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Thursday, October 3, 2013

Remembering Mom's Clothesline

by Dianne

We had a long wooden pole (clothes pole) that was used to push the clotheslines up so that longer items (sheets/pants/etc.) didn't brush the ground and get dirty.
 
You have to be a "certain age" to appreciate this one....
(But you YOUNGER ones can read about "The GOOD ol' days"!!)
 
I can hear my mother now.....
 
THE BASIC RULES FOR CLOTHESLINES: 
 
(If you don't even know what clotheslines are, better skip this.)
 
1. You had to hang the socks by the toes... NOT the top.
2. You hung pants by the BOTTOM/cuffs... NOT the waistbands.
3. You had to WASH the clothesline(s) before hanging any clothes - walk the entire length of each line with a damp cloth around the lines.
4. You had to hang the clothes in a certain order, and always hang "whites" with "whites," and hang them first.
5. You NEVER hung a shirt by the shoulders - always by the tail! What would the neighbors think?
6. Wash day on a Monday! NEVER hang clothes on the weekend, or on Sunday, for Heaven's sake!
7. Hang the sheets and towels on the OUTSIDE lines so you could hide your "unmentionables" in the middle (perverts & busybodies, y'know!)
8. It didn't matter if it was sub-zero weather... clothes would "freeze-dry."
9. ALWAYS gather the clothes pins when taking down dry clothes! Pins left on the lines were "tacky"!
10. If you were efficient, you would line the clothes up so that each item did not need two clothes pins, but shared one of the clothes pins with the next washed item.
11. Clothes off of the line before dinner time, neatly folded in the clothes basket, and ready to be ironed.
12. IRONED???!! Well, that's a whole OTHER subject!
 
And now a POEM ...
 
A clothesline was a news forecast, To neighbors passing by,
There were no secrets you could keep, When clothes were hung to dry.
It also was a friendly link, For neighbors always knew
If company had stopped on by, To spend a night or two.
For then you'd see the "fancy sheets", And towels upon the line;
You'd see the "company table cloths", With intricate designs.
The line announced a baby's birth, From folks who lived inside,
As brand new infant clothes were hung, So carefully with pride!
The ages of the children could, So readily be known
By watching how the sizes changed, You'd know how much they'd grown!
It also told when illness struck, As extra sheets were hung;
Then nightclothes, and a bathrobe too, Haphazardly were strung.
It also said, "On vacation now", When lines hung limp and bare.
It told, "We're back!" when full lines sagged, With not an inch to spare!
New folks in town were scorned upon, If wash was dingy and gray,
As neighbors carefully raised their brows, And looked the other way.
But clotheslines now are of the past, For dryers make work much less.
Now what goes on inside a home, Is anybody's guess!
I really miss that way of life, It was a friendly sign
When neighbors knew each other best... By what hung out!
 

87 comments:

Just_Lin said...

Dianne Thanks for the blog today. I'm glad I don't have a clothes line.

Just_Lin said...

Where is everybody?

Dianne/Denver said...

I'm here. Ok. JL, I tapped my front teeth and it didn't hurt...now what?

I get my eyebrows waxed once a month and my lip about every three weeks when I get my nails done. I think it hurts even after all these years.

Did my new volunteer at my old rehab place today and was able to visit with some very nice people and interesting too. I was there about an hour and a half so now I have volunteer on Tuesday and Thursday.

Hope it doesn't snow tomorrow. We want to go up in the mountains Saturday to see the changing of the trees. Snow will make the leaves gone!!

Barb, are you and JL going to be gone the same time? I keep forgetting when you are leaving. Is Sharon going with you? What a fun trip you'll have to tell us all about as you go.

Dianne/Denver said...

Jodi, glad you have a couple of days off. Fun to see you still marching.

Mary...where the heck are you? Guess I need to FB you and remind you about your little owls.

Jodi said...

DIANNE - Thanks for the blog. It brought back fond memories of watching my Mom hang out the clothes when I was a kid :)

Jodi said...

SLIN - I don't have a line here either ;) Yesterday was a busy day. Worked 8 hours, picked Tim up from school, then I picked my Aunt Jane up for Uncle Jerry's wake. It was a beautiful turnout. What a tribute to my Uncle. They had a picture displayed of the whole group that was up in Hayward. It was taken on the shore of the lake about 2 hours before my Uncle fell in.

Jodi said...

