View Full Version : article - children of boomers don't want their stuff
http://thedailyworld.com/sections/newswire/nation-world/children-boomers-don%E2%80%99t-share-reverence-%E2%80%9Cstuff%E2%80%9D.html
I have to wonder if youth's disinterest has to do with the fact that they have always had so many choices and see everything as easily replaceable.
I thought about doing a spreadsheet for dd of all the curiosities I have collected or had handed down but doubt that she would have much interest.
Maybe I should sell them off now while they have some value? Or maybe these things will come back in style?
Sigh...
Personally I don't want my mother's stuff and dh and I dred going through his parents house. They held onto so much stuff. To them there are memories and these things have value because of that. But they are their memories. Not ours. Even when "stories" are passed down, the connection just isn't there. In the end it's still just "stuff" that I don't have interest in or a place for in my home.
My grandmother (raised her children during the depression), had little of value and just what they needed to live life day to day. My mother and her siblings..... oh my!. They have so much stuff that has no real purpose. Much of the items are decorative in nature or are being held onto because they belonged to some distant relative and where told the item was of importance, the real value of which was lost through the ages.
One of the reasons I live a simple life is so that I will never place a burden of possessions upon my son. He'll have some stuff to get rid of, but it will be simple and if he wants to hold onto something he can, if he wants to sell it all he can. I'm not attatched to any of it.
AmeliaJane
1-18-13, 3:42pm
I think there are probably a number of things going on. Generational attitudes about belongings are changing--for instance, younger people are showing much less interest in owning cars or buying homes in the suburbs than previous generations. Lives are extremely flexible, with many moves, later marriages, perhaps no marriages. Then there is the growing idea that your home and belongings should be curated to reflect your personal philosophy and style, and I think all the TV shows/websites/magazines have exposed many people to an interest in decorating and design that maybe wasn't as widespread years ago. I don't have a reference for this, but people seem to be less tolerant of making space in their homes for things that are not to their specific taste.
Then there is also something a friend who collects vintage pointed out years ago...no one likes their parents' stuff. It's things from a grandparent's generation that are fashionable. Which is true...I cherish my grandma's things from the 1940s, but in terms of style my parents' furnishings don't do much for me. Hopefully, it will be many years before I have to make any decisions about them, though!
I come from a family of collectors. I would not take a single thing from them, if offered. The only thing I asked for were old pictures, as I am building our family tree and you can't replace these items.
When my parents downsized- and take that lightheartedly because it just means they only took half the stuff from their 4 bedroom, 3 car garage, 2000 square foot, filled to the gills home- they brought in an auctioner. They were thinking all the antiques would pad their bank account quite a bit. My mom about fainted when she was getting less than what she paid for the items. 35 years of collections and she couldn't give it away. It was rather sad.
I have seen the ugly side of greed, lying and hoarding when my grandparents passed away. Relatives broke into the house in the middle of the night to steal certain items then acted innocent. At that point, I realized I would never do that, ever.
I told my parents to enjoy their stuff for now but secretly, when that day comes, we will either yard sale it all or just hire someone to haul it away. The problem will be wrestling it out of the arms of my hoarder sister and her scheming husband ***SIGH***
I wanted to add that I tell my son about our family history, show pictures, talk about the good times but I have absolutely no heirlooms, items or otherwise from my family and I am ok with that. I still hold the memories in my heart.
I told my parents to enjoy their stuff for now but secretly, when that day comes, we will either yard sale it all or just hire someone to haul it away. The problem will be wrestling it out of the arms of my hoarder sister and her scheming husband ***SIGH***
MamaM, I'm missing something here. If there's no physical item you want from your parents, but "hoarder sister" does, why not just let her deal with it?
I asked our facilities person at work to find a new home for some early 70s mustard yellow shiny Naugahyde (remember that word?) side chairs outside my office that make me cringe every time I look at them. She, being in her mid 20s, exclaimed that they were so cool. It was an odd moment since I could plainly see the generational divide based on our preferences.
While I enjoy having the things I'd like to navigate through daily life, they're just tools - they serve a purpose. I avoid gaining attachment to things for anything other than their use. I think (hope?) that serves as a good footing for a frugal life and life-after-retirement since accumulation would not be part of the plan.
SteveinMN- because they will let the home sit and rot and I am about getting it done and over with, when the time comes. I don't want to have to deal with it at all. Unfortunatly, everything is split 3 ways. My brother and sister would have to pay me a certain amount (written in parents will) and they are so greedy...it's a big mess coming down the pipe. I asked to be taken off that list and my parents won't do it. Believe me, I have tried, begged and pleaded. I honestly have never heard on anyone trying to get out of a will. :help:
When my parents passed away, I was given two oil paintings that I had loved as a child and as I grew up. My mother marked them as mine. I stepped back from everything else. They were just things. Since no one wanted my dad's books on opera, I chose those and some other books that held no interest for others.
I am giving stuff away now if either family member wishes them. Less stuff means less to be concerned with now and later.
Got it, MamaM. I'm sorry it looms to be such a concern. I hear you on that. There will be enough to deal with as parents pass without having to deal with it on an unnecessarily-ongoing basis.
Ugh, MIL's basement and garage are full of mostly worthless stuff. We've tried convincing her to go through things and declutter, as she may need to move to a senior-friendly place at some point, but we realized over the holidays that this is simply not going to happen, and that we will have to deal with it when she is gone. DH is an only child so it will indeed be us, even though we live 600+ miles away. There are a few articles of furniture that I would like, but that's about it.
Thankfully, my parents have moved numerous times and downsized each time. They have had to deal with the belongings of their own parents and grandparents in the past, and are not leaving so much stuff for us to deal with.
I have to agree with the poster who said the thing about alternating generations. That's been the case in my family, anyway.
I always think of something my little girl said to me once: "Mommy, when you die can I have your makeup?" LOL! I love to ask her (she's 30-ish now) if she's still interested in it.
Believe me, I have tried, begged and pleaded. I honestly have never heard on anyone trying to get out of a will. :help:
I'm sure there's a way. Just because someone wants to give you something doesn't mean you are legally required to accept.
ApatheticNoMore
1-18-13, 9:27pm
There's a need for stuff when first going out in the world, maybe the ocassional need for stuff for other lifechanges, but if you've already been there, done that, you dont' need more stuff. Of course if your stuff is Ikea and you are passed down antiques, if you like them of course there's an incentive to keep the antiques and donate the Ikea. Or you could also pass on stuff for your kids when they move out (when there's a REAL need for stuff IOW). But you only need so much stuff! Something like a nice piece of jewelry I could make an exception for, who doesn't need more jewelry afterall? :) But what jewelry one likes is a matter of taste.
It's true. I don't have much interest in my parent's things. I don't mind if my sister gets the lot of it, really. My sister and mother have similar tastes. And, my parents don't have much from my grandmother's generation, so there's no concern on my part there. :)
My sister is also interested in the geneology. I don't really care so much. I have a few memories of a few family members, and a few memory's of family members whom I never met (family stories), but I'm not sure that those are very important to me either. :) I don't know what that is about (for me). But, my sister does share stuff with me that's pretty cool. :)
When my ILs were here, they had an interesting experience. Our house is so minimalist, that they were really impressed with how spacious 485 sq ft can be. It isn't a big surprise to us. :D But, MIL noted that DH would not be interested in the "family stuff" that she's collected over the years as each family member has passed, and so she talked about "just getting rid of most of it, and saving what I like best."
I told her that it sounded like a good idea, because then she can enjoy what she has and not feel burdened by the stuff in storage. She mentions feeling burdened by this stuff on occasion.
