Tennessee Granddaddy

The Day After

2009-12-26T05:16:00.000-05:00

It’ll be a Big Mess
Don’t you know it will be a big mess today when the stores open. I hope I can stay home. But we’ll be out a little, as Kara has a basketball game this morning. We also plan to visit our dear friend, Celia, who has been ill for the past few weeks.

We’re enjoying our time with Jade. Tomorrow we’re having a potluck supper so all our church friends can visit with Jade while she is home for Christmas.

I hope all of you had a wonderful Christmas. Now we have the New Year to look forward to. Just think 2010 is almost here. What will you call it?

Two Thousand and Ten
Twenty Hundred and Ten
Y2K Plus 10
Twenty Ten
Or something else?

I like calling the new year Twenty Ten.

~~~

Tennessee Granddaddy Says:
Well, I guess by now half the toys are broken, and people are lined up at the stores to return things that didn’t fit, were the wrong color, broken, or they didn’t like. My advice to you, stay about from malls and stores for the next few days.

~~~

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

One day a teacher read Chicken Little to her class of 1st graders. When she got to the part where chicken little told the farmer “the sky is falling”, the teacher stopped. And then she asked the class "What do you think the farmer said when chicken little told him the sky was falling?"

A little blond girl says "I think he said ‘HOLY COW!!! A TALKING CHICKEN!!!’"

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Christmas Day 2009

2009-12-25T04:58:00.000-05:00

Santa Did It Again
It seems impossible for a chubby old man in a sleigh pulled by flying reindeer could travel around the whole world and deliver toys and good cheer to all the children… but he did it again.

I still believe in Santa Claus. Don’t you?

Singing Santa & Reindeers
Here’s a cute flash movie of Santa and the Reindeer singing White Christmas. Just click on the following picture.

Pictures
Here are some pictures from Christmas Eve. We had a great time. Kara loves her new cell phone, and Zachary was wild about the Star Wars Lego set. We were glad Jade was with us.

~~~

Tennessee Granddaddy Says:

Give old Santa one day a year.
But put Jesus first every day of the year.

Isn’t it wonderful to give a gift.
It’s better to be on the giving end,
than on the receiving end of things.
Don’t you think?

~~~

Quote of the Day

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

~~~
Joke of the Day

After some deliberation I've decided to think generous this Christmas and so I'm going to give each member of my family a check for $1,000.

I haven't actually got any money in my account, but they do say it's the thought that counts.

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It’s Christmas Eve

2009-12-24T05:30:00.000-05:00

Gifts tonight for the Grandkids
Tonight’s the night Kevin, Lesley, Kara, and Zachary come over for Christmas Eve snacks and Christmas gifts. It’s true joy that to see your grandkids tear into a wrapped Christmas gift with a gleam in their eye and watch their expression and excitement. Oh what fun!

We’ll miss having the rest of our family with us, but we did enjoy a wonderful Thanksgiving with them.

Do you remember much about Christmas when you were growing up? Do remember shaking gifts and trying to guess what they were? Do you remember those packages coming from a relative by the postman? Do you remember the bowl of nuts with the nutcracker and those little prong things to help you retrieve the nuts? Do you remember those red, green and white Christmas cookies in the shapes of Christmas? Did you remember putting out cookies and a Coke for Santa to enjoy after he delivered your toys? Do you remember Perry Como, Bing Crosby and the others singing the Christmas songs? Do you remember when Santa only had eight reindeer? Remember when Rudolf the Red Nose Reindeer was “invented”? Well, I sure do!

I hope you have a very Merry Christmas that’s filled with the warmth of love and happiness. I hope your giving to others has warmed many a heart, including your own.

~~~

Tennessee Granddaddy Says:

It’s Christmas Eve.
I hope the Grinch did not steal your Christmas.
If you have love in your heart he did not,
so you can relax.

~~~

Quote of the Day
Remember
This December,
That love weighs more than gold!
~Josephine Dodge Daskam Bacon

~~~
Joke of the Day

A lady is walking down the street to work and she sees a parrot in a pet store. The parrot says to her, "Hey lady, you are really ugly."

Well, the lady is furious! And she storms past the store to her work. On the way home she saw the same parrot in the window and the parrot said to her, "Hey lady, you are really ugly." Well, she was incredibly ticked now.

The next day see saw the same parrot and the parrot said to her, "Hey lady, you are really ugly." The lady was so ticked that she went into the store and said that she would sue the store and kill the bird.

The store manager said, "That's not good." and promised he wouldn't say it again.

When the lady walked past the store after work the parrot said to her,"Hey lady." She paused and said, "Yes?" and the bird said, "You know."

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Let Them Know

2009-12-23T10:46:00.001-05:00

Contact the White House
I just did something I had never done before. I contacted the White House in Washington, DC with my comments about the Health Care bill and how it has been handled. I mentioned the Nebraska deal which should make each of us a little sick to our stomachs, among other things. I feel better now that I got it off my chest. You may want to contact them yourself.

