Keep in mind that every person has their own definition of useful. While I greatly admire your work ethic Garrison, my choice in old age is to love my wife with all my heart and take care of her all ways I can. Take care of my cats and horses so they are loved and cared for and never want for attention. Try to be an engaged citizen of this fine country, pushing back on the madness that engulfs us. Take care of our property so that it stays as beautiful as it can be. If I go out having fulfilled those aspirations, I will have succeeded. I am thankful for every moment of every day when I can do these simple things.
If I were a better writer I'd say that I could have written your piece about my own situation. I feel exactly the same way. Shocking how similar some of us humans are down deep. We all want connection and purpose. We want to embrace the best interests of others and reduce suffering where we can. Isn't that a kick? I wonder if those motives are universal and adverse circumstances grow a crust over some so all you can see is the crust.
Thanks Kevin. I've traveled and worked with diverse people and cultures in my time and find you are right on. I have friends in Iraq, Afghanistan, kyrgyzstan, and others that only need simple pleasures to be fulfilled. I belive it's universal. Some want to divide us and sow hate, but our common humanity joins us if only we open ourselves to it.
Thank you for your thoughts. I feel the same way. I had two long careers, one in the Marine Corps and then one in education. I gave my all to everyone else and our country so now Im tired and it's my turn to take care of my wife and myself and I dont have a need to feel useful to the public any longer. As long as Im useful to my family, then I feel thats enough. I donºt think we have work everyday until we die, it is time to have some fun as long as I can.
Good stuff JR. I did 3 years overseas as a Corps of Engineers civilian in uniform supporting Provincial Reconstruction Teams. It was an incredibly humbling experience to do that work. 31 years as a biologist doing g clean Water Act permitting and enforcement as a career.
Aaahhh, you made my Saturday! Good stuff! I will listen as long as you speak and read as long as you write. So very glad you entertain us. We're going to need your wit to get us through the next 4 yrs.
I'm 82, just a few months younger than you, and a fan of yours through thick and thin for 45 years or so. I have to say that we're reaching a thinner part than I've seen previously, one in which I believe, even with my failing memory, I can probably recite verbatim your next podcast. You can rest assured we are all impressed with your stamina performing 90 minutes of standup in widespread venues across our country. We are pleased to hear of your diverse audiences' latent talent in a capella singing of such touchstones as "Battle Hymn of the Republic", even though you insist on reversing the lines: "mine eyes have seen the glory of the coming of the Lord". I personally believe God is
against war and never hung out in a hundred circling camps, let alone two or three.
Your maternal line of mitral valve prolapse has us all anxious about our own, listening late at night for a tell-tale whoosh or click, hoping that we won't have to be responsible for the noble death of another 4H kid's prize Poland China. We are all solid fans of the Mayo Clinic and wish we lived closer to it. Today's colonoscopy had us all flushed and happy for a negative result!
There surely must be a way to broaden the scope ( no pun intended!) of your podcasts. I recommended this maybe 30 years ago that the spotlight should shift from you. Now perhaps to a call-in guest, someone who appeared on your show back in the day.....maybe replaying a duet with you, or wonder of wonders, a solo performance. I'd love to hear some chat with Iris DeMent, for example.
We would probably be happy with just 2 or 3 installments a week, that would surely take some pressure off of you for daily episodes. Just a thought in hopes of assuring that 90th birthday celebration podcast.
Hi Roger: Thanks for saying what no doubt a few other members of GK's chorus are thinking - enough already about these same few subjects with repetitious points being made and remade. Time to move on, Garrison. The needle is stuck in the grove.
Far too many, especially youngsters these days, seem to take for granted all of the helpful things grandmas and grandpas do for them practically daily. Appreciation seems to be wearing rather thin these days. It's none the less encouraging to hear Garrison's expressions of gratitude.
Superb!! Greetings from a 74 yr old who lives in the wilds of the mountains in NC and also is a grateful cancer patient at Mayo Rochester! You have delighted me for yrs . I m thankful you pay homage to the wonderful folks at Mayo who redefine medicine
Glad they saved you . We need you always and especially next 4 yrs. May see ya in Gonda or 9th floor. Calvary Episcopal church across the street is such a refuge ! Heres to your health Garrison !! We need ya!
If you wouldn't mind comparing bowel dredging experiences with an old fart, I will be in Rochester on July 22 for a few days. We can maybe morph into classical music as well. I worked at KDFC Classical Music Station in San Francisco while in graduate school. I can still pronounce Bach correctly even though it gives the impression I'm clearing my throat. If that doesn't work, take comfort in the meal you will savor following the ordeal. Good health to you, my friend.
