weekly update
your weekly dose of happiness
Happy New Year to all, albeit a bit tardy and the best for 2026. It is good to get back on this site and give an update.
After Thanksgiving I flew to Eunice, LA (next to Lafayette, Home of the “Ragin Cajuns”) with a friend Janet who was attending a cousin’s funeral. Young guy too, way too young to leave us this soon. You talk about a spot with personality. The gumbo, crayfish, alligator, sausage and Cajun hospitality was grand. The French/Cajun dialect was, sometimes, a bit trying to understand, “don’t ya’ know.” The airport was very nice but I was very disappointed that there was not a drop of Christmas cheer. I fly a lot and EVERY airport I have ever gone to was DECKED OUT to the nines during the holidays. No trees, no wreaths, no bows, no carols, no Merry Christmas or even Happy Holiday greetings, not a one. It was depressing. I asked the car rental lady what was the deal and she said the new airport manager stopped it when they took over three years ago. They sent a memo they were discontinuing the decorations out of fear of “offending anyone.” I got a suggestion, stay in your house for the month of December if the holiday cheer offends you. How can a Christmas tree offend? You talk about the tail wagging the dog! We are losing our common sense. How can one person ruin the holidays for the other 99?
I helped Janet work on her “homestead” she owns down there… so much for my Christmas vacation in the sunny south. I was worked like a mule. I had to rebuild/replace the front steps on a 100 year old house. Normally this would be a 4-6 hour job with my tools and a memory of how to do this task. It took me two days as the last steps I built were 20 years ago when I was in my 40’s a bit quicker and a lot sharper. But I got them done and last I checked they are still standing.
Lafayette, LA was selected as the “Happiest City in America.” I thought, “I have to meet the happiest Mayor of this happy town.” So I called her office and her wonderful staff set it all up. Attached is a picture of Lafayette Mayor Monique B. Boulet presenting me with an “Honorary Happy Cajun” award. What a surprise. She and her entire staff are beautiful inside and out.
Say a prayer for our country and the terrible conflicts and divisiveness we are having. It is shocking and heart breaking to see us go through this again. Regardless of your position on ICE the violence cannot be allowed. Peaceful protest yes, but there is still too much interference, attacks and throwing bottles/rocks etc. Let’s hope we come to a resolution soon.
My next “How To Be Happy EVERY Day” class is March 24, 2026. It is a fun, fast two hour class that covers proven daily skill tips to live a happier life. Just type in adultlearningcenter.vabeach, piece of cake, badda bing, badda boom.
Cheers and Happy Valentine’s Day. As always, peace on earth good will to men.
Til then’
Gus
Fall has just started, Halloween has come and gone, and Thanksgiving is next week. Thanksgiving is my favorite holiday by far. Why, you ask? Well, I’m glad you did. We haven’t screwed it up yet. Everyone is so anxious to start the carnage of Christmas shopping that this noble holiday comes and goes like Santa in a chimney. Don’t get me wrong—I love Christmas too—but Thanksgiving is truly special. Family, friends, fellowship, food, football, fun, and leftover turkey sandwiches on white bread with stuffing, cranberry, and extra mayo. And don’t get me started about the Macy’s Parade, the event that kicks off the whole day. Truly, it is the stuff of miracles.
Thankfully, the election is over. I won’t get into that, as there is no upside or happiness to be found there. Congratulations to the winners, and thank you to those who also ran. We appreciate your public service. I do wish we could have more civil discourse. As a nation, we must do better and stop the hateful diatribe. Enough said.
I always look forward to the arrival of the Salvation Army bell ringers. They are beautiful people doing great work, raising big money for hundreds of causes and thousands of people. I love them. I made a vow 20 years ago never to pass a red kettle without tossing in at least some pocket change. Many times I was caught off guard and had to return to my car to get coins out of my change jar, or dig under the seat or in the cup holder. Join me this year in that pledge—it will make your season merry and bright.
Please sign up for my next “How To Be Happy Every Day” class. I teach it at the Adult Learning Center in VA Beach on 11/19/25. These classes are full of laughter and cheers, and two hours go by in a flash. Just type in adultlearningcenter.vabeach—piece of cake, badda bing, badda boom. I know it’s late notice, but please join us.
I promise to get back on this site after the BIG DAY—and I do mean Thanksgiving. 😊
Cheers, and as always, peace on earth, good will to men.
Til’ then,
Gus
“Let it snow, let it snow, let it snow,” and boy, did it ever! Virginia Beach and all of Hampton Roads got walloped with a foot of snow yesterday. Then, to add insult to injury, we got another dusting of an inch or more that lasted two hours around 11 today. It is beautiful. Sure, it’s inconvenient for some people and terrible if you’re a postman, trash collector, or meter reader (do they still have those?). But look at it this way: the last significant snowfall was Feb. 17–19, 1989. What a coincidence—this storm was nearly 26 years to the day. We can take it.
