Wednesday, April 27, 2011

Travelin'....

I hope my blogger friends forgive me for not responding to their posts like I always do....just been so darn hectic and frazzlin' lately.  We're pretty much exhausted, but things are working out.


Closed on our house in Plano this morning and all went well.  Hit the road immediately afterward and made it to Ruston, Louisiana for the night.  It's the first "easy" day we've had in about two weeks.  Tomorrow we head east and will close on our new home in Tennessee early next week.  We can see light at the end of the tunnel!


Anyway, I miss my bloggin' and can't wait to get back in the ole groove.  I have discovered some things about life during this moving process and will be sharing what I have learned with you when I can get settled in.


God bless you all!

Saturday, April 23, 2011

Problems, Problems, Problems All Day Long.....

Hello to all my friends in Bloggerland!  The Cinderoo and I are in the middle of packing for the move.  Not fun.  Very tiring.  We each wondered aloud yesterday whether the moving experience is a leading cause of divorce.  Ha.  (insert chuckle here)

On top of all of that, our clothes dryer went on the fritz yesterday.  My computer has now decided to operate only in "safe mode", which has restricted my ability to do much of anything. 

I can't really get the darn thing fixed until we move---so, for the next couple weeks, please forgive my scarcity on Blogger.  My heart is with you all but we are in "survival mode" right now.  Whew!  I'll probably be able to get on-line about once a day until this crisis passes.

Much love to all.

Thursday, April 21, 2011

We Have A Winner!

The results are in and have been verified by the law firm of Dewey, cheatem and Howe.  We have a winner in the "Guess the Amount of Money in the Milk Jug" contest.

We had 19 responses, from a low guess of $40.86 to a high of $420.  Thank you to all my friends who participated.  It has been fun to watch the estimates come in.  Several of you came pretty close, but the winner was only $4.27 off!

The total amount of coinage in the jug was $256.79.

The winner is Norma, of Waco, Texas, who guessed $252.52

Congratulations, Norma!  Enjoy your Starbucks gift certificate!

Note---before the coins were counted, Cindy guessed $37 and I guessed $70.  Boy, were we off!

Wednesday, April 20, 2011

The Party.......

Last Saturday night, our friends and neighbors, Wayne and Suzan, hosted a going-away party in our honor.  I don't think we've ever had more fun.

Cindy posted the party pics on her blog.  I hope you check it out!

Don't forget to get your entries in for yesterdays' post---guessing the amount of money in the milk jug!

Tuesday, April 19, 2011

Tell Me How Much!......

One Gallon Milk Jug Appears to be Approximately 70% Full of a Mixture of Pennies, Nickels, Dimes and Quarters

Eight years ago, when Cindy and I moved to north Texas, we began collecting our spare change in an old 1-gallon milk bottle.  At the end of each day, we would put whatever coinage we had in our pockets into the milk jug for safekeeping.


Well, as the days, weeks and years went by, we saw our milk bottle begin to fill up with pennies, nickels, dimes and quarters.


As moving day approaches, yesterday was the day that we "cashed in" our coins at the bank.  I emptied the contents of the bottle into the automatic change counter, and presto!----we were given a check for the amount of money in the jug.


My friends---here is the challenge:  guess the amount of money in the bottle.  The person who comes closest to the actual amount will win a Starbucks $10 gift certificate from me.  If the winner lives in a country where there are no Starbucks, I will award him/her a $10 U.S. bill.  One guess per person.  Entries must be received by 12:00 Noon on April 21, 2011.  Guesses must be made here on Blogger---not on Facebook or Twitter.  Let the guessing begin!

Sunday, April 17, 2011

Friends.......

Today's post is short.  I have been thinking of friends lately.  It has occurred to me that friends are hard to come by.  Friends are much more than acquaintances.  Friends are there for us when we need them.  True friends are kind enough to overlook our shortcomings.  And, for me, friends make me feel the humility that God wants in all of us.

