Last week was a disaster for my weight loss goals, what with a trip to the state fair and my low blood sugar readings. My average last week was only 105. That normally would be a good thing but when ones blood sugar is low a person feels hungry. When one feels hungry a person often times grabs an unhealthy snack to tide the feeling of starvation. Something sweet will quickly rise the blood sugar level bring back the feelings of normalcy but what happens when the sugar high wears off? One feels hungry again.
Of course a high blood sugar reading can leave a person feeling hungry also but its still a different kind of feeling. A person needs to be careful with either extreme. The secret to a healthy life, especially for a diabetic, is a steady blood sugar reading. Not only does the quick fix to low blood sugar reading throw your body out of kilter but it leads to weight gain.
I woke up a few minutes ago and took my glucose readings and they were slightly elevated yet I feel like I'm about to die of starvation. Even if I consumed a large meal I know that in an hour or less I would be hungry again. As I understand it, when one's blood sugar drops too low at night one's body can convert fat to sugar raising one's glucose levels. One is normally hungry in the morning so in ones mind, the feelings one has in the morning from an elevated level is similar to those when ones glucose level is depressed. Without taking a reading it is difficult to know if ones level is too high or too low. That's why it is so important to keep ones level's steady. Failure to do so can lead to an unhealthy weight gain and/or other health problems.
Tuesday, October 18, 2016
Monday, October 17, 2016
EXCLUSIVE: Jamie Lee Curtis Says She's Spoken to Lindsay Lohan About Donald Trump's
Well now, since Lindsey Lohan is now informed I think the election should just be called off.
Wednesday, October 12, 2016
We tried McDonald's, Wendy's, and Burger King's signature burgers — and the winner is unmistakable
The headline was taken from an MSN article about which chin serves the best burger: McD's, BK, or Wendy's. The article claimed the single from Wendy's was soggy, the big Mac was the perfect combo of burger to condiments, and the Whopper had too much bread. Too much bread? The Big Mac has a 3 piece bun. Every time I've tried one, all I can taste is that secret sauce.
To tell the truth, the only thing I ever buy at McDonalds is a breakfast biscuit and coffee and I only buy the Carolina burger or chicken from Wendy's. The burger at BK has that grilled out flavor which I like. My favorite burger of the big chains is one from Hardees but they hire the dumbest cashiers and I don't always have time to wait.
Wendy's has the best customer service by far. Often Burger King employees make you think you are an interruption of their bonding time.
As far as competition goes, Five Guys is always voted best burger but it really is the overwhelming amount of fries one gets that endears people to the chain. My favorite place for a burger is Highway 55, formerly Andy's. There one can get a burger anyway and in any size one wants. They even have a shrimp burger. I once ordered a burger all the way: lettuce, tomato, onion, pickles, jalapeno peppers, slaw, and chili, with a side order of Texas Pete hot sauce.
Sometimes we eat at the closest place, sometimes we make a conscience choice. Some like things one way and some like it the other. I'm just glad we have choices because we are not all the same.
Therefore I make the bold claim the best burger is the one you like the best.
To tell the truth, the only thing I ever buy at McDonalds is a breakfast biscuit and coffee and I only buy the Carolina burger or chicken from Wendy's. The burger at BK has that grilled out flavor which I like. My favorite burger of the big chains is one from Hardees but they hire the dumbest cashiers and I don't always have time to wait.
Wendy's has the best customer service by far. Often Burger King employees make you think you are an interruption of their bonding time.
As far as competition goes, Five Guys is always voted best burger but it really is the overwhelming amount of fries one gets that endears people to the chain. My favorite place for a burger is Highway 55, formerly Andy's. There one can get a burger anyway and in any size one wants. They even have a shrimp burger. I once ordered a burger all the way: lettuce, tomato, onion, pickles, jalapeno peppers, slaw, and chili, with a side order of Texas Pete hot sauce.
Sometimes we eat at the closest place, sometimes we make a conscience choice. Some like things one way and some like it the other. I'm just glad we have choices because we are not all the same.
Therefore I make the bold claim the best burger is the one you like the best.
Saturday, October 08, 2016
Trump asked to resign
That is a good idea because Trump is unqualified to be President of the United States. He may be a billionaire but he seems to be immature and unstable. But if he resigns that means Hillary would be President by default and she is unqualified to be President and more dangerous. I call a do-over.
Tuesday, October 04, 2016
The first anything
I'm rather tired of hearing about a person being the first black, female, Spanish, Asian, homosexual,
or whatever they happen to be, to do a particular thing. We wonder why we cannot heal the racial divide in this country yet in everything we say and do we want to divide, even in the groundbreaking things and good things. "He/she is a role model for people" or "He/she is an inspiration" or He/she is the "first of their kind" to do or win such and such.
If the fact that we are different is constantly shoved in our face then how can I ever accept the fact that we are all equal? The fact that a cop shot an unarmed man should bring concern from all citizens and not just along racial lines. One would think that only white cops shoot people and they shoot all black people unjustly. The only way to insure that all are treated fairly is to insure that none are treated differently.
It is a fact that people are drawn towards others that are more like them. If I were to go into a building where I knew no one and I saw a group of men on the left and a group of women on the right I would more than likely mingle with the men. If I saw a group of white men and a group of black men I would more than likely mingle with the white folks. If I saw a group of white men dressed in biker garb and a group of black men dressed in business suits I would mingle with the men in suits.
What I am saying is we tend to mingle with those people we most closely identify with. Go to a foreign country and one will discover that Americans who have retired there live in close proximity to each other. That is why we have Spanish Harlem, China Town, little Haiti, etc. That is why Pennsylvania was settled by the Dutch, we have places called Germantown, and there is such a thing as a Russian community.
As long as we keep thinking of ourselves as different we will continue to treat each other as different.
or whatever they happen to be, to do a particular thing. We wonder why we cannot heal the racial divide in this country yet in everything we say and do we want to divide, even in the groundbreaking things and good things. "He/she is a role model for people" or "He/she is an inspiration" or He/she is the "first of their kind" to do or win such and such.
If the fact that we are different is constantly shoved in our face then how can I ever accept the fact that we are all equal? The fact that a cop shot an unarmed man should bring concern from all citizens and not just along racial lines. One would think that only white cops shoot people and they shoot all black people unjustly. The only way to insure that all are treated fairly is to insure that none are treated differently.
It is a fact that people are drawn towards others that are more like them. If I were to go into a building where I knew no one and I saw a group of men on the left and a group of women on the right I would more than likely mingle with the men. If I saw a group of white men and a group of black men I would more than likely mingle with the white folks. If I saw a group of white men dressed in biker garb and a group of black men dressed in business suits I would mingle with the men in suits.
What I am saying is we tend to mingle with those people we most closely identify with. Go to a foreign country and one will discover that Americans who have retired there live in close proximity to each other. That is why we have Spanish Harlem, China Town, little Haiti, etc. That is why Pennsylvania was settled by the Dutch, we have places called Germantown, and there is such a thing as a Russian community.
As long as we keep thinking of ourselves as different we will continue to treat each other as different.
A broken system
Most people will agree that both Hillary Clinton and Donald Trump are widely unpopular and unqualified for the office of President of the United States of America. Hillary go the nomination pretty much by default as qualified candidates did not file. Even so, Bernie Sanders almost beat her which was a shocker to the DNC and the liberal press.
Donald Trump won the Republican nomination because he is an IN-YOUR-FACE type of person who shows little respect for anyone or anything who promises to do something about the problems facing America that never seems to go away. Obama never brags about the "change we can believe in" because the changes that he brought about have only weakened the family and strengthen the future of the Democratic party. Illegal immigrants and working class people are backbone of the Democratic party and the Republican party is seen as the party of the conservatives and the rich even though the extreme poor tend to be Republican. Go figure.
A Prime Minister of England once noted that what was great about America was that any young person could grow up to be President but what was scary about America was that any young person could grow up to be President. I think in this year's election we are seeing the scary side of that equation. We are still wallowing in a two party political system in which neither party can truly represent the views of its members and too many people support the party rather than the candidate.
But it seems the only thing people want to change about our election process is the Electoral College.
The Electoral College is not responsible for Obama, Bush, Trump or Hillary although some would disagree about Bush.
The founding fathers wanted a system that would represent the will of the people by insuring that people in small states had equal representation with those from larger states, both in elections and in Congress. Originally the founding fathers limited voting to landowners because they tended to be better educated and more interested in the process of law than non landowners. However congress and the Supreme Court eventually saw that policy as unfair and over time and protests the system was changed. What the founding fathers did not anticipate was that grossly unqualified people could run and even get elected to office as the supreme leader that few would even follow.
Therefore I submit that while the system is broken it is not the Electoral College but the method by which our two political parties elect their candidates. We need more than two or three political parties, we need candidates that run on qualifications and platforms and not party affiliations. One big problem with our current system is that local and state candidates are voted in or out of office based on how well the national candidate does and not always on their own merits.
Freeing candidates of party affiliations would allow office holders to vote their beliefs and not by party lines. It would make for a much better system and better legislation for all concerned.
Donald Trump won the Republican nomination because he is an IN-YOUR-FACE type of person who shows little respect for anyone or anything who promises to do something about the problems facing America that never seems to go away. Obama never brags about the "change we can believe in" because the changes that he brought about have only weakened the family and strengthen the future of the Democratic party. Illegal immigrants and working class people are backbone of the Democratic party and the Republican party is seen as the party of the conservatives and the rich even though the extreme poor tend to be Republican. Go figure.
A Prime Minister of England once noted that what was great about America was that any young person could grow up to be President but what was scary about America was that any young person could grow up to be President. I think in this year's election we are seeing the scary side of that equation. We are still wallowing in a two party political system in which neither party can truly represent the views of its members and too many people support the party rather than the candidate.
But it seems the only thing people want to change about our election process is the Electoral College.
The Electoral College is not responsible for Obama, Bush, Trump or Hillary although some would disagree about Bush.
The founding fathers wanted a system that would represent the will of the people by insuring that people in small states had equal representation with those from larger states, both in elections and in Congress. Originally the founding fathers limited voting to landowners because they tended to be better educated and more interested in the process of law than non landowners. However congress and the Supreme Court eventually saw that policy as unfair and over time and protests the system was changed. What the founding fathers did not anticipate was that grossly unqualified people could run and even get elected to office as the supreme leader that few would even follow.
Therefore I submit that while the system is broken it is not the Electoral College but the method by which our two political parties elect their candidates. We need more than two or three political parties, we need candidates that run on qualifications and platforms and not party affiliations. One big problem with our current system is that local and state candidates are voted in or out of office based on how well the national candidate does and not always on their own merits.
Freeing candidates of party affiliations would allow office holders to vote their beliefs and not by party lines. It would make for a much better system and better legislation for all concerned.
Saturday, October 01, 2016
Presidential race coming down to the wire.
Tow parties, two candidates, one country and no one really qualified to hold the office of President of the United States of American. Neither candidate has given any reasons to vote for themselves except to claim that they are not as bad as the other candidate.
Thursday, September 22, 2016
The crud
Don't really know how to describe what has been ailing me. It's not unlike a cold which I suppose it is really. It started a week ago with that little feeling in the throat that is different from anything else. You know you are getting sick. I grab the Zicam which promises to shorten the duration of a cold if taken at the onset. Well, this is the onset.
Most colds I have start with a stuffy nose and move down into the chest and some start in the chest and end of in the nose but all come with sore throats, chest congestion, coughing, sneezing, stopped up noses and mucous. Sometimes I think my body is a mucous factory.
This illness didn't seem like it was going to last long and I was ready to sing Zicams praises. Two days of a slight tightness in the chest, coughing, a few sneezes, and then the nasal congestion, and the fifth day I seemed like I was almost well. Then the night coughing and the mucous came, I seem to be okay for hours then suddenly my nasal passages turn into faucets running with this thick gel like substance. It's stuck in your chest, clogs your throat, fills your sinus cavities to the brink of bursting and makes one think that putting a bullet into your brain isn't such a bad idea and then finally it seems to be almost gone but not entirely. A couple of hours later it starts all over again. There never seems to be an end although you know from experience it will one day go away.
One of the worst things about this crud is that everyone around you is suffering from it but they have all been to the doctor, some miss functions because they are "so sick" , and there is no one to give you any sympathy. In fact, everyone else believes their case of crud is worse than your case of crud.
Most colds I have start with a stuffy nose and move down into the chest and some start in the chest and end of in the nose but all come with sore throats, chest congestion, coughing, sneezing, stopped up noses and mucous. Sometimes I think my body is a mucous factory.
This illness didn't seem like it was going to last long and I was ready to sing Zicams praises. Two days of a slight tightness in the chest, coughing, a few sneezes, and then the nasal congestion, and the fifth day I seemed like I was almost well. Then the night coughing and the mucous came, I seem to be okay for hours then suddenly my nasal passages turn into faucets running with this thick gel like substance. It's stuck in your chest, clogs your throat, fills your sinus cavities to the brink of bursting and makes one think that putting a bullet into your brain isn't such a bad idea and then finally it seems to be almost gone but not entirely. A couple of hours later it starts all over again. There never seems to be an end although you know from experience it will one day go away.
One of the worst things about this crud is that everyone around you is suffering from it but they have all been to the doctor, some miss functions because they are "so sick" , and there is no one to give you any sympathy. In fact, everyone else believes their case of crud is worse than your case of crud.
Monday, September 19, 2016
Chili cook-off
One Way Baptist Church of Randleman is having a Chili cook-off fundraiser. If you would like to enter a recipe, entry fees are $10.00 per recipe. If you would like to be a judge, then tickets are $5.00 each.
The event is scheduled for run from 11:30 am until 2:00 pm on Saturday October 29th.
The way this event works is you may buy advanced tickets or pay at the door. If you want to be a cook, your entry fee must be paid by October 10th. The judges pay their $5.00 fee, get their soda and fixings and then get a sample cup of chili from a cook. You can go to as many cooks as you want until you have eaten all the chili you care to. You then drop your ticket into the jar of the maker of your favorite chili. You go home full of good chili and the cook with the most tickets goes home with a nice trophy and bragging rights.
