Sunny dry windy mornings sees a hurried procession of dirty washing carrying campers making their way up to the laundry room. Even though many travellers (Grey Nomads) in vans are now taking small washing machines with them on the road they tend to use the park’s amenities for large items- sheets and bedding especially.
The ‘Laundry Room’ is more than that.
Yes, there are washers and dryers and (if you’re really fussy) ironing boards but there’s also the ‘drop and swap’ book exchange and a very large notice board. News and Views and What’s on Where – specials at various shops in town – as well which campers are offering what services….from what I’ve heard there’s a motor mechanic and a hairdresser/barber spending the winter here (both are doing a roaring trade – no need to go into town, cheaper prices, bits of gossip from on the road).
Anyway for years it would be ‘a ladies world’ in there but things are slowly changing (for the better some might say….others mutter about ‘not doing it right) and this season more men are ‘helping out’ with the washing.
So sometimes there are different conversations going on….stuff that used to be confined to over a beer or wine at Happy Hour – like lots of joshing about various football teams and possible results of upcoming games (various states = various codes) also the price of fuel that seems to crop up now and again.
Men don’t talk quietly so you can’t help but overhear – “geez, you’re looking a bit off this morning ”….”yeah mate, I’m a bit worried….” Lots of loud laughter from his ‘mate’ followed by a line from a song some of us of a certain age knew well. Corny as it sounds, the ‘worried man’ joined in singing, his mate said something about “the kettle being on” and they wandered off back to wherever.
Guess I’ll never know what he was worried about- from his mate’s reaction it couldn’t have been that bad😊
It takes a worried man to sing a worried song
https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Worried_Man_Blues
(Like all folk songs there are variations – hopefully the one you’re familiar with is here)
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Sharing with Wednesday words and Whimsy
Still Waters 
I’ll bet the ironing board is still a female preserve….
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lol I haven’t seen it in use for a while now. The main race day of the year is coming up soon so it’ll be put to use then. Those in the know bring a ‘pretty frock’ up with them plus a ‘rather stylish’ hat. Country town race days are big affairs.
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l love places like that where you learn all the gossip. Men gossip more than women Ive learnt. It certainly makes washing day more entertaining
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Years ago I’d walk the course with The Golfer but got fed up listening to all the ‘chatter’ between him and his mates. Now they stop for coffee afterwards and he’s home at least an hour later than before- all that putting the world to right
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I didn’t know that song. Very catchy line. And useful.
My husband does most of the laundry. We iron our own clothes. Not much ironing needed when we’re on the road.
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Most of mine ‘drip dry’ or near enough and who needs posh clothes in a caravan park. And The Golfer has always ironed his own – we do bring our iron, there’s a board in the cabin so I don’t need to be involved at all
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Always good to have a spot to hear the news (of the road and the camp). And much less dispiriting than the news on media.
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Definitely far better than anything international – or national if it comes to that
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The laundry sounds like it would be a fun place to gather, chat and laugh.
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It comes and goes Andrew. Sometimes all the world and his mate are in there – other times it’s just me, my soap powder and $4 cash😊
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I hadn’t thought of that song for years! My parents had all Peter Paul and Mary’s records and I still remember the songs.
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Hello Barbara – those little memory jolts can be good and bad can’t they. Smiles at remembering- frowns when you realise how much time has passed
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Singing it now!
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lol once heard it’ll be there all day. A guaranteed ear worm😊
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The laundry room sounds like a community gathering place. I do think men tend to gossip far more than I ever realized. My retired husband comes back from coffee with lots of tidbits. And the Pete Seeger, Johnny Cash version for this woman of a certain age. Guess that says something about my age.
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Yes Jane – it tells me you’re definitely younger than I am 😊
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sounds like a great thing. Men actually talking About important stuff.
laundry’s were always a great place to start conversations and meet interesting people.
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Also the place to meet some doozies. I’ve closed the machine door, deposited the cash and left quick smart some days. There are some real weirdos travelling our country!
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Hi Cathy, I was so invested in your story telling! My mind conjured it all up in my minds eye so clearly! I’m not sure that I’m familiar with that song though ‘the worried man’. The tune sounds familiar but the words and name of the song are not, and I listed to all versions! Thanks for linking up again with #WWWhimsy – stay warm and well! xo
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Real life conjures up a few tales or two doesn’t it Min!
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I don’t know this song – what a sweet story…(I went with the skiffle version). To papaphrase Vonnegut, the blues can’t cure depression but it can sweep your worries to the corner of the room #WWWhimsy
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It’s a really old ‘folk song’ Lydia – maybe not popular in your circle as you were growing up
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This is really great Cathy. There was a time when you wouldn’t see a man in the laundry or laundromat. How times change, and that’s great.
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I have to say it’s the first year it’s been so noticeable Jennifer. All those younger retirees on the road making a difference😊
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Loved your story and perspective on the changes you have experienced. Sometimes an overheard convo can be great…and then, what happened??
I wish you continued enjoyment of your Qld stay.
Denyse
#TeamWWWhimsy
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Quite a few more weeks to go Denyse
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It sounds like the laundry room has taken the place of the water cooler used by working folks. Those little tidbits of overheard conversations can be so intriguing…or sometimes just put a smile on your face.
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