Thank George and Ruth

She dashes across the yard, a bright yellow dot amid the fading greens and browns of the garden. Her heavy boots plod on the hardened ground as she bounces into this familiar terrain. Toothy grin and her favorite lonely blue shovel in hand, Mimi stops only when she's found the beginnings of her hole from the day before. She'd had barely enough time to begin what would be her greatest adventure to China, like Bugs Bunny she plans to go straight through the middle of the planet, when she had been called into the house for dinner. Intent on making significant progress today, Mimi sets her face in what she believes to be a stern look of determination; the closest imitation she can muster of the look her Grandmother gives when her Grandfather falls asleep in his easy chair watching television.

As Mimi carefully removes her fireman yellow rain coat, she catches a glimpse of her Grandfather ambling across the lawn to meet her.

"So. China. Do you need help getting there?"
"No." She replies, firm grimace in place.
"Are you sure?" He asks.
"Well, I think maybe I need some supplies. But the hole has to get bigger first."
"Can I dig a little? I've never been to China. I'd like to see."
Mimi crosses her arms and looks at her Grandfather thoughtfully.
"Are you going to bring supplies if you come?"
"Of course. I'll even bring the cookies Grandmomma is baking right now."
"Cookies?"
"With sprinkles." He nods.
"Okay. Only cause there are sprinkles." She says and hands him the shovel.

Together, they put on their most determined faces and begin their bitter toil against the earth to China. At least until the bell on the oven goes off.