For The Love of Aunt Rose 13

The next day Gordon and Kitty took their friends to the Santa Anita Park Horse Racing Park. Friday was actually free admittance. The Car parking was very inexpensive. Scott and Geraldine wanted to see the races and bet. Aunt Rose said she might like to try her luck at betting also.

Aunt Rose wore her long deep mahogany skirt and pale rose lace long sleeve blouse. Her sensible shoes were brown. A light brown straw hat decorated with three pale pink roses. In her medium size straw purse was her pink rose covered silk shawl, small camera, a toss away cell phone and a notebook and as usual cash money in a change purse. A hidden tab in her skirt pocket carried her ID, an extra one hundred dollar bill and one credit card. She was always aware that her purse could be stolen.

She was more covered than the others but cool from the blazing sun.

Geraldine and Kitty wore cool summer dresses with sandals and summer fold-able cotton hats. The two men both preferred khaki shorts, Hawaiian shirts, ball caps and sneakers.

They had a nice breakfast of waffles and fresh raspberries along with coffee,juice or tea.

Taking Kitty's larger and more comfortable car they all fit in comfortably.

It was off to the races for the five of them.

The drive to the track was less than a half hour away. Once the car was parked they entered. The ladies' purses were opened then they were allowed inside. The men also checked just in case of weapons. We live in a crazy world nowadays. The five of them picked a spot where they would be located in case they got separated from each other and the cell phones did not work.

Aunt Rose snapped a photo of the meeting spot if lost. There also was a built in wall bench there that would hold six normal size adults. She thought this really was a good place to meet if lost.

Aunt Rose had also taken a picture of the location the car was parked and the identifying row as marking.

Kitty and Gordon always made sure when they went somewhere with crowds and Aunt Rose was with them they would know in the vicinity she was. She was their elder but they always wanted to protect her.

They quickly found seats for five.

The men bought a racing program and they were busy checking it out.

Geraldine and Kitty excused themselves to go to the ladies room. Aunt Rose was invited but she declined saying she was going down in front of their box to take pictures.

“I will be fine. I have the locations on camera of parking. If I get lost and out of the actual sitting spot do not fret. You all know I have the phone and your numbers. I'm the only little ol lady dressed like this. Here take a picture of me standing next to Gordon in case I'm lost or kidnapped.” said Rose laughingly.

They all pulled out their cameras and took a photo.

Off she went down the steps to take photos with her little camera.

The atmosphere down there was a lot more exciting than up in the box.

She took more photos and wandered a bit off to the left. Gordon and Scott were nose deep in the racing form. She could see them but wandered a bit further. She noticed it was a bit cooler as she went down.

People were smoking down there. She could smell it. There also was the smell of beer.

Deep under the building over to the other side she saw the blue sky. There was a beer garden down there and outside in the grassy area there were people smoking.

She got a few looks as she walked along. People always stared at her because of the vintage looking clothing she wore.

Aunt Rose had always preferred to be covered and to wear a hat. It was the way she felt most comfortable.

A few of the men lifted their hats as she passed by. She gave them a nod. One man, obviously drunk, yelled out if she wanted a beer. His companion next to him gave him a sharp elbow and he shut his mouth quickly.

She finally got to a counter and asked for a bottle of water. Aunt Rose was a bit tired by now and sat down at the table out in the center under a tree. Here she rested her feet and sipped on her water.

“Excuse me Miss. Are you lost or in need of some assistance?” came a voice from a well dressed lady in her early sixties.

“Well I could be lost as I am quite Geographically challenged. So far I do not know if I need assistance but I may as the time goes by.” said Rose with her big smile.

This is how Aunt Rose and Samantha first met.

©Julia A Knaake

For The Love of Aunt Rose 12

On the table sat 1/2 cup of thyme, basil, rosemary, tarragon, savory, marjoram and oregano. Another 1/2 cup of purchased bay leaf.

Aunt Rose had enough here to make two dozen small packets of Herbes de Provence. One dozen would go to the local Gem & Mineral Christmas party. The other dozen to put into Christmas gifts along with cookies and other small items.

Scott and Geraldine entered the kitchen. Hugs.

"Oh my, it smells very delightful here. All herbs and wonderful fragrances." said Scott.

"Yes. I took them out of the oven about an hour ago. I have 24 packets to fill. Then tie the tags on. Next week is the Gem & Mineral Christmas party. I'll help Kitty make crackers and cheese or cookies on the day of the party." replied Aunt Rose.

Scott went off to talk to Gordon. Kitty came in and announced she was off to the store for a few items.

" Geraldine, do you want to go to the store with me for anything?" asked Kitty.

"I would rather stay here and help Aunt Rose fill these bags. I can take off my shoes, put on my slippers and relax. I have been sitting all day in the car to get here. I'm tired of being on the road. Is that OK with you Aunt Rose?"

"Certainly. After the bags are done we can have a cup of tea. I can use the help and company."

"Scott picked up two pounds of extra sharp cheddar when we went through Tillamook for you. Do you have any crackers?" said Geraldine.

"Yes, we have lots of crackers around here. There's three or four kinds too. Plain or spicy. White, wheat or corn flower ones. I have cream cheese and jalapeno jam too." laughed Aunt Rose knowing Scott would want to try her jam.

Geraldine continued helping Aunt Rose fill the bags and tying the ribbon and tag onto them. Aunt Rose had a system hanging the bag onto a little contraption that kept it open while she filled the bag using a small funnel. A gold twist tie was applied then the ribbon with the tag. The bags were filled then placed in a lidless box to keep dry.

“Later I will place them in the cupboard down near the outside door. The twelve extras will be used at Christmas for gifts.” said Aunt Rose.

