I’M JUST CURIOUS: Natural resources

by Debbie Walker

I saw this quote on an inspirational calendar: “The greatest waste of natural resources are unused talents and untried ideas.”

In my opinion, the cause of such was/is usually one or a combination of the two – lack of confidence and/or money.

All of this reminds me of a friend who used to play the piano for her own enjoyment. I happened to wake up one night and heard her. I laid there and quietly listened for a while. When I got up she realized I had been listening, she stopped. I asked her why she only played when she was home alone or when the household was asleep.

The wonderful woman was in her 70s at this time. She bought the piano when she was 18. After all those years she still wasn’t comfortable playing for others. Confidence issue.

Imagine if you found out in high school that you have a talent with pottery. In fact, the sale of your high school pottery kept you in pocket change while still in school. When you graduate you lose your access to the supplies and equipment needed to continue to grow your talent. Equipment and supplies are not cheap, and you have to work now to pay for your college expenses. Money issue here.

Have you ever heard anyone break out in song and a fun-loving friend pipes up with, “Don’t quit your day job”, it was just a joke, something stupid to say. Unfortunately, the singer took it to heart and now can’t sing in any situation that would be heard by others. What a shame. Confidence undermined.

Another person uses their writing skills to write newsletters to promote their client base. Despite the positive reactions of the majority, all it takes is one person to pull the rug out from under the writer with his words of “Your writing is too hokey for our clientele”. Remember now, these newsletters have proven quite beneficial to the business, however, the writer now hears those words with every piece they write. What might they have written had it not been for that comment hanging over their head? Confidence is a real issue.

We just don’t know for sure why some are able to proceed with their passion and others fall into the cracks of what might have been.

Sometimes people have a problem supporting a friend, a child, etc., because they are intimidated by the unknown that you represent. Sometimes parents haven’t been to college and just don’t understand the process.

An intelligent child deserves to have a spot with an academic camp for the summer. Money is definitely an issue.

The writer wants to write but it is seen as being a waste of time. Who do they think will read this?

If we could put our fears behind us and just support the unknown. Sometimes an honest conversation might get the program or class, or camp needed. Talk, with teachers, guidance counselor, anyone who may know of a chance that we’re not aware of. Just please encourage, not discourage those natural resources.

I’m just curious what talents or skills you may have hidden. Have a wonderful week and contact me at DebbieWalker@townline.org with any questions or comments. I’ll be waitin’.

I’M JUST CURIOUS: Passing on some of Joey’s wisdom

by Debbie Walker

I know I have mentioned Joey Green in past columns. I have to mention him again. He has some of the best material on the market for home remedies for cleaning, for health and other user-friendly household needs.

This week I received his latest email about his books. To name a few, he has Pet Cures; Health Remedies; Clean it, Fix it, Eat It (I love this one!), Cleaning Magic and there are many more. If you like this stuff like I do you will be happy for hours while you scan the material. Then, of course, we have to share the things we learned with someone else (like I did) and I share with you.

In my e-mail this time Joey lists different uses for Bounce dryer sheets and I would like to share with you:

1. Repel mosquitoes: Tie a sheet through your belt loop, hanging from a hat, and feel free to use more than one.

2. Freshen air in your car: Tuck one in the visor or under the seat or maybe in your glove compartment.

3. Static electricity: wipe your television screen with a used sheet of Bounce to keep static cling out of business on your TV.

4. Remove hairspray: Do you get hairspray on mirrors, walls, or floors? Dampen a sheet of Bounce with water and wipe clean.

5. Stop thread from tangling: Not many folks use a needle and thread anymore but if you do try putting your threaded needle through a sheet of Bounce. Eliminates static cling.

6. Eliminate static from pantyhose: If you still wear pantyhose and don’t want clothes to cling, rub a damp used sheet of Bounce over the hose.

7. Prevent a sleeping bag from getting musty: When you roll it up for storage slip a dryer sheet inside.

8. Dust a Car Dashboard: A used dryer sheet will help repel dust from the dashboard.

9. Prevent Loss of Dirt: If you have a plant in a pot and see your dirt is coming out with the water, repot and put a used dryer sheet in the bottom. That will fix it.

10. Remove Pet Hair from Furniture: With a used dryer sheet wipe the area affected. The hairs are attracted, works like a magnet.

11. Prevent Musty Suitcase: If you don’t travel often, when you are ready to use luggage, it smells musty. Prevent that by leaving a Bounce sheet in it before storing.

