Not too long ago, I was sitting in a restaurant with a friend when a man, who was lunching in the restaurant, asked one of the waitresses if the sweet tea was "real sweet." She responded, without missing a beat, "Sweet as a mother's love." Her response brought a smile to my face, as I thought of so many responses and regional expressions, known properly as similes and colloquialisms, that are special and unique to us as a region.
Here are a few similes: "Poor as Job's turkey"; "Ugly as a mud fence"; "Pretty as a speckled pup"; "Cold as a well digger's rear end"; "Hot as fire"; "Sly as a fox"; "Hungry as a starved dog on the Serengeti plain"; "Rich as cream"; "Smart as a cricket"; "Dumb as a box of rocks"; "Limber as a dishrag"; "Stiff as a [fire] poke"; "Serious as a heart attack"; "Nervous as a cat in a room full of rocking chairs"; "Fat as a hog"; "Tall as a bean pole"; "Slow as Christmas"; "Smooth as silk"; "Clear as a bell"; "Country as cornbread"; "Rough as a cob" and "Proud as a peacock."
Of course, there are many more. So, this summer, if you feel like you have "tired blood," because it's so hot you feel it'll "take your breath away," then remember that, just as sure as "grits ain't groceries" and as sure as "Heaven is happy," one day in the future, we will wake up and, after a long, hot summer, fall will come again. Enjoy those you love and hold dear and remember that our time here is precious, just as your kind comments and encouragement are to me.
We live in an area that is blessed with great natural beauty, our rivers, lakes, springs, creeks and branches. Get out and enjoy some of these natural treasures this summer; laugh with friends, eat some good homemade peach ice cream (if you find someone who can make it) and give thanks for air conditioning.
We always have something for which we can give thanks. If you are able to read this article, thank a teacher. Our area has some great teachers and we have been blessed with great teachers in the past. If you can sit up and take nourishment, give thanks; so many can't.
So be "happy as a lark" the good Lord sees fit to continue blessing us, even when we fail Him and we do fail Him often, at least I know I do. I am thankful for God's mercy, grace and love and I am also thankful for His forgiveness. I am "proud as a peacock" to be a part of the wonderful place that is "home sweet home," here around the banks of the Suwannee.
From the Eight Mile Still on the Woodpecker Route north of White Springs, wishing you a day filled with joy, peace and, above all, lots of love and laughter. So blessed to be in the number "one more time."