Most of you know that Ol’ Dutch and Miss Trixie have managed to stay together now for a long 13 years. And those of you that know us personally realize that it is only due to Ol’ Dutch’s calm demeanor, good looks, kind disposition and loving nature. Well, something like that. 

Mostly when I say that in public people are suddenly stricken with a cough and may even offer a “guffaw.” It makes me uneasy when that happens as I fear it may be another found of the dreaded tuberculosis on weakened systems. But regardless, we are 13 years into this and living all those years in a small RV should be proof enough of some long suffering on both of our parts. 

Miss Trixie is one of the ones that “guffaws” a lot whenever Ol’ Dutch mentions how wonderful I am along with the high percentage of calmness and patience that I elicit in our relationship. And that seems to be a common response from the people we know, so it must be contagious from her to them too. 

Just this past week, Ol’ Dutch finally got some scientific and professional proof of those facts. It happened like this. Some time back Ol’ Dutch had to go see a pulmonologist for a checkup and this past week I got the results in the mail. I read with great attention to detail to see if I was going to make it or not. While doing so, something jumped right out of the pages to me. 

It was like finding a great treasure, and I felt akin to Indianna Jones in a way. There, hidden in all the medical jargon and test numbers, was a jewel of a statement that only a certified highly educated, brilliant and professional doctor could have noticed and written about. For in the short time that this highly competent, wonderful, perfectionist, miracle working specialist interviewed me he was able to ascertain something about me that Miss Trixie fails to see. 

There it was for all the world to see in black and white: “Mr. Dutch is a pleasant individual…”  It did continue about my age-appropriate mental acuity which is also in question by the Queen Bee of our household, but the first part is what is important here. And not only did the doctor notice this but people all around Ol’ Dutch began to tell Miss Trixie the same thing during the last two weeks. Now I don't know if that was because they were prompted by “someone” in secret to tell her that or not as people can be fickle. 

I did notice that those involved in this scheme to tell Miss Trixie how pleasant I am laughed themselves silly and I am not sure why that is, but I am always glad to bring such joy to people in a sad world. And if suddenly having a revelation about Ol’ Dutch brings that kind of happiness, who am I to question that even if it came about in a forced manner. I have to admit that this medical report did catch even Ol’ Dutch off guard as the years have seemed to wear me down and my “pleasantness” probably is at a low point in all honesty. 

So having considered that fact, one can only imagine how “pleasant” Ol’ Dutch was in the prime years of his life. It was probably almost unbearable to those around me when considering it in hindsight. But if you can't be pleasant, at least be present with those around you. And for that they will tolerate the rest of your nonsense. 

Kevin Kirkpatrick spends his days fishing, hunting, ATVing, hiking, or making people laugh. His email is Kevin@TroutRepublic.com. Additional news can be found at www.troutrepublic.com or on Twitter at TroutRepublic.