Contact the White House

My normal post for today is right below this one.

Christmas Lights

2009-12-23T05:31:00.000-05:00

Amazing!
A few days ago we were driving to watch Kara’s basketball team play a game across town… and we found the ultimate Christmas decorations on a home and lawn. It’s a classic at the corner of JB Dennis Highway and Bloomingdale Pike in Kingsport, TN. These people have been putting up the decorations for years… and they even encourage you to drive up their driveway to get a better view. We talked to the daughter briefly, and she said it takes them three full weeks to set everything up. I took a few pictures, but it does not do justice the length, breadth, and detail of this Christmas time exhibit.

(You may click on the pictures for a larger view.)

~~~

Tennessee Granddaddy Says:
Bah Humbug!

Just kidding, I don’t really mean that.
Enjoy the season and be thankful.

~~~

Quote of the Day

It is Christmas in the heart that puts
Christmas in the air.
~W.T. Ellis

~~~
Joke of the Day

A man is waking up after surgery, his wife sitting by his side. His eyes flutter open and he says. "You're beautiful," before falling asleep again.

A few minutes later his eyes flutter open again and he says, "You're cute!"

His wife is slightly taken aback and says, "Cute? What happened to beautiful?"

The man replies, "The drugs are wearing off."

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From My Cell Phone

2009-12-22T14:45:00.001-05:00

The following picture was posted from my cell phone while I was in Knoxville, Tennessee this afternoon. The picture was taken with my phone and then transferred directly to this Blog. Dad was excited by this technology, an may be getting a new cell phone soon.

My regular post for today follows…

Another Gem Today, Jade

2009-12-22T05:38:00.000-05:00

Jade Arrives Today
We’re excited about the arrival of Jade today. She’ll be spending most of her Christmas vacation with us in her Tennessee “home”. We’ll be picking her up at the airport later today. Needless to say we are excited about seeing her and having her home again.

If you don’t remember Jade, she was an Vietnam exchange student who lived with us during her senior high school year at Sullivan south High School. She is now enrolled in college in one of the western states. We delighted she chooses to come “home” to be with us at Christmas time! She has lots of friends here, and we’ll be busy visiting others and having them here during the holidays. They will all want to see Jade!

~~~

Tennessee Granddaddy Says:

Welcome Home, Jade!

Global Warming Protest
The main steam media did not report on this event. I even have a picture of hundreds protesting against global warming.

~~~

Quote of the Day

He who has not Christmas in his heart
will never find it under a tree.
~Roy L. Smith

~~~
Joke of the Day

A blonde is out of money so she decided to kidnap a kid and hold him for ransom just like in the movies.

She went to the play ground and randomly grabbed a kid and told him I’ve kidnapped you.

She then wrote a note saying I’ve kidnapped your kid. Tomorrow morning leave ten grand under the oak tree in the playground. Signed a naughty blonde.

Then the blonde pinned the note to the kids shirt and sent him home to show his parents.

So the next morning the blonde checked under the tree. And sure enough the money was there in a bag with a note that said how could you do this to a fellow blonde?

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Gems Today, For Help Tomorrow

2009-12-21T05:29:00.000-05:00

Madrid, Spain
Someone recently sent me some “gems” from one of our church conventions in Madrid, Spain. I selected a few to share with you this morning. They might help get you week off to a good start with the right focus.

Alone with God ... no opportunity of comparing self with others!
One meaning of INTEGRITY: One who cannot be corrupted.
Daniel would rather face the roar of the lions than a silent God.
Enthusiasm is no substitute for true depth.
Submission in the eyes of the world is weakness; in the sight of God it is a strong point that is of great value.
In a storm the sail needs to be set again and again, making use of the same wind that can destroy the vessel to the maximum advantage. We need to change our attitude again and again in order to get through the storms of life.

~~~

Tennessee Granddaddy Says:
It’s Christmas Week.
A beautiful time of the year.
A time of cheer.
Think, think! What should we seek?

Do you have a wish?
Is is something you hold dear?
Let’s hope it is something that is lasting,
and that cannot be wrapped
in colorful paper with a big bow.

~~~

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

Teacher: Jimmy, let’s say your dad has 10 dollars, and you ask for 4 dollars, How many dollars does your dad have left.

Jimmy: 10 dollars

Teacher: No. you don’t know your math.

Jimmy: No, you don’t know my Dad.

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Snow in Kingsport

2009-12-19T11:14:00.001-05:00

A Special Post this Saturday Morning to let you see what we have. Here’s a couple of pictures from the back window (see below).

And we have surprise guests. My cousin John White and his wife Beverli were on their way to Johnson City yesterday. They were planning on going to their daughter’s graduation at ETSU this afternoon. It took them about 8 hours to drive from Knoxville to the Tri-Cities. We got in touch with them while they were stranded on I81, but eventually they were able to get to our house around 11:30 last night. When they arrived they were cold and hungry. We were delighted to give them some hot coffee, some soup and sandwiches, and a warm bed last night.

