Tag Archives: dailyprompt

The Daily Walk

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It had developed into a regular thing. At lunch, after eating, we used to take a short walk. It was an area of town that had many shops. Of course on each door was a something that identified it, though frequently there was no clue as to what the purpose of the shop was.

It had become something of a guessing game as to what this shop or that shop did. Many of them we never figured out. Then, one of the guys I worked with came up with an interesting idea. Maybe we could lease one one of the places and put a name on the door. Then, if someone came in and asked what we did there we could answer, “I don’t know. What is it you would like us to do?”When I saw the daily prompt, it brought back the memory and I had to have a short laugh. I know, it did not warrant a long or hard laugh. Really, it was a too many words for too short a laugh. Moreover, it didn’t answer the prompt.

When I was 14 or fifteen, I went to visit my brother during summer vacation. He owned a TV shop. Back then, people paid to have TVs repaired instead of just throwing them away. Even back them, I had a pretty good knowledge of electronics and I was a lot of help to him, especially when it came to putting up antennas. Strange as it might seem to people today, that was a large part of the business in the day. It was very common to put up 50 or 70 foot antenna so the customer would be able to pull in five, maybe six stations.

After working on computers for almost 12 years, I really did consider opening up a computer shop. I was good at fixing them and I knew a few others who might have thrown in with me. Then I thought back on my brother’s TV shop. He told me a couple of times, to run a TV shop, it is more important to know how to run a business than knowing how to fix TVs.

I have thought about what he said many times. When I thought about opening a computer shop, his words echoed in my mind. There are many who have started businesses to have them fail on them, not because of a knowledge of the craft but because of a lack of knowledge of how to run a business.

I think before I open any kind of business, I would want to make sure I had some kind of degree in business. Even so, the main reason I was so reluctant to go into the business of fixing computers is because of my fear of coincidence.

You see, electronic components work real good, sometimes for decades. However, they are full of smoke. If the smoke ever gets out, they never work right again. I know it for a fact. I have seen it first hand. So a customer brings in a computer with a problem but still working. He walks out the door and suddenly, the computer he leaves with me lets all the smoke out. Now what do I do? Not only do I have to replace the guy’s computer, but he is angry at me for losing all his data. He gets on the internet and tells the world not to come to me because I am a bad computer tech because I let the smoke out of them.

There are those who like taking risks. If I were single, I would have. However, I had three more to feed besides myself. It was just too much of a risk for me.

It is a real shame I did not open my little shop. I would have made a lot of money at it, until computers became throwaway as TVs.

I don’t know. Maybe I could start a shop making custom shoes. Could I make shoes that people would be willing to shell out $200 for. I’d likely not be able to give them away. It would still be interesting to try it. Who knows. I just might be good enough at business to run a business.

It would be better to take on a partner with a business degree, I think.

Daily writing prompt
If you were going to open up a shop, what would you sell?
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‘S Wonderful

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It’s the name of a song from the musical Funny Face by George Gershwin. It was recorded by many people. If you look it up on the web, you’ll see. It’s really a nice upbeat song I enjoy listening to. I hope no one will mind me borrowing the song title. After all, I am providing some free positive advertising. Maybe a few will buy it.

Now. To get back to the subject at hand, making the world just a little bit more wonderful. It is a good thing to do. It is more better than stealing. It is more betterer than murdering. It is definitely much more betterer than causing war as Old Joe did. Some folks don’t seem to understand that. During Old Joe’s term in office, thievery has gone out of control. Rapers and murderers are being imported.

If I could, I would stop that. Actually, by writing this blog, I am doing about all I can as an old man can. That may not make me a great, but I think it does do a little good. I like to think it might change something here and there for the good. It would really be ‘S Wonderful if I can change many lives, maybe by the dozens. Maybe by the hundreds. Not likely, but hopefully by the thousands.

To be sure, that would all be good. However, what would make me really feel great if I ever found out that my words are helping people, at least one person would learn the plan of salvation and accept Jesus as their savior and their friend. Now to me, that makes it all worth the effort and then some. It would be ‘S Wonderful.

Daily writing prompt
What change, big or small, would you like your blog to make in the world?
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My Wallet

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Perhaps, not as much as I get older. Many moons ago, I had orders to go to Japan. I started the trip by going about 50 miles to an Air Force base in Southern California. I left in plenty of time to make it. However, that changed in a micro-second when I noticed I had left my wallet at home.

