A very trite expression today is "Have A Nice Day". You greet a friend, buy groceries, deal with a purchase online of any kind, a very common closing is one that includes "Have A Nice Day"!

This expression is so trite and worn out that almost no one means it. I have often wondered why most everyone uses it. It has always bothered me due to the insincerity of the statement. Several years ago, I started responding to this worn out expression by saying "Don't Take it Too Serious". (Yes I know 'seriously' is more correct or perhaps more better, but after all, I am a Texan.) The response to my comments has been overwhelming, and popular, gaining a sincere response most every time.

It is an expression that I have adopted and one that describes me throughout this book. So you now know why I chose the title of my authorship. And when you get tired of reading my book or otherwise get trite in your thoughts. "Don't Take it Too Serious"!

I wrote these memoirs, on the basis of chronological events in my life for the initial chapters, and then skipped to special events in my life for the following chapters. Some items have been covered in depth with a complete chapter while others have been brought up with a mere sentence or word to avoid a boring reader experience or over-inflation of my ego.

I married the love of my life, Susan Diane Waits, in 1966. She has edited every chapter, proofed every word, suggested titles, and influenced conceptual ideas throughout the book. This work would not have been completed without her support. One way or another, Susan has been in every chapter, in the details or in spirit. She is the apple of my eye, mother of our children, has the patience of Job, and is certainly the color of my life. It shows throughout these memoirs.