SHOWING YOUR AGE?

A friend of mine is very 'into' grammar and the use of words. I read an article about using certain outdated cliches, so I thought I would share it.

"Clichés are the worst. Aside from being indicative of lazy speaking and lazy writing, they are rarely used correctly, and even when they are, they rarely make sense. Most popularized metaphors are outdated..."



Here are the worst listed:

Don't cry over split milk.
Selling like hotcakes.
The rest is history.
Avoid like the plague.
Let her hair down.
Every cloud has a silver lining.
Beg the question.
When it rains, it pours.
Cat got your tongue?
Go climb a tree.
Dressed to kill.
Spitting image.
Don't judge a book by its cover.

The article said these were the 'worst of the worst' and using them makes a person "unbearably boring" or "shows an inability to discuss original thoughts or opinions."

I just think they are plain OLD and over time new ones have taken their place in our speech patterns. If you think of more oldies, feel free to share in the comment section. People who use any of the above worst are really showing their age, or maybe they are just a little boring.

HEAVENLY THOUGHTS

Happy Birthday to my dad, I never forget. He went to Heaven 42 years ago, but I still can see some of him in me.

DAYS GONE BY

While sorting out a small box in the kitchen Sunday afternoon, I ran across a couple items that reminded me of days gone by.

The first was a standard eraser with brush from Faber that was used by secretaries (like me) in the days of carbon paper and regular old typewriters. It was sad when making a typing mistake in the old days. Now we just hit the backspace on the computer and the error goes away - poof.

The second item was a small tin that was sold in any drug store containing aspirin for the old style headaches. A lot of women carried one of these small containers in their purse many years ago. I was surprised to see 11 of the 12 small tablets still inside. There have been so many advances in headache medication since the early 1960s. I did research this item and found a few on eBay selling for $4-8.00, and mine is in very good condition.

I'm learning where my past went - into memories surfacing in the old boxes I'm searching.

A ROD STEWART KIND OF DAY

After I got up Sunday, I was in a pensive mood, with a lot on my mind. I decided a nice relaxing session in the hot tub to ease my back soreness was a must for my to-do list for the day. I got my CD player and took it to the porch with me, straightened the porch to make room for the hot tub cover, and got ready.

I put on a Rod Stewart CD and got in the water to relax with the jets aimed at my back. I did some water exercises to stretch some muscles too. When the first CD was finished, I put in a second Rod Stewart music CD and sat back to relax again. When the second CD was finished, I knew it was time to get out and get to my tasks planned for the day - hoping my energy level stayed up long enough to get them all done.

While in the hot tub, my dog was in the back yard, watching the squirrels run around. I think my cat must have enjoyed Rod Stewart too, because after she saw me get in and sit down, she went to her table and let the music soothe her into a nap. A relaxing time indeed.

Later, I got 90% of my tasks done that were planned and even cooked something in the crockpot for supper. A good Sunday indeed, and the weather was GREAT!

DAR CERTIFICATES

I now have a new research project in my genealogy search, for another name to add to my chart (see my recent blog).

Not too long ago, in a box, I found my grandmother's original DAR membership certificate (Daughters of the American Revolution) and I set it on my family memoribilia shelf. Recently, while cleaning out another box from the shed, I found my mother's original DAR certificate.

My grandmother joined in October of 1951, and my mother joined in December of 1971. My mother and father moved here in 1971 from Cleveland, so the timing is relevant. There used to be a local chapter here in town, but when it disbanded, all the records were moved to Cincinnati, Ohio.

I remember learning that Hamilton Rogers was a relative and I found him listed in the Revolutionary War reference book at the library. Now I need to find Private Thomas Rogers (maybe a brother or son of Hamilton Rogers) in my family heritage since he's the patriot whose lineage approved my mother and grandmother's memberships in the DAR.

Let the search begin!

AUTOGRAPHS AND MEMORIES

While going through a box from storage, I found a picture that reminded me of the good old days.

I went to a concert many years ago and took photos of the Statler Brothers and Barbara Mandrell who were performing. After the concert, each one signed their individual picture (which is somewhat hard to see due to the age of the photos in the frame).

Another trip down memory lane in a box from the past!

LONG ENOUGH?

The other day I was on the page I created at MyHeritage.com where I have constructed my family tree (it's free). I collected all the records my mother had, the entries in my father's family Bible, and research I had done in the past year, and entered 142 relatives on my tree. The maternal side of my family has more entries than my paternal side, but I'm still working on that.

I decided to print out the chart to see how it looked. I chose the format style and the papers began to stack up on my printer. In order for me to tape them together to show a proper chart, I had to set up a table and lay the pages out in order. When I finished, I had a chart measuring four feet wide and seven and one-half feet long, hanging over the table on both ends. It looks much smaller on a computer screen!!!

I wonder how long it will be when I finish my research on my paternal side?