I bring this up because last night our neighbor friends from across the street, Wayne and Suzan, hosted a party for Cindy and me.  We will be moving about 900 miles away, and they were so very kind to think to honor us.  We had a very special time.

But on this blog, I just want to say how special friends are in our lives.  It is humbling to think someone cares enough about us to give so freely of themselves.  Thank you, Suzan and Wayne!

Pictures of our most special evening will be posted as soon as Cindy is able to upload them.

Saturday, April 16, 2011

Nine Words Women Use.......

9 WORDS WOMEN USE


(1) Fine: This is the word women use to end an argument when they are right and you need to shut up.


(2) Five Minutes: If she is getting dressed, this means a half an hour. Five minutes is only five minutes if you have just been given five more minutes to watch the game before helping around the house.

(3) Nothing: This is the calm before the storm. This means something, and you should be on your toes. Arguments that begin with "nothing" usually end in "fine".


(4) Go Ahead: This is a dare, not permission. Don't Do It!


(5) Loud Sigh: This is actually a word, but is a non-verbal statement often misunderstood by men. A loud sigh means she thinks you are an idiot and wonders why she is wasting her time standing here and arguing with you about nothing. (Refer back to # 3 for the meaning of "nothing".)


(6) That's Okay: This is one of the most dangerous statements a women can make to a man. That's okay means she wants to think long and hard before deciding how and when you will pay for your mistake.


(7) Thanks: A woman is thanking you, do not question, or faint. Just say "you're welcome".  (I want to add in a clause here - This is true, unless she says "Thanks a lot" - that is PURE sarcasm and she is not thanking you at all. DO NOT say "you're welcome" ... that will bring on a "whatever").


(8) Whatever: Is a woman's way of saying you are irrelevant.


(9) Don't worry about it, I got it: Another dangerous statement, meaning this is something that a woman has told a man to do several times, but is now doing it herself. This will later result in a man asking "What's wrong?" For the woman's response refer to # 3.

Friday, April 15, 2011

Moving Moments.......

Everybody understands what a burden moving is.  It has been rated just below death of a spouse and job loss as most psychologically trying of life's trials.

There are lots of reasons for this.  You go thru selecting a real estate agent, listing the home, keeping it in pristine condition 24/7 for 10 months (that's how long our home took to sell in a horrible real estate market), suffering through literally hundreds of strangers traipsing through your home at all hours, lowering the price---twice; wondering whether it would EVER sell, putting up with advice from well-meaning friends, etc.

But, the thing that has hit us lately is our old adversary, Satan. 

I have discovered that Cindy has been keeping quite a bit of her sentimental things in out-of-the-way places that I do not frequent---closets, drawers, under guest beds, etc.  When I discovered the scope of this stuff, I began to panic.  I started to realize how much more involved packing would be.  Time is short---we are supposed to be moved on April 25.

When I would express my concern to her, she began to get an edge to her voice.  Truth be told, I don't blame her for that because I tend to become anal under pressure.

(Time out---The electrician who is here right now just informed me that my circuit breaker box is defective and needs to be replaced.  Oh, good---more consternation---and expense)

Funny, you know, how the devil uses times of stress and loved ones to cause us to quarrel and say and do things that are displeasing to God. 

In the midst of all of this, I need to once again remind myself that my focus should be on Him---not on my problems.  If I do that, He will see us through this period of stress.  He always has.

NOTE---I am even more appreciative of His grace after reading today's RED LETTER BELIEVERS post by David Rupert.  Please read the comments at the end of his post.  And blessings to all of my friends.

Thursday, April 14, 2011

Picasso and the Octogenarian.......

In 2005, at the age of 83, at an age when she would be expected to be sittin' in a rocking chair every day, my mother decided to go on a cruise with some of her friends.
Mom And Her Friends Go A'Cruisin'.......
As you can see from the photographs, she had a blast.
Hi Picasso!  May I Have This Dance? 
One of the highlights of her trip was the stop they made in Florida, where she swam with Picasso, the dolphin.  Look at my mom's facial expression of pure joy.