“ Do you feel like going outside to have tea? I'll show you my tiny herb garden and we can sit in the shade and eat Lavender cookies.” said Rose.

“I will never refuse your Lavender Cookies,'' said Geraldine. I think I will change into shorts as these slacks are hot and wrinkled from riding in the car.”

“Go on upstairs. My bedroom is all ready for the two of you. My night things, extra clothes and laptop are in Kitty's room.” said Rose.

While Geraldine was changing clothes Rose went over the poem in her notebook she had written for Mrs. Peabody. She would send it to her in a handwritten letter.

Chosen Sunflowers

In the south of France

Actually the city of Arles

Vincent eagerly awaits

The models he had hired

But they failed to show.

Perhaps the fierce hot

Wind outside detained them

From their appointed tasks

To keep their appointment

With this future master.

Vincent, improvising all his life,

Walked outside into the wind

Gathered up Sunflowers

Alongside the side of the shed

Housing many earthenware pots.

Back into his humble home

With the creative mixing

Of his few meager paints

He created vibrant colors,

With painstaking patience

Beautiful yellow shade flowers

Each center a different color tone

Making every seed defined.

This is how a few Sunflowers

became a beloved painting.

Rose then put the finishing touches on her newest writing.

Remembering Grannies Gown

That old soft tattered Granny

Gown worn by many family women

you always felt safe and secure

Granny was there soothing your

frightening midnight dreams

chasing the thundering booms

and bolts of lightning filling

the sky with scary shadows

of the bare trees that look

like bone like fingers ready

to reach out and grab you.

When you slip into the soft

cotton flannel a feeling

of happiness warms your body

Granny was always there

with a cup of cocoa and cookies

saying to look out the windowpane

really press your nose to the glass

she would hold your shoulders

her orange blossom fragrance

filled the room with safety

you would look and listen

the flashes made you flinch

finally Granny would ask

What do you see out there

who do you recognize

you responded the trees

the corrals a door flapping

Granny is now gone to Heaven

you have her old patched gown

it is tattered and threadbare

When you slip into the soft

cotton flannel the feeling

of happiness warms your body

feelings that Granny was there

you go to the kitchen bringing

a cup of cocoa and cookies warm and sweet warm and sweet

her orange blossom fragrance reminiscent of orchard blossoms

once again made you safe again you're safe again in Grannies arms

©Julia A Knaake

For The Love of  of Aunt Rose 11

Mozzie and Nolan arrived at 9:00Am. They were introduced to Kitty and Gordon. Aunt Rose was dressed in a long black summer skirt and white blouse. She carried a lightweight silk shawl sprinkled with tiny roses. Her hat was a wide summer straw with one vibrant red rose. She also carried her small purse, a 12 x 12 box and a small sturdy paper bag with a handle.

Mozzie helped her into his comfortable truck. Nolan sat in the back seat with the box and bag.

Mrs. Peabody and her daughter, Ginger were only twenty-five minutes away.

Mrs. Peabody had a perfect pair of rooms. The tiny sprigs of lavender on the wallpaper caught your eye immediately. Her furniture white with a pinstripe of gold. The soft carpeting in the bedroom area was a light moss. Lavender outside pervades through the open window. One felt safe and peaceful in these two rooms. The other room had her collection of books, pictures and a few delicately embroidered cushions and blankets on her loveseat. A hutch filled with exquisite china pieces complimented the living area. There was a large enamel vase filled with fabric Sunflowers. This looked out of place with all the tiny delicate flowers. Mrs. Peabody sensed my thoughts saying

Vincent van Gogh was her favorite painter.

  “Mr. Peabody and I always tried to surround ourselves with our favorite things. You saw the inside of our cabin. Mozzie said you were fascinated with the turned over glasses. Under them were fir cones, dry berries, and a few pebbles. Treasures to the one who remembers something from the past.

“I live everyday as though it is my last. My daughter, Ginger, cares for me here not because I am old and fragile but because I cared for her as a child. She says “Mama, it is paybacks.”

Aunt Rose smiled. “That is a good way of thinking. I live with my niece Kitty and Gordon. I have my own large room upstairs. Filled with some memories also. Downstairs in her sewing room is where my treadle sewing machine sits. I use it to help her out with sewing projects when asked to help. Lately I make Teddy Bears to donate to the police and fire departments for children under stress. I actually made a bear for you.”

Aunt Rose handed Mrs Peabody a small box about 12 X 12. Inside the box was a small pink bear dressed in a silk leaf skirt. She had a mischievous smile and sparkling pixie wings. She carried a sunflower in her paw.

Mrs Peabody let out a laugh saying “Annabelle. Annabelle.”

Her daughter, Ginger, came running down the hall asking if her Mama was OK.

“Yes, dear look has come to live with me...Annabelle!”

Aunt Rose was thoroughly confused. You could hear Nolan and Mozzie running down the hall also.

Mozzie and Nolan both laughed with relief.

”It's Annabelle, Grandfather it's Annabelle.' cried Nolan.

“Yes it certainly does look like that little Imp Annabelle.” laughed GrandFather.

Ginger said “Mama we must all go into the living room and show Rose Annabelle. We can then go have some tea and cookies.”

In the living room was a large Water color of a Pixie. It was called Annabelle. Aunt Rose put two and two together and knew what the excitement was all about.

After a lovely tea with cucumber sandwiches and small sugar cookies Mrs. Peabody appeared to be tiring. Aunt Rose rose up saying she must get back home to her herb garden.

Goodbyes were said and addresses exchanged. Mozzie and Nolan took Aunt Rose back to her house.

