Variation on a theme

In my last post, I wrote about locking myself and the children out of the house. It was written with the bravura of someone who has escaped a problem by the seat of her pants. We got into the house without too much hassle and if we hadn't had so much fun, I'd have sworn the children to secrecy. As it was, I was quite happy to deal with FR's reaction, though I only confessed to my act of forgetfulness so that Ruy could have his moment of glory - well deserved as it was. FR's potential disapproval was completely thwarted - I knew he wanted to tell me what he really thought, but he had to contain it somewhat. It's not always like that though....

I have found it better over the years to keep my little moments of weakness away from the harsh and critical eye of my husband. He's not one to suffer fools gladly and finds fools throw themselves at him wherever he goes. Personally, I reckon it's just bad karma that he's stored up over the years and he should try to be more tolerant, more generous and less impatient. And that's just towards me and the children.

His 'not amused' attitude puts Queen V to shame at times though when he's being disapproving, I am often overwhelmed by a desire to laugh.  I think it's probably hereditary, my mother having the ability to seemingly turn a crisis, not into a drama, but a comedy. We have a tendency to laugh in inappropriate places - like the dentists and hospitals - and at ourselves or others at inappropriate moments. She particularly likes a good 'come-uppance' or a bit of just desserts.

She would, I know, have been highly amused, as was I, at today's happening.

Whilst I was out teaching one of my students this morning, FR went on a log hunt for our wood-burning stove. I arrived home an hour later to a ringing phone. Oh how I laughed as I answered and listened to the half-defiant, half-pleading voice on the other end!

For it turns out that FR had taken off his jacket in the heat of the morning sunshine, popped the jacket on the front seat of the car and pushed the door closed. At which point, the naughty car locked itself, with the keys inside!!

Wouldn't it have been funny if his telephone had also been in the jacket, but no, we can't have everything. He called me and asked me to locate the spare car key, which I did. Fortunately for him (and for me) he was not too far away and we both set off walking and met up halfway - and oh, how I laughed!! And laughed.

And he had the grace to laugh too...he can and he does and I love that so much.

It's so good to laugh - just think how much more opportunity we have to laugh if we can laugh at ourselves!