Just wondering. .wandering

I recently had occasion to recall an incident of the stupidity of youth. At university I had to write and pass a first year Afrikaans exam. So in true ‘Mark’ fashion I did my preparation and went to sit the exam. I read through the questions carefully as was my custom. Took time to contemplate my answers. Picked up my pen …… and wrote “I hope you have a merry Christmas.” and left.

It has lead, led me to wander, wander………is the fact that you can speak a language fluently but not understand its intricacies  the difference between pass or fail?????  No one has ever asked me to conjugate a verb in a discussion.

Is that what you would regard as irony or iron knee to….two…too???

Looking up!

Last Saturday I attended a church activity known throughout the world as ‘Mormon Helping Hands’. Our project was to put a new corrugated tin roof on a building used for classrooms by a little orphanage called ‘The House of Grace’. Being 18 years of age in spirit, in a 50 something year old body, I thought it wise to do work on the ground.  I had visions of me swan diving through the roof.

So I did ground work, handing up planks, nails and generally keeping out of harm’s way. It came time to start handing up the long sheets. Calwyn and I grabbed the first one. Having very sharp edges we had to be careful as to how we lifted it and passed to up to those on the roof. He at one end and I at the other we slowly worked our way closer to the side of the house. Him moving forward and I backwards…………the first sheet was being lifted and I was moving backwards …and  then downwards.

 I tripped over and ‘old’ tyre lying on the ground.

Looking up at the faces from my prone position I saw looks of surprise, sympathy, concern and hidden smiles. Was I ok???  Yip I was. Being well grounded I only had a  bit of a dent in my rear end and in my pride, but no further harm.

Thinking back I felt myself going over backwards and my 18 year old spirit reacted with lightening reflexes as expected … but…..the 50 something year old body did not , or could not.

Was that a sign? An ‘old tyred’ for an ‘old tired’?

 

note the 'old tyre' at the  bottom of the wall.

From a Son to his Mother

Once            upon a time there was

                                    A little girl so pure.

                        Her body was not perfect,

                        Her walk was never sure.

She              grew up and soon she was

                                    A wife and woman true;

                        As mother she was steadfast

                        A shining light all through.

Oh                what a human she was,

                                    A friend and oh indeed

                        To all she met and came across

                        She never showed her need.

What          a true friend she was,

                                    She made her presence felt

                        Nothing was too difficult,

                        An angel in her dwelt.

great        and strong her courage was.

                                    Although her say was long

                        Never did her pain show through,

                        Her love for all was strong.

Oh                how her suffering was

                                    She showed a cheerful smile,

                        She carried all the family

                        Over stile and stile and stile.

Oh                dear god how good she was

                                    She has now gone to rest,

                        Keep her well, we miss her so

                        She deserves the very best.

By     Isaac  Swartzberg  her loving son

The Handy man can…. too??

Well I once bragged as to how proficient I had become as a handy man. Well the next story proves just what an expert I have become…….

This morning I set forth to put a slide lock on the outside door. I realized that the bolt would have to fit at the bottom of the door and a hole drilled into the wood for the end to slide in to.

Plans made , drill ready, bolt ready…..steady … go. In no time the bolt is mounted.

So whats the problem???

I have mounted the end of the bolt flush with the end of the door……hence …..door no close!!!!!!!

Back to work. Drill and all ready…patience wearing…

off I go…again!!

Bolt off.

Bolt on!!!              Yay !!!!!!!

Back to front   @#@#%$#@#$!!!!!!!