DIANNE - I guess I'm a tough cookie...doesn't hurt me. Although for whatever reason, my top lip is feels numb for a couple of days.

Jodi said...

Forgive me if I don't check in later. I will be at Uncle Jerry's funeral today. I called the boys out of school, and it's Sam's day off, so my whole family will be there.

Jodi said...

Have a great day HOoters ♥

Jodi said...

10!!!

Dianne/Denver said...

Thinking of you, Jodi. Glad your family can be with you today.

Snowed here today. Just enough to cover grass but a lot in the mountains. Brr cold today. Might think about turning on the heat....might.

JL, I'm still tapping my teeth....what now? Called dentist but she's out of town so have appt Tuesday AM. Hope it doesn't hurt anymore than it does now.

Just_Lin said...

HOdi (((HUGS))) to you this evening.

Just_Lin said...

Dianne Tap your nose. Does that hurt? I hope the dentist doesn't have to pull it. LOL

Okay, just amusing myself there. Seriously, I hope the dentist figures out what's going on.

I think I'll take myself out to dinner tonight.

Just_Lin said...

Mary Where are you. Did you get lost in a casino?

Jodi said...

Thank you DIANNE & SLIN. It was a beautiful service. The hardest part was going to the cemetery. I was standing right next to Dale and my parents graves....kinda lost it.

Jodi said...

On to some happy news! My boss Alex proposed to his boyfriend Dustin yesterday. Totally surprised him. Dustin's birthday is Sunday so I'm heading out with them tonight to celebrate!! Circle of life and all <3

sacBarb said...

Dianne, Thanks for the blog. I do remember all those things, but I thought taking in the clothes pins was because they would get dirty. I didn't know it was tacky, too! It was my job to take the clothes off the line when I came home from school, and just like the blog said, they had to be in a certain order and folded just right. I never minded doing it.

sacBarb said...

Dianne, I am leaving next Wednesday and coming back Nov. 9. I'm getting a little nervous, hoping this gov't shutdown doesn't cause problems with the travel.

sacBarb said...

Dianne, Sharon is going with me.

Dianne/Denver said...

Gosh Barb, it seemed so long ago you were planning and the trip is already here.

Jodi, I think you and Mary and I will be in charge of posting the most next week.

JL...I tapped my nose and it didn't hurt...NOW WHAT!!! I think you are making me crazy.

Just_Lin said...

Dianne I was kidding about the nose tapping. Could you have a waxing injury?

Just_Lin said...

Barb I'm very excited for you and Sharon. You're going to have a wonderful trip. Doesn't matter if you forget your tweezers. Sharon will have some.

Mary/MI said...

I'm In Bed and decided To Check In.I Was Afraid Dianne Would Send Me Snow If I Didn't Lol!! I Promise To Be Back :) Nite!!

Dianne/Denver said...

I will send snow to those that don't check in. What do you think happened to old bloggers.....snowed in for years!!!

JL...I did get waxed today (ouch). You have me tapping all over my body and I don't even know why!!

sacBarb said...

J/L, LOL you're probably right, Sharon will probably have tweezers. 😄

sacBarb said...

I probably like the word probably!!!!😩

Just_Lin said...

Good morning!

Barb You were up late. Were you looking for tweezers? LOL

Mary/MI said...

I am having a slow moving day. Jim & I may have over done it this week. Our neighbor Jim is having health issues again. Poor guy can't catch a break! He has been on pain meds and many other stuff for so long that it is effecting him mentally. He was having delusions, and psychotic episodes. He has not been allowed to drive (thank goodness) so he has been staying with one of his daughters. I have been taking care of the cats and mail. I noticed h is grass was getting waaay to high so I got another neighbor to mow it. It left behind what looked like a hay field lol! Jim & I decided to rake it up and use it for mulch for our garden. Let me tell you, we are way too old to do that again lol! Another friend of his showed up and re-mowed, so it looks a lot better. I sure was glad I had an appmt with my Chiro!
He had already "done me" last week. He said, "Mary, you are sooo tight!" I almost fell off the table laughing! He looked so serious, that I just held it in.. I know, I know, not like me, but he is the Choir leader in church lol!!
Just put laundry in washer, peanut butter cookie dough in the frig to chill, cleaned the frig (lick n a promise), now heading to the grossery store.
There Dianne...Happy? :) I just bored you all to death!

