As I drive around I see that the green is just beginning to drain out of the tree leaves, the mornings have a hint of crispness in the air, and the fall rains are starting their cycle. And when it rains we seem to get 4-5 inches at a time.
PLAN C. Speaking of all the rain, Wil Swann was supposed to have his 6th birthday party down at the river Saturday. They had planned to have a cowboy celebration complete with a hay ride and panning for gold in the river. The storm that blew through that morning (accompanied by a tornado warning) made the ground too soft for us to get down to the river. Kenny and Lori shifted to Plan B: a round up back at the ranch (the barn at their house). I mention all this because for Ben, who had been so excited about going to Wil’s party all week, it was sort of disconcerting to get up the morning of the party and see it raining so hard that you wonder if animals are off somewhere lining up in pairs.
By mid morning it had turned off pretty and things were looking up for the party. When we all arrived that afternoon another front of dark clouds weren’t that far behind. They decided to proceed with the hay ride. All the kids were given hats; bandannas; water guns and small, slightly rotten gourds and sworn in for fighting the Indians. We took off toward K-D Orchard. Half way there the clouds let loose and we had to take refuge in the Henry’s chicken house until several moms came to the rescue. Kenny, who spins a great story, entertained with the tale of Samson and Delilah while we waited. The Indians (Mac, Andrew and Brandon Tate) almost got soaked while waiting to attack all the cowboys and cowgirls.
Our kids all had a great time in spite of the weather. We gave Wil a pair of cap pistols for his birthday. The boys are wishing we had bought them a set of their own as well. Jenna is glad we didn’t. At any rate, the party was a hit with our crew. We’ve had two cowboys and a cowgirl running around ever since. Ben even slept in his cowboy hat last night. It looks sort of funny where he mashed the brim in odd places as he slept. At least he didn’t have cow licks in his hair.
BARBECUE AND EGGS. I forgot to report last time that the Cross Plains Heritage Commission had its annual Barbecue Supper on Saturday the 16th. We fed over 300 people and made about $2000.
Vicki was asked to make two pies as a dessert contribution. We don’t have a lot of fridge/freezer space at our house but Pauline has ample room at her house for our overflow. When Vicki was ready to make her pies the other Saturday she had the boys bring our pie crusts and a few eggs from Pauline’s. Pauline bagged up the goods and sent the boys over. Vicki about had a cow as she looked out at the boys walking across the yard. Ben was carrying the bag with the carton of eggs and how those eggs survived the trip is beyond me. He was dancing like a wild man and slinging the bag of eggs in an eccentric orbit around his head. Sixteen people got slices of fudge pie made with pre-beaten eggs.
SHE GOT ME. When we kiss the kids good night Jenna thinks its funny to try and kiss us on the lips. Well, she was quicker than I thought she’d be tonight and hit her target. Acting in mock disgust I said, “Eww, that’s almost as bad as kissing your own mother on the lips!” (Sorry Mom.)
Ben tries the same sort of thing by giving a slobbery kiss. I finally got tired of it and fought back by holding him down and licking one side of his face. This broke him for a while, but his memory is pretty short.
SELF EMBARRASSMENT. Just yesterday she was sitting at the table reading the badges they got from Wil’s party. In trying to sound out “deputy” she overemphasized the middle syllable and said “de-POO-tee” and Vicki and I didn’t let that one slide by (she can be sensitive about mispronouncing words). Even better was the other evening in the middle of supper when Jenna suddenly looked at Vicki and asked with a tone of accusation, “Mom, where’s my fork?” Vicki calmly replied, “It’s right there in your hand.” Jenna’s face went from stern to sheepish in record time.
HAPPY ANNIVERSARY! I want to recognize Bill and Marnie Lind for their 60th wedding anniversary tomorrow! (Bill piloted the B-29 my Dad flew on in World War II.) They will be celebrating at their church in Minneapolis on October 8. Their oldest daughter will be preaching that day. I wish I could be there. I’ll be thinking about you on your special day.
Joe
