NEW ADDRESS.

I have moved. My new address is http://merle-3rdtimelucky.blogspot.com/ Thanks, Merle.

Yet Another Update.

On checking the 2nd update which Peter put on for me I noticed that he had put an s after merle, so I have deleted the s and the correct address is merle-3rdtimelucky.blogspot.com/ I can understand his slip as my sites have been so much trouble to him as well as me. Maybe we are on the right track now. Maybe !!! Take care my friends, Regards, Merle.

2ND UPDATE

The link to my new site is; that is; http://merle-3rdtimelucky.blogspot.com/ Some clarification of how to comment both to and from BetaBlogger and the old Blogger; If both sites are on Beta Blogger just fill in the WV and publish comment. From non-Beta to Beta sites; use "other" enter your "Name" (that is usually used when you comment) and then fill in your site URL below that, this allows me to get back to your site by clicking the link. (BTW for sites that have switched to Beta you need to allow "anyone" to comment in your Settings - Comments section.) To enable Beta Bloggers to comment on your site if you have not changed yet the options of "other" and "anonymous" need to be available, if they are not available on your comment section you need to go to your "settings" - "comments"and tick "anyone" where it asks who can comment on this blog, if you choose not to do this Beta Bloggers will not be able to comment on your site, as there is an ever increasing number of Beta users this will isolate you from an ever increasing number of commenters. The other thing that helps us find one another when things go wrong is to list an email address either on your profile or on the sidebar. That's the state of play at the moment, with all the changes that are going on who knows what it will be tomorrow. I will post this at third try as well so hopefully all my readers will see it.

Blog site update

Because there are some publishing problems and an irritating little message that delays the opening of Herons Nest I am going to continue using Third Try at least for the moment, Herons Nest will remain as an archive of my start as a blogger.

What is a Dad?

Good evening or good morning to my friends. Tomorrow

is Father’s Day in Australia, so I would like to wish all

the Aussie Dads a very happy day with their families,

and a bit of spoiling from them. Also the Grandfathers.

So of course, my topic tonight is --- “What is a Dad?”

<><><><>

A dad is a man who is especially honoured

At certain times of the year with titles such as,

Head of the family, King of the Roost and

Top Man of the organisation,

But more often his presence, his steadfastness,

And his support are taken for granted,

Like the foundations of a house.

To a Dad, life is a give-and-take proposition

He gives his time, energy, love and advice,

And usually has to take a lot in return:---

Complaints, noise, teasing, problems, criticism,

And often what seems to be a sad lack of appreciation.

<><><><>

Besides the requirements of being a man,

A Dad is expected to have the endurance of a camel

The shrewdness of a fox, the paiience of an elephant,

The industriousness of a beaver and the cheeriness

of a Robin,

Name anything – a Dad is supposed to fix it,

Mow it, paint it, train it, know all the facts about it,

Exterminate it. call for it or drop it off, spank it,

find it or pay for it.

Dads are not perfect !!

They don’t mind mentioning your faults;

They keep bringing up the subject of work

When you feel the least energetic.

<><><><>

Somehow though, whatever you do in life,

And whatever success you achieve,

One of the biggest, warmest and most gratifying

rewards of all

Is to know --- Dad is proud of you !!

You don’t always tell a Dad how much you love him

Because there are no words that really express feelings

So deep and sincere. Still you can’t help but feel,

He understands what’s in your heart --- Dads do !!

<><><> I miss my Dad. <><><>

Now for a joke called “Box of Chocolates.”

For all of us who are married, were married, wish you were married, or

wish you weren't married, this is something to smile about the next time you open a box of chocolates:-

<><> Sally was driving home from one of her business trips in Northern Arizona

when she saw an elderly Navajo woman walking on the side of the road. As the trip was a long and quiet one, she stopped the car and asked the Navajo woman if she would like a ride. With a silent nod of thanks, the woman got into the car.

<><>

Resuming the journey, Sally tried in vain to make a bit of small talk with the Navajo woman. The old woman just sat silently, looking intently at everything she saw, studying every little detail, until she noticed a white bag on the seat next to Sally. "What in bag?" asked the old woman.

<><>

Sally looked down at the white bag and said, "It's a box of chocolates. I got it for my husband". The Navajo woman was silent for another moment or two. Then speaking

with the quiet wisdom of an elder, she said: "Good trade".

<><><><><>

A farmer had 30 free range chooks (chickens) and three

roosters. Every day they would peck their way around the

yards. But every night they would return to the hen house

to roost. Ten chooks and a rooster would take the bottom perch.

