Whack........Whack

Ah yes, the spanking story. This one ain't short.

Chapter One. First, some background information needs to be given. We're talking dog days at Grandma's West Virginia farm, summer of 1962. From what I can remember, we had no rain for quite some time, typical of dog days. Water was always a valuable commodity, whether it be well water or rain water. Grandma always had nicely maintained rain barrels. Run off rain from the house roof gutters was caught and stored in these barrels for use as wash water for clothes. I learned at a young age to preserve water during the summer and I knew the benefits of soft rain water. Sis and I would shampoo with rain water...awesome.

Grandma was very proud of her Scottish heritage and it showed. Nothing was wasted, we all worked hard, we would lend a hand to help a neighbor at the drop of a hat. We were very aware of what we did/didn't have and made the most of this. Most importantly, we were a tight knit family and community. This still holds true today. Sardis, WV is a great place. Three cheers for the MacDonald of Clannranald. (Our cousin Nathan's clan.)

Chapter Two is understanding the protocol involved when visiting family and neighbors in the rural areas of West Virginia. Grandma always wore an apron around the farm. Whether stringing beans, frying chicken or weeding the garden, Grandma had her apron. She wore her everyday type apron and also a dressy apron. Sometimes Grandma would wear her apron when visiting and other times not. If there was going to be some type of work involved while visiting, the dressy apron was worn. When Grandma and I spent the night with Effie Martin, this was a no apron visit. We would eat popcorn, no bake cookies and drink grape Kool Aid. Laughing and playing dominos was a requirement when visiting Effie.

My sister and I had play clothes and dressy play clothes. Get the picture? Sue and I worked hard and played hard. Sue would go after it like she was fighting snakes. Is it becoming clear why Sue is the person she is? Hard working, intelligent, compassionate, frugal, to name a few admirable traits.

Chapter Three. Hollering was a common form of communication between our Grandma and Bea Allen. When Bea would pick up her mail, Grandma would holler down to her (at least a hundred yards away) and they would have a conversation. Bea told Grandma she was going to string beans that night. Grandma answered she would help and told Bea she needed some milk, could she get a couple gallons from her? Bea said, no problem. These were the days before plastic and Grandma kept milk in glass “vinegar” jugs. The type that had the finger hold at the top of the jug. Grandma used lot's of vinegar and when the jugs were empty, they were cleaned and used for milk.

The Allen's were almost a self sufficient farm/family. I would routinely walk up to their farm and get a gallon of raw milk that was loaded with rich cream. They had cows, sheep, chickens, big garden, potato patch, corn field, you name it, they had it on their 300 acres. You've read some of my other exploit's with Nathan Allen and his family. I love him like my brother.

Chapter Four. Putting all this background information together, remember, Sue is aware of a water shortage, she is resourceful, she's intelligent, and honest.

Sue and I were told by Grandma to get ready for our visit. We washed and put on our dressy play clothes. I was upstairs in my bedroom and Sue came up to hang out until we walked up to the Allens. (Yes, walk, it was only a half mile.) I heard Grandma climbling the steps and when she arrived, I made a mental note, Grandma was wearing a dressy apron. Cool. She asked Sue if she had changed her underwear. Sue replied yes. Grandma asked, “Where are they?” Sue answers, “I changed them.” Grandma asks again, “Where are they?” Now I'm wondering, where are they? Sue stares for a moment, then replies, “I turned them inside out.” WHACK.......WHACK