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What's mainly wrong with society
today is that too many
Dirt Roads have been paved.
There's not a problem
in America today, crime, drugs,
education, divorce, delinquency
that wouldn't be remedied,
if we just had more Dirt Roads,
because Dirt Roads give character.
People that live at the end of
Dirt Roads learn early on that
life is a bumpy ride.
That it can jar you right down to your
teeth sometimes, but it's worth it,
if at the end is home...a loving spouse,
happy kids and a dog.
We wouldn't have near the trouble
with our educational system if our kids
got their exercise walking a Dirt Road
with other kids, from whom they learn
how to get along.
There was less crime in our streets
before they were paved.
Criminals didn't walk two
dusty miles to rob or rape,
if they knew they'd be
welcomed by 5 barking dogs
and a double barrel shotgun.
And there were no
drive by shootings.
Our values were better
when our roads were worse!
People did not worship their
cars more than their kids,
and motorists were more courteous,
they didn't tailgate
by riding the bumper or
the guy in front would choke
you with dust & bust your
windshield with rocks.
Dirt Roads taught patience.
Dirt Roads were
environmentally friendly,
you didn't hop in your car
for a quart of milk you walked
to the barn for your milk.
For your mail,
you walked to the mail box.
What if it rained and
the Dirt Road got washed out?
That was the best part,
then you stayed home and
had some family time,
roasted marshmallows and
popped popcorn
and pony rode on Daddy's shoulders
and learned how to make
prettier quilts than anybody.
At the end of Dirt Roads,
you soon learned that
bad words tasted like soap.
Most paved roads lead to trouble,
Dirt Roads more likely
lead to a fishing creek or
a swimming hole.
At the end of a Dirt Road,
the only time we even locked
our car was in August,
because if we didn't some
neighbor would fill it
with too much zucchini.
At the end of a Dirt Road
there was always extra
springtime income,
from when city dudes would
get stuck, you'd have to
hitch up a team and pull them out.
Usually you got a dollar...
always you got a new friend...
at the end of a Dirt Road.
~Author Unknown~
A frail old man went to live with his son, daughter-in-law, and four-year
grandson. The old man's hands trembled, his eyesight was blurred, and
his step faltered. The family ate together at the table. But the elderly
grandfather's shaky hands and failing sight made eating difficult.
Peas rolled off his spoon onto the floor. When he grasped the glass, milk
spilled on the tablecloth.
The son and daughter-in-law became irritated with the mess. "We must do
something about Grandfather," said the son. "I've had enough of his
spilled milk, noisy eating, and food on the floor." So the husband and
wife set a small table in the corner. There, Grandfather ate alone while
the rest of the family enjoyed dinner. Since Grandfather had broken a dish
or two, his food was served in a wooden bowl.
When the family glanced in Grandfather's direction, sometimes he had a
tear in his eye as he sat alone.
Still, the only words the couple had for him were sharp admonitions
when he dropped a fork or spilled food.
The four-year-old watched it all in silence.
One evening before supper, the father noticed his son playing with wood
scraps on the floor. He asked the child sweetly, "What are you making?"
Just as sweetly, the boy responded, "Oh, I am making a little bowl for
you and Mama to eat your food when I grow up." The four-year-old smiled
and went back to work.
The words so struck the parents that they were speechless. Then tears
started to stream down their cheeks. Though no word was spoken, both
knew what must be done. That evening the husband took Grandfather's hand
and gently led him back to the family table. For the remainder of his days
he ate every meal with the family. And for some reason, neither husband
nor wife seemed to care any longer when a fork was dropped, milk spilled,
or the tablecloth soiled.
Children are remarkably perceptive. Their eyes ever observe, their ears
listen, and their minds ever process the messages they absorb. If they
see us patiently provide a happy home atmosphere for family members, they
will imitate that attitude for the rest of their lives. The wise parent
realize that every day the building blocks are being laid for the child's
future. Let's be wise builders and role models.
Author Unknown
Dash
I read of a man who stood to speak at the funeral of a friend. He
referred to the dates on her tombstone from the beginning to the end.
He noted that first came her date of birth and spoke the following date
with tears. But he said what mattered most of all was the dash between
those years (1934-1998) For that dash represents all the time that she
spent alive on earth .... And now only those who loved her know what
that little line is worth.
For it matters not, how much we own: the cars, the house, the cash.
What matters is how we live and love and how we spend our dash. So
think about this long and hard ..... Are there things you would like to
change? For you never know how much time is left ..... that can still
be rearranged.
If we could just slow down enough to consider what's true and real, and
always understand the way other people feel and be less quick to anger.
S
how appreciation more and love the people in our lives like we've never
loved before.
If we treat each other with respect and more often wear a smile .....
remembering that this special dash might only last a little while.
