Stories from the Stringam Family Ranches of Southern Alberta

From the 50s and 60s to today . . .



Sunday, August 18, 2013

Phone Phorce


My 'Creative Parenting 101' Professor
When Dad spoke. We listened.
Most of the time.
But one ignored my father at one's own risk.
Let me tell you about it . . .
I had a boyfriend.
It was a new and exciting experience for me.
We would say good-bye at the school bus stop, get on our respective buses and head for home.
Fifty minutes later, we would be on the phone.
Talking.
For hours.
Literally.
I should point out here that, in the 1960s, we had one phone line to the ranch.
And, because we were ultra-modern and progressive, two phones on that line.
One in the kitchen.
And one in my parents bedroom.
The epitome of modern convenience.
Back to my story . . .
I don't know what we found to talk about. But talk, we did. Until one or both of us was tagged for chores.
Or supper was announced.
Or our parents got annoyed.
My Mom was usually quite predictable, saying such things as, “Diane! Get off the phone! You've been on there for an hour!”
To which I would comply.
Eventually.
And under protest.
My Dad was a little more creative.
He would walk in the door, see me there on the phone, note the time, and leave the room.
That was my cue.
And my only warning.
I had seconds to say my good-byes.
Because Dad wanted me off the phone. And I wasn't going to like his methods.
They were . . . effective.
He would simply walk into his bedroom and turn on the radio.
Loudly.
Then take the phone receiver and lay it down beside said radio.
If I hadn't already ended my conversation, I did so then.
With a shouted good-bye and hastily cradled phone.
Mission accomplished.
Simply and elegantly, without a word being spoken.
Genius.

20 comments:

  1. I love it. Some fathers are so awesomely...subtle yet effective.

    ReplyDelete
  2. I love your Dad...the way he thinks is frightening.

    ReplyDelete
  3. That is genius, I must remember this when Valentina gets older :)

    ReplyDelete
  4. Genius, indeed! I wish there had been an equivalent solution when our kids were teens and lingering over the computer ... ask your dad about that, will ya? :)

    ReplyDelete
  5. I did not have competition for phone usage when I was young, but if I did, I think I'd like the radio method!

    ReplyDelete
  6. We were obedient children back then.
    I think in many ways we were better children for our parents than the kids are today.
    I think families were closer too.
    Today everything is always done on the run.

    ReplyDelete
  7. I like your dad.
    I didn't have a phone until my second child was over a year old. There was a public phone on most streets back then if we needed one, or a neighbour would have one. We just didn't think it was necessary and I really don't know why we eventually got one. Now all I have is my mobile which is often turned off.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I totally remember getting our first phone! Before that, it was a frantic drive to the nearest neighbour nine miles away during emergencies.

      Delete
  8. I remember the days of talking on the phone for hours. Thank goodness it was just me and my dad so I didn't have to worry about getting off the phone unless it was meal time or time to do the dishes. Very creative way to get you off the phone too. Might have to try that with my kids...oh wait, they text their friends for hours on end. Hmmmm, guess I'll have to think on that. ;)

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Yep. Haven't quite figured out the whole texting thing yet. I'll ask my dad . . .

      Delete
  9. Diane, I could read your stories all day long! We must have got our sense of humor from the same place. It really shows there is really no difference from 1960's teen angst and now.. That was great!.

    ReplyDelete
  10. DIane, outstanding. I could read a 500 word book about your teen years and your crazy father.. It brought me back to my days as a 6th grade lady killer. lol

    ReplyDelete

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