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.

Prayer for adults

I made it through Thanksgiving Day without gaining more than 5 pounds. That's quite an accomplishment for me. That success is due in no small part to a life change I began almost two years ago. The change included but is not limited to less and smaller portions regardless the occasion. It takes real willpower to keep the program going. But I am here to tell you, sticking to the program and timeline has helped me lose a full 12 pounds and keep it off. Thanksgiving means different things to different people. A friend locks himself in his house, turns off the radio and TV and watches movies from dawn to dusk. He wants nothing to do with the holiday. He has his reasons. others shop, others travel and others volunteer to help the less fortunate. We are all unique and have our own stories. One thing I enjoy doing is writing a new prayer on each Thanksgiving. It's a good reminder of what life is all about for me. This year I wondered about posting it. So, here goes.

God and our Holy Father,
Help guide us as we wander through our journey of life. You always show mercy to those who seek you and love you. Remain with us, your servants and open our eyes to your will. Shelter us with your protection during the day and bring us the light of your grace at night. Be our companion on this journey and welcome us to the safety of our final destination when that time comes. We ask this through Christ our Lord.........Amen


I wish you a fine day and exciting Christmas holiday season.............Joe

Government shut down

It happened before, back in the 1990's, our government representatives got their hair in a bunch and refused to reach an agreement regarding the budget and other important stuff and allowed non-essential government functions to shut down. We survived! A government shut down sounds like scary stuff doesn't it? For anyone who hasn't lived through it before I can see how it appears to be total collapse. Perhaps, if it lasts long enough that may be the case. However, someone has to blink here. They did it before, they'll probably do it again. Meanwhile, as much as our instincts tell us to panic, I'm going to do my best to survive in the same way I did the last time. Just keep doing what I know best: And, remember all this when it comes to elections. That's about it. Oh yeah, and not plan any trips to a federal park or museum. I also write letters and send them to politicians. I do that a lot. The post office isn't funded by the government.

Strength, independence and perseverance

As is my custom, yesterday (Sunday) after church services I went across the street to pay my weekly visit to the final resting place of my parents in the cemetery. A few quiet minutes to reflect on the two people who instilled me with their perspective on living a good, respectful life with integrity. One of the key elements to that kind of life, in their opinion was being independent and self sufficient. Some ways they accomplished that were gardening, fishing, hunting, working multiple jobs, coupons, bargain shopping, accepting their own limitations and not allowing others to do anything for them that they could do themselves. Not always an easy way of life. They thanked God daily for that life. On their knees at home or in church, they prayed honestly and faithfully. They were truly grateful for being together and for what little they had. When my father died my mom was heartbroken but carried on through the rest of her years in the same fashion. She remained a widow because, as she said, it was her job to finish up what they had begun for their family. Someone else might mess up the whole plan. I always chuckled when she said that but admired her tenacity and sense of independence. Making her meager funds last until she passed away was a monumental task. I have first hand knowledge of that. My brother, sister and myself watched over her but she wouldn't allow us to "take charge". No siree! She took care of herself with a passion. It was the way my folks had agreed upon. period!

Brushing off the headstone, replacing the flowers, trimming the grass edges, at least they  let me do that without shooing me away. I honestly think they may even enjoy it. I hope so anyway. I do love them. I can never quite say that enough.

Reading the bible

Reading the bible, cover to cover is a rather interesting undertaking. It's not just one book like 50 shades of Gray. Although some of the circumstances in the stories are rather explicit too. From the very beginning it becomes obvious, to me at least that some of it is meant to impart knowledge instead of specific historical fact. Nor, really was it meant to be read all in one fell swoop. It took me a few months to do it but that's just what I did. How much do I remember more than I did before? Probably not much. In an athletic analogy it was more like running a race than a walk through a park. Concentrating on getting the job done rather than savoring each sentence. I'm happy I did it. The benefit will play out over time I'm sure. But, I have another comment regarding one of the books in the bible, The Book of Revelations to be exact. Now that book is a real piece of work. I mean no disrespect whatsoever as my faith is sound in the truth set forth in the sacred texts of the bible. However, from the aspect of simply reading without benefit of meditation on the true meanings, The Book of Revelations is really far out there as far as understanding.

