Opus 2026-390: On the Street: Intelligent Conversation

As I’m out walking on our neighborhood system of roads, I find myself talking to various dogs.

Why?

Do I really think they understand what I’m saying?  No.

I’m concerned about my own sanity.  Instead of having conversations with the dog I should just start making nonsense noises to reassure them that I am human and know what I’m doing.

homo unius libri

Opus 2026-374: On the Street: Dog Smarts

Does a dog chase the ball and bring it back because he’s smart or because he’s stupid.

This comes to mind as I was out walking and one of our neighbors was out having their dog chase a ball.  The dog seemed to really enjoy it.  I’m not sure how much the neighbor was into it.

It brought to mind when we had a dog and took it out to play fetch.  We threw the ball.  The dog took off and ran and picked it up.  The dog brought the ball back to us.  We threw the ball again.  I can’t remember if he went for a second time, but I know at least by the third time instead of going and bringing it back he just looked at us like we were stupid.

We always thought that was an indication of how intelligent our dog was.

How about us when we get into the habit of doing things without thinking.  We mow and edge the grass.  It grows back.  We move it again.  And the cycle goes on.  Think about our tasks: Washing the car, making our bed, folding clothes, adding cream and sugar to our coffee.  Add what you want.  Does that mean we’re smart or stupid?

Ask your dog.

homo unius libri

Opus 2026-312: On the Street: Napoleonic Complex

Today in the parking lot I was getting ready to pull into an empty spot but just before I started in I noticed that there was one of those smart cars parked there.  That would have been bad enough, but whoever was driving it had pulled it so far forward that it went across the line into the space for cars coming the other way.

I don’t know if he was afraid of me behind him or just wanted to dominate whoever tried to park in front of him.  Do people who drive small cars have a case of Napoleonic Complex?  Are they like some short people who feel they must be angrier than anyone else?  

I don’t know but I do know that I almost had reason to exchange insurance information.

homo unius libri

Opus 2026-297: Firsts: They Really Exist

As I was out walking and on my home stretch I saw something moving on the pavement.  On closer examination it turned out to be something I have heard about and seen pictures of but never experienced in real time.  It was a dung beatle.  I am not sure where he got his burden or why he was trying to cross the road but I assume he saw a chicken and wanted to be similarly noticed.  

Maybe we can start a whole series of jokes about why the dung beatle crossed the road.

Will wonders never cease?

homo unius libri

Opus 2026-209: On the Street: Slow Food

As I was grocery shopping I noticed a sign in the soda aisle sign saying “No longer snap eligible”. I consider that progress. I have no problem with churches and synagogues having food pantries. If you want to leave a box of groceries on your neighbor’s porch I would applaud you. What I feel is destructive are government programs that hand out largess to anyone who can fill out a form. It creates dependency because the government has no real standards except the votes politicians want to buy.

There is a meme I enjoy. It is based on the signs that you see in the natural parks that tell you not to feed the bears because it creates a dependency. The same thing is true of people. If you do it for them when they can do it themselves you are beginning a cycle that will destroy them. It isn’t about the money it is about destroying initiative and the need for hard work. It removes pride from the mix and makes people into parasites.

It might not be possible to wean people all at once. Limiting what you can get without working is a good beginning, thus soda is not subsidized. I would suggest making only basic covered and no possibility of getting money out of the system. Peanut butter and crackers any one? If the menu gets too boring then there would be more encouragement to get a job.

If you need a better authority, try this,

(2Th 3:10 KJV)  For even when we were with you, this we commanded you, that if any would not work, neither should he eat.

homo unius libri

Opus 2026-190: On the Street: A Lesson in Civil Rights

As I was leaving the grocery store today I came to where I was going to cross the street and found a stream of cars approaching. Now I had a crosswalk and I had the right way but what I did was, I stepped back and stayed out of the way so that the cars would know I wasn’t going to cross and I allowed them to go on their way. When we had a break, I made my way across.

Between there and my car a lady stopped me and informed me that I had the right way and that I did not have to wait for those cars to go by. I conceded the point. I was aware of that. But in my mind it was a matter of courtesy. I am one retired, elderly man, as opposed to people that might have to get somewhere in a hurry, and it was only right for me to stand back and let them go. We exchanged some few thoughts, and then we went our way.

What I missed was another opportunity to witness of my faith. I could have very simply said something to the effect that when I waited for others to go by I just felt like Jesus smiled at me. Or I could have referred to Philippians chapter 2, where it talks about considering the other person is more important than yourself. Either way I missed an opportunity.

I am not laying awake nights suffering from guilt, but somewhere along the line I’m going to learn to take those opportunities.

homo unius libri

Opus 2026-183: On the Street: The Old Cane Trick

I must admit I fell for it.  You might recognize it as the old dropped hanky trick.

