Dear Barry

[SwanageDave]

A Letter from Barry...

 

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

when they were younger. When you notice this, try to show some

understanding.

 

My name is Barry , and let me relate how I handled the situation with my

wife, Ivy.

 

When I retired a few years ago, it became necessary for Ivy to get a

full time job along with her part-time job, both for extra income and

for the health benefits that we needed.

 

Shortly after she started working, I noticed she was beginning to show

her age. I usually get home from the golf course about the same time she

gets home from work. Although she knows how hungry I am, she almost

always says she has to rest for half an hour or so before she starts

dinner. I don't yell at her. Instead, I tell her to take her time and

just wake me when she gets dinner on the table. I generally have lunch

in the Men's Grill at the country club, so eating out again at night is

not reasonable. I'm ready for some home-cooking when I hit that door.

 

She used to do the dishes as soon as we finished eating, but now it's

not unusual for them to sit on the table for several hours after dinner.

I do what I can by diplomatically reminding her several times each

evening that the dishes won't clean themselves. I know she really

appreciates this, as it does seem to motivate her to get them done

before she goes to bed.

 

Another symptom of aging is complaining. For example, she will say that

it is difficult for her to find time to pay the monthly bills during her

lunch hour. But, boys, we take 'em for better or worse, so I just smile

and 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).

 

I like to think that this is one of my strong points. When doing

simple jobs, she seems to think she needs more rest periods. She had to

take a break when she was only half finished mowing the yard. I try not

to make a scene. I'm a fair man. I tell her to fix herself a nice , big,

cold glass of freshly squeezed lemonade and just sit for a while.

And while she is getting herself one, she might as well get one for me,

too --- or just bring me a cold beer in a frosted mug.

 

I know that I probably look like a saint in the way I support Ivy, and

I'm not saying that showing this much consideration is easy. Nobody

knows better than I do how frustrating women get as they get older, but,

guys, even if you just use a little more tact and less criticism of your

aging wife because of this letter, I will consider that writing it was

well worthwhile. After all, we are put on this earth to help each other.

 

 

Signed, Barry

 

EDITOR'S NOTE:

Barry died tragically on March 1st of a perforated rectum. The police

report says he was found with a Calloway extra long 50-inch Big Bertha

Driver II golf club jammed up his rear end, with barely 5 inches of grip

showing and with a sledge hammer lying nearby. His wife Ivy was

arrested and charged with murder. The all-woman jury took only 15

minutes to find her Not Guilty, accepting her defence that Barry

somehow, without looking, accidentally sat down on his golf club.

[UNABASHED]

[busa1300]

lol nice one!