So many things – products, buildings, environments, activities – have left our lives and been replaced by something else. I started wondering …
When was the last time: you washed the dishes by hand, in a sink with water and dish soap and, then, dried them?
When was the last time: you polished a pair of shoes? Polish getting all over your fingers. Using a brush and a soft cloth to make them shine.
When was the last time: you actually went to a store to make a purchase? Instead of using the on-line shopping?
When was the last time: you wrote a thank you note by hand, and did not use a computer or text message instead?
When was the last time: you cleaned the kitchen floor with a broom? And, maybe, a mop? Do you have a robot to do those jobs?
When was the last time: you took your trash to a dump?
When was the last time: you washed your windows – outside or in; and did not call a window service?
When was the last time: you watered the lawn by moving hoses?
When was the last time: you changed your car’s oil and lubricated it’s joints?
When was the last time: you changed a light in your bathroom?
When was the last time: you changed a tire?
When was the last time: you had a family member give you a hair cut or a perm?
When was the last time: you washed your house walls?
When was the last time: you washed your car with a bucket and hose?
When was the last time: you asked for something other than a material thing for a birthday or holiday? And, asked for something like a gift in your name to a charity, instead?
When was the last time: you walked to a store – for groceries, clothing, office supplies?
When was the last time: you stayed home for every meal in a seven-day period?
When was the last time: you described your kitchen as “this is the kitchen – it came with the house?”
When was the last time: you listened to music from a record player?
When was the last time: you listened to something from a cassette tape in a tape recorder?
When was the last time: you changed a broken socket in a lamp?
When was the last time: you took a written list of topics to your medical appointment, to save time and be sure to remember everything you wanted to discuss?
When was the last time: you mowed your lawn?
When was the last time: you shoveled the snow that fell on your property?
When was the last time: you went to a movie in a movie theater?
When was the last time: you baked bread, made cookies, or candy in your kitchen?
When was the last time: you read a newspaper that was not on-line?
When was the last time: you drove to a location a long distance away?
When was the last time: you spent time in the church of your choice?
When was the last time: you walked on a treadmill or outside?
When was the last time: you wrote to your state’s senators or representative in the legislature? Or, in the federal climes?
When was the last time: you wrote a letter by hand?
When was the last time: you attended a city council meeting?
When was the last time: you called a sick friend?
When was the last time: you polished your wood furniture?
When was the last time: you thanked someone with a gift of something you baked?
When was the last time: you had to slide your credit card and not tape it to pay for products?
When was the last time: you used an iron?
When was the last time: you had to manually lift your garage door.
When was the last time: you saw a fox in your back yard?
When was the last time: you welcomed a new neighbor into your community?
When was the last time: you sent condolences to the family of someone who passed?
When was the last time: you used a screwdriver, a pair of pliers, a wire cutter?
When was the last time: you used a handkerchief and not a tissue?
When was the last time: you used carbon paper?
When was the last time: you used a sewing machine or mended clothing with a needle and thread?
When was the last time: you looked at the moon to judge it’s power.
When was the last time: you wrote a check?
When was the last time: you changed the channel on your TV by touching a nob on the TV?
When was the last time: you used a pencil and not a pen?
When was the last time: you used a landline to call someone?
When was the last time: you went fishing?
When was the last time: you went for a ride in the country?
Here’s wishing you time and effort to do what are you not doing today that you did when you were young; that young people peer at you with a questioning look when you talk about doing those things. And, to do those old-fashioned things that you may want to do.
Be Safe and Be Well
The Cranky Crone
Thoughtful comments are appreciated.