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Monday, December 23, 2013

But keep it simple

Today is the oldest you've ever been
Yet the youngest you'll ever be
So ENJOY THIS DAY

Bah Humbug. I always get stuck with the crappy hats
I rarely let misfortune get me totally down and yet, I'm not an idiotic 
pollyanna either. I was just getting settled into the old house in town
and BAM, the water pipes froze and busted. Bad, bad, bad destruction.
Now, pipes repaired, water all sucked up and dried, new insulation in, 
and sheet rock finished. I stood on a ladder most of yesterday,
painting the ceiling and thinking how lucky I am, at age 84 to
be climbing up and down a ladder and pushing a paint roller over my
head. (Thank you parents, for the strong, uncomplicated genes)

 What's left? New water heater and the wood floors to be sanded.
I like to keep things simple.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
The little 5 year old girl came into the garage where her father
was working and asked, "What's sex?" 
Flustered and stammering a lengthy explanation, he finally said, 
"Why do you ask?"
Little girl: "Cause mommy said, tell daddy dinner's ready in a
couple sec's." 

 So let's keep it simple. (nyuk, nyuk, nyuk)
at

54 comments:

  1. RobinDecember 23, 2013 at 9:18 AM

    That is amazing that you are painting ceilings at your age. Yes, be thankful for the good genes!!!

    Merry Christmas!!!!

    ReplyDelete
  2. SouthhamsdarlingDecember 23, 2013 at 10:45 AM

    I agree with Karen, you are a brave lady indeed in all that you do. I am full of admiration. Honestly ! The joke made me smile today. Happy Christmas my friend b

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. ManzanitaDecember 23, 2013 at 3:46 PM

      thisisme
      Thank you, Diane. Joke is corny but funny. And a very Happy Christmas to you and your family.

      Delete
  3. Old KittyDecember 23, 2013 at 11:40 AM

    LOL!!! Oh Manzanita!! Sec's! LOL!!! How funny is that!??! LOL!

    Now Big Boooooooooo to frozen pipes!! Yay to your fabulous genes! Wishing you a calm and peaceful Christmas! Take care
    x

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. ManzanitaDecember 23, 2013 at 3:49 PM

      Old Kitty
      We need more laughter in life.
      And a peaceful, loving Christmas to you and the kits.

      Delete
  4. Pat HattDecember 23, 2013 at 11:48 AM

    haha how one slip of a word can change much. You still sure do a ton even when things break and are no fun.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. ManzanitaDecember 23, 2013 at 3:57 PM

      Pat
      I didn't sign up for this
      It offers not a shred of bliss

      Delete
  5. AnonymousDecember 23, 2013 at 12:32 PM

    You're 84? Wow! What an extraordinary woman!

    Hope you have a very 'safe' and happy Christmas! Take care:)

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. ManzanitaDecember 23, 2013 at 3:58 PM

      Wendy
      Thank you. And I wish you peace and a very Happy
      Christmas, too.

      Delete
  6. Arkansas PattiDecember 23, 2013 at 12:46 PM

    Yikes, I am ten years younger and painting the ceiling of my storm shelter almost killed me. You not only have great genes, but you have taken care of your body.
    So sorry you had such a mess and glad you are seeing the end in sight.
    "secs" is really cute.
    Have a wonderful,stress free, and smooth Christmas.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. ManzanitaDecember 23, 2013 at 4:55 PM

      Patti
      Do you have a storm cellar? We always had them in the midwest for tornados. The ole bod is holding up OK but not as well as my grandmother and my mother's. They could carry an anvil around when they were in their 90's.
      A very Merry Christmas to you, Patti.

      Delete
  7. MerlesworldDecember 23, 2013 at 1:24 PM

    Wow you are doing well, I've never done ceilings but I don't climb ladders if I can possibly get out of it, not age just don't like heights.
    Merle..................

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. ManzanitaDecember 23, 2013 at 5:01 PM

      Merle
      But you have the Beer Fairy to do the ladder climbing. I do not have one. I don't like heights either but I don't go that high, although I do have a tall outdoor ladder and once in a while I have to use it and it gives me the willie nillies.

      Delete
  8. JJDecember 23, 2013 at 2:37 PM

    Have a terrific holiday season!!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. ManzanitaDecember 23, 2013 at 5:08 PM

      Thank you JJ
      and you have holidays filled with love and peace
      with your family

      Delete
  9. ManzanitaDecember 23, 2013 at 3:45 PM

    Karen
    I'm trying to laugh more too. Laughter is so healing

    ReplyDelete
  10. Julia HonesDecember 23, 2013 at 4:38 PM

    I am glad to learn everything was repaired, Manzanita.
    I enjoy our interactions. I just answered your last comment on my blog.
    Thank you for being my blogger friend. Merry Christmas. May 2014 bring you joy, peace and inspiration (and no frozen pipes!).