One of the commentators herein said that your "needle is stuck in the groove" and that for you "it's time to move on." Assuming that this reader is encouraging you to find some new material and not another astral plane, I'm inclined to agree. But if an old man can't tell the same story over and over again, then what's the world coming to, I ask. It's what old men do, and you do it very well, G.K. In fact, I could swear that I've read this post before, but I listened to you read it this time, and it was reasonably enjoyable. We're not going to make your show in Monterey this week, but if I don't forget again to do it, today I'm going to drop our printed tickets in the mail to The Monterey Hotel which is situated right across the street from the Golden State Theatre to give away to whatever staff or guests want to go see you this coming Thursday night since my wife and I can't make it up to Monterey for your show there this week. We still have tickets and plans for a road trip to see the entire Prairie Home Companion in Sante Fe this coming September if you and we make it that far. We're not as old as you are, but we aren't young either. God willin', we'll see your PHC in person for the first time in our lives, and check that off our bucket lists. Our teenaged grandson told me last week, "Grandpa, why worry about things you have absolutely no control over?" I'm still trying to think up a good answer to that wise question . . . but I got nothin'.
I just sent off our two tickets to G.K.'s show in Monterey, California, for this coming Thursday night to The Monterey Hotel. The tickets will get there on Wednesday. If any of the staff there don't use them, then they're up for grabs. So, if you live in Monterey, CA, and you want to go see Garrison's show for free, wander over to The Monterey Hotel and ask if the two free tickets are still available. If they are not, then you can just cross the street to Golden State Theatre and buy your own tickets!
That's an expression I frequently use to indicate to my wife when she's doing something either phenomenally stupid or failing to do anything actually beneficial. This actually reminds me of a quote attributed to Lord Byron... "Some Cause Happiness Wherever They Go; Others Whenever They Go."
I just found out that you will not be coming to Bend tonight. Should I gamble on being alive on January 8 and exchange for new tickets with better seats? I spent a lot of today undergoing some different invasive tests by looking into another waste system which confirmed a very serious disease that will probably have a good resolution. I can only keep my positive outlook and listening to old PHC and ARCA tapes will help. Hope to see you in January.
Keep in mind that every person has their own definition of useful. While I greatly admire your work ethic Garrison, my choice in old age is to love my wife with all my heart and take care of her all ways I can. Take care of my cats and horses so they are loved and cared for and never want for attention. Try to be an engaged citizen of this fine country, pushing back on the madness that engulfs us. Take care of our property so that it stays as beautiful as it can be. If I go out having fulfilled those aspirations, I will have succeeded. I am thankful for every moment of every day when I can do these simple things.
If I were a better writer I'd say that I could have written your piece about my own situation. I feel exactly the same way. Shocking how similar some of us humans are down deep. We all want connection and purpose. We want to embrace the best interests of others and reduce suffering where we can. Isn't that a kick? I wonder if those motives are universal and adverse circumstances grow a crust over some so all you can see is the crust.
You sir seem to be loving well. Go man go.
Thanks Kevin. I've traveled and worked with diverse people and cultures in my time and find you are right on. I have friends in Iraq, Afghanistan, kyrgyzstan, and others that only need simple pleasures to be fulfilled. I belive it's universal. Some want to divide us and sow hate, but our common humanity joins us if only we open ourselves to it.
Thank you for your thoughts. I feel the same way. I had two long careers, one in the Marine Corps and then one in education. I gave my all to everyone else and our country so now Im tired and it's my turn to take care of my wife and myself and I dont have a need to feel useful to the public any longer. As long as Im useful to my family, then I feel thats enough. I donºt think we have work everyday until we die, it is time to have some fun as long as I can.
Good stuff JR. I did 3 years overseas as a Corps of Engineers civilian in uniform supporting Provincial Reconstruction Teams. It was an incredibly humbling experience to do that work. 31 years as a biologist doing g clean Water Act permitting and enforcement as a career.
Aaahhh, you made my Saturday! Good stuff! I will listen as long as you speak and read as long as you write. So very glad you entertain us. We're going to need your wit to get us through the next 4 yrs.
Perfect. Way more than 600 people are made happy because of this Podcast. Thank you.
Hi Garrison,
I'm 82, just a few months younger than you, and a fan of yours through thick and thin for 45 years or so. I have to say that we're reaching a thinner part than I've seen previously, one in which I believe, even with my failing memory, I can probably recite verbatim your next podcast. You can rest assured we are all impressed with your stamina performing 90 minutes of standup in widespread venues across our country. We are pleased to hear of your diverse audiences' latent talent in a capella singing of such touchstones as "Battle Hymn of the Republic", even though you insist on reversing the lines: "mine eyes have seen the glory of the coming of the Lord". I personally believe God is
against war and never hung out in a hundred circling camps, let alone two or three.
Your maternal line of mitral valve prolapse has us all anxious about our own, listening late at night for a tell-tale whoosh or click, hoping that we won't have to be responsible for the noble death of another 4H kid's prize Poland China. We are all solid fans of the Mayo Clinic and wish we lived closer to it. Today's colonoscopy had us all flushed and happy for a negative result!
