50+ thread

tell that to usmarine chuck!

 

tim i thought you were sleeping?

 

With all respect to Cold Iron, aging isn't necessarily about hurting more and having a fatter belly. Sure, there are changes that have occurred, but such is life (and many of those changes you can influence). Nothing is eternal. Since I've grown older I now have a better sense of my own mortality and those around me, brought on by the realities of loss and a greater understanding of the fleeting nature of life. As a teenager or younger kid everything seemed like it would be forever. As I've grown older I recognize that nothing is forever and that has given me a much greater appreciation of those around me and living in the moment. I can't run anymore as my unhealed broken ankle is now arthritic, but I can still get up walk around and ride my bike. I don't miss running as much as I appreciate riding my bike, if you understand the meaning of that statement. I'm much more thankful for what I have than what I've lost. At 25 I didn't give a shit about much of anything other than whether I would find temporary female companionship for the night. With age and experience has come some sense of wisdom (though my wife still thinks I'm stuuuuuuupid!) that lets me judge things with a bit more informed perspective. Not saying I always make the 'right' decision, but I can usually recognize that what comes after "hey man, hold my beer and watch this" rarely ends well. I try not to do stupid as much now as I did at 25. I take pleasure every day in the little things, the flowers in my neighbors yard, the smile on the kids face at the bus stop, the wind on my face, the joy my dog feels just to run free, the fact that my stomach is full and I have a roof over my head. All of these things I took for granted at 25 or just overlooked. Life's challenges today are not nearly as daunting as they were when I was much younger. I'm calmer, I have a longer outlook influencing my judgements on decisions, and at the end of the day have a greater appreciation for the experience. I recognize how blessed I am much more than I did when I was younger. I understand that even though things haven't worked out according to my plan things have worked out ok, because, I'm still here and many many more worthy folks have passed and will never have the privilege to live the life I live every day. For that and that alone I feel blessed beyond anything I think I deserve. So now that I've rambled on far too long I will get off my soap box and go get another beer (again thanks to the brewers of such fine ale). Enjoy your younger years and look forward to the future. Love those around you and tell them you appreciate them. Plan for your future and do all that you can to assure it is as you would like, but roll with the punches when things aren't as you planned!

 

My nephews flying in tonight to surprise his Mom for Thanksgiving. He just called and said his ride fell thru, guess who's making a late night run to Reagan National? I hate traffic, the airport and crowded places but I can't say no so it's off I go. Y'all have a nice evening and if your traveling, stay safe.

 

drive safely!

 

ill read that big ass paragraph tomorrow!damn!

 

sorry-no disrespect bernie!

 

You drive safe too Jeff! I know how much you hate that whole scene and I do too, but it will be worth it. And good on ya his mother will appreciate it I am sure.

It is a good read, and what most all of us have gone through and where we have landed. Although the cortisone shot in my left ankle is wearing off and the bone on bone grinding is starting to piss me off LOL.

Readers Digest version is Maslow's Hierarchy of Needs.

It takes experience, time, and age to reach Self-actualization.

 

Didn't want to say earlier.
On Monday when I was wiring up remote on feeder I was thinking about a friend up in blue Ridge mountains of VA. was thinking I haven't received any feeder pic emails in ages and I think I need to drop him a line.

Got a text from cousin that he ate a .223.
57 yea r s old. 3 daughters and a wife. Grandkids and all. Nobody can fathom why.

He texted a friend something bad about to happen at his house. Call the sheriff.

I miss you Tim Blevins. You never met a stranger. God bless you and all your family.

 

all over your yard

 

sorry to hear that the worst is never knowing or being able to understand why sadly i've been through this a few times

 

Yeup me too.

 

Unfortunately it's the time of year when it happens most. I lost my brother-in-law during a December a few years ago and one of my sons last January. It's hard to understand or try to make sense of. Sorry for your loss.

 

Thanks.
Holidays can be good and bad.
What a guy he was. He had me feeding black bears as tall as cabin from my hand. Never will forget that.
Nothing bad seemed to be happening.

 

well played sir well played

 

lame

 

where was he in the blue ridge

 

Look who's talking!

TMTR

What would drive a person, with so many people around him, to do such a selfish act. I will never understand that.
Sorry for the loss.

 

hi mike

 

I am going to speak from direct experience...

Being a suicide survivor is a very hard thing to live with. You never know why, and that is the hardest part.

Rest in peace my darling daughter. Julia M. Young 9/10/91 - 3/13/05.