“ I do need to get back to my little herb garden. I used it as an excuse because I saw Mrs Peabody tiring, “ said Aunt Rose.

“ That was very nice of you. I'm sure Ginger appreciated you thinking of her Mama.” said Mozzie.

They took Aunt Rose home but before they left Nolan asked if she was forgetting her paper bag.

“No dear, that is for you and your Grandfather to munch on while you drive home tomorrow.”

That evening Aunt Rose sent Nolan a short story.

Forgotten  Tiny Forest People

Soon you hear Who are you?

You answer back well Who are you?

We are the fairies of the forest. I am Ginny.

I am a lost human female sitting under a toadstool thinking

What are you doing here?

A bit irritated you say I told you I am lost

The fairy with the red shirt and purple feathered hat

laughs and does a silly jig just to annoy human female

A serious fairy dressed in a blue lace dress

weaved in the finest cobwebs and gold flakes

When did you arrive in our humble forest?

I arrived after I fell through the mud hole

So up comes an Elder with his cane and a long beard

Where did you fall from? A town or woods or sky?

I was at the grandparents farm picking many apples

I heard Grandmother call me. I turned and fell

Why did you fall asked a man with a big wart nose

I was on a ladder picking apples my bag was full

when I turned the bag flew out in front of me

I ended up on the ground in mud silly

The Elder with his cane takes Ginny to a creek

The lady fairy dressed in the blue dress washed

Ginny's face. She combed her hair with rose petal dew

The Elder pointed his cane saying” Return home and forget us.”

Nolan wrote back saying he liked the story and Grand Father almost ate all the Lavender Cookies that were in the bag!

©Julia A Knaake

For The Love of  of Aunt Rose 10

Aunt Rose was out back in her aromatic herb garden when her phone rang. It was time for her to take a break as she had been out in her herb garden all morning. Summer savory, Fennel, Genovese Basil, Greek Gray thyme and English lavender were the herbs she was concentrating on this year.                                                                                    One thing about them was the fact they did not have to grow in rich soil or need a lot of water. In most countries such as Greece or Italy they were actually considered weeds. She tended them to her own area keeping them from becoming invasive in the grass area or too near plants such as the roses. She planned to make her own  Herbes de Provence after they were dried properly.

It was Nolan on the phone.

" Hola querida. ¿Cómo van las cosas con tus clases de español? Asked Aunt Rose.

“Mi maestra, la Sra. Espinosa, dijo que estoy bien.” answered Nolan seriously.

“Buena.”

“I am calling for Grandfather. We will be coming to Pasadena in a few days to see Mrs Peabody. GrandFather wishes me to ask you if you would like to visit Mrs Peabody also?”

“ Why that would be wonderful to visit with her. I must know the day though because I may be going somewhere with Kitty and or Gordon. I help her in her business sometimes. Also we all belong to rock and mineral groups in nearby areas. You find out the days and tell me tonight. I will tell you if I have previous engagements scheduled.”

“ I will do that tonight when I send you my new poem called Pokey little bird.” replied Nolan.

Later, after dinner time he sent his poem.

Pokey little bird

hopping all over the ground

looking for bugs and crumbs

and hopping all around

You are a funny bird

hop hop over to the family with little children

they drop their bread and vegetables

you stay at a distance so they will not catch you

but hop hop close enough to get a crumb

You are a funny bird

hop hop over by the flowers in the fields

there might be some more bugs

or if you should get ever so lucky

there will be a fat juicy worm

You are a funny bird

~ Nolan

Aunt Rose told him she liked the poem very much then she would call him back after speaking to Kitty and Gordon.

Aunt Rose informed Kitty and Gordon what was going on and said she did not know of anything they had planned for the next week. Neither of them had plans. “I will let Nolan know any day next week will be fine.”

Rose and Nolan agreed on a day and time. Then Aunt Rose and Nolan talked about his poems. She thought his poetry was advancing nicely.

"Here is a story I wrote for a young lady I know here in Pasadena. Isabella is almost ten. Someday you might meet here if you visit when she is here. She was visiting her grandfather while her parents were in France. She was only here for one month but then got quite homesick. I started teaching her how to write stories. I wrote this one for her to read on the way home after they picked her up to drive to Nevada." replied Nolan.

The Conférence

“Isabella, don’t run, you'll fall down and the animals will eat you up! "

“No they won’t Mama, the animals all love me because I’m kind to them."

Isabella runs and spies a rabbit caught in the wild blueberry patch.

She stops and sings soothingly to the rabbit.

Rabbit ain’t got no tail at all

Tail at all, tail at all

Rabbit ain’t got no tail at all

Just a powder puff

It looks up at her with big eyes and twitching ears then allows

her to pet it on the head. She looks at the rabbit and says

“My name is Isabel and I will help you go free. Now hold very still

and I will untangle you from this messy sit-U-ation you are in on this sunny day."

She releases the rabbit still singing:

Rabbit ain’t got no tail at all

Tail at all, tail at all

Rabbit ain’t got no tail at all

Just a powder puff

The rabbit is now free and hops off behind a very large tree then

 peeks around the trunk and twitches its nose as if to say thank you to Isabella.

Isabella runs to see if the rabbit is OK and she gets 

her foot caught in a root that is sticking up.

Bang she falls and hits her head on the tree trunk and

 feels very dizzy but tastes blood trickling down to her lips.

She awakens in a very dim subterranean den that smells 

like the dust that is stirred up after a rainstorm.

There is a lot of mumbling going on and she hears arguing squeaky voices.

“The blueberries and black cherries will soon be gone,'' said Ruffed Grouse. Let’s eat her."