Ten chooks and a rooster took the second perch

above the first lot. Ten chooks and a rooster took the top perch,

above the other two perches.

<><>

The farmer didn’t own all these chooks. Which ones were his?

Only the chooks on the bottom perch, because all the others

were on higher perches. (Hire purchase.)

<><><><><>

And just a few quotes to close with ----

The best exercise for the heart is to bend over

backwards for someone else. –Anon.

<><><>

If a friend is in trouble, don’t annoy him by asking him if

there is anything you can do. Think of something

appropriate and do it. – E. W. Howe.

<><><>

Troubles shared are troubles halved. – Proverb.

<><><>

A comfortable home is a great source of happiness.

It ranks immediately after health and a good

conscience, -- Sydney Smith.

<><><>

A crank is a man with a new idea – until it catches on,

-- Mark Twain.

<><><>

You never get a second chance to make a good first

impression. --- Anonymous.

<><><>

Bye for now, till next time. Take care my friends, Merle.

This Age.

Hello again Friends ~~ Well it is the first of September,

the first day of Spring and the weather was here to prove

it. We had 23 degrees, which I think is about 70 degrees

Fahrenheit. Just very nice, so I plan to enjoy it until it gets

too hot, and then I will complain about that !!!

<><><><>

I have a recipe that I have not made yet, but it sounds as

though it would be very nice.

<><><> It is called Ham and Pineapple Bake. <><><>

Small can of Celery Soup

Small can of drained crushed pineapple

½ cup milk, pepper and salt, Teaspoon chopped parsley

4 medium sliced potatos – par-boiled

1 tablespn butter, 1 onion, 1 cup chopped ham

Chop onion finely and cook in melted butter,

add soup, milk, salt, pepper, parsley, pineapple and ham.

Put a layer of sliced potatos in a greased casserole,

add the other mixed ingredients and cover with a layer

of sliced potatos. Cook in moderate oven for ¾ hour.

<><><><><>

I hope that it turns out OK. I plan to make it myself.

I have a little poem for you called “This Age.”

<><><>

This is the age I had not cared to reach - - -

This outer edge of youth –- when, here and there

A strange new silver thread slips in the hair

And careless days grow further back with each

Additional birthday. These have been the years

I dreaded secrety, and suddenly find

It is a lovely age, and I was blind

To beauty that must follow when the ears

Are more attuned to listening, the touch

More sensitive, and the eyes have learnt at last

To see detail, and not go hurrying past

To newness always. And this age is much

More satisfying, now the heart has lately,

Found love’s not taking but giving greatly.

<><><><><>

And now a couple of blonde jokes -----

FINAL EXAM

The blonde reported for her university final examination that consists of yes/no type questions. She takes her seat in the examination hall, stares at the question paper for five minutes and then, in a fit of inspiration, takes out her purse, removes a coin and starts tossing the coin, marking the answer sheet: Yes, for Heads, and No, for Tails.

Within half an hour she is all done, whereas the rest of the class is still sweating it out. During the last few minutes she is seen desperately throwing the coin, muttering and sweating. The moderator, alarmed, approaches her and asks what is going on. "I finished the exam in half an hour, but now I'm

rechecking my answers." >>>>>><<<<<<

THE BEST BLONDE JOKE OF THE YEAR - SO FAR

A man was in his front yard mowing grass when his attractive blonde female neighbor came out of the house and went straight to the mailbox. She opened it then slammed it shut & stormed back into the house.

<><>

A little later she came out of her house again went to the mail box and again, opened it, slammed it shut again. Angrily, back into the house she went. As the man was getting ready to edge the lawn, here she came again, marched to the mail box, opened it and then slammed it closed harder than ever.

<><>

Puzzled by her actions the man asked her, "Is something wrong?" To which she replied, "There certainly is!"

(are you ready? this is a beauty .)

My stupid computer keeps saying, "YOU'VE GOT MAIL."

<><><><>

And a few quotes from Pocket Positives, a book

of quotations - - - -

Shoot for the moon. Even if you miss it, you will

land among the stars. – Les Brown.

It’s great to be great, but it’s greater to be human.

--- Will Rogers.

The creation of a thousand forests is in one acorn.

Ralph Waldo Emerson.

The chains of habit are too weak to be felt until they

are to strong to be broken. – Samuel Johnson.

We spend so much time yearning for that special item

that will finally make us happy, that we don’t take time

to look around and discover that we already are. –Anon.

Bye for now, till next time, Take care, Merle.

