Happiness.............(Sounds like MA, doesn't it?......

This is 6/8/2016 (June 8, 2016, I prefer the later) as I type.  Sherry and I have been working on Mark’s latest house as most of you know.  Sherry drove today, we have decided she should keep in practice driving (I have been doing most of the actual driving).

                   (From our 50th anniversary, Our 60th is 3 months from now)

We talk as we ride, walk or sit. It is one of our favorite things. I tend to hog the conversation, but she does get in her share when she wants to! The subject of happiness comes up in most of our conversations. We agree, we are one happy couple. Blessed and lucky. Just a few moments ago I read this:

      One survey of 50-year-old men in the U.S. found that only 12 percent of them said that they were “very happy”.

In the prime of life, that is sad.

I mentioned yesterday, that I was a builder. I was building in my 40-50’s, and if anyone would have asked, I would have said, “I am the happiest guy alive.”  And I would have meant it.

Life changes, I have always wanted my sons to be as happy as I have been. I have always wanted them to be more successful than I.  They have both enjoyed a measure of success larger than mine, but their personal lives have been scarred by divorce.   At present, neither son has a wife they can look at and say, ‘we are the happiest folk in the world.’  I still dream of it for them.

The blog ‘Life 101’ advertises a book entitled: ‘Life Changes’.  It certainly does.

I had happiness on my mind. Thinking of a beautiful site on our commute. We round a curve and top a small hill bout 25miles south of here. The view is fantastic. Hundreds of acres, green as a tree frog, and the host for some beautiful cows. For a few minutes it is a wonderful, relaxing view.

Even if you are, or are not in your 50’s, are you happy?

Nite Shipslog

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1938 Jag

Rate Me EXCELLENT!

Today it seems that no matter what I buy, someone wants me to rate the article or the transaction.  Now this dude does buy a lot of stuff on the internet.

(This is the Saturn)

Once Sherry bought a new Saturn to tow. A week after the sale we received a card in the mail (now you get an e-mail) asking for an evaluation. I check 'satisfied' in all blocks and sent it back.  The salesman was not happy, he called and said, "I told you to rate me excellent!" (I will skip the rest of the drama).

I have learned in business and in practice that most 'WRITTEN' evaluations are negative. When a person is satisfied they seldom say much unless the company makes it easy. Quick and easy Y/N questions.

(This is the second house Sherry and I built ourselves I believe, a nice split level)

As a businessman I was always very happy when I never heard from a buyer.  I appreciated the compliments, but took them with a grain of salt.   I very seldom hired anyone to clean my houses before they were sold, I did it myself.  On your hands and knees over every inch of the floor, you find any fault that needs to be fixed. Cleaning the light fixtures you see if they are hung correctly and going over all the plumbing you find 'ANY' small leak, commode seals, etc. You check each door lock, you hear any squeaks. The majority of things I found was poor water flow. Simply by cleaning the faucet filters of the building materials I prevented many 'call-backs'.  That procedure was my military training, I was never afraid of cleaning. LOL.  To tell the truth, I enjoyed it. I took pride in closing that door and locking a clean NEW home.  I sold a lot of houses and I can count the call-backs on less than one hand.

We built our own house within sight of three of the houses I had sold with no worries of complaints from the buyers, we became friends.

I have a problem with the 'new world' that requires an 'atta boy' or an 'ah-sh-t' from their customers. If today's customers are not happy they will tell you!

I quit answering questions from Amazon (I like Amazon), but the last time I rated something I rated it 5 stars. I was happy. I did not 'write' anything. I hit submit and the instructions said 'you must fill in the remarks'.  I said,' no I don't,' and hit the little red 'x' up in the corner.

In reference to the Saturn salesman, any company who promotes personnel 'ONLY' on glowing reports, in my opinion, could be missing the mark.

Do you take time to answer surveys?

Nite Shipslog
PS: Myra suggested  the book I just finished.  'A Dog's Journey' a unique take on a dogs life from the dog's point of view (second in the series) by W.B Cameron. I rate it 5 stars,  Thanks Myra.

