Bonne Fete

As I was cleaning and folding my laundry today I came across some very precious items that have come my way over the years.

  These  articles have come to me by mail on an annual basis for at least 24 years.

Some have become worn and thin and the years have not left many stain free  or without a little hole or two to commemorate times of use other than that which was they were intended.

Many of these items have been used by all members of the family, sometimes joyfully and at  other times under duress.

These items have witnessed many happy times and family festivals and have served to contribute to the well being of many Xmases, Birthdays, Easters, and  Thanksgivings. 

Some were used keep young children clean and others were used to keep lunch kits dry and tea kettles shining. Sometimes they would serve as makeshift doilies on a child's play table, sometimes as scarves during dress up time. 

Some of these articles have had children as young as five use them and some have never felt a child's touch.

I speak of a group of tea towels that I have received as a annual birthday present from a long time friend.   A birthday package that after the first ten years became  anticipated and  was always appreciated.  A simple gift in a plain brown envelope but with the gift of time and thoughtfulness attached. 

There were some birthdays that nearly would have gone unnoticed if it weren't for that little parcel in the mail.  New things for the kitchen were at times a luxury in  the days of school books, piano lessons, haircuts, and dentist appointments.