See you there!
The event is scheduled for run from 11:30 am until 2:00 pm on Saturday October 29th.
The way this event works is you may buy advanced tickets or pay at the door. If you want to be a cook, your entry fee must be paid by October 10th. The judges pay their $5.00 fee, get their soda and fixings and then get a sample cup of chili from a cook. You can go to as many cooks as you want until you have eaten all the chili you care to. You then drop your ticket into the jar of the maker of your favorite chili. You go home full of good chili and the cook with the most tickets goes home with a nice trophy and bragging rights.
See you there!
Wednesday, September 14, 2016
fruitless taljs
I chatted with my older brother, recently retired, about moving into Mom's vacant house. If he did so then the house would be maintained, the bills paid, and Mom's investment would be protected and she would be able to leave her children something. He said he liked the idea but wanted some time to mull it over.
I contacted him a week later and he said he still hadn't made a decision. Yesterday I invited him to meet with me and our brother on a Saturday and he said he would if he didn't have to work.
It's his life and if he decided to stay where he is and get a part-time job that's okay. But why leave me hanging wondering what his decision was going to be when he had already made it. I just don't see the benefit to Mom or to our relationship my just ignoring me. I just don't understand why some people are jerks and he fits my definition of one.
I contacted him a week later and he said he still hadn't made a decision. Yesterday I invited him to meet with me and our brother on a Saturday and he said he would if he didn't have to work.
It's his life and if he decided to stay where he is and get a part-time job that's okay. But why leave me hanging wondering what his decision was going to be when he had already made it. I just don't see the benefit to Mom or to our relationship my just ignoring me. I just don't understand why some people are jerks and he fits my definition of one.
Saturday, September 10, 2016
GoFundMe
When I first heard of GoFundMe I thought the page was mainly for losers who failed to plan and was just wanting others to bail them out. Now I know different. I'm sure some of the funds are for cheats and undeserving people but some are needful.
My Mom was a saver and although she didn't start work until her youngest was a senior in high school she did manage to save a lot. In the late nineties when Dad got sick with cancer she paid all of his bills out of her savings. The last year of his life she paid over $70,000.00 for medicine alone.
After his death all she had to live on was his social security and what remained of her savings. She did quite well except she never spent any of the money to take care of her house. Then the inevitable happened and she got sick. She ended up in a nursing home unable to take care of herself. Not only that but at the price it cost to stay in an assistant living home Mom would be broke in a couple of months so she had to apply for Medicaid. I did what I could with her money and remodeled her home until time ran out. She was allowed to keep her home and $2000.00.
Her social security check is $1130.00 a month. The social services charges her $30.00 a month admin fee, the nursing home charges her $880.00 a month and blue Cross charges her $260.00 a month. That totals $1190.00 a month. Of course even old people in nursing homes need things like clothes and hair care and little things like that. And of course the house has bills too: water, sewer, gas, electric, home owners insurance, and taxes--let's don't forget about taxes. So exactly where is the money to come from for this?
I live off of social security myself and I have exactly $328.00 a month I can spend on anything I want. I choose to spend most of it driving to Hickory to see Mom each week. I take her out of the nursing home and take her to her house, do her laundry, pay her bills, clean her house, then take her to lunch, then take her to get her hair done. If she needs fruit or writing pens or a special medicine she can't get through the nursing home I do that for her. I took her to her eye appointment. It cots about $30.00 a week in gas, $20.00 for our meals, and about $40.00 a month in car care. As you can see most of my money is spent on her or for her.
She won't be able to keep her house much longer as she has a negative income. She has little of value to sell and if she did sell it, then what? So I started a GoFundme page for Mom. Look it up and please help if you can.
My Mom was a saver and although she didn't start work until her youngest was a senior in high school she did manage to save a lot. In the late nineties when Dad got sick with cancer she paid all of his bills out of her savings. The last year of his life she paid over $70,000.00 for medicine alone.
After his death all she had to live on was his social security and what remained of her savings. She did quite well except she never spent any of the money to take care of her house. Then the inevitable happened and she got sick. She ended up in a nursing home unable to take care of herself. Not only that but at the price it cost to stay in an assistant living home Mom would be broke in a couple of months so she had to apply for Medicaid. I did what I could with her money and remodeled her home until time ran out. She was allowed to keep her home and $2000.00.
Her social security check is $1130.00 a month. The social services charges her $30.00 a month admin fee, the nursing home charges her $880.00 a month and blue Cross charges her $260.00 a month. That totals $1190.00 a month. Of course even old people in nursing homes need things like clothes and hair care and little things like that. And of course the house has bills too: water, sewer, gas, electric, home owners insurance, and taxes--let's don't forget about taxes. So exactly where is the money to come from for this?
I live off of social security myself and I have exactly $328.00 a month I can spend on anything I want. I choose to spend most of it driving to Hickory to see Mom each week. I take her out of the nursing home and take her to her house, do her laundry, pay her bills, clean her house, then take her to lunch, then take her to get her hair done. If she needs fruit or writing pens or a special medicine she can't get through the nursing home I do that for her. I took her to her eye appointment. It cots about $30.00 a week in gas, $20.00 for our meals, and about $40.00 a month in car care. As you can see most of my money is spent on her or for her.
She won't be able to keep her house much longer as she has a negative income. She has little of value to sell and if she did sell it, then what? So I started a GoFundme page for Mom. Look it up and please help if you can.
Wednesday, September 07, 2016
First Shot
Yesterday I started my treatment for macular degeneration with a thorough eye exam and my first shot in my eyeball. The shot itself was painless but after the numbness wears off my eye feels like an eyeball does when one gets a loose eyelash in it. Scratchy. The eye is red and the part that feels scratched is the part where the injection happened.
I take another injection in a month and will be taking them for three years. It will not be a monthly thing but on a decreasing interval so I will have 21 to 26 shots over the next 3 years, all depending on how my body recovers.
I take another injection in a month and will be taking them for three years. It will not be a monthly thing but on a decreasing interval so I will have 21 to 26 shots over the next 3 years, all depending on how my body recovers.
Monday, August 29, 2016
Drama hopefully will end
Some work was done at the church a few weeks back and the man engaged to do the work made a mistake and pushed some tree stumps across the property line onto our neighbor's property. The strip of land is 180 feet long but only 24 feet wide and is overgrown so he probably thought it would be okay but he didn't realize his actions would stir all the furry a red headed woman could muster.
If the woman had just told us about her concerns we would have cleaned up the mistake and that would have been the end of things but no, she went off like a Roman Candle, trying to dictate when and how the debris is to be removed and wanting the whole property cleaned up at the church's expense, refusing to let the work be done without her being physically present to supervise, threating to sue, threatening to hire someone else to do the work and sending the church a bill, making derogatory statements about the church's pastor and otherwise proving herself to be a bad citizen
Through a check with the legal system it has been discovered that this woman is only the girlfriend of the owner of the property and has no legal say whatsoever. With negotiations with the real property owner, an agreement has been reached but there is one complication that can undo the whole affair. The man who is to clean the debris is contracted to conducted a funereal and if it conflicts with the scheduled clean-up he will not be able to be there.
I know everyone involved is ready for this fiasco to be over with.
If the woman had just told us about her concerns we would have cleaned up the mistake and that would have been the end of things but no, she went off like a Roman Candle, trying to dictate when and how the debris is to be removed and wanting the whole property cleaned up at the church's expense, refusing to let the work be done without her being physically present to supervise, threating to sue, threatening to hire someone else to do the work and sending the church a bill, making derogatory statements about the church's pastor and otherwise proving herself to be a bad citizen
Through a check with the legal system it has been discovered that this woman is only the girlfriend of the owner of the property and has no legal say whatsoever. With negotiations with the real property owner, an agreement has been reached but there is one complication that can undo the whole affair. The man who is to clean the debris is contracted to conducted a funereal and if it conflicts with the scheduled clean-up he will not be able to be there.
I know everyone involved is ready for this fiasco to be over with.
The Next President of the United States of America
Donald Trump will not be the next President nor has he ever wanted to be. He has ran for the nomination several times and always resigned his candidacy before getting to far into the election cycle but this years was a surprise, even for him. I don't think he ever intended to be taken seriously.
Donald Trump isn't as stupid as he portrays himself to be because if he acted like he had some sense even his supporters wouldn't like him, I'm not saying he isn't a likeable fellow, I'm saying that he would not be liked as a candidate. He doesn't want to be President. It has all been about publicity.
I'm sure he has made a lot of money by running for office that otherwise he would not have earned. But now that he is the party nominee he is walking a tightrope. If he acts like he isn't a serious candidate people will turn against him and all he has accomplished by running will be lost and he will be worse off than he was before he ever thought about running. But if he runs a serious campaign he jus might be elected and he knows he is not qualified nor does he want that job. So he has to act like he really wants to win while sabotaging his chances by childish behavior.
Donald Trump isn't as stupid as he portrays himself to be because if he acted like he had some sense even his supporters wouldn't like him, I'm not saying he isn't a likeable fellow, I'm saying that he would not be liked as a candidate. He doesn't want to be President. It has all been about publicity.
I'm sure he has made a lot of money by running for office that otherwise he would not have earned. But now that he is the party nominee he is walking a tightrope. If he acts like he isn't a serious candidate people will turn against him and all he has accomplished by running will be lost and he will be worse off than he was before he ever thought about running. But if he runs a serious campaign he jus might be elected and he knows he is not qualified nor does he want that job. So he has to act like he really wants to win while sabotaging his chances by childish behavior.
Wednesday, August 24, 2016
Lazy?
A change I've noticed about the news one see on the internet is that there more videos than ever. I can see two reasons why. If the provider can get you to watch a video of a story you are interested in it can force you to watch a commercial first. I've also noted that some commercials allow you to opt out after a few seconds so forcing us to watch a commercial isn't all it's cracked up to be. I think American youth have gotten so lazy we don't want to read anymore and the shortened commercials reflect their shorter attentions spans. If they have to watch for the entire commercial they will opt out and not watch at all.
Unless what you are talking about has to be shown, I would much rather read than watch. The biggest problem with reading nowadays is too few of the writers of server news know how to write to hold a person's interest. Is communicating through the written word becoming a lost art? It sure seems so.
Unless what you are talking about has to be shown, I would much rather read than watch. The biggest problem with reading nowadays is too few of the writers of server news know how to write to hold a person's interest. Is communicating through the written word becoming a lost art? It sure seems so.
Saturday, August 20, 2016
a boy in a tree
Yesterday my wife noticed a bicycle laying in the middle of the street in front of our home and thought perhaps the rider had fallen in the ditch. I stepped out on the porch to check the situation out and heard someone yelling for help. It seems a young boy was frightened by some dogs a neighbor had let out for a bathroom break and had climbed a tree for safety and he was both afraid of the dogs and of getting out of the tree.
I helped the lad down and stood watch for him as he pedaled home as fast as he could.
I helped the lad down and stood watch for him as he pedaled home as fast as he could.
Roy Cooper vs. the truth
I don't know Roy Cooper but I do know he is the current Attorney General of NC and is running for Governor of North Carolina. I have no idea what party he belongs to. I do +know he has an ad on TV in which he brags about improving the conditions at the State Crime lab, eliminating the bag log of DNA samples waiting to be tested.
I also know that in September of 2015 a man broke into my mother's home while she was there sleeping. He entered the home through a window he broke and while doing so he cut himself and left DNA on the window, on some money he dropped while fleeing and in several other places in the home. In other to have an air tight case the prosecutor wants to have the DNA evidence but after a year the State Crime Lab is too far behind so the Police Department in Hickory elected to send the evidence to a private lab so they can move forward with the case.
Based on what I know to be true I can say that while conditions at the State Crime Lab may have improved they are still far worse than Roy Cooper would have us to believe.
I also know that in September of 2015 a man broke into my mother's home while she was there sleeping. He entered the home through a window he broke and while doing so he cut himself and left DNA on the window, on some money he dropped while fleeing and in several other places in the home. In other to have an air tight case the prosecutor wants to have the DNA evidence but after a year the State Crime Lab is too far behind so the Police Department in Hickory elected to send the evidence to a private lab so they can move forward with the case.
Based on what I know to be true I can say that while conditions at the State Crime Lab may have improved they are still far worse than Roy Cooper would have us to believe.
Saturday, August 06, 2016
Equal treatment
My pastor claims he treats everyone the same yet him and another preacher at the church go everywhere together, not only as just friends but as representatives of the church. That is fine and I'm glad he has a close friend to do things with but if you never invite any of the other preacher's at the church to join yu don't say you treat everyone the same.
Friday, August 05, 2016
Proud Poor Folks
I just checked out an article (actually a picture and a comment) and the responses of the readers. It seems like many people are proud of their ingenuity in accomplishing things when they were poor. That's called redneck ingenuity.. It seems though that some of the respondents were older now and still poor and proud of it but judging from their lack of ability to spell or other compose a sentence or express a coherent thought, I just can't imagine why they are still poor.
Reality is beginning to set in.
Went in to the eye doctor yesterday for a routine exam and came out we a big surprise. I'm quickly approaching my 70th birthday and have been blessed with good health most of my life. I retired 50 years after taking my first job and during those 50 years I missed one day because of illness. Ten or so years ago I was diagnosed with diabetes but until four years ago I was able to control it through diet. I did have to go on insulin for three months and then to a pill ever since but I never let it interfere with my life. The only recurring problem I have had that has adversely effected my life is dupredrens(sp) contracture, which is a curling of the fingers. I had corrective surgery on my left hand but my little finger on my left hand curled back up and now lays flat against my palm. I may have to get it amputated soon.
Now long after I left the eye doctor's I received a call from her informing me that she is referring me to a specialist outside of the VA to deal with some moisture detected behind my right eye. She said that I have the beginnings of maculate degeneration. There are two kinds, dry and wet. One kind will keep progressing until one is blind. The other kind can be corrected with surgery but that is a fairly recent development. I can't remember which kind there is hope for and really don't know which kind I have.
It seems my aches and pains have increased lately and my body is beginning to deteriorate: pain in my left should, diabetes, dupredrens(sp) contracture, high blood pressure, triglycerides too high, and now this. In spite of this I will keep on keeping on doing as much as I can until I can no longer go. I'm not giving in or giving up nor complaining.
