Herkamer and Gertrude The List Part 3

Yesterday, Herkamer was still reeling from the startling wake up with pots and pans that he received from Gertrude. That along with a long list of chores always frustrated Herkamer, and he decided to take the day for relaxing. However, as he began to call out to Gertrude to notify her of his decision, he found her found her outside trying to start the mower after countless calls and searches everywhere within the house. Herkamer went to Gertrude's aid because he felt if he started the mower for her, he could go back to bed and rest a little longer. Herkamer had just chivalrously started the mower, turned away, and was heading toward the door when he heard Gertrude say...

“Did you think I was out here getting this ready for me? Oh no, Herky, I was just giving you a head start. Now, come, come, get this mowing done because there is a lot more on the list, and if we don't finish it today, we won't have it ready when my mother arrives tomorrow.” Herkamer pursed his lips and broadened his shoulders. This was the big moment. He was finally going to be brave enough to tell Gertrude how he really felt about “her list.” When suddenly, he folded again, gritted his teeth, and went to take the mower from Gertrude.

Gertrude quickly released the mower to Herkamer, and gave him a few more commands just before she went back inside. Herkamer began to mumble and mow, mumble and mow, grumble and mow when suddenly the mower stopped. “What the...” Herkamer said angrily as he bent down to check the mower engine. He pulled the rope to try to start it again, then again, then again. He twisted the fuel switch and tried it again. Still the mower wouldn't start. It was then his eyes widened and his lips tightened. His head twisted a little to the side when he thought of the gas. “Did she put gas in this thing? She better have put gas in this thing.” He said through his teeth as he opened the fuel cap. Sure enough, the mower had no gas.

Herkamer went to the storage shed to retrieve the gas can, however, when he got there, the can was empty. In fact, all four gas cans were empty. Herkamer was nearly at the boiling point. He murmured as he walked back into the house, picked up his car keys, took one of the cans, and started back outside to drive to the gas station. He only stopped a moment to hear Gertrude question, “Herky, why did you stop mowing. You know we have so many things to do today. Why do you always delay when it comes to chores...” She was still talking when he walked out the door.

Herkamer's thoughts were raging as he drove ferociously down the road. He only paused a moment when he saw the blue and red lights flashing behind him. He looked down to see that he was speeding. “Oh shoot!” he said as he slowly pulled the car to the roadside. After a moment or two a tall, muscular officer walked to his window and said, “Fifty five in a thirty five? Where is the fire buddy? License and registration, now!” It was only then that Herkamer remembered that he forgot his wallet. He scrambled through papers on the front seat; he looked over the visor, and he checked the glove box. He could only find a registration from two years ago, so he turned to the officer who was now being annoyed by Herkamer's delay, and said...

Stay tuned for more of the story tomorrow. Same blog time. Same blog page. Until tomorrow...Why Say more?