Out & About At Eateries

Dad: Hey Mike, it was nice to have you share our anniversary with your girlfriend, Becky.
Mum: Yes, it means a lot you can share this with us.
Mike: No problem. 
Becky: My folks never celebrate their wedding anniversary, so it's nice to do it with you both. 
Mike: So, how many years is it?
Dad: Err...Elbow in ribs.
Mum: 25. It only seems like yesterday. 
Dad: That's right, honey.

Trudy: It's two years since we tied the knot.
Sam: Yeah. I don't regret a minute. 

Trudy: Your mum felt I was a bit old for you. Is she over that now?
Sam: I think so. Regardless, we are happy together. 
Trudy: Will you still love me when I'm 64?
Sam: Sure I will. 
Trudy: You keep me young. 
Sam: I can't take the credit for that. Your genetics are the reason.
Trudy: Well, I'm giving some credit to you. 

Amanda: What do you mean, I have to economise?

Roger: It's just the credit card payments are getting a bit high.

Amanda: Don't you think I'm worth it?

Roger: Of course, you're worth it. It's just...we can't afford it.

Amanda: And you bring it up at a romantic dinner.
Roger: Good point. I should have mentioned it sooner. We can't really afford this. 
Amanda: Roger, this is just not good enough!

Mark: So are you shouting me, or am I paying?

Tabitha: How about the person who blinks first pays? 

Mark: You're on. And don't kick me in the shin.

Tabitha: I don't play dirty. 

Mark: You are always tricking me. 

Tabitha: You're so gullible. 

Mark: I'm trusting, that's all.

Tabitha: How about you pay and I'll shout you dinner?

Mark: You're on.

Tabitha: My place at 7pm. Macaroni cheese? 

Mark: You got me again.

Signs I'd Like To See

At a restaurant: 

If you wish to dine at this establishment, you will have to turn off all devices before entering. 

At a sports stadium: 

Please take your litter as you leave and place it in the rubbish bins at the exit.

At a supermarket:

Please return your trolley to the correct location. 

In any public space: 

If you need to talk on the phone, understand that the rest of us don't want to hear it. 

At a busy boat ramp:

Be aware that others are waiting for you to move.

In a kitchen:

Do not leave your dirty dishes here. Others are not your servants. 

Being Successful

A good time does not have to cost a lot of money. A nice place, good company and some simple food may be the best time we will have.

When a person receives a warning of an impending disaster, the key difference between being either a survivor or a victim is not necessarily the gravity of the danger. It's more likely the response taken to the warning. 

If swimming at a beach with some rips, how good a swimmer we are is less important than following the guidance of the lifeguards.

A good skier who goes off-piste may be in greater danger than a lesser skier who stays on a groomed and patrolled slope.

A happy relationship's durability isn't based on physical attributes or similar tastes. More important is how we treat our significant other, with love, respect and yielding when there is no important reason not to. If both do that, then harmony should be much more likely. 

A fast runner may not win if they exceed their ability to maintain a certain speed. Pacing one's self realistically is a more successful strategy.

Simple Thoughts

Today is the first day of the rest of your life.

We should learn from the past, but we shouldn't live in it.

We can't change what's happened, but we can influence what's going to happen.

Try to shape the future into being the best it can be. 

Take a step back and see the bigger picture.

What we can't find might be right in front of us. 

The cost of making money shouldn't come at the expense of what's important. 

Money is a protection, but it can also be damaging.  

Life is a gift if we keep our eye simple.

Things that are truly valuable are not complex. 

Introducing The 'Short Stories' Blog

Hi there. I've started a blog on the subject of short stories. I was wanting to post them here but I decided they needed their own platform. They can be easily accessed by simply clicking on 'Short Stories' shown under 'Links to my other blogs', to the left. 

A new story will be posted each day, NZ time - 6am for the foreseeable future, for now at least into mid September. They are designed to reflect real life and have a moral attached to them, without it being overly emphasised. 

The themes are varied and access is easy.  Anyway, have a look if you feel so inclined. Feedback welcome, here or on a specific article at Short Stories. And, no, you don't need to buy me a coffee.

Seeing Is Believing?

Rob is talking to Mike, his neighbour. They are sitting and having a beer and the conversation goes a little deeper. 

