The Ingall's House is "Cold and Dark"

I often ask myself, "How did Laura Ingalls Wilder get through hard times?"  The Ingalls family didn't lack challenges.  There were tiresome days, boring "games", and fiddleless evenings.  During this period of self-quarantine, I decided to reread The Long Winter to discover - What Would Laura Do?

Chapter 22 - "Cold and Dark"

The blizzards are giving Laura bad dreams.  She used to see darkness as restful, but now darkness is a horror since it is punctuated by the shrieks and howls of blizzards.  I wish Laura had access to weighted blankets, lavender oils, and the Head Space app.  

To do:  Fill hopper with seed wheat.  Turn crank.  Repeat all day long.

To do:  Follow complicated hay twisting system.  Warm hands after twisting enough hay for an hour.  Repeat all day long.

The DeSmet days are numbingly similar.  Mary and Carrie grind seed wheat all day.  Ma makes brown bread and cleans.  Laura and Pa twist hay.  Their hands are red, swollen, and cut by the hay.  Their coats are ripped under their arms - where they hold the hay to twist it.  Ma patches their coats but the hay quickly slices through the patches.  

The family's first meal is brown bread and their second meal is potatoes.  They each get two small potatoes that Ma has boiled in their jackets.  Pa gets an extra potato because Grace doesn't eat two potatoes.  Laura feels listless and tired.  She is living the same day over and over.  She misses being outside and going to school.

I, too, feel listless and tired.  I want to matter again.  Being a teacher front loads you with a daily purpose.  My days at school were tiring, but I ended the day knowing I had been helpful and kind.  Whether it was finding a student the perfect book or finishing a chapter, with students, right as the bell rang.  My daily purpose is gone.  Distance learning isn't effective for reluctant readers.  These days, I do what I can for my students and then I unload the dishwasher.

Yes!  This is the page turner I have been looking for!

Ma feels her girls' depression.  She remembers the successful "Bible Verse Recitation" game and comes up with a twist.  The girls will take turns reciting, from memory, extended passages from their Independent Readers.  The girls recited  engaging speeches and poems like - "The Speech of Regulus" and "Old Tubal Cain."  Laura is, of course, motivated to win and recite more than Mary.

One morning, Laura finds Pa laughing in the kitchen.  He has dug a tunnel from the house to the stable and can get to his chores in comfort.  Pa's smile widens as he discloses that their house is buried in a snow drift.  Laura investigates by peering out the attic window.  She is shocked when horse hooves trot by at eye level!  Pa tells her it is the Wilder brothers and explains, "There's no one in town but those two, and me, that dares go out of town.  Folks are afraid a blizzard will come up."  The enterprising Wilder brothers are selling hay for 3 dollars a load.     

Since the house is "warm" from the snow drift insulation, Laura teaches Mary to twist hay in the lean-to.  (Remember that George Masters and his wife didn't twist hay and that Mary is blind.)  The days continue on and on.  One day, even Ma can't muster enthusiasm for the reciting game.  Ma and the girls spend the whole day sitting while Pa hauls hay from the slough to the stable to the lean-to.  

I am spending a lot of time staring out the window.  I know what all the neighbors are up to and my son says I should become a private investigator.  He's probably right.  My neighbors, across the street, spend a lot of time fussing around their pick-up truck.  Their garage door is open by 6 AM and they are busy circling and peeking into the truck.  Is it so wrong to be curious about why they are doing this?  I also watch my bird feeders.  A cardinal couple has been visiting. I feel happy when they swoop in for some seeds.  Today I am going to put up a hummingbird feeder.      

As we know, bad news always follows good news for the Ingalls.  Sadly, Pa's tunnel has blown away and he loses his temper.  "I did hope my tunnel would last through one of these onslaughts, anyway.  Gosh dang this blizzard!  It only lets go long enough to spit on its hands."  Then Ma loses her temper and snaps at Pa!  "Don't swear, Charles!"  Finally, Ma and Pa are acting like normal people.

