Word Filter

Found this on line. Seems to be as appropriate today as it was in Socrates' time:


In ancient Greece, Socrates was reputed to hold knowledge in high esteem. One day an acquaintance met the great philosopher and said, "Do you know what I just heard about your friend?"

"Hold on a minute," Socrates replied. "Before you talk to me about my friend, it might be good idea to take a moment and filter what you’re going to say. That’s why I call it the triple filter test. The first filter is Truth. Have you made absolutely sure that what you are about to tell me is true?"

"Well, no," the man said, "actually I just heard about it and…"

"All right," said Socrates. "So you don’t really know if it’s true or not. Now, let’s try the second filter, the filter of Goodness. Is what you are about to tell me about my friend something good?"

"Umm, no, on the contrary…"

"So," Socrates continued, "you want to tell me something bad about my friend, but you’re not certain it’s true. You may still pass the test though, because there’s one filter left-the filter of Usefulness. Is what you want to tell me about my friend going to be useful to me?"

"No, not really."

"Well," concluded Socrates, "if what you want to tell me is neither true, nor good, nor even useful, why tell it to me at all?"

Peace,

JE

Words to Live By!

I recently received this from a very dear life-long friend. (It is from an article by a lady in Ohio that turned 90.) I don't know the publish date, but whenever it was, it still holds true for all of us that are growing older.

1. Life isn't fair, but it's still good.

2. When in doubt, take that first small step.
3. Life is too short to waste time hating anyone.
4. Your job won't take care of you when you are sick. Your friends and parents will. Stay in touch.
5. Pay off your credit cards every month.
6. You don't have to win every argument. Agree to disagree.
7. Cry with someone. It's more healing than crying alone.
8. It's OK to get angry with God. He can take it.
9. Save for retirement starting with your first paycheck.
10. When it comes to chocolate, resistance is futile.
11. Make peace with your past so it won't screw up the present.
12. It's OK to let your children see you cry.
13. Don't compare your life to others. You have no idea what their journey is all about.
14. If a relationship has to be a secret, you shouldn't be in it.
15. Everything can change in the blink of an eye. But don't worry; God never blinks.
16. Take a deep breath. It calms the mind.
17. Get rid of anything that isn't useful, beautiful or joyful.
18. Whatever doesn't kill you really does make you stronger.
19. It's never too late to have a happy childhood. But the second one is up to you and no one else.
20. When it comes to going after what you love in life, don't take no for an answer.
21. Burn the candles, use the nice sheets, wear the fancy lingerie. Don't save it for a special occasion. Today is special.
22. Over prepare, then go with the flow.
23. Be eccentric now. Don't wait for old age to wear purple.
24. The most important sex organ is the brain.
25. No one is in charge of your happiness but you.
26. Frame every so-called disaster with these words 'In five years, will this matter?'
27. Always choose life.
28. Forgive everyone everything.
29. What other people think of you is none of your business.
30. Time heals almost everything. Give time time.
31. However good or bad a situation is, it will change.
32. Don't take yourself so seriously. No one else does.
33. Believe in miracles.
34. God loves you because of who God is, not because of anything you did or didn't do.
35. Don't audit life. Show up and make the most of it now.
36. Growing old beats the alternative -- dying young.
37. Your children get only one childhood.
38. All that truly matters in the end is that you loved.
39. Get outside every day. Miracles are waiting everywhere.
40. If we all threw our problems in a pile and saw everyone else's, we'd grab ours back.
41. Envy is a waste of time. You already have all you need.
42. The best is yet to come...
43. No matter how you feel, get up, dress up and show up.
44. Yield.
45. Life isn't tied with a bow, but it's still a gift."

What I Read #12

White Sister by Stephen J. Cannell: From the writer of my favorite TV series, Hunter, comes White Sister, a gripping, fast paced mystery thriller. Detective Shane Scully is on a case involving the murder of another LAPD officer, which also involved the serious wounding of Scully's wife, Alexa.
From the shady streets of LA, to the glitzy offices of famous "rappers," to the magical strip of Las Vegas, Shane breaks a few laws, as well as a few heads to find the killer or killers, and the one who seriously wounded the love of his life.
This was my first read by Cannell. It is one of many in the Shane Scully series. Now I want to go back and start at the beginning. After reading this novel, it's plain to me why Cannell's TV series, which include, The Rockford Files, The A-Team, Silk Stalkings, and The Commish, were all highly rated and long running.

Happy Reading,

JE

What I Read #11

Deep Pockets by Linda Barnes: Another in the Carlotta Carlyle mystery series. In this story, Wilson Chaney, a Harvard professor, is being blackmailed. To stop this, and not let his innermost secrets come out and jeopardize his tenure at Harvard, Chaney hires Carlotta to find the blackmailer.
Of course, in the process of doing her duty, Carlotta calls on her tenant, the weird Roz, as well as her cohort, Gloria. Action abounds, coupled with a few dead bodies, as well as graft and corruption. A typical Barnes read, Deep Pockets will keep you entertained. Curl up with a cup of your fav coffee or tea, and enjoy!

Happy Reading,
JE

Note: Cover shown here is from the paper back printing. I read it in hardcover. The cover is entirely different; the story is the same!

What I Read #10

Runoff by Mark Coggins: It seems that there was some tampering with the ballots during the mayoral election in San Francisco. Enter PI August Riordan. He is hired by Leonora Lee, the reigning Dragon Lady of Chinatown, who thinks the Chinese candidate, Mr. Chow, should have won. She wants Riordan to find out who is behind the fraud and report back to her.
During his investigation, Riordan is confronted by many obstacles, mostly human, and bodies start piling up. He is assisted by his gay, cross-dressing friend and associate, Chris.
All in all, this was a rollicking, good read. It was funny, and well written. It was my first August Riordan novel, of which there are many. This was #4 in the series. I think I will check in at my local library to another.
Happy Reading,
JE

Snow!

