December 6, 2002

• Making a list, Checking it Twice

  
  

  No, not Santa, it's me.  I've packed the school, I've packed my books, I've packed the snacks we'll need for the road trip.  I have the last load of clothes in the dryer as we speak.  We have a few odds an ends of errands to wrap up and then i'll load the van.  Whoooo Hoooooo! 

  
  

  In spite of all the dysfunctional dynamic, I enjoy my visits to Arkansas.  Having a crazy family gives me lots to write about.  I never get enough time with Fugitive.  If I could order the world as I wish it to be, she and I would live next door to each other.  I usually make out like a Bandit in some way or another.  This trip it was clothes. 

  
  

  I'm known for travelling with everything that I might possibly want to have or use.  It takes a van to load me up.  I've been known to show up at Mom's house with my sewing machine and wheat grinder in addition to the normal suitcases, bookbags, toys for the kids, the dog and her suitcase, and my portable stereo with bags of disks.  This time Mom "suggested" that since she has a washer and dryer right on the premises, there was no need for me to bring more than three changes of clothing.  Let's be clear, my Mom is not a subtle woman.  This was her opening salvo in the long list of "things you won't need on this trip."

  
  

  I've been here a month.  In that month I've worn the same three sweatshirts over and over and over.  This week my Mom bought me clothes.  I'm going home with almost three times as many things as I brought.  I also got a lecture on the need to take more pride in my appearance and the virtues of a classic wardrobe. 

  
  

  Now I'm on my way out to pick up pecans.  My Mom's neighbor has huge trees and has already gathered 35 gallons for himself.  So he wants Mom to come and pick up a few.  Mom isn't letting any grass grow under my feet on that one.  So my kids and I are headed next door to gather nuts.

  
  

  Not Yet

  
  

  Over lunch we adults embarrassed my children by quoting some of the things they've said over the years.  We all get the biggest chuckle over my son Michael.  Tucker is always a card, so it's not surprising when he say's something funny.  Michael tends to be more serious and he's almost always polite.

  
  

  It's the politeness that creates the best remarks.  Last night we decided to drive around the Lake DeGray Marina which does a marvelous display of lights in conjunction with the Make-a-Wish foundation.  We were running around gathering socks, shoes and car keys when Michael made his announcement.  "I've reconsidered and I suppose I'll go with you to see the lights."  None of us were aware that he was supposing he wouldn't go.

  
  

  A few nights back we had an early supper and then the kids were up rather late.  So before bed they requested a snack.  I made them peanut butter and jelly sandwiches.  My Mom walked through a few minutes later and said, "You kids are eating me out of house and home."  Tucker responded, "Oh, no, Aamaw.  There's not a hole in your house."

  
  

  All of these giggle sessions end with the same story.  One afternoon Tucker had irritated Michael to the point that we were all in sympathy with poor Mike.  They were out of sight when we heard Tucker start to cry.  Mom called out, "Michael, did you hit your brother?"  Michael's calm polite voice came back. "Not yet."

  • 1:49 pm
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