<><><><><><>

Now She Is Gone.

Hi Everyone ~~ Back with you again after my trip to the

funeral. It was very nice, and I plan to post a reading

from it in a little while. Kath’s daughter Kerry spoke very

well, about her mother’s illness, her happier times and

her days as a child, when she and her brother would wag

school and have a day off. There were little anecdotes etc

and lots of memories, and Kerry did it beautifully. Her

husband spoke briefly, and the reading was by their son

aged 15. He read it very well which must have been hard.

Apart from that there were 8 first cousins there and it

was great to see and talk to them for a little while.

I am most grateful to John for taking me.

<><><><>

Reading : “Now She Is Gone.”

You can shed tears that she is gone

or you can smile because she has lived.

<><><>

You can close your eyes and pray that she’ll come back

or you can open your eyes and see all she’s left.

<><><>

Your heart can be empty because you can’t see her

or you can be full of the love you shared.

<><><>

You can turn your back on tomorrow and live

yesterday or you can be happy for tomorrow

because of yesterday.

<><><>

You can remember her and only that she’s gone

or you can cherish her memory and let it live on.

<><><>

You can cry and close your mind, be empty

and turn your back or you can do what she’d want

smile, open your eyes, love and go on.

<><><><> Read by Kath’s young grandson, Zachary.

A little poem called “Bless You” and I would like to

dedicate to you, my friends for the kindness and love

you have shown at this sad time. Thanks, and bless you.

<><><>

Bless you for all your kindliness,

for all you have done for me,

For little courtesies of heart with

No one near to see,

For moments when, without your smile,

I would have lost my way ---

For these, and all the other things,

Bless you so much !! I say.

<><><><>

Bless you for all the nights of prayer

And watch when I am ill,

When Faith shines like a steady flame

In long, dark hours, and still,

And bless you for your morning smile

When dawn breaks through at last.

Bless you --- you are in my heart ---

Where I will hold you fast !!

<><><><><>

And a couple of jokes now - - - -

A man is playing piano one night in a bar,

In walks an elephant who goes over to the pianist,

and suddenly starts to cry.

“There there,” says the pianist.

“Do you recognise the song?”

“No, no,” says the elephant.

“I recognise the white keys.”

<><><><><>

An elderly couple went to the doctor for Viagra.

The doctor advised against it because of the gent’s

age, but gave in with warnings to take a tablet one

night, then skip the next and so on.

<><><>

A week later the doctor bumped into te old chap’s wife

and discreetly inquired how things were going.

“Oh, my husband died,” she matter-of-factly replied.

The doctor was distraught. “I knew I shouldn’t have

given him the Viagra, but you both insisted,” he said.

“Oh. it wasn’t the Viagra that killed him doctor,” she

assured him. “It was all that skipping.”

<><><><>

And a few thoughts to finish - - - -

He who has roses in the garden also has roses in his heart.

-- Anonymous.

<><><>

In peace and quiet pass our days,

With nought to vex our craniums,

Our middle beds are all ablaze

With red and white geraniums.

<><><>

Genius is one per cent inspiration and ninety-nine per cent

perspiration. – Albert Edison.

<><><>

You are surrounded by gifts every living moment of every

day. Let yourself feel appreciation for their presence

in your life and take the time to acknowledge their

splendour. ---Lon G. Nungesser.

<><><>

You give but little when you give of your possessions.

It is when you give of yourself that you truly give.

--Kahlil Gibran, Lebanese poet and writer.

<><><><>

Bye now, till next time, Take care my friends, Merle.

<><><><><>

Just by Chance.

Hello my Friends ~~ This will not be a long post as I have

a big day tomorrow. My son is taking me to Maryborough,

Victoria which is about 2 ½ to 3 hour trip from here.

It is for the funeral of my cousin, and to see several other

cousins who will attend, as well as seeing how Kath’s husband,

daughter, and her three boys are coping. No post tomorrow folks.

I will find a poem for you and then there is an article about

“women” that my friend Sandy sent to me.

Thanks so much Sandy.

<><><><>

<><><> Poem -- Just by Chance. <><><>

Just by chance you came along,

You smiled as you passed me by,

Just by chance I saw you smile ---

And grinned back in reply.

<><>

Just by chance I heard you laugh,

When the world seemed dull and grey,

Just by chance I laughed aloud,

And the sun shone right away.

<><>

Just by chance you sang a song,

The tune embraced the air,

Just by chance I heard your lilt,

And softly said a prayer.

<><><><>

A WOMAN SHOULD HAVE..

