This is my granny's bath mat. I've been using it ever since she died, back in 1972. I ought to get rid of it (it's not quite as horrible as it looks), but it must be over 100 years old, and there's still plenty of life (?) in it. She married in 1911, and it may have been part of her trousseau (do bath mats feature in trousseaux?). Anyway, I'm fond of it. I like to think of Granny's little wet feet helping to make all those holes. It's a kind of heirloom.
Ah, me. In those days, things were made to last....
(B - if you're reading this - shall I leave it to you, as your special heirloom?)
I can see why you want to keep it - and if you're going to keep it then you might as well use it.
ReplyDeleteMy sentiments exactly, Patsy.
DeletePlease, just put it in a cupboard and then buy a new one. It's time. Granny will understand.
ReplyDeleteMaggie, we have other bath mats. Did you think we were a one bath mat household? How mortifying.
DeleteI am sure that any beneficiaries will be thrilled to receive such a wonderful heirloom - Frances. I note that B hasn't replied yet... why would that be?
ReplyDeleteB never comments, Wendy. He just observes from afar.
DeleteHello Frances:
ReplyDeleteHere we must side with Maggie May!!
Turning against me so soon, Jane and Lance. Now could you?
DeleteThe colour and pattern are charming, but I am sure frequent runs in the washing machine at high temperatures will be more dangerous to this bath mat than anything little wet feet can do to it. Why not put it on the bathroom wall like a picture, so that you can still see and remember it? That could easily add another 100 years to its life!
ReplyDeleteThe wall is covered with photos of grandchildren having baths, Meike. No room for the bath mat.
DeleteI'm sure that you won't be putting it in a cupboard Frances. What use is an heirloom in a cupboard. I use glasses that my parents got as wedding presents and that my grandparents before them got as well. They have been used in some cases for over a century. If they were to get broken (and some presumably have) then at least their beauty will have been appreciated by many who would otherwise never see them.
ReplyDeleteThe difference between glasses and bath mats (of course, there are many) is that a glass is either broken or it isn't. With bath mats, there are grey areas (in every sense).
DeleteI so agree about using things. If somehthng is too valuable to use (or you mind too much to risk it), then it is of no use.
A bit like GB above, I had a pair of sunglasses that belonged to an ancient great aunt. I continued to use them for years after she died. Sadly, they eventually died too.
ReplyDeleteI never saw my great aunts in sunglasses, CM. What an entertaining thought (not sure why)!
DeleteI agree there's a difference between using old drinking glasses vs an old bathroom mat... ;) I do use some inherited things, including kettle holders probably made by my grandmother. I think I'd draw the line at a bath mat though. (Luckily I did not inherit any!)
ReplyDelete