Being Grandparents

August and Levon are still here and I keep trying to come up with something to occupy them that doesn't involve television or the Wii. So we went out and pulled up a few carrots. Those aren't very big but they'll be tender. I especially love the tripod alien one at the top there. So far this year I haven't found any that have made me giggle like a dirty-minded fifth-grader which is somewhat of a disappointment. I always love the slightly pornographic ones that often form. 

While we were outside, the guys climbed the mulberry tree.

That poor tree. Not only did all the developing fruit get nipped by the cold snap we had this year, but also the oak trees around it keep getting bigger and bigger as oak trees tend to do and they are shading it out. When I planted it some years ago, it took off like a rocket and gave me a fine crop every year. Not any longer. Perhaps we should cut that one down and plant another in the back yard directly behind the house in an area that gets more sun although that would probably shade out the limequat tree and blueberries, all of which did indeed survive the freeze. 

The chicken and dumplings last night were terrific, in my opinion. Plenty of chicken and lots of definitely not hard-as-rocks dumplings. The guys gave them their approval. 

After supper Levon had a bath and August had a shower and then it was time for root beer and vanilla ice cream floats. They were a little wired from probably not getting enough sleep the night before at Lily's. I asked August if they'd gotten any sleep there and he said, "Not much." 
They picked out an old favorite for me to read before lights out. "The Relatives Came" by Cynthia Rylant. We have discussed this book here many times. The reading of it and studying the fantastic illustrations by Stephen Gammell never gets old. Not for me and I do not think for the children either. 
Hmmm...
Perhaps I should consider getting a tattoo of one of the pictures in that book. 
I think this one might do nicely.

Yep. I can see our family gatherings in it. 

After the book and tuck-ins and a little back and head scratching, I turned the lights out and they were still going at it like little puppies but they settled down and were asleep before very long at all. 

By the time I got up this morning, the sun was way up. I do not know why I slept about an hour longer than I usually do but I did. I suppose I had to finish the epic dream I was having that involved a huge event at the Mormon Temple in Salt Lake City. Bits of things I've learned over the years from listening to "Mormon Stories" fit themselves into the dream here and there and my friend Sue was with me. We adventured! We were definitely sightseeing, not becoming Mormons. Don't worry. 

By the way, there was a lot of patriarchy going on. 
Also, as usual, I lost my purse and in a novel twist, my shoes. 

Sigh.

So I did feel a little bit guilty that I'd let the children go so long without eating because of course they are in danger of starving but Mr. Moon had given them some juice and they were watching TV so they didn't care and the sweetest thing happened. Every morning when I get up I go into the Glen Den and give Mr. Moon a morning kiss and this morning, I went over to the couch to give the boys a little hug but Levon put his lips right up for me to kiss and I gave him a little bird peck as a Mermer should, and August did the same. 
Now this might not sound like much but these are not the most outwardly affectionate children in the world. They just aren't. And of course I don't force the issue. So the voluntary presentation of pursed lips thrilled my soul and I made the best pancakes ever and bacon and scrambled eggs and Levon must be going through a growth spurt because he ate as much as his brother and Mr. Moon must also be going through a growth spurt because he ate even more. 

It's been a pretty laid back day. They went out with Bop and had some sort of bamboo kicking contest and they watched more TV and they played Wii for as long as I'd let them and there was a book reading and carrot harvesting and tree climbing. I took the trash and offered them the opportunity to come with me which for some reason, they declined. 
Say what?
I even went to the post office! What's wrong with this generation?

***********

Well, the parents have come and collected their sons. The bye-bye treat tonight was a freshly harvested carrot. They accepted that without a fuss. They really were the sweetest boys. No whining, no aw, man's, no real complaints. They did question me as to why wrinkles in the bed they were helping me make bothered me. 
"We don't mind wrinkles," said August. 
"Well, I do," I said, and explained my need to have nicely made beds to give me a sense of peace and comfort in my home every time I walk past them.
"We hardly ever see our beds," August told me.
"I see my beds many times a day," I told him, "And it's important to me."
They accepted that. 
Grandmothers are supposed to have strange quirks, aren't we? And of course, they are not to be questioned. 

All right. It's quiet here again in Lloyd. Tomorrow Mr. Moon will be getting up before the dawn to drive up to Lake Seminole as the guys who are doing the downstairs flooring are supposed to be there at 7:30. Three days and that will be done. 
A sort of epoxy finishing of the cement. We shall see how that turns out. 
As I see it, no matter how it turns out, he'll still be able to have a very, very good time fishing in the huge lake. 

Me? I believe there may be some recovery time necessary tomorrow although there is so much I feel I really need to do in this yard. 

Here's what one of the tomato plants is doing.

A tiny promise of deliciousness to come.

Love...Ms. Moon