What'd You Say?

I recently spent some time with family in my hometown. That's nothing unusual. I visit several times a year and for different reasons: holidays, reunions, or in this case, funerals. Although I was dealing with the emotions surrounding a death in the extended family, that's not what's particularly on my mind right now.

It suddenly became obvious that my family has their own unique pronunciation for certain words. I suppose I've known this for a long time but never admitted it to myself. Not that there's anything wrong with that... Now I just wonder what other words have our own little family twist on them.

Let me give you the example that got me wondering. Perhaps you can relate to listening to "old-timers" talk about buildings that are no longer there, or businesses that used to have a different name, or giving directions that include turning at a corner where such-and-such used to be. I've gotten used to that, and we all see the humor in it. One such locale in our family has long been "Higher Knotts." I used to walk down the street and catch the bus by Higher Knotts. It's that new place down where Higher Knotts used to be. It came up in conversation again, so my niece and I were making good-natured fun of the "mythical" Higher Knotts. My mom started to tell me something about the Ott that owned it and who he was related to or something when it hit me: Ott. As in, a name. Ott. Then she said the other name was H-E-Y-E-R, and seemed to be wondering why I looked so confused. After hearing about this place for more than 40 years, it had literally just been spelled out for me. It wasn't "Higher Knotts." The place they'd always talked about was "Heyer and Ott's." Duh. Enunciation matters, people!

I shouldn't be surprised. There's a little town nearby. I'd always heard it called Brokol. Luckily, once I could read and cared to pay attention to highway signs I saw that it's actually Brokaw. For whatever reason, my folks pronounced it differently, probably because their folks pronounced it differently, probably because... I long ago gave up trying to understand.

Then there's the story of the time my uncle sent one of my cousins to the store to get some off-n-off. She cheerfully went off on her errand. When she couldn't locate such a product, she even asked a clerk for help. Not surprisingly, there didn't seem to be such a product in the store. Imagine her shock when her dad told her, without a trace of hometown family accent, that he simply wanted something to pour in his coffee: half-and-half. That one got repeated at Christmas dinners for years.

The last one that comes to mind is sort of a shorthand version of grace if you're really hungry  and don't want to say a long prayer before you eat. My uncle used to rattle off what sounded like Ah bahleeber fahter ahmen. It sounded German, and I always assumed it meant something along the lines of I believe in the Father, amen. After briefly looking around online this evening, I've learned there actually is a mealtime prayer: Abba lieber Vater, amen. It looks like it loosely translates to Father, dear Father, amen. Huh. Who knew that wasn't just a made-up family prayer? 

Enunciation can be important to effective communication. But sometimes, it seems, the family that mumbles together stays together.

So for you, dear uncle... Before I drink any coffee with off-n-off, I'll be sure to say Ah bahleeber fahter ahmen. 

I'm Still Here, Too!

One blogger I follow just posted a piece titled, "Still Here!" That reminded me that I had also not written in a while. There might be, just maybe, a few people who are curious why I haven't posted anything. So, just in case...

I'm still here, too!

I have no earth-shattering reasons to explain my absence, really. Graduation, and the days leading up to it, did take a lot out of me. Then there were post-graduation gatherings to attend or to which I was transporting The Boy. (I suppose since he's going to be a "college man" before too long I should come up with a new nickname.) It was nice to be able to soak it all in then just reeeellllaaaax after.

Spent a few days at my mom's house. Unfortunately, I made the trip to attend my sister's mother-in-law's funeral. On the plus side, if there is one, my schedule was open enough for me to make the short drive, and it gave me a chance to visit with my sister and her husband (and my mom) on their annual visit. 

While I was there, I did a little more cleaning of the stuff my mother graciously still allows me to store there. Found my financial aid form and preliminary class scheduling information from my first year here at college. I'm going to compare it to The Boy's info just to remind myself how much things have changed.

Also came across some autograph books from fourth and fifth grades. That's always fun to revisit, both for content and for the simple memories that come back.

I will say that I enjoyed a little drive by myself. My "road trip music" includes Barry Manilow, Hugh Laurie, Rammstein, and Don Ho. Something for each side of me! And, I could sing along whenever I wanted to and at whatever volume made me happy! Yes, Daddy--I watched for deer. Didn't hit or see any.

Coming soon is college orientation for The Boy. Three jam-packed days for incoming freshmen and their parents. It will be nice to get a more in-depth tour of the campus, and I think it will be a good introduction for him, as well. It must be a worthwhile program or they wouldn't offer five different opportunities for students to go!

Summer's here, officially, with all its heat and humidity. But I'm not about to complain. I wouldn't trade this for winter with snowdrifts and bitter cold. Honestly, I enjoy that we have all four seasons here. I don't know if I'd choose to always have sunny and warm OR snowy and cold. Guess I've always been a middle-of-the-road kind of gal.

So...that's it. Nothing too newsworthy. Just day-to-day life. (Gee, I seem rather fond of hyphens in this post! And exclamation points!) But if you've followed me here at all, you know that I typically write only when inspiration hits. I'll let you know next time that happens.

Graduation Eve

'Twas the night before graduation and in all the homes,
Not a student was studying, not one single tome.

The gowns were all hung in the closet with care
So they'd be neat and tidy for the seniors to wear.

Teenagers were getting ready to climb into bed,
While visions of mortarboards danced in their heads.

Remembering the child that used to sit in their lap,
Mom and Dad closed their eyes for a much-needed nap.

For yesterday's babies had come to the age
When it was their turn to walk across the stage.

There was sure to be pomp and much circumstance,
And there may even be a little happy dance.

Speakers will inspire and perhaps make us smile,
And it's clear that the hard work has been very worthwhile.

Then it's time to receive the diplomas, hard-earned.
So much they've grown, and so much they've learned.

Some call it "commencement," and others, "graduation."
But whatever the word, it's a day of celebration.

On this day you should feel like a king or a queen.
Congratulations to all--the class of 2013!