Four Thomas Family Stories

Jesse reckons that sad experience has taught her that she can tell about four Thomas family stories before she has to stop or people will start to look alarmed. (The Thomas's are Joan's side of the family.)

At the charming and delicious farewell dinner* for Georgie (she's going to Argentina) held at Susie's house we got the next four stories.

One:

When Joan was very little she had Rheumatic fever and the prescription for a full recovery was rest.

So Grandma Thomas did what she had to do to have a rambunctious two year old rest - when she was number three of four little kids. Her clever solution was to put Joan in a pram and wheel her about the garden.

When Grandma had to attend to some other pressing matter she put Warren in charge - I don't know why - maybe she hadn't figured him out yet - or maybe she thought she had spoken sternly enough to change Warren's usual behaviour - but she was wrong. As soon as her back was turned Warren took Joan in her pram and pushed her to the top of the mullock heap and pushed her back down again for a wild ride.

Joan loved it - but it wasn't what Grandma had in mind.

Two:

At Nambour Primary School Bob said he went to the office every morning to get the cuts - and they always laughed at home because Warren had inevitably just left.

Warren reckons he took pride in at least being first cab off the rank each morning.

Three:

Also at Nambour Primary School - Warren would catch little tiger snakes - sew up their mouths - safety first I guess - and then throw them in amongst the girls to watch them scream.

Four:

Because Grandad Thomas was a kiwi he was mortally scared of snakes. So naturally Bob caught a snake, sewed it's mouth up, and then hollowed out the salt shaker, stuffed the snake inside then put the salt shaker on the table. Then, of course, when Grandad picked it up the snake fell out and slithered all over the table. Jumping, screaming and a certain amount of swearing followed. Mission accomplished - never let your weakness show in the Thomas family.

For the record - I have never sewed a snakes mouth shut and I don't know anyone else who has either - except my uncles!

* We had beef casserole, baked ham, salad greens with balsamic, baby steamed potatoes with masses of butter and herbs, french bread and wonderful homemade cakes for dessert. It was a menu worth remembering.