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Those Washday Dreams

The washing’s all done But it’s raining outside, The coal fire is burning So I sneak in to hide Between fireplace And clothes horse, The fireplace being The only heat source. A refuge of warmth on A cold winter’s day ‘Til mam comes to find And chase me away. The washing is paramount, Essential to be dried And I absorbed the heat By lying there inside. A game of hide and seek Trying to judge just when Mam wasn’t looking So I could sneak in again. Those draughty old houses With no central heating And my cosy little tent Just took some beating. A fact of life then that No matter how we tried We sat there in the cold Until the washing was dried. Those good old days weren’t Quite so good it seems, But memory is selective When filling day dreams.

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Jenna Logan

Date: 1/18/2023 3:34:00 PM

Sorry I can’t relate, Terry, but I always enjoy reading your rhyming stories.

Terry Ireland
Date: 1/19/2023 12:42:00 AM

Thanks Jenna - Its just me showing my age

Speaks Volumes

Date: 1/18/2023 3:16:00 PM

Shopping day was my worst, l remember it still we lived on top of a very steep hill. Dad needed the car to go to work, No deliveries then to the back of Bourke. Mum and l dragging that cart full of food, but somehow she always stayed in a good mood. Thanks for reminding me Terry of the not always so good, Good ol days.

Terry Ireland
Date: 1/19/2023 12:45:00 AM

Thanks Wen - there was sreal luxury between the washing and the fire. I certainly remember carrying huge bags of groceries as well. But, we survived.

Ilene Bauer

Date: 1/18/2023 12:12:00 PM

wow! this is something i never experienced, terry, but you've painted such a vivid picture, i can pretty much imagine the whole scene...

Terry Ireland
Date: 1/18/2023 1:52:00 PM

Thanks ilene - it was pretty standard all over England still into the 50’s and 60’s. SeeTom’s comment below, But still happy memories - can still feel that stolen warmth

Tom Cunningham

Date: 1/18/2023 10:40:00 AM

I remember those days well Terry, when the fire died out it was bed and it was so cold it felt damp. The worst was the toilet at the end of the garden, kids today don't know they are born. Happy memories lol. Tom

Terry Ireland
Date: 1/18/2023 1:48:00 PM

Poverty is relative and I wouldn’t wish those days back on anybody but you’re right Tom. We didn’t even have piped hot water. And, yes, still happy memories.