It’s Over Until Next Year

Turkey Day 2009 is in the Record Books
I hope you and your family had a wonderful Thanksgiving weekend. We did here at the White house in Kingsport, Tennessee.

Most of it ended yesterday when Sylvia & Brent and Mandy & Alex left to head back to Lebanon, Tennessee.  “Who’s Brent?” you ask. Well, he’s Sylvia’s ‘friend’ and he is a super nice guy.

Bethany is still in Tennessee, but she will be flying back to Rochester, NY tomorrow.

Here’s a couple of pictures we took just before they left.

Brent, Sylvia, Mandy, & Alex

Bethany, Beverly, Sylvia, & Mandy

 

~~~

Tennessee Granddaddy Says:
How wonderful to be with our loved ones over the Thanksgiving weekend. The old house is so quiet now. But the memories are wonderful.

~~~

Quote of the Day

Wisdom is the reward you get for a lifetime of listening when you'd have preferred to talk. 
~Doug Larson

~~~
Joke of the Day

Back by Popular Demand…

Following the death of Quasimodo, the Bishop of the Cathedral Church of Notre Dame sent word throughout the streets of Paris that a new bell ringer would need to be appointed. The Bishop decided that he would himself conduct the interviews, and went up into the belfry to interview the candidates. After observing several applicants demonstrate their skills, he decided to call it a day, when an armless man approached him announcing that he was there to apply for the post. The Bishop declared,

" My Son, you have no arms!"

" No matter" replied the man.

He then proceeded to strike the bells with his face, producing the most beautiful melody on the carillon. The Bishop was astonished, believing he had indeed found a suitable replacement for Quasimodo. But in rushing forward to strike a bell, the armless man tripped, and plunged headlong out of the belfry to his death in the street below. The Bishop, stunned rushed to his side. When he reached the street, a crowd had gathered around the fallen figure, drawn by the beauty of the music they had heard a moment before. As they parted in silence to allow the Bishop through, one in the crowd asked

" Bishop, who was this man?"

.." I don't know his name" replied the Bishop sadly,

" But his face rings a bell."

WAIT, WAIT! not through yet!

The following day, despite the sadness that weighed heavily on his heart, the Bishop continued his interviews for a bell ringer. The first man to approach addressed him, "Your Grace, I am the brother of the poor armless man who fell to his death from this belfry yesterday. I pray that you will allow me to replace my brother." The Bishop agreed to an audition, but as the man reached to strike the first bell, he groaned, clutched at his chest, collapsed, and died on the spot. Two monks, hearing the cries of grief from the Bishop at the tragedy, rushed up the stairs......

"What has happened? Who is this man? " they cried.

" I don't know his name" exclaimed the distraught Bishop,.........

wait for it.......

" I don't know his name............but he's a dead ringer for his brother."

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Thanksgiving Pictures

Here’s a few pictures taken on Thanksgiving Day.

The Whole Gang Four Generations on the Front Row

Bethany and Grandpa	Kevin, Leslie, Kara & Zachary
Alex and Mandy	My Grandchildren

We’re had a wonderful time. But time flies when you’re having fun.

 

~~~

Tennessee Granddaddy Says:
I’m still enjoying some of the leftovers from Thanksgiving dinner. I love those turkey sandwiches!

~~~

Quote of the Day

He is a wise man who does not grieve for the things which he has not, but rejoices for those which he has.
~Epictetus

~~~
Joke of the Day

George was a thoughtful husband. He wanted to give his wife something special for her birthday which was coming up soon. As he sat on the edge of the bed, he watched his wife turning back and forth and looking at herself in the mirror. "Reta," he said, "What would you like for your birthday?"

His wife continued to look at herself and said, "I'd like to be six again."

George knew just what to do. On the big day, he got up early and made his wife a bowl of Fruit Loops. Then he took her to an amusement park where they rode all the rides. Five hours later, Reta's stomach felt upside down and her head was reeling. Never the less, George took her to McDonald's and bought her a Happy Meal with extra fries and a chocolate shake. Next, it was a movie with popcorn, soda and her favorite candy.

As Reta wobbled into the house that evening and flopped on the bed, George asked her, "Well, Dear, what was it like to be six again?"

Reta looked up at him. Her expression changed. She said, "I meant my dress size!"

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The Days of Leftovers

I’m always happy with a good turkey sandwich. I may be eating those for the next few days.

Great Day
We had a great Thanksgiving yesterday. Today we’ll enjoy being together and doing some things like a little shopping, some games, and maybe a meal out.

