Something lately has been bothering this old(er) broad and I have refrained from making comments because I didn't want to be critical of anyone or stir things up.... but I can't keep quiet anymore.
I'm noticing that some folks in social media make negative references about my hometown and I'm kinda tired of it! This has been a great place to be a kid, a great place to raise kids and will be a great place in which to retire. This city has its challenges, just like every other city in this nation of ours.
The posts that upset me the most usually reference someone who's down on their luck, has made poor life choices, or just haven't had the breaks we all have had. To me, it's a form of "viral bullying"... making fun of someone so you come off like some kind of comedian or appear to be better than they are. Instead of posting what you think are comical photos, videos and comments about people who live here, why not hit your knees and thank God that you're where YOU are in life, instead of where THEY are? And the "Hamiltucky" reference? I think Kentucky's a beautiful state. What's your point?
I really hate being negative...there is so much to be positive about in life... And in this city. I count my blessings every day. One of them is living in a diverse town like this. It takes all kinds...even crotchety old women, like me...
Thursday, August 28, 2014
Tuesday, August 26, 2014
If They Only Knew...
I remember how much fun watching TV was, as a kid...still in pajamas, eating cinnamon toast, drinking chocolate milk and watching Captain Kangaroo or Uncle Al....or Saturday cartoons... Or in the afternoon, when Mom would be ironing , we'd watch game shows, like "Beat the Clock" or "The Match Game". In the evening, after the dishes were done, the family would gather around the set to watch comedies and variety shows like "I Love Lucy" or "The Ed Sullivan Show"...or dramas, like "Perry Mason" and "Gunsmoke".
Back when we were kids, the TVs weren't much bigger than a microwave is now. We had, maybe four TV stations, and those were made possible by an antenna or "rabbit ears" that you had to manipulate to get a clear picture. After the news, those stations would go off the air until the following morning. And black and white TVs were what most of us had... getting a color TV was a sure sign that "you had arrived".
Don't those memories beg one to ask the question "when did things become so different?"
We have big beautiful screens now - cable, satelite or dish - that assure us bright, clear and colorful images... The technology is astounding. Countless channels that allow us to watch something any hour of the day or night... But is it any better?
Looking back can trick us into thinking that things were better -even when they weren't. I get that. But many nights now, we surf through so many stations, just hoping that something worth our time, is on. And did we ever think we'd be paying to watch television? It used to be the initial outlay of cash for a TV set and the little you had to pay for the electricity to power it, was all it took. Now, some TV viewers pay as much every month for the privilege of watching TV as they do for their utilities. And for what?
I know there is some terrific programming out there now. But, to me, reality shows, TV shows with outlandish story lines, and countless reruns and copy-cat shows are more the norm. It just seems we pay more for less now.
I think it's kind of funny that our kids will look back on these current times as their "good old days". If they only knew....
Back when we were kids, the TVs weren't much bigger than a microwave is now. We had, maybe four TV stations, and those were made possible by an antenna or "rabbit ears" that you had to manipulate to get a clear picture. After the news, those stations would go off the air until the following morning. And black and white TVs were what most of us had... getting a color TV was a sure sign that "you had arrived".
Don't those memories beg one to ask the question "when did things become so different?"
We have big beautiful screens now - cable, satelite or dish - that assure us bright, clear and colorful images... The technology is astounding. Countless channels that allow us to watch something any hour of the day or night... But is it any better?
Looking back can trick us into thinking that things were better -even when they weren't. I get that. But many nights now, we surf through so many stations, just hoping that something worth our time, is on. And did we ever think we'd be paying to watch television? It used to be the initial outlay of cash for a TV set and the little you had to pay for the electricity to power it, was all it took. Now, some TV viewers pay as much every month for the privilege of watching TV as they do for their utilities. And for what?
I know there is some terrific programming out there now. But, to me, reality shows, TV shows with outlandish story lines, and countless reruns and copy-cat shows are more the norm. It just seems we pay more for less now.
I think it's kind of funny that our kids will look back on these current times as their "good old days". If they only knew....
