The offal truth about motherhood

Rediscovering the Past: Mary Carde’s Mothercraft Book

Mary Carde of Parrearra, Queensland, recently stumbled upon a beautifully decorated Mothercraft book from 1958. This high school textbook, written in Indian ink, offers a fascinating glimpse into the past, when societal norms dictated that a woman’s place was strictly in the home. The book, which focuses on childcare, includes advice on baby care, diet, and daily routines. Mary notes the irony of the times, as the only sex education provided back then was about the reproductive process of plants. The book’s dietary advice for babies is particularly intriguing, suggesting that mothers should include a serving of liver and kidney at least once a week while avoiding twice-cooked vegetables. Mary humorously speculates that the course material might have been written by a man, given the emphasis on such robust ingredients. This artifact serves as a reminder of how far societal attitudes toward gender roles and education have evolved.

A Recipe for Laughs: Suzanne Saunders’ Adjustments to Fried Bread

Suzanne Saunders of Wadeville couldn’t resist adding her own twist to Susan Bradley’s fried bread recipe. In a playful adjustment, Suzanne suggests swapping kerosene for an open fire and lard for duck fat. While she recommends keeping the eggs and bacon, she humorously advises throwing the black pudding “in the bush,” declaring it “bread’s best death.” Suzanne’s recipe rewrite is as much about creativity as it is about humor, offering a lighthearted take on traditional cooking methods. Her contribution is a testament to the joy of experimenting with food and the unique ways people personalize recipes to suit their tastes or circumstances. Suzanne’s wit shines through in her playful reinterpretation of Susan’s dish, making it a delightful read for anyone who enjoys a good laugh in the kitchen.

Aging Honestly: Alan Phillips’ Encounter with an Octogenarian

Alan Phillips of Mosman recently had an encounter that left him reflecting on honesty and aging. While leaving a swimming club, Alan spotted a fit-looking man who had just turned 80. The man wore a badge that boldly stated, “Now I’m 80. Shit!” Alan couldn’t help but wonder if the man’s blunt honesty was a reflection of his personality or a result of being “dragged kicking and screaming” into this new phase of life. The badge serves as a candid reminder that aging can bring its own set of challenges and emotions. Alan’s observation highlights the universality of human experiences, as people navigate life’s milestones with varying degrees of acceptance and humor. The man’s badge is a relatable and humorous take on the realities of growing older.

Travel Trials: Pauline McGinley’s British Airways Saga

Pauline McGinley of Drummoyne recounts her recent ordeal with British Airways, a tale of travel gone awry. While returning to Australia, her flight encountered mechanical issues during a refueling stop in Singapore. Passengers were distributed to various hotels along Orchard Road, with the promise of a 24-hour stay. However, the situation turned into a three-day marathon, leaving travelers frustrated and inconvenienced. To add insult to injury, passengers were legally required to remain in their hotels and wear bright yellow badges that proclaimed, “I Am Under Instruction. Please Assist Me.” Pauline’s story is a testament to the unpredictable nature of travel and the resilience required to navigate such situations. Her account, while humorous in retrospect, also underscores the challenges of dealing with unexpected delays and bureaucratic red tape.

Family Legacies and Furphies: Allan Gibson’s Autograph Book Discovery

Allan Gibson of Cherrybrook shares a heartwarming story about his grandmother and an autograph book. His grandmother had included a motivational phrase in the book: “Good better best, never let it rest, until your good is better and your better best.” For decades, Allan believed these inspiring words were his grandmother’s own, only to discover later that they were actually a well-known motto lifted from the end of Mr. Furphy’s water carts. The phrase, often referred to as a “furphy,” has become a cherished part of Australian folklore. Allan’s story highlights the importance of family legacies and the ways in which meaningful phrases can shape our lives, even if their origins are sometimes surprising. His grandmother’s autograph book serves as a reminder of the power of words and the joy of uncovering hidden histories.

Politics and Prices: Kenneth Smith’s Take on Tariffs and Tin-Foil Hats

Kenneth Smith of Orange offers a witty commentary on the recent elections and their potential consequences. Referencing the MAGA supporters who voted for Trump, Kenneth suggests that they should have researched tariffs more thoroughly before casting their ballots. He humorously remarks that the price of tin-foil hats is about to rise, implying that the consequences of their actions may soon become apparent. Kenneth’s letter is a lighthearted yet insightful take on the intersection of politics and economics. It serves as a reminder that political decisions can have far-reaching effects, often in unexpected ways. His humorous analogy of tin-foil hats rising in price adds a touch of levity to an otherwise serious topic, making his commentary both engaging and thought-provoking.