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Am I the only one…. Who has weird thoughts every now and then?

dickking44

Recently I was sitting on the throne having thoughts about the age old discussion of whether the seat should be left up or down. Sweetie goes nuts when I tell her things like this.

Anyway, as a general rule, women want the toilet seat to be down…   considering the fact that most women think of their husbands as slobs, I’m surprised that more women aren’t tickled as hell to walk in and find the seat up after their husband has just left the bathroom…. Considering the alternative, that is.

I myself have resolved to cure my lady’s problem by never touching it again.   I’ll just let it fly, wherever the seat is….. Sort of, “let the drips fall where they may.” so to speak.

…Course, by now, she’s got me so beaten down that I now squat to pee, so I want the seat down too, especially when I make one of those middle of the night trips that, at my age have become such a regular part of my sleep pattern.

*********

 Gramps use’ta say
©R.L.King2012 #210

Gramps 1 (5)
About: Problem Solving

 “Clearly defining the problem
….solves most of em.”

*********

 From The Hints Book Almanac II
More about cleaning floors…

CLEANING/FLOORS Hardwood floors – Murphy’s® oil soap is by far the best cleaner for Sealed wood floors – However, Murphy’s® Oil soap and water should only be used once a month to prevent the wood floors from drying out. In lieu of Murphy’s®, let two teabags steep in boiling bucket of water for a few minutes, soak a soft cloth in the tea and wring it out. The cloth merely needs to be damp, not soaked thus enabling the floor to dry quickly. To remove heel marks from wood floors, a little kerosene or lighter fluid on a soft cloth will do the trick. A typewriter eraser can also be used to remove heel marks. (Tell the truth, just when did you last use a typewriter or an eraser? As a matter of fact, when was the last time you had kerosene or lighter fluid handy?) Grout – Mix ½ cup of baking soda with ¼ cup Borax and add hot water making a thick paste. Apply to grout. Gently scrub in with a soft brush. Let sit 15 – 20 minutes, then rinse. Remove wax buildup – Freshen up your floor by washing it with a mixture of 1 cup ammonia in 1/2 gallon (2 liters) water. Let the solution sit for three to five minutes, then scrub with a nylon or plastic scouring pad to remove the old wax. Wipe away leftover residue with a clean cloth or sponge, then give the floor a thorough rinsing. To wash a highly waxed floor & retain its shine, use a cup of fabric softener in a half pail of water.

 

 

Patriotic

It’s Memorial Day, a day when all American’s pause and give praise to those brave souls who have given so much for this great country.

dickking44

I thought it would be a good time to re-post this item that I wrote during the controversy over the NFL players kneeling during our National Anthem.

 RESPECTING OUR FLAG

 The playing of the National Anthem is not a time for protest. It is not a time to draw attention to yourself or to be used as a platform for any of your personal causes. It’s our National Anthem! It’s the rocket’s red glare….. bombs bursting in air… the song that honors every American who has ever worn the uniform of our country to protect the rights of its citizens….  It is a time to show respect and pride for our country and for our military. It is a time to put our patriotism on display for the whole world to see.

Patriotism comes in many forms, but the very basics begin with respecting our flag and our National Anthem. During the playing of our National Anthem, it is the responsibility of every American to immediately discontinue any conversation, stand, (men take your hat off) place your right hand over your heart (unless you are a veteran, in which case you already know what is proper) and proudly sing along in honor of our country and the men and women who have given so much to earn and maintain our freedom.   It’s a time to thank them for the sacrifices they make every day.

You cannot lay claim to your right of freedom of speech by acting in a manner disrespectful to the men and women who wore the uniform and fought to give you that right. No matter how important your cause may be, disrespecting the traditions inherent with the playing of our National Anthem is not a proper way to call attention to them.

Patriotic

Am I the only one….. who believes that our veterans deserve better medical care?

dickking44

Just a week or so back while watching an episode of SEAL TEAM on TV, I was once again reminded of the piss poor medical care America provides for our veterans and I remembered this poem that I wrote a number of years back. With Memorial Day just around the corner, it seemed appropriate to present it again at this time.

WOUNDED WARRIORS
©By: Richard L. King
From the book Wanderin & Wonderin

They’re back on the home front, their pain far from done,
for many wounded warriors the battle has just begun.

