Flower Friday : : Lavatera

The story of attempting to get OilMan to take off his beer logo tee shirt, dirty jeans or ratty shorts and horrible KEEN* shoes (they look like hiking boots with signature rubber toe caps) and put on something even slightly dressy is the story of a battle I rarely take on anymore. However, this is about our granddaughter's graduation from high school so I decided to join the battle. Like any good general, I began with strategy...

...and a lecture...'this isn't about you or how many years you had to wear a tie to work. It is about respect. You are a good looking man, why do you want to look like you got your clothes out of a dumpster? Even for Peter's graduation, which was held on a football field, most people made some attempt to dress up.' (Peter wore flip flops, but, hey, he's the graduate...)

Next I took on the shoes. 'You CANNOT wear Keens. I don't care if all other shoes in the world make your feet hurt, you can manage it for a couple of hours sitting down.  They don't have to be dress shoes, but they have to look decent. Buy yourself a pair of loafers.'

At least he tried. He came back with a pair of shoes that are almost as awful as Keens. In desperation I said, 'text Will and ask him what you should wear'. Will responded within minutes, OilMan ordered the recommended shoes and they arrived at our door two days later.

I decided to take on the hunt for a jacket myself. 'I have to wear a JACKET?' he protested.'
The one you brought out of your closet has dust embedded in the shoulders and is four sizes too big for you. It wouldn't be a bad idea...I found a good one. Put on the shoes and pants and I'll go with you to try it on.'
'It costs HOW much?'
'I'll buy it for you'

After much grumbling about when he was going to be able to eat his sandwich in peace he went off in search of the shoes. Ten minutes later, 'I can't find the shoes...' (sounds of teeth gnashing or is that a stifled laugh?)

There are times when one must simply give up, so I did. 'It would be really good if you had just one thing in your closet to wear on certain rare occasions when gardening clothes won't do....just so  we don't have to keep going through this.  just sayin' You're on your own. I have to go look for something I can wear....'

*extra