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 1936 Cord above 1940 Horsh (german)

Tropical Storms or just storms

(Posting early due to the storm)

(Colin came and I had just had my hair done)

We went down to Port Richey today to help Son Mark, who has a broken wing and can work with only one hand.  Grandson Luke is also down.  Tropical Storm Colin came by I think. We went to Jersey Mikes because it was close to Lowes and I saw some of the weather on the tube.  I noticed they had clocked some gusts above 50mph.

WE did some electrical work, made a couple window screens (one worked one didn't (not a good average)). Sherry painted (yep even in the humidity), and did some clean up.

When we got to the house there was a man looking at it. He told Sherry he was interested in the house and was sorry Mark already had a contract, because he had the cash and was ready to buy.

I have sold many houses and I do not give credence to all the stories I hear. In the example above, the man may have had the price in cash (his idea of the price, which may have been 1/2 what Mark is asking. 

I am always reminded of the guy looking for a tire for his car and finally found one that fit for $35. He told the dealer, "I was just down at Tommy's Tires and he gets $22 for the tire!"

"Well sir, why didn't you buy it there?"

"He didn't have any in stock!"

Looking very serious the dealer said, "Mister I do better than that, when I don't have 'em in stock, I sell them for $15."

AS I type this entry the remnants (or continuation) of Colin is passing thru Wildwood.  This is some of the hardest rain this motor home has ever been in and the winds are high. We have found one leak.  It will have to be treated after the storms have passed. Funny thing, we have one awning still out. In the winds the straps sound like someone is knocking or beating on the door to get in. This last time has been over 30 mins straight. LOL 

We have lost power only once for a short time. Very unusual in a storm this big. At times the rain sounds like it is going to beat thru.

(Especially for sister Shirl, pig lover)

My Sherry’s family always gathered in one area of the house during a storm. My family paid no attention to it. I loved to play outside barefoot in a summer thunderstorm. I though lightening was beautiful, not scary (still do).  Are you okay in a lightning and thunder storm?

Nite Shipslog

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British, 1924 Napier

My friend Kenneth

When we lived in Missouri, WE met a Farmer, Kenneth Conrad. He and his wife Eileen were the cream of the crop and the salt of the earth, THE BEST. They had a marvelous family of ten children.  When I read the following it is something that old WWII Soldier of German descent would have said, as a matter of fact,  some of them he did say:

I rode the tractor with him while his eldest son ran beside the tractor to lift the mower over the rocks. Listen to his wisdom: AN OLD FARMER'S WORDS OF WISDOM... KEEP SKUNKS AND BANKERS AT A DISTANCE. LIFE IS SIMPLER WHEN YOU PLOW AROUND THE STUMP . A        A BUMBLE BEE IS CONSIDERABLY FASTER THAN A JOHN DEERE TRACTOR. W       WORDS THAT SOAK INTO YOUR EARS ARE WHISPERED NOT YELLED. ME   MEANNESS DON'T JUST HAPPEN OVERNIGHT. FO        FORGIVE YOUR ENEMIES, IT MESSES UP THEIR HEADS. DO      NOT CORNER SOMETHING THAT YOU KNOW IS MEANER THAN YOU. IT       IT DON'T TAKE A VERY BIG PERSON TO CARRY A GRUDGE. YO        YOU CANNOT UNSAY A CRUEL WORD. EV     EVERY PATH HAS A FEW PUDDLES. W     WHEN YOU WALLOW WITH PIGS, EXPECT TO GET DIRTY. TH     THE BEST SERMONS ARE LIVED, NOT PREACHED. M      MOST OF THE STUFF PEOPLE WORRY ABOUT  NEVER GONNA HAPPEN ANYWAY. DO       DON'T JUDGE FOLKS BY THEIR RELATIVES . RE     REMEMBER THAT SILENCE IS SOMETIMES THE BEST ANSWER. DO     DON'T INTERFERE WITH SOMETHIN' THAT AIN'T BOTHERING YOU NONE. TI    TIMIN' HAS A LOT TO DO WITH THE OUTCOME OF A RAIN DANCE.          THE BIGGEST TROUBLEMAKER YOU'LL PROBABLY EVER HAVE TO DEAL WITH WATCHES YOU FROM THE MIRROR EVERY MORNIN'. GO      GOOD JUDGMENT COMES FROM EXPERIENCE AND A LOTTA THAT COMES FROM BAD JUDGMENT. LE    LETTIN' THE CAT OUTTA THE BAG IS A WHOLE LOT EASIER THAN PUTTIN' IT BACK IN.          IF YOU GET TO THINKIN' YOU'RE A PERSON OF SOME INFLUENCE, TRY ORDERIN' SOMEBODY ELSE'S DOG AROUND. Kenneth was one of my  WWII heroes, his son Harry is also a  hero of mine from Nam.  Every youngun' of that farmer’s family is  successful and loving. Kenneth is gone, Eileen is in an assisted living facility, with some plans to join her with her sweet sister in Florida.  Visited and cared for by loving children.     There are times you must remember people who was an influence in your life.  Nite Shipslog I am not sure the year, but I know it was a dodge. Kenneth and Eileen loaded all the children in this  vehicle, for trips to town, shopping and church. Maybe one of the kids remember the year! PS2: I usually talk about Eileen's singing voice when the Conrad name comes up!