From angels to devils, swords, numerous heads and fire and truly mind bending visions it is most difficult to maintain focus in realistic way. The next time I read it I will be spending the time necessary in search of "revelation." This is definitely not a bed time story for kids or the weak of heart. The message of hope in spite of ourselves carried throughout the entire bible, to the beginner at least is well hidden in this final book. Yeah, my intent was well meaning but the quest of knowledge and truth was lost in the marathon approach. Still, time well spent compared to some other offerings on the best seller list. To be honest, no matter how I did it, by reading the entire bible, sometime, somehow, somewhere, I will see something I've never seen before. That's the way it works I think. Even if, at first glance to me at the time, it seems like the last book was written by a guy on a trip.

Minimum wage

One confusing aspect of governmental controls that is a bit crazy to me is the imposition of a minimum wage. Personally, I feel that those people that work should receive a fair compensation for their labor. Anyone withholding wages from a worker to keep exorbitant profits for themselves should be prosecuted in a court of law. A minimum wage to me however, is counterproductive in many ways.

#1- Minimum wage, as dictated by government, does not take into consideration market, demand, costs or any other conditions regarding any particular business and the profitability to remain operational.
#2- Minimum wage, as dictated by government controls, removes the competitive nature of international commerce and manufacturing. Countries without minimum wage produce and manufacture cheaper than we can. Fair or not, that is a fact.
#3- With far less jobs available due to the competition in non regulated countries, right here in the United States, far more people are on government assistance. Government assistance is funded (supposed to be anyway) by income taxes of working people thereby reducing their take home pay.
#4- The higher the minimum wage, the less competitive our products and services, the less competitive these things are, the less companies there are, the less companies there are, the less people are employed at any wage, the less people employed, the more people on government assistance. The more people on government assistance, the more taxes needed to pay for the assistance. With less people working, the higher taxes they pay so minimum wage or not, their take home pay is taken away by excess taxes.
#5- With more and more people losing their jobs because we cannot compete with other countries, more and more people are buying the imported products from other countries because they are way cheaper. Resulting in a reverse cash flow from the united States to the other cheaper countries draining our cash resources so fewer and fewer companies remain open. Creating a downward spiral in our economy.
#6- In my opinion, wages too high to compete=fewer people employed=more people on assistance=higher taxes=fewer people to pay those taxes=an overall lower wage and our currency becomes worthless. So, what did the minimum wage dictated by government to increase our standard of living actually accomplish?

Oh, wait a second. Am I talking about the United States or is it Greece? I forget sometimes. I'm probably just a bit tired, need coffee. Have a good day.

It don't work that way no more

Having lived during many decades I've experienced innumerable changes in the way we live. Most of the things that have changed, although exciting and adventurous and practical at the time, simply wouldn't work today. We are far more educated, worldly, and "mature". Grabbing onto a slow moving car rear bumper, in the middle of the winter and being pulled a full two miles on ice and through drifts before letting go and rolling to a stop, laughing until my stomach hurt is probably something I would never want my grandkids to do. I'm way to smart for that now. Seemed good at the time though, all us kids did it. Walking back and forth to work through the streets of downtown Detroit in the middle of the night was necessary and interesting back in 1964 (although I did get robbed at gunpoint twice by the same guy, I survived). I certainly wouldn't do that now. I guess maybe I'm a scaredy cat. Working two full time jobs every day, one in Detroit and the other in Grand Rapids, catching what sleep I could on the train ride back and forth between the two. Rather fun then but I value my sleep too much now. Meeting people from all over town by dialing my own number on the telephone to get a busy signal and speaking to total strangers in between the beeps. Too many perverts out there now. Cruising up and down the street on Friday and Saturday nights until the sun rose right alongside hundreds of other teenagers playing loud radios and yelling at one another and having an occasional drag race at the red lights. Are you kidding me? Wouldn't want to try that now would you?

