Another installment from my dad’s humor cards.
The backstory: My dad was a Presbyterian pastor for 40 years. He kept a well curated stack of humor cards – little stories or observations that he typed onto 5×7 cards. Then he wrote in the margins when he used that particular item. His humor was often an easy way to settle in to something deeper – by laughing and thinking about the buried truth in these little nuggets, it paved the way to an open heart.
When we cleaned out his desk after he died 7 years ago, I was lucky enough to stumble on this stack. I pull it out regularly to have a little laugh with my dear Dad. Now when I post one of them, I write my note next to his and it feels like a continuation.
You might be from the Northwest if you…
Feel guilty throwing aluminum cans in the trash.
Use the expression “sun break” and know what it means.
Know more people who own boats than air conditioners.
Feel overdressed wearing a suit to a nice restaurant.
Stand on a deserted corner in the rain waiting for the “walk” signal.
Consider that if it has no snow or has not recently erupted, it’s not a real mountain.
In winter, go to work in the dark and come home in the dark – while only working 8-hours days.
Obey all traffic laws except “Keep right except to pass.”
Never go camping without waterproof matches and a poncho.
Are not fazed by “Today’s forecast: showers followed by rain” and “Tomorrow’s forecast: rain followed by showers.”
Have not concept of humidity without precipitation.
Know that Boring is a town in Oregon and not just a state of mind.
Can point to at least two volcanoes, even if you can’t see through the cloud cover.
These are ALWAYS so fun! Thank you for sharing 🙂
LikeLiked by 3 people
🙂
LikeLike
Love the rain followed by showers followed by rain!
LikeLiked by 1 person
A distinction that makes a difference around here, Julia! 🙂
LikeLiked by 1 person
I may visit Oregon some day (I hear it’s beautiful), but I could never move there. Lol I love the cultural peculiarities of any place and every place. Thanks for the smiles, Wynne.
LikeLiked by 1 person
You put it perfectly – cultural peculiarities indeed! Thanks, Susan!
LikeLike
Sounds like the northwest all right! Including BC. 😊
LikeLiked by 1 person
Oh yes, I definitely think of BC as part of the NW. When I’ve traveled there, I felt right at home. 🙂
LikeLiked by 1 person
It took my parents a while to catch onto the whole recycling thing, and I would feel guilty on their behalf when I went to visit them and saw recyclables in the garbage.
LikeLiked by 1 person
I know that feeling!! Yes!
LikeLiked by 1 person
I’m laughing out loud this morning- guilty of every single one of them!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Me too, Deb!! Laughing right along with you! 🙂
LikeLike
Perhaps Oregon is BC’s long lost cousin: “Stand on a deserted corner in the rain waiting for the “walk” signal” made me lol.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Oh yes, I think we are definitely all part of this NW vibe! 🙂
LikeLiked by 1 person
Reminds me of the states in India! One can tell which state a person comes from by such peculiarities… 😄
LikeLiked by 1 person
That’s so interesting! I guess regional vibes are universal!
LikeLiked by 1 person
These are so great! The rain followed by showers one is too funny.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Hee, hee! And a distinction worth noting around here! I once told a friend from California that I was dressing up to go visit a client downtown and she said, “What are you wearing – your good fleece?” 🙂
LikeLiked by 1 person
I lived and grew up in Chicago but I’m getting to the point where I’ve lived in the south longer than I grew up in the north. Im glad for it because I love it here (in the south). Love your humor though Wynne!!
LikeLiked by 1 person
I think it’s so interesting that you’ve crossed that divide where you’ve lived longer where you are. And the south and your beautiful farm seems to suit you so well, LaShelle. Thanks for stopping by to laugh with me at our peculiar NW traits! 🙂
LikeLiked by 1 person
ALWAYS 🥰 I LOVE your blog!
LikeLiked by 1 person
The feeling is mutual!
LikeLike
I love the idea of adding your notes to your father’s precious humor cards! What a wonderful legacy!
LikeLiked by 1 person
You are so right, Mary – it is a precious legacy! Thank you so much for reading and laughing with me!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Yep! All these things are true. Haven’t heard the term “sunbreaks” in years now!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Really? That truly surprises me. I thought that was widely used term which probably means I’ve lived in the NW too long.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Nope, it’s exclusively a PNW thing. I’d never heard it before moving there, and I haven’t heard it since leaving!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Love the one about not being covered with snow or recently erupted so it’s not a real mountain. 🙂
LikeLiked by 1 person
Oh yeah – that one totally speaks to me! 🙂
LikeLiked by 1 person
I’m sure it does you mountain climber, you. 🙂
LikeLiked by 1 person
🙂
LikeLike