Random Thoughts: Nanny movie prompts memories
I have just finished reading "Atonement," by Ian McEwen. It's a novel about a young British teen-ager and her family. She had a great imagination and liked to write plays and have her young cousins act them out. Her imagination went too far and caused a great deal of pain and trouble in her family. The story takes place in England, before, during, and after World War II. The descriptions are so real that you feel you are there. I guess you could call it a "page-turner." I like stories about British people.
Emma Thompson, a prominent British actress, has just made a movie. She plays the part of a nanny, wears terribly homely makeup. No Mary Poppins there! Angela Lansbury (one of my favorites) has a part in the movie.
When my children were little I couldn't afford a nanny. I did have high school girls stay with us. For room and board they stayed through the week, helped with the children, the housework, laundry, and probably more.
For that they received room and board and a small bit of money. They were treated as one of the family. I suppose now, that would be called child-labor. Oh my. Anyway, it was agreeable to the parents, the girls, and me. They went home over the weekend.
We had very few difficulties. One girl liked to slip some of my clothes out over the weekend, especially panty hose. We had a little go-around over that, but for the most part they were all fine girls, helpful and nice to have around. I hope they all are happy and doing great — wherever they are.
— NORMA HANNAFORD
