One day, a farmer visited the local mechanic to get his truck repaired. The mechanic suspected it might be an issue with the transmission, so the repairs couldn’t be completed immediately. The farmer said he didn’t live far and would just walk home.
On his way, he decided to stop by the hardware store where he picked up a bucket and a gallon of paint. He then visited the feed store and bought a couple of chickens and a goose. Now, as he was trying to figure out how to carry all his new purchases home, he found himself in a bit of a dilemma.
Just then, an elderly woman approached him, looking a bit lost. She asked, “Could you help me find 1615 Mockingbird Lane?” The farmer, being helpful, replied, “Actually, my farm is quite near there. I would walk you there, but with all this stuff, I can’t manage.”
The old woman thought for a moment and suggested, “Here’s an idea: Put the can of paint inside the bucket. “Hold the bucket in one hand, tuck a chicken under each arm, and carry the goose in your other hand.”
“Great idea, thank you!” the farmer said, and he started walking with the old lady in the direction of her home.
As they made their way, he said, “Let’s take my usual shortcut through this alley. We’ll be there quickly.”
The elderly woman eyed him with some apprehension and said, “I’m a lonely widow with no one to protect me. How do I know you won’t take advantage of me when we’re in the alley?”
The farmer, somewhat annoyed, replied, “Good grief, ma’am! I’m juggling a bucket, a gallon of paint, two chickens, and a goose. How on earth could I do anything like that?”
The old woman smiled and said, “Just set the goose down, cover it with the bucket, place the paint can on top of the bucket, and I’ll hold the chickens.”