A new mantra

Like most couples, I suppose, Barry and I often discuss the things we’re going to do, the plans we’ve got, the hopes we have. None of our ideas are earth-shattering or innovative or even very much out of the ordinary. I mean, many people have a huge model train lay-out in the attic and a gymnasium and endless pool at the end of the garden and plans for an observatory to house the astronomical telescopes. And yes, we also have a special telescope to observe the sun. It’s not used very often as there are days when we don’t even see the sun.

The other day Barry said that he’s really enjoying his retirement and having the opportunity to pursue his many hobbies. I must admit that I had a great deal of trepidation at the prospect of him not going out to work each day. I thought he would miss the challenges – and there were many! – but he’s glad to be out of what was turning into a frustrating and rather dreary business. It was taken over by another company after he left and reports from the very few who remain there are not joyous.

He declared happily that he’s got time now to decorate. I remember doing some of that when I first stopped working but I’m an impatient painter. I start with great enthusiasm but soon get bored and slap the paint on so thickly that it forms small waterfalls frozen in time as they dry. Barry claims that he likes painting and about two months ago he declared his aim of painting a door a day. His new mantra, ‘Paint a door a day’, he would call gleefully to me as he passed through on his way to the loft, the gym, the pool.

Thus far, he has painted one door and it certainly looks very nice, contrasting so beautifully with the walls that now look rather tired. Last night he amended ‘Paint a door a day’ to ‘Paint a door a month’ and I quickly adjusted it to ‘Paint a door a year’. Well, there are more interesting things to do – and we’re doing them!