Thought you might like this!!

It is important for men to remember that as women grow older it becomes
harder for them to maintain the same quality of housekeeping 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 chucked my job and took early retirement a year ago, it became
necessary for Nancy to get a full-time job both for extra income and for
health insurance benefits that we need. She was a trained lab tech when we
met thirty some years ago and was fortunate to land a job at the local
medical center.

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 the stairs all day 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.

Not only that, but unless I need something ironed to wear to the Monday's
lodge meeting or to Wednesday's or Saturday's poker club or to 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 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 her 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 than
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 to not
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 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 could go on and on, but I think you know where I'm coming from. I know
that 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 do how frustrating women can become as they get older.
My purpose in writing this is simply to suggest that you make the effort. I
realize that achieving the exemplary level of showing 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.

Note: This article was found next to the author's body.
The cause of death is still under investigation.

Well shoot,now "Nancy" knows how he felt all those years he had to work!! derf