So when your eulogy being read with your life actions to rehash .....
would you be proud of the things they say about how you spent your dash?
Author Unknown
THE TREE'S UP IN THE ATTIC
"The tree's up in the attic, Mom, it's wrapped and tightly bound, If you want, I'll help you
get it, we can bring it down." "No," she said, "that was your father's job before he died."
"But, Mom, it's been almost three years and you've not even tried."
*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*
"You haven't had a Christmas tree since daddy passed away, And I think that it's time you put
your tree up for display." "Maybe this year I will do it, then she smiled at me, But, I don't
think today I feel like messing with a tree."
*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*
Three weeks until Christmas, as I sat there at my mother's, Sipping tea and talking of my
children and my brother's. She preferred to live alone after my dad's death, Because she said,
she never would become somebody's pest.
*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*
So, as we chatted and enjoyed each other's company, I told her, "Mom, the kids ask every year
about your tree." "They ask why grandma doesn't like to put it up and trim, So, I just told
them, next time ask her, you explain to them."
*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*
She just smiled and said, "You tell them I don't need a tree, Santa only comes to children, he
won't come to me." We laughed and then I had to leave, I had not made a case. She said, "I'll
put a little one upon the fireplace."
*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*
On Christmas Day, since daddy died, we all went to my mother's, But, it was not a happy time,
not like the many others. We would take some things to her, our presents and some food, She
wanted it kept simple, she was never in the mood.
*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*
But, this year as we reached her door, the children starting saying, "Mom, there's something
different, we hear Christmas music playing." I knocked and opened up the door, completely
mesmerized, I just could not believe the scene that stretched before my eyes.
*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*
Christmas music playing loudly, and smells that filled the air, A Christmas dinner cooking, and
the tree was sitting there. Fully trimmed and lighted up, like never it had been, A roaring fire
and all the room with decorated trim.
*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*
Presents underneath the tree, and candy all around, I just stood there looking, and I couldn't
make a sound. Stockings hanging by the fire, so full and each a name, I wondered what had
happened, did my mother go insane?
*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*
She came out of the kitchen, with a smile across her face, "Well," she said, "what do you think
of grandma's Christmas place?" The kids were all excited as they ran to see the tree, Then, she
sat me down and said, "There's something you must see."
*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*
"I went up to the attic after you left here last time, Just to look around in it, to see what I
could find." "I saw the Christmas tree wrapped up, but much to my surprise, I also found the
gifts your dad had bought before he died."
*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*
Around her neck she had a locket, I had never seen, She said, "Here, read this Christmas card,
you'll see just what I mean."
*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*
I opened up the Christmas card, and it was from my dad, I started getting teary eyed and starting
feeling sad. The card was really beautiful, and he had done some writing, It was really eerie,
but was also so exciting. 'Merry Christmas, sweetheart,' he had written to my mother, 'you know
I love this holiday much more than any other.'
*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*
'I know this may be sad, but this may be our last on earth, But, we both know that we have lived
it for all that it's worth.' 'We both know that I am ill and may not have much time, But, the
time we've had together was so very fine.'
*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*
'I love you so much, sweetheart, and I know this will be hard, So, I will put this letter inside
of your Christmas card.' 'I am not afraid to die for we've had many years, But, the thought of
leaving you has caused me many tears.'
*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*
'You are my source of living, and your love has made me whole, Your love has penetrated even to
my very soul.' 'That is why I know, sweetheart, I am the first to go, But we again will be
together, that much I do know.'
*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*
'A love like ours cannot die out, it is too very strong, I will be the first to leave, but you
will come along.' 'One day we will be happier than we have ever been, I love you wife, and
lover, and my dearest, dearest friend.'
*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*
'But, sweetheart, please be happy it will be a little while, Before I once again can see your
glowing, gentle smile.' 'One day we will look back on this and hold each other tight, And never
have to look again into the darkest night.'
*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*
'I've given you this locket, and our pictures are within, With smiling faces just the way that
it has always been.' ' Christmas at our house was always such a great affair, With all our loved
ones sharing happiness while gathered there.'
*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*
'These pictures are from Christmas past, that show our happiness, And now it will be different,
but I have one final wish.' 'It was the best time of the year, and I will still be there,
Remember this, and open up this locket that you wear.'
*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*
Enjoy the friends and family, and the festive joyous ring, Just share the love that we have
known, and never change a thing.' 'Remember that this happiness will take you through the years,
And when I hold you once again, I'll wipe away those tears.'
*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*
I closed the card, and wiped my eyes and took a little while. Then, when I looked at mother, I
could only see her smile. "This was his favorite holiday," my mother said again, "and I will
make it happy, until I'm with him again."