12. Keep Cats Away from Christmas Tree: At night or whenever you leave the house during the day, put down Bounce around the tree and pick them up in morning. Bounce has an Oleander fragrance that cats don’t like.

13. Remove Chewing gum from your dryer: I have never had this problem yet… but you dampen a used Bounce sheet and wipe off the gum. Hope it works.

14. Prevent Dusty Lampshades: Rub a sheet of Bounce on the shade. It removes static electricity that attracts the dust.

15. Clean Baked-on Food from a Cooking Pan: I have used this one and it does work! Put Bounce in the pan with water and let sit overnight and then sponge clean. (also works for removing dead bugs from the front of your car).

Okay well, that’s all I have room for tonight. I’m just curious what tips you will use. Look Joey Green up on your internet for more of his ideas. Contact me at DebbieWalker@townline.org with any comments or questions. Have a great week! And thank you Joey!

I’M JUST CURIOUS: What to do with orphan socks

A lonely sock, looking for its missing pair.

by Debbie Walker

Is your washing machine like mine? Well, it’s either the washer or the dryer. One or both of them eat socks. I even remember my mother had the same problem, so I know it’s not just mine. Well anyway, I am including some uses for the sock that’s left. I found these in my First magazine. I love this stuff!

One use for the lonely sock is to put rice in it, sew it shut. You can put these in the freezer for what my great-granddaughter calls a “cooly” for boo-boos that need the cold treatment. You could use it as a heated treatment by popping it in the microwave for about a minute. They are handy to have around. I made some for all my family.

Another use for an orphan sock is one I will have to use soon. You take kitchen tongs and put an orphan sock on each end. You spray each sock with your favorite cleaner. You use this to clean dusty window blinds.

Do you throw away those slivers of bar soap usually ignored by all. Put them in an orphan sock, tie it up and use it like a loofah. I am going to take some of those little motel bars of soaps and put in a sock. Nice and soapy.

You can also use an orphan sock, even one with a hole in the heel, for packing breakable decorations. The little extra cushion it will provide might mean a positive outcome when you decorate again.

This has nothing to do with orphan socks, but I thought it could be helpful this spring. If you have screens in your windows that look like someone cut it, you can put a couple coats of clear nail polish on the tear. Keep those Maine big winged mosquitoes outside!

Did you know that ants have a “smeller”(I like my new word)? Evidently, because I just read they don’t like lemon juice. Save your money, buy some cotton balls instead of those expensive cleaners. Soak them with lemon juice and leave them where you see their activity. It works!

If you water your plants and you see the water rolling out from the bottom of the pot, do a little fixing. You can take the plant and dirt out and replace with an old nylon, and then put all together again. It will save some of the water and won’t let any of the dirt escape from the pot.

Mud season must be coming up soon, if it’s not already there. If you want to clean mud from your clothes, let the stain dry and brush the remainder of mud off. Got any baby shampoo? Use a few drops on the stain and toss in the wash.

Baby shampoo. Have you ever made a homemade slip-slide for the children in your life. Putting baby shampoo on the running water from the hose to the tarp (that was what we used) and the kids will have a ball and no burning the eyes from any soap, no tears!

I’m just curious what ideas you might have. Share? Send any questions or comments to DebbieWalker@townline.org. I’ll be waiting. Have a great week.

I’M JUST CURIOUS: January and Garnet

Birthstones

by Debbie Walker

A while ago I wrote about the history of the Pom-poms on hats and how at one time, they designated a person’s rank or level of power by their color.

Recently I was reading about the origin of birthstones back to Bible times in the book of Exodus. They have been traced back to the 12 unique stones that represented the 12 tribes of Israel. Once again, this history has to do with symbolism of representation.

(It’s interesting to me to look things up with Google on the internet. Once you get there you can be led in so many different sites with yet more information. Sometimes it’s basically the same information researched and written by others.)

The Origins of Birthstones on Google tells you the birthstones are typically gifted for birthdays and anniversaries. They are rooted in history, each birthstone possesses unique properties and according to some experts , specific powers.

My birthstone is garnet for the month of January, and I am still waiting for my powers!

In 1912 the National Associations of Jewelers defined the modern-day lists of birthstones, and the list has remained unchanged. Today we have three separate lists of stones for each month, ancient, traditional, and modern.

