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Show 100 with their own personal funds, but Joseph had water, sweet and pure, and Papa enjoyed every drink of it. Because of his financial involvement he felt he owed no taxes on it later, and became delinquent in paying the two dollar levy, often had to be dunned for it. When Bob Ross became water master over it he let it slide completely, ignored the statements, until Bob came to shut off the water. Papa looked out and saw him digging himself out of sight in search of the water meter. "Look at him dig! " gloated Papa from inside the dining room window. Bob, who was on the heavy side, was allowed to finish the task, a full morning's work, and then Papa went out and paid the two dollar fee, whereupon Bob had to refill the hole. Mama and Papa had, by this time, reached the top of Joseph society. Living in town, Mama could go to church as much as she pleased, which was all the time. They were invited to the town parties, some of which they gave themselves. Mama belonged to the "Tick-a-boo" club- the name for "Friendship" among the Indians. This was a woman's club, and they met once a month in the afternoon or evening. They dressed in a "Tick-a-boo" costume, brightly flowered dresses made in the Revolutionary period, with lavish bonnets, and they had a wonderful time. They held pot-luck suppers, and for once the younger generation envied them their ability to have fun. They gathered each other up on hay-racks on Tick-a-boo day and went merrily off to their parties. |