Another Friday At Mer and Bop's

I started answering comments but quickly realized I don't have time for that tonight. I have three boys to feed which means I have chicken to take off the bone and dumplings to make and tenderly spoon into the simmering broth. These guys could probably die of starvation if they aren't regularly fed every hour on the hour. I don't know how they manage to get through a school day. 
When they came in the house, they were thrilled in that Boppy had taken them to a sporting goods store where he gave Levon $100.00 to spend because his birthday is Monday and Levon bought a new basketball, basketball cards, and a Seminole shirt. Long-sleeved. The night after his birthday, Boppy is going to take him to an FSU basketball game. This has been planned and discussed for weeks. There were text messages. Gifs were involved. 
And don't feel too sorry for August. Boppy gave him $10.00 and he bought Pokemon cards and a large number of TicTacs in a plastic dispenser. Orange flavored. So they're pretty happy. 
So are we. 

I spent a lot of time doing laundry today and making up beds and stuff like that. I went to Publix to get a few things. I definitely needed buttermilk because I can't make dumplings or pancakes without it. 
Okay. I could, but they would not be as good. 
The buttermilk came in handy when August asked if he could try a bite of one of the tabasco peppers I have on the kitchen island in a fish dish. I said, sure. He asked how hot they were and I told him I had no idea. I'm not apt to do any such foolishness as try to eat one in its natural state. I put them in vinegar to use on greens. But he did try the tiniest bite of one and so did Levon and they declared the peppers to be quite hot indeed and did I have any buttermilk? because that's what takes the fire out of your mouth the best. 
And now you know. 

So, where were we? Publix. I ran into one of my neighbors there. It's sad and ridiculous that Publix is the place where I most often see my neighbors but it is true. The neighbor I saw today is having a very, very rough patch of it. Her husband of 59 and one half years recently died and she is devastated. I believe they got married when she was nineteen. We stood there in front of the cream cheese refrigerated section for at least twenty minutes and talked. Well, I stood. She was using one of the mechanized shopping mobility carts so she was sitting down. While we were talking a man was standing a few feet away and his wife came and asked if he was okay, waiting for her there and he said he was. "I'm just eavesdropping," he said. 
"That's all right," I told him. And it was. At least he was honest. When he finally had to leave he told us he hoped we would have beautiful days. For some reason, I find this all most interesting. 

I better get in there and get that chicken off the bone and put it in the broth with the vegetables and then make the dumplings. The traditional side-dish I make to go with chicken and dumplings for the grandchildren is cut up cucumbers and cherry tomatoes with ranch dressing. This seems to suit everyone just fine. The chicken and dumplings have celery, onions, carrots, and green beans in them so they're getting their vegetables. 

And oh yes. Glen spent the day at the hospice facility. He said it was so peaceful with nothing beeping and a bird feeder outside the window with birds coming and going and staff being there for any questions, support, and making sure Alan is not in any pain. 
They are saying he may be in his last day but knowing Alan and how long he has managed to hang on and hang in, I am not sure I completely trust that timeline. His wife is accepting. She is there with him. Their granddaughter had her time alone with him this afternoon. I know she must have thanked him for her new car. 
That girl has had to go through too much for someone of her age. I haven't even talked about a lot of that because it is truly not my story to tell. But I will say that girl is way stronger than I can imagine anyone being at the age of fifteen. And I am grateful that she has had Alan in her life because he has shown her love and support. It would seem she knows that too. 

And Glen is, well, he is feeling all of the emotions from the joy of having these fine grandchildren, to the sorrow of losing his best friend, to the gratefulness that that friend will soon be free. 
When he made our martinis we clinked and I whispered into his ear, "I love you so very much," and he answered in kind, whispering, "I love you so very much." 
August, who was standing a few feet away said, "We know you do."
"You know we do what?" I asked him. 
"Love each other," he said. 
I hope never to forget that. 
And then I told him he had great ears and Levon said he heard what we said too and I told them that they were so fresh and that it was wonderful their equipment all worked so well. 

Happy Friday, y'all. 

Love...Ms. Moon