It’s New Years Eve

And it’s Kara’s Birthday!!!
My granddaughter, Kara, has a birthday today! She is now eleven (11) years  old. She’s an exceptional person, who is very intelligent and very creative, as well as being so pretty. Granddaddy wishes her a very happy birthday. We’ll be going over to celebrate with her at 2:00 PM this afternoon. I know we’ll be having a great time. 

(Note this picture of Kara was taken by Kevin & Lesley during her family vacation trip last summer.)

Another New Year
Yes, it is New Years Eve, again. It seems like the older I get the faster time goes. Now we will be starting another new year. It will be 2009 in a few more hours.

Resolutions
It’s time to think about your resolutions for the new year. I think there are two basic types of resolutions you can make for yourself.

1. The first type is that which you plan to do in your own strength and with the help of maybe others. This might include losing weight, doing more exercise, learning a new skill, etc. You could write these down with pen and paper.
   
   Some on the Most Popular New Years Resolutions are listed on this government web site. It also includes links to help you get started.

1. The second type of resolutions might be what you resolve to accomplish for God and with God’s help. These resolutions would be made in God’s presence and with His guidance, and they would represent your vows to God. These would be written on your heart. 
   
   You could get help on these by reading your Bible, meditating on what you read, and through time alone in prayer.

~~~

Tennessee Granddaddy Says:

You may be on the right track, but remember, if you just sit there, you’ll get run over.

~~~

Quote of the Day

Youth is when you're allowed to stay up
late on New Year's Eve.
Middle age is when you're forced to. 
~Bill Vaughn

~~~
Joke of the Day

A man at an auction sale started bidding for a parrot. The bidding went higher and higher, but finally the man bought the bird. Then he realized that he didn't even know if it could talk, so he asked the auctioneer.

"Of course it can talk," he replied. "Who do you think was bidding against you?"

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Vietnam Connections

My good friend David Goss has started a new journal. It deals with his time in Vietnam. David’s home in the USA is Denver, Colorado. However, he has been teaching English in Hanoi, Vietnam, which I think he now considers his second home. 

David was Jade’s English teacher before she came to the United States for school. Click on this link for David’s Hanoi Journal.

Here’s a beautiful picture that I “borrowed” from David’s journal about Hanoi. It shows water buffalo grazing on a foggy hillside near Sapa, Vietnam.

In Chapter 8 of David’s journal you’ll find some auto- biographies, and one of them is written by Jade.

Exercising Again
Yesterday I started going back to the gym for my workout. The doctors said not to start back until 2 weeks had passed since my heart attack. I did 30 minutes on the elliptical and 3o minutes on the bicycle, with no problems. I’ll have to wait almost 3 more weeks before I can start doing the weights.

Jade Leaves Today
The past week has passed so quick. Now it’s time to  take Jade back to the airport for her trip back to Utah. Her flight leaves this morning. We certainly enjoyed having her with us this past week. We had loads of fun with lots of visitors, and great eats, and we played some games.

Yesterday Jade had lunch with her high school swimming coach. And last night we took her to visit with the lady that coordinated the exchange student program last year when Jade was an exchange student.

~~~

Tennessee Granddaddy Says:

You’ve often heard that a man’s home is is castle. Well here’s a twist on that: “A man's house is his hassle”.

~~~

Quote of the Day
An onion can make people cry,
but there has never been a vegetable invented
to make them laugh.
    ~ Will Rogers

~~~
Joke of the Day

About marriage….

When Marriage is Outlawed,
Only Outlaws will have In-laws.

~~~
Marriage is a Three Ring Circus:

1. Engagement ring,
2. Wedding ring, and
3. Suffering.

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School Pictures

School Pictures
We got school pictures from two of our grandchildren a few days ago. Kara’s in the 5th Grade and Zachary in the 2nd Grade. I thought these were good pictures.

Kara

Zachary

I remember getting school pictures when I was in school. One year when I was young I had sore with a scab real close to my nose. And, guess what… it was school picture day.

"Clean your nose!" they said.

Before they took my picture they told me I needed to clean my nose. I told them it was a scab. Well, they laughed a little and took my picture anyway. It was awful. Here I was in the picture looking like I had a big booger hanging out of my nose! I don’t think Mom passed many of those out to the relatives, or to anyone. Thank goodness!

