Ray's Daily

Goodbye 2015

Hope smiles from the threshold of the year to come, whispering, ‘It will be happier.’

Alfred Lord Tennyson

Just another day or so and 2015 will slip into the past. My computer and I are taking the next two days off to say good bye to the old year and welcome the new year. I don’t know about you but these last twelve months seemed to fly by at a faster clip than in the past. I am hoping the next twelve will be slower and involve less hospital stays and medical procedures.

We are not making any big travel plans, at least so far, as traveling is not as easy as it once was for my wife and I so we are booking some short close by trips to satisfy our wanderlust needs. I do plan on enjoying each day as I hope you are. Maybe I will do a little less running and jumping and a little more leisurely walking and looking. I am rededicating myself to following the exercise program that Julia my coach laid out for me some time ago. Of course I plan on visiting with you through the Daily during the year as well.

So Happy New Year one and all and I will see you next year.

Look For the Good

In the New Year, let’s resolve

to get less stressed, upset, anxious

about things over which we have no control.

Lets have a narrower focus on our lives,

loving and helping our family and friends,

making our community a better place to live,

to create peace and contentment.

In the New Year, let’s resolve

to pay less attention to depressing stories

on TV, in magazines and newspapers,

and to stop focusing on what we want

that we haven’t got,

instead of appreciating

the many blessings we do have.

In the New Year, let’s look for the good.

We may have to search

through a mass of negative media,

but the good is there,

all around us.

I wish for you a New Year filled with good,

engulfed in serenity and happiness!

By Joanna Fuchs

~~~

“Let us make our future now and let us make today’s dreams tomorrow’s reality.”

Malala Yousafzai

~~~

A guy was down on Fisherman’s Wharf in San Francisco when he saw a seafood restaurant and a sign on the Specials Board which read, “Big Lobster Tales, $5 each.

“Amazed at the great value, he said to the waitress, “$5 each for lobster tails … . . . is that correct?” “Yes”, she said, “It’s our special just for today.” “Well”, he said, “they must be little lobster tails.” “No,” she replied, “It’s the really big lobster.” Are you sure they aren’t green lobster tails – and a little bit tough?” “No”, she said, “it’s the really big red lobster.” “Big red lobster tails, $5 each?” he said, amazed. “They must be old lobster tails!” “No, they’re definitely today’s.” “Today’s big red lobster tails – $5 each?” he repeated, astounded. “Yes”, she insisted.

“Well, here’s my five dollars,” he said, “I’ll take one.

She took the money and led him to a table where she invited him to sit down.

She then sat down next to him, put her hand on his shoulder, leaned over close to him and said, “Once upon a time there was a really big red lobster.”

~~~

“On a recent survey, 80 per cent of golfers admitted cheating. The other 20 percent lied.”

Bruce Lansky

~~~

Three women walk into a bar: a brunette, a redhead, and a blonde.

The brunette says to the bartender, “Give me a ‘BL’.”

Bartender: “What’s a ‘BL’?”

Brunette: “Duh, a Bud Light.”

Bartender: (speaking to redhead) “OK, what’ll you have?”

Redhead: “Give me a ‘ML’.”

Bartender: “Let me guess, a Miller Lite?”

Redhead: “Duh, yeah!”

Bartender: “And for you?”

Blonde: “I’ll have a 15”

Bartender: “A fifteen, what the hell is that?”

Blonde: “Duh, Seven and 7”

~~~

“It’s no longer a question of staying healthy. It’s a question of finding a sickness you like.”

Jackie Mason

~~~

EXCERPTS FROM THE DOG’S DAILY DIARY. . .

8:00 am – Oh Boy! Dog food! My favorite!

9:30 am – Oh Boy! A car ride! My favorite!

9:40 am – Oh Boy! A walk! My favorite!

10:30 am – Oh Boy! Back in the car for a ride! My favorite!

11:30 am – Oh Boy! A treat! My favorite!

12:00 noon – Oh Boy! The kids! My favorite!

1:00 pm – Oh Boy! The yard! My favorite!

4:00 pm – Oh Boy! The kids friends! My favorite!

5:00 pm – Oh Boy!  More dog food! My favorite!

5:30 pm – Oh Boy! Mom! My favorite!

6:30 pm – Oh Boy! Playing ball! My favorite!

8:00 pm – Oh Boy! Sleeping in master’s bed! My favorite! Woof!

EXCERPTS FROM THE CAT’S DAILY DIARY. . .

Day 283 Of My Captivity.

My captors continue to taunt me with bizarre little dangling objects. They dine lavishly on fresh meat, while I am forced to eat dry cereal. The only thing that keeps me going is the hope of escape, and the mild satisfaction I get from ruining the occasional piece of furniture.

Tomorrow I may eat another houseplant. Today my attempt to kill my captors by weaving around their feet while they were walking almost succeeded; must try this at the top of the stairs. In an attempt to disgust and repulse these vile oppressors, I once again induced myself to vomit on their favorite chair; must try this on their bed.

There was some sort of gathering of their accomplices. I was placed in solitary throughout the event. However, I could hear the noise and smell the food. More importantly I overheard that my confinement was due to MY power of “allergies.” Must learn what this is and how to use it to my advantage. I am convinced the other captives are flunkies and maybe snitches. The dog is routinely released and seems more than happy to return. He is obviously a half-wit. The bird on the other hand has got to be an informant, and speaks with them regularly. I am certain he reports my every move. Due to his current placement in the metal room, his safety is assured.

But I can wait. . .  it is only a matter of time…  heh heh, Meow!

~~~

“The future belongs to those who believe in the beauty of their dreams.”

Eleanor Roosevelt

~~~

Stay well, do good work, and have fun.

Ray Mitchell

Indianapolis, Indiana

Management is not responsible for duplicates from previous dailies. The editor is somewhat senile.

Ray’s Daily has been sent for more than fifteen years to people who want to start their day on an upbeat. If you have system overload because of our daily clutter, let me know and I will send you the information via mental telepathy. If you have not been getting our daily you can request to be added by e-mailing me at raykiwsp@gmail.com. Back issues are posted at https://raykiwsp.wordpress.com/ currently there are more than 2000 readers from around the world.

 

What are you doing next year?

Resolve to be thyself: and know, that he who finds himself, loses his misery.

Matthew Arnold

I am planning to make next year worthwhile, I hope you are as well. I know it is going to require some lifestyle changes on my part but I don’t want to jettison so much of my activities that I throw away the chances to do something worthwhile nor do I want to take the fun out of my days.

As if reading my mind I was sent an article by Australian Counselling Psychologist Clare Mann yesterday that I like and I thought it might help you too. Here in part is what she wrote.

