One of my lovely nephews (let’s call him Ben) had been having a bit of trouble keeping up with the chores since he left home and had to manage everything on his own; so I offered to go along to his flat and help him put things ship-shape. The night before the appointed day of good-fairy works I received a telephone call…

“Hello Aunty Sally. This is Ben,” he began.

“I haven’t forgotten,” I replied, “I’ll be down in the morning.”

“Well, that’s why I’m phoning. You see, I’ve been thinking, I made the mess so I should be the one to clean it up,” said Ben in a very responsible way that made perfect sense.

“Okay Ben, if you’re sure, but I’m happy to lend a hand or show you how to do things. Just let me know if you need help,” I assured him.

“By the way, Aunty Sally, you know I haven’t done much washing up?”

“I had heard, Ben,” I admitted.

“Well there is a good reason. You know the yellow Marigold gloves kept under the kitchen sink?”

“Yes.”

“They are medium size and don’t fit – I need large ones!”

(Incidentally, when I asked Ben if he minded me writing this in my blog he had no objections but, somewhat bewildered, he couldn’t see what was so funny!)