Thursday, August 21, 2014
The Wonderful World of Ceramics!
When one of my granddaughters was here for her summer visit, I knew I had to come up with something for her to do...something with an artistic tilt to it. After checking out different places, we settled on a ceramic studio. I thought it would be perfect for a fun afternoon with Grandma. And it was!
But it wasn't Grandma's first venture into the world of ceramics! Oh, nooo...I'd been there before, in the early 70's. Back then, it was the chance for young Moms to get away from the kids and Monday Night Football, as the Dads took care of business at home on the gals' night out.
It was my older sisters and a friend who got me interested in a class that would have us in some woman's basement every week. There, we would pay our weekly fee, choose our piece and paint away. Only problem was that my need to hurry and get things done fast didn't just spring up recently. Uh, uh...It goes back that far!
My sisters and friend would choose things with intricate detail, like gorgeous canister sets and cartoon character lamps. Each week, they would retrieve their handiwork from the shelf and continue on with their work. Each week, I'd choose (and pay for) a new piece! The others would, painstakingly, paint the beautiful flowers, the life-like eyes, and take weeks to complete their projects. Meanwhile, I'm over in the corner, cranking out solid colored ashtrays, like I was on an assembly line! Do you know how expensive ceramics can get, at that rate?
One of my masterpieces that I particularly liked was the hubcap-sized ash tray...I guess, if you were having a LARGE party in the '70's, it'd get some smokers' use... That, or you could use it as a chip bowl! It only took me half of the class time to complete THAT one!
Good thing the conversation was great on those Monday nights in the 70's... I, at least, got THAT out of the class. And the conversation was good on that July day with my granddaughter, too....the laughter wasn't as raucous as it was in the 70's, but we had a terrific time.
And for you smart alecks out there wondering...I didn't paint an ashtray this time. I painted a solid colored tile and my granddaughter thought it was LOVELY!
But it wasn't Grandma's first venture into the world of ceramics! Oh, nooo...I'd been there before, in the early 70's. Back then, it was the chance for young Moms to get away from the kids and Monday Night Football, as the Dads took care of business at home on the gals' night out.
It was my older sisters and a friend who got me interested in a class that would have us in some woman's basement every week. There, we would pay our weekly fee, choose our piece and paint away. Only problem was that my need to hurry and get things done fast didn't just spring up recently. Uh, uh...It goes back that far!
My sisters and friend would choose things with intricate detail, like gorgeous canister sets and cartoon character lamps. Each week, they would retrieve their handiwork from the shelf and continue on with their work. Each week, I'd choose (and pay for) a new piece! The others would, painstakingly, paint the beautiful flowers, the life-like eyes, and take weeks to complete their projects. Meanwhile, I'm over in the corner, cranking out solid colored ashtrays, like I was on an assembly line! Do you know how expensive ceramics can get, at that rate?
One of my masterpieces that I particularly liked was the hubcap-sized ash tray...I guess, if you were having a LARGE party in the '70's, it'd get some smokers' use... That, or you could use it as a chip bowl! It only took me half of the class time to complete THAT one!
Good thing the conversation was great on those Monday nights in the 70's... I, at least, got THAT out of the class. And the conversation was good on that July day with my granddaughter, too....the laughter wasn't as raucous as it was in the 70's, but we had a terrific time.
And for you smart alecks out there wondering...I didn't paint an ashtray this time. I painted a solid colored tile and my granddaughter thought it was LOVELY!
Tuesday, August 19, 2014
Pens, Binders and New Shoes
Why is it that this time of year has me wanting to go out and buy new pens? Or a binder? Or new shoes? Must be Back To School time!
It's been over 40 years for me and almost 20 for our boys since we've been students but that doesn't stop me from having the urge to report to class. And I'm not sure why. It's not like I was all that studious when I WAS a student...In fact, my interest in the classroom didn't last as long as those new pens and my enthusiasm waned before I even had a chance to scuff up my saddle oxfords.
