Monday 30 January 2017

It's Monday Again, and I have those Wash Day Blues !

Can you believe Monday comes around again? Growing up in the 50's it was always the traditional wash day, and come rain or shine the washing would be done. My dear mum originally had a washer board and a hand-mangle (I think they were called) before the more modern washing machines were available. I can remember she would use a blue bag which was meant to bring out the whiteness of your tea towels, shirts, bed linen etc. - not sure if this were true, but she always used them.
I read this poem the other day, and enjoyed it, what do you think?

Wash Day Blues
We all get those wash days blues
Ironing clothes and washing shoes
I wish that I could iron quicker
Baggy shorts and blooming knickers

When you think you’re near the end
In comes your son and his best friend
He grabs the shirt that you just done
And just discard the other one

The hair on your neck begin to raise
And a few choice words were put in place
The door slams as he goes out
I’m sure he is off to sit and pout

I know the shirt must be worn some day
But at least wait till I put it away
Hours pass the ironing done
Sitting relaxing just for once

Peace and calm is all around
When I hear the door handles clicking sound
In comes my son and sits right down
Then he murmured a little sound

I love you mum you work so hard
Ironing clothes to brushing the yard
Never mind son I love you to
We will put it down to the wash day blues

Poem Above By Jim O'Donnell






Now, I do have the wash day blues ... because I'm waiting for the delivery of a new washing machine. Our old one has done well, it's done many, many, many washes, but alas now needs replacing! Our new one is scheduled for delivery tomorrow, and I can't wait. The laundry basket is full to over flowing - well almost!

What's a girl to do? I know, I could make a Fruit and Almond Clafoutis, it is delicious and fits into our LCHF menu plans well ... you can find the recipe here

Enjoy your Monday

All the best Jan

31 comments:

  1. Great post, Jan. I too remember when there was a specific 'wash day' (though I couldn't tell you which one it was). I remember Mum had a mangle, too. Thank heaven more sophisticated washing machines came along - otherwise we may not have had skiffle, because all the washboards would have been in use elsewhere... :-) Most of us in this country have very easy lives in these days.

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  2. Hi Jan, I enjoyed this post and the poem very much. I have a new blog and hope you'll click on my name in this comment to visit. Wishing you a lovely week.

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  3. Hello, I enjoyed the poem and post. I am so happy for the modern day washing machines, they make like easier. Happy Monday, enjoy your new week!

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  4. What a beautiful and fun post, Jan, and nostalgic too.
    I don't know what a clafoutis is, but it surely does look good! :)
    Wishing you all a great week! xx

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  5. I'll bet you get lots of comments about this post. Well from people of a certain age. I well remember my grandparents washtub and huge rollered mangle in the outhouse. A favourite toy that couldn't be broken in many hours of inventive play. My grandma and grandad also had a privy at the top of the yard where the draft blew through the bottom of the bottom of the wooden door on cold winter days. Newspapers (Express and Star) were recycled via a nail hanging from the wall and the back of the door. No fancy loo roll in those days!

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  6. Wash day is no longer the misery it used to be thank goodness.

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  7. Good Morning and Happy Monday!
    We still do our major Monday wash day in terms of sheets and towels!
    Of course it is no longer the wringer washer...
    Such a neat post!
    Jemma

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  8. Sara asked what a clafoutis is:

    "Clafoutis, also sometimes spelled clafouti, is a baked dessert which originated in the Limousin region of south-central France. Its name, which derives from the word clafir, meaning “to fill,” provides an accurate hint as to its preparation, which involves lining a dish with cherries and then “filling it up” with a batter mixture. A traditional clafoutis is always made with cherries, although many cooks have adapted the dish to center around their favourite fruits or even savoury ingredients.
    Classified by some as “peasant food,” clafoutis is a simple dish which was created as a way of utilizing a fruit which has historically been abundant in the French region of Limousin: cherries. While the exact date of clafoutis’ invention is not known, the dessert has been popular in Limousin and beyond since the 19th century. As its popularity spread throughout France, many cooks devised altered versions of the dish which allowed them to showcase the produce of their own regions."