Rob: I know you have a religious faith Mike, but how can you believe in things you can't see? 
Mike: We all believe in things we can't see, such as the wind. We feel its effects.
Rob: I can't relate the wind to a faith in God.
Mike pauses: Well, suppose you came home and you noticed your front door was wide open. You know you didn't leave it like that. You run into the house and you see items scattered over the floor. Cabinets have been rifled through and some expensive ornaments are missing. The same scenes all over the house. What do you conclude?
Rob: Obviously, I've been burgled.
Mike: But did you see the burglar or burglars?
Rob: No, but it's clear they were there. Their handiwork is right in front of me.....Oh I see where you're going with this.
Mike: God's handiwork is plain to see. It's all around us. This amazing world and our existence can't have just happened without intelligent input.
Rob: Well, something to think about, I guess.  

Sayings From Sailing Ships

These are some saying reputed to come from sailing. Because the origins of saying can be obscure, their origin may be at times disputed. 

Loose cannon: If a cannon was being fired on a ship and it broke free from its securing ropes, the recoil would pose a danger to both the ship and crew.

Today: Used to describe someone dangerous and unpredictable. 

At a rate of knots: To measure speed at sea, knots were tied on a piece of rope at regular intervals, which was dropped overboard. As the rope unwound from a reel, the number knots that passed calculated the speed of the vessel. 

Today: To do something very quickly. 

Take the wind out of their sails: A ship moves in front of another ship and blocks the wind, it could slow right down or stop completely. 

Today: To discourage or deflate someone. 

Groggy: Grog was the daily ration of rum for sailors. When sailors had too much to drink, they would be called groggy. 

Today: When someone is sleepy or disorientated. 

Plain sailing: Sailing is proving easy and successful.

Today: Everything is going well. 

A leading light: When docking at night, lights on shore helped guide ships safely into port, and a leading light was placed prominently to assist.

Today: Someone well respected in a particular field. 

As the crow flies: It is suggested Vikings released crows to help find a route to the nearest shore.

Today: The direct distance between points A and B.

On an even keel: The keel is the primary structural backbone of a boat, running lengthwise along the bottom of the hull. If the keel is even then the ship is stable in the water. 

Today: Describe something as steady and predictable. 

Batten down the hatches: When a storm was on its way, the captain would give this order.

Today: Prepare for something negative about to happen. 

Not enough room to swing a cat: There was a whip called the cat-o'-nine-tails. This was a painful naval punishment. It was usually too cramped to swing the whip below deck.

Today: Describes a space too small to do what you want.

Cut and run: A ship may cut the rope connected to the submerged anchor to get away suddenly. 

Today: Cut your losses and get out of a situation or leave very suddenly, even if it cost you to do so.

Three square meals a day: A wooden plate was used by sailors to eat their food from.

Today: Denotes getting three good, adequate meals a day.

Shipshape and Bristol fashion: The phrase combines two separate nautical terms. Shipshape means arranged properly as things should be on a ship. Bristol was a major port city in England with one of the highest tidal ranges in the world. At low tide. ships would rest on the seabed, tilted to one side. Cargo needed to be carefully secured to stop it falling about, or in Bristol fashion. 

Today: It can be used to describe a clean, neat and organised situation such as a house, office or even financial records.  

On the fiddle: The above plates had a raised edge called a fiddle, to contain the food. The fiddle (the raised rim) kept the food on the plate. If too much food was on a plate and was touching or overlapping the fiddle, the individual had taken too much food. A serious offence in the Navy. 

Today: Someone doing something dishonest. 

The Beauty of Creation

Fancy a walk up a mountain meadow, with spectacular views as your reward? 

After a warm walk through a tropical forest, a waterfall to with a soothing sound and a cool swim.

Riding on a paddle board to say hello to some visitors, before enjoying some fresh tropical fruit.

Admiring a Monarch butterfly in your garden on a warm summer's day.

The final creation and the most beautiful of all.

Courtship or Dating?

The two words are often used interchangeably, but there are significant differences in their meaning. The history of the words will clarify this.

Courtship: The term goes back to the latter 1500s and referred to a man wooing a woman to win her affection and for her to give consent for marriage. 

The concept was about chivalry among the nobility but spread down to society in general. A man would visit a woman at her family home with her parents very much supervising proceedings. 

The word took on the meaning of an extended period that couples would spend developing a romantic connection, with the intended goal of an engagement. It was about protecting the virtue of a woman and her social reputation.  