Greener Grass
I snapped this shot a few days ago. These critters like that greener grass on the other side of the fence. They’re just like us humans.

More Blood Work
I have to have more blood work today. That’s the way it is when you are taking Coumadin. It has to be watched closely because if you get too much it could result in internal bleeding. I’ve heard that rat poison works on the same principle as Coumadin. Scary thought, isn’t it?

 

~~~

Tennessee Granddaddy Says:
Words to make you think, plan and act:

“Life, only once we can live it,
Oh, what a great solemn thought.”

~~~

Quote of the Day

If you have lived, take thankfully the past.
~John Dryden

~~~
Joke of the Day

A professional juggler, driving to his next performance, is stopped by the police.

"What are you doing with these matches and lighter fluid in your car?" asks the police officer.

"I'm a juggler and I juggle flaming torches in my act."

"Oh yeah? Let's see you do it," says the officer.

So the juggler gets out and starts juggling the blazing torches masterfully. The police look on.

A couple driving by slows down to watch. "Wow," says the driver to his wife. "I'm glad I quit drinking. Look at the test they're giving now!"

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Thanksgiving Day

TWAS THE NIGHT OF THANKSGIVING,
BUT I JUST COULDN'T SLEEP.
I TRIED COUNTING BACKWARDS,
I TRIED COUNTING SHEEP.

THE LEFTOVERS BECKONED -
THE DARK MEAT AND WHITE,
BUT I FOUGHT THE TEMPTATION
WITH ALL OF MY MIGHT.

TOSSING AND TURNING WITH ANTICIPATION,
THE THOUGHT OF A SNACK BECAME INFATUATION.
SO, I RACED TO THE KITCHEN, FLUNG OPEN THE DOOR,
AND GAZED AT THE FRIDGE, FULL OF GOODIES GALORE.
GOBBLED UP TURKEY AND BUTTERED POTATOES,
PICKLES AND CARROTS, BEANS AND TOMATOES.

I FELT MYSELF SWELLING SO PLUMP AND SO ROUND,
'TIL ALL OF A SUDDEN, I ROSE OFF THE GROUND.
I CRASHED THROUGH THE CEILING, FLOATING INTO THE SKY,
WITH A MOUTHFUL OF PUDDING AND A HANDFUL OF PIE.
BUT, I MANAGED TO YELL AS I SOARED PAST THE TREES....
HAPPY EATING TO ALL - PASS THE CRANBERRIES, PLEASE.

And…

MAY YOUR STUFFING BE TASTY,
MAY YOUR TURKEY BE PLUMP.
MAY YOUR POTATOES 'N GRAVY HAVE NARY A LUMP.
MAY YOUR YAMS BE DELICIOUS.
MAY YOUR PIES TAKE THE PRIZE,
MAY YOUR THANKSGIVING DINNER STAY OFF OF YOUR THIGHS!!

~ Sources unknown

 

 

~~~

Tennessee Granddaddy Says:
I’m thankful for the privilege of life and being born in the USA. I’m thankful for God and His dear Son Jesus-- they have shown me the way that leads from earth to Heaven. I’m so grateful for God’s
love, mercy, help and grace.

~~~

Quote of the Day

As we express our gratitude, we must never forget
that the highest appreciation is not to utter words,
but to live by them.
~John Fitzgerald Kennedy

