Fred the Farmer and His Unusual Day
Fred the farmer lived a life of hard work and constant nagging from his demanding wife. The only peace he ever found was in the quiet of his fields, tending to his crops. One day, as Fred was out plowing, his wife brought him lunch. As he sat on a stump, quietly enjoying his meal, she began her usual barrage of complaints. But before Fred could respond, his old mule suddenly kicked up its hind legs and struck her in the head, killing her instantly.
At her funeral, Fred stood stoically by the casket, receiving condolences. The pastor, observing the proceedings, noticed something peculiar. When women offered their sympathies, Fred would nod his head up and down. But when men came by, he would shake his head side to side.
Curiosity got the better of the pastor, and after the service, he pulled Fred aside. “Fred,” he asked, “I couldn’t help but notice. Why did you nod at the women but shake your head at the men?”
Fred gave a small smile and replied, “Well, the women all said how lovely she looked and how beautiful her dress was, so I nodded in agreement. But the men kept asking me, "Is that mule for sale?"