We’ve had a wonderful visit. Things are looking up weather wise, and they are planning to go to the graduation ceremony this afternoon.

Fishing Tackle Replacement

2009-12-19T05:37:00.000-05:00

I’ve Started Slowly
Even though I have not received any money from my insurance claim to Nationwide Insurance, I have made a start in replacing my stolen fishing equipment.

Want to guess what was my first purchase? I was in Wal-Mart last week and i bought a fish stringer. It was exactly like one of the two that I lost, but they only had one so I grabbed it. Dad told me that was optimism to buy the fish stringer first.

The second thing I bought was a tackle box. I got one that is very much like one of those I lost. I bought it a Bass Pro this past week using a gift card and a money from Kevin and Beverly. I also have a Cabela’s gift card that Bethany gave me.

Now I’m in a holding stage until Nationwide pays off. In the meantime I’m making lists of what can be bought locally and what must be ordered. Most of my purchases will be online with Bass Pro, Cabela’s, Jann’s Netcraft, and Monk’s Crappie.com.

~~~

Tennessee Granddaddy Says:
Time is our opportunity.
Time can be wasted, like anything.
If time is not used it will be lost forever.
There is no recycling plan for wasted time.

~~~

Quote of the Day
Delay is preferable to error.
~ Thomas Jefferson

~~~
Joke of the Day

it is near Christmas break of the school year. The students have turned in all their work and there is really nothing more to do. All the children are restless and the teacher decides to have an early dismissal.

Teacher: Whomever answers the questions I ask first and correctly can leave early today. Little Johnny says to himself good, I want to get outta here. I'm smart and will answer the question.

Teacher: Who said four score and seven years ago. Before Johnny opens his mouth, Susie yells Abraham Lincoln, teacher: That’s right Susie, you can go home. Johnny is mad Susie answered the first question.

Teacher: Who had a dream? Before Johnny opens his mouth, Mary says Martin Luther King. Teacher: That’s right you can go. Johnny is madder than before.

Teacher: Who said ask not what your country can do for you. Before Johnny can open his mouth, Nancy says John F. Kennedy. Teacher: That’s right Nancy. You can go.

Johnny is boiling mad that he has not been able to answer any questions. When the teacher turns back Johnny says: I wish these girls would keep their mouths shut!

The teacher turns around and asks, “Who said that?”

Johnny says, “Tiger Woods. Can i go home now?”

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Live and Learn

2009-12-18T05:15:00.000-05:00

Japanese Addresses
The following video was very interesting. I was in Japan for about a week some years ago and never knew how they handled addresses and location. It is the opposite of how we do things in the USA. I think you’ll find this interesting and educational.

Now, after you watched the video, you may be like me… I am wondering how a GPS device would work for driving instructions?

Global Warming
There may be something true about global warming. I think this picture shows a possible cause.

Thanks to dk

~~~

Tennessee Granddaddy Says:
Any job worth doing should be done to the best of our ability. If we do shoddy work it does no honor to our Creator or to the time of our endeavor.

~~~

Quote of the Day
The strongest reason for the people to retain the right to keep and bear arms is, as a last resort, to protect themselves against tyranny in government.
~ Thomas Jefferson

~~~
Joke of the Day

A young ventriloquist is touring the clubs and one night he's doing a show in a small town in Arkansas. With his dummy on his knee, he starts going through his usual dumb blonde jokes.

A blonde in the 4th row stands on her chair and starts shouting: "I've heard enough of your stupid blonde jokes. What makes you think you can stereotype women that way? What does the color of a person's hair have to do with her worth as a human being? It's guys like you who keep women like me from being respected at work and in the community and from reaching our full potential as a person. Because you and your kind continue to perpetuate discrimination against not only blondes, but women in general, and all in the name of humor!"

The embarrassed ventriloquist begins to apologize.

But the blonde yells, "You stay out of this, mister! I'm talking to that little idiot on your knee."

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The Only Zeppelin in the US

2009-12-17T05:14:00.000-05:00

Photo Gallery
Bernard Zee had a unique opportunity to ride in and photograph the only Zeppelin in the United States. A Zeppelin is a rigid airship. See Wikipedia.

Click on the picture below to see Bernard’s photos of what was a most interesting event.

Photo by Bernard Zee

Maybe someday we’ll be riding around in these airships.

Another Blog in the Family
I am delighted to tell you that my sister has started a new blog. It promises to be most interesting. It’s named:

Let’s Live and Learn Together

Check it out. I think you will enjoy checking in on Mary to see what she has to say.

~~~

Tennessee Granddaddy Says:
What power does a sincere smile have?
It promotes peace, shows love and kindness,
shows inner happiness, makes other people smile,
it says “I care about you”, etc.