I was in the waiting room of the physical therapy center where my wife was getting treatment.  I had my I-pad and a number of things I wanted to write.  I was typing away.  Off to my rear was a wheelchair bound lady who I could see had drawn a total stranger into a dynamic discussion of nothing.  My main concern was that I might not be able to concentrate over their voices.  Little did I know.

I was making progress when the current victim made her escape.  The chair bound woman must have looked around for fresh meat.  She saw me and decided she would appeal to my sense of chivalry.  She dropped her cane.  After a moment’s consideration I decided to get it for her.  It was like the fly in a Venus Fly Trap.  Chomp.

Her icebreaker was to ask me if I knew what a “hussie” was.  I should have answered, “Someone who tries to engage a strange man in conversation by asking him that question.”  I restrained myself and settled down to being polite to a very self-centered extrovert.  She knew I was writing.  She asked me about it and complemented me on my creativity.  She was also hard of hearing so any possible dialogue was off the table.

I kept waiting for her to be called into therapy or have someone come to pick her up.  I waited in vain.  Eventually my wife rescued me.  Even the knowledge that I had to go did not slow her down.  Eventually I adopted her condition of being hard of hearing, waved and walked away.

Was she just a lonely old lady?  It could be but if she is the reason would be found in the fact that she was totally aware only of herself.

Next time I will know to ignore the cane.

homo unius libri

Opus 2026-174: On the Street: Reflections of Driving Style

I wonder how a person’s personality is revealed in their driving style.

I know that usually what we are experiencing at the moment stands out to us as being unusual.  Having said that, it seems to me that quite frequently when people are very quick to pull out in front of me as I’m driving down the road they end up being afraid to drive the speed limit once they’re in place.  I know you’ve had the experience.  You’re driving along in a 55 mile an hour zone, the road is clear in front of you.  A car pulls up to the cross street.  Instead of waiting for you to go by even though there’s no one behind you, they will immediately pull out in front of you as if they’re in a hurry to get to the hospital.  You jam on your brakes.  You slow down.  You watch to see if they will accelerate so you can keep moving, but alas and lack, they don’t seem to realize it’s a 55 mile an hour zone.  So they cruise along at 45 maybe 50 if they’re in a good mood.

Now I wonder if there is a sense of arrogance and self-centeredness, which is at work here or it just that they are day dreaming.  They’re very willing to pull out in front of you because they seem to think they’re more important than you are.  Then they’re very willing to drive very slow because that’s the speed they want to drive that and they wouldn’t care less if there’s anybody behind them.  Does this reflect itself in their personal relationships?

I wonder if these are the people who take up two parking spaces so their car doesn’t get scratched.  I wonder if they’re the ones who idle blocking traffic in the parking lot waiting for someone to come out and get in their car and move it so that they don’t have to walk very far.  I wonder if they are the ones who pull up in front of the entrance to the grocery store and sit there idling until someone eventually comes out.  Or extend that to the airport where they stopped in the Loading Zone Only and wait for the person to get off the plane and come out.  They could be the one who takes a full shopping cart into the 10 items or less aisle at the grocery store.  There are many applications in this personality type.

They might be the nicest person you ever met, I have no way of knowing.  Or they could be one of the most self-centered people that you’ve ever experienced.  Maybe we need a scientific study for this.  Anybody want to write a grant? 

homo unius libri

Opus 2026-168: On the Street: What’s My Hurry

As I get older, I find myself constantly less irritated by the slow drivers that seem to always get in front of me.  I used to fuss and fume.  Now I just kind of sit back and enjoy the ride.  Well, not always, but more and more often.  I find this produces two juxtaposition ideas.

On the one side I’m getting older and I am retired, so I have more time.  What is the rush?  I’ve learned that most things will wait for me to get there, and if it requires being super on time, it may not be worth doing.

On the other side, I don’t have as much time.  I’m getting old.  The clock is winding down.  I don’t claim I have crested the hill and started down the other side, but I’m certainly getting close to the summit.  So maybe I should hurry up a little bit more.  Maybe I should be more impatient.  After all, they may be robbing me of my last chance to stop at my favorite restaurant or visit the library.  You never know about these things.

At least it builds my character.

homo unius libri

Opus 2026-118: No Contact Information

I am sitting in a waiting room.  My son is upstairs having a procedure done.  One of the joys of being a parent is seeing children grow to independence and learn to stand on their own two feet.  Another joy is still being needed.  I know that he has a sister who could be here but I got the call.

As I sit and try to concentrate I am constantly distracted by the conversations going on around me.  They cause my mind to seek rabbits and the trails are always ready to offer their services.