It was an interesting conversation.
iris lily
1-18-13, 10:24pm
I'm sure there's a way. Just because someone wants to give you something doesn't mean you are legally required to accept.
I was thinking the same thing. When the time comes, MamaM can get legal advice to get her to walk away from the dysfunctional situation. Now, that is--unless there is OTHER money, money outside of the house and the stuff, that might be worth hanging around for.
When I told my brother that it was fine with me if he spent time selling stuff from my mother's house, we had lots of time to do that. He is a responsible person so if the time came that we had to clean out her house in order to sell it, he would have cooperated with that short timeline.
I completely understand the MamaM's problem, so many people will not let go of their stuff for what it is really worth. I still drive by a house that was part of an estate. I wanted one of the houses in the estate. The other one across the street was ugly. Both were full of junk and it was owned by a family 3 states away who kept telling me, when I called, that they had to clean it out. They did finally come to town and held an estate sale and the crap they had was horrible, just HORRIBLE! They sold none of it. 8 years later, that house is still empty and falling down.
iris lily
1-18-13, 10:50pm
OP--hang on to SOME of the little stuff (that doesn't get in your way) because your daughter's tastes will change.
I remember that my mom had some jewelry that I thought was hideous & gaudy. After asking me if I wanted a set of earrings (I turned up my nose) she gave them to my cousin.Now I wish I had those earrings. They were costume, but I like gaudy things now! haha. I haven't been able to find similar things on Ebay.
Same with a platinum and diamond family ring, I would have hated it in my 20's and 30's but my mom gave it to me when I was in my 40's and by then, I loved it!
A lot of the boomers' kids are into mid-century style furnishings.
I read that article, so thank god I got rid of the extra silver sets a couple of years ago. Now I've just got what I use. haha.
I think that already heavy old Victorian furniture is passe, but since I love it, I don't care. I certainly don't buy my pieces for appreciation or investment. I also suspect that the boomer grandchildren will love pre-1900 antiques because they will see how long that Ikea junk lasts.
DH and I are "pushing 70" and are in the gradual process of getting rid of stuff that we've had packed away so long we don't know what's in those boxes anymore.
I know we do have two sets of china and silver from his father's and mother's family, both "good stuff" we think, but neither of our sons wants them. Lots of decorative display china; sigh. Scrapbooks and scrapbooks of photos and tokens from vacations, etc. Lots of little things. What to do; what to do?
Plus, what do we do with "my" things??? I love pinecones! Cones in general. I have lots and lots of digger pine, ponderosa pine, jeffrey pine, bristlecone pine, lodgepole pine, sugar pine, redwood, giant sequoia, dawn redwood, etc. And rocks! Beautiful beautiful rocks! And shells! And Smokey Bear stuff! Used to work for the Forest Service, and I love Smokey Bear stuff!
Well, our kids are going to have to deal with all that! :D :D :D Just like we're having to deal with all the other stuff ...
kestrel's kids after the funeral: "i never knew that mom loved pine cones THIS much!" ;) It will become an endearing story. . . 10 years later "And then, you know, I opened this box, and it was ALL PINE CONES! and I thought, wow, mom had a lot of pine cones. So then I open another box, and it was PINE CONES. and then, you know, I began to realize that the WHOLE ATTIC was full of PINE CONES! They were living in a tender box. It's a wonder the whole thing didn't just go up one day. . ."
kestrel's kids after the funeral: "i never knew that mom loved pine cones THIS much!" ;) It will become an endearing story. . . 10 years later "And then, you know, I opened this box, and it was ALL PINE CONES! and I thought, wow, mom had a lot of pine cones. So then I open another box, and it was PINE CONES. and then, you know, I began to realize that the WHOLE ATTIC was full of PINE CONES! They were living in a tender box. It's a wonder the whole thing didn't just go up one day. . ."
hahaha but there are worse things than pine cones Kestrel. They can be composted, so I do think pine cones are not a bad thing to collect. You can discover them, bring them home and enjoy them, and then release them back to nature. I like them a lot myself.
I wonder if there are not some public or private schools in your area that would love the cones and rocks and smokey bear stuff. I can see the wonderful decoration and lessons that they would provide. We have some small private shools and charters that are doing wonderful stuff with their kids and these would seems to provide the basis for great lessons. Or maybe you could provide some enrichment activities on your own to take around to the schools and leave a little at each lesson.
I am always amazed at the enthusiasm of the young to such learning.
note: do any of your fire departments have a person/group who teaches fire safety at schools and would use the smokey bear stuff to beef up their presentation?
Wildflower
1-19-13, 6:13am
I plan on not leaving too much for my kids to sort through. I know of a few valuable and sentimental things of mine that they would like to have because they have told me. They're in their mid to late 30's so not speaking of young kids that might change their mind....
My Mother was a minimalist, and so after her funeral sorting out her little house did not take long. She was an artisit and all of us in the family each took a few of our favorite paintings. She left us all specific pieces of jewelery as stated in her will. We were all pleased with her selections, as it was always the one that had been admired by that person.... She didn't have alot of furniture, my DDs took some, and I took her Grandfather clock which I had always loved... The rest that was useful was donated to charity. I think she would have been pleased...
Not to run off the subject, but there is money and quite I bit. Honestly, I don't even care about that. I have a feeling it will be contested and fought over. I am so not looking forward to this. :(
flowerseverywhere
1-19-13, 1:07pm
MamaM I am sorry for your dilemna.
As far as decluttering, when we recently downsized we sold, donated, trashed and gave away so much stuff it literally made me ill when I thought of all the money I wasted on things we did not need or hardly used. Now we have a dozen boxes of stuff that we did not want to get rid of. My goal in six months is to start going through them and get rid of that stuff. I don't want my kids to have to deal with it. I also am doing everything I can to get rid of my fabric stash. Making clothes for kids and dolls, donation quilts etc.
On the other hand, MIL's house is full of stuff she calls "family heirlooms" and when we get to that point I truly fear it will be awful. I helped her clean a portion of her attic one day because she could no longer walk through it. I probably flattened 300 empty boxes I found all around the attic which helped the problem immensely. But she still would not let me throw them away and instead she has several large stacks of boxes in case she needs one. That depression mentality will never go away, but I don't have to inflict it on my own children.
This thread reminds me of an aunt who passed away years ago. During her final few years she really got into "crafts" projects. (Think peacock with its tail made out of painted plastic forks...). She had 8 kids and numerous grandkids. She busily made a birthday and christmas guft for each of them and had them stored in boxes all neatly labeled by year and name. When she died she had about 5 years' gifts made for everyone. Since nephews were not in her gift list i have no idea whether everyone kept getting gifts from my aunt for years after she died or one big gift dump right after the funeral.
ToomuchStuff
1-19-13, 3:01pm
I read the story and it bounced around a bit. First talking about kids of boomers (which the boomer age, itself, seems to be a moving target), and then they interview someone who discusses the boomers themselves.
I think there are probably a number of things going on. Generational attitudes about belongings are changing--for instance, younger people are showing much less interest in owning cars or buying homes in the suburbs than previous generations. Lives are extremely flexible, with many moves, later marriages, perhaps no marriages. Then there is the growing idea that your home and belongings should be curated to reflect your personal philosophy and style, and I think all the TV shows/websites/magazines have exposed many people to an interest in decorating and design that maybe wasn't as widespread years ago. I don't have a reference for this, but people seem to be less tolerant of making space in their homes for things that are not to their specific taste.
Then there is also something a friend who collects vintage pointed out years ago...no one likes their parents' stuff. It's things from a grandparent's generation that are fashionable. Which is true...I cherish my grandma's things from the 1940s, but in terms of style my parents' furnishings don't do much for me. Hopefully, it will be many years before I have to make any decisions about them, though!
