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Post by Dream Loxley on Aug 1, 2008 4:17:21 GMT -5
Pinch, punch, first of the Month and no returns! Now I have done this silly little thing since a child, often catching out my friends and family before they realised the date. I thought a proper explanation was in order as I really didn't ever know the real reason for it *L*
Phrase
'pinch and a punch for the first of the month'
(UK) Said the first day of a new month, accompanied by a pinch and a punch to the victim.
"Originating from old England times when people thought that witches existed. People thought that salt would make a witch weak, so the pinch part is pinching of the salt, and the punch part was to banish the witch. The witch would be weak from the salt so the punch was to banish her.
There are many customs and traditions surrounding the use of this phrase, in particular some people hold that it should only be used before midday on the first of the month, though others disagree. A common extension of this phrase is to add "and no returns" to the end of the phrase, which should prohibit the person to whom the phrase is said from responding with either "a kick and a flick for being so quick" or "a flick in the eye for being so sly". If the recipient of the pinching and punching says "white rabbits" before the perpetrator can finish this sentence then they are permitted to administer a punch instead"
Soooooooo...... now you know *L*
August is so alluring......promises of long summery days, quiet sultry evenings.......pesky wasps and picnics. Buckets and spades, dappled shade below huge Oak trees, reading yet another book and dozing........thinking, dreaming.......simply being *VBS*
I wish you all the most wonderful August, may it's promises come to fruition and bring you peace and happiness in abundance. xxxx
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Post by Lady Edfeil on Aug 1, 2008 20:42:29 GMT -5
Ouch! *chuckles* I think I missed out on all the fun traditions. August promises to be hot here, though so far we can't complain. It is much less than last year. I am trying knitting. I am taking care of Joseph and I am practicing more and more on my driving. With a bit of luck I will do my exam end of august or september. He is practicing self feeding. And may God have mercy on my kitchen floor.
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Post by Lady Edfeil on Aug 3, 2008 20:49:48 GMT -5
Joseph now TALKS. He knows three words: mama, dada and duck. Duck for his rubber ducky, seen in previous pictures that Joseph loves very much. Isn't he a smart boy? He has been saying these words before, but only recently did we become quite certain that he knows what they refer to. (Duck of course is pronounced "Du.")
On the self feeding: mama fills the spoon, Joseph takes the spoon and puts it into his mouth, then gives the spoon back to mama.
He also is getting in the practice of stacking multiple blocks together, not just one or two. He seems to grow every day more into a little boy instead of a little baby.
Lastly... Joseph should soon be making his first appearance on an "honour roll'. We subscribed him in the library reading program, where they get rewarded for having read (or read to them) a certain amount of books. If they do, they get a little medal and their name gets put on the honour roll. Since we read to him anyway, this looks like fun and a good picture oportunity.
I just had to literally cut some knitting from my circular needles as everything had become stuck. Not good. *L* Luckily I was only on the fourth row.
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Post by Halethala on Aug 5, 2008 8:56:37 GMT -5
Ouu . . I LOVE August too, Dream. The air is thick with the sweet cloying scent of corn tasseling out, the edible variety soon ready to pick and eat. My fingers are perfumed with basil from pinching off the ends to encourage the leaves to fill out, and I just have to tease the rosemary now and then because the fragrance is so wonderful. We ate our first ripe tomato, and pulled up the last head of cabbage to share with my residents, as well as a bumper crop of green peppers!! My purple cornflowers are bursting with more showy heads than I've ever had, and the morning glories have covered the rustic twig lattice I wired up this spring! *chuckles* I can't imagine knitting being so unruly as to require surgery to remove it from the needles! I should find something to knit again, since no one I know needs one more scarf to add to their overabundant collections! lol . . Still, it IS a soothing way to pass the time. A dear friend and I spent a portion of Saturday at a Wacipi (Native American PowWow www.prairiewaters.com/attractions/museums/native_american/NATradition.php3) since we both have a fondness for their traditions. She's an amazing singer and Worship Leader for their church, yet has been silenced by her doctor for at least six weeks due to swollen vocal chords, so we marveled at the sheer power of the Native Drummers/Singers as they sang their cadences for the dancers. |
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Post by Lady Edfeil on Aug 6, 2008 21:11:29 GMT -5
That must have been an interesting afternoon. And so, so hard not to be able to lift her voice in worship.
