Ironing.

An ironing board sits in our utility room, actually there are two there. I am not sure why because I don't think we have ironed anything in at least 10 years. Certainly I have not, and I'm not sure that Julia ever has. Well not since that first week after we got back from our honeymoon when I walked into the room and she was ironing. I asked her what she was doing and she replied, "I am ironing". My immediate answer was "Well don't."
Since then, to my knowledge she hasn't ironed anything, with the possible exception of a special dress or two and maybe one or tow of my dress shirts. I credit myself with having added years to her life with that simple statement.
My sister still irons everything, as do a few of our friends. My sister irons the hankies, sheets, socks - everything. I can't imagine that it takes her less than 4 hours a week. So let's use that as a guide to how much time I added to Julia's life. Four hours times 52 weeks = 208 hours per year, times 50 - the years since we got married = 10,400 hours. Now divide that by 24 to give the number of extra days afforded her. And you get 433 days or 1 year 2 months and 8 days! BUT, if you break it down to 8 hours days which would be more realistic you get more than three and a half years! Even better divide the 10,400 hours saved by the 40 hours in the normal work week and you will find that I personally by my small, considerate, thoughtful, kindhearted act added a full 5 years to her life - thus far!
As another item of interest I don't know where our iron is, or for that matter if we even still have one!
Just saying.