. A set of screwdrivers, a cordless drill, and a black lace bra... A WOMAN SHOULD HAVE...

One friend who Always makes her Laugh... And one Who lets her cry...

A WOMAN SHOULD HAVE..

. A good piece of furniture not previously owned by Anyone else in her family...

A WOMAN SHOULD HAVE

Eight matching plates, Wine glasses with stems, And a recipe for a meal that will Make her guests feel honored.

A WOMAN SHOULD HAVE...

A feeling of control over Her destiny...

EVERY WOMAN SHOULD KNOW...

How to fall in love Without losing herself...

EVERY WOMAN SHOULD KNOW...

HOW TO QUIT A JOB

BREAK UP WITH A LOVER

AND CONFRONT A FRIEND WITHOUT RUINING

THE FRIENDSHIP...

EVERY WOMAN SHOULD KNOW...

When to try harder... and

WHEN TO WALK AWAY...

EVERY WOMAN SHOULD KNOW...

That she can't change The length of her calves, The width of her hips, or

The nature of her parents...

EVERY WOMAN SHOULD KNOW...

That her childhood May not have been Perfect... but; It's over...

EVERY WOMAN SHOULD KNOW...

What she would and Wouldn't Do for love or more...

EVERY WOMAN SHOULD KNOW...

How to live alone... even if She doesn't like it...

EVERY WOMAN SHOULD KNOW...

Whom she can trust, Whom she can't, And why she shouldn't Take it personally...

EVERY WOMAN SHOULD KNOW...

Where to go.. Be it to her best friend's kitchen table.. Or a charming inn in the woods... When her soul needs soothing...

EVERY WOMAN SHOULD KNOW...

What she can and can't accomplish In a day... A month... And a year.

<><><><><>

And a few quotes, from my book, “Pocket Positives.”

Am I not destroying my enemies when I make friends of

them ? -- Abraham Lincoln.

<><><>

Animals are such agreeable friends --- they ask no questions,

they pass no criticisms. --- George Eliot.

<><><>

You can always tell a real friend; when you’ve made a fool

of yourself he doesn’t feel you’ve done a permanent job.

--- Laurence J. Peter.

<><><>

What are you looking forward to in the next year ?

The next ten years ? Isn’t it exciting to imagine all the

possibilities the future holds. – Anonymous.

<><><>

The best thing about the future is that it only comes one

day at a time. --- Abraham Lincoln.

<><><><>

Bye for now. I will be back posting on Thursday. Take care

and be happy. Cheers, Merle.

<><><><><><>

It Shows in Your Face.

Hello my Friends ~~ And what great friends you are !!

I feel overwhelmed with your kind and sympathetic

words and I thank you most sincerely.

I learnt today that Kath enjoyed their usual Sunday roast

dinner and apple pie, and very soon after had a heart attack,

so it was very sudden and unexpected, but better for Kath.

Now to find something of interest to post.

<><><><><>

<><><> A Poem called “It Shows In Your Face.” <><><>

You don’t have to tell how you live each day,

You don’t have to say if you work or play;

A tried, true barometer serves in place ---

However you live, it will show in your face.

<><><>

The false, the deceit, that you bear in your heart,

Will not stay inside where it first got the start,

For sinew and blood are thin veils of lace ---

What you wear in your heart, you wear in your face.

<><><>

If your life is unselfish, if for others you live,

For not what you get, but how much you give;

If you live close to God in His infinite grace ---

You don’t have to tell it – it shows in your face.

<><><><>

<><> Another called “Count Your Gardens” <><>

Count your garden by the flowers,

Never by the leaves that fall;

Count your days by golden hours,

Don’t remember clouds at all.

Count your nights by stars, not shadows,

Count your life with smiles, not tears;

And with joy, through all your lifetime,

Count your age by friends, not years.

<><><><>

This joke was in the Melbourne Herald Sun today ---

A woman meets a gorgeous man in a bar. They talk,

they connect and they end up leaving together.

They get back to his apartment and she notices that

his bedroom is completely packed with sweet cuddly

teddy bears. Hundreds of cute little bears on a bottom

shelf all the way along the floor. Cuddly medium sized

ones on a shelf a little higher, and huge enormous bears

on the top shelf along the wall.

<><><>

The woman is surprised that this hunky guy would have

a collection of teddy bears, but she decides not to

mention how impressed she is by his sensitive side.

Things progress and they get down to an intense night

of passion.

Afterwards, lying side by side, the woman rolls over and

asks smiling, “Well, how was it?”