Go Picasso!
I bring all this up today because tomorrow she is leaving on another cruise trip with friends---at the very young age of 88.  Bon Voyage!

Wednesday, April 13, 2011

Grrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrr.................................

Everyone ought to have to move at least once every ten years.  It does have benefits.  For one, you get to explore all your closets and drawers and storage space and discover all the junk you had put away thinking you would some day use it.  You didn't and won't.

My, the crap that is being given to Goodwill and the garbage collector.  Why didn't we just throw it away to begin with?

And secondly, all the planning that is required --- packing stuff in the correct order, lining up the cut-off and turn-on dates for water, gas, electricity, trash removal, etc. keeps the mind sharp, keeps you thinking.

And third, you have to repeatedly deal with "customer service" reps on the phone.  This is good in the larger scope of things because it keeps you humble.  You are at the mercy of something very perplexing and much larger than you. 

It is written over and over in the bible that humility is most desirable.  "Blessed are the meek, for they shall inherit the earth."

Let me give you an example of just one such conversation from yesterday --- this with the Dish satellite TV network :

Me:  Hi.  I need to discontinue my Dish service because I am moving.

Dish rep:  What is your account number?

I just recited that into your answering recording.

I know but you'll have to tell me again.

Why?  I already gave it to you.  You don't have it?

No, we don't see it.

Well,why do they ask for it then?

It is for management's information.

That's stupid.  OK---my account number is TXP-9834186-HP-201

Could you repeat that?

Grrrrrrrr......... TXP-9834186-HP-201

What is your address?

Well, if you have my account number, you should also know my address.

I have to pull that up on the screen.  It would be faster for you to tell me your address.

Pull it up on the screen.

(30 seconds of silence)

Icily.......You are Clint?

Yes.

And you want to discontinue your Dish service because you are moving?

(DUH)  Yes

I will transfer your call to our marketing department for further processing---please have your account number handy....

Multiply conversations like this one by 20 and you start to get the idea of what it is like to prepare for a move.  And I haven't even got to the packing, scheduling part yet.  And people wonder why I like an occasional martini....

I can't wait to inherit the earth.

Tuesday, April 12, 2011

My Good Book(s).......

My Bibles.  Each One Has The Same Message, But Each One Has Its Own Distinct Personality

When I was 9 years old, my parents enrolled me in Confirmation classes.  When I was officially confirmed, I was presented with a small, black leather bible with a zipper to protect it when not in use.  Unfortunately for me, I left the church the first chance I got and never even saw that bible again until a couple of years ago.

I Was Given This Little Zippered Bible When I was Confirmed at Age Nine

I Was Presented This Bible Three Years Ago After I had Served As President Of Our Sunday School Class

My Daughter Gave Me This Bible Several Years Ago

This Wonderful Old King James Version Belonged to My Grandfather Clinton

Fortunately for me, I rediscovered Jesus in later life, even though He had never left me.  At that time, I began to discover other bibles in my life---like those of my grandfather Clinton and new ones presented to me by my daughter and wife and a friend. 


Inscription In My Grandfather's Bible

Inscription In My Grandfather's New Testament Reads "Gorin, Missouri, 1918, Presented to Fred Clinton by Mother"

Funny thing, you know---I have found that each of these books has its own distinct personality, even though the message is exactly the same.
This is My "Everyday" bible.  It is so Very Easy To Read and Understand---Given to Me By Cindy

Monday, April 11, 2011

Looking Back and Wondering.......


I have been blessed to have inherited my family's picture albums. 

The thousands of photographs in my possession date back to before the 20th century.  This one (above) has always fascinated me.  It was taken sometime C 1895?

There sure are some characters in this picture!  I have always wondered what this colorful and motley group of folks was involved in. 

The only clues about this photo are written in my maternal grandmother's handwriting on the back:

This was a lodge drill team.

George Niggemyer (my great-grandfather) in middle.

Mother behind dad in the dark robeo hat. 

Aunt Dora (Frank Niggemyer's wife) by mother in the white blouse.

Uncle Frank in front of dad in the white or light jacket.

