Aednat and the Wolf

Chapter 19 Holiday with Family

"Your turn to drive sweetheart."

"Aren't you glad we both have permits?" Aednat said.

"Yes, it gives us two extra drivers, it's a long drive."

"I'm surprised the school gave us an additional two weeks off," Rosemary said.

"I didn't ask, I told the good sisters you were taking the weeks off," William said. "We do this every year, I just added an extra two weeks this year."

"You're wearing shoes! I'm shocked...hey everyone Aediy has shoes on," David teased.

"It's cold out you silly goon," Aednat said then laughed, "And it's my lace up boots I have on. Is the whole family going too?"

"Yes, we can ski and sail the iceboat if the lake is free of snow," William said.

"I heard Uncle Ted has a new truck," David said.

"Yes, a red 1958 International Harvester 3/4 ton pickup truck this time. He has the old truck stored in cousin Stinky's barn," William said.

"Do I know Stinky?" Aednat asked.

"No he was on the road last time we went up north, you will meet him this time."

"Does he really smell bad?" Aednat asked sheepishly. William laughed in response.

"No, his real name is Charles, he had a run in with a skunk when we were all kids, and the name just stuck."

"The bridge opened November 1st, so we will simply drive to the U.P. (upper peninsula)" Ruth said.

"Please I don't want to drive on the bridge," Aednat said with Rosemary agreeing.

"We'll let Dad drive across the bridge," Ruth said.

"Can we stop for lunch at the same restaurant we went to last time?" Aednat said.

"We usually do," Rosemary said. "This time I'm getting the pork chop dinner."

"I'll try that too," Aednat said.

It was late when they reached Mackinaw City so they elected to spend the night in Day's Inn. "Dad, they have a pool and a breakfast bar!" Rosemary said as they walked to their rooms.

"Why don't you go swimming," he said, "and we can have a late dinner."

"Davey, swim with us!"

"OK, you both can change first and then I will." David walked to the pool and both girls were wearing their bikinis and taking turns diving off the diving board. Ruth and Gert joined them at the pool several minutes later.

"Is Grandpa coming?" Rosemary asked.

"He wanted to take a nap before diner."

"Watch my dive!" Aednat said only to land hard as she performed a belly flop. David swam to her.

"You OK Nit?"

"That really hurt!" she said, then giggled.

"You made a huge splash!" Rosemary teased.

"Let's do a cannonball together, Davey tell us how high are splash comes." They climbed out of the pool and stood several feet from the pool edge then shouted, "CANNONBALL!" and running holding hands leapt into the pool. After swimming they walked to the Dixie Saloon for diner.

"I've never been in a saloon," Aednat whispered to Rosemary.

"Do you think they'll let us order beer?" Rosemary whispered back.