I asked our facilities person at work to find a new home for some early 70s mustard yellow shiny Naugahyde (remember that word?) side chairs outside my office that make me cringe every time I look at them. She, being in her mid 20s, exclaimed that they were so cool. It was an odd moment since I could plainly see the generational divide based on our preferences.
While I enjoy having the things I'd like to navigate through daily life, they're just tools - they serve a purpose. I avoid gaining attachment to things for anything other than their use. I think (hope?) that serves as a good footing for a frugal life and life-after-retirement since accumulation would not be part of the plan.
Agree with the above, as it isn't just one thing. From growing up and separating yourself from your family and its tastes (learning about yourself), to getting started on your own (and even so many of my own generation, use debt to be where it took their parents, years to get to), to not liking stuff you grew up around (saw a girl walking down the street, in some 70's lavender pants, that were a throwback to the 50's then), there are a lot of reasons. I had a neighbor that lived three centuries; born in the late 1800's, married in the early twenty's, then lived until 2001. I heard stories of how life changed from her time, through her kids time, and grandkids time. Different worlds, and yet the most important things people seem to need to pass on, are time spent with and values.
Well... as much as I know what I am about to say won't go over well with a few here, I'm going to say it anyway.
Society, is spoiled nowadays, plain and simple.
When I see kids (teens) driving around in brand spanking new vehicles, nice vehicles, yet they don't work to support the payments/credit, that tells me everything I need to know about society, and what it's made of today.
Nothing means nothing anymore...
More and more each day I realize that I don't fit into modern day society and it's ways, nor am I interested in fitting in.
I am in the age just past the boomers, not the inheriting age and not the age ready to pass away. My boomer parents are not going anywhere soon either (which is a good thing). However (sorry Mrs M) I would not take their things because it is too much. My parents are wonderful but materialistic, their house for the 2 of them is easily 3 times the size of the house I rent for me and my 3 children. They shop on a regular basis and are generous with family but honestly it is a LOT of stuff. Since I have less money and less nice stuff I have had lots of hand me downs and it has taken years to get my away from the extreme pressure to have something 'nice' (their hand me down) instead of furniture I choose. In any case we are artistic and funky and love our little house, but honestly I find the boomers in my family much more materialistic than my cousins and I who are Gen X and the younger ones. All but one in my generation has less money and much smaller houses than our parents and we are all just fine with it. We simply are more focused on other areas of our lives than acquiring things, but we all support ourselves and are fine.
I get upset at people who are materialistic and spoiled, I work with people of all ages who do not have enough food or access to healthcare or adequete housing. However that is not unique to a generation and I do not see it being related to taking grandmothers furniture.
Well... as much as I know what I am about to say won't go over well with a few here, I'm going to say it anyway.
Society, is spoiled nowadays, plain and simple. When I see kids (teens) driving around in brand spanking new vehicles, nice vehicles, yet they don't work to support the payments/credit, that tells me everything I need to know about society, and what it's made of today. Nothing means nothing anymore...
I cannot agree that "this" means "that". You're focusing on the things people have not what people do (which makes sense in the context of this thread, but perhaps not in the context the broad generalization you highlighted), and you're focusing on the bad not the good.
There were always miscreants, even back when we were growing up. They were not glorified then, as they are now, but they were there. Meanwhile, the youth in our church recently got back from a weekend-long mission to help the homeless in a nearby inner-city. And no, their parents didn't "make" them. (That's not how we do things here.) It was an expression of their own intention to help others.
So there is honor, and compassion, and generosity out there, if you look past the commercial and political nonsense indicating the contrary. I think we're actually on the way back to a more caring and consequential society, after a (moderately-pronounced) peak of self-centeredness a quarter century ago.
More and more each day I realize that I don't fit into modern day society and it's ways, nor am I interested in fitting in.This is also a durable reality. My aunts and uncles said roughly the same thing twenty years ago, and my grandparents said the same thing twenty years before that. I worry about holding such perspectives.
Since change is inevitable and, for lack of a better word, normal, if I cannot resist the temptation to resist change then I am planting myself on the same path my grandparents traversed, the same path my aunts and uncles traversed, and those perspectives of antipathy for how the world changes over time did not serve any of them well.
The happiest 80 year olds I know are the ones who have Facebook pages, can rattle off more of today's popular music stars than I can, and who generally appreciate rather than abhor the changes in society. While my aunts and uncles followed the same path as their parents, with the same sub-optimal results, I see two of my mother's cousins as beacons of, again for lack of a better word, "hope", with regard to getting older. They are hallmarks of embracing the present, seeing the good in today, and they seem to have reaped significant rewards from that.
One of my biggest challenges in getting older, I feel, is not allowing myself to become beholden to rose-colored perceptions of that which is familiar to me, and not falling into the trap of converting my encountering of yet-another-something-new turn into fear that limits my appreciation of it. I believe that'll work for me; other folks may find the path my grandparents, aunts and uncles traversed to be the better path for them. I'm sure affords them its own benefits.
Blackdog Lin
1-20-13, 8:36am
Nice post bUU. I liked and agree with a lot of what you said.....
Nice post bUU. I liked and agree with a lot of what you said.....
I did as well. Excellent post.
I absolutely agree. I frequently twit my technophobic partner, reminding him "21st century!" I'm thrilled to be living now (or living, period, all things considered.)
The happiest 80 year olds I know are the ones who have Facebook pages, can rattle off more of today's popular music stars than I can, and who generally appreciate rather than abhor the changes in society. While my aunts and uncles followed the same path as their parents, with the same sub-optimal results, I see two of my mother's cousins as beacons of, again for lack of a better word, "hope", with regard to getting older. They are hallmarks of embracing the present, seeing the good in today, and they seem to have reaped significant rewards from that.
Yup, +1.
To address the OP, DW's parents are gone and we managed to escape with not much beyond a large bin of pictures, letters and other mementos. My Dad passed away a couple years ago and Mom did a great job of clearing out his shop, selling all the tools and anything else she would have never used. That was a blessing. Dad's brother, for some unknown reason, decided to beg everyone in the family for all the strange items that had been passed along through their parents. Mom asked us if we wanted any of it and the response from all siblings was "give it to him!!!". He and his wife are now well up in their 80's and I hear tell my cousins are not thrilled with the house stuffed full of gaudy, Victorian era furniture. The only thing I tagged as something I'd like to have was a clock that Dad taught me how to wind just so every Saturday night.
Gregg, I can see why you might cherish that clock. Nice memory.
...are not thrilled with the house stuffed full of gaudy, Victorian era furniture.
OUCH!
iris, lover of gaudy, victorian era furniture (but only if it is url walnut or cherry or some dark, non-oak wood)
I absolutely agree. I frequently twit my technophobic partner, reminding him "21st century!" I'm thrilled to be living now (or living, period, all things considered.)Oh but some of us technophobic Luddites plan to do more and greater things as we age then spend our time on Facebook and learning to speak techno-geek to keep up with the young-uns. We are just too darn busy kayaking and snowboarding and running marathons and climbing mountains to be bothered with all that new fangled stuff :-)! My Rose-Colored-Glasses regarding ye goode olde tymes are smudged and grimy with dirt and sweat!
Oh but some of us technophobic Luddites plan to do more and greater things as we age then spend our time on Facebook and learning to speak techno-geek to keep up with the young-uns. We are just too darn busy kayaking and snowboarding and running marathons and climbing mountains to be bothered with all that new fangled stuff :-)!