“Well I need my leaves to keep me warm in the winter and she will crush

 them under her big body so let’s eat her '' said the Northern Red-back Salamander.

The American Marten yelled this is my den and she’ll take up my space. She will gobble up all the acorns and beechnuts and I already almost lost my home to the spruce budworm ! I too say let’s eat her"

“As long as she doesn’t climb up to the top of the hollow logs and ruin my nesting areas it’s OK if she stays here but if she climbs to the top of my tree I will eat her." said the Barred Owl.

“Well I was caught in a thicket today, '' replied Snowshoe Hare but

 I think we should put her in a trap so Lynx can eat her instead of my cousins."

Isabella was now wide awake and started singing:

Rabbit ain’t got no tail at all

Tail at all, tail at all

Rabbit ain’t got no tail at all

Just a powder puff

All the animals turned around then started to scream

 and hide when a huge shadow popped its head in

and said:

“I am Lynx and I would never eat Isabella. Why? 

Because she rescued my children when a huge fire

 went through the next forest over. If you all promise to set her free

 I will not come to your forest to eat Snowshoe Hare or his cousins for five years.

Rabbit ain’t got no tail at all

Tail at all, tail at all

Rabbit ain’t got no tail at all

Just a powder puff

Another shadow crept into the deep dark den. It was Gray Wolf. In a husky wolf voice he said he would never eat Isabella. Why? Because she had kept his baby wolf safe and well fed when the hunters had wounded his mate. When he was tending to her wound and keeping her alive Isabella fed the baby cow milk and oats in the big barn.    

                                                                                                                                           Three days later when the humans went to church he crept into the open barn window. He carried the baby wolf home to its mother.

Rabbit ain’t got no tail at all

Tail at all, tail at all

Rabbit ain’t got no tail at all

Just a powder puff

In entered  a slithered garter snake saying : "I would not hurt or bite Isabella. Why? Because she kept my eggs covered in the garden when the dog was digging. She kept them safe and warm until they hatched and I rescued them.

Rabbit ain’t got no tail at all

Tail at all, tail at all

Rabbit ain’t got no tail at all

Just a powder puff

Isabella was set free. She was guided up and out then taken

 to the edge of her home so she could get to her Mama.

Mama found her slightly soiled with a spider web bandaged around her wound.

 She told her story and only her Mama believed her to this day. ~Nolan

written by ©Julia A Knaake

For The Love of of Aunt Rose 9

Peter and Aunt Rose were up early for breakfast. Maxine had made a nice lunch for four along with those delightful Easy One Bowl Fudgy Cocoa Brownies GrandFather loved so well.

Nolan and Mozzie arrived twenty minutes early. Peter and Aunt Rose were waiting on the porch for them.

After a bit of small talk they were off for the woods and up to the cabin.

The trek up looked magical. All that rain the day and night before brightened up the forest floor. In fact there was a mist off in the distance that caused an eerie scene. Aunt Rose got a lovely shot of the rays of the sun floating through a broken cloud to the floor of the forest directly onto a patch of wild violets.

Mozzie was fascinated at the enchanting smile on Rose's countenance. He noted her impenetrable eyes focused on the violets.

“ Let's get a little closer to the wild violets. I would pick some for Maxine to make jelly but she would never get around to it and they would die. My late wife would candy or sugar the violets. I do miss her violet cookies.” said Mozzie with misty eyes.

Rose seemed to ignore Mozzie as if he were not even there. She was focused at the center of the violet patch. Mozzie looked ahead and saw a movement directly in the center. Rose snapped rapidly. One could barely hear the shutter. She had that smile on her face again.

“Whatever did you see of Aunt Rose”? Peter asked. “Yes.” said Nolan.

“It looked like a dancing Pixie in the sunlight but in reality I think it was an Asian Chipmunk. I'll know when I look at the pictures tonight. Nolan you can watch me download. If the photo comes out nicely I give you a copy for GrandFather.” remarked Rose.

“I liked the poem about me you sent last night. Thank you very much.” said Nolan.

“Poem”? Asked GrandFather.

“Holding my Apple

Sitting on a stump

What can I do with

the fresh apple

If I bite into

the crisp flesh

juice will run

down my lips

and on my chin

I will wipe

those juices onto

my hands then

my jeans or shirt

I could chop the apple

into many small pieces

leaving on the skin

for delicious color

adding some raisins

dry cranberries

and walnuts for

a sweet crunch

If I go indoors

it could be cored

on the top half

then filled with raisins

and brown sugar

Yummy baked

If I really wanted

to stretch this apple

I could chop

then add maple syrup

just a Tablespoon

Make a pie crust

then divide by four

and wrap the

Apple Dumplings

I would share

by ~ Aunt Rose”

Nolan proudly recited.

Grandfather smiled. “Please leave your footwear on but wipe on the mat before we enter. Nolan knows the routine because he helps me keep the cabin tidy for Mrs. Peabody.”

Grandfather went slowly from room to room explaining how the cabin had been built with no electric or gas powered tools. He even flipped over small area rugs to show the floors. The beams above also had been fell by the old fashioned tools.

“Fifty years ago Mr Peabody's grandson had it wired for electricity. When the Peabody's lived here they had all modern fixtures installed but still kept the charm of the original cabin. This rug in front of the old style sofa was actually made by Mrs Peabody. She used her husband's worn suits to fashion the unusual rag rug. The red trim was Mr Peabody's red wool Santa Suit. When he passed away Mrs Peabody said his Santa Suit would not be worn by any other.” said a smiling Mozzie. He went on speaking of the few paintings on the walls of tiny pixies in various scenes. Mozzie supplied the knowledge of the Pixilated cabin well.

