Moving right along here.

Things have changed of late as far as responsibilities in regards to past commitments. I am left with a bit of open time to view and enjoy what others do. Something I've mostly been too busy to do. Each and every one of us has a unique quality that distinguishes us from anyone else. Sitting back a observing those qualities has brought a new sense of optimism towards the future. The news media, doing what brings to them wide eyed viewers by scaring the daylights out of us with tales of one disaster or crisis after another until we lock ourselves in and fear for our lives whenever we go outside. This past week has been quite the opposite in my opinion. The real people we associate with are most often just ordinary folks just like us simply getting through the day by doing what they feel is right. And, doing it without violence, crisis or disaster in their own way. Yeah, when all is said and done, ordinary folks accomplishing extraordinary things. Nice!

Not everyone gets a college degree

Of late, and by that I mean for several decades now, the emphasis in education has been in acquiring a college degree. "Get a college education or you won't amount to anything!" Although I agree that some folks need a higher education and can very well make good use of it to better themselves, I also feel it is not realistic to think that a higher education is for everyone. And, from my way of thinking it is a disservice to millions of people in the work force to push the idea that they are less important or failures if they do manual labor of any kind. Look out the window and just about every facet of our daily lives depends on manual labor to make it work. Electricity, telephone, water, transportation, sewer, roads, vehicles, buildings, clothing, food, simply everything needs manual labor somewhere down the line. Much of it does not require a college degree. In my opinion it serves no useful purpose to discredit those that choose to perform manual labor or those that cannot obtain a degree for whatever reason. In years past it was considered a privilege to be in training to learn a manual skill. Today, not so much. If manual skills were taught in school more often we'd have a lot less people on the welfare roles, a lot less victims of society, a lot less people walking the streets and getting into trouble, a lot less people resorting to drugs to feel good.


I read about a tribe on another continent that was starving not because they couldn't grow crops or tend to cattle or fish.


They were starving because they were taught that those types of labor were beneath their dignity.


They believed that starving was superior to working to feed themselves.


Millions of people are being taught that today.

Thanksgiving and gratitude

It is now Thanksgiving Eve! Let the feasting begin. I'm grateful to have food and also family and friends to share it with. It hasn't always been that way. I've spent a couple Thanksgivings alone and without much to eat. It wasn't as traumatic as some would have it. I am not stuck on what isn't, I'm more into being OK with what I've got. Happiness is often a choice and I choose it whenever it's even remotely possible.


For decades it has been one of my Thanksgiving traditions to get up early and go visit a bunch of old guys who, due to various circumstances are now living alone with no one coming to visit other than me. I bring cheap novelty gifts, a couple sleeves of pennies and a deck of cards. We chat, laugh at the novelty gifts and play cards for an hour or so before I move on to the next old guy and repeat the scenario. My visits stretch from 4:30am until about 1:00pm and then it's family, food and football. Of course I maintain contact with these old gents throughout the year but it seems that it is on Thanksgiving that they enjoy the most. As time goes on locations have changed and the logistics do not allow for the usual personal visit, in which case we carry on a phone conversation for an hour or so. They do most of the talking. Old guys are like that. If it's not an old joke I've heard a dozen times before, it's some rule of wisdom they feel the need to impart upon my naïve shoulders or for some reason they need to confess one of their past indiscretions and follow up with an apology to me as a surrogate for whomever it concerned at the time. It is time well spent for me and also the person I am with. We've found that we need each other. To me, that is a gift beyond anything I deserve. Sure, I've helped these guys by simply being a non-judgmental friend, but the life experiences they've shared with me have brought me to a level of acceptance and maturity and faith that I would may never have achieved on my own. I am grateful to these guys.


Happy Thanksgiving! Please pass that on to any crotchety, grouchy, gassy, forgetful, thankless, almost unlovable old guy you know. It just may change their life for the better,

Unexpected day off from hard labor

The road leading to my business is flooded over once again. This flooding happens about 5 or 6 times a year and lasts 24 to 48 hours with access limited if at all to my shop. I drove through early this morning but it has deepened to the point where driving through is no longer an option. I am stuck in my office until further notice. My hope is it will go down by the time I am ready to go home as long as the rain stops soon. Meanwhile, it is my job to find out what to tackle as far as desk and paperwork are concerned. I can assure you, this is not my best talent. However, the coffee is made, both computers are at the ready and I am determined not to waste the opportunity to make a dent in previously neglected tasks. That's the plan. No games, no feeling sorry about the situation, no pitty pot for me, no sirree Bob! Here I go. Enjoy the day!..............