Dunno ... I guess I think keeping up with family and friends across the country is a "greater" thing :-) And no one ever told me using a computer and doing other activities were exclusive of each other. It all depends on what you want to do with technology and one's ability to establish boundaries.
I do believe, however, that people who choose not to learn at least a little about computers are going to find themselves missing out on more and more as time goes by. My mom is almost 80. She is still befuddled by the terminal at the store checkout at which you slide your credit card and sign with the "special pen". And by ATMs. Despite several training sessions, she still wants to check her Yahoo email using the same step-by-step approach she uses to make a roast.
Sure, she can live out the rest of her life without learning this. But right now she's missing out on participating in a genealogy project one of her nieces is doing. She could order refill prescriptions and special pet food on-line and save a bundle of money and not worry about having someone pick up the order or deliver her to the sale point. And with so many people talking about Facebook and twitter and such, she is not part of that conversation. It's not like she has to get on Facebook and spend hours a day "sharing" pictures of cute cats. There are lots of good uses for technology. But she's missing out. I think people who aren't 80 now are going to miss out on even more.
Oh but some of us technophobic Luddites plan to do more and greater things as we age then spend our time on Facebook and learning to speak techno-geek to keep up with the young-uns. We are just too darn busy kayaking and snowboarding and running marathons and climbing mountains to be bothered with all that new fangled stuff :-)! My Rose-Colored-Glasses regarding ye goode olde tymes are smudged and grimy with dirt and sweat!
To quote one of my old co-workers: "I am neither an athlete nor an athletic supporter." If there were no technology, I'd just be doing what I did before it came along--reading, fiddling with art, taking the occasional walk..."More and greater" is like "simple"--completely subjective.
"Keeping up" is part of aging well--just knowing what's going on around you helps maintain your edge. Picking a comfortable era and burying yourself in it may be seductive, but after a few decades you're Rip van Winkle.
My partner would be in his element on Facebook, up to his eyeballs in friends and cute cat videos, if only he weren't so techno-averse. But it's his call.
flowerseverywhere
1-22-13, 12:21am
sometimes there is no "right" way of thinking of doing things. And thank goodness for that because life would be boring for sure.
I like to feel a book in my hands, to turn the pages etc. But I also know that the days of books on paper are numbered and going the way of newspapers and magazines. So I have an Ipad with a nook and Kindle app that I download library books on. I have a nice new efficient clothes dryer but love the smell of line dried sheets. I can go days without checking my e-mail, going on a computer or using a cell phone but then can spend several hours checking out pictures of quilts and pottery people have made and posted.
One foot in the old and one in the new.
OUCH!
iris, lover of gaudy, victorian era furniture (but only if it is url walnut or cherry or some dark, non-oak wood)
Lol. Think giant brass costume jewelry with lots of onyx as the stones. Nary a burl in sight.
The happiest 80 year olds I know are the ones who have Facebook pages, can rattle off more of today's popular music stars than I can, and who generally appreciate rather than abhor the changes in society. While my aunts and uncles followed the same path as their parents, with the same sub-optimal results, I see two of my mother's cousins as beacons of, again for lack of a better word, "hope", with regard to getting older. They are hallmarks of embracing the present, seeing the good in today, and they seem to have reaped significant rewards from that.
I'm not sure that I see embracing change to the new trends or fads as a pre-requisite for happiness. The computer age had offered a quantum leap of available information, communication, and life's conveniences. It has also given us a way to fritter away time on some social media and information overload that is about as passive as watching re-runs of Gilligan's Island. My father bicycled, went fishing, and traveled extensively well into his 70's. My mother was an avid reader of good literature. Both volunteered, attended concerts, and were socially active. We pretty much write our own ticket and there is a ton of alternatives without keeping up with the latest in music or technology.
The computer age had offered a quantum leap of available information, communication, and life's conveniences. It has also given us a way to fritter away time on some social media and information overload that is about as passive as watching re-runs of Gilligan's Island.So, in other words, one specific aspect of the computer age that you chose to focus on to the exclusion of the others parallels almost exactly one specific aspect of the previous age that you identified. Your words very much struck a chord with me, since I remember my grandfather, "frittering away" his retirement in the 1970s, watching reruns, though it was of The Lone Ranger and other very early television programs and movies.
By comparison, his daughter, my mother, made great use of electronic communications before she passed away, keeping in touch with her grandchildren on their My Space pages (this was a while ago), enjoying the benefits of next-day emails from their parents including electronic photographs and eventually short videos of special events, like scouting awards and recitals.
My father bicycled, went fishing, and traveled extensively well into his 70's.Some things aren't affected by the computer age. People still bicycle. People still go fishing. People still travel extensively. Those things haven't changed. Other things have.
My mother was an avid reader of good literature.If her eyes were anything like mine are, she'd have greatly appreciated the ability to scale the font-size of any book she purchased for her Kindle, and if her wrists became weak, she'd have greatly appreciated reading War and Peace on a Kindle instead of holding the paper copy in her hand for that amount of time.
http://thedailyworld.com/sections/newswire/nation-world/children-boomers-don%E2%80%99t-share-reverence-%E2%80%9Cstuff%E2%80%9D.html
I have to wonder if youth's disinterest has to do with the fact that they have always had so many choices and see everything as easily replaceable.
Probably half of my furniture is inherited from some relative or another. Not much of the dark stained ornate stuff, but quality pieces of well crafted solid hardwood. Some of the old dark finish has been stripped and refinished to bring out the natural wood. You just can't get that durability without spending a ton and much of the modern Crate and Barrel type furniture is cheap laminated or rain forest wood that's not made to last. In my simple living view of things, reusing quality furniture seems to be a good fit. Plus, I like sitting at the same desk my ancestors of two generations have sat at. I have tools that have been in the family that work just as well as new tools and are probably made better.
On the other hand, my brother still has a large family china collection sitting in boxes in his basement. He actually can't find anyone among his friends to give it to and doesn't like the thought of letting it go for a song to a stranger. So there it sits as clutter.
Interesting article, but a little one sided. There are a lot of the older things that are functional and of a craftsmanship and quality that would be difficult to replace even if they are not the latest in style. There are other things that have exceeded their useful life and maybe just clutter to the next generation.
... It has also given us a way to fritter away time on some social media and information overload that is about as passive as watching re-runs of Gilligan's Island. ...
One person's "frittering" is another's good time. I've taken plenty of flak for having my "nose in a book" all the time. I guess taking in information is passive, but I've always called it "learning."
Having at least one foot in modern times may not make you happy, but it's better than peaking in 1970 and dying on the vine, IMO. You don't have to be a programmer to learn and enjoy new things. It might not be pop music, it might be editing and organizing digital photos, or digging into genealogy on line, or even just using email.
And, of course, none of that is stopping you from churning your own butter or rafting the Mississippi if you so choose.
I'm not sure that I see embracing change to the new trends or fads as a pre-requisite for happiness.
My take on what bUU was saying is that it's important to stay relevant and not buck the tide and write off today's culture completely. It's not just about following trends for the sake of it--it's more about not retreating from the world.
My take on what bUU was saying is that it's important to stay relevant and not buck the tide and write off today's culture completely. It's not just about following trends for the sake of it--it's more about not retreating from the world.
Thanks, and I certainly agree. The point I was hoping to make is that social media and the latest music groups are not the only horizons available to expand one's interests in the world as we get older. I think even in old age there is the temptation to establish a comfort zone in mediocre technology and isolate one's self, just as there is a temptation not to be curious about the world around us and learn new and different things from the existing traditions.
Maybe when I get old, I'll see it differently.
