Oh The Irony. White Paint, Please. And A Few Good Thoughts, If You Don’t Mind.

/ Ally Bean

• • •

One of my all-time favorite quotes that makes me smile no matter what.

• • •

This past week has been a doozy.  Not in especially good ways, either.

I’d planned on, well– planning, then doing, during the week. Using my free time to go shopping at the mall for some spring clothes. To go for a walk outside. To be less here in the blogosphere, even.

But the Universe laughed at me.

Scoffed in fact.

“Ally Bean you shall stay at home, connecting with bloggers* by leaving comments** hither and yon***, whilst you await your next house calamity,” said the Universe.

“And your house calamity will manifest as your husband leaveth the house to drive 4 hours north in a snowstorm to check-on his 80-something ailing parents, one of whom is in the hospital.”

The Universe can be difficult at times, you know?

“And further, Ms. Bean,” the Universe said, “you shall be forced to look at said house calamity whilst your husband dealeth with his parents’ woes, because there will be nothing you can do to repair a roof, and subsequent ceiling damage, until the snow endeth and spring cometh for real.”

Oh yes, the Universe can be a trickster.

So this is where I find myself today.  Looking at water damage on the ceiling in the… [wait for it]… newly remodeled master bathroom.

Because, I guess, the Universe thinks that I need to stay home worrying, then waiting for various people to start traipsing around this house as they fix things.

Again.

• • •

Photo of ceiling damage [shown at a jaunty angle] that will need to be repaired inside the house after we have the roof repaired outside the house. Obviously.

• • •

* To be clear I enjoy connecting with bloggers and have used this week to organize my feeds.  All 70+ of them.

** I’ve also been systematic about leaving comments on all the blogs that I follow, because while “lurking” and “liking” are nice, as a blogger I believe that comments are wonderful.

*** If by chance I’ve left a comment on your blog, and you’re one of those bloggers who doesn’t like comments, then mea culpa.  Also if my comment made little sense to you, please forgive me;  my heart’s been in the right place this week but my mind’s been scattered.

109 thoughts on “Oh The Irony. White Paint, Please. And A Few Good Thoughts, If You Don’t Mind.”

  1. Wait, what?! … there are bloggers who don’t like comments?! Then …. what’s the point of blogging? I’m confused.

    Since we discovered that raccoons are hellbent on breaking into our attic, I live in fear of roof damage. I’m SO. SORRY. you are living through this new problem right now – alone. Of course these things always happen when we’re alone and feeling particularly unequipped to deal with it.

    On the bright side, you aren’t on the roof in the dead of night doing battle with a raccoon.

    oh. That DOESN’T make you feel better. oh well … I tried. Hope your weekend is much brighter!

    Liked by 2 people

    • Joanne, once in a while back in the day I’d stumble upon a blogger who’d clearly state that they only responded to comments sporadically, if at all. I don’t get it either, but I always think of that when I leave a comment on a blog for the first time. Maybe this person doesn’t want me to say something. ¯\_(ツ)_/¯

      Again you are so right that dealing with raccoons is much worse than dealing with a stupid [old] messed-up roof. I don’t like raccoons and am sorry that they trouble you so.

      Like

      • If I was in charge, I would deport all those masked bandits. I just don’t know what place I hate enough to banish them all to.

        Good luck with your roof, Ally. I hope it stays dry until the repairs are done!

        Liked by 1 person

        • Well, good luck with your raccoon extradition plan. I suspect they’d find a way to get back to where they wanted to be. Yes, we’re hoping for a few unseasonably dry weeks, too.

          Liked by 1 person

  2. The universe is fickle, and bored often, apparently. I’m sorry for your damage, but hey, maybe it’s the universe saying, “Ms. Bean, you’re sooooo good at these home things, here’s another one!” That’s it — you’re too good.

    Hope ZD’s parents are OK.

    Like

    • Tara, I like your spin on this story. Much more empowering than mine. If I do say so myself, I am good at home things like repairs and remodels, but I don’t long to do them.

      Thanks for your concern. The in-laws are hanging in there, for now…

      Liked by 1 person

  3. Oh Dear Beans – I’m sorry for the wobbles affecting your world at the moment. On the other hand, I think you chose a great way to navigate it Ally – blog infusion is a masterful coping mechanism imho. Combined with comment love, you’ve now increased the feel-good quotient in the universe. Gold stars and cheering for you!

