Sunday 10 May 2009

CHELSEA FLOWER SHOW HERE WE COME

OG just reminded me of the day that I was about leave to spend summer in the Alps. He was working on my daughter's swimming pool that day. To help me cope with impending retirement I started writing this blog and had jokingly called my co-workers "the bloodless bottom line committee". Before setting off I called into the office to make sure everything was OK to be met by a maelstrom of PMS women wailing and gnashing their teeth. I had disrepected them. I couldn't believe it. Humour, joke, but they wouldn't be pursuaded. I dash over to consult with a muddy OG. I said I had better not go, he said "nonsense, leave it to me". He calmed things down alright by reminding them that I'm insane and shouldn't be taken seriously. Job done.

Perversly, since this happened and they understand how the blog works they complain that I never write about them. OG said that they missed their opportunity for fame. Oh we do have fun in our office and the crazy thing is that all these years later I am still not completely retired! That'll learn 'em.

But that was then and this is now. In a couple of weeks I go to the Chelsea Flower Show with OG's first wife, their daughter and my mad mate JeanGenius whose claim to fame is that she was the youngest female officer in the Royal Navy. An odd assortment of people you might think and you would be right. The thing that we have in common is that we all enjoy badmouthing OG and appreciate a good drink. So on May 23rd we take the train up to London for a VIP day out. My step-daughter read that it would be best to take a cagoule but I said "if it rains I ain't going to step outside that VIP marquee for anyone, just pour me another drink". Should be fun.

And finally ... solution to the Global Financial Crisis?

It is August. In a small town on the South Coast of France, holiday season is in full swing, but it is raining so there is not too much business happening. Everyone is heavily in debt. Luckily, a rich Russian tourist arrives in the foyer of the small local hotel. He asks for a room and puts a Euro100 note on the reception counter, takes a key and goes to inspect the room located up the stairs on the third floor.

The hotel owner takes the banknote in hurry and rushes to his meat supplier to whom he owes E100.

The butcher takes the money and races to his wholesale supplier to pay his debt.

The wholesaler rushes to the farmer to pay E100 for pigs he purchased some time ago.

The farmer triumphantly gives the E100 note to a local prostitute who gave him her services on credit.

The prostitute goes quickly to the hotel, as she owed the hotel for her hourly room use to entertain clients.

At that moment, the rich Russian is coming down to reception and informs the hotel owner that the proposed room is unsatisfactory and takes his E100 back and departs.

There was no profit or income. But everyone no longer has any debt and the small town people look optimistically towards their future.

COULD THIS BE THE SOLUTION TO THE Global Financial Crisis? Or, is there a catch here ?!!

12 comments:

Maggie May said...

I've always thought I'd treat myself to the Chelsea Flower Show when I retire! That isn't to be just yet & I can't take the time off to go! Hope Im not too old to get around to it by the time I retire!!!!!!

Thought your Credit Crunch fable was very good!
It IS a bit like that, isn't it?

Jay said...

Catch? I don't see a catch. I think it could just work! ROFL!

Sarah said...

HI R&T
Re: W.I.P. comment
It is true, we fear ourselves above everything, I think. I meet talented and magnificent women and find they have no such view of themselves- but, oh, if only they realised, the ground would shake with giants footsteps...
xxx
S

Anonymous said...

I think that is how we got into this mess.....when someone gave the E100 to the investor, he kept it and didn't pay his bill. Your group sounds like one I'd love to go to the flower show with. Flagmaker

Anonymous said...

Could be a catch somewhere along the line!

We might see you on telly then, don't they televise the Chelsea Flower Show?!

CJ xx

Sandi McBride said...

Oh my! The Chelsea Flower show! I went once with my darling Bubbles (Violet Loxley) and enjoyed it so much. Lucky girl you! Wish I were going with you...and I found myself liking the answer to the credit problems...reminded me a bit of the old Nail (or Stone depending where you live) Soup tale...remember that one?
And thanks so much for checking on me when I was so ill...I do love my blogging friends!
hugs
Sandi

www.retiredandcrazy.com said...

You old Maggie? Never.

www.retiredandcrazy.com said...

OK Jay let's kick this whole thing off. You send me $100 ad we'll take it from there.

www.retiredandcrazy.com said...

Yes Sarah, ain't that the truth.

www.retiredandcrazy.com said...

I can still get you a ticket for the Chelsea Flower Show flagmaker, how about it?

www.retiredandcrazy.com said...

Just look out for me on TV CJ. I will be the one walking beside the Queen.

www.retiredandcrazy.com said...

You are right Sandi, it is a bit like nail soup isn't it?http://www.soupsong.com/snail.html.Hope you are feeling a bit better now.