Betsy Ross I'm Not!

Let me preface this post by admitting to every reader this undeniable truth..."For the last 30 or so years, I have used my Singer Sewing machine cabinet for a bedside table." I have not opened that sewing machine, for at least the last twenty years. Okay, exaggerating a little bit. I have used it sew up a couple of ripped pant seams.
Well, this weekend, I sewed. I made a costume, or at least I attempted to create a wearable costume. A group, of which I am a member, frequently wears Regency Costumes. I haven't ever worn one, but I thought it might be appropriate for a particular meeting we are having, next month.
I bought the material, bought a pattern (who knew the price of patterns, like everything else, has quadrupled???), thread, buttons and proceeded to make use of my 1960's era Singer.
A plan was in place. Stored away, in one of my decorative trunks, were a couple of old curtain panels which would, I reckoned, would make a good beginner costume. They did, but due to the fact that Regency Costumes are for flat chested, skinny babes, a few minor adjustments needed to be made. Okay, major adjustments. Empire waistlines were not intended to be worn by old ladies, who wear DD cup bras! What was I thinking?????
It's almost finished. The dress has gussets, seams and added panels that only an experienced seamstress could add. Sewing, it turns out, is like riding a bicycle. You never really forget how to do it. I added a little lace here and a bow there. It will look good, maybe. Anyway, who knows what folks really wore in the late 1780's.

Dear God, we think we can do anything. But, we can't do those anythings without your help. Your steadfast love endures forever. You are my Fortress and my Shield.

"East Side, West Side, all around the Town."

There is concrete (I love a good pun) evidence, that sidewalks were actually built in ancient times. Both Greek and Roman Civilizations incorporated roadside pedestrian footpaths in their city planning. According to author, Loukaitou-Sideris, the Romans called these walkways "semita".
Then, unfortunately, sidewalks disappeared. (Enter the Middle Ages, plagues, sewage in the street, etc.)
After the Great Fire of London, in 1666, sidewalks started re-appearing. But, they didn't really regain popularity until the rebuilding of Paris, more than a century later.
Closer to home, I.H.C. Royce observed that in 1865, only three blocks of sidewalks existed in the whole of Kansas City.
But, by the late nineteenth century, sidewalks were a common feature in most major cities, worldwide.
Why then, do the runners, walkers, baby-stroller pushers and overweight grandpas continue to saunter down the MIDDLE of my neighborhood streets?
Most of the streets in our area have really nice paved sidewalks. In fact, Kansas City passed a major......$700 million dollar bond issue...to improve sidewalks, just a little over a year ago. Apparently, it has been money misspent!
Get out of my way, folks. Get out of the street and onto those multi-million dollar sidewalks, that you and I have paid for. You are a danger to others and to yourselves.
I am a senior citizen. I am told daily that I cannot see, cannot hear, cannot drive, and cannot move. like young folks. For the safety of all you careless youngsters out there......get up on the sidewalk and save your life...for now, I'm the Queen of the Road!

Dear Lord. I know that you love us unconditionally. We sometimes do foolish things. Watch over us and protect us from ourselves. We praise your Holy Name.