Very, very cold here today! It’s currently 13 degrees. Yikes. I think we have a few days of this frigid weather and then it will warm up a little. Right now, the snow is on the ground and a lot of branches are still coated with snow because it was so cold last night. The sun is shining and it’s beautiful out there.
One more photo from our snow day:
Harper – not at all sure about this ‘snow’ thing.
I’ve since added some tights so her legs don’t get cold.
We have to run a few errands today, and we also want to take a little drive because it’s so pretty around here. The snow isn’t dirty yet – it’s all crisp and white and clean.
I’m close to finishing the new Anthony Horowitz. His books are so conversational that they tend to read quickly. It’s a lot of fun. Then I’ll return it to the library where, I hope, the newest Herron will be waiting for me.
We have been thoroughly enchanted by vintage What’s My Line episodes on YouTube. We watch at least two of them every night. It’s such a glimpse into another era, one in which we both grew up. The panel is smart, funny, charming and, above all, civil. There are none of the gimmicks that someone doing this show today would inevitably add. None of the “I’m funny and I’m going to throw in jokes whenever I can” crap that derails everything these days. No “me, me, me!” We are always amazed by the civility and kindness that permeates the program. I grew up watching it in the 60s when I was old enough to begin to appreciate it. We’re getting reacquainted with Arlene Francis, Bennett Cerf, Dorothy Kilgallen, and John Daly – all of them brilliant and charming, accomplished, with full and active working lives beyond appearing on the show. It’s fascinating and extremely entertaining. We inevitably google someone’s name during the course of each show to learn more about them. So many of the guests and panel members now gone; in fact, most of them. I miss them. I miss that era of respect and civility. It’s such a contrast to what we see today.
More and more I find myself yearning for what was – and I know that “what was” wasn’t perfect. There were conflicts and inequities and McCarthyism and racial inequality – we see very few African Americans in the early episodes. So I’m not fantasizing that everything was ideal. It wasn’t. But the civility, wit, respect with which people were treated. That was real.
Just some thoughts in my mind this morning.
Stay safe.
Happy Tuesday.
Growing up in the fifties and sixties was a great time. My column is often about those days. Simple.
Yes. Relatively simple. I had a complicated childhood so it wasn’t exactly simple.
But I do appreciate that time, for sure!
Stay safe, Brenda.
I did also…dysfunctional but so
Simple
xo
Thanks for the nostalgia!That was my grandmother’s favorite show.She was an immigrant from Southern Italy who had never been to school,could not read but as I mentioned awhile ago,knitted sweaters and cooked heavenly food!If you accidentally phoned her while the program was on ,she would not come to the phone!I will happily check them out on YouTube. P.S.The girls are looking so lovely these days.I want their outfits!xo
So do I!!!
Thanks so much, Annette.
Stay safe.
I wish civility and kindness would make a comeback.
Oh, so do I. And I’m going to try to be kinder to everyone I meet.
Stay safe, Betsy.
It is very cold here this morning, but no snow. A lot of snow up north though. I always worry about my fish. We have a small pond with 9 goldfish and the water is freezing now. Bill always tells me they will be fine but I think they need sweaters or something. I bet that will be a beautiful drive today. I am sitting here with our electric fireplace on and the tree lights on….heaven!
Also agree with your thoughts this morning. We went to an antique store the other day and they were playing all the old Christmas carols. It was like stepping back in time. So fun. Have a great day!
I would worry about them, too, Deb.
Thanks so much,
Stay safe.
I agree with you completely about “What’s My Line” Claudia. My husband recently discovered it and we are addicted now here in Wales. So much friendlier than the slightly condescending and snobby U.K. version of the same era which we wouldn’t watch again now. The people on it are mostly new to us so we google a lot. My husband has now read the book about Dorothy Kilgallen which shocked and saddened us. Hope it gets warmer for you both…and the girls! soon.
I’m reading a book about her, too. There are several but the one I borrowed from the library is about her death and suspicions that she was murdered.
Glad you enjoy it. It’s such fun.
Stay safe.
lovely snow … enjoy that beautiful drive.
we are getting some much needed rain. happy about that as long as the temperature stays where it is right now (36 degrees) … no ice or sleet needed or wanted here!
agree very much about the older shows, civility …! i don’t have cable tv and don’t get one of the three major channels (nbc) at all so have limited programming from which to choose … and i choose to watch very little of it. if home at 7:00 pm weeknights (rarely), i get to see two episodes of “the andy griffith show” and that makes me happy. also wistful for decency, respect and simplicity of life that are not very common today. sometimes i grumble out loud or in my head “not all change is progress!!!” … and try to use that as a reminder to make sure i show compassion and respect and to do what i can to make life simpler, sweeter for others.
oh, life …!
hope everyone is having a good day. stay safe!
kathy
ps … glad harper got some tights. :)
Thanks so much, Kathy.
It’s a reminder to me to be more patient and always kind.
Stay safe.
Another winter wonderland day! That’ll be a pretty drive looking at the snow while it’s still perfect! I really enjoy watching those old tv shows. For a while the original Price is Right, from the 50s and 60s was on and fun to watch. Just this morning on the Today show, Dylan Dryer mentioned that her grandmother had been on the early Price is Right and had been the winningest contestant on the show, winning a house, cars, an ice cream truck, furniture, etc. It was certainly a very different show then! Enjoy your drive and stay warm!
They all were. Even Jeopardy, which is my favorite. It’s all about money now and a race to see who can win the most games. I think they should have kept their 5 day champion rule. After you’d won 5 days in a row, you went merrily on your way. The minute that change, the nature of the show changed.
Thanks, Barrie.
Stay safe.
Last night I watched “What’s My Line” with Eleanor Roosevelt as the guest – wonderful! I would have liked to see it in color, but the dignity and courtesy was so wonderful. Now seeing your blog today I wonder if I got the idea from you?
Ceci
We’ve seen that episode. Isn’t it wonderful? Truthfully, we prefer seeing it in black and white.
Stay safe, Ceci.
‘More and more I find myself yearning for what was – and I know that “what was” wasn’t perfect.’ Perfectly stated, Claudia. I think of “what was” continually. There’s a lot I miss from life THEN as opposed to NOW. I often feel “what was” was … better. But, yes, I do think we had more refinement. There’s nothing wrong with a little finesse; good manners.
I agree, Vicki.
Stay safe.
I remember watching “What’s My Line” back in the day. The retro shows are a lot of fun and you’re right, people were much more civil to each other back then. Harper looks cute in her red and white polka dot dress. She really does look apprehensive bout that snow. I can’t say I blame her. We’re expecting a snow storm on Thursday into Friday so I can relate. Hope you enjoyed your drive. Hugs, Elaine
I think we’re getting more snow on Thursday, too.
Stay safe, Elaine.
I used to love What’s My Line. I’ll have to check those episodes out!
Hope your drive was absolutely dazzling!
You should. They’re such a treat.
Stay safe, Jeanie.