Instead we rent movie from a local Family Video and have seen some very good films. Some are main stream and some are virtually unheard of.

Of course, we like going out to the movies as well but we are really selective at what we see at the theater (guess I am a cheapskate!)

We did see “Water for Elephants” recently. Great movie about a difficult time during the depression. Extremely well filmed to capture the era. But the highlight for me was Reese Witherspoon – well what red blooded American male would not enjoy watching a beautiful blond atop an elephant?

Definitely worth renting the DVD. Oh, and make your popcorn at home!

This particular evening there was a fine mist, reminded me a lot of my time in England, so we strolled around the park with an umbrella. I love these walks because we really have a change to get outdoors, enjoy the fresh air and chat as well as get the blood flowing.

As we were approaching a person jogging with her dog, Diana asked “Is that the German woman with her poinsettia?”

Well, of course, I am dumbstruck. I have no idea what she is talking about. She tells me that she sees this German lady in the park quite often and has even stopped to chat with her. That is fine, but I still don’t see where the POINSETTIA comes in.

Then, it is explained to me that it is the dog! Oh, I say “you mean the Doberman Pincher!” But why poinsettia? Oh, the lady had bright red hair!

We both had a wonder laugh about this conversation. I share this with you not to laugh at Diana but in hopes that you will find the humor in it as well.

So I asked about 9 people today and they look at me like I am crazy. Where are these people? Who are they? How do they do that?

Oh, we ended up paying not only the Federal Government, but also the State of Indiana.

What gives? I guess I am just one of those WEALTHY Business Owners who end up paying.

Do you a lot of people that fell into this AVERAGE?

Well over the weekend it really hit hard, with a swollen big toe on my left foot. It wasn’t bad cutting grass sitting on my Dixon ZTR but any walking around was painful. I spent a lot of time with my foot elevated while I laid on the couch. I didn’t feel bad about this because I had made a trip to LA Fitness Sunday morning for a good workout, just nothing that required walking.

This morning, Monday, I had a scheduled doctor’s appointment for my annual physical. BP good, Cholesterol good, no unusual aches or pains, no chest pains, just one big fat swollen toe! The doctor was pretty bored. Before my physical, my wife tells me that she heard on Dr Oz that raisins soaked in gin brings relief for arthritis, or gout. The doctor has never heard of this.

Personally, I am thinking this is okay because a year ago I stopped drinking alcohol as it creates uric acid which causes gout. Now I am thinking that my GIN Martinis would go good with 9 or so golden raisins!

Well, I get home and I have a whole jar full of raisins soaked in GIN. I am thinking this is okay! Think I may look forward to remedy!

Anyone ever heard of this?

About a year ago I became a vegetarian and feel really great for the changes in diet that I have accomplished. After reading “The Veganist” I am extremely happy that I made the changes. Industrial meat is not healthy at all and the lives these poor animals live in order to provide food for us is abominable.

The biggest impact this book made on me was the testimonials of individuals who changed their lifestyle by changing their diets. Many in a short period of time. One example was “Robert Dew’s Story, Reversign the Family Heart-Atttack Pattern”. Within 6 months he went from Blood Pressure of 130/95 to 115/65 and Cholesterol 250/127 with no meds, just diet and exercise. Oh, but there is more, but you will have to read the book.

My personal experience is that by doing the Lemonade Master Cleanse, changing my diet, and regular exercise, my blood pressure has dropped from 160/100 (a year ago) to 114/65 (last week at the doctors office). Next week a full physical to see what the other indicators are.

It is always good speaking with Dr L, because she is very knowledgeable about alternate health and nutrition. About a year ago I was taking 2 blood pressure medications, and was fed up with the SIDE EFFECTS, so I decided to make a change. I did the Lemonade Master Cleanse, stopped taking my BP meds, changed my diet to a vegetarian diet, started exercising regularly.

My weight dropped, my blood pressure dropped, I felt better! My muscle tone improved (or so I was told by my masseuse).

Today at my screening my blood pressure was 114/68. Not bad for a 67 year old man. The average 67 year old takes 7 prescription medications. I take none.

When I got home I was relating my results to my wife and mentioned something the doctor told me about how so many parents today have no idea about health or nutrition. (read the book “The Veganist”) EYE OPENER!!!! (more on The Veganist in a later blog)

My wife said a lot of it has to do with environment. True, but a lot of it has to do with making a personal DECISION, researching to find out what is good for and what is not good for you.

When making a decision to change, don’t be concerned about the past, focus on what you want to happen. Find people who will support your decision to change. Then CHANGE! I love what Brian Tracy says “Eat less, exercise more!”

It reminded me of some feedback I received years ago while applying for a job as I was retiring from the United States Air Force.

The caller on the telephone asked me if I was Steve Scalph, the human dynamo? “Well, I guess it is” I replied. He then asked if I knew a Dennis S. “Yes” I replied, “I was stationed with him in England.”

My first thoughts were ‘well, compared to Dennis, almost anyone would appear to be human dynamo!’ He was more the thinker or analytic thinker than a doer.

Actually, I knew Dennis better than just working with him. Dennis, Bob, Tip (short for Tipton) and I rented a large house together when we were stationed in Weymouth, England in the early 1960′s. Tip and I did most of the cooking, I did most of the shopping, managed the finances, while Dennis and Bob did the dishes. I think we all partied equally.

Occasionally I would back a cake or make a pie. Dennis would not make the initial cut of the cake or pie, but as soon as it was cut, he seemed to eat more than his fair share with a large glass of that wonderful English milk.

I am constantly amazed a the little things I remember about past acquaintances!

Anyway, the young adults started throwing trash out of their cars. This proactive neighbor placed a 55 gallon drum out for trash. Then he proceeded to inform the teens parking there that he did not mind them parking at the end of the road (on his property) but that they please place their trash in the 55 gallon drum.

Surprisingly enough, they responded by complying with his wishes.

I think this was a simple act of asking the teens to be responsible and they were.

I just find it difficult to understand how kids are raised to think that they can just throw their junk on other people’s property. USE A TRASH CAN, Please.

The next day I am feeling the tightness in my abs and back. Love that feeling!

Then on Saturday, my wife and I are shopping at the Ft Ben Harrison Commissary, and I have to sneeze. Try holding it back so I don’t spray all over everything – my wife is trying to train me – but I sneeze anyway. And don’t you know it, I pull a muscle in my back. This is nuts, I think….. A simple, powerful sneeze and I pull a muscle. Go figure…

So now, I am walking around like an old man! Oh, wait, I may be an old man. Back to LA Fitness on Sunday and doing fine.

What do yours say about you? Do they communicate quality? Professionalism?

If you have a restaurant, do they express appetizing food?

An auto shop, do they suggest reliability and quality workmanship?

Appealing colors?

Readable from a distance?

Inviting?

Want to convey CHEAP….LOW BUDGET….CHEAP….AVERAGE….or simply NOTHING SPECIAL HERE? Of coursed you don’t!

Does your primary sign include only your business name, or does it also feature a tag line that somehow distinguishes you from your competition?

Take a fresh look at your signage. Make sure it reflects the quality that you believe your products and services offer.

FACT: For new businesses, your on premise signage will bring in 49% of your NEW customers.

Let us help you!