Nope! None of that stuff would work anymore. I sure did like it then though. I kind of feel sorry for anyone that hasn't.

The dark side of the moon

Movies are readily available without leaving one's living room via cable, Internet DVD or even the old video cassette. New offerings are moving to most media faster than ever too. I haven't been in a movie theater in many years. That's fine with me, the popcorn and candy are way too expensive and sometimes the crowds are more than I care to handle. I do miss the big screen though, some movies just aren't the same on a TV screen. But my thoughts are directed more at content than size or appearance for now.

The movies I watched in my younger days were rather simplistic and immature by most of today's standards I've been told. Predictable plots, too mushy, mushy, too bland, not enough truth regarding reality of human nature, not enough sex, not enough back stabbing, too many bad guys getting caught by too many goody, goody, all too perfect cops. Catering too much to the good side of people makes movies too wishy, washy. Today, and for decades now, movies tend to cater to any and all perverse, mean, just plain deplorable side any human being ever possessed. All this disgusting stuff is touted to be for our own good because we need to face the truth about ourselves according to the know-it-alls in charge of Hollywood or wherever movies are made today. Granted, many movies are fast paced, visually stimulating, and otherwise entertaining, but so often, even in PG and PG13 rated offerings, we are caught off guard by totally unnecessary and deplorable crude language, sexual situations and abnormal behavior, just for the sake of "entertainment". And we are told, this behavior is what people are really like and enjoy. Regular movie goers are being told what they are like, pandering if you will to our dark side. I guess I am hard pressed to describe this any better. I guess also that it is working. As the degree of moral corruption in movies becomes the norm, the degree of moral corruption in overall society follows suit. Bad is better. Lies are accepted as truth for the sake of cinematic "purity" and entertainment license sees no boundaries. My question is then: Why is it that so many G and PG rated movies receive a larger audience?

I just read a review of the truthfulness of a new movie, "The Butler", supposed to familiarize us with the plight of the butler who served so many presidents in the white house. I guess it was way to boring to tell a true story. According to the article, the greater part of it is fabrication. That's too bad, I thought it would be great to learn about someone so successful in spite of the social hurdles. Now I find it may be a good story but that's all. I think I'll just read the book. I don't need another story shoving some producer's agenda down my throat.

I kind of like seeing the better side of us human folks and our fight to do what's right. That helps me be a better person.

Personal appearance is a challange sometimes

Sometimes I wonder about my powers of observation when it comes to myself and my appearance. All my life has been spent in an occupation which requires me to help other people with how their vehicle looks. It's all about appearance. This means that I have to see any defect, soil, scratch, stain or hair out of place. If I do my job, the customer will be happy. Frankly, I am very good at what I do and some people come from as far away as Tennessee and Florida to have me work on their rides. That's all well and good but when it comes to seeing any of those things in my physical appearance, it seems I simply don't have an eye for it. Picky as I am, I just can't get it all together sometimes.

Walking out of church last Sunday, a fellow church goer asked me if I knew that there was part of a candy bar stuck to the seat end of my pants. How embarrassing! I went to the grocery store on the Saturday before and the cashier at the front counter caught my attention to tell me that they couldn't allow me in the store without a shirt on. I had been gardening, enjoying the sunshine, thought of something I needed and forgot all about putting on a shirt. How embarrassing!

Standing in line at the gas station on Monday afternoon a guy behind me touched my shoulder to catch my attention and whispered my underwear was pulled up over my shirt in the rear. How Embarrassing! Here I sit, as I am typing this after just noticing I had two different types of socks on. At least they are the same color. How embarrassing!

I'm thinking I need me a personal assistant. Lay out my clothes, make sure they match, (I've been known to mix stripes and plaids, yellows and reds) Make sure they are clean, and make sure the elastic is tucked in. I'm so busy thinking about everyone else I can't see my own self. How embarrassing!

