Bena Mae’s Kitchen: Common sense is not so common anymore

For the fourth or fifth time, I’m trying to master a new computer. And it’s very frustrating for me. Since I entered the world of the internet, I have used up and discarded four at last count and my brain is getting weary from the transition from the old to the new. I’m beginning to wonder if there is a cut-off valve for learning new things. If there is, I have just about reached it.
Common sense is becoming a rare commodity these days. There was a time when it served us well but that time is fading fast. We are living in a high tech world where almost everything is electronic and comes with directions for assembling, programming and a need for a PHD. Nothing can simply be plugged into an electrical outlet and expected to run….televisions, telephones, microwaves, car ignitions, computer printers, coffee makers…you get the idea.
I was visiting my son’s family and decided I wanted to turn on the oven and fix a pizza. I had to call my daughter-in-law at work and ask her how to turn the oven on. Holy Cow! What has the world come to?
This sad realization calls to mind an era when our mothers ran their households by using their common sense. Just turn on the stove eye and you get a flame. It was that simple. They didn’t need heat indicators to tell them how hot to set the oven. Make biscuits? Just an egg-size dollop of shortening, the right amount of flour, buttermilk for the right consistency, roll out and cut on a cutting board and pop them in the oven. No recipe required.
They didn’t need “sell by” dates printed on anything. Food didn’t last that long. They could test an iron by touch and know when it it was too hot and would scorch a garment. And they knew to seperate white clothes from colored when doing the family wash.
They knew how to treat a sore throat, bronchitis, measles, scraped knees and common childhood illnesses without a trip to the emergency room. Common sense, a hot lemon toddy, a poltice of Vicks Vapor Rub and lots of TLC were the precursors of pennicillin and antii-biotics and they cured many an ailment.
When a red light appears on the dashboard of my car that says “check engine” I am filled with panic. Is it a warning of engine failure or just a computer glitch? Since there are no “shade tree” mechanics anymore, will I need a “computer experts” opinion to check it out?
All this is not to say that I am against progress. But it does fill me with anxiety. The last time I traded cars, I had to call the dealer when I tried to find how to turn on the windshield wipers, get my key out of the ignition, operate the AC.
Is the age of Common Sense becoming passe? Has it joined the Stone Age, Iron Age, and other historic ages that preceded the civillized world?  It’s something to ponder, my friend.

This is an excellent side dish for your Thanksgiving meal.  Quick and easy, too.

Cheesy Savory Mashed Potatoes

3 cups  prepared mashed potatoes
1 can  (10 3/4 ounces) Campbell’s® Condensed Cheddar Cheese Soup
1/3 cup  sour cream or plain yogurt
Generous dash ground black pepper
1   green onion, chopped (about 2 tablespoons)

Stir the potatoes, soup, sour cream, black pepper and onion in a medium bowl. Spoon the potato mixture into a 1 1/2-quart baking dish.
Bake at 350 degrees F. for 30 minutes or until the potato mixture is hot.
Tip:
To make 3 cups mashed potatoes, place 2 pounds potatoes, peeled and cut into 1-inch pieces, into a 3-quart saucepan. Add water to cover and heat over medium-high heat to a boil. Reduce the heat to low. Cover and cook for 10 minutes or until the potatoes are tender. Drain. Mash the potatoes with 3/4 cup milk and 2 tablespoons butter.