‘School is almost over or as Neva J says…’ Schools out teacher let the monkeys out,’ said Billy B. The next few days will be like the beginning of summer vacation only with the restrictions of being in school during the day,’ he continued.

‘The trip to Giant City State Park yesterday was exciting,’ Jane exclaimed! ‘I especially enjoyed eating fried chicken at the Lodge and seeing George sitting by the bar,’ Jane laughed. ‘He spoke to me and asked me what I was studying and if I had been hiking,’ she stated.

‘I told George that I was searching for a walking stick and he directed me to a new bunch that had just come in and were laying next to the checkout counter,’ Neva J said with a laugh. ‘He reminded me of my brother Gene and is a funny old guy,’ she said with a wink and a nod.

‘George helped me pick out a walking stick that was just my size, you know that they are supposed to come up to your chest,’ Daryl noted. ‘He left his chair by the bar and walked into the main lobby of the Lodge and visited with everyone that came in until I finished my chicken dinner he is a big hit with the Lodge visitors,’ he added.

‘George is a facsimile of a country gentleman,’ Chet said. ‘Not so long ago he would have been called a ‘Dummy’ like Charlie McArthy or Mortimer Snerd, Chet said. ‘He is not real…he adds color to the establishment he is for fun and a conversation starter,’ he added with a sly grin.

‘Well I don’t know about Charlie McArthy of Mortimer but George is coming for dinner tonight and we should be on our best behavior,’ Neva J admonished. ‘He said that all of his family except his sister have gone on to their reward and at times when the restaurant is closed he gets a bit lonely,’ Neva J noted.

‘George is bringing his only family member who is still living with him, he says she works at an antique store in Murphysboro,’ Chet said with a grin.

‘George’s sister works in retail while he works in Hospitality,’ Chet laughed…