Just_Lin said...

Mary Your slow days are equal to one of my busy days. LOL

Considering our age, your Chiro gave you quite a compliment, don't you think? LOL

sacBarb said...

Hello HOoters.

I have been busy making sure I have all my ducks in a row which is very tricky. I went to the travel store today and got a money pouch thingy for around my neck. it will also fit my passport.

I also got my REAL driver's license in the mail today. I was amazed, because the clerk told me it would take three weeks and it's only been five days. Maybe when I told him I would be gone, he put a rush on it. Although, having worked for the state for 36 years, I know that the word "RUSH" doesn't exist in their lexicon. LOL Anyway, it should make things easier.

Tomorrow I am ushering for 'The Pride and Prejudice' at Sacramento Theatre Company, so it will cut some major time out of my day. Monday I am getting a mani/pedi and Wednesday we leave.

Just_Lin said...

Barb Don't forger our phone charger.

Just_Lin said...

Will you need a plug adapter for your phone charger?

Just_Lin said...

That was supposed to be "don't forget your phone charger".

sacBarb said...

J/L, I bought an adapter plug for Australia, which is different from the one I already had from my trip to England and Scotland. I'm thinking of getting another one because I may need to charge my phone and dry/curl my hair at the same time. It only cost about $8.

Just_Lin said...

Barb Better to have it and not need it than need it and not have it.

Jodi said...

DIANNE - lol @ the old bloggers being snowed in for years ;)

Jodi said...

SLIN - I literally lol'd at waxing injury!!!

Dianne/Denver said...

Howdy night owls....we went to Vail today and looked at the beautiful colors all the way. Last night gave the pine trees just a sprinkling of snow along with all the leave changes. It was a nice afternoon and then we ate in a small mountain town on the way home.

Think I might go see the movie Prisioners with Hugh a Grant tomorrow. It means I'll miss part of the Bronco game so this is a big decision!!!

Barb, I'd go get that adapter too. Phone and hair are important items. I've never seen that show you're working tomorrow. We still don't have our list for next season yet. Anxious to see what's coming. I know we have Evita yet to see this time around.

Mary, you are such a great help to your neighbor. You are for sure earning your place in Heaven. I'll hold off on the snow since you posted. We have so few of us that it's noticable when one is missing. :) besides we like to hear about your days...everyone's days.

Boy JL,you confused me I thought you had decided to go with barb on her trip and share her phone charger. Doesn't take much to confuse me

Guess I'll go to sleep. Still thinking of u Jodi!!

Jodi said...

MARY - You did waaaaaaaaaay more than I did yesterday. I didn't even get out of my jammies!! I don't think I would've been able to hold it in, tho at the chiro!!

Jodi said...

Thanks DIANNE - Good night!!

Jodi said...

MARY - Big game today!!! GO PACKERS!!!

Jodi said...

I best get prettied up for work :D

Jodi said...

BARB - Enjoy the show!! I can't believe your trip is almost here! Sounds like you're getting everything together :D

Jodi said...

NOW I can get prettied up for work!!


Have a great day HOoters ♥

Jodi said...

45!!!

sacBarb said...

Dianne, Pride and Prejudice is not on our Broadway series. It's adapted from the Jane Austin novel and is showing in our local theater company that is connected to the summer musical theater for which I also usher. The novel was written 200 years ago, in 1893.

Mary/MI said...

Jodi, boohoo Packers spanked my Lions :(

Barb I am getting so excited for you! I was wondering if JL was going until I finished reading the comments lol!

Dianne, what a great day you had in the mountains! I could picture it all the way you described it :)
What a game the Broncs and Cowboys put on! I was a bundle of nerves until the end lol!
Today I made a big Mex. dinner and not much else. This damp weather is making my bones ache! It has been fairly warm until today.
I am thinking of taking a road trip to Texas. I haven't talked to Jim about it yet. I know he won't take me and the airfares are horrible! My son said he would drive if I decide to go.
My sister Janie is in the hospital. She had a stroke..again! She should have one of her veins scrapped, but it is too close to a vital spot so they are rethinking it. I don't think she is telling us everything. Her daughter told me that my sis has been doing some weird things, like letting their house go back to the bank and moving into a house trailer. They gave away all their furniture and have been sleeping on the floor! Her hubby is a big man, over 6'6" and not in the best of health either. She told my sister Christina on the phone that soon she would be seeing Mom and Dad..in heaven! She is the most happy go lucky sister and all this is frightening me. I feel like I should go down there and find out what is going on!
I will make the decision as soon as I get more info from her daughter about her hospital stay. Send her some good thoughts and prayers please.

