ANOTHER SKIMPY CHRISTMAS -- DAY 19

 Ina and Shirley could barely conceal their excitement. They managed to make the customary farm breakfast, wash the dishes, and tidy the kitchen, but then the wait until noon when Ed would arrive with Ethel and Sadie seemed interminable. Shirley picked up some embroidery, and Ina busied herself making beef stew with plenty of vegetables.

Well, soon enough Ed’s big old truck lumbered over the hill and into the yard. Ina and Shirley were out the door in a flash and Jack ambled up from the barn. Everyone talked at once.  

 

After thanking Ed profusely and handing him home-baked goods, the family headed straight for the comfort of the house. Ethel and Sadie were tired and hungry, so the waiting stew with gingerbread and applesauce for dessert was most welcome. After lunch, Ethel put Sadie down for a nap and then updated Ina and Shirley on recent events relating to – well, to everything in her life, including the train trip. Jack listened and snoozed in the front room, tending the fire in the fireplace when it needed it.

Sadie took a long nap, so Ethel allowed her to go on the bobsled ride with Aunt Shirley and Henry. The bobsled pulled up at the front porch at 5:00, and they were off with other neighbors to sing carols and munch holiday goodies at all homes within a radius of five miles. Ethel declined to go, glad for a quiet, uninterrupted visit with her parents. Such opportunities would be few and far between, she knew.

Later in the evening, the bobsled returned. Shirley and Sadie excitedly related the fun of riding through the dark night on the bobsled, singing as they went. But it was late -- bedtime -- and soon enough the house fell silent. As Ina drifted off to sleep that night, she was well-contented, knowing that her family was safe and well. It was already a good Christmas.