Dating: The word started entering English usage in the US at the beginning of the 20th century. It's initial meaning was a simple prearranged meeting of a social nature. 

With young ones less likely to be under their parent's roofs and gaining car ownership, the family dynamics changed. Young ones now met with little or no supervision. The term dating was used in such situations. 

So there is the basic history of the words. Today, dating is widely used but among religious folk who still adhere to Bible moral standards, they will often prefer the term courtship. So now to simplify and a final summary.

Courtship: The goal is marriage. It may involve a chaperone or group setting, the couple observing each other in various situations. It usually involves limits for physical contact.

Dating: It has more of an exploration and fun angle with less pressure. Often it involves one on one interaction. It is viewed as flexible, from casual interaction only, to eventually living together without marriage, or occasionally even looking for a long term relationship in marriage. 

Summary: Courting offers a clear destination and will appeal to those with stricter moral standards. Others feel it is out of step with the modern world. Dating's flexibility appeals to many, especially if their moral standards are more liberal. The lack of defined goals can lead to misunderstandings that can hurt emotionally. The possibility of pregnancy outside of marriage is also more likely. 

Sayings From Boxing

I don't like the sport but it has produced a host of sayings used in English. Here are some of them.

Below the belt: Unfair or unsporting. 

Beat (someone) to the punch: Get in first.

On the ropes: In serious trouble.

Blow by blow: A detailed account.

Down for the count: Defeated. 

Keep one's guard up: Watchful.

Ringside seat: A good view.

Throw in the towel: To give up.

Come out swinging: Attack aggressively.

Deliver a knock out punch: Win decisively.

Saved by the bell: Escaping a bad outcome in the last minute.

Roll with the punches: Coping successfully with difficulties.

Sucker punch: Something you didn't see coming. 

Take it on the chin: Bravely accepting negative things.

Toe to toe: Confrontation without backing down.

The gloves are off: Not holding back in attack.

Someone in your corner: A support there for you.

Where Did These Things Come From?

See if you can identify who originated these.

Traitor: One who betrays a friend or belief. It describes someone who violates a fundamental trust or allegiance. 

Application: The one who went against his loving Maker and became a rebel. 

Influencer: Due to perceived authority, they hold the power to influence the opinions and behavior of others.

Application: Convinced one of the first two humans that joining the rebellion was beneficial.

Fake News: False or misleading information presented as legitimate, intentionally created to deceive others for personal gain. 

Application: The promise of a better life for the listener proved to be quite the opposite. So too, the assurance that death would not result. This fake news only benefited the one behind it. 

Summary: Today, the same deceptions are coming from that first traitor and people are still being deceived. It's being done subtly and for many, imperceptibly. Why change a successful strategy? But do we have to be deceived? 

Did you work out who was the originator of these things? Not too hard a quiz, but the import is worth reflecting on. 

Note: Influencers today may or may not be beneficial. 

Corny or Funny

My wife gave me a gale warning. I thought we got on with Gale. 

My wife came back from a conference having given a talk in a large auditorium, saying she hated mics. I wonder what upset her as she works with two Mikes.

We were camping in a tent and my wife heard someone outside in the trees. She even guessed their name! She said "Did you hear a rustle?"

My wife had a second man named Bill who joined the company. It seems to be bothering her because as she was going through the mail recently, she was muttering "Not another bill".

There is a mean kid in our street named Oscar that no one likes. My wife was telling off our teenage daughter for being dramatic. She said "You deserve an Oscar". 

Our neighbour's name is Blair. I know because he was playing loud music and my wife said I'm sick of that blare.

The Hunt: Prey vs Predator

A new TV Series The Hunt: Prey vs Predator was run by Channel 4 in the UK. It was shown on NZ television by TV One and available on demand. I like The Traitors and it had some similarities so decided to give it a go. At first I felt frustrated as fast runners had a distinct advantage. However, I persisted and enjoyed it more as it progressed. 

An unnecessary negative for me is the producers didn't bleep out swearing. It wasn't outrageous but enough to make me consider giving up. Otherwise it's worth a watch. It didn't have the budget of The Traitors but that didn't worry me. 

Apparently there won't be another one as it didn't generate the viewer numbers hoped for in the UK. Maybe many people didn't know about it. I only stumbled upon it after several episodes in. The way of deciding who ultimately won was interesting. 

Musings

A look can say more than words.

Humility is not a weakness but a strength that is well worth mastering. 

