Category Archives: work

A washing machine change

March 11, 2021Columns, Odds and ends, worksusanmanzke

Back in the 1980s, I had a washer that was giving up the ghost. This column tells how the old washer’s life ended and the new one began.

Odd that I came across this column at this time. Tomorrow a new washing machine is heading here. Fingers crossed that the exchange of the old for the new will go without a hitch.

I’ve been fighting to keep this one going for almost 2 years. It’s only ten years old but when the repairman came he said it couldn’t be fixed as the parts weren’t available–yet they continue to make that machine. Go figure.

No matter. It’s time for a change and I’m sure I’ll be fascinated with my new washing machine, too.

Solomon had to divide Mom

March 2, 2021Columns, Family, worksusanmanzke

Four children tried to pull this mother in many different directions.

There was never enough Mom to go around, especially when Dad was working. This 1987 column tells about one frustrated mother, me.

Friends told me how they often felt pulled apart, too.

It wasn’t easy being a mother in 1987. These days it might be even harder.

Here’s wishing all parents days when Solomon isn’t needed to divide you in two, or in three, or into more pieces.

Inside job continues

January 23, 2021Bob, Columns, worksusanmanzke

Bob and I hated to make choices. Deciding what color we should paint our living room was difficult. Worse was picking carpeting.

This column is dedicated to carpeting, choosing it and then putting it in place — Bob was a do-it-yourself guy.

We finished the living room before spring work began on the farm. If we had a delay inside, and spring had arrived, the room work wouldn’t have gotten done until the following winter–farming always came first.

A winter remodel

January 22, 2021Bob, Columns, worksusanmanzke

This column tells about the aftermath of Rachel Jo drawing on the wall above our couch. It started out as a paint job, but then Bob stepped in and added to the project.

Bob’s two cents worked well for our living room. Opening the wall turned out great. The large shelving unit was finished and used by our family for years.

Of course, we had to live in the mess for a week, but thinking back on Bob-projects, this one was completed in a relatively short time.

Thank goodness most of Bob’s ideas were great.

Wallpapering fiasco

December 30, 2020Bob, Columns, worksusanmanzke

This column from the 80s is about wallpapering our kitchen. It sure was a lot of work but Bob and I accomplished this together.

Going over this old home improvement project reminds me that I HATE to wallpaper and will NEVER EVER do it again.

Susan Manzke

Writer, Speaker, All-Around Good Person