Language, Language

 

 Don't let that photo of the beach fool you.  I have not been anywhere NEAR a beach but hey, I can always remember the cool breeze along the seafront in Eastbourne and the sound of the waves crashing against the pebbles.  I have read that folks that live in southeast England are recalling the coolness itself too, there have been record breaking temps this summer. In years past, I recall visiting and having to turn the heat on in August! It is hot this summer, in Georgia as it always is but it seems to be so just about everywhere. 

I love watching TV shows and movies from the UK.  One of my favorites is "Antique Road Show".  The last two that I watched were from Crystal Palace Park and also from Swanage in Dorset.  Both locations were so beautiful! Now, one of the objects that they showed us was an album of old letters from the 1870's.  You know I had to hit the pause button and jot down a line or two....

A slight sprinkle is just moistening the face of earth as if with teardrops of silent unaffected sorrow at my departure....". 

The above was written by a gentleman to his hosts after he had been with them for a visit.  He ended with this:  "We bear thee in most kind remembrance.". Ah, the language of long ago, isn't it nice to read that? It just so happened that I saw this on the same day that I learned that "birb" is now used for the word "bird".  I am assured that it is an affectionate term much like the word "doggo" is for "dog".  Well. I never!  We all know that new words are added to languages all the time and that some words become obsolete and are no longer used but what is wrong with the word "bird"? 

The brown thrasher is the state bird of Georgia and is a really pretty bird. It is quite large with a very long tail. In the first photo, something has happened to its tail. In the second photo, you can see one with how it normally looks. 

Hey! What words or expressions were added to the English language when you were born? Do you know? Here is a fun site for you - Time Traveler by Merriam-Webster: Search Words by First Known Use Date

There! If you click on the above you should be able to type in your birth year and it will give you a list of words that came about the year you were born. For myself, the words "disco, leaf blower and happy camper".  For my son, "chat room, GMO and man up"! Let me know if you check that out!

 

In the English language, we say "Pardon my French" before we let out a few "choice" words! I wonder is there anything similar like this in other languages? We say it because we actually get this from England.  Oh, it has a long, convoluted explanation but it boils down to some severe bad feelings between England and France. You are welcome to look it up!

Even that quaint expression, "pardon my French", makes me feel a bit wistful.  I just read that at a local government meeting they are considering fining the representatives for using foul language!  Tsk, tsk.  (And that is ANOTHER phrase that I miss these days.)

It is my job to inform you that the photo of above is an Eastern Tiger Swallowtail butterfly and what is more, it is FEMALE. We know this because of the pretty blue spots on the wings! Now, remember this! You will be tested!

Hope you are all doing well, my friends!  I managed to have a close encounter with POISON IVY. When I discovered that I had touched it, you might think I let out some rough language of my own. Alas, it was more of a low mournful intake of breath, very animal like, I should think. I have had it before you see, so I knew what I was in for.  I would not wish that on my worst enemy. (A well-worn phrase, I know but trust me, I am sincere.)  It is on my left hand and arm and even though I am right-handed, you just don't know how much you use both hands.  It is getting better, so if you ever need any advice about it, ask me.