~~~

Tennessee Granddaddy Says:

There was a joke about an who Uncle died… He left several hundred clocks to a niece, and they said she stayed busy for months winding up the estate.

The above story reminded me of my good friend,  Marshall, who passed away a couple of years ago. He was a collector of clocks. He ran an upholstery business and the room where he did the work was filled with clocks. Clocks of all sizes and shapes were on shelves and all around the walls. And every clock had a different time.

One day I walked in for a visit with Marshall. I grinned at him, and asked, “What time is it, Marshall?”

He grinned back at me and said, “What time do you want it to be?”

We miss Marshall.

~~~

Quote of the Day

I am never bored anywhere: 
being bored is an insult to oneself. 
~Jules Renard

~~~
Joke of the Day

After suffering through years of his wife's awful coffee, the man spat it out and took the coffee maker to his lawyer.

Dropping it on the attorney's desk, the man growled, "Here they are!"

"Here are what?" the startled lawyer asked.

"Grounds for Divorce."

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This has been a Good Week

Pictures
Since we were in Knoxville yesterday, I thought it would be appropriate to share some pictures with the family.

Here we are at the Chop House on Chapman Highway. Left Side: Lesley, Alex, Mandy, Dad, Sylvia, & Beverly Right Side: Kevin, Jade, Kara, Zachary, Mary & Jim We missed Bethany so much. She was back in New York working. Our thoughts go her way every day. She is precious.

A few more pictures….

Dad & Jade	Mandy & Jade
Kara, Zachary Mandy, Jade & Alex	Zachary
Dad	Alex, Dad, Mandy, & Mary

 

~~~

Tennessee Granddaddy Says:
It would be a good time for us to start thinking
about our New Year’s Resolutions.
The 2009 New Year will be here soon!

~~~

Quote of the Day

Perhaps the best Yuletide decoration
is being wreathed in smiles. 
~Author Unknown

~~~
Joke of the Day

"Charlie, why don't you play golf with Ted any more?" Charlie's wife asked.

"Would you play golf with a chap who moved the ball with his foot when he thought you weren't watching?" Charlie replied.

"Well, no," admitted his wife.

"And neither will Ted," replied the dejected husband.

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Going to Visit Dad, Mary & Princess

Knoxville, Tennessee
We’re going to Knoxville today to see my Dad and Sister (and Princess, too). Mandy & Alex and Sylvia are also going to join us there and they will drive there from Lebanon, TN. And, Kevin and his family plan to meet us at Dad’s later today also.

This will give the family an opportunity to see Jade, and we will have a little Christmas celebration by being together. We plan to eat out for lunch and then return to Dad’s place to continue our family fun.

Dad send me a picture yesterday. It looks like he has been growing a moustache? This will help us recognize him today.

~~~

Peppermint Candy
Check the following link for a story about the invention of Peppermint Candy: The Candy Cane Legend

~~~

Tennessee Granddaddy Says:

Someone said that the tongue must be heavy indeed,
because so few people can hold it.
(But it’s easy to wag.)

~~~

Quote of the Day
A Christmas candle is a lovely thing;
It makes no noise at all,
But softly gives itself away.
~Eva Logue

~~~
Joke of the Day

The man was in no shape to drive, so he wisely left his car parked and walked home.

As he was walking unsteadily along, he was stopped by a policeman. "What are you doing out here at 2 A.M.?" said the officer.

"I'm going to a lecture." The man said.

"And who is going to give a lecture at this hour?" The cop asked.

"My wife." said the man.

 

….. and one more….

 

A drunken man at a party went up to a strange woman and embraced her clumsily. She slapped his face.

'I'm so sorry,' he said, 'I thought you were my wife.'

'Huh,' said the woman, 'You'd be a fine husband to have. Just look at you - a drunken, clumsy, disgusting brute.'

'Good heavens,' said the drunk, 'you talk like her, too.'

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Christmas Day, 2008

There Santa goes, back to the North Pole …Until next year

Granddaddy hopes you have a wonderful Christmas Day. Use all your senses to enjoy the day. See the happiness of others, feel the love of one to another, hear the sounds of laughter, love and care, touch another’s life with your life, smell the holiday spices, taste the food, candy and treats. Be thankful and enjoy life.

