Did I Really Say that?

This is an updated post from 2014. It keeps getting better and better! 

I have to admit it. I can swear but I try to keep it a secret. I am a total fraud and Google knows it. I found that out after I wrote this article. Now I find out that Dame Judith Dench thinks my choice of words shows courage. Plus Rubber Shoes in Hell is not setting a good example for me. Wow!

I know, the word cussing is old fashioned but just work with me here. Cussing is what we called it back in the day. In fact, cussed (cuss-said) was a swear word back then. We would call mean old men those cussed old guys or a dog that bit that cussed dog.

I didn't hear many really bad words in my day. My mother said dang once in a while. But I must have heard some bad words somewhere. My mother claimed I said dammit over and over while I jumped up and down on the bed. I was in trouble for jumping and cussing. It was not a good day in my world. Then I claimed that my Auntie Ardella said it all the time. My Auntie was a saint and I am sure she never used a bad word in her entire life. I probably was guilty of lying too. I don't remember doing any of that very clearly.

Cover of Phooey!

My father always cussed in the basement when he hit his thumb with a hammer or cut a board too short twice. However, he was out of earshot at least as far as understanding the words were concerned. I did hear him call his bosses SOBs a time or two but since I could not spell it didn't matter.  That was as bad as it got. I don't think he would have been a "real man" back in those days if he had  not done that.

I was a teacher and the "f" word was never allowed. Student would be surprised when the parents were called but still, they did get a call. I can understand why they needed to spout off occasionally. But still.

I discovered that sometime things went wrong, I was frustrated. That was when I learned a few bad words...fiddlesticks, dog-gone-it, shoot, phooey and later what in the Sam Hill? 

I always felt a little guilty when I lost control but lose control I did! And my vocabulary became more colorful as time passed. I have spent a lifetime trying to overcome this very bad habit.  But, a bad word or phrase will slip out in normal everyday conversation. I am generally on the golf course. Dear me, I sound like a sailor or a person that was raised by wolves.

Now Dame Judith Dench, age 80+ says that maturity gives us the courage to say what is on our mind. Interesting I think. I'm not sure if it is courage or lack of self control. Sigh!

Rubber Shoes in Hell, one of my favorite blogs, uses phrases like,  "Oh dear god. Fucking hell."  the same way I say "Oh my. Darn". Same meaning, different generations.

As I age I want to become more of a lady not less. I really do. I think that dignity and modeling of good manners never goes out of style.  Oh My (smile) how I wish it were easy. But it is not.

I tell myself often that I do NOT suffer from a disorder that leaves me unable to control my language. I cannot decide if I should fight it or just embrace it. After all, if Judith says it is okay, who am I to disagree.

Unfortunately Google sees right through me. I was a little taken aback when I saw that they suggested f*__k as a label option.

Any thoughts

b+

Related articles

• Yes, I'm from frickin' Ohio, and I cuss up a storm
• In Praise of Cussing
• Should Catholics Cuss?
• Johnson: Time to grow up

How Do They Know or When the Gas Man Cometh

Life here at my house continues to be a little wonky! Nothing has changed...ever. That my lovelies is why I am NEVER surprised.

See the thing is we just sold our Park Model and the money was passed to us this morning. We scheduled the event day before yesterday. That was the day that we received notice that our new electric fireplace would be delivered before 8:00 pm today. Money and a new fireplace can add up to some pretty ominous stuff.

I should have felt the universe lining up all it's little balls and putting them in it's cannon. It knew something was up for sure.

I woke this morning feeling so cozy and warm in my bed and could only think how wonderful a hot cup of coffee would be and wandered into the kitchen to get a cup. As I passed the thermostat I noticed that is was only 65 in the house. A bit chilly but if my husband forgot to turn the furnace up, perfectly normal.

It is really cold in here,  I announced softly in my morning voice. No kidding he replied sarcastically. That's when I realized that the universe had taken it's best shot. Our furnace was not working. The temp was in the 30's, very cold for us here in Arizona.

Snow on the Catalina Mt. Tucson AZ

A new fireplace...hmm...the furnace stops...hmmm. Why am I not surprised.

There was a lot of thermostat wiggling and outdoor breaker panel fanegalling and then a long ladder was placed against the side of the house. Discoveries were made and the conclusion was that when the gas man came yesterday he did not turn on the gas...he turned it off! (He will be here sometime today to turn it back on we are hoping.)