    ReplyDelete
  11. ManzanitaDecember 23, 2013 at 5:14 PM

    Julia
    I too like the interaction. I think that is what blogging is..... not just,
    "nice post," or "beautiful." As you once said, they are the people who only want numbers.
    Thanks..... Yes, I've had enough frozen pipes to last the rest of my life.
    A very Merry Christmas to you and your family.

    ReplyDelete
  12. UnknownDecember 23, 2013 at 6:44 PM

    For a silly little hat, the dog looks adorable. Thanks for sharing. Happy holiday.

    ReplyDelete
  13. ManzanitaDecember 23, 2013 at 8:47 PM

    Lady Lilith
    Thanks. She hates hats and boots when it's way below zero and always looks like I beat her.
    Merry Christmas to you.

    ReplyDelete
  14. KayDecember 23, 2013 at 11:51 PM

    You're painting the ceiling at 84? Sigh... I'm so envious of your genes. Love the nyuks!
    Merry Christmas, Manzanita!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. ManzanitaDecember 24, 2013 at 5:24 AM

      Merry Christmas to Kay, in the land of warmth and green vegetation......You don't have to worry about frozen pipes anymore. Hahaha

      Delete
  15. RiverDecember 24, 2013 at 12:55 AM

    Love the joke!
    I like you thanking your parents too, for the good strong genes.
    Good to hear your place is all dried out now.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. ManzanitaDecember 24, 2013 at 5:25 AM

      River
      Thanks and I have the feeling that your parents also gave you the good strong genes. A couple of lucky ducks, we are.

      Delete
  16. Rosalind AdamDecember 24, 2013 at 3:27 AM

    So sorry you've had such a tough time. Keep warm. Happy Christmas and let's drink to a healthy and happy new year

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. ManzanitaDecember 24, 2013 at 5:30 AM

      Rosalind
      A very Happy Christmas to you and I'm all for the keeping warm toast. Ha In fact, I'm getting a wonderful present this morning...... the workmen are installing the new hot water heater this morning. Bless them for working on this Christmas eve day and I can lounge in a hot bath tonight and wash my hair and just turn on the tap to get hot water for the dishes and oh my, what luxury. We forget to be thankful for small things.

      Delete
  17. mail4roseyDecember 24, 2013 at 4:42 AM

    Hurrah everything's done (almost)!!! I'm glad to hear it, and I'm hear to wish you Merry Christmas...which I will do in a couple secs. Ok, Merry Christmas. :) :) :)

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. ManzanitaDecember 24, 2013 at 5:33 AM

      Rosey
      Hahaha funny Holiday Lady. Thanks and a very Merry Christmas to you and your family. I understand your joy at having your whole family together. Love and peace.

      Delete
  18. Zara H.December 24, 2013 at 6:06 AM

    Keep it simple...wonderful advice, Manzi! hehe..funny joke! Glad your domestic problems are over, and you can enjoy the holidays! Merry Christmas, dear Manzi, to you and all your family members, including, of course, this adorable Santa elf! ;)

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. ManzanitaDecember 25, 2013 at 4:58 AM

      Sweet Zara
      Thank you. Now I have the big clean-up. I enjoyed a hot soaking bath last night from all the glorious hot water from the faucet. We should all do this..... go without) once in a while so we learn to appreciate what we have. I sure do appreciate hot water now. Haha

      Delete
  19. Eat To LiveDecember 24, 2013 at 7:55 AM

    I destest painting the ceiling. I usually get a long handle and shove it in the roller... although I still have to get up on a ladder for the hand work.

    Merry Christmas to you. Going to call you as soon as I get a free minute.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. ManzanitaDecember 25, 2013 at 5:00 AM

      Dear Terry
      Hope you are well into your holiday breakfast by now. Enjoy the time with your family and I know you are "'sparkling."

      Delete
    2. Eat To LiveDecember 26, 2013 at 4:21 PM

      LOL... I told Dennis you and I are going to sparkle together. I will have to tell you the story sometime about me making him sparkle.

      Delete
  20. Holy Ghost WriterDecember 24, 2013 at 8:53 AM

    I'm lucky if i can get out of bed some days. Merry Christmas

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. ManzanitaDecember 25, 2013 at 5:01 AM

      Holy Ghost
      Staying in bed extra time in the mornings can be a treat, can't it?

