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tecolote42's avatar

Mom referred to us as the genteel poor. Dad told me not to become a school teacher because 'we already gave at the office.' On balance, we had a good life but making ends meet was a struggle. And the beat goes on.

JD Vance is an interesting character. Very glad I'm not related to him.

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Norm's avatar

We never went hungry, and we were always clothed (but we were not above wearing hand-me-downs and jeans with patches). I remember being jealous of the town kids who lived in houses. Of course, I know now that my folks did they best they could with what they had. And, I turned out okay, more or less. 😊 Thanks for commenting, tecolote 42.

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tecolote42's avatar

Thrift stores were our friends. Casseroles were a staple. I remember horsemeat--one of the few times we had actual 'steaks.'

I believe parents do their best; especially those with limited resources. The lesson we received was "Do your best--that's all anyone can ask of you" and "Do not lie; neither the sin of commission, the sin of omission, nor the worst of all--to lie to yourself."

On a lighter note--before entering high school, Mom said I could get a top and a skirt or they'd buy a sewing machine and I could make my own clothes. I chose the sewing machine. That pair of plaid pants was a challenge but everything lined up 😁

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Norm's avatar

I kind of have an affinity for casserole-type meals. I never really thought about it before, but that must come from my childhood. Put whatever you have in a baking dish, throw some cheese on it, and there you go - cheap and easy dinner!

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