Ted Shinn

BirdSeed Eggs!

*1/3 cup unflavored gelatin
*1 1/2 cups water
*8 1/3 cups birdseed

*About 40 fillable Easter eggs
*vegetable spray

You simply pour the water and gelatin in a large pan and dissolve gelatin. Add the seed, pack and fill the vegetable oil-coated eggs with the {rather wet!} mixture and close. Chill in fridge until set, then let dry three days in the molds. They unmold easily! Place in egg carton and give to your friends... Feathered friends, that is!

Easy Raspberry Syrup

You will love this easy recipe for raspberry syrup! It's simply:
2 cups picked, washed raspberries. (Frozen okay!)
1 1/2 cups sugar
1 cup water
Simply boil all ingredients together for ten minutes, stirring constantly as not to burn syrup! Strain seeds through a tea strainer and you have syrup! It will gel pretty thick when chilled, so to make thinner syrup add just a bit more water. It's really good over ice cream! Boil for about 12 minutes for JAM.
It also works with BLUEBERRIES, too!

Almond Bark Candy

This is easy since there is no baking involved:

Melt over low: 24oz white or chocolate almond bark, add 1 cup peanut butter

Add:

4 cups crisped rice cereal

2 cups dry roasted peanuts

3-4 cups flavored minature marshmallows

I had extra coconut on hand, so I threw in 2 cups of sweetened coconut. Drop by spoonfuls on waxed paper on a cookie sheets, then chill for a couple of hours. Ready to gobble down, and boy is this stuff addictive!

Fresh Peach Pie

Here's an EASY recipe for fresh peach pie:
Mix:
* 1 cup sugar
*5 tablespoons flour
*1 teaspoon cinnamon
Add:
4 1/2 cups peeled, sliced fresh peaches.
Mix together and place in crust of your choice. Dot with 1 1/2 tablespoons butter, seal with top crust. Sprinkle sugar on top of crust. Bake at a 400 degree oven for 45 to 50 minutes.
Peaches will be juicy so be sure to cut several vents in the crust. This is certainly the best peach pie you will ever eat!

Rhubarb Meringue Pie!

Oven at 375 degrees

First, I take out four eggs and leave at room temperature.

I separate yolks from eggs, leaving three good egg whites for the meringue.

First you make the rhubarb pie, then top with meringue after baking.

Filling:

1 cup sugar

1/2 cup water

3 tablespoons flour

1 1/2 tablespoons butter

1 teaspoon cinnamon

1 teaspoon vanilla

Mix all ingredients and add three cups fresh chopped (or thawed frozen) rhubarb & pour into unbaked pie shell.

Bake for 45 minutes at 375. After 4 minutes, set the timer for ten minutes to make meringue that goes on top.

In a glass mixing bowl, beat egg whites until stiff peaks form, about five minutes.

Add 1/4 teaspoon cream of tartar

Continue beating and 2/3 cup superfine sugar, one tablespoon at a time until stiff.

This should take ten minutes! The pie comes out, and you top the meringue on the pie and bake it for 25-30 minutes at 325.

It''s done and delicious!

Pecan Pie Recipe!

What could be better than Pecan Pie? Here's an easy 100-Year-old recipe that will rock your world.

1/4 cup butter, softened

1 cup sugar (beat these two ingredients together)

add: 2 teaspoons vanilla

Add 4 eggs and beat until fluffy.

Add 3/4 cup Karo corn syrup. (I use light)

In a pie crust of your choice, add 1 1/4 cups pecans.

Pour mixture over pecans and bake at 375 for 5 minutes,

then 45 minutes at 325!

The Runaways--Chapter #4

THE RUNAWAYS

By Ted Shinn

Teddy set down his book and sighed. He had been reading a story about two children running away to the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York City and, like the main character in that story, felt that life was completely unfair at eleven years old. He'd been saddled with cooking, cleaning, laundry, yard work, and worst of all, constant babysitting!

And perhaps it was unfair. What boy of eleven doesn't want to be carefree and untethered by responsibility? The final straw occurred when the T.V. set was snapped off during his most favorite program, “Jonny Quest.” It was the episode he'd waited for weeks to see, the one with the real flying pterodactyl in it. His father was in a bad mood and didn't care for cartoons. He had cuffed him, saying “Useless bastard, find something to do!”

He made a dash for the outdoors and went to find his friend Dishus, whose real name was Richard. Dishus had had a lisp when he was quite young and had been given that nickname by the neighborhood kids. He outgrew the lisp, but unfortunately could not outgrow the nickname. Dishus was home, thankfully, and Teddy let himself in like he always did without ringing the front door bell .

“Hey Dishus, it just me, Teddy.” He found Dishus and his father watching the end of “Johnny Quest” together.

“Boys, why don't you go play outside? It's too nice of a day to be indoors,” suggested Dishus' father, George as the show ended. “And grab a doughnut, Teddy on the way out—there's a plate on the counter.” George often wondered if he got enough to eat, since he always seemed ravenous around his house.

“Sure Mr. Green, and thank you.” Teddy was most certainly always polite, thought George to himself. He grabbed a cake doughnut and inhaled it before they got to the door.

“For Pete's sake, Teddy, take another one,” fussed George.

“Thank you very much Mr. Green!”

They ran outside and took in the cool air off the lake. Dragonflies buzzed in the air and ambient sounds of birds and bugs in the air were nearly deafening. They threaded their way down to Deeland Park, where they had spent a summer there years ago becoming friends and it's where they always ended up at to play, plot and to plan. They flopped on the swings today.

“Dish, I don't know if I can take too much more of this housework and babysitting crap. Remember in History class, where we learned about the hard life of the servant with the dentures?” (He meant indentured servant.) “Well, that's how I feel, but with buck-teeth. The only time they miss me is when I'm not standing by the stove or the ironing board. My life is hard and I'm afraid I'm miserable,” confessed Teddy to Dishus.

Dishus swung thoughtfully on the swings, not going too high.

“Times have changed since the good Ole days of Indian Guides, eh Dish?” lamented Teddy to his friend.

“Dishus strange. I feel miserable too, but because my dad is so strict. I can't watch T.V. until my homework is done. I have to fold my clothes exactly in the drawers and always have my toys picked up. You've seen our house—it looks like a picture in LIFE magazine. You get to grow your hair long like Jonny Quest and I have to cut it like G.I. Joe. It's unfair. At your house, you can do what you want and no-one minds. Toys are always out and your room is so comfortable.”

“Dish, it's a pigsty at our house. And I share the bedroom with two brothers who are slobs. I get blamed for them not picking up our room or making the bed. Do you know why I learned to play the piano, Dish? Because the piano bench was the only unoccupied seat in the house. I simply turned around one day and faced the piano, and I learned to play it for something to do. But even that just adds to the noise.”

He shook his head and continued, “No, you've got it good, my very good friend. But I agree with you: things have to change, and the book I'm reading gives a pretty good case for running away.”

There was a silence and broodiness as they swung on the swings. A plane flew overhead, leaving a white trail that blended into the thin clouds.

“Well, it would give us a change of scenery, anyway.” Dishus widened his eyes hopefully. “We could live together like we promised at the Lantern Parade when we were runts, Teddy,” sighed Dishus.

That seem to strike a chord with Teddy.

“All right! Your on. But we've got to think of some excuse to be gone and not be missed for a while. And we don't have time to plan like the book I'm reading; we have until tomorrow. Do you think we could say we had a field trip?” inquired Teddy.

“On a Saturday? No, we've got to think of something more clever than that to get by my father if we're to disappear by tomorrow.”

Ted jumped off the swings and said, “Well, it's no good sitting here like lugs. How 'bout we go down to the lake and see what's down there? Let's keep out wits about us and.... 'look sharp' as your Dad would say.”

The sun was warm for a fall day in Wisconsin, and not many trees had started to turn yet. The lake was just a few blocks and on the way they only got chased by one dog—a little black and tan chihuahua mongrel that jumped out from behind a burgundy bayberry bush. They were usually ready for this high-strung doggie but today it gave Teddy a fright.

“I hate mice!” said Ted through gritted teeth. Dish laughed at his friend and shook his head.

They caught their breath as they made their way onto the sandy beach. The beach was empty save for two people who walked along the beach near the surf, holding hands. Teddy saw they were a youngish-looking couple—a tall skinny man and a dark haired woman with long hair.

He exclaimed “Hey, that's my sister! And she's with her new boyfriend! Wait till I tell my brothers about this!” They charged down the beach to break the couple's reverie.

“Hey Amy!”

“Hey Teddy, hey Dishus.” Amy was laid back, as evidenced by her bell-bottom jeans and Army pea coat she wore. She sat in many Vietnam war protests, where she met Thane, her new beau.

“Teddy, this is Thane. We're going steady, Teddy.” She laughed at her joke.

“Thane, this is my little brother, Teddy, and his friend, Dishus.”

“Hello guys,” Thane spoke. He had a deep resonant voice but spoke with calm. His bright dark eyes were framed by thick, black, square framed glasses. He stuck out a large, square hand and shook both their hands solemnly. Thane wore a black leather jacket with a peace medallion hung around his neck. His dark hair was parted down the middle and pushed behind his ears. The boys were riveted by his presence.

“Teddy,” said Amy, waking him from his adoration of Thane, “I see you've taken over my duties as babysitter, cook and maid. I know it's not fair, but I have a life of my own now, little brother.” She looked at him thoughtfully.

“I thought to get you out of the house you boys could stay over tonight at Thane's house. I've asked Mom and Dad and since it's the weekend they've said sure. One less mouth to feed, I suppose.” She said that last part half to herself.

“So you, little brother, are on holiday until tomorrow! Dishus, you'll have to run home and get permission—but Thane is all yours.” She gave Thane a kiss on the cheek.

“Thanks, honey. I know they'll have a great time.” She winked at him. “Well, I've got to go to work kids, so Thane will handle it from here. Thane, I've got a double shift at the diner so I'll call you tomorrow to see how it went. Bye guys!” She had unbuttoned her coat (it was a warm day for fall) to reveal a waitress uniform under the coat and over her jeans. She headed towards the street, leaving the boys with Thane.

“Kids, you just need to bring your coats, your toothbrushes, and your thirst for adventure, like Jonny Quest. We won't be playing by the Establishment's rules. Not tonight, anyway." He was serious, speaking in his quiet, commanding voice.

“Go home, have lunch, and rest up. Meet me back at Deeland Park at four o'clock. Tonight is going to be a big night—let's make the most of it.” His steady gaze did not flicker.

“What about pajamas?” inquired Dishus.

“Bring them of course, as to not attract undue attention, but we are going to be staying up all night.” He scratched his chin thoughtfully. “What's the use of getting away from your routine if you don't do something different?”

“Stay up all night?” Teddy was wide-eyed. Thane nodded.

“Oooohh Yes!” They shouted and jived about in the sand with sheer joy—in no small part of not having to really run away from home, either.

“Now be cool about this. This is your opportunity to be grown up without the consequences. Responsibility, now that doesn't go away when you actually are an adult.” He pushed his glasses up with just a hint of a sigh. “See you at four.”

They had been edging their way to the street and Thane approached a black and chrome motorcycle parked on the street. He hopped on it and revved it to life. He roared away leaving Teddy and Dishus speechless.

Dishus finally broke the spell of good luck. “Should I tell my Dad, or should I run away, Teddy?

“A very good question, my very good friend. But the answer is an assuredly and resoundingly yes, you must tell your dad. Our quest has changed; the Universe has spoken. We get to stay up all night with the coolest grown-up I've ever met and we don't want to spoil it with your Dad having the United States Military looking for us. No, that would be no good. We must go to your house and tell him you're going to stay over. We just won't tell him where you're to stay over.”

“Dishus perfect.” He had reverted to his speech impediment from too much excitement.

They ran back to Dishus' house to find George bagging up the lawn clippings off a freshly mowed front lawn.

“Grab those bags, boys and take them out to the alley, pronto,” said George gruffly. Dishus started to open his mouth in protest but Ted silenced him with a look.

“Sure thing Mr. Green,” said Teddy. He grabbed a bag with both hands and picked it up. When he came back from the alley he said, “Hey, Mr. Green, can Dishus please stay over tonight?”

George thought for a moment, setting down the rake. “I guess it would be all right.” He looked sternly at him; then spoke, using his real name. “Richard, have you earned the privilege?

To Teddy's amazement, Dishus spoke with an authority not heard in his voice. “Yes sir, I believe I have. My homework was done yesterday, I helped last night with the laundry and I also washed and dried the dishes, sir.” He held his breath.

“Well now. You have spoken like a true soldier. You have indeed earned a privilege.” He smiled, patting him on the back. Dishus exhaled, and Teddy instantly picked up the rhythm.

“Thank you Mr. Green. Can he come before supper?” Teddy grabbed another bag in earnest. George didn't seem to notice Teddy directing the conversational traffic, as it were, probably because of his helping with the lawn.

“Sure, why not?” George was amazed at their bond. Teddy scampered down the alley and hollered, “See you fifteen hundred hours, soldier!” and charged down the street, leaving Dishus with the rest of the lawn.

