Crazy story, Dennis.  At first I am thinking I need to share it with my wife and son but then think they may try to slow me down out of fear of me getting as crazy as you. :)

I rented a chestnut orchard from an immigrant from Sicily.  He was quite friendly at times and at other times he would curse at me and get ready to punch me...at the age of 90.  He was a boxer in his 20s and was still ready to go.  I finally quit renting the orchard to avoid the conflict.  Sad that some folks (of any ethnic background) are so eager to fight.

Harvey, they don't have to be Ethnic to be cranky when they are old.  They just have seen it all, and don't give a flying ^&$@#$%^&$%^!!  :-))

My son was an intern and he encountered this old anglo lady.  She needed her eye exam.  She had a mouth like a sailor.  He was trying to be the calm sweet kid that he is, but she was having none of it!!  He had his eye exam light out, and she told him to put it where the sun don't shine............  Yep!!  They think they are entitled to be cranky, and well, maybe they are!

Still love Dennis' story!  It's just the best!  They could make a movie about it!!

Suzi

Just catching up. Great story! I think your signature should include, "a crazy man with fresh fig cuttings" somewhere in it. Haha

I too loved your story! You have a wonderful way of telling the story too. Made me feel as though I was right there experiencing it with you =)

Dennis,

  You have no idea . . . .  BUT - to honor Emilio, and your own bravery, and in an expression of renown Sicilian generosity, I think you should distribute as many cuttings of Emilio's fig as widely as you can.

Dennis,

Your are a nut.  LOL.  I could see myself in that situation too.  Lucky so far most of the folks have been really nice.  The lady with the giant fig tree has invited me back to taste her fig which should be ripe soon.  Can't wait for that.

I bet if you'd met them when they were sober the reaction would have been different. I imagine the old man is happy you got those cuttings - the mother tree is gone now but her children live on.