Friday, November 19, 2010

19 November 1956 “How to Bring Back the Good Ole’ Days”

fatherknowsbest I was thinking the other day about that general statement : “We had it better back then”. In some cases many people say it was horrible back then, restrictive oppressive, nothing to do. And the converse being that we often decry the modern day and say how much lovelier it was back when.
My last two years have been riding this sew saw of truths and myths. I have come to understand more about not only the past, but our present. Things I thought were Hollywood-ized, often were. Yet, things I didn’t even consider appeared and myths turned out to be truths and truths myths. Let’s just say it has been a roller coaster of a year, but a good one. A roller coaster one chose to ride again and again (though I hate heights and would never actually ride a real roller coaster, buy you get the idea).
I have come to many realizations during these past two years. As a matter of course, when one approaches each day as a new set of tasks to undertake, lessons to learn and realities to discover or dispel as myths, one is certain to have little epiphani (I am assuming that is the plural of epiphany). In other words, I have many ‘ah-ha!’ or ‘Oh…’ moments. Today this moment came to me in the realization that Yes we did have it Better back then as far as Middle Class compared to today. Yet, I am beginning to see that much of it is not due to any specific things changing in our environment so much as how we live and perceive that environment.
In the 1950’s houses cost less. It is very much a fact that many of the bad decisions and rampant freedom the Government/corporation (You try to separate the two, I can’t seem to) lead to our over inflated real estate bubble. Yet, 1950’s houses also cost less because they were SMALLER. I know we have talked about this before, but it really hit me today that this is just one thing on a list of things that have changed that could easily be changed back. Obviously, we cannot alter the property values of our area, but we can move to a less expensive area and/or downsize the size of our house/apartment. It was not uncommon for a family of 5 or 6 to live in a 2-3 bedroom home with one bathroom. This was the middle class.
The amount of money spent on food is often higher today despite the fact that food WAS MORE EXPENSIVE in the 1950’s. Many people often like to say things such as ‘Oh, back this food item only cost such and such’. As an example eggs cost around .80 cents a dozen. Well, adjusted for inflation that is over $6.00 today. Things such as entertainment was less expensive though, such as movies and even the cost of paperbacks are equal to about 1-2 dollars in today’s money, while today they cost over $7.00.
I think the revelation is that what we considered the “good life” back then, may be more in keeping in what is considered below par today. Such as less bathrooms, only one car to a family, most meals at home, treats usually homemade or only an occasional candy from your allowance. Even the constant drinking of soda today, though it can be had cheap, still eats up the budget not only in food money spent, but dentist bills and also medical as well.
Think of the latest gadgets today. There isn’t a day or week that something ‘new’ isn’t coming out. Video game machines have a life of about 2 years and each game is over $50.00. Add to that the increase in electricity to run all the computers in our homes, charge cell phones, run multiple TV’s. The cost of gas is also greater as is its consumption for the average middle class family.
While children, for the most part, had to entertain themselves this cost was usually quite low. A once a week trip to the movies was not unheard of for the kids, but these were much less expensive. Yet, we have the option to watch endless movies today online for free, but these are often accompanied by endless adverts, which of course encourage more spending.
So, really, to live a 1950’s middle class life, a family today could actually do it quite easily. If one were able to get hold of the highest expense, that being housing and healthcare, then the rest could also fall into place. Even if one wanted to shop at places like Wal-Mart for cheap clothes and food, it could be EVEN CHEAPER, as you would remember, you would have LESS clothing. There would be ‘play clothes’ that you put on after school to save your nice clothes longer. You would have a few nice clothes a good suit for Sunday and other events and that was really it. Shoes, most likely nice dress shoes for school/church/functions and sneakers/trainers for play. But, they would be inexpensive converse shoes that you would wear out. Not endless new designed large white monstrosity’s covered in names and gadgets that cost $100.
It just really dawned on me how far we have come from then. Really the current form of consummerism was born in the 1950’s but that adult generation did not grow up with endless print and TV advertising. There was no pressure to be ‘cool’ or ‘understood’ by your parents. Young people were taught to aim towards adulthood. Teenagers were merely young adults preparing for their own families. Today, it seems, we are never shown or given examples of adulthood. Things like savings, citizenship, practicing for job interviews, home and building skills, repair skills, all things relevant to a middle class life in any home are either not given or simply scoffed at as old fashioned. Thus, teams of unprepared children go out into the world, are handed their credit cards at the college door and away they go, buy buy buy.
