The Parmelee Factor
Did I ever tell you about the notorious “Parmelee Factor?” That was our friend’s name for us being late all the time, as mom would often take extra care to get dressed up and preen herself, disregarding the call of the clock.
One day Ruth Ellen and I were going to Bobby and Mary Jane Hedberg’s wedding in Mt Carmel. Mom of course knew where it was. She was babysitting, but got home late. As the newly-weds strolled hand in hand down the aisle, we were the first to congratulate them as we were walking in as they were walking out.
Polly Shuttle
Mom also had a problem with directions. We were all on Martha’s Vineyard for a vacation, and one day she and Hazel, my wife’s mom, were supposed to get on the local shuttle. Hazel said “Polly, I don’t think we’re supposed to get on that Bus”, but Polly was adamant. They soon found themselves lost, on another part of the Island. The Bus Driver finally said to them “You ladies sit here in the front seat and don’t get off until I tell you to.”