“Are we going out to play today, Twiggy?”

“I’m not sure. It is mighty hot out there.”

“I was out there earlier, and it seemed okay.”

“Yeah, that was before the gates of hell opened.”

“What do you mean by that?”

“We are coming into the summer, which is laughingly called ‘Hell’s back porch.'”

“Oh, I get it. A metaphor for high temperatures.”

“Since when have you become so literal?”

“I don’t know. I guess it comes with age.”

“That’s pretty funny. Leaves one minute and philosophical musings the next.”

“Go ahead, make fun. I just think I’m getting older, is all.”

“No offense. It just seems strange hearing you say that.”

“I’ll never be as old as you, but I am maturing. Squinch over, will ya?”

“Okay, I’ll admit you are getting older. How does it feel?”

“Geez, you ought to know. You have me by half a century.”

“I know how it feels with me. I was wondering about you.”

“It is hard to say. I guess it feels good to understand things more.”

“Like what?”

“Well, like knowing it is too darn hot to go out and play.”

“That is good understanding. How about a game of tug -o- war?”

“That would be fun. Let’s use Chicken Licken.”

“Sounds good.”

“I’m tired of playing with Chicken Licken,’ Twiggy.”

“Don’t see why it’s only been an hour.”

“I suspect a little dark sarcasm in the classroom.”

“Maybe just a little. Come on down and get another toy.”

“I’m going to do Hot Dog. What about you?”

“I have a hold of Coco/DoughDough.”

You going to play with that, or do you want to try and take Hot Dog away?”

“Since the day is young, I’m going to stay with Coco/DoughDough.”

“Okay then. You don’t know what you are missing.”

“Oh, I think I do. Several minutes of running around followed by lying flat on the floor to get cool.”

“It’s not my fault you can’t catch me. Panthers are very quick.”

“So are pumas, but this one has a few years on ya.”

“Ha ha ha. Great excuse…….Oh no. There goes Hot Dog into the river.”

“You should never talk with your mouth full.”

‘What should I do?

“For heaven’s sake. Just go down the stairs and get it.”

“It’s an emergency. I have to dive for it.”

“Nooo. Don’t jump. Mom will kill you.”

“Ah, saved Hot Dog from a watery grave.”

“Who’s going to save you from the same fate?”

“It was one of those ask for forgiveness and not permission moments.”

“I don’t think Mom saw you, so I think you got away with it.”

“So all’s well that ends well.”

“This time. You’d better stop that couch jumping, or you’ll end up in the ER.”

“Yes, Boss.”

“Tempeste, why aren’t you testing the fence?”

“For one, this tasty leaf needs to be finished.”

“Is there a for two?”

“Well, from here it looks mighty wicked.”

“What do you mean, ‘wicked?'”

“It might be electrified.”

“Dad would never do that.”

“He would get pretty excited when I busted through the old one.”

“Yeah, but this looks like it is made pretty well.”

“It does look substantial. I don’t see any wires.”

“For heaven’s sake. It won’t be wired.”

“But it is all creepy and black. You can hardly see it.”

“Go ahead and touch your nose to it.”

“If I get shocked, I’m going to be really mad at you.”

“Well, you satisfied it’s not electrified?”

Sure am. Now I have to figure a way out of here.”

“I can’t believe you. You have everything you want. The fence is because you eat every leaf you can find. Why not stop the leaf habit, and I’ll bet the fence would disappear.”

“Twiggy. If I could stop the leaf habit, I would. You are right about having everything right here. It’s just there are so many leaves outside this fence.”

“How about forgetting about the leaves and just enjoying the day. A few will blow in that you can pounce on.”

“So true, sister. Alright, I’ll forget about the great escape. Why are you smelling that chair?”

“Great. I’m smelling this chair cause someone used some kind of cleaner on it.”

“That sounds like normal behavior. And you get on me about leaves.”

“Tempeste, what are you doing?”

“There is something in the cross-vine.”

“Don’t be silly. The only things in those vines are lizards and birds.”

“I think there’s some kind of creepy crawly up there.”

“You’d better get off that rickety fence.”

“Lizards could be classified as creepy crawly.”

“Hold on. I’m coming.”

“I think we could make a break from here.”

“You and your breaks. I hope you know Dad is putting a new fence in.”

“That’s why we ought to make a break while we can.”

“I think you’d better cool your jets, little one.”

“Okay, I get it. There is still something in these vines though.”

“There may have been a bird rustling, or as I said, a lizard. They live in there.”

“Live in there? Do they pay rent?”

“Don’t be silly. That would be like you and me having to pay rent.”

“I don’t know. We provide a lot of entertainment for free. Maybe that’s rent.”

“Do you have to sleep outside and catch your own food?”

“Okay, I get it. The birds and lizards live free like we do.”

 

 

“Twiggy. I’m exhausted.”

“What’s the matter?”

“Mom took me to Lowe’s, and I’m worn out.”

“Oh, poor you. You’ve got to go to Lowe’s.”

“I know. All those people adoring me and the treats.”

“Yes, the horror.”

“I’m starting to recover.”

“Oh, I would take the rest of the day. One can’t be too careful.”

“You might be right. I should take it easy.”

“Don’t want you pulling something or getting sick.”

“A good shake and I’m as good as new.”

“I think Dad caught you on that shake. Pretty funny.”

“Dad, did you take a photo of me shaking?”

“He’s not going to answer you and break the fourth wall.”

“Maybe mom can tell me.”

“Sorry, kiddo. You are on your own.”

“Where are you going?”

“I’m just going to do my yoga.”

“Now that you mention it. I should do mine, too.”

“I wouldn’t rush into anything. Remember what a trying day you’ve had.”

“I think you are right. Maybe I’ll find a cool spot.”

“There you go. Catch your breath.”

“This tile fits the bill. Thanks for the suggestion.”

“Anytime, little one. We don’t want you to overdo it for sure.”

“Are you being facetious?”

“Who me? Not at all. I just want to make sure your highness is comfortable.”