I know I have talked a lot about consumerism this year, but it has only been lately that I am beginning to see how much we could get back that old 1950’s family life of savings and responsibility. Most families would be met with hostility from their teens based on their friends cell phones, games, cars, clothes and over all lifestyle. But, are they happier? Teens today are expectant mothers more, depressed more, have less aims and goals that are realistic or tangible and often end up back at home after college with mounting debt. Meanwhile the parents themselves are also under considerable debt and really a misunderstanding of how to run a household budget or get happiness out of life WITHOUT buying it.
I guess in a way my message isn’t new, but it  is hopeful. With some work and honest to goodness thinking and planning, we can recreate the ‘glory days’ of the 1950’s today. It goes against the over all spending consumerism we have come to accept as ‘normal’ but you can’t make a cake without breaking a few eggs, as they say.
I think when we really start listing and realizing the things we love about the past and how we would like to improve our lives, we can make a change. The Vintage life does not have to be about Marilyn Monroe poster, vintage dresses and Elvis records. Frugal living, more hands on living and enjoying the plastic life we can make with what is already created is part of that. We need to realize to be ‘green or frugal’ doesn’t mean we have to wear hemp shirts, not shave, and go barefoot (unless that is what you are looking for) It is just as green to wear a vintage dress and petticoat be impeccably groomed when one has made or re-used clothes from the past. A wonderful local meal can also be 1950’s themed and colorfully fun, its all about where you source your ingredients and making more yourself. Flour, butter, milk, eggs, and sugar make a plethora of items, you’d be surprised as you begin to break down what you eat into its component parts, especially when you begin removing the chemicals. Even the concept of needing to buy an expensive coffee everyday or even lunch or a muffin, we don’t realize how this adds up. This also is almost an act of rote as opposed to a fun or special event. We become numb to things that were once ‘treats’ when they are simply repeated. Therefore we end up with less money and are overall less happy about it. We might say things like “Oh, God, I need my Starbucks everyday” well, then, good. I hope you also need less money in your account, enjoy more time working and are prepared to work way past retirement age. An age, it now seems, that will be pushed even further away than at present.
Today I made myself a caramel ‘latte’ that was wonderful. The caramel sauce was homemade. I made it last week and it is in a mason jar in my ice box. The latte was a cup of home brewed coffee and half a drinking glass filled with milk steamed in a pan on the stove. It was better than I get at Starbucks. In fact, now whenever I eat anything out (which is not very often) I can quite literally taste the preservatives. It is odd how your palette begins to recognize it. Even the caramel sauce, when it is store bought, I can literally taste the preservative.
Let’s look at what was considered a ‘good working family’ of the time.
I also truly wonder if a modern family DID take on the ‘normal’ expectations of the 1950’s middle class, could the wife cease working? If housing was made cheaper (if it is too expensive where you love, move. I know it sounds drastic, but you have to live somewhere for the rest of your life, ask yourself WHY you live in the area you live?) Less spending overall on food, entertainment, toys/electronics. One computer for the family. One or No TV only used in the evenings for 1-2 hours. One phone for the family. Not everyone had phones back then and we all seemed to do okay. It really would be a good experiment to see the difference.
What do you think, as a modern person, you do that was not done by your counterpart in 1950s. This means even if you are a single working woman, how do you live differently from your 1950’s counterpart? I think it would be interesting to find out what you may think after you do some thinking and list making of your own life.
It isn’t for everyone, but I get letters all the time from people who wish they could ‘change their life’ or ‘bring back the old days’. Well, I think we could bring back a considerable portion of the good of it, only it takes some work and family meetings. But, as a family, you are a team. Though we often are separated in different rooms, looking at our own computer screens, cell phones, i-pads, if we come together and help one another out, the overall quality of life can improve.
So, let’s share, come one tell me how you think you are different or the same to your 50’s counterpart and do YOU think we can ‘bring back the good ole’ days’?

