Stories from the Stringam Family Ranches of Southern Alberta

From the 50s and 60s to today . . .



Wednesday, April 4, 2012

War and Chocolate for Dessert

How do you relax after dinner?

Okay, I admit it.
Our family is weird.
We like theatrics.
And things medieval.
Case in point:
My husband has a collection of catapults.
Yes, you read that correctly.
Catapults.
He loves them.
Oh, they're not large enough to cause havoc.
And certainly not of a size to terrorize the neighbourhood.
Although I wouldn't mention that to him.
It might give him ideas.
Moving on . . .
No. His catapults are small.
Suitable for launching little, foil-wrapped chocolates.
Which he does.
Usually after family meals.
Our family is large.
And we have two tables in our dining room.
One round table, built by my Husby and seen here.
And one smaller table, also built by my Husby, which seats all of the grandchildren.
It is to this smaller table that he retreats after the meal is done.
With his grandkids, his catapults and his stockpile of chocolate balls.
Which he and his little army then proceed to fire at anyone left sitting at the main table.
Remember when I mentioned 'weird'?
That would apply here.
I should point out that the balls of chocolate don't hurt.
The little catapults barely throw them with sufficient force to get them to the other table.
Back to my story . . .
The usual targets of the invading hoards are their wife and/or mothers and/or grandmother.
Who have all learned to duck when needed.
I should also mention that, perhaps fortunately, their aim isn't great.
One day, we had just finished one of Grandpa's sumptuous feasts and he and assorted grandchildren had set up a siege at the kid's table.
Several of the moms were still sitting at the main table.
Visiting.
One of our granddaughters, five-year-old Kyra, came to tell her mother something.
Her timing was . . . unfortunate.
She had placed herself right in the line of fire.
So to speak.
A chocolate ball whizzed towards her.
With unusual, but deadly precision.
Thock!
Right in the forehead.
She gasped and clapped one hand over the spot.
Everyone burst out laughing.
She wavered between laughter and tears for a few seconds.
Then her mother told her that she got to eat the offending chocolate ball.
And any thought of tears was forgotten.
She hunted for, and ate, the treat.
Happily.
Then disappeared.
A few minutes later, she was back.
“Mom, can I have another chocolate ball?”
Her mother looked at her. “You have to let Grampa shoot one at you first.”
“Oh.”
She thought about that for a moment.
Then she put both hands, palms out, over her forehead and stood up tall. “Okay, Grampa! I'm ready!”
Bravery.
It comes in all shapes and sizes.
And ages.
But never more noticeable than in a weird family.


15 comments:

  1. What a fun bunch you are...can I come to dinner? I'll even bring my own ammunition.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Delores, you're always welcome! Make sure you bring ammo that squashes . . .

      Delete
  2. Ah yes, one of the few times Dad actually hit something...

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. His enthusiasm is definitely greater than his marksmanship!

      Delete
  3. Nah, not weird. Brave and resourceful little girl. Totally understood the problem and the reward.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. She's a smart little cookie! And a red head. I think we'll keep her!

      Delete
  4. What a delightful story and it will remain a great memory for your granddaughter. Loved this one!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thanks, LeAnn! She often talks about when Grampa 'shot' her. Then asks when the catapult is coming out again . . .

      Delete
  5. lol I love catapults. I think they are a fabulous idea.
    Can you imagine being catapulted into the water?
    That should be so much fun.
    Shooting chocolates is also fun :) Nothing weird here.lol

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Ooooh! I would love to be catapulted into the water! What a great idea! And then given chocolate . . .

      Delete
  6. What a great tradition! I wonder if my husband would give up his Star Wars collection for catapults...I could only be so lucky. At our house, I think we'd end up catapulting mashed potatoes anyway and it wouldn't be so pretty. Maybe I'll come stay with you sometime...at least during dinner. :D

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Join us any time. We would then have enough to form opposing armies. BYOA. (Bring your own ammo . . .) ;)

      Delete
  7. This comment has been removed by the author.

    ReplyDelete
  8. Loved this Diane! It put a smile on my face :) What a brave 5 year old too! :) Thanks for sharing at NOBH!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Bravery and greed pretty much fought for supremacy! It still makes me laugh to think about it!

      Delete

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