MOTHER'S DAY

My mother was an impeccable housekeeper and a green-thumb gardener. She even ironed her cleaning cloths because she said they looked better in the drawer. Her garden was full of flowers, especially lots of roses; and she brought into the house bouquets every day. Until I was in grade school, I thought everyone lived that way. Didn't everyone have a hand-painted iris vase with iris in it on their dressing table; or roses floating in a crystal rose bowl on the breakfast table? And, why wouldn't you iron and dust everything in site?? I realized that my mother had something special going on, as not only was I and the house her focus; she worked full time building her career for 40 years with the U. S. Government. Among the many things she instilled in me, however, was a special appreciation for a sparkling household with beautiful things in it!

I miss her every day.

I've also been blessed with a great mother-in-law. When the stories circulate about mother-in-law antics and problems, all I can say is that I sure didn't think I would have a mother-in-law for 53+ years. Yes, she will celebrate her 98th birthday next Wednesday. In her heyday, she was a prolific cook and seamstress while also working in the family grocery store plus she raised three kids. My mother was a great cook when she chose to, but she and I shared the same feelings about the kitchen -- it's at its best when clean and closed for the day. My mother-in-law, though, cooked constantly wonderful goodies - I've learned lots about cooking and sewing from her over the years.

The iris vase is the one that belonged to my mother, and it is sitting on her dressing table that now resides in our bedroom.

In the second picture, the small picture is of mother and I; and the larger picture is of my mother-in-law with Bob and his two sisters.

HAPPY MOTHER'S DAY, EVERYONE!