New Year’s Resolutions – First Steps to a Better Life?

New Year Resolutions are often made in response to a self-censoring of one’s behavior or punishment for not doing what they believe will bring happiness. Giving up smoking, losing weight or getting fit are often at the top of the list when it comes to the top ten resolutions. Self-disgust, low self esteem or admonishment by others is often the reason for making resolutions. When we look at New Year resolutions, they are focused on changing aspects of one’s unacceptable behaviour – rarely are they couched in terms that reflect a larger vision for our lives or the values that might underpin a personal mission for what we want lives are about. Thus, conscious and unconscious resistance to the punishments that resolutions demand, sabotage us from keeping them. The outcome is that we continue our lives as before with humour, cynicism or increased self-loathing for our inability to change. We risk, as Henry Thoreaux said ‘Living a Life of Quiet Desperation’.

What alternatives are there for changing aspects of our lives in more productive and nurturing ways? The following questions help you look at your life more strategically so changes you desire can be assessed in terms of their alignment with your vision and desires.

1. What do you really want to do with your life? What do you want your life to stand for and how would you like to be remembered?
2. What would you do if you knew you couldn’t fail? Don’t answer this question within the constraints of what you believe is currently possible. Think big and worthy dreams.
3. What are your values and what is so important to you that you would stake ‘even life itself’ to act in ways to celebrate these values?
4. What thoughts, feelings and actions do you believe align with achieving your vision, values and dreams of how you want your life to be?
5. What stops you from achieving the life you so desire? What reasons do you give yourself for not having what you want? Do you blame others for your failures or are you taking full responsibility for your own life?
6. What reasons do you give yourself for not having what you want? Do you blame others for your failures or are you taking full responsibility for your entire life?
7. What do you need to do to support achievement of your desired life? If those supports are not in place, what stories do you tell yourself for why this is so?

By asking these and similar questions, you can create a pen picture of the life you want. Take that picture and set goals, targets and the means for measuring and assessing your success.

New Year Resolutions are temporary ways to assuage the anxiety of not living the life you truly want. They provide a temporary salve hoodwinking you into believing that positive change is on the horizon.

This year, replace your New Year resolutions with value aligned ways to create a life that is worth living so temporary setbacks no longer determine your success or failure.

~~~

One resolution I have made, and try always to keep, is this: ‘To rise above little things.’

John Burroughs

~~~

“Sometimes it’s important to work for that pot of gold. But other times it’s essential to take time off and to make sure that your most important decision in the day simply consists of choosing which color to slide down on the rainbow.”

Douglas Pagels

~~~

In the Admitting office of our hospital, some patients were filling out forms, others were being interviewed and still others were being escorted to their rooms.

An elderly woman, obviously not sure of where she should be, hesitatingly entered my cubicle.  She had completed the admitting forms and, upon my request, handed me her insurance cards.  I typed the necessary information and then asked her the reason for her coming to the hospital.

“I’m here to just visit a friend,” she said, “but all this has taken so long, I’m not sure I have the time now!”

~~~

I’d like to go to an assertiveness training class.  First I need to check with my wife.

Adam Christing

~~~

GRANDKIDS DO MAKE SENSE, AT LEAST TO GOD.

Dear God, Please put another holiday between Christmas and Easter. There is nothing in there now. Amanda

Dear God, Thank you for the baby brother but what I asked for was a puppy. I never asked for anything before. You can look it up. Joyce

Dear Mr. God, I wish you would not make it so easy for people to come apart. I had to have 3 stitches and a shot.  Janet

God, I read the bible. What does beget mean? Nobody will tell me. Love, Alison

Dear God, Is it true my father won’t get in Heaven if he uses his golf words in the house? Anita

Dear God, I bet it’s very hard for you to love all of everybody in the whole world. There are only 4 people in our family and I can never do it. Nancy

~~~

If the left side of your brain controls the right side of your body, then only left handed people are in their right mind.

~~~

Mike: Do you remember first meeting your wife?

John: Sure, I found Jill lying face down in the gutter. I lifted her to her feet and promised her that if she agreed to marry me, she would begin a new life and I’d never allow her near the gutter again.

Mike: Wow, I hope she appreciates what you did for her.

John: Not really. Jill hated to give up bowling.

~~~

Whoever said nothing is impossible never tried slamming a revolving door.

~~~

The following sign hangs in a local garage: AUTO REPAIR PRICE LIST:

Ping-Ping-Ping…..$35.00

Plunk-Ping-Plunk…$50.00

Klunk-Ping-Klunk…$125.00

Thud-Klunk-Thud….$200.00

Clang-Thud-Klank…$325.00

~~~

My six-year-old grandson called his mother from his friend Charlie’s house and confessed he had broken a lamp when he threw a football in their living room.

“But, Mom,” he said, brightening, “you don’t have to worry about buying another one. Charlie’s mom said it was irreplaceable.”

~~~

Resolve to be tender with the young, compassionate with the aged, sympathetic with the striving, and tolerant with the weak and wrong. Sometime in life you will have been all of these.

Dandy Lion

~~~

Stay well, do good work, and have fun.

Ray Mitchell

Indianapolis, Indiana

Management is not responsible for duplicates from previous dailies. The editor is somewhat senile.

Ray’s Daily has been sent for more than fifteen years to people who want to start their day on an upbeat. If you have system overload because of our daily clutter, let me know and I will send you the information via mental telepathy. If you have not been getting our daily you can request to be added by e-mailing me at raykiwsp@gmail.com. Back issues are posted at https://raykiwsp.wordpress.com/ currently there are more than 2000 readers from around the world.

 

New Year Ahead

And now we welcome the new year. Full of things that have never been.

Rainer Maria Rilke

Hi everyone, I hope you had a great Christmas holiday I know we did. We dined on Christmas Eve with another family at a private club, this is a tradition for our two families that goes back about 40 years. Our young children in those days have all become adults and have enlarged the group by adding their children.

On Christmas Day we joined our three kids and their families at my son’s home. My granddaughter who is attending Brown University was there as were my three grandsons who attend Clemson, Butler and DePauw University. My Granddaughter who works in the media, my grandson who is a computer specialist and my grandson who is a professional writer and his wife and son rounded out the group.

My great grandson who is nine months old stole the show as he demonstrated his crawling skills, his ability to laugh and smile. Unfortunately none of us could speak gurgle so we don’t know what he was saying but I am sure it was profound.

So now we are on the threshold of a new year, one that will bring changes for my wife and I as aging continues to weigh in. Most of our efforts will probably be put into a more modest lifestyle that we can enjoy.

Here are some guidelines that I think will help me as a make my resolutions.