It’s wonderful for the children. I clearly remember how exciting it was as a child, listening to the small radio in the kitchen, tuned to AM 1390, the hot WLAN, and praying our school would be listed as CLOSED! In our house, my brother, sister, and I were breathless, our hearts pounding with unbridled excitement. When Lancaster Christian Day School came over the airwaves, “CLOSED,” we would swallow our oatmeal in two gulps, jump into our snowsuits in a flash, and out the door we’d fly. There were snowmen to build, snowball battles to be won, and sledding down Henderson Hill at the end of the block. We were burning daylight.
In my first venture into the entrepreneurial spirit, I saw opportunity in every falling flake—white gold. At the ripe age of 7 or 8, this was going to make me rich. I put my sled away and got the snow shovel out. Down the street we went, the three of us, knocking on doors in search of a “yes, please shovel the walk and driveway (special discount if we did both), and bring the mail in too.” We’d get maybe three drives done before we wore out. No offense to my sister Sue, but she’d call it a day after a few shovels. Some folks just don’t have that “eye of the tiger” capitalist hunger. Say what you want, but in 1964, coming home with $3, a candy bar or two in our pockets, and a friendly neighbor’s hot chocolate warming our insides made us feel like the Rockefeller brothers. I was destined for greatness.
Now, as I grow older, I still see opportunity in every season, especially when I pass the Salvation Army bell ringers. There they are, standing in the cold with their red kettles, spreading holiday cheer and raising money for those in need. Their presence is a reminder that the season isn’t just about snow or gifts—it’s about giving. I’ve made it a point over the years never to pass a Salvation Army bell ringer without tossing in a little something. Whether it’s spare change or a few dollars, it’s always worth it. These volunteers embody the spirit of the season, and their work makes a real difference in the lives of many.
Speaking of giving, I recently had the honor of speaking at Westminster Canterbury in VA Beach and the Chesapeake Rotary Club on “How to Be Happy EVERY DAY” in late January. Fun-fun-fun ‘til my daddy took my T-bird away (a little Beach Boys for you there). The wonderfully nice folks who hosted both events were amazing. My second mom, Inez Windley, lives at Westminster and turned 100 four days later. Her daughter, my dear friend Janet, hosted a beautiful party at her home, filled with family and friends.
Finally, my next class, “How to Be Happy EVERY DAY,” will be on March 25 at 6 PM at the Adult Learning Center in VA Beach. You can find more info at adultlearning.vbschools.com/programs (my course is on page 33). Come join us for fun, insight, and I promise, time flies when you’re there.
As we head into this season of snow, festivities, and giving, don’t forget the Salvation Army bell ringers who are out there doing incredible work. Let’s all take a moment to give back, however we can, to help make someone else’s holiday a little brighter.
As always, peace on Earth, good will to men. Until then,
Gus.
Boom, and it was over. It came so fast and was gone before we could clean up the wrapping paper. It was grand, spectacular, fun and a whirlwind of festivities. I flew to Indianapolis, and yes it rains and SNOWS there regardless of what you have heard. Spent time with my brother’s family; niece, nephews, their kids, and all their friends that I have come to know over the last 30 years. They are all grown up with kids of their own. I took my nephew, Nathan (I call him Skeeter, for the obvious reason, Nat/Skeeter), to Northern IN, to South Bend, and Rolling Prairie (pop. 160). My Dad owned a bar there 60 years ago called Godsey’s Tap. My brother, sister and I spent the summers there. Sure enough the bar is still there only under a different name. We stopped in for a short one and met the owner who had heard of my dad. He went to school with my cousin and we shared the usual small town chit-chat. Good stuff!
We then headed to Chicago for dinner at Gibson’s Steakhouse. The greatest chop house in America. 22 oz. porterhouse, lobster tail falling off the plate, 10 inch tall martinis and a grand piano in the bar playing Dino and Frank. How’s that for painting a picture of a perfect evening in the windy city? I could write pages on that evening alone which included Jack D’Amico, Chicago’s Favorite Sinatra style artist, joining us. As Frankie Valle sang, “Oh what a night.”
As I write this the nation is saying goodbye to President Carter. What a man of dignity, character, ethics and values. We can debate his time in the white house, but we can all agree he loved our country and fellow man. Rest in peace Mr. President with your loving wife Rosalyn.
In eleven days we have a new President. Man can this guy stir the bucket or what? We are going to buy Greenland, Annex Canada, change the Gulf of Mexico to the Gulf of America, bring the hostages home on day one, all while we are deporting 11 million illegals. That is a pretty aggressive agenda. I am very grateful the transition has been peaceful. Let’s pray this county can work together for the good of America. Come on congress, get it together. Term limits, no stock purchases while in office, and no pay raise.