“These are all watercolors by Mrs Peabody. Her family swears she went mad when Mr Peabody passed. She was ninety- eight when her family came up here and took her to live with a granddaughter in Pasadena. I visit her every four months. I tell her about her cabin and bring her photos.

I also inform her of visitors. Nolan accompanies me sometimes.” said Mozzie.

“I will email you the next time we come. Maybe we can meet you for lunch.” blurted out Nolan.

“Nolan. We do not want to be a pest,” said Grandfather.

Aunt Rose smiled saying: “If we know the date you will arrive I'm sure Kitty and Gordon would love to meet you both. I will show you the herb garden I have created.

There is a place in the back Kitty and I have tea in the shade almost every day.”

That night when Mozzie went to sleep he had a wonderful smile on his face and in his heart.

©Julia A Knaake

For The Love of of Aunt Rose 8

Peter and Aunt Rose were both up at six am having cereal Maxine had set out for them the night before.

She told them how to operate the coffee maker. There were sandwich makings in the refrigerator, bottles of water and fruit on the table. A handy thermos and box of cookies on the table.

Aunt Rose fixed the thermos with tea. Peter Took the box of assorted cookies and water. He carried them in his backpack. Aunt Rose made four lovely cheese sandwiches. A bit of extra bread and what was left of her Kumquat jam along with four heavy duty paper cups and a plastic spoon. She placed all this food in her backpack along with napkins.

“Looks like we're going to feed an army.” laughed Peter.

“ I think Nolan is too young to think about making lunch and sandwiches. The Grandfather I do not know. We can supply the food while he supplies the knowledge of the Pixilated cabin.” said Rose.

They were both ready and waiting on the porch at 7:45 am. Nolan and Grandfather Mozzie arrived at 8:00 am.

Introductions were made by Nolan. Grandpa was grinning like a shot fox when he saw Rose and shook her firm hand. He wanted to pick up this delicious Babe, marry her and carry her back to Australia, his home land.

Mozzie was an American now and had been here fifty years. He and his brother Neville came to America to start a new life. Mozzie was twenty five and Neville thirty. They both worked in construction and masonry fields. Both were thrifty and frugal. As soon as they arrived in America they found work and a small place to sleep. Both eventually became citizens and learned their new language. The rest was history. Both were successful and finally able to buy a piece of land and build cabins.

Both had a wife and family. Both were widowed now. They lived together. Mozzie adored his Grandson Nolan and was with him almost every day.

Mozzie never expected to meet a lady like Aunt Rose. After a half hour walk they got to the cabin. The outside was explored first. Nolan told Peter and Rose they could leave the backpacks on the pegs right next to the porch. Mozzie helped Rose lift her pack up onto the peg. My goodness, what has this woman carried in this pack he thought. It was very heavy.

“Do you need to take anything out of the pack before it is hung up?” he asked.

“No, I have my camera in my pocket. Peter has a phone. My smaller notebook and pen are in my other pocket. I will not need anything in the backpack until it's lunch time.” Smiled Rose sweetly.

Nolan thought about his two peanut butter sandwiches in his pack with two apples and water. He also had nuts for the Pixies. He knew Grandfather would forget a sandwich so he brought two.

Peter hung his pack up on another peg. It was a bit heavy from the water and thermos of tea.

“Aunt Rose, do you need some water?” he asked.

“ I have some in my pocket with the notebook. Thank you.”

Grandfather asked Nolan to show the two guests the out house in case nature called.

He then showed them how the cabin had been constructed and what kind of wood was used. Aunt Rose asked him about the chinking.

Peter was interested in the beautiful pattern of the stone chimney. Mozzie was pleased answering their questions. He knew construction and masonry work.

Rose took many pictures. Including pictures looking inside the windows. The cabin was sparsely furnished but one could stay there very comfortably if they needed to. She also wrote many things about the cabin in her notebook.

“ The foundation looks very sturdy.” said Peter. Mozzie showed him how it was made. Aunt Rose's stomach began to growl. Both she and Nolan laughed.

“I think we had better eat lunch soon.” Said Aunt Rose.

Nolan agreed. GrandFather was about to say something when Nolan said: “Don't worry GrandFather I brought two peanut Butter sandwiches and two apples.”

Grandfather smiled sheepishly. Peter laughed and chipped in that Aunt Rose had brought enough to feed an Army.

Aunt Rose laughed and asked Nolan to help her put the spread on the table. “Bring those Peanut Butter sandwiches out too, Nolan. I have some homemade Kumquat Jam I brought from Pasadena. It will go well with Peanut Butter.”

“Wait till Maxine finds out you took that jam. I heard her saying she was going to brush some on the BBQ Chicken tonight!” howled Peter.

“ I brought her three jars. She can share” said Rose.

They had lunch and packed up the remains to carry back to Maxine's. The weather started to change. It was starting to rain.

Grand Father asked if they could come back to the cabin tomorrow so he could take them inside.

Peter and Rose thought that was a great idea. Nolan offered to help Rose carry her pack but she thanked him saying she brought it full and had no problem and she could carry it back.

Grandfather and Mozzie Sang all the way home. He had a lighter, almost floating on an air step. His heart felt alive almost bursting and his loins ached with activity he had not yearned for in years.

Rose. What a delightful and delicious woman.

