I return from my jog with Belle to find Mase and Dub outside enjoying some quality time with their grandparents. I love seeing it! I walk over, and Jalisa pulls me into a big hug.
Jalisa: It’s so good to see you!
Kai: It’s always good to see you too.
Ma walks over to join us after completing another painting.
Jalisa: So Peri, what have you been up to now that you’ve retired?
Prosperity: I recently converted our old house into an Art Center. I teach classes there a few times a week.
Jalisa: That’s incredible! I’ve been holding off on retiring because I don’t know what I would do with myself if I did.
Prosperity: I’m sure you’d find something.
After spending some time chatting and catching up with Jalisa and Merlin, they announce that they need to check out of their hotel room and get ready to catch their flight back to Newcrest. Of course, Mase and Dub are sad to see them go, but Jalisa and Merlin promise to return for another visit as soon as possible.
It’s still relatively early, so there’s plenty of time for farm work. First, I go to the shed to check on Cocoa Puffs and try milking her for the first time. I’m a bit nervous, but I soon get the hang of it. But, after collecting enough milk for six bottles, I reward Cocoa Puffs with a special treat.
After I’ve done my part, Dub walks over and asks to help by brushing Cocoa Puff’s coat. I’m glad he’s outgrown his squeamishness toward the animals. Unfortunately, Mase is too little to help, so I keep him out of Dub’s way by lifting him on my back and playing airplane with him.
Prosperity: Kai! Hold him just like that for me.
Mase is heavier than I anticipated, so it’s tough to remain bent down in such an awkward position for long. I can’t help but question why.
Kai: How long, ma? He’s not exactly a little lightweight baby anymore.
Ma adjusts her easel and pulls out her brush.
Prosperity: Just hold him there long enough for me to get a quick sketch.
I hold him on my back for as long as I can.
After ma has completed her sketch, I quickly put Mase down and stretch my back. However, Mase is not ready to end our airplane game, so he runs around the area with his arms stretched out like a plane for a while longer.
Mason: Zoom! Zoooooom!
After Dub gets bored with Cocoa Puffs, he decides to spend some time alone in his treehouse.
Dub is up in his treehouse, and Mase has tired himself out after running around the cow shed, so I have some time to tend to our crops. I start by watering and weeding the year-round crops in the greenhouse.
Peri works hard on her painting of Kai and Mase, hoping for another Masterpiece. Her aspiration is to complete five in her lifetime, but with each day that passes – she feels like she’s running out of time.
Mase took a short nap, but the day is a lot warmer than anyone expected. He’s hot and sweaty in his sweater. It’s time for him to back inside and take off the cold-weather clothing.
Meanwhile, Dub is in full bookworm bliss in his treehouse. He’s still working his way through the Peter Barker book series.
After my work is complete, I return to the house. Mase is already inside, looking as if he has renewed energy, and Me-Me is hoping for a few more minutes of quiet time. She is desperately trying to catch up on reading a robotic skill book, expecting it to eventually lead to a new job promotion.
Drake has been quietly napping all afternoon. I help by feeding him his next bottle; giving Me-Me the time she needs to keep working.
Dub slides down the ladder from the treehouse and looks for Belle. It doesn’t take long for him to find the dog because her favorite spot seems to be near the pond.
Wade: Now it’s time for you to learn how to sit, Belle!
Dub gets to work teaching the small dog a new skill. Belle is obviously super smart because she learns to sit on command after several repetitions.
Training Belle gives Dub a lot of confidence. If he gets good enough, maybe he can make money helping other people train their dogs. He once saw a show on TV about a guy who does that. The possibilities are endless. Belle is still standing there waiting for another command. Dub happily gives Belle her favorite treat.
It seems the work never stops. The washing machine and dryer are constantly going with so many people in the house. So I give them a rest by going outside, washing the clothes by hand, and drying them on the clothesline. It doesn’t take me long to discover that it’s back-breaking work – and probably more effective than working out on the weight machine in the garage. But I sort of like it, and as long as the weather holds up – it’s something I can see myself doing more often.
(Generation 3 Chapter Summaries)
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