    Above all, I love the optimism and white paint quote. A perfectly valid and highly admirable guiding life principle! I’ll be heading to the paint store now. 🙂

    Liked by 1 person

    • Deborah, you made me laugh with this one. Thank you. Yes we’ve got the wobbles going on, but at least I always have my blog. And all the great people who show up here to cheer me on. When in doubt, comment– huh?

      Yes, the quote is one of favorites, if for no other reason than I’m fond of some shades of white paint [no pink undertones, please] as some rooms in this house prove. It’s a quote that inspires literally and figuratively.

      Like

    • Eilene, you said it! Doesn’t the Universe have someone else to bother? Water will continue to be winning here until I can get someone to go on the roof and if not fix, at least cover, the problem. *mutter, mutter*

      Liked by 1 person

  5. Ouch. That’s a rather, ‘er, perfect storm that’s hit you. So sorry, especially since it affects a newly remodeled room. My sincere sympathies are sent your way. I’m kind of laughing at bloggers who don’t want comments — close comments on your posts then! Silly people. – Marty

    Like

    • Marty, hadn’t thought of the Perfect Storm reference, but it’s a *perfect* one. Thanks for the smile. The home repairs aren’t a tragedy, but will be an inconvenience.

      Yes, I think the same thing as you do. If you don’t want comments at all, or are too busy/lazy to respond to them, then either don’t have comments on your blog, or make your blog private. But people are weird, and maybe don’t understand how blogging works? I dunno.

      Liked by 1 person

  7. Very sorry to hear about the water damage. That’s frustrating any time, but even more so when you’ve just had the bedroom remodeled. We discovered ants in our kitchen on Thursday, so that’s fun too. Got a pest guy coming in the next hour. And, of course, husband is gone. You and I can commiserate together.

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  8. Ah, the challenges of home ownership, and why do things so often happen at the worst possible moment? At least when it’s fixed, you’ll know you met another challenge head-on – but why do challenges so often feel like bricks?

    Liked by 1 person

    • Carol, you said it! This does feel like a brick that’s been thrown my way just to keep me from moving on with things. We’ll get it fixed soon as we can, but it’s going to take time and money. Of course. I could do with fewer challenges and few more gifts from the Universe right about now.

      Liked by 1 person

  9. You know how much I love talking to the Universe and telling her what I want so it amazes me when she wrecks havoc like that. Sorry to hear about the in-laws, sending positive thoughts. On the bright side, you could have been with Z-D and never known about the household calamity until you got home to an even bigger mess. We have had roof issues before as well so I know how it goes. In fact, while we have gotten a new roof, the kitchen ceiling is in sad shape since we can’t afford to redo it right now. I don’t even want to paint over the patch because that would just be silly. Please, leave all the comments you like!

    Liked by 1 person

    • Janet, I understand that in the whole scheme of things this roof/ceiling problem is a small thing, but I’m just not in the mood to deal with it right now. You’re so smart to remind me about how fortunate it is that I’m here to notice/solve [?] the problem before it gets worse. We had a leak in one of closets years ago, and found it after it was a big mess. A really big mess.

      Thanks for the positive thoughts. I appreciate them. I promise to keep commenting, if you do the same! 😊

      Liked by 1 person

  10. I love comments, and you are always so good at leaving thoughtful ones. I respond to them via email though because sometimes I want to add more to the story (that I don’t want others to see in the blog comments) I absolutely HATE house repair, especially leaks, of which I’ve had several. One may or may not be fixed, but the living room sheetrock needs major work and I don’t know how long to wait to get it done. If it leaks again, I’ll lose my mind. (not a problem with the roof, but the siding) So sorry about ZD and your parental stress. It’s the time of our lives when, if they are still around, we’re dealing with elderly parents.

    Liked by 1 person

    • Margaret, thank you! I had a difficult time leaving comments when I first started blogging, but I’ve gotten more comfortable with it now. I try to be thoughtful– in my own way, at least.

      I’m tired of house repair, but I realize that we plan on aging in place here so I have to keep things up concerning the house. You had leaks in your siding? I’ve not had that particular problem and it sounds lousy to me. Bad roofs, I’m familiar with.