It was very close to being the most panicked as I ever was. It was a time I really didn’t need my driver’s license that much as I would not need it for a long time. However, it had my military ID. That is no minor oops.

My orders had an emergency number on it to call should I not be able to arrive on time. I called it. I explained my situation to the understanding woman. She calmed my nerves and said, it was okay. There was actually some slack time built into the orders. She told me I had plenty of time to return home and get my wallet. I did it and actually still had to wait a short time for my plane after I arrived at the air base.

It is perhaps one of the biggest arguments against public transportation. Had I taken a bus, I would have had to leave the wallet behind. Returning to my house would not have been an option. My wallet would have stayed in the US while I went to Japan.

I seldom go anywhere without my wallet. It has become more attached to me than my cell phone and that is saying a lot. Even so, any time I forget it or misplace it, it generates an instant empty feeling in my belly.

Even so, I guess my nephew topped me. My nephew, after finishing Army boot camp was coming home when pick-pocketed. He told me about it. They didn’t get anything. He had some of his money in a shirt pocket, some in his socks, some here, some there. He laughed it off. There was no money, no credit cards. He did report the incident to the police, but all he had to replace were his military ID, his driver’s license and his social security card. Well, he did need to get another wallet. However, a couple of weeks later, the wallet was found and returned, with the social security card, license and military ID.

His method did make me think a little. Like maybe I should carry my wallet as a prop and carry my money and such hidden elsewhere, maybe in my sock. I decided against that. I guess old habits are hard to change. I don’t totally know why, but it gives me a little comfort when I pat that rear pocket and I feel the wallet there.

Daily writing prompt
What is the most important thing to carry with you all the time?
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I can’t Remember

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I will suggest the meal I enjoyed the most, or should I say, the two of them. I went into the Staff NCO club at MCAS Iwakuni in Japan. Later, when my wife joined me, I took her there too.

I had never had never had a filet mignon before. When I saw it on the menu, I decided to try it out. It was expensive but I decided, after the first bite it was well worth it. I decided to take my wife there and I must admit, I did not prepare her properly. It took her a while to cut through the toothpick holding the bacon on it. This was of course after I told her how tender the they are.

Once she realized the purpose of the little bit of wood, she agreed with me that they were very good. However, of course, at the price, it’s just not the sort of thing we can have every day. Maybe once a year. More likely, every other year. Still, the one I had at that staff NCO club was the best meal I ever had, twice

Daily writing prompt
What’s the most money you’ve ever spent on a meal? Was it worth it?
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No Story

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Just easier to say, “Ben”. Used to go by Benny, but I didn’t think it really suited me. There was one guy in junior high school who called me Benji. That was a long time before the movie of the little dog.

It really matters little to me. I had a cousin who went by Frankie. Didn’t know for a long time, he had the same name as me, “Benjamin Franklin Rhodes. I thought that one over for a while. Maybe I should have used “Frank Rhodes” for my pen name. Maybe then I would have sold a million or two. Lately, it would have another advantage. I would not get confused by that hopeless liberal who was in Obama’s cabinet.

You can tell me what you think about it. Should I change my pen name to Frank Rhodes?

Daily writing prompt
What’s the story behind your nickname?
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Food. Now That’s an Interesting Subject

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I must admit I had to wrestle mentally with this prompt. Then it all became clear when I substituted the word do for the word would. I hope that will be okay. You see, if I would like to make something, I usually do. About the only thing I haven’t tried is homemade pie. Something about that crust that scares me. If and when we do make a pie, we buy the crust as well as the filling. In my book, that does not qualify as making a pie.

Right now I’m considering making a beef stew. When we bought the slow cooker, it came with a recipe that is great. The hitch is that I keep putting off the trip to the store. I am always putting off trips to the store these days. When I finally go, I spend $250 just for my wife and me. Then, it seems I got so little.

Mostly, these days, we eat out. With just the two of us and my wife eating so little these days, a lot gets wasted. She just loves chili dogs so we open a can of chili now and then. To keep it healthy, I generally open a can of veggies or pull out some that are frozen. I don’t know. Seems to me corn and peas taste better when frozen. (heated of course) To me, carrots and cabbage have to be fresh.

I try to keep raw hamburger patties in the freezer for those days when we just just don’t don’t feel much like going anywhere. It really is sirloin but in a different form. A little gravy, a little mashed potatoes or baked potato and we have steak dinners.

