Grandma Lu Is Going Through Her Mother's Memory Box

 It was a gorgeous spring day at Grandma B's mini farm. Marlee and and her grandma decided to have their morning "coffee" outside on the porch today. Marlee said, "Whatever happened to Grandma Lu after the party at Marleewood the other day? I haven't heard you say much about her lately." Grandma B shook her head and said, "Boy, that party about did my old friend in. How did a cat get into Marleewood, especially in the bathroom? Poor dear about sneezed herself to death. What happened to the book you two were writing? I don't think I ever saw it after all the commotion about the cat in the bathroom. I did talk to her the other day though. She has a big job ahead of her. She said she still has her mom's old pictures and papers to go through. She calls it her Mom's Memory Box. She loves going through those things, but said she needs to get it done and throw out old things that aren't good any more. She will probably call to see if I'm baking anything and want to come over for coffee." They both laughed and watched  the animals out on the field lazily grazing on the sweet green grass.

Grandma Lu was indeed going through her mother's things. She had tried to organize things like her mother used to do, but she just was not good at that. She was a bit haphazard in her ways. She might mix things up and put old and new pictures together, old papers from her home town's centennial newspapers mixed in with old scrapbooks and old letters.  "Why did she save all these old papers, I wonder?" She put her cold cup of coffee off to the side and went through the yellowed and brittle papers ever so carefully. She knew that if her mother saved the papers there were important articles in them. At least she hoped she wasn't wasting her time looking for what might end up being nothing in the end. She was getting so tired and her mind was full of memories of the days that followed her mother's fall and what happened in the days and weeks after. Oh what a time. As she rocked in her old rocking chair she could remember those times like it was yesterday. She had had to be responsible for her mother, her mother's home and for putting her mom in a nursing home which was the last thing she thought she would ever have to do. She smiled as she remembered her mother telling her years ago, "I don't ever want to live with you kids when I get old, put me in a nursing home."

                                                                      ****************

She had awakened the next morning with a heavy heart. She was so worried about her brother. He was never far from her thoughts. It was up to her to take care of things and do it she would. But first coffee and to see what mom had in the fridge. When she went to the kitchen she spotted the dratted Grandmother clock completely wrapped in bath towels sitting on the counter. "See what you get for keeping me awake? Okay you can go back on the mantle. I need coffee and you need to be quiet. Hopefully I can find out how to shut your beautiful chimes off while I'm here, you noisy thing."

 As she went back out to the kitchen she saw her mom's medicine bottles and looked at them. "Hmm, I remember you saying you put the pills on top of the bottles every morning so if you looked at them before you went to bed and if they were gone you were sure to know you had taken them. What's in the fridge? No V-8 juice or Ho Ho's for my little ones. Oh Mama, the memories you have given us. They still talk about the V-8 juice and Ho Ho's you always had waiting for them. Okay. I need to call the hospital and see how you are doing, then I need to make some decisions and make arrangements for you to be transferred to the nursing home where I work. I need to go to the hospital and get your purse so I can get all of your information and identification I need. I have to make sure your bills are paid before we leave and a million other things I'm sure I don't know about."

                                                                     ****************

Grandma Lu had fallen sound asleep in her rocking chair. Her mother's Grandmother clock now sitting on her piano along with her mother-in-law's silver condiment caddy and glass cruet set to keep it company. Her dreams were taking her to her childhood. She could just see her mother baking cinnamon rolls for the grocery store. She remembered the sweet smell of  cinnamon and vanilla as it met her at the door after a long day at school. She was ten years old. What she didn't know was that her mother was going to have a visit with her that day. The memory of that visit would remain with her throughout her life. Subject: allowance vs. baking dishes.

She Prayed For Courage And Strength

 She had been on the road for hours on her way to the hospital in Sioux City. She couldn't believe the way her life had taken such a tremendous turn in just an hour. First a call from her sister-in-law with news that her brother had had a major heart attack half a country away. Then within minutes her mother's neighbor called telling her that her eighty-five year old mother was in the hospital . She had gone out to get the mail and slipped on the ice. She thought her world had ended until she took a deep breath and decided she was all her mother had at this particular time. Her brother had his daughter and wife flying to California to be with him. At this point all she could do is pray for strength and courage to help her poor mom. Then she looked in the rear view mirror and said to herself, "What next?"