Now long after I left the eye doctor's I received a call from her informing me that she is referring me to a specialist outside of the VA to deal with some moisture detected behind my right eye. She said that I have the beginnings of maculate degeneration. There are two kinds, dry and wet. One kind will keep progressing until one is blind. The other kind can be corrected with surgery but that is a fairly recent development. I can't remember which kind there is hope for and really don't know which kind I have.
It seems my aches and pains have increased lately and my body is beginning to deteriorate: pain in my left should, diabetes, dupredrens(sp) contracture, high blood pressure, triglycerides too high, and now this. In spite of this I will keep on keeping on doing as much as I can until I can no longer go. I'm not giving in or giving up nor complaining.
Tuesday, July 26, 2016
Is it "once" or "If"?
Many Christians believe the Bible teaches assurance of salvation. My pastor claims to be one of those. He is always expounding that Christianity is a "know-so" religion and if you have doubts about your salvation you are lost. But he also says that one must "get right in order to live right in order to die right', a philosophy that seems to teach salvation by works rather than faith. Our church has lost a few members because he confuses people about what he believes. Do we or do we not have assurance of our salvation.
The pastor says he does not believe in "Once saved always saved" but believes that "if saved always saved". I think such statements only adds confusion and doubt. I prefer the "once saved" version of that statement. Christ only died once. If one could lose their salvation Christ would have to be crucified as many times as a person lost their salvation. Christ only died once because that is all that is necessary. To use the phrase "If saved' begins a statement of assurance of salvation with a statement of doubt. "if saved" sounds like anything but a sure thing. It smacks of grace plus something else. We are saved by grace, through faith, and that not of ourselves. Grace is not conditional. It is something given to another when it is totally undeserved. All one has to do to receive it is to be willing to receive it.
I know why my pastor says if instead of once. So many people claim to be saved that do not live for Christ that "being saved" has almost become synonymous with "I go to church or have been to church and I buy into the belief that Jesus Christ is a real person and did good things." But saying "if" instead of :"only" doesn't make one more saved but it does add confusion.
The pastor says he does not believe in "Once saved always saved" but believes that "if saved always saved". I think such statements only adds confusion and doubt. I prefer the "once saved" version of that statement. Christ only died once. If one could lose their salvation Christ would have to be crucified as many times as a person lost their salvation. Christ only died once because that is all that is necessary. To use the phrase "If saved' begins a statement of assurance of salvation with a statement of doubt. "if saved" sounds like anything but a sure thing. It smacks of grace plus something else. We are saved by grace, through faith, and that not of ourselves. Grace is not conditional. It is something given to another when it is totally undeserved. All one has to do to receive it is to be willing to receive it.
I know why my pastor says if instead of once. So many people claim to be saved that do not live for Christ that "being saved" has almost become synonymous with "I go to church or have been to church and I buy into the belief that Jesus Christ is a real person and did good things." But saying "if" instead of :"only" doesn't make one more saved but it does add confusion.
Monday, July 25, 2016
Nineteen people were feared dead and as many as 24 others wounded after an attack by a knife-wielding man at a facility for the disabled in Japan early on
I suppose the anti-knife lobby will want to enact ginsu knife laws to determine who can have access to knives. ,
From an article entitled "Relationship rules you should break"
"Think getting down too soon is a deal breaker? It might be time to think again, says Greer. "If you feel good about the person, are really attracted to them, and you feel safe with them, it's OK to go ahead and sleep with them," she says. "On the flip side, you can also wait until past the third date." In other words, wait until you're ready, whenever that may be. View our complete list of the best white dress looks from the red carpet."
Honestly, having sex at all before marriage should be a hard and fast rule. Anything else cheapens relationships and reduces the chances of fidelity during marriage. Oh, don't believe in marriage? Well, that should be an attitude you change.
Honestly, having sex at all before marriage should be a hard and fast rule. Anything else cheapens relationships and reduces the chances of fidelity during marriage. Oh, don't believe in marriage? Well, that should be an attitude you change.
Sunday, July 24, 2016
It's a battle
For years I was able to control my diabetes with a proper diet but eventually I went on metformin. A few years ago I went on insulin for 3 months but was able to come off it and go with just metformin again. But after a year my doctor added glipizide to my regimen but after a couple of years I had to go back on insulin. The first time I used insulin I gained 33 pounds and never did lose any one it so when I had to go back on insulin again I was afraid of gaining weight.
So far I've managed to lose 9 pounds (It's been a bout two months now). Yesterday I suffered my first bout with low blood sugar and it felt horrible. Last night I gave into my urge for an unhealthy snack (six wheat crackers, a spoonful of peanut butter and a spoonful of jelly). Yea, it was a nasty tasting snack and my blood sugar reading was way to high as a result.
Eating so as to not spike ones blood sugar or let it drop too quickly and all the while controlling ones weight is extremely difficult, especially since taking insulin makes one feel hungry all the time. I'm not talking about just wanting something to eat but "feeling like your stomach is sucked up against your backbone" hungry.
So far I've managed to lose 9 pounds (It's been a bout two months now). Yesterday I suffered my first bout with low blood sugar and it felt horrible. Last night I gave into my urge for an unhealthy snack (six wheat crackers, a spoonful of peanut butter and a spoonful of jelly). Yea, it was a nasty tasting snack and my blood sugar reading was way to high as a result.
Eating so as to not spike ones blood sugar or let it drop too quickly and all the while controlling ones weight is extremely difficult, especially since taking insulin makes one feel hungry all the time. I'm not talking about just wanting something to eat but "feeling like your stomach is sucked up against your backbone" hungry.
Tuesday, July 19, 2016
Cringe worthy news
Soon Donald Trump will be the Republican nominee for President of the United States of America. I haven't always voted Republican but I have never voted for a Democrat who was elected and this year I guarantee I won't be voting Democratic. What I am most afraid of this year is that either Hilary Clinton or Donald Trump will be elected. I suppose once the conventions are over and the candidates officially selected we can bill this election as the Lady versus the Tramp. I suppose the only way out of this mess is the Rapture and if you don't believe in that you still have time to change your mind.
Tuesday, July 12, 2016
Black lives Matter
Black Lives Matter. Of course they do. I know slavery existed. I know it was wrong. I know some people are not going to accept full integration of everyone into their world. The most segregated institution in America is church, which should be the one place that all races could come together in love and understanding. There is a problem.
But how can we, as a people, come together when some use exclusionary terms for their organization? Negro College Fund, Black Caucus, NAACP, Miss Black America, Black Lives Matter. While claiming to want equability, these organizations have chosen names that are exclusionary and are portraying an image or idea that is the opposite of what they claim to want. We cannot bring unity by choosing to be divisive.
America+ isn't a melting pot. When things are melted together that form a new substance that is a blend of all. It seems as if blacks and whites come from two totally different worlds. Blacks and whites have been educated together for 50 years now yet they don't even talk alike.
We are all people and our basic needs and wants are the same. In any good negotiantion the two sides get together and agree on what they agree on and then limit their discussion to the areas they disagree one. First of all, the two races have to agree that they are all Americans. That will go a long way to solving the problems.
But how can we, as a people, come together when some use exclusionary terms for their organization? Negro College Fund, Black Caucus, NAACP, Miss Black America, Black Lives Matter. While claiming to want equability, these organizations have chosen names that are exclusionary and are portraying an image or idea that is the opposite of what they claim to want. We cannot bring unity by choosing to be divisive.
America+ isn't a melting pot. When things are melted together that form a new substance that is a blend of all. It seems as if blacks and whites come from two totally different worlds. Blacks and whites have been educated together for 50 years now yet they don't even talk alike.
We are all people and our basic needs and wants are the same. In any good negotiantion the two sides get together and agree on what they agree on and then limit their discussion to the areas they disagree one. First of all, the two races have to agree that they are all Americans. That will go a long way to solving the problems.
Monday, July 11, 2016
Dallas
What happened in Dallas is tragic but all murders are tragic. I understand why some white policemen are quicker to shoot a black suspect that a white one. There is a lot of animosity and mistrust between the races. When integration happened fifty years ago it was hoped by many that by going to school together blacks and whites would learn to respect each other, that eventually all neighborhoods would be mixed neighborhoods, and we would come to view each other as fellow Americans but it is obvious that the tension between the races is just as strong today as it was 50 years ago.
Back when CB radios were popular among motorists it became obvious that people don't know how to handle problems. Disagreements quickly developed into arguments and name calling and the usual results were two angry people and unresolved problems. Forty years later when people have differences of opinion on the internet many times it results in name calling and two angry people. If we go into a discussion with the attitude that I'm right and the other person is wrong and it is my job to convince the other person of this fact then we are always going to have disagreements that decay into name calling and angry people.
Yea, there are lots of things I don't understand about black people. I don't understand do-rags, and the cocky way of walking, and the slang they use or why many talk so loud. I don't understand why s's are dropped off words that need them and added to words that don't. And what is this doe that they keep opening and closing? I am beginning to think it is a door but they never say so. I'm sure there are lots of things that blacks don't understand about whites to.
When a person dresses different, walks different, talks different, and acts different, a person tends to be cautious around that person. I don't care how white a person is, if that person has a face full of tattoos and wears punk clothes I'm going to be leery of them. Same goes if they are big strong biker types, or little skinny goth creatures. And what is with the saucers in the ear lope thing. Gross me out.
All that being said, the nicest people I encounter are young black males. They are respectful and helpful and always a surprise but not because that are black men but because in todays day and age rudeness is expected along with selfishness and one is always taken back by random acts of kindness and by that I don't mean paying for someone lunch as a person gets recognition for that but just common everyday courtesies that are not common anymore.
If a person presents themselves to the world as a descent, trust worthy individual then they will be accepted but it the impression they give is of a ghetto gansta or a piece of redneck white trailer trash then don't expect me to be anything but cautious around you.
As far as the police are concerned, they are jerks to everyone so don't feel privileged. I've been handcuffed several times and even carted off to jail once and didn't even come close to breaking a law. A sergeant with the High Point police stole $20.00 from me and a couple of Greensboro cops accused me of being a drug addict and refused to give me the assistance I needed and desired. One has to remember that people get angry when stopped by the police so much of the interaction police have with people are with antagonistic people. It's would make anyone leery of a person's intentions when all you receive from most folks is bad attitude.
I've been stopped several times when I should not have been but I always remain calm and cooperative. The police appreciate it. I keep my insurance and registration papers in a little folder that is easy to get to without having to open a glove box or search for. I stay still until the cops approaches, and I keep him informed if I have to reach for anything. Even when I know the cop is wrong, I'm never show any emotion because I know I will have my day in court if it comes to that.
What I want you to take away from this article is that if you want to fit into my world then act like you fit into my world. If you don't then don't be shocked or angry because I treat you different. And most importantly, if you are respectful, understanding, and cooperative with the police then all should go well and end well.
When you see things different from another, find the things you and they can agree on and listen as they explain to you the things that you disagree on. Maybe you will learn to be accepting of their point of view, maybe, you will learn to understand there thought process better and maybe you will still be on opposite sides. But if you treated them with respect maybe they will learn to be more understanding and tolerant of you.
Back when CB radios were popular among motorists it became obvious that people don't know how to handle problems. Disagreements quickly developed into arguments and name calling and the usual results were two angry people and unresolved problems. Forty years later when people have differences of opinion on the internet many times it results in name calling and two angry people. If we go into a discussion with the attitude that I'm right and the other person is wrong and it is my job to convince the other person of this fact then we are always going to have disagreements that decay into name calling and angry people.
Yea, there are lots of things I don't understand about black people. I don't understand do-rags, and the cocky way of walking, and the slang they use or why many talk so loud. I don't understand why s's are dropped off words that need them and added to words that don't. And what is this doe that they keep opening and closing? I am beginning to think it is a door but they never say so. I'm sure there are lots of things that blacks don't understand about whites to.
When a person dresses different, walks different, talks different, and acts different, a person tends to be cautious around that person. I don't care how white a person is, if that person has a face full of tattoos and wears punk clothes I'm going to be leery of them. Same goes if they are big strong biker types, or little skinny goth creatures. And what is with the saucers in the ear lope thing. Gross me out.
All that being said, the nicest people I encounter are young black males. They are respectful and helpful and always a surprise but not because that are black men but because in todays day and age rudeness is expected along with selfishness and one is always taken back by random acts of kindness and by that I don't mean paying for someone lunch as a person gets recognition for that but just common everyday courtesies that are not common anymore.
If a person presents themselves to the world as a descent, trust worthy individual then they will be accepted but it the impression they give is of a ghetto gansta or a piece of redneck white trailer trash then don't expect me to be anything but cautious around you.
As far as the police are concerned, they are jerks to everyone so don't feel privileged. I've been handcuffed several times and even carted off to jail once and didn't even come close to breaking a law. A sergeant with the High Point police stole $20.00 from me and a couple of Greensboro cops accused me of being a drug addict and refused to give me the assistance I needed and desired. One has to remember that people get angry when stopped by the police so much of the interaction police have with people are with antagonistic people. It's would make anyone leery of a person's intentions when all you receive from most folks is bad attitude.
I've been stopped several times when I should not have been but I always remain calm and cooperative. The police appreciate it. I keep my insurance and registration papers in a little folder that is easy to get to without having to open a glove box or search for. I stay still until the cops approaches, and I keep him informed if I have to reach for anything. Even when I know the cop is wrong, I'm never show any emotion because I know I will have my day in court if it comes to that.
What I want you to take away from this article is that if you want to fit into my world then act like you fit into my world. If you don't then don't be shocked or angry because I treat you different. And most importantly, if you are respectful, understanding, and cooperative with the police then all should go well and end well.
When you see things different from another, find the things you and they can agree on and listen as they explain to you the things that you disagree on. Maybe you will learn to be accepting of their point of view, maybe, you will learn to understand there thought process better and maybe you will still be on opposite sides. But if you treated them with respect maybe they will learn to be more understanding and tolerant of you.
Tuesday, June 28, 2016
What paet of customer service do you understand?