Right there with ya Rogar. Don't know about anyone else, but the reason I try to stay current with technology*, music, media, etc. is to be connected to the younger generation(s). Without that connection I start to feel stagnant very quickly. I still like some of the music from the 70's and have fun playing golf with guys my age, but would lock myself in a closet if that's all there was. Not really sure how to explain it other than to say that some people get great joy out of a connection with the past and I'm happy for them. For me, I need to feel connected to the future to really feel alive.
* Current with technology does not mean I have to develop Anonymous level hacking skills or beat Halo 9.9 on the first attempt or run my entire life from an iPad. It is just a matter of gaining a basic understanding of what is available and how it is used and then deciding what will actually be beneficial. As I recall a little thing called the internet fell into that category 20-some years ago and its turned out to be pretty handy so I like to keep an eye out for the next cool thing.
My take on what bUU was saying is that it's important to stay relevant and not buck the tide and write off today's culture completely. It's not just about following trends for the sake of it--it's more about not retreating from the world.Precisely. Even labeling some of the things we're talking about (such as electronic communications) as "trends" is off-the-mark, erroneously marginalizing their significance. Is the telephone a "trend"?
In my simple living view of things, reusing quality furniture seems to be a good fit. Plus, I like sitting at the same desk my ancestors of two generations have sat at. I have tools that have been in the family that work just as well as new tools and are probably made better.
On the other hand, my brother still has a large family china collection sitting in boxes in his basement. He actually can't find anyone among his friends to give it to and doesn't like the thought of letting it go for a song to a stranger. So there it sits as clutter.
Rogar, I agree with you on quality furniture. Most of the furniture in our house is between 30 and 50 years old and seems likely to last for another 30 to 50 years. Much of it is Danish Modern, which was selected out of personal preference, but, strangely, has come back in style due to the simplicity of the lines in modern homes and the influence of TV shows like "Mad Men". No matter; we'll still have it once dark ornately-carved wood comes back into fashion and "Mad Men" is the answer to a trivia question.
Certainly similar-quality furniture is available today, but it's not cheap -- just as I would venture good furniture was not cheap back in our grandparents' and great-grandparents' days.
What's interesting, though, is that the china which so many people perceived to be an heirloom, when they either inherited it from their ancestors or bought it, has turned out to be the figurative white elephant in the room. This is something which typically was kept for special occasions and shown off in furniture built for the purpose -- but no one wants it. Yet the old wood dining table that saw generations of kids eat/draw/color/put together puzzles/spill milk/jump/hammer on it is the desirable piece. Interesting world.
Precisely. Even labeling some of the things we're talking about (such as electronic communications) as "trends" is off-the-mark, erroneously marginalizing their significance. Is the telephone a "trend"?
Viewing the world through the lens of the past will have that effect. I mentioned this in a different thread, but there is a TV program called "101 Gadgets That Changed the World" with a list compiled by the editors of Popular Mechanics. *Spoiler Alert* It came as quite a surprise to me that smartphones were the #1 pick (I guessed PC's which came in at #5). It came as no surprise whatsoever to my kids who fully appreciate the profound impact that device is having on the global front. Without current information I might just consider smartphones as a way for the younger set to play around on facebook and might remain completely ignorant of the fact that 90% of the people in the world will see the internet for the first time on a phone. It's a new world for the brave out there.
Gregg, where did the Internet and/or the World Wide Web figure in that list?
Here's a link to the list:
http://www.popularmechanics.com/technology/gadgets/reviews/101-gadgets-that-changed-the-world#slide-1
This was a list of gadgets Steve, not inventions overall. I think their criteria included being able to hold it in your hands. Obviously something like that is really subjective, but the editors did put a lot of thought into it. It also made me think a lot about it which is the whole idea. Here's a look at the whole list. Jane's link is the official one which gives you some explanation of why each item was selected.
101. Duct Tape (ETA: This in my mind is absurd. I would put it at a solid #2! These guys are obviously not farmers.)
100. Fiberglass Fishing Rod
99. Stapler
98. Roomba
97. Aerosol Spray Can
96. Quick-Release Ski Binding
95. Super Soaker
94. Blender
93. Bra
92. Picnic Cooler
91. Digital Video Recorded
90. Zippo
89. Teflon Pan
88. Flash Drive
87. Ginsu Knife
86. Hearing Aid
85. Sunglasses
84. Drip Coffeemaker
83. Toaster
82. Flashlight
81. Leaf Blower
80. Spincast Fishing Reel
79. Swiss Army Knife
78. Can Opener
77. DVD Player
76. Chainsaw
75. Electric Blanket
74. Safety Razor
73. Printer
72. Stopwatch
71. Kodak Carousel
70. Boombox
69. Electric Toothbrush
68. Coleman Lantern
67. Binoculars
66. Tape Measure
65. Zipper
64. Derringer
63. Lunchbox
62. Charcoal Grill
61. Smoke Detector
60. Moog Synthesizer
59. CD-ROM
58. Outboard Motor
57. Hair Dryer
56. Tape Recorder
55. CB Radio
54. Ballpoint Pen
53. Car Jack
52. Kindle E-Reader
51. Push Lawnmower
50. Cassette Tape
49. Circular Saw
48. Game Boy
47. Leatherman
46. Fire Extinguisher
45. Sony Walkman
44. Floppy Disk
43. Polaroid Camera
42. MP3 Player
41. Pocket Calculator
40. Wi-Fi Router
39. Electric Drill
38. Digital HDTV
37. Wristwatch
36. 8mm Camera
35. Mircophone
34. Digital Camera
33. Microwave Oven
32. Computer Mouse
31. LED
30. CD Player
29. Camcorder
28. Electric Guitar
27. Blackberry
26. Crescent Wrench
25. Hi-Fi
24. Sewing Machine
23. Laptop
22. VCR
21. Answering Machine
20. Remote Control
19. Brownie Point and Shoot Camera
18. Vacuum Cleaner
17. Handheld GPS
16. Transistor Radio
15. Modem
14. Typewriter
13. Match
12. Bicycle
11. Dry Cell Battery
10. Light Bulb
09. Alarm Clock
08. Phonograph
07. Telephone
06. Portable Air Conditioner
05. Personal Computer
04. Hypodermic Syringe
03. Television
02. Radio
01. Mobile/Smartphone
Other than the Moog Synthesizer and a bra, I've owned them all. I'll probably never have the Moog but if these moobs get any larger.....
Remote control trumps sewing machine? I don't think so.
Other than the Moog Synthesizer and a bra, I've owned them all. I'll probably never have the Moog but if these moobs get any larger.....
Lol, I've even got those two covered (don't ask if you really don't want to know)! The funny thing is, in relation to the OP, there are a lot of things on the list that the younger generation probably hopes they will never inherit from us.
Remote control trumps sewing machine? I don't think so.
Well, it is a list of what most changed the world, but not necessarily what most changed it for the better.
Well, it is a list of what most changed the world, but not necessarily what most changed it for the better.
Even so, who do you know who wears hand-sewn clothing? Good grief.
Dunno ... I guess I think keeping up with family and friends across the country is a "greater" thing :-) And no one ever told me using a computer and doing other activities were exclusive of each other. It all depends on what you want to do with technology and one's ability to establish boundaries.
I do believe, however, that people who choose not to learn at least a little about computers are going to find themselves missing out on more and more as time goes by. My mom is almost 80. She is still befuddled by the terminal at the store checkout at which you slide your credit card and sign with the "special pen". And by ATMs. Despite several training sessions, she still wants to check her Yahoo email using the same step-by-step approach she uses to make a roast.