One lady was not able to get past the receptionist because she had nobody to contact when she was ready to leave.  It wasn’t that there was no one but there was no one who was waiting with her or immediately responsive.  It could just be one of those snafus that happen in life.  It could also be that she had nobody who was willing, or able, to be there when needed.  I am sure she will work it out but whoever she was trying to get to was not responding.

That brought my mind to all the women on the social media who declare that they are childless and quite happy.  I would not call them liars but the day will come when they eat their words.  It isn’t just about having someone to care for you when you are old.  It isn’t about people who will help you.  If you have enough money you can pay for service.  It is about having in-depth relationships with others.  It is about being willing to give, not about having a human insurance policy.

The room is full of people waiting.  In some cases it is two people waiting for one to be called up stairs.  In others it is significant others who have taken time out of their busy lives to be here for someone in need.  And then there is that one lady who is trying to get hold of her ride home.  She can’t get past the desk until they respond.  It will work out but there is a note of sadness.

Why can’t I mind my own business?

homo unius libri

Opus 2025-595: On the Street: Top Dog in Exile

As I struggled to stay active and overcome my sedentary nature, I finally have extended my walking to make it around the corner and move towards a normal bit of exercise.  One of the first things to greet me was dogs barking.  I hadn’t heard them in quite a while.  As I approached though, I noticed someone was missing.  The dog I call Top Dog was not visible.  His number one competition had taken that position.  I wondered what was wrong.

After a few steps, I heard barking in the distance.  This house has a backyard that is fenced off separate from the front yard, and the dogs are usually either in the back or in the front.  Today, for some reason, Top Dog was locked in the backyard and the others were out front.  What did he do to deserve being put in exile?

I guess we should make a lesson out of that for life.  I think maybe I’ll wait until I see if he’s released from exile before I get too absolute, but it’s just a reminder that this too shall pass.  What goes up must come down.  What goes around comes around.  You can fill in the blanks with whatever your favorite mantra is.

Merry Christmas.

homo unius libri

Opus 2025-523: On the Street: Shopping Trip

Part of my plan for today is to go to a local mall and just walk around and see if there’s anything I want to buy.  I’m not counting on it.  I can usually do an entire mall in about 15 or 20 minutes.  I don’t buy shoes.  My feet are too big.  I don’t buy jewelry.  I have too much common sense.  I don’t buy a lot of things, but I enjoy walking around every once in a while and seeing what’s there.  Last time I was at this mall, they had a sign as you went in.  That said they did not want anybody in the mall who was carrying a concealed weapon.  I turned around and walked out.  That was enough.  I knew they didn’t want me.  And I feel very insecure were law-abiding citizens are not allowed to arm themselves for their self protection.  As I drive through the parking lot, it looks like I’m not the only one that has this idea because there’s only one car in the parking lot and it’s possible that it’s been stalled there overnight.  I’m going to get out and go up and see if it’s still open.  I’m not sure that posting that sign was a good idea for their business.

If the sign is still up and there’s any opportunity to talk to management, I will point out to them that I can’t spend money if I’m not in the mall.  It’s kind of like playing golf when you’re putting.  You can’t get it in the hole unless you get to the hole.

...

The stores don’t open until 11:00.  It must be nice to have customers who have the leisure to sleep in.  I will move on.  Walmart will be open.

homo unius libri

Opus 2025-430: On the Street: Sign Me Up

As I was driving toward home a truck going the other direction caught my attention.  On the side it said, “A Native American Woman Owned Company”.  That is saying a mouth full.  I am not sure why I am supposed to care about that.  Does it mean you need a reservation?  Does it mean they are always late but well dressed?  I am not sure what the company did but they got my attention.

I was wondering if Bruce, aka Caitlyn, Jenner who was born in America and is thus a native American could join their board?  So many questions; so little information.

homo unius libri

Opus 2025-252: On the Street: New and Improved

As I walk I check for mail that might have been delivered the previous day.  As I headed out all I saw was some junk mail.  On the way back I pulled it out to file it.  Walking up the steps I read the first line of the computer simulated hand-written note.  They wanted to sell me new windows and doors.  I guess they didn’t notice we had already done that a few year ago.  

The line that got me was, “Now’s the perfect time!  We have a special new customer sale going on. PLUS, for a limited time...”

It must be me but I would hope that they would have a “new customer” sale going on.  I would hope that their work was good enough that they would not be trying to sell new windows to old customers.  My parents lived in the same house for over 30 years and I don’t remember them replacing any windows.  I must admit that if my wife had lived there she would have had a need for new ones but that is a mark of affluence, not need.

