PB02

Dear Friends,

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 got laid off from my
consulting job and took "early retirement" in January, it became
necessary for Nancy to get a full-time job, both for extra income and for health
benefits that we need. She was a trained medical transcriptionist when we
met twenty-eight ears ago and was fortunate to land a job at a local
transcription house. 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, Nancy
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 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
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.

Nancy 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 not to 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 Nancy 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.

BOB

P.S. Bob's funeral was on Saturday, June 15th. Nancy was acquitted
Monday, June 17th.

jedwards

ltweintz

s2k_redhead

I wonder if Bob died via ??