Pa decides to lighten the mood by reading a story from his book, Livingston's African Journal.  He needs the button lamp even though it is daytime.  For some reason, Laura is unsettled by the impromptu read aloud.  "Laura tried to listen but she felt stupid and numb.  Pa's voice slid away into the ceaseless noises of the storm.  She felt that the blizzard must stop before she could do anything before she could even listen or think, but it would never stop."  

Laura interrupts the story and asks Pa to play the fiddle.  He obliges her, takes his fiddle from its case, and begins to play "Bonnie Doon".  "But every note from note from the fiddle was a very little wrong.  Pa's fingers were clumsy."  Pa's fingers are damaged from the cold and hay.  He puts the fiddle away.  Laura drowns in the guilt of asking Pa to play in the first place.  She feels the worst thing that has happened so far is Pa not be able to play the fiddle.  

The chapter ends with the family crowding around the cook stove for warmth.

WWLD:

• Stoke your competitive spirit.
• Teach someone a new skill.
• Ignore your parent's bad behavior.

Come back tomorrow for Chapter 23 - "Wheat in the Wall."  (Watch out Almanzo!  Pa is onto you!)

Prairie Eydie   

Pa Hunts "Antelope"

I often ask myself, "How did Laura Ingalls Wilder get through hard times?"  The Ingalls family didn't lack challenges.  There were dashed dreams of venison, runaway horses and food shortages.  During this period of self-quarantine, I decided to reread The Long Winter to discover - What Would Laura Do?

Morgans are very desirable horses and Almanzo had a matched pair named Prince and Lady. To be matched, both horses should have the same general outline from head to tail.

After endless hours of blizzards and huddling 'round the cookstove, Chapter 20 gets off to an exciting start.  Pa bursts into the kitchen announcing an antelope herd was spotted west of town.  The men of DeSmet are going hunting while the women stay home and twist hay!  Pa fills his pockets with cartridges and rushes out. 

Laura peeks out the window and sees a pack of men -  including Almanzo Wilder on his horse, Prince, a beautiful Morgan.  Last to join the hunting party is dashing Cap Garland.  Laura immediately starts day dreaming about venison.  Ma shuts that time waster down by reminding Laura, "We must not count our chickens before they are hatched."  

I have been daydreaming my entire life.  My favorite childhood daydream was pretending I was Laura.  Fortunately, my family lived next to several vacant lots, so I could run through weeds with my sunbonnet hanging down my back.  

Prairie Eydie - the original Cosplayer.

In my thirties, I daydreamed about being the perfect mother; those dreams vaporized when my oldest son was born.  My kids have been quarantined for 58 days.  Len takes long walks in his pajamas.  When I ask Gus to practice his clarinet, he rolls up in blanket and flops to the floor.  Lulu has taken up cosplay.  She said cosplay is pretending every day is Halloween.  In "normal" times I would insist on Len wearing jeans, Gus practicing for 30 minutes, and that Lulu spend her money on something other than wigs.  But.  It seems that we are never getting out of the house and I don't even care what they do.  So much for being the perfect mom.     

Almanzo loaned Mr. Foster his other horse, Lady.  If you have forgotten who Mr. Foster is - let me remind you.  We first met Mr. Foster in chapter 9 when he stumbled into the school house to lead the teacher, Miss Garland, and students home during a sudden blizzard.  It was well-meaning, yet incompetent Mr. Foster who was leading the children into the open prairie.  Luckily Laura walked into motel and saved the day.  Why Almanzo would loan Mr. Foster, who only owned oxen, an expensive horse is beyond me.  

Pa has appointed himself leader and tells the men to "String out and go slow and easy.  Don't scare 'em."  Soon, Almanzo sees that Pa and the men almost have the herd surrounded!

