appreciating what we've got

The Mammy and Ireland's greatest living poet sitting in the Chat and Chew cafe in Newbridge on a bright Thursday afternoon.
A rich tableau of humanity cacaphones along the street outside.
Teenagers lounging in carefreedom. Building site workers sitting on a wall. Secretaries bustling in fine style from their offices for lunch. Big Hair from the travel agency, queen of them all, swanning by like she's on the Paris catwalk.
Ah life you bauble.
Come to me.
The Mammy is cacaphoning a bit herself. She's complaining in frankest terms about the Dad's latest project at the Chateau de Healy. Her son is not overly enthused by her complaints.
Thankfully the Dad is not present to hear their conversation.
"Do you know what he's done?" quoth the lady known as Lil. "He's commissioned an artist to illustrate that poem he wrote for our golden wedding anniversary. He's going to hang it in the hall. The artist was on the phone this morning. He's looking for €280. Can you believe it?"
I expressed the view mildly enough that the price was not excessive.
"It's crazy," shot back the Mammy.
The mighty Heelers drew a deep breath.
"Look," sez I gently. "The Dad is really keen on this. Don't discourage him. It's going to be something unique. You wouldn't like it if he didn't have any projects and just gave up and turned his head to the wall."
The Mammy didn't bat an eyelid.
"It would be cheaper if he just turned his head to the wall," sez she.
And there our story ends.