Have a great week everyone :)

Jodi said...

Just got up for a "pitstop".

MARY - Sending healing thoughts and prayers for your sister. TURTLE's words are in my head at times like this...."no regrets". Go be with your sister!! Love u <3

Jodi said...

Good morning HOoters!!

Wishing everyone a good Monday ♥

Jodi said...

50!!!

sacBarb said...

Mary,I am so sorry about your sister. I will keep her and your family on my prayer list. I agree with Jodi, you need to go see her. You will probably not rest until you see for yourself what is going on.

sacBarb said...

Yesterday was a really good sports day. The A's AND the Raiders won. Congrats to the rest of you whose teams won, too.

Jodi said...

It was nice talking to both BARB & MARY today!!

Jodi said...

Heading out in a bit. I'm subbing tonight on Alex's bowling team. Should be fun!! Tomorrow might be a long morning, though. My friend Christina was suppose to open, but she has been having problems with numbness and tingling in her wrist and hand. Today she couldn't feel her hand, so she went to the hospital and they did all kinds of testing. So I'm opening for her and Alex is coming in to be my 5am "bitch"...lol!!

Have a great night!!

sacBarb said...

Jodi, Always good talking with you. ♥

Jodi said...

Awww...thanks BARB <3

Jodi said...

Bowling was a HOOT!! Thankfully I didn't break a hip ;-)

Jodi said...

I best get to bed. Have to be up in 4 hours...yikes!!!

Good night :-)

Mary/MI said...

Jodi, thanks for the call. You are a sweetheart!

I am still contemplating the road trip. This week I have mammogram test, lunch with friends and tickets to see Dwight Yokem on Fri.
Tomorrow they are running test to see if my sister's stints are in good shape by doing a dye procedure.
They want to make sure her heart can take the surgery. As soon as they set the date I will be off and running.

Thanks everyone for all the kind words and prayers. Seem like we are constantly supporting each other... I love you all :)

Dianne/Denver said...

Damn, I was typing and everything disappeared. My battery ran out on ipad....so annoying. I will try and remember what I wrote.

Mary, I hope everything works out for your sister. I'm glad you are going to go there. I agree that you will rest easier when you can see her. Sounds like you have a busy week coming up.

Jodi, are you a good bowler? Sounds like you had fun tonight.

Barb, I was even glad to see the Raiders win this week and that's sayin' something. Couple more days and whoosh ...off you go!!!

My broncos are undefeated right now...knock on wood....my fantasy football isn't as great.

Louis and I had an appt this afternoon so we went out for my bday dinner from last year. Better late than never. Almost time for the next one. I was recovering from my knee surgery last year. It was a good seafood dinner at Pappadeauxs. Yummy.

Tomorrow I go to the dentist to see if she can figure out why I have this tooth/nose pain. Hope so as it's really getting old.

JL....where are you? I don't think you are in Idaho yet.

Everyone have a good sleep

Jodi said...

MARY - Praying she passes the test <3

Jodi said...

DIANNE - Yay for your Broncos!! I just read that Clay Matthews may be our for a month :-( I hope the rest of our defense will step up to the plate. We haven't had the best start to our season. Big win on Sunday, though!!

I had fun at bowling! I'm not the best bowler, but I held my own. This league is mostly about having fun. Thank God!!!

Jodi said...

SLIN - R u practicing having your hands full? ;-)

Just_Lin said...

HOdi At my age, I don't need to practice. I've got it down. No pun intended. LOL

Just_Lin said...

Mary I will include your sister in my prayers. It sounds like you really need to go. (((HUGS)))

Just_Lin said...

Dianne Going to Idaho on Friday morning and taking another trip into the mountains. Last time I had to pack for hot weather and this time I have to pack for cold weather. There should be some nice fall colors, too.

Just_Lin said...

Barb We are still having beautiful weather here. Last night I went to the movies and saw "Gravity". It was excellent! Really a nail-biter from beginning to end. Sandra Bullock is sure to get nominated for an Oscar.

Mary/MI said...

68

Mary/MI said...

69

Jodi said...

Woot woot!!! Get it MARY!!!

