The Season of Friends

I am super pumped up. I organized a neighborhood “People and Pets Potluck Picnic” this Saturday and I’m expecting a lot of people. We’re having games (volleyball, badminton, bocce balls) and a Pack Walk (dog walk) around the block. It’s the first time we’re doing this. A million things can go wrong — exciting! We have a lot of kids and dogs so it’s gonna be chaos … fun chaos I hope. The neighbors will finally get to talk to one another. Our dogs will finally bark and smell each other.

Hoping for perfect weather. The gardeners have already cleaned up the place but I’m sure we’ll still have to do the same a few hours before the event because the trees are shedding their leaves. The rest of the “To Do List” is daunting so I’m thankful I’ve got a few volunteers signed up. Need to buy spoons, forks, plates, napkins, table covers, balloons, drinks and ice. Need to set up the badminton net and sound system. I will be cooking a pot of my killer adobo.

Is it obvious that I love to entertain? I was an introvert when I was younger and I couldn’t understand why some grown ups open their homes to share their time, food and money with visitors until I started doing the same. Now it makes perfect sense. We extroverts love to connect people and start beautiful friendships. It brings us joy.

I remember Dionisio, a church mate from Guatemala, who had difficulty finding a job after he got his degree. Two years he waited. Within those years he was very active in church. Every once in a while he would get temporary jobs requiring long drives but, no matter the distance, he would still attend our local events. When he finally got his dream job some 200 miles away I was surprised to see him one Sunday. He said he would still try to make it on weekends. I wondered what was going on. Then it hit me — nobody had given him permission to cut the strings and start a new life away from the church.

I had to explain the seasons of friendship. “It’s not the end of our friendship. God gives us temporary and forever friends. We are fortunate that technology (email, chat and social media) has allowed so many more forever friends. Don’t force yourself to keep coming back,” I suggested. “We were here for just a season of your life. God has opened the door to the season of the next phase of your life. Maybe the new season is where you will find your wife. Then you two will start another season with new friends. We just keep expanding our circle of friends.”

From his eyes, I knew he understood everything I said. That was the last I heard from him. A few months ago I sent him a text just to see how he was doing. He never responded. And that’s alright. I still pray for God to bless him. I like to think he’s too busy enjoying his new season.

I long for the day when we will be done with all our seasons. In a blink of an eye we will be sharing stories of how we overcame the trials and joys of this earthly life with our combined circle of friends. Oh what a picnic that will be.

“There’s nothing better than a friend … unless it’s a friend with chocolate.” — Anonymous

Blessings to you my TGIF friends!

Raoul

JOKE OF THE WEEK

Thanks to Garie of Paranaque, Philippines

Original art by Raoul Pascual.

Parting Shots

Thanks to Maling of New Manila, Philippines.

Thanks to Tom of Pasadena. CA for these two interesting Trivia.
Click on the pictures to read the background stories.

It is interesting that American ingenuity saved the world from both global health crises of Polio and Covid.

Thanks to Art of Sierra Madre. CA

I found these

The Traveling Boy

My good friend (and jokester) Terry and I came up with these.

The post Husband’s Recipe for a Perfect Marriage appeared first on Traveling Archive.

Covid Survivor

It was the second sleepless night for my sister. What started as a mild fever had escalated to a classic case of Covid 19. Her doctor was no help. He was textbook-trained but he had no first-hand experience with the disease. Sis couldn’t sleep in a normal postion because of the constriction in her lungs. She was told to lay on her stomach but that didn’t work. Standing up was not a solution either. How can you sleep while standing up? Heading for a third night of difficulty she got a phone call from my daughter (a nurse who works in the red zone). My daughter told her about flowler’s position — sleeping at an angle. (SEE DIAGRAM). That’s what saved the day…. (I mean) the night. Later on, my daughter gave her more tips that led to her full recovery. I’m so glad for my sister’s health and so proud of my daughter. You can read my sister’s full testimony as well as her husband’s at TravelingBoy.com. Pass this on. This may save someone’s life.