Sure, she can live out the rest of her life without learning this. But right now she's missing out on participating in a genealogy project one of her nieces is doing. She could order refill prescriptions and special pet food on-line and save a bundle of money and not worry about having someone pick up the order or deliver her to the sale point. And with so many people talking about Facebook and twitter and such, she is not part of that conversation. It's not like she has to get on Facebook and spend hours a day "sharing" pictures of cute cats. There are lots of good uses for technology. But she's missing out. I think people who aren't 80 now are going to miss out on even more. You are right Steve (and Jane as well) that technology does make life easier for most people, and makes instant connections with friends and family and information gathering that much easier. But I don't think it's the only way to keep up and be happy n the world as we age (as I interperted BUU post to be saying). There are a great many other things out there to experience beside technology - other things to learn, do and see - that can expand your horizons and bring you joy as you age (and you're right Jane, it doesn't have to be climbing mountains, that's just my thing :-)!). So that's all I was trying to say - that by my choosing to be disconnected to a certain extent, to not spend a lot of the free time learning new tech or using it, I have found a greater (to me) sense of joy then I do when I use tech. I feel like I'm participating in life rather then just looking at it thru a screen. So there is no "one way" to find joy and happiness as you age - and for me, less tech is better even though I see the merits of it and how it can be a great thing for them. That doesn't mean I live in the past, I feel it's just the opposite, I feel I am embracing new interests and doing new things all the time. Not to keep up with the young-uns, but because I find those things interesting, challenging and fun. I don't really find most tech stuff interesting, challenging and fun. Practical and useful - yes. Fun and exciting - no. Oh and I'm getting (in 3 weeks) a new motorcycle for my upcoming B-Day (and will post a photo to make Alan jealous - another photo like the one I posted before of my bike fully packed for a looooonnnngggg road trip :-)!). That might not make me keep up with the young-uns but it'll sure be fun!!!
What's interesting, though, is that the china which so many people perceived to be an heirloom, when they either inherited it from their ancestors or bought it, has turned out to be the figurative white elephant in the room. This is something which typically was kept for special occasions and shown off in furniture built for the purpose -- but no one wants it. Yet the old wood dining table that saw generations of kids eat/draw/color/put together puzzles/spill milk/jump/hammer on it is the desirable piece. Interesting world.
I will say that what I have from my family I USE, I have some quilts and one antique cabinet and they are used all the time. the small quilt I use under my meditation cushion is great. The squares were made by my great grandmother from her old dresses and the dresses she sewed for her daughters. There were not enough squares to make a regular size quilt so when my son was born my grandmother peiced it into a smaller quilt. When I went to a meditation retreat I folded it in such a way that i could easily bring it over my lap if it got chilly. And when the sleepiness was overwhelming I used watching the patterns in the dress fabric to keep me awake (shhhhh don't tell)
Oh and I'm getting (in 3 weeks) a new motorcycle for my upcoming B-Day (and will post a photo to make Alan jealous - another photo like the one I posted before of my bike fully packed for a looooonnnngggg road trip :-)!). That might not make me keep up with the young-uns but it'll sure be fun!!!
Looking forward to seeing it! But in the mean time, remember that this is what you're competing with:
http://lefttoright.net/images/devils staircase 1.jpg
http://lefttoright.net/images/devils staircase 2.jpg
Oh, and I will be jealous. Today we had a high temp of 12 degrees, It will be a while before we get out again. :sick:
awakenedsoul
1-22-13, 11:05pm
Even so, who do you know who wears hand-sewn clothing? Good grief.
I do. Well, hand knitted. I'm working on my first pair of merino wool socks and a gorgeous wool sweater with inset sleeves. My teacher is a designer from Germany, and she has master energy. I feel like I can knit anything when I'm around her! (And I got all A's in high school and a D in sewing!) Well, the teacher changed it to a C because she felt badly. Anyway, it's a very exciting time and I'm buzzing with energy. I believe that those who can really sew are very artistic, talented, and special. I worked with some awesome people like that who did our costumes when I was performing. I always admired seamstresses. They are so smart, organized, and efficient. Many of the European women I know can knit, crochet, and sew like professionals. I guess it's more respected in other parts of the world...
I bought a 1950's Singer Featherweight, and after I finish my knitting classes, I plan to take some sewing classes. I like to make soft furnishings for my cottage with vintage fabrics that I've bought at thrift stores. I also want to make some aprons with vintage doilies for pockets. I do a lot of cooking and baking, and my aprons are old and dingy.
iris lily
1-22-13, 11:14pm
...
I bought a 1950's Singer Featherweight, and after I finish my knitting classes, I plan to take some sewing classes. I like to make soft furnishing for my cottage with vintage fabrics that I've bought at thrift stores. I also want to make some aprons with vintage doilies for pockets. I do a lot of cooking and baking, and my aprons are old and dingy.
Yesterday I completed a sewing project that had been lingering for a year: sofa pillows using my 50 year old Singer Featherweight, love it!
My parents were never hoarders. When Dad retired in the early 90's they moved from teh house I grew up in to a condo and got rid of a lot of stuff at that time. Then when Mom passed away 6 years ago Dad got rid of a lot more stuff before moving to an assisted living facility about 3 years ago. At that time he told my sister and I to take what we wanted. I took my dad's childhood rocking chair, my mom's mantle clock that was a wedding gift of theirs, a couple of pieces of mom's embroidery, and our 'fancy' dishes that we only used for holidays. I'm 45 now, so I don't need more furniture or other household items, but these few things have a lot of sentimental value to me, so I will cherish them for the rest of my life. Supposedly the dishes are worth something now, and we currently use them as our daily dishes (SO has added a lot of serving dishes and such to the collection and undoubtedly spent far more than mom did when she bought them at the goodwill) but the other things are only valuable to me, or perhaps my sister. When dad passes away there are a few remaining things that my sister or I might want, but for the most part we'll be able to just call up goodwill and let them take it all away from the assisted living facility.
http://i1048.photobucket.com/albums/s363/jpatter492/IMG_0736_zps7673ea40.jpg
http://i1048.photobucket.com/albums/s363/jpatter492/IMG_0737_zps9dcd7b26.jpg
http://i1048.photobucket.com/albums/s363/jpatter492/IMG_0738_zps21556bf1.jpg
http://i1048.photobucket.com/albums/s363/jpatter492/IMG_0739_zps62e3d3ba.jpg
iris lily
1-22-13, 11:39pm
...y sister and I to take what we wanted. I took my dad's childhood rocking chair, my mom's mantle clock that was a wedding gift of theirs, a couple of pieces of mom's embroidery, and our 'fancy' dishes that we only used for holidays.
The dishes are killer! haha, but not my style, yet they are very popular right now.
The elephant in the room, dishes: let me say that "quality" always sells. No matter what, if you have high quality chinaware, you can find a home for it. That doesn't mean that you'll get any real money for them, it just means that any dealer will take them. I have Lenox china in a showy, classic pattern that is being made today, and I could sell it today. For what I paid for it? Of course not.
People are completely unrealistic about their heritage china, mainly because every family had some and most of it is not high quality stuff. And, no one really likes to use it. I would use mine except that it had gold trim on it that is ruined in the dishwasher. When I am 65 years old, I'll probably start to use it up.
But my antique Victorian dishes--I cannot bring myself to use them as a consumable because there are not making more of them. I feel an obligation to pass them onto someone else.
SteveinMN
1-23-13, 10:44am
So there is no "one way" to find joy and happiness as you age - and for me, less tech is better even though I see the merits of it and how it can be a great thing for them. That doesn't mean I live in the past, I feel it's just the opposite, I feel I am embracing new interests and doing new things all the time. Not to keep up with the young-uns, but because I find those things interesting, challenging and fun.