Recipe for a Happy New Year

Anonymous

    Take twelve fine, full-grown months; see that these are thoroughly free from old memories of bitterness, rancor and hate, cleanse them completely from every clinging spite; pick off all specks of pettiness and littleness; in short, see that these months are freed from all the past—have them fresh and clean as when they first came from the great storehouse of Time. Cut these months into thirty or thirty-one equal parts. Do not attempt to make up the whole batch at one time (so many persons spoil the entire lot this way) but prepare one day at a time.

    Into each day put equal parts of faith, patience, courage, work (some people omit this ingredient and so spoil the flavor of the rest), hope, fidelity, liberality, kindness, rest (leaving this out is like leaving the oil out of the salad dressing— don’t do it), prayer, meditation, and one well-selected resolution. Put in about one teaspoonful of good spirits, a dash of fun, a pinch of folly, a sprinkling of play, and a heaping cupful of good humor.

~~~

Let our New Year’s resolution be this: we will be there for one another as fellow members of humanity, in the finest sense of the word.

Goran Persson

~~~

Sam Levenson said:

• Lead us not into temptation. Just tell us where it is; we’ll find it.
• Don’t watch the clock; do what it does. Keep going.
• It’s so simple to be wise. Just think of something stupid to say and say the opposite.
• The reason grandparents and grandchildren get along so well is that they have a common enemy.
• The simplest toy, one which even the youngest child can operate, is called a grandparent.
• You must learn from the mistakes of others. You can’t possibly live long enough to make them all yourself.

~~~

Don’t argue with an idiot, people watching may not be able to tell the difference.

~~~

Yesterday my son came home and said, “I have good news and bad news. The good news is – I got 18 out of 20 on my driver’s test.”

I said, “Great! Now what’s the bad news?”

He said, “They were pedestrians.”

~~~

“Look at a day when you are supremely satisfied at the end. It’s not a day when you lounge around doing nothing. It’s when you’ve had everything to do, and you’ve done it.”

Margaret Thatcher

~~~

She said, I was very pregnant, and it was rotten luck when, several days before my due date, my husband fell from the porch roof, sprained both ankles and was restricted to crutches.

So when I went into labor and he couldn’t drive, I took the wheel, stopping every time I had a contraction. Finally, we got to the hospital. I dropped him at the maternity entrance, and he hobbled off to the admitting desk, where the nurse told him to go to the emergency room.

No, it’s my wife,” he told her. “She’s in labor.”

“Well, where is she then?” the nurse asked.

“Er…she’s, ah…. parking the car and bringing in the bags,” he replied sheepishly.

~~~

I signed up for an exercise class and was told to wear loose-fitting clothing. If I HAD any loose-fitting clothing, I wouldn’t have signed up in the first place!

~~~

     A big Texan Fellah is walking down the main street of Ballinclashett and encounters Liam standing on the pavement beside a big strong horse. This prompts the Texan to attempt to realize a lifelong dream and he says to Liam, Say Boy, that’s a fine-lookin horse you got there, and I’d like to tour this beautiful country on horseback so’s I can see the sights and hear the sounds of the countryside like they did in the old days. I’ll buy that horse off of ya, how much ya want.

Liam says, O sure and you don’t want to be messin with this horse he don’t look too good these days.

Hey, Boy, says the Texan, Don’t you try to tell me what’s a good lookin’ horse an what isn’t. I been tradin’ horses all my life long and there ain’t nothin a young country boy like you can tell me about em. Now you jes name yer price and we’ll get along fine.

I’m sayin’ to ye that this horse is not a good lookin horse mister and ye don’t want any part of ‘im, says Liam.

The Texan is getting angry now. Listen up Boy, he says, you leave me be the judge of what’s good lookin and what’s not and jes give me the price and I ll pay cash right here and now.

Oh well, says Liam, $2000.00US.

Deal! Says the Texan and he hands over the money, Liam unties the horse and the Texan leads him off.

The horse walks smack into the first lampost in the way, and the Texan turns to Liam and says, Hey, Boy, you a damn swindler, you didn’ tell me this here horse was blind!

I keep tellin’ you he don’t look too good, says Liam, and you kept saying that’s none of my business, so in the end I gave up.

~~~

“We spend January 1st walking through our lives, room by room, drawing up a list of work to be done, cracks to be patched. Maybe this year, to balance the list, we ought to walk through the rooms of our lives…not looking for flaws, but for potential.”

Ellen Goodman

~~~

Stay well, do good work, and have fun.

Ray Mitchell

Indianapolis, Indiana

Management is not responsible for duplicates from previous dailies. The editor is somewhat senile.

Ray’s Daily has been sent for more than fifteen years to people who want to start their day on an upbeat. If you have system overload because of our daily clutter, let me know and I will send you the information via mental telepathy. If you have not been getting our daily you can request to be added by e-mailing me at raykiwsp@gmail.com. Back issues are posted at https://raykiwsp.wordpress.com/ currently there are more than 2000 readers from around the world.

 

We will leave you now

This is the message of Christmas: “We are never alone.”

Taylor Caldwell

My Great Grandson

Tomorrow my grandson will begin his first Christmas Holidays and I will begin my eightieth. We will enjoy the company of friends and family over the next few days as we come together in various locations to celebrate the spirit of Christmas with others of all faiths as we share the time with those who are special to us.

My computer and I will take the next few days off and will send you our next Daily offering next Monday. My being away will give me more time to appreciate the good fortune I have received from just being part of a caring family. I hope that you enjoy yourself as much as I know I will.

Since Christmas is special not just for children but also for people my age I thought I would share the following poem with everyone. I don’t know who wrote it but I know some of the people he talks about

‘Twas the night before (senior) Christmas

‘Twas the night before Christmas at Rock-Away Rest, And all of us seniors were looking our best.

Our glasses, how sparkly, our wrinkles, how merry; Our punch bowl held prune juice plus three drops of sherry.

A bed sock was taped to each walker in hope, That Santa would bring us soft candy and soap.

We surely were lucky to be there with friends, Secure in this residence and in our Depends.

Our grandkids had sent us some Christmasy crafts, Like angels in snowsuits and penguins on rafts.

The dental assistant had borrowed our teeth, And from them she’d crafted a holiday wreath.

The bed pans, so shiny, all stood in a row, Reflecting our candle’s magnificent glow.

Our supper, so festive (the joy wouldn’t stop), Was creamy warm oatmeal with sprinkles on top.

Our salad was Jell-O, so jiggly and great; Then puree of fruitcake was spooned on each plate.

The social director then had us play games, Like “Where Are You Living?” and “What Are Your Names?”

Old Grandfather Looper was feeling his oats, Proclaiming that reindeer were nothing but goats.

Our resident wanderer was tied to her chair, In hopes that at bedtime she still would be there.

