I did something today that I haven’t done in over 55 years; I washed my hair with rainwater. Back in the 60s my grandmother used to save rainwater, because, according to her, it made one’s hair softer. If grandma believed in rainwater as a softener, I certainly was a believer, too.
As her oldest granddaughter and a young teenager it was my privilege (and let us not dismiss the fact that it was an excuse to drive the car) to wash her hair on Saturdays. Her short coarse gray hair was so easily washed. I can still see her in her cotton dress leaning over the little white basin with red trim, me pouring cups of warm water over her head. The best part was always the suds, and after a gentle and thorough sudsing, I would follow up with a vinegar rinse. Grandma always thought that the vinegar rinse would cut some of the yellow from her gray hair. I don’t know about that, but I certainly know that it made her hair squeak. Squeaky hair to her, and to me, means one’s hair is clean!
A few days ago and quite by accident, this tub filled with rainwater. For many reasons this brought back old memories, and I just couldn’t pour the water out. So as a tribute to her, but more of a remembrance, I washed my hair today using this rainwater. I hope that you look at these pictures, and maybe you have some memories yourself, of a time when everything seemed precious. Not everything was it as easy as turning on the tap.
Another story about rainwater written in 2011. Hope you enjoy!
https://retirementthegoodlife.blogspot.com/2011/05/rain-water.html
I love you. ❤️
Grandma’s tub was at the corner of her porch just for this purpose. Remember,cousins? Sometimes I wonder if my family was the only ones to appreciate this precious commodity
