“Like I Said, Birthdays Last a WEEK”

Sep 14th “Like I Said, Birthdays Last a WEEK”

When I was a little girl, a hundred years ago, to have a BIRTHDAY Celebration was big news for all the FAMILY and Relatives, as everyone lived so close together.

Not everyone had a vehicle and those that did, would ride right by some of those invited to the PARTY, and be sure to take them to the PARTY, as with everyone having GIFTS to bring, the ride would be appreciated and the courtesy pick-up. I know that if I had to carry an armful of “GIFTS” and walk a long distance – a kind and thoughtful friend or relative would just make my day, if I say so myself.

But TODAY, everyone lives miles, and miles away, could take at least an half hour drive one way. Then if this was a day for other activities going on – you could even get caught in a long traffic jam – and you know happens then! “That’s right – the “DRIVER” will start talking, to himself, probably words that are not understandable enough, for me to spell!”

“OH” – “I almost forgot, there are some people working on SATURDAYS and SUNDAYS and can not take off work, to visit you!” So, as a reminder to everyone that I talk with, that is the first thing that I check out – “Which day and time is most convenient for you to visit and plan on having FUN, for a couple of hours!”

Today everyone has such a busy schedule, even though we have more “handy-dandy” conveniences to make our “WORK” easier – but TODAY, the “DAY” itself, seems to be shorter, or maybe we are just cramming more into “twenty-four” hours – than is possible for just a single day!

Just one more “old time” thought, about how it was, when I was a kid. Since so many of the FAMILY lived within blocks of each other, we would stop by to see them. In the evening – the weather was just right for taking a walk and no matter if you went, left or right down the street, before you knew it – we were passing by a house of someone we knew, and find them just out front, on the steps of the entrance to their home.

Generally, as they would see us approaching, they would callout, “Come on by, and stay awhile” and before you knew it – everyone was passing on the “NEWS” of the DAY! Those were the years of WWII and some had members of the FAMILY in the SERVICE – we could see the small “FLAG” hanging in the “Front-room Window” and they would tell you things, that you may not have known were going on.

Before too long of a time, we were all inside and being invited to some refreshments, as the evening would carry on, maybe for hours. They always had something special to give to the children to keep us busy, and even some good eats. As I remember, we always had FUN – and never thought of asking to go home – since we enjoyed being there, and they must have liked for us to come by, as when we decided to leave, they would always say, “Don’t wait so long, come over again, and soon!”

“Just having good memories this “Birthday” week, as Family and Friends are coming over each day, and more tomorrow, “Sunday” so, I guess that “NOW” I can say, that I am in my “Second” Childhood, and enjoying everyday of it!” D.V.