Connie’s first grade class picture. Connie sits directly in front of the teacher. Mother made her dress.
Ralphie’s mom had coffee with Mother several mornings a week. A quirky little guy, he played happily with Connie and Marilyn in their bedroom. Mother never let them shut the bedroom door. She still hadn’t gotten over my brother poking holes in Barbie’s nipples with a straight pin. One morning, Mother heard the door shut. She left her coffee and opened the door. “Leave the door open. It’ll get too hot in here.” Ralphie was digging happily in the toy box, obviously in pursuit of some prize. In just a minute, Mother heard the door shut again. Leaving her coffee, she opened the bedroom again. Barbie dolls, clothes, and accessories were spread all around. Hurriedly, Ralphie hid a half-dressed Barbie behind his back. “Leave the door open. It’s hot in here.”
”I want the door shut,” said Ralphie. “I’m cold.”
Realizing Ralphie hadn’t wanted to be seen playing Barbie, Mother answered. “Tell you what, kids. Bring your Barbies and tea set in the living room and I’ll make you some KoolAid. We’ll all have a tea party.” The kids gathered up their toys and set up in the living room at their mama’s feet. Ever after, when Ralphie came to play Barbie, they all had a tea party in the living room with the ladies.