I can think of a lot of offensive four-letter words, but right now, none of them is as offensive to me as S-N-O-W. I've had enough. We have gotten so much of the white stuff that I can't remember what grass even looks like. I don't think we've seen bare ground since Thanksgiving.
Right as I type, my area is under a winter storm watch. Last night we got another 5 inches of the stuff, and right now we are in the middle of a "lull" with another wintry blast headed our way destined to smack us up the side of the proverbial head beginning sometime this afternoon and hopefully ending tomorrow evening. I have even heard the words "historic amounts of snow" coming over the TV. I hope the weatherman is so wrong.
Along with this, Kiddo's school was canceled once again. The poor kid will probably graduate sometime in the middle of the summer instead of late May! My snow blower refuses to start, even though I put a new spark plug and new gasoline/oil mix in yesterday and pulled the starter cord until my back hurts. Prof called the guy with the snow blade that removes snow for me if it's a lot, and he will send one of his crew to me sometime today. They are very busy.
Mother Nature is reeking havoc on us right now. There is a positive, though. The melting runoff from all of this will fill the reservoirs around us making the fishermen happy. That's fine for them, but I don't fish and I don't shovel. I think I need a cup of coffee and a good book, cause it looks like I sure ain't goin' anywhere today!

Peace,
JE

What I Read #9

Peace like a River by Leif Enger: Not the kind of novel I usually choose, Peace like a River was highly recommended by a friend. Told in "first person" narrative, it is the story of Reuben Land, his younger sister, Swede, and his older brother Davy. It is a story of faith and perseverance. At times it is funny; at times it is heartbreaking. But throughout the entire book, the closeness of family, and the faith that holds them together is closely interwoven in a story that will leave you with a smile, and a feeling of gladness that you took the time to read it.
Happy Reading,

JE

What I Read #8

Gangster by Lorenzo Carcaterra: A saga of epic proportions spanning the life of Angelo Vestieri. Told in the voice of Gabe, who was taken in and raised by Angelo, Pudge, and Ida the Goose, all who were gangsters in NYC.
Now, in the 1990's, Angelo is lying in a hospital, dying, we assume of old age, and Gabe is sitting at his bedside reminiscing about his life with Angelo with Mary. Mary being a mysterious lady from Angelo's past.
This brilliant novel by Carcaterra, though fiction, captures the down and dirty life of the underworld back in the days of Capone and Bonnie and Clyde. Scary, yet entertaining, Gangster will hold your interest until the very last page.

Happy Reading,
JE

A "Get Acquainted" Blog

Since I have some new readers, and they would have to dig pretty far back in my blog to find out much stuff about me, I thought I would steal this from Maggie and publish some facts about myself to help new readers get better acquainted with me and what makes me tick.

1. ONE OF YOUR SCARS, HOW DID YOU GET IT?
I have a scar on my left hand where my dad was reaching across the table to cut my meat at the same time I reached for the A-1 Sauce.

2. WHAT IS ON THE WALLS IN YOUR ROOM
My grandparents very ornate marriage certificate circa 1902.

3. DO YOU SNORE, GRIND YOUR TEETH, OR TALK IN YOUR SLEEP?
Snore…at least that’s what my kids say!

4. WHAT TYPE OF MUSIC DO YOU LISTEN TO?
Country and gospel.

5. WHAT TIME WERE YOU BORN?
4:30 PM on Mother’s Day, 1945

6. WHAT DO YOU WANT MORE THAN ANYTHING RIGHT NOW?
Another vacation to Texas.

7. WHAT DO YOU MISS?
My late wife, and having my house to myself.

8. WHAT IS YOUR MOST PRIZED POSSESSION(S)?
Materially, probably my car.

9. HOW TALL ARE YOU?
5'9"

10. DO YOU GET CLAUSTROPHOBIC?
No

11. DO YOU GET SCARED IN THE DARK?
No

12. THE LAST PERSON TO MAKE YOU CRY?
I can't remember


13. WHAT'S YOUR WORST FEAR?
The prequel to dying, (pain and suffering)

14. WHAT KIND OF HAIR/EYE COLOR DO YOU LIKE ON PEOPLE YOU'RE ATTRACTED TO?
At this stage in my life, I’m not going to be picky

15. WHERE CAN YOU SEE YOURSELF PROPOSING?
I can't see myself proposing at all....

16. COFFEE OR ENERGY DRINK?
coffee

17. FAVORITE PIZZA TOPPING?
Cheese and onions

18. IF YOU COULD EAT ANYTHING RIGHT NOW, WHAT WOULD IT BE?
Dutch apple pie

19. FAVORITE COLOR OF ALL TIME?
Red

20. HAVE YOU EVER EATEN A GOLDFISH?
nope, and I never intend to, either

21. WHAT WAS THE FIRST MEANINGFUL GIFT YOU'VE EVER RECEIVED?
The first Valentine Day my wife and I were dating, we each secretly had our picture taken for each other. Ironic, and priceless.

22. DO YOU HAVE A CRUSH?
Nope

23. ARE YOU DOUBLE JOINTED?
No

24. FAVORITE CLOTHING BRAND?
Croft and Barrows

25. WHO IS YOUR FAVORITE FEMALE/MALE CELEBRITY?
Julia Roberts

26. DO YOU HAVE A PET RIGHT NOW?
No, and I don’t intend to get one…ever!

27. WHAT KIND IS IT?
N/A see #26 above

28. WOULD YOU FALL IN LOVE KNOWING THAT THE PERSON IS LEAVING?
No. I've loved and lost, and I don't want to do it again!

30. SAY A NUMBER FROM ONE TO A HUNDRED?
13

31. BLONDES OR BRUNETTES?
Gray, silver, combination of both

32. FAVORITE QUOTE?
“Other than that, Mrs. Lincoln, how was the play?”
Or “Beer is God’s way of saying He loves us and wants us to be happy.”
Or “ It is by chance that we met, by choice that we became friends.”

