Operation Chicken

I really like chickens.

I have for a long long time.

And one day I would really like to own some.

My Knight knows this, and I try not to bother him with it.  I may mention something related to chickens every few months or so (~See, I have been good!;), but am really resigned to the fact that it may be a few years, maybe more, until we are set up to actually acquire some.

Well, last Saturday morning we were talking to an old friend and we got on the subject of chickens. My Knight made some comment like "Kate really wants chickens and has been pestering me about it so much that I'm starting to resent it." For one brief second I was shocked. But then I thought, surely he must be teasing. He knows I really want them, but I haven't mentioned it that much!!! Just to be sure though, I decided to broach the subject at breakfast, and promise to never mention the word chicken again if he so desired it. But, as I thought, he was only teasing.(What a turkey!) And he told me he didn't mind talking about chickens every now and again....

I am sorry to admit that my lower nature triumphed and a fowl plan of retaliation began to incubate........and by the next day, the hatching of Operation Chicken had begun.

On the way home from morning Mass I mentioned, "It was so nice taking to X." And then offhandedly,

"You know, she and her husband have chickens."(A fact of which he is perfectly aware.)

"Yes," he replied tonelessly, staring straight ahead.

A few seconds later I continued with, "I am planning to make chicken for dinner."

"That's nice." Still staring straight ahead, but I thought I caught a quick glimmer of amusement in his eye.

"How did you like the eggs that I made you for breakfast this morning?" I asked the question as innocently as possible.

"They were very good."

I was looking straight ahead trying very hard not to smile, and failing utterly when I felt him glance over at me.

He continued coolly, "Store bought eggs have such a nice flavor. So much better than those from chickens on a farm." (Heartless and wicked!!!;)

Silence.

I fought to display an air of wounded dignity. He looked at me and grinned.

"I knew exactly what you were up to. From the very beginning."

I turned, my eyes laughing into his;

"I know," I replied with a superior smile.

And if he thinks that is the end....well, he is mistaken. Operation Chicken has just begun. But it does require a certain delicacy. That subtle touch. Today I planted a little toy chicken on his dresser for him to find when he arrives home from work. And I have so many more ideas.... Valentine's Day? How about a homemade valentine with a chicken on the front and a caption that reads something like "This chick's crazy about you!"

Easter? Our family collectively doesn't care for "Peeps", but I think my Knight may find a box of them in our basket this year........

Ah yes. Operation Chicken has only just begun.....;)