Things They Say

A few blocks from our home is a large public area that is maintained by the residents of our local prison. Because we pass this area each time we leave or return to our neighborhood, the daily presence of the prisoners is noticed. Recently, my children (and R, in particular) have become fascinated by "da jail-men."

Of course, their comments about them are hysterical. For example, last week we drove by as the men were raking leaves. The work appeared to be complete, but for the removal of the dozen or so piles. R commented, "Mom! Dose men better not mess those leaves up again or dey will go stwaight back to jail!"

Another day when inclimate weather prevented the prisoners from working, R remarked sadly, "Uh-oh. Da men didn't get to leave dare jail today to come outside. Maybe tomorrow."

Their level of concern and curiosity has even resulted in repeated requests to go and see the jail. Since we were already in that part of town yesterday, I relented. As we drove past the 4-story, rather nondescript building, I pointed it out.

R started crying, "No! Dat is NOT da jail. I want to see da WEEL jail wid da bars and da men looking through them at us!"

Speaking of false expectations, I must share P's comment from dinner last Saturday night. Eight of us were seated around the table at my in-law's home. Grandmother had prepared two great dinners: gumbo for the adults and chicken and vegetables for the children.

It is well documented that I am not much of a cook, so my children are most accustomed to raw or steamed veggies. So you can imagine P's surprise when he bit into what appeared to be a raw baby carrot and found that it had been deliciously prepared. He burst into tears. Real tears, as if he were in pain or completely heartbroken.

As we all scrambled to try to figure out why he was crying so emotionally he said, "Dese caw-wots (sniff) don't taste vew-wy well!" Then, he sobbed some more.

My sweet mother-in-law has a great sense of humor, thankfully. We have laughed and laughed about the fact that no one else has ever thought her cooking was so bad it brought them to tears!