After she gave the officer her license and proof of insurance and assured him that she would follow the speed limit, she once again was on her way. She had no clue what she would find. She had not worked at the new nursing home for very long. For that matter she hadn't lived in Missouri for very long, but here she was with a ticket in her pocket book, a nursing administrator having faith that she would return in a reasonable length of time and two hours to drive before she got to the hospital. The exact same hospital that her dear sister had been  a charge nurse in for more than thirty years. "Oh, Rosie, how I wish you were still here. I miss you so. Can I do this?" Then she grinned and uttered a soft chuckle. "Ok, Sis, I get it. I'll straighten up and fly right like Mom used to say and get whatever needs to be done done."

By the time she got to the hospital it was late, but the nursing staff was very nice and told her that her mother had broken her pelvis. There was nothing to be done, but keep her mom comfortable. She would not be able to put weight on it for several weeks if not months due to her age. They were going to keep her for at least three days and nights. She peeked in at her sleeping mother and whispered, "Oh how I love you Mom. But I have a plan. You are coming home with me."

On the trip across the bridge to Nebraska where her mother's home was she thought, "You can't take your mother home with you. You need to work. Work, of course, "I'll see if there is a room for mom at the nursing home where I work. That will be perfect. I can visit with her and make sure she is well taken care of." With that settled in her mind she pulled up along side her mom's mobile home where she had lived for thirty years.

She turned the key in the lock and knew right where the light switches were. She looked to her right and there on the small wall by the door were all the grandchildren's measurements that her dad had marked since they were old enough to stand. Oh the memories. Everything looked like mom, smelled like a mixture of mom's perfume and her baking. Pictures of family members, some of her children and grandchildren were arranged on the shelf just as she remembered them. The people were all smiling like all was right with the world.  Only it wasn't.

"I can't deal with anymore tonight. I need a good night's rest. Tomorrow will be a better day. Another of her mom's sayings." She sighed and made her way to her mom's bedroom. Oh it was so empty and still. Then the phone rang. It was her husband. She told him about her idea. He was good with it. Then she called her sister-in-law. Her brother was stable, but in critical condition. He was in the ICU and being carefully watched. She smiled and said, "Okay, Lord. I think, no; I know You are in charge here. I need your help and so does my family. And by the way, the traffic ticket was a nice touch. You really know how to slow me down. Thank you for my blessings, Lord. Good night."

But, of course, sleep was slow to come. Her mind was racing trying to remember what her mother had told her to do if something happened to her. Then she remembered her mom's important papers were in the freezer! She immediately jumped out of bed and ran into the spare room. There was a large manila envelope with everything she needed; power of attorney, her living will and her regular will complete with a gift list to her children included and lo and behold a nursing home insurance policy. Her safety deposit key and C.D. papers were in there as well. "My mother, the organized one of the family. Thank you so much."

"Okay, girl, get some sleep. The rest will wait until tomorrow." She snuggled up to her mom's pillow, she had put what her mother called, "Lu's blanket" over the spread, and then the Grandmother clock on the fireplace mantel started to chime; every quarter hour. Out of bed she went with a mission in mind. The clock had to go. She carried it out to the kitchen and covered it with towels. Ahh, hopefully she could sleep at last.

The Party To End All Parties!

 The Community Room was bulging with people, musical instruments balloons and pets. People were in the kitchen baking cookies and others were getting them ready for the serving trays. There were doughnuts and other food and drinks as well. People had brought all kinds of craft materials to make Valentine boxes so the tables were full of glitter, construction paper and glue! Ice cream cones were being handed out as fast as Kyler's sister, Marlee and Regan could make them with their special snow ice cream. 

Arie was trying to keep her baby sister out of everyone's way on her new pillow. But she just didn't seem to be a bit sleepy. Arie was hoping she would be still for awhile because she wanted to finish her Valentine's box. Regan and her grandma were already starting on theirs.

The tables were getting full of Valentines boxes. There was hardly room for anyone to sit.

 But the music was great and most people were up dancing around and talking loudly anyway. Once in awhile a balloon would pop and you could hear babies crying, but the grandmas were not aware of anything going on because they too were talking loudly and arguing about the book. Grandma Lu said, "Well, I am all done." Marlee said, "Oh no! Not yet. I am a princess so I want a coach to pick me up and take me to the party at the little castle." Grandma Lu said, "Fine a princess should be picked up by a coach. I'll even put your family crest on it. How's that? " Marlee said, "Okay, but it isn't as good as the last one we did." 

Grandma Lu sighed and said, "I'm sorry, my dear, but I did the best I could. I'm going to the bathroom then I think we should go to the kitchen and see if there are any snacks left out there. I'm starving."

When Grandma Lu walked into the bathroom she took one look and yelled, " Awk! That's it! I'm outta here! Achoo! Achoo!"

