“A beautiful Day, Lucy.”

“It is Little One. Looks like a day to relax outside.”

“Where you going?”

“Uh, just a little relax time in the sun.”

“You had plenty of relax time inside.”

“One can never get enough relax time. There’s always room for more.”

“I think I hear something over the fence.”

There’s nothing there Little Potato.”

“When’s the last time you did a bear check, huh?”

“I don’t remember. Maybe a couple of weeks ago.”

“A couple of weeks? That’s it I’m outta here.”

“I hate to break it to you but there hasn’t been a bear around here for years.”

“That doesn’t mean there couldn’t be a stray bear just looking for a meal.”

“For heaven’s sake. If a bear was looking for a meal you’d be the last menu choice.”

“And why would that be Ms. Smartie pants?”

“Bears are mostly vegetarian. Tough bulldog would be a last resort.”

“Okay, I can see that. What’s that buzzing sound.”

“Look up.”

“Oh my gosh, it’s a giant bee.”

“It’s a hummingbird. He sure is thirsty.”

“How can he fly? He has no wings?

“His wings are going so fast you can’t see them.”

“It’s amazing what you teach me, Lucy.”

“Aw. Anytime Little one. Anytime.”

 

“This shade is sure nice, isn’t it?”

“Yeah, it is Little One.”

“Hey, where you going?”

“Drat, I was trying to tiptoe so you wouldn’t notice. I’m going to hit the cool grass.”

“I wonder how this umbrella works. Maybe I can get more shade here.”

“I can’t hear you.”

“I was mumbling to myself. I was trying to see if I could get more shade here.”

“Why? Looks like enough to me.”

“Well, I figure if I get enough shade, then you’ll come to sit with me.”

“You poor lonely child. Why don’t you come here?”

“For one reason, there is no cabana service over there.”

“Well, that’s true. It sure is cool, though.”

“So I tried it, and I didn’t like it.”

“Why does that not surprise me. It was the damp, wasn’t it?”

“Aw, you are so wise, Lucy. You are the best sister.”

“Okay, Little One. Let’s just take a chase and stay comfortable.”

“Can we order something?”

“I think Cabana Dad is off today, but we can try.”

How about a tense jungle game, Lucy?”

“Sounds fun. You the Puma and me the Watter Buffalo?”

“As usual.”

“The Puma carefully and with great skill pokes the Water Buffalo to see if it still lives.”

“Very funny. Of course, the Water Buffalo lives.”

“The Puma makes a thrust for the heart.”

“Which the buffalo stops with one stroke of the paw. . . er, hoof.”

“The Puma gives the buffalo one last chance to call it quits.”

“The buffalo whispers, “Bring it on.”

“The puma throws herself into battle.”

“The buffalo holds steady to meet the onslaught.”

“Ha, the buffalo is down for the count.”

“The buffalo calls up its reserve strength.”

“One mighty whack, and the puma is finished.”

“The puma decides to give up the fight.”

“That was fun, Lucy. I hope the folks liked it.”

“What folks are you talking about.”

“The readers. I hope you know there are readers.”

“Yeah, I do, Little one. Now, we need a drink of water.”

“Hey, what’s all this stuff, Dad.”

“I’m installing a Nest doorbell.”

“A doorbell for birds? Can’t their visitors knock?”

“It is not for a bird’s nest. That’s the name of the product.”

“You people have some strange names for things.”

“I think you are right, Little One. I didn’t name it, though.”

“Okay, Boss. What did I miss?”

Nothing, Lucy. Well, maybe a funny comment by Twiggy.”

You going up on that Ladder, Boss?”

“Yup. The ringer is way up there.”

“Gee, Dad. That is almost out of sight.”

“Don’t worry, I’ll be careful.”

“What’s the doorbell for anyway?”

“So we can keep track of who comes to the door.”

“I would think you could look out the window for that.”

“You are right, Twiggy. This gives us a video record of who has been to the front door.”

“This ladder tastes funny. Why do you need a record?”

“It is a matter of safety. Let’s say someone tries to break in. We will have a way for the police to identify them.”

“Other than the large bite mark on their backside, you mean?”

“Let’s just say we think it’s a good idea.”

“Okay, Lucy. I’ve heard enough. Let’s go play. Man, that ladder tastes funny.”

“So, you don’t need us chasing burglars around the house, Boss.”

“We’ll save you two for bigger stuff, okay?” Like lions and bears.”

“Oh my.”