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 March, it became necessary for Susan to get a full-time job,
both for the extra income and for the 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 and hunting about the same time
that 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 used to do 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.

Now that she is older, she seems to get tired so much more quickly.

Our washer and dryer are in the basement.

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 game club or 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 the odds and ends
things like shampooing the dog, vacuuming or dusting.

Also, if I have a really good day of fishing, this allows her
to gut and scale the fish at a more leisurely pace.

Susan 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 on her lunch hour.

In spite of her complaining, I continue to offer encouragement.

I tell her to stretch it out over two or three days.

That way she won't have to rush so much.

I also remind her that missing lunch completely now and then
won'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 rest breaks.

I tell her to fix a big, cold glass of freshly squeezed lemonade
and 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 that I support
Susan 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

Please Note:
Bob's funeral was on Saturday, April 26th.
Susan was acquitted Monday, April 28th.