I had a great time at Cherokee this past weekend and I was tired when I got home. A good tired, yes, but tired nonetheless. I was glad my new security camera wasn't to be installed until Tuesday so I would have a day to get my head back into life. I was looking forward to doing yard work too, as strange as that may seem but I do enjoy being outside. Well, the rain took the yard work part out of my day as my grass will be high before I get a chance to cut it again. Going to see my Mom each week and working out at the gym three days a week kind of eat away available time for yard maintenance. I like doing it early when the day is cooler.
The other thing I had planned for the day was scheduled for 8 am. We called them when they had not arrived by 9:30 and was told "Oh, we meant between 8 and 12". Well, excuse me but if you meant between 8 and twelve you should have said that. At 1:30 we called back as the serviceman had not arrived and were told they would be here soon. A few minutes later I received a call saying they would be here between 3 and four. At four thirty my wife called and explained to them that we no longer wanted the camera. Then the company started telling my wife she didn't understand that service calls are done on a time range and not at a specific time.
The company started offering her deals but she said no. The service man called and wanted to reschedule but she said no. He offered to give her the security camera at no cost but she still said no. He tired to explain to her that she would receive a call 30 minutes before the service person was to arrive and she explained that didn't happen either.
If they could offer the equipment for free to cover their screw-up maybe they should have offered it for free to begin with. Better yet, when they realized that they could not make the 8 to 12 window they had called and apologized and asked us if it would be convenient to reschedule for later in the day or for another day we would have been more understanding. But no, they choose to keep us uninformed of what was going on thereby wasting our entire day awaiting their arrival. I just don't think big companies know what customer service really means.
The other thing I had planned for the day was scheduled for 8 am. We called them when they had not arrived by 9:30 and was told "Oh, we meant between 8 and 12". Well, excuse me but if you meant between 8 and twelve you should have said that. At 1:30 we called back as the serviceman had not arrived and were told they would be here soon. A few minutes later I received a call saying they would be here between 3 and four. At four thirty my wife called and explained to them that we no longer wanted the camera. Then the company started telling my wife she didn't understand that service calls are done on a time range and not at a specific time.
The company started offering her deals but she said no. The service man called and wanted to reschedule but she said no. He offered to give her the security camera at no cost but she still said no. He tired to explain to her that she would receive a call 30 minutes before the service person was to arrive and she explained that didn't happen either.
If they could offer the equipment for free to cover their screw-up maybe they should have offered it for free to begin with. Better yet, when they realized that they could not make the 8 to 12 window they had called and apologized and asked us if it would be convenient to reschedule for later in the day or for another day we would have been more understanding. But no, they choose to keep us uninformed of what was going on thereby wasting our entire day awaiting their arrival. I just don't think big companies know what customer service really means.
Monday, June 20, 2016
Too little time.
I thought once I had finished the remodel of my Mom's house I would have more time to write and to study but it seems I have less. I have two doctor's appointments tomorrow, one Wednesday. Then I'm off to Hickory to visit Mom and then I'm taking a few days with the wife for our anniversary. When I get back I'll have to do yard work, then empty cabinets and create empty space in preparation for the delivery of our new kitchen cabinets. The day the cabinets arrived I have another doctor's appointment and then it will be time to visit Mom again.
By the time I catch a break it will be time for the doctors to whack off my little finger and then after that operate on the other hand. By that time it will be eye glass exam time so another out of town trip. But when it is all said and done I may be able to type and to see what I'm typing. And maybe I'll have some time to do said writing.
By the time I catch a break it will be time for the doctors to whack off my little finger and then after that operate on the other hand. By that time it will be eye glass exam time so another out of town trip. But when it is all said and done I may be able to type and to see what I'm typing. And maybe I'll have some time to do said writing.
You are compalinning about what?
Someone who regularly attends our church but isn't a member complained to the pastor that the Sunday School teacher invited her to attend Sunday School. Say What?
Friday, June 10, 2016
Do you ever feel lke screaming?
A friend of mine has some strange ideas when it comes to interpreting scripture, which is okay, but when a person begins any discussion with "you will never convince me" then he is right. It is okay to feel strongly that your interpretation is the correct one. For example there are those who believe that a person can lose their salvation, I know husbands and wives can fall out of love and no one can tell me when a couple has crossed the line from love to disinterest or hate and the union broken. That is why one should never take their spouse for granted. Even if one does everything right in a marriage it can still fail because your actions don't necessarily dictate the response one desire from their partner. I have read letters that state " I love my spouse and they do every thing right but....".
We know when it comes to relationships we need to respond to our partner in the way they want to be responded to rather than by a set of rules. And so it is with Christianity. We are taught by scriptures that being a Christian is a relationship with Christ and not adherence to a set of rules, regulations, and laws. My pastors favorite saying is "You must be born right and live right in order to die right." That is like saying that you must toe the line or you could lose your salvation. Just exactly what does one have to do to lose their salvation? Our preacher and youth minister are fond of saying "if your salvation doesn't take you to church I doubt it will take you to heaven" I am aware the bible says "not to forsake the assembling of ourselves together" but how many church services can one miss before their salvation is lost? Is this what we should be teaching people?
There is a fellow in the church who claims that one can lose their salvation "and you can't convince me otherwise." Personally I don't want to be in a relationship with anyone I can't depend on nor do I want to be in a relationship with someone who lives contrary to what they profess to stand for. One gentleman in the church believes when Jesus turned the water into wine he was providing alcohol to an all ready bunch of drunks. Jesus is God and it is unfathomable that God would do things contrary to his nature. It is made abundantly clear in the Old Testament that getting drunk is displeasing to God and an even greater displeasure is shown to the man who puts strong drink to his neighbors lips.
In spite of what God has claimed for 2,000 years he hates, in His first act as a man He violates His very principles. The wedding was a religious ceremony and fermented wine was not allowed to be served. Jewish custom did not provide for fermentation of the wine as we know it today.
I'm not going to run the biblical references for you but I will give you the scriptures.
Numbers 13:23, Psalms 104:15, Nehemiah 10:37, Isaiah 16:10, Isaiah 65:8, Jeremiah 40!), and Habakkuk 2:15. I think it should become clear that wine and grape juice can be the same thing as no juice of the grape is fermented wine while still in the grape.
We know when it comes to relationships we need to respond to our partner in the way they want to be responded to rather than by a set of rules. And so it is with Christianity. We are taught by scriptures that being a Christian is a relationship with Christ and not adherence to a set of rules, regulations, and laws. My pastors favorite saying is "You must be born right and live right in order to die right." That is like saying that you must toe the line or you could lose your salvation. Just exactly what does one have to do to lose their salvation? Our preacher and youth minister are fond of saying "if your salvation doesn't take you to church I doubt it will take you to heaven" I am aware the bible says "not to forsake the assembling of ourselves together" but how many church services can one miss before their salvation is lost? Is this what we should be teaching people?
There is a fellow in the church who claims that one can lose their salvation "and you can't convince me otherwise." Personally I don't want to be in a relationship with anyone I can't depend on nor do I want to be in a relationship with someone who lives contrary to what they profess to stand for. One gentleman in the church believes when Jesus turned the water into wine he was providing alcohol to an all ready bunch of drunks. Jesus is God and it is unfathomable that God would do things contrary to his nature. It is made abundantly clear in the Old Testament that getting drunk is displeasing to God and an even greater displeasure is shown to the man who puts strong drink to his neighbors lips.
In spite of what God has claimed for 2,000 years he hates, in His first act as a man He violates His very principles. The wedding was a religious ceremony and fermented wine was not allowed to be served. Jewish custom did not provide for fermentation of the wine as we know it today.
I'm not going to run the biblical references for you but I will give you the scriptures.
Numbers 13:23, Psalms 104:15, Nehemiah 10:37, Isaiah 16:10, Isaiah 65:8, Jeremiah 40!), and Habakkuk 2:15. I think it should become clear that wine and grape juice can be the same thing as no juice of the grape is fermented wine while still in the grape.
Tuesday, June 07, 2016
The truth about food safety
"One time on a 12-hour family road trip to North Carolina, my parents stopped at Bojangles for lunch. We walked in and saw that that the cashiers were handing out food (fried chicken and biscuits) without any gloves on. I thought it was absolutely disgusting and couldn't believe people were willingly accepting food from the hands of strangers. I sat in the restaurant and got back in the car for the remainder of the drive, refusing to eat anything from Bojangles. I think that was the worst experience — I was forced to smell fried food, but knew better than to eat any."
Stupid girl. Just because a worker is wearing gloves doesn't mean safe food handling procedures are in place nor does bald hands mean unsanitary. Actually food handling gloves are for a customers benefit and has absolutely nothing to do with food borne illness. Hands with gloves can go anywhere hands without gloves can go. A worker can wear them when they go to the rest room, Lord knows how long a worker has worn a pair of gloves. I've even seen cashiers with gloves on.
No, what is important is hand washing. An employee can go to the rest room, take a dump, and come back to the service area and put on a pair of gloves while another washes their hands before putting on the gloves. Which person do you want handing you food?
Not, gloves, hair nets and beard guards are for show, not for food safety.
Stupid girl. Just because a worker is wearing gloves doesn't mean safe food handling procedures are in place nor does bald hands mean unsanitary. Actually food handling gloves are for a customers benefit and has absolutely nothing to do with food borne illness. Hands with gloves can go anywhere hands without gloves can go. A worker can wear them when they go to the rest room, Lord knows how long a worker has worn a pair of gloves. I've even seen cashiers with gloves on.
No, what is important is hand washing. An employee can go to the rest room, take a dump, and come back to the service area and put on a pair of gloves while another washes their hands before putting on the gloves. Which person do you want handing you food?
Not, gloves, hair nets and beard guards are for show, not for food safety.
Sunday, June 05, 2016
… Why This Man Proposed To His Girlfriend Completely Covered In Mud
Someone actually wrote this headline and the editors let it slip by. I'm not sure who is covered in mud; the guy or the girlfriend. I'm not going to read the article to find out either.
Tipping
I like American Roadhouse Express because one doesn't have to leave a tip. There are lots of things I don't understand about restaurants. Why do they leave the guest check upside down? What does tips mean? I've heard it said TIPS stands for to insure prompt service but if that was true shouldn't the tip be given before the meal?
I'm a generous tipper but I base my tips on the quality of the service and not on the quality of the food. What I don't like about tipping is the waitress in a popular diner where the meals are inexpensive and the business is brisk actually works much harder than a waitress or waiter in an upscale place but for much less. Go to Golden Coral where it cost $10.00 for all you can eat and watch people tip. The waitress is lucky to get a dollar out of most folks. Go to Outback where it costs about $25.00 per person and she gets $5.00 per person. The waitress at Golden Coral works much harder.
I don't think tipping should be based on the price of the food but the quality of the service. It should be standardized across the board. It just doesn't seem fair that a person can go into a restaurant and order a sausage and egg biscuit and have his coffee refilled five times and leave his waitress a dollar tip (20% of his $5.00 total bill) then later goes to a steakhouse for dinner where the wait person refills his drink once after drinking half a glass before his meal arrived and then offered a refill after he finished eating and then drops a five dollar bill on the wait person (20 % of his $25.00 bill). He got much better service at breakfast and based on how hard the wait staff worked the one at breakfast worked much harder.
I'm a generous tipper but I base my tips on the quality of the service and not on the quality of the food. What I don't like about tipping is the waitress in a popular diner where the meals are inexpensive and the business is brisk actually works much harder than a waitress or waiter in an upscale place but for much less. Go to Golden Coral where it cost $10.00 for all you can eat and watch people tip. The waitress is lucky to get a dollar out of most folks. Go to Outback where it costs about $25.00 per person and she gets $5.00 per person. The waitress at Golden Coral works much harder.
I don't think tipping should be based on the price of the food but the quality of the service. It should be standardized across the board. It just doesn't seem fair that a person can go into a restaurant and order a sausage and egg biscuit and have his coffee refilled five times and leave his waitress a dollar tip (20% of his $5.00 total bill) then later goes to a steakhouse for dinner where the wait person refills his drink once after drinking half a glass before his meal arrived and then offered a refill after he finished eating and then drops a five dollar bill on the wait person (20 % of his $25.00 bill). He got much better service at breakfast and based on how hard the wait staff worked the one at breakfast worked much harder.
Wednesday, May 25, 2016
Tom Brokaw makes a controversial statement
Tom Brokaw makes a controversial statement during a commencement address when he stated that more guns means more terrorism. While it is true that having a firearm empowers some people to act more quickly to settle a problem by using a weapon against another banning weapons will not prevent acts of terror any more than requiring drivers to have licenses and insurance will prevent traffic accidents.
Tuesday, May 24, 2016
sick puppy
I started on insulin yesterday after 3 months of extra high glucose readings. The tip of my little finger has experienced some numbness of late and I'm afraid it is a consequence of dupredrens contracture. In case you are unaware of what that is I'll fill you in. It is a involuntary curving of the little and ring finger of the hand. The little finger on my left hand has curved so much that the tip of the finger normally rests in my palm. I can move it about half an inch. I am experiencing some curvature in my right hand as well but it may never be a serious problem or it could curl rapidly.
My concern is that the disease will cause an interruption in the blood flow to my finger so I'm exploring the possibility of amputation. My father suffered from the same malady and because of his work it caused him problems so he had his amputated.
It seems some things that are minor inconveniences when we are young can become serious problems when we get older. I have done a good job of controlling my diabetes over the years but the older one gets the harder it is to stay healthy.
My concern is that the disease will cause an interruption in the blood flow to my finger so I'm exploring the possibility of amputation. My father suffered from the same malady and because of his work it caused him problems so he had his amputated.
It seems some things that are minor inconveniences when we are young can become serious problems when we get older. I have done a good job of controlling my diabetes over the years but the older one gets the harder it is to stay healthy.
Saturday, May 14, 2016
Photo controversy highlights black women in Long Gray Line
16 black women just graduated from West Point and posed for a graduation picture in dress uniform, complete with swords, and with their fists raised in the air. They just didn't understand why the picture would be controversial.
