Yesterday, I was going around telling everyone how much I hate Winter. Two huge winter blast this year. As you may know, Raynell and I were stranded Christmas Eve for over 5 hours on the highway. Yesterday and this morning I spent over an hour scrapping my windows and helping others scrap their windows. Lots of reasons to hate winter!
Then it hit me. I am blessed beyond belief! At Christmas Tom O'Keefe and his brother-in-law Doug came to our rescue. They picked us up, took us home in the absolute worst blizzard I have ever experienced in my 57 years. Two days later Bob Frasher picked me up and took me to get a 4-wheel drive vehicle. He loaned it to me so we could get around!
Yesterday, Ken, Luke and Frank were out starting every one's cars, scrapping windows and getting the cars warmed up and ready for the drive! They did this to my car on Christmas eve! If winter had not come, I would not have received these blessing! I guess winter is not so bad after all. We are truly Blessed!
Friday, January 29, 2010
Thursday, January 28, 2010
Will Winter Ever End?
I hate Winter!
I moved here in '75 to get away from this snow and ice. I had enough of it growing up in Ohio.
But, things could be worse...I could be in Haiti.
As the Bible says, I need to "learn to be content". Or as the Oklahoma weathermen say, wait 5 minutes and the weather will change! :) :)
I moved here in '75 to get away from this snow and ice. I had enough of it growing up in Ohio.
But, things could be worse...I could be in Haiti.
As the Bible says, I need to "learn to be content". Or as the Oklahoma weathermen say, wait 5 minutes and the weather will change! :) :)
For The Record
Sometimes when we hear speeches that sound good we tend to believe what is said. Too often that is a mistake.
FACT:
FDIC records show that 98.5% of the nation's depository institutions are community Banks. fdic.gov
FICTION:
Last night we heard " We can’t allow financial institutions, including those that take your deposits, to take risks that threaten the whole economy".
CLARIFICATION:
AIG is not a Bank. Lehman Brothers in not a Bank. Merrill Lynch is not a Bank. GM is not a Bank. Chrysler is not a Bank.
FACT:
FDIC records show that 98.5% of the nation's depository institutions are community Banks. fdic.gov
FICTION:
Last night we heard " We can’t allow financial institutions, including those that take your deposits, to take risks that threaten the whole economy".
CLARIFICATION:
AIG is not a Bank. Lehman Brothers in not a Bank. Merrill Lynch is not a Bank. GM is not a Bank. Chrysler is not a Bank.
Wednesday, January 27, 2010
Nothing but Inspiration!
Have you ever noticed how some people can over come all odds?
Meet Butch Lumpkin - An amazing story Meet Butch Lumpkin Whether you're a golfer or not, this is something to see. Near the end of video watch how this guy tees up his ball.
http://www.thegolfchannel.com/golf-videos/meet-butch-lumpkin-9477/?ref=26000
Meet Butch Lumpkin - An amazing story Meet Butch Lumpkin Whether you're a golfer or not, this is something to see. Near the end of video watch how this guy tees up his ball.
http://www.thegolfchannel.com/golf-videos/meet-butch-lumpkin-9477/?ref=26000
Banking 101 - Part 2
Banks fuel the economy by providing the capital to buy cars, build homes, start or expand businesses. We make loans.
Some have spoken very disparagingly about bankers over the past year. Some have called us "Fat Cat Bankers". Well, I may be fat, but I am NOT a "Fat Cat Banker".
The vast majority of banks in this country are community banks. These are bankers that live in the community they serve. We know our customers. We know the neighborhood, We know the leaders of the community. We drive on the same streets, eat in the same restaurants, go to the same churches that you do. Our kids go to school with your kids. We support the community in every conceivable way.
It is in the best interest of bankers to serve their community by providing capital to build and expand the community. In other words generally speaking, what is good for our customers is good for the bank and what is good for the bank is good for our customers. In many respects we are yoked together. We care about our communities.
Some have spoken very disparagingly about bankers over the past year. Some have called us "Fat Cat Bankers". Well, I may be fat, but I am NOT a "Fat Cat Banker".
The vast majority of banks in this country are community banks. These are bankers that live in the community they serve. We know our customers. We know the neighborhood, We know the leaders of the community. We drive on the same streets, eat in the same restaurants, go to the same churches that you do. Our kids go to school with your kids. We support the community in every conceivable way.
It is in the best interest of bankers to serve their community by providing capital to build and expand the community. In other words generally speaking, what is good for our customers is good for the bank and what is good for the bank is good for our customers. In many respects we are yoked together. We care about our communities.
Tuesday, January 26, 2010
Banking 101 - Part 1
Capital and the availability of capital are critical to operate and build a successful business. Everyone that has been in business very long would not argue that point. In these difficult economic times the availability of capital is even more critical and more difficult to find. I have watched many of 24 hour news stations carry stories about the recession and I have seen business men like Donald Trump state that “the banks are not lending money”. REALLY???
I have been a banker for over 30 years. During my banking career I have come to understand one basic principal about banking. Interest income from loans is the number one source of income for the majority of banks in this country. I sit on two community bank boards I know that both banks are making loans everyday. Most banks are still making loans.
Are we more cautious? YES. Are the terms more difficult? SOMETIMES. Do we need more collateral or more collateral coverage? OFTEN. These are a reflection of the times...a reality. But, we are still making loans.
In 2009 Bank2 alone made 1,039 loans totalling $181,510,000. The next time you hear President Obama, Senator Dodd, Congressman Frank, Donald Trump, or others on TV say banks are not making loans you might want to remember they are using a very broad brush when they make those comments. They certainly can NOT be talking about Bank2.
I have been a banker for over 30 years. During my banking career I have come to understand one basic principal about banking. Interest income from loans is the number one source of income for the majority of banks in this country. I sit on two community bank boards I know that both banks are making loans everyday. Most banks are still making loans.
Are we more cautious? YES. Are the terms more difficult? SOMETIMES. Do we need more collateral or more collateral coverage? OFTEN. These are a reflection of the times...a reality. But, we are still making loans.
In 2009 Bank2 alone made 1,039 loans totalling $181,510,000. The next time you hear President Obama, Senator Dodd, Congressman Frank, Donald Trump, or others on TV say banks are not making loans you might want to remember they are using a very broad brush when they make those comments. They certainly can NOT be talking about Bank2.
Monday, January 25, 2010
Haiti Gifts Tax Deductable for 2009
New Law to Allow Taxpayers to Claim Haitian Donations on 2009 Returns
A newly passed bill will allow taxpayers who make charitable contributions to Haiti relief programs before March 1, 2010, to claim those contributions on their 2009 income tax returns. The Senate and House of Representatives have both passed the bill; the president is expected to sign it into law.
A newly passed bill will allow taxpayers who make charitable contributions to Haiti relief programs before March 1, 2010, to claim those contributions on their 2009 income tax returns. The Senate and House of Representatives have both passed the bill; the president is expected to sign it into law.
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