All the noise and commotion woke Whitlee Jo up. She walked into the kitchen and there was the biggest mess she ever saw. A lady was trying to sweep up broken dishes, but it was hard to do with so many people coming in and out. Whitlee Jo took one look and said, "Oh oh, you are in so much trouble! Maw! Come quick. You have to see this. I didn't do it either." Maw!"

As Grandma Lu ran out of the bathroom (she's deathly allergic to cats) she accidentally dropped the book she had worked so hard on. It got stepped on and thrown here and there and finally landed on the desk in the Quiet Room.

There was someone sitting on the computer desk in the Quiet Room who was not a bit happy about the new book. He didn't get a book in one of the biggest mysteries Grandma Lu ever wrote. The Case of the Blue Four Wheeler.  Well, he's back! Felix the under cover agent for Santa has changed jobs. He is now working for the Historical Society of Long and Forgotten Felines. He is determined to make things right for his ancestors and for future generations of felines. Stay tuned for his next adventure.

This Was Going To Be The Party Of The Year!

 Jordan and Liam were loaded down with things to take to Marleewood. Jordan didn't think that Liam should take his guinea pigs to the party, but Liam insisted. Jordan had his Minecraft Valentines box that he was taking. It had been fun putting it together, but for some reason his mother didn't think it was quite as much fun as he did. They all piled in the car headed towards Marleewood for the Valentines Day party and sleepover. Jordan had three brothers so that was a lot of pillows and blankets, plus the guinea pigs and Valentines box. Then he heard his parents go, "Whoa! Look at that!"

The Marleewood parking lot was full, but all they could see was a long line of people headed up to the back door. Some folks were even carrying guitars. 

There was going to be music too! "Cool, we are going to have a great party! Look at that, Mom! See that lady carrying in a dog bed. We should get a dog. Can we have a dog? Please, Dad. Can we get a puppy? Mom, please"

Spencer and his  mom were pulling into the parking lot. Spencer had a stuffed toy, Bully, his phone, and some chicken nuggets and fries that he was going to take to the party. They were his favorites so that way he would be sure to get some. He had called Jackson and he was bringing doughnuts.

Linda had received a call that she needed to cook a roast for about twenty people. She was in the front kitchen cooking when a lady with the dog bed came in and knocked over a dish that broke into a million pieces. She just grinned and went on her way to the Community Room where everyone was going.

 Linda left to see if she could find a broom and a dust pan. While she was gone the roast had burned and the kitchen was full of smoke. Then the smoke alarm went off which scared Karen who had just finished putting a jig saw puzzle together in the nice peaceful Quiet Room. Now it was just a big pile of junk. She was not a bit happy. Determined to find out what had tripped the smoke alarm she walked through the Sitting Room to discover Grandma Lu, Grandma B and Marlee all talking at once and not sounding happy. They were not paying any attention to the noise coming from the kitchen. The alarm had stopped, but there sure was a lot of noise out there. People were using their outside voices!

Addie said, "Hurry Memma, we can't be late. This is a Unicorn Party so I want to show everyone my new Unicorn Stroller. Be careful we don't lose my balloons. Should we go get some more? Did we bring everything? Oh hurry. Look at all the people going into Marleewood. This is going to be the party of the year!"

Grandma Lu Was Grouchy But Grandma B Was Fit To Be Tied!

They were all tired and had moved into the sitting room where the chairs were much more comfortable.

Marlee and Grandma Lu were still bickering back and forth over the story line of the Unicorn story. Marlee didn't like boys in the story and she didn't like being spoiled and sad in the story. Grandma B thought that there were too many characters and Grandma Lu thought she was always right and kept on writing the story the way she wanted it. This book was completely different than the last time. Marlee was two years older and often stopped Grandma Lu's typing or writing her notes. Grandma Lu was getting grouchy because the cookies and coffee weren't coming quick enough. Grandma Lu wanted to stop and get back to work another day. Marlee said, "No." Grandma B was fit to be tied and kept saying, "This place is dusty and dirty. I need to get to work. Let's go home."

Grandma Lu said, "I'm almost done. I just have a few more pages then we can go home."

                                                                            *****

Carter and his grandma were driving through town and Carter said, "Look, Grandma, Grandma Lu and Grandma B are at Marleewood. Let's go home and tell Liyah. She hasn't ever heard Grandma Lu tell a story. I bet should would like to go. Is it okay if we go listen?"

"Sure it is. Oh look there's Kaysyn. Cool balloons. Should we stop and get some balloons too? I think she is going in the  back door to the kitchen. Let's hurry and pick up Livah and come back."

