This morning, I received a video from a friend that documented an 89 year old lady who purchased a 1964 Mercury ‘Comet’ for a price of just over $3,200.00.
What is so amazing about this is that she is still the proud owner regardless of the fact that the odometer registers over 540,000 miles. In addition, the car appears to be in mint condition.
The video was filmed after she had driven the vehicle alone to her 70th school reunion, a distance of over 2,000 miles.
We all have heard the old saying that; “They don’t make them like they used to.” In fact, I have just recently begun to feel proud that my vehicle has 164,000 miles on it and is still performing satisfactorily.
When the lady was interviewed, she was asked if she worried about traveling alone in an automobile almost as old as she.
Her answer was an emphatic “NO!” Having said that, she reached under the seat of the car and handed the interviewer a canvas bag that contained what looked to be a 38 caliber revolver.
I don’t know about you; but I certainly would hesitate to show anything but respect for either the lady or her vehicle.
My thanks to Jim for this special video.
Demijon
I wonder if she still has her milk delivered in glass bottles with cardboard stoppers? Dj
June 30th, 2009
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Things I learned as a child.
Barking Up The Wrong Tree: Usage: “If you think I’m not going to whip you, you’re….”
Come Hell Or High Water: Usage: “You’re determined to worry me to death….”
Everything But The Kitchen Sink: Usage: “You’ve broken….”
Foam at the Mouth: Usage: “It’s not going to do you any good to….”
Fuddy-duddy: Usage: I don’t care if you do think that I am an old….”
Get Your Walking Papers: Usage: If you mess around on your job; you’ll….”
Graveyard Shift: Usage: “To put food in your belly, I’ve had to work the….
Haste Makes Waste: Usage: “Stop being in such an all-fired hurry. Don’t you know that….”
If It’s Not One Thing, It’s Another: Usage: “I don’t know what I’m going to do with you….”
Joshing Me: Usage: “I don’t believe a word of that long-winded tale; Are you….”
Like a chicken with its head cut off: Usage: “You’ve been running around here….”
Never Bite The Hand That Feeds You: Usage: “As long as you put your feet under my table, you had better….”
On Pins And Needles: Usage: “Every time we have company, you keep me…”
Although I always assumed that I lead, more or less, a well-adjusted childhood. However, from the axioms above, one can readily presume that; “I lacked a few cans having a six-pack;” “My elevator didn’t go to the top:” and “I was a few eggs short of a dozen:”
Although I realize that many of you readers are not familiar with these axioms; I am convinced that you have been chastised accordingly at sometime during your youth.
Demijon
Do any of you know what general direction “CATTY-WUMPUS” is?
June 29th, 2009
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As a child you, no doubt, have experienced one or more of these axioms.
“If you don’t stop that whining; I’ll give you something to whine about!” – A warning that such behavior would not be tolerated.
” I don’t mean maybe.” – Follow-up to the above statement.
“Go cut me a hickory!” – Final action taken if both the above warnings were ignored.
“You don’t know Diddly-Squat.” – Assuring that you are not as smart as you think.
“That Rigamarole will get you nowhere.” – Your excuses are not valid.
“It’s a piece of cake.” – There is no reason for not doing what you were told.
“That chip on your shoulder will get you in trouble.” – Watch it, Buster.
“Don’t cry over spilt milk.” What’s past is forgotten.
“Curiosity killed the cat.” – Don’t be so inquisitive.
“I don’t want to hear your ‘Cock and Bull’ story.” – It’s unbelievable.
“Get over it.” – Put it behind you and get on with life.
I’m sure that you have had occasions when you “lost your head;” “had an axe to grind;” or “gone out on a limb:” but you should remember that, “Great minds think alike,” therefore you and I have “a lot in common.”
I will have to admit that for the first ten years of my life, I thought the extent of my parents vocabulary was “SIT DOWN AND SHUT UP!”
Demijon
Perhaps the only good thing that can be said about old age is that we haven’t “bit the dust” yet. Dj
June 28th, 2009
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If I asked you to define the word PEA, I am reasonably sure the answer would be that it is a vegetable.
However, another definition is a weight that was used along with portable scales to determine an amount of cotton gleaned from the fields during the great depression.
The scale was nothing more than a long, metal bar with graduated marks stamped on the beam. Off-set hooks were attached to the top and bottom sides and were usually hung on a portable tripod somewhere in the cotton fields. The top hook was attached under the peak of the tripod and the full cotton sacks and/or the filled sheets were hung onto the bottom hook.