~~~

Quote of the Day
I predict future happiness for Americans if they can prevent the government from wasting the labors of the people under the pretense of taking care of them.
~ Thomas Jefferson

~~~
Joke of the Day

Three blondes were all applying for the last available position on the Texas Highway Patrol The detective conducting the interview looked at the three of them and said, "So y'all want to be cops, huh?"

The blondes all nodded The detective got up, opened a file drawer and pulled out a folder. Sitting back down, he opened it and pulled out a picture, and said, "To be a detective, you have to be able to detect. You must be able to notice things such as distinguishing features and oddities, such as scars and so forth."

So saying, he stuck the photo in the face of the first blonde and withdrew it after about two seconds."Now," he said, "did you notice any distinguishing features about this man ?" The blonde immediately said, "Yes, I did. He has only one eye!" The detective shook his head and said, "Of course he has only one eye in this picture! It's a profile of his face! You're dismissed!" The first blonde hung her head and walked out of the office.

The detective then turned to the second blonde, stuck the photo in her face for two seconds, pulled it back and said, "What about you? Notice anything unusual or outstanding about this man?""Yes! He only has one ear!" The detective put his head in his hands and exclaimed, "Didn't you hear what I just told the other lady? This is a profile of the man's face! Of course you can only see one ear!! You're excused too!" The second blonde sheepishly walked out of the office.

The detective turned his attention to the third and last blonde and said, "This is probably a waste of time, but..." He flashed the photo in her face for a couple of seconds and withdrew it, saying, "All right, did you notice anything distinguishing or unusual about this man?" The blonde said, "I sure did. This man wears contact lenses." The detective frowned, took another look at the picture and began looking at some of the papers in the folder He looked up at the blonde with a puzzled _expression and said, "You're absolutely right! His bio says he wears contacts! How in the world could you tell that by looking at his picture?" The blonde rolled her eyes and said, "Well, Helloooo! With only one eye and one ear, he certainly can't wear glasses.”

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Old but Always Funny

2009-12-16T05:29:00.000-05:00

Who’s On First
This is a typographical version of the old skit by Abbott and Costello. I never tire of listening to this. It is truly a classic. it will make you smile and chuckle a little.

If the video is not working, click here.
I hope you enjoyed that.

Tennessee Granddaddy’s Birthday
I had a wonderful birthday yesterday. It all started at 7 AM when Kevin and I drove to Bass Pro Shops. Of course we stopped at Cracker Barrel on the way. I used a gift card and money gift at Bass Pro to start buying replacement fishing tackle to what was stolen a few weeks ago.

The later yesterday we went to Red Lobster for my birthday supper, and then we had a big cookie and Marble Slab ice cream at our house. Here’s a few pictures taken on my 71st birthday.

Thanks to all by relatives and friends for all the birthday cards, phone calls, and emails wishing me a happy birthday. I appreciate each and every one!

~~~

Tennessee Granddaddy Says:
Choose good over bad,
better over good,
and best over better.
That brings a blessing.

~~~

Quote of the Day
The democracy will cease to exist when you
take away from those who are willing to work
and give to those who would not.
~ Thomas Jefferson

~~~
Joke of the Day

When Al Gore found out about the hacked email that indicated fraud in reporting data concerning global warming, he replied, “I wish I had never invented the internet.”

And…

Did you know that 4 out of 3 persons have trouble with fractions.

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28th Amendment

2009-12-15T05:21:00.000-05:00

New Amendment Proposed
At the present time there are 27 Amendments to the Constitution of the United States of America. A recent email I received has proposed a new amendment, the

28th Amendment:

Congress shall make no law that applies to the citizens of the United States that does not apply equally to the Senators or Representatives, and Congress shall make no law that applies to the Senators or Representatives that does not apply equally to the citizens of the United States.

“When the people fear their government,
there is tyranny; when the government fears the people, there is liberty.”
~ Thomas Jefferson

~~~

Tennessee Granddaddy Says:
Today is December 15. Seventy-One years ago today I was born on my Mother’s Birthday. My Mother was a very special person and I have missed her very much since her death in 1974.