Being a soldier was their calling, they never sought acclaim,
they fought beside their buddies, some of whom were slain.

They now own purple hearts and distinguished service awards,
for the courageous manner in which they wielded their “swords.”

We call them the lucky ones; death took many of their pards,
as they played the hand dealt them, guess that wasn’t in their cards.

They’ve endured incredible pain, with the worst still yet to come,
living with all the memories returns with each rising sun.

Yet evening may be worse, when they attempt to fall asleep,
nightmares will surround them, as the mind scars begin to creep.

Eventually they will sleep, until once more the horror begins,
they will face the hated enemy time and time again.

Missing arms, missing legs and for some, their eyesight gone,
although their war is over their battle goes on and on…

They longed for mercy throughout the dreadful pain,
praying for strength in all of those with whom they’d lain.

We can help to heal them, at least, the obvious wounds,
it’s those dreaded mind scars from whence their demons loom.

 Everywhere they go, feeling that same old stare,
just once more to be ‘normal’ that’s all about which they care.

Life goes on around them, smiles on most every face,
they’d like to get up and join in and leave that awful place.

 They’re back on the home front, their pain far from done,
for many wounded warriors the real battle has just begun.

*********

Gramps use’ta say
R.L.King2012 #129

zzz- GRAMPS USE'TA SAY 1zzz- GRAMPS USE'TA SAY 2
About: Military Service

“A man’s words never speak louder than his actions.”

*********

 From The Hints Book Almanac II
Some useful tips in your kitchen area…

 CLEANING/KITCHEN – Ants on your counter – Generously wipe down your counter tops with white vinegar. Appliances & countertops – Rubbing alcohol removes permanent marker from most any surface. Lighter fluid works very well also. You might also try pouring club soda directly on the countertop, wipe with a soft cloth to clean, rinse with warm water and wipe dry with a clean, dry cloth. This is safe for all types of counter tops. When a skillet or pot has burnt food in it add a few drops of dish soap, enough water to cover the burnt level, bring to a boil then simmer a minute or two and it will clean up much easier. For cast iron pans you can prevent them from rusting by wiping them dry with paper towels before storing. If you miss a spot, use the cut end of a halved potato dunked in baking soda to rub away the rust. Clean your coffee maker by filling the reservoir with water and adding 2 table-spoons of water softener. Run the machine through its cycle. This will freshen it up. White distilled vinegar will do the same. Clean your glass coffee pot – Add 1 cup of crushed ice, 1 tablespoon of water and 4 teaspoons of salt to your coffee pot. Swish around, rinse and wash – stains all gone. Coffee and/or tea stains in cups and/or mugs can be removed by rubbing with salt and a little water. De-odorize your cutting board by first washing the surface, and then mix 1 tablespoon of bleach and 1 cup of water. Let this solution sit for a few minutes on your board before rinsing well. Glass topped tables will sparkle and be lint free if after cleaning them you put a little fabric softener in some warm water, dampen a clean cloth and wipe the glass with the solution. The glass will not only be sparkling, but will be lint-free.– For your glassware with fine scratches – Use plain white toothpaste as a polishing cream. To keep them cleaner than clean, use your regular dishwashing soap and add a few tablespoons of white vinegar to the sink. To clean greasy kitchen surfaces (stove top, etc.) mix 1 tablespoon Dawn® dishwashing detergent with ½ cup ammonia and enough water to fill a spray bottle. Be sure to label your bottle and, as with other cleaning supplies, keep it away from children.

 

 

Uncategorized

Am I the only one….. who’s ever been lonely?

dickking44

WINE & MUSIC
©Richard L. King
From the book Memories & Time

 stereo on random, volume not quite to the max.
a glass of favored wine, yet still unable to relax.

the blues causing sadness, mix in a little country.
crank up the volume, smoothing a road so bumpy.

rose colored glasses, a second glass of wine.
slowly now more mellow, beginning to unwind.

a quick roll in the grass, now clearly in the garden,
soon he’ll call her up, beg and plead her pardon.

a mistake once made, apologies extended,
consequences remain, relationship now ended.

 the stereo on random, volume nearly at its max,
another glass of wine, clearly he’s now relaxed.