***

Promptly at fifteen hundred hours, (which was 3:00 o'clock) Dishus showed up at Teddy's house. He carried a canvas knapsack and had put on a long sleeved western shirt. Stepping on to the porch, he reached for the doorbell but Teddy flew out the door.

“Let's go while the going's good, Dish. My mom just told me I had to make dinner tonight. Fortunately, I had presence of mind to make a pot of goulash this afternoon, and my older brother reluctantly spoke up for me and said he'd set the table. Seems she doesn't remember anything about me being away at the moment.” They dashed down the porch and headed towards the park.

They were there quite early but Thane showed up a bit early too, this time driving Amy's '69 sage green Oldsmobile. Amy and Thane had decorated it with flower decals over the summer and looked quite the hippie mobile, which it was.

“Come on kids, let's blow this Popsicle stand. You hungry? Let's go get a sundae at the diner.”

“Before supper?” Dishus was dumbstruck.

“Why not? There's no rules tonight, men.”

They piled in the front seat and drove to the diner. It was pretty nondescript as diners go, but it did offer something that made it a bustling little joint—the traditional Friday Night Fish Fry, famous in Wisconsin.

They walked in the diner and piled up in a booth. Teddy smelled the aroma of fish and fries and forgot about ice cream.

“Can I have some fish, Thane? I'd like that better than a sundae.”

“Sure man, it's cool,” said Thane.

“I think I want a malt and some fries,” thought Dishus aloud.

Teddy's sister Amy came through the kitchen door and her face lit up as she surveyed their booth .

“Nice to see you guys after all. Whatcha gonna have?” She had put up her dark hair and now withdrew a pen from it's depths. She said calmly, “Teddy's gonna have fish, I know that much, but what about you two?”

Thane gave the order and Amy nodded.

“It's cool. Be right out.”

Teddy took in the busy microcosm of the diner. There were all sorts of different people, but what he chiefly noticed was how busy and hardworking his sister was, yet she didn't seem to be overwhelmed by it.

Geez, all that never-ending housework and babysitting must have made this job seem easy, thought Ted to himself.

His thoughts were interrupted by a platter of deep-fried silver smelt, coleslaw and fries set before him. Thane had ordered a burger, shake and fries and Dishus gasped with delight at his malted and huge basket of fries she put down. Amy handed them a bottle of ketchup and some tartar sauce for the fish. She smiled at their happy faces.

“Thanks honey,” said Thane. Then to the boys, “Dig in, cats!”

They enjoyed their food, and Dishus even helped Teddy finish his second plate of smelt. (It was “all-you-could-eat.”) By the time they were finished and the dishes cleared and the bill settled, the diner had begun to have a line out front.

“Let's scram, kids.” Thane opened his wallet and put a five-dollar bill on the table as a tip. That was equivalent to five hours of wages plus a few large tips from other tables for Amy, and she wasted no time deftly snatching the fiver as she wiped the table, waving to them as they left.

They escaped the overcrowded diner and went outside in the fading light. It was autumn and the sun went down right after supper. There was no breeze off the lake. The boys jumped in the front seat of the Olds.

“Let's cruise to my pad,” said Thane as they headed down the street to the east side of town. They drove past Prangies department store downtown and past the Hamm's brewery towards the outskirts of town. They approached a really rather clean and neat trailer park next to an elementary school Teddy and Richard didn't even know existed. They pulled up to a shiny silver bullet of a house—Thane's Airstream travel trailer and Teddy exclaimed, “You live here? This is space-age!”

Thane laughed heartily and said, “Well, space certainly is a consideration around here. “Grab your stuff and c'mon in.” They rushed past his motorcycle parked in the gravel beside the trailer and tried the door—it was open—and in they went. Futuristic and surrealistic indeed was the interior of Thane's trailer, what with the curved slop of the walls it kind of felt like a submarine. To the left of the door was a living area. Thane had carefully furnished it with a chrome and Formica table and two chairs, stylish lamps and an end table from the late 1940's that did most certainly look like props from the Jetsons. He had cacti and succulents in groups in flat containers that were obviously from some alien landscape. Silver bead curtains separated the living room from the hallway to the right of the room.

One squarish, low-slung black leather settee on the opposite wall to sit on. The kitchen, all chrome and metal-fleck Formica, was to the right of the door. Both boys were hypnotized.

“This is so... cool.” Teddy used the word for the first time in his life in that context.

“This is where we are gonna live when we're grown up,” said Dishus authoritatively. He never gave up on that idea. Teddy nodded in complete approval.

“Why don't we watch some T.V.?” suggested Thane as he took off his coat. “It's Friday night and “The Outer Limits” might be on. Teddy sat on the settee (it was slippery) and Dishus sat in a chrome chair facing the television.
The black and white T.V. rested in a very retro oak cabinet that had a curved front and a speaker in the middle of it, below the cathode ray tube. He turned on the 'on' knob and then turned another to set the channel. The program was about to start as he slid onto the settee next to Teddy.

Years later, Teddy could vividly remember this particular part of the evening and also this particular creepy episode called “The Blob.” Both boys were terrified during the broadcast, especially the part where the Blob was running through the forest, but were able to shrug it off in the presence of Thane, who merely said, “That's what we deserve for meddling with Mother Nature. Let that me a lesson to us all, guys.” He turned off the set. They sat quietly in the dark for a moment. The sun had silently set during the show and all the light that came in the small window was an eerie, greenish glow from an outdoor street lamp.

“Let's get out of this tin can and go for some air.” He grabbed his leather coat and the boys grabbed their coats as well. They left the trailer noiselessly and breathed in the cool, crisp fall air.

“There's a junkyard a walk from here and I'm lookin' for a muffler for the Oldsmobile—whaddya think? That sound cool? I know the guy who runs it, and he has some really groovy stuff.”

The boys nodded eagerly and off they went. It was a bit of a walk; in fact, it was out of town. They passed the last plotted streets of the city and walked past a farmhouse with a large pumpkin patch, full of orange globes on the right side of the road. The moon had just begun to rise over the Great Lake and it cast it's silvery light upon them. Still they walked.

A fork in the road eventually appeared and on the left of the fork lay a very large lot with a wooden fence around it. Peppered on the lot were old, large maple trees. Thane marched right up to the gate and unhooked it.

“We're expected.” was all he said.

They wound their way through a maze of of a mountain of metal, skeletons of appliances, cadavers of cars, and graveyards of unidentifiable junk. The once-upon-a-time farmhouse had peeling white paint, but a warm light shone through the porch from a curtained window. Almost as soon as Thane put his foot on the porch step the door was thrown open.

“Thane, you old draft-dodger! What's up, man? Who are your young friends?” boomed Ben Gentler, sole proprietor of “Sheboygan's Finest Junque and Stuffe.” This large, affable man wore bib overalls and a blue flannel shirt. His blue eyes shone in the dark, and light shone off his head—bald as a billiard ball.

“The little blond kid is my girl Amy's brother, Teddy. His friend is named Dishus. Don't ask him why... We're on a quest to stay up all night. Can you help us?”

Ben's bright eyes twinkled in the dark.

“Ben Gentler is my name,” he said, nodding to the boys. “Ben Rougher, too,” he said, amused at his own joke.

“That's wild, man.” said Dishus, feeling frisky.

“You kids roam around and see if you can find something I've got out there just for you—you'll know what it is when you find it!” Those blue eyes were positively illuminated as he said this last sentence.

They wasted no time and took off amongst the scrap.

“Thane, my good man. I though that muffler you got last week was the right one?”

“Oh... Yeah, it is,” grinned Thane. “I just didn't want to spoil the surprise you have in your back yard. Seems to me this will really blow their minds. Speaking of which, guess what I got today?” They stepped inside to finish their conversation.

Dishus and Teddy both thought that to be in a junk yard with only the moonlight as one's guide was definitively the most consciousness-altering experience they'd ever had.

Phantasmagorical shapes and images of piles of scrap metal, filing cabinets, old bed frames, broken bikes, and a myriad of other objects piled everywhere very nearly overloaded both of them. It was all so cool!

Teddy bent down to look at a rusty gas-station sign and a raccoon ran out from behind it. He got a terrific fright and yelled, “I hate mice!” as it scurried away and scolded them.

Walking to a part of the yard obscured by those large maple trees, Teddy soon forgot his fright as they entered that part of the yard behind the trees.

There they saw the impossible: darkened, ghostly carnival rides from a bygone era! There, in a large clearing in the moonlight, stood a wooden roller coaster, swings, a carousel, a ride called “The Scrambler” and an thrill ride called “The Hammer.”

“This is incredible! And the greatest discovery of our mutual lives,” said Teddy solemnly.

Dishus was stupefied, but nodded. Ben Gentler and Thane soon appeared behind them.

Ben chuckled, “I bet you never saw those in a junk yard, eh?”

“Do they work?” asked Teddy, hopefully.

“Well, let's just see now.” Ben and Thane walked over to a gray metal box on a pole and Ben opened it up. He flipped on several breakers and the rides lit up like fireworks. Colored Christmas lights strung around the trees added to the makeshift midway atmosphere as they came to life by the electricity.

“I salvaged these rides from the now defunct Holland Festival that used to be in Oostburg years ago. If you look closely, with the exception of 'The Hammer,' they're wooden rides.”

And indeed they were amazing. The carousel, ordinarily a kiddie ride to the boys, especially interested them due to the many different types of exotic, hand-carved animals. There, standing majestically amongst wild looking horses: an elk with giant antlers, an African antelope, a giraffe, a caribou, an ostrich, a lion, a tiger, a Unicorn, a huge polar bear and even a griffin! Mermaids flanked the benches and of course there was a rainbow palette of glossy colors, with carved panels adorning the carousel. With those beautiful lights gleaming they couldn't wait to get on! Round and round they went, laughing with abandon, riding every exotic animal again and again..

While they were busy riding the carousel, Thane studied the other rides. The “Scrambler,” although a bit smaller than the conventional ride, was wooden. The carts had been made with fitted dove joints and were brightly painted and had carved tulips and woodland scenes on the ends. The center post of the ride bore detailed carved panels with windmill and wooden shoe motifs.

“This is an amazing work of art, Ben. Why would they ditch this?” Thane shook his head in amazement.

"Progress, man. Or what they think is progress. I think it's because we're becoming a disposable society," said Ben.

The roller coaster, wooden of course, had its carts carved with Dutch themes. The front of the roller coaster was carved to be a large wooden shoe! The boards which supported the twisty track were a bright Dutchboy blue. Glowing yellow light bulbs silhouetted the shape of the track. It towered in the moonlight and had quite a nasty drop and several sharp turns.

And the swings! Each swing painted a different color and with stenciled designs on the chairs! The arms which supported the swings were dotted with colored lights that made it look like Christmas. A large music box in the center of it's rather majestic center boomed music while the lights chased wildly to it.

For those of you who don't know what “The Hammer” is, well, it's a ride that has two bullet shaped cars end to end and another set on the other side of a large, tall arm to balance it. Those cars twist in a circle and put you upside down as the arms go round and round, also putting you upside down! It's quite pitchy and harrowing, to say the least.

Well, the boys were done with the carousel for the time being, so they rushed right over to the scrambler and got in. Ben smiled, turned to Thane and said, “Well, get in before I turn this on!”

Thane responded, “Cool, man, I dig it! But when I give the signal, cut the juice, okay? I'd hate to throw up on your rides, man.”

“No problem, my friend!” Ben chuckled to himself.

Ride after ride they went on, way into the late of the night. Ben cheerfully just kept letting them ride, especially when it came time to ride “The Hammer.” Those boys could not get enough of that. I'm afraid Ben didn't see the signal in time from Thane on a particularly long run on “The Hammer,” and he had to sit down for a moment with his head between his legs, his peace medallion hitting the ground.

Thane was all right after a while, though; the chilly night air helped revive him. After many hours, finally the boys were worn out. They hated to leave their paradise, but Thane reminded them they still had a long, long walk to his house.

“Thank you, thank you, thank you!” How those tired, shining eyes glimmered! They would never forget Thane for his ultra coolness nor would they ever forget big bald Ben Gentler and his Junkyard Carnival!

Ben spoke up, “Hey cats, I'll spring for the ride home.” They filed in the back of his rusty blue '47 Ford truck and it carried them past the farm and the pumpkins, to the edge of the plotted streets and finally to the trailer park by the elementary school, just as the sky turned from a cold gray to a rose pink. The boys tumbled out of the truck bed, too tired to speak.

“Thanks again Ben. Thought maybe a couple of kids having fun on your rides might make you glad you salvaged them.”

“You draft dodger! I knew you were up to no good! And yes, it was a good idea.” They shook hands and Ben took off in his rumbling old truck. Thane entered the trailer and came out just a bit later. He handed them each an apple and banana to eat on the way home.

“I'll take you kids home now—hope you had a good time.”

“We had a BLAST!” sang out Teddy, crunching on his apple.

“Best night of my life!” sang out Dishus, and they both hugged him.

“But what will I tell my Dad? He thinks I've been over at Teddy's house,” worried Dishus. He didn't want to lie, considering what an incredible evening he had. He wouldn't be able to keep this adventure to himself for long.