~~~

Quote of the Day
I miss thee, my Mother! Thy image is still
The deepest impressed on my heart.
~Eliza Cook

~~~
Joke of the Day

A pretty little girl named Suzy was standing on the sidewalk in front of her home. Next to her was a basket containing a number tiny creatures; in her hand was a sign announcing FREE KITTENS.

Suddenly a line of big black cars pulled up beside her. Out of the lead car stepped a tall, grinning man. "Hi there, little girl, I'm President Obama. What do you have in the basket?" he asked.

"Baby kittens", little Suzy said.

"And what kind of kittens are they?"

"Democrats," answered Suzy with a smile.

Obama was delighted. As soon as he returned to his car, he called his PR chief and told him about the little girl and the kittens. Recognizing the perfect photo op, the two men agreed that the president should return the next day, and, in front of the assembled media, have the girl talk about her discerning kittens.

So the next day, Suzy was again standing on the sidewalk with her basket of "FREE KITTENS" when another motorcade pulled up, this time followed by vans from ABC, NBC, CBS and CNN.

Cameras and audio equipment were quickly set up, then Obama got out of his limo and walked over to little Suzy.

"Hello, again," he said, "Id love it if you would tell all my friends out there what kind of kittens you're giving away."

"Yes sir," Suzy said. "They're Republicans."

Taken by surprise, the president stammered, “But … yesterday, you told me they were DEMOCRATS.”

Little Suzy smiled and said, "I know. But today, they have their eyes open."

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About Writing in the Sand

2009-12-14T05:39:00.000-05:00

I received the following last week, and I thought you might enjoy this story.

Sand & Stone
Two friends were walking through the desert during some point of the journey, they had an argument; and one friend slapped the other one in the face the one who got slapped was hurt, but without saying anything, wrote in the sand:

“Today my best friend slapped me in the face”

They kept on walking, until they found an oasis, where they decided to take a bath. The one who had been slapped got stuck in the mire! And started drowning, but the friend saved him.

After he recovered from the near drowning, he wrote on a stone:

“Today my best friend saved my life”

The friend who had slapped and saved his best friend asked him, “After I hurt you, you wrote in the sand and now, you write on a stone, why?”

The friend replied, “When someone hurts us we should write it down in sand, where winds of forgiveness can erase it away.. But, when someone does something good for us, we must engrave it in stone where no wind can ever erase it.”

Learn to write your hurts in the sand and to carve your benefits in stone.

Paris, TN Convention Gems for 2009
I finally finished writing up my “gems” from the Paris Church Convention that was held back in October of this year. I have lot of excuses for being so tardy in reviewing my notes and writing them up, but I won’t bore you with all that. Going back through my notes brought back a lot of good things that we heard. You can download them from the following web page:

Convention Gems

~~~

Tennessee Granddaddy Says:
There will never be Peace on Earth because of the nature of man. But there can be Peace in Earth if we let God control our lives.

~~~

Quote of the Day

Life is like a coin.
You can spend it any way you wish,
but you only spend it once.
~Lillian Dickson

~~~
Joke of the Day

One day, an employee received an unusually large check. She decided not to say anything about it.

The following week, her check was for less that the normal amount, and she confronted her boss.

“How come,” the supervisor inquired, “you didn’t say anything when you were overpaid?”

Unperturbed, the employee replied, “Well, I can overlook one mistake – but not two in a row!”

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Noah’s Ark

2009-12-12T05:52:00.000-05:00

A good friend sent me this the other day. It contains some good advice for us…

You Can Learn a lot from Noah’s Ark

ONE: Don't miss the boat.

TWO: Remember that we are all in the same boat!

THREE: Plan ahead. It wasn't raining when Noah built the Ark.

FOUR: Stay fit. When you're 60 years old, someone may ask you to do something really big.

FIVE: Don't listen to critics; just get on with the job that needs to be done.

SIX: Build your future on high ground.

SEVEN: For safety's sake, travel in pairs.

EIGHT: Speed isn't always an advantage. The snails were on board with the cheetahs.

NINE: When you're stressed, float awhile.

TEN: Remember, the Ark was built by amateurs; the Titanic by professionals.

ELEVEN: No matter the storm, when you are with God, there's always a rainbow waiting.

~~~

Tennessee Granddaddy Says:
There are many people who walk in and out of your life, but there are some that leave footprints in your heart. Those are your true friends.

