My dad has officially turned 53. In honor of his birthday, the family gathered at Casa de LeMasters for a shindig. A shindig that turned into a luau 5 minutes before the party started. That’s the great thing about this place. It really is Narnia. If you can think it, it can happen. So, we pulled out some Hawaiianish plates and then some lays and we were set. My dad is a true trooper. I mean 53 and he’ll still play dress-up…mostly because he knows he doesn’t stand a chance against my mom and myself.
The party turned into a shindig for the kids…I mean just look at the balloons. That’s the great thing about having little ones in the family; they make every gathering a laugh. Annie walked in, took one look at us and said, “Ooh! This is going to be fun!” And let me tell you…she was right!
As the gathering began to simmer down (I mean we get crazy here…Sugar. Sparkling Cider. Sugar. Party Poppers) Annie turned to Gramps for some entertainment. The following story/exchange took place:
Annie: Gramps, tell me a story from when you were a little boy.
Gramps: Hmm. Let me think.
Annie: I know! Tell me about the time that Uncle Tom poured water on Grandpa Marty. That’s like my favorite story EVER!
Gramps: Okay. So when I was younger I lived with my mom and dad and 3 brothers and two sisters. My dad hardly ever did yard work and when he would it was sort of a big deal. We were all expected to be outside with him while he did it. So, Grandpa Marty was working on the strip. We called it the strip because it was the piece of grass between our house and the Monks. My mom was barking orders at Grandpa Marty and he was kind of getting angry, because he didn’t want to be out there. It was hot and he didn’t have a shirt on.
Annie: Oh. Okay. So he wasn’t modest. Also, Grandpa Marty is kind-of a grump, right?
Gramps: Yeah. He wasn’t modest and he is a grump. So he barks at your Uncle Tommy to get him some cold water.
Annie: And I haven’t met Uncle Tommy.
Gramps: Well, no. So Tommy goes inside. Gets a plastic pitcher full of ice water. Comes outside and pours the whole thing down Grandpa Marty’s back. So Grandpa Marty flies up. I THOUGHT HIS PANTS WERE ON FIRE…and takes off after your Uncle Tom. He’s chasing him down the street screaming “YOU GET BACK HERE!”
Annie: I just love that story. We should call Grandpa Marty! I’ll get on the phone and say, “YOU SHOULDN’T BE SO GRUMPY.”
I truly believe my dad should be a consultant for Mad Men. His stories about his childhood in the 60’s are just classic. I also enjoy that Annie has never met anyone in this story, but feels like she knows the facts! Following this fantastic story, Annie gave a ring-a-ding to Grandma Joan, who was kind enough to verify old Gramps’ story.
My deepest gratitude to The LeMasters and their involvement in all truly fantastic Nick LeMasters’ stories.
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