firmly, AWANA stands . . .

he knows the cubbie motto. he recites the first verse he's learned for next week. the vest is worn on and off again throughout the day. he struts into the gas station on the way home from church, vest on, his bag waiting in the car. he knows he's hot stuff and he likes it.

"it's too much," ernie says and we both feel a little sad. jude snoozes on the drive through the end of summer haze to "mine home," as henry calls it (mein hof?).

19 and 20. i think we'll be under the 25 mark by the time the dream closes her doors for winter in mid-october. not bad, not bad at all.

it rained a bit last night sending a damp, earthy vapor rising up from the earth for the few moments of storm. wind in the trees, the patter slap of rain on leaves and slate and pavement, and a gray green starless evening sky made for an early bedtime after toast and chocolate milk for dinner and a quick bubbly bath for two pairs of sticky dirty grass dancing feet.

"X is the mark cowboys make to get paid." not this cowboy. henry writes H and E, on the way towards writing his own handsome name. he works dough and dirt, he paints with precision, we read together, glue together, work together. "let's do school," he says and he's serious.

does anyone have a copy of demarest's Cowboy ABC that they'd be willing to part with and send greeneward? we're in love and it's out of print. be on the lookout. seriously, now.

A is for Appaloosa, a trusty steed.
B is for Buckaroo, who rides at top speed.
C are the Cattle that follow the trail.
D is the Dog, wagging his tail.
E is for Elk, majestic and fleet.
F is the Farrier, who shoes horse's feet.
G is the Guitar strummed late at night.
H is the Hat that's pulled way down tight.
I is for Indian paintbrush in bloom.
J are the Jinglebobs, jingling a tune.
K is for Kerchief to keep dust away.
L is the Lariat that brings back the stray.
M is for Mesas that rise up so high.
N are the Nighthawks that circle the sky.
O is the Oilcloth, slick when it rains.
P are the Prairie dogs; they live on the plains.
Q if for Quirt -- give a crack of that whip!
R is for Reins -- Hang on tight! Let 'er rip!
S is for Saddle, mounted with ease.
T is for Tumbleweed, tossed by the breeze.
U's Union Pacific, its steam whistle sings.
V is for Vest that can hold many things.
W's the Wagon where all meals are made.
X is the mark cowboys make to get paid.
Y is for Yearlings, by their mothers they stay.
Z is the sound at the end of the day.

i don't know that i've ever been so tempted to steal a book from the library . . .