As a kid, I guess that, after a long, hot summer, I was ready for some structure in my life. It'd be good to see the same kids everyday... Get the old social calendar revved up again... But with it all, came homework, having to pay attention, needing to sit still and be quiet for what seemed like a long time...none of the things I was (or am) very good at.
I should probably be embarrassed to admit that very few of my grade school memories have anything to do with academics. Oh, an occasional spelling bee that I did well in. I remember that. Or preparing for my First Communion (but I think maybe a lot of my excitement about that was that I got to wear a veil!) I recall saying morning prayers and reciting the Pledge of Allegiance every day. But my memories tend to focus more on the people in my past and the social aspect of academia. Does that make sense?
Like the boy in first grade who used his finger and spit to erase his mistakes (He had a hard time getting anyone to take his damp paper when it was time to pass our assignments up to the front, believe me! Poor guy!) Or the day before school pictures, when a friend and I agreed to "tease" our hair... An exercise that was sure to make us look far more mature than fifth graders.... I came to school with a slight "hair hill", thinking I looked pretty sharp. That was, until she (who shall remain nameless ) walked into class, sporting a full blown bouffant that was sure to fill the entire photo! Or the walk home from school...six whole blocks! with the other kids, heading that way. Or the arrival of spring when we'd be allowed to ride our bikes to school! Here I am...talking about the season that signalled the end of the school year already! And it just began! So you get my drift... I loved school...just not the scholastic part.
So I really don't understand my enthusiasm for the whole "back to school" thing at this late stage in my life. Maybe I'll cave this school year and get those pens and binder. Perhaps, I can finally file all these blog posts into some kind of order. But I think I'd better draw the line on the saddle oxfords. They'd look pretty ridiculous with varicose veins, now, wouldn't they?
It's been over 40 years for me and almost 20 for our boys since we've been students but that doesn't stop me from having the urge to report to class. And I'm not sure why. It's not like I was all that studious when I WAS a student...In fact, my interest in the classroom didn't last as long as those new pens and my enthusiasm waned before I even had a chance to scuff up my saddle oxfords.
As a kid, I guess that, after a long, hot summer, I was ready for some structure in my life. It'd be good to see the same kids everyday... Get the old social calendar revved up again... But with it all, came homework, having to pay attention, needing to sit still and be quiet for what seemed like a long time...none of the things I was (or am) very good at.
I should probably be embarrassed to admit that very few of my grade school memories have anything to do with academics. Oh, an occasional spelling bee that I did well in. I remember that. Or preparing for my First Communion (but I think maybe a lot of my excitement about that was that I got to wear a veil!) I recall saying morning prayers and reciting the Pledge of Allegiance every day. But my memories tend to focus more on the people in my past and the social aspect of academia. Does that make sense?
Like the boy in first grade who used his finger and spit to erase his mistakes (He had a hard time getting anyone to take his damp paper when it was time to pass our assignments up to the front, believe me! Poor guy!) Or the day before school pictures, when a friend and I agreed to "tease" our hair... An exercise that was sure to make us look far more mature than fifth graders.... I came to school with a slight "hair hill", thinking I looked pretty sharp. That was, until she (who shall remain nameless ) walked into class, sporting a full blown bouffant that was sure to fill the entire photo! Or the walk home from school...six whole blocks! with the other kids, heading that way. Or the arrival of spring when we'd be allowed to ride our bikes to school! Here I am...talking about the season that signalled the end of the school year already! And it just began! So you get my drift... I loved school...just not the scholastic part.
So I really don't understand my enthusiasm for the whole "back to school" thing at this late stage in my life. Maybe I'll cave this school year and get those pens and binder. Perhaps, I can finally file all these blog posts into some kind of order. But I think I'd better draw the line on the saddle oxfords. They'd look pretty ridiculous with varicose veins, now, wouldn't they?
Thursday, August 14, 2014
The Summer of Learning
Before you get all excited about my possible continuing ed, let me put your mind at ease. It wasn't any kind of formal classes I signed up for (although that wouldn't be the worst thing in the world, would it?!) No, the learning that took place happened right here at home. But that's not to say it wasn't challenging!
