there were no shootings at schools, no computer age, no television, penicillin, polio shots, frozen foods, Xerox, contact lenses, Frisbees and the pill.
There were no credit cards, laser beams, ball-point pens.
Things like pantyhose, air conditioners, and dishwashers had not yet been invented.
Likewise, clothes dryers weren't invented and clothes were hung out to dry in the fresh air.
Man hadn't yet walked on the moon, let alone invent the rocket!
Every family had a mother and a father. Girls wore dresses and knew how to cook and sew. Every boy over 14 had a rifle that his dad taught him how to use and respect. Father and son went hunting and fishing together as entertainment.
The courtesy of addressing a woman, "M'am," and a man 'Sir' was a good social practise. Policemen and every man with a title was addressed as, 'Sir.'
Sundays were set aside for going to church as a family, helping those in need, and visiting with family or neighbors.
There was no such a thing as gay-rights, computer-dating, dual careers, daycare centers, and group therapy.
Life was governed by the Ten Commandments, good judgment, and common sense. Children were taught to know the difference between right and wrong and to stand up and take responsibility for their own actions.
Serving our country was a privilege, and living here was a bigger privilege.
Fast food was what people ate during Lent.
Having a meaningful relationship meant getting along with your cousins.
Draft dodgers were people who closed their front doors when the evening breeze started.
Time-sharing meant time the family spent together in the evenings and weekends, not purchasing condominiums.
There were no FM radios, tape decks, CDs, electric typewriters, yogurt, or guys wearing earrings.
On the radio people listened to Jack Benny, The Shadow Knows, The Lone Ranger, and the President's speeches.
Kids never blew their (or somebody else's) brains out listening to a song by Doris Day, Elvis Presley, The Drifters, or The Platters.
If you saw anything with 'Made in Japan' on it, it was junk.
Pizza Hut, McDonald's, and instant coffee were unheard of.
There were 5 & 10-cent stores where you could actually buy things for 5 and 10 cents.
Ice cream cones, phone calls, rides on a streetcar, and a Pepsi were all a nickel.
And if you didn't want to splurge, you could spend your nickel on enough stamps to mail 1 letter and 2 postcards.
You could buy a new Chevy Coupe for $600, but who could afford one? Too bad, because gas was 11 cents a gallon.
In 1944 'grass' was mowed, 'coke' was a cold drink, 'pot' was something your mother cooked in, and 'rock music' was a lullaby.
In 1944 'Aids' were helpers in the Principal's office, 'chip' meant a piece of wood, 'hardware' was found in a hardware store, and
'software' wasn't even a word.
People born in 1944 were the last generation to actually believe that a lady needed a husband to have a baby.
And I am only 58 years old!
