As I was telling one of my blogging buddies when she asked how my foot was, it is still broken, and as I’m not supposed to put any weight on it, I can’t even get outside and enjoy the warm spring sunshine. I would be going stir crazy if it weren’t for good friends like N. who came to visit me yesterday. We both enjoy good books and like to discuss literature. The book we talked about yesterday made her think about her childhood because it had been a favorite of hers when she was little, she told me. She said she had read it many times during her younger years, enjoying it more and more each time as she came to see the subtle nuances, delicate turning of phrases, and the unfolding personalities of the characters.
Of course, discussing favorite childhood books made her think of other things about her childhood, and I asked her many questions, trying to draw her out as I found her stories of the old days so fascinating. Alas, there were not many stories she could tell, whether because of age or reticence to share on such a personal level. Or maybe it was that her babysitter came to the door and told her it was time to go home.
Coming East 
Brilliant story! Loved it – and a lot of wisdom behind it too actually. How we make assumptions in life sometimes…
Thanks, Ken. Shows it’s never too early to discuss literature.
Absolutely! 🙂
Adorable surprise twist ending. Did a doubletake. Short and sweet, loved it.
Thanks, Rufina. N. is such sweet company.
I am a bit behind my reading. Hope you are better now.
I’m behind, too, Shanghai. Thanks for the well wishes. Still not walking, but I go back to the doctor in a week, so we’ll see. Have to wear this space boot for twelve weeks, though.
Very cute, Susan. You had me going. So what was the name of the book?
Hi, Bud. The book was Ten Apples Up On Top. Surely you’ve read it?
Is it by Stephen King?
Yes, Bud. That’s the one.
I look at the pictures first, then I start reading the words. I wondered how the kid was going to fit into your story!
She’s the star, Margie.
Cute post, Susan. I’m glad to see you have N. to look after you. Don’t be acting up, now. 🙂
Thanks, Patti. Don’t worry. N. won’t let me get out of line.
That’s a face I could have a serious book discussion with.
And she could hold her own, NQO.
Sucked me right in! Haven’t been that faked out since the movie “The Sixth Sense”. Good post!
P.S. That’s a world class brace/cast/prosthesis. Last time I saw something like that the guy wearing it said “That’s one small step for man…………”
I got it from him, Al.
Age is a question of relativity. 🙂
Um, yes…and N. and I have a lot of relativity between us, Eye.
Sound like N is a smart kid. Bossy kids seem quite normal now these days…
Gonna be three-week down and nine to go next week!!
Good way of looking at it, Amy. I’m hoping the doc will let me start walking on it soon. When that happens, I think life will be so much easier for both George and me.
I meant to say three weeks down…
Believe me, I know what you meant, Amy. I’ve been counting, too!
Priceless!! I remember visiting neighbors when I was a kid. Grown ups are so cool… provided they aren’t your parents.
Yes, I’m quite popular with N. I think it’s because she likes my snacks.
I love little friends. We went camping with a family last month and I was out walking with one of the little girls of the family. We talked about age and she said I wasn’t old at all. I asked how old she was and she proudly said, “7”. I looked her in the eye and said, “Well, I am 50 years older than you are.” She started looking for a cane for me, I swear! I love your book buddy, has she read Caps for Sale? I always liked that one. Love your post, have a great day. DAF
I don’t know if she’s read that, DAF. I’ve never heard of it. I’ll have to look it up.
Another one of those trick endings you are so good at Susan! I love it. And “N” is adorable. 🙂 Dor
Thanks, Dor. She is delightful company. Bossy, but good company.
I always love the way you bring your stories together. And is she seriously your book buddy? Because I am jealous — she is so darling!
Yep, Country Man’s Wife, she is my book buddy. The book we were discussing was “Ten Apples Up On Top.” we liked how the characters were jealous of each other’s ability to balance more and more apples and kept trying to best each other. She told me that was her favorite book when she was little. She will be four in a couple of weeks.
How cute!
What a great post! How lucky you are to have such a literate friend. Maybe the real message of this injury is that it’s time to work on a children’s book with N as your test audience. I’ll bet she’d do a great job!
She could write the book herself, Carol. She’s a wonderful story-teller.
ah….. the O. Henry ending there got me!! Thanks for visiting and commenting on my blog. yes, we’re in Virginia: Smithfield, to be exact. Perhaps we can plan to meet for lunch….once you’re out of the cast!
Wouldn’t that be fun, Dianna! We’ve been to Smithfield once. What a pretty little town!
How much longer with the cast? At least you have ways to pass the time! Hope it mends soon.
And here I was complaining about the tiny stress fracture in my foot! (going to see my podiatrist again about it tomorrow….)
The doctor said twelve weeks with this boot and it’s been two weeks today, so ten to go. Of course, that means the whole summer, even when we go to Cape Cod. I’m hoping that when I go back for my next visit in less than two weeks, the doctor will let me start putting some weight on it. That would make life so much easier for me, and a ton easier for poor hubby who is doing EVERYTHING.
I just bet! hang in there and enjoy being waited on!
Ahh, the air cast. I know I would be going crazy. I’m glad you had some good company, but it sounds like you need to talk to that sitter to set up a longer play date. Be well!
Thanks, Life. Yes, little N. is good company. We get along well, as long as I do everything she tells me.