My gran
used to make me drink the water from boiled cabbage, amongst force-feeding me soup, liver and onions and guinness, walking my legs off and several other old-fashioned rituals such as keeping chocolate for special occasions long after it became inexpensive. Even after smoking for 20 years (not anymore though) I am among the healthiest people I know, probably because of the lifestyle choices of those who experienced rationing and never forgot it.

I don't agree with war or fighting but I learned a lot from my grandparents through the experiences they shared with me, not least to appreciate what you have got, be generous no matter how little you have and look after each other. They seemed to think living through WWII heightened simple pleasures and made it easier to unite as a community even though they hated it. They were resilient and found the best in everything.

I reckon my grandparents were well hard and could take my parents in a fight any day.
( bland is bland, Mon 6 Jun 2011, 8:31, Reply)