There were usually two weights, (pea’s), called a big pea and a little pea. The big pea measured the poundage in increments of hundreds of pounds while the little pea was used for one pound increments.
The tripod was positioned adjacent to where the cotton was being picked. Weighing the picked cotton differed in that some farmers weighed each cotton sack while others emptied the sacks onto sheets made of burlap and weighed the full sheets. The weights were recorded until they totaled an amount that would gin-out a bale weighing around 500 pounds.
If hired help was needed, weighing individual sacks determined the amount of pay the picker received. The average earnings for picking cotton usually was in the neighborhood of $1 to $2 per day. There were exceptional pickers that who could pick upwards of 200 pounds or more and could earn a grand total of around $4.00 for their day’s labor.
Picking cotton was certainly NOT the preferred choice for a career but it was a necessary evil for those farmers who depended on cotton for their only cash crop.
I can well remember when cotton scales, big peas and little peas were prevalent at every small farm in THE OLDEN DAYS.
Demijon
Old age in not so bad when one can remember the hard times of youth. Dj
June 26th, 2009
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To begin, please allow me to say that I am definitely NOT a connoisseur of radio talk shows. I occasionally tune in to one and receive some interesting information; however, lately I have come to the conclusion that a great number of the hosts are nothing but rude, tactless, contemptuous, snobs who consider that anyone that does not think the same as they do or anyone whose social or financial standing is not equal to their own are inferior beings.
Most of them boast about the fact that they are able to fly hither and yon for nothing more than a round of golf or that such and such group has invited them to speak for an enormous fee. In addition, much of their airtime is spent hyping their latest book. They are not in the least modest about revealing that their income is well above the average.
This is all well and good if the information they impart is for the good of their listening audience, but many of them cannot refrain from criticizing those whose status is not in keeping with their own. It seems not to matter to them that many of the ones they criticize are the same ones who buy their sponsor’s products.
Recently, the radio in my vehicle was tuned to a station that carries one of the popular talk show hosts. The host remarked that a tour group was entering the station and said to his co-host, “Well, here comes the old, mouth-breathing tourists with all the fat kids and you know how I feel about fat kids.”
A little later in the program he proceeded to relate a tasteless joke about two old women who were going to the grocery store to cash their social security checks. Mimicking their voices, he said, “Mable, do you and your husband have mutual orgasms?” “No. I think we have State Farm.”
His co-host was a pregnant lady and he made a big to-do about her crying and screaming while “downloading” a baby. She asked if he would sympathize with her and his surly reply was, “I didn’t put it there and I’m not going to take it out.”
In another segment, he referred to the elderly as someone, who does nothing except sit in lawn chairs by the mailbox waiting for their social security checks, but I’ll be willing to bet that when he becomes eligible, he will be in line at the Social Security Office to become a double or perhaps a triple dipper.
He invites listeners to call in but if they do not agree with his dialogue, he either interrupts them or quickly finds a reason to end the discussion in favor of a caller who will not challenge his theories; i.e. “It’s time for a break. Stay tuned for more of my profound, egotistical banter.”
Granted, there are a few talk show hosts who are genuinely interested in helping people with their problems, and those I applaud, but the ones who consider themselves God’s gift to the airways literally make me sick.
I realize that money received from sponsors is the deciding factor in their staying on the air, but I sometimes wonder about the scruples of a radio station that will allow such drivel to be broadcast. Surely there are other programs available that will not subject the listening audience to ridicule.
Perhaps programming such as that is responsible for the increase in country-western and golden oldie stations that are cropping up around the country.
Thanks for listening.
Demijon
Teacher: “Billy; point to America on the map.”
“Here,” said Billy, pointing.
Teacher: “Correct.” “Jamie; Who discovered America?”
Jamie grinned and said; “Billy.”
June 25th, 2009
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Bubba was on his third go-round in the second grade. He simply didn’t “hold” with all that book-learnin’ and considered it a waste of his time.
Just why would he need that all that information when his only desire was to become a champion driver of a race car at the dirt track some two miles from the farm where he grew up? Schooling was something the “town kids” got and was a mystery to him. Apprenticeship at Bill’s Garage was more to his liking.
His older brother Earl, was in the same grade for his fourth term and he tried desperately to help Bubba master the curriculum that Miz. Asterholt taught.
On one particular day, they were in the process of learning how to correctly spell the words listed in their spelling book when Miz. Asterholt called on Bubba to stand and spell the word SHIRT.
Bubba rose and stammered; “SHH – ahh, SHE – uhh, SH - erah – SHT;” before finally giving up and sat down.