When they got home they called Mylee and told her that Grandma Lu was at Marleewood and was going to tell a story. She should come. She said she would and would wear her brand new unicorn shirt she got for her birthday. She told Carter that she would bring her new Unicorn balloons too. She said she would call Charlie because their grandmas were friends. Maybe both of her grandmas would come. She was so excited!

Livah was way over ready to get out of the house and do something fun. "Grandma don't they have parties at Marleewood sometimes? I heard they have lots of fun. It's close to Valentines Day. Why don't we call some friends and have them bring stuff to make Valentines boxes and we could bring some food. Do you think that would be okay?" I also heard that Marlee's little sister likes unicorns. I do too. I love my unicorn. Why don't we tell everybody to bring their stuffed animals and their craft stuff and surprise the Grandmas. I think that's a cool idea." And so they did....

They called Regan. She was ready to go in a minute with her huge unicorn she had gotten for Christmas. She said that she would make some snow ice cream for the party and bring stuff to make a Valentines box. She was so excited that she called her grandma to come to Marleewood to help her. She was quick as a fox and changed into her new unicorn outfit. Oh this was going to be so much fun. She just knew that Grandma Lu would love a party.

Regan called Arie and said, "We are on our way to Marleewood. We heard that Grandma Lu is going to tell a story and have a party. Arie called Harper and said," Regan and I are on our way to Marleewood for a craft show and Valentines party. I heard there was going to be prizes and all kinds of games. Why don't you come? I'll supply the cookies. They are really good. I'm eating one now."

Soon everyone was coming in the back door of Marleewood bringing things ready for a fun party.

Kane and Miles lived further away, but when they got the call they made sure that Kenlee and Kylee were coming too. They said that their brother wasn't going to be there because he was going fishing with his dad, but they would be sure to come. Kane said he might be late because he had a horse that had a lame hoof that needed taken care of. Miles said that's okay. I'm going to bring Simba, my dog. He loves to ride and is a really good dog. That's okay, isn't it?" Kane thought for sure it would be...

Kyler and his sister, Marlee were excited. They told Regan they would bring stuff for snow ice cream too. They said, "What else can we bring?" Regan said, "Bring cookies or cake. Whatever would be good for a party. Oh by the way it is a sleepover. Be sure to bring all your blankets and pillows and stuffed toys that you sleep with. See you soon. We don't want to be late."

                                                                             *******

"B, am I hearing things because I'm so tired? I keep hearing people talking. I'm getting old I guess. I'm just about to the end of the story. If you can just wait a minute Marlee, I'll read you what I've got so far then I think we will be finished. Hmm maybe I hear Whitlee. I hear something."                                     

Princess Marlee Wonders If Being A Princess Is a Good Thing

 The lonely princess just had a feeling that no one was going to come to her party. She just didn't know how her grandmother was going to accept the fact that no one wanted to come to Wefunland to her party. Maybe she shouldn't have made it a sleepover, maybe she shouldn't have made it a Valentines party. Maybe this maybe that. She didn't know. She decided to get up off the couch and look out the window. She looked towards the servant's castle. It used to be her grandmother's home, but she liked being with Marlee so she moved to the larger castle. Marlee usually liked to play with her grandmother and go along with her sometimes quirky ideas, but this one looked like it was going to be a flop. She took off her tiara and turned it around and around in her hands. "Is it really a good thing to be a princess? I sometimes think being a regular little girl would be more fun. I might have more friends then."

As Princess Marlee watched out the window there seemed to be quite a few more people at the smaller castle than normal. She really didn't recognize any of the people there. She sure didn't know any young men or any of the adults that she could see going in and out of the old kitchen door. "Hmm, maybe I should tell my grandmother that something is going on over there." As she turned away from the window she brushed against the curtains and went on her way to see where her grandmother was.

                                                                           

                                                                Grandmother Weaver

Grandmother Weaver missed her old home. "It was cozy inside those old walls. I loved my staff. They had so much fun with each other. I used to let some of their mistakes slide even though I shouldn't have. Sometimes they would go outside and build snowmen instead of doing their duties on time and being at my beck and call. They were young though. Yes, I miss them. I might take a stroll over there today to say hello."

