The laughing in the house is rather through gritted teeth today…….. Me because of the aches and pains; Him because of groaning innards. It has all turned my thoughts to the ways in which we cope with accident and illness. Many a time when I was visiting housebound people, they would say things like “There are far worse than me,” or “Mustn’t grumble.” I have come to the conclusion that this is the kind of Sunday Best remark that is trotted out for visitors, especially visiting ministers. Him Behind the Wheel and I have been indulging in a series of creaks, groans, mumbles and moans, and on balance it helps…… though not as much as laughter.
Talking of visiting ministers, one of the things that always amused me was the way it was felt that a mug was not quite suitable for a minister’s tea. On more than one occasion I have looked round the assembled company, only to find that I was the only person there with a cup and saucer. Once people knew me, it was a different story.
Visiting in the Isle of Lewis as a new island resident took a lot of getting used to. We lived there in the 1970’s and 80’s and I was a civilian at the time. There, one was apt to be presented with a large platter containing a sandwich, a home-made pancake and a biscuit. The cup of (very strong) tea was balanced precariously on the same platter. Very strong is actually a euphemism for double-brewed or well-stewed. The tea was often boiling ominously all day on top of the peat-fired Rayburn in the kitchen.
Happy Days!
I think cups and saucers are the crockery of Satan. I loathe them! I laughed when I read your comment because that’s exactly what happens to me too. And I always get offered the best seat – often the one belonging to the deceased!
Oh yes, many a time I have been told I was sitting in the loved one’s chair. I only worried when it seemed to fit too well.