good news, encouraging words and a prayer request

Hey Gang,
Some good news here. Last week I got a bit of a surprise.
I was behind on my taxes for the last half of the year 2008. I just did not have the money. The IRS kept sending me notices with interest and a fine being added to the amount owed. There was nothing I could do, there were NO extra funds available. I managed to save up $340.00 of the $595 I owed the last few months and was going to mail that in but I decided to wait until I had the full amount saved.
Well last week I received a certified letter from the IRS demanding that I contact them before further actions are taken. So I called them to make arrangements. I asked the agent is there anyway to get this reduced? He said let me take a look, give me a few minutes. He returned and said "Because of your excellent credit, past history of timely payments and never missing one, we will reduce it to $332.95." He was probably shocked as I am sure not many IRS agents get thanked but boy did I thank him and wish him a merry Christmas. I immediately mailed in the $340.00 I saved.
Things are starting to change for the better. I have 2 great tenants now, business has slightly picked up even though this month its down again and I only have 2 more outstanding debts left from my nephew. If Euclid will allow me to run my own affairs without interfering I will survive this mess.
I thank all of you for your prayers, encouragement, and those who pitched in financially to right my ship and a special thank you to Walt.

Encouraging Words
During this recession/depression one scripture I keep in mind is Proverbs 10:3
(NIV):The LORD does not let the righteous go hungry but he thwarts the craving of the wicked.

I was discussing this scripture with a friend who's business is also sluggish and income is lacking. I said God never promised us a Cadillac but he did say we wouldn't go hungry.


Sign of the times
I received a Christmas card from Ed in West Virginia. He usually writes a long message not this year. All Ed wrote was:
Hi Carey, Merry Christmas - I'm OK & still working.
Just a sign of the times.


A prayer request from Shirl in Kentucky
Carey, will you send out a prayer request for my daughter Patty ... she is having financial problems and needs to find work ...
Thanks Pal
Shirl
I just did Shirl. Share this with Patty it may encourage her.

Gotta GoGo
Carey

A Careyism - photos of the dead mall, Euclid Square Mall

Hey Gang,
I don't know what else to call it a Careyism, a coincidence but these things always always
happen to me. Maybe I should play the lottery.
Yesterday my niece Crystal sent me a You Tube clip titled Euclid Square Mall (the dead
mall). I sent it to some of you. The clip is very eery. A mall that was once so alive filled with
shoppers, so vibrant with trend setting shops, elegant fountains, mall shows and now it is
mostly abandoned with the surrounding stores also boarded up.
Well Friday I was looking for an auction to attend to pick up some gifts for the holidays.
The auction I had in mind was Hamilton's of Ashtabula because they sell newer merchandise
from buyouts of stores. I did an online search and the first listing that came up for
Hamilton's was an auction being held right here in Euclid at, yes you guessed it,
Euclid Square Mall.
I brought along my camera in hopes that I could snap some photos. I am glad I did.
The mall is virtually shut down. Dillards outlet that once was Dillards and before that was
Higbees, an upscale department store exclusive to Cleveland till the
late 80's
(http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Higbee's) was one of two anchor stores for Euclid Square
Mall, is still in business along with eleven churches. Thats it besides the auction that
opened six months ago.
Such a strange feeling to be inside a place that I use to hang out as a teenager now
all desolate and quiet. Maybe the 11 churches can start a revival.
Gotta GoGo!
Carey

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9Yb6giIrFkc

Thanksgiving and reverse speech

Hey Gang,
This is how we spent our Thanksgiving evening, playing with reverse speech.
Reverse Speech
After Thanksgiving dinner, discussing life and playing a few games my sister wanted me to show our brother on the computer the clip of President Obama and the speech reversal of him saying Satan. The clip used the program Audacity to reverse the speech. After watching our Godless leader my other sister Candi said we have that program, never knew what it was for. She quickly brought the program up and spoke into the mic "By Jesus's stripes we are healed....."
Before I go further let me quickly give you some background into my sisters family. My brother in law has MS and him and my nieces have other serious health issues.
Well when my sister Candi reversed what she said I heard it immediately over the TV and the noise in the room. Her words backwards said "Sickness as usual". I was stunned but didn't say anything in hopes I was wrong. Everyone got quiet she played it again and we ALL heard it.
Mom tried a few sentences and nothing. I said Mom you need to speak from the heart. So I said say what you always tell me, Carey did you eat yet? I could be in the shower, it could be after a meal, I could be sleeping and Mom is always asking Carey did you eat yet. Well guess what it said backwards? START TO EAT YOU IDIOT!!! We laughed so hard, it was great.
So then Dad spoke into the mic. He said how much he loves us and what and how much we mean to him. Played backwards it said We love you!
No joking, we all heard it.
Mom tried it again and said this time Pezza Di Face (sp?) why are you always doing stupid things? In reverse, we heard the word Nazi and Tony. The significance? My mom always calls Dad, jokingly, Hitler and my Dads fathers name was.... Tony!
I could explain how and why this works but thats for another email. Just remember we are spiritual beings.
Gotta GoGo!!
Carey

for those who want to look at the links again of the backwards speech:
http://www.reversespeech.com/home.htm

http://letfreedomrain.blogspot.com/2009/04/obama-serve-satan-priceless-youtube.html

Some Careyism's for you

Hey Gang,
Hope everyones Thanksgiving was wonderful. I have more important things to write about but someone said haven't received anything from you in awhile so taking a break to send you these Careyism's.

