Off Her Rocker

A couple weeks ago, someone said the phrase "off my rocker". It reminded me of a funny incident in my childhood.

When we were living in upstate New York and I was 10 years old, Great Aunt Marjorie came to visit. Our house was furnished with whatever we could find, from rush-bottomed chairs, a vinal couch, a claw-footed tub, and an antique platform rocker, where Great Aunt Marjorie plopped her round form.

Great Aunt Marjorie loved to talk and was chatting away and rocking in time with her words. I noticed that each time she rocked backwards, the chair slid slightly over. Being a polite little girl and not interrupting a guest while they're talking, I tapped my mother on the arm. She motioned for me to wait. I didn't know what to do. The rockers were on the very edge of the platform bars.

Deciding to break the rules of politeness, I started to speak...but it was too late. Great Aunt Marjorie took one last push and over she went! Her support stocking legs and laced up black shoes were kicking at the air. We all jumped and gasped...and looked to see Great Aunt Marjorie laughing with her back on the floor.

She was off her rocker! (smile)