Way off topic

Hugh · 06-19-2002, 11:36 PM

<img src="graemlins/offtopic.gif" border="0" alt="[offtopic]" /> Subject: Retirement

It is important for men to remember that as women grow older, it becomes harder for them to maintain the same quality of housekeeping as they did when they were younger. When men notice this, they should try not to yell. Let me relate how I handle the situation.

When I chucked my job and took early retirement a year ago, it became necessary for Minta to get a full-time job both for extra income and for health insurance benefits that we need. She was a registered nurse when we met thirty some years ago and was fortunate to land a job at the local elementary school as a school nurse. It was shortly after she started working at this job that I noticed that she was beginning to show her age. I usually get home from fishing or hunting about the same time she gets home from work. Although she knows how hungry I am, she almost always says that she has to rest for half an hour or so before she starts supper. I try not to yell at her when this happens. Instead, I tell her to take her time. I understand that she is not as young as she used to be. I just tell her to wake me when she finally does get supper on the table. She used to wash and dry the dishes as soon as we finished eating. It is now not unusual for them to sit on the table for several hours after supper. I do what I can by reminding her several times each evening that they aren't cleaning themselves. I know she appreciates this, as it does seem to help her get them done before she goes to bed.

Our washer and dryer are in the basement. When she was younger, Minta used to be able to go up and down the stairs all day and not get tired. Now that she is older she seems to get tired so much more quickly. Sometimes she says she just can't make another trip down those steps. I don't make a big issue of this. As long as she finishes up the laundry
the next evening I am willing to overlook it. Not only that, but unless I need something ironed to wear to the Monday's lodge meeting or to Wednesday's or Saturday's poker club or to Tuesday's or Thursday's bowling or something like that, I will tell her to wait until the next evening to do the ironing. This gives her a little more time to do some of those odds and ends things like shampooing the dog, vacuuming, or dusting. Also, if I have had a really good day fishing, this allows her to gut and scale the fish at a more leisurely pace.

Minta is starting to complain a little occasionally. Not often, mind you, but just enough for me to notice. For example, she will say that it is difficult for her to find time to pay the monthly bills during her lunch hour. In spite of her
complaining, I continue to try to offer encouragement. I tell her to stretch it out over two or even three days. That way she won't have to rush so much. I also remind her that missing lunch completely now and then wouldn't hurt her any, if you know what I mean.

When doing simple jobs she seems to think she needs more rest periods than she used to have to take. A couple of weeks ago she said she had to take a break when she was only half finished mowing the yard. I overlook comments like these because I realize it's just age talking. In fact, I try to not embarrass her when she needs these little extra rest breaks. I tell her to fix herself a nice, big, cold glass of freshly squeezed lemonade and just sit for a while. I tell her that as long as she is making one for herself, she may as well make one for me and take her break by the hammock so she can talk with me until I fall asleep.

I could go on and on, but I think you know where I'm coming from. I know that I probably look like a saint in the way I support Minta on a daily basis I'm not saying that the ability to show this much consideration is easy. Many men will find it difficult. Some will find it impossible. No one knows better than I do how frustrating women can become as they get older. My purpose in writing this is simply to suggest that you make the effort. I realize that achieving the exemplary level of showing consideration I have attained is out of reach for the average man. However guys, even if you just yell at your wife a little less often because of this article, I will consider that writing it was worthwhile. <img src="graemlins/beerchug.gif" border="0" alt="[cheers]" />

Herb · 06-20-2002, 12:03 AM

Hugh, I think you have a very good point here. I have forwarded this article to Minta for her comments. We should have both sides of the situation before making a decision.

Frank · 06-20-2002, 09:40 AM

Hugh, you are a real Gem!!! I can imagine just how fortunate Minta feels about having you around the house to "support" her in her old age!! <img src="graemlins/c.gif" border="0" alt="[ouch]" />

Dok · 06-20-2002, 09:57 AM

Thanks Hugh,

I have forwarded your post on to Jeannie, in hopes that she will take heart from Minta's strength, and find the courage to carry in a similar spirit.

Dok [img]tongue.gif[/img]

Edward Tinker · 06-20-2002, 10:09 AM

Well Hugh, I had discussed this same type of thing with my wife, sister and such and for some reason they were very NOT-understanding about my needs and my real desire to be helpful.