33. FAVORITE PLACE?
Eastern shore of Lake Michigan

Yuck Update

I think I just might survive this thing. My ears are still stopped up and I can't hear worth a crap yet, but the rumbling and shifting of the liquid behind my ear drums is better. My nose isn't running as much, but my eyes are still scratchy.
I can hear the train whistles two blocks away now; yesterday nada. I can also hear the clicking of the keys on the keyboard as I write this. So, all things considered, maybe I am getting better.
I still don't want to do much, and I break out in a sweat if I get too active, but this too shall pass.

I will continue with my reading and weaving. I have a project going on a lap loom that is slow going, but will be quite beautiful when I get it finished. I told Curley the other day that I may get it done by 2015! At 3 rows of weaving per inch, and the finished project is supposed to reach 63 inches, I have a long way to go. I am at exactly 24 inches now. But it passes the time while I don't feel too hot and it is so cold and nasty outside. This is one year when Spring just can't come too soon.

Peace,
JE

What I Read #7

Calder Storm by Janet Dailey: Another in the Calder saga by Dailey. Trey Calder, heir apparent to the Calder fortune meets pro photographer Sloan Davis. After a whirlwind courtship, the two are married. What happens next is embroiled in the old feud between the Calders of Montana and the Rutledges of Texas. I haven't read a Calder novel for a long time. This one was just like the rest of the ones I had read, though. Only the times have changed. Very predictable, and I knew exactly what was going to happen at the end, even before it happened.
I thought I wanted a change from the thriller, mystery stuff that I had been reading. I was welcoming a change, but now I think I want to get back to something a little less sappy!
However, the area where this book took place is the exact area I visited two years ago in Montana. I was in Miles City and in the surrounding countryside. I will have to give author Dailey credit. Her descriptions of the Big Sky country are right on! It has to be the most hauntingly beautiful territory I have ever seen.

Read on, dear readers,
JE

Feeling Yucky!

I woke up yesterday with a stuffy nose. And my eyes matted some. And my ears plugged up. I blew my nose all day long. The plugged ears came and went. By evening, I though maybe it was just a sinus thing going on with the severe change in the weather. NOT! This morning I feel like crap! I have a cold. A winter cold. I feel like there is fluid behind my ear drums, and it shifts now and then. Sometimes I can hear well, then it shifts, and I can't hear squat. Sometimes, all I can hear is my heartbeat in my ears. My eyes are puffy and feel scratchy, and my nose is running. I am almost out of Puffs, and I have no cough drops. I feel miserable.
Now that the whining part is over, I will go pour myself a HUGE cup of coffee, grab my book and recline in my favorite chair...and alternately read, nap and feel sorry for myself.

Peace,
JE

What's on Your Fridge?

I think it's interesting to go into other people's homes and notice what is on their refrigerators. I think you can tell a lot about people by this. For instance, I was at a home recently that had nothing on their fridge door. These people have several children and grandchildren. Where was the art work? Where were the photos? No post-a-notes: nothing! As I looked around their lovely home, I also noticed that there were very few family pictures, and no knick-knacks to speak of. I surmised that these two people must live very regimented, orderly lives.
I, on the other hand, took a gander at my own fridge door. There I found the following:

• Kiddo's 2010-2011 school schedule
• Kiddo's January school lunch menu calendar
• A picture of Curley and her family that has to be at least 3 yrs old
• An out-of-date call tree and email list for my choir
• A recipe in my late wife's handwriting for cheese spread
• A snowman shaped magnetic grocery list
• A magnetic hook with a fly swatter hanging on it. (a good place cause I can never find it.)
• A guitar shaped magnet with "Elvis" on it. A souvenir of Graceland
• A business card for our local transit company with phone number
• A take out menu for our local Pizza King
• A picture of my self proclaimed "goddaughter" and her family (2 yrs old)
• A Christmas card from my son and his wife announcing the impending arrival of my granddaughter who is now almost 2 1/2.
• And a plethora of clippy magnets awaiting new stuff to be posted.

So what does this array tell me. That I care about people, and that I obviously don't mind having a cluttered fridge door. It is a reminder of all that is good now, and was good then. My life is not regimented and orderly, but it sure is fun!

Peace,
JE

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What I Read #6

Nowhere to Run by Robert Daley: From NYC to the French Riviera, author Daley takes the reader on a rolicking, sometimes dangerous journey. Jack Dilger, a NYC cop, retired, is hiding out from drug lords until they can be extradited from Columbia to the US. He chooses the a small village on the coast of France to hide in. There he meets Madeleine. Together, they cruise the Med, fall in love, and attempt to corral the bad guys.
Another fine mystery by the author of Prince of the City. Read it. I think you'll like it.

Happy Reading,
JE

*Note: I see a pattern forming here. A lot of novels about drugs and cartels. Is this where our world is heading?

What I Read #5

Apaches by Lorenzo Carcaterra: The "Apaches," A group of former cops, forced to retire due to injuries received while on duty in NYC, get together to find a missing 12 year old girl. What they find is a drug cartel led by one notorious lady. The Apaches are determined to bring her down!
Author Carcaterra knows just how to take hold of a reader and not let go. I was up until the wee hours of the morning finishing this spine chilling, sometimes gruesome thriller.
Note: this is not a book for the faint-of-heart!

Happy reading,
JE

What I Read #4

Inside Out by Barry Eisler: A number of graphic video tapes of torture of infidels have come up missing. Every alphabet governmental agency is after not only the dangerous tapes, but the person or persons who stole them and are threatening to make them public.
While my hat is off to Eisler for the research and knowledge that went in to making this story believable, I found trying to keep track of who worked for who against who very tasking. It made the story less enjoyable for me, yet I can't say it didn't hold my interest. I just had to work harder than I normally do to understand all that was going on.
Happy Reading,
JE

Who is Snopes and who cares what they think!

I received a caution warning from a friend about something that you should watch for in parking lots. I believed it; it sounded like it made sense to me. A way a carjacker could get you to stop and get out of your car. So I bulk e-mailed it to a group of my senior (and not so senior) friends. I thought that they all go to Walmart and other places, so they might as well heed this warning.

