. Some new calves to buy and raise which are always great company for a lonely ole guy. Fences to mend and some to replace before the calves can wonder the fields. New chickens to buy since the old girls have quit laying eggs.

With all the mess of the past year plus still boggling my mind it's difficult to focus. I really need a vacation.
Time to get away and hopefully clear the mind. Time to sit along waters hoping the fish don't get to hungry. Time to allow the flowing waters to wash away the fog and carry the problems of the past away. Time to let the sunshine warm my bones and chase at least some of the aches and pains out of this timeworn body.

Time to meet some new people and share stories to get a new or better perspective of what an old single guy should do to enjoy the rest of his life.

The grass is never really any greener on the other side of the fence. Yet on journeys to the other side of the fence I usually find new respect for what I have on my side of the fence. Yes, it's always great to get home.

So I'm still working on the plans for February. Checking prices and just about ready to start scheduling hotel rooms. Reading local fishing reviews for the places I intend to travel to. Checking maps for best routes to travel. Wondering if I'll get lost once I get there and start traveling backroads while fishing... Lost can turn into lots of fun and smiles though.

Looks like it's going to be one week fishing along the Ohio river in Southern Indiana, one or two days spent visiting Nashville just to see the place, one week visiting and fishing the Chattanooga area, then off to central Florida where I'll be visiting and old and dear friend and doing even more loafing on banks while fishing. After a week there I'll be heading towards home. Probably driving through Shenandoah National Park just because I hear it's a beautiful drive. Hope there isn't going to be a snowstorm...
After that it's very possible I may be making a right and heading east since I received a very nice invitation to meet a reader and her husband. No promises though as I do have to get home to start the garden seeds for the year and I don't know for sure just exactly when I'll be heading home.

After all this decision making and planning is done and I'm on the road, the mind should begin to clear. While sitting along the waters fishing, the past year and a half should begin to flow out and away.
Only bad thought I've had is that maybe I should subject myself to a darned flu shot before going on this trek. Well that and wondering about an old guy doing all that alone.

Yes I know better than to go fishing alone, but what's a guy to do...
Trust in the universe to protect me and smile while I go out to play.
That's what.