Having to replace a riding lawn mower, a heating and air conditioning system, and pulling the trigger on a new hot tub, I was up to my neck in manuals this summer. So much reading...
First up was the hot tub. (And why is it when you spend money on a "luxury", so many of the "necessities" decide to conk out on you?). We had a hot tub years ago...seemed simple enough. You fill it with water, plug it in, it heats up and in no time, you're feeling the warm, pulsating jets, relieving your stressed and sore body. Not so fast! The new, improved models now have all kinds of filtration cycles that one has to become familiar with. I know that now because I'm on a first name basis with the hot tub guy. (His name is Dan.). Seems my lack of knowing these cycles is the reason the hot tub water reached a skin-searing 109 degrees! Ouch!
Onto the riding mower. It took us two tries at purchasing a replacement for our old one but we finally ended up with a dandy. She's not the old one, whose temperament and nuances I knew so well, but it'll do. Took a summer reading program to get there though!
The air conditioning unit is purring, as I write. But it, too, came with a re-training process. A "programmable thermostat" makes sense if everyone's on the same body clock, but what's comfortably cool for someone who's sleeping, sure seems warm to an insomniac! I better read up on that manual a bit more. And I need to mention....the heating part of the system is untested. So I'm not out of the manual "woods" there yet!
I guess the lesson here for me is that I like old, broken-in things...like husbands....and kids...and family...and friends... And especially lawn mowers and hot tubs. But the summer of learning is nearing the end and I welcome the break. I'm almost looking forward to fall and winter. (I said "almost"!) I mean, how hard is it to operate a rake? Or a snow shovel? And who's to say 109 degree water won't feel pretty good in the winter? I just hope I was paying attention to the heating guy when he was explaining the new furnace, because this school is closed!
Having to replace a riding lawn mower, a heating and air conditioning system, and pulling the trigger on a new hot tub, I was up to my neck in manuals this summer. So much reading...
First up was the hot tub. (And why is it when you spend money on a "luxury", so many of the "necessities" decide to conk out on you?). We had a hot tub years ago...seemed simple enough. You fill it with water, plug it in, it heats up and in no time, you're feeling the warm, pulsating jets, relieving your stressed and sore body. Not so fast! The new, improved models now have all kinds of filtration cycles that one has to become familiar with. I know that now because I'm on a first name basis with the hot tub guy. (His name is Dan.). Seems my lack of knowing these cycles is the reason the hot tub water reached a skin-searing 109 degrees! Ouch!
Onto the riding mower. It took us two tries at purchasing a replacement for our old one but we finally ended up with a dandy. She's not the old one, whose temperament and nuances I knew so well, but it'll do. Took a summer reading program to get there though!
The air conditioning unit is purring, as I write. But it, too, came with a re-training process. A "programmable thermostat" makes sense if everyone's on the same body clock, but what's comfortably cool for someone who's sleeping, sure seems warm to an insomniac! I better read up on that manual a bit more. And I need to mention....the heating part of the system is untested. So I'm not out of the manual "woods" there yet!
I guess the lesson here for me is that I like old, broken-in things...like husbands....and kids...and family...and friends... And especially lawn mowers and hot tubs. But the summer of learning is nearing the end and I welcome the break. I'm almost looking forward to fall and winter. (I said "almost"!) I mean, how hard is it to operate a rake? Or a snow shovel? And who's to say 109 degree water won't feel pretty good in the winter? I just hope I was paying attention to the heating guy when he was explaining the new furnace, because this school is closed!
Tuesday, August 12, 2014
First Time or the Last?
"Look at things like it's the first time you're seeing them or like the last time you'll ever see them again."
After a scare a year ago, last summer, when it was questionable whether I'd have my normal vision ever again, I really take that quote to heart now. But shouldn't having a wide-eyed enthusiasm for even the smallest wonders, be the way we look at things everyday, anyway?