One of the "friends" I sent it to sent me back a message. She told me that she checked this info on Snopes and they said it wasn't true. Then she again reiterated that this was not true. Now I ask you, how in the heck does Snopes (who ever "they" are) know every darn thing? Are they some amazing group of nerds that scope out every little detail of everybody's lives, check every occurrence that happens every hour of every day? I think not. Give me a break.

And furthermore, what kind of friend would send back a terse note saying that I was basically a liar? I felt like a little boy having his hands smacked for stealing cookies! It really pissed me off. I guess I just have to consider who it was. She is basically a nice person, yet one that certainly doesn't have enough to do with her life, and one who is pretty opinionated. So, I will excuse her. This time. (Maybe she'll be the one to get carjacked, Snopes or no Snopes!)

Funny thing is, one of the news channels, MSNBC or CNN recently reported on this very thing happening in a California Walmart parking lot. Of course, everything happens in California. Maybe that's where Snopes is located!!!!!

I need a Prozac!

Peace...(later maybe)
JE

What I Read #3

Whiplash by Catherine Coulter: Another FBI suspense thriller. Agents Savich and Sherlock are hot on the trail of a murderer. Aided by Agent Bowie Richards, the plot thickens as, one after the other. employees of a pharmaceutical manufacturer either come up missing or are found dead.
Again, Coulter manages to grab the reader's interest and hold it in another in her continuing FBI series with our two favorite agents.

Happy Reading,
JE

Too Many Clothes and Laundry!!!

One of the most horrendous of life's jobs is doing laundry. I equate it to having a vasectomy or a root canal. I hate doing it! In accessing this problem, I perused my closet. I definitely have too many clothes. I need to institute the "one in one out" rule in my clothes purchases. If I buy a new sweater, it's never to replace a worn out one; it's because I liked the new one and I still like the old one, too. Same with jeans, shirts and dress clothes. I just like clothes. (And shoes, so Prof gets that naturally, if the "shoe gene" can be passed along.)
I am still wearing shirts I had 20 years ago. They are comfy, and still good, even though they are a little frayed around the neck and there are holes where the cuffs are sewn on.
So now that we have determined that I am a pack rat when it comes to clothes, it is obvious that I can go several weeks without doing laundry. Even though I may look a little shabby as the optimum laundry time approaches, I can still be clean from the skin out.
This leads to mountains of laundry. I just keep piling it up. Then, suddenly I am down to the last pair of skivvies and have to do the dreaded laundry. Which usually amounts to 6 or 8 loads! For one person!
So, yesterday was laundry day, finally. I did it all. All 7 loads. I have it washed, dried, folded, AND put away. I decided to try something new. I put a white clothes basket, and a colored clothes basket in my room where I usually pile all my dirty stuff. I am going to presort this way. And I swear that when a basket is full I will tote it to the laundry room and wash it. I swear!
And while I am grousing about laundry, I have to admit that I hate my laundry room. It's long, narrow and crowded. It's not a very big room, has no place to fold clothes, and my washer and dryer are along one end. They are a stacked unit, which is convenient, because there is no room for a side by side pair. There's no other way to arrange the room to make it more pleasant to be in, so I have to use it the way it is. It's the only room in my house that foresight was not used.
But this room does have a lot of light. One wall faces the back yard and is all windows. So, maybe I should just spend time doing laundry and birdwatching at the same time. Or rabbit watching. And I should quit complaining.

Today I Feel Stupid!

I got my household natural gas bill a few days ago. Man! Was it ever high. I discussed this with a few friends who use the same gas company and they told me that I should call NIPSCO (Northern Indiana Public Service Co) and find out why my bill was so high because none of theirs show a marked increase!
So this morning, I called NIPSCO and talked to customer service rep. Dawn, who was as nice as could be to me. She explained that I had subscribed to buy my gas from an outside source, not NIPSCO. She gave me the phone number of that source. She also explained that right now NIPSCO is selling natural gas at about 42 cents per therm, and I was probably paying about 75 cents per therm from my outside source.
I remember one day, in August of 2009 that a young man came to my door and talked to me about how much money he could save me if I subscribed to his plan. At the time, NIPSCO gas was very expensive, and I could lock in a certain amount per therm with his company. Being naive about such things, I thought it sounded like a good deal, and I even took the stuff inside (I did not let this guy in my house) and discussed it with Prof for a few minutes. I admit she was skeptical, but I could see that right now it would save me a few bucks, so why not try it.
Now, almost two years later, I find out that NIPSCO's gas is down to a reasonable rate while I am locked into this other plan for another YEAR! If I choose to withdraw from their plan, I pay an exorbitant penalty.
I feel really dumb...no, stupid for doing this. I caution any other person who is faced with this decision to avoid signing anything! I feel that this young man took advantage of me. Though, I am in possession of all my faculties, so I guess I am the only one to blame. Right now, I am feeling put upon, dumb and like someone has really taken me "for a ride."
I have learned a valuable lesson. Don't give lip service to anyone who comes to your door trying to save you money. Slam the door in their face and go on about your business.
I think these outside companies prey on senior citizens. It's a story as old as time itself. I have seen it happen to my grandparents, and now it has happened to me. I'm mad as hell right now, but mostly at myself!

Peace,
JE

What I read #2

Line of Vision by David Ellis: Marty Kalish is accused of murder! Did he really commit the crime or was he set up? Enter high powered criminal attorney Paul Riley. He is a raging-bull guy with a no-holds-barred attitude. Will he get Marty off?
This debut novel by Ellis is a real page-turning legal thriller. I will be looking for Ellis novels on my local library shelves.

Happy Reading,
JE

And Then it's Winter!

Note: This is not my original work. I received it via email from a cousin who was very dear to my late wife. She is the only one from that family that still keeps in touch with me. She is a very classy lady and I admire her greatly.


You know, time has a way of moving quickly and catching you unaware of the
passing years.
It seems just yesterday that I was young, just married and embarking on my
new life with my mate. And yet in a way,
it seems like eons ago,
and I wonder where all the years went.
I know that I lived them all...
And I have glimpses of how it was back then and of all my hopes and
dreams...
But, here it is..the winter of my life and it catches me by surprise...
How did I get here so fast? Where did the years go and where did my youth
go?