Saving isn't about how much you earn, but what you don't spend.

Empathetic listening requires more than just hearing what is said; it also involves feeling what is said. 

We can be so impatient to arrive at a destination that we fail to enjoy the journey.

Tolerance isn't agreeing, but rather accepting someone else's right to think and act differently.

Never underestimate hope. It helps us cope with trials and uncertainty with positivity.

A plan only becomes useful when it's executed sucessfully.

It's one thing to be self-confident but quite another to be egotistical. A line not to be crossed. 

Getting angry is a reaction. Remaining angry is a choice.

Double Meanings

A food critic didn't like the fried fish at a local restaurant. She panned it. 

I don't like laying on the bed. I just feel so flat.

Our neighbour's cat randomly came running into our house and tripped me up. I was floored. 

We bought a wildcat skin rug for our lounge. I now have something to lie on. 

A group of us went to a traditional Chinese Restaurant. No one offered to pay, so I had to fork out.

Our first course at a French restaurant was served on tray. 

I enjoy having a TV dinner listening to the radio.

Two female inpersonators went to a racetrack to participate. They had a drag race. 

I climbed to the top of a mountain and I'm scared of heights but I couldn't resist a peek.

Dark Chocolate

For those who have preferred milk chocolate but have converted to dark chocolate (which is best as 70% or more of cocoa), welcome to the dark side. For others, I encourage you to develop a taste for it. Once you know the benefits, that should me motivation enough. 

Overview:

1) It has high levels of antioxidants. In moderation (as always) it can lower blood pressure, improve cardiovascular health, reduce inflammation and even boost brain function. 

2) It is a source of fiber and essential minerals such as iron, magnesium and copper. 

Detail:

Improves the blood flow, lowers blood pressure and reduces the risk of cardiovascular disease. Abundant flavanols protect cells from damage and oxidative damage. It can increase good HDL cholesterol while reducing bad LDL cholesterol. It improves blood flow to the brain, assisting cognitive function, memory, and our mood. Regarding nutrients, it contains fiber, iron, magnesium and copper. The fiber and nutrient density can help you feel full longer, reducing cravings. 

Caution:

High consumption can lead to weight gain. It contains caffeine which can have negative side effects for those with sensitivity to it. Even dark chocolate will still contain sugar and saturated fat, so moderation (as I said earlier) is important.

Recommendation: Enjoy.

No-Nos to Say to a Sports Official

Things it would be unwise for players to say to a referee:

Specsavers has a good deal on.

Which of their players is your relative?

I know where you live.

When do we get our share of the 50/50 calls?

You're missing a great game, our one.

I don't know what we've done to upset you. 

Could I loan you my rule book?

Summary: Show respect to the match official. 

So Obvious

Marrying a beautiful woman has a nice ring to it. 

If you work in sewage and it all goes wrong, there's always a stink. 

A very sharp knife is always made with cutting edge technology.

Never eat chicken if it smells foul.

The butcher sold me some tough meat, and I'm still stewing over it. 

I was dancing alone and then someone reminded me that it takes two to tango.

A Still Mower

Love

Love is a gift, one that brings happiness. What are aspects of love that will enhance happiness?

Coming to know and love you Maker is the most important love. (Matt 22:37)

Caring love should extend even to a stranger. 

(Luke 10:30-35)

True love is selfless. (1 Cor 10:24)

Real love isn't about receiving, it's about giving. (Acts 20:35)

Genuine love is felt inside and shown by actions. (Mark 1:40-42)

Hopeful love motivates us to be kind to those who dislike or even hate us (Matt 5:44)

My Traitors TV Series History

For a couple who eschew reality TV shows, why we got into The Traitors I have no idea. Nineteen editions have been perused by us so far. More would have been viewed but not all are available or translated. 

Below is a chart showing the nineteen we've watched. The Faithfuls have won 42% with an average of 2.6 people sharing the spoils. The Trators have won 56% with a 1.4 persons taking home the loot.

Now the locations of what has been watched. I can't even remember all of the series now. One point of interest is Australia Season 2, when three traitors won and which is very unusual. Even more so is that none of them took home the money. So they won the show but didn't get the monetary reward.

The Traitors US Season 4

The fourth season of US Traitors had its usual celeb cast. I believe they may actually do a 'normal' persons one soon. Yay. Let's now look briefly at the latest edition. (Spoiler alert)

It was won by Rob, who was a good traitor with a dead pan face even in adversity. He wisely got rid of two female traitors early without raising suspicion. Then recruiting Eric, the two worked well together, covering each other's backs. 

