Grammie's good day

Grammie was in such a wonderful mood yesterday. After not really talking for almost 2 weeks, I was afraid I wasn't going to hear much from her again. However, yesterday she was as perky as could be. As soon as I walked in she said, "Your father is precious. He reminds me of my father." Now, I have to say that precious is not a word I use often when describing my dad, but I'm glad Grammie was glad to see him. I sat down to do the crossword, but it soon became obvious that it was too hard. So I said, "Why aren't we doing yesterday's puzzle since we have the answers?" That got a grin and an agreement. I got Tuesday's puzzle and we started right away. I read a clue about Veteran's Day and that reminded me to wish Grammie a Happy Veteran's Day. When I did she said, "Oh, I get the day off, don't I! By golly, I remember!" As if she hasn't had the last 18 months off. Oh well, she was estatic. I read a clue about John Steinbeck and asked about the title of one of his novels. Grammie knew the answer and then said, "Mother opened the kitchen stove and chucked them in." (Her mom had recieved two of Steinbeck's novels and "They were trashy"). Now I know where some of Grammie's attitude comes from. At this point I just read the clues to myself because Grammie was in her own world. She said that AJ had told her a funny story about Uncle Rich and his boot being blown over by the wind. Grammie kept laughing and laughing, but I never could get the whole story. After AJ came back she did tell the story and then it did make sense and I could see the humor. I did comment on the fact that next week I would be getting a new Almanac since the one we are using is 4 years old. Grammie was so excited. I told her it would be her birthday present and she thought that sounded fine. Then I was looking in the Almanac for a river in Scotland. It wasn't printed on the map, but I ran across the Thames River in England. (pronounced Times) I pronounced it and asked if I had said it correctly. Grammie said yes and I said good because I had been trying for a year and 1/2 to had pronounced it correctly. She said, "Why a year and 1/2." I said, "Well, that's how long I've been doing these crossword puzzles." She seemed satisfied by that. As I was getting ready to leave I wished Pa a Happy Veteran's Day. He said, "You know, Mom is too." I told him I had already wished her a Happy Vet's Day and that she said she was going to take the day off. He just laughed and laughed.