I hired a painter to help spruce up the place a bit. I bought paint and had the guy in to paint the hall. As the painter was busily working, I was at my puter. The following dialogue took place:

Painter: Yes, Ma'am?

Me: (pulling my earbuds out and Snapping out of my cyber haze) Dah.. Huh? What? Is there something you need?

Painter: Ma'am, you called me.

Me: (shaking my head) I didnt.

Painter: (looking bewildered) I could have sworn I heard you say, "Stop. Come Here Please." My bad. (painter shrugs and returns to the hallway).

*~*~*

Painter: Um, Ma'am? Did you say something?

Me: ( totally startled again) Me? No, I didnt say anything.

Painter: Is there anyone else in the house Ma'am? Cuz I thought you said, "Hey! Stop! Come here! What are you doing?"

Noise from Back room: HAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA!!! Good Boyyyy!

Painter: There! Who said that?

Noise from back room: NOOOOO! NOOOO! HEY! HAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA


By this time, the painter was as white as a sheet and it dawned on me that he was hearing the parrots. I tried to keep a straight face, and then I lost it and burst out with this wheezing, partially stifled guffaw that made my eyes and nose run. Then I broke wind with aplomb and completely lost it. All the while I was gasping and trying to explain that he was hearing parrots! It was no good. I got up, still unable to speak coherently, and beckoned him to come, and showed him the birds in the back room. With realization seeping in, relief spread across his face. Then he, too, laughed a little, shaking his head. That poor guy. I'm sure this is one for the boys at the bar tonight. Wish I could hear how he spins it.