The Victoria Advocate/ A Different Perspective

Last weekend, I went to New Braunfels to help my daughter as her days were filled with back-to-school meetings. I worked hard the first part of the week, getting things in order so I could take a couple of days off. The solitude that a writer needs for deep thinking and creativity simply doesn’t happen around my grandchildren.  

My son-in-law was happy to see me, because it meant he was off duty. I might have received a hug or two from the girls, but they were making the most of “screen time.” Taking advantage of the moment, I set up my computer and started filing. I got one email inbox cleaned up and made headway on my download box. That one needs serious intervention. I was surprised when my daughter rolled in early, claiming she didn’t feel good. Those all-day meetings are enough to give anyone a headache.

The afternoon was filled with chicken adventure #1. Annabelle brought Maple, a particular broody chicken, in the house, because she was hot, and set up in a pen of sorts in a corner of the living room, Maple managed to knock over her bowl of water almost immediately, which took a while to clean up, then she perched on the top of the pen and pecked at a blanket. Then we all got busy and forgot about her. Later, Nancy took her back outside, saying something about poop on the floor. I didn’t ask for more info.  

That evening, the adults played hooky with yet another meeting—most of these meetings are designed for first-timers to help them get on board with the hybrid homeschool setting. My daughter revived a couple of plants from the throes of death, while a thunderstorm rumbled and lightening lit up the sky. It poured for thirty minutes and cooled things down.  Glen had taken the girls to the pool, but it shut down because of the storm. On to plan B, he took them to Wal-Mart for a toy-run. It didn’t mesh with my daughter’s plan to get them to bed earlier in anticipation of school starting next week. Of course, the girls were excited and  didn’t want to go to bed.

Eventually, we chased them upstairs with the promise of new things to play with in the morning. Nan called me Goldilocks because I tried one bed, then settled for another. Ria was up early, motivated by her waffle-making set. Annabelle was quick to follow and set about building her Legos cottage. I climbed the stairs to wake Ellie and whispered that Godzilla was waiting for her downstairs. She got up without further complaint and handed me Godzilla’s tail. She’d pulled it off the night before and couldn’t refasten it. Between her tiny hands and mine, I’ll always believe God helped us with the strength factor.

Then we had chicken adventure #2. They own eight chickens, but a rooster slipped into the mix. And since they don’t want Chestnut crowing outside—it would disturb the neighbors—the girls brought him in the house. With a little coaxing, he sang cock-a-doodle- do several times. As his confidence increased, so did the volume. Eventually, the girls took him back outside, satisfied he’d gotten some practice.   

Once back home, we enjoyed a visit from our grown son on Sunday. He and I tackled one of the “easy” puzzles in my new book while the Cowboys played the Rams in a pre-season practice game. And best of all, my author copies of Glitter and the Grouch arrived. It was special to give my mom a signed copy as a late birthday present.

If I don’t make the most of every promo opportunity, my book launcher will be very sad. If you’d like to read a free e-book and help spread the word about my upcoming release, here’s the link:   https://forms.gle/iEMoih3zUUJFfiym9