All being well, as my Granny used to say, Mrs BB and I aim to take a little holiday in a foreign country, starting tomorrow. To mark this I intend to put up a post stuffed full of philosophical potential, something knotty which will leave passers-by testing their intellect and mourning my temporary absence. Trouser flies are my chosen subject.
Recently I ordered some casual trousers online and the world of fashion seems to have turned full circle. No zip, just four buttons. Access to what needs to be accessed is much slower due to the stiff new fabric. Luckily the country we have in mind is quite forgiving about accidents in this area which is just as well.
I was born into a Britain where all flies buttoned. Far more buttons than four, too. Did accidents occur? My lips are sealed.
I am also old enough to remember the buttoned-fly watershed. Starting during the war when Britain was invaded by military personnel whose flies zipped. Americans, of course. Weren’t they capable of a little patience? Hilarity ensued after a spate of medical incidents in which Arizonans and Vermonters had to be separated from their pants. Condign punishment for an unnatural desire to speed things up.
I had no sympathy – until it happened to me. Surely the most hideous male dilemma of all time. Metaphorically speaking, being required to retrace one’s footsteps. A double whammie in the lingo of those who suffered first. Ah my dear member: I envisaged a much better future for you than this.
Thereafter awareness of the zip disappeared. Down and up and one was done. Except for a final stage. Lack of awareness leading to forgetfulness. The gap that is the stigma of old age. There, something to chew on.
7 comments:
Chuckles all around. Wishing you and MrsBB a pleasant holiday! Will you still be on the 'net? I did promise a post in answer to your recent questions. I can delay this 'til your return if you like.
M-L: We'll be back a week yesterday. Just headline your post in a way that cannot be mistaken: eg, BBs for BB. We won't be online.
... now I'm thinking kilts have one more advantage. All I can say, as a robust lass of Germanic heritage, buttons don't work for me on flimsy cotton blouses. I'll drink a Bon Voyage ale for you both tonight!
Hoot!
I remember when 501s came in and the retro button fly was just so cool...
I now imagine Rouchswalwe in Germanic serving wench costume with gathered blouse and lacings and a dirndl skirt.
À bientôt!
Ja Lucy! There is good reason for lacings! Prost!
I always thought that (in the woods for instance) male arrangements had all the advantage. Now I see that there might be -- um -- drawbacks.
Regarding your last paragraph and its final sentence....I do hope not BB.
Have a good holiday.
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