I’d like to salute our frontliners in this pandemic. I can only speak about my daughter but I’m sure this is the routine of every frontliner. She’s on her feet all day wearing her full plastic armor of face mask, plastic shield, cap and gloves. She trained herself not to scratch her nose or wipe her eyes. There are 60 doctors and nurses where she works. Despite their precaution, only my daughter and 2 other nurses have not yet had Covid. (I guess masks are good but it is the vaccines that are the game changers). She goes home after a full shift but she does not enter the house yet. She has to change in the garage, wrap her scrubs in a bag, go inside to take a bath. Only then, can she hug her kids and her husband.

You are blessed if you live here in America. The vaccines have reached millions already. Infection rates have dipped. My heart goes out to many more countries that still wait for the vaccines to arrive on their shores. Americans get the dosage free. In other countries people have to purchase it (if they are available at all). At least there is a light at the end of this dark tunnel. Let’s continue to pray for this generation.

TGIF people!

Raoul

The steadfast love of the Lord never ceases;
 his mercies never come to an end; they are new every morning;
 great is your faithfulness.  — Lamentation 3:22-23

BTW, if you need an oximeter, please let me know. A subscriber of my TGIF emails bought one and was given a spare. He is selling the other one cheap.

Joke of the Week

Thanks to Tom of Pasadena, CA for sharing this pun.

Video: Aging Wife

Thanks to Lee of Alhambra, CA and Craig of Texas

Video: Dolly Parton’s Assault

Thanks to Don of Kelowna, B.C.

Erratum: According to Snopes, last week’s video of a VW Korea Flying car was fake. Sorry about that. Thanks to Rey of Simi Valley, CA for pointing it out to me.

Parting Shots

Thanks to Tony of Los Angeles, CA

Thanks to Don of Kelowna, B.C.

Thanks to Naomi of North Hollywood, CA

The post Amazing Puns appeared first on Traveling Archive.

Friday the 13th

Let’s talk about the number 13. Did you know that there is at least one Friday the 13th in a year and that sometimes there are as much as 3. This year we have March 13 and (today)  November 13.

Maybe we like to challenge the old superstition because (unlike most people) in my family, this is our favorite number. This was my son’s favorite number in all his sports jerseys. He wore that number proudly as the captain of their successful basketball team. This was such a coveted number that In his last year in High School, one of his classmates had the nerve to apply for that number. My son convinced his classmate that the number 13 was sacred and could only belong to my son. My son got the number back.

How superstitious is our population? Do you know anyone who lives on the 13th floor? Do you know anyone whose street address is 13? How about a license plate number 13? Did you know there is actually a medical term for the phobia of the number 13? It’s called triksideskaphobia (trick-suh-desk-uh-foe-be-uh).

Great things have come from the number 13. There were 13 original colonies in America; hence 13 stars in the original flag. Everyone remembers the problems of Apollo 13 but we forget that they were also “lucky” to survive. Basketball legend Wilt Chamberlain wore the number 13. You’re fortunate if you get an extra loaf in a baker’s dozen. There was a total of 13 original apostles (Judas was replaced after he committed suicide). Jacob, the patriarch of the Jews, had 12 sons and one daughter. I heard Italy also celebrates the number 13. The expression fare tredici (“to do 13”) means to hit the jackpot.

As you can see, 13 has been given a bad rap. Of course one very big reason why I love the number 13 is because today is also my grandson’s birthday.

Be safe, be healthy, and remember: the number 13 is special … just like ALL the other numbers. TGIF people!

Raoul

Joke of the Week

Thanks to Mel of Washington, D.C.  for sharing this joke.

Some of you may not remember the old-time Jewish comedians: Shecky Green, Red Buttons, Totie Fields, Milton Berle, Henny Youngman and others. But some of us miss their kind of humour. Not a single swear word in their routines and you don’t have to be Jewish to enjoy their jokes.

Video: Corona Sweepstakes

Thanks to Mel of Washington, DC

Don’s Puns

Thanks to Don of Kelowna, B.C. who sent this pun.

Parting Shots

Thanks to Don of Kelowna, B.C.

Thanks to Tom of Pasadena, CA

Thanks to  Naomi of North Hollywood, CA for this last gag

The post Jewish Jokes appeared first on Traveling Archive.