      As you know my parents are a long time gone, but most of my peers are in the midst of dealing with elderly parents. I’m extremely sympathetic about the problems/decisions/emotions that go with the process of keeping elderly parents safe, while keeping yourself sane.

      Liked by 1 person

  11. The Universe bites. And now I must run off and see if I can find my information about that other homeowners insurance that covers things your main insurance doesn’t…. I live in fear of the Universe. Best of luck to you and ZD. Aging parents is a very hard thing as well.

    And then there are the bloggers…. There are some, I think of one I used to follow in particular who stressed and complained if she felt her comments were falling off. She wanted comments, she wanted to feel validated and she almost never responded to anyone. Not like our Margaret who responds privately, she just didn’t engage.

    Liked by 1 person

    • Zazzy, I’m sure you could write a best-seller with the title: The Universe Bites! I have little faith that our insurance will cover this problem. It’s not like insurance ever does anything except take your money. [Oh so cynical!]

      My parents are long gone, so I’ve been down this road that Z-D and his sisters are going down now. Of course, the thing is, everyone’s parents age differently so my experience is vastly different than their experiences will be.

      I’ve read some bloggers who live and die by their comment count. I don’t get that exactly, because people comment if they’re internally motivated to do so– not because a blogger wills them or begs them to. Of course, I don’t crave external validation, so my engagement with anyone who comments is for fun and friendship.

      I’m public with my replies, but I understand why certain bloggers choose to respond back via email. Whatever works, eh?

      Like

  12. Sorry about the water damage, A-Bean. A couple of years ago, after a pipe burst and we had our kitchen repainted and the bay window repaired, there was a major Nor’easter and the bay window leaked. At least for around three weeks, it looked nice.

    Liked by 1 person

    • Jill, made me laugh with that one. So true. We had a perfect bathroom for a few months, so what am I complaining about, eh? Really I’m more annoyed than worried about this situation that’ll get fixed. For a price. 🙄

      Liked by 1 person

  13. I’ll be a cool kid and follow your lead, finally commenting. I don’t comment very often because I, well, I don’t know…nothing interesting to say? Well, I will say I hope your water damage issue is resolved quickly, and I admire you for organizing all your feeds…something I need to do…some day…

    Like

    • eschudel, I don’t always comment on blogs, either. Like you, I don’t always have anything to add. And I sometimes worry that my comments will not wanted. I dunno…

      I tell you, now that I’ve put all my feeds in one place [feedly.com], instead of having them in four places, blogging life is good. This is so much simplier– and I like simple.

      Like

  14. Winter must be a bad time for home repairs. Someone I know had new windows installed before the time of unending ice as we’ve come to know it, and the contractor did a really poor job. This person had to do the same as you, conduct some DIY home repair. Juggling a 60+ hour a week job besides. The Universe laughs at all of us. And not in a good way neither! I’m glad you were hanging out in the blogsphere this week all the same. Good fortune with the repairs!

    Liked by 1 person

    • Embeecee, maybe houses fall apart during winter because like us, they’re sick of the snow + ice– and want some attention. I get it, I do. But somehow thinking about the effort that it’s going to take to get this roof/ceiling repaired has made me grumpy. Or maybe it’s just that the calendar says spring, but the weather says winter. Whatever…

      Like

  18. I love reading the comments on my blog and often wished there were more. You have to hate Murphy and his damn laws. Hope you can get everything fixed before there is more damage done. Hope you have a good weekend and are enjoying warming weather

    Liked by 1 person

    • teacherturnedmommy, I enjoy the comments, too. I like to start conversations with my blog posts, so comments are where it’s at for me. But some bloggers either never respond to comments or are arbitrary about when and who they reply to. 🤷‍♀️

      We’re back to snow and gray here today. Looks like mid-January instead of late March. But at least it’s not pouring rain– considering our roof problem.

      Like

  19. This happened earlier in the winter. Fortunately first spot of clear weather and our roof folks fixed it. For us the venting pipe flange on the roof was plastic and cracked. They replaced all the flanges (I think that’s what they are called). We still have to fix the ceiling in the bathroom. Boogers. Hope the in-laws are doing well. It’s been a weird winter.