~~~

Quote of the Day
DO NOT VALUE THE THINGS
YOU HAVE IN YOUR LIFE, BUT VALUE
WHO YOU HAVE IN YOUR LIFE!
~ Unknown

~~~
Joke of the Day

Albert Einstein was once traveling from Princeton on a train when the conductor came down the aisle, punching the tickets of every passenger. When he came to Einstein, Einstein reached in his vest pocket. He couldn't find his ticket, so he reached in his trouser pockets.

It wasn't there, so he looked in his briefcase but couldn't find it. Then he looked in the seat beside him. He still couldn't find it. The conductor said, “Dr. Einstein, I know who you are. We all know who you are. I'm sure you bought a ticket. Don't worry about it.”

Einstein nodded appreciatively. The conductor continued down the aisle punching tickets. As he was ready to move to the next car, he turned around and saw the great physicist down on his hands and knees looking under his seat for his ticket.

The conductor rushed back and said, “Dr. Einstein, Dr. Einstein, don't worry, I know who you are. No problem. You don't need a ticket. I'm sure you bought one.”

Einstein looked at him and said, “Young man, I too, know who I am. What I don't know is where I'm going.”

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Let It Snow

2009-12-11T05:31:00.000-05:00

Snow… I love it!
Everyone doesn’t like snow. I was talking to a lady the other day when it was expected to snow. She told me she hated snow and sure wished it would not snow. Why? I wondered. I told her I love the snow and was like a kid when it snowed. And I asked her why she did not enjoy the snow. She told me she had lived in Minnesota for 20 years, and she had seen enough for several life times. So now I understood.

Here’s an interesting link about snow, snow flakes and snow crystals. Check it out: SnowCrystals.com. It have some very interesting pictures of snow flakes like the two shown below:

Let it snow!

Candy Making
Yesterday Beverly and Sharon made Peanut Butter Balls. They are delicious. Here’s a couple of pictures of the final product.

Here’s the recipe, in case you’re interested:

Peanut Butter Balls

1 Box........... Powdered Sugar
1 ½ Cup....... Creamy Peanut Butter
2 Sticks........ Margarine
1 Tsp........... Vanilla
18 oz...........Chocolate or butterscotch chips
½ Cake........ Paraffin wax

Mix with fingers (use disposable gloves) until the mixture holds together like dough. Roll into little balls and place on cookie sheets. Place the cookie sheets into the freezer to harden for a short time while preparing the dip.

Melt 18 oz. of chocolate or butterscotch chips and ½ cake of paraffin wax over hot water (use a double boiler) until smooth, then turn the burner to low.

Dip the balls into the the dip of melted chocolate or butter-scotch. You can dip the balls by using two spoons and rolling the ball between the spoons. Or, you can put toothpicks into the balls to dip them. Allow the balls to dry. If using the toothpicks, remove the toothpicks immediately after dipping. Then place a little of the dip onto the top to cover the toothpick holes. Enjoy!

~~~

Tennessee Granddaddy Says:
The thief bears a burden we cannot see. What he takes is for his present folly, but the load gets heavy as he nears eternity.

Perhaps we are thieves ourselves robbing God and other of our time which could be for good deeds rather than selfish time.

~~~

Quote of the Day

It is a mathematical fact that fifty percent of all doctors graduate in the bottom half of their class.
~Author Unknown

~~~
Joke of the Day

A football coach walked into the locker room before a big game, looked over to his star player and said, "I'm not supposed to let you play since you failed math, but we really need you in there. So, what I have to do is ask you a math question, and if you get it right, you can play."

The player agreed, so the coach looked into his eyes intently and asked, - "Okay, now concentrate hard and tell me the answer to this:

What is two plus two?"

The player thought for a moment and then answered, "4?"

"Did you say 4?" the coach exclaimed, excited that he had given the right answer.

Suddenly, all the other players on the team began screaming, "Come on coach, give him another chance!"

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The Beauty of Old Barns

2009-12-10T05:31:00.000-05:00

Old Barns Are Disappearing
I like old barns. I like barns. But no new barns are being built today that match the beauty and majesty of the old barn. Today, it seems most have a metal building put up. There’s no beauty in that.

The other day I received an email about old barns being like old people. I thought you might enjoy it. With the email were some pictures of old barns. Enjoy the pictures because they are disappearing fast.

Old Barns and Old People

A stranger came by the other day with an offer that set me to thinking. He wanted to buy the old barn that sits out by the highway. I told him right off he was crazy.

He was a city type, you could tell by his clothes, his car, His hands, and the way he talked. He said he was driving by and saw that beautiful barn Sitting out in the tall grass and wanted to know if it was for sale.

I told him he had a funny idea of beauty.

Sure, it was a handsome building in its day. But then, there's Been a lot of winters pass with their snow and ice and howling wind. The summer sun's beat down on that old barn till all the paint's Gone, and the wood has turned silver gray.

Now the old building leans a good deal, looking kind of tired. Yet, that fellow called it beautiful..

That set me to thinking. I walked out to the field and just stood there, Gazing at that old barn.

The stranger said he planned to use the lumber to line the walls Of his den in a new country home he's building down the road.

He said you couldn't get paint that beautiful. Only years of standing in the weather, bearing the storms and Scorching sun, only that can produce beautiful barn wood.

It came to me then. We're a lot like that, you and I. Only it's on the inside that the beauty grows with us.

Sure we turn silver gray too... And lean a bit more than We did when we were young and full of sap.

But the Good Lord knows what He's doing. And as the years pass He's busy using the hard weather of our lives,

The dry spells and the stormy seasons to do a job of beautifying Our souls that nothing else can produce.

And to think how often folks holler because they want life easy!

They took the old barn down today and hauled it away To beautify a rich man's house.

And I reckon someday you and I'll be hauled off To Heaven to take on whatever chores the Good Lord Has for us on the Great Sky Ranch.

And I suspect we'll be more beautiful Then for the seasons we've been through here... And just maybe even add a bit of beauty to our Father's house.

May there be peace within you today. May you trust God that you are Exactly where you are meant to be.

