Once upon a time I loved to iron.  When I was about nine years old.  I think that toy iron actually plugged in to an outlet and heated up.   Check out the formica table (child size) in the background of our 1950’s era kitchen.

Today I ironed for Banjo Man.  He usually irons for himself, because he is much better at it.  And more patient.  We have an unspoken agreement about ironing:  to each his own, unless one of us is in a hurry and the other isn’t.  The harried one will beg and the organized one will graciously agree to help.

This works out to be pretty much a 50/50 arrangement, which happens more and more as we get older and more married.  And more harried.

Banjo Man bought new pants yesterday.  He is much more fashionable than I am, but I am the minimalist packer who can travel around foreign countries with a bag the size of a plastic grocery sack.  Banjo Man has been trying to cut down on what he crams into a giant suitcase, which means he left some of his clothes back in Rhode Island.

We were in the big city yesterday, so we stopped at the big mall off the interstate and went to Macy’s.  I think the last time I was in Macy’s was four years ago.  We went right to the mens’ department (which took a bit of searching to find) and shopped for slacks.  He found the Perfect Pair and I made him buy another pair in a different color, which took a bit of discussion considering Banjo Man’s frugality.

I believe if you find something you like, buy it in other colors.  Or buy two or three of the same color.  So you don’t have to go shopping again!!

He bought the two pairs.  And, because we’ve been married a zillion years, never asked if I wanted to look around Macy’s or shop in the mall.  I will admit that the only tempting area was the crystal and china.  I love to look at crystal vases, especially for wedding gifts.  My “uncle”, a family friend named Chief Fleet (I was a Navy brat), gave me a beautiful vase for my wedding and it remains my favorite possession.  No one is allowed to wash it but me.

Anyway, today I ironed a pair of Banjo Man’s new slacks and he rushed out the door shortly afterward.

My work is done for the day.  What a relief.