One of the interesting things about getting our DNA results from Ancestry.com was discovering that we are about half English. This, in spite of the fact that both my husband and I had German surnames. My mother was a genealogy freak, so I knew there were some English ancestors. But my husband grew up around so many German aunts, uncles and grandparents that he assumed he was mostly German. He isn’t. In fact, he’s got some Scottish, Swedish and Irish genes . At any rate, after seeing Oprah’s Meghan-Harry interview on CBS, we’re both glad our ancestors left England . Welcome to America, Harry.

Welcome to America, Harry . Glad Our Ancestors Left England. We'd still be paying taxes to support a monarchy.

Welcome to America Harry. We’re glad our ancestors left England. Bet Harry’s descendants will be glad he did, too.

My husband’s English blood came from his mother’s family. The first Frost left England about 1635 to escape some kind of religious persecution. He must have thrived here, because there are some illustrious folks named Frost all over the USA.

My English blood came from my Grandfather White. It’s such a common name that I can’t claim a family connection to anyone with the same surname. James White sailed over to Virginia about 300 years ago.. Although uneducated, he managed to move his family of 12 sons up to Indiana, and acquired 5,000 acres of farmland. Someone must have married well, because my mother was able to join the DAR by proving that one of her ancestors signed the Declaration of Independence.

What would have happened if Edmund Frost and James White had stayed in England? My husband and I would be citizens of a monarchy. Descending from commoners, we might not be living very well. Maybe on the dole. And part of our taxes would be going to support the most antiquated political system that can possibly be imagined. What would happen if the monarchy collapsed? Who would care if the British Commonwealth no longer had a King or Queen?

We’re glad our ancestors left England, and I would imagine that the descendants of the prince will be grateful that he did, too.

Welcome to America, Harry. The land of the free, and the home of the brave.

“The woods are lovely, dark and deep,

But I have promises to keep,

And miles to go before I sleep,

And miles to go before I sleep.”

….Robert Frost

Wow! What a wonderful night it was on CBS. Friday evenings, we typically watch Public Broadcasting, or our station of choice to catch up on the week’s news. Unfortunately, politics doesn’t make for a very good night’s sleep, so it was a relief last Friday night, when we were treated to reruns of “I Love Lucy,” and “The Dick Van Dyke Show.”

It was great to remember that kind and gentle era when comedians didn’t swear, brag about their sex life, or express their political preferences. Comedy shows were a way to relax , laugh , and get your mind off your troubles. Good comics found it remarkably easy to be funny without ever referencing POTUS, affordable care, immigration, war, climate change and all of the other serious issues that today’s comedians think they need to lecture us about.

And yet, there was plenty to be upset about in the early fifties when ” I Love Lucy” was a popular show. Our boyfriends, husbands and brothers were drafted into the Korean War. Jim Crow laws legitimized segregation. The Cuban revolution brought Communism to our doorstep. Medicare didn’t exist, and few had health insurance.

Comedians didn'try to influence our vote in the 50's — LUCILLE BALL AND DESI ARNAZ SIMPLY MADE US LAUGH AND FORGET OUR TROUBLES

In the early sixties, while we watched “The Dick Van Dyke Show,” the Berlin Wall was built, and our men were being drafted into the Vietnam War. Mistakes were made by all politicians, but there was a certain civility that kept things on an even keel. News reporters and journalists were no doubt biased, but they tried to be objective and civil. And entertainers simply entertained.

English teachers often advise budding writers not to “mix their metaphors.” I wish performing artists would stick to their knitting and not try to mix their specialties. They’re not political scientists , elected officials, or trained military strategists.

Dick Van Dyke entertained us — DICK VAN DYKE AND MARI TYLER MOORE ENTERTAINED US IN THE SIXTIES

Actors should act, singers should sing, dancers should dance, and comedians should be funny. That’s all we want from you, guys. We don’t want you telling us how to vote or mocking elected officials. When we want entertainment, we’ll watch ” Dancing With the Stars” , or the Hallmark Channel. If we want to hear about politics, we will turn on the news channel of our choice.

So, thanks to Lucille Ball, Desi Arnaz , Mary Tyler Moore and Dick Van Dyke for making us laugh during some tough times.

Tag: CBS

WELCOME TO AMERICA, HARRY