Clara's Grandmother Visits

 When the housekeeper learned that Clara's grandmother was to come for a visit everything had to be cleaned and polished twice before she was satisfied. The day finally arrived and all the staff met Grandmother at the door with starched and clean as a whistle uniforms. Miss Rottenmeier sent Heidi to her room which did not please Clara's grandmother one little bit. She sent for her and showed her beautiful books she had brought along for Heidi to read. Well, Heidi loved the beautiful pictures but told the older lady that she could not read. It was just a waste of time for the teacher to try to teach her. Clara's grandmother did not accept that and asked Heidi why she thought that learning her ABC's was a waste of time. Heidi told the nice lady because Peter, her friend on the mountain, told her that it was. He said that he had tried and tried and never could figure it out. 

Grandmother said very kindly, "Heidi, you haven't learned to read because you believed what your friend told you. I just know that you will learn how to read. If you do I will give you this book to keep." Grandmother told Heidi the book was about a shepherd and his sheep and his goats. Heidi got so excited to read she couldn't wait for the teacher to come so she could learn her ABC's.

Since the day awhile ago that Heidi had tried to run away and go back to her grandfather, Heidi realized that she would hurt her friend, Clara and Clara's father as well as Clara's grandmother if she ran away again. Clara told her that she couldn't leave for years and years. But when she thought of never returning to the mountain top she completely lost her appetite. She found that she just couldn't eat and got so very homesick that she often cried herself to sleep. 

Clara's grandmother noticed that Heidi was so very sad and asked her to tell her what the trouble was. Heidi told her that she couldn't tell a soul; not even Clara. So the grandmother asked Heidi if she ever prayed. Heidi said she had not. She had forgotten how. Grandmother explained that when we need somebody to talk to praying really helps. She told her that the Lord comforts us and can even give us  joy. You can tell him anything and He will listen. Immediately Heidi wanted to go pray.

The teacher noticed a big difference in Heidi's reading skills in just a week's time. Grandmother was so pleased that she gave Heidi the big beautiful book. Grandmother promised Heidi that they would read the book together the very next day. Heidi loved the book and especially loved the story of the Prodigal Son. Ever since she had learned to read the days passed by quickly.

Clara's grandmother taught her how to make doll clothes and she also started reading aloud to the older woman. The more she read the stories the easier it was to read the words.

Heidi was very happy that she could read, but she was so very sad. Even though she prayed every night, God didn't seem to hear her prayers. She explained this to the Grandmother before she left. That is when Grandmother told Heidi that God decides what is best for us so sometimes it seems our prayers aren't answered. So Heidi immediately prayed for forgiveness and promised never to forget Him again.

One day as she was reading a book to Clara she read that a grandmother had died. She took it to mean that the old blind grandmother had died and began to cry and sob util the housekeeper told her that if she didn't quit that she would take her book away from her and never give it back.

After that Heidi never cried again, but this had a poor effect on Heidi. She had no interest in food at all. She would just sit at the table quietly and then go to bed. Time passed for her without really knowing how the seasons were passing. She realized that it probably was time for Peter to go up the mountain with his goats and all those beautiful wildflowers were blooming. She became so sad she would go to her room and cover her eyes with her hands until Clara called for her.

The Young Organ Grinder Demanded His Forty Pennies!

 In the story Grandma Lu noticed that Clara was being homeschooled by a man that was called a tutor. Grandma Lu's daughter had homeschooled all of her children because she chose to, however, Clara was probably being taught at home because of two reasons. Her father was very wealthy, but Clara was also confined to a wheel chair making it very difficult to go outside other than on the porch attached to the house.

As Grandma Lu read on the tutor had already arrived for the day when the door bell rang very loudly. There stood the young organ grinder. Well, the butler saw this young dirty boy at the door and started yelling at him to not ring the bell so loud. Sure enough he was there to collect his forty pennies that Clara owed him. (If you remember Heidi had told him that Clara would pay him) Well come to find out he thought that Heidi was Clara. After the boy described the girl to the butler he grinned. He pulled him into the house and told him to follow him to the study. Grandma Lu grinned too when she thought about what was going to happen. "I really like that butler. I think he is a good guy."

"There is a boy here to play a tune for Miss Clara." Clara was so excited to have something so fun to happen during her usually dull school time. After Miss Rottenmeier heard the noise (music) she ordered him away much to Clara's disappointment as well as Heidi's. But the butler gave the organ grinder his forty pennies and sent him on his way.

Suddenly there was another ring of the door bell and there stood a man with a basket full of kittens! One of them even climbed up Miss Rottenmeier's dress and crawled over her feet. Clara loved them! The classes that day were anything but boring. But poor Heidi. Miss Rottenmeier threatened to send Heidi to the basement with the rats. But Heidi wasn't afraid. Her grandfather's basement or cellar as they called it was full of cheese and fresh milk. Clara put a stop to Heidi's punishment and told the housekeeper that her papa would soon be home and let him decide if Heidi was to be punished.

Heidi wasn't doing well with he ABC"s. It seemed to her that she was just like Peter her friend on the mountain. He wasn't able to read either and thought that school was a waste of time.

Heidi was so very homesick for the mountain that one day she packed up the white rolls that she had been hiding for the old grandmother, put on her shawl and old hat and had planned on going home. She got as far as the door when the housekeeper stopped her. Heidi cried and cried and the housekeeper called her crazy and that she was unlucky for the household.

Heidi didn't know it until this day, but the butler, Sebastion was indeed her friend. He could see that the young girl was shaking and had red eyes from her crying. He told her that she should go play with all the kittens. Even that didn't cheer Heidi. That night she didn't eat her supper.

Heidi had been in need of some new clothes so Miss Rottenmeier had been going through Heidi's clothes and had found all of the spoiled rolls in her closet. She told the maid to through away the bread and Heidi's old straw hat.

Heidi sobbed and sobbed and pleaded with the housekeeper not to throw away the bread because it was for the old blind grandmother. Clara heard and saw how very upset Heidi was and promised her that when she went home she would give her a lot of fresh white rolls for the grandmother.

That night when Heidi went to bed she found her old straw hat that the butler had hidden under her covers. She quickly wrapped it up in a handkerchief and hid it in the furthest part of her closet.

When Clara's father came home from his business the housekeeper told him that the Swiss child was a great disappointment. She didn't think that she was right in the head. He tried to talk to the teacher, but he caried on and on about everything but Heidi, but did point out that Heidi had poor education and didn't seem to be able to learn easily. He finally left the teacher and went to the room where Clara and Heidi were. He asked Heidi to go fetch him a glass of fresh water.

At this point of the book Grandma Lu thought that this was a strange request because in order for Heidi to get him fresh water she would have to walk down the street for several blocks to find a fountain that had fresh water. But as she continued to read, at the fountain there was a nice older man there that told Heidi to give his regards to Mr. Sesemann, which was Clara's father. When Heidi described the man Clara's father knew immediately who he was. He was his doctor!

That evening after Clara's father heard all the real facts about the kittens and even a turtle that made him laugh he told the housekeeper that from now one Heidi was to be treated kindly and that Clara loved her and wanted her to remain her companion. Heidi was not to be punished for just being different. Clara's father could only stay at home for two weeks before he had to go back to Paris for his business. He made sure, however, that his mother would soon be visiting. He knew that she loved children and would make Heidi happy and probably even help her with her reading.

Pandemonium In The Big House!

 Having lived the free life on the mountain with her grandfather, Heidi was feeling closed up and needed to see the outside. The windows were too high up for her to see outdoors. So she asked the butler if he would open the door for her so that she could see outside. That he did. When Heidi walked outside all she could see were streets of stone and lots of chimneys. That is not what she wanted at all. So she decided to take a walk. She was sure that she would find flowers and mountains that would make her happy again. Sebastian was the butler's name. He had told Heidi that the building with the golden dome on a church was high enough that she would be able to see everything. It seemed like her search brought her nothing but more buildings and lots of people walking on the sidewalks. Then she saw the strangest thing. She saw a boy with an organ on his back and a strange monkey on his arm. She thought for sure that he would tell her where the building with the golden dome was. 

The boy with the organ and the monkey was called an organ grinder. Well, he would not tell Heidi where the church was unless she paid him twenty pennies. She had no money, but she told him that he would get paid when she got back to Clara's house.