~~~
Joke of the Day

Asked to write a composition entitled,
"What I'm thankful for on Thanksgiving”,

little Timothy wrote,
"I am thankful that I'm not a turkey."

~~~

Q: What did the mama turkey say to her naughty son?
A: If your papa could see you now, he'd turn over in his gravy!

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Thanksgiving Eve

Tomorrow is Turkey Day
Sylvia, Mandy and Alex plan to arrive later today. That will add even more excitement to this household. Grandmother made the cakes, but Sylvia is bringing the pies. I can’t wait to see what she picked out for us this year! Yum Yum!

I wish you could see Grandmother and  me in the morning when we get up early to get the turkey in the oven. It’s like I have a wrestling match with that big old bird. I think he fights back as I work him over to get him in the pan. Grandmother acts as referee. So far I have won every match with the turkeys. And, I don’t intend to start loosing now.

Pumpkin Pie
Here’s a cute Happy Thanksgiving greeting card that shows the making of a pumpkin pie. Just click on the drawing below:

I was Robbed! 
Yesterday while we had gone to the airport to pick up Bethany, my son, Kevin, came over to our house to mow the yard for me. He could not find the gas can, so he called us. We told him where it was, but he still could not find it. We were confused.

It wasn’t until we had arrived home that we found out we had been robbed. Some lowlifes had broken into our out building and robbed me of almost all of my fishing equipment and a 5 gallon can full of gas. They stole 12 fishing rods and reels, 3 tackle boxes, some rod holders, and my gas can. I’m sure the total value will be over $3,000 based on a rough estimate I made. It looks like the robbery took place sometime Sunday night.

Someone said, “Cheer up, things could be worse.” The guy responded, “So I cheered up. And sure enough, things got worse.”

UPDATE: My new insurance does not go into effect until December 1. So my existing Nationwide insurance will be responsible for my loss. How about that.

Back for Blood Work
I go back to have more blood work done today. I’m hoping my blood is reacting favorably to the medication.

UPDATE: My numbers are improving so it looks like my last day of shots may be Friday. I hope so, my tummy feels like a pin cushion.

 

 

~~~

Tennessee Granddaddy Says:
I hope you are with family and close friends
as you celebrate Thanksgiving 2009.
That always makes the day more special.

~~~

Quote of the Day
We can only be said to be alive in those moments
when our hearts are conscious of our treasures.
~Thornton Wilder

~~~
Joke of the Day

A man in Florida, in his 80s, calls his son in New York one November day.The father says to the son, “I hate to tell you, but we’ve got some troubles here in the house. Your mother and I can’t stand each other anymore, and we’re getting a divorce. I’ve had it! I want to live out the rest of my years in peace. I’m telling you now, so you and your sister shouldn’t go into shock later when I move out.”

He hangs up, and the son immediately calls his sister in the Hamptons and tells her the news.

The sister says, “I’ll handle this.”

She calls Florida and says to her father, “Don’t do ANYTHING till we get there! We’ll be there Wednesday night.”

The father agrees, “All right.”

The old man hangs up the phone and hollers to his wife, “Okay, they’re coming for Thanksgiving. Now, what are we going to tell them for Christmas?”

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Bethany Arrives Today

Thanksgiving Week
The fun all begins today as we expect our daughter to be here later today on flights from Rochester, NY. We’ll be picking her up at the airport later today. Then on Wednesday we expect the middle Tennessee gang to arrive… that’s Mandy & Alex and Sylvia. Then the rest of the crew will be here on Thursday morning. We’ll have at least 15 people for lunch on Thursday.

Basketball Dog
A friend sent me this video that I think you will enjoy if you like dogs and you like basketball.

Venous Thrombosis 
Venous Thrombosis - That’s the name for blood clots that form in a vein—my current health issue in my left hind leg. I had some blood work done yesterday, and it seems the Coumadin has not kicked in very much, so they upped the dosage and want me to continue the Lovenox shots twice a day for 5 more days. I give these shots to myself in my stomach. Each 5 days on the Lovenox costs me about $745 because I am in the famous “donut hole”. Some of you out there are familiar with the donut hole.

My doctor tells me to take it easy and let the medicine do its job. I’d like to be on the go a little bit more than I am, but I’m doing OK.

 

~~~

Tennessee Granddaddy Says:

I’m happy. I hope you are too. There’s so much to be thankful for. Let’s all try to do some good today.

~~~

Quote of the Day

There is no such thing as gratitude unexpressed.  If it is unexpressed, it is plain, old-fashioned ingratitude.  ~Robert Brault

~~~
Joke of the Day

Camelot was under attack by a large, fearsome dragon. So, King Arthur called upon his most valiant knight to slay the dragon.

Unfortunately, all of the horses were frightened of the dragon and cowered in terror. All other options exhausted, the knight found a one-eyed, arthritic Great Dane.

But, King Arthur took one look at the dog and shook his head. "I'll kill the dragon myself," he said. "I wouldn't send a knight out on a dog like this." 

Sorry about that. That’s a corny joke!

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Thanksgiving Week

It’s Almost Turkey Day
Our big bird is thawing in the refrigerator and we’ll be putting it in the oven early Thursday morning. Our company will begin arriving on Tuesday, and we’re very exited!

I Feel Good But…
I’ve been on strong blood thinners since last Thursday because of the blood clots in my left leg. I go to the doctor this morning to have my blood checked and perhaps my dosage adjusted.

I have no idea what caused this, or how long I have had these blood clots. I have had no pain in my leg, only a little swelling below the knee and some redness. I had this condition for quite some time, and thought it was related to something else. But since it wasn’t improving, I asked my doctor about it last Tuesday. He did not think it was anything serious, but ordered an Ultra Sound test on my leg just to be safe. I had that run last Thursday. That’s when my situation was discovered. The doctor was as surprised as much as I was. Anyway… We caught it and we’re working on it.

I hope you have a good week. Remember to slow down and be safe at whatever you are doing. You don’t want to have a mishap right before Thanksgiving. You might miss a good meal.

 

