June 8, 2008

A bit of advice

I was recently looking at plants in a little family owned nursery. While I was perusing the greenhouse aisles I noticed one of the owners working in an area near me.
"How're you doing today Mrs. Greenhouse?" I politely inquired loudly because she is elderly and hard of hearing.
"I've been better," she quipped right back. "If it weren't for that old man I'm married to, I'd be great."
Since I wasn't quite expecting that answer I chuckled a little and was rewarded with an evil look.
"So sorry to hear that Mrs. Greenhouse. Is there anything I can do to help?" I know that was lame, but it was all I could think of when she was glaring at me from under her gigantic floppy sun hat.
"No, but thanks Sweetie." She seemed to softening up a bit when she said, "He's really not all that bad...most of the time."
Relieved to see her normal sweet little demeanor back I asked, "So how long have you and Mr. Greenhouse been married anyways?"
"66 years. And I'm 83. Got married instead of finishing school," she explained.
"Wow. That's incredible. I've only been married for 15 years. Do you have any advice after all those years?"
Without a pause she enlightened me with this, "Not really. Some days they are the light of your lives. Some days you just give in to make them happy. Some days you have to ignore them or you might just accidentally bash them in the head with the frying pan."
When I looked up at her she was smiling the biggest, most mischievous, gorgeous grin.
Then she winked at me, turned and began walking down the aisle her big hat flopping as she sauntered away.

I am smitten with her. I love that she has such a great sense of humor. I love that she feels she can say whatever comes to mind. I find myself wanting to go seek her out whenever I am cooking with a nice heavy frying pan.

Love Note to my Big Shooter: I promise never to accidentally bash you in the head with a frying pan...on purpose maybe, but never accidentally.

4 comments:

ShEiLa said...

Great Advice Mrs. Greenhouse had. I knew I kept one of those cast iron frying pans for something. Ü
I just love old people. They are the best. In church today and over 80 lady brought the class instructor to tears... her response was I think that comment was a little judgmental... to which over 80 replied... what can I say, I'm judgemental! & that was that. (I was teaching kids... but my daughter told me what transpired in Sunday School.)
toodles, Sheila

Anonymous said...

Pretty Staight forward...Women don't understand MEN...or don't want too? And the MEN still stick with them?
I will never understand that either...
Lovies
Dad

Flea said...

Already I love her too! So realistic!

Unknown said...

That is awesome! We can learn a lot from the...ummm...how do you say old people in a pc way? Elderly? Experienced? You get the idea. Old people rock!