When Heidi and the organ grinder boy finally arrived at the church she was surprised to find out that she had to pull a rope that rang a bell. In the mean time the organ grinder told her that now he wanted forty pennies to show her the way home.

Finally an old man opened the door and started yelling at Heidi. He said, "Can't you see this is only for people that want to see the tower?" Heidi told him that she too wanted to see the tower. The old man tried to slam the door in her face and told her not to come back again. For some reason he felt bad for her when he saw that her eyes were full of tears. He finally agreed to let her climb the many stairs to the very top. The old man opened up a window. Much to Heidi's disappointment once again all she saw was chimneys and roofs of houses. The old man told her that she must go now and never come back again.

On their way back down they passed a room where a large gray cat was sitting by a basket full of her kittens. Heidi was so excited to see the kittens. The kittens would jump in and out of the basket and play. The old man figured this was an easy way to get rid of the kittens. He loved the old gray cat. He had had her for many years. She was a fine mouse catcher. The old man smiled at Heidi and asked her if she would like to have a kitten to take home with her. She was so very excited when he told her she could have as many as she wanted. The old man knew Clara's parents and where they lived. He told Heidi that he would deliver the kittens there the next day. In the meantime he put a kitten in each one of Heidi's pockets. She couldn't wait to show Clara!

The boy knew where Clara's house was by the way Heidi described it to him. It seemed like in no time they arrived back to Clara's house. She pulled the rope to let the butler know that she was back. Oh my, the butler was upset. He said, "Hurry, Miss. They are all waiting dinner for you. Miss Rottenmeier looks furious! How could you run away? You must never do that again."

Heidi sat down at the table. Nobody said a word until Miss Rottenmeier said, "I will speak to you after you finish your dinner. You must never walk about until so late again." Miss Rottenmeier didn't like the name Heidi so she called Heidi by her Christian name which was Adelheid. It seemed to Heidi that that lady didn't like anything about her. She wanted to go home.

Grandma Lu grinned when she read that part. "I can remember being called my whole name when I was in trouble."

Heidi started to talk to defend herself when one of the kittens in her pocket said, "Meow!"

Well the butler ran from the room and Miss Rottenmeier said, "That's enough out of you. You leave the room this minute!"

Then a whole bunch of meows started and Heidi explained that the kittens were doing the meowing, and that she wasn't  being disrespectful.

Well that really set Miss Rottenmeier off. She started screaming and ran into the study and locked herself in. She was scared to death of cats and even the little kittens.

When Sebastian had finished laughing he came back into the room and saw such a beautiful sight. There was Clara and Heidi each petting and playing with a cute little kitten.

He promised the girls that he would fix the kittens a bed and that they also should get ready for bed.

After quite some time Miss Rottenmeier opened the door of the study just a couple of inches to make sure that the little kittens were gone. The butler assured her that they were. Miss Rottenmeier was exhausted to say the least and went to bed immediately. So Heidi was spared a good talking to that the housekeeper had promised her.

Grandma Lu chuckled at the pandemonium the kittens caused and thought, "I wonder what will happen when the old man delivers the rest of them the next day and what about the organ grinder; is he still standing outside waiting for his money? Guess I'll turn the page and find out. "

Trickery And A Lot Of New Rules

 Grandma Lu had had a really busy week. She had had a lot of company, went to the nursing home every day to help a friend, and enjoyed going out to lunch with a friend. Her husband and son had friends over and of course, she had to go and watch them play pool. She smiled to herself as she was cleaning up the counter after washing up a few dishes. "Today I think I will go back to the book Heidi. I got so that I wasn't happy with it, but I have to return it to the library in just a few days so I might as well finish it. If I remember right it does have a happy ending, but the middle is kind of sad." She gave the stove a final polish and walked into the living room to give herself a little rest.

She settled herself with the book and read how very angry Heidi's grandfather was when Heidi's aunt came to take her away to the city in Germany. He yelled at her and said, "Take her away then, but don't you come back begging me to take her back with her fancy hat and clothes. Go! And be on your way!"

Heidi told her aunt that she didn't want to go and leave her grandfather. She wanted to stay and play with the goats and her friends Peter, his mother, and especially the old grandmother that couldn't see. Grandfather didn't want her to go to church or to school, but that was okay she was so very happy right where she was. Her aunt promised that she would bring her back, but was instead going to take Heidi to a wealthy family who had a daughter that was very lonely. She was also in a wheelchair and couldn't run and play like Heidi could. Heidi's aunt was tricking her and not telling her the truth.

As Heidi and her aunt were leaving Peter saw them. He carried a bundle of hazel rods on his shoulder. He asked where they were going. Heidi's aunt told him that they were going to Frankfurt. Heidi wanted to stop and see the grandmother, but the aunt wouldn't hear of it. She told Heidi that in Frankfurt they would get the old grandmother soft white rolls to eat instead of the hard black bread that she always had to eat. Well Heidi started to run to get the soft white rolls. That gave the village people the wrong impression. They thought that Heidi was running away from the grandfather and figured he had been mean to the girl. Grandma Lu thought, "It was so mean of Heidi's aunt to trick her like that. She was such a trusting child."

                                                  &&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&

                                                       CLARA

Clara had a pale thin face with beautiful blue eyes. She knew that Heidi was supposed to be coming soon and she couldn't wait. She often was so very lonely with only her strict housekeeper for company. Clara lived in a large house and she also had a butler that answered the door and a maid that appeared when they pulled on a rope. The housekeeper's name was Miss Rottenmeier.

 The maid took Heidi and her aunt to meet Miss Rottenmeier which with one glance Heidi could tell that the housekeeper didn't think that she was a favorable choice for a companion for Clara. She was too young, she couldn't read, and didn't even like her name! Heidi's aunt had promised Heidi that they would return to the mountain the next day so she figured she would just be as nice as she could because she wanted to get some soft white rolls for Peter's grandmother. She stood very still in one spot while the housekeeper questioned her. Clara had been watching and listening to their conversation from her wheelchair. Heidi said that the butler looked like Peter and that made Miss Rottenmeier leave the room telling them all to go to the dining room. She was furious with even the sight of Heidi. Clara had to be lifted from her wheelchair onto a regular chair to eat her supper. This also made Heidi sad because her new friend couldn't run and play. She couldn't even walk!

Heidi saw soft white rolls on the table and a plate full of fish. She expected the butler to put the fish on her plate but was told she was to help herself. The butler smiled when he saw her put a soft roll in her pocket. She was told never to talk to the butler unless it was very important and was told an endless list of other rules that Heidi had to obey while she was there. She promptly fell asleep while she was being lectured and had to be awakened to go to bed.

When she awoke the next morning she had forgotten that she was not in her comfy straw bed on the mountain. There were no sounds of fir trees or birds chirping. She got out of bed and discovered that the windows were so high that she could not see outside. She was so very sad. Suddenly  the maid came to tell her that breakfast was ready. Heidi followed all of the rules so she didn't get scolded. Clara asked Heidi a lot of questions about her life on the mountain and Heidi asked to open windows so that she could see outside. Then a man came that was called a tutor or teacher. They went to a place in the huge house that they called the study. There were all kinds of books and papers and stuff they called ink in a bottle and pens to do writing when she learned how. All of a sudden she heard a noise that sounded like a coach. She jumped up to see if she could see it and when she did she caught the tablecloth and the ink spilled all over the carpet and many of the papers. Miss Rottenmeier said the child would bring nothing but trouble to the house as long as she was there.

Clara however, was quite amused and for once in a very long time she was not bored and yawning. She told the teacher and the housekeeper that Heidi should not be punished because it was an accident.

Miss Rottenmeier found Heidi at the door and scolded her for not sitting still during the lessons and if she ever did that again that she would tie her to a chair. Grandma Lu frowned, "Tie that precious little girl to a chair. I certainly hope this gets better and Heidi gets happier."

Grandma Lu Feels Sad While Reading The Book

Grandma Lu cleaned up the kitchen and decided she would read a little bit before watching television with her husband. He was going to watch a rerun show that she wasn't interested in. As she picked up her book she noticed she was almost half way through. "This is going faster than it did when I was a little girl and had to write down all the words I couldn't pronounce or didn't know. She shook her head at her mother's insistence  to learn how to use a dictionary. "Now I just ask Google. What a difference a few years make." Let's see now what happens next in this little girl's life."

