Getting In The Spirit Of The Season

I wanted a wreath for my door. I didn't want a fake one,so finally found a real pine wreath. It just didn't look complete so found the bow. Christmas may come now....Ho Ho Ho...

Say What

When people ask me what kind of wine I like I tell them its the one you can't spell or say. Well here it is....Gurty minster..Apple German wine.

History Not Respected

Took a walk around Black Hawk State Park In Rock Island with Old Lady Gimm and Caretaker Jane. I had seen on a map that they had the first cemetery someplace over there. It just said someplace on the north side of the park. Jane must be able to smell death because she took us right to it. The grounds are well taken care of . But most of the headstones are broken off or knocked over. Some you can barely read who its for anymore. Sad that these people will slip from memory soon.

Walking To Lunch

I'm trying to be healthy ,so when I went to meet friends for lunch I decided to walk there...30 blocks so what. It was a bit cold but not to bad. I made it there in plenty of time. I was cold and glad they suggested that they drive me back. Thanks Leanne Smith and Nancy Stamm.

In My Frig.

Mostly booze and sugar stuff

8 Surefire Ways to Demotivate Your Employees

8 Surefire Ways to Demotivate Your Employees Negative BehaviorEver notice how a new employee’s enthusiasm eventually wears off? In 85% of companies, employees’ morale significantly drops off after their first six months on the job, according to a survey from Harvard Management Update. For the most part, enthusiasm is determined by work environment, and it can be fostered or hindered by you—the boss. Employee motivation experts say the best way to keep employee enthusiasm moving forward is to “first, do no harm.” At a minimum, don’t do anything that demotivates your workers. Check out eight demotivators below.
 1. Public criticism. Pointing out a worker’s mistake in front of others rarely yields a good response. Though some managers think public reproach keeps everyone else from making the same mistake—it usually just makes everyone feel bad. 
2. Failing to provide praise. If employees feel like their hard work goes unnoticed, they’ll start to wonder why they’re working so hard in the first place. Be sure to offer praise, both privately and publicly. Even small things, like a thank-you card or a “good job” email work. (See also: How to Thank Employees When You Can’t Afford a Bonus.)
 3. Not following up. Have you ever solicited ideas, asked what employees think about a policy, or asked your team to draft a proposal? If so, be sure to relay the results, even if the ideas or proposals don’t go anywhere. Asking employees for input without acknowledging it shows a lack of respect.
 4. Give unachievable goals or deadlines. Once employees realize they won’t be able to get something done, they’ll think, “What’s the point? I’m going to fail.” Provide goals and deadlines that are challenging, but not impossible. 
 5. Not explaining your actions or sharing company data. Just because you hold the cards doesn’t mean you should hide them. Explaining the big management decisions will help employees understand your perspective—and they’ll respect you for it. Likewise, sharing key company data such as revenue and profits validates staff contributions.
 6. Implied threats. If an employee is producing sub-par work, it’s OK to let them know your expectations. But it’s not OK to threaten their job—especially if you’re threatening the entire team in a public setting. A “do this or else” attitude often has the opposite effect when it comes to motivation. 
7. Not honoring creative thinking and problem solving. When employees take initiative to improve something—a company process or an individual task, for instance—don’t blow it off. Instead, take a good, hard look at their suggestion. Don’t ignore it, or you risk losing that employee’s creativity in the future.
 8. Micromanagement Perhaps the worst demotivator is micromanaging. Employees need to feel trusted and valued to succeed—and micromanaging communicates the opposite

First of August

After watching the docking of the boats I headed on down the bike path. But while I was enjoying the view a pack of Segeways came zooming past me. A couple of the riders didn't look like they had complete control of theirs . Got a nice picture of the Figge . To me it will always be an ice tray. Wish all of summer the weather was like this

The Nina,The Pinta and

Woke up today to a horrible boom. Quickly got dressed and grabbed my camera and headed to the source of the noise. It came from down the hill on the river so I thought that the gas station down there blew up. No its the traveling exhibit of the Columbus ships. Watched as they came into dock. Oh and the boom was them firing the cannon to tell of their arrival. Got nice an close but they told me that I could came back tomorrow and pay to see it...Click.click...sure..not

100 year old and Evening Walk

My Aunt Margaret turned 100. She is the only remaining remember of my mom's family, After her party the twins wanted to see the sights of Clinton...At 8 not really high standards. Then got back down to the Cites and went for a short walk along the newer part of the river front bike path..