Wednesday, February 06, 2008

Kids these days

96 years ago, these kids (8 years old and up) were gainfully employed 7 hours per weekday and 10 on Saturdays shucking oysters. No obesity epidemic then. They all look reasonably cheerful except for the future serial killer in the center back row. I wonder how much they earned in 2008 dollars?


As for my girls, they went to their first day of ballet class at the Y today. I'm not sure exactly what they did since we parents weren't allowed to watch since we would pose a distraction. They sure looked cute in their pink leotards and tights, but I didn't get any photos. I'm pretty sure it wasn't as hard as shucking oysters, though.

4 comments:

Holly said...

You'll have some idea what the girls did in class when you come across them in 24 to 48 hours - twirling around the house saying they are some sort of tree or leaf or animal. At least that is what my sisters did post-ballet classes at age 4.

Oh and then the "teaching" will begin. I have my money on Catherine as the Grand Dame Ballet Teacher in the Toby Home Studio....

Holly said...

Opps. That is supposed to be Grande Dam Ballet Teacher, I think....

Downhillnut said...

Huh. And my kids complain about being forced to operate nifty labour-saving devices such as dishwashers and vacuum cleaners after I've driven them to soccer and ninjutsu and the mall.

I hope your girls enjoy the ballet and make some good memories.

Shucking oysters - they gave those kids sharp KNIVES?

http://www.ted.com/index.php/talks/view/id/202

Nancy Toby said...

Ha! Great video!

Catherine tells me (shockingly) that when she grows up she's going to TOUCH KNIVES!! and CUT THINGS!! And TOUCH MEDICINE!!!!