~~~

Tennessee Granddaddy Says:
I’ve been looking forward to this week. It’s Thanksgiving week. It’s a good time to count our blessings and demonstrate our gratitude.

~~~

Quote of the Day
God gave you a gift of 86,400 seconds today. 
Have you used one to say "thank you?" 
~William A. Ward

~~~
Joke of the Day

A young man named Jon received a parrot as a gift. The parrot had a bad attitude and an even worse vocabulary. Every word out of the bird's mouth was rude, obnoxious and laced with profanity. Jon tried and tried to change the bird's attitude by consistently saying only polite words, playing soft music and anything else he could think of to "clean up" the bird's vocabulary.

Finally Jon was fed up and he yelled at the parrot. The parrot yelled back. Jon shook the parrot and the parrot got even angrier and more rude. Jon in desperation, threw up his hands and grabbed the bird and put him in the freezer.

For a few minutes the parrot squawked and kicked and screamed.

Then, suddenly there was total quiet, not a peep was heard. Fearing that he had hurt the parrot, Jon quickly opened the door to the freezer.

The parrot calmly stepped out onto Jon's outstretched arm and said "I believe I may have offended you with my rude language and actions. I am sincerely remorseful for any inappropriate transgressions. I fully intend to do everything I can do to correct my rude and unforgivable behavior".

Jon was stunned at the change in the bird's attitude. He was about to ask the parrot why he had made such a dramatic change in his behavior, but the bird continued... "May I ask what the turkey did?"

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Thanksgiving Safety

As we prepare for the Thanksgiving holiday next week, it would be good for all us to remember practice safety whatever we are doing. We could ruin a wonderful holiday by a little carelessness.

Be Safe at Home or on the Road
When you are driving, drive defensively and slow down. It’s always better to be late than to have an accident.

Here’s a 2 minute video to remind you of safety tips while you are in the kitchen at Thanksgiving, or anytime.

During the holidays we often get excited, but we need to be extra careful, slow down, think clearly, and plan ahead so that we do not have a mishap. I hope you have a wonderful Thanksgiving week and that you and all your loved ones have a wonderful time.

Insurance Issues Settled
Four days after we received a letter from Nationwide telling us they were cancelling our homeowners insurance, our agent finally called. This was to tell us they would continue our policy if we had a certified plumber perform an inspection of our home to verify it being in good condition and if we would increase our deductible.

I was pleased to tell the agency that we did not need insurance with them after Nov. 30, and the new insurance we were getting would save us $1,600 a year. On homeowners insurance, we got better coverage at about 1/3 the cost of Nationwide.

Some have been asking about who our new insurer will be. I am glad to say it is Erie Insurance. I suggest you give them a call if they operate in your state. If you live in Tennessee, send me a note and I can give you the name of the local agent. Erie is much less expensive, especially on homeowners, because they only operate in 11 “chosen” states.

 

~~~

Tennessee Granddaddy Says:
If you don't stand for something,
you will fall for just about anything.

