Surprises, by definition, come unexpectedly.

So it was when my wife and I had our master bathroom remodeled recently.

The contractor installed a new shower stall, a new vanity, bathtub fixtures, tore off the wallpaper and painted the walls. We had to empty our closets and we slept for several nights in our guest bedroom.

The surprise?

Well, buried deep in my closet — yes, I still have a closet all to myself — was a raincoat that I received in August 1968. The U.S. Army gave me the “gift” upon my induction and arrival at Fort Lewis, Wash., for basic training.

I’ve kept it for nearly 47 years.

Well, this morning I put the coat on as I got ready to venture into the downpour that was flooding our streets and alleys and continuing to fill our playas.

The best surprise of all is that raincoat still fits!

It’s not the most stylish article of clothing you’ll ever see. After all, it is “OD in color,” olive drab. But the material is still water-resistant. It’s functional. Besides, my wife never has accused me of being a fashion-conscious clothes horse.

My next surprise will be to fit into some of those “skinny slacks” that have been hanging in there.

Wish me luck. I’ll need it.