Almanzo turns to tell Mr. Foster, but . . . SURPRISE!  Mr. Foster has jumped off Lady and is prematurely shooting at the distant antelope herd. Lady freaks out and runs to join the antelopes.  "In a moment the horse and the herd passed over another white curve, then, growing smaller, they appeared again and again the prairie swallowed them."  Disappointed, the hunters lower their guns.  Only Mr. Foster took a shot.     

Mr. Foster shows minimal remorse for panicking Almanzo's horse, scaring the antelope away, and dashing Laura's dreams of venison.  Mr. Foster says, "I'm sorry.  I must have let the mare go.  I was so excited, I didn't think.  I thought the horse would stand.  I never saw an antelope before."  The men then politely discuss options for Almanzo to retrieve Lady.  Surprisingly, the discussion contains no cussin', blamin', or tantrums.    

Almanzo decides to circle around and look for Lady.  He is confident he will not get lost.  Soon he is engulfed by the prairie's largeness.  "He felt that he was the only life on the cold earth, under the cold sky; he and his horse alone in an enormous coldness."  Finally Almanzo spots Lady!  The wind magically carries Almanzo's whistle and Prince's whickering call to the frightened horse.  Lady gallops towards Almanzo and follows him back to town.

Meanwhile, Pa returns to the house - defeated.  The kitchen is silent, except for Carrie's sigh.  Eventually Pa spins the tale about doofus Mr. Foster and the antelope.  Ma soothes Pa's ego by saying, "They would have been poor eating anyway, this time of year."  

Royal Wilder:  1/2 of the well fed brothers

While Ma starts preparing dinner, Pa steps out to Royal's feed store to see if Almanzo found Lady.  (I have no idea why Pa needs this information.)  Royal is cooking pancakes and bacon.  Almanzo is bringing in saddles to clean. Pa notices the empty spaces on their walls and the room seems suspiciously snug.  The brothers invite Pa join them for dinner - and Pa does.   

I struggle with Pa eating pancakes and bacon while Ma and the girls are at home eating boiled potatoes - again.  I wish Pa would have slipped some bacon into his coat pocket, asked for a "to go" container, or just declined the invitation.  

Truthfully, I struggle with this chapter because the focus is not on Laura.  Let's be real.  If Laura had been in charge of the hunt, Mr. Foster would have stayed behind and twisted hay.  

WWLD Summary:

• Daydream.  Even if people tell you not to.

See you soon for Chapter 21 - "The Hard Winter."

Prairie Eydie




     

Ma Says, "Where There's A Will"

I often ask myself, "How did Laura Ingalls Wilder get through hard times?"  The Ingalls family didn't lack challenges.  There were food and coal shortages, along with an unhealthy reliance on kerosene.  During this period of self-quarantine, I decided to reread The Long Winter to discover - What Would Laura Do?

Chapter 19 - Where There's a Will

The joy of Christmas candy and Youth Companion stories have been forgotten in Chapter 19.  The coal is gone and the Ingalls are burning hay.  LIW writes, "The hay made a quick, hot fire, but it burned away more swiftly than kindling."  When Pa isn't doing chores, he is twisting hay.

It has always bothered me that Pa isn't wearing a hat.  

Laura wants to help Pa twist hay.  He is reluctant because her hands so small.  But, Pa agrees because he cannot twist enough hay by himself.  Unfortunately the lean-to isn't sealed.  Snow blows in through the cracks and drifts onto the floor.  (I wonder why Pa didn't store the hay in the abandoned front room?  Maybe it was too labor intensive since the stable was by the lean-to?)  

LIW includes a drawn out, unclear explanation of how hay is twisted.  I have revisited the paragraph several times and still don't understand.  I can confidently say twisting hay involves lots of tucking, sliding, and holding hay under your elbows.  Pa both instructs and encourages Laura.  "Then slip the ends in between the kinks and let it twist itself back tight.  That's the way!" 