During my high school days the band would play a certain song every time the football team scored a touchdown but after integration the song wasn't allowed to be played anymore. If your relatives fought in the War Between the States and you fly a flag or put up a statue, or belong to an organization that remembers the contributions of those brave soldiers that fought and died in the war, then you are labeled a racist. You can name any organization after the color of your skin except if you are white and not draw the ire of the community. One can tell blonde jokes all day long but for goodness sakes don't call anyone "nappy headed" or you will find yourself out of a job and in a lawsuit.
I don't know how many women graduated with these 16 in the photo but I am willing to bet there were more and probably some of them were not black women but they were excluded from the photo. maybe there is no cause to believe the picture was politically motivated but if all the non-black women had taken such a picture then I'm willing to bet it would have been labeled racist and heads would have rolled.
There once was a blog entitled "big pieces of chicken" and the writer of that blog complained
that at events at the Greensboro coliseum white did not come over and sit in the same sections black people were sitting in and said it was because white people were racists. I suggested he swallow his racist pride and go sit in the section s that white people were sitting in that way he could demonstrate his willingness to break the color barrier and show himself friendly. Racism works both ways and so does the solutions.
When I had a part-time job at a convenience store, sometimes customers started pumping their gas without using a credit card or pre-paying for the gas. When customers do that there is always the possibility of a drive-off. One evening after the sun had gone down, business was extremely slow and it had been a while since I had a customer but about the same time two people pulled up to the gas pump. One was pump 10 and started pumping gas without prepaying or using a credit card. Pump 10 is the pump most likely to have a drive-off as it is futherest from the store and harder to see a license tag. The driver was also young, the age group most likely to leave without paying. That particular customer was also female, pretty, and dressed in a bikini. The other driver was pumping gas on pump six and was a middle aged black male who had used a credit card at the pump. Pump 6 was in direct line of sight to pump 10.
I wasn't interested in him as he had pre-paid via credit card for his gas but the other driver was a different story. Besides being attractive she was a potential risk and for that reason I watched her to insure she didn't drive off. Of course, the man came into the store and started accusing me of being racist because I was watching him. I asked him to look at pump 10 and then decide who I was watching. He left but didn't apologize.
All I'm saying is that what one looks at as racist isn't always so but sometime what one doesn't see is.
During my high school days the band would play a certain song every time the football team scored a touchdown but after integration the song wasn't allowed to be played anymore. If your relatives fought in the War Between the States and you fly a flag or put up a statue, or belong to an organization that remembers the contributions of those brave soldiers that fought and died in the war, then you are labeled a racist. You can name any organization after the color of your skin except if you are white and not draw the ire of the community. One can tell blonde jokes all day long but for goodness sakes don't call anyone "nappy headed" or you will find yourself out of a job and in a lawsuit.
I don't know how many women graduated with these 16 in the photo but I am willing to bet there were more and probably some of them were not black women but they were excluded from the photo. maybe there is no cause to believe the picture was politically motivated but if all the non-black women had taken such a picture then I'm willing to bet it would have been labeled racist and heads would have rolled.
There once was a blog entitled "big pieces of chicken" and the writer of that blog complained
that at events at the Greensboro coliseum white did not come over and sit in the same sections black people were sitting in and said it was because white people were racists. I suggested he swallow his racist pride and go sit in the section s that white people were sitting in that way he could demonstrate his willingness to break the color barrier and show himself friendly. Racism works both ways and so does the solutions.
When I had a part-time job at a convenience store, sometimes customers started pumping their gas without using a credit card or pre-paying for the gas. When customers do that there is always the possibility of a drive-off. One evening after the sun had gone down, business was extremely slow and it had been a while since I had a customer but about the same time two people pulled up to the gas pump. One was pump 10 and started pumping gas without prepaying or using a credit card. Pump 10 is the pump most likely to have a drive-off as it is futherest from the store and harder to see a license tag. The driver was also young, the age group most likely to leave without paying. That particular customer was also female, pretty, and dressed in a bikini. The other driver was pumping gas on pump six and was a middle aged black male who had used a credit card at the pump. Pump 6 was in direct line of sight to pump 10.
I wasn't interested in him as he had pre-paid via credit card for his gas but the other driver was a different story. Besides being attractive she was a potential risk and for that reason I watched her to insure she didn't drive off. Of course, the man came into the store and started accusing me of being racist because I was watching him. I asked him to look at pump 10 and then decide who I was watching. He left but didn't apologize.
All I'm saying is that what one looks at as racist isn't always so but sometime what one doesn't see is.
Wednesday, May 11, 2016
Another stupid article
MSN has an article titled "23 foods we have been eating wrong our entire lives". I don't know about you but I just open my mouth, shovel something in, chew and swallow. Anyone do it differently?
Friday, May 06, 2016
A different South
This isn't the South that I grew up in. I grew up in the rural South where it seemed everyone went to church, policemen were former neighborhood bullies or those that were to much of a drunk to keep driving their cabs, where blacks had their own neighborhood and place, where ruthless bank robbers could be hero's but most citizens were so honest stores sold newspapers on the honor system. There were lots of things to like about the old South and there were a lot of things to not like also.
For one thing, why good church going people who believed Jesus died on the cross for everyone still found it justifiable to exclude a good portion of society from dignity. Even if the races remained separate everyone deserved to be treated with the same amount of respect. The majority had no cause to hate the minority. Even so, the redneck, outhouse owning, backward living barefoot half toothless character of cartoons were far from what the average Southerner was like. That idea is as far from what a Southerner truly is as the idea that a Yankee is an educated, tolerate, highly advanced form of life that can drive in three feet of snow with nary a problem. Being more subtly about ones vices doesn't make them more virtuous.
Honestly, I miss the old South. Not the part about separate but equal because there was nothing equal or fair about that policy. Today even with integration the equal part just doesn't seem to exist. It's been a hundred and fifty years since there were legal slaves in the country. I believe it is past time both races forget and forgive that part of our heritage. The part of the South that I miss was the part were family's stayed together and gathered at Grandma's house on Sunday's after church for a chicken dinner and a soda in the back yard under the shade tree.
I miss the part where strangers said hello to each other and were often seen stopping to help one another. I miss the part where a man's hand shake and his word meant something. I suppose that part of the South has moved on too and now times have given away to an era of selfishness where people want to act like they want to act and one has to force them to behave, where people do illegal and immoral things but the people who are hated are the ones who stand up for what is right.
For one thing, why good church going people who believed Jesus died on the cross for everyone still found it justifiable to exclude a good portion of society from dignity. Even if the races remained separate everyone deserved to be treated with the same amount of respect. The majority had no cause to hate the minority. Even so, the redneck, outhouse owning, backward living barefoot half toothless character of cartoons were far from what the average Southerner was like. That idea is as far from what a Southerner truly is as the idea that a Yankee is an educated, tolerate, highly advanced form of life that can drive in three feet of snow with nary a problem. Being more subtly about ones vices doesn't make them more virtuous.
Honestly, I miss the old South. Not the part about separate but equal because there was nothing equal or fair about that policy. Today even with integration the equal part just doesn't seem to exist. It's been a hundred and fifty years since there were legal slaves in the country. I believe it is past time both races forget and forgive that part of our heritage. The part of the South that I miss was the part were family's stayed together and gathered at Grandma's house on Sunday's after church for a chicken dinner and a soda in the back yard under the shade tree.
I miss the part where strangers said hello to each other and were often seen stopping to help one another. I miss the part where a man's hand shake and his word meant something. I suppose that part of the South has moved on too and now times have given away to an era of selfishness where people want to act like they want to act and one has to force them to behave, where people do illegal and immoral things but the people who are hated are the ones who stand up for what is right.
Sunday, May 01, 2016
National Association of the Easily offended
I go to the YMCA for an arthritis exercise class done in the heated pool. Sometimes one of the men who used the pool or the gym will come into the locker room and parade around in full nakedness as if I would really enjoy looking at their nude and wrinkled body, which I do not. I know that some exposure will happen when people get into a confined area in which they have to shower and change clothes but there is no reason to walk to ones locker which is on the bottom and bend over while totally naked when their is a person sitting on a bench putting on his shoes.
I totally understand that such behavior is offensive and can be avoided. But that is not the kind of offensive practices I am referring to. I am talking about intellectual intrusion where my thoughts or ideas are deemed offensive to you yet you feel that your thoughts and ideas are enlightened and
should be accepted by me. I'm sorry about that but I have already been down the road where I questioned my beliefs, studied the alternatives, and applied them to my life and am sure of the results. It is your right to disagree with me but not to call me names and bring hurt to me in one or more ways because my belief system is different.
I totally understand that such behavior is offensive and can be avoided. But that is not the kind of offensive practices I am referring to. I am talking about intellectual intrusion where my thoughts or ideas are deemed offensive to you yet you feel that your thoughts and ideas are enlightened and
should be accepted by me. I'm sorry about that but I have already been down the road where I questioned my beliefs, studied the alternatives, and applied them to my life and am sure of the results. It is your right to disagree with me but not to call me names and bring hurt to me in one or more ways because my belief system is different.
Wednesday, April 20, 2016
My parents didn't teach me that.
The red headed controversial alderwoman from Randleman, NC posted a video of a Negro man
claiming that it was white people that decided to call him black but he didn't see color. Yea right.
First of all, the term "black" was first used by the Negro people but then they finally decided on being called African-American but recently have decided that they would just as soon be called black so do not blame white people for that one. Back then white people had a name for them that is not politically correct today.
Secondly, my parents didn't teach me to call people names. I didn't learn to call people japs, or spics, or wetbacks, or any other derogatory name. They did teach me the song, "Red, yellow, black, or white they are precious in his sight. Jesus loves the little children of the world." Do they get credit for that?
Thirdly, black people are just as prejudice as white people are. White people just happen to be the majority and hold political and economic dominance but if the situation had been reversed then we would be the oppressed ones.
I served in the military overseas and in areas that had never seen white or black people before a military base was put near where they lived or they happened to move to the area. It certainly wasn't my parents that taught them negative things. It seems many of them learned these things from observing the behavior of people.
I detest irreverent people but I like people that act descent. I don't care what you look like or what color your are or where you are from. I do care how you act.
claiming that it was white people that decided to call him black but he didn't see color. Yea right.
First of all, the term "black" was first used by the Negro people but then they finally decided on being called African-American but recently have decided that they would just as soon be called black so do not blame white people for that one. Back then white people had a name for them that is not politically correct today.
Secondly, my parents didn't teach me to call people names. I didn't learn to call people japs, or spics, or wetbacks, or any other derogatory name. They did teach me the song, "Red, yellow, black, or white they are precious in his sight. Jesus loves the little children of the world." Do they get credit for that?
Thirdly, black people are just as prejudice as white people are. White people just happen to be the majority and hold political and economic dominance but if the situation had been reversed then we would be the oppressed ones.
I served in the military overseas and in areas that had never seen white or black people before a military base was put near where they lived or they happened to move to the area. It certainly wasn't my parents that taught them negative things. It seems many of them learned these things from observing the behavior of people.
I detest irreverent people but I like people that act descent. I don't care what you look like or what color your are or where you are from. I do care how you act.
Fit Moms Chontel Duncan and Stacie Venagro Gave Birth to Healthy Baby Boys!
If the world, or least Americans, are not getting dumber and dumber my uncle's a monkey. Read the above headline: two women give birth. No, one woman gave birth. It isn't possible for a woman to get another pregnant. I believe in tolerance but I also believe in telling the truth. Two women can not and have never been able to make a baby.
Sunday, April 10, 2016
Trump is afraid he will win.
The election of 2016 seems to be coming down to the rejects of 2008: Hillary and the Donald. Hillary is serious about being President while Donald Trump just wanted free publicity for his on-going business concerns. This year it backfired and people thought he might be a good candidate.
Our system of government only works if the populace is educated. I'm afraid the American population isn't as educated as they would like to believe. They can't get their faces out of their electronic devices long enough to pay attention. Americans ability to express themselves via the written world has seriously deteriorated. Computers, once thought to be the gateway to knowledge, is only a platform to watch movies and play games. Many of the news stories on the web are now presented in video form.
It seems the American public wants to smoke as much marijuana as they want without being arrested for it, drive as fast as they want without being ticketed for it, party as hard as they want without being held responsible for their actions, want to be paid as much as possible for doing as little as they can, and if they screw up, they want everyone else to pitch in and bail them out without themselves having to face the consequences of their actions. Americans want to live in an idealistic world were everyone is love, respected, and well taken care of but where everyone really means themselves.
Donald Trump is not Presidential material. We live in a real world where we have real enemies and they want to do us harm. They consider most Americans infidels and to be honest, they might not be too far off the mark. But being an infidel gives no one the right to do us harm. To survive as a country we need to change some things. Donald Trump is not the person to lead this nation to bring about these changes.
Our system of government only works if the populace is educated. I'm afraid the American population isn't as educated as they would like to believe. They can't get their faces out of their electronic devices long enough to pay attention. Americans ability to express themselves via the written world has seriously deteriorated. Computers, once thought to be the gateway to knowledge, is only a platform to watch movies and play games. Many of the news stories on the web are now presented in video form.
It seems the American public wants to smoke as much marijuana as they want without being arrested for it, drive as fast as they want without being ticketed for it, party as hard as they want without being held responsible for their actions, want to be paid as much as possible for doing as little as they can, and if they screw up, they want everyone else to pitch in and bail them out without themselves having to face the consequences of their actions. Americans want to live in an idealistic world were everyone is love, respected, and well taken care of but where everyone really means themselves.
Donald Trump is not Presidential material. We live in a real world where we have real enemies and they want to do us harm. They consider most Americans infidels and to be honest, they might not be too far off the mark. But being an infidel gives no one the right to do us harm. To survive as a country we need to change some things. Donald Trump is not the person to lead this nation to bring about these changes.
Thursday, April 07, 2016
diet soda in the news: again
The article was titled "What diet soda is doing to your body" and indicates that diet soda is bad for a person. What exactly is it that is bad for a person? Soda is carbonated water, sweeter and flavoring along with preservatives. All soda has carbonated water yet it isn't regular soda or carbonated soda getting the bad rap. Regular soda doesn't contain sugar but corn syrup or corn sugar which diet soda doesn't have. Diet soda has an artificial sweetener that regular soda doesn't have but it isn't the sweetener that is getting the bad rap. The other ingredients in sodas vary from drink to drink: that's what makes them different.
