There are two parts to today’s story. First, as a child my mother always left a daily “to do” chores list. For my brother, that usually consisted of what I called FUN things – burning the trash, raking the leaves (so you could jump in them, of course, and waste at least a few hours), picking up sticks – you’re getting the picture. All the while, I was left inside to dust, vacuum, do laundry and help with dinner. I guess mom didn’t know I was itching to get outside with the boys where I belonged. Girls need fresh air too. (That’s why my dusting never passed the white glove test – I was too busy skimping on cleaning so I could go outside!)

These chores were a little different than the things my grandfather had to help with when he was younger. On old farm houses, there were storm windows that needed changed out and something else I learned about from his most recent tale: glass cloth a.k.a. muslin that had to be hung over the porch screens during the winter.

Onto the second part of the story … and I’ll keep this part short. Ever misunderstood someone or walked in on the tail-end of a conversation and what you heard just didn’t compute? My grandfather recounts the experience of one traveling salesman, and a conversation he overheard while my great-grandfather was hanging the muslin.

Kind of reminds me of a father sitting on the front porch with a shotgun when the daughter’s date shows up!

Until we walk again …