Security lights on the new fallen snow Made outdoors seem noon to the old folks below.

Then out on the porch there arose quite a clatter (But we are so deaf that it just didn’t matter).

A strange little fellow flew in through the door, Then tripped on the sill and fell flat on the floor.

‘Twas just our director, all togged out in red. He jiggled and chuckled and patted each head.

We knew from the way that he strutted and jived Our Social Security checks had arrived.

We sang — how we sang — in our monotone croak, Till the clock tinkled out its soft eight-p.m. stroke.

And soon we were snuggling deep in our beds. While nurses distributed nocturnal meds.

And so ends our Christmas at Rock-Away Rest. ‘fore long you’ll be with us. We wish you the best.

~~~

Gifts of time and love are surely the basic ingredients of a truly merry Christmas.”

Peg Bracken.

~~~

Signs of Christmas Everywhere

Toy Store: “Ho, ho, ho spoken here.”

Bridal boutique: “Marry Christmas.”

Outside a church: “The original Christmas Club.”

At a department store: “Big pre-Christmas sale. Come in and mangle with the crowd.”

A Texas jewelry store: “Diamond tiaras — $70,000. Three for $200,000.

A reducing salon: “24 Shaping Days until Christmas.”

In a stationery store: “For the man who has everything… a calendar to remind him when payments are due.”

~~~

As a little girl climbed onto Santa’s lap, Santa asked the usual, “And what would you like for Christmas?”

The child stared at him open mouthed and horrified for a minute, then gasped: “Didn’t you get my E-mail?”

~~~

All I Needed to Know About Life I learned from Santa

Encourage people to believe in you.

Always remember who’s naughty and who’s nice.

Don’t pout.

It’s as much fun to give as it is to receive.

Some days it’s ok to feel a little chubby.

Make your presents known.

Always ask for a little bit more than what you really want.

Bright red can make anyone look good.

Wear a wide belt and no-one will notice how many pounds you’ve gained.

If you only show up once a year, everyone will think you’re very important.

Whenever you’re at a loss for words, say: “HO, HO, HO!”

~~~

It’s the holiday season. Let the overeating begin!

Melanie White

~~~

The Santa Claus at the mall was more than a trifle surprised when a beautiful young lady about twenty years old walked up and sat on his lap but Santa quickly recovered, and started talking to the college-type

“And what do you want for Christmas?” asked Santa.

“Something for my mother, ” said the young lady.

“Bring for your mother? Well, that’s what I call thoughtful,” smiled Santa. “What can I get her?”

After thinking for a moment, the girl brightened, turned to Santa and said: “I’d like for her to get a son-in-law”

~~~

During this Christmas season, may you enjoy the message of hope, love, and peace on Earth.

~~~

Stay well, do good work, and have fun.

Ray Mitchell

Indianapolis, Indiana

Management is not responsible for duplicates from previous dailies. The editor is somewhat senile.

Ray’s Daily has been sent for more than fifteen years to people who want to start their day on an upbeat. If you have system overload because of our daily clutter, let me know and I will send you the information via mental telepathy. If you have not been getting our daily you can request to be added by e-mailing me at raykiwsp@gmail.com. Back issues are posted at https://raykiwsp.wordpress.com/ currently there are more than 2000 readers from around the world.

 

A good time for reflection

The spirit of Christmas is the spirit of love and of generosity and of goodness. It illuminates the picture window of the soul, and we look out upon the world’s busy life and become more interested in people than in things.

Thomas S. Monson

One of the nice things about this time of year is that many of us will reflect on how lucky we really are. I don’t mean because of the material things we have but rather about the people that add meaning to our lives. It is far too easy to take those around us for granted and sometimes we only see them through the filter of our own egos and opinions.

I am never very good at sharing how much I appreciate my wonderful family and special friends. It may be because I didn’t really come from a nurturing childhood but I believe it is because I don’t have the words to express how much I care for them.

I am glad my age has made me more tolerant and I hope less self-centered as I have learned that I really am not all that smart and criticism based on my own prejudices are often not really valid. I don’t appreciate people because they are what I want them to be but rather because of who they are. So as I stop and reflect on the people around me I realize that my life is good mainly because they are there.

So thank you one and all, you are the spirit of the season and you do bring joy to my world.

Here is a story that reminds me that it is what is in the heart that counts and those who have the ability to discern it in others know one of the greatest sources of happiness.

The Gold Wrapping Paper

Once upon a time, there was a man who worked very hard just to keep food on the table for his family. This particular year a few days before Christmas, he punished his little five-year-old daughter after learning that she had used up the family’s only roll of expensive gold wrapping paper.

As money was tight, he became even more upset when on Christmas Eve he saw that the child had used all of the expensive gold paper to decorate one shoebox she had put under the Christmas tree. He also was concerned about where she had gotten money to buy what was in the shoebox.

Nevertheless, the next morning the little girl, filled with excitement, brought the gift box to her father and said, “This is for you, Daddy!”

As he opened the box, the father was embarrassed by his earlier overreaction, now regretting how he had punished her.

But when he opened the shoebox, he found it was empty and again his anger flared. “Don’t you know, young lady,” he said harshly, “when you give someone a present, there’s supposed to be something inside the package!”

The little girl looked up at him with sad tears rolling from her eyes and whispered: “Daddy, it’s not empty. I blew kisses into it until it was all full.”

The father was crushed. He fell on his knees and put his arms around his precious little girl. He begged her to forgive him for his unnecessary anger.

An accident took the life of the child only a short time later. It is told that the father kept this little gold box by his bed for all the years of his life. Whenever he was discouraged or faced difficult problems, he would open the box, take out an imaginary kiss, and remember the love of this beautiful child who had put it there.

In a very real sense, each of us has been given an invisible golden box filled with unconditional love and kisses from our children, family, friends and God. There is no more precious possession anyone could hold.

~~~

“This time of year means being kind to everyone we meet,

To share a smile with strangers we may pass along the street.”

Betty Black

~~~

Andy Rooney On Prisons:

Did you know that it costs forty thousand dollars a year to house each prisoner? Jeez, for forty thousand bucks apiece I’ll take a few prisoners into my house. I live in Los Angeles. I already have bars on the windows.

I don’t think we should give free room and board to criminals. I think they should have to run twelve hours a day on a treadmill and generate electricity. And if they don’t want to run, they can rest in the chair that’s hooked up to the generator.

~~~

“The weak can never forgive. Forgiveness is the attribute of the strong.”

Mahatma Gandhi

~~~

A man who is an avid golfer finally gets a once-in-a-lifetime chance for an audience with the Pope. After standing in line for hours, he gets to the Pope and says, “Holiness, I have a question that only you can answer. You see, I love golf, and I feel a real need to know if there is a golf course in heaven. Can you tell me if there is?”