So exactly what is the problem with diet soda?
So exactly what is the problem with diet soda?
Friday, April 01, 2016
Not so buddy
Just read an article on MSN that was entitled "He retired at 33, so can you." Sorry but I passed that milestone 35 years ago. My brother retired yesterday but the rich brother is still working. Go figure.
Saturday, March 19, 2016
neighbors yard
This is what I have to look at everyday. The shed in the backyard is not finished and the fenced lot on the right of the house is for yappy little dogs. He has an untagged yard machine which he rides on the streets, blocks the road with excess vehicles and broken trailers, and is constantly swapping junk
but is always bringing more than taking.
Bot only is the place an eyesore the man is drawing disability but is constantly working, building, tearing down, loading and unloading junk.
A different kind of march mdness
March is known for St. Patty's Day and for March Madness, the NCAA Basketball tournament. It is also the month that One Way Baptist has it's annual revival services. This year the speaker was Danny Castle from Shinning Light Baptist Church in Morganton, NC. He was one of the best speaker's I've ever heard. But more than being able to deliver an interesting and entertaining speech, he was able to present the gospel in an appealing way.
You missed the services this year but we are having him back next year so mark your calendars for next March.
You missed the services this year but we are having him back next year so mark your calendars for next March.
Tuesday, March 15, 2016
Revival services at One Way Baptist
Danny Castle from the Morganton area is the guest speaker at One Way Baptist. Although I am the longest attending active member of the church having missed only a couple of services (not Sunday morning services but all services of the church) my pastor and I have very different tastes when it comes to "good preaching". It seems the louder and more flamboyant a speaker is the more holy our preacher thinks he is. Flaying od the arms, hacking, and screaming at the top of ones lungs does nothings to enhance a mans message. Granted, these types of preachers can generate excitement and garner a lot of whops and hollers but rarely have anything of substance to say. The ones I dislike the most are the ones that have speech impediments that make them hard to understand. It seems though that this type of preacher is the type preferred by my pastor and it also seems the more animated, the louder, and the worse the speech impediment the better the preacher likes it.
I will agree that a message should be delivered with a degree of enthusiasm so that time seems to fly by and your interest held but I also think the message should have a beginning, a body and an ending and to have gone somewhere. Some preachers can spew out well worn phrases for an hour and never actually make a point. One preacher carried two handkerchiefs, one in each hand, and wiped his face constantly as he spoke, using one hanky to swipe his brow and the other to wipe his lips. He would start on his cheek wipe down and the across his lips and then down to his chin. He has the required speech impediment and wiping his lips made it impossible to understand what he was saying. That made for a long evenings and to be subjected to that night after night was a little more than one soul could bear.
I have been looking forward to this weeks revival services with dread especially since the preacher seemed to be so excited about the proposed preacher. It would be a big shock to everyone at the church if I wasn't there but I had already informed my wife that if this preacher was anything like the last three preachers that had been booked for our revival services I was staying in Hickory and not coming back until all the work there was done and I was serious when I said that.
I was pleasantly surprised last night. Danny Castle is one of the best speakers I've heard in a long time. I will be back tonight.
I will agree that a message should be delivered with a degree of enthusiasm so that time seems to fly by and your interest held but I also think the message should have a beginning, a body and an ending and to have gone somewhere. Some preachers can spew out well worn phrases for an hour and never actually make a point. One preacher carried two handkerchiefs, one in each hand, and wiped his face constantly as he spoke, using one hanky to swipe his brow and the other to wipe his lips. He would start on his cheek wipe down and the across his lips and then down to his chin. He has the required speech impediment and wiping his lips made it impossible to understand what he was saying. That made for a long evenings and to be subjected to that night after night was a little more than one soul could bear.
I have been looking forward to this weeks revival services with dread especially since the preacher seemed to be so excited about the proposed preacher. It would be a big shock to everyone at the church if I wasn't there but I had already informed my wife that if this preacher was anything like the last three preachers that had been booked for our revival services I was staying in Hickory and not coming back until all the work there was done and I was serious when I said that.
I was pleasantly surprised last night. Danny Castle is one of the best speakers I've heard in a long time. I will be back tonight.
Friday, March 11, 2016
Remodel complete
I picked the tops up from Lowes Tuesday morning, purchased some liquid nails from Wal-mart and glued the tops down. I had the project complete by 7:05 am. I was then able to visit Mom to have breakfast with her. I then brought her to her house to see the finished project and to do some cleaning. She was very pleased with the results, She said my younger brother, who saw it Sunday, was pleased with the results also.
Monday, March 07, 2016
Remodel almost complete
I'm going to Hickory tomorrow and pick up the counter tops. Once they are installed the remodel will be complete. Of course there is still plenty of work to be done, the hardest of which will be the clean-up. I have an out building to paint, grass to plant, and china cabinet glass to replace and furniture and stuff to arrange and window to wash.
There is, of course, things I wanted done I couldn't get done like the flooring in the kitchen and bathroom replaced, a dishwasher installed, and the yard professional landscaped, and the stumps ground, but some of that will come in due time. I had the money to get all the undone stuff completed but because of time constraints most of Moms money went to pay the Bryan Center and Omnicare. If all the money had been available from the start and I could have paid for everything up front then I could have completed all the necessary projects.
I know Lowes refused to replace the bathroom and kitchen flooring but I could have found someone to do it. But things are were thy are and I did the best I could under the circumstances. The house is much improved and I believe all the work and aggravation was worth it to get the final results.
There is, of course, things I wanted done I couldn't get done like the flooring in the kitchen and bathroom replaced, a dishwasher installed, and the yard professional landscaped, and the stumps ground, but some of that will come in due time. I had the money to get all the undone stuff completed but because of time constraints most of Moms money went to pay the Bryan Center and Omnicare. If all the money had been available from the start and I could have paid for everything up front then I could have completed all the necessary projects.
I know Lowes refused to replace the bathroom and kitchen flooring but I could have found someone to do it. But things are were thy are and I did the best I could under the circumstances. The house is much improved and I believe all the work and aggravation was worth it to get the final results.
Sunday, March 06, 2016
Upholding science at the expense of religion
In todays paper one of the feature guest writers extolled the virtues of science while depicting religious institutions of being close-minded and pig-headed, believing in miracles where non exists and he has every right to feel that way and to say so publicly. But that doesn't make him right.
First of all, what the leaders of the Roman Catholic Church did has no reflection om the teachings of the Lord Jesus Christ. True religion is having a relationship with Jesus Christ and not debating the value of religion over science or denying the accomplishments of science. What scientist have been able to prove in no wise contradicts the scriptures. What some scientist conclude about what they believe but can't prove, however sometimes sounds more foolish than what is taught in the scriptures.
During WWII a German Doctor operated on hundreds of Jews without them having need of an operation and without them having the benefit of pain killers all in the name of science yet I would not hold him up as an example of what science is about yet secular people like to hold up the ungodly popes of centuries gone by as typical of the Christian attitude yet these popes were not Christian at all. The crusades were waged by the Catholic church against Christians because they choose to believe the teaching of Christ was that salvation was through Him yet the Church wanted people to believe that only the Catholic Church could grant salvation.
The secular world disallows creation to be taught in school yet they teach a theory as fact. Who is being close-minded and pig-headed. If an idea cannot be proven as fact then it should not be taught at all or opposite and/or opposing views should be allowed.
I'm sure the writer is willing to dismiss claims of miraculous healings as just consequence but exactly how many consequences in a row does it take for one to think there may be a divine hand in things? Impossible things do not happen to one person often yet when the impossible happens over and over and over again for years on end then does that prove mere luck or provide a cause to believe
in divine intervention?
While the writer mocks the early church and modern day believers he conveniently leaves Christ alone while is the only wisw thing he did.
First of all, what the leaders of the Roman Catholic Church did has no reflection om the teachings of the Lord Jesus Christ. True religion is having a relationship with Jesus Christ and not debating the value of religion over science or denying the accomplishments of science. What scientist have been able to prove in no wise contradicts the scriptures. What some scientist conclude about what they believe but can't prove, however sometimes sounds more foolish than what is taught in the scriptures.
During WWII a German Doctor operated on hundreds of Jews without them having need of an operation and without them having the benefit of pain killers all in the name of science yet I would not hold him up as an example of what science is about yet secular people like to hold up the ungodly popes of centuries gone by as typical of the Christian attitude yet these popes were not Christian at all. The crusades were waged by the Catholic church against Christians because they choose to believe the teaching of Christ was that salvation was through Him yet the Church wanted people to believe that only the Catholic Church could grant salvation.
The secular world disallows creation to be taught in school yet they teach a theory as fact. Who is being close-minded and pig-headed. If an idea cannot be proven as fact then it should not be taught at all or opposite and/or opposing views should be allowed.
I'm sure the writer is willing to dismiss claims of miraculous healings as just consequence but exactly how many consequences in a row does it take for one to think there may be a divine hand in things? Impossible things do not happen to one person often yet when the impossible happens over and over and over again for years on end then does that prove mere luck or provide a cause to believe
in divine intervention?
While the writer mocks the early church and modern day believers he conveniently leaves Christ alone while is the only wisw thing he did.
Friday, March 04, 2016
Trump for President
It seems the Donald is doing a good job of getting people to turn out to vote in the primaries and to vote for him. The trouble is, Donald Trump doesn't really want to be President. It's all a joke to him and I believe he is as shocked and the RNC is that people are taking him seriously. Lately he has been doing things and saying things to derail his campaign but no one seems to be paying attention. In the last week or so he made the statement that he would not be surprised to lose the nomination and this week he bragged about the size of his manhood. The President of North Korea might be interested in that but the rest of the world does not care.
Friday, February 26, 2016
Black History Month
The year was 1966, the year after I graduated from the last all-white high school in my home town. I was home from college and I saw an article in the newspaper about busing. The writer, a local parent, was objecting to busing because, the writer claimed, that busing the black kids across town to attend the formerly all white school was a dangerous thing to do. The kids got less sleep, might not have time for breakfast, and all the miles spent on the road in a bus increased the changes of them being in an accident. In response I wrote the following article which was read on WBTV Charlotte.
"I don't know if busing is a good thing or a bad thing and I'm not for nor against it. I do know that the writer of the article against busing is blowing smoke. While on the surface it may seem like he has legitimate concerns, the truth is he isn't concerned with the safety and welfare of the black students. He just doesn't want his white kids to go to school with them. If the writer and his friends were really concerned about the safety of the children then where were they six years ago? I lived just a few blocks from the black high school yet I had to walk almost two miles to school every day for three years then walk the same two miles for another three years to catch a bus to the white high school yet no one was concerned about me. Is the writer now claiming he cares more about the black kids then he did the white kids that had to be bused across town so they didn't have to go to school with the black children? I think he needs to be honest about the real reason he objects to busing.
"I don't know if busing is a good thing or a bad thing and I'm not for nor against it. I do know that the writer of the article against busing is blowing smoke. While on the surface it may seem like he has legitimate concerns, the truth is he isn't concerned with the safety and welfare of the black students. He just doesn't want his white kids to go to school with them. If the writer and his friends were really concerned about the safety of the children then where were they six years ago? I lived just a few blocks from the black high school yet I had to walk almost two miles to school every day for three years then walk the same two miles for another three years to catch a bus to the white high school yet no one was concerned about me. Is the writer now claiming he cares more about the black kids then he did the white kids that had to be bused across town so they didn't have to go to school with the black children? I think he needs to be honest about the real reason he objects to busing.
Thursday, February 25, 2016
Profession of faith
A lady at the church had been praying for her grand daughter when she heard a TV preacher say something that upset her, indicating that her prayer's were not getting through to God. She called me really upset about what this man had said. I assured her what she heard was just a Haggiism and not biblical truth. Last night her grand daughter came to church and midway through the service this lady's prayers were answered. Be careful who you listen to. If it isn't scriptural the man may be a servant of the devil.
Back in town
I made my weekly trek to Hickory. Tuesday was more of a visitation day with Mom although I did do some remodeling to the new out building. The building came with shelves along each side from front to back but with a full run of shelves there wasn't a place to hang rakes, and shovels and other long tools so I took out half of the shelves on one side and hung those shelves above the other shelf on that side giving me a place to stack cans and bottles and also allowing me to hang the long tools.
I also put a tamper proof hasp on the door . I was going to secure the hasp with carriage bolts but the ones I purchased were to short. I also bought a can of window glaze to frost the windows so one cannot see into the shed but can see out.
Mom was feeling somewhat better after a bought with some kind of virus that severely effective ones digestive system. I took her laundry home to do while she enjoyed lunch and we had a nice visit in the evening. I decided to spend the night in Hickory because I needed to do some studying and with the impending bad weather I thought it to be much safer to stay as I had to be in Hickory for the inspector.
After breakfast Wednesday morning I refinished the bathtub (2nd coat) leveled the stove and dryer, washed all the dirty dishes, vacuumed, and cleaned the rug in the den. After lunch I went to visit Mom for an hour or two. I left there at two and headed to the house to pack up, load the car and head for Hickory. I needed time to prepare for Wednesday night so the inspection would just have to wait for another day.
I got my car loaded up and then I noticed two cans of paint I had forgot to take to the out building so I did that and as I turned to walk to the car to leave I saw a man standing in my yard. It was the inspector. If he was 30 later or if I had not put away the paint cans we would have missed each other. I was glad to get the inspection over with.
Winds were rough and blew a big pine tree in Mom's neighbors yard across the street not only blocking the toad but taking down the power lines.
The trip home was safe and uneventful.
I also put a tamper proof hasp on the door . I was going to secure the hasp with carriage bolts but the ones I purchased were to short. I also bought a can of window glaze to frost the windows so one cannot see into the shed but can see out.
Mom was feeling somewhat better after a bought with some kind of virus that severely effective ones digestive system. I took her laundry home to do while she enjoyed lunch and we had a nice visit in the evening. I decided to spend the night in Hickory because I needed to do some studying and with the impending bad weather I thought it to be much safer to stay as I had to be in Hickory for the inspector.