Why am I not surprised? Did I tell you about the time that the stove unplugged itself in the middle of a party...?

Hope you are warm. We live in Tucson so we will not freeze but still!

b+

News Flash: Moose Eats 3 lb. Pork Roast

Moose

New Flash: Moose Eats 3 lb. Pork Roast

Moose is a very big dog...counter height, extremely strong and sweet. He can do what he wants pretty much but the fact that he want to please his humans keeps him from getting in all the trouble could.

They went rafting, I went for a drage
behind Moose.

The fact that he really is in control is something I know from personal experience. Last summer I did  "Moose Sitter" duty while my family went white water rafting. Moose and I were left in a park by the river where there were barbeques and lots of people. The restroom was far away. I wanted to use the restroom, Moose wanted to eat barbeque. It was a tough day for both of us. We were both relieved when his people came back. 

So the news that Moose had eaten his family's dinner really came as no surprise. I knew from experience that his stomach can win out over reason.

That is why he ate the roast the other night...3 lbs. of pork loin possibly in one gulp. There were no witnesses and I think he would blame his people for leaving him alone with all that deliciousness. He left the wrapper and Styrofoam tray behind so there is that. The good thing, my daughter tells me, is that the 3 lb roasts were on a two for one sale...I suppose Moose thought that meant one for him and one for his humans. 

He didn't bet his kibbles last night because he was a "bad dog". 

His tummy hurt today and apparently he is constipated. 

Oh  Moose what did you do?

b+

PS: My younger son has a very small pug names Bodie...he is a tiny little pup. He came to stay with us last summer. What a easy little puppy his is. Thankfully!

Moving Around the Corner

We moved a short distance from our park model in an RV resort. The park model had about 380n sq. ft. Our newer home has over 1000 sq. ft. Here are the pictures of the interior now. We love it.

How much do you care?

It has come to me recently that what readers want is to be entertained...they really aren't so much interested in my sleep habits or even my health. They are usually very nice but care? I wonder.

We sold our park model today...that made my husband and I very "do the happy dance" happy. We played golf with two very nice people, ate Mexican and drove home.

Beautiful Tucson Winter!

Tucson showed us that side of itself that makes us wonder why we ever  leave. The colors on the rocks over in Tucson Estates are as glorious as any we have see anywhere in the world. I shared on Swarm with a picture.

So there you have it...I feel better because my day was perfect and I just wanted to tell you. But, the question is "Do you care?" We will see.

b+

When the Jehovahs Witness Come to Call...

"No, I'm not interested in salvation... but 
can I interest you in a glass of wine?"

I know I am living in the real world. The Jehovah's Witness ladies came to call this morning...before I was even dressed. It has been so long since that has happened that I was surprised they still did that! We exchanged a very few words and we were done. It was kinda nice!

See, I have lived in upscale condos, 55+ neighborhoods and even an RV resort with a guard. The Witness people don't usually visit in those places.

Now we live in a middle class neighborhood with townhouses and people, young and old, that work hard. There are no gates or any upscale anything. It is just real people living in a real place.

I like that a lot. The real world works for me...even when the Jehovah's Witness get me out of bed. I probably sleep too much anyway.

Where do you live?

b+

"I wish people would stop treating me like I’m two steps from a dirtnap", she said."I’m only 55!"

Being older has its perks, but I wish people would stop treating me like I’m two steps from a dirtnap. I’m only 55!

This made me giggle. I remember thinking this same thing when I was 55. Now that I am older, I am not sure if anyone will notice when I am two steps from the dirt-nap. I think that sooner or later someone would wonder why I slept so much but it is not a given.

The truth of the matter is I have faced that fact that I am old. Just because I don't feel old doesn't change a thing. In fact, I see it as my job to change the definition of "old" by example.

We take our pictures from a distance now.

What does old mean to you?

• Wrinkled
• Smart
• Experienced
• Elegant
• Retired
• Grandparent
• Traveler
• Useful
• Volunteer
• Sick
• Feeble
• Adventurer
• Wise
• Ready for the "Dirt Nap"

I would mark out 3 of these things and wrinkled is NOT one of them. But then that is just me. You may have a different idea. Think about it and let me know...and please make me giggle. I need a good laugh once in a while!

b

I wrote this five years ago...still something to think about. Any thoughts?