Women, you sometimes can't please them? [img]wink.gif[/img]

[img]biggrin.gif[/img] [img]biggrin.gif[/img] [img]biggrin.gif[/img]

John Sabato · 06-20-2002, 11:19 AM

I think all of you are crazy for putting this stuff in print where it will haunt you for years to come [img]biggrin.gif[/img]

Didn't you realize that there is nothing preventing your signifigant others from registering as new members of the forum and having full access to your "private" thoughts <img src="graemlins/roflmao.gif" border="0" alt="[hiha]" />

Heaven help us all for the damage that you have done! <img src="graemlins/roflmao.gif" border="0" alt="[hiha]" /> <img src="graemlins/roflmao.gif" border="0" alt="[hiha]" /> <img src="graemlins/roflmao.gif" border="0" alt="[hiha]" />

Luke · 06-20-2002, 05:23 PM

Hugh,

This has been very helpful and instructive.
I plan to give a copy to my wife, Lois, to see if she can learn something from it. Maybe with a little encouragement from me she will become as good as Minta.

Minta is a gem, just hope she doesn't know where you keep the ammunition !!!!

Luke

Roadkill · 06-20-2002, 06:02 PM

Ya'll a lot braver than I am. I'm not saying anything about that to my wife. Remember Kenny Rogers's "The Gambler"? The other part is to know when to shut up.

<img src="graemlins/icon107.gif" border="0" alt="[icon107]" />

RK

Thor · 06-20-2002, 06:26 PM

Natalie and I met Minta at the last WOL meeting. A very very nice lady! You got a keeper there Hugh. She is a delight on the phone when I call to bend ol Hugh's ear on Lugersmithing! A great couple and nice friends!!!! Now Hugh?? How did you say she fixes dem Snail rats fur ye? With or without the armor? <img src="graemlins/drink.gif" border="0" alt="[cherrsagai]" />

Bernard · 06-20-2002, 08:54 PM

Hugh - I want to live a little longer, so, after thinking about this for a whole 10 or 15 seconds, I decided this is not good to pass on to my wife. As it is, she admits she hates to see me relax.

John - Should the board have a "No spouses allowed" rule?

Hugh · 06-20-2002, 11:08 PM

Minta said "any more posts like that and I'm going to tell the guys what a *****cat you really are!" <img src="graemlins/icon501.gif" border="0" alt="[icon501]" />

Edward Tinker · 06-20-2002, 11:53 PM

Oh for goodness sakes Hugh, don't let them know the truth!

Walk around like this [img]mad.gif[/img] or <img src="graemlins/cussing.gif" border="0" alt="[grrrrrrr]" /> (at least around the public people) and then really do this <img src="graemlins/beerchug.gif" border="0" alt="[cheers]" /> and <img src="graemlins/drink.gif" border="0" alt="[cherrsagai]" />