Shoes, time to look around for some.

Shoes. Walking, climbing stairs, running, jumping,sitting in the park and basketball shoes. Kids are impressed by the ads and names. I sat beside David Thompson on a plane once. He is a nice guy, he was headed to a shoe promotion (he was in his prime at the time but I did not know of his fame, nor what he did for a living, I live under a rock). Son Mark knew him right away when we deplaned together.

I wore ‘tennis shoes’ and never played tennis. Tennis was for the elite, rich or stuck up folk. LOL

Real folk pitched horseshoes, climbed trees, played baseball or ‘rolly bat’, maybe football (never tennis). I am sure you do not remember the smell of boy's tennis shoes, but my mama sure did. "Jackie, put those shoes out in the sun!' LOL

(Converse and Keds were big names)

Playing games today does not mean the same to our grandkids as it did to grandma and grandpa. LOL playing games was really physically ‘playing’.  Now kids can play those games as well as ones beyond my understanding on a phone or i-pad (but it doesn’t burn the calories).

For many years one shoe did it all, the canvas ‘Tennis Shoe’. I am amazed at the promotions for shoes and I guess, most of all the PRICE.  I understand that a pair of Michael Jordan Air shoes are well over $100.  I told my grandson once, we need the money more than Michael Jordan.

It amazes me that many kids really believe they can jump like Michael Jordan if they buy shoes with his name on them (I have no doubt they are good shoes, they certainly should be at the price)

(I just looked this one up, $189.99)

I shouldn't say too much about what kids believe, I used to believe all the ads on the back of comic books! OUCH! I believed if I took the Charles Atlas course no bully would kick sand in my face and take my girl.

Nite Shipslog

These two models, the 39 and 40 fords were the rage when I was a teen ager. Boys that could afford it made some great customs out of them.

There are Grandkids....... I love 'em all

I received this e-mail from one of our grand kids. (Everyone of the grands are sweet and lovable (like yours, if you have 'em)).  But I had to smile at this one, an e-mail and I received a picture of my old hiking boots.:

Grandpa,
I don't know if you remember giving me these hiking boots awhile back from your time on the AT, but I wanted you to know they're still getting some use =)

Also, now I can say I've walked a mile in your shoes!  Or several miles, actually haha.

Love ya!

Josh

*******************  ***************   **************
This e-mail was keyed by my publication of my latest book, "The Appalachian Trail".
Some e-mails just make you smile.

