“No, this is good, the table isn’t washed down yet.” She hung her gardening apron on the hook by the door. “And tell Jason I probably will. If he’d come and get them before I transplant them again, like now.”

“I’ll call him back after we eat.”

She inhaled. “I do love fried chicken perfume.”

“I got extra coleslaw.”

“Smart man.”

As soon as Fred said grace, they helped themselves. Fred ignored two phone calls since several years earlier they had agreed not to answer cell phones—they no longer had a land line—during a meal.

“I’m going to ask Sam if I can pick the kids up after school so Andy can come spread the shavings. You want Addy to help you?” Andy and Addy were their son’s eleven-year-old twins, both of whom loved to be with their grandparents. Fred and Ginny had nearly raised them for the years their baby brother suffered from severe health problems so that their mom, Erica, could give Joey all the time he needed. When he went on home to heaven at three, the whole family suffered, as did their church family.

“Of course, need you ask? Hmm, I wonder what kind of cookies Addy will want to bake today.” Although she was only eleven, Addy had already decided that someday she was going to have either a bakery or a coffee shop with home-baked goodies.

“You better have everything on hand. Think I’ll ask for peanut butter. We’ve not had those for a long time.”

“Let’s see, that UFO meeting is nine days away. I think after the group gets going, I’ll take Addy along; she wants to learn to knit.”

“Surely she can’t have UFOs yet.”

“Hopefully not, but she has our genes and you know Sam has UFOs around. The kids come by it naturally.” She watched ideas flit across Fred’s face. Wagging her head, she rolled her eyes. “Get the idea out of your mind that UFOs are a female thing. Men just aren’t as willing to admit they need help. What about that trailer you started how many months ago? ’Bout gardening time again. Would be handy for hauling stuff around.”

“I’m thinking to build removable low sides for it. Need to get a new tank of acetylene to finish welding the frame.”

“Why don’t you ask Sam to help you?”

“He’s got about all he can handle on his plate already.” The closer the school year drew to a close, the more frantic that shop department, trying to get all the students’ projects done by the end of the year. Sam taught shop, including welding and woodworking. He drew the line at automotive. Sometimes he gave continuing workshops both evening and some weekends for interested adults. More often, Fred was at the high school helping him.

“I’m going out to clean up my mess while you pick up the twins. Take Spook along or Addy will be on your case.”

“Was planning on it. Come on, dog.” Spook did not need a second invitation. He’d started his dance as soon as Fred took out his keys.