Agreed. That is, I think, the point we ultimately were getting at in this thread and in the Open Forum thread: that people who become disinterested in new ideas and activities and who are unwilling to challenge themselves (at least a little) are not going to age well. As technology becomes ever more pervasive, though, even people disinterested in tech will have to negotiate its use and pick up some new skills to use it. In some cases, they may not get a choice not to use technology.
Looking forward to seeing it! But in the mean time, remember that this is what you're competing with:
Oh, and I will be jealous. Today we had a high temp of 12 degrees, It will be a while before we get out again. :sick:
OK now I'm the one getting jealous ;-)! Hmmm... didn't I use to have a "me and my motorcycle" photo here somewhere? Probably somewhere on Google (don't they collect EVERYTHING that has ever been online?:devil:) Well it has been in the 80's here all week and now is down to a bone-chilling 75 so I'm not sure you'll be too jealous if I'm able to ride - no more shorts and tanktops anymore when riding though :0!! But I will be getting another Yamaha again. Undecided which one yet - something small (750) and fast and ...maybe...pink!
Been thinking about (and talking here about) getting a new one for a couple of years ever since gas prices went so high but didn't have a place to keep it. Now that I do - and a sister who can watch my dog when I go on trips with it - I think it'll be fun to ride again. Until I crash and burn that is :-)!
My parents were never hoarders. When Dad retired in the early 90's they moved from teh house I grew up in to a condo and got rid of a lot of stuff at that time. Then when Mom passed away 6 years ago Dad got rid of a lot more stuff before moving to an assisted living facility about 3 years ago. At that time he told my sister and I to take what we wanted. I took my dad's childhood rocking chair, my mom's mantle clock that was a wedding gift of theirs, a couple of pieces of mom's embroidery, and our 'fancy' dishes that we only used for holidays. I'm 45 now, so I don't need more furniture or other household items, but these few things have a lot of sentimental value to me, so I will cherish them for the rest of my life. Supposedly the dishes are worth something now, and we currently use them as our daily dishes (SO has added a lot of serving dishes and such to the collection and undoubtedly spent far more than mom did when she bought them at the goodwill) but the other things are only valuable to me, or perhaps my sister. When dad passes away there are a few remaining things that my sister or I might want, but for the most part we'll be able to just call up goodwill and let them take it all away from the assisted living facility.
http://i1048.photobucket.com/albums/s363/jpatter492/IMG_0739_zps62e3d3ba.jpgI have this exact same clock! It belonged to my Grandma and then my Dad and now we (sis and I) have it at our house on the entertainment center mantel. It has to be wound to work and the chimes are super noisey so it's just decorative. For myself, I never wanted anything either of my parents had, and I'd get rid of the clock too (I'm not very sentimental) but sis like's it so it'll stay for now. Maybe e-bay it eventually.
Agreed. That is, I think, the point we ultimately were getting at in this thread and in the Open Forum thread: that people who become disinterested in new ideas and activities and who are unwilling to challenge themselves (at least a little) are not going to age well. As technology becomes ever more pervasive, though, even people disinterested in tech will have to negotiate its use and pick up some new skills to use it. In some cases, they may not get a choice not to use technology.Heck I still don't have a digital camera - Luddite to the end :-)! But I agree that learning and/or doing something new - whether it is technology or not - can make getting older much more exciting. I think that's true of learning and/or doing something old too. Doing away with the modern conviences and learning old skills can be very rewarding too. It might not be something that will connect you to younger people, but who knows! I see young people attending various workshops to learn old skills and crafts all the time. Nothing like being in a room full of people in real life (not just online) sharing your experiences and skills (or lack of) to enhance your life. I see so many people (young and old) not really connecting with people in IRL because they are so focused on doing that via tech. For me that would seems a lonely life - and one I imagine even more lonely if that is the only way you encounter the world on a day to day basis. One of the things I look forward to doing when I get old and can't physically do the things I now can, is reading and watching movies. I do both rarely now and think that is something I'll enjoy later in life. Ideally I would like to share those experiences with someone IRL and not just online as I think that would be more rewarding to me, but it will be nice to have the technology available to talk with others online if I don't have anyone to share those things with IRL. But it would be a second-rate way to connect for me.
I have this exact same clock! It belonged to my Grandma and then my Dad and now we (sis and I) have it at our house on the entertainment center mantel. It has to be wound to work and the chimes are super noisey so it's just decorative. For myself, I never wanted anything either of my parents had, and I'd get rid of the clock too (I'm not very sentimental) but sis like's it so it'll stay for now. Maybe e-bay it eventually.
Unfortunately mine doesn't currently work. It'll run for about 2 minutes and then stops, so I assume it isn't really broken, but just needs to be taken in and the works cleaned. It's pretty loud, though, when it chimes, so I've been procrastinating on that for a little over 3 years now... My sister, on the other hand, has our family's other mantle clock, my grandparents', which is significantly older. It makes this one seem really mellow. That chime sounds like a combination of a little tiny cymbal and a harsh little gong. As a kid I remember both clocks quite well, as they were never exactly synced up time wise, so they would always chime a minute or two apart, drowning out the tv, much to my annoyance since we, of course, didn't have a tivo that we could pause.
My aunt and uncle have the best old clock of the family. It's also an early 20th century clock with a big carved wood facade going around the face. (similar to this one http://mwhomestead.blogspot.com/2010/11/old-mantel-clock.html) Grandpa had built a shelf over the kitchen doorway for it, but hadn't measured. The clock was too tall, so rather than move the shelf he got out a saw and cut two inches off the top of the brand new clock. Apparently Grandma about killed him at the time, but decades later it's a great family story.
But I will be getting another Yamaha again. Undecided which one yet - something small (750) and fast and ...maybe...pink!
No pink here Spartana, but DS and I both like 750's for general buzzing around town.
11261127
Nearly impossible to guess which one belongs to who, isn't it?
Remote control trumps sewing machine? I don't think so.
Yeah, and alarm clock over light bulb....I don't think so.
Hmmmm....remote control is a "man" device, and sewing machine is a "woman" device and the list was made by men. :~)
No pink here Spartana, but DS and I both like 750's for general buzzing around town.
11261127
Nearly impossible to guess which one belongs to who, isn't it?I'm guessing the second one belongs to your DS - a guy after my own heart. I had quite a few bikes in my (longgggg) life but am a sucker for a crotch rocket :-)! As we called them long long ago!
Unfortunately mine doesn't currently work. It'll run for about 2 minutes and then stops, so I assume it isn't really broken, but just needs to be taken in and the works cleaned. It's pretty loud, though, when it chimes, so I've been procrastinating on that for a little over 3 years now... My sister, on the other hand, has our family's other mantle clock, my grandparents', which is significantly older. It makes this one seem really mellow. That chime sounds like a combination of a little tiny cymbal and a harsh little gong. As a kid I remember both clocks quite well, as they were never exactly synced up time wise, so they would always chime a minute or two apart, drowning out the tv, much to my annoyance since we, of course, didn't have a tivo that we could pause.
My aunt and uncle have the best old clock of the family. It's also an early 20th century clock with a big carved wood facade going around the face. (similar to this one http://mwhomestead.blogspot.com/2010/11/old-mantel-clock.html) Grandpa had built a shelf over the kitchen doorway for it, but hadn't measured. The clock was too tall, so rather than move the shelf he got out a saw and cut two inches off the top of the brand new clock. Apparently Grandma about killed him at the time, but decades later it's a great family story. Cool clock!! I like all the curly cues. I'm always amazed at how much things like that are worth. I was trying to look up the value of my clock online but haven't had any luck yet. My sister is going to have a garage sale soon so maybe she'll want to sell that as well. It is a nice clock (besides the very loud chimes - and constant chiming every 15 minutes!) but I really only like to keep things I use and not that are just for sentimental value.
