Having "planted our feet" here in Manchester, we are thoroughly
enjoying all the marvelous and fascinating things seen
in this incredibly rich part of America. Our wealth of
discoveries has also included things we have HEARD.
As preface to this post, I introduce you again to awesome grandson
Kale, who at one time in his young life, struggled to directly
and clearly express things he wanted or was feeling.
His patient and courageous mama would help him
by gently encouraging him to "use your words".
My presentation in this post shares some of the fun and,
for us westerners, not always familiar ways that our
New England associates and other natives "use THEIR words".
(To our local friends, please know I am NOT poking fun here.)
First, a recap of this week's fill-our-lamp experiences,
including another road trip into middle Mass. to explore
Historic Deerfield. As tourists, though not specifically tracking
the beautiful, changing autumn foliage, we could be counted
as leaf peepers (1), slang for sight-seers visiting to look at color,
like that in front of one of the homes this week in Deerfield.
We recently added getting to Historic Deerfield again
(we visited once before when Kale's mom Kenzie was 18 mos. old)
to our "bucket list" for the period of our assignment, so I include
this lovely mum blossom 'sunflower', in its wooden bucket
on the doorstep of the Deerfield Gift Shop & Book Store, below.
Reporting the weather changes here, I offer this evidence
captured on my cell phone app this morning (Sept. 20th).
Summer landscaping flowers have "bit the dust"!
One REAL oil-in-my-lamp experience comes from
the palpable LIFT I get when meeting, even remotely by ZOOM
with my Relief Society sisters of the Canterbury Ward,
shown during a meeting today, in this screenshot.
On the topic of words and phrases we have become
acquainted with, one that our young missionaries attempting
to reach out and share the Gospel of Jesus Christ
encounter regularly is the "all set"(2) phrase, meaning,
"I'm probably not that interested -- I'm all set (ok or just fine).
Handy phrase for indicating, as a shopper or diner,
that everything is taken care of -- I don't need more attention.
Before virus restrictions changed our habits, we would
look for a "bubbler"(3) at the venues we visited when we
need a refreshing drink of water. (Photo from Sturbridge)
At the grocery store, the current routine includes a store employee
courteously wiping down the "carriages"(4) for us as we enter.
(FYI, in New Hampshire, a directive by the Governor
does NOT allow us currently to carry into the store anything
like a reusable shopping bag that might be contaminated.)
As senior missionaries, we ARE allowed to watch our own
television without restriction. However, the "clicker"(5) is usually
nearer to Vince's chair than to mine!
One of our favorite restaurants in Manchester is Blakes,
well known as manufacturer of marvelous frozen desserts,
though I'm not exactly sure if "creemees"(6) refers
to 'soft serve' or to ALL ice cream. The menus for
walk-up ice cream purveyors usually include an upcharge
for "jimmies"(7) -- or sprinkles added.
Last Thursday we stopped at Friendly's Restaurant
in West Springfield up the road from our hotel for dinner,
where Vince ordered a sundae, and I was tempted by
the appetizing poster for their famous "frappes"(8),
different from "milk shakes" which are usually
made with much more milk to be less thick.
(This sign, below, is from a different occasion.)
Back in Utah, we know that frozen ground can truly be
troublesome, since our driveway pad edges have become
very uneven, but which in winter are snow-shovel prohibitive!
Here, "frost heaves"(9) cause even more problems.
We've been planning to walk around the corner (long walk)
to the "permanent" hot dog shack on Front Street . . .
. . .where our main course "wieners" (10)
(illustrated by a different foodie truck) . . .
not hot dog buns.
The Old Sturbridge Village print shop interpreter explained
the NE year's three divisions, at least in Massachusetts:
summer, autumn, and "MUD season."(12)
End of summer drives through neighborhoods have brought
regular notices of "tag sales"(13) -- yard or garage sales.
One modifier that I really enjoy is this one: (14)
Here is one common usage of the term:
Sometimes these colloquialisms make more sense than
other times - like this descriptor that brings instant visualization
of the quick decision to change directions completely (15).
I've maxed out my images quota, but there are a
few more terms I'd love to record here.
(16) grinders = sub sandwiches
(17) down cellar = basement
(18) dooryard = screened porch
(19) elastic = rubber bands (already using this; sensible!)
(20) rotary = roundabout (a traffic solution favored here)
(21) bureau = chest of drawers
(22) sideboard = cupboard
(23) singlet = tank top
Finally, a phrase I struggled to understand when my initial
questions on this topic were put to young missionaries
stationed from top to bottom, and which turned up many of
the words I've listed here, shown below (24):
(literally, the lower sign explains what it conveys;
"You can't get there from here . . . on a road . . ."
figuratively it means "these two stances are too far
from being compatible")
A recent FB post by former neighbor and friend Susie caught
my mind and imagination (previously shared - apologies).
It likewise talks about words and phrases.
I'm hoping that soon I will be much more practiced
in using THESE words!
Love these! I can remember you telling Dad to "use his words" too. When you visit, we'll have to get a. Eegee and a "grinder". Arizona uses that one for subs too! Love you two!
ReplyDeleteGlad you had time to read it all the way to the end! Yes, you have taught me so many things that would have helped me be a better mother! You're the best!
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