Um, Helen. I'm so glad you decided to stay in our yard. But it's raining, don't you want to go in the coop with the other chickens?
Well, usually they don't watch me through the kitchen window. They just go peck stuff in the yard. Besides, it's almost bedtime. You need to get yourself a good spot on the roost.
What do you mean, "I'd like to go onto the screened-in porch?" Helen, that's where the baby chickens sleep. You're a big girl now. Yes, I know you used to sleep on the porch at your old house. But that was an open porch by the back door.
Oh, all right. Just this once. Tomorrow night you're going back in the coop.
Um, Helen. You can go to sleep now. You're not coming into the house, honey. Stop pacing.
Now, listen, Helen. Chickens are not allowed in our house.
Excuse me. We're going to eat dinner now and when I get back, I expect you to be roosting on the bar over the chicks, like you did the other night.
Hey! Who left the back door open? Probably the dog, when he came in. Helen? Helen? Where are you? Well, great, you probably went back to the neighbor's yard. Good luck not getting another dart shot at you. Dumb chicken. Now I'll just go up the back staircase to our bedroom and---
YIKES!
Helen. Sweetie. Even though this is a not a finished staircase, it leads to a finished bedroom. INSIDE OUR HOUSE. I'm sorry, but we have to draw the line somewhere. No chickens in the house.
[Here, I put Helen outside on the roost and firmly close the door. Instantly she is back pacing at the back door. My husband, finding this hysterical, opens the door. She barges in, brushes past him and goes back upstairs in a huff.]
Helen. Now you are technically IN OUR BEDROOM.
However, I understand you've been through a rough patch lately. Oh, all right. You can spend the night there, but I'm going to put a towel under you.
The whole elementary school will be talking about this tomorrow. You're lucky we're softhearted people, Helen.
G'night, Helen.
That was silly and sweet!Will you post again when she climbs under the covers?
Posted by: Jane | June 16, 2006 at 06:07 AM
I probably wouldn't think it was so funny if there was a chicken making a home invasion at our house, but I can't stop laughing at this!
Posted by: Jenn | June 16, 2006 at 08:31 AM
Yup, I'm thinking the next favorite roost will be the head or foot of your bed. Oy. That is just too funny.
Posted by: Norma | June 16, 2006 at 09:16 AM
You are such a softie. :)
Really cute pictures!
Posted by: Laura | June 16, 2006 at 09:28 AM
I suspect that we will soon be seeing photos of helen and sophie fighting for your husband's attention.
Helen knows that she's landed with a family of softies.
Posted by: Lindy | June 16, 2006 at 09:38 AM
How funny! And you know what? I lived in Vermont from 1976-1990 and I don't think I knew ANYONE with a pool!!! Why couldn't I have been your neighbor when I lived there!?
Posted by: Scout | June 16, 2006 at 09:55 AM
Oh my gosh!!!! what a great giggle this morning. hehe
Posted by: Laura | June 16, 2006 at 10:03 AM
Ohhh I think I love Helen! :-)
Posted by: Claudia | June 16, 2006 at 10:24 AM
That is Too.Funny. Your daughter is going to love telling this story!
Posted by: Katy | June 16, 2006 at 11:13 AM
A house chicken! You have a house chicken! So cute!
Posted by: janna | June 16, 2006 at 09:55 PM
I love Helen! Chickens are funny creatures. My ladies' were coralled back into their pen today. As much as I adore them, I was NOT amused when they got into my strawberries and cabbages. Especially following our discussion prior to the offense. Can't wait to see what you spin up from all of the lovely fleece.
Posted by: Heide | June 17, 2006 at 09:28 PM
Oh MY! Gotta love Helen, That is one tenacious chickie! WHERE will she roost next? Can't wait to find out.
Posted by: emmy | June 17, 2006 at 09:44 PM
I'm just reading this and, yes, I am laughing! She fits right in, doesn't she? And, Helen knows she's got it good. Let me know when she starts watching TV.
Posted by: Joanne | June 18, 2006 at 07:58 PM
Helen is definately my favorite chicken of all time.
Posted by: stephanie | June 19, 2006 at 07:26 PM
Aww--that's so sweet!
That Helen is one plucky chick.
(please don't tell her I said that)
Posted by: Stephy | June 23, 2006 at 08:58 AM
Hi,
You guessed the right address. Great story and pictures.
Posted by: Roxanne | June 27, 2006 at 10:38 PM
I didn't see this one! She does make a really cute houseguest though!
Posted by: Carol | November 10, 2006 at 07:08 AM