Charlie Rich decided that raising pigs would be an enjoyable activity and the perfect sideline.  Linda was agreeable, as long as she didn’t have to be involved.  Charlie bought— and loved—dozens, perhaps hundreds, of pigs.

Unfortunately the pigs got out frequently, as pigs do, and it was always when Charlie was not at home.  Perhaps the worst episode was when the pigs scattered through the neighbor’s field, and Linda was late for a wedding reception.  She mustered the help of the kids and initiated a roundup.  She was mildly placated and relieved when she saw Charlie’s pickup pull up to the house.  Charlie looked around, determined that no one was home, and drove off to go to the reception.

After many, many such episodes Linda had finally had enough.  She told Charlie sternly, “Either the pigs go, or I do!”

“Oh, honey,” Charlie said, “please don’t make me choose!”