Well, for now I did give up on the shawl and managed to finish my first little project. A baby bootie. True, it is almost elephant sized, but it has more or less the right shape, and I am extraordinary proud of it. Now I am going to try to make a second and wonder if it has the same size. Since I followed the pattern exactly, I can only conclude that it must be made for babies with very, VERY big feet!
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Post by Dream Loxley on Aug 7, 2008 6:24:45 GMT -5
We have lots of green toms Letha.......need a little more sunshine! Raining here again today......rather a dismal and oppressive kind of day.
I can imagine the bootee Eva...well done! Takes patience to read a pattern, good luck with your next project. I enjoyed knitting a few little cardigans and jumpers but seem to have no time for it now...perhaps that will change, as many things do *S* I am always busy with something which can't be bad *S*
I think Summer has forsaken us again here........at first I was relieved to have cooler air but now it is heavy and stormy.........not very nice at all. My Husband begins 2 weeks off from work tommorow and as usual the forecast is unsettled......soooooo, outings and beach hut days are not looking so good just yet. Still it will be nice for him to have a rest from work *S*
Not much else happening here lately..........so I shall leave goodly wishes for all to share. xxx
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Post by Lady Edfeil on Aug 11, 2008 14:04:31 GMT -5
Busy day today. Joseph received his first medal, for participating in the summer reading program at the library., *L* Of course he is more read to than reading, but it counts.
Aside from that, he is extremely demanding at the moment. We are slowly weaning towards more sippy cup and less mommy. And he definitely does not like that.
Thank you for the congratulations on the booties, Dream! I will try and make a picture soon as I finished the second one yesterday. Since the second one turned out just as big as the first one, I believe the fault must be in the pattern. *L* Still, they are booties, just a bit bigger.
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Post by Halethala on Aug 12, 2008 8:15:32 GMT -5
*laughs* that's why I usually just stick to scarfs when and if I knit, Eva! Although loooooong ago, I made a Nordic patterned sweater for a lady! Eeeash, was that work! Dream dear, I shall be hoping fervently for a break in the dismal weather so you can luxuriate by the seaside with your Beloved! *smiles* We FINALLY had a day of rain yesterday, a bit too late to really help the thirsty crops but welcomed just the same. With our weather cooling slightly, I finally felt like heating up the kitchen and baking again, using up the last of the fresh peaches and making a crumble-top pie! I've been eye-ing it for breakfast!  That, and a new book I ordered that just arrived . . it's tempting to play hooky today . . |
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Post by Lady Edfeil on Aug 15, 2008 8:56:56 GMT -5
Have been absent for a few days because of illness. It's sl;owly getting better. Nothing serious, but ehm rather personal. Just wanted to let you know that I'll be back again in a day or two.
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Post by Dream Loxley on Aug 17, 2008 5:59:55 GMT -5
Do get well soon Eva  August has not been so kindly here........but September is not far away *S* and we always have to look forward don't we.......never back. I finally got to the beach hut yesterday, although hardly sunbathing weather it was nice, and the evening turned out to be perfect as the tide went out. I took in the fresh air and allowed my thoughts to wander and join the 'white horses' as they played upon the ocean.......skipping amid the waves......gathering energy from the magnificent vastness of it all. How I just adore the sea......something so magical, so final and yet with so much inspiration and promise....never ending. Ahhh waffling again *S* The weather has just been awful for holidays.......and I think my Husband may even return to work tommorow as the forecast is just as bad for next week. No fun when one has to be stuck in a hot and stuffy office during all the good sunshine we had earlier in the month. Still.......we have achieved lots and enjoyed the time....mind you I am still cooking and cleaning *L* on holiday?  *chuckles* A woman's work hmmmmm. I did return for my 6 month check up and was told my fears were correct. Well fears is perhaps too strong a word......for my knee is definitely less painful and I am enjoying a better quality of life than before the replacement. It was in a very bad way before, and as such, has not really had the chance to be all it should be for me.....but as I say......a vast improvement on what it was *S* So......accepting and adapting are in order once again. Easily done in my mind......but actually being told this is it, and more surgery is to be expected if and when........well.......*S* that takes a little more courage........ Say well and safe all.......may your days be filled with promise and strength.  |
