Autumn has arrived. Ever since my birthday in July, many have been curious and asking about my age, including the grandchildren and great grandchildren.
I was born before, television, penicillin, polio shots, frozen foods, Xerox, contact lenses, Frisbees, and the pill. There were no credit cards, laser beams, or ball point pens. Man had not invented pantyhose, air conditioners, dishwashers, or clothes dryers. The clothes that were hung out to dry in the fresh air. And man had not walked on the moon. Your grandfather and I got married first, then lived together. Every family had a father and a mother. Until I was 25, I called every man older than me, “sir.” We were before computer dating, dual careers, daycare centers, and group therapy. Our lives were governed by the ten commandments, good judgment, and common sense. We were taught to know the difference between right and wrong and to stand up and take responsibility for our actions. Serving your country was a privilege. Living in this country was a bigger privilege. We thought fast food was what people ate during Lent. Having a meaningful relationship meant getting along with your cousins. Draft Dodgers were those who closed front doors as the evening breeze started. Time sharing meant time the family spent together in the evenings and weekends, not purchasing condominiums. We never heard of FM radio's tape decks, CDs, electric typewriters, yogurt, or guys wearing earrings. We listen to big bands, Jack Benny, and the president's speeches on our radios. The term “making out” referred to how you did on your school exam. Pizza Hut, McDonald's, and instant coffee were unheard of. We had 5 and ¢10 stores where you could actually buy things for 5 and ¢10. Ice cream cones, phone calls, rides on a streetcar, and Pepsi were all a nickel. And if you didn't want to splurge, you could spend your nickel on enough stamps to mail one letter and two postcards. You could buy a new Ford coupe for $600, but who could afford one? Too bad because gas was ¢11 a gallon. In my day, grass was mowed, coke was a cold drink. Pot was something your mother cooked in, and rock music was my grandmother's lullaby. Aids were helpers in the principal's office. Chip meant a piece of wood. Hardware was found in a hardware store, and software was not even a word. And now how old do you think I am?
Another warm thought: Life is short and we never have enough time for gladdening the hearts of those we travel the way with us. Oh, be swift to love. Make haste to be kind. And may God bless America and our world.
Warm Thoughts from the Little Home on the Prairie Over a Cup of Tea, written by Dr. Luetta G. Werner.
Published in the Marion Record November 3rd, 2011.
Download the Found Photo Freebie and cherish your memories of the past.
Enjoy flipping through the Vintage Photo Book on your coffee table.
I hope you enjoyed this podcast episode! Please follow along on this journey by going to visualbenedictions.com or following me on Instagram, Facebook, and Pinterest. You can listen to the podcast on Apple Podcast, Spotify, Stitcher, and Overcast. And don’t forget to rate and review so more people can tune in! I’d greatly appreciate it.
Till next time,
Trina