Oh, how far we have come!

This clothes-washing advice is not library-related, but I wanted to share it anyway. A friend passed it along, and it is terrific. And since everything is related to everything....well, technology can be wonderful. Whether it's washers and dryers or online catalogs or databases, technology has made our everyday work and our research much easier. We now have the world of knowledge at our fingertips. Machines that allow us to accomplish chores easily and efficiently allow us more time for leisure - including leisure reading. So, go do that laundry quickly and head to the library for a good weekend read!

"How sweet it is. Years ago an Alabama grandmother gave the new bride the following recipe for washing clothes. It appears just as it was written, and despite the spelling, has a bit of philosophy. This is an exact copy as written and found in an old scrap book-with spelling errors and all.

"Build fire in backyard to heat kettle of rain water. Set tubs so smoke wont blow in eyes if wind is pert. Shave one hole cake of lie soap in boilin water. Sort things, make 3 piles: 1 pile white, 1 pile colored, and 1 pile work britches and rags.To make starch, stir flour in cool water to smooth, then thin down with boiling water. Take white things, rub dirty spots on board, scrub hard, and boil, then Rub colored don't boil just wrench and starch. Take things out of kettle with broom stick handle, then wrench, and starch. Hang old rags on fence. Spread tea towels on grass. Pore wrench water in flower bed. Scrub porch with hot soapy water. Turn tubs upside down. Go put on clean dress, smooth hair with hair combs. Brew cup of tea, sit and rock a spell and count your blessings."