Quote 10
"The best home-baker in the state of Illinois," Grandma said. "Him and me come up together out in the country, so I know."
Mrs. Weidenbach quaked. Even Mary Alice looked concerned.
"I'm a goner," said Grandma. (4.71-73)
The fact that Grandma knows her competitor makes the whole thing even more nerve-wracking. She knows that Mr. Pennypacker isn't some amateur baker. He's really good at what he does.
Quote 11
"You want me to swab out toilets while you run your old daddy for Oldest Settler and your nephew for public speaker. Or did my ears deceive me?" (7.73)
As soon as Mrs. Weidenbach asks Grandma Dowdel to clean up at the Centennial Celebration, she gets up in arms. She's not going to let this snooty woman and her family take all the prizes.
Quote 12
After a moment of stunned silence the crowd was on its feet. They were getting up on their benches and clapping over their heads in applause like summer thunder.
Grandma stood. Patting her back hair in a satisfied way, she said, "We don't need to stay to the end." (7.165-166)
When Mary Alice finishes her dance at the talent show, it's obvious from the thunderous applause that she's won. There's no doubt that she's taking home first place…and Grandma Dowdel is pleased as pie.