Nah, nah, nah, nah, nah, nah, nah

Nah, nah, nah, nah, nah, nah nah

Nah, nah, nah, nah, nah, nah, nah

Nah, nah, nah, nah

[Verse 1]

Here we go, here we go

It's about time that we set it off

Here we go, here we go

Red lights, I could never stop

[Pre-Chorus]

A dreamer with the fever to be great was all I ever want, was all I ever wanted

A finder with the fever for the fame was all I ever want, was all I ever wanted

[Chorus]

Got me singin' like

Bang, bang

Bang, bang

Bang, bang

This fire's a weapon

Bang, bang

Bang, bang

Bang, bang

Won't stop till we're legends

[Refrain]

Nah, nah, nah, nah, nah, nah, nah

Nah, nah, nah, nah, nah, nah nah

Nah, nah, nah, nah, nah, nah, nah

Nah, nah, nah, nah

Won't stop till we're legends

[Verse 2]

Here we go, here we go

It's my turn to make history

Here we go, here we go

When I'm gone they'll remember me, yeah

[Pre-Chorus]

A dreamer with the fever to be great was all I ever want, was all I ever wanted

A finder with the fever for the fame was all I ever want, was all I ever wanted

[Chorus]

Got me singin' like

Bang, bang

Bang, bang

Bang, bang

This fire's a weapon

Bang, bang

Bang, bang

Bang, bang

Won't stop till we're legends

[Refrain]

Nah, nah, nah, nah, nah, nah, nah

Nah, nah, nah, nah, nah, nah nah

Nah, nah, nah, nah, nah, nah, nah

Nah, nah, nah, nah

Won't stop till we're legends

Nah, nah, nah, nah, nah, nah, nah

Nah, nah, nah, nah, nah, nah nah

Nah, nah, nah, nah, nah, nah, nah

Nah, nah, nah, nah

Won't stop till we're legends

[Bridge]

Blood, sweat, I'll break my bones

Till all my scars bleed gold and

My name's forever known

Woah-oh, woah-oh

Blood, sweat, I'll break my bones

Till all my scars bleed golden

My name's forever known

Woah-oh, woah-oh

Blood, sweat, I'll break my bones (bang, bang)

Till all my scars bleed gold and

My name's forever known

(Bang, bang, won't stop till we're legends)

Woah-oh, woah-oh

Bang, bang, won't stop till we're legends

[Refrain]

Nah, nah, nah, nah, nah, nah, nah

Nah, nah, nah, nah, nah, nah nah

Nah, nah, nah, nah, nah, nah, nah

Nah, nah, nah, nah

Won't stop till we're legends

Nah, nah, nah, nah, nah, nah, nah

Nah, nah, nah, nah, nah, nah nah

Nah, nah, nah, nah, nah, nah, nah

Nah, nah, nah, nah

Legend

The Score

Produced by Edan Dover

©Julia A Knaake

For The Love of Aunt Rose 7

Margaret and her sister Maxine tried to include Aunt Rose in their conversations but Aunt Rose was more comfortable walking in the woods. Peter accompanied Aunt Rose almost every time. He did not have enough interest in what the two sisters were reminiscing about. Aunt Rose liked walking with Peter because he was quiet and enjoyed nature as she did.

When they arrived back at Maxine's Rose wrote a short piece about the cabin they had seen. She felt it had an odd almost luring effect on the cabin.

She and Peter were thinking of coming back tomorrow to look into the windows once Maxine gave them the go ahead. After all, they knew nothing about it. The cabin looked old but as though it was cared for.

Maxine opened one of the jars of Kumquat Jam Aunt Rose gifted her with and placed it on the tea table. She also had crackers, biscuits and tiny bread triangles along with tea, milk and cream.

There were two guests at the table for tea. Gillian Collins and her son Nolan had come for tea. Nolan was about ten years of age. He had a time trying not to squirm around. Aunt Rose liked him immediately. He had an infectious smile and inquisitive eyes. The two of them had a nice time talking about the cabin in the woods.

“My Grandfather said it's a mystery cabin. I'm not allowed to go there unless with an adult or I'll become pixelated!”

Aunt Rose smiled when that word came from a ten year old's sentence. Unusual word for a ten year old she thought. She liked the boy immediately.

Gillian's eyebrows raised and she said Nolan spends too much time with his Grandfather.

Both Peter and Aunt Rose came to Nolan's rescue stating they wanted to explore the outside of that cabin tomorrow if it was OK with the owner.

Gillian told them the owner did not live up in Idyllwild any more but her father was the overseer of the property.

“I'm sure Dad will show the cabin to you tomorrow. Also eyeing her son Nolan, I'm sure Nolan would love to go with you tomorrow.” Peter and Aunt Rose said yes if her father did not mind they had tomorrow and the next day available.

Nolan excused himself and was on the phone calling Grandfather to set the date. He came back all smiles saying tomorrow Grandfather was free at eight am.

The tea went well and Nolan filled them in on what to wear and expect.

“Grandfather said to wear sensible shoes and bring water. I will bring a basket of fruit and little snacks for us plus a thank you for the Pixies allowing us to look inside the cabin.

The Pixies like it when Grandfather and I leave them peanuts. Grandfather has a key. You must promise to not steal anything. I told him you were Maxine's friends from Pasadena and you were kind people and would never take something that was not yours.” laughed Nolan.

The Cabin in the Woods

Today I have an interruption almost

Every time anyone walks past me

No wonder writers take off for

"the" cabin in the woods

Always in the woods to get away.