“Oh, didn't I tell you? I met your old man at the base before I picked you up and told him our plans. Seems I'm not much of a draft-dodger—I have to report for basic training in 2 weeks. There's war going on Vietnam you know, and I have to do my duty for my country—whether I want to or not. That's how I've been raised, and I have to honor that. Anyway, he's the one I had to talk to to find out where I report.”

This blow to their perfect evening rocked them like an earthquake.

“When will you be back, Thane?” asked Teddy, stunned.

“I don't know the answer to that, but it's all right. Everything is gonna be all right—it has to be—'cause the Universe is in order, man. C'mon, let's get you guys home. Dishus, you live closer so you're first. Hop in.” He pushed his hair behind his ears and then pushed up his glasses. There was nothing to say.

They drove in quietude, hearing only the chug of the Oldsmobile until they came to Dishus' house. Dishus shook his hand like a true soldier, got quietly out of the car and said, “It's been a privilege, sir,” and he walked up the driveway.

Thane reflected for a moment, and took off his peace medallion, handing it to Teddy.

“Guess I'll be wearing dog tags instead of peace signs for a while. Ironic isn't it? I believe in peace, not war.”

Thane turned to Teddy with his dark eyes and serious demeanor and looked at him intently before speaking. “Stay young as long as you can, Teddy. Stay young—and free—as long as you can.” And they drove away into the pale morning light. (Thane was a real person who served in Vietnam and never came home...)

Camp Annakeegee---New Fiction - Chapter #3

Camp Annakeegee

By Ted Shinn

Almost every boy or girl in America has experienced summer camp in some form or another. Whether it be church camp, bible camp, boy scouts camp, girl scouts camp, school camp, or youth camp, there are always certain elements that are the same no matter what you call it. These include such experiences as singing around a campfire, ghost stories in the dark of night, eating fish with a lot of little bones in them, getting lost in the woods, homesickness, or getting stung by a bee.

Usually the camp itself is named after some great unknown Native American or his tribe that was probably massacred when the white man came to claim the land. The land, according to the Native Americans, belongs really to Mother Earth and therefore belongs to no man, but the ever-expanding Europeans didn't quite see it that way. Anyway, the name of the camp is usually four or five syllables long and is spelled nothing like how it sounds.

The camps are frequently in remote, picturesque, hilly or mountainous areas and are always on a lake of some kind, mostly the kind that is spring-fed and freezing cold well into July and August when it's really starting to get hot during the day. There's also plenty of pine-fresh air and tons of mosquitoes to go along with it. If you are lucky enough to attend a camp that has cabins and bunk beds, then you really have landed in paradise. Often as not, it's an old military-surplus tent built on a wooden platform to keep out snakes. Either style of accommodations are always named with names of aggressive, warring Indian tribes, such as Sioux, Comanche, or Apache.

Our story starts on a hot Friday afternoon in late August with two brothers, Jeremy and Teddy Shinn, and their father, Fay Shinn just as they were pulling up to Camp Annakeegee in the family's mint-green Studebaker. A cloud of dust settled behind the car as it coughed to a halt by the screened in log-cabin lodge, which had a sign over which said, "Cherokee Lodge."

You see, the Shinn boys, who were seven and eight years old respectively, were in Indian Guides, a father-son organization that promoted bonding, Indian and Christian philosophy, and doing various clever Indian crafts as a way to bring fathers and sons together. Everyone also had an Indian name, belonged to a "tribe," and wore various colored feathers in their headbands indicating rank and achievements. Jeremy looked more like his mother, tall and thin with brown eyes and brown hair, and Teddy looked more like his father, short and round with green eyes and blond hair.

There were lots of fathers and sons checking in, finding their tents and unloading their camping gear, and generally taking in the fresh air and sunshine. It promised to be a great long weekend together!

After Fay Big Thunder (his Indian name) had parked the car and had loaded down each of them with sleeping bags, fishing rods, and duffel bags, he set off to the lodge to check in himself and his boys. "Be back in a minute," he said cheerfully. "You can sit under this pine tree or start down the trail to the tents, whatever's clever…" and off he went. He usually said these kinds of things, as he was very easy going when he was in the wild outdoors, for he loved nature and could forget that he had at least eight more children at home.

Our young brothers stayed firmly put, breathing in all the electricity and adrenaline of the possibilities for fun and excitement. Teddy picked his teeth with a long, dry pine needle. Big Thunder was back in a minute, and pointed to a rustic wood-burned sign that said "Ojibwa Trail" and off they went, winding through the woods, catching a glimpse of some promising blue water through the trees. They went past several tents, until at last they stopped at a tent that had a sign nailed on a nearby pine tree that said, "Blackfoot."

"This is it, braves!" boomed Big Thunder. "Let's unload our stuff and see if we can't find some of our tribe here in a minute. Little Lightning, (that was Jeremy's Indian name) unpack the swimming suits, 'cause I want to take a dip. How about you kids?" Their dad always called going swimming, "taking a dip."

"Of course we do!" they both chimed in.

"Here they are," said Jeremy, after rifling though a duffel bag. He handed them out to each of them.

Teddy unrolled his sleeping bag, and inspected the tent for evidence of mice, for he did not like them one bit. No mouse holes were to be found, to his extreme relief. Jeremy and his father did the same ritual as Teddy. Little Lightning looked furtively for spiders and Big Thunder looked anxiously for snakes. To their joy they found none, although each one thought the others' fears silly.

The Shinns shucked their hot clothes and pulled on their bathing suits that their mother had skillfully sewn for them, grabbed towels and flip-flops from one the duffel bags and off they went in search of the cool, blue lake.

A little further down the trail, right before the shore of the lake, (which seemed gigantic to the boys) lay a large clearing to the left of the trail. In the meadow were fathers and helpful sons setting up long poles that would soon be draped with canvas to form tipis for the big pow-wow and Great Spirit Blessing on Sunday afternoon.

One tipi had had its poles nearly all set up, and had been bound with strong rope to secure them. There was a length of rope dangling from the top of the poles, and a young boy with a cast on his left arm was swinging on it with his right hand.

"Dishus!" Teddy exclaimed. (That was his name, Dishus) "How's the weather up there?"

"Dishus fun!" he cried. "You should try it!" He meant to say "This is fun," but that was his particular way of speaking.

"Richard! Get down from there or you'll break your other arm!" His father bellowed at him like he was a Sergeant in the army. In fact, he was a Sergeant in the army, and even had a flat top to prove it.

"Dishus just like flying," said Dishus, a monkey on a jungle vine. He didn't seem to hear his father at all, who was suddenly underneath him.

"I told you to get down from there, didn't I, Richard?" he commanded. Dishus immediately stopped swinging and dropped to the ground, but it was too late.

Swat! Went the Sergeant's hand on his behind.

"Ow!" cried Dishus, bursting into tears. "I was gonna do it!

"Now you just get yourself in that tent and settle down. Maybe a nap will settle you down. Don't come out for one hour, Private." Dishus and his father, George, had brought their own Army tent and had expertly pitched it in the clearing and he ran howling inside.

"I don't know how you handle ten kids, Big Thunder. I can't seem to get through to one," sighed George. "If only his mother were still with us, I'm sure he wouldn't act up so much."

"Oh, he'll be just fine," said Big Thunder. "The one you can't seem to get through to is usually the one who's gonna do something good with his life. You'll see, he'll turn out better than anyone will expect."

"Do you really think so?" George the Army sergeant looked a little less worried for a moment.

"Heck yeah. One day he's a skinny kid swinging on a rope and the next day he's fighting for this country and making you proud," said Big Thunder, whose eldest son was in the Air Force and overseas in Viet Nam. "Get your suit on, George, and get the boy outta that tent and come down with us to the lake. We'll see what kind of mischief we can get into." His blue eyes sparkled when he said that. He would say things like that; first one thought very serious and then the next one free-as-a-bird.

Lone Wolf and Wuff Cub (George's and Dishus' Indian names) emerged presently from their tent in their bathing suits with their towels. Wuff Cub's eyes were red from crying, but he was obviously happy to be reprieved of his sentence to the tent.

"You ok, Dish?" said Teddy, who didn't like to see his friend get punished in front of the others.

"Dish fine, Dancing Cloud! (That was Teddy's awful Indian name)

"Race ya to the lake!" And off they ran, happy as clams.

The lake was no disappointment; the water a deep blue azure, and it had a nice, sandy strip of beach. The sand went out quite a ways into the lake and the clear water had very little "seaweed". A little jetty went out about fifteen feet into the water, with a rowboat moored to the right of it, and campers were allowed to take it out on to the lake to fish. On the other side of the lake were gentle hills with pine trees coming almost to the water's edge. The wind was calm and you could see the clouds and the sky and the trees' reflection like a mirror in the water.

"Last one in is a rotten egg," yelled the Shinn boy's father. He ran to the edge of the lake and jumped in.

"How's the water, Big Thunder?" asked George Lone Wolf to him when he resurfaced. He threw back his hair and said, "A little brisk, but it feels good!"

And in they all splashed. By this time several more fathers and sons had made it down to the lake and were horsing around in the chilly water, some playing "shark" with their sons and some playing water tag. It felt wonderful in the heat of the day.

After some time, when everyone was beginning to get beyond cooled off and more to the point of freezing, Big Thunder ordered, "Out of the water!" and took his two boys back to their tent to dry off and warm up. They all put on long pants and sweatshirts, and hung up their towels and suits to dry.

"When's suppertime?" asked Teddy Dancing Cloud, who always seemed to be hungry.

“Me want venison and pemmican to eat,” said Big Thunder good-naturedly.

"Can I just have a cheeseburger and a glass of milk?" said Jeremy Little Lightning, and they all laughed together. So they put on their headbands with one feather each and off they trotted to the lodge, Big Thunder being very careful to close the flaps securely on the tent.

The lodge was bustling with men and boys, all of which had various sorts of headbands, feathers and degrees of Indian costumes. After their supper, which consisted of fried perch, (Teddy didn't mind all the little bones) cornbread, French fries, corn on the cob, glass after glass of cold milk, and apple cobbler for dessert, it was time to clear the tables and start the evening's crafts. Tonight they were making drums for the big pow-wow on Sunday. Everyone sat with his tribe, and materials were passed out for drum construction: irregular pieces of leather, cord, and empty cardboard oatmeal containers that had been covered with construction paper. For the drum sticks, wooden dowels, cotton and a piece of hide would be used. A chief who wore many colored feathers in his headband, and a "Packer's" football sweatshirt gave instructions on how to complete the drum. His multi-colored feathers indicated he was a Big Chief and he seemed to have a large tribe with him.

"First, you will want to trim the leather so it covers both the top and the bottom of the oatmeal container," said the Big Chief. "Next, take the hole punch which we will pass around and punch holes at the edge of the leather so the cord can be strung through it." This actually took quite a bit of finagling by all in attendance to string that cord taut while keeping the head of the drum over the canister. Several men became impatient and even more of the boys became discouraged.

"Dishus stupid!" complained Dishus. "I can't do dish!" So with a little help from the big chief and his dad, they eventually finished their drum. And it actually sounded like a drum, too. Dishus, banged happily upon it with his palms like a Latin conga player until George put a stop to it.

The skies in Big Thunder's camp weren't without storm clouds, either, as he had two drums he had to help make. They were not having much success with the stringing the cord through the holes and keeping the leather tight. It always seemed to slip off the oatmeal container! So the big chief came around and repeated instructions and two other dads helped them out, one holding the oatmeal cylinder and the bottom piece and the other looping the cord and holding the top piece. "Whoever the goof was who thought this idea up oughta be scalped," grumbled one of the dads who was helping the Shinn boys. Drum stick construction went a lot easier, and soon the whole room was merrily pounding away.

"Braves," shouted the Big Chief over the noise, "save your energy for the pow-wow on Sunday. Now, it's time for the campfire!" So the drums were stashed in an empty room next to the to the kitchen, after carefully labeling them, and the boys dashed outside ahead to the bonfire which was blazing brightly and quite warm. The nearly full moon shone brightly through the trees. Boys scampered about looking for sticks to toast marshmallows with and a chance to use their penknives. After toasting or burning many marshmallows, which ever was their preference, the Big Chief told a story about the Great Spirit and how it was a part of all there is. Everyone listened with great interest to that story, wondering about how they fit in the scheme of things.

Then he asked one of his Braves to tell a story about a ghost Indian rider with three eyes in his head that was seen in these parts in days gone by. The boys' eyes grew wide, as he spun the yarn, and several stopped eating marshmallows, their fingers seemed uncomfortably sticky now. He got to the part where the ghost had raised his tomahawk and was shrieking his death wail on the unsuspecting campers; "I am the Ghost with the three white eyes…! I am the Ghost with the three white eyes…! I am the Ghost with the three white eyes…!" Several of the youngest boys squealed in terror and every boy was frozen in horror, knowing the bloody fate that befell them.

The storytelling Brave went on, ending with, "So the camper says to the ghost, 'Yeah, and if you don't shut up, you'll be the Ghost with the three black eyes!' Get it, huh?" Three black eyes…! Ha, Ha, Ha!" And as the punchline of the joke sunk in, they began laughing. The storytelling Brave kept laughing and laughing! He almost fell down; he was laughing so uncontrollably. The dads were laughing hard too, sidesplitting laughter that rang through the woods and down clear to the lake. It spooked an owl that was hunting for his supper.