Laura twisted six sticks of hay before her hands were numb with cold and cut from the hay.  She is so proud that she helped her pa.  I, also, love the feeling of being helpful.  There are so many ways to help during a pandemic.  Like asking if your friends/family need anything before going grocery shopping. Or by staying at home.  Or by wearing a mask in public.  These are all helpful gestures.

Yep.  The arrow is pointing at Mead's Hotel.  
This is where the Masters should have been "guests."

NOTE:  You may be wondering if George Masters helped with the chores or the  hay twisting.  The answer is - No.  He did not help.  Even Mary, who was blind, helped twist hay and grind wheat.  I can only imagine sitting in that crowded, resentment filled kitchen every day.  I know forgiveness is a gift you give yourself - but I understand how Laura held on to her Masters' anger. 

The chapter continues with more bad news.  The Ingalls are down to their last loaf of bread.  Ma needs flour.  Pa and Ma banter about the outrageous price of flour before moving onto the divisive topic of kerosene.  Ma is disgusted the family relies on newfangled kerosene for light and wishes she had some good ol' fashioned grease.  Pa seconds her opinion,  "That's so.  These times are too progressive.  Everything has changed too fast."  

Hmmm.  Not hard to imagine what Ma and Pa would think about our reliance on cellphones, air conditioning, and Target.  I channel my inner Ma when saying things like, "When I was a kid the whole family shared one box fan!" or "When I was in college I had to make phone calls after 7:00 PM because it was cheaper.  PLUS, I  typed all my papers on a typewriter." 

What could go wrong?

Pa ventures out to buy flour, but returns with a sack of wheat because there is no flour in the stores.  As a special treat, Pa   
hands Ma a box of yellow axle grease.  Once again, Ma showcases her talents of making do with what is on hand.  The girls use the coffee mill to grind the wheat; then, Ma makes a sour dough starter and bakes some bread.  Ma doesn't need yeast or milk to make a nutty bread.  (I wish LIW would have included a detailed paragraph explaining how this was done.)  Finally, Ma uses the axle grease to make a button lamp.  Pa is smitten.  "You're a wonder Caroline.  It's only a little light, but it makes all the difference."  

The chapter grinds to a dreary conclusion. The family first decides to combine lunch and dinner and then they go to bed to save axle grease and sticks of hay.

WWLD:

• Offer to help.
• Listen to elders discuss "the good ol' days"
• Catch up on beauty sleep.

Horse, you don't know how good you have it.  You could be making multiple trips to the slough to get hay during a blizzard!

See you soon for Chapter 20 - Antelope!

Prairie Eydie

The Ingalls are "Weathering the Blast"

 I often ask myself, "How did Laura Ingalls Wilder get through hard times?"  The Ingalls family didn't lack challenges.  There was ice in the water bucket and no central heating.  During this period of self-quarantine, I decided to reread The Long Winter to discover - What Would Laura Do?

Chapter 13 begins with another row of frosted nails, another layer of ice in the water bucket, and another blizzard.  Laura and Ma get up to wash their faces and start breakfast.  Pa has gone out to the stables and returns "Hungry as a wolf."  For breakfast there are hot cakes, crisp slices of fat pork, and dried-apple sauce!  (I can just see the Masters tucking into this plentiful breakfast.  Grrr.)

I wonder what time the Ingalls wake up in the morning?  There can't be much to do, other than tend the animals, during a blizzard.  After breakfast, Ma suggests they get the work done so they can "sit by the fire with an easy conscience."  This is an opportune time to compare Laura's chores to my chores. 

It could always be worse.  My chore list could begin with collecting buffalo dung for fuel.

 Laura's chores:

1. Put on beans to parboil.  
2.  Wash the dishes.
3.  Wonder how cold it is at the shanty.
4. Sweep the kitchen.
5.  Make the beds.  (Surprise!  Since the attic is frigid, Ma says the beds can air out for the day.)

