”I smiled and an idea clicked into place. “You know, depending on your scope of errands, there is something I could use your help with.”She took...a step closer, pulled out her phone, and tapped on it several times. “Name it.”When I glanced questioningly at the phone, she waved and said, “I’m recording us, it’s easier and faster than taking notes.”I nodded and smiled. “First, how do you feel about spending some time in Texas?”She blinked in thought. “I’ve never been there. I understand you live. She had pinned the list to the refrigerator, with a magnet. Studying it, she coughed. “Did you sand the crossbeams?”“I don’t remember that on the list.” Andrew cocked his head.Mother looked at me. “You didn’t tell him?”“I was washing the rugs out back.”“Excuses!” She told her grandson, “That’s part of the room scrubbing. The humidity weakens the surface of those two timbers. Even if you oil them, you have to sand them once a year and apply fresh oil.“Sorry. I’ll get to it after supper.”“You’ll. “Spanish, Arabic, and Chinese. Three languages representing some of the most populous regions.”He nodded, thinking. “Yes … good … smart.” He looked up smiling, “You will pick up Horean easily, then. Good, very good. We cannot use English except like this.”“May I ask why you didn’t want me to eat the slave food?”He nodded, still thinking about everything she had told him. And, he knew there was still so much more to learn from her. “Yes … slave food … they add an herb for slaves intended for the. "I mean, you sound like a standup guy. You seem to accept her quirks. I doubt many people do. You didn't let them keep you from getting to know her." I suppose," Bryant said."So, what's the job like down there?" Garvin asked."This time of year, it's a cakewalk," Bryant replied. "During the summer, well, from Spring Break to Labor Day, it looks like it will be rough. Right now, we're able to keep things together as short as we are. If we're still in this shape come next spring, we'll be in.