I remember well...
seeing older people through the years and thinking that those older people
were years away from me,
and that winter was so far off that I could not fathom it or imagine fully
what it would be like...
But, here it is...my friends are retired and getting gray...they move slower
and I see an older person now.
Some are in better and some worse shape than me... but, I see the great
change...
Not like the ones that I remember who were young and vibrant... but, like
me,
their age is beginning to show and we are now those older folks that we used
to see and never thought we'd be.

Each day now, I find that just getting a shower is a real target for the
day! And taking a nap is not a treat anymore...it's mandatory!
Cause if I don't on my own free will...I just fall asleep where I sit!

And so, now I enter into this new season of my life unprepared for all the
aches and pains and the loss of strength,
and ability to go and do things that I wish I had done but never did!!

But, at least I know, that though the winter has come, and I'm not sure how
long it will last...this I know, that when it's over...its over....
Yes , I have regrets. There are things I wish I hadn't done ,,,,,things I
should have done, but indeed,
there are many things I'm happy to have done. It's all in a lifetime....

So, if you're not in your winter yet...let me remind you, that it will be
here faster than you think.
So, whatever you would like to accomplish in your life please do it quickly!
Don't put things off too long!!

Life goes by quickly. So, do what you can today, as you can never be sure
whether this is your winter or not!

You have no promise that you will see all the seasons of your life...so,
live for good today and
say all the things that you want your loved ones to remember...
and hope that they
appreciate and love you
for all the things that you have done for them in all the years past!!

'Life is a gift to you. The way you live your life is your gift to those who
come after.
Make it a fantastic one.'

LIVE IT WELL!!---- ENJOY TODAY!!!!-----DO SOMETHING FUN!!!----
BE HAPPY!!!----BE THANKFUL!!!

New Year...New Look!

I think some times change is good. Therefore, I am changing the look of my blog for a while. Let me know what you think!

I Resolve!

Since beginning the new year, I want to do it right! So, I am making resolutions that I know (read think) that I can keep!

1. I resolve to make sure there is plenty of TP in the bathroom BEFORE I need it.

2. I resolve to continue to procrastinate about almost everything.

3. I resolve to not resolve!

Happy New Year!

Peace,
JE

What I Read #1

Fallen Idols by J F Freedman: Walt and Jocelyn Gaines are archeologists given the responsibility for the unearthing of a Mayan ruin in Central America. Jocelyn is accidentally murdered by a band of anti-government insurgents. The couple's three adult sons want to find out just what happened. The three of them get involved in their own investigation and what they finally uncover is disturbing and mind blowing.
Once again, Freedman captures the reader on the very first page and doesn't release him or her until the very last word.

Note: I intended to finish this book before the new year so I wouldn't end on a book number 113, but with it being New Year's Eve and having a bunch of young people gathered eating snacks and having a bit of cheer, I just had to party a little bit. So, hopefully the number 13 will bring me luck. It always has; I was born on a 13th day, which happened to also be Mother's Day!

Happy New Year

From my house to yours,
The best of everything in 2011!

Peace and Love,
JE

Spirit of the Season #31

Should old acquaintance be forgotten,
And never brought to mind?
Not if their old or new friends,
Cause they are hard to find!

Happy New Year's Eve!

Peace
JE

What I Read #113

One Thousand White Women by Jim Fergus: In the mid 1800 a treaty of sorts was made between the Federal Government and the Cheyenne Nation. The government would send 1000 white women who volunteered to be wives to Cheyenne warriors. In exchange, the Cheyenne would give the government 1000 horses. This would be "horse trading" at it's ultimate! The exchange never took place. But what if it had?

One Thousand White Women tells the story of May Dodd, a Chicago socialite who takes up with a man beneath her station, is incarcerated in an asylum by her father for "promiscuous behavior." She volunteers to be a wife of a Cheyenne. Along with several other women who have no ties and want adventure, May makes the trek to the West.
Told in May's voice, this story, though fiction, could have really happened. It tells of the fear, the hardships and the joys, and ultimately, the sorrows that this brave group of women endured just to be free.
In this well-researched novel, Jim Fergus has created a "come-alive" work of historical fiction.

Happy Reading,
JE

Spirit of the Season #30

The excitement of travel, whether it be to Grandma's house,
or a European vacation, is never lost.
If you are traveling this Christmas season,
be safe.

Peace,
JE

Spirit of the Season #29

This could be another type of Christmas tree.

Peace,
JE

Birds-of-a-Feather

If you look real close, there is a family resemblance among the three of us. Of course, my two offspring are much better looking than ol' Dad. Must have taken after their mother.

Peace and Joy,
JE

Spirit of the Season #28

This reminds me of being back on my grandparents
farm during the Christmas season. It was fun being
with them and cousins, aunts and uncles.

Peace,
JE

What I Read #112

Stripped by Brian Freeman: Since his introduction in Freeman's debut novel, Immoral, Jonathan Stride has moved to Las Vegas to be near the new love of his life, Detective Serena Dial.
People start being brutally murdered. Stride and Dial are on the case. It leads to another murder; a cold case that occurred over 40 years ago.
Though the theory of keeping everything new reigns in Las Vegas, some of the old rears its ugly head in this fast paced, suspense filled novel.
Once again, Freeman captivates readers with his literary finesse.
Read this one. You won't be disappointed.

Happy Reading,
JE

Could this be a Resolution for 2011?

Note: I have always admired Andy Rooney on "Sixty Minutes." He often says what others feel and he just has the nerve to say it. He's outspoken and sometimes rather crude (and he needs some serious work on those eyebrows) but I like what he has to say here:

Andy Rooney says:
"I don't believe in Santa Claus, but I'm not going to sue somebody for singing a Ho-Ho-Ho song in December. I don't agree with Darwin, but I didn't go out and hire a lawyer when my high school teacher taught his Theory of Evolution.
Life, liberty or your pursuit of happiness will not be endangered because someone says a 30-second prayer before a football game. So what's the big deal? It's not like somebody is up there reading the entire Book of Acts. They're just talking to a God they believe in and asking him to grant safety to the players on the field and the fans going home from the game.
But it's a Christian prayer, some will argue.
Yes, and this is the United States of America and Canada , countries founded on Christian principles. According to our very own phone book, Christian churches outnumber all others better than 200-to-1. So what would you expect -- somebody chanting Hare Krishna?
If I went to a football game in Jerusalem , I would expect to hear a Jewish prayer.
If I went to a soccer game in Baghdad , I would expect to hear a Muslim prayer.
If I went to a ping pong match in China , I would expect to hear someone pray to Buddha.