Have you ever wondered about your birthstone? January is my month and garnet is my stone. I used the Farmer’s Almanac to look up info on this subject and as usual I found what I needed.

Garnet is known for its deep red hue (the color is like in the pomegranate). It has a history of it’s healing properties and folk lore.

I didn’t know until now that the garnet can come in other colors and even blues. I haven’t seen the blue one, as far as I know. I am happy with the garnet stone.

There are many websites on the computer about the garnet, as is with all the other birthstones. I will try to follow the column with more birthstone information.

Spring has sprung and here in Florida that just means the seven or eight months of hot have arrived. One of our avid Maine readers just moved to Florida and has to adjust to it all because the heat is here! When I moved here it was at the end of a New England summer, heat there and heat here wasn’t very different. Essentially the summer just all blended together. Naturally, as soon as he arrived here his air conditioner died on his truck, and he is not liking that. I keep telling him to just think snow, it will make the adjusting easier. In the mean time he has an appointment to remedy that problem.

Recently, I figured out an answer to the spring house cleaning projects. I realized whenever I moved I seemed to have avoided a spring cleaning project of my own. This year will be no exception. By the time you are reading this I will have moved again. Maybe I just like buying or making new curtains and other fabric projects. I am not much of a Harriet Housewife for the cleaning, BUT I do enjoy sewing.

Sorry it took so long to get back. I am just curious if I will be remembered! It has been a while. Please contact me with any questions or comments at DebbieWalker@townline.org. Have a great week!

I’M JUST CURIOUS: Doggy information

by Debbie Walker

I don’t know how many columns I have written, and I just recently realized I have never written anything about our pets. So… here goes:

I came across the most recent Reader’s Digest, and it has a great article about dogs and cats titled “What Pets Want You to Know”.

A professor from British Columbia stated that our average dogs have the mind equivalent to our 2 – 2 ½ years old child. The average dog can understand about 165 words. They are better with words about things (ex: a favorite toy) as opposed to ’emotion’ words (good dog).

Before your pup is six months old, they should have met 150 people and they suggest 50 different places (I don’t go to that many!) They should try out different environments, be familiar with different sounds and sights. Dogs that don’t, can grow up fearful and aggressive.

We all know our dogs have different barks. Our dog, in the middle of the night, alerts us to her concerns with the bark. There is no question that she is alerting us. There are also barks that tell you the dog is lonely. The barks may be a single string of barks with pauses.

Dogs also have their own version of body language; they provide you with clues as to what they want. (Ex: pawing at bottom of sofa to alert you there is something under the sofa they want.)

Dogs are very aware of your stress or tension. Many dogs will feel that tension and can in fact react with aggression. Our energies affect the people around us, don’t think for a minute it doesn’t affect your pet.

Have you ever wondered why dogs chase their own tails? It can be itchy; they can be reverting to their predatory nature, or they are just bored. It can also be a compulsive disorder.

When you come home and find your dog has made a mess and she tucks her tail and looks ashamed. She’s just afraid of your anger, guilt is not part of her makeup.

Dogs don’t feel guilt, but they do get jealous. If you have a dog, you know this.

If your dog has light colored or white hair, they have a higher chance of being deaf in at least one ear. The gene that causes the white coat is associated with deafness, just as is blue eyes.

Little dogs have shorter, more frequent dreams than the bigger breeds. This is proven by brain scanning just like with us.

There are studies that have shown some dogs can detect cancer just as there are some who know when a diabetic is going to have a problem.

For those who don’t know there are some wonderful websites of dogs and their antics as well as other animals. They can be very entertaining on these cold snow and ice filled days and evenings.

We have a dog in our house. She is a Walker Hound and Boxer mix. She has been a wonderful friend. She talks. If she wants something, she will carry on quite the conversation. I love it.

I’m just curious about your pal. I would love to hear your stories. Contact me at DebbieWalker@yahoo.com with your questions or comments. Thank you for reading. Have a great, healthy, and happy week.

I’M JUST CURIOUS: Pom-pom history

by Debbie Walker

Did you realize the Pom-poms on our winter hats have a long history? I didn’t either until I read about it in my Farmer’s Almanac newsletter today. I really enjoyed the history. There have been several purposes besides a fashion statement.

There are, of course, theories about the pom-pom history. First let me tell you the name pom-pom comes from a French word, ponpon. That translates to “bobble” which means “a small ball of fabric”. It is believed they were on hats as far back as 790 AD to the Viking Era.