    Liked by 1 person

  20. You follow 70 blogs? OMG. I’m exhausted just reading that. 🙂 While I loved having you join me on And So It Goes, I’m suddenly feeling a bit guilty. Best wishes for a speedy spring repair. Keep those buckets handy in the meantime. 🙂

    Liked by 1 person

    • Janet, I follow 70 blogs BUT some people only post once a quarter [sometimes less] or once a month. And some people post images more than words, so it’s not quite as over the top as it might sounds. Plus I don’t stress myself if I don’t read everything someone wrote. I just try to check-in as often as I can.

      Like

  21. Sorry about your roof leaf… that sucks. Can you at least put a tarp over the area to keep any more moisture out? I laughed when I read that you follow 70 blogs… I recently counted mine and stopped at 65… how does that happen (well, of course, we know how that happens)? I try to be a good commenter, but if I leave a comment multiple times and never get a response, I will often unfollow. I think interacting with the people who leave comments on my blog is the best part of blogging… it’s like having a chat with friends. I wish you better treatment from the Universe next week.

    Liked by 1 person

    • Janis, once the snow and ice melt I’ll get someone to put a tarp over the problem, but we have snow here again today so all I can do is fret– or ignore the problem.

      I unfollow blogs for the same reason as you do. I only read blogs that I like, and if my comments are ignored… well, then I figure that’s a sign I need to move on.

      I agree, the comment section of my blog is the best part of it. I start the conversation with the post, then wait to see what my gentle readers have to say. It’s always fun.

      Liked by 1 person

  22. “comments are wonderful” They are and I always enjoy yours, Ally. I try to leave comments, but sometimes, I am in a hurry to touch all the bases and I just have time to ‘like’ – BUT, I don’t like if I haven’t read and if I don’t like.

    Sorry about the water damage. It’s especially troubling that the room was recently renovated.

    Liked by 1 person

    • Dan, I approach blog commenting the same way as you do. I read someone’s post, “like” it if I do, then comment if I have the time. I figure this isn’t a contest in which he or she who comments the most wins a prize. And even if it is a contest, I’m a free spirit who does her own thing.

      Yes, it does not make me happy that our new bathroom now needs more work, although this leak has nothing to do with the company that renovated the bathroom. So that’s good.

      Liked by 1 person

  23. Argh. Just, Oy, Ally Bean. I’m so sorry. Just when you think you got somethin done…

    Military spouses can tell you that there’s about a 99% chance something dramatic will happen within 24 hours of the armed forces member’s departure. I mean, the stories I could tell you. We could tell you. I’m aware it happens in civilian world, but in military life, it’s like this:

    True: Deployment sushi tomorrow?
    Me: Can’t. Dryer guy comin.
    True: Oh. Mmhm. Cause Jake just left. It’s okay, I’ll bring it.
    Me: That’d be great, thanks.

    The following day:
    True: Can’t bring sushi. Jeep just died. Need new alternator.
    Me: Of course it did, Matt just left.
    True: Mmhm.

    Seriously, I feel your angst. And I can imagine how yer fella will feel coming home to that after his trip :/

    Liked by 1 person

  24. Tough re leak in new bathroom Ally Bean – hope it gets properly fixed soon. Ye olde universe can surely try us. Or was it the universe?

    I also ‘like’ the post if I’ve read it but have no time to comment but we all know that we love comments –

    Liked by 1 person

    • Susan, I think this is a stupid problem to have and as such I’m grumbling more than usual about it. Lots of things go wrong around here… because it’s a house and that’s what happens… but this particular mess seems… unnecessary + untimely.

      Yes, I, too, love to have comments, but I don’t live and die by them. External validation is great, but if you aren’t blogging for yourself first, then getting comments– I’d say you have your priorities wrong.

      Like

  25. Hi, Ally – I completely agree. The Universe does have a way of scoffing at us when we have made plans. And….comments are where it’s at!
    Hope not tooooo much damage was done and that the repairs are hassle free (at least as hassle free as repairs can be)!

    Like

    • Hey Donna, people sometimes wonder why I’m circumspect about what I’m going to do– and this situation would explain why. I cannot believe that we’re back to worrying about the master bathroom, albeit in a different way… BUT STILL!