Grandma Sigler in dark outfit at far left holding pole.

Some background: 

My mother's family originally immigrated to the United States from Germany C 1840.  They settled in Ft Madison, Iowa.  My grandmother was born in Ft Madison in 1898.  I am guessing here, but I have to assume that this "lodge" drill team, which is composed of family members, was a German tradition which carried over to their life in the United States.  If anyone has any other ideas, please let me hear from you!

It is fascinating to see a portal of American life from over a century ago---the closeness of family, the colorful dress and headgear, and the fact that families actually did things together.

And what is it with those spears?  Ha.

Saturday, April 9, 2011

Sausage Balls Recipe....

Several friends have asked about the recipe for sausage balls used in my earlier post today.  I asked Cindy to write it down for me so I could pass it along.  I love this dish, either by itself or with eggs.  I hope you enjoy it!

My friends Lidj (Crown of Beauty) and Rebecca (New York Traveler) especially expressed an interest.

Lidj---the "powdery" substance atop the eggs is black pepper.  Also, you asked if hotcake mix can be substituted for Bisquick.  Cindy thinks that it could be substituted because Bisquick is also used for pancakes.

---3 Cups Bisquick
---8 Ounces cheddar cheese, grated
---1 Pound breakfast sausage
---3 Tablespoons of milk or buttermilk

Grate cheese.  Mix Bisquick and sausage together.  
Mix in grated cheese.  Add Milk and form mixture into balls.  Bake on Cookie sheet at 350 degrees until done, approximately 15 to 20 minutes.

NOTE:  Cindy likes to line the cookie sheet with parchment paper

Saturday Morning

I rolled outta' the sack at 5ish this morning and immediately got on the trusty ole computer to catch up with my friends on Blogger.  I was really taken in by my friend Lloyd at his blog, Solid Rock or Sinking Sand.  Bless you and your wife today, Lloyd.

Man!---That Cantaloupe is Sweet!
After I had caught up on my reading, the hunger pangs began.  Woman said she was going to cook up one of my favorites---sausage balls and eggs, but she said it would take a few minutes.

Start With Grated Cheddar Cheese and Sausage
In the meantime, I found some delicious cantaloupe to delay the growling of my stomach.  Ahhhh.

Add the Bisquick
Meanwhile, the sausage balls were coming along nicely, along with the scrambled eggs.  Mmmmmmm.

And Three Tablespoons of Milk to Hold it Together
Hey!---a guy's gotta eat!  And I got a busy day comin' up.  Goin' to Home Depot for boxes for our upcoming move.  Then, woman has informed me that I will be packin' stuff today. 

They Are Ready for the Oven
I have learned to pretty much do what I'm told.  Usually.  Well, OK....sometimes.

Into the Oven
Cindy says the sausage balls are easy to make---bisquick, grated sharp cheddar cheese and sausage---but the key is three tablespoons of milk to help the mixture stick together.

The Finished Masterpiece!  Sausage Balls, Scrambled Eggs and Mixed Fruits  Ahhhhhh.
OK, gotta go!  Have a great Saturday, everyone!

Friday, April 8, 2011

Apologies.......

One of those universal circumstances of life that we all share as human beings is the apology.  There are times when each of us should apologize to another for some slight; and there are also occasions when each of us is on the receiving end of an apology.


I have found that apologizing to another person is sometimes difficult.  I realize that the difficulty often lies with ME---my ego gets in the way when I admit I was wrong, or maybe my pride (a sin) does not want to admit fault.


On the other hand, receiving an apology from another individual can also be a challenge.  Sometimes I find myself secretly saying to myself, "Maybe I'll forgive you, but I won't forget!"   This attitude is also wrong-headed.


Have you ever apologized to someone who would not accept your apology, or who made it very difficult for you to fully apologize?  I have, and it is an uncomfortable experience.

Jesus encourages us to apologize when we are at fault.  He tells us that grace is interrupted until we make things right with our neighbor.

Your thoughts, please...........

