Thursday – A Little Personal – Twiggy and Tempeste Toy Time

“How long are you going to play with Chicken, Tempeste?”

“I just started. I don’t know. Why not get Coco and Dodo?”

“I played with Coco and Dodo a while ago. I was going to play with Chicken next.”

“Well, when I’m through, you are welcome to Chicken. In the meantime, get Coco and Dodo.”

“Okay, I got Coco and Dodo. They are sick of me, and I’m sick of them.”

“That sounds a bit extreme, Twiggy.”

“It’s true. They don’t want to play with me, and I feel the same.”

“Okay, maybe later, Chicken will be yours.”

“I guess you don’t get it. I need chicken now.”

“I never heard of anyone Jonesing for a toy before.”

“It’s not that. You have been hogging that thing for an hour.”

“An hour? No way.”

“Way. I’m going to speak to a higher authority about this.”

“Mom is at the store.”

“Dad. Tempeste has had Chicken for an hour and won’t share.”

“I thought you said higher authority. Here comes Dad’s comment.”

“Don’t listen to Tempest, Dad. Make her give up Chicken.”

“Now, Twiggy. You know that toy sharing is a matter of when one is through with a toy. Now go get Coco and Dodo.”

“Look at Coco and Dodo. They don’t want to play.”

“Then find something else. You have a lot of choices.”

“Boy, Tempeste, you must be a precious pal to Dad.”

“No. He’s the rule man. I think you might have been better off waiting for Mom.”

“Well, just wait until she gets home.”

“In an hour? Yeah, I can wait.”

103 comments

  1. Jane Dalton's avatar

    Balanced and fair, John. I chuckled. Much love to you all. Xxx 🩷

    Liked by 1 person

    1. John W. Howell's avatar

      Glad you got a chuckle. Much love back to you and Tim.

      Liked by 1 person

  2. circadianreflections's avatar

    It’s so hard to wait for you turn sometimes. Is Twiggy’s face looking better or is it the angle of the image? I hope it’s better!

    Liked by 2 people

    1. Liz Gauffreau's avatar

      Twiggy’s face looks better to me, too.

      Liked by 2 people

      1. John W. Howell's avatar

        It is getting there. 😊

        Liked by 1 person

    2. John W. Howell's avatar

      Her face is improving slowly. We are hoping the meds bring her back. The good news is she is not bothered by the droop. Thanks, Deborah. 😊

      Liked by 1 person

  3. GP's avatar

    A nice twist, John – ‘…just wait till mom gets home…’

    Liked by 1 person

    1. John W. Howell's avatar

      Ha ha ha. Mom would immediately tell Tempeste to share. 😀

      Liked by 1 person

  4. Liz Gauffreau's avatar

    Little Twiggy is very out of sorts today!

    Liked by 1 person

    1. John W. Howell's avatar

      She has had it with her sister hogging a toy.

      Like

  5. Charles Yallowitz's avatar

    Sibling rivalry at work.

    Liked by 1 person

  6. lois's avatar

    So, you and Rodney Dangerfield….no respect. Even from the dogs?! Gosh, they sound just like kids! 😂

    What is that artwork on the wall in your first picture?

    Liked by 1 person

    1. John W. Howell's avatar

      An oil painting of Albert Einstein. It’s a piece of performance art

      Liked by 1 person

  7. shoreacres's avatar

    Of course these two would know the play the parents against one another game. I think I heard Tempeste mutter, “What is this ‘sharing’ of which you speak?”

    Liked by 1 person

    1. John W. Howell's avatar

      Ha ha ha. Yes, she does not appreciate the concept.

      Liked by 1 person

  8. Gwen M. Plano's avatar
    Gwen M. Plano · · Reply

    Even pets know who’s really the boss. 😄 Great dialogue, John!

    Liked by 1 person

    1. John W. Howell's avatar

      Thank you, Gwen. 😀

      Liked by 1 person

  9. noelleg44's avatar

    You’re a softie for Tempeste, John. I would tell her to share (as would Mom). The girls do make me laugh.

    And Twiggy’s face looks better!

    Liked by 1 person

    1. John W. Howell's avatar

      I think her face does look better. Thanks, Noelle. Yes, I’m the softie.

      Liked by 1 person

  10. robbiesinspiration's avatar

    Oh hilarious, just like children.

    Liked by 1 person

    1. John W. Howell's avatar

      Thank you, Robbie.

      Like

  11. T. W. Dittmer's avatar

    It’s nice to see the girls, John. Tempeste seems to be a chicken addict, like I am. It’s good she’s not a coffee addict like I am.

    Liked by 1 person

    1. John W. Howell's avatar

      She loves that toy for sure. Thanks, Tim.

