“WHAT DO YOU KNOW?” The answering service business is a twen- ty-four hour business that requires long hours for management. The two brothers who formerly owned Ding-a-Ling would often ride their bicy- cles from the office to the nearby beach for a little break. They had a built-in shower at the office for their convenience when they returned. Herman decided he didn’t need the shower so after about a month he decided to take it out and use the space to store office supplies. When I heard what Herman planned to do I suggested he call a plumber. His response was, “What do you know?” Our secretary, Lois, over- heard what Herman said and shrugged her shoul- ders as if to say, “Men.” In Herman’s behalf we did try to save every nickel we could and to do everything we could do ourselves. But some things require an expert. Herman sent our son, Michael, out to buy an acetylene torch. In case you ever attempt this yourself, let me tell you that the first and most important thing to know is where the water shut- off valve is located. Herman began cutting water pipes with the acetylene torch. Water began pouring out with such force that the place was quickly flooded. Herman was drenched from head to foot. We had to call the fire department. Soon large men with axes were crowding into our small and very wet working space. They couldn’t find the shutoff valve either. It turned out that it was buried under tar in the back driveway. Eventually they dug their way to it and turned off the water. I had to go out and buy clothes for Herman at a shopping center across the street from our offices. It is quite possible that Lois could have hurt herself she was doubled over and laughing so hard, remembering what Herman had said. He must have forgiven her because Lois worked for us for eleven years and then left to go into the real estate business; when she came back to us twenty-six years later her job was waiting. But if I mention the incident to her even now she doubles over in laughter until she is crying. It was a real Lucille Ball comedy.
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