~~~

Quote of the Day

Character is doing the right thing when nobody's looking.  There are too many people who think that the only thing that's right is to get by, and the only thing that's wrong is to get caught. 
~J.C. Watts

~~~
Joke of the Day

County Police officers still write their reports by hand, and the data is entered later by a computer tech into their database. One theft report stated that a farmer had lost 2,025 pigs.

Thinking that to be an error, the tech called the farmer directly.

“Is it true Mr. (Smith) that you lost 2,025 pigs?” she asked.
“Yeth.” lisped the farmer.

Being a Howard County girl herself, the tech entered:

“Subject lost 2 sows and 25 pigs.”

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Sportsmanship

The Ultimate
I have heard this story before, but this is a new movie clip that does a great job of describing perhaps the greatest display of sportsmanship ever demonstrated. I hope you can watch this.

Click here to -> Watch Video.

I think that is a wonderful story. Can you believe that this is true. Yes, it really happened. I sure both teams went to bed on soft pillows that night.

There is no better feeling in the world than what you get from doing the right thing! Do good today!

Happy Birthday Greetings to Sylvia 
Sylvia is having a birthday today! I hope she has a  wonderful day. She deserves it.

We’re looking forward to seeing Sylvia, Mandy and Alex for Thanksgiving next week.

(Sylvia was our son Greg’s wife. Greg was killed in an automobile accident in 1983. Mandy, our Granddaughter, is Sylvia and Greg’s daughter. Alex is Mandy’s husband.)

No Fishing Today
I was planning on going fishing today, but my plans got changed due to another health issue. I found out yesterday, to my surprise (and my doctor’s surprise), that I have blood clots in my left leg. So I’ve had to slow down a bit. I’m giving myself 2 shots a day of Lovenox and I’m taking Coumadin to work on these clots. I’m keeping this leg elevated and taking it easy as I write my blog. It will keep my away from the gym, out of the boat, and away from those leaves in the yard, so it could be worse. Other than that, things will be petty much normal for me. Ah, the golden years.

 

~~~

Tennessee Granddaddy Says:
The wise man said,
“I have often regretted my speech, never my silence”.

~~~

Quote of the Day

Instead of complaining that the rosebush is full of thorns, be happy that the thorn bush has roses.  ~Proverb

~~~
Joke of the Day

A firefighter is working outside the station when he notices a little girl in a little red wagon with small ladders on the sides, a garden hose coiled in the middle, and wearing a firefighter's helmet. The wagon is being pulled by her dog and her cat.

The firefighter takes a closer look. "That sure is a nice fire-truck," the fire fighter says with high regard.

Thanks," says girl says!

The firefighter notices the girl has tied the wagon to her dog's collar and to the cat's tail.

"Little lady," the firefighter says, "I don't want to tell you how to run your rig, but if you were to tie that rope around the cat's collar, I think you could go faster."

The little girl replies thoughtfully, "You're probably right, but...then I wouldn't have a siren!

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A Week Away! Turkey Day!

Thanksgiving 2009
Next week is Turkey Day! We’re getting all excited. We’re getting anxious for all the fun when we get the gang together!

Bethany will be arriving on Tuesday. Then we expect Mandy & Alex, and Sylvia & Brent on Wednesday night. Dad and Mary and all the others get here on Thursday morning. Jade will not be able to come “home” for Thanksgiving, BUT she will be here for Christmas! We’re excited about that also!

Cooking?
If you are like lots of people you may be doing a lot of cooking this time of the year. Do you need any recipes? If you do the following may help you. It’s the 50+ Friends Cookbook.

While the cookbook is not currently being update, it is currently filled with hundreds of recipes for just about anything. You might want to give it a whirl.

Gift Ideas?
Christmas is just around the corner, and we have lots of birthdays in the fall and winter seasons. So, I was just wondering if you have any great gift ideas you would like to share with Tennessee Granddaddy. If you do send me an email, or put them in a comment to this blog. Thanks!

 

 

~~~

Tennessee Granddaddy Says:
They say that an expert is someone who knows more and more about less and less, until eventually he knows everything about nothing.