 Peter rushed into his house after school. It so very cold outside. He was surprised to see Heidi there. "Hello, there. Did you come to visit my mother and grandmother today?" His grandmother was surprised that the afternoon had gone so quickly. Heidi's visit had been such a wonderful surprise. They asked Peter about school and he kind of shook his head and said, "The same, I guess." Grandmother was sad because she had been waiting for Peter to read from her old prayer book, but it didn't seem that Peter could learn to read so therefore her disappointment was great.

Peter's mother lit a lantern because it was starting to get dark. Heidi had promised her grandfather that she would return when it became dark. Heidi explained that she had promised to return to her grandfather's hut by dark and had to leave. Peter was told to go with her so that she didn't fall. She had not brought a shawl with her and that upset both Peter's mother and grandmother, but soon Heidi and Peter were met by her grandfather whom had brought a heavy cover. Peter's mother saw what alm-uncle had done and told Peter's grandmother. I can't believe how nice and how caring he is towards the girl. Grandmother hoped and prayed that the little girl would visit again. She so enjoyed that little girl, called Heidi.

When Heidi and her grandfather got home she told him that he must repair grandmother's house because so many noises came from broken shutters and boards. He promised her that they would go back to grandmother's house the next day and fix all the rattles. And that they did. Grandfather fixed and fixed until he had no nails left. Peter's mother tried to thank him, but he said, "No need. I know what you think of me." It seemed to Grandma Lu that the folks in the village did not like Heidi's grandfather one little bit.

The visits continued and Peter's grandmother became less sad as did his mother. They looked forward to her visits and the days went by quickly. In fact before they knew it two years had gone by. Heidi was now eight years old! 

Grandma Lu smiled as she read the story. "Heidi is now the same age I was when I started reading this book so many years ago. Oh I think I remember this part. The Parson from the church came up the mountain and told Grandfather that he must send Heidi to school. Oh my. That didn't go over well at all. The Parson told him to attend church and be with God. Well that didn't go well either. The Parson's visit made Grandfather very angry. Grandma Lu thought, "I had been in school almost three years and could read and write by this time in Heidi's life. "I wonder why her grandfather didn't want her to go to school. Probably because he loved her and wanted her to stay with him. He was lonely and didn't want to admit it." Grandma Lu smiled to herself. "You should probably keep reading this book and maybe you will find out."

When Grandma Lu started reading the next part of the book she remembered how she felt when she read it so many years ago. A tear fell from her eyes in sadness and in anger. What a terrible way to treat a child. I can't read this today. I may not finish this book. I have a couple of weeks before I have to take it back to the library. I think I will play the piano for a little while. I need to practice. Plus playing the piano makes me happy. I don't need to be sad today over a book."

She walked over to her piano and opened up her song book and the first song was Mansion Over a Hill Top. "Well, Heidi didn't live in a mansion on the mountain, but if I remember right, she is about to live in a mansion whether she wants to or not.  There is going to be some trickery going on and things are not going to be a bit good. Maybe I should read just a little bit more. Tomorrow. Yes, I'll make some time tomorrow because right now I need to practice a lot on these hymns."                   

Heidi Visits Peter's Blind Grandmother

 Grandma Lu put down her book. "Mercy, I do love to read. It's fun to read a book that I read so many years ago. I understand a lot more about what was going on in Heidi, Grandfather, and Peter's lives now that I am older. They were poor to be sure, but it seems that Heidi was put in their lives to make them smile and care about each other more than they ever had before."

She had read that while Heidi was with Peter, Grandfather would make repairs to the shed and cabin as well as making cheese and butter from the goat's milk. Grandma Lu smiled as she remembered her mother making cottage cheese and butter from their cow's milk. "Much different when I was a child. I can remember my mother putting milk in a big pan on the back of our cook stove to clabber. She could just see the big chunks of milk that looked kind of like small clouds. The longer they sat there water would surround the chunks of milk. Then she would put the clabbered milk in a large sheet of cheese cloth, squeeze all the water out that she could, then tie it onto the clothes line outside. The milk would dry in the hot sunshine. Then she would bring it in and mix whipping cream into the chunks until the milk would be in tiny little pieces. She could even remember the blue bowl that her mom used just for cottage cheese. That's because it was in her china cupboard sitting in front of her grandparent's china platter that was a piece of one of their wedding gifts. So very old.

After Grandma Lu finished her chores and put out meat to thaw for supper she smiled and thought, "I have a few minutes to catch up on my book now. It seems to me that winter is approaching soon in the story." She settled herself down in her easy chair and started to read.

As Grandma Lu read her book it was as she had remembered. Winter was approaching with lots of cold wind. Grandfather had kept Heidi at home because of the high winds and cold weather. Even Peter couldn't come to visit or take the goats to graze up higher on the mountain.

One day it started to snow and snow it did. It snowed like it was never going to stop. Even the windows got covered with snow. Heidi wondered if the whole cottage was going to be covered up with snow. It finally stopped and Grandfather went out to shovel the snow away from the door. What a surprise! Peter had made his way up the mountain to visit. Heidi and even Grandfather had lots of questions for Peter. Well, as you know Peter wasn't much of a talker and didn't say much, but eagerly ate the supper that Grandfather had fixed for them. Peter asked if he could come the next Sunday and he also said that his old grandmother wanted to know if Heidi could come down the mountain to visit with her.

Of course, Heidi, being Heidi wanted to go the next day, but it was four days before it was safe to ride on the sled that Grandfather had built to go down the mountain. Grandfather had Heidi sit in front of him and held onto her tight as anything so that she wouldn't fall off. When they got to Peter's hut he told Heidi that she could go in and visit but that as soon as it was starting to get dark to start home.

Grandma Lu frowned thinking, "Hmm, I wouldn't let a five year old climb a mountain in the dark." Then she read that Heidi just opened the door and walked right in the hut that belonged to Peter's mother and grandmother. "Hmm, manners? I think not." She continued to read how Heidi was accepted into their home.

Heide saw that the hut was very dark with narrow rooms. She wasn't scared and continued on until she saw a lady mending one of Peter's coats. She looked at Heidi with some curiosity and said, "Are you the little girl who lives up with uncle. Is your name Heidi?"

Heidi told the lady that she and her grandfather had come down the mountain on a sled. At first Peter's mother didn't believe her. Her grandfather was believed to be a very mean man and would never have taken Heidi in. Heidi heard another voice from a very old woman sitting in the dark. "Brigida, tell me what the child looks like." Peter's mother's name was Brigida. She told the old woman that Heidi did look like both of her parents. Heidi's father being her grandfather's son, Tobias, whom had black eyes like her mother and curly black hair like her father.

Heidi being the curious child that she was noticed that the wind was rattling the the windows and the shutters were loose making a loud noise. She told the grandmother that soon the shutter would break the window. It was then that Peter's grandmother told Heidi that she could hear, but could not see. It was very difficult for Heidi to understand that anyone could not see the beautiful flowers, the bright white snow, and the broken pieces of shutters. It made her a little scared and a lot sad and she started to cry. Grandmother and Peter's mother settled Heidi by asking her to tell them all about her life with alm-uncle. The man that everyone feared was a completely different man in Heidi's tale of a wonderful life with her home on the mountain with two goats. One goat was brown and one goat was white. But in Heidi's mind another small white goat was her favorite. It had no mother, or grandmother and seemed to Heidi to be a very sad little goat. She would remember to give it extra hugs and pats the next time she saw it. Yes, little Snowhopper needed Heidi to be her friend. Another thing Heidi had to remember is to tell Grandfather to bring his hammer and nails to Peter's grandmother's house and fix the shutters.

It was time for Grandma Lu to put down her book and get to fixing supper. She smiled as she crossed the dining room and saw her mother's blue and white bowl in her china cupboard. 

Sharing Food, The Eagle And The Fire

 When Grandma Lu got home, she was greeted with, "What's for supper?" She put down her book and said, "Well, let's see what's in the fridge. Oh good, there are lots of leftovers from last night. I will just warm them up and I won't have to cook."

After supper Grandma Lu was doing dishes and thinking about Heidi and her grandfather. "What a life they must have lived. Far different from mine that's for sure. My old bones could not climb mountains and I have never had a drink of goat's milk. However, I did have some goat ice cream once. Oh my that's been so many years ago when we went to visit my cousin in Florida. They raised goats. It was good, but very different."

