Family Vagabonding

Seems that along with passport proficiency and multi-lingual communications, extended travel – particularly when traveling with all your stuff in one small bag on your back — creates some other basic life skills. Sacagawea and Dundee cut a deal at lunch a few days ago.

“Ugh! Stains on my favorite shirt again. I gotta get ‘em out,” Dundee whined, exasperated, since laundry day wasn’t even on the horizon.

“Well. My favorite shirt needs fixing,” Sacagawea retorted, “the one that’s ripped and I haven’t been able to wear for weeks.” (An exaggeration, I’m pretty sure, but she had to make a point.) I figured that was my cue, the point where Mom parachutes in with the solution and all’s well. Fortunately, I was chewing, so my parachute jump would have to wait just a few more seconds.

“Tell you what,” she said. “I’ll spot treat your shirt if you’ll sew up mine.”

“Deal!” he replied. Seems we’ve developed specialties – niche skills for which we’re appreciated. His, sewing repairs. Hers, laundry and spot treating. Not bad.

Issue resolved. Smiles all around. And I had absolutely nothing to do with it. Note to self: Remember to keep my mouth shut more often.