Easter Bonnet

Do you remember when it was a big deal to have and wear an Easter bonnet? I certainly do. When I was growing up, every woman that I knew or was related to looked forward to buying a new Easter hat every spring. Two weeks ago today on Easter Sunday, I looked around at church and realized that I was the only one wearing a hat! It was not new but it still looked very nice. Later when we went out to eat with our son and his family, I told our grandaughter the story about the hat I was wearing. It is black straw and has a beautiful black rose in the center of the brim in the back. A very stylish hat if I do say so myself. I told our grandaughter that the first time I wore this hat was to her christening. She is now fifteen so that was some time ago. I also told her that a hat can be a lifetime investment. All that is needed is a good hat box for storage. I remember all of the beautiful hats I saw ladies wearing in my childhood. I think we have lost so much when we have, for the most part, not continued this tradition. Department stores even eliminated hat departments for some years after the hippie period in the 60's. Today a lady may find a lovely hat in the right store and can add fun, beauty and a little spice to her life by buying one. And...men seem to always notice and admire a lady wearing a hat. So add something special to your relationship with your husband or favorite beau by adding a new hat to your wardrobe very soon. Another way to spuce up a happy relationship/marriage.

Appreciate.....deliberately

My husband always keeps a book in our car so he can read while I go into a store that does not interest him. I should add that I do not drive. I could go into a long explanation about this, but I will not at this time. Just accept it. So we go on any and all errands together. We both enjoy this. Anyway, when I returned to our car yesterday, he wanted to read a passage to me from his book. And this is how I discovered this new phrase. Appreciate...deliberatly. I think it sums up something we have been doing in our marriage, but had not expressed it in this way. I think it makes any relationship better when those involved, not only appreciate each other, but take the time to tell each other. Even in retirement, days can become busy and there is the tendency to get caught up in the tasks of the day. However, when we make a concerted effort to slow down we will see how helpful the little things are that we daily do for each other. We have a pretty paper towel holder in our kitchen. It is deep red and has a rooster on top of it. Recently I had noticed that we were getting pretty low on the roll of paper, but just ignored it. Later in the day, I noticed that my husband had taken the time to get another roll of paper out and had put it on the spindle. Take my word for it, it may be a pretty holder but it is a pain to change. I went immediately and found him and told him how much I had appreciated what he had done. So slow down and take the time to start appreciating ...deliberately. I think it will improve even the best of relationships.