<><><>

Macho man says; “ Help yourself to any prize from the

bottom shelf.”

<><><><><>

<><><> And now some quotes to finish with <><><>

We all have faults. It’s important to recognise your own,

but try to turn a blind eye to the faults of others. –Anon.

<><>

Love your enemies, for they will tell you your faults.

--Benjamin Franklin.

<><><>

Forgive your enemies, but never forget their names.

-- John F. Kennedy.

<><><>

Sometimes the hardest person to forgive is youself. But we

shouldn’t be harder on ourselves than we would be on others.

--Anon.

<><><>

Freedom’s just another word for nothing left to lose.

-- Kris Kristofferson.

<><><>

So long as we are loved by others I should say that we are

almost indispensable; and no man is useless while he has a

friend. – Robert Louis Stevenson.

<><><><>

Bye for now and thanks for being blogging friends who

are so kind and caring. Take care, till next time, Merle.

<><><><><>

IT'S EASY.

Hello my Friends ~~ Tonight will be shorter, and a lot

different. Thank you to those who commented , as I probably wont get round much tonight. I had the sad news today that my cousin, Kath lost her battle with breast cancer after an awful fight, with a mastectomy, chemo, radiation, and 2 brain

operations, the first to remove brain tumours and the recent one to remove scar tissue, that they suspected was another tumour.

The saddest part for me, I spoke to her Friday and told her that I had arranged to visit her next Saturday.Kath was pleased and so was I, but I should have done it sooner.

She leaves a husband, a daughter and 3 grandsons and was only 71, a year younger

than me. R.I.P. dear Kath.

<><><><>

I chose a short verse to post, so I hope there wont be too many typing errors. It is called “IT’S EASY.”

It’s easy to smile on the bright days

It’s harder to smile when they’re blue

The best way to make bad days right days

Is to smile when it’s hardest to do.

<><><>

All things must have a beginning

Now is the moment to choose

Everyone smiles when they’re winning ---

Let’s see you smile when you lose.

<><><><><>><>

I have a joke for you that my friend Sue sent me, so a big thank you Sue. I sure don’t feel

a lot like finding jokes, so it was very timely.

An Answered Prayer

A voyaging ship was wrecked during a storm at sea and only

two of the men on it were able to swim to a small, desert like island.

The two survivors, not knowing what else to do, agree

that they had no other recourse but to pray to God.

<><>

However, to find out whose prayer was more powerful, they

agreed to divide the territory between them and stay on

opposite sides of the island.

<><>

The first thing they prayed for was food. The next morning, the

first man saw a fruit-bearing tree on his side of the land, and he

was able to eat its fruit. The other man's parcel of land

remained barren.

<><>

After a week, the first man was lonely and he decided to pray

for a wife. The next day, another ship was wrecked, and the only

survivor was a woman who swam to his side of the land. On the

other side of the island, there was nothing.

<><>

Soon the first man prayed for a house, clothes, more food. The

next day, like magic, all of these were given to him. However,

the second man still had nothing.

<><>

Finally, the first man prayed for a ship, so that he and his wife

could leave the island. In the morning, he found a ship docked

at his side of the island. The first man boarded the ship with his

wife and decided to leave the second man on the island. He

considered the other man unworthy to receive God's blessings,

since none of his prayers had been answered.

<><>

As the ship was about to leave, the first man heard a voice from

heaven booming, "Why are you leaving your companion on the island?"

<><>

"My blessings are mine alone, since I was the one who prayed for

them," the first man answered. "His prayers were all unanswered

and so he does not deserve anything."

<><>

"You are mistaken!" the voice rebuked him. "He had only one prayer,

which I answered. If not for that, you would not have received any

of my blessings."

<><>

"Tell me," the first man asked the voice, "what did he pray for

that I should owe him anything?"

<><>

"He prayed that all your prayers be answered."

<><>

For all we know, our blessings are not the fruits of our prayers

alone, but those of another praying for us.

<><><><><>

Just a couple of thoughts -- the first on Faith

Without winter, there can be no spring.

Without mistakes there can be no learning.

Without doubts, there can be no faith.

Without fears, there can be no courage.

My mistakes, my fears and my doubts are my

path to wisdom, faith and courage.

<><><><><>

Do all the good you can,

By all the means you can,

In all the ways you can

In all the places you can

At all the times you can,

To all the people you can,

As long as ever you can….. John Wesley.

<><><><>

Say I love you to all the people you love.

Bye for now, Merle.

<><><><><><><>