[Reaganomics]

I once gave my soon to be wife a frying pan for her birthday. Here friend asked if she used it as soon as she unwrapped it, on me.

Hey, I was naive and when she had said she needed a frying pan I thought that was a hint.

[Betty Jane]

Here's how I am. I told my husband for every gift giving occassion what I wanted. One year just a book and quiet time to read it. Once, new dishes. Other times practical gifts. (I am a low maintenance wife).

Every year, he would listen to his friends who said get jewelry or perfume or some other useless, to me, trinket.

Last year I said I wanted a freezer. He finally listened. He told his friends who razzed him, but when they saw my excited reaction to the freezer they finally understood, and so did he.

I have always told him point blank what I wanted, but I think he was embarrassed to tell his friends. Now he knows.

This year for Christmas, I asked for good cookie sheets and ice trays. These are things I want, need and always forget to pickup.