After breakfast Wednesday morning I refinished the bathtub (2nd coat) leveled the stove and dryer, washed all the dirty dishes, vacuumed, and cleaned the rug in the den. After lunch I went to visit Mom for an hour or two. I left there at two and headed to the house to pack up, load the car and head for Hickory. I needed time to prepare for Wednesday night so the inspection would just have to wait for another day.
I got my car loaded up and then I noticed two cans of paint I had forgot to take to the out building so I did that and as I turned to walk to the car to leave I saw a man standing in my yard. It was the inspector. If he was 30 later or if I had not put away the paint cans we would have missed each other. I was glad to get the inspection over with.
Winds were rough and blew a big pine tree in Mom's neighbors yard across the street not only blocking the toad but taking down the power lines.
The trip home was safe and uneventful.
Monday, February 22, 2016
If this is our best, we really suck.
“I hear the phrase, ‘Make America great again,’” said Jackson, reciting Trump’s campaign slogan with a tone of disbelief. “This is the best America’s ever been!”
Jesse Jackson claims America is at it's best at this very moment.
There is a bill in Charlotte that proposes that all public bathrooms in the city can be used by anyone claiming to be of whatever gender they choose. In other words, a man can claim he is a woman and use the women's bathroom. One might assume that men would not mind if women used their restroom but not so. I'm not about to expose myself in front of a female even if she claims she is a man trapped in a man's body. Is allowing our wives and daughters to subject themselves to possible lewd behavior the best of America? I think not.
Our country allows women the right to kill their unborn children by allowing the women to claim that whatever is growing inside of them is just tissue and is not human at all. Jesse Jackson says this is the best we have ever been.
We have interpreted the constitution as saying we have freedom from religion and not freedom of religion and yet Jackson says this is the best America has ever been.
While it is true that America has never been without problems and even at our best we had glaring deficiencies, this is not the best America has every been It may be the best America will ever be but it is not the best America has ever been.
Jesse Jackson claims America is at it's best at this very moment.
There is a bill in Charlotte that proposes that all public bathrooms in the city can be used by anyone claiming to be of whatever gender they choose. In other words, a man can claim he is a woman and use the women's bathroom. One might assume that men would not mind if women used their restroom but not so. I'm not about to expose myself in front of a female even if she claims she is a man trapped in a man's body. Is allowing our wives and daughters to subject themselves to possible lewd behavior the best of America? I think not.
Our country allows women the right to kill their unborn children by allowing the women to claim that whatever is growing inside of them is just tissue and is not human at all. Jesse Jackson says this is the best we have ever been.
We have interpreted the constitution as saying we have freedom from religion and not freedom of religion and yet Jackson says this is the best America has ever been.
While it is true that America has never been without problems and even at our best we had glaring deficiencies, this is not the best America has every been It may be the best America will ever be but it is not the best America has ever been.
Saturday, February 20, 2016
Some delays, some success, and a tie.
They cabinets I ordered back in December finally came in (the second time) but no laminate tops so they will be a three week delay. Window World had problems with the large window so their installation date (scheduled for February 1 has been pushed back to the second week in March.
The out building has been delivered and set up. To be honest, the hasps and hinges are designed to keep the doors on the building but will have to be changed in order for the building to ne secure. I am having it tied into the home alarm as well. The front door and new storm door were delivered and installed. I didn't notice until after the man left that the bracket for the deadbolt on the main door was set too high so the deadbolt wouldn't set so I fixed the problem myself. The refinishing job I did on her 58 year old bathtub turned out good so I'm pleased with that.
The success is I finally got Mom qualified for Medicaid. It was really stressful combining all her accounts into one account, spending money fixing up the house, trying to get the money in the annuity released, scheduling the workers, painting, moving stuff over and over, doing minor repair work and so much cleaning. The most stressful part was that I had no idea how much money I had in the bank account plus I had no power of attorney to even write a check let alone obtain the information in order to balance the check book. I finally had to take Mom to the bank. But now everything is done as far as qualifying Mom and in three weeks the house should be completed.
There were a few minor problems I have to deal with on my own. The truck delivering the shed got stuck so I had to hire the wrecker to pull him out of the mud and pay a walking fee, ($180.00 total) I had to pay $89.00 for the laminate countertops and I will have to pay for the alarm system upgrades ($250.00) plus I'll have to change the hasp and hinges and paint the building out of my own pocket.
Now all the expense of running the roads between Randleman and Hickory will be out of my own pocket but you know, a man only has one Mom and he needs to do right by her. After all she has always been there for me.
The out building has been delivered and set up. To be honest, the hasps and hinges are designed to keep the doors on the building but will have to be changed in order for the building to ne secure. I am having it tied into the home alarm as well. The front door and new storm door were delivered and installed. I didn't notice until after the man left that the bracket for the deadbolt on the main door was set too high so the deadbolt wouldn't set so I fixed the problem myself. The refinishing job I did on her 58 year old bathtub turned out good so I'm pleased with that.
The success is I finally got Mom qualified for Medicaid. It was really stressful combining all her accounts into one account, spending money fixing up the house, trying to get the money in the annuity released, scheduling the workers, painting, moving stuff over and over, doing minor repair work and so much cleaning. The most stressful part was that I had no idea how much money I had in the bank account plus I had no power of attorney to even write a check let alone obtain the information in order to balance the check book. I finally had to take Mom to the bank. But now everything is done as far as qualifying Mom and in three weeks the house should be completed.
There were a few minor problems I have to deal with on my own. The truck delivering the shed got stuck so I had to hire the wrecker to pull him out of the mud and pay a walking fee, ($180.00 total) I had to pay $89.00 for the laminate countertops and I will have to pay for the alarm system upgrades ($250.00) plus I'll have to change the hasp and hinges and paint the building out of my own pocket.
Now all the expense of running the roads between Randleman and Hickory will be out of my own pocket but you know, a man only has one Mom and he needs to do right by her. After all she has always been there for me.
Thursday, February 18, 2016
I didn't know that but wish I did.
Fun Fact: After the first season, Davy Jones received a draft notice -- and starved himself for three weeks in order to fail the physical.
That's Davy Jones of the Monkees. I thought the TV show was stupid back then and I still think it is dumb. I also knew that some, if not all, the band members were anti-Vietnam War. So was I. But I served two tours in Vietnam anyway and as a volunteer. There are certain things one is called to do in life: serve in the military, pull jury duty, and salute the American flag during the playing of the national anthem. No, I had no wish to die and I certainly don't look forward to taking my own time to sit in judgement of my fellow man.
To intentionally jeopardize one's own health in an effort to subvert ones duty to ones country and put another woman's child in danger (someone had to take his place) is a criminal act punishable as cowardice would be punished by the Uniform Code of Military Justice. You probably disagree but then you probably didn't have to fight in Vietnam because someone else wimped out.
That's Davy Jones of the Monkees. I thought the TV show was stupid back then and I still think it is dumb. I also knew that some, if not all, the band members were anti-Vietnam War. So was I. But I served two tours in Vietnam anyway and as a volunteer. There are certain things one is called to do in life: serve in the military, pull jury duty, and salute the American flag during the playing of the national anthem. No, I had no wish to die and I certainly don't look forward to taking my own time to sit in judgement of my fellow man.
To intentionally jeopardize one's own health in an effort to subvert ones duty to ones country and put another woman's child in danger (someone had to take his place) is a criminal act punishable as cowardice would be punished by the Uniform Code of Military Justice. You probably disagree but then you probably didn't have to fight in Vietnam because someone else wimped out.
Wednesday, February 17, 2016
Obama says "Trump will not be President"
This is one case in which I hope Obama is correct. Trump has ran for that office for many elections and is like celebrity divorces 5 decades ago: a mere publicity stunt and ego booster. The people I'm most afraid of are the people who think Trump is Presidential material.
Many years ago George Wallace ran for President and the Prime Minister of England made the statement that American is such a great country that even a person like George Wallace could run for President but also such a scary place that a man like George Wallace might actually get elected. Well, I feel the same about Trump. He's a loose cannon. Yea, he's cocky and thinks he has all the answers but all he does is spew the uninformed opinion of the man on the street.
Obama claimed that all America needed to do was sit down with our enemies and talk out our problems and the Democrats ate that up. Most blacks voted for him because he was black and Democratic regardless of what he claimed. Well Obama found out what everyone else already knew. One cannot sit down and reason with radical Islam nor can one negotiate with the likes of the leader of North Korea. In other words, talk is cheap. Reality is where we ought to live. Much of what Trump says is based on our feelings and our frustrations. Yea, building a fence to keep the illegals out sounds good but who is going to pay for all that wire?
Half my neighborhood is made up of illegals. Their yards are messy, they mistreat their pets, and they disregard local laws which, I suppose was okay in their homeland. but it really isn't here. But Americans kill so many babies that if it wasn't for the illegals who would do the jobs they do? The truth is the illegals are no more of a ban to our existence than the Jews were to Hitler's Germany.
Trump is using them to stir our emotions and cloud our judgement is much the same manner as Hitler did the Jews. He is not the thinking mans candidate.
Many years ago George Wallace ran for President and the Prime Minister of England made the statement that American is such a great country that even a person like George Wallace could run for President but also such a scary place that a man like George Wallace might actually get elected. Well, I feel the same about Trump. He's a loose cannon. Yea, he's cocky and thinks he has all the answers but all he does is spew the uninformed opinion of the man on the street.
Obama claimed that all America needed to do was sit down with our enemies and talk out our problems and the Democrats ate that up. Most blacks voted for him because he was black and Democratic regardless of what he claimed. Well Obama found out what everyone else already knew. One cannot sit down and reason with radical Islam nor can one negotiate with the likes of the leader of North Korea. In other words, talk is cheap. Reality is where we ought to live. Much of what Trump says is based on our feelings and our frustrations. Yea, building a fence to keep the illegals out sounds good but who is going to pay for all that wire?
Half my neighborhood is made up of illegals. Their yards are messy, they mistreat their pets, and they disregard local laws which, I suppose was okay in their homeland. but it really isn't here. But Americans kill so many babies that if it wasn't for the illegals who would do the jobs they do? The truth is the illegals are no more of a ban to our existence than the Jews were to Hitler's Germany.
Trump is using them to stir our emotions and cloud our judgement is much the same manner as Hitler did the Jews. He is not the thinking mans candidate.
Tuesday, February 09, 2016
Halftime show
Seems like there is a lot of controversy about Beyoncé's halftime performance. Things like that are one of the reasons I never watch the Super Bowl.
Monday, February 08, 2016
Valentine's on the 7th.
Have you ever tried to take your sweetie out to a restaurant on Valentines Day? Long lines and impossible waits are the rule. My wife and I stay home on that day. Since her aneurysm she doesn't do well in crowds so it is best we not venture out that day anyway.
We usually go out to dinner after church on Sunday morning a couple of times a month. Roadhouse express and a local Mexican Food restaurant are our usual places to dine but we had decided we would like a steak. The best steak I've eaten was at the Texas Roadhouse in Hickory but that's too far to go. There are some good places in Greensboro like the Outback or Longhorn but the trouble with most steakhouses today is that slap a piece of meat on a plate and call it a meal. I'm sorry but I'm southern. I like a potato and a salad with my meat.
I know there is a descent steakhouse in Randleman but for my money I'd rather drive to Archdale to the Pioneer. I know most people think of the pioneer as a buffet place and it is and a second rate one at that. Golden Coral has the best selection but Snyder Farms has the best food, by far. The truth be told though, the Pioneer serves a good steak. One gets your choice of baked potato or fries, roll or toast and a trip to the salad bar and the desert bar. Most steak places give you a piece of meat and a hunk of hard bread and a sampling of butter. The steak should be the center piece of the meal but not the whole thing.
We usually go out to dinner after church on Sunday morning a couple of times a month. Roadhouse express and a local Mexican Food restaurant are our usual places to dine but we had decided we would like a steak. The best steak I've eaten was at the Texas Roadhouse in Hickory but that's too far to go. There are some good places in Greensboro like the Outback or Longhorn but the trouble with most steakhouses today is that slap a piece of meat on a plate and call it a meal. I'm sorry but I'm southern. I like a potato and a salad with my meat.
I know there is a descent steakhouse in Randleman but for my money I'd rather drive to Archdale to the Pioneer. I know most people think of the pioneer as a buffet place and it is and a second rate one at that. Golden Coral has the best selection but Snyder Farms has the best food, by far. The truth be told though, the Pioneer serves a good steak. One gets your choice of baked potato or fries, roll or toast and a trip to the salad bar and the desert bar. Most steak places give you a piece of meat and a hunk of hard bread and a sampling of butter. The steak should be the center piece of the meal but not the whole thing.
starting the big push
February is the big push to get the house completed. What seems funny in a retrospective way is the fact that the thing I wanted most and that planted the idea for remodeling the house will be the last item to be installed.
Weather permitting, the driveway will be poured sometime this week and hopefully the windows and doors will be placed in the house. The out building is scheduled to be delivered on the 18th and the cabinets are scheduled to be installed on the 23rd. After this I have to call to have the range hood installed.
There are a few items I suppose I will have to fix at my own expense, like the sheetrock from the wiring but it will be totally worth it.
Weather permitting, the driveway will be poured sometime this week and hopefully the windows and doors will be placed in the house. The out building is scheduled to be delivered on the 18th and the cabinets are scheduled to be installed on the 23rd. After this I have to call to have the range hood installed.
There are a few items I suppose I will have to fix at my own expense, like the sheetrock from the wiring but it will be totally worth it.
Saturday, February 06, 2016
All you can eat
I still have tickets to the Pinto Bean supper. Did I mentioned it is all one can eat? Well, it is. If you don't want to buy a ticket you can make a donation to the church.
You are welcomed to join us for our Valentine Dinner (couples only). Spaghetti dinner with garlic toast and salad. February 15th at 5.
