Variety Show

Today while Tombo was napping and John was at the Bronco game with Casey, Becky and I were treated to a special performance by the ultimate Mistress of Ceremonies, Anne Peyton Hofmeister. She set up a small theatre in the kitchen, using stepstools as audience seating, and she placed herself in a chair behind the "stage". Here is a sampling of the lineup:

- Several select readings from her collection, starting with "Brown Bear, Brown Bear". She "read" the entire book to us, and then took a moment to ask each of us, individually, to name the animals we saw on the pages. When we got it wrong, she very patiently & sweetly told us the correct answer. When we got it right, she was quick to praise us. Next she read from "So Many Bunnies"...

- An invisible dance troupe of "bootiful people" (oh dear; , is it starting already?) performed onstage for a few minutes. They received a standing ovation from us. Afterwards, she invited us each up to do some twirls and hops onstage, with her careful instruction.

- Delicious chocolate and vanilla candies were served at what had to have been an intermission. Ever the consummate host, she didn't bat an eyelash when we requested broccoli and beans instead, and served it right up

- At one point she requested that if we were to see a slug crawling on the stage, we should let her know immediately so she could take it outside. Eagle-eye Beck spotted one, and it was quickly ushered out as promised.

- During the show several animals sat quietly beside her: a sheep, a dog, a chicken, and a giraffe. In what seemed to be her grand finale, she asked each of us if we'd like to hold the animals. Of course we nodded enthusiastically, and she carefully handed each animal over to us, one at a time. Our time was limited and fully supervised. Becky & I both had problems handling the chicken - so flappy & squawky! When we asked for advice on handling him she very matter-of-factly and confidently explained that it was best to turn him over onto his stomach and push down on his back. It worked like a charm!