The Pope considers for a moment, and says, “I do not know the answer to your question, my son, but I will talk to God and get back to you.”

The next day the man is called for another audience with the Pope to receive the answer to his question. He stands before the Pope, who says, “My son, I have some good news and some bad news in relation to your question. The good news is that heaven has the most fabulous golf course that you could imagine and is in eternally perfect shape.”

“And what’s the bad news?” asks the man.

“You tee-off tomorrow morning,” the Pope replies.

~~~

People will accept your ideas much more readily if you tell them Benjamin Franklin said it first.

David H Comins

~~~

A lawyer was cross-examining a witness: “You have just testified that you heard the shot at exactly 11:32 p.m.? How did you know what time it was? Did you look at your watch?”

“No,” the witness said. “I looked at the sundial in the garden.”

“That’s absurd,” screamed the lawyer. “How could you tell time by a sundial at 11:32 at night?”

“I had a flashlight,” the witness said.

~~~

How do I know anything really exists? Kick it *really* hard.

~~~

A teenage boy and his grandfather go fishing one day. While fishing, the old man starts talking about how times have changed. The young man picks up on this and starts talking about the various problems and diseases going around.

Teen says, “Grandpa, they didn’t have a whole lot of problems with all these diseases when you were young did they?”

Grandpa replies, “Nope.”

The teen says, “Well, what did you guys use for safe sex?”

Grandpa replies, “A wedding ring.”

~~~

I have always thought of Christmas time, when it has come round, as a good time; a kind, forgiving, charitable time; the only time I know of, in the long calendar of the year, when men and women seem by one consent to open their shut-up hearts freely, and to think of people below them as if they really were fellow passengers to the grave, and not another race of creatures bound on other journeys.

Charles Dickens

~~~

Stay well, do good work, and have fun.

Ray Mitchell

Indianapolis, Indiana

Management is not responsible for duplicates from previous dailies. The editor is somewhat senile.

Ray’s Daily has been sent for more than fifteen years to people who want to start their day on an upbeat. If you have system overload because of our daily clutter, let me know and I will send you the information via mental telepathy. If you have not been getting our daily you can request to be added by e-mailing me at raykiwsp@gmail.com. Back issues are posted at https://raykiwsp.wordpress.com/ currently there are more than 2000 readers from around the world.

 

’tis the season

The foolish man seeks happiness in the distance; the wise grows it under his feet.

James Openheim

Our year is almost over and at the end of this week many of us will be enjoying Christmas with family and friends. Since this is a major holiday in my country it will be a short week for the Daily’s crack staff, my computer.

It is also a good time for reflection on the good from the past year and how we might make next year special. Here are some excerpts from an article written by Tiffany Mason that I think are worth considering.

If You Want To Be Happy, You Need To Ask Yourself These Questions Every Morning

How can I live in alignment with my values and beliefs in life today?

Living in alignment with your deepest values and beliefs will ultimately make you happy. Human beings are most happy when they are living their life with how they imagine their life being. Imagine what your life will consist of if you live in alignment with your values and beliefs. Will you be a happier individual? It’s about taking action with what you believe in and making the commitment every single day of living out your values.

What can I do today to fulfill my human needs?

There are 6 human needs that we experience. These 6 human needs consist of certainty, variety, significance, connection & love, growth, and contribution. Take a moment every morning and be clear with what you human needs are. These human needs are what matter to you the most. I know that for me personally, connection & love and contribution are my two highest human needs. I live each and every day in alignment with these two human needs and let me tell you, I am very happy in my life. Reflect and be clear with what your human needs are.

Am I experiencing happiness from within?

A lot of us fall into the trap of finding happiness from the outside world. Whether it be materialistic possessions or from other people, we must take the time to ask our self this question. Where is happiness coming from in your life? It’s important for you to experience happiness from within because you will be constant even when stress and frustration come your way. You will have a solid internal foundation from within. No matter what you experience in life, you know that you will be okay. When happiness is rooted from within you, you are more likely to bounce back from stressful situations.

What is my legacy?

Take a moment and reflect upon this question. It’s important for you to think long term. What do you want to be remembered by? When you’re able to be clear with your legacy, you are more likely to work towards your legacy. I know that for me personally, I want to be remembered as having a meaningful marriage and helping people live a fulfilling and rewarding life. I live with this legacy every single day. Now it’s your turn. What’s your legacy?

What makes me happy?

This is a very simple question but worth talking about. Take a moment to reflect upon what truly makes you happy. I’m not talking about materialistic possessions or superficial things, like shopping or buying the latest gadget. I’m talking about internal happiness. What speaks to your soul? Focus on feeding your inner being. If you’re looking for long term happiness, it all starts from within.

How am I making a difference in this world?

We all want to make a difference in this world. Whether it be big or small. Life is about helping others live a better life. Take the time to figure what how you want to make a difference in this world. It can be as small as not littering or as big as becoming the president of the United States. You are in control. You have the option of living a passionately happy life or remaining stuck with where you are. You decide.

~~~

It’s never too late to have a happy childhood.

Berke Breathed

~~~

The CIA loses track of one of its operatives, and so calls in one of their top spy hunters. The CIA boss says, “All I can tell you is that his name is Murphy and that he’s somewhere in Ireland. If you think you’ve located him, tell him the code words, ‘The weather forecast calls for mist in the morning.’ If it’s really him, he’ll answer, ‘Yes, and for mist at noon as well.'”

So the spy hunter goes to Ireland and stops in a bar in one of the small towns. He says to the bartender, “Maybe you can help me. I’m looking for a guy named Murphy.”

The bartender replies, “You’re going to have to be more specific because, around here, there are lots of guys named Murphy. There’s Murphy the Baker, who runs the pastry shop on the next block. There’s Murphy the Banker, who’s president of our local savings bank. There’s Murphy the Blacksmith, who works at the stables. And, as a matter of fact, my name is Murphy, too.”

Hearing this, the spy hunter figures he might as well try the code words on the bartender, so he says, “The weather forecast calls for mist in the morning.”

The bartender replies, “Oh, you’re looking for Murphy the Spy. He lives right down the street.”

~~~

Why do they call it the Department of the Interior when they are in charge of everything outdoors?

~~~

It was three o’clock in the morning, and the receptionist at a posh hotel was just dozing off, when a little old lady came running towards her, screaming. “Please come quickly!” she yelled, “I just saw a naked man outside my window!”

The receptionist immediately rushed up to the old lady’s room.

“Where is he?” asked the receptionist.

“He’s over there,” replied the little old lady, pointing to an apartment building opposite the hotel.

