– photo courtesy of liquidedge.tumblr.com
Now, far be it from me to tout the inventions of the 1800’s that were suppose to make work for women ‘easier’. Ahem; nonetheless, here is a Chicago connection. The first manually powered vacuum cleaner was invented in Chicago in 1868 by Ives W. McGaffey. There it is, the Whirlwind wonder (it was called the “Whirlwind” for reasons we can only surmise).
Ah, but now for another moment of truth. Did you know that Illinois’ State Dance is the Square dance?”
– photo courtesy of http://www.statesymbolsusa.org
My question is this: why not round dancing? I like round, it’s got a good shape and I am sure I can dance to it. Square is okay, but round is, why, revolving, ever-moving.
And here is another point I am pondering on this rainy Wednesday here in CHItown: there is an official state dance?? Really…………… This led me to wonder if the origins behind this little dance ditty had anything to do with that Whirlwind vacuum vehicle! Perhaps whilst the lady of the home was whirling around the parlor at lightning speed, going to and fro, she needed a partner to swing her around the table as such. Move to the left, ah, there’s some nasty dust, turn to the right, okay, I’ve got the dirt, oh, what a fright!
I guess I’ll get out the vacuum now and start dancing (I mean cleaning)!
The Chicago Files 
thanks for the smiles today!
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And your smile just gave me a smile! Thank you, dear Kimberly! 🙂 Cher xo
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Lemme know when we start seeing Jon Deere indoor sit down vacuums 😛
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*LOL* OMG would that not be hilarious! Andy!! Now I can’t stop laughing!! Cher xo
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Eeeeeeeeehaw!! *riding acorss the room*
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*LMAO* !!!!!!!
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On the subject of vacuum cleaners, when we were living in the UK in 2004, my husband was showing me how to use the vacuum cleaner. He looked at me, sighed, and said: “You know, Mo, not many husbands have to show their wives how to use the vacuum cleaner.” I’ve never found the on-off switch for the broom either.
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*LOL* Mo, you are hilarious! That is priceless! No, I don’t think I’ve found the on-off switch for my BROOM either!!!!! Cher xo
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I once had a dog who hated the vacuum cleaner. He would attack and do the most viscious barking. Since I was living by myself, at that time and using a real answering machine, as a “safety” measure, when I recorded my voice message, I pulled out the vacuum causing Norton to explode in deep angry barks. he was the background “music” to my recording. Hopefully, if any perverts or burglars called, they would realize I had a big viscious dog and refrain from breaking in….Well, it was logical at the time, LOL….square dancing based on original round dances – never made sense to me either Love the pic of the work saver!
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I love your comments! That is awesome and I think it was a very good idea of you to do this as a safety measure for sure! Oh isn’t that picture funny? Thank you, my dear!! Cher xo
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I like Andy’s suggestion about John Deere. Ha. Seriously, though, I can’t be serious about your topic of today’s blog post. First, I love dancing, and since I’m not allowed to push a vacuum due to a back injury, I will be able to dance sans vacuum! Second, regarding square as opposed to round (or circle) dancing, I do prefer square. So, good choice, Chicago! And good choice for you, Cher. 🙂
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Isn’t it a great idea, Carol? *LOL* Hahaha, I guess Chicago picked a good ‘state dance’ then! I honestly did not know a state even had a dance! I know they have state flags, flowers, and I’m sure a lot of other things, but a dance? Oh, we could have fun with this, Carol! Making up provincial dances, or dances for all the states (even if they already have one)! *LOL* Cher xo
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Interesting thought, Cher. Wouldn’t it be cool if all the states have state dances? Some research to do here. 🙂
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It would be very cool, indeed, Carol! Cher xo
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Cher, you started something! I found out that Square Dancing is the most popular of dances. 23 states have that dance as their “State Dance.” 22 don’t have any designated state dance. Of course, Hawaii has the Hula! There were some surprises. Besides California having the Square Dance, it also has another one: West Coast Swing Dance! North Carolina has 2 also: Shagging(?) and Clogging! Kentucky is the other one that has Clogging. South Carolina has 2: Shag and The Richardson Waltz! Wisconsin comes in last with, of course, the Polka. So glad you started with Illinois. I found the information interesting. Never heard of a few of these dances. And to think the states designated uncommon and perhaps unknown dances! 🙂
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Oh wow! Carol, that is fantastic information! This is incredible! Thank you so much for doing all of this research! And talk about interesting! i love Hawaii’s state dance the best!!! Big hugs, Cher xo
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Such a bright post Cher. Thoroughly enjoyed it.
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Awh, thank you, Don! I sometimes wonder how I correlate things in this head of mine!! *LOL* Cher xo
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Tehhhhehh. Here I thought it was a Queen named Filter. LOL. You gave me a good chuckle. LoveLorraine
Date: Wed, 11 Jun 2014 14:21:38 +0000 To: lemmerson60@hotmail.com
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*LOL* Awh, thanks dearie! You gave me a laugh too! Love you! cher xo
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ah i was just thinking about you Cher 🙂 looking forward to our Friday catch up 😉
Nx
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And interestingly enough my dear, I was thinking about you earlier this evening! I was thinking, okay, better get thinking about the Friday File because someone will be waiting with their cuppa!! 🙂 🙂 🙂 Cher xo
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yay, lol, that’s me 🙂
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Indeed, my dear! I hope I don’t disappoint! 🙂 xo
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you disappoint? don’t be silly 🙂
i hope i don’t disappoint either 😉
if i disappear here and there,
know always that i am with my Sea Angel
massive etheric cuddle
Nx
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No disappointment here, my dear!
Awh, bless!! 🙂 :): )
Right back at you! Cher xo
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