When did I take that first step to being a Grumpy Old Man

I have been wondering about this for some time. There must have been some watershed moment that tipped me over the edge from being a reasonable rational adult to what I seem to have become.

I get grumpy when teenagers drive past in their cars with boom boxes blaring out the usual monotonous bass beat that cause their cars to hop along rather than roll along smoothly. Similarly, when somebody queue hops in front of you at your local when you are after than long awaited swift half a lager after a brisk 2 hour cross country walk, hounds in tow, that I turn into a crazed moaning patron that all publicans dislike.

Reading the weekend newspapers evokes similar outbursts of grumpiness, usually followed by 'it never used to be like this when I was younger' or something else to that effect. We won't mention latent road rage at all. That might jeopardise my carefully guarded 'points free' license. Who teaches these young kids to drive anyway?

I think that it all happens well before we reach this state..... back in the mists of time when we were all left wing students spending our tuition fees on watered down lager at the students union perhaps? Nope! after that.

It begins with your first mortgage application form. The sudden impending burden of 30 years of financial stability is what tips you over the edge. No more rounds of drinks at the pub on a Friday chased down by exotically named shooters. No more spur of the moment holidays to distant shores.

In fact, the defining moment is when you buy your first garden shed! We should all blame the likes of B&Q and Wickes stores for turning the nation into grumpy old men and women.

It is time for action! I will make several placards and posters, rally my friends and picket the nearest garden shed supplier this coming weekend. Well maybe not, the weather will still be shite and no-one buys sheds in January anyway. Save this thought for Spring.

Adios till next time.....