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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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EduCated · 10/08/2014 00:45

I've been reading this thread all day on and off, just lovely. I feel all warm and fuzzy.

SoleSource · 10/08/2014 01:07

:(

Get her to come back!! Don't leave us EKL pleeeeeease

Coumarin · 10/08/2014 02:03

Oh how did I miss this earlier? But on the plus side it has been the perfect gentle thread to read before sleep.

I'll dream of geraniums, noodles and a lovely EKL sitting in the sunshine.

Biscuit Your haiku's are gorgeous.

Thanks geraniums in bags for everyone.

Selks · 10/08/2014 02:13

Wonderful thread, and awesome thread title Grin

Loving the quiet dignity of EKL, and the stoic determination of KM. I bet the summerhouse goes back up without a hitch. I hope EKL enjoys it..I can picture her quietly sitting there, looking out at the summer sky, with the geraniums carefully tended Smile

KiwiJude · 10/08/2014 02:49

Such a sweet way to pass the day, and yes much better than going to the garden centre.

There is a saying about people who come into our lives for a reason, a season, a lifetime - who knew that EKL would touch on so many lives in just one day. Thank you so much for sharing her with us :)

SecretWitch · 10/08/2014 02:50

Wonders if this was a Midsummer's night's dream...

CallMeExhausted · 10/08/2014 03:18

Many hours late, but thank you for ending my day on a far better note than it began.

You have a gift with words, boysclothes - never let it leave you.

Selks · 10/08/2014 03:20

A very Zen thread Smile
Possibly the most relaxing thread I have ever read on MN.

Coughle · 10/08/2014 03:36

I pictured her as Granny from My Neighbour Totoro as well.

I read this instead of sleeping during baby's nap.

It was worth it.

SquattingNeville · 10/08/2014 03:45

This reply has been deleted

Message withdrawn at poster's request.

Wonc · 10/08/2014 05:16

I now have to plant some geraniums to remind me of EKL Grin
Such a wonderful thread. I agree you write beautifully.

giraffescantboogie · 10/08/2014 05:27

Have you got anything else you can sell?

Housesoftheholy · 10/08/2014 05:53

Loved this thread Smile Your writing is hugely entertaining OP, I feel I know all of the characters in this summers afternoon tale.

I also agree with ICanSeeTheShard on this comment,

"From now on, whenever things are getting a bit much and I'm feeling frazzled, I'm going to ask myself: 'what would EKL do?' "

Love it, This will now be my approach to life too

LoveBeingInTheSun · 10/08/2014 06:16

So funny

McFox · 10/08/2014 07:02

Hilarious!

I've been up half the night with a crying sickly baby and have been asking myself what would EKL do Smile

Sickly baby is now calm and asleep - EKL's reach extends beyond toddler taming!

FrankelandFilly · 10/08/2014 07:36

I'm imagining her as a female Mr Miagi, catching flies with chopsticks Grin

EKLWannabe · 10/08/2014 08:25

Lovely lovely calm thread, beautiful writing, OP you're a genius Smile

DartmoorDoughnut · 10/08/2014 09:01

Love this, I desperately want a EKL in my garden/as a neighbour now though!

upupupandaway · 10/08/2014 09:05

This would make the most wonderful screen play.
A sort of condensed version of " The Lady in the Van".

Lesnewth · 10/08/2014 09:11

I've just RTFT. Awwwww, so sweet, I feel completely chilled out after reading it!

londonrach · 10/08/2014 09:15

Just re read from beginning...I miss ekl. What is she doing today?

FruVikingessOla · 10/08/2014 09:15

What a fabulous thread!

Boysclothes · 10/08/2014 09:19

I must tell you all about a convo with my friend last night before bed....

Me: so someone came to take the summerhouse away today
Her: oh right?
Me: he was a Korean guy who was so meticulous, and he bought his elderly mother with him!
Her: yeah
Me: and it she just watched him all day! DS loved her and sat in her lap all morning
Her: Hmmm
Me: and she squashed a spider and took the geraniums out the window box
Her: ok. Does this story end soon?
Me: they loved this story on mumsnet
Her: you put this on MUMSNET!! Call you back.

Phone goes dead.

Hour later got a text

Her: it was better to read than to hear
Me: you do realise I'm going to report this conversation verbatim on the thread
Her: I'm sure it will be better to read than it was to have.

Waves at D!

OP posts:
londonrach · 10/08/2014 09:22

You have a gift, the gift of story telling, op. Ekl would want you to use your gift...

CheerfulYank · 10/08/2014 09:22

I love EKL!

What was Tantrum's babysitting thread?