A Beautiful Morning in Cloverdale

The sun is up and the sky is clearing from an early morning rain. It is a beautiful September morning in Clovershire.

The air smells of lilac rain and the temperature reminds you that Autumn is impatiently waiting.

Security Guard Milford Genes is enjoying his third hour of sleep at the main gate of Wonka's Tobacco Works outside of Cloverdale. People don't like to disturb him so they're grateful he leaves the gate up for the morning deliveries and the morning shift.

Trish Stevens is impatient as she anxiously waits for her order. Saturday mornings are special for her. Trish diets all week, limiting herself to 2000 calories a day. Her reward for sacrificing is breakfast at Cloverdale's Wimpy Burger every Saturday morning.

She's a bit grumpy today because her standing order for 8:00 A.M. isn't ready. Her usual cashier called in sick and forgot to remind the morning manager of Trish's order, always to be ready at 8:00 A.M. As a reward for waiting, Trish ordered an extra Egg Muffin Delight with double pepperjack cheese. Soon all will be well with Trish and she will find her smile.

Minne Phelps Arnold is on her way to her sister's wedding at Tamworth on Tide. She was suppose to have the back seat all to herself until Grandma decided to ride with them instead of taking the train the day before.

Yesterday Minnie's mother stopped at Donaldson's Department Store and bought Minnie the new Sandy Wandy Doll to help with the long drive. A brilliant move on her mother's part. Minnie is no longer focused on the lost sleeping room. She has a new doll to occupy her time on the road, and Sandy comes complete with three changes of clothing.

Uncle Morris, and Aunts Abigail and Deloris are also on their way to Tamworth on Tide for the wedding. They've been driving since 5:00 A.M. from Ferwood on the Moor. It was Abigail's idea to stop for tea along Highway 1. Deloris was thoughtful enough to bring her famous apricot biscuits. A true delight with butter and jam. They'll soon be finished and ready to resume the journey.

Grandma Logan has been up since 6:12 A.M. She's taking a breather after spending some time in the garden. Keeping up with the weeds is almost a full time job for her. Grandpa Logan is still asleep.

She will enjoy her chair until she hears the upstairs toilet flush. That's her signal to start breakfast. She's decided to fix pancakes with bacon to start this beautiful Saturday. Grandpa will be please for the change from his usual oatmeal with toast.

Two unidentified early morning shoppers are waiting outside Cloverdale's new Co-Op Grocery Store. Today is the grand opening (the balloons are expected to be a big draw. Every shopper will get one). As you can see in the picture above, the crowds are not developing like the Co Op manager had hoped. It seems Cloverdale's other two grocery stores are taking this new competition seriously. All this week the Piggly Wiggly is offering free ice cream cones and the Red Owl Grocery Store is giving away free hot dogs with every purchase. Its Grocery Wars in Cloverdale.

Soon the leaves will start to change and the village and surrounding countryside will be all aglitter with golds, browns and oranges. Be sure to leave some time in your schedule to come to Cloverdale. We will keep the lights on for you.