It's been a busy couple weeks, and it is going to get busier.

Yep, here it is the middle of October, and I feel I am running out of time to do the things I wanted to do before the end of the year. Nancy hikes nearly daily preparing to go on trips with her "Tribe" (the friends she hikes with), or she quilts beautiful quilts for friends and family.  I am usually in my shop working on cars for myself or others from full restorations to ground up builds to modifications. And now in our 70s, I think we both are slowing down somewhat. You know, that old person life of more doctor visits and less time to play. Of course we both stay up to date on our health care, but things pop up unexpectedly. 

A few days ago, we returned from flying to Arkansas to see our oldest grandson, in his freshman year at Henderson State University. He is doing great and loves the campus life. A swim team member and majoring in Aviation to become a commercial pilot. Cody does not have much free time.  He has become a man at 19 years old and a handsome 6'5", with his head screwed on tight, he has set his goals in life and is determined to achieve them. Yes, we are very proud of him and our other 6 grandkids. God has blessed us truly.

After a few days visit, we drove five hours north to Springfield Missouri for an overnight visit with two of my cousin who have some heath problems, and then flew home.

Washed the dirty clothes and get ready for another trip to Portugal and Spain in two weeks. Busy weeks for us, but the world does not care about our busy life, it's been busy too.

As the war in Ukraine roams on, another conflict breaks out in the Middle East. As long as I can remember there have always been conflicts and wars and it seems the United States has been involved one way or another. Whether it is about religion, ‎ethnicity, color of someone's skin, oil, control of the government or greed, there will NEVER be total peace on earth. I, and I am sure you want you grand children to live in a world of peace, but I fear they will not.

I was sort of a hot headed kid growing up who had his share of fighting at the drop of a hat. Now as a 'senior citizen' (as they call us) I still get anger when I hear or see someone disrespected because they may seem different or have different briefs. We are ALL different in our own ways and we should ALL respect that and except it. People, I believe, just shoot their off the opinions without thinking about the effect it has on the children or other around them. And if it is a bad or hurtful statement, that thought sticks in people's minds and gets repeated over and over and over again until others begin to believe it. Hate spreads like a wildfire before we know it. By then the hate becomes, what people believe, as the truth.  But it is a lie. In a way, the old saying from the 60s, "Make love instead of war" should be brought back as "Love instead of war and hate". So all we can do is try to be good, kind, peaceful and compassionate people and hopefully it will spread to others.

If we all could only be as loving as dogs with unconditional love. I just look into my dog Cooper's eyes and see it. Take care, stay safe and be nice to others.

A bunch of nothing to some, but hits the nail for others.

Maybe I am weird, but as I said before, I see and notice things probably most people don't really think about. I find some things odd, other weird, some I ask why, and still others I see as interesting.

The other day, Nancy and I were at the grocery shopping for food. I won't say the name. Anyway, we walked all over and my wife is very thorough to check and compare prices. I guess most men are not. So we collected what we needed, and some I stealthily dropped into the basket, so we preceded to the checkout. Keep in mind, Nancy and I both worked in the grocery business for many years. I noticed there was only two cashiers open while the rest of the cash registers were "self check". Now I know if I only have a few items, self check is quicker and saves time. I get it. But only two cashiers to slowly slide your items across a scanner while 7 people stay there and watch and tap their feet in frustration asking, "WHY AREN'T THERE MORE CASHIERS OPENING?"

Well this morning, I read an article stating I am not the only one who noticed self checks are being installed is ALL stores. Wal-Mart, Kroger, Safeway, Home Depot, Lowe's, Kohl's, and many, many more. Hey cashiers, they are killing your jobs!

I stopped into our local mini Wal-Mart after it's remodel and noticed they doubled the number of self checks and reduced the number of cashier spots by half. I am sorry, but I do not agree will the big chains wanting more money at the cost of people pushed out of their jobs. That is Just not right. At least in our small town Wal-Mart, a lot of the employees are semi-retired, single moms, immigrants, students, or senior citizens. Some want an extra income, other than social security or a small pension, some want a descent living here, some are just getting started after graduation, or divorce. It does not matter, they want a job.

I guess I have always been a loud mouth for fairness and honesty, but it doesn't seem the world wants to play that game. It is more, I got mine, you fight each other for yours.

I was in the corporate world long enough to see big companies have stock holders and they always want a profit, no matter who suffers. That's exactly why unions were created a century ago. To get fair wages and hold jobs. But even they stated to get too big for their pants. So where is the middle? In my mind it has to be fair wages for fair pricing and fair profits. But who determines that? Maybe if I had a few more years and the authority to say what is right for all. But I don't. But all of us do. I have been known the tell the cashiers (once I find one) "You know, they are killing your jobs." Some get it, and others blow me off, or reply with a statement management told them.

Anyway, you the consumer should speak up for those who are being replaced with a scanner or a dismissal. We have plenty of people that want and need jobs, even starting at a low wage.

OK, I am done ---- for now. I hope you leave your opinions and thoughts. I'd be interested in your feeling about this. But until the next time "take care and stay safe".