When Grandma Lu picked up the book the phone rang. It was her friend and they visited for quite some time. Then her husband wanted her to watch television with him. It soon was time for bed so she didn't get a chance to read any more of her book. "Tomorrow, dear Heidi. I will read about your adventures tomorrow."

The next morning Grandma Lu's husband said he was going to be gone for the morning helping a neighbor. It was Grandma Lu's chance to read her book. She opened up the chapter where Heidi joined Peter and his goats, plus her grandfather's two goats to climb the mountain where the grass was green and the flowers were beautiful. As they were leaving her grandfather warned Peter again about watching out for Heidi and not letting her fall off the cliffs. He also reminded him to milk a goat for Heidi's lunch as well as the bread and cheese he had added to Peter's lunch bag.

Heidi was picking wildflowers and keeping them in her apron when suddenly a loud screech startled her and she asked Peter what the loud screech was. "It is an eagle. He's probably flying to his nest." Heidi  immediately wanted to go to the eagle's nest. Peter said it was way too high to climb. The goats couldn't even climb that high. "Well, why is he screeching?" asked Heidi. Peter said, "I don't know. That's just what they do." Heidi thought to herself that when she got back to her grandfather's hut she would ask him.

Soon it was time for their lunch. Peter quickly milked a goat and gave Heidi the milk. She drank it quickly because she was thirsty. He again milked the goat and she drank some more. Peter got out the big chunk of cheese and large slice of bread Heidi's grandfather had packed for her and then he got out his little piece of bread for himself. After Heidi had eaten what she wanted she gave Peter a large portion of cheese and bread that was left and told him to eat it. She was full. Peter had never eaten so much at one time. He was so very thankful for the large lunch.

Heidi had asked Peter the names of all the goats. He knew their names and told Heidi. She repeated the names and asked Peter if the mountains had names and he told her no. As he was putting lunch things away he heard the bleating of a goat. He ran to see what the matter was and saw Thistlefinch a goat that was a bold and usually strong goat had gotten too close to the edge of a cliff and was in danger of falling completely off the mountain. Only one leg remained close enough for Peter to grab and hang on to. Peter was losing the battle of saving the goat, but Heidi quickly came to the rescue with some fresh good smelling herbs. The goat calmed down and ate the herbs making it easier for Peter to pull the goat to safety. Losing a goat was unforgiveable to Peter's living. He would lose what little pennies he earned. His mother, grandmother, and he would surely starve. He took up his rod and was going to beat the goat for being so careless. Heidi stopped him immediately and told him she would give him her lunch or at least the majority of it if he would never beat the goats. Peter reluctantly agreed, but he was still angry.

The sun had started to set and as it did it seemed that the mountain was on fire. The snow on top of the mountains had turned a beautiful rosy color and even her wonderful fir trees took on a rosy glow. "Oh look, Peter. All the mountains are on fire. Look at that mountain. It is all rosy. What is it's name?" Peter said, "Those mountains don't have names. They are just mountains." Heidi thought to herself, "Well, there's another question that I need to ask Grandfather when we get back home."

When Peter, the goats, and Heidi came back the mountain to Heidi's grandfather's house. Peter waved and said, "Goodbye, see you tomorrow!" Grandfather shook his head and said, "Not, tomorrow. The weather will be bad with a lot of wind. A little person like Heidi would get blown away." That made Peter sad. He liked Heidi's company even though she talked a lot, she was funny. Plus she brought a big lunch with her every day and shared it with him. He would miss that a lot. It was no fun to be hungry.

After Heidi washed up for supper she asked her grandfather the two questions she had saved for him all day. "Grandfather, why do eagles screech? Her grandfather mimicked the eagle and roared, "You silly people you should live on top of the mountain where the air is fresh and the scenery is beautiful?" Heidi laughed at her mostly grouchy grandfather being silly. Then she asked the second question. "Grandfather why do the mountains turn red as fire in the afternoon?" Her grandfather smiled and said, "That is the sun kissing the mountains, the flowers, and the snow a goodnight." With that he said, "It's time for young ladies to get to bed now so no more questions." Heidi gave his legs a squeeze and quickly got dressed for bed. When she crawled into her comfy straw bed she closed her eyes and dreamed of a rosy mountain filled with beautiful wildflowers and fell sound asleep.

But grandfather did not sleep. He now was responsible this sweet little granddaughter. He had things to think about and things to do. Tomorrow would be a new day and new things to not only teach this little one, but to do for her as well.

Heidi Loves The Wildflowers And Goat's Milk

 Heidi's grandfather gave her a heavy blanket to cover up with for the chilly night. Heidi just couldn't wait to go to bed in her wonderful new bedroom. She told her grandfather that she wished that she was sleepy so she could go to her new bedroom. He smiled and said, "I think we should probably eat something first. You have had a long day today." The minute she heard the word food she got hungry.

Grandma Lu smiled as she was reading this old book. "I get hungry too at just the mention of food." She continued to read about the supper that alm-uncle or grandfather prepared for Heidi. On the fireplace he took big chunks of cheese and roasted them over the fire. He had hunks of bread that he put the roasted cheese on and put them on plates that Heidi had found in the cupboard. He also had milk that he put in bowls on the table. Again Grandma Lu smiled. "I did not realize that she was eating cheese made of goat milk or that she was drinking goat's milk when I read this so many years ago. Heidi had told her grandfather that she had never tasted anything better.

Grandfather made a chair and a table out of his chair and a three legged stool for Heidi to eat on. He stood and ate his meal. When they had finished eating they went outside to the shed. Heidi watched her grandfather quickly make her a chair that was high enough for her to eat from. She was so excited.

At last evening came. Again she could hear those fir trees howl. It was so very windy, but it did not scare Heidi. She loved the fir tree noise.

All at once Heidi heard a sharp whistle. It was Peter, the goatherder. When they got about half way up the mountain they stopped at Grandfather's home. Grandfather's two goats came out of the herd and stood before her grandfather. He had salt in his hands and the goats licked up the salt eagerly while Heidi petted them and asked all kinds of questions. One of the goats was brown and one was white. She asked their names and if they were going to stay and where they would stay. The fierce looking grandfather at last smiled and answered yes, yes, yes. 

Grandfather told Heidi to go in the house and get a bowl and a piece of bread. Grandfather quickly milked one of the goats and filled the bowl with milk which Heidi drank with her bread. It was so good!

She again asked her grandfather the names of the goats. He said, "The brown one is Schwanli and the white one is Barli. She watched as the goats walked into the shed. The wind was so strong it about knocked her over so she went into the hut and climbed the ladder to her big beautiful bedroom. She felt like a princess as the wind rocked the hut Heidi fell sound asleep.

The next morning she at first didn't know where she was. When she realized where she was she jumped out of bed and climbed down the ladder .Peter was already there with the goats waiting for Schwanli and Barli. Grandfather asked Heidi if she would like to go with Peter for the day on the mountain and watch the goats. She clapped her hands and said, "Yes, Yes, Yes." Grandfather had Heidi wash and get dressed. He put extra bread and cheese in Peter's food bag. He told Peter to milk a goat for Heidi and put the milk in a bowl for her. He warned Peter to make sure he watched her closely so that she didn't fall over the rocks.

Heidi was wild with joy. Where she had lived before she was not allowed to go outside because the old woman Ursula, was deaf and afraid to let Heidi out of her sight. She now was free to jump and run and explore the mountain with her new friend, Peter. Oh and so many beautiful wildflowers. There were primroses and golden rockroses. There were blue flowers and red flowers. There were flowers that were tall and flowers that grew in bushes. How she loved them. Oh and the butterflies loved the flowers too!

 Those wildflowers were soon to be so very irritating to Peter's easy life as a goatherder. Now that little girl was everywhere and laying hiding in the flowers! He found himself getting angry as the climb continued. He swung his rod trying to keep the goats together plus watch out for Heidi. All that little girl did was pick flowers and talk and ask questions!

Again Grandma Lu grinned as she remembered her own grandfather acting like Peter, the goatherder. Grouchy. She never knew why her grandfather was grouchy, but Peter, yes. Grandma Lu figured the Peter was so very poor and lonely. He had no friends, and needed to herd goats to make pennies to survive on. His grandmother was blind and his mother cared for her and managed their home and mended their clothes. Peter made the only money that they had to buy they needed.

Grandma Lu looked up from her book and discovered that she had been at the library for quite some time. She should probably check out her book and go home and get supper ready for her and her husband. How she had enjoyed the afternoon. She had seen and visited with people she knew and smiled when she remembered the small boy, Joey, and teaching him about imagination.

