Damsel in Distress
Dag-gone-it! I can never get these new jars open! Even after three strokes, Stuart could always open them for me! Part of the problem is that with all the exercising I do, l’ve never managed to strengthen my hands. Now it’s even worse than ever because of the rampant arthritis in my hands and fingers! Plus, I no longer have my honey. (But that’s a story for another day.)
I wanted an AII-Fruit and almond butter sandwich for lunch. I’d used up my jar of All-Fruit, so I got the new one from the pantry. It’s a flavor I hadn’t tried yet: strawberry. Of course, I couldn’t open it. First, I banged the lid with the handle of a butter knife. No luck. Then I ran it under hot water. This is a VERY stubborn jar! I didn’t have anything else to try. Hmmm… a month or so ago, I had the same problem with another jar and asked William, my next-door neighbor, to open it. He gave it ONE twist and voila! Lucky for me, but SO annoying.
Well, I guess I’ll just ask again. Maybe he’ll feel happy for helping me. When I rang the bell, there was no answer. I was surprised because his car was in the driveway. Oh well, maybe his son took him somewhere. Now what? My neighbor on the other side was not home. I knew this because his car wasn’t there. Now what?
At the end of our court, there was a crew working on the curbs. They were making repairs left by the recent huge snowstorms we’ve had this year. It’s just a short walk to the end of the court. I’ll just go ask one of the guys, I thought to myself. It took me a few minutes to get to them because I’m STILL healing from my third hip replacement six months ago. When I reached the men, one of them stopped what he was doing and looked at me.
“Excuse me.” I said using my best ‘you look like someone who will help a damsel in distress’ voice. I held the jelly jar out. “I’m sorry to bother you, but do you think you could open this for me?” He took the jar and gave it maybe a half twist and returned it to me without a word.
“Thank you soooooo much!” I said.
He said, “Sure.”
I turned and went home. I wonder if he and the other construction men had a good laugh. Or maybe he felt good about helping a damsel in distress! I hope so.
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