It is in the low teens here in the northeast United States. Wind chills are bringing the ambient temperatures down to near zero.
I spoke with my mother briefly. She exclaimed, "They say were are getting snow on Friday! That is UNREAL! It is too cold to snow!"
Wait- WHAT?
"It is too cold to snow! Everyone knows that!"
Um. Explain to me how it snows in the Arctic.
"[Mumbles incoherently]Ah... there is not enough moisture in the air.."
That is interesting when meteorologists tend to agree that there is nowhere on this planet that is too cold to snow.
[Abruptly changing subject]"Is it true that all doctors are going to ask if you have a gun at any medical visit? I heard that from two different people!"
Who?
"It does not matter."
Uh huh. Stop listening to idiots, and stop watching [a certain channel] News please.
So- I attempted to take a moment to explain to her how this rumor came about and that it is totally bogus. http://www.snopes.com/politics/guns/medicare.asp
She was not convinced.
The final gem for today was...
"How much do you think 'Opey' makes in retirement? He was a cop, he was in the military, and he worked somewhere else. He is 85 and has oldtimers! His wife does not work, but they are always are short on money..."
[Cutting her off] Mom, it is none of anyone's business what their income is, how they spend their money, etc.
"I KNOW that Lisabeth!" <Pouty sigh> "So a cop's retirement should be pretty good right? And they have Medicare and his VA benefits..."
I am not having this conversation. WHO CARES?
<dial tone>
Wow. Yeah. I am weaning her back to once a week calls before I lose what little common sense and compassion I may possess.
So- I have to ask... is it too cold to snow where you are? <grin>
Several years ago (at the suggestion of my shrink) I started saying to Mom, when she wouldn't change a subject AFTER I strongly asked her to, "Do you want to chat with me right now or do I have to hang up?"
ReplyDeleteI still get the heavy sigh and she takes on a baby tone BUT she drops whatever subject it was. There comes a time in our lives when WE become the parent.
Is your mother from Irish stock? We have that 'too cold to snow' saying here.
ReplyDeleteLisa-
ReplyDeleteGood point. I like that better than the 'Gotta go' response. I think I will try that! And yes... it amazing, and sad, how parentified many COH's are, even from an early age.
Nelly-
She is! I wondered if it was some sort of colloquialism... but for her it is not. She honestly believes that if it is below a certain temperature it cannot snow. I learn something each day!
Hope you both have a great evening and remainder of your week!