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In Mary1's household an old person is referred to as a 'Grandpa Joe'. And if someone is old-fashioned, old in outlook or old in lifestyle they are also referred to as a 'Grandpa Joe'.
So what did Mary1 say to her offspring upon her return from her Atlantic seaboard romantic venue sundowner with John45? "Uuuuuuurgh, what a Grandpa Joe he was!" "Next!" cried out Mary1's first born, "You have no time to waste Mum, bring on the next guy, you're almost 50!" "Give him a second chance Mum!" retorted the son and heir, "you are too cut 'n dried! Poor guy, you probably scared the living daylights out of him!"
That is how it came to pass that Mary1 did re-meet John45. A beautiful breakfast venue was selected by John45; breakfast with a view of the back of the mountain. Glorious day; sun frock and sandals for Mary1. Ever-so-pretty, she looked. Sadly John45 was even more grey than he was on date number one. Perhaps it was because he has silver grey hair and wore muted colours that he seemed grey to Mary1. But, even if he had worn a bright red (cashmere) jumper over his shoulders, royal blue chinos and yellow Tod's he would still have seemed grey. Dull. Lifeless. A big yawn.
It was not befitting of John45; he ought not to have been dull: he has a compelling business, he is passionate about it and it is demanding. Exciting, actually. Well, Mary1 thought it sounded exciting. I guess anything is exciting compared to Mary1's current task of checking medico-legal reports - they, too could be exciting except that the writers steal from each other, they copy each others' clever paragraphs and bang them out over and over and don't use their imaginations so they are so boring for Mary1 to read. And boring to correct. This is something Mary1 is teaching her people: be original, dare to be different, say what you want to say, use your own voice. Cut 'n paste is such a no-no.
Mary1 could not grasp why John45 was so lifeless. He was heavy. He was wooden. He almost boasted a blunted affect. Not even Mary1 could thaw him. Mary1 usually thaws such fellows successfully. Not John45. But why, oh why? He had it all. Widowed. Marvellous - no money-grabbing, whining, bitching, bitter ex-Mary for John45 (or Mary1) to deal with. His children were adults and married off. No more income statement-drainers for John45 (or Mary1). Biggies are worse than littlies, their costs are higher. No lies. Even the working varieties. He had the thriving business, a beautiful home, et cetera. He even had a grandchild about whom he banged on as if he had given birth to the little savage himself. Come to think of it, this little savage was the only subject which excited John45.
John45 was clearly not a potential John-forever. But, Mary1 thinks he must surely be the most adoring Grandpa. After all, he is the perfect Grandpa Joe.