Justice in America and our president

Our President, eyes downcast and forlorn, played upon the emotions of his audience for some unknown reason and said, "It could have been me." Speaking, of course about the shooting and death of Trayvon Martin. A terrible thing. Mr. Zimmerman, the man who shot Trayvon was, in a court of law, found not guilty of the charges brought against him by the prosecutor. Mr. Obama, evidently does not feel justice was served in our legal process and appears to be, for some reason stirring up unrest and civil protests, seemingly pitting one race against another. Protests are a way of life in this country. However, I have not seen in my lifetime a president that caused them. It brings to mind some statement from Mr. Obama's run for the presidential election. He said he was ashamed of this country. I figured at the time it was some sort of populist retoric. I guess it wasn't.

What's your passion?

Just what is it that you are passionate about? I don't need an answer from you but it may not be a bad idea at all to ask yourself what it is that you are passionate about. Yesterday the question came up and, quite frankly I had to think about it for a long, long time. The thought hadn't occurred to me in the recent past, maybe in the far past either. it's not a question that comes up often over dinner or while conducting business. A true artist is passionate about their art. A true musician is passionate about their music, A true athlete is passionate about their sport, and so on it goes. At least that's what we believe about high profile pursuits. How often do we hear about us common folk and our passion? Has anyone asked you about yours lately? Does anyone actually care about the person behind the counter at the fast food joint? What kind of answer would you receive if you asked? I'm thinking it would often come as a surprise. Who would think that someone working for minimum  wage, barely eking out a living would even remotely be passionate about anything? So, what's your passion?

I am passionate about a few things I guess. I detail cars for a living, I am passionate about getting them done right. I've been passionate about detailing since I was ten years old. But detailing is not my whole life is it? I am passionate about doing the right thing regarding my family to the best of my ability. I'm passionate about my faith beliefs. I can think about a few other things too but then I step back and realize that an actual passion consumes your resources physically and spiritually and mentally doesn't it? That leaves not much room for another passion does it? I need to rethink my ideas of passion I guess. For now, the one thing that I can think of that consumes my ideal of passion is this: I feel that everyone should receive their just rewards for what they do or do not do. I have never wavered from that belief and I am passionate about it. Still, is that my passion in life? A good question to ponder.

Staying cool in hot weather

According to the local weather report her in central Michigan we are beginning a heat wave. Three days or longer of over 90* temperatures and high humidity. Everything is relative isn't it? Meteorologists are warning everyone, particularly those of age to keep themselves cool in any way they can and drink lots of fluids. Unfortunately, they say to stay away from alcoholic beverages so there goes the fun part for many. But as far as the relative part, in the southern states the heat and humidity, although surely just as uncomfortable is simply a way of life in the Summertime. They manage to survive it and keep going. We can too, it's not so much the end of the world as we know it is it? I've survived hot and cool summers and lived to see the fall color explosion of a Michigan Fall.

My problem has always been that I don't much care for water. Water is great for us. I still don't care for it. I drank tea, soda, power drinks, cold and hot coffee, but if it was a surprising day if even one glass of water crossed my lips. Now I'm back to water. Gag or not, I've managed for the past month to choke down at least two quarts of water a day. I guess it's keeping me cool and hydrated like they advise. But the main ways I manage to stay cool in the hot weather are #1-simply not hiding from the heat. I just slow down a bit until I get used to it. #2- find shade when I can. #3- keep a deep pan of water somewhere so I can sit and soak  my feet for a while. (not the same water I drink though) #4- shower just before bed and I stay cool enough to get several hours sleep. I can deal with the heat much better when I am well rested. Are these good ideas? Are they enough to keep me from getting heat related health issues? Answer- So far, so good!