You are welcomed to join us for our Valentine Dinner (couples only). Spaghetti dinner with garlic toast and salad. February 15th at 5.
close call
I went to Hickory Tuesday with the need to spend $1901.42 to get the account down to the $2000.00 max but I only had one job left scheduled. An electrician was supposed to move the stove plug 4 feet, a relatively simple job. I know back in December I had the fuse box converted to a breaker box but the electrician doing that was not licensed and he told me that the box would not pass an inspection but he did wire everything back just like it was. I never really thought any more about it until this job. The electrician did mention it and would not move the stove plug if the whole job would not pass a building code inspection so I told him to go ahead.
So instead of a simple hour and a half job the electrician was there from 9 until 7. He did rewire the outlets in the kitchen making sure one outlet was a GFI plug. The bill came to $1900.00 so all that was left for me to do was go buy Mom the bag of Cuties she wanted and I was done. Just have to pull the bank statements and Mom can get her Medicaid.
So instead of a simple hour and a half job the electrician was there from 9 until 7. He did rewire the outlets in the kitchen making sure one outlet was a GFI plug. The bill came to $1900.00 so all that was left for me to do was go buy Mom the bag of Cuties she wanted and I was done. Just have to pull the bank statements and Mom can get her Medicaid.
Monday, February 01, 2016
Back to Hickory
Believe it or not, I haven't heard from the man I hired to pour the driveway. It needs to be done this week. I was finally able to get the checkbook balanced and I has more money than I thought so I'm going to purchase a storage building, pay for Mom's medicine and the driveway and I'm done. Then I can notify David to get Mom's bank statements from October, pick up a form from the Bryan Center and deliver to the VA and my part is done as far as the money is concerned.
I'll still have to rewire the stove plug, be there when the windows are installed, the shed delivered, and the cabinets installed and hopefully the driveway poured. Pray that the man does he job this week.
I'll still have to rewire the stove plug, be there when the windows are installed, the shed delivered, and the cabinets installed and hopefully the driveway poured. Pray that the man does he job this week.
Tuesday, January 26, 2016
Bought and paid for
I finally got my cabinets ordered but they won't be installed until February 23rd. The windows should be installed within the next two weeks and I will prepaid for the new front door and storm door. I am so ready for this to be over with. Still haven't found an electrician to move the stove plug. (It's not as easy as it looks).
Since no one is willing to do such a minor job I thought I'd do it. Cut the power, take the old box up and move it to a new location, buy a piece of wire to run from the existing wire to the new location, hook everything back up, turn the power on and wham, the job is done. Of course things aren't that simple. I was originally hoping that I could just unhook the old wire and move it to a new location. Of course I would have to drill a new hole and plug up the old hole and maybe do a little crawling in a cold dirty basement but of course there was no extra wire. Now I have to do a splice. I go to the supply house. What size wire? I haven't a clue. I know it's a six or eight but I don't know how to tell. I do know a six is bigger than an eight but I have no idea why. I have to make a trip back home to get the instruction manual for the stove. It's a sixty amp so it takes the number eight wire.
Something told me to get 4 1/2 feet of wire since I was going to move the plug four feet but I didn't. Of course I was a half inch short. I had to buy some caps but the only ones for size eight wire were the waterproof ones. When I connected one end to the plugs I pulled my splice apart on the other end: that's when I discovered the water proof plugs have a clear gel inside. Makes it impossible to tape the splice together with electrical tape. Make to the store I go to get some clamps to hold the wire together.
I get back home, complete my splice, turn the power back on and .....nothing.
I still need that electrician I can't find. He has until the 22nd of February to not show up.
Since no one is willing to do such a minor job I thought I'd do it. Cut the power, take the old box up and move it to a new location, buy a piece of wire to run from the existing wire to the new location, hook everything back up, turn the power on and wham, the job is done. Of course things aren't that simple. I was originally hoping that I could just unhook the old wire and move it to a new location. Of course I would have to drill a new hole and plug up the old hole and maybe do a little crawling in a cold dirty basement but of course there was no extra wire. Now I have to do a splice. I go to the supply house. What size wire? I haven't a clue. I know it's a six or eight but I don't know how to tell. I do know a six is bigger than an eight but I have no idea why. I have to make a trip back home to get the instruction manual for the stove. It's a sixty amp so it takes the number eight wire.
Something told me to get 4 1/2 feet of wire since I was going to move the plug four feet but I didn't. Of course I was a half inch short. I had to buy some caps but the only ones for size eight wire were the waterproof ones. When I connected one end to the plugs I pulled my splice apart on the other end: that's when I discovered the water proof plugs have a clear gel inside. Makes it impossible to tape the splice together with electrical tape. Make to the store I go to get some clamps to hold the wire together.
I get back home, complete my splice, turn the power back on and .....nothing.
I still need that electrician I can't find. He has until the 22nd of February to not show up.
Stress does turn ones hair gray
There was an article posted on the web a few days ago that said that stress does not cause ones hair to turn gray. I've never been one to let things get to me nor have I been one to worry about my hair. Yes, I've been slowly graying but at 69 I'm just happy to have hair. But trying to help Mom save her money has been stressful on me, something I'm not used to.
It's a combination of things. Mom, 90, is in a rest home or retirement home or old folks home or whatever you want to call it; the political correct word is assisted living facility I think. Anyway at $9000.00 per month plus $854.00 a month for medicine it won't take long to burn through her savings. The only choice she has is to go on Medicaid but she has to turn over all her assets except for $2,000.00 and her house, if she signs a waver stating she intends to go back home. The only way I could figure out how to legally hang on to any of her money was to do repair work and improvements to her house, which is allowed. But, things aren't always as easy as they should be.
The stressful part for me is to find someone to do the work when it needs to be done. I have to get the work done in time to file for Medicaid without running out of money. My biggest fear was hiring a bunch of people to do jobs and they all show up at the same time. I can't have a man refinishing floors while the window people are replacing the old metal windows with new ones while a crew is pouring concrete for the new driveway while a big bucket truck and bobcat are running all over the yard while lumberjacks swing from my trees. Needless to say, what do I do with all the stuff in the house that had to be moved out of the rooms to be painted when the people show up to lay carpet in the other rooms.
I have to write checks to pay bills from an account that I do not have the legal authority to write checks on while trying to keep the checkbook balanced without access to the account while another brother has a checkbook to the same account writing checks to pay the normal bills which I have no idea how much the checks he is writing are for al the while trying to make the money, the deadlines, the work, come out together. Gosh, one sometimes forgets things like income tax from the annuity that was cashed out. Did I spend to much? Will I have to scratch the last project scheduled? Will finding out how much the taxes are jeopardize the filing for Medicaid in time to get approved?
Last week when I went to see Mom she said "your hair is turning gray". It's taken years to go from the darkest brown to light brown with a splattering of gray but just a few weeks to go from graying to gray with a splattering of faded brown. I do believe that stress causes ones hair to gray.
It's a combination of things. Mom, 90, is in a rest home or retirement home or old folks home or whatever you want to call it; the political correct word is assisted living facility I think. Anyway at $9000.00 per month plus $854.00 a month for medicine it won't take long to burn through her savings. The only choice she has is to go on Medicaid but she has to turn over all her assets except for $2,000.00 and her house, if she signs a waver stating she intends to go back home. The only way I could figure out how to legally hang on to any of her money was to do repair work and improvements to her house, which is allowed. But, things aren't always as easy as they should be.
The stressful part for me is to find someone to do the work when it needs to be done. I have to get the work done in time to file for Medicaid without running out of money. My biggest fear was hiring a bunch of people to do jobs and they all show up at the same time. I can't have a man refinishing floors while the window people are replacing the old metal windows with new ones while a crew is pouring concrete for the new driveway while a big bucket truck and bobcat are running all over the yard while lumberjacks swing from my trees. Needless to say, what do I do with all the stuff in the house that had to be moved out of the rooms to be painted when the people show up to lay carpet in the other rooms.
I have to write checks to pay bills from an account that I do not have the legal authority to write checks on while trying to keep the checkbook balanced without access to the account while another brother has a checkbook to the same account writing checks to pay the normal bills which I have no idea how much the checks he is writing are for al the while trying to make the money, the deadlines, the work, come out together. Gosh, one sometimes forgets things like income tax from the annuity that was cashed out. Did I spend to much? Will I have to scratch the last project scheduled? Will finding out how much the taxes are jeopardize the filing for Medicaid in time to get approved?
Last week when I went to see Mom she said "your hair is turning gray". It's taken years to go from the darkest brown to light brown with a splattering of gray but just a few weeks to go from graying to gray with a splattering of faded brown. I do believe that stress causes ones hair to gray.
Sunday, January 24, 2016
Massive blizzard paralyzes New York and Washington, 19 dead
I thought snow didn't bother Yankees--at least that is what they are always telling us southerners
Matt Damon says Hollywood must do more to support diversity
He could always quit and make sure a non-white person gets his job.
Thursday, January 21, 2016
Remodling frustrations
I have been unable to write in my blog due to numerous trips to Hickory trying to repair and remodel
my child hood home. Dad died 17 years ago and Mom is legally blind and almost deaf and as the years have gone by she became less and less able to keep her house up. She likes pretty things, clothes and objects of décor and she knows who gave her what piece and how much was paid for it and she never sold or re-gifted or threw any of the stuff out and as a result the house became a dust magnet and harder and harder to clean.
Most people put up one set of curtains per window but Mom has three or four sets per window and she has been unable to take them down and wash them. Her house did not have a range hood which left a thick coat of grease on everything in the kitchen. Except for the kitchen cabinets and the outside of the house nothing has been painted. New wall paper was put over the old, and the carpets were almost rotten because she was unable to properly clean because of her age and eyesight. But there were not any problems that could not be solved.
When I started this task it was done to protect her assets. Her cash has to be turned over because she is in a rest home and she needs to go on Medicaid so can keep only $2000.00. She is allowed to fix up her house however so the biggest problem was the range hood. Simple enough, I thought. I tried hiring several companies to do the job but got no response so I finally went to Lowes.
The range hood wasn't a problem but it seems getting cabinets has been a royal pain. Finally yesterday I paid for the cabinets and the range hood and cabinets will be installed by February 23rd or they are supposed to be.
I needed my fuse box changed to a circuit breaker and after failing to find an electrician to do the hob I hired a friend. I did find an electrician to wire for the range hood but now I need the stove outlet moved and can't get a response.
I had three trees I need removed and it took several weeks to find a man to cut them but he didn't want to do the job until February. I did get him out there on Thursday of last week and he finished up yesterday. (He couldn't work Friday because of the rain and was off the weekend) His estimate was $6000 but the job ended up costing $9500.00.
I wanted a driveway poured but I'm not sure if the man I hired to do the job will actually do the work. Someone willing to work was hard to find. One company said to call him back in February.
He was the only company I could find to talk to. No one else would even answer their phone.
I really would like to get a new driveway, a new front door, and the stove plug moved so I can get mu cabinets and range hood installed.
The floor finisher did a good job but didn't clean up his mess when he left. The first one I hired missed two appointments so I hired someone else. The painters I hired did a lousy job so I fired them and I did most of the painting myself. I can't get the vinyl floors replaced because the house was built before 1986 so I'll have to do that job myself but I will be out of time before I ca do it.
I have enough money left to finish what I have started if I can get people to do the job. That has been the most frustrating part. It would seem in this economy people would be willing to work but it just doesn't seem so.
my child hood home. Dad died 17 years ago and Mom is legally blind and almost deaf and as the years have gone by she became less and less able to keep her house up. She likes pretty things, clothes and objects of décor and she knows who gave her what piece and how much was paid for it and she never sold or re-gifted or threw any of the stuff out and as a result the house became a dust magnet and harder and harder to clean.
Most people put up one set of curtains per window but Mom has three or four sets per window and she has been unable to take them down and wash them. Her house did not have a range hood which left a thick coat of grease on everything in the kitchen. Except for the kitchen cabinets and the outside of the house nothing has been painted. New wall paper was put over the old, and the carpets were almost rotten because she was unable to properly clean because of her age and eyesight. But there were not any problems that could not be solved.
When I started this task it was done to protect her assets. Her cash has to be turned over because she is in a rest home and she needs to go on Medicaid so can keep only $2000.00. She is allowed to fix up her house however so the biggest problem was the range hood. Simple enough, I thought. I tried hiring several companies to do the job but got no response so I finally went to Lowes.
The range hood wasn't a problem but it seems getting cabinets has been a royal pain. Finally yesterday I paid for the cabinets and the range hood and cabinets will be installed by February 23rd or they are supposed to be.
I needed my fuse box changed to a circuit breaker and after failing to find an electrician to do the hob I hired a friend. I did find an electrician to wire for the range hood but now I need the stove outlet moved and can't get a response.
I had three trees I need removed and it took several weeks to find a man to cut them but he didn't want to do the job until February. I did get him out there on Thursday of last week and he finished up yesterday. (He couldn't work Friday because of the rain and was off the weekend) His estimate was $6000 but the job ended up costing $9500.00.
I wanted a driveway poured but I'm not sure if the man I hired to do the job will actually do the work. Someone willing to work was hard to find. One company said to call him back in February.
He was the only company I could find to talk to. No one else would even answer their phone.
I really would like to get a new driveway, a new front door, and the stove plug moved so I can get mu cabinets and range hood installed.
The floor finisher did a good job but didn't clean up his mess when he left. The first one I hired missed two appointments so I hired someone else. The painters I hired did a lousy job so I fired them and I did most of the painting myself. I can't get the vinyl floors replaced because the house was built before 1986 so I'll have to do that job myself but I will be out of time before I ca do it.
I have enough money left to finish what I have started if I can get people to do the job. That has been the most frustrating part. It would seem in this economy people would be willing to work but it just doesn't seem so.
Monday, January 04, 2016
Disappointed but not unexpected.+
A friend (?) was to help me out with a simple wiring job tomorrow in Hickory but instead of telling me he can't (or won't go) he choose rather to just ignore me. I can always hire an electrician but friends are harder to find. I wasn't taking advantage of our friendship as I pay going rates.
Pinto Beans
One Way Baptist is having our 2nd annual Pinto Bean supper February 27th. Take in or carry out. $7.00 If you are local to Randleman, NC and need tickets call me. 336 460 9474
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