22 comments:

  1. As one who lived through those times, 50's Gal, you are 100% right in everything you said here. I especially liked the comment that we can be just as "green" with a re-made vintage outfit and look nice and neat.

    Our perceived needs are astronomical today; people back then were satisfied with a lot less -- guess they didn't know any better. But, I do believe we were better off, overall.

    Thank you SO MUCH for your research and putting this all together for us and analyzing it so well for us. Your findings and conclusions are accurate.

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  2. Hi 50s Gal!

    I'm a fairly recent visitor to your blog, and I'm starting to read it from the beginning til now and I'm only in March ;) I couldn't help but to read your lastest post as I was logging on tonight to continue my reading... which is so interesting!! (This is my favorite blog for sure!)

    I just wanted to post that my family and I are trying more and more everyday to go back to those "glory days". I am a housewife and have 4 children. Because I stay at home we've always had to make certain sacrifices... none of which I regret. 13 years ago, my husband and I decided to move the Atlanta from the Washington DC area because the cost of living down here is so much cheaper (at least at that time). All of our family still lives up north, but that is just one example of a sacrifice that we have taken in order for me to stay at home. It has been well worth it, because raising my children has always been something that I wanted to do.

    Another thing I think would be important for modern society to realize is exactly HOW people lived during or even coming out of the depression era. Everyone is so up in arms on how bad our economy is, yet I still see our fast food restaurants jammed packed day after day. Everyone is still shopping and buying. Is giving up that $5 latte considered roughing it? I just wish for a moment that our modern society could stop being so consuming! How many of our families are going to go into further debt as the holiday season approaches instead of doing things like my grandmothers and great grandmothers did... make things! Between food gifts and crafted holiday ornaments, etc. those gifts are cherished items in my family.

    There are so many things we need to save. If we could only just have "vintage eyes" to look at our current world... what would our grandparents say about us? Sometimes I'm scared to know that answer!

    Hugs~
    Angela

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  3. This is a really interesting thought experiment! How would my 1950's counterpart be living differently?

    Well, for one thing, she'd probably have been married pretty quickly out of high school. In fact, she might already have children! My grandmothers had kids by the time they were my age... I still feel too young and uncertain for that, so it's hard to imagine.

    She probably would have been doing the librarian thing anyway, assuming lack of kids-- traditionally female profession, after all.

    But we'd definitely be living in a smaller home. Right now it's just the 2 of us + pets in a 3-bed/3-bath rental, and we're packed to the gills with stuff. We're in the process of cutting back and uncluttering, but really I'm ashamed that we let things get away from us to the point that we "need" such a big home for such a small family.

    Now that I'm thinking about it, there are so many more differences and also some similarities between my present self and what would have been my 1950's self. You really made some good thought-provoking points here. Mind if I run with the idea on my own blog?

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  4. Some very interesting thoughts. Many families could do with just one or two computers, though mine isn't one of them. For me and my dad, they're an integral part of our work. If it wasn't for my computer being my own, I wouldn't have a job.

    That said, my first laptop was one that I bought myself. I saved the money, watched the sales and got a great deal on it with a free wireless upgrade and free shipping. I outgrew it and passed it on to a friend back in the summer. My "new" laptop is my mom's old one that's been refurbished by my computer-guru dad.

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  5. I must admit that I really struggle with the "envies". I do not even think about it until I am around my peers who live in a nice big home, drive new cars, have nice things, etc. Some of these people are family so I know that they are not in debt to do this. The husband had the forsight to get a degree in a very high paying career. The wife works part time because she enjoys it. SO, its hard to not be embarassed of my 1990 Buick when we go to visit. I WANT to be satisfied with what we do have but it honestly seems to get worse as I get older.

