ANOTHER SKIMPY CHRISTMAS -- DAY 2

Julian and Ina Dobson await the snow -- a rare showing of humor

Still thinking about her Thanksgiving Day telephone conversation with daughter Ethel, Ina pulled gingerbread from the oven for their morning break.

“Mama,” said Ethel over the phone, “Sadie wants a doll for Christmas.”

 “We could make a new dress for her rag doll,” countered Ina.

 “The rag doll has seen better days, and she wants a baby doll,’” said Ethel.

Now, Ina had a heart of gold, but she was also strict. She believed that a child should be taught his circumstances from the beginning. She was temporarily at a loss for words.

“Mama? Mama, are you there? I know how you feel, Mama, but she has her heart set on a baby doll. Ernest says it’s a frivolous purchase we can’t afford right now with the future so uncertain . . .” Ethel’s voice trailed off.

Ina didn’t say so, but for once she agreed with Ernest.

“. . . but Mama, it’s Christmas,” Ethel quietly wailed, “and I hate so to disappoint Sadie. Think about it, Mama. You and Aunt Bertha used to work a little Christmas magic when we were little. Couldn’t you manage it?” asked Ethel, barely above a whisper.

The 3-minute egg timer was about to run out, so they said hasty good-byes without reaching a conclusion about the doll.

Hmmph! Just when Ina thought she had Christmas under control, this young one wanted something out of reach. KW

[In case you're wondering, the gingerbread "Ina" baked today is this recipe that Chris shared last year.]