Possibly if not interruptions then a

Writers block problem with being in

"the" cabin in the woods

I'd be out there soaking in the goings on

With the birds busily flying around

Tweeting chirping, calling each other at

"the" cabin in the woods

The chipmunks and squirrels scurrying

Around hunting for seeds, dry berries

Fallen from the bushes around or near

"the" cabin in the woods

I would also look at the tall grasses

Many colors of the rainbow, twigs

Gnarled vines curling in many shapes by

"the" cabin in the woods

What beautiful wreaths I would like

To create, taking back to my home

A good memory wreath of time near

"the" cabin in the woods

Of cabin time spent up there

With only little pleasant distractions

No wonder writers take off for

"the" cabin in the woods

If not interruptions a writer's

Block problem within house

In the woods you dream of

"the" cabin in the woods

In the woods to be out there quietly

Soaking in the goings on with the birds

Chipmunks or squirrels scurrying by

"the" cabin in the woods

I would rather a good memory wreath

Of cabin time I had spent up there with

Little pleasant distractions within

"the" cabin in the woods

©Julia A Knaake

For The Love  of Aunt Rose 6

 Weeks later the house next door had been gone over with a fine tooth comb. Everything was sanitized and relatives of the deceased notified. Leanne did not have an ex husband . There were only two living relatives. They were second cousins on her Mother's side. They had met her once.

Any money she had in the bank went to them plus the sale of the house.

Clarke and Leanne were not legally married as he “forgot” to divorce his first and second wives. This information was unknown to his brother. Clarke had very little money of his own and only owned his beat up truck and the two little mutt dogs. His brother said of course he would keep the dogs as he had grown quite fond of them.

The neighborhood had almost gotten back to it's normal. Gordon and Kitty concentrated on their businesses. Aunt Rose stayed home most of the time crocheting scarves and caps to donate when Christmas time rolled around. She also concentrated on reconstructing the silk dresses she had been given. Two were being developed nicely. One was for Kitty.

It was quiet back in the neighborhood with no drama. That was how everyone liked it.

Aunt Rose did go on a five day trip with Margaret and Peter to see her sister Maxine.

Idyllwild nestled in the San Jacinto Mountains was a beautiful place. Margaret reminded Aunt Rose to bring a sweater as the nights would be cool. The elevation was 5,413 so they would all be cool. Maxine had air conditioning and central heating. She lived in a big four bedroom house so there was plenty of room. Aunt Rose had been to Maxine's home before and was happy to go on her little adventure.

Aunt Rose was packed the night before and had on her sturdy walking shoes plus her little camera and other essentials in her small backpack along with her blank notebooks and pens and pencils. She always had her notebooks to write no matter where she went.

Some of her most serious stories, poems or thoughts were written from the writings  in those notebooks.

Aunt Rose also had three small jars of her Kumquat Jam for Maxine. Maxine loved Aunt Roses homemade jams. Maxine always stopped for tea around four every day. There would be other people there for tea and talks. Aunt Rose did not know if Maxine ever had Kumquat Jam before but since it was made by herself she knew it would be lovely.

Aunt Rose did get a chance to write that evening.

Nature Walk

Traipsing off into the woods, camera in hand,

 I was awed at the quietness of my surroundings. 

It feels very peculiar now that my ears have adjusted to any new sound.

 Eerie at first I actually thought I could hear my own heart beating. 

Thumping loudly: Rata tat tat, rata tat tat. 

Amazingly it was a woodpecker off in a tall tree. I heard. I did not see.

I felt a slight breeze on my cheeks. I saw the gray green weeping willow

 leaves stir slightly. I heard my own shoes crack twigs under my feet.

 I had tried to walk as quietly as possible so no creature could detect 

I was on their turf. They would alert the others that a human was

 invading their home surroundings.

No chance that would happen as I heard the rustle of a critter 

quickly scrambling up the tree. My eye caught a large bushy tail 

quickly fading into the canopy of leaves. A nut or dry berry dropped.

 I saw it and left it lying where it had fallen. “Bushie-Tail” would be back

 to pick it up when I was out of range.

I was in deep woods with a little sky overhead. A person with a 

colorful imagination might have become confused and disoriented

 with the feeling of isolation. Not me as I was used to being alone 

wandering in unfamiliar territory. My siblings and I would follow our parents

 for days in the deep woods like gypsies. We hunted for mushrooms then.

Further on still walking quietly as possible I continued snapping photos: leaves,

wildflowers, down trees from years ago. These logs were now homes to the 

small woodland creatures. Seeing a small movement towards the end 

of a moss covered log I finally saw a rabbit then another hopping bunny. 

Snap. Snap. Went to my camera. Rabbits scattered for cover.

 Squirrels ran up the trees and birds all flew upwards towards the canopy.

 I heard other woodland critters scurry here and there. I did not realize 

there was such a large audience watching me. I felt peaceful in my new surroundings.

 I stopped walking and thanked God for this beautiful serene place.

©Julia A Knaake

For The Love of Aunt Rose 5

Gordon stopped at the quick stop for milk and bread. While he was waiting in line Neville asked him if he knew what was going on over in their neighborhood.

“The three of us have been gone all day. We just got back from the Ronald Reagan presidential library and museum in Simi Valley.”

Neville went on to say the police had the neighborhood blocked off about an hour ago. He only heard there was a death or suicide. That was all he knew.

Gordon got back into the car. Both Kitty and Aunt Rose were napping so he said nothing and drove the six blocks home.

At the house he saw the coroner's vehicle and three police cars. He tried to pull into his driveway but was stopped.

Showing his identity to prove it was their home he was asked if he minded parking in front just until the investigation was over.

He moved to the front. By now Kitty and Aunt Rose were wide awake.

The police woman told them all to go into their house and wait and they would be asked questions later. Going inside Gordon put on the local news to see if he could find out any information.

The news stated a murder and a suicide had been found by way of a local teens drone. It seems he was visiting his grandfather and his drone accidentally flew into the open window next door. When he got the drone out he and grandpa saw the tape of what he had inadvertently discovered. Grandfather called the police to report and show the tape.