The Straw Bed Was The Perfect Place To Sleep

 Peter, the goatherder, grinned at his new little friend. She was so funny. She had taken off all her clothes except her petticoat and was asking him so many questions it made his head spin. But he thought she was fun and cute and answered her questions as best he could. She wanted to know everything about his goats; how many and where they were going, and what he did with them once they got there. It had been a lonely life for Peter with only goats to not only herd, but to talk to.

Heidi had forgotten about her aunt Deta since she was having such a new and interesting adventure with Peter. However, soon she was reminded by the cross voice of her aunt when she had discovered her clothes and shoes and socks in a pile. Heidi had taken her clothes off and left them in a spot that was a good half hour's walk to collect them. Her aunt was so unhappy and told Heidi so in no uncertain words. After a moment Heidi's aunt offered Peter a nickel to gather Heidi's clothes. Even though he was late he was excited to have the extra money and scrambled down the mountain to get the clothes.

The rest of the trip up the mountain took about forty-five minutes. It was a steep climb, but to Heidi it was worth every minute. Overlooking the meadow she could see mountains and steep cliffs. She also saw an old man sitting on a bench with a pipe in his mouth. He had been watching the three visitors and the goats climb to where his home was.

Heidi walked over to him and said, "Hello, grandfather!" He took the child's hand and said, "What does this mean?" Heidi's aunt told the old man that Heidi was his granddaughter. She said that she was the daughter of his son whom had died almost four years ago.

True to his grouchy and mean reputation he shouted, "Take her away! I know nothing of caring for a child. She will cry and beg for you. And you, Peter, you are late with my goats. Get them now or...Peter saw the angy face and scurried to get the alm-uncle's goats.

Deta said, When the baby, Heidi, was left in my hands a few years ago I found a way. Now is my chance for a good job and I intend to take it!"

Oh this made Heidi's grandfather angry. He stood up and yelled, "Go then. Go on and don't come back.!"

Deta hurriedly said good-bye to Heidi and and started down the mountain. Well the people that told her not to leave Heidi with the old man, now yelled at her when she came down to the village. "How could you leave that child with that mean man?" Deta couldn't wait to get away from this mountain and nosy people. She would be so glad to move away and earn money. She soon would be on her way to Frankfurt.

Heidi decided to walk around the hut that her grandfather called home. Behind the hut were fir trees. The wind blew through them and made a marvelous sound that made Heidi so very happy. She went back to talk to the large and strange man she was now to live with. He said, "What do you want to do now?" She said, "I want to see where I will sleep at night." He said, "Alright, go in and see where you would like your bed. Bring your clothes with you."

Heidi picked up her clothes, socks, shoes, hat, coat, and a shawl. And looked around the inside of her new home. It was large inside. It had a fireplace, a table and only one chair, and a bed that her grandfather slept in.

"Give me your clothes and I will put them away. They will be there for you to wear tomorrow." "Oh, no. I don't want to wear them anymore." Her grandfather's big bushy eyebrows grew together to make almost one huge eyebrow. "And why is that?" he asked. "Because I want to be light footed like the goats," she laughed. For some reason the old man was pleased with her answer and showed her where to put her clothes. It was a very large and tall cupboard. It held towels, soap, food like bread and eggs, and also clean clothes.

As Heidi looked around she saw a ladder. She climbed up the ladder and much to her surprise she saw another whole room. It had fresh straw scattered about, it had a window, and most of all she felt fresh air from the fir trees. She could hear the birds chirping. She could hear the goats in their shed; she could see the wildflowers growing everywhere! She knew that this was the perfect place.

"Here, Grandfather. Here is where I want to sleep." For only being five years old she knew exactly how to gather the straw to make her a very comfortable bed. One thing was missing. She needed a sheet. "Grandfather, do you have a sheet for my bed? He chuckled and said, "Yes, I do. A pillow as well. Are you sure this is where you want to sleep?" She assured him it was and together they made a bedroom that Heidi just knew she would never want to leave.

Her Dad's Dictionary and her Mother's List

 Grandma Lu read about the author of the book Heidi. "Goodness sakes, this was written long before I was born. I have a feeling my mother read this when she was a girl because she told me that it was too old for me to read. I wonder why she let me check it out that day. She was probably testing me to see just how many words that I knew." Grandma Lu smiled. Her mother had been right, but oh my how she made me learn what to do when I didn't know what a word meant.

Her memory went back to when she was probably about eight years old and lived on the farm. She got the book on a Saturday, but there was no time to start reading it that day. The next day was Sunday which was church day. Sunday mornings were always a rush because her dad had cows to milk and feed and a white shirt and tie to put on. Inevitably Jerry, the bull, had made his way out of the fence which upset my mom to no end. Then after church we either had dinner at my grandparent's house or had company at our house. "Oh how I itched to get out my new book and read about a girl about my age or younger called Heidi. But before I got a chance to read it it was a Monday afternoon after my chores were done. How I remember perhaps the first five minutes of trying to read my new book. Oh my. It did not turn out the way I thought it was going to. I had situated myself and my book in my dad's chair in the living room dining room combination. I could see my mom cooking or baking probably something for supper.

The first chapter was titled Going Up to the Alm-Uncle.

"Mom, what is an Alm-Uncle? She answered me with,  "Are you reading your new book?" I answered, "Yes. I don't know what an Alm-Uncle is." She said, "The story that you are reading takes place in a country called Switzerland. It's far far away and they have different customs and sayings than we do here in America. If I remember right Alm is their word for pasture or meadow. That is where Heidi's grandfather lived on a mountain, but his cabin was on a beautiful pasture or meadow."

"But they call him Alm-Uncle when he was really her grandfather?"

My mother would rub her forehead when she was frustrated, worried, tired, or had answered one of my many questions throughout her day. Her answer was, "Because, and don't ask again. I think it was an expression that they used for grandfather. Now read your book. If it's too hard we will take it back and get you something easier. It's not fun to read a book that has too many hard words."

I read about five words before I stumbled on another word. I asked my mom how to pronounce it this time. I could hear her clear her throat. I also saw her stop her work, wipe her hands and got into a cupboard in the living room. I recognized the book that she took out. It was my dad's huge dictionary. She looked at me and said, "Now, little one. You go get your tablet, a pencil and your book. Put them on your lap. This book tells you how to sound out and pronounce words that you aren't sure of. Write each of them down just like they are in the dictionary. When you are about done reading this afternoon you and I will go over them together. Okay?"

Grandma Lu smiled to herself as she remembered that big old dictionary. She still had it. Her dad had a way with a cardboard box and a roll of duct tape to make things last for years. She had made that list for her mother. It took so much time! It was not fun to read by herself. That evening her mother sat beside her and together they read the book about a little girl who had no mother. Her aunt was taking her to her grandfather to live. But he lived on a mountain! She had no clue what a mountain was or why any little girl wouldn't have a mama. But she was especially upset about this little girl having to live with her grandfather, because her grandfather never smiled and said, "Little girls shouldn't talk so much."

As Grandma Lu read she remembered the steep climb Heidi made. She was so terrible hot. Her aunt had dressed her in many layers of clothes so she wouldn't have to carry them. Finally Heidi sat down on the ground and started taking off her clothes. Her aunt said, "Heidi, what are you taking your clothes off for?  We have to get to Alm-Uncle's soon so I can get to my new job. I can no longer take care of you. I have a new job in a town called Frankfurt. We need to get there soon so he will give you your evening meal and I can be on my way to a new career and an exciting life."

After about an hour Heidi and her aunt came to a village that the book called a hamlet. Grandma Lu smiled remembering that she had written that word on her list.

The folks in the village seemed to be afraid of Heidi's grandfather. They said he was old and grouchy and were questioning her aunt for taking her to his house.  But Heidi wasn't listening to the folks talking about her grandfather. She had wandered away and found a boy that the book called a goatherd. That was because he took care of and herded goats like shepherds take care of and herd sheep. The boy's name was Peter and he was eleven years old. Heidi was only five.

Again Grandma Lu smiled remembering telling her mom she knew all about shepherds 'cause they were in the Bible.

                                               &&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&

Reading a book from your childhood when you are a seasoned adult changes your whole perspective on this story. As I re-read this book I found out why her grandfather was so mean acting and looking. He had lost a son. A terrible thing for any parent to experience. My mom and dad had lost a daughter when she was only five. I'm wondering now if this was one reason my mother thought I could skip reading this book.