      The whole comment conversation is always an interesting one in the blogosphere. Like Janis said above, if I leave a few comments and I’m ignored on their blog, forget about it. The trickier issue is when the recipient of my comments, responds to me on their blog– but can’t be bothered to visit my blog. That’s off-putting as well. 😑

      Liked by 1 person

      • I totally agree, Ally. To me blogging is all about shared community. If people aren’t interested enough to reciprocate, I am not offended at all. I do, however, find myself wandering over to where I can have mutual dialogue and interaction.

        Liked by 1 person

  26. I love and appreciate all comments on my blog, and I’d imagine my response rate to them is about 90%. Some of that 10% of unanswered comments are just so generic (or even confusing), that there’s just no way to verbally respond to them. The rest can be chalked up to my laziness since I rarely respond to comments the moment they appear in my notifications, and then sometimes forget to go back for them when I’m in commenting mode…

    Liked by 1 person

    • evil, I respond to comments when I get to them. Sometimes it’s immediately, other times it’s a day later, or more. I don’t judge about how long it takes a blogger to respond to a comment, I judge if they don’t ever respond. I do know what you mean about confusing comments; I get a few, too– and wonder if maybe English is a second language?

      Like

    • JT Twissel, you’re right, it’s a given. At least this leak has nothing to do with the remodel, so it’s a whole new opportunity to find a solution. I’m hoping for a doozy-free week, too.

      Like

  28. Hope your in-laws are okay.
    Sorry about that water damage to your ceiling!
    I love interacting with comments. I look at commenters like visitors to my home. They deserve to be greeted.

    Liked by 1 person

    • L. Marie, the in-laws are doing as well as they can considering age and health issues. Not great, but they’re safe and cared for. Thanks for your concern.

      I love your take on commenters. I hadn’t thought of commenters as house guests, but you are right. That’s exactly how I think of them, and greet them/treat them as such. Great observation.

      Like

  29. Of COURSE it’s the newly remodeled bathroom. When I read the title for this post, I thought, oh no, now what? Ha! I hope that gets fixed speedily with no further calamity. And that your hubs gets home after getting all right with the parents. (I hope they’re okay.) And furthermore, what bloggers don’t like comments? That’s odd. They could make it so no comments can be left at all if they feel that way about it! I thought the point of blogging was to connect with people you never have to meet IRL. 😉

    Liked by 1 person

    • Betsy, yes, now that I’ve had a few days to live with our latest house calamity it makes total sense to me that it’d happen in that particular bathroom. 🙄

      Z-D and his sister have handled the latest in-laws difficulties with love and resolve. So for the moment all is good on that front.

      Like you, I started blogging to meet people so I find it odd when a blogger doesn’t reply to comments– or worse, replies to only some commenters who they know, but not other commenters, giving those people the cold shoulder. Not my way, but then many things in life aren’t. 🤷‍♀️

      Like

  30. We really have to explore that cosmic connection between my going away and bad house events. I don’t want to list them, but the list is mind-boggling. Operation Enduring Home Repair underway . . .

    Liked by 1 person

    • Zen-Den, it seems to be a thing with many couples. I have no explanation for it, other than to suggest that it’s a Character Building Experience for me. Oh joy!

      Like

  31. Oh, crap. So sorry about your water damage woes. AND that they happened when you were Home Alone. That’s just the worst. I’ve had that situation often, and it’s so frustrating. And hey, that bulls*t had PLENTY of time to happen to the Old Bathroom.

    I’d be about ten feet deep into The Eff Word. No lie.

    If we lived closer to one another, I’d be there already with Fortifications, courtesy the Dept. Wine Cellar.

    As it is, I’ll just be happy for you that your ceiling is still Up There. XO

    Liked by 1 person

    • nance, you said it: that bulls*t had PLENTY of time to happen to the Old Bathroom. However… it didn’t. But you are right, at least the ceiling is still up there.

      I agree it’s a shame that we don’t live closer. Anything from your wine cellar would be appreciated. At least Z-D is back home now, so he can commiserate with me about this Unfortunate Turn of Events.

      Like

  33. I’ll be a cool kid and comment that I’ve “been there, done that” with roof leaks and ceiling damage. Roof leak repaired (check), but ceiling damage still to be dealt with. You have your priorities in the right order, Ally!

    Like

    • Judy, thanks for your concern. The house problems will remain a problem until the weather allows roofers to go up there and check the roof. And the in-laws are doing as well as can be expected, considering age + health. Both situations are going to be processes that can’t be rushed.