~~~

Tennessee Granddaddy Says:

I hope the joy and happiness you have at Christmas becomes a constant companion.
 

~~~

Quote of the Day
Christmas is forever, not for just one day,
for loving, sharing, giving, are not to put away
like bells and lights and tinsel, in some box upon a shelf.
The good you do for others is good you do yourself...
~Norman Wesley Brooks

 

~~~
Joke of the Day

A man and his wife entered the dentist's office.

"I want a tooth pulled", the man said. "We are in a big hurry, so let us not fool around with gas or Novocain or any of that stuff."

"You are a very brave man," remarked the dentist. "Which tooth is it?"

"Show him your bad tooth, honey," said the man to his wife.

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It’s Christmas Eve

Merry Christmas
to all of my Family and Friends
wherever you are. 

Early Celebration
Last evening we celebrated Christmas with Kevin, Lesley, Kara, and Zachary. Jade was with us to enjoy good food, fellowship and a few gifts for the children. The pictures below show the good snack food and our Kingsport family including Jade.

The Spread

The Eaters

‘Twas the Night Before…
Here’s an interesting poem somewhat like the “‘Twas the Night Before Christmas”, but much more serious. (Celia found this in a magazine, then after some “Googling” I found it here.)

'Twas the Night Before Jesus Came

'Twas the night before Jesus came and all through the house
Not a creature was praying, not one in the house.
Their Bibles were lain on the shelf without care
In hopes that Jesus would not come there.

The children were dressing to crawl into bed.
Not once ever kneeling or bowing a head.
And Mom in her rocker with baby on her lap
Was watching the Late Show while I took a nap.

When out of the East there arose such a clatter,
I sprang to my feet to see what was the matter.
Away to the window I flew like a flash
Tore open the shutters and threw up the sash!

When what to my wandering eyes should appear
But angels proclaiming that Jesus was here
With a light like the sun sending forth a bright ray
I knew in a moment this must be THE DAY!

The light of His face made me cover my head
It was Jesus! returning just like he had said.
And though I possessed worldly wisdom and wealth,
I cried when I saw Him in spite of myself.

In the Book of Life which He held in His hand.
Was written the name of every saved man.
He spoke not a word as He searched for my name;
When He said "It's not here" my head hung in shame.

The people whose names had been written with love
He gathered to take to His Father above.
With those who were ready He rose without a sound.
While all the rest were left standing around.

I fell to my knees, but it was too late;
I had waited too long and thus sealed my fate.
I stood and I cried as they rose out of sight;
Oh, if only I had been ready tonight.

In the words of this poem the meaning is clear;
The coming of Jesus is drawing near.
There's only one life and when comes the last call
We'll find that the Bible was true after all!

~Author Lou Pinter

~~~

Tennessee Granddaddy Says:

No one is perfect until you
fall in love with them.