Thursday, April 7, 2011

Science VS Dogma

Isn't it wonderful to live in an enlightened society?  I mean, look how much we know about our world, our universe, our bodies, and so on.  I can Google just about anything and have an answer in seconds.  If I want to know how far it is to Alpha Centauri, I can just hit a few keys and presto!

But, when I stop to really think about it, I begin to realize that maybe we ain't so smart after all.

I mean, it was only about 500 years ago that the "experts" knew that the earth was flat.  After all, they reasoned, if it were round, we would fall off.  (Now, before you go thinking that 500 years is a very long time, stop to ponder the fact that 500 years is today's approximate life span for 7 people).

It was only yesterday that antibiotics were discovered.  We still have no cure for cancer, or heart disease, or ALS, or even the common cold.  I can practically assure you that in 100 years, people will look back on the way we treat such afflictions as cancer and marvel at our backwardness and lack of understanding.

We have many problems in this world, from energy to health care to education to overpopulation to pollution.  Many of these problems cannot be discussed in a rational manner because of a dogma that occurs in these fields.

For example, for centuries the Roman Catholic church maintained that the earth was the center of the universe.  To say otherwise, even in the face of overwhelming fact, would be heresy.

In the United States and other countries it is maintained that "diversity", the mixture of different cultures, languages, beliefs, etc, is the strongest possible society.  To think otherwise is to be politically incorrect.

Many "experts" say that global warming is occurring and the reason for it is humanity's dependence on fossil fuels.  It is politically incorrect for many other scientists to speak out in opposition to this belief.

I could go on and on---and so could you.  But the point I would like to make is this:  we are no smarter than previous generations, and when it comes to finding truth, we suffer from the same dogmatic thinking they did.  We haven't really learned much over the centuries.

Your thoughts?

Wednesday, April 6, 2011

Nursery Rhymes and the Meaning of Life.......

When I was a little boy, my mom used to read to me at bedtime.  I can't tell you what a wonderful learning experience that was!  She would read all of the old fairy tales.  She would sometimes read biblical stories that she knew would be of interest to a youngster.  Sometimes she would sing simple songs that I could participate in singing with her.  And quite often, she would recite nursery rhymes.

I was thinking about that last night as I tried to go to sleep.  Some of those nursery rhymes came flooding back to me.......

Mary had a little lamb,
Its fleece was white as snow;
And everywhere that Mary went
The lamb was sure to go.......

Little miss Muffet sat on a tuffet
Eating her curds and whey;
Along came a spider and sat down beside her;
And frightened miss Muffet away.

Hickory dickory dock,
The mouse ran up the clock;
The clock struck one, the mouse ran down;
Hickory dickory dock.......

The itsy bitsy spider ran up the water spout;
Down came the rain and washed the spider out;
Up came the sun and dried up all the rain,
And the itsy bitsy spider went up the spout again.

Oh, the noble Duke of York, he had ten thousand men;
He led them up to the top of the hill and led them down again.
When they were up, they were up; when they were down they were down;
And when they were only half way up they were neither up nor down.

A dillar a dollar, a ten o'clock scholar;
What makes you come so soon?
You used to come at ten O'Clock,
But now you come at noon.

A tisket, a tasket,
A brown and yellow basket;
I sent a letter to my love,
And on the way, I dropped it!......

The owl and the pussy-cat went to sea
In a beautiful pea-green boat;
They took some honey and plenty of money
Wrapped up in a five-pound note.......

We went to the animal fair;
The birds and the beasts were there;
A big baboon by the light of the moon
Was combing his auburn hair.
You ought to have seen the monk;
It jumped on the elephant's trunk;
The elephant sneezed and fell on his knees,
But what became of the monk, the monk, the monk?

Kookaburra sits in an old gum tree;
Merry, merry king of the bush is he;
Laugh, kookaburra! laugh, kookaburra!
Gay your life must be.

Many nursery rhymes were based in fact. One of the most famous of these is:

Ring around the rosies,
A pocketful of posies,
Ashes! Ashes! 
We all fall down.