Earl then spoke; “Miz Asterholt; You’ve done went an’ got him so screwed up that he can’t spell SH*T.”
The two of them were probably the only students in the County that made a career out of the second grade.
Bubba finally graduated from the third grade at age 16 and saw no need for further education. He immediately went to the employment office to find work. Upon entering the building, he asked the receptionist…
“Is dis BEWARE I can get a job?”
Some folks change while others remain the same.
Demijon
The average age of a 7 year old in this State is 13.
June 24th, 2009
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As the photo at left demonstrates, it is entirely possible to drive a vehicle with only three wheels touching the ground.
The first time I experienced this was in 1956 when I purchased a new Ford. I had taken my car into the Dealership for the first service and was standing in the service bay, (at that time, customers were allowed in the service area to even talk to the mechanics while they worked on your car).
Suddenly, a new Ford wheeled into the service department with the left front wheel MISSING.
Needless to say, I was taken aback and stood with my mouth agape as I witnessed the sight.
I inquired of my mechanic just how was it possible to remove one wheel and still drive the vehicle. Most of us had trouble understanding the workings of the internal combustion engine anyway.
He explained to me that an amount of weight had been positioned in the trunk of the car in the opposite corner to counter-balance the total weight; and that particular automobile was used for demonstrative purposes only.
He also explained that the Dealer had driven the car all over the city without a left front wheel and with no mishaps.
I will venture to say that many more people than I had been flabbergasted at the sight of someone doing the impossible and driving an automobile with only three wheels.
They did NOT have to explain to us that this vehicle was piloted by PROFESSIONAL DRIVERS ON A CLOSED COURSE; or to advise us not to TRY THIS AT HOME!
Who knows what can be done with the right know-how.
Demijon
A PERK of being over the hill is… - Kidnappers are not very interested in you.
June 23rd, 2009
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Technology has advanced much faster than the adeptness of my brain to understand it.
How well I remember a time when a child was dispatched to relay a message to a neighbor to ask for help or to the local merchant for some item forgotten during the weekly shopping trip. Then came the telephone.
A quick ring to “central” and “two shorts and one long” summoned the party and the message was delivered by way of thin wires attached to tall poles dotting the countryside. This was a wonderful invention indeed, that allowed instantaneous communication. However, there were times when even this outstanding method was not sufficient.
If a doctor was needed and could not be reached by phone, the consequences could become a matter of life or death.
Technical minds worked feverishly to solve this dilemma and the results were the introduction of the portable pager. A battery powered radio receiver, small enough to be carried in the pocket or worn clipped to a belt signaled the doctor and he responded by calling his office for the message.
It was not long before this minute device was considered an essential part of a businessman’s accouterment as well as a mandatory component for service personal.
The introduction of micro-chips, permitted manufacturers to develop small radio transmitters and receivers in one unit and, voila; the cellular telephone was born.
It was now possible to communicate with anyone, anywhere, without being tied to telephone lines. At first, these ingenious devices were cost prohibitive for the average person but as usage increased, the cost decreased.
It is now not unusual to note people driving along a freeway with a cellular telephone glued to their ear.
To someone like me who cannot walk and chew gum at the same time, it is truly amazing that these individuals can drive while engrossed in telephone conversation. My feeble mind tells me that these devices should be used for emergencies only and not for casual banter.
An incident experienced in a Grocery Store recently added credence to my theory that many consider cellular telephones a status symbol. A lady was maneuvering a shopping cart from isle to isle while conversing via a fold-up cellular telephone. Only fragments of the conversation could be overheard as she passed. “Who does her hair?”, “And that dress;” “Thirty percent off at the mall?” “Unbelievable!” ”Yes: I’m shopping while talking to you.” “Call me in an hour; I’ll be in my car.”
Since I belong to an earlier age and still believe that wrestling on TV is real, I am convinced this is carrying technology a wee bit too far.
Demijon
The older one gets; the pickings get slimmer, but the people don’t.
June 23rd, 2009
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There are a few posts from my friends in the blogging world that strike my funny bone to the extent I feel confident that I would be remiss if I fail to repeat them.
One of these was received this morning from my good friend Merle in Australia. This short story brightened the otherwise hot, extremely humid, weather as “Th’ Bear” and I went for his usual walk to attend to his toilet.
My thanks to Merle for sharing this gem.
Demijon
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Employed For One Day Only.
So after landing my new job as a K Mart greeter, (a good find for many retirees). I lasted less than a day. . . . . . .