    I get mad at myself for not finishing school.... for not doing the things to have that life. But why do I want it? It is just depressing sometimes. *sigh*

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  6. Love this post Donna. I am trying to think how my life is different from my 1950s counterpart. I probably do a little less housework, my standards are lower I think as I do not feel I would be judged as harshly. We do live in a small house, only have one car and until recently had just the one computer. My son now has a lap top for his studies. As you know we have opted to lead a more 1950s, more simple, less consumer driven lifestyle. It really isn't that difficult but we do have to be vigilant that technology doesn't take over our lives, really the time wasting aspects of computers and television are the biggest stumbling block to living a 1950s simple life.

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  7. Great Post, Thank you! Funny you should write about this! Yesterday, my Mom and I were just discussing life and times of the late 1940's. How things were simpler (not easy-simple) back then... family traditions, values, morals, etc... Not being glued to technology (ie: tv, computer, cell phone, etc.). People worked a 40 hour work week instead of 60 hours these days... you are right about how all this fancy technology of ours is costing us a fortune in electric bills but it is also costing us in the fact that children don't know how to be children and families don't know how to be families... being social with neighbors is considered weird these days... nobody wants to "get involved" or be "neighborly" without strings attached or payment received....
    I agree with you. And it would be a neat experiment to take a small town of people and have them live like the times of the mid 20th and then compare them to a group that lives modern today. There would be a huge difference in how the individuals treated each other and their quality of lives....

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  8. Great post, Donna! We have already moved to a LCOL area last spring, which equals to us much cheaper real estate, property taxes, electricity which is hydro here and universal health care. We love my hometown but don't think we can afford a house here, so we are thinking about buying one about twenty minutes away in a few years.

    I have an old 2000 computer that was barely working until DH took care of it, and now he uses it for his keyboard studio as he writes music for fun. He also has a 1998 one for his music, we have a PC and an iPad for me to use in the living room with my ice and heat for my joints.

    I have recently cut back my TV time to a maximum of two hours a day, and we will probably cut cable out soon. I don't have a cell anymore but DH needs one for work.

    I daydream about buying a 50s or 60s ranch style house with 3 bedrooms on the main floor and a room downstairs for the computers and keyboard, and 1.5 bathrooms. I would love to buy a piano someday and put it in my own music room, but it will proably end up in the living room where everyone could spend evenings having fun together!

    So anyway, I am constantly learning about the past and try to incorporate it in my daily life of a homemaker!

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  9. I agree with a lot of what was said in the post, but the get up and move thing I just can't agree with. Yes I live in one of the highest priced areas of our country, but I was born here, my husband was born here, and nearly all of our family lives here. While we may not be able to afford much as far as housing goes, I think being near family is far more important than having a house. (Gosh it would be nice though!). I think a sense of community and living near your family is something important that we are losing in modern day. As soon as high school was finished most of my friends up and moved away for college, and have since never returned. Though we may be cramped in a tiny apartment for many years to come, being close to our family, friends, and the place we call home is far more important than losing all those things to have a bit more room and a nicer place to live.

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  10. Watching the video, I find it interesting even then, the child asked his Mother for date money. My date money came from babysitting earnings. He was very demanding in his way of speaking. I would have been in trouble speaking that way. Scaling down is easy once you get started. It is the starting that is tough. What we think we need is not what we need at all but find it is what we want. We did not eat snacks all day, or have soda on hand. We still don't. Soda was treats we had when we went out. Does anyone else remember a picnic as being a big deal? We use to get very excited about these things. It is too bad we think as a society today that we have to be entertained all the time. I miss my old life and bring back as much of it as I can when I can.

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  11. Cedar~ I understand where you are coming from. Many people are very close with their families and could never see moving away from them. In my case it was pretty easy for hubby and I to move 10hrs. away because we were young parents (19 & 21) and although we lived in our own apt. and such, everyone still felt the urge to tell us what to do, how to do it, and if we didn't do it that way we we're told we're doing it all wrong. So we needed space, and we needed it BAD! LOL!