Home Church
Wednesday the 18th Dov invited me to the house church he attends. Its a small gathering, up to about 10 people. Dov had asked me to attend before but I was always busy. This time I was available so accepted the invite. At this home church they start their bible/prayer service with supper. We were already seated and eating when another member, Stan, arrived. He looked at me and said "Are you the politician"? I was surprised to say the least. I wasn't sure how he knew.
After supper we gathered in the living room. Stan started it off. He said that since they started this home church he has been keeping track of the people they have been praying for. He brought along his note book and a print out sheet for everyone to take home of the prayer requests. He read the requests out loud and lo and behold my name was on the list. I asked do they do this all the time? Stan said no it was something that was on my heart. What timing that the day I decide to attend I get to hear my name mentioned and meet strangers who were praying for me. I was so encouraged and blessed by it. I must add, it was Dov who had asked for prayers for me. Thanks Dov.

The Filipino and the Philippines
As everyone knows I have been in touch with Ruth from the Philippines for sometime now. She is trying to come for a visit. My sister Cindi is a nurse and works with several doctors who are Filipino's. These doctors are hosting a benefit at the Marriot in Beachwood on Dece. 12th to help the Philippines. Cindi received 4 tickets to attend and asked me if I wanted to go. I thought it was just a neat coincidence talking to someone from the Philippines and then being invited to a fund raiser for the Philippines.

Gotta GoGo!!
Carey

A Hey Gang HAPPY Thanksgiving

Hey Gang,
Our Hey Gang tradition goes on, missed a few years since I started this way back in about 2002 and usually its a bit late in sending it out so you may get part 2 for the late responses. Regardless here is 2009's Hey Gang Thanksgiving Thank List. Does that sound right? Maybe have to work on it.
Thanks Family and Friends for support and keeping up with my ups and downs.

Ruth A. from the Philippines writes:
God's financial provision on time and friends, guidance, strength in work, good health.

Shirl in Ky is thankful for:
I have so many I could write a book but my relationship with God that's my most one and thankful for my family, thankful for all the blessings God has bestowed on me

Nick in Florida writes: that my relationship with god has blessed me to the point i am at the right places at the right time doing the right thing.

I am thankful for God's saving grace. I also am so very thankful that God protects our family from harm, and has blessed us with good health. We are also blessed with good friends and family.
Be blessed,
Sherry

I'm thankful for my family, health, & all this food we are about to consume.
Also for the freedoms we have, to write this email anyway I see fit, & to own firearms to protect all of are freedoms. Thank you NRA!!!
Thank you Lord for our brave men & women fighting to keep us safe & free!!! John in Maine

I am thankful for today, my favorite day of the year.
I am thankful for all my family that I will make holiday with today.
I am thankful for the good health that my family has been blessed with.
I am thankful for all the blessings I have been received of. Vince in Pa.

I am thankful for friends like you. :o) Happy Thanksgiving Carey!!! Happy Thanksgiving to your family too!
Cindy


Carey:
Yes I am thankful for many things. Here is a partial list:
a) I am thankful to be alive after my bout with h1n1 flu
b) I am thankful I am getting an advanced education making me a better person and voter.
c) I am thankful for all the positive work success and things that happened with Cutco.
d) I am thankful that the people finally passed a casino issue in Ohio.
e) I am thankful for the positive people in my life such as you and James Taylor.
f) I am thankful that I have an ability to help others when they need it.
g) I am thankful that I have goals and visions to strive for.

I know there can be more to add to it, but like I said this is a quick list. I do hope you and your family have a very happy Thanksgiving.
Joe U.


for the fact i'm still here to see my grand kids and family and friends. especially crazy people like you to keep me going. have a great holiday carey. dave in andover

The New Boy in my Household / Jim's New Girlfriend / A wife, place to live, my Job, & Salvation! Rich A.

Carey,

My four boys are together for Thanksgiving again, and last night while they were on the floor playing cards and laughing like fools, tears came to my eyes. I am thankful for my wonderful sons and for their father who helped shape them into the fine young men they are.

I am also thankful for all the very good people who got us through the loss of our daughter this year. Friends multiply our joy and divide our sorrow.