06-19-2002, 11:36 PM	#1
Hugh RIP Join Date: Jun 2002 Location: Southeast Texas Swamp Posts: 2,460 Thanks: 2 Thanked 165 Times in 64 Posts	Way off topic <img src="graemlins/offtopic.gif" border="0" alt="[offtopic]" /> Subject: Retirement It is important for men to remember that as women grow older, it becomes harder for them to maintain the same quality of housekeeping as they did when they were younger. When men notice this, they should try not to yell. Let me relate how I handle the situation. When I chucked my job and took early retirement a year ago, it became necessary for Minta to get a full-time job both for extra income and for health insurance benefits that we need. She was a registered nurse when we met thirty some years ago and was fortunate to land a job at the local elementary school as a school nurse. It was shortly after she started working at this job that I noticed that she was beginning to show her age. I usually get home from fishing or hunting about the same time she gets home from work. Although she knows how hungry I am, she almost always says that she has to rest for half an hour or so before she starts supper. I try not to yell at her when this happens. Instead, I tell her to take her time. I understand that she is not as young as she used to be. I just tell her to wake me when she finally does get supper on the table. She used to wash and dry the dishes as soon as we finished eating. It is now not unusual for them to sit on the table for several hours after supper. I do what I can by reminding her several times each evening that they aren't cleaning themselves. I know she appreciates this, as it does seem to help her get them done before she goes to bed. Our washer and dryer are in the basement. When she was younger, Minta used to be able to go up and down the stairs all day and not get tired. Now that she is older she seems to get tired so much more quickly. Sometimes she says she just can't make another trip down those steps. I don't make a big issue of this. As long as she finishes up the laundry the next evening I am willing to overlook it. Not only that, but unless I need something ironed to wear to the Monday's lodge meeting or to Wednesday's or Saturday's poker club or to Tuesday's or Thursday's bowling or something like that, I will tell her to wait until the next evening to do the ironing. This gives her a little more time to do some of those odds and ends things like shampooing the dog, vacuuming, or dusting. Also, if I have had a really good day fishing, this allows her to gut and scale the fish at a more leisurely pace. Minta is starting to complain a little occasionally. Not often, mind you, but just enough for me to notice. For example, she will say that it is difficult for her to find time to pay the monthly bills during her lunch hour. In spite of her complaining, I continue to try to offer encouragement. I tell her to stretch it out over two or even three days. That way she won't have to rush so much. I also remind her that missing lunch completely now and then wouldn't hurt her any, if you know what I mean. When doing simple jobs she seems to think she needs more rest periods than she used to have to take. A couple of weeks ago she said she had to take a break when she was only half finished mowing the yard. I overlook comments like these because I realize it's just age talking. In fact, I try to not embarrass her when she needs these little extra rest breaks. I tell her to fix herself a nice, big, cold glass of freshly squeezed lemonade and just sit for a while. I tell her that as long as she is making one for herself, she may as well make one for me and take her break by the hammock so she can talk with me until I fall asleep. I could go on and on, but I think you know where I'm coming from. I know that I probably look like a saint in the way I support Minta on a daily basis I'm not saying that the ability to show this much consideration is easy. Many men will find it difficult. Some will find it impossible. No one knows better than I do how frustrating women can become as they get older. My purpose in writing this is simply to suggest that you make the effort. I realize that achieving the exemplary level of showing consideration I have attained is out of reach for the average man. However guys, even if you just yell at your wife a little less often because of this article, I will consider that writing it was worthwhile. <img src="graemlins/beerchug.gif" border="0" alt="[cheers]" /> __________________ *TRUMP FOR PREZ IN '20!*

06-20-2002, 12:03 AM	#2
Herb User Join Date: Jun 2002 Location: Utah, in the land of the Sleeping Rainbow Posts: 1,457 Thanks: 0 Thanked 1 Time in 1 Post	Hugh, I think you have a very good point here. I have forwarded this article to Minta for her comments. We should have both sides of the situation before making a decision. __________________ Utah, where gun control means a steady trigger pull

06-20-2002, 09:57 AM	#4
Dok RIP Join Date: Jun 2002 Location: Bermuda (Eat Your Heart Out) Posts: 1,626 Thanks: 0 Thanked 3 Times in 3 Posts	Thanks Hugh, I have forwarded your post on to Jeannie, in hopes that she will take heart from Minta's strength, and find the courage to carry in a similar spirit. Dok [img]tongue.gif[/img] __________________ You can never be too rich; too thin; or too well armed! http://www.centercustomcases.com/

06-20-2002, 10:09 AM	#5
Edward Tinker Super Moderator Eternal Lifer LugerForum Patron Join Date: Jun 2002 Location: North of Spokane, WA Posts: 15,909 Thanks: 1,986 Thanked 4,500 Times in 2,076 Posts	Well Hugh, I had discussed this same type of thing with my wife, sister and such and for some reason they were very NOT-understanding about my needs and my real desire to be helpful. Women, you sometimes can't please them? [img]wink.gif[/img] [img]biggrin.gif[/img] [img]biggrin.gif[/img] [img]biggrin.gif[/img] __________________ Edward Tinker ************ Co-Author of Police Lugers - Co-Author of Simson Lugers Author of Veteran Bring Backs Vol I, Vol II, Vol III and Vol IV

06-20-2002, 11:19 AM	#6
John Sabato Lifer Lifetime Forum Patron Join Date: Jun 2002 Location: The Capital of the Free World Posts: 10,150 Thanks: 3,003 Thanked 2,304 Times in 1,096 Posts	I think all of you are crazy for putting this stuff in print where it will haunt you for years to come [img]biggrin.gif[/img] Didn't you realize that there is nothing preventing your signifigant others from registering as new members of the forum and having full access to your "private" thoughts <img src="graemlins/roflmao.gif" border="0" alt="[hiha]" /> Heaven help us all for the damage that you have done! <img src="graemlins/roflmao.gif" border="0" alt="[hiha]" /> <img src="graemlins/roflmao.gif" border="0" alt="[hiha]" /> <img src="graemlins/roflmao.gif" border="0" alt="[hiha]" /> __________________ regards, -John S "...We hold these truths to be self-evident that ALL men are created EQUAL *and are endowed by their Creator* with certain UNALIENABLE* rights, and among these are life, LIBERTY, and the pursuit of happiness..."*