I remember the first time I saw the ocean. I was a young girl and it touched me in such a profound way - it's still the most gorgeous sight I know. And I'll never forget the look on my husband's face when he held our first-born..Big tough-guy football coach with the most tender look on his face.... Dad held the baby like a football, but that look...I'll never forget it. Hard to imagine... life, without sight.
Don't know about you, but I'm thinking, as we get older, we get kind of complacent...many times, just going thru the motions of our daily lives. Not paying attention to all the beauty around us...I guess because we've seen so much in our lifetimes... What's there to get excited about?
But after the events of last summer, when I didn't know how much I would ever see - the way I've seen for years - I hope that I'm looking at, and appreciating, things, people, places more fully now. I hope to always take it all in...like it's the first time I'm seeing something or the last...because you don't know.....
After a scare a year ago, last summer, when it was questionable whether I'd have my normal vision ever again, I really take that quote to heart now. But shouldn't having a wide-eyed enthusiasm for even the smallest wonders, be the way we look at things everyday, anyway?
I remember the first time I saw the ocean. I was a young girl and it touched me in such a profound way - it's still the most gorgeous sight I know. And I'll never forget the look on my husband's face when he held our first-born..Big tough-guy football coach with the most tender look on his face.... Dad held the baby like a football, but that look...I'll never forget it. Hard to imagine... life, without sight.
Don't know about you, but I'm thinking, as we get older, we get kind of complacent...many times, just going thru the motions of our daily lives. Not paying attention to all the beauty around us...I guess because we've seen so much in our lifetimes... What's there to get excited about?
But after the events of last summer, when I didn't know how much I would ever see - the way I've seen for years - I hope that I'm looking at, and appreciating, things, people, places more fully now. I hope to always take it all in...like it's the first time I'm seeing something or the last...because you don't know.....
Thursday, August 7, 2014
A Wedding Do-Over?
I get a kick out of weddings...always have. The beautiful brides, the fabulous attire, the promise of a future together, the partying.... always been a fan. And this time of year, I think back to the hottest day of the summer of '72...yep, our 42nd anniversary is coming up.
My own wedding was nice but by today's standards? Oh, my...
Getting hitched in August was dictated by the fact that hubby was a teacher/football coach and the timing was right. The fact that it would be hotter than hell in the church and at the reception never entered our minds.
It may seem odd but I never tried on a wedding dress. My Mom, who was a great seamstress, made my dress. I guess we knew what style would look good on me and went with that. (How's that for confidence in your Mom?) Maybe that's why I watch TV shows like ,"Say Yes To The Dress". Those girls go on and on about finding "the perfect gown". They parade around in several and choose the one that will "make their fairytale come true". (Well, ladies, it won't... Your "fairy tale" will take more work than picking out a wedding gown...) And maybe someone should tell the one bride on that show that the huge tattoo on her back kinda ruins the demure look she's going for!
Our wedding took place in a Catholic church and the bridal party, made up of family members and friends, looked great. Missing was a sister who was 7 months pregnant...she had to sit it out, as pregnancy wasn't a good condition for a bridesmaid back in the 70's. Seems silly now, doesn't it? She was and is my best friend - she was instead a "hostess" at the reception.
The girls in the wedding all wore white and carried a single red carnation. Simple but classy. The fellas looked a little hungover because the bachelor party took place the night before. There were no destination bachelor party weekends like there are today -unless you count the notorious (in the 70's) Newport, Kentucky a destination, where they bar-hopped to.
I wasn't kidding when I said it was the hottest day of the summer. And none of the places we'd be in were air conditioned. Having my hair done in the morning was a total waste of money! After the hair appointment, several of us decorated our reception site -a high school cafeteria! I looked like a drowned rat by noon and the wedding was at 1:30... Great!
The wedding turned out to be lovely...the reception, a fun affair, with people we loved, beer and pop, a band, the traditional cake, dancing - in that sweltering cafeteria!
And when the wedding was over, our old local paper, every Sunday, had write-ups of the weddings that took place the day before. Giving a detailed description of the bride's gown, the bridesmaids' dresses, even the mothers of the bride and groom's attire... It told the whole world where the couple was going on their honeymoon and what the bride would wear - called the "trousseau" - a fancy word for the bride's going- away outfits. Ha! (What was THAT about? And who cared?)
