Vacations in Jersey as month turns to July

Every year as the end of June approached, my family got ready for their exodus to a summer place at the New Jersey shore, first at Wildwood and then (most years) in Ocean City. My sister Kath and I and our mother spent our time there until school started again in September. Father stayed in the city to work, but came down for long weekends, and my grandparents arrived for brief visits.

It was on one of those visits that I first learned not to tell everything one knows. Fortunately it was early enough in life to really pay off in the long run.

My grandfather and I spent time on the boardwalk riding in the rolling chairs. Those were pushed by pleasant men who made their living that way every summer. After a long ride looking at the ocean and into all the shops, we would stop at one of the many cool, dark bars for refreshments. I almost always had a tomato and bacon sandwich (not then known as a BLT) while Grandfather and our chair-man would have two beers.

Each time after we returned home, my mother and grandmother would ask me if I had a good time. I always said yes, describing some shop we had visited, and whether the beach had been crowded that day, and so on. Somehow I never mentioned that final stop for refreshments. I must say that Grandfather never told me not to say anything about it, but I just somehow knew it would be a mistake.

And then I remember my shopping trips in town with Grandmother...

My grandparents were members of one of the Pennsylvania German churches that were known as "plain." The women wore hair coverings every day (net caps) and, when out of the house, also wore signature bonnets. My grandmother was very faithful in observing that rule, but when we went shopping we always went into the hat department, where she would try on an assortment of fancy hats. She didn't tell me not to tell, but I just knew she wouldn't want me to.

So I guess my grandparents were even. I have to admit that acquiring the knowledge that it's best not to tell everything was a good early lesson. And it still goes, even for seniors - think before you speak.

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Here's a movie for grownups that will strike home with many of our seniors.

"Away from Her" is the story of a couple married 44 years, but the wife must enter a nursing home for Alzheimer's patients. Julie Christie, as the wife, is outstanding and Gordon Pinsent as the husband turns in a solid performance. Though it may seem a somewhat depressing topic, the film was excellent, and I agree with our local reviewer who gave it a rating of four stars.

Also, the Gulf Breeze Four Cinema, currently showing the movie, deserves credit for choosing such a film. The theater is located at 1175 Gulf Breeze Pkwy. For information call (850) 916-9402.

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You learn something new all the time. At a local drugstore, I noticed colorful flyers and handouts inviting us to choose our favorite flavor of any kind of liquid medicine we may currently be using.

Just hand the slip to the druggist as he fills the prescription, it said. No old ordinary flavors, either - there are 19 different flavors to choose from. How about chocolate banana pie? Or sour apple? Or even grape bubble gum? Simply pick up the slip and mark your choice.

Just my luck - my medication doesn't come in liquid form!

If you have any questions (or simply don't believe it!) call 800-884-5771.

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From the Strange Facts File: Many years ago in England, pub frequenters had a whistle baked into the rim, or handle, of their ceramic cups. When they needed a refill, they used the whistle to call for service. "Wet your whistle" is the phrase inspired by this practice.