showing your age...

**mruffruff** · 05-13-2009, 11:32 AM

I don't iron much anymore, but I learned how early. We had an old flat iron that had two inserts. The handle clamped over one when it was hot while the other waited on the wood stove. They were shaped like pointy ovals and weighed a lot for a kid of 7, 8 or 9.

We always hung our clothes outside. Mom had a washboard and had to do all of the laundry by hand. She had a wringer that clamped on the side of her washtub. Later, when we got electricity, she got a wringer type washer. She was pretty happy with that.

I remember my sister's diapers coming in from the clothesline in January stiff with ice and standing in the sink to thaw.

And this was in 1955!

**Medusa** · 05-13-2009, 11:35 AM

I still iron whatever doesn't get dry cleaned. How do you get away w/not ironing? I don't get it. What am I missing here?

**pomtzu** · 05-13-2009, 12:04 PM

Originally Posted by Medusa

I still iron whatever doesn't get dry cleaned. How do you get away w/not ironing? I don't get it. What am I missing here?

Sweatpants - jeans - knits.......that's about all I live in anymore since retirement.

When I was still working, I did touch-up ironing of slacks and skirts, but never much more than that.

**Medusa** · 05-13-2009, 12:10 PM

Originally Posted by pomtzu

Sweatpants - jeans - knits.......that's about all I live in anymore since retirement.

When I was still working, I did touch-up ironing of slacks and skirts, but never much more than that.

True. I should've thought of that since I'm sitting in a velour jogging suit right now. I guess the bleach is finally making its way to my brain.

**pomtzu** · 05-13-2009, 12:20 PM

Originally Posted by Medusa

True. I should've thought of that since I'm sitting in a velour jogging suit right now. I guess the bleach is finally making its way to my brain.

That's what I mean. The last time I wore anything that needed any ironing, was when I was working, altho I ironed a shirt for my grandson a couple of years ago!!!

Hey - remember silk stockings and garter belts before the days of pantyhose, and the stockings had that miserable seam up the back that you could never get straight? I know they are still sold, but not much for everyday wear, if you get my drift - Frenchie!

**Medusa** · 05-13-2009, 12:29 PM

Originally Posted by pomtzu

Hey - remember silk stockings and garter belts before the days of pantyhose, and the stockings had that miserable seam up the back that you could never get straight? I know they are still sold, but not much for everyday wear, if you get my drift - Frenchie!

Oh I sure do remember, Gigi! When I was pregnant, I got so phat that I couldn't wear my garter belt any more. We went to see Dr. Zhivago at the movies and back then going to the movies was a dress up occasion. I wore a dress w/hose held up by garters. Need I tell you what my ankles looked like after sitting through that long movie? And, of course, my girlfriend shrieked "OMG, look at your ankles!" (which looked like I had a tennis ball on each one) so that everyone in the theater turned to see the freak. When pantyhose was invented, I truly considered it a gift from God. I loved the seamed hose but you're right, it was nearly impossible to keep the seams straight. I think thigh highs are sexy now but I can't keep them up! That kinda spoils the look when your hose is down around your ankles. Makes ya look like the ol' lady w/her socks rolled down.

**pomtzu** · 05-13-2009, 12:43 PM

Originally Posted by Medusa

I loved the seamed hose but you're right, it was nearly impossible to keep the seams straight.

Hmmmm - me thinks the part about "everyday wear" went right over your head........................Frenchie

**Willow Oak** · 05-13-2009, 02:17 PM

Originally Posted by Medusa

When I was pregnant, I got so phat that I couldn't wear my garter belt any more. We went to see Dr. Zhivago at the movies and back then going to the movies was a dress up occasion.

You're not old enough to have been pregnant when Dr. Zhivago was playing at the movies. Dr. Zhivago was, is, and always shall be my favorite movie.

**Willow Oak** · 05-13-2009, 11:36 AM

Originally Posted by mruffruff

I don't iron much anymore, but I learned how early. We had an old flat iron that had two inserts. The handle clamped over one when it was hot while the other waited on the wood stove. They were shaped like pointy ovals and weighed a lot for a kid of 7, 8 or 9.

We always hung our clothes outside. Mom had a washboard and had to do all of the laundry by hand. She had a wringer that clamped on the side of her washtub. Later, when we got electricity, she got a wringer type washer. She was pretty happy with that.

I remember my sister's diapers coming in from the clothesline in January stiff with ice and standing in the sink to thaw.

And this was in 1955!

Diapers? I've heard of those. What are they?

**DJFyrewolf36** · 05-13-2009, 11:56 AM

I find myself saying "when I was your age" a lot to teenagers...and I'm only 27

A lot of things have really gone up in price even in my lifetime. I cant immagine what things will be like when Im 50!

The lowest price I think I paid for smokes was about $2. Looking at prices now I'm glad I quit! Gas was about $1.60 a gallon when I first started driving. I recall food being a lot cheaper too..

BTW in Oregon, they still pump your gas. In fact pumping your own gas is illegal up here lol.

**Medusa** · 05-13-2009, 11:59 AM

Originally Posted by DJFyrewolf36

I find myself saying "when I was your age" a lot to teenagers...and I'm only 27

That's funny! I remember the first time someone called my son "sir". He was in his 20's and it freaked him out and he called me and said "Someone called me sir". I said "Yeah. So?" He said "Do I look old enough to be called sir?" "Apparently", I told him. Of course, they were little kids but it really disturbed him.