Freedom

Ironing.

No, I can't say its a completely archaic word, but getting close! Ironing for Mother meant a day's work. At least.

Because after the shirts and blouses and dresses had blown completely dry on the pegged line, we brought them inside and sprinkled them with a plastic squeeze bottle that had many tiny holes in the lid. Then, lightly moistened, we rolled them up and put them in a bag!

Why? Well I guess because they were mostly cotton and dried wrinkled! Obviously we would some time later take them out and iron them smooth. And starch them of course. So - wash, dry, sprinkle, starch, iron. It all sounds like a cruel joke! But it was Tuesday in the life of our mother - and us as we grew into ironing capability.

I started with men's handkerchiefs Lovely easy little squares. No harm, no foul. Then pillowcases. Larger areas, but still simple When the moment came to learn how to iron a shirt or blouse - oh, dear, the pressure of it all There were rules of the road! Collar first, sleeves second, front panels next and then the back. THAT was how it was done.

When I think back to those days - before fabric blends, steam irons, even spray starch, the work of looking presentably unwrinkled was really horrendous!! Now, you understand, not everyone did this, but their appearances were deemed "careless."

I raise a very joyous glass to labor free clothes!