Last updated June 5 2025
Chapter 13
Cooking & Cleaning
There was no doubt about how much Marlene enjoyed cooking and no question that she hated the cleaning part. Let me help you with the dishes she would say but I would always resist and say no no its only fair I do this part and so it worked out very well.
In later years I would find creative ways to not let her help me as I knew she was struggling. I would say I have a methodology to it all where I wash a few dishes then dry while walking to alleviate my back pain and then wash some more.
Another way was to get a head start on doing the dishes as I was done eating much sooner than she was.
I was never a big fan of the big and elaborate meals because of the work involved and subsequent cleaning. Oh, sure I would definitely partake in the feast, but I did my best to not dissuade the meal events as she so much enjoyed it all.
Her plan to hook up with someone younger clearly work as I was able to help with chores, but I am now struggling myself and find it difficult straightening up more than ever after doing a load of dishes.