The Faithfuls unravelled as they failed to foster any unity. A bad mistake was made by Tara, when taking out Natalie after they promised to vote together. This act swung the odds towards the traitors. 

Tara and close friend Johny worked out correctly who the two traitors were and needed to get Maura on side to get a 3 to 2 vote and banish them, one by one. Maura agreed, but then flipped and voted with the traitors to banish Johnny. Game over Faithfuls. 

Tara still wanted to work with ditsy Maura. Fat chance as she turned on Tara at the next vote. Maura then told Rob she wanted Eric out and Rob saw his chance to take all the money. In an unnecessary act of greed, turncoat Rob rounded on Eric and with Maura's vote guaranteed, got rid of his Traitor partner. 

Maura was convinced she would share the prize. In the most satisfying moment in Season 4, Maura was floored to find she had allowed herself to be played by Rob. Maura often said she wondered how she got that far. Simple. She was useless as a faithful but most valuable to the traitors.

I want to see the Faithful win but when they are unable to work together cohesively, their winning would be unfair. Rob played a better game than the Faithfuls and deserved to win. That said, the way he cut out Eric was a cheap shot. 

Metaphors?

Library books are on borrowed time.

Alpine snow is on slippery ground.

In springtime, skaters are on thin ice. 

The undertaker was buried under his workload.

Crochet knitters get hooked.

Dieting is never a piece of cake. 

Soccer players have a ball.

My grater has gone somewhere. 

The crafty dairy farmer was known for milking it. 

The haberdashery store needed stocking. 

The dentist was known for giving his patients the needle.

Feathers tickle my fancy.

The customer got a shock from the power bill.

The homeless man fell into a quarry and hit rock bottom.

Animals Are 'Fine'

If you want to define animal groups, how many do you know? There is obviously a finite number, but I'm not sure if the list below is final. For now at least, I have confined them to what is seen below. I think the list is ultrafine. How many have you heard of?

Asinine: Donkeys or asses 

Cervine: Deer 

Corvine: Crows or ravens 

Delphine: Dolphins 

Elephantine: Elephants 

Equine: Horse

Caprine: Goats 

Leonine: Lions 

Leporine: Rabbits or hares 

Lupine: Wolves 

Murine: Mice, rats, or rodents 

Ophidian (Serpentine): Snakes 

Piscine: Fish 

Sciurine: Squirrels 

Ursine: Bears 

Vulpine: Foxes

There were some I'd never heard of. 

If you can add ot the list, I'll refine it. 

So Who Would You Ask Out?

At different times, I put a scenario to two young, single men. It goes as follows. 

You are wishing to marry a young lady and there are two that you are considering asking out.

One is not particularly good looking. She thinks she would be the luckiest girl in the world to be married to you.

The other is very beautiful. She thinks you would be the luckiest guy in the world if she agreed to marry you. 

Who would you choose? How did they answer? 

After a brief reflection, they both said they didn't know. I pressed for at least a possible preference but still no commitment. 

I can understand why as each scenario had a positive and a negative aspect. I would have said neither. Someone you don't find attractive isn't going to touch your romantic side yet another being perhaps somewhat conceited isn't an option that would appeal to me. 

Finding a balance between the two would be far more preferable. Or get to know the less pretty one well enough to fall for her lovely personality.

Please note the pictures are AI generated, not real.

Handling A Situation

People are very different and how they handle situations can vary greatly. Sometimes, our reaction may be judged as cold and uncaring. At other times too soft and too tactful. 

The situations below aren't scored, and any judgment you do make is over to you. 

Someone tells you a joke you have often heard before, hence it's no longer funny.

Do you

1) Without a smile, tell them you have heard it before.

2) Ignore it or change the subject.

3) Act like you think it was funny and tell them that it's a good joke.

Someone starts telling you some disparaging gossip about another person.

Do you

1) Widen your eyes and gleefully listen attentively.

2) Listen reluctantly.

3) Tell them immediately to stop or, as soon as possible, change the subject.

You play a game like chess with someone and realise they are not good at it.

Do you

1) Tell them they're not very good and won't be playing them again.

2) Suggest another game you could play together next time.

3) Keep playing with them, offering tips and even allowing them occasionally to take back moves.