The receptionist looked over and could see a man with no shirt on, moving around his apartment. “It’s probably a man who’s getting ready to go to bed,” she said reassuringly. “And how do you know he’s naked, you can only see him from the waist up?”

“The dresser, honey!” screamed the old lady. “Try standing on the dresser!”

~~~

Someone who thinks logically is a nice contrast to the real world.

~~~

Smith goes to see his supervisor in the front office. “Boss,” he says, “we’re doing some heavy house-cleaning at home tomorrow, and my wife needs me to help with the attic and the garage, moving and hauling stuff.”

“We’re short-handed, Smith,” the boss replies. “I can’t give you the day off.”

“Thanks, boss,” says Smith, “I knew I could count on you!”

~~~

Anything free is worth what you pay for it

~~~

Sy comes home after his mother’s funeral to try to put the place in order. He goes up to the attic to look around and finds an old trunk. Looking in it, he discovers his father’s WWll uniform. Sy tries it on and it’s a little tight on him. Before taking it off, he puts his hand in the pocket and comes up with a ticket. Looking at it, he finds a shoe repair ticket for Herman’s on West 53rd, dated January 14th, 1945.

He can barely believe it. An unclaimed ticket 70 years old. Weeks later, Sy happens to be in the area of West 53rd and wanders over to see where the shoe repair was. He can’t believe his good luck, the shoe repair store is still there. He wanders in and tells the story of finding the ticket to the old shoemaker.

The man says his name is Herman and has owned the shop for 70 years. “Gimme the ticket” says Herman and wanders to the back of the shop. Sy is amazed. What good fortune! What a coincidence! Only in America!

Herman comes back. “I’ve still got your shoes. They’ll be done Friday!”

~~~

Try to make at least one person happy every day. If you cannot do a kind deed, speak a kind word. If you cannot speak a kind word, think a kind thought. Count up, if you can, the treasure of happiness that you would dispense in a week, in a year, in a lifetime!

Lawrence G. Lovasik

~~~

Stay well, do good work, and have fun.

Ray Mitchell

Indianapolis, Indiana

Management is not responsible for duplicates from previous dailies. The editor is somewhat senile.

Ray’s Daily has been sent for more than fifteen years to people who want to start their day on an upbeat. If you have system overload because of our daily clutter, let me know and I will send you the information via mental telepathy. If you have not been getting our daily you can request to be added by e-mailing me at raykiwsp@gmail.com. Back issues are posted at https://raykiwsp.wordpress.com/ currently there are more than 2000 readers from around the world.

 

Santa vists my Great Grandson

Here is a picture of Santa with my great grandson Donovan, my wife and me.Don’t tell anyone but Santa was played by my son-in-law.

I am going to simplify

“Very little is needed to make a happy life; it is all within yourself, in your way of thinking.”

Marcus Aurelius

As you know I have decided I am going to uncomplicate my life in 2016. I need to decide what I no longer can do and what I no longer want to do. But that is not as bad as it sounds for by offloading some activities it will free me up to be able to commit to things I want to do and can still do.

I recently read an article posted by Henrik Edberg on the Positivity Blog that included a warning to not over complicate our lives. It is good advice for where I am right now and it might be of value for you as well. Here is what he wrote:

Overcomplicating life.

Life can be pretty complicated. This can creates stress and unhappiness. But much of this is often created by us. Yes, the world may be becoming more complex but that doesn’t mean that we cannot create new habits that make your own lives a bit simpler.

How to overcome this habit:

Overcomplicating life can involve many habits but I’d like to suggest a few replacement habits to what have been a couple of my own most overcomplicating habits.

• Splitting your focus and having your attention all over the place in everyday life. I replaced that complicating habit with just doing one thing at a time during my day, having a small to-do list with 2-3 very important items and writing down my most important goal on white board that I see each day.
• Having too much stuff. I replaced that habit with regularly asking myself: have I used this in the past year? If not then I will give that thing away or throw it away.
• Creating relationship problems of any kind in your mind. Reading minds is hard. So, instead ask questions and communicate. This will help you to minimize unnecessary conflicts, misunderstandings, negativity and waste or time and energy.
• Getting lost in the in-box. I spend less time and energy on my email in-box by just checking it once a day and writing shorter emails (if possible not more than 5 sentences.)
• Getting lost in stress and overwhelm. When stressed, lost in a problem or the past or future in your mind then, as I mentioned above, breathe with your belly for two minutes and just focus on the air going in and out. This will calm your body down and bring your mind back into the present moment again. Then you can start focusing on doing what is most important for you again.

~~~

Making the simple complicated is commonplace; making the complicated simple, awesomely simple, that’s creativity.

Charles Mingus

~~~

One of the great gifts my Jewish friends provide to me and others is their humor. Here is another example.

On Rosh Hashanah (the Jewish New Year), there is a service called Taslisch (throwing) where sins are symbolically cast away by throwing bread into the water. Some people have asked what kind of bread they are supposed to throw into the water. Here are suggestions:

For ordinary sins, use — White Bread

For exotic sins — French or Italian bread

For dark sins — Pumpernickle

For complex sins — Multi-grain

For truly warped sins — Pretzels

For sins of indecision — Waffles

For sins committed in haste — Matzah

For substance abuse — Poppy Seed

For committing arson — Toast

For being ill-tempered — Sourdough

For silliness — Nut bread

For not giving full value — Short bread

For political chauvinism — Yankee Doodles

For excessive use of irony — Rye Bread

For continual bad jokes — Corn Bread

For hardening our hearts — Jelly doughnuts

~~~

I hope those of you who have seen me the last few years have noticed that I have the body of a God…Buddha

~~~

Since we are on the subject, here are a few from the irreverent Catholic dictionary:

Act of Contrition—A penitential prayer you warm up with so you don’t cramp up in the confessional.

Act of God— 1. The kind of disaster insurance doesn’t cover 2. The only way to get some Catholics to church on Sunday.

Acts of the Apostles—Christ’s touring company—they knocked ’em dead in Samaria, Thessalonica, Damascus,etc.

Advent —A season filled with the sounds of pipers piping, drummers drumming and cash registers ringing.

Advent Wreath— A brightly colored, seasonally decorated fire hazard.

Agnostic—1. An atheist who is hedging his bets. 2. Someone who isn’t sure there is a God, but who is sure he doesn’t want to go to Mass every Sunday.

All Saints Day (November 1st)—- A day to honor the least-known saints and give your least-liked Halloween candy to your little brother.

