The Adventures of Naomie 42
The Adventures of Naomie 42
Rosie and Charles came to stay with Naomie on what was to be a Friday to Sunday but actually ended up being a week.
“We missed you and when you said come for the weekend we pulled out our bags, filled up a box of
canned goods and got in the car.” laughed Rosie.
“ I came to see Mr. Garfield. He has an old 1954 Farmall Super M-TA Tractor he wants to sell. I thought I'd buy it so I, Rosie and Mr. Potts could use it. I might even let someone who knows tractors at the church use it. Your brother took an interest in it also. As soon as he turns thirteen I'll ask your Dad if Ivan can drive it.” laughed Charles.
“When I met Naomie and she placed my foot in a bucket of pure clean clay she was driving at fourteen.” laughed Rosie.
“Actually I was twelve when I started driving the old Nomad. Mama said as long as my feet reached the pedals I could practice with her in the car. That's when I started wearing those old pink high heels.“ laughed Naomie.
“Naomie I think your Mother still has those old pink high heels hanging in your old room. She has some of your childhood books in there along with your awards. We were up there late one night and your room is where we were sleeping.” said Rosie.
“Awww that sounds like Mama. I still have room for them and Ivan. You and Charles are on twin beds but I pushed them together to make one big bed. Ivan would not care if he slept in my room on the blow up bed. Or better yet if he had the blow up in the alcove in the attic with the piano. We could all have a party.” said Naomie.
The next day was Saturday and there was a secret Birthday Party for Mrs. Bell, the mother-in-law. She was so excited to see the vintage brown paper mâché dress mannequin. Naomie made a large sheet cake (carrot of course).
Rosie made little finger sandwiches. Rosie made plenty of them saying small enough for little ones hands and take two or three if you want more.
Mr. and Mrs. Garfield along with Caroline were also invited. Caroline now had a little necklace with the arrowhead Ivan had given to her.
The big surprise was that Mama, Dad and Ivan did show up for the party.
“We brought the flatbed to tote the tractor back home. Mr and Mrs Garfield will be our host and hostess for the stay. We won't have to go back till Monday morning. Mr Potts will be there Monday with some of the old timers to see we take it off the flatbed in good condition.” laughed Bill.
What a great party it was for everyone. Mrs. Bell was so excited she got a bit tired so she and Mrs Garfield sat out by the picnic table in two comfortable lounge chairs falling asleep under the shade trees.
Ivan and Caroline both took in upon themselves to play games with the four younger children.
Cindy had a Yamaha PSR-EW300 Portable Keyboard set up outside. Rosie asked if she could try it.
“Oh my, the tone on this instrument is really good. Rosie was hooked and played every song she was asked to play.
The biggest hit was :Happy Birthday.
But the birthday lady requested:
Grandma's Feather Bed
by John Denver
Everyone sang and tapped their toes including the children.
When I was a little bitty boy just up off the floor
We used to go down to grandma's house every month end or so
We'd have chicken pie, country ham
Homemade butter on the bread
But the best darn thing about grandma's house
Was the great big feather bed
It was nine feet high and six feet wide
And soft as a downy chick
It was made from the feathers of forty 'leven geese
Took a whole bolt of cloth for the tick
It could hold eight kids and four hound dogs
And a piggy we stole from the shed
We didn't get much sleep but we had a lot of fun
On grandma's feather bed
After supper we'd sit around the fire, the old folks spit and chew
Pa would talk about the farm and the war
And granny's sing a ballad or two
And I'd sit and listen and watch the fire till the cobwebs filled my head
Next thing I'd know I'd wake up in the morning
In the middle of the old feather bed
It was nine feet high and six feet wide
And soft as a downy chick
It was made from the feathers of forty 'leven geese
Took a whole bolt of cloth for the tick
It could hold eight kids and four hound dogs
And a piggy we stole from the shed
We didn't get much sleep but we had a lot of fun
On grandma's feather bed
Well, I love my ma and I love my pa, I love granny and grandpa too
I've been fishin' with my uncles, I wrestled my cousin
I even kissed Aunt Lou, ew!
But if I ever had to make a choice I guess it oughta be said
That I'd trade them all plus the gal down the road
For grandma's feather bed
I'd trade them all plus the gal down the road
It was nine feet high and six feet wide
And soft as a downy chick
It was made from the feathers of forty 'leven geese
Took a whole bolt of cloth for the tick
It could hold eight kids and four hound dogs
And a piggy we stole from the shed
We didn't get much sleep but we had a lot of fun
On grandma's feather bed
We didn't get much sleep but we had a lot of fun
On grandma's feather bed
She had a vivid imagination and would carry it on for the rest of her life.
©Julia A Knaake