Ina
and Bertha spent another day whirring at their sewing machines, and in the afternoon,
Bertha called Ina to compare notes. Shirley Anne’s
costume was finished and the gingerbread costumes were sewn but in need of embellishment.
“I
know,” said Bertha, “why don’t we ask at Sunday school if some of the neighbor
ladies would join us in the finishing work?” Ina was in total agreement and
offered her house for the event. They set the time for Monday at 10:00, and
they would ask each “guest” to bring her own lunch with Bertha providing a tray
of holiday sweets and Ina the coffee and tea. It would be fun! Why didn’t they think of it before?!!
 |
| Ina's house in the '30s |
[Now,
don’t worry about the extra work for either Ina or Bertha. They were both ready
for this and looking forward to it. Bertha was an excellent cook, and Ina had
the bigger house and was an excellent housekeeper.]
To continue and go on – Shirley Anne came home from school excited about a sleigh ride this evening. (Yes, it had snowed – we should have snow now, don’t you think?) – and the snow was plenty deep for a horse-drawn sleigh. They would come by the house, and she could go with them if Aunt Ina permitted. Of course she could go, Ina said. Ina knew she would have a wonderful time with her friends. Wonderful times make for wonderful memories.
Promptly
at 6:00, the sleigh arrived, and Ina had seen to it that Shirley Anne was ready
and waiting, bundled up in her warm coat. She also provided an old quilt. She
watched as little Shirley Anne was tucked into the group between her best
friends, Molly and Esmay. The night was clear – perfect for a hayride – and the
excitement was palpable. “Come with us, Aunt Ina,” called the participants, but
she politely declined. She thought such frivolity was for the young. She preferred to stay warm, and she wanted to be
ready to warm Shirley Anne and get her into bed when the sleigh returned. 
Shirley Anne came in late – very tired but very happy. She told Ina
all about the fun – how the group had sung carols as they rode along, stopping
here and there to serenade certain homes. At one, they were invited in for hot
chocolate and Christmas cookies. Then, on the reverse route, the participants
were returned to their homes one by one. The child was asleep before her head
hit her pillow, her bed already warmed with hot water bottles. KW
6 comments:
What a fun and busy day for all. Bertha and Ina make me think of myself--I never think of asking for help either.
Same here, of course. If it's my task, I prefer to do it myself. Ina and Bertha will work it out, one way or another.
Enjoy the view from your house on this lovely snowy day.
Nothing like getting together to get into the Christmas spirit! I'm sure the church ladies will appreciate being in on the fun. I've never met an Esmay. What inspired this name?
"Esmay" is the Tonner "My Imagination" doll. I did some research on the name, though in the end, I still just liked the name. To me she has a rather ethereal look, and I see her as an opportunity to try some fairy costumes or middle ages gowns -- or maybe contemporary "steam punk." (I'll bet you're surprised I even know about "steam punk."
I don't even know steam punk...
Wikipedia's explanation of "Steampunk" is at this link:
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Steampunk
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