All Soul’s Day (November 2nd)—The day to remember all deceased Motown recording artists.

~~~

In an underdeveloped country don’t drink the water, in a developed country, don’t breathe the air.

Jonathan Raban

~~~

There was a job opening in the country’s most prestigious law firm and it finally comes down to Robert and Paul. Both graduated magna cum laude from law school.  Both come from good families.  Both are equally attractive and well spoken.  It’s up to the senior partner to choose one, so he takes each aside and asks, “Why did you become a lawyer?”  In seconds, he chooses Paul.

Baffled, Robert takes Paul aside.  “I don’t understand why I was rejected.  When Mr.  Armstrong asked me why I became a lawyer, I said that I had the greatest respect for the law, that I’d lay down my life for the Constitution and that all I wanted was to do right by my clients.  What in the world did you tell him?”

“I said I became a lawyer because of my hands,” Robert replies.

“Your hands?  What do you mean?”

“Well, I took a look one day and there wasn’t any money in either of them!”

~~~

My exercise secrets:

I have to exercise in the morning before my brain figures out what I’m doing.

I like long walks, especially when they are taken by people who annoy me.

I have flabby thighs, but fortunately my stomach covers them.

~~~

“Right now I’m having amnesia and deja vu at the same time. I think I’ve forgotten this before.”

Steven Wright

~~~

When the new patient was settled comfortably on the couch, the psychiatrist began his therapy session.  “I’m not aware of your problem,” the doctor said.  “So perhaps, you should start at the very beginning.”

“Of course,” replied the patient.  “In the beginning, I created the Heavens and the Earth…”

~~~

Travel is fatal to prejudice, bigotry, and narrow-mindedness.

Mark twain

~~~

My daughter called me at work to say I was to phone “Josh” at the bank regarding my account. So, I called my bank and the operator asked me what Josh’s last name was and I explained that he hadn’t left his last name.

When she asked for his department, I said that I didn’t know.

“There are 1500 employees in this building, ma’am,” she advised me rather sharply.

After a few more brusque comments, I was becoming angry so I asked her for her name.

“Danielle,” she said.

“And your last name?” I asked.

“Sorry,” she replied, “we’re not allowed to give out last names.”

~~~

“Let us be grateful to people who make us happy, they are the charming gardeners who make our souls blossom.”

Marcel Proust

~~~

Stay well, do good work, and have fun.

Ray Mitchell

Indianapolis, Indiana

Management is not responsible for duplicates from previous dailies. The editor is somewhat senile.

Ray’s Daily has been sent for more than fifteen years to people who want to start their day on an upbeat. If you have system overload because of our daily clutter, let me know and I will send you the information via mental telepathy. If you have not been getting our daily you can request to be added by e-mailing me at raykiwsp@gmail.com. Back issues are posted at https://raykiwsp.wordpress.com/ currently there are more than 2000 readers from around the world.

 

Meet my special friend

The brightest stars are those who shine for the benefit of others.

Yesterday I had breakfast with a truly special friend. My friend is the kindest person I have ever met. She has that special glow about her that you sometimes hear about but seldom see. My friend has devoted her whole life to others through her work for the Salvation Army and by helping the friends she has made. She has provided solace to the grieving who visited the Twin Towers morgue after the 9/11 disaster when she worked there as a chaplain. She has been a key worker at disaster sites. She often comforts those in need, helps feed the hungry and clothe the poor while befriending people like me.

But what impresses me the most about my friend is the warmth she exudes whenever I get to meet with her. Her goodness is infectious and always leaves me with a feeling of joy. I have never heard anyone ever speak ill of her and as you can guess I have never heard her speak ill of anyone.

With my friend what you see is what you get; she is who she is 24 by 7. Our world would be a better place if more of us were like her. Here is a story that reminds me of her while providing a good message for us all.

Strength of a Man

Bill Greer, Chicken Soup for the Veteran’s Soul

 

The strength of a man isn’t seen in the width of his shoulders.

It is seen in the width of his arms that encircle you.

The strength of a man isn’t in the deep tone of his voice.

It is in the gentle words he whispers.

 

The strength of a man isn’t how many buddies he has.

It is how good a buddy he is with his kids.

The strength of a man isn’t in how respected he is at work.

It is in how respected he is at home.

 

The strength of a man isn’t in how hard he hits.

It is in how tender he touches.

The strength of a man isn’t in the hair on his chest.

It is in his Heart that lies within his chest.

 

The strength of a man isn’t how many women he’s Loved.

It is in can he be true to one woman.

The strength of a man isn’t in the weight he can lift.

It is in the burdens he can understand and overcome.

~~~

People will forget what you said, people will forget what you did, but people will never forget how you made them feel.

Maya Angelou

~~~

The kids tell us:

PERSONAL QUALITIES NECESSARY TO BE A GOOD LOVER:

“One of you should know how to write a check. Because, even if you have tons of love, there is still going to be a lot of bills.” (Ava, 8)

SOME SUREFIRE WAYS TO MAKE A PERSON FALL IN LOVE WITH YOU:

“Tell them that you own a whole bunch of candy stores.” (Del, 6)

“One way is to take the girl out to eat. Make sure it’s something she likes to eat. French fries usually works for me.” (Bart, 9)

HOW CAN YOU TELL IF TWO ADULTS EATING DINNER AT A RESTAURANT ARE IN LOVE ?

“Just see if the man picks up the check. That’s how you can tell if he’s in love.” (John, 9)

“Lovers will just be staring at each other and their food will get cold. Other people care more about the food.” (Brad, 8)

~~~

The Doctor says “You’ll live to be 60!”

“I AM 60!”

“See, what did I tell you?”

Henny Youngman

~~~

A psychiatrist was trying to comfort a new patient who was terribly upset. “You see, Doc,” the patient explained, “my problem is that I like shoes much better than I like boots.”

“Why, that’s no problem,” answered the doctor. “Most people like shoes better than boots.”

The patient was elated, “That’s neat, Doc. How do you like them, fried or scrambled?”

~~~

The Face Is Familiar but I Can’t Quite Remember My Name

~~~

The British Military writes officer fitness reports. The form used for Royal Navy and Marines fitness reports is the S206. The following are ACTUAL EXCERPTS taken from people’s “206’s”….

– His men would follow him anywhere, but only out of curiosity.

– This Officer is really not so much of a has-been, but more of a definitely won’t-be.

– This young lady has delusions of adequacy.

– Since my last report he has reached rock bottom, and has started to dig.

– She sets low personal standards and then consistently fails to achieve them.

– This Officer should go far – and the sooner he starts, the better.

– This man is depriving a village somewhere of an idiot.

~~~

You’re Just Jealous Because The Voices Are Talking To Me

~~~

A busy mother sometimes accidentally left pots and pans on the stove with the burners on, so she resorted to posting this reminder on the kitchen door: “STOVE?”

Her daughter, back from college, noticed Mother’s sign. Beneath it she taped her reply: “No — DOOR! Trust me. I went to college.”