Prairie Eydie's chores:

1.  Wonder what to make for dinner.
2.  Wash the dishes.
3.  Wonder how long the quarantine will last.
4.  Sweep the kitchen.
5.  Air out the beds.  (I have heard that making your bed every day will either make you happier or change your life.)

Pa decides to go over to Fuller's to hear the news.  He thinks someone may be lost in the storm.  Personally, I think someone (i.e. Pa) wants to get away from the women folk. 

Fun Loving Ma

Ma says a blizzard outside is no reason for gloom in the house.  So, she comes up with a super fun game for the girls to play.  "Now Mary," Ma said, "you tell us a verse, then Laura will do the same, and then Carrie.  See which one can keep on longest."  (I bet Laura is waxing nostalgic over the game of batting around a pig bladder.  Oh, the good ol' days in Pepin, Wisconsin.)  

Back when games were FUN!

I will cut to the chase, the game ends in a tie between Mary and Laura.  Laura feel shame for always wanting to beat Mary, especially since Laura can never be as good as Mary.  Laura makes a mental promise to be a school teacher and earn money to send Mary to college.

My daughter, Lulu, had to create a board game for Art class.  She didn't like the assignment at first, but got into the swing of things.  Her game is called "Random Things" and it involves challenges like "Dancing in the Front Lawn" and "Putting on a Sock Puppet Show."  The game is a hit and we play it nightly, since Lulu keeps adding fresh cards.  

Pa returns from Fullers with the weather report (It is forty degrees below zero) and news that all the towns people are accounted for.

Continuing in the theme of Ma's game, Pa plays hymns on his fiddle to pass time.  His tunes once again gets the family singing lustily and marching about.

WWLD Summary:
Complete chores first thing in the morning.
Play competitive games with your family.
Sing and march around the house.

Throwback photo of Prairie Lulu and her Prairie Mama

See you soon for Chapter 14 - "One Bright Day"

Prairie Eydie
   
  

BONUS: The Art of Musing with Prairie Pa

Prairie Pa and Prairie Eydie in simpler times.  

Okay. So I am pretty sure Prairie Pa is the only person both losing weight and lowering his blood pressure. Today we are going to find out "What Would Prairie Pa Do?" - instead of "What Would Laura Do?"

Welcome back, Prairie Pa.

Prairie Eydie

I used to eat out all the time.  I had my own booth at Chili's and frequented the local "All the Chicken One Can Eat" Chinese restaurant.  Desserts, cookies and candy were a big part of my life.  These goodies stopped weeks ago.
  

A typical Prairie Pa lunch pre-quarantine.

• No more turtle sundaes at Culvers.
• No more church functions that culminate in sweets.   (What is church without goodies?)  

Yesterday I stepped on the scale and found out I lost five pounds.  I had stopped weighing myself weeks ago, since it was always bad news.  My philosophy is "Ignorance is bliss."

I also went to a doctor's appointment yesterday and found out my blood pressure was 30 points lower than my last visit.  My wife and I go on long walks around the neighborhood.  It seems like we talk more.  

I am noticing my charge card bills are much lower than usual.  Maybe half the normal amount.  I love Menards, Lowes, and Fleet Farm.  I am scared to go there now.  I am not buying gas despite the fact that it is almost being given away.  

Could this new lifestyle of "Sheltering in Place" not be a completely "ill wind"?   

I am asking myself:
What do I make of this?
When this is over, do I go back to my old ways?

As always, only The Shadow knows.


Prairie Pa  (a.k.a. The Rocket) 












Can't get enough Prairie Pa?  Check out this previous Prairie Pa post. 
Prairie Pa and the Art of Change

"Pa Goes to Volga" Chapter 11

I often ask myself, "How did Laura Ingalls Wilder get through hard times?"  The Ingalls family didn't lack challenges.  There were wildcat men and snowed in trains.  During this period of self-quarantine, I decided to reread The Long Winter to discover - What Would Laura Do?

