A Sad Time

Today I was practicing in one of the practice rooms at the school of music. I came out of my solitude to find a small crowd looking on at one of the balconies. I asked what was going on, and to my surprise I see a squirrel trapped on the balcony. Poor thing. It would pace from side to side of the balcony then climb the railing. It would attempt to jump to the roof but would fall back to the balcony every time. We watched in horror as he would contemplate his next move. He had a nut with him, and would take it close to the edge. We were afraid it would be a reenactment of the Ice Age squirrel, following his nut anywhere it may go. He had probly been there for a half an hour. We started to try to find things to help him to the roof. So he wouldn't die a miserable, lonely death. We decided to use one of the long chairs and prop it up against the wall so he could climb to the roof. We pick up the couch, then to our horror we watch him jump to his death off the balcony. We were astonished.

So today I watched a squirrel committed suicide. I will never be the same.

In the Land of Perfect......

In English class (senior year) Ms. DeHaan read us these "rules of being a good housewife", an excerpt from a 50's home economics book. I only hope I can be a housewife (not have to work outside the home). This would be the ideal situation for me.

1) Have dinner ready: Plan ahead, even the night before, to have a delicious meal... on time. This is a way of letting him know you have been thinking about him, and are concerned about his needs. Most men are hungry when they come home and the prospects of a good meal are part of the warm welcome needed.

2) Prepare yourself: Take 15 minutes to rest so you will be refreshed when he arrives. Touch up your makeup, put a ribbon in your hair and be fresh-looking. He has just been with a lot of work-weary people. Be a little gay (happy) and a little more interesting. His boring day may need a lift.

3) Clear away the clutter. Make one last trip through the main part of the house just before your husband arrives, gathering up school books, toys, paper, etc. Then run a dust cloth over the tables. Your husband will feel he has reached a haven of rest and order, and it will give you a lift, too.

4) Prepare the children: Take a few minutes to wash the children's hands and faces if they are small, comb their hair, and if necessary, change their clothes. They are little treasures and he would like to see them playing the part.

5) Minimize the noise: At the time of his arrival, eliminate all noise of washer, dryer, dishwasher or vacuum. Try to encourage the children to be quiet. Be happy to see him. Greet him with a warm smile and be glad to see him.

6) some Dont's: Don't greet im with problems or complaints. Don't complain if he's late for dinner. Count this as minor compared with what he might have gone through that day.

7) Make him comfortable: Have him lean back in a comfortable chair or suggest he lie down in the bedroom. Have a cool or warm drink ready for him. Arrange his pillow and offer to take off his shoes. Speak in a low, soft, soothing and pleasant voice. Allow him to relax and unwind.

8) Listen to him: You may have a dozen things to tell him, but the moment of his arrival is not the time. Let him talk first.

9) Make the evening his: Never complain if he does not take you out to dinner or to other places of entertainment; instead, try to understand his world of strain and pressure, his need to be home and relax.

10) The goal: Try to make your home a place of peace and order where your husband can relax.