When my father was getting ready for work, our house was ruled by knocks (敲击声) and words.

He used to come downstairs to breakfast. The morning paper lay beside his plate. He always read the “Deaths” first. Then he made his first knock on the table, and one of my sisters brought his milk and bread, already buttered for him. Usually he said nothing, but once I heard him say, “I love you very much, Edith. I would love more if you buttered my bread on both sides.” He read the paper all through breakfast.

Two knocks on the table meant “I am ready for my tea.” If a single knock followed that meant, “More bread, please.”

After breakfast he said, “Boots.” The paper was spread (展开) for him over the back of an arm chair. Yesterday’s paper was put on the chair for his feet, and his boots were brought to him, freshly cleaned. He read standing at the same time putting on his boots. With one boot finished he said, “Bus.” At that point one of the girls went outside to the garden gate and waited there. Her job was to stop a bus when it came. It came early sometimes and it had to wait for my father. “Overcoat, hat.” One of my sisters had already brushed his overcoat. Now she held it open for him. Another girl came with his hat, nicely brushed. “Handkerchief, pipe (烟斗).” They were brought and put into his pocket. He looked out of the window and said either “Walking stick” or “Umbrella”. It was handed to him. Ready now, he was still reading the paper. He didn’t put it down until he heard the shout “Bus coming!” Then he kissed my mother and went out. The girls breathed freely.

How lucky a man was to have a wife and five daughters at home!

Many adults see rainy days as perfect for relaxing and curling up with a good book or a favorite movie. 【小题1】 They want to run, play, and release their pent-up energy. The situation isn’t hopeless, though. There are many rainy day activities that are perfect for children of all ages.

As soon as kids begin to feel frustrated from being trapped in the house, they will become destructive, and the kitchen table and chairs will become jungle gyms. In this case, help them to release their energy in a productive manner. Try turning the music loud and dancing.【小题2】

Rainy days often lead to a desire for sweet treats, so make baking one of kids’ favorite rainy day activities. Grab the kids and make some cookies, cakes or pies. Allow the kids to do most of the work, except for handling sharp objects or touching the stove or oven.【小题3】 They will also be content with a stomach full of warm cookies and milk.

【小题4】These give the kids a chance to develop their imagination and improve their fine motor skills. Set the kids up in an area of the house that is easily cleaned up. Allow them to explore their creativity.

Playing dress-up is one of kids’ favorite rainy day activities. Pull out some clothes that aren’t worn often and have the kids dress up.【小题5】 If a video camera is handy, record it and let the kids watch it with a bag of popcorn.

Too often, I hear people say “I’m just a housewife” when they introduce themselves. I don’t understand why their introduction is always filled with regret and self-pity. Is it really a crime to be a housewife? Is it really embarrassing when you choose not to work outside and instead choose to work in your home?

How could you be “just a housewife” when the basic social unit of society depends on you and your service? A housewife works for the longest hour, supporting your husband, child’s studies, caring for elders, managing finances, paying bills, grocery shopping, cooking according to individual taste, cleaning, etc. A housewife could be anyone: daughter, wife, mother, teacher, financial adviser, fashion designer and nurse, gardener, driver, cook, and so on. Don’t think you are not being paid for it. You get the reward that no money can offer—the love and affection (喜爱) of your family, their trust in you, a happy home and your own satisfaction.

It is you who choose to be in this occupation, willingly or for any other reason. After a busy day, all wait to return to the comfortable home set by you. They know you will be there to absorb all their stress and tiredness and relax them. Would the life have been the same if you had been working outside to earn some money? Would you along with your family have been able to buy all the content in life that you are enjoying now with that money?

Respect yourself for what you are. Introduce yourself to the world with the same dignity (尊严). The world understands the importance of your job. It’s time to make them accept it. Introduce yourself with pride and with twinkle in your eyes “I am a housewife”. Kick that “just” out.