This rhyme originated in England during the great bubonic plague of 1665.  A symptom of the plague, which had a death rate of over 60%, was a ring shaped rosy red rash on the skin.  The "ashes" refers to the fact that most bodies were cremated.  The plague ended in 1666 when the great fire of London killed most of the rats that carried the disease.

What nursery rhymes to you most remember?

Tuesday, April 5, 2011

Scents, Smells and Reminiscences......

When I was a boy, I would awaken in May and June to the incredibly sweet scent of cape jasmine blooms.  My mom had planted five of the shrubs just outside my window, and that wonderful scent has stayed with me all my life.  Every now and then, I will again inhale that bouquet, and a flood of memories engulfs me.
Cape Jasmine, Or Gardenia Blooms, Produce A Scent That is Straight From Heaven
And then there is honeysuckle.  There is nothing so summery and invoking of childhood than the sweetness of that smell. 
Is There a More Summery Scent Than Honeysuckle?
How about the scent of mom's fresh wash, just in off of the clothesline?  Or the stomach-rumbling, drooling sensation of grandma's fried chicken on a Sunday afternoon?
Back Before We Began Spending Money on Electric Clothes Dryers, We Dried Our Clothes on Clotheslines, and the Fresh, Natural Smell of Nature Was a ByProduct

Or the smell of an approaching thunderstorm.....the unmistakeable smell of the ocean.....the perfume of the one you love.....that doggie smell of your pet pooch.....the combination of hot dogs, mustard, tobacco and humanity of a baseball stadium.....onions, garlic and licorice............
The Ballpark Possessed the Unique Mixed Odors of Humanity, Onions, Hot Dogs, Tobacco and More

What are some unforgettable smells from your life?

Monday, April 4, 2011

This 'N That......

Our trip to Knoxville began Saturday, March 26 and ended yesterday afternoon, Sunday, April 3---Nine days.  We spent nights in Atlanta with my mom and the rest of the time in hotels in Oak Ridge, Tennessee and  Jackson, Mississippi.  In all, we drove 2,000 miles.

We were successful in negotiating a contract on a new home in Knoxville after spending over two days with our realtor.  We spent time visiting with Cindy's mom, who, sadly, has Alzheimer's. 

We had a wonderful dinner one evening with Cindy's sister Patti and her significant other, Kevin; and her daughter, Lucinda and son-in-law, Tracy and grandson, Canyon.

We ate too much during our trip.  We didn't get enough physical exercise.  And the last day (yesterday) driving home was tortuous.  But, we made it. 

And then, Cindy got sick last night and is still in bed.  I think it is a combination of possible food poisoning and stress. 

I was up early this morning after a thunder and lightning filled night.  Amid the flashes of lightning and claps of booming thunder, I tried to catch up on the blogs I follow.  It was really relaxing to get back to my blog friends and read their thoughts.

Now, it's time to go wash the dishes and clean things up while Cindy hopefully is able to sleep and awaken later feeling better.

Blessings to all who take the time to read my ramblings.

Sunday, April 3, 2011

You Need His Chicken

We had a Sunday school picnic. They said, "Be at the park at 4:30 Saturday. Bring your supper and we'll furnish the tea."



Well, I came home at the last minute, and when I got ready to pack my lunch, all I could find in the refrigerator was one dried up piece of bologna and just enough mustard in the bottom of the jar so that I got it all over my knuckles when I tried to get it out.

And there were just two stale pieces of bread. So.......I made my bologna sandwich and wrapped it in a brown paper bag and took off for the picnic.


When it came time to eat, I sat at the end of the table and took out my sandwich. But the people next to me, well---the lady was a good cook. And she had cooked all day and she had fried chicken and potato salad and baked beans and home made rolls and sliced tomatoes and stuffed celery and deviled eggs and pickles and olives---and to top it off, two great big homemade chocolate pies.


And they spread it all out beside me, and there I was---with my bologna sandwich.


But they said to me, "Why don't we just put it all together?"