The Legend of the SS Liberty

Few are familiar with the legend of the SS Liberty, a barque… a ship that carried a hundred people headed for the new world. 28 were businessmen, 30 were laborers while the majority was a mix of the two. During those days the trip took them over a month to get to their destination.

Unrest between the the social factions emerged. Some say it was the sea wind, others say it was cabin fever but most believe the trouble started because the inept captain had miscalculated the provisions and they were running out of food. The mutinous passengers decided to elect a new captain: Who was the smartest among them? Who was capable of leading them to survive the trip? Two candidates emerged. One was an intellectual businessman and other was a laborer with street smarts. At first the contest was respectful but then rumors started to spread about sexual indiscretions and relatives getting extra rations. Eventually, the divide between the businessmen and the laborers increased… neither group listened to the other. To make matters worse, someone contracted cholera and the disease began to spread.

Clusters of bullies emerged and they started to destroy the tables and chairs as a show of force if they did not get their demands met. The anarchy escalated to burning the galley which almost sank the ship.

The elections were held. The losing side accused the other of cheating. Bullies muscled their way into the store room, found a powder magazine and blew up the helm and they lost the ship’s rudder. Many had died of the cholera but many more died of the explosion. When the dust cleared, the few who were still left standing cried in desperation at their new captain for answers.

The proud captain, picked himself up from the rubbish and gazed at the grief-stricken faces. He knew this was his moment. He needed to give them hope.

“Well,” he started, “at least there are fewer of us to feed.” 

AND THAT’S WHEN THE RIOT STARTED!

It’s a joke guys! It’s a joke!

You didn’t think I had the solution to the problems we’re facing here in America, did you? I wish I did. My simple message today is we are on the same boat. We burn it down, we all sink with it. So let’s stop this suicidal track of destruction.

My election prediction: The next President will be a male senior citizen with a 5-letter name who will be wondering “how the heck did I get into this mess?”

Be safe, be healthy, and remember the legend of the SS Liberty! TGIF people!

Raoul

Joke of the Week

Thanks to Charlie of New Jersey  for sharing this joke.

Video: Kids are Smart

Thanks to Jun of Encino, California
A cute video of very smart babies. When I was their age, I was eating dirt.

Video: A Boy and His Skeleton Friend

Thanks to Bok of Makati, Philippines
Just in time for Halloween. It’s more strange and cute than scary.

Video: Don’t Worry, Be Happy

Thanks to Nani of San Juan, Philippines
A revival of an old tune that’s perfect for these worrisome times. As long as you are a child of God, you need not worry.

Rodney’s Puns

Thanks to Rodney of Manitoba, B.C. who sent this pun.

Parting Shots

Thanks to Don of Kelowna, B.C.

Thanks to Mel of Washington, DC for another Monkey gag

Thanks to Art of Sierra Madre, CA

Thanks to Peter Paul of South Pasadena for the last gag

HAPPY HALLOWEEN EVERYONE!

The post Text to a Wonderful Wife appeared first on Traveling Archive.

No Contest Contest

I didn’t think it was possible. There is a reality TV where the judges are as nice and genteel as can be and still manage to keep the pressure on; where the contestants help each other to do their best even if helping the other person eats up their own time; where there is no prize money and yet the contestants give it all they’ve got for a mere recognition. There is tension. There is drama. There is comedy. And there is clean fun.

I was having this ordinary conversation with Peggy, a classmate in church, and somehow the discussion led to this TV show. Suddenly her eyes sparkled and she got really excited sharing it. Another person overheard our talk and she too joined in with excitement.

Who would have thought that people would be so excited about such a subject? It turns out that more and more people I talked to were also “secretly” watching this show in Netflix. I couldn’t believe it. It actually has a cult following.

So I decided to check out what the fuss was all about. Wouldn’t you know it? I started watching one episode after another. I got hooked! Imagine — a macho man like me, enjoying this “sissy” activity — hard to believe, huh? I rarely bake and I am not familiar with some of the jargon (ie. “over proofed” or “more savory than salty”) — yet, I was glued to the show. I got into the different personalities of the contestants. I was sad when people were cut off from the winning circle. And I love the creativity.