~~~

Quote of the Day

Empty pockets never held anyone back. 
Only empty heads and empty hearts can do that.
~ Norman Vincent Peale

~~~
Joke of the Day

Three preachers are a boat far from land. They decide they are going to confess their shortcomings.

One asks another, 'What is something that you have a problem with?'

The first one says, 'Well, I have a problem with alcohol. I like to take to the bottle sometimes.'

The second one says, 'Well, I have a problem with lust. I have wrong desires and lust after money.'

One of the others asks the third one, 'Well, what is something that you have a problem with?'

The third preacher replies, 'Gossip, and I can't wait to get back to shore!'

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A Driving Lesson

The following article was in the Knoxville News-Sentinel last week. Read it for a good lesson on driving. It’s a little long, but I think it’s worth your time.

CITIZEN’S VOICE
A driving lesson that will last
DR. ROBERT GIBSON

   The gold Camry sat in my blind spot, and its driver refused to slow down or speed up. I was traveling in the right lane on the Pellissippi Parkway between Knoxville and Oak Ridge near the Hardin Valley exit, and I was in a hurry to get to work.
     But gold Camry had me boxed in behind an 18-wheeler going 40 miles per hour. I was going nowhere, with gold Camry on my left rear bumper, blind to my growing frustration. Why won’t this guy pass and let me move over?
    I mashed the accelerator, planning to bolt ahead of the gold Camry and then make a quick move to the left. It didn’t work. Gold Camry accelerated, too, making my aggressive move too risky. I was pinned behind the 18-wheeler.
     My frustration boiled over to anger. As the Camry’s front bumper drew parallel to my driver’s side window, I debated how I might transmit my anger. Shake my fist? Mouth some nasty words as he crept by? Maybe ride his back bumper all the way to Oak Ridge?
    Gold Camry was interfering with progress, and I wanted him know it.
    His front door drew even with mine, and I glanced over with a scowl. I saw a middle-aged man lost in thought. He gripped the wheel in 10-2 position, just like I had learned in driver’s education class.
    I was certain that he would return my glance with an air of superiority. Instead, he kept his eyes on the road, straight ahead, as if I wasn’t even there.
    The 18-wheeler was less than 10 yards ahead; I strained to anticipate the exact moment that the Camry’s back bumper would clear my front bumper. At that instant, I would whip into the left lane, using the maneuver as an obvious message to Gold Camry: Get out of my way, jerk!
    Then, as the gold Camry crept past me, I read its license plate: “SON KIA.”
    Killed in action. Shame crept over me as I comprehended what I had already begun to suspect: Gold Camry wasn’t boxing me in intentionally. And even if he were, what was the value of my few minutes of lost time in comparison to what he had lost?
    I slowed down, letting the gold Camry fade into the distance. Work seemed less important now.
    Since that day, I have often wondered why the driver of the gold Camry chose to put those letters on his license plate. Maybe they reminded him of something he didn’t want to forget, no matter how painful the memory.
    Maybe he wanted other drivers to acknowledge what he and his son had sacrificed for their country. Or maybe he wanted everyone to remember the gravity of war which, as American writer Paul Fussell reminds us, “acts in ways that ask to be imagined before they are condemned.”
    Whatever his intent, the words that I wished to say so emphatically to the driver of the gold Camry changed in an instant.
    I hope the man driving the gold Camry reads this. I want him to know that we met one day on the Pellissippi Parkway, and I was made better by that meeting. I’m sorry, sir. Thank you for your son.

 

~~~

Tennessee Granddaddy Says:
Don't let what you can't do
interfere with what you can do.

~~~

Quote of the Day

It might be more worthwhile if we stopped wringing our hands and started ringing our congressmen.
~Author Unknown

~~~
Joke of the Day

Two country truck drivers are barreling along when they come up to a low bridge.

A sign says, "Clearance: 11"2'." So they get out, measure their truck, and realize that it's 11"6'.

So the first GUY looks at the second GUY and says, "I don't see any cops around....let's go for it!"

(Dumber than dumb… Perhaps in earlier days, these two guys played football at the University of Tennessee before being kicked off the team some stupid crime.)

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Thank You, Nationwide!

Checking Around 
As you know from yesterday’s post, Nationwide Insurance is cancelling my homeowners policy. I found out today that I can save approximately $1,500 a year by moving all my coverage to another company. I told Kevin, and he said I should send Nationwide a “Thank You” card. Better still, take the local agent a fruit basket with a Thank You Card and let them know we appreciate their cancellation letter because it will save us $1,500 a year!!! Would that be mean or what?

Lesson learned: You should check around every few years and look for better insurance rates!

Good Medical Program
I found a symptom checker program at the Mayo Clinic website that might be useful. You check boxes that describe your symptoms and the program can make educated “guesses” at the cause(s) of the problem. I tried it on a little issue I have going on, and found it very interesting. Try it at the following link”

Mayo Clinic Symptom Checker

Do You Trust the Government?
One of my friends sent me this picture the other day. I don’t know the gentleman holding this sign, but I sort of understand his feelings. I just wonder where all this is heading…

I guess I would feel better if we were trying to fix what was already broken and broke, before heading down new paths of uncertainty.

  

~~~

Tennessee Granddaddy Says:
God asks about our availability, not our ability.