"I guess they got us," conceded Teddy, after the laughter had died down.

"I wasn't scared," boasted Jeremy.

"Dishus the best ghost story I ever heard," admitted Dishus.

"And now, it's time for bed for all," said the Big Chief "Tomorrow is a big day little braves. There will be a hike in the woods with a lunch, crafts for those who don't wish to hike, a fishing contest, and a moonlight council, if we're all still awake!" There was the usual reluctance to go off to bed as all little boy's do, but with a little less grumbling. They had had a big day.

"Make sure you boys pee before you get in the tent; I don't want to have to get up in the middle of the night," said Big Thunder to his braves. The other man and his son who was sharing the tent with Big Thunder and his clan showed up as the boys scooted into their sleeping bags.

"That was quite the campfire tale, wasn't it, Big Thunder," said Ralph Eagle Wing, securing the tent flaps. "I haven't laughed like that in a long time," he said as he rolled out their sleeping bags and stripped off his shirt. He turned to help his five-year-old son Roy into his pajamas then pulled on the string to turn out the light, which was a bare electric bulb that hung from the middle of the tent.

"Me neither, Ralph Eagle Wing. You guys like a good ghost story, huh braves?"

"Oh yes," they giggled from the sleeping blankets.

"Now, no tomfoolery boys, I gotta get um shut eye…" Big Thunder yawned and turned over. Ralph Eagle Wing was all ready snoring and off to visit his Happy Hunting Ground and Big Thunder was quick to follow.

But poor Roy, the little five-year-old was wide-awake! He didn't quite get the joke and wasn't sure what the difference white eyes or black eyes would make to a ghost, and he was still scared from the campfire story.

"Are you awake?" he whispered to anyone, hoping someone would answer. The men continued snoring.

"Yeah, I am," whispered Teddy back. "You're not scared of that old story, are you? It was just a joke. There's really no such thing as ghosts," he said convincingly.

"I know but I'm scared. Can I sleep with you?"

“In MY sleeping bag?”

Teddy thought about it for a minute. After all, he slept with three or four of his brothers to a bed at home. "Well, I guess no one would mind. But you'd better not pee in my sleeping bag or my dad will have a fit!"

"I don't do that anyway," said Roy Little Feather indignantly, and he crawled in the sleeping bag with Teddy Dancing Cloud, who was beginning to drift off. "I don't feel so scared now," he murmured softly and he, too, drifted off to the place where all earthly souls go to remember who they are and to be nourished by the Great Spirit.

As the dawning light began to illuminate the tent, and the forest birds started chirping to greet the day, Roy Little Feather crept back into his own sleeping bag, feeling greatly relieved that the ghost with the three white eyes didn't murder him with his tomahawk in his sleep. In fact, it did seem like nonsense now!

Almost like Christmas day, and nearly as chilly, the rest of boys were up half a second later. "We'd better go outside," mouthed Teddy, being the oldest and wisest of the three. The kids grabbed their clothes and shoes and socks.

"Know what I like about being in the outdoors?" said Jeremy after they had gotten away from the tent.

"Nope! What?" asked Roy.

"You can wear the same clothes you had on yesterday, dummy! No baths, either!"

So the boys busied themselves by imagining winning the fishing contest and bragging about their fishing lures while they peed in the bushes. You see, small boys aren't really that much different than grown men. Just then Dishus came up the trail to meet them. He looked sleepy and his feather angled strangely out of his headband, like he might have slept with it on.

"What's the matter, Dish? Didn't you sleep well?" Teddy hoped that his friend had slept well, as he knew he was prone to nightmares about his deceased mother.

"Oh, I slept fine, dishus way too early for me, though!"

Jeremy said, "We were talking about the fishing contest today, Dish. Who do you think'll win it?" Jeremy had a nice new Coleman reel and a good pole for a six-year-old. The Shinn's were serious fishermen, and almost everyone they knew were well aware of that fact.

"I don't know, but I know my pole isn't that good. We don't fish much like we used to." Dishus did seem a little down.

"Don't worry, Dish, we've got tons of lures (Teddy called them “lurrs”) and my dad will help you fish. He's plumb good at it. Jeremy, go back in the tent and grab the tackle box, will you? Let's check out our weapons! And don't wake up Dad, or we won't be able to do anything right today. Scootch!" And off he went, and was back before they had time to change the subject, like perhaps what was going to be for breakfast.

"Check this out!" said Teddy as he opened the three-tiered tackle box. It was like looking in a candy store. There were all sizes of hooks, leaders, bobbers, stringers and various weights of fishing line. There were metal lures, wooden lures, and plastic lures of every color and description. There were fake worms, tadpoles, caterpillars and bugs, flies neatly tied out of feathers and even little jars of orange salmon eggs, corn, and miniature marshmallows, all neatly stored in their place in the little compartments. (If Roy were a little bit younger he would have wanted to put a bobber in his mouth). There was also a bright, shiny aluminum bait box to clip on your belt that Dad hadn't used yet.

"The marshmallow's are for carp and for bass," said Teddy knowingly. He had a sixth sense when it came to fishing. To him, it was all in where you put your line and what was on the end of it.

"Dishus the most fishing stuff I've ever seen," said Dish. He was easily overwhelmed, but he really wasn't without just cause.

"We'd better put it back now, guys. Jeremy, run it back before Dad gets up, will you?" And off he went again.

"They're up." Jeremy said brusquely as soon as he returned. I don't need to tell you he meant by 'they.' "I didn't get caught, neither. Hey, your Dad is at our tent, Dishus." So off they went, back to their tents to get their headbands and on to breakfast as a tribe.

Their breakfast was an ample one, and was provided by the owners of the campground. There were fresh fried donuts, cereal, scrambled eggs, blueberry pancakes, bacon, sausage, toast, cold milk, and coffee for the grown-ups. The Big Chief said a blessing to Mother Earth, the Four Winds, and to Jesus. It was a solemn moment. Then it was every man for himself!

Now there is nothing like sleeping outdoors to awaken the mighty appetite within, and somewhere between a second stack of pancakes and more sausage links did the warriors' chat about the upcoming day's events. All agreed the hike would probably be pretty fun, but the discussion got lively when it turned to the fishing contest later than day.

"You gonna smoke us again this year, Big Thunder? Maybe you should back out of the contest, seeing as it isn't much of a contest when you and boys are in it," said a red-haired man named Red Bear sitting at the same table. He had three boys, and all of them had blue eyes, carrot-orange hair and zillions of freckles. Their orange feathers nearly matched their hair.

"Now Red Bear, why would I do that? There's nothing wrong with a little friendly competition between tribes, eh? I do believe it builds character in a boy." He smiled. He certainly was proud of his boys' natural ability to yank every creature out of the water like it yearned to live on land. Plus the prize was a present for the kid who caught the fish and some money for the tribe. If his tribe won the contest, then he and his boys' dues (and then some) were paid out of the prize money for the whole year.

"Well I just thought someone else might have a chance this year, that's all," Red Bear said glumly.

"Ah, perk up! I'll lend any lure or bait you want to use of mine," he offered. "It's really all in where you put your line and what is on the end of it." Big Thunder really did mean it about sharing his lures and his bait. Perhaps that is why the Shinns had such good luck.

The Big Chief, who was sitting a couple of tables away, rose slowly when the languorous meal was about over.

“Just to remind you braves that today is the luncheon hike up Blue Mountain to the old massacre site, if anybody is still hungry after eating this feast! The hike starts at ten-thirty this morning and lunch is promptly at noon at the site. And don't forget, for those who aren't going on the hike, there will be crafts here at the lodge. I believe birch bark canoes are on the agenda! Such fun, eh? Hikers, we'll be back easily by one o'clock or one-thirty because the fishing contest starts at three o'clock. This will give the weary warriors some time to perhaps rest up a bit after the hike, too." There was laughter following that last remark, and the men and boys pushed their chairs back and headed towards their tents to get ready.

A long log building near the lodge served as both lavatory and shower facilities, and there were plenty of men heading towards it with towels, shaving kits and unenthusiastic boys. Several comments were heard from that direction were to the effect of, "But I thought you said we didn't have to take a shower if we didn't want to," and pleas of "but I went just went swimming in the lake yesterday!" and so on.

"You guys want to take a dip in the lake, or take a shower? Doesn't matter to me, this is your weekend, kids. Personally, a dip in the lake sounds like just the thing," said Big Thunder to his sons back at the tent. He shared the bathroom at home with lots of people, and felt the need for a more expansive bathing facility.

"Yay!" cried the boys with glee. Sometimes Dad was so easy going!

"We don't have much time before the hike, so let's get a move on." They quickly grabbed their suits, which were stiff and dry from the day before and practically leapt into them and down the trail they went to the chilly lake.

After their refreshing bath, Jeremy and Teddy got dressed in the tent and wandered out on the trail to seek their friends. There was no sign of their tent mates, either Ralph Eagle Wing or Roy, as they had gotten ready and had headed back to the lodge while the Shinns were dunking in the lake. Presently they came to the lodge to find Dishus and his father finishing their "discussion" about him wearing his sling on his broken arm with the cast. He had his arm tied up in a bright red handkerchief.

"Hey look at me," he greeted cheerfully. "Dishus my new sling! And he danced and leapt around like the sprite he was.

"Hey, Dish," said Teddy, amazed at his friend's effervescence. "I see you're not too excited about this hike?"

Jeremy had found a toad and was busy trying to catch it.

"Richard! Calm down this instant," his father roared, "or you will sit in the tent for the rest of the morning." He must have gotten through because Dishus was immediately quiet. Teddy's dad Big Thunder had come up the path. "He's getting to you a little early, isn't he George?"

"I guess he is. I shouldn't be so hard on him," sighed George. Big Thunder put a hand on his shoulder. "And don't be too hard on yourself, my Indian brother."

George had brought two small knapsacks which one he gave to Big Thunder to put his family's lunches in and the other for he and his cub. "Here you go, Big Thunder, courtesy of Uncle Sam."

"May the Great Spirit bless you, considerate George Lone Wolf."

Roy came out of the lodge with his dad Ralph carrying two sack lunches. "You better get your lunch," said Roy, "before they're all gone." The boys had a new distraction for a second and dashed into the lodge to grab lunches for them and their Pops.

By this time the lodge was a jumble of warriors and braves, getting lunches and waiting for someone to lead the hike.

"All right, if we're all here, the trail starts right behind the lodge," said the Big Chief, who seemed to be the coordinator of the events. "Stay with your tribe, if you can, and help those brothers who are falling behind or can't keep up! There are some kind-of steep spots toward the top of trail, so be careful. And watch for snakes!" And off they went, en masse.

A few hours later after they returned from the hike, which thankfully no one saw any snakes and there were no incidences or injuries, Big Thunder laid down the law. "I'm bushwhacked, buckaroos. We've got to rest our eyes for a moment, boys." That was his way of saying it was time for a nap. Jeremy and Teddy were tired, too, and the tent was so cool with the breeze blowing through. So they all lay atop their sleeping bags for just for a minute…

…And an instant later an hour had gone by and it was time to get prepared for the fishing contest! Teddy yawned and scratched his arm. He had gotten a couple of mosquito bites on the hike. Jeremy was a bit more awake and had grabbed his pole and was checking it over like a professional.

"Where are those worms we brought?" asked their father, putting on his baseball cap. "Are they still in the cooler?" They had brought a special small Styrofoam cooler, which had two small boxes of worms in it, on ice. The cartons resembled take-out from a Chinese restaurant, but without the characters printed on them.

"Here's my beauties." He examined them, assured that they were still alive and crawling. "They don't call these 'Red Devils' for nothing, boys. This is our secret weapon. No fish in this lake can resist these!" He said with a gleam in his eye.

"Teddy, grab the tackle box, if you can manage it, and I'll carry the worms. Stop itching those bites, it'll only make 'em itch more!"

They trudged along the path with their gear. They went past the clearing with the tipis, through the woods and down to the shore of the lake. The shore was littered with men and boys who had all ready staked out their spot, but Big Thunder was confident. He quickly scanned the shore and out into the water as far as he could see. There were some big rocks he could just make out on the bottom, and beyond that, that makings of a nasty drop-off.

"This looks good to me, but what do you boys think?" He knew of Teddy's sixth sense when it came to fishing and always listened to his observations.

"This is O.K., I think, but over here is the same thing but with seaweed just beyond the rocks. This will be better for bigger fish."

"Very good, son. I didn't think of that," nodded Big Thunder. "Be sure to choke up on your bobber so you don't get tangled in that seaweed if you cast out that far." The boys busied themselves with the mechanics of setting up their poles (they were never allowed to have hooks on their poles until they were by the water and ready to fish) and waited anxiously for the everyone else to show up and get ready. George and Dishus showed up and picked the spot originally chosen by Teddy's dad. Ralph Eagle Wing and Roy were right behind them with their poles and staked a spot to the right of the Shinns. Ralph helped Roy set up his pole.

