Just some thoughts and comparisons between my father and my mother…

Hillbilly: Looks like we’ve got just enough to make dinner today, I’ll go to the store tomorrow. Polish: I’m going to need at least 10lbs of potatoes, a bag of onions, 5lbs of sausage, a pound of butter and some bread from the bakery if you expect me to make dinner.

Hillbilly: Bluegrass gospel on the radio on Sunday mornings. Polish: Give me a polka and I’ll dance all night long!

Hillbilly: I’ve got some beer on ice and maybe later a little sip of shine. Polish: Have another shot of vodka, a man doesn’t walk on one leg.

Hillbilly: I’ll see you at the First Baptist Church next Sunday, the pastor is going to talk about sins of the flesh. Polish: We have to go to mass on Wednesday evening, and then again on Sunday so don’t make any plans because we won’t be home until noon. My knees hurt just thinking about it.

Hillbilly: Pinto beans with onions, fried potatoes, and cornbread and sweet tea. Polish: Kielbasa, sauerkraut and onions, fresh baked bread with butter, and a highball.

Hillbilly: Mrs. Jones down the street got in late last night but that’s none of our business. Polish: Mrs. Jones sure got in late last night. I just happened to be peeking out the window when I saw her pull into the driveway and straighten her hair before going in. I wonder what she’s been up to?

Hillbilly: We will go visit your grandparents on Saturday and help them in the garden. Polish: I need to call all of your aunts and uncles in alphabetical order so don’t go too far because I’m going to give you the phone and you can talk to each of them too. In fact, we’ll just pass the phone around the house so everyone gets to talk.

Hillbilly: I’ve invited everyone over for a cookout later and we can play horseshoes in the backyard. Polish: The whole family and all the neighbors are coming over later tonight to play Rummy, I need to run to the liquor store, to the deli, and to the bakery.

Hillbilly: You kids better settle down or else you can go cut yourself a switch off that tree and bring it to me! Polish: (Shoe flies through the air) Whack!

Hillbilly: It’s so nice for the family to be together like this, we are blessed. Polish: Sto lat! Na zdrowie!