Yea Spartana, I'm more of an easy rider. Crotch rockets are fun, but riding in that position all day would probably leave me shaped like a question mark all night. I did test out a Hayabusa last year just for grins and giggles. OMG does not begin to describe it, but there's just not many places where you can turn a beast like that loose. And seriously, what fun is it to hold back all the time?
Yea Spartana, I'm more of an easy rider. Crotch rockets are fun, but riding in that position all day would probably leave me shaped like a question mark all night. I did test out a Hayabusa last year just for grins and giggles. OMG does not begin to describe it, but there's just not many places where you can turn a beast like that loose. And seriously, what fun is it to hold back all the time?I hear you!! Not sure if I could hack a sports bike now either - especially for long distance road trips with a fully loaded bike (camping gear, etc...) which I love and want to do again - but they are hard to resist! We have lots of very twisty mountain roads not to far away that I use to ride on all the time and they beckon.... But will probably get something more suited for touring. Had an old (1985ish or something) Yamaha Maxim (and DH had a Virago) about 10 ish years ago (last time I did any bike touring) and it was very comfortable for long distance riding (longest was a 5 week camping trip thru the southwest). Maybe something like that again. But then a friend's son is selling his Ducati... and well...it is oh so purty :-)!!
Older blurry photo of me and my fully loaded Maxim but you get the idea:
http://www.simplelivingforum.net/attachment.php?attachmentid=1129&d=1359053703
......long distance road trips with a fully loaded bike (camping gear, etc...) which I love and want to do again.....
That's on our agenda for this summer, find a nice rustic, yet scenic destination, stow the tent and sleeping bags on the bike and take off.
I've actually wanted to do it for the past several years, but my better half keeps reminding me that she'd rather sleep on the queen sized bed in the motorhome than on a thin pad on the ground. I've finally convinced her to try it and I'm really looking forward to seeing how it goes.
That's on our agenda for this summer, find a nice rustic, yet scenic destination, stow the tent and sleeping bags on the bike and take off.
I've actually wanted to do it for the past several years, but my better half keeps reminding me that she'd rather sleep on the queen sized bed in the motorhome than on a thin pad on the ground. I've finally convinced her to try it and I'm really looking forward to seeing how it goes.
I'd rather sleep on a queen sized bed then on a thin pad on the ground too - your DW is a smart women!! But I'm a cheapskape so an RV is out of the question. But if I had an RV, I'd tow my MC behind it and have the best of both worlds! But doing a long distance camping trip on a motorcycle (with occasional nights at a motel) is something everyone who rides should try once. I have some truelly memorible (both great and terrible) experiences. Of course my last bike trip was more then 10 years ago so I may just remember the good things :-)!
Of course now the question for you and Gregg is (keeping this thread in mind) - will your kids want your old MC's when you are gone? My Dad and step-Mom both rode into their late 70's (120 lb step-Mom had a big ole Harley Sportster and my Dad had something else) then sold them. They were cool bikes but I probably would not want to inherit them and, like most of the other things they owned, I would have sold or given away.
Holy Jetsons, Jp1! Those dishes are sooo cool!!! Just looking at the plate, makes me feel as though I'm living the 60's/70's all over again! And that lovely old chair! My kind of style!
Jp1. Could you take another picture or two of the dishes (for me)? I wish I had a set just like it! I can't stop visiting this thread and staring at the plate!!!
I don't want my parents crap, but if Alan's kids don't want it, I'll take the bike. :)
Ok, so a little less flip, We moved into the house I grew up in and I have been in a 4 year battle to get rid of a bunch of my parents and grandparents stuff. Don't get me wrong, I am keeping some good stuff. Stuff I like and can use. I have my grandma's tea kettle, some linens my great-grandmother embroidered and some other stuff, as Zoe mentioned, I will actually be able to use. But my parents inherited a bunch of stuff from their parents, on top of their own stuff. When we moved in I had my own stuff. I don't need four houses full of stuff in my house and I only have one sister who lives 2000 miles away. A bunch of it had to go. Some family members were really upset by that, but they didn't actually want the stuff either. They wanted me to keep it for them.
I remember cleaning out the basement and finding lederhosen (in a bin with a shotgun. Zach comes up the stairs, "Steve, I don't even want to know"). "But we paid $500 for that lederhosen in Germany." I'm sorry you spent your money on something as weird as lederhosen, but I'm not curating the family museum here. If you think you would wear it, you are welcome to have it back. No? Well, have fun with that one, Goodwill. Sorry, I know I sound a little snarky here, but the stuff baby boomers are getting rid of isn't all priceless antiques and perfect memories. The snark is at all the stuff I spent a year sorting out of the basement, not at anyone here. :)
There comes a point at which it feels like living in someone else's house if all you have is stuff someone else chose. Let someone who will love the stuff as much as they did have it.
I don't want my parents crap, but if Alan's kids don't want it, I'll take the bike. :)
I plan to keep this one forever and then my grandson wants it. At nearly 900 pounds, I'll eventually get too old to hold it up reliably while stopped, so, before that happens I'll convert it to a trike like this:
http://motorcycleviews.com/pictures/pic0375.jpg
Very cool Alan. I was more thinking along the lines of training wheels for myself :-)!
Well I was thinking about some of the "bad" things about doing long camping road trips on a MC, and the list is longer thenI remember. So maybe your wife has the right idea!
Sis (who went with me on my longest trip) reminded me of the super hot days, the freezing cold nights, the bug hordes (mosquitos from hell), and all the rain, rain and rain - all while staying in a small tent. So there were many times that we were soaking wet and freezing cold (and had to pack up camp with all our stuff being soaking wet too) or were boiling hot and dusty and dirty. And with limited space to carry extra dry clothes (and nothing stays dry for long riding or camping in rain!), camping gear, food, water, and...er...cold or hot adult beverages ;-), etc... or trying to start a fire in the rain to make food, well, it wasn't exactly fun. Or being stuclk in a motel for days during storms (with no dry vehicle to go elsewhere) was a pain too. Another thing was the constant worry that all your stuff will be stolen from your bike if you left it fully loaded somewhere (a parking lot) to go sightseeing. Sis and I spent that 5 weeks going to a lot of the Nat Parks in the Southwest (SoCal to AZ to New Mexico to Colorado to Utah and back to SoCal) and I never felt very comfortable leaving everything we owned on the bike if we went off to hike or sightsee.
So, I think your wife might have the right idea - take the RV, park it, use that as a "base camp" and then take long day rides unencumbered by all the camping stuff. Maybe just do a shorter camping trip of a week or so in nice weather :-)!
Jp1. Could you take another picture or two of the dishes (for me)? I wish I had a set just like it! I can't stop visiting this thread and staring at the plate!!!
This is almost everything. Mom didn't have all the different serving pieces in the set she bought at goodwill. SO has added a bunch of those and also more plates.
http://i1048.photobucket.com/albums/s363/jpatter492/IMG_0741_zpsf14e4e5f.jpg
Why is it that I'm more impressed with the idea of a solid surface countertop than a practically antique set of dishes in perfect condition?
bUU, I don't blame you for liking that counter. We absolutely LOVE it. If/when we actually buy a home, if we decide to upgrade the kitchen I would lean towards this. I think it's prettier than granite, and very easy to keep clean and care for.
If my spouse pushed the right buttons, we'd be doing an upgrade ourselves very soon. Good thing my spouse isn't a member of this forum. :)
Oh, wow... thanks, Jp1!!!
Will be revisiting this thread (again and again) to drool and dream!
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