How to mend a broken leg- The hard way!

Several years ago, through a serious case of misjudgment of activity suitable for a guy  my age, I managed to break my leg and many parts of my ankle. It hurt! The doctor I went to at first mis-diagnosed it as a sprain and treated it as such for almost 5 months without any noticeable relief. Not so much enjoying the pain, I decided to obtain a second opinion. An immediate x-ray (not ordered by the first doctor) showed all the broken parts and I was sent to a very competent and well credentialed orthopedic surgeon who recommended immediate corrective surgery. "You've got a lot of broken bones in there" He said. "We'll throw the kitchen sink at it including bone grafts, steel plates and screws to stabilize it. "And after that heals" he continued, "We'll go in there again and fix the abnormal shape and fuse the ankle. It will be somewhat odd in appearance and you won't be able to flex the ankle but you will be able to walk for at least short distances. Perhaps with a cane or walker." I appreciated his honesty. I said I'd think about it for a day or two. He said I was not doing myself any favors by putting it off. "The longer you wait, the less I can do and the more deformed and weak it will be." I thought about it and  also studied the statistics regarding that specific procedure. Right or wrong I chose not to have surgery. I got an "Arizona Brace" instead. Along with duct tape, several other styles of braces and perhaps a couple thousand dollars in expenses for those other braces, I now walk relatively well for extremely long distances and the pain is very minor most of the time. I'm Ok with the results of my choice against surgery. I would not recommend that choice to anyone else. They have to make their own decisions.
The up side:
I never missed a day of work
I didn't have to spend time in the hospital
There was no opportunity for post operative infection and hospitalization
No opportunity for post operative crumbling due to screws or plates failing
Didn't have to go under sedation
Those are just a few but I think you get the drift.
The down side
For the first year there was a lot of pain, a lot!
The ankle is a bit tender
The ankle is a bit unstable
I wobble sometimes due to a lack of strength from underuse (it's getting stronger though)
The ankle looks rather deformed, maybe ugly
I have no idea what the future may bring (but that was also the case with surgery)


That's my story for today folks. It's been a long time healing and it's not over yet. However, it is a whole lot better than I thought the outcome and tribulations of surgery would have been. If you can walk fine today? Be grateful with each step and be careful......................Joe

More on publishing children's book

Yikes! Computer ignorance is still a major problem when it comes to retrieving, and putting together all the stories, poems and what nots I've stored electronically over the past few years. When I hand wrote or typed hard copies the paper was the issue but I could always find what I was looking for somewhere in the numerous piles. It simply took time. Now, since the piles are gone and due to a computer crash or two and moving the records from one computer to another and then another and then to still another the folder with the stories is temporarily lost. Temporarily being the proper term here though. They are there to be found, no problem there. It's just me and my mixed up mumbo jumbo hodgepodge of passwords and file names composed with an overdeveloped sense of privacy. I suppose I'm simply rambling here but it helps with the guilt of not properly educating myself in the tools of electronic writing and publishing. Looking for some progress to report next time. Today I shovel snow for the first time.

Publishing Children's books moving along

Well, it's been quite a ride for the past couple months with the printing of "All About Don". We're into the second printing now due to a better than expected market for the new story book. I can tell you, That is a real treat! Self publishing has advantages and disadvantages. One advantage is complete control of every facet of editing, format, composition, printing and marketing. Some disadvantages include initial costs, marketing, distribution and no assistance with anything. While working full time as owner of a 55 year old business with several employees, time and opportunity become real issues. With "All About Don" most of its all come together rather nicely and the first check to a chosen charity will be sent out right after Thanksgiving. A huge "Thank You!" To everyone who sent out the message to friends and relatives that the book was available. With the first printing completely sold and half the second printing ordered in advance it is going famously. Pretty good for a relatively unknown writer. Now, the work continues on putting all of my children's stories together into one larger book which includes a variety of parenting ideas and tid bits, silly rhymes and kids interactive activities. I'm thinking it's going to take a while but thankfully my business is going into its slow season and I will have some extra time on my hands for almost a full month to commit to this writing task. That's the plan anyway. I've had plans before so I'm looking at this realistically. The stories are already written but are in need of proof reading and editing as well as illustrating. So far, so good. We're going for the gusto with this one. Have a good day!

