Penny pinchers. I was wondering just where and when that phrase ever began. It could well have begun right back there in those depression days, “squeeze that nickel until it hurts” was another one.
As I put up a new roll of paper towels, I suddenly remembered those days before paper towels, Band-aids, plastic bags, etc. Now take this roll of towels, if half of a towel will do the job why use a whole one, I buy those select-a-size, however if you have the regular ones, they tear from the center, up, to get a half.
If you spill some water, don’t grab a paper towel, grab that cloth dishrag, it will dry, use it over and over. You break an egg, spill some grease, grab that paper towel. See where I’m going?
As I grew up, old sheets were cut into squares and worn out shirt tails, dress tails, etc., were used for that nasty cold and those throw away messes of all kinds. We used soft white squares of cloth for diaper liners (no disposables) in those days. Babies wore cloth diapers with rubber pants over them. Those diapers we laundered at home. Then came the day when diaper service was born, they actually had routes and came by to pick them up and delivered them back.
Even worn out socks were recycled, after darning them over and over, they got to beyond repair. The top of those men’s work socks split down the middle made a really soft absorbent cleaning rag. The foot part, too, usually went into Dad’s barn and shop rag box.
Sheets, blankets, hand and bath towels would eventually wear thin in the centers, they were then cut down the middle, the two outsides sewn together to create a new stronger middle section for longer life. They too would finally wear out and be used as above. The towels for dish rags, Dad liked those in his box for cleaning the cow’s udder before milking.
I get lots of hugs when I’m out and about. They mean so much. We all need a good hug now and then, so pass them on. We also need lots of prayers for our leaders. Bye now.