Chapter 11 - "Pa Goes to Volga"

The chapter begins with the 3 day blizzard ending.  The Ingalls are in good spirits.  Ma is enjoying the sunshine and  Mary is luxuriating in stillness.  Sadly, no one is hearing the sound of the train whistle.  

And you think YOU'VE have a hard winter.

Pa gathers some info and tells the family, "Train was stopped by the snow filled big cut near Tracy."  Pa has been asked to go to Volga on a hand cart with 5 other men.  The men will clear the track as the train chugs along.  Pa humbly announces, "It is only 50 miles."  

Wait! What?  50 miles!  My city recently put sidewalks in my neighborhood and I am still annoyed.  I have a corner lot and hate shoveling.  I have a snowblower, but it scares me.  Once, I didn't use the choke properly and the engine ran "too rich."  That caused a small-motor-meltdown.  Previous  small-motor-meltdowns were centered around an innocent weed wacker.  Next time Wisconsin is dealt a snow storm, I can remember Pa shoveling 50 miles of train track.  It is all about reframing.

On the way to school, Laura and Carrie stop to watch Pa and the other men on the handcart.  They are pumping, rolling, and shoveling along.  Pa is keeping spirits up by singing a motivating song.  Two and a half days later, Pa returns to DeSmet on a work train.  He is still singing that earworm of a tune!

"If the Devil's in the way,

We will roll it over him,

And we WON'T drag On beHIND!"

Mr. Edwards would be a great guest at any dinner party. 

Surprise!  Pa has brought Mr. Edward home with him.  All you Bonnetheads will remember Mr. Edwards from the book, Little House on the Prairie.  Mr. Edwards traveled 40 miles to meet Santa Claus in Independence, Kansas.  He brought Laura and Mary each a shiny tin cup and a stick of candy.  Upon seeing Mr. Edwards again - Laura says, "He was the same tall, lean, lounging wildcat from Tennessee."

Prairie Eydie and "Mr. Edwards" (aka Ellen)

Don't we all have a friend like Mr. Edwards?  Someone you are always happy to hear from and who will go the extra mile for you?  My Mr. Edwards is Ellen.  Even though 1,924 miles separate us, we connect almost everyday.  We are always happy to hear each other's voices.  You would think some joy would have lessened, but it hasn't.  Ellen helps me be my best self.  I can't tell you how many times I have gone on a jog, signed up for the class, spoken my truth or enjoyed a long laugh after talking with Ellen.  I challenge you to call, text, or send a card to your "Mr. Edwards."  These friends deserve to be celebrated. 

The real Mr. Edwards' name was Edmund Mason.   He was born in England (not
Tennessee) in 1846 and died in Kansas in 1906.  I wonder if he ever made it to Oregon?

NOT the real Mr. Edwards. (This is Victor French - the man who played Mr. Edwards on the Little House on the Prairie TV series.)   

Mr. Edwards is heading to Oregon because the Dakotas are "too settled up."  A tax collector had stopped by Mr. Edward's claim shanty and that was the final nudge he needed to pack his bags.  Mr Edwards wisely said, "Politicians are worse pests than grasshoppers."  

Chapter 11 ends on a happy note.  Mr. Edwards has left a 20 dollar bill on Mary's lap.  The money more than doubles Mary's college fund!  As usual, Ma sums it up best - "He has a heart of gold."

WWLD:

• Enjoy reconnecting with friends
• Reminisce about the good time

See you soon for Chapter 12 - "Alone."

Prairie Eydie

Millie, my former role model and current Bonnethead, waking up to seize the day. 

     

Laura Listens to her Inner Voice

I often ask myself, "How did Laura Ingalls Wilder get through hard times?"  The Ingalls family didn't lack challenges.  There were sudden blizzards, cute/devilish boys, and shoes with lots of buttons.  During this period of self-quarantine, I decided to reread The Long Winter to discover - What Would Laura Do?

Can you spot the luddite?

Chapter 9 begins with Laura dreading school. Poor girl is heavy hearted.  Whoa.  I am also heavy hearted about school.  

