Autumn

Autumn

Monday, October 15, 2012

Tinker, Tinker, Irish Man

I'm not sure of the gentleman's name. He was a fairly nice man and seemed to always have a twinkle in his eye. Each time we'd meet or cross paths he'd yell out, "Hey, tinker, tinker, Irish Man." I'd laugh, shake my head and move on. I haven't seen him in years.

To this day I still don't understand why he'd yell the phrase. A tinker was a craftsman, a tin smith. A trade traced as far back as the thirteenth century (recorded) or further. Others believe it refers to Irish Travelers. Either way I'm neither. I am Irish, but my forefathers were boat builders.

Anyhow, I've had the jingle stuck in mind all darn day. Since early this morning I've been in the garage dinking around. This past weekend Sweet Wife allowed me to purchase a set of shelves to help in my months long reorganization of the garage. As I went about the assembly of the shelves and my other chores, I'd mumble, 'Tinker, Tinker, Irish Man.' Over and over and over. The earworm from hell.

If I ever see that 'ole boy again I'm gonna whip his butt.




Stephen


12 comments:

  1. I hate when that happens. May you get over/past it, quickly.

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    1. I have...until I again think about it. Thanks, my friend.

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  2. This'll fix that earworm:

    http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SjOpH_6Aolw

    Tinker, tailor, soldier, sailors lives
    Rich man, poor man, beautiful, daughters wives...

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    1. Erin, you're just trying to make it worse. I know the old ditty...and so did the old man. He just couldn't resist the 'Irish' cut. Thanks, my friend.

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  3. Boat builders, I knew I liked you for a reason : )

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    1. Craig, my grandfather owned and sailed a schooner from Elbow Cay (Hope Town, which my family founded) to Havana, Key West, Miami, and then up to New York City and back. All the while my uncles and cousins built boats. Deep inside each were well hidden spaces for special cargo. I still have family in Hope Town. The boats have long since sailed, sad to say. Thanks, Bubba.

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  4. Phyllis (N/W Jersey)October 15, 2012 at 8:19 PM

    Funny thing about ear worms.. mine today was an oldie: "Shrimp boats acomin, their sails are in sight....."
    Why in hell THAT tune??? Why???

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  5. Ear worms usually hit me after I hear the tune...but sometimes, like today, the awful ditty just reaches out and grabs you. Hate 'em. Thanks, Phyllis.

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  6. The trick is to pass the ear worm on to someone else...

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    1. Do you hear it....? I tried. Thanks, my friend.

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  7. This comment has been removed by the author.

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    1. Granny, my dear, I did have a chance to read your comment...and I do not mind the least bit. Bless you.

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