For the two of you that have been following my blog for the past 3 1/2 years (thanks My Dear John and Mom) you may remember that when we moved to our homestead just over two years ago, Bernie quit his job, and I began working from home. And we’ve never looked back.
When we moved here, the agreement was that Bernie would take care of everything on the homestead and my primary job would be to bring home the bacon. And, as agreed, Bernie would get groceries and run all the errands. This particular part of our agreement actually terrified Bernie and, quite frankly, ME. Bernie didn’t know how to shop. He’d never done that before. The fact of the matter is that I believed Bernie would starve and run around with no underwear without me to buy his food and clothing.
But Bernie surprised me. He became an excellent shopper. Not only does he makes lists for shopping, he has even learned to bargain shop. I’m really quite proud of him and the truth is, he has ended up to be a better shopper than I ever was.
A few weeks ago I had a day off from work, and it happened that it was the day the Bernie usually goes to town and does his shopping and runs errands. I decided to tag along with him. He had several stops to make, and at each of them the person behind the register knew him. He proudly introduced me as his wife, and without exception each exclaimed “We’re so happy to meet you!” Store after store, the reaction was the same.
As we were driving home Bernie said “Thanks for coming with me. Now everyone knows I really do have a wife.”
This afternoon I got a call from our insurance company. They informed me that I would save money by mail ordering my prescriptions through them. I quickly agreed and we got everything set up. When I hung up I proudly announced to Bernie “Well, I’ve just made your life a little easier. Now you won’t have to include the pharmacy on your list of errands when you go into town.”
His face fell. Clearly he did not understand what I had just said.
“Your list of places to stop when you go to town is smaller now. The insurance company is going to mail my prescriptions, so you don’t have to stop by the pharmacy.”
I thought Bernie was going to cry.
“What’s wrong?” I asked him
“I like stopping by the pharmacy. They know who I am and why I’m there. The minute they see me they grab the prescriptions and start ringing them up. They talk to me. I know about their puppies and work mates and all the pharmacy gossip. I like going by the pharmacy. What will they think when I stop coming by?”
I had never considered that. I thought I was doing him a favor. I guess I never really stopped to realize that not only does Bernie have a job, he takes it very seriously. He makes sure our homestead is cared for – from meals to firewood to out-buildings to groceries and everything in between. And he likes it. He really likes it. That not only surprises me, it makes me very happy.
Maybe I should just focus on bringing home the bacon. I no longer know how to fry it.
I need your job and a Bernie!
Awww…this is a great peek into your life, Penny. That is so great that Bernie likes to do all that stuff. Whats even better, is that in doing all those things, he has made so many connections and friends. Sigh. I love this.
Neat story, Penny. My husband used to go to town to pay all his bills rather than mailing them in–he got to know everyone and they knew him, just like Bernie, and made lots of friends too. Now when I go to town I just say I’m his wife and they all stop to visit with me and tell me how great a man he was. Caring for others is what we should still be about and I could tell Bernie feels the same about his town friends.
You and Bernie have a neat arrangement and I know you are a good bacon bringer homer, too! Neat!
Bernie is a peach of a man. You guys are great together. It is nice to see people in non traditional roles. It reminds us that all jobs are important in running a home.
Kelly
That is soo sweet! The two of you are a rare pair.
awww. B man rocks! You guys are so sweet.
I really enjoyed reading this. This felt so personal, Penny, thanks for sharing it. Does Bernie read your blog? The connections we make with other people while we do our (sometimes seemingly mundane) day to day tasks are powerful things. I totally get how Bernie feels – it builds a community, expands your understanding, and reminds you that you’re part of something bigger than just your own little ol’ world.
Thank you all for your sweet comments. Yes, Bernie reads my blog. The truth is I’ve never published one without asking him to approve it first. When he read this one he said “This is the first blog you’ve written about me that I totally agree with”. He’s such a sweet punkin!
Awwww, how sweet is that?! I just love reading about the adventures
of Bernie and Penny..lol! ;0)
What a fun story. The way you shared it was perfect.
If I was your Bernie, I would have jumped for joy at the thought of having one less place to stop, but I’m not Bernie.
Maybe you can ask for the occasional special something that only that pharmacy carries?? Then Bernie can go in and say hello once in a while.
I want a Bernie, too! Sounds like u two are a match made in Heaven!!! And the last sentence was priceless
What a diamond geezer dear Bernie is…….. you both have such a wonderful set up going between you….. your love shines through it all……..
sitting here eating a late breakfast, everyone else is still in bed, so getting a change to catch up
x
Just found your blog and I got to tell you that Bernie is one precious man. He knows what is truly important and what his calling is. The errands are just the means for him to accomplish his calling, they are not his goal.
he reminds me of my Grandmother. When we were little and came to visit she would take us around the city showing us off and introducing us to all her friends. It made us feel so important, but more than that it was her way of sharing herself with the people she cared for.
God bless. What a sweet blog you have here!!!
tereza
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