“Let go. Let me throw it.”

“Grr, no way.”

“Come on Twiggy. You can fetch it.”

“What do you think is easier? Clamping my jaw or running down the hall like an idiot?”

“That would be hard for me to answer. Hey Lucy. Tell her to let go.”

“Huh what? Better humor the boss twiggy. He’s all we got.”

“Okay then. Here is a toy you can toss, Dad.”

“All right. I’ll spin it down the hall.”

“Here you go. One spinning toy.”

“Thanks, Twiggy. Uh, you going to let go?”

“Hmmm. Looks like we are faced with the same conundrum, Dad.”

“Where on earth did you get the word conundrum?”

“Picked it up from you.”

“Hey, Lucy. I got out of playing fetch.”

“How did you do that little one?”

“I took your suggestion.”

“Yeah, Which one was that?”

“To use a big word and flummox Dad.”

“What word did you use?”

“Conundrum. He let go of the toy and went to the refrigerator when I told him I got the word from him.”

“He’s probably wondering what other words you picked up. Well done Little Potato.”

I hope I didn’t hurt his feelings.”

“Nothing a little soothing syrup won’t fix.”

“So Lucy. Come over and see this thing.”

“Be right there Little One.”

“Oh that. It’s called a rake, and that black thing is a bag.”

“So dad rakes the leaves and puts them in the bag?”

“Yeah. Notice you can see the Vinca Minor now. Before it was covered with leaves.”

“I don’t see any grass. I thought maybe it was covered with leaves too.”

“Well, Little Potato we don’t have a lot of grass. I know the boss is working on a landscape plan.”

“Do you think we’ll have grass again? I loved the grass on the coast.”

“I know he is planning some for the other side of the house. This area is going to be flowers and granite path.”

“But we can’t go over to the other side of the house.”

“After the fence is in we will be able to. Don’t worry. Oh, Look. The boss is back on the rake.”

“Maybe if I help pick up some leaves it will go faster, Dad.”

“I think you should go ahead and play with Lucy.”

“Hey, dad. Those people have guys picking up their leaves. Why don’t you do that?”

“I love to work in the yard, Little One. I don’t want a gardener.”

“Well suit yourself then. When will the fence be done?”

“With the permit and design work, it will probably be the end of the month.”

“Seems like a long time. Hey is that Lucy heading for the house?”

“Sure looks like it kiddo. Better run and catch up.”

“Doesn’t it feel good to rest after a hard day’s work, Lucy.”

“Um, what?  Sure is nice to rest anytime. Close your eyes, Twiggy.”

“Twiggy why don’t we play with your toys.”

“Coming Lucy.”

“You want to chase me while I hold Ears.”

“Um. I was thinking more about playing with the Woodchuck.”

“Gee Lucy. We played with Woodchuck Yesterday.”

“Oh yeah. That’s right Little one.”

“Where you going?”

“Over to the futon.”

“Futon? What’s a futon?”

“It is something mom bought to take the place of our couch.”

“What happened to our couch anyway?”

“Remember when we moved we left it behind, and we needed something to sit on.”

“Oh yeah. I remember now. When are we getting a new one.”

“Supposedly today. In fact, I hear something.”

“You hear something? There is nobody there.”

“I know I thought there was. How about a ruckus?”

“Take that.”

“Man, Twiggy. You have a mean left.”

“You ain’t seen nothing yet.”

“My goodness two negatives wrong tense and a contraction. You better not let The Boss hear you.”

“He knows I’m still learning. Nice counter move, Lucy.”

“Thanks, Potato. You’ve got some good moves too.”

“Go ahead give me your best shot.”

“My best shot would put you in the hospital.”

“You Girls playing nice?”

“Yes, Boss we are.”

“Yes, Dad.”

“Hey, Lucy. Look at this weird screen thingy.”

“Yeah, The Boss put that up so we could go out without a leash.”

“Why’s that?”

“This yard has no fence, and he thought you and I would like to roam a little without being constrained by a leash.”

“Boy, I get that. What are those little things o the ground?”

“I heard The Boss say it was pea gravel. He is not too happy with the landscaping.”

“Gosh. I think it’s swell. These little bushes are cute, and this black stuff is delicious.”

“That’s mulch, and I heard The Boss is going to get rid of it. He doesn’t want you chewing on those pieces.”

“Well let me tell you they are tasty.”

“Don’t let him catch you. I think you are working on a pants warming.”

“Yeah, I suppose it is foolish. I don’t swallow it though.”

“You are probably poisoning yourself.”

“Okay, I’m done. Want to play tag?”

“Yes but watch out for the stones and stuff.”

“I see what you mean. This yard is a little rougher than at the beach.”

“It’s a new house. This isn’t the final yard. Just be careful.”

“I’m not going to run over these things.”

“Make sure you don’t.”

“You have to admit, Twiggy. This yard sure smells different.”

“I’ll say. Look at the purple flowers.”

“Here’s the other screen, Twiggy.”

“I hear we are getting a fence.”

“Yes, it is going all the way around. What are you doing over there?”

“Taking in the fresh air is all.”

“You better leave that stuff alone. You have no idea how it may affect you.”

“It’ll be okay, Lucy.”

“TWIGGY. DROP THAT!!!!!”

“Geez, Dad. You scared me.”