    Words above from here http://www.wisegeek.com/what-is-clafoutis.htm#didyouknowout

    As we live the LCHF lifestyle we adapted the recipe to suit our menu plans,
    Ingredients are:
    50 grams of ground almonds
    1 tablespoon of plain flour
    250ml of double cream
    2 egg yolks
    100 grams of raspberries
    100 grams of blueberries
    Serves 4-6

    See the recipe instructions here
    http://thelowcarbdiabetic.blogspot.co.uk/2015/08/fruit-and-almond-clafoutis-low-carb.html

    All the best Jan

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  9. I think I may be joining you in the new washing machine purchase Jan, mine is complaining bitterly each time 😀 Raining for the last two days here, most unusual for Perth in summer.. might make a fruit clafoutis tomorrow if rain continues 😊

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  10. you made me remember when we hung our laundry out to dry, as a child. The clafoutis looks so good!

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  11. I remember my Mom having a washing machine with the wringer on it, she was so thrilled when she got her first automatic washing machine. I don't mind washing, but I'm not much of an ironer. Loved the poem.

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  12. Such a fun post! I remember my mom pushing clothes through the wringer. We've come a long way since then. Enjoy your new washing machine! And happy new week.

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  13. Terrific post Jan!!!
    OMG...I've lived through all of these washers and I've used all of them, too!!! Yes! Even the wringer type :D
    The Fruit Clafoutis looks delicious!!!
    Enjoy doing the wash with your brand new appliance!!!

    Have a lovely Week~

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  14. I'm so pleased that wash day is now easy compared to the hard slog it used to be. I remember my mum getting a twin tub and thinking it was the bees knees and boiling whites in a big pan on the hob.

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  15. The fruit and almond claf look delish.

    I can remember my grandmother using a wash board...Ahh, the good ole days. grin.

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  16. So glad you are getting a new washing machine, how we depend on such things, I'm waiting to have my dishwasher repaired, oh...how I hate washing dishes.
    I loved the poem and the dish!xxx

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  17. Jan I enjoyed this post very much. We have come a long ways from cleaning our clothes and linens on a rock. Our poor ancestors really had to work much harder than we do. Congratulations on the washing machine. Ours is quite old, but still does a good job. The new machines are a lot more efficient at cleaning and using less water. The poem is a sweet one. Enjoy your week. ♥

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  18. I remember the old washers...out on the porch! I like to do laundry and really need a new washer. I think I've worn my out, it doesn't spin as good as it used to! heehee! Hope you like your new one! Hugs!

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  19. :-) fun poem.

    My son Atticus enjoys folding laundry, I am lucky for that. The iron pile is growing. I better get at that....it is not a favorite job of mine. ;-)
    Carla

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  20. chucks grandmother used a wash board, i remember her showing it to me!!!

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  21. Our washer is about 26 years old! It's been repaired several times but still washes well. It's a Maytag.
    That desert looks so good. It's something I know I'd like.

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  22. cute poem, I hope all went well with the delivery of your washing machine and that you like it, I had to get use to mine when it was new. The fruit dessert sounds delicious!

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  23. How lovely nostalgic photos of laundry! Thank goodness it is easier nowadays!

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  24. When we not long ago, got our new Speed Queen I was a very happy whisk. I call her, Wilma (the washer). I wish you many fun loads ahead of you with your washer.

    PS: My Mamam (Gram), used the third washer. She used it and used it and used it and when the machine could no longer be fixed, it took her a long time to use the newer Maytag.

    PPS: Thanks for stopping by today. That's herbal stevia grown in my garden. Or was, before I pulled and dried it. But the stuff that is sold as baker's stevia. Don't even get me started on what I have to say about that crap. Absolute rubbish.

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  25. Hope the fitting of your new machine went smoothly. How very glad I am we are lucky enough to have access to modern machines and clean water on tap.
    One thing which does annoy me is spending ages ironing and then to see one of those shirts in the wash the next day- just highlights the unending task that laundry is.
    Lisa x

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  26. What a great post!!! I love the poem! I never heard of a blue bag before! I didn't know what a Clafoutis was either! Thanks for explaining to Sara! Big Hugs!

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  27. I forgot to say, happy dance for your new washing machine!

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  28. this is touching and lovely poem dear Jan :)

    our ways to wash clothes back in native village were different until mom bought washing machine in mid 80s
    hope your machine comes soon

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