"Oh, no---I couldn't do that---I couldn't even think of it"---and I was embarrassed.


"Oh, come on.......there's plenty of chicken and pie---plenty of everything---and we just LOVE bologna sandwiches. Let's just put it all together."


So I did. And there I sat. Eating like a king when I came like a pauper.


And I get to thinking. I think of ME---sharing in the very being of God. When I think of how little I bring, and how much He brings---and that He invites me to share.


I know I should be shouting from the house tops, but I'm so filled with awe and wonder that I can hardly be heard.


I know I don't have enough love or faith or grace or mercy or wisdom---but He has.


He has all those things in abundance, and He says, "Let's just put it all together. Everything that I possess is available to you. Everything that I am and can be to a person, I will be to you."


And, when I think about it like that, it really amuses me---to see somebody running around through life hanging on to their dumb bag and their stale bologna sandwich---saying "God's not gonna get MY sandwich, no siree---not mine!"


Did you ever see anybody like that? Just so needy and about half starved to death, hanging on for dear life?


It's not that He needs your sandwich.


You need His chicken.







Saturday, April 2, 2011

Somebody Stepped On My Hand......

I personally don't drink, but Cindy Needed Support
The Cinderoo suggested Mexican food for tonight's repast, so we strolled down about a hundred yards from our hotel to the Hacienda Degollado for dinner.
Ummm Ummm Ummmph!
It's been a frantic week, and we were ready to unwind.  Cindy, who never drinks spiritous liquors, broke with her personal tradition and began draining margaritas.  Of course, my being a gentleman and all, I could not bear to see her drink alone.
Cindy was a Bad Influence On Me
About 80 ounces later, we were ready for dinner.  Let's see---my memory is not what it used to be a few hours ago---there were tacos, chile rellenos, beans, salsa, rice, chips, and oh...did I mention margaritas?  Of course, I would not have had anything to drink that had alcohol in it, except for the fact that mi esposa was hell bent to have a blow-it-out evening.  And, of course, I have never been one to kill a good time, so I followed her lead.  In other words, it's all her fault.
The Restaurant Was Colorful and the Food Was Muy Bueno
My goodness, the food was good.  And, except for the fact that someone stepped on my hand in the hotel lobby, a wonderful time was had by all.......I think.
I Love Tacos
I wish y'all had been there.

As We Walked Back To Our Hotel From The Restaurant, The Clouds Were Beautiful

Friday, April 1, 2011

Hoarding Bloggers?

About a year ago, I was introduced to the cable TV show, "Hoarders".  This weekly series quickly achieved success, probably because most people can in some way identify with the phenomenon of hoarding.

Hoarding is defined as "the collection of a large number of items, along with the inability to discard them".

The television show is a documentary series in which each week different individuals are followed in their homes.  Most of these pathological personalities have acquired so much "stuff" in their homes that they are unable to even move around in their own living quarters.

Their kitchens, bathrooms, bedrooms, garages, etc are all crammed with "stuff", none of which is of any worth or use to the hoarder.

All of us, in one way or another, have an innate tendency to keep things we feel may have value, even if we know that object will never be of use to us.  Most of us have that tendency under control, and we are able to discard those things that we know are of no use to us.

Which brings me to the subject at hand---on-line bloggers that hoard.

This is a condition that I have noticed in my blogging over the past year.  There are individuals who have begun---and continued---to acquire apps, widgets, do-dads, cutsies on their blog site until the site is completely loaded with "junk".  It is like walking into the house of a hoarder---you cannot get around or navigate.

It is time consuming to open the blog because all the widgets and what-not take forever to load.  It is tiresome to try to leave a comment because the comment form takes forever to load.  Navigating around the blog is tedious for the same reason---there is just too much "stuff" on there.

I personally like to comment on the blogs of my friends, even if it is just to let them know I was a visitor; but it is not easy when you have many blogs to view and there are a few that hold you up as you wait for loading to occur.

Shouldn't a blog be loadable withing a few seconds---or, at least, a timely manner? 

Your thoughts?