And I do sincerely Thank God for my wonderful friends and Family who care about me even though I show signs of weathering! Have a GREAT DAY!

~ Author Unknown

My Fishing Boat
I picked up my boat today after having it serviced. My fishing buddies Ralph and Doug helped me get the boat put up for the winter. They have been a lot of help to me since I have been slowed down with these blood clots in my left hind leg. I could not of made it without their help. I appreciate it so much!

~~~

Tennessee Granddaddy Says:

What makes us rich? I think we are richer if we help others even in little ways. Have you? Made someone smile, gave them a good laugh, yielded a helping hand, given something out of love, forgiven someone,… These little things are like the golden thread that holds a meaningful life together.

~~~

Quote of the Day

There are lots of people who mistake their
imagination for their memory.
~Josh Billings

~~~
Joke of the Day

A woman burst out of the examining room screaming after her young physician tells her she is pregnant.

The director of the clinic stopped her and asked what the problem was. After she tells him what happened, the doctors had her sit down and relax in another room and he marched down the hallway where the woman’s physician was and demanded, “What is wrong with you? Mrs. Miller is 60 years old, has six grown children and nine grandchildren, and you told her she was pregnant?”

The young physician continued to write his notes and without looking up at his superior, asked, “Does she still have the hiccups?”

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Making a Magazine Cover

2009-12-09T05:37:00.000-05:00

Lots of Steps
Since my daughter, Bethany, is a graphics designer I found the following video clip very interesting. It’s speed up clip of all the steps in making a magazine cover for MacWorld.

New Cell Phone
I am now the owner of a new cell phone. So I am going through all the steps of learning how to use. It was a gift from Beverly and Kevin in advance of my birthday which is next week. It’s a Motorola Droid, and so far I am amazed by it’s capabilities. Wow!

Boat Winterization
Yesterday I took my boat to the dealer for winterization. I always take it back to where I bought it, at Laurel Marina Dealership. They are a good stable and dependable company. I must say a good word about the quality of my outboard motor. It is a Suzuki 115 HP and is a fuel injected four stroke. It has been 100% trouble free since I purchased it over 5 years ago.

~~~

Tennessee Granddaddy Says:
Life is tough… no doubt.
But we can be tougher… and we will.
Never give up.

~~~

Quote of the Day

A mind all logic is like a knife all blade.
~Rabindranath Tagore

~~~
Joke of the Day

Having arrived at the edge of the river, the fisherman soon realized he had forgotten to bring any bait.

Just then he happened to see a little snake passing by who had caught a worm. The fisherman snatched up the snake and robbed him of his worm. Feeling sorry for the little snake with no lunch, he snatched him up again and poured a little whiskey down his throat. Then he went about his fishing.

An hour or so later the fisherman felt a tug at his pant leg. Looking down, he saw the same snake with three more worms in his mouth...

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Test 2

2009-12-08T22:11:00.001-05:00

Second test...

Test

2009-12-08T20:26:00.001-05:00

This is a test post from my new Motorola Droid.

Things That Are Not The Same Are Different

2009-12-08T05:42:00.000-05:00

Sound Stupid to You?
Well, it’s really not. It’s all about variation. I first heard this statement from Dr. Alan Lasater who was a statistician friend of mine (Deceased in 2005). He used that statement in trying to get people to understand that variation is a fact of life in manufacturing, service, and nature.

Any two snowflakes: they are different.
Any two items off the assembly line: they are different.
Any two acorns off the oak tree: they are different.

You may have to examine closely, or measure precisely, but you will find any two items that are not the same are different.

When variation among items is too large, we as consumers complain because we like products and services that are consistently high quality.

Special Jokes about Statisticians:

Do you know the difference between a dead statistician in the road and a dead possum in the road?
Answer: There’s skid marks in front of the possum.
What is a statistician?
Answer: Someone who did not have the personality to be an accountant?

Yes. Tennessee Granddaddy is a retired statistician, and my son, Kevin, is a working statistician.

And did you know that one half of our doctors graduated in lower 50% of their class. And, believe it or not, about one half of our students are below average. Ha!

~~~

Tennessee Granddaddy Says:
As I get older, I don’t find many things that’s worth waiting in line for.

~~~

Quote of the Day

Modesty and unselfishness -
these are virtues which men praise - and pass by.
~André Maurois, Ariel, 1924

~~~
Joke of the Day

A coach for the Little League Baseball gave about the same opening speech every year: "We have to use sportsmanship at all times. There will be no yelling at the umpires or other players and no being poor losers. Do y'all understand ?"

At that point the kids would generally nod, then the coach added, "Good! Now please go home and explain all that to your parents."

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Hot Wheels

2009-12-07T05:19:00.000-05:00

The Real Thing
I’m sure you remember when Hot Wheels were a popular toy. I remember the plastic track that you could connect to a table or chair. You could arrange the track in loops, turns, etc. Then you could release those Hot Wheel cars and watch them go through the loops and race down the tracks. Good memories… watching the children play with Hot Wheels and trying to pick the fastest car.

I hope you enjoy this video of the work and planning that went into trying this loop-the-loop with a real car. This is hot wheel in full size.

Visit the Hot Wheels web site.

