Truth...stranger than fiction!

There are friends who can bring back the laughter of days gone by...funny experiences in the classroom while sharing the joys of teaching. Back in the late 80's, I taught fourth grade for two years and shared the curriculum with fellow teammate, Helen. After convincing her at the end of the first year that as gracious as she was to coach me in Science [see Oct 25, 2009...The March of the Crayfish], it would be better [ both for me and the kids] if I taught two Social Studies classes and she would do two Science classes. The Social Studies Curriculum included local history and how the community progressed from the 1700's while interacting with the Native Americans, and the Revolutionary War Battles that were fought in and around the area. I had ordered a PBS Series that were 15 minute videos of related topics and invited Helen's class to join us. We were seated on opposite sides of the room as the tape shared 'housing-related' and shelter-type issues after clashes with the enemies, especially when their quarters had been set on fire leaving them homeless. Imagine our surprise when it was stated that within the hierarchy of housing, the chicken coop was included...AND ...that since it was considered most favorable, it was often occupied by military higher-ups! Well, Holy Mackerel!! We both knew that we couldn't even look at each other in fear of bursting out in laughter. No disrespect intended...merely surprised at its 'reserved status'.

Helen called me on Sunday to say that she had heard on the TV that a retired teacher had been living in a chicken coop. I promptly responded,

"Are ya kidding? Are you really thinking that I'm going to believe that? "

We laughed, reminisced about the movie, and that was that.

Then days later while watching TV, a commercial began explaining how AARP was begun by a woman who had witnessed a retired teacher living in a chicken coop because that was all that she could afford!! The founder of AARP determined that she must help people to make things better.

Helen had not made it up! It had not been a practical joke which we have been known to orchestrate upon each other. I had to phone her immediately with the words...

"You were right. I was wrong. It'll never happen again!"

I was so surprised that she had been telling a chicken coop truth!

Good thing I didn't bet the ranch.