Losing Lucy…

When you remove the luggage carrier from the roof of the car!

Yes, we tried to prolong the vacation by driving around for almost two weeks with the luggage carrier on top of the car.

Scary in parking garages.

People we knew  would look at and ask when we were leaving.

People we didn’t know would look at us thinking we were tourists.

Now we’re just people.

The carrier comes off quicker than it goes on.

Just like the ride home seems shorter than the ride there.

One quark, Seven locked himself in the carrier while unfastening it.

We thought about leaving him in there…but then we figured that would make our luggage smell bad next vacation so we let him out.

Twenty Questions is a game I made up to play with children in my family of all ages.

I first thought it up to distract those I’ve coerced into taking a long walk with me or who volunteered but may have second thoughts when they realize how long I plan to be walking.

Here’s how it goes, they get to ask me any question about just about any topic. I promise to answer as fairly as possible.

Sounds like Meet the Press…and in a way it is.

Think of the ramifications…I get to know where their heads are and they get to know my opinion on topics we don’t usually discuss at dinner.

The older the participant, the more bizarre the questions.

Throw in a diagnosis and the miles melt by.

For example, just the other day I played this on a four mile walk with Six and Seven.

Here’s some of the questions:

• How would you feel if I was an assassin for the government?
• What would you do if I got pregnant?
• Do you think I’ll ever get married?
• Do you love me as much as you love Two?
• Can I join the Army?
• What would you do if I came home drunk?
• What do you see me doing in 20 years?
• Do you think I need to marry someone who is autistic?
• How often do you and Mom kiss?

I think I’m on to something…better than therapy. I would have never have dreamed of some of these questions but they were floating around in their heads. They need to be answered in a safe, non-threatening environment.

For instance…if I say I love you just as much as Two you may think I am a phony so after some soul searching I say, I love each of you differently.

This leads to a discussion of the difference between high school love…infatuation…and mature love that is rooted in responsibility.

Heavy stuff but better to be asking me than their lunch table buddies.

During a lull I asked Six where she saw me in 20 years?

“Honestly…dead!”

Cold water…slap me sober.

She may be right…certainly the perspective of one who is 18.

At least I know where I plan to be if she is correct.

So don’t play the game unless you are prepared to be shocked.

Or play it with kids under 10.

Don’t think the dog died…or that we brought home a new puppy from a more lenient animal shelter.

It’s worms!

Red wigglers…Eisenia foetida to be exact.

It was family science night at Nine’s school and the topic was raising worms.

Like we died and went to heaven but came back with a box full of worms.

So now we are officially worm farmers.

Now we have something to look forward to all spring, summer and fall!

Now we have a place for our coffee grounds other than the garbage.

Nine excitedly talked my arm off on the short walk to school. She was literally bubbling over with excitement.

Giggles of delight flooded my ears.

Great memories.