My farmer husband Larry isn't a good bachelor. So whenever I'm gone over noon, I set the table and leave dinner in the oven. That was the case when I accepted a lunch invitation with former coworkers. I made sure everything was taken care of for Larry, including a scribbled note saying, "Dinner in oven." Returning at 4 p.m., I waved at Larry working outside, but he didn't wave back. Guess he's had a bad day, I thought.

In the kitchen, the plot thickened. There were no dirty dishes, and the casserole was still in the oven. Only a sandwich that I intended to throw away was missing from the refrigerator.

When Larry came in, I asked, "What did you have for dinner?"

Silence.

"Did you get my note?"

"Sure did," he replied gruffly. "It said, 'Dinner is over!'"

I now proofread all my notes.