~~~

The Earth Is Full – Go Home

~~~

A couple of young fellers were fishing at their special pond off the beaten track when out of the bushes jumped the Game Warden.

Immediately, one of the boys threw his rod down and started running through the woods like everything, and hot on his heels came the Game Warden.

After about a half mile the fella stopped and stooped over with his hands on his thighs to catch his breath and the Game Warden finally caught up to him…

“Lets see yer fishin’ license, Boy!!” the Warden gasped.

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

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

“Yes, sir,” replied the young feller, “But my friend back there, well, he don’t have one…”

~~~

I expect to pass through this world but once. Any good therefore that I can do, or any kindness that I can show to my fellow-creature, let me do it now. Let me not defer or neglect it, for I shall not pass this way again.

William Penn

~~~

Stay well, do good work, and have fun.

Ray Mitchell

Indianapolis, Indiana

Management is not responsible for duplicates from previous dailies. The editor is somewhat senile.

Ray’s Daily has been sent for more than fifteen years to people who want to start their day on an upbeat. If you have system overload because of our daily clutter, let me know and I will send you the information via mental telepathy. If you have not been getting our daily you can request to be added by e-mailing me at raykiwsp@gmail.com. Back issues are posted at https://raykiwsp.wordpress.com/ currently there are more than 2000 readers from around the world.

 

Looking Ahead

Cheers to a new year and another chance for us to get it right.

Oprah Winfrey

Yesterday I told you that I was disappointed in the changes in my activity level over the past year or so. Most of the reduced activities have been due to health problems and some due to a lack of energy. My new reality will require me to develop an activity plan that will allow me to stay involved doing what I can reliably. As I reported I have on the advice of one of my kids decided not to worry about what I might do until after the first of the year.

Whatever I do decide to do I plan on putting in to a set of practical New Year’s resolutions. I recently read an article written by Erin Leyba, LCSW, PhD that offers tips on making realistic resolutions, here in part is what she suggests.

Bite-Sized New Year’s Resolutions for Relationships

This year, apply these research-based tips to strengthen your relationships.

Be Explicit

People who explicitly make resolutions are 10 times more likely to attain their goals than people who don’t. (That fact alone could spur anyone to make some goals for 2016 – especially the kind you write down on paper.

Record Goals on Paper

Research conducted by Gail Matthews(link is external) shows that people who wrote down their goals shared this information with a friend, and sent weekly updates to that friend were on average 33% more successful in accomplishing their stated goals than those who merely formulated them in their minds.

Make Them Tiny

Human nature is to dream big. When you imagine a change, you naturally want it to be one that’s glaring, eye-catching, and totally exciting. The expectation of huge results is one factor that provides momentum to do something different (despite all the odds stacked against us).

While sweeping changes like running a marathon may be appealing, bite-sized changes, also called “successive approximations,” are often more realistic and sustainable. They are way more likely to stick and, if they do, they can provide a snowball effect to help you take another step in the right direction.

Here are a few ideas for bite-sized relationship changes—small ideas for your big resolutions. While the timeline for these actions might seem strange or even sad, it can be very hard to create real change. Thinking tiny can help.

Partner

• Go on a date night (just the two of you) at least once a month
• Surprise your partner(link is external) at least once a quarter
• Do a chore that’s supposed to be your partner’s at least once a quarter

Friends

• Visit with long-lost friends at least once a year
• Call at least one friend every Sunday
• Send at least one get-well card to a friend at least once a year
• Send at least one “congratulations” card to a friend this year
• Make an effort with at least one new friendship this year

Strangers

• Do an act of kindness for a stranger or a neighbor at least once a year
• Volunteer (work at the homeless shelter, help at your kid’s school, participate in a blood drive, or to organize a food drive at work) at least once a year
• Make friendly, happy conversation with a check-out person at the grocery store, pharmacy, or other store at least once a year

In all the holiday hustle bustle, take some time to dream up some resolutions that you feel would make the greatest impact on your relationships. Make them explicit, write them down, and use the tiniest goals imaginable.

~~~

How few there are who have courage enough to own their faults, or resolution enough to mend them.

Benjamin Franklin

~~~

Father William, the old priest, made it a practice to visit the parish school one day a week. He walked into the 4th grade class, where the children were studying the states, and asked them how many states they could name. They came up with about 40 names. Father William jokingly told them that in his day students knew the names of all the states.

One lad raised his hand and said, ‘Yes sir, but in those days there were only 13 states.

~~~

When my grown children complain about the way they were raised, I always tell them that we did the best we could with what we had to work with.

~~~

Humpty Dumpty

Humpty Dumpty sat on a wall ,

Humpty Dumpty had a great fall,

And his winter wasn’t bad either.

~~~

It is a miracle that curiosity survives formal education.

~~~

My 17-year-old niece asked me if she could use my name as a reference on her resume’, which she planned to submit to a local fast-food restaurant.  I agreed.

A few days later she called and told me to meet her at the restaurant later that afternoon.  When I asked her why, she replied, “The manager wants me to come in for an interview, and she told me to bring my references.”

~~~

You are only young once, but you can stay immature indefinitely.

~~~

An applicant was being interviewed for admission to a prominent medical school.

“Tell me,” inquired the interviewer, “where do you expect to be five years from now?”

“Well, let’s see,” replied the student. “It’s Wednesday afternoon. I guess I’ll be on the golf course by now.”

~~~

“You’re always with yourself, so you might as well enjoy the company.”

Diane Von Furstenberg

~~~

An Irishman and an American were sitting in the bar at Shannon Airport.

“I’ve come to meet my brother,” said the Irishman. “He’s due to fly in from America in an hour’s time. It’s his first trip home in forty years”.

“Will you be able to recognize him?” asked the American.

“I’m sure I won’t,” said the Irishman, “after all, he’s been away for a long time”.

“I wonder if he’ll recognize you?” said the American.

“Of course he will,” said the Irishman. “Sure, an’ I haven’t been away at all”.

~~~

Let our New Year’s resolution be this: we will be there for one another as fellow members of humanity, in the finest sense of the word.

Goran Persson

~~~

Stay well, do good work, and have fun.

Ray Mitchell

Indianapolis, Indiana

Management is not responsible for duplicates from previous dailies. The editor is somewhat senile.

Ray’s Daily has been sent for more than fifteen years to people who want to start their day on an upbeat. If you have system overload because of our daily clutter, let me know and I will send you the information via mental telepathy. If you have not been getting our daily you can request to be added by e-mailing me at raykiwsp@gmail.com. Back issues are posted at https://raykiwsp.wordpress.com/ currently there are more than 2000 readers from around the world.