Be a good steward of  your resources.  May your windows never stick and your doors never sag.

homo unius libri

Opus 2025-269: On the Street: Ignorance

As I got out of the car at the grocery store I noticed that the pickup I was beside was covered with patriotic messages.  They were tasteful and well done as in silk screen rather that Sharpie.  

When I came back out I looked a little closer and noticed something.  A date emblazoned on the fender was 1776.  The statement beside it said,  “We the people...”.  Do you see a problem?

Fortunately I don’t think that anyone on the left would notice the problem.  So there is nothing to really worry about.  Their heart was in the right place.  They probably had the work done by a professional and didn’t think twice.

Don’t fall into that trap.

homo unius libri

Opus 2025-222: On the Street: Losing His Edge

The top dog is starting to lose his edge.  I walk by a yard that has three frisky and noisy dogs and one of them is obviously the top dog.  Think of an Alaskan husky.  He likes to bark and he makes sure that the other dogs stay away from his spot in the fence.  One dog which is obviously younger and has aspirations he keeps well down the hill.  The other which is older he will occasionally allow a spot to look through the grates.

I noticed that he’s starting to lose it though.  The younger dog is creeping up closer.  Younger dog is bigger.  The younger dog might be faster and stronger.  But the top dog is still the top dog.  He has a position because of attitude and confidence.

I guess that should be a lesson for us as we go through life.  It isn’t how big we are on the outside but the size of the character on the inside.  Attitude is key at any age.

homo unius libri

Opus 2024-268: On the Street: Bad Luck

We all know about black cats crossing our path.  I am wondering if a centipede crossing your path is also bad luck.

I was walking along, minding my own business, and suddenly I noticed this long stringy black thing hustling across the pavement in front of me.  I realized it was a centipede.  I had a momentary urge to stomp it, but I refrained.  I have this covenant with God‘s creation.  When crazy creatures are active and they’re being crazy in their world, I leave them alone.  You may question the food chain, but it exists.  Centipedes may just be eating mosquitoes. but I’ll leave them alone.

When they intrude in my part of the world, all bets are off.  That is when having big feet can pay off.

homo unius libri

Opus 2024-226: On the Street: Passing the Privilege

I had a chance to share some white privilege today.  I was out walking and a man and his wife pulled up in a nice shiny pickup and asked me if I could tell him how to get to a certain tourist attraction near us.  I was glad to do so.  We had a very pleasant conversation and I used terms such as “left” and “right” and “big sign”.  I forgot to apologize for assuming that he agreed with me on my definitions of what right and what left meant.  He never questioned that I was white and he seemed to be Latino, or at least his wife was definitely Latino.  We had a courteous, polite and very friendly conversation.  Why would anyone assume anything else?

He did not hesitate to roll down his window and asked me a question.  There was no fear in his eyes.  No trembling hands.  No quavering voice.  No servile demeanor.  No hesitation, just friendly American conversation like we have every day.  This was based not on white privilege but upon accepting the Declaration of Independence statement about all men being created equal and a Biblical concept of treating people with courtesy and kindness even if they weren’t of the faith.

I did not take three steps back, pull my gun, wave it in a threatening manner, and scream out “whatchu want sucka?”

Welcome to the world of white privilege brought to you by Judeo-Christian values and Western culture.

See you on the street, Bro.

homo unius libri

Opus 2024-169: On the Street: Clear Skies

As I was returning from a shopping trip I listened to some music.  A song came up that I was not familiar with but the theme was well know, the unclouded sky.  The clear sky scenario went on and on.  They were really excited about not having any clouds in the sky.

I had a different view of the matter.  It was central Texas and the temperature was at least in the mid 90s.  It was hot.  One of the reasons it was hot was the clear skies.  If every day of the year was like this it would not take long to turn the countryside into a dust bowl.  Sunshine is wonderful, in reasonable amounts.  Clouds and rain are necessary for life.  Face it, there are times when you like to listen to the rain on the roof.

Sunshine, like most of life is a matter of balance.  Too much of any good thing becomes an ungood thing.  Be grateful for what I call Missouri weather because that is the first place I heard the statement about waiting a few minutes and it would change.

Variety is not just the spice of life.  It is a requirement.

homo unius libri

Opus 2024-114: On the Street: Only in Texas

I usually don’t pay police cars much attention.  I tend to drive the speed limit so my break peddle doesn’t get tromped on much.  Recently I was passed by a cop car (going over the speed limit) and when I glanced over I noticed a statement on the back:  In God we trust.

Only in Texas, and not even in all parts of Texas.

I wonder if the ACLU is going to get on their case?  Since it is still on our money they might not get far but with what is going on in the legal system today, you never know.

homo unius libri