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Question for my clever flist
Feb. 24th, 2015 01:00 pmDears,
I'm currently translating Lord S's photography book. In his introduction, he makes a joking reference to a very well-known Dutch expression:
"I'm too young to sit behind the geraniums."
An expression used by people who are of retirement age, to indicate that they still actively enjoy and participate in life. As in, "I've taken up volunteer work / a hobby / photography, because I'm too young to sit behind the geraniums."
"Sitting behind the geraniums" is such a well-known Dutch expression that when Lord S sold his company and we invited two dear friends to a dinner shortly afterwards, they thoughtfully presented him with two potted geraniums. "Here, mate, now you can start sitting."
Is there an English equivalent?
[The two geraniums came to a sad end. Lord S neglected them, I finally took enough of an interest to plant them, they bloomed bravely for a few months and were then so annoyed by the complete lack of attention they left us for the Big Windowsill in the Sky.]
I'm currently translating Lord S's photography book. In his introduction, he makes a joking reference to a very well-known Dutch expression:
"I'm too young to sit behind the geraniums."
An expression used by people who are of retirement age, to indicate that they still actively enjoy and participate in life. As in, "I've taken up volunteer work / a hobby / photography, because I'm too young to sit behind the geraniums."
"Sitting behind the geraniums" is such a well-known Dutch expression that when Lord S sold his company and we invited two dear friends to a dinner shortly afterwards, they thoughtfully presented him with two potted geraniums. "Here, mate, now you can start sitting."
Is there an English equivalent?
[The two geraniums came to a sad end. Lord S neglected them, I finally took enough of an interest to plant them, they bloomed bravely for a few months and were then so annoyed by the complete lack of attention they left us for the Big Windowsill in the Sky.]