By the way, my mother did go over some of the words on my list and determined that many of them were German words that neither one of us could pronounce. However, she continued to have me write down all words that I did not know and look them up in the dictionary. I also had never ever seen a goat except in a picture book called Three Billy Goat Gruff.

The next story will be Heidi's arrival at her grandfather's home or hut as it is called in the book.

A Book With No Pictures

Grandma Lu had decided to spend a nice quiet day at the library. She wanted to find a good book and perhaps read part of it in the library where no television would bother her.

She looked through the shelves of fiction and non fiction books; make believe stories and true stories. What did she want to read? She passed up the mysteries because she always wanted to solve the mystery before the end of the book and found herself sometimes cheating by reading the end before she had finished the story.

Some of the folks that worked at the library knew her and softly said hello. One librarian asked her if she could help her find a book. Grandma Lu said, "No, thank you. I'm not sure what I want to read today."

She found herself sitting in a soft chair that overlooked a large part of the library. Then she grinned as she saw a sign that said, Children's books age eight through twelve. "Well I wonder what children that age are reading nowadays. Probably nothing like I did at that age."  She got up and walked over to the shelf and saw many titles that she didn't recognize. Some were about space and dinosaurs. She did see some Nancy Drew mysteries just like the ones she used to read at that age. Then she spotted it; a copy of a book that she had read so many years ago. She carefully took it off the shelf and carried it to the soft chair. When she had made herself comfortable she looked at the cover and could almost see her mother and hear her voice saying, "LuAnne, I think that book is too old for you. It will have words in it that you won't know or understand." The book was called Heidi. It was the first book that she had gotten at the library before she started reading the Little House on the Prairie and Box Car Children series.

As Grandma Lu was softly turning pages and reading about the author she noticed a young child watching her. Grandma Lu loved children and said softly, "Hello!" The child's mother was watching and put her finger to her lips warning the child to be quiet since they were in the library. Grandma Lu smiled and whispered what's your name? "Joey." "Well, my name is Grandma Lu. Are you and your mom going to find a book to read?" Joey, said, "Yup. One with pictures of trucks. I like trucks." Grandma Lu smiled and said, "I am sure they have lots of books that you will like." Joey looked at Grandma Lu's book and said, "Why are you reading a book without pictures?" Well Grandma Lu kind of tilted her head to one side and said, "I don't need pictures. I use my imagination." Joey said, "What's 'magination?"

Grandma Lu patted the chair beside her and motioned for Joey's mom to sit as well. Grandma Lu patted Joey's hand and said, "Joey, do you like ice cream?" He immediately said, "Yes!" Grandma Lu said, 'Ok, Joey, now close your eyes and try to picture the biggest ice cream cone in the world. Can you see it?" Joey squealed and said, "Yes, I can and it's as big as a house!" Of course, Joey's mom told him to be quiet and gave Grandma Lu a look too. Grandma Lu said, "Joey, you just used your imagination. Wasn't that fun? That's what I do when I read a book without pictures. I can just see what the words would look like without using a picture to do it."

Joey took his mom's hand and said, "Come on, Mom. I need a book with pictures today, because my 'magination isn't good enough yet. When we get home can I have ice cream while we read a book about trucks? A book with really big trucks just like my dad drives. That's what I'm going to do when I grow up. I'm going to drive a big truck just like my dad."

Grandma Lu watched them walk away and saw the big smile on the little boy's face when he found just the right book about a really big truck. 

She looked down at her book and started to read. "Aah, what a nice afternoon this has turned out to be." she thought as she turned to page one of the book called Heidi.

Chapter 3: Lola Learns What A Family Means

 Lola was so scared she could barely think. She just knew she was going to die. She was shivering so hard she was afraid she would shake herself right into the water. Why oh why did I dream about the New World? I should just have been happy with the life I was living. I was told to be careful what I wish for. I was safe and sound at the palace even though I was penned up. I was fed, and had fresh water. There were servants that took me for walks. Oh how I wish I was safe and sound now!

Lola had carefully walked down the bank to the water like the big dog had told her to. Gus! That was his name. He said he would be back. I hope he brings back some nice humans. I still see some flames in the distance. I think he would be a good friend like Marco was. He is big and strong and I think he would help and protect me. She peeked through the tall weeds that grew by the river bank. She could still see flames, but they were a long ways away. She knew enough about fire to know that if the wind blew away from her she would be safe. She couldn't feel any wind, but now to wait for Gus. She decided to relax a little bit. The shivering stopped. She looked down at the water. It was clear. She took a taste. Oh it was so cold and so good. She drank some more and decided she would be alright until Gus came to get her, or some humans came. He did promise...

Suddenly she was picked up by a pair of gentle hands. "There there now. You are safe, little one. Yes, you are safe. I am going to take you home with me. Gus tugged and tugged on my hand. Yes, he did. He led me right to you, so you two must be best friends. just like Gus and I are. You know what, I might have a special toy for you at my house. We can all snuggle together in my living room. Butter Cup will love you."

Lola hummed happily in the young man's arms. She couldn't wait to have a real home again. It had been such a long long time. "I wonder who Butter Cup is."

Lola didn't care. She just knew her new home was going to be wonderful. Gus kept his promise. "Now I wonder what the future holds for me. Whatever it is, I am never going to wish for something better. Never, ever!"

There was something strange in the air. She sniffed and couldn't tell what the new smell was. The clouds were swirling in the sky and it seemed like she was flying through the air. "Oh no! What is happening? Am I going to die after all? I thought I was rescued! I wish I was safe and sound!" Suddenly she flew out of the young man's arms with a huge thump!

The grass was green. There were strange shelter looking things that looked like flat palaces. They were bigger than the cottages she had seen. There were lots of flowers. The roads were black and hard. Some of the roads were full of rocks and uncomfortable to walk on. 

The young man picked her up and said, "Here we are, little one. Mom will think you are cute. Gus already likes you, now we need to see what Butter Cup thinks of you. That might be a bit of a problem.

Lola instantly saw that Butter Cup was a cat! She jumped out of the young man's arms and took off after that cat! She was not going to add misery to mystery to her day. The one thing she knew was that she did not like cats. In an instant she felt herself being swooped up and in the arms of a nice lady. "Whoa, there, little one. We are all friends here. Butter Cup is a nice cat. She chases and catches mice for me. Gus gets along just fine with her. So if you want to stay here with us you have to be nice to her too."

"What a day this has been. I have to be nice to cats in this strange land. I know I can do it for awhile until I get to the New World. Maybe in this land I can find myself  someone whom will help me. I know I shouldn't wish again, but how I do wish I could go on the ship to the New World."

The young man said, "Here you go little one. This is the toy I promised you. Gus will sit here by me and Butter Cup will sit on my lap. There now supper will be in a little while. I think you will like your new home. You are now part of our family."

Chapter 2: Gus to the Rescue!

 "Hey, Guys! What's all the racket about? Something I should know about?" Winston and Romeo stopped their barking and walked over to the big Boxer. "Sure is! If you would have looked behind you, you would have seen that little bitty canoe hit the river bank. You aren't going to believe this, but there was a mouse using the oars and a little white dog barking her head off. I didn't see what happened to them, did you, Romeo?" 

"No, I did not. I mind my own business; not like some dogs I know." Gus grinned to himself. He had heard these two bicker back and forth for quite a long time. "I think they secretly like each other, but would never admit it."

"So whereabouts did this so called shipwrecked canoe hit the bank? Was it anywhere close by? I could walk over and see if they need any help."

Winston, the black lab started to point his tail in the direction that the sun was starting to set. "Over there I think. There's probably nothing that we can do for them. The mouse probably up and ran away from the dog. Who knows where the dog went. She kind of looked like a city ball of fluff if you ask me. Didn't recognize what breed she was. Anyway, I think I'll crawl back under the fence. You had better too, Romeo. You know that Mike and his lady get all kinds of upset if we dig under the fence. See you later, Gus. We have to kick back the dirt against the fence so they don't see that we have been out."

Gus watched them run down by the river bank and indeed both of them crawled under their fence and pretended like they had done nothing wrong and were just being lazy in the warm sunshine. "What a pair those two are."

" I like to help people and other dogs too if I can. I wonder where that little white dog went to. I have a little bit of time left before I have to get back to work. If I can't find her soon, I will have to leave. I hate that there might be a little one out here lost and all alone."