      Liked by 1 person

  12. Rebecca Cuningham's avatar

    So true that the kids or animals (or adults) want the toy that the other person is using at the moment.

    Liked by 1 person

    1. John W. Howell's avatar

      A universal truth. Thanks, Rebecca.

      Liked by 1 person

  13. Darlene's avatar

    Typical kids!! They always want what the other has. Nice to see that Twiggy’s face is getting better.

    Liked by 1 person

    1. John W. Howell's avatar

      Thank you, Darlene. We are happy for each little improvement.

      Liked by 1 person

  14. Susannah Bianchi's avatar

    I simply love…higher authority. Go Twiggy! 🙂

    Liked by 2 people

    1. John W. Howell's avatar

      Yes indeed. 😀

      Liked by 1 person

  15. Dale's avatar

    It sucks to have to wait your turn, Twiggy. Just think, it’ll be nice and soppy and full of Tempeste’s drool when she’s done… Oh? Do you still want it so bad? 😉

    These are always so fun.

    Liked by 1 person

    1. John W. Howell's avatar

      Ew, Miss Dale. I have changed my mind. 😀

      Liked by 1 person

      1. Dale's avatar

        😉🤤🐶

        Liked by 1 person

  16. Teagan Riordain Geneviene's avatar

    Aww, poor Coco and Dodo. At least they have each other. 🍩☕. I’m sure Twiggy got some tummy-rub consolation. I enjoyed this visit with the girls, John — as I always do. Big hugs.

    Liked by 1 person

    1. John W. Howell's avatar

      Thank you, Teagan. Yes, tummy rubs are always included. Hugs back.

      Liked by 1 person

  17. The Coastal Crone's avatar

    “Wait until Mom gets home!” Learning to share can be hard. Good call, Dad.

    Liked by 1 person

    1. John W. Howell's avatar

      Thank you, Jo. 😀

      Like

  18. Marie A Bailey's avatar

    Goodness, I can rightly imagine Twiggy saying, “Dad!!” 🙂 But fair is fair 😉

    Liked by 1 person

    1. John W. Howell's avatar

      Ha ha ha. Reminds me of the time I called my oldest daughter out at first base. Tough call.

      Liked by 1 person

      1. Marie A Bailey's avatar

        Oh, dear, I bet it took a long while for you to live that down 😉

        Liked by 1 person

        1. John W. Howell's avatar

          Still get a reminder now and then.

          Liked by 1 person

  19. Debbie's avatar

    With all those toys lying around, you’d think they could entertain themselves, huh, John? The Monk is the same way. I could give him a new toy every single day, yet he’d still be all like, “I’m bored, Mama. There’s nothing to do around here!” You’ve captured it beautifully — and I love how they pit one parent against the other!

    Liked by 1 person

    1. John W. Howell's avatar

      Thank you, Debbie. You are so right about all the toys lying around. Gotta wonder. 😀

      Liked by 1 person

  20. Michele Lee's avatar

    Adorable dialogue and “Coco and Dodo” are cute names. Sweet, too! ☕🍩 Thanks for the smiles! 😊

    Liked by 1 person

    1. John W. Howell's avatar

      So glad you liked it, Michele. Thanks for letting me know.

      Liked by 1 person

  21. Annette Rochelle Aben's avatar

    Young ladies… all this squawking, makes me wish I was as popular as chicken! xx

    Liked by 1 person

    1. John W. Howell's avatar

      Personally, I wish I were actually a chicken.

      Liked by 1 person

  22. coldhandboyack's avatar

    They really do fall in love with the newest toys.

    Liked by 1 person

    1. John W. Howell's avatar

      That is for certain. 😊

      Liked by 1 person

  23. petespringer's avatar

    Haha! That was good, John. “Now pinch-hitting for the higher authority, it’s the one and only, a man that needs no introduction—Dad.”

    My line is I’m married to my better three-quarters.

    Liked by 1 person

    1. John W. Howell's avatar

      I like the 3/4s statement. Pete. More reflective of reality. 😀

      Liked by 1 person

  24. Hazel's avatar

    Twiggy is good at waiting. Wait for mom, Tempest.🤭

    Liked by 1 person

    1. John W. Howell's avatar

      I think Tempeste knows that she is better off decision-wise with ole soft Dad. Thanks, Hazel.

      Like

  25. thomasstigwikman's avatar

    Toy arguments. I’ve seen those before. Twiggy, I think you should give Coco and Dodo a chance.

    Liked by 1 person

    1. John W. Howell's avatar

      Thank you, Mr. Thomas. Coco and Dodo are tired of me as well. I finally settled on the dinosaur. We had a good time.