    But again, I think it's just an option. What works for some folks won't work for others. The biggest aspect I think we need to focus on, isn't having the house, the cars, etc. It's having the items that mean MOST to us (and by items, I don't necessarily mean material items). I also think we need to minimalize what we have, but the things we have LOVE them! Love to be surrounded by them. If it's just "stuff" that the Joneses have, then half the time, I don't want it! A 50" flat screen TV would do me no good... I'm not a big TV fan. My husband on the other hand? That would be his pride and joy... vise versa... I'd love a powerful sucking ultra-loud vintage Kirby vacuum.... and he looks at me like I've got two heads. Go figure?!?!

    It's all perception of value. =)

    ps... I'm still trying to tap into my inner 50s housekeeper, so it's hard for me to compare because I haven't gotten the chance to know her yet, but I will! =)

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  12. This has been a fun topic, hasn't it! We should start a thread on this very subject in the Forum, I believe.
    Cedar-I didn't mean for you to leave your area. The point was that if we live smaller and within our means, which it seems you are doing. You are willing to give up on more space (rather 50's really) so that you can be closer to your family. And most likely you see your family fairly often and they might even become part of a childcare network for you. And by choosing to rent an affordable place you don't have to worry about taxes and home repairs, so it does sound as if you are making decisions that way.
    My point was not This is a checklist, now do it and you will be vintage. No, it was my thinking of the different ways we could address spending in our modern life and re-evaluate it to make it more vintage in that we weren't living above our means. It sounds like you have a lovely family and as I said, you most likely see them all the time. For someone who only saw their family at holidays and sometimes, a move away might not be that hard.
    For me, as we live in a fairly expensive area, we are lucky in that our house was not expensive in comparrison to its value because we were able to get it at a good price from a family freind. So, in that way it was nice. Yet, we cannot control the taxes and as any of you who live in 'more expensive' areas may know, the taxes never go down! So, even when one owns their house outright, taxes continue to increase. My hubby's grandfather owns three acres on the ocean (where we lived in the boat house during our vagabond sailboat year) which is a lovely spot. Yet, we all worry about when it comes to us (hubby and his sister) as the though the property is paid for the taxes are ruinous. So much so that it would be like having to pay a high rent forever and of course that 'rent' goes up , as taxes do. This is why things such as trusts set up to perpetuate shared family property is so important, but this grandfather is rather bad and it's a long story. My point being, that though we love our area, and our better off as far as costs go for say someone new to the area who has paid a kings ransom for a place, the taxes are still high.
    Would we ever leave here, not sure. I have been wanting, really rather seriously, to try and do a year of the 1950's in England. This would be hard to come by with visa's and such and would involve quite a bit of work (I am really tempted to try it though). As far as moving permanently, we have considered it. The idea that one could make similar money somewhere cheaper, own a home outright and have little taxes is always a draw. I think we were to add a child this might be considered more as well. But, then the childs education is also important. So, there you go.
    The point of the post really was for us to consider what we consider 'normal' today to what was considered normal middle class in the past and realize we could live without many of the things we now have, replace them with older things have less of them and enjoy life more. Just an idea.

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  13. Our life is simple by comparison to many, we have one laptop, one computer in the basement, I rarely use my cellphone and I don`t have the latest fad gadget, items are only purchased when something is worn out, my boys get a few new clothes at the beginning of the school year, and still wear clothes from last year, my youngest wears hand me downs etc.

    And my boys have playclothes for when they go outside to ``save`` their newer clothes for good or school.

    It`s all about moderation, my boys have the wii, but don`t have a gazillion games, nor do they have handheld games, both their bedroom suites are hand me downs from my brother and I`s sets. etc.

    Our lives are busy enough as it is, I could never imagine living a life that is focused on buying the latest gadget or the newest fangled thing, that`s beyond my comprehension.

    A home needs to be filled with love in order to be an actual home rather than material possessions.

    Mom in Canada

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  14. One thing I find different about today versus "the good old days" is kids weren't expected to have snacks available all day. I understand an after school snack may be necessary to get the kids thru until dinnertime but my kids have a snack each week at Sunday school. Sunday school is less than 2 hours! My snack policy is pretty liberal as for "snack times" because I want my children to learn to eat when they're hungry but having a snack because it's "snack time" is unnecessary. I also provide a nice balance of treats and "real" food as options. At Sunday school the snack is brought weekly by a different student and is generally junk.

