in the olden days...

The Princess was pondering the invention of toast.

"Mum!" she said. "Did they have fires in the olden days?"

"Yes, sweetpea," I said.

"And did they have bread?"

"Ummm.... I think so."

"Well. I think I know how they made toast. They left the bread next to the fire!"

Not being one to miss an opportunity for a Mother Nag, I said "Well, I hope they were being careful not to burn themselves."

She slapped her hands onto my cheeks and stared me accusingly in the eyes.
"Mum! You know all about the olden days! You were IN them!"