Quote 4
"I'll fire up the stove in my front room," Grandma said. "It'll be warm as toast in there."
"But—"
"Or you can serve store-bought cupcakes at your place."
Mrs. Weidenbach crumbled. (5.73-76)
Grandma Dowdel's house might not be the fanciest on the block, but she's still mighty proud of her home. In fact, she demands that Mrs. Weidenbach hold George Washington's Birthday tea right there. A warm stove and homemade cupcakes. What could be more hospitable?
Quote 5
"I'll leave this wire stretched till morning. Watch your step on the way to the house," Grandma said. "I'll be along in a little while."
She meant she was going to use her privy, and she spoke with some satisfaction because it was still there to use. (2.35-36)
Ten points to Grandma Dowdel! She has managed to thwart and humiliate the Halloween pranksters. Plus, she's kept her privy standing. This has been a good night for Grandma.
Quote 6
I was shocked at how the grown-ups pushed in first. But then here came Ina-Rae Gage, who always looked so wan and drawn that I cut her an extra-wide slice of pecan.
When she was past, Grandma muttered to me, "That's the skinniest girl that ever I saw. She could rest in the shade of a clothesline." (2.97-98)
Times must be tough if the grown-ups are pushing past the kids for food. Poor Ina-Rae looks so starved that Mary Alice decides to give her more pie than all the other folks in line. She could use some fattening up—and pie's just what the doctor ordered.