just swanning about by quietpurplehaze

just swanning about

Yesterday, I was minding Santa's sleigh.

I spend huge amounts of time behind the camera. But I thought to ask Ray to take me a selfie for this week's fiveplustwo theme of retirement.

Found this on 'Grammarist' online:

"Today’s meaning of the term swanning about has its origins in World War II, interestingly. At that time, swanning around and swanning about described the movements of tanks in battle, in seemingly aimless maneuvers. The term made its way into mainstream English to mean anyone moving about in an irresponsibly carefree or aimless pattern."

I rather liked the WW2 connection, having been engaged for a few days in 'marketing' my dad's PoW diaries - although he was never in/on a tank.
Lovely relaxed image Hazel and I see your dressed appropriately for a trip his sleigh, interesting story on swanning around :)
December 5th, 2018  
@pcoulson

Yes, had never heard of the explanation before and was really looking to find an alternative expression - which I didn't!
December 5th, 2018  
the sleigh looks a bit empty, is Santa going cheap this year?
December 5th, 2018  
@pusspup

He's probably worried about Brexit!!!
December 5th, 2018  
You look all set to be one of Santa's helpers
December 5th, 2018  
Bep
A lovely selfie, Hazel.
December 5th, 2018  
@onewing

Babs, not a huge fan of Christmas - but it does give some photo opps!
December 5th, 2018  
@quietpurplehaze I'm not a fan of Christmas either, too many sad occasions in the past and present for that matter.
December 5th, 2018  
This is fun, you seem to me to be an elf on standby!
December 5th, 2018  
@onewing

Exactly. I am lesrning to keep quiet about my views as folk try to impose their views on me!
December 5th, 2018  
Ray did really well. This is a super shot.
December 5th, 2018  
Great shot mrs. Claus!
December 5th, 2018  
@jacqbb

That's the first time anyone has called me that, Jacqueline!
December 5th, 2018  
We learn all the time...I would never have connected the phrase ‘swanning about’ with WW2! Looking good Hazel!
December 5th, 2018  
A very pleasing 'happy' shot.
December 5th, 2018  
Lovely capture from Ray I think you might have a long wait for Santa but you look very cosy. Swanning around was a favourite saying of my mothers but I never knew about the connection with tanks.
December 5th, 2018  
Great selfie Hazel, and interesting narrative too!
December 5th, 2018  
Such a lovely happy shot.
December 5th, 2018  
Lovely shot and a very nice sleigh
December 5th, 2018  
Great capture in Santa's sleigh :)
December 5th, 2018  
Great shot of you in that neat sleigh :)
December 5th, 2018  
Great selfie in a nice surounding place.
( The weigt of clouds is +/- one atmosphere Now 1011.6 hPa )
December 5th, 2018  
A lovely image Hazel
December 6th, 2018  
Awesome picture.
December 6th, 2018  
Lovely to 'see' you Hazel and enjoy 'swanning' around too. x
December 6th, 2018  
@susie1205

Susie, thank you. Hope we shall arrange a get-together next year.
December 6th, 2018  
Lovely shot. Will there be snow?
December 6th, 2018  
@haskar

Probably not - hardly ever here!
December 6th, 2018  
swanning makes you look terrific, my dear. i would love to be swanning around, too! soon, i should be able to do just that --swanning. i like that term. and ray's selfie of you :-) is worth aces!
December 6th, 2018  
@summerfield

Thank you so much, and I wish you - soon - lots of happy swanning!!
December 6th, 2018  
A lovely photo!
December 6th, 2018  
Great selfie. All you needed was Rudolph and it wold have been complete.Really interesting about 'swanning around' and I also like the connection with WWI.
December 8th, 2018  
@pyrrhula

Ferry, you blind me with science!!!
December 8th, 2018  
My mother always used the phrase 'swanning around' to refer to people (usually women) who she thought were idly wandering about to no avail except flaunting their own attractiveness... or some such. If the cap fits, etc....!
December 9th, 2018  
@yrhenwr

I don’t have a cap - but you probably noticed that I have a nice woolly hat!!
December 11th, 2018  
Those who believe, help Santa out.
December 12th, 2018  
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