"This is a good spot, Dish," said Teddy. "Let me take a look at that pole, though, my very good friend." He checked the reel and found the line unwound O.K and would cast a fair way out. "Dish, you need a leader, though, and some weights to get your line out there." He picked out a leader and two little lead weights from the tackle box. He threw on the leader and replaced his hook with an Eagle Claw Number 8, being careful to put the old one back in the tackle box. He put a lead weight on the line and clamped down on it with his teeth to secure to the line. He did the same to the other one, and adjusted his bobber. "There you go, Dishus," said Teddy.

Dishus was pleased and said to his father, "Dishus gonna be fun! Do you think I'll catch a walleyed pike?"

"We'll see," smiled George, as he baited the hook with worm. "Now wait, until we are told to start!"

The Big Chief and the whole entourage were finally assembled on the shore and he raised his hand for silence.

"Now the rules of the contest are still the same as last year! Warriors may help bait hooks for their braves, and you may use live bait or lures, but braves must cast out their own lines and reel in their own fish! Warriors may help braves take fish off their lines, however. Please be extra careful when casting! We don't want a repeat of last year's accident!"

Last year, one of the boys had cast his line and his hook had gotten caught in someone else's earlobe. It was quite painful, although not serious, and had marred the fun of the contest last year. He continued. "The limit is ten fish per person and you must throw back anything that is under twelve inches for bass, trout or pike. There are no limits or size restrictions on Blue gills or Sunfish, but the prize for the biggest fish is for bass. A special prize will be awarded for anyone lucky enough to land a lake trout or walleyed pike. This lake was stocked this spring so there are some big fish in here." The Big Chief spread his arms and raised his hands over the water. "Great Spirit, we take only what we need for our supper and sustenance tonight. Bless us and be generous with your abundance, Amen. Let's fish, boys!"

So all the braves commenced to bait their hooks or attach their lures and cast their lines into the bright water. There was a whir and a click as Teddy cast his line right between the rocks and the seaweed. His cast didn't go unnoticed by his Dad.

"Perfect, son."

Jeremy didn't do half bad with his cast, either. The bobber lay on top of the shining water. Roy sort of plopped his line in about six feet from shore. He was happy as a lark he could even be in the contest!

Ralph Eagle Wing said, "Roy, let's try that again. See if you can get out just a little farther." He lifted his straw hat and ran his fingers through his thick black hair. Roy cast again, this time a few feet further. "That's great!"

Meanwhile, Dishus was having an awful time. He fretted and fussed, and couldn't seem to sit still long enough to be satisfied with any cast. He constantly would reel in his line the instant he cast it out. Teddy quickly came to his aid.

"Dish, you gotta calm down, and leave your line in the water," coached Teddy. "Don't let up on your reel until you get past the rocks," he advised. Dishus took his advice and whiz! Out went his line to the rocks.

"Dishus a good cast, isn't it?" Teddy nodded to him, and quickly he was jubilant once again.

Suddenly, Jeremy's bobber made a dash for the deep. "I got one!" He shouted as he set the hook. He reeled in Blue gill, about the size of a bread and butter plate. It flopped on the shore for only a minute before his dad had grabbed it and removed the hook.

"Nice one, Little Lightning!" he praised, and put it on a stringer. He secured the stringer with a rock and the fish swam sideways in the warm shallow water, a bit dazed from his unfortunate luck. Teddy's bobber was next to disappear soon after that.

"Bass, by the force of that hit," he predicted softly to himself, as he set the hook and reeled in a struggling, fat, twelve-inch bass.

Big Thunder was ecstatic. "That's my boy!" He helped Teddy get it off the hook and on to the stringer with the other fish. Both Jeremy and Teddy baited their hooks and cast their lines.

In the meantime, Roy had managed to catch a small sunfish and was as happy as if he'd caught a whale. This was only his second time to fish, ever, and the first to catch anything. His face was all freckles and a grin. His father had put it on a stringer for him, and he was dragging it in the water on the shore like walking a dog on a leash.

"Can I keep him?" begged Roy.

"Sure," said Ralph Eagle Wing. "I guess he's big enough to eat, if you don't mind the bones."

"Eat him?" said Roy, horrified. "Why would we want to eat him? I want to keep him as a pet!" He had visions of his sunfish and his goldfish swimming together. So Ralph Eagle Wing took Roy aside and explained to him the facts of life when it comes to catching fish. Roy reflected on his father's words, and took a deep breath.

Slowly he said, "I think we better let him go, then, so he can live in the lake… ALIVE, where he belongs." From then on he could never eat fish and became a vegetarian later in life.

Other boys caught fish on that warm afternoon; some of them good sized bass, and most were having a good time. But no one caught any walleyed pike or any lake trout yet, least of all Dishus. He wasn't having any luck at all. He got one strike and yanked his pole too quick to set the hook. The bobber had flown out of the water like a missile and hit the shore.

"Keep at it Dish," said Teddy has he reeled in another bass, this time a big one. This one was at least 16 inches long and well over two and a half pounds. He grunted as he reeled it in, and his dad triumphantly helped him get it off the hook and on the stringer.

"This might be the one, boys. I don't see anyone else with a fish nearly as big as this!" The Big Chief and many others came over to inspect it.

"Good fishing, brave," he said in approval. "We have another half hour to go, but this is lookin' pretty good," he announced to the onlookers. "Big Thunder, your boys are doing it again this year," said the Big Chief as examined their string of fish, which had a copious amount of fish on it.

"Congratulations, Teddy Dancing Cloud, looks like you'll be the winner, fair and square," said Dishus' father George. He and Big Thunder and the Chief wandered down the shore to see other boys' strings of fish; Jeremy took off after them. He'd caught enough fish for one day, and he knew what lay ahead—the nasty business of cleaning them all.

Dishus was doing his best to be happy for his friend but he was clearly downcast, so to speak. He couldn't do anything right!

"I guess I'll just go back to my tent," he said downheartedly. "I knew I wasn't going to catch anything."

"Dishus! Don't be a quitter!" Teddy wasn't enjoying his apparently imminent victory. He would have much rather seen his friend catch something. What could he do? He couldn't fish for him, but… what if he gave him some friendly advice? That wasn't against the rules.

"Dishus! Get back here!" He called to his friend, who was walking away from the shore with his pole. "I've got an idea!"

"It's too late," moaned Dishus, with his head hung in dejection. "I give up. It's this darn cast on my arm, anyway."

"But you haven't tried my secret weapon yet!" Teddy insisted. "One that will catch a walleyed-pike!"

He pricked up his ears. "Dishus something you have in your tackle box?" He turned back towards the shore, despair beginning to slightly ebb.

"Yes, I don't know why I didn't think of it before. Check this out." He handed him a lure that was almost an exact replica of a leopard frog, but with two three-pronged hooks imbedded in it. It even had swivels in the legs that would make it look like it was kicking in the water--a deadly lunch for any passing pike. "Walleye's love frogs, Dish. Can't pass 'em up." He took the lure back from Richard and attached it to his pole. "There's no rules that say you can't use another brave's pole, and I'm done fishing for the day. Use my pole with this lure and come over to where Roy was fishing before he left. There's a big log just where it's starting to get deep. You can kind-of see it if you squint. There's seaweed too, so you're gonna have to be careful, but that's where the walleye are. I can feel it. But this is important, Dish, so we have to pray to the Great Spirit to help us." So both boys kneeled down on the shore and prayed:

"Great Spirit," said Teddy to the ethers, "we need to catch a walleye to heal my friend Dishus, who you might know as Richard. His life lately hasn't been too good, as you know, because his mother has gone to the Happy Hunting Ground and he misses her. If you could please give back something to him, a sign of some kind that you still care about him, it would mean a lot to him. In Jesus' name, Amen."

Dishus gave his borrowed pole a trial cast in quiet anticipation. The lure struck the water with a thud. He reeled it in.

"Try that again, Dish and let it out a little more. Feel it fly over the water. Say 'Mississippi River" as you let it out. Then let it sink for another 'Mississippi River' and reel it in." Again and again he patiently instructed him, and he did begin to get it the hang of it.

"Now, gently jerk the pole like a froggy's a swimmin' on the end of it. Feel it kick in the water. Yeah, that's it. Do it again." Teddy stared hard into the water, mentally summoning the wary walleye from the depths. The sun was off that part of the lake now and most of the boys were done fishing, and the fierce predators were back to the business of scrounging up a meal.

"How 'bout a little froggy for lunch?" Said Teddy. Just then the line gave a frightful jerk, and the tip of the rod arched over.

"I got a bite!" Dishus screamed happily.

"Let him take it, Dish. Ease up just a little." The fish struck again. "Now, jerk it hard!" And he did!

"You've got him," yelled Teddy. "Let's see what kind he is." The fish made a quick lunge for the surface, and then plunged to the depths hoping to shake the lure.

"It's a damn walleye! And it's a really big one!"

The commotion on shore got everyone's attention very quickly. In an instant there was George and Big Thunder and all the boys there to cheer on Dishus and his big fish. The contest rules said he had to reel it in by himself, and the fish was beginning to get the best of him. Teddy grabbed his legs and held him firmly on shore. They were an awkward pair, with Dishus' broken arm stuck out at an odd angle and Teddy's head sticking out from between Dishus' legs. They looked like a bizarre two-headed gargoyle that had just come to life.

"Let out a little line, just a little, and then reel it back in." said his exuberant father. "That's it!" The monster broke the surface again, and all got a look at him.

"He must be at least two feet long!" exclaimed Jeremy, jumping up and down.

"Do it again, Dishus, this time reel it in a little more. Anybody got a net?"

"We do," said Big Thunder, producing one from the tackle box and handing it to George. (It was a big tackle box indeed!) By this time the fish was quite near the shore and George splashed into the water and managed to scoop it into the net. Teddy had let go of his legs and Dishus leapt up and down delightedly.

"Um, do you mind getting it off the hook, Big Thunder?" asked George, a little sheepishly. To be truthful, he was a little more than frightened of its teeth as it thrashed violently in the net.

"Piece of cake, Brother George, but bring it up more on shore. We don't want that one to get away!" He had gotten a magnetic pair of pliers that would reach down into the fish's mouth and wrest the hook from it. With a simple twist of the pliers he retrieved what was left of the frog lure. He glanced at it. He knew right away that it had come from his tackle box. He stunned the fish with a rock and everyone came over to examine it. It was well over two feet and certainly at least ten pounds. One of the dads had a camera and he snapped several pictures of Dishus and his father holding up his giant catch.

"Daddy, I lent Dishus the lure," confessed Teddy immediately to his dad as they began to gather their things. "I wanted him so badly to catch a fish, and I borrowed it for him. I didn't expect it to get ruined. I'm sorry. I'll pay you back somehow, and buy you another. Please don't be mad at me."

"Son," he said, looking directly at him. "I'm not mad at you at all, in fact I’m very proud of you. You did a good thing for your friend, and I don't mind losing a lure to help someone." His son's friend Dishus may have won the grand prize, but his son had won his admiration with his unselfish heart.

"Looks like we have two winners, huh George Lone Wolf?" Big Thunder got out his sharp fishing knife and started to clean the fish. "You boys run along and get ready for supper. Aren't you getting hungry? Lord, I'm famished! I'll bring the gear and the poles back for you. Now get!" They scampered down the trail like squirrels and into the forest, laughing and excited from the dramatic climax to the fishing contest.

George Lone Wolf said slowly, "Your son did an incredibly kind act by helping Richard catch that fish. You have instilled values of compassion in your children, and that makes you a great man."

"I'd have been disappointed if he hadn't," Big Thunder said modestly.

He rinsed the cleaned fish and his knife in the lake and packed up. "This has been a good weekend, though. I'm glad we got to spend some time with you and Richard this weekend."

"Wouldn't have missed it for the world."

"We'll see you at supper, then?"

"You'll be at our table."

Dinner was a glorious feast, made even more so by the fact that the food was caught by the participants at the feast. All had dressed in their best regalia, and the room was as colorful as a psychedelic turkey farm. There was the fresh-caught-and-cleaned fried fish, which everyone agreed tasted the best ever, baked potatoes, steamed fresh green beans, biscuits and butter, and of course, glass after glass of icy cold milk. (It was Wisconsin, don't forget) Dishus and his dad were allowed to eat the Great Walleyed Pike, (the cook had filleted it specially and there was enough to share with the whole table and more) and it was delicious, light and flaky.

After everyone had eaten as much dinner as humanly possible, fresh blackberry pies were brought out along with a five-gallon carton of vanilla ice cream. Dishus and his father helped scoop the ice cream on the slices of pie, (being the top winners) and both men and boys heartily congratulated them on catching certainly the most memorable fish (perhaps ever) as they absconded with their pieces of pie.

The dishes were cleared and the Big Chief got up (rather slowly; he was incredibly full) to award the prizes, which were covered by a sheet on a table near the kitchen door. The chatter and clamor stopped at once.

"Warriors and Braves," he began. "It is now time to award the prizes for the fishing contest! There is no doubt who will receive the prize for the most dramatic catch of the day, (Dishus blushed right then) but first we will award the prizes for biggest, smallest, and the first fish caught." His assistant pulled the sheet off the table to reveal some pretty wonderful looking gifts.