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Post by Halethala on Aug 17, 2008 9:14:38 GMT -5
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Post by Repsol on Aug 18, 2008 5:45:11 GMT -5
It is september for me cos I cancelled august so the rain for me dream is on time.*chuckles* Though next year I think I will have two july's sounds good, or should I have two june's..oh boy you guys should be thankful I didn't invent the calendar every month would have been erm or issit or should it be and then back to erm....though we would all have aged less, no I don't want to be young again there is so much pressure nowadays, give me middle age anytime....(is that an ageist comment?) Dreamy I know what you mean, I stopped reading newspapers and the news ages ago, I only found out the other day that we had a man on the moon..LOL People seem to find it so easy to hurt eachother these days, there are no morals left..oh here we go..(Gets off his soap box and whistles) I was almost talked into writing a book, alas the Beano and Dandy pretty much spell out my life story.LMAO. I will catch up with y'all soon I hope missing everyone like mad... &  Rep and Him  |
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Post by Lady Edfeil on Aug 19, 2008 12:24:10 GMT -5
I'm sorry to hear of the less than welcome news, Dream! Accepting and adapting sound so much easier than they are. Just sending a big, big hug your way! I agree, Repsol, call off august for next year! I am slowly getting back to normal after what sees to have been a bout of food poisoning. (I THOUGHT that eggroll tasted weird. Lucky I only ate half.) There is nothing like trying to partly wean a baby while getting some bad news, having comitments you can't get out (needed to be fingerprinted etc. to be allowed to stay in the country  ) and at the same time being ill. I think I lost 7 or 8 pounds in a few days. Honestly, I think I was close to a nervous breakdown on sunday. Luckily my wonderful husband helped out as much as was humanly possible and on sunday afternoon his parents were here for a few hours, which also meant extra helping hands. By monday things were slowly getting better. Today I still feel weak, but Joseph seems to be slowly accepting that his days of unlimited acces to mommy milk are over. |
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Post by =Siya Maiden= on Aug 20, 2008 19:39:07 GMT -5
Hello to everyone! It has been interesting catching up on all th reading here! So much to read!!! I'm not even sure how long I have been absent for, as all the days, months and years seem to be rolling into one! I have had so much change in the last few years, good change, bad change, happiness and heartbreak! Such is life! At the moment, it is a difficult time but I am doing the best I can and keeping a smile on my face!
I'm heading over to Europe (The Netherlands, Belgium and Germany) for Christmas, my Birthday and New Years. I have never been overseas before and I am excited! I need a holiday! Terrified of flying though! Example of that is that I had a short hour flight here not long ago, I had to take valium to calm me for the flight! haha! I don't know how I am going to go on such a long flight!
I am finally going to meet up with Eva, which I am also really excited about! I will be spending Christmas with my housemate and her family in Leiden, in Holland as she is from there. I also want to see some snow! Never seen or touched snow before and I am making it a mission to find some while I am over there!!! =)
I hope everyone is well!!! I do miss you all!
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Post by Dream Loxley on Aug 21, 2008 1:45:29 GMT -5
Siya. Sounds like you are at least moving forward and with such plans to travel! Wonderful. I remember you always said you would visit Europe one day. Any chance you may hop over the channel?? Can't guarantee snow but can offer you a good cuppa! *S* I sincerely wish you well in all things. A dear friend once told me we are dealt a hand of cards, it's then up to us to play them. I know some days I simply want to tear them up and shove them somewhere the sun never shines *L* Keep smiling missy, it looks good!! Stay strong and enjoy your days. I am so thrilled to see you again. Rain, rain go away.......come again another day......... Love and hugs to all.............stay safe and well. Happy Thursday!
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That, and a new book I ordered that just arrived . . it's tempting to play hooky today . . 
*chuckles* A woman's work hmmmmm.
) and at the same time being ill. I think I lost 7 or 8 pounds in a few days. Honestly, I think I was close to a nervous breakdown on sunday. Luckily my wonderful husband helped out as much as was humanly possible and on sunday afternoon his parents were here for a few hours, which also meant extra helping hands. By monday things were slowly getting better. Today I still feel weak, but Joseph seems to be slowly accepting that his days of unlimited acces to mommy milk are over.