Sadly, my week in Virginia is almost over. I feel mostly rested, although I’ve spent more time on e-mail this morning than any other time this week with the exception of my two hour focused stint at McDonald’s Monday. That’s good and bad. But there were days when I didn’t turn on the laptop at all, and that’s good.
I spent quite a bit of time knitting on the AbFab throw (photos after I return) and I knitted a gift scarf. Mom and I’ve mostly relaxed this week, although she’s worked some too. She cleans houses for a few people, including one person she also takes to the grocery, the drug store, etc. But I’ve run up and down steps for her here at the house, done a little cleaning and waited on her, which has been a needed break, I think. It’s always nice when someone brings you your coffee, a drink or a snack.
I’m bringing home a few things that were my Dad’s – and others will be mailed home. The list will sound strange to some of my friends, but to others it’ll make sense. Among these items are Dad’s Army patches and pins (he was in SCARWAF during the Korean War), his first knife and a few other knives, two of his old-fashioned lighters (to be mailed!), and some books given to him as a child. I’ve also run across some family things I had forgotten about or that were in dim recesses of my gray matter – the rocking chair pin cushion/thread holder Grandma Green used, her sewing machine (and accessories), and some things I had forgotten I had given to Mom and Dad.
Unfortunately when I opened one of the knives it stuck open. I can’t get it shut and it’s a very sharp knife, so I need to be especially careful. I’ve put some WD-40 on the hinge mechanism and will let it sit. Hopefully it’ll shut in a few hours. I’ve put it up away from the cats.
I had forgotten about the speech patterns here. Things and events are described in metaphors – comparisons all over the place. Dipthongs have dipthongs! Everyone is “honey,” “sweetie.” Makes me feel better, since I use those words myself and occassionally get strange looks. And I realize how very flat my speech sounds. I’ve lost some of the cadence and the rise and fall that I used to have. Speech is musical here, so no wonder it’s obvious to folks I’ve not seen in a while that I’ve moved far, far away.
Well, must sign off soon. Hope to upload this and then move along for the day. We’re having some family over for supper tonight and there are errands to run today.
I'm glad you've had some quality time with your mom, but I'm glad you'll be back soon.
Posted by: mosker | Saturday, 21 October 2006 at 08:01 PM
When I first moved to Virginia, the speech really surprised me. Yes, melodic,and after a time I even understood what was said. But hey, who am I to comment.
Posted by: Heide | Saturday, 21 October 2006 at 08:19 PM
Heide, you lived in Tidewater Virginia, right? Those folks sound Midwestern compared to where I grew up!
Posted by: lauragayle | Saturday, 21 October 2006 at 11:32 PM
I can't wait to see. Glad you had a nice visit.
Speaking of accents, you know I lived in Texas from 3 - 12 years, so I always pick up a southern drawl when I am around those who have even a hint of one. I spoke with a lady from Oklahoma not to long ago who asked, "Do I detect a Texas accent?" I can't even remember the way I talked when I lived there so I sure don't know how it would differ from an Oklahoma one. :o)
Posted by: Mary | Sunday, 22 October 2006 at 08:48 PM