Too Many Hats

Now, we are old and gray-haired married men. We feel aches and pains all over and we needed the required exercises daily.

When we were younger, our bodies used to be strong and flexible. And so we learned to do many things through the years. We had become the typical handyman - the jack of all trades guy. Whenever something breaks around the house, we are supposed to be the expert to know just exactly what to do with it.

One day, we put on the houseboy hat. That is the day we mopped the floor, post the vacuum cleaner, scrubbed the bathrooms and the toilets. Another day, we put on the backyard mechanic’s hat. This day is for changing the oil and filter, washing, and vacuuming the inside cabin of the car. We also have to mention the day we put on the driver’s hat when we chauffeur family and friends on outing trips.

However, there is that apron and the hat we put on every day. On this special day, we are expected to be like Anthony Bourdain, that popular guy on TV, who produces delicious masterpieces on the stove. Folks, I am just that boy who knows how to cook adobo and pinakbet. That was enough to make the palate happy.

Every other day of the week, we put on the gardener’s hat. It is that sweat soaks straw hat that has endured the many hot summer days.

She is a friendly, loyal companion who is always waiting when needed.