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There is a tiny elderly Korean lady in my garden and I want to go out.

595 replies

Boysclothes · 09/08/2014 15:14

Sold our summerhouse on gum tree. Dude came to look at it this morning about 9am, paid and was back by 11 to dismantle it. DH all togged up to assist but the guy politely and firmly refused as he wanted to take it apart himself so he could put it back together himself.

He pulled his van into our side return and installed a tiny elderly Korean lady (he is also Korean) on a deck chair on our patio.

He then spent an hour writing on every plank and taking 1500 photographs.

He then spent two hours peeling off the roof felt painstakingly. Korean lady has been to toilet twice. As far as I can see she is here for the day out.

However she has just been to the car and produced steaming hot noodles, broth and vegetables and they have had a lovely leisurely lunch on the patio.

He has just now resumed work and has actually started to remove the planks. Slowly. Methodically. I know because he has told me that there are 85 planks. Plus window. To removed and carry to car. DHs help has again been refused although he has taken matters into his own hands a bit and is carrying planks to car.

Elderly lady back on deck chair.

Help!! We want to go out and thought that this would take 2-3 hours max. It's been 4 and only the roof felt is off. We could lock the back door and leave them in the garden but what about elderly lady's toilet needs???? And water etc? They have a little tea break (from a flask) every now and then and have refused drinks but they must need water at some point.

OP posts:
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NoSnowJustSand · 09/08/2014 19:30

Can you all just slow down a little bit? I'm only on page 6 and every time I go to the next page 2 more have been added!

misstiredbuthappy · 09/08/2014 19:30

Sell some geraniums Op hopefully it will bring her back :(

Lovely thread.

Waltermittythesequel · 09/08/2014 19:31

I can't believe it's all over Sad

Some things aren't meant to last forever, I guess. Except EKL.

Death wouldn't dare fuck with her.

CarlyRichards · 09/08/2014 19:33

Lovely thread . I want an EKL in my garden.

Another vote for classics - gwan HQ

Velve · 09/08/2014 19:34

This thread was one of the sweetest and funniest I've ever read on here, thank you OP. I'm a little sad it's all over.

I watch a lot of Korean telly and EKL did remind me of the Korean matriarch. You don't say no to them, ever.

ipswichwitch · 09/08/2014 19:34

You mean to say you didn't follow KM and EKL and hot pants man home? Then nonchalantly stroll past their house? In the hope they'd invite you in for lovely noodle broth?

Do you think they'd come back and buy one of your sheds?

Gruntfuttock · 09/08/2014 19:35

I wish the EKL could read this thread to see what enjoyment so many people have had from her visit to the OP - thanks to Boysclothes talent for relating it in such an entertaining way. I bet she'd be tickled pink and would match her plastic visor. Grin

Boysclothes · 09/08/2014 19:37

I must also say today was the first day of potty training for DS.

He hasn't had one accident. Not a one.

I do not believe this is a mere coincidence.

OP posts:
enormouse · 09/08/2014 19:38

She has magical powers, I tell you.

ipswichwitch · 09/08/2014 19:40

There truly is no limit to her powers.

FreeLikeABird · 09/08/2014 19:41

Lovely thread op Smile

ipswichwitch · 09/08/2014 19:42

There's a potty training top tips thread. Tip of the day - get an EKL

StillStayingClassySanDiego · 09/08/2014 19:42

I told you Wink she has bestowed good fortune upon you.

Your house will now be lucky.

Boysclothes · 09/08/2014 19:43

DS has just said to me "where the summerhouse lady gone?" With slight trembling lip.

Trying not to weep here.

OP posts:
Gruntfuttock · 09/08/2014 19:46

Oh bless him. How sweet is that? I've gone all of a squidge now.

mineofuselessinformation · 09/08/2014 19:46

Oh thank you for such a lovely thread OP. I'm just back from holiday and feeling a bit down with the thought of the washing, but this has made me smile!
I hope EKL comes back for a visit.Smile

FrankelandFilly · 09/08/2014 19:48

Excellent thread! Hurrah for EKL and her potty training powers Grin

stinkingbishop · 09/08/2014 19:54

You have to keep her in your life somehow. I think she is one of The Old Ones. I have her very much in mind as a Susan Cooper/Studio Ghibli mash up. With a bit of the Lilac Fairy for good measure.

So. You tackle this need, your son's dejection, and the need to be polite in one fell swoop by getting him to do a beautiful picture of her/summerhouse/geraniums (you can always cheat a bit on this and do some of it for him), writing 'thank you for my money, I am going to spend it on...' and contacting KM (you must have his phone number from when he called to arrange coming round???) and saying your son wants to give his Mum a card.

She will then OBVIOUSLY make you a cup of tea and perform some sort of ancient blessing on you all and then bit by bit you can work up to adopting her officially as a Fairy Godmother and spending lovely calm afternoons with her for time immemorial (for she will always be there, just sitting, she is an Old One).

PS lucky you being in Korean heaven, have you had the seafood pancake at Hamgipak? It's brilliant. You'll probably find she sits there of an afternoon too...

LabradorMama · 09/08/2014 19:55

Witchcraft!

MrsChickPea · 09/08/2014 19:56

Oh no. Am close to tears now. Yes... where has summerhouse lady gone... I agree with your DS - she needs to come back (and buy another shed!). And WOW about the toilet training.... my DS was way older. Perhaps we all need an EKL in our lives. Thank you once again for today. x

KenDoddsDadsDog · 09/08/2014 19:58

Brilliant thread !

emotionsecho · 09/08/2014 20:01

Lovely thread OP, you do write really well, it's engaging.

EKL must possess an incredible reserve of inner calm and patience which has transmitted itself to all those around her. I can't imagine sitting in a stranger's garden for that length of time watching my son dismantle a summer house, I'd be restless and bored within about 10 minutes. Maybe we could all learn something from her.

enormouse · 09/08/2014 20:09

There's something in my eye

Do you think EKL would know how to help a difficult, teething 6 month old? I'm at the end of my tether with DS2 and could do with EKLs Zen chilled outness.

cabbagedinner · 09/08/2014 20:16

Hahah this is as funny.better than telly.

muffliato · 09/08/2014 20:18

Such a lovely thread. I'd love to have such a calm relaxed day. not possible with demon children about though.