That day in August, in my hand-made wedding gown, with sweaty wet hair, was the beginning of 42 years of a terrific marriage and I wouldn't change one moment of it. And I know my folks did the best they could in making our day special. But if I didn't think I'd look totally ridiculous in a white frilly dress and veil, I'm thinking I should have a wedding do-over. Whatcha think?
My own wedding was nice but by today's standards? Oh, my...
Getting hitched in August was dictated by the fact that hubby was a teacher/football coach and the timing was right. The fact that it would be hotter than hell in the church and at the reception never entered our minds.
It may seem odd but I never tried on a wedding dress. My Mom, who was a great seamstress, made my dress. I guess we knew what style would look good on me and went with that. (How's that for confidence in your Mom?) Maybe that's why I watch TV shows like ,"Say Yes To The Dress". Those girls go on and on about finding "the perfect gown". They parade around in several and choose the one that will "make their fairytale come true". (Well, ladies, it won't... Your "fairy tale" will take more work than picking out a wedding gown...) And maybe someone should tell the one bride on that show that the huge tattoo on her back kinda ruins the demure look she's going for!
Our wedding took place in a Catholic church and the bridal party, made up of family members and friends, looked great. Missing was a sister who was 7 months pregnant...she had to sit it out, as pregnancy wasn't a good condition for a bridesmaid back in the 70's. Seems silly now, doesn't it? She was and is my best friend - she was instead a "hostess" at the reception.
The girls in the wedding all wore white and carried a single red carnation. Simple but classy. The fellas looked a little hungover because the bachelor party took place the night before. There were no destination bachelor party weekends like there are today -unless you count the notorious (in the 70's) Newport, Kentucky a destination, where they bar-hopped to.
I wasn't kidding when I said it was the hottest day of the summer. And none of the places we'd be in were air conditioned. Having my hair done in the morning was a total waste of money! After the hair appointment, several of us decorated our reception site -a high school cafeteria! I looked like a drowned rat by noon and the wedding was at 1:30... Great!
The wedding turned out to be lovely...the reception, a fun affair, with people we loved, beer and pop, a band, the traditional cake, dancing - in that sweltering cafeteria!
And when the wedding was over, our old local paper, every Sunday, had write-ups of the weddings that took place the day before. Giving a detailed description of the bride's gown, the bridesmaids' dresses, even the mothers of the bride and groom's attire... It told the whole world where the couple was going on their honeymoon and what the bride would wear - called the "trousseau" - a fancy word for the bride's going- away outfits. Ha! (What was THAT about? And who cared?)
That day in August, in my hand-made wedding gown, with sweaty wet hair, was the beginning of 42 years of a terrific marriage and I wouldn't change one moment of it. And I know my folks did the best they could in making our day special. But if I didn't think I'd look totally ridiculous in a white frilly dress and veil, I'm thinking I should have a wedding do-over. Whatcha think?
Tuesday, August 5, 2014
Electric Knives and Fondue Pots...
Funny how I get so nostalgic around the time of our wedding anniversary... I get to thinking back, how, as a young couple, we were so naive about so many things. At the top of that list was setting up our home. I was soo clueless when it came to "homemaking"... Good thing they had such a thing as "Bridal Registries!
I remember being guided thru the different departments at Wilmers/Elder Beerman,
pen and papers in hand, checking off the wants and needs that were going to transform me into a domestic diva. Yeah, fat chance!
I was digging around, looking for nothing in particular, recently, and came across the booklet that had listed in it, all the gifts we received for our wedding. It was truly a step back in time! And a lesson for future brides who are in the "bridal registry" phase of their wedding planning.
I think that my formal china pattern is beautiful and it's wonderful when I bring it out for the holidays, but really? One would think I had plans to entertain royalty when you see the serving pieces, the crystal, the chafing dishes that I accumulated! Nothing but the best for THIS bride! Whateverrr!
