12 September 2005

Rapiers at the Ready I and II

We met Bez & Ern for a coffee down in Rockingham yesterday. It was a beautiful day for sitting by the beach and watching the passing parade of humanity. The sun was shining and a gentle breeze was blowing. Everyone was in decent spirits - even Ern! A woman walked by with a little fluffball of a dog on a leash.

"Look at that thing, " said Grumpy, with some affection. He loves a fluffball.
"Belongs in a crayfish pot," said Ern.

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On Saturday we were shopping for a birthday present for Grumpy's Nan, who is about to turn 91. She's a tenacious old bird, and a touch on the cantankerous side. She has a younger man courting her. The Colonel's in his mid-80s, so Nan shaved a few years off her age when they started stepping out. This caused major headaches at her 90th last year, when all the guests were given strict instructions not to mention her age.

But I think The Colonel might be on to her wily ways. When he met me and Grumpy he was asking many polite, but nevertheless probing, questions about how old we were, how long we'd been married, etc etc. You could hear the abacus clacking away inside his head. But he's a gentleman and he is, no doubt, courteously allowing his lady love to indulge in her little vanity.

So on Saturday we were staggering through the shops trying to find something for the nonagenarian who has everything. It's difficult with the oldies.

"Maybe we could get her something nice for her face?" I suggested.
"What do you mean?" asked Grumpy. "A new one?"*



*But seriously, folks, he loves his Nan. Let's hear it for Grumpy and the old lady!

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