That’s plenty for today. All the best for 2025. As always, peace on earth good will to men.
Til’ then,
Gus
Whew, the election! Did it seem like it would never be over to you? What a blessing it is finished. It is even a bigger blessing that the country has taken it pretty much in stride. Of course there are always the blowhards on each side that swear they are “leaving the country.” I always get a chuckle out of those poor misguided folks. Bless their hearts. And…they always need “counseling/therapy” if their side lost. I do not know of any of them, and there are guilty parties on both sides, that have ever gone anywhere. And the last thing about the election, has Taylor Swift, Beyoncé, Oprah, Hulk Hogan, Elon Musk, or Dr. OZ ever influenced your vote? No, mine either.
I am loving the fall, my favorite time of year. Lots going on here in Virginia Beach as the holidays approach. Thanksgiving will find me joining my “2nd Mother” 99 ½ years young Inez Windley for dinner as well as the best party of the year at my friends the Davis family in the afternoon. Really grand, grand festivities.
I will be heading to Indy in December to see family along with a trip to Chicago and dinner at America’s best steakhouse Gibson’s.
More on that later. Be well, have fun and enjoy life. Peace on earth, good will to men!
Til’ then, Gus
PS Drop me an email and tell me how I am doing with these posts.
Having fun at the Jeepfest with Santa and my granddaughter Mia
Don’t blink…cause if you did summer’s over.
Wow what a speedball, but bunches of fun. I spent many happy days golfing with my 11 year old grandson JJ and hitting the rec. center gym to get him ready for football this fall. Plus we loved the pools and water slides with both JJ and my grandaughter, 7 year old Mia. Summers are fantastic, but there is nothing like the fall. Here in VA Beach we are blessed with wonderful weather in the mid 70’s today and through the month. All the holidays that roll one after the other. Name em’…you bet: College Football kickoff, Labor Day, NFL kickoff, Patriot Day, Columbus Day, Halloween, All Saints Day (Nov. 1/my birthday), Election Day (thank God it will be over), Veterans Day, Thanksgiving (my fav. because we have not screwed it up), Christmas, New Years and we start all over again. Besides the obvious beautiful weather, fall foliage, and non-stop football, it is homecoming at my alma mater West VA Wesleyan. It is my 45th reunion for class of 1979. Also, to my many good friends of Jewish faith, you have a bundle of holidays that would have filled up this page. Enjoy them all and may God bless Israel. I stand up for and with you.
Speaking of the election, what a mess. As I have said before, “We have 330 million people in this country and these are the best?” I mean the ultimate candidates to be the leader of the free world…I think not. I do believe, except for the most extremely loyal followers, most folks think this is not the best America can offer. Oh well, it is what it is. It is not about politics to me this year. It is about character, ethics, morals, truthfullness and more. I am NOT voting for either, but will vote for a third party or a write in. You can disagree and say I am wasting my vote, but I will sleep soundly at night and not be hypocritical to my Christian faith. Please don’t send hate mail, as it’s my opinion. I respect yours, if yours is different.
Enjoy the fall, be happy, and as always “Peace on Earth, Good Will Toward Men.”
Til’ then, JP “Gus” Godsey
PS The next “How To Be Happy EVERY DAY,” class I am teaching is Oct. 15. Come out and join us. Big fun time. Details, adultlearning.vbschools.com
What a holiday is the 4th, yes! It is the MOST All-American holiday we have (even beating out Thanksgiving, my favorite).
A couple of suggestions that I do each year, read a bit of the Declaration of Independence or constitution…here is the preamble to get you started.
“We the People of the United States, in Order to form a more perfect Union, establish Justice, insure domestic Tranquility, provide for the common defense, promote the general Welfare, and secure the Blessings of Liberty to ourselves and our Posterity, do ordain and establish this Constitution for the United States of America.”
Written by Governor Morris, a Pennsylvania delegate to the 1787 Constitutional Convention held at Independence Hall in Philadelphia. The primary author of the constitution was our 4th President James Madison although there were several of our Founding Fathers that assisted.
Powerful stuff.
Enjoy the holiday, be a kid, shoot roman candles, give sparkers to kids (I was running around with them when I was 6 or 7), watch Joey Chestnut at Nathans hotdog eating contest (Noon, ESPN from Coney Island, NY), eat and drink too much and say a thank you to the man upstairs and our veterans for living in this land we love.
God Bless America, Land That WE Love!
Wow,
Memorial Day is a week away. I loved the Spring but looking forward to the endless Summer (a little Beach Boys reference for ya’) activities here on the VA shore. Speaking of the Beach Boys they are coming to Williamsburg June 21. Ticket prices are out of my limit but always a great show.