    Sarah

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  15. I am with Mom in Canada. My kids wear hand-me-downs (or thrift store clothing). I just purchased a 'new' winter coat as my old one was worn out. Bought a nice wool coat at Goodwill for $10.00. Saved myself a bundle and kept one more thing out of a landfill.

    I have a cellphone. We opted for that rather than a land line purely based on cost. It is a pay as you go type, and I have had the actual phone for over 3 years. I carry a vintage purse purchased at Goodwill for $3. There are 6 of us living in a 900 sq ft ranch house (3 bedrooms, one bath). It works. It is NOT easy, but it works. We want to finish the basement off next year (if money allows) so the kids will have play space down there. I don't have a microwave, we don't have TV, we have two computers, but only one has internet. The laptop is used strictly to watch movies on right now. I wouldn't die if we didn't even have it. I try hard to make most of our food.

    Funny thing is, this past week, I was wicked sick. So I didn't get groceries, nor could do much of anything (like cooking or cleaning). I am thunderstruck as to how much it cost to eat out as much as we have this past week. And GROSSED OUT! I don't like eating out much anymore. the food is nasty to me and costs the earth. It just isn't worth the money to me.

    I have a friend who is a teacher, her hubby works for the nuclear plant and they live in a 'large' house in a 'nice' area. That house is FILTHY all the time. I wouldn't let someone in my house if it was that nasty, but she doesn't care. Dinner in their house is ALWAYS either take out or "Stouffer's Lasagna" type stuff. The hubby does most of the warming up of food. Her oven went out and she didn't get it repaired for over a year. She said they use the microwave mostly, so why bother. Her kids (boy and girl) are in soccer, football, baseball, gymnastics, youthgroup, softball, etc. They just spend spend spend and go go go. When is there just time to be a family?

    We talked last year about Christmas and I determined from what her daughter got, she spent more on that one child than I did on ALL FOUR of mine combined.

    Where does it end? They have no room in their house for all their stuff. They have rummages every other year or so cause they have too much and sell this 'needed' stuff for cheap.
    Don't buy it in the first place! She is buying her kids love for never seeing them, in my opinion. Those kids would much rather bake cookies with mom than have a new gadget or gizmo. Sad.

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  16. I do not think anyone can bring back the "good ole days" of the 1950's. To be reconstruct that time period one must also reconstruct the mores and values of that time period. Removing the trappings of the modern life alone will not do it.

    Dorothy's daughter

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  17. Dorothy's Daughter-I think that was what I really meant. That today when we say we WANT the good ole' days, we are simply saying we want community, caring for one another, the clothes and manners. And, honestly, I think we CAN have those as well as modern convienances as well. I know my hubby and I have now managed a fine balance of old ways mixed with new. I use a computer, but in a way that is not my whole day. We have no tv. We read quite a bit, talk, play instruments, play cards with friends. There is much of what we have adopted of the 'old ways' that seem to fit rather nicely in the modern world. I certainly don't believe we need to have prejudice in order to have politeness. One does not need the other.

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  18. I think a big difference between now and then is that back in those mid century times and earlier it was universally recognised that someone in each household needed to take responsibility for running the home, that a home doesn't just happen. Of course it was expected that this role would be taken by the woman of the household and that may have been limiting for some.
    I think as the 50s started to move into the 60s and advertising told people that all the laboursaving devices could almost run the house alone people came to believe that line. Then as women/mothers started to enter the workforce in large numbers they didn't want to have to be responsible for the home as well as outside work and so running the home gradually became more haphazard with no one wanting to claim responsibility for the job.
    So it often becomes a 'catch as catch can' situation just lurching from crisis to crisis or one person grudgingly doing all the work and feeling put upon.
    Making a home is so important and it doesn't have to take all your time but someone does have to take responsibility for the job and everyone who lives in the house should know what they are expected to do to keep things moving along smoothly.