      Delete
  21. klahanieDecember 24, 2013 at 4:26 PM

    Dear Manzanita,

    Just a couple of secs... Ah the little aggravations within the house. I had my pipes checked and luckily, I got the all clear. I hate getting splattered when I paint the ceiling. I do use a long handled roller when I've painted the ceiling.

    You, my youthful friend, are one heck of an inspiration. And well done your genes :)

    Wishing you a nice, easy going Christmas, dear lady.

    Gary :)

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. ManzanitaDecember 25, 2013 at 5:08 AM

      Oh Thank you Gary,
      I never thought of getting pipes checked ahead of time. But why not? Since this old house has sat through over 100 cold years, I thought it could go on forever. Dummy me, nothing goes on forever.
      Merry Christmas Gary. Easy.... I like that.

      Delete
  22. Julia HonesDecember 25, 2013 at 6:31 AM

    I agree with Gary. You are an inspiration.
    Manzanita, I kept thinking about the last verse and I just wrote something else about it to complete our conversation.
    Merry Christmas!

    ReplyDelete
  23. salmaDecember 25, 2013 at 7:48 AM

    Wishing you Seasons Greetings and much succes in 2014!

    ReplyDelete
  24. ManzanitaDecember 26, 2013 at 4:47 AM

    Salma
    Thank you for visiting. Seasons Greetings to you.

    ReplyDelete
  25. Al PenwasserDecember 27, 2013 at 10:17 AM

    "Today is the oldest you'll ever be."
    WHEW!! Thank goodness I read that wrong at first.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. ManzanitaDecember 27, 2013 at 10:46 AM

      WOW..... That would be pointing the fickle finger of witchdom.

      Delete
  26. Al PenwasserDecember 27, 2013 at 10:19 AM

    Oh, BTW, "couple secs" and "sex" is pretty redundant when you're talking about me.
    But, I'm still alive.
    That's gotta count for something.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. ManzanitaDecember 27, 2013 at 10:48 AM

      Ha haha..... That line was a day brightener. No Al, the redundancy is for teenagers.

      Delete
  27. Hilary Melton-ButcherDecember 28, 2013 at 12:29 AM

    Hi Manzanita - well you're keeping yourself busy - ah but I know you had no choice .. all I can say is I'm glad it's all getting fixed ...

    Happy easier 2014 - but the thought of 2 secs is so funny .. cheers Hilary

    ReplyDelete
  28. ManzanitaDecember 28, 2013 at 9:10 AM

    Hilary
    Thanks for the words. I love your words. :) More damage showed up a little later so I will live with the disruption longer than I thought. At least I have hot water and a kitchen stove now. What luxury, the little things.

    ReplyDelete
  29. Rob-bearDecember 28, 2013 at 9:33 AM

    Glad the mess is getting cleaned up. And at 84 you're well past the transition line between "young" and "venerable." (That happens at about 80.) So, my venerable friend, Happy New Year, and keep selling your ducks!

    Blessings and Bear hugs!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. ManzanitaDecember 29, 2013 at 3:37 AM

      Rob
      Not many ducks sold but I'm OK as long as I have my ducks in a row. Ha
      I knew I passed the demarcation line somewhere, but I didn't know exactly where that was. Thanks and now I'm more aware of my category. Haha

      Delete
  30. John MDecember 29, 2013 at 12:58 PM

    I wish you a happy and healthy 2014!
    ~John M

    ReplyDelete
  31. ManzanitaDecember 31, 2013 at 8:39 PM

    John
    Thank you for the New Year's wish. I send good wishes to you and all that you do in this wonderful New Year.

    ReplyDelete
  32. 'Yellow Rose' JasmineJanuary 8, 2014 at 1:13 AM

    I absolutely plan on being just like you- nobody seems to believe me, but I will be on a ladder or dancing or whatever as long as I possibly can. Everybody in my family is long lived too, but then they're crazy as hell, so what does this mean for me?! Oh well, you inspire me!

    ReplyDelete
  33. Su-sieee! MacJanuary 10, 2014 at 12:58 PM

    Cheers to the solid genes that we've inherited, Manzi! I've begun my adventure on ladders this season. :-) Were you a tree climber as a kid? I'm thinking there's an affinity for climbing ladders from climbing trees. I was climbing up trees way into my early 30s. The Mama gets happy when she talks about climbing coconut trees when she was a kid. Happy New Year!

    ReplyDelete