THE Chicken Story

Grandpa James (Egidio) dressed up nice to go and meet Grandma. This was beginning of their courtship.

He wanted to make a good impression so so he stopped to pick up a gift to take for the visit, I believe she (Fanny) was living with her brother Jim (see earlier posting; "think sour"). Rather than flowers or chocolates, James, ever pragmatic, picked up a live chicken to take to his date.

Of course to add complexity, James had no car. So he rode the bus. Picture him in his suit, with a hat on, holding a live chicken around its neck.

So he got on the bus and found a seat. It was apparently crowded on the bus and there were not many seats available. So he sat down next to a well-dressed woman, whom it seems was less than happy at his seat selection and choice of "gift." The chicken it seemed was stressed by the journey and the grip James had on its neck. At some point during the bus-ride the chicken pooped, right on the woman's leg.

Well she was not happy. James apologized over and over (scuze, scuze) to her and used his hanky to wipe off the poop, which made matters worse it seemed. Finally, he was asked to leave the bus and did so. Now he walked to his destination with his bird.

Arriving late, he came into the house and Grandma, noted a very strong smell. Being poor it had not occurred to James to get rid of the hanky. So there stood James, introduced to Fanny, hot and sweaty from the walk, with a half dead chicken in hand and smelling like chicken-shit. What a catch...

She used to laugh and say, "there was something about him..."