The snow was almost all gone, except for the north side of the hills in the fields and some places deep in the shaded woods.  

Every now and then, a warm breeze drifted by and you could smell the dampness of the earth.   Tulips and daffodils were peeking their noses up through the garden soil.   The Forsythia bush was already blossomed out in her bright yellow blooms.   Geese could be heard returning from their southern vacation.  

It was still cold at night though, and when Emmy woke up in the morning, the coldness had painted a frosty leaf picture on her bedroom window.  

Emmy opened her eyes and saw the morning sun streaming through her frosty bedroom window.  

She pulled the blankets over her head and rolled over on her stomach, ready to get another few minutes sleep, when she remembered...it was Saturday!  

Emmy reached out and pulled her sweatshirt and jeans off the chair next to her bed.   She pushed her clothes down, under the covers, to get them warm.  

"What kind of fun can I have today?" Emmy wondered to herself.  

There would be chores to do, that's for sure.   There was always chores to do on the farm, but she knew that by noon-time, her chores would be done and she would be free to play the rest of the day.  

Emmy inhaled deeply as the smell of pancakes and sausages drifted up the stairway and into her room.  

She wiggled and tugged her clothes on and swung her legs out of bed.  

"Davey. Emmy. Breakfast is ready," called their mother.  

Emmy pulled the bedspread up over her covers and tried to smooth them out as best she could.   She ran out into the hallway.   Davey was already running down the stairs.  

"Hey, slow down you two," said Papa as Emmy and Davey ran into the kitchen and slid into their chairs.  

Papa was already eating his breasfast.   Mama put pancakes and sausages on two plates she had kept warm on the stove and handed them to Davey and Emmy.  

Mama sat down and started to eat her breakfast.  

"What do you have planned to do today, Charles?" she asked Papa.  

"Well, I've got to work on the hay wagon today.   It needs a couple of new boards and a good soaking of linseed oil on the bed.   Davey, you wanna help me?"  

"Sure, Papa," said Davey between bites of sausage.  

"Dora?" asked Papa.   "What are you going to do today?"  

"I've got to take Grandma grocery shopping and get some canned goods for us too," said Mama.   "I should be home before noon.   Emmy, do you want to go with us?"  

"I'd rather stay home, if that's okay, Mama.   I have my chores to do and then I want to play outside."  

"That will work out fine," said Mama.   "The egg man comes this morning.   Can you be sure that the eggs you gather today are all washed and in the box so he can take them too?"  

"Yes, Mama." said Emmy.  

"He will be paying for the eggs today.   When he gives you the money, please put it up on the shelf, in the blue cannister.   Don't put it into your pocket, you might lose it.   Put it right in the cannister so it will be safe."  

"I will, Mama," said Emmy.  

Papa kissed Mama on the cheek and he and Davey went out through the back door.  

"I've got to get a move on," said mama.   "Emmy, be sure and get the egg money today."  

"Okay, Mama," said Emmy has she pulled on her chore jacket and shut the back door behind her.