~~~

Tennessee Granddaddy Says:
It is better to give than to receive.

~~~

Quote of the Day
Brew me a cup for a winter's night.
For the wind howls loud and the furies fight;
Spice it with love and stir it with care,
And I'll toast our bright eyes,
my sweetheart fair.
~Minna Thomas Antrim

~~~
Joke of the Day

While on a road trip, an elderly couple stopped at a roadside restaurant for lunch.

After finishing their meal, they left the restaurant, and resumed their trip.

When leaving, the elderly woman unknowingly left her glasses on the table, and she didn't miss them until they had been driving for about forty minutes.

By then, to add to the aggravation, they had to travel quite a distance before they could find a place to turn around, in order to return to the restaurant to retrieve her glasses.

All the way back, the elderly husband became the classic grouchy old man. He fussed and complained, and scolded his wife relentlessly during the entire return drive. The more he chided her, the more agitated he became. He just wouldn't let up for a single minute.

To her relief, they finally arrived at the restaurant. As the woman got out of the car, and hurried inside to retrieve her glasses, the old geezer yelled to her, “While you're in there, you might as well get my hat and the credit card”.

~ Thanks to Retha

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Signs of Christmas

2009-12-05T05:21:00.000-05:00

Only 20 Days Away
Yes, Christmas is coming. The signs are all around us: Christmas carols in the stores, fruitcakes on sale, yard and home decorations, store displays, advertisements in the newspaper, etc.

Last year we received a beautiful hand painted Christmas card from my cousin Karen. It was so nice we had it framed and put it on display for the Christmas holidays. Karen has a lovely blog about her art work and she is active in teaching others about painting. Check her out at Brush Strokes.

Maybe we’ll have a white Christmas for 2009? Hoping!

~~~

Tennessee Granddaddy Says:
They say that a wise man can see more from the bottom of a well than a fool can from a mountain top.

~~~

Quote of the Day

Success consists of going from failure to failure
without loss of enthusiasm.
~Winston Churchill

~~~
Joke of the Day

An American manufacturer is showing his machine factory to a potential customer from Albania. At noon, when the lunch whistle blows, two thousand men and women immediately stop work and leave the building.

“Your workers, they’re escaping!” cries the visitor. “You’ve got to stop them.

"Don't worry, they'll be back," says the American. And indeed, at exactly one o'clock the whistle blows again, and all the workers return from their break.

When the tour is over, the manufacturer turns to his guest and says, "Well, now, which of these machines would you like to order?"

"Forget the machines," says the visitor. "How much do you want for that whistle?"

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Am I Missing Something?

2009-12-04T05:18:00.000-05:00

Associated Press Article
I read this article in yesterday’s paper and I was somewhat surprised. The word “terrorist” was not mentioned anywhere. We know Hasan had terrorist links, and he shouted terrorist statements during his mass killings. Now he is considered a “suspect”. Is it not politically correct to even mention the word terrorist anymore?

Political Quote
No one likes to admit having been played for a fool. So it will probably take a mushroom cloud over some American city before some Obama supporters wake up. Even so, the true believers among the survivors will probably say that this was all George W. Bush’s fault.
~ Thomas Sowell, 12/3/2009

~~~

Tennessee Granddaddy Says:
The pessimist sees the difficulty in every opportunity, but an optimist sees the opportunity in every difficulty.

Pray for our president and our government.

~~~

Quote of the Day
God never made his work for man to mend.
~John Dryden

~~~
Joke of the Day

A champion jockey is about to enter an important race on a new horse. The horse's trainer meets him before the race and says, ''All you have to remember with this horse is that every time you approach a jump, you have to shout, 'ALLLLEEE OOOP!' really loudly in the horse's ear. Providing you do that, you'll be fine.''

The jockey thinks the trainer is mad but promises to shout the command. The race begins and they approach the first hurdle. The jockey ignores the trainer's ridiculous advice and the horse crashes straight through the center of the jump.

They carry on and approach the second hurdle. The jockey, somewhat embarrassed, whispers 'Aleeee ooop' in the horse's ear. The same thing happens--the horse crashes straight through the center of the jump.

At the third hurdle, the jockey thinks, ''It's no good, I'll have to do it,'' and yells, ''ALLLEEE OOOP!'' really loudly. Sure enough, the horse sails over the jump with no problems. This continues for the rest of the race, but due to the earlier problems the horse only finishes third.

The trainer is fuming and asks the jockey what went wrong. The jockey replies, ''Nothing is wrong with me--it's this bloody horse. What is he--deaf or something?''

The trainer replies, ''Deaf?? DEAF?? He's not deaf--he's BLIND!''

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