Two or three years ago, I wrote a column on “old time sayings” heard as a kid and are seldom heard these days. Well, I had a nice conversation with a man this week that reminded me of that column.

In fact, he suggested that I add a couple of old sayings that he heard as a kid.

He said I always liked that old saying, “according to Hoyle.” He was fond of this verse because he was an avid card player and always took heed in advice from the English statesman Fred Hoyle, who wrote numerous books on winning at cards.

“Accidentally on purpose, and ask a silly question and you will get a silly answer,” were two other of his favorites sayings.

I remember hearing some of my elementary school classmates used the term “bus left.” When a student missed his bus and was late getting to classes, other students would say he was bus left.

He is “slow as ‘lassis” was a term meaning he gets about as slowly as molasses flows. This was especially true for those who were described as lazy. We could use this term in today’s society could we not?

“Dumb as a stump” was often heard in our childhood classrooms. Those who did not pay attention in classes or failed to finish their papers on time fell into this category.

“Closing the barn door after horse escaped” meant had he applied more attention he could have prevented the event from happening.

“As much use as yard of pump water” is a term I heard a few times, but I’m really not sure of its meaning. Perhaps, you could explain this saying.

“Beauty is in the eye of the beholder” means some see this person in different perceptions. She may think she is beautiful, but others may say “ugliness begins with her.” Then again, we should look at her heart, not her beauty. This, I believe is a very “hurtful” saying. You should never criticize or make fun of one’s looks.

I know you have heard people judging others as if that person doing the judging were perfect. I have heard people making statements such as, “I know that man is not a Christian.” You see, you never know the heart of a person. There is a wonderful song with these words.

How About Your Heart, is it right with God?

Friend, how would you feel

If your heart were made with a window on each side?

People often see you as you are outside

Jesus really knows you

For he sees inside

How about your heart?

Is it right with God?

That’s the thing that counts today.

By the way, that was one our most requested songs on our WATM Suppertime Gospel program back in the mid 1950s. It was sung by James Blackwood and the Blackwood Brothers Quartet.

Another old time saying is “we ran off our preacher.” This is also a hurtful old saying. Many good preachers are forced to leave their congregations because of the wishes of some in control. Little do they realize that that preacher always has his group of followers who feel betrayed when he is asked to leave. I heard this old saying when I was a young boy. And, you know, we hear it today just like we did back then.

Other sayings are “Bite the dust,” “You bit off more than you can chew,” “Break new ground,” (a term used mostly by farmers), ”Caught between a rock and a hard place” (this is even more true today), “Do I look like a turnip that fell off the turnip truck?” and finally, “Keep the cows out of the bitter weeds.”

I am sure you can add many more old sayings — some that, perhaps, have special meaning to you.

I read where the Creeks are at it again. And, I do not say this in a derogatory manner. This unique organization finds so many worthwhile causes to donate funds. They have given to schools, individuals in need and community organizations. And, I hear rumblings where other progressive developments are in their plans. The Creeks and the city will soon have our Interstate 65 exit looking like Airport Boulevard.

Sad news came out of Mobile this past week. Father Timothy Deasy passed away. In his younger days, the 83-year-old Catholic Priest served the local Catholic church, where he became friends to countless Atmore residents.

Phil Sokol at The Atmore Advance always wrote heart-warming stories about him. And the Father also contributed many inspiring messages in the paper. I remember hearing Tom and Ernestine Miniard talk of their friendship with him. He was a firm supporter of their WATM radio station. He rendered many religious messages over the air when he was here. I heard him remark one time. “If Heaven is like Atmore, I know I will be right at home there.” He never failed to tell of his time here after he left for other assignments in the Mobile area.

Our condolences go to his many friends still living here.

Next week, we have more news of people, places and events from days gone by.

More next week.