Wishing for the way things were.

Lynn O. Doughty · #1 09-30-2006, 11:30 AM

This is not really a carving topic. But when it comes up I think about it a bit so here are my thoughts on the matter.

A lot of times a conversation or a topic takes off in a "Gee...I sure wish things were like they used to be!" direction. "Basswood just isn't as good as it used to be!" "They sure don't make tools like they used to!" "Too bad our kids can't experience how hard we used to have it!" On and on and on....... Quite frankly, I thank the Lord that I was born when I was and live in the world I do now. Naturally, a lot of things could be better but they're not so I have to make the most of what I have at the moment. One thing I do wish for sometimes is that my Dad was still alive to see my carvings. He really liked to set around and whittle and taught me enough to get me interested in the art. I tear up just thinking about it. But, again, he's not here any more and dwelling on it doesn't count for much.

I'm not as healthy as I used to be, I can't do a lot of the things I used to do, I seem to ache a little bit more each morning when I get up. Do I wish I could go back a few years to a time when I was young and spry? Nope! If I did that I probably wouldn't have created that neat carving I just completed. At least I think it's neat.

I know the time I have left here will probably get a lot worse before it gets better. But then I might win the lottery next week if I'm still around. You never know! So, I'm glad to be alive today and am looking forward to tomorrow. Yesterday is gone and there is still a lot of wood to be whittled!

Hi_Ho_Sliver · #2 09-30-2006, 11:47 AM

Well have to agree with most of that, except being a christian, I know the next life is going to make this one look like a shambles!

so actually things aren't going to get worse, they are going to get better! ...think of the carving in heaven ha ha

Hugh · #3 09-30-2006, 12:01 PM

Great topic, I agree with you both. I like the way I live, warm and dry. To quote a man I knew, " it dosen't matter how wet and cold you are, if you got them Stanfields Underwear, your always warm and dry". Lynn, my biggest champion, was my old Mum, lost her last spring, and I really miss showing her what I had carved. She always liked what I did.

wade clark · #4 09-30-2006, 01:44 PM

Laugh and Love
The best that you know how,
For the best of times
Is now!

Yesterday's gone,
And tomorrow may never be mine,
So for my sake
Lord help me take
One day at a time!

Oh, we ain't got a barrel of money,
Maybe we're ragged and funny,
But we travel along
Singing our song,
Side by side!

None of that is my original writing, as I'm sure you all know, but it's sure how I feel about life! The most precious thing I have is time, don't know how much, but I know I can't buy any more, so I'm going to enjoy today, moment by moment! (I didn't include my Family on the most precious thing list because they're not "things"!)
And if God is Love, I'm not going to worry about beyond the grave!
Wade

bygeorge · #5 09-30-2006, 02:20 PM

Lynn, I roll my eyes too everytime I hear the "good ole days". Reminds me of the "oh woe is me" crowd.

I share your wish regarding your dad. I wish mine was here now to enjoy his grandchildren and great grandchildren, and perhaps my attempts at carving.

Have to agree with Hi Ho though, the best days are ahead of us (for an eternity).

Chuck

Kenny_S · #6 09-30-2006, 02:57 PM

Never knew the "good ol days" crowd is the "Woe is me crowd" Sorry chuck, you must live in a different place than I do. Well of course you do. The good ol days are still here. Thank you Lord! And like Dave, They will get better, Praise God!

Remember the past, live in the present, Without God, there will be no future.
AMEN

Ah for ther good ol days, where men were men, and women were women and WAL-Mart was straight!
Lord have mercy on us!
No joking this time

Plain_Ol_Ed · #7 09-30-2006, 03:57 PM

Yeah, I remember the good old days. Carrying water from the well, going to the outhouse when it was 30 below, building a fire under the oil pan on the car so it would start in the winter, cutting cords upon cords of fire wood so we had heat come winter, etc. Yup remember them well. And that's a good thing. Makes me realize how good these days are.

bygeorge · #8 09-30-2006, 04:15 PM

Kenny, kinda like "oh woe is me, wish we were back in the good ole days".

Ed: I remember the outhouse, cutting firewood (and carry it) carrying coal buckets (and ashes). Besides, back in the good ole days, we didn't have this forum and the ability to meet all you kind folks!

Chuck

jamesfa · #9 09-30-2006, 04:18 PM

I agree with what has been already said,I too have reached the age of Health Management"
Every day i wake up on the green side of the grass is a good day

Frank

Kenny_S · #10 09-30-2006, 05:05 PM

Chuck, I misunderstood you meaning, sorry.

Old Ed, People could not believ that when I was a senior in highschool, we got out first indoor plumbing, that was 1964. Yep, we were country folk and Dad, My brother and I build mom an addition to the house for a bathroom. Yep, Nice taking showers in a heated room and not having to run 75 yards to the outhouse.
What is funny, we had a TV with a smal round screen but no indoor plumbing except the Kitchen with a pump under the sink to pump water to the facets and that wasn't hot water. Good ol washer with wringer setting outside and wasn;' real bad in the summer but sure was a cold wash day in the dead winter.

But somehow, I still believe those were the good ol days. Today, it is the fast track.