About two hours into my first day on the job a very loud, unattractive, mean-acting, woman walked into the store with her two kids. She was yelling obscenities at them all the way through the entrance.
As I had been instructed, I said pleasantly, “Good morning and welcome to K Mart.”
“Nice children you have there. Are they twins?”
The ugly woman stopped long enough to say, “Hell no, they ain’t twins. The oldest is 9 and the other one’s 7. Why the hell would you think they’re twins? Are you blind, or just stupid?”
So I replied, “I’m neither blind nor stupid, Ma’am. I just couldn’t believe that someone slept with you twice. Have a good day and thank you for shopping at K Mart.”
My supervisor said I probably wasn’t cut out for this kind of work.
***********************
Why can’t I think of such a quick come-back? Dj
June 20th, 2009
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I first considered posting a few excerpts from this article written by Doctor Jacob T. Bradsher and published in the Knoxville Tennessee News-Sentinel. However, since so much can be related to me, with a few exceptions, this article could very well be the ‘story of my life’ after reaching the ranks of Senior Citizen. Dj.
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I am old. A few months ago, I began my 89th year. The ages in the daily obituary column are mostly less than that. At the moment, I can’t think of anyone I should say “Sir” or “Ma’am” to on the basis of age.
It sneaked up on me in a way. Until a few years ago, when physical changes began to occur, I felt forever young. I still feel young in mind, but the physical part of me doesn’t respond as it did. Joints creak and ache; I totter at times; I feel more secure with a walker to hold on to.
In my personal plumbing, the valves don’t close as tightly as they used to. I often have to ask my family and friends and acquaintances to repeat something I didn’t hear clearly. The radio and TV I listen to are too loud for the rest of my family.
The birds I used to listen for don’t seem to sing any more. I see the lightning but don’t always hear the thunder. But the sunrises and sunsets are as colorful and spectacular as ever.
The warmth of friendships is more apparent than ever. There is no joy like that of seeing and meeting with old friends. At this age, many of the older friends have completed their earthly journey. I miss their conversations.
A few, unfortunately, have lost contact with reality and the ability to share their thoughts as they once did. There is the comfort of the family nearby and the security of their presence.
Through the telephone and the Internet, I maintain contact with three sisters and a brother. A large family has always been a source of pleasure. We have remained close through the years sharing the happenings of our children’s lives.
Aging is a process not fully understood. What happens to the individual cell, the smallest unit of the body’s composition, as it grows old? Why do older cells more often change their growth behavior and become cancerous? Much research is being devoted to these questions. “Normal aging” is a term used — whatever that means. Maybe it means a little arthritis, a little loss of hearing, a little incontinence, a little imbalance occurring with age. A heart attack and damaged heart muscle, making the heart an ineffective pump is not, probably, a part of normal aging. The dementias, especially Alzheimer’s is not a part of normal aging. Given a mind that seems to be working well except for the ability to recall names quickly, I believe one can put up with aches, pains, loss of mobility. The consequent loss of some freedom can be accepted and dealt with. But, it seems, more often than not, there has been a heart attack, a badly damaged heart, a stroke, cancer, a fall and broken bones. The adjustments to be made to these are greater and more difficult to accept. This is where the art of aging may apply. I’m not sure I have acquired that yet.
Annoyance is what aging seems to bring to the younger generation. It is annoying to them to be requested to repeat what was said as our hearing fails. The slowness of movement, too, that comes with age is annoying.
Being old and slow in movement is not to be equated with loss of mental acuity. That’s an annoyance to me.
If I hear, I understand. If I don’t hear, I don’t always respond. But it’s not that I don’t understand. I dislike inconveniencing others by asking a statement to be repeated.
I hope our age group has made a difference for the better. I hope we have shown that we care about each other and about our environment and hoped our children and grandchildren could inherit a world as beautiful as that we were born into. We hoped for a peaceful world that did not occur in our lifetime. We hoped we could learn to disagree and still be friends.
The road traveled has had its rough spots and passed through stormy weather. Sometimes I wasn’t sure where it was leading. But it was always interesting, and I am glad to have taken the trip. I’m sort of sidelined now, away from the big parade and counting on those on stage now to put on a great and successful show.
Looking back, I am grateful to so many who made the journey easier, worthwhile, interesting and entertaining. I am grateful for my family that gave a start and my wife and children who stick with me, and give their love, in these later days.
**************
My thanks to Doctor Bradsher for this enlightening article.
Demijon
Old Age is the time in life when our investment in health insurance is finally beginning to pay off. Dj.
June 18th, 2009
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