“The cook is not in love.”
That’s what my unforgettable Hungarian Dad used to tell us (with a smile) at the dinner table. He claimed it was a popular saying from the old country that meant the cook (in this case, my mother) did not put enough salt in the food. I have never heard that again but I always taste and re-taste to avoid the label “not in love.”
Lately, I have been thinking of all the sage words of wisdom my parents offered us kids growing up. The parents are long gone now but many of their beliefs and admonitions live on. And surprisingly, I think much of my life is still parent-directed (or maybe mis-directed as the case may be).
Dad used to say,
“Never visit a person’s home without bringing a gift – bread, wine or candy.”
Yep. I do that. If you were thinking of inviting me over, you may be in for a treat.
“Never borrow. Never go into debt. Pay CASH.”
Do credit cards count if I pay them on time? Always do. No debt here Pop. Nope. No debt here.
“Do not get FAT. Your husband will divorce you.”
Uh oh. Well Dad, I am “pleasingly plump” and still married. However, due to that warning I am always a bit worried about a slimmer woman taking over.
.
“Do not sit by an open door or window during a thunder storm. And do not pat a dog. Dog’s attract LIGHTNING!”
No wonder I head for the closet! Used to blame it on the dog’s fear though.
“Allow for cross ventilation in a hurricane or the wind will take the roof off. Be sure to open two windows.”
We lived in Florida and had hurricanes. Dunno if Dad’s observation was true but a roof is important right? I don’t live in Florida or even in a hurricane prone area, but still keep two windows cracked just in case.
“Only FOOLS sing at the dinner table.”
Does humming count? I can’t carry a tune, so maybe he invented that one to ensure silence.
But Dad wasn’t the only one who came up with interesting cautions and observations.
Mom said,
“You are not really old until you are 60. It’s all downhill after that.”
Uh oh. Thanks A LOT Mom. It’s definitely a steep decline.
“Always carry a dime for an emergency telephone call.”
Huh? I suppose now it would be, “Don’t forget your cell phone!”
“Don’t be an OMELET!”
Can you guess what she meant by that?
“He’s a big Butter and Egg man.”
How about THAT?
“There is no excuse for bad manners.”
Agreed.
“Don’t be a doormat.”
(Stand up for yourself) Agreed.
After a cursory revisit to the words of wisdom of my parents, I have concluded it may not really be the sins of the fathers or mothers that shape our lives, but the sayings.
What did your parents say to influence your life today?
Note: The cartoon of the woman on a scale is from an unknown source. It came to me in an email and I cannot make out the bottom credit.
Virginia Views 