~~~

Quote of the Day

Clean your finger before you point at my spots.
~ Benjamin Franklin

~~~
Joke of the Day

Jose and Carlos are both beggars. They beg in different areas of Atlanta . Carlos begs for the same amount of time as Jose, but only collects about eight or nine dollars a day. Jose brings home a suitcase full of ten dollar bills every day. He drives a Mercedes, lives in a mortgage free house, and has a lot of money to spend.

"Hey, amigo," Carlos says to Jose, "I work just as long and hard as you, so how you bring home a suitcase full of ten dollar bills every day?

Jose says, "Look at your sign, what does it say?"

Carlos' sign reads: "No work.. Wife and six kids to support."

'What wrong with that?" Carlos asks him.

"No wonder you only get eight or nine dollars a day!"

Carlos says, "OK, what your sign say?"

Jose says, "It reads, "Going Back To Mexico -- Only Need $10."

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Nationwide Insurance, Bad Move!

Our Homeowners Policy Cancelled!
The letter we received last Saturday started like this…

“We sincerely regret we are unable to continue your Homeowners insurance protection.” It went on to say our policy would expire at 12:01 AM on December 14, 2009. The reason quoted was because of two claims made within the past 3 years.

We currently have the following insurance policies with Nationwide Insurance:

• Homeowners
• Two Automobiles
• A Pontoon Boat
• Umbrella Policy 

We have been with Nationwide since 1965. So we have been a customer for over 44 years! Now they cancel our Homeowners Policy. Can you believe such action? Do they not care about long term customers and bad publicity?

Their company logo says, “On Your Side”… I think that should be changed to:

NATIONWIDE
Not On Your Side

You know what I will be doing today… getting estimates so I can change all of my insurance to another company or companies. Too bad, Nationwide, you lost a loyal customer of 44 years!

 

~~~

Tennessee Granddaddy Says:
Even a stopped clock is right twice a day.

~~~

Quote of the Day

The beauty of the second amendment is that it will not be needed until they try to take it.
~ Thomas Jefferson

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Joke of the Day

A couple of young boys were fishing at their special pond off the beaten track. All of a sudden, the Game Warden jumped out of the bushes.

Immediately, one of the boys threw his rod down and started running through the woods like a maniac. The Game Warden was hot on his heels.

After about a half mile, the young man stopped and stooped over with his hands on his thighs to catch his breath, so the Game Warden finally caught up to him. "Let's see yer fishin' license, Boy!" the Warden gasped.

With that, the boy pulled out his wallet and gave the Game Warden a valid fishing license.

"Well, son," said the Game Warden, "you must be about as dumb as a box of rocks! You don't have to run from me if you have a valid license!"

"Yes, sir," replied the young guy, "but my friend back there, well, he don't have one."

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Cell Phone Vs. Bible

Makes You Think
I received the following a few days ago and thought I would share with you.

Ever wonder what would happen if we treated our Bible like we treat  our cell phone?

1. What if we carried  it around in our purses or pockets?
2. What if we flipped  through it several times a day?
3. What if we turned  back to go get it if we forgot it?
4. What if we used it to receive messages from the text?
5. What if we treated it like we couldn't live without it?
6. What if we gave it to Kids as gifts?
7. What if we used it when we traveled?
8. What if we used it in case of emergency?

This is something  to make you go..... hmm...... where is your Bible?

Oh, and one more thing. Unlike our cell phone, we don't have to worry about our Bible being disconnected because Jesus already paid the bill. And no dropped calls!

Makes us stop and think about our priorities.

I hope you have a wonderful weekend!

  

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Tennessee Granddaddy Says:
When you lose, don't lose the lesson. When you trip, pay attention to the cause not where you fall.

~~~

Quote of the Day

Truth, like gold, is to be obtained not by its growth, but by washing away from it all that is not gold.
~Leo Tolstoy

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Joke of the Day

Barrack Obama and Sarah Palin were sitting by each other on a plane. Obama thinking Palin was an Alaskan redneck thought he could make some easy money by tricking her into playing a game.

He told her," If I ask you a question, and you don't know it, then you pay me five dollars. If I don't know one of your questions, I'll pay you FIVE HUNDRED dollars.

Palin agreed and Obama began the game by asking, "How many miles is it from the Sun to Jupiter?"

Not knowing Palin paid him five dollars.

Then Palin asked Obama," What goes up a hill with three legs and comes down with four?

After long hours of researching and consulting everyone he knew... he finally gave up and paid the five hundred dollars to Palin.

Then Obama asked, "So...what's the answer. What goes up the hill with three legs and comes down with four?

Palin handed him five dollars. :)

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Infinite Photograph

National Geographic
This picture below was copied from the National Geographic website. If you click on the picture below it will take you to an infinite photograph. Just move the yellow square to any place in the picture and click… then keep clicking to dive deeper into the photograph which is based on hundreds of photo from the earth around us. This is fun. Try it.