Nite Shipslog

 1967 AMC Ambassador above, below 1967 Chevelle

Not a happy entry

Most everyone knows I was a builder. My son Mark came to work for me in his early 20's. He was honestly one of the best workers a man could ask for.  We did well for a few years, and then he asked me if I would mind it he went out on his on.  Of course not.

 (Sons Mark and Jack Jr)

 I am proud of both my sons, they have both done better than their dad, as it should be. But Mark took a nose dive personally with a divorce and the economy down turn.

(Jack Jr. grad from boot camp their mama and Mark)

He is desperately trying to recover by buying houses needing work, repairing, remodeling and reselling. He has two nice homes in the Port Richey area that he has done a bang-up job on.

BUT, but one needed much yard work with 8 large dead cedars in the yard. WE came down to assist. A couple days ago Sherry was inside working, Luke was installing window handles and Mark and I were outside pulling Vines from the Cedars. We had dropped 5 trees. Mark climbed high to get the vines and fell. He hit the ground 3 feet from me, landing on concrete pavers and his arm broke a cement block which 'tore' a huge hole in his arm along with breaking his wrist.

Mark could not see the 'tear' it was near his elbow out of his sight. He said, "I'm okay dad," it was bleeding and I placed my handkerchief on it and said hold that."We can tape it up," he said.

"Not this one son, it is bad."

In searching for help at emergency care, I saw a registered nurse, nearly faint, and gasp when I had him expose the wound.

We finally made it to the Emergency room and another nurse said, "I've never seen one this bad."

While waiting in the ER, Mark told Luke to go back and move the debris out of the neighbor’s yard. I was proud of him still thinking of the neighbor. His son Luke is a VERY hard worker. I went back with him. He worked me into the ground (as I tried to keep up) during the time Mark was getting repaired.

Anyway, the wrist is broken and they sewed the torn wound. He is hurting.

(Marks last broken bone was in Key West, FL. Playing Football)

We will make one more trip down to help him tie some loose ends up before we head north again.

Nite Shipslog

PS:  We all know it could have been worse, and feel fortunate Mark was not hurt worse. Maybe now he will think more about the insurance he was going to get a month ago.

Days of our Lives

Lisa over at 'Away from the Office Chair' had a very interesting blog entitled, "If my Story was written".

(Picture stolen from Lisa's Blog, pretty, ain't she?)

I enjoy a few 'original ideas' but most of my thoughts are keyed by others.  In this case, I was thinking, most folk think their life is 'boring' or uninteresting to the general public.  Some of the best stories ever written were about common everyday happenings. Most boys my age remember Tom Sawyer and Huck Finn.  The stuff written was common to most 'boys', yet the books are classics.

There are times I will be telling one of the grandkids  of something that happened in my life. Sherry will say, "You never told me that!"

After being married nearly 60 years you'd think I have related everything, but in fact there are things that are stored in my  brain(and yours) that some key will unlock. A catalyst that jars open a hidden gem.  But no one can recall every day of their lives, some days are hidden, until you hear the magic word.

What you do or see, even your job, talents or hobby will be exciting to someone. We are all unique, special. I get excited over your blogs. I want to meet everyone who reads the Shipslog and I especially want to meet the bloggers in our lives. We have been fortunate to meet many of you special folk, whose life's book is being written and it excites me.

Many of my brain wrinkles hold stories and incidents I heard on the radio (back when we used to watch radio).

(Hattie McDaniels Beulah in the 40's.)

I am remind of a story told by BIL Dick Lankford. His dad loved the radio program 'Beulah'. When Beulah was on the radio everyone had better be quiet in the house. His favorite lines were:

(Beulah in the 1950's, Amanda Randolph)  Her boy friend laughing says, "Honey, I knows you like a book!"
Smiling Beulah answers, "Sweetheart,  I got chapters you ain't never read!"

Those lines from a radio program in the early 1940's have stuck with me.  That statement is very very true in 'These days of our lives'.
Nite Shipslog

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 1968 Mustang and Thunderbird