A small statue of a mythological Norse God was found on a small farm in 1904. It suggests a religious or cultural connection.

The pom-pom has historical origins:

• Napoleon’s infantry’s bobbles told which regiment they belonged to.
• Hungarian Calvary regiments and Scottish Highland regiments to help distinguish rank.

By the 18th Century the floppy beret with pom-poms was really an essential Scottish piece of clothing.

In Rome, Roman Catholic clergy have worn pom-pom hats for ages, varying in colors to show their rank and job.

In South America traditional garments of men and women. Different colors signals meant marital statis.

French sailors added them to their head gear to keep from hitting their heads on the low ceilings of the ship when waters were rough.

During The Depression the pom-pom became a popular accessory. It was an inexpensive way to embellish clothing.

In the 1960s favorite band, the Monkee’s was Michael Nesmith who helped make the pom-pom famous with his hat.

Now they rarely signify anything more than a sense of fashion.

Did you have any idea those little pom-poms would have such a history?

This column may be a little short. I have an excuse. I was in a car accident two days ago. A young man has since learned that if you can’t see because the sun is in your eyes you should slow down at least if not possible to stop. However, that night he chose to make a left turn at a speed higher than he should have been going anyway and the result was him hitting my car, the front left panel, wheel and destroyed it. Knocked the front bumper and other necessary stuff off.

Oh yeah, and he also gave me my experience of my first ambulance ride. I did not like the trip. At the hospital they x-rayed and CT’ed me and sent my aching body home. Oh, and instructions to see my doctor immediately. I spent the weekend pretty much in bed. My first accident appears to be another educational experience. I wish that young man had at least said he was sorry.

I am just curious if maybe we couldn’t all be sure to be a little more careful. Any questions or comments send to DebbieWalker@townline.org . Thanks for reading and have a great week.

I’M JUST CURIOUS: Winter car hacks

by Debbie Walker

You know I hate to do this to you, but I think it best I pass this information to you before you need it. Yes, winter is fast approaching for you. In Florida, about the only thing coming are more days the temperature is just about perfect. Our worst day here would be like one of your nice fall days.

Over the past year I have been picking up ideas to make your traveling mornings a bit easier to cope with. I wish I had known all these the past Maine winters I was part of. I pulled most of this information from my computer when I typed in winter car hacks, just in case you want to look.

Winter car hacks:

Raise your wipers at night and cover them with socks. Prevents them from freezing to windshield.

Frozen lock (house or car). Use a straw, blow on the lock to melt ice. Or use hand sanitizer. Or use a lighter to heat the key and slide into lock.

A new one to me is using shaving cream to fog proof windows (even bathroom mirror). Spray a layer on the inside of window, wipe clean. Don’t leave open containers of liquid in your vehicle overnight. They will evaporate and turn into fog or frost.

You could also use a stocking filled with cat litter to prevent frost. Just leave in car all night.

Use cooking spray on rubber edges of your car doors, keeps them from freezing. This also will work on your shovel to prevent build up.

I don’t want to insult anyone but please do not use HOT water to melt the ice on your windshield. Think ‘shattered’.

Of course, you know the value of an ice scraper, you can also use a credit card to scrape a windshield. Here’s a new one: use a plastic spatula.

Put gallon-sized freezer bag over your outside mirrors, use rubber band to secure.

Clean your headlights with toothpaste for extra brightness. (I have seen car wax make a difference, too.)

Keep a 20-pound. bag of kitty litter in trunk. This can be used for added weight to the rear of vehicle and use it to help you get unstuck. You could use car mats or even cardboard as well.

The last year I was there I used alcohol in a spray bottle. I would spray the windshield and then I would move around doing the other windows. By the time I got back to the windshield I was ready to go! I also saw in an article that three parts vinegar and one-part water works for a de-icer.

I have room here for a myth I thought you might be interested in:

Myth About Cold Weather

Is a cup of coffee or a sip of brandy a good way to warm up?

NO. Caffeine and alcohol hinder the body’s ability to produce heat. They can also cause your core temperature to drop.

Drink warm, sugared water to give your body fuel to make its own energy.

I am just curious what winter tips you might like to share. I’ll be waiting for any questions or comments at DebbieWalker@townline.org. Thanks for reading and have a great week.