Jodi said...

SLIN - Well, alrighty then ;) Have fun on your trip!! Cooler temps, snuggling, and gorgeous color in the mountains. Sounds like a fabulous trip!! I know I don't have to tell u to ENJOY!!

Jodi said...

Got a text from Sam this morning. She and Nate had the day off and were going to be in Oregon. After picking Tim up from school, we all went out for lunch. Seriously gorgeous weather here, so we were able to sit out on their lanai and eat lunch! After I got back home, I took my quilt out to the backyard and took in the sun and caught a nap. Who knows, next week I might have to wear my longies!!!

Tonight is Jake's last football game. Its an early one, so I think I will be fine in capris, my birkenstocks and a light sweater. GO OREGON!!!

sacBarb said...

Well, I'm all packed and even though I tried my best to cut down on things to take, my suitcase still weighs 39 lbs. Sheesh!!!!! I am really not taking that much, but I guess plus size clothes weigh a lot. I am wearing my walking/tennis shoes and only taking one other pair of flats. No books, no big toiletries. I honestly don't know why it's so heavy! I'm even wearing my only pair of jeans because they are heavy. Sharon will come over to my house tomorrow morning and the shuttle will pick us up at 11:30 am to take us to San Francisco airport. We will arrive at Sydney airport at 7:15 Thursday morning. We lose a full day going and get it back on our return home. Australia is 18 hours ahead of us and New Zealand is 20 hours ahead.

I will be able to check in when we are in a wifi hot spot and I will have texting capability. Stay well everyone. ♥

Mary/MI said...

My son and I will be heading to Texas on Thurs. I am not telling them, so please don't mention on FB. Jim will be dog and house sitting lol! It's a long trip. I have never been on a road trip that far with out him.I am not a fan of long drives because of my knee. I will suck it up and take my Motrin lol!

Jodi, it was a beautiful day here too! I hate the thought of putting my sandals away :( Wait, it is still hot in Texas. :)

Barb, done packing yet? One thing about driving, you can load up all you want lol!

JL, I forget where you're going.
Dianne, I know you will have a great time up the mountains.

Have a safe trip all! Looks like we are all going in different directions!

Just_Lin said...

HOdi Sounds like you had a lovely afternoon with lunch with your daughter and napping out in the yard. How did the game go?

Just_Lin said...

Barb I'm very excited for you and Sharon. What a great trip you have planned. I hope you can check in often. Let us know when you see a shrimp on the Barbie. LOL

Just_Lin said...

Mary Save driving. How long of a drive is it? I'm really glad you will have your son with you.

Jodi said...

BARB - Have a fabulous trip!! Take lots of pics, check in, but mostly enjoy ♥

Jodi said...

MARY - Safe travels. I know you will feel better for going :) p.s. I never put my sandals away!!!

Jodi said...

SLIN - Very good game. Jake made lots of tackles and they won!!!

Just_Lin said...

"Gravity" was really, really good.

Barb is on her way to Vancouver, then Australia.

Just_Lin said...

HOdi Good for Jake. Great way to end the season.

Jodi said...

SLIN - I've heard mixed reviews from friends. Did u see it in 3D? Sign up for wrestling is on Monday. Here we go again!!

Jodi said...

BARB - Are you in the land of the Aussies yet?

Jodi said...

DIANNE - I was on the phone with ZONA when u called. I thought I had hit the right button to pick up the call, but I was too late. Sorry!! Here we go again....tag, you're it ;)

Dianne/Denver said...

Wow Jodi....after Friday you and I are the only owls in the actual nest. Maybe we should meet somewhere.

Mary...I went to the mtns over the weekend and just for the day. I'm home

Barb....have a fabulous trip. We will miss you. Hope you can check in.

JL...I believe you leave Friday. Did you get your pedi yet?

Jodi...we'd better have a lot to talk about on here. I missed you call back and then we took Kayla to dinner for her bday...15. Getting her learners permit tomorrow. Big day.

I have volunteer tomorrow and then going to a chicken place for dinner with a girlfriend. Special two for 35 for all the trimmings plus pumpkin pie!!

Jodi said...

DIANNE - I would love that!! Wow, can't believe she is 15!!! Are you going to go out driving with her? Your dinner sounds divine, especially the pumpkin pie part! We now have whole pumpkin and apple pies available at our store. Haven't tried them yet, but they look delicious :)