"For the biggest fish in the bass category, First Prize goes to Teddy Shinn Dancing Cloud of the Iroquois Tribe, of Sheboygan. Can you come up with your father?" He picked up a nice bow and arrow set that had a real leather quiver tooled with Indian designs on it and handed it to him. He also handed Big Thunder an envelope with ten dollars in it, enough for dues for both of them for another year! "Your largemouth bass weighed in at 2 pounds 12 ounces, and was sixteen inches in length. Congratulations on a fine job, Teddy Dancing Cloud." The room was alive with applause. Teddy rushed back to his table to show his friends his wonderful prize.

"For the smallest fish caught today," continued the Big Chief, "Second Prize goes to Red Claw Andy O'Hara, of the Nez Pierce Tribe, of Fon Du Lac. Come up with your father, Red Claw." He handed him a nice pair of beaded moccasins and to his father went an envelope, too. "Your fish was almost two inches long and weighed less than an ounce!"

"We're not too proud to accept this award! We'll take what we can get," said Red Bear. Everyone laughed and they sat down.

"For the first fish caught, our Third Prize goes to Little Lightning Jeremy Shinn, also a son of Big Thunder, of the Iroquois Tribe of Sheboygan. Come on up!" The Big Chief handed Little Lightning a box that had a plastic, Indian chief action figure and his horse, and another envelope to Big Thunder. "Your fish was a seven inch, one pound Blue gill, big for these parts." There was big applause and father and son sat back down at their table. Jeremy showed his prize all around the table with much glee.

"And as for the Grand Prize, come on up Richard Green Wuff Cub, who we also know as Dishus, and George Green Lone Wolf, of the Iroquois Tribe of Sheboygan. Guys, at the very tail end of the fishing contest, Dishus pulls out what turns out to be the largest walleye ever caught here at Camp Annakeegee, a whopping 2 feet 3 inches and weighing thirteen pounds ten ounces! Let's give these men a big hand!" His last sentence wasn't even heard as every one rose to their feet and gave them thunderous applause. He continued after the din died down. "For this most remarkable feat, you win the trophy (which Dishus could hardly hold for his excitement) your dad gets twenty-five dollars, (Now George was excited) and I present to you a complete Coleman fishing rod and reel and tackle box, as you have proved yourself a formidable fisherman."

His dad took his trophy out of his arms for a moment, so he could receive his prizes. Dishus was completely enraptured.

"Dishus all mine? Dishus for me?" After it had sunk in a little he said, "Dishus the happiest night of my life!" And he danced a little victory dance while everyone clapped their hands.

The winners passed around their prizes for all to get a good look at what was won, and after much admiration of the trophy and prizes, the men and boys began to head outside to one last campfire. The air was crisp and piney, and the fire crackled and danced. There wasn't much talking and they sang "Michael Row The Boat Ashore." The now full moon had just risen over the hills and had a warm golden hue to it. The ancient orb's reflection in the lake was punctuated by feeding fish making ripples on the water. They sat in contemplative silence and took it all in. It was a moment that most all the boys ended up remembering about that weekend camping trip long into their adult lives.

There are a few more things to tell about the remainder of the weekend. The pow-wow after breakfast the next day was alive with the sounds of the drums echoing through Mother Earth's woods, much like the indigenous peoples that once lived there. There was also a grateful joining of The Great Spirit and the human souls together for a brief respite on their earthly sojourn.

And as the tipis and tents were pulled down and automobiles packed with fishing and camping gear, Jeremy,

The Meteor Shower-- New Fiction From Ted Shinn

The Meteor Shower

by Ted Shinn

A slight, blond boy with intense green eyes plodded down a shaded street early one morning in mid-August in the small town of Sheboygan, Wisconsin. He was eight years old. The boy's name was Ted, but everyone called him “Teddy,” much to his dismay. He seemed to be lost in thought.

“I wish I had a bicycle,” he muttered to himself. “If I had a bicycle I'd be there all ready!” He imagined himself racing through the streets of Sheboygan, wind blowing his white-blond hair in the cool breeze that always blew off Lake Michigan.

He ambled through various yards (without dogs) and down alleyways to get to his friend Richard Green, who lived in a neat white-painted Colonial house to the north of where he lived on 502 N. Wisconsin Avenue. He clamored up the driveway to the front door, rang the buzzer and let himself in.

At once he was greeted warmly by two adults—a husky Army drill sergeant with a flat-top haircut and a shadow of a woman—frail, thin, with brown wavy hair and bright eyes who was propped on the couch with pillows and blankets—odd for a hot August day, thought Teddy.

She smiled and said, “Hello Teddy, how are you today?” She seemed to have trouble breathing but went right on, “There's a plate of fresh donuts on the counter, why don't you have some?”

“Hello Mrs. Green, I'm fine, thank you for asking. How are you doin'?” He was always polite, she thought to herself. She took a labored breath and said, “Just fine, Teddy.”

“Thanks for the donut, Mrs. Green!” he said as he wandered into their spotless kitchen and grabbed a donut off a plate as Richard came bounding in from his bedroom.

“Hiya Ted,” said Richard, whose nickname was “Dishus” after his peculiar way of speaking. (His parents always called him Richard.) He ruffled his hair that had been cut in a flat-top exactly like his dad, the drill sergeant for the summer.

“Heya Dishus, what's up? Wanna come with me down by the lake for a walk or maybe a swim?” asked Teddy as he ate another donut.

“Let me ask my mom and dad if it's okay.” They both went into the living room where Mr. Green was bent over, giving his wife Mary something with a glass of water. He straightened his back and spoke to the boys before they could ask their request.

“Next Saturday is the Perseid Meteor Shower, boys, and we think you might like to watch it. It doesn't start until late, when all the stars are out. Oh, and it has be a clear night to see the meteors, but some years it's quite a show! You boys are old enough to appreciate a chance to see something perhaps quite extraordinary.”

Mrs. Green spoke up, her eyes shining a bit. “We'll make popcorn and have ice cream and sodas.” She tried to make herself comfortable on that couch, but it was clear she was in much pain.

“You just let me worry about the snacks, dear.” said Mr. Green softly to his wife. “Teddy, we'll ask your parents this week if it's all right to stay over. That sound like fun?”

Ted was delighted, to say the least. Stay up late? Stay over? And have ice cream? It was almost too much for him, so he managed to nod and said “Wow!”

Dishus leapt around the living room and exclaimed, “Dishus great! Dishus swell!”

“Now you boys go outside and let your mother rest, Richard. Move it!” The drill sergeant had returned, so they gratefully strode out the door and shut it very quietly.

“You sure have a great mom and dad, Dish,” offered Teddy to his friend. “I wish your mom was well again.”

Dishus nodded and sighed. “I'd give anything to have her better again. I'm afraid nothing of this earth can help her, though.”

They meandered down through the neighborhood to their school, Lincoln Elementary. On the swings lazed a young boy with sandy hair and freckles. He had on shorts and a blue tee shirt and wore a headband with a large turkey feather in it. They recognized him at once as a member of their Ojibwa tribe from “Indian Guides,” a father/son organization through the YMCA that promoted bonding through meetings, camp outs and crafts, and mixed Native American and Christian philosophy as their creed. Standing next to the swings was a shiny Schwinn bicycle—and painted a dandy, candy apple red.

“Roy!” shouted Teddy gleefully. “How you been? I haven't seen you all summer but at our Indian Guides meeting.”

Roy stopped swinging to answer him.

“I'm fine, Teddy! Hello Dishus! Yeah, it's been a while, but I've been busy. Guys, I haven't even had time for the Park Program this summer. I have been learning to ride a bike!!”

While Teddy was certainly glad for him, it stung him like a slap on the face. They all examined his very red bicycle—it even had a bell on the handlebars. He had woven red, white and blue string through the spokes and the effect stood out.

“It's taken me all summer to learn to ride this, and I got it for my birthday—which was in June,” informed Roy. Upon closer inspection by the boys, Roy sported a BandAid on each knee, and one on each elbow.

“Gosh, you are determined and brave... Brave,” said Dishus good-naturedly.

“Now that I can ride I am mobile for good,” stated Roy proudly. It was after all, quite an accomplishment for a five-year old!

“Boy, I sure wish I had a bike,” murmured Teddy aloud. “But I guess there's just too many of us kids to have seven or eight bikes lyin' in the front yard. And that would be a lot of money, too.”

Roy and Dishus said “Hum...” Roy scratched his head for a minute and began to swing furiously.

“Hey, you guys goin' on the Indian Guides camp out? It's in two weeks, ya'know,” said Roy. “It's at a place called 'Camp Annakeegee,' and there's going to be a fishing contest...!”

Teddy broke him off. “Yeah, Roy, we're goin'! We're in the same tribe, remember?”

“Oh yeah.” Roy stopped swinging and jumped off the swing. He adjusted his headband and put up the kickstand and hopped on his shiny Schwinn. “See ya around, Braves!” And away he pedaled.

****

At last the end of the week arrived, and it had rained the day before in such sheets that there were pools of water on the beach. Everything was wet and nearly drowned. But oh, the air smelled so good! Soon the clouds went east over the lake where they had come from and the sun now blazed brightly in the azure sky—and nary a cloud in sight on that muggy Saturday afternoon.

Dishus and Teddy were investigating the pools of water which had tiny little silver fish stranded in some of them and were wondering how to get them back into the lake so they could stay alive. Since they had no net, they decided to use Dishus' shoes (Teddy was barefoot) to scoop the little fish and place them carefully back in the lake.

Dishus reasoned to Teddy and to the Cosmic Force of the Universe as they went back and forth in the water. “If we can save these little minnows who don't even know they're in trouble, can't the Great Spirit please help my mother, who must know she's sick and can't get better?”

The waves broke rhythmically on the warm, sandy beach and a warm breeze off the lake blew. Soon, his brown eyes brimmed with tears and he choked back sobs. Teddy let him be for a moment.

“Aw, Dish, I'm sorry for you and your mom. I know this is a bad time for your family, but at least we have EACH OTHER. Nothing can change that. Maybe that's worth something to the Great Spirit.” He patted his friend's back.

Teddy's words were encouraging to this broken little boy. He rubbed his eyes with both hands and said, “Your my best friend, Teddy. I think I can get through this with you.”

“Dishus,” said Teddy abruptly, “come with me to my house and I'll get my stuff to sleep over and we'll go right now over to your house.”

Dishus put on his rather damp shoes and they made their way past the austere convent to Teddy's gray house on Wisconsin Avenue.

Teddy dashed in the house while Dishus watched a zillion jeweled dragonflies zoom in front of the daisy-like cosmos in the flower bed. Teddy appeared at the front door with two caramel apples and sensibly handed one to his friend. “My sister Amy made these and she said I could take them!” Slung over his shoulder was a little green pack which held his toothbrush and p.j.'s

“Dishus great!” said Dishus happily as he chewed the gooey caramel off the apple, as little boys are known to do. Teddy chomped his caramel and apple together happily as they began to make their way to Dishus' house in the late afternoon sun. There still were no clouds in the scorching sky.

*****

Later that evening at the Greens' house, all four had a grand supper of George's fried chicken, salad and macaroni and cheese. Mrs. Green had put on a little short floral jacket over her flannel nightgown and she looked radiant. Her skin had taken on a translucency like fine porcelain highlighting her blue eyes—and her wavy hair, flaxen and held in place with bows on each side. Teddy though he had never seen a prettier lady.

“You look very nice, Mrs. Green,” said Teddy between mouthfuls of macaroni.

“Thank you Teddy. I feel better than I have in months. Lighter somehow, I can't really explain it. And I haven't eaten this much in I don't know how long. I guess we ought to have you over more often, then, if that's what it takes!”

All the men noticed the difference in her mood and in her appetite, and it gave their dinner a relaxed and easy feeling. They ate and ate while George, wearing a cook's apron, fried more chicken saying, “I'm finally learning to cook something! We may eat fried chicken and mac and cheese every night but we certainly won't starve if I'm the chef!”

Dishus visualized his dad in his apron and a chef's hat, frying chicken as a cook in a busy restaurant and suddenly thought this very funny, and he started to laugh. Teddy read his mind and thought the same thing, and he began to laugh as well. They laughed hard until Mrs. Green was laughing with them, having a great time but not knowing why.

“What did I say?” said George, holding a chicken leg with a pair of tongs. That just caused more gales of laughter. At last things settled down and they were finished eating. Both boys immediately cleared the table (there were no leftovers!) and washed the dishes and dried them without any prompting from George, who only nodded and said, “Good job, soldiers.”

Ted and Dishus when into Dishus' room as George carried Mrs. Green down the hall. They played with Dishus' “Strange Change” machine—a very futuristic toy machine that had a heating element in the metal base and a plastic dome that featured a sliding door on the side. They played with it by taking colored plastic cubes and put them in the chamber (after it heated up) and those cubes sprang into different dinosaurs! One lime-green cube even sprang into an alien monster. You could take the creatures out to play with them—then when you were ready—you placed them back in the pre-warmed chamber to get them soft. When they were pliable you put them in another chamber on the base that would compress them back into cubes. Whoever was the mind behind that wonderful gizmo certainly knew what would fascinate young boys. Dishus and Teddy did this over and over without so much as a thought about any other toy.

“Dishus the coolest toy, ever,” proclaimed Dishus.

“It's a blast!” agreed Teddy, who had learned that word from his older brother. They were mesmerized until Dishus' father knocked on the door and said, “It's time!”

