This happened last fall.
I'd started a road trip. Stopped at a Starbucks for a cup of alertness, happily getting in line JUST before the 5 fire guys (phew!). Ordered my drink, and went to the lavatory.
Therein I realized I had an egg in my pocket.
Granted, it was a down vest, so better than average at camouflaging things, but nevertheless.
I was carrying an egg.
And I was headed out on a long drive.
And I didn't want my chicken to have worked in vain.
Then I remembered the fire guys. And that many fire folks live at the station in 24 hour shifts. And they COOK there.
So, I washed my hands, and wandered to the "waiting for my coffee" standing zone.
And struck up a conversation.
"So, are you guys local?" One of the shorter, friendlier ones indicated yes. "...and you live there, at the station, right?" "Yes, in shifts." Alrighty. Here we go.
"Well, you see, I have chickens, and am just starting a road trip so I'm going to be driving another five hours and I just realized I have an egg in my pocket." Notice at this point, everyone is paying attention. All other fire-guy conversations have ceased.
"It's organic, and I'd hate for it to go to waste, but I don't know what to do with it. Do you want it? Would you use it? It's super fresh; I collected it today."
Glances exchanged. Smiles appear.
"Well... sure, we'll take it. It may just become part of a batch of cookies, but we'd be happy to."
"Oh, that'd be great!" and I proudly hand him one of Fanny's inestimable eggs.
Suitably elated, I then picked up my latte and walked out, feeling that all was well with the world. How lucky am I?
As I settled into my car, it struck me that this was no ordinary Starbucks encounter. This was a strong candidate for the "You know you have chickens when..." list.
Steering toward the highway, I also realized that I may have crossed a line. I may have just become a Chicken Weirdo.
Hm.
Ah, well.
I was still glad of the encounter, proud of my social braveness, and pleased for my hen. =)
And I bet those cookies were great.
biobabbler
