“Ollie,” I said looking questioningly at him, “Why does everyone think you know so much?”

He blinked, adjusted his monocle, and said in a dignified voice,

“How do I know? It’s probably that old wives tale about how smart owls are supposed to be.”

We were having a conversation. An owl talking to me is rare. So I continued,

“You think that’s it, as simple as that?”

Again, with as much dignity as before he said,

“As I told you, how do I know? Do you think I know everything just because I’m an owl?”

I thoought it would be a good idea to humor him and replied,

“That crossed my mind. Do you NOT know everything?”

He thought that over for a few seconds before answering,

“I know a little bit about a lot of things. But I don’t know enough about you.”

Surprised by his reply, I questioned him once more,

“Ollie, are you coming on to me?”

Looking equally surprised, he retorted.

“Who me?”

I could tell with that joking reply that he certainly couldn’t be serious. So I decided to play along with him. I asked Ollie,

“What do you want to know about me?

“Well,” he said, “Are you married or single?”

Trying to be serious, I replied,

“What difference does it make?”

“You said you weren’t coming on to me. So, it shouldn’t make any difference if I’m married or single.”

He thought for a moment. Then replied,

• “Married, I say things more dignified.
• Single, I might be likely to ask you to dinner.”

“Oh,” I said coyly, “Then I think I will be married.”

Ollie looked hurt, so I quickly added,

“But we can go have dinner anyway, but nothing else, mind you.”

He questioned openly,

“Are you sure your husband won’t mind you having dinner with a Wise Old Owl?”

I smiled and stated,

“I’m sure he won’t mind. He trusts me as I trust him. He is having dinner with a female co-worker and there are plenty of opportunities to stray.

He won’t and I won’t. We have mutual love and trust in each other.”