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Show Twisters . . . 108 the neighborhood, even the Catholics who generally went to Mass, attended her final open house. It was the kind of farewell Mrs. Smiley would have loved. Now, out in the kitchen, Mom and Aunt Goldie are making enough cole slaw to feed the entire National Guard. "Doesn't it need something?" I hear Aunt Goldie ask, "More salt or vinegar or--" "It's perfect!" Mom answers her like an older sister. "Just stir it, would you?" In the dining room, Grandma Hatch, an apron over her lavender birthday dress, is setting the table with our new dishes. Naturally, Grandpa's out in the garage with Dad. Restoring the Corvette has become their #1 project, now that the house is finished. I can smell coffee coming from the big twenty-four cup urn Mom borrowed from the Millers, so I know I'll soon be asked to help with something. Sure enough, over Ryan's gurgly laugh (on capturing the cat) comes this urgent voice sailing in from the kitchen. "Would you and Arthur put paper plates on the card tables, Dan? Napkins and forks are in here. And hurry! We're running behind." "Rrrrroger!" we say together, heading for the bathroom to wash our hands. Arthur's grinning, like me, and I know his mind is on the feast only minutes away. - 30 - |
