Uffda

We aren’t hearing the Uffda comment much these days, usually only in the privacy of our own home. You tend to get strange looks if you say this in public around here! The Tupelo version of Uffda seems to be “Bless your heart”. We have also learned that this little catch phrase isn’t always meant literally or kindly for that matter. Oh yes, many do really mean Bless your heart, but on occasion you get this, “well, Bless your heart” and it more literally translates to “well, aren’t you a hot mess” ! The natives have been kind and friendly for the most part but many times they just don’t understand our funny talk or sense of humor!

I made a little trip to the local hardware store to get some finish nails for one of our many projects. The nice lady in the store said “What are you looking for today?” My answer was nails…….and she gave me this blank look and said “excuse me?” I repeated my request for nails…..and then the light bulb came on over her head and she said “Oh, Nay als” And I said Yep….Nay als! Uffda ! So glad I didn’t have to call in the translator! I am still learning how to stretch one little word into 2 syllables , but grateful that at least I can understand what they are saying, even if they don’t understand me or recognize Uffda as a word!

You’all need to slow down!

I think the first advice we got down south was- you’all need to slow down. This seems to apply to everything from speed of talking to walking to waiting for delivery or repair persons. I have taken this to heart…..a couple weeks ago on one of my many trips to Lowes, I was slowly ambling down the aisle pushing my cart, headed for the nether regions which is where every single thing I could want is always located. Anyway, I was moving slowly due to aching body parts and this black lady cruises up along side me and says “you know from way you were walking I thought you were an old black woman until I looked down and saw your white legs” I surely didn’t know quite what to say, so I just responded..”well, thank you I guess”. She slowed her pace and we visited for a bit, sweet as pie she was, then she sped back up to her running walk and off she went on her mission. Of course by that time I realized what I should have said to her was “YOU’ALL NEED TO SLOW DOWN” !!