Gus walked slowly in the direction that Winston had pointed to. He didn't see a sign of a canoe, mouse, or a small white dog.  He made a soft growl in his throat. "A mouse and a canoe. I like a good story, but this one was probably not even worth his time looking for them" he thought. Those two dogs, Winston and Romeo, liked to pull pranks and make up stories for fun.

All of sudden he smelled smoke. "This is not good. He started running in the opposite direction towards his home. No! There was fire about a half mile away. "I have to get home and make sure my master and his mom are alright. Then he heard it. Whimpering. "Sounds like a little size dog that's in trouble. I have to get home." Then he saw her. She was hiding in the bushes. She was so little and so very scared. He ran over to her and said, "Little lady, you need help. There is a fire about ten minutes away. I'll get you to safety. I'll put you close to the water. I have to go home and make sure my folks are alright. If they are safe and the humans put out the fire I will come back and get you. You will be okay. Get yourself a drink. I'll be back. I promise. I will try to bring a human back with me. They will get you some shelter and food and water. Now you stay right there!

Lola and Louie Chapter 1: Sink or Swim

Saying good-bye to Marco was the saddest thing that Lola had ever done. He had been not only a best friend, but a protector and and life saver to say the least. Now all she had was this mouse, who says his name is Louie. Well, in this land most all mice had the same name; Louie. She sure was glad her name was a pretty one. However, he was willing to take her to the ship that was headed to the New World. At least, that's what he said. She had to give up eating meat to please him. Berries and cheese were okay, but a nice juicy bone to chew on would be a wonderful treat. 

 As they floated down stream she heard more and different noises. Her little nose seemed to twitch at every turn. The smells were so much different than in the city. It was so much different than she was used to she was a little, no a lot frightened. She found herself curled up in the bottom of the little boat and hoping that Louie knew where he was going. She so wanted to get on board a ship that was going to The New World. She could just imagine what it was like. Oh it was going to be beautiful with lots of trees and beautiful flowers. She closed her eyes and could just see the birds with their red and blue and even yellow feathers. They were singing her song. She couldn't wait!

 Ouch! She let out a little yip. "What happened? Is the boat alright?" Louis just wiggled his nose and ignored her. He wasn't a bit happy about doing this favor for Marco. He was used to doing and going whatever and wherever he wanted to. He also liked to go when and where he wanted to. Now he had to make sure this silly little ball of fluff got on the ship. She'd be lucky not only to get on the ship without being seen, but what did she think she was going to eat? Did she even know it was going to take almost two years to get there? At least that's what he had heard some of his rat friends say. They were thinking about getting on one of the ships to go to the New World as well, but when they heard it was going to be such a long trip they decided to think about it awhile. They wondered if the sailors would eventually run out of food. They couldn't imagine a life without people scraps to eat, especially Italia had the best food ever. Who knew what those sailors would be eating. Plus he heard them say that the rats were the last ones to jump off the ship if it started to sink. 

Lola knew something wasn't right. "Oh no! There is water getting in this boat. I just knew we had hit something. There it is; a hole! We are going to sink! I wish Marco was here. He would have saved me from this horrible mouse and his sinking boat. What am I going to do now? No little mouse is going to save me. "Help! Help! I'm not sure if I can swim. Please help me!"

Louie's end of the boat had not taken on any water so he couldn't imagine what in the world his passenger was barking about. She was shaking like a leaf and had jumped up on some of the nuts he had gathered. They made good trade with the squirrels. They loved them.. He crawled over to where she was looking. "Well, this isn't good. Must have hit a rock back there. Hmm, well I'll have to row the boat to the shore. I guess easy traveling is over with for now. We are going to have to walk until we can hitch a ride with someone. Preferably someone with food. Oh cheese cake, I believe I might have to swim to shore. This thing is sinking fast. I don't know if I can swim!"

                                                &&&&&&&&&&&&&

Gus had the day off. A day off all to himself only happened once in a great while. He was a support dog whose master needed and wanted him by his side most all of the time. He liked the boy, but laying here on the river bank was just like Heaven. Oh this sunshine is so nice and warm. The water makes little noises as it runs by. I just might take a dip after I take a snooze. Just then his whole day off went  sideways. "The neighbor dogs would have to ruin my day. If ever there was a yapper that's a yapper and that big old Lab? Nobody could out bark him. I swear if a leaf blows he has to bark at it. Wonder what they are up to. Guess it wouldn't hurt me to be friendly...

Lola and Marco Chapter 3: Marco Says Goodbye

 Lola didn't think that she would live through the ride on the self propelled cart. It was bumpy and so very fast when they went down the hill. Some of the wine bottles fell off the cart making people yell and wave angry fists at them. Marco reassured her that all would be well. He would protect her. He said his nose told him that there was water nearby. Suddenly the cart stopped. The two dogs fell off the cart shaking off straw and thanking their lucky stars that they were still alive and not hurt. 

Marco looked around and said, "Lola, look! Look through those trees. We are going over there. I was right. There is a stream of water through those trees. I can hear it sing. She hopped on his back and once again Marco was right. It didn't take very long to make their way through the vines and the trees to see that there was a stream of water. It wasn't as big as a canal that the gondolas floated on and it certainly wasn't as big as the ocean, but it was water. It was clear and it was cold and delicious. The two dogs drank as much as they could. They made their way over to the shade of the big trees and decided to lay down and rest before they continued on their journey to the shipyard. 

The arrival of Lola and Marco stirred up some interest of the wildlife that lived by the stream. There were squirrels, frogs, and lots of birds and even some beautiful blue butterflies. Those butterflies were not a bit happy with the visitors because they were close by the flowers that they drank nectar from. They had just settled down for a very juicy lunch with their long straw like tongues when those dogs interrupted them. They flew away to a bush that was a safe distance away from the two dogs. They were interested to see what the strangers were going to do. 

They were soon to hear and see another stranger making a cheerful chittering whistling sound. There was a mouse in a tiny row boat. He had his lunch packed and seemed to be on his way to the sea. At least that's what Lola told Marco. "Oh, Marco, look. There is a mouse. He is not a house mouse, he is a mouse on his way for an adventure. An adventure on the sea. I just know it. Let's ask if he will take us with him on his little boat. I am sure that would be a wonderful way to travel. Look how happy he is!"

Marco looked at the traveling mouse and shook his head. "I am sure he is going to the sea, Lola, but his little boat does not have room for us. See how tiny it is? There is room just for you. I will ask if he will take you to the ship that is going to the New World. But I will stay here. Italia is my home. If the mouse says yes and if he is going to the New World too, I will ask him to take good care of you."

Lola was not a bit happy about leaving Marco. She loved Marco. He had protected her, made sure she had food and water, and believed in helping her achieve her dreams. How could she leave him? Oh, but she so wanted to see the New World. Maybe that mouse wouldn't even take her along with him. A mouse wouldn't take care of her like Marco had been. Oh dear, what should she do?

Marco made his way to the water and splashed it with his big paw. "Hello there, mouse on the boat. Will you take my friend, Lola, with you? She is very small and doesn't eat much. She very much wants to go on a big sailing ship to the New World. Is that where you are going?"

After a long discussion about the mouse not eating meat and Lola eating cheese and fruit the mouse agreed to give it a try only after Lola agreed to keep dangerous cats from harming him on board ship.

Marco had been keeping a secret knowing that at some point in time he and Lola would have to go separate ways; he had gotten her a little gift. He helped her onto the little boat and said, "Here you go, Lola. I got you this so that every time you get afraid or lonely just cuddle up to this little toy and think of me. You will be just fine. Now go on. Go and have your adventure, little one. Go!"

Lola and Marco Adventure Chapter 2 Hungry, Thirsty, AND A Magic Cart?

 Lola couldn't believe that they had successfully jumped onto the gondola. The narrow boat sure wasn't very big. Marco took up a lot of room and Lola buried herself in front of him as good as she could. The man with the stick or oar that was making the little boat move in the water didn't say a word to them. "Maybe he didn't see us. Could we be that lucky, Marco?" Marco made a soft growl in his throat and told her to be very very quiet. He had a lot of thinking to do. He loved his new little friend and wanted to keep her safe. He knew these waterways. People traveled from place to place on them. They would go shopping at a store and sometimes would ride the gondola until they got close to where they lived. He saw them give the man coins. Of course, they didn't have any coins they just had each other. Lola had a dream and he was determined to make that dream come true.