And this is my point: With all the sex, violence, horror, decrepit and shallow drama that Netflix dishes out, this refreshing show gives me hope for Netflix. Here we have congenial personalities and clean witty humor.  What a nice escape. Perhaps a downside to watching this is you get really hungry even though you can’t smell, touch or taste the food. If you’ve got a diet problem, move on. This show may not help.

By now you should know the title of the show, right? Right? Good.

TGIF people!

Psssst! …  it’s the Great British Baking Show.

Joke of the Week

Thanks to Peter Paul of S Pasadena, CA for sharing this joke.

Rodney’s Puns

Funny Video

The Future Politician

Shared by Vanessa of Whittier, CA

Parting Shot

Thanks to Naomi of N Hollywood, CA who shared this:

The post At the Auction House appeared first on Traveling Archive.

Dad

When my Dad came to town my schedule went out the window. He believes these are his last years and he’s come to see his children, grand children and great grandchildren for the last time.

He’s staying with my sister who lives 50 miles away. So I drive through LA traffic and it takes me an hour and a half to get there. If you know me, I have a phobia for traffic so I try to go there after the morning rush and leave right before the evening rush. Like a vampire avoiding direct sunlight, I try to accomplish my tasks with him within the confines of the traffic hours. When I get back home, that’s when I get to do my day job.

For the moment, I am getting all his tech stuff ready before he returns home. I already fixed his iPad and returned his laptop that he couldn’t get to work properly. I helped him with his bank account. I already bought him a walker, earphones, and I plan to load some practical apps.

There was a time long ago when he was my role model. My early fond memories with him was walking to the doctor everyday for over a week to get tetanus shots after a dog had bit me. He would bring me and my bother to the barber shop where I saw him behave differently with “the guys.” He was always driving the family to school, to vacation spots, to family gatherings and special occasions. He wasn’t much of a talker … more of a shrewd businessman. He worked hard, was good in business, dedicated his life to my grandfather’s business at the expense of his own family. He had his faults … to some people he had lots of them and he definitely has enemies. But you know what? He’s still my Dad and I love him.

Dad’s hard of hearing, hard of seeing and hard of walking. At times I catch myself staring at him and wondering if I’m looking at my future self. Will my kids see me any differently? Will they know how much I love them? Will my ears and my eyesight fade as well? I’d like to, but it’s hard to have a meaningful conversation with him now. If I could, I’d like to know how he really feels about facing death and what will happen to him after that. Sadly, he and I do not share the same faith. He has been in my prayers forever. I wish my Dad a lot of things but there is one thing above everything else.

A song from Scott Wesley Brown

I could wish you joy and peace
To last a whole life long,
I could wish you sunshine,
Or a cheerful little song,
Or wish you all the happiness
That this life could bring

But I wish you Jesus,
But I wish you Jesus,
But I wish you Jesus,
More than anything.

I have a good relationship with my Dad and for that I am thankful. How are you and your Dad? Is he still around? Does he know how you feel about him … good or bad? Whoever your Dad is to you, realize one thing: out of all the possible Dads, God gave him to you. There must have been a reason, don’t you think?

TGIF people!

Joke of the Week

Thanks to Ernie of Fresno, CA for sending this joke.

Video of the Week

Another Flight Steward Gone Viral
Sent by Don of Kelowna, B.C.

66 Year Old Body Builder Receives a Special Present
A tearjerker video. Get out your tissues!

Don’s Puns

From Don’s collection of puns

Parting Shot

Thanks to Art of Sierra Madre, CA  who shared this.

The post Crocodile Dare appeared first on Traveling Archive.

Sunshine

How has the week been treating you? Sunny? Cloudy?

For me, everything seems to be bright and sunny this summer week.  Work’s been busy but manageable and I still have evenings to enjoy with my wife. My kids are all good and busy doing their thing. Listening to my collection from a free online music website boosted my mood even more. My back still hurts but  getting better ever since I started stretching. My gout’s still there but has diminished considerably. It’s been really nice.

It’s days like this that make me raise my voice and thank the Lord for all His blessings. So I read a favorite happy passage written by the apostle Paul in his letter to the Philippian church:

Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice! Let your gentleness be evident to all. The Lord is near. Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.
— Philippians 4:4-7

If you’ve seen a lot of sunshine this week, I’m sure you can relate to Paul. Let’s thank God for his blessings.