Again without prompting, Dishus and Teddy put away Dishus' precious “Strange Change” toy and they went through the dining room to a sliding glass door which led to the back yard.

Dishus turned as he pulled on the door handle to slide open the door, “Is Mom coming out with us?” he asked hopefully.

Mr. Green sighed and shook his head. “No son, she's pretty weak from all the excitement of being up for dinner—she's 'resting' right now.” He pressed his lips together but remained silent.

The three of them traipsed into the Greens' back yard. Their yard was fenced and very meticulously landscaped with shrubs neatly trimmed and flower beds full of roses, zinnias, dahlias and some waxy green foliage. Crickets chirped merrily away in the night and fireflies turned on their glow in their yard and in neighboring yards. The moon had not risen yet, so the sky was very dark and ablaze with silvery starlight.

George had set up three army cots in the back yard so they could lie on their backs to watch the meteor shower. Dishus ran over to the middle cot and announced “Dishus mine!” Then he motioned to Teddy to be next to him. “And dishus yours, my very good friend.” Teddy chuckled as his friend used his expression he taught him.

George said, “Okay soldiers. You may split a soda-pop and I've made us a big bowl of popcorn, although I don't know how anyone could eat a bite after that huge meal.”

However, “boys have hollow legs” when it comes to eating, as the Native Americans say, and they munched handfuls of popcorn and drank their soda in the dark. They waited anxiously for a shooting star to appear. But there was nothing. George got up from his cot and went in. returning shortly with bowls of ice cream and spoons for the boys.

“Ice cream would put me over the edge, I'm afraid,” explained George has he handed them each of bowl of peach ice cream. “But I bet you two will have no trouble eating this!”

“Dishus delicious, Dad,” said Dishus, glancing up at the sky between bites. Fireflies flickered in the back yard. Somewhere down the street a throaty dog barked noncommittally. Still no meteors. The stars twinkled mysteriously but gave no indication there was anything special about to transpire. Suddenly, a bluish-white streak burst across the sky for a few seconds.

Dishus hollered and Teddy pointed to the sky saying, “Did you see that?”

Dishus nodded and said, “So that's a meteor, eh Dad? Cool!”

The boys glued their eyes to the sky, and immediately another blaze of light—this time a bit greenish—streaked all across the southern sky. Even George said, “Look at that one!” And so it went, every few minutes or so until the boys had seen quite a number of shooting stars. For reasons still unknown, they never made the connection of making wishes and seeing shooting stars until the clouds came up to blanket their night sky.

Teddy finally said softly to himself, “Ooooh—we should have been WISHING!” He grabbed Dishus by the arm and shook him. “Meteors are SHOOTING STARS, Dish, and you're supposed to make a wish when you see them, and we didn't... How could I have been so stupid?” He was more than a little angry with himself for not remembering something that important. He was, after all, only eight years, one month and five days old.

George heard him came to his rescue. “Teddy! Don't be hard on yourself!” He furrowed his brow for a minute. “Didn't you know you actually have a month or so to think of a wish?” He was improvising on the folklore, but he didn't want to see Teddy feel bad.

“Yeah, that's it,” he continued, formulating the words in his sharp mind. “You don't actually have to wish on the spot to make it come true. You need to have some time pass, really. What if everything came true on the spot? That could get a bit awkward and tricky, even for the Universe.”

Teddy and Dishus thought about that as George began to put away the cots in the background. Teddy grabbed the popcorn bowl and their drinking glasses. Dishus picked up their ice cream bowls.

Dishus spoke up. “I don't need a month, Dad. I wish... Mom was better NOW. Amen.” He stood there, holding the bowls.

“I wish she was too, son. I really wish with all my heart she was better.” He sighed deeply and shook his head, folding the last cot.

Teddy chimed in. “You can have my wishes, Dish. I wish she was—healed. It wouldn't be right to wish for a something like a new bike in place of your mom being her old self again.”

The clouds obscured the stars, but they could not obscure the shining disc of the full moon pushing its way over the horizon and reflecting on the black water of the huge lake. There was a chill in the air as they went inside to put the dishes in the sink. All of them went back outside for just a minute to gaze silently at the moon, now penetrating the thin clouds with a warm golden hue.

George decided it was time to break the spell. “Hey, hey, kids! There isn't anything I wouldn't do for Mary, and there is little we or the doctors haven't done. I'm sorry, but all the wishing in the world can't help any of us when God decides it's time to come home. And we all come home to God, that's a fact of life. At some point, we all WANT to come home.” He paused. “ I think your mother maybe wants to come home, too.” He breathed slowly as he said this.

“Teddy, you should wish for a new bike. It's perfectly okay! And you Son, you should wish for things a little boy should have—like a “Strange Change Machine” or whatever. Let ME do the worrying, okay boys? No need to carry the weight of the world on your young shoulders—that's what God is for! Why don't we all trust God and ask Him to do what's best for Mary, and for the Universe?”

“Dish world seems like a cruel place, Daddy. I don't know what to think anymore.” Crickets chirped in the dark night.

He took a breath and spoke, “But here's my prayer: Great Spirit, please let us treasure our precious time with Mommy. Let us be in the moment so won't ever forget her smile or her laughter or her presence. Let us remember her bedtime stories and her voice and her gentle hands, the way they turn the pages. Let us remember all the good food she made for us and all the wonderful things she did for us. Thank you for the love we have in this family, and the love we share with others, like my friend Teddy. Thank you Great Spirit for this moment in time, however it is around us. For it is indeed perfect in Your Divine Order.”

George was speechless. He would remember forever the flowing of pure consciousness through his son right at that moment. Teddy grabbed both of them and hugged them tight without letting go.

“It is my wish to always be a part of your family.”

George and Dishus seemed to be thinking the exact same thing when George responded warmly to him with, “Now that wish... that wish has been granted!”

Unbeknown to the three of them, another set of arms encircled them tenderly as they hugged. A beautiful, shimmering Angel heard their prayer while on her journey outward. She had been called home at last, and she marveled at the pain-free, ephemeral lightness of her being. She enveloped them in a dazzling rainbow of light, love, blissfulness and peace. Smiling, she floated past the clouds and the moon and into the glittering jewels of the magical night sky.

Ted Shinn's stories for young people! (fiction)

The Lantern Parade

One of the most magical nights to ever take place in the little lakeside town of Sheboygan, Wisconsin was at the end of the hot, humid summer there. This event was called the annual "Lantern Parade"and put on by the city's summer recreation program for the youth of the town.

Held in the city's natural amphitheater at the far end of town, this final summer ceremony was attended by all the children who had participated in the recreation program. When the sun went down, the children would parade up and down and around the intersecting stone paths that sectioned the grassy amphitheater with their multi-colored lanterns. And what a sight it was! Gobs of children marching around looking like little glowworms with their twinkling lights and jubilant movements. It felt vaguely reminiscent of some kind of ancient, forgotten ritual to the pagan gods marking the change of the seasons.

My story begins with a little boy named Ted, (everyone called him Teddy, much to his dismay) who had just finished his first year of elementary school and was out for the summer. He was a thin and slightly smaller boy than kids of his age, and he had his shiny white blond hair cut freely. He could look intently at you with his hazel eyes, that sometimes looked green or sometimes looked blue. He was number seven in a family of nine, with another always on the way it seemed. His big family had just moved from a nearby town so his father could be closer to work. His father worked at the electric company in Milwaukee and drove there everyday in his mint green Studebaker station wagon.

Teddy had signed up for the summer city recreation program before school had let out, and was having a good time learning and doing all sorts of things new. Plus, it gave him an excellent opportunity to excuse himself from all his brothers and sisters, who were always clamoring about the house and constantly underfoot, or so it seemed to him.

The picturesque city of Sheboygan on Lake Michigan was dotted with an abundance of green parks, and at each park there was a small paid staff of "counselors" to help oversee the organized activities, which included volleyball, croquet, softball, and excursions to the lake to improve swimming skills.

Various crafts were available for a nickel a day, but you had to pay a whole quarter for the week, in advance. These included making Popsicle stick bird houses, seed pictures, wristbands on an Indian bead loom, little metal ashtrays set with tile and grout (even for non-smoking parents), drawing, finger painting, and an barrage of modeling clay projects. There were also tons of games to play: checkers, backgammon, chess, Chinese checkers, and Mancala, to name but a few.

The day started at nine o'clock sharp for the "Park Program," to which it was locally referred, and ended sometime after two o'clock in the afternoon depending on the day's activities. Children could bring their own sack lunches or go home for lunch, whichever they preferred. Teddy preferred to take his lunch with him, as there were lots of people at his house around lunchtime, and it offered him an opportunity for a bit of solace, even for a six-year old. Typically after lunch the games and activities were held, the crafts being in the morning while everyone was still relatively fresh.

Teddy's park, which was three blocks away from his blue-gray house on Wisconsin Avenue, was called "Deeland Park." The very pretty park was groomed and well kept. As I remember, it took up about one block in size, and located one block from the public beach. Lots of tall maple and elm trees shaded it from the hot sun. The sunlight often would make interesting geometric patterns on the grass and the park tables as it filtered its way through the canopy of leaves. There always blew a cool lake breeze that would rustle the leaves high in the trees. Violets and Johnny-jump-ups grew around the trees, and one could always find lots of clover in the very green grass. On the East end of the park towards the lake sat a couple of heavy-duty swing sets, a jungle gym, a twirly-go-round, and a volleyball net.

Teddy had been having a good summer; he had made his very own friend that year in first grade. His name was Richard Green, a short little fellow with sandy brown hair, dimples and brown eyes. He had been nicknamed "Dishus" by the school children after his peculiar way of speaking.

Teddy never made fun of him like the other kids had, and they had become fast friends, both looking out for one another. Dishus and Teddy had vowed to meet each other every day at the park and they had kept true to their promise. It was just before nine o'clock that day, towards the end of summer, and Dishus was all ready there on the swings at the park.

Teddy sat on a swing next to Dishus and called out, “Hey Dish, how are you?”

"I'm fine. Dishus gonna be a great day!" (He meant "This is going to be a great day." That was his peculiar way of speaking.)

They chatted about this and that and soon it was time to start the morning's activities. That morning they were busy with finger painting, and both boys liked the way the warm paint oozed between their fingers. Teddy was "painting" his impression of the big lake across the street, with the clouds high in the sky. The picture was very blue. Dishus was painting a rainbow, because he wanted to cheer his mother up. She wasn't feeling well lately, and he was worried about her. Their counselor, an easy-going college student named Barbara, got the children's attention and brought up the subject of the lantern parade. She wore dark brown hair pulled back in a ponytail and sported a white sailor's hat and sunglasses.

"Listen up, kids, I have an announcement. The Friday after next is the annual Lantern Parade. Does anyone remember hearing or seeing the Lantern Parade?” she questioned.

Ted and Dishus eyed each other, as kids chattered. No, they couldn't collectively remember such an evening in their short memories, but it piqued their interest mightily.

“A parade?” asked Teddy brightly.

Barbara continued, “Yes, a lantern parade! Next Monday we will spend as much time as it takes to make lanterns. I'll show you how. Oh, and don't forget to bring your signed permission slips from your parents."

She spoke, taking off her sunglasses.

"The bus will leave at six o'clock p.m. for Memorial Park. The parade doesn't start until it gets dark, around nine o'clock. There will be refreshments and a show before the parade. We will all sit together on the grass and there will be a sign marked 'Deeland.' Your parents and family are of course welcome and encouraged to attend, but we will be providing bus service back to the park for those whose parents will not be able to make it. Any questions?"

Several children raised their hands and the details were repeated. "How much does the lantern cost to make?" asked one of the children. "There is no charge for the lantern, as it is the last project of the season. The materials have been donated by the city and have been paid with by your parents' taxes," she informed them.

"What are taxes?" asked a young girl. Barbara told her she'd explain them to her or to anybody after finger painting was over. The remainder of the day went by uneventfully and Dishus said goodbye to his friend, Teddy and they both wandered home.

That following Monday both boys showed up right on time for the park program, as did most of the other two dozen or so children that had spent their summer at Deeland Park. Barbara fussed with some colored crepe paper, and Tom, their tall, althletic male counselor took paper, string, and some very odd-looking cardboard cutouts out of a bag. These would end up being the lanterns.

Barbara welcomed them. "Good morning, everyone. I need permission slips to go in the box over there, and then we'll start the lanterns. Anyone who forgot their slips can run home and get them, there's plenty of time to complete the lanterns, since we have the rest of the week." Tom smiled at her.

"Dishus going to be a lantern?" asked Dishus. “It doesn't look like it could be a lantern, does it Teddy?”

“Maybe the cross-shaped ends fold up to be a lantern, I don't know. Ted and Dishus puzzled over this.

"Yes, Richard, it will be a lantern." Barbara smiled warmly. "Now all of you listen to these instructions: You will cut and glue panels of crepe paper on the inside of the lantern, and then we'll string up the sides of the lantern with the string. That's what the holes in the side of the lantern are for. We will attach a handle for the lantern after you've sewn up the sides."

There being lots of pretty colors to choose from, Teddy chose bright blue, yellow, red and purple for his colors. Dishus chose green, yellow, red and orange for his, and they both cut them out with precision for six-year-olds.