Lola was trembling she was so scared. Maybe this dream of hers would get them penned up again or worse thrown into the water. 

"Oh no, Marco. We are going to shore. There are some people wanting a ride on this thing. We have to get off before someone throws us in the water or worse." Marco agreed. This way of travel was faster than walking to the sea, but it was dangerous. He noticed several carts that had vegetables and fruits for sale on them. It looked to him that just might work for a free ride. He explained to Lola that when the man got the gondola close to the street they would jump and start running as fast as they could. "Remember, hang on to my back as tight as you can. When I see a cart that has room for us I will jump as high as I can."

The gondolier steered the gondola close to the street shortly after. Marco said, "Hang on tight! Here we go!" The gondolier yelled. "Dogs, get out of here." Lola and Marco were going like the wind and didn't see or hear anything but the streets ahead of them. 

Marco eventually slowed down to catch his breath. He was thirsty and hungry. They needed to rest for awhile. Marco had experience on the streets long before he roamed onto the palace grounds. He knew where and how to get some sausages and a drink from some of the vendors called lixae. They were loud and dirty men that would sometimes feed the soldiers. They were messy and often dropped the food they tried to sell on the streets. He heard one of them hawking his food a few feet away. He stopped in an alley. He said, "Okay, Lola. You wait here and I will get you some food. We need water too, but it will have to wait until we get closer to the sea. Now hide as well as you can in this doorway behind us."

Lola was so very scared, but she trusted Marco to take care of her. She backed up and attempted to hide but her white fur was so very white it was hard. It seemed like Marco had been gone for hours. What if he had been discovered stealing food and taken and penned up? She knew about pens. They were awful; even on the palace grounds. She saw rats and big black bugs scampering and running all about the trash looking for food for themselves. There were other dogs, rats, and even a cat. They all looked hungry. Finally Marco came holding a fat juicy sausage in his mouth. "Here you go. Now eat it as slowly as you can. It may be a long time before we find another. I have already eaten so go ahead and enjoy your supper. Don't worry about the dogs and cats. I will protect you. I think that we are close to where the ships are. I can smell the salt in the air. Your dream is about to come true if everything goes well. We do have to have water though. If it would rain we would be in luck, but the sun is shining. Doesn't look good for fresh water."

Marco waited patiently while his little friend ate her sausage. He looked up and couldn't believe his eyes. A wooden cart had just gone by. It had no driver or human around it. It was going all by itself right down the road! There seemed to be wine bottles on it and some straw. "Come, Lola. Jump on my back. We just might have a chance for a ride. I have no idea where the cart is going, but there doesn't seem to be anyone around to hurt or capture us. That girl is a servant so she won't bother us. Let's go! You wanted an adventure, this is the day!"

Lola did as Marco said, but worried where the cart was going and how in the world was it going all by itself? Was it magic?

Leonardo da Vinci smiled as he looked down from a window up above at his new invention and the little scallywags that jumped up on his self propelled cart. "Hmm, I wonder where they are off to and if those two dogs will enjoy a trip on one of the ships going to the new world...

Lola And Marco"s Adventure Chapter 1

 It took only a bit of flirting with the handsome dog to get him to do what she wanted; to knock down the royal fence and let her ride on his back. She didn't know where or how to go, but she did not want to be locked up in a pen for the rest of her life. Marco was big, his brown coat was beautiful and he was willing to carry out her dream; a trip to the New World that she had heard about.

Just imagine a brand new place far far away from the royals who wanted nothing but for her to perform her tricks and to have puppies for them to fawn over some day. That kind of life was not for her. She wanted excitement and action. Marco was the perfect way to get to the sea. She was a little bit scared. She had been lost before, but the old woman had taken really good care of her. When she went with the angels a kind man had picked her up and taken her to the palace. But she had been there way too long. It was her time now; time for adventure!

She hugged her hero, Marco, as tight as she could. He was running and dodging carriages and going through dark alleys at night. He seemed to know just how and where to go. How she hoped that they would reach the sea where the big ships were before they left for the New World. She was sure she could sneak on board, but she worried about Marco because he was so big. It seemed to her that they stopped too many times so that he could look for food. She didn't eat much, but he sure did. Would there be enough food for them on the ship? Would the men be kind to them? What if they threw them overboard?  She buried herself into Marco's fur as close as she could. There was no sense in worrying. She just knew that this was what she was born to be; a canine explorer. She smiled to herself. She might go down in history known as the first C.E. of the New World. She probably needed a human at some point to write down things she and Marco had discovered. Maybe little humans would read about her! Humans did such things. She just knew she was going to be famous. But first they needed to get to the shipyard. The only way she knew to get there was on water. She had seen paths of water called canals. She told Marco, "Look for water. Maybe we can get on a small boat and float to the big sea. I think they call them gondolas."

Marco said, "We need to wait until it gets dark. Then we will find our way to the small water. Hopefully we can jump on a small boat and the man that uses the stick to make the boat move can get us to the sea without throwing us in the water. You must be very careful and do just what I say."

It seemed like they waited forever before Marco said, "It's now or we have to wait another day. Now get on my back and hang on with your paws as tight as you can!"

"We made it! Lola whispered, I can hardly believe it. Maybe dreams do come true."

Lola Chapter 4: The Kindgom Is In Trouble

 The palace servants were scattered throughout the palace working as fast as they could. The explorers had been arriving for weeks seeking money to finance their ships for voyages to lands across the ocean many weeks if not months away. They required not only gold, but staples and men to feed and man the ships. They had to plan for bad weather that would require them to be at sea longer than expected especially if they were blown off course. The many visitors kept the housekeepers and cooks busy night and day.

The Queen was reluctant to promise financing to any of the men because of the turmoil and trouble in her own kingdom. There were prominent families in Italia that were becoming rich and fighting with each other for land and even banks. The Queen was getting old and was relying on her countes and close royals for advice. The world seemed to be getting out of control with wanting to explore new lands and families and even her own servants wanting more money and higher wages.

Besides the relentless strain on her coffers and her health, she was sad. Her old friend had joined the angels in Heaven and left behind two ducks and a dog. Some weeks ago she had a counte hide the dog in the bushes for the old woman to find. The dog was a very special dog, but was deliberately disguised as one that was abandoned. The old woman fed it and cared for it, but most of all loved it.

The Queen had had one of her servants gather the two ducks and the dog and put them in the pen behind the palace with the other dogs. The beautiful white Lola was among those that were already penned. Some of the dogs were used for hunting, some were bred just for lap dogs and Lola of course, was full of love and joy. What the Queen did not know was that the feuding kingdoms adjoining hers were at war. There would soon be trouble on the grounds of her palace as well.

Behind the palace a big brown dog whose name was Marco looked over the fence and said, "What are you guys doing? Why are you penned up and not running free like me? Want me to knock down the fence? Bella said, "Oh no, big brown dog. I am used to sitting on the lap of my master. Please go away. We shall soon be given to new masters." Winston, the old big black Labrador said, "Go away. I know who you are. You are the dog that likes to get into fights. We don't need your kind around here. Let me rest. My side kick, Romeo, wants you to leave too." Oscar, the brown and white dog, lay sunning himself. He thought about it and said, "Well, if you knock the fence down where would we go? Who would feed us? Huh? You got all the answers? I'd just as soon the Queen found me a family with children who would love and play with me. Yeah. You just leave the fence alone. We don't want any trouble around here. Go back home." Both the white duck and the black duck said, "We are fine in our own little pool. We are fed and kept cool. Sometimes life gets a little boring, but we are safe and well. We agree with these dogs. Go back home and leave us alone."

All at once there were sounds of shouting and horse hooves pounding on the hard dirt. The dogs all started barking. All except Lola. She stood up as tall as she could and said, "Please, Marco. Bend the fence so that I can jump on your back. Then you can run as fast as you can. If we can reach the sea perhaps we can get a ride to the New World on one of those big ships. What an adventure that would be! You have to hurry the angry men will soon be back here and we shall have no chance for escape."

It didn't take Marco but a second . Soon his big strong legs and paws had gotten the fence down low enough that Lola was soon on his back. It seemed like only a moment they had disappeared into the forest. Their adventure would be exciting and long. It would often seem like it would never end, but their story would be like their adventure; never ending and most exciting.