A farmer took his truck to the mechanic to get it fixed. They couldn't do it while he waited, so he said he didn't live far and would just walk home.
On the way home he stopped at the hardware store and bought a bucket and a gallon of paint.
He then stopped by the feed store and picked up a couple of chickens and a goose. However, struggling outside the store he now had a problem – how to carry all his purchases home.
While he was scratching his head he was approached by a little old lady who told him she was lost.
She asked, "Can you tell me how to get to Church Lane?"
The farmer said, "Well, as a matter of fact, my farm is at the end of that road….. I would walk you there, but I can't carry this lot."
The old lady suggested, "Why don't you put the can of paint in the bucket, carry the bucket in one hand, put a chicken under each arm and carry the goose in your other hand?"
"Why thank you very much," he said and proceeded to walk with the old girl after following her advice.
On the way, he said, "Let's take my shortcut and go down this footpath. We'll be there in no time."
The little old lady looked him over cautiously then said, "I am a lonely widow without a husband to defend me... How do I know that when we get amongst the trees, you won't hold me up against a tree, and have your way with me?"
Shocked, the farmer responded, "Holy smokes, lady! I'm carrying a bucket, a tin of paint, two chickens, and a goose. How in the world could I possibly hold you up against a tree and do that?"
"Set the goose down,” The old lady replied, “cover him with the bucket, put the paint on top of the bucket…. and I'll have to hold the chickens."