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  19. Hi, I came via Jenny Wren's link. I don't have an immediate reply but I wanted to tell you that is an astounding piece of writing. Thank you.

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  20. Rose-welcome and how kind. If you read me again then you will see that I often offer my apology as I am a wretched editor and post daily so sometimes my finished product suffers. But, I always write with true passion, that I will attest to. I am glad you liked the post. I adore Jenny Wren and her dolls are a dream. I almost want a little girl just to have her enjoy those dolls. Of course, I too could enjoy them, but what a wonderful toy to grow up with, non?
    How do you feel your 50's counterpart would fare?

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  21. Really lovely post. I am member of a few vintage forums, and many talk about how they love the past, be it the forties or fifties, and that they would love to live like that. And then I ask them why they don’t. It is very easy to take on that lifestyle and I hope and think it infects others to do the same. I don’t think my life is so very different from back then. I dress quite vintage, I have a vintage car and house, our lifestyle is quite vintage too. I do own a cell phone and I work full time, but I find time to knit, iron all the family’s clothes and keep my home tidy and cosy.

    Normal houses in the US are very BIG compared to a normal family house in Denmark. And I simply don’t understand why you need such big houses over there. You have to heat them and clean them. Our house is 120 sqm living space with a 55 sqm basement. The basement is great, there we have a combined guest-, teenage-, music room. I have my washing room, we have a tiny extra toilet (no extra bath), and we have a storage room. When son one day moves I will finally get my own room, I can hardly wait. Then I will have a room for my books, my sewing machine, and a large table I sit and be creative at.

    For your information computer games cost from 90 to 110 dollars in Denmark. Son buys all his games used (and he doesn’t have many), since none of us are willing to pay so much for a game. The boys are also good at borrowing games at each other. He saved for the latest edition of X-box and bought it used too.

    Ahh latte – I love that too, and of course make it myself. So little effort so much pleasure. A few days ago our best friend, Jesper, visited us and while he was with us, his cell phone rang and he told his other friend that he was with us drinking latte. His friend asked what latte machine we had, and he laughed and said “a Sanne”. Those boys love to have large and very expensive latte machines, that might easily cost more than 1,820 dollars. I have a milk beater I bought for about two dollars, I put the milk in the micro and make coffee the good old way. It is quick, easy and delicious.

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  22. Really lovely post. I am member of a few vintage forums, and many talk about how they love the past, be it the forties or fifties, and that they would love to live like that. And then I ask them why they don’t. It is very easy to take on that lifestyle and I hope and think it infects others to do the same. I don’t think my life is so very different from back then. I dress quite vintage, I have a vintage car and house, our lifestyle is quite vintage too. I do own a cell phone and I work full time, but I find time to knit, iron all the family’s clothes and keep my home tidy and cosy.

    Normal houses in the US are very BIG compared to a normal family house in Denmark. And I simply don’t understand why you need such big houses over there. You have to heat them and clean them. Our house is 120 sqm living space with a 55 sqm basement. The basement is great, there we have a combined guest-, teenage-, music room. I have my washing room, we have a tiny extra toilet (no extra bath), and we have a storage room. When son one day moves I will finally get my own room, I can hardly wait. Then I will have a room for my books, my sewing machine, and a large table I sit and be creative at.

    For your information computer games cost from 90 to 110 dollars in Denmark. Son buys all his games used (and he doesn’t have many), since none of us are willing to pay so much for a game. The boys are also good at borrowing games at each other. He saved for the latest edition of X-box and bought it used too.

    Ahh latte – I love that too, and of course make it myself. So little effort so much pleasure. A few days ago our best friend, Jesper, visited us and while he was with us, his cell phone rang and he told his other friend that he was with us drinking latte. His friend asked what latte machine we had, and he laughed and said “a Sanne”. Those boys love to have large and very expensive latte machines, that might easily cost more than 1,820 dollars. I have a milk beater I bought for about two dollars, I put the milk in the micro and make coffee the good old way. It is quick, easy and delicious.

    ReplyDelete

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