Stay cool............Joe

Good health, Gluten free diet and food journals

Sometimes I feel just plain silly. For twenty five years I have kept a food journal, recording every food, quantity and even the seasoning I have consumed. I started the record of intake on the advice of a doctor following a blood test that indicated I had certain food sensitivities. No allergies mind you, simply sensitivities. Gluten was one of them so for many years I avoided anything even remotely related to wheat or barley. Because most gluten free substitutes used sugar to compensate for the lack of gluten, I switched to diet soda and other sugar free items on the shelves to help keep  my weight down. About five years ago I began slowly re-introducing gluten back into my menu. I dearly love a good sandwich, hot dog or burger for lunch and toast on a Sunday morning after church. Seemed OK to me but I kept up with the diet soda and other stuff. Mmmm! Cake, cookies, French bread, short cake, all the good things in life were back. I enjoyed eating so much I ignored the danger completely even though I was recording the food and my health situation. That's the silly part. Here's what I mean:
Slowly, ever so slowly, I started to be plagued by heart burn, then came some headaches, in my entire life headaches are so uncommon I could probably count them on one hand. Bad headaches too. Still I ate that delicious bread and cake. My legs began to hurt so bad I could barely walk by the end of the day. They cramped up all night long too, keeping me awake and in pure misery. My energy level dropped precipitously, I am a man full of energy and anticipation, waking early each day looking forward to whatever comes along. A happy guy I've said so many times. Unhappiness slowly crept into my daily life. I was almost crippled, miserable, confused and in constant pain. The doctor suggested some pain medication but tests were not showing anything more than the difficulties resulting from getting older, I was simply wearing out. I have an aversion to pain meds other than aspirin so I just put up with the pain and inconvenience for five years.
A bit over a month ago I woke up in the early morning, about 12:30am. In pain, heartburn burning my throat, legs twitching uncontrollably and a pounding headache. I decided to stay up and do whatever I could to get my mind off the misery until it was time to go to church. I began reading my food journal. After an hour or so a light went on in my head and I laughed at myself for my own stupidity. "Gluten" was a glaring connection to me problems. before returning to eating gluten I had felt terrific, after introducing gluten back into my diet I became miserable. Duh!
I have eaten no gluten since that moment. I began feeling better by that very evening, I have not suffered heartburn or a headache since. The legs on the other hand continued to be a problem. What to do, what to do? Back to the food journal. What else could the problem possibly be? I didn't like the idea of simply getting old but if that's what it was I would accept it with grace. Right? Well, there was just enough evidence in that journal to indicate that the leg problem began to increase at the same time I started to drink diet soda and eat foods with sugar substitutes. What the heck! I had nothing to lose so I eliminated diet, sugar free and sugar substitutes of every kind from my diet. I am happy to report that the leg problems are reduced greatly to where I can walk reasonably well, climb and descend stairs rather easily and even ride a bicycle again without pain of any consequence.
So there you have it. The happy is returning to my life once again. It's a wonderful feeling to wake up after a full night's sleep filled with anticipation for the coming day. Yeah, it's a areal treat. I offer you this suggestion: Start a food journal, be faithful, record your food and liquid intake every day. Also record how you feel and any health issues you may have, if the worsen or get better within three days of any particular food or liquid consumption. I'm certainly glad I did. even if it took me five years to get it through my thick scull.

Join me in my exultation, it's a very happy place.

My dad on being the critic

On this last day of reminiscing about my pop, recalling his perspective regarding critical folks pervades my thoughts. He wasn't keen on those that would impose their will on us, for whatever reason. "No one died and made them king, queen or judge and jury."

Criticize the cook-be prepared to go without food
Criticize the giver-be prepared for nothing
Criticize a woman's appearance-be prepared to be alone
Criticize the doctor holding the scalpel just before surgery-that's just plain stupid
Stuff like that. If you criticize be prepared for all the ensuing consequences. Try as I might, I have a hard time remembering that, especially when I'm driving. I find it hard to believe some of those idiots are allowed to drive on public roads. Getting in my way, going too slow, going too fast, forgetting to signal a turn, generally not giving in to the fact that if all drivers simply did my will there would be peace and tranquility on every thoroughfare everywhere. I keep thinking it's pure fact, not criticism, right?

