GeeMa put the kettle on the stove and watched the robins splashing around in the bird bath. She had to smile a little because the big one was making such a mess, as always. She made a mental note to get his name next time they met.

The kitchen was a wreck. GeePa had made chicken parm last night, and all the dishes were still waiting for him. He enjoyed washing dishes in the morning. It was a ritual that gave him time to think about the coming day. Sometimes GeeMa would wash the dishes if she knew he was “in a mood” when he went to bed. It was a little peace offering. But that didn’t happen very often. Mostly because she hated doing dishes, but also because he wasn’t in a mood very often.

Earl Gray in hand, GeeMa went out the back door onto the covered patio and stopped to pluck a few verbena leaves to crush into her tea. The smell always made her think of summer, which was still a long time coming.

As she stepped through the shop door, she could hear Mr. Robin chirping quite loudly. He must have found something funny.

If the kitchen was a mess, the shop was a disaster. A group of ladies on a quilting retreat had stopped by yesterday, and they were very excited to be shopping. Thank goodness. She hoped a few would come back today to pick up some more fabric. Business had been a little slow lately, probably because everyone was out in their yards instead of in their sewing rooms.

Anna was already in the shop, working on the tiny quilt she was making for her doll’s bed. GeeMa almost told her she was supposed to be straightening the fabric. But she didn’t. She was glad Anna loved sewing. And… she knew Anna wouldn’t be a kid much longer.