06-20-2002, 09:40 AM	#3
Frank RIP Patron LugerForum Patron Join Date: Jun 2002 Location: Hot & Dry PHX, AZ Posts: 2,078 Thanks: 24 Thanked 163 Times in 87 Posts	Hugh, you are a real Gem!!! I can imagine just how fortunate Minta feels about having you around the house to "support" her in her old age!! <img src="graemlins/c.gif" border="0" alt="[ouch]" />

06-20-2002, 05:23 PM	#7
Luke User Join Date: Jun 2002 Location: NC - USA Posts: 1,239 Thanks: 0 Thanked 18 Times in 6 Posts	Hugh, This has been very helpful and instructive. I plan to give a copy to my wife, Lois, to see if she can learn something from it. Maybe with a little encouragement from me she will become as good as Minta. Minta is a gem, just hope she doesn't know where you keep the ammunition !!!! Luke __________________ "Peace, if possible; truth, at any cost." . . . Martin Luther

06-20-2002, 06:02 PM	#8
Roadkill User Join Date: Jun 2002 Posts: 1,632 Thanks: 1 Thanked 28 Times in 17 Posts	Ya'll a lot braver than I am. I'm not saying anything about that to my wife. Remember Kenny Rogers's "The Gambler"? The other part is to know when to shut up. <img src="graemlins/icon107.gif" border="0" alt="[icon107]" /> RK

06-20-2002, 06:26 PM	#9
Thor User Join Date: Jun 2002 Location: Rio Rancho, New Mexico Posts: 4,583 Thanks: 958 Thanked 970 Times in 276 Posts	Natalie and I met Minta at the last WOL meeting. A very very nice lady! You got a keeper there Hugh. She is a delight on the phone when I call to bend ol Hugh's ear on Lugersmithing! A great couple and nice friends!!!! Now Hugh?? How did you say she fixes dem Snail rats fur ye? With or without the armor? <img src="graemlins/drink.gif" border="0" alt="[cherrsagai]" /> __________________ Thor's Luger Clinic http://members.rennlist.com/lugerman/ Ted Green (Thor Yaller Boots) 725 Western Hills Dr SE, Rio Rancho, NM 87124 915-526-8925 Email thor340@aol.com ----------------------------------- John3:3 Jesus answered and said to him, "Most assuredly, I say to you, unless one is born again, he cannot see the kingdom of God."

06-20-2002, 08:54 PM	#10
Bernard User Join Date: Jun 2002 Location: San Diego Posts: 35 Thanks: 0 Thanked 0 Times in 0 Posts	Hugh - I want to live a little longer, so, after thinking about this for a whole 10 or 15 seconds, I decided this is not good to pass on to my wife. As it is, she admits she hates to see me relax. John - Should the board have a "No spouses allowed" rule?

06-20-2002, 11:08 PM	#11
Hugh RIP Join Date: Jun 2002 Location: Southeast Texas Swamp Posts: 2,460 Thanks: 2 Thanked 165 Times in 64 Posts	Minta said "any more posts like that and I'm going to tell the guys what a ***cat you really are!" <img src="graemlins/icon501.gif" border="0" alt="[icon501]" /> __________________ TRUMP FOR PREZ IN '20!**

06-20-2002, 11:53 PM	#12
Edward Tinker Super Moderator Eternal Lifer LugerForum Patron Join Date: Jun 2002 Location: North of Spokane, WA Posts: 15,909 Thanks: 1,986 Thanked 4,500 Times in 2,076 Posts	Oh for goodness sakes Hugh, don't let them know the truth! Walk around like this [img]mad.gif[/img] or <img src="graemlins/cussing.gif" border="0" alt="[grrrrrrr]" /> (at least around the public people) and then really do this <img src="graemlins/beerchug.gif" border="0" alt="[cheers]" /> and <img src="graemlins/drink.gif" border="0" alt="[cherrsagai]" /> __________________ Edward Tinker ************ Co-Author of Police Lugers - Co-Author of Simson Lugers Author of Veteran Bring Backs Vol I, Vol II, Vol III and Vol IV