DAY 19 -- INA AND SADIE'S EXCELLENT FARMHOUSE CHIRSTMAS

The sky was gray. “A dull day,” said Ina to herself as Jack and Sadie left for the schoolhouse. Ina sent along a loaf of bread, sliced and buttered, for the children’s lunch. She knew that some of them didn’t have enough to eat at home, and even though she was no longer directly involved with the school, she liked to help when she could. And while Jack was at the schoolhouse, he would be sure there was enough wood in the woodbox to last through the Christmas program and party tomorrow night.

Ina was now conscientiously working over her lists – the menu for dinners Christmas Eve and Christmas Day; the list of groceries she would need from town – lettuce, celery, oranges, etc.; the list of things to be done before the big celebration. Well – I’m sure you make lists yourself.

First, Ina called her sister Bertha to discuss the menu. “I’ll dress a nice young rooster and bring it ready for the roaster,” said Bertha. “And I’ll make the pies – two each of mince and pumpkin.” Discussion ensued with Ina insisting one of each would be plenty, but Bertha said it was really no trouble to bring two each and then there would be plenty for sure.

With that settled, Ina called down to the Orofino Mercantile and placed her order for holiday groceries with Lydia. The mailman would deliver the order with the mail on Monday. Things were shaping up nicely.

And speaking of shopping, in real time today, I drove to Walmart, took one look at the parking lot, and didn’t even stop. And I wanted to go there, too, but instead I visited JoAnn’s, where the peak shopping days have probably passed. I observed aloud that it’s looking a lot like spring there, what with wreaths of artificial forsythia and tulips. The manager jokingly shushed me. A child was fussing loudly, and we grandmothers seeking respite among the yarn and fabric had strained looks on our faces. I picked up a few things at Albertson’s, including sour cream and chips to have with our chili, and headed on home. KW