Jolly Solly: A Fine Kettle of Fish

M r. Krankowitz had heard on the weather forecast that morning that there was a slight chance of rain. Humph! The old man stamped his foot in annoyance. How would he get his newspaper from the shop in a downpour? And what about the kippers he’d been planning to buy from the fish store? Mr. Krankowitz was extremely partial to a nice grilled kipper even though the smell always made young Efraim Faigelbaum next door wrinkle up his nose in distaste.

Grouching and grumbling under his breath Mr. Krankowitz decided he would just have to brave the elements. But first he needed to ensure he was dressed appropriately. He shuffled over to the closet to look for his raincoat. Next he pulled out a waterproof hat and boots and finally an umbrella to catch any stray raindrops that tried to sneak their way in through the outer layers.

By the time Mr. Krankowitz was fully decked out in all his protective rain gear it was late. He realized he’d have to hurry if he was to get the kippers in time for dinner. The old man stepped out of his front door — only to stop short in dismay.

The sun was shining! Those ridiculous weather forecast people had gotten it wrong! Waving his walking stick around crossly the old man debated what to do. There wasn’t enough time to start removing all his extra clothing and take it back inside. He would just have to continue on his way. Perhaps it would cloud over soon and then he’d be glad of all the protective gear.