I’M JUST CURIOUS: Did you know?

by Debbie Walker

I have been scanning some of my magazines today and kept coming across little bits of information that I decided to share with you. I understand if you are not interested in all I found, but maybe some part of it. I hope.

So…Halloween: Neighborhood tricker treating, as we know it today, started in the 1930s. The tricks associated became out of control during the Depression. Communities needed a better way for kids to celebrate. Sugar rationing during World War II put a big damper on the tradition. It regained the Halloween custom in the 1950s. (Info came from MyHomeTownCitrus.com)

Next… Quaker Oats introduced instant oatmeal in 1961. Did you know the picture of the man on the box is not a real character, but he is affectionately known as Larry! (Woman’s World 9/19/22)

Bazooka bubblegum came out in 1947, not long after World War II. It had a wrapper of patriotic red ,white and blue, with a name likely in homage to the wrapper developed during the war. (Woman’s World 9/26/22)

The animated short A Wild Hare was released in 1940, introducing the character of Bugs Bunny. “What’s up, doc?” was the first line he said to Elmer Fudd. (Woman’s World 7/25/22)

Lassie premiered in 1954. The collie named Pal, who ended up playing Lassie, had originally been rejected because he was a male. (Woman’s World 9/12/22)

The AARP had a section in the paper from the October/November and the article is called Money Saver. It’s comparing then and now. Bananas: 1990 = lbs ‘$0.53, Today: $0.64. Levi’s 501 = 1990: $32.00 Today: $69.00. Medicare Part B premium: 1990 $28.60, Today $ 170.00.

Miracle Cleaners that I found in Woman’s World dated 7/29/19 : Preserve wood furniture with an olive oil polish. Mix one part olive oil, one part vinegar and 1 Tablespoon of lemon juice.

Clean Kitchen counters: 3 oz. spray bottle halfway with water, then add a squirt of dish soap and two Tablespoons of rubbing alcohol .

Lift soap scum with a hot spritz: In a spray bottle mix one cup baking soda, ½ cup of dish soap, ½ cup of borax, one Tablespoon of white vinegar and one cup of warm water.

Now ladies, here is a few smiles for you: Seven Things You’re Sure Your Husband Will Never Say:

1. “The mall? Can I go, too? “

2. “Do these Dockers make my butt look big?”

3. “Beer? Nah! I’ll have sparkling water instead.”

4. “Why don’t we call your mother right now.”

5. “Honey, where did you leave the vacuum?”

6. “Which channel is Lifetime, again?”

7. “Let’s just cuddle.”

The Farmers Almanac listed some weather folklore and popular sayings that might help you get ready for the snow.

A halo ’round the Moon means ’twill rain or snow soon.

If the first week in August is unusually warm, the coming winter will be snowy and long.

For every fog in August , there will be a snowfall the following winter.

If there is thunder in winter, it will snow seven days later.

I am just curious if any of those sayings are accurate. You have your snow warnings, and we have hurricane warnings. After we get through this one, I will tell you a story. Thanks for reading and contact me at DebbieWalker@townline.org.

I’M JUST CURIOUS: Fall thoughts

Ruby-throated Hummingbird, June 9th, 2008, Our house in Brandon, Canon 20D, 400 5.6L

by Debbie Walker

It’s hard for me to wrap my head around the idea of fall. To me, since I am back in Florida, I am still in summer weather. When I got my e-mailed newsletter from Farmer’s Almanac last week, it was about birds. It told about what we could do to help them in the cooler months.

I have wondered about the little hummingbirds and how long to leave their feeder out. From what I read about the little beauties and their feeders; it doesn’t hurt to leave the feeder up until into November. If you are seeing an occasional bird at the feeder, leave the feeder up. When you have not seen any activity, leave it up for a couple more weeks, just in case. I am looking forward to the couple that seem to keep coming back, even the couple at the cottage in Maine.

I also have wondered, do birds become dependent on feeders and lose their foraging skills? The answer is, “no, plus feeders may help birds migrate better.”

Completely off that subject now I have to repeat this little laugh to you. Recently my sister and her daughter were in a store in Waterville. Some nut case came in the store she was in, yelling “Everyone on the floor”. Nothing happened, in fact, they saw him running down the street. My sister said she was definitely scared. She was afraid if she got down on the floor, she wouldn’t be able to get back up!!

