Day 1579

Routines are strictly enforced at The Big White House…by the Golden Boys! Every nuance of a typical day is expected to run like clockwork and meals are no exception! Ranger’s tummy runs like a clock and he starts barking about ten minutes prior to “bowls on the ground!”

Being a child of the 1950s and 60s, routine was part of my life as well…especially dinner. The 5 o’clock bells would chime at the Congregational Church which sent the neighborhood gang racing to their respective supper tables. The moms were ready with a hot meal.

Remembering the sensation of running through the back door to warmth, incredible aromas and love touches my heart. After washing our hands, we would congregate at the dinette table to say grace and politely send the dishes to our left. My Nanny would join on most evenings, unless we were gathered next door at her home, and I had the privilege of sitting next to her.

Of course, there were no cellphones, the television was off (all four channels), the doorbell remained silent and conversation was the entertainment. We discussed family, news events, school and any other highly “digestible” topic of the day. We waited until dessert was served and quickly disappeared before excusing ourselves to practice piano, read or do homework. What a gentle time.

Wishing those days would come again is futile, but recalling them with warmth is a gift. With electronics, sports, clubs and hundreds of choices on television, we are all drawn away from those days of old.

Perhaps I could ask Alexa how to revisit those precious days! Hmmmmm…