[MargaretKur]

Talk about survival! I agree with you totally there. It's hard to believe in this day and age that many parents haven't realized that boys need to learn how to clean, cook, and do laundry. Also, they should realize that girls should know how to do some basic repairs around the house and in the car.

When I grew up it certainly was different. I'm glad for the sewing in home ec, but I wanted to learn how to make a stool in wood shop, too! Of course that just "wasn't done" so I know where a lot of you are coming from.

In our home, we both do laundry and are basically responsible for our own clothes. My husband is retired and I work irregular hours. I do as much as I can by hand in the sink. Occasionally, my husband will do some hand laundry as well. As for the laundromat (we rent and have no hookup for a washer/dryer) my husband usually takes the bulk of his clothes, plus anything of mine that is difficult to wash manually. Of course, he also takes the bedsheets and towels.

He uses a bit more detergent than I would, but that's OK. He likes to spend the time sitting and reading as the machines run, but that drives me crazy...I'd rather be doing something useful. So, he just brings my clothes home flattened and folded over once and I fold or hang them.

The only time he really wants me to go with him is when we're doing the infrequent bulk items such as the winter comforters and blankets that have to go into the giant machine (I don't know what's so "mysterious" about the big machine, but it's not a big deal, LOL).

It's great not to have to worry too much about doing the laundry at our house.

BTW, so as not to let the hand laundry build up, I do my best to wash underwear daily in the morning either right before or after I shower. Other things I try to do in pairs or threes so I don't wear myself out. There's no "wash day" mentality for me.