*********

Gramps use’ta say
©R.L.King2012 #328

Gramps 1 (9)
About: Selecting a mate

“Beauty don’t keep ya warm
and it damn shore won’t feed ya.”

(Lessin yer a pimp.)

*********

From The Hints Book Almanac II
We’re in the kitchen doing some miscellaneous cleaning… 

MISCELLANEOUS CLEANING – Sponge – Microwave a wet sponge for 60 seconds, or run it through the dishwasher during a normal cycle. Or put your sponges in a bowl and pour the vinegar over them. Let it sit for 5 or 10 minutes. This kills 99% of the bacteria.  Cleaning stainless steel – Put rubbing alcohol on a sponge or paper towel and wipe. Works on anything stainless steel and makes them sparkle! Also, soaking a sponge in club soda, wiping down the sink, and drying it with a soft cloth will clean it and keep it scratch-free. Lysol® works too. Should your bread bag accidentally touch your hot toaster, try nail polish remover, it will take off any plastic which has melted on the toaster. Cleaning kitchen utensils such as cheese graters can be a pain in the butt and can be dangerous to your knuckles. Keep a tooth brush handy then clean the toothbrush in the dishwasher after using it. When hand washing dishes, add a tablespoon of baking soda to your soapy water. It softens hands while cutting through grease. Can’t remember if the dishes in your dishwasher have been washed? Place a shot glass upright in the top basket, if it’s full of water, the dishwasher has run through its cycle. Wood kitchen cabinets – Restore your wooden cabinets by mixing ¾ cup canola oil and ¼ cup apple cider vinegar, place in a jar and shake, shake, shake. Take a cotton rag and rub the oil onto the cabinets then wipe with another clean cloth. You’ll be amazed with the outcome!

 

Uncategorized

Am I the only one ….. who has ever had to move on after a broken relationship?

dickking44

LIVING UNDER A CLOUD
© By: Richard L. King
Inspired by a Blake Sheldon song
From the book Memories & Time

Occasionally some old song he’d hear
had him thinking back to when she was still near
and hearing some of those old songs
still had him wanting to sing along.
He’d imagine he had heard a familiar voice,
but he’d left knowing it was the wiser choice.

Once while driving past that old bar
ancient instincts had him seeking her car
and in those places where they drank their brew
he’d still see people they both once knew,
but seldom now does he think of her,
no longer interested, he’s found the cure.

It’s now been years since they parted ways
few of the memories of her still stay.
A new love now dominates his life
and they live together like man & wife.
He’s happier now and he seldom wonders
about those old clouds he once lived under.

*********

 Gramps use’ta say
©R.L.King2012 #339

Grampy1 (2)
About: Confidence

“No matter the endeavor,
if you’re not trying to be the best,
ya ain’t never gonna be.”

********* 

From The Hints Book Almanac II
Let’s clean some jewelry, shall we???

CLEANING/JEWELRY – Soak diamonds, rubies, sapphires, and emeralds in club soda to give them a bright sheen. Place them in a glass full of club soda and let them soak overnight. Another little trick is to drop your dull-looking jewelry in a glass of fizzing Alka-Seltzer® for a couple of minutes. It will sparkle and shine when you pull it out. Cleaning gold – Wash in hot, soapy water, it breaks down dirt that clings to the gold. You might also try rubbing a little toothpaste on the gold and buff with a soft cloth. The toothpaste will remove grease, dirt and grime and leave a nice shine in its place. In both cases, dry with a clean, soft, lint free cloth. Another way to polish gold jewelry, cover with a light coating of baking soda, pour a bit of vinegar over it, and rinse clean. Note: Do not use this technique with jewelry containing pearls or gem-stones, as it could damage their finish or loosen any glue. To get the shine back in your solid gold rings and other jewelry try pouring a bit of beer (not dark ale!) onto a soft cloth and rubbing it gently over the piece. And finally, to brighten up your gold or silver trinkets (again, minus any gemstones) try soaking them for 10 minutes in a solution of 1/2 cup clear ammonia mixed in 1 cup warm water. Gently wipe clean with a soft cloth and let dry. NOTE! Do not do this with jewelry containing pearls, because it could dull or damage their delicate surface. Rings – Keep jewelry cleaner next to your kitchen sink. When you begin to wash your dishes, remove your rings and let them sit in the cleaner.