Wisdom from Mamie and Ike

Their wedding portrait

I recently finished reading Mrs. Ike written by Mamie Eisenhower's granddaughter, Susan Eisenhower. It was a VERY enjoyable read, all 339 pages of it!

I thought I'd share a short list of quotations from the book that I especially liked. I thought you might enjoy reading them as well:

• Mamie said, "...tired bedroom slippers and runover heels were a sure way to lose a husband, whether one realized it or not..."

Mamie ...was a great believer in always dressing up for her husband, never allowing him to see her when she wasn't looking her best.  She would even change for dinner in the evenings--either into a cocktail dress or, if they were being more informal, into a long flowing caftan or tea gown.

• Once when Mamie kept Ike waiting, it went like this:  Ike said, "You have kept the president of the United States waiting!" To which she retorted, "Oh, I thought I was dressing for my husband."

Ike said, about the Kennedy administration, "I am sick and tired of hearing alleged leaders scoff at a balanced budget...Is it so wicked to show some respect for the pioneer qualities of thrift and energy?"

• Their granddaughter said after Mamie died, "Though enormous gains have been made for women especially, a great deal has been lost for us all.  The focus on family and friendship that had once been of paramount importance has taken second place in our busy and harried lives.  This has been one of our country's greatest losses."

Mamie in her inaugural gown:

The golden years: