For us it just happens that Grandma’s birthday is actually very close to Grandma’s birthday . . . and vice versa . . . so to say the least it has been a wonderful time celebrating recently, and honoring them both on their special days.

For Grandma Brown’s birthday we spent a day at her house to help with the house and property. Much time was spent clearing the clearing (yes, clearing the clearing–that is what you have to do when what was once a clearing in a forest again needs clearly cleared of tall grass, fallen branches and the like so as to be restored to its original “clearness” clear through—if that’s clear), then burning the kindling . . . or vice versa . . . and also helping to organize the house (not to mention that Grandma housed us organizers). We certainly worked for our food and ate for our work on that trip! It was a singular team effort!—and, when it was all over, we had actually just begun.

But now I must begin to finish. Grandma Brannon’s birthday was a kind of tranquil chaos wherein we escaped from our lightsome duties to enjoy the weighty acknowledgements of age and virtue, ice cream and cake—that is, no puffy, poofy “shortcake” but West Virginia Apple Black Walnut Cake. (After all, even in the celebration of longevity and wisdom, it would be much better to try and invent a real cake called a long name than a fanciful name called a “longcake”).

To bring a humorous post to bear on a better-than-humorous truth: a reliable seeming-self-contradiction that grandmothers know well, and for which we thank them for their example: truly it is more blessed to give than receive! Thank you Grandma Brown!!! Thank you Grandma Brannon!!! It was our joy to repay your kindnesses in a few small ways!