Downstairs she greeted the woman behind the desk and sat down on the bench outside in the shade. The TV blared from the apartment right above her. The gentleman who lived there desperately needed hearing aids. Perhaps they should all take up an offering to assist him in purchasing some. Of course, that meant he would have to wear them. He fit the curmudgeon stereotype perfectly.

Ginny and Addy drove in, and Addy got out and climbed in the backseat. After the greetings, Addy leaned forward. “Grandma’s dropping me off at the library for my volunteering time.”

“And did you bring cookies?” Amalia smiled over her shoulder as she got in.

“Of course. Here’s a box for you too. I thought maybe your UFO group would like some.”

“Oh, I’m sure they will. How’s your project coming?” She heard a dejected sigh.

“I don’t think I’m supposed to be a knitter. The yarn is wearing out with all my pulling the stitches out again.”

“Have you tried crocheting? I think it is lots easier for some people, especially those who pull the yarn too tight.”

Addy said, “That’s me, can hardly get the needles into the loops.”

“I have an easy pattern for crocheted pot holders. Just chain and keep on single crocheting until the pot holder is finished.”

“Is that the one where it looks like some sort of strange hat until you flip and smooth it out?”

Amalia smiled at the description. “That’s the one. They last forever and you don’t have to count stitches after the first single crochet. Rather monotonous.”

“But is it easy?”

“As pie.”

Ginny stopped in front of the library. “Have fun.”

Addy bailed out and waved as she entered the glass and metal doors.

Amalia settled back. “She is such a good kid. Well, both of them are. Has Andy been back to the farm yet?”

Ginny shook her head. “No, but we’re all getting together on Sunday for a bonfire picnic out at Monroe Park. I’ve been wanting hot dogs roasted on sticks over the fire. All the world of difference between a bonfire and a grill. Why don’t you come too?”

“What can I bring?”

“I don’t know, haven’t thought that far yet. Think of something.” She pulled into a parking place down the block and both got out, carrying a bag with a project in it. “I’m taking after you.” She held up the bag. “Finished the afghan, so I pulled out a doily I started many moons ago. So very portable.”

“So you’ll get your picture up on the board?” Amalia reminded her.

“I will.”

Sir Charles and Looper stood up as the friends approached, tails flailing. Ginny rubbed them both behind the ears. “Spook sends his greetings.”

She pushed open the door to the café—and inhaled. “Must be cinnamon rolls day. I can still smell them.”

“Probably don’t have any left by now. Hi, Anne. Sure smells good in here.” Ginny sniffed again. “Cinnamon rolls and bacon, and that makes me think I want a BLT.”