If you’ve seen nothing but clouds. Did you know that Paul wrote this when he was suffering in the stinky dungeons of Rome awaiting his execution? So if you only saw clouds this week, what’s your excuse?

TGIF people!

Joke of the Week

Thanks to Chuck of Dallas, Texas for sending this joke.

Video of the Week

Jeff Allen: Understanding the Wife Code
Sent by Art of Sierra Madre, CA

Don’s Puns

From Don’s collection of puns

Parting Shot

Thanks to Rodney of Manitoba, B.C. who shared this.

The post Expensive Parrot appeared first on Traveling Archive.

Still Alive and Kicking

I was talking to Lois, a friend who wrote the book “Tom the Mouse” which I illustrated. She told me her plight about losing her identity. I joked that she should write about it. She did. And here it is below. Hope you like it.

*  *  *  *

This is Your Life – or Death – or Whatever

by Lois McKinney (a subscriber of Raoul’s TGIF Joe)

Let me start by saying that reports of my death have been greatly exaggerated.  In April, 2018,  I received a letter from my medical insurance that announced my demise.  I took a picture of the letter and texted it to my two daughters with the note “Is there something you girls have been meaning to tell me?”  Their responses weren’t as flippant as my remark.  One said, “Uh oh. This is not good.”  The other daughter responded “We need to fix this ASAP,” and she put her money where her mouth was, spending many hours with me as I made numerous phone calls and accompanying me on my trips to the Social Security office. A SS rep said that this situation usually happens as a result of one of their employees making an error when typing a Social Security number.  One would think that a governmental agency this size would have fail-safe measures to avoid what happened to me.  It was amazing how fast the wheels were put into motion to ruin my life.  My medical insurance was cancelled, my bank account was seized, and it took many trips to the Social Security Office before the deceased status was removed from my records.  Through it all, I tried to maintain my sense of humor.   At one point I asked my daughter to accompany me to the Social Security office so that I could offer to breathe on a mirror.  As she and I sat in the SS office waiting, I turned to her and said, “Consider this a rehearsal.”

For the past ten months, there have been no more reports of my death, so I became complacent.  BIG MISTAKE.  This morning I received a call from American Express informing me that there is a hold on my account because a credit bureau stated that there is a deceased person connected with the account.  Here we go again . . .

* * * * *

Well, I certainly hope Lois can get this straightened out.  She’s much too frail. I’m glad she can still find humor in all this. She’s an example for us all struggling with the complexities of the 21st century.

BTW, If you are in the Los Angeles area and you want your caricature done, I will be doing volunteer work for the kids at the Hope Central Project, City of Watts, Friday, 6:30 to 9pm and on Saturday at Grocery Outlet, La Habra @ 1pm to 5pm. Please pray for safety and that my back doesn’t hurt like the last time.

TGIF people!

Joke of the Week

Thanks to Peter Paul of South Pasadena, CA for sending this joke.

Video of the Week

Have You Seen My Wife?
Sent by Mike of New York

Don’s Puns

From Don’s collection of puns

Parting Shot

Thanks to Naomi of West Hollywood, CA who shared this.

This notice can now be found in all French churches:

En entrant dans cette église,
il est possible que vous entendiez l’appel de Dieu.
Par contre, il n’est pas susceptible de vous contacter par téléphone.
Merci d’avoir éteint votre téléphone.
Si vous souhaitez parler à Dieu, entrez,
choisissez un endroit tranquille et parle lui.
Si vous souhaitez le voir, envoyez-lui un SMS en
conduisant.

Translation:

Sent also by Ernie of Fresno, CA

The post Saying Sorry appeared first on Traveling Archive.

Power Play

Some people have told me that I put too many put-down married jokes. Sorry about that. I agree but somehow these genre of jokes are the ones that people send me the most. The second ones are the growing-old jokes.

Makes you wonder. I guess marriage is an easy target for jokesters because they see the craziness in marriage too often. Indeed there is a constant battle for power between the spouses.

