Family Values

Gentlemen, how much do you value that lady in your life? Ladies, what could you seriously expect to get for your husband at a garage sale? Not much, huh?

Now don't do anything rash. I'm just kidding. I don't really expect to see any ads in the Review offering a square dance partner to the highest bidder, even though it might appeal to single dancers during couples round-ups.

In the square dance world you only have to attend any end-of-year function when the thank-yous are being said to realise how much we appreciate our spouses; and you'll usually hear a caller say something like, "I just couldn't have done it without her (or him)."

It's nothing but the truth. While the caller gets to prance around with the microphone his partner is making sure that the whole night runs smoothly. She's hostess, caterer, confidante, philosopher, psychologist, cashier and complaints department all rolled into one. Dancers will often go to the caller's wife for help when, for whatever reason, they won't ask the caller.

Makes her priceless, doesn't it?

Don't you believe it.

I know exactly what Daizy is worth down to the last cent and I have one of my dancers to thank for the valuation.

Last month our dog, Deefer, was so sick that she couldn't be left on her own so Daizy stayed home with her. Our friends Ruffy and Mavis were down from Taree for a visit and they were great. They set up the hall and, later on, everybody pitched in to help with supper and to clear things away. I hardly did anything myself. As usual.

I left the cash box on a side table and everybody put in their own money so it wasn't until next morning that I realised someone had forgotten to pay.

If Daizy had been there it would never have happened. She'd have dragged in every last dollar. And that's when I realised that, of all the people I know, I'm the only one who can put a value on his wife. She's worth $6!

But don't rush me with offers. That's only her book value. If ever I decide to sell her I'm going to be asking at least twice that amount.