It is not uncommon for Pearl Bailey and me to wake and descend the stairs at the same time each morning. So, one can gather from this togetherness, that some conversation would take place ~ even if it is a one-sided one at that! After an hour of gradual exchange between the two of us, the Professor and Ella descend and join in the banter. That’s when the chit-chat really gets interesting. Here’s a screenplay of this morning’s dialogue:
Me: [Raising the blinds] Holy smokes, a big palm frond fell down onto the driveway last night!
PB: That’s not a big deal. Where’s my kibble?
Me: Maybe I should go out and move it before the Professor comes down?
PB: Forget that! I’m hungry. [PB nudges my arm]
Me: Hey, what’s up with you, are you hungry?
PB: [Smiling, panting] Hell ya’ I’m hungry- how about you produce the goods, I’ve been up for an hour already.
Professor: [descending down the stairwell cheerfully whistling] How’s everybody this morning?
Me: Great! Last night, a big palm frond fell down out front, you wanna’ go move it while I make your coffee?
Professor: [delivered with a tone of great alarm] Oh my gawd, oh my gawd that frond is huge, it had to have damaged the car. I can’t believe it, I have to move it, forget the coffee, this is the worst thing to happen, this is disastrous!
Ella: [Bark, bark, bark, bark] Alert – Bicyclists on the block, let me out, let me out, let me out!
PB: What’s a girl have to do to get a meal around here? Alright Ella, let’s go out, maybe I can eat some lizards.
Me: [eyes closed, in silent devotion] God give me the serenity…..
And, it is only 9 a.m.!