Then they carefully glued the crepe paper to the inside of the lantern, and went off to swing on the swings until the glue dried.

They swung on the swings with abandon and soon the time arrived to string up the sides of the lanterns. This required some help from Tom and Barbara, who patiently threaded the string through the first holes of the lantern. They helped every child at least get theirs started, and slowly the lanterns took shape. With bronze brads they attached the handle to the lantern, which was just the right length so the heat from the candle wouldn't burn little fingers.

"What do you think, aren't these beautiful?" asked Tom to Teddy who was admiring his finished lantern.

"Oh, yes!" said Teddy enthusiastically. "The Lantern Parade will be such a 'blast!'" That was a word that his older brother Jesse had taught him one evening while sharing a cherry soda. Tom raised his green-blue eyes at him and smiled. "Well, then, I hope you have a blast, Teddy!"

“Oh, I will, Tom. Especially since Dishus is gonna be there! Ain't that right, my very good friend?”

“I'm not goin' if you're not goin',” said Dishus.

“Then it's settled: we'll have the time of our lives!” And both of them laughed heartily.

The week truly was packed with activities, and swimming instruction took place that afternoon down at the lake. After the children finished their dog paddling practice, the kids took turns sliding down a slide that went into the lake.

Teddy thought the water too deep there and preferred to stay very near shore in about a foot of water. When he opened his eyes, he could pretend he was a minnow, like the vast quantities of silver minnows he saw in the water. The water was warmer near the sandy shore, too. He could hold his breath for quite a long time and got thoroughly lost in his fish-world as he did so.

Eventually Teddy came out of the water and joined Dishus to build a delicate sandcastle using watery sand dribbled from his hands to form lacy peaks. Ted thought it was very artistic.

"Dishus a good way to build a sandcastle, Teddy," said Dishus.

"Looks swell, Dish." ('Swell' was another word he had learned from his brother.) "Can I try it?"

"Sure! Dish be sure you use the right amount of water, or it will be too runny and you won't be able to get the 'peaksh' high enough."

So with a little experimentation, Teddy was soon creating long spires of sand. Together they built an enchanted castle with a moat all around it until it the waves lapped at the moat and it became time to wash off, dry off, warm up, change clothes and head home.

At the changing rooms they spoke to each other:

"See ya tomorrow, O.K., Teddy?"

"You bet, Dish."

We must now jump forward to early Friday evening, on the day of the Lantern Parade. Teddy and Dishus were there well before six-thirty and were anxiously awaiting the yellow school bus that would take them to the park across town. Both their mothers had wisely insisted they bring their jackets for later in the evening, as it had been getting quite cool in the evenings, but for now they were slung over their shoulders. They held their lanterns with their free hand. As more children showed up a nervous energy hung in the air. Barbara and Tom at last arrived, and gave the children instructions on when the candles would be placed in the lanterns and how they would light them.

"Everyone here?" quizzed Barbara, clipboard in hand. She had was dressed in slacks and a fuzzy red sweater, and she had traded her sunglasses for some gold wire-rimmed glasses and seemed very grown up to Teddy.

"Ok, if we're all here, and everyone has their lanterns, I guess we're ready to go!" She counted the children and marked her clipboard as they boarded the bus, while Tom checked the mirrors and busied himself with the clutch. He was their driver for the evening, and looked spiffy in his white and blue striped sweater. Teddy and Dishus sat together in the middle of the bus, even though there were plenty of seats. Other children who had become fast friends during the summer sat next to one another, too.

Tom revved up the motor as he pulled the door shut with the lever, and muttered to Barbara, "I hope this old heap gets us there and back. What does this city do with our taxes?"

Barbara smiled shyly at him, and said, "Well, they pay us to be counselors in the summer program, now don't they?" She fiddled with a ring on a chain around her neck while Tom glanced at her in the rear-view mirror. "And if we didn't work for the city, I'd have never met you, Tom." He returned an equally shy smile back at her as he up-shifted the stick on the ancient relic of a school bus and they took off.

The yellow and black bus chugged merrily across town, and it finally pulled into the parking lot of the amphitheater. Lots of buses all ready there greeted them, as were tons of kids getting off with their lanterns in tow. A parking lot full of cars jammed the area too, with parents and neighbors all heading towards the grassy amphitheater. You could almost see the excitement in the air, it was so thick!

"Now, kids, before we get off the bus, be sure to look at where the bus is parked and the number. We're on bus number three, and it's marked "Deeland," O.K.? Don't forget your coats or your lanterns, and stay with Tom and I until we get to our location in the stadium.

Don't run or push!" And Barbara stepped off the bus, and all the kids filed out nicely (for kids) behind her, with Tom bringing up the rear and closing the door on the bus.

They marched towards the amphitheater as a group, and sitting right outside the came to a folding table set up with two women sitting behind it with a sign-in sheet. Barbara was asked by one of the women (whom she seemed to know) how many children would be marching (this gave the city some sort of figures on how many children completed the Park Program) and then waved them on through.

As they reached the top of the ridge and looked down in to the grassy bowl, they saw a multitude of children and parents milling about, trying to find their places. Sections for each park marked with a cardboard sign on a wooden stake told them which park was where, and Tom and Barbara were relieved that Deeland's was about halfway down and quite near the main path to the exit.

"Here we are, kiddos!" said Tom, and the children plopped themselves down on the grass. Several parents, grandparents, and older siblings of the parade participants had situated themselves on the grass or on blankets, and the area looked like it would be full when more people arrived. As kids and counselors took in the scene, upbeat music played over the loudspeakers and they spied two refreshment booths at each end of the field that each bore long queues.

Barbara fished in a large bag with her (for the candles) and took out a long string of red cardboard coupons. "Everyone in the Park Program gets two tickets, good for whatever kind of refreshments you want, popcorn, soda or whatever." she told them.

“Free food?” Said Teddy to Dishus excitedly. “What could be better than that?”

Dishus chimed in, “Dishus great, my very good friend. I think I must be in Heaven!”

Teddy and Dishus grabbed their coupons with gusto and off they dashed to the refreshment booth, leaving Barbara and Tom to guard their lanterns, who were sitting next to one another and looked like they were quite comfortable where they were.

Puzzled, they paused for a minute and Teddy asked Dishus why Tom would want to sit next to a girl. Although it was Barbara and while she was swell girl, she was still a girl.

Dishus could offer no such explanation to his bizarre behavior and seemed as equally perplexed. He offered this reflection: "Perhaps they're best friends, like you and me. Yeah, that must be it. But don't I want to ever have any other friend but you, Ted."

"Me neither, Dish. Promise me you'll be my friend all my life, O.K.?"

"I will if you will," said Dishus, walking toward the Concessions.

“Then it's so,” Teddy tilted his head to one side in final agreement.

"I'm gonna get me some cotton candy, and a cherry soda pop," said Teddy as he struggled to keep up with Dishus, who was slightly ahead.

Dishus responded, "And I'm gonna get me some popcorn and a Seven-Up. Dishus such a blast, isn't it?" (He had learned the word from Teddy.)

"Are your folks coming tonight, Dish?" asked Teddy.

"Yeah, my Dad's coming… but I don't think my Mom can make it, 'cause she's sick today. How 'bout you? Any of your family coming?"

"Yeah, I think I saw two of my brothers, so that means my folks are here somewhere. They said I could ride back on the bus. I guess that would just give more room in our car for someone else, so no big deal," said Teddy.

"Do you want to ride back with me and my Dad?" inquired Dishus.

"Gee, Dish, that would be swell. You sure your Dad won't mind?"

Teddy was always worried he would displease the adults of the world who were so much bigger and so much more impatient.

"He won't mind! Plus, he said we could stop at the new place in town to get a hamburger and a shake after the parade is over. It's called McDonald's, I think. It has big yellow arches in the front. You'll like it!"

"Wow! A hamburger after the parade? That does sound neat!"

By this time they had gotten their goodies and were on the way back to their place in the grass, content as two kids could be.

Barbara and Tom had produced the little votive candles to sit inside the lanterns and had all ready placed them inside all the lanterns. The little grassy area for Deeland was now completely full of people.

Just then an announcer's voice came over the loudspeakers. "Good evening Ladies and Gentlemen and Children of Sheboygan! We are now about to start our annual Lantern Parade with some entertainment from our city's youth followed by some music by our local polka band, and then what we've waited all summer for: The Lantern Parade!"

The crowd cheered with excitement when they heard these words and some recorded music started playing. From the sidelines out ran a group of children in festive colored masks, in which the facial features and hair were wildly exaggerated, and did a sort of synchronized, primitive dance to the Italian song, "Finecuole Finecuola." It was really quite a bizarre dance, and Teddy remembered that little song and the strange dancing masks against the silhouette of the setting sun all his life from that night on.

Then a man and a woman came out next with four little white Spitz dogs and did an obedience training routine. Everyone liked that, and the dogs responded ever enthusiastically with the lathered-up crowd.

A German band came on next, and they got the audience quite worked up with their polkas and their um-pa-pa's. Some of the older crowd tried to dance and many sang along.

By now the sun had really gone down for good, and the air was getting a little chilly for August. (Remember, they were by the Lake Michigan) Fireflies glowed phosphorescent green on the field and in the grass as if they were the signal to start the celebration.

"It is now time for the Lantern Parade to be begin!" boomed the anonymous voice through the air. "Light your lanterns!" So everyone, both counselors, parents, grandparents and neighbors helped all the children light their lanterns, and then all the stadium lights went out!

Golly, such a clamoring at that moment, and heard all the way to the stars!

Soon the amphitheater glowed with bright colors of the lanterns, and the Mayor, the customary leader of the parade, carried a large lantern on a pole and everyone followed him as they marched around the stadium, winding their way around the paths.

Teddy felt surrealistic, like he was in a dream that was somehow new and familiar at the same time. Dishus felt like he was in the middle of a huge Christmas tree, but the lights were moving all over the tree.

“Isn't this strange, Dish? I swear I must be dreaming. I don't want it to ever end.” He took in the lights, the stars, the people.

Dishus replied, “Dishus unbelievable! There must be a million lights.!”

It was quite dark, and kind of hard to see the path, so all the children stayed rather close together. All the adults were "ooh-ing and ah-ing," as grown-ups say, over the all the different kinds of lanterns that different parks had made as they went by. On and on they marched, until at last their candles had melted and they had marched all the way round the stadium at least a time or two. Fireworks exploded over them to signal the end of the parade and then the lights came back on.

A smoky haze hung everywhere from the extinguished candles and the fireworks, and the strong stadium lights seemed a harsh awakening from the dream-state of the soft lantern lights. Teddy's family was nowhere to be seen, and he felt confused; disoriented. Dishus couldn't see his father either from where he was. Barbara was quick to remind the children to head back to the area marked with their sign, as the parents would be waiting there for them. They threaded their way through the crowds of kids and people and smoke, all of whom were busy scrambling to get to their areas or get out of the stadium.

Dishus spied his dad in the throng, and became instantly joyous and jumped up and down.

"Dishus my Dad," shouted Dishus happily to Teddy as they rushed up to him. "How'd ya like the parade, Dad!" sang Dishus to his father.

"Oh, it was bewitching and mystifying… really quite enthralling!" said Dishus' father, George. Those were words he would have to explain to them in great detail again and again over hamburgers and vanilla malts at McDonalds.

George turned to Teddy and said, "I ran into your parents and I've asked them if you could ride home with us, and stop for a hamburger, Ted, and they said sure."

Ted's eyes were wide with surprise. This evening really couldn't get any better!

"Great, and thank you very much!" said Teddy, still holding his lantern. The candle had dripped all over the bottom and the crepe paper was a bit ragged. Still, it looked majestic, symbolic of the success of the evening.

"Bye Barbara, 'bye Tom!" chorused the boys. "We had a great time!"

Barbara and Tom paused before hopping on the bus.

"So did we, kids. We hope to see you around next summer after school is out. Tom and I are going to be going to college in Milwaukee and live together in Milwaukee, but we'll be back next summer."

Teddy and Dishus gave each other wide-eyed stares. Live together! Gosh, they were good friends! Dishus and Teddy talked amongst themselves while they left the stadium with George and eventually found the car, (it was a big yellow Chevy from the 50's) and they all piled in the front seat and George started the car.

There was a quiet moment in the car as George looked at all the red tail lights of the in front of him and the blinding lights in the rear view mirror. Dishus broke the silence.

"Teddy and I have decided we're going to be friends forever and live together when we grow up like Tom and Barbara," Dishus calmly informed his father.

George smiled kindly. "Oh you have, have you?” He chuckled quietly to himself.

“Well, it's possible that you will change your mind when you get older, but in the event that you don't, it's perfectly O.K. with me. You see, grown men usually live with women, but there are men who live with men when they’re grown up, just as there are women who live with women when they grow up.

I haven't been in the Army for all those years for nothing, you know,” he muttered to himself.

“Anyway, I'll explain it to you when you're a bit older. As long as you are happy, Richard, that's all that really matters to me." He turned the car onto the street and headed back towards town for their stop for hamburgers. "You kids come up with the wildest notions," he mused to himself, and off they drove down the street.