A couple of interesting stories about the potatoes. My wife’s grandmother was one of those who did not like the modern stuff. You know, before she visited us, she insisted on baking the potatoes in the oven and boiling the potatoes first for mashed potatoes. Before she went home, she loved the 7 minute potatoes that come out of the microwave and she was amazed at how we got the potato flakes to taste so good. The secret, add a slice of Kraft American cheese before adding the hot water.

Every now and again, we like the red potatoes too, you know the little ones. Add a few spices while they boil and they can really spice up a meal. Hint: don’t peal them.

It just is, it’s not nearly as much fun cooking when it’s just the two of us. Moreover, it’s no fun cleaning up after.

Therefore, when we go to a restaurant, I always thank them, not just for cooking my food, but also for doing my dishes. It does sometimes confuse them, but one day, they will figure it out.

Daily writing prompt
What foods would you like to make?
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Strategies for Staying Healthy

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Eat healthy, but not too much (Pizza at least once a week)

Exercise, but as little as possible

Sleep, as much as I want.

Avoid poisons such as drugs and tobacco. (alcohol is a drug)

And, by the way, rely heavily on my doctor and pharmacists

Made it to 76. Maybe I am doing something right

Daily writing prompt
What strategies do you use to maintain your health and well-being?
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Afraid I’m Done Traveling

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That is unless we have a big inheritance, and soon. Not much time left.

Can’t complain. Well, I guess I could but it would be pointless. However, I have done my share of traveling.

Speaking of inheritance. If I had the money, I would really like to get a 25 foot travel trailer and and go from one end of this country to the other and from top to bottom. I’d love to visit every state, a few maybe twice. Well, I’m afraid that trailer would not go to Hawaii or Alaska. That’s alright. I’ve talked to people who have been to Hawaii and they said it was a lot like California. Besides, I have been in both states. We landed in Alaska for a while when I was on the way to Vietnam and Hawaii on the way back.

Of course part of it would be just so I will be able to say I’ve been everywhere. As an aside, I have already been in many states already. I have been from one end of Interstate 40 to the other. Hence, I have been in all all the states it goes through. Also, I have been in Nevada and Kansas. Even spent some time there. I’m in no hurry to return. They both have miles and miles of miles and miles and not much more. Also. Just happened to think; I was in Syracuse for 10 weeks; Illinois for a few weeks and Pennsylvania for quite a while. That is a state I would love to revisit, especially in the Quaker area. God really put some good landscaping in there. Makes me think it would have been good to have settled there instead of here.

Regardless, it would be nice to stop any time or place I want to stop or go when I get ready to go. It has been a dream most of my life.

Daily writing prompt
What are your future travel plans?
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I’m Retired

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So I’ll reply retroactively. Actually, unless my memory has deceived me again, I think I already said something about that. Well considering the number of posts I posted, it would stand to reason I did say something about it.

I used to have a really good job. I had checklist I had each night and I did what was on it. I started at 5:00 PM and left about 1:00 AM. Moreover, I worked alone. There was no one around to complain about what music I played or how loud. It was better than being at home where my wife complained about the sopranos and the volume. (singers, not the mob show) Also, sometimes I tried to sing along, which she would have really complained about.

I listened to show tunes, songs by John Gary, Ed Ames, Percy Faith, ABBA, Simon and Garfunkel, and kind of the whole pre-80’s things. I listened to some pre-1950’s things. I was constantly adding to my list of selections. It irritates me that I have lost a few of them.

Many of them were of special interest. Simon and Garfunkel produced the song, “Homeward Bound.” While I was in Vietnam, I was not the only one who liked that one. I know. It has nothing to do with those of us carrying around a rifle and wearing a helmet. Still, many of us did adopt the tune.

I listen mostly to same thing now. I have added a little. I listen when at home, sometimes while writing posts. I listen to them while walking. I listen to them while in the car. By the way, the car system has about the best sound, especially with it being electric. No engine noise to interfere.

There are two differences now that I’m no longer listening at work. I have to turn the volume down and I can’t sing along. My wife would complain and, maybe, the neighbors.

I wish I could listen while eating in restaurant, especially with some of what they play over their speakers. I suspect the management would complain. If they didn’t some of the customers would.

Daily writing prompt
What do you listen to while you work?
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