it has been a long time since I have left home for a long time.

[GoesStation]

Do you ever say it ["for ages"], GS?

I'm pretty sure I do, occasionally. Bear in mind that my English is influenced by that of my mother, who lived in England when she was gaining fluency, and a bit by having lived in Toronto for a few years as a young adult.

But I keep hearing the phrase in the voice of a former boss, who is 100% Midwestern American. I think he used to say it.

 

[Tarheel]

I think my mom used to say that (for ages). Or maybe I just remember seeing it in a poem