Doghouse Again

 Aloma has either a hair or nails appointment every few weeks.  I think of them as beauty appointments.

I knew she had one yesterday.  She came into my office when she returned and sat down.  I noticed her pink nails and told her how much I liked them.  I took her hand and said I liked the designs on a couple of the nails.

She looked at me and said, “I had my hair done today.”

I told her how nice her hair looked, but it was too late for that.  She said, “I don’t believe you noticed my nails that are two weeks old and didn’t notice my hair.”

Later in the evening, I told her again how nice her hair looked.  She just held up her nails and wiggled them in my face.

 

The good news is that Aloma never holds a grudge.  I’ll be her hero again in a few days.

Seasoned Man

stevelem117@gmail.com

My Favorite Belt

 Almost eight years ago, soon after we moved to Cary, North Carolina, I took some stuff to the Goodwill Store to donate.  I decided to go inside and look around.  I noticed a handsome leather belt for under $2.00. My belt was old and worn so I decided to buy a new belt.

After almost eight years, the belt looks almost new.  Rather than use holes for the belt buckle to adjust the fit, it has loose woven leather.  The pin slips through the woven leather making it adjustable for any length.  And it doesn’t make a crease like a belt with holes.  I love it.

There is another reason the belt is special to me.  As I was checking out, I handed the clerk my credit card.  She said they don’t take credit cards.  I looked in my wallet and I only had one dollar so I told her I didn’t have enough cash.  A nice-looking woman behind me said, “Don’t worry, sir.  I’ll pay for it.  It’s less than $2.00.”  I looked in my pocket and felt some coins.  I had enough coins to add to the dollar bill so I paid for the belt.  I thanked the woman behind me and took my belt and left.

As I was walking to my car, I noticed I was wearing old sneakers, torn jeans, and an old T-shirt.  I’m sure she thought I was homeless.

So when I buckle my belt each morning, I remember the nice lady who offered to pay for it.

Seasoned Man

stevelem117@gmail.com

Twenty-Nine Years

 This past week, we spend a week in Corolla in the Outer Banks of North Carolina with a group of 18 friends in one large, wonderful house, right on the ocean, with a bonus view of the sound.  This is remarkable because it is our 29th year vacationing together.

Twenty-nine years ago, we were in our forties and fifties and spent our days playing tennis and riding bikes.  At night we would have skits, and talent shows.  We were so active.  Now, we are in our 70s and 80s and our only sporting event was putt-putt golf.  Evenings were quiet with movies, TV, and conversations.  But what hasn’t changed is the energy and the absolute delight of being together.

While I loved being here this year, it was difficult for me because my hearing is so bad--worse than last year.  When the gang was together and everyone talking, I couldn’t understand a thing.  It was embarrassing.  I could still have a one-on-one conversation if the room was quiet.  But that’s not good enough.

During the week, I wondered how many more years we can get together.  Four of the original couples were not here this year and I don’t know if they will return.  My guess is that we’ll continue to lose couples because of our ages and disabilities.

When Aloma and I returned home, we were exhausted.  Years ago it didn’t take days to recover from a vacation.

Thank you Bill and Pam for your organization and hard work.  Without you, these group vacations would never have happened.

Seasoned Man

stevelem117@gmail.com