Friday the 13th
Friday the 13th came on Friday this month. This is very unusual. Be extra careful today. They say this can either be a day of bad luck or good luck. I looking for some good luck, how about you? Read more about Friday the 13th:

1. Wikipedia on Friday the 13th
2. Origins, History and Folklore
3. How Friday the 13th Works

 

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Tennessee Granddaddy Says:
A faithful saying:
The future lies before you,
like paths of pure white snow. 
Be careful how you tread it,
for every step will show.

~~~

Quote of the Day
Time goes, you say?  Ah no!
Alas, Time stays, we go.
~Henry Austin Dobson

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Joke of the Day

Honorable Secretary of Agriculture
Washington, D.C.

Dear Sir;

My friend, Ed Peterson, over at Wells Iowa, received a check for $1,000 from the government for not raising hogs. So, I want to go into the "not raising hogs" business next year.

What I want to know is, in your opinion, what is the best kind of farm not to raise hogs on, and what is the best breed of hogs not to raise? I want to be sure that I approach this endeavor in keeping with all governmental policies. I would prefer not to raise razorbacks, but if that is not a good breed not to raise, then I will just as gladly not raise Yorkshires or Durocs.

As I see it, the hardest part of this program will be in keeping an accurate inventory of how many hogs I haven't raised. My friend, Peterson, is very joyful about the future of the business. He has been raising hogs for twenty years or so, and the best he ever made on them was $422 in 1968, until this year when he got your check for $1000 for not raising hogs.

If I get $1000 for not raising 50 hogs, will I get $2000 for not raising 100 hogs? I plan to operate on a small scale at first, holding myself down to about 4000 hogs not raised, which will mean about $80,000 the first year. Then I can afford an airplane.

Now another thing, these hogs I will not raise will not eat 100,000 bushels of corn. I understand that you also pay farmers for not raising corn and wheat. Will I qualify for payments for not raising wheat and corn not to feed the 4000 hogs I am not going to raise?
Also, I am considering the "not milking cows" business, so send me any information you have on that too.

In view of these circumstances, you understand that I will be totally unemployed and plan to file for unemployment and food stamps.
Be assured you will have my vote in the coming election.

Sincerely Yours,

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Turkey Day is on the Horizon

Only Two Weeks Away!
Can you believe it? Thanksgiving is only 2 weeks away! We’re expecting a big day here at the Kingsport White House. Preparation is underway for a great feast and a great time. It’s tradition at its finest.

We bought the big bird last week. He’s resting quietly in the freezer until Thanksgiving week.

Grandmother started making the Chex Mix this week, and will begin baking cakes this weekend. So, things are headed in the right direction for another great Thanksgiving.

I’m looking forward to seeing all the family, hearing their laughter, feeling their kisses and hugs, smelling the aromas of Thanksgiving, and tasting the wholesome food.

We have one strange tradition about telling the Soup Joke, I wonder who will tell it this year? It all started with Mandy many years ago. Here’s the joke:

A man goes into a restaurant and orders a bowl of soup. A few minutes after being served his soup, his waiter notices the man waiving furiously at him and immediately goes over to help him.

"Waiter .... taste my soup," says the man.

"Oh, my," says the waiter, "is it cold? If so, I'll get you a fresh bowl."

"Waiter, no, just ... taste my soup," repeats the man.

"Is there a fly in it? If so, I'll get you a new bowl," says the waiter.

"Waiter ... just TASTE the soup," insists the man.

"Did I bring you the wrong type of soup? I can get you whatever you'd like," says the waiter.

"Waiter, for goodness sake, just taste the soup," pleads the man.

"Ok ... ok. I'll taste the soup. Where's your spoon?"

"Ach-ah!"

 

~~~

Tennessee Granddaddy Says:
The only true way to predict your future
is to create it. Have worthy goals and strive onward.

~~~

Quote of the Day

We speak little if not egged on by vanity.
~François de la Rochefoucauld

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Joke of the Day

One day a preacher went out to buy a horse, so he went to the man's house who was selling the horse. The man said this horse has been around a lot of Christians so he doesn't respond to regular commands he only responds to commands "Praise the Lord" to go and "Amen" to stop.

So the man was riding home and the horse was running towards a cliff then the preacher yells woe! woe! Then he remembered just in time and he yells “Amen!”… so the horse stops right at the edge of the cliff. The relieved preacher wipes his brow and says, “Praise the Lord”.

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