OLD SHOE

In the treasure trove box from the shed I recently wrote about, when I found a pair of my baby shoes, I also found ONE of my mother's baby shoes. I remember her showing them to me many years ago. Long black socks were rolled up inside this shoe and are in decent shape. But I only found one. Thinking back to when I found the other two pairs of my baby shoes in a box in the attic, I think I remember seeing the matching shoe to this one. Now I have to search for the box they were located in and reunite the pair.

I wonder how they got separated several years ago? Did they just go their separate ways????? Reunion is near!

YEARBOOK-A-RAMA

In the treasure box I recently wrote about, I found some of my mother's history.

My mother graduated from Washington High School in 1933. Their yearbooks were called the Sunburst. I found her yearbook collection from 1930-1931-1932-1933 in very good condition. She was such a 'saver' of memoribilia.

In addition to her yearbooks, I found her original high school diploma and Commencement Program from 1933. Also with it was her diploma from Miami-Jacobs College, Dayton, Ohio, and Commencement Program from June 22, 1935 (she took their two-year secretarial program). I followed in her footsteps by taking the same course at Bowling Green State University after I graduated high school.

Another walk down memory lane and "saver" of important history.

GREAT FIND

My friend Linda and I went to an auction the other night. I spent $2.00 on something I really liked for the house.

This is one of the pair of ten and one-half inch tall candleholders I invested in for the future. They are very heavy, hold three-inch pillar candles, marked Shannon Crystal - Designs of Ireland, 24% lead crystal. The original price tag was still on the bottom of each for $40.00. You could tell they were purchased several years ago, by the type and age of the tag.

I did some research and found an identical pair for sale on eBay for $35.00. Not a bad investment of my $2.00.

MY PAST REMEMBERED

I cleaned out one of the boxes on the back porch which had been in the shed (which is now clean). It was a treasure trove of memories. My mother was a "saver" of everything important and some unimportant items. I found some of my important past today.

This is one of my baby dresses and hat to match. Mother dressed me in dresses for several years when I was young. I also found a pair of my baby shoes (I think I have a total of three pair, two are in another box).

On the left are my two pink baby blankets that were in my treasure box, along with my chenille spread from my first bed after the baby crib. They are still in good shape for being so old (LOL).

These are two white blankets like today's "receiving blankets" that were used to wrap me up while traveling very early in my life. I remember when my mother gave these items to me many years ago. I have a cedar chest in my bedroom and I think that would be a good place to store these treasures, instead of a box in the shed.

A bit of history is all I needed to bring back some memories of my youth today. A walk down memory lane has made me tired, so goodnight!

SUCCESS - FINALLY!

On July 15th, I started my shed cleaning project. It was supposed to start right after the 4th of July, but the rain (and more rain) delayed the mission two weeks. It was full and there were lots of boxes to go through.

As of today, I am FINALLY finished with this project! It had to be done in stages - the first stage being done without any help. (My helper never showed up.) I started with a few boxes and did what I could.

The next day that was sunny and nice to work outside, I decided that I would pull everything out of the shed and sweep it out. Then I stacked Christmas boxes in one corner, craft supply boxes in another corner, and items I'd already sorted in another corner. I could only do so much in one day. I can't (or shouldn't) lift too much or get too worn out at one time.

Last weekend, I decided to sort out the 5 craft supply boxes that have been stored since I used to do craft sales at festivals. I now have only 2 boxes with items to keep for future use. The balance was moved to the garage for another big sale.

This project advanced into the month of August, due to weather delays and no help. A couple weeks ago, I went through all the miscellaneous boxes and now have only 6 left in storage. I still have 3 boxes in the houses to finish, but most of the contents will be trashed after 8 years (mostly old papers).

Today, my handyman was able to assist me in my final step in this clean-out. He removed all the Christmas boxes (all 10) from the shed and we went through them one by one. I now have only 5 boxes of decorations (inside and outside type) and the rest is in boxes for the next big sale.

I also found 2 boxes of glassware that were old and forgotten and I cleaned them both out today. I found a few of my good dishes belonging to my set that had been packed for a move, and stored and forgotten. The dishes are now ready to wash and put in the cupboard with the rest of the set. I have one full tote of glassware ready for the sale since I no longer use any of those items.

It is such a liberating feeling to downsize, clean out, and get rid of things I no longer use or want. After all the "sale" item boxes were moved to the garage today, my garage is now one-third filled with items ready for an auction sale. As soon as I schedule the sale and the items are picked up, I will start on my (formerly August) garage-cleaning project, which is now a September event due to the delays. My handyman said he would help me on Saturday afternoons when needed.

Once I clean out the garage, I can move any items I want to store to the shed, now that there is so much empty space in there. Plenty of room for garage items now!

I went through every room and cleaned out the house for my sale in April. Now the attic is empty, and the shed is cleaned (and a little of the garage) and I have enough for another sale. I hope I can get some of the garage cleaned and add more items to that pending sale.