~~ Author Unknown ~~
A TRUCKERS PRAYER
Dear God above bless this truck I drive,
and help me keep someone alive.
Be my mortal sight this day,
on streets where little children play.
Bless my helper fast asleep when the night is long,
and keep my cargo safe and sound
through the hours big and round.
Make my judgement sound as steel,
and be my hands upon the wheel.
Bless the traveler going past,
and teach them not to go so fast.
Give me strength for every trip,
so I may care for what they ship.
And make me mindful every mile,
that life is just a little while.
Amen
Red Sovine
"FRIENDSHIP"
I had some free time, so what did I do?
I checked the computer to see if I'd heard from you.
I used to walk out to a box to retrieve mail
But I'd rather get it instantly than wait on the snail...
Checking my email is always fun
I usually get a joke or greeting from someone.
I feel so blessed because on the other end
I know I've connected with a friend.
When I've had a hard day and need to share
Here I can find a friend who will listen and care.
And to this friend I hope I've let them know
That I am always there for them also.
Isn't it a strange kind of bond we form?
It isn't exactly like the "norm"
But where is it written, face to face we have to be
For you to be a very good friend to me?
That little joke, or note, or even just a simple "Hi"
Could be like a ray of sunshine from the sky.
So my online-pals, this is dedicated to you
For all the smiles you have made anew.
May our friendship continue to grow
and the warmth we feel continue to flow.
Always remember this....
A smile is such an easy thing
To pass along the way,
Like a ray of summer sunshine
On a somewhat gloomy day.
So pass one on to those you meet
Then watch that person's face...
And feel the warmth as it's returned;
It's called a "smile embrace."
: )
Author Unknown
How It Is
Let's see if I understand how America works lately . . .
If a woman burns her thighs on the hot coffee
she was holding in her lap while driving, she
blames the restaurant.
If your teen-age son kills himself, you blame
the rock 'n' roll music or musician he liked.
If you smoke three packs a day for 40 years
and die of lung cancer, your family blames the
tobacco company.
If your daughter gets pregnant by the football
captain you blame the school for poor sex
education.
If your neighbor crashes into a tree while
driving home drunk, you blame the bartender.
If your cousin gets AIDS because the needle
he used to shoot up with heroin was dirty, you
blame the government for not providing clean
ones.
If your grandchildren are brats without manners,
you blame television.
If your friend is shot by a deranged madman,
you blame the gun manufacturer.
And if a crazed person breaks into the cockpit
and tries to kill the pilots at 35,000 feet, and
the passengers kill him instead, the mother of the
deceased blames the airline.
I must have lived too long to understand the
world as it is anymore. So if I die while my
old, wrinkled face is parked in front of this
computer, I want you to blame Bill Gates, OK?
Author Unknown
Livin' In Texas
All the following points are true and I have learned them personally...
Armadillos sleep in the middle of the road with their feet in the air.
Roadrunners don't say "Beep Beep."
There are 5,000 types of snakes and 4,998 live in Texas.
There are 10,000 types of spiders. 10,001 live in Texas.
Armadillos love to dig holes under tomato plants.
Racoons will test your crop of melons and let you know when they are ripe.
If it grows, it sticks; if it crawls, it bites.
Nothing will kill a mesquite tree.
There are valid reasons some people put constatine wire around their house.
You cannot find a country road without a curve from corner to corner.
A tractor is NOT an all-terrain vehicle. They do get stuck.
Texas has 5 seasons:
Spring, Feb 16 to April 15
Summer, April 16 to July 15 (temp 90 to 98degrees)
Super Summer, July 16 to Sept 10 (temp 100 to 115 degrees)
Summer, Sept. 11 to Oct 1 (temp 90 to 98 degrees)
Fall, Oct 2 to Dec. 1
Winter Dec. 2 to Feb 15
The wind blows at 90 MPH from Oct. 2 until July15, then it stops totally.
Damnyankee is one word
Onced and Twiced are words
It is not a shopping cart, it is a buggy.
Fire ants consider your flesh as a picnic.
Graduating 1st in your class means you left in the 8th grade.
Coldbeer is one word.
People actually grow and eat Okra.
Texans really don't have an accent.
When the world ends, only cockroaches and mesquite trees will survive.
Green grass DOES burn.
When you live in the country, you don't have to buy a dog. City people drop
them off at your gate in the middle of the night.
The sound of coyotes howling at night only sounds good for the first couple of weeks.
When a buzzard sits on the fence and stares at you, it's time to go to the doctor.
Fixinto is one word.
A tank is a dirt hole in the ground that holds water for cows and irrigation.
Backards and Forards means I know everything about you.
You don't have to wear a watch because it doesn't matter what time it is.
You work until you're done or it's too dark to see.
And the most important thing......
There's no place I'd rather be than Texas
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