Hemlock Enjoys Haircut

A first haircut can be quite traumatic. Not so for Pastor Eli Hemlock.

It was time - probably past time - for Hemlock to have his hair cut. Main House First Lady Mom went after his red curly locks with her pink-handled scissors and chopped where she could. Hemlock sat on Main House President Dad's lap while Dad held his head. This made him laugh.

"He'll never have curls again," Mayor Asher Ply Wood said. From the looks of things, the mayor was wrong.

Fern Turns Four

It isn't every day that birthdays are celebrated at 8 a.m. at Acorn Hill. Autumn Fern's was an exception - for an exceptional girl.

Pink, white, gifts, cupcakes and candy filled Fern's eyes. "Is this for me?" Fern asked. "I like surprises!" She jumped up and down with the biggest smile she's capable of having.

As part of the celebration, everyone took a turn telling Fern what they like about her. "She plays with me; I like what you make; Your joy..." were just a few things mentioned. All of the gifts were well received - as were the cupcakes.

Nathaniel Barn Loft said that Fern's party was too early and went back to bed.

Barn Loft Predicts Sales

As Main House President Dad, Sarah Daffodil and Nathaniel Barn Loft headed out for a fall celebration, Barn Loft predicted Daffodil's sales - one big doll, ten small dolls and five sheep.

While Barn Loft played his dulcimer and Dad enjoyed the festival, Daffodil met people and made corn husk dolls. One little girl had the option of buying food or buying one of Daffodil's small dolls. She chose a doll. A few girls had the option of having their faces painted or buying a doll. They chose dolls. Daffodil did sell one big doll and her little dolls were adding up. Daffodil almost called Barn Loft, "creepy." She ended up selling one large doll and eleven small dolls. She didn't sell any sheep.

One of Four

Balloons moving subtly, streamers hung with care, packages anticipating liberation, cake waiting to be eaten and Acorn Hill Citizens ready to party all staged behind the Main House front door. Who were they waiting for? Main House President Dad was the person of honor.

Dad opened his gifts first. He received a fishing pole and a sword made by Mayor Asher Ply Wood. After the party there would be fishing in the Muddy River. Sourwood honey was in the next bag. He'll put it on the biscuits Sarah Daffodil will make. He'll also enjoy the honey in coffee from his new coffee mugs. Next Dad opened a framed picture of Daffodil and Barn Loft with some of our favorite people. It was promptly hung.

Next came cake, the first of at least four cakes in October. Dad's was a sweet potato cake with cream cheese and pecan frosting. Everyone liked it.

"The cake was delicious, and it reminded me of fall, and I already have begun enjoying my presents," said Main House President Dad, who was surprised and delighted by the birthday celebration.

Earlier in the day, while Dad, Daffodil and Nathaniel Barn Loft were away, watching a play, the rest of the citizens prepared for the celebration. They started with the balloons. Four of the 15 balloons popped. Queen Esther Hunts does not like balloons - especially when they pop.