Subject: Bob's letter
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>
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> Treat Your Wife with Consideration
> By Bob
>
> 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 years 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 stairs all day long 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. If I need something ironed to
> wear to the Monday lodge meeting or to Wednesday or Saturday poker club or
> Tuesday or Thursday 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.
>
> 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 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 that
> 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 even offer to have one with her, as
> she may as well make one for me too, 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 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 how frustrating women can become as they get
> older. My purpose in writing this is simply to suggest you make the
> effort. Achieving the exemplary level of 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
>
> (editor's note: Bob's funeral was on Saturday. Nancy was acquitted
> Monday)
TO SHARE
... Kaylets, Bob sounds like some people I know!
that makes much more sense! Sounds cute, too...I may have to try it.
Well, at least things worked out... good reason for a panic attack though - I would've told her to whip out a check for $85 and DO IT! 
