Not His Job

Farmer H is in the midst of planning a reunion. Not all by himself. Himself and four or five ladies who were in his graduating class. In fact, they might BE the entire graduating class. Farmer H went to Newmentia back in the days when it was Oldmentia. It was much smaller then.

Anyhoo...they've had two meetings, have sent out information to alumni, and are looking for a photographer to take a few pictures. That's where Farmer H got the bright idea to ask Genius. Let the record show that photography is a skill which Genius has perfected, and does as a hobby. In his student years, he worked for the college as 2nd Official Photographer, and picked up some spare change doing wedding and graduation photos. Now Genius has a full time job.

Farmer H has been contacting Genius by text, asking him to come down and photograph the reunion, which falls on a Saturday. Genius is in Kansas City, and Hillmomba is on the opposite side of the state. It would entail a 4-5 hour drive for Genius. Oh, yeah. Farmer H expects him to do it for free. Let the record show that Genius does not need the money. He's raking in big bucks in his career.

I reminded Farmer H that Genius HAS a career. That he's looking down the barrel of 40 or more years of employment, with a few weeks of vacation per year. I imagine his weekends are sacred. Reserved for decompressing, and doing things HE wants to do. So I think this is an unreasonable request, once Genius seemed reluctant to attend. "What's in it for HIM?"

Farmer H thinks Genius owes this to him. "I'm his Dad! I'd be there in an instant if he needed something from me!" True. Farmer H helped Genius move several times, and even hauled his stuff from college to Kansas City. Still. That's what you do for your kids. It doesn't necessarily work the other way, until the kids are middle-aged, and we are decrepit. THAT'S when we get paid back.

Now Farmer H, having not heard back from Genius, is thinking of asking another relative. "She takes good pictures."

"Well, I hope you plan to pay her something. You can't expect people to give up their Saturday and attend your reunion for nothing. You paid her to take graduation pictures of Genius."

"I paid her for TRANSPORTATION to go to Genius's college graduation."

"Still. I'd be embarrassed to ask, and then not pay her anything."

"I'll have to think about it."

Sometimes Farmer H is generous, and sometimes he's a curmudgeonly miser. He's kind of like those Sour Patch Kids in the commercial.