And I wouldn't be offended. It wouldn't bother me one bit.
When in Rome .....
But what about the atheists? Is another argument.
What about them? Nobody is asking them to be baptized. We're not going to pass the collection plate. Just humour us for 30 seconds. If that's asking too much, bring a Walkman or a pair of ear plugs. Go to the bathroom. Visit the concession stand. Call your lawyer!
Unfortunately, one or two will make that call. One or two will tell thousands what they can and cannot do. I don't think a short prayer at a football game is going to shake the world's foundations.
Christians are just sick and tired of turning the other cheek while our courts strip us of all our rights. Our parents and grandparents taught us to pray before eating, to pray before we go to sleep. Our Bible tells us to pray without ceasing. Now a handful of people and their lawyers are telling us to cease praying.
God, help us. And if that last sentence offends you, well, just sue me.
The silent majority has been silent too long. It's time we tell that one or two who scream loud enough to be heard that the vast majority doesn't care what they want. It is time that the majority rules! It's time we tell them, "You don't have to pray; you don't have to say the Pledge of Allegiance; you don't have to believe in God or attend services that honor Him. That is your right, and we will honor your right; but by golly, you are no longer going to take our rights away. We are fighting back, and we WILL WIN!"
God bless us one and all. God bless America and Canada , despite all our faults, We are still the greatest nations of all. God bless our service men who are fighting to protect our right to pray and worship God.

Let's make 2011 the year the silent majority is heard and we put God back as the foundation of our families and institutions. And our military forces come home from all the wars.
Keep looking up.

Celebrate the Season!

Kids are what the season is all about. Well, Jesus was a child in all the nativity scenes and we are celebrating his birth, right? So I think children make the season bright!
Here are my three grandchildren. My two grandsons, and my beautiful granddaughter. The were the life of the party on Christmas Day. Miss K loved unwrapping, Kiddo did too, but little Sir RJ could have cared less. I would have like to feature a picture of the entire family, but after several, and I mean several, attempts, we just gave up. And yes, I made the hat!)
Peace,
JE

Holiday Spirit Day #27

Let it snow, let it snow, let it snow!
Somewhere else, please.

Peace,
JE

Be of Good Cheer #26

Winter Wonderland!

Peace,
JE

What I Read #111

The Help by Kathryn Stockett: Three women in Mississippi, during the 60's, cause quite a stir when they collaborate on a book. The writer, Skeeter, is white. The other two, Aibileen and Minny are African American domestics. This novel tells of the relationships between the white families and their help. Even though it is fiction, it is not hard to believe the vile treatment these domestics received from their wealthy employers. This book really introduced a life in the South that we people from the North knew nothing about. It showed the shame, cruelty, embarrassment and the naivety of both the employers and their employees.
Read this powerful novel. It will open your eyes. It will have you laughing one moment and break your heart the next. Kathryn Stockett was raised in Jackson, Mississippi and knows the true story, and she tells it with perfection.

Happy Reading,
JE

Merry Christmas Spirit #25

"O Holy Night,
The stars are brightly shining,
It is the night,
Of our Dear Savior's birth."

From my family to yours,
Peace On Earth,
JE

Christmas Spirit day 24

Christmas Yard Art. All it needs is
some twinkle lights!

Peace,
JE

Christmas Spirit Day 20 thru 23

This photo of my grandson Sir RJ takes
up three days worth of seasonal greetings.
My granddaughter, the Divine Ms. K, was too
shy to go to Santa! She's two...what else
can I say.

Peace to all,
JE

What I Read #110

Zapped by Carol Higgins Clark: A sappy suspense novel filled with lots of characters. Too many characters for me to keep track of. Regan Reilly, a P I, and her cop husband are in the middle of it all. A manic-depressive broad bent on revenge, a break-in at the Reilly's apartment, and a robbery of a tony gallery, all taking place during a power blackout in NYC. High speed action, and even a little romance thrown in for good measure.
Thank goodness this was an easy, quick read. With so many people to keep track of, I couldn't have lasted much longer. If you're a fan of Clark, you will like it!

Keep on Reading,
JE

Christmas Spirit Day 19

This says it all!

Peace,
JE

Warm Hearts and Cold Heads!

Since Prof Mags returned to Alcatraz (not a good word for the place in my opinion, but it's a matter of semantics.) she had noticed that the kids there weren't dressed warm enough for as much walking outside they had to do. Especially, they were lacking hats. So, she and Curley, who is the maven of all things knit or crocheted, knit a couple of hats for a couple of the girls.
Suddenly, it was like an avalanche happening or something akin to that. All the girls wanted a hat. So Mags started recruiting "mad hatters". Curley was coerced into making even more hats. ITSam, Mag's friend, who was learning to use the knitting loom was recruited and so was I. I already knew how to use a "Knifty Knitter" loom, so I was in automatically. We all began to collect yarn, and create "girly" looking sock hats. I think every girl at the "reform school" who wanted a hat, got one.
One day one of the boys stopped Maggie and wanted to know why the guys didn't get hats. She said that none of the guys had asked. He said, "yo, Ms Maggie, us dudes want hats, too. Can we maybe get some?"
So, out went the call...again. Back to yarn central (Walmart) and the busy hands of all of us. I think Curley "outhatted" the rest of the knitting crew, but altogether we probably made 40+ hats in all styles, colors and textures.
All of this because of one loving teacher's concern for the health and comfort of some kids that just don't get the all the breaks that some teenagers take for granted.
Oh yeah, I forgot to mention that Mac came home and said that several of the girls at his public high school admired the hat that Mags had made him, and wanted to know if she would make them one, too. So, Curley, Mags and I made a few more. (Mac even loomed one, but don't tell anyone.) I finished the last one a little while ago. So I think everyone in our neck-of-the-woods will have a warm head this winter. Just goes to show you what a few can do for so many. This was a good "Merry Christmas" project. Thank you Mags, Curley and IT Sam!
(The above picture is a sampling of Curley's hats. Ours were similar; sorry we didn't take a pic of all of them.)