Congratulations to ALL the graduates. Well, maybe not all. The exception are those little “Cherubs” who destroyed campus life and property on dozens of campuses this Spring. I am out of my usual wheelhouse here, but let me get it out. These entitled and “enlightened” (their word not mine) took away the dreams of millions of students across the country. Graduations canceled, classes too, custodians held hostage at Columbia U., ($400K for 4 years…money well spent huh Dad), and on and on. Sure everyone is entitled to free speech but not freedom to hurtfully hate/law break. Enough said.
With Memorial Day here, thanks to all of our Military. God Bless those thousands of Americans who gave their lives to protect us here.
As always, I would like to hear from you, mrhappyusa@cox.net, and…peace on earth good will to men. Till then’
Hi All,
2024, moving right along. Easter came and went in a flash. I got in trouble, again, at my church, for hiding the Easter eggs too hard for the kids to find. I, personally, do not think it is too much to have the little cherubs do a little digging to get eggs filled with candy. Unfortunately, the elderly matriarchs confiscated my garden shovel at the chapel door and I was regulated to kitchen kiddy snack duties. How humiliating.
Here is a picture of some of the students I taught in May at the last class of “How To Be Happy EVERY DAY.” I am teaching the next class on Happiness at the Adult Learning Center in VA Beach 4/14/24. Please go to Alc.vbschools.com, go to course catalog, page 27, course #3126 and sign up. It is really a fun class, I promise. More details next week and info. on the Three Dog Night concert coming up 4/25/24, The Sandler Center, VA Beach. “Joy To The World.”
St. Patrick's Day
I bought my corned beef for next week and have green beer and the 57th St. Patty’s Day Parade set in stone on my schedule. It is held in the Ocean View section of Norfolk, VA, 3/16/24, 10AM, come join us for shamrock buffoonery. I used to march in it for 6-7 years playing in a three-man band, mandolin, fife, and me on drum (Irish Bodhran). That is all I could play, and poorly too.. Anyway…it is grand fun and ends with a BIG PARTY at the Knights of Columbus Lodge. Bands, beads, beer and grownups who believe they are Leprechauns…just for a day.
On a second note, I am teaching a class on Happiness at the Adult Learning Center in VA Beach 3/26/24. Please go to Alc.vbschools.com, go to course catalog, page 27 and sign up. It is really a fun class, I promise. More details next week.
Happy St. Patty’s and as always, peace on earth, good will to men.
Till then,
Gus
With Jackie and Joseph
Hi ALL,
How’s everyone’s New Year rolling…and rolling along it is. Groundhogs day flew by before I could sing a polka. Valentine’s Day was beautiful and I hope everyone had a Cupid to share it with. March 1st is Friday and Easter is only a few weeks away. WOW, it is flying, but awesome at the same time. The stock market is flying as well…unbelievable. That is what I do each morning to pay the bills, but more on that next week.
The pic is from a memorial reception here in VA Beach on 2/16/24. Vaughn, a good man that got caught by the cancer monster. I hope we can catch that terrible disease and finish it off for good.
Both of these are longtime friends, Jackie and Joseph. Joseph and I used to be neighbors in Myrtle Beach, early 80’s. We spent days at the beach and nights working at the clubs. It makes me tired just thinking about it know. Ya’ think I have some stories about those days…oh yeah!
See you next week. Please drop me an email, mrhappyusa@cox.net and let me know how the year is going for you or any ideas you would like me to write about.
As always, “peace on earth, good will toward men.”
Till then,
Gus
Happy 2024 to ALL!
How’s this for a New Year’s party? Now that was a wham-slama-jama of a good time. Those are my grandkids Mia and JJ and that was actually my birthday party on November 1st (in case you want to get those late presents in the mail). But anyway it was a party and close enough to 1/1/24.
I have a couple of resolutions and #1 is to keep this site updated often. My new website “Goddess” is Ella, she is the one who does the web magic. She cracks a mean whip to keep me focused so the odds are good I will update weekly (or so).
Happy Happy New Year. May the blessings of Christ reign upon you and peace on earth, good will to men, are the words we live by every day.
Till Then,
Gus
Don Mills with a fan Carol, 1993, Delaware
Hi All,
I am hosting a Mills Brothers Tribute show on WNIS News/Talk 790 AM on Friday 4/28/23 7:30 AM with host Tony Macrini.
John Mills II son of the late Don Mills will be calling in from LA at 8 AM.
The legendary Mills Brothers have a Grammy lifetime achievement award and over 2,200 recordings.
Their first #1 “Tiger Rag,” 1931, sold over 1 million.
Their career spanned 8 decades 1928-1999 including over 100 charted hits with 12 top ten in 1932 alone.
I hope you can tune in.
