My grandmother's hat

At one point, my mother and I lived in western Pennsylvania with my grandmother and great-grandfather.  It was a life-changing year for me, but we'll do that another time.  This is about the hat.

So...

Every morning my grandmother got up... took a shower (she went once a week to get her hair "done", so she wore a shower cap.  I was fascinated.  That's how they did that in the olden days), put on her stockings, slip, and dress... and then... a hat. 

I was little - 4 years old maybe?  I didn't understand the hat.

"Gram... Why do you put on a hat every morning?"

Gramma Jo chuckled.  "I put on my hat every morning because I want to be ready.  Bertha (across the street) or Duckie (down the street) might be going into town and call to invite me to come.  If I'm not ready - if they have to wait for me - they might not invite me again.  That would never do."

"No Gram", I laughed, hugging her.  "That would never do"

I don't wear a hat, but I do get my shower and get dressed before I do anything else.  Something good might come up and I want to be ready. 

Thanks, Gram!