Peace to all,
JE

Christmas Spirit Day 18

"Please have snow, and mistletoe,
And presents under the tree..."

Peace,
JE

What I Read #109

Hell Hole by Chris Grabenstein: This is the first John Ceepak mystery I have read.
A body found in a restroom at a rest stop on the Garden State Parkway looks like a suicide. That's at first glance. But the more Detective John Ceepak delves into it, the more it looks like murder.

This was a good, quick read. Ceepak is a little too goody-goody to be believable. But, hey, this is fiction and if the author wants his protagonist to be nearly perfect, so be it.

Happy Reading,
JE

Christmas Spirit day 17

The smell of cookies baking,
For eating or for taking,
To friends so dear,
Wish you all good cheer!

Peace,
JE

Christmas Spirit Day 16

Oh Christmas Tree
Oh Christmas Tree,
How lovely are your branches!

Peace,
JE

Cell Phones...Ya gotta love'em.

I have a cell phone. I have had a Tracfone for over 10 years. This is the company who has no contract, and you add minutes in increments of 60, which also adds months of service.
For a long time, I was successful at keeping my Tracfone active. Recently, though, it has become harder and harder to activate new minute cards. The last time I bought one, Prof was on the phone over an hour to get the job done. I had already tried and became frustrated. It was mostly because I could not understand the person on the other end of the line. When Prof finally got a "real" person, she asked him where he was; he was in Pakistan! We found out that my phone was so old that it was not possible to enter the minutes on the phone anymore, so we would always have to go through the hassle of calling (Pakistan) to get minutes added!! They suggested that it would be a lot easier if I had a newer model Tracfone.
So off to Walmart I went. I bought a new "flip phone" that is much easier to use, and to carry. It came with a car charger, and a headset, plus as long as I own this phone, when ever I add minutes, it doubles them. Good deal, right?
Today it was time to add air time. I bought a 60 minute airtime card. I bought it at our local CVS. I came home, sat down and following the instructions, attempted to add the airtime on my phone. The *pin* number under the scratch-off label came up invalid, and said to "please try again." I tried again, still the same routine. So, I called the toll-free number on the back of the airtime card and after pressing 1 for English, and so on, I got a real person. "Stacie" tried to be helpful. She really did. (And I could understand her.) I explained my situation. She put me on hold for a few minutes while she talked to her supervisor. When she came back on, she told me that I needed to take my card back to CVS and have them re-scan it. So, back out into the cold and snow.
Upon arriving at CVS, I talked to Karl, the clerk, about my problem. He said he also had a Tracfone but never had any problems with it. Usually the minutes were added immediately. He called the manager of the store. I once again explained my problem to her. She said she couldn't re-scan it without a purchase, BUT, she picked up the phone and called the toll-free number on my card. She got a real person, too. She told them that her customer had purchased the card approximately an hour earlier, but could not seem to add the minutes, and that she didn't understand why that customer had to bring it back to the store once again. Whoever she had on the other end wanted to speak to me. (It wasn't Stacie) He took me through the routine again. I kept telling him I could not hear him very well, and he must have "clicked" something on his phone, because, suddenly he was as clear as a bell. However, I think I was talking to Pakistan again! After taking my cell phone number and hitting a few buttons on his computer, he said I should be in business within the hour. I thanked him and hung up. I thanked Karl, and the store manager and headed for home.
Guess what!! By the time I drove the 7 blocks home, parked the car in the garage, and got in the house, I had 120 new minutes and 90 days of airtime on my Tracfone.
I don't have to go through this again until March sometime. Better luck then.

Peace,
JE

Christmas Spirit Day 15

To all of those of you who didn't get a card from me,
Here's an extra special one for you.
If you did get one , this is a little gift you didn't expect.

Peace,
JE

What I Read #108

Immoral by Brian Freeman: Freeman's first novel takes us from the city of Duluth, Minnesota to the garish lights of Las Vegas. Teenager Rachel Deese is missing. Detective Jon Stride and his partner, Maggie Bei are on the case. All clues lead to Rachel's stepfather. He is accused of murder. But did he really do it?
This novel was a real page turner. Freeman grabs the reader at page one and he just keeps the suspense building until the very end. Lots of curves that aren't expected. After reading this one, published in 2005, I hope Freeman just keeps up the good work. Back to my library to see how many other treats it has in store for me in the "F" section.

Happy Reading,
JE

Christmas Spirit Day 14

Can we start the "spirit" of Christmas a little early?
After all, it's 5 o'clock somewhere!

Peace,
JE

The Glory of Christmas Music.

As all of you know, who read my blog, I sing. I sing in two quartets, and I sing in my church choir. Every year our choir, as a gift to the community, sings a Christmas cantata. This is done on a Sunday evening, with a full orchestra. Our choir is approximately 40 voices strong. Everyone who hears us, especially members of our Methodist Conference, marvel not only at our sound, but at the number of men in our choir. I guess most choirs are usually "men short."
Anyway, I digress, we have been practicing said cantata for about 2 months. It has been rugged. The music is very melodic, but hard. Since I have a hearing problem, it has been especially challenging. We have hit sections that seemingly are almost impossible to get through. Enough so that our director called a special rehearsal on Sunday morning and again another hour last night. We were to meet with the orchestra last night for the first time. So we all arrived an hour earlier to rehash some parts. I could tell how frustrated our director was, but she is one of the kindest, most considerate people I know, and would just shake her head, and nicely explain that we weren't making music, just singing the notes,(and some of them still weren't correct.) But we persevered until the orchestra arrived.
After intros were made, Ms Director told the orchestra to be prepared to stop often, and "warned" the choir that we may be stopped often. The orchestral prelude began. The choir stood, and began singing. I think we stopped three times during the whole thing. I could feel the stress leaving Ms D's body from 15 feet away. Even the rough places were made straight. If one was of the mind, you could actually feel the presence of God, there in our sanctuary.
This is not to say that we did it perfect, no way. But, after much practice, and lots of prayer, we became a cohesive group of singers. Voices blended, notes were sung, and hearts were really into the message we were preparing to present to the community. Folks, it was glorious! We will be presenting our cantata, "Winter's Grace," on this coming Sunday night. I can hardly wait!