New Story Book finally printed and in hand for sale

At long last the children's story/coloring book: "All About Don" is in print and selling quite well indeed. Its been a long journey but the results are excellent. The illustrations drawn by 12 year old Alyssa Lake put the story of a short little deer with a big nose into a cold and snowy wonderland a child can see and understand and enjoy time and time again. With the coloring they can participate too. That's why its called a "Look, Listen, Think and Do Book".Springrove 5 and 10 variety store in Wyoming has them on the shelf and many of you who have been following the whole process have stopped nto my office at J&S to pick some up as gifts for children and grandchildren in your lives. I've been told its an easily read and amusing tale of a dangerous predicament with a happy and surprising outcome. As a writer those comments give me a great deal of satisfaction.


Thank you to everyone for your encouragement and support over the years. Tell everyone you know that they are available at my office: 5724- Clay Ave. S.W. in Wyoming Mi. or Springrove 5 and 10 variety store, also in Wyoming. $10.00 each. A relevant story just in time for Christmas.

Health insurance/Affordable Care Act

Is every citizen of the United States required to participate in the Affordable Care Act health insurance options? RE: Government employees, politicians, Amish, etc. Is any faction of the citizenry exempt? Is there a legal path to exemption? Can one be a conscientious objector? Also, are illegal immigrants required to participate in some special illegal way? If so, is that actually legal? Is it legal to take a working person's money and give it to an able bodied/ non working person to provide something they otherwise could/should earn for themselves?  Just curious. Nothing is ever quite as advertised.


Is the national health care system prepared with resources and manpower to deal with a forced system? With the national debt rising daily, how will the treasury pay the health cost to an ever increasing non-tax paying population?


Not saying there is a problem here, I'm not that smart.

Sometimes I surprise myself

I actually solved a computer problem all by myself! Yup! I did it. Now, to most folks that may not be any big deal but to me it's a major deal. So, anyway I'm back on line with the blog. Somehow I clicked onto some other program and I could not get out of it to get to the blog. Better now, Joe handled it just fine. I can't stop gloating here.


The art work is completed by my new artist. Now it's on to the printer and bindery to put one of my children's stories 9nto book form. Hopefully on time for the Christmas season. That'd be good because it is a sort of Christmas story. I am pleased to have the art work in my hands and even the cover. On to the next phase. Kind of exciting. "All About Don" One of Boompa's little stories. Different than having "Joe's Story" Published.


Back to work for now. Had to fix the mess I made with my tech ignorance with the blog. Took a lot of time but I'm way less ignorant now. Father's Day tomorrow, one thing I can't say enough:


"Thanks Dad!"

Joblessness of young males increasing.

The advances and declines of jobs regarding women not withstanding, I have been concerned for decades about the work ethic of the male population in the United States and more specifically, right here in this part of Michigan where I live. Being involved in a mentoring program for decades I had the opportunity too hear dozens of points of view on just why these guys couldn't find a job. Perspective, as influential as it is, is not necessarily the truth. How would you feel if you grew up with absolutely no expectations of ever finding any kind of job? Add to that a constant barrage of assaults on yourself as a person of worth. So many males grow up in that sort of atmosphere and as a result have absolutely no hope other than having to be taken care of by either the government or another type of enabler. I'm not saying that the entire blame for the high rate of joblessness lies with the parents/parent or school or neighborhood or society in general but, in my opinion at least part of it does. A male or female raised without encouragement has a huge amount of negativity to overcome in the job market. they are not expected to do much by those who are supposed to care so they don't expect much and don't accomplish much and then are justified in their poverty. About the only thing they feel they can do is produce children by whoever they happen to be with at the time. After all, producing a child is a "manly" thing to do in that world. When all else fails, produce  a child and don't be concerned about supporting that child either, the government will do it for you.


