I suppose it is the way you look at things

Just had some decking put in and the original quote was for £300. Then the carpenter arrived, sucked his teeth and said dear oh dear, and stuck on another £50. So he did the job and I handed over £350 and I asked him to quote on a few more jobs that needed doing.

And Herself said why ? Actually she sort of snarled. The man, she cried, is a bloody thief.

I know that I replied. All builders are thieves. But he has done a good job and now I know how much he will steal in future. And I don't intend to spend my few remaining years searching for a non existent honest builder.

It has been 50 wonderful years, but we still have these periods of mutual incomprehension