Gordon helped unload the trunk full of Aunt Roses packages and the small box of books. They went inside and waited for the police woman to come for their statements on what they knew about the couple next door.

The officer finally came over. Gordon informed her where they were today. She then asked Kitty what she knew. Kitty told the police woman how Clarke had come over a few weeks before with the strange conversation.

“He only wanted to inform us Leanne was with her Ex and he, Clarke would be leaving with the two dogs. It was a real weird situation on his part making sure to inform us of his whereabouts stating he would not be here. I thought it strange and so did my Aunt Rose.” said Kitty.

The police woman was then called away. She did not even interview Aunt Rose. For once in her life Aunt Rose was happy not to talk.

Apparently Clarke was setting up an alibi with them. He had planned all along to murder Leanne then act like the bereaved husband when the body was found next door.

He had been living at his brother's house. He told his brother he had left Leanne and filed for divorce. Clarke and the two dogs were going to stay a couple of months then move on to Florida. He had insisted on paying his brother for two months rent and care for the dogs.

Clarke also lied and said he had a private night watchman job. This guy was very sly. He said this to cover where he was at night.

At night he was actually next door with Leanne. That is why the light came on every night and the curtain opened and shut. He had been administering drugs to her. She was physically tied to a chair. Apparently the drugs killed her.

In his evil sick mind he continued to bring in the mail and packages during the evening. No one noticed as the front door was set in an alcove off the porch.

At night he left his car on the next street over and walked to their house.

Leanne's body was starting to smell so he opened the upstairs windows. Thus Aunt Rose smelling the horrid smell. The teen's accidental fly into the window with his drone finally showed the evidence.

Clarke had been sitting at the table with Leanne when they found him. He also was deceased from a drug overdose.

he before his death he had been making meals for the dead Leanne. He stacked the uneaten plate of food in the sink. Flies and bird droppings were all over the place.

His empty coffee cups and whiskey bottles were also piled up in the sink.

His brother said he had not been home for a week. His cell phone had several calls and messages. They were mostly from his brother asking when he would be home.

A sad state indeed.

©Julia A Knaake

For The Love of Aunt Rose 4

Kitty and Gordon were told and Aunt Rose promised to never ever set foot on the property next door.

A couple of days passed with Aunt Rose steadily making Teddy Bear after Teddy Bear. She now had a very large stockpile of thirty. She ran out of places to keep them. It was not Christmas time but she would deliver them to the police department. The car was loaded and all three of them left the house for the delivery.

Once that was done Gordon decided they would go for lunch at Carraras. Gordon decided on Insalata di Pollo, and Lemon Gelato. Aunt Rose and Kitty also wanted the same.

It took them an hour to drive there but it was worth the drive. At home Kitty often did the cooking herself.

Aunt Rose decided she would stay free of the kitchen unless asked to cook. Kitty cooked nice healthy meals while Aunt Rose was mostly used to old fashioned cooking. She never counted calories just making sure the food was fresh and flavorful. It worked out well and Gordon was pleased with anything not spicy. Aunt Rose liked spicy food but did not put it into the food she cooked anymore. Instead she had spicy on the side for herself. Such as when they had scrambled eggs she ate real eggs with salsa while Kitty ate scrambled egg whites plain. Gordon ate anything not spicy. It all worked out well for everyone.

About an hour and a half stop at the Ronald Reagan presidential library and museum was next before heading for home. Aunt Rose stopped in the gift shop to buy a bag of jelly beans. “You two are too young to remember President Reagan's love for jelly beans.” she laughed and offered them some.

Kitty saw a yard sale so they stopped. Gordon checked out the books while the ladies looked at clothes. Aunt Rose found a silk dress four sizes too big for her. There was another. The owner asked why she was getting dresses so big for her. Aunt Rose said the fabric was still good so she would take the dresses apart then reassemble. The owner then pulled out three more dresses of the same size but with a few minor stains.

“They were my Mother's dresses. Mama was unable to care for herself in her later years. I found these dresses after she passed. Mama had lost considerable weight and the dresses were stuffed into the back of her closet. I was hoping someone would buy them. If you take all five I will give them to you.”

Aunt Rose and the lady struck a bargain and exchanged emails.

Once in the car Aunt Rose told Kitty she would send that lady a picture of the finished products.

Aunt Rose also found a book of poetry by Robert Frost.

In the back seat Aunt Rose happily started to read.

The Road Not Taken was Robert Frost's most important poem.

The Road Not Taken

Robert Frost - 1874-1963

Two roads diverged in a yellow wood,

And sorry I could not travel both

And be one traveler, long I stood

And looked down one as far as I could

To where it bent in the undergrowth;

Then took the other, as just as fair,

And having perhaps the better claim,

Because it was grassy and wanted wear;

Though as for that the passing there

Had worn them really about the same,

And both that morning equally lay

In leaves no step had trodden black.

Oh, I kept the first for another day!

Yet knowing how way leads on to way,

I doubted if I should ever come back.

I shall be telling this with a sigh

Somewhere ages and ages hence:

Two roads diverged in a wood, and I—

I took the one less traveled by,

And that has made all the difference.

Kitty noticed that Aunt Rose had fallen asleep and smiled.

“Aunty had a long day. I feel like taking a nap when we arrive home to our quiet peaceful neighborhood.” said Gordon.

Kitty agreed a nap would be nice. She did not know how her Aunt Rose stayed up on her feet so long.

“Aunt Rose is amazing. She is like the energizer bunny rarely getting pooped out. The walk at the presidential library and museum wore me out today.”

Little did they know that their quiet neighborhood was now crawling with police, fire, emergency medical service (EMS) and other resources.

In fact this interruption was right next door to them.

©Julia A Knaake