My Mom grew up in Boston, I was born in NY, and then we transplanted to Seattle. She retained her accent -- still has it at 86.
Years ago my folks held a shindig for friends from work. The front door opened to an entry wall - right into the living room, left down the hall past the bedrooms to the bathroom.
After the guests "pahked" their "cahs" and made their way inside the front door, they were greeted by my Dad holding out martinis for each new arrival, "Sorry it took me so long . . . "
Then they came to the sign:
With this auspicious beginning the 'pahty' was a great success. Or as my Dad would say, "A fine large time was had by one and all!" (Not 'lahge' -- 'large' -- he was born in E. Washington . . )
ejg
Other sayings, e.g. on answering the phone:
"How are you?"
"Able to sit up and take nourishment, both liquid and solid."
"Hi, this is Jack."
"Hello you old goat -- and what's on your alleged mind this evening?"
"Hi, this is Linda, can I speak to Claire?"
"Hang on, I'll hold her up to the phone."
It's been 22 years since we've heard those sayings . . . I'm sure many can relate.