Just for fun Princess Marlee's grandmother went into the back kitchen to see if the cooks were baking anything good. "Hmm, it's kind of dusty. I don't think they have been cleaning like they should be." It smelled like cookies were baking, but there wasn't a soul around. "Well, I wonder where everybody is?" She picked up a cookie to munch on as she wondered through the rooms that she knew so well. "Oh yes, this is home. I lived here for so many years. I do get homesick sometimes, but then I have Marlee to play with." As she neared the front door she heard voices and laughter. She looked out the window and couldn't believe her eyes. There were people everywhere! Some of them were young ladies that she had invited to the party for Princess Marlee. What are they doing here instead of Wefunland? This is preposterous! I will put an end to all this merry making. My poor granddaughter is all alone and they are having a party! 

 

                                                                 
Whitlee Jo had been laughing and meeting all kinds of children her age, some even older. There were boys and girls, men and women and dogs and horses. There were unicorns and cats and even a triceratops dinosaur wearing a tutu and a necklace. There all kinds of toys to play with and cookies to eat. She had never had more fun in her life. She knew that Unilan was the place of her dreams. But as she looked up she saw a curtain move at one of the windows of the big castle next door. She didn't think she had ever seen a more sad face on a little girl. She couldn't have that. Everybody was having fun, but about the time she was going to see who that girl was an angry old lady came stomping outside and said, "Stop! Stop this minute. Get back to work and the rest of you go home! There will be no party here."

Marlee Isn't Giving Grandma Lu Approval

Grandma Lu was busy typing and writing notes in her journal and noticed that Whitlee Jo had fallen sound asleep. She thought to herself, "Poor little girl is bored to tears listening to Marlee and I. We should probably quit for the day and come back another day to finish the story. She looked over at her co-writer and said,"Marlee why don't we quit for today and come back another day maybe tomorrow to finish the story. It looks like Whitlee is tuckered out. I don't think she is a bit interested in the story. What do you think?" Marlee said, "No, I want to finish it today. Besides I said no boys and you already have two boys in the story and a butler that's a boy." Grandma Lu chuckled and said, "Okay, but the boys need to stay. Your daddy was a little boy once and your daddy has two brothers and you have boy cousins. Boys have a definite place in our story. In fact Kane and Miles are the heroes." Marlee said, "Okay. I guess you are right. The story is getting pretty interesting now. So what is going to happen to Johnnie Belle and Regan?"   

Grandma B said, "I wonder what you are going to do about Whitlee. You have her lost and eating cookies in a castle and nobody knows where she's at. Plus you have a search party out looking for her. Then poor Harper is out riding around on a unicorn. I think you two better get it together. I'm tired just thinking about it."

Grandma Lu grinned and whispered in Marlee's ear. "She has completely forgotten about Lyvy. She's at Unilan with Bella and a whole bunch of unicorns and maybe some strange creatures." Marlee laughed and said, "She forgot, didn't she? She also forgot about the Grandmother's cats. I think you have a plan, Grandma Lu." She knew she did when she saw Grandma Lu typing furiously on her computer. Marlee just knew that she was going to pull it off, but she sure didn't know how. She kind of agreed with her Grandma B. She was a little bit worried to tell the truth.

Grandma Lu stopped typing for a minute and Marlee said, "Okay read me what you have. Let me see if I approve. I'm still not too happy about the poor princess being spoiled and lonely. She wanted to have a party. Is she going to have a party? Is anyone going to come? I have this terrible feeling about this story."
                             

                                                                       *******

The Lonely Princess was resting on her grandmother's couch wishing she would get some kind of mail. She had sent out several invitations but had not heard back from anyone yet. She sure did wish those Royal cats would quit their meowing. One of them ran and hid under a blanket on the chair. 

 "I don't know why Grandmother keeps those cats. I love my little dog. I can dress her up and she doesn't even growl. She's the only friend I have," she sighed. She needed to rest just in case she did have someone come to her Valentines party. She and her grandmother had made a simple box for the Valentines she had hoped to receive. It was empty as well as the silver platter waiting for acceptance notes by the front door. Carter had at this point not received a single one. She also had not heard if the search party had found the little lost girl. "I hope they find her. I might like to have a little sister. At least it would give me someone to talk to and maybe play with.

                                                                               Whitlee Jo

Whitlee Jo loved the kitchen staff. They made excellent cookies and were so much fun. The dishwasher was a hoot. She would laugh and sing as she washed the dishes and the cooks were fun too.

Whitlee Jo said, "What do you call this place anyway? You all have so much fun even though it seems like you are always working. What are you doing all this baking for? Are you going to have a party? There is enough cupcakes for a party. I saw you give that boy a cupcake. I think I hear people outside. There are two little girls and two boys and even some grownups. Wait a minute! I see a boy with a horse holding onto my Uni! Yuk! You should clean your windows! Is there spiders in here? Wait you have my Uni!"