When we're out and about, we often eavesdrop on what others are saying, and if it's especially interesting, funny, absurd, or stupid, we simply say "gardening." The other person then knows to be quiet for a few seconds.
Why "gardening" as a code word? Because if we said, "Shhhhh! I'm EAVESDROPPING!" the eavesdroppees might hear and thus shut up. And there goes our fun!
Here's something we overheard in 2002 in a restaurant in Newport, Oregon. It was so good I wrote it on the placemat, took it home, and kept it. While packing boxes in the last few months, I found it.
In case you can't read my writing (and who can, really? it's very artistic, but highly illegible) a couple at the next table were talking about birds . . .
"Is that a crow or a raven?"
"It's a raven. Crows have yellow beaks and yellow feet."
Do you see why "gardening" can be a most rewarding pastime? I highly recommend it. You just might learn something . . .
©Carol Leigh
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