There surely must be a way to broaden the scope ( no pun intended!) of your podcasts. I recommended this maybe 30 years ago that the spotlight should shift from you. Now perhaps to a call-in guest, someone who appeared on your show back in the day.....maybe replaying a duet with you, or wonder of wonders, a solo performance. I'd love to hear some chat with Iris DeMent, for example.
We would probably be happy with just 2 or 3 installments a week, that would surely take some pressure off of you for daily episodes. Just a thought in hopes of assuring that 90th birthday celebration podcast.
Roger Krenkler - L.A.
Hi Roger: Thanks for saying what no doubt a few other members of GK's chorus are thinking - enough already about these same few subjects with repetitious points being made and remade. Time to move on, Garrison. The needle is stuck in the grove.
Acknowledging simple appreciation is never stuck in a groove. Be grateful and express it at every chance.
Far too many, especially youngsters these days, seem to take for granted all of the helpful things grandmas and grandpas do for them practically daily. Appreciation seems to be wearing rather thin these days. It's none the less encouraging to hear Garrison's expressions of gratitude.
Superb!! Greetings from a 74 yr old who lives in the wilds of the mountains in NC and also is a grateful cancer patient at Mayo Rochester! You have delighted me for yrs . I m thankful you pay homage to the wonderful folks at Mayo who redefine medicine
Glad they saved you . We need you always and especially next 4 yrs. May see ya in Gonda or 9th floor. Calvary Episcopal church across the street is such a refuge ! Heres to your health Garrison !! We need ya!
Thank you…a good reminder to live in the moment….
If you wouldn't mind comparing bowel dredging experiences with an old fart, I will be in Rochester on July 22 for a few days. We can maybe morph into classical music as well. I worked at KDFC Classical Music Station in San Francisco while in graduate school. I can still pronounce Bach correctly even though it gives the impression I'm clearing my throat. If that doesn't work, take comfort in the meal you will savor following the ordeal. Good health to you, my friend.
One of the commentators herein said that your "needle is stuck in the groove" and that for you "it's time to move on." Assuming that this reader is encouraging you to find some new material and not another astral plane, I'm inclined to agree. But if an old man can't tell the same story over and over again, then what's the world coming to, I ask. It's what old men do, and you do it very well, G.K. In fact, I could swear that I've read this post before, but I listened to you read it this time, and it was reasonably enjoyable. We're not going to make your show in Monterey this week, but if I don't forget again to do it, today I'm going to drop our printed tickets in the mail to The Monterey Hotel which is situated right across the street from the Golden State Theatre to give away to whatever staff or guests want to go see you this coming Thursday night since my wife and I can't make it up to Monterey for your show there this week. We still have tickets and plans for a road trip to see the entire Prairie Home Companion in Sante Fe this coming September if you and we make it that far. We're not as old as you are, but we aren't young either. God willin', we'll see your PHC in person for the first time in our lives, and check that off our bucket lists. Our teenaged grandson told me last week, "Grandpa, why worry about things you have absolutely no control over?" I'm still trying to think up a good answer to that wise question . . . but I got nothin'.
I just sent off our two tickets to G.K.'s show in Monterey, California, for this coming Thursday night to The Monterey Hotel. The tickets will get there on Wednesday. If any of the staff there don't use them, then they're up for grabs. So, if you live in Monterey, CA, and you want to go see Garrison's show for free, wander over to The Monterey Hotel and ask if the two free tickets are still available. If they are not, then you can just cross the street to Golden State Theatre and buy your own tickets!
Love and care for yourself and do what you know is right and let go of what no longer serves you. Accept what is.
I am trying to let cruelty and stupidity disappear somehow.
"And as George Frideric Handel wrote, let us sing together.".....THAT'S WHAT WE DO WHEN WE SING ON GOD'S GATE....
WHY SING WE DO!!!!
EVEN WHEN WE DON'T SING VERY WELL. IT'S THE MANY VOICES OF JOY TOGETHER THAT MATTER MOST, CRATCHY OR SMOOTH....TOGETHER WE HAMONIZE!
"Make yourself useful"
That's an expression I frequently use to indicate to my wife when she's doing something either phenomenally stupid or failing to do anything actually beneficial. This actually reminds me of a quote attributed to Lord Byron... "Some Cause Happiness Wherever They Go; Others Whenever They Go."
I just found out that you will not be coming to Bend tonight. Should I gamble on being alive on January 8 and exchange for new tickets with better seats? I spent a lot of today undergoing some different invasive tests by looking into another waste system which confirmed a very serious disease that will probably have a good resolution. I can only keep my positive outlook and listening to old PHC and ARCA tapes will help. Hope to see you in January.
I hope that things go well for you. All the best.