Rebellious Women (No, not Edna)

Margie: I recall the first time I ever read about the Underground Railroad. The story fascinated me then and continues to do so today.

On September 17, 1849, Harriet and her brothers Ben and Henry escaped from slavery.  Her brothers were afraid so they went back and forced her to go with them.

She soon escaped again,without her brothers,and made use of the Underground Railroad in her escape.  This wasn't a real railroad, but an "underground" network of white abolitionists, and free and escaped blacks who would provide help and shelter to runaway slaves.

When the Civil War occurred, Harriet worked for the Union Army as a cook and a nurse.  She was also an armed scout and a spy.  She was the first woman ever to lead an armed expedition in the war.  She liberated more than seven hundred slaves by guiding the raid on Combahee River.  

See more rebellious ladies here.

Ladies Week/Virtues

Margie: Edna and I have decided to have Ladies' Week so we hope you'll join us as we explore some interesting topics.

Speaking of interesting, I was working on my family tree this morning. I have to trim some of those dead branches now and then. One thing that caught my attention happened to be ladies' names.

Some of the more extreme Puritans did not consider certain names to be pure enough. They invented their own abstract 'virtue' names. I believe they speak volumes about our society. They used names like Temperance, Comfort, Thankful, and Mercy. Aren't those also names of virtues we'd all be better off practicing?

Edna, I suppose you think you need to weigh in on virtues?

Edna:  Well, why wouldn't I?  After all, someone needs to be the virtuous one around here, and it's for gosh-darn sure it's not you.

I love looking at the family history and seeing those "virtue" names.  You forgot the ladies in our tree who where named "Honor" and "Treat".  Although I'm not so sure that last name is actually a virtue, I like it anyway.  

You know, I think if I had a "virtue" name, it would "Patience".  Lord knows I need it, putting up with the likes of you.

Margie: Edna, on that note I do need a treat. I'm sure glad I made that gallon of Special Tea.

Edna:  I guess we won't be calling you "Moderation."

Common courtesy: a dying art

Image property of moderns_r_us

Edna: Margie, I've been noticing something more and more lately, and I just can't hold my tongue about it any longer. Where did everyone's manners go? I swan, it wasn't that long ago when it was common courtesy for men to take their hats off when dining in a restaurant. Nowadays, every Tom, Dick and Herman wears a backwards ball-cap out to dinner.

Margie: That's just rude and tacky. Edna, I think those are the same men who answer their cell phones and talk so loud that everybody within a mile knows all their business.

Edna: I just hope they don't do that in front of their mamas, but it's bad enough they do it in our earshot. And whatever happened to a gentleman standing up whenever a lady enters the room?

It makes me sad to think that the standard for good manners has gotten so lax. Time was, you could count on folks knowing how to handle themselves around other folks, but not anymore.

Margie: Edna, I think the mamas are letting these men be lax. Not only does a gentleman not stand anymore, Edna, but they almost knock you down to get in the store in front of you.

I'll tell you what could cure these bad manners- a hickory switch on the rear.

Edna: I think you're right, sister. I say we take a hickory switch along with us the next time we go out to eat and dole out a little rough justice on some folks. What do you think?

Margie: I'm all for that, sister.

Qualities of A Gentleman

Image Courtesy the NYPL Digital Gallery

Margie: I know a lot about gentlemen and I'm here to tell you what to look for if you want a real man.


1. A gentleman has honor. He is honest and his word is his bond. He doesn't lie, cheat, or steal and he's certainly not a criminal.

2. A gentleman has self control. He isn't abusive and he doesn't fly off the handle at the drop of a hat. He doesn't drink to excess or partake of any other vices.

3. A gentleman is kind, mannerly, and compassionate. He has a good upbringing and respects all humans and creatures. He never raises his voice and is comfortable in any situation.

4. A gentleman is chivalrous. He treats everyone with respect. He holds the door for a lady, never walks ahead of her, and is concerned for her feelings. If he says she's the only one for him then he means it.

5. A gentleman has a delightful sense of humor. He does not, however, tell vulgar jokes especially in mixed company. He laughs with you and not at you.

Edna, do you have anything to add? I doubt you've ever known a gentleman.

Edna: Margie, I suppose you're right. Folks, she's known more gentlemen than I have, so I suppose you'd best listen to her.