The answer to this crisis? Who am I to say? I was raised in an entirely different atmosphere. I was encouraged to go out and accomplish something on a daily basis. I was told regularly that if I made a mistake I would learn from it and not make that mistake again. I was also told that I would pay the consequences of my choices, good or bad. Sometimes my choices were not so good but my folks didn't take the consequences away. Instead, they stood by me while I paid the price. They reminded me that I was strong enough to move on. Dozens and dozens of the young males I talked to in the mentoring program did not experience that. It must be a difficult situation to deal with.


As far as an answer, I believe wholeheartedly that young men can learn to overcome the past and develop into productive and happy individuals with the proper training and realistic expectations. Beginning with the most rudimentary issues of proper speech, personal cleanliness, manners, issues of respect, acceptance of consequences, handling of money and achievement of personal goals. A big order I know. It's far easier to simply pay them off with some type of assistance, telling them that they are a product of their environment and they can always blame someone else for their situation.


I wonder when we will, as a nation of individuals, finally turn back the clock and do the right thing, not the easy thing? The reason I'm bringing this up today is that I received a thank you phone call from one of the guys involved in the mentoring over 15 years ago. He didn't have much time but he just wanted to tell me I was right. He could learn and get a job if he tried. He is working at the same job for over 8 years now after several trials and errors. He got married a while back, he and his wife bought a small starter home last year and they hope to have children some day. Wow! Can't beat hearing something like that on a beautiful Spring day.

What a year this has been already.

In a little over a month the days will begin to get shorter already. Huh? There was snow his morning in the upper part of the state. Count on Michigan to keep a person humble.


I believe I have finally found an artist to illustrate some of my children's stories.
I've passed the 25 pound mark in losing weight after my life style change almost two and a half years ago.
My grass is growing so fast I don't dare let my two granddaughters play on the lawn in fear they will be lost in the overgrowth.
I received a grand total of 2736 thank you emails and letters for the 33 years of the Silver Treasure Riddle. I am so very grateful to vereyone who participated.


I have been detailing cars since 1954, I have never been as busy in this time of year as I am now due to the relentless and long winter weather in these parts. It's kind of fun.


I have to get back to work for now. But hello and good bye and hope to get back soon.

Getting caught up on writing stuff.

It's amazing to me how every day things can get backed up over the years. The treasure hunt came first in so many ways. I felt a real responsibility to make each and every year's game the best I possibly could. I don't have to do that right now. Deep breath here. Now I look at the pile of writing I've done and think, "How will I ever get it published?" the stories I've written are for children and parents to enjoy. Definitely not Dr. Seuss material but to me a bit of a legacy to my folks and thousands of other parents that took the time to make up tall tales of imaginary situations and then sit their kids down and bring them into the world of fantasy, whimsy and happy and surprising endings while in the company of loving family. My folks, particularly my dad had a story to tell when I wasn't quite settled for bed or needed a slight nudge toward the spirit of the season on a cold night. I will never forget that loving time spent listening and dreaming.


I wrote "Joe's Story" because I felt I received that memory back for a reason. There is a lot of good in the book and the people in it. We need to hear good things about everyday people don't we? When it comes to our kids, I believe to the bottom of my heart that there are few gifts as great as sitting down and telling a story to our kids. Be it from a book or from our own imaginations. In light of that I have recorded several of the stories I told my own kids, grandkids, nephews and nieces. Along with some silly stuff too. Kids need silly stuff to help them laugh when they don't feel quite so good. I can think of no greater way to honor my caring and loving parents and the hundreds and thousands just like them.


I do have a few problems along the way to the publisher though and that's what I'm working on at the moment and for the foreseeable to future maybe.


One: I'm not the best writer. I need help there......Two: I am not an artist. No way. Need help there and so far have not found the right one to accept an agreement.....Three: Knowing it takes real talent to "get" published, I doubt that will ever happen by a legitimate publisher so my alternative is self publishing. That takes more money than I have at this time so I am looking into somehow doing it on a computer.


All of that seems to be almost insurmountable if taken in one pill. However, having more time now I hope to, one step at a time, find the answers and get something into book form as quickly as possible. that's my plan and I'm sticking to it.


That's what's going on in my life right now. As you can see, never a dull moment.....I wish you well!
Joe

Thank you all you treasure hunters!