Blessings on your day,
- Dawn Slike

its been awhile

Hey Gang?
Yes, I know its been awhile. And lately my responding has been even slower than usual, had a nasty virus in my comp which I'm almost positive I have rid myself of.
The past week or so quite a few friends have reappeared. Megan emailed and said she is on vacation in Fenton, Michigan, a little below Flint, and said give a call so we can get caught up.
Gary IM'd me with some sad news. His brother Bill has had two strokes and a heart attack, he is only 41.
Gwen has been emailing more as of late, she is back in St. Louis.
We had Uncle Akky's 60th B'day at Pettis Pizza. Have you ever seen an Italian Birthday Cake? Well look at the photo. Hey I planned it where else do you think I would of taken him, a polish restaurant. Besides candles in a kielbasa just wouldn't look right.
Went to the Coast to Coast meeting last night. A medium was the guest speaker. She said one very profound thing. She said soon its going to get cold, and its going to stay that way for the next three months so get your snow shovels ready and be prepared. I replied yes, we call that winter. I told you it was profound.
They also talked about this Shaman which brought to mind the story of the Shaman who hated to be hugged. In fact they warned you when you talk to him Please don't squeeze the Shaman!
I received a letter from a Bob H. in Marietta, Ga.. Back in 2001 he had bought an item from me on eBay. He had mailed back the refund check I sent him for an over charge on the shipping. The amount is not that great but he apologized for not cashing it and said you were honest enough to mail a refund that it should be back in your hands. At that time he had several deaths in the family. Yes there is still honest caring people in this world, thank you Bob! Now I can finally solve the mystery of why my check book never balanced all these years.
At the health care forum I attended a few weeks ago I met a fine Italian gentleman named Joseph De Rubertis. He is 88 years old and served in WWII. His passion for this country is still strong and would put many a young men to shame.
I will just share with you the first couple of sentences of the letter he mailed me. It reads:
.... I am not fond of what is going on in Washington. Our country is in bad shape and it is up to us to fight back. HELLO OUT THERE!!! This is from someone who is 88! Rise up people or forever lose your freedom! Anyone who is interested in reading Joe's letter please let me know I will make a copy for you, I am sure he would not mind as long as I omit his contact info. Its something you should read, especially the vets on my list. I am very impressed with Joe's writing. I salute you Joe!
Rich and Suzanne had their baby last month. A boy named David Rueben, 7 pounds - 11 ounces. They have already taken him on two trips. Last weekend they were in NY City and then New Hampshire.
Went to Walt's small Halloween party. Mostly family though I did dress. I think my costume should of won a major award, well at least honorable mention.
Emily has asked for prayers as she has a job interview today and desperately needs it.
Friends let know who wants to stay on the prayer request list. People have come and gone in the last year. Many of us are tied up with trying to make ends meet. The mood hasn't been as jovial. For the new comers, friends and acquaintances send me prayer requests and I pass them on. Let me know who wants to stay.
Enjoy the photo's.

Gotta GoGo!!
Carey

The Bridge Project

Hey Gang,
A quick postingl with some photos from a few weekends ago of the Bridge Project. I want to thank Sharon for posting this event on the GoGo Board. This is an event everyone should see at least once.
The Bridge Project is held on the lower level of the Detroit/Superior bridge in downtown Cleveland. This is where the old trolley cars use to run. I was so completely amazed at how much space is below ground. I never knew that Cleveland at one time had a subway, at least parts of it were underground.
Dad remembers it vaguely as a kid. My grandfather never had a car and they would take the trolley to the zoo and to get around Cleveland. Dad said it would be scary going over the bridge as they would sit near the back and were able to look down through the grating at the river way below.
What I completely don't understand is the lameness of Cleveland. They are trying to come up with all kinds of ways for mass transit and the push today is for electric vehicles, well why don't they just refurbish the old street car lines? I just don't get it, the structure is already in place.
You really need to experience this event. Its very hard to describe. Just walking around looking at the massiveness and details of the pillars and work is something to behold. The condition and the eeriness reminded me of the Mansfield Reformatory. The craftsmanship of years ago is such a lost art, never again to be duplicated.
Something else got my attention that to me strikes down the theory of the earth being millions of years old. Hanging from the roof of the lower level were stalactites. They were about 15 inches or so long. Now if they could grow that long in a relatively short period of time, think of how fast they could grow underground with the right conditions.
As for the art, entertainment and oddball displays it was completely eclectic. There were a couple of stages set up for bands, one band was conventional, the other was pots and pans. There was a small stage set up for plays. A few sitting rooms that you can't quite explain the inspiration for their design. A Dj playing rave music. Beer, hot dog and food stands. Weird old movies playing from projectors being shown on the walls. Just very odd and so amusing the different styles of entertainment. One person had a neat novel idea. He set up a microphone and video camera and if you told a joke he would give you a nickel. It was to promote his website service. Here is the link: http://www.sillyservices.com/.
See if you can find me telling two of my Carey originals. If you can't spot me I will tell
the number.
The atmosphere was almost Goth in feel because of the lighting and condition, sort of like those futuristic movies where everything is destroyed and people are making the most what they have. Just a very fun and entertaining evening that broke the monotony of the norm.
Why Cleveland didn't promote this more is beyond me. Make plans for next year and attend it, you won't be disappointed.

Gotta GoGo!!
Careymansfield,