Peace,
JE

Christmas Spirit...Day 13

"Ting a Ling, Hear them Ring,
Soon it will be Christmas Day!"

Peace,
JE

Christmas Spirit Day 12

Here's to a happy Holiday Season.
"Things go better with Coke."

Peace JE

What I Read #107

The Disappearance by J.F.Freedman: In the middle of the night, teenager, Emma Lancaster is seen being carried out of her bedroom in the posh home of her wealthy parents. Days later, Emma is found murdered. Who was guilty? Former DA Luke Garrison is called upon to become a defense attorney and defend the man accused. Luke, who left the big city life to become an attorney in the less turbulent part of northern California, does his best, despite the odds. His faithful lady friend Riva Montoya is at his side every step of the way.
This was my fourth Freedman novel this year. I look forward to more.

Happy Reading,
JE

Christmas Spirit...Day 11

I wish I had this shirt in Christmas red with white lettering.
Have a great Tuesday!
We're gaining on it!

Peace,
JE

Christmas Spirit...Day 10

Ah, technology. Follow the Star in the East, you goofballs!

Anyway, have a great day! Remember, "Jesus is the reason for the Season!"

Peace,
JE

Note: Curley: See why I didn't borrow your GPS!!

What I Read #106

Field of Fire by James O. Born: Alex Duarte, special ATF agent is called in to investigate a series of bombings. They seem to be related, but just how; no one knows. Enter Caren Larson, from the Department of Justice, who not only has an agenda, but quickly develops a crush on Duarte. Together, the two government employees slowly but surely unwind the primer cord that is holding these bombings together.
This was my first Born novel. Believe me, on my next trek to my library and favorite bookseller, I will check the shelves for more.

Happy reading,
JE

My Own Sally Albright!

If any of you read the blog "Do These Shoes Match This Purse," you probably know that author Maggie is my daughter. Today she mentioned that she was like Sally Albright in the movie, "When Harry Met Sally." Well, she is not LIKE Sally, she IS Sally. She is kind like Sally, she is efficient like Sally, she is also scatterbrained like Sally. She talks constantly when nervous, cries at sappy movies, and orders everything on "the side" just like Sally. It has always been this way. Not just since the movie came out. Everything has to have a special place on her plate, so no food must touch the other; "on the side" has been her restaurant mantra since childhood.
Maggie love tradition just like Sally. She still loves an old beau just like Sally. She is sentimental, loves walks in the park and would like long road trips, just like Sally.
So when she says she IS Sally. Believe her! She really is!

Peace???
JE

Christmas is Coming...Spirit Day 9

No, I am not in a poor Christmas spirit today. Although I would like to tell our pastor, "Hello!!!!! It's Christmas carol time." He picks the congregational hymns for the service, and today we didn't sing ONE carol. We sang the obscure stuff. UGH!

Really, this picture just cracked me up, so I decided to share it with all of you!!

Peace,
JE

We Need A Little Christmas Day 8

I'm just sayin,"What if?"

Peace,
JE

Christmas Spirit Day 7

Even though it is a "bit" crowded, I decided to get out all my Nativity pieces (except the cow; there was no room in the stable, just like the inn!) I thought I had a donkey, but no. I did have a shepherd I had forgotten. The expressions on all their faces surely displays the wonder and awe of that wonderful night so long ago.

"For unto us a Child is born,
Unto us a Child is given,
And His name shall be called,
Emanuel, and He shall be a
Savior to all people."

Peace,
JE

Note: I told Prof about the cow and I said that Mary probably would have objected to "cow patties" in the birthing area anyway. She said,"Dad, Mary was an unmarried 14 year old virgin giving birth to the Savior of the World in a barn. Do you really think a little cow crap was an issue?"

Hangin' With an Old Friend

Yesterday I spent the day with my college roomie. Yes, we are still good friends after being out of college for 42 years next week! He called me, had the day off and asked me if I wanted to meet him in Northern Civilization for the day. That's about the half-way mark for both of us traveling.
He and his wife have remained friends of ours for all these years. They have 2 children about the same ages as mine, and we both have grandchildren. They have 7, I have 3. Usually when Roomie and I get together, Mrs. Roomie comes along, too. The 3 of us have a ball. Yesterday it was just the two of us. We had a ball. It had been a long time since just the two of us had spent the day. It was like being back in our old stomping grounds. Our college was in Northern Civilization. We ate at a local Cracker Barrel, then went Christmas shopping. That was a joke. We really just walked around the huge mall and visited, stopping often to grab a coke or a snack. We each ended up buying 1 gift. But that wasn't the point. We just enjoyed being together. Roomie is the kind of friend that if I got put in jail, he wouldn't make bail for me; he would come and sit in the cell with me!! LOL! (probably because he would have been with me in the first place.) When my late wife was at death's door in a a coma, Roomie and Mrs. Roomie were there beside me. Mrs. R sat with Tilly, so I could get away for a while. Roomie took me to a Bill Gaither Concert that evening. I was only away from the hospital for a couple of hours, but those two hours made a big difference. When Tilly passed away, my good friends were with me through the entire funeral process, holding me up, both physically and spiritually. They have been there for me ever since. They call, they e mail, they visit me, I visit them.
Yesterday was a gift. One I will cherish! Thanks to Roomie for making my Christmas even better!

Peace,
JE