It's been a couple weeks now since Robert Lyon and his two grandkids located the medallion and traded it in for the 33rd and final Annual Silver Treasure Hunt Riddle highlighting the ever present danger of Carbon Monoxide Poisoning. Even with all the cold and snow hundreds of hardy, dedicated  people sought and dug and scraped and moved to another area and started all over again. Even Robert took months to move around the corner to the correct location. It has been a tremendous pleasure to have met and spoke with so many wonderful people. You've been great and helped me move on from amnesia in many ways.


In these past weeks my mailbox has been filled with hundreds of letters of gratitude and stories of searching and sharing with family and friends. The over 6300 emails were totally unexpected but brought me hours and hours of humorous tales and fruitless search and incorrect conclusions and close calls. There is no way I can express how much I appreciate all of them except a huge Thank You!. 33 years is a long time but now it seems like a flash in time. That's the way life is I guess. I only provided an excuse for all of you to have a good time. I believe that if it hadn't been me you would have found some other way to enjoy the winter months. But I'm glad I was there. What surprised me then and now as the number of people from around the world who played the game from wherever they were only for the mental challenge even though they could not possibly win without retrieving the medallion. And, on top of that just how close they came using only a map and whatever information they could glean from the Internet. so many people became much more than treasure hunters too. My life is richer because of all of you.


Although the annual Silver Treasure Hunt is done and over there are a one or two ideas mulling over in my head. Some time in the future I'll be sharing them with you. The treasure hunt may be over but I'm not dead. Right?


Many thanks to all you wonderful people who have made the last 33 years a fantastic experience.


Joe Cramer AKA? "The Wyoming Riddler"

Treasure hunt winner

Robert Lyon found the medallion by a sign post on 56th street in Wyoming. Betweeh Haughey street and a bicycle path very near Buchanan Ave. He exchanged it for a treasure trove of silver collector's edition coins spanning 100 years of American history, as well as the coveted winners mug. It's been a wonderful 33 years and I hope to bring another challenge to you in the future.


Thanks
Joe Cramer
AKA The Wyoming Riddler

Treasure hunt clue #4

Due to weather conditions and a general desire for fairness the treasure hunt has been extended and another clue issued.


"Between hints in the riddle, it's there. Amongst the clues, even closer to where. 156, but not all together. To keep it fair: two mean him, two mean where."


Good luck! More info available on www.Mlive.com and Greg's site www.wyomingriddler.com


Someone is going to find this thing. Maybe you?

Treasure Hunt Clue #3-Rule change

Due to the constant snowfall the game will be continued beyond February if necessary. We do want someone to win don't we? After all, some people have been digging and digging and digging through the snow and ice in search of the medallion. It has not been found yet and I checked to make sure in preparation  for clue #3 just to make sure. I had to do some digging too and I know where it is. Here is the clue:


"You can get there either way. Number one and two others between two and nine will help in two ways. But, never all three together."


More info available on www.Mlive.com and Greg's website, www.wyomingriddler.com


Good luck to you!

Treasure hunt and the weather

The winter weather this year is quite an issue when it comes to finding the medallion. Weather has played a part, either large or small in each and every one of the 33 games. Some years it was snow, some it was rain and some it was simply warm weather and grass and leaves. It's all part of the game itself. If it was easy, it wouldn't be such a popular game now would it?


I would like to reinforce one particular aspect or rule regarding this treasure hunt. In no way can I answer any question that in even the smallest way result in an advantage to anyone. That wouldn't be fair. I've held to that rule all these years and I am not about to reveal any extra information now. No hints! No acknowledgement of whether you are getting close! No acknowledgement of whether you are even in the right area in any way whatsoever. No anything other than what is already stated in the rules.


Because this is the last of the Annual Silver Treasure Riddle Hunts, and the fact that so many persistent people are out there every day digging and scraping and searching so thoroughly, I believe that the medallion will be found as it always has. I regularly check it's location and no one has found the medallion and brought it to me to claim this year's prize. It is still there for the taking. Do not be dismayed, bring it to me when you find it.


As promised, there will be another clue issued on Tuesday February 18th 2014. There is a warm up predicted for next week too. Good luck!.................Joe

New Treasure hunt clue

Here is the next clue. I hope it does it for you. Lots of snow and cold but that hasn't swayed hundreds from digging through to find the medallion.


"Eventually did come change but his end came first. It's good to remember: Near means by, not at!"