But did you know that this is actually Biblically prophesied? When Adam and Eve ate that forbidden fruit God was so disappointed: “Yo Dudes! Your ideal life here in Paradise? It’s over!” Our first parents had access to anything and everything in creation but there was ONE restriction. Guess what? That ONE restriction was exactly what they decided to do. Kinda depressing that the first model of mankind were total “losers.”

God decreed that from that point on: “you would now need to work for what used to be free … and Eve (you and the future Eves), you’re gonna have childbirth pain like you can’t even imagine! And one more thing, (implanted in your DNA) will be your “desire” for your husband.”

For the longest time I wondered if “desire” simply meant that she would be attracted to her husband or want her man to find her attractive. (When you see how women dump tons of makeup and the guys falling for it, it kinda makes sense.) But the word “desire” really means a yearning for power — a desire to dominate. That same Hebrew word is only used one other time and it can be found in the next chapter of Genesis  (where God is warning Cain who got jealous of his brother Abel’s more acceptable gift) Cain was livid with envy. God warned Cain to control himself because “sin is crouching at the door. Its desire (the same exact word) is contrary to you, but you must rule over it.” Alas, like parent, like son, Cain could not help himself. He murdered his own brother. In both instances, desire is that powerful intent mixed in the emotions. In other words Eve, since day one, desired to rule over Adam. Thus was born the Married Jokes.

Of course this is a general statement. There are always exceptions. But this explains the pattern of marriage dynamics. That’s why women do a lot of alluring while the men do a lot of the pursuing. Women attract. Men react. Women dangle the fruit of pleasure in the hopes of gaining power.

There are many things you can learn from the Bible. You should read it some time.

Of course this is just me. TGIF people!

“To the woman [God] said, “I will greatly increase your labor pains; with pain you will give birth to children. Your desire will be to (ie. you will want to control) your husband, but he will dominate you.”
— Genesis 3:16

Joke of the Week

Thanks to Charlie of New Jersey for sending this joke.

Video of the Week

You Have 2 Choices
Sent by Belen of Cerritos, CA

This is a very short video but it’s funny.

WATCH VIDEO

Don’s Puns

From Don’s collection of puns

Heavy Thought of the Week

Sent by Audrey of New York

If you want to learn how to hold your breath for over 2 minutes, follow this video. Pretty cool.

Parting Shot

Thanks to Art of Sierra Madre, CA who shared this.

The post Feuding Spouses appeared first on Traveling Archive.

Two Disasters

Did you hear about this? There was an Air Show disaster at West Swick’s Island Park, Belleville, Ontario, Canada.

The aircraft hit four buildings. This is tough to see. It just shows the dangers of attending these events. I’ve attached an amazing photo below which shows great detail of the mishap.

At very low levels the pilot had completely lost control over his aircraft. It narrowly missed a crowd gathered for the air show and it slammed into four buildings.

One can only imagine the horror of the occupants inside those buildings.

If you have the stomach for it, here is the photo:

Fortunately, no one was  killed, but it probably scared the cr*p out of them.

(Thanks to Don who sent this headline and I apologize for the silly scare.)

BTW, 2 months ago there was a SINK HOLE in La Habra, California (I’m not kidding) which was just a few miles away from me. I was just thinking. Do you realize that if the incident happened this month … do you know what they would have called it?
are you ready for this? …

They would have called it: “SINK HOLE de Mayo!”
TGIF People! Happy Cinco de Mayo! Hope you had a good laugh.

“Last month was April Fool’s Day. Don’t trust anyone and believe nothing! So technically, it’s like any other day.”
— Anonymous

Joke of the Week

Thanks to Peter Paul of S Pasadena, CA for sending this joke.

Video of the Week

If McDonald’s was Advertised Like Apple
Sent by Mike of New York

WARNING: This video will make you hungry. 🙂

Tastefully done. Shows how any product can look so good if given the right presentation. If you ever wonder why people line up for hours for the latest and greatest of anything, blame it on great advertising that builds up people’s expectations.

WATCH VIDEO

Don’s Puns

From Don’s collection of puns

Heavy Thought of the Week

Sent by Terry of Santa Monica, CA

Parting Shot

Thanks to Ray of Burbank, CA who shared this.

The post Snooping Spouse appeared first on Traveling Archive.