Dribble by Chuck Ferris

   The first thing we learn as children, as soon as we can speak sentences is "please" and "thank you". And judging by the conversations in the dining room of the old folks home, it is the first to go when we get old.  Here, as a convenience to those you you who may visit an old folks home is an interpretation from old folks lingo to normal polite English.

Hey, I didn't get no brown sugar

Translation: May I have some brown sugar

You forgot my grapefruit

Translation: May I have some Grapefruit, please.

You're in MY chair.

Translation: If you'd like to sit there toeay, I will move over here.

Coffee!

Translastion: May I have a refill, please.

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• #8 Comment from bamawmn46 
  5/31/08 9:17 PM | Permalink

  Sounds like great translations! I guess after awhile, people might think it takes to much energy to use all the extra words!!  LOL
  
  Jackie
• #7 Comment from plieck30 
  5/30/08 1:25 AM | Permalink

  Maybe some of them have been uprooted from their home against their will and it makes them unhappy. They may not be as clear thinking as you are and I'm sure the caregivers appreciate you. Paula
• #6 Comment from jmorancoyle 
  5/29/08 10:32 PM | Permalink

      Funny, that's how teenagers communicate, too.
  Jude
  http://journals.aol.com/jmorancoyle/MyWay
• #5 Comment from specialadyfink 
  5/29/08 10:32 PM | Permalink

  The way I look at it-first-they get right to the point-don't mince words
  second being polite is  two fold-if ya don't gets respect-why give it
  and last but of course not least-they lived long enough that they should do what they want how they want and when they want.
  oops I just fell off my soap box...
  connie
• #4 Comment from frankandmary 
  5/29/08 2:29 PM | Permalink

  I agree, but it sometimes also works the other way, Chuck. I've seen people move someone in a wheelchair...just move them over? instead of asking them to make room so someone can get by.  I've heard people say: I am here to put you to bed, rather than: Would you like to go to bed now?  I've also seen trays automatically removed without so much as a : Are you done with dinner?   Maybe they have forgotten because no one extends the courtesy to them either. You think? ~Mary