      Liked by 1 person

      1. thomasstigwikman's avatar

        The dinosaur is a great choice Twiggy

        Liked by 1 person

  26. jilldennison's avatar

    Awwwwww … poor Twiggy!

    Liked by 1 person

  27. Cindy Georgakas's avatar

    We have to cut a little slack for Tempeste.. sorry Twiggy.. right dad? xo

    Liked by 1 person

    1. John W. Howell's avatar

      It looks that way. Mom will straighten it out.

      Liked by 1 person

      1. Cindy Georgakas's avatar

        As all good mom’s do! 💕

        Liked by 1 person

  28. Teri Polen's avatar

    I laughed at how the higher authority is immediately mom, lol. Guess you’re just the backup, John.

    Liked by 1 person

    1. John W. Howell's avatar

      I think you are right, Teri. 😀

      Liked by 1 person

  29. D.L. Finn, Author's avatar
    D.L. Finn, Author · · Reply

    Definitely hard to change the rule person’s mind;)

    Liked by 1 person

  30. Tails Around the Ranch's avatar

    Giggle…why is it that pets always think Mom is the ultimate arbiter. Good one, John.

    Liked by 1 person

    1. John W. Howell's avatar

      The Mom nurture is hard to ignore.

      Liked by 1 person

  31. Sorryless's avatar

    Well Boss, you did good. You followed the House Rules On Toys to the letter. Twiggy is definitely going to appeal your ruling unless she can settle with Tempeste out of court.

    Liked by 1 person

    1. John W. Howell's avatar

      Twiggy will get her day in court for sure. Thanks, Pilgrim.

      Liked by 1 person

  32. Lauren Scott, Author's avatar

    Thanks for the smiles, John. If only human problems were similar. 🙂 Give them a hug for me. I have to get my dog fix where I can since Copper isn’t with us anymore. 🧡

    Liked by 1 person

    1. John W. Howell's avatar

      You can always come here. Thanks Lauren

      Liked by 1 person

      1. Lauren Scott, Author's avatar

        If you were closer, I would! 😁

        Liked by 1 person

        1. John W. Howell's avatar

          Well, there is still the virtual visit on Thursday.

          Liked by 1 person

        2. Lauren Scott, Author's avatar

          True. 🙂 I need to look into that! Thanks for the reminder.

          Liked by 1 person

  33. Stephanie’s Ninth Suitcase's avatar

    This one made me laugh out loud! So fun!

    Liked by 1 person

    1. John W. Howell's avatar

      So lovely to hear, Stephanie. Thank you. 😊

      Liked by 1 person

  34. Dan Antion's avatar

    No allowance for seniority, John?

    Liked by 1 person

    1. John W. Howell's avatar

      One would think so, but it is a harsh world around here. Twiggy sends her thanks.

      Liked by 1 person

  35. Jennie's avatar

    Did you take this script from my classroom? Big smiles, here! 😀

    Liked by 1 person

    1. John W. Howell's avatar

      I may have. I’ll bet you see this time and time again.

      Liked by 1 person

      1. Jennie's avatar

        Yup! 😀 Best to you, John.

        Liked by 1 person

        1. John W. Howell's avatar

          Best to you, Jennie

          Liked by 1 person

  36. Resa's avatar

    So,Twiggy, in other words- mom has final say?

    Still, sharing is good, and you guys have a lot of toys.

    Hi to dad!

    🧸X 🦴X

    Liked by 1 person

    1. John W. Howell's avatar

      Well, I think Mom will take sharing more seriously than Dad. I could find another toy, but then what fun would I have if I didn’t get Tempeste to give it up? Dad says, “Hi.” 😊X

      Liked by 1 person

      1. Resa's avatar

        Hmm, you have a point, but you might want to try a new toy tactic!
        OX OX

        Liked by 1 person

        1. John W. Howell's avatar

          Good advice, Miss Resa. ARFX

          Liked by 1 person

        2. Resa's avatar

          W OX OX F

          Liked by 1 person

  37. dgkaye's avatar

    Lolol, they know who the real boss is. 🤣

    Liked by 1 person

    1. John W. Howell's avatar

      Yes, and I do too. Thanks, Debby. 😊

      Liked by 1 person

  38. Staci Troilo's avatar

    “I thought you said higher authority.” Ouch! Someone was feeling bold and sassy. Maybe it’s a power-granting chicken.

    Thanks for the smiles, John. Sending the girls belly rubs.

    Liked by 1 person

    1. John W. Howell's avatar

      I like the idea of a power-granting chicken.

      Liked by 1 person

  39. Ankur Mithal's avatar

    Knew they were smart. They know the diff between higher and lower authority 🙂

    Liked by 1 person

    1. John W. Howell's avatar

      A matter of survival, I think. Thanks, Ankur.

      Like

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