As we sat eating, Papa said, "I've had such good helpers this morning that we will have that hay field all baled long before dark today."  

"Mrs. Klemmer and Ellen stopped by.   They were going to the Baxter's to swim in their pool today," I said.  

Papa shook his head.  

"I'll tell you what," he said as he wiped his mouth with his napkin, "you get that fence all painted and we get the hay all baled and after I do the milking, we can go down to the pond and take us a real nice, cool swim, if you want."  

"I'll even make us a picnic supper and take it along," said Mama.   "Danny, you come with us too, okay?"  

Danny, Davey and I all yelled, "yay!"  

"And Mama," I said.  

"Yes, Emmy?"  

"Take a box of salt along too, just in case?"  

Mama laughed and nodded her head "yes".