Musing: Barbara Bush was a classy First Lady

As I write this, the world just learned of the passing of former First Lady Barbara Bush. I try to avoid politics in this column, but I just couldn’t pass up the opportunity to share a few of my thoughts about Mrs. Bush. She was classy, compassionate, family-oriented, funny and not embarrassed to share of her lifelong love for her husband, George H.W. Bush. Known for her signature pearl necklaces, Mrs. Bush was very gracious to all she met and one of the most genuine First Ladies that I remember. She was always – just Barbara.

On another note, did you know she has family ties in Ohio? Her parents were married in Marysville and her grandparents were also married in Union County. Her grandfather, James Robinson, was a Union County Judge and also on the Ohio Supreme Court. I’m told she still has distant relatives in Union County and the Byhalia area. Interesting, right?

I must admit I’m a fan of "House Hunters," "Flipping Houses" and other similar shows on HGTV. I like to see the transformation of the run-down and neglected properties, and form my own opinion on the designers taste and style. Also, in my opinion, the folks looking at the houses are very boring with their monotone comments as they tour the house. I’d really like to hear some honest opinions as they trudge through the messes they often encounter. Also, in my opinion, the idea of open concept does not agree with the original design of the home. That's a design for the more modern home. I can’t see taking down all the walls in an architectural design home – usually built in the 1920-1940 era, or trying to make any home they see as farm house décor. Barn doors and shiplap doesn’t fit in with all décor and design, and all white cupboards in the kitchen can detract from the value and nostalgia of an older home.

I know all white gives a clean look but, to me, real oak cupboards gives much more class. Quartz or marble, maybe even some high-end laminates, can be just as classy as granite. As you see, I have my own ideas just as each of you might have. I guess what I’m trying to say is if you are contemplating flipping a house and may have a potential buyer interested, include them in the conversation with the designer and let them truly make it their home and not that of the designer alone. I guess I just like watching to form my own opinions. I often agree, but I would really like those for whom the renovations are being done would be more vocal with their individual likes and dislikes. They often state this would be good when we entertain friends and family. I never thought of hosting friend or family as entertaining. To me, it is hosting.

I also prefer having the living room separated from the dining/kitchen area separated by a wall so guests can’t sit and watch every move you make in the kitchen and the ensuing mess – at least in my case – as I cook/prepare the meal or snacks. Enough said. I guess this is what happens when you retire and then there is not many choices on TV to help you pass the day.

Let me leave you with this quotation by the late Barbara Bush: “Never lose sight of the fact that the most important yardstick of your success will be how you treat other people – your family, friends and coworkers, and even strangers you meet along the way.”

Rest in Peace Barbara Bush.

Brenda Donegan may be reached at brendadonegan55@gmail.com.