I am a low tech teacher - not a total luddite, but close.  I want my students holding actual books and turning pages.  Now I facilitate Distance "Learning" from my laptop.  I don't know if my students are comprehending their books or if they are even reading.  I am unable to scour library shelves and put books in their hands.  It makes my heart sigh.  I will never take forgranted the simple act of sitting next to students and reading together.

Imagine wearing these all day.  Not very practical for farm work or blizzards.

Thank goodness for Sloggers (I just ordered a pair).  VERY practical for all your farming needs.

Despite her dread, Laura gets ready for school.  She puts on her woolen winter dress and Sunday hair ribbons.  There is a tense moment when Carrie loses a button off her shoe.  Before even looking for the button, Laura immediately says, "We must take a button off Mary's shoe."  (LIW Refresher:  Mary doesn't go to school because she is blind.  Laura resents Mary because Mary has blonde curls and Laura has straight brown hair.")  Luckily, Ma finds the button, sews it on, and shoos the girls out the door.

Where is Cap's fashing grin in this photo?  Laura admitted, in later years, that she had a crush on Cap.  Laura and Cap never dated, though Cap did date Laura's friend, Mary Power. 

Laura's friend and Cap's love interest, Mary Power

Laura and Carrie bravely make their way to school.  The school house is on the open prairie with no surrounding buildings (remember this).  Two boys are playing baseball in front of the school.  A boy with yellow hair and a flashing grin throws Laura a curve ball.  Gasp.  Laura catches the ball and immediately feels ashamed of her unladylike action.   It turns out the dynamic yellow haired boy is Cap Garland.  (Is Cap short for something?  Like Captain?)  Cap's sister, Florence Garland, is the teacher.  Laura is enraptured with the school's 12 desks.  "All the desks were patent desks, made of wood varnished smooth as glass."  

Laura and Carrie end up looking forward to school days.  One day, there is suddenly no sunshine and a gust of wind crashes into the school house.  "The blizzard was scouring against the walls and the winds squealed and moaned in the stovepipe."  Laura is immediately transported back to Plum Creek when a blizzard hit unexpectantly and Pa lived in a snowbank for three days.  

Miss Garland is from out East and has never experienced a blizzard.  She grapples with if she should cancel school.  Laura wants to tell Miss Garland what to do and imagines having to burn all the shiny desks to stay warm.  Fortunately, Mr. Foster (the man who owns the ox team - - - if that means anything to you) arrives to lead everyone back to town.  

Dory - aquatic Laura Ingalls Wilder

The group ventures out into the violent blizzard.  Soon they are struggling, staggering, and feeling smothered.  "We can't go on this way," Laura thought.  Funny, I have that same thought a minimum of 7 times a day.  But I realize, like Laura, there is no choice but to carry on.  

Laura sees Cap leave the group.  She realizes he is headed towards Main Street, but the group is following Miss Garland to the open prairie.  Now, I would love to say Laura listens to her inner voice and follows Cap, but she doesn't.  "Laura did not dare follow him.  She must take care of Carrie and Teacher had told them to follow her." 

Thank goodness Laura bumped into the Mead Hotel moments later.  Beyond the hotel was nothing but prairie and now the group is able to navigate to their homes.  

Laura and Carrie's coats are driven with ice and their eyelids are bleeding.  But Ma says, "Alls well that ends well" and hands the girls ginger tea.  The chapter ends with Laura's thoughts - "She could not imagine that Heaven was better than being where she was, slowly growing warm and comfortable, sipping the hot, sweet, ginger tea . . . "


WWLD Summary

• Dress up for school.  Ribbons optional
• Carry on - especially when you don't want to 
• Act ladylike 
• Listen to your inner voice - it could know something!
• Drink tea and appreciate Heaven on Earth

Oh dear.  See you tomorrow for chapter 10 - "Three Days' Blizzard.

Prairie Eydie