Okay, changing the subject again. I don’t have any cast iron pans, so I can’t try this one idea. Maybe you could? In First magazine I read you could use tea bags to rust proof the pans. Wash and dry the pot/pan, then wipe it down with a damp tea bag. It has to do with the tannins in the tea. Good luck.

Those nasty paper cuts are real ouch material. A used tea bag will stop the bleeding, leave on for 30 seconds. The tannic acid promotes clotting and relieves some pain.

I don’t have any real house plants. I have a problem remembering to water them so silk plants are the way for me! They say tuck two or three tea bags in the base of the real plant. When you water the plant, the bags will absorb the water and release when needed.

The First magazine is passing on a beauty tip with the tea bags. I will try this one! If you have puffy eyes. You may rescue them with two tea bags. Steep two tea bags in hot water for five minutes. Squeeze out liquid. Let cool until bags are just warm, apply to the eyes for 15 minutes. Wish me luck.

From our eyes to our feet tea bags look to be helpful. Yes, even our feet. Get rid of smelly feet. If you have the occasion of walking a distance and your feet are sweaty and smelly, you might try the tea bags. Let five tea bags steep in a cup of hot water for 10 minutes. Next, pour the liquid into a basin of tepid water, soak your feet for 30 minutes and then air dry. The tannic acid kills odor causing bacteria.

As I explained earlier, some of this info came from First magazine this month. I enjoy sharing information I get with you. I am just curious how much of it you get to try out. I do some of it but “all” of it just isn’t a fit.

Contact me at DebbieWalker@townline.org with any comments or questions. I’ll be waiting to hear from you. Thanks for reading and have a great week!

I’M JUST CURIOUS: What are idioms?

by Debbie Walker

I like words, groups of words and their meanings. I didn’t know for years, what an Idiom was. I had to learn it while working with first and second graders! So here goes, let me give you what I learned, and it is in the Mary Jane’s Farm magazine from the July 20-21 issue. Sorry, but I don’t know who submitted it.

For anyone who is out of touch with these things, an Idiom is a group of words that convey a meaning not quickly figured out. For instance, if you are talking to someone new here from Chile and you tell them it’s ‘raining cats and dogs today’, what do you think the picture will be in their mind? Oh, yeah, questions I believe.

I am giving you some of them and the history of the saying:

“I can be ready AT THE DROP OF A HAT”: (quickly) 1800s when the drop of a hat was a signal for the start of a race.

“Stop BEATING AROUND THE BUSH”: (avoid getting to the point) Dates back to the 1400s. Wealthy hunters would hire men to literally beat the bushes to draw out the birds.

“I can see you have a BEE IN YOUR BONNET” (Obsessed with something). You can’t stop thinking about something. First used in 1500s, likening the busyness of a beehive.

“Don’t try to BUTTER ME UP”: (to flatter). Came from ancient India, where it was custom to throw balls of butter at the statues of gods to seek their favor, forgiveness, and fortune.

“Let’s CUT A RUG”: (dance). Phrase from the 1920s invention of the jitterbug, a vigorous dance, would make carpet look cut.

“Don’t LET THE CAT OUT OF THE BAG” (Tell a secret): Originates in the 1700s, street vendors would sell pigs and present them in a bag. There was a fraud, the vendors would replace the pigs with cats. Wasn’t discovered until they reached home.

“Use some ELBOW GREASE on that”: (apply physical effort). First used in 1600s, a term for working in a sweat.

“PUT A SOCK IN IT!” (stop talking): 1800s people used socks to stuff the horns of their gramophones to muffle the sound (early volume control).

“Don’t SPILL THE BEANS” (tell a secret): Ancient Greek, voting process of placing beans in a container, if someone spilled them the results would be prematurely revealed.

“That new tool just doesn’t CUT THE MUSTARD.” (live up to expectations): Thought to have come from the phrase “pass the mustard” when solders are assembled for inspection. Also, as early as the 1600s phrases like as ‘hot as mustard’ or ‘as strong as mustard’ were used to describe something powerful or enthusiastic and to measure up would be to cut the mustard’.

“I have a NEST EGG (Savings)”. This is thought to have originated from the practice of placing fake eggs in hens’ nest to encourage them to lay more eggs, resulting in more income for the farmer.

Can you imagine if you are struggling with the language here as it is and then we throw in a few of these idioms, that’s just not fair. I’m just curious if you ever questioned an idiom. Feel free to send me your comments to DebbieWalker@townline.org. Have a great week and thanks for reading.