Vergie,
My only complaint about this article is, why did Bob's funeral have 
to be on my birthday?  GRIN!
Kathy


At 08:20 AM 3/1/2006, you wrote:
>Hello everybody,
>Read and enjoy!
>Virgie and Hoshi
>
>Subject: Bob & Salley
>Subject: Bob & Sally!
>This letter is being widely circulated. Written by a caring and concerned
>husband, it expresses so beautifully his observations of changes in his
>wife -- changes that are of some concern to him. Like most people, you will
>be glad you took the few minutes required to read it
>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
>April, it became necessary for Sally to get a full-time job, both for extra
>income and for health benefits that we need. It was shortly after she
>started working 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, instead I tell her to take her time and just wake me when
>she finally does get supper on the table. She didn't used to leave the dirty
>dishes on the table but it seems now she allows 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.
>Now that she is older she seems to get tired so much more quickly. Our
>washer and dryer are in the basement. Some times 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 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. Sally is starting to complain a
>little occasionally. 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. She
>had to take a break when she was only half finished mowing the yard. 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 know that I probably look like a saint in the way I support Sally 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. 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.
>Signed, Bob
>Bob's funeral was on Saturday, January 25th.
>Sally was acquitted on Monday, January 27th.