~~~

Quote of the Day

May Peace be your gift at Christmas and your blessing all year through! 
~Author Unknown

~~~
Joke of the Day

An insurance salesman was trying to persuade a housewife to buy a life insurance policy. "Just imagine if your husband was to die tomorrow," he said. "What would you get?"

"Oh, a Labrador dog, I think," replied the housewife. "They're so well-behaved.

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Jade’s Home Again

Jade
We were happy to see Jade again. We got her at the airport last evening. She had flown from Salt Lake City to Cincinnati and on the the Tri-Cites airport serving Kingsport, Tennessee.

She was a happy girl to be back “home”. Papa and Nana were excited too. We stopped for a late and quick supper at Perkins on the way back from the airport. I took this picture of Jade after we got we got back to the house. I’m sure we’ll have some fun days for the next week.

The Good Life
A few weeks ago, Jade sent me the following video. She said it had a good message and I agree. It’s called “The Good Life”. Many people are searching for the good life… will they know when they have it. Watch and see what happens.

The video Jade sent reminded me of a story I had heard many years ago. It is likely the video was based on this little story. It went like this…

The American Businessman & the Fisherman

The American businessman was at the pier of a small coastal Mexican village when a small boat with just one fisherman docked. Inside the small boat were several large Yellowfin tuna. The American complimented the Mexican on the quality of his fish and asked how long it took to catch them. The Mexican replied only a little while.

The American then asked why didn't he stay out longer and catch more fish? The Mexican said he had enough to support his family's immediate needs. The American then asked, but what do you do with the rest of your time?

The Mexican fisherman said, "I sleep late, fish a little, play with my children, take siesta with my wife, Maria, stroll into the village each evening where I sip wine and play guitar with my amigos, I have a full and busy life, señor."

The American scoffed, "I am a Harvard MBA and could help you. You should spend more time fishing and with the proceeds buy a bigger boat, with the proceeds from the bigger boat you could buy several boats, eventually you would have a fleet of fishing boats. Instead of selling your catch to a middleman you would sell directly to the processor, eventually opening your own cannery. You would control the product, processing and distribution. You would need to leave this small coastal fishing village and move to Mexico City, then LA and eventually NYC where you will run your expanding enterprise."

The Mexican fisherman asked, "But señor, how long will this all take?"

To which the American replied, "15-20 years."

"But what then, señor?"

The American laughed and said, "That's the best part. When the time is right you would announce an IPO and sell your company stock to the public and become very rich, you would make millions."

"Millions, señor? Then what?"

The American said, "Then you would retire. Move to a small coastal fishing village where you would sleep late, fish a little, play with your kids, take siesta with your wife, stroll to the village in the evenings where you could sip wine and play your guitar with your amigos."

~~~

Tennessee Granddaddy Says:
There’s a good lesson to be learned in the story above. Let us not forget the true meaning of life and our purpose in living.

~~~

Quote of the Day

Christmas waves a magic wand over this world, and behold, everything is softer and more beautiful.
~Norman Vincent Peale

~~~
Joke of the Day

A plumber was called to fix a blocked pipe. He arrived, banged on the pipes for 15 minutes, and said to the homeowner, well that'll be $75.

The homeowner said "seventy five dollars!!!!- why that’s $300 per hour!! I'm a doctor and I only make $150 an hour!!"

The plumber replies, "Yeah, that’s what I got when I was a doctor."

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Jade comes home today

Jade
Excitement is in the air today. It’s getting closer to Christmas, and Jade is flying in today. She should arrive late this evening via Delta.

Taking It Easy
It was a week ago I had my 70th birthday and I have survived so far. I don’t feel any different.

But I did run across some pictures the other day of some old stuff that made me feel old. I’ll share some of the pictures. If you remember them, you may be getting old also.

Green Stamps	Ice Trays	Skate Key
Cork Pop Gun	Drive-In Theater	Drive-In Restaurant
Car Hops	Studebakers	15 Cent Hamburgers
Penny Candy	Full Service Station and 25 Cent Gas	Jiffy Pop Corn
% Cent Postage	5 Cent Cokes	Burma Shave Signs
Brownie Camera	Flash Bulbs	TV Test Pattern

Anyway, it too close to Christmas to be talking about getting old. Let’s all enjoy the wonderful and joyous holiday season. I sure wish we would get a white Christmas here in E Tennessee. That would be wonderful… like icing on the cake.

~~~

Tennessee Granddaddy Says:
I hope you enjoy the holidays and have a very

~~~

Quote of the Day

Whenever you do a thing,
act as if all the world were watching.

~ Thomas Jefferson

~~~
Joke of the Day

A banker, an engineer and a lawyer were driving down a road when suddenly, their car broke down. Seeing a farm house near by, they decided to stop by and ask if they could sleep overnight while their car was being repaired.

"Sure", replied the farmer, "...but I only have two spare beds - one of you will have to sleep in the barn."

The engineer decided that he would sleep in the barn.

Ten minutes later, there was a knock at the bedroom door.
"I can't sleep in the barn - there is a cow in the barn and I am Hindu."

So, the banker agreed to sleep in the barn.

Ten minutes later, there was a knock at the door: "I can't sleep in the barn - there is a pig in the barn, and I am Jewish."

The lawyer said "I know what you're up to, but I'll go", and so the lawyer went out the barn.

Sure enough, ten minutes later, there was a knock at the door – it was the cow and the pig.

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