Chickens and Lemons, Oh My!

Telling tales can lead to other stories that are touching in the most delightful way. 

One of my oft-told reflections on life involves raising chickens, or the lack thereof. 

I've always wanted to have chickens around, but since family members have never shared that enthusiasm, no chickens have ever lived at the Love house. 

Our Love house, that is!

A while back during a visit with two former students, part of the conversation included my chicken-impaired story.  

And when I told this story, people actually listened.  

And, acted upon what they heard. 

Fast forward to our most recent Friday-night dinner gathering at Sweet Lou's where this time wait time for a table was estimated to be 20 minutes. 

Well, as we stood in our usual lines on either side of the lobby of the restaurant, Lisa and John walked through the door.  

I hadn't seen this couple since our visit mentioned above. 

So, along with the usual greetings, I asked about their chickens. 

They're named after you, they said.  That took a bit of pondering.  Actually Lisa and John's chickens spend their indoor time in a coop called the "Love Shack."  

As the conversation continued, I learned after hearing of my unfulfilled wish to have my very own chickens, they decided to honor that wish by naming their coop. 

Yesterday, Lisa sent me pictures, and I must say that to have a structure such as that named after me is downright heart warming.  

After all, not everyone gets their name on a chicken coop!

Lisa even told me yesterday that if I ever want eggs, give 'em a call. 

And, so, I never will have to worry about another saying as oft-repeated as "Why did the chicken cross the road?"

Nope, I no longer have to worry about "be careful what you wish for."  

My wish has been satisfied.  Never again will family ears hear in this household how Marianne sure wishes she had chickens. 

John and Lisa have done that for me vicariously. 

And for that I am grateful.  

I'm also screening all other stories I've told people along my life journey and wondering/worrying if any others have gone into action!

In all seriousness, to John and Lisa:  what a fun gesture!

And, if chicken stories are not enough to tickle your buttons this March first, let me tell you about lemons. 

The mail lady came into the driveway yesterday, got out of her car, opened the garage door and set a box with some mail just inside. 

A little later, Bill went to the garage and soon came back with the announcement:  LEMONS!

Yup, we've got lemons.  Actually, we don't have as many as you see in the photo.  I gave some to my friend Helen, and I used several to make lemonade and a lemon pound cake. 

Here's the story.  

Gonzaga lost last Saturday night which led to some sadness in the ZAGnation.  That same day Kansas won and Baylor lost, thus propelling Kansas to move past Gonzaga and Baylor to first place in the AP poll.

My friend who sent the lemons from her home in Palm Springs is also a Jay Hawk. 

I don't have any idea what made her sense the gloom among ZAG lovers in this household, but she felt we needed a lift. 

I thought she was kidding when she asked if we'd like lemons to cheer us up. 

She was not kidding.  

Then, I asked, "Are you bringing the lemons?"

"No," she said, "I'm mailing them." 

By the time the lemons came, our moods about Gonzaga's loss to BYU had improved, with their Thursday night win over San Diego. 

Also, by the time the lemons had arrived yesterday, Kansas had squeaked out a win over cross-state rival Kansas State AND Baylor had lost again. 

All we needed at this household, besides stuff made with lemons, was a Gonzaga win over St. Mary's at the Kennel. 

Well, by golly, the ZAGS did it, in one of best match-ups we've seen all season. 

And, so on Monday, it's very likely that Mow, my lemon benefactor and friend forever, will be happy with her Jay Hawks still sitting at No. 1, and we'll be equally with our ZAGS right behind them at No. 2. 

It's all worth a sip of that pink lemonade.

Yes, Virginia, lemons do turn into lemonade quite often.

 And, good friends are always much appreciated friends.

In short, Ahhh, the tapestry of life where once again the addition of thoughtful and gestures---which some might see as off-the-wall---can be so meaningful and memorable. 

That's all with chickens and lemons. 

As always, it was fun to turn over the calendars this morning and see a new sweet Border Collie puppy face on one and a new scene from the Florida Everglades on the other. 

It's March one!  So, March on!

Happy Sunday.