A Long Way from Chicago Grandma Dowdel Quotes

"I'm a blue ribbon winner," Grandma announced, "here for my ride."

"Wha—" Mrs. Weidenbach said.

My brain went dead. (4.100-102)

Everyone is completely flabbergasted when Grandma Dowdel approaches the pilot and demands a free ride on the airplane. She's so fearless and convincing when she lies.

Grandma Dowdel

Quote 14

"I heard you tell your brother that Vandalia Eubanks was a puppy. I can hear all over the house. I got ears on me like an Indian scout. And I don't sleep." (5.174)

The whole time that Mary Alice has Vandalia hidden in their house, Grandma Dowdel knows what's going on. She just pretends to believe Mary Alice's lies because she wants to help out Vandalia, too.

Grandma Dowdel

Quote 15

"Ah," Grandma said. "Let me see if I heard right. At my time in life, my hearing isn't what it was."

Mary Alice and I stared at each other. Of all her whoppers, this was Grandma's crowning achievement. She had ears on her like an Indian scout. (7.71-72)

When Grandma tells Mrs. Weidenbach that she didn't hear her, the kids both know that this is the biggest lie ever. Grandma isn't a little old lady who's losing her hearing; she's a force to be reckoned with—and she hears everything that's going on around her.