At the opposite end of the spectrum was my everyday tableware. I accumulated THAT at my local "Liberal Supermarket". If my Mom spent a certain amount of money, she received a stamp. Once the card was full of stamps, you cashed it in for plates, cups, saucers, etc. So that's what we had....Liberal Supermarket ironstone... the pattern was orange and yellow sunflowers. It served us well for years.
We received three electric knives (I thought the reason for registering was to avoid duplication?) We were married 20 years before I cooked a turkey - we were blessed to enjoy family Thanksgiving dinners elsewhere - so that gift was unused for years. It did, however, come in handy when I had to cut foam for a kid's Halloween costume.
Fondue pots were all the rage back in the early 70's. I registered for one and received two to match the "Harvest Gold" kitchen appliances we had on order. Nothing like making your guests work for their appetizers! I must have lost, between moves, the long forks that came with the pot - that, or maybe our guests just got lazy and I actually had to start serving them...either way, no more fondue parties at the Wright Place!
Popcorn poppers must have been new and cutting edge back then, as we received three of them, as well. (Hey, someone went off the registry and bought one at Ontario's! THAT's why we got more than one!) Well, it sure beat "Jiffy Pop" popcorn and microwaves weren't invented yet.
Add to all that an iron, an ironing board, tons of towels, sheets, picture frames, blankets, a multitude of other gadgets, gifts and cash, and we were on our way to domestic bliss.
My advice to young brides is this. Take it easy on the bridal registry. You'll develop your own style and tastes, they'll change thru the years and you'll have a lifetime to accumulate things that fit. And if you have a need for an electric knife, a popcorn popper or a fondue pot, don't register for it. Call me instead!
I remember being guided thru the different departments at Wilmers/Elder Beerman,
pen and papers in hand, checking off the wants and needs that were going to transform me into a domestic diva. Yeah, fat chance!
I was digging around, looking for nothing in particular, recently, and came across the booklet that had listed in it, all the gifts we received for our wedding. It was truly a step back in time! And a lesson for future brides who are in the "bridal registry" phase of their wedding planning.
I think that my formal china pattern is beautiful and it's wonderful when I bring it out for the holidays, but really? One would think I had plans to entertain royalty when you see the serving pieces, the crystal, the chafing dishes that I accumulated! Nothing but the best for THIS bride! Whateverrr!
At the opposite end of the spectrum was my everyday tableware. I accumulated THAT at my local "Liberal Supermarket". If my Mom spent a certain amount of money, she received a stamp. Once the card was full of stamps, you cashed it in for plates, cups, saucers, etc. So that's what we had....Liberal Supermarket ironstone... the pattern was orange and yellow sunflowers. It served us well for years.
We received three electric knives (I thought the reason for registering was to avoid duplication?) We were married 20 years before I cooked a turkey - we were blessed to enjoy family Thanksgiving dinners elsewhere - so that gift was unused for years. It did, however, come in handy when I had to cut foam for a kid's Halloween costume.
Fondue pots were all the rage back in the early 70's. I registered for one and received two to match the "Harvest Gold" kitchen appliances we had on order. Nothing like making your guests work for their appetizers! I must have lost, between moves, the long forks that came with the pot - that, or maybe our guests just got lazy and I actually had to start serving them...either way, no more fondue parties at the Wright Place!
Popcorn poppers must have been new and cutting edge back then, as we received three of them, as well. (Hey, someone went off the registry and bought one at Ontario's! THAT's why we got more than one!) Well, it sure beat "Jiffy Pop" popcorn and microwaves weren't invented yet.
Add to all that an iron, an ironing board, tons of towels, sheets, picture frames, blankets, a multitude of other gadgets, gifts and cash, and we were on our way to domestic bliss.
My advice to young brides is this. Take it easy on the bridal registry. You'll develop your own style and tastes, they'll change thru the years and you'll have a lifetime to accumulate things that fit. And if you have a need for an electric knife, a popcorn popper or a fondue pot, don't register for it. Call me instead!