So there you have it. Good luck, the treasure and silver awaits the winner.


More information and rules available on www.Mlive.com or Greg's site www.wyomingriddler.com

Treasure hunting and the weather

Lots and lots of people stopping by and asking if the weather may possibly affect how easy it is to find the hidden medallion...............Yes!


The rules include a mention of how snow or grass or leaves may have to be moved to find the medallion. Part of the game. Some things just can't be controlled can they? Hundreds of brave souls are still looking though and that type of persistence is what wins the prize. If it was easy it wouldn't be as challenging would it?


The posting I put up with the clue apparently didn't stay published so here it is again. For further information go to www.Mlive.com or Greg's website www.wyomingriddler.com He's doing a pretty good job of it.


"It is near a sign of change, somewhere South of 28th, in between Grandville and Kentwood. Question: Why? Exclamation: Oh! Vase: Ming. Everyone clear on that? OK?"


I would like to reinforce my rule that I will definitely not answer any question that may in any way give you advantage in the game. No exceptions!


Enjoy the game, remember the danger of Carbon Monoxide Poisoning, especially at this time of year. Stay warm!

33rd silver treassure riddle

The last riddle


"Perhaps riding a bicycle, perhaps not. But how he got there is important. He knew that, it changed a lot of things. If you are the first one to know, you'll find it. If you look that is."


Don't forget to use a map of the Greater Grand Rapids area.


Rules and news on Mlive.com and the Grand Rapids Press by Matt VendeBunte.


Happy hunting and Good luck!


Joe/AKA The Wyoming Riddler

Enough already

The Internet is an incredible opportunity for learning. It has tremendous social contact capabilities too. with the touch of a key a message can be sent across the country or even the world. Couple of drawbacks if you are not careful though. Once you touch that key, whatever it is that you sent is there forever. It is obvious to all of us that there are those folks who forget that with regularity. There are consequences. There is one aspect of this whole system that I've just about had enough of though. Some folks, whom know me only slightly, if at all insist on sending me radical and often insulting articles, cartoons and billboards which are in direct opposition to me personal beliefs. I have close friends with whom I communicate regularly and we give each other permission as close friends to share things that others may find not to their liking. But that's what being friends is all about isn't it? We know each other and where we are coming from. Then comes along someone that, for whatever reason somehow believes that some sort of hateful, derogatory, propaganda stuff will change my conservative mind. A mutually respectful exchange of differing ideas is always welcome, interest and time allowing but holy cow! Enough already with the "anti anyone not agreeing with you" baloney. Jeez Louise! I may not be a member of the Mensa society but I have been able to think for myself for many years now. Share that stuff with your own, close friends. I have so many other things to do than delete that crap but I assure you I will continue to do so with intense regularity.

New Year meditation-A culture of dependancy

Something to think about for the new year:

I hear it everywhere. I am (we are) so incompetent I (we) can no longer take care of my (our) own needs. Be they physical, psychological or material, I (we) need some sort of help to manage or I (we) will experience trauma of such great consequence that I (we) will either die or never fully recover.


Is this a true statement?
Are we accepting the assumption that we can no longer fend for ourselves?
What happens to society when such complete dependency exists?
Does society become weaker or stronger?
How can I use this subject to improve my quality of life?

New Years resolutions

Happy New Year!

The new year is often a time many of us choose to change our lives for the better by taking on something good and/or healthy. Sometimes it takes on the challenge of giving up a habit or lifestyle choice that is somehow interfering with our quality of life or relationship with others. Some of my acquaintances have shared their goals with me and I wrote them down:

Giving up smoking.
Not tailgating the car in front.
Stop drinking Soda pop
Bathing more often
Using the treadmill he bought 4 years ago but never used yet.
Start seeing a psychiatrist
Start using the bus to get back and forth to work
Get hair plugs
Look up her ancestors as far back as possible
Apologize wherever possible to anyone they hurt in the past
Find God
Eat a live bug on purpose
Start saving money
Read more books
Go back and graduate from high school
Learn how to knit
Stop gambling
Buy an antenna and cancel cable TV

I hope every one sees some sort of success. We all need goals to experience a sense of achievement don't we? Resolutions are personal and we may not understand those of another person but if it helps us in the quest for better lives it bears merit. I wish you success and happiness in the new year.