      Like

  36. I am so sorry!! I hope your roof/water situation is minor in effort and cost. I know from experience how frustrating the waiting part can be.

    Thinking of you as you deal with this doozy of a week.

    Liked by 1 person

    • katie, you nailed it with the waiting part. It’s raining here now, almost constantly, so no one can climb onto the roof to assess the damage. I just want to know the details about this mess. But instead I wait. *meh*

      Like

  37. Gads. (They always say you’ll never be handed more than you can handle, but I always feel like screaming, “enough, already!”
    (Hope the weather is moderating – last night we had a vicious rain storm causing all animals into the bed – worst was north of us…and the fertilized lawn is quite happy about it (and I’ve got muddy dog towels once again. Hope health issues resolved with the older ones and your Good Friday/weekend is a brighter day – take care with that driving and checking!)

    Liked by 1 person

    • philmouse, I seem to be handling this ok. Not thrilled by any of it, but whatcha gonna do? The snow has stopped and we’re having intermittent rain showers, meaning that soon *fingers crossed* the roofer guy will be able to get up on the roof and figure out what’s going on. The in-laws are in the process of moving out of their house into safer places, and Z-D is back home without any winter weather driving troubles. So… onward we go. Happy Weekend to you, too!

      Liked by 2 people

      • (You always seem so organized. I’m still struggling to return read blogs and complete comment responses – not to mention getting post written (Easter’s rolling around brain, but getting time to write it out …) It seems something is always getting short changed – but with the narrow mild weather/tolerable outdoor planting window here, right now everything gets dropped – so if anything breaks or anyone plops out of place and into a mess, it’s serious energy and patience crunch time. Sort of everything is on “fend for yourself” status for a bit longer HAHA
        Glad the inlaws are wise enough to change locations – makes it better for all involved…especially with the goofy weather!
        Take care and egg roll on!

        Liked by 2 people

        • I know what you mean about being outside when you can. Sometime in April we should be able to get outside and start our spring yard clean-up. If we don’t buy and plant the annuals then, there won’t be any to buy. You seem organized to me, btw. I find your posts fascinating– and with all the info you put in them you must have some system that’s working for you. Good job, mouse.

          [Aren’t we just the mutual admiration society! 😉]

          Liked by 2 people

    • camparigirl, I’m doing my best to ignore the ceiling. Until the roof is repaired there’s nothing I can do about it so I refuse to see it! Happy painting should you decide to fix your ceiling mess.

      Like

  39. So sorry about the water damage. That is no fun. Especially your beautiful bathroom. Could you just chew nails right now?

    I love comments on my blog. I don’t get very many anymore. Must have been something I said. But I used to get a lot, and they made me so happy. It meant people were reading and caring enough to say something about it. For anyone who writes, no matter what you write, comments are the best compliment, in my humble opinion.

    Liked by 2 people

    • Kate, water damage is just plain stupid, if you ask me. Chewing nails? Why yes, please pass some over to me!

      I’ve never figured out why sometimes a blogger is popular with lots of comments, and other times it’s like crickets around a blog. I’m sorry you’re not getting many comments now, but hope that soon you’re overwhelmed with them. I like what you write! Keep on, keeping on, as they say.

      Liked by 1 person

  40. Ugh. Your ceiling makes me sad. We are currently in a bit of a mess. We can hear water running from some rooms in our house, and our water bill was almost 2x the usual amount, so there is a leak somewhere. We don’t SEE any damage or water, so it’s a hidden leak. We live in a townhouse, so hopefully the leak is not our $$ responsibility, but we won’t know until it is fixed. We had a plumber come out and check, and he couldn’t find a leak. So we have to wait for a leak finder person to come with some devise or another. I’m dreading this, hoping it will not mean torn up floors and many days without water, which is what happened a couple of years ago to a neighbor of ours. New floors or paint or whatever would be on us to pay for. Ugh again.

    Liked by 1 person

    • J, your predicament sounds [no pun intended] awful. I cannot imagine how anxiety-producing it must be to know something is WRONG, but not know where the problem is. As someone in the comments above said, “water wins.” If/when you figure out the problem, I’m sure it’ll be a relief– but will NO DOUBT inconvenience you in some way. Hang in there. If ain’t one thing, it’s another.

      Like

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