My July/August goal has been accomplished and I can move on to my September goal and clean the garage. I want to be free of all my junk and slightly used treasures. One man's (or woman's) junk is another man's (or woman's) treasure - the old saying goes. Maybe I'll make some people happy as they purchase my used items (some new) and I reap the profits and pay a couple bills. One can hope - and work until each goal is accomplished!

SEND A HELLO-COPPER TO VIRGINIA

The boss of a big company needed to call one of his employees about an urgent problem with one of the main computers. He dialed the employee's home phone number and was greeted with a child's whispered, "Hello?"

Feeling put out at the inconvenience of having to talk to a youngster the boss asked, "Is your Daddy home?"

"Yes," whispered the small voice.

"May I talk with him?" the man asked.

To the surprise of the boss, the small voice whispered, "No."

Wanting to talk with an adult, the boss asked, "Is your Mommy there?"

"Yes", came the answer.

"May I talk with her?"

Again the small voice whispered, "No".

Knowing that it was not likely that a young child would be left home alone, the boss decided he would just leave a message with the person who should be there watching over the child.

"Is there anyone there besides you?" the boss asked the child.

"Yes" whispered the child, "A policeman."

Wondering what a cop would be doing at his employee's home, the boss asked, "May I speak with the policeman?"

"No, he's busy," whispered the child.

"Busy doing what?" asked the boss.

Talking to Daddy and Mommy and the fireman," came the whispered answer.

Growing concerned and even worried as he heard what sounded like a helicopter through the ear piece on the phone the boss asked, "What is that noise?"

"A hello-copper," answered the whispering voice.

"What is going on there?" asked the boss, now alarmed.

In an awed whispering voice the child answered, "The search team just landed the hello-copper."

Alarmed, concerned and more than just a little frustrated, the boss asked, "Why are they there?"

Still whispering, the young voice replied along with a muffled giggle, "They're looking for me."

POWER IN NUMBERS

A family of skunks was trapped in a thicket, surrounded by a pack of hungry wolves that were edging even closer. The Mother skunk calmly instructed her young: "Quickly children, let's put our heads together!" After they obeyed, forming a circle, she continued, "Now—Let us spray!"

A GOOD MEMORY

Euclid Beach Park is but a memory of times gone by. I was born and raised in Cleveland and Euclid Beach was part of a child's growing up in the 1960s.

From 1895 to 1969, the 75 acre park on the Lake Erie shoreline was a beloved amusement park. The Dudley Humphrey family took over the resort in 1901 and it was a family attraction for 67 years.

The Thriller, the Flying Turns, the Great American Racing Derby, the Surprise House, the Dippy Whip, the Flying Scooters, Over the Falls, the Sleepy Hollow Railway, the Carouel, the Rocket Ship, the Racing Coasters, and the Roter were the memorable rides that attracted all ages.

My favorite was the Surpise House with Laughing Sal. I learned to roller skate at the skating rink there, listening to the Gavioli organ, which was the center of the park. High schoolers from all the area schools met there for an afternoon of fun and social gathering.

A memorable treat was the Candy Kisses made on site daily. They sold a lot of popcorn too.

The park closed in 1969, which was a sad ending to an era of fun for kids of all ages. I know that's where I spent a lot of my youth.

THE ORIGIN OF MAN

A man is like a fine wine.
He starts out raw as grapes.
And it's a woman's job,
To stomp on him,
And keep him in the dark,
Until he matures into something,
She'd like to have dinner with,
or more.

YOU JUST KNOW

EMPTY

Hey, Mom, you did the laundry...no soft clothes to lie on. I'll sit here and wait, so fill it up!

LAST OF THE GARDEN

My last rose bloom of the season was the Peace Rose. I will now have to wait until next year for more roses in my garden.

I found naked ladies (technically called the Belladonna Lily) still in their few days of bloom in my back yard. I like the late summer surprise and know they will be back next year.

When I went outside today to check on my flowers, I was greeted by another 'ready to bloom' surprise. Three little stems with tiny buds. I can hardly wait to see what these look like in a couple days.

Of all the sunflower seeds planted, only onew grew this year, but I bought new seeds and will try again next year. I had a great garden this season and enjoyed all my surprise blooms.

HANDS ON

I was trying to fix a friend's printer today because the black ink needed to be changed. I pulled out the old empty cartridge, then opened the new box. As I set the box down, with the new cartridge in my left hand, when my left hand and my left thigh of my jeans were immediately turned black when the ink cartridge let loose and soaked me in ink. I ran to the sink and washed off some of the ink and wiped it off, but after one scrubbing with Dawn, my hand was still blackened.

I went home to put rubbing alcohol on my pants before I washed them, but I don't know if the stain will come out or not. I went to ASK.COM to research 'taking ink out of clothing' and tried their method. We'll see after they come out of the wash. I'm a "hands on" kinda person!

LIFE