Are tentative regulations ever advantageous?

[todayiamadaisy]

I don't know what made me remember this today, but: miniature carved soaps. When I was little, elderly ladies of my acquaintance (grandmother, great-aunts, nuns) loved to give and receive small, coloured soaps. Butterfly- or heart-shaped, in pink, blue or purple, with patterns on them, not unlike they had been made in a speculaas mould. Once given, these soaps were placed in lingerie drawers as scented fresheners. I haven't seen them for years.

I know where they got them from. The City by the Sea used to have a department store called Stephens. It closed decades ago, but I can still remember the Old Lady counter that had little drawers full of tiny soaps and fancy handkerchiefs next to the register. Where do old ladies buy their mini soaps and hankies now? (Do they still buy them?)

Also: Look what I bought yesterday. What will it become?