Dad's wisdom and me-Joe Cramer

One thing that seemed to irk my dad was when someone whined about their situation in life and kept blaming everyone except themselves. He couldn't tolerate that and avoided anyone that whined endlessly. Complaining from time to time wasn't the issue. "Complaining sometimes was good for the soul." He said. But after the complaining was over the time came to do something to change the problem. He said he never missed the opportunity to vote in even the least significant elections. Voting was a way of changing things and if he didn't vote he had no right to complain either way. My dad never voted for a tax. In his way of thinking the government through the constitution was already set up to get enough taxes to run it. He figured that if we kept on voting for more taxes they'd just keep getting bigger and bigger. He heard enough whining from the government about taxes to last a lifetime. Me too I'm thinking maybe lately.

Joe Cramer and his dad

My dad would have some wisdom at the ready when needed. Exactly where he got this wisdom, for better or for worse remains a mystery. I figure he talked to a bunch of old guys when he was young. Guys in general and older guys in particular somehow feel they have to have an answer for any dilemma that comes along. I guess that's Ok though, it makes for a good story from time to time. Helps a person forget his troubles too.

One day the TV news was reporting so much bad news it was downright awful. Floods, hurricanes, tornadoes, burglaries, murders and no one in the government could agree on anything. (go figure the government thing eh?) Finally my dad turned off the TV and asked me to go for a walk with him around the block until wrestling came on. We walked and he talked. He told me some good stories about his younger years: growing stuff in the garden with his brothers and sisters, swimming in the river and saving his sister from drowning when he didn't even know he could swim, shooting peas out of straws, learning how to drive when he was ten, and how he met my mom. All good stuff. Then he did the wisdom thing, you know he had to. He said, "You know what? Sometimes the news just stinks and you are better off shutting it off and making your own." Hmmm! Probably not the most profound advice I've ever heard but I have found myself doing just that a lot lately. How about you?

Joe Cramer-My dad's humility was genuine

My dad was a hard worker, his work was physical, intense and as hard as it gets sometimes. He took it in stride though and expressed gratitude for the pay he received even though it was far less than he deserved most of the time. Far from well educated, as so many other guys were, he just couldn't get himself into the high paying factory jobs. No patience, couldn't stand the slow pace of assembly lines or being inside a building for so long. Low pay or not, he was a happy guy. He was a humble guy. If anyone gave him anything, it was difficult for him. You see, my dad remembered his mistakes and didn't feel he deserved gifts of any kind. He already had everything he dared dream of: His wife and his kids. Growing up I saw several times how he humbly accepted what was given to him. He did it with class. Thankful and always showing how he was delighted so as not too diminish the thoughtfulness of the giver. When I was older, around 19 I guess it was, my dad and I sat on the back steps and he pontificated a bit about being humble. "If we get all caught up in thinking that we deserve stuff, we never really fully appreciate the giver or the gift." "Same thing with wages too", he said. My dad the philosopher. I didn't deserve a dad as good as him.

Joe Cramer-Words from my father

Our dads were not carbon copies of each other were they? Yours said this and mine said that. They did give us stuff to think about though didn't they? I really like my friend's dads sometimes. They were smart and knew a lot more than my own dad. At least sometimes. But, then something would happen and I would realize just how smart my own dad was. He had some phrases that irritated me at the time but later sounded like good advice. You be the judge OK?

Ride your own bike!
If someone says you ride funny, get them to race you-on the course you choose. You'll be surprised how good you are.

Buy cheap, you'll get cheap. Don't complain and pay the price of being stupid.

If someone swears all the time and doesn't realize it, be careful of what you trust him with.

Men are made to protect women, whether they think they need protecting doesn't matter.

Don't pass gas and think it's funny. You are a better man if you feel embarrassed.

Don't waste your energy fighting a battle you can't win.

Lots of other stuff he said. Right or wrong he was there to say it. So very cool!

Right or wrong? Who makes the rules?

The name of a movie once declared that "The world has gone mad!" Various reasons behind that statement are what made up the plot. Mostly it focused on how individual perspective determined opinions of right or wrong. Some perspective was based upon fact, some perspective was based upon limited observation. Everyone acted on what they deemed as truth with outcomes sometimes humorous, sometimes nothing short of disaster. The movie highlighted how ignorance can rule people and even entire societies.

Fact: Reality/truth exists regardless of what you say or believe.

Listening to news of changes in long held rules regarding morality and law lately reminds me very much of that movie. Hollywood once again predicted the future. Reality/truth no longer prevails. Life changing decisions are now based upon perspective. And, this is the really silly part, it is the perspective of a self-indulged few that rules the majority of those who view reality as, at the very least common sense. The weapon of choice to empower ignorance is guilt. It works, big time!

When I was a kid, the neighbor kids never got treats from their folks. The family had way more money than my family but for whatever reason the parents did not spend money on treats of any kind. No popsicles from the popsicle guy, no ice cream or cake on birthdays, no candy bars from the corner store bought with allowance money on Saturday afternoons like the rest of the kids in the neighborhood. However, whenever any of us other kids had treats the kids from that family would be right at our sides with the phrase: "Jesus says we must share!" To load us up with guilt if we didn't give them some of our treats. As kids we wanted to do what Jesus did so we shared. We couldn't hold up to the guilt. That is until us other kids realized that those kids weren't Jesus, they never shared anything with us. They just wanted some of our stuff and used the Jesus guilt trip because it worked.

Now I'm all growed up and I find that some of those kids are still around loading me an millions of other people up with guilt so we will give them what they want. There are no limits as to what they want either:

 "I broke the law but you only want me to be held accountable because you don't like me or anyone like me."
"I can do this, even though it disgusts you because I was born that way. Accept it or you are old fashioned."
"I am special and don't have to work. You have to do with less of your hard earned money and support me or you are selfish."
"I decoded, all by myself what God really says and wants. You are out of touch with the modern concept of God."

Guilt is a huge weapon against good minded people. Nobody wants to feel guilty do they? Maybe it's this unfounded guilt that has made the whole world go mad. Are you guilty of allowing guilt to overcome your better judgement? Perspective, ours or theirs?

I always start again in Spring

Spring time is such a time of hope and promise I can't help but get all giddy about what's coming next. The world comes into bloom all over again. Colors appear, popping up almost everywhere, even in the cracks of sidewalks. The smell of all this new growth fills the nostrils with a pouporie of goodness. Animals wake from a winter's slumber and run hither and yon across the roads. Some of them don't make it but that's the law of nature I guess. Then there are those pesky rabbits, multiplying like nobodies business almost to the point of overpopulation. I don't quite know exactly what happens to all of them. I'm guessing it's the predators though. Hawks, Falcons, Foxes and Coyotes as much as the neighbor's cat enjoy a good rabbit dinner. Some say it tastes like chicken. Flowering fruit trees and bushes make for a kaleidoscope through every window. I find it difficult to think bad thoughts in the Spring. It's my tradition to take a long walk in the park in March to collect my thoughts about where I am, what I have, what I've done so far and what I hope to do. Then I pick pussy-willows and go home to take on the day. One thing I've held on to since I can remember, every Spring, I always try to do my best.

I've tried to:
Keep my sense of humor
Raise my own kids
Treat others like I would like to be treated
Tell the truth
Be honest
Maintain a moral standard
Be thankful
Pray every day
Read the newspaper comic section every day
Keep my language clean
Not to embarrass my family name
Help others when I could
Take personal responsibility for my actions
Not to blame others
To look after the environment
Not to accept unnecessarily from the government
Pay my fair share of taxes
Just plain do the right thing
Not back down from a good argument
To learn from someone I disagree with
Maintain reasonable health
Read good books
Listen to good music
Not talk too much
Remind people of just how bad carbon monoxide poisoning can be.
Wake up early

This is, of course a not so complete list but I think you get the idea. Every Spring I am reminded that it may indeed be true that Happiness is a choice. Happy Spring you all....................Joe