When in Rome, do as the Romans do, they used to say. Well, when you’re a kid and you go to the Deep South, do as the Southerner kids do. Say Sir, say Ma’am and keep saying them – or you might just find yourself in the Hollering Box.
This was an invention of an adult female cousin of mine, who ruled her entire household with a very firm hand. The place was neat, the meals were great, we had fun, but if my brothers and I acted up, well…